APDL Eductation Resources/APDL Eductation Resources.iso/text/shakespear/macbeth/MACBETH

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        MACBETH


        DRAMATIS PERSONAE


DUNCAN  king of Scotland.


MALCOLM |
        |  his sons.
DONALBAIN       |


MACBETH |
        |  generals of the king's army.
BANQUO  |


MACDUFF |
        |
LENNOX  |
        |
ROSS    |
        |  noblemen of Scotland.
MENTEITH        |
        |
ANGUS   |
        |
CAITHNESS       |


FLEANCE son to Banquo.

SIWARD  Earl of Northumberland, general of the English forces.

YOUNG SIWARD    his son.

SEYTON  an officer attending on Macbeth.

        Boy, son to Macduff. (Son:)

        An English Doctor. (Doctor:)

        A Scotch Doctor. (Doctor:)

        A Soldier.
        A Porter.

        An Old Man

LADY MACBETH:

LADY MACDUFF:

        Gentlewoman attending on Lady Macbeth. (Gentlewoman:)

HECATE:

        Three Witches.
        (First Witch:)
        (Second Witch:)
        (Third Witch:)

        Apparitions.
        (First Apparition:)
        (Second Apparition:)
        (Third Apparition:)

        Lords, Gentlemen, Officers, Soldiers, Murderers,
        Attendants, and Messengers. (Lord:)
        (Sergeant:)
        (Servant:)
        (First Murderer:)
        (Second Murderer:)
        (Third Murderer:)
        (Messenger:)

SCENE   Scotland: England.




        MACBETH


ACT I



SCENE I A desert place.


        [Thunder and lightning. Enter three Witches]

First Witch     When shall we three meet again
        In thunder, lightning, or in rain?

Second Witch    When the hurlyburly's done,
        When the battle's lost and won.

Third Witch     That will be ere the set of sun.

First Witch     Where the place?

Second Witch                      Upon the heath.

Third Witch     There to meet with Macbeth.

First Witch     I come, Graymalkin!

Second Witch    Paddock calls.

Third Witch     Anon.

ALL     Fair is foul, and foul is fair:
        Hover through the fog and filthy air.

        [Exeunt]




        MACBETH


ACT I



SCENE II        A camp near Forres.


        [Alarum within. Enter DUNCAN, MALCOLM, DONALBAIN,
        LENNOX, with Attendants, meeting a bleeding Sergeant]

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.

Sergeant        Doubtful it stood;
        As two spent swimmers, that do cling together
        And choke their art. The merciless Macdonwald--
        Worthy to be a rebel, for to that
        The multiplying villanies of nature
        Do swarm upon him--from the western isles
        Of kerns and gallowglasses is supplied;
        And fortune, on his damned quarrel smiling,
        Show'd like a rebel's whore: but all's too weak:
        For brave Macbeth--well he deserves that name--
        Disdaining fortune, with his brandish'd steel,
        Which smoked with bloody execution,
        Like valour's minion carved out his passage
        Till he faced the slave;
        Which ne'er shook hands, nor bade farewell to him,
        Till he unseam'd him from the nave to the chaps,
        And fix'd his head upon our battlements.

DUNCAN  O valiant cousin! worthy gentleman!

Sergeant        As whence the sun 'gins his reflection
        Shipwrecking storms and direful thunders break,
        So from that spring whence comfort seem'd to come
        Discomfort swells. Mark, king of Scotland, mark:
        No sooner justice had with valour arm'd
        Compell'd these skipping kerns to trust their heels,
        But the Norweyan lord surveying vantage,
        With furbish'd arms and new supplies of men
        Began a fresh assault.

DUNCAN  Dismay'd not this
        Our captains, Macbeth and Banquo?

Sergeant        Yes;
        As sparrows eagles, or the hare the lion.
        If I say sooth, I must report they were
        As cannons overcharged with double cracks, so they
        Doubly redoubled strokes upon the foe:
        Except they meant to bathe in reeking wounds,
        Or memorise another Golgotha,
        I cannot tell.
        But I am faint, my gashes cry for help.

DUNCAN  So well thy words become thee as thy wounds;
        They smack of honour both. Go get him surgeons.

        [Exit Sergeant, attended]

        Who comes here?

        [Enter ROSS]

MALCOLM                   The worthy thane of Ross.

LENNOX  What a haste looks through his eyes! So should he look
        That seems to speak things strange.

ROSS    God save the king!

DUNCAN  Whence camest thou, worthy thane?

ROSS    From Fife, great king;
        Where the Norweyan banners flout the sky
        And fan our people cold. Norway himself,
        With terrible numbers,
        Assisted by that most disloyal traitor
        The thane of Cawdor, began a dismal conflict;
        Till that Bellona's bridegroom, lapp'd in proof,
        Confronted him with self-comparisons,
        Point against point rebellious, arm 'gainst arm.
        Curbing his lavish spirit: and, to conclude,
        The victory fell on us.

DUNCAN  Great happiness!

ROSS    That now
        Sweno, the Norways' king, craves composition:
        Nor would we deign him burial of his men
        Till he disbursed at Saint Colme's inch
        Ten thousand dollars to our general use.

DUNCAN  No more that thane of Cawdor shall deceive
        Our bosom interest: go pronounce his present death,
        And with his former title greet Macbeth.

ROSS    I'll see it done.

DUNCAN  What he hath lost noble Macbeth hath won.

        [Exeunt]




        MACBETH


ACT I



SCENE III       A heath near Forres.


        [Thunder. Enter the three Witches]

First Witch     Where hast thou been, sister?

Second Witch    Killing swine.

Third Witch     Sister, where thou?

First Witch     A sailor's wife had chestnuts in her lap,
        And munch'd, and munch'd, and munch'd:--
        'Give me,' quoth I:
        'Aroint thee, witch!' the rump-fed ronyon cries.
        Her husband's to Aleppo gone, master o' the Tiger:
        But in a sieve I'll thither sail,
        And, like a rat without a tail,
        I'll do, I'll do, and I'll do.

Second Witch    I'll give thee a wind.

First Witch     Thou'rt kind.

Third Witch     And I another.

First Witch     I myself have all the other,
        And the very ports they blow,
        All the quarters that they know
        I' the shipman's card.
        I will drain him dry as hay:
        Sleep shall neither night nor day
        Hang upon his pent-house lid;
        He shall live a man forbid:
        Weary se'nnights nine times nine
        Shall he dwindle, peak and pine:
        Though his bark cannot be lost,
        Yet it shall be tempest-tost.
        Look what I have.

Second Witch    Show me, show me.

First Witch     Here I have a pilot's thumb,
        Wreck'd as homeward he did come.

        [Drum within]

Third Witch     A drum, a drum!
        Macbeth doth come.

ALL     The weird sisters, hand in hand,
        Posters of the sea and land,
        Thus do go about, about:
        Thrice to thine and thrice to mine
        And thrice again, to make up nine.
        Peace! the charm's wound up.

        [Enter MACBETH and BANQUO]

MACBETH So foul and fair a day I have not seen.

BANQUO  How far is't call'd to Forres? What are these
        So wither'd and so wild in their attire,
        That look not like the inhabitants o' the earth,
        And yet are on't? Live you? or are you aught
        That man may question? You seem to understand me,
        By each at once her chappy finger laying
        Upon her skinny lips: you should be women,
        And yet your beards forbid me to interpret
        That you are so.

MACBETH                   Speak, if you can: what are you?

First Witch     All hail, Macbeth! hail to thee, thane of Glamis!

Second Witch    All hail, Macbeth, hail to thee, thane of Cawdor!

Third Witch     All hail, Macbeth, thou shalt be king hereafter!

BANQUO  Good sir, why do you start; and seem to fear
        Things that do sound so fair? I' the name of truth,
        Are ye fantastical, or that indeed
        Which outwardly ye show? My noble partner
        You greet with present grace and great prediction
        Of noble having and of royal hope,
        That he seems rapt withal: to me you speak not.
        If you can look into the seeds of time,
        And say which grain will grow and which will not,
        Speak then to me, who neither beg nor fear
        Your favours nor your hate.

First Witch     Hail!

Second Witch    Hail!

Third Witch     Hail!

First Witch     Lesser than Macbeth, and greater.

Second Witch    Not so happy, yet much happier.

Third Witch     Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none:
        So all hail, Macbeth and Banquo!

First Witch     Banquo and Macbeth, all hail!

MACBETH Stay, you imperfect speakers, tell me more:
        By Sinel's death I know I am thane of Glamis;
        But how of Cawdor? the thane of Cawdor lives,
        A prosperous gentleman; and to be king
        Stands not within the prospect of belief,
        No more than to be Cawdor. Say from whence
        You owe this strange intelligence? or why
        Upon this blasted heath you stop our way
        With such prophetic greeting? Speak, I charge you.

        [Witches vanish]

BANQUO  The earth hath bubbles, as the water has,
        And these are of them. Whither are they vanish'd?

MACBETH Into the air; and what seem'd corporal melted
        As breath into the wind. Would they had stay'd!

BANQUO  Were such things here as we do speak about?
        Or have we eaten on the insane root
        That takes the reason prisoner?

MACBETH Your children shall be kings.

BANQUO  You shall be king.

MACBETH And thane of Cawdor too: went it not so?

BANQUO  To the selfsame tune and words. Who's here?

        [Enter ROSS and ANGUS]

ROSS    The king hath happily received, Macbeth,
        The news of thy success; and when he reads
        Thy personal venture in the rebels' fight,
        His wonders and his praises do contend
        Which should be thine or his: silenced with that,
        In viewing o'er the rest o' the selfsame day,
        He finds thee in the stout Norweyan ranks,
        Nothing afeard of what thyself didst make,
        Strange images of death. As thick as hail
        Came post with post; and every one did bear
        Thy praises in his kingdom's great defence,
        And pour'd them down before him.

ANGUS   We are sent
        To give thee from our royal master thanks;
        Only to herald thee into his sight,
        Not pay thee.

ROSS    And, for an earnest of a greater honour,
        He bade me, from him, call thee thane of Cawdor:
        In which addition, hail, most worthy thane!
        For it is thine.

BANQUO                    What, can the devil speak true?

MACBETH The thane of Cawdor lives: why do you dress me
        In borrow'd robes?

ANGUS                     Who was the thane lives yet;
        But under heavy judgment bears that life
        Which he deserves to lose. Whether he was combined
        With those of Norway, or did line the rebel
        With hidden help and vantage, or that with both
        He labour'd in his country's wreck, I know not;
        But treasons capital, confess'd and proved,
        Have overthrown him.

MACBETH [Aside]  Glamis, and thane of Cawdor!
        The greatest is behind.

        [To ROSS and ANGUS]

                  Thanks for your pains.

        [To BANQUO]

        Do you not hope your children shall be kings,
        When those that gave the thane of Cawdor to me
        Promised no less to them?

BANQUO  That trusted home
        Might yet enkindle you unto the crown,
        Besides the thane of Cawdor. But 'tis strange:
        And oftentimes, to win us to our harm,
        The instruments of darkness tell us truths,
        Win us with honest trifles, to betray's
        In deepest consequence.
        Cousins, a word, I pray you.

MACBETH [Aside] Two truths are told,
        As happy prologues to the swelling act
        Of the imperial theme.--I thank you, gentlemen.

        [Aside]  This supernatural soliciting
        Cannot be ill, cannot be good: if ill,
        Why hath it given me earnest of success,
        Commencing in a truth? I am thane of Cawdor:
        If good, why do I yield to that suggestion
        Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair
        And make my seated heart knock at my ribs,
        Against the use of nature? Present fears
        Are less than horrible imaginings:
        My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical,
        Shakes so my single state of man that function
        Is smother'd in surmise, and nothing is
        But what is not.

BANQUO                    Look, how our partner's rapt.

MACBETH [Aside]  If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me,
        Without my stir.

BANQUO                    New horrors come upon him,
        Like our strange garments, cleave not to their mould
        But with the aid of use.

MACBETH [Aside]                Come what come may,
        Time and the hour runs through the roughest day.

BANQUO  Worthy Macbeth, we stay upon your leisure.

MACBETH Give me your favour: my dull brain was wrought
        With things forgotten. Kind gentlemen, your pains
        Are register'd where every day I turn
        The leaf to read them. Let us toward the king.
        Think upon what hath chanced, and, at more time,
        The interim having weigh'd it, let us speak
        Our free hearts each to other.

BANQUO  Very gladly.

MACBETH Till then, enough. Come, friends.

        [Exeunt]




        MACBETH


ACT I



SCENE IV        Forres. The palace.


        [Flourish. Enter DUNCAN, MALCOLM, DONALBAIN, LENNOX,
        and Attendants]

DUNCAN  Is execution done on Cawdor? Are not
        Those in commission yet return'd?

MALCOLM My liege,
        They are not yet come back. But I have spoke
        With one that saw him die: who did report
        That very frankly he confess'd his treasons,
        Implored your highness' pardon and set forth
        A deep repentance: nothing in his life
        Became him like the leaving it; he died
        As one that had been studied in his death
        To throw away the dearest thing he owed,
        As 'twere a careless trifle.

DUNCAN  There's no art
        To find the mind's construction in the face:
        He was a gentleman on whom I built
        An absolute trust.

        [Enter MACBETH, BANQUO, ROSS, and ANGUS]

        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.

