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WITCHCRAFT: A TRAGEDY.
153


SHERIFF.

But we need not burn her now: her evidence may he wanted to convict the other.

BAILLIE.

Not a whit! we have evidence at command to burn her twenty times over. A bird in hand is a wise proverb. If we spare her now, she may be in Norway or Lapland when we want her again for the stake.

DUNGARREN (approaching the body of Annabella).

And this is thy fearful end, most miserable woman! It wrings my heart to think of what thou wert, and what thou mightst have been.

MURREY (to Sheriff).

Your authority having, on these undoubted proofs of her innocence, reprieved her, may I request that she be now withdrawn from the public gaze? It is not fit that she should be further exposed.

SHERIFF.

True, Torwood; you shall lead her back to prison, where she shall only remain till safe and commodious apartments are prepared for her. As for yourself, I am sorry to say, we have no power to lodge you otherwise than as a condemned man, obnoxious to the last punishment of the law.