Another passage to shew that Shakespear lost sight of nothing that could in any way give relief or heightening to his subject, is the conversation which takes place between Banquo and Fleance immediately before the murder-scene of Duncan.
"Banquo. How goes the night, boy?
Fleance. The moon is down: I have not heard the clock
Banquo. And she goes down at twelve.
Fleance. I take't, 'tis later, Sir.
Banquo. Hold, take my sword. There's husbandry in heav'n,
Their candles are all out.—
A heavy summons lies like lead upon me,
And yet I would not sleep: Merciful Powers,
Restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature
Gives way to in repose."
In like manner, a fine idea is given of the gloomy coming on of evening, just as Banquo is going to be assassinated.
"Light thickens and the crow
Makes wing to the rooky wood."
* * * * * * * * * * *
"Now spurs the lated traveller apace
To gain the timely inn."
Macbeth (generally speaking) is done upon a stronger and more systematic principle of contrast than any other of Shakespear's plays. It
