Sally Hemings: An American Scandal

[first lines]

Sally Hemings:
I was born a slave, but destined to scandal.

Critta Hemings:
[eyeing Sally's dress] Oh, real French silk! Oh, Sally, can I try it on?

Betty Hemings:
Don't you dare. Don't you dare start wanting fine things.

Critta Hemings:
I only wanted to try it on, Mama.

Betty Hemings:
Your sister only wanted to "try it on," and you see what it got her! [points to Sally's pregnant belly]

James Hemings:
Sally, Mama was thinking that you're going to learn French and learn how to read and write, and you're going to take advantage of opportunites she never had. Now, get yourself dressed. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a first step.

Thomas Jefferson:
[as Jefferson stares at her intently] Why are you looking at me like that?

Thomas Jefferson:
I find I enjoy looking at you, Sally. And I so love your touch. I find I need your touch, even when I am perfectly sound and cannot explain it.

Sally Hemings:
[Stares back at him silently]

Thomas Jefferson:
Sally... I think it proper that you go now.

Thomas Jefferson:
Sally, if anyone should ask, Mr. Paine and I are going to admire the gardens.

Sally Hemings:
[quoting from Paine's book, "Common Sense"] "Weak men cannot see, and prejudiced men will not see, and we have it in our power to begin the world again." Mr Paine, such wonderful, powerful words you wrote, sir.

Thomas Paine:
Thank you, my dear.

Sally Hemings:
[curtsies and walks away]

Thomas Paine:
[to Jefferson] Extraordinary girl...

[stares at Sally]

Thomas Paine:
Extraordinary!

Sally Hemings:
[to Jefferson] You cannot come to my bed, then go to your white Congress and do nothing against the plague on my people!

Betty Hemings:
I send you off to France with your brother so you could be free, and I now I find you back here, and with your belly as big as a house!

Sally Hemings:
I made a choice, Mama. Like you did with Master Killicks.

Betty Hemings:
[Angrily] I didn't have no "choice!"

[Roughly slaps her]

Betty Hemings:
You're a damn FOOL, Sally!