Bless you, fair dame. I am not to you known
Messenger
Bless you, fair dame. I am not to you known,
Though in your state of honor I am perfect.
I doubt some danger does approach you nearly.
If you will take a homely man’s advice,
Be not found here. Hence with your little ones!
To fright you thus methinks I am too savage;
To do worse to you were fell cruelty,
Which is too nigh your person. Heaven preserve you!
I dare abide no longer.
Messenger exits.
I am in this earthly world, where to do harm
Is often laudable, to do good sometime
Accounted dangerous folly
Lady Macduff
Whither should I fly?
I have done no harm. But I remember now
I am in this earthly world, where to do harm
Is often laudable, to do good sometime
Accounted dangerous folly. Why then, alas,
Do I put up that womanly defense
To say I have done no harm?
Enter Murderers.
What are these faces?
Murderer
Where is your husband?
Lady Macduff
I hope in no place so unsanctified
Where such as thou mayst find him.
Murderer
He’s a traitor.
Son
Thou liest, thou shag-eared villain!
Murderer
What, you egg?
Stabbing him.
Young fry of treachery!
Son
He has killed me, mother.
Run away, I pray you.
Lady Macduff exits, crying “Murder!” followed by the
Murderers bearing the Son’s body.