MACBETH The service and the loyalty I owe,
        In doing it, pays itself. Your highness' part
        Is to receive our duties; and our duties
        Are to your throne and state children and servants,
        Which do but what they should, by doing every thing
        Safe toward your love and honour.

DUNCAN  Welcome hither:
        I have begun to plant thee, and will labour
        To make thee full of growing. Noble Banquo,
        That hast no less deserved, nor must be known
        No less to have done so, let me enfold thee
        And hold thee to my heart.

BANQUO  There if I grow,
        The harvest is your own.

DUNCAN  My plenteous joys,
        Wanton in fulness, seek to hide themselves
        In drops of sorrow. Sons, kinsmen, thanes,
        And you whose places are the nearest, know
        We will establish our estate upon
        Our eldest, Malcolm, whom we name hereafter
        The Prince of Cumberland; which honour must
        Not unaccompanied invest him only,
        But signs of nobleness, like stars, shall shine
        On all deservers. From hence to Inverness,
        And bind us further to you.

MACBETH The rest is labour, which is not used for you:
        I'll be myself the harbinger and make joyful
        The hearing of my wife with your approach;
        So humbly take my leave.

DUNCAN  My worthy Cawdor!

MACBETH [Aside]  The Prince of Cumberland! that is a step
        On which I must fall down, or else o'erleap,
        For in my way it lies. Stars, hide your fires;
        Let not light see my black and deep desires:
        The eye wink at the hand; yet let that be,
        Which the eye fears, when it is done, to see.

        [Exit]

DUNCAN  True, worthy Banquo; he is full so valiant,
        And in his commendations I am fed;
        It is a banquet to me. Let's after him,
        Whose care is gone before to bid us welcome:
        It is a peerless kinsman.

        [Flourish. Exeunt]




        MACBETH


ACT I



SCENE V Inverness. Macbeth's castle.


        [Enter LADY MACBETH, reading a letter]

LADY MACBETH    'They met me in the day of success: and I have
        learned by the perfectest report, they have more in
        them than mortal knowledge. When I burned in desire
        to question them further, they made themselves air,
        into which they vanished. Whiles I stood rapt in
        the wonder of it, came missives from the king, who
        all-hailed me 'Thane of Cawdor;' by which title,
        before, these weird sisters saluted me, and referred
        me to the coming on of time, with 'Hail, king that
        shalt be!' This have I thought good to deliver
        thee, my dearest partner of greatness, that thou
        mightst not lose the dues of rejoicing, by being
        ignorant of what greatness is promised thee. Lay it
        to thy heart, and farewell.'
        Glamis thou art, and Cawdor; and shalt be
        What thou art promised: yet do I fear thy nature;
        It is too full o' the milk of human kindness
        To catch the nearest way: thou wouldst be great;
        Art not without ambition, but without
        The illness should attend it: what thou wouldst highly,
        That wouldst thou holily; wouldst not play false,
        And yet wouldst wrongly win: thou'ldst have, great Glamis,
        That which cries 'Thus thou must do, if thou have it;
        And that which rather thou dost fear to do
        Than wishest should be undone.' Hie thee hither,
        That I may pour my spirits in thine ear;
        And chastise with the valour of my tongue
        All that impedes thee from the golden round,
        Which fate and metaphysical aid doth seem
        To have thee crown'd withal.

        [Enter a Messenger]

                       What is your tidings?

Messenger       The king comes here to-night.

LADY MACBETH    Thou'rt mad to say it:
        Is not thy master with him? who, were't so,
        Would have inform'd for preparation.

Messenger       So please you, it is true: our thane is coming:
        One of my fellows had the speed of him,
        Who, almost dead for breath, had scarcely more
        Than would make up his message.

LADY MACBETH    Give him tending;
        He brings great news.

        [Exit Messenger]

                The raven himself is hoarse
        That croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan
        Under my battlements. Come, you spirits
        That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here,
        And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full
        Of direst cruelty! make thick my blood;
        Stop up the access and passage to remorse,
        That no compunctious visitings of nature
        Shake my fell purpose, nor keep peace between
        The effect and it! Come to my woman's breasts,
        And take my milk for gall, you murdering ministers,
        Wherever in your sightless substances
        You wait on nature's mischief! Come, thick night,
        And pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell,
        That my keen knife see not the wound it makes,
        Nor heaven peep through the blanket of the dark,
        To cry 'Hold, hold!'

        [Enter MACBETH]

                Great Glamis! worthy Cawdor!
        Greater than both, by the all-hail hereafter!
        Thy letters have transported me beyond
        This ignorant present, and I feel now
        The future in the instant.

MACBETH My dearest love,
        Duncan comes here to-night.

LADY MACBETH    And when goes hence?

MACBETH To-morrow, as he purposes.

LADY MACBETH    O, never
        Shall sun that morrow see!
        Your face, my thane, is as a book where men
        May read strange matters. To beguile the time,
        Look like the time; bear welcome in your eye,
        Your hand, your tongue: look like the innocent flower,
        But be the serpent under't. He that's coming
        Must be provided for: and you shall put
        This night's great business into my dispatch;
        Which shall to all our nights and days to come
        Give solely sovereign sway and masterdom.

MACBETH We will speak further.

LADY MACBETH    Only look up clear;
        To alter favour ever is to fear:
        Leave all the rest to me.

        [Exeunt]




        MACBETH


ACT I



SCENE VI        Before Macbeth's castle.


        [Hautboys and torches. Enter DUNCAN, MALCOLM,
        DONALBAIN, BANQUO, LENNOX, MACDUFF, ROSS, ANGUS,
        and Attendants]

DUNCAN  This castle hath a pleasant seat; the air
        Nimbly and sweetly recommends itself
        Unto our gentle senses.

BANQUO  This guest of summer,
        The temple-haunting martlet, does approve,
        By his loved mansionry, that the heaven's breath
        Smells wooingly here: no jutty, frieze,
        Buttress, nor coign of vantage, but this bird
        Hath made his pendent bed and procreant cradle:
        Where they most breed and haunt, I have observed,
        The air is delicate.

        [Enter LADY MACBETH]

DUNCAN  See, see, our honour'd hostess!
        The love that follows us sometime is our trouble,
        Which still we thank as love. Herein I teach you
        How you shall bid God 'ild us for your pains,
        And thank us for your trouble.

LADY MACBETH    All our service
        In every point twice done and then done double
        Were poor and single business to contend
        Against those honours deep and broad wherewith
        Your majesty loads our house: for those of old,
        And the late dignities heap'd up to them,
        We rest your hermits.

DUNCAN  Where's the thane of Cawdor?
        We coursed him at the heels, and had a purpose
        To be his purveyor: but he rides well;
        And his great love, sharp as his spur, hath holp him
        To his home before us. Fair and noble hostess,
        We are your guest to-night.

LADY MACBETH    Your servants ever
        Have theirs, themselves and what is theirs, in compt,
        To make their audit at your highness' pleasure,
        Still to return your own.

DUNCAN  Give me your hand;
        Conduct me to mine host: we love him highly,
        And shall continue our graces towards him.
        By your leave, hostess.

        [Exeunt]




        MACBETH


ACT I



SCENE VII       Macbeth's castle.


        [Hautboys and torches. Enter a Sewer, and divers
        Servants with dishes and service, and pass over the
        stage. Then enter MACBETH]

MACBETH If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well
        It were done quickly: if the assassination
        Could trammel up the consequence, and catch
        With his surcease success; that but this blow
        Might be the be-all and the end-all here,
        But here, upon this bank and shoal of time,
        We'ld jump the life to come. But in these cases
        We still have judgment here; that we but teach
        Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return
        To plague the inventor: this even-handed justice
        Commends the ingredients of our poison'd chalice
        To our own lips. He's here in double trust;
        First, as I am his kinsman and his subject,
        Strong both against the deed; then, as his host,
        Who should against his murderer shut the door,
        Not bear the knife myself. Besides, this Duncan
        Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been
        So clear in his great office, that his virtues
        Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued, against
        The deep damnation of his taking-off;
        And pity, like a naked new-born babe,
        Striding the blast, or heaven's cherubim, horsed
        Upon the sightless couriers of the air,
        Shall blow the horrid deed in every eye,
        That tears shall drown the wind. I have no spur
        To prick the sides of my intent, but only
        Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself
        And falls on the other.

        [Enter LADY MACBETH]

                  How now! what news?

LADY MACBETH    He has almost supp'd: why have you left the chamber?

MACBETH Hath he ask'd for me?

LADY MACBETH    Know you not he has?

MACBETH We will proceed no further in this business:
        He hath honour'd me of late; and I have bought
        Golden opinions from all sorts of people,
        Which would be worn now in their newest gloss,
        Not cast aside so soon.

LADY MACBETH    Was the hope drunk
        Wherein you dress'd yourself? hath it slept since?
        And wakes it now, to look so green and pale
        At what it did so freely? From this time
        Such I account thy love. Art thou afeard
        To be the same in thine own act and valour
        As thou art in desire? Wouldst thou have that
        Which thou esteem'st the ornament of life,
        And live a coward in thine own esteem,
        Letting 'I dare not' wait upon 'I would,'
        Like the poor cat i' the adage?

MACBETH Prithee, peace:
        I dare do all that may become a man;
        Who dares do more is none.
LADY MACBETH    What beast was't, then,
        That made you break this enterprise to me?
        When you durst do it, then you were a man;
        And, to be more than what you were, you would
        Be so much more the man. Nor time nor place
        Did then adhere, and yet you would make both:
        They have made themselves, and that their fitness now
        Does unmake you. I have given suck, and know
        How tender 'tis to love the babe that milks me:
        I would, while it was smiling in my face,
        Have pluck'd my nipple from his boneless gums,
        And dash'd the brains out, had I so sworn as you
        Have done to this.

MACBETH                   If we should fail?

LADY MACBETH    We fail!
        But screw your courage to the sticking-place,
        And we'll not fail. When Duncan is asleep--
        Whereto the rather shall his day's hard journey
        Soundly invite him--his two chamberlains
        Will I with wine and wassail so convince
        That memory, the warder of the brain,
        Shall be a fume, and the receipt of reason
        A limbeck only: when in swinish sleep
        Their drenched natures lie as in a death,
        What cannot you and I perform upon
        The unguarded Duncan? what not put upon
        His spongy officers, who shall bear the guilt
        Of our great quell?

MACBETH Bring forth men-children only;
        For thy undaunted mettle should compose
        Nothing but males. Will it not be received,
        When we have mark'd with blood those sleepy two
        Of his own chamber and used their very daggers,
        That they have done't?

LADY MACBETH    Who dares receive it other,
        As we shall make our griefs and clamour roar
        Upon his death?

MACBETH                   I am settled, and bend up
        Each corporal agent to this terrible feat.
        Away, and mock the time with fairest show:
        False face must hide what the false heart doth know.

        [Exeunt]




        MACBETH


ACT II



SCENE I Court of Macbeth's castle.


        [Enter BANQUO, and FLEANCE bearing a torch before him]

BANQUO  How goes the night, boy?

FLEANCE The moon is down; I have not heard the clock.

BANQUO  And she goes down at twelve.

FLEANCE I take't, 'tis later, sir.

BANQUO  Hold, take my sword. There's husbandry in heaven;
        Their candles are all out. Take thee that too.
        A heavy summons lies like lead upon me,
        And yet I would not sleep: merciful powers,
        Restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature
        Gives way to in repose!

        [Enter MACBETH, and a Servant with a torch]

                  Give me my sword.
        Who's there?

MACBETH A friend.

BANQUO  What, sir, not yet at rest? The king's a-bed:
        He hath been in unusual pleasure, and
        Sent forth great largess to your offices.
        This diamond he greets your wife withal,
        By the name of most kind hostess; and shut up
        In measureless content.

MACBETH Being unprepared,
        Our will became the servant to defect;
        Which else should free have wrought.

BANQUO  All's well.
        I dreamt last night of the three weird sisters:
        To you they have show'd some truth.

MACBETH I think not of them:
        Yet, when we can entreat an hour to serve,
        We would spend it in some words upon that business,
        If you would grant the time.

BANQUO  At your kind'st leisure.

MACBETH If you shall cleave to my consent, when 'tis,
        It shall make honour for you.

BANQUO  So I lose none
        In seeking to augment it, but still keep
        My bosom franchised and allegiance clear,
        I shall be counsell'd.

MACBETH Good repose the while!

BANQUO  Thanks, sir: the like to you!

        [Exeunt BANQUO and FLEANCE]

MACBETH Go bid thy mistress, when my drink is ready,
        She strike upon the bell. Get thee to bed.

        [Exit Servant]

        Is this a dagger which I see before me,
        The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee.
        I have thee not, and yet I see thee still.
        Art thou not, fatal vision, sensible
        To feeling as to sight? or art thou but
        A dagger of the mind, a false creation,
        Proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain?
        I see thee yet, in form as palpable
        As this which now I draw.
        Thou marshall'st me the way that I was going;
        And such an instrument I was to use.
        Mine eyes are made the fools o' the other senses,
        Or else worth all the rest; I see thee still,
        And on thy blade and dudgeon gouts of blood,
        Which was not so before. There's no such thing:
        It is the bloody business which informs
        Thus to mine eyes. Now o'er the one halfworld
        Nature seems dead, and wicked dreams abuse
        The curtain'd sleep; witchcraft celebrates
        Pale Hecate's offerings, and wither'd murder,
        Alarum'd by his sentinel, the wolf,
        Whose howl's his watch, thus with his stealthy pace.
        With Tarquin's ravishing strides, towards his design
        Moves like a ghost. Thou sure and firm-set earth,
        Hear not my steps, which way they walk, for fear
        Thy very stones prate of my whereabout,
        And take the present horror from the time,
        Which now suits with it. Whiles I threat, he lives:
        Words to the heat of deeds too cold breath gives.

