Corey, hath many a time brought against you in the presence of
witnesses--that you hindered him when he would go to prayer, causing
the words to go from him strangely; that you were out after
nightfall, and did ride home on a broomstick; and that you scoffed
at these maids and their affliction, as if you were a witch
yourself?

_Giles._ I said not so! Martha, I said it not so!

_Hathorne._ What say you to your husband's charge that you did
afflict his ox and cat, causing his ox to fall in the yard, and the
cat to be strangely sick?

_Giles._ Devil take the ox and the cat! I said not that she did
afflict them.

_Hathorne._ Peace, Goodman Corey; you are now in court.

_Martha._ I say, if a gospel woman is to be hung as a witch for
every stumbling ox and sick cat, 'tis setting a high value upon oxen
and cats.

_Giles._ I would mine had all been knocked in the head, lass, and
me too!

_Hathorne._ Peace! Ann Hutchins, what saw you when Goodwife Corey
went home with you through the wood?

_Ann._ Hold fast her hands, I pray, or she will kill me. The trees
were so full of yellow birds that it sounded as if a mighty wind