Act 4 - Fate and Free Will

"By the prickling of my thumbs,
Something wicked this way comes." (Act 4, Scene 1, line 44)

The second witch can feel that something bad is about to happen by the tingling in her thumbs.

"Macbeth! Macbeth! Macbeth! Beware Macduff.
Beware the thane of Fife. Dismiss me. Enough." (Act 4, Scene 1, line 73-74)

The first apparition is talking about Macbeth's fate, to beware of Mcduff and to stay away.

"Be bloody, bold, and resolute. Laugh to scorn
The power of man, for none of woman born
Shall harm Macbeth." (Act 4, Scene 1, line 80-84)

The second apparation tells Macbeth to be violent, bold, and firm. Laugh at the power of other men, because nobody born from a woman will ever harm

him.

"Be lion-mettled, proud, and take no careWho chafes, who frets, or where conspirers are.
Macbeth shall never vanquished be until
Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill
Shall come against him." (Act 4, Scene 1, 94-96)

The third apparition tells Macbeth to be brave like the lion and proud. To not even worry about who hates him, who resents him, and who conspires against him. Macbeth will never be defeated until Birnam Wood marches to fight him at Dunsinane Hill.

"Bless you, fair dame! I am not to you known,
Though in your state of honor I am perfect.
I doubt some danger does approach you nearly.
If you will take a homely man’s advice,
Be not found here. Hence with your little ones.
To fright you thus methinks I am too savage;
To do worse to you were fell cruelty,
Which is too nigh your person. Heaven preserve you!
I dare abide no longer."  (Act 4, Scene 2, line 59-67)

The messenger explains to Lady Mcduff that he is afraid something dangerous is coming toward them and to take his advice: "don’t be here when it arrives. Go away and take your children. " Then advises them: "And harm is getting close! Heaven keep you safe!"