Shakespeare and Davenant Comparison

SIDE BY SIDE SCRIPTS of Macbeth by William Shakespeare and Macbeth as adapted and amended by William Davenant 2018

Macbeth

By William Shakespeare Edited by Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine with Michael Poston and Rebecca Niles Folger Shakespeare Library http://www.folgerdigitaltexts.org/?chapter=5&play=Mac Created on Jul 31, 2015, from FDT version 0.9.2.

MACBETH, by William Shakespeare As adapted and amended by William Davenant Curated and adapted by Robert Richmond

Dramatic Personae

Characters in the Play

The People of Bedlam

Three Witches, the Weïrd Sisters

Macbeth – Inmate convicted for revenging the murder of his wife Lady Macbeth – Inmate falsely accused by her husband of insanity Banquo – Inmate a clergyman seeking a reprieve for good behavior Lady Macduff – Inmate convicted for prostitution Fleance - Inmate the son of the prostitute Macduff – Inmate convicted for being a political dissident Witch 1 – Inmate convicted for insanity Witch 2 – convicted for rare a medical condition Witch 3 – convicted for sexual deviancy Malcolm – Inmate convicted for petty crimes Donalbain - Inmate convicted for petty crimes

DUNCAN, king of Scotland MALCOLM, his elder son DONALBAIN, Duncan’s younger son MACBETH, thane of Glamis LADY MACBETH SEYTON, attendant to Macbeth Three Murderers in Macbeth’s service Both attending upon Lady Macbeth: A Doctor A Gentlewoman A Porter BANQUO, commander, with Macbeth, of Duncan’s army FLEANCE, his son MACDUFF, a Scottish noble LADY MACDUFF Their son Scottish Nobles: LENNOX ROSS ANGUS MENTEITH CAITHNESS SIWARD, commander of the English forces YOUNG SIWARD, Siward’s son A Captain in Duncan’s army An Old Man A Doctor at the English court HECATE Apparitions: an Armed Head, a Bloody Child, a Crowned Child, and eight nonspeaking kings Three Messengers, Three Servants, a Lord, a Soldier Attendants, a Sewer, Servants, Lords, Thanes, Soldiers (all nonspeaking)

Duncan – Warden of the asylum Seyton – Resident Surgeon Robert Hooke – Architect and Surveyor, guest of honor The Band – Visitors employed for the performance Bedlam 1666. Two months after the Great Fire of London.

As the audience arrives the room is filled with candlelight and the smell of wax. The Warden anxiously meets and greets patrons as they take their seats. There is clearly something amiss. Two musicians scurry in late from another gig. They negotiate with the Warden for more money before taking their place with the rest of the orchestra. Anticipation fills the air.

The Overture begins and some inmates start to appear. Some are half dressed in make shift costumes and some are restrained. Throughout there are a number of interactions between characters and relationships are established.

The Warden is still anxious as he waits for the guest of honor for the evenings performance. Finally, Robert Hooke (architect and surveyor) enters. He is greeted and seated and the Warden begins the performance.

The inmates begin with trepidation and slowly become more confident throughout the scene.

1

Shakespeare

Davenant

Act 1 Scene 1 Thunder and Lightning. Enter three Witches.

Act 1 Scene 1 Enter three Witches.

FIRST WITCH When shall we three meet again?

In thunder, lightning, or in rain?

WITCH 1 When shall we three meet again, In Thunder, Lightning, and in Rain?

SECOND WITCH When the hurly-burly’s done, When the battle’s lost and won.

WITCH 2 When the Hurly-burly’s done, When the Battle’s lost and won.

THIRD WITCH That will be ere the set of sun.

WITCH 3 And that will be e’re set of Sun.

FIRST WITCH Where the place?

WITCH 1 Where’s the place?

SECOND WITCH Upon the heath.

WITCH 2 Upon the Heath.

THIRD WITCH There to meet with Macbeth.

WITCH 3 There we resolve to meet Macbeth…

FIRST WITCH I come, Graymalkin.

WITCH 1 I come Gray Malkin.

SECOND WITCH Paddock calls.

ALL Paddock calls!

To us fair weather’s foul, and foul is fair!

Come hover through the foggy, filthy Air…

THIRD WITCH Anon.

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

They exit.

2

Shakespeare Scene 2 Alarum within. Enter King Duncan, Malcolm, Donalbain, Lennox, with Attendants, meeting a bleeding Captain.

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

MALCOLM This is the sergeant Who, like a good and hardy soldier, fought ’Gainst my captivity.—Hail, brave friend!

Say to the King the knowledge of the broil As thou didst leave it.

CAPTAIN Doubtful it stood, As two spent swimmers that do cling together And choke their art. The merciless Macdonwald (Worthy to be a rebel, for to that The multiplying villainies of nature Do swarm upon him) from the Western Isles Of kerns and gallowglasses is supplied; And Fortune, on his damnèd quarrel smiling, Showed like a rebel’s whore. But all’s too weak; For brave Macbeth (well he deserves that name), Disdaining Fortune, with his brandished steel, Which smoked with bloody execution, Like Valor’s minion, carved out his passage Till he faced the slave; Which ne’er shook hands, nor bade farewell to him, Till he unseamed him from the nave to th’ chops, And fixed his head upon our battlements.

DUNCAN O valiant cousin, worthy gentleman!

CAPTAIN As whence the sun ’gins his reflection Shipwracking storms and direful thunders break, So from that spring whence comfort seemed to come Discomfort swells. Mark, King of Scotland, mark: No sooner justice had, with valor armed,

Davenant Scene 2 Enter King, Malcolm, Donalbain and Lenox. Enter MacDuff from a different direction [INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

3

Shakespeare CAPTAIN Compelled these skipping kerns to trust their heels, But the Norweyan lord, surveying vantage, With furbished arms and new supplies of men, Began a fresh assault.

Davenant

[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

DUNCAN Dismayed not this our captains, Macbeth and Banquo?

CAPTAIN Yes, as sparrows eagles, or the hare the lion.

If I say sooth, I must report they were As cannons overcharged with double cracks, So they doubly redoubled strokes upon the foe.

Except they meant to bathe in reeking wounds Or memorize another Golgotha, I cannot tell— But I am faint. My gashes cry for help.

DUNCAN So well thy words become thee as thy wounds: They smack of honor both.—Go, get him surgeons.

The Captain is led off by Attendants.

Enter Ross and Angus.

KING But, who comes there?

Who comes here?

MALCOLM The worthy Thane of Ross.

LENNOX What a haste looks through his eyes!

So should he look that seems to speak things strange.

ROSS God save the King.

DUNCAN Whence cam’st thou, worthy thane?

MALCOLM Noble Macduff!

LENOX What haste looks through his eyes!

DONALBAIN So should he look who comes to things strange.

MACDUFF Long live the King!

KING Whence com’st thou, worthy Thane?

4

Shakespeare ROSS From Fife, great king, Where the Norweyan banners flout the sky And fan our people cold.

Norway himself, with terrible numbers, Assisted by that most disloyal traitor, The Thane of Cawdor, began a dismal conflict, Till that Bellona’s bridegroom, lapped in proof, Confronted him with self-comparisons, Point against point, rebellious arm ’gainst arm, Curbing his lavish spirit. And to conclude, The victory fell on us.

Davenant MACDUFF From Fife, Great King; where the Norweyan Banners Darkned the Air; and fann’d our people cold: Norwey himself, with infinite supplies, (Assisted by that most disloyal Thane Of Cawdor) long maintain’d a dismal Conflict, Till brave Macbeth oppos’d his bloody rage, And check’d his haughty spirits, after which His Army fled: Thus shallow streams may flow Forward with violence a-while; but when They are oppos’d, as fast run back agen.

In brief, the Victory was ours.

KING Great Happiness!

DUNCAN Great happiness!

MALCOLM And now the Norwey King craves Composition.

We would not grant the burial of his men, Until at Colems-Inch he had disburs’d Great heaps of Treasure to our Generals use.

ROSS That now Sweno, The Norways’ king, craves composition.

Nor would we deign him burial of his men Till he disbursèd at Saint Colme’s Inch Ten thousand dollars to our general use.

KING No more that Thane of Cawdor shall deceive Our confidence: pronounce his present Death; And with his former Title greet Macbeth.

He has deserv’d it.

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

MACDUFF Sir! I’ll see it done.

ROSS I’ll see it done.

KING What he has lost, Noble Macbeth has won…

DUNCAN What he hath lost, noble Macbeth hath won.

They exit.

[Exeunt.

5

Shakespeare Scene 3 Thunder. Enter the three Witches.

Davenant Scene 3 Thunder and Lightening.

Enter three Witches flying.

FIRST WITCH Where hast thou been, sister?

WITCH 1 Where hast thou been, Sister?

SECOND WITCH Killing swine.

WITCH 2 Killing Swine!

THIRD WITCH Sister, where thou?

WITCH 3 Sister; where thou?

FIRST WITCH A sailor’s wife had chestnuts in her lap And munched and munched and munched. “Give me,” quoth I. “Aroint thee, witch,” the rump-fed runnion cries.

Her husband’s to Aleppo gone, master o’ th’ Tiger; But in a sieve I’ll thither sail, And, like a rat without a tail, I’ll do, I’ll do, and I’ll do.

WITCH 1 A Sailor’s wife had Chestnuts in her lap, And mounch’d, and mounch’d, and mounch’d; give me quoth I; Anoint thee, Witch, the rump-fed Ronyon cry’d, Her Husband’s to the Baltick gone, Master o’th’ Tyger.

But in a sieve I’ll thither sail, And like a Rat without a tail I’ll do, I’ll do, and I will do.

SECOND WITCH I’ll give thee a wind.

WITCH 2 I’ll give thee a wind.

FIRST WITCH Th’ art kind.

WITCH 1 Thou art kind.

THIRD WITCH And I another.

WITCH 3 And I another.

FIRST WITCH I myself have all the other, And the very ports they blow; All the quarters that they know I’ th’ shipman’s card.

I’ll drain him dry as hay.

Sleep shall neither night nor day Hang upon his penthouse lid.

He shall live a man forbid.

Weary sev’nnights, nine times nine, Shall he dwindle, peak, and pine.

WITCH 1 I my self have all the other.

And then from every Port they blow; From all the points that Sea-men know.

I will drain him dry as hay; Sleep shall neither night nor day Hang upon his pent-house lid; My charms shall his repose forbid, Weary sen-nights nine times nine, Shall he dwindle, waste, and pine.

Though his Bark cannot be lost,

6

Shakespeare

Davenant

FIRST WITCH Though his bark cannot be lost, Yet it shall be tempest-tossed.

Look what I have.

WITCH 1 Yet it shall be Tempest-tost.

Look what I have.

SECOND WITCH Show me, show me.

WITCH 2 Shew me, shew me,—

FIRST WITCH Here I have a pilot’s thumb, Wracked as homeward he did come.

WITCH 1 Here I have a Pilot’s thumb Wrack’d, as homeward he did come!

Drum within.

THIRD WITCH A drum, a drum!

Macbeth doth come.

WITCH 3 A Drum, a Drum: Macbeth does come.

ALL, dancing in a circle The Weïrd Sisters, hand in hand, Posters of the sea and land, Thus do go about, about, Thrice to thine and thrice to mine And thrice again, to make up nine.

Peace, the charm’s wound up.

WITCH 1 The weyward Sisters hand in hand, Posters of the Sea and Land Thus do go about, about, Thrice to thine.

WITCH 2 And thrice to mine.

WITCH 3 And thrice agen to make up nine.

WITCH 2 Peace, the Charms wound up.

Enter Macbeth and Banquo.

[Enter Macbeth and Banquo

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

MACBETH Command they make a halt upon the Heath.— So fair, and foul a day I have not seen!

BANQUO How far is ’t called to Forres?—What are these, So withered, and so wild in their attire, That look not like th’ inhabitants o’ th’ Earth And yet are on ’t?—Live you? Or are you aught That man may question? You seem to understand me

BANQUO How far is’t now to Forres? What are these So wither’d, and so wild in their attire?

That look not like the Earths Inhabitants, And yet are on’t? Live you? Or are you things Crept hither from the lower World to fright Th’ Inhabitants of this? You seem to know me

[A Drum within.

7

Shakespeare

Davenant

BANQUO By each at once her choppy finger laying Upon her skinny lips. You should be women, And yet your beards forbid me to interpret That you are so.

BANQUO By laying all at once your choppy fingers Upon your skinny-lips; you shou’d be women, And yet your looks forbid me to interpret So well of you.—

MACBETH Speak if you can. What are you?

MACBETH Speak, if you can, what are you?

FIRST WITCH All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis!

WITCH 1 All hail, Macbeth, Hail to thee Thane of Glamis.

SECOND WITCH All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor!

WITCH 2 All hail, Macbeth, Hail to thee Thane of Cawdor.

THIRD WITCH All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!

WITCH 3 All hail, Macbeth, who shall be King hereafter.

BANQUO Good sir, why do you start and seem to fear Things that do sound so fair?—I’ th’ name of truth, Are you fantastical, or that indeed Which outwardly you show? My noble partner You greet with present grace and great prediction Of noble having and of royal hope, That he seems rapt withal. To me you speak not.

If you can look into the seeds of time And say which grain will grow and which will not, Speak, then, to me, who neither beg nor fear Your favors nor your hate.

BANQUO Good Sir, what makes you start? And seem to dread Events which sound so fair? I’th’ name of Truth Are you fantastical? Or that indeed Which outwardly you shew? My noble Partner, You greet with present Grace, and strange prediction Of noble Fortune, and of Royal hope; With which he seems surpriz’d: To me you speak not.

If you can look into the seeds of Time, And tell which grain will grow, and which will not, Speak then to me; who neither beg your favours, Nor fear your hate.—

FIRST WITCH Hail!

WITCH 1 Hail!

SECOND WITCH Hail!

WITCH 2 Hail!

THIRD WITCH Hail!

WITCH 3 Hail!

FIRST WITCH Lesser than Macbeth and greater.

WITCH 1 Lesser than Macbeth, and greater.

8

Shakespeare

Davenanant

SECOND WITCH Not so happy, yet much happier.

WITCH 2 Not so happy, yet much happier.

THIRD WITCH Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none.

So all hail, Macbeth and Banquo!

WITCH 3 Thou shalt get Kings, thou shalt ne’r be one.

So all Hail Macbeth and Banquo.—

FIRST WITCH Banquo and Macbeth, all hail!

WITCH 1 Banquo and Macbeth, all Hail…

MACBETH Stay, you imperfect speakers. Tell me more.

By Sinel’s death I know I am Thane of Glamis.

But how of Cawdor? The Thane of Cawdor lives A prosperous gentleman, and to be king Stands not within the prospect of belief, No more than to be Cawdor. Say from whence You owe this strange intelligence or why Upon this blasted heath you stop our way With such prophetic greeting. Speak, I charge you.

MACBETH Stay! You imperfect speakers! Tell me more;

By Sinel’s death I know I am Thane of Glamis; But how of Cawdor, whilst that Thane yet lives?

And, for your promise, that I shall be King, ‘Tis not within the prospect of belief, No more than to be Cawdor: say from whence You have this strange Intelligence: or why Upon this blasted Heath you stop our way With such prophetick greeting? Speak, I charge you.

Witches vanish. Ha! Gone!..

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

BANQUO The earth has Bubbles like the water: And these are some of them: how soon they are vanish’d!

MACBETH Into the air, and what seemed corporal melted, As breath into the wind. Would they had stayed!

MACBETH …Th’ are turn’d to Air; what seem’d so Corporeal Is melted into nothing; would they had staid.

BANQUO Were such things here as we do speak about?

Or have we eaten on the insane root That takes the reason prisoner?

BANQUO …Were such things here as we discours’d of now?

Or have we tasted some infectious Herb That captivates our Reason?

MACBETH Your children shall be kings.

MACBETH Your Children shall be Kings.

BANQUO You shall be king.

BANQUO You shall be King.

MACBETH And Thane of Cawdor too. Went it not so?

MACBETH And Thane of Cawdor too, went it not so?

[Going.

[Witches vanish.

9

Shakespeare BANQUO To th’ selfsame tune and words.—Who’s here?

Enter Ross and Angus.

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

Davenant BANQUO Just to that very tune! Who’s here?

[Enter Macduff.

MACDUFF Macbeth the King has happily receiv’d The news of your success: and when he reads Your pers’nal venture in the Rebels fight, His wonder and his praises then contend Which shall exceed: when he reviews your worth, He finds you in the stout Norweyan-ranks; Not starting at the Images of Death Made by your self: each Messenger which came Being loaden with the praises of your Valour; Seem’d proud to speak your Glories to the King; Who, for an earnest of a greater Honour Bad me, from him, to call you Thane of Cawdor: In which Addition, Hail most Noble Thane!

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

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

BANQUO What, can the devil speak true?

BANQUO What, can the Devil speak true?

MACBETH The Thane of Cawdor lives. Why do you dress me In borrowed robes?

MACBETH The Thane of Cawdor lives!

Why do you dress me in his borrow’d Robes?

ANGUS Who was the Thane lives yet, But under heavy judgment bears that life Which he deserves to lose. Whether he was combined

MACDUFF ‘Tis true, Sir; He, that was the Thane, yet lives; But under heavy judgment bears that life Which he in justice is condemn’d to lose.

Whether he was combin’d with those of Norway,

10

Shakespeare

Davenant

ANGUS With those of Norway, or did line the rebel With hidden help and vantage, or that with both He labored in his country’s wrack, I know not; But treasons capital, confessed and proved, Have overthrown him.

MACDUFF Or did assist the Rebel privately; Or whether he concurr’d with both, to cause His Country’s danger, Sir, I cannot tell: But, treasons Capital, confess’d, and prov’d, Have over-thrown him.

MACBETH, aside Glamis and Thane of Cawdor!

The greatest is behind. To Ross and Angus. Thanks for your pains.

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

MACBETH Glamis and Thane of Cawdor!

The greatest is behind; my noble Partner!

Do you not hope your Children shall be Kings?

When those who gave to me the Thane of Cawdor Promis’d no less to them.

BANQUO That, trusted home, Might yet enkindle you unto the crown, Besides the Thane of Cawdor. But ’tis strange.

And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, The instruments of darkness tell us truths, Win us with honest trifles, to betray ’s In deepest consequence.— Cousins, a word, I pray you.

They step aside.

BANQUO If all be true, You have a Title to a Crown, as well As to the Thane of Cawdor. It seems strange; But many times to win us to our harm, The Instruments of darkness tell us truths, And tempt us with low trifles, that they may Betray us in the things of high concern.

MACBETH, aside Two truths are told As happy prologues to the swelling act Of the imperial theme.—I thank you, gentlemen.

Aside. This supernatural soliciting Cannot be ill, cannot be good. If ill, Why hath it given me earnest of success Commencing in a truth? I am Thane of Cawdor.

If good, why do I yield to that suggestion Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair And make my seated heart knock at my ribs Against the use of nature? Present fears Are less than horrible imaginings.

My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical, Shakes so my single state of man That function is smothered in surmise, And nothing is but what is not.

MACBETH Th’have told me truth as to the name of Cawdor, That may be prologue to the name of King.

Less Titles shou’d the greater still fore-run, The morning Star doth usher in the Sun. This strange prediction in as strange a manner Deliver’d, neither can be good nor ill: If ill; ‘twou’d give no earnest of success, Beginning in a truth: I’m Thane of Cawdor; If good? Why am I then preplext with doubt?

My future bliss causes my present fears, Fortune, methinks, which rains down Honour on me, Seems to rain bloud too: Duncan does appear Clowded by my increasing Glories: but These are but dreams.

