Wilclass="underline" Idon't know what came over me. There he was, the President of the United States, surrounded by important people. His cabinet, his friends. Then someone said, Mr. Lincoln, this man has ridden all day to speak to you. He has a question to ask. All the while I was riding I had gone over the question in my mind. "Mr. Lincoln, sir, our boy Andrew made a mistake. I realize how serious it is to fall asleep on guard duty, but executing such a young man seems so cruel. Mr. President, sir, couldn't you commute his sentence?"
Alice: That was the correct way to put it.
Wilclass="underline" But for some reason, with all those folks staring at me, when the President said, "Yes, what is your question?" I said, "Mr. Lincoln, how long do you think a man's legs should be?"
Alice: What?
Wilclass="underline" That's right. That was my question. Don't ask me why it came out. How long do you think a man's legs should be?
Alice: What kind of question is that?
Wilclass="underline" I'm telling you, I don't know.
Alice: His legs? How long?
Wilclass="underline" Oh, Alice, forgive me.
Alice: How long should a man's legs be? That's the stupidest question I've ever heard.
Wilclass="underline" Iknow, I know. Don't keep reminding me.
Alice: But why leg length? I mean, legs are not a subject that particularly interests you.
Wilclass="underline" Iwas fumfering for words. I forgot my original request. I could hear the clock ticking. I didn't want to appear tongue-tied.
Alice: Did Mr. Lincoln say anything? Did he answer?
Witt: Yes. He said, long enough to reach the ground.
Alice: Long enough to reach the ground? What the hell does that mean?
Wilclass="underline" Who knows? But he got a big laugh. Of course, those guys are disposed toward reacting.
Alice: (Suddenly turns) Maybe you really didn't want Andrew pardoned.
Wilclass="underline" What?
Alice: Maybe down deep you don't want our son's sentence commuted. Maybe you're jealous of him.
Wilclass="underline" You're crazy. I-I. Me? Jealous?
Alice: Why not? He's stronger. He's smoother with pick and ax and hoe. He's got a feel for the soil like no man I've seen.
Wilclass="underline" Stop it! Stop it!
Alice: Let's face it, William, you're a lousy farmer.
Witt: (Trembling with panic) Yes, I admit it! I hate farming! The seeds all look alike to me! And the soil! I can never tell it apart from dirt! You, from the east, with your fancy schools! Laughing at me. Sneering. I plant turnips and corn comes up! You think that doesn't hurt a man!?
Alice: If you would just fasten the seed packets to a little stick you'd know what you planted!
Wilclass="underline" Iwant to die! Everything is going black!
(Suddenly there is a knock at the door and when Alice opens it, it is none other than Abraham Lincoln. He is haggard and red-eyed.)
Lincoln: Mr. Haines?
Wilclass="underline" President Lincoln…
Lincoln: That question-
Wilclass="underline" Iknow, I know… how stupid of me! It was all I could think of, I was so nervous.
(Haines falls on his knees weeping. Lincoln also weeps.)
Lincoln: Then I was right. It was a non sequitur.
Wilclass="underline" Yes, yes… forgive me…
Lincoln: (Weeping unashamedly) I do, I do. Rise. Stand up. Your boy will be pardoned today. As will all boys who made a mistake be forgiven.
(Gathering the Haines family in his arms)
Your stupid question has caused me to reevaluate my life. For that I thank you and love you.
Alice: We did some reevaluating too, Abe. May we call you…?
Lincoln: Yes, sure, why not? Do you guys have anything to eat? A man travels so many miles, at least offer him something.
(As they break out the bread and cheese the curtain falls.)
Fabrizio's: Criticism and Response
(An exchange in one of the more thought-provoking journals, in which Fabian Plotnick, our most high-minded restaurant critic, reviews Fabrizio's Villa Nova Restaurant, on Second Avenue, and, as usual, stimulates some profound responses.)