| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Glaucus/The Wonders of the Shore by Charles Kingsley: representative of that grand tropical family. Cast one wondering
glance, too, at the forest of zoophytes and corals, Lepraliae and
Flustrae, and those quaint blue stars, set in brown jelly, which
are no zoophytes, but respectable molluscs, each with his well-
formed mouth and intestines, (23) but combined in a peculiar form
of Communism, of which all one can say is, that one hopes they like
it; and that, at all events, they agree better than the heroes and
heroines of Mr. Hawthorne's "Blithedale Romance."
Now away, and as a specimen of the fertility of the water-world,
look at this rough list of species, (24) the greater part of which
are on this very stone, and all of which you might obtain in an
|
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Goodness of St. Rocque and Other Stories by Alice Dunbar: unheeded luncheon-time to the levee workers. The war waged
furiously, and groans of the wounded mingled with curses and
roars from the combatants.
"Killed instantly," said the surgeon, carefully lifting Mr.
Baptiste into the ambulance.
Tramp, tramp, tramp, sounded the militia steadily marching down
Decatur Street.
"Whist! do yez hear!" shouted Finnegan; and the conflict had
ceased ere the yellow river could reflect the sun from the
polished bayonets.
You remember, of course, how long the strike lasted, and how many
The Goodness of St. Rocque and Other Stories |
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from The Human Drift by Jack London: MAUD. [Rising reluctantly and following.] I'd rather see you
punch the bag. I'd just love to.
FITZSIMMONS. I will, afterward. You go to it first.
MAUD. [Eyeing the bag in alarm.] No; you. I'm out of practice.
FITZSIMMONS. [Looking at her sharply.] How many drinks have you
had to-night?
MAUD. Not a one. I don't drink--that is--er--only occasionally.
FITZSIMMONS. [Indicating bag.] Then go to it.
MAUD. No; I tell you I am out of practice. I've forgotten it
all. You see, I made a discovery.
[Pauses.]
|
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 Songs of Innocence and Experience by William Blake: THE ECHOING GREEN
The sun does arise,
And make happy the skies;
The merry bells ring
To welcome the Spring;
The skylark and thrush,
The birds of the bush,
Sing louder around
To the bells' cheerful sound;
While our sports shall be seen
On the echoing green.
Songs of Innocence and Experience |
