The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Cruise of the Jasper B. by Don Marquis: as they ran, for occasionally one of them would give a vicious
jerk to the handcuffs that would almost upset the other, and that
must have hurt the wrists of both of them.
As Cleggett watched, the driver pulled them up short, and waved
them towards the canal. They stopped, and it was apparent that
they were balking and expostulating. But the driver was
inexorable. He went near to them and threatened their bare backs
with the slack of the rope. Gingerly and shiveringly they
stepped into the cold water, while the driver stood on the bank.
The water was up to their waists and he had to threaten them
again with his rope before they would duck their heads under.
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Merry Men by Robert Louis Stevenson: 'Oh!' he cried, joining his hands with extreme fervour, 'a saint;
it is she that keeps me up.'
'You are very fortunate,' said I, 'for the most of us, I am afraid,
and myself among the number, are better at going down.'
'Senor,' said Felipe earnestly, 'I would not say that. You should
not tempt your angel. If one goes down, where is he to stop?'
'Why, Felipe,' said I, 'I had no guess you were a preacher, and I
may say a good one; but I suppose that is your sister's doing?'
He nodded at me with round eyes.
'Well, then,' I continued, 'she has doubtless reproved you for your
sin of cruelty?'
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