Hath rung night's yawning peal, there shall be done A deed of dreadful note. Lady M. What's to be done? Macb. Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck,5 Till thou applaud the deed. Come, seeling night, 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 prey do rouse. Thou marvell'st at my words; but hold thee still; Things, bad begun, make strong themselves by ill: So, pr'ythee, go with me. [Exeunt. SCENE III. The same. A Park or Lawn, with a Gate leading to the Palace. Enter Three Murderers. 1 Mur. But who did bid thee join with us? 3 Mur. Macbeth. 2 Mur. He needs not our mistrust; since he delivers Our offices, and what we have to do, To the direction just. 1 Mur. Then stand with us. The west yet glimmers with some streaks of day: 5 A term of endearment. • Blinding. Now spurs the lated traveller apace, To gain the timely inn; and near approaches The subject of our watch. 3 Mur. Hark! I hear horses. Ban. [Within.] Give us a light there, ho! 2 Mur. Then it is he; the rest That are within the note of expectation," Already are i'the court. 1 Mur. His horses go about. 3 Mur. Almost a mile: but he does usually, So all men do, from hence to the palace gate Make it their walk. Enter BANQUO and FLEANCE, a Servant with a torch Ban. O, treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly; Thou may'st revenge. O slave! [Dies. Fleance and Servant escape. 3 Mur. Who did strike out the light? 1 Mur. Was't not the way? 3 Mur. There's but one down; the son is fled. 2 Mur. We have lost best half of our affair. 1 Mur. Well, let's away, and say how much is [Exeunt. done. 7i. e. They who are set down in the list of guests, and expected to supper. SCENE IV. A Room of State in the Palace. A Banquet prepared. Enter MACBETH, Lady MACBETH, ROSSE, LENOX, Lords, and Attendants. Macb. You know your own degrees, sit down: at first And last, the hearty welcome. Thanks to your majesty. Mach. Ourself will mingle with society, And play the humble host. Our hostess keeps her state; but, in best time, Lady M. Pronounce it for me, sir, to all our friends; For my heart speaks, they are welcome. Enter first Murderer, to the door. Mach. See, they encounter thee with their hearts' thanks: Both sides are even: Here I'll sit i'the mid'st: Mach. 'Tis better thee without, than he within. Mur. My lord, his throat is cut; that I did for him. Mach. Thou art the best o'the cut-throats: Yet he's good, • Continues in her chair of state. That did the like for Fleance: if thou did'st it, Thou art the nonpareil. Mur Fleance is 'scap'd. Most royal sir, Mach. Then comes my fit again : I had else been perfect; Whole as the marble, founded as the rock; But now, I am cabin'd, cribb'd, confin'd, bound in To saucy doubts and fears. But Banquo's safe? Mur. Ay, my good lord: The least a death to nature. Macb. Thanks for that: There the grown serpent lies; the worm, that's fled, Hath nature that in time will venom breed, No teeth for the present.-Get thee gone; to-mor row We'll hear, ourselves again. Lady M. [Exit Murderer. My royal lord, You do not give the cheer: the feast is sold, 'Tis given with welcome: To feed, were best at home; From thence, the sauce to meat is ceremony; Meeting were bare without it. Macb. Sweet remembrancer! Now, good digestion wait on appetite, Len. May it please your highness sit? [The Ghost of BANQUO rises, and sits in MACBETH'S place. Macb. Here had we now our country's honour roof'd, Were the grac'd person of our Banquo present; Who may I rather challenge for unkindness, Than pity for mischance! Rosse. His absence, sir, Lays blame upon his promise. Please it your highness To grace us with your royal company? Lords. What, my good lord ! moves your highness? Mach. Which of you have done this? Macb. Thou canst not say, I did it: never shake Thy gory locks at me. Rosse. Gentlemen, rise; his highness is not well. 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 9 He will again be well: If much you note him, You shall offend him, and extend his passion; Feed, and regard him not.-Are you a man? Macb. Ay, and a bold one, that dare look on that Which might appal the devil. Lady M. O proper stuff! This is the very painting of your fear: This is the air-drawn dagger, which, you said, Led you to Duncan. O, these flaws, and starts, • As quick as thought. Prolong his suffering. • Sudden gusts. |