The Witch of Edmonton

Old Banks complains to three countrymen that his horse has suddenly become sick. He blames this on Elizabeth Sawyer, calling her a witch. The First Countryman says he found his wife and a servingman having sex in the barn. His wife, when questioned, said that she had been bewitched, so he blames Elizabeth for this, too. All the men agree that she is a witch and is to blame for problems with their livestock and with various women in their households.

Another countryman enters, chanting about burning the witch. He burns some thatch (woven sticks) taken from the roof of her home, enacting the superstition that if she truly is a witch, this will summon her. Elizabeth Sawyer enters, cursing them. They attack her and she calls for help.

Sir Arthur enters with a justice of the peace, a legal official. The Justice intervenes, chiding them for taking matters into their own hands with only superstition as evidence. Old Banks tells the Justice that against his will, he has been compelled to run to his cow and kiss its behind and that this is a bewitchment by Elizabeth Sawyer. The Justice again reminds them that the law protects Elizabeth from mob justice.