r lives or avoiding the horrors of imprisonment, would falsely accuse their friends and relatives, while others moved by the same hopes, would falsely confess themselves to be witches. Many of the accusers and witnesses came forward and published denials of the truth of their testimony, to save their own lives. Mr. Paris in the Danver family, who was one of the most strong prosecutors of alleged witches, was compelled toresign his charge and leave the country. The acknowledgments of error and pleadings for mercy, could not restore the spirits of those who are hanged, nor make changes for the pains' others had suffered. The trick had prevailed in greatest desire more than six months, and it was not decreasing for more than a year. During that time nineteen had been hanged, and Corey Giles who is killed by the horrid process of pressing to death with stones because he would say if was guilty or innocent. He continued to say "more weight" (Miller 1113); until he died. In doing so, his family could keep his land. Others had been tortured or frightened into a confession of guilt or imprisoned. As one can see the power of superstition and the hearsay can distort the truth. The Salem witch trials were horrifying and itchanges many peoples lives. The belief in witches did not end with the strange excitement. This strange episode in the history of Massachusetts astonished the civilized world, and made an unfavorable impression on others....
