| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Sportsman by Xenophon: Plin. "H. N." vii. 2, viii. 28; Oppian, "Cyn." i. 413.
Quite young fawns[4] should be captured in spring, that being the
season at which the dams calve.[5] Some one should go beforehand into
the rank meadowlands[6] and reconnoitre where the hinds are
congregated, and wherever that may be, the master of the hounds will
set off--with his hounds and a supply of javelins--before daylight to
the place in question. Here he will attach the hounds to trees[7] some
distance off, for fear of their barking,[8] when they catch sight of
the deer. That done he will choose a specular point himself and keep a
sharp look-out.[9] As day breaks he will espy the hinds leading their
fawns to the places where they will lay them severally to rest.[10]
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie: form."
"I see."
A faint expression of relief swept over John's face. It puzzled
me, for I saw no occasion for it.
"If you know of nothing to the contrary," pursued Mr. Wells, "I
had thought of Friday. That will give us plenty of time for the
doctor's report. The post-mortem is to take place to-night, I
believe?"
"Yes."
"Then that arrangement will suit you?"
"Perfectly."
The Mysterious Affair at Styles |
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from Aeneid by Virgil: Laurentum more than one Lavinia sees,
Unmarried, fair, of noble families.
Now let me speak, and you with patience hear,
Things which perhaps may grate a lover's ear,
But sound advice, proceeding from a heart
Sincerely yours, and free from fraudful art.
The gods, by signs, have manifestly shown,
No prince Italian born should heir my throne:
Oft have our augurs, in prediction skill'd,
And oft our priests, foreign son reveal'd.
Yet, won by worth that cannot be withstood,
Aeneid |
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 Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen: first.
"What will you take for the kitchen-pot?" said the lady.
"I will have ten kisses from the Princess," said the swineherd.
"Yes, indeed!" said the lady.
"I cannot sell it for less," rejoined the swineherd.
"He is an impudent fellow!" said the Princess, and she walked on; but when she
had gone a little way, the bells tinkled so prettily
"Ach! du lieber Augustin,
Alles ist weg, weg, weg!"
"Stay," said the Princess. "Ask him if he will have ten kisses from the ladies
of my court."
Fairy Tales |
