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 is not forced. (2) It is gentle. (3) It carries a twofold blessing. (4) It is the most powerful attribute in men of might. (5) It is divine in its nature. 2. Where mercy is found: (1) It is found "enthroned in the hearts of kings". (2) It is found as a Divine attribute. 3. The results of showing mercy: (1) It adds strength to strength. (2) It makes man God-like. Question, in order to develop the analysis of the thought, and write on the board the topics, as given by the pupils. THE DIFFICULTIES Quality of mercy. The nature of mercy is not strained, is not forced. When the Jew asks "Upon what compulsion must I?", Portia answers that compulsion has nothing to do with mercy. It is not in the nature of mercy to be a result of compulsion.