LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. p5 fa & Shelf. ;lf. Z15 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. i rm 1 TUB GMEAT REBELLION, art/ REMIITISCEITCES OF THE STRUGGLE THAT COST A MILLION LIVES. A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS. . $2 4. fytbmt ijtod. NEW TOSKf 1881. '<£* .1* Copyright, 188U by the Author I ) of the GREAT REBELLION INTRODUCTION. Scene m a Sangamon forest Lincoln with axe, maul and wedge, splitting rails. Lin. Ojcb of the sweetest fruits of labor is An honest living. I'd rather have A homely crust, well earned r to nibble, washed Willi a beverage of pure conscience down ; It's more refreshing, in my simple judgment, Th;m the fruits of golden India, to the palate Of the gouty millionaire who financiers regardles? Of \vt\ys and means of getting, save t'mswre Tin* gotten. He's not a pauper who eats This crust with? relish; paupers are not the workers. But he's the bone* and sinew of the land; FTf. on whom depends our boasted Yankee Nation, for all her great developments. [ Works. Enter Joe, the Hunter, at a distance. 8 INTRODUCTION. Joe. [Scanning.] Wal, I'd jest like ter know what on airth that raought be ! My own mother alius teached me as how I was the ogliest creetur liviu'; an' somehow I've got terhatin' beauty, ogli- ness too; besides, my father has often 'jined it on me to shoot the fust man I ever see humlier'n me ; and I tuk a vow one day when Sal Simmins gin me a ticket of everlastin' leave jest kase I warnt good lookin' I tuk a vow I'd do it; an' I would long ago but I'd made up my mind the human race was putty safe for all my bullets; [laughing] for hunt the wide world over, I haint got no comparison. I've kep' this ere old glass these ten year, 'an never looked in it on'y when I thought I seed critturs that 'ud stan' some fag along side uv my reflexion; but gosh ! I've got an equal here. T'aint human tho'. Whew! My word's good. Yen thing's hurnblier'n me ; I bleve I'll shoot. Hit's suthin' whether base, di- vine or middlin*. Base things is evil sperits, or dev- ils; an' ef thatar' proves one on 'em, I sartain shant do any harm to rid the world on 'im; at least I'll make the ventur. Divine things is heavenly! That is, I spose they alius behave tharselves. They nev- er drink whiskey, never swar, nor steal rats, nor minks, nor any other varmints out uv each other's traps. They live in a place they call Paradise, 'an its mighty oncommon thar visits on the airth, for they cant take no plunder back, an' mere visitin' ! T'aint very likely they'r a goin' to the trouble ter visit us mortals. At least, I never had any on 'em come ter see me. They aint made uv blood and bones like us. They're sperits; that is, they're blad- ders like, stuffed with this yer hygroggin gas, and painted up to look like somebody. But Vm an i- dee ef that ar's one on 'em. the artix what painted 'im must uv had a right smart uv a rangertang fur a J.YTHODUCTIOX mocjel tep daub arter.. If, its, one uv that kind uv on- v 6%a ted varmints, an' I should slide a.decider'in.'irn "from 'my old wolf slaye'jf here an'' it should plunk a T l)0 : le thr'ongh his hide, the gas 'ud 'scape, he'd wilt "Bp Vanish in a iwirlklin' uv a, cat's eve at a bull dog. rv Phfen thar-'s thie'middlin' kind uv thing that's human. < a' fF 1*11 confess I'd rather blow a ball at any oneuv l H)ie Other above" rrien'tipned critters., I say I feel. -;i leetld Squeamish aooSjt this tiling 1 ; howsomever y>IInhtin^ Joe's not the man to break his promise. *f'li„s'hoQt,'.hit or miss. [Aiw4 and sriqjj's.]' 3n Tax. [Startled, approaches Joe.]' '" Hello, old fellow. •^|elM ! $6ti1' What game is' that you're sighting'? ''It seenis to me your piece is pointing too.. ■'•"/ . , ^Bii'ectly'" on a line 'with me for safety', V B --jf&ft [Aside.] Wal thai;! I'm a little Vharned uv 'this, .already. : llelld ? ,' Longspliee, another jiffjraii' 'Vcl a "been a dish for worms! 'V ~ : -'L'iN. How's that? ' J- : Hux. How's that! . V I:'". Lin. ';' Do you take me for ganie T ; [■.'"".' '."■* '; 'I'^uS'' ", Yes, rriy game I've been this ten 'year hunt- *M fur the like uv ye. My'ole dad long senee made "nrei 1 swar : I'd shoot the fust man I found oglier iookin' than me ; an' at last I bleve I've found 'im. ''■' [Scanning his glass,] 1 "Lin. Well, if I'm any uglier than you arc 'blaze away. 13tjn. Would yer be willin' to call it a tie? • Lin. I'm willing to call it a tie if it will turn your notion, or stay bloodshed; not that I feel my- self particularly worthy of a longer lease of life, but really, I do not think my offense merits capital punishment. My dear Sir, you have allowed an i lea to deprave you; and the sentiment taught you i ] .j^your father had well nigh worked your ruin. 10 INTRODUCTION. We have other things to live for. Give me Your hand my friend, and vow a contra-vow : That you will never let this whim of beauty And its counterpart control your passions. Let me convince you. What is beauty? I own my gaunt, long legs and bOny frame And fingers, do not suit the silly whims Of those Heaven graceful finishes" in contour, With form and feature faultless, with symmetn In buoyant youth as perfect as the fawn. A little time, a bruise, cut, cancer, or A stroke of small pox, scar, or anything May ruin all this beauty. The great Creator who in wisdom made us all, Has doubtless made all perfect. 'Tis not for Outward loveliness that we are valued. A deed of kindness of the tongue, or hand, May change the ugliest shape and features too, Such as before were seen but to repel; And cause a shrug of withering disgust To startle splfeny natures, to forms superb. 'Tis by acts we're valued, by those possessed Of sense sufficient to be worth a notice. Who can esteem the j-udg n -»nt of a man Who sets dumb visions and blind imagery Against the sober, though battered and time Worn walls of solid worth? Hun. Wal, now, who'd a thought I was shoot- in' a man what could convince me out uv an idee I was well nigh born with? I say feller woodsman, sence I've got older, I've often cogertated on the same sort uv theery you're a preachin'; an' ef yer call little Childers folks, an' I've got ter thinkin' ole folks is more onsensible'n they; ef yer call 'em folks I say, I'll go halves with yer an' indorse yer idees; fur I've lived long enough to know that this here INTRODUCTION. 11 kentry's full uv wild cats an' more on em's got two legs than four; but I've tuk a right smart uv a liken' to you, 'cause yer seem to have the sensible sim- plicity uv a baby. Lin. Why what do you mean by that ? Hun. What do I mean V I mean they're more goodnatered, like, eh! Hit's mighty few uv these 'eregrowdupers as know thar's sich a critter livin' a? huntin' Joe^cept to make mouths at. But y'd or. ter see the difference when I happen by Jack Far- lan's clearin'. Hit sometimes actilly makes my oU eyes swim seem' the little fellers go fur me; an' ef } poke along, they'll call me back, like, an' climb m* like 'possoms an' git me ter tell yams. I haint got the spunk in me to refuse, like I would if they was bigger. Many's the comfortable time I've had a laughin' an' yarn spinin' with some urchin on my knee, ef I do say it; an' seein' yer so good natered, I acknowledge it ter you. Lin. I see you have a good heart, and I for one, cannot see your ugliness as plainly as you do. Where do you live, Joe ? Hun. Me? wal, I'm a sort, uv a transient chap; I dont live anywheres. I'm stoppin' though, herea- bouts this many a year; but game's gittin' skace an' I'm goin' down inter ole Ken tuck, whar I kin find varmints thicker at the foot uv the Varginy moun- tains. Good bye boy, you've larnt me a lesson el I am the oldest. You're the last two legged game without feathers I shall ever snap at, 'less 'tis a traitor. Here's my elinchin' bones. Yer think I'd a shot yer? Wal I would at fust, but "fore I got done aimin', the ole kill devil wus mor'n four foot wide yer carcass. 'Souse this brine, I'm on'y sWeatin'. [Going, wiping his eyes] 1)in: Hold'! What'* your hurry ? 12 INTRODUCTION. Come, you're tired, hungry. Enjoy with me This frugal meal, my friend and let us bury Strangeness and be friends. I'm from Kentucky. Hun. Are ye ? Wal, yer paw on that. I'm ofl* Take care yerself boy. [Going.] Hey thar! I for- got. What's yer name? Lin. Abram Lincoln. Hun. Abraham Lincoln ! That's a philoserphy name, an' he's a philoserphy chap, that, kind uv winnin' like. I had hard scratchin' to break away from 'im. I haint the feller to eat his grub arter I'd been plunkin' a hole through 'im. That 'ud bfe heathenish. Ef ever he gits inter a scrape, an' I hear on't, yer'll see me stick up for 'im like a she bear. He's got a soul in 'im that's bigger'n a pung- kin. {Exit Joe.] Lin. Simple scen< j ! We have unearthed a diamond ! The sensitive, Rough man possess'd a heart too keen and soft For undevelop'd reason. 'Tis too hard ! The mind is sometimes held in check and stayed A lifetime from its proper course; forbidden To expand and use its latent forces In conqu'ring the will, 'gainst which it knowingly Contends. How can the mind without a teacher E^say to rule the heart? 'Twas born within Us ; tender and sensitive, with attributes, branches, from which emotions spring ; subject To being moulded by this mind. When in The school of life, branches of bad intent Are lopp'd and those of good develop'd. 