11

Shakespeare

Davenant

BANQUO Look how our partner’s rapt.

BANQUO Look how my Partner’s rap’d!

MACBETH, aside If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me Without my stir.

MACBETH If Chance will have me King; Chance may bestow A Crown without my stir.

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

BANQUO His Honours are surprizes, and resemble New Garments, which but seldom fit men well, Unless by help of use.

MACBETH, aside Come what come may, Time and the hour runs through the roughest day.

MACBETH Come, what come may; Patience and time run through the roughest day.

BANQUO Worthy Macbeth, we stay upon your leisure.

BANQUO Worthy Macbeth! We wait upon your leisure.

MACBETH Give me your favor. My dull brain was wrought With things forgotten. Kind gentlemen, your pains Are registered where every day I turn The leaf to read them. Let us toward the King.

Aside to Banquo. Think upon what hath chanced, and at more time, The interim having weighed it, let us speak Our free hearts each to other.

MACBETH I was reflecting upon late transactions; Worthy Macduff; your pains are registred Where every day I turn the leaf to read them.

Let’s hasten to the King: we’ll think upon These accidents at more convenient time.

When w’have maturely weigh’d them, we’ll impart Our mutual judgments to each others breasts.

BANQUO Very gladly.

BANQUO Let it be so.

MACBETH Till then, enough.—Come, friends.

MACBETH Till then, enough. Come Friends…

They exit.

[Exeunt.

12

Shakespeare Scene 4 Flourish. Enter King Duncan, Lennox, Malcolm, Donalbain, and Attendants.

Davenant Scene 4 Enter King, Lenox, Malcolm, Donalbain, Attendants.

DUNCAN Is execution done on Cawdor? Are not Those in commission yet returned?

KING Is execution done on Cawdor yet?

Or are not they return’d, who were imploy’d In doing it?

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

MALCOLM They are not yet come back; But I have spoke with one who saw him die, And did report that very frankly, he Confess’d his Treasons; and implor’d your pardon, With signs of a sincere and deep repentance.

He told me, nothing in his life became him So well, as did his leaving it. He dy’d As one who had been study’d in his Death, Quitting the dearest thing he ever had, As ‘twere a worthless trifle.

DUNCAN There’s no art To find the mind’s construction in the face.

He was a gentleman on whom I built An absolute trust.

KING There’s no Art To find the minds construction in the face: He was a Gentleman on whom I built An absolute trust.

Enter Macbeth, Banquo, Ross, and Angus.

Enter Macbeth, Banquo, and Macduff.

O worthiest cousin, The sin of my ingratitude even now Was heavy on me. Thou art so far before That swiftest wing of recompense is slow To overtake thee. Would thou hadst less deserved, That the proportion both of thanks and payment Might have been mine! Only I have left to say, More is thy due than more than all can pay.

O worthy’st Cozen!

The sin of my Ingratitude even now Seem’d heavy on me. Thou art so far before, That all the wings of recompence are slow To overtake thee: would thou hadst less deserv’d, That the proportion both of thanks and payment Might have been mine: I‘ve only left to say, That thou deserv’st more than I have to pay.

MACBETH The service and the loyalty I owe In doing it pays itself. Your Highness’ part Is to receive our duties, and our duties Are to your throne and state children and servants, Which do but what they should by doing everything Safe toward your love and honor.

MACBETH The service and the loyalty I owe you, Is a sufficient payment for it self: Your Royal part is to receive our Duties; Which Duties are, Sir, to your Throne and State, Children and Servants; and when we expose Our dearest lives to save your Interest, We do but what we ought.

13

Shakespeare

Davenant

DUNCAN Welcome hither.

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

KING Y’are welcome hither; I have begun to plant thee, and will labour Still to advance thy growth: And noble Banquo, (who ha’st no less deserv’d; nor must partake Less of our favour,) let me here enfold thee, And hold thee to my heart.

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

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

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

KING My joys are now Wanton in fulness; and wou’d hide themselves In drops of sorrow. Kinsmen, Sons, and Thanes; And you, whose places are the nearest, know We will establish out estate upon Our Eldest, Malcolm, whom we name herafter The Prince of Cumberland: nor must he wear His Honours unaccompany’d by others, But marks of nobleness, like Stars shall shine On all deservers. Now we’ll hasten hence To Enverness: we’ll be your guest, Macbeth, And there contract a greater debt than that Which I already owe you.

MACBETH The rest is labor which is not used for you.

I’ll be myself the harbinger and make joyful The hearing of my wife with your approach.

So humbly take my leave.

MACBETH That Honour, Sir, Out-speaks the best expression of my thanks: I’ll be my self the Harbinger, and bless My wife with the glad news of your approach.

I humbly take my leave.

DUNCAN My worthy Cawdor.

MACBETH, aside The Prince of Cumberland! That is a step On which I must fall down or else o’erleap, For in my way it lies. Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires.

The eye wink at the hand, yet let that be Which the eye fears, when it is done, to see. He exits.

KING My worthy Cawdor!...

MACBETH Prince of Cumberland! That is a step On which I must fall down, or else o’re-leap; For in my way it lies. Stars! Hide your fires, Let no light see my black and deep desires.

The strange Idea of a bloudy act Does into doubt all my resolves distract.

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Shakespeare

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

It is a peerless kinsman.

Flourish. They exit.

Scene 5 Enter Macbeth’s Wife, alone, with a letter.

[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

Davenant MACBETH My eye shall at my hand connive, the Sun Himself should wink when such a deed is done…

[Exit.

KING True, Noble Banquo, he is full of worth; And with his Commendations I am fed; It is a Feast to me. Let’s after him, Whose care is gone before to bid us welcome: He is a matchless Kinsman…

[Exeunt.

Scene 5 Enter Lady Macbeth, and Lady Macduff. Lady Macbeth having a Letter in her hand.

LADY MACBETH Madam, I have observ’d since you came hither, You have been still disconsolate. Pray tell me, Are you in perfect health?

LADY MACDUFF Alas! How can I? My Lord, when Honour call’d him to the War, Took with him half of my divided soul, Which lodging in his bosom, lik’d so well The place, that ‘tis not yet return’d.

LADY MACBETH Methinks That should not disorder you: for, no doubt The brave Macduff left half his soul behind him, To make up the defect of yours.

LADY MACDUFF Alas!

The part transplanted from his breast to mine, (As ‘twere by sympathy) still bore a share In all the hazards which the other half Incurr’d, and fill’d my bosom up with fears.

LADY MACBETH Those fears, methinks, should cease now he is safe.

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Shakespeare

Davenant LADY MACDUFF Ah, Madam, dangers which have long prevail’d Upon the fancy; even when they are dead Live in the memory a-while.

LADY MACBETH Although his safety has not power enough to put Your doubts to flight, yet the bright glories which He gain’d in Battel might dispel those Clowds.

LADY MACDUFF The world mistakes the glories gain’d in war, Thinking their Lustre true: alas, they are But Comets, Vapours! By some men exhal’d From others bloud, and kindl’d in the Region Of popular applause, in which they live A-while; then vanish: and the very breath Which first inflam’d them, blows out agen.

[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

LADY MACBETH I willingly would read this Letter; but Her presence hinders me; I must divert her.

If you are ill, repose may do you good; Y’had best retire; and try if you can sleep.

LADY MACDUFF My doubtful thoughts too long have kept me waking, Madam! I’ll take your Counsel…

[Exit Lady Macduff.

LADY MACBETH, reading the letter They met me in the day of success, and I have learned by the perfect’st 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,”

LADY MACBETH Now I have leisure, peruse this Letter.

His last brought some imperfect news of things Which in the shape of women greeted him In a strange manner. This perhaps may give More full intelligence.

[She reads.

They met me in the day of success; and I have been told they have more in them than mortal Knowledg. When I desir’d to question them further; they made themselves air. Whilst I entertain’d my self with the wonder of it, came Missives from the King, who call’d me Thane of Cawdor: by which Title, these weyward Sisters had saluted me before, and referr’d me to the coming on of time; with, Hail King that shall be. This have I imparted to thee, (my dearest partner of Greatness) that thou migh’st not lose thy rights of rejoycing, by being ignorant of what is promis’d. Lay it to thy heart, and farewel.

16

Shakespeare LADY MACBETH by which title, before, these Weïrd Sisters saluted me and referred me to the coming on of time with “Hail, king that shalt be.” This have I thought good to deliver thee, my dearest partner of greatness, that thou might’st not lose the dues of rejoicing by being ignorant of what greatness is promised thee. Lay it to thy heart, and farewell.

Glamis thou art, and Cawdor, and shalt be What thou art promised. Yet do I fear thy nature; It is too full o’ th’ milk of human kindness To catch the nearest way. Thou wouldst be great, Art not without ambition, but without The illness should attend it. What thou wouldst highly, That wouldst thou holily; wouldst not play false And yet wouldst wrongly win. Thou ’dst have, great Glamis, That which cries “Thus thou must do,” if thou have it, And that which rather thou dost fear to do, Than wishest should be undone. Hie thee hither, That I may pour my spirits in thine ear And chastise with the valor of my tongue All that impedes thee from the golden round, Which fate and metaphysical aid doth seem To have thee crowned withal.

Davenant

LADY MACBETH Glamis thou art, and Cawdor, and shalt be What thou art promis’d: yet I fear thy Nature Has too much of the milk of humane kindness To take the nearest way: thou would’st be great: Thou do’st not want ambition: but the ill Which should attend it: what thou highly covet’st Thou covet’st holily! Alas, thou art Loth to play false; and yet would’st wrongly win!

Oh how irregular are thy desires?

Thou willingly, Great Glamis, would’st enjoy The end without the means! Oh haste thee hither, That I may pour my spirits in thy ear: And chastise with the valour of my tongue Thy too effeminate desires of that Which supernatural assistance seems To Crown thee with.

Enter Messenger.

What is your tidings?

Enter Seyton.

What may be your news?

MESSENGER The King comes here tonight.

SEYTON The King come hither to night.

LADY MACBETH Thou ’rt mad to say it.

Is not thy master with him, who, were ’t so, Would have informed for preparation?

LADY MACBETH Th’art mad to say it: Is not thy Master with him? Were this true, He would give notice for the preparation.

MESSENGER So please you, it is true. Our thane is coming.

One of my fellows had the speed of him, Who, almost dead for breath, had scarcely more Than would make up his message.

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

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Shakespeare LADY MACBETH Give him tending.

He brings great news.

Messenger exits.

The raven himself is hoarse That croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan Under my battlements. Come, you spirits That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full Of direst cruelty. Make thick my blood.

Stop up th’ access and passage to remorse, That no compunctious visitings of nature Shake my fell purpose, nor keep peace between Th’ effect and it. Come to my woman’s breasts And take my milk for gall, you murd’ring ministers, Wherever in your sightless substances You wait on nature’s mischief. Come, thick night, And pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell, That my keen knife see not the wound it makes, Nor heaven peep through the blanket of the dark To cry “Hold, hold!”

Enter Macbeth.

Great Glamis, worthy Cawdor, Greater than both by the all-hail hereafter!

Thy letters have transported me beyond This ignorant present, and I feel now The future in the instant.

Davenant LADY MACBETH See him well look’d too: he brings welcome news.

[Exit Seyton.]

There wou’d be musick in a Raven’s voice, Which should but croke the Entrance of the King Under my Battlements. Come all you spirits That wait on mortal thoughts: unsex me here: Empty my Nature of humanity, And fill it up with cruelty: make thick My bloud, and stop all passage to remorse; That no relapses into mercy may Shake my design, nor make it fall before ‘Tis ripen’d to effect: you murthering spirits, (Where ere in sightless substances you wait On Natures mischief) come, and fill my breasts With gall instead of milk: make haste dark night, And hide me in a smoak as black as hell; That my keen steel see not the wound it makes: Nor Heav’n peep through the Curtains of the dark, To cry, hold! Hold!

Enter Macbeth.

Great Glamis! Worthy Cawdor!

Greater than both, by the all-Hail hereafter; Thy Letters have transported me beyond My present posture; I already feel The future in the instant.

MACBETH My dearest love, Duncan comes here tonight.

MACBETH Dearest Love, Duncan comes here to night.

LADY MACBETH And when goes hence?

LADY MACBETH When goes he hence?

MACBETH Tomorrow, as he purposes.

MACBETH To morrow, as he purposes.

LADY MACBETH O, never Shall sun that morrow see!

Your face, my thane, is as a book where men May read strange matters. To beguile the time, Look like the time. Bear welcome in your eye, Your hand, your tongue. Look like th’ innocent flower,

LADY MACBETH O never!

Never may any Sun that morrow see.

Your face, my Thane, is as a book where men May read strange matters to beguile the time.

Be chearful, Sir; bear welcome in your eye, Your hand, your tongue: Look like the innocent flower,

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LADY MACBETH But be the serpent under ’t. He that’s coming Must be provided for; and you shall put This night’s great business into my dispatch, Which shall to all our nights and days to come Give solely sovereign sway and masterdom.

LADY MACBETH But be the serpent under’t: He that’s coming Must be provided for: And you shall put This nights great bus’ness into my dispatch; Which shall to all our future nights and daies Give sovereign Command: we will with-draw, And talk on’t further: Let your looks be clear, Your change of Count’nance does betoken fear.

MACBETH We will speak further.

LADY MACBETH Only look up clear.

To alter favor ever is to fear.

Leave all the rest to me.

They exit.

Scene 6 Hautboys and Torches. Enter King Duncan, Malcolm, Donalbain, Banquo, Lennox, Macduff, Ross, Angus, and Attendants.

Scene 6 Enter King, Malcolm, Donalbain, Banquo, Lenox, Macduff.

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

KING This Castle has a very pleasant seat; The air does sweetly recommend it self To our delighted senses.

BANQUO This guest of summer, The temple-haunting martlet, does approve, By his loved mansionry, that the heaven’s breath Smells wooingly here. No jutty, frieze, Buttress, nor coign of vantage, but this bird Hath made his pendant bed and procreant cradle.

Where they most breed and haunt, I have observed, The air is delicate.

Enter Lady Macbeth.

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

BANQUO The Guest of Summer, The Temple-haunting Martin by his choice Of this place for his Mansion, seems to tell us, That here Heavens breath smells pleasantly. No window, Buttrice, nor place of vantage; but this Bird Has made his pendant bed and cradle where He breeds and haunts. I have observ’d the Air, ‘Tis delicate.

Enter Lady Macbeth.

KING See, see our honoured Hostess, By loving us, some persons cause our trouble; Which still we thank as love: herein I teach you How you should bid us welcome for your pains, And thank you for your trouble.

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LADY MACBETH All our service, In every point twice done and then done double, Were poor and single business to contend Against those honors deep and broad wherewith Your Majesty loads our house. For those of old, And the late dignities heaped up to them, We rest your hermits.

LADY MACBETH All our services In every point twice done, would prove but poor And single gratitude, if weigh’d with these Obliging hours which your Majesty Confers upon our house; for dignities Of old and later date (being too poor To pay) we must be still your humble debtors.

MACDUFF Madam, we are all joyntly, to night, your trouble; But I am your trespasser upon another score.

My wife, I understand, has in my absence Retir’d to you.

LADY MACBETH I must thank her: for whilst she came to me Seeking a Cure for her own solitude, She brought a remedy to mine: her fears For you, have somewhat indispos’d her, Sir, She’s now with-drawn, to try if she can sleep: When she shall wake, I doubt not but your presence Will perfectly restore her health.

DUNCAN Where’s the Thane of Cawdor?

We coursed him at the heels and had a purpose To be his purveyor; but he rides well, And his great love, sharp as his spur, hath helped him To his home before us. Fair and noble hostess, We are your guest tonight.

KING Where’s the Thane of Cawdor?

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) has brought him Hither before us. Fair and Noble Lady, We are your Guests to night.

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

LADY MACBETH Your servants Should make their Audit at your Pleasure, Sir, And still return it as their debt.

DUNCAN Give me your hand.

Conduct me to mine host. We love him highly And shall continue our graces towards him.

By your leave, hostess.

KING Give me your hand.

Conduct me to Macbeth: we love him highly, And shall continue our affections to him.

[Exeunt]

Taking her hand.

They exit.

20

Shakespeare Scene 7 Hautboys. Torches. Enter a Sewer and divers Servants with dishes and service over the stage. Then enter Macbeth.

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

How now, what news?

Davenant Scene 7 Enter Macbeth.

MACBETH If it were well when done; then it were well It were done quickly; if his Death might be Without the Death of nature in my self, And killing my own rest; it wou’d suffice; But deeds of this complexion still return To plague the doer, and destroy his peace: Yet let me think; he’s here in double trust.

First, as I am his Kinsman, and his Subject, Strong both against the Deed: then as his Host, Who should against his murderer shut the door, Not bear the sword myself. Besides, this Duncan Has born his faculties so meek, and been So clear in his great Office; that his Vertues, Like Angels, plead against so black a deed; Vaulting Ambition! Thou o’re-leap’st thy self To fall upon another:

[Enter Lady Macbeth.]

Now, what news?

LADY MACBETH He has almost supped. Why have you left the chamber?

LADY MACBETH H’has almost supp’d: why have you left the chamber?

MACBETH Hath he asked for me?

MACBETH Has he enquir’d for me?

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Davenant

LADY MACBETH Know you not he has?

LADY MACBETH You know he has!

MACBETH We will proceed no further in this business.

He hath honored me of late, and I have bought Golden opinions from all sorts of people, Which would be worn now in their newest gloss, Not cast aside so soon.

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

LADY MACBETH Was the hope drunk Wherein you dressed yourself? Hath it slept since?

And wakes it now, to look so green and pale At what it did so freely? From this time Such I account thy love. Art thou afeard To be the same in thine own act and valor As thou art in desire? Wouldst thou have that Which thou esteem’st the ornament of life And live a coward in thine own esteem, Letting “I dare not” wait upon “I would,” Like the poor cat i’ th’ adage?

LADY MACBETH Was the hope drunk Wherein you dress’d your self? Has it slept since?

And wakes it now to look so pale and fearful At what it wish’d so freely? Can you fear To be the same in your own act and valour, As in desire you are? Would you enjoy What you repute the Ornament of Life, And live a Coward in your own esteem?

You dare not venture on the thing you wish: But still wou’d be in tame expectance of it.

MACBETH Prithee, peace.

I dare do all that may become a man.

Who dares do more is none.

MACBETH I prithee peace: I dare do all that may Become a man; he who dares more, is none.

LADY MACBETH What beast was ’t, then, That made you break this enterprise to me?

When you durst do it, then you were a man; And to be more than what you were, you would Be so much more the man. Nor time nor place Did then adhere, and yet you would make both.

They have made themselves, and that their fitness now Does unmake you. I have given suck, and know How tender ’tis to love the babe that milks me.

I would, while it was smiling in my face, Have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums And dashed the brains out, had I so sworn as you Have done to this.

LADY MACBETH What Beast then made you break this Enterprize To me? When you did that, you were a man: Nay, 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 wish’d for both; And now th’have made themselves; how you betray Your Cowardize? I’ve given suck, and know How tender ’tis to love the Babe that milks me: I would, whilst it was smiling in my face, Have pluck’d my Nipple from his boneless gums, And dash’d the brains out, had I so resolv’d, As you have done for this.

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Davenant

MACBETH If we should fail—

MACBETH If we should fail:—

LADY MACBETH We fail?

