This is a modern-English version of The Tragedy of Macbeth, originally written by Shakespeare, William. It has been thoroughly updated, including changes to sentence structure, words, spelling, and grammar—to ensure clarity for contemporary readers, while preserving the original spirit and nuance. If you click on a paragraph, you will see the original text that we modified, and you can toggle between the two versions.

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The Tragedie of Macbeth

The Tragedy of Macbeth

Actus Primus. Scoena Prima.

Act One. Scene One.

Thunder and Lightning. Enter three Witches.

Thunder and lightning. Three witches enter.

  1. When shall we three meet againe?
In Thunder, Lightning, or in Raine?
  2. When the Hurley-burley's done,
When the Battaile's lost, and wonne

1. When will the three of us meet again?
In thunder, lightning, or rain?
  2. When the chaos is over,
When the battle is lost and won

3. That will be ere the set of Sunne

3. That will be before the sunset.

1. Where the place? 2. Vpon the Heath

1. Where is the place? 2. On the Heath

3. There to meet with Macbeth

3. There to meet with Macbeth

1. I come, Gray-Malkin

I'm here, Gray-Malkin.

   All. Padock calls anon: faire is foule, and foule is faire,
Houer through the fogge and filthie ayre.

All. Padock calls soon: fair is foul, and foul is fair,
Hover through the fog and filthy air.

Exeunt.

Exit.

Scena Secunda.

Scene Two.

Alarum within. Enter King, Malcome, Donalbaine, Lenox, with attendants, meeting a bleeding Captaine.

Alarum inside. Enter King, Malcolm, Donalbain, Lennox, with attendants, encountering a wounded Captain.

  King. What bloody man is that? he can report,
As seemeth by his plight, of the Reuolt
The newest state

King. Who's that bloody man? He must have news,
Based on his condition, about the rebellion,
The latest situation.

   Mal. This is the Serieant,
Who like a good and hardie Souldier fought
'Gainst my Captiuitie: Haile braue friend;
Say to the King, the knowledge of the Broyle,
As thou didst leaue it

Mal. This is the Sergeant,
Who, like a brave and tough soldier, fought
Against my captivity: Hail, brave friend;
Tell the King about the fight,
As you found it

   Cap. Doubtfull it stood,
As two spent Swimmers, that doe cling together,
And choake their Art: The mercilesse Macdonwald
(Worthie to be a Rebell, for to that
The multiplying Villanies of Nature
Doe swarme vpon him) from the Westerne Isles
Of Kernes and Gallowgrosses is supply'd,
And Fortune on his damned Quarry smiling,
Shew'd like a Rebells Whore: but all's too weake:
For braue Macbeth (well hee deserues that Name)
Disdayning Fortune, with his brandisht Steele,
Which smoak'd with bloody execution
(Like Valours Minion) caru'd out his passage,
Till hee fac'd the Slaue:
Which neu'r shooke hands, nor bad farwell to him,
Till he vnseam'd him from the Naue toth' Chops,
And fix'd his Head vpon our Battlements

Cap. It was uncertain,
Like two exhausted swimmers clinging to each other,
Struggling to stay afloat: the merciless Macdonwald
(Deserving to be a rebel, as the
Endless evils of nature swarm around him)
Supplied by the Western Isles
Of Kernes and Gallowglass warriors.
And Fortune, smiling upon his cursed prey,
Looked like a rebel’s mistress: but it was all too weak:
For brave Macbeth (he truly deserves that title)
Disdaining fate, with his brandished steel,
Steaming with bloody work
(Like Valor's favorite) carved out his path,
Until he faced the slave:
Who never shook hands or said farewell to him,
Until he unseamed him from the navel to the jaw,
And fixed his head on our battlements.

King. O valiant Cousin, worthy Gentleman

King. Oh brave Cousin, honorable Gentleman

   Cap. As whence the Sunne 'gins his reflection,
Shipwracking Stormes, and direfull Thunders:
So from that Spring, whence comfort seem'd to come,
Discomfort swells: Marke King of Scotland, marke,
No sooner Iustice had, with Valour arm'd,
Compell'd these skipping Kernes to trust their heeles,
But the Norweyan Lord, surueying vantage,
With furbusht Armes, and new supplyes of men,
Began a fresh assault

Cap. Just as the sun starts to shine,
Shipwrecking storms and terrible thunder:
From that source, where comfort appeared to come,
Discomfort rises: Pay attention, King of Scotland,
No sooner had Justice, armed with Valor,
Forced these fleeing soldiers to rely on their feet,
Than the Norwegian Lord, looking for an advantage,
With renewed armor and fresh supplies of men,
Launched a new attack.

   King. Dismay'd not this our Captaines, Macbeth and
Banquoh?
  Cap. Yes, as Sparrowes, Eagles;
Or the Hare, the Lyon:
If I say sooth, I must report they were
As Cannons ouer-charg'd with double Cracks,
So they doubly redoubled stroakes vpon the Foe:
Except they meant to bathe in reeking Wounds,
Or memorize another Golgotha,
I cannot tell: but I am faint,
My Gashes cry for helpe

King. Didn’t this upset our captains, Macbeth and
Banquo?
  Cap. Yes, like sparrows against eagles;
Or a hare against a lion:
If I’m being honest, I have to say they were
Like cannons overloaded and firing double shots,
So they hit the enemy even harder:
Unless they intended to soak in blood,
Or create another Golgotha,
I can’t say for sure: but I’m feeling weak,
My wounds are begging for help.

   King. So well thy words become thee, as thy wounds,
They smack of Honor both: Goe get him Surgeons.
Enter Rosse and Angus.

King. Your words suit you as well as your wounds do,
They both reflect Honor: Go get him Surgeons.
Enter Rosse and Angus.

Who comes here?
  Mal. The worthy Thane of Rosse

Who’s coming here?
  Mal. The honorable Thane of Ross

   Lenox. What a haste lookes through his eyes?
So should he looke, that seemes to speake things strange

Lenox. What a hurried look is in his eyes?
He should look that way, as if he's about to say something unusual.

Rosse. God saue the King

Rosse. God save the King

   King. Whence cam'st thou, worthy Thane?
  Rosse. From Fiffe, great King,
Where the Norweyan Banners flowt the Skie,
And fanne our people cold.
Norway himselfe, with terrible numbers,
Assisted by that most disloyall Traytor,
The Thane of Cawdor, began a dismall Conflict,
Till that Bellona's Bridegroome, lapt in proofe,
Confronted him with selfe-comparisons,
Point against Point, rebellious Arme 'gainst Arme,
Curbing his lauish spirit: and to conclude,
The Victorie fell on vs

King. Where did you come from, worthy Thane?
  Rosse. From Fife, great King,
Where the Norwegian banners floated in the sky,
And chilled our people.
Norway himself, with a terrible army,
Assisted by that most disloyal traitor,
The Thane of Cawdor, started a grim conflict,
Until that bridegroom of Bellona, clad in armor,
Faced him point for point, rebellious arm against arm,
Subduing his reckless spirit: and to conclude,
Victory was ours.

King. Great happinesse

King. Great happiness

   Rosse. That now Sweno, the Norwayes King,
Craues composition:
Nor would we deigne him buriall of his men,
Till he disbursed, at Saint Colmes ynch,
Ten thousand Dollars, to our generall vse

Rosse. That now Sweno, the King of Norway,
Craves a settlement:
Nor would we grant him burial for his men,
Until he pays, at Saint Colmes Inch,
Ten thousand dollars for our general use

   King. No more that Thane of Cawdor shall deceiue
Our Bosome interest: Goe pronounce his present death,
And with his former Title greet Macbeth

King. No longer will the Thane of Cawdor deceive
Our deeply held interests: Go announce his immediate execution,
And with his old title, greet Macbeth

Rosse. Ile see it done

Rosse. I'll get it done.

King. What he hath lost, Noble Macbeth hath wonne.

King. What he has lost, noble Macbeth has won.

Exeunt.

Exit.

Scena Tertia.

Scene Three.

Thunder. Enter the three Witches.

Thunder. Enter the three Witches.

1. Where hast thou beene, Sister? 2. Killing Swine

1. Where have you been, Sister? 2. Killing pigs

   3. Sister, where thou?
  1. A Saylors Wife had Chestnuts in her Lappe,
And mouncht, & mouncht, and mouncht:
Giue me, quoth I.
Aroynt thee, Witch, the rumpe-fed Ronyon cryes.
Her Husband's to Aleppo gone, Master o'th' Tiger:
But in a Syue Ile thither sayle,
And like a Rat without a tayle,
Ile doe, Ile doe, and Ile doe

3. Sister, where are you?
  1. A sailor's wife had chestnuts in her lap,
And munching, and munching, and munching:
"Give me," I said.
"Get away from me, witch," the fat-bottomed woman cries.
Her husband's gone to Aleppo, master of the tiger:
But in a sieve, I'll sail there,
And like a rat without a tail,
I'll do, I'll do, and I'll do.

2. Ile giue thee a Winde

2. I'll give you a wind

1. Th'art kinde

You're kind

3. And I another

3. And I also

   1. I my selfe haue all the other,
And the very Ports they blow,
All the Quarters that they know,
I'th' Ship-mans Card.
Ile dreyne him drie as Hay:
Sleepe shall neyther Night nor Day
Hang vpon his Pent-house Lid:
He shall liue a man forbid:
Wearie Seu'nights, nine times nine,
Shall he dwindle, peake, and pine:
Though his Barke cannot be lost,
Yet it shall be Tempest-tost.
Looke what I haue

1. I have everything else,
And the very ports they blow,
All the places they know,
In the sailor's map.
I’ll drain him dry like hay:
Sleep will neither night nor day
Rest on his roof’s edge:
He will live like a man cursed:
Worn out for seven nights, nine times over,
He will wither, weaken, and suffer:
Though his ship won’t be lost,
Still, it will be tossed around by storms.
Look at what I have

2. Shew me, shew me

Show me, show me

1. Here I haue a Pilots Thumbe, Wrackt, as homeward he did come.

1. Here I have a Pilot's thumb, Wrecked, as he was coming home.

Drum within.

Inner drum.

  3. A Drumme, a Drumme:
Macbeth doth come

3. A Drum, a Drum:
Macbeth is coming

   All. The weyward Sisters, hand in hand,
Posters of the Sea and Land,
Thus doe goe, about, about,
Thrice to thine, and thrice to mine,
And thrice againe, to make vp nine.
Peace, the Charme's wound vp.
Enter Macbeth and Banquo.

All. The wayward sisters, hand in hand,
Posters of the sea and land,
So we go, around and around,
Three times to yours, and three times to mine,
And three times more, to make up nine.
Peace, the charm is tied up.
Enter Macbeth and Banquo.

Macb. So foule and faire a day I haue not seene

Macb. I haven't seen a day that's both so foul and so fair.

   Banquo. How farre is't call'd to Soris? What are these,
So wither'd, and so wilde in their attyre,
That looke not like th' Inhabitants o'th' Earth,
And yet are on't? Liue you, or are you aught
That man may question? you seeme to vnderstand me,
By each at once her choppie finger laying
Vpon her skinnie Lips: you should be Women,
And yet your Beards forbid me to interprete
That you are so

Banquo. How far is it to Soris? Who are these,
So withered and so wild in their clothing,
That they don't look like the inhabitants of the Earth,
And yet they are? Do you live, or are you anything
That a man can question? You seem to understand me,
With each of you laying a bony finger
On your thin lips: you should be women,
And yet your beards make it hard for me to believe
That you are.

   Mac. Speake if you can: what are you?
  1. All haile Macbeth, haile to thee Thane of Glamis

Mac. Speak if you can: who are you?
  1. All hail Macbeth, hail to you Thane of Glamis

2. All haile Macbeth, haile to thee Thane of Cawdor

2. All hail Macbeth, hail to you Thane of Cawdor

3. All haile Macbeth, that shalt be King hereafter

3. All hail Macbeth, who will be King in the future!

   Banq. Good Sir, why doe you start, and seeme to feare
Things that doe sound so faire? i'th' name of truth
Are ye fantasticall, or that indeed
Which outwardly ye shew? My Noble Partner
You greet with present Grace, and great prediction
Of Noble hauing, and of Royall hope,
That he seemes wrapt withall: to me you speake not.
If you can looke into the Seedes of Time,
And say, which Graine will grow, and which will not,
Speake then to me, who neyther begge, nor feare
Your fauors, nor your hate

Banq. Good sir, why do you start and seem to fear
Things that sound so fair? In the name of truth,
Are you just imagining, or are you really
What you outwardly appear? My noble partner,
You greet with present grace and great predictions
Of noble fortune and royal hope,
That he seems wrapped in: you don’t speak to me.
If you can look into the seeds of time
And say which grain will grow and which won’t,
Then speak to me, I neither beg nor fear
Your favors or your hate.

1. Hayle

Hayle

2. Hayle

2. Hayle

3. Hayle

3. Hayle

1. Lesser than Macbeth, and greater

1. Not as great as Macbeth, but greater

2. Not so happy, yet much happyer

2. Not so happy, yet much happier

3. Thou shalt get Kings, though thou be none: So all haile Macbeth, and Banquo

3. You will gain kings, even if you are not one: So all hail Macbeth and Banquo

1. Banquo, and Macbeth, all haile

1. Banquo and Macbeth, all hail

   Macb. Stay you imperfect Speakers, tell me more:
By Sinells death, I know I am Thane of Glamis,
But how, of Cawdor? the Thane of Cawdor liues
A prosperous Gentleman: And to be King,
Stands not within the prospect of beleefe,
No more then to be Cawdor. Say from whence
You owe this strange Intelligence, or why
Vpon this blasted Heath you stop our way
With such Prophetique greeting?
Speake, I charge you.

Macb. Wait, you incomplete speakers, tell me more:
By Sinel's death, I know I'm Thane of Glamis,
But how about Cawdor? The Thane of Cawdor is still alive,
A successful man: And becoming King
Is beyond belief,
Just like being Cawdor. Tell me where
You got this weird information, or why
You’re blocking our way on this cursed heath
With such prophetic greeting?
Speak, I command you.

Witches vanish.

Witches disappear.

  Banq. The Earth hath bubbles, as the Water ha's,
And these are of them: whither are they vanish'd?
  Macb. Into the Ayre: and what seem'd corporall,
Melted, as breath into the Winde.
Would they had stay'd

Banq. The Earth has bubbles, just like the Water does,
And these are some of them: where have they gone?
  Macb. Into the Air: and what seemed physical,
Melted away, like breath in the Wind.
I wish they had stayed.

   Banq. Were such things here, as we doe speake about?
Or haue we eaten on the insane Root,
That takes the Reason Prisoner?
  Macb. Your Children shall be Kings

Banq. Are there really things here that we're talking about?
Or have we eaten from the crazy root,
That makes reason a prisoner?
  Macb. Your children will be kings.

Banq. You shall be King

Bank. You will be King

   Macb. And Thane of Cawdor too: went it not so?
  Banq. Toth' selfe-same tune and words: who's here?
Enter Rosse and Angus.

Macb. And Thane of Cawdor too: is that how it went?
  Banq. The same tune and words: who’s here?
Enter Rosse and Angus.

  Rosse. The King hath happily receiu'd, Macbeth,
The newes of thy successe: and when he reades
Thy personall Venture in the Rebels sight,
His Wonders and his Prayses doe contend,
Which should be thine, or his: silenc'd with that,
In viewing o're the rest o'th' selfe-same day,
He findes thee in the stout Norweyan Rankes,
Nothing afeard of what thy selfe didst make
Strange Images of death, as thick as Tale
Can post with post, and euery one did beare
Thy prayses in his Kingdomes great defence,
And powr'd them downe before him

Rosse. The King has happily received, Macbeth,
The news of your success: and when he reads
Your personal achievements in front of the Rebels,
His awe and his praises compete,
For which should belong to you, or him: silenced by that,
In looking over the rest of that same day,
He finds you in the strong Norwegian ranks,
Not afraid of what you created
Strange images of death, as thick as tales
Can spread quickly, and every one carried
Your praises in his kingdom's great defense,
And poured them down before him.

   Ang. Wee are sent,
To giue thee from our Royall Master thanks,
Onely to harrold thee into his sight,
Not pay thee

Ang. We're here,
To give you thanks from our Royal Master,
Just to bring you into his presence,
Not to pay you

   Rosse. And for an earnest of a greater Honor,
He bad me, from him, call thee Thane of Cawdor:
In which addition, haile most worthy Thane,
For it is thine

Rosse. And as a token of greater honor,
He asked me, on his behalf, to call you Thane of Cawdor:
And in this title, hail most worthy Thane,
For it is yours.

   Banq. What, can the Deuill speake true?
  Macb. The Thane of Cawdor liues:
Why doe you dresse me in borrowed Robes?
  Ang. Who was the Thane, liues yet,
But vnder heauie Iudgement beares that Life,
Which he deserues to loose.
Whether he was combin'd with those of Norway,
Or did lyne the Rebell with hidden helpe,
And vantage; or that with both he labour'd
In his Countreyes wracke, I know not:
But Treasons Capitall, confess'd, and prou'd,
Haue ouerthrowne him

Banq. What, can the Devil speak the truth?
  Macb. The Thane of Cawdor is alive:
Why are you dressing me in borrowed clothes?
  Ang. The Thane who was, still lives,
But he bears a heavy judgment for a life
He deserves to lose.
Whether he was in league with those from Norway,
Or assisted the rebel with hidden help,
And advantage; or that he worked with both
In the ruin of his country, I do not know:
But confessed and proven capital treason
Has brought him down.

   Macb. Glamys, and Thane of Cawdor:
The greatest is behinde. Thankes for your paines.
Doe you not hope your Children shall be Kings,
When those that gaue the Thane of Cawdor to me,
Promis'd no lesse to them

Macb. Glamis, and Thane of Cawdor:
The biggest part is still to come. Thanks for your efforts.
Don't you hope your children will be kings,
When those who gave me the Thane of Cawdor,
Promised no less to them

   Banq. That trusted home,
Might yet enkindle you vnto the Crowne,
Besides the Thane of Cawdor. But 'tis strange:
And oftentimes, to winne vs to our harme,
The Instruments of Darknesse tell vs Truths,
Winne vs with honest Trifles, to betray's
In deepest consequence.
Cousins, a word, I pray you

Banquo. That trusted home,
Might still inspire you to seek the crown,
Along with the Thane of Cawdor. But it’s strange:
And many times, to lead us to our downfall,
The forces of darkness tell us truths,
Win us over with little things to betray us
In the most serious ways.
Cousins, may I have a word, please

   Macb. Two Truths are told,
As happy Prologues to the swelling Act
Of the Imperiall Theame. I thanke you Gentlemen:
This supernaturall solliciting
Cannot be ill; cannot be good.
If ill? why hath it giuen me earnest of successe,
Commencing in a Truth? I am Thane of Cawdor.
If good? why doe I yeeld to that suggestion,
Whose horrid Image doth vnfixe my Heire,
And make my seated Heart knock at my Ribbes,
Against the vse of Nature? Present Feares
Are lesse then horrible Imaginings:
My Thought, whose Murther yet is but fantasticall,
Shakes so my single state of Man,
That Function is smother'd in surmise,
And nothing is, but what is not

Macb. Two truths have been told,
As a happy introduction to the expanding story
Of the royal theme. Thank you, gentlemen:
This supernatural prompting
Can’t be bad; can’t be good.
If it’s bad, why has it given me a glimpse of success,
Starting with a truth? I am Thane of Cawdor.
If it’s good, why do I give in to that suggestion,
Whose horrific image unsettles my mind,
And makes my heart pound against my ribs,
Against the order of nature? Current fears
Are less than horrible imaginations:
My thought, whose murder is still just in my head,
Shakes my state of being so much,
That my ability to act is buried in doubt,
And nothing is, but what isn’t.

Banq. Looke how our Partner's rapt

Banq. Look at how our partner's captivated.

   Macb. If Chance will haue me King,
Why Chance may Crowne me,
Without my stirre

Macb. If Chance wants me to be King,
Then Chance can crown me,
Without me doing anything.

   Banq. New Honors come vpon him
Like our strange Garments, cleaue not to their mould,
But with the aid of vse

Banq. New honors come upon him
Like our strange garments, they don’t stick to their shape,
But with the help of use

   Macb. Come what come may,
Time, and the Houre, runs through the roughest Day

Macb. Whatever happens,
Time and the hour pass through the toughest day

Banq. Worthy Macbeth, wee stay vpon your leysure

Banq. Worthy Macbeth, we’ll wait for your leisure.

   Macb. Giue me your fauour:
My dull Braine was wrought with things forgotten.
Kinde Gentlemen, your paines are registred,
Where euery day I turne the Leafe,
To reade them.
Let vs toward the King: thinke vpon
What hath chanc'd: and at more time,
The Interim hauing weigh'd it, let vs speake
Our free Hearts each to other

Macb. Give me your attention:
My dull brain is filled with forgotten things.
Kind gentlemen, your efforts are noted,
Where every day I turn the page,
To read them.
Let's go to the King: think about
What has happened: and at another time,
After we've thought it through, let's speak
Our true feelings to each other.

Banq. Very gladly

Banking. Very happy

   Macb. Till then enough:
Come friends.

Macb. Until then, that's enough:
Come, friends.

Exeunt.

Exit.

Scena Quarta.

Scene Four.

Flourish. Enter King, Lenox, Malcolme, Donalbaine, and
Attendants.

Flourish. Enter King, Lenox, Malcolm, Donalbain, and
Attendants.

  King. Is execution done on Cawdor?
Or not those in Commission yet return'd?
  Mal. My Liege, they are not yet come back.
But I haue spoke with one that saw him die:
Who did report, that very frankly hee
Confess'd his Treasons, implor'd your Highnesse Pardon,
And set forth a deepe Repentance:
Nothing in his Life became him,
Like the leauing it. Hee dy'de,
As one that had beene studied in his death,
To throw away the dearest thing he ow'd,
As 'twere a carelesse Trifle

King. Has the execution of Cawdor been carried out?
Or have those in charge not returned yet?
  Mal. My Liege, they haven't come back yet.
But I spoke with someone who witnessed his death:
He reported that Cawdor confessed his treason very honestly,
Begged for your Highness's pardon,
And expressed deep remorse:
Nothing in his life suited him
Like leaving it behind. He died,
As if he had carefully planned his death,
Throwing away the most precious thing he owned,
As if it were a careless trifle.

   King. There's no Art,
To finde the Mindes construction in the Face.
He was a Gentleman, on whom I built
An absolute Trust.
Enter Macbeth, Banquo, Rosse, and Angus.

King. There's no way to tell a person's thoughts by looking at their face.
He was a man I completely trusted.
Enter Macbeth, Banquo, Rosse, and Angus.

O worthyest Cousin,
The sinne of my Ingratitude euen now
Was heauie on me. Thou art so farre before,
That swiftest Wing of Recompence is slow,
To ouertake thee. Would thou hadst lesse deseru'd,
That the proportion both of thanks, and payment,
Might haue beene mine: onely I haue left to say,
More is thy due, then more then all can pay

O dearest Cousin,
The weight of my ingratitude just now
Was heavy on me. You’ve done so much more,
That the fastest reward is still too slow
To catch up with you. I only wish you deserved less,
So that the balance of thanks and payment
Could have been mine: all I can say is,
You deserve much more than anyone can repay.

   Macb. The seruice, and the loyaltie I owe,
In doing it, payes it selfe.
Your Highnesse part, is to receiue our Duties:
And our Duties are to your Throne, and State,
Children, and Seruants; which doe but what they should,
By doing euery thing safe toward your Loue
And Honor

Macb. The service and loyalty I owe,
In fulfilling it, pays for itself.
Your Highness's role is to receive our duties:
And our duties are to your throne and state,
Children and servants; who just do what they should,
By ensuring everything is done safely for your love
And honor.

   King. Welcome hither:
I haue begun to plant thee, and will labour
To make thee full of growing. Noble Banquo,
That hast no lesse deseru'd, nor must be knowne
No lesse to haue done so: Let me enfold thee,
And hold thee to my Heart

King. Welcome here:
I have started to nurture you, and I will work
To help you grow fully. Noble Banquo,
You deserve just as much, and it should be known
That you’ve done just as much: Let me embrace you,
And hold you close to my heart.

