| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Parmenides by Plato: than the others because it was seen to be older and prior, and the others
become older than the one because they came into being later; and in the
same way the others are in the same relation to the one, because they were
seen to be older, and prior to the one.
That is clear.
Inasmuch then, one thing does not become older or younger than another, in
that they always differ from each other by an equal number, the one cannot
become older or younger than the others, nor the others than the one; but
inasmuch as that which came into being earlier and that which came into
being later must continually differ from each other by a different portion
--in this point of view the others must become older and younger than the
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Mansfield Park by Jane Austen: seated in the drawing-room, Sir Thomas saw them off
in as good time as his own correctly punctual habits required.
"Now I must look at you, Fanny," said Edmund, with the
kind smile of an affectionate brother, "and tell you
how I like you; and as well as I can judge by this light,
you look very nicely indeed. What have you got on?"
"The new dress that my uncle was so good as to give me
on my cousin's marriage. I hope it is not too fine; but I
thought I ought to wear it as soon as I could, and that I
might not have such another opportunity all the winter.
I hope you do not think me too fine."
Mansfield Park |
| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte: look to for advice? You would not even know what clothes to put
on.'
'You think, because I always do as you bid me, I have no judgment
of my own: but only try me - that is all I ask - and you shall see
what I can do.'
At that moment my father entered and the subject of our discussion
was explained to him.
'What, my little Agnes a governess!' cried he, and, in spite of his
dejection, he laughed at the idea.
'Yes, papa, don't YOU say anything against it: I should like it so
much; and I am sure I could manage delightfully.'
Agnes Grey |
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 Cousin Betty by Honore de Balzac: provide for all his wants; she would have given her life for him, and
Wenceslas knew it. Like every noble soul, the poor fellow forgot the
bad points, the defects of the woman who had told him the story of her
life as an excuse for her rough ways, and he remembered only the
benefits she had done him.
One day, exasperated with Wenceslas for having gone out walking
instead of sitting at work, she made a great scene.
"You belong to me," said she. "If you were an honest man, you would
try to repay me the money you owe as soon as possible."
The gentleman, in whose veins the blood of the Steinbocks was fired,
turned pale.
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