| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Maitre Cornelius by Honore de Balzac: an iron hand, and the sour voice of the grand provost said to him:--
"Come, midnight Christian, who seeks God on the roofs, wake up!"
The young man saw the black face of Tristan l'Hermite above him, and
recognized his sardonic smile; then, on the steps of the corkscrew
staircase, he saw Cornelius, his sister, and behind them the provost
guard. At that sight, and observing the diabolical faces expressing
either hatred or curiosity of persons whose business it was to hang
others, the so-called Philippe Goulenoire sat up on his pallet and
rubbed his eyes.
"Mort-Dieu!" he cried, seizing his dagger, which was under the pillow.
"Now is the time to play our knives."
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Polity of Athenians and Lacedaemonians by Xenophon: plainly understood that rage must never override obedience to law.
[4] Lit. "the Paidonomos."
With regard to those who have already passed[5] the vigour of early
manhood, and on whom the highest magistracies henceforth devolve,
there is a like contrast. In Hellas generally we find that at this age
the need of further attention to physical strength is removed,
although the imposition of military service continues. But Lycurgus
made it customary for that section of his citizens to regard hunting
as the highest honour suited to their age; albeit, not to the
exclusion of any public duty.[6] And his aim was that they might be
equally able to undergo the fatigues of war with those in the prime of
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