MACBETH. When "Duncan the Meek" was king of Scotland there lived a lord, or, as the Scotch call it, a thane whose name was Macbeth. This thane or lord was near kinsman of the king; and this, of course, gave him advantages at court; but beyond that, was he truly esteemed for his real valor and honorable conduct in war. It was after a battle with a rebel army, assisted by troops from Norway, that Macbeth came highest into the good Duncan's favor. After this battle, while Macbeth and his brave general Banquo were on their way homeward, a wounded soldier, who had fought side by side with Macbeth, was brought before the king. "What bloody man is that?" cried the king, as the |