EXT. A CARRIAGE, PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, WASHINGTON - MORNING

In a four-door carriage, top down, Seward sits opposite Lincoln. Hay, next to Seward, organizes papers in a portfolio on his lap.

           SEWARD

Even if every Republican in the House votes yes - far from guaranteed, since when has our party unanimously supported anything? - but say all our fellow Republicans vote for it. We'd still be twenty votes short.

           LINCOLN

Only twenty.

           SEWARD

Only twenty!

           LINCOLN

We can find twenty votes.

           SEWARD

Twenty House Democrats who'll vote to abolish slavery! In my opinion -

           LINCOLN

To which I always listen.

           SEWARD

Or pretend to.

           LINCOLN

With all three of my ears.

           SEWARD

We'll win the war soon - It's inevitable, isn't it?

           LINCOLN

Ain't won yit.

           SEWARD

You'll begin your second term with semi-divine stature. Imagine the possibilities peace will bring! Why tarnish your invaluable luster with a battle in the House? It's a rats' nest in there, the same gang of talentless hicks and hacks that rejected the amendment ten months back. We'll lose.

Lincoln smiles.

           LINCOLN

I like our chances now.