VI. SOME HUMAN INTERESTS MAKING LIGHTER THE BURDENS OF THE TROUBLED WAY
Great minds always see a ridiculous aspect in the midst of every human crisis, even as Franklin did in the signing of the Declaration of Independence when he said, “We must all hang together or we will all hang separately.”
The President on a certain occasion was feeling very ill and he sent for the doctor, who came and told him that he had a very mild form of smallpox.
“Is it contagious?” he asked.
“Yes, very contagious,” replied the doctor.
A visitor was present who was very anxious to be appointed to a certain office. On hearing what the doctor said, the visitor hastily arose.
“Don’t be in a hurry, sir,” said Lincoln, as if very well intentioned toward him.
“Thank you, sir, I’ll call again,” said the retreating office seeker, as he vanished through the door.
“Some people,” said Lincoln, laughing at the hurried exit of his friend, “do not take kindly to my Emancipation Proclamation, but now I am happy to believe I have something that everybody can take.”