The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Wife, et al by Anton Chekhov: gleam of uneasiness in her eyes. Enchanted by her presence,
warmed by the warmth of her room, I muttered as in delirium,
holding out my hands to her:
"I tell you, I have no one near to me but you. I have never for
one minute ceased to miss you, and only obstinate vanity
prevented me from owning it. The past, when we lived as husband
and wife, cannot be brought back, and there's no need; but make
me your servant, take all my property, and give it away to any
one you like. I am at peace, Natalie, I am content. . . . I am at
peace."
My wife, looking intently and with curiosity into my face,
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Bickerstaff-Partridge Papers by Jonathan Swift: in a new way, which I doubt not will be to the general
satisfaction of the kingdom: I can this year produce but a
specimen of what I design for the future; having employ'd most
part of my time in adjusting and correcting the calculations I
made some years past, because I would offer nothing to the world
of which I am not as fully satisfied, as that I am now alive. For
these two last years I have not failed in above one or two
particulars, and those of no very great moment. I exactly
foretold the miscarriage at Toulon, with all its particulars; and
the loss of Admiral Shovel, tho' I was mistaken as to the day,
placing that accident about thirty-six hours sooner than it
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