        [A bell rings]

        I go, and it is done; the bell invites me.
        Hear it not, Duncan; for it is a knell
        That summons thee to heaven or to hell.

        [Exit]




        MACBETH


ACT II



SCENE II        The same.


        [Enter LADY MACBETH]

LADY MACBETH    That which hath made them drunk hath made me bold;
        What hath quench'd them hath given me fire.
        Hark! Peace!
        It was the owl that shriek'd, the fatal bellman,
        Which gives the stern'st good-night. He is about it:
        The doors are open; and the surfeited grooms
        Do mock their charge with snores: I have drugg'd
        their possets,
        That death and nature do contend about them,
        Whether they live or die.

MACBETH [Within]  Who's there? what, ho!

LADY MACBETH    Alack, I am afraid they have awaked,
        And 'tis not done. The attempt and not the deed
        Confounds us. Hark! I laid their daggers ready;
        He could not miss 'em. Had he not resembled
        My father as he slept, I had done't.

        [Enter MACBETH]

                                  My husband!

MACBETH I have done the deed. Didst thou not hear a noise?

LADY MACBETH    I heard the owl scream and the crickets cry.
        Did not you speak?

MACBETH                   When?

LADY MACBETH    Now.

MACBETH As I descended?

LADY MACBETH    Ay.

MACBETH Hark!
        Who lies i' the second chamber?

LADY MACBETH    Donalbain.

MACBETH This is a sorry sight.

        [Looking on his hands]

LADY MACBETH    A foolish thought, to say a sorry sight.

MACBETH There's one did laugh in's sleep, and one cried
        'Murder!'
        That they did wake each other: I stood and heard them:
        But they did say their prayers, and address'd them
        Again to sleep.

LADY MACBETH                      There are two lodged together.

MACBETH One cried 'God bless us!' and 'Amen' the other;
        As they had seen me with these hangman's hands.
        Listening their fear, I could not say 'Amen,'
        When they did say 'God bless us!'

LADY MACBETH    Consider it not so deeply.

MACBETH But wherefore could not I pronounce 'Amen'?
        I had most need of blessing, and 'Amen'
        Stuck in my throat.

LADY MACBETH    These deeds must not be thought
        After these ways; so, it will make us mad.

MACBETH Methought I heard a voice cry 'Sleep no more!
        Macbeth does murder sleep', the innocent sleep,
        Sleep that knits up the ravell'd sleeve of care,
        The death of each day's life, sore labour's bath,
        Balm of hurt minds, great nature's second course,
        Chief nourisher in life's feast,--

LADY MACBETH    What do you mean?

MACBETH Still it cried 'Sleep no more!' to all the house:
        'Glamis hath murder'd sleep, and therefore Cawdor
        Shall sleep no more; Macbeth shall sleep no more.'

LADY MACBETH    Who was it that thus cried? Why, worthy thane,
        You do unbend your noble strength, to think
        So brainsickly of things. Go get some water,
        And wash this filthy witness from your hand.
        Why did you bring these daggers from the place?
        They must lie there: go carry them; and smear
        The sleepy grooms with blood.

MACBETH I'll go no more:
        I am afraid to think what I have done;
        Look on't again I dare not.

LADY MACBETH    Infirm of purpose!
        Give me the daggers: the sleeping and the dead
        Are but as pictures: 'tis the eye of childhood
        That fears a painted devil. If he do bleed,
        I'll gild the faces of the grooms withal;
        For it must seem their guilt.

        [Exit. Knocking within]

MACBETH Whence is that knocking?
        How is't with me, when every noise appals me?
        What hands are here? ha! they pluck out mine eyes.
        Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood
        Clean from my hand? No, this my hand will rather
        The multitudinous seas in incarnadine,
        Making the green one red.

        [Re-enter LADY MACBETH]

LADY MACBETH    My hands are of your colour; but I shame
        To wear a heart so white.

        [Knocking within]

                    I hear a knocking
        At the south entry: retire we to our chamber;
        A little water clears us of this deed:
        How easy is it, then! Your constancy
        Hath left you unattended.

        [Knocking within]

                   Hark! more knocking.
        Get on your nightgown, lest occasion call us,
        And show us to be watchers. Be not lost
        So poorly in your thoughts.

MACBETH To know my deed, 'twere best not know myself.

        [Knocking within]

        Wake Duncan with thy knocking! I would thou couldst!

        [Exeunt]



        MACBETH


ACT II



SCENE III       The same.


        [Knocking within. Enter a Porter]

Porter  Here's a knocking indeed! If a
        man were porter of hell-gate, he should have
        old turning the key.

        [Knocking within]
                Knock,
        knock, knock! Who's there, i' the name of
        Beelzebub? Here's a farmer, that hanged
        himself on the expectation of plenty: come in
        time; have napkins enow about you; here
        you'll sweat for't.

        [Knocking within]
        Knock,
        knock! Who's there, in the other devil's
        name? Faith, here's an equivocator, that could
        swear in both the scales against either scale;
        who committed treason enough for God's sake,
        yet could not equivocate to heaven: O, come
        in, equivocator.

        [Knocking within]
        Knock,
        knock, knock! Who's there? Faith, here's an
        English tailor come hither, for stealing out of
        a French hose: come in, tailor; here you may
        roast your goose.

        [Knocking within]
        Knock,
        knock; never at quiet! What are you? But
        this place is too cold for hell. I'll devil-porter
        it no further: I had thought to have let in
        some of all professions that go the primrose
        way to the everlasting bonfire.

        [Knocking within]

        Anon, anon! I pray you, remember the porter.

        [Opens the gate]

        [Enter MACDUFF and LENNOX]

MACDUFF Was it so late, friend, ere you went to bed,
        That you do lie so late?

Porter  'Faith sir, we were carousing till the
        second cock: and drink, sir, is a great
        provoker of three things.

MACDUFF What three things does drink especially provoke?

Porter  Marry, sir, nose-painting, sleep, and
        urine. Lechery, sir, it provokes, and unprovokes;
        it provokes the desire, but it takes
        away the performance: therefore, much drink
        may be said to be an equivocator with lechery:
        it makes him, and it mars him; it sets
        him on, and it takes him off; it persuades him,
        and disheartens him; makes him stand to, and
        not stand to; in conclusion, equivocates him
        in a sleep, and, giving him the lie, leaves him.

MACDUFF I believe drink gave thee the lie last night.

Porter  That it did, sir, i' the very throat on
        me: but I requited him for his lie; and, I
        think, being too strong for him, though he took
        up my legs sometime, yet I made a shift to cast
        him.

MACDUFF Is thy master stirring?

        [Enter MACBETH]

        Our knocking has awaked him; here he comes.

LENNOX  Good morrow, noble sir.

MACBETH Good morrow, both.

MACDUFF Is the king stirring, worthy thane?

MACBETH Not yet.

MACDUFF He did command me to call timely on him:
        I have almost slipp'd the hour.

MACBETH I'll bring you to him.

MACDUFF I know this is a joyful trouble to you;
        But yet 'tis one.

MACBETH The labour we delight in physics pain.
        This is the door.

MACDUFF                   I'll make so bold to call,
        For 'tis my limited service.

        [Exit]

LENNOX  Goes the king hence to-day?

MACBETH He does: he did appoint so.

LENNOX  The night has been unruly: where we lay,
        Our chimneys were blown down; and, as they say,
        Lamentings heard i' the air; strange screams of death,
        And prophesying with accents terrible
        Of dire combustion and confused events
        New hatch'd to the woeful time: the obscure bird
        Clamour'd the livelong night: some say, the earth
        Was feverous and did shake.

MACBETH 'Twas a rough night.

LENNOX  My young remembrance cannot parallel
        A fellow to it.

        [Re-enter MACDUFF]

MACDUFF O horror, horror, horror! Tongue nor heart
        Cannot conceive nor name thee!


MACBETH |
        |       What's the matter.
LENNOX  |


MACDUFF Confusion now hath made his masterpiece!
        Most sacrilegious murder hath broke ope
        The Lord's anointed temple, and stole thence
        The life o' the building!

MACBETH What is 't you say? the life?

LENNOX  Mean you his majesty?

MACDUFF Approach the chamber, and destroy your sight
        With a new Gorgon: do not bid me speak;
        See, and then speak yourselves.

        [Exeunt MACBETH and LENNOX]

                          Awake, awake!
        Ring the alarum-bell. Murder and treason!
        Banquo and Donalbain! Malcolm! awake!
        Shake off this downy sleep, death's counterfeit,
        And look on death itself! up, up, and see
        The great doom's image! Malcolm! Banquo!
        As from your graves rise up, and walk like sprites,
        To countenance this horror! Ring the bell.

        [Bell rings]

        [Enter LADY MACBETH]

LADY MACBETH    What's the business,
        That such a hideous trumpet calls to parley
        The sleepers of the house? speak, speak!

MACDUFF O gentle lady,
        'Tis not for you to hear what I can speak:
        The repetition, in a woman's ear,
        Would murder as it fell.

        [Enter BANQUO]

                   O Banquo, Banquo,
        Our royal master 's murder'd!

LADY MACBETH    Woe, alas!
        What, in our house?

BANQUO  Too cruel any where.
        Dear Duff, I prithee, contradict thyself,
        And say it is not so.

        [Re-enter MACBETH and LENNOX, with ROSS]

MACBETH Had I but died an hour before this chance,
        I had lived a blessed time; for, from this instant,
        There 's nothing serious in mortality:
        All is but toys: renown and grace is dead;
        The wine of life is drawn, and the mere lees
        Is left this vault to brag of.

        [Enter MALCOLM and DONALBAIN]

DONALBAIN       What is amiss?

MACBETH                   You are, and do not know't:
        The spring, the head, the fountain of your blood
        Is stopp'd; the very source of it is stopp'd.

MACDUFF Your royal father 's murder'd.

MALCOLM O, by whom?

LENNOX  Those of his chamber, as it seem'd, had done 't:
        Their hands and faces were an badged with blood;
        So were their daggers, which unwiped we found
        Upon their pillows:
        They stared, and were distracted; no man's life
        Was to be trusted with them.

MACBETH O, yet I do repent me of my fury,
        That I did kill them.

MACDUFF Wherefore did you so?

MACBETH Who can be wise, amazed, temperate and furious,
        Loyal and neutral, in a moment? No man:
        The expedition my violent love
        Outrun the pauser, reason. Here lay Duncan,
        His silver skin laced with his golden blood;
        And his gash'd stabs look'd like a breach in nature
        For ruin's wasteful entrance: there, the murderers,
        Steep'd in the colours of their trade, their daggers
        Unmannerly breech'd with gore: who could refrain,
        That had a heart to love, and in that heart
        Courage to make 's love known?

LADY MACBETH    Help me hence, ho!

MACDUFF Look to the lady.

MALCOLM [Aside to DONALBAIN]  Why do we hold our tongues,
        That most may claim this argument for ours?

DONALBAIN       [Aside to MALCOLM]  What should be spoken here,
        where our fate,
        Hid in an auger-hole, may rush, and seize us?
        Let 's away;
        Our tears are not yet brew'd.

MALCOLM [Aside to DONALBAIN]        Nor our strong sorrow
        Upon the foot of motion.

BANQUO  Look to the lady:

        [LADY MACBETH is carried out]

        And when we have our naked frailties hid,
        That suffer in exposure, let us meet,
        And question this most bloody piece of work,
        To know it further. Fears and scruples shake us:
        In the great hand of God I stand; and thence
        Against the undivulged pretence I fight
        Of treasonous malice.

MACDUFF And so do I.

ALL     So all.

MACBETH Let's briefly put on manly readiness,
        And meet i' the hall together.

ALL     Well contented.

        [Exeunt all but Malcolm and Donalbain.

MALCOLM What will you do? Let's not consort with them:
        To show an unfelt sorrow is an office
        Which the false man does easy. I'll to England.

DONALBAIN       To Ireland, I; our separated fortune
        Shall keep us both the safer: where we are,
        There's daggers in men's smiles: the near in blood,
        The nearer bloody.

MALCOLM                   This murderous shaft that's shot
        Hath not yet lighted, and our safest way
        Is to avoid the aim. Therefore, to horse;
        And let us not be dainty of leave-taking,
        But shift away: there's warrant in that theft
        Which steals itself, when there's no mercy left.

        [Exeunt]




        MACBETH


ACT II



SCENE IV        Outside Macbeth's castle.


        [Enter ROSS and an old Man]

Old Man Threescore and ten I can remember well:
        Within the volume of which time I have seen
        Hours dreadful and things strange; but this sore night
        Hath trifled former knowings.

ROSS    Ah, good father,
        Thou seest, the heavens, as troubled with man's act,
        Threaten his bloody stage: by the clock, 'tis day,
        And yet dark night strangles the travelling lamp:
        Is't night's predominance, or the day's shame,
        That darkness does the face of earth entomb,
        When living light should kiss it?

