(he speaks almost in a whisper) : I was in a strange ship that I cannot describe, and I was moving fast, very fast, towards a dark shore beyond. (Lincoln sighs, and then goes on.) That was all,—but, gentlemen, it means good news, great news.
First Operator (excitedly holding out a telegram he has just been taking down),—Mr. President, read this, please.
Lincoln (reads aloud),—Gettysburg, President Abraham Lincoln, A three days' fight is over. Great loss of life, but victory is with us. Enemy in full flight. Scout A.
Lincoln,—Praise to the good God. (He buries his face in his hands.)
The sky at last begins to clear,
No longer is great cause to fear
That North and South divided be.
Our President the end can see
Of cruel war; his hope is high,
His heart grows merry; though death be nigh
He knows it not. Then, suddenly,
He meets his end most cruelly.
Scene Six
Time, Ten o'clock in the evening, April 14, 1865.
