| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Art of War by Sun Tzu: commands of His Majesty which, acting in that capacity, I am
unable to accept."
Accordingly, he had the two leaders beheaded, and
straightway installed the pair next in order as leaders in
their place. When this had been done, the drum was sounded
for the drill once more; and the girls went through all the
evolutions, turning to the right or to the left, marching
ahead or wheeling back, kneeling or standing, with perfect
accuracy and precision, not venturing to utter a sound. Then
Sun Tzu sent a messenger to the King saying: "Your soldiers,
Sire, are now properly drilled and disciplined, and ready for
The Art of War |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from A Kidnapped Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum: led the way through a long tunnel until they both emerged in the
Cave of Repentance.
"I hope you will forgive me," said the Daemon pleadingly. "I am not
really a bad person, you know; and I believe I accomplish a great deal
of good in the world."
With this he opened a back door that let in a flood of sunshine, and
Santa Claus sniffed the fresh air gratefully.
"I bear no malice," said he to the Daemon, in a gentle voice; "and I
am sure the world would be a dreary place without you. So, good
morning, and a Merry Christmas to you!"
With these words he stepped out to greet the bright morning, and a
A Kidnapped Santa Claus |
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from The Red Seal by Natalie Sumner Lincoln: "I have nothing tangible to go on," she admitted. "Only a woman's
instinct -"
Kent did not smile. "Instinct," he repeated thoughtfully. "Well,
does your instinct hazard a guess as to the weapon, the opportunity,
and the motive for such a crime? Jimmie Turnbull hadn't an enemy
in the world."
Barbara looked at him oddly. "Suppose you find the answer to those
conundrums," she suggested. "Don't come to the elevator; Margaret
Brewster may see you with me, and she would tell father of our
meeting.
The Red Seal |
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 Travels with a Donkey in the Cevenne by Robert Louis Stevenson: gait. I think I never heard of any one in as mean a situation. I
must reach the lake of Bouchet, where I meant to camp, before
sundown, and, to have even a hope of this, I must instantly
maltreat this uncomplaining animal. The sound of my own blows
sickened me. Once, when I looked at her, she had a faint
resemblance to a lady of my acquaintance who formerly loaded me
with kindness; and this increased my horror of my cruelty.
To make matters worse, we encountered another donkey, ranging at
will upon the roadside; and this other donkey chanced to be a
gentleman. He and Modestine met nickering for joy, and I had to
separate the pair and beat down their young romance with a renewed
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