Unit 7: The Crucible, Acts 3–4

PARRIS: Giles Corey, sir, and a more contentious—

PROCTOR, reaching into his jacket: She has signed a deposition, sir—

There is a prodigious fear of this court in the country—

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

I have been thirty-two year at the bar, sir, and I should be confounded were I called upon to defend these people.

What more may you ask of me? Unless you doubt my probity?

ABIGAIL, unperturbed, continuing to the “bird”: Oh, Mary, this is a black art to change your shape. No, I cannot, I cannot stop my mouth; it’s God’s work I do.

PROCTOR: They’re gulling you, Mister!

DANFORTH, conciliatory: You misunderstand, sir; I cannot pardon these when twelve are already hanged for the same crime. It is not just.

DANFORTH: Now hear me, and beguile yourselves no more.

DANFORTH, to Herrick: Is he yet adamant? Has he struck at you again?

Beware, Goody Proctor—cleave to no faith when faith brings blood.

PROCTOR: I have confessed myself! Is there no good penitence but it be public? God does not need my name nailed upon the church! God sees my name; God knows how black my sins are! It is enough!