Folger Shakespeare Library

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Contents

Front Matter |
ACT 1 |
ACT 2 |
ACT 3 |
ACT 4 |
ACT 5 |

From the Director of the Folger Shakespeare Library

It is hard to imagine a world without Shakespeare. Since their composition four hundred years ago, Shakespeare’s plays and poems have traveled the globe, inviting those who see and read his works to make them their own.

Readers of the New Folger Editions are part of this ongoing process of “taking up Shakespeare,” finding our own thoughts and feelings in language that strikes us as old or unusual and, for that very reason, new. We still struggle to keep up with a writer who could think a mile a minute, whose words paint pictures that shift like clouds. These expertly edited texts are presented to the public as a resource for study, artistic adaptation, and enjoyment. By making the classic texts of the New Folger Editions available in electronic form as Folger Digital Texts, we place a trusted resource in the hands of anyone who wants them.

The New Folger Editions of Shakespeare’s plays, which are the basis for the texts realized here in digital form, are special because of their origin. The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, is the single greatest documentary source of Shakespeare’s works. An unparalleled collection of early modern books, manuscripts, and artwork connected to Shakespeare, the Folger’s holdings have been consulted extensively in the preparation of these texts. The Editions also reflect the expertise gained through the regular performance of Shakespeare’s works in the Folger’s Elizabethan Theater.

I want to express my deep thanks to editors Barbara Mowat and Paul Werstine for creating these indispensable editions of Shakespeare’s works, which incorporate the best of textual scholarship with a richness of commentary that is both inspired and engaging. Readers who want to know more about Shakespeare and his plays can follow the paths these distinguished scholars have tread by visiting the Folger either in-person or online, where a range of physical and digital resources exists to supplement the material in these texts. I commend to you these words, and hope that they inspire.

Michael Witmore
Director, Folger Shakespeare Library

Textual Introduction
By Barbara Mowat and Paul Werstine

Until now, with the release of the Folger Digital Texts, readers in search of a free online text of Shakespeare’s plays had to be content primarily with using the Moby™ Text, which reproduces a late-nineteenth century version of the plays. What is the difference? Many ordinary readers assume that there is a single text for the plays: what Shakespeare wrote. But Shakespeare’s plays were not published the way modern novels or plays are published today: as a single, authoritative text. In some cases, the plays have come down to us in multiple published versions, represented by various Quartos (Qq) and by the great collection put together by his colleagues in 1623, called the First Folio (F). There are, for example, three very different versions of Hamlet, two of King Lear, Henry V, Romeo and Juliet, and others. Editors choose which version to use as their base text, and then amend that text with words, lines or speech prefixes from the other versions that, in their judgment, make for a better or more accurate text.

Other editorial decisions involve choices about whether an unfamiliar word could be understood in light of other writings of the period or whether it should be changed; decisions about words that made it into Shakespeare’s text by accident through four hundred years of printings and misprinting; and even decisions based on cultural preference and taste. When the Moby™ Text was created, for example, it was deemed “improper” and “indecent” for Miranda to chastise Caliban for having attempted to rape her. (See The Tempest, 1.2: “Abhorred slave,/Which any print of goodness wilt not take,/Being capable of all ill! I pitied thee…”). All Shakespeare editors at the time took the speech away from her and gave it to her father, Prospero.

The editors of the Moby™ Shakespeare produced their text long before scholars fully understood the proper grounds on which to make the thousands of decisions that Shakespeare editors face. The Folger Library Shakespeare Editions, on which the Folger Digital Texts depend, make this editorial process as nearly transparent as is possible, in contrast to older texts, like the Moby™, which hide editorial interventions. The reader of the Folger Shakespeare knows where the text has been altered because editorial interventions are signaled by square brackets (for example, from Othello: “If she in chains of magic were not bound,”), half-square brackets (for example, from Henry V: “With blood and sword and fire to win your right,”), or angle brackets (for example, from Hamlet: “O farewell, honest soldier. Who hath relieved/you?”). At any point in the text, you can hover your cursor over a bracket for more information.

Because the Folger Digital Texts are edited in accord with twenty-first century knowledge about Shakespeare’s texts, the Folger here provides them to readers, scholars, teachers, actors, directors, and students, free of charge, confident of their quality as texts of the plays and pleased to be able to make this contribution to the study and enjoyment of Shakespeare.

Synopsis

Macbeth, set primarily in Scotland, mixes witchcraft, prophecy, and murder. Three “Weïrd Sisters” appear to Macbeth and his comrade Banquo after a battle and prophesy that Macbeth will be king and that the descendants of Banquo will also reign. When Macbeth arrives at his castle, he and Lady Macbeth plot to assassinate King Duncan, soon to be their guest, so that Macbeth can become king.

After Macbeth murders Duncan, the king’s two sons flee, and Macbeth is crowned. Fearing that Banquo’s descendants will, according to the Weïrd Sisters’ predictions, take over the kingdom, Macbeth has Banquo killed. At a royal banquet that evening, Macbeth sees Banquo’s ghost appear covered in blood. Macbeth determines to consult the Weïrd Sisters again. They comfort him with ambiguous promises.

Another nobleman, Macduff, rides to England to join Duncan’s older son, Malcolm. Macbeth has Macduff’s wife and children murdered. Malcolm and Macduff lead an army against Macbeth, as Lady Macbeth goes mad and commits suicide.

Macbeth confronts Malcolm’s army, trusting in the Weïrd Sisters’ comforting promises. He learns that the promises are tricks, but continues to fight. Macduff kills Macbeth and Malcolm becomes Scotland’s king.

Characters in the Play
Three Witches, the Weïrd Sisters
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
A Doctor
A Gentlewoman
both attending upon Lady Macbeth
A Porter
Banquo, commander, with Macbeth, of Duncan’s army
Fleance, his son
Macduff, a Scottish noble
Lady Macduff
Their son
Lennox
Ross
Angus
Menteith
Caithness
Scottish Nobles
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)

ACT 1
Scene 1
Thunder and Lightning. Enter three Witches.
FIRST WITCH
FTLN 0001 When shall we three meet again?
FTLN 0002 In thunder, lightning, or in rain?
SECOND WITCH
FTLN 0003 When the hurly-burly’s done,
FTLN 0004 When the battle’s lost and won.
THIRD WITCH
FTLN 0005 5 That will be ere the set of sun.
FIRST WITCH
FTLN 0006 Where the place?
SECOND WITCH FTLN 0007 Upon the heath.
THIRD WITCH
FTLN 0008 There to meet with Macbeth.
FIRST WITCH FTLN 0009 I come, Graymalkin.
SECOND WITCH FTLN 0010 10 Paddock calls.
THIRD WITCH FTLN 0011 Anon.
ALL
FTLN 0012 Fair is foul, and foul is fair;
FTLN 0013 Hover through the fog and filthy air.
They exit.
7

9
Macbeth
ACT 1. SC. 2
Scene 2
Alarum within. Enter King Duncan, Malcolm,
Donalbain, Lennox, with Attendants, meeting a bleeding
Captain.
DUNCAN
FTLN 0014 What bloody man is that? He can report,
FTLN 0015 As seemeth by his plight, of the revolt
FTLN 0016 The newest state.
MALCOLM FTLN 0017 This is the sergeant
FTLN 0018 5 Who, like a good and hardy soldier, fought
FTLN 0019 ’Gainst my captivity.—Hail, brave friend!
FTLN 0020 Say to the King the knowledge of the broil
FTLN 0021 As thou didst leave it.
CAPTAIN FTLN 0022 Doubtful it stood,
FTLN 0023 10 As two spent swimmers that do cling together
FTLN 0024 And choke their art. The merciless Macdonwald
FTLN 0025 (Worthy to be a rebel, for to that
FTLN 0026 The multiplying villainies of nature
FTLN 0027 Do swarm upon him) from the Western Isles
FTLN 0028 15 Of kerns and gallowglasses is supplied;
FTLN 0029 And Fortune, on his damnèd quarrel smiling,
FTLN 0030 Showed like a rebel’s whore. But all’s too weak;
FTLN 0031 For brave Macbeth (well he deserves that name),
FTLN 0032 Disdaining Fortune, with his brandished steel,
FTLN 0033 20 Which smoked with bloody execution,
FTLN 0034 Like Valor’s minion, carved out his passage
FTLN 0035 Till he faced the slave;
FTLN 0036 Which ne’er shook hands, nor bade farewell to him,
FTLN 0037 Till he unseamed him from the nave to th’ chops,
FTLN 0038 25 And fixed his head upon our battlements.
DUNCAN
FTLN 0039 O valiant cousin, worthy gentleman!
CAPTAIN
FTLN 0040 As whence the sun ’gins his reflection
FTLN 0041 Shipwracking storms and direful thunders break,

11
Macbeth
ACT 1. SC. 2
FTLN 0042 So from that spring whence comfort seemed to
FTLN 0043 30 come
FTLN 0044 Discomfort swells. Mark, King of Scotland, mark:
FTLN 0045 No sooner justice had, with valor armed,
FTLN 0046 Compelled these skipping kerns to trust their heels,
FTLN 0047 But the Norweyan lord, surveying vantage,
FTLN 0048 35 With furbished arms and new supplies of men,
FTLN 0049 Began a fresh assault.
DUNCAN
FTLN 0050 Dismayed not this our captains, Macbeth and
FTLN 0051 Banquo?
CAPTAIN
FTLN 0052 Yes, as sparrows eagles, or the hare the lion.
FTLN 0053 40 If I say sooth, I must report they were
FTLN 0054 As cannons overcharged with double cracks,
FTLN 0055 So they doubly redoubled strokes upon the foe.
FTLN 0056 Except they meant to bathe in reeking wounds
FTLN 0057 Or memorize another Golgotha,
FTLN 0058 45 I cannot tell—
FTLN 0059 But I am faint. My gashes cry for help.
DUNCAN
FTLN 0060 So well thy words become thee as thy wounds:
FTLN 0061 They smack of honor both.—Go, get him surgeons.
The Captain is led off by Attendants.
Enter Ross and Angus.
FTLN 0062 Who comes here?
MALCOLM FTLN 0063 50 The worthy Thane of Ross.
LENNOX
FTLN 0064 What a haste looks through his eyes!
FTLN 0065 So should he look that seems to speak things
FTLN 0066 strange.
ROSS FTLN 0067 God save the King.
DUNCAN FTLN 0068 55 Whence cam’st thou, worthy thane?
ROSS FTLN 0069 From Fife, great king,
FTLN 0070 Where the Norweyan banners flout the sky

13
Macbeth
ACT 1. SC. 3
FTLN 0071 And fan our people cold.
FTLN 0072 Norway himself, with terrible numbers,
FTLN 0073 60 Assisted by that most disloyal traitor,
FTLN 0074 The Thane of Cawdor, began a dismal conflict,
FTLN 0075 Till that Bellona’s bridegroom, lapped in proof,
FTLN 0076 Confronted him with self-comparisons,
FTLN 0077 Point against point, rebellious arm ’gainst arm,
FTLN 0078 65 Curbing his lavish spirit. And to conclude,
FTLN 0079 The victory fell on us.
DUNCAN FTLN 0080 Great happiness!
ROSS FTLN 0081 That now Sweno,
FTLN 0082 The Norways’ king, craves composition.
FTLN 0083 70 Nor would we deign him burial of his men
FTLN 0084 Till he disbursèd at Saint Colme’s Inch
FTLN 0085 Ten thousand dollars to our general use.
DUNCAN
FTLN 0086 No more that Thane of Cawdor shall deceive
FTLN 0087 Our bosom interest. Go, pronounce his present
FTLN 0088 75 death,
FTLN 0089 And with his former title greet Macbeth.
ROSS FTLN 0090 I’ll see it done.
DUNCAN
FTLN 0091 What he hath lost, noble Macbeth hath won.
They exit.
Scene 3
Thunder. Enter the three Witches.
FIRST WITCH FTLN 0092 Where hast thou been, sister?
SECOND WITCH FTLN 0093 Killing swine.
THIRD WITCH FTLN 0094 Sister, where thou?
FIRST WITCH
FTLN 0095 A sailor’s wife had chestnuts in her lap
FTLN 0096 5 And munched and munched and munched. “Give
FTLN 0097 me,” quoth I.
FTLN 0098 “Aroint thee, witch,” the rump-fed runnion cries.

15
Macbeth
ACT 1. SC. 3
FTLN 0099 Her husband’s to Aleppo gone, master o’ th’ Tiger;
FTLN 0100 But in a sieve I’ll thither sail,
FTLN 0101 10 And, like a rat without a tail,
FTLN 0102 I’ll do, I’ll do, and I’ll do.
SECOND WITCH
FTLN 0103 I’ll give thee a wind.
FIRST WITCH
FTLN 0104 Th’ art kind.
THIRD WITCH
FTLN 0105 And I another.
FIRST WITCH
FTLN 0106 15 I myself have all the other,
FTLN 0107 And the very ports they blow;
FTLN 0108 All the quarters that they know
FTLN 0109 I’ th’ shipman’s card.
FTLN 0110 I’ll drain him dry as hay.
FTLN 0111 20 Sleep shall neither night nor day
FTLN 0112 Hang upon his penthouse lid.
FTLN 0113 He shall live a man forbid.
FTLN 0114 Weary sev’nnights, nine times nine,
FTLN 0115 Shall he dwindle, peak, and pine.
FTLN 0116 25 Though his bark cannot be lost,
FTLN 0117 Yet it shall be tempest-tossed.
FTLN 0118 Look what I have.
SECOND WITCH FTLN 0119 Show me, show me.
FIRST WITCH
FTLN 0120 Here I have a pilot’s thumb,
FTLN 0121 30 Wracked as homeward he did come. Drum within.
THIRD WITCH
FTLN 0122 A drum, a drum!
FTLN 0123 Macbeth doth come.
ALL , dancing in a circle
FTLN 0124 The Weïrd Sisters, hand in hand,
FTLN 0125 Posters of the sea and land,
FTLN 0126 35 Thus do go about, about,
FTLN 0127 Thrice to thine and thrice to mine

17
Macbeth
ACT 1. SC. 3
FTLN 0128 And thrice again, to make up nine.
FTLN 0129 Peace, the charm’s wound up.
Enter Macbeth and Banquo.
MACBETH
FTLN 0130 So foul and fair a day I have not seen.
BANQUO
FTLN 0131 40 How far is ’t called to Forres?—What are these,
FTLN 0132 So withered, and so wild in their attire,
FTLN 0133 That look not like th’ inhabitants o’ th’ Earth
FTLN 0134 And yet are on ’t?—Live you? Or are you aught
FTLN 0135 That man may question? You seem to understand
FTLN 0136 45 me
FTLN 0137 By each at once her choppy finger laying
FTLN 0138 Upon her skinny lips. You should be women,
FTLN 0139 And yet your beards forbid me to interpret
FTLN 0140 That you are so.
MACBETH FTLN 0141 50 Speak if you can. What are you?
FIRST WITCH
FTLN 0142 All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis!
SECOND WITCH
FTLN 0143 All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor!
THIRD WITCH
FTLN 0144 All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!
BANQUO
FTLN 0145 Good sir, why do you start and seem to fear
FTLN 0146 55 Things that do sound so fair?—I’ th’ name of truth,
FTLN 0147 Are you fantastical, or that indeed
FTLN 0148 Which outwardly you show? My noble partner
FTLN 0149 You greet with present grace and great prediction
FTLN 0150 Of noble having and of royal hope,
FTLN 0151 60 That he seems rapt withal. To me you speak not.
FTLN 0152 If you can look into the seeds of time
FTLN 0153 And say which grain will grow and which will not,
FTLN 0154 Speak, then, to me, who neither beg nor fear
FTLN 0155 Your favors nor your hate.

19
Macbeth
ACT 1. SC. 3
FIRST WITCH FTLN 0156 65 Hail!
SECOND WITCH FTLN 0157 Hail!
THIRD WITCH FTLN 0158 Hail!
FIRST WITCH
FTLN 0159 Lesser than Macbeth and greater.
SECOND WITCH
FTLN 0160 Not so happy, yet much happier.
THIRD WITCH
FTLN 0161 70 Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none.
FTLN 0162 So all hail, Macbeth and Banquo!
FIRST WITCH
FTLN 0163 Banquo and Macbeth, all hail!
MACBETH
FTLN 0164 Stay, you imperfect speakers. Tell me more.
FTLN 0165 By Sinel’s death I know I am Thane of Glamis.
FTLN 0166 75 But how of Cawdor? The Thane of Cawdor lives
FTLN 0167 A prosperous gentleman, and to be king
FTLN 0168 Stands not within the prospect of belief,
FTLN 0169 No more than to be Cawdor. Say from whence
FTLN 0170 You owe this strange intelligence or why
FTLN 0171 80 Upon this blasted heath you stop our way
FTLN 0172 With such prophetic greeting. Speak, I charge you.
Witches vanish.
BANQUO
FTLN 0173 The earth hath bubbles, as the water has,
FTLN 0174 And these are of them. Whither are they vanished?
MACBETH
FTLN 0175 Into the air, and what seemed corporal melted,
FTLN 0176 85 As breath into the wind. Would they had stayed!
BANQUO
FTLN 0177 Were such things here as we do speak about?
FTLN 0178 Or have we eaten on the insane root
FTLN 0179 That takes the reason prisoner?
MACBETH
FTLN 0180 Your children shall be kings.
BANQUO FTLN 0181 90 You shall be king.

21
Macbeth
ACT 1. SC. 3
MACBETH
FTLN 0182 And Thane of Cawdor too. Went it not so?
BANQUO
FTLN 0183 To th’ selfsame tune and words.—Who’s here?
Enter Ross and Angus.
ROSS
FTLN 0184 The King hath happily received, Macbeth,
FTLN 0185 The news of thy success, and, when he reads
FTLN 0186 95 Thy personal venture in the rebels’ fight,
FTLN 0187 His wonders and his praises do contend
FTLN 0188 Which should be thine or his. Silenced with that,
FTLN 0189 In viewing o’er the rest o’ th’ selfsame day
FTLN 0190 He finds thee in the stout Norweyan ranks,
FTLN 0191 100 Nothing afeard of what thyself didst make,
FTLN 0192 Strange images of death. As thick as tale
FTLN 0193 Came post with post, and every one did bear
FTLN 0194 Thy praises in his kingdom’s great defense,
FTLN 0195 And poured them down before him.
ANGUS FTLN 0196 105 We are sent
FTLN 0197 To give thee from our royal master thanks,
FTLN 0198 Only to herald thee into his sight,
FTLN 0199 Not pay thee.
ROSS
FTLN 0200 And for an earnest of a greater honor,
FTLN 0201 110 He bade me, from him, call thee Thane of Cawdor,
FTLN 0202 In which addition, hail, most worthy thane,
FTLN 0203 For it is thine.
BANQUO FTLN 0204 What, can the devil speak true?
MACBETH
FTLN 0205 The Thane of Cawdor lives. Why do you dress me
FTLN 0206 115 In borrowed robes?
ANGUS FTLN 0207 Who was the Thane lives yet,
FTLN 0208 But under heavy judgment bears that life
FTLN 0209 Which he deserves to lose. Whether he was
FTLN 0210 combined

23
Macbeth
ACT 1. SC. 3
FTLN 0211 120 With those of Norway, or did line the rebel
FTLN 0212 With hidden help and vantage, or that with both
FTLN 0213 He labored in his country’s wrack, I know not;
FTLN 0214 But treasons capital, confessed and proved,
FTLN 0215 Have overthrown him.
MACBETH , aside FTLN 0216 125 Glamis and Thane of Cawdor!
FTLN 0217 The greatest is behind. To Ross and Angus. Thanks
FTLN 0218 for your pains.
FTLN 0219 Aside to Banquo. Do you not hope your children
FTLN 0220 shall be kings,
FTLN 0221 130 When those that gave the Thane of Cawdor to me
FTLN 0222 Promised no less to them?
BANQUO FTLN 0223 That, trusted home,
FTLN 0224 Might yet enkindle you unto the crown,
FTLN 0225 Besides the Thane of Cawdor. But ’tis strange.
FTLN 0226 135 And oftentimes, to win us to our harm,
FTLN 0227 The instruments of darkness tell us truths,
FTLN 0228 Win us with honest trifles, to betray ’s
FTLN 0229 In deepest consequence.—
FTLN 0230 Cousins, a word, I pray you. They step aside.
MACBETH , aside FTLN 0231 140 Two truths are told
FTLN 0232 As happy prologues to the swelling act
FTLN 0233 Of the imperial theme.—I thank you, gentlemen.
FTLN 0234 Aside. This supernatural soliciting
FTLN 0235 Cannot be ill, cannot be good. If ill,
FTLN 0236 145 Why hath it given me earnest of success
FTLN 0237 Commencing in a truth? I am Thane of Cawdor.
FTLN 0238 If good, why do I yield to that suggestion
FTLN 0239 Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair
FTLN 0240 And make my seated heart knock at my ribs
FTLN 0241 150 Against the use of nature? Present fears
FTLN 0242 Are less than horrible imaginings.
FTLN 0243 My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical,
FTLN 0244 Shakes so my single state of man
FTLN 0245 That function is smothered in surmise,
FTLN 0246 155 And nothing is but what is not.