'Tis thus An infant in its mother's guiding rule Eirst feels, as 'tivere the sunshine purity Of a stronger, directly on the heart ; Grafting the scions ih't that afterwards l^rnduce delicious friiitasre and divine. IXTRODUCTIOX. IS Mind, too new t' admit the rays of reason, Remains uninfluenced and undevelop'd. Reason was not born — only the instrument On which it plays — and like the varying cadence Of the violin, its tones are wild, Discordant, sublimely sweet, depending On the manner of the execution; And like the viol, the more 'tis exercised The more neglected, the finer or the Harsher are its strains. "lis first another Who plays upon this instrument; and then The opening life of its possessor; And I do feel like pitying the man Whose heart is taught in error; whose reason Unsophisticated, mocks, punctures, stabs The bleeding weeping heart. [ Works. 'Twas a droll remark I made ; '"Our spotless Yankee Nation," Well, yes; unstained she seems And yet, like nebulae upon the sun She has her spots — unfit comparison — A coalbed — peatbog better illustrate: Years long elapsed, some loose adventurer Thinking to profit by the circumstance, Placed burning fagots in a gaping crevice Of the bed, which roared and flamed uriquench'd. Perhaps the mineral seeker reaped a good profit By this artifice; but going, failed to stanch The hissing element that now, like crawling Serpent, his length insinuating, descends Deep into grottoes of the mountain, fed From invisible aliment, establishing Itself within its sultry den, defies The feeble energies of man unhelp'd, To check it. Lapping and smudginir, now Almrst assuaged for want of its supporter. 14 JXTRODUCTIOX. T'S fires for months are thought extinguished. Anon, some overhanging, carbonaceous Column, or cliff, its crystals disintegrated, Tumbles. Afresh the flames are lighted; and The monster's hideous heats and thunders dull Produce a shock that's felt for many a mile; And men are frightened at the phenomenon, Perceiving that vegetation sickens; And e'en the little birds and quadrupeds And all that make existence cheerful, die Or withdraw their company and leave a Sullen and vindictive desolation! For never shall thofe flames be quenched until Th' alarmed people, into th' issuing Crater, or ruptured culmination, with Engines huge, shall turn a river; force an Inundation ; soak the very tissues Shallow and deep, centre and margin through. This illustrates The sin that stains my country — the wretched Taint of slavery. The men who introduced And cherished its infant growth have vanish'd. Through the propensity of man to sneer At labor, the service of poor, unpaid, Degraded slaves, was forced, to till the plump, Alluvial acres of our southern realm; First in small parcels, till the fatten'd lords, Proud and haughty, despising manual toil, Began to cast about for means to stock More plentifully, with these poor bondsmen, Their increasing tillage. The slave trade not Yielding the supply, recourse was had to Breeding. 'Twas thus the loathesome pestilence Of slavery inhumanly began its Ghastly inculcations ; and the desire J n all of Africls race for freer lives INTRODUCTION. 13 And culture, make- the freedom of free men, Free conversation, free, frank, ingenuousness, Free, loving confidence, free schools, free work, Yes, all that marks enlightened happiness, With them, most incompatible ! Where'er The lurking wrong, you'll find a dagger to Defend it. Whate'er that wrong, 'tis hidden. Thus habit shields the crime ; for s-laveci aft 's clutch'd By th' autocrat whose cla^s law power, on his Plantation, reigns supreme. He pompous grows. And insolent; and like a tyrant, gluts His own passions in licensed lust and blocd ; And men of other countries and other Views, when passing Lis domain, must warn the Tempted tongue. Oh. my dear country! When will The crater open that floods may enter And annihilate thy wrongs? Could I, by Adding knowledge and poii.>h to my small Accomplishments, do arglit 1o mitigate, Or stay the deadly doom which I perceive Foreshadowed in this curse: stop th' impending Tempest; reconcile the lurking spirit Of hate, swift widening 'twixt North and South— Could I contribute t' avert the mischief, I'd sacrifice my time, my pains, my life, In such a goodly business. THE GREAT REBELLION. DRAJ\{ATIS PERSONS. Lincoln, the Rail-splitter; afterwards President Seward, Secretary to Lincoln. Joe, a hunter ; lost brother to Florence, John Brown, a raider and martyr. Cop, a rebel sympathizer. Davis, President of the Confederacy. Stevens, Vice President of Confederacy. Beauregard, | Generals ° f Confederate armies. Breckinridge, Wigfall, r Secretaries to Davis. J OOMBS Floyd, Slidell ( Envoys plenipotentiary Mead, •, Reynolds, 1 Generals in the Union armies. Custer, ) Taylor, a Union colonel. Quashy, negro carpenter; afterwards a runa'^nv. Winder, \ Turner, V keepers of Confederate prisons. WlRTZ, ' BoBj a Union volunteer. Harmon, a rebel sympathizer. Bill, a rummy and office holder. Mary, wife to Lincoln. Adelina, Wife to Seward. Florence, nurse and espion ; sister to Joe. Mrs. Davis, wife to the dictator. Soldiers, Surgeons, Pickets, Sharp-shooters, Hang- man, Messengers, Masters, Slaves, Citizens, a Slier* iff, Civilians, a Sergeant and attendants. THE GREAT REBELLION. ACT I. Scene I. A Street in Harper's Ferry, Enter Citizens in twifusion. First Crr. Hello! What's the excitement? Second Cit. Excitement ! You're slow at news. The town has been attacked by robbers ! First Cit. By robbers I Impossible, I'm amazed ! Say, neighbor, what's your hurry? You've But one life to live. If that's the way you Live it though, you'll find it short. Sec, Cit. Don't hinder me. The length of my life depends upon the activity of my legs. Hin- der me not, I say. D'ye think I'm going to tarry \t\ this hornet's nest while the yaller jackets aret 1 making -such free use of their gaffs ? First Cit. What's up ? Third Cit, Enough. The town is overrun with abolitionists. There's niore'n a thousand. They're* running off the niggers by the dozen. TheyVe got! a reg'lar gineral; a savage abolitionist big enough til eat any two common sized niggers at a meaL They've driven the soldiers out of the town*, and the people are leaving in great haste for safety^ I expect we'll all be killed. [Meii. F>rst Cit. This must be all excitement. Til look to't. 18 THE GREAT It is the wild »st folly to suppose That men^o/;il'4 organize, with leaders, and March hi arnlies to emancipate the. slaves Directly ; against the 7 Oon^ti^utLpn^ Of the .g<^jernm'*nt, an4;S,tatntes of the States. I owns thai slavery, as con ducted,. (A.nd 'tis a goading cviujie; ,'gainst. Grod ancl man) Has, byiits.e^crpiichi^ei^^.wrou^ii jealousies And di& trusts* amongst the people,, io such Harsh degree that lawyers;, statesmen, solid Farmers and; men of traffic unite in Grave discussion, dispensijig fheorijes,, While; others clamor 'yvith unrestraip'a Vehemenc^ithe Justice ;or, injustice'"" Of the cause. I^U scan this raid. ' ^Etieunt orriiies. Scene II. Ideri.- 3 ' A fotidside by the river. Eiter ^wt> Slaves..: . ;;'•- K ¥tfW ; 8laW- Say; Sambo v -git behine dis.yer woodpile, I's afeer'd! Semnd Slave: n Wot y o 'feer' d 'boot,, Quash ? D'ye 'strust dfe'-gobd Lawd ? 7 I's fulL o& jubilation ? , &nter°_ \$eberdl' : Slavesw /■'."-■, Tfiird Slave. De Lor' Ipe, ] praised T ytte 'lishun- ists is come. . J)g LorV be praisetf. We/know dar'd come Anuder v A£ >ses fur tb lead us out o 1 bondage into de 1 land ob C ihaan, jes like' de IsriliCes was. First Slave; t ) Stop dat s'hbutin' -dar, riig<*ah . Be quiet, yii'll' git^)un' bViti :f Grbrry ! If ole'Mars come, 'long h'yer he'll warhi ykr ble black hide wif suffin' Wils'n de ' kintessence' bb kyan ^eppen Don' yeu try dat hollenn' oh agih':- : >n& ; v: ' Fo'irth Slave^ G-emlem, Ts ob de same 'pinyio Wi' tfamboj but ■ shorely, de good Moses is come wif a whole army.' I seed 'im wan 'ee cum dis yer bressed morninV 'Ee wont hab to take us dis time cross de Red Sea; on'y but jes de 'Tomac; an' dar REBELLION. 19 we kin git 'board ob'^e'uti^t^cfe^-f/raflr^ad.' an' migrate wid de welocity obde telegraph 'wires an' wid our darlin' cliillun ,i wid 1 ii^ ) we''lP^O-^ieiri;' ober de prospect *b^SK ~'>Q^t^ in ^flab^S9c^^/^ifei^*4^^^<^V4^A*3HQa de land^ p|> Egyp'. -, "' : ': / '-^'- 1 }''- ''■ [\ :[ 7, ' ! '■ Fifti Slave. Fse biti eatlatin* on 'dfe'eire^ dfe good wile. iDle mars but - st'ick''an ■ f ft% an 1 -a'^tfo'gtYebery body else ^c^t^ns^M^^sJ^e^^KelS^ bea, I tinks we'll be B^'£o ! Mff^lt^U^I3^'(^46db^3^i^ Hej hea, hea. ^J[ f™ c *&&* \q3gtifrfm a? I heard de tjnimpet s^^ I heard de mnro^^tinmn^ oh' dat great day. ^All, , 'Tk r de haMd ob de ; I^wdls/o' , ei t -'4is Though clouds do u rise ; before u^; /»< To Oa»aan,iHe!ll i=ne^pre ps , An' we'll soun^dejubijeie,, nv, ,\. Jfiffi--SLX*ed :®ur/bonJg s|ia|J sojOj^ ,be broken, broken, broken, I :>. .: v ■{ '... ;:V',.','. Our ! , bonds: wiB 'nil be J>roken/,/on <|atj^ad .' jjjay i&iteLo When I &is ?pJt>or,y do.w.pj-tf^lep, na^pn ; Ob Africa^ mlatiop, ,, • /' : ,: f Wi' $e free shall takederfe station, ;, j^eii We'll souti* de'lub'ilee'; 1 ;-- -' u M*s. Wqw^ n?^w s here, r you t ^rej, you cppfound- #$ paGkl I Jbdugb^yjau kad run off. with; that ? ih- fernal ab^hftnlHr-rO^Srrj J rf^An^^ . , .l^fhfit • arn swarthy frptft from bMlamt Go homeand go to, W|Ork ! Tiie- vandals are; arrested and shall hang. , Take t^at, and that r and that, and, that for disobedience. Now hustle. or by Heavens I I'll have you all hanged — every black effigy of Satan. [Exeunt omnes. 20 THE GREAT Scene III. A cell in a prison. Enter Keeper, with keys. Keep. 