Hathorne. You are fainthearted, good Master Corwin.

Corwin. Fainthearted or not, ’tis too much for me.  I was brought not up in the shambles, nor bred butcher by trade.

Parris. Your worship, you should strive in prayer, lest you falter not in the strife against Satan.

Corwin. I know not that I have faltered in any strife against Satan.

Parris. Perchance ’tis but your worship’s delicate frame of body causeth you to shrink from this stern duty.

Hathorne. This torment of Giles Corey’s can last but a little space now.  He hath still his chance to speak and avert his death, and he will do it erelong.  They have increased the weights mightily.  Fear not, good Master Corwin, Giles Corey will not die; erelong his old tongue will wag like a millwheel.

Corwin. I doubt much, good Master Hathorne, if Giles Corey speak.  And if he does not speak, and so be put to death, as is decreed, I doubt much if the temper of the people will stand more.  There are those who have sympathy with Giles Corey.  I heard many murmurs in the streets of Salem this morning.

Hathorne. Let them murmur.

Parris. Ay, let them murmur, so long as we wield the sword of the Lord and of Gideon.

Enter first Messenger.

Hathorne. Here comes a man from the field.  How goes it now with Giles Corey?

Messenger. Your worship, Giles Corey has not spoken.

Parris. And he hath been under the weights since early light.  Truly such obstinacy is marvellous. [Exit Messenger.

Hathorne. Satan gives a strength beyond human measure to his disciples.

Enter Olive and Paul Bayley, appearing in the distance. Olive wears a white gown and white bonnet.

Hathorne. Who is that maid coming in a bride bonnet?

Corwin. ’Tis Corey’s daughter.  I marvel that Paul lets her come hither.  ’Tis no place for her, so near.  Master Hathorne, let us withdraw a little way.  I would not see her distress.  I am somewhat shaken in nerve this morning.

[Corwin, Hathorne, and Parris exeunt at other end of lane.

Olive (as she and Paul advance).  Who were those men, Paul?

Paul. The magistrates and Minister Parris, sweet.

Olive. Are they gone?

Paul. Yes, they are quite out of sight.  Oh, why wouldst thou come here, dear heart?

Olive. Thou thinkest to cheat me, Paul; but thou canst not cheat me.  Three fields away to the right have they dragged my father this morning.  I knew it, I knew it, although you strove so hard to keep it from me.  I’ll be as near my father’s death-bed on my wedding-day as I can.

Paul. I pray thee, sweetheart, come away with me.  This will do no good.