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142 A Restoration Version of Act III Can have no other Author but Macbeth. His Dagger now is to a Scepter grown ; From Duncan's Grave he has deriv'd his Throne. La. Macd. Ambition urg'd him to that bloody deed: May you be never by Ambition led : Forbit it Heav'n, that in revenge you shou'd Follow a Copy that is writ in blood. Macd. From Duncan's Grave, methinks I hear a groan That calls aloud for justice. La. Macd. If the Throne Was by Macbeth ill gain'd, Heavens may, Without your Sword, sufficient vengeance pay. Usurpers lives have but a short extent, Nothing lives long in a strange Element. Macd. My Countreys dangers call for my defence Against the bloody Tyrant's violence. La. Macd. I am afraid you have some other end, Than merely Scotland's freedom to defend. You'd raise your self, whilst j r ou wou'd him dethrone; And shake his Greatness to confirm your own. That purpose will appear, when rightly scann'd, But usurpation at the second hand. Good Sir, recal your thoughts. Macd. What if I shou'd Affume the Scepter for my Countreys good ? Is that an usurpation? can it be Ambition to procure the liberty Of this sad Realm; which does by Treason bleed? That which provokes, will justifie the deed. • La. Macd. If the Design should prosper, the Event May make us safe, but not you Innocent : For whilst to set our fellow Subjects free From present Death, or future Slavery. You wear a Crown, not by your Title due, Defence in them, is an Offence in you ;