Hamilton - Act II

Act II

Scene.⁠—Living-room in the house of Alexander Hamilton, 79 South Third Street, Philadelphia. Evening of the same day. It is a large room in a brick house of the period. Wallpaper dull gray, white wainscoting. Doors solid mahogany, white frames, with cut-glass handles. Woodwork of windows and fireplace handsomely carved and painted white. Room suggests dignity and comfort rather than elegance. The furniture is Chippendale. Portraits of General and Mrs. Schuyler on the wall at back. Up stage right there is a door leading to a hall and street door which can be seen by audience. Down left a door leading to other part of house. Left center, at back, two long French windows give on to narrow iron balcony on front of house. A third window is on the right up stage. Light through window suggests street lamp without. Large and small chairs stand about. At left front stands a large carved mahogany chair. It is handsomely upholstered in leather. At left centre, a large, low writing table with a pile of manuscript at one end and furnished with ink and quill pens. The fireplace is on the right down stage. On mantelpiece stands a handsome wedgewood vase and one silver four-branch candlestick; above mantel a large mirror. Between fireplace and window up right a small square mahogany table against the wall. Green rep and lace curtains ai all windows. Down right centre facing audience a Colonial sofa. Against wall, centre at back, is a mahogany bookcase, filled with books, no doors on case; standing on bookcase are two two-branch silver candlesticks. The two portraits are on the wall above. Right and left of bookcase a chair. In left corner up stage a handsome Colonial escritoire, open. Armchair in front of escritoire. Against wall left and above door a smaller similar bookcase. Two single candlesticks on ditto. Armchair back of Hamilton’s table left centre. Single chair right of table. Chair against wall below door down left. Ditto against wall below fireplace down right. Small chair back of sofa.

	When the curtain goes up Alexander Hamilton is discovered standing at right of table left centre, looking over a manuscript of Bill for Congress. He is a man of medium height, thirty-three years of age. He is dressed in the height of fashion. In spite of heat, his ruffles are immaculate and his stock secure. He wears his own hair unpowedered and tied in a queue⁠—with a black ribbon. Enter L., Zekiel, an elderly negro serving man.
Zekiel	At door L. ‘Scuse me, Marse Ham’ton, but es mighty nigh nine o’clock.
Hamilton	Is it, Zekiel?
Zekiel	It cut’ny am, sah.
Hamilton	Well, what of it?
Zekiel	Coming toward him. Cunnel, yo’ ain’ had scarcely no food all day, an’ dad fetch me, dinnah’s been waitin’ these fo’ hours.
Hamilton	Has it? Well, bring it in here.
	Sits back of table L. C.
Zekiel	Hi! Yo’ don’ eat at all then, sah. Yo’ jes’ looks at it an’ goes on wo’kin’.
Hamilton	Making correction on bill. I’m engaged on a difficult task. Uncle.
Zekiel	Yo’ shore mus’ be, Marse Ham’ton.
Hamilton	Trying to make bricks without straw.
Zekiel	Bricks! That cut’ny do seem a mighty pore sub-astute fer dinnah, Marse Cunnel.
	Knock. Zekiel* crosses at back toward door R.*
Hamilton	I’m still out, Zekiel.
Zekiel	Turning at R. C. Reckon you-all bettah be home, Marse Cunnel, an’ quit wo’kin’ fo’ tonight.
Hamilton	I’m out, Zekiel, I’m out.
	Zekiel goes out R.; half closes room-door. Schuyler heard.
Schuyler	Without. What! Still out? I’ll come in, Uncle, and wait! Coming through hall door.
Zekiel	As Schuyler* stumps in.* So he’p me, Gen’al, ’tain’ no good yo’ waitin’.
	Enter General Schuyler* R., Zekiel backing in before him, trying to prevent him.*
Hamilton	Who has gotten up as soon as he heard voice. Why, father, I’ve been expecting you for hours.
	Meeting him up R., taking his hands and bringing him into the room.
Schuyler	Well, I called on you hours ago. To Zekiel. You black nigger, you, I don’t believe he’s been out at all!
Zekiel	Down R. of Schuyler. Why, he say he were out, and I done think he were.
Hamilton	L. of Schuyler. Uncle, I thought you knew I was expecting the General.
Zekiel	I don’ know nothin’ ’cept what you tells me, so help me, Marse Ham’ton.
	Shuts street door and returns, closing room door also.
Hamilton	I’m sorry, father, but you see as Secretary of the Treasury I’m a target for all kinds and conditions of people.
	Placing the chair R. of table a little further out for Schuyler.
Schuyler	Sitting L. C. People who come to borrow money, eh?
Hamilton	Giving Schuyler’s* hat to Zekiel.* Exactly. That’s why I have to be “out, out, out.” You see there is still a large section of the public who regard the Treasury as a sort of savings-bank, from which they can withdraw money without the preliminary inconvenience of depositing it.
	Helping Schuyler* off with his cloak and giving it to Zekiel.*
Schuyler	Having risen to take off cloak, sits again. Well, the people are slow to understand. It’s only the last few years that we’ve had a Treasury.
Hamilton	C. Yes, we have a Treasury, but we haven’t any treasure. How’s the gout?
Schuyler	How do I find Colonel Hamilton? That’s what I want to know.
Hamilton	I’m perfectly well⁠—puts his hand across his eyes but I believe I’m tired. Crossing down L.
Zekiel	Advancing to R. C. from behind sofa. He ain’ had no victals sence mawnin’, Gen’l.
Hamilton	Ah, perhaps that’s it. I believe I’m hungry.
Schuyler	Turning angrily to Zekiel. Didn’t Mrs. Hamilton charge you before she went away to see that the Colonel ate his meals regularly?
	Hamilton, laughing, passes up between Schuyler and table, giving Schuyler an affectionate shake as he passes, then puts away papers.
Zekiel	Yes, sah, Mis’ Betsy she charge me, but ’fo’ Gawd, Marse Schuylah, I cain’ get him to eat scarcely a mouf’ful.
Schuyler	So that’s the way you look after your master, is it?
Zekiel	Sometimes, Gen’l, yo’ kin tak’ an’ lead a mule up to de troff⁠—Hamilton, lying up papers, protests, laughingly but eff he tak’ it into his haid not to drink⁠—wall⁠—yo’ cain’ do nothin’ ’bout it.
Hamilton	Uncle, you never said a word about drink. You’ve been warning me to eat all day. To Schuyler. What do you think I’ve been doing, father?
Schuyler	The Lord knows! Everybody’s work, as usual, I suppose.
Hamilton	I’ve been building a National Bank.
	Placing hand on large bundle of manuscript.
Schuyler	Well, you can’t do it on an empty stomach.
Hamilton	Why not? I’m doing it on an empty Treasury.
	Goes up to escritoire with papers.
Schuyler	To Zekiel, who is going toward door R. Uncle Zeke, you go and get up the best supper you know how, and I’ll see that the Colonel eats it. And a bottle of wine.
