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Macbeth, Act 5, Scene 2

The thanes abandon Macbeth · William Shakespeare
Every note, for your class

Previously, in Act 5, Scene 1

A doctor and gentlewoman observe Lady Macbeth sleepwalking while carrying an imagined light. She compulsively rubs her hands and speaks of blood, guilt, and the murders. The doctor concludes that her sickness is spiritual rather than medical and orders that she be watched closely.

SCENE II. The Country near Dunsinane.

Enter, with drum and colours MenteithA Scottish nobleman who joins the forces opposing Macbeth., CaithnessCaithness, a Scottish nobleman and thane who joins the opposition to Macbeth., Angus, Lennox and Soldiers.
MENTEITH
The English power is near, led on by Malcolm,His uncle Siward, and the good Macduff.Revenges burn in them; for their dear causesWould to the bleeding and the grim alarmExcite the mortified man.
ANGUS
Near Birnam woodShall we well meet them. That way are they coming.
CAITHNESS
Who knows if DonalbainKing Duncan’s younger son and Malcolm’s brother. be with his brother?
LENNOX
For certain, sir, he is not. I have a fileOf all the gentry: there is Siward’s sonAnd many unroughBeardless and youthful. youths, that even nowProtest their first of manhood.
MENTEITH
What does the tyrant?
CAITHNESS
Great Dunsinane he strongly fortifies.Some say he’s mad; others, that lesser hate him,Do call it valiant fury: but, for certain,He cannot buckle his distemper’d causeWithin the belt of rule.
ANGUS
Now does he feelHis secret murders sticking on his hands;Now minutely revolts upbraid his faith-breach;Those he commands move only in command,Nothing in love: now does he feel his titleHang loose about him, like a giant’s robeUpon a dwarfish thief.
MENTEITH
Who, then, shall blameHis pester’d senses to recoil and start,When all that is within him does condemnItself for being there?
CAITHNESS
Well, march we on,To give obedience where ’tis truly ow’d:Meet we the med’cine of the sickly weal;And with him pour we, in our country’s purge,Each drop of us.
LENNOX
Or so much as it needsTo dew the sovereign flower, and drown the weeds.Make we our march towards Birnam.
Exeunta stage direction indicating that two or more characters leave the stage., marching.