ABRAHAM LINCOLN

A play by JOHN DRINKWATER

With an introduction by ARNOLD BENNETT

[Illustration: The Riverside Press]

1919

To THE LORD CHARNWOOD

NOTE

In using for purposes of drama a personality of so wide and recent afame as that of Abraham Lincoln, I feel that one or two observationsare due to my readers and critics. 

First, my purpose is that not of the historian but of the dramatist. The historical presentation of my hero has been faithfully made inmany volumes; notably, in England, by Lord Charnwood in a monographthat gives a masterly analysis of Lincoln's career and character andis, it seems to me, a model of what the historian's work should be. Tothis book I am gratefully indebted for the material of my play. Butwhile I have, I hope, done nothing to traverse history, I have freelytelescoped its events, and imposed invention upon its movement, in such ways as I needed to shape the dramatic significance of mysubject. I should add that the fictitious Burnet Hook is admittedto the historical company of Lincoln's Cabinet for the purpose ofembodying certain forces that were antagonistic to the President. Thiswas a dramatic necessity, and I chose rather to invent a character forthe purpose than to invest any single known personage with sinisterqualities about which there might be dispute. 

Secondly, my purpose is, again, that of the dramatist, not that of thepolitical philosopher. The issue of secession was a very intricateone, upon which high and generous opinions may be in conflict, butthat I may happen to have or lack personal sympathy with Lincoln'spolicy and judgment in this matter is nothing. My concern is with theprofoundly dramatic interest of his character, and with the inspiringexample of a man who handled war nobly and with imagination. 

Finally, I am an Englishman, and not a citizen of the great countrythat gave Lincoln birth. I have, therefore, written as an Englishman, making no attempt to achieve a "local colour" of which I have noexperience, or to speak in an idiom to which I have not been bred. Tohave done otherwise, as I am sure any American friends that this playmay have the good fortune to make will allow, would have been to treata great subject with levity. _

J. D. _Far Oakridge, July-August, 1918_

INTRODUCTORY NOTE

This play was originally produced by the Birmingham Repertory Theatrelast year, and it had a great success in Birmingham. But if itsauthor had not happened to be the artistic director of the BirminghamRepertory Theatre the play might never have been produced there. The rumour of the provincial success reached London, with the usualresult--that London managers magnificently ignored it. I have myselfspoken with a very well-known London actor-manager who admitted to methat he had refused the play. 

When Nigel Playfair, in conjunction with myself as a sort ofChancellor of the Exchequer, started the Hammersmith Playhouse (forthe presentation of the best plays that could be got) we at oncebegan to inquire into the case of Abraham Lincoln. Nigel Playfair wasabsolutely determined to have the play and the Birmingham company toact it. I read the play and greatly admired it. We secured boththe play and the company. The first Hammersmith performance was atremendous success, both for the author of the play and for William J. Rea, the Irish actor who in the rôle of Lincoln was merely great. Theaudience cried. 

I should have cried myself, but for my iron resolve not to stain awell-earned reputation for callousness. As I returned home that nightfrom what are known as "the wilds of Hammersmith" (Hammersmith is asuburb of London) I said to myself: "This play is bound to succeed"The next moment I said to myself: "This play cannot possibly succeed. It has no love interest. It is a political play. Its theme is thethreatened separation of the Southern States from the Northern States. Nobody ever heard of a play with such an absurd theme reachingpermanent success. No author before John Drinkwater ever had theeffrontery to impose such a theme on a London public. "

My instinct was right and my reason was wrong. The play did succeed. It is still succeeding, and it will continue to succeed. Nobody candine out in London to-day and admit without a blush that he has notseen ABRAHAM LINCOLN. Monarchs and princes have seen it. Archbishopshave seen it. Statesmen without number have seen it. An ex-LordChancellor told me that he had journeyed out into the said wilds andwas informed at the theatre that there were no seats left. He couldnot believe that he would have to return from the wilds unsatisfied. But so it fell out. West End managers have tried to coax the play fromHammersmith to the West End. They could not do it. We have contrivedto make all London come to Hammersmith to see a play without alove-interest or a bedroom scene, and the play will remain atHammersmith. Americans will more clearly realize what John Drinkwaterhas achieved with the London public if they imagine somebody puttingon a play about the Crimean War at some unknown derelict theatre roundabout Two Hundred and Fiftieth Street, and drawing all New York to TwoHundred and Fiftieth Street. 

ABRAHAM LINCOLN has pleased everybody, and its triumph is the bestjustification of those few who held that the public was capable ofliking much better plays than were offered to the public. Why hasABRAHAM LINCOLN succeeded? Here are a few answers to the question:Because the author had a deep, practical knowledge of the stage. Because he disdained all stage tricks. Because he had the wit toselect for his hero one of the world's greatest and finest characters. Because he had the audacity to select a gigantic theme and to handleit with simplicity. Because he had the courage of all his artistic andmoral convictions. And of course because he has a genuine dramaticgift. Finally, because William J. Rea plays Lincoln with the utmostnobility of emotional power. 

Every audience has the same experience at ABRAHAM LINCOLN, and I laughprivately when I think of that experience. The curtain goes up on ahighly commonplace little parlour, and a few ordinary people chattingin a highly commonplace manner. They keep on chatting. The audiencethinks to itself: "I've been done! What is this interminable smalltalk?" And it wants to call out a protest: "Hi! You fellows on thestage! Have you forgotten that there is an audience on the otherside of the footlights, waiting for something to happen?" (Truly theordinary people in the parlour do seem to be unaware of the existenceof any audience. ) But wait, audience! Already the author is windinghis chains about you. Though you may not suspect it, you are alreadybound. . . . At the end of the first scene the audience, vaguely feelingthe spell, wonders what on earth the nature of the spell is. At theend of the play it is perhaps still wondering what precisely thenature of the spell is. . . . But it fully and rapturously admits thereality of the spell. Indeed after the fall of the curtain, and aftermany falls of the curtain, the spell persists; the audience somehowcannot leave its seats, and the thought of the worry of the journeyhome and of last 'busses and trains is banished. Strange phenomenon!It occurs every night. 

ARNOLD BENNETT _April 1919_

ABRAHAM LINCOLN

ABRAHAM LINCOLN

_Two Chroniclers_:

_The two speaking together_: Kinsmen, you shall beholdOur stage, in mimic action, mouldA man's character. 

This is the wonder, always, everywhere--Not that vast mutability which is event, The pits and pinnacles of change, But man's desire and valiance that rangeAll circumstance, and come to port unspent. 

Agents are these events, these ecstasies, And tribulations, to prove the puritiesOr poor oblivions that are our being. WhenBeauty and peace possess us, they are noneBut as they touch the beauty and peace of men, Nor, when our days are done, And the last utterance of doom must fall, Is the doom anythingMemorable for its apparelling;The bearing of man facing it is all. 

So, kinsmen, we presentThis for no loud eventThat is but fugitive, But that you may beholdOur mimic action mouldThe spirit of man immortally to live. 

_First Chronicler_: Once when a peril touched the daysOf freedom in our English ways, And none renowned in governmentWas equal found, Came to the steadfast heart of one, Who watched in lonely Huntingdon, A summons, and he went, And tyranny was bound, And Cromwell was the lord of his event. 

_Second Chronicler_: And in that land where voyagingThe pilgrim Mayflower came to rest, Among the chosen, counselling, Once, when bewilderment possessedA people, none there was might drawTo fold the wandering thoughts of men, And make as one the names againOf liberty and law. 

And then, from fifty fameless yearsIn quiet Illinois was sentA word that still the Atlantic hears, And Lincoln was the lord of his event. 

_The two speaking together:_ So the uncounted spirit wakesTo the birthOf uncounted circumstance. And time in a generation makesPortents majestic a little story of earthTo be remembered by chanceAt a fireside. But the ardours that they bear, The proud and invincible motions of character--

These--these abide. 

SCENE I. 

_The parlour of Abraham Lincoln's House at Springfield, Illinois, early in 1860_. MR. STONE, _a farmer, and_ MR. CUFFNEY, _astore-keeper, both men of between fifty and sixty, are sitting beforean early spring fire. It is dusk, but the curtains are not drawn. Themen are smoking silently_. 

_Mr. Stone (after a pause)_: Abraham. It's a good name for a man tobear, anyway. 

_Mr. Cuffney_: Yes. That's right. 

_Mr. Stone (after another pause)_: Abraham Lincoln. I've known himforty years. Never crooked once. Well. 

_He taps his pipe reflectively on the grate. There is another pause_. SUSAN, _a servant-maid, comes in, and busies herself lighting candlesand drawing the curtains to. _

_Susan_: Mrs. Lincoln has just come in. She says she'll be heredirectly. 

_Mr. Cuffney_: Thank you. 

_Mr. Stone_: Mr. Lincoln isn't home yet, I dare say?

_Susan:_ No, Mr. Stone. He won't be long, with all the gentlemencoming. 

_Mr. Stone:_ How would you like your master to be President of theUnited States, Susan?

_Susan:_ I'm sure he'd do it very nicely, sir. 

_Mr. Cuffney:_ He would have to leave Springfield, Susan, and go tolive in Washington. 

_Susan:_ I dare say we should take to Washington very well, sir. 

_Mr. Cuffney:_ Ah! I'm glad to hear that. 

_Susan:_ Mrs. Lincoln's rather particular about the tobacco smoke. 

_Mr. Stone:_ To be sure, yes, thank you, Susan. 

_Susan:_ The master doesn't smoke, you know. And Mrs. Lincoln'sspecially particular about this room. 

_Mr. Cuffney:_ Quite so. That's very considerate of you, Susan. 

_They knock out their pipes. _

_Susan:_ Though some people might not hold with a gentleman not doingas he'd a mind in his own house, as you might say. 

_She goes out. _

_Mr. Cuffney (after a further pause, stroking his pipe)_: I supposethere's no doubt about the message they'll bring?

_Mr. Stone_: No, that's settled right enough. It'll be an invitation. That's as sure as John Brown's dead. 

_Mr. Cuffney_: I could never make Abraham out rightly about old John. One couldn't stomach slaving more than the other, yet Abraham didn'thold with the old chap standing up against it with the sword. Badphilosophy, or something, he called it. Talked about fanatics who donothing but get themselves at a rope's end. 

_Mr. Stone_: Abraham's all for the Constitution. He wants theConstitution to be an honest master. There's nothing he wants likethat, and he'll stand for that, firm as a Samson of the spirit, if hegoes to Washington. He'd give his life to persuade the state againstslaving, but until it is persuaded and makes its laws against it, he'll have nothing to do with violence in the name of laws that aren'tmade. That's why old John's raiding affair stuck in his gullet. 

_Mr. Cuffney:_ He was a brave man, going like that, with a few zealouslike himself, and a handful of niggers, to free thousands. 

_Mr. Stone:_ He was. And those were brave words when they took him outto hang him. "I think, my friends, you are guilty of a great wrongagainst God and humanity. You may dispose of me very easily. I amnearly disposed of now. But this question is still to be settled--thisnegro question, I mean. The end of that is not yet. " I was there thatday. Stonewall Jackson was there. He turned away. There was a colonelthere giving orders. When it was over, "So perish all foes of thehuman race, " he called out. But only those that were afraid of losingtheir slaves believed it. 

_Mr. Cuffney (after a pause):_ It was a bad thing to hang a man likethat. . . . There's a song that they've made about him. 

_He sings quietly. _

 John Brown's body lies a mould'ring in the grave, But his soul goes marching on. . . 

_Mr. Stone:_ I know. 

_The two together (singing quietly):_

 The stars of heaven are looking kindly down On the grave of old John Brown. . . . 

_After a moment_ MRS. LINCOLN _comes in. The men rise. _

_Mrs. Lincoln:_ Good-evening, Mr. Stone. Good-evening, Mr. Cuffney. 

_Mr. Stone and Mr. Cuffney:_ Good-evening, ma'am. 

_Mrs. Lincoln:_ Sit down, if you please. 

_They all sit. _

_Mr. Stone:_ This is a great evening for you, ma'am. 

_Mrs. Lincoln:_ It is. 

_Mr. Cuffney:_ What time do you expect the deputation, ma'am?

_Mrs. Lincoln:_ They should be here at seven o'clock. _(With aninquisitive nose. )_ Surely, Abraham hasn't been smoking. 

_Mr. Stone (rising):_ Shall I open the window, ma'am? It gets close ofan evening. 

_Mrs. Lincoln:_ Naturally, in March. You may leave the window, SamuelStone. We do not smoke in the parlour. 

_Mr. Stone (resuming his seat):_ By no means, ma'am. 

_Mrs. Lincoln:_ I shall be obliged to you. 

_Mr. Cuffney:_ Has Abraham decided what he will say to the invitation?

_Mrs. Lincoln:_ He will accept it. 

_Mr. Stone:_ A very right decision, if I may say so. 

_Mrs. Lincoln:_ It is. 

_Mr. Cuffney:_ And you, ma'am, have advised him that way, I'll bebound. 

