| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Mistress Wilding by Rafael Sabatini: pregnant with meaning.
"Ah!" It was a cry from Ruth, sharp as if she had been stabbed. She
sank back to her seat by the window, smitten down by this sudden news.
There was a pause, which fretted Diana, who now craved knowledge of what
might be passing in her cousin's mind. She advanced towards Ruth and
laid a trembling hand on her shoulder, where the white gown met the
ivory neck. "He must be warned," she said.
"But.., but how?" stammered Ruth. "To warn him were to betray Sir
Rowland."
"Sir Rowland?" cried Diana in high scorn.
"And... and Richard," Ruth continued.
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from A Book of Remarkable Criminals by H. B. Irving: begged his brother to change his manner of life and "become
religious." His good counsel was not apparently very well
received. Peace's visitors took a depressing view of their
relative's condition. They found him "a poor, wretched, haggard
man," and, meeting Mrs. Thompson who was waiting outside the gaol
for news of "dear Jack," wondered how she could have taken up
with such a man.
When, the day before his execution, Peace was visited for the
last time by his wife, his stepson, his daughter, Mrs. Bolsover,
and her husband, he was in much better spirits. He asked his
visitors to restrain themselves from displays of emotion, as he
A Book of Remarkable Criminals |
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from Cromwell by William Shakespeare: We hardly shall find such a one as he,
To fit our turns; his dealings were so honest.
But now, sir, for your Jewels that I have,
What do you say? will you take my prise?
BAGOT.
O, sir, you offer too much underfoot.
GOVERNOUR.
Tis but two hundred pound between us, man.
What's that in payment of five thousand pound?
BAGOT.
Two hundred pound! birlady, sir, tis great:
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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 The Cavalry General by Xenophon: greater part of gymnastic exercises are performed "in the sweat of the
brow," while equestrian exercise is performed with pleasure. Indeed,
there is no accomplishment which so nearly realises the aspiration of
a man to have the wings of a bird than this of horsemanship.[7] But
further, to a victory obtained in war attaches a far greater weight of
glory than belongs to the noblest contest of the arena.[8] Of these
the state indeed will share her meed of glory,[9] but in honour of
victory in war the very gods are wont to crown whole states with
happiness.[10] So that, for my part, I know not if there be aught else
which has a higher claim to be practised than the arts of war.
[7] Cf. "Cyrop." IV. iii. 15; Herod. iv. 132; Plat. "Rep." v. 467 D.
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