Your Honor, I – in that time I were sick. And I – My husband is a good and righteous man. He is never drunk as some are, nor wastin’ his time at the shovelboard, but always at his work. But in my sickness – you see, sir, I were a long time sick after my last baby, and I thought I saw my husband somewhat turning from me. And this girl – .
– Arthur Miller
The Crucible, Act 3. Elizabeth is asked by Danforth what caused her to dismiss Abigail from her service. She tries to evade Danforth’s question. Rather than admit to her husband’s infidelity with Abigail she covers up for John. In her desire to protect him, she takes the blame herself by speaking of how she was sick after having a baby and thought her husband was losing interest in her. But far from saving John, her lie ironically ends up hurting both herself and him more.