More Portmanteau Plays - Part 72
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Part 72

But he _is_ tall and splendid. I know Jonathan! And he's doing what he set out to do.

JONATHAN

I hope you'll find him, sir, and I hope he'll make you proud.

NATHANIEL (_very earnestly_)

My boy, how old are you?

JONATHAN

I'm twenty.

NATHANIEL

Twenty.... Will you try to pull yourself out of the rut?

JONATHAN

What do you mean, sir?

NATHANIEL

Look at that man. What is he to you?

JONATHAN

He's my pal.

NATHANIEL

You mustn't waste your life on such emptiness as his.

JONATHAN

I'm going to try, sir.... And if I make good, will you believe I'm Jonathan?

NATHANIEL

I'll believe you are you.... Here....

[_He offers Jonathan a coin._

JONATHAN

Oh, no, sir.... I can't--from you--

NATHANIEL

Well, you are a strange beggar--

JONATHAN

I'm not a beggar at heart.... I don't want to be what I am. But I don't know which way to turn. I'm all mixed up.

NATHANIEL

All mixed up?

[_Nathaniel turns and looks toward the hill._

Boy, there is a green hill far away. Climb to the top of it, look about and you will see--

JONATHAN

I know: the whole wide world!

NATHANIEL

Exactly.

JONATHAN

Yes, sir.

NATHANIEL

Go to the hilltop alone--and cry out to your heart's content.--There's nothing like a hilltop to make a man feel worth while!

JONATHAN

I knew that, sir; but I forgot it. I'm going--

NATHANIEL

Good-bye, boy; G.o.d bless you.

[_The two clasp hands and Nathaniel goes._

JONATHAN

He believes in me....

[_He watches Nathaniel with wide eyes, then calls to Hank._

Hank! Hank!

HANK