	Zekiel puts cloak and hat down on chair R. of bookcase at back wall and brings small table from at wall R. and places it C. beside Schuyler.
Hamilton	At escritoire up L. You’ll join me in that?
Schuyler	No, I’ve got a milk-fed foot.
Hamilton	Laughing. Milk for General Schuyler.
Zekiel	Yassah. Zekiel exits L. happy.
Hamilton	Sitting on edge of table L. of Schuyler. Well, what news? You saw General Washington?
Schuyler	He’s in the lowest depths of depression, Alexander.
Hamilton	About the financial conditions.
Schuyler	He’s not as young as you, you know. He was born to fight⁠—but not to fight politicians.
Hamilton	Well, I’m going to do the fighting now. Picks up pens. Here’s a whole new bundle of pens and I’m going to stick a man with every one of them.
Schuyler	The opposition have half a dozen bundles to your one, and they poison the points.
Hamilton	That’s just it. They use too many pens and so the poison fails to take effect. I’ve got them sticking all over me, and I can’t even feel them.
Schuyler	But Washington feels them. They’re always attacking him. The latest is an accusation that he is drawing more salary than he is entitled to!
Hamilton	Whose work is that, Tom Paine’s?
Schuyler	No, the clerk of the house. But Tom Paine has written him a letter, too, accusing him of incompetence, calling him “Treacherous in private friendship, a hypocrite in public life.”
Hamilton	Sounds like Tom Paine.
Schuyler	And heaven knows what besides.
Hamilton	Ungrateful scoundrels!
Schuyler	The thing that hits him hardest is their everlasting hooting about the army. George Washington loves his army as he would have loved an only child.
Hamilton	He has beggared himself in an attempt to meet the country’s promise to pay. It’s the old story. The greater the achievement of the man, the more violent his detractors. Enter Zekiel, L., with tray containing chicken, bread and butter, jug of milk, glass, bottle of wine, wineglass, napkin and white cloth on tray. Now they are shouting “Dictator” and accusing him of trying to make himself king. And they know it’s a lie.
	Crossing down L. angrily.
Schuyler	Of course it’s a lie⁠—that’s why the politicians glory in it.
Hamilton	You can’t lead the people with a lie. The truth.
	Takes more papers from table and puts them away in escritoire.
Schuyler	Uncle Zeke, I hope you hear your master talking about the value of telling the truth. It will do you good.
Zekiel	Having placed tray on table C. ‘Fo’ Gawd, Marse Gen’l, the only lie I evah tell is to say Marse Ham’ton’s out when he’s in⁠—an’ shorely that’s a mighty white lie.
Schuyler	For a gentleman of your color.
Hamilton	Well, Zekiel, if anyone calls, I’m in for tonight.
Schuyler	Unless they want money out of the Treasury.
Zekiel	Taking chair from L. of bookcase at back and placing it back of table C. Very well, Marse Hamilton, yo’s in fo’ tonight. Now yo’ eat that thar dinnah, an’ I’ll bring yo’ mo’ to follow.
	Exit Zekiel, R., taking Schuyler’s* hat and cloak.*
Schuyler	Now! What have we here? Chicken.
Hamilton	At escritoire. Ah!
Schuyler	And bread and butter. Damn it, there’s no pie!
Hamilton	Coming over. Good heavens! No pie!
Schuyler	Calling. Zekiel!
Hamilton	I’ll wager he’s gone to get the pie.
Schuyler	Well, it doesn’t seem much to go building banks on.
Hamilton	How can I build banks without pie!
Schuyler	It’s time Betsy came back. Thank God, she will be home next week.
Hamilton	Standing back of table C. Haven’t you had a letter by the last packet? Knock ready.
Schuyler	No. Why, I’ve been on the road from Albany the last five days. What’s wrong?
Hamilton	Taking out letter from his breast pocket. Nothing wrong. But Betsy writes to say that Angelica isn’t able to come as soon as they expected. It will be another month before they are here.
	He kisses letter.
Schuyler	It’s a damned shame the way you’ve been left with no one to look after you. Go on and eat. Betsy had no sort of business to go off and leave you at all. I say it if she is my own daughter.
Hamilton	Why, you begged and prayed of her to go.
Schuyler	Well, she ought to be back.
Hamilton	She’s coming back. Heaven knows, I miss Betsy.
	Puts letter on tray and sits down.
Schuyler	Fuming. President Washington leans on you like a child on its mother, and not a soul in this whole town sees to it that you have any⁠—any⁠—
	Fumes.
Hamilton	Any pie!
Schuyler	Eat, I say⁠—eat! Knock. Now, there’s somebody else. Hope that nigger has sense enough to say you’re out.
Hamilton	Opening napkin. Come on then, join me. I’m hungry as a hunter. Passes milk. There’s your milk.
Schuyler	Milk! Bah! Enter Zekiel.
Zekiel	At door R., closing it behind him. Woman seen in hall as he enters. Here’s a poor woman at the door with a baby in her arms. She wants to see you, sah. Is yo’ in or is yo’ out?
Schuyler	Out!
Hamilton	What does she want?
Zekiel	She says as how she’s de wife ob one ob de soldiers.
Hamilton	To Schuyler. You see⁠—she comes to me for money⁠—money out of the Treasury! I’ll see her, Uncle. Schuyler objects, but Zekiel opens door. Can’t send her away, father.
	Drops napkin on tray and rises and goes up toward door R..
Schuyler	Mutters. You can’t live without food. What’s the use⁠—
	Enter Woman with baby in her arms. She comes from the hall; the street door is closed. Zekiel half closes the room door and remains in the room holding the doorknob. Woman has a state certificate in her hand.
Hamilton	What can I do for you?
	Up stage centre, L. of Woman.
Woman	Coming to R. C. Are you Colonel Hamilton?
Hamilton	Yes. Pulling the chair he was sitting on. Sit down. She sits. What is it?
Woman	My husband is Zackery Whalen, sir. He fought in the war, sir. He’s a cripple and can’t work. He fought under you, sir. It was that winter at Valley Forge⁠—his feet froze so many times, sir. He’s on a pension, but we can’t get the money.
Hamilton	Can’t get it from your state?
Woman	We sometimes get it, but not lately at all⁠—only promises, sir. You see, ours is due from Rhode Island. If it had been Virginia or New Hampshire, it’d been all right, because they are paying their men, but Rhode Island says they can’t.
	Hamilton looks toward Schuyler.
Hamilton	What do you wish me to do?
Woman	I heard General Washington spoke at a meeting of the soldiers last night and he gave his word that everyone would be paid. I know he will keep his word, sir, but we can’t wait.
Hamilton	Kindly. Why did you come to me?
Woman	They told me that you were Secretary of the Treasury, where all the money is.
Hamilton	Giving another hopeless look at Schuyler, who grunts. I wish I could make you understand. The Treasury at present is only a name⁠—an empty name. Takes paper from Woman. This is Rhode Island’s promise to pay. Mrs. Whalen, I am trying to make the country keep this promise; I’m trying to make them pay.
