Elizabeth's truth

(The wagon bring Elizabeth to the court during the rain)

(Danforth, John and Abigail wait for the men to come until they hear the noise coming and then knocking on the door)

Danforth: Halt! (Turns to Abigail) Turn your back. Turn your back. (Abigail turns) Do likewise. (John turns) No one may speak or gesture aye or nay. Mr. Cheever...report this testimony in all exactness. Enter.

(Man opens the two doors)

(Elizabeth approaches slowly)

Danforth: You will look at me only, Goody Proctor, in my eyes only. We are informed that at one time, you dismissed your servant, Abigail Williams. Why? For what cause? Need not look at your husband. The answer is in your memory. Why did you dismiss Abigail Williams?

Elizabeth: She dissatisfied me...and my husband.

Danforth: In what way dissatisfied you?

Elizabeth: She were...

Danforth: Look at me. Was she slovenly? Lazy? What was it?

Elizabeth: Your Honor...(stammers) My husband is a good and righteous man. He's never drunk or wasting his time at the shovelboard, but I were a long time sick last year, and I thought I saw him turning from me, and this girl--

Danforth: Look at me.

Elizabeth: Aye, sir.

Danforth: What of Abigail Williams?

Elizabeth: I came to think he fancied her. And so one night, I lost my wits, I think, and put her out on the high road.

Danforth: And did he indeed turn from you?

Elizabeth: He...

Danforth: To your own knowledge, has John Proctor committed the crime of lechery? Answer my question. Is your husband an adulterer?

(She pauses and thinks)

Elizabeth: No, sir.

Danforth: Remove her.

Hunter: Elizabeth, tell the truth!

John: Elizabeth, I've confessed it.

Elizabeth: Oh, God.

Hale: This should stop now!

Danforth: She spoke nothing of lechery.

Hale: It is a natural lie to tell.

Hunter: (in Hale's voice) Judge Danforth, I cannot shut my conscience to it. I believe this man! Private vengeancy is working through this testimony! From the beginning this man has struck us true!

Hale: By my oath to heaven, I believe in Hunter too! This girl is false!