_Custis_: No, you not slave. You servant, but you free body. That very mighty thing. A poor servant, born free.
_Susan_: Yes, but look here, are you pitying me, with your poor servant?
_Custis_: Pity? No. I think you very mighty.
_Susan_: Well, I don't know so much about mighty. But I expect you're right. It isn't every one that rises to the White House.
_Custis_: It not every one that is free body. That is why you mighty.
_Susan_: I've never thought much about it.
_Custis:_ I think always about it.
_Susan_: I suppose you're free, aren't you?
_Custis_: Yes. Not born free. I was beaten when I a little n.i.g.g.e.r. I saw my mother--I will not remember what I saw.
_Susan_: I'm sorry, Mr. Custis. That was wrong.
_Custis_: Yes. Wrong.
_Susan_: Are all nig--I mean are all black gentlemen like you?
_Custis_: No. I have advantages. They not many have advantages.
_Susan_: No, I suppose not. Here's Mr. Lincoln coming.
LINCOLN, _coated after his heart's desire, comes to the door_. CUSTIS _rises_. This is the gentleman you said, sir.
_She goes out with the tray.
Lincoln:_ Mr. Custis, I'm very glad to see you. _He offers his hand_.
CUSTIS _takes it, and is about to kiss it_. LINCOLN _stops him gently.
(Sitting):_ Sit down, will you? _Custis (still standing, keeping his hat in his hand):_ It very kind of Mista Lincoln ask me to come to see him.
_Lincoln_: I was afraid you might refuse.
_Custis:_ A little shy? Yes. But so much to ask Glad to come.
_Lincoln_: Please sit down.
_Custis_: Polite?
_Lincoln_: Please. I can't sit myself, you see, if you don't.
_Custis_: Black, black. White, white.
_Lincoln_: Nonsense. Just two old men, sitting together (CUSTIS _sits to_ LINCOLN'S _gesture_)--and talking.
_Custis_: I think I older man than Mista Lincoln.
_Lincoln_: Yes, I expect you are, I'm fifty-four.
_Custis_: I seventy-two.
_Lincoln_: I hope I shall look as young when I'm seventy-two.
_Custis_: Cold water. Much walk. Believe in Lord Jesus Christ. Have always little herbs learnt when a little n.i.g.g.e.r. Mista Lincoln try.
Very good.
_He hands a small twist of paper to_ LINCOLN.
_Lincoln_: Now, that's uncommon kind of you. Thank you. I've heard much about your preaching, Mr. Custis.
_Custis_: Yes.
_Lincoln_: I should like to hear you.
_Custis_: Mista Lincoln great friend of my people.
_Lincoln_: I have come at length to a decision.
_Custis_: A decision?
_Lincoln_: Slavery is going. We have been resolved always to confine it. Now it shall be abolished.
_Custis_: You sure?
_Lincoln_: Sure.
CUSTIS _slowly stands up, bows his head, and sits again_.
_Custis_: My people much to learn. Years, and years, and years.
Ignorant, frightened, suspicious people. It will be difficult, very slow. (_With growing pa.s.sion_.) But born free bodies. Free. I born slave, Mista Lincoln. No man understand who not born slave.
_Lincoln_: Yes, yes. I understand.
_Custis (with his normal regularity)_: I think so. Yes.
_Lincoln_: I should like you to ask me any question you wish.
_Custis_: I have some complaint. Perhaps I not understand.
_Lincoln_: Tell me.
_Custis_: Southern soldiers take some black men prisoner. Black men in your uniform. Take them prisoner. Then murder them.
_Lincoln_: I know.