Hamilton

intrude. Jefferson We were about to take our leave. Shaking hands with Hamilton. Good night, Citizen Hamilton. Passing to door. We have already made our adieux to⁠— Tallyrand Politely. Citizen Tallyrand. Jefferson exits to street door which Zekiel is holding open. Zekiel hands him his hat. Tallyrand comes down between sofa and table C., dropping his hat and gloves on sofa; he then moves across to in front of sofa. Monroe Shaking hands with Hamilton. Good night, Hamilton. Goes to room door and turns. That was a damned good proposition of yours. Hamilton At room door L. of Monroe. Oh, pardon me, gentlemen. The proposition came from you. Monroe Coughing uncomfortably. Er⁠—yes⁠— Takes stick and hat from Zekiel. Exit Monroe and Jefferson through street-door up R. Hamilton Slamming room door and coming down excitedly, placing his hands on Tallyrand’s shoulders. Tallyrand, I needed someone to drink a toast with me. Here’s to the government that’s going to pay its debts. Picking up decanter. Tallyrand I drink to that because I like to drink, but drinking will not make your government pay. Hamilton Pouring out two glasses. It’s going to pay! It’s going to pay! Tallyrand Who is going to make it? Hamilton Pointing. Jefferson and Monroe. Tallyrand Astounded. You have reformed them? Hamilton I have⁠—and never struck a blow. Tallyrand Taking up glass. I drink, then, to Alexander Hamilton⁠—the greatest of them all! Hamilton Taking up glass. That gives you an unfair advantage with the wine. If you will substitute the name of George Washington, I will drink with you. Tallyrand Shrugs shoulders. George Washington⁠—yes. Hamilton C., holding up glass. To George Washington, the first American! Both are in front of small table. Tallyrand R. of Hamilton. Well, I will drink anyhow. They drink and put down glasses. Hamilton Good-humored. You never did appreciate the greatness of my General. Tallyrand Oh, yes, he has a great big nose. Hamilton And a great big heart and a great big soul. Tallyrand But the brain, it is yours. Hamilton about to interrupt. Don’t let’s quarrel over your General. I come to say goodbye. Hamilton You leave by tonight’s boat? Tallyrand Yes, or rather it sails in the early hours of the morning. Hamilton Then you have plenty of time. Taking chair from in front of sofa and sitting R. of C. table. Sit down and have supper with me. Tallyrand Moving away to L. Oh, no⁠—you Americans take too much food. When you are not doing something else, you are always sitting down to supper. Hamilton Well, be a good American and sit down then. Tallyrand Extending hand. No, no, I come to give you one last embrace. I am in haste. I must leave you. Adieu. Giving him his hand. Hamilton Still seated. Why not stop and gossip? I’ve finished my work for tonight. Tallyrand To be frank with you, I have to make my adieux to some⁠—er⁠—ladies. Hamilton Rising. Oh! Tallyrand Ah, your American girls! I find them almost more irresistible than the French. Enter Zekiel up R. with bottle of wine and two wineglasses on tray; puts them on C. table. Hamilton Laughing. And they’re not so far away⁠—eh? Digs him in the ribs. Tallyrand L. C. Hamilton, you have finished your work for tonight. Why not come with me? If one is working all the day is it not right that one should play at night? Coming over to Hamilton. A little spree, eh? Hamilton Smiling. Why⁠—what do you call a little spree? Zekiel is back of small table and can be seen smiling approvingly. Tallyrand Shrugs. Oh-h⁠—a⁠—leetle spree. You are so good, Hamilton, and I love you for it, but I see the boy leap into your eyes when I say little spree. He puts hands on Hamilton’s shoulders. Exit Zekiel up R. at back. Hamilton Laughing and moving away to R. Do you? By Jove, I believe I deserve it! Tallyrand We are all of us human⁠—except General Washington. Hamilton Protesting. Tallyrand! Tallyrand A little spree will do you good. Going quickly back of sofa and getting hat and gloves. Hamilton Crossing to table C. and picks up Betsy’s letter. No, I think not. I think I’ll stay at home. Tallyrand Oh, yes, I know⁠—Mrs. Hamilton is charming⁠—Je l’adore, but she is away⁠—she is away so long. Hamilton Coming to Tallyrand and pulling himself together. No, no, no. Tallyrand I cannot tempt you? Hamilton I’m afraid you might. That’s why I say goodbye. Takes hand. Sail home as fast as a fair wind will carry you. Your genius is universal, but your morals are indigenous to Paris. Godspeed! They go up. Hamilton opens room door. Zekiel opens street door. Tallyrand Turning at room door. Hamilton is on his left. Au ’voir, dear friend. When I am in France and I think of America one big figure will come before my eyes⁠—Alexander Hamilton! The man who makes the fortune of a nation in order to get a living for his family. Au revoir. Exit Tallyrand. Hamilton Waving to him. Au revoir. Bon voyage. Comes into the room. Bolt the door, Zekiel; we’ve had enough for tonight. Zekiel bolts and chains street door, then enters room, closing room door. Hamilton walks to his table and picks up Bill. Victory! Well, now, we’ll go to bed, Uncle. Sitting at table L. and putting away papers. Zekiel At room door. Fo’ de Lawd’s sake, Marse Cunnel, ain’ yo’ goin’ to eat no suppah? Hamilton Remembering. Shuts drawer and comes to behind table C. Supper? Yes. Zekiel Coming down to R. corner of table C. That’s ’bout the fourth suppah I brought in this night, and yo’ ain’ goin’ t’ eat it. Hamilton I’m going to eat