| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells: perhaps it was the last to die, and its voice had gone on
perpetually until the force of its machinery was exhausted.
They glittered now, harmless tripod towers of shining metal,
in the brightness of the rising sun.
All about the pit, and saved as by a miracle from ever-
lasting destruction, stretched the great Mother of Cities.
Those who have only seen London veiled in her sombre robes
of smoke can scarcely imagine the naked clearness and beauty
of the silent wilderness of houses.
Eastward, over the blackened ruins of the Albert Terrace
and the splintered spire of the church, the sun blazed daz-
War of the Worlds |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The School For Scandal by Richard Brinsley Sheridan: very great either--but fifty Pounds a year and find our own Bags and
Bouquets----
SIR OLIVER. Bags and Bouquets!--Halters and Bastinadoes! [Aside.]
TRIP. But a propos Moses--have you been able to get me that little
Bill discounted?
SIR OLIVER. Wants to raise money too!--mercy on me! has his
distresses, I warrant[,] like a Lord--and affects Creditors and Duns!
[Aside.]
MOSES. 'Twas not be done, indeed----
TRIP. Good lack--you surprise me--My Friend Brush has indorsed it
and I thought when he put his name at the Back of a Bill 'twas
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