Macbeth

William Shakespeare

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Published by Liberty Fund, Inc.

William Shakespeare, Macbeth [1623]

Edition used:

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (The Oxford Shakespeare), ed. with a glossary by W.J. Craig M.A. (Oxford University Press, 1916).

Editor: William James Craig

Author: William Shakespeare

One of the plays in the 1916 Oxford University Press edition of all of Shakespeare’s plays and poems.

Copyright:

The text is in the public domain.

Table of Contents

MACBETH

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ.

ACT I.

Scene I.—: A desert Heath.

Scene II.—: A Camp near Forres.

Scene III.—: A Heath.

Scene IV.—: Forres. A Room in the Palace.

Scene V.—: Inverness. Macbeth’s Castle.

Scene VI.—: The Same. Before the Castle.

Scene VII.—: The Same. A Room in the Castle.

ACT II.

Scene I.—: Inverness. Court within the Castle.

Scene II.—: The Same.

Scene III.—: The Same.

Scene IV.—: The Same. Without the Castle.

ACT III.

Scene I.—: Forres. A Room in the Palace.

Scene II.—: The Same. Another Room in the Palace.

Scene III —: The Same. A Park, with a Road leading to the Palace.

Scene IV.—: The Same. A Room of State in the Palace.

Scene V.—: A Heath.

Scene VI.—: Forres. A Room in the Palace.

ACT IV.

Scene I.—: A Cavern. In the middle, a boiling Cauldron.

Scene II.—: Fife. Macduff’s Castle.

Scene III.—: England. Before the King’s Palace.

ACT V.

Scene I.—: Dunsinane. A Room in the Castle.

Scene II.—: The Country near Dunsinane.

Scene III.—: Dunsinane. A Room in the Castle.

Scene IV.—: Country near Birnam Wood.

Scene V.—: Dunsinane. Within the Castle.

Scene VI.—: The Same. A Plain before the Castle.

Scene VII.—: The Same. Another Part of the Plain.

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MACBETH

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ.

DUNCAN, | King of Scotland.
MALCOLM, } | his Sons.
DONALBAIN, }
MACBETH, } | Generals of the King’s Army.
BANQUO, }
MACDUFF, } | Noblemen of Scotland.
LENNOX, }
ROSS, }
MENTEITH, }
ANGUS, }
CAITHNESS, }
FLEANCE, | Son to Banquo.
SIWARD, | Earl of Northumberland, General of the English Forces.
YOUNG SIWARD, | his Son.
SEYTON, | an Officer attending Macbeth.
Boy, Son to Macduff. |
An English Doctor. |
A Scotch Doctor. |
A Sergeant. |
A Porter. |
An Old Man. |
LADY MACBETH. |
LADY MACDUFF. |
Gentlewoman attending on Lady Macbeth.
HECATE and Three Witches.
Lords, Gentlemen, Officers, Soldiers, Murderers, Attendants, and Messengers. The Ghost of Banquo, and other Apparitions.

Scene.—Scotland; England.

ACT I.

Scene I.—: A desert Heath.

Thunder and lightning. Enter three Witches.

First Witch.

When shall we three meet again

In thunder, lightning, or in rain?

Sec. Witch.

When the hurlyburly’s done,

When the battle’s lost and won.Craig1916: 4

Third Witch.

That will be ere the set of sun.

First Witch.

Where the place?

Sec. Witch.

Upon the heath.

Third Witch.

There to meet with Macbeth.

First Witch.

I come, Graymalkin!Craig1916: 8

Sec. Witch.

Paddock calls.

Third Witch.

Anon.

All.

Fair is foul, and foul is fair:

Hover through the fog and filthy air.

[Exeunt.

Scene II.—: A Camp near Forres.

Alarum within. Enter King Duncan, Malcolm, Donalbain, Lennox, with Attendants, meeting a bleeding Sergeant.

Dun.

What bloody man is that? He can report,

As seemeth by his plight, of the revolt

The newest state.

Mal.

This is the sergeant

Who, like a good and hardy soldier foughtCraig1916: 4

’Gainst my captivity. Hail, brave friend!

Say to the king the knowledge of the broil

As thou didst leave it.

Serg.

Doubtful it stood;

As two spent swimmers, that do cling togetherCraig1916: 8

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 islesCraig1916: 12

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,—Craig1916: 16

Disdaining fortune, with his brandish’d steel,

Which smok’d with bloody execution,

Like valour’s minion carv’d out his passage

Till he fac’d the slave;Craig1916: 20

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.Craig1916: 23

Dun.

O valiant cousin! worthy gentleman!

Serg.

As whence the sun ’gins his reflection

Shipwracking storms and direful thunders break,

So from that spring whence comfort seem’d to come

Discomfort swells. Mark, King of Scotland, mark:Craig1916: 28

No sooner justice had with valour arm’d

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Compell’d these skipping kerns to trust their heels,

But the Norweyan lord surveying vantage,

With furbish’d arms and new supplies of menCraig1916: 32

Began a fresh assault.

Dun.

Dismay’d not this

Our captains, Macbeth and Banquo?

Serg.

Yes;

As sparrows eagles, or the hare the lion.

If I say sooth, I must report they wereCraig1916: 36

As cannons overcharg’d with double cracks;

So they

Doubly redoubled strokes upon the foe:

Except they meant to bathe in reeking wounds,

Or memorize another Golgotha,Craig1916: 41

I cannot tell—

But I am faint, my gashes cry for help.

Dun.

So well thy words become thee as thy wounds;Craig1916: 44

They smack of honour both. Go, get him surgeons.

[Exit Sergeant, attended.

Enter Ross.

Who comes here?

Mal.

The worthy Thane of Ross.

Len.

What a haste looks through his eyes! So should he look

That seems to speak things strange.

Ross.

God save the king!Craig1916: 48

Dun.

Whence cam’st 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,Craig1916: 52

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,Craig1916: 56

Point against point, rebellious arm ’gainst arm,

Curbing his lavish spirit: and, to conclude,

The victory fell on us.—

Dun.

Great happiness!

Ross.

That nowCraig1916: 60

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.Craig1916: 64

Dun.

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.Craig1916: 68

Dun.

What he hath lost noble Macbeth hath won.

[Exeunt.

Scene III.—: A Heath.

Thunder. Enter the three Witches.

First Witch.

Where hast thou been, sister?

Sec. Witch.

Killing swine.

Third Witch.

Sister, where thou?

First Witch.

A sailor’s wife had chestnuts in her lap,Craig1916: 4

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,Craig1916: 8

And, like a rat without a tail,

I’ll do, I’ll do, and I’ll do.

Sec. Witch.

I’ll give thee a wind.

First Witch.

Thou’rt kind.Craig1916: 12

Third Witch.

And I another.

First Witch.

I myself have all the other;

And the very ports they blow,

All the quarters that they knowCraig1916: 16

I’ the shipman’s card.

I’ll drain him dry as hay:

Sleep shall neither night nor day

Hang upon his pent-house lid;Craig1916: 20

He shall live a man forbid.

Weary se’nnights nine times nine

Shall he dwindle, peak and pine:

Though his bark cannot be lost,Craig1916: 24

Yet it shall be tempest-tost.

Look what I have.

Sec. Witch.

Show me, show me.

First Witch.

Here I have a pilot’s thumb,Craig1916: 28

Wrack’d as homeward he did come.

[Drum within.

Third Witch.

A drum! a drum!

Macbeth doth come.

All.

The weird sisters, hand in hand,Craig1916: 32

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.Craig1916: 36

Peace! the charm’s wound up.

Enter Macbeth and Banquo.

Macb.

So foul and fair a day I have not seen.

Ban.

How far is ’t call’d to Forres? What are these,

So wither’d and so wild in their attire,Craig1916: 40

That look not like th’ 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 choppy finger layingCraig1916: 44

Upon her skinny lips: you should be women,

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And yet your beards forbid me to interpret

That you are so.

Macb.

Speak, if you can: what are you?

First Witch.

All hail, Macbeth! hail to thee, Thane of Glamis!Craig1916: 48

Sec. Witch.

All hail, Macbeth! hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor!

Third Witch.

All hail, Macbeth! that shalt be king hereafter.

Ban.

Good sir, why do you start, and seem to fear

Things that do sound so fair? I’ the name of truth,Craig1916: 52

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,Craig1916: 56

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 fearCraig1916: 60

Your favours nor your hate.

First Witch.

Hail!

Sec. Witch.

Hail!

Third Witch.

Hail!Craig1916: 64

First Witch.

Lesser than Macbeth, and greater.

Sec. Witch.

Not so happy, yet much happier.

Third Witch.

Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none:

So, all hail, Macbeth and Banquo!Craig1916: 68

First Witch.

Banquo and Macbeth, all hail!

Macb.

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 kingCraig1916: 73

Stands not within the prospect of belief

No more than to be Cawdor. Say, from whence

You owe this strange intelligence? or whyCraig1916: 76

Upon this blasted heath you stop our way

With such prophetic greeting? Speak, I charge you.

[Witches vanish.

Ban.

The earth hath bubbles, as the water has,

And these are of them. Whither are they vanish’d?Craig1916: 80

Macb.

Into the air, and what seem’d corporal melted

As breath into the wind. Would they had stay’d!

Ban.

Were such things here as we do speak about?

Or have we eaten on the insane rootCraig1916: 84

That takes the reason prisoner?

Macb.

Your children shall be kings.

Ban.

You shall be king.

