_Giles._ See ye what 'tis?

_Paul._ It is a deed whereby you convey all your property to me, so
I be Olive's husband. Wherefore?

_Giles._ It be drawn up in good form. It be duly witnessed. You see
that it be all in good form, Paul.

_Paul._ I see. But wherefore?

_Giles._ It will stand in law; there will be no getting loose from
it. It be a good and trusty document. But--so be it that this
afternoon I stand trial for witchcraft, and plead guilty or not
guilty, this same good and trusty document will be worth less than
the parchment 'tis writ on. 'Tis so with the law. There will be an
attainder on't. My sons-in-law that testified to the undoing of
Martha and me will have their share, and thou and Olive perchance
have naught in this bedlam. I bear no ill will toward my sons-in-law
and my daughters, who have been put up by them to deal falsely with
Martha and me, but I would not that they have my goods. I bear no
ill will; it becometh not a man so near death to bear ill will. But
they shall not have my goods; I say they shall not. There shall be
no attainder on this document. I will stand mute at my trial.

_Paul._ Goodman Corey, know you the penalty?

_Giles._ I trow I know it better than the catechism. 'Tis to be
pressed beneath stone weights until I be dead.

_Paul._ I say you shall not do this thing. What think you I care