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:
readability="38">...I have no
knowledgeOf the king-becoming
graces,As justice, verity, temperance,
stablenessBounty, perseverance, mercy,
lowlinessDevotion, patience, courage,
fortitudeI have no relish of them, but
aboundIn the division of each several
crime,Acting it many ways. Nay had I power, i
shouldPour the sweet milk of concord into
hell,Upon the universal peace,
confoundAll 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:readability="21">...O nation
miserableWith an untitled tyrant
bloody-scepter'dWhen shalt thou see thy wholesome days
again,
...Thy royal fatherWas a most sainted
king....These evils thou repeat'st upon
thyselfHave banish'd me from Scotland. O my
breastThy 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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