| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Modeste Mignon by Honore de Balzac: the admiration of a poor country girl, lonely in her little
corner, whose only happiness is to read your thoughts. I have read
Rene, and I come to you. Sadness leads to reverie. How many other
women are sending you the homage of their secret thoughts? What
chance have I for notice among so many? This paper, filled with my
soul,--can it be more to you than the perfumed letters which
already beset you. I come to you with less grace than others, for
I wish to remain unknown and yet to receive your entire confidence
--as though you had long known me.
Answer my letter and be friendly with me. I cannot promise to make
myself known to you, though I do not positively say I will not
Modeste Mignon |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Spirit of the Border by Zane Grey: others. Come quickly; here are great clusters of wild clematis and goldenrod.
How lovely! Let us gather a quantity."
The young men had almost buried the girls under huge masses of the beautiful
flowers, when the soft tread of moccasined feet caused them all to turn in
surprise. Six savages stood waist-deep in the bushes, where they had lain
concealed. Fierce, painted visages scowled from behind leveled rifles.
"Don't yell!" cried a hoarse voice in English. Following the voice came a
snapping of twigs, and then two other figures came into view. They were Girty
and Silvertip.
"Don't yell, er I'll leave you layin' here fer the buzzards," said the
renegade. He stepped forward and grasped Young, at the same time speaking in
The Spirit of the Border |
