LADY MACDUFF. Poor prattler, how thou talk’st! 

Enter a Messenger.

Messenger

 MESSENGER. Bless you, fair dame! I am not to you known, Though in your state of honour I am perfect. I doubt some danger does approach you nearly: If you will take a homely man’s advice, Be not found here; hence, with your little ones. To fright you thus, methinks, I am too savage; To do worse to you were fell cruelty, Which is too nigh your person. Heaven preserve you! I dare abide no longer. 

[Exit.]

 LADY MACDUFF. Whither should I fly? I have done no harm. But I remember now I am in this earthly world, where to do harm Is often laudable; to do good sometime Accounted dangerous folly:  why then, alas, Do I put up that womanly defence, To say I have done no harm? What are these faces? 

Enter Murderers.

Murderers

 FIRST MURDERER. Where is your husband? 

 LADY MACDUFF. I hope, in no place so unsanctified Where such as thou mayst find him. 

 FIRST MURDERER. He’s a traitor. 

 SON. Thou liest, thou shag-ear’d villain! 

 FIRST MURDERER. What, you egg! 

[Stabbing him.]

 Young fry of treachery! 

 SON. He has kill’d me, mother: Run away, I pray you! 

[Dies. Exit Lady Macduff, crying “Murder!” and pursued by the Murderers.]

Lady Macduff,

 SCENE III. England. Before the King’s Palace.

Enter Malcolm and Macduff.

 Prev. P 45/62 next