Woman	How long shall we have to wait, sir?
Hamilton	I don’t know. Here trying two waistcoat pockets before finding it take this.
	Gives her a coin and certificate. She wraps coin in certificate and puts it in her breast.
Woman	Thank you, sir.
	She is going but turns when he speaks.
Hamilton	Following her a step or two. I can only say that I’ll do my best to see that you are paid. You’re hungry, aren’t you?
Woman	Yes, sir.
Hamilton	Takes four corners of napkin and ties chicken inside and hands to her. Here, take this chicken and have a jolly good supper with your husband. I’m afraid there isn’t much for the⁠—He leans over and tenderly removes a corner of the shawl from the head of the sleeping baby. What’s the baby’s name?
Woman	Elizabeth, sir.
Hamilton	Smiling. Elizabeth⁠—is it?
Woman	Yes, sir.
Hamilton	Taking jug of milk from Schuyler, who was to pour some out. The baby’s name is Betsy, father. Gives jug to Woman. Milk for Elizabeth! Zekiel and Schuyler very protesting. Zekiel, show Mrs. Whalen out. Tell your husband I’m fighting for the men who fought for me, and it’s a harder struggle than we had at Valley Forge. But that I mean to win, as we won at Yorktown.
	Zekiel opens room-door and also street-door, which he holds open.
Woman	Near room-door. Thank you, sir. I’m sorry to have troubled you, but it’s hard on the women. When the war broke out, we had to let our men go and proud we were of ’em⁠—and when my husband came back disabled and useless, everybody took him by the hand and helped him. That was when the war was on. But now it’s finished.⁠ ⁠… It’s hard we can’t get paid. Good night, sir.
	Exit Woman, R.
Hamilton	Turning to Schuyler* with a groan.* The disgrace of it! The men who won our freedom left to starve!
	Moving down stage and to fireplace impatiently.
Schuyler	If Tom Jefferson and those damned Anti-Federalists would let your Assumption Bill go through, why, the soldiers would be paid.
Hamilton	Walking excitedly across to L. Their opposition to this bill is holding the country in the grip of bankruptcy.
Schuyler	While Jefferson and Monroe oppose it you’ll never get it through.
Hamilton	Back of his table, picking up manuscript. I’ll fight for it⁠—I’ll fight for it to the end. Throwing down manuscript and crossing at back to R. You see, father, Jefferson never smelt the smoke of battle.
Schuyler	No. He prides himself on being a man of peace. All he and his flock do is to go around shouting “States’ Rights.”
Hamilton	Thomas Jefferson and the Rights of Man! He gets his followers to do the shouting while he writes for posterity. Placing his chair R. of small table.
Schuyler	Grudgingly. Yes, he writes well.
Hamilton	Standing R. C. He writes music⁠—the music of well-chosen words.
Schuyler	And the people listen to him.
Hamilton	We all listen to Tom Jefferson’s music. He’s like the Pied Piper. He pipes and he pipes, and the people follow spellbound.
Schuyler	He can certainly pipe.
Hamilton	Of course there is always the danger that he will lead them into the sea.
Schuyler	Well, there’s a lot of rats running after him that’d be all the better for drowning.
Hamilton	There are always rats running up the backstairs trying to nibble their way into office.
	Enter Zekiel* from door up R.; comes down to table C.*
Schuyler	Wouldn’t be if the offices were kept clean.
Hamilton	Only a strong government can keep the offices clean. This policy of every man for himself is leading the country to anarchy. He is very angry.
Zekiel	A little alarmed. Reckon I bettah get yo’ some mo’ suppah, Cunnel.
	Picks up tray. Note:* Betsy’s letter is on tray. Be sure to bring it back on tray next time.*
Schuyler	Don’t you get me any more of that damned milk.
Zekiel	Mebbe I’d jes’ bettah fetch a little in a feedin’ bottle, Gen’l, yah, yah!
	Exit Zekiel* L., laughing. Hamilton laughs and sits R. of table C.*
Schuyler	When Zekiel lied to me this morning and said you were out, I went round to the Exchange Coffee House.
Hamilton	To get a milk punch?
Schuyler	To look for you! I saw several of the rats there, and I’m convinced they’re hatching something for you.
Hamilton	I always associate hatching with chickens, but I dare say rats do it. Well?
Schuyler	Be on your guard. Jefferson and Monroe are coming to see you about the location of the Capital.
Hamilton	Unconcerned. Oh, the Residence Bill! Takes out handkerchief. Well, what about it?
Schuyler	Sitting back; nettled. What about it!
Hamilton	I mean where do they want the Capital? In Jefferson’s parlor, I suppose.
Schuyler	That’s just where they do want it. They want the Capital of the United States in the South. My God!
Hamilton	But⁠—excuse me.
Schuyler	Fuming. My God!
Hamilton	Is that the end of your prayer, or the beginning, father?
Schuyler	The South!
Hamilton	Well, why not?
Schuyler	Do you mean to say you’d let the Capital of the United States go to the South?
Hamilton	Where do you think it should be?
Schuyler	Where should it be? Why Albany, of course!
Hamilton	Jumping out of his chair and over to R., laughing heartily. Oh, your home town.
Schuyler	The finest city on God’s earth!
Hamilton	Laughs. In your parlor, I suppose. No, General. Certainly not Albany. Sits in chair again.
Schuyler	Nettled. Oh, certainly not Albany, eh? And why certainly not Albany? I suppose you want it in New York?
	Zekiel enters L. and crossing at back to door up R. exits.
Hamilton	New York? Nnn-o⁠—
Schuyler	Well, in heaven’s name, where do you want it?
Hamilton	Anywhere that’s handy to get at.
Schuyler	Well, I’ll be⁠—! Haven’t you any patriotism, man?
Hamilton	I don’t care where the Capital is, or whether it’s built of marble or whether it’s made of wood, so long as we get the right men inside⁠—to restore law and order to this limping, half-starved government.
Schuyler	Alexander⁠—
Hamilton	Puling his chair around to face Schuyler* and anticipating amusement.* What are the reasons why the Capital should be in the North?
Schuyler	Why! All the traditions connected with our struggle for independence cluster about the North.
Hamilton	Ticking it off on his fingers. There’s some truth in that.
Schuyler	It was here in Philadelphia that the Declaration of Independence was signed.
Hamilton	Checking on fingers. So it was.
Schuyler	It was in New York that Washington took the oath of office. Hamilton checks. In New York the government had its beginning. Why, Albany commands the commerce of the four corners of the earth.
Hamilton	Checking. Hummm!
Schuyler	And⁠—and there’s not a damned bit of reason why the South should have it anyway.
Hamilton	But if the North has all the glory of the traditions of the past, isn’t it a good reason why the South should be glorified with the hopes of the future?
Schuyler	No!⁠ ⁠… Hamilton rises.
Hamilton	Hasn’t the South, at any rate, as much claim as the North?
Schuyler	No!⁠ ⁠… Enter Zekiel, R.
