| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Z. Marcas by Honore de Balzac: Even if political majority had been fixed at one-and-twenty, and
eligibility had been relieved of every disabling qualification, the
Departments would have returned the very same members, men devoid of
political talent, unable to speak without murdering French grammar,
and among whom, in ten years, scarcely one statesman has been found.
"The causes of an impending event may be seen, but the event itself
cannot be foretold. At this moment the youth of France is being driven
into Republicanism, because it believes that the Republic would bring
it emancipation. It will always remember the young representatives of
the people and the young army leaders! The imprudence of the
Government is only comparable to its avarice."
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from De Profundis by Oscar Wilde: zanies of sorrow. We are clowns whose hearts are broken. We are
specially designed to appeal to the sense of humour. On November
13th, 1895, I was brought down here from London. From two o'clock
till half-past two on that day I had to stand on the centre
platform of Clapham Junction in convict dress, and handcuffed, for
the world to look at. I had been taken out of the hospital ward
without a moment's notice being given to me. Of all possible
objects I was the most grotesque. When people saw me they laughed.
Each train as it came up swelled the audience. Nothing could
exceed their amusement. That was, of course, before they knew who
I was. As soon as they had been informed they laughed still more.
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