25
Macbeth
ACT 1. SC. 4
BANQUO FTLN 0247 Look how our partner’s rapt.
MACBETH , aside
FTLN 0248 If chance will have me king, why, chance may
FTLN 0249 crown me
FTLN 0250 Without my stir.
BANQUO FTLN 0251 160 New honors come upon him,
FTLN 0252 Like our strange garments, cleave not to their mold
FTLN 0253 But with the aid of use.
MACBETH , aside FTLN 0254 Come what come may,
FTLN 0255 Time and the hour runs through the roughest day.
BANQUO
FTLN 0256 165 Worthy Macbeth, we stay upon your leisure.
MACBETH
FTLN 0257 Give me your favor. My dull brain was wrought
FTLN 0258 With things forgotten. Kind gentlemen, your pains
FTLN 0259 Are registered where every day I turn
FTLN 0260 The leaf to read them. Let us toward the King.
FTLN 0261 170 Aside to Banquo. Think upon what hath chanced,
FTLN 0262 and at more time,
FTLN 0263 The interim having weighed it, let us speak
FTLN 0264 Our free hearts each to other.
BANQUO FTLN 0265 Very gladly.
MACBETH FTLN 0266 175 Till then, enough.—Come, friends.
They exit.
Scene 4
Flourish. Enter King Duncan, Lennox, Malcolm,
Donalbain, and Attendants.
DUNCAN
FTLN 0267 Is execution done on Cawdor? Are not
FTLN 0268 Those in commission yet returned?
MALCOLM FTLN 0269 My liege,
FTLN 0270 They are not yet come back. But I have spoke
FTLN 0271 5 With one that saw him die, who did report

27
Macbeth
ACT 1. SC. 4
FTLN 0272 That very frankly he confessed his treasons,
FTLN 0273 Implored your Highness’ pardon, and set forth
FTLN 0274 A deep repentance. Nothing in his life
FTLN 0275 Became him like the leaving it. He died
FTLN 0276 10 As one that had been studied in his death
FTLN 0277 To throw away the dearest thing he owed
FTLN 0278 As ’twere a careless trifle.
DUNCAN FTLN 0279 There’s no art
FTLN 0280 To find the mind’s construction in the face.
FTLN 0281 15 He was a gentleman on whom I built
FTLN 0282 An absolute trust.
Enter Macbeth, Banquo, Ross, and Angus.
FTLN 0283 O worthiest cousin,
FTLN 0284 The sin of my ingratitude even now
FTLN 0285 Was heavy on me. Thou art so far before
FTLN 0286 20 That swiftest wing of recompense is slow
FTLN 0287 To overtake thee. Would thou hadst less deserved,
FTLN 0288 That the proportion both of thanks and payment
FTLN 0289 Might have been mine! Only I have left to say,
FTLN 0290 More is thy due than more than all can pay.
MACBETH
FTLN 0291 25 The service and the loyalty I owe
FTLN 0292 In doing it pays itself. Your Highness’ part
FTLN 0293 Is to receive our duties, and our duties
FTLN 0294 Are to your throne and state children and servants,
FTLN 0295 Which do but what they should by doing everything
FTLN 0296 30 Safe toward your love and honor.
DUNCAN FTLN 0297 Welcome hither.
FTLN 0298 I have begun to plant thee and will labor
FTLN 0299 To make thee full of growing.—Noble Banquo,
FTLN 0300 That hast no less deserved nor must be known
FTLN 0301 35 No less to have done so, let me enfold thee
FTLN 0302 And hold thee to my heart.
BANQUO FTLN 0303 There, if I grow,
FTLN 0304 The harvest is your own.

29
Macbeth
ACT 1. SC. 4
DUNCAN FTLN 0305 My plenteous joys,
FTLN 0306 40 Wanton in fullness, seek to hide themselves
FTLN 0307 In drops of sorrow.—Sons, kinsmen, thanes,
FTLN 0308 And you whose places are the nearest, know
FTLN 0309 We will establish our estate upon
FTLN 0310 Our eldest, Malcolm, whom we name hereafter
FTLN 0311 45 The Prince of Cumberland; which honor must
FTLN 0312 Not unaccompanied invest him only,
FTLN 0313 But signs of nobleness, like stars, shall shine
FTLN 0314 On all deservers.—From hence to Inverness
FTLN 0315 And bind us further to you.
MACBETH
FTLN 0316 50 The rest is labor which is not used for you.
FTLN 0317 I’ll be myself the harbinger and make joyful
FTLN 0318 The hearing of my wife with your approach.
FTLN 0319 So humbly take my leave.
DUNCAN FTLN 0320 My worthy Cawdor.
MACBETH , aside
FTLN 0321 55 The Prince of Cumberland! That is a step
FTLN 0322 On which I must fall down or else o’erleap,
FTLN 0323 For in my way it lies. Stars, hide your fires;
FTLN 0324 Let not light see my black and deep desires.
FTLN 0325 The eye wink at the hand, yet let that be
FTLN 0326 60 Which the eye fears, when it is done, to see.
He exits.
DUNCAN
FTLN 0327 True, worthy Banquo. He is full so valiant,
FTLN 0328 And in his commendations I am fed:
FTLN 0329 It is a banquet to me.—Let’s after him,
FTLN 0330 Whose care is gone before to bid us welcome.
FTLN 0331 65 It is a peerless kinsman.
Flourish. They exit.

31
Macbeth
ACT 1. SC. 5
Scene 5
Enter Macbeth’s Wife, alone, with a letter.
LADY MACBETH , reading the letter FTLN 0332 They met me in the
FTLN 0333 day of success, and I have learned by the perfect’st
FTLN 0334 report they have more in them than mortal knowledge.
FTLN 0335 When I burned in desire to question them further, they
FTLN 0336 5 made themselves air, into which they vanished.
FTLN 0337 Whiles I stood rapt in the wonder of it came missives
FTLN 0338 from the King, who all-hailed me “Thane of Cawdor,”
FTLN 0339 by which title, before, these Weïrd Sisters saluted me
FTLN 0340 and referred me to the coming on of time with “Hail,
FTLN 0341 10 king that shalt be.” This have I thought good to deliver
FTLN 0342 thee, my dearest partner of greatness, that thou
FTLN 0343 might’st not lose the dues of rejoicing by being ignorant
FTLN 0344 of what greatness is promised thee. Lay it to thy
FTLN 0345 heart, and farewell.
FTLN 0346 15 Glamis thou art, and Cawdor, and shalt be
FTLN 0347 What thou art promised. Yet do I fear thy nature;
FTLN 0348 It is too full o’ th’ milk of human kindness
FTLN 0349 To catch the nearest way. Thou wouldst be great,
FTLN 0350 Art not without ambition, but without
FTLN 0351 20 The illness should attend it. What thou wouldst
FTLN 0352 highly,
FTLN 0353 That wouldst thou holily; wouldst not play false
FTLN 0354 And yet wouldst wrongly win. Thou ’dst have, great
FTLN 0355 Glamis,
FTLN 0356 25 That which cries “Thus thou must do,” if thou have
FTLN 0357 it,
FTLN 0358 And that which rather thou dost fear to do,
FTLN 0359 Than wishest should be undone. Hie thee hither,
FTLN 0360 That I may pour my spirits in thine ear
FTLN 0361 30 And chastise with the valor of my tongue
FTLN 0362 All that impedes thee from the golden round,
FTLN 0363 Which fate and metaphysical aid doth seem
FTLN 0364 To have thee crowned withal.

33
Macbeth
ACT 1. SC. 5
Enter Messenger.
FTLN 0365 What is your tidings?
MESSENGER
FTLN 0366 35 The King comes here tonight.
LADY MACBETH FTLN 0367 Thou ’rt mad to say it.
FTLN 0368 Is not thy master with him, who, were ’t so,
FTLN 0369 Would have informed for preparation?
MESSENGER
FTLN 0370 So please you, it is true. Our thane is coming.
FTLN 0371 40 One of my fellows had the speed of him,
FTLN 0372 Who, almost dead for breath, had scarcely more
FTLN 0373 Than would make up his message.
LADY MACBETH FTLN 0374 Give him tending.
FTLN 0375 He brings great news. Messenger exits.
FTLN 0376 45 The raven himself is hoarse
FTLN 0377 That croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan
FTLN 0378 Under my battlements. Come, you spirits
FTLN 0379 That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here,
FTLN 0380 And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full
FTLN 0381 50 Of direst cruelty. Make thick my blood.
FTLN 0382 Stop up th’ access and passage to remorse,
FTLN 0383 That no compunctious visitings of nature
FTLN 0384 Shake my fell purpose, nor keep peace between
FTLN 0385 Th’ effect and it. Come to my woman’s breasts
FTLN 0386 55 And take my milk for gall, you murd’ring ministers,
FTLN 0387 Wherever in your sightless substances
FTLN 0388 You wait on nature’s mischief. Come, thick night,
FTLN 0389 And pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell,
FTLN 0390 That my keen knife see not the wound it makes,
FTLN 0391 60 Nor heaven peep through the blanket of the dark
FTLN 0392 To cry “Hold, hold!”
Enter Macbeth.
FTLN 0393 Great Glamis, worthy Cawdor,
FTLN 0394 Greater than both by the all-hail hereafter!

35
Macbeth
ACT 1. SC. 6
FTLN 0395 Thy letters have transported me beyond
FTLN 0396 65 This ignorant present, and I feel now
FTLN 0397 The future in the instant.
MACBETH FTLN 0398 My dearest love,
FTLN 0399 Duncan comes here tonight.
LADY MACBETH FTLN 0400 And when goes hence?
MACBETH
FTLN 0401 70 Tomorrow, as he purposes.
LADY MACBETH FTLN 0402 O, never
FTLN 0403 Shall sun that morrow see!
FTLN 0404 Your face, my thane, is as a book where men
FTLN 0405 May read strange matters. To beguile the time,
FTLN 0406 75 Look like the time. Bear welcome in your eye,
FTLN 0407 Your hand, your tongue. Look like th’ innocent
FTLN 0408 flower,
FTLN 0409 But be the serpent under ’t. He that’s coming
FTLN 0410 Must be provided for; and you shall put
FTLN 0411 80 This night’s great business into my dispatch,
FTLN 0412 Which shall to all our nights and days to come
FTLN 0413 Give solely sovereign sway and masterdom.
MACBETH
FTLN 0414 We will speak further.
LADY MACBETH FTLN 0415 Only look up clear.
FTLN 0416 85 To alter favor ever is to fear.
FTLN 0417 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.
DUNCAN
FTLN 0418 This castle hath a pleasant seat. The air
FTLN 0419 Nimbly and sweetly recommends itself
FTLN 0420 Unto our gentle senses.

37
Macbeth
ACT 1. SC. 6
BANQUO FTLN 0421 This guest of summer,
FTLN 0422 5 The temple-haunting martlet, does approve,
FTLN 0423 By his loved mansionry, that the heaven’s breath
FTLN 0424 Smells wooingly here. No jutty, frieze,
FTLN 0425 Buttress, nor coign of vantage, but this bird
FTLN 0426 Hath made his pendant bed and procreant cradle.
FTLN 0427 10 Where they most breed and haunt, I have
FTLN 0428 observed,
FTLN 0429 The air is delicate.
Enter Lady Macbeth.
DUNCAN FTLN 0430 See, see our honored hostess!—
FTLN 0431 The love that follows us sometime is our trouble,
FTLN 0432 15 Which still we thank as love. Herein I teach you
FTLN 0433 How you shall bid God ’ild us for your pains
FTLN 0434 And thank us for your trouble.
LADY MACBETH FTLN 0435 All our service,
FTLN 0436 In every point twice done and then done double,
FTLN 0437 20 Were poor and single business to contend
FTLN 0438 Against those honors deep and broad wherewith
FTLN 0439 Your Majesty loads our house. For those of old,
FTLN 0440 And the late dignities heaped up to them,
FTLN 0441 We rest your hermits.
DUNCAN FTLN 0442 25 Where’s the Thane of Cawdor?
FTLN 0443 We coursed him at the heels and had a purpose
FTLN 0444 To be his purveyor; but he rides well,
FTLN 0445 And his great love, sharp as his spur, hath helped
FTLN 0446 him
FTLN 0447 30 To his home before us. Fair and noble hostess,
FTLN 0448 We are your guest tonight.
LADY MACBETH FTLN 0449 Your servants ever
FTLN 0450 Have theirs, themselves, and what is theirs in compt
FTLN 0451 To make their audit at your Highness’ pleasure,
FTLN 0452 35 Still to return your own.
DUNCAN FTLN 0453 Give me your hand.

39
Macbeth
ACT 1. SC. 7
Taking her hand.
FTLN 0454 Conduct me to mine host. We love him highly
FTLN 0455 And shall continue our graces towards him.
FTLN 0456 By your leave, hostess.
They exit.
Scene 7
Hautboys. Torches. Enter a Sewer and divers Servants
with dishes and service over the stage. Then enter
Macbeth.
MACBETH
FTLN 0457 If it were done when ’tis done, then ’twere well
FTLN 0458 It were done quickly. If th’ assassination
FTLN 0459 Could trammel up the consequence and catch
FTLN 0460 With his surcease success, that but this blow
FTLN 0461 5 Might be the be-all and the end-all here,
FTLN 0462 But here, upon this bank and shoal of time,
FTLN 0463 We’d jump the life to come. But in these cases
FTLN 0464 We still have judgment here, that we but teach
FTLN 0465 Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return
FTLN 0466 10 To plague th’ inventor. This even-handed justice
FTLN 0467 Commends th’ ingredience of our poisoned chalice
FTLN 0468 To our own lips. He’s here in double trust:
FTLN 0469 First, as I am his kinsman and his subject,
FTLN 0470 Strong both against the deed; then, as his host,
FTLN 0471 15 Who should against his murderer shut the door,
FTLN 0472 Not bear the knife myself. Besides, this Duncan
FTLN 0473 Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been
FTLN 0474 So clear in his great office, that his virtues
FTLN 0475 Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued, against
FTLN 0476 20 The deep damnation of his taking-off;
FTLN 0477 And pity, like a naked newborn babe
FTLN 0478 Striding the blast, or heaven’s cherubin horsed

41
Macbeth
ACT 1. SC. 7
FTLN 0479 Upon the sightless couriers of the air,
FTLN 0480 Shall blow the horrid deed in every eye,
FTLN 0481 25 That tears shall drown the wind. I have no spur
FTLN 0482 To prick the sides of my intent, but only
FTLN 0483 Vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself
FTLN 0484 And falls on th’ other—
Enter Lady Macbeth.
FTLN 0485 How now, what news?
LADY MACBETH
FTLN 0486 30 He has almost supped. Why have you left the
FTLN 0487 chamber?
MACBETH
FTLN 0488 Hath he asked for me?
LADY MACBETH FTLN 0489 Know you not he has?
MACBETH
FTLN 0490 We will proceed no further in this business.
FTLN 0491 35 He hath honored me of late, and I have bought
FTLN 0492 Golden opinions from all sorts of people,
FTLN 0493 Which would be worn now in their newest gloss,
FTLN 0494 Not cast aside so soon.
LADY MACBETH FTLN 0495 Was the hope drunk
FTLN 0496 40 Wherein you dressed yourself? Hath it slept since?
FTLN 0497 And wakes it now, to look so green and pale
FTLN 0498 At what it did so freely? From this time
FTLN 0499 Such I account thy love. Art thou afeard
FTLN 0500 To be the same in thine own act and valor
FTLN 0501 45 As thou art in desire? Wouldst thou have that
FTLN 0502 Which thou esteem’st the ornament of life
FTLN 0503 And live a coward in thine own esteem,
FTLN 0504 Letting “I dare not” wait upon “I would,”
FTLN 0505 Like the poor cat i’ th’ adage?
MACBETH FTLN 0506 50 Prithee, peace.
FTLN 0507 I dare do all that may become a man.
FTLN 0508 Who dares do more is none.

43
Macbeth
ACT 1. SC. 7
LADY MACBETH FTLN 0509 What beast was ’t,
FTLN 0510 then,
FTLN 0511 55 That made you break this enterprise to me?
FTLN 0512 When you durst do it, then you were a man;
FTLN 0513 And to be more than what you were, you would
FTLN 0514 Be so much more the man. Nor time nor place
FTLN 0515 Did then adhere, and yet you would make both.
FTLN 0516 60 They have made themselves, and that their fitness
FTLN 0517 now
FTLN 0518 Does unmake you. I have given suck, and know
FTLN 0519 How tender ’tis to love the babe that milks me.
FTLN 0520 I would, while it was smiling in my face,
FTLN 0521 65 Have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums
FTLN 0522 And dashed the brains out, had I so sworn as you
FTLN 0523 Have done to this.
MACBETH FTLN 0524 If we should fail—
LADY MACBETH FTLN 0525 We fail?
FTLN 0526 70 But screw your courage to the sticking place
FTLN 0527 And we’ll not fail. When Duncan is asleep
FTLN 0528 (Whereto the rather shall his day’s hard journey
FTLN 0529 Soundly invite him), his two chamberlains
FTLN 0530 Will I with wine and wassail so convince
FTLN 0531 75 That memory, the warder of the brain,
FTLN 0532 Shall be a fume, and the receipt of reason
FTLN 0533 A limbeck only. When in swinish sleep
FTLN 0534 Their drenchèd natures lies as in a death,
FTLN 0535 What cannot you and I perform upon
FTLN 0536 80 Th’ unguarded Duncan? What not put upon
FTLN 0537 His spongy officers, who shall bear the guilt
FTLN 0538 Of our great quell?
MACBETH FTLN 0539 Bring forth men-children only,
FTLN 0540 For thy undaunted mettle should compose
FTLN 0541 85 Nothing but males. Will it not be received,
FTLN 0542 When we have marked with blood those sleepy two
FTLN 0543 Of his own chamber and used their very daggers,
FTLN 0544 That they have done ’t?

45
Macbeth
ACT 1. SC. 7
LADY MACBETH FTLN 0545 Who dares receive it other,
FTLN 0546 90 As we shall make our griefs and clamor roar
FTLN 0547 Upon his death?
MACBETH FTLN 0548 I am settled and bend up
FTLN 0549 Each corporal agent to this terrible feat.
FTLN 0550 Away, and mock the time with fairest show.
FTLN 0551 95 False face must hide what the false heart doth
FTLN 0552 know.
They exit.