   Banq. There if I grow,
The Haruest is your owne

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

   King. My plenteous Ioyes,
Wanton in fulnesse, seeke to hide themselues
In drops of sorrow. Sonnes, Kinsmen, Thanes,
And you whose places are the nearest, know,
We will establish our Estate vpon
Our eldest, Malcolme, whom we name hereafter,
The Prince of Cumberland: which Honor must
Not vnaccompanied, inuest him onely,
But signes of Noblenesse, like Starres, shall shine
On all deseruers. From hence to Envernes,
And binde vs further to you

King. My many joys,
Overflowing, try to hide themselves
In tears of sorrow. Sons, relatives, Thanes,
And you who are closest, know,
We will establish our estate on
Our eldest, Malcolm, whom we name from now on,
The Prince of Cumberland: this honor must
Not be given to him alone,
But signs of nobility, like stars, shall shine
On all those who deserve it. From here to Inverness,
And bind us further to you

   Macb. The Rest is Labor, which is not vs'd for you:
Ile be my selfe the Herbenger, and make ioyfull
The hearing of my Wife, with your approach:
So humbly take my leaue

Macb. The rest is work, which is not meant for you:
I'll be the messenger, and make my wife happy
With your arrival:
So humbly, I take my leave

King. My worthy Cawdor

King. My esteemed Cawdor

   Macb. The Prince of Cumberland: that is a step,
On which I must fall downe, or else o're-leape,
For in my way it lyes. Starres hide your fires,
Let not Light see my black and deepe desires:
The Eye winke at the Hand: yet let that bee,
Which the Eye feares, when it is done to see.
Enter.

Macbeth. The Prince of Cumberland: that’s a hurdle,
I either have to fall down or jump over,
Because it’s in my way. Stars, hide your light,
Don’t let the light see my dark and deep desires:
Let the Eye ignore the Hand: but let it be,
What the Eye fears, once it’s done and seen.
Enter.

  King. True worthy Banquo: he is full so valiant,
And in his commendations, I am fed:
It is a Banquet to me. Let's after him,
Whose care is gone before, to bid vs welcome:
It is a peerelesse Kinsman.

King. Truly deserving Banquo: he is so brave,
And I am uplifted by his praises:
It's a feast for me. Let’s go after him,
Whose concern is ahead, to greet us:
He is an unmatched relative.

Flourish. Exeunt.

Flourish. Exit.

Scena Quinta.

Scene 5.

Enter Macbeths Wife alone with a Letter.

Enter Macbeth's wife alone with a letter.

Lady. They met me in the day of successe: and I haue learn'd by the perfect'st report, they haue more in them, then mortall knowledge. When I burnt in desire to question them further, they made themselues Ayre, into which they vanish'd. Whiles I stood rapt in the wonder of it, came Missiues from the King, who all-hail'd me Thane of Cawdor, by which Title before, these weyward Sisters saluted me, and referr'd me to the comming on of time, with haile King that shalt be. This haue I thought good to deliuer thee (my dearest Partner of Greatnesse) that thou might'st not loose the dues of reioycing by being ignorant of what Greatnesse is promis'd thee. Lay it to thy heart and farewell. Glamys thou art, and Cawdor, and shalt be What thou art promis'd: yet doe I feare thy Nature, It is too full o'th' Milke of humane kindnesse, To catch the neerest way. Thou would'st be great, Art not without Ambition, but without The illnesse should attend it. What thou would'st highly, That would'st thou holily: would'st not play false, And yet would'st wrongly winne. Thould'st haue, great Glamys, that which cryes, Thus thou must doe, if thou haue it; And that which rather thou do'st feare to doe, Then wishest should be vndone. High thee hither, That I may powre my Spirits in thine Eare, And chastise with the valour of my Tongue All that impeides thee from the Golden Round, Which Fate and Metaphysicall ayde doth seeme To haue thee crown'd withall. Enter Messenger.

Lady. They met me on a day of success, and I've heard from the best sources that they know more than any mortal. When I was burning with the desire to ask them more, they turned into air and vanished. While I stood there, amazed, messengers from the King arrived, who greeted me as Thane of Cawdor— the same title the mysterious sisters had used to salute me, and pointed to the future when I would be hailed as king. I thought it was important to share this with you, my dearest partner in greatness, so you wouldn't miss out on the joy of knowing what greatness is promised to you. Keep it close to your heart and goodbye. You are already Glamis and Cawdor, and you will be what you've been promised. Yet I fear your nature; it has too much of the milk of human kindness to take the quickest path to power. You want to be great, and you have ambition, but you lack the ruthlessness that should accompany it. What you desire intensely, you also wish to achieve honorably; you wouldn't betray anyone, yet you'd still want to win unfairly. You should have, great Glamis, what says, "This is what you must do to have it," and what you are more afraid to do than wish should be undone. Hurry here, so I can pour my thoughts into your ear and challenge with the strength of my words everything that holds you back from the golden crown that fate and supernatural forces seem to have destined for you. Enter Messenger.

What is your tidings?
  Mess. The King comes here to Night

What news do you have?
  Trouble. The King is coming here tonight.

   Lady. Thou'rt mad to say it.
Is not thy Master with him? who, wer't so,
Would haue inform'd for preparation

Lady. You're crazy to say that.
Isn't your Master with him? If he were,
He would have let us know to get ready.

   Mess. So please you, it is true: our Thane is comming:
One of my fellowes had the speed of him;
Who almost dead for breath, had scarcely more
Then would make vp his Message

Mess. If it pleases you, it's true: our Thane is coming:
One of my friends had the speed of him;
Who, almost dead from breath, could barely manage
More than to deliver his message.

   Lady. Giue him tending,
He brings great newes,

Lady. Take care of him,
He brings great news,

Exit Messenger.

Log out of Messenger.

The Rauen himselfe is hoarse,
That croakes the fatall entrance of Duncan
Vnder my Battlements. Come you Spirits,
That tend on mortall thoughts, vnsex me here,
And fill me from the Crowne to the Toe, top-full
Of direst Crueltie: make thick my blood,
Stop vp th' accesse, and passage to Remorse,
That no compunctious visitings of Nature
Shake my fell purpose, nor keepe peace betweene
Th' effect, and hit. Come to my Womans Brests,
And take my Milke for Gall, you murth'ring Ministers,
Where-euer, in your sightlesse substances,
You wait on Natures Mischiefe. Come thick Night,
And pall thee in the dunnest smoake of Hell,

The raven itself is hoarse,
That croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan
Under my battlements. Come, you spirits,
That tend to mortal thoughts, unsex me here,
And fill me from head to toe, completely
With the most terrible cruelty: thicken my blood,
Block access and passage to remorse,
So that no feelings of nature
Shake my fierce purpose, nor keep peace between
The effect and the cause. Come to my woman’s breasts,
And turn my milk to gall, you murdering ministers,
Wherever, in your unseen forms,
You wait on nature’s mischief. Come, thick night,
And cover yourself in the darkest smoke of hell,

That my keene Knife see not the Wound it makes,
Nor Heauen peepe through the Blanket of the darke,
To cry, hold, hold.
Enter Macbeth.

That my sharp knife doesn't see the wound it creates,
Nor heaven peek through the blanket of darkness,
To shout, wait, wait.
Enter Macbeth.

Great Glamys, worthy Cawdor,
Greater then both, by the all-haile hereafter,
Thy Letters haue transported me beyond
This ignorant present, and I feele now
The future in the instant

Great Glamys, worthy Cawdor,
Greater than both, by the all-holy hereafter,
Your letters have taken me beyond
This clueless present, and I feel now
The future in this moment

   Macb. My dearest Loue,
Duncan comes here to Night

Macb. My dearest love,
Duncan is coming here tonight.

   Lady. And when goes hence?
  Macb. To morrow, as he purposes

Lady. And when is he leaving?
  Macb. Tomorrow, as he plans

   Lady. O neuer,
Shall Sunne that Morrow see.
Your Face, my Thane, is as a Booke, where men
May reade strange matters, to beguile the time.
Looke like the time, beare welcome in your Eye,
Your Hand, your Tongue: looke like th' innocent flower,
But be the Serpent vnder't. He that's comming,
Must be prouided for: and you shall put
This Nights great Businesse into my dispatch,
Which shall to all our Nights, and Dayes to come,
Giue solely soueraigne sway, and Masterdome

Lady. Oh never,
Will the sun see tomorrow.
Your face, my Thane, is like a book where people
Can read strange things to pass the time.
Act like the time, have welcome in your eyes,
Your hand, your speech: look like the innocent flower,
But be the serpent underneath it. He who's coming,
Must be prepared for: and you will put
Tonight's big task in my hands,
Which will give sole power and control

   Macb. We will speake further,
  Lady. Onely looke vp cleare:
To alter fauor, euer is to feare:
Leaue all the rest to me.

Macb. We'll talk more about it,
  Lady. Just keep your head up:
Changing your attitude is always scary:
Leave the rest to me.

Exeunt.

Exit.

Scena Sexta.

Scene Six.

Hoboyes, and Torches. Enter King, Malcolme, Donalbaine,
Banquo, Lenox,
Macduff, Rosse, Angus, and Attendants.

Hoboyes and torches. Enter King, Malcolm, Donalbain,
Banquo, Lennox,
Macduff, Ross, Angus, and attendants.

  King. This Castle hath a pleasant seat,
The ayre nimbly and sweetly recommends it selfe
Vnto our gentle sences

King. This castle has a nice location,
The air quickly and pleasantly appeals
To our gentle senses

   Banq. This Guest of Summer,
The Temple-haunting Barlet does approue,
By his loued Mansonry, that the Heauens breath
Smells wooingly here: no Iutty frieze,
Buttrice, nor Coigne of Vantage, but this Bird
Hath made his pendant Bed, and procreant Cradle,
Where they must breed, and haunt: I haue obseru'd
The ayre is delicate.
Enter Lady.

Banq. This Guest of Summer,
The Temple-haunting Barlet approves,
By his loved Mansonry, that the heavens breathe
Smells sweetly here: no jutty frieze,
Butterice, or vantage point, but this bird
Has made his hanging bed and nurturing cradle,
Where they must breed and linger: I have noticed
The air is delicate.
Enter Lady.

  King. See, see our honor'd Hostesse:
The Loue that followes vs, sometime is our trouble,
Which still we thanke as Loue. Herein I teach you,
How you shall bid God-eyld vs for your paines,
And thanke vs for your trouble

King. Look, look at our honored host:
The love that comes to us can sometimes be a burden,
Yet we still appreciate it as love. Here, I’ll show you,
How you should bid us farewell for your trouble,
And thank us for the inconvenience.

   Lady. All our seruice,
In euery point twice done, and then done double,
Were poore, and single Businesse, to contend
Against those Honors deepe, and broad,
Wherewith your Maiestie loades our House:
For those of old, and the late Dignities,
Heap'd vp to them, we rest your Ermites

Lady. All our service,
In every aspect twice done, and then done twice,
Would be poor and a simple task to face
Against those deep and vast honors
With which your Majesty burdens our House:
For those of old, and the recent dignities,
Piled up upon them, we remain your servants

   King. Where's the Thane of Cawdor?
We courst him at the heeles, and had a purpose
To be his Purueyor: But he rides well,
And his great Loue (sharpe as his Spurre) hath holp him
To his home before vs: Faire and Noble Hostesse
We are your guest to night

King. Where's the Thane of Cawdor?
We pursued him at his heels, and intended
To be his steward: But he rides well,
And his strong affection (sharp as his spurs) has helped him
Get home ahead of us: Fair and Noble Hostess,
We are your guests tonight.

   La. Your Seruants euer,
Haue theirs, themselues, and what is theirs in compt,
To make their Audit at your Highnesse pleasure,
Still to returne your owne

La. Your servants always,
Have theirs, themselves, and what belongs to them in account,
To make their audit at your Highness's pleasure,
Still to return your own

   King. Giue me your hand:
Conduct me to mine Host we loue him highly,
And shall continue, our Graces towards him.
By your leaue Hostesse.

King. Give me your hand:
Lead me to our Host, we care for him a lot,
And will keep showing him our kindness.
With your permission, Hostess.

Exeunt.

Exit.

Scena Septima.

Scene Seven.

Hoboyes. Torches. Enter a Sewer, and diuers Seruants with Dishes
and
Seruice ouer the Stage. Then enter Macbeth

Hoboyes. Torches. Enter a Sewer, and various Servants with Dishes
and
Service over the Stage. Then enter Macbeth

   Macb. If it were done, when 'tis done, then 'twer well,
It were done quickly: If th' Assassination
Could trammell vp the Consequence, and catch
With his surcease, Successe: that but this blow
Might be the be all, and the end all. Heere,
But heere, vpon this Banke and Schoole of time,
Wee'ld iumpe the life to come. But in these Cases,
We still haue iudgement heere, that we but teach
Bloody Instructions, which being taught, returne
To plague th' Inuenter, this euen-handed Iustice
Commends th' Ingredience of our poyson'd Challice
To our owne lips. Hee's heere in double trust;
First, as I am his Kinsman, and his Subiect,
Strong both against the Deed: Then, as his Host,
Who should against his Murtherer shut the doore,
Not beare the knife my selfe. Besides, this Duncane
Hath borne his Faculties so meeke; hath bin
So cleere in his great Office, that his Vertues
Will pleade like Angels, Trumpet-tongu'd against
The deepe damnation of his taking off:
And Pitty, like a naked New-borne-Babe,
Striding the blast, or Heauens Cherubin, hors'd
Vpon the sightlesse Curriors of the Ayre,
Shall blow the horrid deed in euery eye,
That teares shall drowne the winde. I haue no Spurre
To pricke the sides of my intent, but onely
Vaulting Ambition, which ore-leapes it selfe,
And falles on th' other.
Enter Lady.

Macbeth: If it could be done, once it’s done, then it would be best,
If it were done quickly: If the assassination
Could trap the consequences and secure
Success with his death: that this strike
Might be the beginning and the end. Here,
But here, on this bank and school of time,
We'd leap into the life to come. But in these matters,
We still have judgment here, teaching
Bloody instructions, which, once taught, return
To haunt the inventor. This fair justice
Commends the ingredients of our poisoned chalice
To our own lips. He’s here in double trust;
First, as I am his kinsman and his subject,
Both strong arguments against the deed. Then, as his host,
Who should close the door against his murderer,
Not be the one holding the knife myself. Besides, this Duncan
Has been so meek in his authority;
He’s been so clear in his great position that his virtues
Will plead like angels, trumpet-voiced against
The deep damnation of his murder:
And pity, like a naked newborn baby,
Striding through the storm, or heaven's cherub, riding
On the unseen currents of the air,
Will announce the horrific deed in every eye,
Causing tears to drown the wind. I have no spur
To motivate my intentions, but only
Ambition, which leaps over itself,
And falls on the other side.
Enter Lady.

How now? What Newes?
  La. He has almost supt: why haue you left the chamber?
  Mac. Hath he ask'd for me?
  La. Know you not, he ha's?
  Mac. We will proceed no further in this Businesse:
He hath Honour'd me of late, and I haue bought
Golden Opinions from all sorts of people,
Which would be worne now in their newest glosse,
Not cast aside so soone

How's it going? What’s the news?
  Lady: He’s almost finished eating; why did you leave the room?
  Macbeth: Has he asked for me?
  Lady: Don’t you know he has?
  Macbeth: We aren’t going any further with this. He has honored me recently, and I’ve gained a good reputation from everyone, which I want to keep fresh and not throw away so quickly.

   La. Was the hope drunke,
Wherein you drest your selfe? Hath it slept since?
And wakes it now to looke so greene, and pale,
At what it did so freely? From this time,
Such I account thy loue. Art thou affear'd
To be the same in thine owne Act, and Valour,
As thou art in desire? Would'st thou haue that
Which thou esteem'st the Ornament of Life,
And liue a Coward in thine owne Esteeme?
Letting I dare not, wait vpon I would,
Like the poore Cat i'th' Addage

La. Was the hope drunk,
Where did you dress yourself? Has it been asleep since?
And is it waking now to look so green and pale,
At what it did so freely? From this point,
That's how I see your love. Are you afraid
To be as bold in your actions and courage,
As you are in your desires? Would you want that
Which you consider the decoration of life,
And live as a coward in your own eyes?
Letting "I dare not" follow "I would,"
Like the poor cat in the saying.

   Macb. Prythee peace:
I dare do all that may become a man,
Who dares do more, is none

Macb. Please be quiet:
I’m willing to do anything that’s appropriate for a man,
But anyone who does more isn’t really a man at all.

   La. What Beast was't then
That made you breake this enterprize to me?
When you durst do it, then you were a man:
And to be more then what you were, you would
Be so much more the man. Nor time, nor place
Did then adhere, and yet you would make both:
They haue made themselues, and that their fitnesse now
Do's vnmake you. I haue giuen Sucke, and know
How tender 'tis to loue the Babe that milkes me,
I would, while it was smyling in my Face,
Haue pluckt my Nipple from his Bonelesse Gummes,
And dasht the Braines out, had I so sworne
As you haue done to this

La. What kind of beast was it then
That made you tell me about this plan?
When you got the courage to do it, then you were a man:
And to be more than who you were, you would
Need to be that much more of a man. Neither time nor place
Were right then, yet you wanted to make them so:
They have made themselves, and now their suitability
Unmakes you. I have given suck, and I know
How tender it is to love the baby that feeds from me,
I would, while it was smiling in my face,
Have torn my nipple from its boneless gums,
And dashed out its brains if I had sworn
As you have done to this.

   Macb. If we should faile?
  Lady. We faile?
But screw your courage to the sticking place,
And wee'le not fayle: when Duncan is asleepe,
(Whereto the rather shall his dayes hard Iourney
Soundly inuite him) his two Chamberlaines
Will I with Wine, and Wassell, so conuince,
That Memorie, the Warder of the Braine,
Shall be a Fume, and the Receit of Reason
A Lymbeck onely: when in Swinish sleepe,
Their drenched Natures lyes as in a Death,
What cannot you and I performe vpon
Th' vnguarded Duncan? What not put vpon
His spungie Officers? who shall beare the guilt
Of our great quell

Macb. What if we fail?
  Lady. Fail? We won't fail.
Just steady your nerves at the crucial moment,
And we’ll succeed: when Duncan is asleep,
(And his long, hard journey will surely encourage it) his two chamberlains
I’ll get drunk with wine and revelry, so much so,
That their memories, the guards of their minds,
Will turn to fog, and their reasoning
Will be just a shell: when in a heavy sleep,
Their intoxicated bodies lie like they're dead,
What can’t you and I accomplish against
Unprotected Duncan? What can't we do to
His useless officers? Who will carry the blame
For our great act?

   Macb. Bring forth Men-Children onely:
For thy vndaunted Mettle should compose
Nothing but Males. Will it not be receiu'd,
When we haue mark'd with blood those sleepie two
Of his owne Chamber, and vs'd their very Daggers,
That they haue don't?
  Lady. Who dares receiue it other,
As we shall make our Griefes and Clamor rore,
Vpon his Death?
  Macb. I am settled, and bend vp
Each corporall Agent to this terrible Feat.
Away, and mock the time with fairest show,
False Face must hide what the false Heart doth know.

Macb. Only bring forth male children:
Because your fearless spirit deserves
Nothing but boys. Won't it be accepted,
After we’ve marked those two sleepy ones
From his own room with blood, and used their own daggers
To do it?
  Lady. Who would dare think otherwise,
When we’ll let our grief and cries erupt
Over his death?
  Macb. I’m determined, and I’m gearing up
Every physical part for this terrible act.
Let’s go and pretend everything is fine,
A false face must hide what a false heart knows.

Exeunt.

Exit.

Actus Secundus. Scena Prima.

Act II. Scene I.

Enter Banquo, and Fleance, with a Torch before him.

Enter Banquo and Fleance, holding a torch in front of him.

  Banq. How goes the Night, Boy?
  Fleance. The Moone is downe: I haue not heard the
Clock

Banq. How’s the night, boy?
  Fleance. The moon is down: I haven’t heard the
Clock

Banq. And she goes downe at Twelue

Banq. And she goes down at twelve.

Fleance. I take't, 'tis later, Sir

Fleance. I think it’s later, Sir.

   Banq. Hold, take my Sword:
There's Husbandry in Heauen,
Their Candles are all out: take thee that too.
A heauie Summons lyes like Lead vpon me,
And yet I would not sleepe:
Mercifull Powers, restraine in me the cursed thoughts
That Nature giues way to in repose.
Enter Macbeth, and a Seruant with a Torch.

Banq. Wait, take my sword:
There's trouble in heaven,
Their lights are all out: take this too.
A heavy weight feels like lead on me,
And still I don't want to sleep:
Merciful powers, hold back the cursed thoughts
That nature allows when I'm at rest.
Enter Macbeth and a servant with a torch.

Giue me my Sword: who's there?
  Macb. A Friend

Give me my sword: who’s there?
  Macb. A friend

   Banq. What Sir, not yet at rest? the King's a bed.
He hath beene in vnusuall Pleasure,
And sent forth great Largesse to your Offices.
This Diamond he greetes your Wife withall,
By the name of most kind Hostesse,
And shut vp in measurelesse content

Banq. What, Sir, you're still not resting? The King is in bed.
He's been unusually happy,
And has generously given gifts to your offices.
This diamond he sends to your wife,
Calling her the kindest hostess,
And is filled with limitless content.

   Mac. Being vnprepar'd,
Our will became the seruant to defect,
Which else should free haue wrought

Mac. Being unprepared,
Our will became the servant to failure,
Which otherwise should have achieved freedom

   Banq. All's well.
I dreamt last Night of the three weyward Sisters:
To you they haue shew'd some truth

Banq. Everything's good.
I dreamed last night of the three strange sisters:
They have revealed some truth to you.

   Macb. I thinke not of them:
Yet when we can entreat an houre to serue,
We would spend it in some words vpon that Businesse,
If you would graunt the time

Macb. I don't think about them:
But when we can spare an hour to serve,
We would spend it talking a bit about that business,
If you would give us the time.

Banq. At your kind'st leysure

Bank. At your convenience

   Macb. If you shall cleaue to my consent,
When 'tis, it shall make Honor for you

Macb. If you stick with my decision,
When the time comes, it will bring you honor

   Banq. So I lose none,
In seeking to augment it, but still keepe
My Bosome franchis'd, and Allegeance cleare,
I shall be counsail'd

Banq. So I lose nothing,
In trying to increase it, but still keep
My heart free and my loyalty clear,
I will be advised

Macb. Good repose the while

Macb. Rest easy for now

Banq. Thankes Sir: the like to you.

Banq. Thanks, Sir: same to you.

Exit Banquo.

Exit Banquo.

  Macb. Goe bid thy Mistresse, when my drinke is ready,
She strike vpon the Bell. Get thee to bed.
Enter.

Macb. Go tell your mistress that when my drink is ready,
She should ring the bell. Go to bed.
Enter.

Is this a Dagger, which I see before me,
The Handle toward my Hand? Come, let me clutch thee:
I haue thee not, and yet I see thee still.
Art thou not fatall Vision, sensible
To feeling, as to sight? or art thou but
A Dagger of the Minde, a false Creation,
Proceeding from the heat-oppressed Braine?
I see thee yet, in forme as palpable,
As this which now I draw.
Thou marshall'st me the way that I was going,
And such an Instrument I was to vse.
Mine Eyes are made the fooles o'th' other Sences,
Or else worth all the rest: I see thee still;
And on thy Blade, and Dudgeon, Gouts of Blood,
Which was not so before. There's no such thing:
It is the bloody Businesse, which informes
Thus to mine Eyes. Now o're the one halfe World
Nature seemes dead, and wicked Dreames abuse
The Curtain'd sleepe: Witchcraft celebrates
Pale Heccats Offrings: and wither'd Murther,
Alarum'd by his Centinell, the Wolfe,
Whose howle's his Watch, thus with his stealthy pace,
With Tarquins rauishing sides, towards his designe
Moues like a Ghost. Thou sowre and firme-set Earth
Heare not my steps, which they may walke, for feare
Thy very stones prate of my where-about,
And take the present horror from the time,
Which now sutes with it. Whiles I threat, he liues:
Words to the heat of deedes too cold breath giues.

Is this a dagger I see before me,
The handle pointed toward my hand? Come, let me grab you:
I don't have you, and yet I see you still.
Are you not a fatal vision, real
To touch as much as to see? Or are you just
A dagger of the mind, a false creation,
Coming from this heat-oppressed brain?
I still see you, as real
As this one that I’m about to draw.
You show me the way I was going,
And that’s the tool I meant to use.
My eyes are tricking the other senses,
Or else they’re worth more than all the rest: I see you still;
And on your blade and hilt, drops of blood,
Which weren't there before. There's no such thing:
It's the bloody business that informs
My eyes like this. Now over half the world
Nature seems dead, and wicked dreams invade
The sleep behind closed curtains: witchcraft celebrates
Pale Hecate's offerings: and withered murder,
Awakened by its sentinel, the wolf,
Whose howl is its watch, moving silently,
With Tarquin's rapacious intentions, like a ghost.
You sour and solid earth,
Don't hear my steps as I walk, for fear
Your very stones will gossip about my whereabouts,
And take the present horror from this moment,
Which now fits it. While I wait, he lives:
Words give too little heat to match actions.

