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THE HAND OF LINCOLN. 
(Edmund Clarence Stedman in the Independent.)
Look on this cast, and know the hand
  That bore a nation in its hold;
From this mute witness understand
  What Lincoln was,-how large of a mold

The man who sped the woodman’s team, 
  And deepest sunk the plowman’s share.
And pushed the laden raft astream,
  Of fate before him unaware.

This was the hand that knew to swing
  The ax-since this would Freedom train
Her son-and made the forest ring,
  And drove the wedge, and toiled amain.

Firm hand, that loftier office took,
  A conscious leader’s will obeyed,
And, when men sought his word and look,
  With steadfast might the gathering swayed.

No courtier’s, toying with a sword,
  Nor minstrel’s, laid across a lute;
A chief’s, uplifted to the Lord,
  When all the kings of the earth were mute!

The hand of Anak, sinewed strong,
  The fingers that on greatness clutch,
Yet, lo! the marks their lines along 
  Of one who strove and suffered much.

For here in knotted cord and vein
  I trace the varying chart fo years;
I know the troubled heart, the strain,
  The weights of Atlas-and the tears.

Again I see the patient brow
  That Palm ère while was wont to press;
And now ‘tis furrowed deep, and now
  Made smooth with hope and tenderness.

For something of a formless grace
  This molded outline plays about;
A pitying flame, beyond our trace,
  Breathless like a spirit, in and out,—

The love that cast an aureole
  Round one who, longer to endure,
Called mirth to ease his ceaseless dole,
  Yet kept his nobler purpose sure.

Lo, as I gaze, the statured man,
  Built up from yon large hand, appears:
A type that Nature wills to plan
  But once in all a people’s years.

What better than this voiceless cast
  To tell of such a one as he.
Since through its living semblance passed
  The thought that bade a race be free!

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requesting me to come tomorrow evening instead. Pretty soon Eastman came down in his shirt sleeves with his suspenders dangling and bumping on the stairs very much distressed at the awkward situation I was put in. I told him not to trouble about me as it was of no consequence, all the time feeling not a little annoyed that they had not given me ample notice by sending word by a messenger. He wanted me to stay and dine with Miss Mullaney a niece of Charles O Connor's who is staying with them but as I was only very slightly acquainted with her I declined and departed declining the invitation for tomorrow as it is the annual meeting of the Century and I knew it would make me late. It was snowing and a most disagreeable night and with a disappointed and annoyed feeling I took the car down to Purcells and dined alone instead of spending a pleasant social evening as I had hoped. Afterwards I came to my snug room and wrote to Sade. 

Saturday 12" Bright and cold again. I breakfasted in my room after a walk down to Grand St. to pay a bill for Sara. Marion had her party last night and they thought breakfast would be likely to be late. Painted with satisfaction on my "Woods." Parton and Wood who called were much pleased with my subject and thought I would make a fine picture. Weir came in and we had lunch in my room and talked until after 4 oclock, he telling me many interesting things about his experiences. He seems distracted and while he tried to show interest in my work I could see he did not feel much being as I suppose absorbed in his own and besides I think he is more interested in European methods, but we had a most cordial and pleasant time. He left to return at 6 when we were to dine together. Just after he went Fuller came in and staid until dark. Weir came and we went to Purcells and dined and then went to the Century. Nash read the report of the trustees upon Newtons case which gave rise to a somewhat stormy debate. Mr Tracy Newtons lawyer was excited and offensive and unfair. With very bad taste he denounced Hearn the dismissed Steward as a liar and a swindler and his whole manner was in marked contrast to Nash's calm and fair statement and his defense of our action and prejudiced many against his client. It was finally determined to send the case back to the trustees without any conditions. The old ticket was almost unanimously elected with the exception of Oakley against whom the Newton faction rallied their strength and secured 90 votes against him to 118 in favor. I am again 

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---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-04-26 12:52:49