| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Wife, et al by Anton Chekhov: take a prominent position among predisposing causes in the
history of Russian pessimism. . . . Here is our garden . . . I
fancy it has grown neither better nor worse since I was a
student. I don't like it. It would be far more sensible if there
were tall pines and fine oaks growing here instead of
sickly-looking lime-trees, yellow acacias, and skimpy pollard
lilacs. The student whose state of mind is in the majority of
cases created by his surroundings, ought in the place where he is
studying to see facing him at every turn nothing but what is
lofty, strong and elegant. . . . God preserve him from gaunt
trees, broken windows, grey walls, and doors covered with torn
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare: Moue them no more, by crossing their high will.
Exeunt.
Mu. Faith we may put vp our Pipes and be gone
Nur. Honest goodfellowes: Ah put vp, put vp,
For well you know, this is a pitifull case
Mu. I by my troth, the case may be amended.
Enter Peter.
Pet. Musitions, oh Musitions,
Hearts ease, hearts ease,
O, and you will haue me liue, play hearts ease
Mu. Why hearts ease;
 Romeo and Juliet |