Old Man 'Tis unnatural,
        Even like the deed that's done. On Tuesday last,
        A falcon, towering in her pride of place,
        Was by a mousing owl hawk'd at and kill'd.

ROSS    And Duncan's horses--a thing most strange and certain--
        Beauteous and swift, the minions of their race,
        Turn'd wild in nature, broke their stalls, flung out,
        Contending 'gainst obedience, as they would make
        War with mankind.

Old Man 'Tis said they eat each other.

ROSS    They did so, to the amazement of mine eyes
        That look'd upon't. Here comes the good Macduff.

        [Enter MACDUFF]

        How goes the world, sir, now?

MACDUFF Why, see you not?

ROSS    Is't known who did this more than bloody deed?

MACDUFF Those that Macbeth hath slain.

ROSS    Alas, the day!
        What good could they pretend?

MACDUFF They were suborn'd:
        Malcolm and Donalbain, the king's two sons,
        Are stol'n away and fled; which puts upon them
        Suspicion of the deed.

ROSS    'Gainst nature still!
        Thriftless ambition, that wilt ravin up
        Thine own life's means! Then 'tis most like
        The sovereignty will fall upon Macbeth.

MACDUFF He is already named, and gone to Scone
        To be invested.

ROSS                      Where is Duncan's body?

MACDUFF Carried to Colmekill,
        The sacred storehouse of his predecessors,
        And guardian of their bones.

ROSS    Will you to Scone?

MACDUFF No, cousin, I'll to Fife.

ROSS    Well, I will thither.

MACDUFF Well, may you see things well done there: adieu!
        Lest our old robes sit easier than our new!

ROSS    Farewell, father.

Old Man God's benison go with you; and with those
        That would make good of bad, and friends of foes!

        [Exeunt]




        MACBETH


ACT III



SCENE I Forres. The palace.


        [Enter BANQUO]

BANQUO  Thou hast it now: king, Cawdor, Glamis, all,
        As the weird women promised, and, I fear,
        Thou play'dst most foully for't: yet it was said
        It should not stand in thy posterity,
        But that myself should be the root and father
        Of many kings. If there come truth from them--
        As upon thee, Macbeth, their speeches shine--
        Why, by the verities on thee made good,
        May they not be my oracles as well,
        And set me up in hope? But hush! no more.

        [Sennet sounded. Enter MACBETH, as king, LADY
        MACBETH, as queen, LENNOX, ROSS, Lords, Ladies, and
        Attendants]

MACBETH Here's our chief guest.

LADY MACBETH    If he had been forgotten,
        It had been as a gap in our great feast,
        And all-thing unbecoming.

MACBETH To-night we hold a solemn supper sir,
        And I'll request your presence.

BANQUO  Let your highness
        Command upon me; to the which my duties
        Are with a most indissoluble tie
        For ever knit.

MACBETH                   Ride you this afternoon?

BANQUO  Ay, my good lord.

MACBETH We should have else desired your good advice,
        Which still hath been both grave and prosperous,
        In this day's council; but we'll take to-morrow.
        Is't far you ride?

BANQUO  As far, my lord, as will fill up the time
        'Twixt this and supper: go not my horse the better,
        I must become a borrower of the night
        For a dark hour or twain.

MACBETH Fail not our feast.

BANQUO  My lord, I will not.

MACBETH We hear, our bloody cousins are bestow'd
        In England and in Ireland, not confessing
        Their cruel parricide, filling their hearers
        With strange invention: but of that to-morrow,
        When therewithal we shall have cause of state
        Craving us jointly. Hie you to horse: adieu,
        Till you return at night. Goes Fleance with you?

BANQUO  Ay, my good lord: our time does call upon 's.

MACBETH I wish your horses swift and sure of foot;
        And so I do commend you to their backs. Farewell.

        [Exit BANQUO]

        Let every man be master of his time
        Till seven at night: to make society
        The sweeter welcome, we will keep ourself
        Till supper-time alone: while then, God be with you!

        [Exeunt all but MACBETH, and an attendant]

        Sirrah, a word with you: attend those men
        Our pleasure?

ATTENDANT       They are, my lord, without the palace gate.

MACBETH Bring them before us.

        [Exit Attendant]

                To be thus is nothing;
        But to be safely thus.--Our fears in Banquo
        Stick deep; and in his royalty of nature
        Reigns that which would be fear'd: 'tis much he dares;
        And, to that dauntless temper of his mind,
        He hath a wisdom that doth guide his valour
        To act in safety. There is none but he
        Whose being I do fear: and, under him,
        My Genius is rebuked; as, it is said,
        Mark Antony's was by Caesar. He chid the sisters
        When first they put the name of king upon me,
        And bade them speak to him: then prophet-like
        They hail'd him father to a line of kings:
        Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown,
        And put a barren sceptre in my gripe,
        Thence to be wrench'd with an unlineal hand,
        No son of mine succeeding. If 't be so,
        For Banquo's issue have I filed my mind;
        For them the gracious Duncan have I murder'd;
        Put rancours in the vessel of my peace
        Only for them; and mine eternal jewel
        Given to the common enemy of man,
        To make them kings, the seed of Banquo kings!
        Rather than so, come fate into the list.
        And champion me to the utterance! Who's there!

        [Re-enter Attendant, with two Murderers]

        Now go to the door, and stay there till we call.

        [Exit Attendant]

        Was it not yesterday we spoke together?

First Murderer  It was, so please your highness.

MACBETH Well then, now
        Have you consider'd of my speeches? Know
        That it was he in the times past which held you
        So under fortune, which you thought had been
        Our innocent self: this I made good to you
        In our last conference, pass'd in probation with you,
        How you were borne in hand, how cross'd,
        the instruments,
        Who wrought with them, and all things else that might
        To half a soul and to a notion crazed
        Say 'Thus did Banquo.'

First Murderer  You made it known to us.

MACBETH I did so, and went further, which is now
        Our point of second meeting. Do you find
        Your patience so predominant in your nature
        That you can let this go? Are you so gospell'd
        To pray for this good man and for his issue,
        Whose heavy hand hath bow'd you to the grave
        And beggar'd yours for ever?

First Murderer  We are men, my liege.

MACBETH Ay, in the catalogue ye go for men;
        As hounds and greyhounds, mongrels, spaniels, curs,
        Shoughs, water-rugs and demi-wolves, are clept
        All by the name of dogs: the valued file
        Distinguishes the swift, the slow, the subtle,
        The housekeeper, the hunter, every one
        According to the gift which bounteous nature
        Hath in him closed; whereby he does receive
        Particular addition. from the bill
        That writes them all alike: and so of men.
        Now, if you have a station in the file,
        Not i' the worst rank of manhood, say 't;
        And I will put that business in your bosoms,
        Whose execution takes your enemy off,
        Grapples you to the heart and love of us,
        Who wear our health but sickly in his life,
        Which in his death were perfect.

Second Murderer I am one, my liege,
        Whom the vile blows and buffets of the world
        Have so incensed that I am reckless what
        I do to spite the world.

First Murderer  And I another
        So weary with disasters, tugg'd with fortune,
        That I would set my lie on any chance,
        To mend it, or be rid on't.

MACBETH Both of you
        Know Banquo was your enemy.

Both Murderers  True, my lord.

MACBETH So is he mine; and in such bloody distance,
        That every minute of his being thrusts
        Against my near'st of life: and though I could
        With barefaced power sweep him from my sight
        And bid my will avouch it, yet I must not,
        For certain friends that are both his and mine,
        Whose loves I may not drop, but wail his fall
        Who I myself struck down; and thence it is,
        That I to your assistance do make love,
        Masking the business from the common eye
        For sundry weighty reasons.

Second Murderer We shall, my lord,
        Perform what you command us.

First Murderer  Though our lives--

MACBETH Your spirits shine through you. Within this hour at most
        I will advise you where to plant yourselves;
        Acquaint you with the perfect spy o' the time,
        The moment on't; for't must be done to-night,
        And something from the palace; always thought
        That I require a clearness: and with him--
        To leave no rubs nor botches in the work--
        Fleance his son, that keeps him company,
        Whose absence is no less material to me
        Than is his father's, must embrace the fate
        Of that dark hour. Resolve yourselves apart:
        I'll come to you anon.

Both Murderers  We are resolved, my lord.

MACBETH I'll call upon you straight: abide within.

        [Exeunt Murderers]

        It is concluded. Banquo, thy soul's flight,
        If it find heaven, must find it out to-night.

        [Exit]




        MACBETH


ACT III



SCENE II        The palace.


        [Enter LADY MACBETH and a Servant]

LADY MACBETH    Is Banquo gone from court?

Servant Ay, madam, but returns again to-night.

LADY MACBETH    Say to the king, I would attend his leisure
        For a few words.

Servant                   Madam, I will.

        [Exit]

LADY MACBETH    Nought's had, all's spent,
        Where our desire is got without content:
        'Tis safer to be that which we destroy
        Than by destruction dwell in doubtful joy.

        [Enter MACBETH]

        How now, my lord! why do you keep alone,
        Of sorriest fancies your companions making,
        Using those thoughts which should indeed have died
        With them they think on? Things without all remedy
        Should be without regard: what's done is done.

MACBETH We have scotch'd the snake, not kill'd it:
        She'll close and be herself, whilst our poor malice
        Remains in danger of her former tooth.
        But let the frame of things disjoint, both the
        worlds suffer,
        Ere we will eat our meal in fear and sleep
        In the affliction of these terrible dreams
        That shake us nightly: better be with the dead,
        Whom we, to gain our peace, have sent to peace,
        Than on the torture of the mind to lie
        In restless ecstasy. Duncan is in his grave;
        After life's fitful fever he sleeps well;
        Treason has done his worst: nor steel, nor poison,
        Malice domestic, foreign levy, nothing,
        Can touch him further.

LADY MACBETH    Come on;
        Gentle my lord, sleek o'er your rugged looks;
        Be bright and jovial among your guests to-night.

MACBETH So shall I, love; and so, I pray, be you:
        Let your remembrance apply to Banquo;
        Present him eminence, both with eye and tongue:
        Unsafe the while, that we
        Must lave our honours in these flattering streams,
        And make our faces vizards to our hearts,
        Disguising what they are.

LADY MACBETH    You must leave this.

MACBETH O, full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife!
        Thou know'st that Banquo, and his Fleance, lives.

LADY MACBETH    But in them nature's copy's not eterne.

MACBETH There's comfort yet; they are assailable;
        Then be thou jocund: ere the bat hath flown
        His cloister'd flight, ere to black Hecate's summons
        The shard-borne beetle with his drowsy hums
        Hath rung night's yawning peal, there shall be done
        A deed of dreadful note.

LADY MACBETH    What's to be done?

MACBETH Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck,
        Till thou applaud the deed. Come, seeling night,
        Scarf up the tender eye of pitiful day;
        And with thy bloody and invisible hand
        Cancel and tear to pieces that great bond
        Which keeps me pale! Light thickens; and the crow
        Makes wing to the rooky wood:
        Good things of day begin to droop and drowse;
        While night's black agents to their preys do rouse.
        Thou marvell'st at my words: but hold thee still;
        Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill.
        So, prithee, go with me.

        [Exeunt]




        MACBETH


ACT III



SCENE III       A park near the palace.


        [Enter three Murderers]

First Murderer  But who did bid thee join with us?

Third Murderer  Macbeth.

Second Murderer He needs not our mistrust, since he delivers
        Our offices and what we have to do
        To the direction just.

First Murderer  Then stand with us.
        The west yet glimmers with some streaks of day:
        Now spurs the lated traveller apace
        To gain the timely inn; and near approaches
        The subject of our watch.

Third Murderer  Hark! I hear horses.

BANQUO  [Within]  Give us a light there, ho!

Second Murderer Then 'tis he: the rest
        That are within the note of expectation
        Already are i' the court.

First Murderer  His horses go about.

Third Murderer  Almost a mile: but he does usually,
        So all men do, from hence to the palace gate
        Make it their walk.

Second Murderer A light, a light!

        [Enter BANQUO, and FLEANCE with a torch]

Third Murderer  'Tis he.

First Murderer  Stand to't.

BANQUO  It will be rain to-night.

First Murderer  Let it come down.

        [They set upon BANQUO]

BANQUO  O, treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly!
        Thou mayst revenge. O slave!

        [Dies. FLEANCE escapes]

Third Murderer  Who did strike out the light?

First Murderer  Wast not the way?

Third Murderer  There's but one down; the son is fled.

Second Murderer We have lost
        Best half of our affair.

First Murderer  Well, let's away, and say how much is done.

        [Exeunt]




        MACBETH


ACT III



SCENE IV        The same. Hall in the palace.


        [A banquet prepared. Enter MACBETH, LADY MACBETH,
        ROSS, LENNOX, Lords, and Attendants]

MACBETH You know your own degrees; sit down: at first
        And last the hearty welcome.
Lords   Thanks to your majesty.

MACBETH Ourself will mingle with society,
        And play the humble host.
        Our hostess keeps her state, but in best time
        We will require her welcome.

LADY MACBETH    Pronounce it for me, sir, to all our friends;
        For my heart speaks they are welcome.