Hamilton	General, your argument is⁠—
Zekiel	Secatary Jeff’son and Sentah Monroe callin’ to see yo’, sir. Reckon you’s out?
Hamilton	I reckon I’m in, Zekiel.
Schuyler	Rising. Now, here they come to talk to you about the Capital, and you’re going to concede it without a struggle.
Hamilton	Coming to him. Father, you’re the best friend I have in the world, but I daren’t trust you in a matter of diplomacy. That’s no reflection on your intelligence because, you know, diplomacy is frequently only one-eighth brain tapping him on the forehead and seven-eighths the way you use it. I’m going to send you out onto that balcony to cool down. Going up toward C. window.
Zekiel	I jes’ got some mo’ suppah ready to brung up.
Schuyler	Getting above centre table. Well, bring it in, Zekiel, and the country be hanged.
Hamilton	Coming down R. of Schuyler* and taking his arm.* Father, I wonder if they feel as strongly as you do about the location of the Capital.
Schuyler	Raising his hand to strike the small table and breaking out. Why, any man with an ounce of⁠—
Hamilton	Out in the cool air, father. Pushes him on to the balcony. Oh, General, I’ve noticed that there sometimes comes a moment in diplomatic conferences when a little diversion is most valuable. Should I call for you, come in Schuyler grunts⁠—and look pleasant. I’ll see them, Zekiel. Zekiel exits R. Hamilton goes to his table and picking up manuscript of his bill returns to window and calls. Father, if I could only get hold of Jefferson and Monroe!
Schuyler	To back your Assumption Bill?
Hamilton	Yes.
Schuyler	If you could only get hold of the moon!
	He goes out, closing the windows. Hamilton, with sudden resolution, comes down left of his table and is facing R. when Zekiel brings in Monroe and Jefferson. They bow to each other. Zekiel crosses at back to L.
Zekiel	Sect’y Jeff’son and Sentah Monroe.
Hamilton	Bowing to them. Mr. Jefferson. Senator Monroe.
Monroe	L. of Jefferson. Howdo, Hamilton.
Jefferson	Advancing to C. Citizen Secretary, I trust we do not call at an inconvenient or unseasonable hour.
Hamilton	Your time, gentlemen, could not have been better chosen. Zekiel, a bottle of wine.
Zekiel	A bottle of wine and a sangwidge. Yes, sah.
	Exit Zekiel, L.
Jefferson	Mrs. Hamilton is not back yet?
Hamilton	Getting behind chair R. of large table and indicating it to Jefferson. No, my wife will not return, I fear, for a month or more. Will you take this chair, Mr. Jefferson? Jefferson sits R. of table. Will you take this one, Senator? Monroe crosses and sits in large armchair. That is the chair General Washington always sits in when he is here. Monroe rises uncomfortably then sits again. I’lll sit here at my desk, if you don’t mind.
	There is general constraint.
Jefferson	You are still working even at this late hour, Citizen Hamilton?
Hamilton	Oh, no. This is my recreation.
	Puts hand on pile of manuscript.
Monroe	And what is your recreation?
Hamilton	The establishment of a National Bank.
Monroe	It’s not constitutional.
Hamilton	It will be necessary for the full development of my Bill for the Government Assumption of States’ Debts.
	Monroe and Jefferson cough uncomfortably. Jefferson is bland.
Jefferson	A very charming room you have here.
Hamilton	Very charming.
Monroe	Devilish hot, though.
Hamilton	Allow me to open this window. Going to balcony window. I should mention that General Schuyler is on the balcony, if our business is private.
Jefferson	No, no, not in the least. Pray consider our visit as quite informal. Hamilton opens window.
Monroe	We came to have a little friendly chat with you.
Hamilton	Returning to table. Gentlemen, I am indeed relieved to find that you have come in this friendly spirit. It gives me courage to approach you in a perfectly friendly way on a very urgent matter.
	Jefferson catches Monroe’s eye.
Jefferson	I trust it may be within our power to be of use to you.
Monroe	Without sacrificing the principles for which we stand.
Jefferson	Of course.
Hamilton	Sitting back of table. President Washington is deeply concerned at the country’s neglect to pay its debts⁠—the debts incurred during the war.
Monroe	You mean the neglect of certain states to pay their debts?
Hamilton	I mean the neglect of the nation.
Monroe	Virginia has paid every cent she owes.
Hamilton	That saves the honor of Virginia, but not the honor of the nation. Gentlemen, my Bill provides that these debts shall be assumed by the central government. Why do you continue to oppose it? All I need is the support of Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe.
Jefferson	What you suggest would be making Virginia help to pay the debt of South Carolina.
Monroe	And South Carolina has three times the debt of Virginia.
Hamilton	To Monroe. Incurred in gaining Virginia her freedom. Gentlemen, if the interests of the thirteen states continue to clash, there is no hope of established independence. I appeal to you both, as patriots, not to squander the time of the country by the discussion of party interests. We are builders of a nation; let us build strongly, let us build on the foundation stone of honor. The nations of the world are watching us. Let them sneer at our youth, let them sneer at our poverty, but let them never cast a slur upon our honesty.
Jefferson	You plead merely for the honor of the nation: I plead also for the rights of the individual.
Monroe	Do you realize that the rights of the people are at stake?
Hamilton	To Monroe. The right of the people is the right to cast aside personal interests for the greater good of the nation. The only safety for any people is in a government that can command the respect of the world. Striking the table.
Monroe	Angrily. You mean a Monarchy?
Hamilton	I mean a Republic.
Monroe	Rising, coming to L. corner of table and pounding it. George Washington is trying to set up a Monarchy and make himself King.
	Returning to Washington’s chair. He gives it a vicious push with his knee and crosses to R.
Hamilton	Rising and crossing to R. with Monroe. Take this chair. I think you’ll be more comfortable.
	Gives Monroe* another chair from back of sofa. It is a hard uncomfortable looking little chair. He places it in front of sofa.*
Monroe	Ignoring the chair. Suppose the government should pay the states’ debts, the men who lent the money wouldn’t get it. Hamilton about to interrupt. You know as well as I do that the patriots who put up the money to carry on the war have long ago given up all hope of ever being paid by the bankrupt states.
Hamilton	That is exactly⁠—
Monroe	Their claims have passed into other hands, sold for a song.
Hamilton	C. But the claims remain⁠—and a promise to pay is a promise to pay.
Jefferson	Rising and with firmness. Citizen Hamilton, I am pledged to the people.
Monroe	We cannot pick the pockets of the man who trusts us in order to pay another man’s debts.
Hamilton	Gentlemen, this is repudiation⁠—the last stage of national humiliation.
Jefferson	I have tried to see your point of view. Citizen Monroe has tried to see it.
Monroe	Yes, I’ve tried.
	Turning away to R., impatiently.
Jefferson	You have appealed to Congress many times, and have always been defeated.
Hamilton	The last time by a majority of two.
Jefferson	The majority was small, it is true⁠—with a touch of courtliness mainly owing, I fear, to the eloquence of your address, Citizen Hamilton.
