| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Death of the Lion by Henry James: "Call it that if you like."
"And what's your inducement?"
"Bless my soul - my admiration!"
Mr. Pinhorn pursed up his mouth. "Is there much to be done with
him?"
"Whatever there is we should have it all to ourselves, for he
hasn't been touched."
This argument was effective and Mr. Pinhorn responded. "Very well,
touch him." Then he added: "But where can you do it?"
"Under the fifth rib!"
Mr. Pinhorn stared. "Where's that?"
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Mucker by Edgar Rice Burroughs: at the hands of a Mexican, and it will mean death to him to
be taken to Cuivaca."
"Well, miss," said Grayson, "you won't hev to be
responsible--I'll take all the responsibility there is and
welcome. I just thought you'd like to know we had him."
He was addressing his employer. The latter nodded, and
Grayson turned and left the room. Outside he cast a sneering
laugh back over his shoulder and swung into his saddle.
In front of the men's quarters he drew rein again and
shouted Eddie's name. Shorter came to the door.
"Get your six-shooter an' a rifle, an' come on over to the
The Mucker |
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from A Kidnapped Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum: fellow at once busied himself untying the knots that bound Santa Claus
and unlocking the chains that fastened him to the wall. Then he
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
A Kidnapped Santa Claus |
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 Agesilaus by Xenophon: strongest of all battle-lines[5] in which obedience creates tactical
efficieny, and alacrity in the field springs out of loyal affection
for the general.
[3] Or, "his sagacity."
[4] The words {pleiston iskhue} are supplied from Plutarch ("Ages."
iv.), who quotes the passage, "What Xenophon tells us of him, that
by complying with, and, as it were, ruled by his country, he grew
into such great power with them, that he could do what he pleased,
is meant," etc. (Clough, iv. p. 4). The lacuna in the MS. was
first noted, I believe, by Weiske. See Breitenbach's note ad loc.
[5] See "Cyrop." VII. i. 30; "Econ." xxi. 7.
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