s my daughter?

_Paul._ As well as she can fare, poor lass! I saw her last evening.
She is now calmer in her mind, and she goeth about the house like
her mother.

_Giles._ Her mother set great store by her. She would often strive
in prayer that she should not make an idol of her before the Lord.

_Paul._ Goodman, it goes hard to tell you, but I had an audience
yesterday again with Governor Phipps, an' 'twas in vain.

_Giles_ (_laughing_). In vain, say ye 'twas in vain? Why, I looked
to see the pardon sticking out of your waistcoat pocket! Why went ye
again to Boston? Know ye not that this whole land is now a bedlam,
and the Governors and the magistrates swell the ravings? Seek ye in
bedlam for justice of madmen? It is not now pardon or justice that
we have to think on, but death, and the best that can be made out
on't. Know ye that my trial will be held this afternoon?

_Paul._ Yes, Goodman Corey.

_Giles._ Sit ye down on this stool. I have much I would say to ye.

[Paul _seats himself on a stool._ Giles _sits on his bed._

_Giles._ Master Bayley, ye have been long a-courting my daughter.
Do ye propose in good faith to take her to wife?

_Paul._ With the best faith that be in me.

_Giles._ Then I tell ye, man, take her speedily--take her within
three weeks.

_Paul._ I would take her with all my heart, goodman, would she be
willing.

_Giles._ She must needs be willing. Why, devil take it! be ye not
smart enough to make her willing? It will all go for naught if she
be not willing. Tell her her father bids her. She hath ever minded
her father.

_Paul._ I will tell her so, goodman.

_Giles._ Tell her 'tis the last command her father gives her. If
she say no, hear it yes. Do not ye give it up if ye have to drag her
to 't. Why, she must not be left alone in the world. It be a hard
world. Old Giles hath gone far in it, and found it ever a hard
world. Verily it be not cleared any more than the woods of
Massachusetts. It be hard enough for a man; a young maid must needs
have somebody to hold aside the boughs for her. Wed her, if she will
or no. I have somewhat to show ye, Master Bayley. (_Draws a document
from his waistcoat._) See ye this?

[Paul _takes the document and examines it._

_Giles._ See ye what 'tis?

_Paul._ It is a deed whereby you convey all your property to me, so
I be Olive's husband. Wherefore?

_Giles._ It be drawn up in good form. It be duly witnessed. You see
that it