| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Large Catechism by Dr. Martin Luther: ecclesiastics, but that it be regarded according to God's Word, by
which it is adorned and sanctified, so that it is not only placed on an
equality with other estates, but that it precedes and surpasses them
all, whether they be that of emperor, princes, bishops, or whoever they
please. For both ecclesiastical and civil estates must humble
themselves and all be found in this estate as we shall hear. Therefore
it is not a peculiar estate, but the most common and noblest estate,
which pervades all Christendom, yea which extends through all the
world.
In the second place, you must know also that it is not only an
honorable, but also a necessary state, and it is solemnly commanded by
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Dracula by Bram Stoker: he began to ask me how I had come across so suitable a place.
I read to him the notes which I had made at the time,
and which I inscribe here.
"At Purfleet, on a byroad, I came across just such a place as seemed
to be required, and where was displayed a dilapidated notice that the place
was for sale. It was surrounded by a high wall, of ancient structure,
built of heavy stones, and has not been repaired for a large number of years.
The closed gates are of heavy old oak and iron, all eaten with rust.
"The estate is called Carfax, no doubt a corruption of the old Quatre Face,
as the house is four sided, agreeing with the cardinal points of the compass.
It contains in all some twenty acres, quite surrounded by the solid
Dracula |
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from The Door in the Wall, et. al. by H. G. Wells: inattentive that morning, recalling what I could of the beautiful
strange people I should presently see again. Oddly enough I had no
doubt in my mind that they would be glad to see me . . . Yes, I
must have thought of the garden that morning just as a jolly sort
of place to which one might resort in the interludes of a strenuous
scholastic career.
"I didn't go that day at all. The next day was a half
holiday, and that may have weighed with me. Perhaps, too, my state
of inattention brought down impositions upon me and docked the
margin of time necessary for the detour. I don't know. What I do
know is that in the meantime the enchanted garden was so much upon
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The fourth excerpt represents the element of Earth. It speaks of physical influences and the impact of the unseen on the visible world, and is drawn from The Marriage Contract by Honore de Balzac: far advanced. But now, she herself was far more tightly bound. Three
months earlier Paul had no real obstacles to prevent the rupture; now,
all Bordeaux knew that the notaries had smoothed the difficulties; the
banns were published; the wedding was to take place immediately; the
friends of both families were at that moment arriving for the fete,
and to witness the contract. How could she postpone the marriage at
this late hour? The cause of the rupture would surely be made known;
Maitre Mathias's stern honor was too well known in Bordeaux; his word
would be believed in preference to hers. The scoffers would turn
against her and against her daughter. No, she could not break it off;
she must yield!
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