_Mrs. Lincoln:_ You said this was a great evening for me. It is, andI'll say more than I mostly do, because it is. I'm likely to go intohistory now with a great man. For I know better than any how great heis. I'm plain looking and I've a sharp tongue, and I've a mind thatdoesn't always go in his easy, high way. And that's what history willsee, and it will laugh a little, and say, "Poor Abraham Lincoln. "That's all right, but it's not all. I've always known when he shouldgo forward, and when he should hold back. I've watched, and watched, and what I've learnt America will profit by. There are women likethat, lots of them. But I'm lucky. My work's going farther thanIllinois--it's going farther than any of us can tell. I made thingseasy for him to think and think when we were poor, and now histhinking has brought him to this. They wanted to make him Governorof Oregon, and he would have gone and have come to nothing there. Istopped him. Now they're coming to ask him to be President, and I'vetold him to go. 

_Mr. Stone_: If you please, ma'am, I should like to apologise forsmoking in here. 

_Mrs. Lincoln_: That's no matter, Samuel Stone. Only, don't do itagain. 

_Mr. Cuffney_: It's a great place for a man to fill. Do you know howSeward takes Abraham's nomination by the Republicans?

_Mrs. Lincoln_: Seward is ambitious. He expected the nomination. Abraham will know how to use him. 

_Mr. Stone_: The split among the Democrats makes the election of theRepublican choice a certainty, I suppose?

_Mrs. Lincoln_: Abraham says so. 

_Mr. Cuffney_: You know, it's hard to believe. When I think of thetimes I've sat in this room of an evening, and seen your husband comein, ma'am, with his battered hat nigh falling off the back of hishead, and stuffed with papers that won't go into his pockets, andgod-darning some rascal who'd done him about an assignment or atrespass, I can't think he's going up there into the eyes of theworld. 

_Mrs. Lincoln_: I've tried for years to make him buy a new hat. 

_Mr. Cuffney_: I have a very large selection just in from New York. Perhaps Abraham might allow me to offer him one for his departure. 

_Mrs. Lincoln_: He might. But he'll wear the old one. 

_Mr. Stone_: Slavery and the South. They're big things he'll have todeal with. "The end of that is not yet. " That's what old John Brownsaid, "the end of that is not yet. "

ABRAHAM LINCOLN _comes in, a greenish and crumpled top hat leavinghis forehead well uncovered, his wide pockets brimming over withdocuments. He is fifty, and he still preserves his clean-shaven state. He kisses his wife and shakes hands with his friends. _

_Lincoln:_ Well, Mary. How d'ye do, Samuel. How d'ye do, Timothy. 

_Mr. Stone and Mr. Cuffney:_ Good-evening, Abraham. 

_Lincoln (while he takes of his hat and shakes out sundry papers fromthe lining into a drawer):_ John Brown, did you say? Aye, John Brown. But that's not the way it's to be done. And you can't do the rightthing the wrong way. That's as bad as the wrong thing, if you're goingto keep the state together. 

_Mr. Cuffney:_ Well, we'll be going. We only came in to give yougood-faring, so to say, in the great word you've got to speak thisevening. 

_Mr. Stone:_ It makes a humble body almost afraid of himself, Abraham, to know his friend is to be one of the great ones of the earth, withhis yes and no law for these many, many thousands of folk. 

_Lincoln:_ It makes a man humble to be chosen so, Samuel. So humblethat no man but would say "No" to such bidding if he dare. To bePresident of this people, and trouble gathering everywhere in men'shearts. That's a searching thing. Bitterness, and scorn, and wrestlingoften with men I shall despise, and perhaps nothing truly done at theend. But I must go. Yes. Thank you, Samuel; thank you, Timothy. Just aglass of that cordial, Mary, before they leave. 

_He goes to a cupboard. _

May the devil smudge that girl!

_Calling at the door. _

Susan! Susan Deddington! Where's that darnation cordial?

_Mrs. Lincoln:_ It's all right, Abraham. I told the girl to keep itout. The cupboard's choked with papers. 

_Susan (coming in with bottle and glasses):_ I'm sure I'm sorry. I wastold--

_Lincoln:_ All right, all right, Susan. Get along with you. 

_Susan:_ Thank you, sir. _She goes. _

_Lincoln (pouring out drink):_ Poor hospitality for whiskey-drinkingrascals like yourselves. But the thought's good. 

_Mr. Stone:_ Don't mention it, Abraham. 

_Mr. Cuffney:_ We wish you well, Abraham. Our compliments, ma'am. AndGod bless America! Samuel, I give you the United States, and AbrahamLincoln. 

MR. CUFFNEY _and_ MR. STONE _drink. _

_Mrs. Lincoln:_ Thank you. 

_Lincoln:_ Samuel, Timothy--I drink to the hope of honest friends. Mary, to friendship. I'll need that always, for I've a queer, anxiousheart. And, God bless America!

_He and_ MRS. LINCOLN _drink. _

_Mr. Stone:_ Well, good-night, Abraham. Good-night, ma'am. 

_Mr. Cuffney:_ Good-night, good-night. 

_Mrs. Lincoln:_ Good-night, Mr. Stone. Good-night, Mr. Cuffney. 

_Lincoln:_ Good-night, Samuel. Good-night, Timothy. And thank you forcoming. 

MR. STONE _and_ MR. CUFFNEY _go out. _

_Mrs. Lincoln:_ You'd better see them in here. 

_Lincoln:_ Good. Five minutes to seven. You're sure about it, Mary?

_Mrs. Lincoln:_ Yes. Aren't you?

_Lincoln:_ We mean to set bounds to slavery. The South will resist. They may try to break away from the Union. That cannot be allowed. Ifthe Union is set aside America will crumble. The saving of it may meanblood. 

_Mrs. Lincoln:_ Who is to shape it all if you don't?

_Lincoln:_ There's nobody. I know it. 

_Mrs. Lincoln:_ Then go. 

_Lincoln:_ Go. 

_Mrs. Lincoln (after a moment):_ This hat is a disgrace to you, Abraham. You pay no heed to what I say, and you think it doesn'tmatter. A man like you ought to think a little about gentility. 

_Lincoln:_ To be sure. I forget. 

_Mrs. Lincoln:_ You don't. You just don't heed. Samuel Stone's beensmoking in here. 

_Lincoln:_ He's a careless, poor fellow. 

_Mrs. Lincoln:_ He is, and a fine example you set him. You don't carewhether he makes my parlour smell poison or not. 

_Lincoln:_ Of course I do--

_Mrs. Lincoln:_ You don't. Your head is too stuffed with things tothink about my ways. I've got neighbours if you haven't. 

_Lincoln:_ Well, now, your neighbours are mine, I suppose. 

_Mrs. Lincoln:_ Then why won't you consider appearances a little?

_Lincoln:_ Certainly. I must. 

_Mrs. Lincoln:_ Will you get a new hat?

_Lincoln:_ Yes, I must see about it. 

_Mrs. Lincoln:_ When?

_Lincoln:_ In a day or two. Before long. 

_Mrs. Lincoln:_ Abraham, I've got a better temper than anybody willever guess. 

_Lincoln:_ You have, my dear. And you need it, I confess. 

SUSAN _comes in. _

_Susan:_ The gentlemen have come. 

_Mrs. Lincoln:_ I'll come to them. 

_Susan:_ Does the master want a handkerchief, ma'am? He didn't takeone this morning. 

_Lincoln:_ It's no matter now, Susan. 

_Susan:_ If you please, I've brought you one, sir. 

_She gives it to him, and goes. _

_Mrs. Lincoln:_ I'll send them in. Abraham, I believe in you. 

_Lincoln:_ I know, I know. 

MRS. LINCOLN _goes out. _ LINCOLN _moves to a map of the United Statesthat is hanging on the wall, and stands silently looking at it. Aftera few moments_ SUSAN _comes to the door. _

_Susan:_ This way, please. 

_She shows in_ WILLIAM TUCKER, _a florid, prosperous merchant;_ HENRYHIND, _an alert little attorney;_ ELIAS PRICE, _a lean lay preacher;and_ JAMES MACINTOSH, _the editor of a Republican journal. _ SUSAN_goes. 

Tucker:_ Mr. Lincoln. Tucker my name is--William Tucker. 

_He presents his companions. _

Mr. Henry Hind--follows your profession, Mr. Lincoln. Leader of thebar in Ohio. Mr. Elias Price, of Pennsylvania. You've heard himpreach, maybe. James Macintosh you know. I come from Chicago. 

_Lincoln:_ Gentlemen, at your service. How d'ye do, James. Will you beseated?

_They sit round the table. _

_Tucker_: I have the honour to be chairman of this delegation. We aresent from Chicago by the Republican Convention, to enquire whether youwill accept their invitation to become the Republican candidate forthe office of President of the United States. 

_Price_: The Convention is aware, Mr. Lincoln, that under thecircumstances, seeing that the Democrats have split, this is more thanan invitation to candidature. Their nominee is almost certain to beelected. 

_Lincoln_: Gentlemen, I am known to one of you only. Do you know mymany disqualifications for this work?

_Hind_: It's only fair to say that they have been discussed freely. 

_Lincoln_: There are some, shall we say graces, that I lack. Washington does not altogether neglect these. 

_Tucker_: They have been spoken of. But these are days, Mr. Lincoln, if I may say so, too difficult, too dangerous, for these to weigh atthe expense of other qualities that you were considered to possess. 

_Lincoln_: Seward and Hook have both had great experience. 

_Macintosh_: Hook had no strong support. For Seward, there are doubtsas to his discretion. 

_Lincoln_: Do not be under any misunderstanding, I beg you. I aimat moderation so far as it is honest. But I am a very stubborn man, gentlemen. If the South insists upon the extension of slavery, andclaims the right to secede, as you know it very well may do, and thedecision lies with me, it will mean resistance, inexorable, with bloodif needs be. I would have everybody's mind clear as to that. 

_Price_: It will be for you to decide, and we believe you to be anupright man, Mr. Lincoln. 

_Lincoln_: Seward and Hook would be difficult to carry assubordinates. 

_Tucker_: But they will have to be carried so, and there's nonelikelier for the job than you. 

_Lincoln_: Will your Republican Press stand by me for a principle, James, whatever comes?

_Macintosh_: There's no other man we would follow so readily. 

_Lincoln_: If you send me, the South will have little but derision foryour choice. 

_Hind_: We believe that you'll last out their laughter. 

_Lincoln_: I can take any man's ridicule--I'm trained to it by a . . . Somewhat odd figure that it pleased God to give me, if I may so far bepleasant with you. But this slavery business will be long, and deep, and bitter. I know it. If you do me this honour, gentlemen, you mustlook to me for no compromise in this matter. If abolition comes in duetime by constitutional means, good. I want it. But, while we will notforce abolition, we will give slavery no approval, and we will notallow it to extend its boundaries by one yard. The determination is inmy blood. When I was a boy I made a trip to New Orleans, and there Isaw them, chained, beaten, kicked as a man would be ashamed to kick athieving dog. And I saw a young girl driven up and down the room thatthe bidders might satisfy themselves. And I said then, "If ever I geta chance to hit that thing, I'll hit it hard. "

_A pause_. 

You have no conditions to make?

_Tucker_: None. 

_Lincoln (rising):_ Mrs. Lincoln and I would wish you to take supperwith us. 

_Tucker_: That's very kind, I'm sure. And your answer, Mr. Lincoln?

_Lincoln_: When you came, you did not know me, Mr. Tucker. You mayhave something to say now not for my ears. 

_Tucker_: Nothing in the world, I assure--

_Lincoln_: I will prepare Mrs. Lincoln. You will excuse me for no morethan a minute. 

_He goes out_. 

_Tucker_: Well, we might have chosen a handsomer article, but I doubtwhether we could have chosen a better. 

_Hind_: He would make a great judge--if you weren't prosecuting. 

_Price_: I'd tell most people, but I'd ask that man. 

_Tucker_: He hasn't given us yes or no yet. Why should he leave uslike that, as though plain wasn't plain?

_Hind_: Perhaps he wanted a thought by himself first. 

_Macintosh_: It wasn't that. But he was right. Abraham Lincoln seesdeeper into men's hearts than most. He knows this day will be a memoryto us all our lives. Under his eye, which of you could have given playto any untoward thought that had started in you against him sinceyou came into this room? But, leaving you, he knew you could testyourselves to your own ease, and speak the more confident for it, and, if you found yourselves clean of doubt, carry it all the happier inyour minds after. Is there a doubt among us?

_Tucker_:}_Hind_: } No, none. _Price_: }

_Macintosh_: Then, Mr. Tucker, ask him again when he comes back. 

_Tucker_: I will. 

_They sit in silence for a moment, and_ Lincoln _comes in again, backto his place at the table_. 

_Lincoln_: I wouldn't have you think it graceless of me to be slow inmy answer. But once given, it's for the deep good or the deep illof all this country. In the face of that a man may well ask himselftwenty times, when he's twenty times sure. You make no qualification, any one among you?

