Act III, Scene II — The Forum.[3276]…

Act III, Scene II — The Forum.[3276]

Enter BRUTUS and CASSIUS, and a throng of Citizens.[3277]

Citizens. We will be satisfied; let us be satisfied.[3278]

Bru. Then follow me, and give me audience, friends. Cassius, go you into the other street, And part the numbers. Those that will hear me speak, let 'em stay here;[3279] 5 Those that will follow Cassius, go with him; And public reasons shall be rendered[3280] Of Cæsar's death.

First Cit. I will hear Brutus speak.

Sec. Cit. I will hear Cassius; and compare their reasons, When severally we hear them rendered.[3280][3281] 10

[Exit Cassius, with some of the Citizens. Brutus goes into the pulpit.

Third Cit. The noble Brutus is ascended: silence!

Bru. Be patient till the last. Romans, countrymen, and lovers! hear me for my cause,[3282] and be silent, that you may hear: believe me for mine honour, and have respect to mine honour, that you may believe: censure 15 me in your wisdom, and awake your senses, that you may the better judge. If there be any in this assembly, any dear friend of Cæsar's, to him I say that Brutus' love to[3283] Cæsar was no less than his. If then that friend demand why Brutus rose against Cæsar, this is my answer: not that I 20 loved Cæsar less, but that I loved Rome more. Had you rather Cæsar were living, and die all slaves, than that Cæsar were dead, to live all free-men? As Cæsar loved me, I weep[3284] for him; as he was fortunate, I rejoice at it; as he was valiant, I honour him; but as he was ambitions, I slew him. 25 There is tears for his love; joy for his fortune; honour for[3285] his valour; and death for his ambition. Who is here so base[3286][3287] that would be a bondman? If any, speak; for him have I[3286] offended. Who is here so rude that would not be a Roman?[3286] If any, speak; for him have I offended. Who is here so vile[3286] 30 that will not love his country? If any, speak; for him have[3286] I offended. I pause for a reply.[3286][3288]

All. None, Brutus, none.[3289]

Bru. Then none have I offended. I have done no more to Cæsar than you shall do to Brutus. The question of his 35 death is enrolled in the Capitol; his glory not extenuated, wherein he was worthy, nor his offences enforced, for which he suffered death.[3290]

Enter ANTONY and others, with CÆSAR'S body.

Here comes his body, mourned by Mark Antony: who, though he had no hand in his death, shall receive the[3291] 40 benefit of his dying, a place in the commonwealth; as[3291] which of you shall not? With this I depart,--that, as I slew my best lover for the good of Rome, I have the same dagger for myself, when it shall please my country to need my death.[3292] 45

All. Live, Brutus! live, live![3293][3294]

First Cit. Bring him with triumph home unto his house.

Sec. Cit. Give him a statue with his ancestors.

Third Cit. Let him be Cæsar.

Fourth Cit. Cæsar's better parts Shall be crown'd in Brutus.[3295] 50

First Cit. We'll bring him to his house with shouts and clamours.[3296]

Bru. My countrymen,--[3297]

Sec. Cit. Peace! silence! Brutus speaks.

First Cit. Peace, ho!

Bru. Good countrymen, let me depart alone, And, for my sake, stay here with Antony: 55 Do grace to Cæsar's corpse, and grace his speech Tending to Cæsar's glories, which Mark Antony[3298] By our permission is allow'd to make. I do entreat you, not a man depart, Save I alone, till Antony have spoke. [Exit. 60

First Cit. Stay, ho! and let us hear Mark Antony.[3299]

Third Cit. Let him go up into the public chair; We'll hear him. Noble Antony, go up.

Ant. For Brutus' sake, I am beholding to you.[3300]

[Goes into the pulpit.[3301]

Fourth Cit. What does he say of Brutus?[3302]

Third Cit. He says, for Brutus' sake,[3302][3303] 65 He finds himself beholding to us all.[3300]

Fourth Cit. 'Twere best he speak no harm of Brutus here.[3304]

First Cit. This Cæsar was a tyrant.

Third Cit. Nay, that's certain: We are blest that Rome is rid of him.[3305]

Sec. Cit. Peace! let us hear what Antony can say. 70

Ant. You gentle Romans,--[3294][3306]

All. Peace, ho! let us hear him.

Ant. Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears; I come to bury Cæsar, not to praise him. The evil that men do lives after them; The good is oft interred with their bones;[3307] 75 So let it be with Cæsar. The noble Brutus[3308] Hath told you Cæsar was ambitious: If it were so, it was a grievous fault, And grievously hath Cæsar answer'd it. Here, under leave of Brutus and the rest,-- 80 For Brutus is an honourable man; So are they all, all honourable men,-- Come I to speak in Cæsar's funeral. He was my friend, faithful and just to me: But Brutus says he was ambitious; 85 And Brutus is an honourable man. He hath brought many captives home to Rome, Whose ransoms did the general coffers fill: Did this in Cæsar seem ambitious? When that the poor have cried, Cæsar hath wept: 90 Ambition should be made of sterner stuff: Yet Brutus says he was ambitious; And Brutus is an honourable man. You all did see that on the Lupercal[3309] I thrice presented him a kingly crown, 95 Which he did thrice refuse: was this ambition? Yet Brutus says he was ambitious; And, sure, he is an honourable man. I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke, But here I am to speak what I do know. 100 You all did love him once, not without cause: What cause withholds you then to mourn for him? O judgement! thou art fled to brutish beasts,[3310] And men have lost their reason. Bear with me; My heart is in the coffin there with Cæsar, 105 And I must pause till it come back to me.

First Cit. Methinks there is much reason in his sayings.

Sec. Cit. If thou consider rightly of the matter, Cæsar has had great wrong.[3311]

Third Cit. Has he, masters?[3312][3313] I fear there will a worse come in his place.[3313] 110

Fourth Cit. Mark'd ye his words? He would not take the crown; Therefore 'tis certain he was not ambitious.

First Cit. If it be found so, some will dear abide it.

Sec. Cit. Poor soul! his eyes are red as fire with weeping.

Third Cit. There's not a nobler man in Rome than Antony. 115

Fourth Cit. Now mark him, he begins again to speak.[3314]

Ant. But yesterday the word of Cæsar might Have stood against the world: now lies he there, And none so poor to do him reverence. O masters, if I were disposed to stir 120 Your hearts and minds to mutiny and rage, I should do Brutus wrong and Cassius wrong, Who, you all know, are honourable men: I will not do them wrong; I rather choose To wrong the dead, to wrong myself and you, 125 Than I will wrong such honourable men. But here's a parchment with the seal of Cæsar; I found it in his closet; 'tis his will: Let but the commons hear this testament-- Which, pardon me, I do not mean to read-- 130 And they would go and kiss dead Cæsar's wounds And dip their napkins in his sacred blood, Yea, beg a hair of him for memory,[3315] And, dying, mention it within their wills, Bequeathing it as a rich legacy 135 Unto their issue.

Fourth Cit. We'll hear the will: read it, Mark Antony.

All. The will, the will! we will hear Cæsar's will.[3294]

Ant. Have patience, gentle friends, I must not read it; It is not meet you know how Cæsar loved you. 140 You are not wood, you are not stones, but men; And, being men, hearing the will of Cæsar, It will inflame you, it will make you mad:[3316] 'Tis good you know not that you are his heirs; For if you should, O, what would come of it! 145

Fourth Cit. Read the will; we'll hear it, Antony;[3317][3318] You shall read us the will, Cæsar's will.[3318][3319]

Ant. Will you be patient? will you stay awhile? I have o'ershot myself to tell you of it: I fear I wrong the honourable men 150 Whose daggers have stabb'd Cæsar; I do fear it.

Fourth Cit. They were traitors: honourable men![3320]

All. The will! the testament![3294][3320]

Sec. Cit. They were villains, murderers: the will! read[3320] the will. 155

Ant. You will compel me then to read the will?[3321] Then make a ring about the corpse of Cæsar, And let me show you him that made the will. Shall I descend? and will you give me leave?

All. Come down.[3322] 160

Sec. Cit. Descend. [He comes down from the pulpit.[3323]

Third Cit. You shall have leave.

Fourth Cit. A ring; stand round.

First Cit. Stand from the hearse, stand from the body.

Sec. Cit. Room for Antony, most noble Antony. 165

Ant. Nay, press not so upon me; stand far off.

All. Stand back. Room! Bear back.

Ant. If you have tears, prepare to shed them now. You all do know this mantle: I remember The first time ever Cæsar put it on; 170 'Twas on a summer's evening, in his tent, That day he overcame the Nervii: Look, in this place ran Cassius' dagger through:[3324] See what a rent the envious Casca made: Through this the well-beloved Brutus stabb'd; 175 And as he pluck'd his cursed steel away, Mark how the blood of Cæsar follow'd it, As rushing out of doors, to be resolved If Brutus so unkindly knock'd, or no: For Brutus, as you know, was Cæsar's angel: 180 Judge, O you gods, how dearly Cæsar loved him! This was the most unkindest cut of all;[3325] For when the noble Cæsar saw him stab, Ingratitude, more strong than traitors' arms,[3326] Quite vanquish'd him: then burst his mighty heart; 185 And, in his mantle muffling up his face, Even at the base of Pompey's statua,[3327][3328] Which all the while ran blood, great Cæsar fell.[3327] O, what a fall was there, my countrymen! Then I, and you, and all of us fell down, 190 Whilst bloody treason flourish'd over us. O, now you weep, and I perceive you feel The dint of pity: these are gracious drops. Kind souls, what weep you when you but behold[3329] Our Cæsar's vesture wounded? Look you here, 195 Here is himself, marr'd, as you see, with traitors.[3330]

First Cit. O piteous spectacle![3331]

Sec. Cit. O noble Cæsar![3331]

Third Cit. O woful day![3331]

Fourth Cit. O traitors, villains![3331] 200

First Cit. O most bloody sight![3331]

Sec. Cit. We will be revenged.[3331][3332]

All. Revenge! About! Seek! Burn! Fire! Kill! Slay![3331][3333] Let not a traitor live![3331][3333]

Ant. Stay, countrymen.[3331][3334] 205

First Cit. Peace there! hear the noble Antony.[3335]

Sec. Cit. We'll hear him, we'll follow him, we'll die with him.

