s and Cora Waters, a wave of superstition
swept over the village of Salem with such irresistible fury, that it
seemed in greater danger than the frontier settlements did from the
French and Indians. The Nurse family and all their relatives came in for
a greater share than any other. Mrs. Cloyse was second of the family to
be accused by Parris and his minions. Mrs. Cloyse drew ill-will upon
herself at the outset by doing as her brother and sister Nurse did. They
all absented themselves from the examinations in the church, and, when
the interruptions of the services became too flagrant, from Sabbath
worship. They declared that they took that course, because they
disapproved of the permission given to the profanation of the place and
the service. At last Mrs. Cloyse, or Goody Cloyse, as she was called in
the records of the day, was arrested. Mary Easty and Elizabeth Proctor
were also arrested. Mary Easty, sister of Mrs. Nurse, was tried and
condemned. On her condemnation and sentence, she made an affective
memorial while under sentence of death, and fully aware of the
hopelessness of her case, addressing the judges, the magistrates and the
reverend ministers, imploring them to consider what they were doing, and
how far their course in regard to accused persons was inconsistent with
the principles and rules of justice.

"I ask nothing for myself," she said. "I am satisfied with my own
innocence and certain of my doom on earth and my hope in Heaven. What I
do desire, is to induce the authorities to take time, and to use caution
in receiving and strictness in sifting testimony; and so shall they
ascertain the truth, and absolve the innocent, the blessing of God being
upon your conscientious endeavors."

No effect was produced by her warnings or remonstrances. Before setting
forth from the jail to the Witches' Hill on the day of her death, she
serenely bade farewell to her husband and many children, and many of her
friends, some of whom afterward related that "her sayings were so
serious, religious, distinct and affectionate as could well be
expressed, drawing tears from the eyes of all present."

The subject of witchcraft grew more interesting after the execution of
Mary Easty, and to examine Elizabeth Proctor and Sarah Cloyse, or
Cloyce, as Mr. Bancroft spells the name, the deputy governor and five
magistrates went to Salem. It was a great day. Several ministers were
present. Parris officiated, and, by his own record, it i