In the darkness is heard  the upbeat sound of the music of a classical waltz, with piano and violin. The music rises as the lights come up slowly on the main stage. LEE is still seated, now with his collar and tie undone. He is seated somewhat behind LEE in another lawn chair observing the scene with a benign but concerned look on his face. SHIPP stands beside MR. MYERS, tense and worried. Until the lively waltz completes its  fadeout no one speaks.

LEE: (Opening his eyes.) Who was that person? The old man?

AGNES: (Most relieved that he appears to have recovered, she attempts brief levity.) I thought it was you, Papa.

LEE: I saw him … Is he still here?

SHIPP: (Offering to take the fan.) May I spell you, Miss Agnes?

AGNES: No, thank you.

LEE: Who was that old gentleman, Lieutenant?  Did you see him?

AGNES: Papa, please ...

LEE: My ever uncomplaining nurse denies me no request, only that of very basic information.

AGNES: Father, I do not know, or even care, who your old gentleman is. But I can assure you that he will be gone before you can re-fasten your collar.

LEE: (He turns slightly to see that MR. MYERS is still  present.) Agnes, shhh  ...

AGNES: Oh, Goodness, Father!

LEE: I know that I have upset you. But we wish not to be impolite.

SHIPP: Actually he is quite deaf. He is Mr. Myers.

LEE: I’m sorry – who is he?

SHIPP: That is Mr. Emanuel Myers. He is one of our venerated citizens. And he cannot hear.

AGNES: (She is clearly exasperated.) Oh, well. This is just wonderful. Is there anyone else around here we can recruit? 

SHIPP: He, too, is a military hero. A highly esteemed old warrior. He is originally from France. He served for years with the first Napoleon. He was one of the Emperor's stalwarts, one of the legendary Old Guard.

LEE: Napoleon’s Old Guard, did you say?

SHIPP: Yes. Quite the highly decorated veteran. From another time.

LEE: (He turns to look at the old man.) By Jove! I don’t believe it ...

AGNES: Papa, please!

LEE: Now Agie, please ... (To SHIPP.) He is deaf, you say?

SHIPP: Yes, Sir. Quite so. Completely deaf. And for the years since he lost his hearing, he has chosen not to attempt speech.

LEE: (Almost to himself.) Simply remarkable ...

SHIPP: General, how do you feel?

LEE: Much better, honestly. (Regarding MYERS again, who continues to stand without moving.) Would you know which rank he might have held?

SHIPP: No, Sir. I have no idea.

LEE: Why is he here?

SHIPP: (MYERS writes something in a small notebook, and SHIPP peers over his shoulder.) He wishes to pay his respects to the great General Lee.

AGNES: Oh, dear Lord ... (She begins to rapidly use the fan.) Whenever will all of this end?

LEE: How did the old fellow find us?

AGNES: (Trying to control herself but exploding.) How did any of them find us!?

SHIPP: (Addressing LEE.) I do not know, Sir.

AGNES: (In measured tones.) Father, you do know that I love you very much?

LEE: Yes, of course ...

AGNES: Good. (She turns “on her heel.”) I am going to get some of your medicine.

LEE: But Dear, you’ve already brought me my medicine. And it again helped to relieve me from a more severe attack.

AGNES: (She crosses to him.) Father, it may be for me this time, for I fear that my own head may be about to explode. And in front of our guests, whom we barely know, but with whom we have suddenly become so frighteningly familiar ... I wish to embarrass no one – least of all myself.

LEE: Agie ... (He motions and she comes  closer. He speaks very quietly to her.) Have you some of your own medicine?

AGNES: Yes, Papa. I shall make for you more of yours, and then I will fetch my own for me.

LEE: Thanks to your efforts I am truly feeling much better.

AGNES: (She moves even closer.) Truly?

LEE: Yes, truly. So – you must take whatever medicine you may need to quell your own headache now.  My attack has passed. You always help to heal me.

AGNES: (She leans over and kisses him.) I am sincerely afraid that I may be losing my mind. (She then straightens and crosses L. towards the house, but pauses to turn and acknowledge all three men.) Would the gentlemen care for lemonade? (It is clear in varying ways that all three men appreciate her offer, and they all smile.) Very well, then. Adieu ...

