Act 3

Giles Corey and I are headed to the court today to prove the innocence of our wives. He believed if we could convince governor Danforth that the witch accusations were false, we could save them.  I convinced Mary Warren to speak before the court; she will testify that the girls are lying about the witchcraft rumors. While in the court, I declared for Mary that she never saw spirits. Danforth then asked me if I knew that the entire premise of the court was that God is speaking through the children. I understood what he was alluding to, and let Danforth continue to question Mary. I told Danforth that obviously my purpose for this was to free Elizabeth, not to overthrow the court! I feel like everyone at the court was against me. Cheever declared that he thought I was not a good Christian man, saying that I don’t go to church and my youngest son has yet to be baptized. I couldn't believe that this man would accuse me of not being a fine Christian.

Danforth then revealed to me that Elizabeth was pregnant, although they can find no sign of it. I know that my wife never lies, so it must be true. Danforth tried to offer me a deal, which was to keep Elizabeth another month and if she begins to show signs of pregnancy, they will keep her another year until she delivers the baby. I could tell that Danforth thought I was going to drop the charge, but I wasn't giving up that easily. I had a testament with 91 names who each gave their good opinion of Rebecca, Elizabeth, and Martha.

Abigail Williams, Susanna Walcott, Mercy Lewis, and Betty Parris then entered the courthouse. I admit it was rather impulsive decision, but I confessed that Abigail and I had an affair. Abigail did not deny this and they brought out Elizabeth to back up my testimony. I was so overjoyed to have seen her that I almost forgot I was fighting for both our safety. Danforth asked Elizabeth why she dismissed Abigail. I was praying silently to myself that she would also admit I had an affair, but sincere and protective Elizabeth said only that Abigail dissatisfied her. I knew she was only answering this way to defend me, but I wish she knew I had already confessed.
John Proctor