I falter nothing, but I may wonder if my story will be credited in such a court. I do wonder on it, when such a steady-minded minister as you will suspicion such a woman that never lied, and cannot, and the world knows she cannot! I may falter somewhat, Mister; I am no fool.
– Arthur Miller
The Crucible, Act 2. Proctor tells Hale that he is not hesitant about telling the court the childrens’ illness had nothing to do with witchcraft. But he rightly wonders will his story be believed, since a highly respected old woman and pillar of the community like Rebecca Nurse who never lied could be suspected of being a witch.