_Tucker_: None. The invitation is as I put it when we sat down. And Iwould add that we are, all of us, proud to bear it to a man as to whomwe feel there is none so fitted to receive it. 

_Lincoln_: I thank you. I accept. 

_He rises, the others with him. He goes to the door and calls_. 

Susan. 

_There is silence_. SUSAN _comes in. 

Susan:_ Yes, Mr. Lincoln. 

_Lincoln_: Take these gentlemen to Mrs. Lincoln. I will follow atonce. 

_The four men go with_ SUSAN. LINCOLN _stands silently for a moment. He goes again to the map and looks at it. He then turns to the tableagain, and kneels beside it, possessed and deliberate, burying hisface in his hands. _

THE CURTAIN FALLS. 

_The two Chroniclers_: Lonely is the man who understands. Lonely is vision that leads a man awayFrom the pasture-lands, From the furrows of corn and the brown loads of hay, To the mountain-side, To the high places where contemplation bringsAll his adventuringsAmong the sowers and the tillers in the wideValleys to one fused experience, That shall controlThe courses of his soul, And give his handCourage and continence. 

_The First Chronicler_: Shall a man understand, He shall know bitterness because his kind, Being perplexed of mind, Hold issues even that are nothing mated. And he shall giveCounsel out of his wisdom that none shall hear;And steadfast in vain persuasion must he live, And unabatedShall his temptation be. 

_Second Chronicler_: Coveting the little, the instant gain, The brief security, And easy-tongued renown, Many will mock the vision that his brainBuilds to a far, unmeasured monument, And many bid his resolutions downTo the wages of content. 

_First Chronicler_: A year goes by. 

_The two together_: Here contemplateA heart, undaunted to possessItself among the glooms of fate, In vision and in loneliness. 

SCENE II. 

_Ten months later. Seward's room at Washington_. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, _Secretary of State, is seated at his table with_ JOHNSON WHITE _and_CALEB JENNINGS, _representing the Commissioners of the ConfederateStates_. 

_White_: It's the common feeling in the South, Mr. Seward, that you'rethe one man at Washington to see this thing with large imagination. Isay this with no disrespect to the President. 

_Seward_: I appreciate your kindness, Mr. White. But the Union is theUnion--you can't get over that. We are faced with a plain fact. Sevenof the Southern States have already declared for secession. ThePresident feels--and I may say that I and my colleagues are withhim--that to break up the country like that means the decline ofAmerica. 

_Jennings_: But everything might be done by compromise, Mr. Seward. Withdraw your garrison from Fort Sumter, Beauregard will be instructedto take no further action, South Carolina will be satisfied with therecognition of her authority, and, as likely as not, be willing togive the lead to the other states in reconsidering secession. 

_Seward_: It is certainly a very attractive and, I conceive, a humaneproposal. 

_White_: By furthering it you might be the saviour of the country fromcivil war, Mr. Seward. 

_Seward_: The President dwelt on his resolution to hold Fort Sumter inhis inaugural address. It will be difficult to persuade him to go backon that. He's firm in his decisions. 

_White_: There are people who would call him stubborn. Surely ifit were put to him tactfully that so simple a course might avertincalculable disaster, no man would nurse his dignity to the point ofnot yielding. I speak plainly, but it's a time for plain speaking. Mr. Lincoln is doubtless a man of remarkable qualities: on the twooccasions when I have spoken to him I have not been unimpressed. Thatis so, Mr. Jennings?

_Jennings_: Certainly. 

_White_: But what does his experience of great affairs of state amountto beside yours, Mr. Seward? He must know how much he depends oncertain members of his Cabinet, I might say upon a certain member, foradvice. 

_Seward_: We have to move warily. 

_Jennings_: Naturally. A man is sensitive, doubtless, in his firsttaste of office. 

_Seward_: My support of the President is, of course, unquestionable. 

_White_: Oh, entirely. But how can your support be more valuable thanin lending him your unequalled understanding?

_Seward_: The whole thing is coloured in his mind by the question ofslavery. 

_Jennings_: Disabuse his mind. Slavery is nothing. Persuade him towithdraw from Fort Sumter, and slavery can be settled round a table. You know there's a considerable support even for abolition in theSouth itself. If the trade has to be allowed in some districts, whatis that compared to the disaster of civil war?

_White_: We do not believe that the Southern States wish with anyenthusiasm to secede. They merely wish to establish their right to doso. Acknowledge that by evacuating Fort Sumter, and nothing will comeof it but a perfectly proper concession to an independence of spiritthat is not disloyal to the Union at heart. 

_Seward_: You understand, of course, that I can say nothingofficially. 

_Jennings_: These are nothing but informal suggestions. 

_Seward_: But I may tell you that I am not unsympathetic. 

_White_: We were sure that that would be so. 

_Seward_: And my word is not without influence. 

_Jennings_: It can be used to bring you very great credit, Mr. Seward. 

_Seward_: In the mean time, you will say nothing of this interview, beyond making your reports, which should be confidential. 

_White_: You may rely upon us. 

_Seward (rising with the others)_: Then I will bid you good-morning. 

_White_: We are profoundly sensible of the magnanimous temper in whichwe are convinced you will conduct this grave business. Good-morning, Mr. Seward. 

_Jennings_: And I--

_There is a knock at the door_. 

_Seward_: Yes--come in. 

A CLERK _comes in_. 

_Clerk_: The President is coming up the stairs, sir. 

_Seward_: Thank you. 

THE CLERK _goes_. This is unfortunate. Say nothing, and go at once. 

LINCOLN _comes in, now whiskered and bearded. _

_Lincoln_: Good-morning, Mr. Seward. Good-morning, gentlemen. 

_Seward_: Good-morning, Mr. President. And I am obliged to you forcalling, gentlemen. Good-morning. 

_He moves towards the door_. 

_Lincoln_: Perhaps these gentlemen could spare me ten minutes. 

_White_: It might not--

_Lincoln_: Say five minutes. 

_Jennings_: Perhaps you would--

_Lincoln_: I am anxious always for any opportunity to exchange viewswith our friends of the South. Much enlightenment may be gained infive minutes. Be seated, I beg you--if Mr. Seward will allow us. 

_Seward_: By all means. Shall I leave you?

_Lincoln_: Leave us--but why? I may want your support, Mr. Secretary, if we should not wholly agree. Be seated, gentlemen. 

SEWARD _places a chair for_ LINCOLN, _and they sit at the table_. 

You have messages for us?

_White_: Well, no, we can't say that. 

_Lincoln_: No messages? Perhaps I am inquisitive?

_Seward_: These gentlemen are anxious to sound any moderatinginfluences. 

_Lincoln_: I trust they bring moderating influences with them. Youwill find me a ready listener, gentlemen. 

_Jennings_: It's a delicate matter, Mr. Lincoln. Ours is just aninformal visit. 

_Lincoln_: Quite, quite. But we shall lose nothing by knowing eachother's minds. 

_White_: Shall we tell the President what we came to say, Mr. Seward?

_Lincoln_: I shall be grateful. If I should fail to understand, Mr. Seward, no doubt, will enlighten me. 

_Jennings_: We thought it hardly worth while to trouble you at soearly a stage. 

_Lincoln_: So early a stage of what?

_Jennings_: I mean--

_Seward_: These gentlemen, in a common anxiety for peace, were merelyseeking the best channel through which suggestions could be made. 

_Lincoln_: To whom?

_Seward_: To the government. 

_Lincoln_: The head of the government is here. 

_White_: But--

_Lincoln_: Come, gentlemen. What is it?

_Jennings_: It's this matter of Fort Sumter, Mr. President. If youwithdraw your garrison from Fort Sumter it won't be looked upon asweakness in you. It will merely be looked upon as a concession to anatural privilege. We believe that the South at heart does not wantsecession. It wants to establish the right to decide for itself. 

_Lincoln_: The South wants the stamp of national approval uponslavery. It can't have it. 

_White_: Surely that's not the point. There's no law in the Southagainst slavery. 

_Lincoln_: Laws come from opinion, Mr. White. The South knows it. 

_Jennings_: Mr. President, if I may say so, you don't quiteunderstand. 

_Lincoln_: Does Mr. Seward understand?

_White_: We believe so. 

_Lincoln_: You are wrong. He doesn't understand, because you didn'tmean him to. I don't blame you. You think you are acting for the best. You think you've got an honest case. But I'll put your case for you, and I'll put it naked. Many people in this country want abolition;many don't. I'll say nothing for the moment as to the rights andwrongs of it. But every man, whether he wants it or not, knows it maycome. Why does the South propose secession? Because it knows abolitionmay come, and it wants to avoid it. It wants more: it wants the rightto extend the slave foundation. We've all been to blame for slavery, but we in the North have been willing to mend our ways. You have not. So you'll secede, and make your own laws. But you weren't prepared forresistance; you don't want resistance. And you hope that if you cantide over the first crisis and make us give way, opinion will preventus from opposing you with force again, and you'll be able to get yourown way about the slave business by threats. That's your case. Youdidn't say so to Mr. Seward, but it is. Now, I'll give you my answer. Gentlemen, it's no good hiding this thing in a corner. It's got to besettled. I said the other day that Fort Sumter would be held as longas we could hold it. I said it because I know exactly what it means. Why are you investing it? Say, if you like, it's to establish yourright of secession with no purpose of exercising it. Why do you wantto establish that right? Because now we will allow no extension ofslavery, and because some day we may abolish it. You can't deny it;there's no other answer. 

_Jennings_: I see how it is. You may force freedom as much as youlike, but we are to beware how we force slavery. 

_Lincoln_: It couldn't be put better, Mr. Jennings. That's what theUnion means. It is a Union that stands for common right. That is itsfoundation--that is why it is for every honest man to preserve it. Beclear about this issue. If there is war, it will not be on the slavequestion. If the South is loyal to the Union, it can fight slavelegislation by constitutional means, and win its way if it can. Ifit claims the right to secede, then to preserve this country fromdisruption, to maintain that right to which every state pledged itselfwhen the Union was won for us by our fathers, war may be the only way. We won't break up the Union, and you shan't. In your hands, and not inmine, is the momentous issue of civil war. You can have no conflictwithout yourselves being the aggressors. I am loath to close. We arenot enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion mayhave strained, do not allow it to break our bonds of affection. Thatis our answer. Tell them that. Will you tell them that?

_White_: You are determined?

_Lincoln_: I beg you to tell them. 

_Jennings_: It shall be as you wish. 

_Lincoln_: Implore them to order Beauregard's return. You cantelegraph it now, from here. Will you do that?

_White_: If you wish it. 

_Lincoln_: Earnestly. Mr. Seward, will you please place a clerk attheir service. Ask for an answer. 

SEWARD _rings a bell_. A CLERK _comes in_. 

_Seward:_ Give these gentlemen a private wire. Place yourself at theirdisposal. 

_Clerk_: Yes, sir. 

WHITE _and_ JENNINGS _go out with the_ CLERK. _For a moment_ LINCOLN_and_ SEWARD _are silent, _ LINCOLN _pacing the room_, SEWARD _standingat the table. 

_Lincoln:_ Seward, this won't do. 

_Seward_: You don't suspect--

_Lincoln_: I do not. But let us be plain. No man can say how wisely, but Providence has brought me to the leadership of this country, witha task before me greater than that which rested on Washington himself. When I made my Cabinet, you were the first man I chose. I do notregret it. I think I never shall. But remember, faith earns faith. What is it? Why didn't those men come to see me?

_Seward_: They thought my word might bear more weight with you thantheirs. 

_Lincoln_: Your word for what?

_Seward_: Discretion about Fort Sumter. 

_Lincoln_: Discretion?

_Seward_: It's devastating, this thought of war. 

_Lincoln_: It is. Do you think I'm less sensible of that than you?War should be impossible. But you can only make it impossible bydestroying its causes. Don't you see that to withdraw from Fort Sumteris to do nothing of the kind? If one half of this country claimsthe right to disown the Union, the claim in the eyes of every trueguardian among us must be a cause for war, unless we hold the Union tobe a false thing instead of the public consent to decent principlesof life that it is. If we withdraw from Fort Sumter, we do nothing todestroy that cause. We can only destroy it by convincing them thatsecession is a betrayal of their trust. Please God we may do so. 

_Seward_: Has there, perhaps, been some timidity in making all thisclear to the country?

_Lincoln_: Timidity? And you were talking of discretion. 

_Seward_: I mean that perhaps our policy has not been sufficientlydefined. 

_Lincoln_: And have you not concurred in all our decisions? Do notdeceive yourself. You urge me to discretion in one breath and tax mewith timidity in the next. While there was hope that they might callBeauregard back out of their own good sense, I was determined tosay nothing to inflame them. Do you call that timidity? Now theirintention is clear, and you've heard me speak this morning clearlyalso. And now you talk about discretion--you, who call what wasdiscretion at the right time, timidity, now counsel timidity at thewrong time, and call it discretion. Seward, you may think I'm simple, but I can see your mind working as plainly as you might see theinnards of a clock. You can bring great gifts to this government, withyour zeal, and your administrative experience, and your love of men. Don't spoil it by thinking I've got a dull brain. 

