(AN ELEGY FOR SIR WILLIAM) ON TRIAL: THANE OF GLAMIS, THANE OF CAWDOR

To thee the jurors, assembled to-day,

Here to hear, before beginning must say,

An old oath, a deep vow, a solemn swear,

Upon thy sword, the King's divine chair,

On thy honour which thou wear on thy sleeve,

On thy life, forbid heaven give reprieve,

Examine to-day with most scrupulous care,

That which is foul and that which is fair,

Treason to thy King, Macbeth's bloodied hand,

Murder, murder, murder, 'tis not his end,

To thee the jurors, assembled to-day,

Thou art the need, the remedy – not play,

Thou be'it objective as if thou art blind,

Yet be'it considerate of thou verdict's binds,

Thou must see the evidence before thee,

And hold thyself firm, as still as the tree,

Now hold thy hand upon the sacred text,

Swear't thus, or by the heavens thy'll be hexed,

Ensure thy words ring honest and true,

Just as Neptune's waters forever flow blue,

Know thy emotions, bias, and prejudice,

Show no malice nor witchcraft, alas sub judice,

Today is the day, mark you now this very date,

the trial begins for the Thane of Cawdor's fate,

To thee the jurors, assembled here to-day,

Here to hear, before beginning now say,

Solemnly swear.