John Drinkwater’s play, Abraham Lincoln...
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John Drinkwater’s play, Abraham Lincoln, contains a memorable scene. It may not be historically true, but it certainly rings true to Lincoln’s character. In the midst of the Civil War, Lincoln is talking at a social event with a woman who is a strong partisan of the Union. He mentions to her that he has just received news of victory: The Southern army has lost 2,700 men, and the Union only 800. “How splendid!” she replies with enthusiasm. Lincoln is stunned: “How can you be so thrilled at the loss of 3,500 lives?” “Oh, you must not think like that, Mr. President,” she says. “There were only 800 that mattered.” Lincoln’s shoulders droop and his eyes moisten as he says slowly, “Madam, the world is larger than your heart.”