_Seward (slowly):_ Yes, I see. I've not been thinking quite clearlyabout it all. 

_Lincoln (taking a paper from his pocket_): Here's the paper you sentme. "Some Thoughts for the President's Consideration. Great Britain. . . Russia . . . Mexico . . . Policy. Either the President must controlthis himself, or devolve it on some member of his Cabinet. It isnot in my especial province, but I neither seek to evade nor assumeresponsibility. "

_There is a pause, the two men looking at each, other withoutspeaking_. LINCOLN _hands the paper to_ SEWARD, _who holds it for amoment, tears it up and throws it into his basket_. 

_Seward:_ I beg your pardon. 

_Lincoln (taking his hand_): That's brave of you. 

JOHN HAY, _a Secretary, comes in_. 

_Hay:_ There's a messenger from Major Anderson, sir. He's riddenstraight from Fort Sumter. 

_Lincoln_: Take him to my room. No, bring him here. 

HAY _goes_. 

_Seward_: What does it mean?

_Lincoln_: I don't like the sound of it. 

_He rings a bell_. A CLERK _comes in_. 

Are there any gentlemen of the Cabinet in the house?

_Clerk_: Mr. Chase and Mr. Blair, I believe, sir. 

_Lincoln_: My compliments to them, and will they be prepared to seeme here at once if necessary. Send the same message to any otherministers you can find. 

_Clerk_: Yes, sir. 

_He goes_. 

_Lincoln_: We may have to decide now--now. 

HAY _shows in a perspiring and dust-covered_

MESSENGER, _and retires_. From Major Anderson?

_The Messenger_: Yes, sir. Word of mouth, sir. 

_Lincoln_: Your credentials?

_The Messenger (giving_ LINCOLN _a paper_): Here, sir. 

_Lincoln (glancing at it_): Well?

_The Messenger_: Major Anderson presents his duty to the government. He can hold the Fort three days more without provisions andreinforcements. 

LINCOLN _rings the bell, and waits until a third_ CLERK _comes in_. 

_Lincoln_: See if Mr. White and Mr. Jennings have had any answer yet. Mr. --what's his name?

_Seward_: Hawkins. 

_Lincoln_: Mr. Hawkins is attending to them. And ask Mr. Hay to comehere. 

_Clerk_: Yes, sir. 

_He goes_. LINCOLN _sits at the table and writes_. HAY _comes in_. 

_Lincoln (writing):_ Mr. Hay, do you know where General Scott is?

_Hay_: At headquarters, I think, sir. 

_Lincoln_: Take this to him yourself and bring an answer back. 

_Hay_: Yes, sir. 

_He takes the note, and goes_. 

_Lincoln:_ Are things very bad at the Fort?

_The Messenger_: The major says three days, sir. Most of us would havesaid twenty-four hours. 

_A knock at the door_. 

_Seward:_ Yes. 

HAWKINS _comes in_. 

_Hawkins_: Mr. White is just receiving a message across the wire, sir. 

_Lincoln_: Ask him to come here directly he's finished. 

_Hawkins_: Yes, sir. 

_He goes_. LINCOLN _goes to a far door and opens it. He speaks to the_MESSENGER. 

_Lincoln_: Will you wait in here?

_The_ MESSENGER _goes through_. 

_Seward_: Do you mind if I smoke?

_Lincoln_: Not at all, not at all. 

SEWARD _lights a cigar_. 

Three days. If White's message doesn't help us--three days. 

_Seward_: But surely we must withdraw as a matter of militarynecessity now. 

_Lincoln_: Why doesn't White come?

SEWARD _goes to the window and throws it up. He stands looking downinto the street_. LINCOLN _stands at the table looking fixedly at thedoor. After a moment or two there is a knock. _

Come in. 

HAWKINS _shows in_ WHITE _and_ JENNINGS, _and goes out_. SEWARD_closes the window_. 

Well?

_White_: I'm sorry. They won't give way. 

_Lincoln_: You told them all I said?

_Jennings_: Everything. 

_Lincoln_: It's critical. 

_White_: They are definite. 

LINCOLN _paces once or twice up and down the room, standing again athis place at the table_. 

_Lincoln:_ They leave no opening?

_White_: I regret to say, none. 

_Lincoln_: It's a grave decision. Terribly grave. Thank you, gentlemen. Good-morning. 

_White and Jennings_: Good-morning, gentlemen. 

_They go out_. 

_Lincoln_: My God! Seward, we need great courage, great faith. 

_He rings the bell. The_ SECOND CLERK _comes in. _

Did you take my messages?

_The Clerk_: Yes, sir. Mr. Chase and Mr. Blair are here. The otherministers are coming immediately. 

_Lincoln_: Ask them to come here at once. And send Mr. Hay in directlyhe returns. 

_The Clerk_: Yes, sir. 

_He goes_. 

_Lincoln (after a pause_): "There is a tide in the affairs of men . . . "Do you read Shakespeare, Seward?

_Seward_: Shakespeare? No. 

_Lincoln_: Ah!

SALMON P. CHASE, _Secretary of the Treasury, and_ MONTGOMERY BLAIR, _Postmaster-General, come in_. 

Good-morning, Mr. Chase, Mr. Blair. 

_Seward_: Good-morning, gentlemen. 

_Blair_: Good-morning, Mr. President. How d'ye do, Mr. Seward. 

_Chase_: Good-morning, Mr. President. Something urgent?

_Lincoln_: Let us be seated. 

_As they draw chairs up to the table, the other members of theCabinet_, SIMON CAMERON, CALEB SMITH, BURNET HOOK, _and_ GIDEONWELLES, _come in. There is an exchange of greetings, while theyarrange themselves round the table_. 

Gentlemen, we meet in a crisis, the most fateful, perhaps, that hasever faced any government in this country. It can be stated briefly. A message has just come from Anderson. He can hold Fort Sumter threedays at most unless we send men and provisions. 

_Cameron_: How many men?

_Lincoln_: I shall know from Scott in a few minutes how many arenecessary. 

_Welles_: Suppose we haven't as many. 

_Lincoln_: Then it's a question of provisioning. We may not be able todo enough to be effective. The question is whether we shall do as muchas we can. 

_Hook_: If we withdrew altogether, wouldn't it give the South a leadtowards compromise, as being an acknowledgment of their authority, while leaving us free to plead military necessity if we found publicopinion dangerous?

_Lincoln_: My mind is clear. To do less than we can do, whatever thatmay be, will be fundamentally to allow the South's claim to right ofsecession. That is my opinion. If you evade the question now, you willhave to answer it to-morrow. 

_Blair_: I agree with the President. 

_Hook_: We ought to defer action as long as possible. I consider thatwe should withdraw. 

_Lincoln_: Don't you see that to withdraw may postpone war, but thatit will make it inevitable in the end?

_Smith_: It is inevitable if we resist. 

_Lincoln_: I fear it will be so. But in that case we shall enter itwith uncompromised principles. Mr. Chase?

_Chase_: It is difficult. But, on the whole, my opinion is with yours, Mr. President. 

_Lincoln_: And you, Seward?

_Seward_: I respect your opinion, but I must differ. 

_A knock at the door_. 

_Lincoln_: Come in. 

HAY _comes in. He gives a letter to_ LINCOLN _and goes_. 

_(Reading):_ Scott says twenty thousand men. 

_Seward_: We haven't ten thousand ready. 

_Lincoln_: It remains a question of sending provisions. I chargeyou, all of you, to weigh this thing with all your understanding. Totemporise now, cannot, in my opinion, avert war. To speak plainly tothe world in standing by our resolution to hold Fort Sumter withall our means, and in a plain declaration that the Union must bepreserved, will leave us with a clean cause, simply and loyallysupported. I tremble at the thought of war. But we have in our hands asacred trust. It is threatened. We have had no thought of aggression. We have been the aggressed. Persuasion has failed, and I conceive itto be our duty to resist. To withhold supplies from Anderson would beto deny that duty. Gentlemen, the matter is before you. 

_A pause_. 

For provisioning the fort?

LINCOLN, CHASE, _and_ BLAIR _hold up their hands. _

For immediate withdrawal?

SEWARD, CAMERON, SMITH, HOOK, _and_ WELLES _hold up their hands. Thereis a pause of some moments_. 

Gentlemen, I may have to take upon myself the responsibility ofover-riding your vote. It will be for me to satisfy Congress andpublic opinion. Should I receive any resignations?

_There is silence_. 

I thank you for your consideration, gentlemen. That is all. 

_They rise, and the Ministers, with the exception of_ SEWARD, _go out, talking as they pass beyond the door_. 

You are wrong, Seward, wrong. 

_Seward_: I believe you. I respect your judgment even as far as that. But I must speak as I feel. 

_Lincoln_: May I speak to this man alone?

_Seward_: Certainly. _He goes out_. LINCOLN _stands motionless for amoment. Then he moves to a map of the United States, much larger thanthe one in his Illinois home, and looks at it as he did there. He goesto the far door and opens it_. 

_Lincoln:_ Will you come in?

_The_ MESSENGER _comes_. 

Can you ride back to Major Anderson at once?

_The Messenger_: Yes, sir. 

_Lincoln_: Tell him that we cannot reinforce him immediately. Wehaven't the men. 

_The Messenger_: Yes, sir. 

_Lincoln_: And say that the first convoy of supplies will leaveWashington this evening. 

_The Messenger_: Yes, sir. 

_Lincoln_: Thank you. 

_The_ MESSENGER goes. LINCOLN _stands at the table for a moment; herings the bell_. HAWKINS _comes in_. 

Mr. Hay, please. 

_Hawkins_: Yes, sir. 

_He goes, and a moment later_ HAY _comes in. 

Lincoln:_ Go to General Scott. Ask him to come to me at once. 

_Hay_: Yes, sir. 

_He goes_. 

THE CURTAIN FALLS. 

_The two Chroniclers_: You who have gone gathering Cornflowers and meadowsweet, Heard the hazels glancing down On September eves, Seen the homeward rooks on wing Over fields of golden wheat, And the silver cups that crown Water-lily leaves;

You who know the tenderness Of old men at eve-tide, Coming from the hedgerows, Coming from the plough, And the wandering caress Of winds upon the woodside, When the crying yaffle goes Underneath the bough;

_First Chronicler_: You who mark the flowing Of sap upon the May-time, And the waters welling From the watershed, You who count the growing Of harvest and hay-time, Knowing these the telling Of your daily bread;

_Second Chronicler_: You who cherish courtesy With your fellows at your gate, And about your hearthstone sit Under love's decrees, You who know that death will beSpeaking with you soon or late. 

_The two together_: Kinsmen, what ismother-witBut the light of these?Knowing these, what is there moreFor learning in your little years?Are not these all gospels brightShining on your day?How then shall your hearts be soreWith envy and her brood of fears, How forget the words of lightFrom the mountain-way? . . . 

Blessed are the merciful. . . . Does not every threshold seekMeadows and the flight of birdsFor compassion still?Blessed are the merciful. . . . Are we pilgrims yet to speakOut of Olivet the wordsOf knowledge and good-will?

_First Chronicler_: Two years of darkness, and this man but growsGreater in resolution, more constant in compassion. He goesThe way of dominion in pitiful, high-hearted fashion. 

SCENE III. 

_Nearly two years later_. 

_A small reception room at the White House_. MRS. LINCOLN, _dressed ina fashion perhaps a little too considered, despairing as she now doesof any sartorial grace in her husband, and acutely conscious that shemust meet this necessity of office alone, is writing. She rings thebell, and_ SUSAN, _who has taken her promotion more philosophically, comes in. 

Mrs. Lincoln_: Admit any one who calls, Susan. And enquire whether thePresident will be in to tea. 

_Susan_: Mr. Lincoln has just sent word that he will be in. 

_Mrs. Lincoln_: Very well. 

SUSAN _is going_. 

Susan. _Susan_: Yes, ma'am. 

_Mrs. Lincoln_: You still say Mr. Lincoln. You should say thePresident. 

_Susan_: Yes, ma'am. But you see, ma'am, it's difficult after callinghim Mr. Lincoln for fifteen years. 

_Mrs. Lincoln_: But you must remember. Everybody calls him thePresident now. 

_Susan_: No, ma'am. There's a good many people call him Father Abrahamnow. And there's some that like him even better than that. Only to-dayMr. Coldpenny, at the stores, said, "Well, Susan, and how's old Abethis morning?"

_Mrs. Lincoln_: I hope you don't encourage them. 

_Susan_: Oh, no, ma'am. I always refer to him as Mr. Lincoln. 

_Mrs. Lincoln_: Yes, but you must say the President. 

_Susan:_ I'm afraid I shan't ever learn, ma'am. 

_Mrs. Lincoln_: You must try. 

