The Crucible Page #3

for the cause of that.

God? You think it be God's work...

that you have never lost a child or

grandchild either and I bury all but one?

And who will give us leave to decide what

is God's work, Goody Putnam, and what is not?

God never spoke in my ear. I can't think

of anyone else He done the favor.

Your pardon, Rebecca.

Aye.

Is this your mischief, huh?

I hear the child goes flying through

the air.

Oh, she never flew.

We were dancing in the woods.

My uncle leaped in on us.

She took fright is all.

You'll be clapped in the stocks

before you are 20.

Oh, John.

Give me a soft word.

No, Abby.

That's done with.

- I am waiting for you every night.

- You cannot.

I never gave you hope to wait for me.

I have something better than hope,

I think.

Child...

How do you call me child?

Wipe it out of mind... you must.

I'll not be coming for you more.

You're surely sporting with me.

You know me better.

I know how you sweated like a

stallion whenever I'd come near you.

I saw your face when she put me out.

You loved me then, and you do now.

Abby, I may think of you softly

from time to time...

but I will cut off my hand before

I reach for you again.

We never touched.

Aye...

but we did.

Oh, I marvel how a strong man

may let such a sickly wife...

Speak not.

You'll speak nothing of Elizabeth.

She is blackening my name in the

village, telling lies about me.

She's a cold, sniveling woman,

and you bend to her.

You look for whipping.

I look for John Proctor,

who put knowledge in my heart.

I never knew

what pretense Salem was...

with its Christian women and their

covenanted men...

and all of their boiling and lust.

And now you bid me go dead to all

you taught me?

I know you, John Proctor.

You love me.

Whatever sin it is, you love me yet.

- Give the man some peace.

- That's Mr. Hale, John.

I know who it is.

- Can I help you?

- Why, thank you.

Heavy books.

Well, they must be.

They're weighted with authority.

I'm John Proctor, Mr. Hale.

You have afflicted children?

My children

are as healthy as bull calves, sir...

like all the other children in this

village.

Where is my wood?

My contract provides I be

supplied with all of my firewood.

There are wheels within wheels here,

Mr. Hale.

I hope you'll not forget that.

That 6 is part of my salary,

Mr. Corey.

Salary is 60 plus 6 for...

I am not some preaching farmer

with a book under his arm.

I am a graduate of Harvard College.

I am well instructed in arithmetic!

I cannot fathom you people!

I can never offer one proposition...

but I face a howling riot of argument!

I've often wondered if

the devil be in it somewhere.

Welcome to Salem.

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