II.4Enter Ross with an Old Man.
OLD MAN
Threescore and ten I can remember well;1
Within the volume of which time I have seen
Hours dreadful and things strange, but this sore night Hath trifled former knowings.4
ROSS Ha, good father,
Thou seest the heavens, as troubled with man's act,5
Threatens his bloody stage. By th' clock 'tis day,
And yet dark night strangles the traveling lamp.7
Is't night's predominance, or the day's shame,8
That darkness does the face of earth entomb
When living light should kiss it?10
OLD MAN 'Tis unnatural,
Even like the deed that's done. On Tuesday last
A falcon, tow'ring in her pride of place,12
Was by a mousing owl hawked at and killed.13
ROSS
And Duncan's horses-a thing most strange and certain—
Beauteous and swift, the minions of their race,15
Turned wild in nature, broke their stalls, flung out,16
Contending 'gainst obedience, as they would make
War with mankind.
OLD MAN 'Tis said they ate each other.
ROSS
They did so, to th' amazement of mine eyes
20 That looked upon't.
Enter Macduff. Here comes the good Macduff.
How goes the world, sir, now?
MACDUFF Why, see you not?
ROSS