_Susan_: Yes, of course, ma'am. 

_Mrs. Lincoln_: And bring any visitors up. 

_Susan_: Yes, ma'am. There's a lady waiting now. 

_Mrs. Lincoln_: Then why didn't you say so?

_Susan_: That's what I was going to, ma'am, when you began to talkabout Mr. --I mean the President, ma'am. 

_Mrs. Lincoln_: Well, show her up. 

SUSAN _goes_. MRS. LINCOLN _closes her writing desk. _ SUSAN _returns, showing in_ MRS. GOLIATH BLOW. 

_Susan_: Mrs. Goliath Blow. 

_She goes_. 

_Mrs. Blow_: Good-afternoon, Mrs. Lincoln. 

_Mrs. Lincoln_: Good-afternoon, Mrs. Blow. Sit down, please. 

_They sit_. 

_Mrs. Blow_: And is the dear President well?

_Mrs. Lincoln_: Yes. He's rather tired. 

_Mrs. Blow_: Of course, to be sure. This dreadful war. But I hope he'snot getting tired of the war. 

_Mrs. Lincoln_: It's a constant anxiety for him. He feels hisresponsibility very deeply. 

_Mrs. Blow_: To be sure. But you mustn't let him get war-weary. Thesemonsters in the South have got to be stamped out. 

_Mrs. Lincoln_: I don't think you need be afraid of the President'sfirmness. 

_Mrs. Blow_: Oh, of course not. I was only saying to Goliathyesterday, "The President will never give way till he has the Southsquealing, " and Goliath agreed. 

SUSAN _comes in_. 

_Susan_: Mrs. Otherly, ma'am. 

_Mrs. Lincoln_: Show Mrs. Otherly in. 

SUSAN _goes_. 

_Mrs. Blow_: Oh, that dreadful woman! I believe she wants the war tostop. 

_Susan (at the door_): Mrs. Otherly. 

MRS. OTHERLY _comes in and_ SUSAN _goes_. 

_Mrs. Lincoln_: Good-afternoon, Mrs. Otherly. You know Mrs. GoliathBlow?

_Mrs. Otherly_: Yes. Good-afternoon. _She sits_. 

_Mrs. Blow_: Goliath says the war will go on for another three yearsat least. 

_Mrs. Otherly_: Three years? That would be terrible, wouldn't it?

_Mrs. Blow_: We must be prepared to make sacrifices. 

_Mrs. Otherly_: Yes. 

_Mrs. Blow_: It makes my blood boil to think of those people. 

_Mrs. Otherly_: I used to know a lot of them. Some of them were verykind and nice. 

_Mrs. Blow_: That was just their cunning, depend on it. I'm afraidthere's a good deal of disloyalty among us. Shall we see the dearPresident this afternoon, Mrs. Lincoln?

_Mrs. Lincoln_: He will be here directly, I think. 

_Mrs. Blow_: You 're looking wonderfully well, with all the hard workthat you have to do. I've really had to drop some of mine. And withexpenses going up, it's all very lowering, don't you think? Goliathand I have had to reduce several of our subscriptions. But, of course, we all have to deny ourselves something. Ah, good-afternoon, dear Mr. President. 

LINCOLN _comes in_. THE LADIES _rise and shake hands with him_. 

_Lincoln_: Good-afternoon, ladies. 

_Mrs. Otherly_: Good-afternoon, Mr. President. 

_They all sit_. 

_Mrs. Blow_: And is there any startling news, Mr. President?

_Lincoln_: Madam, every morning when I wake up, and say to myself, ahundred, or two hundred, or a thousand of my countrymen will be killedto-day, I find it startling. 

_Mrs. Blow_: Oh, yes, of course, to be sure. But I mean, is there anygood news. 

_Lincoln_: Yes. There is news of a victory. They lost twenty-sevenhundred men--we lost eight hundred. 

_Mrs. Blow_: How splendid!

_Lincoln_: Thirty-five hundred. 

_Mrs. Blow_: Oh, but you mustn't talk like that, Mr. President. Therewere only eight hundred that mattered. 

_Lincoln_: The world is larger than your heart, madam. 

_Mrs. Blow_: Now the dear President is becoming whimsical, Mrs. Lincoln. 

SUSAN _brings in tea-tray, and hands tea round. _ LINCOLN _takes none_. SUSAN _goes_. 

_Mrs. Otherly_: Mr. President. 

_Lincoln_: Yes, ma'am. 

_Mrs. Otherly_: I don't like to impose upon your hospitality. Iknow how difficult everything is for you. But one has to take one'sopportunities. May I ask you a question?

_Lincoln_: Certainly, ma'am. 

_Mrs. Otherly_: Isn't it possible for you to stop this war? In thename of a suffering country, I ask you that. 

_Mrs. Blow_: I'm sure such a question would never have entered myhead. 

_Lincoln_: It is a perfectly right question. Ma'am, I have but onethought always--how can this thing be stopped? But we must ensurethe integrity of the Union. In two years war has become an hourlybitterness to me. I believe I suffer no less than any man. But it mustbe endured. The cause was a right one two years ago. It is unchanged. 

_Mrs. Otherly_: I know you are noble and generous. But I believe thatwar must be wrong under any circumstances, for any cause. 

_Mrs. Blow_: I'm afraid the President would have but littleencouragement if he listened often to this kind of talk. 

_Lincoln_: I beg you not to harass yourself, madam. Ma'am, I toobelieve war to be wrong. It is the weakness and the jealousy and thefolly of men that make a thing so wrong possible. But we are all weak, and jealous, and foolish. That's how the world is, ma'am, and wecannot outstrip the world. Some of the worst of us are sullen, aggressive still--just clumsy, greedy pirates. Some of us have grownout of that. But the best of us have an instinct to resist aggressionif it won't listen to persuasion. You may say it's a wrong instinct. Idon't know. But it's there, and it's there in millions of good men. I don't believe it's a wrong instinct, I believe that the world mustcome to wisdom slowly. It is for us who hate aggression to persuademen always and earnestly against it, and hope that, little by little, they will hear us. But in the mean time there will come moments whenthe aggressors will force the instinct to resistance to act. Then wemust act earnestly, praying always in our courage that never againwill this thing happen. And then we must turn again, and again, and again to persuasion. This appeal to force is the misdeed of animperfect world. But we are imperfect. We must strive to purify theworld, but we must not think ourselves pure above the world. When Ihad this thing to decide, it would have been easy to say, "No, I willhave none of it; it is evil, and I will not touch it. " But that wouldhave decided nothing, and I saw what I believed to be the truth as Inow put it to you, ma'am. It's a forlorn thing for any man to havethis responsibility in his heart. I may see wrongly, but that's how Isee. 

_Mrs. Blow_: I quite agree with you, Mr. President. These brutes inthe South must be taught, though I doubt whether you can teach themanything except by destroying them. That's what Goliath says. 

_Lincoln_: Goliath must be getting quite an old man. 

_Mrs. Blow_: Indeed, he's not, Mr. President Goliath is onlythirty-eight. 

_Lincoln_: Really, now? Perhaps I might be able to get him acommission. 

_Mrs. Blow_: Oh, no. Goliath couldn't be spared. He's doing contractsfor the government, you know. Goliath couldn't possibly go. I'm surehe will be very pleased when I tell him what you say about thesepeople who want to stop the war, Mr. President. I hope Mrs. Otherlyis satisfied. Of course, we could all complain. We all have to makesacrifices, as I told Mrs. Otherly. 

_Mrs. Otherly_: Thank you, Mr. President, for what you've said. I musttry to think about it. But I always believed war to be wrong. I didn'twant my boy to go, because I believed it to be wrong. But he would. That came to me last week. 

_She hands a paper to_ LINCOLN. 

_Lincoln (looks at it, rises, and hands it back to her)_: Ma'am, thereare times when no man may speak. I grieve for you, I grieve for you. 

_Mrs. Otherly (rising)_: I think I will go. You don't mind my sayingwhat I did?

_Lincoln_: We are all poor creatures, ma'am. Think kindly of me. (_Hetakes her hand_. ) Mary. 

MRS. LINCOLN _goes out with_ MRS. OTHERLY. 

_Mrs. Blow_: Of course it's very sad for her, poor woman. But shemakes her trouble worse by these perverted views, doesn't she? And, Ihope you will show no signs of weakening, Mr. President, till it hasbeen made impossible for those shameful rebels to hold up their headsagain. Goliath says you ought to make a proclamation that no mercywill be shown to them afterwards. I'm sure I shall never speak to oneof them again. 

_Rising_. 

Well, I must be going. I'll see Mrs. Lincoln as I go out. Good-afternoon, Mr. President. _She turns at the door, and offers_LINCOLN _her handy which he does not take_. 

_Lincoln_: Good-afternoon, madam. And I'd like to offer ye a word ofadvice. That poor mother told me what she thought. I don't agree withher, but I honour her. She's wrong, but she is noble. You've told mewhat you think. I don't agree with you, and I'm ashamed of you andyour like. You, who have sacrificed nothing, babble about destroyingthe South while other people conquer it. I accepted this war with asick heart, and I've a heart that's near to breaking every day. Iaccepted it in the name of humanity, and just and merciful dealing, and the hope of love and charity on earth. And you come to me, talkingof revenge and destruction, and malice, and enduring hate. Thesegentle people are mistaken, but they are mistaken cleanly, and in agreat name. It is you that dishonour the cause for which we stand--itis you who would make it a mean and little thing. Good-afternoon. 

_He opens the door and_ MRS. BLOW, _finding words inadequate, goes_. LINCOLN _moves across the room and rings a bell. After a moment, _SUSAN _comes in_. Susan, if that lady comes here again she may meetwith an accident. 

_Susan_: Yes, sir. Is that all, sir?

_Lincoln_: No, sir, it is not all, sir. I don't like this coat. Iam going to change it. I shall be back in a minute or two, and if agentleman named Mr. William Custis calls, ask him to wait in here. 

_He goes out_. SUSAN _collects the teacups. As she is going to thedoor a quiet, grave white-haired negro appears facing her_. SUSAN_starts violently_. 

_The Negro (he talks slowly and very quietly)_: It is all right. 

_Susan_: And who in the name of night might you be?

_The Negro_: Mista William Custis. Mista Lincoln tell me to come here. Nobody stop me, so I come to look for him. 

_Susan_: Are you Mr. William Custis?

_Custis_: Yes. 

_Susan_: Mr. Lincoln will be here directly. He's gone to change hiscoat. You'd better sit down. 

_Custis_: Yes. 

_He does so, looking about him with a certain patheticinquisitiveness_. Mista Lincoln live here. You his servant? A veryfine thing for young girl to be servant to Mista Lincoln. 

_Susan_: Well, we get on very well together. 

_Custis_: A very bad thing to be slave in South. 

_Susan_: Look here, you Mr. Custis, don't you go mixing me up withslaves. 

_Custis_: No, you not slave. You servant, but you free body. That verymighty thing. A poor servant, born free. 

_Susan_: Yes, but look here, are you pitying me, with your poorservant?

_Custis_: Pity? No. I think you very mighty. 

_Susan_: Well, I don't know so much about mighty. But I expect you'reright. It isn't every one that rises to the White House. 

_Custis_: It not every one that is free body. That is why you mighty. 

_Susan_: I've never thought much about it. 

_Custis:_ I think always about it. 

_Susan_: I suppose you're free, aren't you?

_Custis_: Yes. Not born free. I was beaten when I a little nigger. Isaw my mother--I will not remember what I saw. 

_Susan_: I'm sorry, Mr. Custis. That was wrong. 

_Custis_: Yes. Wrong. 

_Susan_: Are all nig--I mean are all black gentlemen like you?

_Custis_: No. I have advantages. They not many have advantages. 

_Susan_: No, I suppose not. Here's Mr. Lincoln coming. 

LINCOLN, _coated after his heart's desire, comes to the door_. CUSTIS_rises_. This is the gentleman you said, sir. 

_She goes out with the tray. 

Lincoln:_ Mr. Custis, I'm very glad to see you. _He offers his hand_. CUSTIS _takes it, and is about to kiss it_. LINCOLN _stops him gently. (Sitting):_ Sit down, will you? _Custis (still standing, keeping hishat in his hand):_ It very kind of Mista Lincoln ask me to come to seehim. 

_Lincoln_: I was afraid you might refuse. 

_Custis:_ A little shy? Yes. But so much to ask Glad to come. 

_Lincoln_: Please sit down. 

_Custis_: Polite?

_Lincoln_: Please. I can't sit myself, you see, if you don't. 

_Custis_: Black, black. White, white. 

_Lincoln_: Nonsense. Just two old men, sitting together (CUSTIS _sitsto_ LINCOLN'S _gesture_)--and talking. 

_Custis_: I think I older man than Mista Lincoln. 

_Lincoln_: Yes, I expect you are, I'm fifty-four. 

_Custis_: I seventy-two. 

_Lincoln_: I hope I shall look as young when I'm seventy-two. 

