52-53 Flashcards
(13 cards)
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?
