Who cannot want the thought how monstrous8
It was for Malcolm and for Donalbain
To kill their gracious father? Damned fact,10
How it did grieve Macbeth! Did he not straight,
In pious rage, the two delinquents tear
That were the slaves of drink and thralls of sleep?13
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 think17
That, had he Duncan's sons under his key—
As, an't please heaven, he shall not-they should find19
What 'twere to kill a father. So should Fleance.20
But peace; for from broad words, and 'cause he failed21
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,
25 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
29 Takes from his high respect. Thither Macduff 30 Is gone to pray the holy king upon his aid 31 To wake Northumberland and warlike Siward; 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,
36 Do faithful homage and receive free honors-All which we pine for now. And this report Hath so exasperate the king that he
Prepares for some attempt of war.
40LENNOX Sent he to Macduff?
LORD
He did; and with an absolute "Sir, not I,"