Ant. Good friends, sweet friends, let me not stir you up To such a sudden flood of mutiny. 210 They that have done this deed are honourable; What private griefs they have, alas, I know not, That made them do it: they are wise and honourable,[3336] And will, no doubt, with reasons answer you.[3337] I come not, friends, to steal away your hearts: 215 I am no orator, as Brutus is; But, as you know me all, a plain blunt man, That love my friend; and that they know full well That gave me public leave to speak of him:[3338] For I have neither wit, nor words, nor worth,[3339] 220 Action, nor utterance, nor the power of speech, To stir men's blood: I only speak right on; I tell you that which you yourselves do know; Show you sweet Cæsar's wounds, poor poor dumb mouths, And bid them speak for me: but were I Brutus, 225 And Brutus Antony, there were an Antony Would ruffle up your spirits, and put a tongue In every wound of Cæsar, that should move The stones of Rome to rise and mutiny.

All. We'll mutiny.[3340] 230

First Cit. We'll burn the house of Brutus.[3340]

Third Cit. Away, then! come, seek the conspirators.

Ant. Yet hear me, countrymen; yet hear me speak.

All. Peace, ho! Hear Antony. Most noble Antony!

Ant. Why, friends, you go to do you know not what: 235 Wherein hath Cæsar thus deserved your loves? Alas, you know not; I must tell you then: You have forgot the will I told you of.

All. Most true: the will! Let's stay and hear the will.

Ant. Here is the will, and under Cæsar's seal. 240 To every Roman citizen he gives, To every several man, seventy five drachmas.

Sec. Cit. Most noble Cæsar! we'll revenge his death.

Third Cit. O royal Cæsar!

Ant. Hear me with patience. 245

All. Peace, ho!

Ant. Moreover, he hath left you all his walks, His private arbours and new-planted orchards, On this side Tiber; he hath left them you,[3341] And to your heirs for ever; common pleasures, 250 To walk abroad and recreate yourselves. Here was a Cæsar! when comes such another?

First Cit. Never, never. Come, away, away![3342] We'll burn his body in the holy place, And with the brands fire the traitors' houses.[3343] 255 Take up the body.

Sec. Cit. Go fetch fire.

Third Cit. Pluck down benches.[3344]

Fourth Cit. Pluck down forms, windows, any thing.[3344]

[Exeunt Citizens with the body.[3345]

Ant. Now let it work. Mischief, thou art afoot,[3346] 260 Take thou what course thou wilt.[3347][3348]

Enter a Servant.[3349]

How now, fellow![3348]

Serv. Sir, Octavius is already come to Rome.[3350]

Ant. Where is he?

Serv. He and Lepidus are at Cæsar's house.[3351]

Ant. And thither will I straight to visit him: 265 He comes upon a wish. Fortune is merry, And in this mood will give us any thing.

Serv. I heard him say, Brutus and Cassius[3352] Are rid like madmen through the gates of Rome.

Ant. Belike they had some notice of the people, 270 How I had moved them. Bring me to Octavius.[3353] [Exeunt.

Act III, Scene III — A street.[3354]

Enter CINNA the poet.[3355]

Cin. I dreamt to-night that I did feast with Cæsar, And things unlucky charge my fantasy:[3356] I have no will to wander forth of doors, Yet something leads me forth.

Enter Citizens.[3357]

First Cit. What is your name? 5

Sec. Cit. Whither are you going?[3358]

Third Cit. Where do you dwell?[3359]

Fourth Cit. Are you a married man or a bachelor?

Sec. Cit. Answer every man directly.

First Cit. Ay, and briefly. 10

Fourth Cit. Ay, and wisely.

Third Cit. Ay, and truly, you were best.

Cin. What is my name? Whither am I going? Where[3358] do I dwell? Am I a married man or a bachelor? Then, to answer every man directly and briefly, wisely and truly: 15 wisely I say, I am a bachelor.[3360]

Sec. Cit. That's as much as to say, they are fools that marry: you'll bear me a bang for that, I fear. Proceed;[3361] directly.[3361]

Cin. Directly, I am going to Cæsar's funeral. 20

First Cit. As a friend or an enemy?

Cin. As a friend.

Sec. Cit. That matter is answered directly.

Fourth Cit. For your dwelling, briefly.

Cin. Briefly, I dwell by the Capitol. 25

Third Cit. Your name, sir, truly.

Cin. Truly, my name is Cinna.

First Cit. Tear him to pieces; he's a conspirator.

Cin. I am Cinna the poet, I am Cinna the poet.

Fourth Cit. Tear him for his bad verses, tear him for his 30 bad verses.

Cin. I am not Cinna the conspirator.[3362]

Fourth Cit. It is no matter, his name's Cinna; pluck but[3363] his name out of his heart, and turn him going.

Third Cit. Tear him, tear him! Come, brands, ho! firebrands:[3364] 35 to Brutus', to Cassius'; burn all: some to Decius'[3364][3365] house, and some to Casca's; some to Ligarius': away, go![3364][3366]

[Exeunt.[3367]

FOOTNOTES:

[3170] ACT III. SCENE I.] Rowe. Actus Tertius. Ff.]

Rome. Before....] Capell, substantially. The Capitol. Rowe. The Street before the Capitol; and the Capitol open. Theobald. The Street leading to the Capitol. Jennens.

[3171] A crowd of people ... Popilius, Publius, and others.] Malone, after Capell. Flourish. Enter Cæsar ... Artemidorus, Popilius, and the Soothsayer. Ff (Artimedorus, Publius, F1).

and the Soothsayer.] om. Rowe (ed. 1). and the Soothsayers. Rowe (ed. 2).

[3172] schedule] F3 F4. scedule F1 F2.

[3173] nearer] near Anon. conj.

great] om. Pope.

[3174] What ... ourself] That touches us? Ourself Craik (Collier MS.).

[3175] Cæsar....] Steevens, substantially. Artemidorus is push'd back. Cæsar, and the rest, enter the Senate: The Senate rises. Popilius presses forward to speak to Cæsar; and passing Cassius, says, Capell. Omitted in Ff. Exeunt. Scene II. The Capitol.... Jennens.

[3176] [Aside to Cas. Jennens.

[3177] [Advances to Cæsar.] Leaves him, and joins Cæsar. Capell. om. Ff. Follows Cæsar. Jennens.

[3178] What ... hand.] Marked as 'Aside' by Capell.

[3179] him] him well Steevens conj.

[3180] Casca ... prevention.] As in Dyce, ed. 2 (S. Walker conj.). One line in Ff.

[3181] done? If ... known,] Ff. done, if ... known? Theobald.

[3182] or] on Malone conj.

[3183] [Cæsar being arrived at his seat, Popilius whispers him and smiles. Jennens.

[3184] Lena] om. Anon. conj.

purposes] purpose Theobald.

[3185] [Exeunt Antony....] Exeunt Antony and Trebonius, conversing. Cæsar takes his Seat; the Senate theirs: and Metellus advances towards Cæsar. Capell. om. Ff.

[3186] rears your] rear your Capell. rears his Tyrwhitt conj.

[3187] Are ... ready?] Given to Cinna, Ritson conj.; to Casca, by Dyce (Collier MS.).

we] you Hanmer (ed. 2).

[3188] heart:--] Capell. heart. Ff.

[Kneeling.] Rowe. om. Ff. Prostrating himself. Capell.

[3189] couchings] crouchings Hanmer.

courtesies] F1 F2. curtesies F3. Curtsies F4.

[3190] fire] stir Warburton.

[3191] first] fix'd Craik conj.

[3192] law] Malone (Johnson conj.). lane Ff. line Steevens conj. play Mason conj. bane Becket conj. vane Bailey conj.

[3193] Low-crooked] Low, crooked Becket conj. low-crouched Craik (Collier MS.).

spaniel-fawning] Hyphen inserted by Johnson.

[3194] wrong, nor] wrong, but with just cause; Nor Tyrwhitt conj. (from Ben Jonson's quotation in his 'Sylva'). See note (IV).

[3195] low] love F2.

[3196] Of whose ... he,] Put in the margin by Pope.

[3197] true-fix'd] true-fixt Capell. true fixt Ff. true, fixt Rowe.

[3198] rank] race Johnson conj.

[3199] motion] notion Upton conj.

[3200] Cin.] Cim. Rowe.

[3201] Cæsar,--] Cæsar-- Rowe. Cæsar. Ff.

[3202] Doth ... kneel?] Doth ... kneele? F1. Do ... kneel? F2 F3 F4 (kneele F2). Do ... kneel. Rowe.

[3203] Speak, hands] Capell. Speak hands Ff.

[Casca....] Edd. (Globe ed.). They stab Cæsar. Ff. stabbing him in the Neck. Cæsar rises, catches at the Dagger, and struggles with him: defends himself, for a time, against him, and against the other Conspirators; but, stab'd by Brutus, Capell (from Plutarch).

[3204] [Dies.] Dyes. F1. om. F2 F3 F4. he submits; muffles up his Face in his Mantle; falls, and dies. Senate in Confusion. Capell.

[3205] friend] friends Pope (ed. 2).

[3206] [Exeunt all but Conspirators. Capell.

[3207] Re-enter....] Capell. Enter.... Ff.

[3208] SCENE II. Pope.

Where is] Where's Pope.

[3209] will] well Staunton conj.

[3210] Cas.] Pope. Cask. Ff.

[3211] Stoop ... liberty!] Given to Casca by Pope.

[3212] [Dipping their swords in Cæsar's blood. Rowe.

[3213] over] o'er Pope.

[3214] states] state F1.

[3215] Bru.] Casc. Pope.

[3216] lies] F3 F4. lyes F2. lye F1.

[3217] Cas.] Bru. Pope.

So oft] om. Seymour conj.

shall be] om. Steevens conj.

[3218] their] our Steevens (1793).

[3219] What] What, what Rowe.

Ay, every man away:] Ay, every man: Away! Capell conj.

[3220] boldest and best] bold, and the best Rowe.

[3221] Enter....] Ff. Transferred by Dyce to follow here? line 123.

[3222] A friend of Antony's.] Given to the Servant by Pope.

[3223] [Kneeling. Rowe.

[3224] bade] Johnson. bad Ff.

[3225] bold, royal] royal, bold Pope.

[3226] my master] Mark Seymour conj.

[3227] I ... worse] om. Seymour conj.

[3228] [Exit.] Exit Servant. Ff.

[3229] have I] I have Pope (ed. 2).

[3230] Re-enter....] Capell. Enter.... Ff. Transferred by Dyce to follow comes Antony, line 148.

[3231] SCENE III. Pope.

But ... Mark Antony.] As in Pope. Two lines in Ff.

[3232] [Kneeling over the body. Collier (Collier MS.).

[3233] death's hour] death hour Collier (one volume ed.).

[3234] you] ye Theobald (ed. 2).

[3235] mean] means Pope.

[3236] Cæsar. For ... Antony] Cæsar; but for you, Mark Antony, our swords have leaden points Seymour conj.