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

LADY MACBETH How, fail!— Bring but your Courage to the fatal place, And we’ll not fail; when Duncan is a-sleep, (To which, the pains of this daies journey will Soundly invite him) his two Chamberlains I will with wine and wassel so convince That memory (the centry of the brain) Shall be a fume; and the receipt of reason, A limbeck only: when, in swinish sleep, Their natures shall lie drench’d, as in their Death, What cannot you and I perform upon His spungy Officers? We’ll make them bear The guilt of our black Deed.

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

MACBETH Bring forth men-children only; For thy undaunted temper should produce Nothing but males: but yet when we have mark’d Those of his Chamber (whilst they are a-sleep) With Duncan’s bloud, and us’d their very daggers; I fear it will not be, with ease, believ’d That they have don’t.

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

LADY MACBETH Who dares believe it otherwise, As we shall make our griefs and clamours loud After his death?

MACBETH I am settled and bend up Each corporal agent to this terrible feat.

Away, and mock the time with fairest show.

False face must hide what the false heart doth know.

MACBETH I am setl’d, and will stretch up Each fainting sinew to this bloudy act.

Come, let’s delude the time with fairest show, Fain’d looks must hide what the false heart does know.

They exit.

[Exeunt.]

23

Shakespeare ACT 2 Scene 1 Enter Banquo, and Fleance with a torch before him.

Davenant ACT 2 Scene 1 Enter Banquo and Fleance.

BANQUO How goes the night, boy?

BANQUO How goes the night, Boy?

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

FLEANCE I have not heard the Clock, But the Moon is down.

BANQUO And she goes down at twelve.

BANQUO And she goes down at twelve.

FLEANCE I take ’t ’tis later, sir.

FLEANCE I take’t ‘tis late, Sir.

BANQUO Hold, take my sword.

He gives his sword to Fleance.

There’s husbandry in heaven; Their candles are all out. Take thee that too.

A heavy summons lies like lead upon me, And yet I would not sleep. Merciful powers, Restrain in me the cursèd thoughts that nature Gives way to in repose.

Enter Macbeth, and a Servant with a torch.

Give me my sword.—Who’s there?

BANQUO An heavy summons lies like lead upon me; Nature wou’d have me sleep, and yet I fain Wou’d wake: Merciful powers restrain me in These cursed thoughts that thus disturb my rest.

Enter Macbeth and Seyton

MACBETH A friend.

MACBETH A friend.

BANQUO What, sir, not yet at rest? The King’s abed.

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.

BANQUO What, Sir, not yet at rest? The King’s a-bed; He has been to night in an unusual pleasure: He to your servants has been bountiful, And with this Diamond he greets your wife By the obliging name of most kind Hostess.

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

Who’s there?

He gives Macbeth a jewel. MACBETH The King taking us unprepar’d, restrain’d our power Of serving him; which else should have wrought more free.

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Davenant

BANQUO All’s well.

I dreamt last night of the three Weïrd Sisters.

To you they have showed some truth.

BANQUO All’s well.

I dream’d last night of the three weyward Sisters; To you they have shewn some truth.

MACBETH I think not of them.

Yet, when we can entreat an hour to serve, We would spend it in some words upon that business, If you would grant the time.

MACBETH I think not of them; Yet, when we can intreat an hour or two, We’ll spend it in some words upon that business.

BANQUO At your kind’st leisure.

MACBETH If you shall cleave to my consent, when ’tis, It shall make honor for you.

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

MACBETH Good repose the while.

BANQUO Thanks, sir. The like to you.

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

Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee.

I have thee not, and yet I see thee still.

Art thou not, fatal vision, sensible To feeling as to sight? Or art thou but A dagger of the mind, a false creation Proceeding from the heat-oppressèd brain?

BANQUO At your kindest leisure.

MACBETH If when the Prophesie begins to look Like truth you will adhere to me, it shall Make honour for you.

BANQUO So I lose none in seeking To augment it, but still keeping my bosom free, And my Allegiances dear, I shall be counsell’d.

MACBETH Good repose the while.

BANQUO Banquo and Fleance exit. The like to you, Sir.

[Exit Banquo.]

MACBETH Go bid your Mistress, when she is undrest, Servant exits. To strike the Closet-bell, and I’ll go to bed.

Is this a dagger which I see before me?

The hilt draws towards my hand; come, let me grasp thee: I have thee not, and yet I see thee still; Art thou not, fatal Vision, sensible To feeling as to sight? Or, art thou but A dagger of the mind, a false creation Proceeding from the brain, opprest with heat.

My eyes are made the fools of th’other senses;

25

Shakespeare MACBETH I see thee yet, in form as palpable As this which now I draw.

He draws his dagger.

Thou marshal’st me the way that I was going, And such an instrument I was to use.

Mine eyes are made the fools o’ th’ other senses Or else worth all the rest. I see thee still, And, on thy blade and dudgeon, gouts of blood, Which was not so before. There’s no such thing.

It is the bloody business which informs Thus to mine eyes. Now o’er the one-half world Nature seems dead, and wicked dreams abuse The curtained sleep. Witchcraft celebrates Pale Hecate’s off’rings, and withered murder, Alarumed by his sentinel, the wolf, Whose howl’s his watch, thus with his stealthy pace, With Tarquin’s ravishing strides, towards his design Moves like a ghost. Thou sure and firm-set earth, Hear not my steps, which way they walk, for fear Thy very stones prate of my whereabouts And take the present horror from the time, Which now suits with it. Whiles I threat, he lives.

Words to the heat of deeds too cold breath gives.

Davenant MACBETH Or else worth all the rest: I see thee still, And on thy blade are stains of reeking bloud.

It is the bloudy business that thus Informs my eye-sight; now, to half the world Nature seems dead, and wicked dreams infect The health of sleep; now witchcraft celebrates Pale Heccate’s Offerings; now murder is Alarm’d by his nights Centinel: the wolf, Whose howling seems the watch-word to the dead: But whilst I talk, he lives: hark, I am summon’d; O Duncan, hear it not, for ‘tis a bell That ring my Coronation, and thy Knell.

[Exit]

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.

He exits.

26

Shakespeare Scene 2 Enter Lady Macbeth.

Davenant Scene 2 Enter Lady Macbeth.

LADY MACBETH That which hath made them drunk hath made me bold.

What hath quenched them hath given me fire.

Hark!—Peace.

It was the owl that shrieked, the fatal bellman, Which gives the stern’st good-night. He is about it.

The doors are open, and the surfeited grooms Do mock their charge with snores. I have drugged their possets, That death and nature do contend about them Whether they live or die.

LADY MACBETH That which made them drunk, has made me bold; What has quenched them, hath given new fire to me.

Heark; oh, it was the Owl that shriek’d; The fatal Bell-man that oft bids good night To dying men, he is about it; the doors Are open, and whilst the surfeited Grooms neglect Their charges for sleep, Nature and death are now Contending in them.

Enter Macbeth

MACBETH, within Who’s there? what, ho!

MACBETH Who’s there?

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

LADY MACBETH Alas, I am afraid they are awak’d, And ‘tis not done; the attempt without the deed Would ruine us. I laid the daggers ready, He could not miss them ; and had he not resembl’d My Father, as he slept, I would have don’t.

My Husband.

Enter Macbeth with bloody daggers.

My husband?

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

MACBETH I have done the deed, didst thou not hear a noise?

LADY MACBETH I heard the owl scream and the crickets cry.

Did not you speak?

LADY MACBETH I heard the Owl scream, and the Crickets cry, Did not you speak?

MACBETH When?

MACBETH When?

LADY MACBETH Now.

LADY MACBETH Now.

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MACBETH As I descended?

LADY MACBETH Ay. MACBETH Hark!—Who lies i’ th’ second chamber?

MACBETH Who lies i’th’ Anti-chamber?

LADY MACBETH Donalbain.

LADY MACBETH Donalbain

MACBETH This is a sorry sight.

MACBETH This is a dismal sight.

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

LADY MACBETH A foolish thought to say a dismal sight.

MACBETH There’s one did laugh in ’s sleep, and one cried “Murder!”

That they did wake each other. I stood and heard them.

But they did say their prayers and addressed them Again to sleep.

LADY MACBETH There are two lodged together.

MACBETH One cried “God bless us” and “Amen” the other, As they had seen me with these hangman’s hands, List’ning their fear. I could not say “Amen” When they did say “God bless us.”

MACBETH One cry’d Heaven bless us, the other said, Amen: As they had seen me with these Hang-mans hands, Silenc’d with fear, I cou’d not say Amen When they did say, Heaven bless us.

LADY MACBETH Consider it not so deeply.

LADY MACBETH Consider it not so deeply.

MACBETH But wherefore could not I pronounce “Amen”?

I had most need of blessing, and “Amen” Stuck in my throat.

MACBETH But, wherefore could not I pronounce, Amen?

I had most need of blessing, and Amen Stuck in my throat.

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Shakespeare

Davenant

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

LADY MACBETH These deeds shou’d be forgot as soon as done, Lest they discract the doer.

MACBETH Methought I heard a voice cry “Sleep no more!

Macbeth does murder sleep”—the innocent sleep, Sleep that knits up the raveled sleave of care, The death of each day’s life, sore labor’s bath, Balm of hurt minds, great nature’s second course, Chief nourisher in life’s feast.

MACBETH Methoughts I heard a noise cry, sleep no more: Macbeth has murder’d sleep, the innocent sleep; Sleep, that locks up the senses from their care; The death of each dais life; tir’d labours bath; Balm of hurt minds; great natures second course; Chief nourisher in life’s feast.

LADY MACBETH What do you mean?

LADY MACBETH What do you mean?

MACBETH Still it cried “Sleep no more!” to all the house.

“Glamis hath murdered sleep, and therefore Cawdor Shall sleep no more. Macbeth shall sleep no more.”

MACBETH Still it cry’d, sleep no more, to all the house.

Glamis hath murder’d sleep, and therefore Cawdor Shall sleep no more; Macbeth shall sleep no more.

LADY MACBETH Who was it that thus cried? Why, worthy thane, You do unbend your noble strength to think So brainsickly of things. Go get some water And wash this filthy witness from your hand.— Why did you bring these daggers from the place?

They must lie there. Go, carry them and smear The sleepy grooms with blood.

LADY MACBETH Why do you dream thus? Go, get some water, And cleanse this filthy witness from your hands.

Why did you bring the daggers from the place?

They must be there, go carry them, and stain The sleep Grooms with bloud.

MACBETH I’ll go no more.

I am afraid to think what I have done.

Look on ’t again I dare not.

MACBETH I’ll go no more; I am afraid to think what I have done.

What then, with looking on it, shall I do?

LADY MACBETH Infirm of purpose!

Give me the daggers. The sleeping and the dead Are but as pictures. ’Tis the eye of childhood That fears a painted devil. If he do bleed, I’ll gild the faces of the grooms withal, For it must seem their guilt.

LADY MACBETH Give me the daggers, the sleeping and the dead Are but as pictures; ‘tis the eye of childhood That fears a painted Devil: with his bloud I’ll stain the faces of the Grooms; by that It will appear their guilt.

[Exit Lady Macbeth She exits with the daggers. Knock within.

[Knock within

29

Shakespeare MACBETH Whence is that knocking?

How is ’t with me when every noise appalls me?

What hands are here! Ha, they pluck out mine eyes.

Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood Clean from my hand? No, this my hand will rather The multitudinous seas incarnadine, Making the green one red.

Enter Lady Macbeth.

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

Knock.

I hear a knocking At the south entry. Retire we to our chamber.

A little water clears us of this deed.

How easy is it, then! Your constancy Hath left you unattended.

Knock.

Hark, more knocking.

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

MACBETH To know my deed ’twere best not know myself.

Davenant MACBETH What knocking’s that?

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

What hands are here! Can the Sea afford Water enough to wash away the stains?

No, they would sooner add a tincture to The Sea, and turn the green into a red.

Enter Lady Macbeth LADY MACBETH My hands are of your colour; but I scorn To wear an heart so white. Heark, I hear a knocking at the Gate: to your Chamber; A little water clears us of this deed.

Your fear has left you unman’d; heark, more knocking.

Get on youtr Gown, lest occasions call us, And shews us to be watchers; be not lost So poorly in your thoughts.

[Exit

MACBETH Disguis’d in blood, I scarce can find my way.

Knock. Wake Duncan with this knocking, wou’d thou could’st

Wake Duncan with thy knocking. I would thou couldst.

They exit. [INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

Scene 3 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. (Knock.) Knock, knock, knock! Who’s there, i’ th’ name of Beelzebub? Here’s a farmer that hanged himself on th’ expectation of plenty. Come in time!

Have napkins enough about you; here you’ll sweat for ’t. (Knock.) Knock, knock! Who’s there, in th’

[Exit

30

Shakespeare PORTER 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. (Knock.) 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. (Knock.) 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 th’ everlasting bonfire. (Knock.)

Anon, anon!

The Porter opens the door to Macduff and Lennox.

I pray you, remember the porter.

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

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

MACDUFF What three things does drink especially provoke?

PORTER Marry, sir, nose-painting, sleep, and urine.

Lechery, sir, it provokes and unprovokes. It provokes the desire, but it takes away the performance.

Therefore much drink may be said to be an equivocator with lechery. It makes him, and it mars him; it sets him on, and it takes him off; it persuades him and disheartens him; makes him stand to and not stand to; in conclusion, equivocates him in a sleep and, giving him the lie, leaves him.

Davenant [INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

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Shakespeare

Davenant

MACDUFF I believe drink gave thee the lie last night.

[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] PORTER That it did, sir, i’ th’ very throat on me; but I requited him for his lie, and, I think, being too strong for him, though he took up my legs sometime, yet I made a shift to cast him.

MACDUFF Is thy master stirring?

Enter Macbeth.

Our knocking has awaked him. Here he comes.

Porter exits.

LENNOX Good morrow, noble sir.

MACBETH Good morrow, both.

MACDUFF Is the King stirring, worthy thane?

MACBETH Not yet.

MACDUFF He did command me to call timely on him.

I have almost slipped the hour.

MACBETH I’ll bring you to him.

MACDUFF I know this is a joyful trouble to you, But yet ’tis one.

MACBETH The labor we delight in physics pain.

This is the door.

32

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

Davenant

Macduff exits.

LENNOX Goes the King hence today?

[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

MACBETH He does. He did appoint so.

LENNOX The night has been unruly. Where we lay, Our chimneys were blown down and, as they say, Lamentings heard i’ th’ air, strange screams of death, And prophesying, with accents terrible, Of dire combustion and confused events New hatched to th’ woeful time. The obscure bird Clamored the livelong night. Some say the Earth Was feverous and did shake.

MACBETH ’Twas a rough night.

LENNOX My young remembrance cannot parallel A fellow to it.

Enter Macduff.

MACDUFF O horror, horror, horror!

Tongue nor heart cannot conceive nor name thee!

MACBETH AND LENNOX What’s the matter?

MACDUFF Confusion now hath made his masterpiece.

Most sacrilegious murder hath broke ope The Lord’s anointed temple and stole thence The life o’ th’ building.

MACBETH What is ’t you say? The life?

Scene 3 Enter Macduff MACDUFF Oh horror! Horror! Horror!

Which no heart can conceive, nor tongue can utter.

Horror has done its worst: Most sacrilegious murder has broke open The Lord’s anointed Temple, and stole thence The life o’th’building.

Approach the Chamber, and behold a sight Enough to turn spectators into stone.

I cannot speak, see, and then speak your selves: Ring the Alarum-bell. Awake, awake, Murther, Treason; Banquo, Malcolm, and Donalbain, Shake off your downy sleep, Death’s counterfeit; And look on Death it self; up, up, and see, As from your Graves, rise up, and walk like spirits To countenance this horror: ring the bell.

[Bell rings

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Shakespeare

Davenant

LENNOX Mean you his Majesty?

MACDUFF Approach the chamber and destroy your sight With a new Gorgon. Do not bid me speak.

See and then speak yourselves.

Macbeth and Lennox exit.

Awake, awake!

Ring the alarum bell.—Murder and treason!

Banquo and Donalbain, Malcolm, awake!

Shake off this downy sleep, death’s counterfeit, And look on death itself. Up, up, and see The great doom’s image. Malcolm, Banquo, As from your graves rise up and walk like sprites To countenance this horror.—Ring the bell.

Bell rings.

Enter Lady Macbeth.

[Enter Lady Macbeth.

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

LADY MACBETH What’s the business, that at this dead of night You alar’m us from our rest?

MACDUFF O gentle lady, ’Tis not for you to hear what I can speak.

The repetition in a woman’s ear Would murder as it fell.

MACDUFF O, Madam!

‘Tis not for you to hear what I can speak: The repetition in a womans ear Would do another murther.

[Enter Banquo Oh Banquo, Banquo, our Royal Master’s murther’d!

Enter Banquo.

O Banquo, Banquo, Our royal master’s murdered.

LADY MACBETH Woe, alas!

What, in our house?

LADY MACBETH Ah me! In our house?

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

BANQUO The deed’s too cruel any where, Macduff, Oh that you could but contradict your self, And say it is not true.

Enter Macbeth, Lennox, and Ross.

Enter Macbeth and Lenox

34

Shakespeare MACBETH Had I but died an hour before this chance, I had lived a blessèd time; for from this instant There’s nothing serious in mortality.

All is but toys. Renown and grace is dead.

The wine of life is drawn, and the mere lees Is left this vault to brag of.

Enter Malcolm and Donalbain.

Davenant MACBETH Had I but dy’d an hour before this chance, I had liv’d a blessed time;for, from this instant There’s nothing in it worth a good mans care; All is but toyes, Renown and Grace are dead.

Enter Malcolm and Donalbain.

DONALBAIN What is amiss?

DONALBAIN What is amiss?

MACBETH You are, and do not know ’t.

The spring, the head, the fountain of your blood Is stopped; the very source of it is stopped.

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

MACDUFF Your royal father’s murdered.

MACDUFF Your royal Father’s murther’d.

MALCOLM O, by whom?

MALCOLM Murther’d! by whom?

LENNOX Those of his chamber, as it seemed, had done ’t.

Their hands and faces were all badged with blood.

So were their daggers, which unwiped we found Upon their pillows. They stared and were distracted.

No man’s life was to be trusted with them.

LENOX Those of his Chamber, as it seem’d, had don’t; Their hands and faces were all stain’d with bloud: So were their Daggers, which we found unwip’d, Upon their pillows. Why was the life of one, So much above the best of men, entrusted To the hands of two, so much below The worst of beasts.

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

MACBETH Then I repent me I so rashly kill’d e’m.

MACDUFF Wherefore did you so?

MACDUFF Why did you so?

MACBETH Who can be wise, amazed, temp’rate, and furious, Loyal, and neutral, in a moment? No man.

Th’ expedition of my violent love

MACBETH Who can be prudent and amaz’d together; Loyal and neutral in a moment? No man.

Th’ expedition of my violent love

35

Shakespeare MACBETH Outrun the pauser, reason. Here lay Duncan, His silver skin laced with his golden blood, And his gashed stabs looked like a breach in nature For ruin’s wasteful entrance; there the murderers, Steeped in the colors of their trade, their daggers Unmannerly breeched with gore. Who could refrain That had a heart to love, and in that heart Courage to make ’s love known?

Davenant MACBETH Out-ran my pausing reason: I saw Duncan, Whose gaping wounds look’d like a breach in nature, Where ruine enter’d. There I saw the murtherers Steep’d in the colour of their trade; their Daggers Being yet unwip’d, seem’d to own the deed, And call for vengeance; who could then refrain, That had an heart to love; and in that heart Courage to manifest his affection.

LADY MACBETH Help me hence, ho!

