| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from In the South Seas by Robert Louis Stevenson: surprised me. The dagger was 'good for killing fish,' he said
roguishly; and was supposed to have his eye upon fish upon two
legs. It is at least odd that in Eastern Polynesia fish was the
accepted euphemism for the human sacrifice. Asked as to the
population of his island, Karaiti called out to his vassals who sat
waiting him outside the door, and they put it at four hundred and
fifty; but (added Karaiti jovially) there will soon be plenty more,
for all the women are in the family way. Long before we separated
I had quite forgotten his offence. He, however, still bore it in
mind; and with a very courteous inspiration returned early on the
next day, paid us a long visit, and punctiliously said farewell
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson: there had been too much of this work altogether, and that a
judgment would fall upon the ship. And as he spoke (the weather
sliding-doors standing open) he tossed the bottle into the sea.
Mr. Shuan was on his feet in a trice; he still looked dazed, but
he meant murder, ay, and would have done it, for the second time
that night, had not the captain stepped in between him and his
victim.
"Sit down!" roars the captain. "Ye sot and swine, do ye know
what ye've done? Ye've murdered the boy!"
Mr. Shuan seemed to understand; for he sat down again, and put up
his hand to his brow.
 Kidnapped |