PG 116 Elizabeth's Reply to Danforth

DANFORTH [going to her]: Goody Proctor, you are not summoned here for disputation.

Be there no wifely tenderness within you? He will die with the sunrise. Your husband. Do you understand it? [She only looks at him.] What say you? Will you contend with him? [She is silent.] Are you stone? I tell you true, woman, had I no other proof of your unnatural life, your dry eyes now would be sufficient evidence that you delivered up your soul to Hell! A very ape would weep at such calamity! Have the devil dried up any tear of pity in you? [She is silent.] Take her out. It profit nothing she should speak to him!

ELIZABETH [lifting herself up off the chair as if a sudden urge of power and anger had come over her]: Yes Danforth, I understand that my husband is to die at sunrise, [emphases on the I] I understand all too well, I do not cry because I'm stone or the devil has dammed me, I’ave spoken to no devil, whether you believe it or not, I don’t cry because my tears will mean nothin’ to you selfish oafs! [She gasps for a breath and her shoulders and head falls, the men are staring at her, captivated by her sudden burst. HALE looks at her with pity and comfort, ELIZABETH rises her head and meets eyes with HALE who nods and ELIZABETH turns back to DANFORTH, she sighs and continues, more calmly this time] My husband is a good man, and he never forgives himself for his wrongs, he is too proud. [her voice beginning to falter and return to a quiet]  I-I cannot be judge of the wrong he has done. Only he can do that. But yes, I will try and talk to him. If you will let me you’re Excellency. 

PARRIS [with hope]: You'll strive with him?...