| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Dunwich Horror by H. P. Lovecraft: some unforeseen obstacle. Then, as September approached, the clouds
began to clear. Certain letters, as used in certain parts of the
manuscript, emerged definitely and unmistakably; and it became
obvious that the text was indeed in English.
On the evening
of September second the last major barrier gave way, and Dr Armitage
read for the first time a continuous passage of Wilbur Whateley's
annals. It was in truth a diary, as all had thought; and it was
couched in a style clearly showing the mixed occult erudition
and general illiteracy of the strange being who wrote it. Almost
the first long passage that Armitage deciphered, an entry dated
The Dunwich Horror |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Intentions by Oscar Wilde: see the man who sold Christ, and in the jaws of Lucifer the men who
slew Caesar. We tremble, and come forth to re-behold the stars.
In the land of Purgation the air is freer, and the holy mountain
rises into the pure light of day. There is peace for us, and for
those who for a season abide in it there is some peace also,
though, pale from the poison of the Maremma, Madonna Pia passes
before us, and Ismene, with the sorrow of earth still lingering
about her, is there. Soul after soul makes us share in some
repentance or some joy. He whom the mourning of his widow taught
to drink the sweet wormwood of pain, tells us of Nella praying in
her lonely bed, and we learn from the mouth of Buonconte how a
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