Hamilton	Responding with a profound bow. From Thomas Jefferson that is indeed praise. But I fear my eloquence has interfered with our friendly chat, and that was really what you came for.
	Turning to Monroe.
Jefferson	Some other time⁠—About to turn up stage.
Monroe	Well, Jefferson, time is short⁠—
Jefferson	This discussion having arisen, I find myself diffident in seeking your cooperation on another matter.
Hamilton	Gentlemen, I beg that you will not deprive me of so great a privilege⁠—pray sit down again. They sit. You are sure you are comfortable in that chair, Mr. Monroe?
Monroe	Seated in front of sofa. Yes, thank you. I was never made to occupy a throne.
Hamilton	About to respond but controls himself and sitting in chair R. of small table C. Gentlemen, I am at your service.
Jefferson	Seated again in chair between tables. You know that the Residence Bill must be voted on without further delay.
Hamilton	I understand that immediate decision is necessary.
Jefferson	I will not disguise from you that I consider the geographical position of the Capital a very vital matter.
	Schuyler appears on balcony at back, coming from L. He stops a moment at the open window, catches what they are talking about, nods his head and disappears to R.
Hamilton	Undoubtedly.
Jefferson	And we do not underrate your influence, not only with the President but with Congress, in arriving at a decision.
Hamilton	That decision, gentlemen, is a very grave and serious matter.
Monroe	It certainly is.
Hamilton	But I think we ought to find no difficulty in reaching an agreement.
Monroe	Now, that’s talking sense.
	Schuyler returns and lingers in front of open window with his ear obviously turned to catch the conversation. He is not seen by the others.
Jefferson	I am pleased to find that you are willing to meet us in the matter.
Hamilton	We should have no difficulty, because, to me⁠—and surely to all who have gone into the matter as deeply and seriously as we have⁠—there can be only one possible location for the Capital.
Monroe	And that is?
Hamilton	Albany. A distinct ejaculation is heard from Schuyler* outside. He disappears to L.* Excuse me. I thought I heard my father-in-law calling.
	Goes to window and closes it.
Jefferson	Albany!
Monroe	That old Dutch town!
Jefferson	And why Albany?
Hamilton	Returning to C. behind small table. Because oratorically; imitating Schuyler it commands the commerce of the four corners of the earth.
	Schuyler is seen moving outside. He opens the other window, the one nearest the L., and is radiant.
Jefferson	But I fear you do not consider⁠—
Hamilton	I know much may be said in favor of New York and Philadelphia⁠—but⁠—
Monroe	You talk as if Albany, New York, and Philadelphia were the only places in the Union, sir.
Hamilton	Surprised. Had you any other place in mind?
Monroe	Hasn’t the South as much claim as the North?
Hamilton	Certainly not, sir. The South could not possibly be considered.
Jefferson	Why not, sir?
Monroe	What’s your reason for the North, except you’re a Northerner yourself?
Hamilton	Oratorically. Why, gentlemen pulls chair R. of small table to back of small table and comes to R. of small table, all the great events connected with our glorious struggle for independence cluster about the North. Schuyler’s face expresses amazement and delight. Hamilton lightly touches his fingers, as he enumerates the following. It was here in this city⁠—in Philadelphia⁠—that was signed that immortal document from your hand, Mr. Jefferson⁠—the Declaration of Independence.
Monroe	What’s that got to do with it?
Hamilton	It was in New York that Washington took his oath of office. Schuyler gives great signs of approval. It was there that the government had its beginning, and⁠—and⁠—there’s not a⁠—there’s no reason on earth why the South should have it anyway.
	All this spoken with great conviction. Schuyler, in great delight, exits to R., remaining between windows.
Monroe	Rising and going R. The South will make a damned good fight for it.
Jefferson	Rising. Is that your final word, Mr. Hamilton?
Hamilton	My decision in this matter, Mr. Jefferson, is just as irrevocable as that of yours and Senator Monroe regarding my bill. Monroe and Jefferson exchange a glance which Hamilton observes. You’ll excuse me. I’m sure I heard the General calling. Going to window C. I’m afraid of the night air for your gout, father-in-law. You’d better be getting home.
	Enter Schuyler. Jefferson* moves away toward L., thinking.*
Schuyler	Good evening, gentlemen.
	With a profound bow and greatly pleased.
Jefferson	Good evening, Citizen Schuyler.
Monroe	Good evening.
Schuyler	Passing across toward door up R. I won’t interrupt you. I’ll just toddle along.
Hamilton	Following and laughing. Toddle? With that foot?
Schuyler	Throwing open the door up R. The foot’s better, Alexander. Good night, gentlemen.
Hamilton	Excuse me while I see the General to the door.
	They go off up R. Hamilton* closes the door after him.*
Jefferson	Coming toward C. What do you make of that last remark of his⁠—as irrevocable as our decision regarding his bill?
Monroe	R. C. Sounds like an invitation to strike a bargain.
Jefferson	Is it worth it?
Monroe	We can’t do without him, damn him.
Jefferson	Shall we support his bill in return for the Capital?
Monroe	It’s worth anything to get the Capital away from the North.
Jefferson	It will be hard to explain this change of front to the people. I’ve said so much about State Rights.
Monroe	You can make some excuse.
Jefferson	It will be difficult to explain away.
Monroe	Chuckling and coming to C. Tom Jefferson, you can explain away anything. Give you pen and ink and there isn’t your equal for that in the universe. Besides, we may not have to give up a thing. Moving away to R. a little.
Jefferson	What do you mean?
Monroe	Well, Giles of Virginia has some scheme on. He said if Hamilton got us into a corner⁠—
Jefferson	Monroe, Giles is a rascal, and I’ll not be identified with any of his underhand schemes.
Monroe	Neither will I. I’ll just leave him alone and trust in Providence.
	Reenter Hamilton* door up R. at back. Monroe crosses Jefferson to L.*
Hamilton	Coming down R. of table C. Forgive me for leaving you, although I’m afraid, gentlemen, our interview is at an end.
Jefferson	Advancing a little to Hamilton. Citizen Hamilton, I have been credited with being a diplomatist.
Hamilton	Your valued service, as Minister to France, places that beyond dispute, sir.
Jefferson	And I find that, in settling arguments of all kinds, it is necessary to give and take.
Hamilton	The best diplomatist, I presume, being the man who gives the least and takes the most.
	Jefferson and Monroe laugh slightly.
Jefferson	In this instance, Citizen Monroe and myself are prepared to give a great deal, in order that the Southern States shall not be overlooked.
Monroe	Treated with contempt.
Jefferson	With regard to the Capital, I have a proposal to make. Hamilton nods his head attentively and comes down in front of sofa and turns to them. As we cannot agree upon the selection of a city, why not build us a new city⁠—clean and new and full of the ideals of Liberty and Fraternity! Why choose a city like Albany or New York, marred with the scars of the British tyrant⁠—bristling with the memories of our servitude?
Hamilton	Certainly an original idea. A new city. On the Hudson!
