| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Heroes by Charles Kingsley: and the Bosphorus, with fearful storms; and sweep away our
food from off our tables, so that we starve in spite of all
our wealth.'
Then up rose Zetes and Calais, the winged sons of the North-
wind, and said, 'Do you not know us, Phineus, and these wings
which grow upon our backs?' And Phineus hid his face in
terror; but he answered not a word.
'Because you have been a traitor, Phineus, the Harpies haunt
you night and day. Where is Cleopatra our sister, your wife,
whom you keep in prison? and where are her two children, whom
you blinded in your rage, at the bidding of an evil woman,
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Modeste Mignon by Honore de Balzac: in by the translator, and that I ought to read the book in English.
But I certainly sha'n't learn English to read Lord Byron when I didn't
learn it to teach Exupere. I much prefer the novels of Ducray-Dumenil
to all these English romances. I'm too good a Norman to fall in love
with foreign things,--above all when they come from England."
Madame Mignon, notwithstanding her melancholy, could not help smiling
at the idea of Madame Latournelle reading Childe Harold. The stern
scion of a parliamentary house accepted the smile as an approval of
her doctrine.
"And, therefore, my dear Madame Mignon," she went on, "you have taken
Modeste's fancies, which are nothing but the results of her reading,
Modeste Mignon |
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from Massimilla Doni by Honore de Balzac: Marco. "Can you see a single pinnacle or spire that stands straight?
Do you not perceive that the sea is claiming its prey?"
The Prince bent his head; he dared no more speak to his friend of
love.
To know what a free country means, you must have traveled in a
conquered land.
When they reached the Palazzo Vendramin, they saw a gondola moored at
the water-gate. The Prince put his arm round Vendramin and clasped him
affectionately, saying:
"Good-night to you, my dear fellow!"
"What! a woman? for me, whose only love is Venice?" exclaimed Marco.
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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 Scaramouche by Rafael Sabatini: you announced, was it not?" Andre-Louis was suavity itself.
"To-morrow morning, in the Bois. Perhaps you will bring a friend."
"Certainly, monsieur. To-morrow morning, then. I hope we shall
have fine weather. I detest the rain."
Chabrillane looked at him almost with amazement Andre-Louis smiled
pleasantly.
"Don't let me detain you now, monsieur. We quite understand each
other. I shall be in the Bois at nine o'clock to-morrow morning."
"That is too late for me, monsieur."
"Any other hour would be too early for me. I do not like to have
my habits disturbed. Nine o'clock or not at all, as you please."
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