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"imperial charge"
Wordplay
Act 4,
Scene 3
Lines 18a-24a

An explanation of the phrase “imperial charge” in Act 4, Scene 3 of myShakespeare’s Macbeth.

Macduff

I am not treacherous.

Malcolm

                                       But Macbeth is.
A good and virtuous nature may recoil
In an imperial charge. But I shall crave your pardon;    
That which you are, my thoughts cannot transpose;
Angels are bright still, though the brightest fell.
Though all things foul would wear the brows of grace,
Yet grace must still look so.

Macduff

Malcolm

Macduff

Malcolm

Macduff

Malcolm

Macduff

Malcolm

Macduff

Malcolm

Macduff

Malcolm

Macduff

Malcolm

Macduff

Malcolm

Macduff

[Enter a Doctor]

Malcolm

Doctor

Malcolm

[Exit Doctor]

Macduff

Malcolm

[Enter Ross]

Macduff

Malcolm

Macduff

Malcolm

Ross

Macduff

Ross

Macduff

Malcolm

Ross

Macduff

Ross

Macduff

Ross

Macduff

Ross

Macduff

Ross

Malcolm

Ross

Macduff

Ross

Macduff

Ross

Macduff

Ross

Malcolm

Macduff

Ross

Macduff

Ross

Malcolm

Macduff

Malcolm

Macduff

Malcolm

Macduff

Malcolm

[Exit]

"Imperial charge" can refer to

  • royal command. Though virtuous, Malcolm may feel compelled to obey the orders from a king.
  • mighty attack. Malcolm may cave in because he feels overwhelmed by the pressure from Macbeth.