        [First Murderer appears at the door]

MACBETH See, they encounter thee with their hearts' thanks.
        Both sides are even: here I'll sit i' the midst:
        Be large in mirth; anon we'll drink a measure
        The table round.

        [Approaching the door]

        There's blood on thy face.

First Murderer  'Tis Banquo's then.

MACBETH 'Tis better thee without than he within.
        Is he dispatch'd?

First Murderer  My lord, his throat is cut; that I did for him.

MACBETH Thou art the best o' the cut-throats: yet he's good
        That did the like for Fleance: if thou didst it,
        Thou art the nonpareil.

First Murderer  Most royal sir,
        Fleance is 'scaped.

MACBETH Then comes my fit again: I had else been perfect,
        Whole as the marble, founded as the rock,
        As broad and general as the casing air:
        But now I am cabin'd, cribb'd, confined, bound in
        To saucy doubts and fears. But Banquo's safe?

First Murderer  Ay, my good lord: safe in a ditch he bides,
        With twenty trenched gashes on his head;
        The least a death to nature.

MACBETH Thanks for that:
        There the grown serpent lies; the worm that's fled
        Hath nature that in time will venom breed,
        No teeth for the present. Get thee gone: to-morrow
        We'll hear, ourselves, again.

        [Exit Murderer]

LADY MACBETH    My royal lord,
        You do not give the cheer: the feast is sold
        That is not often vouch'd, while 'tis a-making,
        'Tis given with welcome: to feed were best at home;
        From thence the sauce to meat is ceremony;
        Meeting were bare without it.

MACBETH Sweet remembrancer!
        Now, good digestion wait on appetite,
        And health on both!

LENNOX  May't please your highness sit.

        [The GHOST OF BANQUO enters, and sits in
        MACBETH's place]

MACBETH Here had we now our country's honour roof'd,
        Were the graced person of our Banquo present;
        Who may I rather challenge for unkindness
        Than pity for mischance!

ROSS    His absence, sir,
        Lays blame upon his promise. Please't your highness
        To grace us with your royal company.

MACBETH The table's full.

LENNOX                    Here is a place reserved, sir.

MACBETH Where?

LENNOX  Here, my good lord. What is't that moves your highness?

MACBETH Which of you have done this?

Lords   What, my good lord?

MACBETH Thou canst not say I did it: never shake
        Thy gory locks at me.

ROSS    Gentlemen, rise: his highness is not well.

LADY MACBETH    Sit, worthy friends: my lord is often thus,
        And hath been from his youth: pray you, keep seat;
        The fit is momentary; upon a thought
        He will again be well: if much you note him,
        You shall offend him and extend his passion:
        Feed, and regard him not. Are you a man?

MACBETH Ay, and a bold one, that dare look on that
        Which might appal the devil.

LADY MACBETH    O proper stuff!
        This is the very painting of your fear:
        This is the air-drawn dagger which, you said,
        Led you to Duncan. O, these flaws and starts,
        Impostors to true fear, would well become
        A woman's story at a winter's fire,
        Authorized by her grandam. Shame itself!
        Why do you make such faces? When all's done,
        You look but on a stool.

MACBETH Prithee, see there! behold! look! lo!
        how say you?
        Why, what care I? If thou canst nod, speak too.
        If charnel-houses and our graves must send
        Those that we bury back, our monuments
        Shall be the maws of kites.

        [GHOST OF BANQUO vanishes]

LADY MACBETH    What, quite unmann'd in folly?

MACBETH If I stand here, I saw him.

LADY MACBETH    Fie, for shame!

MACBETH Blood hath been shed ere now, i' the olden time,
        Ere human statute purged the gentle weal;
        Ay, and since too, murders have been perform'd
        Too terrible for the ear: the times have been,
        That, when the brains were out, the man would die,
        And there an end; but now they rise again,
        With twenty mortal murders on their crowns,
        And push us from our stools: this is more strange
        Than such a murder is.

LADY MACBETH    My worthy lord,
        Your noble friends do lack you.

MACBETH I do forget.
        Do not muse at me, my most worthy friends,
        I have a strange infirmity, which is nothing
        To those that know me. Come, love and health to all;
        Then I'll sit down. Give me some wine; fill full.
        I drink to the general joy o' the whole table,
        And to our dear friend Banquo, whom we miss;
        Would he were here! to all, and him, we thirst,
        And all to all.

Lords                     Our duties, and the pledge.

        [Re-enter GHOST OF BANQUO]

MACBETH Avaunt! and quit my sight! let the earth hide thee!
        Thy bones are marrowless, thy blood is cold;
        Thou hast no speculation in those eyes
        Which thou dost glare with!

LADY MACBETH    Think of this, good peers,
        But as a thing of custom: 'tis no other;
        Only it spoils the pleasure of the time.

MACBETH What man dare, I dare:
        Approach thou like the rugged Russian bear,
        The arm'd rhinoceros, or the Hyrcan tiger;
        Take any shape but that, and my firm nerves
        Shall never tremble: or be alive again,
        And dare me to the desert with thy sword;
        If trembling I inhabit then, protest me
        The baby of a girl. Hence, horrible shadow!
        Unreal mockery, hence!

        [GHOST OF BANQUO vanishes]

                 Why, so: being gone,
        I am a man again. Pray you, sit still.

LADY MACBETH    You have displaced the mirth, broke the good meeting,
        With most admired disorder.

MACBETH Can such things be,
        And overcome us like a summer's cloud,
        Without our special wonder? You make me strange
        Even to the disposition that I owe,
        When now I think you can behold such sights,
        And keep the natural ruby of your cheeks,
        When mine is blanched with fear.

ROSS    What sights, my lord?

LADY MACBETH    I pray you, speak not; he grows worse and worse;
        Question enrages him. At once, good night:
        Stand not upon the order of your going,
        But go at once.

LENNOX                    Good night; and better health
        Attend his majesty!

LADY MACBETH    A kind good night to all!

        [Exeunt all but MACBETH and LADY MACBETH]

MACBETH It will have blood; they say, blood will have blood:
        Stones have been known to move and trees to speak;
        Augurs and understood relations have
        By magot-pies and choughs and rooks brought forth
        The secret'st man of blood. What is the night?

LADY MACBETH    Almost at odds with morning, which is which.

MACBETH How say'st thou, that Macduff denies his person
        At our great bidding?

LADY MACBETH    Did you send to him, sir?

MACBETH I hear it by the way; but I will send:
        There's not a one of them but in his house
        I keep a servant fee'd. I will to-morrow,
        And betimes I will, to the weird sisters:
        More shall they speak; for now I am bent to know,
        By the worst means, the worst. For mine own good,
        All causes shall give way: I am in blood
        Stepp'd in so far that, should I wade no more,
        Returning were as tedious as go o'er:
        Strange things I have in head, that will to hand;
        Which must be acted ere they may be scann'd.

LADY MACBETH    You lack the season of all natures, sleep.

MACBETH Come, we'll to sleep. My strange and self-abuse
        Is the initiate fear that wants hard use:
        We are yet but young in deed.

        [Exeunt]




        MACBETH


ACT III



SCENE V A Heath.


        [Thunder. Enter the three Witches meeting HECATE]

First Witch     Why, how now, Hecate! you look angerly.

HECATE  Have I not reason, beldams as you are,
        Saucy and overbold? How did you dare
        To trade and traffic with Macbeth
        In riddles and affairs of death;
        And I, the mistress of your charms,
        The close contriver of all harms,
        Was never call'd to bear my part,
        Or show the glory of our art?
        And, which is worse, all you have done
        Hath been but for a wayward son,
        Spiteful and wrathful, who, as others do,
        Loves for his own ends, not for you.
        But make amends now: get you gone,
        And at the pit of Acheron
        Meet me i' the morning: thither he
        Will come to know his destiny:
        Your vessels and your spells provide,
        Your charms and every thing beside.
        I am for the air; this night I'll spend
        Unto a dismal and a fatal end:
        Great business must be wrought ere noon:
        Upon the corner of the moon
        There hangs a vaporous drop profound;
        I'll catch it ere it come to ground:
        And that distill'd by magic sleights
        Shall raise such artificial sprites
        As by the strength of their illusion
        Shall draw him on to his confusion:
        He shall spurn fate, scorn death, and bear
        He hopes 'bove wisdom, grace and fear:
        And you all know, security
        Is mortals' chiefest enemy.

        [Music and a song within: 'Come away, come
        away,' &c]

        Hark! I am call'd; my little spirit, see,
        Sits in a foggy cloud, and stays for me.

        [Exit]

First Witch     Come, let's make haste; she'll soon be back again.

        [Exeunt]




        MACBETH


ACT III



SCENE VI        Forres. The palace.


        [Enter LENNOX and another Lord]

LENNOX  My former speeches have but hit your thoughts,
        Which can interpret further: only, I say,
        Things have been strangely borne. The
        gracious Duncan
        Was pitied of Macbeth: marry, he was dead:
        And the right-valiant Banquo walk'd too late;
        Whom, you may say, if't please you, Fleance kill'd,
        For Fleance fled: men must not walk too late.
        Who cannot want the thought how monstrous
        It was for Malcolm and for Donalbain
        To kill their gracious father? damned fact!
        How it did grieve Macbeth! did he not straight
        In pious rage the two delinquents tear,
        That were the slaves of drink and thralls of sleep?
        Was not that nobly done? Ay, and wisely too;
        For 'twould have anger'd any heart alive
        To hear the men deny't. So that, I say,
        He has borne all things well: and I do think
        That had he Duncan's sons under his key--
        As, an't please heaven, he shall not--they
        should find
        What 'twere to kill a father; so should Fleance.
        But, peace! for from broad words and 'cause he fail'd
        His presence at the tyrant's feast, I hear
        Macduff lives in disgrace: sir, can you tell
        Where he bestows himself?

Lord    The son of Duncan,
        From whom this tyrant holds the due of birth
        Lives in the English court, and is received
        Of the most pious Edward with such grace
        That the malevolence of fortune nothing
        Takes from his high respect: thither Macduff
        Is gone to pray the holy king, upon his aid
        To wake Northumberland and warlike Siward:
        That, by the help of these--with Him above
        To ratify the work--we may again
        Give to our tables meat, sleep to our nights,
        Free from our feasts and banquets bloody knives,
        Do faithful homage and receive free honours:
        All which we pine for now: and this report
        Hath so exasperate the king that he
        Prepares for some attempt of war.

LENNOX  Sent he to Macduff?

Lord    He did: and with an absolute 'Sir, not I,'
        The cloudy messenger turns me his back,
        And hums, as who should say 'You'll rue the time
        That clogs me with this answer.'

LENNOX  And that well might
        Advise him to a caution, to hold what distance
        His wisdom can provide. Some holy angel
        Fly to the court of England and unfold
        His message ere he come, that a swift blessing
        May soon return to this our suffering country
        Under a hand accursed!

Lord    I'll send my prayers with him.

        [Exeunt]




        MACBETH


ACT IV



SCENE I A cavern. In the middle, a boiling cauldron.


        [Thunder. Enter the three Witches]


First Witch     Thrice the brinded cat hath mew'd.

Second Witch    Thrice and once the hedge-pig whined.

Third Witch     Harpier cries 'Tis time, 'tis time.

First Witch     Round about the cauldron go;
        In the poison'd entrails throw.
        Toad, that under cold stone
        Days and nights has thirty-one
        Swelter'd venom sleeping got,
        Boil thou first i' the charmed pot.

ALL     Double, double toil and trouble;
        Fire burn, and cauldron bubble.

Second Witch    Fillet of a fenny snake,
        In the cauldron boil and bake;
        Eye of newt and toe of frog,
        Wool of bat and tongue of dog,
        Adder's fork and blind-worm's sting,
        Lizard's leg and owlet's wing,
        For a charm of powerful trouble,
        Like a hell-broth boil and bubble.

ALL     Double, double toil and trouble;
        Fire burn and cauldron bubble.

Third Witch     Scale of dragon, tooth of wolf,
        Witches' mummy, maw and gulf
        Of the ravin'd salt-sea shark,
        Root of hemlock digg'd i' the dark,
        Liver of blaspheming Jew,
        Gall of goat, and slips of yew
        Silver'd in the moon's eclipse,
        Nose of Turk and Tartar's lips,
        Finger of birth-strangled babe
        Ditch-deliver'd by a drab,
        Make the gruel thick and slab:
        Add thereto a tiger's chaudron,
        For the ingredients of our cauldron.

ALL     Double, double toil and trouble;
        Fire burn and cauldron bubble.

Second Witch    Cool it with a baboon's blood,
        Then the charm is firm and good.

        [Enter HECATE to the other three Witches]

HECATE  O well done! I commend your pains;
        And every one shall share i' the gains;
        And now about the cauldron sing,
        Live elves and fairies in a ring,
        Enchanting all that you put in.

        [Music and a song: 'Black spirits,' &c]

        [HECATE retires]

Second Witch    By the pricking of my thumbs,
        Something wicked this way comes.
        Open, locks,
        Whoever knocks!

        [Enter MACBETH]

MACBETH How now, you secret, black, and midnight hags!
        What is't you do?

ALL                       A deed without a name.