Macb

And Thane of Cawdor too; went it not so?

Ban.

To the self-same tune and words. Who’s here?Craig1916: 88

Enter Ross and Angus.

Ross.

The king hath happily receiv’d, Macbeth,

The news of thy success; and when he reads

Thy personal venture in the rebels’ fight,

His wonders and his praises do contendCraig1916: 92

Which should be thine or his. Silenc’d with that,

In viewing o’er the rest o’ the self-same day,

He finds thee in the stout Norweyan ranks,

Nothing afeard of what thyself didst make,Craig1916: 96

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.

Ang.

We are sentCraig1916: 100

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:Craig1916: 105

In which addition, hail, most worthy thane!

For it is thine.

Ban.

What! can the devil speak true?

Macb.

The Thane of Cawdor lives: why do you dress meCraig1916: 108

In borrow’d robes?

Ang.

Who was the thane lives yet;

But under heavy judgment bears that life

Which he deserves to lose. Whether he was combin’d

With those of Norway, or did line the rebelCraig1916: 112

With hidden help or vantage, or that with both

He labour’d in his country’s wrack, I know not;

But treasons capital, confess’d and prov’d,

Have overthrown him.

Macb.

[Aside.] Glamis, and Thane of Cawdor:

The greatest is behind. [To Ross and Angus.] Thanks for your pains.Craig1916: 117

[To Banquo.] Do you not hope your children shall be kings,

When those that gave the Thane of Cawdor to me

Promis’d no less to them?

Ban.

That, trusted home,Craig1916: 120

Might yet enkindle you unto the crown,

Besides the Thane of Cawdor. But ’tis strange:

And oftentimes, to win us to our harm,

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The instruments of darkness tell us truths,Craig1916: 124

Win us with honest trifles, to betray’s

In deepest consequence.

Cousins, a word, I pray you.

Macb.

[Aside.] Two truths are told,

As happy prologues to the swelling actCraig1916: 128

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,Craig1916: 132

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 fearsCraig1916: 137

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 isCraig1916: 141

But what is not.

Ban.

Look, how our partner’s rapt.

Macb.

[Aside] If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me,

Without my stir.

Ban.

New honours come upon him,Craig1916: 144

Like our strange garments, cleave not to their mould

But with the aid of use.

Macb.

[Aside.] Come what come may,

Time and the hour runs through the roughest day.

Ban.

Worthy Macbeth, we stay upon your leisure.Craig1916: 148

Macb.

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 chanc’d; and, at more time,Craig1916: 153

The interim having weigh’d it, let us speak

Our free hearts each to other.

Ban.

Very gladly.

Macb.

Till then, enough. Come, friends.Craig1916: 156

[Exeunt.

Scene IV.—: Forres. A Room in the Palace.

Flourish. Enter Duncan, Malcolm, Donalbain, Lennox, and Attendants.

Dun.

Is execution done on Cawdor? Are not

Those in commission yet return’d?

Mal.

My liege,

They are not yet come back; but I have spoke

With one that saw him die; who did reportCraig1916: 4

That very frankly he confess’d his treasons,

Implor’d your highness’ pardon and set forth

A deep repentance. Nothing in his life

Became him like the leaving it; he diedCraig1916: 8

As one that had been studied in his death

To throw away the dearest thing he ow’d,

As ’twere a careless trifle.

Dun.

There’s no art

To find the mind’s construction in the face:Craig1916: 12

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 beforeCraig1916: 16

That swiftest wing of recompense is slow

To overtake thee; would thou hadst less deserv’d,

That the proportion both of thanks and payment

Might have been mine! only I have left to say,Craig1916: 20

More is thy due than more than all can pay.

Macb.

The service and the loyalty I owe,

In doing it, pays itself. Your highness’ part

Is to receive our duties: and our dutiesCraig1916: 24

Are to your throne and state, children and servants;

Which do but what they should, by doing everything

Safe toward your love and honour.

Dun.

Welcome hither:

I have begun to plant thee, and will labourCraig1916: 28

To make thee full of growing. Noble Banquo,

That hast no less deserv’d, nor must be known

No less to have done so, let me infold thee

And hold thee to my heart.

Ban.

There if I grow,Craig1916: 32

The harvest is your own.

Dun.

My plenteous joys

Wanton in fulness, seek to hide themselves

In drops of sorrow. Sons, kinsmen, thanes,

And you whose places are the nearest, knowCraig1916: 36

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,Craig1916: 40

But signs of nobleness, like stars, shall shine

On all deservers. From hence to Inverness,

And bind us further to you.

Macb.

The rest is labour, which is not us’d for you:Craig1916: 44

I’ll be myself the harbinger, and make joyful

The hearing of my wife with your approach;

So, humbly take my leave.

Dun.

My worthy Cawdor!

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Macb.

[Aside.] The Prince of Cumberland! that is a stepCraig1916: 48

On which I must fall down, or else o’er-leap,

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 beCraig1916: 52

Which the eye fears, when it is done, to see.

[Exit.

Dun.

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,Craig1916: 56

Whose care is gone before to bid us welcome:

It is a peerless kinsman.

[Flourish. Exeunt.

Scene V.—: Inverness. Macbeth’s Castle.

Enter Lady Macbeth, reading a letter.

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 shall be!’ This have I thought good to deliver thee, my dearest partner of greatness, that thou mightest 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 beCraig1916: 16

What thou art promis’d. 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 withoutCraig1916: 20

The illness should attend it; what thou wouldst highly,

That thou wouldst holily; wouldst not play false,

And yet wouldst wrongly win; thou’dst have, great Glamis,

That which cries, ‘Thus thou must do, if thou have it;’Craig1916: 24

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 tongueCraig1916: 28

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?

Mess.

The king comes here to-night.

Lady M.

Thou’rt mad to say it.Craig1916: 32

Is not thy master with him? who, were’t so,

Would have inform’d for preparation.

Mess.

So please you, it is true: our thane is coming;

One of my fellows had the speed of him,Craig1916: 36

Who, almost dead for breath, had scarcely more

Than would make up his message.

Lady M.

Give him tending;

He brings great news.—[Exit Messenger.] The raven himself is hoarse

That croaks the fatal entrance of DuncanCraig1916: 40

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,Craig1916: 44

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,Craig1916: 49

Wherever in your sightless substances

You wait on nature’s mischief! Come, thick night,

And pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell,Craig1916: 52

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!Craig1916: 56

Thy letters have transported me beyond

This ignorant present, and I feel now

The future in the instant.

Macb.

My dearest love,

Duncan comes here to-night.

Lady M.

And when goes hence?Craig1916: 60

Macb.

To-morrow, as he purposes.

Lady M.

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 putCraig1916: 68

This night’s great business into my dispatch;

Which shall to all our nights and days to come

Give solely sovereign sway and masterdom.

Macb.

We will speak further.

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Lady M.

Only look up clear;Craig1916: 72

To alter favour ever is to fear.

Leave all the rest to me.

[Exeunt.

Scene VI.—: The Same. Before the Castle.

Hautboys and torches. Enter Duncan, Malcolm, Donalbain, Banquo, Lennox, Macduff, Ross, Angus, and Attendants.

Dun.

This castle hath a pleasant seat; the air

Nimbly and sweetly recommends itself

Unto our gentle senses.

Ban.

This guest of summer,

The temple-haunting martlet, does approveCraig1916: 4

By his lov’d 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:Craig1916: 8

Where they most breed and haunt, I have observ’d

The air is delicate.

Enter Lady Macbeth.

Dun.

See, see, our honour’d hostess!

The love that follows us sometime is our trouble,

Which still we thank as love. Herein I teach youCraig1916: 12

How you shall bid God ’eyld us for your pains,

And thank us for your trouble.

Lady M.

All our service,

In every point twice done, and then done double,

Were poor and single business, to contendCraig1916: 16

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.

Dun.

Where’s the Thane of Cawdor?Craig1916: 20

We cours’d 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 M.

Your servants everCraig1916: 25

Have theirs, themselves, and what is theirs, in compt,

To make their audit at your highness’ pleasure,

Still to return your own.

Dun.

Give me your hand;Craig1916: 28

Conduct me to mine host: we love him highly,

And shall continue our graces towards him.

By your leave, hostess.

[Exeunt.

Scene VII.—: The Same. A Room in the Castle.

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

Macb.

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 blowCraig1916: 4

Might be the be-all and the end-all here,

But here, upon this bank and shoal of time,

We’d jump the life to come. But in these cases

We still have judgment here; that we but teach

Bloody instructions, which, being taught, returnCraig1916: 9

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:Craig1916: 12

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 beenCraig1916: 17

So clear in his great office, that his virtues

Will plead like angels trumpet-tongu’d against

The deep damnation of his taking-off;Craig1916: 20

And pity, like a naked new-born babe,

Striding the blast, or heaven’s cherubin, hors’d

Upon the sightless couriers of the air,

Shall blow the horrid deed in every eye,Craig1916: 24

That tears shall drown the wind. I have no spur

To prick the sides of my intent, but only

Vaulting ambition, which o’er-leaps itself

And falls on the other.—

Enter Lady Macbeth.

How now! what news?Craig1916: 28

Lady M.

He has almost supp’d: why have you left the chamber?

Macb.

Hath he ask’d for me?

Lady M.

Know you not he has?

Macb.

We will proceed no further in this business:

He hath honour’d me of late; and I have boughtCraig1916: 32

Golden opinions from all sorts of people,

Which would be worn now in their newest gloss,

Not cast aside so soon.

