| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Bride of Lammermoor by Walter Scott: The life of a faithful old creature is at stake; my lord, I will
be withheld no longer; I will at least ride up, and see whether
the danger is as imminent as this old fool pretends."
"Weel, then, as I live by bread," said Caleb, "Mysie is weel and
safe. I saw her out of the castle before I left it mysell. Was
I ganging to forget an auld fellow-servant?"
"What made you tell me the contrary this moment?" said his
master.
"Did I tell you the contrary?" said Caleb; "then I maun hae been
dreaming surely, or this awsome night has turned my
judgment; but safe she is, and ne'er a living soul in the castle,
The Bride of Lammermoor |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Shadow Line by Joseph Conrad: ing the deck. How many miles have I walked on
the poop of that ship! A stubborn pilgrimage of
sheer restlessness, diversified by short excursions
below to look upon Mr. Burns. I don't know
whether it is an illusion, but he seems to become
more substantial from day to day. He doesn't say
much, for, indeed, the situation doesn't lend itself
to idle remarks. I notice this even with the men as
I watch them moving or sitting about the decks.
They don't talk to each other. It strikes me that
if there exists an invisible ear catching the whispers
The Shadow Line |