MACBETH I conjure you, by that which you profess,
        Howe'er you come to know it, answer me:
        Though you untie the winds and let them fight
        Against the churches; though the yesty waves
        Confound and swallow navigation up;
        Though bladed corn be lodged and trees blown down;
        Though castles topple on their warders' heads;
        Though palaces and pyramids do slope
        Their heads to their foundations; though the treasure
        Of nature's germens tumble all together,
        Even till destruction sicken; answer me
        To what I ask you.

First Witch                       Speak.

Second Witch    Demand.

Third Witch     We'll answer.

First Witch     Say, if thou'dst rather hear it from our mouths,
        Or from our masters?

MACBETH Call 'em; let me see 'em.

First Witch     Pour in sow's blood, that hath eaten
        Her nine farrow; grease that's sweaten
        From the murderer's gibbet throw
        Into the flame.

ALL                       Come, high or low;
        Thyself and office deftly show!

        [Thunder. First Apparition: an armed Head]

MACBETH Tell me, thou unknown power,--

First Witch     He knows thy thought:
        Hear his speech, but say thou nought.

First Apparition        Macbeth! Macbeth! Macbeth! beware Macduff;
        Beware the thane of Fife. Dismiss me. Enough.

        [Descends]

MACBETH Whate'er thou art, for thy good caution, thanks;
        Thou hast harp'd my fear aright: but one
        word more,--

First Witch     He will not be commanded: here's another,
        More potent than the first.

        [Thunder. Second Apparition: A bloody Child]

Second Apparition       Macbeth! Macbeth! Macbeth!

MACBETH Had I three ears, I'ld hear thee.

Second Apparition       Be bloody, bold, and resolute; laugh to scorn
        The power of man, for none of woman born
        Shall harm Macbeth.

        [Descends]

MACBETH Then live, Macduff: what need I fear of thee?
        But yet I'll make assurance double sure,
        And take a bond of fate: thou shalt not live;
        That I may tell pale-hearted fear it lies,
        And sleep in spite of thunder.

        [Thunder. Third Apparition: a Child crowned,
        with a tree in his hand]

                         What is this
        That rises like the issue of a king,
        And wears upon his baby-brow the round
        And top of sovereignty?

ALL     Listen, but speak not to't.

Third Apparition        Be lion-mettled, proud; and take no care
        Who chafes, who frets, or where conspirers are:
        Macbeth shall never vanquish'd be until
        Great Birnam wood to high Dunsinane hill
        Shall come against him.

        [Descends]

MACBETH That will never be
        Who can impress the forest, bid the tree
        Unfix his earth-bound root? Sweet bodements! good!
        Rebellion's head, rise never till the wood
        Of Birnam rise, and our high-placed Macbeth
        Shall live the lease of nature, pay his breath
        To time and mortal custom. Yet my heart
        Throbs to know one thing: tell me, if your art
        Can tell so much: shall Banquo's issue ever
        Reign in this kingdom?

ALL     Seek to know no more.

MACBETH I will be satisfied: deny me this,
        And an eternal curse fall on you! Let me know.
        Why sinks that cauldron? and what noise is this?

        [Hautboys]

First Witch     Show!

Second Witch    Show!

Third Witch     Show!

ALL     Show his eyes, and grieve his heart;
        Come like shadows, so depart!

        [A show of Eight Kings, the last with a glass in
        his hand; GHOST OF BANQUO following]

MACBETH Thou art too like the spirit of Banquo: down!
        Thy crown does sear mine eye-balls. And thy hair,
        Thou other gold-bound brow, is like the first.
        A third is like the former. Filthy hags!
        Why do you show me this? A fourth! Start, eyes!
        What, will the line stretch out to the crack of doom?
        Another yet! A seventh! I'll see no more:
        And yet the eighth appears, who bears a glass
        Which shows me many more; and some I see
        That two-fold balls and treble scepters carry:
        Horrible sight! Now, I see, 'tis true;
        For the blood-bolter'd Banquo smiles upon me,
        And points at them for his.

        [Apparitions vanish]

                      What, is this so?

First Witch     Ay, sir, all this is so: but why
        Stands Macbeth thus amazedly?
        Come, sisters, cheer we up his sprites,
        And show the best of our delights:
        I'll charm the air to give a sound,
        While you perform your antic round:
        That this great king may kindly say,
        Our duties did his welcome pay.

        [Music. The witches dance and then vanish,
        with HECATE]

MACBETH Where are they? Gone? Let this pernicious hour
        Stand aye accursed in the calendar!
        Come in, without there!

        [Enter LENNOX]

LENNOX  What's your grace's will?

MACBETH Saw you the weird sisters?

LENNOX  No, my lord.

MACBETH Came they not by you?

LENNOX  No, indeed, my lord.

MACBETH Infected be the air whereon they ride;
        And damn'd all those that trust them! I did hear
        The galloping of horse: who was't came by?

LENNOX  'Tis two or three, my lord, that bring you word
        Macduff is fled to England.

MACBETH Fled to England!

LENNOX  Ay, my good lord.

MACBETH Time, thou anticipatest my dread exploits:
        The flighty purpose never is o'ertook
        Unless the deed go with it; from this moment
        The very firstlings of my heart shall be
        The firstlings of my hand. And even now,
        To crown my thoughts with acts, be it thought and done:
        The castle of Macduff I will surprise;
        Seize upon Fife; give to the edge o' the sword
        His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls
        That trace him in his line. No boasting like a fool;
        This deed I'll do before this purpose cool.
        But no more sights!--Where are these gentlemen?
        Come, bring me where they are.

        [Exeunt]




        MACBETH


ACT IV



SCENE II        Fife. Macduff's castle.


        [Enter LADY MACDUFF, her Son, and ROSS]

LADY MACDUFF    What had he done, to make him fly the land?

ROSS    You must have patience, madam.

LADY MACDUFF    He had none:
        His flight was madness: when our actions do not,
        Our fears do make us traitors.

ROSS    You know not
        Whether it was his wisdom or his fear.

LADY MACDUFF    Wisdom! to leave his wife, to leave his babes,
        His mansion and his titles in a place
        From whence himself does fly? He loves us not;
        He wants the natural touch: for the poor wren,
        The most diminutive of birds, will fight,
        Her young ones in her nest, against the owl.
        All is the fear and nothing is the love;
        As little is the wisdom, where the flight
        So runs against all reason.

ROSS    My dearest coz,
        I pray you, school yourself: but for your husband,
        He is noble, wise, judicious, and best knows
        The fits o' the season. I dare not speak
        much further;
        But cruel are the times, when we are traitors
        And do not know ourselves, when we hold rumour
        From what we fear, yet know not what we fear,
        But float upon a wild and violent sea
        Each way and move. I take my leave of you:
        Shall not be long but I'll be here again:
        Things at the worst will cease, or else climb upward
        To what they were before. My pretty cousin,
        Blessing upon you!

LADY MACDUFF    Father'd he is, and yet he's fatherless.

ROSS    I am so much a fool, should I stay longer,
        It would be my disgrace and your discomfort:
        I take my leave at once.

        [Exit]

LADY MACDUFF    Sirrah, your father's dead;
        And what will you do now? How will you live?

Son     As birds do, mother.

LADY MACDUFF    What, with worms and flies?

Son     With what I get, I mean; and so do they.

LADY MACDUFF    Poor bird! thou'ldst never fear the net nor lime,
        The pitfall nor the gin.

Son     Why should I, mother? Poor birds they are not set for.
        My father is not dead, for all your saying.

LADY MACDUFF    Yes, he is dead; how wilt thou do for a father?

Son     Nay, how will you do for a husband?

LADY MACDUFF    Why, I can buy me twenty at any market.

Son     Then you'll buy 'em to sell again.

LADY MACDUFF    Thou speak'st with all thy wit: and yet, i' faith,
        With wit enough for thee.

Son     Was my father a traitor, mother?

LADY MACDUFF    Ay, that he was.

Son     What is a traitor?

LADY MACDUFF    Why, one that swears and lies.

Son     And be all traitors that do so?

LADY MACDUFF    Every one that does so is a traitor, and must be hanged.

Son     And must they all be hanged that swear and lie?

LADY MACDUFF    Every one.

Son     Who must hang them?

LADY MACDUFF    Why, the honest men.

Son     Then the liars and swearers are fools,
        for there are liars and swearers enow to beat
        the honest men and hang up them.

LADY MACDUFF    Now, God help thee, poor monkey!
        But how wilt thou do for a father?

Son     If he were dead, you'ld weep for
        him: if you would not, it were a good sign
        that I should quickly have a new father.

LADY MACDUFF    Poor prattler, how thou talk'st!

        [Enter a Messenger]

Messenger       Bless you, fair dame! I am not to you known,
        Though in your state of honour I am perfect.
        I doubt some danger does approach you nearly:
        If you will take a homely man's advice,
        Be not found here; hence, with your little ones.
        To fright you thus, methinks, I am too savage;
        To do worse to you were fell cruelty,
        Which is too nigh your person. Heaven preserve you!
        I dare abide no longer.

        [Exit]

LADY MACDUFF    Whither should I fly?
        I have done no harm. But I remember now
        I am in this earthly world; where to do harm
        Is often laudable, to do good sometime
        Accounted dangerous folly: why then, alas,
        Do I put up that womanly defence,
        To say I have done no harm?

        [Enter Murderers]

                      What are these faces?

First Murderer  Where is your husband?

LADY MACDUFF    I hope, in no place so unsanctified
        Where such as thou mayst find him.

First Murderer  He's a traitor.

Son     Thou liest, thou shag-hair'd villain!

First Murderer  What, you egg!

        [Stabbing him]

        Young fry of treachery!

Son     He has kill'd me, mother:
        Run away, I pray you!

        [Dies]

        [Exit LADY MACDUFF, crying 'Murder!' Exeunt
        Murderers, following her]



        MACBETH


ACT IV



SCENE III       England. Before the King's palace.


        [Enter MALCOLM and MACDUFF]

MALCOLM Let us seek out some desolate shade, and there
        Weep our sad bosoms empty.

MACDUFF Let us rather
        Hold fast the mortal sword, and like good men
        Bestride our down-fall'n birthdom: each new morn
        New widows howl, new orphans cry, new sorrows
        Strike heaven on the face, that it resounds
        As if it felt with Scotland and yell'd out
        Like syllable of dolour.

MALCOLM What I believe I'll wail,
        What know believe, and what I can redress,
        As I shall find the time to friend, I will.
        What you have spoke, it may be so perchance.
        This tyrant, whose sole name blisters our tongues,
        Was once thought honest: you have loved him well.
        He hath not touch'd you yet. I am young;
        but something
        You may deserve of him through me, and wisdom
        To offer up a weak poor innocent lamb
        To appease an angry god.

MACDUFF I am not treacherous.

MALCOLM But Macbeth is.
        A good and virtuous nature may recoil
        In an imperial charge. But I shall crave
        your pardon;
        That which you are my thoughts cannot transpose:
        Angels are bright still, though the brightest fell;
        Though all things foul would wear the brows of grace,
        Yet grace must still look so.

MACDUFF I have lost my hopes.

MALCOLM Perchance even there where I did find my doubts.
        Why in that rawness left you wife and child,
        Those precious motives, those strong knots of love,
        Without leave-taking? I pray you,
        Let not my jealousies be your dishonours,
        But mine own safeties. You may be rightly just,
        Whatever I shall think.

MACDUFF Bleed, bleed, poor country!
        Great tyranny! lay thou thy basis sure,
        For goodness dare not cheque thee: wear thou
        thy wrongs;
        The title is affeer'd! Fare thee well, lord:
        I would not be the villain that thou think'st
        For the whole space that's in the tyrant's grasp,
        And the rich East to boot.

MALCOLM Be not offended:
        I speak not as in absolute fear of you.
        I think our country sinks beneath the yoke;
        It weeps, it bleeds; and each new day a gash
        Is added to her wounds: I think withal
        There would be hands uplifted in my right;
        And here from gracious England have I offer
        Of goodly thousands: but, for all this,
        When I shall tread upon the tyrant's head,
        Or wear it on my sword, yet my poor country
        Shall have more vices than it had before,
        More suffer and more sundry ways than ever,
        By him that shall succeed.

MACDUFF What should he be?

MALCOLM It is myself I mean: in whom I know
        All the particulars of vice so grafted
        That, when they shall be open'd, black Macbeth
        Will seem as pure as snow, and the poor state
        Esteem him as a lamb, being compared
        With my confineless harms.

MACDUFF Not in the legions
        Of horrid hell can come a devil more damn'd
        In evils to top Macbeth.

MALCOLM I grant him bloody,
        Luxurious, avaricious, false, deceitful,
        Sudden, malicious, smacking of every sin
        That has a name: but there's no bottom, none,
        In my voluptuousness: your wives, your daughters,
        Your matrons and your maids, could not fill up
        The cistern of my lust, and my desire
        All continent impediments would o'erbear
        That did oppose my will: better Macbeth
        Than such an one to reign.

MACDUFF Boundless intemperance
        In nature is a tyranny; it hath been
        The untimely emptying of the happy throne
        And fall of many kings. But fear not yet
        To take upon you what is yours: you may
        Convey your pleasures in a spacious plenty,
        And yet seem cold, the time you may so hoodwink.
        We have willing dames enough: there cannot be
        That vulture in you, to devour so many
        As will to greatness dedicate themselves,
        Finding it so inclined.

