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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 ;