The Tragedy of Macbeth |
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| Macbeth
| Act 2, Scene 4
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Enter ROSS and an old ManOld Man
Threescore and ten I can remember well:ROSS
Within the volume of which time I have seen
Hours dreadful and things strange; but this sore night
Hath trifled former knowings.
Ah, good father,Old Man
Thou seest, the heavens, as troubled with man's act,
Threaten his bloody stage: by the clock, 'tis day,
And yet dark night strangles the travelling lamp:
Is't night's predominance, or the day's shame,
That darkness does the face of earth entomb,
When living light should kiss it?
'Tis unnatural,ROSS
Even like the deed that's done. On Tuesday last,
A falcon, towering in her pride of place,
Was by a mousing owl hawk'd at and kill'd.
And Duncan's horses--a thing most strange and certain--Old Man
Beauteous and swift, the minions of their race,
Turn'd wild in nature, broke their stalls, flung out,
Contending 'gainst obedience, as they would make
War with mankind.
'Tis said they eat each other.ROSS
They did so, to the amazement of mine eyesMACDUFF
That look'd upon't. Here comes the good Macduff.
Enter MACDUFF
How goes the world, sir, now?
Why, see you not?ROSS
Is't known who did this more than bloody deed?MACDUFF
Those that Macbeth hath slain.ROSS
Alas, the day!MACDUFF
What good could they pretend?
They were suborn'd:ROSS
Malcolm and Donalbain, the king's two sons,
Are stol'n away and fled; which puts upon them
Suspicion of the deed.
'Gainst nature still!MACDUFF
Thriftless ambition, that wilt ravin up
Thine own life's means! Then 'tis most like
The sovereignty will fall upon Macbeth.
He is already named, and gone to SconeROSS
To be invested.
Where is Duncan's body?MACDUFF
Carried to Colmekill,ROSS
The sacred storehouse of his predecessors,
And guardian of their bones.
Will you to Scone?MACDUFF
No, cousin, I'll to Fife.ROSS
Well, I will thither.MACDUFF
Well, may you see things well done there: adieu!ROSS
Lest our old robes sit easier than our new!
Farewell, father.Old Man
God's benison go with you; and with those
That would make good of bad, and friends of foes!
Exeunt
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