Act 3 Scene 6


Scene Summary 


 Lennox and another lord discuss Macbeth’s guilt.


Their conversation reveals that Macduff is in the court of King Edward (the King of England) and is planning to return with an army to overthrow Macbeth.


Forres. The Palace. Enter LENNOX and another Lord


LENNOX My former speeches have but hit your thoughts, Which can interpret further:1


only I say, Things have been strangely borne.2 The gracious Duncan 10


Was pitied of Macbeth: marry, he was dead: And the right-valiant Banquo walked too late; Whom, you may say, if't please you, Fleance killed, For Fleance fled: men must not walk too late. Who cannot want the thought how monstrous It was for Malcolm and for Donalbain To kill their gracious father? Damned fact! How it did grieve Macbeth! Did he not straight In pious rage the two delinquents tear, That were the slaves of drink and thralls of sleep? Was not that nobly done?Ay, and wisely too; For 'twould have angered any heart alive To hear the men deny't. So that, I say, He has borne all things well:3


That had he Duncan's sons under his key4 20 feast, I hear


and I do think –


As, an't please heaven, he shall not – they should find What 'twere to kill a father; so should Fleance. But, peace! For from broad words and 'cause he failed His presence at the tyrant's5


Macduff lives in disgrace. Sir, can you tell Where he bestows himself?6


LORD The son of Duncan,


From whom this tyrant holds the due of birth7 Lives in the English court, and is received Of the most pious Edward8


with such grace


That the malevolence of fortune nothing Takes from his high respect.9


30 Thither Macduff


Is gone to pray the holy king, upon his aid To wake Northumberland and warlike Siward:10


10 2 1


My former…interpret further: What I’ve said to you before echoes your own thoughts; it’s up to you to draw your own conclusions.


Things have been strangely borne: Unusual things have occurred.


3


The gracious Duncan…things well: Lennox with deliberate irony has listed all of the reasons why Macbeth could be considered innocent.


4 under his key: imprisoned tyrant: a cruel ruler


5 6 bestows himself: is staying 7


The son of…due of birth: The son of Duncan (Malcolm) from whom Macbeth hold his birthright (the crown).


8 9


Edward: Edward the Confessor, the King of England


That the malevolence…high respect: that his misfortune does not lose him respect (in Edward’s court)


Northumberland and warlike Siward: Siward was Earl of Northumbria and a powerful leader


81


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