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98 Macbeth [Act IV 

Ross. That of an hour's age doth hiss the 
speaker ; 
Each minute teems a new one. 

Macduff. How does my wife? 

Ross. Why, well. 

Macduff. And all my children? 

Ross. Well too. 

Macduff. The tyrant has not batter'd at their 
peace ? 

Ross. No ; they were well at peace when I did 
leave "em. 

Macduff. Be not a niggard of your speech : 
how goes't? i8o 

Ross. When I came hither to transport the 
tidings, 
Which I have heavily borne, there ran a rumour 
Of many worthy fellows that were out ; 
Which was to my belief witnessed the rather, 
For that I saw the tyrant's power a-f oot : 
Now is the time of help ; your eye in Scotland 
Would create soldiers, make our women fight, 
To doff their dire distresses. 

Malcolm. Be't their comfort 

We are coming thither : gracious England hath 
Lent us good Siward and ten thousand men ; i 90 

An older and a better soldier none 
That Christendom gives out. 

Ross. Would I could answer 

179. Did Ross know of Lady Macduff's murder?