MALCOLM With this there grows
        In my most ill-composed affection such
        A stanchless avarice that, were I king,
        I should cut off the nobles for their lands,
        Desire his jewels and this other's house:
        And my more-having would be as a sauce
        To make me hunger more; that I should forge
        Quarrels unjust against the good and loyal,
        Destroying them for wealth.

MACDUFF This avarice
        Sticks deeper, grows with more pernicious root
        Than summer-seeming lust, and it hath been
        The sword of our slain kings: yet do not fear;
        Scotland hath foisons to fill up your will.
        Of your mere own: all these are portable,
        With other graces weigh'd.

MALCOLM But I have none: the king-becoming graces,
        As justice, verity, temperance, stableness,
        Bounty, perseverance, mercy, lowliness,
        Devotion, patience, courage, fortitude,
        I have no relish of them, but abound
        In the division of each several crime,
        Acting it many ways. Nay, had I power, I should
        Pour the sweet milk of concord into hell,
        Uproar the universal peace, confound
        All unity on earth.

MACDUFF O Scotland, Scotland!

MALCOLM If such a one be fit to govern, speak:
        I am as I have spoken.

MACDUFF Fit to govern!
        No, not to live. O nation miserable,
        With an untitled tyrant bloody-scepter'd,
        When shalt thou see thy wholesome days again,
        Since that the truest issue of thy throne
        By his own interdiction stands accursed,
        And does blaspheme his breed? Thy royal father
        Was a most sainted king: the queen that bore thee,
        Oftener upon her knees than on her feet,
        Died every day she lived. Fare thee well!
        These evils thou repeat'st upon thyself
        Have banish'd me from Scotland. O my breast,
        Thy hope ends here!

MALCOLM Macduff, this noble passion,
        Child of integrity, hath from my soul
        Wiped the black scruples, reconciled my thoughts
        To thy good truth and honour. Devilish Macbeth
        By many of these trains hath sought to win me
        Into his power, and modest wisdom plucks me
        From over-credulous haste: but God above
        Deal between thee and me! for even now
        I put myself to thy direction, and
        Unspeak mine own detraction, here abjure
        The taints and blames I laid upon myself,
        For strangers to my nature. I am yet
        Unknown to woman, never was forsworn,
        Scarcely have coveted what was mine own,
        At no time broke my faith, would not betray
        The devil to his fellow and delight
        No less in truth than life: my first false speaking
        Was this upon myself: what I am truly,
        Is thine and my poor country's to command:
        Whither indeed, before thy here-approach,
        Old Siward, with ten thousand warlike men,
        Already at a point, was setting forth.
        Now we'll together; and the chance of goodness
        Be like our warranted quarrel! Why are you silent?

MACDUFF Such welcome and unwelcome things at once
        'Tis hard to reconcile.

        [Enter a Doctor]

MALCOLM Well; more anon.--Comes the king forth, I pray you?

Doctor  Ay, sir; there are a crew of wretched souls
        That stay his cure: their malady convinces
        The great assay of art; but at his touch--
        Such sanctity hath heaven given his hand--
        They presently amend.

MALCOLM I thank you, doctor.

        [Exit Doctor]

MACDUFF What's the disease he means?

MALCOLM 'Tis call'd the evil:
        A most miraculous work in this good king;
        Which often, since my here-remain in England,
        I have seen him do. How he solicits heaven,
        Himself best knows: but strangely-visited people,
        All swoln and ulcerous, pitiful to the eye,
        The mere despair of surgery, he cures,
        Hanging a golden stamp about their necks,
        Put on with holy prayers: and 'tis spoken,
        To the succeeding royalty he leaves
        The healing benediction. With this strange virtue,
        He hath a heavenly gift of prophecy,
        And sundry blessings hang about his throne,
        That speak him full of grace.

        [Enter ROSS]

MACDUFF See, who comes here?

MALCOLM My countryman; but yet I know him not.

MACDUFF My ever-gentle cousin, welcome hither.

MALCOLM I know him now. Good God, betimes remove
        The means that makes us strangers!

ROSS    Sir, amen.

MACDUFF Stands Scotland where it did?

ROSS    Alas, poor country!
        Almost afraid to know itself. It cannot
        Be call'd our mother, but our grave; where nothing,
        But who knows nothing, is once seen to smile;
        Where sighs and groans and shrieks that rend the air
        Are made, not mark'd; where violent sorrow seems
        A modern ecstasy; the dead man's knell
        Is there scarce ask'd for who; and good men's lives
        Expire before the flowers in their caps,
        Dying or ere they sicken.

MACDUFF O, relation
        Too nice, and yet too true!

MALCOLM What's the newest grief?

ROSS    That of an hour's age doth hiss the speaker:
        Each minute teems a new one.

MACDUFF How does my wife?

ROSS    Why, well.

MACDUFF          And all my children?

ROSS    Well too.

MACDUFF The tyrant has not batter'd at their peace?

ROSS    No; they were well at peace when I did leave 'em.

MACDUFF But not a niggard of your speech: how goes't?

ROSS    When I came hither to transport the tidings,
        Which I have heavily borne, there ran a rumour
        Of many worthy fellows that were out;
        Which was to my belief witness'd the rather,
        For that I saw the tyrant's power a-foot:
        Now is the time of help; your eye in Scotland
        Would create soldiers, make our women fight,
        To doff their dire distresses.

MALCOLM Be't their comfort
        We are coming thither: gracious England hath
        Lent us good Siward and ten thousand men;
        An older and a better soldier none
        That Christendom gives out.

ROSS    Would I could answer
        This comfort with the like! But I have words
        That would be howl'd out in the desert air,
        Where hearing should not latch them.

MACDUFF What concern they?
        The general cause? or is it a fee-grief
        Due to some single breast?

ROSS    No mind that's honest
        But in it shares some woe; though the main part
        Pertains to you alone.

MACDUFF If it be mine,
        Keep it not from me, quickly let me have it.

ROSS    Let not your ears despise my tongue for ever,
        Which shall possess them with the heaviest sound
        That ever yet they heard.

MACDUFF Hum! I guess at it.

ROSS    Your castle is surprised; your wife and babes
        Savagely slaughter'd: to relate the manner,
        Were, on the quarry of these murder'd deer,
        To add the death of you.

MALCOLM Merciful heaven!
        What, man! ne'er pull your hat upon your brows;
        Give sorrow words: the grief that does not speak
        Whispers the o'er-fraught heart and bids it break.

MACDUFF My children too?

ROSS                      Wife, children, servants, all
        That could be found.

MACDUFF And I must be from thence!
        My wife kill'd too?

ROSS    I have said.

MALCOLM Be comforted:
        Let's make us medicines of our great revenge,
        To cure this deadly grief.

MACDUFF He has no children. All my pretty ones?
        Did you say all? O hell-kite! All?
        What, all my pretty chickens and their dam
        At one fell swoop?

MALCOLM Dispute it like a man.

MACDUFF I shall do so;
        But I must also feel it as a man:
        I cannot but remember such things were,
        That were most precious to me. Did heaven look on,
        And would not take their part? Sinful Macduff,
        They were all struck for thee! naught that I am,
        Not for their own demerits, but for mine,
        Fell slaughter on their souls. Heaven rest them now!

MALCOLM Be this the whetstone of your sword: let grief
        Convert to anger; blunt not the heart, enrage it.

MACDUFF O, I could play the woman with mine eyes
        And braggart with my tongue! But, gentle heavens,
        Cut short all intermission; front to front
        Bring thou this fiend of Scotland and myself;
        Within my sword's length set him; if he 'scape,
        Heaven forgive him too!

MALCOLM This tune goes manly.
        Come, go we to the king; our power is ready;
        Our lack is nothing but our leave; Macbeth
        Is ripe for shaking, and the powers above
        Put on their instruments. Receive what cheer you may:
        The night is long that never finds the day.

        [Exeunt]




        MACBETH


ACT V



SCENE I Dunsinane. Ante-room in the castle.


        [Enter a Doctor of Physic and a Waiting-Gentlewoman]

Doctor  I have two nights watched with you, but can perceive
        no truth in your report. When was it she last walked?

Gentlewoman     Since his majesty went into the field, I have seen
        her rise from her bed, throw her night-gown upon
        her, unlock her closet, take forth paper, fold it,
        write upon't, read it, afterwards seal it, and again
        return to bed; yet all this while in a most fast sleep.

Doctor  A great perturbation in nature, to receive at once
        the benefit of sleep, and do the effects of
        watching! In this slumbery agitation, besides her
        walking and other actual performances, what, at any
        time, have you heard her say?

Gentlewoman     That, sir, which I will not report after her.

Doctor  You may to me: and 'tis most meet you should.

Gentlewoman     Neither to you nor any one; having no witness to
        confirm my speech.

        [Enter LADY MACBETH, with a taper]

        Lo you, here she comes! This is her very guise;
        and, upon my life, fast asleep. Observe her; stand close.

Doctor  How came she by that light?

Gentlewoman     Why, it stood by her: she has light by her
        continually; 'tis her command.

Doctor  You see, her eyes are open.

Gentlewoman     Ay, but their sense is shut.

Doctor  What is it she does now? Look, how she rubs her hands.

Gentlewoman     It is an accustomed action with her, to seem thus
        washing her hands: I have known her continue in
        this a quarter of an hour.

LADY MACBETH    Yet here's a spot.

Doctor  Hark! she speaks: I will set down what comes from
        her, to satisfy my remembrance the more strongly.

LADY MACBETH    Out, damned spot! out, I say!--One: two: why,
        then, 'tis time to do't.--Hell is murky!--Fie, my
        lord, fie! a soldier, and afeard? What need we
        fear who knows it, when none can call our power to
        account?--Yet who would have thought the old man
        to have had so much blood in him.

Doctor  Do you mark that?

LADY MACBETH    The thane of Fife had a wife: where is she now?--
        What, will these hands ne'er be clean?--No more o'
        that, my lord, no more o' that: you mar all with
        this starting.

Doctor  Go to, go to; you have known what you should not.

Gentlewoman     She has spoke what she should not, I am sure of
        that: heaven knows what she has known.

LADY MACBETH    Here's the smell of the blood still: all the
        perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little
        hand. Oh, oh, oh!

Doctor  What a sigh is there! The heart is sorely charged.

Gentlewoman     I would not have such a heart in my bosom for the
        dignity of the whole body.

Doctor  Well, well, well,--

Gentlewoman     Pray God it be, sir.

Doctor  This disease is beyond my practise: yet I have known
        those which have walked in their sleep who have died
        holily in their beds.

LADY MACBETH    Wash your hands, put on your nightgown; look not so
        pale.--I tell you yet again, Banquo's buried; he
        cannot come out on's grave.

Doctor  Even so?

LADY MACBETH    To bed, to bed! there's knocking at the gate:
        come, come, come, come, give me your hand. What's
        done cannot be undone.--To bed, to bed, to bed!

        [Exit]

Doctor  Will she go now to bed?

Gentlewoman     Directly.

Doctor  Foul whisperings are abroad: unnatural deeds
        Do breed unnatural troubles: infected minds
        To their deaf pillows will discharge their secrets:
        More needs she the divine than the physician.
        God, God forgive us all! Look after her;
        Remove from her the means of all annoyance,
        And still keep eyes upon her. So, good night:
        My mind she has mated, and amazed my sight.
        I think, but dare not speak.

Gentlewoman     Good night, good doctor.

        [Exeunt]




        MACBETH

ACT V



SCENE II        The country near Dunsinane.


        [Drum and colours. Enter MENTEITH, CAITHNESS, ANGUS,
        LENNOX, and Soldiers]

MENTEITH        The English power is near, led on by Malcolm,
        His uncle Siward and the good Macduff:
        Revenges burn in them; for their dear causes
        Would to the bleeding and the grim alarm
        Excite the mortified man.

ANGUS   Near Birnam wood
        Shall we well meet them; that way are they coming.

CAITHNESS       Who knows if Donalbain be with his brother?

LENNOX  For certain, sir, he is not: I have a file
        Of all the gentry: there is Siward's son,
        And many unrough youths that even now
        Protest their first of manhood.

MENTEITH        What does the tyrant?

CAITHNESS       Great Dunsinane he strongly fortifies:
        Some say he's mad; others that lesser hate him
        Do call it valiant fury: but, for certain,
        He cannot buckle his distemper'd cause
        Within the belt of rule.

ANGUS   Now does he feel
        His secret murders sticking on his hands;
        Now minutely revolts upbraid his faith-breach;
        Those he commands move only in command,
        Nothing in love: now does he feel his title
        Hang loose about him, like a giant's robe
        Upon a dwarfish thief.

MENTEITH        Who then shall blame
        His pester'd senses to recoil and start,
        When all that is within him does condemn
        Itself for being there?

CAITHNESS       Well, march we on,
        To give obedience where 'tis truly owed:
        Meet we the medicine of the sickly weal,
        And with him pour we in our country's purge
        Each drop of us.

LENNOX                    Or so much as it needs,
        To dew the sovereign flower and drown the weeds.
        Make we our march towards Birnam.

        [Exeunt, marching]




        MACBETH


ACT V



SCENE III       Dunsinane. A room in the castle.


