Win. Comfort and I Are too far separated to be join'd But in eternity; I share too much Thor. Daughter, grieve not Rather resolve to conquer it with patience. Win. My griefs are strong upon me; My weakness scarce can bear them. [A great cry within.]-Away with her! Hang her, witch! Enter to execution Mother SAWYER; Officers with halberts, followed by a crowd of country people. Car. The witch, that instrument of mischief!— Did not she witch the devil into my son-in-law, when he kill'd my poor daughter? Do you hear, mother Sawyer? Saw. What would you have? Cannot a poor old woman have your leave To die without vexation? Car. Did not you bewitch Frank, to kill his wife? He could never have done't without the devil. San. Who doubts it? but is every devil mine? Would I had one now whom I might command To tear you all in pieces! Tom would have done't, Before he left me. Car. Thou didst bewitch Ann Ratcliffe to kill herself. Saw. Churl, thou liest; I never did her hurt : would you were all as near your ends as I am, that gave evidence against me for it! Coun. I'll be sworn, master Carter, she bewitch'd Gammer Washbowl's sow to cast her pigs a day before she would have farrowed: yet they were sent up to London, and sold for as good Westminster dog-pigs, at Bartholomew fair, as ever ale-wife longed for. San. These dogs will mad me; I was well resolv'd To die in my repentance. Though 'tis true How they believe the devil; at last he'll cheat you. Car. Thou'dst best confess all truly. Saw. Yet again? Have I scarce breath enough to say my prayers, And would you force me to spend that in bawling? Bear witness, I repent all former evil; There is no damned conjuror like the devil. Enter FRANK to execution, Officers, &c. Thor. Here's the sad object which I yet must meet With hope of comfort, if a repentant end Frank. Good sirs, turn from me; You will revive affliction almost kill'd Thor. Oh, Frank, Frank; Would I had sunk in mine own wants, or died me Before my execution. Win. Let me pray you, sir Frank. Thou much-wrong'd woman, I must sigh for thee, As he that's only loath to leave the world, Thor. Let it be thine too, Frank. He is not lost, Who bears his peace within him: had I spun Upon my own bed, not compell'd by justice, miseries Had been as everlasting, as remediless : But now the law hath not arraign'd, condemn'd My memory can reckon from my childhood: Is much more gracious than my faults are mon strous. Thor. Here's comfort in this penitence. How truly you are reconciled, and quickens thee As white as innocence; and my first sin with thee, And there enjoy what earth denied us, happiness! Which, though it stain the name, makes the soul blest. Frank. Give me thy hand, poor woman; do not weep: Farewell! thou dost forgive me? Win. 'Tis my part To use that language. Frank. Oh! that my example Might teach the world hereafter what a curse Hangs on their heads, who rather choose to marry A goodly portion than a dower of virtues !— most; Car. Ay, ay, she's in heaven, and I am glad to see thee so well prepared to follow her. I forgive thee with all my heart; if thou hadst not had ill counsel, thou would'st not have done as thou didst; the more shame for them! Som. Spare your excuse to me, I do conceive. What you would speak! I would you could as easily Make satisfaction to the law, as to War. And so am I, And heartily forgive you. Kath. I will pray for you, For her sake, who, I'm sure, did love you dearly. Sir Ar. Let us part friendly too; I am asham'd Of my part in thy wrongs. Frank. You are all merciful, And send me to my grave in peace. Sir Arthur, Heaven send you a new heart!-lastly, to you, sir; And though I have deserv'd not to be call'd Your son, yet give me leave, upon my knees, Thor. Take it: let me wet [Kneels. Thy cheeks with the last tears my griefs have left me. O Frank, Frank, Frank! |