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Is this the language of mere curiosity?—If Macbeth only repeats the same inquiry shortly[1]—
Speak, if you can; what are you?[2]—
it is, clearly, not from agitation;[3] for hitherto, at least, nothing has occurred to alarm[4] him: No; he makes the same demand,—(and makes it peremptorily; not, as Mr. Whateley implies, fearfully;)—because he is naturally desirous of the same information; and, if he expresses himself shortly, Shakspeare intentionally orders that he should do so; the more
