Languages & literature > Key to the drama

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not interpret his declared purpofes as they
had been accuftomed to interpret the too
good-natured Duncan's, mere words, with¬
out a meaning, or he Ihould convince them
of the contrary, by pundtually executing
whatfoever had been once in his mind de¬
termined. Neither of the old fa&ions hav¬
ing been ufed to, nor reliftiing fuch cavalier
treatment, were equally offended, and for
once joined their heads together in the
formation of projects to perplex Mac¬
beth's adminiftration. They retired in
difguft into their refpe&ive countries, re-
folving to invite the return of young Mal¬
colm, and in cafe he fhould refufe, to make
a trial upon Bancho, or any other who
fhould be more dudtile than they had found
Macbeth. Manifefto’s were now publifhed
in fupport of the lawful heir, and in oppo-
fition to fuch lawlefs ufurpation, as threat¬
ened to terminate in the ruin of nobility.
Such well-founding pretences induced fome,
but a propenfity to fifh in troubled waters
incited many more, who had been long ac¬
cuftomed to uncontrouled oppreflion and
rapine, to join in the cry of thele difcon-
tented Thanes. Amongft the malecontents,
there were men of extenfive property, and
a moft numerous dependence, which en¬
abled them to prepare for the field a formi¬
dable