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All Site ContentMacbethAct 1Scene 7
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"cat i' the adage"
Allusion
Act 1,
Scene 7
Lines 41-45a

An explanation of Lady Macbeth’s reference to a proverb about a cat in Act 1, Scene 7 of myShakespeare’s Macbeth.

Lady Macbeth

As thou art in desire? Wouldst thou have that
Which thou esteem'st the ornament of life,
And live a coward in thine own esteem,
Letting 'I dare not' wait upon 'I would,'
Like the poor cat i' the adage?

This line refers to the proverbial cat who wants to eat fish, but is afraid to get its feet wet.