| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Modeste Mignon by Honore de Balzac: enough.
Accept once more my thanks for the service you have rendered me,
that of compelling me to sound my heart. You have corrected in me
the false idea, only too common in France, that marriage should be
a means of fortune. While I struggled with my conscience a sacred
voice spoke to me. I swore solemnly to make my fortune myself, and
not be led by motives of cupidity in choosing the companion of my
life. I have also reproached myself for the blamable curiosity you
have excited in me. You have not six millions. There is no
concealment possible in Havre for a young lady who possesses such
a fortune; you would be discovered at once by the pack of hounds
Modeste Mignon |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Story of an African Farm by Olive Schreiner: whispered to me, 'There is not room for all in the new coach, take your
seat quickly.' We hurried out, and they gave me the best seat, and covered
me with rugs, because it was drizzling. Then the last passenger came
running up to the coach--an old woman with a wonderful bonnet, and a black
shawl pinned with a yellow pin.
"'There is no room,' they said; 'you must wait till next week's coach takes
you up;' but she climbed on to the step, and held on at the window with
both hands.
"'My son-in-law is ill, and I must go and see him,' she said.
"'My good woman,' said one, 'I am really exceedingly sorry that your son-
in-law is ill; but there is absolutely no room for you here.'
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