Enter Marshal and Constables leading Martha and Olive Corey in chains. Giles follows. The prisoners are placed facing the assembly, with the Constables holding their hands. Giles stands near. The Afflicted Girls make a great clamor.
Ann. Oh, they are tormenting! They will be the death of me! I will not! I will not!
Giles. Hush your noise, will ye, Ann Hutchins!
Parris. Peace, Goodman Corey!
Hathorne. Martha Corey, you are now in the hands of authority. Tell me now why you hurt these persons.
Martha. I do not. I pray your worships give me leave to go to prayer.
Hathorne. We have not sent for you to go to prayer, but to confess that you are a witch.
Martha. I am no witch. I am a gospel woman. There is no such thing as a witch. Shall I confess that I am what doth not exist? It were not only a lie, but a fool's lie.
Mercy. There is a black man whispering in her ears.
Hathorne. What saith the black man to you, goodwife?