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54

Was not that nobly done? Ay, and wisely too;

For 'twould have anger'd any heart alive

To hear the men deny 't. So that, I say,

He has borne all things well; and I do think

That, had he Duncan's sons under his key,—

As, an 't please heaven, he shall not,—they should find

What 'twere to kill a father; so should Fleance.

But, peace! for from broad words, and 'cause he fail'd

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,

From whom this tyrant holds the due of birth,

Lives in the English court, and is receiv'd

Of the most pious Edward with such grace

That the malevolence of fortune nothing

Takes from his high respect. Thither Macduff

Is gone to pray the holy king, upon his aid

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,

Do faithful homage and receive free honours;

All which we pine for now. And this report

Hath so exasperate the king that he

Prepares for some attempt at war.

Len. Sent he to Macduff?

Lord. He did: and with an absolute, 'Sir, not I,'

The cloudy messenger turns me his back,

And hums, as who should say, 'You'll rue the time

 19 an: if

21 from broad words: because of his outspokenness

35 Free: keep away

38 exasperate: exasperated

41 turns me: turns 