| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from A Legend of Montrose by Walter Scott: reluctance, Argyle suffered himself to be forced by his officious
kinsmen to the verge of the lake, and was transported on board of
a galley, from the deck of which he surveyed with more safety
than credit the scene which ensued.
Sir Duncan Campbell of Ardenvohr, notwithstanding the urgency of
the occasion, stood with his eyes riveted on the boat which bore
his Chieftain from the field of battle. There were feelings in
his bosom which could not be expressed; for the character of a
Chief was that of a father, and the heart of a clansman durst not
dwell upon his failings with critical severity as upon those of
other men. Argyle, too, harsh and severe to others, was generous
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Tristram Shandy by Laurence Sterne: auxiliaries on the side of virtue;--tell me then, Mynheer Vander
Blonederdondergewdenstronke, why they should not be printed together?
Chapter 3.LV.
When my uncle Toby had turned every thing into money, and settled all
accounts betwixt the agent of the regiment and Le Fever, and betwixt Le
Fever and all mankind,--there remained nothing more in my uncle Toby's
hands, than an old regimental coat and a sword; so that my uncle Toby found
little or no opposition from the world in taking administration. The coat
my uncle Toby gave the corporal;--Wear it, Trim, said my uncle Toby, as
long as it will hold together, for the sake of the poor lieutenant--And
this,--said my uncle Toby, taking up the sword in his hand, and drawing it
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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 A Legend of Montrose by Walter Scott: what horsemen you can, and pursue such of the enemy as are flying
down the side of the lake. Do not disperse your force, nor
venture too far; but take heed to prevent their rallying, which
very little exertion may do. Mount, then, Sir Dugald, and do
your duty."
"But what shall I mount?" said the new-made chevalier. "Poor
Gustavus sleeps in the bed of honour, like his immortal namesake!
and I am made a knight, a rider, as the High Dutch have it, just
when I have not a horse left to ride upon." [In German, as in
Latin, the original meaning of the word Ritter, corresponding to
Eques, is merely a horseman.]
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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 Adventure by Jack London: lines. And then one morning, quite fortuitously, the opportunity
came.
"My dearest wish is the success of Berande," Joan had just said,
apropos of a discussion about the cheapening of freights on copra
to market.
"Do you mind if I tell you the dearest wish of my heart?" he
promptly returned. "I long for it. I dream about it. It is my
dearest desire."
He paused and looked at her with intent significance; but it was
plain to him that she thought there was nothing more at issue than
mutual confidences about things in general.
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