LEE: We thank you, Miss Agnes. How very thoughtful a girl. (AGNES offers a briefly exaggerated curtsy as she nods to him, smiles, and exits L. LEE closes his eyes and takes a deep, calming breath before he speaks again.) Lieutenant Shipp ...

SHIPP: (Quickly stepping forward. ) Yes, Sir?

LEE: You did say that Mr. Myers is quite deaf?

SHIPP: Yes, Sir. Quite. He has been communicating with written messages for as long as I can remember. Some in French, as I recall.

LEE: I see. Lieutenant  ...

SHIPP: Yes, General?

LEE: Apologies are perhaps due, for any of this seeming upsetment. Miss Agnes is sometimes overprotective of her old father.

SHIPP: Apologies? Not at all, Sir.

LEE: I had intended to ask this of you earlier. Do you know the Colonel Shipp of the Virginia Military Institute? He is Commandant of Cadets there and has been for some years. Might he be among your relations?

SHIPP: He is known to me by reputation only, General. Of course, he is still acknowledged for his capable command of the heroic Cadet Corps at the Battle of New Market.

LEE: So then, he is no relation?

SHIPP: Not so that I am aware. However, perhaps I could claim him as a possible “distant relative.”

LEE: (He smiles.) That might be wise. He remains a strong example of leadership for our region now, and for the future as well. Presumably like yourself.

SHIPP: Thank you, Sir. But the highlight of any career I may have will be this opportunity to have spent this time with you here today.

LEE: Nonsense. (He turns slightly in his seat.) How is our guest? Is he alright? Is he comfortable?

SHIPP: (He regards MYERS, who still stands stoically to the side of LEE.) He appears to be fine, Sir.

LEE: I wish you to communicate my welcome to him. Have you a pencil and paper?

SHIPP: Of course, Sir. (Producing a notebook and pencil from his coat pocket.) The ever necessary tools of the journalist's sometimes questionable trade.

LEE: Well, at least then the tools are never questionable. Now, please thank the old soldier for having honored us by his  visit. (SHIPP begins to write.) And  ...

SHIPP: Yes ... ?

LEE: Tell him that his visit is much appreciated by me. And Lieutenant ...

SHIPP: Yes, Sir?

LEE: Before you convey the message, please help me to my feet.

SHIPP: (He stops writing.) Is that wise now, General?

LEE: (He begins to re-do his tie, and now MYERS has begun to write in his own notebook.) I cannot say if it is wise. But let’s do it, shall we? And Lieutenant, please retrieve the remnant of Miss Agnes’ last medicinal toddy for me, won’t you?

SHIPP: (He does so, crossing to the low lawn table and returning to LEE with the glass of medicine.) Here you are, Sir.

LEE: Thank you, Sir. (He slowly takes the glass to his lips and carefully swallows the remainder.  SHIPP watches him, then efficiently completes LEE’s message to MYERS.) As soon as it is completed, Lieutenant, please convey my sentiments to Mr. Myers.

SHIPP: It is done, Sir.

LEE: Good. But first, please help me to my feet. (SHIPP does so. Seeing this, MYERS stands and respectfully approaches the General. At the same moment LEE extends his hand, MYERS bows politely in the European manner. But seeing LEE’s proffered hand he quickly straightens and grasps it warmly. LEE respectfully nods his head in deference to the bow.) Please offer the Gentleman my welcome, Lieutenant.

SHIPP: Yes, Sir. (SHIPP hands MYERS the note, and  MYERS hands him that which he had written.) Thank you, Sir. (He begins to read, and as he does so, MYERS begins to write another message.) “My dear General Lee: Welcome to our city. My name is Emanuel J. Myers. It is an honor to meet you. Please forgive my lack of a proper introduction.” (MYERS hands him another note. SHIPP reads it aloud.) “I have served with the great Bonaparte. I am a student of History and the World. You are our great Chieftain. You are to be numbered among Joshua, and Alexander, and Caesar – and Napoleon himself.” (MYERS bows again, and this time LEE bows as well.)

