| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from New Arabian Nights by Robert Louis Stevenson: up to the table and began, with minute attention, to select a
sword. He was highly elated, and seemed to feel no doubt that he
should issue victorious from the contest. The spectators grew
alarmed in the face of so entire a confidence, and adjured Prince
Florizel to reconsider his intention.
"It is but a farce," he answered; "and I think I can promise you,
gentlemen, that it will not be long a-playing."
"Your Highness will be careful not to over-reach," said Colonel
Geraldine.
"Geraldine," returned the Prince, "did you ever know me fail in a
debt of honour? I owe you this man's death, and you shall have
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Virginibus Puerisque by Robert Louis Stevenson: their barbarian fathers, so man the individual is not
altogether quit of youth, when he is already old and honoured,
and Lord Chancellor of England. We advance in years somewhat
in the manner of an invading army in a barren land; the age
that we have reached, as the phrase goes, we but hold with an
outpost, and still keep open our communications with the
extreme rear and first beginnings of the march. There is our
true base; that is not only the beginning, but the perennial
spring of our faculties; and grandfather William can retire
upon occasion into the green enchanted forest of his boyhood.
The unfading boyishness of hope and its vigorous
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