LADY MACDUFF Why, one that swears and lies.48
SON And be all traitors that do so?
LADY MACDUFF Every one that does so is a traitor and must be hanged.50
SON And must they all be hanged that swear and lie?
LADY MACDUFF Every one.
SON Who must hang them?
LADY MACDUFF Why, the honest men.
SON Then the liars and swearers are fools, for there are liars and swearers enow to beat the honest men and57 hang up them.
LADY MACDUFF Now God help thee, poor monkey! But how wilt thou do for a father?60
SON If he were dead, you'd weep for him. If you would not, it were a good sign that I should quickly have a new father.
LADY MACDUFF Poor prattler, how thou talk'st!
Enter a Messenger.
MESSENGER
Bless you, fair dame. I am not to you known,
Though in your state of honor I am perfect.66
I doubt some danger does approach you nearly.67
If you will take a homely man's advice,68
Be not found here. Hence with your little ones.
70 To fright you thus methinks I am too savage; 71 To do worse to you were fell cruelty, 72 Which is too nigh your person. Heaven preserve you!
I dare abide no longer.
Exit.
LADY MACDUFF Whither should I fly?
I have done no harm. But I remember now
I am in this earthly world, where to do harm
Is often laudable, to do good sometime
Accounted dangerous folly. Why then, alas,
Do I put up that womanly defense
To say I have done no harm?
Enter Murderers. What are these faces?
MURDERER