Crucible Act II Scene II
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!
But it does not follow that everyone accused is part of it!
Therefore, what is left for a lawyer to bring out? I think I have made my point. Have I not?
But this child claims the girls are not truthful, and if they are not...
Ay, sir. She swears now that she never saw Satan; nor any spirit, vague or clear, that Satan may have sent to hurt her. And she declares her friends are lying now.
Excellency, a moment. I think this goes to the heart of the matter, sir.
I have broke charity with the woman, I have broke charity with her.
Excellency, he claims hard evidence for his wife's defense. I think that in all justice you must...
It surely does.
I cannot say he is an honest man, I know him little. But in all justice, sir, a claim so weighty cannot be argued by a farmer. In god's name, sir, stop here; send him home and let him come again with a lawyer...
Mister Hale, you surely do not doubt my justice?
I have this morning signed away the soul of Rebecca Nurse, Your Honor. I'll not conceal it-I tell you true, sir, my hand shakes yet as with a wound! I pray you, sir, this argument let lawyers present to you.
If I must answer that, sir, I will leave and I will not come back again.
She does not deny it, Mr. Danforth. She does not deny it!
What are you! You are combined with anti-Christ, are you not? I have seen your power, Mister, you will not deny it!
This is not witchcraft! These girls are frauds! You condemn an honest man!
Why does she see this vision!?
You cannot believe them.
She only thought to save my name!
Excellency, it is a natural lie to tell; I beg you, stop now; before another is condemned! I may shut my conscience to it no more...private vengeance is working through this testimony! From the beginning this man has struck me true. I believe him now! By my oath to heaven, I believe him, and I pray you call back his wife before we...
He wake me every night, his eyes were like coals and his fingers claw my neck, and I sign, I sign...
Excellency, the child's gone wild.
You discovered them dancing in the woods? Abigail?
Excellency, when I first arrived from Beverly, Mister Parris told me that.
Now, sir, the government and central church demand of you the name of him who reported Mister Thomas Putnam a common murderer.
Excellency...
Now look you, Mister Hale...
(A plea of an honest man) Excellency, I have signed seventy-two death warrants; I am a minister of the Lord, and I dare not take a life without there be a proof so immaculate, no slightest qualm of conscience may doubt it.
Marshal, take him and Corey with him to the jail!
(Crossing) I denounce these proceedings. I quit this court! (exits)
That is precisely what I am about to consider, sir. What more may you ask of me? Unless you doubt my probity?
(Defeated) I surely do not, sir. Let you consider it, then.
She spoke nothing of lechery, and this man lies!
(He cries out in anguish) I believe him! I cannot turn my face from it no more. (Pointing at Abigail.) This girl has always struck me false! She...(Abigail with a weird cry screams up to ceiling)
Then there is a prodigious guilt in the country. Are you afraid to be questioned here?
(Not sure)...I may only fear the Lord, sir, but there is fear in the country, nevertheless.
Mister Hale.
(Regretfully) We cannot blink it more. There is a prodigious fear of this court in the country...
This is a clear attack upon the court!
(To Parris. Trying to contain himself) Is every defense an attack upon the court? Can no one...?
You cannot go in there Giles-it's a court!
(enter) Pray be calm a moment!
Beware this man, Your Excellency, this man is mischief.
(with great urgency) I think you must hear the girl, sir, she...
You, Mr. Hale, go in there and demand I speak.
A moment, sir a moment.
Francis Nurse, your Excellency.
His wife's Rebecca that were condemned this morning.