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Notes 127 Scene VI. This scene presents strong contrasts. These are clearly set forth in Duncan's gentle character, no less than in the quiet so vividly pictured by the nesting birds; while opposed to this is Lady Macbeth, whose heart is filled with plots for the death of her unsuspecting guest : Duncan's speeches are frank and open; Lady Macbeth's are disguised and fulsome. VI. 11-14. The love of our friends is sometimes trouble- some to us; nevertheless, we are thankful for such trouble since it is proof of their love for us : i. e., Herein I teach you how you shall ask God to reward us for the pains and trouble which our visit causes you, since our love for you prompted the visit. 19. Late dignities. What dignities are referred to? 20. Hermits. Servants, i. e., will pray for you. 25. Guest. Why is this singular, not plural in form? Scene VII. 1. The repetition of "done" emphasizes the idea that there are consequences to follow the murder. 20. Taking off. lis this a figure of speech? See Act I, sc. v, line 68. 31. Macbeth's murder purpose is weak, and Shakespeare allows us to see that Macbeth alone would not commit murder. < 34. Would. Here used for should. 45. The allusion is to the cat that wished to eat fish, but would not wet its feet to get it. 48. Break this enterprise; i. e., suggest the notion of mur- dering the king. 59. We fail. Editors vary in their marking of this. Some adopt the exclamation point as — we fail ! Some adopt the in- terrogation point, as — we fail? and some the period, as — we fail. The last is preferred. 64. Wassail. Cup : night drink, literally, salutation, be thou well. 67. Limbec. A sieve or still.
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