probably talk? No doubt
Joseph would ask many things about what had
occurred in Canaan since he left, and would
give his brothers an account of his own
experiences in Egypt.

Does it not seem strange that Joseph, during
all these years, should never have taken
measures to find out how his kindred fared, or
to assure them that he was still alive? He was
probably ever looking forward to such a
situation as this, confident that the dreams of
his boyhood would still be realized. It was,
perhaps, this belief in the ultimate fulfilment
of his dreams that had kept him silent during
these years.

What qualities of character does Joseph show in
his speech? A spirit of noble generosity and
forgiveness, filial devotion, and a desire to
find good in the midst of seeming evil.

Point out passages that indicate these
qualities. What admirable characteristics does
the whole selection exhibit? Simplicity,
directness, and eloquence of language, noble
emotion, loftiness of character, and high
ideals.

As a final synthesis of the lesson, let the pupils tell the story in
their own words, preserving, as far as possible, the same order of ideas
as is followed in the extract. This will reveal to the teacher whether
they have grasped the ideas in their proper relationship.

MERCY

(Fourth Reader, page 89)

THE SETTING OF THE SELECTION

This selection is taken from Shakespeare's play _The Merchant of
Venice_, iv. i. In this play, Shylock, a Jew of Venice, had loaned
Antonio three thousand ducats, repayable on a certain date without
interest, but if not so paid, Antonio was to forfeit a pound of flesh
from such part of his body as pleased the Jew. Antonio, not being able
to pay the money as agreed, Shylock sued for the fulfilment of the bond,
and in court refused to accept even three times the amount borrowed,
insisting on a pound of the merchant's flesh. According to the law,
there appeared to be no help for Antonio, but the judge, Portia, asked
Shylock to show mercy. To this he answered, "On what compulsion must I?
Tell me that." This selection is part of Portia's reply to Shylock's
question. The teacher should relate to the pupils the outline given
above.

ANALYSIS OF THE THOUGHT

1. The qualities of mercy:

(1) It