Page:Abraham Lincoln, A Story and a Play.djvu/55

 country, for more tender love toward the sick and sorrowing,—everything, in fact, that might bring about, "a just and lasting peace among ourselves, and with all Nations."

The clouds of war were now fast scattering and the President had reason to be happy. Through his love and patience and wisdom the country would be saved.

"Take better care of yourself," his friends kept saying to him. "The times are full of danger. Bad men are everywhere about us, and may work you harm unless you are protected."

But Lincoln would not heed them. With his great kind heart, he would not let thoughts of enemies enter his mind.

He went in and out of the White House and through the streets of the city as simply as a common workman might have done. Every day hundreds of people sought him, and he received them freely, whether they were friends or strangers.

"If I were to guard against all danger, I should have to shut myself up in an iron box," he said with a laugh. "And then I could not do my duty as President."

So, though his friends finally insisted on having a guard to watch daily about the White House,