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