_Custis_: Cold water. Much walk. Believe in Lord Jesus Christ. Havealways little herbs learnt when a little nigger. Mista Lincoln try. Very good. 

_He hands a small twist of paper to_ LINCOLN. 

_Lincoln_: Now, that's uncommon kind of you. Thank you. I've heardmuch about your preaching, Mr. Custis. 

_Custis_: Yes. 

_Lincoln_: I should like to hear you. 

_Custis_: Mista Lincoln great friend of my people. 

_Lincoln_: I have come at length to a decision. 

_Custis_: A decision?

_Lincoln_: Slavery is going. We have been resolved always to confineit. Now it shall be abolished. 

_Custis_: You sure?

_Lincoln_: Sure. 

CUSTIS _slowly stands up, bows his head, and sits again_. 

_Custis_: My people much to learn. Years, and years, and years. Ignorant, frightened, suspicious people. It will be difficult, veryslow. (_With growing passion_. ) But born free bodies. Free. I bornslave, Mista Lincoln. No man understand who not born slave. 

_Lincoln_: Yes, yes. I understand. 

_Custis (with his normal regularity)_: I think so. Yes. 

_Lincoln_: I should like you to ask me any question you wish. 

_Custis_: I have some complaint. Perhaps I not understand. 

_Lincoln_: Tell me. 

_Custis_: Southern soldiers take some black men prisoner. Black men inyour uniform. Take them prisoner. Then murder them. 

_Lincoln_: I know. 

_Custis_: What you do?

_Lincoln_: We have sent a protest. 

_Custis_: No good. Must do more. 

_Lincoln_: What more can we do?

_Custis_: You know. 

_Lincoln_: Yes; but don't ask me for reprisals. 

_Custis (gleaming)_: Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth. 

_Lincoln_: No, no. You must think. Think what you are saying. 

_Custis_: I think of murdered black men. 

_Lincoln_: You would not ask me to murder?

_Custis_: Punish--not murder. 

_Lincoln_: Yes, murder. How can I kill men in cold blood for what hasbeen done by others? Think what would follow. It is for us to set agreat example, not to follow a wicked one. You do believe that, don'tyou?

_Custis (after a pause)_: I know. Yes. Let your light so shine beforemen. I trust Mista Lincoln. Will trust. I was wrong. I was too sorryfor my people. 

_Lincoln_: Will you remember this? For more than two years I havethought of you every day. I have grown a weary man with thinking. ButI shall not forget. I promise that. 

_Custis_: You great, kind friend. I will love you. 

_A knock at the door. _

_Lincoln:_ Yes. 

SUSAN _comes in_. 

_Susan_: An officer gentleman. He says it's very important. 

_Lincoln_: I'll come. 

_He and_ CUSTIS _rise_. 

Wait, will you, Mr. Custis? I want to ask you some questions. 

_He goes out. It is getting dark, and_ SUSAN _lights a lamp and drawsthe curtains_. CUSTIS _stands by the door looking after_ LINCOLN. 

_Custis_: He very good man. 

_Susan_: You've found that out, have you?

_Custis_: Do you love him, you white girl?

_Susan_: Of course I do. 

_Custis_: Yes, you must. 

_Susan_: He's a real white man. No offence, of course. 

_Custis_: Not offend. He talk to me as if black no difference. 

_Susan_: But I tell you what, Mr. Custis. He'll kill himself over thiswar, his heart's that kind--like a shorn lamb, as they say. 

_Custis_: Very unhappy war. 

_Susan_: But I suppose he's right. It's got to go on till it'ssettled. 

_In the street below a body of people is heard approaching, singing"John Brown's Body_" CUSTIS _and_ SUSAN _stand listening_, SUSAN_joining in the song as it passes and fades away. _

THE CURTAIN FALLS. 

_First Chronicler_: Unchanged our time. And further yetIn loneliness must be the way, And difficult and deep the debtOf constancy to pay. 

_Second Chronicler_: And one denies, and one forsakes. And still unquestioning he goes, Who has his lonely thoughts, and makes. A world of those. 

_The two together_: When the high heart we magnify, And the sure vision celebrate, And worship greatness passing by, Ourselves are great. 

SCENE IV. 

_About the same date. A meeting of the Cabinet at Washington_. SMITH_has gone and_ CAMERON _has been replaced by_ EDWIN M. STANTON, _Secretary of War. Otherwise the ministry, completed by_ SEWARD, CHASE, HOOK, BLAIR, _and_ WELLES, _is as before. They are nowarranging themselves at the table, leaving_ LINCOLN'S _place empty. 

Seward (coming in_): I've just had my summons. Is there some specialnews?

_Stanton_: Yes. McClellan has defeated Lee at Antietam. It's ourgreatest success. They ought not to recover from it. The tide isturning. 

_Blair_: Have you seen the President?

_Stanton_: I've just been with him. 

_Welles_: What does he say?

_Stanton_: He only said, "At last. " He's coming directly. 

_Hook_: He will bring up his proclamation again. In my opinion it isinopportune. 

_Seward_: Well, we've learnt by now that the President is the best manamong us. 

_Hook_: There's a good deal of feeling against him everywhere, I find. 

_Blair_: He's the one man with character enough for this business. 

_Hook_: There are other opinions. 

_Seward_: Yes, but not here, surely. 

_Hook_: It's not for me to say. But I ask you, what does he mean aboutemancipation? I've always understood that it was the Union we werefighting for, and that abolition was to be kept in our minds forlegislation at the right moment. And now one day he talks as thoughemancipation were his only concern, and the next as though he wouldthrow up the whole idea, if by doing it he could secure peace with theestablishment of the Union. Where are we?

_Seward_: No, you're wrong. It's the Union first now with him, but there's no question about his views on slavery. You know thatperfectly well. But he has always kept his policy about slavery freein his mind, to be directed as he thought best for the sake of theUnion. You remember his words: "If I could save the Union withoutfreeing any slaves, I would do it; and if I could save it by freeingall the slaves, I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing someand leaving others alone, I would also do that. My paramount objectin this struggle is to save the Union. " Nothing could be plainer thanthat, just as nothing could be plainer than his determination to freethe slaves when he can. 

_Hook_: Well, there are some who would have acted differently. 

_Blair_: And you may depend upon it they would not have acted sowisely. 

_Stanton_: I don't altogether agree with the President. But he's theonly man I should agree with at all. 

_Hook_: To issue the proclamation now, and that's what he willpropose, mark my words, will be to confuse the public mind just whenwe want to keep it clear. 

_Welles_: Are you sure he will propose to issue it now?

_Hook_: You see if he doesn't. 

_Welles_: If he does I shall support him. 

_Seward_: Is Lee's army broken?

_Stanton_: Not yet--but it is in grave danger. 

_Hook_: Why doesn't the President come? One would think this news wasnothing. 

_Chase_: I must say I'm anxious to know what he has to say about itall. 

A CLERK _comes in_. 

_Clerk_: The President's compliments, and he will be here in a moment. 

_He goes_. 

_Hook_: I shall oppose it if it comes up. 

_Chase_: He may say nothing about it. 

_Seward_: I think he will. 

_Stanton_: Anyhow, it's the critical moment. 

_Blair_: Here he comes. 

LINCOLN _comes in carrying a small book_. 

_Lincoln_: Good-morning, gentlemen. 

_He takes his place_. 

_The Ministers_: Good-morning, Mr. President. 

_Seward_: Great news, we hear. 

_Hook_: If we leave things with the army to take their course for alittle now, we ought to see through our difficulties. 

_Lincoln_: It's an exciting morning, gentlemen. I feel rather excitedmyself. I find my mind not at its best in excitement. Will you allowme?

_Opening his book_. 

It may compose us all. It is Mr. Artemus Ward's latest. 

THE MINISTERS, _with the exception of_ HOOK, _who makes no attempt tohide his irritation, and_ STANTON, _who would do the same but forhis disapproval of_ HOOK, _listen with good-humoured patience andamusement while he reads the following passage from Artemus Ward_. 

"High Handed Outrage at Utica. "

"In the Faul of 1856, I showed my show in Utiky, a trooly grate cityin the State of New York. The people gave me a cordyal recepshun. Thepress was loud in her prases. 1 day as I was givin a descripshun ofmy Beests and Snaiks in my usual flowry stile what was my skorn anddisgust to see a big burly feller walk up to the cage containin my waxfiggers of the Lord's last Supper, and cease Judas Iscarrot by thefeet and drag him out on the ground. He then commenced fur to poundhim as hard as he cood. "

"'What under the son are you abowt, ' cried I. "

"Sez he, 'What did you bring this pussylanermus cuss here fur?' and hehit the wax figger another tremenjis blow on the bed. "

"Sez I, 'You egrejus ass, that airs a wax figger--a representashun ofthe false 'Postle. '"

"Sez he, 'That's all very well fur you to say; but I tell you, oldman, that Judas Iscarrot can't show himself in Utiky with impunertyby a darn site, ' with which observashun he kaved in Judassis hed. Theyoung man belonged to 1 of the first famerlies in Utiky. I sood him, and the Joory brawt in a verdick of Arson in the 3d degree. "

_Stanton_: May we now consider affairs of state?

_Hook_: Yes, we may. 

_Lincoln_: Mr. Hook says, yes, we may. 

_Stanton_: Thank you. 

_Lincoln_: Oh, no. Thank Mr. Hook. 

_Seward_: McClellan is in pursuit of Lee, I suppose. 

_Lincoln_: You suppose a good deal. But for the first time McClellanhas the chance of being in pursuit of Lee, and that's the first signof their end. If McClellan doesn't take his chance, we'll move Grantdown to the job. That will mean delay, but no matter. The mastery haschanged hands. 

_Blair_: Grant drinks. 

_Lincoln_: Then tell me the name of his brand. I'll send some barrelsto the others. He wins victories. 

_Hook_: Is there other business?

_Lincoln_: There is. Some weeks ago I showed you a draft I madeproclaiming freedom for all slaves. 

_Hook (aside to Welles_): I told you so. 

_Lincoln_: You thought then it was not the time to issue it. I agreed. I think the moment has come. May I read it to you again? "It isproclaimed that on the first day of January in the year of our Lordone thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, all persons held as slaveswithin any state, the people whereof shall then be in rebellionagainst the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and foreverfree. " That allows three months from to-day. There are clauses dealingwith compensation in a separate draft. 

_Hook_: I must oppose the issue of such a proclamation at this momentin the most unqualified terms. This question should be left untilour victory is complete. To thrust it forward now would be to invitedissension when we most need unity. 

_Welles_: I do not quite understand, Mr. President, why you think thisthe precise moment. 

_Lincoln_: Believe me, gentlemen, I have considered this matter withall the earnestness and understanding of which I am capable. 

_Hook_: But when the "New York Tribune" urged you to come forward witha clear declaration six months ago, you rebuked them. 

_Lincoln_: Because I thought the occasion not the right one. It wasuseless to issue a proclamation that might be as inoperative as thePope's bull against the comet. My duty, it has seemed to me, has beento be loyal to a principle, and not to betray it by expressing it inaction at the wrong time. That is what I conceive statesmanship to be. For long now I have had two fixed resolves. To preserve the Union, andto abolish slavery. How to preserve the Union I was always clear, andmore than two years of bitterness have not dulled my vision. We havefought for the Union, and we are now winning for the Union. When andhow to proclaim abolition I have all this time been uncertain. I amuncertain no longer. A few weeks ago I saw that, too, clearly. Sosoon, I said to myself, as the rebel army shall be driven out ofMaryland, and it becomes plain to the world that victory is assuredto us in the end, the time will have come to announce that with thatvictory and a vindicated Union will come abolition. I made the promiseto myself--and to my Maker. The rebel army is now driven out, and I amgoing to fulfil that promise. I do not wish your advice about the mainmatter, for that I have determined for myself. This I say withoutintending anything but respect for any one of you. But I beg you tostand with me in this thing. 

_Hook_: In my opinion, it's altogether too impetuous. 

_Lincoln_: One other observation I will make. I know very well thatothers might in this matter, as in others, do better than I can, andif I was satisfied that the public confidence was more fully possessedby any one of them than by me, and knew of any constitutional way inwhich he could be put in my place, he should have it. I would gladlyyield it to him. But, though I cannot claim undivided confidence, I donot know that, all things considered, any other person has more; and, however this may be, there is no way in which I can have any otherman put where I am. I am here; I must do the best I can, and bear theresponsibility of taking the course which I feel I ought to take. 

_Stanton_: Could this be left over a short time for consideration?

_Chase_: I feel that we should remember that our only public cause atthe moment is the preservation of the Union. 

_Hook_: I entirely agree. 

_Lincoln_: Gentlemen, we cannot escape history. We of thisadministration will be remembered in spite of ourselves. No personalsignificance or insignificance can spare one or another of us. Ingiving freedom to the slave we assure freedom to the free. We shallnobly save or meanly lose the last, best hope on earth. 

_He places the proclamation in front of him_. 