A Bell rings.

A bell rings.

I goe, and it is done: the Bell inuites me.
Heare it not, Duncan, for it is a Knell,
That summons thee to Heauen, or to Hell.
Enter.

I go, and it's done: the bell calls me.
Don't hear it, Duncan, because it's a tolling bell,
That summons you to Heaven, or to Hell.
Enter.

Scena Secunda.

Scene Two.

Enter Lady.

Enter Lady.

  La. That which hath made the[m] drunk, hath made me bold:
What hath quench'd them, hath giuen me fire.
Hearke, peace: it was the Owle that shriek'd,
The fatall Bell-man, which giues the stern'st good-night.
He is about it, the Doores are open:
And the surfeted Groomes doe mock their charge
With Snores. I haue drugg'd their Possets,
That Death and Nature doe contend about them,
Whether they liue, or dye.
Enter Macbeth.

Sure. Here’s the modernized text: La. What made them drunk has made me bold:
What has silenced them has given me energy.
Listen, quiet: it was the owl that screeched,
The deadly bellman, who gives the harshest good night.
He’s at it, the doors are open:
And the overindulged grooms are mocking their duty
With snores. I’ve drugged their drinks,
So that Death and Nature are fighting over them,
Whether they live or die.
Enter Macbeth.

  Macb. Who's there? what hoa?
  Lady. Alack, I am afraid they haue awak'd,
And 'tis not done: th' attempt, and not the deed,
Confounds vs: hearke: I lay'd their Daggers ready,
He could not misse 'em. Had he not resembled
My Father as he slept, I had don't.
My Husband?
  Macb. I haue done the deed:
Didst thou not heare a noyse?
  Lady. I heard the Owle schreame, and the Crickets cry.
Did not you speake?
  Macb. When?
  Lady. Now

Macb. Who's there? What is it?
  Lady. Oh no, I’m worried they’ve woken up,
And it’s not done: the attempt and not the act,
Confuses us: listen: I had their daggers ready,
He couldn’t miss them. If he hadn’t looked like
My father while he slept, I would have done it.
My husband?
  Macb. I’ve done the deed:
Didn’t you hear a noise?
  Lady. I heard the owl scream and the crickets cry.
Didn’t you speak?
  Macb. When?
  Lady. Now

   Macb. As I descended?
  Lady. I

Macb. As I came down?
  Lady. I

   Macb. Hearke, who lyes i'th' second Chamber?
  Lady. Donalbaine

Macb. Hey, who’s lying in the second chamber?
  Lady. Donalbain.

Mac. This is a sorry sight

Mac. This is a sad sight.

Lady. A foolish thought, to say a sorry sight

Lady. A silly thought, to call it a sad sight.

   Macb. There's one did laugh in's sleepe,
And one cry'd Murther, that they did wake each other:
I stood, and heard them: But they did say their Prayers,
And addrest them againe to sleepe

Macb. One of them laughed in his sleep,
And another shouted "Murder!" which woke them up:
I stood there and heard them: But they said their prayers,
And then settled back down to sleep.

Lady. There are two lodg'd together

Lady. There are two lodged together.

   Macb. One cry'd God blesse vs, and Amen the other,
As they had seene me with these Hangmans hands:
Listning their feare, I could not say Amen,
When they did say God blesse vs

Macb. One cried God bless us, and the other said Amen,
As they had seen me with these executioner's hands:
Listening to their fear, I couldn't say Amen,
When they said God bless us.

Lady. Consider it not so deepely

Lady. Don't think about it so deeply.

   Mac. But wherefore could not I pronounce Amen?
I had most need of Blessing, and Amen stuck in my throat

Mac. But why couldn't I say Amen?
I really needed a blessing, and Amen got stuck in my throat

   Lady. These deeds must not be thought
After these wayes: so, it will make vs mad

Lady. We cannot think of these actions
In this way: it will drive us crazy

   Macb. Me thought I heard a voyce cry, Sleep no more:
Macbeth does murther Sleepe, the innocent Sleepe,
Sleepe that knits vp the rauel'd Sleeue of Care,
The death of each dayes Life, sore Labors Bath,
Balme of hurt Mindes, great Natures second Course,
Chiefe nourisher in Life's Feast

Macb. I thought I heard a voice say, Sleep no more:
Macbeth kills sleep, the innocent sleep,
Sleep that stitches up the frayed sleeve of care,
The end of each day's life, a cure for weary labor,
The balm for troubled minds, nature’s second course,
The main nourishment at life’s feast.

   Lady. What doe you meane?
  Macb. Still it cry'd, Sleepe no more to all the House:
Glamis hath murther'd Sleepe, and therefore Cawdor
Shall sleepe no more: Macbeth shall sleepe no more

Lady. What do you mean?
  Macb. It keeps saying, Sleep no more to everyone in the house:
Glamis has murdered Sleep, and so Cawdor
Will sleep no more: Macbeth will sleep no more

   Lady. Who was it, that thus cry'd? why worthy Thane,
You doe vnbend your Noble strength, to thinke
So braine-sickly of things: Goe get some Water,
And wash this filthie Witnesse from your Hand.
Why did you bring these Daggers from the place?
They must lye there: goe carry them, and smeare
The sleepie Groomes with blood

Lady. Who cried out like that? Come on, noble Thane,
You're letting your strength weaken by thinking
so crazily about things. Go get some water,
and wash this filthy evidence off your hands.
Why did you bring these daggers from the scene?
They need to stay there: go take them back and smear
the sleeping grooms with blood.

   Macb. Ile goe no more:
I am afraid, to thinke what I haue done:
Looke on't againe, I dare not

Macb. I won't go on anymore:
I'm scared to think about what I've done:
If I look at it again, I can't bear it

   Lady. Infirme of purpose:
Giue me the Daggers: the sleeping, and the dead,
Are but as Pictures: 'tis the Eye of Childhood,
That feares a painted Deuill. If he doe bleed,
Ile guild the Faces of the Groomes withall,
For it must seeme their Guilt.
Enter.

Lady. Weak of will:
Give me the daggers: the sleeping and the dead,
Are just like pictures: it’s the eye of a child,
That fears a painted devil. If he bleeds,
I'll cover the faces of the grooms with it,
For it has to look like their guilt.
Enter.

Knocke within.

Knock inside.

  Macb. Whence is that knocking?
How is't with me, when euery noyse appalls me?
What Hands are here? hah: they pluck out mine Eyes.
Will all great Neptunes Ocean wash this blood
Cleane from my Hand? no: this my Hand will rather
The multitudinous Seas incarnardine,
Making the Greene one, Red.
Enter Lady.

Macb. Where is that knocking coming from?
What's wrong with me, that every noise startles me?
What hands are these? Haha: they’re pulling out my eyes.
Will all of Neptune's ocean wash this blood
Clean from my hand? No: my hand will rather
Make the countless seas turn red,
Turning the green one crimson.
Enter Lady.

  Lady. My Hands are of your colour: but I shame
To weare a Heart so white.

Lady. My hands are the same color as yours, but I'm ashamed
to wear a heart that's so innocent.

Knocke.

Knock.

I heare a knocking at the South entry:
Retyre we to our Chamber:
A little Water cleares vs of this deed.
How easie is it then? your Constancie
Hath left you vnattended.

I hear a knock at the South entrance:
Let's retreat to our room:
A little water washes away this deed.
How easy is it then? Your resolve
Has left you unattended.

Knocke.

Knock.

Hearke, more knocking.
Get on your Night-Gowne, least occasion call vs,
And shew vs to be Watchers: be not lost
So poorely in your thoughts

Hear more knocking.
Put on your nightgown, just in case someone calls us,
And let’s show ourselves to be alert: don’t get too wrapped up
In your thoughts.

Macb. To know my deed,

Macb. To know what I've done,

Knocke.

Knock.

'Twere best not know my selfe.
Wake Duncan with thy knocking:
I would thou could'st.

'Twould be better not to know myself.
Wake Duncan with your knocking:
I wish you could.

Exeunt.

Exit.

Scena Tertia.

Scene Three.

Enter a Porter. Knocking within.

Enter a porter. Knocking inside.

  Porter. Here's a knocking indeede: if a man were
Porter of Hell Gate, hee should haue old turning the
Key.

Porter. There's definitely a knock: if a guy were
the Porter of Hell Gate, he would be used to turning the
Key.

Knock.

Knock.

Knock, Knock, Knock. Who's there i'th' name of Belzebub? Here's a Farmer, that hang'd himselfe on th' expectation of Plentie: Come in time, haue Napkins enow about you, here you'le sweat for't.

Knock, Knock, Knock. Who's there in the name of Belzebub? Here's a farmer who hung himself waiting for plenty. Come on in, make sure you have enough napkins with you, you'll sweat for it here.

Knock.

Knock.

Knock, knock. Who's there in th' other Deuils Name? Faith here's an Equiuocator, that could sweare in both the Scales against eyther Scale, who committed Treason enough for Gods sake, yet could not equiuocate to Heauen: oh come in, Equiuocator.

Knock, knock. Who's there in the name of the devil? Well, here's an equivocator who could swear on either side against the other, who committed enough treason for God's sake, yet couldn't equivocate his way into heaven: oh come in, equivocator.

Knock.

Knock.

Knock, Knock, Knock. Who's there? 'Faith here's an English
Taylor come hither, for stealing out of a French Hose:
Come in Taylor, here you may rost your Goose.
Knock.

Knock, Knock, Knock. Who's there? 'Faith, it's an English
Taylor, come here for sneaking out of a French Hose:
Come in, Taylor, you can roast your Goose here.
Knock.

Knock, Knock. Neuer at quiet: What are you? but this place is too cold for Hell. Ile Deuill-Porter it no further: I had thought to haue let in some of all Professions, that goe the Primrose way to th' euerlasting Bonfire.

Knock, Knock. Neuer at quiet: What are you? but this place is too cold for Hell. Ile Deuill-Porter it no further: I had thought to have let in some of all Professions, that go the Primrose way to th' everlasting Bonfire.

Knock.

Knock.

Anon, anon, I pray you remember the Porter.
Enter Macduff, and Lenox.

Anon, anon, I ask you to remember the Porter.
Enter Macduff and Lenox.

  Macd. Was it so late, friend, ere you went to Bed,
That you doe lye so late?
  Port. Faith Sir, we were carowsing till the second Cock:
And Drinke, Sir, is a great prouoker of three things

Macd. Was it really that late, friend, when you went to bed,
That you’re still lying here so late?
  Port. Honestly, Sir, we were drinking until the second crow of the rooster:
And alcohol, Sir, really stirs up three things

Macd. What three things does Drinke especially prouoke? Port. Marry, Sir, Nose-painting, Sleepe, and Vrine. Lecherie, Sir, it prouokes, and vnprouokes: it prouokes the desire, but it takes away the performance. Therefore much Drinke may be said to be an Equiuocator with Lecherie: it makes him, and it marres him; it sets him on, and it takes him off; it perswades him, and dis-heartens him; makes him stand too, and not stand too: in conclusion, equiuocates him in a sleepe, and giuing him the Lye, leaues him

Macd. What three things does drink especially provoke? Port. Well, sir, it’s nose-painting, sleep, and urine. It provokes lust, but it also frustrates it: it stirs up desire but hampers performance. So, excessive drinking can be seen as a kind of equivocation with lust: it gets him going but also messes him up; it fires him up, then pulls him back; it encourages him, then discourages him; it can even get him to stand up, then not stand up. In short, it mixes him up in his sleep and, while giving him the lie, leaves him hanging.

Macd. I beleeue, Drinke gaue thee the Lye last Night

Macd. I believe drink made you say that last night.

Port. That it did, Sir, i'the very Throat on me: but I requited him for his Lye, and (I thinke) being too strong for him, though he tooke vp my Legges sometime, yet I made a Shift to cast him. Enter Macbeth.

Port. It definitely did, Sir, right in my face: but I got back at him for his lie, and (I think) I was too strong for him. Even though he had my legs pinned down at times, I managed to throw him off. Enter Macbeth.

  Macd. Is thy Master stirring?
Our knocking ha's awak'd him: here he comes

Macd. Is your master awake?
Our knocking has woken him: here he comes

Lenox. Good morrow, Noble Sir

Lenox. Good morning, Noble Sir

Macb. Good morrow both

Morning, both.

   Macd. Is the King stirring, worthy Thane?
  Macb. Not yet

Macd. Is the King awake, honorable Thane?
  Macb. Not yet.

   Macd. He did command me to call timely on him,
I haue almost slipt the houre

Macd. He told me to check in with him on time,
I've almost missed the hour.

Macb. Ile bring you to him

Macb. I'll take you to him

   Macd. I know this is a ioyfull trouble to you:
But yet 'tis one

Macd. I know this is a joyful struggle for you:
But still it is one

   Macb. The labour we delight in, Physicks paine:
This is the Doore

Macb. The work we enjoy is painful sometimes:
This is the Door

   Macd. Ile make so bold to call, for 'tis my limitted
seruice.

Macd. I’ll be bold enough to call, because it’s my limited
service.

Exit Macduffe.

Exit Macduff.

  Lenox. Goes the King hence to day?
  Macb. He does: he did appoint so

Lenox. Is the King leaving today?
  Macb. He is: he did say so.

   Lenox. The Night ha's been vnruly:
Where we lay, our Chimneys were blowne downe,
And (as they say) lamentings heard i'th' Ayre;
Strange Schreemes of Death,
And Prophecying, with Accents terrible,
Of dyre Combustion, and confus'd Euents,
New hatch'd toth' wofull time.
The obscure Bird clamor'd the liue-long Night.
Some say, the Earth was Feuorous,
And did shake

Lenox. The night was chaotic:
Where we were, our chimneys were blown down,
And (as they say) cries were heard in the air;
Strange screams of death,
And prophecies, with terrifying accents,
Of dire combustion and confused events,
Newly hatched for this tragic time.
The dark bird shrieked all night long.
Some say, the earth was feverish,
And shook.

Macb. 'Twas a rough Night

Macb. It was a rough night

   Lenox. My young remembrance cannot paralell
A fellow to it.
Enter Macduff.

Lenox. I can't think of anyone from my youth who can compare to this.
Enter Macduff.

  Macd. O horror, horror, horror,
Tongue nor Heart cannot conceiue, nor name thee

Macd. Oh no, no, no,
Neither tongue nor heart can conceive or name you

   Macb. and Lenox. What's the matter?
  Macd. Confusion now hath made his Master-peece:
Most sacrilegious Murther hath broke ope
The Lords anoynted Temple, and stole thence
The Life o'th' Building

Macb. and Lenox. What's going on?
  Macd. Confusion has now made his masterpiece:
The most sacrilegious murder has broken open
The Lord's anointed temple and stolen away
The life of the building

   Macb. What is't you say, the Life?
  Lenox. Meane you his Maiestie?
  Macd. Approch the Chamber, and destroy your sight
With a new Gorgon. Doe not bid me speake:
See, and then speake your selues: awake, awake,

Macb. What are you saying about life?
  Lenox. Are you talking about his Majesty?
  Macd. Go to the chamber and prepare to be horrified
By something terrible. Don’t tell me to speak:
Just look, and then you can talk yourselves: wake up, wake up,

Exeunt. Macbeth and Lenox.

Exit. Macbeth and Lenox.

Ring the Alarum Bell: Murther, and Treason,
Banquo, and Donalbaine: Malcolme awake,
Shake off this Downey sleepe, Deaths counterfeit,
And looke on Death it selfe: vp, vp, and see
The great Doomes Image: Malcolme, Banquo,
As from your Graues rise vp, and walke like Sprights,
To countenance this horror. Ring the Bell.

Ring the Alarm Bell: Murder and Treason,
Banquo and Donalbain: Malcolm, wake up,
Shake off this heavy sleep, Death's fake look,
And face Death itself: up, up, and see
The great figure of Judgment: Malcolm, Banquo,
As if you rise from your graves, and walk like ghosts,
To confront this horror. Ring the Bell.

Bell rings. Enter Lady.

Bell rings. Lady enters.

  Lady. What's the Businesse?
That such a hideous Trumpet calls to parley
The sleepers of the House? speake, speake

Lady. What's going on?
Why is such an awful trumpet calling out to the sleepers of the house? Speak, speak.

   Macd. O gentle Lady,
'Tis not for you to heare what I can speake:
The repetition in a Womans eare,
Would murther as it fell.
Enter Banquo.

Macd. O gentle Lady,
It's not for you to hear what I can say:
The repetition in a woman's ear,
Would kill as it landed.
Enter Banquo.

O Banquo, Banquo, Our Royall Master's murther'd

O Banquo, Banquo, Our royal master's murdered

   Lady. Woe, alas:
What, in our House?
  Ban. Too cruell, any where.
Deare Duff, I prythee contradict thy selfe,
And say, it is not so.
Enter Macbeth, Lenox, and Rosse.

Lady. Oh no, how terrible:
What, in our house?
  Ban. Too cruel, anywhere.
Dear Duff, please contradict yourself,
And say that it's not true.
Enter Macbeth, Lenox, and Rosse.

  Macb. Had I but dy'd an houre before this chance,
I had liu'd a blessed time: for from this instant,
There's nothing serious in Mortalitie:
All is but Toyes: Renowne and Grace is dead,
The Wine of Life is drawne, and the meere Lees
Is left this Vault, to brag of.
Enter Malcolme and Donalbaine.

Macb. If I had just died an hour before this happened,
I would have lived a blessed life: because from this moment,
There’s nothing real in mortality:
Everything is just trivial: honor and grace are gone,
The wine of life is poured out, and all that’s left
Is just the dregs in this vault, to boast about.
Enter Malcolme and Donalbaine.

  Donal. What is amisse?
  Macb. You are, and doe not know't:
The Spring, the Head, the Fountaine of your Blood
Is stopt, the very Source of it is stopt

Donal. What’s wrong?
  Macb. You are, and you don’t even realize it:
The Spring, the Head, the Fountain of your Blood
Is blocked, the very Source of it is blocked

Macd. Your Royall Father's murther'd

Macd. Your royal father's murdered.

   Mal. Oh, by whom?
  Lenox. Those of his Chamber, as it seem'd, had don't:
Their Hands and Faces were all badg'd with blood,
So were their Daggers, which vnwip'd, we found
Vpon their Pillowes: they star'd, and were distracted,
No mans Life was to be trusted with them

Mal. Oh, by whom?
  Lenox. It seems like those in his chamber did it:
Their hands and faces were all covered in blood,
So were their daggers, which we found, still wet,
On their pillows: they stared and were out of their minds,
No one's life could be trusted with them.

   Macb. O, yet I doe repent me of my furie,
That I did kill them

Macb. Oh, I still regret my anger,
That I killed them

   Macd. Wherefore did you so?
  Macb. Who can be wise, amaz'd, temp'rate, & furious,
Loyall, and Neutrall, in a moment? No man:
Th' expedition of my violent Loue
Out-run the pawser, Reason. Here lay Duncan,
His Siluer skinne, lac'd with His Golden Blood,
And his gash'd Stabs, look'd like a Breach in Nature,
For Ruines wastfull entrance: there the Murtherers,
Steep'd in the Colours of their Trade; their Daggers
Vnmannerly breech'd with gore: who could refraine,
That had a heart to loue; and in that heart,
Courage, to make's loue knowne?
  Lady. Helpe me hence, hoa

Macd. Why did you do that?
  Macb. Who can be wise, amazed, calm, and furious,
Loyal, and neutral, all at once? No one:
The force of my overwhelming love
Outpaced my reason. Here lay Duncan,
His silver skin, stained with his golden blood,
And his deep wounds looked like a breach in nature,
Opening wide for destruction: there were the murderers,
Covered in the evidence of their crime; their daggers
Unceremoniously drenched in blood: who could hold back,
If they had a heart to love; and in that heart,
The courage to make that love known?
  Lady. Help me out of here, please!

Macd. Looke to the Lady

Macbeth. Look to the Lady

   Mal. Why doe we hold our tongues,
That most may clayme this argument for ours?
  Donal. What should be spoken here,
Where our Fate hid in an augure hole,
May rush, and seize vs? Let's away,
Our Teares are not yet brew'd

Mal. Why do we stay silent,
So that others can claim this argument as theirs?
  Donal. What should be said here,
When our fate hides in some ominous spot,
Could come rushing in and catch us? Let's get out of here,
Our tears are not ready yet.

   Mal. Nor our strong Sorrow
Vpon the foot of Motion

Mal. Nor our deep sorrow
On the brink of action

   Banq. Looke to the Lady:
And when we haue our naked Frailties hid,
That suffer in exposure; let vs meet,
And question this most bloody piece of worke,
To know it further. Feares and scruples shake vs:
In the great Hand of God I stand, and thence,
Against the vndivulg'd pretence, I fight
Of Treasonous Mallice

Banq. Look at the Lady:
And when we have our bare weaknesses hidden,
That suffer in the open; let’s meet,
And talk about this really bloody act,
To understand it better. Fears and doubts shake us:
In the great Hand of God I stand, and from there,
Against the undisclosed intentions, I fight
Of Treasonous Malice

Macd. And so doe I

Macd. So do I.

All. So all

All. So, everything.

   Macb. Let's briefely put on manly readinesse,
And meet i'th' Hall together

Macb. Let's quickly get ready like men,
And meet in the hall together

All. Well contented.

All good.

Exeunt.

Exit.

  Malc. What will you doe?
Let's not consort with them:
To shew an vnfelt Sorrow, is an Office
Which the false man do's easie.
Ile to England

Malc. What will you do?
Let's not associate with them:
To show a false sorrow is something
A deceitful person does easily.
I'll go to England

   Don. To Ireland, I:
Our seperated fortune shall keepe vs both the safer:
Where we are, there's Daggers in mens smiles;
The neere in blood, the neerer bloody

Don. To Ireland, I:
Our separate fortunes will keep us both safer:
Where we are, there are daggers in men's smiles;
The closer in blood, the closer to bloodshed

   Malc. This murtherous Shaft that's shot,
Hath not yet lighted: and our safest way,
Is to auoid the ayme. Therefore to Horse,
And let vs not be daintie of leaue-taking,
But shift away: there's warrant in that Theft,
Which steales it selfe, when there's no mercie left.

Malc. This deadly arrow that’s been fired,
Hasn’t hit yet: and our safest option,
Is to avoid the target. So let’s get on our horses,
And not be picky about saying goodbye,
But get moving: there's safety in that escape,
Which takes itself when there's no mercy left.

Exeunt.

Exit.

Scena Quarta.

Scene Four.

Enter Rosse, with an Old man.

Enter Rosse, with an Old man.

  Old man. Threescore and ten I can remember well,
Within the Volume of which Time, I haue seene
Houres dreadfull, and things strange: but this sore Night
Hath trifled former knowings

Old man. I can clearly remember being seventy years old,
During which time I've seen
Scary hours and strange things: but this painful night
Has overshadowed everything I've known before.

   Rosse. Ha, good Father,
Thou seest the Heauens, as troubled with mans Act,
Threatens his bloody Stage: byth' Clock 'tis Day,
And yet darke Night strangles the trauailing Lampe:
Is't Nights predominance, or the Dayes shame,
That Darknesse does the face of Earth intombe,
When liuing Light should kisse it?
  Old man. 'Tis vnnaturall,
Euen like the deed that's done: On Tuesday last,
A Faulcon towring in her pride of place,
Was by a Mowsing Owle hawkt at, and kill'd

Rosse. Ha, good Father,
You see the heavens, troubled by man's actions,
Threatening his bloody stage: it's daytime by the clock,
And yet dark night chokes the struggling lamp:
Is it night’s dominance, or the day's shame,
That darkness covers the face of the earth,
When living light should embrace it?
  Old man. It's unnatural,
Just like the deed that's done: On Tuesday last,
A falcon soaring in her pride,
Was attacked and killed by a hooting owl.

   Rosse. And Duncans Horses,
(A thing most strange, and certaine)
Beauteous, and swift, the Minions of their Race,
Turn'd wilde in nature, broke their stalls, flong out,
Contending 'gainst Obedience, as they would
Make Warre with Mankinde

Rosse. And Duncan's horses,
(A thing most strange and certain)
Beautiful and swift, the favorites of their breed,
Turned wild by nature, broke free from their stalls, leaped out,
Struggling against obedience, as if they wanted to
Make war with mankind.