ACT 2
Scene 1
Enter Banquo, and Fleance with a torch before him.
BANQUO FTLN 0553 How goes the night, boy?
FLEANCE
FTLN 0554 The moon is down. I have not heard the clock.
BANQUO FTLN 0555 And she goes down at twelve.
FLEANCE FTLN 0556 I take ’t ’tis later, sir.
BANQUO
FTLN 0557 5 Hold, take my sword. He gives his sword to Fleance.
FTLN 0558 There’s husbandry in heaven;
FTLN 0559 Their candles are all out. Take thee that too.
FTLN 0560 A heavy summons lies like lead upon me,
FTLN 0561 And yet I would not sleep. Merciful powers,
FTLN 0562 10 Restrain in me the cursèd thoughts that nature
FTLN 0563 Gives way to in repose.
Enter Macbeth, and a Servant with a torch.
FTLN 0564 Give me my sword.—Who’s
FTLN 0565 there?
MACBETH FTLN 0566 A friend.
BANQUO
FTLN 0567 15 What, sir, not yet at rest? The King’s abed.
FTLN 0568 He hath been in unusual pleasure, and
FTLN 0569 Sent forth great largess to your offices.
FTLN 0570 This diamond he greets your wife withal,
49

51
Macbeth
ACT 2. SC. 1
FTLN 0571 By the name of most kind hostess, and shut up
FTLN 0572 20 In measureless content.
He gives Macbeth a jewel.
MACBETH FTLN 0573 Being unprepared,
FTLN 0574 Our will became the servant to defect,
FTLN 0575 Which else should free have wrought.
BANQUO FTLN 0576 All’s well.
FTLN 0577 25 I dreamt last night of the three Weïrd Sisters.
FTLN 0578 To you they have showed some truth.
MACBETH FTLN 0579 I think not of
FTLN 0580 them.
FTLN 0581 Yet, when we can entreat an hour to serve,
FTLN 0582 30 We would spend it in some words upon that
FTLN 0583 business,
FTLN 0584 If you would grant the time.
BANQUO FTLN 0585 At your kind’st leisure.
MACBETH
FTLN 0586 If you shall cleave to my consent, when ’tis,
FTLN 0587 35 It shall make honor for you.
BANQUO FTLN 0588 So I lose none
FTLN 0589 In seeking to augment it, but still keep
FTLN 0590 My bosom franchised and allegiance clear,
FTLN 0591 I shall be counseled.
MACBETH FTLN 0592 40 Good repose the while.
BANQUO FTLN 0593 Thanks, sir. The like to you.
Banquo and Fleance exit.
MACBETH
FTLN 0594 Go bid thy mistress, when my drink is ready,
FTLN 0595 She strike upon the bell. Get thee to bed.
Servant exits.
FTLN 0596 Is this a dagger which I see before me,
FTLN 0597 45 The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch
FTLN 0598 thee.
FTLN 0599 I have thee not, and yet I see thee still.
FTLN 0600 Art thou not, fatal vision, sensible
FTLN 0601 To feeling as to sight? Or art thou but

53
Macbeth
ACT 2. SC. 1
FTLN 0602 50 A dagger of the mind, a false creation
FTLN 0603 Proceeding from the heat-oppressèd brain?
FTLN 0604 I see thee yet, in form as palpable
FTLN 0605 As this which now I draw. He draws his dagger.
FTLN 0606 Thou marshal’st me the way that I was going,
FTLN 0607 55 And such an instrument I was to use.
FTLN 0608 Mine eyes are made the fools o’ th’ other senses
FTLN 0609 Or else worth all the rest. I see thee still,
FTLN 0610 And, on thy blade and dudgeon, gouts of blood,
FTLN 0611 Which was not so before. There’s no such thing.
FTLN 0612 60 It is the bloody business which informs
FTLN 0613 Thus to mine eyes. Now o’er the one-half world
FTLN 0614 Nature seems dead, and wicked dreams abuse
FTLN 0615 The curtained sleep. Witchcraft celebrates
FTLN 0616 Pale Hecate’s off’rings, and withered murder,
FTLN 0617 65 Alarumed by his sentinel, the wolf,
FTLN 0618 Whose howl’s his watch, thus with his stealthy pace,
FTLN 0619 With Tarquin’s ravishing strides, towards his
FTLN 0620 design
FTLN 0621 Moves like a ghost. Thou sure and firm-set earth,
FTLN 0622 70 Hear not my steps, which way they walk, for fear
FTLN 0623 Thy very stones prate of my whereabouts
FTLN 0624 And take the present horror from the time,
FTLN 0625 Which now suits with it. Whiles I threat, he lives.
FTLN 0626 Words to the heat of deeds too cold breath gives.
A bell rings.
FTLN 0627 75 I go, and it is done. The bell invites me.
FTLN 0628 Hear it not, Duncan, for it is a knell
FTLN 0629 That summons thee to heaven or to hell.
He exits.

55
Macbeth
ACT 2. SC. 2
Scene 2
Enter Lady Macbeth.
LADY MACBETH
FTLN 0630 That which hath made them drunk hath made me
FTLN 0631 bold.
FTLN 0632 What hath quenched them hath given me fire.
FTLN 0633 Hark!—Peace.
FTLN 0634 5 It was the owl that shrieked, the fatal bellman,
FTLN 0635 Which gives the stern’st good-night. He is about it.
FTLN 0636 The doors are open, and the surfeited grooms
FTLN 0637 Do mock their charge with snores. I have drugged
FTLN 0638 their possets,
FTLN 0639 10 That death and nature do contend about them
FTLN 0640 Whether they live or die.
MACBETH , within FTLN 0641 Who’s there? what, ho!
LADY MACBETH
FTLN 0642 Alack, I am afraid they have awaked,
FTLN 0643 And ’tis not done. Th’ attempt and not the deed
FTLN 0644 15 Confounds us. Hark!—I laid their daggers ready;
FTLN 0645 He could not miss ’em. Had he not resembled
FTLN 0646 My father as he slept, I had done ’t.
Enter Macbeth with bloody daggers.
FTLN 0647 My husband?
MACBETH
FTLN 0648 I have done the deed. Didst thou not hear a noise?
LADY MACBETH
FTLN 0649 20 I heard the owl scream and the crickets cry.
FTLN 0650 Did not you speak?
MACBETH FTLN 0651 When?
LADY MACBETH FTLN 0652 Now.
MACBETH FTLN 0653 As I descended?
LADY MACBETH FTLN 0654 25 Ay.
MACBETH FTLN 0655 Hark!—Who lies i’ th’ second chamber?
LADY MACBETH FTLN 0656 Donalbain.

57
Macbeth
ACT 2. SC. 2
MACBETH FTLN 0657 This is a sorry sight.
LADY MACBETH
FTLN 0658 A foolish thought, to say a sorry sight.
MACBETH
FTLN 0659 30 There’s one did laugh in ’s sleep, and one cried
FTLN 0660 “Murder!”
FTLN 0661 That they did wake each other. I stood and heard
FTLN 0662 them.
FTLN 0663 But they did say their prayers and addressed them
FTLN 0664 35 Again to sleep.
LADY MACBETH FTLN 0665 There are two lodged together.
MACBETH
FTLN 0666 One cried “God bless us” and “Amen” the other,
FTLN 0667 As they had seen me with these hangman’s hands,
FTLN 0668 List’ning their fear. I could not say “Amen”
FTLN 0669 40 When they did say “God bless us.”
LADY MACBETH FTLN 0670 Consider it not so deeply.
MACBETH
FTLN 0671 But wherefore could not I pronounce “Amen”?
FTLN 0672 I had most need of blessing, and “Amen”
FTLN 0673 Stuck in my throat.
LADY MACBETH FTLN 0674 45 These deeds must not be thought
FTLN 0675 After these ways; so, it will make us mad.
MACBETH
FTLN 0676 Methought I heard a voice cry “Sleep no more!
FTLN 0677 Macbeth does murder sleep”—the innocent sleep,
FTLN 0678 Sleep that knits up the raveled sleave of care,
FTLN 0679 50 The death of each day’s life, sore labor’s bath,
FTLN 0680 Balm of hurt minds, great nature’s second course,
FTLN 0681 Chief nourisher in life’s feast.
LADY MACBETH FTLN 0682 What do you mean?
MACBETH
FTLN 0683 Still it cried “Sleep no more!” to all the house.
FTLN 0684 55 “Glamis hath murdered sleep, and therefore
FTLN 0685 Cawdor
FTLN 0686 Shall sleep no more. Macbeth shall sleep no more.”

59
Macbeth
ACT 2. SC. 2
LADY MACBETH
FTLN 0687 Who was it that thus cried? Why, worthy thane,
FTLN 0688 You do unbend your noble strength to think
FTLN 0689 60 So brainsickly of things. Go get some water
FTLN 0690 And wash this filthy witness from your hand.—
FTLN 0691 Why did you bring these daggers from the place?
FTLN 0692 They must lie there. Go, carry them and smear
FTLN 0693 The sleepy grooms with blood.
MACBETH FTLN 0694 65 I’ll go no more.
FTLN 0695 I am afraid to think what I have done.
FTLN 0696 Look on ’t again I dare not.
LADY MACBETH FTLN 0697 Infirm of purpose!
FTLN 0698 Give me the daggers. The sleeping and the dead
FTLN 0699 70 Are but as pictures. ’Tis the eye of childhood
FTLN 0700 That fears a painted devil. If he do bleed,
FTLN 0701 I’ll gild the faces of the grooms withal,
FTLN 0702 For it must seem their guilt.
She exits with the daggers. Knock within.
MACBETH FTLN 0703 Whence is that
FTLN 0704 75 knocking?
FTLN 0705 How is ’t with me when every noise appalls me?
FTLN 0706 What hands are here! Ha, they pluck out mine eyes.
FTLN 0707 Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood
FTLN 0708 Clean from my hand? No, this my hand will rather
FTLN 0709 80 The multitudinous seas incarnadine,
FTLN 0710 Making the green one red.
Enter Lady Macbeth.
LADY MACBETH
FTLN 0711 My hands are of your color, but I shame
FTLN 0712 To wear a heart so white. Knock.
FTLN 0713 I hear a knocking
FTLN 0714 85 At the south entry. Retire we to our chamber.
FTLN 0715 A little water clears us of this deed.
FTLN 0716 How easy is it, then! Your constancy
FTLN 0717 Hath left you unattended. Knock.

61
Macbeth
ACT 2. SC. 3
FTLN 0718 Hark, more knocking.
FTLN 0719 90 Get on your nightgown, lest occasion call us
FTLN 0720 And show us to be watchers. Be not lost
FTLN 0721 So poorly in your thoughts.
MACBETH
FTLN 0722 To know my deed ’twere best not know myself.
Knock.
FTLN 0723 Wake Duncan with thy knocking. I would thou
FTLN 0724 95 couldst.
They exit.
Scene 3
Knocking within. Enter a Porter.
PORTER FTLN 0725 Here’s a knocking indeed! If a man were
FTLN 0726 porter of hell gate, he should have old turning the
FTLN 0727 key. (Knock.) Knock, knock, knock! Who’s there, i’
FTLN 0728 th’ name of Beelzebub? Here’s a farmer that hanged
FTLN 0729 5 himself on th’ expectation of plenty. Come in time!
FTLN 0730 Have napkins enough about you; here you’ll sweat
FTLN 0731 for ’t. (Knock.) Knock, knock! Who’s there, in th’
FTLN 0732 other devil’s name? Faith, here’s an equivocator
FTLN 0733 that could swear in both the scales against either
FTLN 0734 10 scale, who committed treason enough for God’s
FTLN 0735 sake yet could not equivocate to heaven. O, come in,
FTLN 0736 equivocator. (Knock.) Knock, knock, knock! Who’s
FTLN 0737 there? Faith, here’s an English tailor come hither for
FTLN 0738 stealing out of a French hose. Come in, tailor. Here
FTLN 0739 15 you may roast your goose. (Knock.) Knock, knock!
FTLN 0740 Never at quiet.—What are you?—But this place is
FTLN 0741 too cold for hell. I’ll devil-porter it no further. I had
FTLN 0742 thought to have let in some of all professions that go
FTLN 0743 the primrose way to th’ everlasting bonfire. (Knock.)
FTLN 0744 20 Anon, anon!
The Porter opens the door to Macduff and Lennox.
FTLN 0745 I pray you, remember the porter.

63
Macbeth
ACT 2. SC. 3
MACDUFF
FTLN 0746 Was it so late, friend, ere you went to bed
FTLN 0747 That you do lie so late?
PORTER FTLN 0748 Faith, sir, we were carousing till the second
FTLN 0749 25 cock, and drink, sir, is a great provoker of three
FTLN 0750 things.
MACDUFF FTLN 0751 What three things does drink especially
FTLN 0752 provoke?
PORTER FTLN 0753 Marry, sir, nose-painting, sleep, and urine.
FTLN 0754 30 Lechery, sir, it provokes and unprovokes. It provokes
FTLN 0755 the desire, but it takes away the performance.
FTLN 0756 Therefore much drink may be said to be an
FTLN 0757 equivocator with lechery. It makes him, and it
FTLN 0758 mars him; it sets him on, and it takes him off; it
FTLN 0759 35 persuades him and disheartens him; makes him
FTLN 0760 stand to and not stand to; in conclusion, equivocates
FTLN 0761 him in a sleep and, giving him the lie, leaves
FTLN 0762 him.
MACDUFF FTLN 0763 I believe drink gave thee the lie last night.
PORTER FTLN 0764 40 That it did, sir, i’ th’ very throat on me; but I
FTLN 0765 requited him for his lie, and, I think, being too
FTLN 0766 strong for him, though he took up my legs sometime,
FTLN 0767 yet I made a shift to cast him.
MACDUFF FTLN 0768 Is thy master stirring?
Enter Macbeth.
FTLN 0769 45 Our knocking has awaked him. Here he comes.
Porter exits.
LENNOX
FTLN 0770 Good morrow, noble sir.
MACBETH FTLN 0771 Good morrow, both.
MACDUFF
FTLN 0772 Is the King stirring, worthy thane?
MACBETH FTLN 0773 Not yet.
MACDUFF
FTLN 0774 50 He did command me to call timely on him.
FTLN 0775 I have almost slipped the hour.

65
Macbeth
ACT 2. SC. 3
MACBETH FTLN 0776 I’ll bring you to him.
MACDUFF
FTLN 0777 I know this is a joyful trouble to you,
FTLN 0778 But yet ’tis one.
MACBETH
FTLN 0779 55 The labor we delight in physics pain.
FTLN 0780 This is the door.
MACDUFF FTLN 0781 I’ll make so bold to call,
FTLN 0782 For ’tis my limited service. Macduff exits.
LENNOX FTLN 0783 Goes the King hence today?
MACBETH FTLN 0784 60 He does. He did appoint so.
LENNOX
FTLN 0785 The night has been unruly. Where we lay,
FTLN 0786 Our chimneys were blown down and, as they say,
FTLN 0787 Lamentings heard i’ th’ air, strange screams of
FTLN 0788 death,
FTLN 0789 65 And prophesying, with accents terrible,
FTLN 0790 Of dire combustion and confused events
FTLN 0791 New hatched to th’ woeful time. The obscure bird
FTLN 0792 Clamored the livelong night. Some say the Earth
FTLN 0793 Was feverous and did shake.
MACBETH FTLN 0794 70 ’Twas a rough night.
LENNOX
FTLN 0795 My young remembrance cannot parallel
FTLN 0796 A fellow to it.
Enter Macduff.
MACDUFF FTLN 0797 O horror, horror, horror!
FTLN 0798 Tongue nor heart cannot conceive nor name thee!
MACBETH AND LENNOX FTLN 0799 75 What’s the matter?
MACDUFF
FTLN 0800 Confusion now hath made his masterpiece.
FTLN 0801 Most sacrilegious murder hath broke ope
FTLN 0802 The Lord’s anointed temple and stole thence
FTLN 0803 The life o’ th’ building.

67
Macbeth
ACT 2. SC. 3
MACBETH FTLN 0804 80 What is ’t you say? The life?
LENNOX FTLN 0805 Mean you his Majesty?
MACDUFF
FTLN 0806 Approach the chamber and destroy your sight
FTLN 0807 With a new Gorgon. Do not bid me speak.
FTLN 0808 See and then speak yourselves.
Macbeth and Lennox exit.
FTLN 0809 85 Awake, awake!
FTLN 0810 Ring the alarum bell.—Murder and treason!
FTLN 0811 Banquo and Donalbain, Malcolm, awake!
FTLN 0812 Shake off this downy sleep, death’s counterfeit,
FTLN 0813 And look on death itself. Up, up, and see
FTLN 0814 90 The great doom’s image. Malcolm, Banquo,
FTLN 0815 As from your graves rise up and walk like sprites
FTLN 0816 To countenance this horror.—Ring the bell.
Bell rings.
Enter Lady Macbeth.
LADY MACBETH FTLN 0817 What’s the business,
FTLN 0818 That such a hideous trumpet calls to parley
FTLN 0819 95 The sleepers of the house? Speak, speak!
MACDUFF FTLN 0820 O gentle lady,
FTLN 0821 ’Tis not for you to hear what I can speak.
FTLN 0822 The repetition in a woman’s ear
FTLN 0823 Would murder as it fell.
Enter Banquo.
FTLN 0824 100 O Banquo, Banquo,
FTLN 0825 Our royal master’s murdered.
LADY MACBETH FTLN 0826 Woe, alas!
FTLN 0827 What, in our house?
BANQUO FTLN 0828 Too cruel anywhere.—
FTLN 0829 105 Dear Duff, I prithee, contradict thyself
FTLN 0830 And say it is not so.

69
Macbeth
ACT 2. SC. 3
Enter Macbeth, Lennox, and Ross.
MACBETH
FTLN 0831 Had I but died an hour before this chance,
FTLN 0832 I had lived a blessèd time; for from this instant
FTLN 0833 There’s nothing serious in mortality.
FTLN 0834 110 All is but toys. Renown and grace is dead.
FTLN 0835 The wine of life is drawn, and the mere lees
FTLN 0836 Is left this vault to brag of.
Enter Malcolm and Donalbain.
DONALBAIN FTLN 0837 What is amiss?
MACBETH FTLN 0838 You are, and do not know ’t.
FTLN 0839 115 The spring, the head, the fountain of your blood
FTLN 0840 Is stopped; the very source of it is stopped.
MACDUFF
FTLN 0841 Your royal father’s murdered.
MALCOLM FTLN 0842 O, by whom?
LENNOX
FTLN 0843 Those of his chamber, as it seemed, had done ’t.
FTLN 0844 120 Their hands and faces were all badged with blood.
FTLN 0845 So were their daggers, which unwiped we found
FTLN 0846 Upon their pillows. They stared and were distracted.
FTLN 0847 No man’s life was to be trusted with them.
MACBETH
FTLN 0848 O, yet I do repent me of my fury,
FTLN 0849 125 That I did kill them.
MACDUFF FTLN 0850 Wherefore did you so?
MACBETH
FTLN 0851 Who can be wise, amazed, temp’rate, and furious,
FTLN 0852 Loyal, and neutral, in a moment? No man.
FTLN 0853 Th’ expedition of my violent love
FTLN 0854 130 Outrun the pauser, reason. Here lay Duncan,
FTLN 0855 His silver skin laced with his golden blood,
FTLN 0856 And his gashed stabs looked like a breach in nature
FTLN 0857 For ruin’s wasteful entrance; there the murderers,

71
Macbeth
ACT 2. SC. 3
FTLN 0858 Steeped in the colors of their trade, their daggers
FTLN 0859 135 Unmannerly breeched with gore. Who could refrain
FTLN 0860 That had a heart to love, and in that heart
FTLN 0861 Courage to make ’s love known?
LADY MACBETH FTLN 0862 Help me hence, ho!
MACDUFF
FTLN 0863 Look to the lady.
MALCOLM , aside to Donalbain FTLN 0864 140 Why do we hold our
FTLN 0865 tongues,
FTLN 0866 That most may claim this argument for ours?
DONALBAIN , aside to Malcolm
FTLN 0867 What should be spoken here, where our fate,
FTLN 0868 Hid in an auger hole, may rush and seize us?
FTLN 0869 145 Let’s away. Our tears are not yet brewed.
MALCOLM , aside to Donalbain
FTLN 0870 Nor our strong sorrow upon the foot of motion.
BANQUO FTLN 0871 Look to the lady.
Lady Macbeth is assisted to leave.
FTLN 0872 And when we have our naked frailties hid,
FTLN 0873 That suffer in exposure, let us meet
FTLN 0874 150 And question this most bloody piece of work
FTLN 0875 To know it further. Fears and scruples shake us.
FTLN 0876 In the great hand of God I stand, and thence
FTLN 0877 Against the undivulged pretense I fight
FTLN 0878 Of treasonous malice.
MACDUFF FTLN 0879 155 And so do I.
ALL FTLN 0880 So all.
MACBETH
FTLN 0881 Let’s briefly put on manly readiness
FTLN 0882 And meet i’ th’ hall together.
ALL FTLN 0883 Well contented.
All but Malcolm and Donalbain exit.
MALCOLM
FTLN 0884 160 What will you do? Let’s not consort with them.
FTLN 0885 To show an unfelt sorrow is an office
FTLN 0886 Which the false man does easy. I’ll to England.