"Shall be thenceforward and forever free. "

Gentlemen, I pray for your support. 

_He signs it_. 

THE MINISTERS _rise_. SEWARD, WELLES, _and_ BLAIR _shake_ LINCOLN'S_hand and go out_. STANTON _and_ CHASE _bow to him, and follow_. HOOK, _the last to rise, moves away, making no sign. 

Lincoln:_ Hook. 

_Hook_: Yes, Mr. President. 

_Lincoln_: Hook, one cannot help hearing things. 

_Hook_: I beg your pardon?

_Lincoln_: Hook, there's a way some people have, when a man says adisagreeable thing, of asking him to repeat it, hoping to embarrasshim. It's often effective. But I'm not easily embarrassed. I said onecannot help hearing things. 

_Hook_: And I do not understand what you mean, Mr. President. 

_Lincoln_: Come, Hook, we're alone. Lincoln is a good enough name. AndI think you understand. 

_Hook_: How should I?

_Lincoln_: Then, plainly, there are intrigues going on. 

_Hook_: Against the government?

_Lincoln_: No. In it. Against me. 

_Hook_: Criticism, perhaps. 

_Lincoln_: To what end? To better my ways?

_Hook_: I presume that might be the purpose. 

_Lincoln_: Then, why am I not told what it is?

_Hook_: I imagine it's a natural compunction. 

_Lincoln_: Or ambition?

_Hook_: What do you mean?

_Lincoln_: You think you ought to be in my place. 

_Hook_: You are well informed. 

_Lincoln_: You cannot imagine why every one does not see that youought to be in my place. 

_Hook_: By what right do you say that?

_Lincoln_: Is it not true?

_Hook_: You take me unprepared. You have me at a disadvantage. 

_Lincoln_: You speak as a very scrupulous man, Hook. 

_Hook_: Do you question my honour?

_Lincoln_: As you will. 

_Hook_: Then I resign. 

_Lincoln_: As a protest against. . . ?

_Hook_: Your suspicion. 

_Lincoln_: It is false?

_Hook_: Very well, I will be frank. I mistrust your judgment. 

_Lincoln_: In what?

_Hook_: Generally. You over-emphasise abolition. 

_Lincoln_: You don't mean that. You mean that you fear possible publicfeeling against abolition. 

_Hook_: It must be persuaded, not forced. 

_Lincoln_: All the most worthy elements in it are persuaded. But theungenerous elements make the most noise, and you hear them only. You will run from the terrible name of Abolitionist even when it ispronounced by worthless creatures whom you know you have every reasonto despise. 

_Hook_: You have, in my opinion, failed in necessary firmness insaying what will be the individual penalties of rebellion. 

_Lincoln_: This is a war. I will not allow it to become a blood-feud. 

_Hook_: We are fighting treason. We must meet it with severity. 

_Lincoln_: We will defeat treason. And I will meet it withconciliation. 

_Hook_: It is a policy of weakness. 

_Lincoln_: It is a policy of faith--it is a policy of compassion. _(Warmly_. ) Hook, why do you plague me with these jealousies? Oncebefore I found a member of my Cabinet working behind my back. Buthe was disinterested, and he made amends nobly. But, Hook, you haveallowed the burden of these days to sour you. I know it all. I'vewatched you plotting and plotting for authority. And I, who am alonely man, have been sick at heart. So great is the task God hasgiven to my hand, and so few are my days, and my deepest hunger isalways for loyalty in my own house. You have withheld it from me. Youhave done great service in your office, but you have grown envious. Now you resign, as you did once before when I came openly to you infriendship. And you think that again I shall flatter you and coax youto stay. I don't think I ought to do it. I will not do it. I must takeyou at your word. 

_Hook_: I am content. 

_He turns to go_. 

_Lincoln_: Will you shake hands?

_Hook_: I beg you will excuse me. 

_He goes_. LINCOLN _stands silently for a moment, a travelled, lonelycaptain. He rings a bell, and a_ CLERK _comes in. 

Lincoln:_ Ask Mr. Hay to come in. 

_Clerk_: Yes, sir. 

_He goes_. LINCOLN, _from the folds of his pockets, produces anotherbook, and holds it unopened_. HAY _comes in_. 

_Lincoln_: I'm rather tired to-day, Hay. Read to me a little. (_Hehands him the book_. ) "The Tempest"--you know the passage. 

_Hay (reading)_:

 Our revels now are ended; these our actors, As I foretold you, were all spirits, and Are melted into air, into thin air; And, like the baseless fabric of this vision, The cloud-capp'd towers, the gorgeous palaces, The solemn temples, the great globe itself, Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve And, like this insubstantial pageant faded, Leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff As dreams are made on, and our little life Is rounded with a sleep. 

_Lincoln_: We are such stuff As dreams are made on, and our littlelife . . . 

THE CURTAIN FALLS. 

_First Chronicler_: Two years again. Desolation of battle, and long debate, Counsels and prayers of men, And bitterness of destruction and witless hate, And the shame of lie contending with lie, Are spending themselves, and the brainThat set its lonely chart four years gone by, Knowing the word fulfilled, Comes with charity and communion to bringTo reckoning, To reconcile and build. 

_The two together_: What victor coming from the field Leaving the victim desolate, But has a vulnerable shield Against the substances of fate?That battle's won that leads in chains But retribution and despite, And bids misfortune count her gains Not stricken in a penal night. 

His triumph is but bitterness Who looks not to the starry doomWhen proud and humble but possess The little kingdom of the tomb. 

Who, striking home, shall not forgive, Strikes with a weak returning rod, Claiming a fond prerogative Against the armoury of God. 

Who knows, and for his knowledge stands Against the darkness in dispute, And dedicates industrious hands, And keeps a spirit resolute, Prevailing in the battle, then A steward of his word is made, To bring it honour among men, Or know his captaincy betrayed. 

SCENE V. 

_An April evening in 1865. A farmhouse near Appomattox_. GENERALGRANT, _Commander-in-Chief, under Lincoln, of the Northern armies, is seated at a table with_ CAPTAIN MALINS, _an aide-de-camp. Heis smoking a cigar, and at intervals he replenishes his glass ofwhiskey_. DENNIS, _an orderly, sits at a table in the corner, writing_. 

_Grant (consulting a large watch lying in front of him_): An hour anda half. There ought to be something more from Meade by now. Dennis. 

_Dennis (coming to the table_): Yes, sir. 

_Grant_: Take these papers to Captain Templeman, and ask Colonel Westif the twenty-third are in action yet. Tell the cook to send some soupat ten o'clock. Say it was cold yesterday. 

_Dennis_: Yes, sir. 

_He goes_. 

_Grant_: Give me that map, Malins. 

MALINS _hands him the map at which he is working_. 

(_After studying it in silence_): Yes. There's no doubt about it. Unless Meade goes to sleep it can only be a question of hours. Lee's agreat man, but he can't get out of that. 

_Making a ring on the map with his finger_. 

_Malins (taking the map again_): This ought to be the end, sir. 

_Grant_: Yes. If Lee surrenders, we can all pack up for home. 

_Malins_: By God, sir, it will be splendid, won't it, to be backagain?

_Grant_: By God, sir, it will. 

_Malins_: I beg your pardon, sir. 

_Grant_: You're quite right, Malins. My boy goes away to school nextweek. Now I may be able to go down with him and see him settled. 

DENNIS _comes back_. 

_Dennis_: Colonel West says, yes, sir, for the last half-hour. Thecook says he's sorry, sir. It was a mistake. 

_Grant_: Tell him to keep his mistakes in the kitchen. 

_Dennis_: I will, sir. 

_He goes back to his place. 

Grant (at his papers_): Those rifles went up this afternoon?

_Malins_: Yes, sir. 

_Another_ ORDERLY _comes in. 

Orderly_: Mr. Lincoln has just arrived, sir. He's in the yard now. 

_Grant_: All right, I'll come. 

THE ORDERLY _goes_. GRANT _rises and crosses to the door, but is metthere by_ LINCOLN _and_ HAY. LINCOLN, _in top boots and tall hat thathas seen many campaigns, shakes hands with_ GRANT _and takes_ MALINS'S_salute_. 

_Grant:_ I wasn't expecting you, sir. 

_Lincoln_: No; but I couldn't keep away. How's it going?

_They sit_. 

_Grant_: Meade sent word an hour and a half ago that Lee wassurrounded all but two miles, which was closing in. 

_Lincoln_: That ought about to settle it, eh?

_Grant_: Unless anything goes wrong in those two miles, sir. I'mexpecting a further report from Meade every minute. 

_Lincoln_: Would there be more fighting?

_Grant_: It will probably mean fighting through the night, more orless. But Lee must realise it's hopeless by the morning. 

_An Orderly (entering)_: A despatch, sir. 

_Grant_: Yes. 

THE ORDERLY _goes, and a_ YOUNG OFFICER _comes in from the field. Hesalutes and hands a despatch to_ GRANT. 

_Officer_: From General Meade, sir. 

_Grant (taking it_): Thank you. 

_He opens it and reads_. 

You needn't wait. 

THE OFFICER _salutes and goes_. 

Yes, they've closed the ring. Meade gives them ten hours. It's timedat eight. That's six o'clock in the morning. 

_He hands the despatch to_ LINCOLN. 

_Lincoln_: We must be merciful. Bob Lee has been a gallant fellow. 

_Grant (taking a paper_): Perhaps you'll look through this list, sir. I hope it's the last we shall have. 

_Lincoln (taking the paper_): It's a horrible part of the business, Grant. Any shootings?

_Grant_: One. 

_Lincoln_: Damn it, Grant, why can't you do without it? No, no, ofcourse not? Who is it?

_Grant_: Malins. 

_Malins (opening a book_): William Scott, sir. It's rather a hardcase. 

_Lincoln_: What is it?

_Malins_: He had just done a heavy march, sir, and volunteered fordouble guard duty to relieve a sick friend. He was found asleep at hispost. 

_He shuts the book_. 

_Grant_: I was anxious to spare him. But it couldn't be done. It was acritical place, at a gravely critical time. 

_Lincoln_: When is it to be?

_Matins_: To-morrow, at daybreak, sir. 

_Lincoln_: I don't see that it will do him any good to be shot. Whereis he?

_Malins_: Here, sir. 

_Lincoln_: Can I go and see him?

_Grant_: Where is he?

_Malins_: In the barn, I believe, sir. 

_Grant_: Dennis. 

_Dennis (coming from his table_): Yes, sir. 

_Grant_: Ask them to bring Scott in here. 

DENNIS _goes_. 

I want to see Colonel West. Malins, ask Templeman if those figures areready yet. 

_He goes, and_ MALINS _follows. 

Lincoln:_ Will you, Hay?

HAY _goes. After a moment, during which_ LINCOLN _takes the book that_MALINS _has been reading from, and looks into it_, WILLIAM SCOTT _isbrought in under guard. He is a boy of twenty_. 

_Lincoln (to the_ GUARD): Thank you. Wait outside, will you?

_The_ MEN _salute and withdraw_. 

Are you William Scott?

_Scott_: Yes, sir. 

_Lincoln_: You know who I am?

_Scott_: Yes, sir. 

_Lincoln_: The General tells me you've been court-martialled. 

_Scott_: Yes sir. 

_Lincoln_: Asleep on guard?

_Scott_: Yes, sir. 

_Lincoln_: It's a very serious offence. 

_Scott_: I know, sir. 

_Lincoln_: What was it?

_Scott (a pause_): I couldn't keep awake, sir. 

_Lincoln_: You'd had a long march?

_Scott_: Twenty-three miles, sir. 

_Lincoln_: You were doing double guard?

_Scott_: Yes, sir. 

_Lincoln_: Who ordered you?

_Scott_: Well, sir, I offered. 

_Lincoln_: Why?

_Scott_: Enoch White--he was sick, sir. We come from the same place. 

_Lincoln_: Where's that?

_Scott_: Vermont, sir. 

_Lincoln_: You live there?

_Scott_: Yes, sir. My . . . We've got a farm down there, sir. 

_Lincoln_: Who has?

_Scott_: My mother, sir. I've got her photograph, sir. 

_He takes it from his pocket_. 

_Lincoln (taking it_): Does she know about this?

_Scott_: For God's sake, don't, sir. 

_Lincoln_: There, there, my boy. You're not going to be shot. 

_Scott (after a pause_): Not going to be shot, sir. 

_Lincoln_: No, no. 

_Scott_: Not--going--to--be--shot. 

_He breaks down, sobbing_. 

_Lincoln (rising and going to him_): There, there. I believe you whenyou tell me that you couldn't keep awake. I'm going to trust you, andsend you back to your regiment. 

_He goes back to his seat. 

Scott:_ When may I go back, sir?

_Lincoln_: You can go back to-morrow. I expect the fighting will beover, though. 

_Scott_: Is it over yet, sir?

_Lincoln_: Not quite. 

_Scott_: Please, sir, let me go back to-night--let me go backto-night. 

_Lincoln_: Very well. 