'Tis strange that such brusque things should come to pass. The man looks fine, of noble bearing; grac'd, So far as one should fathom, with pungent sense. < A man endow'd with lordly bearing; power Of wielding sway ; or girding great actions; the Energy possessing, of a lion, [Knocking outside. The meekness of a. lamb. Ho, who comes there,? Visitor. Is this the place where John Brown's imprisoned? Keep. Yes, stand back ; none can enter. I'm under Special orders from the Governor to Admit no man. Vis. I pray you, hear my plea. He is a friend ; An old acquaintance ; besides ; I have these Certificates and notes of introduction From gentlemen of bearing in the realm; Proof of my loyalty and safe intent. Keep. [Reads.] Well, come in ; Enter Visitor, But clip it ; \make short the. colloquy. A Bench Sir. Ill g© bring him. How sound reports? How. look the people on this high treason ? Do they sanction it? Vis. Far from it. Excitement foams too high for Solid judgment. But if from both idle and Candid converse of the million we take Parts, weigh them, analyze the compound or their Bulk compare, we'll have more sympathy than Anger; more thought than pugnacity; more Feeling than vindictiveness. Indisposed To quarrel, yet ready for the onset, We're a' tiptoe, sir; in mazy quivers. "The world's agog— in hesitancy T tw"ixt *?w"o Decisions. Not that there lies iHke ®$ffi&M Mob no coefficient of eank'r ing hate And scowling jealousy. Our sin has w&sfcl National and become common. (The slave Growl, go where you may, is cottfrted with this -John Brown negro raid; and some proclaim hfe Treason as the sure harbinger of war. The South's exasperated at the North's Encroachments, the North's exasperated A r t the South's encroachments! (arood men tremble Lest words turn to blows. Enter John Brown from his cell, 'led by keeper. J. B. Ho, good comrade, how art thou ? I'm glad "Thou'st come. Take my letters and accoutrements fin charge ; and I do commission thee •&s well, to bear my blessing to my household. Wis. Ah, my old friend ; your 'words ring o- minous. I cannot realize- — J. B. Stop. Thy sighs are useless and imCartfed for. -\\ExU Keeph*. , Rhed not a tear for me; for if I can afford •To lose myself, thou canst afford to lose me. The lawful penalty of my offense ll-s death. 'Tis frivolous whining to condoK ■fi)r grieve. The tyrant, to perpetuate 'His devil work, compounds iniquity *Tnto law. I've laid my life an 'off riag To rupture both the evil and its f'e'fl Offspring, the law. I'm willing then, to grop*** These cobwebb'd lairs, and snuff miasma, =aud More, to save my fellow— aye, even to Leap the breakneck — 'Tis the curse must perish : The curse of slavery, the noxious blight 22 THE M&EAT That shrouds huniarirtyf shames manhood and Makes of liberty a^ch&tteriftg coward. It is not fcha't I #Wh to fee:avehg<*d Because my sons were slain; i G?od will avenge n Them. On Such power and wisdom I rely. Tell me not, then, of rightsinnuraan toads; To hold their kin in bonds, j There's my master. Him I'm serving. Him alone, Obeying; As common guide to virtue for all men. We hold all mankind cheated equal ; . Whether in pimple childhood, in manhood Or old age,, nation, se^ or color. Here Is their birthright — the Book of the Almighty And the Constitution ! My punishment Is death. Well, I forgive the henchman. If The black nightcap's mirk do awe the thoughtbound. If, through my doom men's souls are convicted Or' slavery's evil; if, in my dying, Men's minds be enlighten'd to slavery's evil ; If, by my dying, humanity be Wak'd 'gainst slavery's evil, then, welcome death 1 His sting is impotent; and I, most rich, In payment of this sacrifice, shall mount The glutton gallows, with hopes as buoyant As an infant's pulse; and in a manly Death, will rend the tyrant's chains. Men clamor For my blood. They've forged these laws; I suffer Them ; though they smudge as dark and infamous As the clammy fog that cases in the Nucleus of hell ! Oh, may these murder'd Bones ne'er sleep ; but haunt in horrid winding Sheets, with og'rish mock, their dormitories ; And devils flap their webb'd and moping pennants Round, o'er orgies demoniacal yelling ; Till jaded conscience, South, and ripen'd Forces, North, conspire to crush these wrongs. REBEELIOX. 23 M&enter Kbepeb with Sheriff and Officers, . Sheriff. . $'cmt time is, come - , 'Good friend. The lawM^spectf'ully f^e^knells T..aft;^e ; do interrupt this colloquy. - : •. The hour is swiftrapfrrdaching. to your end. 'Shall Iradmit BAchapllain ? J. B. Of holy counsellors have I no need, ?Save One. Dispatch this 'business quietly -And quickly. Sheriff advances. Marshall administers the man- acles. Officers take their stand on each side of ]>ris- 'Oner, and march toward the gallows. Exeunt ontnes. Scene IV. A gallows on the green. Enter Hangman and Negro Carpenter. Hang. Dees ees vun contiee veree pecoolaiie, I teenks. Vun co ooip an' ze ozer down. Carp. I does'nt zac r !y un'stfm' de meanin' ob Cop. I arrest him as a runaway ; and I command you to help me, according to law. Joe. Are yo a runaway, nig? Yo mought as~ wal own up as lie. ; Quash. [Dropping on his knees.] Lor' have mer- cy on my poor wife an' chillun. Cop. Here, come with me. Ho, help! Joe. Shet up that ar bellerin' yo apish booby. Cop. What's that you call me ? Do you know whom you are speaking to? It so happens that L helped make the law in question. Quash. Oh please, mars gunner, take my part. Joe. Go 'way from me nigger. Here, come' back. Set down on the grass thar. [To Cop.] I say: sir, you're a gen' wine, loafin' baboon. What d'ye: (jal'late ter do with, that ar nigger wunst you've got 'im across Mason and Dixie's line ? Cop. I shall advertize, and restore him to- his' master. : -, Joe. Wal, spose yo did'nt find any owner. , ; Cop. In that case I shall dispose of him on my own terms,. Joe. Wal, I understan'; yo mean ter kidnap that ar nigger, an' send 'im inter captiverty, an' bein' a: political or some other swindlin' rooster yo'd stan ? a fair chance, bein' as the poor feller's got no friends. REBELLION, 43 Yo take advantage of weakness an'" the lobby laws ; an', hits nobody but a dishonest coward'll do it. - Cop. You lantern jawed — . Joe. [Seizing him.] Look'ee, d'yo call hit yer place fur to call me names? Now walk, Whistle, nig, u G-o you rogue you," Out, march. Halt a minute. Take off yer hat an' holler hurrah for Abe- Lincoln. Here nig, dance 'im a double shuf- fle jes fur to make 'im feel merry. Shout I say. Cop. Hur, hur, rah, I Joe. Louder ! Cop. Why dont you order me to shoot myself? IM rather do it. It's against my principles to hur- rah for old Abe, . Joe. Time enough ter shute yerself arterwards if ye've got the grit. I own yo need shutin' but its too good fur ye now. The devil haint got a hole hot enough yit, fur ter stow away yer carcass. Yell now, yo cowardly nigger-thief, louder, loud- er, I say. Cop. Hurrah for Abe Lincoln. Joe. Thar, now, nig, whistle; an' yo nigger butcher, march under my safe conduct, Forward, march ! [Exeunt Joe and Cop, the former having him by the collar.] i Quash. Oh, I'se free ! I'se 'scaped ! Blessins- 'pon dat long legged, gunnin' man, wid de skin breeches ! Yah, I'se happy now ; but I blebe ef I'd a chonked once I'd a jes bit my heart in two; foh it come bang in my mouf. Reenter Joe. Joe. Wal, nig, I've come back ter show yo the way t' a safe place. Come with me to yen village. [Shouting in the distance.] Whats all the row thar ? Let's go. ~ [Exeunt 44 THE GREAT Scene III. A street in the village. Citizens shout- ing and running. Enter Joe and the negro. Joe. What's up thar, boys? What's in the wind? First Cit. Have you not heard the news? Fort Sumpter's fall'n. Arm, brave boys, to arms! Legion on legion Let your strength pour in. Our flag's insulted By the haughty autocrat of slavery. The lowering cloud that ominously Hung o'er liberty's horizon at last Has burst ; and at the first concussion, while The wires ache with burdens of this shameful News, the drowsy North wakes from her slumbers But to exchange her fitful dream of war For grim reality ; and now awaked By cannon's boom, sees with eyes unhoodwink'd The treach'rous nature of her enemies Too long forborne ; to see her dear old flag Shot down, disgraced; her fair fame degraded To be the scoff of jealous monarchies; Derision of earth's kingdoms ; since her great Humanizing word '-democracy" has Prov'd a failure! Oh, 'tis too much! Th' insult's Too deep ; thousands, thousands, are springing at • The hurt of mutual degradation to To the shrine of war, calling for arms, leaders. To arms ! To arms, Brave men ! With patriarch Abraham, whose heart, like his grand purpose Lies staunchly grounded as the bottom rock. We'll hurl th' aggressive waves of slavery Back against the foes who forge our gyves. Second Cit. Come one and all, brave boys; dont let our village be behind the rest. Bally round the flag. You are safe with honest Abram Lincoln. REBELLION. 