od
And view the haunts of Nature. The calm shade
Shall bring a kindred calm, and the sweet breeze
That makes the green leaves dance, shall waft a balm
To thy sick heart.

--_Bryant._

615

A retentive memory may be a good thing, but the ability to forget is the
true token of greatness.

616

If there be
One of you all that ever from my presence
I have with sadden'd heart unkindly sent,
I here, in meek repentance, of him crave
A brother's hand, in token of forgiveness.

617

'Tis easier for the generous to forgive
Than for the offender to ask it.

618

THE ALTERNATIVES.

A gentleman went to a friend, in great anger at a real injury he had
received, which he intended to resent. After relating the particulars,
he enquired if it would not be _manly_ to resent it? His friend replied,
"Yes; it would doubtless be _manly_ to resent it, but it would be
_godlike_ to forgive it."

619

FORGIVENESS.

How beautifully falls
Forgiveness--'tis the attribute of God--
From human lips that bless'd word, Forgive;
Thrice happy he whose heart has been so schooled
That he can give it utterance; it imparts
Celestial grandeur to the human soul,
And maketh man an angel.

620

We forgive just as long as we love.

621

FORGIVE.

Hast thou a grudge within thy breast,
Which time will not repair?
Is hatred still a lurking guest
To intercept thy prayer?
"Forgive, and thou shalt be forgiven"
Is the decree of heaven.

"Till seven times! shall I forgive?"
Was asked our gracious Lord,
List to his answer, heed and live,
"Seventy times seven" 's His word.
"Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven;"
Doubt not the word of heaven.

--_Unknown._

622

He that cannot forgive others, breaks down the bridge over which he must
pass himself, for every one has need to be forgiven.

--_Lord Herbert._

623

The world never forgives; it is only God and our mothers that can do
that.

--_Ellen F. Fowler._

624

Forgiveness that covers only part of the wrong, is like two fingers
given in a handshake.