Question

What does the word hardy mean in this excerpt from MacBeth?
Difficult
Merciless
Strong
Obedient

Duncan: What bloody man is that? He can report,
As seemeth by his plight, of the revolt
The newest state?

Malcolm: This is the sergeant
Who like a good and hardy soldier fought
'Gainst my captivity. Hail, brave friend!
Say to the king the knowledge of the broil
As thou didst leave it

Answer 1

I believe it’s strong

Answer 2

Strong

In this excerpt hardy is describing soldier. The soldier is also described as brave and bloody. Since he is standing before the king after having just been in battle, we can assume that he is a strong fighter as he survived the fighting. When looking at the other choices, merciless seems too violent of a description to follow the word good. Also, obedient shouldn't be chosen because even though the soldier is obedient, loyal would be a more appropriate term. Difficult just doesn't fit at all.