Page 2135 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

In pious rage − the two delinquents tear,
That were the slaves of drink, and thralls of sleep?
Was not that nobly done? Ay, and wisely too;
For ’twould have angered any heart alive

To hear the men deny’t. So that I say
He has borne all things well; and I do think
That had he Duncan’s sons under his key −
As, an’t please heaven, he shall not − they should find

What ’twere to kill a father − so should Fleance. [20]
But, peace! For from broad words, and ’cause he failed
His presence at the tyrant’s feast, I hear
Macduff lives in disgrace. Sir, can you tell

Where he bestows himself?

LORD
The son of Duncan,
From whom this tyrant holds the due of birth,
Lives in the English court, and is received

Of the most pious Edward with such grace
That the malevolence of fortune nothing
Takes from his high respect. Thither Macduff
Is gone to pray the holy king, upon his aid, [30]
To wake Northumberland and warlike Seyward,

That by the help of these − with Him above
To ratify the work − we may again
Give to our tables meat, sleep to our nights,

Free from our feasts and banquets bloody knives,
Do faithful homage and receive free honours −
All which we pine for now. And this report
Hath so exasperate the King that he
Prepares for some attempt of war.

LENNOX
Sent he to Macduff?

LORD
He did. And with an absolute ‘Sir, not I!’ [40]
The cloudy messenger turns me his back