        [Enter MACBETH, Doctor, and Attendants]

MACBETH Bring me no more reports; let them fly all:
        Till Birnam wood remove to Dunsinane,
        I cannot taint with fear. What's the boy Malcolm?
        Was he not born of woman? The spirits that know
        All mortal consequences have pronounced me thus:
        'Fear not, Macbeth; no man that's born of woman
        Shall e'er have power upon thee.' Then fly,
        false thanes,
        And mingle with the English epicures:
        The mind I sway by and the heart I bear
        Shall never sag with doubt nor shake with fear.

        [Enter a Servant]

        The devil damn thee black, thou cream-faced loon!
        Where got'st thou that goose look?

Servant There is ten thousand--

MACBETH Geese, villain!

Servant Soldiers, sir.

MACBETH Go prick thy face, and over-red thy fear,
        Thou lily-liver'd boy. What soldiers, patch?
        Death of thy soul! those linen cheeks of thine
        Are counsellors to fear. What soldiers, whey-face?

Servant The English force, so please you.

MACBETH Take thy face hence.

        [Exit Servant]

                Seyton!--I am sick at heart,
        When I behold--Seyton, I say!--This push
        Will cheer me ever, or disseat me now.
        I have lived long enough: my way of life
        Is fall'n into the sear, the yellow leaf;
        And that which should accompany old age,
        As honour, love, obedience, troops of friends,
        I must not look to have; but, in their stead,
        Curses, not loud but deep, mouth-honour, breath,
        Which the poor heart would fain deny, and dare not. Seyton!

        [Enter SEYTON]

SEYTON  What is your gracious pleasure?

MACBETH What news more?

SEYTON  All is confirm'd, my lord, which was reported.

MACBETH I'll fight till from my bones my flesh be hack'd.
        Give me my armour.

SEYTON  'Tis not needed yet.

MACBETH I'll put it on.
        Send out more horses; skirr the country round;
        Hang those that talk of fear. Give me mine armour.
        How does your patient, doctor?

Doctor  Not so sick, my lord,
        As she is troubled with thick coming fancies,
        That keep her from her rest.

MACBETH Cure her of that.
        Canst thou not minister to a mind diseased,
        Pluck from the memory a rooted sorrow,
        Raze out the written troubles of the brain
        And with some sweet oblivious antidote
        Cleanse the stuff'd bosom of that perilous stuff
        Which weighs upon the heart?

Doctor  Therein the patient
        Must minister to himself.

MACBETH Throw physic to the dogs; I'll none of it.
        Come, put mine armour on; give me my staff.
        Seyton, send out. Doctor, the thanes fly from me.
        Come, sir, dispatch. If thou couldst, doctor, cast
        The water of my land, find her disease,
        And purge it to a sound and pristine health,
        I would applaud thee to the very echo,
        That should applaud again.--Pull't off, I say.--
        What rhubarb, cyme, or what purgative drug,
        Would scour these English hence? Hear'st thou of them?

Doctor  Ay, my good lord; your royal preparation
        Makes us hear something.

MACBETH Bring it after me.
        I will not be afraid of death and bane,
        Till Birnam forest come to Dunsinane.

Doctor  [Aside]  Were I from Dunsinane away and clear,
        Profit again should hardly draw me here.

        [Exeunt]




        MACBETH


ACT V



SCENE IV        Country near Birnam wood.


        [Drum and colours. Enter MALCOLM, SIWARD and YOUNG
        SIWARD, MACDUFF, MENTEITH, CAITHNESS, ANGUS,
        LENNOX, ROSS, and Soldiers, marching]

MALCOLM Cousins, I hope the days are near at hand
        That chambers will be safe.

MENTEITH        We doubt it nothing.

SIWARD  What wood is this before us?

MENTEITH        The wood of Birnam.

MALCOLM Let every soldier hew him down a bough
        And bear't before him: thereby shall we shadow
        The numbers of our host and make discovery
        Err in report of us.

Soldiers        It shall be done.

SIWARD  We learn no other but the confident tyrant
        Keeps still in Dunsinane, and will endure
        Our setting down before 't.

MALCOLM 'Tis his main hope:
        For where there is advantage to be given,
        Both more and less have given him the revolt,
        And none serve with him but constrained things
        Whose hearts are absent too.

MACDUFF Let our just censures
        Attend the true event, and put we on
        Industrious soldiership.

SIWARD  The time approaches
        That will with due decision make us know
        What we shall say we have and what we owe.
        Thoughts speculative their unsure hopes relate,
        But certain issue strokes must arbitrate:
        Towards which advance the war.

        [Exeunt, marching]




        MACBETH


ACT V



SCENE V Dunsinane. Within the castle.


        [Enter MACBETH, SEYTON, and Soldiers, with drum
        and colours]

MACBETH Hang out our banners on the outward walls;
        The cry is still 'They come:' our castle's strength
        Will laugh a siege to scorn: here let them lie
        Till famine and the ague eat them up:
        Were they not forced with those that should be ours,
        We might have met them dareful, beard to beard,
        And beat them backward home.

        [A cry of women within]

                       What is that noise?

SEYTON  It is the cry of women, my good lord.

        [Exit]

MACBETH I have almost forgot the taste of fears;
        The time has been, my senses would have cool'd
        To hear a night-shriek; and my fell of hair
        Would at a dismal treatise rouse and stir
        As life were in't: I have supp'd full with horrors;
        Direness, familiar to my slaughterous thoughts
        Cannot once start me.

        [Re-enter SEYTON]

                Wherefore was that cry?

SEYTON  The queen, my lord, is dead.

MACBETH She should have died hereafter;
        There would have been a time for such a word.
        To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow,
        Creeps in this petty pace from day to day
        To the last syllable of recorded time,
        And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
        The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!
        Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player
        That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
        And then is heard no more: it is a tale
        Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
        Signifying nothing.

        [Enter a Messenger]

        Thou comest to use thy tongue; thy story quickly.

Messenger       Gracious my lord,
        I should report that which I say I saw,
        But know not how to do it.

MACBETH Well, say, sir.

Messenger       As I did stand my watch upon the hill,
        I look'd toward Birnam, and anon, methought,
        The wood began to move.

MACBETH Liar and slave!

Messenger       Let me endure your wrath, if't be not so:
        Within this three mile may you see it coming;
        I say, a moving grove.

MACBETH If thou speak'st false,
        Upon the next tree shalt thou hang alive,
        Till famine cling thee: if thy speech be sooth,
        I care not if thou dost for me as much.
        I pull in resolution, and begin
        To doubt the equivocation of the fiend
        That lies like truth: 'Fear not, till Birnam wood
        Do come to Dunsinane:'  and now a wood
        Comes toward Dunsinane. Arm, arm, and out!
        If this which he avouches does appear,
        There is nor flying hence nor tarrying here.
        I gin to be aweary of the sun,
        And wish the estate o' the world were now undone.
        Ring the alarum-bell! Blow, wind! come, wrack!
        At least we'll die with harness on our back.

        [Exeunt]




        MACBETH


ACT V



SCENE VI        Dunsinane. Before the castle.


        [Drum and colours. Enter MALCOLM, SIWARD, MACDUFF,
        and their Army, with boughs]

MALCOLM Now near enough: your leafy screens throw down.
        And show like those you are. You, worthy uncle,
        Shall, with my cousin, your right-noble son,
        Lead our first battle: worthy Macduff and we
        Shall take upon 's what else remains to do,
        According to our order.

SIWARD  Fare you well.
        Do we but find the tyrant's power to-night,
        Let us be beaten, if we cannot fight.

MACDUFF Make all our trumpets speak; give them all breath,
        Those clamorous harbingers of blood and death.

        [Exeunt]




        MACBETH


ACT V



SCENE VII       Another part of the field.


        [Alarums. Enter MACBETH]

MACBETH They have tied me to a stake; I cannot fly,
        But, bear-like, I must fight the course. What's he
        That was not born of woman? Such a one
        Am I to fear, or none.

        [Enter YOUNG SIWARD]

YOUNG SIWARD    What is thy name?

MACBETH                   Thou'lt be afraid to hear it.

YOUNG SIWARD    No; though thou call'st thyself a hotter name
        Than any is in hell.

MACBETH My name's Macbeth.

YOUNG SIWARD    The devil himself could not pronounce a title
        More hateful to mine ear.

MACBETH No, nor more fearful.

YOUNG SIWARD    Thou liest, abhorred tyrant; with my sword
        I'll prove the lie thou speak'st.

        [They fight and YOUNG SIWARD is slain]

MACBETH Thou wast born of woman
        But swords I smile at, weapons laugh to scorn,
        Brandish'd by man that's of a woman born.

        [Exit]

        [Alarums. Enter MACDUFF]

MACDUFF That way the noise is. Tyrant, show thy face!
        If thou be'st slain and with no stroke of mine,
        My wife and children's ghosts will haunt me still.
        I cannot strike at wretched kerns, whose arms
        Are hired to bear their staves: either thou, Macbeth,
        Or else my sword with an unbatter'd edge
        I sheathe again undeeded. There thou shouldst be;
        By this great clatter, one of greatest note
        Seems bruited. Let me find him, fortune!
        And more I beg not.

        [Exit. Alarums]

        [Enter MALCOLM and SIWARD]

SIWARD  This way, my lord; the castle's gently render'd:
        The tyrant's people on both sides do fight;
        The noble thanes do bravely in the war;
        The day almost itself professes yours,
        And little is to do.

MALCOLM We have met with foes
        That strike beside us.

SIWARD  Enter, sir, the castle.

        [Exeunt. Alarums]




        MACBETH


ACT V



SCENE VIII      Another part of the field.


        [Enter MACBETH]

MACBETH Why should I play the Roman fool, and die
        On mine own sword? whiles I see lives, the gashes
        Do better upon them.

        [Enter MACDUFF]

MACDUFF Turn, hell-hound, turn!

MACBETH Of all men else I have avoided thee:
        But get thee back; my soul is too much charged
        With blood of thine already.

MACDUFF I have no words:
        My voice is in my sword: thou bloodier villain
        Than terms can give thee out!

        [They fight]

MACBETH Thou losest labour:
        As easy mayst thou the intrenchant air
        With thy keen sword impress as make me bleed:
        Let fall thy blade on vulnerable crests;
        I bear a charmed life, which must not yield,
        To one of woman born.

MACDUFF Despair thy charm;
        And let the angel whom thou still hast served
        Tell thee, Macduff was from his mother's womb
        Untimely ripp'd.

MACBETH Accursed be that tongue that tells me so,
        For it hath cow'd my better part of man!
        And be these juggling fiends no more believed,
        That palter with us in a double sense;
        That keep the word of promise to our ear,
        And break it to our hope. I'll not fight with thee.

MACDUFF Then yield thee, coward,
        And live to be the show and gaze o' the time:
        We'll have thee, as our rarer monsters are,
        Painted on a pole, and underwrit,
        'Here may you see the tyrant.'

MACBETH I will not yield,
        To kiss the ground before young Malcolm's feet,
        And to be baited with the rabble's curse.
        Though Birnam wood be come to Dunsinane,
        And thou opposed, being of no woman born,
        Yet I will try the last. Before my body
        I throw my warlike shield. Lay on, Macduff,
        And damn'd be him that first cries, 'Hold, enough!'

        [Exeunt, fighting. Alarums]

        [Retreat. Flourish. Enter, with drum and colours,
        MALCOLM, SIWARD, ROSS, the other Thanes, and Soldiers]

MALCOLM I would the friends we miss were safe arrived.

SIWARD  Some must go off: and yet, by these I see,
        So great a day as this is cheaply bought.

MALCOLM Macduff is missing, and your noble son.

ROSS    Your son, my lord, has paid a soldier's debt:
        He only lived but till he was a man;
        The which no sooner had his prowess confirm'd
        In the unshrinking station where he fought,
        But like a man he died.

SIWARD  Then he is dead?

ROSS    Ay, and brought off the field: your cause of sorrow
        Must not be measured by his worth, for then
        It hath no end.

SIWARD                    Had he his hurts before?

ROSS    Ay, on the front.

SIWARD                    Why then, God's soldier be he!
        Had I as many sons as I have hairs,
        I would not wish them to a fairer death:
        And so, his knell is knoll'd.

MALCOLM He's worth more sorrow,
        And that I'll spend for him.

SIWARD  He's worth no more
        They say he parted well, and paid his score:
        And so, God be with him! Here comes newer comfort.

        [Re-enter MACDUFF, with MACBETH's head]

MACDUFF Hail, king! for so thou art: behold, where stands
        The usurper's cursed head: the time is free:
        I see thee compass'd with thy kingdom's pearl,
        That speak my salutation in their minds;
        Whose voices I desire aloud with mine:
        Hail, King of Scotland!

ALL     Hail, King of Scotland!

        [Flourish]

MALCOLM We shall not spend a large expense of time
        Before we reckon with your several loves,
        And make us even with you. My thanes and kinsmen,
        Henceforth be earls, the first that ever Scotland
        In such an honour named. What's more to do,
        Which would be planted newly with the time,
        As calling home our exiled friends abroad
        That fled the snares of watchful tyranny;
        Producing forth the cruel ministers
        Of this dead butcher and his fiend-like queen,
        Who, as 'tis thought, by self and violent hands
        Took off her life; this, and what needful else
        That calls upon us, by the grace of Grace,
        We will perform in measure, time and place:
        So, thanks to all at once and to each one,
        Whom we invite to see us crown'd at Scone.

        [Flourish. Exeunt]