On the one hand, Macbeth is still very confident (overly so) in the prophecies of the witches. When his terrified servant comes to him with the news that an English force of over ten thousand men is massed outside Dunsinane, Macbeth curses the man for his fear, and reiterates that he is not himself afraid. He contemptuously dismisses the thanes who are fleeing his banners to those of the English, and he threatens to hang any man who shows fear. He is also aware, somehow, that his days are numbered, as he reveals in a poignant soliloquy:
I have lived long enough. My way of life
Is fall'n into the sear, the yellow leaf,
And that which should accompany old age,
As honor, love, obedience, troops of friends,
I must not look to have; but, in their stead,
Curses, not loud but deep, mouth-honor, breath,
Which the poor heart would fain deny and dare not.
Macbeth is resolved, as he says, to "fight. . . 'til from my bones the flesh be hack'd." He also launches into a tirade when the Doctor reveals that he is unable to treat Lady Macbeth for the mental collapse she has experienced. Macbeth is clearly very agitated. He claims to be without fear, and shows open scorn for those who are afraid before the battle. His behavior reveals a man who seems to recognize that his world is falling apart around him.
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