LEE: Please express to him that, truly, the honor is entirely mine. (SHIPP hastily  scrawls the message and hands it to the old man. MYERS shakes his head “no,” but offers an appreciative smile.) My goodness, Lieutenant. (He has observed the ornate medal which MYERS wears.)  Could that possibly represent the French Legion of Honor? My word, I believe it does. (MYERS nods his head, affirming that LEE is correct.) Lt. Shipp, I wonder if Miss Agnes might require some bit of assistance with our refreshments. (MYERS is writing again.)

SHIPP: I can certainly inquire, if you wish, General.

LEE: Would you, please?

SHIPP: Why of course, General. Will you be alright?

LEE: Yes. Yes, of course. We shall be fine.

SHIPP: (MYERS has handed him another note which, as he reads  it, causes him to react with some surprise.) Mr. Myers says that he understood that General Pickett was also to be here with you today.

LEE: (Definitely surprised.) Pickett? Here, today – with me? General Pickett? That is inconceivable ... why ever would he have thought such a thing?

SHIPP: General, it must be confessed that rumors of  all  sorts have abounded ever since the excitement of your arrival.

LEE: Rumors about George Pickett?

SHIPP: Oh, no, Sir. Not about General Pickett in particular. But it is as if your visit has made any and all things possible. Why, as I told Miss Agnes, I had even heard that General Longstreet was in town.

LEE: (Still incredulous.) But why the name of Pickett? (He begins to muse aloud to himself.)  Why Pickett again ... ?  (He turns to SHIPP.) We had an ... unexpected meeting in Richmond, just weeks ago. Colonel Mosby was there. (To himself.) It was ... most trying. And rather a painful experience ... most awkward ...

SHIPP: You know how loose talk can be, Sir.

SERVANT: (He appears from the direction of the house, upper stage L.) Excuse me, Sirs. (LEE turns to the man, as does SHIPP, and MYERS follows their lead.) But Miss Agnes asked that I pass along to General Lee a message just received from Dr. Selden.

LEE: Please do. (He subtly works at collecting himself after his attack and the news of Pickett.)

SERVANT: The Doctor regrets to inform the General that he and Colonel Taylor have been unavoidably detained for much of the remainder of  the day. His apologies are profuse, and will hopefully be acceptable to both the General and to Miss Agnes.

LEE: Of course. Thank you, Brandon.

SERVANT: Thank you, Sir. If you will excuse me. (He offers a slight bow, then turns and exits.)

LEE: (He is again quite composed.) Lieutenant, yesterday I had the pleasure of attending Sunday Morning Worship Services at Christ Church with Miss Caroline Selden. Please inquire of Mr. Myers if I did not see him there. It seems that perhaps I might have. He looks somehow familiar.

SHIPP: Yes, Sir. I shall. But I doubt that you saw him there.

LEE: Why would that be?

SHIPP: Because Mr. Myers is a Jew, Sir.

LEE: I see ... how very interesting. Not only is our guest  a venerable veteran of the wars of the legendary Bonaparte, but he is as well a descendant of the heroic warriors of our Old Testament (To himself.) How inspired this all seems to be.

SHIPP: What was that, Sir?

LEE: (Still to himself.) This is good. (He turns to SHIPP.) You will see to Miss Agnes then?

SHIPP: (He is rather reluctant but cannot avoid respecting LEE’s wishes.) Yes, General. Of course. I shall return momentarily. (He takes respectful leave of both men and exits towards the house.)

