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[34]

notice of the stroke of refined skill, by which he, as it were, irradiates the portrait of his hero. How slightly is Banquo alluded to throughout the relation of the momentous events in which he was so importantly employed! It was necessary to the future interest of the piece, that we should conceive of him, as of a person of high rank and fearless couIrage; and, being so far known, he is for the present withdrawn from deeper attention.

Dunc. Dismay'd not this
Our captains, Macbeth and Banquo?
 
Serg. Yes;
As sparrows, eagles; or the hare, the lion.[1]

  1. Macbeth, Act i. Sc. 2.