| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Dynamiter by Robert Louis Stevenson and Fanny Van De Grift Stevenson: inheritance. The State, in my view, should collar it. I am
now going through a stage of socialism and poetry,' he added
apologetically, as one who spoke of a course of medicinal
waters.
'And are you really the person of the - establishment?'
inquired Challoner, deftly evading the word 'shop.'
'A vendor, sir, a vendor,' returned the other, pocketing his
poesy. 'I help old Happy and Glorious. Can I offer you a
weed?'
'Well, I scarcely like . . . ' began Challoner.
'Nonsense, my dear fellow,' cried the shopman. 'We are very
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Adventure by Jack London: had your last square meal because of the hungry look in your eyes,
and make eyes at my revolver-belt hanging on a nail, and fight
duels about me, and all the rest--and--and now, when I say I'll
marry you, you do yourself the honour of refusing me."
"You can't make me any more ridiculous than I feel," he answered,
rubbing the lump on his forehead reflectively. "And if this is the
accepted romantic programme--a duel over a girl, and the girl
rushing into the arms of the winner--why, I shall not make a bigger
ass of myself by going in for it."
"I thought you'd jump at it," she confessed, with a naivete he
could not but question, for he thought he saw a roguish gleam in
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| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from Egmont by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe: ease, and without the slightest hindrance, a march that was esteemed so
perilous!--We have seen and learned something.
Silva. Here too! Is not everything as still and quiet as though there had
been no disturbance?
Gomez. Why, as for that, it was tolerably quiet when we arrived.
Silva. The provinces have become much more tranquil; if there is any
movement now, it is only among those who wish to escape; and to them,
methinks, the duke will speedily close every outlet.
Gomez. This service cannot fail to win for him the favour of the king.
Silva. And nothing is more expedient for us than to retain his. Should the
king come hither, the duke doubtless and all whom he recommends will
Egmont |
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 The Contrast by Royall Tyler: Coolly, do you call it? Why, I vow, she was fire-
hot angry: may be it was because I buss'd her.
JESSAMY
No, no, Mr. Jonathan; there must be some other
cause; I never yet knew a lady angry at being kissed.
JONATHAN
Well, if it is not the young woman's bashfulness, I
vow I can't conceive why she shouldn't like me.
JESSAMY
May be it is because you have not the Graces, Mr.
Jonathan.
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