"It is true indeed that all the success of battles, as well as other things of the world, rests solely in the hand of God.... But of this, in general, to conclude that he has always [ always gives victory to the just feud, would prove... that the enemies of the people of God have often had the just feud against the people of God, because of the many victories which they have obtained against him - James VI and I, The Trew Law of Free Monarchies (1598) “And although some [legitimate kings]... very rarely can be cut off by the treachery of certain unnatural subjects, yet they live on their fame afterwards. them, and certain notables the plague never manages to reach the guilty in this life, in addition to their infamy towards all posterities beyond " - James VI and I, Basilikon Doron (1603) In 1603, King James VI of Scotland published Trew's Law of Free Monarchies and a revised and expanded version of Basilikon Doron in London for its new English subjects (McIlwain, ix; Kinney, 61). Basilikon Doron, who was entered into the register of stationers on March 26, 1603 (just one day after the announcement of Elizabeth's death and James' accession), immediately became popular as Londoners sought to introduce themselves to their new king (--). Shakespeare may or may not have read these pamphlets, but as a member of the newly appointed King's Players it was certainly in his interest to familiarize himself with his boss's attitudes. We can imagine that one of Shakespeare's goals must have been to win the king's favor without losing relevance to a wider audience. Macbeth seems to be an attempt to achieve such a compromise. Since Henry Paul's The Royal Play of Macbeth in 1971, many have argued that Macbeth - rich in topical allusions to James's ancestry, to the events of...... middle of paper ..... . and the talent of King of Eth, Shakespeare seems to have flattered James and attempted to smooth over the potential gap between James's theories and potential readings of the play.* The Banquo's Retort and Shakespeare's Innocent Banquo* Elimination of Macbeth's 10 years of successful reignTyrannicide in Macbeth* Introducing the rightful king Malcolm - like Machiavelli's fox* Introducing the vengeful Macduff - guilty of leaving his wife and children? Is his action approved by heaven if his entire family is killed? (in relation to Fleance's escape)* Banquo's position: not pro-tyrannicide* Malcolm, Macduff and Angus' belief in providence in their rebellion - support for the co-rebellion of the natural world?* Repeated pattern: Captain victorious serving/protecting the king to Macbeth to Duncan and Macduff to Malcolm. Importance?