The Crucible

What is the literal meaning of Danforth's speech in act IV paragraph 104?

They are in the court room talking and Parris and Hale are trying to convince Danforth do postpone the hangings.

Hale says, "The sun will rise in a few minutes. Excellency, I must have more time."

Danforth replys, "Now hear me, and beguile yourselves no more. I will not receive a single plea for pardon or postponement. Them that will not confess will hang. Twelve are already executed: the names of these seven are given out, and the villagr expects to see them die this morning. Postponement now speaks a floundering on my part; reprieve or pardon must cast doubt upon the guilt of them that died till now. While I speak God's law, I will not crack its voice with whimpering. If retaliation is your fear, know this-Ishould hang ten thousand that dear to rise against the law, and an ocean of salt tears could not melt the resolution of the statutes. Now draw yourselves up like men and help me, as you are bound by Heaven to do. Have you spoken with them all, Mr. Hale?"

Hale relpyes," All but Proctor. He is in the dungeon.

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