Old man. 'Tis said, they eate each other

Old man. It's said they eat each other.

   Rosse. They did so:
To th' amazement of mine eyes that look'd vpon't.
Enter Macduffe.

Rosse. They did so:
To the amazement of my eyes that looked upon it.
Enter Macduff.

Heere comes the good Macduffe.
How goes the world Sir, now?
  Macd. Why see you not?
  Ross. Is't known who did this more then bloody deed?
  Macd. Those that Macbeth hath slaine

Here comes good Macduff.
How's it going, Sir? Now?
  Macd. Don't you see?
  Ross. Do we know who committed this bloody act?
  Macd. Those that Macbeth has slain

   Ross. Alas the day,
What good could they pretend?
  Macd. They were subborned,
Malcolme, and Donalbaine the Kings two Sonnes
Are stolne away and fled, which puts vpon them
Suspition of the deed

Ross. Oh no, what a day,
What good could they fake?
  Macd. They were influenced,
Malcolm and Donalbain, the King’s two sons,
Have been stolen away and fled, which casts suspicion
On them for the crime.

   Rosse. 'Gainst Nature still,
Thriftlesse Ambition, that will rauen vp
Thine owne liues meanes: Then 'tis most like,
The Soueraignty will fall vpon Macbeth

Rosse. Against Nature still,
Futile Ambition, that will devour
Your own life’s means: Then it’s most likely,
The Sovereignty will fall upon Macbeth

   Macd. He is already nam'd, and gone to Scone
To be inuested

Macd. He’s already named and has gone to Scone
To be invested

   Rosse. Where is Duncans body?
  Macd. Carried to Colmekill,
The Sacred Store-house of his Predecessors,
And Guardian of their Bones

Rosse. Where's Duncan's body?
  Macd. It's been taken to Colmekill,
The Sacred Storehouse of his predecessors,
And Guardian of their remains.

   Rosse. Will you to Scone?
  Macd. No Cosin, Ile to Fife

Rosse. Are you going to Scone?
  Macd. No cousin, I'm going to Fife

Rosse. Well, I will thither

Rosse. Well, I will go there

   Macd. Well may you see things wel done there: Adieu
Least our old Robes sit easier then our new

Macd. You can definitely see things done well there: Goodbye
Lest our old robes fit us better than our new ones

Rosse. Farewell, Father

Rosse. Goodbye, Dad

   Old M. Gods benyson go with you, and with those
That would make good of bad, and Friends of Foes.

Old M. May God's blessing be with you, and with those
Who turn bad into good, and Friends of Enemies.

Exeunt. omnes

Exit all.

Actus Tertius. Scena Prima.

Act Three. Scene One.

Enter Banquo.

Enter Banquo.

  Banq. Thou hast it now, King, Cawdor, Glamis, all,
As the weyard Women promis'd, and I feare
Thou playd'st most fowly for't: yet it was saide
It should not stand in thy Posterity,
But that my selfe should be the Roote, and Father
Of many Kings. If there come truth from them,
As vpon thee Macbeth, their Speeches shine,
Why by the verities on thee made good,
May they not be my Oracles as well,
And set me vp in hope. But hush, no more.

Banquo: You have it now, King, Cawdor, Glamis, all,
As the weird Women promised, and I fear
You played most foully for it: yet it was said
It shouldn’t last in your family,
But that I myself should be the root and father
Of many kings. If there’s truth in what they said,
As it shines on you, Macbeth,
Why, by the truths that have been proven about you,
Can they not be my prophecies too,
And lift me up in hope? But hush, no more.

Senit sounded. Enter Macbeth as King, Lady Lenox, Rosse, Lords,
and
Attendants.

Senit sounded. Enter Macbeth as King, Lady Lenox, Rosse, Lords,
and
Attendants.

Macb. Heere's our chiefe Guest

Macb. Here's our main guest

   La. If he had beene forgotten,
It had bene as a gap in our great Feast,
And all-thing vnbecomming

La. If he had been forgotten,
It would have been like a gap in our great feast,
And totally inappropriate

   Macb. To night we hold a solemne Supper sir,
And Ile request your presence

Macb. Tonight we’re having a formal dinner, sir,
And I’ll ask for your presence.

   Banq. Let your Highnesse
Command vpon me, to the which my duties
Are with a most indissoluble tye
For euer knit

Banq. Let your Highness
Command me, to which my duties
Are bound by an unbreakable tie
Forever connected

   Macb. Ride you this afternoone?
  Ban. I, my good Lord

Macb. Are you riding this afternoon?
  Ban. Yes, my good Lord

   Macb. We should haue else desir'd your good aduice
(Which still hath been both graue, and prosperous)
In this dayes Councell: but wee'le take to morrow.
Is't farre you ride?
  Ban. As farre, my Lord, as will fill vp the time
'Twixt this, and Supper. Goe not my Horse the better,
I must become a borrower of the Night,
For a darke houre, or twaine

Macb. We would have asked for your good advice
(Which has always been wise and successful)
In today's council: but we'll do it tomorrow.
Are you riding far?
  Ban. As far, my Lord, as it takes to fill the time
Between now and dinner. If my horse doesn't improve,
I’ll need to borrow from the night,
For a dark hour or two.

Macb. Faile not our Feast

Don't miss our Feast

Ban. My Lord, I will not

Ban. My Lord, I refuse.

   Macb. We heare our bloody Cozens are bestow'd
In England, and in Ireland, not confessing
Their cruell Parricide, filling their hearers
With strange inuention. But of that to morrow,
When therewithall, we shall haue cause of State,
Crauing vs ioyntly. Hye you to Horse:
Adieu, till you returne at Night.
Goes Fleance with you?
  Ban. I, my good Lord: our time does call vpon's

Macb. We hear our bloody cousins are in
England and Ireland, not admitting
Their cruel murder, filling their listeners
With strange inventions. But we'll talk about that tomorrow,
When we'll have matters of state,
Requesting us together. Hurry to your horse:
Goodbye, until you return tonight.
Is Fleance going with you?
  Ban. Yes, my good Lord: our time calls for us.

   Macb. I wish your Horses swift, and sure of foot:
And so I doe commend you to their backs.
Farwell.

Macb. I wish your horses to be fast and sure-footed:
And so I commend you to their backs.
Farewell.

Exit Banquo.

Exit Banquo.

Let euery man be master of his time,
Till seuen at Night, to make societie
The sweeter welcome:
We will keepe our selfe till Supper time alone:
While then, God be with you.

Let everyone be in charge of their own time,
Until seven at night, to make socializing
More enjoyable:
We'll keep to ourselves until supper time:
Until then, take care.

Exeunt. Lords.

Exit. Lords.

Sirrha, a word with you: Attend those men
Our pleasure?
  Seruant. They are, my Lord, without the Pallace
Gate

Sirrha, can we have a word? Are those men bothering you?
  Servant. They are, my Lord, outside the Palace
Gate

Macb. Bring them before vs.

Macb. Bring them before us.

Exit Seruant.

Exit Servant.

To be thus, is nothing, but to be safely thus
Our feares in Banquo sticke deepe,
And in his Royaltie of Nature reignes that
Which would be fear'd. 'Tis much he dares,
And to that dauntlesse temper of his Minde,
He hath a Wisdome, that doth guide his Valour,
To act in safetie. There is none but he,
Whose being I doe feare: and vnder him,
My Genius is rebuk'd, as it is said
Mark Anthonies was by Caesar. He chid the Sisters,
When first they put the Name of King vpon me,
And bad them speake to him. Then Prophet-like,
They hayl'd him Father to a Line of Kings.
Vpon my Head they plac'd a fruitlesse Crowne,
And put a barren Scepter in my Gripe,
Thence to be wrencht with an vnlineall Hand,
No Sonne of mine succeeding: if't be so,
For Banquo's Issue haue I fil'd my Minde,
For them, the gracious Duncan haue I murther'd,
Put Rancours in the Vessell of my Peace
Onely for them, and mine eternall Iewell
Giuen to the common Enemie of Man,
To make them Kings, the Seedes of Banquo Kings.
Rather then so, come Fate into the Lyst,
And champion me to th' vtterance.
Who's there?
Enter Seruant, and two Murtherers.

To be this way is pointless, but to be safe like this
Our fears about Banquo run deep,
And in his natural royalty lies that
Which is truly intimidating. He dares a lot,
And with his fearless mindset,
He has a wisdom that guides his courage,
To act safely. There’s no one but him,
Whose existence I fear: under him,
My spirit is suppressed, as it's said
Mark Antony's was by Caesar. He scolded the Witches,
When they first called me King,
And told them to speak to him. Then prophetically,
They hailed him as the father of a line of kings.
On my head they placed a useless crown,
And put a barren scepter in my grip,
To be wrenched away by an unlineal hand,
No son of mine succeeding: if that's the case,
For Banquo’s descendants I've filled my mind,
For them, I murdered the gracious Duncan,
Filled my peace with bitterness
Only for them, and my eternal jewel
Given to the common enemy of man,
To make them kings, the seeds of Banquo kings.
Rather than that, come fate into the arena,
And fight me to the end.
Who's there?
Enter Servant, and two Murderers.

Now goe to the Doore, and stay there till we call.

Now go to the door and wait there until we call.

Exit Seruant.

Exit Servant.

Was it not yesterday we spoke together?
  Murth. It was, so please your Highnesse

Was it not yesterday that we talked?
  Murth. Yes, it was, if it pleases your Highness.

   Macb. Well then,
Now haue you consider'd of my speeches:
Know, that it was he, in the times past,
Which held you so vnder fortune,
Which you thought had been our innocent selfe.
This I made good to you, in our last conference,
Past in probation with you:
How you were borne in hand, how crost:
The Instruments: who wrought with them:
And all things else, that might
To halfe a Soule, and to a Notion craz'd,
Say, Thus did Banquo

Macb. Alright then,
Now that you've thought about what I've said:
Know that it was he, in the past,
Who kept you at the mercy of fate,
Whom you believed was our innocent self.
I proved this to you in our last conversation,
When we discussed it:
How you were deceived, how you were misled:
The players: who worked with them:
And everything else that might
To a half-hearted soul and a crazy idea,
Say, This is what Banquo did.

1.Murth. You made it knowne to vs

1.Murth. You made it known to us

   Macb. I did so:
And went further, which is now
Our point of second meeting.
Doe you finde your patience so predominant,
In your nature, that you can let this goe?
Are you so Gospell'd, to pray for this good man,
And for his Issue, whose heauie hand
Hath bow'd you to the Graue, and begger'd
Yours for euer?
  1.Murth. We are men, my Liege

Macb. I did that:
And went further, which is now
Our second meeting point.
Do you find your patience so strong
In your nature, that you can let this go?
Are you so righteous, to pray for this good man,
And for his offspring, whose heavy hand
Has brought you to the grave, and left
You in poverty forever?
  1.Murth. We are men, my Liege

   Macb. I, in the Catalogue ye goe for men,
As Hounds, and Greyhounds, Mungrels, Spaniels, Curres,
Showghes, Water-Rugs, and Demy-Wolues are clipt
All by the Name of Dogges: the valued file
Distinguishes the swift, the slow, the subtle,
The House-keeper, the Hunter, euery one
According to the gift, which bounteous Nature
Hath in him clos'd: whereby he does receiue
Particular addition, from the Bill,
That writes them all alike: and so of men.
Now, if you haue a station in the file,
Not i'th' worst ranke of Manhood, say't,
And I will put that Businesse in your Bosomes,
Whose execution takes your Enemie off,
Grapples you to the heart; and loue of vs,
Who weare our Health but sickly in his Life,
Which in his Death were perfect

Macb. In the list you’re in, you’re categorized as men,
Like hounds, greyhounds, mutts, spaniels, curs,
Staghounds, water dogs, and half-wolves are all labeled
Under the name of dogs: the valued lineup
Distinguishes the fast, the slow, the clever,
The homemaker, the hunter, everyone
According to the talent that generous nature
Has given them: which allows them to receive
Specific titles, from the list,
That names them all the same: and so it is with men.
Now, if you have a position in the lineup,
Not in the lowest rank of manhood, say it,
And I will put that task in your hands,
Whose outcome removes your enemy,
Holds you to the heart; and love for us,
Who live our health but suffer in his life,
Which would be perfect in his death.

   2.Murth. I am one, my Liege,
Whom the vile Blowes and Buffets of the World
Hath so incens'd, that I am recklesse what I doe,
To spight the World

2.Murth. I am one, my Liege,
Whom the nasty blows and hits of the world
Have so angered that I am careless about what I do,
To spite the world

   1.Murth. And I another,
So wearie with Disasters, tugg'd with Fortune,
That I would set my Life on any Chance,
To mend it, or be rid on't

1.Murth. And I'm feeling the same,
So worn out by misfortunes, struggling with fate,
That I would stake my life on any chance,
To fix it, or be free from it.

Macb. Both of you know Banquo was your Enemie

Macb. You both know Banquo was your enemy.

Murth. True, my Lord

Murth. True, my Lord.

   Macb. So is he mine: and in such bloody distance,
That euery minute of his being, thrusts
Against my neer'st of Life: and though I could
With bare-fac'd power sweepe him from my sight,
And bid my will auouch it; yet I must not,
For certaine friends that are both his, and mine,
Whose loues I may not drop, but wayle his fall,
Who I my selfe struck downe: and thence it is,
That I to your assistance doe make loue,
Masking the Businesse from the common Eye,
For sundry weightie Reasons

Macb. He's just as much mine: and at such a bloody distance,
That every minute he exists, it threatens
My closest life: and even though I could
With sheer power sweep him out of my sight,
And will it myself; still, I can't,
Because of certain friends who are both his and mine,
Whose love I can't abandon, but mourn his downfall,
The one I struck down myself: and that’s why,
I’m turning to you for help,
Hiding the matter from the public eye,
For several serious reasons

   2.Murth. We shall, my Lord,
Performe what you command vs

2.Murth. We will, my Lord,
Do what you ask us to do.

   1.Murth. Though our Liues-
  Macb. Your Spirits shine through you.
Within this houre, at most,
I will aduise you where to plant your selues,
Acquaint you with the perfect Spy o'th' time,
The moment on't, for't must be done to Night,
And something from the Pallace: alwayes thought,
That I require a clearenesse; and with him,
To leaue no Rubs nor Botches in the Worke:
  Fleans , his Sonne, that keepes him companie,
Whose absence is no lesse materiall to me,
Then is his Fathers, must embrace the fate
Of that darke houre: resolue your selues apart,
Ile come to you anon

1. Murth. Even though we’re alive—
Macb. Your spirits shine through you.
Within the hour, at most,
I’ll advise you on where to position yourselves,
Update you on the perfect timing,
The moment of it, because it has to be done tonight,
And something about the palace: always keep in mind,
That I need clarity; and with him,
To leave no flaws or mistakes in the work:
Fleance, his son, who keeps him company,
Whose absence is just as important to me,
As his father's, must face the fate
Of that dark hour: resolve yourselves separately,
I’ll come to you soon.

Murth. We are resolu'd, my Lord

Murth. We are determined, my Lord

   Macb. Ile call vpon you straight: abide within,
It is concluded: Banquo, thy Soules flight,
If it finde Heauen, must finde it out to Night.

Macb. I'll call on you right away: stay here,
It's settled: Banquo, your soul's journey,
If it reaches Heaven, it must find out tonight.

Exeunt.

Exit.

Scena Secunda.

Scene Two.

Enter Macbeths Lady, and a Seruant.

Enter Lady Macbeth and a Servant.

  Lady. Is Banquo gone from Court?
  Seruant. I, Madame, but returnes againe to Night

Lady. Is Banquo gone from court?
  Servant. Yes, ma'am, but he’ll be back again tonight.

   Lady. Say to the King, I would attend his leysure,
For a few words

Lady. Tell the King I would like to meet with him at his convenience,
For a brief conversation

   Seruant. Madame, I will.
Enter.

Servant. Ma'am, I'll do it.
Enter.

  Lady. Nought's had, all's spent.
Where our desire is got without content:
'Tis safer, to be that which we destroy,
Then by destruction dwell in doubtfull ioy.
Enter Macbeth.

Lady. Nothing has been gained; everything is lost.
Where we chase our desires but find no satisfaction:
It's safer to be what we are destroying,
Than to live in uncertain joy through destruction.
Enter Macbeth.

How now, my Lord, why doe you keepe alone?
Of sorryest Fancies your Companions making,
Vsing those Thoughts, which should indeed haue dy'd
With them they thinke on: things without all remedie
Should be without regard: what's done, is done

How are you, my Lord? Why are you all alone?
Your companions are just making sad thoughts,
Using those ideas that really should have died
With the people they think about: things that can’t be changed
Should be ignored: what’s done is done.

   Macb. We haue scorch'd the Snake, not kill'd it:
Shee'le close, and be her selfe, whilest our poore Mallice
Remaines in danger of her former Tooth.
But let the frame of things dis-ioynt,
Both the Worlds suffer,
Ere we will eate our Meale in feare, and sleepe
In the affliction of these terrible Dreames,
That shake vs Nightly: Better be with the dead,
Whom we, to gayne our peace, haue sent to peace,
Then on the torture of the Minde to lye
In restlesse extasie.
Duncane is in his Graue:
After Lifes fitfull Feuer, he sleepes well,
Treason ha's done his worst: nor Steele, nor Poyson,
Mallice domestique, forraine Leuie, nothing,
Can touch him further

Macb. We’ve scorched the snake, not killed it:
It will close up and be itself again, while our weak malice
Stays in danger of its former bite.
But let the order of things fall apart,
Both worlds suffer,
Before we eat our meal in fear and sleep
In the torment of these terrible dreams,
That shake us nightly: it’s better to be with the dead,
Whom we, to gain our peace, have sent to rest,
Than to lie on the torture of the mind
In restless ecstasy.
Duncan is in his grave:
After life’s fitful fever, he sleeps well,
Treason has done its worst: neither steel, nor poison,
Domestic malice, foreign invasion, nothing,
Can touch him anymore.

   Lady. Come on:
Gentle my Lord, sleeke o're your rugged Lookes,
Be bright and Iouiall among your Guests to Night

Lady. Come on:
Gentle my Lord, smooth over your rough appearance,
Be bright and cheerful among your guests tonight.

   Macb. So shall I Loue, and so I pray be you:
Let your remembrance apply to Banquo,
Present him Eminence, both with Eye and Tongue:
Vnsafe the while, that wee must laue
Our Honors in these flattering streames,
And make our Faces Vizards to our Hearts,
Disguising what they are

Macb. So I will love, and so I ask you to:
Keep Banquo in your thoughts,
Show him respect, both in your eyes and speech:
Meanwhile, we have to give up
Our honors in these deceptive waters,
And make our faces masks for our hearts,
Hiding what they truly are.

Lady. You must leaue this

Lady, you must leave this.

   Macb. O, full of Scorpions is my Minde, deare Wife:
Thou know'st, that Banquo and his Fleans liues

Macb. Oh, my mind is full of Scorpions, dear wife:
You know that Banquo and his sons are alive

Lady. But in them, Natures Coppie's not eterne

Lady. But in them, Nature's copy isn't eternal.

   Macb. There's comfort yet, they are assaileable,
Then be thou iocund: ere the Bat hath flowne
His Cloyster'd flight, ere to black Heccats summons
The shard-borne Beetle, with his drowsie hums,
Hath rung Nights yawning Peale,
There shall be done a deed of dreadfull note

Macb. There's still some comfort; they can be attacked,
So be cheerful: before the bat has flown
On its cloistered path, before the summons from black Hecate,
The beetle, with its drowsy hum,
Has rung the night’s yawning bell,
A terrible deed will be done.

   Lady. What's to be done?
  Macb. Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest Chuck,
Till thou applaud the deed: Come, seeling Night,
Skarfe vp the tender Eye of pittifull Day,
And with thy bloodie and inuisible Hand
Cancell and teare to pieces that great Bond,
Which keepes me pale. Light thickens,
And the Crow makes Wing toth' Rookie Wood:
Good things of Day begin to droope, and drowse,
Whiles Nights black Agents to their Prey's doe rowse.
Thou maruell'st at my words: but hold thee still,
Things bad begun, make strong themselues by ill:
So prythee goe with me.

Lady. What should we do?
  Macb. Stay innocent of the knowledge, my dear,
Until you celebrate the act: Come, dark Night,
Cover the gentle eye of pitiful Day,
And with your bloody and invisible hand
Cancel and tear apart that great bond,
Which keeps me pale. Light thickens,
And the Crow takes flight to the gloomy woods:
Good things of Day start to droop and fade,
While Night's dark agents stir to hunt their prey.
You’re wondering at my words: but just hold on,
Things that start badly strengthen themselves through evil:
So please, come with me.

Exeunt.

Exit.

Scena Tertia.

Scene Three.

Enter three Murtherers.

Enter three murderers.

1. But who did bid thee ioyne with vs? 3. Macbeth

1. But who asked you to join us? 3. Macbeth

2. He needes not our mistrust, since he deliuers Our Offices, and what we haue to doe, To the direction iust

2. He doesn't need our distrust since he delivers our tasks and what we have to do to the right direction.

   1. Then stand with vs:
The West yet glimmers with some streakes of Day.
Now spurres the lated Traueller apace,
To gayne the timely Inne, and neere approches
The subiect of our Watch

1. Then stand with vs:
The West still glows with some streaks of daylight.
Now speeds the late traveler quickly,
To reach the timely inn, and comes close to
The subject of our watch.

3. Hearke, I heare Horses

3. Listen, I hear horses

Banquo within. Giue vs a Light there, hoa

Banquo inside. Light us over here, hey

2. Then 'tis hee: The rest, that are within the note of expectation, Alreadie are i'th' Court

2. Then it’s him: The others, who are on the list of those expected, Are already in the Court.

1. His Horses goe about

His horses roam around

   3. Almost a mile: but he does vsually,
So all men doe, from hence toth' Pallace Gate
Make it their Walke.
Enter Banquo and Fleans, with a Torch.

3. Almost a mile: but he does usually,
So all men do, from here to the Palace Gate
Make it their walk.
Enter Banquo and Fleance, with a torch.

2. A Light, a Light

A Light, A Light

3. 'Tis hee

It's him

1. Stand too't

Stand to it

Ban. It will be Rayne to Night

Ban. It will be Rayne to Night

1. Let it come downe

Let it come down

   Ban. O, Trecherie!
Flye good Fleans, flye, flye, flye,
Thou may'st reuenge. O Slaue!
  3. Who did strike out the Light?
  1. Was't not the way?
  3. There's but one downe: the Sonne is fled

Ban. Oh, Treachery!
Run, good Fleas, run, run, run,
You can take revenge. Oh, Slave!
  3. Who turned off the light?
  1. Was it not the path?
  3. There's only one left: the sun has gone.

   2. We haue lost
Best halfe of our Affaire

2. We have lost
The best part of our deal

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

1. Well, let's get going and see how much has been accomplished.

Exeunt.

Exit.

Scaena Quarta.

Scene Four.

Banquet prepar'd. Enter Macbeth, Lady, Rosse, Lenox, Lords, and
Attendants.

Banquet is ready. Enter Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Ross, Lennox, Lords, and
Attendants.

  Macb. You know your owne degrees, sit downe:
At first and last, the hearty welcome

Macb. You know your own ranks, take a seat:
From start to finish, a warm welcome

Lords. Thankes to your Maiesty

Lords. Thanks to your Majesty

   Macb. Our selfe will mingle with Society,
And play the humble Host:
Our Hostesse keepes her State, but in best time
We will require her welcome

Macb. We will blend in with society,
And act as the humble host:
Our hostess maintains her dignity, but at the right moment
We will ask for her welcome

   La. Pronounce it for me Sir, to all our Friends,
For my heart speakes, they are welcome.
Enter first Murtherer.

La. Say it for me, Sir, to all our friends,
Because my heart is speaking, they are welcome.
Enter first Murderer.

  Macb. See they encounter thee with their harts thanks
Both sides are euen: heere Ile sit i'th' mid'st,
Be large in mirth, anon wee'l drinke a Measure
The Table round. There's blood vpon thy face

Macb. Look, they greet you with their heartfelt thanks
Both sides are even: I'll sit in the middle,
Be generous in joy, soon we'll drink a toast
At the round table. There's blood on your face

Mur. 'Tis Banquo's then

Mur. It's Banquo's then

   Macb. 'Tis better thee without, then he within.
Is he dispatch'd?
  Mur. My Lord his throat is cut, that I did for him

Macb. It's better for you to be out than him to be in.
Is he taken care of?
  Mur. My Lord, his throat is cut; I did that for him.

