Explain what is meant by the stage direction in line 493 that proctor is another man

This is the first time we see John Proctor in Act IV, and also the first time we see him since he was made prisioner at the end of Act III. Whereas before he was a prosperous farmer, now he bears on his face and his body the rigors of prison: he looks "bearded, filthy, his eyes misty as though webs had overgrown them". He tells Elizabeth that he has been tortured, and he has also suffered for her (she is pregnant). We will soon see that the change is not only external; he has aquired a newfound resolve that will lead him to reject the possibility of saving himself by lying.

covert: hidden or secret

candid: truthful and straightforward

what i get from these phrases is covert means undercover or underground and that's where the flower is in april. on the other hand, may is the month where flowers start to bloom and thats the reason why candid is being used as a word to describe the blossoming period of a flower.

hope this answer you.

in paragraph 6 of "sinners in the hands of an angry god" by jonathan edwards, he talks about how doing good things alone will not save men from going to hell because they're at the mercy of the will of god. "spiritual reform" provides men with a false sense of safety.