And if she tell me, child, it were for harlotry, may God spread His mercy on you!
– Arthur Miller
The Crucible, Act 3. Judge Danforth issues this warning to Abigail, as he is about to question Elizabeth Proctor on why she fired Abigail. John Proctor has claimed that the reason Elizabeth sent Abigail packing is because he has an affair with her. Abigail’s accusations of witchcraft were motivated by jealousy and vengeance, he told a horrified Danforth earlier.