73
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ACT 2. SC. 4
DONALBAIN
FTLN 0887 To Ireland I. Our separated fortune
FTLN 0888 Shall keep us both the safer. Where we are,
FTLN 0889 165 There’s daggers in men’s smiles. The near in blood,
FTLN 0890 The nearer bloody.
MALCOLM FTLN 0891 This murderous shaft that’s shot
FTLN 0892 Hath not yet lighted, and our safest way
FTLN 0893 Is to avoid the aim. Therefore to horse,
FTLN 0894 170 And let us not be dainty of leave-taking
FTLN 0895 But shift away. There’s warrant in that theft
FTLN 0896 Which steals itself when there’s no mercy left.
They exit.
Scene 4
Enter Ross with an Old Man.
OLD MAN
FTLN 0897 Threescore and ten I can remember well,
FTLN 0898 Within the volume of which time I have seen
FTLN 0899 Hours dreadful and things strange, but this sore
FTLN 0900 night
FTLN 0901 5 Hath trifled former knowings.
ROSS FTLN 0902 Ha, good father,
FTLN 0903 Thou seest the heavens, as troubled with man’s act,
FTLN 0904 Threatens his bloody stage. By th’ clock ’tis day,
FTLN 0905 And yet dark night strangles the traveling lamp.
FTLN 0906 10 Is ’t night’s predominance or the day’s shame
FTLN 0907 That darkness does the face of earth entomb
FTLN 0908 When living light should kiss it?
OLD MAN FTLN 0909 ’Tis unnatural,
FTLN 0910 Even like the deed that’s done. On Tuesday last
FTLN 0911 15 A falcon, tow’ring in her pride of place,
FTLN 0912 Was by a mousing owl hawked at and killed.
ROSS
FTLN 0913 And Duncan’s horses (a thing most strange and
FTLN 0914 certain),

75
Macbeth
ACT 2. SC. 4
FTLN 0915 Beauteous and swift, the minions of their race,
FTLN 0916 20 Turned wild in nature, broke their stalls, flung out,
FTLN 0917 Contending ’gainst obedience, as they would
FTLN 0918 Make war with mankind.
OLD MAN FTLN 0919 ’Tis said they eat each
FTLN 0920 other.
ROSS
FTLN 0921 25 They did so, to th’ amazement of mine eyes
FTLN 0922 That looked upon ’t.
Enter Macduff.
FTLN 0923 Here comes the good
FTLN 0924 Macduff.—
FTLN 0925 How goes the world, sir, now?
MACDUFF FTLN 0926 30 Why, see you not?
ROSS
FTLN 0927 Is ’t known who did this more than bloody deed?
MACDUFF
FTLN 0928 Those that Macbeth hath slain.
ROSS FTLN 0929 Alas the day,
FTLN 0930 What good could they pretend?
MACDUFF FTLN 0931 35 They were suborned.
FTLN 0932 Malcolm and Donalbain, the King’s two sons,
FTLN 0933 Are stol’n away and fled, which puts upon them
FTLN 0934 Suspicion of the deed.
ROSS FTLN 0935 ’Gainst nature still!
FTLN 0936 40 Thriftless ambition, that will ravin up
FTLN 0937 Thine own lives’ means. Then ’tis most like
FTLN 0938 The sovereignty will fall upon Macbeth.
MACDUFF
FTLN 0939 He is already named and gone to Scone
FTLN 0940 To be invested.
ROSS FTLN 0941 45 Where is Duncan’s body?
MACDUFF FTLN 0942 Carried to Colmekill,
FTLN 0943 The sacred storehouse of his predecessors
FTLN 0944 And guardian of their bones.

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ACT 2. SC. 4
ROSS FTLN 0945 Will you to Scone?
MACDUFF
FTLN 0946 50 No, cousin, I’ll to Fife.
ROSS FTLN 0947 Well, I will thither.
MACDUFF
FTLN 0948 Well, may you see things well done there. Adieu,
FTLN 0949 Lest our old robes sit easier than our new.
ROSS FTLN 0950 Farewell, father.
OLD MAN
FTLN 0951 55 God’s benison go with you and with those
FTLN 0952 That would make good of bad and friends of foes.
All exit.

ACT 3
Scene 1
Enter Banquo.
BANQUO
FTLN 0953 Thou hast it now—king, Cawdor, Glamis, all
FTLN 0954 As the Weïrd Women promised, and I fear
FTLN 0955 Thou played’st most foully for ’t. Yet it was said
FTLN 0956 It should not stand in thy posterity,
FTLN 0957 5 But that myself should be the root and father
FTLN 0958 Of many kings. If there come truth from them
FTLN 0959 (As upon thee, Macbeth, their speeches shine)
FTLN 0960 Why, by the verities on thee made good,
FTLN 0961 May they not be my oracles as well,
FTLN 0962 10 And set me up in hope? But hush, no more.
Sennet sounded. Enter Macbeth as King, Lady
Macbeth, Lennox, Ross, Lords, and Attendants.
MACBETH
FTLN 0963 Here’s our chief guest.
LADY MACBETH FTLN 0964 If he had been forgotten,
FTLN 0965 It had been as a gap in our great feast
FTLN 0966 And all-thing unbecoming.
MACBETH
FTLN 0967 15 Tonight we hold a solemn supper, sir,
FTLN 0968 And I’ll request your presence.
BANQUO FTLN 0969 Let your Highness
81

83
Macbeth
ACT 3. SC. 1
FTLN 0970 Command upon me, to the which my duties
FTLN 0971 Are with a most indissoluble tie
FTLN 0972 20 Forever knit.
MACBETH FTLN 0973 Ride you this afternoon?
BANQUO FTLN 0974 Ay, my good lord.
MACBETH
FTLN 0975 We should have else desired your good advice
FTLN 0976 (Which still hath been both grave and prosperous)
FTLN 0977 25 In this day’s council, but we’ll take tomorrow.
FTLN 0978 Is ’t far you ride?
BANQUO
FTLN 0979 As far, my lord, as will fill up the time
FTLN 0980 ’Twixt this and supper. Go not my horse the better,
FTLN 0981 I must become a borrower of the night
FTLN 0982 30 For a dark hour or twain.
MACBETH FTLN 0983 Fail not our feast.
BANQUO FTLN 0984 My lord, I will not.
MACBETH
FTLN 0985 We hear our bloody cousins are bestowed
FTLN 0986 In England and in Ireland, not confessing
FTLN 0987 35 Their cruel parricide, filling their hearers
FTLN 0988 With strange invention. But of that tomorrow,
FTLN 0989 When therewithal we shall have cause of state
FTLN 0990 Craving us jointly. Hie you to horse. Adieu,
FTLN 0991 Till you return at night. Goes Fleance with you?
BANQUO
FTLN 0992 40 Ay, my good lord. Our time does call upon ’s.
MACBETH
FTLN 0993 I wish your horses swift and sure of foot,
FTLN 0994 And so I do commend you to their backs.
FTLN 0995 Farewell. Banquo exits.
FTLN 0996 Let every man be master of his time
FTLN 0997 45 Till seven at night. To make society
FTLN 0998 The sweeter welcome, we will keep ourself
FTLN 0999 Till suppertime alone. While then, God be with you.
Lords and all but Macbeth and a Servant exit.

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ACT 3. SC. 1
FTLN 1000 Sirrah, a word with you. Attend those men
FTLN 1001 Our pleasure?
SERVANT
FTLN 1002 50 They are, my lord, without the palace gate.
MACBETH
FTLN 1003 Bring them before us. Servant exits.
FTLN 1004 To be thus is nothing,
FTLN 1005 But to be safely thus. Our fears in Banquo
FTLN 1006 Stick deep, and in his royalty of nature
FTLN 1007 55 Reigns that which would be feared. ’Tis much he
FTLN 1008 dares,
FTLN 1009 And to that dauntless temper of his mind
FTLN 1010 He hath a wisdom that doth guide his valor
FTLN 1011 To act in safety. There is none but he
FTLN 1012 60 Whose being I do fear; and under him
FTLN 1013 My genius is rebuked, as it is said
FTLN 1014 Mark Antony’s was by Caesar. He chid the sisters
FTLN 1015 When first they put the name of king upon me
FTLN 1016 And bade them speak to him. Then, prophet-like,
FTLN 1017 65 They hailed him father to a line of kings.
FTLN 1018 Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown
FTLN 1019 And put a barren scepter in my grip,
FTLN 1020 Thence to be wrenched with an unlineal hand,
FTLN 1021 No son of mine succeeding. If ’t be so,
FTLN 1022 70 For Banquo’s issue have I filed my mind;
FTLN 1023 For them the gracious Duncan have I murdered,
FTLN 1024 Put rancors in the vessel of my peace
FTLN 1025 Only for them, and mine eternal jewel
FTLN 1026 Given to the common enemy of man
FTLN 1027 75 To make them kings, the seeds of Banquo kings.
FTLN 1028 Rather than so, come fate into the list,
FTLN 1029 And champion me to th’ utterance.—Who’s there?
Enter Servant and two Murderers.
FTLN 1030 To the Servant. Now go to the door, and stay there
FTLN 1031 till we call. Servant exits.

87
Macbeth
ACT 3. SC. 1
FTLN 1032 80 Was it not yesterday we spoke together?
MURDERERS
FTLN 1033 It was, so please your Highness.
MACBETH FTLN 1034 Well then, now
FTLN 1035 Have you considered of my speeches? Know
FTLN 1036 That it was he, in the times past, which held you
FTLN 1037 85 So under fortune, which you thought had been
FTLN 1038 Our innocent self. This I made good to you
FTLN 1039 In our last conference, passed in probation with you
FTLN 1040 How you were borne in hand, how crossed, the
FTLN 1041 instruments,
FTLN 1042 90 Who wrought with them, and all things else that
FTLN 1043 might
FTLN 1044 To half a soul and to a notion crazed
FTLN 1045 Say “Thus did Banquo.”
FIRST MURDERER FTLN 1046 You made it known to us.
MACBETH
FTLN 1047 95 I did so, and went further, which is now
FTLN 1048 Our point of second meeting. Do you find
FTLN 1049 Your patience so predominant in your nature
FTLN 1050 That you can let this go? Are you so gospeled
FTLN 1051 To pray for this good man and for his issue,
FTLN 1052 100 Whose heavy hand hath bowed you to the grave
FTLN 1053 And beggared yours forever?
FIRST MURDERER FTLN 1054 We are men, my liege.
MACBETH
FTLN 1055 Ay, in the catalogue you go for men,
FTLN 1056 As hounds and greyhounds, mongrels, spaniels,
FTLN 1057 105 curs,
FTLN 1058 Shoughs, water-rugs, and demi-wolves are clept
FTLN 1059 All by the name of dogs. The valued file
FTLN 1060 Distinguishes the swift, the slow, the subtle,
FTLN 1061 The housekeeper, the hunter, every one
FTLN 1062 110 According to the gift which bounteous nature
FTLN 1063 Hath in him closed; whereby he does receive

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ACT 3. SC. 1
FTLN 1064 Particular addition, from the bill
FTLN 1065 That writes them all alike. And so of men.
FTLN 1066 Now, if you have a station in the file,
FTLN 1067 115 Not i’ th’ worst rank of manhood, say ’t,
FTLN 1068 And I will put that business in your bosoms
FTLN 1069 Whose execution takes your enemy off,
FTLN 1070 Grapples you to the heart and love of us,
FTLN 1071 Who wear our health but sickly in his life,
FTLN 1072 120 Which in his death were perfect.
SECOND MURDERER FTLN 1073 I am one, my liege,
FTLN 1074 Whom the vile blows and buffets of the world
FTLN 1075 Hath so incensed that I am reckless what
FTLN 1076 I do to spite the world.
FIRST MURDERER FTLN 1077 125 And I another
FTLN 1078 So weary with disasters, tugged with fortune,
FTLN 1079 That I would set my life on any chance,
FTLN 1080 To mend it or be rid on ’t.
MACBETH FTLN 1081 Both of you
FTLN 1082 130 Know Banquo was your enemy.
MURDERERS FTLN 1083 True, my lord.
MACBETH
FTLN 1084 So is he mine, and in such bloody distance
FTLN 1085 That every minute of his being thrusts
FTLN 1086 Against my near’st of life. And though I could
FTLN 1087 135 With barefaced power sweep him from my sight
FTLN 1088 And bid my will avouch it, yet I must not,
FTLN 1089 For certain friends that are both his and mine,
FTLN 1090 Whose loves I may not drop, but wail his fall
FTLN 1091 Who I myself struck down. And thence it is
FTLN 1092 140 That I to your assistance do make love,
FTLN 1093 Masking the business from the common eye
FTLN 1094 For sundry weighty reasons.
SECOND MURDERER FTLN 1095 We shall, my lord,
FTLN 1096 Perform what you command us.
FIRST MURDERER FTLN 1097 145 Though our lives—

91
Macbeth
ACT 3. SC. 2
MACBETH
FTLN 1098 Your spirits shine through you. Within this hour at
FTLN 1099 most
FTLN 1100 I will advise you where to plant yourselves,
FTLN 1101 Acquaint you with the perfect spy o’ th’ time,
FTLN 1102 150 The moment on ’t, for ’t must be done tonight
FTLN 1103 And something from the palace; always thought
FTLN 1104 That I require a clearness. And with him
FTLN 1105 (To leave no rubs nor botches in the work)
FTLN 1106 Fleance, his son, that keeps him company,
FTLN 1107 155 Whose absence is no less material to me
FTLN 1108 Than is his father’s, must embrace the fate
FTLN 1109 Of that dark hour. Resolve yourselves apart.
FTLN 1110 I’ll come to you anon.
MURDERERS FTLN 1111 We are resolved, my lord.
MACBETH
FTLN 1112 160 I’ll call upon you straight. Abide within.
Murderers exit.
FTLN 1113 It is concluded. Banquo, thy soul’s flight,
FTLN 1114 If it find heaven, must find it out tonight.
He exits.
Scene 2
Enter Macbeth’s Lady and a Servant.
LADY MACBETH FTLN 1115 Is Banquo gone from court?
SERVANT
FTLN 1116 Ay, madam, but returns again tonight.
LADY MACBETH
FTLN 1117 Say to the King I would attend his leisure
FTLN 1118 For a few words.
SERVANT FTLN 1119 5 Madam, I will. He exits.
LADY MACBETH FTLN 1120 Naught’s had, all’s spent,
FTLN 1121 Where our desire is got without content.
FTLN 1122 ’Tis safer to be that which we destroy
FTLN 1123 Than by destruction dwell in doubtful joy.

93
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ACT 3. SC. 2
Enter Macbeth.
FTLN 1124 10 How now, my lord, why do you keep alone,
FTLN 1125 Of sorriest fancies your companions making,
FTLN 1126 Using those thoughts which should indeed have died
FTLN 1127 With them they think on? Things without all remedy
FTLN 1128 Should be without regard. What’s done is done.
MACBETH
FTLN 1129 15 We have scorched the snake, not killed it.
FTLN 1130 She’ll close and be herself whilst our poor malice
FTLN 1131 Remains in danger of her former tooth.
FTLN 1132 But let the frame of things disjoint, both the worlds
FTLN 1133 suffer,
FTLN 1134 20 Ere we will eat our meal in fear, and sleep
FTLN 1135 In the affliction of these terrible dreams
FTLN 1136 That shake us nightly. Better be with the dead,
FTLN 1137 Whom we, to gain our peace, have sent to peace,
FTLN 1138 Than on the torture of the mind to lie
FTLN 1139 25 In restless ecstasy. Duncan is in his grave.
FTLN 1140 After life’s fitful fever he sleeps well.
FTLN 1141 Treason has done his worst; nor steel nor poison,
FTLN 1142 Malice domestic, foreign levy, nothing
FTLN 1143 Can touch him further.
LADY MACBETH FTLN 1144 30 Come on, gentle my lord,
FTLN 1145 Sleek o’er your rugged looks. Be bright and jovial
FTLN 1146 Among your guests tonight.
MACBETH FTLN 1147 So shall I, love,
FTLN 1148 And so I pray be you. Let your remembrance
FTLN 1149 35 Apply to Banquo; present him eminence
FTLN 1150 Both with eye and tongue: unsafe the while that we
FTLN 1151 Must lave our honors in these flattering streams
FTLN 1152 And make our faces vizards to our hearts,
FTLN 1153 Disguising what they are.
LADY MACBETH FTLN 1154 40 You must leave this.
MACBETH
FTLN 1155 O, full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife!
FTLN 1156 Thou know’st that Banquo and his Fleance lives.

95
Macbeth
ACT 3. SC. 3
LADY MACBETH
FTLN 1157 But in them nature’s copy’s not eterne.
MACBETH
FTLN 1158 There’s comfort yet; they are assailable.
FTLN 1159 45 Then be thou jocund. Ere the bat hath flown
FTLN 1160 His cloistered flight, ere to black Hecate’s summons
FTLN 1161 The shard-born beetle with his drowsy hums
FTLN 1162 Hath rung night’s yawning peal, there shall be done
FTLN 1163 A deed of dreadful note.
LADY MACBETH FTLN 1164 50 What’s to be done?
MACBETH
FTLN 1165 Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck,
FTLN 1166 Till thou applaud the deed.—Come, seeling night,
FTLN 1167 Scarf up the tender eye of pitiful day
FTLN 1168 And with thy bloody and invisible hand
FTLN 1169 55 Cancel and tear to pieces that great bond
FTLN 1170 Which keeps me pale. Light thickens, and the crow
FTLN 1171 Makes wing to th’ rooky wood.
FTLN 1172 Good things of day begin to droop and drowse,
FTLN 1173 Whiles night’s black agents to their preys do
FTLN 1174 60 rouse.—
FTLN 1175 Thou marvel’st at my words, but hold thee still.
FTLN 1176 Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill.
FTLN 1177 So prithee go with me.
They exit.
Scene 3
Enter three Murderers.
FIRST MURDERER
FTLN 1178 But who did bid thee join with us?
THIRD MURDERER FTLN 1179 Macbeth.
SECOND MURDERER , to the First Murderer
FTLN 1180 He needs not our mistrust, since he delivers
FTLN 1181 Our offices and what we have to do
FTLN 1182 5 To the direction just.