Lady M.

Was the hope drunk,

Wherein you dress’d yourself? hath it slept since,Craig1916: 36

And wakes it now, to look so green and pale

Edition: current; Page: [984]

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 valourCraig1916: 40

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,’Craig1916: 44

Like the poor cat i’ the adage?

Macb.

Prithee, peace.

I dare do all that may become a man;

Who dares do more is none.

Lady M.

What beast was’t, then,

That made you break this enterprise to me?Craig1916: 48

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:Craig1916: 52

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,Craig1916: 56

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.

Macb.

If we should fail,—

Lady M.

We fail!

But screw your courage to the sticking-place,Craig1916: 60

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 convinceCraig1916: 64

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,Craig1916: 68

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?

Macb.

Bring forth men-children only;Craig1916: 72

For thy undaunted mettle should compose

Nothing but males. Will it not be receiv’d,

When we have mark’d with blood those sleepy twoCraig1916: 75

Of his own chamber and us’d their very daggers,

That they have done’t?

Lady M.

Who dares receive it other,

As we shall make our griefs and clamour roar

Upon his death?

Macb.

I am settled, and bend up

Each corporal agent to this terrible feat.Craig1916: 80

Away, and mock the time with fairest show:

False face must hide what the false heart doth know.

[Exeunt.

ACT II.

Scene I.—: Inverness. Court within the Castle.

Enter Banquo and Fleance, with a Servant bearing a torch before him

Ban.

How goes the night, boy?

Fle.

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

Ban.

And she goes down at twelve.

Fle.

I take’t, ’tis later, sir.

Ban.

Hold, take my sword. There’s husbandry in heaven;Craig1916: 4

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.—Craig1916: 9

Who’s there?

Macb.

A friend.

Ban.

What, sir! not yet at rest? The king’s a-bed:Craig1916: 12

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.

Macb.

Being unprepar’d,Craig1916: 17

Our will became the servant to defect,

Which else should free have wrought.

Ban.

All’s well.

I dreamt last night of the three weird sisters:Craig1916: 20

To you they have show’d some truth.

Macb.

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.

Ban.

At your kind’st leisure.Craig1916: 24

Macb.

If you shall cleave to my consent, when ’tis,

It shall make honour for you.

Ban.

So I lose none

In seeking to augment it, but still keep

My bosom franchis’d and allegiance clear,Craig1916: 28

I shall be counsell’d.

Macb.

Good repose the while!

Ban.

Thanks, sir: the like to you.

[Exeunt Banquo and Fleance.

Macb.

Go bid thy mistress, when my drink is ready

She strike upon the bell. Get thee to bed.Craig1916: 32

[Exit Servant.

Is this a dagger which I see before me,

Edition: current; Page: [985]

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, sensibleCraig1916: 36

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 palpableCraig1916: 40

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,Craig1916: 44

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 informsCraig1916: 48

Thus to mine eyes. Now o’er the one half-world

Nature seems dead, and wicked dreams abuse

The curtain’d sleep; witchcraft celebrates

Pale Hecate’s offerings; and wither’d murder,Craig1916: 52

Alarum’d by his sentinel, the wolf,

Whose howl’s his watch, thus with his stealthy pace,

With Tarquin’s ravishing strides, toward his design

Moves like a ghost. Thou sure and firm-set earth,Craig1916: 56

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:Craig1916: 60

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.Craig1916: 64

[Exit.

Scene II.—: The Same.

Enter Lady Macbeth.

Lady M.

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,Craig1916: 4

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.Craig1916: 9

Macb.

[Within.] Who’s there? what, ho!

Lady M.

Alack! I am afraid they have awak’d,

And ’tis not done; the attempt and not the deed

Confounds us. Hark! I laid their daggers ready;Craig1916: 13

He could not miss them. Had he not resembled

My father as he slept I had done ’t. My husband!

Enter Macbeth.

Macb.

I have done the deed. Didst thou not hear a noise?Craig1916: 16

Lady M.

I heard the owl scream and the crickets cry.

Did not you speak?

Macb.

When?

Lady M.

Now.

Macb.

As I descended?

Lady M.

Ay.

Macb.

Hark!Craig1916: 20

Who lies i’ the second chamber?

Lady M.

Donalbain.

Macb.

[Looking on his hands] This is a sorry sight.

Lady M.

A foolish thought to say a sorry sight.

Macb.

There’s one did laugh in ’s sleep, and one cried ‘Murder!’Craig1916: 24

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 M.

There are two lodg’d together.

Macb.

One cried ‘God bless us!’ and ‘Amen’ the other:Craig1916: 28

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 M.

Consider it not so deeply.

Macb.

But wherefore could not I pronounce ‘Amen?’Craig1916: 32

I had most need of blessing, and ‘Amen’

Stuck in my throat.

Lady M.

These deeds must not be thought

After these ways; so, it will make us mad.

Macb.

Methought I heard a voice cry ‘Sleep no more!Craig1916: 36

Macbeth does murder sleep,’ the innocent sleep,

Sleep that knits up the ravell’d sleave of care,

The death of each day’s life, sore labour’s bath,

Balm of hurt minds, great nature’s second course,Craig1916: 40

Chief nourisher in life’s feast,—

Edition: current; Page: [986]

Lady M.

What do you mean?

Macb.

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!’Craig1916: 44

Lady M.

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.Craig1916: 48

Why did you bring these daggers from the place?

They must lie there: go carry them, and smear

The sleepy grooms with blood.

Macb.

I’ll go no more:

I am afraid to think what I have done;Craig1916: 52

Look on ’t again I dare not.

Lady M.

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,Craig1916: 56

I’ll gild the faces of the grooms withal;

For it must seem their guilt.

[Exit. Knocking within.

Macb.

Whence is that knocking?

How is’t with me, when every noise appals me?

What hands are here! Ha! they pluck out mine eyes.Craig1916: 60

Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood

Clean from my hand? No, this my hand will rather

The multitudinous seas incarnadine,

Making the green one red.Craig1916: 64

Re-enter Lady Macbeth.

Lady M.

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;Craig1916: 68

How easy is it, then! Your constancy

Hath left you unattended. [Knocking within.] Hark! more knocking.

Get on your night-gown, lest occasion call us,

And show us to be watchers. Be not lostCraig1916: 72

So poorly in your thoughts.

Macb.

To know my deed ’twere best not know myself.

[Knocking within.

Wake Duncan with thy knocking! I would thou couldst!

[Exeunt.

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 enough about you; here you’ll sweat for ’t. [Knocking within.] Knock, knock! Who’s there i’ 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.Craig1916: 24

[Opens the gate.

Enter Macduff and Lennox.

Macd.

Was it so late, friend, ere you went to bed,

That you do lie so late?

Port.

Faith, sir, we were carousing till the second cock; and drink, sir, is a great provoker of three things.Craig1916: 29

Macd.

What three things does drink especially provoke?

Port.

Marry, sir, mose-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.Craig1916: 41

Macd.

I believe drink gave thee the lie last night.

Port.

That it did, sir, i’ the very throat o’ 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.

Macd.

Is thy master stirring?Craig1916: 48

Edition: current; Page: [987]

Enter Macbeth.

Our knocking has awak’d him; here he comes.

Len.

Good morrow, noble sir.

Macb.

Good morrow, both.

Macd.

Is the king stirring, worthy thane?

Macb.

Not yet.

Macd.

He did command me to call timely on him:Craig1916: 52

I have almost slipp’d the hour.

Macb.

I’ll bring you to him.

Macd.

I know this is a joyful trouble to you;

But yet ’tis one.

Macb.

The labour we delight in physics pain.

This is the door.

Macd.

I’ll make so bold to call,Craig1916: 57

For ’tis my limited service.

[Exit.

Len.

Goes the king hence to-day?

Macb.

He does: he did appoint so.

Len.

The night has been unruly: where we lay,Craig1916: 60

Ourchimneys 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 confus’d eventsCraig1916: 64

New hatch’d to the woeful time. The obscure bird

Clamour’d the livelong night: some say the earth

Was feverous and did shake.

Macb.

’Twas a rough night.

Len.

My young remembrance cannot parallel

A fellow to it.Craig1916: 69

Re-enter Macduff.

Macd.

O horror! horror! horror! Tongue nor heart

Cannot conceive nor name thee!

Macb.

What’s the matter?

Len.

What’s the matter?

Macd.

Confusion now hath made his masterpiece!Craig1916: 72

Most sacrilegious murder hath broke ope

The Lord’s anointed temple, and stole thence

The life o’ the building!

Macb.

What is ’t you say? the life?Craig1916: 76

Len.

Mean you his majesty?

Macd.

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!Craig1916: 80

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 seeCraig1916: 84

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 M.

What’s the business,Craig1916: 88

That such a hideous trumpet calls to parley

The sleepers of the house? speak, speak!

Macd.

O gentle lady!

’Tis not for you to hear what I can speak;

The repetition in a woman’s earCraig1916: 92

Would murder as it fell.

Enter Banquo.

O Banquo! Banquo!

Our royal master’s murder’d!

Lady M.

Woe, alas!

What! in our house?

Ban.

Too cruel any where.

Dear Duff, I prithee, contradict thyself,Craig1916: 96

And say it is not so.

Re-enter Macbeth and Lennox.

Macb.

Had I but died an hour before this chance

I had liv’d a blessed time; for, from this instant,

There’s nothing serious in mortality,Craig1916: 100

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.

