| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from 1492 by Mary Johntson: supplies and men. The returning fleet might bring
two thousand--nay, five thousand men! It would certainly
bring asses and mules as well as horses. We should have
burden-bearers. Moreover, a company of Indians might be
trained to come and go as carriers. Train them, set some
sort of penalty for malfeasance.
``They should be taught to mine for us,'' said Pedro
Margarite. ``Pay them? Of course--of course! But do
not pay them too much. Do not we protect them from
Caribs and save their souls to boot? Take it as tribute!''
It was the first time the word was said, in Spanish, here.
|
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Commission in Lunacy by Honore de Balzac: serious of all, of which I must beg for an explanation," said the
judge after a pause. "It refers to the dissipation of your fortune to
the advantage of a certain Madame Jeanrenaud, the widow of a
bargemaster--or rather, to that of her son, Colonel Jeanrenaud, for
whom you are said to have procured an appointment, to have exhausted
your influence with the King, and at last to have extended such
protection as secures him a good marriage. The petition suggests that
such a friendship is more devoted than any feelings, even those which
morality must disapprove----"
A sudden flush crimsoned the Marquis' face and forehead, tears even
started to his eyes, for his eyelashes were wet, then wholesome pride
|