Monroe	Quickly and emphatically. No, not on the Hudson.
Jefferson	On the Potomac⁠—halfway between the North and the South!
Hamilton	I regret to have to refuse you, Mr. Jefferson, but as I said my decision is irrevocable.
	Going up stage between end of sofa and table C.
Jefferson	I think you said as irrevocable as our decision regarding your bill.
Hamilton	Turning and apparently trying to recall it. Did I? I think I did.
Jefferson	Suppose we⁠—make⁠—a⁠—concession.
Hamilton	Coming back to Jefferson. Strike a bargain, do you mean?
Jefferson	Well, I wouldn’t care to use that word, Mr. Hamilton.
Hamilton	No? We won’t use it, then. We’ll call it concession. Moves to front of sofa again.
Jefferson	Suppose we pass your Bill in return for the Capital?
Hamilton	With an assumption of astonishment. Why, gentlemen, this is a surprising proposal. I fear I must have time to think it over.
	Sits on little chair in front of sofa.
Monroe	Beside Jefferson. You’re a quick thinker when you like, Hamilton. Knock ready.
Hamilton	Yes, when I like the proposal. But I am afraid I am getting the worst of the bargain⁠—Jefferson gives slight movement er⁠—concession.
Jefferson	We’re offering you something you’ve been fighting for for years.
Hamilton	You will admit that yours would be the spectacular victory. The Capital wrested from the North!
Jefferson	I do not care for popularity. I am thinking only of what is best for the greatest number.
Hamilton	You need my answer now? Can you not give me a week to think it over?
Monroe	A week! Good Lord, Hamilton.
Hamilton	Three days!
Monroe	This must be decided now.
Hamilton	Rising. Very well, gentlemen. I agree.
Monroe	With alacrity. Shall we put it in writing?
	Going toward table L.
Jefferson	I think our oral pledge will be sufficient.
Hamilton	Your word is your bond. In fact I would rather take your word, gentlemen, than the bond of any state in the Union.
	He bows to them; they laugh. Monroe* comes over eagerly and extends his hand.*
Monroe	That’s a bargain then.
	Enter Zekiel, L., with tray containing chicken, decanter of wine and three wineglasses. Knock is heard off R. He puts tray on table C. and exits up R., leaving door R. open. Note: Be sure that Betsy’s letter is on tray. The dialogue is not interrupted by Zekiel’s entrance.
Jefferson	Between them and smiling. Really, I cannot permit⁠—
Hamilton	Let us say, a final settlement of our difference of opinion. May I offer you some refreshment?
	Going to back of C. table. Monroe* to R.*
Jefferson	Thank you, no. Citizen Monroe will agree that we have already detained you too long.
	Passing up R. of C. table toward door R. Hamilton* is preceding Jefferson when Zekiel throws open the street door up R. and announces⁠ ⁠…*
Zekiel	Coun’ Tallyrand! Enter Tallyrand.
Tallyrand	Shaking hands with Hamilton* and then retiring a little on the right up stage near door.* My dear Hamilton⁠—oh, a thousand pardons. I see you have the Citizens with you. I intrude.
Jefferson	We were about to take our leave. Shaking hands with Hamilton. Good night, Citizen Hamilton. Passing to door. We have already made our adieux to⁠—
Tallyrand	Politely. Citizen Tallyrand.
	Jefferson exits to street door which Zekiel is holding open. Zekiel hands him his hat. Tallyrand comes down between sofa and table C., dropping his hat and gloves on sofa; he then moves across to in front of sofa.
Monroe	Shaking hands with Hamilton. Good night, Hamilton. Goes to room door and turns. That was a damned good proposition of yours.
Hamilton	At room door L. of Monroe. Oh, pardon me, gentlemen. The proposition came from you.
Monroe	Coughing uncomfortably. Er⁠—yes⁠—
	Takes stick and hat from Zekiel. Exit Monroe* and Jefferson through street-door up R.*
Hamilton	Slamming room door and coming down excitedly, placing his hands on Tallyrand’s* shoulders.* Tallyrand, I needed someone to drink a toast with me. Here’s to the government that’s going to pay its debts. Picking up decanter.
Tallyrand	I drink to that because I like to drink, but drinking will not make your government pay.
Hamilton	Pouring out two glasses. It’s going to pay! It’s going to pay!
Tallyrand	Who is going to make it?
Hamilton	Pointing. Jefferson and Monroe.
Tallyrand	Astounded. You have reformed them?
Hamilton	I have⁠—and never struck a blow.
Tallyrand	Taking up glass. I drink, then, to Alexander Hamilton⁠—the greatest of them all!
Hamilton	Taking up glass. That gives you an unfair advantage with the wine. If you will substitute the name of George Washington, I will drink with you.
Tallyrand	Shrugs shoulders. George Washington⁠—yes.
Hamilton	C., holding up glass. To George Washington, the first American!
	Both are in front of small table.
Tallyrand	R. of Hamilton. Well, I will drink anyhow.
	They drink and put down glasses.
Hamilton	Good-humored. You never did appreciate the greatness of my General.
Tallyrand	Oh, yes, he has a great big nose.
Hamilton	And a great big heart and a great big soul.
Tallyrand	But the brain, it is yours. Hamilton about to interrupt. Don’t let’s quarrel over your General. I come to say goodbye.
Hamilton	You leave by tonight’s boat?
Tallyrand	Yes, or rather it sails in the early hours of the morning.
Hamilton	Then you have plenty of time. Taking chair from in front of sofa and sitting R. of C. table. Sit down and have supper with me.
Tallyrand	Moving away to L. Oh, no⁠—you Americans take too much food. When you are not doing something else, you are always sitting down to supper.
Hamilton	Well, be a good American and sit down then.
Tallyrand	Extending hand. No, no, I come to give you one last embrace. I am in haste. I must leave you. Adieu. Giving him his hand.
Hamilton	Still seated. Why not stop and gossip? I’ve finished my work for tonight.
Tallyrand	To be frank with you, I have to make my adieux to some⁠—er⁠—ladies.
Hamilton	Rising. Oh!
Tallyrand	Ah, your American girls! I find them almost more irresistible than the French.
	Enter Zekiel* up R. with bottle of wine and two wineglasses on tray; puts them on C. table.*
Hamilton	Laughing. And they’re not so far away⁠—eh?
	Digs him in the ribs.
Tallyrand	L. C. Hamilton, you have finished your work for tonight. Why not come with me? If one is working all the day is it not right that one should play at night? Coming over to Hamilton. A little spree, eh?
Hamilton	Smiling. Why⁠—what do you call a little spree?
	Zekiel is back of small table and can be seen smiling approvingly.
Tallyrand	Shrugs. Oh-h⁠—a⁠—leetle spree. You are so good, Hamilton, and I love you for it, but I see the boy leap into your eyes when I say little spree.
	He puts hands on Hamilton’s* shoulders. Exit Zekiel up R. at back.*
Hamilton	Laughing and moving away to R. Do you? By Jove, I believe I deserve it!
