It was about to speak, when the cock crew, and then it started like a guilty thing upon a fearful summons

It was about to speak, when the cock crew, and then it started like a guilty thing upon a fearful summons

The line "It was about to speak, when the cock crew, and then it started like a guilty thing upon a fearful summons" is from William Shakespeare's play Macbeth. This line is spoken by Lady Macbeth in Act 2, Scene 2, as she and her husband Macbeth are in the midst of carrying out their plan to murder King Duncan.

The line captures the tense and suspenseful atmosphere of the scene, as Lady Macbeth is waiting for Macbeth to return from committing the murder. The sound of the cock crowing interrupts her thoughts and startles her, causing her to feel guilty and fearful. The imagery of the cock crowing is significant, as it symbolizes the coming of dawn and the end of darkness, which adds to the sense of impending doom and the consequences of their actions.

Lady Macbeth's reaction to the sound of the cock crowing reflects her inner turmoil and guilt over the murder that has just been committed. She is haunted by the fear of being caught and the consequences of their actions, which she knows will lead to more bloodshed and chaos. The line also highlights the theme of guilt and conscience that runs throughout the play, as Lady Macbeth struggles to come to terms with the consequences of her ambition and desire for power.

The use of language in this line is also significant, as it conveys the sense of urgency and fear that Lady Macbeth is feeling. The repetition of the word "guilty" emphasizes her feelings of remorse and regret, while the phrase "like a guilty thing upon a fearful summons" suggests that she is being called to account for her actions and must face the consequences.

Overall, this line from Macbeth captures the psychological complexity of Lady Macbeth's character and the moral dilemmas that she faces as she grapples with the consequences of her actions. It is a powerful and evocative moment in the play that highlights the themes of guilt, ambition, and the corrupting influence of power.