45 Joe. Boys, I'm up from old Ken tuck, whar Abe Lincoln war born. [Citizens gather round Joe.] I hed a right smart uv a meetin' with 'im wunst, in Illinois an 1 he tole me some mighty sensible things. I know that ar man right wal; an' kin tell ye he's got the right pluck too. Ye kin bet high on that ar. I jes this minute made a cowardly sneak what at- tempted fur ter kidnap this yer nigger — I say I jes drummed 'im out o' camp to the tune of "Go you rogue you." Now, nig, whether yo air a runaway or no, yo ken fight fur yer freedom can't yer? Smash the rotten fugertive slave law ! Will yer fight? Quash. Yas, dat I'll do. Dat's a grand notion. Gorry, I'll smash some on em. I'se got many a scar on my back, but its stout enough yet to kerry a knapsack and gun. Joe. Good on yer head, wooly, stay by me. I'll gin yer 'nufF fur to eat and drink jes fur that ar. Third Cit. [Aside] Good loyal fellow, is that. Joe. Come with me, my good feller, yo need refreshments. Yes, I knowed Abe Lincoln, an' I repeat, he's got the stuff in 'im. [Enter a messenger.] . Mess. The president has issued a proclamation calling immediately for seventy five thousand men. [A marshall is seen taking enlistment?. Fife and drum heard. Soldiers march through and return. Joe. Good! I told ye. That ar looks like war in dead airnest. I'll jes git up a company myself, though I'm getting to be an old man. I'll let the rebels see what an old backwoodsman kin do, a traitor huntin'. [ Exeunt Joe and the negro. First Cit. Let the enlistments go on as rapidly as possible. (Curtain drops while music, marching and counter- marching is going on.) TEE GREAT ACT III. Scene 1. The fortifications and scenery on the battle-ground of Bull Rtin, Enter Civilians an,d Copperhead. Copperhead.; We are a jolly crowd from Wash- ington, , ■ Arrived to view this battle on Bull Run, And mark this onset of discordant war 'Twixt the green Yankee and ripe Southron power. Ah 1 In the distance hear the rattling sound, As musket volleys through the woods resound. Many a black Republican shall gasp, Before this battle demon loose his grasp. Oh, I do long to see my southern friends Break from their thralldom — the vile, filthy dens Of northern commerce, northern legislation, Northern insult, taunt, slur, crimination, E'en northern enterprise I'd fain see warr'd down, While sacred slavery wafts a fair renown From deep to deep ;' extending yet her sway O'er the whole continent of America. What can that crazy, apish Lincoln think ? Throwing his untrained rabble on the brink Of fell destruction. There he sits in state, And from his usurp'd seat puffs fool's dictate To mushroom generals, regardless of their plan Suggested by the features of the land. How can so great collision of men's brains Fail to secure the vict'ry to our friends ? REBELLION, 47 Oh, 'twas the crowning stroke of Yankee shave To make a president of that worthless knave; That tyrant; that folly babbling joker; That rail-splitter and abolition croaker. With no more mind to urge his flat brawl'd speeches, Than the numb negro slave for- whom he preaches. Detestable, maudlin, ladder legged spy. Oh had I adjectives to qualify , ' TJ! My? abject loathing of that hated'Tat.,- , I'd torture language-.- [A bomb shell drops and explodes.'] Wough, bah, run, boys, run! ^ifflrst Civilian. Q-etttlemen, that visitor comes at a ruinous proximity. For my 7 part I feel dis- mayed. I can say I now see the point wherein heels are more valuable than heads. [Runs. . • Second Civ. It appears by the sound of the battle that our forces are being driven by the en- emy. Cop. I dont know whether to run or hide. Zounds! It's a wonder that shell had'nt blown me to "the undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveller returns". I think I'll crawl in among the rocks. Hark, ho ! Run for life ! The yankees are whipped ; retreating in confusion ! [Hiding ] Hello there, every man of you ; spread the alarm ! The rebels are upon us. [Aside.] But as I sympathize with them I'll have nothing to fear. Enter Joe, fighting his assailants. Confusion a- mongst the civilians. Rebel war-cry heard advancing. Joe. [Struggling with superior numbers.] Take that ar, yo hairy cannibal. [He dies.] Courage men, don't give way. Right about, face, charge ! Come on, yo black alligator. [Strikes a rebel Captain rush- ing on him.] Ha, yo grazed me that ar time ; hit'll be the last time yer'll ever scratch ole Joe. Git 48 THE GREAT this an' chaw it till yer hide's as black as yer infar- nal boss's down thar whar I send yo ter. Rebel Colonel. Oh, I'm killed. [Dies.] Joe. Yo mought uv expected as much. I'll lam yer. Boys I'm a bleedin'. The rebs is comin'. Go take care o' yerselves. I'll be at yer head agin. This yer scratch'll be uv small account. [Rebels surround and take Joe and others prisoners.] Enter BeAijregard, Davis and a courier on horse- back. Davis. Ah my brave, noble general; your wit And wisdom win. Beau. Here Courier, bear these dispatches quickly To their several Heads. Bid them proclaim to Oar brave troops my best congratulations For this great vict'ry they have won for us. [Exit Messenger. Sir, let me thank you for tins compliment For I esteem it ; coming as it does From such a noble source. Your hand is warm, G-low'd from the furnace of a gushing heart. Dav. See how our heroes execute their oath And scoop the craven cowards by thousands Into the prisoners' list. And those that do Escape bear most lugubrious witness In their bleeding flesh and broken bones OP the reception they are to receive, When brought to combat Southern Chivalry. One more such victory will affright the Northern mudsills to such a crestfall'n ebb That they'll fret less their blind belligerence And deem the thing most provident to yield To their superiors. Meanwhile remember The sacred oath. Keep dark the true design Of this rebellion. Let our brave warriors Think they fight for life and absolution REBELLION. 49 From the liated North ; for if they know 'tis For a kingdom, 'twill breed disaffection. Let th' imprisoned dogs be sent to Libby And Castle Thunder; and there, entomb'd in Noxious vaults, confederate with rats and Batten on the offal of their worship'd Nigger. [Cop. ventures cautiously from his conceal- ment and extends his hand to Davis. Cop. Greeting, old friends ; (xlad to meet you here at this auspicious Crisis. Dav. Who is he ? Was it not he came crawling Like a fiogg'd setter from amongst those rocks ? Stand, sir? I think I've seen you somewhere ! Cop. My dear sir, you feign forgetfulness. Is The past so blackly blackened that but this Slender cord remains to bind our mem'ries? I am much grieved at this oblivion. There were times when in the yankee congress We were both honored ; on equal footing ; Spurred by like rank and princ'ple; each other's Views reciprocated. We hurled defiant Language at abolition votaries With whom our congress teemed. 'Twas a north- ern State I represented. So much more credit In ratio with the opposition met. Beau. GTo over to the south and join the ranks. We can't recognize you northern straddlers Till you're purged of that stale infusion Which makes you rancid to our moral tastes, By formal action. Dav. I know you not. My province it is not, Placed in th' exalted quality 1 hold-^ First magnate of a realm— to chatter With the denizens of a defunct nation. 50 THE GREAT * [Turning to Beauregard.] Look to the intVest of yourself and ours. I'll in haste return to Richmond. Farewell. \ All except Cop., Exeunt. Cop. Sniibb'd again ! I'm hated at north and south And I hate niggers'. But I'd better leave, Lest there descend another omniburst To freight me fee-taxed o'er Acheron's flood That parts on Charon's rowcraft bad from good. [Another shell falls and explodes.] Wough! Terrors and confusions ! Vai, where art thou? I see thee not in the skies. Such an eruption has scarcely been known since the misfortune to Mr. Secundus Pliny. The wildest theorist can shape no proof that I am longer a breathing man. Yet, I have faculties, body and mind. With my right hand 1 explore reason's throbbing temple. I feel of my legs with the left. They are there. I can stoop and touch the earth. True, ray confusion forbids the collected judgment I'm wont to use; I have been a man of standing. I am now a man standing. I see, feel and hear. Er- go, I am unblown. Horrific as wns the explosion, spasmodic as was the effect, I will attempt to run. Yet when I bethink me of that concussion I reason afresh. Firstly: a bomb shell bursts close to mv very heels ! It were madness to suppose its frag- ments had not mopped mine to the whirlwinds! A thing like it was never known. I judge from pre- cedent. Ergo, I am blown, and am not here. Per- haps a head, an arm, a leg, parts of a mutilated trunk are scattered about the battleground as evi- dence that I was killed in battle. "" Honorable of course. But one argument remains in my favor; I have long had a presentiment that on the event of my taking off r I should immediately feel pain and stifling suffocation as of fire; be made sensible REBfiLLlOK. 51 to this; that long-fingered, grim visages -would* dis- gust me with their skinny obtrusions. But JL see, now, feel no pain; ergo, I live — either through an unexpectedly propitious dispensation of Providence if dead, or else by the miraculous fact that I am corporeally alive! I decide in favor of the latter — I live, therefore I run. One, two, three and ruw/yv. [Exit. Scene IT. A parlor in the White House. Ma- ry and Adelina, wives to Lincoln and Seward. Adel. Why? Mary. Oh, the perplexities of his situation much moi'e than counterbalance the value of mere honors. A del. Do you not think, my dear friend, that he is happier, as chief magistrate, with the eye of the world upon him than ever before? Mary. Far from it. Often have I heard him mention that his happiest days were those when we were tranquilly partaking the blessings of our hum- ble home. He thinks there are no sweeter pleasures than those obtained from domestic life. A del. But do you not think it was ambition that led him from this life of quietude to the position he now holds? You are aware that people become ambitious when they lose contentment. Ambition may be pronounced the parent of discontent. There must have been a spark of ambition gnawing deep in his heart that kindled into a flame as opportunity offered it fuel. Mary. I understand you, my dear, perfectly; but I think I can say Mr. Lincoln was not promp- ted by ambition ; that is, not by selfish motive. It was duty. He always seemed to be laboring under an impression that he had a great duty to perform ; and therefore, I doubt not, he would have been un- happy had he not fulfilled that requirement. 