| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Droll Stories, V. 1 by Honore de Balzac: noble young piles. The good advocate, however, had prepared this view
for no ass, for the little handmaiden look longingly at the golden
heap, and muttered a prayer at the sight of them. Seeing which, the
husband whispered in her ear his golden words, "These are for you."
"Ah!" said she; "I have never been so well paid."
"My dear," replied the dear man, "you shall have them without being
troubled with me;" and turning her round, "Your client has not told
you who I am, eh? No? Learn then, I am the husband of the lady whom
the king has debauched, and whom you serve. Carry her these crowns,
and come back here. I will hand over yours to you on a condition which
will be to your taste."
Droll Stories, V. 1 |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Miracle Mongers and Their Methods by Harry Houdini: was much disordered, but recovered; and
again, in a paroxysm of intoxication, he
actually swallowed SEVENTEEN, of the
effects of which he died in March, 1809.
On dissection, fourteen knife blades were
found remaining in his stomach, and the
back spring of one penetrating through
the bowel, seemed the immediate cause of
his death.
Several women have adopted the profession
of sword-swallowing, and some have won much
Miracle Mongers and Their Methods |
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from The Complete Angler by Izaak Walton: probably concluded, that Moses, who I told you before writ the book of
Job, and the Prophet Amos, who was a shepherd, were both Anglers;
for you shall, in all the Old Testament, find fish-hooks, I think but
twice mentioned, namely, by meek Moses the friend of God, and by the
humble prophet Amos.
Concerning which last, namely the prophet Amos, I shall make but this
observation, that he that shall read the humble, lowly, plain style of that
prophet, and compare it with the high, glorious, eloquent style of the
prophet Isaiah, though they be both equally true, may easily believe
Amos to be, not only a shepherd, but a good-natured plain fisherman.
Which I do the rather believe, by comparing the affectionate, loving,
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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 Pocket Diary Found in the Snow by Grace Isabel Colbron and Augusta Groner: Then he rose and put on his overcoat. He entered the commissioner's
room and took up his hat and cane.
"Where are you going, Muller?" asked Herr Von Mayringen.
"To Cathedral Lane, if you will permit it."
"At this hour? it is quarter past eleven! Is there any such hurry,
do you think? There is no train from any of our stations until
morning. And I have already sent a policeman to watch the house.
Besides, I know that Fellner is a highly respected man.
"There is many a man who is highly respected until he is found out,"
remarked the detective.
"And you are going to find out about Fellner?" smiled the
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