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I would not wish them to a fairer death 9:

And so his knell is knoll'd.

Mal.

He's worth more sorrow,

He's worth no more;

And that I'll spend for him.

Siw. They say, he parted well, and paid his score: And so, God be with him!-Here comes newer comfort.

Re-enter MACDUFF, with MACBETH'S Head on a Pole 10.

Macd. Hail, king! for so thou art: Behold, where stands

The usurper's cursed head: the time is free:
I see thee compass'd with thy kingdom's pearl11,
That speak my salutation in their minds;
Whose voices I desire aloud with mine,-
Hail, king of Scotland!

All.

Hail, king of Scotland!

[Flourish. Mal. We shall not spend a large expense 12 of time, Before we reckon with your several loves, And make us even with you. My thanes and kinsmen,

9. When Siward, the martial Earl of Northumberland, understood that his son, whom he had sent against the Scotchmen, was slain, he demanded whether his wounds were in the fore part or hinder part of his body. When it was answered," in the fore part;" he replied, "I am right glad; neither wish I any other death to me or mine.' .""".-Camden's Remaines.

6

The same incident is recorded by Holinshed, vol. i. p. 192. 10 These words, on a pole,' Mr. Steevens added to the stage direction from the Chronicle. The stage directions of the players are often incorrect, and sometimes ludicrous.

11 6 Thy kingdom's pearl,' thy kingdom's wealth or ornament. Rowe altered this to peers, without authority.

12 To spend an expense of time is, it is true, an awkward expression, yet it is probably correct; for, in the Comedy of Errors, Act iii. Sc. 1, Antipholus of Ephesus says 'This jest shall cost me some expense.'

Henceforth be earls, the first that ever Scotland
In such an honour nam'd 13. What's more to do,
Which would be planted newly with the time,-
As calling home our exil'd friends abroad,
That fled the snares of watchful tyranny;
Producing forth the cruel ministers

Of this dead butcher, and his fiendlike queen;
Who, as 'tis thought, by self and violent hands
Took off her life;-This, and what needful else
That calls upon us,
grace of Grace,
We will perform in measure, time, and place:
So thanks to all at once, and to each one,
Whom we invite to see us crown'd at Scone.

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13 Malcolm, immediately after his coronation, called a parliament at Forfair; in the which he rewarded them with lands and livings that had assisted him against Macbeth. Manie of them that were before thanes were at this time made earles; as Fife, Menteith, Atholl, Levenox, Murrey, Caithness, Rosse, and Angus.'-Holinshed's History of Scotland, p. 176.

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THIS play is deservedly celebrated for the propriety of its fictions, and solemnity, grandeur, and variety of its action; but it has no nice discriminations of character: the events are too great to admit the influence of particular dispositions, and the course of the action necessarily determines the conduct of the agents.

The danger of ambition is well described; and I know not whether it may not be said, in defence of some parts which now seem improbable, that in Shakspeare's time it was necessary to warn credulity against vain and illusive predictions.

The passions are directed to their true end. Lady Macbeth is merely detested; and though the courage of Macbeth preserves some esteem, yet every reader rejoices at his fall.

JOHNSON.

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Constance. Why dost thou look so sadly on my son? What means that hand upon that breast of thine? ACT iii. Sc. 1.

FROM THE CHISWICK PRESS.

1826.

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