back to 2.3 skip to 3.1 Macbeth Act 2, Scene 4 Enter Ross and an old Man Old ManThreescore and ten I can remember well: Within the volume of which time I have seen Hours dreadful and things strange; but this sore night Hath trifled former knowings. Ross Ha, good father, Thou seest the heavens, as troubled with man’s act, Threaten his bloody stage: by the clock, ‘tis day, And yet dark night strangles the travelling lamp: Is’t night’s predominance, or the day’s shame, That darkness does the face of earth entomb, When living light should kiss it? Old Man ‘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 hawk’d at and kill’d. RossAnd Duncan’s horses—a thing most strange and certain— Beauteous and swift, the minions of their race, Turn’d wild in nature, broke their stalls, flung out, Contending ‘gainst obedience, as they would make War with mankind. Old Man ‘Tis said they eat each other. RossThey did so, to the amazement of mine eyes That look’d upon’t. Here comes the good Macduff. Enter Macduff How goes the world, sir, now? Macduff Why, see you not? RossIs’t known who did this more than bloody deed? MacduffThose that Macbeth hath slain. Ross Alas, the day! What good could they pretend? Macduff They were suborn’d: Malcolm and Donalbain, the king’s two sons, Are stol’n away and fled; which puts upon them Suspicion of the deed. Ross ‘Gainst nature still! Thriftless ambition, that wilt ravin up Thine own life’s means! Then ‘tis most like The sovereignty will fall upon Macbeth. MacduffHe is already named, and gone to Scone To be invested. Ross Where is Duncan’s body? MacduffCarried to Colmekill, The sacred storehouse of his predecessors, And guardian of their bones. Ross Will you to Scone? MacduffNo, cousin, I’ll to Fife. Ross Well, I will thither. MacduffWell, may you see things well done there: adieu! Lest our old robes sit easier than our new! RossFarewell, father. Old ManGod’s benison go with you; and with those That would make good of bad, and friends of foes! Exeunt Macbeth Act 2, Scene 4