Act Four Scene Three Flashcards
PARRIS Tonight, when I open my door to leave my house—a dagger clattered to the ground. You cannot hang this sort. There is danger for me. I dare not step outside at night.
Hale ENTERS. They look at him for an instant in silence. He is steeped in sorrow, exhausted, and more direct than he ever was.
DANFORTH Accept my congratulations, Reverend Hale; we are gladdened to see you returned to your good work.
You must pardon them. They will not budge.
PARRIS Rebecca will not confess?
The sun will rise in a few minutes. Excellency, I must have more time.
DANFORTH —Have you spoken with them all, Mister Hale?
Cheever ENTERS.
All but Proctor.
Willard goes out. Silence.
Excellency, if you postpone a week, and publish to the town that you are striving for confessions, that speak mercy on your part, not faltering.
DANFORTH Mister Hale, God has-
If you think God wills you to raise rebellion, Mister Danforth, you are mistaken.
DANFORTH You have heard rebellion spoken in Salem?
Excellency, there are orphans wandering from house to house; abandoned cattle on the highroads, the stink of rotting crops hangs everywhere, and no man knows when the harlots‘ cry will end his life—and you wonder yet if rebellion‘s spoke? Better you should marvel how they do not burn your province!
DANFORTH You baffle me, sir. Why have you returned here?
Why, it is all simple. I come to do the Devil‘s work. I come to counsel Christians they should belie themselves. There is blood on my head! Can you not see the blood on my head!!