Don.

What is amiss?

Macb.

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.

Macd.

Your royal father’s murder’d.

Mal.

O! by whom?

Len.

Those of his chamber, as it seem’d, had done ’t:Craig1916: 108

Their hands and faces were all badg’d with blood;

So were their daggers, which unwip’d we found

Upon their pillows: they star’d, and were distracted; no man’s life

Was to be trusted with them.Craig1916: 112

Macb.

O! yet I do repent me of my fury,

That I did kill them.

Macd.

Wherefore did you so?

Macb.

Who can be wise, amaz’d, temperate and furious,

Loyal and neutral, in a moment? No man:Craig1916: 116

The expedition of my violent love

Outran the pauser, reason. Here lay Duncan,

His silver skin lac’d with his golden blood;

And his gash’d stabs look’d like a breach in natureCraig1916: 120

Edition: current; Page: [988]

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 heartCraig1916: 124

Courage to make ’s love known?

Lady M.

Help me hence, ho!

Macd.

Look to the lady.

Mal.

[Aside to Donalbain.] Why do we hold our tongues,

That most may claim this argument for ours:

Don.

[Aside to Malcolm.] What should be spokenCraig1916: 128

Here where our fate, hid in an auger-hole,

May rush and seize us? Let’s away: our tears

Are not yet brew’d.

Mal.

[Aside to Donalbain.] Nor our strong sorrow

Upon the foot of motion.

Ban.

Look to the lady:Craig1916: 132

[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 thenceCraig1916: 137

Against the undivulg’d pretence I fight

Of treasonous malice.

Macd.

And so do I.

All.

So all.

Macb.

Let’s briefly put on manly readiness,

And meet i’ the hall together.

All.

Well contented.Craig1916: 141

[Exeunt all but Malcolm and Donalbain.

Mal.

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.

Don.

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.

Mal.

This murderous shaft that’s shot

Hath not yet lighted, and our safest wayCraig1916: 149

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.

Scene IV.—: The Same. Without the 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,Craig1916: 4

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,Craig1916: 9

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,Craig1916: 12

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,Craig1916: 16

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.Craig1916: 20

Enter Macduff.

How goes the world, sir, now?

Macd.

Why, see you not?

Ross.

Is ’t known who did this more than bloody deed?

Macd.

Those that Macbeth hath slain.

Ross.

Alas, the day!

What good could they pretend?

Macd.

They were suborn’d.Craig1916: 24

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 upCraig1916: 28

Thine own life’s means! Then ’tis most like

The sovereignty will fall upon Macbeth.

Macd.

He is already nam’d, and gone to Scone

To be invested.

Ross.

Where is Duncan’s body?Craig1916: 32

Macd.

Carried to Colmekill;

The sacred storehouse of his predecessors

And guardian of their bones.

Ross.

Will you to Scone?

Macd.

No, cousin, I’ll to Fife.

Ross.

Well, I will thither.Craig1916: 36

Edition: current; Page: [989]

Macd.

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 thoseCraig1916: 40

That would make good of bad, and friends of foes!

[Exeunt.

ACT III.

Scene I.—: Forres. A Room in the Palace.

Enter Banquo.

Ban.

Thou hast it now: King, Cawdor, Glamis, all,

As the weird women promis’d; and, I fear,

Thou play’dst most foully for ’t; yet it was said

It should not stand in thy posterity,Craig1916: 4

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,Craig1916: 8

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.

Macb.

Here’s our chief guest.

Lady M.

If he had been forgotten

It had been as a gap in our great feast,Craig1916: 12

And all-thing unbecoming.

Macb.

To-night we hold a solemn supper, sir,

And I’ll request your presence.

Ban.

Let your highness

Command upon me; to the which my dutiesCraig1916: 16

Are with a most indissoluble tie

For ever knit.

Macb.

Ride you this afternoon?

Ban.

Ay, my good lord.Craig1916: 20

Macb.

We should have else desir’d 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?Craig1916: 24

Ban.

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.

Macb.

Fail not our feast.Craig1916: 28

Ban.

My lord, I will not.

Macb.

We hear our bloody cousins are bestow’d

In England and in Ireland, not confessing

Their cruel parricide, filling their hearersCraig1916: 32

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?

Ban.

Ay, my good lord: our time does call upon ’s.Craig1916: 37

Macb.

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 timeCraig1916: 41

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 menCraig1916: 45

Our pleasure?

Atten.

They are, my lord, without the palace gate.

Macb.

Bring them before us. [Exit Attendant.] To be thus is nothing;Craig1916: 48

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,Craig1916: 52

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 rebuk’d, as it is saidCraig1916: 56

Mark Antony’s was by Cæsar. 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.Craig1916: 60

Upon my head they plac’d 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,Craig1916: 64

For Banquo’s issue have I fil’d 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 jewelCraig1916: 68

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?Craig1916: 72

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 Mur.

It was, so please your highness.

Macb.

Well then, now

Have you consider’d of my speeches? KnowCraig1916: 76

Edition: current; Page: [990]

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,Craig1916: 80

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 craz’d

Say, ‘Thus did Banquo.’

First Mur.

You made it known to us.Craig1916: 84

Macb.

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,Craig1916: 89

Whose heavy hand hath bow’d you to the grave

And beggar’d yours for ever?

First Mur.

We are men, my liege.

Macb.

Ay, in the catalogue ye go for men;Craig1916: 92

As hounds and greyhounds, mongrels, spaniels, curs,

Shoughs, water-rugs, and demi-wolves, are clept

All by the name of dogs: the valu’d file

Distinguishes the swift, the slow, the subtle,Craig1916: 96

The housekeeper, the hunter, every one

According to the gift which bounteous nature

Hath in him clos’d; whereby he does receive

Particular addition, from the billCraig1916: 100

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 it;

And I will put that business in your bosoms,Craig1916: 104

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.

Sec. Mur.

I am one, my liege,Craig1916: 108

Whom the vile blows and buffets of the world

Have so incens’d that I am reckless what

I do to spite the world.

First Mur.

And I another,

So weary with disasters, tugg’d with fortune,Craig1916: 112

That I would set my life on any chance,

To mend it or be rid on ’t.

Macb.

Both of you

Know Banquo was your enemy.

Sec. Mur.

True, my lord.

Macb.

So is he mine; and in such bloody distanceCraig1916: 116

That every minute of his being thrusts

Against my near’st of life: and though I could

With bare-fac’d power sweep him from my sight

And bid my will avouch it, yet I must not,Craig1916: 120

For certain friends that are both his and mine,

Whose loves I may not drop, but wail his fall

Whom I myself struck down; and thence it is

That I to your assistance do make love,Craig1916: 124

Masking the business from the common eye

For sundry weighty reasons.

Sec. Mur.

We shall, my lord,

Perform what you command us.

First Mur.

Though our lives—

Macb.

Your spirits shine through you. Within this hour at mostCraig1916: 128

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—Craig1916: 133

To leave no rubs nor botches in the work—

Fleance his son, that keeps him company,

Whose absence is no less material to meCraig1916: 136

Than is his father’s, must embrace the fate

Of that dark hour. Resolve yourselves apart;

I’ll come to you anon.

Sec. Mur.

We are resolv’d, my lord.

Macb.

I’ll call upon you straight: abide within.

[Exeunt Murderers.

It is concluded: Banquo, thy soul’s flight,Craig1916: 141

If it find heaven, must find it out to-night.

[Exit.

Scene II.—: The Same. Another Room in the Palace.

Enter Lady Macbeth and a Servant.

Lady M.

Is Banquo gone from court?

Serv.

Ay, madam, but returns again to-night.

Lady M.

Say to the king, I would attend his leisure

For a few words.

Serv.

Madam, I will.

[Exit.

Lady M.

Nought’s had, all’s spent,Craig1916: 4

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,Craig1916: 8

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.

Macb.

We have scotch’d the snake, not kill’d it:Craig1916: 13

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,Craig1916: 16

Edition: current; Page: [991]

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 lieCraig1916: 21

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,Craig1916: 24

Malice domestic, foreign levy, nothing

Can touch him further.

Lady M.

Come on;

Gentle my lord, sleek o’er your rugged looks;

Be bright and jovial among your guests to-night.

Macb.

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 weCraig1916: 32

Must lave our honours in these flattering streams,

And make our faces vizards to our hearts,

Disguising what they are.

Lady M.

You must leave this.

Macb.

O! full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife;Craig1916: 36

Thou know’st that Banquo and his Fleance lives.

Lady M.

But in them nature’s copy’s not eterne.

Macb.

There’s comfort yet; they are assailable;

Then be thou jocund. Ere the bat hath flownCraig1916: 40

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 M.

What’s to be done?Craig1916: 44

Macb.

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 handCraig1916: 48

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,

Whiles night’s black agents to their preys do rouse.Craig1916: 53

Thou marvell’st at my words: but hold thee still;

Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill:

So, prithee, go with me.

[Exeunt.

Scene III —: The Same. A Park, with a Road leading to the Palace.

Enter three Murderers.

First Mur.

But who did bid thee join with us?

Third Mur.

Macbeth.

Sec. Mur.

He needs not our mistrust, since he delivers

Our offices and what we have to do

To the direction just.

First Mur.

Then stand with us.Craig1916: 4

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 Mur.

Hark! I hear horses.Craig1916: 8

Ban.

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

Sec. Mur.

Then ’tis he: the rest

That are within the note of expectation

Already are i’ the court.

