| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from La Grenadiere by Honore de Balzac: as well, something in my handwriting?"
"Yes, mother," and Louis began to read, "MARIE WILLEMSENS, BORN
AT----"
"That is enough," she broke in quickly, "do not go on. When I am dead,
give that paper, too, to Annette, and tell her to send it to the
registrar at Saint-Cyr; it will be wanted if my certificate of death
is to be made out in due form. Now find writing materials for a letter
which I will dictate to you."
When she saw that he was ready to begin, and turned towards her for
the words, they came from her quietly:--
"Monsieur le Comte, your wife, Lady Brandon, died at Saint-Cyr, near
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Lay Morals by Robert Louis Stevenson: knowledge we must stand or fall. There is such a thing as
loyalty to a man's own better self; and from those who have
not that, God help me, how am I to look for loyalty to
others? The most dull, the most imbecile, at a certain
moment turn round, at a certain point will hear no further
argument, but stand unflinching by their own dumb, irrational
sense of right. It is not only by steel or fire, but through
contempt and blame, that the martyr fulfils the calling of
his dear soul. Be glad if you are not tried by such
extremities. But although all the world ranged themselves in
one line to tell you 'This is wrong,' be you your own
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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 Four Arthurian Romances by Chretien DeTroyes: other reason, you would be bound to do this out of love for me,
your companion. But it is idle to talk about it--it cannot be.
Ah, may the curse and the damnation of God and St. Sylvester rest
upon him who has shut me up so shamefully! He is the vilest man
alive, this envious Meleagant, to treat me as evilly as
possible!" Then he, who is wearing out his life in grief, ceases
speaking and holds his peace. But when she, who was lingering at
the base of the tower, heard what he said, she did not delay, but
acted wisely and called him thus: "Lancelot," as loudly as she
could; "friend, up there, speak to one who is your friend!" But
inside he did not hear her words. Then she called out louder
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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 Symposium by Xenophon: the other part dissuading.
The voice of Socrates was heard above the tumult: Since we are all so
eager to be heard at once, what fitter time than now to sing a song,
in chorus.
And suiting the action to the words, he commenced a stave.
The song was barely finished, when a potter's wheel was brought in, on
which the dancing-girl was to perform more wonders.
At this point Socrates addressed the man of Syracuse: It seems I am
likely to deserve the title which you gave me of a thinker in good
earnest. Just now I am speculating by what means your boy and girl may
pass a happy time, and we spectators still derive the greatest
The Symposium |
