Hamilton

epub:type="z3998:persona">Hamilton Distressed. Betsy, I’ve had some unexpected expenses recently⁠—but next quarter⁠— Betsy Why, it’s all right, dear. Everything can wait. Only I didn’t know. I thought you’d been at home, busy, and hadn’t much opportunity of spending. Hamilton I’ve had some expensive presents to make⁠—diplomatic presents, you know. Betsy With a little laugh. Oh, bribes. Hamilton Glancing at her quickly. I’m afraid it almost amounts to that. Betsy That doesn’t sound like you, Alexander. I can’t bear to think⁠—Knock heard. They rise. Now, here’s somebody coming to take you away from me, I suppose. Hamilton Embracing and kissing her. This is your day, Betsy, and wild horses shall not drag me from you. Schuyler Off stage. Wait a moment, Judge. I’ll see if he’s at home. Mr. Hamilton at home, Uncle? Zekiel Off. Walk right in, sah. Zekiel opens room door and admits Schuyler and Chief Justice Jay. Betsy to C., Hamilton R. Jay follows Schuyler; the street door is also open. Before Jay enters, Betsy hurriedly removes her apron and throws it to Hamilton who throws it to Zekiel when Jay has passed down. Zekiel exits R., closing room door, also street door. Schuyler Coming to C. behind Betsy. Here’s Chief Justice Jay, Alexander. I met him on the doorstep. Betsy Up stage C., curtseying. How do you do, Judge Jay? Jay Mrs. Hamilton bowing near door up R. and coming down, I’m delighted to welcome you back. Kisses her hand. Schuyler To Betsy. Good morning, my dear. Betsy Good morning, father. Kisses him; they come down, Betsy on his L. Hamilton Giving his hand. Judge Jay, it is good of you to honor us with a visit. Jay comes to Hamilton. You’ve been away. Jay Down R. in front of sofa. Yes, for a month. On my return I went first to General Washington, whom I now find installed in Colonel Frank’s house at Germantown. Hamilton Yes, the place was available as temporary executive quarters. Jay I then came to pay my respects to Mrs. Hamilton and to congratulate you on your having converted Jefferson and Monroe to the support of your Bill. Shaking Hamilton’s hand. Hamilton That is gradually filtering through to the other states, eh? Schuyler Alexander’s a wonder! Extends hand. Hamilton crosses to C. and takes it. Hamilton You know, Jefferson and Monroe have withheld the news of their capitulation as long as possible. They’re desperately afraid of what their followers will say. Jay It’s amazing. I didn’t believe that Jefferson would yield one inch. Schuyler After all his yelling and shouting about the Rights of Man! Alexander’s a wonder! Taking out his snuffbox and taking a pinch. Jay Laughing. What excuse will he make to his constituents? Hamilton C. Schuyler on his L., Jay on his R., Betsy on his L. He’ll just take his pen in his hand and write a cantata and his constituents will lift up their voices and sing. All laugh. Schuyler Sing what? Handing Hamilton snuffbox, who does not take any but holds the open box for Jay who takes a pinch. Hamilton Jefferson’s praises, of course. Betsy How did you do it? Schuyler Bribery. Bribery and corruption! Betsy You didn’t give Mr. Jefferson your two quarters’ salary? Hamilton No, my dear. I gave him the Capital of the United States. Handing snuffbox back to Schuyler. Betsy But there isn’t one! Hamilton That’s what made it so easy. Laughter; goes up C. Schuyler Ah, if it could only have been in Albany! Jay With a touch of indignation. Albany? Why put the Capital at the other end of the river? It should be in New York. Hamilton Coming down between them, laughing. Let us resign it to Jefferson⁠—on the Potomac. It’s a long way from civilization, and the river will carry off the refuse of debate. The representative of the separate states can pour their slander and vituperation into the Potomac⁠—until they damn it, while the Hudson will remain unrestrained to carry on the business of the country. They all laugh. Hamilton goes back of table L., Schuyler toward sofa and sits on L. end of it. Betsy Curtseying to Jay. Good morning, Your Honor. I must tell you that my husband has promised this day to me. Hamilton Are you on business, Judge Jay? Jay Down R. I think I shall not detain you long. Hamilton Then, my dear⁠—Coming to her by R. of table. Betsy Smiling. You said wild horses should not drag you from me. Hamilton I think the Judge hardly comes under that class; you see he is controlled by the harness of the state. Jay Laughing and to C. Which makes him a very tame horse indeed. Betsy In ten minutes, then, I shall take the reins and drive you away. Exits L., brightly. He follows her to door. Jay You must be proud of your daughters, General Schuyler. Schuyler Proud? Why, since they’ve been back my bosom has so swelled with pride that my foot has sunk into insignificance. Hamilton Taking chair from L. of table and placing it L. C. in front of table. Will you sit down, Judge? Indicates chair R. of table. There was something you wished to say to me? Jay Coming to chair R. of table. Yes⁠—er⁠—yes. Ahem! What a very pleasant room you have here. Tentatively. Hamilton I’m beginning to doubt it, Judge Jay. Jay Surprised. To doubt it? Why? Sits R. of table. Hamilton That is precisely the remark Mr. Jefferson made when he had something unpleasant to say to me. Sits L. C. in front of table, but facing somewhat toward Jay. Jay You are right. I have something that it is not easy to say to you. Schuyler Do you wish me to go, Judge? Jay No, General, I very