29
MACBETH.
Macbeth was couſin to Duncan I. and had become extremely popular for his activity in cruſhing an alarming rebellion, and, in conjunction with Banquo, obtaining a ſignal victory over the Danes; but, his natural ambition being inflamed by predictions of his future advancement to the throne, which the prevailing ſuperſtition of the day made him yield implicit credit to, he murdered the King at Inverneſs, while on a yearly circuit, and was immediately after crowned at Scone. Duncan’s two ſons fled, Malcolm into ⟨England⟩, and Donald to the Iſles. The checks of conſcience made Macbeth, who had reigned for ſome time with moderation, ſuſpicious and cruel. Banquo he treacherouſly murdered. Macduff, thane of Fife, eſcaped into England, while the cruel King inhumanly put to death his wife, children, and ſervants. The nobility alarmed, retired to their caſtles, whilſt Malcolm, by the advice of Macduff, ⟨ſolicited⟩ troops from Edward, and procured
