4

SCENE 1.

Putnam's yard at Salem. A small open lawn closely hedged
by shrubbery. The house is invisible, right. Entrance from
street, left. A rough wooden table, toward the back, center.
A bench back of the table. A drawer in the table. The top
of the table is bare. It is about nine o'clock in the morning.
Enter Able Putnam, right with paper, ink, pens, a map in one
and hand; dragging a chair with the other hand. He goes to the
table and puts the various articles down one by one speaking
while he does so.

Able Putnam is a small, slight, grey-haired man of unassum-
ing manner. He is in his shirt sleeves.

Putnam... Thank heaven this day has come at last! I never
was truly glad to see a day till I saw this day. It
is now half past nine, at ten Mr. Noyes will be here.
Now let me see if we have everything to hand: Here is
ink and a pen.(tries the pen)Good! Here is foolscapen
plenty. Here is here is- what! Have I forgot the map?
(map has fallen under the table; he finds it) No here
is that also.(unrolls map and looks at it) It would
not have been well to have lost that for that I have
spent much pains upon, and that I think is a very good
map and well drawn, besides all which, it is necessary.
So we have everything but the girl.(calls R.)Ho Betty!
(no answer) Betty do you hear me?

Betty.... (outside) Yes, father.

Putnam... Then answer me.

Putnam... Come here. (no answer) Betty! (yells) By heaven
Betty!

Betty... Just one minute and I'll come.

Putnam... (goes back to table grumbling and rumbles among
papers) Well no matter she will come when she will.
(sounds of a horse approaching at a slow gallop out-
side L. Putnam listens. Horse draws up outside L.
Putnam gets up and listens.)

5

Voice.... (Neighbor Putnam.)

Putnam... (stands by table to answer) (aside) What interrupt-
ion is this? (aloud) Well, what do you want?

Voice.... Sarah Cloyse your cousin is up for witchcraft.
Betty.... I beg your pardon. (Exit Putnam, hurridlyL.)

Voice.... (The trial's at five o'clock. (stops as Putnam is supposed to
get to the messenger.)

Betty.... (enters slowly R.) Did you call me father? I was
writing.- Where are you gone? (listens)

Voice.... The trial's at five o'clock. (sounds of horse going)
(reenter Putnam L. head bowed and dazed.)

Betty.... (goes to him) What's the matter father?

Putnam... Sarah Cloyse, who next, who next? Why me or you per-
haps or any one. I'll not live here another day.

Betty.... Why father what's the matter?

Putnam... Matter enough I can tell you. Sarah Cloyse is up
for witchcraft.

Betty.... Who is Sarah Cloyse?

Putnam... What your own cousin! It's time enough you return-
ed from school in Boston when you forget your own
relations.

Betty.... Oh now I think I have a faint remembrance- but what
was it, you said of her?

Putnam... They say she is a witch and will be hung tonight.

Betty.... (laughs) Nonsense father.

Putnam... (staggered) Nonsense eh- well-, nonsense eh- is this
what you have learned at school- to laugh and say non-
sense to your elders- you were sent for in time, but it
is my own fault- I was always too lenient. I called you
Betty- for a purpose. We have business here today. Mr.
Noyes is coming presently and then-

(Betty deliberately turns away from him, goes to the table, takes a piece of foo/scap and writes seriously as by impulse.)

Putnam... (watches her amazed) Betty!

Betty... I beg you, pardon me a moment, father.
(he continues staring at her curiously) (she finishes writing and starts to fold paper)

Putnam... What is that you have written?

Betty... Nothing of importance.

Putnam... Let me see it. I am your father.

Betty... I assure you father it can mean nothing to you.

Putnam... Let me see!

Betty... I'll read it.

Putnam... Well then read!

Betty... (reads) Love sweet love be with me ever!
Love sweet love O leave me never!

Putnam... Stop, stop, stop! If Mr. Noyes should hear! Why this is monstrous! Are you a puritan? May heaven cleanse you of this wicked vein. I am amazed; you are no Putnam to do this!

