_Darkness obscures the two multitudes and the Spokesmen, in the light, strike antiphonally into the beautiful words which Mr. John Drinkwater wrote for the characters in his play, “Robert E. Lee.”_] THE FIRST SPOKESMAN The strain comes and men’s wits break under it and fighting is the only way out. THE SECOND SPOKESMAN War is the anger of bewildered peoples in front of questions that they can’t answer. THE FIRST SPOKESMAN The quarrel is so little beside the desolation that is coming. THE SECOND SPOKESMAN One year ... two ... three ... perhaps four! Then there will be just graves and a story and America. [_Suddenly a pool of bloody light explodes upon the right of the stage and shows a knoll of gray uniforms about the flag of the Confederacy and the men in the light burst into the wild abandon of “Dixie.”_ _Then another pool of bloody light shows blue uniforms and the men and all the Chorus behind sing “John Brown’s Body” again, full voice._ _Then the light upon Lincoln is white and includes the group of slaves and the figure of Freedom._] LINCOLN All persons held as slaves are and, henceforward, shall be free. And upon this act, sincerely believed to be an act of justice, I invoke the considerate judgment of mankind and the gracious favor of Almighty God. [_His hands bless the negroes and all the people look gratefully up to him and the armies turn their heads toward him._ _Two figures detach themselves from the two armies. One is Grant. The other is Lee. They walk toward each other and the armies fall back in great weariness. When they meet, the two generals speak._] GRANT Sir, you have given me occasion to be proud of my opponent. LEE I have not spared my strength. I acknowledge its defeat. GRANT You have come-- LEE To ask upon what terms you will accept surrender. GRANT (_Presents a slip of paper._) They are simple. I hope you will not find them ungenerous. LEE (_Having read them._) You are magnanimous, sir. May I make one submission? GRANT It would be a privilege if I could consider it. LEE You allow our officers to keep their horses. That is gracious. Our cavalry troopers’ horses are also their own. GRANT I understand. They will be needed for the plowing. Of course, the officers of the Confederacy will also retain their side arms. LEE I thank you. It will do much toward conciliating our people. I accept your terms. [_He offers his sword._] GRANT No, no! I should have included that. It has but one rightful place. [_They salute and each returns to his army._] LEE (_Speaking the close of Lee’s final orders._) Valor and devotion can accomplish nothing that will compensate for the loss that must attend the continuance of the conflict. You may take with you the satisfaction of duty faithfully performed, and I earnestly pray that a merciful God will extend to you his blessing and protection. GRANT (_Speaking the close of Grant’s last message._)