EXERCISES 1. Describe in general the process of tapestry weaving. 2. What was the "pattern"? Why did it have to be studied with care? 3. Explain "He works on the wrong side evermore, but works for the right side ever." What is his best pay? 4. How is the weaver paid for his task? 6. Explain "looms of God," "mystic web." 8. Why can we not see it? 9. Why is Perfect Pattern capitalized? 10. Explain the meaning of "web is turned and shown." 11. Under what conditions, according to this poem, can the lifework of the individual be a true success? ADDITIONAL READINGS MILLIE COLCORD: Life's Weaving. LONGFELLOW: Keramos. POE: Israfel. THOMAS WADE: The Net Braiders. S. W. DUFFIELD: Warp and Woof. JOHN FRANCIS O'DONNELL: A Spinning Song. ETERNAL EQUITIES All the poised balances of God would swerve, -Edwin Markham. THE SOLDIER'S REPRIEVE THE HE man who governs a warring nation carries a responsibility sufficient to appal the heart of any one except the most patriotic or the most heedless. He is not only bound to care for the well-being of those carrying his standard, but he may be called upon to deprive them of privilege, comfort, or life itself. Brutus yielded his sons to such a demand and thus gained the approval of the world of his day. William Shakespeare, centuries later, caused the wise Portia to deliver the last word on mercy in the administration of justice, when she told Shylock: "It becomes The throned monarch better than his crown; Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings; It is enthroned in the hearts of kings, It is an attribute to God himself; And earthly power doth then show likest God's, When mercy seasons justice." While Mr. Lincoln was President of the United States, he used the great power of his office to save the life of many a soldier whose youth, ignorance, or gallantry aroused his pity or admiration. Much adverse criticism arose from this habit of the great martyr president. History and posterity, however, have decreed this his most lovable trait, and one wonders if the memory of his mercy will not outlast that of all other evidences of his genius. It The following simple, touching story gives a true insight into the nobility of purpose which characterized the soldiers on both sides of the tremendous struggle of the Civil War. shows, too, how this had its origin in faith in Omnipotence on the part of the parents at home. This devotion and faith found a ready response in the president's instantly granting a reprieve on his own responsibility, even though he knew his subordinates would chafe under the interference. Such nobility of heart inspires armed legions to dare to the uttermost, and a nation to honor the true heroes in ways limited only by the powers of a deathless love. "As one lamp lights another, nor grows less, So nobleness enkindleth nobleness." THE SOLDIER'S REPRIEVE "I thought, Mr. Allan, when I gave my Bennie to his country, that not a father in all this broad land made so precious a gift—no, not one. The dear boy only slept a minute, just one little minute, at his post. I know that was all, for Bennie never dozed over a duty. How prompt and reliable he was! I know he only slept one little second; he was so young, and not strong, that boy of mine! Why, he was as tall as I, and only eighteen! And now they shoot him-because he was found asleep when doing sentinel duty. Twenty-four hours,' the telegram said, only twenty-four hours! Where is Bennie now?" "We will hope with his heavenly Father," said Mr. Allan, soothingly. "Yes, yes; let us hope. God is very merciful! 'I should be ashamed, father,' Bennie said, 'when I am a man, to think I never used this great right arm' (and he held it out so proudly before me) 'for my country, when it needed it. Palsy it, rather than keep it at the plow.' 'Go, then-go, my boy,' I said, 'and God keep you!' God has kept him, I think, Mr. Allan!" And the farmer repeated these last words slowly, as if in spite of his reason his heart doubted them. "Like the apple of His eye, Mr. Owen; doubt it not." Little Blossom sat near them, listening, with blanched cheek. She had not shed a tear. Her anxiety had been so concealed that no one had noticed it. She had occupied herself mechanically in the household cares. Now, she answered a gentle tap at the kitchen door, opening it to receive a letter from a neighbor's hand. "It is from him," was all she said. It was like a message from the dead! Mr. Owen took the letter, but could not break the envelope on account of his trembling fingers, and held it toward Mr. Allan, with the helplessness of a child. The minister opened it and read as follows: “Dear Father: When this reaches you I shall be in eternity. At first it seemed awful to me; but I have thought about it so much that now it has no terror. They say they will not bind me nor blind me, but that I may meet my death like a man. ] thought, father, it might have been on the battlefield for my country, and that, when I fell, it would be fighting gloriously; but to be shot down like a dog for nearly betraying it—to die for neglect of duty!-O, father, I wonder the very thought does not kill me! But I shall not disgrace you. I am going to write you all about it; and when I am gone, you may tell my comrades. I cannot now. "You know I promised Jimmie Carr's mother I would look after her boy; and, when he fell sick, I did all I could for him. He was not strong when ordered back into the ranks, and the day before that night I carried all his luggage, besides my own, on our march. Toward night we went in on double-quick, and though the luggage began to |