LADY MACBETH Oh, oh, oh.

MACDUFF Look to the lady.

MACDUFF Look to the Lady.

MALCOLM, aside to Donalbain Why do we hold our tongues, That most may claim this argument for ours?

MALCOLM Why are we silent now, that have so large An argument for sorrow?

DONALBAIN,aside to Malcolm What should be spoken here, where our fate, Hid in an auger hole, may rush and seize us?

Let’s away. Our tears are not yet brewed.

DONALBAIN What should be spoken here, where our fate may rush Suddenly upon us, and as if it lay Hid in some corner, make our death succeed The ruine of our Father e’re we are aware.

MALCOLM, aside to Donalbain Nor our strong sorrow upon the foot of motion.

BANQUO Look to the lady.

And when we have our naked frailties hid, That suffer in exposure, let us meet And question this most bloody piece of work To know it further. Fears and scruples shake us.

In the great hand of God I stand, and thence Against the undivulged pretense I fight Of treasonous malice.

MACDUFF And so do I.

[Faints

MACDUFF I find this place too publick for true sorrow: Let us retire, and mourn: but first, Guarded by vertue, I’m resolv’d to find Lady Macbeth is assisted to leave. The utmost of this business.

BANQUO And I.

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Shakespeare

Davenant

ALL So all.

MACBETH Let’s briefly put on manly readiness And meet i’ th’ hall together.

MACBETH And All. Let all of us take manly resolution; And two hours hence meet together in the Hall To question this most bloudy fact.

ALL Well contented.

MALCOLM What will you do? Let’s not consort with them.

To show an unfelt sorrow is an office Which the false man does easy. I’ll to England.

BANQUO We shall be ready, Sir. All but Malcolm and Donalbain exit.

[Exeunt all but Malcolm and Donalbain.

MALCOLM What will you do?

Let’s not consort with them: To shew an unfelt-sorrow, is an office Which false men do with ease.

I’ll to England.

DONALBAIN To Ireland I. Our separated fortune Shall keep us both the safer. Where we are, There’s daggers in men’s smiles. The near in blood, The nearer bloody.

DONALBAIN To Ireland I’m resolv’d to steer my course; Our separated fortune may protect our persons.

Where we are, Daggers lie hid under mens smiles, And the nearer some men are allied to our bloud, The more, I fear, they seek to shed it.

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

MALCOLM This murtherous shaft that’s shot, Hath not yet lighted; and our safest way Is, to avoid the aim: then let’s to horse, And use no ceremony in taking leave of any.

[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] They exit.

Scene 4 Enter Ross with 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.

[Exeunt.

37

Shakespeare ROSS Ha, good father, Thou seest the heavens, as troubled with man’s act, Threatens his bloody stage. By th’ clock ’tis day, And yet dark night strangles the traveling lamp.

Is ’t night’s predominance or the day’s shame That darkness does the face of earth entomb When living light should kiss it?

Davenant

[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

OLD MAN ’Tis unnatural, Even like the deed that’s done. On Tuesday last A falcon, tow’ring in her pride of place, Was by a mousing owl hawked at and killed.

ROSS And Duncan’s horses (a thing most strange and certain), Beauteous and swift, the minions of their race, Turned wild in nature, broke their stalls, flung out, Contending ’gainst obedience, as they would Make war with mankind.

OLD MAN ’Tis said they eat each other.

ROSS They did so, to th’ amazement of mine eyes That looked upon ’t.

Enter Macduff.

Here comes the good Macduff.— How goes the world, sir, now?

MACDUFF Why, see you not?

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

Scene 4 Enter Lenox and Seyton.

LENOX How goes the world, Sir, now?

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

38

Shakespeare MACDUFF Those that Macbeth hath slain.

Davenant MACDUFF Those that Macbeth hath slain, are most suspected.

ROSS Alas the day, What good could they pretend?

LENOX Alas, what good could they pretend?

MACDUFF They were suborned.

Malcolm and Donalbain, the King’s two sons, Are stol’n away and fled, which puts upon them Suspicion of the deed.

MACDUFF It is suppos’d they were suborn’d.

Malcolm and Donalbain, the Kings two Sons, Are [secretly] stoln away from Court, Which puts upon them suspition of the deed.

ROSS ’Gainst nature still!

Thriftless ambition, that will ravin up Thine own lives’ means. Then ’tis most like The sovereignty will fall upon Macbeth.

LENOX Unnatural still.

Could their ambition prompt them to destroy The means of their own life?

MACDUFF You are free to judge Of their deportment as you please; but most Men think e’m guilty.

LENOX Then ‘tis most like the Sovereignty will fall Upon Macbeth.

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

MACDUFF He is already nam’d, and gone to Scone To be invested.

ROSS Where is Duncan’s body?

LENOX Where’s Duncan’s body?

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

MACDUFF Carried to Colmehill, The sacred Store-house of his Predecessors.

ROSS Will you to Scone?

LENOX Will you to Scone?

MACDUFF No, cousin, I’ll to Fife.

MACDUFF No, Cousin, I’ll to Fyfe:

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Shakespeare

Davenant MACDUFF My wife and children frighted at the Alar’m Of this sad news, have thither led the way, And I’ll follow them: may the King you go To see invested, prove as great and good As Duncan was; but I ‘m in doubt of it.

New Robes ne’re as the old so easie sit.

ROSS Well, I will thither.

MACDUFF Well, may you see things well done there. Adieu, Lest our old robes sit easier than our new.

ROSS Farewell, father.

OLD MAN God’s benison go with you and with those That would make good of bad and friends of foes.

All exit.

Scene 5 Scene and Heath.

Enter Lady Macduff and Macduff

[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

LADY MACDUFF My Lord?

MACDUFF Where are our children?

LADY MACDUFF They are securely sleeping in the Chariot.

First Song by Witches.

WITCH 1 Speak, Sister, speak; is the deed done?

WITCH 2 Long ago, long ago: Above twelve glasses since have run.

WITCH 3 Ill deeds are seldom slow nor single: Following crimes on former wait.

The worst of creatures fastest propagate.

Many more murders must this one ensue, As if in death were propagation too.

WITCH 2 He will.

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Shakespeare

Davenant WITCH 1 He shall.

WITCH 3 He must spill more bloud; And become worse, to make his Title good.

WITCH 1 Now let’s dance.

[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] WITCH 2 Agreed.

WITCH 3 Agreed CHORUS We shou’d rejoice when good Kings bleed, When cattel die, about we go, What then, when Monarchs perish, should we do?

MACDUFF What can this be?

LADY MACDUFF This is most strange: but why seem you I? Can you be capable of fears, who have So often caus’d it in your enemies?

MACDUFF I am glad you are not I. LADY MACDUFF I would not willingly to fear submit: None can fear ill, but those that merit it.

MACDUFF Am I made bold by her? How strong a guard Is innocence? If any one would be Reputed valiant, let him learn of you; Virtue both courage is, and safety too.

Enter Witches. [A dance of witches.

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Shakespeare

Davenant Second song Let’s have a dance upon the Heath; We gain more life by Duncan’s death.

Sometimes like brinded Cats we shew, Having no musick but our mew.

Sometimes we dance in some old mill, Upon the hopper, stones, and wheel, To some old saw, or Bardish Rhime, Where still the Mill-clack does keep time.

[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

Sometimes about a hollow tree, A round, a round, a round dance we.

Thither the chirping Cricket comes, And Beetle, singing drowsie hums.

Sometimes we dance o’re Fens and Furs, To howls of wolves, and barks of curs.

And when with none of those we meet, We dance to th’ecchoes of our feet.

At the night-Raven’s dismal voice, Whilst others tremble, we rejoyce; And nimbly, nimbly dance we still To th’ecchoes from a hollow Hill.

MACDUFF These seem foul spirits; I’ll speak to e’m.

If you can any thing by more than nature know; You may in those prodigious times fore-tell Some ill we may avoid.

WITCH 1 Saving thy bloud will cause it to be shed.

WITCH 2 He’ll bleed by thee, by whom thou first hast bled.

WITCH 3 Thy wife shall shunning danger, dangers find, And fatal be, to whom she most is kind.

[Exeunt witches

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Shakespeare

Davenant LADY MACDUFF Why are you alter’d Sir? Be not so thoughtful: The Messengers of Darkness never spake To men, but to deceive them.

MACDUFF Their words seem to fore-tell some dire predictions.

LADY MACDUFF He that believes ill news from such as these, Deserves to find it true. Their words are like Their shape; nothing but fiction.

Let’s hasten to our journey.

MACDUFF I’ll take your counsel; for to permit Such thoughts upon our memories to dwell, Will make our minds Registers of Hell.

[Exeunt omnes]

ACT 3 Scene 1 Enter Banquo.

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

Sennet sounded. Enter Macbeth as King, Lady Macbeth, Lennox, Ross, Lords, and Attendants.

MACBETH Here’s our chief guest.

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

ACT 3 Scene 1 Enter Banquo and Fleance.

BANQUO Thou hast it now, King, Cawdor, Glamis, all, As the three Sisters promis’d; but I fear Thou plaid’st most foully for’t: yet it was said It should not stand in thy Posterity: But that my self should be the Root and Father Of many Kings; they told thee truth.

Why, since their promise was made good to thee, May they not be my Oracles as well.

Enter Macbeth, and Murderer 1 and 2

MACBETH Here’s our chief Guest, if he had been forgotten, It has been want of music to our Feast.

To night we hold a solemn supper, Sir; And all request your presence.

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Shakespeare

Davenant

MACBETH Tonight we hold a solemn supper, sir, And I’ll request your presence.

BANQUO Let your Highness Command upon me, to the which my duties Are with a most indissoluble tie Forever knit.

BANQUO Your Majesty layes your commands on me, To which my duty is to obey.

MACBETH Ride you this afternoon?

MACBETH Ride you this afternoon?

BANQUO Ay, my good lord.

BANQUO Yes, Royal Sir.

MACBETH We should have else desired your good advice (Which still hath been both grave and prosperous) In this day’s council, but we’ll take tomorrow.

Is ’t far you ride?

MACBETH We should have else desir’d your good advice, (Which still hath been both grave and prosperous) In this daies Counsel; but we’ll take to morrow.

Is’t far you ride?

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

BANQUO As far, Great Sir, as will take up the time Twixt this and Supper; and go not my Horse the better, I must become a borrower of the night, For a dark hour or two.

MACBETH Fail not our feast.

MACBETH Fail not our Feast.

BANQUO My lord, I will not.

BANQUO My Lord, I shall not.

MACBETH We hear our bloody cousins are bestowed In England and in Ireland, not confessing Their cruel parricide, filling their hearers With strange invention. But of that tomorrow, 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?

MACBETH We hear our bloudy Cousins are bestow’d In England and in Ireland; not confessing Their cruel Parricide; filling their hearers With strange invention. But, of that to morrow.

Goes your Son with you?

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Davenant

BANQUO Ay, my good lord. Our time does call upon ’s.

BANQUO He does; and our time now calls upon us.

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

Farewell.

Banquo exits.

Let every man be master of his time Till seven at night. To make society The sweeter welcome, we will keep ourself Till suppertime alone. While then, God be with you.

MACBETH I wish your Horses swift, and sure of foot.

Farewel.

[Exit Banquo.

Lords and all but Macbeth and a Servant exit.

Sirrah, a word with you. Attend those men Our pleasure?

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

MACBETH Bring them before us.

Servant exits.

To be thus is nothing, But to be safely thus. Our fears in Banquo Stick deep, and in his royalty of nature Reigns that which would be feared. ’Tis much he dares, And to that dauntless temper of his mind He hath a wisdom that doth guide his valor To act in safety. There is none but he Whose being I do fear; and under him My genius is rebuked, as it is said Mark Antony’s was by Caesar. He chid the sisters When first they put the name of king upon me And bade them speak to him. Then, prophet-like, They hailed him father to a line of kings.

Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown And put a barren scepter in my grip, Thence to be wrenched with an unlineal hand, No son of mine succeeding. If ’t be so, For Banquo’s issue have I filed my mind; For them the gracious Duncan have I murdered, Put rancors in the vessel of my peace Only for them, and mine eternal jewel Given to the common enemy of man

[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

45

Shakespeare MACBETH To make them kings, the seeds of Banquo kings.

Rather than so, come fate into the list, And champion me to th’ utterance.—Who’s there?

Enter Servant and two Murderers.

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

Servant exits.

Was it not yesterday we spoke together?

Davenant

MURDERERS It was, so please your Highness.

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

FIRST MURDERER You made it known to us.

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

FIRST MURDERER We are men, my liege.

MACBETH Ay, in the catalogue you go for men, As hounds and greyhounds, mongrels, spaniels,

[INTENTIOANLLY LEFT BLANK]

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curs, Shoughs, water-rugs, and demi-wolves are clept All by the name of dogs. The valued file Distinguishes the swift, the slow, the subtle, The housekeeper, the hunter, every one According to the gift which bounteous nature Hath in him closed; whereby he does receive Particular addition, from the bill That writes them all alike. And so of men.

Now, if you have a station in the file, Not i’ th’ worst rank of manhood, say ’t, And I will put that business in your bosoms Whose execution takes your enemy off, Grapples you to the heart and love of us, Who wear our health but sickly in his life, Which in his death were perfect.

[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] SECOND MURDERER I am one, my liege, Whom the vile blows and buffets of the world Hath so incensed that I am reckless what I do to spite the world.

FIRST MURDERER And I another So weary with disasters, tugged with fortune, That I would set my life on any chance, To mend it or be rid on ’t.

MACBETH Both of you Know Banquo was your enemy.

MURDERERS True, my lord.

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

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Davenant

MACBETH Masking the business from the common eye For sundry weighty reasons.

SECOND MURDERER We shall, my lord, Perform what you command us.

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

I’ll come to you anon.

MACBETH Within this hour, at most, I will advise you where to plant your selves; For it must be done to night: And something from the Palace; alwaies remember’d, That you keep secrecy with the prescribed Father.

Flean, his Son too, keeps him company; Whose absence is no less material to me Than that of Banquo’s: he too must embrace the fate Of that dark hour. Resolve your selves apart.

MURDERERS We are resolved, my lord.

MURDERERS 1 & 2 We are resolv’d, my Liege.

[Exeunt Murderers

MACBETH I’ll call upon you straight. Abide within.

It is concluded. Banquo, thy soul’s flight, If it find heaven, must find it out tonight.

[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

MACBETH I am no King till I am safely so.

Murderers exit. My fears stick deep in Banquo’s successors; And in his Royalty of Nature reigns that Which wou’d be fear’d. He dares do much; He exits. And to that dauntless temper of his mind, He hath a wisdom that doth guide his valour To act in safety. Under him My genius is rebuk’d: he chid the Sisters When first they put the name of King upon me, And bade them speak to him. Then, Prophet like, They hail’d him Father to a line of Kings.

Upon my head they plac’d a fruitless Crown, And put a barren Scepter in my hand: Thence to be wrested by anothers race;

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Davenant MACBETH No son of mine succeeding: if’t be so; For Banquo’s Issue, I have stain’d my soul, For them the gracious Duncan I have murder’d: Rather than so, I will attempt yet further, And blot out, by their bloud, what e’re Is written of them in the book of Fate.

Now, Banquo, if thy soul can in her flight Find heaven, thy happiness begins to night.

Scene 2 Enter Macduff and Lady Macduff MACDUFF It must be so. Great Duncan’s bloudy death Can have no other Author but Macbeth.

His Dagger now is to a Scepter grown; From Duncan’s Grave he has deriv’d his Throne.

[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

LADY MACDUFF Ambition urg’d him to that bloudy deed: May you never by Ambition led: Forbid it Heav’n, that in revenge you shou’d Follow a Copy that is writ in bloud.

MACDUFF From Duncan’s Grave, methinks, I hear a groan That call’s loud for justice.

LADY MACDUFF If the Throne Was by Macbeth ill gain’d, Heaven’s Justice may, Without your Sword, sufficient vengeance pay.

Usurpers lives have but a short extent, Nothing lives long in a strange Element.

MACDUFF My Countreys dangers call for my defence Against the bloudy Tyrants violence.

LADY MACDUFF I am afraid you have some other end, Than meerly Scotland’s freedom to defend.

You’d raise your self, whilst you wou’d him dethrone;

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Davenant LADY MACDUFF And shake his Greatness, to confirm your own.

That purpose will appear, when rightly scan’d, But usurpation at the second hand, Good Sir, recall your thoughts.

MACDUFF what if I shou’d Assume the Scepter for my Countrey’s good?

Is that an usurpation/ can it be Ambiton to procure the liberty Of this sad realm; which does by treason bleed?

That which provokes, will justifies the deed.

[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

LADY MACDUFF If the Design should prosper, the Event May make us safe, but not yiu Innocent: For whilst to set your fellow Subjects free From present Death, or future Slavery, You wear a Crowne, not buy your Title due, Defence of them, is an Offence in you; That Deed’s unlawful though it cost no Blood, In which you’l be at best unjustly Good.

You, by your Pitty which for us you plead, Weave but ambition of a finer thread.

MACDUFF Ambition do’s the height of power affect, My aim is not to Govern, but Protect: And he is not ambitious that declares, He nothing seeks of Scepters but their cares.

LADY MACDUFF Can you so patiently your self molest, And lose your own, to give your Country rest!

In Plagues what sound Physician you’d endure To be infected for another’s Cure.

MACDUFF If by my troubles I cou’d yours release, My love wou’d turn those torments to my ease: I shou’d at once be sick and healthy too, Though Sickly in myself, yet Well in you.

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Davenant LADY MACDUFF But then reflect upon the Danger, Sir, Which you by your aspiring wou’d incur.

MACDUFF In hopes to have the common Ills redrest, Who wou’d not venture single interest.

LADY MACDUFF Are you resolv’d then to be gone?

MACDUFF I am: I know my Answer cannot but inflame The Tyrants fury to pronounce my death, My life will soon be blasted by his breath.

LADY MACDUFF But why so far as England must you fly?

[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

MACDUFF The farthest part of Scotland is too nigh.

LADY MACDUFF Can you leave me your Daughter and your Son, To perish by that Tempest which you shun.

When Birds of stronger Wing are fled away, The Ravenous Kite do’s on the weaker Prey.

MACDUFF He will not injure you, he cannot be Possest with such unmanly cruelty: Together we shall be too slow to fly: Single, we may outride our Enemy.

I’le from the English King such Succours crave, As shall revenge the Dead, and Living save.

My greatest misery is to remove, With all the wings of haste from what I love.

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Davenant LADY MACDUFF If to be gone seems misery to you, Good Sir, let us be miserable too.

MACDUFF Farewell; our safety, Us, a while must sever.

Flying from Death, I am to Life unkind, For leaving you, I leave my Life behind.

Exit LADY MACDUFF Oh my dear Lord, I find now thou art gone, I am more Valiant when unsafe alone.

My heart feels man-hood, it does Death despise, Yet I am still a Woman in my eyes.

And of my Tears thy absence is the cause, So falls the Dew when the bright Sun withdraws.

Scene 2 Enter Macbeth’s Lady and a Servant.

LADY MACBETH Is Banquo gone from court?

LADY MACBETH Is Banquo gone from Court?

SEYTON Yes Madam, but returns again to night.

SERVANT Ay, madam, but returns again tonight.

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

SERVANT Madam, I will.

Scene 3 Enter Macbeth’s Lady and Seyton.

He exits.

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

Enter Macbeth.

How now, my lord, why do you keep alone, Of sorriest fancies your companions making, Using those thoughts which should indeed have died

LADY MACBETH Say to the King, I wou’d attend his leisure For a few words.