[3237] in strength of malice,] exempt from malice, Pope. no strength of malice; Capell. reproof of malice, Seymour conj. instrain'd of malice, Becket conj. in strength of welcome, Craik (Collier MS.). in strength of amity, Singer conj. unstring their malice, Badham conj. unfraught of malice, Anon. conj. forspent of malice, Anon. conj.

[3238] in] in them Keightley.

[3239] struck] Steevens (1778). strooke F1 F2. strook F3 F4.

[3240] Have thus proceeded] Proceeded thus Pope.

wisdom] F3 F4. Wisedome F1 F2. wisdoms Anon. conj.

[3241] [Taking them one after other. Collier (Collier MS.).

[3242] all,--] Rowe. all: F1 F2 F3. all, F4.

[3243] [Turning to the body, and bending over it. Collier (Collier MS.).

[3244] foes, ... corse?] Pointed as in Rowe. foes?... coarse, Ff.

[3245] hart] F1. heart F2 F3 F4.

[3246] lethe] Lethe F2 F3. Lethe (in italics) F4. Lethee F1. death Pope.

[3247] O world ... lie!] Put in the margin by Pope.

[3248] heart] Theobald. hart Ff.

[3249] strucken] Steevens (1778). stroken F1. stricken F2 F3 F4. strooken Capell.

[3250] Antony,--] Antony-- Rowe. Antony. Ff.

Caius Cassius] om. Seymour conj., reading Dost ... me as one line.

[3251] were this] this were Pope (ed. 2).

[3252] you, Antony,] Theobald. you Antony, F1 F2. you Antony F3 F4.

[3253] with you] om. Steevens conj.

[3254] [Aside to Bru.] Aside. Rowe. om. Ff.

[3255] pardon:] Ff. pardon, Rowe.

[3256] true] due Pope.

[3257] fall ... not] follow: I not like it Seymour conj.

[3258] you] your Pope.

[3259] Else shall you not] You shall not else Pope.

[3260] [Exeunt ...] Capell. Exeunt. Manet Antony. Ff.

[3261] SCENE IV. Pope. bleeding piece of] piece of bleeding Variorum (1803, 1813, 1821).

[3262] hand] hands Grant White (Becket conj.). land Becket conj.

[3263] the limbs] F3 F4. the limbes F1 F2. the kind Hanmer. the line Warburton. the lives or these lymmes Johnson conj. these imps Jackson conj. the loins Craik (Collier MS.). the tombs Staunton conj. the sons Grant White conj. the minds Dyce, ed. 2 (Jervis conj.). the times S. Walker conj.

[3264] quarter'd] Pope. quartered Ff.

with] by Pope.

[3265] Havoc] Ha! vous Anon. conj. ap. Gent. Mag. Vol. LX. p. 307.

[3266] With] Of Long MS.

Enter a Servant.] Enter Octavio's Servant Ff.

[3267] for him] to him Capell.

to Rome] F1 F3 F4. Rome F2.

[3268] [Seeing the body.] Rowe. om. Ff.

[3269] catching, for] F2 F3 F4. catching from F1.

[3270] beads] beds Pope.

[3271] Began] Begin Hanmer.

[3272] Post ... chanced:] One line in Rowe. Two in Ff.

[3273] Rome] room Upton conj.

[3274] corse] Pope. course F1 F2. coarse F3 F4.

[3275] [Exeunt ... body.] Rowe. Exeunt. Ff.

[3276] SCENE II.] Rowe. SCENE V. Pope. SCENE III. Jennens.

The Forum.] Rowe.

[3277] Enter ... Citizens.] Malone (after Capell). Enter Brutus and goes into the Pulpit, and Cassius, with the Plebeians. Ff.

[3278] Citizens.] Capell. Ple. Ff (and throughout the scene).

[3279] me speak] my speak Rowe (ed. 2).

'em] them Capell.

[3280] rendered] Pope. rendred Ff.

[3281] [Exit ... pulpit.] Edd. (Globe ed.). Exit ... rostrum. Capell. Exeunt Cassius, with some of the Plebeians. Rowe. Exit ... Plebeians. Theobald. Omitted in Ff.

[3282] lovers] friends Pope.

[3283] to him] F1. to them F2 F3 F4.

Brutus'] Capell. Brutus Ff. Brutus's Pope.

[3284] free-men] Ff. free men Johnson.

[3285] There is] There are Pope.

[3286] Who ... offended.] As six lines of verse in Johnson.

[3287] Who is] Who's Pope.

[3288] reply.] Ff. reply-- Rowe.

[3289] All.] Ff. Cit. Capell. Cit. [several speaking at once. Malone.

[3290] Enter Antony and others, ... body.] Malone. Enter Antony, and certain of his House, bearing Cæsar's body. Capell. Enter Mark Antony, with Cæsars body. Ff.

[3291] the benefit ... commonwealth] place in the commonwealth, and the benefit of his dying Seymour conj.

[3292] [comes down. Capell.

[3293] live, live!] live! Pope.

[3294] All.] Ff. Cit. Capell.

[3295] Shall] Shall now Pope. Shall all or Shall well Staunton conj. om. Anon. conj.

Shall ... Brutus.] Mitford would add Live! live! Brutus, live!

crown'd] Ff. crowned Steevens.

[3296] We'll ... clamours.] One line in Capell. Two, the first ending house, in Ff.

[3297] countrymen,--] countrymen-- F4. country-men. F1 F2 F3.

[3298] glories] glory Dyce, ed. 2 (S. Walker conj.).

[3299] SCENE VI. Pope.

[3300] beholding] F1 F2 F3. beholden F4.

[3301] [Goes ... pulpit.] Edd. Goes up. Capell. om. Ff.

[3302] Brutus'] Pope. Brutus F1 F2 F3. Brutus's F4.

[3303] He says] om. Steevens conj.

[3304] he] F1. om. F2 F3 F4.

[3305] blest] F1. glad F2 F3 F4. most blest Capell.

[3306] Romans,--] Romans-- F4. Romans. F1 F2 F3.

[3307] their bones] the bones F4.

[3308] The noble] Noble Pope.

[3309] on] at Pope.

[3310] art] F2 F3 F4. are F1.

[3311] Sec. Cit.] 2. F1. Omitted in F2 F3 F4.

[3312] See note (IV).

Has he] Ha! has he Anon. conj.

masters] my masters Capell. not, masters Craik.

[3313] Has ... place.] Divided as in Capell. One line in Ff. Prose in Pope (ed. 2).

[3314] again] om. Theobald (ed. 2).

[3315] Yea] Nay Capell.

[3316] It will] I will Capell.

[3317] Fourth Cit.] 4. Ff. All. Anon. conj.

Read] Read us Anon. conj.

[3318] Read ... will.] As in Ff. Prose in Craik.

we'll] we will Theobald.

[3319] Cæsar's] r_ead Cæsar's_ Keightley (Capell conj.).

[3320] They ... murderers:] As two lines of verse, Capell MS.

[3321] will?] Pope. will: F1. will; F2 F3 F4.

[3322] All] Ff. First Cit. Edd. conj.

[3323] He ... pulpit.] Rowe. om. Ff.

[3324] Cassius'] Pope. Cassius F1 F2 F3. Cassius's F4.

[3325] This was the most] This, this, was the Pope.

[3326] traitors'] Warburton. traitors Ff.

[3327] Even ... statua, Which ... fell.] These lines are transposed by Warburton.

statua, Which ... blood] statue, which All ... with blood Hanmer.

[3328] statua] Steevens, 1793 (Malone conj.). statue Ff. statuë Keightley.

[3329] what weep] Ff. what, weep Pope.

[3330] with] by Pope.

[3331] O piteous ... countrymen] Marked as five lines of verse in Capell MS.

[3332] We will] We'll Capell.

[3333] All. Revenge!... live!] See note (V).

[3334] [They are rushing out. Collier (Collier MS.).

[3335] Peace] Peace, peace Capell conj.

[3336] do it: they are] do't: they're S. Walker conj.

[3337] reasons] reason Warburton.

[3338] gave] F1. give F2 F3 F4.

[3339] wit] F2 F3 F4. writ F1.

[3340] All ... First Cit.] All ... 1. Ff. First Cit.... Sec. Cit. Edd. conj.

[3341] this] that Theobald.

[3342] Come, away, away!] Come, come, away: Capell. Come, away, away, away! Keightley. Come, come, away, away! Anon. conj.

[3343] brands] brands' ends Anon. conj.

fire the] F1. fire all the F2 F3 F4. then fire the Seymour conj.

[3344] benches ... windows] the benches ... the windows Capell, reading Take ... thing as two lines, the first ending down.

[3345] [Exeunt ...] Exeunt Plebeians with the Body. Rowe. Exit Plebeians. F1. Exeunt Plebeians. F2 F3 F4.

[3346] Ant.] om. Theobald (ed. 2). afoot,] afoot; Hanmer.

[3347] Take ... fellow!] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

Take thou] Take now Craik conj. Take then Anon. conj.

[3348] Take ... Sir,] Marked as one line in Capell MS.

[3349] a Servant.] Rowe (ed. 2). Servant. Ff.

[3350] Sir,] om. Pope. As a separate line, Anon. conj.

[3351] He] He, sir, Capell conj. Sir, he or Both he Anon. conj.

Lepidus] Lord Lepidus S. Walker conj.

[3352] him] them Capell.

[3353] Octavius] Octavus F1.

[3354] SCENE III.] Capell. Rowe continues the scene. SCENE VII. Pope. SCENE IV. Jennens.

A street.] Capell.

[3355] Enter Cinna the Poet.] Capell. Enter Cinna the Poet, and after him the Plebeians. Ff.

[3356] unlucky] Warburton. unluckily Ff. unlikely Collier (Collier MS.).

[3357] Enter Citizens.] Capell. om. Ff.

[3358] Whither] F3 F4. Whether F1 F2.

[3359] dwell] live Capell.

[3360] wisely I] wisely, I Craik.

[3361] Proceed; directly] Proceed. Directly. Johnson. Proceede directly. F1 F2. Proceed directly. F3 F4.

[3362] Cin. I am ... conspirator.] Omitted in Reed (1803, 1813, 1821).

[3363] but] out Johnson.

[3364] Tear ... go!] Prose in Ff. Three lines of verse by Rowe, ending firebrands: ... house ... go. Capell prints Tear ... firebrands only as verse.

[3365] Brutus'] Capell. Brutus Ff.

Cassius'] Capell. Cassius Ff.

Decius'] Capell. Decius F1 F2 F3. Decius's F4. Decimus's Hanmer.

