| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Talisman by Walter Scott: guarded it overpowered, and most probably murdered, as there was
a pool of blood where the banner-spear lay shivered.
"But whom do I see here?" said Neville, his eyes suddenly
resting upon Sir Kenneth.
"A traitor," said the King, starting to his feet, and seizing the
curtal-axe, which was ever near his bed--"a traitor! whom thou
shalt see die a traitor's death." And he drew back the weapon as
in act to strike.
Colourless, but firm as a marble statue, the Scot stood before
him, with his bare head uncovered by any protection, his eyes
cast down to the earth, his lips scarcely moving, yet muttering
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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 Large Catechism by Dr. Martin Luther: Godhead, to whom everything that we believe is related, So that the
First Article, of God the Father, explains Creation, the Second
Article, of the Son, Redemption, and the Third, of the Holy Ghost,
Sanctification. Just as though the Creed were briefly comprehended in
so many words: I believe in God the Father, who has created me; I
believe in God the Son, who has redeemed me; I believe in the Holy
Ghost, who sanctifies me. One God and one faith, but three persons,
therefore also three articles or confessions. Let us briefly run over
the words.
Article I.
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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 In the South Seas by Robert Louis Stevenson: without noise, and it reached the ears of an older girl who had
loitered by the way, and who now came hastily down the valley,
crying as she came for her father. Her, too, they seized and
beheaded; I know not what they had done with the axe, it was a
blunt knife that served their butcherly turn upon the girl; and the
blood spurted in fountains and painted them from head to foot.
Thus horrible from crime, the party returned to Atuona, carrying
the heads to Moipu. It may be fancied how the feast broke up; but
it is notable that the guests were honourably suffered to retire.
These passed back through Taahauku in extreme disorder; a little
after the valley began to be overrun with shouting and triumphing
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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 Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie: good-natured face wore an unaccustomed frown of anger.
"Confound those detectives! I can't think what they're after!
They've been in every room in the house--turning things inside
out, and upside down. It really is too bad! I suppose they took
advantage of our all being out. I shall go for that fellow Japp,
when I next see him!"
"Lot of Paul Prys," grunted Miss Howard.
Lawrence opined that they had to make a show of doing something.
Mary Cavendish said nothing.
After tea, I invited Cynthia to come for a walk, and we sauntered
off into the woods together.
The Mysterious Affair at Styles |
