So--I want you never again to doubt God, my boy, and I want you never to doubt yourself. Your bare feet, your ragged clothes, how poor you are--this is nothing! It doesn't count here--it's what you feel, it's what you believe--it's what you see that counts! I've taught you to read and write, and now you can do anything! If God takes me---- [_She pauses exhausted._] ABE But you mustn't say that, Ma----! NANCY "The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether!" ABE No! no, Ma! Don't talk that way! You'll give up if you do----! NANCY If He calls, my son, then _my_ work is done--and _you_ can do all I've tried and failed to do---- ABE [_Alarmed._] Had she better talk so much, Pa---- [_Stoops to fix her feet._] TOM [_Feeling her hand._] Nancy----! NANCY Just a minute more, Tom----! Don't let him know yet--_you_ know----! TOM [_With upward look of faith._] Yes, I know---- [_To_ ABE.] It's all right--boy---- NANCY Come back close, my son, I want to tell you something I saw last night! I had a dream--the same one I had the night before you were born. You had grown a man--strong and brave--wise and gentle. The people hung on your words, and did you homage. But you remembered this cabin here in the deep woods and you were humble. I walked with you between two white pillars. It was still and solemn, in there. Outside I could hear the people calling your name. You bowed low and whispered in my ear: "This is all yours, my Mother. I bought it for you with my life. All that I am I owe to you----" [_Her voice sinks to a whisper that is half a laugh of religious ecstasy._] ABE [_Joyfully._] See how she's smilin'--Pa! She's getting well--I tell you----! TOM [_Whispering._] Don't ye understand, boy----? ABE No--what----? SARAH What--what is it----? TOM [_In deep religious awe._] Look--look at her eyes----! She's not telling ye a dream--she's looking through the gates of Heaven---- ABE No--no--no----! TOM It's death--boy--it's come--Lord, God, have mercy---- [ABE _springs to his feet and stares in anguish, as_ TOM _falls on his knees beside_ NANCY. NANCY'S _hand rests gently on_ TOM'S _shaggy head, while he sobs. With her other hand she feels for_ ABE'S _and holds it feebly._] NANCY Be good to your Father,---- [_She pauses and breathes with difficulty._] In the days to come, he will be the child and you the man---- ABE Yes----