LEV652 A man should be as soft as a reed when it comes to reconciliation, not hard as a cedar (Taan. 20b). "To forgive him who caused me distress", was the prayer to God of many of our noblest characters. The Abot d'R. Nathan (xli, in the edition of Schechter). has excellent advice on the subject: "If you have done your fellow a little wrong, let it be in your eyes great; if you have done him much good, let it be in your eyes a little. If he has done you a little good, let it be in your eyes great; if he has done you a great wrong, let it be in your eyes little." The man who declines to forgive, transgresses an express command of the Torah [this verse]. He will receive the rod of chastisement (Yoma 23a), because he has incurred Divine displeasure by preserving enmity and being glad when misfortune befalls another. If to forgive is God's metier, as Heine said on his death-bed (Dieu me pardonnera; c'est son metier". God will forgive me; this is His business".) how much more should it be the predominating characteristic of frail and impulsive man?