“As two spent swimmers, that do cling together And choke their art.”
Meaning: The two swimmers are actually representing the armies of Macdonwald and King Duncan. They “cling” to each other, this means that although both armies are fighting against each other they are so tired that they are looking to one another for resting support. “they choke their art” gives us the impression that their “art” is of course battle and the fight, however as they try and cling to each other they spoil that skill of the fight.
Modern Translation: The two swimmers dead from exhaustion use one another for personal and competitive gain, their work and skill deteriorates and becomes wasted efforts.
“And fortune, on his damned quarrel smiling”
Meaning: Fortune is luck and it is seen as on Macdonwald’s side and is personified with a damned smile.
Modern Translation: Macdonwald has his advantage, it sits patiently upon his brow with a violent driven smile.
October 9, 2016 at 4:03 pm
I really like the detail here!