86
First Rustic.
Peace thou foul-mouthed witch!
Shall we stay tamely by, and hear her curse?
Seize her good neighbours, drag her to the stream.
Croud.
Down with the witch! down with the wicked hag.
Enter a Traveller on horseback. Ellinor runs up and accosts him.
Ellinor.
Oh Sir! for charity arrest the mad
And murderous purpose of these credulous
Inhuman peasants. They will put to death
A poor old harmless creature, something given
In truth to evil speaking; but indeed
Most wrongfully accused. The charge they bring
Would be a theme for merriment alone,
Were they not bent upon a cruel test,
They'll drown their wretched victim for a witch!
