And this is your unanimous verdict, gentlemen——?
All
Yes.
Lincoln
[Paces the floor a moment and then faces the Committee.]
It surpasses human belief! Future generations will hold it incredible—that you, my party leaders, should heap this insult upon the man who led you to your first and only victory. That you should come here to-day to ask me to quit under fire, to sacrifice without a blow all I hold worth fighting for on this earth——!
Raymond
The Committee made their request solely on the ground of patriotic duty—and ask you for the sacrifice upon the same grounds. They have found it impossible to defend your policies——
Lincoln
[Brusquely.]