Judge Bride: It does not seem to you that you mistook for enchantment what another would call lust? Possibly you are a young man of gross sensual nature, who might strike what he loved?
Thumb: God knows I am the least sensual of all men. I have never sought out women. Ask any here.
At that a girl was possessed and now a demon began manifestly to speak in her. The demon belched forth most horrid and nefarious blasphemies. The constable took her out. A dozen cried to the Judges, begging to vouch for the young man’s purity. All were silenced.
Judge Bride: Thumb, I see your eyes avoid to look towards this young woman. Perhaps your heart regrets that you give testimony most like to lead her in the halter. Look upon her now. Is she not your enemy? Tell her she is a witch and that you wish her hanged for it.
Thumb (after a most tedious pause, looked to her feet): You are a witch.
Judge Bride: Better than that, louder and firmer. Come, you shall look upon her face. You shall not mock this Court.
Thumb: Sir, I cannot.
Judge Bride: What, are you still bewitched, or is it that you still love her and will not harm her?
Thumb: I love her. (He put his arm across his eyes. He wept.)
Judge Bride: Get to your chair again. How can you who love her give good and valid testimony? Get to your chair again. Your mother, she is made of sterner stuff. I see the children stir. They are about to be recovered to consciousness. Sheriff, cover the face and body of the accused so that they may not see her until the time comes.