The tyrant's people on both sides do fight;
The noble thanes do bravely in the war;
The day almost itself professes yours,
And little is to do.
Mal. We have met with foes 28
That strike beside us.
Siw. Enter, sir, the castle.
Enter Macbeth.
Macb. Why should I play the Roman fool, and die
On mine own sword? whiles I see lives, the gashes
Do better upon them.
Enter Macduff.
Macd. Turn, hell-hound, turn! 32
Macb. Of all men else I have avoided thee:
But get thee back, my soul is too much charg'd
With blood of thine already.
Macd. I have no words;
My voice is in my sword, thou bloodier villain 36
Than terms can give thee out! Fight. Alarum.
Macb. Thou losest labour:
As easy mayst thou the intrenchant air
With thy keen sword impress, as make me bleed:
Let fall thy blade on vulnerable crests; 40
I bear a charmed life, which must not yield
To one of woman born.
Macd. Despair thy charm;
And let the angel whom thou still hast serv'd
Tell thee, Macduff was from his mother's womb
Untimely ripp'd. 45
Macb. Accursed be that tongue that tells me so,
29 beside us: on our side
30 Roman fool; cf. n.
38 intrenchant: invulnerable