97
Macbeth
ACT 3. SC. 3
FIRST MURDERER FTLN 1183 Then stand with us.—
FTLN 1184 The west yet glimmers with some streaks of day.
FTLN 1185 Now spurs the lated traveler apace
FTLN 1186 To gain the timely inn, and near approaches
FTLN 1187 10 The subject of our watch.
THIRD MURDERER FTLN 1188 Hark, I hear horses.
BANQUO , within FTLN 1189 Give us a light there, ho!
SECOND MURDERER FTLN 1190 Then ’tis he. The rest
FTLN 1191 That are within the note of expectation
FTLN 1192 15 Already are i’ th’ court.
FIRST MURDERER FTLN 1193 His horses go about.
THIRD MURDERER
FTLN 1194 Almost a mile; but he does usually
FTLN 1195 (So all men do) from hence to th’ palace gate
FTLN 1196 Make it their walk.
Enter Banquo and Fleance, with a torch.
SECOND MURDERER FTLN 1197 20 A light, a light!
THIRD MURDERER FTLN 1198’Tis he.
FIRST MURDERER FTLN 1199 Stand to ’t.
BANQUO , to Fleance FTLN 1200 It will be rain tonight.
FIRST MURDERER FTLN 1201 Let it come down!
The three Murderers attack.
BANQUO
FTLN 1202 25 O treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly!
FTLN 1203 Thou mayst revenge—O slave!
He dies. Fleance exits.
THIRD MURDERER
FTLN 1204 Who did strike out the light?
FIRST MURDERER FTLN 1205 Was ’t not the way?
THIRD MURDERER FTLN 1206 There’s but one down. The son is
FTLN 1207 30 fled.
SECOND MURDERER FTLN 1208 We have lost best half of our
FTLN 1209 affair.
FIRST MURDERER
FTLN 1210 Well, let’s away and say how much is done.
They exit.

99
Macbeth
ACT 3. SC. 4
Scene 4
Banquet prepared. Enter Macbeth, Lady Macbeth,
Ross, Lennox, Lords, and Attendants.
MACBETH
FTLN 1211 You know your own degrees; sit down. At first
FTLN 1212 And last, the hearty welcome. They sit.
LORDS FTLN 1213 Thanks to your Majesty.
MACBETH
FTLN 1214 Ourself will mingle with society
FTLN 1215 5 And play the humble host.
FTLN 1216 Our hostess keeps her state, but in best time
FTLN 1217 We will require her welcome.
LADY MACBETH
FTLN 1218 Pronounce it for me, sir, to all our friends,
FTLN 1219 For my heart speaks they are welcome.
Enter First Murderer to the door.
MACBETH
FTLN 1220 10 See, they encounter thee with their hearts’ thanks.
FTLN 1221 Both sides are even. Here I’ll sit i’ th’ midst.
FTLN 1222 Be large in mirth. Anon we’ll drink a measure
FTLN 1223 The table round. He approaches the Murderer. There’s
FTLN 1224 blood upon thy face.
MURDERER FTLN 1225 15’Tis Banquo’s then.
MACBETH
FTLN 1226 ’Tis better thee without than he within.
FTLN 1227 Is he dispatched?
MURDERER
FTLN 1228 My lord, his throat is cut. That I did for him.
MACBETH
FTLN 1229 Thou art the best o’ th’ cutthroats,
FTLN 1230 20 Yet he’s good that did the like for Fleance.
FTLN 1231 If thou didst it, thou art the nonpareil.
MURDERER
FTLN 1232 Most royal sir, Fleance is ’scaped.
MACBETH , aside
FTLN 1233 Then comes my fit again. I had else been perfect,

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ACT 3. SC. 4
FTLN 1234 Whole as the marble, founded as the rock,
FTLN 1235 25 As broad and general as the casing air.
FTLN 1236 But now I am cabined, cribbed, confined, bound in
FTLN 1237 To saucy doubts and fears.—But Banquo’s safe?
MURDERER
FTLN 1238 Ay, my good lord. Safe in a ditch he bides,
FTLN 1239 With twenty trenchèd gashes on his head,
FTLN 1240 30 The least a death to nature.
MACBETH FTLN 1241 Thanks for that.
FTLN 1242 There the grown serpent lies. The worm that’s fled
FTLN 1243 Hath nature that in time will venom breed,
FTLN 1244 No teeth for th’ present. Get thee gone. Tomorrow
FTLN 1245 35 We’ll hear ourselves again. Murderer exits.
LADY MACBETH FTLN 1246 My royal lord,
FTLN 1247 You do not give the cheer. The feast is sold
FTLN 1248 That is not often vouched, while ’tis a-making,
FTLN 1249 ’Tis given with welcome. To feed were best at home;
FTLN 1250 40 From thence, the sauce to meat is ceremony;
FTLN 1251 Meeting were bare without it.
Enter the Ghost of Banquo, and sits in Macbeth’s place.
MACBETH , to Lady Macbeth FTLN 1252 Sweet remembrancer!—
FTLN 1253 Now, good digestion wait on appetite
FTLN 1254 And health on both!
LENNOX FTLN 1255 45 May ’t please your Highness sit.
MACBETH
FTLN 1256 Here had we now our country’s honor roofed,
FTLN 1257 Were the graced person of our Banquo present,
FTLN 1258 Who may I rather challenge for unkindness
FTLN 1259 Than pity for mischance.
ROSS FTLN 1260 50 His absence, sir,
FTLN 1261 Lays blame upon his promise. Please ’t your
FTLN 1262 Highness
FTLN 1263 To grace us with your royal company?
MACBETH
FTLN 1264 The table’s full.

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ACT 3. SC. 4
LENNOX FTLN 1265 55 Here is a place reserved, sir.
MACBETH FTLN 1266 Where?
LENNOX
FTLN 1267 Here, my good lord. What is ’t that moves your
FTLN 1268 Highness?
MACBETH
FTLN 1269 Which of you have done this?
LORDS FTLN 1270 60 What, my good lord?
MACBETH , to the Ghost
FTLN 1271 Thou canst not say I did it. Never shake
FTLN 1272 Thy gory locks at me.
ROSS
FTLN 1273 Gentlemen, rise. His Highness is not well.
LADY MACBETH
FTLN 1274 Sit, worthy friends. My lord is often thus
FTLN 1275 65 And hath been from his youth. Pray you, keep seat.
FTLN 1276 The fit is momentary; upon a thought
FTLN 1277 He will again be well. If much you note him
FTLN 1278 You shall offend him and extend his passion.
FTLN 1279 Feed and regard him not. Drawing Macbeth aside.
FTLN 1280 70 Are you a man?
MACBETH
FTLN 1281 Ay, and a bold one, that dare look on that
FTLN 1282 Which might appall the devil.
LADY MACBETH FTLN 1283 O, proper stuff!
FTLN 1284 This is the very painting of your fear.
FTLN 1285 75 This is the air-drawn dagger which you said
FTLN 1286 Led you to Duncan. O, these flaws and starts,
FTLN 1287 Impostors to true fear, would well become
FTLN 1288 A woman’s story at a winter’s fire,
FTLN 1289 Authorized by her grandam. Shame itself!
FTLN 1290 80 Why do you make such faces? When all’s done,
FTLN 1291 You look but on a stool.
MACBETH
FTLN 1292 Prithee, see there. Behold, look! To the Ghost. Lo,
FTLN 1293 how say you?

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ACT 3. SC. 4
FTLN 1294 Why, what care I? If thou canst nod, speak too.—
FTLN 1295 85 If charnel houses and our graves must send
FTLN 1296 Those that we bury back, our monuments
FTLN 1297 Shall be the maws of kites. Ghost exits.
LADY MACBETH FTLN 1298 What, quite unmanned in folly?
MACBETH
FTLN 1299 If I stand here, I saw him.
LADY MACBETH FTLN 1300 90 Fie, for shame!
MACBETH
FTLN 1301 Blood hath been shed ere now, i’ th’ olden time,
FTLN 1302 Ere humane statute purged the gentle weal;
FTLN 1303 Ay, and since too, murders have been performed
FTLN 1304 Too terrible for the ear. The time has been
FTLN 1305 95 That, when the brains were out, the man would die,
FTLN 1306 And there an end. But now they rise again
FTLN 1307 With twenty mortal murders on their crowns
FTLN 1308 And push us from our stools. This is more strange
FTLN 1309 Than such a murder is.
LADY MACBETH FTLN 1310 100 My worthy lord,
FTLN 1311 Your noble friends do lack you.
MACBETH FTLN 1312 I do forget.—
FTLN 1313 Do not muse at me, my most worthy friends.
FTLN 1314 I have a strange infirmity, which is nothing
FTLN 1315 105 To those that know me. Come, love and health to
FTLN 1316 all.
FTLN 1317 Then I’ll sit down.—Give me some wine. Fill full.
Enter Ghost.
FTLN 1318 I drink to th’ general joy o’ th’ whole table
FTLN 1319 And to our dear friend Banquo, whom we miss.
FTLN 1320 110 Would he were here! To all, and him we thirst,
FTLN 1321 And all to all.
LORDS FTLN 1322 Our duties, and the pledge.
They raise their drinking cups.
MACBETH , to the Ghost
FTLN 1323 Avaunt, and quit my sight! Let the earth hide thee.
FTLN 1324 Thy bones are marrowless; thy blood is cold;

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ACT 3. SC. 4
FTLN 1325 115 Thou hast no speculation in those eyes
FTLN 1326 Which thou dost glare with.
LADY MACBETH FTLN 1327 Think of this, good
FTLN 1328 peers,
FTLN 1329 But as a thing of custom. ’Tis no other;
FTLN 1330 120 Only it spoils the pleasure of the time.
MACBETH , to the Ghost FTLN 1331 What man dare, I dare.
FTLN 1332 Approach thou like the rugged Russian bear,
FTLN 1333 The armed rhinoceros, or th’ Hyrcan tiger;
FTLN 1334 Take any shape but that, and my firm nerves
FTLN 1335 125 Shall never tremble. Or be alive again
FTLN 1336 And dare me to the desert with thy sword.
FTLN 1337 If trembling I inhabit then, protest me
FTLN 1338 The baby of a girl. Hence, horrible shadow!
FTLN 1339 Unreal mock’ry, hence! Ghost exits.
FTLN 1340 130 Why so, being gone,
FTLN 1341 I am a man again.—Pray you sit still.
LADY MACBETH
FTLN 1342 You have displaced the mirth, broke the good
FTLN 1343 meeting
FTLN 1344 With most admired disorder.
MACBETH FTLN 1345 135 Can such things be
FTLN 1346 And overcome us like a summer’s cloud,
FTLN 1347 Without our special wonder? You make me strange
FTLN 1348 Even to the disposition that I owe
FTLN 1349 When now I think you can behold such sights
FTLN 1350 140 And keep the natural ruby of your cheeks
FTLN 1351 When mine is blanched with fear.
ROSS FTLN 1352 What sights, my
FTLN 1353 lord?
LADY MACBETH
FTLN 1354 I pray you, speak not. He grows worse and worse.
FTLN 1355 145 Question enrages him. At once, good night.
FTLN 1356 Stand not upon the order of your going,
FTLN 1357 But go at once.
LENNOX FTLN 1358 Good night, and better health
FTLN 1359 Attend his Majesty.

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ACT 3. SC. 4
LADY MACBETH FTLN 1360 150 A kind good night to all.
Lords and all but Macbeth and Lady Macbeth exit.
MACBETH
FTLN 1361 It will have blood, they say; blood will have blood.
FTLN 1362 Stones have been known to move, and trees to
FTLN 1363 speak.
FTLN 1364 Augurs and understood relations have
FTLN 1365 155 By maggot pies and choughs and rooks brought
FTLN 1366 forth
FTLN 1367 The secret’st man of blood.—What is the night?
LADY MACBETH
FTLN 1368 Almost at odds with morning, which is which.
MACBETH
FTLN 1369 How say’st thou that Macduff denies his person
FTLN 1370 160 At our great bidding?
LADY MACBETH FTLN 1371 Did you send to him, sir?
MACBETH
FTLN 1372 I hear it by the way; but I will send.
FTLN 1373 There’s not a one of them but in his house
FTLN 1374 I keep a servant fee’d. I will tomorrow
FTLN 1375 165 (And betimes I will) to the Weïrd Sisters.
FTLN 1376 More shall they speak, for now I am bent to know
FTLN 1377 By the worst means the worst. For mine own good,
FTLN 1378 All causes shall give way. I am in blood
FTLN 1379 Stepped in so far that, should I wade no more,
FTLN 1380 170 Returning were as tedious as go o’er.
FTLN 1381 Strange things I have in head that will to hand,
FTLN 1382 Which must be acted ere they may be scanned.
LADY MACBETH
FTLN 1383 You lack the season of all natures, sleep.
MACBETH
FTLN 1384 Come, we’ll to sleep. My strange and self-abuse
FTLN 1385 175 Is the initiate fear that wants hard use.
FTLN 1386 We are yet but young in deed.
They exit.

111
Macbeth
ACT 3. SC. 5
Scene 5
Thunder. Enter the three Witches, meeting Hecate.
FIRST WITCH
FTLN 1387 Why, how now, Hecate? You look angerly.
HECATE
FTLN 1388 Have I not reason, beldams as you are?
FTLN 1389 Saucy and overbold, how did you dare
FTLN 1390 To trade and traffic with Macbeth
FTLN 1391 5 In riddles and affairs of death,
FTLN 1392 And I, the mistress of your charms,
FTLN 1393 The close contriver of all harms,
FTLN 1394 Was never called to bear my part
FTLN 1395 Or show the glory of our art?
FTLN 1396 10 And which is worse, all you have done
FTLN 1397 Hath been but for a wayward son,
FTLN 1398 Spiteful and wrathful, who, as others do,
FTLN 1399 Loves for his own ends, not for you.
FTLN 1400 But make amends now. Get you gone,
FTLN 1401 15 And at the pit of Acheron
FTLN 1402 Meet me i’ th’ morning. Thither he
FTLN 1403 Will come to know his destiny.
FTLN 1404 Your vessels and your spells provide,
FTLN 1405 Your charms and everything beside.
FTLN 1406 20 I am for th’ air. This night I’ll spend
FTLN 1407 Unto a dismal and a fatal end.
FTLN 1408 Great business must be wrought ere noon.
FTLN 1409 Upon the corner of the moon
FTLN 1410 There hangs a vap’rous drop profound.
FTLN 1411 25 I’ll catch it ere it come to ground,
FTLN 1412 And that, distilled by magic sleights,
FTLN 1413 Shall raise such artificial sprites
FTLN 1414 As by the strength of their illusion
FTLN 1415 Shall draw him on to his confusion.
FTLN 1416 30 He shall spurn fate, scorn death, and bear
FTLN 1417 His hopes ’bove wisdom, grace, and fear.

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ACT 3. SC. 6
FTLN 1418 And you all know, security
FTLN 1419 Is mortals’ chiefest enemy.
Music and a song.
FTLN 1420 Hark! I am called. My little spirit, see,
FTLN 1421 35 Sits in a foggy cloud and stays for me. Hecate exits.
Sing within “Come away, come away,” etc.
FIRST WITCH
FTLN 1422 Come, let’s make haste. She’ll soon be back again.
They exit.
Scene 6
Enter Lennox and another Lord.
LENNOX
FTLN 1423 My former speeches have but hit your thoughts,
FTLN 1424 Which can interpret farther. Only I say
FTLN 1425 Things have been strangely borne. The gracious
FTLN 1426 Duncan
FTLN 1427 5 Was pitied of Macbeth; marry, he was dead.
FTLN 1428 And the right valiant Banquo walked too late,
FTLN 1429 Whom you may say, if ’t please you, Fleance killed,
FTLN 1430 For Fleance fled. Men must not walk too late.
FTLN 1431 Who cannot want the thought how monstrous
FTLN 1432 10 It was for Malcolm and for Donalbain
FTLN 1433 To kill their gracious father? Damnèd fact,
FTLN 1434 How it did grieve Macbeth! Did he not straight
FTLN 1435 In pious rage the two delinquents tear
FTLN 1436 That were the slaves of drink and thralls of sleep?
FTLN 1437 15 Was not that nobly done? Ay, and wisely, too,
FTLN 1438 For ’twould have angered any heart alive
FTLN 1439 To hear the men deny ’t. So that I say
FTLN 1440 He has borne all things well. And I do think
FTLN 1441 That had he Duncan’s sons under his key
FTLN 1442 20 (As, an ’t please heaven, he shall not) they should
FTLN 1443 find
FTLN 1444 What ’twere to kill a father. So should Fleance.

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ACT 3. SC. 6
FTLN 1445 But peace. For from broad words, and ’cause he
FTLN 1446 failed
FTLN 1447 25 His presence at the tyrant’s feast, I hear
FTLN 1448 Macduff lives in disgrace. Sir, can you tell
FTLN 1449 Where he bestows himself?
LORD FTLN 1450 The son of Duncan
FTLN 1451 (From whom this tyrant holds the due of birth)
FTLN 1452 30 Lives in the English court and is received
FTLN 1453 Of the most pious Edward with such grace
FTLN 1454 That the malevolence of fortune nothing
FTLN 1455 Takes from his high respect. Thither Macduff
FTLN 1456 Is gone to pray the holy king upon his aid
FTLN 1457 35 To wake Northumberland and warlike Siward
FTLN 1458 That, by the help of these (with Him above
FTLN 1459 To ratify the work), we may again
FTLN 1460 Give to our tables meat, sleep to our nights,
FTLN 1461 Free from our feasts and banquets bloody knives,
FTLN 1462 40 Do faithful homage, and receive free honors,
FTLN 1463 All which we pine for now. And this report
FTLN 1464 Hath so exasperate the King that he
FTLN 1465 Prepares for some attempt of war.
LENNOX FTLN 1466 Sent he to Macduff?
LORD
FTLN 1467 45 He did, and with an absolute “Sir, not I,”
FTLN 1468 The cloudy messenger turns me his back
FTLN 1469 And hums, as who should say “You’ll rue the time
FTLN 1470 That clogs me with this answer.”
LENNOX FTLN 1471 And that well might
FTLN 1472 50 Advise him to a caution t’ hold what distance
FTLN 1473 His wisdom can provide. Some holy angel
FTLN 1474 Fly to the court of England and unfold
FTLN 1475 His message ere he come, that a swift blessing
FTLN 1476 May soon return to this our suffering country
FTLN 1477 55 Under a hand accursed.
LORD FTLN 1478 I’ll send my prayers with him.
They exit.

ACT 4
Scene 1
Thunder. Enter the three Witches.
FIRST WITCH
FTLN 1479 Thrice the brinded cat hath mewed.
SECOND WITCH
FTLN 1480 Thrice, and once the hedge-pig whined.
THIRD WITCH
FTLN 1481 Harpier cries “’Tis time, ’tis time!”
FIRST WITCH
FTLN 1482 Round about the cauldron go;
FTLN 1483 5 In the poisoned entrails throw.
FTLN 1484 Toad, that under cold stone
FTLN 1485 Days and nights has thirty-one
FTLN 1486 Sweltered venom sleeping got,
FTLN 1487 Boil thou first i’ th’ charmèd pot.
The Witches circle the cauldron.
ALL
FTLN 1488 10 Double, double toil and trouble;
FTLN 1489 Fire burn, and cauldron bubble.
SECOND WITCH
FTLN 1490 Fillet of a fenny snake
FTLN 1491 In the cauldron boil and bake.
FTLN 1492 Eye of newt and toe of frog,
FTLN 1493 15 Wool of bat and tongue of dog,
FTLN 1494 Adder’s fork and blindworm’s sting,
119

121
Macbeth
ACT 4. SC. 1
FTLN 1495 Lizard’s leg and howlet’s wing,
FTLN 1496 For a charm of powerful trouble,
FTLN 1497 Like a hell-broth boil and bubble.
ALL
FTLN 1498 20 Double, double toil and trouble;
FTLN 1499 Fire burn, and cauldron bubble.
THIRD WITCH
FTLN 1500 Scale of dragon, tooth of wolf,
FTLN 1501 Witch’s mummy, maw and gulf
FTLN 1502 Of the ravined salt-sea shark,
FTLN 1503 25 Root of hemlock digged i’ th’ dark,
FTLN 1504 Liver of blaspheming Jew,
FTLN 1505 Gall of goat and slips of yew
FTLN 1506 Slivered in the moon’s eclipse,
FTLN 1507 Nose of Turk and Tartar’s lips,
FTLN 1508 30 Finger of birth-strangled babe
FTLN 1509 Ditch-delivered by a drab,
FTLN 1510 Make the gruel thick and slab.
FTLN 1511 Add thereto a tiger’s chaudron
FTLN 1512 For th’ ingredience of our cauldron.
ALL
FTLN 1513 35 Double, double toil and trouble;
FTLN 1514 Fire burn, and cauldron bubble.
SECOND WITCH
FTLN 1515 Cool it with a baboon’s blood.
FTLN 1516 Then the charm is firm and good.
Enter Hecate to the other three Witches.
HECATE
FTLN 1517 O, well done! I commend your pains,
FTLN 1518 40 And everyone shall share i’ th’ gains.
FTLN 1519 And now about the cauldron sing
FTLN 1520 Like elves and fairies in a ring,
FTLN 1521 Enchanting all that you put in.
Music and a song: “Black Spirits,” etc. Hecate exits.

