| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Records of a Family of Engineers by Robert Louis Stevenson: end of May, or about six weeks, during four of which he had
been a constant inhabitant of the beacon without having been
once off the rock. After witnessing the laying of the sixty-
seventh or second course of the bedroom apartment, he left the
rock with the tender and went ashore, as some arrangements
were to be made for the future conduct of the works at
Arbroath, which were soon to be brought to a close; the
landing-master's crew having, in the meantime, shifted on
board of the PATRIOT. In leaving the rock, the writer kept
his eyes fixed upon the lighthouse, which had recently got
into the form of a house, having several tiers or stories of
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Edingburgh Picturesque Notes by Robert Louis Stevenson: a similar dominating site above the plain, and the same
superposition of one rank of society over another, are to
be observed in both. Thus, the broad and comely approach
to Princes Street from the east, lined with hotels and
public offices, makes a leap over the gorge of the Low
Calton; if you cast a glance over the parapet, you look
direct into that sunless and disreputable confluent of
Leith Street; and the same tall houses open upon both
thoroughfares. This is only the New Town passing
overhead above its own cellars; walking, so to speak,
over its own children, as is the way of cities and the
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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 Little Women by Louisa May Alcott: I die happy."
"You're highly satisfactory. turn slowly round, and let me
get a careful view." Jo revolved, and Amy gave a touch here and
there, then fell back, with her head on one side, observing graciously,
"Yes, you'll do. Your head is all I could ask, for that
white bonnet with the rose is quite ravishing. Hold back your
shoulders, and carry your hands easily, no matter if your gloves
do pinch. There's one thing you can do well, Jo, that is, wear a
shawl. I can't, but it's very nice to see you, and I'm so glad
Aunt March gave you that lovely one. It's simple, but handsome,
and those folds over the arm are really artistic. Is the point of
Little Women |
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 Baby Mine by Margaret Mayo: thoughtfully. "Do you know, Aggie," she said, with frank
admiration, "I believe you are a better liar than I am."
"I'm NOT a liar," objected Aggie vehemently, "at least, not
often," she corrected. "I've
never lied to Jimmy in all my life." She drew herself up with
conscious pride. "And Jimmy has NEVER LIED TO ME."
"Isn't that nice," sniffed Zoie and she pretended to be searching
for her pocket-handkerchief.
But Aggie did not see her. She was glancing at the clock.
"I must go now," she said. And she started toward the door.
"But, Aggie----" protested Zoie, unwilling to be left alone.
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