[3366] house] F1. houses F2 F3 F4.

Ligarius'] Capell. Ligarius Ff.

[3367] [Exeunt.] Exeunt all the Plebeians. Ff. Exeunt, forcing out Cinna. Collier (ed. 2).

Act IV, Scene I — A house in Rome.[3368]

ANTONY, OCTAVIUS, and LEPIDUS, seated at a table.[3369]

Ant. These many then shall die; their names are prick'd.[3370]

Oct. Your brother too must die; consent you, Lepidus?

Lep. I do consent--[3371]

Oct. Prick him down, Antony.

Lep. Upon condition Publius shall not live,[3372] Who is your sister's son, Mark Antony.[3373] 5

Ant. He shall not live; look, with a spot I damn him.[3374] But, Lepidus, go you to Cæsar's house; Fetch the will hither, and we shall determine[3375] How to cut off some charge in legacies.

Lep. What, shall I find you here? 10

Oct. Or here, or at the Capitol. [Exit Lepidus.

Ant. This is a slight unmeritable man, Meet to be sent on errands: is it fit, The three-fold world divided, he should stand One of the three to share it?

Oct. So you thought him, 15 And took his voice who should be prick'd to die In our black sentence and proscription.

Ant. Octavius, I have seen more days than you: And though we lay these honours on this man, To ease ourselves of divers slanderous loads, 20 He shall but bear them as the ass bears gold, To groan and sweat under the business, Either led or driven, as we point the way;[3376] And having brought our treasure where we will, Then take we down his load and turn him off, 25 Like to the empty ass, to shake his ears And graze in commons.[3377]

Oct. You may do your will: But he's a tried and valiant soldier.

Ant. So is my horse, Octavius, and for that I do appoint him store of provender: 30 It is a creature that I teach to fight, To wind, to stop, to run directly on, His corporal motion govern'd by my spirit.[3378] And, in some taste, is Lepidus but so; He must be taught, and train'd, and bid go forth; 35 A barren-spirited fellow; one that feeds[3379] On abjects, orts and imitations,[3380] Which, out of use and staled by other men,[3381] Begin his fashion: do not talk of him But as a property. And now, Octavius, 40 Listen great things: Brutus and Cassius Are levying powers: we must straight make head: Therefore let our alliance be combined, Our best friends made, our means stretch'd;[3382] And let us presently go sit in council, 45 How covert matters may be best disclosed, And open perils surest answered.

Oct. Let us do so: for we are at the stake, And bay'd about with many enemies;[3383] And some that smile have in their hearts, I fear, 50 Millions of mischiefs.[3384] [Exeunt.

Act IV, Scene II — Camp near Sardis. Before Brutus's tent.[3385]

Drum. Enter BRUTUS, LUCILIUS, LUCIUS, and Soldiers; TITINIUS and PINDARUS meet them.[3386]

Bru. Stand, ho![3387]

Lucil. Give the word, ho! and stand.[3388]

Bru. What now, Lucilius! is Cassius near?[3388]

Lucil. He is at hand; and Pindarus is come To do you salutation from his master.[3389] 5

Bru. He greets me well. Your master, Pindarus, In his own change, or by ill officers,[3390] Hath given me some worthy cause to wish Things done undone: but if he be at hand, I shall be satisfied.

Pin. I do not doubt 10 But that my noble master will appear Such as he is, full of regard and honour.

Bru. He is not doubted. A word, Lucilius,[3391][3392][3393] How he received you: let me be resolved.[3392][3393]

Lucil. With courtesy and with respect enough;[3392] 15 But not with such familiar instances,[3392] Nor with such free and friendly conference,[3392] As he hath used of old.[3392]

Bru. Thou hast described[3392] A hot friend cooling: ever note, Lucilius,[3392] When love begins to sicken and decay,[3392] 20 It useth an enforced ceremony.[3392] There are no tricks in plain and simple faith:[3392] But hollow men, like horses hot at hand,[3392] Make gallant show and promise of their mettle,[3392] But when they should endure the bloody spur,[3392] 25 They fall their crests and like deceitful jades[3392][3394] Sink in the trial. Comes his army on?[3392][3395]

Lucil. They mean this night in Sardis to be quarter'd;[3392] The greater part, the horse in general,[3392] Are come with Cassius.[3392] [Low march within.

Bru. Hark! he is arrived:[3392][3396] 30 March gently on to meet him.[3397]

Enter CASSIUS and his powers.[3398]

Cas. Stand, ho![3399]

Bru. Stand, ho! Speak the word along.[3400]

First Sol. Stand![3401]

Sec. Sol. Stand![3402] 35

Third Sol. Stand![3403]

Cas. Most noble brother, you have done me wrong.

Bru. Judge me, you gods! wrong I mine enemies? And, if not so, how should I wrong a brother?[3404]

Cas. Brutus this sober form of yours hides wrongs; 40 And when you do them--

Bru. Cassius, be content; Speak your griefs softly: I do know you well. Before the eyes of both our armies here, Which should perceive nothing but love from us, Let us not wrangle: bid them move away; 45 Then in my tent, Cassius, enlarge your griefs, And I will give you audience.

Cas. Pindarus, Bid our commanders lead their charges off A little from this ground.[3405]

Bru. Lucilius, do you the like, and let no man[3405][3406] 50 Come to our tent till we have done our conference.[3405] Let Lucius and Titinius guard our door.[3407] [Exeunt.

Act IV, Scene III — Brutus's tent.[3408]

Enter BRUTUS and CASSIUS.[3409]

Cas. That you have wrong'd me doth appear in this: You have condemn'd and noted Lucius Pella For taking bribes here of the Sardians; Wherein my letters, praying on his side,[3410][3411] Because I knew the man, were slighted off.[3411][3412] 5

Bru. You wrong'd yourself to write in such a case.[3413]

Cas. In such a time as this it is not meet That every nice offence should bear his comment.[3414]

Bru. Let me tell you, Cassius, you yourself[3415] Are much condemn'd to have an itching palm, 10 To sell and mart your offices for gold To undeservers.

Cas. I an itching palm![3416] You know that you are Brutus that speaks this,[3417] Or, by the gods, this speech were else your last.

Bru. The name of Cassius honours this corruption, 15 And chastisement doth therefore hide his head.[3418]

Cas. Chastisement!

Bru. Remember March, the ides of March remember: Did not great Julius bleed for justice' sake?[3419] What villain touch'd his body, that did stab, 20 And not for justice? What, shall one of us, That struck the foremost man of all this world But for supporting robbers, shall we now Contaminate our fingers with base bribes, And sell the mighty space of our large honours 25 For so much trash as may be grasped thus? I had rather be a dog, and bay the moon,[3420] Than such a Roman.[3421]

Cas. Brutus, bait not me; I'll not endure it: you forget yourself, To hedge me in; I am a soldier, I,[3422] 30 Older in practice, abler than yourself To make conditions.[3423]

Bru. Go to; you are not, Cassius.

Cas. I am.

Bru. I say you are not.[3424]

Cas. Urge me no more, I shall forget myself; 35 Have mind upon your health, tempt me no farther.[3425]

Bru. Away, slight man!

Cas. Is't possible?

Bru. Hear me, for I will speak. Must I give way and room to your rash choler? Shall I be frighted when a madman stares? 40

Cas. O ye gods, ye gods! must I endure all this?[3426]

Bru. All this! ay, more: fret till your proud heart break; Go show your slaves how choleric you are, And make your bondmen tremble. Must I budge?[3427] Must I observe you? must I stand and crouch 45 Under your testy humour? By the gods, You shall digest the venom of your spleen, Though it do split you; for, from this day forth,[3428] I'll use you for my mirth, yea, for my laughter, When you are waspish.

Cas. Is it come to this? 50

Bru. You say you are a better soldier: Let it appear so; make your vaunting true, And it shall please me well: for mine own part, I shall be glad to learn of noble men.[3429]

Cas. You wrong me every way; you wrong me, Brutus;[3430] 55 I said, an elder soldier, not a better:[3431] Did I say, better?[3432]

Bru. If you did, I care not.

Cas. When Cæsar lived, he durst not thus have moved me.

Bru. Peace, peace! you durst not so have tempted him.

Cas. I durst not! 60

Bru. No.

Cas. What, durst not tempt him!

Bru. For your life you durst not.

Cas. Do not presume too much upon my love; I may do that I shall be sorry for.

Bru. You have done that you should be sorry for. 65 There is no terror, Cassius, in your threats; For I am arm'd so strong in honesty That they pass by me as the idle wind Which I respect not. I did send to you For certain sums of gold, which you denied me: 70 For I can raise no money by vile means: By heaven, I had rather coin my heart, And drop my blood for drachmas, than to wring From the hard hands of peasants their vile trash By any indirection. I did send[3433] 75 To you for gold to pay my legions, Which you denied me: was that done like Cassius? Should I have answer'd Caius Cassius so? When Marcus Brutus grows so covetous, To lock such rascal counters from his friends, 80 Be ready, gods, with all your thunderbolts,[3434] Dash him to pieces![3434]

Cas. I denied you not.

Bru. You did.

Cas. I did not: he was but a fool That brought my answer back. Brutus hath rived my heart:[3435] A friend should bear his friend's infirmities,[3436] 85 But Brutus makes mine greater than they are.

Bru. I do not, till you practise them on me.[3437]

Cas. You love me not.

Bru. I do not like your faults.

Cas. A friendly eye could never see such faults.

Bru. A flatterer's would not, though they do appear[3438] 90 As huge as high Olympus.

Cas. Come, Antony, and young Octavius, come, Revenge yourselves alone on Cassius, For Cassius is a-weary of the world; Hated by one he loves; braved by his brother; 95 Check'd like a bondman; all his faults observed, Set in a note-book, learn'd and conn'd by rote, To cast into my teeth. O, I could weep[3439] My spirit from mine eyes! There is my dagger, And here my naked breast; within, a heart 100 Dearer than Plutus' mine, richer than gold:[3440] If that thou be'st a Roman, take it forth;[3441] I, that denied thee gold, will give my heart: Strike, as thou didst at Cæsar; for I know, When thou didst hate him worst, thou lovedst him better 105 Than ever thou lovedst Cassius.

Bru. Sheath your dagger: Be angry when you will, it shall have scope; Do what you will, dishonour shall be humour.[3442] O Cassius, you are yoked with a lamb,[3443] That carries anger as the flint bears fire, 110 Who, much enforced, shows a hasty spark[3444] And straight is cold again.

Cas. Hath Cassius lived To be but mirth and laughter to his Brutus, When grief and blood ill-temper'd vexeth him?[3445]

Bru. When I spoke that, I was ill-temper'd too. 115

Cas. Do you confess so much? Give me your hand.

