Psalm.

[Abe looks for the place.]

I love to hear you read, my boy. It means that you can do what any other man can—it means so much!

Abe

[Reads.]

The Lord is my shepherd—I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside still waters. He restoreth my soul. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake——

Nancy

[In a whisper.]

Yea, tho' I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me——

[Abe stops, looks up at his mother in amazement.]

Abe

Ma——

Nancy

Remember always, my boy, that God is with you! He is in the day and the night. He is in the sun and the wind, the trees and the grass—and not a sparrow falls to the ground without He knows. You recollect the year you put up those gourds there——

[She points to the pole.]

for your martins——? You cried when they circled away in the fall——

[Abe nods.]

I told you God would send them back in the spring, didn't I——?

[She laughs softly.]

You said that He'd forget to tell them and they'd never find the way—but they came—didn't they——?

Abe

Yes, Ma, and I know now they'll come again next spring.

Nancy

So—I want you never again to doubt God, my boy, and I want you never to doubt yourself. Your bare feet, your ragged clothes, how poor you are—this is nothing! It doesn't count here—it's what you feel, it's what you believe—it's what you see that counts! I've taught you to read and write, and now you can do anything! If God takes me——

[She pauses exhausted.]

Abe

But you mustn't say that, Ma——!

Nancy

"The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether!"

Abe

No! no, Ma! Don't talk that way! You'll give up if you do——!

Nancy

If He calls, my son, then my work is done—and you can do all I've tried and failed to do——

Abe

[Alarmed.]

Had she better talk so much, Pa——

[Stoops to fix her feet.]

Tom

[Feeling her hand.]

Nancy——!

Nancy

Just a minute more, Tom——! Don't let him know yet—you know——!

Tom

[With upward look of faith.]

Yes, I know——

[To Abe.]

It's all right—boy——

Nancy

Come back close, my son, I want to tell you something I saw last night! I had a dream—the same one I had the night before you were born. You had grown a man—strong and brave—wise and gentle. The people hung on your words, and did you homage. But you remembered this cabin here in the deep woods and you were humble. I walked with you between two white pillars. It was still and solemn, in there. Outside I could hear the people calling your name. You bowed low and whispered in my ear: "This is all yours, my Mother. I bought it for you with my life. All that I am I owe to you——"

[Her voice sinks to a whisper that is half a laugh of religious ecstasy.]

Abe

[Joyfully.]

See how she's smilin'—Pa! She's getting well—I tell you——!

Tom

[Whispering.]

Don't ye understand, boy——?

Abe

No—what——?

Sarah

What—what is it——?

Tom

[In deep religious awe.]

Look—look at her eyes——! She's not telling ye a dream—she's looking through the gates of Heaven——

Abe

No—no—no——!

Tom

It's death—boy—it's come—Lord, God, have mercy——

[Abe springs to his feet and stares in anguish, as Tom falls on his knees beside Nancy. Nancy's hand rests gently on Tom's shaggy head, while he sobs. With her other hand she feels for Abe's and holds it feebly.]

Nancy

Be good to your Father,——

[She pauses and breathes with difficulty.]

In the days to come, he will be the child and you the man——

Abe

Yes——

Nancy

And love your sister——

[Abe nods.]

If dark hours come, my spirit will be watching, my son—and I'll help you if I can——

Abe

Yes, I know it!

Nancy

And remember that you can be a great man in this free country if you only say—I will——

[Nancy's body sinks in death as the boy lifts his face illumined by the light of a great purpose.]

Abe

Yes, Ma,—I will!

CURTAIN

PERSONS OF THE PLAY