Tallyrand	We are all of us human⁠—except General Washington.
Hamilton	Protesting. Tallyrand!
Tallyrand	A little spree will do you good.
	Going quickly back of sofa and getting hat and gloves.
Hamilton	Crossing to table C. and picks up Betsy’s* letter.* No, I think not. I think I’ll stay at home.
Tallyrand	Oh, yes, I know⁠—Mrs. Hamilton is charming⁠—Je l’adore, but she is away⁠—she is away so long.
Hamilton	Coming to Tallyrand* and pulling himself together.* No, no, no.
Tallyrand	I cannot tempt you?
Hamilton	I’m afraid you might. That’s why I say goodbye. Takes hand. Sail home as fast as a fair wind will carry you. Your genius is universal, but your morals are indigenous to Paris. Godspeed!
	They go up. Hamilton* opens room door. Zekiel opens street door.*
Tallyrand	Turning at room door. Hamilton* is on his left.* Au ’voir, dear friend. When I am in France and I think of America one big figure will come before my eyes⁠—Alexander Hamilton! The man who makes the fortune of a nation in order to get a living for his family. Au revoir.
	Exit Tallyrand.
Hamilton	Waving to him. Au revoir. Bon voyage. Comes into the room. Bolt the door, Zekiel; we’ve had enough for tonight. Zekiel bolts and chains street door, then enters room, closing room door. Hamilton walks to his table and picks up Bill. Victory! Well, now, we’ll go to bed, Uncle.
	Sitting at table L. and putting away papers.
Zekiel	At room door. Fo’ de Lawd’s sake, Marse Cunnel, ain’ yo’ goin’ to eat no suppah?
Hamilton	Remembering. Shuts drawer and comes to behind table C. Supper? Yes.
Zekiel	Coming down to R. corner of table C. That’s ’bout the fourth suppah I brought in this night, and yo’ ain’ goin’ t’ eat it.
Hamilton	I’m going to eat all that supper, and I’m going to finish this bottle of wine. Picking up decanter.
Zekiel	Don’ yo’ drink it on an empty stomach; it’ll go straight to yo’ haid. An’ dere’s noder bottle ain’ been touched, an’ de corkscrew a-lyin’ close ’longside.
Hamilton	Zekiel, there’s a conspiracy amongst you to lead me into temptation. Goes up to escritoire in L. corner, sits, and is putting away papers. You go to bed.
Zekiel	Yes, Marse Hamilton. Yessah.
	Goes to bookcase C. at back and picking up an extinguisher begins to put out the four lighted candles; lights go down. Zekiel* giggles audibly two or three times.*
Hamilton	What is it, Zekiel? What’s the matter?
Zekiel	Giggling. ‘Scuse me, Marse Hamilton, but I jes’ couldn’t help heah what Cunnel Coun’ Tallyran’ say to yo’ ’bout goin’ on a little spree.
Hamilton	Ah, you mustn’t be shocked, Uncle. He didn’t mean it.
	Coming down to table L., sitting and putting papers away in drawers.
Zekiel	Law, no, I ain’ shocked! I think him right, Mars’ Ham’ton, quite right.
Hamilton	What?
Zekiel	Working to door up R. at back. Yo’-all been stickin’ too close to wo’k. Leetle spree do yo’ sight ob good.
Hamilton	Uncle!
Zekiel	If I been a-wo’kin’ night an’ day, same’s yo’ been a-doin’, reckon I’d lak a leetle spree myself.
	Opens door R.
Hamilton	Why, you black rascal, at your age!
Zekiel	Well, sah, dat am de on’y thing ’at ’ud pavent it, Marse Cunnel.
Hamilton	Laughing and going quickly toward door R.; shouts. Get off to bed!
	Zekiel exits R. laughing; closes door. Hamilton laughs, walks over to table C., sits, looks at food, feels loneliness, feels heat⁠—rises⁠—opens window L. onto balcony. Takes out handkerchief and wipes brow. Returning to C. table he chuckles at Bill on table L. as he passes. Sits down behind C. table and is pouring out a glass of wine when there is faint knocking at outer door, which he hardly hears and attaches no importance to. He is about to drink the wine when the knocking repeated louder. He puts down the glass and opens room-door and listens. It comes again. He goes out and unbolts street-door and opens it.
Mrs. Reynolds	Outside. Is this Alexander Hamilton’s house?
Hamilton	Yes, this is Mr. Hamilton’s house.
Mrs. Reynolds	Is he at home?
Hamilton	Yes, he is at home. What do you want?
Mrs. Reynolds	I want to see him.
Hamilton	Won’t it do tomorrow?
Mrs. Reynolds	Oh, no. I must see him tonight.
Hamilton	Come in.
	Enter Mrs. Reynolds. He closes street door but not room door. Mrs. Reynolds wears a short, white muslin dress, filmy and simple. It is short-waisted, and cut low. Over this a straight, blue cape, with a little hood on back. Her hair is in ringlets. She looks like a sweet little schoolgirl. Her slippers are black, with white stockings and with black ribbons crossed over ankle. She comes to C. above table, taking in the room with a glance. Hamilton follows and is on her R.
Mrs. Reynolds	May I see him?
Hamilton	I am Mr. Hamilton.
Mrs. Reynolds	Wide-eyed. Oh-h⁠—are you Alexander Hamilton? I thought he was quite old. Why, you’re young, aren’t you?
Hamilton	Smiling. Not very young.
Mrs. Reynolds	Why, you are. You look quite boyish. It’s very late, isn’t it?
Hamilton	It is rather late for business hours.
Mrs. Reynolds	Were you just going to bed?
Hamilton	I think I was.
Mrs. Reynolds	Oh, then I ought not to have disturbed you. When I got to your door I thought perhaps it might be too late. That’s why I knocked with my knuckles instead of with the knocker.
	Looking at her fingers and half holding them out but withdrawing them when he shows no particular interest.
Hamilton	Yes, I wondered why you did that.
Mrs. Reynolds	Smiling sweetly. Yes, it hurt them too. It was mighty nice of you to let me in.
Hamilton	Smiling. What do you want?
Mrs. Reynolds	I hardly like to tell you. Moving down a step.
Hamilton	A little nonplussed. What’s your name?
Mrs. Reynolds	Reynolds⁠—my name is.
Hamilton	Reynolds?
Mrs. Reynolds	Yes. I’m related to the Livingstons of New York State.
Hamilton	Warmly. Oh!
Mrs. Reynolds	Yes. I’ve so often heard of you from the Livingstons.
Hamilton	Shaking hands with her. Yes, the Livingstons are very old friends of mine. Won’t you sit down? Indicates chair R. of C. table; she sits demurely but with a “so far so good” look in her eye. He seats himsself on the end of the sofa facing her. Well now, what can I do for you?
Mrs. Reynolds	I want money.
Hamilton	Astonished. Money? But⁠—why did you come to me?
Mrs. Reynolds	Innocently. Why, I’m an American. I’m in need of money. I thought it the place of the Secretary of the Treasury of my own country to help me.
