SARAH
(suddenly returning from seeing to the preparations for feasting which
are going on in background).
You shall do no such folly. Mistress Resolute shall not dance if she
holds that dancing is a sin. Take that in your teeth, Simon Scarlett!

SCARLETT.
Are you bewitched? Hath the Puritan turned your head?

SARAH.
My wits, good Simon, are as clear as thine. 'Tis true that the
constables put our Bess in the stocks; but 'twas none of Resolute's
doing! And when you stole her hence that debt was paid. Moreover, of
her own free will she has made a healing brew for our gran'am, and for
that I stand her friend.

ROBIN WAKELESS
(drawing near and hearing the controversy).
Is there no mirth left in you, Sarah Scarlett, that you cannot see the
jest of making a sniveling Puritan to----

SARAH
(promptly and blazingly).
Cease your talk, Robin Wakeless! And when you speak of sniveling
Puritans, speak of them that do snivel. For though you brought Mistress
Endicott here in a rough and unseemly fashion, she has not once winced,
no, nor plead for mercy. You are quick to laud a brave front in
yourselves: are you less quick to laud it in your neighbors?