The strife of the election is but human-nature practically applied to the facts of the case. What has occurred in this case, must ever recur in similar cases. Human-nature will not change. In any future great national trial, compared with the men of this, we shall have as weak, and as strong; as silly and as wise; as bad and good. Let us, therefore, study the incidents of this, as philosophy to learn wisdom from, and none of them as wrongs to be revenged.

Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865) American lawyer, politician, US President (1861–65)

Speech (1864-11-10), “Response to a Serenade,” Washington, D. C.
    (Source)

Discussing the stresses and strains of holding federal elections, including for the Presidency, during the Civil War. Speech given from a White House window to a group of Pennsylvanians celebrating his re-election.