123
Macbeth
ACT 4. SC. 1
SECOND WITCH
FTLN 1522 By the pricking of my thumbs,
FTLN 1523 45 Something wicked this way comes.
FTLN 1524 Open, locks,
FTLN 1525 Whoever knocks.
Enter Macbeth.
MACBETH
FTLN 1526 How now, you secret, black, and midnight hags?
FTLN 1527 What is ’t you do?
ALL FTLN 1528 50 A deed without a name.
MACBETH
FTLN 1529 I conjure you by that which you profess
FTLN 1530 (Howe’er you come to know it), answer me.
FTLN 1531 Though you untie the winds and let them fight
FTLN 1532 Against the churches, though the yeasty waves
FTLN 1533 55 Confound and swallow navigation up,
FTLN 1534 Though bladed corn be lodged and trees blown
FTLN 1535 down,
FTLN 1536 Though castles topple on their warders’ heads,
FTLN 1537 Though palaces and pyramids do slope
FTLN 1538 60 Their heads to their foundations, though the
FTLN 1539 treasure
FTLN 1540 Of nature’s germens tumble all together
FTLN 1541 Even till destruction sicken, answer me
FTLN 1542 To what I ask you.
FIRST WITCH FTLN 1543 65 Speak.
SECOND WITCH FTLN 1544 Demand.
THIRD WITCH FTLN 1545 We’ll answer.
FIRST WITCH
FTLN 1546 Say if th’ hadst rather hear it from our mouths
FTLN 1547 Or from our masters’.
MACBETH FTLN 1548 70 Call ’em. Let me see ’em.
FIRST WITCH
FTLN 1549 Pour in sow’s blood that hath eaten
FTLN 1550 Her nine farrow; grease that’s sweaten

125
Macbeth
ACT 4. SC. 1
FTLN 1551 From the murderers’ gibbet throw
FTLN 1552 Into the flame.
ALL FTLN 1553 75 Come high or low;
FTLN 1554 Thyself and office deftly show.
Thunder. First Apparition, an Armed Head.
MACBETH
FTLN 1555 Tell me, thou unknown power—
FIRST WITCH FTLN 1556 He knows thy
FTLN 1557 thought.
FTLN 1558 80 Hear his speech but say thou naught.
FIRST APPARITION
FTLN 1559 Macbeth! Macbeth! Macbeth! Beware Macduff!
FTLN 1560 Beware the Thane of Fife! Dismiss me. Enough.
He descends.
MACBETH
FTLN 1561 Whate’er thou art, for thy good caution, thanks.
FTLN 1562 Thou hast harped my fear aright. But one word
FTLN 1563 85 more—
FIRST WITCH
FTLN 1564 He will not be commanded. Here’s another
FTLN 1565 More potent than the first.
Thunder. Second Apparition, a Bloody Child.
SECOND APPARITION FTLN 1566 Macbeth! Macbeth! Macbeth!—
MACBETH FTLN 1567 Had I three ears, I’d hear thee.
SECOND APPARITION
FTLN 1568 90 Be bloody, bold, and resolute. Laugh to scorn
FTLN 1569 The power of man, for none of woman born
FTLN 1570 Shall harm Macbeth. He descends.
MACBETH
FTLN 1571 Then live, Macduff; what need I fear of thee?
FTLN 1572 But yet I’ll make assurance double sure
FTLN 1573 95 And take a bond of fate. Thou shalt not live,
FTLN 1574 That I may tell pale-hearted fear it lies,
FTLN 1575 And sleep in spite of thunder.

127
Macbeth
ACT 4. SC. 1
Thunder. Third Apparition, a Child Crowned, with a tree
in his hand.
FTLN 1576 What is this
FTLN 1577 That rises like the issue of a king
FTLN 1578 100 And wears upon his baby brow the round
FTLN 1579 And top of sovereignty?
ALL FTLN 1580 Listen but speak not to ’t.
THIRD APPARITION
FTLN 1581 Be lion-mettled, proud, and take no care
FTLN 1582 Who chafes, who frets, or where conspirers are.
FTLN 1583 105 Macbeth shall never vanquished be until
FTLN 1584 Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill
FTLN 1585 Shall come against him. He descends.
MACBETH FTLN 1586 That will never be.
FTLN 1587 Who can impress the forest, bid the tree
FTLN 1588 110 Unfix his earthbound root? Sweet bodements, good!
FTLN 1589 Rebellious dead, rise never till the Wood
FTLN 1590 Of Birnam rise, and our high-placed Macbeth
FTLN 1591 Shall live the lease of nature, pay his breath
FTLN 1592 To time and mortal custom. Yet my heart
FTLN 1593 115 Throbs to know one thing. Tell me, if your art
FTLN 1594 Can tell so much: shall Banquo’s issue ever
FTLN 1595 Reign in this kingdom?
ALL FTLN 1596 Seek to know no more.
MACBETH
FTLN 1597 I will be satisfied. Deny me this,
FTLN 1598 120 And an eternal curse fall on you! Let me know!
Cauldron sinks. Hautboys.
FTLN 1599 Why sinks that cauldron? And what noise is this?
FIRST WITCH FTLN 1600 Show.
SECOND WITCH FTLN 1601 Show.
THIRD WITCH FTLN 1602 Show.
ALL
FTLN 1603 125 Show his eyes and grieve his heart.
FTLN 1604 Come like shadows; so depart.

129
Macbeth
ACT 4. SC. 1
A show of eight kings, the eighth king with a glass in
his hand, and Banquo last.
MACBETH
FTLN 1605 Thou art too like the spirit of Banquo. Down!
FTLN 1606 Thy crown does sear mine eyeballs. And thy hair,
FTLN 1607 Thou other gold-bound brow, is like the first.
FTLN 1608 130 A third is like the former.—Filthy hags,
FTLN 1609 Why do you show me this?—A fourth? Start, eyes!
FTLN 1610 What, will the line stretch out to th’ crack of doom?
FTLN 1611 Another yet? A seventh? I’ll see no more.
FTLN 1612 And yet the eighth appears who bears a glass
FTLN 1613 135 Which shows me many more, and some I see
FTLN 1614 That twofold balls and treble scepters carry.
FTLN 1615 Horrible sight! Now I see ’tis true,
FTLN 1616 For the blood-boltered Banquo smiles upon me
FTLN 1617 And points at them for his.
The Apparitions disappear.
FTLN 1618 140 What, is this so?
FIRST WITCH
FTLN 1619 Ay, sir, all this is so. But why
FTLN 1620 Stands Macbeth thus amazedly?
FTLN 1621 Come, sisters, cheer we up his sprites
FTLN 1622 And show the best of our delights.
FTLN 1623 145 I’ll charm the air to give a sound
FTLN 1624 While you perform your antic round,
FTLN 1625 That this great king may kindly say
FTLN 1626 Our duties did his welcome pay.
Music. The Witches dance and vanish.
MACBETH
FTLN 1627 Where are they? Gone? Let this pernicious hour
FTLN 1628 150 Stand aye accursèd in the calendar!—
FTLN 1629 Come in, without there.
Enter Lennox.
LENNOX FTLN 1630 What’s your Grace’s will?

131
Macbeth
ACT 4. SC. 1
MACBETH
FTLN 1631 Saw you the Weïrd Sisters?
LENNOX FTLN 1632 No, my lord.
MACBETH
FTLN 1633 155 Came they not by you?
LENNOX FTLN 1634 No, indeed, my lord.
MACBETH
FTLN 1635 Infected be the air whereon they ride,
FTLN 1636 And damned all those that trust them! I did hear
FTLN 1637 The galloping of horse. Who was ’t came by?
LENNOX
FTLN 1638 160 ’Tis two or three, my lord, that bring you word
FTLN 1639 Macduff is fled to England.
MACBETH FTLN 1640 Fled to England?
LENNOX FTLN 1641 Ay, my good lord.
MACBETH , aside
FTLN 1642 Time, thou anticipat’st my dread exploits.
FTLN 1643 165 The flighty purpose never is o’ertook
FTLN 1644 Unless the deed go with it. From this moment
FTLN 1645 The very firstlings of my heart shall be
FTLN 1646 The firstlings of my hand. And even now,
FTLN 1647 To crown my thoughts with acts, be it thought and
FTLN 1648 170 done:
FTLN 1649 The castle of Macduff I will surprise,
FTLN 1650 Seize upon Fife, give to th’ edge o’ th’ sword
FTLN 1651 His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls
FTLN 1652 That trace him in his line. No boasting like a fool;
FTLN 1653 175 This deed I’ll do before this purpose cool.
FTLN 1654 But no more sights!—Where are these gentlemen?
FTLN 1655 Come bring me where they are.
They exit.

133
Macbeth
ACT 4. SC. 2
Scene 2
Enter Macduff’s Wife, her Son, and Ross.
LADY MACDUFF
FTLN 1656 What had he done to make him fly the land?
ROSS
FTLN 1657 You must have patience, madam.
LADY MACDUFF FTLN 1658 He had none.
FTLN 1659 His flight was madness. When our actions do not,
FTLN 1660 5 Our fears do make us traitors.
ROSS FTLN 1661 You know not
FTLN 1662 Whether it was his wisdom or his fear.
LADY MACDUFF
FTLN 1663 Wisdom? To leave his wife, to leave his babes,
FTLN 1664 His mansion and his titles in a place
FTLN 1665 10 From whence himself does fly? He loves us not;
FTLN 1666 He wants the natural touch; for the poor wren,
FTLN 1667 The most diminutive of birds, will fight,
FTLN 1668 Her young ones in her nest, against the owl.
FTLN 1669 All is the fear, and nothing is the love,
FTLN 1670 15 As little is the wisdom, where the flight
FTLN 1671 So runs against all reason.
ROSS FTLN 1672 My dearest coz,
FTLN 1673 I pray you school yourself. But for your husband,
FTLN 1674 He is noble, wise, judicious, and best knows
FTLN 1675 20 The fits o’ th’ season. I dare not speak much
FTLN 1676 further;
FTLN 1677 But cruel are the times when we are traitors
FTLN 1678 And do not know ourselves; when we hold rumor
FTLN 1679 From what we fear, yet know not what we fear,
FTLN 1680 25 But float upon a wild and violent sea
FTLN 1681 Each way and move—I take my leave of you.
FTLN 1682 Shall not be long but I’ll be here again.
FTLN 1683 Things at the worst will cease or else climb upward
FTLN 1684 To what they were before.—My pretty cousin,
FTLN 1685 30 Blessing upon you.

135
Macbeth
ACT 4. SC. 2
LADY MACDUFF
FTLN 1686 Fathered he is, and yet he’s fatherless.
ROSS
FTLN 1687 I am so much a fool, should I stay longer
FTLN 1688 It would be my disgrace and your discomfort.
FTLN 1689 I take my leave at once. Ross exits.
LADY MACDUFF FTLN 1690 35 Sirrah, your father’s dead.
FTLN 1691 And what will you do now? How will you live?
SON
FTLN 1692 As birds do, mother.
LADY MACDUFF FTLN 1693 What, with worms and flies?
SON
FTLN 1694 With what I get, I mean; and so do they.
LADY MACDUFF
FTLN 1695 40 Poor bird, thou ’dst never fear the net nor lime,
FTLN 1696 The pitfall nor the gin.
SON
FTLN 1697 Why should I, mother? Poor birds they are not set
FTLN 1698 for.
FTLN 1699 My father is not dead, for all your saying.
LADY MACDUFF
FTLN 1700 45 Yes, he is dead. How wilt thou do for a father?
SON FTLN 1701 Nay, how will you do for a husband?
LADY MACDUFF
FTLN 1702 Why, I can buy me twenty at any market.
SON FTLN 1703 Then you’ll buy ’em to sell again.
LADY MACDUFF FTLN 1704 Thou speak’st with all thy wit,
FTLN 1705 50 And yet, i’ faith, with wit enough for thee.
SON FTLN 1706 Was my father a traitor, mother?
LADY MACDUFF FTLN 1707 Ay, that he was.
SON FTLN 1708 What is a traitor?
LADY MACDUFF FTLN 1709 Why, one that swears and lies.
SON FTLN 1710 55 And be all traitors that do so?
LADY MACDUFF FTLN 1711 Every one that does so is a traitor
FTLN 1712 and must be hanged.
SON FTLN 1713 And must they all be hanged that swear and lie?

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ACT 4. SC. 2
LADY MACDUFF FTLN 1714 Every one.
SON FTLN 1715 60 Who must hang them?
LADY MACDUFF FTLN 1716 Why, the honest men.
SON FTLN 1717 Then the liars and swearers are fools, for there
FTLN 1718 are liars and swearers enough to beat the honest
FTLN 1719 men and hang up them.
LADY MACDUFF FTLN 1720 65 Now God help thee, poor monkey! But
FTLN 1721 how wilt thou do for a father?
SON FTLN 1722 If he were dead, you’d weep for him. If you would
FTLN 1723 not, it were a good sign that I should quickly have a
FTLN 1724 new father.
LADY MACDUFF FTLN 1725 70 Poor prattler, how thou talk’st!
Enter a Messenger.
MESSENGER
FTLN 1726 Bless you, fair dame. I am not to you known,
FTLN 1727 Though in your state of honor I am perfect.
FTLN 1728 I doubt some danger does approach you nearly.
FTLN 1729 If you will take a homely man’s advice,
FTLN 1730 75 Be not found here. Hence with your little ones!
FTLN 1731 To fright you thus methinks I am too savage;
FTLN 1732 To do worse to you were fell cruelty,
FTLN 1733 Which is too nigh your person. Heaven preserve
FTLN 1734 you!
FTLN 1735 80 I dare abide no longer. Messenger exits.
LADY MACDUFF FTLN 1736 Whither should I fly?
FTLN 1737 I have done no harm. But I remember now
FTLN 1738 I am in this earthly world, where to do harm
FTLN 1739 Is often laudable, to do good sometime
FTLN 1740 85 Accounted dangerous folly. Why then, alas,
FTLN 1741 Do I put up that womanly defense
FTLN 1742 To say I have done no harm?
Enter Murderers.
FTLN 1743 What are these faces?
MURDERER FTLN 1744 Where is your husband?

139
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ACT 4. SC. 3
LADY MACDUFF
FTLN 1745 90 I hope in no place so unsanctified
FTLN 1746 Where such as thou mayst find him.
MURDERER FTLN 1747 He’s a traitor.
SON
FTLN 1748 Thou liest, thou shag-eared villain!
MURDERER FTLN 1749 What, you egg?
FTLN 1750 95 Stabbing him. Young fry of treachery!
SON FTLN 1751 He has killed
FTLN 1752 me, mother.
FTLN 1753 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.
MALCOLM
FTLN 1754 Let us seek out some desolate shade and there
FTLN 1755 Weep our sad bosoms empty.
MACDUFF FTLN 1756 Let us rather
FTLN 1757 Hold fast the mortal sword and, like good men,
FTLN 1758 5 Bestride our downfall’n birthdom. Each new morn
FTLN 1759 New widows howl, new orphans cry, new sorrows
FTLN 1760 Strike heaven on the face, that it resounds
FTLN 1761 As if it felt with Scotland, and yelled out
FTLN 1762 Like syllable of dolor.
MALCOLM FTLN 1763 10 What I believe, I’ll wail;
FTLN 1764 What know, believe; and what I can redress,
FTLN 1765 As I shall find the time to friend, I will.
FTLN 1766 What you have spoke, it may be so, perchance.
FTLN 1767 This tyrant, whose sole name blisters our tongues,
FTLN 1768 15 Was once thought honest. You have loved him well.
FTLN 1769 He hath not touched you yet. I am young, but
FTLN 1770 something

141
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ACT 4. SC. 3
FTLN 1771 You may deserve of him through me, and wisdom
FTLN 1772 To offer up a weak, poor, innocent lamb
FTLN 1773 20 T’ appease an angry god.
MACDUFF
FTLN 1774 I am not treacherous.
MALCOLM FTLN 1775 But Macbeth is.
FTLN 1776 A good and virtuous nature may recoil
FTLN 1777 In an imperial charge. But I shall crave your
FTLN 1778 25 pardon.
FTLN 1779 That which you are, my thoughts cannot transpose.
FTLN 1780 Angels are bright still, though the brightest fell.
FTLN 1781 Though all things foul would wear the brows of
FTLN 1782 grace,
FTLN 1783 30 Yet grace must still look so.
MACDUFF FTLN 1784 I have lost my hopes.
MALCOLM
FTLN 1785 Perchance even there where I did find my doubts.
FTLN 1786 Why in that rawness left you wife and child,
FTLN 1787 Those precious motives, those strong knots of love,
FTLN 1788 35 Without leave-taking? I pray you,
FTLN 1789 Let not my jealousies be your dishonors,
FTLN 1790 But mine own safeties. You may be rightly just,
FTLN 1791 Whatever I shall think.
MACDUFF FTLN 1792 Bleed, bleed, poor country!
FTLN 1793 40 Great tyranny, lay thou thy basis sure,
FTLN 1794 For goodness dare not check thee. Wear thou thy
FTLN 1795 wrongs;
FTLN 1796 The title is affeered.—Fare thee well, lord.
FTLN 1797 I would not be the villain that thou think’st
FTLN 1798 45 For the whole space that’s in the tyrant’s grasp,
FTLN 1799 And the rich East to boot.
MALCOLM FTLN 1800 Be not offended.
FTLN 1801 I speak not as in absolute fear of you.
FTLN 1802 I think our country sinks beneath the yoke.
FTLN 1803 50 It weeps, it bleeds, and each new day a gash
FTLN 1804 Is added to her wounds. I think withal

143
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ACT 4. SC. 3
FTLN 1805 There would be hands uplifted in my right;
FTLN 1806 And here from gracious England have I offer
FTLN 1807 Of goodly thousands. But, for all this,
FTLN 1808 55 When I shall tread upon the tyrant’s head
FTLN 1809 Or wear it on my sword, yet my poor country
FTLN 1810 Shall have more vices than it had before,
FTLN 1811 More suffer, and more sundry ways than ever,
FTLN 1812 By him that shall succeed.
MACDUFF FTLN 1813 60 What should he be?
MALCOLM
FTLN 1814 It is myself I mean, in whom I know
FTLN 1815 All the particulars of vice so grafted
FTLN 1816 That, when they shall be opened, black Macbeth
FTLN 1817 Will seem as pure as snow, and the poor state
FTLN 1818 65 Esteem him as a lamb, being compared
FTLN 1819 With my confineless harms.
MACDUFF FTLN 1820 Not in the legions
FTLN 1821 Of horrid hell can come a devil more damned
FTLN 1822 In evils to top Macbeth.
MALCOLM FTLN 1823 70 I grant him bloody,
FTLN 1824 Luxurious, avaricious, false, deceitful,
FTLN 1825 Sudden, malicious, smacking of every sin
FTLN 1826 That has a name. But there’s no bottom, none,
FTLN 1827 In my voluptuousness. Your wives, your daughters,
FTLN 1828 75 Your matrons, and your maids could not fill up
FTLN 1829 The cistern of my lust, and my desire
FTLN 1830 All continent impediments would o’erbear
FTLN 1831 That did oppose my will. Better Macbeth
FTLN 1832 Than such an one to reign.
MACDUFF FTLN 1833 80 Boundless intemperance
FTLN 1834 In nature is a tyranny. It hath been
FTLN 1835 Th’ untimely emptying of the happy throne
FTLN 1836 And fall of many kings. But fear not yet
FTLN 1837 To take upon you what is yours. You may
FTLN 1838 85 Convey your pleasures in a spacious plenty
FTLN 1839 And yet seem cold—the time you may so hoodwink.

