ABE

Like "Give us this day our daily bread and for-
give us our trespasses."

MENTOR (reaching for a newspaper in
the mess on the table)

I want you to read this--it's a speech delivered
by Mr. Webster before the United States Senate.
A fine document, and a perfect usage of the Im-
perative Mood in its hortatory sense. Here it is.
Read this--down here. (He leans back to listen.)

ABE (takes paper, leans forward into
the light and reads)

"Sir," the Senator continued, in the rich deep
tones of the historic church bells of his native
Boston, "Sir--I have not allowed myself to look
beyond the Union, to see what might be hidden in
the dark recess behind. While the Union lasts . . ."
(ABE has been reading in a monotone, without
insflection.)

MENTOR (testily)

Don't read it off as if it were an inventory of
Denton Offut's groceries. Imagine that you're
making the speech before the Senate, with the fate
of your country at stake. Put your own life into it!

ABE

I couldn't use words as long as Dan'l Webster.

MENTOR

That's what you're here for--to learn! Go ahead.

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