Bru. And my heart too.[3446]

Cas. O Brutus!

Bru. What's the matter?

Cas. Have not you love enough to bear with me,[3447] When that rash humour which my mother gave me Makes me forgetful?

Bru. Yes, Cassius, and from henceforth,[3448] 120 When you are over-earnest with your Brutus, He'll think your mother chides, and leave you so.

Poet. [Within] Let me go in to see the generals; There is some grudge between 'em; 'tis not meet[3449][3450] They be alone.[3450][3451]

Lucil. [Within] You shall not come to them.[3450][3452] 125

Poet. [Within] Nothing but death shall stay me.[3450][3453]

Enter Poet, followed by LUCILIUS, TITINIUS, and LUCIUS.[3454]

Cas. How now! what's the matter?[3450]

Poet. For shame, you generals! what do you mean?[3450] Love, and be friends, as two such men should be;[3450] For I have seen more years, I'm sure, than ye.[3450] 130

Cas. Ha, ha! how vilely doth this cynic rhyme![3450][3455]

Bru. Get you hence, sirrah; saucy fellow, hence![3450]

Cas. Bear with him, Brutus; 'tis his fashion.[3450]

Bru. I'll know his humour when he knows his time:[3450] What should the wars do with these jigging fools?[3450][3456] 135 Companion, hence![3450]

Cas. Away, away, be gone! [Exit Poet.

Bru. Lucilius and Titinius, bid the commanders[3457] Prepare to lodge their companies to-night.

Cas. And come yourselves, and bring Messala with you Immediately to us. [Exeunt Lucilius and Titinius.

Bru. Lucius, a bowl of wine! [Exit Lucius.[3458] 140

Cas. I did not think you could have been so angry.

Bru. O Cassius, I am sick of many griefs.

Cas. Of your philosophy you make no use, If you give place to accidental evils.

Bru. No man bears sorrow better: Portia is dead.[3459] 145

Cas. Ha! Portia![3460]

Bru. She is dead.

Cas. How 'scaped I killing when I cross'd you so? O insupportable and touching loss! Upon what sickness?

Bru. Impatient of my absence,[3461] 150 And grief that young Octavius with Mark Antony Have made themselves so strong: for with her death That tidings came: with this she fell distract, And, her attendants absent, swallow'd fire.

Cas. And died so?

Bru. Even so.

Cas. O ye immortal gods![3462] 155

Re-enter LUCIUS, with wine and taper.[3463]

Bru. Speak no more of her. Give me a bowl of wine. In this I bury all unkindness, Cassius. [Drinks.

Cas. My heart is thirsty for that noble pledge. Fill, Lucius, till the wine o'erswell the cup; I cannot drink too much of Brutus' love. [Drinks. [3464] 160

Bru. Come in, Titinius! [Exit Lucius.[3465]

Re-enter TITINIUS, with MESSALA.

Welcome, good Messala. Now sit we close about this taper here, And call in question our necessities.

Cas. Portia, art thou gone?

Bru. No more, I pray you.[3466] Messala, I have here received letters,[3467] 165 That young Octavius and Mark Antony Come down upon us with a mighty power, Bending their expedition toward Philippi.[3468]

Mes. Myself have letters of the selfsame tenour.[3469]

Bru. With what addition?[3470] 170

Mes. That by proscription and bills of outlawry[3471] Octavius, Antony and Lepidus, Have put to death an hundred senators.[3472]

Bru. Therein our letters do not well agree; Mine speak of seventy senators that died 175 By their proscriptions, Cicero being one.

Cas. Cicero one![3473][3474]

Mes. Cicero is dead,[3474] And by that order of proscription.[3475] Had you your letters from your wife, my lord?

Bru. No, Messala. 180

Mes. Nor nothing in your letters writ of her?

Bru. Nothing, Messala.

Mes. That, methinks, is strange.

Bru. Why ask you? hear you aught of her in yours?[3476]

Mes. No, my lord.

Bru. Now, as you are a Roman, tell me true. 185

Mes. Then like a Roman bear the truth I tell: For certain she is dead, and by strange manner.

Bru. Why, farewell, Portia. We must die, Messala: With meditating that she must die once I have the patience to endure it now. 190

Mes. Even so great men great losses should endure.

Cas. I have as much of this in art as you, But yet my nature could not bear it so.

Bru. Well, to our work alive. What do you think Of marching to Philippi presently?[3477] 195

Cas. I do not think it good.

Bru. Your reason?

Cas. This it is:[3478] 'Tis better that the enemy seek us: So shall he waste his means, weary his soldiers, Doing himself offence; whilst we lying still Are full of rest, defence and nimbleness. 200

Bru. Good reasons must of force give place to better. The people 'twixt Philippi and this ground Do stand but in a forced affection, For they have grudged us contribution: The enemy, marching along by them, 205 By them shall make a fuller number up, Come on refresh'd, new-added and encouraged;[3479] From which advantage shall we cut him off[3480] If at Philippi we do face him there,[3481] These people at our back.

Cas. Hear me, good brother.[3482] 210

Bru. Under your pardon. You must note beside That we have tried the utmost of our friends, Our legions are brim-full, our cause is ripe: The enemy increaseth every day; We, at the height, are ready to decline. 215 There is a tide in the affairs of men Which taken at the flood leads on to fortune; Omitted, all the voyage of their life Is bound in shallows and in miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloat, 220 And we must take the current when it serves, Or lose our ventures.

Cas. Then, with your will, go on;[3483][3484] We'll along ourselves and meet them at Philippi.[3483][3485]

Bru. The deep of night is crept upon our talk, And nature must obey necessity; 225 Which we will niggard with a little rest. There is no more to say?[3486]

Cas. No more. Good night: Early to-morrow will we rise and hence.

Bru. Lucius! [Re-enter Lucius.] My gown. [Exit Lucius.] Farewell, good Messala:[3487] Good night, Titinius: noble, noble Cassius, 230 Good night, and good repose.

Cas. O my dear brother! This was an ill beginning of the night: Never come such division 'tween our souls![3488] Let it not, Brutus.

Bru. Every thing is well.

Cas. Good night, my lord.

Bru. Good night, good brother.[3489] 235

Tit. Mes. Good night, Lord Brutus.

Bru. Farewell, every one.

[Exeunt all but Brutus.[3490]

Re-enter LUCIUS, with the gown.

Give me the gown. Where is thy instrument?

Luc. Here in the tent.

Bru. What, thou speak'st drowsily? Poor knave, I blame thee not; thou art o'er-watch'd.[3491] Call Claudius and some other of my men;[3492] 240 I'll have them sleep on cushions in my tent.

Luc. Varro and Claudius![3492][3493][3494]

Enter VARRO and CLAUDIUS.

Var. Calls my lord?[3495]

Bru. I pray you, sirs, lie in my tent and sleep; It may be I shall raise you by and by 245 On business to my brother Cassius.

Var. So please you, we will stand and watch your pleasure.[3496]

Bru. I will not have it so: lie down, good sirs; It may be I shall otherwise bethink me. Look, Lucius, here's the book I sought for so; 250 I put it in the pocket of my gown. [Var. and Clau. lie down.[3497]

Luc. I was sure your lordship did not give it me.

Bru. Bear with me, good boy, I am much forgetful. Canst thou hold up thy heavy eyes awhile,[3498] And touch thy instrument a strain or two?[3498][3499] 255

Luc. Ay, my lord, an't please you.[3500]

Bru. It does, my boy:[3501] I trouble thee too much, but thou art willing.[3501]

Luc. It is my duty, sir.[3501][3502]

Bru. I should not urge thy duty past thy might; I know young bloods look for a time of rest. 260

Luc. I have slept, my lord, already.

Bru. It was well done; and thou shalt sleep again; I will not hold thee long: if I do live, I will be good to thee. [Music, and a song.[3503] This is a sleepy tune. O murderous slumber,[3504] 265 Lay'st thou thy leaden mace upon my boy,[3505] That plays thee music? Gentle knave, good night; I will not do thee so much wrong to wake thee: If thou dost nod, thou break'st thy instrument; I'll take it from thee; and, good boy, good night.[3506] 270 Let me see, let me see; is not the leaf turn'd down[3507] Where I left reading? Here it is, I think. [Sits down.[3508]

Enter the Ghost of CÆSAR.[3509]

How ill this taper burns! Ha! who comes here? I think it is the weakness of mine eyes That shapes this monstrous apparition. 275 It comes upon me. Art thou any thing? Art thou some god, some angel, or some devil, That makest my blood cold, and my hair to stare?[3510] Speak to me what thou art.

Ghost. Thy evil spirit, Brutus.

Bru. Why comest thou?[3511] 280

Ghost. To tell thee thou shalt see me at Philippi.

Bru. Well; then I shall see thee again?[3512]

Ghost. Ay, at Philippi.

Bru. Why, I will see thee at Philippi then. [Exit Ghost.[3513] Now I have taken heart thou vanishest.[3514] 285 Ill spirit, I would hold more talk with thee.[3514] Boy, Lucius! Varro! Claudius! Sirs, awake![3492][3493] Claudius![3492]

Luc. The strings, my lord, are false.

Bru. He thinks he still is at his instrument.[3515] 290 Lucius, awake!

Luc. My lord?[3516]

Bru. Didst thou dream, Lucius, that thou so criedst out?[3517]

Luc. My lord. I do not know that I did cry.

Bru. Yes, that thou didst: didst thou see any thing? 295

Luc. Nothing, my lord.

Bru. Sleep again, Lucius. Sirrah Claudius![3492][3518]

[To Var.] Fellow thou, awake![3519]

Var. My lord?

Clau. My lord? 300

Bru. Why did you so cry out, sirs, in your sleep?

Var. Clau. Did we, my lord?[3520]

Bru. Ay: saw you any thing?

Var. No, my lord, I saw nothing.

Clau. Nor I, my lord.

Bru. Go and commend me to my brother Cassius; Bid him set on his powers betimes before, 305 And we will follow.

Var. Clau. It shall be done, my lord.[3520] [Exeunt.

FOOTNOTES:

[3368] ACT IV. SCENE I.] Rowe. Actus Quartus. Ff.

A house in Rome.] See note (VI).

[3369] Antony ... table.] Malone. Enter Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus. Ff.

[3370] These many] These, marry Grey conj.

[3371] consent--] Knight. consent: Capell. consent. Ff.

[3372] Publius] Lucius Upton conj.

[3373] Who is your] You are his Upton conj.

[3374] damn] F4. dam F1 F2 F3.

