Enter ROSS with an OLD
MAN
OLD MAN
Threescore 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,
5Thou seest the heavens, as troubled with man’s act,
Threatens his bloody stage. By th' 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
10When living light should kiss it?
OLD MAN
'Tis
unnatural,
Even like the deed that’s done. On Tuesday last,
A falcon, tow'ring in her pride of place,
Was by a mousing owl hawked at and killed.
ROSS
And Duncan’s horses—a thing most strange and
certain—
15Beauteous and swift, the minions of their race,
Turned 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.
ROSS
They did so, to th' amazement of mine eyes
20That looked upon ’t. Here comes the good Macduff.
Enter MACDUFF