| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath by H. P. Lovecraft: guest would profit aught by coming to the city even were he to
gain it. He himself had dreamed and yearned long years for lovely
Celephais and the land of Ooth-Nargai, and for the freedom and
colour and high experience of life devoid of its chains, and conventions,
and stupidities. But now that he was come into that city and that
land, and was the king thereof, he found the freedom and the vividness
all too soon worn out, and monotonous for want of linkage with
anything firm in his feelings and memories. He was a king in Ooth-Nargai,
but found no meaning therein, and drooped always for the old familiar
things of England that had shaped his youth. All his kingdom would
he give for the sound of Cornish church bells over the downs,
The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Confidence by Henry James: Mrs. Vivian had hardly spoken when the sharp little vibration of her
door-bell was heard in the hall. Bernard stood for a moment looking
at the door of the drawing-room.
"It is poor Gordon come to make a scene!" he announced.
"Is that what you mean--that he opposed your marriage?" asked Mrs. Vivian,
with a frightened air.
"I don't know what he proposes to do with Blanche," said Bernard, laughing.
There were voices in the hall. Angela had been listening.
"You say she will come back to you, mamma," she exclaimed.
"Here she is arrived!"
CHAPTER XXVII
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