Page:Macbeth (1918) Yale.djvu/112

100 never be vanquished by anything. Note that after the Second Apparition's promise Macbeth speaks of Macduff; but that here his mind turns immediately to Banquo. Banquo's ghost cannot vanquish him; but who will reign after him?

two-fold balls and treble sceptres. James, who became King of England in 1603, was already King of Scotland. In 1604 he assumed the title of 'King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland.' He was popularly supposed to be descended from Banquo.

Each way and move. This passage is probably corrupt. As it stands, it seems best to take move as a noun. 'Each way we travel, nay, each movement we make.'

Malcolm purposely speaks darkly. His full meaning seems to be: 'Macbeth was once thought honest (as you are; perhaps you are really as bad as he). You have formerly loved him well (perhaps you do still). He hath not touched you yet (because you are his friend). Young and harmless as I am, you may discern a chance for greater favor from him through me; you may discern wisdom in betraying me.' The last sentence is awkward, and some editors change 'discern' to 'deserve'; but even this alteration does not remove the whole difficulty.

The sense is: May our chance of success be in proportion to the justice of our quarrel.

stay his cure. To Edward the Confessor, King of England in Macbeth's time, was ascribed the power to cure scrofula by his touch. The disease was called 'the king's evil.' Many of Edward's successors practiced the same cure. Among these was James I, in compliment to whom this passage is inserted.

Is there scarce ask'd for who. When