[Exit Seyton Where our desire is got without content, Alass, it is not Gain, but punishment!

Tis safer to be that which we destroy, Then by Destruction live in doubtful joy.

Enter Macbeth How now my Lord, why do you keep alone?

Making the worst of Fancy your Companions, Conversing with those thoughts which shou’d ha’ dy’d With those they think on: things without redress Shou’d be without regard: what’s done, is done.

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Shakespeare LADY MACBETH With them they think on? Things without all remedy Should be without regard. What’s done is done.

Davenant

MACBETH We have scorched the snake, not killed it.

She’ll close and be herself whilst our poor malice Remains in danger of her former tooth.

But let the frame of things disjoint, both the worlds suffer, Ere we will eat our meal in fear, and sleep In the affliction of these terrible dreams That shake us nightly. Better be with the dead, Whom we, to gain our peace, have sent to peace, Than on the torture of the mind to lie In restless ecstasy. Duncan is in his grave.

After life’s fitful fever he sleeps well.

Treason has done his worst; nor steel nor poison, Malice domestic, foreign levy, nothing Can touch him further.

MACBETH Alas, we have but scorch’d the Snake, not kill’d it, She’l close and be her self, whilst our poor malice Remains in danger of her former Sting.

But let the frame of all things be disjoynt E’re we will eat our bread in fear; and sleep In the affiction of those horrid Dreams That shake us nightly! Better be with him Whom we to gain the Crown, have sent to peace; Then on the torture of the Mind to lye In restless Agony. Duncan is dead; He, after life’s short feavor, now sleeps Well: Treason has done it’s worst; nor Steel, nor Poyson, No Ferreign force, nor yet Domestick Malice Can touch him further.

LADY MACBETH Come on, gentle my lord, Sleek o’er your rugged looks. Be bright and jovial Among your guests tonight.

LADY MACBETH Come on, smooth your rough brow: Be free and merry with your guests to night.

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

MACBETH I shall, and so I pray be you but still, Remember to apply your self to Banquo: Present him kindness with your Eye and Tongue.

In how unsafe a posture are our honors That we must have recourse to flattery, And make our Faces Vizors to our hearts.

LADY MACBETH You must leave this.

LADY MACBETH You must leave this.

MACBETH O, full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife!

Thou know’st that Banquo and his Fleance lives.

MACBETH How full of Scorpions is my mind, Dear Wife!

Thou know’st that Banquo and his Flean lives.

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

LADY MACBETH But they are not Immortal, there’s comfort yet in that.

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Shakespeare MACBETH There’s comfort yet; they are assailable.

Then be thou jocund. Ere the bat hath flown His cloistered flight, ere to black Hecate’s summons The shard-born beetle with his drowsy hums Hath rung night’s yawning peal, there shall be done A deed of dreadful note.

Davenant MACBETH Be merry then, for e’re the Bat has flown His Cloyster’d flight; e’re to black Heccate’s Summons, The sharp brow’d Beetle with his drowsie hums, Has rung night’s second Peal: There shall bee done a deed of dreadful Note.

LADY MACBETH What’s to be done?

LADY MACBETH What is’t?

MACBETH Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck, Till thou applaud the deed.—Come, seeling night, Scarf up the tender eye of pitiful day And with thy bloody and invisible hand Cancel and tear to pieces that great bond Which keeps me pale. Light thickens, and the crow Makes wing to th’ rooky wood.

Good things of day begin to droop and drowse, Whiles night’s black agents to their preys do rouse.— Thou marvel’st at my words, but hold thee still.

Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill.

So prithee go with me.

MACBETH Be innocent of knowing it, my Dear, Till thou applaud the deed. Come dismal Night, Close up the Eye of the quick sighted Day With thy invisible and bloody hand.

The crow makes wing to the thick shady Grove, Good things of day grow dark and overcast, Whilst Night’s black Agent’s to their Preys make hast, Thou wonder’st at my Language, wonder still, Things ill begun, strengthen themselves by ill.

[Exeunt.

They exit.

Scene 3 Enter three Murderers.

FIRST MURDERER But who did bid thee join with us?

THIRD MURDERER Macbeth.

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

FIRST MURDERER Then stand with us.— The west yet glimmers with some streaks of day.

Now spurs the lated traveler apace

Scene 4 Enter three Murtherers.

[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

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Davenant

FIRST MURDERER To gain the timely inn, and near approaches The subject of our watch.

THIRD MURDERER Hark, I hear horses.

BANQUO, within Give us a light there, ho!

SECOND MURDERER Then ’tis he. The rest That are within the note of expectation Already are i’ th’ court.

FIRST MURDERER His horses go about.

THIRD MURDERER Almost a mile; but he does usually (So all men do) from hence to th’ palace gate Make it their walk.

Enter Banquo and Fleance, with a torch.

Enter Banquo and Fleance.

SECOND MURDERER A light, a light!

THIRD MURDERER ’Tis he.

FIRST MURDERER Stand to ’t.

BANQUO, to Fleance It will be rain tonight.

BANQUO It will be rain to night.

FIRST MURDERER Let it come down!

FLEANCE We must make hast.

The three Murderers attack.

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

Thou mayst revenge—O slave!

BANQUO Our hast concerns us more then being wet.

The King expects me at his feast to night, He dies. Fleance exits. To which he did invite me with a kindness, Greater then he was wont to express.

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Davenant

THIRD MURDERER Who did strike out the light?

Re-enter Murtherers with drawn Swords.

FIRST MURDERER Was ’t not the way?

FLEANCE Murther, help, help, my Father’s Kill’d

[Exeunt running.

THIRD MURDERER There’s but one down. The son is fled.

SECOND MURDERER We have lost best half of our affair.

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

They exit.

Scene 4 Banquet prepared. Enter Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Ross, Lennox, Lords, and Attendants.

Scene 5 Scene opens, a Banquet prepar’d Enter Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Seyton, Lenox, Lords, Attendants.

MACBETH You know your own degrees; sit down. At first And last, the hearty welcome.

They sit.

MACBETH You know your own degrees, sit down.

LORDS Thanks to your Majesty.

SEYTON Thanks to your Majesty.

MACBETH Ourself will mingle with society And play the humble host.

Our hostess keeps her state, but in best time We will require her welcome.

MACBETH Our Self will keep you company, And Play the humble Host to entertain you: Our lady keeps her State; but you shall have Her welcome too.

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

LADY MACBETH Pronounce it for me sir, to all our Friends.

Enter first Murderer

Enter First Murderer to the door.

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Shakespeare MACBETH See, they encounter thee with their hearts’ thanks.

Both sides are even. Here I’ll sit i’ th’ midst.

Be large in mirth. Anon we’ll drink a measure The table round. He approaches the Murderer. There’s blood upon thy face.

Davenant MACBETH Both sides are even; be free in Mirth, anon Wee’l drink a measure about the Table.

There’s blood upon thy face.

[To Murderer.

MURDERER ’Tis Banquo’s then.

MURDERER 1 Tis Banquo’s then.

MACBETH ’Tis better thee without than he within.

Is he dispatched?

MACBETH Is he dispatch’d?

MURDERER My lord, his throat is cut. That I did for him.

MURDERER 1 My Lord, his throat is cut: that I did for him.

MACBETH Thou art the best o’ th’ cutthroats, Yet he’s good that did the like for Fleance.

If thou didst it, thou art the nonpareil.

MACBETH Thou art the best of Cut-throats; Yet he is good that did the like for Flean.

MURDERER Most royal sir, Fleance is ’scaped.

MURDERER 1 Most Royal Sir, he scap’d.

MACBETH, aside 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 cabined, cribbed, confined, bound in To saucy doubts and fears.—But Banquo’s safe?

MACBETH Then comes my fit again, I had else been Perfect, Firm as a Pillar founded on a Rock!

As unconfin’d as the free spreading Air. But now I’m check’d with sawcy Doubts and Fears.

But Banquo’s safe?

MURDERER Ay, my good lord. Safe in a ditch he bides, With twenty trenchèd gashes on his head, The least a death to nature.

MURDERER 1 Safe in a ditch he lies, With twenty gaping wounds on his head, The least of which was Mortal.

MACBETH Thanks for that.

There the grown serpent lies. The worm that’s fled Hath nature that in time will venom breed, No teeth for th’ present. Get thee gone. Tomorrow We’ll hear ourselves again.

Murderer exits.

MACBETH Ther the grown Serpent lies; the worm that’s fled Hath nature, that in time will Venom breed, Though at present it wants a Sting. To morrow You shall hear further.

[Exit Murderer

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

Davenant LADY MACBETH My Royal Lord, you spoil the Feast, The Sauce to Meat is chearfulness.

Enter the Ghost of Banquo, and sits in Macbeth’s place.

MACBETH, to Lady Macbeth Sweet remembrancer!— Now, good digestion wait on appetite And health on both!

MACBETH Let good digestion wait on Appetite, And Health on both.

LENNOX May ’t please your Highness sit.

LENOX May it please your Highness to sit.

MACBETH Here had we now our country’s honor roofed, Were the graced person of our Banquo present, Who may I rather challenge for unkindness Than pity for mischance.

MACBETH Had we but here our Countrys honor; Were the grac’d person of our Banquo present, Whom we may justly challenge for unkindness.

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

SEYTON His absence Sir, Lays blame upon his promise; will it please Your Highness to grace us with your Company?

MACBETH The table’s full.

MACBETH Yes, I’le sit down. The Table’s full.

LENNOX Here is a place reserved, sir.

LENOX Here is a place reserv’d Sir.

MACBETH Where?

MACBETH Where Sir?

LENNOX Here, my good lord. What is ’t that moves your Highness?

LENOX Here. What is’t that moves your Highness?

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Davenant

MACBETH Which of you have done this?

MACBETH Which of you have done this?

LORDS What, my good lord?

LORDS Done what?

MACBETH, to the Ghost Thou canst not say I did it. Never shake Thy gory locks at me.

MACBETH Thou can’st not say I did it; never shake Thy goary Locks at me.

ROSS Gentlemen, rise. His Highness is not well.

SEYTON Gentlemen rise, his Highness is not well.

LADY MACBETH Sit, worthy friends. My lord is often thus And hath been from his youth. Pray you, keep seat.

The fit is momentary; upon a thought He will again be well. If much you note him You shall offend him and extend his passion.

Feed and regard him not.

Drawing Macbeth aside.

Are you a man?

LADY MACBETH Sit worthy Friends, my Lord is often thus, And hath been from his youth: pray keep your Seats, The fit is ever sudden, if you take notice of it, You shall offend him, and provoke his passion.

In a moment he’l be well again.

Are you a Man?

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

MACBETH Ay, and a bold one; that dare look on that Which would distract the Devil.

LADY MACBETH O, proper stuff!

This is the very painting of your fear.

This is the air-drawn dagger which you said Led you to Duncan. O, these flaws and starts, Impostors to true fear, would well become A woman’s story at a winter’s fire, Authorized by her grandam. Shame itself!

Why do you make such faces? When all’s done, You look but on a stool.

LADY MACBETH O proper stuff: This is the very painting of your fear: This is the Ait-drawn Dagger, which you said Led you to Duncan. O these fits and Starts, (Impostors to true fear)wou’d well become A womans story, authoriz’d by her Grandam, Why do you stare thus? When all’s done You look but on a Chair.

MACBETH Prithee, see there. Behold, look! To the Ghost. Lo, how say you?

Why, what care I? If thou canst nod, speak too.— If charnel houses and our graves must send Those that we bury back, our monuments Shall be the maws of kites.

Ghost exits.

MACBETH Prethee see there, how say you now!

Why, what care I, if thou can’st nod; speak too.

If Charnel-houses and our Grave must send Those that we bury, back; our Monuments Shall be the maws of Kites.

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Shakespeare

LADY MACBETH What, quite unmanned in folly?

LADY MACBETH What, quite unman’d in folly?

MACBETH If I stand here, I saw him.

MACBETH If I stand here, I saw it.

LADY MACBETH Fie, for shame!

LADY MACBETH Fye, for shame.

MACBETH Blood hath been shed ere now, i’ th’ olden time, Ere humane statute purged the gentle weal; Ay, and since too, murders have been performed Too terrible for the ear. The time has been That, when the brains were out, the man would die, And there an end. But now they rise again With twenty mortal murders on their crowns And push us from our stools. This is more strange Than such a murder is.

MACBETH Tis not the first Murders; blood was shed E’re humane Law decreed it for a sin.

Ay, and since Murthers too have been committed [To horrid] for the ear. The times have been, That when the brains were out, the man wou’d dye; And there lye still; but now they rise again And thrust us from our seats.

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

LADY MACBETH Sir, your noble friends do lack you.

MACBETH I do forget.— Do not muse at me, my most worthy friends.

I have a strange infirmity, which is nothing To those that know me. Come, love and health to all.

Then I’ll sit down.—Give me some wine. Fill full.

MACBETH Wonder not at me my most worthy friends, I have a strange Infirmity; tis nothing To those that know me. Give me some Wine, Here’s to the general Joy of all the Table, And to our dear friend Banquo, whom we miss, Wou’d he were here: to him, and all, we drink.

Enter Ghost.

I drink to th’ general joy o’ th’ whole table And to our dear friend Banquo, whom we miss.

Would he were here! To all, and him we thirst, And all to all.

LORDS Our duties, and the pledge.

LORDS Our Duties are to pledge it.

They raise their drinking cups.

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Shakespeare MACBETH, to the Ghost 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.

Davenant MACBETH [begone.] Let the Earth hide thee: thy blood is cold, Thou hast no use now of thy glaring Eyes.

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

LADY MACBETH Think of this good my Lords, but as a thing Of Custom: tis no other, Only it spoils the pleasures of the time.

MACBETH, to the Ghost What man dare, I dare.

Approach thou like the rugged Russian bear, The armed rhinoceros, or th’ Hyrcan tiger; Take any shape but that, and my firm nerves Shall never tremble. Or be alive again And dare me to the desert with thy sword.

If trembling I inhabit then, protest me The baby of a girl. Hence, horrible shadow!

Unreal mock’ry, hence!

Ghost exits.

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

MACBETH What Man can dare, I dare: Approach thou like the rugged Russian Bear, The Armd Rhinoceros, or the Hircanian Tigre: Take any shape but that; and my firm Nerves Shall never tremble; or revive a while, And dare me to the Desart with thy Sword, If any Sinew shrink, proclaim me then The Baby of a Girl. Hence horrible shadow.

So, now I am a man again: pray you sit still.

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

LADY MACBETH You have disturb’d the Mirth; Broke the glad Meeting with your wild disorder.

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

MACBETH Can such things be without Astonishment.

You make me strange, Even to the disposition that I owe, When now I think you can behold such sights, And keep the Natural colour of your Cheeks, Whilst mine grew pale with fear.

ROSS What sights, my lord?

SEYTON What sights [do you mean]?

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Shakespeare LADY MACBETH I pray you, speak not. He grows worse and worse.

Question enrages him. At once, good night.

Stand not upon the order of your going, But go at once.

Davenant LADY MACBETH I pray you speak not [to him;] he grows worse and worse; Question enrages him, at once good night: Stand not upon the Order of your going.

LENNOX Good night, and better health Attend his Majesty.

LENOX Good night, and better health attend his Majesty.

LADY MACBETH A kind good night to all.

LADY MACBETH A kind good night to all.

[Exeunt Lords.

Lords and all but Macbeth and Lady Macbeth exit.

MACBETH It will have blood, they say; blood will have blood.

Stones have been known to move, and trees to speak.

Augurs and understood relations have By maggot pies and choughs and rooks brought forth The secret’st man of blood.—What is the night?

MACBETH It will have Blood they say. Blood will have blood.

Stones have been known to move, and Trees to speak.

Augures well read in Languages of Birds

By Magpyes, Rooks, and Dawes, have reveal’d The secret Murther. How goes the night?

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

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

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

MACBETH Why did Macduff after a solemn Invitation, Deny his presence at our Feast?

LADY MACBETH Did you send to him, sir?

LADY MACBETH Did you send to him Sir?

MACBETH I hear it by the way; but I will send.

There’s not a one of them but in his house I keep a servant fee’d. I will tomorrow (And betimes I will) to the Weïrd Sisters.

More shall they speak, for now I am bent to know By the worst means the worst. For mine own good, All causes shall give way. I am in blood Stepped 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 scanned.

MACBETH I did; But I’le send again.

There’s not one great Thane in all Scotland, But in his house I keep a Servant, He and Banquo must embrace the same fate.

I will to morrow to the Weyward Sisters, They shall tell me more ; for now I am bent to know By the worst means, the worst that can befall me: All causes shall give way; I am in Blood Stept in so far, that should I wade no more, Returning were as bad, as to go o’re.

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

LADY MACBETH You lack the season of all Natures, sleep

MACBETH Come, we’ll to sleep. My strange and self-abuse Is the initiate fear that wants hard use.

We are yet but young in deed.

MACBETH Well I’le in And rest; if sleeping I repose can have, When the Dead rise and want it in the Grave.

[Exeunt

They exit.

Scene 5 Thunder. Enter the three Witches, meeting Hecate.

FIRST WITCH Why, how now, Hecate? You look angerly.

HECATE Have I not reason, beldams as you are?

Saucy and overbold, how did you dare To trade and traffic with Macbeth In riddles and affairs of death, And I, the mistress of your charms, The close contriver of all harms, Was never called to bear my part Or show the glory of our art?

And which is worse, all you have done Hath been but for a wayward son, Spiteful and wrathful, who, as others do, Loves for his own ends, not for you.

But make amends now. Get you gone, And at the pit of Acheron Meet me i’ th’ morning. Thither he Will come to know his destiny.

Your vessels and your spells provide, Your charms and everything beside.

I am for th’ air. This night I’ll spend Unto a dismal and a fatal end.

Great business must be wrought ere noon.

Upon the corner of the moon There hangs a vap’rous drop profound.

I’ll catch it ere it come to ground, And that, distilled by magic sleights, Shall raise such artificial sprites As by the strength of their illusion

INTERMISSION Towards the end of the intermission the performance begins again. The orchestra has assembled and the Witches begin to sing and dance. They are aware of the audience and have fun exchanging looks etc.

There is a sense that lightheartedness has returned through the playfulness of this song the inmate performers are enjoying themselves as if they are rehearsing.

Candles and lanterns are replaced as the song continues. The grate to the sewer is removed and becomes the cauldron.

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HECATE 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, security Is mortals’ chiefest enemy.

Music and a song.

Sing within. Come away Heccate, Heccate! Oh come away: HECCATE I come, I come, with all the speed I may, Hecate exits.

With all the speed I may.

Sing within “Come away, come away,” etc. Where’s Stadling?

This song is from Thomas Middleton’s play The Witch (Act 3, scene 3). The first two lines read “Come away!

Come away! / Hecate, Hecate, come away!” Many scholars think that Macbeth 3.5, as well as parts of 4.1, WITCH 2 were written by Middleton, perhaps for a revival of the play later in James’s reign. Here.

Hark! I am called. My little spirit, see, Sits in a foggy cloud and stays for me.

HECCATE Where’s Puckle?

[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] WITCH 3 Here, and Hopper too, and Halway too.

WITCH 1 We want but you, we want but you: Come away make up the Count.

HACCATE I wil but Noint, and then I mount, I will but, ect.

WITCH 1 Here comes down one to fetch his due, a Kiss, A Cull, a sip of blood.

And why thou staist so long, I muse, Since th’ Air’s so sweet and good.

O art thou come; What News?

