Act 2 Scene 4


Scene Summary 





Ross and an old man speak about strange unnatural phenomena and the extraordinary behaviour of animals following Duncan’s death.


Macduff arrives and explains thatMalcolmandDonalbain have left, and that some suspect that they ordered the murder of Duncan.


 Macbeth is to be crowned at Scone.  Macduff says he is not going to the coronation; instead he is going home to Fife.


Inverness. Outside Macbeth’s castle. Enter ROSS and an OLD MAN


OLDMAN Threescore and ten1


I can remember well:


Within the volume2 of which time I have seen Hours dreadful and things strange; but this sore3


Hath trifled former knowings.4 ROSS


Ah, good father,5 10


Thou seest, the heavens, as troubled with man's act, 6 Threaten his bloody stage: by the clock, 'tis day, And yet dark night strangles the travelling lamp:7 Is't night’s predominance, or the day's shame, That darkness does the face of earth entomb,8 When living light should kiss it?


OLDMAN 'Tis unnatural,


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.9


ROSS And Duncan's horses – a thing most strange and certain – Beauteous and swift, the minions of their race,10 Turned wild in nature, broke their stalls, flung out, Contending 'gainst obedience,11


as they would make


War with mankind. OLDMAN


'Tis said they eat each other. 53 9


A falcon…and killed: A falcon, soaring high, was attacked and killed by an owl.


10 11


minions of their race: the best of their breed


Contending ’gainst obedience: rebelling against their training


5 6 7 night


1 Threescore and ten: 70 years 2 volume: record 3 sore: awful


4


Hath trifled former knowings: Has trivialised things I have known before


father: a term of respect; the old man is not Ross’s father


the heavens…man’s act: Heaven is upset by the actions of people.


strangles the travelling lamp: blocks out the sun


8 entomb: cover (as in a tomb)


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