Vol. 7 No. 3 1940 - page 190

190
PARTISAN REVIEW
Bridget Glover joined in the quarrel and defended her child.
She went over to the Goodwin house and shouted angrily and made
incoherent threats. It was a foolish row over the back fence, but
through skillful handling by Cotton Mather it became the most
sensational episode in Boston for the next six months. The exact
words spoken by Bridget Glover will never be known. Indeed,
the
facts of the case cannot now be learned, for it was recorded
by
Cotton Mather, who was interpreting by a formula, and the eveut
followed the perfect classical pattern. Each member of the
Good·
win family gave a different version of her speeches, but all agreed
that she had spoken repeatedly of the Devil and had cursed them
in the manner of a witch. Cotton Mather conferred with his friend
Mr. Hale, who agreed with him that this was matter for the author·
ities. Bridget Glover was formally accused of witchcraft, and
brought before the magistrates for examination.
When they began to question her, so the story runs, she stam–
mered a moment, lapsed into Gaelic, and never again spoke a word
of English. It was necessary to conduct her trial through an inter·
preter. There is little doubt that she was full of fairy lore, a
fum
believer in ancient signs and wonders. This was not strange, nor
even criminal. Good Congregationalists had to be reminded from
the pulpit, now and again, that they must not turn the sieve
and
shears, wear amulets, and recite charms when they dug for
hea~
herbs. The records are so confused in Brid,get's case that there
is
no way of knowing what arts she practised. The Irish bravado
overcame her when confronted by her enemies, and she boasted
that indeed she was a witch, and a good one. She had done all
they
charged her with, and more; she hinted she could tell great things
if she pleased.
The interpreters said so, at least. They also interrupted, on
their own responsibility, to add that she appeared to be dominated
in turn by a black magic superior to her own and was restrained
from telling tales by being forced to talk in a language which
the
demons believed no one else in Boston could understand.
The
crack-brained logic of the demons left their servant
d~fenseless,
and the trial went on smoothly.
Point by point the evidence corresponded with the best tradi·
tions. Rag figures stuffed with goat's wool were found in her howe
and produced in court. She admitted she had made them, and said
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