WITCH 2 All goes fair for our delight, Either come, or else refuse, Now I’m furnish’d for the flight Now I go, and now I flye, Malking my sweet Spirit and I.

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Davenant WITCH 3 O what a dainty pleasure’s this, To sail I’th; Air while the Moon shines fair; To sing, to toy, to Dance and Kiss, Over Woods, high Rocks and Mountains; Over Hills, and misty Fountains: Over Steeples, Towers, and Turrets: We flye by night ‘mongst troops of Spirits.

No Ring of Bells to our Ears sounds, No howles of Wolves, nor Yelps of Hounds; No, nor the noise of Waters breach, Nor Cannons Throats our Height can reach.

FIRST WITCH Come, let’s make haste. She’ll soon be back again.

WITCH 1 Come let us make hast, she’ll soon be back again.

They exit.

WITCH 2 But whilst she moves through the foggy Air, Let’s to the Cave and our dire Charms prepare.

WITCH 3 [No milk mayde yet has bin bedued.]

Scene 6 Enter Lennox and another Lord.

LENNOX My former speeches have but hit your thoughts, Which can interpret farther. Only I say Things have been strangely borne. The gracious Duncan Was pitied of Macbeth; marry, he was dead.

And the right valiant Banquo walked too late, Whom you may say, if ’t please you, Fleance killed, For Fleance fled. Men must not walk too late.

Who cannot want the thought how monstrous It was for Malcolm and for Donalbain To kill their gracious father? Damnèd fact, How it did grieve Macbeth! Did he not straight In pious rage the two delinquents tear That were the slaves of drink and thralls of sleep?

Was not that nobly done? Ay, and wisely, too, For ’twould have angered any heart alive To hear the men deny ’t. So that I say He has borne all things well. And I do think

[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

[Exeunt. ]

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Shakespeare LENNOX 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 failed His presence at the tyrant’s feast, I hear Macduff lives in disgrace. Sir, can you tell Where he bestows himself?

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

LENNOX Sent he to Macduff?

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

LENNOX And that well might Advise him to a caution t’ hold what distance His wisdom can provide. Some holy angel Fly to the court of England and unfold His message ere he come, that a swift blessing

Davenant

[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

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LENNOX May soon return to this our suffering country Under a hand accursed.

LORD I’ll send my prayers with him.

They exit

ACT 4 Scene 1 Thunder. Enter the three Witches.

FIRST WITCH Thrice the brinded cat hath mewed.

WITCH 1 Thrice the brinded Cat hath Mew’d.

SECOND WITCH Thrice, and once the hedge-pig whined.

WITCH 3 Thrice, and once the Hedge-Pig whin’d, Shutting his Eyes against the Wind.

WITCH 2 [Up hollow okes now Emitts clim.]

THIRD WITCH Harpier cries “’Tis time, ’tis time!”

WITCH 3 [And Heccat] cries, tis time, tis time.

FIRST WITCH Round about the cauldron go; In the poisoned entrails throw.

Toad, that under cold stone Days and nights has thirty-one Sweltered venom sleeping got, Boil thou first i’ th’ charmèd pot.

WITCH 1 Then round about the Cauldron go, And poyson’d Entrals throw.

This Toad which under Mossy stone, Has days and nights lain thirty one: And swelter’d Venom sleeping got, We’l boyl in the Inchanted Pot. The Witches circle the cauldron.

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

ALL Doble double, toyl and touble; Fire burn and Cauldron bubble.

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SECOND WITCH Fillet of a fenny snake In the cauldron boil and bake.

Eye of newt and toe of frog, Wool of bat and tongue of dog, Adder’s fork and blindworm’s sting, 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; Fire burn, and cauldron bubble.

THIRD WITCH Scale of dragon, tooth of wolf, Witch’s mummy, maw and gulf Of the ravined salt-sea shark, Root of hemlock digged i’ th’ dark, Liver of blaspheming Jew, Gall of goat and slips of yew Slivered in the moon’s eclipse, Nose of Turk and Tartar’s lips, Finger of birth-strangled babe Ditch-delivered by a drab, Make the gruel thick and slab.

Add thereto a tiger’s chaudron For th’ ingredience of our cauldron.

WITCH 3 The scale of a Dragon, tooth of Wolf, A witches mummy: Maw and Gulf Of Cormorant and the Sea Shark, The root of Hemlock dig’d i’th’ dark.

The liver of blaspheming Jew, With the gall of Goats, and slips of Yew, Pluckt when the Moon was in Eclips, With a Turks nose, and Tarters lips; The finger of a strangl’d Babe Born of a Ditch deliver;d Drab, Shall make the Gruel thick and slab.

Adding thereto a fat Dutchman’s Chawdron.

For the ingredients of our Cawdron.

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

ALL Doble double, toyl and touble; Fire burn and Cauldron bubble.

SECOND WITCH Cool it with a baboon’s blood.

Then the charm is firm and good.

WITCH 2 I’le cool it with a Baboones blood, And so the Charm is firm and good.

Enter Heccate and the other three Witches.

Musick and Song.

HECCATE Black Spirits, and white, Red spirits and gray, Mingle, mingle, mingle, You that mingle may.

Enter Hecate to the other three Witches.

HECATE O, well done! I commend your pains, And everyone shall share i’ th’ gains.

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,” etc. Hecate exits.

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Davenant WITCH 1 Tiffin, Tiffin, keep it stiff in.

WITCH 2 Fire drake Puckey, make it luckey: HECCATE Lyer Robin, you must bob in, ALL A round, a round, a round, about, about, All ill come running in, all good keep out.

WITCH 1 Here’s the blood of Bat!

[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

HECCATE O put in that, put in that.

WITCH 2 Here’s Lizards brain.

HECCATE Put in a grain.

WITCH 1 Here’s Juice of Toad, here’s oyl of the Adder That will make the Charm grow madder.

WITCH 2 Put in all these,’twill raise the stanch.

HECCATe Nay here’s three ownces of a red-hair’d Wench.

ALL A round, a round ect.

SECOND WITCH By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes.

Open, locks, Whoever knocks.

WITCH 2 I by the pricking of my Thumbs, Know something Wicked this way comes, Open Locks, whoever knocks.

Enter Macbeth.

Enter Macbeth.

69

Shakespeare MACBETH How now, you secret, black, and midnight hags?

What is ’t you do?

MACBETH How now you Secret, black and midnight Haggs, What are you doing?

ALL A deed without a name.

ALL A deed without a name.

MACBETH I conjure you by that which you profess (Howe’er you come to know it), answer me.

Though you untie the winds and let them fight Against the churches, though the yeasty waves Confound and swallow navigation up, Though bladed corn be lodged and trees blown down, Though castles topple on their warders’ heads, Though palaces and pyramids do slope Their heads to their foundations, though the treasure Of nature’s germens tumble all together Even till destruction sicken, answer me To what I ask you.

MACBETH I conjure you by that which you profess.

How e’re you come to know it, answer me.

FIRST WITCH Speak.

WITCH 1 Speak.

SECOND WITCH Demand.

WITCH 2 Demand.

THIRD WITCH We’ll answer.

WITCH 3 I’le answer thee.

FIRST WITCH Say if th’ hadst rather hear it from our mouths Or from our masters’.

MACBETH Call ’em. Let me see ’em.

FIRST WITCH Pour in sow’s blood that hath eaten Her nine farrow; grease that’s sweaten From the murderers’ gibbet throw Into the flame.

Davenant

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ALL Come high or low; Thyself and office deftly show.

Thunder. First Apparition, an Armed Head.

MACBETH Tell me, thou unknown power—

MACBETH What Destinie’s appointed for my Fate?

FIRST WITCH He knows thy thought.

Hear his speech but say thou naught.

FIRST APPARITION Macbeth! Macbeth! Macbeth! Beware Macduff!

Beware the Thane of Fife! Dismiss me. Enough.

MACBETH Whate’er thou art, for thy good caution, thanks.

Thou hast harped my fear aright. But one word more—

HECCATE Thou double Thane and King; beware Macduff: He descends. Avoiding him, Macbeth is safe enough.

MACBETH What e’re thou art for thy kind Caution, Thanks.

FIRST WITCH He will not be commanded. Here’s another More potent than the first.

Thunder. Second Apparition, a Bloody Child.

SECOND APPARITION Macbeth! Macbeth! Macbeth!— MACBETH Had I three ears, I’d hear thee.

SECOND APPARITION Be bloody, bold, and resolute. Laugh to scorn The power of man, for none of woman born Shall harm Macbeth.

He descends.

HECCATE Be bold and bloody, and man’s hatred scorn, Thou shalt be harm’d by none of Woman born.

MACBETH Then live, Macduff; what need I fear of thee?

But yet I’ll make assurance double sure And take a bond of fate. Thou shalt not live, That I may tell pale-hearted fear it lies, And sleep in spite of thunder.

Thunder. Third Apparition, a Child Crowned, with a tree in his hand.

MACBETH Then live Macduff; what need I fear thy power: But none can be too sure, thou shalt not live, That I may tell pale hearted fear it lies, And sleep in spite of Thunder.

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

ALL Listen but speak not to ’t.

THIRD APPARITION Be lion-mettled, proud, and take no care Who chafes, who frets, or where conspirers are.

Macbeth shall never vanquished be until Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill Shall come against him.

He descends.

HECCATE Macbeth shall like a luck Monarch Raign, Till Birnam Wood shall come to Dunsinane.

MACBETH That will never be.

Who can impress the forest, bid the tree Unfix his earthbound root? Sweet bodements, good!

Rebellious dead, rise never till the Wood Of Birnam rise, and our high-placed Macbeth Shall live the lease of nature, pay his breath To time and mortal custom. Yet my heart Throbs to know one thing. Tell me, if your art Can tell so much: shall Banquo’s issue ever Reign in this kingdom?

MACBETH Can Forrests move? The Prophesie is good, If I shall never fall till the great Wood Of Birnam rise; Yet my heart Longs for more Knowledge: tell me if your Art Extends so far: shall Banquo’s Issue o’re This Kingdom raign?

ALL Seek to know no more.

ALL Enquire no more.

MACBETH I will be satisfied. Deny me this, And an eternal curse fall on you! Let me know!

MACBETH I will not be deny’d. Ha! An eternal Curse fall on you; let me know Cauldron sinks. Hautboys.

Why sinks that cauldron? And what noise is this?

FIRST WITCH Show.

WITCH 1 Appear.

SECOND WITCH Show.

WITCH 2 Appear.

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THIRD WITCH Show.

WITCH 3 Appear.

ALL Show his eyes and grieve his heart.

Come like shadows; so depart.

WITCH 1 Wound through his eyes, his harden’d heart.

Like Shaddows come, and straight depart.

Witches Exit

A show of eight kings, the eighth king with a glass in his hand, and Banquo last.

MACBETH Thou art too like the spirit of Banquo. Down!

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!

What, will the line stretch out to th’ 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 twofold balls and treble scepters carry.

Horrible sight! Now I see ’tis true, For the blood-boltered Banquo smiles upon me And points at them for his.

MACBETH Thy Crown offends my sight, a second too Like the first. A third resembles him: A fourth too like the former: Ye filthy Hags, Will they succeed each other still till Dooms-day Another yet; a seventh? I’ll see no more: And yet the eigth appears.

Ha! The bloody Banquo smiles upon me, And by his smiling on me, seems to say That they are all Successors of his race. where are they? Gone?

Let this pernicious hour stand Accurs’d to all eternity. Without there.

Enter Seyton.

The Apparitions disappear.

What, is this so?

FIRST WITCH Ay, sir, all this is so. But why Stands Macbeth thus amazedly?

Come, sisters, cheer we up his sprites And show the best of our delights.

I’ll charm the air to give a sound While you perform your antic round, That this great king may kindly say Our duties did his welcome pay.

Music. The Witches dance and vanish.

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

Enter Lennox.

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LENNOX What’s your Grace’s will?

SEYTON What’s your Graces will?

MACBETH Saw you the Weïrd Sisters?

MACBETH Saw you the Wayward sisters?

LENNOX No, my lord.

SEYTON No my Lord.

MACBETH Came they not by you?

MACBETH Came they not by you?

LENNOX No, indeed, my lord.

SEYTON By me Sir?

MACBETH Infected be the air whereon they ride, And damned all those that trust them! I did hear The galloping of horse. Who was ’t came by?

MACBETH My thoughts shall henceforth into Actions rise, The Witches made me cruel, but not wise.

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

MACBETH Fled to England?

[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

LENNOX Ay, my good lord.

MACBETH, aside Time, thou anticipat’st my dread exploits.

The flighty purpose never is o’ertook Unless the deed go with it. From this moment The very firstlings of my heart shall be The firstlings of my hand. And even now, To crown my thoughts with acts, be it thought and done: The castle of Macduff I will surprise, Seize upon Fife, give to th’ edge o’ th’ sword His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls That trace him in his line. No boasting like a fool; This deed I’ll do before this purpose cool.

But no more sights!—Where are these gentlemen?

Come bring me where they are.

They exit

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Shakespeare Scene 2 Enter Macduff’s Wife, her Son, and Ross.

Davenant Scene 2 Enter Macduff’s Wife and Lenox

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

LADY MACDUFF I then was frighted with the sad alarm Of Banquo’s Death, when I did counsel him What had he done to leave the Land? Macbeth Did know him Innocent.

ROSS You must have patience, madam.

LENOX You must have patience Madam.

LADY MACDUFF He had none.

His flight was madness. When our actions do not, Our fears do make us traitors.

LADY MACDUFF He had none.

His flight was madness. When out Actions do not, Our fears oft make us Traytors.

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

LENOX You know not weather it was his Wisdom or his Fear.

LADY MACDUFF Wisdom? To leave his wife, to leave his babes, His mansion and his titles in a place From whence himself does fly? He loves us not; He wants the natural touch; for the poor wren, The most diminutive of birds, will fight, Her young ones in her nest, against the owl.

All is the fear, and nothing is the love, As little is the wisdom, where the flight So runs against all reason.

LADY MACDUFF Wisdom? To leave his Wife and Children in a place From whence himself did fly; he loves us not.

He wants the natural touch: for the poor Wren (The most diminutive of Birds) will with The Ravenous Owl, fight stoutly for her young ones.

ROSS My dearest coz, I pray you school yourself. But for your husband, He is noble, wise, judicious, and best knows The fits o’ th’ season. I dare not speak much further; But cruel are the times when we are traitors And do not know ourselves; when we hold rumor From what we fear, yet know not what we fear, But float upon a wild and violent sea Each way and move—I take my leave of you.

Shall not be long but I’ll be here again.

LENOX Your Husband, Madam, Is Noble, Wise, Judicious, and best knows The fits o’th’ Season. I dare not speak much further, But cruel are the Times; when we are Traytors, And do not know our selves: when we hold Rumor, From what we fear, yet know not what we fear; But float upon a wild and violent Sea Each way, and move. I take my leave of you: ‘T shall not be long but I’ll be here again.

Things at the worst will cease, or else climb upwards To what they were before. Heaven protect you.

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Shakespeare ROSS Things at the worst will cease or else climb upward To what they were before.—My pretty cousin, Blessing upon you.

Davenant Exit Lennox, Enter Seyton.

LADY MACDUFF Fathered he is, and yet he’s fatherless.

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

I take my leave at once.

Ross exits.

LADY MACDUFF Sirrah, your father’s dead.

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

SON As birds do, mother.

LADY MACDUFF What, with worms and flies?

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

LADY MACDUFF Poor bird, thou ’dst never fear the net nor lime, The pitfall nor the gin.

SON Why should I, mother? Poor birds they are not set for.

My father is not dead, for all your saying.

LADY MACDUFF Yes, he is dead. How wilt thou do for a father?

SON Nay, how will you do for a husband?

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

[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

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SON Then you’ll buy ’em to sell again.

LADY MACDUFF Thou speak’st with all thy wit, And yet, i’ faith, with wit enough for thee.

SON Was my father a traitor, mother?

LADY MACDUFF Ay, that he was.

SON What is a traitor?

LADY MACDUFF Why, one that swears and lies.

SON And be all traitors that do so?

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

[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] SON And must they all be hanged that swear and lie?

LADY MACDUFF Every one.

SON Who must hang them?

LADY MACDUFF Why, the honest men.

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

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LADY MACDUFF 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.

LADY MACDUFF Poor prattler, how thou talk’st!

Enter a Messenger.

MESSENGER Bless you, fair dame. I am not to you known, Though in your state of honor I am perfect.

I doubt some danger does approach you nearly.

If you will take a homely man’s advice, Be not found here. Hence with your little ones!

To fright you thus methinks I am too savage; To do worse to you were fell cruelty, Which is too nigh your person. Heaven preserve you!

I dare abide no longer.

Messenger exits.

SEYTON Though I have not the honour to be known To you, Yet I was well acquainted with The Lord Macduff which brings me here to tell you There’s danger near you, be not found here, Fly with your little ones; Heaven preserve you, I dare stay no longer. [Exit Seyton.

LADY MACDUFF Whither should I fly?

I have done no harm. But I remember now I am in this earthly world, where to do harm Is often laudable, to do good sometime Accounted dangerous folly. Why then, alas, Do I put up that womanly defense To say I have done no harm?

LADY MACDUFF Where shall I go, and whither shall I fly?

I’ve done no harm; But I remember now I’m in a vicious world, where to do harm Is often prosperous, and to do good Accounted dangerous folly; why do I then Make use of this so womanly defence?

I’le boldly in, and dare this new Alarm: What need they fear whom Innocense doth arm?

Enter Murderers.

What are these faces?

MURDERER Where is your husband?

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

MURDERER He’s a traitor.

[Exit.

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SON Thou liest, thou shag-eared villain!

MURDERER What, you egg?

Stabbing him. Young fry of treachery!

SON He has killed me, mother.

Run away, I pray you.

Lady Macduff exits, crying “Murder!” followed by the Murderers bearing the Son’s body.

Scene 3 Enter Malcolm and Macduff.

Scene 3 The Scene Birnam Wood Enter Malcolm and Macduff

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

MACDUFF In these close shades let us Weep our sad Bosoms empty.

MACDUFF Let us rather Hold fast the mortal sword and, like good men, Bestride our downfall’n birthdom. Each new morn New widows howl, new orphans cry, new sorrows Strike heaven on the face, that it resounds As if it felt with Scotland, and yelled out Like syllable of dolor.

MALCOLM You’l think my Fortunes desperate, That I dare meet you here upon yours summons.

MALCOLM What I believe, I’ll wail; What know, believe; and what I can redress, As I shall find the time to friend, I will.

What you have spoke, it may be so, perchance.

This tyrant, whose sole name blisters our tongues, Was once thought honest. You have loved him well.

He hath not touched you yet. I am young, but something You may deserve of him through me, and wisdom To offer up a weak, poor, innocent lamb T’ appease an angry god.

MACDUFF You should now Take Arms to save your Country. Each new day New Widows mourn, new Orphans cry, and still Changes of sorrow reach attentive Heaven.

MALCOLM This tirant whose Name blisters our Tongues, Was once thought honest. You have lov’d him well.

He has not toucht you yet.

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MACDUFF I am not treacherous.

MACDUFF I am not treacherous.

MALCOLM But Macbeth is.

A good and virtuous nature may recoil In an imperial charge. But I shall crave your pardon.

That which you are, my thoughts cannot transpose.

Angels are bright still, though the brightest fell.

Though all things foul would wear the brows of grace, Yet grace must still look so.

MALCOLM But Macbeth is, and yet Macduff may be What I did always think him, just, and good.

MACDUFF I have lost my hopes.

MACDUFF I have lost my hopes.

MALCOLM Perchance even there where I did find my doubts.

