_Parris._ I trow there be too many of thy household up there now.

_Giles._ I'd lay about me till I hit some of 'em. I'll warrant I would. Oh, the poor la.s.s! hear that!

_Parris._ She is a grievous case.

_Giles._ I heard the screeches out in the wood, and I ran in thinking I might do somewhat. I would Martha were here. I'll be bound she'd laugh and scoff at it no longer!

_Hathorne._ Laugh and scoff, say you?

_Giles._ That she doth. Martha acts as if the devil were in her about it. She doth nothing but laugh at and make light of the afflicted children, and saith there be no witches. She would not even believe 'twas aught out of the common when our ox and cat were took strangely. If she were herself a witch she could be no more stiff-necked.

_Parris._ Doth she go out after nightfall?

_Giles._ That she doth, in spite of all I can say. She hath no fear that an honest gospel woman should have in these times. She went out last night, and I was so angered that I charged her with galloping a broomstick home.

_Hathorne._ Did she deny it?

_Giles._ She laughed as she is wont to do. She even made a jest on't, when I could not when I would go to prayer, and the words stayed beyond my wits. I would she could be here now, and hear this!

_Parris._ Perchance she doth.

_Giles._ I'll warrant she'd lose somewhat of her stiff-neckedness.

Hear that! Can't ye chain up the witch that's tormenting the poor la.s.s! Is't Goody Osborn?

_Hathorne._ The witch will be chained and in prison before nightfall. Come, Minister Parris, we can do no good by abiding longer here. Methinks we have sufficient testimony.

_Parris._ Verily the devil hath played into our hands. [_They turn to leave._

_Hutchins._ Oh, your worships, ye will use good speed for the sake of my poor child.

_Giles._ Ay, be speedy about it. Put the baggage in prison as soon as may be, and load her down well with irons.

_Hathorne._ I will strive to obey your commands well, Goodman Corey. Good-day, Widow Hutchins; your daughter shall soon find relief.

_Parris._ Good-day, Widow Hutchins, and be of good cheer.

[_Exeunt_ Hathorne _and_ Parris, _while_ Widow Hutchins _courtesies._

_Giles._ Well, I must even be going too. I have my cattle to water.

I but bolted in when I heard the poor la.s.s screech, thinking I might do somewhat. But good Master Hathorne will see to it. Hear that! Do ye go up to her, widow, and mix her up a bowl of yarb tea, till they put the trollop in prison. I'm off to water my cattle, then devil take me if I don't give the sheriffs a hand if they need it. Goody Osborn's house is nigh mine. Good-day, widow. [_Exit_ Giles.

_Hutchins_ (_laughing_). Give the sheriffs a hand, will he?

Perchance he will, but I doubt me if 'tis not a fisted one. He sets his life by Goody Corey, however he rate her. (_A scream from above of_ "Mother! Mother!") Yes, Ann, I'm coming, I'm coming! [_Exit._

_Phoebe_ (_crawls out from under the bed_). Now, Nancy, we've got a chance to run. Come out, quick! Oh, if Uncle Corey had caught us here!

_Nancy._ I can't get out. Oh! oh! The rheumatiz stiffened me so I couldn't double up, and now it has stiffened me so I can't undouble.

No, 'tis not rheumatiz, 'tis Goody Bishop has bewitched me. I can't get out.

_Phoebe._ You must, Nancy, or some body 'll come and catch us.

Here, I'll pull you out.

[_Tugs at_ Nancy's _arms, and drags her out, groaning._

_Nancy._ Here I am out, but I can't undouble. I'll have to go home on all-fours like a cat. Oh! oh!

_Phoebe._ Give me your hands and I'll pull you up. Think you 'tis witchcraft, Nancy?

_Nancy._ I know 'tis. 'Tis Goody Bishop in her fine silk hood afflicts me. Oh, ma.s.sy!

_Phoebe._ There, you are up, Nancy.

_Nancy._ I ain't half undoubled.

_Phoebe._ You can walk so, can't you, Nancy? Oh, come, quick! I think I hear somebody on the stairs. (_Catches up her doll and seizes_ Nancy's _hand._) Quick! quick!

_Nancy._ I tell ye I can't go quick; I ain't undoubled enough.

Devil take Goody Bishop!

[_Exit, hobbling and bent almost double,_ Phoebe _urging her along.

Curtain falls._

Act III.

_The Meeting-house in Salem Village. Enter_ People of Salem Village _and take seats. The_ Afflicted Girls, _among whom are_ Ann Hutchins _and_ Mercy Lewis, _occupy the front seats._ Nancy Fox _and_ Phoebe. _Enter the magistrates_ John Hathorne _and_ Jonathan Corwin _with_ Minister Parris, _escorted by the_ Marshal, Aids, _and four_ Constables. _They place themselves at a long table in front of the pulpit._

_Hathorne_ (_rising_). We are now prepared to enter upon the examination. We invoke the blessing of G.o.d upon our proceedings, and call upon the Marshal to produce the bodies of the accused.

[_Exeunt_ Marshal _and_ Constables. Afflicted Girls _twist about and groan. Great excitement among the people._

_Enter_ Marshal _and_ Constables _leading_ Martha _and_ Olive Corey _in chains._ Giles _follows. The prisoners are placed facing the a.s.sembly, with the_ Constables _holding their hands._ Giles _stands near. The_ Afflicted Girls _make a great clamor._

_Ann._ Oh, they are tormenting! They will be the death of me! I will not! I will not!

_Giles._ Hush your noise, will ye, Ann Hutchins!

_Parris._ Peace, Goodman Corey!

_Hathorne._ Martha Corey, you are now in the hands of authority.

Tell me now why you hurt these persons.

_Martha._ I do not. I pray your worships give me leave to go to prayer.

_Hathorne._ We have not sent for you to go to prayer, but to confess that you are a witch.