| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Rezanov by Gertrude Atherton: be determined upon his return to St. Petersburg in
the autumn.
But meanwhile he must succeed with these Cali-
fornians, or they might prove, toy soldiers as they
were, more perilous to his fortunes than enemies at
court. He could not afford another failure; and
news of this attempt and an exposition of all that
depended upon it were already on the road to the
capital of Russia.
He had known, of course, of the law that forbade
the Spanish colonies to trade with foreign ships,
 Rezanov |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen: own reflections so cheerful--when I looked forward
every thing so inviting!--when I looked back at Barton,
the picture so soothing!--oh, it was a blessed journey!"
He stopped.
"Well, sir," said Elinor, who, though pitying him,
grew impatient for his departure, "and this is all?"
"Ah!--no,--have you forgot what passed in town?--
That infamous letter--Did she shew it you?"
"Yes, I saw every note that passed."
"When the first of hers reached me (as it immediately did,
for I was in town the whole time,) what I felt is--
 Sense and Sensibility |