145
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ACT 4. SC. 3
FTLN 1840 We have willing dames enough. There cannot be
FTLN 1841 That vulture in you to devour so many
FTLN 1842 As will to greatness dedicate themselves,
FTLN 1843 90 Finding it so inclined.
MALCOLM FTLN 1844 With this there grows
FTLN 1845 In my most ill-composed affection such
FTLN 1846 A stanchless avarice that, were I king,
FTLN 1847 I should cut off the nobles for their lands,
FTLN 1848 95 Desire his jewels, and this other’s house;
FTLN 1849 And my more-having would be as a sauce
FTLN 1850 To make me hunger more, that I should forge
FTLN 1851 Quarrels unjust against the good and loyal,
FTLN 1852 Destroying them for wealth.
MACDUFF FTLN 1853 100 This avarice
FTLN 1854 Sticks deeper, grows with more pernicious root
FTLN 1855 Than summer-seeming lust, and it hath been
FTLN 1856 The sword of our slain kings. Yet do not fear.
FTLN 1857 Scotland hath foisons to fill up your will
FTLN 1858 105 Of your mere own. All these are portable,
FTLN 1859 With other graces weighed.
MALCOLM
FTLN 1860 But I have none. The king-becoming graces,
FTLN 1861 As justice, verity, temp’rance, stableness,
FTLN 1862 Bounty, perseverance, mercy, lowliness,
FTLN 1863 110 Devotion, patience, courage, fortitude,
FTLN 1864 I have no relish of them but abound
FTLN 1865 In the division of each several crime,
FTLN 1866 Acting it many ways. Nay, had I power, I should
FTLN 1867 Pour the sweet milk of concord into hell,
FTLN 1868 115 Uproar the universal peace, confound
FTLN 1869 All unity on earth.
MACDUFF FTLN 1870 O Scotland, Scotland!
MALCOLM
FTLN 1871 If such a one be fit to govern, speak.
FTLN 1872 I am as I have spoken.
MACDUFF FTLN 1873 120 Fit to govern?

147
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ACT 4. SC. 3
FTLN 1874 No, not to live.—O nation miserable,
FTLN 1875 With an untitled tyrant bloody-sceptered,
FTLN 1876 When shalt thou see thy wholesome days again,
FTLN 1877 Since that the truest issue of thy throne
FTLN 1878 125 By his own interdiction stands accursed
FTLN 1879 And does blaspheme his breed?—Thy royal father
FTLN 1880 Was a most sainted king. The queen that bore thee,
FTLN 1881 Oft’ner upon her knees than on her feet,
FTLN 1882 Died every day she lived. Fare thee well.
FTLN 1883 130 These evils thou repeat’st upon thyself
FTLN 1884 Hath banished me from Scotland.—O my breast,
FTLN 1885 Thy hope ends here!
MALCOLM FTLN 1886 Macduff, this noble passion,
FTLN 1887 Child of integrity, hath from my soul
FTLN 1888 135 Wiped the black scruples, reconciled my thoughts
FTLN 1889 To thy good truth and honor. Devilish Macbeth
FTLN 1890 By many of these trains hath sought to win me
FTLN 1891 Into his power, and modest wisdom plucks me
FTLN 1892 From overcredulous haste. But God above
FTLN 1893 140 Deal between thee and me, for even now
FTLN 1894 I put myself to thy direction and
FTLN 1895 Unspeak mine own detraction, here abjure
FTLN 1896 The taints and blames I laid upon myself
FTLN 1897 For strangers to my nature. I am yet
FTLN 1898 145 Unknown to woman, never was forsworn,
FTLN 1899 Scarcely have coveted what was mine own,
FTLN 1900 At no time broke my faith, would not betray
FTLN 1901 The devil to his fellow, and delight
FTLN 1902 No less in truth than life. My first false speaking
FTLN 1903 150 Was this upon myself. What I am truly
FTLN 1904 Is thine and my poor country’s to command—
FTLN 1905 Whither indeed, before thy here-approach,
FTLN 1906 Old Siward with ten thousand warlike men,
FTLN 1907 Already at a point, was setting forth.
FTLN 1908 155 Now we’ll together, and the chance of goodness
FTLN 1909 Be like our warranted quarrel. Why are you silent?

149
Macbeth
ACT 4. SC. 3
MACDUFF
FTLN 1910 Such welcome and unwelcome things at once
FTLN 1911 ’Tis hard to reconcile.
Enter a Doctor.
MALCOLM FTLN 1912 Well, more anon.—
FTLN 1913 160 Comes the King forth, I pray you?
DOCTOR
FTLN 1914 Ay, sir. There are a crew of wretched souls
FTLN 1915 That stay his cure. Their malady convinces
FTLN 1916 The great assay of art, but at his touch
FTLN 1917 (Such sanctity hath heaven given his hand)
FTLN 1918 165 They presently amend.
MALCOLM FTLN 1919 I thank you, doctor.
Doctor exits.
MACDUFF
FTLN 1920 What’s the disease he means?
MALCOLM FTLN 1921 ’Tis called the evil:
FTLN 1922 A most miraculous work in this good king,
FTLN 1923 170 Which often since my here-remain in England
FTLN 1924 I have seen him do. How he solicits heaven
FTLN 1925 Himself best knows, but strangely visited people
FTLN 1926 All swoll’n and ulcerous, pitiful to the eye,
FTLN 1927 The mere despair of surgery, he cures,
FTLN 1928 175 Hanging a golden stamp about their necks,
FTLN 1929 Put on with holy prayers; and, ’tis spoken,
FTLN 1930 To the succeeding royalty he leaves
FTLN 1931 The healing benediction. With this strange virtue,
FTLN 1932 He hath a heavenly gift of prophecy,
FTLN 1933 180 And sundry blessings hang about his throne
FTLN 1934 That speak him full of grace.
Enter Ross.
MACDUFF FTLN 1935 See who comes here.
MALCOLM
FTLN 1936 My countryman, but yet I know him not.

151
Macbeth
ACT 4. SC. 3
MACDUFF
FTLN 1937 My ever-gentle cousin, welcome hither.
MALCOLM
FTLN 1938 185 I know him now.—Good God betimes remove
FTLN 1939 The means that makes us strangers!
ROSS FTLN 1940 Sir, amen.
MACDUFF
FTLN 1941 Stands Scotland where it did?
ROSS FTLN 1942 Alas, poor country,
FTLN 1943 190 Almost afraid to know itself. It cannot
FTLN 1944 Be called our mother, but our grave, where nothing
FTLN 1945 But who knows nothing is once seen to smile;
FTLN 1946 Where sighs and groans and shrieks that rent the air
FTLN 1947 Are made, not marked; where violent sorrow seems
FTLN 1948 195 A modern ecstasy. The dead man’s knell
FTLN 1949 Is there scarce asked for who, and good men’s lives
FTLN 1950 Expire before the flowers in their caps,
FTLN 1951 Dying or ere they sicken.
MACDUFF
FTLN 1952 O relation too nice and yet too true!
MALCOLM FTLN 1953 200 What’s the newest grief?
ROSS
FTLN 1954 That of an hour’s age doth hiss the speaker.
FTLN 1955 Each minute teems a new one.
MACDUFF FTLN 1956 How does my wife?
ROSS FTLN 1957 Why, well.
MACDUFF FTLN 1958 205 And all my children?
ROSS FTLN 1959 Well too.
MACDUFF
FTLN 1960 The tyrant has not battered at their peace?
ROSS
FTLN 1961 No, they were well at peace when I did leave ’em.
MACDUFF
FTLN 1962 Be not a niggard of your speech. How goes ’t?
ROSS
FTLN 1963 210 When I came hither to transport the tidings

153
Macbeth
ACT 4. SC. 3
FTLN 1964 Which I have heavily borne, there ran a rumor
FTLN 1965 Of many worthy fellows that were out;
FTLN 1966 Which was to my belief witnessed the rather
FTLN 1967 For that I saw the tyrant’s power afoot.
FTLN 1968 215 Now is the time of help. Your eye in Scotland
FTLN 1969 Would create soldiers, make our women fight
FTLN 1970 To doff their dire distresses.
MALCOLM FTLN 1971 Be ’t their comfort
FTLN 1972 We are coming thither. Gracious England hath
FTLN 1973 220 Lent us good Siward and ten thousand men;
FTLN 1974 An older and a better soldier none
FTLN 1975 That Christendom gives out.
ROSS FTLN 1976 Would I could answer
FTLN 1977 This comfort with the like. But I have words
FTLN 1978 225 That would be howled out in the desert air,
FTLN 1979 Where hearing should not latch them.
MACDUFF FTLN 1980 What concern
FTLN 1981 they—
FTLN 1982 The general cause, or is it a fee-grief
FTLN 1983 230 Due to some single breast?
ROSS FTLN 1984 No mind that’s honest
FTLN 1985 But in it shares some woe, though the main part
FTLN 1986 Pertains to you alone.
MACDUFF FTLN 1987 If it be mine,
FTLN 1988 235 Keep it not from me. Quickly let me have it.
ROSS
FTLN 1989 Let not your ears despise my tongue forever,
FTLN 1990 Which shall possess them with the heaviest sound
FTLN 1991 That ever yet they heard.
MACDUFF FTLN 1992 Hum! I guess at it.
ROSS
FTLN 1993 240 Your castle is surprised, your wife and babes
FTLN 1994 Savagely slaughtered. To relate the manner
FTLN 1995 Were on the quarry of these murdered deer
FTLN 1996 To add the death of you.
MALCOLM FTLN 1997 Merciful heaven!—

155
Macbeth
ACT 4. SC. 3
FTLN 1998 245 What, man, ne’er pull your hat upon your brows.
FTLN 1999 Give sorrow words. The grief that does not speak
FTLN 2000 Whispers the o’erfraught heart and bids it break.
MACDUFF FTLN 2001 My children too?
ROSS
FTLN 2002 Wife, children, servants, all that could be found.
MACDUFF
FTLN 2003 250 And I must be from thence? My wife killed too?
ROSS FTLN 2004 I have said.
MALCOLM FTLN 2005 Be comforted.
FTLN 2006 Let’s make us med’cines of our great revenge
FTLN 2007 To cure this deadly grief.
MACDUFF
FTLN 2008 255 He has no children. All my pretty ones?
FTLN 2009 Did you say “all”? O hell-kite! All?
FTLN 2010 What, all my pretty chickens and their dam
FTLN 2011 At one fell swoop?
MALCOLM FTLN 2012 Dispute it like a man.
MACDUFF FTLN 2013 260 I shall do so,
FTLN 2014 But I must also feel it as a man.
FTLN 2015 I cannot but remember such things were
FTLN 2016 That were most precious to me. Did heaven look on
FTLN 2017 And would not take their part? Sinful Macduff,
FTLN 2018 265 They were all struck for thee! Naught that I am,
FTLN 2019 Not for their own demerits, but for mine,
FTLN 2020 Fell slaughter on their souls. Heaven rest them now.
MALCOLM
FTLN 2021 Be this the whetstone of your sword. Let grief
FTLN 2022 Convert to anger. Blunt not the heart; enrage it.
MACDUFF
FTLN 2023 270 O, I could play the woman with mine eyes
FTLN 2024 And braggart with my tongue! But, gentle heavens,
FTLN 2025 Cut short all intermission! Front to front
FTLN 2026 Bring thou this fiend of Scotland and myself.
FTLN 2027 Within my sword’s length set him. If he ’scape,
FTLN 2028 275 Heaven forgive him too.

157
Macbeth
ACT 4. SC. 3
MALCOLM FTLN 2029 This tune goes manly.
FTLN 2030 Come, go we to the King. Our power is ready;
FTLN 2031 Our lack is nothing but our leave. Macbeth
FTLN 2032 Is ripe for shaking, and the powers above
FTLN 2033 280 Put on their instruments. Receive what cheer you
FTLN 2034 may.
FTLN 2035 The night is long that never finds the day.
They exit.

ACT 5
Scene 1
Enter a Doctor of Physic and a Waiting-Gentlewoman.
DOCTOR FTLN 2036 I have two nights watched with you but can
FTLN 2037 perceive no truth in your report. When was it she
FTLN 2038 last walked?
GENTLEWOMAN FTLN 2039 Since his Majesty went into the field, I
FTLN 2040 5 have seen her rise from her bed, throw her nightgown
FTLN 2041 upon her, unlock her closet, take forth paper,
FTLN 2042 fold it, write upon ’t, read it, afterwards seal it, and
FTLN 2043 again return to bed; yet all this while in a most fast
FTLN 2044 sleep.
DOCTOR FTLN 2045 10 A great perturbation in nature, to receive at
FTLN 2046 once the benefit of sleep and do the effects of
FTLN 2047 watching. In this slumb’ry agitation, besides her
FTLN 2048 walking and other actual performances, what at any
FTLN 2049 time have you heard her say?
GENTLEWOMAN FTLN 2050 15 That, sir, which I will not report after
FTLN 2051 her.
DOCTOR FTLN 2052 You may to me, and ’tis most meet you
FTLN 2053 should.
GENTLEWOMAN FTLN 2054 Neither to you nor anyone, having no
FTLN 2055 20 witness to confirm my speech.
Enter Lady Macbeth with a taper.
FTLN 2056 Lo you, here she comes. This is her very guise and,
FTLN 2057 upon my life, fast asleep. Observe her; stand close.
161

163
Macbeth
ACT 5. SC. 1
DOCTOR FTLN 2058 How came she by that light?
GENTLEWOMAN FTLN 2059 Why, it stood by her. She has light by
FTLN 2060 25 her continually. ’Tis her command.
DOCTOR FTLN 2061 You see her eyes are open.
GENTLEWOMAN FTLN 2062 Ay, but their sense are shut.
DOCTOR FTLN 2063 What is it she does now? Look how she rubs
FTLN 2064 her hands.
GENTLEWOMAN FTLN 2065 30 It is an accustomed action with her to
FTLN 2066 seem thus washing her hands. I have known her
FTLN 2067 continue in this a quarter of an hour.
LADY MACBETH FTLN 2068 Yet here’s a spot.
DOCTOR FTLN 2069 Hark, she speaks. I will set down what comes
FTLN 2070 35 from her, to satisfy my remembrance the more
FTLN 2071 strongly.
LADY MACBETH FTLN 2072 Out, damned spot, out, I say! One. Two.
FTLN 2073 Why then, ’tis time to do ’t. Hell is murky. Fie, my
FTLN 2074 lord, fie, a soldier and afeard? What need we fear
FTLN 2075 40 who knows it, when none can call our power to
FTLN 2076 account? Yet who would have thought the old man
FTLN 2077 to have had so much blood in him?
DOCTOR FTLN 2078 Do you mark that?
LADY MACBETH FTLN 2079 The Thane of Fife had a wife. Where is
FTLN 2080 45 she now? What, will these hands ne’er be clean? No
FTLN 2081 more o’ that, my lord, no more o’ that. You mar all
FTLN 2082 with this starting.
DOCTOR FTLN 2083 Go to, go to. You have known what you should
FTLN 2084 not.
GENTLEWOMAN FTLN 2085 50 She has spoke what she should not,
FTLN 2086 I am sure of that. Heaven knows what she has
FTLN 2087 known.
LADY MACBETH FTLN 2088 Here’s the smell of the blood still. All
FTLN 2089 the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little
FTLN 2090 55 hand. O, O, O!
DOCTOR FTLN 2091 What a sigh is there! The heart is sorely
FTLN 2092 charged.
GENTLEWOMAN FTLN 2093 I would not have such a heart in my
FTLN 2094 bosom for the dignity of the whole body.

165
Macbeth
ACT 5. SC. 2
DOCTOR FTLN 2095 60 Well, well, well.
GENTLEWOMAN FTLN 2096 Pray God it be, sir.
DOCTOR FTLN 2097 This disease is beyond my practice. Yet I have
FTLN 2098 known those which have walked in their sleep,
FTLN 2099 who have died holily in their beds.
LADY MACBETH FTLN 2100 65 Wash your hands. Put on your nightgown.
FTLN 2101 Look not so pale. I tell you yet again, Banquo’s
FTLN 2102 buried; he cannot come out on ’s grave.
DOCTOR FTLN 2103 Even so?
LADY MACBETH FTLN 2104 To bed, to bed. There’s knocking at the
FTLN 2105 70 gate. Come, come, come, come. Give me your
FTLN 2106 hand. What’s done cannot be undone. To bed, to
FTLN 2107 bed, to bed. Lady Macbeth exits.
DOCTOR FTLN 2108 Will she go now to bed?
GENTLEWOMAN FTLN 2109 Directly.
DOCTOR
FTLN 2110 75 Foul whisp’rings are abroad. Unnatural deeds
FTLN 2111 Do breed unnatural troubles. Infected minds
FTLN 2112 To their deaf pillows will discharge their secrets.
FTLN 2113 More needs she the divine than the physician.
FTLN 2114 God, God forgive us all. Look after her.
FTLN 2115 80 Remove from her the means of all annoyance
FTLN 2116 And still keep eyes upon her. So, good night.
FTLN 2117 My mind she has mated, and amazed my sight.
FTLN 2118 I think but dare not speak.
GENTLEWOMAN FTLN 2119 Good night, good doctor.
They exit.
Scene 2
Drum and Colors. Enter Menteith, Caithness, Angus,
Lennox, and Soldiers.
MENTEITH
FTLN 2120 The English power is near, led on by Malcolm,
FTLN 2121 His uncle Siward, and the good Macduff.