[3375] shall] will Steevens (1793).

[3376] Either] Ff. Or Pope.

point] F1. print F2 F3 F4.

[3377] in commons] in common Hanmer. on commons Collier MS.

[3378] motion govern'd] Pope. motion, govern'd Ff.

[3379] barren-spirited] Hyphened by Pope.

[3380] abjects, orts] Staunton. abject orts Theobald. Objects, Arts Ff. abject arts Becket conj.

imitations,] Rowe (ed. 2). Imitations. Ff.

[3381] staled] stal'de F1 F2. stal'd F3. stall'd F4.

[3382] made, our] made secure, our best Anon. conj.

our means stretch'd] our meanes stretcht F1. and our best meanes stretcht out F2 F3 F4 (means F4). our best means stretcht Johnson. our means stretch'd to the utmost Malone. our choicest means stretch'd out Staunton conj.

[3383] bay'd] Pope. bayed Ff.

[3384] mischiefs] mischief Steevens (1778).

[3385] SCENE II.] Rowe.

Camp ...] Before Brutus's Tent, in the Camp near Sardis. Rowe.

[3386] Enter Brutus, Lucilius ... Titinius ...] Enter Brutus, Lucius, and soldiers; Lucilius, Titinius ... Nicholson conj.

Lucius] Capell. om. Ff.

Soldiers] Rowe. the Army Ff.

[3387] Stand, ho!] Stand here Steevens (1793).

[3388] S. Walker would read Give ... Lucilius, as one line.

[3389] [presenting Pindarus, who gives a Letter. Capell. Jennens supposes that a speech of Pindarus is lost here.

[3390] change] charge Hanmer (Warburton).

officers] offices Johnson conj.

[3391] He ... Lucilius,] As in Ff. As two lines in Craik.

A word] Hear, a word Hanmer. A word with you Anon. conj.

[3392] A word ... Cassius.] Marked as 'Aside' by Capell.

[3393] Lucilius, ... you:] F3 F4. Lucilius ... you: F1F2. Lucilius,-- ... you, Rowe.

[3394] crests] F1. crest F2 F3 F4.

[3395] sink] Shrink Craik conj.

[3396] [Low ...] Pope. After line 24 in Ff. March within. Capell.

[3397] [March. Capell.

[3398] Enter ...] Ff (after Cassius, line 30). Enter Cassius and Soldiers. Rowe. Enter Cassius, and Forces. Capell.

[3399] [to his Officers, entering. Capell.

[3400] Stand, ho!] Stand:--[to his.] Capell.

[3401] First Sol.] Edd. (Globe ed.). 1. O. Capell. om. Ff. Within. Rowe. Without. Staunton.

[3402] Sec. Sol.] Edd. (Globe ed.). 2. O. Capell. om. Ff. Within. Rowe. Without. Staunton.

[3403] Third Sol.] Edd. (Globe ed.). 3. O. Capell. om. Ff. Within. Rowe. Without. Staunton.

[One after other, and fainter Collier MS.

[3404] brother?] F3 F4. brother. F1 F2.

[3405] S. Walker would end the lines Lucilius, ... like ... we ... conference.

[3406] Lucilius] Lucius Craik. (See note VII).

you] om. Pope.

let] see you let Mitford conj., ending line 49 at Lucilius.

man] man, Lucilius, Capell, reading Do ... Lucilius as one line.

[3407] Let Lucius] Lucilius Craik. See note (VII).

our] the Rowe.

[3408] SCENE III.] Pope. Rowe continues the scene.

Brutus's tent.] Hanmer. The Inside of Brutus's tent. Theobald. Within the Tent. Lucius, and Titinius at the Door. Capell.

[3409] Enter ...] Capell. Manet ... F1. Manent ... F2 F3 F4. Re-enter ... Theobald.

[3410] Wherein] Whereon Seymour conj.

[3411] letters ... man, were] Malone. letters ... man was F1. letter ... man, was F2 F3 F4.

[3412] off] of Rowe (ed. 2).

[3413] case] cause Capell conj.

[3414] his] Ff. its Pope.

[3415] Let] Yet let Pope. And let Capell.

[3416] I] Ay, Rowe.

[3417] speaks] F4. speakes F1 F2 F3. speak Pope.

[3418] doth] does Collier (ed. 1).

his] Ff. its Pope.

[3419] justice'] Capell. justice Ff.

[3420] bay] F1. baite F2. bait F3 F4.

[3421] bait] F3 F4. baite F1 F2. bay Theobald.

[3422] soldier, I] soldier, ay Steevens, 1773 (Jennens conj.).

[3423] to] too F1.

not, Cassius] Hamner. not Cassius Ff.

[3424] I say] Cassius, I say Steevens conj.

[3425] farther] Ff. further Steevens.

[3426] O ye gods] O gods Pope.

[3427] budge] F4. bouge F1. boudge F2 F3.

[3428] Though] Thought F2.

[3429] noble] abler Collier (Collier MS.). able Singer conj.

[3430] You ... Brutus] One line in Rowe. Two in Ff.

me every way; you] me; every way you Ritson conj.

[3431] elder] older Collier (one volume edition).

[3432] better] a better Knight (National ed.).

[3433] indirection] indirectness Pope.

[3434] thunderbolts, Dash] thunderbolts Dash Collier (one volume ed.).

[3435] That brought my] Ff. that brought My Dyce.

back] om. Steevens conj.

[3436] his] a Rowe.

[3437] not, till] not. Still Warburton.

not, till ... me.] not: will you practise that on me? Hanmer.

[3438] do] did Collier MS.

[3439] my] his Capell conj.

[3440] Plutus'] Pope. Pluto's Ff.

[3441] be'st a Roman] needst a Roman's Warburton.

[3442] humour] honour Craik conj.

[3443] lamb] man Pope. temper Anon. conj.

[3444] Who] Which Hanmer.

[3445] blood ill-temper'd] blood, ill-temper'd, Staunton.

[3446] [Embracing. Rowe.

[3447] not you] you not Pope (ed. 2).

[3448] forgetful] forgetfulls F2. forget Seymour conj.

from] om. Capell.

[3449] Poet. [Within]. A noise within. Poet within. Theobald. Enter a Poet. Poet. Ff. Enter Lucilius and Titinius, and a Poet. Poet. Rowe. (Lucius, Rowe, ed. 2).

[3450] Poet ... gone!] Put in the margin by Pope.

[3451] 'em] them Capell.

[3452] Lucil. [Within]. Dyce. Lucil. F1. Luci. F2 F3 F4. Luc. Rowe. Luc. within. Theobald.

[3453] Poet. [Within]. Theobald. Poet. Ff.

[3454] Enter ... Lucius.] Edd. (Globe ed.). Enter Poet, followed by Lucilius and Titinius. Dyce. Enter Poet. Theobald. om. Ff.

[3455] vilely] F4. vildely F1 F2. vildly F3.

doth] does Capell.

[3456] jigging] jingling Pope.

[3457] SCENE IV. Pope.

[3458] [Exeunt ...] Rowe. om. Ff.

[Exit Lucius.] Capell.

[3459] Portia is] Portia's Pope.

[3460] Portia!] Portia? brother, said you? Seymour conj.

[3461] Impatient] Impatience Capell conj.

[3462] O ye] om. Steevens conj.

[3463] Re-enter Lucius ... taper.] Edd. (Globe ed.). Enter Boy ... Tapers. Ff. Re-enter Lucius ... Tapers. Capell.

[3464] Brutus'] Pope. Brutus F1 F2 F3. Brutus's F4.

[Drinks.] Capell. om. Ff.

[3465] SCENE V. Pope.

Come in ... Messala] One line in Rowe. Two in Ff.

[Exit Lucius.] Edd. (Globe ed.). om. Ff.

Re-enter ...] Dyce. Enter Titinius and ... Ff (after line 165). Enter ... Theobald (after line 166). Re-enter ... Capell (after line 165).

[3466] Portia] Oh Portia Pope. Ah! Portia Seymour conj.

[3467] here] om. Pope (ed. 2).

[3468] toward] towards Capell.

[3469] tenour] Theobald. tenure Ff.

[3470] addition?] Rowe. addition. Ff.

[3471] proscription] proscriptions Pope.

and ... outlawry] om. Seymour conj.

outlawry] F4. outlarie F1. outlary F2 F3.

[3472] an] a Capell.

[3473] Cicero] Cibero F2.

Cicero ... dead,] As two hemistichs, or as prose, Craik conj.

Cicero] Ay, Cicero Capell. Yes, Cicero Keightley.

[3474] Cicero ... proscription] Arranged as in Johnson. One line in Ff.

[3475] by that] that by Capell.

proscription.] F3 F4. proscription F1 F2.

[3476] Why ... yours?] One line in Rowe. Two in Ff.

[3477] presently?] Pope. presently. Ff.

[3478] This it is:] This: Steevens conj.

[3479] new-added] Capell. new added Ff. new aided Singer (ed. 2). new-hearted Craik (Collier MS.).

[3480] shall we] we shall Craik conj.

off] Rowe. off. Ff.

[3481] him there,] Ff. him, there Theobald conj. (withdrawn).

[3482] brother.] brother-- Rowe.

[3483] Then ... Philippi] Arranged as in Capell. Two lines, the first ending along, in Ff.

[3484] will] good will Seymour conj., omitting go on.

[3485] We'll along] we will along Rowe. We'll on Capell.

We'll ... ourselves] We will along Seymour conj.

[3486] say?] Capell. say. Ff.

[3487] Lucius! [Re-enter Lucius.] My] Edd. Enter Lucius. Lucius my Ff.

[Exit Lucius.] Hanmer. om. Ff.

Farewell] now farewel Hanmer. Fare you well or Fare ye well S. Walker conj.

[3488] come] came Rowe (ed. 1).

[3489] Cas. Good ... brother] Omitted by Pope.

[3490] [Exeunt ...] Exeunt Cas. Tit. Mes. Capell. Exeunt. Ff.

Re-enter ...] Capell. Enter ... Ff (after Brutus, line 239). Re-enter Hanmer (after Brutus, line 239).

[3491] not] F1. art F2. om. F3 F4.

[3492] Claudius] Rowe. Claudio Ff.

[3493] Varro] Rowe. Varrus Ff. Varus S. Walker conj. (withdrawn).

[3494] Enter ...] Rowe. Enter Varrus and Claudio. Ff.

[3495] SCENE VI. Pope.

Calls] Did you call, Seymour conj.

[3496] So ... pleasure] One line in Rowe. Two in Ff.

[3497] [Var. and Clau ...] Servants retire, and sleep. Capell. Serv. lie down. Malone. om. Ff.

