SCENE III, Enter three Murderers.' 1 Mur. But who did bid thee join with us? 2 Mur. He needs not our mistrust; since he delivers Our offices, and what we have to do, To the direction just. 1 Mur. Then stand with us. The west yet glimmers with some streaks of day : To gain the timely inn; and near approaches 3 Mur. Hark! I hear horses. [Banquo within.] Give us a light there, ho! That are within the note of expectation, 1 Mur. His horses go about. 3 Mur. Almost a mile: but he does usually, So all men do, from hence to the palace gate Make it their walk. Enter BANQUO, and FLEANCE, with a Torch. 2 Mur. A light, a light! 3 Mur. 'Tis he. 1 Mur. Stand to't, Ban. It will be rain to-night, 220 230 1 Mur. Let it come down. [They assault BANQUO. Ban. Oh, treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly; Thou may'st revenge.- -Oh slave! 241 [Dies. FLEANCE escapes. 3 Mur. Who did strike out the light? 1 Mur. Was't not the way? 3 Mur. There's but one down; the son is.fled. 2 Mur. We have lost best half of our affair. 1 Mur. Well, let's away, and say how much is done. [Exeunt. SCENE IV. A Banquet prepared. Enter MACBETH, Lady, ROSSE, LENOX, Lords, and Attendants. Mac. You know your own degrees, sit down: at first, And last, the hearty welcome. Lords. Thanks to your majesty. Mac. Ourself will mingle with society, And play the humble host. Our hostess keeps her state; but, in best time, We will require her welcome. 250 Lady. Pronounce it for me, sir, to all our friends; For my heart speaks, they are welcome. Enter first Murderer, to the Door. Mac. See, they encounter thee with their hearts' hanks: Both Both sides are even: here I'll sit i the midst: Be large in mirth; anon, we'll drink a measure Mac. 'Tis better thee without, than he within. 260 Mur. My lord, his throat is cut; that I did for him: Mac. Thou art the best o' the cut-throats: yet he's good, That did the like for Fleance: if thou didst it, Thou art the non-pareil. Mur. Most royal sir, Fleance is 'scaped. Mac. Then comes my fit again: I had else been per fe&t; Whole as the marble, founded as the rock; 270 As broad, and general, as the casing air: Mac. Thanks for that': There the grown serpent lies; the worm, that's fied, Hath nature that in time will venom breed, No teeth for the present.-Get thee gone; to-morrow We'll hear, ourselves again. [Exit Murderer. Lady. My royal lord, You do not give the cheer: the feast is sold, 281 'Tis given with welcome to feed, were best at home; From thence, the sauce to meat is ceremony : Meeting were bare without it. Enter the Ghost of BANQUO, and sits in MACBETH'S Place. Mac. Sweet remembrancer Now, good digestion wait on appetite, And health on both! Len. May it please your highness sit. 290 Mac. Here had we now our country's honour roof'd, Were the grac'd person of our Banquo present; Who may I rather challenge for unkindness, Than pity for mischance! Rosse. His absence, sir, Lays blame upon his promise. Please it your highness To grace us with your royal company? Mac. The table's full. Len. Here is a place reserv'd, sir. Mac. Where? 300 Len. Here, my good lord. What is't that moves your highness. Mac. Which of you have done this? Lords. What, my good lord? Mac. Thou can'st not say, I did it: never shake Thy goary locks at me. Rosse, Gentlemen, rise; his highness is not well. Lady. 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 7 310 He He will again be well: if much you note him, Mac. Ay, and a bold one, that dare look on that Which might appal the devil. Lady. O proper stuff! This is the very painting of your fear: Authoriz'd by her grandam. Shame itself! 320 Mac. Pr'ythee, see there! behold! look! lo! how say you? Why, what care I? If thou can'st nod, speak too.- Lady. What quite unmann'd in folly? Mac. If I stand here, I saw him. Lady. Fie, for shame! 339 Mac. Blood hath been shed ere now, i' the olden time, Ere human statute purg'd the gentle weal; Ay, and since too, murders have been perform'd That, when the brains were out, the man would die, |