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All Site ContentMacbethAct 4Scene 3
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“the powers above put on their instruments”
Wordplay
Act 4,
Scene 3
Lines 235b-240

An explanation of the phrase “put on their instruments” in Act 4, Scene 3 of myShakespeare’s Macbeth.

Malcolm

                                           This tune goes manly.
Come, go we to the king; our power is ready;
Our lack is nothing but our leave. Macbeth
Is ripe for shaking, and the powers above
Put on their instruments. Receive what cheer you may;
The night is long that never finds the day.
[Exit]

The wordplay here means that this phrase can be read three ways:

  • The angels blow their trumpets
  • The angels put on their weapons.
  • The angels set on (encourage) their army as God’s instruments of justice.