1. Preparatory Conversation

Who was Abraham Lincoln? At what time was he president? Why do we still honor him?

How did Lincoln die? How did the nation feel at his death?

Where is he buried?

This poem was written when his funeral procession passed through New York City.

2. Reading By Teacher

Abraham Lincoln

Oh, slow to smite and swift to spare, Gentle and merciful and just!

Who, in the fear of God, didst bear

The sword of power, a nation's trust!

In sorrow by thy bier we stand, Amid the awe that hushes all,

And speak the anguish of a land

That shook with horror at thy fall.

Thy task is done; the bond are free: We bear thee to an honored grave,

Whose proudest monument shall be The broken fetters of the slave.

Pure was thy life; its bloody close

Hath placed thee with the sons of light,

Among the noble host of those

Who perished in the cause of Right.

- William Cullen Bryant.

3. Study

Try to read the poem yourself. What noble qualities of Lincoln are mentioned in the first stanza? Have you learned anything about him which illustrates any one of them? Tell what it was.

Describe in your own words the picture you get from the second stanza.

What cause for thankfulness is given in the third stanza?

Among whom did Lincoln's death place him?

4. Word Study

Write other words that mean nearly the same as these: smite.

bier.

task.

swift.

anguish.

host.

hath.

just.

perished.

5. Memory Work

Learn to read or to recite this poem so well that you will be able to give it before your class on Lincoln's birthday.

6. Composition

Write a short composition using one of these titles:

1. When Lincoln was a boy.

2. What Lincoln did as president.