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The Syllables Of Time: An Augustinian Context For Macbeth 5.5, John S. Tanner
The Syllables Of Time: An Augustinian Context For Macbeth 5.5, John S. Tanner
Quidditas
Among the most familiar lines in all Shakespeare are these Macbeth utters upon hearing the Lady Macbeth's death:
Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day
To the last syllable of recorded time,
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.
(5.5.19-28)
So familiar, indeed, is this speech …