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Question 1

This man is killing his neighbours for their land!

Answer 1

But proof, sir, proof…

Question 2

This is contempt of court, Mister Danforth!

Answer 2

You will surely tell us the name.

Question 3

I mentioned my wife’s name once and I’ll burn in hell long enough for that. I stand mute.

Answer 3

In that case, I have no choice but to arrest you for contempt of this court, do you know that?

Question 4

This is a hearing; you cannot clap me for contempt of a hearing.

Answer 4

Oh, it is a proper lawyer! Do you wish me to declare the court in full session here?— or will you give me a good reply?

Question 5

I cannot give you no name, sir, I cannot…

Answer 5

You are a foolish old man. Mister Cheever, begin the record. The court is now in session. I ask you, Mister Corey…

Question 6

I think it must be broken, sir.

Answer 6

Old man, if your informant tells the truth let him come here openly like a decent man. But if he hides in anonymity I must know why. Now, sir, the government and central church demand of you the name of him who reported Mister Thomas Putnam a common murderer.

Question 7

Excellency…

Answer 7

Mister hale.

Question 8

We cannot blink it more. There is a prodigious fear of this court in the country…

Answer 8

Then there is a prodigious guilt in the country. Are you afraid to be questioned here?

Question 9

I may only fear the Lord, sir, but there is fear in this country, nevertheless.

Answer 9

Reproach me not with the fear in the country; there is fear in the country because there is a moving plot to topple Christ in the country!

Question 10

But it does not follow that everyone accused is part of it.

Answer 10

No uncorrupted man may fear this court, Mister Hale! None! Mr Corey, you are under arrest in contempt of this court. Now sit you down and take counsel with yourself, or you will be set in the jail until you decide to answer all questions.

Question 11

Say nothin more, John. He’s only playing you. He means to hang us all.

Answer 11

This is a court of law, Mister. I’ll have no effrontery here.

Question 12

… and when she refused…

Answer 12

We know all this.

Question 13

Excellency, a moment. I think this goes to the heart of the matter, sir.

Answer 13

It surely does.

Question 14

In gods name sir, stop here; send him home and let him come again with a lawyer…

Answer 14

Now look you mister hale…

Question 15

No slightest qualm of conscience may doubt it.

Answer 15

Mister hale, surely do not doubt my justice?

Question 16

This argument let lawyers present to you.

Answer 16

Mister hale, believe; for a man of such terrible learning you are most bewildered— I hope you will forgive me. I have been thirty two year at the bar, sir, and I should be confounded were I called upon to defend these people. Let you consider, now— and I bid you all do likewise:— it an ordinary crime, how does one defend the accused? One calls up a witness to prove his innocence. But witchcraft is ipso facto, on its face and by its nature, an invisible crime. Therefore, who may possibly be witness to it?— the witch, and the victim. None other. Now we cannot hope the witch will accuse herself; granted? Therefore we must rely upon her victims— and they do testify, the children certainly do testify. As for the witches, none will deny that we are most eager for their confessions. Therefore, what is left for a lawyer to bring out? I think I have made my point. Have I not?

Question 17

But this child claims the girls are not truthful, and if they are not…

Answer 17

That is precisely what I am about to consider, sir. What more may you ask of me? Unless you doubt my probity?

Question 18

I surely do not sir. Let you consider it, then.

Answer 18

And let you put your heart to rest. Her deposition, mister proctor.