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Scene viil] Macbeth 119 

Though Birnam wood be come to Dunsinane, 30 

And thou oppos'd, being of no woman born, 

Yet I will try the last : before my body 

I throw my warlike shield ; lay on, Macduff ; 

And damn'd be him that first cries 'Hold, enough !' 

[Exeunt, fighting. Alarums. 

Retreat. Flourish. Enter, with drum and colours, 

Malcolm, old Siward, Ross, the other Thanes, 

and Soldiers 

Malcolm. I would the friends we miss were 
safe arriv'd. 

Siward. Some must go off: and yet, by these I 
see, 
So great a day as this is cheaply bought. 

Malcolm. Macduff is missing, and your noble son. 

Ross. Your son, my lord, has paid a soldier's 
debt: 
He only liv'd but till he was a man ; 40 

The which no sooner had his prowess confirm'd 
In the unshrinking station where he fought, 
But like a man he died. 

Siward. Then he is dead? 

Ross. Ay, and brought off the field : your cause 
of sorrow 
Must not be measur'd by his worth, for then 
It hath no end. 

Siward. Had he his hurts before? 

Ross. Ay, on the front.