Act IV: III

"hold fast the mortal sword, and like good men

bestride our down- fall'n birthdom." (lines 3-4).

Malcolm reminds Macduff that the man he now calls a dictator was once called honest and implores him not to be hasty, since Macbeth might be innocent. Macduff denies that he[Macduff] is treacherous, but Malcolm points out that Macbeth was once a valiant man, and that it was the brightest of angels that fell from heaven. Macduff says that he has lost hope, and Malcolm voices his doubts about who is worse, Macbeth or Macduff. He points out that Macduff left his family unguarded, but also points out that he may not be objective, and says that Macduff may be justified, no matter what he may think. Macduff becomes angry at this and points out how Scotland is bleeding, with a tyrant on her throne. He thinks that Malcolm is insinuating that he just wants power for himself and says that he would not be the villain that Malcolm accuses him of being for Scotland plus all of the wealth in the East. Malcolm asks Macduff not to be offended, that he agrees that Scotland is sinking, but also thinks that if the tyrant was killed, the country would simply have more vices, suffering, and sundry ways than ever before because of who would succeed Macbeth to the throne. Macduff inquires as to what Malcolm means. Malcolm responds by saying that his faults, if exposed

"black Macbeth

will seem pure as snow, and the poor state

esteem him as a lamb, being compared

with my confineless harms." (lines 52-55).

Macduff responds that he could not even in the legions of hell could he find a person worse than Macbeth. Malcolm responds by naming Macbeth's faults, but says that Macbeth' are nothing compared to his own. Macduff says that compared to Macbeth, what he would do would be tolerable. Malcolm responds by saying that the more his hunger for power is fed, the greater it will grow. Macduff says that the evils that Malcolm might do would be outweighed by his virtues; Malcolm says he has none. Macduff begins to wail, to lament the loss of Scotland (note the turnaround from above!), as Malcolm asks him if such a person as he has just described should be fit to govern Scotland, and Macduff replies that such a person is not fit to live and that his hope for Scotland is ended. Malcolm then suddenly proclaims his faith in Macduff, and believes that he is a noble man who is willing to fight for the right reasons; however, Macduff falls silent. Malcolm inquires why, and Macduff replies that

"such welcome and unwelcome things at once

'tis hard to reconcile."(lines 138-139).

A doctor enters, and Malcolm asks if the King is coming. The doctor says that he will be there shortly because many people were waiting to be healed by him. Malcolm thanks the doctor, who leaves. Macduff inquires which disease the doctor means, and Malcolm tells him that he means "the evil", a disease which people believe that the King is able to cure by touch.

Ross approaches, and Macduff welcomes his cousin. Macduff asks if Scotland stands where it did (i.e. Macbeth still on the throne). Ross expounds on the evils of the country, with which Macduff agrees. Malcolm asks what the latest horror is, and Ross responds by telling him that he doesn't know, that even the passing hour's news is hailed as old. Macduff then enquires of his family, and Ross tells him that everything is fine with them. Ross then tells him that Macbeth is massing an army, and that Macduff's aid in Scotland would help to stop this, and would turn many against Macbeth.

Malcolm informs Ross that England has lent them 10,000 soldiers to fight. Ross tells them that he wishes he could answer with news that was as heartening, but that Macduff's family was massacred. Malcolm and Macduff are both shocked by this, and Malcolm says that they must take revenge for this wrong, and that Macduff should take it like a man. Macduff replies:

"I shall do so,
But I must also feel it as a man.
I cannot but remember such things were,
that were most precious to me.  Did heaven look on,
And would not take their part?  Sinful Macduff,
they were all struck down for thee!  Naught that I am,
not for their own demerits but for mine
fell slaughter on their souls.  Heaven rest them now!"  (lines 220-227)

2. What does Malcolm say about himself, and what is the effect of this on Macduff?

3. What news does Ross bring and how does Macduff react to it?

4. What images of Scotland under Macbeth’s rule are conveyed in this scene?

5. What, finally, do the main characters resolve to do?