| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Black Dwarf by Walter Scott: yourself can only palliate."
"Rather, then," said Ratcliffe, "receive my solemn assurances,
that you do not incur the slightest danger. But what I have been
hitherto afraid to mention for fear of alarming you is, that now
when we are within sight of his retreat, for I can discover it
through the twilight, I must go no farther with you; you must
proceed alone."
"Alone?--I dare not."
"You must," continued Ratcliffe; "I will remain here and wait for
you."
"You will not, then, stir from this place," said Miss Vere "yet
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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: and the dark strokes in the Hobby-Horse, (which is a secondary figure, and
a kind of back-ground to the whole) give great force to the principal
lights in your own figure, and make it come off wonderfully;--and besides,
there is an air of originality in the tout ensemble.
Be pleased, my good Lord, to order the sum to be paid into the hands of Mr.
Dodsley, for the benefit of the author; and in the next edition care shall
be taken that this chapter be expunged, and your Lordship's titles,
distinctions, arms, and good actions, be placed at the front of the
preceding chapter: All which, from the words, De gustibus non est
disputandum, and whatever else in this book relates to Hobby-Horses, but no
more, shall stand dedicated to your Lordship.--The rest I dedicate to the
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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 Betty Zane by Zane Grey: resolutely turned his face away forever.
Early though it was the Indians were astir and their whooping rang throughout
the valley. Down the main street of the village the guards led the prisoner,
followed by a screaming mob of squaws and young braves and children who threw
sticks and stones at the hated Long Knife.
Soon the inhabitants of the camp congregated on the green oval in the midst of
the lodges. When the prisoner appeared they formed in two long lines facing
each other, and several feet apart. Isaac was to run the gauntlet--one of the
severest of Indian tortures. With the exception of Cornplanter and several of
his chiefs, every Indian in the village was in line. Little Indian boys hardly
large enough to sling a stone; maidens and squaws with switches or spears;
Betty Zane |
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 A Second Home by Honore de Balzac: expressed no less infinitude mingled with love?
The Stranger discovered that Caroline was sprightly rather than witty,
affectionate, but ill educated; but while her laugh was giddy, her
words promised genuine feeling. When, in response to her companion's
shrewd questioning, the girl spoke with the heartfelt effusiveness of
which the lower classes are lavish, not guarding it with reticence
like people of the world, the Black Gentleman's face brightened, and
seemed to renew its youth. His countenance by degrees lost the sadness
that lent sternness to his features, and little by little they gained
a look of handsome youthfulness which made Caroline proud and happy.
The pretty needlewoman guessed that her new friend had been long
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