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Francis Talfourd [1853], Macbeth, Somewhat removed from the text of Shakespeare. In two acts. By Francis Talfourd... fourth edition, Completely Revised with copious Alterations and Introductions (Thomas Hailes Lacy [etc.], London) [word count] [S39600].
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SCENE VII. —Battle Field—Castle in the distance. Trumpet.—Enter Macduff, with sword drawn, L.

Macduff
Where's he who to the workhouse sent my babbies?
I'll settle him, s'help me several Jewish Rabbies! Enter Macbeth L.—crosses to R.
Turn, coward, or I'll make you! Turn and face me!

Macb.
No, youngster, no,—a fight with you'd disgrace me!
Your threats I laugh at, and your taunts I scorn,—
Macbeth don't yield to one of woman born!

Macduff.
And such am I!

Macb.
Liar!

Macduff.
Well, you're another!
I never had no father, nor no mother!

Macb.
No! you don't say so?

Macduff.
You turn pale! art staggered?

Macb.
I really couldn't fight with such a bla'guard!

Macduff.
To empty prophecies this comes of trusting.

Macb.
No parents? Lor! it's really quite disgusting!
I really can't—

Macduff.
Then yield, beast! and to badger ye,
We'll have you in a travelling menagerie,
Stirred up between the bars with heartless poles,
Or poked at by the ladies' parasols,—
And o'er it thus inscribe—for want of betterer—
“Here you may see the live”—you know—et cetera;

-- 36 --


Adding, moreover, “He's put here becos
He led a life he didn't ought to was!

Macb.
Have you been draining cups of whiskey toddy,
That thus you boast? No, no,—before my body
I throw my shield!

Macduff.
Hallo! that's not a bad one!

Macb.
I mean I should have thrown it, if I had one!
At it like one o'clock! Lay on, Macduff!
Perhaps you'll sing out when you've had enough!
They fight in the extreme of melodrame—a pause.

Macduff.
Why, you're sewn up! (to Audience) I'll into him now pitch!

Macb.
No, not sewn up, I've only got one stitch! They fight as before—Macbeth falls.
—Oh lor! Will some one a physician run for?
For I've a strange suspicion that I'm done for! (dies)

Macd.
Ha, ha, my boy! hurrah! His neck I'll wring,
Cut off his head, then cut off to the king.
Enter Malcolm, Lords, Army, Attendants, &c.

Malc.
There is no need, for see, the king is here!
Refresh our soldier with a pint of beer.
A pint of beer is brought to Macduff, he drinks, and passes it on to the Army, &c.

Macd.
The tyrant's dead! you now the kingdom claim;
Receive the crown. (presenting it)
Duncan enters, comes between them, nods and winks at them, takes the crown, and places it on his own head. They fall back in astonishment.

Dun.
Thank you! if it's all the same
To you, I'll wear it. (puts it on)

Malc.
Well, this is a baulker!
I thought that you were spifflicated.

Dun.
Walker!
I'm not the cove, my boy, so soon to die.

Macduff.
Well, well—I never!

Macb. (rising to a sitting posture, and looking round)
No more did I!
If that old cock can jest and sport his squibs

-- 37 --


After those several oners in the ribs,
I don't see why I shouldn't live as well—
And so here goes. (rises)

Macduff.
I say—hallo, my swell!
You're an ex-Monarch—but it don't appear,
If treble X., you'd think yourself small beer!

Macb. (to Duncan)
I tender, Sir, of course, my resignation, (They appear satisfied)
Since all's in train for me to leave my station.
So at your feet I lay my regal diadem
Without regret, nor wish again that I had 'em.
Enter, at back, Banquo and Lady Macbeth, arm-in-arm, the latter with an extravagant bonnet, parasol, and shawl—They make their way through the Army to the front.

Macb.
My wife, and Banquo too! this is a treat.

Ban.
You don't down there get half enough to eat;
I didn't like it, and so, with your wife,
Gave up the ghost.

Macb.
Died?

Lady M.
No, we came to life.

Macb.
We live at present, but how long, depends
Upon the kind indulgence of our friends;
Let me entreat them but their favour give,
And kind applause, and we shall truly live!


FINALE—from “L'Elisir d' Amore.” Macb. and Lady M.
Now, if we've the approbation
  Of our kind friends here to-night,
We shall need no incantation
  To find out that all goes right.
For we who are assembled here, to gain your kind applause,
Will all die again with pleasure, I am sure, in such a cause. Ban.
Will all die again with pleasure. Macduff.
Will all die in such a cause. All.
Will all die again with pleasure,
I am sure, in such a cause!
R. Macd. Ban. Lady M. Macb. Dun. Malc. Don. L.
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Francis Talfourd [1853], Macbeth, Somewhat removed from the text of Shakespeare. In two acts. By Francis Talfourd... fourth edition, Completely Revised with copious Alterations and Introductions (Thomas Hailes Lacy [etc.], London) [word count] [S39600].
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