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All Site ContentMacbethAct 5Scene 7
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“compassed with thy kingdom’s pearl”
Language
Act 5,
Scene 7
Lines 84-89a

An explanation of the phrase “compassed with thy kingdom’s pearl” in Act 5, Scene 7 of myShakespeare’s Macbeth.

Macduff

Hail, king, for so thou art. Behold where stands
The usurper's cursed head; the time is free.
I see thee compassed with thy kingdom's pearl,
That speak my salutation in their minds,
Whose voices I desire aloud with mine —
Hail, King of Scotland.

All

[Trumpets sound]

Malcolm

[Trumpets. All exit.]

This phrase could be read in two ways:

1. Malcolm is surrounded by Scotland's nobility, the jewels of society.

2. Malcolm’s head is enclosed by the crown, the jewel of state.