| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Padre Ignacio by Owen Wister: would have been too much for me. I should have left these savages to a
pastor nearer their own level, and I should have ridden down this canyon
upon my mule, and stepped on board the barkentine, and gone back to my
proper sphere. You will understand, sir, that I am far from venturing to
make any personal comment. I am only thinking what a world of difference
lies between natures that can feel as alike as we do upon so many
subjects. Why, not since leaving New Orleans have I met any one with whom
I could talk, except of the weather and the brute interests common to us
all. That such a one as you should be here is like a dream."
"But it is not a dream," said the Padre.
"And, sir--pardon me if I do say this--are you not wasted at Santa
Ysabel del Mar? I have seen the priests at the other missions. They are--
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Dust by Mr. And Mrs. Haldeman-Julius: this high title, the huge stoves would be supplanted with
hot-water pipes, oil lamps with soft, indirect lighting, and
unsightly out-buildings with modern plumbing. The South building
would become the "Whittier School," the East, the "Longfellow,"
and the West, not to be neglected by culture's invasion, the
"Oliver Wendell Holmes." But these changes were still to be
effected. Many a school board meeting was first to be split into
stormy factions of conservatives fighting to hold the old, and of
anarchists threatening civilization with their clamors for
experimentation. Many a bond election was yet to rip the town in
two, with the retired farmers, whose children were grown and
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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 Scenes from a Courtesan's Life by Honore de Balzac: Nucingen into the adjoining room. "You remember our bargain, my
angel?"
Nucingen took out his pocketbook and counted out the hundred thousand
francs, which Carlos, hidden in a cupboard, was impatiently waiting
for, and which the cook handed over to him.
"Here are the hundred thousand francs our man stakes on Asie. Now we
must make him lay on Europe," said Carlos to his confidante when they
were on the landing.
And he vanished after giving his instruction to the Malay who went
back into the room. She found Esther weeping bitterly. The poor girl,
like a criminal condemned to death, had woven a romance of hope, and
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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 Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath by H. P. Lovecraft: Then down
the wide lane betwixt the two columns a lone figure strode; a
tall, slim figure with the young face of an antique Pharaoh, gay
with prismatic robes and crowned with a golden pshent that glowed
with inherent light. Close up to Carter strode that regal figure;
whose proud carriage and smart features had in them the fascination
of a dark god or fallen archangel, and around whose eyes there
lurked the languid sparkle of capricious humour. It spoke, and
in its mellow tones there rippled the wild music of Lethean streams.
"Randolph Carter," said the voice, "you have come to see the
Great Ones whom it is unlawful for men to see. Watchers have spoken
The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath |
