Lincoln · written by Tony Kushner · 2012

At the opera, Mary urges Lincoln to secure the amendment himself and warns him of failure's cost.

Scene 64 of 102 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act two

Mary
Lincoln

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 1:27 into a 2:06 film

The story so farBefore scene 64

In the final winter of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln risks a fragile coalition and the chance of an early peace to force an amendment abolishing slavery through a divided House of Representatives.

Scenes 1–7
The reelected president balances military command, popular affection and a household wounded by grief.
Scenes 8–13
Lincoln needs a durable constitutional abolition measure and commits to passing it before the term ends.
Scenes 14–16
Radical allies and discreet patronage operatives join the campaign as the amendment enters House debate.
Scene 17
Robert returns, bringing the family's private struggle over his enlistment into Lincoln's public campaign.
Scene 56
Lincoln changes his telegram to hold the Confederate commissioners outside Washington, choosing time for the amendment over immediate talks.
Just before
Scene 61
Lincoln visits wounded and amputee soldiers, asking their names and whether they have enough to eat.
Scene 62
Robert sees discarded limbs and insists on enlisting; Lincoln slaps him, then fails to reconcile with him.
Scene 63
Mary rages at Robert's enlistment; Lincoln admits his own suppressed grief and asks her to bear their burdens.
Scene 64
This scene

64INT. ODD FELLOWS' HALL, WASHINGTON - NIGHT

Onstage, Gounod's Faust, Act Three, scene eight, the garden outside Marguerite's cottage, a gorgeously romantic night. MARGUERITE and FAUST are alone singing.

The Lincolns, in their box, watch quietly. Elizabeth Keckley sits next to Mary.

Mary turns to Lincoln. They speak in whispers. Mrs. Keckley tries not to listen but she can't help hearing what they say.

MARY

You think I'm ignorant of what

you're up to because you haven't

discussed this scheme with me as

you ought to have done. When have I

ever been so easily bamboozled?

(BEAT)

I believe you when you insist that

amending the constitution and

abolishing slavery will end this

war. And since you are sending my

son into the war, woe unto you if

you fail to pass the amendment.

LINCOLN

Seward doesn't want me leaving big

muddy footprints all over town.

MARY

No one ever lived who knows better

than you the proper placement of

footfalls on treacherous paths.

Seward can't do it. You must.

Because if you fail to secure the

necessary votes, woe unto you, sir.

You will answer to me.