52-53 Flashcards
She would speak with the deputy governor.
Did you not tell me Mary Warren were sick in bed?
She has been strivin’ with her soul all week, You Honour; she comes now to tell the truth to you.
Who is this?
I think you must hear the girl, sir, she…
Peace. What would you tell us Mary Warren?
She never saw no spirits, sir.
Never saw no spirits?
She has signed a deposition, sir…
No, no, I accept no depositions. Tell me, Mister Proctor, have you given out this story in the village?
They’ve come to overthrow the court, sir! This man is…
I pray you, mister Parris. Do you know, Mister Proctor, that the entire contention of the state in these trials is that the voice of heaven in speaking through the children?
I know that, sir.
And you, Mary Warren… how came you to cry out people for sending their spirits against you?
It was pretense, sir.
I cannot hear you.
It were pretense, she says.
Ah? And the other girls? Susanna Walcott, and… the others? They are also pretending?
Aye, sir
Indeed. Now, mister Proctor, before I decide whether I shall hear you or not, it is my duty to tell you this. We burn a hot fire here; it melts down all concealment. Are you certain in your conscience, Mister, that your evidence is true?
It is. And you will surely know it.
I take it you came here to declare this revelation in the open court before the public?
I thought I would, aye… with your permission.
Now sir- what is your purpose in so doing?
Why, I… I would free my wife, sir…
There lurks nowhere in your heart, nor hidden in your spirit, any desire to undermine this court?
Why, no, sir.
I tell you straight, Mister- I have seen marvels in this court. I have seen people choked before my eyes by spirits, I have until this moment not the slightest reason to suspect that the children may be deceiving me. Do you understand my meaning?
