Foul whisperings are abroad. Unnatural deeds
Do breed unnatural troubles; infected minds
To their deaf pillows will discharge their secrets;
More needs she the divine than the physician.
God, god forgive us all!
– William Shakespeare
Macbeth, Act 5, Scene 1. The Doctor has witnessed the disturbing scene of a sleepwalking Lady Macbeth ranting and raving about invisible bloodstains she cannot wash from her hands. Realizing the shocking truth of what she has disclosed, he speaks of the evil rumors going around. He then makes the knowing comment that unnatural actions lead to unnatural troubles. People with guilty consciences will confess their secrets to their pillows, he says. The Doctor, clearly in no doubt about the meaning of what Lady Macbeth has said, believes that she is more in need of a priest than a doctor. Only God can help her now, he feels, as he begs the heavens for forgiveness.