   Mac. Thou art the best o'th' Cut-throats,
Yet hee's good that did the like for Fleans:
If thou did'st it, thou art the Non-pareill

Mac. You're the best of the Cut-throats,
Yet he's good who did the same for Fleans:
If you did it, you're the best of the best.

   Mur. Most Royall Sir
Fleans is scap'd

Mur. Most Royal Sir
Fleans has escaped

   Macb. Then comes my Fit againe:
I had else beene perfect;
Whole as the Marble, founded as the Rocke,
As broad, and generall, as the casing Ayre:
But now I am cabin'd, crib'd, confin'd, bound in
To sawcy doubts, and feares. But Banquo's safe?
  Mur. I, my good Lord: safe in a ditch he bides,
With twenty trenched gashes on his head;
The least a Death to Nature

Macb. Now my fit is back again:
I would have been fine;
Solid as marble, strong as a rock,
As wide and all-encompassing as the open air:
But now I feel trapped, boxed in, confined, held back
By overbearing doubts and fears. But Banquo’s okay?
  Mur. Yes, my good Lord: he’s safe in a ditch,
With twenty deep gashes on his head;
Just one of them is enough to kill.

   Macb. Thankes for that:
There the growne Serpent lyes, the worme that's fled
Hath Nature that in time will Venom breed,
No teeth for th' present. Get thee gone, to morrow
Wee'l heare our selues againe.

Macb. Thanks for that:
There the full-grown serpent lies, the worm that fled
Has a nature that in time will breed venom,
No teeth for the moment. Go away, tomorrow
We'll hear from ourselves again.

Exit Murderer.

Exit Assassin.

  Lady. My Royall Lord,
You do not giue the Cheere, the Feast is sold
That is not often vouch'd, while 'tis a making:
'Tis giuen, with welcome: to feede were best at home:
From thence, the sawce to meate is Ceremony,
Meeting were bare without it.
Enter the Ghost of Banquo, and sits in Macbeths place.

Lady. My Royal Lord,
You don't provide the cheer; the feast is a done deal
That isn't often confirmed while it’s being prepared:
It’s given, with hospitality: eating is better done at home:
From there, the sauce to the meat is Ceremony,
Meeting would be dull without it.
Enter the Ghost of Banquo, and sits in Macbeth's place.

  Macb. Sweet Remembrancer:
Now good digestion waite on Appetite,
And health on both

Macb. Sweet Remembrancer:
Now may good digestion accompany Appetite,
And health come to both.

Lenox. May't please your Highnesse sit

Lenox. If it pleases your Highness, please have a seat.

   Macb. Here had we now our Countries Honor, roof'd,
Were the grac'd person of our Banquo present:
Who, may I rather challenge for vnkindnesse,
Then pitty for Mischance

Macb. Here we now have our country's honor, safe,
If only the esteemed Banquo were here:
Who, I might call out for unkindness,
Rather than feel sorry for misfortune.

   Rosse. His absence (Sir)
Layes blame vpon his promise. Pleas't your Highnesse
To grace vs with your Royall Company?
  Macb. The Table's full

Rosse. His absence, Sir,
Puts blame on his promise. Would it please Your Highness
To honor us with your Royal presence?
  Macb. The table's full

Lenox. Heere is a place reseru'd Sir

Lenox. Here is a place reserved, Sir.

   Macb. Where?
  Lenox. Heere my good Lord.
What is't that moues your Highnesse?
  Macb. Which of you haue done this?
  Lords. What, my good Lord?
  Macb. Thou canst not say I did it: neuer shake
Thy goary lockes at me

Macb. Where?
  Lenox. Here, my good Lord.
What’s bothering you, Your Highness?
  Macb. Who did this?
  Lords. What do you mean, my good Lord?
  Macb. You can’t say I did it: don’t shake your gray hair at me.

Rosse. Gentlemen rise, his Highnesse is not well

Rosse. Gentlemen, please stand up. His Highness is unwell.

   Lady. Sit worthy Friends: my Lord is often thus,
And hath beene from his youth. Pray you keepe Seat,
The fit is momentary, vpon a thought
He will againe be well. If much you note him
You shall offend him, and extend his Passion,
Feed, and regard him not. Are you a man?
  Macb. I, and a bold one, that dare looke on that
Which might appall the Diuell

Lady. Please sit, dear friends: my Lord is often like this,
And has been since he was young. Please stay seated,
This moment will pass; it’s just a thought
He will be fine again. If you pay too much attention to him,
You might upset him and make his feelings worse,
Just ignore him. Are you a man?
  Macb. Yes, and a brave one, who dares to face
What might frighten the Devil.

   La. O proper stuffe:
This is the very painting of your feare:
This is the Ayre-drawne-Dagger which you said
Led you to Duncan. O, these flawes and starts
(Impostors to true feare) would well become
A womans story, at a Winters fire
Authoriz'd by her Grandam: shame it selfe,
Why do you make such faces? When all's done
You looke but on a stoole

La. Oh, proper stuff:
This is the exact image of your fear:
This is the air-drawn dagger you said
Led you to Duncan. Oh, these flaws and starts
(Impostors to true fear) would fit better
In a woman's story, by a winter's fire
Authorized by her grandmother: shame itself,
Why do you make such faces? When it's all said
You’re just looking at a stool

   Macb. Prythee see there:
Behold, looke, loe, how say you:
Why what care I, if thou canst nod, speake too.
If Charnell houses, and our Graues must send
Those that we bury, backe; our Monuments
Shall be the Mawes of Kytes

Macb. Please see there:
Look, look, what do you say:
What do I care if you can nod and speak too?
If graves and charnel houses must bring back
Those we bury, our monuments
Will be the stomachs of vultures.

La. What? quite vnmann'd in folly

La. What? quite unmanned in foolishness.

Macb. If I stand heere, I saw him

Macb. If I stand here, I saw him

La. Fie for shame

Shame on you

   Macb. Blood hath bene shed ere now, i'th' olden time
Ere humane Statute purg'd the gentle Weale:
I, and since too, Murthers haue bene perform'd
Too terrible for the eare. The times has bene,
That when the Braines were out, the man would dye,
And there an end: But now they rise againe
With twenty mortall murthers on their crownes,
And push vs from our stooles. This is more strange
Then such a murther is

Macb. Blood has been shed before, in ancient times
Before human laws cleaned up society:
I, and even since then, murders have happened
That are too horrific to hear about. There have been times,
When a man would die once his brains were out,
And that would be the end of it. But now they come back
With twenty deadly murders on their heads,
And push us off our stools. This is stranger
Than such a murder itself.

   La. My worthy Lord
Your Noble Friends do lacke you

La. My worthy Lord
Your noble friends are missing you

   Macb. I do forget:
Do not muse at me my most worthy Friends,
I haue a strange infirmity, which is nothing
To those that know me. Come, loue and health to all,
Then Ile sit downe: Giue me some Wine, fill full:
Enter Ghost.

Macb. I forget:
Don't stare at me, my most honorable friends,
I have a strange weakness that means nothing
To those who know me. Come, love and health to everyone,
Then I'll sit down: Pour me some wine, fill it up:
Enter Ghost.

I drinke to th' generall ioy o'th' whole Table,
And to our deere Friend Banquo, whom we misse:
Would he were heere: to all, and him we thirst,
And all to all

I drink to the general joy of the whole table,
And to our dear friend Banquo, whom we miss:
I wish he were here: to everyone, and to him we long,
And all to all

Lords. Our duties, and the pledge

Lords. Our responsibilities, and the promise

   Mac. Auant, & quit my sight, let the earth hide thee:
Thy bones are marrowlesse, thy blood is cold:
Thou hast no speculation in those eyes
Which thou dost glare with

Mac. Go away, and disappear from my sight, let the earth hide you:
Your bones are lifeless, your blood is cold:
You have no thoughts in those eyes
That you’re glaring with

   La. Thinke of this good Peeres
But as a thing of Custome: 'Tis no other,
Onely it spoyles the pleasure of the time

La. Think of this good peers
But as something customary: It's nothing more,
It just ruins the enjoyment of the moment

   Macb. What man dare, I dare:
Approach thou like the rugged Russian Beare,
The arm'd Rhinoceros, or th' Hircan Tiger,
Take any shape but that, and my firme Nerues
Shall neuer tremble. Or be aliue againe,
And dare me to the Desart with thy Sword:
If trembling I inhabit then, protest mee
The Baby of a Girle. Hence horrible shadow,
Vnreall mock'ry hence. Why so, being gone
I am a man againe: pray you sit still

Macb. What man dares, I dare:
Approach like the fierce Russian Bear,
The armed Rhinoceros, or the Hyrcan Tiger,
Take any form but that, and my strong nerves
Will never shake. Or come back to life,
And challenge me to the desert with your sword:
If I tremble then, call me
The baby of a girl. Away, horrible shadow,
Unreal mockery, away. Why, now that it's gone,
I am a man again: please sit still.

   La. You haue displac'd the mirth,
Broke the good meeting, with most admir'd disorder

La. You've disrupted the fun,
Ruined the good gathering with your impressive chaos

   Macb. Can such things be,
And ouercome vs like a Summers Clowd,
Without our speciall wonder? You make me strange
Euen to the disposition that I owe,
When now I thinke you can behold such sights,
And keepe the naturall Rubie of your Cheekes,
When mine is blanch'd with feare

Macb. Can these things really happen,
And affect us like a summer cloud,
Without it being something extraordinary? You make me feel weird
Even about my own feelings,
When I think you can see such sights,
And still keep the natural color in your cheeks,
While mine has turned pale with fear

   Rosse. What sights, my Lord?
  La. I pray you speake not: he growes worse & worse
Question enrages him: at once, goodnight.
Stand not vpon the order of your going,
But go at once

Rosse. What’s going on, my Lord?
  La. Please don’t say anything: he’s getting worse and worse.
Questions only make him angrier: goodnight.
Don’t wait to leave,
Just go right now.

   Len. Good night, and better health
Attend his Maiesty

Len. Good night, and better health
See his Majesty

La. A kinde goodnight to all.

La. A kind goodnight to all.

Exit Lords.

Exit Lords.

  Macb. It will haue blood they say:
Blood will haue Blood:
Stones haue beene knowne to moue, & Trees to speake:
Augures, and vnderstood Relations, haue
By Maggot Pyes, & Choughes, & Rookes brought forth
The secret'st man of Blood. What is the night?
  La. Almost at oddes with morning, which is which

Macb. They say it will have blood:
Blood will have blood:
Stones have been known to move, and trees to speak:
Omens, and understood connections, have
By magpies, and choughs, and rooks brought forth
The most secretive man of blood. What time is it?
  La. Almost at odds with morning, which is which

   Macb. How say'st thou that Macduff denies his person
At our great bidding

Macb. What do you mean that Macduff refuses to show up
At our important request

   La. Did you send to him Sir?
  Macb. I heare it by the way: But I will send:
There's not a one of them but in his house
I keepe a Seruant Feed. I will to morrow
(And betimes I will) to the weyard Sisters.
More shall they speake: for now I am bent to know
By the worst meanes, the worst, for mine owne good,
All causes shall giue way. I am in blood
Stept in so farre, that should I wade no more,
Returning were as tedious as go ore:
Strange things I haue in head, that will to hand,
Which must be acted, ere they may be scand

La. Did you send it to him, sir?
  Macb. I hear it on the way, but I will send it:
There's not one of them who doesn't have a servant I feed in his house. I will, tomorrow
(And I'll do it early) go to the weird sisters.
They will speak more, for now I'm determined to know
By the worst means, the worst, for my own good.
All causes will give way. I'm so deep in blood
That if I stopped now, returning would be as hard as going on:
I have strange things in my mind that need to be acted on
Before they can be revealed.

La. You lacke the season of all Natures, sleepe

La. You lack the season of all nature, sleep

   Macb. Come, wee'l to sleepe: My strange & self-abuse
Is the initiate feare, that wants hard vse:
We are yet but yong indeed.

Macb. Come, let’s sleep: My weird and self-inflicted troubles
Are the beginning fear that needs tough practice:
We are still quite young, after all.

Exeunt.

Exit.

Scena Quinta.

Scene Five.

Thunder. Enter the three Witches, meeting Hecat.

Thunder. Enter the three Witches, meeting Hecate.

  1. Why how now Hecat, you looke angerly?
  Hec. Haue I not reason (Beldams) as you are?
Sawcy, and ouer-bold, how did you dare
To Trade, and Trafficke with Macbeth,
In Riddles, and Affaires of death;
And I the Mistris of your Charmes,
The close contriuer of all harmes,
Was neuer call'd to beare my part,
Or shew the glory of our Art?
And which is worse, all you haue done
Hath bene but for a wayward Sonne,
Spightfull, and wrathfull, who (as others do)
Loues for his owne ends, not for you.
But make amends now: Get you gon,
And at the pit of Acheron
Meete me i'th' Morning: thither he
Will come, to know his Destinie.
Your Vessels, and your Spels prouide,
Your Charmes, and euery thing beside;
I am for th' Ayre: This night Ile spend
Vnto a dismall, and a Fatall end.
Great businesse must be wrought ere Noone.
Vpon the Corner of the Moone
There hangs a vap'rous drop, profound,
Ile catch it ere it come to ground;
And that distill'd by Magicke slights,
Shall raise such Artificiall Sprights,
As by the strength of their illusion,
Shall draw him on to his Confusion.
He shall spurne Fate, scorne Death, and beare
His hopes 'boue Wisedome, Grace, and Feare:
And you all know, Security
Is Mortals cheefest Enemie.

1. Why, what’s with you, Hecate? You look upset?
  Hec. Don’t I have a right to be angry, witches?
Sassy and overly bold, how dare you
Trade and deal with Macbeth
In riddles and matters of death;
And I, the mistress of your charms,
The mastermind behind all harm,
Was never called to play my part,
Or show off the glory of our craft?
And what’s worse, everything you’ve done
Has been for a rebellious son,
Spiteful and wrathful, who (like others)
Loves only for his own benefit, not for you.
But make things right now: Get out of here,
And at the pit of Acheron
Meet me in the morning: there he
Will come to learn his destiny.
Prepare your vessels and your spells,
Your charms and everything else;
I’ll take to the air: Tonight I’ll spend
Towards a dismal and fateful end.
Great business must be done before noon.
On the corner of the moon
There hangs a vaporous drop, deep,
I’ll catch it before it hits the ground;
And that distilled through magical tricks,
Will raise such artificial spirits,
That by the power of their illusion,
Will lead him to his confusion.
He’ll reject fate, scorn death, and bear
His hopes above wisdom, grace, and fear:
And you all know, security
Is humanity's greatest enemy.

Musicke, and a Song.

Music and a song.

Hearke, I am call'd: my little Spirit see
Sits in Foggy cloud, and stayes for me.

Hearke, I am called: my little Spirit sees
Sits in a foggy cloud, and waits for me.

Sing within. Come away, come away, &c.

Sing inside. Come away, come away, etc.

1 Come, let's make hast, shee'l soone be Backe againe.

1 Come on, let's hurry, she'll be back soon.

Exeunt.

Exit.

Scaena Sexta.

Scene Six.

Enter Lenox, and another Lord.

Enter Lenox and another lord.

  Lenox. My former Speeches,
Haue but hit your Thoughts
Which can interpret farther: Onely I say
Things haue bin strangely borne. The gracious Duncan
Was pittied of Macbeth: marry he was dead:
And the right valiant Banquo walk'd too late,
Whom you may say (if't please you) Fleans kill'd,
For Fleans fled: Men must not walke too late.
Who cannot want the thought, how monstrous
It was for Malcolme, and for Donalbane
To kill their gracious Father? Damned Fact,
How it did greeue Macbeth? Did he not straight
In pious rage, the two delinquents teare,
That were the Slaues of drinke, and thralles of sleepe?
Was not that Nobly done? I, and wisely too:
For 'twould haue anger'd any heart aliue
To heare the men deny't. So that I say,
He ha's borne all things well, and I do thinke,
That had he Duncans Sonnes vnder his Key,
(As, and't please Heauen he shall not) they should finde
What 'twere to kill a Father: So should Fleans.
But peace; for from broad words, and cause he fayl'd
His presence at the Tyrants Feast, I heare
Macduffe liues in disgrace. Sir, can you tell
Where he bestowes himselfe?
  Lord. The Sonnes of Duncane
(From whom this Tyrant holds the due of Birth)
Liues in the English Court, and is receyu'd
Of the most Pious Edward, with such grace,
That the maleuolence of Fortune, nothing
Takes from his high respect. Thither Macduffe
Is gone, to pray the Holy King, vpon his ayd
To wake Northumberland, and warlike Seyward,
That by the helpe of these (with him aboue)
To ratifie the Worke) we may againe
Giue to our Tables meate, sleepe to our Nights:
Free from our Feasts, and Banquets bloody kniues;
Do faithfull Homage, and receiue free Honors,
All which we pine for now. And this report
Hath so exasperate their King, that hee
Prepares for some attempt of Warre

Lenox. My previous speeches,
Have only caught your thoughts
That can dig deeper: All I’m saying is
Things have been strangely born. The gracious Duncan
Was pitied by Macbeth; but he was dead:
And the truly brave Banquo acted too late,
Whom you might say (if it pleases you) Fleance killed,
For Fleance fled: Men must not act too late.
Who can’t help but think how monstrous
It was for Malcolm and Donalbane
To kill their gracious father? Damned act,
How it grieved Macbeth! Did he not right away
In a righteous rage, tear apart the two offenders,
Who were slaves to drink and victims of sleep?
Wasn’t that nobly done? Yes, and wisely too:
For it would have angered any living heart
To hear those men deny it. So I say,
He has handled everything well, and I believe,
That if he had Duncan's sons under his control,
(As, heaven willing, he will not) they would find
What it’s like to kill a father: So would Fleance.
But let’s be quiet; because of harsh words, and since he failed
To show up at the tyrant's feast, I hear
Macduff is living in disgrace. Sir, can you tell
Where he is staying?
  Lord. Duncan's sons
(From whom this tyrant claims his birthright)
Live in the English court, and are received
By the most pious Edward, with such grace,
That the malice of fate takes nothing
From his high respect. Macduff has gone there,
To ask the holy king for his aid
To awaken Northumberland and warlike Seyward,
So that with their help (and him above)
To affirm the deed, we may again
Provide food for our tables, sleep for our nights:
Free from our feasts, and banquet's bloody knives;
Offer faithful homage, and receive honors freely,
All of which we long for now. And this news
Has so enraged their king that he
Is preparing for some attempt at war.

   Len. Sent he to Macduffe?
  Lord. He did: and with an absolute Sir, not I
The clowdy Messenger turnes me his backe,
And hums; as who should say, you'l rue the time
That clogges me with this Answer

Len. Did he send for Macduff?
  Lord. He did: and with a definite "Sir, not I."
The shady messenger turns his back on me,
And hums, as if to say, you'll regret the time
That burdens me with this answer.

   Lenox. And that well might
Aduise him to a Caution, t' hold what distance
His wisedome can prouide. Some holy Angell
Flye to the Court of England, and vnfold
His Message ere he come, that a swift blessing
May soone returne to this our suffering Country,
Vnder a hand accurs'd

Lenox. And that could very well
Advise him to be cautious, to maintain the distance
His wisdom can provide. Some holy angel
Fly to the Court of England, and reveal
His message before he arrives, so a quick blessing
May soon return to our suffering country,
Under a cursed hand

Lord. Ile send my Prayers with him.

Lord. I'll send my prayers with him.

Exeunt.

Exit.

Actus Quartus. Scena Prima.

Act Four. Scene One.

Thunder. Enter the three Witches.

Thunder. Enter the three Witches.

1 Thrice the brinded Cat hath mew'd

1 Thrice the striped cat has meowed

2 Thrice, and once the Hedge-Pigge whin'd

2 Thrice, and once the Hedge-Pig whined

3 Harpier cries, 'tis time, 'tis time

3 Harpier cries, "It's time, it's time."

   1 Round about the Caldron go:
In the poysond Entrailes throw
Toad, that vnder cold stone,
Dayes and Nights, ha's thirty one:
Sweltred Venom sleeping got,
Boyle thou first i'th' charmed pot

1 Round about the cauldron go:
In the poisoned entrails throw
Toad, that under cold stone,
Days and nights, has thirty-one:
Sweltered venom sleeping got,
Boil thou first in the charmed pot

   All. Double, double, toile and trouble;
Fire burne, and Cauldron bubble

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

   2 Fillet of a Fenny Snake,
In the Cauldron boyle and bake:
Eye of Newt, and Toe of Frogge,
Wooll of Bat, and Tongue of Dogge:
Adders Forke, and Blinde-wormes Sting,
Lizards legge, and Howlets wing:
For a Charme of powrefull trouble,
Like a Hell-broth, boyle and bubble

2 Fillet of a Fenny Snake,
In the Cauldron boil and bake:
Eye of Newt, and Toe of Frog,
Wool of Bat, and Tongue of Dog:
Adder's Fork, and Blind-worm's Sting,
Lizard's leg, and Owl's wing:
For a Charm of powerful trouble,
Like a Hell-broth, boil and bubble

   All. Double, double, toyle and trouble,
Fire burne, and Cauldron bubble

All. Double, double, toil and trouble,
Fire burn, and cauldron bubble

   3 Scale of Dragon, Tooth of Wolfe,
Witches Mummey, Maw, and Gulfe
Of the rauin'd salt Sea sharke:
Roote of Hemlocke, digg'd i'th' darke:
Liuer of Blaspheming Iew,
Gall of Goate, and Slippes of Yew,
Sliuer'd in the Moones Ecclipse:
Nose of Turke, and Tartars lips:
Finger of Birth-strangled Babe,
Ditch-deliuer'd by a Drab,
Make the Grewell thicke, and slab.
Adde thereto a Tigers Chawdron,
For th' Ingredience of our Cawdron

3 Scale of Dragon, Tooth of Wolf,
Witches Mummy, Maw, and Gulf
Of the ruined salt Sea shark:
Root of Hemlock, dug in the dark:
Liver of Blaspheming Jew,
Gall of Goat, and Slips of Yew,
Slivered in the Moon's Eclipse:
Nose of Turkey, and Tartars lips:
Finger of Birth-strangled Babe,
Ditch-delivered by a Slut,
Make the Gruel thick, and slab.
Add to that a Tiger's Chaw,
For the Ingredients of our Cauldron

   All. Double, double, toyle and trouble,
Fire burne, and Cauldron bubble

All. Double, double, toil and trouble,
Fire burn, and cauldron bubble

2 Coole it with a Baboones blood, Then the Charme is firme and good. Enter Hecat, and the other three Witches.

2 Cool it with a baboon's blood, Then the charm is strong and trustworthy. Enter Hecate and the other three witches.

  Hec. O well done: I commend your paines,
And euery one shall share i'th' gaines:
And now about the Cauldron sing
Like Elues and Fairies in a Ring,
Inchanting all that you put in.

Hec. Great job: I appreciate your hard work,
And everyone will benefit from the rewards:
Now gather around the cauldron and sing
Like elves and fairies in a circle,
Enchanting everything you add in.

Musicke and a Song. Blacke Spirits, &c.

Musical and a Song. Black Spirits, etc.

  2 By the pricking of my Thumbes,
Something wicked this way comes:
Open Lockes, who euer knockes.
Enter Macbeth.

2 By the pricking of my thumbs,
Something wicked this way comes:
Open locks, whoever knocks.
Enter Macbeth.

  Macb. How now you secret, black, & midnight Hags?
What is't you do?
  All. A deed without a name

Macb. What's going on, you secret, dark, and midnight witches?
What are you up to?
  All. A deed without a name

   Macb. I coniure you, by that which you Professe,
(How ere you come to know it) answer me:
Though you vntye the Windes, and let them fight
Against the Churches: Though the yesty Waues
Confound and swallow Nauigation vp:
Though bladed Corne be lodg'd, & Trees blown downe,
Though Castles topple on their Warders heads:
Though Pallaces, and Pyramids do slope
Their heads to their Foundations: Though the treasure
Of Natures Germaine, tumble altogether,
Euen till destruction sicken: Answer me
To what I aske you

Macb. I urge you, by what you profess,
(However you came to know it) answer me:
Though you unleash the winds and let them fight
Against the churches: Though the churning waves
Mess up and swallow up navigation:
Though ripe grain is flattened, and trees are uprooted,
Though castles collapse on their guards’ heads:
Though palaces and pyramids lean
Their heads to their foundations: Though the treasure
Of nature’s bounty falls apart,
Even until destruction becomes unbearable: Answer me
To what I ask you

1 Speake

1 Bar

2 Demand

2 Demand

3 Wee'l answer

3 We'll answer

1 Say, if th'hadst rather heare it from our mouthes, Or from our Masters

1 Say, would you prefer to hear it from us, or from our Masters?

Macb. Call 'em: let me see 'em

Macb. Call them: let me see them

   1 Powre in Sowes blood, that hath eaten
Her nine Farrow: Greaze that's sweaten
From the Murderers Gibbet, throw
Into the Flame

1 Power in Sowes blood, that has eaten
Her nine piglets: Grease that's dripping
From the Murderers' gallows, throw
Into the fire

   All. Come high or low:
Thy Selfe and Office deaftly show.
Thunder. 1. Apparation, an Armed Head.

