| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Shadow Line by Joseph Conrad: himself.
"Of course I shall pay you off if you wish it," I
hastened to say. "Only I must ask you to remain
on board till this afternoon. I can't leave Mr.
Burns absolutely by himself in the ship for hours."
He softened at once and assured me with a smile
and in his natural pleasant voice that he under-
stood that very well.
When I returned on deck everything was ready
for the removal of the men. It was the last ordeal
of that episode which had been maturing and tem-
The Shadow Line |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Koran: for they are not to be blamed; but whoso craves beyond this, they
are the transgressors; and those who observe their trusts and their
compacts, and those who are upright in their testimonies, and those
who keep their prayers, these shall dwell in gardens honoured.
What ails the misbelievers that they hurry on before thee,
crowding together on the right and on the left? Does every man of them
wish to enter the garden of pleasure?
Nay, we created them of what they know!
And I need not swear by the Lord of the easts and the wests; verily,
we are able to change them for others better, nor are we prevented!
So leave them to plunge in discussion, and to play until they meet
The Koran |
