Let us rather
Hold fast the mortal sword, and like good men
Bestride our down-fall’n birthdom.
– William Shakespeare
Macbeth, Act 4, Scene 3. In contrast to Malcolm’s pessimism over the situation in Scotland under Macbeth, Macduff shows himself to be a man of action in making this call to arms. Displaying his patriotism, he appeals to Malcolm to join with him and fight to defend their fallen country.