_He writes_. 

Do you know where General Meade is?

_Scott_: No, sir. 

_Lincoln_: Ask one of those men to come here. 

SCOTT _calls one of his guards in. 

Lincoln:_ Your prisoner is discharged. Take him at once to GeneralMeade with this. 

_He hands a note to the man. 

The Soldier_: Yes, sir. 

_Scott_: Thank you, sir. 

_He salutes and goes out with the_ SOLDIER. 

_Lincoln_: Hay. 

_Hay (outside_): Yes, sir. 

_He comes in_. 

_Lincoln_: What's the time?

_Hay (looking at the watch on the table_): Just on half-past nine, sir. 

_Lincoln_: I shall sleep here for a little. You'd better shake downtoo. They'll wake us if there's any news. 

LINCOLN _wraps himself up on two chairs_. 

HAY _follows suit on a bench. After a few moments_ GRANT _comes to thedoor, sees what has happened, blows out the candles quietly, and goesaway_. 

THE CURTAIN FALLS. 

_The First Chronicler_: Under the stars an end is made, And on the field the Southern bladeLies broken, And, where strife was, shall union be, And, where was bondage, liberty. The word is spoken. . . . Night passes. 

_The Curtain rises on the same scene_, LINCOLN _and_ HAY _still lyingasleep. The light of dawn fills the room. The_ ORDERLY _comes in withtwo smoking cups of coffee and some biscuits_. LINCOLN _wakes_. 

_Lincoln_: Good-morning. 

_Orderly_: Good-morning, sir. 

_Lincoln (taking coffee and biscuits_): Thank you. 

_The_ ORDERLY _turns to_ HAY, _who sleeps on, and he hesitates_. 

_Lincoln_: Hay. _(Shouting_. ) Hay. 

_Hay (starting up_): Hullo! What the devil is it? I beg your pardon, sir. 

_Lincoln_: Not at all. Take a little coffee. 

_Hay_: Thank you, sir. 

_He takes coffee and biscuits. The_ ORDERLY _goes_. 

_Lincoln_: Slept well, Hay?

_Hay_: I feel a little crumpled, sir. I think I fell off once. 

_Lincoln_: What's the time?

_Hay (looking at the watch_): Six o'clock, sir. 

GRANT _comes in_. 

_Grant_: Good-morning, sir; good-morning, Hay. 

_Lincoln_: Good-morning, general. 

_Hay_: Good-morning, sir. 

_Grant_: I didn't disturb you last night. A message has just come fromMeade. Lee asked for an armistice at four o'clock. 

_Lincoln (after a silence_): For four years life has been but the hopeof this moment. It is strange how simple it is when it comes. Grant, you've served the country very truly. And you've made my workpossible. 

_He takes his hand_. 

Thank you. 

_Grant_: Had I failed, the fault would not have been yours, sir. Isucceeded because you believed in me. 

_Lincoln_: Where is Lee?

_Grant_: He's coming here. Meade should arrive directly. 

_Lincoln_: Where will Lee wait?

_Grant_: There's a room ready for him. Will you receive him, sir?

_Lincoln_: No, no, Grant. That's your affair. You are to mention nopolitical matters. Be generous. But I needn't say that. 

_Grant (taking a paper from his pocket_): Those are the terms Isuggest. 

_Lincoln (reading):_ Yes, yes. They do you honour. 

_He places the paper on the table. An_ ORDERLY _comes in_. 

_Orderly_: General Meade is here, sir. 

_Grant_: Ask him to come here. 

_Orderly_: Yes, sir. 

_He goes_. 

_Grant_: I learnt a good deal from Robert Lee in early days. He's abetter man than most of us. This business will go pretty near theheart, sir. 

_Lincoln_: I'm glad it's to be done by a brave gentleman, Grant. 

GENERAL MEADE _and_ CAPTAIN SONE, _his aide-de-camp, come in_. MEADE_salutes. Lincoln_: Congratulations, Meade. You've done well. 

_Meade_: Thank you, sir. 

_Grant_: Was there much more fighting?

_Meade_: Pretty hot for an hour or two. 

_Grant_: How long will Lee be?

_Meade_: Only a few minutes, I should say, sir. 

_Grant_: You said nothing about terms?

_Meade_: No, sir. 

_Lincoln_: Did a boy Scott come to you?

_Meade_: Yes, sir. He went into action at once. He was killed, wasn'the, Sone?

_Sone_: Yes, sir. 

_Lincoln_: Killed? It's a queer world, Grant. 

_Meade_: Is there any proclamation to be made, sir, about the rebels?

_Grant_: I--

_Lincoln_: No, no. I'll have nothing of hanging or shooting these men, even the worst of them. Frighten them out of the country, open thegates, let down the bars, scare them off. Shoo!

_He flings out his arms_. 

Good-bye, Grant. Report at Washington as soon as you can. 

_He shakes hands with him_. 

Good-bye, gentlemen. Come along, Hay. 

MEADE _salutes and_ LINCOLN _goes, followed by_ HAY. 

_Grant_: Who is with Lee?

_Meade_: Only one of his staff, sir. 

_Grant_: You might see Malins, will you, Sone, and let us knowdirectly General Lee comes. 

_Sone_: Yes, sir. _He goes out_. 

_Grant_: Well, Meade, it's been a big job. 

_Meade_: Yes, sir. 

_Grant_: We've had courage and determination. And we've had wits, to beat a great soldier. I'd say that to any man. But it's AbrahamLincoln, Meade, who has kept us a great cause clean to fight for. Itdoes a man's heart good to know he's given victory to such a man tohandle. A glass, Meade? _(Pouring out whiskey_. ) No? _(Drinking_. )

Do you know, Meade, there were fools who wanted me to oppose Lincolnfor the next Presidency. I've got my vanities, but I know better thanthat. 

MALINS _comes in_. 

_Malins_: General Lee is here, sir. 

_Grant_: Meade, will General Lee do me the honour of meeting me here?

MEADE _salutes and goes_. 

Where the deuce is my hat, Malins? And sword. 

_Malins_: Here, sir. 

MALINS _gets them for him_. MEADE _and_ SONE _come in, and standby the door at attention_. ROBERT LEE, _General-in-Chief of theConfederate forces, comes in, followed by one of his staff. The daysof critical anxiety through which he has just lived have markedthemselves on_ LEE'S _face, but his groomed and punctilious toiletcontrasts pointedly with_ GRANT'S _unconsidered appearance. The twocommanders face each other_. GRANT _salutes, and_ LEE _replies. 

Grant_: Sir, you have given me occasion to be proud of my opponent. 

_Lee_: I have not spared my strength. I acknowledge its defeat. 

_Grant_: You have come--

_Lee_: To ask upon what terms you will accept surrender. Yes. 

_Grant (taking the paper from the table and handing it to_ LEE): Theyare simple. I hope you will not find them ungenerous. 

_Lee (having read the terms_): You are magnanimous, sir. May I makeone submission?

_Grant_: It would be a privilege if I could consider it. 

_Lee_: You allow our officers to keep their horses. That is gracious. Our cavalry troopers' horses also are their own. 

_Grant_: I understand. They will be needed on the farms. It shall bedone. 

_Lee_: I thank you. It will do much towards conciliating our people. Iaccept your terms. 

LEE _unbuckles his sword, and offers it to_ GRANT. 

_Grant_: No, no. I should have included that. It has but one rightfulplace. I beg you. 

LEE _replaces his sword_. GRANT _offers his hand and_ LEE _takes it. They salute, and_ LEE _turns to go_. 

THE CURTAIN FALLS. 

_The two Chroniclers_: A wind blows in the night, And the pride of the rose is gone. It laboured, and was delight, And rains fell, and shoneSuns of the summer days, And dews washed the bud, And thanksgiving and praiseWas the rose in our blood. 

And out of the night it came, A wind, and the rose fell, Shattered its heart of flame, And how shall June tellThe glory that went with May?How shall the full year keepThe beauty that ere its dayWas blasted into sleep?

Roses. Oh, heart of man:Courage, that in the primeLooked on truth, and beganConspiracies with timeTo flower upon the painOf dark and envious earth. . . . A wind blows, and the brainIs the dust that was its birth. 

What shall the witness cry, He who has seen aloneWith imagination's eyeThe darkness overthrown?Hark: from the long eclipseThe wise words come--A wind blows, and the lipsOf prophecy are dumb. 

SCENE VI. 

_The evening of April_ 14, 1865. _The small lounge of a theatre. Onthe far side are the doors of three private boxes. There is silencefor a few moments. Then the sound of applause comes from theauditorium beyond. The box doors are opened. In the centre box canbe seen_ LINCOLN _and_ STANTON, MRS. LINCOLN, _another lady, and anofficer, talking together. 

The occupants come out from the other boxes into the lounge, wheresmall knots of people have gathered from different directions, andstand or sit talking busily_. 

_A Lady_: Very amusing, don't you think?

_Her Companion_: Oh, yes. But it's hardly true to life, is it?

_Another Lady_: Isn't that dark girl clever? What's her name?

_A Gentleman (consulting his programme_:) Eleanor Crowne. 

_Another Gentleman_: There's a terrible draught, isn't there? I shallhave a stiff neck. 

_His Wife_: You should keep your scarf on. 

_The Gentleman_: It looks so odd. 

_Another Lady_: The President looks very happy this evening, doesn'the?

_Another_: No wonder, is it? He must be a proud man. 

_A young man, dressed in black, passes among the people, glancingfurtively into_ LINCOLN'S _box, and disappears. It is_ JOHN WILKESBOOTH. 

_A Lady (greeting another_): Ah, Mrs. Bennington. When do you expectyour husband back?

_They drift away_. SUSAN, _carrying cloaks and wraps, comes in. Shegoes to the box, and speaks to_ MRS. LINCOLN. _Then she comes away, and sits down apart from the crowd to wait. 

A Young Man_: I rather think of going on the stage myself. My friendstell me I'm uncommon good. Only I don't think my health would standit. 

_A Girl_: Oh, it must be a very easy life. Just acting--that's easyenough. 

_A cry of_ "Lincoln" _comes through the auditorium. It is taken up, with shouts of_ "The President, " "Speech, " "Abraham Lincoln, " "FatherAbraham, " _and so on. The conversation in the lounge stops as thetalkers turn to listen. After a few moments_, LINCOLN _is seen torise. There is a burst of cheering. The people in the lounge standround the box door_. LINCOLN _holds up his hand, and there is a suddensilence_. 

_Lincoln_: My friends, I am touched, deeply touched, by this mark ofyour good-will. After four dark and difficult years, we have achievedthe great purpose for which we set out. General Lee's surrender toGeneral Grant leaves but one Confederate force in the field, and theend is immediate and certain. _(Cheers_. ) I have but little to sayat this moment. I claim not to have controlled events, but confessplainly that events have controlled me. But as events have come beforeme, I have seen them always with one faith. We have preserved theAmerican Union, and we have abolished a great wrong. _(Cheers_. ) Thetask of reconciliation, of setting order where there is now confusion, of bringing about a settlement at once just and merciful, and ofdirecting the life of a reunited country into prosperous channels ofgood-will and generosity, will demand all our wisdom, all our loyalty. It is the proudest hope of my life that I may be of some service inthis work. _(Cheers_. ) Whatever it may be, it can be but little inreturn for all the kindness and forbearance that I have received. Withmalice toward none, with charity for all, it is for us to resolve thatthis nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom; and thatgovernment of the people, by the people, for the people, shall notperish from the earth. 

_There is a great sound of cheering. It dies down, and a boy passesthrough the lounge and calls out_ "Last act, ladies and gentlemen. "_The people disperse, and the box doors are closed_. SUSAN _is leftalone and there is silence_. 

_After a few moments_, BOOTH _appears. He watches_ SUSAN _and seesthat her gaze is fixed away from him. He creeps along to the centrebox and disengages a hand from under his cloak. It holds a revolver. Poising himself, he opens the door with a swift movement, fires, flings the door to again, and rushes away. The door is thrown openagain, and the_ OFFICER _follows in pursuit. Inside the box_, MRS. LINCOLN _is kneeling by her husband, who is supported by_ STANTON. A DOCTOR _runs across the lounge and goes into the box. There iscomplete silence in the theatre. The door closes again. 

Susan (who has run to the box door, and is kneeling there, sobbing_):Master, master! No, no, not my master!

_The other box doors have opened, and the occupants with others havecollected in little terror-struck groups in the lounge. Then thecentre door opens, and_ STANTON _comes out, closing it behind him. 

_Stanton_: Now he belongs to the ages. 

THE CHRONICLERS _speak. _

_First Chronicler_: Events go by. And upon circumstance Disasterstrikes with the blind sweep of chance. And this our mimic action wasa theme, Kinsmen, as life is, clouded as a dream. 

_Second Chronicler_: But, as we spoke, presiding everywhere Upon eventwas one man's character. And that endures; it is the token sent Alwaysto man for man's own government. 

THE CURTAIN FALLS. 

THE END