LEE: So, my Good Sir ... (He indicates his chair.) Shall we sit then? (MYERS nods and indicates the same chair.) I have an idea. (Then, louder, he speaks in well-accented French.) J’ai une bonne idée pour nous, mon Ami. (He indicates an upstage chair near the spot where MYERS had been standing.) Shall we bring up the wagons, Monsieur? (MYERS seems to understand what LEE is saying, and both men cross to the upper chair. One on each side, they face each other with cordial smiles.) How is your back, mon Capitaine? Probably far  better than my own, I should imagine. Well – shall we? (MYERS nods his assent and at once both men commit to take their share of the chair. Together they move it downstage where they set it beside LEE’s.) Voila! Well done, Sir. (Each man indicates that the other should sit. They both smile, then each takes his respective seat. During what could have been something of an awkward social circumstance, each man appears  quite comfortable with the other and with the moment.  As they sit, each glances at the other, then looks out again at the river. MYERS is a charming gentleman from another world, and he smiles graciously whenever LEE speaks.) The local fish and seafood, Mr. Myers? Indeed, that must be your secret of such longevity. Is it a strict diet of Norfolk’s oysters and the local produce which has enabled you to fare so well during the rigors of the aging process? I imagine that would be one of the keys. (MYERS smiles and nods.) And I imagine that this shall be a terribly one-sided conversation (MYERS nods again.)As polite and attentive as you are, mayhap I could even bore you to death and not even know it. Yes, I should remember that ... (He turns again to regard the river for some moments.) I do wonder if you could somehow know that my older half-brother Henry, before his death in Paris, authored quite an impressive and admired biography of the Napoleon. The Emperor had been something of an idol for him, I believe. (He looks directly at MYERS.) Henry had his own distinguished  military career in our war against the British in 1812. And  Henry was a key advisor to our President Andrew Jackson, and was his speech writer as well. But he was completely absorbed with the life of your Bonaparte. (LEE slowly rises from his chair as he recollects.) And I must tell you, Mr. Myers, as young cadets at our West Point we positively pored over the remarkable Napoleonic strategies and tactics. We studied and re-studied the genius of his military mind.  Even many years later, after I had returned to be the superintendent there, I regularly participated in a very intense study group known as the Napoleon Club. We met several times each week in the rooms of the Academic Building to examine and discuss in great detail the grand campaigns of “the Little Corporal.” And now ... (He slowly crosses downstage; and as he speaks, MYERS discreetly makes notes.) Nous voici.” Here we are. Somehow. In old Norfolk town. Yourself – having seen so much, and such a durable relic of Napoleon’s own. And myself – the penultimate old relic of a shattered Confederacy, and somewhat broken myself. How incredibly ironic (MYERS looks at him.) ... that by any count of actual years it is I who would be deemed the youth of the two of us. I, who now can scarcely move a chair, or walk mere paces without suffering the chest pains which too often make me feel I wish to die. Most recently in your very presence. Alas, it is quite clear that I am dying. Rather simply, it is just so ... embarrassing, n’est ce pas? (MYERS stands and crosses to him. He places a hand on LEE’s shoulder, and shakes his head ever so slightly as if to say “no,” which surprises the General.) Non? I say, can you not hear me, Sir? (MYERS again shakes his head. As he focuses on the older man, LEE’s somber mood seems to change.) No? Ah, but that you could understand me. Even now, in this short time, so much could be learned from you. Ah, for the questions with which you would be regaled: Were you there at