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he did,[1])—to make a stand, where he might face his enemies, and fight for his crown on fairer terms of battle.
Let it be granted, however, that to turn his back on danger, misbecomes a brave man under any circumstances:—What excuse then will Mr. Steevens find for Richard, who twice consults his safety by flight? Once, when he deserts that great man, the
- ↑ Macbeth's flight to Lunfannaine is mentioned by Holinshed, on whose fabulous history Shakspeare has founded this play:—The authentic account of his death is given by Lord Hailes: "Macbeth retreated to the fastnesses of the North, and protracted the war. His people forsook his standard. Malcolm attacked him at Lunfanan in Aberdeenshire: Abandoned by his few remaining followers, Macbeth fell."
Annals of Scotland, vol. i. p. 2. 4to.
1776. Edinburgh.
