| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Pocket Diary Found in the Snow by Grace Isabel Colbron and Augusta Groner: rapidly over the closely written pages, as his interest grew and
grew.
When, half an hour later, he had finished the reading, he paced
restlessly up and down the room, trying to bring order into the
thoughts that rushed through his brain. And one thought came
again and again, and would not be denied in spite of many
improbabilities, and many strange things with which the book was
full; in spite, also, of the varying, uncertain handwriting and
style of the message. This one thought was, "This woman is not
insane."
While the young official was pondering over the problem, Muller
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Flame and Shadow by Sara Teasdale: Oh why must I lose myself to love you,
My dear?
The Return
He has come, he is here,
My love has come home,
The minutes are lighter
Than flying foam,
The hours are like dancers
On gold-slippered feet,
The days are young runners
Naked and fleet --
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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 Dreams by Olive Schreiner: She said, "Is there no bridge?"
He answered. "None."
She said, "Is the water deep?"
He said, "Deep."
She said, "Is the floor worn?"
He said, "It is. Your foot may slip at any time, and you may be lost."
She said, "Have any crossed already?"
He said, "Some have tried!"
She said, "Is there a track to show where the best fording is?"
He said, "It has to be made."
She shaded her eyes with her hand; and she said, "I will go."
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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 Maid Marian by Thomas Love Peacock: and for the sake of thy kind heart and open hand, be it what it may,
I shall wish it were more."
"Then, since thou sayest so," said Robin, "not a penny will I touch.
Many a false churl comes hither, and disburses against his will:
and till there is lack of these, I prey not on true men."
"Thou art thyself a true man, right well I judge, Robin,"
said the stranger knight, "and seemest more like one bred
in court than to thy present outlaw life."
"Our life," said the friar, "is a craft, an art, and a mystery.
How much of it, think you, could be learned at court?"
"Indeed, I cannot say," said the stranger knight:
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