167
Macbeth
ACT 5. SC. 2
FTLN 2122 Revenges burn in them, for their dear causes
FTLN 2123 Would to the bleeding and the grim alarm
FTLN 2124 5 Excite the mortified man.
ANGUS FTLN 2125 Near Birnam Wood
FTLN 2126 Shall we well meet them. That way are they coming.
CAITHNESS
FTLN 2127 Who knows if Donalbain be with his brother?
LENNOX
FTLN 2128 For certain, sir, he is not. I have a file
FTLN 2129 10 Of all the gentry. There is Siward’s son
FTLN 2130 And many unrough youths that even now
FTLN 2131 Protest their first of manhood.
MENTEITH FTLN 2132 What does the tyrant?
CAITHNESS
FTLN 2133 Great Dunsinane he strongly fortifies.
FTLN 2134 15 Some say he’s mad; others that lesser hate him
FTLN 2135 Do call it valiant fury. But for certain
FTLN 2136 He cannot buckle his distempered cause
FTLN 2137 Within the belt of rule.
ANGUS FTLN 2138 Now does he feel
FTLN 2139 20 His secret murders sticking on his hands.
FTLN 2140 Now minutely revolts upbraid his faith-breach.
FTLN 2141 Those he commands move only in command,
FTLN 2142 Nothing in love. Now does he feel his title
FTLN 2143 Hang loose about him, like a giant’s robe
FTLN 2144 25 Upon a dwarfish thief.
MENTEITH FTLN 2145 Who, then, shall blame
FTLN 2146 His pestered senses to recoil and start
FTLN 2147 When all that is within him does condemn
FTLN 2148 Itself for being there?
CAITHNESS FTLN 2149 30 Well, march we on
FTLN 2150 To give obedience where ’tis truly owed.
FTLN 2151 Meet we the med’cine of the sickly weal,
FTLN 2152 And with him pour we in our country’s purge
FTLN 2153 Each drop of us.
LENNOX FTLN 2154 35 Or so much as it needs

169
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ACT 5. SC. 3
FTLN 2155 To dew the sovereign flower and drown the weeds.
FTLN 2156 Make we our march towards Birnam.
They exit marching.
Scene 3
Enter Macbeth, the Doctor, and Attendants.
MACBETH
FTLN 2157 Bring me no more reports. Let them fly all.
FTLN 2158 Till Birnam Wood remove to Dunsinane
FTLN 2159 I cannot taint with fear. What’s the boy Malcolm?
FTLN 2160 Was he not born of woman? The spirits that know
FTLN 2161 5 All mortal consequences have pronounced me thus:
FTLN 2162 “Fear not, Macbeth. No man that’s born of woman
FTLN 2163 Shall e’er have power upon thee.” Then fly, false
FTLN 2164 thanes,
FTLN 2165 And mingle with the English epicures.
FTLN 2166 10 The mind I sway by and the heart I bear
FTLN 2167 Shall never sag with doubt nor shake with fear.
Enter Servant.
FTLN 2168 The devil damn thee black, thou cream-faced loon!
FTLN 2169 Where got’st thou that goose-look?
SERVANT FTLN 2170 There is ten thousand—
MACBETH FTLN 2171 15 Geese, villain?
SERVANT FTLN 2172 Soldiers, sir.
MACBETH
FTLN 2173 Go prick thy face and over-red thy fear,
FTLN 2174 Thou lily-livered boy. What soldiers, patch?
FTLN 2175 Death of thy soul! Those linen cheeks of thine
FTLN 2176 20 Are counselors to fear. What soldiers, whey-face?
SERVANT FTLN 2177 The English force, so please you.
MACBETH
FTLN 2178 Take thy face hence. Servant exits.
FTLN 2179 Seyton!—I am sick at heart
FTLN 2180 When I behold—Seyton, I say!—This push

171
Macbeth
ACT 5. SC. 3
FTLN 2181 25 Will cheer me ever or disseat me now.
FTLN 2182 I have lived long enough. My way of life
FTLN 2183 Is fall’n into the sere, the yellow leaf,
FTLN 2184 And that which should accompany old age,
FTLN 2185 As honor, love, obedience, troops of friends,
FTLN 2186 30 I must not look to have, but in their stead
FTLN 2187 Curses, not loud but deep, mouth-honor, breath
FTLN 2188 Which the poor heart would fain deny and dare
FTLN 2189 not.—
FTLN 2190 Seyton!
Enter Seyton.
SEYTON
FTLN 2191 35 What’s your gracious pleasure?
MACBETH FTLN 2192 What news more?
SEYTON
FTLN 2193 All is confirmed, my lord, which was reported.
MACBETH
FTLN 2194 I’ll fight till from my bones my flesh be hacked.
FTLN 2195 Give me my armor.
SEYTON FTLN 2196 40’Tis not needed yet.
MACBETH FTLN 2197 I’ll put it on.
FTLN 2198 Send out more horses. Skirr the country round.
FTLN 2199 Hang those that talk of fear. Give me mine
FTLN 2200 armor.—
FTLN 2201 45 How does your patient, doctor?
DOCTOR FTLN 2202 Not so sick, my lord,
FTLN 2203 As she is troubled with thick-coming fancies
FTLN 2204 That keep her from her rest.
MACBETH FTLN 2205 Cure her of that.
FTLN 2206 50 Canst thou not minister to a mind diseased,
FTLN 2207 Pluck from the memory a rooted sorrow,
FTLN 2208 Raze out the written troubles of the brain,
FTLN 2209 And with some sweet oblivious antidote
FTLN 2210 Cleanse the stuffed bosom of that perilous stuff
FTLN 2211 55 Which weighs upon the heart?

173
Macbeth
ACT 5. SC. 4
DOCTOR FTLN 2212 Therein the patient
FTLN 2213 Must minister to himself.
MACBETH
FTLN 2214 Throw physic to the dogs. I’ll none of it.—
FTLN 2215 Come, put mine armor on. Give me my staff.
Attendants begin to arm him.
FTLN 2216 60 Seyton, send out.—Doctor, the thanes fly from
FTLN 2217 me.—
FTLN 2218 Come, sir, dispatch.—If thou couldst, doctor, cast
FTLN 2219 The water of my land, find her disease,
FTLN 2220 And purge it to a sound and pristine health,
FTLN 2221 65 I would applaud thee to the very echo
FTLN 2222 That should applaud again.—Pull ’t off, I say.—
FTLN 2223 What rhubarb, senna, or what purgative drug
FTLN 2224 Would scour these English hence? Hear’st thou of
FTLN 2225 them?
DOCTOR
FTLN 2226 70 Ay, my good lord. Your royal preparation
FTLN 2227 Makes us hear something.
MACBETH FTLN 2228 Bring it after me.—
FTLN 2229 I will not be afraid of death and bane
FTLN 2230 Till Birnam Forest come to Dunsinane.
DOCTOR , aside
FTLN 2231 75 Were I from Dunsinane away and clear,
FTLN 2232 Profit again should hardly draw me here.
They exit.
Scene 4
Drum and Colors. Enter Malcolm, Siward, Macduff,
Siward’s son, Menteith, Caithness, Angus, and Soldiers,
marching.
MALCOLM
FTLN 2233 Cousins, I hope the days are near at hand
FTLN 2234 That chambers will be safe.

175
Macbeth
ACT 5. SC. 4
MENTEITH FTLN 2235 We doubt it nothing.
SIWARD
FTLN 2236 What wood is this before us?
MENTEITH FTLN 2237 5 The Wood of Birnam.
MALCOLM
FTLN 2238 Let every soldier hew him down a bough
FTLN 2239 And bear ’t before him. Thereby shall we shadow
FTLN 2240 The numbers of our host and make discovery
FTLN 2241 Err in report of us.
SOLDIER FTLN 2242 10 It shall be done.
SIWARD
FTLN 2243 We learn no other but the confident tyrant
FTLN 2244 Keeps still in Dunsinane and will endure
FTLN 2245 Our setting down before ’t.
MALCOLM FTLN 2246 ’Tis his main hope;
FTLN 2247 15 For, where there is advantage to be given,
FTLN 2248 Both more and less have given him the revolt,
FTLN 2249 And none serve with him but constrainèd things
FTLN 2250 Whose hearts are absent too.
MACDUFF FTLN 2251 Let our just censures
FTLN 2252 20 Attend the true event, and put we on
FTLN 2253 Industrious soldiership.
SIWARD FTLN 2254 The time approaches
FTLN 2255 That will with due decision make us know
FTLN 2256 What we shall say we have and what we owe.
FTLN 2257 25 Thoughts speculative their unsure hopes relate,
FTLN 2258 But certain issue strokes must arbitrate;
FTLN 2259 Towards which, advance the war.
They exit marching.

177
Macbeth
ACT 5. SC. 5
Scene 5
Enter Macbeth, Seyton, and Soldiers, with Drum and
Colors.
MACBETH
FTLN 2260 Hang out our banners on the outward walls.
FTLN 2261 The cry is still “They come!” Our castle’s strength
FTLN 2262 Will laugh a siege to scorn. Here let them lie
FTLN 2263 Till famine and the ague eat them up.
FTLN 2264 5 Were they not forced with those that should be
FTLN 2265 ours,
FTLN 2266 We might have met them dareful, beard to beard,
FTLN 2267 And beat them backward home.
A cry within of women.
FTLN 2268 What is that noise?
SEYTON
FTLN 2269 10 It is the cry of women, my good lord. He exits.
MACBETH
FTLN 2270 I have almost forgot the taste of fears.
FTLN 2271 The time has been my senses would have cooled
FTLN 2272 To hear a night-shriek, and my fell of hair
FTLN 2273 Would at a dismal treatise rouse and stir
FTLN 2274 15 As life were in ’t. I have supped full with horrors.
FTLN 2275 Direness, familiar to my slaughterous thoughts,
FTLN 2276 Cannot once start me.
Enter Seyton.
FTLN 2277 Wherefore was that cry?
SEYTON FTLN 2278 The Queen, my lord, is dead.
MACBETH FTLN 2279 20 She should have died hereafter.
FTLN 2280 There would have been a time for such a word.
FTLN 2281 Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow
FTLN 2282 Creeps in this petty pace from day to day
FTLN 2283 To the last syllable of recorded time,
FTLN 2284 25 And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
FTLN 2285 The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!

179
Macbeth
ACT 5. SC. 5
FTLN 2286 Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player
FTLN 2287 That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
FTLN 2288 And then is heard no more. It is a tale
FTLN 2289 30 Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
FTLN 2290 Signifying nothing.
Enter a Messenger.
FTLN 2291 Thou com’st to use thy tongue: thy story quickly.
MESSENGER FTLN 2292 Gracious my lord,
FTLN 2293 I should report that which I say I saw,
FTLN 2294 35 But know not how to do ’t.
MACBETH FTLN 2295 Well, say, sir.
MESSENGER
FTLN 2296 As I did stand my watch upon the hill,
FTLN 2297 I looked toward Birnam, and anon methought
FTLN 2298 The Wood began to move.
MACBETH FTLN 2299 40 Liar and slave!
MESSENGER
FTLN 2300 Let me endure your wrath if ’t be not so.
FTLN 2301 Within this three mile may you see it coming.
FTLN 2302 I say, a moving grove.
MACBETH FTLN 2303 If thou speak’st false,
FTLN 2304 45 Upon the next tree shall thou hang alive
FTLN 2305 Till famine cling thee. If thy speech be sooth,
FTLN 2306 I care not if thou dost for me as much.—
FTLN 2307 I pull in resolution and begin
FTLN 2308 To doubt th’ equivocation of the fiend,
FTLN 2309 50 That lies like truth. “Fear not till Birnam Wood
FTLN 2310 Do come to Dunsinane,” and now a wood
FTLN 2311 Comes toward Dunsinane.—Arm, arm, and out!—
FTLN 2312 If this which he avouches does appear,
FTLN 2313 There is nor flying hence nor tarrying here.
FTLN 2314 55 I ’gin to be aweary of the sun
FTLN 2315 And wish th’ estate o’ th’ world were now
FTLN 2316 undone.—

181
Macbeth
ACT 5. SC. 6/7
FTLN 2317 Ring the alarum bell!—Blow wind, come wrack,
FTLN 2318 At least we’ll die with harness on our back.
They exit.
Scene 6
Drum and Colors. Enter Malcolm, Siward, Macduff, and
their army, with boughs.
MALCOLM
FTLN 2319 Now near enough. Your leafy screens throw down
FTLN 2320 And show like those you are.—You, worthy uncle,
FTLN 2321 Shall with my cousin, your right noble son,
FTLN 2322 Lead our first battle. Worthy Macduff and we
FTLN 2323 5 Shall take upon ’s what else remains to do,
FTLN 2324 According to our order.
SIWARD FTLN 2325 Fare you well.
FTLN 2326 Do we but find the tyrant’s power tonight,
FTLN 2327 Let us be beaten if we cannot fight.
MACDUFF
FTLN 2328 10 Make all our trumpets speak; give them all breath,
FTLN 2329 Those clamorous harbingers of blood and death.
They exit.
Alarums continued.
Scene 7
Enter Macbeth.
MACBETH
FTLN 2330 They have tied me to a stake. I cannot fly,
FTLN 2331 But, bear-like, I must fight the course. What’s he
FTLN 2332 That was not born of woman? Such a one
FTLN 2333 Am I to fear, or none.
Enter young Siward.
YOUNG SIWARD FTLN 2334 5 What is thy name?

183
Macbeth
ACT 5. SC. 7
MACBETH FTLN 2335 Thou ’lt be afraid to hear it.
YOUNG SIWARD
FTLN 2336 No, though thou call’st thyself a hotter name
FTLN 2337 Than any is in hell.
MACBETH FTLN 2338 My name’s Macbeth.
YOUNG SIWARD
FTLN 2339 10 The devil himself could not pronounce a title
FTLN 2340 More hateful to mine ear.
MACBETH FTLN 2341 No, nor more fearful.
YOUNG SIWARD
FTLN 2342 Thou liest, abhorrèd tyrant. With my sword
FTLN 2343 I’ll prove the lie thou speak’st.
They fight, and young Siward is slain.
MACBETH FTLN 2344 15 Thou wast born of
FTLN 2345 woman.
FTLN 2346 But swords I smile at, weapons laugh to scorn,
FTLN 2347 Brandished by man that’s of a woman born.
He exits.
Alarums. Enter Macduff.
MACDUFF
FTLN 2348 That way the noise is. Tyrant, show thy face!
FTLN 2349 20 If thou beest slain, and with no stroke of mine,
FTLN 2350 My wife and children’s ghosts will haunt me still.
FTLN 2351 I cannot strike at wretched kerns, whose arms
FTLN 2352 Are hired to bear their staves. Either thou, Macbeth,
FTLN 2353 Or else my sword with an unbattered edge
FTLN 2354 25 I sheathe again undeeded. There thou shouldst be;
FTLN 2355 By this great clatter, one of greatest note
FTLN 2356 Seems bruited. Let me find him, Fortune,
FTLN 2357 And more I beg not. He exits. Alarums.
Enter Malcolm and Siward.
SIWARD
FTLN 2358 This way, my lord. The castle’s gently rendered.
FTLN 2359 30 The tyrant’s people on both sides do fight,

185
Macbeth
ACT 5. SC. 8
FTLN 2360 The noble thanes do bravely in the war,
FTLN 2361 The day almost itself professes yours,
FTLN 2362 And little is to do.
MALCOLM FTLN 2363 We have met with foes
FTLN 2364 35 That strike beside us.
SIWARD FTLN 2365 Enter, sir, the castle.
They exit. Alarum.
Scene 8
Enter Macbeth.
MACBETH
FTLN 2366 Why should I play the Roman fool and die
FTLN 2367 On mine own sword? Whiles I see lives, the gashes
FTLN 2368 Do better upon them.
Enter Macduff.
MACDUFF FTLN 2369 Turn, hellhound, turn!
MACBETH
FTLN 2370 5 Of all men else I have avoided thee.
FTLN 2371 But get thee back. My soul is too much charged
FTLN 2372 With blood of thine already.
MACDUFF FTLN 2373 I have no words;
FTLN 2374 My voice is in my sword, thou bloodier villain
FTLN 2375 10 Than terms can give thee out. Fight. Alarum.
MACBETH FTLN 2376 Thou losest labor.
FTLN 2377 As easy mayst thou the intrenchant air
FTLN 2378 With thy keen sword impress as make me bleed.
FTLN 2379 Let fall thy blade on vulnerable crests;
FTLN 2380 15 I bear a charmèd life, which must not yield
FTLN 2381 To one of woman born.
MACDUFF FTLN 2382 Despair thy charm,
FTLN 2383 And let the angel whom thou still hast served
FTLN 2384 Tell thee Macduff was from his mother’s womb
FTLN 2385 20 Untimely ripped.

187
Macbeth
ACT 5. SC. 8
MACBETH
FTLN 2386 Accursèd be that tongue that tells me so,
FTLN 2387 For it hath cowed my better part of man!
FTLN 2388 And be these juggling fiends no more believed
FTLN 2389 That palter with us in a double sense,
FTLN 2390 25 That keep the word of promise to our ear
FTLN 2391 And break it to our hope. I’ll not fight with thee.
MACDUFF FTLN 2392 Then yield thee, coward,
FTLN 2393 And live to be the show and gaze o’ th’ time.
FTLN 2394 We’ll have thee, as our rarer monsters are,
FTLN 2395 30 Painted upon a pole, and underwrit
FTLN 2396 “Here may you see the tyrant.”
MACBETH FTLN 2397 I will not yield
FTLN 2398 To kiss the ground before young Malcolm’s feet
FTLN 2399 And to be baited with the rabble’s curse.
FTLN 2400 35 Though Birnam Wood be come to Dunsinane
FTLN 2401 And thou opposed, being of no woman born,
FTLN 2402 Yet I will try the last. Before my body
FTLN 2403 I throw my warlike shield. Lay on, Macduff,
FTLN 2404 And damned be him that first cries “Hold! Enough!”
They exit fighting. Alarums.
They enter fighting, and Macbeth is slain. Macduff
exits carrying off Macbeth’s body. Retreat and flourish.
Enter, with Drum and Colors, Malcolm, Siward, Ross,
Thanes, and Soldiers.
MALCOLM
FTLN 2405 40 I would the friends we miss were safe arrived.
SIWARD
FTLN 2406 Some must go off; and yet by these I see
FTLN 2407 So great a day as this is cheaply bought.
MALCOLM
FTLN 2408 Macduff is missing, and your noble son.
ROSS
FTLN 2409 Your son, my lord, has paid a soldier’s debt.
FTLN 2410 45 He only lived but till he was a man,

189
Macbeth
ACT 5. SC. 8
FTLN 2411 The which no sooner had his prowess confirmed
FTLN 2412 In the unshrinking station where he fought,
FTLN 2413 But like a man he died.
SIWARD FTLN 2414 Then he is dead?
ROSS
FTLN 2415 50 Ay, and brought off the field. Your cause of sorrow
FTLN 2416 Must not be measured by his worth, for then
FTLN 2417 It hath no end.
SIWARD FTLN 2418 Had he his hurts before?
ROSS
FTLN 2419 Ay, on the front.
SIWARD FTLN 2420 55 Why then, God’s soldier be he!
FTLN 2421 Had I as many sons as I have hairs,
FTLN 2422 I would not wish them to a fairer death;
FTLN 2423 And so his knell is knolled.
MALCOLM
FTLN 2424 He’s worth more sorrow, and that I’ll spend for
FTLN 2425 60 him.
SIWARD FTLN 2426 He’s worth no more.
FTLN 2427 They say he parted well and paid his score,
FTLN 2428 And so, God be with him. Here comes newer
FTLN 2429 comfort.
Enter Macduff with Macbeth’s head.
MACDUFF
FTLN 2430 65 Hail, King! for so thou art. Behold where stands
FTLN 2431 Th’ usurper’s cursèd head. The time is free.
FTLN 2432 I see thee compassed with thy kingdom’s pearl,
FTLN 2433 That speak my salutation in their minds,
FTLN 2434 Whose voices I desire aloud with mine.
FTLN 2435 70 Hail, King of Scotland!
ALL FTLN 2436 Hail, King of Scotland! Flourish.
MALCOLM
FTLN 2437 We shall not spend a large expense of time
FTLN 2438 Before we reckon with your several loves
FTLN 2439 And make us even with you. My thanes and
FTLN 2440 75 kinsmen,

191
Macbeth
ACT 5. SC. 8
FTLN 2441 Henceforth be earls, the first that ever Scotland
FTLN 2442 In such an honor named. What’s more to do,
FTLN 2443 Which would be planted newly with the time,
FTLN 2444 As calling home our exiled friends abroad
FTLN 2445 80 That fled the snares of watchful tyranny,
FTLN 2446 Producing forth the cruel ministers
FTLN 2447 Of this dead butcher and his fiend-like queen
FTLN 2448 (Who, as ’tis thought, by self and violent hands,
FTLN 2449 Took off her life)—this, and what needful else
FTLN 2450 85 That calls upon us, by the grace of grace,
FTLN 2451 We will perform in measure, time, and place.
FTLN 2452 So thanks to all at once and to each one,
FTLN 2453 Whom we invite to see us crowned at Scone.
Flourish. All exit.