ACT III - Scene VI Macbeth

Previous Chapter Next Chapter

Forres. The palace.

Enter Lennox and another Lord.

LENNOX
My former speeches have but hit your thoughts,
Which can interpret farther; only I say
Thing's have been strangely borne. The gracious Duncan
Was pitied of Macbeth; marry, he was dead.
And the right valiant Banquo walk'd too late,
Whom, you may say, if't please you, Fleance kill'd,
For Fleance fled. Men must not walk too late.
Who cannot want the thought, how monstrous
It was for Malcolm and for Donalbain
To kill their gracious father? Damned fact!
How it did grieve Macbeth! Did he not straight,
In pious rage, the two delinquents tear
That were the slaves of drink and thralls of sleep?
Was not that nobly done? Ay, and wisely too,
For 'twould have anger'd any heart alive
To hear the men deny't. So that, I say,
He has borne all things well; and I do think
That, had he Duncan's sons under his key-
As, an't please heaven, he shall not -they should find
What 'twere to kill a father; so should Fleance.
But, peace! For from broad words, and 'cause he fail'd
His presence at the tyrant's feast, I hear,
Macduff lives in disgrace. Sir, can you tell
Where he bestows himself?

LORD
The son of Duncan,
From whom this tyrant holds the due of birth,
Lives in the English court and is received
Of the most pious Edward with such grace
That the malevolence of fortune nothing
Takes from his high respect. Thither Macduff
Is gone to pray the holy King, upon his aid
To wake Northumberland and warlike Siward;
That by the help of these, with Him above
To ratify the work, we may again
Give to our tables meat, sleep to our nights,
Free from our feasts and banquets bloody knives,
Do faithful homage, and receive free honors-
All which we pine for now. And this report
Hath so exasperate the King that he
Prepares for some attempt of war.

LENNOX
Sent he to Macduff?

LORD
He did, and with an absolute "Sir, not I,"
The cloudy messenger turns me his back,
And hums, as who should say, "You'll rue the time
That clogs me with this answer."

LENNOX
And that well might
Advise him to a caution, to hold what distance
His wisdom can provide. Some holy angel
Fly to the court of England and unfold
His message ere he come, that a swift blessing
May soon return to this our suffering country
Under a hand accursed!

LORD
I'll send my prayers with him.

Exeunt.

Frequently Asked Questions about ACT III - Scene VI from Macbeth

What happens in Act 3, Scene 6 of Macbeth?

In Act 3, Scene 6, Lennox and an unnamed Lord meet privately to discuss Scotland’s political situation. Lennox delivers a heavily ironic speech recounting the official explanations for Duncan’s and Banquo’s deaths, making clear he does not believe Macbeth’s version of events. The Lord then reveals that Macduff has traveled to England, where Malcolm is sheltered by King Edward the Confessor, to seek military aid from Northumberland and Siward. The scene ends with news that Macbeth is preparing for war after learning of Macduff’s defiance.

What is the purpose of Lennox’s ironic speech in Act 3, Scene 6?

Lennox’s speech is built entirely on verbal irony—he says the opposite of what he means to reveal the truth about Macbeth’s crimes. By sarcastically noting that Duncan was “pitied of Macbeth” only after death, that killing the grooms was “nobly done,” and that Fleance must have murdered Banquo because he fled, Lennox signals that Scotland’s nobles see through the tyrant’s lies. The irony also serves a practical purpose: living under a dangerous regime, Lennox must test the Lord’s loyalty before speaking openly.

Why has Macduff gone to England in Act 3, Scene 6?

Macduff has traveled to the English court to persuade King Edward the Confessor to support a military campaign against Macbeth. His specific goal is to enlist the forces of Northumberland and the warrior Siward (Earl of Northumberland) to march on Scotland alongside Malcolm, Duncan’s rightful heir. Macduff’s journey marks his open break with Macbeth and sets the stage for the English invasion that will topple the tyrant in Act V.

Who is the unnamed Lord in Act 3, Scene 6 of Macbeth?

Shakespeare never identifies the Lord by name. He functions as a political informant and dramatic device, providing Lennox—and the audience—with crucial news about Macduff’s flight to England and Macbeth’s war preparations. His anonymity is itself significant: it suggests that opposition to Macbeth is widespread among the Scottish nobility, not limited to a single named figure. The Lord’s eloquent description of Scotland’s suffering gives voice to the entire nation’s longing for liberation.

How does Act 3, Scene 6 foreshadow the end of Macbeth?

The scene foreshadows Macbeth’s downfall in several ways. First, Lennox’s irony reveals that the nobility no longer believes Macbeth’s lies, signaling his political isolation. Second, the Lord’s report of Macduff’s mission to England establishes the military alliance that will eventually defeat Macbeth in Act V. Third, Macbeth’s furious reaction—preparing for war—shows a ruler becoming increasingly desperate and reactive. Finally, Lennox’s closing prayer for a “swift blessing” to return to Scotland anticipates Malcolm’s restoration to the throne.

 

Previous Chapter Next Chapter
Return to the Macbeth Summary Return to the William Shakespeare Library