Read the following passage: O worthiest cousin! The sin of my ingratitude even now Was heavy on me: thou art so far before That swiftest wing of recompense is slow To overtake thee. Would thou hadst less deserved, That the proportion both of thanks and payment Might have been mine! Only I have left to say, More is thy due than more than all can pay. Which phrase from the passage best contributes to Macbeth's heroic image? A. swiftest wing B. my ingratitude C. thanks and payment D. worthiest cousin

In this passage from Act I, Scene IV of " The Tragedy of Macbeth" by William Shakespeare, the phrase that best contributes to Macbeth's heroic image is worthiest cousin. King Duncan is welcoming Macbeth for his bravery and his victory in battle. King Duncan, addressing him as the worthiest is saying that Macbeth deserves respect and recompense for his performance in the battlefield. He feels guilty for not being so quick in recompensing him as Macbeth's wonderful and heroic deeds.