Betty... Am I not?

Putnam... No, for if you were you would know better.

Betty... Know better than what?

Putnam... Than to- than to- well than to- you know what I mean.

Betty... Are you a Puritan?

Putnam... Am I a puritan? What a question! Can't you see that I am?

Betty... No.

Putnam... What! Do you mean to call your father dishonest! (rises) Do you eh?

Betty... No, I'm just curious. My mother was french, wasn't she?

Putnam... Yes, yes: God shield her!

Betty... Ah, that's it. It's my mother's french blood then.

Putnam... So I think it.

Betty... Then make me all french! Why where's the harm if I say
ring and sing? What harm's in that?

Putnam... The devil's in it. He who rhymes consorts with devils.
You say that this is nothing, nonsense eh? There are no
devils? Well then, how do you make out this, you who have
lived in Boston, that no less a person than Increase
Mather, he that went to England to the parliament, was
struck full in the face? By whom? by no one: he was alone.
By whom? I tell you by a witch and so says every Salem
puritan.

Betty... Then Salem's full of block-heads. but father you called
me, you said, for a purpose; let's leave this foolish
argument.

Putnam... Betty, betty take me seriously. You must not do these
things, it's dangerous. This is not that quiet english
town you knew in knee-skirts, child.

Betty... No? What's happened to it since I left?

Putnam... It has been posessed of spirits!

Betty... Really spirits? Have you seen any?

Putnam... I? Heaven forbid!

Betty... Why? They tell you things about the future that are
full of interest.

Putnam... Interest child? Would you talk with a spirit? Have you
communed with them, betty, tell me!

Betty... I'd like to but I've never had the chance.

Putnam... Like to? You frighten me! but if you'll keep it secret,
I don't in my heart believe there are any!

Betty... (disappointed) Oh father! Then why have you roused

my curiosity?

Putnam...

Ah - some day you'll know. I fear to say more now. It is enough for you to believe that this town is now a den of rioters. Men who yesterday moved by a code of common sense today make law the toy of frenzy and in short hang and burn Betty, burn - think of it - any one, a witch on mere suspicion without even a decent trial-and do not think we are exempt - we are not - you will be taken for a witch.

Betty...

(has not been listening) But father just four little lines.

Putnam...

Enough! Give me that paper! (Betty gives it - he tears it) Now pay attention and sit down, though you be twice eighteen! I called you here to Salem for a purpose. Do you know Sam Noyes?

Betty...

(indolently.) Yes I've heard of him.

Putnam...

Then hear this more that soon you'll be his wife.

Betty...

(Indolently) Yes - what then?

Putnam...

(surprised that she has not become excited) Ah better! (spreads map on the table and stands beside Betty pointing with a pen) (Betty pays little attention)

Putnam...

His uncle is the Rev. Nicholas Noyes, the preacher, you've heard of him I think. He's been Sam's guardian these last seven years. A hard man but a worthy gentleman. We'll hear more of him later. Now to the map. (pointing.) You see this is the land your mother's father left for you. Do you know the place? What Betty!

Betty...

(suddenly looking) Yes I know the place well..

Putnam...

But mark what I am saying.

Betty...

I mark you very well.

Putnam...

Sam's not over rich but he's a Noyes which means much and as you know yourself we are not poor. Besides that you are a lady now. I'd see you settled - but to the matter. I've drawn your land in yellow wash - there in yellow wash. Now comes the point. This is the point.

9

On one side of your land is Sam's land: here in blue -
do you see that?

betty.... Yes, I see.

Putnam... But on the other side lies the land of uncle Noyes,
in green. Your strip, in yellow, divides these two and
thereby you are married for Noyes would have that land
all in one name.

betty.... Why, sell it to him then. I have no use for it.

Putnam... What now! What now! Why thank kind Heaven you're wed so
easily and so well!

betty.... I do not wish to marry now.

Putnam... God's worth! Forget you are a child! Sh! (he motions
Betty aside as he hears someone approaching off L.)
(Enter Noyes L.)

