| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Under the Red Robe by Stanley Weyman: wish to be in that affair. But yes; there is one thing I have
not mentioned. You are right.'
She sighed so deeply that I caught the sound.
'It is,' I continued slowly, 'that you will permit me to remain
at Cocheforet for a few days while the soldiers are here. I am
told that there are twenty men and two officers quartered in your
house. Your brother is away. I ask to be permitted,
Mademoiselle, to take his place for the time, and to be
privileged to protect your sister and yourself from insult. That
is all.'
She raised her hand to her head. After a long pause,--
|
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas: to London."
"Do you know him personally?" asked the governor.
"Whom?"
"This D'Artagnan."
"Perfectly well."
"Describe him to me, then."
"Nothing more easy."
And D'Artagnan have, feature for feature, a description of the
Comte de Wardes.
"Is he accompanied?"
"Yes; by a lackey named Lubin."
The Three Musketeers |
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from The Koran: parables do we strike out for men; haply they may reflect!
He is God than whom there is no god; who knows the unseen and the
visible; He is the merciful, the compassionate! He is God than whom
there is no god; the King, the Holy, the Peace-Giver, the Faithful,
the Protector, the Mighty, the Repairer, the Great!- celebrated be the
praises of God above what they join with Him.
He is God, the Creator, the Maker, the Fashioner; His are the
excellent names! His praises, whatever are in the heavens and the
earth do celebrate; for God is the mighty, the wise!
THE CHAPTER OF THE TRIED
(LX. Medinah.)
The Koran |
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 A Simple Soul by Gustave Flaubert: A most important event occurred: Paul's marriage.
After being first a notary's clerk, then in business, then in the
customs, and a tax collector, and having even applied for a position
in the administration of woods and forests, he had at last, when he
was thirty-six years old, by a divine inspiration, found his vocation:
registrature! and he displayed such a high ability that an inspector
had offered him his daughter and his influence.
Paul, who had become quite settled, brought his bride to visit his
mother.
But she looked down upon the customs of Pont-l'Eveque, put on airs,
and hurt Felicite's feelings. Madame Aubain felt relieved when she
A Simple Soul |
