Read Macbeth Online

88 Macbeth [Act IV 

Lady Macduff. Why, I can buy me twenty at 

any market. 40 

Son. Then you'll buy 'em to sell again. 

Lady Macduff. Thou speak'st with all thy wit, 
and yet, i' faith, 
With wit enough for thee. 

Son. Was my father a traitor, mother? 

Lady Macduff. 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. 50 

Son. And must they all be hanged that swear 
and lie? 

Lady Macduff. Every one. 

Son. Who must hang them? 

Lady Macduff. W r hy, 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 mon- 
key ! But how wilt thou do for a father ? 

Son. If he were dead, you'd weep for him : if 60 
you would not, it were a good sign that I 
should quickly have a new father. 

Lady Macduff. Poor prattler, how thou talk'st!