52 THE GREAT Enter Lincoln, the President and Seward, Ida Sec- retary. Sew. A pleasant evening, ladies, which you are doubtless enjoying. Perhaps our intrusion inter- rupts an enlivening colloquy. Lin. Ladies have their peculiarities; but is it a pecularity in them to be annoyed by any intrusion their husbands can make? Abel. No, no, sir. Indeed, you are perfectly right. Lin. You see the point I am aiming at? Sew. I apprehend your drift but your points are well veiled from my vision. Lin. Intrusions are interruptions, but this don't make interruptions intrusions. Here you have both u point and a blunt. Do you now see? Sew. I confess to the main statement but do not grasp the logical application. Lin. Well, intrusions are supposed to be sharp, of course, and solid; else they would not intrude. Sew. Yes yes, there is a point. Well, "go in". Lin. The interruption is a synonym of bluntness as its name implies; — broken off. Now sir, as your worshiped Arabians have absorbed the undue gossip of a large public, including amateurs, naturalists and ladies who arrogate to themselves the right to com- pare such beauty with that of a statesman's nose or the president's face, thus questioning our champion- ship lor ugliness, it is time those rivals were fenced from the world's gaze. Just give me a commander arid line and out of the two principles, the sharp and blunt, I will build them a stake-an'-ridered pen. Sew. Ladies, a joke in the wind, at the expense of my celebrated, imported ponies ! Please sir, build my fence immediately., Lin. Easily done. I have made many a fence REBELLION. 53 out of tougher stuff. Now, mark; the ground whereon I build is the logic ; the interruptions the rail-cuts, split into fence-rails. I am the railsplitter. Mary. But, Mr. Lincoln^ Lix. Please don't interrupt me. ma'am, now that I am farming again. Upon a logical basis I would erect my fence even unto the seventh rail in bight. Adel. But without interrupting, I must confess that your points though they may be logical enough, to me are exceedingly dull. Aren't you a bore? Lin. Intrusions are sharp ; though no joke, yet they drive; hence my fence-stakes. A little muscle and with my commander in hand the stakes are driv- en "deep in the mellow ground" and the rider put on its crossings. Thus you have a fence, strong and high enough to hold your arabiahs safe. Sew. I see, yet cannot see. Lin. Then you must be multiplying more in years than vision. Sew. Pardon, I see your kindness yet cannot see why our entrance here is not an interruption and an intrusion upon the ladies' courtesy. Lin. Well, I may venture to explain that in a few words. Rougher material might have been in- trusive; but you observe our abrupt presence be- comes not only unintrusive but really desirable. Mary. Let me repeat, to stay further warping of fancies, that we do most welcome your coming. Adel. And further; that this interrupting be Forever broken, thus gaining two points Where before was one, let's call to mind the The subject of our chatting before your Gallant entry. Lin. E igh, ho, this is the prettiest hit of all ! [ could materialize, magician-like, Weave wood- webs with wordy woof and filling, 54 THE GREAT To box a 'statesman's ponies up with rails ■' ' Of sophistry and pasture them in clover Scented syllogism, yet fail to have the . , Captious slight of changing; subjects. Ladies, ,';•; ■ Please resume. Adel. We were. . quizzing life's droll vicissi- tudes— ■ ... ... "Whether it were ambition, fate or chance That coaxed you from an unpretending home Of comforts, free from the calumnies which Embitter fame and made you chief of chiefs. Mary. I argued it was duty, not fortune. Fortune it is not to buffet hardships Which do cincture offices like yours. Adel. And I, that 'twere ambition. Is it not The steppingstone to greatness? What though fate's Bough acclivities, beset withtoils, shall Hoist a scowling front! Does it not well Repay in doing right, sweet Consciousness Possessing that angels. smile? For though of Gaze the cynosure from mortal millions, Still, in well-doing you live down the whims And criticisms of the bad, gaining . Pleasure from the good. Accept a woman's Judgment, that honest ambition is the Prompter to all good works. ! Lin. Ha, here is woman's logic ? Well, proceed Mary. I argued 'twere premonitory sight, Or inspiration ; or a conception Germed in early youth, which with its stilly Voice was ever breathing duty. Service Must be rendered unto* humanity. Lin. Whether true or untrue your views may be, They're prettily expressed" and pictured ; Yet all my actions are most badly managed. I feel I've 'scaped your scowling brain-rack — REBELLION. 55 The qualms of legislation — >. when I repair To the sweet temple of domestic life, Free from the realm of censure. Don't you think Now, that a jolly joke, ruddy and rolling, Round with ripeness, his very eye choking With strains to be demure, is, when your brain is Fuiloughed, the most refreshing physic for Soul and body ? Adel. Oh you invet'rate joker ! What a point! A pity 'tis you weren't wedded to A joke. Sew. Pshaw, he can consolidate them into women. •Mary". You really amaze me ! Sew. Nay, but 'tis true. He chrystalizes imagery, forsooth. He'd use legerdemain or dialectic Jugglery to transform ether into Solid shapes. Mary. Now I, myself, am fond of jokes and tales. Lin. My dear, thou rally est when perchance I'm cornered. I'm of opinion Thou wert created of a joke. Ribs are Too crook'd and brittle for thy unswerving Nature which bends not nor breaks ; but like the Heroic pun, when I'm attacked by stronger Powers, or nettled, thou parryest for my Rescue. Therefore, thou'rt of the refreshing Joke most typical — a doctor, lawyer, Teacher. Sew. How prove you that jokes possess pro- fessions '( Lawyers I always knew were jokes, but didn't Know that jokes were lawyers. Adel. My d ear. you are confessing much, to say You are an object to cause merriment. Lin. Ah, madam, know you that he still is and 56 THE GREAT has been, a target at which the saucy Waggery of millions aims. Scarce a round Year since he proclaimed his prophecy of Conflicts irrepressible. The bluff world Has racked sarcasm and laughter; not at the' Word, which is fast reaching consummation, Bat at the poor man, its author. He must Be forced to run the gauntlet, while puffing Punsters, poets, pipers, pedants, punch, pound And poke, proceeding with firebrand-satirists' Couplets j and bruise, spear, harass him throughout The grim ordeal * he, writhing with the Scorch, they fiercely happy at their baseless Wit. But I am glad you have your share; you Better can esteem my misery. If They poke fun at you, I shan't object ; for I do love the people and will not blame Them, though they have amidst them a thousand Juvenals Adel. N"ow, sir unraveler, give us your wisdom ; That we may know how playful tongue-warp 1 d wind Disguises its aerial nature and Is transformed to doctors, lawyers, teachers. Lin. Mark. Take first a case of indigestion ; A misery harborer; its subject lean, Wan and woebegone; — a bleach' d recipient Of nightmare. A statue-ruin-Bacchus. Suppose I were his doctor, what would I do?' Adel. I think you'd drain his system with a course Of physic. You are systematic-, What would he do ? Mart. I think your patient would be petted and Dosed with anodynes and cordials and given Strict injunctions not to leave his room, which By your tender care would be replete with REBELLION 57 Rdscs and oilier scented flowers, in such Prolusion as to form an aromatic Halo round his head. Lin. No such thing I'd do ; but I would make him S jre with laughter ; taxing my genius To produce fresh jokes and drollery; and Operate upon his rixibles with Puns and jolly tales; deny him every Aliment except his crust and gruel ; And though my shriveling hovered o'er the grave, Health would soon buoy him like th' enfranchis'd slave. Sew. I now believe in the metempsychosis! Give us your hand, Asclepias. Ladies, A reembodiment of Hypocrates! Sound in hygienic lore. Mary. My dear, with all your droll facetiousness And runnic levity, I see your heart Is troubled. Lin. Sweet friends, can I be alone ? Another time I will resume my lecture and discuss Tiie consanguinity of jokes and pedagogues. Sew. [To ladies.] He's been sad all day with some foreboding. Let us retire and leave him to his thoughts. [Sew., A del. and Mary, exeunt. Lin. If to disguise is wrongful, then am I Dishonest. Oh, I am tortured with the Gashes of my countrymen ! They, on the Humid field, like heroes contending for Th' insulted flag. Ah, and this moment in The lunge of battle! Whilst purple streams do Clot and clog the channels of Bull Run ; I, Midst luxuries palatial, like the turk, 58 THE GREAT Enjoying what my conscience denies me, Partaking what my nature would reject. Such is my heart's reciprocation, that I seem to feel the slashing sabers and Th' impetuous bullet, the pond'rous Shot and detonating shell, crashing and Plowing through flesh, bone and brain ! But ah, as Eallying contemplation taunts me, I lounge Idling; placed here to head them, too weak to Fend and powerless to bear their mortal pains, Studying some driv'ling joke, unsacred, Tame, irrelevant to this whirlpool of Issues, to blockade maudlin tears, 'tis then I feel responsibility and great U u worthiness. [/Shouts of citizens. Commotion on the grounds in view through the corridors. First Cit. The battle ! The battle ! Second Cit. What of the battle ? All goes well. The last Dispatches proclaimed us on the brow of Victory. Lin. Dispatches are double-tongued. They flat- ter. Ah, my forebodings have not been misshaped ! Third Cit. The town's caught rumors of a hol- ocaust ! A wholesale sacrifice ! Ten thousand men ! Disaster ! Our whole army's butchered, souls Unnumbered. The Black-horse-cavalry, an Og'rish tribe of Creole giants, with but One tooth in each jaw, which, like the snapping- Turtle's finishes the set, and beards from "Weird visages depending half a yard. Fresh hurried from the howling wolf-dens of The Mississippi, in drag'nish trappings, Came clattering, bellowing down upon REBELLION. 