by William Wells Brown · 1858
Historical Fiction · Classics
A play in five acts about an enslaved couple's fight to stay together and reach freedom. It is the first play published by an African American.
Content note: Written in 1858, this play describes slavery and uses language of its time that is offensive today.
Mrs. Gaines, looking at some drawings—Sampey, a white slave, stands behind the lady’s chair.
Enter Dr. Gaines, R.
Dr. Gaines. Well, my dear, my practice is steadily increasing. I forgot to tell you that neighbor Wyman engaged me yesterday as his family physician; and I hope that the fever and ague, which is now taking hold of the people, will give me more patients. I see by the New Orleans papers that the yellow fever is raging there to a fearful extent. Men of my profession are reaping a harvest in that section this year. I would that we could have a touch of the yellow fever here, for I think I could invent a medicine that would cure it. But the yellow fever is a luxury that we medical men in this climate can’t expect to enjoy; yet we may hope for the cholera.
Mrs. Gaines. Yes, I would be glad to see it more sickly here, so that your business might prosper. But we are always unfortunate. Every body here seems to be in good health, and I am afraid that they’ll keep so. However, we must hope for the best. We must trust in the Lord. Providence may possibly send some disease amongst us for our benefit.
Enter Cato, R.