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

MALCOLM Perhaps even there where I did find my doubts; But not let Jealousies be your Dishonours, But my own safeties.

MACDUFF Bleed, bleed, poor country!

Great tyranny, lay thou thy basis sure, For goodness dare not check thee. Wear thou thy wrongs; The title is affeered.—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.

MACDUFF Bleed, Bleed, poor Country.

Great Tiranny, lay thy Foundation sure, Villains are safe when good men are suspected.

I’le say no more. Fare thee well young Prince, I would not be that Traytor which thou thinkst me For twice Macbeths reward of Treachery.

MALCOLM Be not offended.

I speak not as in absolute fear of you.

I think our country sinks beneath the yoke.

It weeps, it bleeds, and each new day a gash Is added to her wounds. I think withal There would be hands uplifted in my right; And here from gracious England have I offer

MALCOLM Be not offended: I speak not as in absolute fear of you: I think your Countrey sinks beneath the Yoak, It weeps, it bleeds, and each new day a gash Is added to her wounds. I think withall That many hands would in my Cause be active.

And here from gracious England have I offer Of goodly Thousands. But for all this,

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Shakespeare MALCOLM Of goodly thousands. But, for all this, When I shall tread upon the tyrant’s head Or wear it on my sword, yet my poor country Shall have more vices than it had before, More suffer, and more sundry ways than ever, By him that shall succeed.

Davenant MALCOLM When I shall tread upon the Tirants head, Or wear it on my Sword; yet my poor Country Will suffer under greater Tiranny Than what it suffers now.

MACDUFF What should he be?

MACDUFF It cannot be.

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

MALCOLM Alsa I find my Nature so inclin’d To Vice, that foul Macbeth when I shallrule.

Will seem as white as Snow.

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

MACDUFF There cannot in all ransack Hell be found A devil equal to Macbeth.

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

MALCOLM I grant him bloody, false, deceiptful, malitious, And participating in some sins to horrid to name; But there’s no bottom, no depths in my ill appetite, If such a one be fit to govern, speak?

MACDUFF Boundless intemperance In nature is a tyranny. It hath been Th’ untimely emptying of the happy throne And fall of many kings. But fear not yet To take upon you what is yours. You may Convey your pleasures in a spacious plenty And yet seem cold—the time you may so hoodwink.

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Shakespeare MACDUFF We have willing dames enough. There cannot be That vulture in you to devour so many As will to greatness dedicate themselves, Finding it so inclined.

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

Davenant

[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

MACDUFF This avarice Sticks deeper, grows with more pernicious root Than summer-seeming lust, and it hath been The sword of our slain kings. Yet do not fear.

Scotland hath foisons to fill up your will Of your mere own. All these are portable, With other graces weighed.

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

MACDUFF O Scotland, Scotland!

MALCOLM If such a one be fit to govern, speak.

I am as I have spoken.

MACDUFF O Scotland, Scotland, when shalt thou see day again?

Since that the truest Issue of thy Throne, Disclaims his Virtue to avoid the Crown?

Your Royal Father was a most Saint-like King; The Queen that bore thee, Oftner upon her Knees,

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MACDUFF Fit to govern?

No, not to live.—O nation miserable, With an untitled tyrant bloody-sceptered, When shalt thou see thy wholesome days again, Since that the truest issue of thy throne By his own interdiction stands accursed And does blaspheme his breed?—Thy royal father Was a most sainted king. The queen that bore thee, Oft’ner upon her knees than on her feet, Died every day she lived. Fare thee well.

These evils thou repeat’st upon thyself Hath banished me from Scotland.—O my breast, Thy hope ends here!

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

Now we’ll together, and the chance of goodness Be like our warranted quarrel. Why are you silent?

Davenant MACDUFF Than on her Feet Dy’d every day she liv’d.

Fare thee well, these Evils thou repeast’st Upon they self, hath banisht me from Scotland.

O my breast! Thy hope ends here.

MALCOLM 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. Macbeth By many of these Trains hath sought to win me Into his Power: and modest wisdom plucks me From over-credulous haste. But now I put my self to thy direction, and Unspeak my own Detraction. I abjure The taunts and blames I laid upon my self, For strangers to my Nature. What I am truly Is thine, and my poor Countreys to command.

The gracious Edward has lent us Seymour, And ten thousand Men. Why are you silent?

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Davenant

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

MACDUFF Such welcom and unwelcom things at once Are Subjects for my Wonder not my Speech, My grief and Joy contesting in my bosom, I find that I can scarce my tongue command, When two Streams meet the Water’s at a stand.

Enter a Doctor.

MALCOLM Well, more anon.— Comes the King forth, I pray you?

DOCTOR Ay, sir. There are a crew of wretched souls That stay his cure. Their malady convinces The great assay of art, but at his touch (Such sanctity hath heaven given his hand) They presently amend.

MALCOLM I thank you, doctor.

Doctor exits.

MACDUFF What’s the disease he means?

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

Enter Ross.

MALCOLM Assistance granted by that pious King Must be successful, he who by his touch, Can cure our Bodies of a foul Disease, Can by just force subdue a Traitors Mind, Power supernatural is unconfin’d.

MACDUFF If his Compassion does on Men Diseas’d Effect such Cures; what Wonders will he do, When to Compassion he ads Justice too?

[Exeunt.

Scene 4 Enter Macbeth and Seyton MACBETH Seyton, go bid the Army March.

SEYTON The posture of Affairs requires your Presence.

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Davenant MACBETH But the Indosposition of my Wife Detains me here.

SEYTON Th’Enemy is upon our borders, Scotland’s in danger.

MACBETH So is my Wife, and I am doubly so.

I am sick in her, and in my Kingdom too.

Seyton.

SEYTON Sir. MACBETH The Spur of my Ambition prompts me to go And make my Kingdom safe, but Love which softens Me to pity her in her distress, Curbs my Resolves.

SEYTON He’s strangely disorder’d.

MACBETH Yet why should Love since confin’d, desire To control Ambition, for whose spreading hopes The world’s too narrow, it shall not; Great Fires Put out the Less; Seyton go bid my Grooms Make ready; I’le not delay my going.

SEYTON I go.

MACBETH Stay Seyton, stay, Compassion calls me back.

[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] SEYTON He looks and moves disorderly.

MACBETH I’le not go yet.

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Davenant SEYTON Well Sir. MACBETH Is the Queen asleep?

Seyton, go see what posture our Affairs are in.

SEYTON I shall, and give you notice Sir. [Exit Seyton.

Enter Lady Macbeth MACBETH How does my Gentle Love?

LADY MACBETH Duncan is dead.

MACBETH No words of that.

LADY MACBETH And yet to Me he Lives.

His fatal Ghost is now my shadow, and pursues me Where e’re I go.

MACBETH It cannot be My Dear, Your Fears have misinform’d your eyes.

LADY MACBETH See there; Believe your own.

Why do you follow Me? I did not do it.

MACBETH Methinks there’s nothing.

[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

LADY MACBETH If you have Valour force him hence.

Hold, hold, he’s gone. Now you look strangely.

MACBETH ‘Tis the strange error of your Eyes.

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Davenant LADY MACBETH But the strange error of my Eyes Proceeds from the strange Actions of your Hands.

Distraction does by fits possess my head, Because a Crown unjustly covers it.

I stand so high that I am giddy grown.

Amist does cover me, as Clouds the tops Of Hills. Let us get down apace.

MACBETH If by your high ascent you giddy grow, ‘Tis when you cast your Eyes on things below.

LADY MACBETH You may in Peace resign the ill gain’d Crown.

Why should you labour still to be unjust?

There has been too much Blood already spilt.

Make not the Subjects Victims to your guilt.

MACBETH Can you think that a crime, which you did once Provoke me to commit? had not your breath Blown my Ambition up into a Flame Duncan had yet been living.

LADY MACBETH You were a Man. And by the Charter of your Sex you shou’d Have govern’d me, there was more crime in you When you obey’d my Councels, then I contracted By my giving it. Resign your Kingdom now, And with your Crown put off your guilt.

MACBETH Resign the Crown, and with it both our Lives.

I must have better Councellors.

[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

LADY MACBETH What, your Witches?

Curse on your Messengers of Hell. Their Breath Infected first my Breast: See me no more.

As King your Crown sits heavy on your Head., But heavier on my Heart: I have had too much Of Kings already. See the Ghost again.

[Ghost appears.

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Davenant MACBETH Now she relapses.

LADY MACBETH Speak to him if thou canst.

Thou look’st on me, and shew’st thy wounded breast.

Shew it to the Murderer.

Am I ta’ne Prisoner? Then the Battle’s lost [Exit. Lady Macbeth MACBETH She does from Duncans death to sickness grieve, And shall from Malcolms death her health receive.

When by a Viper bitten, nothing’s good To cure the venom but the Vipers blood.

[Exit.

Scene 5 Enter Malcolm, Macduff; and Lenox.

MACDUFF See who comes here.

MACDUFF See who comes here!

My ever gentle Couzin! Welcome.

MALCOLM My countryman, but yet I know him not.

MACDUFF My ever-gentle cousin, welcome hither.

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

MALCOLM I know him now. Kind Heaven remove The Means that makes us strangers.

ROSS Sir, amen.

LENOX Amen.

MACDUFF Stands Scotland where it did?

MACDUFF What looks does Scotland bear?

ROSS Alas, poor country, Almost afraid to know itself. It cannot Be called our mother, but our grave, where nothing But who knows nothing is once seen to smile;

LENOX Alas poor Countrey, Almost afraid to know it self. It can’t Be call’d our Mother but our Grave; where nothing, But who knows nothing is once seen to smile?

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Shakespeare ROSS Where sighs and groans and shrieks that rent the air Are made, not marked; where violent sorrow seems A modern ecstasy. The dead man’s knell Is there scarce asked for who, and good men’s lives Expire before the flowers in their caps, Dying or ere they sicken.

Davenant LENOX Where sighs, and groans , and shrieks that rend the air, Are made, not mark’d, where violent sorrows seems A Modern Extasie: there Bells Are always ringing, and no Man asks for whom; There good Mens lives expire, Dying e’re they sicken.

[Though what I have related, Sir, seems strange, My feare does make it probable.]

MACDUFF O relation too nice and yet too true!

MACDUFF Oh Relation! Too nice, and yet too true.

MALCOLM What’s the newest grief?

MALCOLM What is the newest grief?

ROSS That of an hour’s age doth hiss the speaker.

Each minute teems a new one.

LENOX That of an hours age is out of date, Each Minute brings a new one.

MACDUFF How does my wife?

MACDUFF How does my Wife?

ROSS Why, well.

LENOX Why well.

MACDUFF And all my children?

MACDUFF And all my Children?

ROSS Well too.

LENOX Well too.

MACDUFF The tyrant has not battered at their peace?

MACDUFF The Tirant has not quarrell’d at their peace?

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

LENOX No, they were well at peace when I left’em.

MACDUFF Be not a niggard of your speech. How goes ’t?

MACDUFF Be not sparing of your speech. How goe’st?

ROSS When I came hither to transport the tidings Which I have heavily borne, there ran a rumor Of many worthy fellows that were out;

LENOX When I came hither to transport the tidings, Which I have heavily born, there ran a rumour Of many Worthy Men that rose into a head,

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Davenant

ROSS Which was to my belief witnessed the rather For that I saw the tyrant’s power afoot.

Now is the time of help. Your eye in Scotland Would create soldiers, make our women fight To doff their dire distresses.

LENOX Now is the time of help; your Eye in Scotland Would create Soldiers, and make Women fight.

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

MALCOLM Be’t their Comfort, We are coming thither: Gracious England Hath lent us ten thousand Men.

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

LENOX Wou’d I cou’d answer this comfort with the like; But I have words, That would be utter’d in the desart air, Where no Mans ear should hear’em.

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

MACDUFF What concern they? the general cause, Or is’t a grief due to some single breast?

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

LENOX All honest Minds must share in’t But the main part pertains to you alone.

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

MACDUFF If it be mine, keep it not from Me.

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

LENOX Let not your ears condemn my tongue for ever, When it shall possess them with the heaviest sound That ever yet they heard.

MACDUFF Hum! I guess at it.

MACDUFF At once I guess, yet am afraid to know.

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Davenant

ROSS Your castle is surprised, your wife and babes Savagely slaughtered. To relate the manner Were on the quarry of these murdered deer To add the death of you.

LENOX Your Castle is surpriz’d, your Wife and Children Savagely murder’d: to relate the Manner, Were to increase the Butchery of them, By adding to their fall the Death of You.

MALCOLM Merciful heaven!— What, man, ne’er pull your hat upon your brows.

Give sorrow words. The grief that does not speak Whispers the o’erfraught heart and bids it break.

MALCOLM Merciful Heaven! Noble Macduff Give sorrow words; the grief that does not speak, Whispers the o’re charg’d heart, and bids it break.

MACDUFF My children too?

MACDUFF My Children too?

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

LENOX Your Wife, and both your Children.

MACDUFF And I must be from thence? My wife killed too?

MACDUFF And I am not with them dead? Both my children Did you say; my Wife too?

ROSS I have said.

LENOX I have said.

MALCOLM Be comforted.

Let’s make us med’cines of our great revenge To cure this deadly grief.

MALCOLM Be comforted; Let’s make us Cordials of our great revenge, To cure this deadly Grief.

MACDUFF He has no children. All my pretty ones?

Did you say “all”? O hell-kite! All? What, all my pretty chickens and their dam At one fell swoop?

MACDUFF He has no Children, nor can he feel A fathers Grief: Did you say all my Children?

Oh hellish ravenous Kite! All three at one swoop!

MALCOLM Dispute it like a man.

MALCOLM Dispute it like a Man,

MACDUFF I shall do so, But I must also feel it as a man.

I cannot but remember such things were That were most precious to me. Did heaven look on

MACDUFF I shall.

But I must first too feel it as a Man. I cannot but remember such things were, And were most precious to me: Did Heaven look on,

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Shakespeare MACDUFF And would not take their part? Sinful Macduff, They were all struck for thee! Naught that I am, Not for their own demerits, but for mine, Fell slaughter on their souls. Heaven rest them now.

Davenant MACDUFF And would not take their part? sinful Macduff, They were all struck for thee; for thee they fell: Not for their own offences; but for thine.

MALCOLM Be this the whetstone of your sword. Let grief Convert to anger. Blunt not the heart; enrage it.

MALCOLM Let this give Edges to our Swords; let griefe Convert to anger, let your tears become Oyl to our kindled Rage.

MACDUFF O, I could play the woman with mine eyes And braggart with my tongue! But, gentle heavens, Cut short all intermission! Front to front Bring thou this fiend of Scotland and myself.

Within my sword’s length set him. If he ’scape, Heaven forgive him too.

MACDUFF Oh I could play the Woman with my Eyes, And the brag[gart] with my tongue; kind Heavens Bring this Dire Fiend of Scotland, and my self [But] face to face, and set him within the reach Of my keen Sword. And if he outlives that [minute] May Heaven forgive his sins, and punish Me For his escape.

MALCOLM This tune goes manly.

Come, go we to the King. Our power is ready; Our lack is nothing but our leave. Macbeth Is ripe for shaking, and the powers above Put on their instruments. Receive what cheer you may.

The night is long that never finds the day.

MALCOLM Let’s hasten to the Army, since Macbeth Is ripe for fall.

MACDUFF Heaven give our quarrel but as good success As it hath Justice in’t: Kind Powers above Grant Peace to us, whilst we take his away; They exit. The Night is long that never finds a Day. [Exeunt.

ACT 5

Scene 1 Enter a Doctor of Physic and a Waiting-Gentlewoman.

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

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Shakespeare GENTLEWOMAN Since his Majesty went into the field, I have seen her rise from her bed, throw her nightgown upon her, unlock her closet, take forth paper, fold it, write upon ’t, read it, afterwards seal it, and again return to bed; yet all this while in a most fast sleep.

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

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

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

GENTLEWOMAN Neither to you nor anyone, having no witness to confirm my speech.

Enter Lady Macbeth with a taper.

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

DOCTOR How came she by that light?

GENTLEWOMAN Why, it stood by her. She has light by her continually. ’Tis her command.

DOCTOR You see her eyes are open.

GENTLEWOMAN Ay, but their sense are shut.

Davenant

[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

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

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

LADY MACBETH Yet here’s a spot.

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

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

DOCTOR Do you mark that?

LADY MACBETH The Thane of Fife had a wife. Where is she now? What, will these hands ne’er be clean? No more o’ that, my lord, no more o’ that. You mar all with this starting.

DOCTOR Go to, go to. You have known what you should not.

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

ACT 5 Scene 1 Enter Lady Macbeth LADY MACBETH Yet out, out here’s a spot.

Out, out, I say. One, two: Nay then ‘tis time To do’t: Fy my Lord, fy, a Soldier and affraid?

What need we fear? who knows it?

There’s none dares call our Power to account: Yet who would have thought the old Man had So much Blood in him.

Macduff had once a Wife; where is she now?

What, will these Hands n’ere be clean? Fy my Lord, You spoil all with this starting: Yet here’s The smell of blood; not all the perfumes of Arabia Will sweeten this little Hand. Oh, Oh, Oh. [Exeunt.

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Shakespeare LADY MACBETH Here’s the smell of the blood still. All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand. O, O, O!

Davenant

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

[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] GENTLEWOMAN I would not have such a heart in my bosom for the dignity of the whole body.

DOCTOR Well, well, well.

GENTLEWOMAN Pray God it be, sir.

DOCTOR This disease is beyond my practice. Yet I have known those which have walked in their sleep, who have died holily in their beds.

LADY MACBETH Wash your hands. Put on your nightgown.

Look not so pale. I tell you yet again, Banquo’s buried; he cannot come out on ’s grave.

DOCTOR Even so?

LADY MACBETH To bed, to bed. There’s knocking at the gate. Come, come, come, come. Give me your hand. What’s done cannot be undone. To bed, to bed, to bed.

Lady Macbeth exits.

DOCTOR Will she go now to bed?

GENTLEWOMAN Directly.

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Shakespeare DOCTOR Foul whisp’rings are abroad. Unnatural deeds Do breed unnatural troubles. Infected minds To their deaf pillows will discharge their secrets.

More needs she the divine than the physician.

God, God forgive us all. Look after her.

Remove from her the means of all annoyance And still keep eyes upon her. So, good night.

My mind she has mated, and amazed my sight.

I think but dare not speak.

Davenant

[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

GENTLEWOMAN Good night, good doctor.

They exit.

Scene 2 Drum and Colors. Enter Menteith, Caithness, Angus, Lennox, and Soldiers.

MENTEITH The English power is near, led on by Malcolm, His uncle Siward, and the good Macduff.

Revenges burn in them, for their dear causes Would to the bleeding and the grim alarm Excite the mortified man.

ANGUS Near Birnam Wood Shall we well meet them. That way are they coming.

CAITHNESS Who knows if Donalbain be with his brother?

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

MENTEITH What does the tyrant?

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CAITHNESS Great Dunsinane he strongly fortifies.

Some say he’s mad; others that lesser hate him Do call it valiant fury. But for certain He cannot buckle his distempered cause Within the belt of rule.

ANGUS Now does he feel His secret murders sticking on his hands.

Now minutely revolts upbraid his faith-breach.

Those he commands move only in command, Nothing in love. Now does he feel his title Hang loose about him, like a giant’s robe Upon a dwarfish thief.

[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

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

CAITHNESS Well, march we on To give obedience where ’tis truly owed.

Meet we the med’cine of the sickly weal, And with him pour we in our country’s purge Each drop of us.

