Page 2179 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

Thanes, and Soldiers.

MALCOLM
I would the friends we miss were safe arrived.

SEYWARD
Some must go off; and yet, by these I see
So great a day as this is cheaply bought.

MALCOLM
Macduff is missing and your noble son.

ROSS
Your son, my lord, has paid a soldier’s debt.

He only lived but till he was a man;
The which no sooner had his prowess confirmed [80]
In the unshrinking station where he fought
But, like a man, he died.

SEYWARD

Then he is dead?

ROSS

Ay, and brought off the field. Your cause of sorrow
Must not be measured by his worth, for then
It hath no end.

SEYWARD
Had he his hurts before?

ROSS
Ay, on the front.

SEYWARD
Why then, God’s soldier be he.

Had I as many sons as I have hairs
I would not wish them to a fairer death.