First Mur

His horses go about.

Third Mur.

Almost a mile; but he does usually,Craig1916: 12

So all men do, from hence to the palace gate

Make it their walk.

Sec. Mur.

A light, a light!

Third Mur.

’Tis he.

First Mur.

Stand to ’t.

Enter Banquo and Fleance, with a torch.

Ban.

It will be rain to-night.

First Mur.

Let it come down.Craig1916: 16

[They set upon Banquo.

Ban.

O, treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly!

Thou mayst revenge. O slave!

[Dies. Fleance escapes.

Third Mur

Who did strike out the light?

First Mur.

Was ’t not the way?

Third Mur.

There’s but one down; the son is fled.

Sec. Mur.

We have lostCraig1916: 20

Best half of our affair.

First Mur.

Well, let’s away, and say how much is done.

[Exeunt.

Scene IV.—: The Same. A Room of State in the Palace.

A Banquet prepared. Enter Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Ross, Lennox, Lords, and Attendants.

Macb.

You know your own degrees; sit down: at first and last,

The hearty welcome.

Lords.

Thanks to your majesty.

Macb.

Ourself will mingle with society

Edition: current; Page: [992]

And play the humble host.Craig1916: 4

Our hostess keeps her state, but in best time

We will require her welcome.

Lady M.

Pronounce it for me, sir, to all our friends;

For my heart speaks they are welcome.Craig1916: 8

Enter First Murderer, to the door.

Macb.

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 upon thy face.Craig1916: 12

Mur.

’Tis Banquo’s, then.

Macb.

’Tis better thee without than he within.

Is he dispatch’d?

Mur.

My lord, his throat is cut; that I did for him.Craig1916: 16

Macb.

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.

Mur.

Most royal sir,

Fleance is ’scap’d.Craig1916: 20

Macb.

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, confin’d, bound inCraig1916: 24

To saucy doubts and fears. But Banquo’s safe?

Mur.

Ay, my good lord; safe in a ditch he bides,

With twenty trenched gashes on his head;

The least a death to nature.

Macb.

Thanks for that.Craig1916: 28

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 M.

My royal lord,Craig1916: 32

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;Craig1916: 36

Meeting were bare without it.

Macb.

Sweet remembrancer!

Now good digestion wait on appetite,

And health on both!

Len.

May it please your highness sit?

[The Ghost of Banquo enters, and sits in Macbeth’s place.

Macb.

Here had we now our country’s honour roof’d,Craig1916: 40

Were the grac’d 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 highnessCraig1916: 44

To grace us with your royal company.

Macb.

The table’s full.

Len.

Here is a place reserv’d, sir.

Macb.

Where?

Len.

Here, my good lord. What is ’t that moves your highness?Craig1916: 48

Macb.

Which of you have done this?

Lords.

What, my good lord?

Macb.

Thou canst not say I did it: never shake

Thy gory locks at me.

Ross.

Gentlemen, rise; his highness is not well.Craig1916: 52

Lady M.

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 himCraig1916: 56

You shall offend him and extend his passion:

Feed and regard him not. Are you a man?

Macb.

Ay, and a bold one, that dare look on that

Which might appal the devil.

Lady M.

O proper stuff!Craig1916: 60

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 becomeCraig1916: 64

A woman’s story at a winter’s fire,

Authoriz’d by her grandam. Shame itself!

Why do you make such faces? When all’s done

You look but on a stool.Craig1916: 68

Macb.

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 monumentsCraig1916: 72

Shall be the maws of kites.

[Ghost disappears.

Lady M.

What! quite unmann’d in folly?

Macb.

If I stand here, I saw him.

Lady M.

Fie, for shame!

Macb.

Blood hath been shed ere now, i’ the olden time,

Ere human statute purg’d the gentle weal;Craig1916: 76

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,

Edition: current; Page: [a] Edition: current; Page: [b]

Macbeth, by R. Westall.

Edition: current; Page: [993]

And there an end; but now they rise again,Craig1916: 80

With twenty mortal murders on their crowns,

And push us from our stools: this is more strange

Than such a murder is.

Lady M.

My worthy lord,

Your noble friends do lack you.

Macb.

I do forget.Craig1916: 84

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 of the whole table,Craig1916: 89

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.Craig1916: 92

Re-enter Ghost.

Macb.

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 M.

Think of this, good peers,

But as a thing of custom: ’tis no other;Craig1916: 97

Only it spoils the pleasure of the time.

Macb.

What man dare, I dare:

Approach thou like the rugged Russian bear,

The arm’d rhinoceros, or the Hyrcan tiger;Craig1916: 101

Take any shape but that, and my firm nerves

Shall never tremble: or be alive again,

And dare me to the desart with thy sword;Craig1916: 104

If trembling I inhabit then, protest me

The baby of a girl. Hence, horrible shadow!

Unreal mockery, hence!

[Ghost vanishes.

Why, so; being gone,

I am a man again. Pray you, sit still.Craig1916: 108

Lady M.

You have displac’d the mirth, broke the good meeting,

With most admir’d disorder.

Macb.

Can such things be

And overcome us like a summer’s cloud,

Without our special wonder? You make me strangeCraig1916: 112

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 are blanch’d with fear.

Ross.

What sights, my lord?Craig1916: 116

Lady M.

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.

Len.

Good-night; and better healthCraig1916: 120

Attend his majesty!

Lady M.

A kind good-night to all!

[Exeunt Lords and Attendants.

Macb.

It will have blood, they say; blood will have blood:

Stones have been known to move and trees to speak;

Augurs and understood relations haveCraig1916: 124

By maggot-pies and choughs and rooks brought forth

The secret’st man of blood. What is the night?

Lady M.

Almost at odds with morning, which is which.

Macb.

How sayst thou, that Macduff denies his personCraig1916: 128

At our great bidding?

Lady M.

Did you send to him, sir?

Macb.

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—Craig1916: 132

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 bloodCraig1916: 136

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 M.

You lack the season of all natures, sleep.Craig1916: 141

Macb.

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.

Scene V.—: A Heath.

Thunder. Enter the three Witches, meeting Hecate.

First Witch.

Why, how now, Hecate! you look angerly.

Hec.

Have I not reason, beldams as you are,

Saucy and overbold? How did you dare

To trade and traffic with MacbethCraig1916: 4

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,Craig1916: 8

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,Craig1916: 12

Loves for his own ends, not for you.

But make amends now: get you gone,

And at the pit of Acheron

Edition: current; Page: [994]

Meet me i’ the morning: thither heCraig1916: 16

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 spendCraig1916: 20

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;Craig1916: 24

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 illusionCraig1916: 28

Shall draw him on to his confusion:

He shall spurn fate, scorn death, and bear

His hopes ’bove wisdom, grace, and fear;

And you all know securityCraig1916: 32

Is mortals’ chiefest enemy.

[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.

Scene VI.—: Forres. A Room in the Palace.

Enter Lennox and another Lord.

Len.

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:Craig1916: 4

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 monstrousCraig1916: 8

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,Craig1916: 12

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,Craig1916: 16

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.Craig1916: 21

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,Craig1916: 24

From whom this tyrant holds the due of birth,

Lives in the English court, and is receiv’d

Of the most pious Edward with such grace

That the malevolence of fortune nothingCraig1916: 28

Takes from his high respect. Thither Macduff

Is gone to pray the holy king, upon his aid

To wake Northumberland and war-like Siward:

That, by the help of these—with him aboveCraig1916: 32

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 reportCraig1916: 37

Hath so exasperate the king that he

Prepares for some attempt at war.

Len.

Sent he to Macduff?

Lord.

He did: and with an absolute, ‘Sir, not I,’Craig1916: 40

The cloudy messenger turns me his back,

And hums, as who should say, ‘You’ll rue the time

That clogs me with this answer.’

Len.

And that well might

Advise him to a caution to hold what distance

His wisdom can provide. Some holy angelCraig1916: 45

Fly to the court of England and unfold

His message ere he come, that a swift blessing

May soon return to this our suffering countryCraig1916: 48

Under a hand accurs’d!

Lord.

I’ll send my prayers with him!

[Exeunt.

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.

Sec. Witch.

Thrice and once the hedge-pig whin’d.

Third Witch.

Harper cries: ’Tis time, ’tis time.

First Witch.

Round about the cauldron go,Craig1916: 4

In the poison’d entrails throw.

Toad, that under cold stone

Days and nights hast thirty-one

Swelter’d venom sleeping got,Craig1916: 8

Boil thou first i’ the charmed pot.

All.

Double, double toil and trouble;

Fire burn and cauldron bubble.

Sec. Witch.

Fillet of a fenny snake,Craig1916: 12

In the cauldron boil and bake;

Eye of newt, and toe of frog,

Wool of bat, and tongue of dog,

Edition: current; Page: [995]

Adder’s fork, and blind-worm’s sting,Craig1916: 16

Lizard’s leg, and howlet’s wing,

For a charm of powerful trouble,

Like a hell-broth boil and bubble.

All.

Double, double toil and trouble;Craig1916: 20

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,Craig1916: 24

Root of hemlock digg’d i’ the dark,

Liver of blaspheming Jew,

Gall of goat, and slips of yew

Sliver’d in the moon’s eclipse,Craig1916: 28

Nose of Turk, and Tartar’s lips,

Finger of birth-strangled babe

Ditch-deliver’d by a drab,

Make the gruel thick and slab:Craig1916: 32

Add thereto a tiger’s chaudron,

For the ingredients of our cauldron.

