| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Democracy In America, Volume 1 by Alexis de Toqueville: final. - Revised Statutes, vol. i. p. 487.
Provisions similar to those above cited are to be met with
from time to time in the laws of the State of New York; but in
general these attempts at centralization are weak and
unproductive. The great authorities of the State have the right
of watching and controlling the subordinate agents, without that
of rewarding or punishing them. The same individual is never
empowered to give an order and to punish disobedience; he has
therefore the right of commanding, without the means of exacting
compliance. In 1830 the Superintendent of Schools complained in
his Annual Report addressed to the legislature that several
|
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Ten Years Later by Alexandre Dumas: that it is impossible these tents can remain where they
are."
"Impossible!" exclaimed De Guiche, "and why?"
"Because I object to them."
A movement of impatience escaped De Guiche, but a warning
glance from Raoul restrained him.
"You should the less object to them, monsieur, on account of
the abuse of priority you have permitted yourself to
exercise."
"Abuse!"
"Most assuredly. You commission a messenger, who hires in
Ten Years Later |
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from Westward Ho! by Charles Kingsley: forgive me, if with all my learning, which has brought me no
profit, and my longings, which have brought me no peace, I presume
at moments, sinner that I am, to be more dainty than the Lord
Himself. He walked in Paradise among the trees of the garden,
Amyas; and so will we, and be content with what He sends. Why
should we long for the next world, before we are fit even for this
one?"
"And in the meanwhile," said Amyas, "this earth's quite good
enough, at least here in Barbados."
"Do you believe," asked Frank, trying to turn his own thoughts, "in
those tales of the Spaniards, that the Sirens and Tritons are heard
|
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 Paradise Lost by John Milton: With regal scepter, every soul in Heaven
Shall bend the knee, and in that honour due
Confess him rightful King? unjust, thou sayest,
Flatly unjust, to bind with laws the free,
And equal over equals to let reign,
One over all with unsucceeded power.
Shalt thou give law to God? shalt thou dispute
With him the points of liberty, who made
Thee what thou art, and formed the Powers of Heaven
Such as he pleased, and circumscribed their being?
Yet, by experience taught, we know how good,
Paradise Lost |
