To beguile the time,

Look like the time; bear welcome in your eye,

Your hand, your tongue; look like th' innocent flower,

But be the serpent under't. He that's coming

Must be provided for; and you shall put

This night's great business into my dispatch,

Which shall to all our nights and days to come

Give solely sovereign sway and masterdom. (I.v, 60-70).

Macbeth shows no ill intent towards his king when he informs his wife that Duncan will be an overnight guest, but Lady Macbeth immediately responds by instructing him to act as a serpent towards the king. She does not appear to have to goad him tremendously, because Macbeth is immediately discussing the idea of assassination. However, when his wife enters, he has made up his mind that they will not kill Duncan. However, Lady Macbeth goads him, implying that if he does not kill Duncan, he does...
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