| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Some Reminiscences by Joseph Conrad: Yet the sentiment owned to is not a freak of affectation or
perversity. It has a deeper, and, I venture to think, a more
estimable origin than the caprice of emotional lawlessness. It
is, indeed, lawful, in so much that it is given (reluctantly) for
a consideration, for several considerations. There is that
robustness, for instance, so often the sign of good moral
balance. That's a consideration. It is not, indeed, pleasant to
be stamped upon, but the very thoroughness of the operation,
implying not only a careful reading, but some real insight into
work whose qualities and defects, whatever they may be, are not
so much on the surface, is something to be thankful for in view
Some Reminiscences |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from A Sentimental Journey by Laurence Sterne: more: - The heart is for saving what it can; and I wanted the
traces through which my wishes might find their way to her, in case
I should never rejoin her myself; in a word, I wished to know her
name, - her family's - her condition; and as I knew the place to
which she was going, I wanted to know from whence she came: but
there was no coming at all this intelligence; a hundred little
delicacies stood in the way. I form'd a score different plans. -
There was no such thing as a man's asking her directly; - the thing
was impossible.
A little French DEBONNAIRE captain, who came dancing down the
street, showed me it was the easiest thing in the world: for,
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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 Hellenica by Xenophon: have undertaken."
V
B.C. 362. This answer was duly reported to the general assembly of the
Arcadians, and throughout the several states of the league.
Consequently the Mantineans, along with those of the Arcadians who had
the interests of Peloponnesus at heart, as also the Eleians and the
Achaeans, came to the conclusion that the policy of the Thebans was
plain. They wished Peloponnesus to be reduced to such an extremity of
weakness that it might fall an easy prey into their hands who were
minded to enslave it. "Why else," they asked, "should they wish us to
fight, except that we may tear each other to pieces, and both sides be
|
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 To-morrow by Joseph Conrad: wrong. I've got more information than you're
aware of. I've all the information I want. I've
had it for years--for years--for years--enough
to last me till to-morrow. Let you come in, indeed!
What would Harry say?"
Bessie Carvil's figure appeared in black silhou-
ette on the parlour window; then, with the sound of
an opening door, flitted out before the other cot-
tage, all black, but with something white over
her head. These two voices beginning to talk sud-
denly outside (she had heard them indoors) had
To-morrow |
