_Lincoln_: I hope I shall look as young when I'm seventy-two. _Custis_: Cold water. Much walk. Believe in Lord Jesus Christ. Have always little herbs learnt when a little nigger. Mista Lincoln try. Very good. _He hands a small twist of paper to_ LINCOLN. _Lincoln_: Now, that's uncommon kind of you. Thank you. I've heard much about your preaching, Mr. Custis. _Custis_: Yes. _Lincoln_: I should like to hear you. _Custis_: Mista Lincoln great friend of my people. _Lincoln_: I have come at length to a decision. _Custis_: A decision? _Lincoln_: Slavery is going. We have been resolved always to confine it. Now it shall be abolished. _Custis_: You sure? _Lincoln_: Sure. CUSTIS _slowly stands up, bows his head, and sits again_. _Custis_: My people much to learn. Years, and years, and years. Ignorant, frightened, suspicious people. It will be difficult, very slow. (_With growing passion_.) But born free bodies. Free. I born slave, Mista Lincoln. No man understand who not born slave. _Lincoln_: Yes, yes. I understand. _Custis (with his normal regularity)_: I think so. Yes. _Lincoln_: I should like you to ask me any question you wish. _Custis_: I have some complaint. Perhaps I not understand. _Lincoln_: Tell me. _Custis_: Southern soldiers take some black men prisoner. Black men in your uniform. Take them prisoner. Then murder them. _Lincoln_: I know. _Custis_: What you do? _Lincoln_: We have sent a protest. _Custis_: No good. Must do more. _Lincoln_: What more can we do? _Custis_: You know. _Lincoln_: Yes; but don't ask me for reprisals. _Custis (gleaming)_: Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth. _Lincoln_: No, no. You must think. Think what you are saying. _Custis_: I think of murdered black men. _Lincoln_: You would not ask me to murder? _Custis_: Punish--not murder. _Lincoln_: Yes, murder. How can I kill men in cold blood for what has been done by others? Think what would follow. It is for us to set a great example, not to follow a wicked one. You do believe that, don't you? _Custis (after a pause)_: I know. Yes. Let your light so shine before men. I trust Mista Lincoln. Will trust. I was wrong. I was too sorry for my people. _Lincoln_: Will you remember this? For more than two years I have thought of you every day. I have grown a weary man with thinking. But I shall not forget. I promise that. _Custis_: You great, kind friend. I will love you. _A knock at the door._ _Lincoln:_ Yes. SUSAN _comes in_. _Susan_: An officer gentleman. He says it's very important. _Lincoln_: I'll come. _He and_ CUSTIS _rise_. Wait, will you, Mr. Custis? I want to ask you some questions. _He goes out. It is getting dark, and_ SUSAN _lights a lamp and draws the curtains_. CUSTIS _stands by the door looking after_ LINCOLN. _Custis_: He very good man. _Susan_: You've found that out, have you? _Custis_: Do you love him, you white girl? _Susan_: Of course I do. _Custis_: Yes, you must.