Putnam... Good morning Mr. Noyes. You are come in time. Where is
Sam?

Noyes.... (to Putnam) This is the girl, no doubt. (to Betty)
Elizabeth is your name. (Betty continues staring away.)
(to Putnam) I said is this the girl?

Putnam... Betty, Betty, Betty!

betty.... Yes father.

Putnam... (to Noyes) She has forgot you sir. You must remember
she was still a little child when she went away to school.
Betty, this is our preacher, Mr. Noyes. (betty inclines
slightly.)

Noyes.... Elizabeth Putnam - hey. I've heard of you. You've been
to school in Boston. Answer me.

betty.... Yes sir, I have been to school.

Noyes.... In Boston.

betty.... Yes, in Boston.

Noyes.... You've heard of me - in Boston.

betty.... Yes sir, I've heard of you.

Noyes... What have you heard?

Putnam... Many good things Betty no doubt.

Noyes... I will not have you interrupt me sir. (to Betty) Go in the house. Our talk's not for your ears. - What do they think of witchcraft hey - in Boston?

Putnam... Betty has not Mr. Noyes said go -

Noyes... Do not interrupt me. (turns to speak to Betty again but she is already going off R) (Noyes continues looking after her till she has quite disappeared) (turning) I do not like your daughter.

Putnam... It is her manner merely, in truth she is of a very sweet and gentle disposition. Where is Sam?

Noyes... Sit down. This is your map? (looks at it, pushes it aside, takes out his own) Why are you not attending at the trial of Sarah Cloyes?

Putnam... Because I did agree to meet you here. Is it not monstrous?

Noyes... Monstrous? Why, it is holy entertainment! We'll go there presently. ( takes up map ) Here lies your daughter's land between us two. - I do not like your daughter

Putnam... She's very young Sir: give her time to grow.

Noyes... Well, let Sam marry whomsoever he will but I'll be very plain: if it were not for this land he should not marry her with my consent. He is poor therefore I make this bargain for him. Did you tell your daughter of the business?

Putnam... I had begun to tell her.

Noyes... What did she say?

Putnam... We were still upon the point when you arrived.

Noyes... Hm! (taking up his papers) Here I have drawn up papers

which, if she sign them, will put all her land in her
husband's name. The land will then be Sam's land and not
her land. This is a bargain and do not say it is not
plain. She signs this land to Sam before they're married
or they'll not be married at all. Call her in for first
she must sign this paper.

Putnam... I think there'll be small need of urging her for she'll take to Sam and women think that they have everything when once they get a man.

Noyes... Call her in, call her in.

Putnam... Oh Betty come back now.

(Betty enters, smiling and defiant, looks squarely at Noyes who returns her stare, examining her from head to toe.)

Noyes... You'll marry my dead brother's son today. Provided much.

Betty... It is my father's wish.

Noyes... And will you take to him?

Betty... He is your nephew.

Noyes... Hey?

Putnam... She says he's your nephew therefore she esteems him.

Noyes... (looks blackly at Betty and mumbling to himself)
turns L. and calls.) (calling off L.) Sam come here.
(Sam enters L.)

Putnam... Ah there you are Sam. Good!

Sam... (to Putnam) Good morning sir.

Noyes... Sam this is the child that you must marry. Her name is Elizabeth. (Sam bows awkwardly. Betty looks away)
Now Putnam tell your daughter of the rest.

(Noyes takes the papers from his cloak, puts them on the table, dips pen and puts it beside paper while Able is

is talking.)

Putnam.... Betty this is Sam: you see Betty there is a paper we would have you sign. It is a mere nothing, a form without meaning, insignificant in itself but in the law everything.

Betty.... Let me see the paper.

Putnam.... Here it is - (gives it to Betty) (Sam steps forward as if to speak but Betty stares him out of countenance.) (Betty then reads the paper.)

Betty.... Why if I sign this I give up title to my land!

