SCENE 6 Continued

Michael           I ask you Gentlemen to join with me in a toast of eternal loyalty to our Mother State. Virginia, A pledge of Fealty to our glorious Confederacy, and Fraternity between our own band of comrades

Booth              I would like to add to that Michael if I may.    Death to all Tyrants.

 All                 Sic Semper Tyrannis!

J.surratt         Alright Booth! We have gone through all the dramatic shenanigans we have time for. I purpose we get down to business. Why did you call this meeting in the middle of the night, what’s so all fired important that it couldn’t wait till morning?        (The flames leap.)

Booth            You are such a man, who speaks daggers, take heed. “Words without thoughts never to heaven go.”

Herold            We know where Lincoln is to be tomorrow evening! [Herold breaks out in excitement which rapidly turns to fear as all turn to look at him.] Or is tonight? Johnny.

 Booth              You play your name Davie. Herold you are called and Herold you become. Today will suffice as to the time, the place. I, announce. The Ford, gentlemen. My almost home and of every inch I know as if my own hand. The spider walks into the web and lays his person within our reach.

Sam                 By all that is holy. We have chased the son of a bitch around the fields and roads of this cursed state and he walks into our grasp as if a rabbit into a snare. Are you sure? We have been wrong or mistaken before. It seems as if his guardian angel was set to confound all our schemes.

Michael           Wilkes, what’s the plan where do we take him? Is there a safe house set up? Do our Southern counterparts know of this .Is there time enough to arrange for all the equipment?

All             [General loud adlibbing between all but Booth and Paine.]

 Booth              Sirs, sirs, I beg your indulgence. I have other matters I wish to discuss with you before I speak of Lincoln. First I must go to speak a few words with Mary. I need her to go the  tavern on the road just outside of Washington, She will take with her my field glasses and supplies. I ask her to do this by the love she bears me, and the assurance she will ask no questions as to my reasons?

 J Surratt         I don’t like you ordering my Ma around Booth, what gives you the right to put her in danger?

[Booth turns slightly to make eye contact with Paine. A large knife appears in Paine’s hand and Surratt shuts up]

 Booth              Your mother is a woman of the noblest Southern blood John. Do not shame her! She does her duty as we all do. I ask Mary to leave because what I have to say is not for the ears of a lady. As of today the South is in more danger than she has ever been. I have it on good authority that Lincoln is contemplating stepping down. That places Johnson as President;  Now Johnson is a traitor to the South as we all know. When the war is over he will not have the strength to hold back the ghouls who will descend on our motherland like a flock of vultures. All that will be left are the “Remnants of carnal, bloody and unnatural acts” Our plans must be changed for this nation is not what it was. We must be her Saviors

 Sam                 Booth, what are you saying? I know things are real bad but they must get better. The war is over, soon all the men will return to their homes and the reconstruction will start. Lincoln has promised this

 Booth              He also promised votes for niggers! You like that Sam? Michael, John. By God, soon you can go cap in hand to an jumped up nigger boy and beg him for work to feed your family, meanwhile he lives in his big house, no doubt with a white woman for a whore. Not while I live! The South will rise again if we have to march over the bloody backs of those who oppose us. If you do not ride with me, you are my enemy and I would as soon kill you as walk past you on the street

 Michael           Wilkes! Calm down man no one here wants that but what can we do? If we capture Lincoln we can trade for early release of our soldiers and some sort of deal for the South. I think that’s something that we can do to restore some honor to our cause and come out ahead of where we stand now

 Booth              Michael, you, and I have been friends, nay, closer than brothers since childhood. I would gladly lay down my life for you, but my Country owns me. [Sung, Michael joins the last few bars]“Maryland my Maryland. better the fire upon the roll. better the shot, the blade, the bowl. than crucifixion of the soul” How many nights have we sung that? He lays a hand on Michael’s shoulder; Michael’s head droops

 Paine               So I get Seward right Cap? Who gets Johnson?

       [Booth whirled angrily on Paine as he does so Michael makes a retreat to his chair] 

Booth              Damn you Lewis! Your sanguinary lusts do over run your tongue. As Booth observes Michaels rejection he changes his tone towards Paine.] Never mind faithful friend. I would that all here were possessed of such passion for our cause. He has the right of it comrades; to kidnap Lincoln now would serve us small reward. We must heighten the stakes for which we play. Blood is the ante on the table now. It flows from three who hold control of our fair motherland in their soiled hands. Seward, Johnson, and Lincoln. I reserve Lincoln for myself having some personal discussion with the man to overthrow. Lewis and Herold will take charge of Seward’s removal and see him safely to St Peters care. Michael, I need to place in your most capable and duteous hands the burden of Vice President Johnson’s demise. Wilt thy say aye and complete the most perfect plan that were ever here enjoined, to bring down a traitorous nation and win a war with but three casualties, whose lives have already been forsworn?

                     [A stunned silence fills  the room; All begin talking at once, some excited, and some angry. Michael rises from his seat and makes his way to John. Booths face was aglow with excitement. Michael thought that he had never seen him so powerful. On the other hand, so crazed]

 Michael           Wilkes! Are you mad? To murder the three most prominent men in America. And all on the one night. We would be hunted to the ends of the world, and where could we go. The English do not want anything to do with the South now that we are beaten. The Canadians may shelter us for a short time but this is too heinous a crime for even them to overlook, they will send us back in shackles. I for one do not want my neck stretched by some Federal rope. No. Wilkes, as much as I do love you and my Country. Here is where my bowels turn to jelly and we part ways.

[He removes his pistol from the back of his trousers and seeing Paine watching, places it cautiously on the table.]

It will be best that I not remain any longer. I may hear of information that would condemn you if I am ever questioned as to this matter. Goodbye companion of my youth and may God wrap his arms around and protect you.

[He reaches to embrace Booth but Booth sidesteps him and picks up the gun from the table. as Michaels turns to plead with him he cocks the gun. The sound is loud in the hushed room. Michaels makes his exit.]

Michael           I bid you all farewell. [Exits]

Scene 6