| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Prince Otto by Robert Louis Stevenson: yourself. What is it that feeds their discontent? What but the
taxes? Once we have seized Gerolstein, the taxes are remitted, the
sons return covered with renown, the houses are adorned with
pillage, each tastes his little share of military glory, and behold
us once again a happy family! "Ay," they will say, in each other's
long ears, "the Princess knew what she was about; she was in the
right of it; she has a head upon her shoulders; and here we are, you
see, better off than before." But why should I say all this? It is
what my Princess pointed out to me herself; it was by these reasons
that she converted me to this adventure.'
'I think, Herr von Gondremark,' said Seraphina, somewhat tartly,
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from A Hero of Our Time by M.Y. Lermontov: some people in whom even despair is divert-
ing! . . .
On my way home I noticed that something was
lacking. I have not seen her! She is ill! Surely
I have not fallen in love with her in real
earnest? . . . What nonsense!
CHAPTER XII
15th June.
AT eleven o'clock in the morning -- the hour at
which Princess Ligovski is usually perspiring
in the Ermolov baths -- I walked past her house.
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