Putnam.... Ah there's the point. For whose land is it then? It is your husband's land, which, as all his is your's and all your's is his the land is just as much your land as ever it was before.

Betty.... I see-- I thank you father, I thank you all. It is very well explained. (puts paper down and turns to go)

Putnam.... Where are you going Betty?

Betty.... To prepare me for my wedding if it's to be today. It's almost noon.

Noyes.... No. Sign this first!

Betty.... When we are married - then I'll sign it.

Noyes.... You'll sign that or you'll not be married.

Putnam.... (aside to Noyes) I pray you leave this thing to me. When Sam has courted her she means she'll sign it. Women lay much store by these small things of heart. But leave them to their courtship and the thing is done.

Noyes.... (aloud) I will not, she shall not marry him till her name is written here. I leave this paper in your charge. Young lady be advised. We'll come again - today! (to Sam) Come sir!

(Exeunt Noyes and Sam L.) (Betty kisses her hands to them and exit R smiling. Putnam stands perplexed centre then exit after Betty L scratching his head.)

13

## SCENE 2.

Same as scene 1. Later in the day.

Enter Betty and Putnam.

Putnam... Well, I feel better now.

Betty... Yes, I've heard that men are most content after dinner. I feel worse than ever. Oh, I wish I were a man!

Putnam... Marry Sam, then in a way you will be.

Betty... Yes, no doubt. Both of us cant be women.

Putnam... Ho! I didn't mean it in that way. I meant, possessing a man, in a sense - you see - in a sense, each of you is both a man and a woman. Marriage is the great cure-all.

Betty... Oh, if I could only be a man! What advantages you have.

Putnam... No doubt if you were a man you would want to chose a wife. Some of us must be feminine.

Betty... Yes, some of us but why me? I dont want to be.

Putnam... Sam is a good boy; he will not pry upon you overmuch. It is a good match, a good match.

Betty... Oh, if I should dream and dream till the very stars fell out, what would be my gain? Nothing. But if now I were a man, then it were different.

Putnam... I have known men with whom it was not different, though no stars fell out, I grant that.

Betty... I may not sing lest someone cry, "The Devil's in her!"

Putnam... That's true.

Betty... I may not rhyme. Nay, that's the devil too.

Putnam... So the saying goes.

Betty... I may not even think. Yet I do think! ( she jumps up) Oh father, father go in quickly! I left the water boiling the kettle will be burnt! Quickly!

Putnam... What, you crack brained infant, the brass kettle?

Betty... Yes, go quickly! ( Putnam goes out hurridly Betty remains laughing at him to herself.) Yes, I do think and according to their beliefs I think wickedly. ( delightedly Oh, such a perfect evil plan! ( she looks right and left, laughs and sits at the table to write.)

Sam...... (enters L. sees her and stops. She reads over what she has written laughs and writes again. Sam turns as if to go but returns at length) Elizabeth!

Betty... (jumps up with a cry and crumples the paper behind her but then she sees who it is and sinks back in her seat laughing) Oh my heart. I thought it was someone--

Sam..... I have been sent to court you for my wife.

Betty.... Your mother should have brushed your hair for you first.

Sam..... Oh if I could tell how I have fallen in love with you today!

Betty (jumping up angrily) Oh wonderful! Did I not hate you so utterly, how happy we might be together. So sweet a face, so robust a bearing. (laughs.)

Sam..... You're right I didn't mean to say that first.

Betty.... Oh he didn't mean it! Why what an ungovernable tongue you have and yet you do not stutter. But I will tell you what is meant by what you say. Speak and I'll interpret you - or it is better in less words. Your name is Noyse and you are here to rob me of my land. Now go I'd rather be alone.

Sam..... Let me speak first, then I'll go and not return.

Betty.... Since I am forced to listen speak quickly.

Sam..... I'll not displease you, it is short. I came to say I will not marry you.

Betty.... I could have told you that before you spoke.

Sam..... But there is one thing else.

Betty.... I hope it is no great secret!

Sam..... You know perhaps that I am poor.