All. Come high or low:
Yourself and your role clearly demonstrate.
Thunder. 1. Appearance, an Armed Head.

Macb. Tell me, thou vnknowne power

Macb. Tell me, you unknown power

1 He knowes thy thought: Heare his speech, but say thou nought

1 He knows your thoughts: Hear his speech, but say nothing.

1 Appar. Macbeth, Macbeth, Macbeth: Beware Macduffe, Beware the Thane of Fife: dismisse me. Enough.

1 Appar. Macbeth, Macbeth, Macbeth: Watch out for Macduff, Watch out for the Thane of Fife: leave me alone. That's enough.

He Descends.

He goes down.

  Macb. What ere thou art, for thy good caution, thanks
Thou hast harp'd my feare aright. But one word more

Macb. Whatever you are, thanks for your good advice. You’ve pinpointed my fear perfectly. But one more thing

   1 He will not be commanded: heere's another
More potent then the first.

1 He won't be pushed around: here's another
Stronger than the first.

Thunder. 2 Apparition, a Bloody Childe.

Thunder. 2 Ghost, a Bloody Child.

2 Appar. Macbeth, Macbeth, Macbeth

2 Appar. Macbeth, Macbeth, Macbeth

Macb. Had I three eares, Il'd heare thee

Macb. If I had three ears, I’d hear you.

   Appar. Be bloody, bold, & resolute:
Laugh to scorne
The powre of man: For none of woman borne
Shall harme Macbeth.

Appar. Be fierce, confident, and determined:
Laugh in the face of
The power of man: For no one born of a woman
Shall harm Macbeth.

Descends.

Going down.

  Mac. Then liue Macduffe: what need I feare of thee?
But yet Ile make assurance: double sure,
And take a Bond of Fate: thou shalt not liue,
That I may tell pale-hearted Feare, it lies;
And sleepe in spight of Thunder.

Mac. Then live, Macduff: why should I fear you?
But still I'll make sure: extra sure,
And seal a deal with Fate: you won’t live,
So I can tell cowardly Fear that it’s wrong;
And sleep in spite of Thunder.

Thunder 3 Apparation, a Childe Crowned, with a Tree in his hand.

Thunder 3 Apparition, a Childe Crowned, holding a Tree in his hand.

What is this, that rises like the issue of a King,
And weares vpon his Baby-brow, the round
And top of Soueraignty?
  All. Listen, but speake not too't

What is this that rises like the child of a King,
And wears on his baby forehead, the circle
And peak of Sovereignty?
  All. Listen, but don’t say anything about it.

   3 Appar. Be Lyon metled, proud, and take no care:
Who chafes, who frets, or where Conspirers are:
Macbeth shall neuer vanquish'd be, vntill
Great Byrnam Wood, to high Dunsmane Hill
Shall come against him.

3 Appar. Be bold, proud, and don’t worry:
Who gets angry, who gets upset, or where the conspirators are:
Macbeth will never be defeated until
Great Birnam Wood comes to high Dunsinane Hill
To fight against him.

Descend.

Go down.

  Macb. That will neuer bee:
Who can impresse the Forrest, bid the Tree
Vnfixe his earth-bound Root? Sweet boadments, good:
Rebellious dead, rise neuer till the Wood
Of Byrnan rise, and our high plac'd Macbeth
Shall liue the Lease of Nature, pay his breath
To time, and mortall Custome. Yet my Hart
Throbs to know one thing: Tell me, if your Art
Can tell so much: Shall Banquo's issue euer
Reigne in this Kingdome?
  All. Seeke to know no more

Macb. That will never happen:
Who can impress the forest, tell the tree
To unfix its earth-bound roots? Sweet predictions, good:
Rebellious dead, never rise until the wood
Of Birnam rises, and our high-placed Macbeth
Lives as long as nature allows, giving his breath
To time and mortal custom. Yet my heart
Throbs to know one thing: Tell me, if your art
Can reveal so much: Will Banquo's descendants ever
Reign in this kingdom?
  All. Seek to know no more

   Macb. I will be satisfied. Deny me this,
And an eternall Curse fall on you: Let me know.
Why sinkes that Caldron? & what noise is this?

Macb. I’ll be satisfied. If you deny me this,
Then an eternal curse will fall on you: Just let me know.
Why is that cauldron sinking? And what’s that noise?

Hoboyes

Hoboys

1 Shew

Show

2 Shew

2 Show

3 Shew

3 Show

   All. Shew his Eyes, and greeue his Hart,
Come like shadowes, so depart.

All. Show his eyes, and grieve his heart,
Come like shadows, so depart.

A shew of eight Kings, and Banquo last, with a glasse in his hand.

A display of eight Kings, with Banquo last, holding a glass in his hand.

  Macb. Thou art too like the Spirit of Banquo: Down:
Thy Crowne do's seare mine Eye-bals. And thy haire
Thou other Gold-bound-brow, is like the first:
A third, is like the former. Filthy Hagges,
Why do you shew me this? - A fourth? Start eyes!
What will the Line stretch out to'th' cracke of Doome?
Another yet? A seauenth? Ile see no more:
And yet the eighth appeares, who beares a glasse,
Which shewes me many more: and some I see,
That two-fold Balles, and trebble Scepters carry.
Horrible sight: Now I see 'tis true,
For the Blood-bolter'd Banquo smiles vpon me,
And points at them for his. What? is this so?
  1 I Sir, all this is so. But why
Stands Macbeth thus amazedly?
Come Sisters, cheere we vp his sprights,
And shew the best of our delights.
Ile Charme the Ayre to giue a sound,
While you performe your Antique round:
That this great King may kindly say,
Our duties, did his welcome pay.

Macb. You look too much like Banquo's spirit: Down:
Your crown burns my eyes. And your hair
Looks just like the first Gold-bound brow:
A third one resembles the former. Filthy hags,
Why are you showing me this? - A fourth? Startling eyes!
Will this line stretch out to the crack of doom?
Another one? A seventh? I won’t look anymore:
Yet the eighth appears, holding a glass,
Which shows me many more: and some I see,
Carrying double balls and triple scepters.
Horrible sight: Now I see it's true,
For the bloody Banquo smiles at me,
And points at them as his. What? Is this real?
  1 Yes sir, all of this is real. But why
Does Macbeth stand here in shock?
Come, Sisters, let’s lift his spirits,
And show him our best delights.
I’ll charm the air to make a sound,
While you perform your ancient dance:
So this great King may kindly say,
Our duties welcomed him well.

Musicke. The Witches Dance, and vanish.

Musical accompaniment. The witches dance and disappear.

  Macb. Where are they? Gone?
Let this pernitious houre,
Stand aye accursed in the Kalender.
Come in, without there.
Enter Lenox.

Macb. Where are they? Gone?
Let this wicked hour,
Always be cursed in the calendar.
Come in, out there.
Enter Lennox.

Lenox. What's your Graces will

Lenox. What's your grace's will?

   Macb. Saw you the Weyard Sisters?
  Lenox. No my Lord

Macb. Did you see the Weird Sisters?
  Lenox. No, my Lord

   Macb. Came they not by you?
  Lenox. No indeed my Lord

Macb. Didn't they come by you?
  Lenox. No, not at all, my Lord.

   Macb. Infected be the Ayre whereon they ride,
And damn'd all those that trust them. I did heare
The gallopping of Horse. Who was't came by?
  Len. 'Tis two or three my Lord, that bring you word:
Macduff is fled to England

Macb. The air they ride through is toxic,
And everyone who trusts them is cursed. I heard
Horses galloping. Who came by?
  Len. It's two or three, my Lord, bringing you news:
Macduff has fled to England.

   Macb. Fled to England?
  Len. I, my good Lord

Macb. Fled to England?
  Len. Yes, my good Lord

   Macb. Time, thou anticipat'st my dread exploits:
The flighty purpose neuer is o're-tooke
Vnlesse the deed go with it. From this moment,
The very firstlings of my heart shall be
The firstlings of my hand. And euen now
To Crown my thoughts with Acts: be it thoght & done:
The Castle of Macduff, I will surprize.
Seize vpon Fife; giue to th' edge o'th' Sword
His Wife, his Babes, and all vnfortunate Soules
That trace him in his Line. No boasting like a Foole,
This deed Ile do, before this purpose coole,
But no more sights. Where are these Gentlemen?
Come bring me where they are.

Macbeth. Time, you’re already anticipating my terrifying plans:
The fleeting intention is never caught
Unless the action follows it. From now on,
The very first impulses of my heart will be
The first actions of my hand. And right now
To turn my thoughts into actions: let it be thought and done:
I will surprise Macduff’s Castle.
I’ll seize Fife; I’ll take out with the sword
His wife, his kids, and all unfortunate souls
Connected to him. No bragging like a fool,
I’ll carry out this deed before my purpose cools,
But no more distractions. Where are these gentlemen?
Come bring me to where they are.

Exeunt.

Exit.

Scena Secunda.

Scene Two.

Enter Macduffes Wife, her Son, and Rosse.

Enter Macduff's Wife, her Son, and Ross.

  Wife. What had he done, to make him fly the Land?
  Rosse. You must haue patience Madam

Wife. What did he do to make him leave the country?
  Rosse. You need to be patient, ma'am.

   Wife. He had none:
His flight was madnesse: when our Actions do not,
Our feares do make vs Traitors

Wife. He had none:
His flight was madness: when our actions don't,
Our fears make us traitors

   Rosse. You know not
Whether it was his wisedome, or his feare

Rosse. You don’t know
Whether it was his wisdom or his fear

   Wife. Wisedom? to leaue his wife, to leaue his Babes,
His Mansion, and his Titles, in a place
From whence himselfe do's flye? He loues vs not,
He wants the naturall touch. For the poore Wren
(The most diminitiue of Birds) will fight,
Her yong ones in her Nest, against the Owle:
All is the Feare, and nothing is the Loue;
As little is the Wisedome, where the flight
So runnes against all reason

Wife. Wisdom? To leave his wife, to leave his kids,
His home, and his titles, in a place
From which he is fleeing? He doesn’t love us,
He craves the natural connection. Even the little Wren
(The smallest of birds) will fight,
For her chicks in her nest, against the Owl:
It’s all fear, and there’s no love;
And there’s little wisdom when such a flight
Goes against all reason.

   Rosse. My deerest Cooz,
I pray you schoole your selfe. But for your Husband,
He is Noble, Wise, Iudicious, and best knowes
The fits o'th' Season. I dare not speake much further,
But cruell are the times, when we are Traitors
And do not know our selues: when we hold Rumor
From what we feare, yet know not what we feare,
But floate vpon a wilde and violent Sea
Each way, and moue. I take my leaue of you:
Shall not be long but Ile be heere againe:
Things at the worst will cease, or else climbe vpward,
To what they were before. My pretty Cosine,
Blessing vpon you

Rosse. My dearest Cousin,
I urge you to be strong. As for your husband,
He is noble, wise, and sensible, and knows best
What the current situation demands. I won't say much more,
But these are cruel times when we’re traitors
And don’t even recognize ourselves: when we hear rumors
About what we fear, even though we’re not sure what to fear,
But we drift on a wild and violent sea,
Moving in every direction. I’ll take my leave now:
It won’t be long before I’m back again:
Things at their worst will either end or rise again,
Back to what they were before. My sweet cousin,
Blessings upon you.

   Wife. Father'd he is,
And yet hee's Father-lesse

Wife. He's a father,
And yet he's without a father

   Rosse. I am so much a Foole, should I stay longer
It would be my disgrace, and your discomfort.
I take my leaue at once.

Rosse. I would be such a fool if I stayed longer.
It would be my shame and your discomfort.
I'm leaving right now.

Exit Rosse.

Exit Rosse.

  Wife. Sirra, your Fathers dead,
And what will you do now? How will you liue?
  Son. As Birds do Mother

Wife. Sirra, your father is dead,
And what are you going to do now? How will you live?
  Son. Like the birds do, Mother.

   Wife. What with Wormes, and Flyes?
  Son. With what I get I meane, and so do they

Wife. What about worms and flies?
  Son. I mean with what I have, and so do they.

   Wife. Poore Bird,
Thou'dst neuer Feare the Net, nor Lime,
The Pitfall, nor the Gin

Wife. Poor Bird,
You would never fear the net, nor the lime,
The pitfall, nor the trap

   Son. Why should I Mother?
Poore Birds they are not set for:
My Father is not dead for all your saying

Son. Why should I, Mom?
Poor birds, they're not meant for that:
My dad is not dead despite everything you're saying

   Wife. Yes, he is dead:
How wilt thou do for a Father?
  Son. Nay how will you do for a Husband?
  Wife. Why I can buy me twenty at any Market

Wife. Yes, he’s dead:
How will you manage without a father?
  Son. And how will you manage without a husband?
  Wife. Well, I can buy myself twenty at any market.

Son. Then you'l by 'em to sell againe

Son. Then you'll buy them to sell again.

   Wife. Thou speak'st withall thy wit,
And yet I'faith with wit enough for thee

Wife. You're speaking with all your cleverness,
And yet, I swear, I have enough cleverness for you.

   Son. Was my Father a Traitor, Mother?
  Wife. I, that he was

Son. Was my dad a traitor, Mom?
  Wife. Yes, he was.

   Son. What is a Traitor?
  Wife. Why one that sweares, and lyes

Son. What is a traitor?
  Wife. Someone who swears and lies.

Son. And be all Traitors, that do so

Son. And let all the traitors who do that.

   Wife. Euery one that do's so, is a Traitor,
And must be hang'd

Wife. Anyone who does that is a traitor,
And must be hanged.

   Son. And must they all be hang'd, that swear and lye?
  Wife. Euery one

Son. Do they all have to be hanged for swearing and lying?
  Wife. Everyone

   Son. Who must hang them?
  Wife. Why, the honest men

Son. Who has to hang them?
  Wife. Well, the honest people

Son. Then the Liars and Swearers are Fools: for there are Lyars and Swearers enow, to beate the honest men, and hang vp them

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

Wife. Now God helpe thee, poore Monkie: But how wilt thou do for a Father? Son. If he were dead, youl'd weepe for him: if you would not, it were a good signe, that I should quickely haue a new Father

Wife. Now God help you, poor Monkey: But how will you manage without a father? Son. If he were dead, you'd cry for him; if you wouldn't, that would be a good sign that I would soon have a new father.

   Wife. Poore pratler, how thou talk'st?
Enter a Messenger.

Wife. Poor chatterbox, why are you talking like that?
Enter a Messenger.

  Mes. Blesse you faire Dame: I am not to you known,
Though in your state of Honor I am perfect;
I doubt some danger do's approach you neerely.
If you will take a homely mans aduice,
Be not found heere: Hence with your little ones
To fright you thus. Me thinkes I am too sauage:
To do worse to you, were fell Cruelty,
Which is too nie your person. Heauen preserue you,
I dare abide no longer.

May I bless you, fair lady: I am not known to you,
Though I know all about your status and honor;
I fear some danger is approaching you closely.
If you’ll take the advice of an ordinary man,
Don’t stay here: Take your little ones away
So they won't frighten you like this. I think I’m being too harsh:
To do anything worse would be cruel,
Which is too close to you. Heaven preserve you,
I can't stay any longer.

Exit Messenger

Log out of Messenger

  Wife. Whether should I flye?
I haue done no harme. But I remember now
I am in this earthly world: where to do harme
Is often laudable, to do good sometime
Accounted dangerous folly. Why then (alas)
Do I put vp that womanly defence,
To say I haue done no harme?
What are these faces?
Enter Murtherers.

Wife. Should I escape?
I haven't done anything wrong. But now I realize
I'm in this earthly realm, where causing harm
Is often seen as commendable, while doing good
Is sometimes regarded as a risky foolishness. So then (oh no)
Why do I resort to that feminine defense,
To claim I haven't done any harm?
What are these faces?
Enter Murderers.

  Mur. Where is your Husband?
  Wife. I hope in no place so vnsanctified,
Where such as thou may'st finde him

Mur. Where is your husband?
  Wife. I hope in no place so unholy,
Where someone like you might find him

Mur. He's a Traitor

Mur. He's a backstabber.

Son. Thou ly'st thou shagge-ear'd Villaine

Son. You’re lying, you shag-eared villain.

   Mur. What you Egge?
Yong fry of Treachery?
  Son. He ha's kill'd me Mother,
Run away I pray you.

Mur. What’s your deal, Egg?
Yong fry of Treachery?
  Son. He’s killed my mother,
Run away, please.

Exit crying Murther.

Exit crying murder.

Scaena Tertia.

Scene Three.

Enter Malcolme and Macduffe.

Enter Malcolm and Macduff.

  Mal. Let vs seeke out some desolate shade, & there
Weepe our sad bosomes empty

Mal. Let’s find a lonely spot, and there
We’ll cry our hearts out.

   Macd. Let vs rather
Hold fast the mortall Sword: and like good men,
Bestride our downfall Birthdome: each new Morne,
New Widdowes howle, new Orphans cry, new sorowes
Strike heauen on the face, that it resounds
As if it felt with Scotland, and yell'd out
Like Syllable of Dolour

Macd. Let’s instead
Hold tight the mortal sword: and like good men,
Stand over our fallen homeland: each new morning,
New widows howl, new orphans cry, new sorrows
Strike heaven in the face, making it resound
As if it feels Scotland’s pain, and screams out
Like a syllable of sorrow

   Mal. What I beleeue, Ile waile;
What know, beleeue; and what I can redresse,
As I shall finde the time to friend: I wil.
What you haue spoke, it may be so perchance.
This Tyrant, whose sole name blisters our tongues,
Was once thought honest: you haue lou'd him well,
He hath not touch'd you yet. I am yong, but something
You may discerne of him through me, and wisedome
To offer vp a weake, poore innocent Lambe
T' appease an angry God

Mal. What I believe, I’ll mourn for;
What I know, I’ll believe; and what I can fix,
I’ll do when I have the chance: I will.
What you’ve said might be true, maybe.
This tyrant, whose name burns our tongues,
Was once considered honest: you’ve loved him well,
He hasn’t harmed you yet. I’m young, but there’s something
You might see of him through me, and wisdom
To offer up a weak, poor innocent lamb
To appease an angry God

Macd. I am not treacherous

Macd. I'm not deceitful.

   Malc. But Macbeth is.
A good and vertuous Nature may recoyle
In an Imperiall charge. But I shall craue your pardon:
That which you are, my thoughts cannot transpose;
Angels are bright still, though the brightest fell.
Though all things foule, would wear the brows of grace
Yet Grace must still looke so

Malcolm. But Macbeth is.
A good and virtuous nature can falter
Under a great responsibility. But I must ask for your forgiveness:
What you are, my thoughts cannot alter;
Angels remain bright, even though the brightest fell.
Though everything ugly may try to wear the appearance of grace,
Grace must always look like this.

Macd. I haue lost my Hopes

Macd. I've lost my hope.

   Malc. Perchance euen there
Where I did finde my doubts.
Why in that rawnesse left you Wife, and Childe?
Those precious Motiues, those strong knots of Loue,
Without leaue-taking. I pray you,
Let not my Iealousies, be your Dishonors,
But mine owne Safeties: you may be rightly iust,
What euer I shall thinke

Malc. Maybe even there
Where I found my doubts.
Why did you leave your Wife and Child in that raw state?
Those precious motives, those strong bonds of love,
Without saying goodbye. I ask you,
Don’t let my jealousy be your disgrace,
But my own safety: you can be completely just,
Whatever I may think.

   Macd. Bleed, bleed poore Country,
Great Tyrrany, lay thou thy basis sure,
For goodnesse dare not check thee: wear y thy wrongs,
The Title, is affear'd. Far thee well Lord,
I would not be the Villaine that thou think'st,
For the whole Space that's in the Tyrants Graspe,
And the rich East to boot

Macbeth. Bleed, bleed, poor country,
Great tyranny, lay down your foundations securely,
For goodness dares not confront you: bear your wrongs,
The title is afraid. Farewell, Lord,
I would not be the villain you think I am,
For all the territory that's in the tyrant's grasp,
And the wealthy East as well.

   Mal. Be not offended:
I speake not as in absolute feare of you:
I thinke our Country sinkes beneath the yoake,
It weepes, it bleeds, and each new day a gash
Is added to her wounds. I thinke withall,
There would be hands vplifted in my right:
And heere from gracious England haue I offer
Of goodly thousands. But for all this,
When I shall treade vpon the Tyrants head,
Or weare it on my Sword; yet my poore Country
Shall haue more vices then it had before,
More suffer, and more sundry wayes then euer,
By him that shall succeede

Mal. Don’t take offense:
I'm not speaking out of absolute fear of you:
I think our country is suffering under the burden,
It’s crying, it’s hurting, and every new day brings a new wound
To its injuries. I also believe,
There would be raised hands supporting my cause:
And here from gracious England, I have offers
Of good thousands. But despite all this,
When I step on the tyrant's head,
Or wear it on my sword; still my poor country
Will have more problems than it had before,
More suffering, and in more ways than ever,
By the one who will succeed

   Macd. What should he be?
  Mal. It is my selfe I meane: in whom I know
All the particulars of Vice so grafted,
That when they shall be open'd, blacke Macbeth
Will seeme as pure as Snow, and the poore State
Esteeme him as a Lambe, being compar'd
With my confinelesse harmes

Macd. What should he be?
  Mal. I'm talking about myself: I know
All the details of Vice so deeply rooted,
That when they're revealed, black Macbeth
Will seem as pure as snow, and the poor State
Will see him as a lamb, compared
To my limitless sufferings.

   Macd. Not in the Legions
Of horrid Hell, can come a Diuell more damn'd
In euils, to top Macbeth

Macd. Not in the armies
Of terrible Hell, can there come a devil more cursed
In evils, to surpass Macbeth

   Mal. I grant him Bloody,
Luxurious, Auaricious, False, Deceitfull,
Sodaine, Malicious, smacking of euery sinne
That ha's a name. But there's no bottome, none
In my Voluptuousnesse: Your Wiues, your Daughters,
Your Matrons, and your Maides, could not fill vp
The Cesterne of my Lust, and my Desire
All continent Impediments would ore-beare
That did oppose my will. Better Macbeth,
Then such an one to reigne

Mal. I acknowledge him as Bloody,
Luxurious, Greedy, Fake, Deceitful,
Sudden, Malicious, showing every sin
That has a name. But there's no limit, none
To my Indulgence: Your Wives, your Daughters,
Your Matrons, and your Maids, could not fill
The Reservoir of my Lust and Desire.
Any obstacles would be overwhelmed
That stood in the way of my will. Better Macbeth,
Than someone like him to rule.

   Macd. Boundlesse intemperance
In Nature is a Tyranny: It hath beene
Th' vntimely emptying of the happy Throne,
And fall of many Kings. But feare not yet
To take vpon you what is yours: you may
Conuey your pleasures in a spacious plenty,
And yet seeme cold. The time you may so hoodwinke:
We haue willing Dames enough: there cannot be
That Vulture in you, to deuoure so many
As will to Greatnesse dedicate themselues,
Finding it so inclinde

Macd. Boundless indulgence
In nature is a tyranny: It has been
The untimely emptying of the happy throne,
And the downfall of many kings. But don't fear
To take what is rightfully yours: you can
Enjoy your pleasures in ample abundance,
And still appear reserved. You might manage the timing:
We have plenty of willing ladies: there can’t be
That vulture in you, to devour so many
As will dedicate themselves to greatness,
Finding it so inclined

   Mal. With this, there growes
In my most ill-composd Affection, such
A stanchlesse Auarice, that were I King,
I should cut off the Nobles for their Lands,
Desire his Iewels, and this others House,
And my more-hauing, would be as a Sawce
To make me hunger more, that I should forge
Quarrels vniust against the Good and Loyall,
Destroying them for wealth

Mal. With this, there grows
In my most poorly composed feelings, such
An insatiable greed, that if I were King,
I would take the land from the nobles,
Covet his jewels, and this other's house,
And my greater wealth would just be a sauce
To make me crave more, so that I would create
Unjust conflicts against the good and loyal,
Destroying them for riches.

