Good morning. How do you do, Doctor? Good morning, Mr. McKeen. What news this morning? Has Rodney come? How will Pennsylvania vote, Doctor? Good morning, Mr. Hancock. Good morning, Dr. Franklin. A fine day, isn't it? How is it with New Hampshire? New Hampshire is unanimous, sir. Good morning, gentlemen. The hour of assembling is nearly here. Shall we go in, gentlemen? How do you do, Dr. Franklin? Has New York been heard from? Can we swing Delaware, Mr. McKeen? Well, it's nearly nine o'clock. There's no question about it, Mr. Livingston. No, no, I don't believe we can go so far. Yes, but we have no alternative. [_etc._] [_this thins out but does not stop entirely_] VOICE [_calling_] Come on, gentlemen, we must go in! It's nine o'clock. The session will open in a moment. MCKEEN Doctor, ask the members to delay--hold them a few minutes--don't let a quorum assemble. FRANKLIN Yes, yes! [_louder_] Gentlemen, just a moment. ALL Yes, Doctor, what is it? What do you want, Dr. Franklin? [_etc._] FRANKLIN Wait--wait a moment--don't go in just yet--come--do you mind standing here with us--no--perhaps--Mr. Adams, take several members and go up Market Street! VOICE Yes, certainly, Doctor--why? FRANKLIN Don't ask me why! We must delay the opening of the meeting. Come back in a quarter of an hour! VOICE Of course, sir. FRANKLIN And Livingston, keep the members here on the steps in conversation--don't let them go in. VOICE Certainly, Doctor. FRANKLIN Oh, Jefferson, you are always too prompt! My boy, be late this morning--stroll about the Square! Take some of your friends with you--sh--don't ask me why--I might incriminate myself! It's a beautiful morning for a stroll--you need the air, my boy--you need--[_sound of horses' hoofs off, growing louder_] MCKEEN Oh, Doctor, look! FRANKLIN Eh? What? MCKEEN Two horsemen coming up Market Street! FRANKLIN Is it by any chance-- MCKEEN Yes, yes, it's Rodney--Rodney and the postrider--they're coming! FRANKLIN Good, good! This is a glorious day! ALL Here comes Rodney of Delaware! Good! That swings Delaware into line! It looks like unanimous action! Rodney, Rodney--good work! [_horses' hoofs close, and stop_] URIAH [_calling_] Wal', here we be, Mr. McKeen. MCKEEN Good! You're just in time! RODNEY They haven't voted yet? MCKEEN No, no, the session is just assembling. Come, dismount! RODNEY You'll have to give me a hand. URIAH Here--I'll help ye. [_sound of dismounting_] RODNEY I--I can hardly stand. FRANKLIN Here, Rodney, take my arm--I seldom have a chance to support young and vigorous men now, but I insist on this! RODNEY Thank you, Doctor. FRANKLIN Come--let me lead you in a triumphant entry! RODNEY I'm glad I got here in time. FRANKLIN My congratulations, Rodney--you've ridden to a great victory! Before another hour is passed a new nation will be born! [_members cheer_] MCKEEN