I've got to hear both sides--it's my solemn duty---- STANTON All right, I'm done. There's my resignation as your Secretary of War--Good-by! [STANTON _strides angrily to the door and_ LINCOLN _speaks as he puts his hand on the knob._] LINCOLN Wait a minute---- STANTON It's no use---- LINCOLN Come back here. I've something to say to you. [STANTON _returns._] STANTON You're wasting your breath---- LINCOLN Stanton, I appointed you Secretary of War against the advice of every man about me. You were a cantankerous Democrat and my enemy. You had said the meanest things about me that were ever spoken in Washington--and that's putting it pretty strong. You called me a low clown--the original gorilla. In spite of all this, I saw _your_ great qualities! I saw that you were absolutely fearless and absolutely honest, that your nerves were made of steel and your capacity for work was boundless. Even in your passions and hatreds, you showed a loyalty to the Union that rose above the parties and creeds of a lifetime. I like men of your strong personality. They stand between a nation and hell. And so, I appointed you, my bitter foe, to my cabinet. I've never regretted it for a minute in these years of blood and anguish. You've made the best Secretary of War this country ever had. In spite of your mean traits and your awful profanity, I've learned to love you! Now, you've resigned, and done your duty, as you see it. I've accepted your resignation, _conscripted_ you again, and reappointed you----! [_Pauses and strokes his shoulder._] Go back to your desk and stick to the rules--that's your business; and I'll keep right on here tempering Justice with Mercy when I get a chance. STANTON [_Gazing at him a moment hopelessly._] Well,--I suppose I'll have to try----! [_Snorts._] But--I'm--damned--if--you--interfere--with--me--again! [STANTON _hurries to the door._] LINCOLN All right now---- But look here, Stanton---- [STANTON _pauses._] If I _have_ to send over a pardon or two to you this morning---- STANTON Hell fire! LINCOLN Easy--easy now! You'll know they're _very_ urgent, and will admit of no delay on account of red tape---- STANTON [_Throws his hands up in wild gesture of despair._] Oh, my God! [STANTON _exits._] LINCOLN John, the old Fox _was_ trying to head me off, wasn't he----? Get them in here quick--who's the first in turn----? NICOLAY A young lady to plead for the life of her brother---- LINCOLN Bring her in!