_Lincoln_: There are some, shall we say graces, that I lack. Washington does not altogether neglect these. _Tucker_: They have been spoken of. But these are days, Mr. Lincoln, if I may say so, too difficult, too dangerous, for these to weigh at the expense of other qualities that you were considered to possess. _Lincoln_: Seward and Hook have both had great experience. _Macintosh_: Hook had no strong support. For Seward, there are doubts as to his discretion. _Lincoln_: Do not be under any misunderstanding, I beg you. I aim at moderation so far as it is honest. But I am a very stubborn man, gentlemen. If the South insists upon the extension of slavery, and claims the right to secede, as you know it very well may do, and the decision lies with me, it will mean resistance, inexorable, with blood if needs be. I would have everybody's mind clear as to that. _Price_: It will be for you to decide, and we believe you to be an upright man, Mr. Lincoln. _Lincoln_: Seward and Hook would be difficult to carry as subordinates. _Tucker_: But they will have to be carried so, and there's none likelier for the job than you. _Lincoln_: Will your Republican Press stand by me for a principle, James, whatever comes? _Macintosh_: There's no other man we would follow so readily. _Lincoln_: If you send me, the South will have little but derision for your choice. _Hind_: We believe that you'll last out their laughter. _Lincoln_: I can take any man's ridicule--I'm trained to it by a ... somewhat odd figure that it pleased God to give me, if I may so far be pleasant with you. But this slavery business will be long, and deep, and bitter. I know it. If you do me this honour, gentlemen, you must look to me for no compromise in this matter. If abolition comes in due time by constitutional means, good. I want it. But, while we will not force abolition, we will give slavery no approval, and we will not allow it to extend its boundaries by one yard. The determination is in my blood. When I was a boy I made a trip to New Orleans, and there I saw them, chained, beaten, kicked as a man would be ashamed to kick a thieving dog. And I saw a young girl driven up and down the room that the bidders might satisfy themselves. And I said then, "If ever I get a chance to hit that thing, I'll hit it hard." _A pause_. You have no conditions to make? _Tucker_: None. _Lincoln (rising):_ Mrs. Lincoln and I would wish you to take supper with us. _Tucker_: That's very kind, I'm sure. And your answer, Mr. Lincoln? _Lincoln_: When you came, you did not know me, Mr. Tucker. You may have something to say now not for my ears. _Tucker_: Nothing in the world, I assure-- _Lincoln_: I will prepare Mrs. Lincoln. You will excuse me for no more than a minute. _He goes out_. _Tucker_: Well, we might have chosen a handsomer article, but I doubt whether we could have chosen a better. _Hind_: He would make a great judge--if you weren't prosecuting.