HATHORNE
Is it not true, that fourteen head of cattle,
To you belonging, broke from their enclosure
And leaped into the river, and were drowned?
COREY
It is most true.
HATHORNE
And did you not then say
That they were overlooked?
COREY
So much I said.
I see; they're drawing round me closer, closer,
A net I cannot break, cannot escape from!
(Aside.)
HATHORNE
Who did these things?
COREY
I do not know who did them.
HATHORNE
Then I will tell you. It is some one near you;
You see her now; this woman, your own wife.
COREY
I call the heavens to witness, it is false!
She never harmed me, never hindered me
In anything but what I should not do.
And I bear witness in the sight of heaven,
And in God's house here, that I never knew her
As otherwise than patient, brave, and true,
Faithful, forgiving, full of charity,
A virtuous and industrious and good wife!
HATHORNE
Tut, tut, man; do not rant so in your speech;
You are a witness, not an advocate!
Here, Sheriff, take this woman back to prison.
MARTHA
O Giles, this day you've sworn away my life!