Hamilton	Turning away for a moment amused. But, my child, I have no money. Why don’t you go to Robert Livingston? He’s in Philadelphia now.
Mrs. Reynolds	With a quick look away. Oh, is he? But my people are the Henry Livingstons.
Hamilton	Oh!
Mrs. Reynolds	Quickly. My father was in the Commissary Department during the war.
Hamilton	Was he?
Mrs. Reynolds	Yes. Mr. Lewis, his name was.
Hamilton	Interestedly. Well, now, what do you want this money for?
Mrs. Reynolds	With a faltering voice. I want to run away.
Hamilton	To run away! From whom?
Mrs. Reynolds	My husband.
Hamilton	Your husband? Why, you’re a child!
Mrs. Reynolds	I’m twenty-six. I don’t look it, do I? Oh, he’s been nothing to me for a long time, but tonight he came to my lodgings where I’ve been living and he struck me, here. Touching her breast. So I thought you could give me the money that tomorrow I’d go to New York.
Hamilton	And tonight?
Mrs. Reynolds	Oh, I can go back to my lodgings. With a Madonna-like simplicity. He won’t come there again tonight.
Hamilton	Leaning forward. What did you say your name was?
Mrs. Reynolds	Mrs. Reynolds⁠—Maria is my first name. At home I was always called Joy.
Hamilton	Joy!
Mrs. Reynolds	Yes, Joy, but I haven’t had much joy since I married. Breaking down. Oh, but I want it! I want joy and happiness.
Hamilton	After a pause. Rising and moving to R. and not quite knowing what to say to her; she glances at him quickly as he does so. Things will look brighter tomorrow. Bending over her.
Mrs. Reynolds	Despondently. No, I’ve waited for years for things to be brighter tomorrow.
Hamilton	Sympathetically. I fear you are very tired.
Mrs. Reynolds	I am. With a side glance at the things on the table. I’ve had nothing since morning.
Hamilton	Haven’t you? Suddenly remembering. Why, neither have I! Coming down R. a step or two.
Mrs. Reynolds	Nothing to eat since morning! Rising. You poor boy! Putting her arms on his and then going quickly to back of C. table. Why, you’ve got all sorts of things here⁠—and wine.
Hamilton	Will you have a glass of wine?
	Curtain warning.
Mrs. Reynolds	L. of table and above it. Oh, yes, I love wine! He gives it to her laughing. She drinks. Oh, I don’t think I should have had it⁠—I’ve had nothing to eat.
Hamilton	In that case, I believe, it goes straight to the head. They laugh.
Mrs. Reynolds	Putting down glass. Aren’t you going to have one?
Hamilton	Yes, I’m going to have one. Here’s wishing that joy may come back into your life.
	Drinks the glass he had already filled when the knock came.
Mrs. Reynolds	Watches him and comes down a little in front of table. Do you know what it is to be lonely?
Hamilton	At R. corner of table. I do. I’ve been very lonely sometimes.
Mrs. Reynolds	Going to him. I believe you’re lonely now.
Hamilton	I believe I am.
Mrs. Reynolds	Two lonely people, alone! Have you nobody here to talk to?
Hamilton	Nobody⁠—but you. Recovering. And that is why I am going to send you away. But first, you must have some food. Moving to back of C. table.
Mrs. Reynolds	Gently. Oh, no⁠—not if you’re afraid of my staying. I see you think it isn’t right.
	Backing away a little toward L.
Hamilton	I think it’s better not. But you must have some food.
Mrs. Reynolds	Passing her hand over her brow. No, no, thank you. I will go. Moving over to R. of him.
Hamilton	Coming down a step. But I can’t let you go like this.
Mrs. Reynolds	No, I see I was wrong. I had no right to ask you for money.
Hamilton	But I don’t like to⁠—
Mrs. Reynolds	No, thank you, I’ll go⁠—I⁠⸺⁠
	She reels slightly, falling into his arms.
Hamilton	Catching her. What’s the matter?
Mrs. Reynolds	Recovering; dazed. I don’t know what’s come over me. I feel so hot and funny.
Hamilton	Well⁠—Looks for a place to seat her. Sit here. Sits her on sofa.
Mrs. Reynolds	Looking up at him. It must have been the wine. They laugh.
Hamilton	Having one knee on sofa, steps over sofa and comes behind her; arranges pillows at head of ditto. Rest here a moment.
Mrs. Reynolds	Reclining and feeling her face. Feel my face how it’s burning.
	Takes his left hand and puts it on her left cheek, using her right hand to do so.
Hamilton	I’ll get you some water.
	As he goes, she watches him and takes cloak from her shoulders with a quick movement, which shows the audience she is acting. He goes to L. U. end of table left and fills a glass of water from a decanter and brings it over to her. She looks up at him very appealingly and then slowly takes the glass in her right hand and sips.
Mrs. Reynolds	It’s wonderful to be with someone who is kind to me.
	Passing the glass into her left hand and giving to him; he takes it in his right hand.
Hamilton	Are you feeling better? Bending over her.
Mrs. Reynolds	Subtly getting her fingers into his right hand; he takes the glass in his left. Yes, yes. Let me stay⁠—just a moment. She holds his hand very unconsciously and rests a moment with eyes closed. Now I’ll go.
Hamilton	Bending low over her, recovers himself with an effort. I’ll call my old negro servant. He shall take you home. Puts glass on C. table.
Mrs. Reynolds	Rising quickly, and gathering cloak around her. Oh, no, no! What would he think? No, I’ll go, thank you.
Hamilton	But I can’t let you⁠—Mrs. Reynolds slightly reels. I’ll see you to your door.
	Takes his hat and cloak from corner of bookcase up C. at back; puts cloak on.
Mrs. Reynolds	With a triumphant gleam in her eyes. Will you? Oh, but, Mr. Hamilton, I couldn’t dream of taking you out at this hour. It’s so late.
	Moves up L. of sofa.
Hamilton	Coming down to her. That’s why I can’t let you go alone. Feels her thin cloak. But I’m afraid you’ll be chilly in the night air. Putting his hat on and taking a second cloak from chair R. of bookcase C. at back. Here, put this around you.
	Puts it around her.
Mrs. Reynolds	Cuddling into it, they bump slightly and both laugh. Is it one of yours?
Hamilton	Yes. Laughing. And very big for you.
	Stands L. of her.
Mrs. Reynolds	It’s very cozy.
Hamilton	Now.
Mrs. Reynolds	Brightly. May take your arm?
	Takes his right arm with her left.
Hamilton	Why, you’re feeling much better.
Mrs. Reynolds	Oh, yes!
Hamilton	I think you had better have another glass of wine?
	Laughing.
Mrs. Reynolds	Oh, no, thank you; just take me home. Isn’t it wonderful to be taken home by Alexander Hamilton?
	They go toward street door up R. Hamilton* is seen arranging the cloak at her head and opening the street-door; they exit laughing as⁠ ⁠…* The Curtain Falls.