The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Adieu by Honore de Balzac: Philippe then saw the poor insane creature lying on a bench in the
sun. Her head was protected from the heat by a forest of hair which
fell in tangled locks over her face. Her arms hung gracefully to the
ground; her body lay easily posed like that of a doe; her feet were
folded under her without effort; her bosom rose and fell at regular
intervals; her skin, her complexion, had that porcelain whiteness,
which we admire so much in the clear transparent faces of children.
Standing motionless beside her, Genevieve held in her hand a branch
which Stephanie had doubtless climbed a tall poplar to obtain, and the
poor idiot was gently waving it above her sleeping companion, to chase
away the flies and cool the atmosphere.
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Under the Andes by Rex Stout: on the pile of skins. The spears lay across at her feet, strapped
down for security.
Harry stepped across to the farther edge of the raft.
"Ready!" he called, and I shoved off, wading behind. When the
water was up to my knees I climbed aboard and picked up my oar.
"By all the nine gods, look at her!" cried Harry in huge
delight. "She takes about three inches! Man, she'd carry an
army!"
"Allons!" cried Desiree, with gay laughter. "C'est
Perfection!"
"Couldn't be better," I agreed; "but watch yourself, Hal.
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