Hamilton

to say against Mr. Hamilton, but⁠— Jay
Jefferson
Monroe Sh-sh! Monroe comes down R. behind Jefferson. Giles Loudly and pugnaciously. I won’t be muzzled. I am a trusted representative of Virginia, and it is my duty to do the best for my state. Hamilton C. I think, gentlemen, we will not endeavor to restrain Mr. Giles in the execution of his duty. Giles If Mrs. Hamilton will be good enough to retire⁠— Betsy looks toward Hamilton, rather worried and scared. Hamilton No, gentlemen, with your permission I shall ask my wife to remain. Sensation. Slight pause. Hamilton moves to chair R. of table but does not sit. Giles Oh, I see, you want to gag me. Hamilton On the contrary, I am hoping that you will remove the seal from my own lips. Giles You mean that you want me to speak out? Hamilton Loudly and startlingly. Yes, I want you to speak out. Giles Slightly taken aback by his tone. Very well. Moves to C. Alexander Hamilton, you don’t like me, but I am going to prove to you that I am your friend. Hamilton glances at him. You don’t believe it, but I am going to prove it to you. What would you say if the newspapers got hold of this story? Slight movement from Jefferson and Monroe. They exchange a glance of disapproval. Hamilton Which⁠—my story or yours? Giles Now, it’s no use getting personal⁠—it isn’t my story, it’s Reynolds’. What would you say if the newspapers came out tomorrow with the story that the Secretary of the Treasury had borrowed the Nation’s money to speculate with⁠—to buy up the States’ paper? Hamilton Looking at his wife, who has started and is being restrained by Schuyler. For the moment, I don’t know what I should say, Mr. Giles. Giles It wouldn’t be any use trying to get your bill through then, not even with Jefferson and Monroe behind you. Public opinion would be too strong. Jefferson Coming in between Hamilton and Giles. Citizen Hamilton, you must excuse me. I cannot stand by while Citizen Giles continues in this way. I wish to express my regret that a representative of Virginia should behave in such a deplorable manner. Bows to Hamilton. I take my leave. Exit door up R. and shuts door after him. Monroe is following but stops at room door as Giles speaks. Curtain warning. Giles Moving across to R. back angrily. Well, Jefferson’s words don’t alter facts⁠—at least not with me they don’t. Jay L. C. at back. Is there any danger of the newspapers getting it? Giles Coming to C. There’s more than a danger; it’s a fact that the Advertiser has got the story and is going to publish it in tomorrow’s issue, unless⁠— Hamilton In front of chair R. of table. Unless⁠— Giles I think it would be better if Mrs. Hamilton⁠— Hamilton Mrs. Hamilton is your hostess. You said, “unless”⁠— Giles Well, unless of course, you deny it, which you couldn’t very well because there are the proofs that the money was paid to Reynolds, and you can’t explain why. Hamilton After a pause and sitting. You’ve got me, haven’t you? Giles Now, Mr. Hamilton, if you will withdraw your Bill, I’ll guarantee that the story shall not be printed. Betsy Crossing to Hamilton. I don’t know what foundation you have for your false accusations against Colonel Hamilton, but he must not give up that Bill. He’s worked and slaved, and gained the confidence of all the world with that in view, and he must not give it up! Hamilton Can you bear the alternative, Betsy? Betsy I must bear it. Hamilton Can you bear that I, the Secretary of the Treasury, should be accused of cheating the people? Betsy Bear it? Why, of course, because I know it isn’t true. Hamilton Rising. How do you know it isn’t true? Betsy What do you mean? Because I know you, Alexander. Hamilton Advancing to her. Do you know me⁠—do you? Betsy Tell me what you mean? Hamilton Taking her by the arms. Why don’t you suspect me⁠—why do you trust me? Betsy Don’t⁠—don’t! Tell me what it is. You can prove it isn’t true. Hamilton I can, but I dare not. Betsy You dare not? Hamilton I dare not tell the truth. I did pay certain sums of money. Betsy What for? What did you pay it for? Hamilton To keep from the light something of which I am ashamed⁠—to hide something shameful from you. Schuyler Down L. Alexander, have you no feeling for your wife? Betsy, go⁠— Hamilton Stepping back from Betsy. Father, it’s better that she should know. Betsy⁠— Schuyler You’re not going to drag that woman⁠— Jay Oh! A moment of dead awful silence. Betsy Turning dazed to Schuyler. It’s not a woman? He bows his head. She turns to Hamilton and sees the guilt on his face. Oh!⁠— Schuyler Betsy, my girl! Betsy Lifting her head, dazed, but with a sense of pride. Does anyone else know? Schuyler Quietly. Mr. Jefferson, that is all. Betsy Looking at Monroe and Jay. Will they tell? Jay
Monroe No. Betsy Slowly. Then it need never be known. Giles Then you withdraw your Bill? Hamilton With a great sudden outburst. No⁠—no⁠—I can’t do it. I’ve done with bargains. I’ve bargained with my conscience long enough. I’m covered with shame and remorse, but I can’t stand in the mud and barter what I believe to be America’s honor. My Bill stands. Get out and tell your story, and I’ll tell mine. Giles What’ll you tell? Hamilton The truth! Picking up letters. The whole degrading, sordid truth. In tomorrow’s newspaper I’ll publish every fragment of evidence in connection with my disgrace with this woman. If there is to be dishonor, it shall fall on me and not on this administration. I sacrifice my office⁠—I sacrifice my wife⁠—but, by God, Betsy, I can’t sell my country.