59 ♦ Our inexperienced regiments, dealing Them deadly thrusts. Our bloodshot warriors Wavered and shrank back. Ere their captains could Effect a rally, a thousand cowardly Civilians whom curiosity had drawn From Washington and all the points about, Struck up, as by preconcert, confusion's Scare ; making such fiendish yells and scrambling, That quailing, our terrified combattants Broke rank and in a mob were cut and sluiced Like squabs. The conquerers have snared them in For game! Messenger. The Buck-tailsl The Buck-tails, our choicest hope ! The Buck-tail regiment a thousand strong, Enlisted from the Alleghenies ; a Pick of seven foot giants, inured to work, Got tangled in a deep decoy, sly set 'mongst doughs and pocket-gulfs of old Bull Run and Lassoed, bowie-knifed, bludgeoned by the Black Horse cavalry ! To arms ! It is the worst, Crudest dead-fall since Hasdrubal's chute. [Citizens exeunt passing along the grounds. Lin. I saw it, felt it years ago ; dreaded, Hoped that heaven would stay the deadly blow That Satan raised. Re-enter Seward, with ladies. Sew. Tidings are most sad, good friend, but you are Overtaxed. G-o take some rest. You need it; And I Lin. No. I must hence. My Country bleeds. It is My purpose to multiply our legions; For I'm convinced that to repel the force Arrayed against us, will consume many Armies. I'll summon them. No traitor shall Trample the flag my people honor. Adieu. [Exit 60 THE GREAT Scene IV. Idem. A Rumhole. Enter several rummies. Bob. Heigh, bo, this whisky tastes sharp of the tart that makes and takes ! Bill. What? Bob. Here, Bill, take anot her jumper an' I'll tell ye. No, I'd better let ye guess. Bill Well, it makes one feel good, as ye see. Wasn't that a scientific shuffle? Here's what it makes. [Sings and dances. Merry ho, ho, Tripping the toe, Fal de rol, tal de rol, heigh, ho, Many's the day That I've tippled away With merry ho, heel and toe, gay. Bob. Hie, Yer git'n boozy, Bill ; so am 1 an' I confess it's a shame. Bill. If I guess right, I'm sober; if wrong, I'm hie, intox Bob. Well, Bill. Well, it makes merry; and jt takes the "do-dads"; but afore this nigger war's over, it'll take yer pocket full jes to git yer whistle wet. Bob, Yes, but no. Bill, Explain yer self. Bob, Yes, it'll make merry an' cost money. It's a fact; but that isn't all whisky can do. It can make drunkards an' take their lives. A hog's too [ Enter Cop., puffing, exhausted and drabbled. sensible to swill it an' Bill, I'm goin' to take a les- son in health from a hog an' swill whisky no more. Bill. Robert, hie, We have been friends. We are now enemies. Ye coolly insinnivate that I'm worse 'n a swine bein' as ye know I'm drnnk. I don't thank nuther you nur whisky fur breakin' REBELLION. 61 up our 'quaintance, but I'm goin' to 'spostilate agin' bein' called a hog or a black abolitionist. I propose to smash yer, hie, snoot, Robert, or somebody "s else jes te lay this volcano of fire-water an 1 wrath ! Bob. The president has issued a proclamation, calling for three hundred thousand more Union vol- unteers. I'm one o' them and this is my last spree, Bill. Bob, you're crazy! If you're in such a hurry to die why don't you go and hang yerself and die decent ? D'ye want to blacken yer conscience . first, by jinin' that abolitionist rabble ? Can't ye take warnin' o' this Bull Run ruin ? Cop. Here, landlord, give me a glass best bran- dy. Say, youngsters, what did I hear you prating? Bill. That's fine comment for a drounded rat. I say, ole plug, where did ye git that coat o' paint? Ye're as yaller as a California mountain an' I spose ye know that's black. Wash the outside an' 't'll turn yaller an' so will you. But I'd hate to be the one to scrub you down to the real skin color. He'll find his gold washin' is more precious in color than value — Cop. By the fierce grimalkins ! Bill. Say fifteen hundred. Cop. Wretch, I will stab thee for thy insolence! | Bob rushes between them.] Bill. The price of a buck negro. Cop. Off, let me strike the polecat! Bob. No, he's mad with drinks. Cop. Shades of the mighty ! Have I groped all the distance from Bull Run, Halfway with murd'ring rebels at my heels, And braved the perils of the first campaign, Been blown to shivers by the slicing shells Which dropped like ^Etna's cinders on men's toes, Been fire-besmirched of powder, snubbed bj friends 62 THE GREAT And made to save the remnant left me of Life, scatter'd senses, limbs and rags, by Dint of a retreat as slop-grimed as 'twas speedy, To be iusulted by such scratch-heads? Bill. Shall I kill him ? See ; he's one o' yer brave abolitionists, toadying for Abraham, the pa- triarch. Here, soap-grease, I guess I'll cut your weazand for ye — let out some o' that hurricane. I see ye're a'swellin' up an' bilin' over like a scorch- ed bubble. Bob. William, we have been friends. Don't let us become enemies. I know your condition and forgive you ; but don^t let me hear any more railing on the president [Cop. stands gesticulating Cop. Gods! I was jaded but a moment since. "lis too much! My brain! This indignation Burns me; caused by that foul aspersion. Fiend! Did you name me abolitionist? Oeough! Thing, wert thou but my equal I would mop This gin-mill with thee till thou hadst not brawn To bawl for succor. Bill. Hello! That sounds dernercr at. Hf you be, hie, guess I'll not strangle ye. Gi' me yer paw. Cop. So ? Have I fall'n among friends ? Are all liere, democrats? Landlord. Yes, good friend, to be sure. Boys, use him well. A gentleman, ha! Bill. Ho, you're smutty for a demercrat; but I see; it's the effect of bein 1 among them 'malgama- tionists. Here, hie, 'come, my treat, all 'round to the company. Landlord, give this gentleman a stout one. He thinks more of the white man than he does of the nigger. Here's luck to the southern chivalry 1 Hurrrah for the southern chivalry ! Hurrah, hurrah! [All shout and drink, except Bob. LL DLL LION. 63 Hob. "I'm sick and 'shamed that I've so long ar- gued and drank for the democracy. A principle run mad ! Cop. . Were' t not that I belong to higher rank, I'd Bob. Don't brag of high rank. Men are all on a low level in the grog-hole. Cop, What, a spy! [To Bill.] Is it safe here ? Bill. Pshaw I He's an old friend. Whiskey makes him cross. Don't notice him. Cop. [Aside.] I'll take new courage, then. [Aloud. Friends, I have a Magazine within me, of seething hate. B, bu, but patience 1 When I think of my Great injuries, I'm choked. I am, in halls Of Congress, esteemed most eloquent. Now, Mad reflection chokes me. I can but rail And imprecate. The leering demagogue And his . pilf 'ring bloodsuckers! He's wheedled Himself to the chief magistracy when Conscious of the consequences; and now Sits spitting blood contemptuously into The very face of scores of millions, too Flush' d with selfish policy to smell the Blood he spills. Lincoln's a murderer ! Bill. Why don't you call 'im suthin' ? Now jest hear me name 'im. Take an injin, a nigger, a bab- >n, a carrion buzzard, a fool, mad dog, rattlesnake, catamount, skunk and a hvena. Chuck 'em all in- to one cage. Let 'em eat one another up till there's nothin' left. The quintessence of that pizen noth- m', biled down fur dog's-bane, is old Abe Lincoln. Omnes. Ha ha ha ! [Exit Bob. Cop. You have relieved me. Thank you, My treat this time. You're ahead. Come. Enter Florence, lost sister to Joe. 64 THE GREAT Flor. G-entlemen, I am directed hither with as- surance that you are friends of the Confederacy. . Cop. Ha, faith ! You are right mam'selle. We esteem the Confederacy as we esteem the fair ; and we esteem beauty above virtue. Who are you ? Some bonny lass upon whom gentlemen execute charity? Pardon an ambiguity, miss. Flor. Sir, your insinuation is too scurrilous to proceed from the lips of a gentleman. Cop. Egad! Another bluff, or I'm salt and pepper. Madame, most respectfully. What would you have us do? Flor. I wish letters of introduction to General Beauregard. Cop. Ha, Beauregard! Position has enlarged Him. Two short months ago we were acquaint'. I, his adviser. His conversation Then, so liquid that it rolled on fussy Axles, oiled with obsequious smiles. But ah.! I saw him yesterday with Davis, at The battle. Success them so inflated That they knew me not. I relish not this Arrogance ; and question propriety In giving aid and comfort to vapid Braggarts. But lady, state your object and Be sure I'll work you service Flor. One side, kind sir. The first accost was r as I thought, ungenerous. Let my abrupt O'nrusion at your revels cancel ill humors. Cop. Thank you, thank you, sweet woman, your kindness Overflows. Flor. I much sympathize with those determin'd Heroes ; and since the outbreak, being young And full of health and love of wild adventure, Have bethought me 'twere no disgraceful task To lend my friends assistance, as a, spy. REBELLION. 