| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Moral Emblems by Robert Louis Stevenson: Hires Robin for a go of brandy;
And all the happy hills of home
Vanish beyond the fields of foam.
Ben, meanwhile, like a tin reflector,
Attended on the worthy rector;
Opened his eyes and held his breath,
And flattered to the point of death;
And was at last, by that good fairy,
Apprenticed to the Apothecary.
So Ben, while Robin chose to roam,
A rising chemist was at home,
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Scenes from a Courtesan's Life by Honore de Balzac: advancement; but if you are as great a politician as you are a poet,
Esther will be no more to you than any other woman of the town; for,
later, perhaps she may help us out of difficulties; she is worth her
weight in gold. Drink, but do not get tipsy.
"If I had not held the reins of your passion, where would you be now?
Rolling with La Torpille in the slough of misery from which I dragged
you. Here, read this," said Herrera, as simply as Talma in Manlius,
which he had never seen.
A sheet of paper was laid on the poet's knees, and startled him from
the ecstasy and surprise with which he had listened to this astounding
speech; he took it, and read the first letter written by Mademoiselle
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| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from Gobseck by Honore de Balzac: administer), and undertakes to make over my fortune to my eldest son
when he comes of age. Now, sir, this I must tell you: I should be
afraid to have that precious document in my own keeping. My boy is so
fond of his mother, that I cannot trust him with it. So dare I beg of
you to keep it for me? In case of death, Gobseck would make you
legatee of my property. Every contingency is provided for.'
"The Count paused for a moment. He seemed greatly agitated.
" 'A thousand pardons,' he said at length; 'I am in great pain, and
have very grave misgivings as to my health. Recent troubles have
disturbed me very painfully, and forced me to take this great step.'
" 'Allow me first to thank you, monsieur,' said I, 'for the trust you
Gobseck |
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 Scaramouche by Rafael Sabatini: "Hereafter perhaps that will help you to think of me more kindly,
monsieur.
"I see no occasion, sir, to think of you at all. Again, I beg
that you will go."
Andre-Louis looked at Aline an instant, as if still hesitating.
She answered him by a glance at her furious uncle, a faint shrug,
and a lift of the eyebrows, dejection the while in her countenance.
It was as if she said: "You see his mood. There is nothing to be
done."
He bowed with that singular grace the fencing-room had given him
and went out by the door.
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