[3498] heavy ... two] F1. instrument a straine or two. And touch thy heavy eyes a-while F2 F3 F4.

[3499] two?] Rowe. two. Ff.

[3500] Ay,] Ay, good Seymour conj.

[3501] S. Walker would arrange thus: It ... much, But ... sir.

[3502] duty, sir] duty to my still kind lord Seymour conj.

[3503] [... song.] Ff.... song: toward the End, Lucius falls asleep. Capell.

[3504] slumber] F3 F4. slumbler F1 F2.

[3505] Lay'st Rowe. Layest Ff.

[3506] [lays the Instrument by, and sits down. Capell.

[3507] Let me see, let me see] But let me see Pope.

see;] F1. see? F2 F3 F4.

[3508] [Sits down.] He sits down to read. Rowe. om. Ff.

[3509] SCENE VII. Pope.

[3510] stare] start or stand Anon. conj.

[3511] Brutus.] F3 F4. Brutus? F1. Brutuss F2.

[3512] Well] As in Ff. om. Pope. Put in a separate line by Steevens (1793).

[3513] [Exit Ghost.] Rowe (after line 288). om. Ff. vanishes. Capell (after line 288).

[3514] vanishest. Ill spirit,] vanishest, Ill spirit; Rowe.

[3515] still is] is still F4.

[3516] [waking. Capell.

[3517] Didst ... out?] As in Pope. Prose in Ff.

Lucius] Lucus F1.

[3518] Sleep ... Fellow] As in Capell. One line in Ff.

[3519] [To Var.] Edd. (Globe ed.). om. Ff.

Fellow thou,] fellow! Varro! Theobald (Warburton).

[3520] Var. Clau.] Capell. Both. Ff.

Act V, Scene I — The plains of Philippi.[3521]

Enter OCTAVIUS, ANTONY, and their army.

Oct. Now, Antony, our hopes are answered: You said the enemy would not come down, But keep the hills and upper regions; It proves not so: their battles are at hand; They mean to warn us at Philippi here,[3522] 5 Answering before we do demand of them.

Ant. Tut, I am in their bosoms, and I know Wherefore they do it: they could be content To visit other places; and come down[3523] With fearful bravery, thinking by this face[3523] 10 To fasten in our thoughts that they have courage; But 'tis not so.

Enter a Messenger.

Mess. Prepare you, generals: The enemy comes on in gallant show; Their bloody sign of battle is hung out, And something to be done immediately.[3524] 15

Ant. Octavius, lead your battle softly on, Upon the left hand of the even field.[3525]

Oct. Upon the right hand I; keep thou the left.[3526]

Ant. Why do you cross me in this exigent?[3527]

Oct. I do not cross you; but I will do so. [March. 20

Drum. Enter BRUTUS, CASSIUS, and their Army; LUCILIUS, TITINIUS, MESSALA, and others.[3528]

Bru. They stand, and would have parley.

Cas. Stand fast, Titinius: we must out and talk.

Oct. Mark Antony, shall we give sign of battle?

Ant. No, Cæsar, we will answer on their charge. Make forth; the generals would have some words. 25

Oct. Stir not until the signal.[3529]

Bru. Words before blows: is it so, countrymen?

Oct. Not that we love words better, as you do.

Bru. Good words are better than bad strokes, Octavius.

Ant. In your bad strokes, Brutus, you give good words: 30 Witness the hole you made in Cæsar's heart, Crying 'Long live! hail, Cæsar!'

Cas. Antony, The posture of your blows are yet unknown;[3530] But for your words, they rob the Hybla bees,[3531] And leave them honeyless.

Ant. Not stingless too.[3532] 35

Bru. O, yes, and soundless too;[3533] For you have stol'n their buzzing, Antony,[3533] And very wisely threat before you sting.[3533]

Ant. Villains, you did not so, when your vile daggers Hack'd one another in the sides of Cæsar:[3534] 40 You show'd your teeth like apes, and fawn'd like hounds,[3535] And bow'd like bondmen, kissing Cæsar's feet; Whilst damned Casca, like a cur, behind[3536] Struck Cæsar on the neck. O you flatterers![3537][3538]

Cas. Flatterers! Now, Brutus, thank yourself:[3538][3539] 45 This tongue had not offended so to-day, If Cassius might have ruled.

Oct. Come, come, the cause: if arguing make us sweat,[3540] The proof of it will turn to redder drops. Look;[3541][3542] 50 I draw a sword against conspirators;[3542][3543] When think you that the sword goes up again? Never, till Cæsar's three and thirty wounds[3544] Be well avenged, or till another Cæsar Have added slaughter to the sword of traitors.[3545] 55

Bru. Cæsar, thou canst not die by traitors' hands,[3546] Unless thou bring'st them with thee.

Oct. So I hope; I was not born to die on Brutus' sword.

Bru. O, if thou wert the noblest of thy strain, Young man, thou couldst not die more honourable.[3547] 60

Cas. A peevish schoolboy, worthless of such honour,[3548] Join'd with a masker and a reveller!

Ant. Old Cassius still!

Oct. Come, Antony; away! Defiance, traitors, hurl we in your teeth; If you dare fight to-day, come to the field: 65 If not, when you have stomachs.

[Exeunt Octavius, Antony, and their army.[3549]

Cas. Why, now, blow wind, swell billow and swim bark![3550] The storm is up, and all is on the hazard.[3551]

Bru. Ho, Lucilius! hark, a word with you.

Lucil. [Standing forth] My lord?

[Brutus and Lucilius converse apart.

Cas. Messala!

Mes. [Standing forth] What says my general?[3552][3553]

Cas. Messala,[3553][3554][3555] 70 This is my birth-day; as this very day[3555][3556] Was Cassius born. Give me thy hand, Messala: Be thou my witness that, against my will, As Pompey was, am I compell'd to set[3557] Upon one battle all our liberties. 75 You know that I held Epicurus strong, And his opinion: now I change my mind, And partly credit things that do presage. Coming from Sardis, on our former ensign[3558] Two mighty eagles fell, and there they perch'd, 80 Gorging and feeding from our soldiers' hands; Who to Philippi here consorted us: This morning are they fled away and gone; And in their steads do ravens, crows and kites[3559] Fly o'er our heads and downward look on us, 85 As we were sickly prey: their shadows seem A canopy most fatal, under which Our army lies, ready to give up the ghost.[3560]

Mes. Believe not so.

Cas. I but believe it partly, For I am fresh of spirit and resolved 90 To meet all perils very constantly.[3561]

Bru. Even so, Lucilius.[3562]

Cas. Now, most noble Brutus, The gods to-day stand friendly, that we may, Lovers in peace, lead on our days to age! But, since the affairs of men rest still incertain,[3563] 95 Let's reason with the worst that may befall. If we do lose this battle, then is this The very last time we shall speak together: What are you then determined to do?

Bru. Even by the rule of that philosophy 100 By which I did blame Cato for the death[3564] Which he did give himself: I know not how,[3565][3566] But I do find it cowardly and vile,[3566] For fear of what might fall, so to prevent[3566] The time of life: arming myself with patience[3566][3567] 105 To stay the providence of some high powers[3568] That govern us below.

Cas. Then, if we lose this battle,[3569] You are contented to be led in triumph Thorough the streets of Rome?[3570]

Bru. No, Cassius, no: think not, thou noble Roman,[3571] 110 That ever Brutus will go bound to Rome; He bears too great a mind. But this same day Must end that work the ides of March begun;[3572] And whether we shall meet again I know not. Therefore our everlasting farewell take. 115 For ever, and for ever, farewell, Cassius! If we do meet again, why, we shall smile; If not, why then this parting was well made.

Cas. For ever and for ever farewell, Brutus! If we do meet again, we'll smile indeed; 120 If not, 'tis true this parting was well made.

Bru. Why then, lead on. O, that a man might know The end of this day's business ere it come! But it sufficeth that the day will end, And then the end is known. Come, ho! away! [Exeunt. 125

Act V, Scene II — The field of battle.[3573]

Alarum. Enter BRUTUS and MESSALA.[3574]

Bru. Ride, ride, Messala, ride, and give these bills Unto the legions on the other side: [Loud alarum.[3575] Let them set on at once; for I perceive But cold demeanour in Octavius' wing,[3576] And sudden push gives them the overthrow.[3577] 5 Ride, ride, Messala: let them all come down. [Exeunt.

Act V, Scene III — Another part of the field.[3578]

Alarums. Enter CASSIUS and TITINIUS.[3579]

Cas. O, look, Titinius, look, the villains fly! Myself have to mine own turn'd enemy: This ensign here of mine was turning back; I slew the coward, and did take it from him.

Tit. O Cassius, Brutus gave the word too early; 5 Who, having some advantage on Octavius, Took it too eagerly: his soldiers fell to spoil, Whilst we by Antony are all enclosed.[3580]

Enter PINDARUS.

Pin. Fly further off, my lord, fly further off;[3581] Mark Antony is in your tents, my lord: 10 Fly, therefore, noble Cassius, fly far off.[3582]

Cas. This hill is far enough. Look, look, Titinius; Are those my tents where I perceive the fire?

Tit. They are, my lord.

Cas. Titinius, if thou lovest me, Mount thou my horse and hide thy spurs in him, 15 Till he have brought thee up to yonder troops And here again; that I may rest assured Whether yond troops are friend or enemy.[3583]

Tit. I will be here again, even with a thought. [Exit.

Cas. Go, Pindarus, get higher on that hill;[3584] 20 My sight was ever thick; regard Titinius, And tell me what thou notest about the field.

[Pindarus ascends the hill.[3585]

This day I breathed first: time is come round,[3586] And where I did begin, there shall I end; My life is run his compass. Sirrah, what news?[3587] 25

Pin. [Above] O my lord![3588]

Cas. What news?

Pin. [Above] Titinius is enclosed round about[3589][3590] With horsemen, that make to him on the spur;[3590] Yet he spurs on. Now they are almost on him.[3590] 30 Now, Titinius! Now some light. O, he lights too.[3590][3591] He's ta'en. [Shout.] And, hark! they shout for joy.[3590]

Cas. Come down; behold no more.[3592] O, coward that I am, to live so long, To see my best friend ta'en before my face![3593] 35

PINDARUS descends.

