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WITCHCRAFT: A TRAGEDY.
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is to God and his own conscience, but the law must deem him guilty.

VIOLET.

He did it not without witnesses, but he who was present is dead. Alas, alas! if Fatheringham had been alive, he had been justified.

BAILLIE.

Forbear to urge that plea, lady: that the only person who was present at the quarrel or combat is dead or disappeared, throws a greater shade of darkness on the transaction.

SHERIFF.

These are hard words, Baillie, and unnecessary.

BAILLIE.

You may think so, Sheriff, but if you yield on this point, I entirely dissent from it; ay, from granting any delay to the execution of his sentence. Shall a man be made gainer for having defied the law and broken from his prison?

SHERIFF (to Murrey sorrowfully).

I am afraid we can do nothing for you. You must prepare for the worst.

MURREY.

I came here so prepared, worthy Sir: I knew you could do nothing for me. (To Violet, who again kneels imploringly). Forbear, dearest