consequently the execution can be enjoyed without any misgiving
as to its righteousness, or to the cowardice of allowing it to
take place without a struggle. There is even some fear of a
disappointment as midday approaches and the arrival of the beadle
with the ladder remains the only sign of preparation. But at last
reassuring shouts of Here they come: Here they are, are heard;
and a company of soldiers with fixed bayonets, half British
infantry, half Hessians, tramp quickly into the middle of the
market place, driving the crowd to the sides.

SERGEANT. Halt. Front. Dress. (The soldiers change their column
into a square enclosing the gallows, their petty officers,
energetically led by the sergeant, hustling the persons who find
themselves inside the square out at the corners.) Now then! Out
of it with you: out of it. Some o' you'll get strung up
yourselves presently. Form that square there, will you, you
damned Hoosians. No use talkin' German to them: talk to their
toes with the butt ends of your muskets: they'll understand that.
GET out of it, will you? (He comes upon Judith, standing near the
gallows.) Now then: YOU'VE no call here.

JUDITH. May I not stay? What harm am I doing?

SERGEANT. I want none of your argufying. You ought to be ashamed
of yourself, running to see a man hanged that's not your husband.
And he's no better than yourself. I told my major he was a
gentleman; and then he goes and tries to strangle him, and calls
his blessed Majesty a lunatic. So out of it with you, double
quick.