| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Tales of Unrest by Joseph Conrad: loudly; then a shot was fired. Only one. Carlier ran out and met
Kayerts on the verandah. They were both startled. As they went across
the yard to call Makola, they saw shadows moving in the night. One of
them cried, "Don't shoot! It's me, Price." Then Makola appeared close
to them. "Go back, go back, please," he urged, "you spoil all." "There
are strange men about," said Carlier. "Never mind; I know," said
Makola. Then he whispered, "All right. Bring ivory. Say nothing! I
know my business." The two white men reluctantly went back to the
house, but did not sleep. They heard footsteps, whispers, some groans.
It seemed as if a lot of men came in, dumped heavy things on the
ground, squabbled a long time, then went away. They lay on their hard
 Tales of Unrest |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Divine Comedy (translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow) by Dante Alighieri: Illumined from above with burning rays,
Beholding not the source of the effulgence.
O power benignant that dost so imprint them!
Thou didst exalt thyself to give more scope
There to mine eyes, that were not strong enough.
The name of that fair flower I e'er invoke
Morning and evening utterly enthralled
My soul to gaze upon the greater fire.
And when in both mine eyes depicted were
The glory and greatness of the living star
Which there excelleth, as it here excelled,
 The Divine Comedy (translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow) |