65 Cop. Ut, tut, tut, lady ! I'm confounded at Your daring. You, so young and pretty, a Spy ? The Yanks will hang you on a gibbet- Fi.or. I take the consequence. Will you aid me? Cop. Lady, you put a pungent question. This Plight you see me in, deceives my state. I'm of the yankee Congress. I have power To lend you furtherance and will. Exchange Addresses with me. We'll be friends. [She exchan- ges cards with him. Noise outside, approwching-.. Hark? [Aside.] Conscience surrenders me. My legs shall Not. Oeough ! The soul rebels against the body. [Hides behind counter. Re-enter Bob., with officers. Bob. Here, Captain, seize the mutinous rabble. [Soldiers arrest them. Land. Say, villian, your excuse for this. Bob. I am no villian, sir. I am a soldier. My business is to bag the enemy; but my excuse for being here is that you are northern rebels. You reviled the President in the teeth of my caution- ing — called him a murderer. You are full of trea- son and dangerous, cowardly auxiliaries to the Con- federacy. The President has ordered the suspen- sion of the writ of habeas corpus; and directs that all such traitors be immediately arrested and sent to Fort Lafayette and other prisons where they can do no harm. Where's that bragging old traitor? Officer. Out with them, men. Look here miss, you had better go away. This is rough business for you to witness. [Exeunt omnes except Cop., who cautiously emerges. Cop. By all the Fates ! Escaped again. Can it Re possible I was created to Survive this threatening brigandage? Why, my 66 THE GREAT Life is charmed! Hush! I'm yet vulnerable ; but My cause is right. Nay, Val, be honest to thyself. Thou knowest that thou liest. Thou'rt on the Fence, divaricate; yet one foot dangleth Lowest toward the South. First, skulked behind a Rock and next a counter! It must be said Thou'rt fortunate; yet 'tis amazing that' Thou escap'st detection. Surely, it was Beyond their comprehension that thou couldst So belittle thy estate, as to court Refuge in such snakish attitudes ! Then Thy magnanimity hath saved thee! Not Thine, but that th'ingenuous world accrediteth Thee. Yal, thou'rt a knave ; a snake with beaut' ous Tints and noiseless locomotion and gemmy Eyes of fascinating power; sly, gifted, Artful, yet indifferent; and fang-jawed; Whose hollows secrete a deadly venom. Thou'rt not a rattlesnake ; for he doth give Some omen of his presence; as 'twere a Whizzing quiver of remorse, which strains The tendons of a fiend's resolve to such Fell tension that his very organism With rigidity excessive, trembles; Clanks aloud the monster's scales, that innocence ,' May take warning. But thou'rt a copperhead ; Prone crawling o'er the grass; subtile and still; Refusing to betray, e'en by malignant Hiss, his nearness, till the doom'd victim feels The poison'd tooth and dies. A copperhead ; And all of thy coadjutors; hated Of the friends thou wouldst assist. Sting, then; bite and hide thy creeping nature; For if thou lettest the nation know thy heart Thou'llt die an outlaw. Woe betide the craven Who pronounces sentence which consigns to REBELLION. 67 Banishment and dungeons,: the innocents Who dare speak their thoughts ! A reign of terror! [Noise without and Cop. alarmed, exit. Scene Y. Richmond. A cell in Libby Pris- on; Prisoners in tatters and woe. Florence re- 1 yarding Joe in chains. Flor. Ah, I see him, but he knows me not. "Tig The same rough man of deeds, whose valor charms Me. A mate was never mated. A man By fiends unmanned. See how he stoops to breast His heavy thongs ! Excused shall be the maiden's Heart that's won by manhood's nature-vested Title. Though a rough exterior, with Age and bony frame and language uncouth. With wrinkl'd brow and silver-setting locks, Yet many's the soul longs for her Jason Who bravely gives his life for liberty. Traitors to my country, ye call me spy! Well, I will ply a maiden's wiles and use The juggler's art and scare these murd'rers, by Warping their craven superstitions with Apparitions weird. My work shall be, while On this espionage, to dress' the wounds And calm the agony of suffering Yictims of the fell fiend of war.' ' ; Enter 1)avis, Winder and Turner. Davis. Sir, Jet us dispatch our reconnoissance. 'Tis a fetid dungeon. The air is mixed , With noxious putrefactions; ;an,d the eye Meets objects that appall. Bah ! One's stomach Nauseates. The brain gets dizzy at the Contemplating., You have well executed My commands, good General.. The dusty Floor well animates with vermin ; the putrid Emanations and the wan spectres that Haze about the vaults — a foul congeries 68 THE GREAT Of Might! 'Tis good offspring of 3 r our genius.. Well done. Here is a purse of gold. I'll hence.. WiNDi Thank you, lord President; but you've missed the Half of their excruciate glum. Allow me Most rev'rently, to individualize : Here is a man — get up, you bleach' d, Attenuated tail of Satan ; else By the gods, we'll cudgel every ray of Life and light from those old skin-bone ruins! — This is a man, gulched in the last quivers of Starvation. Davis. [Aside.] The oath I took to serve the devil, was An atrocity ! Friends, let's emit this antrum Of effluvia. Wind. Nay. noble potentate, tarry awhile; And you shall further gloat on sights to charm The demons. View yonder group. They have been Sullen, refractory and wilful. On Them have I devoted special malice. Here. Captain, whip them up; let Wirtz assist; And if they feign debility, or lag. Or cringe, or twist the ponderous gyves which Shackle them, why, flay them till they beg. Daw [Pointing to Joe.] General, how's this? Those northern brags so drained of stock they must Needs send to fight our chivalry, such "a Cadaverous hoosier? An aged rainbow With the colors faded ! [Hunting Joe., bevt and emaciated, is dogged forward. Omxes. Ha, ha. ha r ha. Da v. Sure, there be signs of rain. A nimbus true, Whose presence doth betoken dampness; as These humid, malaria-infected gusts Do testify. Ha, ha; I'm sure 'twill rain; REBELLION. 69 For water thickens on my lids from damps And laughter! Ha, ha, ha, ha, a trembling Septuagenarian. Bah ! Sent here to Measure strength with men! The idea! Turn. The ideal Truly, 'tis laughable ; But ideas are not oak. Yon gaunt clown well Can illustrate it. He's the most dreaded Subject in the cells. [ Wirtz and his posse urge the prisoners forward. Florence advances to Davis. Flor. The genius of charity weeps for the Innocent. Canst thou regard their tortures with- out shame ? The gates of hell seem shoved aside that thou May'st gaze and hug this nucleous of sin. And thou sav'st them not? Nay, even addest; G-loating on this massive wrong, thou cumb'rest Worse thy guilt. Have mercy, then, oh, creature Graced with power and rescue those perishing Men. Dav. What, who, whence is this? A spirit or a Dream? Wirtz. Faster, ye dronish crawfish, or I'll brain ye! Here, turnkey, thump that hog-eyed sluggard up. He's got a wicked look. Joe. Look'ee, ye devil-fish 'o the traitors! Hit me, an' ye will! Hit'll be the last time ye'll ever hit. {Turnkey strikes him.] Thar, take that." [Strikes him down with his manacles.] That ar's the way I doom traitors. Off, I say, be war' ! [To Florence. Say, gal, ye're right smart uv roughin' it. Wal, yo'd better git away, ef yo air made uv meat an' blood, fur hit's no use pleadin' ter them treacherous brutee. [To others.] Back ! Tetcli me not. Wot I say, I'll stick to. Turn. Ho, men, seize him ! Take him out and hang him, hang him, hang him to the nearest tree! 70 TEE $J8&t& Joe. Stan' back I say tfoar. I r ll' soon sarve ye ; the same as that wuthless traitor lyin' thar. What's the coward rebel as'll dare meet a union man On e- qual terms? Ye haint a sprinklin' 6' human blood in ye. Ye yellin' cannibals. Ye sponge^headed cut- throats ! An' if I call ye alligators, I dont git down halfway to whar ye are;* o'ny the scales what kiv- ers ye keeps out the pricks o' conscience an' makes ye wusser an' cruelern a brute injin, an yer sneak- in' natur's indicative o' the crawlinest part uv an' alligator's belly. Ye're hissin' snakes, alius doin' the devil's will. Back I say ! I would'nt fight ye on terms any more'n I'd fight a woman ; but if ye tetch me, ye're wilted corpses instanter. Wind. Seize that man, I say and have his neck stretched. Joe. Eack! thar, and thar, and thar. [A guard falls each blow. Wind. What ho ! Guards ! Enter more guards and officers. Sieze that man and have him hanged on the instant. [Confusion in which Joe is at last overpowered. Exeunt omnes except Davis, Florence and prisoners. Davis. Most fearful episode ! My opinions Have undergone a metamorphosis. He is a frightful character and I Confess, fearless as I claim to be, I Feel the ague jar of terror. Ho G-uards ! Re-enter guards. Take up those fallen jailors and straightway Proceed to have that fellow hanged. [Exeunt guards with the dead men. Flor. [Approaching. 1 Sir, 'tis with tears and agony of heart, That I approach thee on behalf of these Poor prisoners. I only ask that thou REBELLION. 71 Wouldst amend that dread decree- of -torture Asto grant one li'ttle crust ;,jsome €X)6ling - Beverage ; and if thou wouldst hot spare the Pains to have their cell cleansed of this sickly Mire, pray condescend to give them water ; T.