| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Bride of Lammermoor by Walter Scott: "That different ranks--I mean," said he, correcting himself,
"different degrees of wealth require a different style of
housekeeping."
This dry remark put a stop to further conversation on the
subject, nor is it necessary to record that which was substituted
in its place. The evening was spent with freedom, and even
cordiality; and Henry had so far overcome his first
apprehensions, that he had settled a party for coursing a stag
with the representative and living resemblance of grim Sir Malise
of Ravenswood, called the Revenger. The next morning was the
appointed time. It rose upon active sportsmen and successful
The Bride of Lammermoor |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Black Arrow by Robert Louis Stevenson: marriage over Sir Daniel's; and from then to now it went on ill
betwixt the two of them. But still Lord Foxham kept me in his
hands, and was a good lord to me. And at last I was to be married
- or sold, if ye like it better. Five hundred pounds Lord Foxham
was to get for me. Hamley was the groom's name, and to-morrow,
Dick, of all days in the year, was I to be betrothed. Had it not
come to Sir Daniel, I had been wedded, sure - and never seen thee,
Dick - dear Dick!"
And here she took his hand, and kissed it, with the prettiest
grace; and Dick drew her hand to him and did the like.
"Well," she went on, "Sir Daniel took me unawares in the garden,
|
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from The Ball at Sceaux by Honore de Balzac: been placed on purpose in one corner of the canvas, and in the best
light, like a person out of all proportion with the rest.
The stranger, alone and absorbed in thought, leaned lightly against
one of the columns that supported the roof; his arms were folded, and
he leaned slightly on one side as though he had placed himself there
to have his portrait taken by a painter. His attitude, though full of
elegance and dignity, was devoid of affectation. Nothing suggested
that he had half turned his head, and bent it a little to the right
like Alexander, or Lord Byron, and some other great men, for the sole
purpose of attracting attention. His fixed gaze followed a girl who
was dancing, and betrayed some strong feeling. His slender, easy frame
|
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 Ozma of Oz by L. Frank Baum: powerful enough to destroy all your kingdom, if I so wish. Yet I did
not come here to do harm, but rather to free the royal family of Ev
from the thrall of the Nome King, the news having reached me that he
is holding the Queen and her children prisoners."
Hearing these words, Langwidere suddenly became quiet.
"I wish you could, indeed, free my aunt and her ten royal children,"
said she, eagerly. "For if they were restored to their proper forms
and station they could rule the Kingdom of Ev themselves, and that
would save me a lot of worry and trouble. At present there are at
least ten minutes every day that I must devote to affairs of state,
and I would like to be able to spend my whole time in admiring my
Ozma of Oz |
