Page:Hamilton play 1917.pdf/75

Hamilton.
[To Monroe.] The right of the people is the right to cast aside personal interests for the greater good of the nation. The only safety for any people is in a government that can command the respect of the world.

Monroe.
[Angrily.] You mean a Monarchy?

Hamilton.
I mean a Republic.

Monroe.
[Rising, coming to l. corner of table and pounding it.] George Washington is trying to set up a Monarchy and make himself King.

[Returning to Washington's chair. He gives it a vicious push with his knee and crosses to r.

Hamilton.
[Rising and crossing to r. with Monroe.] Take this chair. I think you'll be more comfortable.

[Gives Monroe another chair from back of sofa. It is a hard uncomfortable looking little chair. He places it in front of sofa.

Monroe.
[Ignoring the chair.] Suppose the government should pay the states' debts, the men who lent the money wouldn't get it. [Hamilton about to interrupt.] You know as well as I do that the patriots who put up the money to carry on the war have long ago given up all hope of ever being paid by the bankrupt states.