All.

Double, double toil and trouble;

Fire burn and cauldron bubble.Craig1916: 36

Sec. Witch.

Cool it with a baboon’s blood,

Then the charm is firm and good.

Enter Hecate.

Hec.

O! well done! I commend your pains,

And every one shall share i’ the gains.Craig1916: 40

And now about the cauldron sing,

Like elves and fairies in a ring,

Enchanting all that you put in.

[Music and a song, ‘Black Spirits,’ &c.

Sec. Witch.

By the pricking of my thumbs,Craig1916: 44

Something wicked this way comes.

Open, locks,

Whoever knocks.

Enter Macbeth.

Macb.

How now, you secret, black, and mid-night hags!Craig1916: 48

What is ’t you do?

All.

A deed without a name.

Macb.

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 fightCraig1916: 52

Against the churches; though the yesty waves

Confound and swallow navigation up;

Though bladed corn be lodg’d and trees blown down;

Though castles topple on their warders’ heads;

Though palaces and pyramids do slopeCraig1916: 57

Their heads to their foundations; though the treasure

Of Nature’s germens tumble all together,

Even till destruction sicken; answer meCraig1916: 60

To what I ask you.

First Witch.

Speak.

Sec. Witch.

Demand.

Third Witch.

We’ll answer.

First Witch.

Say if thou’dst rather hear it from our mouths,

Or from our masters’?

Macb.

Call ’em: let me see ’em.

First Witch.

Pour in sow’s blood, that hath eatenCraig1916: 64

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.Craig1916: 68

Thunder. First Apparition of an armed Head.

Macb.

Tell me, thou unknown power,—

First Witch.

He knows thy thought:

Hear his speech, but say thou nought.

First App.

Macbeth! Macbeth! Macbeth! beware Macduff;

Beware the Thane of Fife. Dismiss me. Enough.

[Descends.

Macb.

Whate’er thou art, for thy good caution thanks;Craig1916: 73

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.Craig1916: 76

Thunder. Second Apparition, a bloody Child.

Sec. App.

Macbeth! Macbeth! Macbeth!—

Macb.

Had I three ears, I’d hear thee.

Sec. App.

Be bloody, bold, and resolute; laugh to scorn

The power of man, for none of woman bornCraig1916: 80

Shall harm Macbeth.

[Descends.

Macb.

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;Craig1916: 84

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 roundCraig1916: 88

And top of sovereignty?

All.

Listen, but speak not to ’t.

Third App.

Be lion-mettled, proud, and take no care

Who chafes, who frets or where conspirers are:

Macbeth shall never vanquish’d be untilCraig1916: 92

Edition: current; Page: [996]

Great Birnam wood to high Dunsinane hill

Shall come against him.

[Descends.

Macb.

That will never be:

Who can impress the forest, bid the tree

Unfix his earth-bound root? Sweet bodements! good!Craig1916: 96

Rebellion’s head, rise never till the wood

Of Birnam rise, and our high-plac’d Macbeth

Shall live the lease of nature, pay his breath

To time and mortal custom. Yet my heartCraig1916: 100

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.

Macb.

I will be satisfied: deny me this,Craig1916: 104

And an eternal curse fall on you! Let me know.

Why sinks that cauldron? and what noise is this?

[Hautboys.

First Witch.

Show!

Sec. Witch.

Show!Craig1916: 108

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: Banquo’s Ghost following.

Macb.

Thou art too like the spirit of Banquo; down!Craig1916: 112

Thy crown does sear mine eyeballs: 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!Craig1916: 116

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 sceptres carry.Craig1916: 121

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?Craig1916: 124

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.Craig1916: 128

I’ll charm the air to give a sound,

While you perform your antick round,

That this great king may kindly say,

Our duties did his welcome pay.Craig1916: 132

[Music. The Witches dance, and then vanish with Hecate.

Macb.

Where are they? Gone? Let this pernicious hour

Stand aye accursed in the calendar!

Come in, without there!

Enter Lennox.

Len.

What’s your Grace’s will?

Macb.

Saw you the weird sisters?

Len.

No, my lord.Craig1916: 136

Macb.

Came they not by you?

Len.

No indeed, my lord.

Macb.

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?Craig1916: 140

Len.

’Tis two or three, my lord, that bring you word

Macduff is fled to England.

Macb.

Fled to England!

Len.

Ay, my good lord.

Macb.

Time, thou anticipat’st my dread exploits;Craig1916: 144

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,Craig1916: 148

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 of the sword

His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate soulsCraig1916: 152

That trace him in his line. No boasting like a fool;

This deed I’ll do, before this purpose cool:

But no moresights! Where are these gentlemen?

Come, bring me where they are.

[Exeunt.

Scene II.—: Fife. Macduff’s Castle.

Enter Lady Macduff, her Son, and Ross.

L. Macd.

What had he done to make him fly the land?

Ross.

You must have patience, madam.

L. Macd.

He had none:

His flight was madness: when our actions do not,

Our fears do make us traitors.

Ross.

You know notCraig1916: 4

Whether it was his wisdom or his fear.

L. Macd.

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;Craig1916: 8

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;Craig1916: 12

As little is the wisdom, where the flight

So runs against all reason.

Ross.

My dearest coz,

Edition: current; Page: [997]

I pray you, school yourself: but, for your husband,

He is noble, wise, judicious, and best knowsCraig1916: 16

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 seaCraig1916: 21

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 upwardCraig1916: 24

To what they were before. My pretty cousin,

Blessing upon you!

L. Macd.

Father’d he is, and yet he’s fatherless.

Ross.

I am so much a fool, should I stay longer,Craig1916: 28

It would be my disgrace, and your discomfort:

I take my leave at once.

[Exit.

L. Macd.

Sirrah, your father’s dead:

And what will you do now? How will you live?

Son.

As birds do, mother.

L. Macd.

What! with worms and flies?Craig1916: 32

Son.

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

L. Macd.

Poor bird! thou’dst never fear the net nor lime,

The pit-fall nor the gin.

Son.

Why should I, mother? Poor birds they are not set for.Craig1916: 36

My father is not dead, for all your saying.

L. Macd.

Yes, he is dead: how wilt thou do for a father?

Son.

Nay, how will you do for a husband?

L. Macd.

Why, I can buy me twenty at any market.Craig1916: 40

Son.

Then you’ll buy ’em to sell again.

L. Macd.

Thou speak’st with all thy wit; and yet, i’ faith,

With wit enough for thee.

Son.

Was my father a traitor, mother?Craig1916: 44

L. Macd.

Ay, that he was.

Son.

What is a traitor?

L. Macd.

Why, one that swears and lies.

Son.

And be all traitors that do so?Craig1916: 48

L. Macd.

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

Son.

And must they all be hanged that swear and lie?

L. Macd.

Every one.

Son.

Who must hang them?Craig1916: 52

L. Macd.

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.Craig1916: 56

L. Macd.

Now God help thee, poor monkey!

But how wilt thou do for a father?

Son.

If he were dead, you’d weep for him: if you would not, it were a good sign that I should quickly have a new father.Craig1916: 61

L. Macd.

Poor prattler, how thou talk’st!

Enter a Messenger.

Mess.

Bless you, fair dame! I am not to you known,

Though in your state of honour I am perfect.Craig1916: 64

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,Craig1916: 69

Which is too nigh your person. Heaven preserve you!

I dare abide no longer.

[Exit.

L. Macd.

Whither should I fly?

I have done no harm. But I remember nowCraig1916: 72

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,Craig1916: 76

To say I have done no harm?

Enter Murderers.

What are these faces?

Mur.

Where is your husband?

L. Macd.

I hope in no place so unsanctified

Where such as thou mayst find him.

Mur.

He’s a traitor.Craig1916: 80

Son.

Thou liest, thou shag-hair’d villain.

Mur.

What! you egg.

Young fry of treachery!

[Stabbing him.

Son.

He has killed me, mother:

Run away, I pray you!

[Dies.

[Exit Lady Macduff, crying ‘Murder,’ and pursued by the Murderers.

Scene III.—: England. Before the King’s Palace.

Enter Malcolm and Macduff.

Mal.

Let us seek out some desolate shade, and there

Weep our sad bosoms empty.

Macd.

Let us rather

Hold fast the mortal sword, and like good men

Bestride our down-fall’n birthdom; each new mornCraig1916: 4

New widowshowl, 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.

Mal.

What I believe I’ll wail,Craig1916: 8

Edition: current; Page: [998]

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, whosesole name blisters our tongues,

Was once thought honest: you have lov’d him well;Craig1916: 13

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 lambCraig1916: 16

To appease an angry god.

Macd.

I am not treacherous.

Mal.

But Macbeth is.

A good and virtuous nature may recoil

In an imperial charge. But I shall crave your pardon;Craig1916: 20

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.

Macd.

I have lost my hopes.Craig1916: 24

Mal.

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,Craig1916: 28

Let not my jealousies be your dishonours,

But mine own safeties: you may be rightly just,

Whatever I shall think.

Macd.

Bleed, bleed, poor country!

Great tyranny, lay thou thy basis sure,Craig1916: 32

For goodness dares not check 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.

Mal.

Be not offended:Craig1916: 37

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 gashCraig1916: 40

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,Craig1916: 44

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,Craig1916: 48

By him that shall succeed.

Macd.

What should he be?

Mal.

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 stateCraig1916: 53

Esteem him as a lamb, being compar’d

With my confineless harms.