Betty.... I am sorry for you.

Sam..... I seek no sympathy for that.

Betty... Then I am not sorry.

Sam... But truth has more to say, for I have less than nothing. In fact for anything I have I have a twofold debt left me from my father, all of which is due long since unto my uncle Noyes, he is my only creditor. I live on what he gives me for in short, I've nothing else to live by. Do you follow?

Betty... Very well. This much I am convinced of: that you were born a very poor lawyer and that your uncle is most generous though the latter, were it not for your eloquence, it were difficult to believe.

Sam... But hear the rest.

Betty... What, is there more?

Sam... Your land you recollect divides my uncle's land from mine.

Betty... And so he'd have you marry me.

Sam... But not until your land is in my name then he'll close sharp down and your coin and mine drop in his pocket.

Betty... Say that speech again.

Sam... I will -- perhaps it's plainer thus. When your land is in my name and has become my property, my uncle will make demands of me which when I've answered them will eat up both our portions and leave us destitute.

Betty... I hardly can believe that this is true.

Sam... Believe or not just as you will. I merely came to tell you that, so now it's told I am not fool enough to fail to see that I'm not wanted here, and yet, I could not go and not have told you this. May every season bring you fuller joys. (bows and starts to go.)

Betty... hear
I must, more of this.

Sam... I've told you all there is.

Betty... But this is mere suspicion.

Sam... I do not force you to believe it.

Betty... It is too easy to believe. Where are you going?

Sam... It cannot interest you. Good-bye.

Betty... It cannot for very long a time, but tell me.

Sam... To a ship that's in the bay.

Betty... Well, will the ship remain at anchor till doomsday?

Sam... Then to New Haven.

Betty... What! will you be a sailor?

Sam... Why perhaps.

Betty... And drown yourself or be eaten up by sharks.

Sam... I pray you will not laugh at me, good-bye.

Betty... No stay. I do not laugh. I merely wish to point the perils of the sea to try you if you're brave.

Sam... I pray you let me go.

Betty... Why not yet. I find that I may like you by and bye. Stay here and talk with me.

Sam... If you are mocking me - I came here for your good alone.

Betty... Oh no you came here for your own good also - to clear yourself.

Sam... Yes truly, for that also.

Betty... But really sir I am serious. Stay and I'll talk no more of that - will you?

Sam... As long as you desire then.

Betty... Sit down. And so you really hate your uncle.

Sam... I do and that most heartily.

Betty... It's a silly custom but let me clasp your hand for that. (they clasp hands.) - I like you more and more. Why if it should go on in this progression, presently I'll

like you very much indeed.

Sam......

(tries to go to her but she keeps him away) Oh Betty.

Betty...

No, mine is a more negative passion being only some-
thing less than hate. Let's say we're one in hate and
so be friends.

Sam.....

Whatever you desire is my law.

Betty...

Oh such a lovely speech to make-- and wasted. Is it
not a pity we are not lovers. - We shall pretend we are
in love!

Sam.....

For one I would need no art in that pretention-but I
must go for if my uncle finds me here and nothing done-

betty...

Have you done nothing? You have fallen in love with
me. Is that nothing?

Sam.....

Yes but --

Betty...

Well what then? -- If he should find you here and so
forth -- what then?

Sam.....

Why Betty this thing is serious with me. I am now up-
on my way from Salem never to return.

Betty...

Well then go and may you stay at least a year!

Sam.....

What object can there be for me in staying here? If
you loved me or if --

Betty...

Men must always have an object! Stay because it
pleases me.Let that be your object!

Sam.....

I am satisfied.

Betty...

But this time stick to it. We'll play we are in love
for half an hour; then you can go.

Sam.....

Or sooner if you choose.

Betty...

But first, Sam, for now we are so much in love I'll
call you Sam - are you so very great a Puritan?

Sam.....

Why I have gone to church.

Betty...
Then I have something to tell you for we must not
lose time, being in love but for half an hour. Do you
remember when you came this afternoon how suddenly I
jumped up with a scream?