Leipzig in 1813? Did you follow your General back through the bloody snows from Moscow – and how did you survive such a retreat? Were you there with him for his surprise victory at Ligny – only to dim and die along with his star just two days later at Waterloo? (MYERS turns and goes back to his chair.) As a member of the Emperor’s Old Guard you must have been at Waterloo. What exactly was  your motto ... (He pauses to recall.) “The Old  Guard dies, but never surrenders” ... yes ... yes, that was it. But, by my stars, Sir. What a noble survivor you would appear to be. Yours is indeed a heartening example for an old general. A general once whose own men were willing to follow him through an earthly portion of hell, only to be  starved and surrendered when he failed, and then cast to their fates. (He crosses to MYERS.) You were there, weren't you? At those places (He peers into MYERS’ face.) You were at Waterloo. Weren’t you? (MYERS stares back, and then slowly nods.) By God, I knew it.  (He takes a deep breath.) How utterly providential it is. That you have somehow come here to ... remind. And to give ... hope. How timely and reassuring a sign. And that you have somehow managed to endure, and even to apparently prosper, so too can my old soldiers. (He looks at MYERS and smiles.) Somehow. And, if I may say so, my old soldiers tend to be a good bit younger than you – than either one of us, I should say. (As MYERS returns his smile, LEE finds his spectacles and gently puts them on.) That very remarkable medal, Mr. Myers. Might I have a closer look at it? (MYERS manages to easily remove the impressive medal, which he hands to LEE.) Thank you. (As he admires it, MYERS is writing in his small notebook.) My, my, my ... this is indeed nothing less than the legendary French Medal of the Legion of Honor. (He sighs audibly.) Truly, Sir, you are a most impressive specimen. (As LEE hands back the medal, MYERS gives him the note he has written; and LEE reads it aloud.) “That was given me by the hand of the Emperor Napoleon. But it was also he who said, ‘It is with baubles that men are led.’  We knew that. We also knew that Napoleon also loved his soldiers as a father loves his sons.  But the General, Monsieur Lee leads with his spirit and his soul, and by his great example ...”  (LEE must pause to remove his glasses before he can speak.) Thank you, Sir ... Merci, mon Ami.  (He pauses again to collect himself, then sits. Both men quietly gaze out at the river.) We must ever remember to give thanks to God for such sights as this river. And I must thank God for having had this day. To meet you this day. I wonder if you could know that for the last five years or so my sole occupation has been contributing as best I can to the  education of Southern youth. That part of our country’s culture and economy destroyed by the war will not return. But there is cause for hope here, too. Since war’s end it has been my conviction, firm and absolute, that the educating of all classes of our people is the most efficacious means of promoting the prosperity of the South. The material interests of our citizens depend entirely upon this successful accomplishment. The small politicians imposed upon us a military resistance which could  not succeed. And, it must be confessed, a great deal of my more recent exertions are borne of a sense of personal responsibility for the failure to gain such a victory. But aside from all that, it is only through the course of education that our children’s futures will be assured. (He good-naturedly reaches over and touches MYER’s knee.) Forgive me, Mr. Myers. If not careful, I begin to sound like a politician myself – God forbid! (They both laugh.) C’est la guerre, et c’est la vie.  You know, Mr. Myers, my dear wife Mary is totally enamored of your French culture. And she is completely conversant in your language, unlike myself. It could even be said that our entire family is virtually a band of very earnest Francophiles. Especially the lovely Miss Agnes ...

