| 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: those who were behind shouted amid the hootings:
"He was seen coming out of her room!"
"One morning in the month of Tammouz!"
"It was the thief who stole the zaimph!"
"A very handsome man!"
"Taller than you!"
He snatched off the tiara, the ensign of his rank--his tiara with its
eight mystic rows, and with an emerald shell in the centre--and with
both hands and with all his strength dashed it to the ground; the
golden circles rebounded as they broke, and the pearls rang upon the
pavement. Then they saw a long scar upon the whiteness of his brow; it
Salammbo |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Egmont by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe: comrades, the dangerous path of fame! And now, from this dungeon I
shall go forth, to meet a glorious death; I die for freedom, for whose cause
I have lived and fought, and for whom I now offer myself up at sorrowing
sacrifice.
(The background is occupied by Spanish soldiers with halberts.)
Yes, lead them on! Close your ranks, ye terrify me not. I am accustomed
to stand amid the serried ranks of war, and environed by the threatening
forms of death, to feel, with double zest, the energy of life. (Drums.)
The foe closes round on every side! Swords are flashing; courage, friends!
Behind are your parents, your wives, your children! (Pointing to the
guard.)
Egmont |