   Macd. This Auarice
stickes deeper: growes with more pernicious roote
Then Summer-seeming Lust: and it hath bin
The Sword of our slaine Kings: yet do not feare,
Scotland hath Foysons, to fill vp your will
Of your meere Owne. All these are portable,
With other Graces weigh'd

Macbeth. This greed
runs deeper: it grows with a more harmful root
than summer-flirting desire: and it has been
the sword of our slain kings: yet do not fear,
Scotland has plenty to fulfill your wishes
of your own. All these are manageable,
when weighed against other qualities.

   Mal. But I haue none. The King-becoming Graces,
As Iustice, Verity, Temp'rance, Stablenesse,
Bounty, Perseuerance, Mercy, Lowlinesse,
Deuotion, Patience, Courage, Fortitude,
I haue no rellish of them, but abound
In the diuision of each seuerall Crime,
Acting it many wayes. Nay, had I powre, I should
Poure the sweet Milke of Concord, into Hell,
Vprore the vniuersall peace, confound
All vnity on earth

Mal. But I have none. The qualities that make a good king—
Like justice, honesty, self-control, stability,
Generosity, perseverance, mercy, humility,
Devotion, patience, courage, strength—
I have no taste for them, but I’m full
Of all the various crimes,
Acting out in so many ways. If I had the power, I would
Pour the sweet milk of harmony into hell,
Upset universal peace, and disrupt
All unity on earth.

Macd. O Scotland, Scotland

Macd. O Scotland, Scotland

   Mal. If such a one be fit to gouerne, speake:
I am as I haue spoken

Mal. If someone like that is fit to govern, speak:
I am as I have said

   Mac. Fit to gouern? No not to liue. O Natio[n] miserable!
With an vntitled Tyrant, bloody Sceptred,
When shalt thou see thy wholsome dayes againe?
Since that the truest Issue of thy Throne
By his owne Interdiction stands accust,
And do's blaspheme his breed? Thy Royall Father
Was a most Sainted-King: the Queene that bore thee,
Oftner vpon her knees, then on her feet,
Dy'de euery day she liu'd. Fare thee well,
These Euils thou repeat'st vpon thy selfe,
Hath banish'd me from Scotland. O my Brest,
Thy hope ends heere

Mac. Fit to lead? No, not even to live. Oh, miserable nation!
With a nameless tyrant, bloodied scepter,
When will you see your good days again?
Since the true heir to your throne
Is accused by his own denial,
And does he insult his lineage? Your royal father
Was a most holy king: the queen who bore you,
Prayed on her knees more often than she stood,
Died a little every day she lived. Farewell,
These evils you bring upon yourself,
Have banished me from Scotland. Oh my heart,
Your hope ends here.

   Mal. Macduff, this Noble passion
Childe of integrity, hath from my soule
Wip'd the blacke Scruples, reconcil'd my thoughts
To thy good Truth, and Honor. Diuellish Macbeth,
By many of these traines, hath sought to win me
Into his power: and modest Wisedome pluckes me
From ouer-credulous hast: but God aboue
Deale betweene thee and me; For euen now
I put my selfe to thy Direction, and
Vnspeake mine owne detraction. Heere abiure
The taints, and blames I laide vpon my selfe,
For strangers to my Nature. I am yet
Vnknowne to Woman, neuer was forsworne,
Scarsely haue coueted what was mine owne.
At no time broke my Faith, would not betray
The Deuill to his Fellow, and delight
No lesse in truth then life. My first false speaking
Was this vpon my selfe. What I am truly
Is thine, and my poore Countries to command:
Whither indeed, before they heere approach
Old Seyward with ten thousand warlike men
Already at a point, was setting foorth:
Now wee'l together, and the chance of goodnesse
Be like our warranted Quarrell. Why are you silent?
  Macd. Such welcome, and vnwelcom things at once
'Tis hard to reconcile.
Enter a Doctor.

Mal. Macduff, this noble passion
Child of integrity, has cleaned my soul
Of dark doubts, reconciled my thoughts
To your good truth and honor. Diabolical Macbeth,
By many of these tricks, has tried to sway me
Into his power: and modest wisdom pulls me
From over-eager haste: but God above
Will judge between you and me; For even now
I submit myself to your direction, and
Undermine my own reputation. Here I renounce
The faults and criticisms I placed upon myself,
As they are foreign to my nature. I am yet
Unknown to women, never have been unfaithful,
Barely have desired what was my own.
At no time have I broken my faith, would not betray
The devil to his fellow, and take joy
In truth as much as in life. My first falsehood
Was this about myself. What I truly am
Is yours, and my poor country's to command:
Indeed, before they come here,
Old Seyward with ten thousand armed men
Was already preparing to set forth:
Now we'll go together, and let the chance of goodness
Be like our justified quarrel. Why are you quiet?
  Macd. Such welcome and unwelcome things at once
It's hard to reconcile.
Enter a Doctor.

  Mal. Well, more anon. Comes the King forth
I pray you?
  Doct. I Sir: there are a crew of wretched Soules
That stay his Cure: their malady conuinces
The great assay of Art. But at his touch,
Such sanctity hath Heauen giuen his hand,
They presently amend.
Enter.

Mal. Well, more later. Here comes the King
I ask you?
  Doct. Yes, Sir: there are a group of miserable souls
That are holding back his treatment: their illness
Challenges the full extent of medical skill. But with his touch,
Such purity has Heaven granted his hand,
They instantly get better.
Enter.

Mal. I thanke you Doctor

Mal. Thank you, Doctor.

   Macd. What's the Disease he meanes?
  Mal. Tis call'd the Euill.
A most myraculous worke in this good King,
Which often since my heere remaine in England,
I haue seene him do: How he solicites heauen
Himselfe best knowes: but strangely visited people
All swolne and Vlcerous, pittifull to the eye,
The meere dispaire of Surgery, he cures,
Hanging a golden stampe about their neckes,
Put on with holy Prayers, and 'tis spoken
To the succeeding Royalty he leaues
The healing Benediction. With this strange vertue,
He hath a heauenly guift of Prophesie,
And sundry Blessings hang about his Throne,
That speake him full of Grace.
Enter Rosse.

Macd. What disease does he mean?
Mal. It's called the Evil.
It's a truly miraculous thing with this good King,
Since I’ve been here in England,
I have seen him do it: How he appeals to heaven
He knows best: but he strangely visits people
All swollen and ulcerated, pitiful to look at,
The utter despair of surgery, he cures,
Hanging a golden talisman around their necks,
Put on with holy prayers, and it’s said
To the succeeding royalty he leaves
The healing blessing. With this strange power,
He has a heavenly gift of prophecy,
And various blessings surround his throne,
That show he’s full of grace.
Enter Rosse.

Macd. See who comes heere

Macd. See who’s coming here

Malc. My Countryman: but yet I know him not

Malc. My Countryman: but I still don’t know him.

Macd. My euer gentle Cozen, welcome hither

Macd. My ever-gentle cousin, welcome here.

   Malc. I know him now. Good God betimes remoue
The meanes that makes vs Strangers

Malc. I know him now. Good God, remove
The means that makes us strangers

Rosse. Sir, Amen

Rosse. Sir, Amen.

   Macd. Stands Scotland where it did?
  Rosse. Alas poore Countrey,
Almost affraid to know it selfe. It cannot
Be call'd our Mother, but our Graue; where nothing
But who knowes nothing, is once seene to smile:
Where sighes, and groanes, and shrieks that rent the ayre
Are made, not mark'd: Where violent sorrow seemes
A Moderne extasie: The Deadmans knell,
Is there scarse ask'd for who, and good mens liues
Expire before the Flowers in their Caps,
Dying, or ere they sicken

Macd. Is Scotland still as it was?
  Rosse. Oh, poor country,
Almost afraid to recognize itself. It can’t
Be called our Mother, only our Grave; where nothing
But the ignorant can be seen to smile:
Where sighs, groans, and shrieks that tear the air
Are made, but go unnoticed: Where intense sorrow seems
A modern ecstasy: The toll of the dead,
Is rarely asked for who it is, and good people's lives
Expire before the flowers in their caps,
Dying, or before they even fall ill.

Macd. Oh Relation; too nice, and yet too true

Macd. Oh, Relative; too delicate, and yet too real

   Malc. What's the newest griefe?
  Rosse. That of an houres age, doth hisse the speaker,
Each minute teemes a new one

Malc. What's the latest grief?
  Rosse. The one from an hour ago hisses at the speaker,
Each minute brings a new one.

   Macd. How do's my Wife?
  Rosse. Why well

Macd. How's my wife?
  Rosse. She's doing well.

   Macd. And all my Children?
  Rosse. Well too

Macd. And all my kids?
  Rosse. They're doing well too.

   Macd. The Tyrant ha's not batter'd at their peace?
  Rosse. No, they were wel at peace, when I did leaue 'em
  Macd. Be not a niggard of your speech: How gos't?
  Rosse. When I came hither to transport the Tydings
Which I haue heauily borne, there ran a Rumour
Of many worthy Fellowes, that were out,
Which was to my beleefe witnest the rather,
For that I saw the Tyrants Power a-foot.
Now is the time of helpe: your eye in Scotland
Would create Soldiours, make our women fight,
To doffe their dire distresses

Macd. Has the Tyrant not attacked their peace?
  Rosse. No, they were at peace when I left them.
  Macd. Don’t hold back on your words: What’s going on?
  Rosse. When I arrived here to share the news
That I’ve been carrying heavily, there was a rumor
About many brave men who were out,
Which I believed was more credible,
Because I saw the Tyrant's power on the move.
Now is the time for help: your presence in Scotland
Would inspire soldiers, make our women fight,
To shed their dire troubles.

   Malc. Bee't their comfort
We are comming thither: Gracious England hath
Lent vs good Seyward, and ten thousand men,
An older, and a better Souldier, none
That Christendome giues out

Malc. Let that be their comfort.
We are coming there: Gracious England has
Lent us good Seyward and ten thousand men,
An older and a better soldier, none
That Christendom gives out.

   Rosse. Would I could answer
This comfort with the like. But I haue words
That would be howl'd out in the desert ayre,
Where hearing should not latch them

Rosse. I wish I could respond
With comfort like that. But I have words
That would be shouted out in the desert air,
Where no one would hear them

   Macd. What concerne they,
The generall cause, or is it a Fee-griefe
Due to some single brest?
  Rosse. No minde that's honest
But in it shares some woe, though the maine part
Pertaines to you alone

Macd. What do they care,
The general issue, or is it a personal grief
Due to some individual matter?
  Rosse. No honest mind
Is untouched by some sorrow, though the main part
Belongs to you alone.

   Macd. If it be mine
Keepe it not from me, quickly let me haue it

Macd. If it's mine
Don't keep it from me, just let me have it quickly

Rosse. Let not your eares dispise my tongue for euer, Which shall possesse them with the heauiest sound that euer yet they heard

Rosse. Don't let your ears reject my words forever, Because they will fill you with the heaviest sound That you have ever heard.

Macd. Humh: I guesse at it

Macd. Humh: I guess that's it.

   Rosse. Your Castle is surpriz'd: your Wife, and Babes
Sauagely slaughter'd: To relate the manner
Were on the Quarry of these murther'd Deere
To adde the death of you

Rosse. Your castle has been attacked: your wife and kids
brutally killed. To describe how it happened
would be like hunting for these murdered deer
to add to your grief.

   Malc. Mercifull Heauen:
What man, ne're pull your hat vpon your browes:
Giue sorrow words; the griefe that do's not speake,
Whispers the o're-fraught heart, and bids it breake

Malc. Merciful Heaven:
What man, never pull your hat down over your eyes:
Give sorrow words; the grief that doesn't speak,
Whispers to the overloaded heart, and urges it to break.

   Macd. My Children too?
  Ro. Wife, Children, Seruants, all that could be found

Macd. My kids too?
  Ro. Wife, kids, servants, everything that could be found

   Macd. And I must be from thence? My wife kil'd too?
  Rosse. I haue said

Macd. So I have to leave? My wife is dead too?
  Rosse. I've said

   Malc. Be comforted.
Let's make vs Med'cines of our great Reuenge,
To cure this deadly greefe

Malc. Be comforted.
Let's create remedies for our great revenge,
To heal this deadly grief

   Macd. He ha's no Children. All my pretty ones?
Did you say All? Oh Hell-Kite! All?
What, All my pretty Chickens, and their Damme
At one fell swoope?
  Malc. Dispute it like a man

Macd. He has no children. All my pretty ones?
Did you say all? Oh hell! All?
What, all my pretty chicks and their mother
In one swift blow?
  Malc. Handle it like a man.

   Macd. I shall do so:
But I must also feele it as a man;
I cannot but remember such things were
That were most precious to me: Did heauen looke on,
And would not take their part? Sinfull Macduff,
They were all strooke for thee: Naught that I am,
Not for their owne demerits, but for mine
Fell slaughter on their soules: Heauen rest them now

Macd. I will do that:
But I also have to feel it as a man;
I can’t help but remember things that were
Most precious to me: Did heaven look down,
And not take their side? Sinful Macduff,
They were all struck down for you: Nothing about me,
Not because of their own faults, but for mine
Resulted in the slaughter of their souls: May heaven rest them now

   Mal. Be this the Whetstone of your sword, let griefe
Conuert to anger: blunt not the heart, enrage it

Mal. Let this be the sharpening stone for your sword; turn your grief into anger. Don't dull your heart, ignite it.

   Macd. O I could play the woman with mine eyes,
And Braggart with my tongue. But gentle Heauens,
Cut short all intermission: Front to Front,
Bring thou this Fiend of Scotland, and my selfe
Within my Swords length set him, if he scape
Heauen forgiue him too

Macd. Oh, I could act all emotional with my tears,
And boastful with my words. But kind heavens,
End this pause: Face to face,
Bring this devil of Scotland and me
Within my sword's reach, if he escapes,
Heaven forgive him too.

   Mal. This time goes manly:
Come go we to the King, our Power is ready,
Our lacke is nothing but our leaue. Macbeth
Is ripe for shaking, and the Powres aboue
Put on their Instruments: Receiue what cheere you may,
The Night is long, that neuer findes the Day.

Mal. This time calls for strength:
Let's go to the King, our power is ready,
Our only issue is our absence. Macbeth
Is ready to fall, and the forces above
Are preparing their tools: Take whatever comfort you can,
The night is long, and never finds the day.

Exeunt.

Exit.

Actus Quintus. Scena Prima.

Act V. Scene I.

Enter a Doctor of Physicke, and a Wayting Gentlewoman.

Enter a doctor of medicine and a waiting gentlewoman.

Doct. I haue too Nights watch'd with you, but can perceiue no truth in your report. When was it shee last walk'd? Gent. Since his Maiesty went into the Field, I haue seene her rise from her bed, throw her Night-Gown vppon her, vnlocke her Closset, take foorth paper, folde it, write vpon't, read it, afterwards Seale it, and againe returne to bed; yet all this while in a most fast sleepe

Doct. I've watched with you all night, but I can't find any truth in what you're saying. When was the last time she walked? Gent. Since the king went to battle, I've seen her get out of bed, put on her nightgown, unlock her closet, take out paper, fold it, write on it, read it, seal it, and then go back to bed; yet all this time, she was in a deep sleep.

Doct. A great perturbation in Nature, to receyue at once the benefit of sleep, and do the effects of watching. In this slumbry agitation, besides her walking, and other actuall performances, what (at any time) haue you heard her say? Gent. That Sir, which I will not report after her

Doct. It's a significant disturbance in Nature to receive the benefit of sleep while also experiencing the effects of wakefulness. In this disturbed state, along with her sleepwalking and other actions, what have you heard her say at any point? Gent. That, sir, is something I won’t repeat.

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

Doct. You may talk to me, and it's really appropriate that you should.

Gent. Neither to you, nor any one, hauing no witnesse to confirme my speech. Enter Lady, with a Taper.

Gent. Not to you or anyone else, since there's no witness to back up what I'm saying. Enter Lady, with a Taper.

Lo you, heere she comes: This is her very guise, and vpon my life fast asleepe: obserue her, stand close

Lo, here she comes: This is exactly how she looks, and honestly, she’s fast asleep: watch her, stand close.

   Doct. How came she by that light?
  Gent. Why it stood by her: she ha's light by her continually,
'tis her command

Doct. How did she get that light?
  Gent. It was right by her: she has light with her all the time,
it's her power.

Doct. You see her eyes are open

Doct. You can see her eyes are open.

Gent. I, but their sense are shut

Gent. I, but their senses are closed

   Doct. What is it she do's now?
Looke how she rubbes her hands

Doct. What is she doing now?
Look how she rubs her hands

Gent. It is an accustom'd action with her, to seeme thus washing her hands: I haue knowne her continue in this a quarter of an houre

Gent. It's a regular thing for her to act like this, washing her hands: I've seen her do it for a quarter of an hour.

Lad. Yet heere's a spot

Dude. But here's a spot

Doct. Heark, she speaks, I will set downe what comes from her, to satisfie my remembrance the more strongly

Doct. Heark, she says, I will write down what she says to help me remember it better.

La. Out damned spot: out I say. One: Two: Why then 'tis time to doo't: Hell is murky. Fye, my Lord, fie, a Souldier, and affear'd? what need we feare? who knowes it, when none can call our powre to accompt: yet who would haue thought the olde man to haue had so much blood in him

La. Out, damned spot! Out, I say. One: Two: Well, then it’s time to do it. Hell is dark. Shame on you, my Lord, shame! A soldier, and scared? What do we have to fear? Who knows it, when no one can hold us accountable? Yet, who would have thought the old man had so much blood in him?

   Doct. Do you marke that?
  Lad. The Thane of Fife, had a wife: where is she now?
What will these hands ne're be cleane? No more o'that
my Lord, no more o'that: you marre all with this starting

Doct. Did you notice that?
  Lad. The Thane of Fife had a wife: where is she now?
Will these hands never be clean? No more of that,
my Lord, no more of that: you ruin everything with this jumping.

   Doct. Go too, go too:
You haue knowne what you should not

Doct. Go too, go too:
You have known what you shouldn't

   Gent. She ha's spoke what shee should not, I am sure
of that: Heauen knowes what she ha's knowne

Gent. She has said things she shouldn't have, I'm sure of that:
Heaven knows what she has known.

La. Heere's the smell of the blood still: all the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand. Oh, oh, oh

La. Here's the smell of blood still: all the perfumes of Arabia won't sweeten this little hand. Oh, oh, oh

Doct. What a sigh is there? The hart is sorely charg'd

Doct. What’s with the sigh? The heart is heavily burdened.

Gent. I would not haue such a heart in my bosome, for the dignity of the whole body

Gent. I wouldn't want such a heart in my chest, for the sake of the dignity of the whole body.

Doct. Well, well, well

Well, well, well

Gent. Pray God it be sir

Gent. I hope it is, sir.

Doct. This disease is beyond my practise: yet I haue knowne those which haue walkt in their sleep, who haue dyed holily in their beds

Doct. This illness is outside my expertise: however, I have known those who have walked in their sleep and who have died peacefully in their beds.

Lad. Wash your hands, put on your Night-Gowne, looke not so pale: I tell you yet againe Banquo's buried; he cannot come out on's graue

Lad. Wash your hands, put on your nightgown, don't look so pale: I'm telling you again, Banquo's buried; he can't come out of his grave.

   Doct. Euen so?
  Lady. To bed, to bed: there's knocking at the gate:
Come, come, come, come, giue me your hand: What's
done, cannot be vndone. To bed, to bed, to bed.

Doct. Really?
  Lady. It's time for bed, it's time for bed: someone’s knocking at the gate:
Come on, come on, come on, give me your hand: What's
done can't be changed. It's time for bed, it's time for bed, it's time for bed.

Exit Lady.

Exit Lady.

  Doct. Will she go now to bed?
  Gent. Directly

Doct. Is she going to bed now?
  Gent. Right away.

   Doct. Foule whisp'rings are abroad: vnnaturall deeds
Do breed vnnaturall troubles: infected mindes
To their deafe pillowes will discharge their Secrets:
More needs she the Diuine, then the Physitian:
God, God forgiue vs all. Looke after her,
Remoue from her the meanes of all annoyance,
And still keepe eyes vpon her: So goodnight,
My minde she ha's mated, and amaz'd my sight.
I thinke, but dare not speake

Doctor, there are whispers going around: unnatural acts
Do lead to unnatural troubles: troubled minds
Will reveal their secrets to their deaf pillows:
She needs divine help more than a physician:
God, forgive us all. Watch over her,
Remove anything that could cause her distress,
And always keep an eye on her: So goodnight,
My mind is confused, and my sight is astonished.
I think about it, but I dare not speak.

Gent. Good night good Doctor.

Good night, Doctor.

Exeunt.

Exit.

Scena Secunda.

Scene Two.

Drum and Colours. Enter Menteth, Cathnes, Angus, Lenox,
Soldiers.

Drum and Colors. Enter Menteth, Cathnes, Angus, Lenox,
Soldiers.

  Ment. The English powre is neere, led on by Malcolm,
His Vnkle Seyward, and the good Macduff.
Reuenges burne in them: for their deere causes
Would to the bleeding, and the grim Alarme
Excite the mortified man

Ment. The English power is close, led by Malcolm,
His Uncle Seyward, and the good Macduff.
Revenge burns in them: for their dear causes
Would make the bleeding, and the grim alarm
Excite the mortified man

   Ang. Neere Byrnan wood
Shall we well meet them, that way are they comming

Ang. Neere Byrnan wood
Shall we meet them there, since that’s the way they’re coming?

   Cath. Who knowes if Donalbane be with his brother?
  Len. For certaine Sir, he is not: I haue a File
Of all the Gentry; there is Seywards Sonne,
And many vnruffe youths, that euen now
Protest their first of Manhood

Cath. Who knows if Donalbane is with his brother?
  Len. For sure, sir, he is not: I have a list
Of all the gentry; there is Seyward's son,
And many unruly youths, who just now
Claim their first manhood.

Ment. What do's the Tyrant

Ment. What does the Tyrant

   Cath. Great Dunsinane he strongly Fortifies:
Some say hee's mad: Others, that lesser hate him,
Do call it valiant Fury, but for certaine
He cannot buckle his distemper'd cause
Within the belt of Rule

Cath. Great Dunsinane he strongly fortifies:
Some say he’s mad: Others, who hate him less,
Call it brave fury, but for sure
He can't keep his troubled cause
Within the limits of order

   Ang. Now do's he feele
His secret Murthers sticking on his hands,
Now minutely Reuolts vpbraid his Faith-breach:
Those he commands, moue onely in command,
Nothing in loue: Now do's he feele his Title
Hang loose about him, like a Giants Robe
Vpon a dwarfish Theefe

Ang. Now he feels
His secret murders weighing on his hands,
Now minute revolts accuse his betrayal of faith:
Those he commands move only in command,
Nothing in love: Now he feels his title
Hanging loose around him, like a giant's robe
On a dwarfish thief.

   Ment. Who then shall blame
His pester'd Senses to recoyle, and start,
When all that is within him, do's condemne
It selfe, for being there

Ment. Who then will blame
His troubled senses for pulling back and flinching,
When everything inside him condemns
Itself for being there

   Cath. Well, march we on,
To giue Obedience, where 'tis truly ow'd:
Meet we the Med'cine of the sickly Weale,
And with him poure we in our Countries purge,
Each drop of vs

Cath. Well, let’s move on,
To give respect where it’s truly due:
Let’s meet the remedy for the struggling nation,
And together let’s administer our country’s cure,
Every bit of us.

   Lenox. Or so much as it needes,
To dew the Soueraigne Flower, and drowne the Weeds:
Make we our March towards Birnan.

Lenox. Or whatever is needed,
To nourish the Sovereign Flower and drown the Weeds:
Let’s make our way to Birnan.

Exeunt. marching.

Exit, marching.

Scaena Tertia.

Scene Three.

Enter Macbeth, Doctor, and Attendants.

Enter Macbeth, Doctor, and Attendants.

  Macb. Bring me no more Reports, let them flye all:
Till Byrnane wood remoue to Dunsinane,
I cannot taint with Feare. What's the Boy Malcolme?
Was he not borne of woman? The Spirits that know
All mortall Consequences, haue pronounc'd me thus:
Feare not Macbeth, no man that's borne of woman
Shall ere haue power vpon thee. Then fly false Thanes,
And mingle with the English Epicures,
The minde I sway by, and the heart I beare,
Shall neuer sagge with doubt, nor shake with feare.
Enter Seruant.

