| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Salammbo by Gustave Flaubert: overflowing; the wounded were massed pell-mell with the dead and dying
beneath the footsteps of the living. Calcined trunks formed black
spots amid opened entrails, scattered brains, and pools of blood; and
arms and legs projecting half way out of a heap, would stand straight
up like props in a burning vineyard.
The ladders proving insufficient the tollenos were brought into
requisition,--instruments consisting of a long beam set transversely
upon another, and bearing at its extremity a quadrangular basket which
would hold thirty foot-soldiers with their weapons.
Matho wished to ascend in the first that was ready. Spendius stopped
him.
Salammbo |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Princess by Alfred Tennyson: Sucked from the dark heart of the long hills roll
The torrents, dashed to the vale: and yet her will
Bred will in me to overcome it or fall.
But when I told the king that I was pledged
To fight in tourney for my bride, he clashed
His iron palms together with a cry;
Himself would tilt it out among the lads:
But overborne by all his bearded lords
With reasons drawn from age and state, perforce
He yielded, wroth and red, with fierce demur:
And many a bold knight started up in heat,
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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 A Sentimental Journey by Laurence Sterne: best; and in these hopes, by an intemperate confidence in the
fortitude of his head, and the depth of his discretion, MYNHEER
might possibly oversee both in his new vineyard; and by discovering
his nakedness, become a laughing stock to his people.
Even so it fares with the Poor Traveller, sailing and posting
through the politer kingdoms of the globe, in pursuit of knowledge
and improvements.
Knowledge and improvements are to be got by sailing and posting for
that purpose; but whether useful knowledge and real improvements is
all a lottery; - and even where the adventurer is successful, the
acquired stock must be used with caution and sobriety, to turn to
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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 Westward Ho! by Charles Kingsley: What have I to do with Ehud and Eglon, and slaughters, and
tyrannies? Our queen is a very good queen, if Heaven would but
grant her repentance, and turn her to the true faith. I have never
been troubled about religion, nor any one else that I know of in
the West country."
"You forget Mr. Trudgeon of Launceston, father, and poor Father
Mayne," interposed Eustace, who had by this time slipped in; and
Campian added softly--
"Yes, your West of England also has been honored by its martyrs, as
well as my London by the precious blood of Story."
"What, young malapert?" cried poor Leigh, facing round upon his
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