Sam... I have a clear remembrance of it.

Betty... Tell me then, and honestly, are there really witches?

Sam... If you ask me honestly, why no.

Betty...
Then read what I have written here and tell me if
you like it -- honestly.

Sam... (takes paper and reads.) Oh excellent, oh that my
uncle could see this! This is most to the point! (reads)
The devil cried Nick Noyes, Nick Noyes --

Betty...
Don't read it out loud Sam it sounds ten times as
bad as when I wrote it. Give it to me.

Sam... No, no.

The devil cried Nick Noyes, Nick Noyes
Where is my namesake? Ho!
(enter Noyes L unobserved. He retreats and listens.)

When answered him Beelzebub

In Salem you must know.

Betty... No further, I was angry when I wrote it.

Sam... Excellent! No, I will read it.

What does he there? the devil cried--
But here Betty you are too gentle, let me add a line.

Betty...
A plan. I have another plan. You're Beelzebub and
I'm the devil. I'll question and you answer.

What does he there my trusty friend?

Sam... Must I answer now?

Betty... Yes you must answer.

Sam... Well ask it again.

Betty... What does he there my trusty friend?

Sam...... He robs his brother's son!

Noyes... (rushes forth.) You runagate, you thankless cur, go home, you are be-witched of her, go home I say and let me deal with the witch. Go! (Sam does not budge but stands between Noyes and Betty looking at Betty.)

Betty... Yes go! (to Sam. I Would not have you hear what I will say to him.)

Sam..... (going) You have commanded me.

Noyes... (amazed at it all.) He obeys you first, you are a witch - you shall .

Betty... Now you scheming hypocrite. If I could speak what I feel, I could - but I cannot - am I a witch? I'll witch you then. (suddenly strikes Noyes in the face.)

Sam..... (running to her.) Betty stop!

Noyes... Help ho, help.

Betty... Let loose my hand Sam.

Noyes... On you shall smart for this - and you too - both of ye - a witch, a witch I say has branded me. Today - this very day - you shall see. - (exit L.) (Betty cries and laughs alternately as Sam leads her to a seat.)

Sam...... Betty, Betty you have wronged us both, he rules the town and in this time -

Putnam... (enters L. as though from the street. greatly excited) What's this what's this? I knew it would come, she's mad with rhyming, Sam! Go get a doctor.

Sam..... Stay with her sir, I'll stop my uncle if I can before he gains the town. (exit L running.)

Putnam... (seizes Betty who is silent and hurries her out R.) Come in, get up Betty and come in the house. Whatever he says they will believe. (They are going off R.)

SUBMIT 111.

The same as above 1 and 2. afternoon.

(sound of horse approaching L.)

Voice......(outside) Ho neighbor Putnam. (Putnam mysteriously motions Betty off R.)

Voice...... Ho neighbor Putnam answer for the news.

Putnam..... I come, I come. (going L.)

Voice...... Sarah Cloyse the witch is sentenced to be hung at five o'clock. (Putnam turns hurridly and goes off R after Betty into the house. Noise of horse retiring) was following him here.

Putnam... Oh Sam, what will become of us?

Sam...... Where is Betty?

Putnam... In the yard laughing and making light of everything.

Sam...... Have you told her what I said?

Putnam... Yes, but it does no good. Nothing in any use. She will not heed me.

Sam...... But have you done her any harm?

Putnam... Sam I am desperate! Strive with her, you perhaps can bring her to reason. Think of it Sam! She had even worse her will!

Sam...... Her will is strong? Surely only in jest?

Putnam... No, I am sure. She forced us to help her. All is lost to the smallest detail. (Putnam crosses herself.)

Sam...... Where are you going, sir?

Putnam... To find your uncle and to plead with him. Oh, I wish and never seen him since you!

Betty... (controlling R.) Why father?

Putnam... Why? Let's clear enough why, I think.

Sam...... How are you feeling, Betty?

Betty... Loose in the head. Sam. I've laughed so much.