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.