Along with being full of lust, I'm also incredibly
greedy. If I became king, I would steal the nobles' lands,
taking jewels from one guy and houses from another. The more I had,
the greedier I would grow, until I'd invent false quarrels
with my good and loyal subjects, destroying them so I could get my
hands on their wealth.
MACDUFF
This
avarice
Sticks deeper, grows with more pernicious root
Than summer-seeming lust, and it hath been
The sword of our slain kings. Yet do not fear;
90
Scotland hath foisons to fill up your will,
Of your mere own. All these are portable,
With other graces weighed.
MACDUFF
The greed you're talking about is worse than lust because
you won't outgrow it. Greed has been the downfall of many
kings. But don't be afraid. Scotland has enough treasures
to satisfy you out of your own royal coffers. These bad qualities
are bearable when balanced against your good sides.
MALCOLM
But I have none. The king-becoming graces,
As justice, verity, temperance, stableness,
95
Bounty, perseverance, mercy, lowliness,
Devotion, patience, courage, fortitude,
I have no relish of them but abound
In the division of each several crime,
Acting it many ways. Nay, had I power, I should
100
Pour the sweet milk of concord into hell,
Uproar the universal peace, confound
All unity on earth.
MALCOLM
But I don't have any good sides. I don't have a
trace of the qualities a king needs, such as justice, truth,
moderation, stability, generosity, perseverance, mercy, humility,
devotion, patience, courage, and bravery. Instead, I overflow with
every variation of all the different vices. No, if I had power I
would take world peace and throw it down to hell.
MACDUFF
O
Scotland, Scotland!
MACDUFF
Oh Scotland, Scotland!
MALCOLM
If such a one be fit to govern, speak.
I am as I have spoken.
MALCOLM
If someone like me is fit to be king, let me know. I really am
exactly as I have described myself to you.
