Parris. I trow Satan himself hath put his shoulder under the stones to take off the strain. [Exit Messenger.
Hathorne. 'Tis a marvel the old tavern-brawler endures so long, but he'll soon speak now.
Corwin. Hush, good master, his daughter can hear.
Hathorne. Let her then withdraw if it please her not. I'll warrant he cannot bear much more; he will soon speak.
Parris. Yea, he cannot withstand the double weight unless his master help him.
[Corwin speaks aside to Paul and motions him to take Olive away. Paul takes her by the arm. She shakes her head and will not go.
Hathorne. I trow 'twill take other than an unlettered clown like Giles Corey to stand firm under this stress. He'll speak soon.
Parris. Yea, that he will. He can never hold out. He hath not the mind for it.
Hathorne. It takes a man of finer wit than he to undergo it. He will speak. Oh yes, fear ye not, he will speak.
Olive (breaking away from Paul). My father will not speak!