In act I, scene III, of Macbeth, the witches address Macbeth as Thane of Glamis. When they foretell that Macbeth will become Tha
ne of Cawdor and king, he is bewildered. Soon after, a soldier informs him that Macbeth is now the Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth wonders to himself whether all the prophecies will come true. Which lines in the excerpt show that Macbeth is on the verge of giving in to temptation, knowing very well that he is considering committing a terrible crime? MACBETH: (Aside.) Two truths are told, As happy prologues to the swelling act Of the imperial theme. I thank you, gentlemen. (Aside.) This supernatural soliciting Cannot be ill; cannot be good:—if ill, Why hath it given me earnest of success, Commencing in a truth? I am Thane of Cawdor: If good, why do I yield to that suggestion Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair, And make my seated heart knock at my ribs, Against the use of nature? Present fears Are less than horrible imaginings: My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical, Shakes so my single state of man, that function Is smother'd in surmise; and nothing is But what is not.
