[Fife, Macduff's castle. Enter Ross and an old Man]
Old Man
Threescore and ten I can remember well,
Within the volume of which time I have seen
Hours dreadful and things strange, but this sore night
Hath trifled former knowings.
Ross
Thou seest the heavens, as troubled with man's act,
Threaten his bloody stage. By the clock 'tis day,
And yet dark night strangles the traveling lamp.
Is't night's predominance, or the day's shame,
That darkness does the face of earth entomb,
When living light should kiss it?
Old Man
Even like the deed that's done. On Tuesday last,
A falcon, towering in her pride of place,
Was by a mousing owl hawked at and killed.
Ross
And Duncan's horses — a thing most strange and certain —
Beauteous and swift, the minions of their race,
Turned wild in nature, broke their stalls, flung out,
Contending 'gainst obedience, as they would make
Old Man
'Tis said they ate each other.
Ross
They did so, to the amazement of mine eyes
That looked upon't. Here comes the good Macduff.
[Enter Macduff]
How goes the world, sir, now?
Macduff
Ross
Is't known who did this more than bloody deed?
Macduff
Those that Macbeth hath slain.
Ross
What good could they pretend?
Macduff
Malcolm and Donalbain, the king's two sons,
Are stolen away and fled, which puts upon them
Ross
Thriftless ambition that wilt raven up
Thine own life's means – then 'tis most like
The sovereignty will fall upon Macbeth.
Macduff
He is already named, and gone to Scone
Ross
Macduff
The sacred storehouse of his predecessors,
And guardian of their bones.
Ross
Macduff
No, cousin, I'll to Fife.
Ross
Macduff
Well, may you see things well done there — adieu —
Lest our old robes sit easier than our new.
Ross
Old Man
God's benison go with you, and with those
That would make good of bad, and friends of foes.
[Exit]
