474 THE SUFFOLK WITCHES. 



Silence ! The court is stilled. Not a voice, not a sound, 

 save deep low moans from a child a victim of witchcraft, 

 as they think, who had been brought to the court in testi- 

 mony, and reclined on a mattress. 



' Gentlemen of the jury,' said the judge, <I will not repeat 

 the evidence unto ye, lest by so doing I should wrong one 

 side or the other. Only this do I acquaint ye. Two things 

 are to be inquired. First, whether or no these children be 

 bewitched. Secondly, whether the prisoners at the bar be 

 guilty of it. That there be such creatures as witches I 

 make no doubt. First, the Scriptures have affirmed so much. 

 Second, the wisdom of all nations hath provided laws against 

 such persons, which is an argument of their confidence of 

 such a crime. And such hath been the judgment of this 

 kingdom, as appeareth by that act of parliament which hath 

 provided punishment proportionate to the quality of the 

 offence. I bid ye strictly observe the evidence; and may 

 the great God of heaven direct your hearts in this weighty 

 thing. For to condemn the innocent, and let the guilty go 

 free, be both an abomination unto the Lord.' 



With this short direction the jury depart from the bar to 

 deliberate. In the space of half an % hour they return, bring- 

 ing in a verdict of guilty upon the several indictments thir- 

 teen in number. Then the black cap the sentence. Amy 

 Duny and Eose Cullender must die ! 



This was upon Thursday afternoon, March 13, 1662. 

 Mark now a prodigy. 



'Next morning the three children with their parents 

 called on Lord chief-baron Hale at his lodgings. They spake 

 perfectly, and were in as good health as ever they were ; only 

 Susan Chandler, by reason of her very much affliction, did 

 look very thin and wan. Their friends being asked at what 

 time they were restored thus to their speech and health, Mrs. 

 Pacy did affirm, that within less than half an hour after the 

 witches were convicted they were all of them restored sleep- 