Macd.

Not in the legions

Of horrid hell can come a devil more damn’dCraig1916: 56

In evils to top Macbeth.

Mal.

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,Craig1916: 61

Your matrons, and your maids, could not fill up

The cistern of my lust; and my desire

All continent impediments would o’erbearCraig1916: 64

That did oppose my will; better Macbeth

Than such an one to reign.

Macd.

Boundless intemperance

In nature is a tyranny; it hath been

Th’ untimely emptying of the happy throne,Craig1916: 68

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.Craig1916: 72

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 inclin’d.

Mal.

With this there growsCraig1916: 76

In my most ill-compos’d 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;Craig1916: 80

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.

Macd.

This avariceCraig1916: 84

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,Craig1916: 88

Of your mere own; all these are portable,

With other graces weigh’d.

Mal.

But I have none: the king-becoming graces,

As justice, verity, temperance, stableness,Craig1916: 92

Bounty, perseverance, mercy, lowliness,

Devotion, patience, courage, fortitude,

I have no relish of them, but abound

In the division of each several crime,Craig1916: 96

Acting it many ways. Nay, had I power, I should

Pour the sweet milk of concord into hell,

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Uproar the universal peace, confound

All unity on earth.

Macd.

O Scotland, Scotland!Craig1916: 100

Mal.

If such a one be fit to govern, speak:

I am as I have spoken.

Macd.

Fit to govern!

No, not to live. O nation miserable,

With an untitled tyrant bloody-scepter’d,Craig1916: 104

When shalt thou see thy wholesome days again,

Since that the truest issue of thy throne

By his own interdiction stands accurs’d,

And does blaspheme his breed? Thy royal fatherCraig1916: 108

Was a most sainted king; the queen that bore thee,

Oft’ner upon her knees than on her feet,

Died every day she liv’d. Fare thee well!

These evils thou repeat’st upon thyselfCraig1916: 112

Have banish’d me from Scotland. O my breast,

Thy hope ends here!

Mal.

Macduff, this noble passion,

Child of integrity, hath from my soul

Wip’d the black scruples, reconcil’d my thoughts

To thy good truth and honour. Devilish MacbethCraig1916: 117

By many of these trains hath sought to win me

Into his power, and modest wisdom plucks me

From over-credulous haste; but God aboveCraig1916: 120

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,Craig1916: 124

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 betrayCraig1916: 128

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;Craig1916: 132

Whither indeed, before thy here-approach,

Old Siward, with ten thousand war-like 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?Craig1916: 137

Macd.

Such welcome and unwelcome things at once

’Tis hard to reconcile.

Enter a Doctor.

Mal.

Well; more anon. Comes the king forth, I pray you?Craig1916: 140

Doct.

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,Craig1916: 144

They presently amend.

Mal.

I thank you, doctor.

[Exit Doctor.

Macd.

What’s the disease he means?

Mal.

’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,Craig1916: 149

Himself best knows; but strangely-visited people,

All swoln and ulcerous, pitiful to the eye,

The mere despair of surgery, he cures;Craig1916: 152

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,Craig1916: 156

He hath a heavenly gift of prophecy,

And sundry blessings hang about his throne

That speak him full of grace.

Macd.

See, who comes here?

Mal.

My countryman; but yet I know him not.Craig1916: 160

Enter Ross.

Macd.

My ever-gentle cousin, welcome hither.

Mal.

I know him now. Good God, betimes remove

The means that make us strangers!

Ross.

Sir, amen.

Macd.

Stands Scotland where it did?

Ross.

Alas! poor country;Craig1916: 164

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 rent the airCraig1916: 168

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,Craig1916: 172

Dying or ere they sicken.

Macd.

O! relation

Too nice, and yet too true!

Mal.

What’s the newest grief?

Ross.

That of an hour’s age doth hiss the speaker;

Each minute teems a new one.

Macd.

How does my wife?Craig1916: 176

Ross.

Why, well.

Macd.

And all my children?

Ross.

Well too.

Edition: current; Page: [1000]

Macd.

The tyrant has not batter’d at their peace?

Ross.

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

Macd.

Be not a niggard of your speech: how goes ’t?Craig1916: 180

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 ratherCraig1916: 184

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.

Mal.

Be ’t their comfort,Craig1916: 188

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 answerCraig1916: 192

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.

Macd.

What concern they?

The general cause? or is it a fee-griefCraig1916: 196

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.

Macd.

If it be mine

Keep it not from me; quickly let me have it.Craig1916: 200

Ross.

Let not your ears despise my tongue for ever,

Which shall possess them with the heaviest sound

That ever yet they heard.

Macd.

Hum! I guess at it.

Ross.

Your castle is surpris’d; your wife and babesCraig1916: 204

Savagely slaughter’d; to relate the manner,

Were, on the quarry of these murder’d deer,

To add the death of you.

Mal.

Merciful heaven!

What! man; ne’er pull your hat upon your brows;Craig1916: 208

Give sorrow words; the grief that does not speak

Whispers the o’er-fraught heart and bids it break.

Macd.

My children too?

Ross.

Wife, children, servants, all

That could be found.

Macd.

And I must be from thence!Craig1916: 212

My wife kill’d too?

Ross.

I have said.

Mal.

Be comforted:

Let’s make us medicine of our great revenge,

To cure this deadly grief.

Macd.

He has no children. All my pretty ones?Craig1916: 216

Did you say all? O hell-kite! All?

What! all my pretty chickens and their dam

At one fell swoop?

Mal.

Dispute it like a man.

Macd.

I shall do so;

But I must also feel it as a man:Craig1916: 220

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,Craig1916: 224

Not for their own demerits, but for mine,

Fell slaughter on their souls. Heaven rest them now!

Mal.

Be this the whetstone of your sword: let grief

Convert to anger; blunt not the heart, enrage it.Craig1916: 228

Macd.

O! I could play the woman with mine eyes,

And braggart with my tongue. But, gentle heavens,

Cut short all intermission; front to frontCraig1916: 231

Bring thou this fiend of Scotland and myself;

Within my sword’s length set him; if he ’scape,

Heaven forgive him too!

Mal.

This tune goes manly.

Come, go we to the king; our power is ready;

Our lack is nothing but our leave. MacbethCraig1916: 236

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.

ACT V.

Scene I.—: Dunsinane. A Room in the Castle.

Enter a Doctor of Physic and a Waiting-Gentle-woman.

Doct.

I have two nights watched with you, but can perceive no truth in your report. When was it she last walked?Craig1916: 3

Gen.

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.Craig1916: 9

Doct.

A great perturbation in nature, to receive at once the benefit of sleep and do the Edition: current; Page: [1001] effects of watching! In this slumbery agitation, besides her walking and other actual performances, what, at any time, have you heard her say?

Gen.

That, sir, which I will not report after her.Craig1916: 16

Doct.

You may to me, and ’tis most meet you should.

Gen.

Neither to you nor any one, having no witness to confirm my speech.Craig1916: 20

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.

Doct.

How came she by that light?Craig1916: 24

Gen.

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

Doct.

You see, her eyes are open.

Gen.

Ay, but their sense is shut.Craig1916: 28

Doct.

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

Gen.

It is an accustomed action with her, to seem thus washing her hands. I have known her to continue in this a quarter of an hour.Craig1916: 33

Lady M.

Yet here’s a spot.

Doct.

Hark! she speaks. I will set down what comes from her, to satisfy my remembrance the more strongly.Craig1916: 37

Lady M.

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?Craig1916: 44

Doct.

Do you mark that?

Lady M.

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.Craig1916: 49

Doct.

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

Gen.

She has spoke what she should not, I am sure of that: Heaven knows what she has known.Craig1916: 54

Lady M.

Here’s the smell of the blood still: all the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand. Oh! oh! oh!Craig1916: 57

Doct.

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

Gen.

I would not have such a heart in my bosom for the dignity of the whole body.Craig1916: 61

Doct.

Well, well, well.

Gen.

Pray God it be, sir.

Doct.

This disease is beyond my practice: yet I have known those which have walked in their sleep who have died holily in their beds.Craig1916: 66

Lady M.

Wash your hands, put on your night-gown; look not so pale. I tell you yet again, Banquo’s buried; he cannot come out on ’s grave.

Doct.

Even so?Craig1916: 71

Lady M.

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.

Doct.

Will she go now to bed?Craig1916: 76

Gen.

Directly.

Doct.

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.Craig1916: 81

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 amaz’d my sight.

I think, but dare not speak.

Gen.

Good-night, good doctor.

[Exeunt.

Scene II.—: The Country near Dunsinane.

Enter, with drum and colours, Menteith, Caithness, Angus, Lennox, and Soldiers.

Ment.

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 alarmCraig1916: 4

Excite the mortified man.

Ang.

Near Birnam wood

Shall we well meet them; that way are they coming.

Caith.

Who knows if Donalbain be with his brother?

Len.

For certain, sir, he is not: I have a file

Of all the gentry: there is Siward’s son,Craig1916: 9

And many unrough youths that even now

Protest their first of manhood.

Ment.

What does the tyrant?

Caith.

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.

Ang.

Now does he feelCraig1916: 16

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 titleCraig1916: 20

Hang loose about him, like a giant’s robe

Upon a dwarfish thief.

Ment.

Who then shall blame

His pester’d senses to recoil and start,

Edition: current; Page: [1002]

When all that is within him does condemnCraig1916: 24

Itself for being there?

Caith.