AGNES: (She enters from L. with a glass of lemonade in each hand.) Here you are, Father. I am sorry this took so very long. (She gives of them a glass.) 

LEE: Thank you, Miss Agie. (MYERS, too, indicates his thanks.)

AGNES: Father, are you ...

LEE: Well? Yes. Quite so, actually. Both the air and the company are more than delightful.  Thank you, Dear. No tray?

AGNES: Brandon has been occupied and I'm afraid your Lt. Shipp is not particularly helpful yet. Let me rescue him, and I shall return right away with reserves. (She begins to leave.)

LEE: Agie –

AGNES: Yes, Papa?

LEE: You have been the light of my life during this time. You know that, don’t you?

AGNES: That pleases me more than I can say, Papa. You know how dear you are to me.

LEE: And I’ve not been the easiest charge for you to manage.

AGNES: On occasion you have been positively incorrigible. And I am certain you shall be so again. But I love you more than words can  express. (MYERS politely rises from his chair as she exits L.)

LEE: (Alone again, with LEE still seated and MYERS standing, both men raise their glasses in an informal toast to AGNES, and take a sip from their glasses.) Ah ... This is the perfect refreshing beverage every time, don’t you think? And how reflective it may be said to be for so many aspects of our own lives. I mean, remarkably, the lemon flower is so sweet. Yes? And yet the fruit itself is so bitter. But here we enjoy the lemonade which is utterly, um ... quenchable.  Yes, indeed. Quenchable. (Both men raise their glasses in a toast and drink again.) Mr. Myers, my wife and I have been blessed with seven of the finest children in the world. Now there are but six, since young Annie’s passing some years ago. During the war ... But Annie is with us still. In our hearts. And in our recollections. And, if pressed, I would have to say that each one of the children is my favorite. That’s true. Each loving one of them – Mildred, Robert, Agnes, Annie, Rooney, Mary, and Custis – each is my personal favorite. Yes, Mr. Myers, in this lifetime I have been both continually challenged and continually blessed. (He turns to face MYERS, and enunciates slowly.) I say, have you any children, Mr. Myers? (The older man nods.) Yes? Of course you do. Excellent. And how many, Sir? (When there is no response, LEE lifts his glass.)  A toast to the children. And may they all ever be well. (Both men drink.) Ah ...  (LEE takes a pill box from his coat pocket.) Pardon me, Sir. More medicine for the old man. (He holds the pill against the sky for a moment, then swallows it down with lemonade.) These days I must be more and more careful that I’m taking my own medicine and not that of Traveller – my horse, of course. (After a moment he shifts in his chair and faces MYERS again.) My dear Mr. Myers: There exists a fact and a sentiment which I find curiously compelled to express to you now. It has been stated before, and shall be iterated in some form or another as long as I draw breath. But of all whom I have encountered in these latter days, it is perhaps yourself who can best appreciate it. (MYERS stares quizzically at him.) It must be known for all time that never before, and possibly never again, has there existed a finer body of more noble men than those who shall be known to the world and history as the Army of Northern Virginia. And none more durable, if not formidable.  From  its very organization to its final surrender, against such hopeless numbers which finally and completely overwhelmed us, that army and its valiant sons brought honor to an ill-fated cause, and glory to an impossible challenge. These were my men, Sir. (He lifts his glass.)  they were – each of them – my own “Old Guard.” Undeniably we each are but mortal, Sir. Of that there is no question (He touches his chest.) – certainly none here. But for as long as valor is acknowledged, and for as long as there stands but one hearth on Southern soil – my men will be remembered. As the curtain draws to a close on this long, odd play that has been my life, the memory of these good, brave men provides for me a peace beyond words. (He drinks and MYERS joins him. Then LEE sinks back into his chair. When next he speaks it is as if to himself.) We shall  see. Yes. We shall see ... (LEE closes his eyes after putting down his drink, and his head nods just a bit before he briefly recovers.) Forgive me, Mr. Myers. If you please, allow me to rest my eyes from the sun but for a moment. It seems I have endeavored to go on for far too long ...

LEE’s eyes are closed, and it is not very long before his he nods, and his head falls to his chest. Observing this, MYERS once more produces his leather notebook and begins to write .Completing this, he stands, folds the paper, and crosses to LEE. He then bows slightly, and gently places the note in LEE’s fallen hand. Straightening to a pose like that of the command “attention,” MYERS offers the tribute of a slow but firm salute in the classical European style to the sleeping General. He then pauses to touch LEE’s shoulder before turning and slowly walking away, and to exit downstage L. Shortly after MYERS’ departure AGNES and SHIPP appear upstage L. Having come from the house, she carries a serving tray with lemonade and he carries two glasses. Upon seeing LEE, both respond with urgency and alarm, and hurriedly rush to his side. The General is quickly and easily revived. Although still very much concerned, AGNES and SHIPP are of course much relieved to see that he is in fact alright.

LEE: Why ... I must have fallen off to sleep. My goodness ...

AGNES: Come, Father.  It may be rather early, but you are  coming inside with me. I will gently rub your hands and you shall rest.

SHIPP: Here, General.  Allow me to assist you.

LEE: (Getting to his feet with SHIPP’s assistance.) Where is our guest?  Mr. Myers – ?

AGNES: I don't know, Papa. Come along now.

SHIPP: (Looking around.) I do wonder where he may have gone.

LEE: (AGNES takes his arm.) Please look after him, won’t you, Lieutenant?

SHIPP: Yes, Sir. I shall.

LEE: Thank  you ... (Arm in arm he and AGNES move slowly upstage L. towards the house and exit.)

SHIPP: I am sure that he is fine. (He looks about the Seldens’ broad yard for some sign of the old man. He then notices the paper which has fallen from LEE’s hand. Crossing to pick it up, because of his leg he must carefully balance his weight on LEE’s chair to do so. He thoughtfully reads it to himself, then crosses to the low table and places it on AGNES’ tray. SHIPP paces a bit, looking out at the river as he contemplates all that has occurred. After a moment he crosses back to the table, retrieves the note and proceeds to read it aloud.) “Au revoir, mon General. Et bon voyage. Vraiment – truly – tu es un homme extraordinaire. On this day the honor has truly been mine. And ever the glory truly will be yours. May our God be with you, and he shall. Signed, Emanuel J. Myers, Sergeant, 2nd Battalion, First Regiment of Grenadiers, Army of France.” (Still holding the note, SHIPP moves downstage where he stops to look up at the deep sky. Shielding his eyes with his hand, he squints against the sun until he lowers his gaze. Facing the river, he looks out upon it, and beyond. He removes his hat, and the lights slowly fade out, and there comes a ...)

BLACKOUT