\iqfa, gladly they may minister to xheir Own comforts. Death were a welcome chapter To seal up the book of their existence. But oh, to dwindle in slow starvation ! Life,, at best, an oblique moonbeam, gleaming Obscurely through fate's weeping clouds; but Oh, to scatter poisons which infect its Haze to greenness; to vitiate their clammy Vault-air with blighting miasmata ! tis Too much for reflection. What then to be Endured ! Oh ! . . . . Davis. Away, thou mystic sprite! Thou'rt no mortal Thou art my conscience. I will repel thee. Go ! Flor. Nay, do not repress her gentle tapping. Let not thy heart lie cased within its bars. Oh, for its own sake, let it yield unto Compassion's promptings; for of thy short-liv'd G-loatings which do yield a sickly Satisfaction, there cometh a bitter end. Davis. Genius, Avaunt! Wouldst thou allure a magnate of My potency by wheedling sophistry? Folly, folly, folly. Screech not to me [She vanishes. Again. [Aside,] I'm damned ! [Noise of fire-arms and shouts without. Re-enter Winder and Turner. Wind. Your Excellency, he has escaped. Davis. How's that? Who? Wind. The prisoner, Joe, the Hunter. Davis. Ill give a glittering thousand for his 72 THE GREAT Body, dead or alive. Hon- did he 'scape ? Turn. He wrenched the iron manacles from his Wrists' with a prodigious strength as only Giants and madmen wield Davis What ! Are his fetters broken ? He's at large ? Turn. And dashing the brains from some half dozen Soldiers, scaled all barring obstacles, and Fled uninjured through a storm of balls. Davis. Bestir the City guards. Blockade all outs. Spare no time or force, in his recapture. Take the most dang'rous of these prisoners And let them, fn Low Moor shackles, welded At Vulcan's forge, be, under escort of This Wirtz, our modern Torquemada and Prince of cruelties, man-wolf and pocket- Heart, dragged South to denizen the Black-Holes Of sunburnt Anderson ville. [fopraowers.] Lie there, ye Rotting miscreants of the North ; and mold and Bleach and wilt. I'll rest secure in knowing Ye're unmanned. [Florence re-appears, at whom Davis stares, lohile slowly following Winder and Turner out. As Florence slowly vanishes, the prisoners set up a melancholy cry, white mournful music grows loud- er and louder.] [Curtain falh. TumELLlOK. 73 ACT IV. Scene I. Washington. A public walk. Enter several rebel sympathizers in conversation. Bill. Yes, and the draft. Harmon. It will glean every man ; rake the land clean from ocean to ocean. Bill. As true as I hold position, that old hyp- ocrite shall never get me into his clutch, so long as there's a Canada. Harm. Do you imagine what is the sentiment of the community, just now? Why, I overheard a man saying that sooner than lose his liberty by be- ing kidnapped, or drafted, like a convict, into the war, to kill, or be killed, by his friends, he would enter a conspiracy of assassination. Here he is. Thug. Caution, caution! Do you imagine, sir, that to stanch the source-fountains of trouble, at once, would be a blessing? Harm. Confidentially, I think so. Why, man? Do me the favor to bare your heart. Thug. I've an omen ne'll not disturb you long. There's a muggy gust afloat. A murky Breeze sniffs up from hell, wafting a crooked Meaning; which 'tis not a public function To divine. Enter Cop. Cop. Well, good morning, friends. Ah, here^s our unravel'd mystery of Histrionic art — can play two games at Once. How fare you? What's the news? Thug. Domestically fair, socially passable, Politically, disastrous. He, he, he ; glorious, rather. fji mi; mmr Cop. And my sympathizing friend, how are you? Bill. Oh; I ara racked witii pains. My eyes are bleared, my legs are cramped with rheumatism. I have an.affection of the spine. In short, I am an offering of disease, within and without;. ' What may be the hearsay about the draft? Thug. [Aside.] 'there's a coward ! 'Cop. Bad, bad, dismal. The bloodthirsty Congress passed it, Lincoln has signed it,, it Becomes a law. ■ Harm. Yes, and he'll need a dozen drafts to aid Ilim. The conqu'ring armies of General Lee Are pouring invasion into our State. .Lee has recrossed the river. Thug. Lee crossed the Potomac ? Cop. Aye, and herein lies disaster. Lee is As boid as rkillful. He is a second Hannibal; and what he undertakes, that Will he execute. Bill. I, I, I'm a little fearful "We've no LTe- Clellan to defend us any more. Oh, the North is Tinned ! Well, the sooner the quicker. Let them com*. Cop. Yes, our McClellan's martyred. All is Disaster. Bad luck seems incorporate in, And forms a constituent of the old Dictator's make-up. • Each plan he tries brings Swift discomfiture. From Sumpter to the Draft laws. Hideous retrospect! Two crazy Somersaults at Bull Run, which their dripping Beekirgs blend with crimson, gushing from the Crashes of consanguine neighbors — the twins Of Fredericksburg. And the red stream rolls on, Broadened by previous conflux with Ball Mound, Seven days, Antietam. until the tepid Flood assumes proportions huge and horrid REBELLION. 75 As the swath of cholera; and now, by Fresh invasion, bears ogling netherward A nation damned! Enter Lincoln. ; Thug. Ah, what a dismal dream 1 Lin. Friends, are you dreaming? Cop. I wish it were a dream. • Lin. Dreams are follies of imagination. A greeting. I remember you. [ThxjG, sn eering, shakes his head. The two sympihizers are won. Cop. [Pompously.'] Friends, respectfully; this is the President. Thug. [Aside.] Royal opportunity ! I might strike and Consummate this business, now. I'll do it. No, the plot; 'twont do; must wait. [Exit Thug. Cop. Your frankness makes me bold to say our thoughts Do not course in one channel. Lin. I would that men might always think alike. Your bloody river would dry up. Cop. But as 'tis, will you have it ever flow? Lin. I would arrest its progress had I power. Cop. But all things augur ill. What purpose you? Lin. We propose to stand upon our dignity like the boy down in Kentucky, who stubbed his toe so severely that he stopped and stood trembling, when another boy asked him why he did'nt cry. he answered "I'm too big to cry and my toe aches so bad I can't laugh". We mean to grin and stick* Cop. If I am impudent I beg pardon. But tell me if there's aught but mischief in That proclamation. Lin. The slave shall have his freedom. I pro* claim't. w mi: ansAT Cop. How can it Avail, save fo exasperate the South? Lin. With charity to all, and With malice Toward none, an unswerving march toward T he right, we purpose to keep on without Respect to sympathies or sehemes, or snares, Or overtures with wrong. An upright course Alone remains to honor. Cop. Peace, peace! It is the cry. Peace at any Cost; on any terms; swap of sentiments; Change of banners; anything to stanch this Flow of blood: _•}/-» Lin. Never swap horses while you ford a stream. It has gone forth. The bondsman shall be free. It may prove even so; and its effect L'ke the Pope's bull agiinst the comet. No Mortal knows. I govern not events. ; they govern Me. The jarring household trembles. Why? Can A house against itself divided, stand ? How reads the precept? I am convinced that With the house ; divided, we are lost — and Liberty. . I am but human, therefore, Am liable to err.. I would restore Tue Union; would. perform the dictates of A mind impressed with a keen sense of right And, freedom: ...to;;; all men; converting The vile dogma that "might makes right", to rigljt Makes might; and. through the pathless billows of This motto, guide the ship of State. Cop. [Aside.] Confound him! Too honest Con- descension. Sir, your argument is well backed; but 'twill not G-ive us peace. 'Twill open broad the blood-gates! A wild lay of the winding-sheet ! You quote The Counsellor ; but the same said also, "Blest are the peace-makers". REBELLION 77 . . Ljn, But shall I cast your pearls before the swine ? Cop. I'd cede them territory, freedom, all; If t could but procure the 'boon of peace We crave. Lin.' Coneeed the South all claims,' give them secession? Cop. I would do. anything to hasten peace. Lin. Well, then it must be said we disagree. And further ; to be candid, think you your Heart is right ? A traitor to your country! Shame ! Your follies would disintegrate all ties Of public strength and end in degrading You. Preposterous! Cop. State rights, State sovereignty ! Liberty) It is this glorious principle which I Defend. Those States have sacred rights, which if Denied, or ravished, hurl their material Consequences, in desolating war, Buck upon their dictatorial foe ! Lin. I cannot lengthen this discussion. Only say the wrong don't fester here; but In the blight of bondage. No sovereignty On earth has rights to hold its people slaves. Your power-disintegrating plans are green of venom.. A good day. [Exit Lincoln. Cop. I've incurred his ire and I do fe^r that I shall be arrested. Me-enter Thug. Bill. Its dangerous to stay in the country. I'm, going to Canada. Hark ! Did you hear that gun ?: I tell you it isn't safe. I expect they'll burn all the houses and kill everybody they catch. If J should be caught, I presume I should be hanged by the great toes, head downward. A half million meii armed with horrid weapons to the teeth! Oh, I do 73 THE GREAT wish you had convinced him and persuaded him to make peace. T^ug. Hanged by the toes did 'e say? What signifies such hanging? Why they'll hang fii fiiin ;b£ iire gamhrels, with ;! a thong. , With Kemp, gnarl-knotted in his hair, they'll stretch Him horizontal face, suurward; eyelids Cropped; eyeballs ashoot; corpus adingle Dangle forty feet above a hungry , , Ditch dug two by' six. Why, Val, his legs 'twixt Two sour apple trees, straddled apart, with . i .:•■'■ Twisted cor