In Scene 3 of Act IV of Macbeth, with
treachery abounding in their kingdom, while Malcom and Macduff are in England, Malcolm
dissembles in order to test Macduff's loyalties. Malcolm, therefore, disparages
himself, saying that he possesses many vices, and has committed many crimes. In short,
he says that is not worthy to be a king:
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...I have no
knowledge
Of the king-becoming
graces,
As justice, verity, temperance,
stableness
Bounty, perseverance, mercy,
lowliness
Devotion, patience, courage,
fortitude
I have no relish of them, but
abound
In the division of each several
crime,
Acting it many ways. Nay had I power, i
should
Pour the sweet milk of concord into
hell,
Upon the universal peace,
confound
All unity on earth.
(4.3.103-112)
Having heard
Malcolm's disparagement of himself, Macduff is emotionally devastated by his words, and
patriotically bemoans the fate of Scotland under Macbeth. Macduff recalls the goodness
of Malcolm's parents in wonderment that Malcolm could be so
corrupt:
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...O nation
miserable
With an untitled tyrant
bloody-scepter'd
When shalt thou see thy wholesome days
again,
...Thy royal father
Was a most sainted
king....
These evils thou repeat'st upon
thyself
Have banish'd me from Scotland. O my
breast
Thy hope ends here!
(4.3.117-128)
Finally,
realizing that Macduff is sincere in his loyalty and love for his country, Malcolm
reveals that he has merely been testing Macduff in order to ascertain that he is not in
favor of Macbeth's rule. Therefore, Malcolm tells
Macduff,
Now,
we'll [fight]together and the chance of goodnessBe like
our warranted
quarrel....(4.3.151-152)
Together,
Malcom and Macduff vow to destroy Macbeth and restore Scotland to its
people.
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