LENNOX Or so much as it needs To dew the sovereign flower and drown the weeds.

Make we our march towards Birnam.

They exit marching.

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Shakespeare Scene 3 Enter Macbeth, the Doctor, and Attendants.

MACBETH Bring me no more reports. Let them fly all.

Till Birnam Wood remove to Dunsinane I cannot taint with fear. What’s the boy Malcolm?

Was he not born of woman? The spirits that know All mortal consequences have pronounced me thus: “Fear not, Macbeth. No man that’s born of woman Shall e’er have power upon thee.” Then fly, false thanes, And mingle with the English epicures.

The mind I sway by and the heart I bear Shall never sag with doubt nor shake with fear.

Davenant Scene 3 Enter Macbeth and Witches.

MACBETH Bring me no more Reports: Let’em flie all Till Birnam Wood remove to Dunsinane I cannot fear. What’s the Boy Malcolm? What Are all the English? Are they not of Women Born? And t’all such I am Invincible.

Then flie false Thanes, By your Revolt you have inflam’d my Rage, And now have Borrowed English Blood to quench it.

Enter Seyton Now Friend, what means thy change of Countenance?

Enter Servant.

The devil damn thee black, thou cream-faced loon!

Where got’st thou that goose-look?

SERVANT There is ten thousand—

SEYTON There are Ten Thousand, Sir.

MACBETH Geese, villain?

MACBETH What, Ghosts?

SERVANT Soldiers, sir.

SEYTON No, Armed men.

MACBETH Go prick thy face and over-red thy fear, Thou lily-livered boy. What soldiers, patch?

Death of thy soul! Those linen cheeks of thine Are counselors to fear. What soldiers, whey-face?

MACBETH But such as shall be Ghost e’re it be Night.

Art thou turn’d Coward, since I made thee Captain: Go Blush away thy Paleness, I am sure Thy Hands are of another Colour; thou hast Hands Of Blood, but Looks of Milk.

SERVANT The English force, so please you.

SEYTON The English Forces so please you

MACBETH Take thy face hence.

Servant exits.

Seyton!—I am sick at heart When I behold—Seyton, I say!—This push

MACBETH Take thy Face hence.

He has Infected me with Fear: I am sure to die by none of Woman born.

Exit Seyton

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Shakespeare MACBETH Will cheer me ever or disseat me now.

I have lived long enough. My way of life Is fall’n into the sere, the yellow leaf, And that which should accompany old age, As honor, love, obedience, troops of friends, I must not look to have, but in their stead Curses, not loud but deep, mouth-honor, breath Which the poor heart would fain deny and dare not.— Seyton!

Davenant MACBETH And yet the English Drums beat an Alarm, As fatal to my Life as are the Crokes Of Ravens, when they Flutter about the Windows Of Departing men. My hopes are great, and yet Me-thinks I fear; My Subjects cry out Curses On my Name, which like a North-wind seems To blast my Hopes.

Enter Seyton What News more?

Enter Seyton.

SEYTON What’s your gracious pleasure?

MACBETH What news more?

SEYTON All is confirmed, my lord, which was reported.

SEYTON All’s confirm’d my Leige, that was Reported.

MACBETH I’ll fight till from my bones my flesh be hacked.

Give me my armor.

MACBETH And my resolves in spite of Fate shall be as firm.

Send out more Horse; and Scour the Country round.

How do’s my Wife?

SEYTON ’Tis not needed yet.

MACBETH I’ll put it on.

Send out more horses. Skirr the country round.

Hang those that talk of fear. Give me mine armor.— How does your patient, doctor?

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

SEYTON Not so Sick, my Lord, as She is Troubled With disturbing Fancies, that keep Her from Her rest.

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Davenant

MACBETH Cure her of that.

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

MACBETH And I, me-thinks, am Sick of her Disease: Wou’d she were well, I’de quickly win the Field.

Stay Seyton, stay, I’le bear you company, The English cannot long maintain the Fight; They come not here to Kill, but to be Slain; Send out our Scouts.

SEYTON Sir, I am gone.

Aside] Not to Obey your Orders, but the Call of Justice.

I’le to the English Train whose Hopes are built Upon their Cause, and not on witches Prophesies. [Exit.

DOCTOR Therein the patient Must minister to himself.

MACBETH Throw physic to the dogs. I’ll none of it.— Come, put mine armor on. Give me my staff.

Attendants begin to arm him.

Seyton, send out.—Doctor, the thanes fly from me.— Come, sir, dispatch.—If thou couldst, doctor, cast The water of my land, find her disease, And purge it to a sound and pristine health, I would applaud thee to the very echo That should applaud again.—Pull ’t off, I say.— What rhubarb, senna, or what purgative drug Would scour these English hence? Hear’st thou of them?

DOCTOR Ay, my good lord. Your royal preparation Makes us hear something.

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

MACBETH Poor Thanes, you vainly hope for Victory: You’l find Macbeth Invincible; or if He can be O‘recome, it must be then

By Birnam Oaks, and not by English-men. [Exit.

DOCTOR, aside Were I from Dunsinane away and clear, Profit again should hardly draw me here.

They exit.

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Shakespeare Scene 4 Drum and Colors. Enter Malcolm, Siward, Macduff, Siward’s son, Menteith, Caithness, Angus, and Soldiers, marching.

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

Davenant Scene 4 Enter Malcolm, Donalbain, Macduff, Lenox

MENTEITH We doubt it nothing.

MALCOLM The sun shall see us Drain the Tyrants Blood And Dry up Scotland’s Tears: How much we are Oblig’d to England, which like a kind Neighbour Lift’s us up when we are Fall’n below Our own Recovery.

SIWARD What wood is this before us?

MACDUFF What Wood is this before us?

MENTEITH The Wood of Birnam.

MALCOLM The Wood of Birnam.

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

MACDUFF Let every Souldier hew him down a Bough, And bear’t before him: By thtat we may Keep the Number of our Forces undiscover’d By the enemy.

SOLDIER It shall be done.

MALCOLM It shall be done.

We learn no more then that The Confident Tyrant keeps still in Dunsinane, And will endure a Seige.

He is of late grown Conscious of his Guilt, Which makes him make that City his Place of Refuge.

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

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

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

MACDUFF He’l find even there but little Safety; His very Subjects will aginst him Rise.

LENOX The wretched Kernes which now like Boughs are ty’d To forc’d Obedience; will when our Swords Have Cut those Bonds, like boughs start from Obedience.

MALCOLM May the Event make good our Guess.

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Shakespeare SIWARD The time approaches That will with due decision make us know What we shall say we have and what we owe.

Thoughts speculative their unsure hopes relate, But certain issue strokes must arbitrate; Towards which, advance the war.

Davenant MACDUFF It must, unless our Resolutions fail; Let’s all Retire to our Commands; our Breath Spent in Discourse does but defer his Death, And but delays our Vengence.

MACDUFF They exit marching. Come let’s go.

The swiftest hast is for Revenge too slow.

Scene 5 Enter Macbeth, Seyton, and Soldiers, with Drum and Colors.

MACBETH Hang out our banners on the outward walls.

The cry is still “They come!” Our castle’s strength Will laugh a siege to scorn. Here let them lie Till famine and the ague eat them up.

Were they not forced with those that should be ours, We might have met them dareful, beard to beard, And beat them backward home.

Scene 5 Enter Macbeth, and Fleance.

MACBETH Hang out our Banners proudly o’re the Wall, The Cry is still, they Come: Our Castles Strength Will Laugh a Siege to Scorn: Here let them lie Till Famine eat them up: Had Seyton still Been ours, and others who now Increase the Number Of our Enemies, we might have met’ em Face to Face.

[Noise within.

A cry within of women. What Noise is that?

What is that noise?

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

He exits.

MACBETH I have almost forgot the taste of fears.

The time has been my senses would have cooled To hear a night-shriek, and my fell of hair Would at a dismal treatise rouse and stir As life were in ’t. I have supped full with horrors.

Direness, familiar to my slaughterous thoughts, Cannot once start me.

Enter Seyton.

Wherefore was that cry?

SEYTON The Queen, my lord, is dead.

[Exeunt.

FLEANCE Great Sir, the Queen is Dead.

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Shakespeare MACBETH She should have died hereafter.

There would have been a time for such a word.

Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow Creeps in this petty pace from day to day To the last syllable of recorded time, And all our yesterdays have lighted fools The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!

Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player That struts and frets his hour upon the stage And then is heard no more. It is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing.

Enter a Messenger.

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

Davenant MACBETH She should have Di’d hereafter, I brought Her here, to see my Victimes, and not to Die. To Morrow, and to Morrow, and to Morrow, Creeps in a stealing pace from Day to Day, To the last Minute of Recorded Time: And all our Yesterdays have lighted Fools To their Eternal [night]: Out, out [short] Candle, Life’s but a Walking Shaddow, a poor Player That Struts and Frets his Hour upon the Stage, And then is Heard no more. It is a Tale Told by an Ideot, full of Sound and Fury Signifying Nothing.

Enter Fleance Thou comest to use thy Tongue: Thy Story quickly.

MESSENGER Gracious my lord, I should report that which I say I saw, But know not how to do ’t.

MACBETH Well, say, sir.

MESSENGER As I did stand my watch upon the hill, I looked toward Birnam, and anon methought The Wood began to move.

FLEANCE I lookt towards Birnam, and anon methough The Wood began to move.

MACBETH Liar and slave!

MESSENGER Let me endure your wrath if ’t be not so.

Within this three mile may you see it coming.

I say, a moving grove.

MACBETH If thou speak’st false, Upon the next tree shall thou hang alive Till famine cling thee. If thy speech be sooth, I care not if thou dost for me as much.— I pull in resolution and begin

MACBETH If thou speakest False, I’ll send thy Soul To th’other world to meet with moving Woods, And walking Forrests; There to Possess what it but Dreamt before.

If they Speech be true, I care not if thou doest

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Shakespeare MACBETH To doubt th’ equivocation of the fiend, That lies like truth. “Fear not till Birnam Wood Do come to Dunsinane,” and now a wood Comes toward Dunsinane.—Arm, arm, and out!— If this which he avouches does appear, There is nor flying hence nor tarrying here.

I ’gin to be aweary of the sun And wish th’ estate o’ th’ world were now undone.— Ring the alarum bell!—Blow wind, come wrack, At least we’ll die with harness on our back.

Davenant MACBETH The same for me, I now begin To doubt the Equivocation of the Fiend, They bid me not to fear till Birnam Wood Should come to Dunsinane: and now a Wood Is on its march this way; Arm, Arm. Since thus a wood do’s in a March appear, There is no Flying hence, nor staying here: Methinks I now grow weary of the Sun, And wish the Worlds great Glass of Life were run.

[Exeunt They exit.

Scene 6 Drum and Colors. Enter Malcolm, Siward, Macduff, and their army, with boughs.

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

Scene 6 Enter Malcolm, Macduff, Lenox, Seyton, Donalbain, and the Ghost of Duncan MALCOLM Here we are near enough; Throw down your Leafie Skreens And shew like those you are.

SIWARD Fare you well.

Do we but find the tyrant’s power tonight, Let us be beaten if we cannot fight.

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

They exit.

Alarums continued

MACDUFF The Monster has forsook his hold And comes to offer Battle.

Let him come on; his Title now sits loose About him, like a Giants Robe upon A Dwarfish Thief.

[Exeunt.

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Shakespeare Scene 7 Enter Macbeth.

Davenant Scene 7 Enter Macbeth.

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

Enter young Siward.

YOUNG SIWARD What is thy name?

MACBETH ‘Tis too Ignoble, and too base to Flie; Who’s he that is not of Woman Born, For such a one I am to fear, or none.

Enter Lenox.

LENOX Kind Heavens, I thank thee I have found thee here; Oh Scotland! Scotland! mayst thou owe thy just Revenge to this sharp Sword, or this blest Minute.

MACBETH Thou ’lt be afraid to hear it.

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

MACBETH Retire fond Man, I wou’d not Kill thee.

Why should Faulcons prey on Flies?

It is below Macbeth to Fight with Men.

MACBETH My name’s Macbeth.

LENOX But not to Murder Women.

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

MACBETH Lenox, I pitty thee, thy Arm’s too weak.

Since then thou art in Love with Death, I will Vouchsafe it thee.

Enter Macduff.

MACBETH No, nor more fearful.

[Exit Macbeth.

YOUNG SIWARD Thou liest, abhorrèd tyrant. With my sword I’ll prove the lie thou speak’st.

They fight, and young Siward is slain.

MACBETH Thou wast born of woman.

But swords I smile at, weapons laugh to scorn, Brandished by man that’s of a woman born.

He exits.

Alarums. Enter Macduff.

MACDUFF That way the noise is. Tyrant, show thy face!

If thou beest slain, and with no stroke of mine, My wife and children’s ghosts will haunt me still.

MACDUFF This way the Noise is, Tyrant shew thy Face, If thou be’st Slain and by no hand of Mine, My Wife and Childrens Ghosts will haunt me for’t.

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Shakespeare MACDUFF I cannot strike at wretched kerns, whose arms Are hired to bear their staves. Either thou, Macbeth, Or else my sword with an unbattered edge I sheathe again undeeded. There thou shouldst be; By this great clatter, one of greatest note Seems bruited. Let me find him, Fortune, And more I beg not.

He exits. Alarums.

Davenant MACDUFF I cannot Strike at wretched Slaves, who sell Their Lives for Pay; No, my Revenge shall seek a Nobler Prey.

Through all the Paths of Death, I’le search him out: Let me but find him, Fortune.

[Exit.

Enter Malcolm and Siward.

SIWARD This way, my lord. The castle’s gently rendered.

The tyrant’s people on both sides do fight, The noble thanes do bravely in the war, The day almost itself professes yours, And little is to do.

MALCOLM We have met with foes That strike beside us.

SIWARD Enter, sir, the castle.

They exit. Alarum.

Scene 8 Enter Macbeth.

Scene 8 Enter Macbeth.

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

Enter Macduff.

MACDUFF Turn, hellhound, turn!

MACBETH Why should I play the Roman Fool and Fall On my own Sword, while I have living Foes To Conquer; my Wounds shew better upon them.

MACBETH Of all men else I have avoided thee.

But get thee back. My soul is too much charged With blood of thine already.

MACBETH Of all Men else, I have avoided Thee; But get thee back, my Soul is too much clog’d With Blood of thine already.

Enter Macduff.

MACDUFF Turn Hell-Hound, Turn.

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Shakespeare MACDUFF I have no words; My voice is in my sword, thou bloodier villain Than terms can give thee out.

Fight. Alarum.

MACBETH Thou losest labor.

As easy mayst thou the intrenchant air With thy keen sword impress as make me bleed.

Let fall thy blade on vulnerable crests; I bear a charmèd life, which must not yield To one of woman born.

Davenant MACDUFF I’le have no Words, thy Villanies are worse Then ever yet were Punisht with a Curse.

MACBETH Thou mayst as well attempt to Wound the Air, As me; my Destiny’s reserv’d for Some Immortal Power, And I must fall by Miracle; I cannot Bleed.

MACDUFF Have thy black Deeds then turn’d thee to a Devil.

MACBETH I have a Prophecy secures my Life.

MACDUFF I have another which tells me I shall have his Blood, Who first shed mine.

MACBETH None of a Woman Born can spill my Blood.

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

MACDUFF Then let the Devil tell thee, Macduff Was from his Mothers Womb untimely Ript.

MACBETH Accursèd be that tongue that tells me so, For it hath cowed my better part of man!

And be these juggling fiends no more believed That palter with us in a double sense, That keep the word of promise to our ear And break it to our hope. I’ll not fight with thee.

MACBETH Curst be the Tongue that tells me so, I will not Fight with thee.

MACDUFF Then yield thee, coward, And live to be the show and gaze o’ th’ time.

We’ll have thee, as our rarer monsters are, Painted upon a pole, and underwrit “Here may you see the tyrant.”

MACDUFF Then yield thy self a Prisoner to be Led About the World, and Gaz’d on as a Monster,

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Shakespeare MACBETH I will not yield To kiss the ground before young Malcolm’s feet And to be baited with the rabble’s curse.

Though Birnam Wood be come to Dunsinane And thou opposed, being of no woman born, Yet I will try the last. Before my body I throw my warlike shield. Lay on, Macduff, And damned be him that first cries “Hold! Enough!”

Davenant MACBETH I scorn to Yield.

I wil in spite of Witchcraft fight with thee, Though Birnam Wood be come to Dunisnane: And thou art of no Woman Born, I’le try, If by a Man it be thy Fate to Die. [They fight, Macbeth falls

They exit fighting. Alarums. MACDUFF This for my Royal Master Duncan, They enter fighting, and Macbeth is slain. Macduff This for my dearest Friend my Wife, exits carrying off Macbeth’s body. Retreat and flourish.

This for those Pledges of our Loves, my Children.

Enter, with Drum and Colors, Malcolm, Siward, Ross, [Exit Macduff.

Thanes, and Soldiers.

MACBETH Farewell vain World, and what’s most vain in it, Ambition.

MALCOLM [Dies.

I would the friends we miss were safe arrived.

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

MALCOLM Macduff is missing, and your noble son.

ROSS Your son, my lord, has paid a soldier’s debt.

He only lived but till he was a man, The which no sooner had his prowess confirmed In the unshrinking station where he fought, But like a man he died.

SIWARD Then he is dead?

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

SIWARD Had he his hurts before?

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ROSS Ay, on the front.

SIWARD Why then, God’s soldier be he!

Had I as many sons as I have hairs, I would not wish them to a fairer death; And so his knell is knolled.

[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

MALCOLM He’s worth more sorrow, and that I’ll spend for him.

SIWARD He’s worth no more.

They say he parted well and paid his score, And so, God be with him. Here comes newer comfort.

Enter Macduff with Macbeth’s head.

MACDUFF Hail, King! For so thou art. Behold where stands Th’ usurper’s cursèd head. The time is free.

I see thee compassed with thy kingdom’s pearl, That speak my salutation in their minds, Whose voices I desire aloud with mine.

Hail, King of Scotland!

MACDUFF Long live Malcolm, King of Scotland,

ALL Hail, King of Scotland!

LORDS Long Live Malcolm, King of Scotland.

MALCOLM We shall not spend a large expense of time Before we reckon with your several loves And make us even with you. My thanes and kinsmen, Henceforth be earls, the first that ever Scotland In such an honor named. What’s more to do, Which would be planted newly with the time, As calling home our exiled friends abroad That fled the snares of watchful tyranny, Producing forth the cruel ministers Of this dead butcher and his fiend-like queen

Flourish.

Scene 9 Enter Malcolm, Donalbain, Fleance, Seyton, and Souldiers.

MALCOLM We shall not make a large Expence of time Before we Reckon with your several Loves, And make all even with you.

Drag his Body hence, and let it Hang upon A Pinnacle in Dunsinane, to shew To future Ages what to those is due, Who others Right, by Lawless Power pursue [Ile haste to Scone to be invested.]

MACDUFF So may kind Fortune Crown your Raign with Peace,

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Davenant MACDUFF As it has Crown’d your Armies with Success; And may the Peoples Prayers still wait on you, As all their Curses did Macbeth pursue: His Vice shall make your Virtue shine more Bright, As Fair Day succeeds a Stormy Night.

[Exeunt.

MALCOLM (Who, as ’tis thought, by self and violent hands, Took off her life)—this, and what needful else That calls upon us, by the grace of grace, We will perform in measure, time, and place.

So thanks to all at once and to each one, Whom we invite to see us crowned at Scone.

Flourish. All exit.