Well, march we on,

To give obedience where ’tis truly ow’d;

Meet we the medicine of the sickly weal,

And with him pour we in our country’s purgeCraig1916: 28

Each drop of us.

Len.

Or so much as it needs

To dew the sovereign flower and drown the weeds.

Make we our march towards Birnam.

[Exeunt, marching.

Scene III.—: Dunsinane. A Room in the Castle.

Enter Macbeth, Doctor, and Attendants.

Macb.

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 knowCraig1916: 4

All mortal consequences have pronounc’d 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:Craig1916: 8

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-fac’d loon!

Where gott’st thou that goose look?Craig1916: 12

Serv

There is ten thousand—

Macb.

Geese, villain?

Serv.

Soldiers, sir.

Macb.

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, wheyface?Craig1916: 17

Serv.

The English force, so please you.

Macb.

Take thy face hence. [Exit Servant.] Seyton!—I am sick at heart

When I behold—Seyton, I say!—This pushCraig1916: 20

Will cheer me ever or disseat me now.

I have liv’d long enough: my way of life

Is fall’n into the sear, the yellow leaf;

And that which should accompany old age,Craig1916: 24

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.Craig1916: 28

Seyton!

Enter Seyton.

Sey.

What is your gracious pleasure?

Macb.

What news more?

Sey.

All is confirm’d, my lord, which was reported.

Macb.

I’ll fight till from my bones my flesh be hack’d.Craig1916: 32

Give me my armour.

Sey.

’Tis not needed yet.

Macb.

I’ll put it on.

Send out more horses, skirr the country round;

Hang those that talk of fear. Give me mine armour.Craig1916: 36

How does your patient, doctor?

Doct.

Not so sick, my lord,

As she is troubled with thick-coming fancies,

That keep her from her rest.

Macb.

Cure her of that:

Canst thou not minister to a mind diseas’d,Craig1916: 40

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?

Doct.

Therein the patientCraig1916: 45

Must minister to himself.

Macb.

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.—Craig1916: 49

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,Craig1916: 52

I would applaud thee to the very echo,

That should applaud again.—Pull ’t off, I say.—

What rhubarb, senna, or what purgative drug

Would scour these English hence? Hear’st thou of them?Craig1916: 56

Doct.

Ay, my good lord; your royal preparation

Makes us hear something.

Macb.

Bring it after me.

I will not be afraid of death and bane

Till Birnam forest come to Dunsinane.Craig1916: 60

Doct.

[Aside.] Were I from Dunsinane away and clear,

Profit again should hardly draw me here.

[Exeunt.

Edition: current; Page: [1003]

Scene IV.—: Country near Birnam Wood.

Enter, with drum and colours, Malcolm, Old Siward and his Son, Macduff, Menteith, Catthness, Angus, Lennox, Ross, and Soldiers marching.

Mal.

Cousins, I hope the days are near at hand

That chambers will be safe.

Men.

We doubt it nothing.

Siw.

What wood is this before us?

Men.

The wood of Birnam.Craig1916: 4

Mal.

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.

Sold.

It shall be done.Craig1916: 8

Siw.

We learn no other but the confident tyrant

Keeps still in Dunsinane, and will endure

Our setting down before ’t.

Mal.

’Tis his main hope;

For where there is advantage to be given,Craig1916: 12

Both more and less have given him the revolt,

And none serve with him but constrained things

Whose hearts are absent too.

Macd.

Let our just censures

Attend the true event, and put we onCraig1916: 16

Industrious soldiership.

Siw.

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,Craig1916: 21

Towards which advance the war.

[Exeunt, marching.

Scene V.—: Dunsinane. Within the Castle.

Enter, with drum and colours, Macbeth, Seyton, and Soldiers.

Macb.

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;Craig1916: 4

Were they not forc’d 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?

Sey.

It is the cry of women, my good lord.Craig1916: 8

[Exit.

Macb.

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 stirCraig1916: 12

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?

Sey.

The queen, my lord, is dead.Craig1916: 16

Macb.

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,Craig1916: 20

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 playerCraig1916: 24

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.Craig1916: 28

Enter a Messenger.

Thou com’st to use thy tongue; thy story quickly.

Mess.

Gracious my lord,

I should report that which I say I saw,

But know not how to do it.

Macb.

Well, say, sir.Craig1916: 32

Mess.

As I did stand my watch upon the hill,

I look’d towards Birnam, and anon, methought,

The wood began to move.

Macb.

Liar and slave!

Mess.

Let me endure your wrath if’t be not so:

Within this three mile may you see it coming;

I say, a moving grove.

Macb.

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.Craig1916: 41

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 woodCraig1916: 45

Comes toward Dunsinane. Arm, arm, and out!

If this which he avouches does appear,

There is nor flying hence, nor tarrying here.Craig1916: 48

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.Craig1916: 52

[Exeunt.

Edition: current; Page: [1004]

Scene VI.—: The Same. A Plain before the Castle.

Enter, with drum and colours, Malcolm, Old Siward, Macduff, &c., and their Army, with boughs.

Mal.

Now near enough; your leavy 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 weCraig1916: 4

Shall take upon ’s what else remains to do,

According to our order.

Siw.

Fare you well.

Do we but find the tyrant’s power to-night,

Let us be beaten, if we cannot fight.Craig1916: 8

Macd.

Make all our trumpets speak; give them all breath,

Those clamorous harbingers of blood and death.

[Exeunt.

Scene VII.—: The Same. Another Part of the Plain.

Alarums. Enter Macbeth.

Macb.

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.Craig1916: 4

Enter Young Siward.

Young Siw.

What is thy name?

Macb.

Thou’lt be afraid to hear it.

Young Siw.

No; though thou call’st thyself a hotter name

Than any is in hell.

Macb.

My name’s Macbeth.

Young Siw.

The devil himself could not pronounce a titleCraig1916: 8

More hateful to mine ear.

Macb.

No, nor more fearful.

Young Siw.

Thou liest, abhorred tyrant; with my sword

I’ll prove the lie thou speak’st.

[They fight and Young Siward is slain.

Macb.

Thou wast born of woman:

But swords I smile at, weapons laugh to scorn,

Brandish’d by man that’s of a woman born.Craig1916: 13

[Exit.

Alarums. Enter Macduff.

Macd.

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.Craig1916: 16

I cannot strike at wretched kerns, whose arms

Are hir’d to bear their staves: either thou, Macbeth,

Or else my sword with an unbatter’d edge

I sheathe again undeeded. There thou shouldst be;Craig1916: 20

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 Old Siward.

Siw

This way, my lord; the castle’s gently render’d:Craig1916: 24

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.

Mal.

We have met with foesCraig1916: 28

That strike beside us.

Siw.

Enter, sir, the castle.

[Exeunt. Alarums.

Re-enter Macbeth.

Macb.

Why should I play the Roman fool, and die

On mine own sword? whiles I see lives, the gashes

Do better upon them.

Re-enter Macduff.

Macd.

Turn, hell-hound, turn!Craig1916: 32

Macb.

Of all men else I have avoided thee:

But get thee back, my soul is too much charg’d

With blood of thine already.

Macd.

I have no words;

My voice is in my sword, thou bloodier villainCraig1916: 36

Than terms can give thee out!

[They fight.

Macb.

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;Craig1916: 40

I bear a charmed life, which must not yield

To one of woman born.

Macd.

Despair thy charm;

And let the angel whom thou still hast serv’d

Tell thee, Macduff was from his mother’s womb

Untimely ripp’d.Craig1916: 45

Macb.

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 believ’d,Craig1916: 48

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.

Macd.

Then yield thee, coward,Craig1916: 52

And live to be the show and gaze o’ the time:

We’ll have thee, as our rarer monsters are,

Edition: current; Page: [1005]

Painted upon a pole, and underwrit,

‘Here may you see the tyrant.’

Macb.

I will not yield,Craig1916: 56

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 oppos’d, being of no woman born,Craig1916: 60

Yet I will try the last: before my body

I throw my war-like shield. Lay on, Macduff,

And damn’d be him that first cries, ‘Hold, enough!’

[Exeunt, fighting.

Retreat. Flourish. Re-enter, with drum and colours, Malcolm, Old Siward, Ross, Thanes, and Soldiers.

Mal.

I would the friends we miss were safe arriv’d.Craig1916: 64

Siw.

Some must go off; and yet, by these I see,

So great a day as this is cheaply bought.

Mal.

Macduff is missing, and your noble son.

Ross.

Your son, my lord, has paid a soldier’s debt:Craig1916: 68

He only liv’d 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.

Siw.

Then he is dead?Craig1916: 72

Ross.

Ay, and brought off the field. Your cause of sorrow

Must not be measur’d by his worth, for then

It hath no end.

Siw.

Had he his hurts before?

Ross.

Ay, on the front.

Siw.

Why then, God’s soldier be he!Craig1916: 76

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.

Mal.

He’s worth more sorrow,

And that I’ll spend for him.

Siw.

He’s worth no more;Craig1916: 80

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.

Macd.

Hail, king! for so thou art. Behold, where stands

The usurper’s cursed head: the time is free:Craig1916: 84

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!Craig1916: 88

[Flourish.

Mal.

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 nam’d. What’s more to do,Craig1916: 93

Which would be planted newly with the time,

As calling home our exil’d friends abroad

That fled the snares of watchful tyranny;Craig1916: 96

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 elseCraig1916: 100

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.Craig1916: 104

[Flourish. Exeunt.

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