| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Country Doctor by Honore de Balzac: me have your hand," and the doctor felt his pulse.
The boy's eyes had their usual sweet expression, but just now they
shone with a feverish light.
"It is just as I thought, you are covered with perspiration," said
Benassis. "Your mother has not come in yet?"
"No, sir."
"Come! go in-doors and get into bed."
The young invalid went back into the cottage, followed by Benassis and
the officer.
"Just light a candle, Captain Bluteau," said the doctor, who was
helping Jacques to take off his rough, tattered clothing.
|
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 H.F. Cary) by Dante Alighieri: Be good, it follows not th' impression must."
"What love is," I return'd, "thy words, O guide!
And my own docile mind, reveal. Yet thence
New doubts have sprung. For from without if love
Be offer'd to us, and the spirit knows
No other footing, tend she right or wrong,
Is no desert of hers." He answering thus:
"What reason here discovers I have power
To show thee: that which lies beyond, expect
From Beatrice, faith not reason's task.
Spirit, substantial form, with matter join'd
The Divine Comedy (translated by H.F. Cary) |
