| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Lemorne Versus Huell by Elizabeth Drew Stoddard: the latter.
"I saw you as soon as I came in," he said, "gliding from window
to window, like a vessel hugging the shore in a storm."
"With colors at half-mast; I have no dancing partner."
"How many have observed you?"
"Several young gentlemen."
"Moths."
"Oh no, butterflies."
"They must keep away now."
"Are you Rhadamanthus?"
"And Charon, too. I would have you row in the same boat with me."
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Dreams by Olive Schreiner: are dragged down by them who go into the water so clothed."
And she threw from her gladly the mantle of Ancient-received-opinions she
wore, for it was worn full of holes. And she took the girdle from her
waist that she had treasured so long, and the moths flew out of it in a
cloud. And he said, "Take the shoes of dependence off your feet."
And she stood there naked, but for one white garment that clung close to
her.
And he said, "That you may keep. So they wear clothes in the Land of
Freedom. In the water it buoys; it always swims."
And I saw on its breast was written Truth; and it was white; the sun had
not often shone on it; the other clothes had covered it up. And he said,
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| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from A Sentimental Journey by Laurence Sterne: powers of a master. -
Thou shalt go, La Fleur! said I.
- And what mistress, La Fleur, said I, canst thou have picked up in
so little a time at Paris? La Fleur laid his hand upon his breast,
and said 'twas a PETITE DEMOISELLE, at Monsieur le Count de B-'s. -
La Fleur had a heart made for society; and, to speak the truth of
him, let as few occasions slip him as his master; - so that somehow
or other, - but how, - heaven knows, - he had connected himself
with the demoiselle upon the landing of the staircase, during the
time I was taken up with my passport; and as there was time enough
for me to win the Count to my interest, La Fleur had contrived to
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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 The Europeans by Henry James: in the right direction, and told me to walk straight before me,
out of town. I came on foot because I wanted to see the country.
I walked and walked, and here I am! It 's a good many miles."
"It is seven miles and a half," said Gertrude, softly.
Now that this handsome young man was proving himself a reality
she found herself vaguely trembling; she was deeply excited.
She had never in her life spoken to a foreigner, and she
had often thought it would be delightful to do so. Here was
one who had suddenly been engendered by the Sabbath stillness
for her private use; and such a brilliant, polite, smiling one!
She found time and means to compose herself, however: to remind
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