Macb. Don't bring me any more reports, let them go:
Until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane,
I can't be touched by fear. What's up with that guy Malcolm?
Wasn't he born of a woman? The spirits that know
All mortal outcomes have told me this:
Don't fear Macbeth, no man born of a woman
Will ever have power over you. So go on, false Thanes,
And mingle with the English gluttons,
The mind I control and the heart I carry
Will never succumb to doubt or tremble with fear.
Enter Servant.

The diuell damne thee blacke, thou cream-fac'd Loone:
Where got'st thou that Goose-looke

The devil damn you, you pale-faced fool:
Where did you get that stupid look?

Ser. There is ten thousand

Ser. There are ten thousand

   Macb. Geese Villaine?
  Ser. Souldiers Sir

Macb. Geese Villain?
  Ser. Soldiers Sir

   Macb. Go pricke thy face, and ouer-red thy feare
Thou Lilly-liuer'd Boy. What Soldiers, Patch?
Death of thy Soule, those Linnen cheekes of thine
Are Counsailers to feare. What Soldiers Whay-face?
  Ser. The English Force, so please you

Macb. Go and mark up your face, and cover up your fear
You lily-livered boy. What soldiers, clown?
The death of your spirit, those linen cheeks of yours
Are advisors to fear. What soldiers, pale face?
  Ser. The English force, if it pleases you

   Macb. Take thy face hence. Seyton, I am sick at hart,
When I behold: Seyton, I say, this push
Will cheere me euer, or dis-eate me now.
I haue liu'd long enough: my way of life
Is falne into the Seare, the yellow Leafe,
And that which should accompany Old-Age,
As Honor, Loue, Obedience, Troopes of Friends,
I must not looke to haue: but in their steed,
Curses, not lowd but deepe, Mouth-honor, breath
Which the poore heart would faine deny, and dare not.
Seyton?
Enter Seyton.

Macb. Get that face away from me. Seyton, I feel sick at heart,
When I see this: Seyton, I mean, this push
Will either cheer me up or upset me now.
I've lived long enough: my way of life
Has turned into dry leaves,
And what should come with old age,
Like honor, love, obedience, and groups of friends,
I can't expect to have. Instead, I have
Curses, not loud but deep, empty praise,
Which the poor heart would love to deny but is too scared to.
Seyton?
Enter Seyton.

  Sey. What's your gracious pleasure?
  Macb. What Newes more?
  Sey. All is confirm'd my Lord, which was reported

Sey. What would you like, my lord?
  Macb. What's the latest news?
  Sey. Everything is confirmed, my lord, as reported.

   Macb. Ile fight, till from my bones, my flesh be hackt.
Giue me my Armor

Macb. I'll fight until my bones are hacked from my flesh.
Give me my armor.

Seyt. 'Tis not needed yet

Seyt. It's not needed yet

   Macb. Ile put it on:
Send out moe Horses, skirre the Country round,
Hang those that talke of Feare. Giue me mine Armor:
How do's your Patient, Doctor?
  Doct. Not so sicke my Lord,
As she is troubled with thicke-comming Fancies
That keepe her from her rest

Macb. I'll put it on:
Send out more horses, scour the countryside,
Hang those who talk of fear. Give me my armor:
How's your patient, Doctor?
  Doct. Not so sick, my Lord,
As she is troubled with overwhelming thoughts
That keep her from resting.

   Macb. Cure of that:
Can'st thou not Minister to a minde diseas'd,
Plucke from the Memory a rooted Sorrow,
Raze out the written troubles of the Braine,
And with some sweet Obliuious Antidote
Cleanse the stufft bosome, of that perillous stuffe
Which weighes vpon the heart?
  Doct. Therein the Patient
Must minister to himselfe

Macb. Cure for that:
Can’t you help a troubled mind,
Remove a deep-seated sorrow from memory,
Erase the written troubles in the brain,
And with some sweet forgetfulness antidote,
Cleanse the stuffed heart of that dangerous burden
That weighs upon the spirit?
  Doct. In that, the patient
Must help himself.

   Macb. Throw Physicke to the Dogs, Ile none of it.
Come, put mine Armour on: giue me my Staffe:
Seyton, send out: Doctor, the Thanes flye from me:
Come sir, dispatch. If thou could'st Doctor, cast
The Water of my Land, finde her Disease,
And purge it to a sound and pristine Health,
I would applaud thee to the very Eccho,
That should applaud againe. Pull't off I say,
What Rubarb, Cyme, or what Purgatiue drugge
Would scowre these English hence: hear'st y of them?
  Doct. I my good Lord: your Royall Preparation
Makes vs heare something

Macb. Toss the medicine to the dogs; I don't want any of it.
Come, put my armor on; give me my staff:
Seyton, send someone out; Doctor, the Thanes are running away from me:
Come on, hurry up. If you could, Doctor, figure out
What's wrong with my land, find its disease,
And clean it up to be healthy again,
I would praise you to the very echo,
That would praise you back. Take it off, I say,
What rhubarb, thyme, or what purgative drug
Would drive these English away: do you know of any?
  Doct. Yes, my good Lord: your royal preparation
Makes us hear something

   Macb. Bring it after me:
I will not be affraid of Death and Bane,
Till Birnane Forrest come to Dunsinane

Macb. Bring it after me:
I will not be afraid of Death and Destruction,
Until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane

   Doct. Were I from Dunsinane away, and cleere,
Profit againe should hardly draw me heere.

Doct. If I were away from Dunsinane and free,
Nothing could bring me back here easily.

Exeunt.

Exit.

Scena Quarta.

Scene Four.

Drum and Colours. Enter Malcolme, Seyward, Macduffe,
Seywards Sonne,
Menteth, Cathnes, Angus, and Soldiers Marching.

Drum and Colors. Enter Malcolm, Seyward, Macduff,
Seyward's Son,
Menteth, Caithness, Angus, and Soldiers Marching.

  Malc. Cosins, I hope the dayes are neere at hand
That Chambers will be safe

Malc. Cosins, I hope the days are close at hand
That Chambers will be safe

Ment. We doubt it nothing

Ment. We doubt it.

   Seyw. What wood is this before vs?
  Ment. The wood of Birnane

Seyw. What kind of wood is this in front of us?
  Ment. The wood from Birnane

   Malc. Let euery Souldier hew him downe a Bough,
And bear't before him, thereby shall we shadow
The numbers of our Hoast, and make discouery
Erre in report of vs

Malc. Let every soldier cut down a branch,
And carry it in front of them, this way we’ll hide
The size of our army, and mislead
Anyone who reports on us.

Sold. It shall be done

Sold. It's a deal.

   Syw. We learne no other, but the confident Tyrant
Keepes still in Dunsinane, and will indure
Our setting downe befor't

Syw. We learn nothing new, but the arrogant tyrant
still holds Dunsinane and will tolerate
our coming here.

   Malc. 'Tis his maine hope:
For where there is aduantage to be giuen,
Both more and lesse haue giuen him the Reuolt,
And none serue with him, but constrained things,
Whose hearts are absent too

Malc. 'It's his main hope:
For where there is an advantage to be gained,
Both greater and lesser people have turned against him,
And none serve with him, but out of obligation,
Whose hearts are not in it either

   Macd. Let our iust Censures
Attend the true euent, and put we on
Industrious Souldiership

Macd. Let our just judgments
Focus on the true outcome, and let us take on
Diligent soldiering

   Sey. The time approaches,
That will with due decision make vs know
What we shall say we haue, and what we owe:
Thoughts speculatiue, their vnsure hopes relate,
But certaine issue, stroakes must arbitrate,
Towards which, aduance the warre.

Sey. The time is drawing near,
That will clearly show us
What we have and what we owe:
Speculative thoughts, their uncertain hopes connect,
But a definite outcome, actions must decide,
For which, let's push forward with the war.

Exeunt. marching

Exit, marching

Scena Quinta.

Scene 5.

Enter Macbeth, Seyton, & Souldiers, with Drum and Colours.

Enter Macbeth, Seyton, and Soldiers, with Drum and Colors.

  Macb. Hang out our Banners on the outward walls,
The Cry is still, they come: our Castles strength
Will laugh a Siedge to scorne: Heere let them lye,
Till Famine and the Ague eate them vp:
Were they not forc'd with those that should be ours,
We might haue met them darefull, beard to beard,
And beate them backward home. What is that noyse?

Macb. Hang our banners on the outer walls,
The cry is still, they’re coming: the strength of our castle
Will mock at a siege: Here let them lie,
Until famine and sickness eat them up:
If they weren't forced to be with those who should be ours,
We could have faced them fearlessly, beard to beard,
And beaten them back home. What’s that noise?

A Cry within of Women.

A Cry from Women.

Sey. It is the cry of women, my good Lord

Sey. It's the cry of women, my good Lord.

   Macb. I haue almost forgot the taste of Feares:
The time ha's beene, my sences would haue cool'd
To heare a Night-shrieke, and my Fell of haire
Would at a dismall Treatise rowze, and stirre
As life were in't. I haue supt full with horrors,
Direnesse familiar to my slaughterous thoughts
Cannot once start me. Wherefore was that cry?
  Sey. The Queene (my Lord) is dead

Macb. I have almost forgotten the feeling of fear:
There was a time when the sound of a night scream
Would make my hair stand on end,
As if life were in it. I've been filled with horrors,
Death is so familiar to my violent thoughts
That I can't even flinch. Why was there that cry?
  Sey. The Queen (my Lord) is dead

   Macb. She should haue dy'de heereafter;
There would haue beene a time for such a word:
To morrow, and to morrow, and to morrow,
Creepes in this petty pace from day to day,
To the last Syllable of Recorded time:
And all our yesterdayes, haue lighted Fooles
The way to dusty death. Out, out, breefe Candle,
Life's but a walking Shadow, a poore Player,
That struts and frets his houre vpon the Stage,
And then is heard no more. It is a Tale
Told by an Ideot, full of sound and fury
Signifying nothing.
Enter a Messenger.

Macb. She should have died later;
There would have been a time for that word:
Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,
Creeps in this slow pace from day to day,
To the last syllable of recorded time:
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle,
Life's just a walking shadow, a poor player,
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
And then is heard no more. It’s a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury
Signifying nothing.
Enter a Messenger.

Thou com'st to vse thy Tongue: thy Story quickly

Thou com'st to use thy tongue: thy story quickly

   Mes. Gracious my Lord,
I should report that which I say I saw,
But know not how to doo't

Mes. Gracious my Lord,
I should report what I claim to have seen,
But I don't know how to say it.

Macb. Well, say sir

Macb. Alright, go ahead, sir.

   Mes. As I did stand my watch vpon the Hill
I look'd toward Byrnane, and anon me thought
The Wood began to moue

Mes. As I stood my watch on the hill
I looked toward Byrnane, and soon I thought
The wood began to move

Macb. Lyar, and Slaue

Macbeth, Liar, and Slave

   Mes. Let me endure your wrath, if't be not so:
Within this three Mile may you see it comming.
I say, a mouing Groue

Mes. Let me face your anger, if that's not the case:
Within these three miles, you can see it coming.
I’m saying, a moving grove

   Macb. If thou speak'st false,
Vpon the next Tree shall thou hang aliue
Till Famine cling thee: If thy speech be sooth,
I care not if thou dost for me as much.
I pull in Resolution, and begin
To doubt th' Equiuocation of the Fiend,
That lies like truth. Feare not, till Byrnane Wood
Do come to Dunsinane, and now a Wood
Comes toward Dunsinane. Arme, Arme, and out,
If this which he auouches, do's appeare,
There is nor flying hence, nor tarrying here.
I 'ginne to be a-weary of the Sun,
And wish th' estate o'th' world were now vndon.
Ring the Alarum Bell, blow Winde, come wracke,
At least wee'l dye with Harnesse on our backe.

Macb. If you’re lying,
you’ll be hanged alive on the next tree
until starvation strikes you. If what you say is true,
I won't care if you do the same to me.
I’m holding back my resolve and starting to doubt
the devil’s tricky lies that sound like truth. Don’t be afraid until Birnam Wood
comes to Dunsinane, and now a forest
is coming toward Dunsinane. Arm up, arm up, and let’s go,
if what he claims turns out to be true,
there's no escaping from this nor staying here.
I’m starting to get tired of the sun,
and I wish the state of the world would just end.
Ring the alarm bell, blow the wind, bring on the storm,
at least we’ll die with our armor on our backs.

Exeunt.

Exit.

Scena Sexta.

Scene Six.

Drumme and Colours. Enter Malcolme, Seyward, Macduffe, and their Army, with Boughes.

Drums and Colors. Enter Malcolm, Seyward, Macduff, and their Army, with Branches.

  Mal. Now neere enough:
Your leauy Skreenes throw downe,
And shew like those you are: You (worthy Vnkle)
Shall with my Cosin your right Noble Sonne
Leade our first Battell. Worthy Macduffe, and wee
Shall take vpon's what else remaines to do,
According to our order

Mal. Now close enough:
Throw down your heavy screens,
And show us who you really are: You (dear Uncle)
Shall lead our first battle with my cousin, your noble son.
Worthy Macduff, and we
Will take on whatever else remains to be done,
According to our plan.

   Sey. Fare you well:
Do we but finde the Tyrants power to night,
Let vs be beaten, if we cannot fight

Sey. Take care:
If we uncover the tyrant's power tonight,
Then let us be defeated if we can't fight.

   Macd. Make all our Trumpets speak, giue the[m] all breath
Those clamorous Harbingers of Blood, & Death.

Macd. Let all our trumpets sound, give them all breath
Those loud messengers of blood and death.

Exeunt.

Exit.

Alarums continued.

Alarms continued.

Scena Septima.

Scene 7.

Enter Macbeth.

Enter Macbeth.

  Macb. They haue tied me to a stake, I cannot flye,
But Beare-like I must fight the course. What's he
That was not borne of Woman? Such a one
Am I to feare, or none.
Enter young Seyward.

Macb. They've tied me to a stake, I can't run away,
So like a bear, I have to fight it out. Who's he
That wasn't born of a woman? That's the only kind
I need to fear, or no one.
Enter young Seyward.

  Y.Sey. What is thy name?
  Macb. Thou'lt be affraid to heare it

Y.Sey. What’s your name?
  Macb. You’ll be afraid to hear it

   Y.Sey. No: though thou call'st thy selfe a hoter name
Then any is in hell

Y.Sey. No: even if you call yourself a hotter name
Than any in hell

Macb. My name's Macbeth

Macb. I'm Macbeth

   Y.Sey. The diuell himselfe could not pronounce a Title
More hatefull to mine eare

Y.Sey. The devil himself couldn't say a title
More hateful to my ears

Macb. No: nor more fearefull

Macb. No: nor more fearful

   Y.Sey. Thou lyest abhorred Tyrant, with my Sword
Ile proue the lye thou speak'st.

Y.Sey. You lie, hated Tyrant, with my sword
I will prove the lie you speak.

Fight, and young Seyward slaine.

Fight, and young Seyward slain.

  Macb. Thou was't borne of woman;
But Swords I smile at, Weapons laugh to scorne,
Brandish'd by man that's of a Woman borne.
Enter.

Macb. You were born of a woman;
But I smile at swords, and mock weapons,
Wielded by a man born of a woman.
Enter.

Alarums. Enter Macduffe.

Alarms. Enter Macduff.

  Macd. That way the noise is: Tyrant shew thy face,
If thou beest slaine, and with no stroake of mine,
My Wife and Childrens Ghosts will haunt me still:
I cannot strike at wretched Kernes, whose armes
Are hyr'd to beare their Staues; either thou Macbeth,
Or else my Sword with an vnbattered edge
I sheath againe vndeeded. There thou should'st be,
By this great clatter, one of greatest note
Seemes bruited. Let me finde him Fortune,
And more I begge not.

Macduff: The noise says this: Tyrant, show your face,
If you are killed, and not by my hand,
My wife's and children's ghosts will still haunt me:
I can't strike at wretched soldiers, whose arms
Are hired to carry their staffs; either you, Macbeth,
Or I'll put my undefeated sword back in its sheath. There you should be,
With all this commotion, it seems like one of great importance
Is being reported. Let me find him, Fortune,
And I ask for nothing more.

Exit. Alarums.

Exit. Alarms.

Enter Malcolme and Seyward.

Enter Malcolm and Seyward.

  Sey. This way my Lord, the Castles gently rendred:
The Tyrants people, on both sides do fight,
The Noble Thanes do brauely in the Warre,
The day almost it selfe professes yours,
And little is to do

Sey. This way, my Lord, the castles have surrendered gently:
The tyrant's people are fighting on both sides,
The noble Thanes are bravely engaged in the war,
The day nearly declares itself yours,
And there’s not much left to do.

   Malc. We haue met with Foes
That strike beside vs

Malc. We've encountered enemies
That attack from the side

Sey. Enter Sir, the Castle.

Sey. Enter, Sir, the Castle.

Exeunt. Alarum

Exit. Alarm

Enter Macbeth.

Enter Macbeth.

  Macb. Why should I play the Roman Foole, and dye
On mine owne sword? whiles I see liues, the gashes
Do better vpon them.
Enter Macduffe.

Macb. Why should I act like a fool and die
By my own sword? While I see lives, the wounds
Are better off on them.
Enter Macduff.

Macd. Turne Hell-hound, turne

Macd. Turn Hellhound, turn

   Macb. Of all men else I haue auoyded thee:
But get thee backe, my soule is too much charg'd
With blood of thine already

Macb. Of all the men, I've stayed away from you:
But step back, my soul is already too burdened
With your blood.

   Macd. I haue no words,
My voice is in my Sword, thou bloodier Villaine
Then tearmes can giue thee out.

Macd. I have no words,
My voice is in my sword, you bloodier villain
Than words can describe.

Fight: Alarum

Fight: Alarm

  Macb. Thou loosest labour
As easie may'st thou the intrenchant Ayre
With thy keene Sword impresse, as make me bleed:
Let fall thy blade on vulnerable Crests,
I beare a charmed Life, which must not yeeld
To one of woman borne

Macb. You waste your effort
It’s as easy for you to cut the unyielding air
With your sharp sword as it is to make me bleed:
Drop your blade on vulnerable heads,
I have a charmed life that cannot yield
To anyone born of a woman

   Macd. Dispaire thy Charme,
And let the Angell whom thou still hast seru'd
Tell thee, Macduffe was from his Mothers womb
Vntimely ript

Macd. Give up your spell,
And let the angel you've been serving
Tell you, Macduff was ripped
From his mother's womb

   Macb. Accursed be that tongue that tels mee so;
For it hath Cow'd my better part of man:
And be these Iugling Fiends no more beleeu'd,
That palter with vs in a double sence,
That keepe the word of promise to our eare,
And breake it to our hope. Ile not fight with thee

Macb. Cursed be the tongue that tells me this;
For it has cowed my better nature:
And may these trickster fiends no longer be believed,
Who play with us in double meanings,
Who keep their promises to our ears,
And break them to our hopes. I won't fight with you.

   Macd. Then yeeld thee Coward,
And liue to be the shew, and gaze o'th' time.
Wee'l haue thee, as our rarer Monsters are
Painted vpon a pole, and vnder-writ,
Heere may you see the Tyrant

Macd. Then surrender, Coward,
And live to be the spectacle for all to see.
We’ll have you, just like our rare monsters,
Displayed on a pole, with a caption below,
Here you can see the Tyrant

   Macb. I will not yeeld
To kisse the ground before young Malcolmes feet,
And to be baited with the Rabbles curse.
Though Byrnane wood be come to Dunsinane,
And thou oppos'd, being of no woman borne,
Yet I will try the last. Before my body,
I throw my warlike Shield: Lay on Macduffe,
And damn'd be him, that first cries hold, enough.

Macb. I won't give in
To kiss the ground before young Malcolm's feet,
And to be tormented by the crowd's curse.
Even if Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane,
And you, who were not born of a woman, oppose me,
I will still give it my all. Before my body,
I toss my battle shield: Bring it on, Macduff,
And damned be the one who first cries, "Hold, enough."

Exeunt. fighting. Alarums.

Exit. Fighting. Alarms.

Enter Fighting, and Macbeth slaine.

Enter Fight, and Macbeth slain.

Retreat, and Flourish. Enter with Drumme and Colours, Malcolm,
Seyward,
Rosse, Thanes, & Soldiers.

Retreat and Flourish. Enter with Drum and Colors, Malcolm,
Seyward,
Rosse, Thanes, & Soldiers.

Mal. I would the Friends we misse, were safe arriu'd

Mal. I wish the friends we lost had safely arrived.

   Sey. Some must go off: and yet by these I see,
So great a day as this is cheapely bought

Sey. Some have to leave: and yet I see,
A day this significant is easily earned.

Mal. Macduffe is missing, and your Noble Sonne

Mal. Macduff is missing, and your noble son.

   Rosse. Your son my Lord, ha's paid a souldiers debt,
He onely liu'd but till he was a man,
The which no sooner had his Prowesse confirm'd
In the vnshrinking station where he fought,
But like a man he dy'de

Rosse. Your son, my Lord, has settled a soldier's debt,
He only lived until he became a man,
And no sooner had his bravery confirmed
In the unwavering position where he fought,
But like a man, he died.

   Sey. Then he is dead?
  Rosse. I, and brought off the field: your cause of sorrow
Must not be measur'd by his worth, for then
It hath no end

Sey. So he’s dead?
  Rosse. Yes, and taken off the battlefield: your reason for grief
Should not be measured by his value, because if it is,
There’s no limit to it.

   Sey. Had he his hurts before?
  Rosse. I, on the Front

Sey. Did he have his injuries before?
  Rosse. Yes, on the front line.

   Sey. Why then, Gods Soldier be he:
Had I as many Sonnes, as I haue haires,
I would not wish them to a fairer death:
And so his Knell is knoll'd

Sey. Why then, he's a soldier of the gods:
If I had as many sons as I have hairs,
I wouldn’t wish them a better death:
And so his bell is tolled.

   Mal. Hee's worth more sorrow,
and that Ile spend for him

Mal. Hee's worth more sorrow,
and that I'll spend for him

   Sey. He's worth no more,
They say he parted well, and paid his score,
And so God be with him. Here comes newer comfort.
Enter Macduffe, with Macbeths head.

Sey. He’s not worth any more,
They say he left well and settled his debts,
And so God be with him. Here comes some fresh comfort.
Enter Macduff, with Macbeth's head.

  Macd. Haile King, for so thou art.
Behold where stands
Th' Vsurpers cursed head: the time is free:
I see thee compast with thy Kingdomes Pearle,
That speake my salutation in their minds:
Whose voyces I desire alowd with mine.
Haile King of Scotland

Macbeth. Hail, King, for that is what you are.
Look where the cursed head of the usurper stands: the time is right:
I see you surrounded by the jewels of your kingdom,
That silently greet you in their thoughts:
I want their voices to join mine out loud.
Hail, King of Scotland.

All. Haile King of Scotland.

All. Haile King of Scotland.

Flourish.

Thrive.

  Mal. We shall not spend a large expence of time,
Before we reckon with your seuerall loues,
And make vs euen with you. My Thanes and Kinsmen
Henceforth be Earles, the first that euer Scotland
In such an Honor nam'd: What's more to do,
Which would be planted newly with the time,
As calling home our exil'd Friends abroad,
That fled the Snares of watchfull Tyranny,
Producing forth the cruell Ministers
Of this dead Butcher, and his Fiend-like Queene;
Who (as 'tis thought) by selfe and violent hands,
Tooke off her life. This, and what need full else
That call's vpon vs, by the Grace of Grace,
We will performe in measure, time, and place:
So thankes to all at once, and to each one,
Whom we inuite, to see vs Crown'd at Scone.

Mal. We won't spend too much time,
Before we address your various loves,
And settle things with you. My Thanes and Kinsmen,
From now on, be Earls, the first ever in Scotland
To hold such an honor: What else should we do,
That needs to be done with the times,
Like bringing our exiled friends back home,
Who escaped the traps of watchful tyranny,
Bringing forth the cruel agents
Of this dead butcher and his demonic queen;
Who, as they say, took her own life
By her own violent hands. This, and anything else
That demands our attention, by the Grace of Grace,
We will carry out in due measure, time, and place:
So thanks to everyone at once, and to each one,
Whom we invite to see us crowned at Scone.

Flourish. Exeunt Omnes.

Flourish. Everyone leaves.

FINIS.


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