Come hither, sirrah:[3594] In Parthia did I take thee prisoner;[3594] And then I swore thee, saving of thy life, That whatsoever I did bid thee do, Thou shouldst attempt it. Come now, keep thine oath; 40 Now be a freeman; and with this good sword,[3595] That ran through Cæsar's bowels, search this bosom. Stand not to answer: here, take thou the hilts;[3596] And when my face is cover'd, as 'tis now, Guide thou the sword. [Pindarus stabs him.] Cæsar, thou art revenged,[3597] 45 Even with the sword that kill'd thee. [Dies.[3598]

Pin. So, I am free; yet would not so have been,[3599] Durst I have done my will. O Cassius! Far from this country Pindarus shall run, Where never Roman shall take note of him. [Exit. [3600] 50

Re-enter TITINIUS with MESSALA.[3601]

Mes. It is but change, Titinius; for Octavius[3602] Is overthrown by noble Brutus' power, As Cassius' legions are by Antony.

Tit. These tidings will well comfort Cassius.

Mes. Where did you leave him?

Tit. All disconsolate, 55 With Pindarus his bondman, on this hill.

Mes. Is not that he that lies upon the ground?

Tit. He lies not like the living. O my heart!

Mes. Is not that he?

Tit. No, this was he, Messala, But Cassius is no more. O setting sun, 60 As in thy red rays thou dost sink to night,[3603] So in his red blood Cassius' day is set,[3604] The sun of Rome is set! Our day is gone;[3605] Clouds, dews and dangers come; our deeds are done! Mistrust of my success hath done this deed. 65

Mes. Mistrust of good success hath done this deed. O hateful error, melancholy's child, Why dost thou show to the apt thoughts of men The things that are not? O error, soon conceived,[3606] Thou never comest unto a happy birth, 70 But kill'st the mother that engender'd thee!

Tit. What, Pindarus! where art thou, Pindarus?[3607]

Mes. Seek him, Titinius, whilst I go to meet The noble Brutus, thrusting this report Into his ears: I may say 'thrusting' it, 75 For piercing steel and darts envenomed Shall be as welcome to the ears of Brutus As tidings of this sight.

Tit. Hie you, Messala, And I will seek for Pindarus the while. [Exit Messala.[3608] Why didst thou send me forth, brave Cassius? 80 Did I not meet thy friends? and did not they[3609] Put on my brows this wreath of victory, And bid me give it thee? Didst thou not hear their shouts? Alas, thou hast misconstrued every thing! But, hold thee, take this garland on thy brow; 85 Thy Brutus bid me give it thee, and I Will do his bidding. Brutus, come apace, And see how I regarded Caius Cassius. By your leave, gods: this is a Roman's part: Come, Cassius' sword, and find Titinius' heart. 90

[Kills himself.

Alarum. Re-enter MESSALA, with BRUTUS, young CATO, and others.[3610]

Bru. Where, where, Messala, doth his body lie?[3611]

Mes. Lo, yonder, and Titinius mourning it.

Bru. Titinius' face is upward.

Cato. He is slain.

Bru. O Julius Cæsar, thou art mighty yet! Thy spirit walks abroad, and turns our swords[3612] 95 In our own proper entrails. [Low alarums.[3613]

Cato. Brave Titinius![3614] Look, whether he have not crown'd dead Cassius!

Bru. Are yet two Romans living such as these? The last of all the Romans, fare thee well![3615] It is impossible that ever Rome 100 Should breed thy fellow. Friends, I owe moe tears[3616] To this dead man than you shall see me pay. I shall find time, Cassius, I shall find time. Come therefore, and to Thasos send his body:[3617] His funerals shall not be in our camp,[3618] 105 Lest it discomfort us. Lucilius, come, And come, young Cato: let us to the field. Labeo and Flavius, set our battles on.[3619] 'Tis three o'clock; and, Romans, yet ere night[3620] We shall try fortune in a second fight. [Exeunt. 110

Act V, Scene IV — Another part of the field.[3621]

Alarum. Enter, fighting, Soldiers of both armies; then BRUTUS, young CATO, LUCILIUS, and others.[3622]

Bru. Yet, countrymen, O, yet hold up your heads!

Cato. What bastard doth not? Who will go with me? I will proclaim my name about the field. I am the son of Marcus Cato, ho! A foe to tyrants, and my country's friend; 5 I am the son of Marcus Cato, ho![3623]

Bru. And I am Brutus, Marcus Brutus, I;[3624] Brutus, my country's friend; know me for Brutus! [Exit.[3625]

Lucil. O young and noble Cato, art thou down?[3626] Why, now thou diest as bravely as Titinius, 10 And mayst be honour'd, being Cato's son.

First Sold. Yield, or thou diest.[3627]

Lucil. Only I yield to die:[3626][3628] [Offering money] There is so much that thou wilt kill me straight;[3629] Kill Brutus, and be honour'd in his death.

First Sold. We must not. A noble prisoner![3628][3630] 15

Sec. Sold. Room, ho! Tell Antony, Brutus is ta'en.

First Sold. I'll tell the news. Here comes the general.[3631]

Enter ANTONY.[3632]

Brutus is ta'en, Brutus is ta'en, my lord.

Ant. Where is he?[3633]

Lucil. Safe, Antony; Brutus is safe enough: 20 I dare assure thee that no enemy Shall ever take alive the noble Brutus: The gods defend him from so great a shame! When you do find him, or alive or dead,[3634] He will be found like Brutus, like himself. 25

Ant. This is not Brutus, friend, but, I assure you,[3635] A prize no less in worth: keep this man safe, Give him all kindness: I had rather have Such men my friends than enemies. Go on, And see whether Brutus be alive or dead,[3636] 30 And bring us word unto Octavius' tent[3637] How every thing is chanced. [Exeunt.

Act V, Scene V — Another part of the field.[3638]

Enter BRUTUS, DARDANIUS, CLITUS, STRATO, and VOLUMNIUS.

Bru. Come, poor remains of friends, rest on this rock.

Cli. Statilius show'd the torch-light, but, my lord, He came not back: he is or ta'en or slain.

Bru. Sit thee down, Clitus: slaying is the word; It is a deed in fashion. Hark thee, Clitus. [Whispering.[3639] 5

Cli. What, I, my lord? No, not for all the world.

Bru. Peace then, no words.

Cli. I'll rather kill myself.

Bru. Hark thee, Dardanius. [Whispering.

Dar. Shall I do such a deed?[3640]

Cli. O Dardanius!

Dar. O Clitus! 10

Cli. What ill request did Brutus make to thee?

Dar. To kill him, Clitus. Look, he meditates.

Cli. Now is that noble vessel full of grief, That it runs over even at his eyes.

Bru. Come hither, good Volumnius; list a word. 15

Vol. What says my lord?

Bru. Why, this, Volumnius: The ghost of Cæsar hath appear'd to me Two several times by night, at Sardis once, And this last night here in Philippi fields: I know my hour is come.

Vol. Not so, my lord. 20

Bru. Nay, I am sure it is, Volumnius. Thou seest the world, Volumnius, how it goes; Our enemies have beat us to the pit: [Low alarums.[3641] It is more worthy to leap in ourselves Than tarry till they push us. Good Volumnius, 25 Thou know'st that we two went to school together: Even for that our love of old, I prithee,[3642] Hold thou my sword-hilts, whilst I run on it.[3643]

Vol. That's not an office for a friend, my lord.

[Alarum still.

Cli. Fly, fly, my lord; there is no tarrying here. 30

Bru. Farewell to you; and you; and you, Volumnius.[3644] Strato, thou hast been all this while asleep; Farewell to thee too, Strato. Countrymen,[3645] My heart doth joy that yet in all my life[3646] I found no man but he was true to me. 35 I shall have glory by this losing day, More than Octavius and Mark Antony By this vile conquest shall attain unto.[3647] So, fare you well at once; for Brutus' tongue Hath almost ended his life's history:[3648] 40 Night hangs upon mine eyes; my bones would rest, That have but labour'd to attain this hour.[3649]

[Alarum. Cry within, 'Fly, fly, fly!'

Cli. Fly, my lord, fly.

Bru. Hence! I will follow.[3650]

[Exeunt Clitus, Dardanius, and Volumnius.

I prithee, Strato, stay thou by thy lord: Thou art a fellow of a good respect; 45 Thy life hath had some smatch of honour in it:[3651] Hold then my sword, and turn away thy face, While I do run upon it. Wilt thou, Strato?

Stra. Give me your hand first: fare you well, my lord.

Bru. Farewell, good Strato. [Runs on his sword.] Cæsar, now be still:[3652] 50 I kill'd not thee with half so good a will.[3652] [Dies.

Alarum. Retreat. Enter OCTAVIUS, ANTONY, MESSALA, LUCILIUS, and the army.[3653]

Oct. What man is that?[3654]

Mes. My master's man. Strato, where is thy master?

Stra. Free from the bondage you are in, Messala: The conquerors can but make a fire of him; 55 For Brutus only overcame himself, And no man else hath honour by his death.

Lucil. So Brutus should be found. I thank thee, Brutus,[3655] That thou hast proved Lucilius' saying true.

Oct. All that served Brutus, I will entertain them. 60 Fellow, wilt thou bestow thy time with me?

Stra. Ay, if Messala will prefer me to you.

Oct. Do so, good Messala.[3656]

Mes. How died my master, Strato?[3657]

Stra. I held the sword, and he did run on it. 65

Mes. Octavius, then take him to follow thee,[3658] That did the latest service to my master.

Ant. This was the noblest Roman of them all: All the conspirators, save only he,[3659] Did that they did in envy of great Cæsar;[3660] 70 He only, in a general honest thought[3661][3662] And common good to all, made one of them.[3662] His life was gentle, and the elements So mix'd in him that Nature might stand up And say to all the world 'This was a man!' 75

Oct. According to his virtue let us use him, With all respect and rites of burial.[3663] Within my tent his bones to-night shall lie, Most like a soldier, order'd honourably.[3664] So call the field to rest, and let's away, 80 To part the glories of this happy day. [Exeunt.[3665]

FOOTNOTES:

[3521] ACT V. SCENE I.] Rowe. Actus Quintus. Ff.

The plains ...] Capell. The Fields of Philippi, with the two Camps. Rowe.

[3522] warn] wage Hanmer. wait Mason conj.

[3523] places; and ... bravery,] Pope. places, and ... bravery: Ff.

[3524] something] something's Hanmer.

[3525] even] evil F4.

[3526] thou] you Ritson conj.

[3527] exigent?] F3 F4. exigent. F1 F2.

[3528] SCENE II. Pope.

Lucilius ... others.] Lucilius ... others, attending. Capell. om. Ff.

[3529] [to his Troops. Capell.

[3530] posture] puncture Singer conj.

are] is Collier, ed. 2 (Steevens conj.).

[3531] they] you Capell.

[3532] stingless] stringless Rowe (ed. 1).

stingless too.] stingless too? Delius conj.

[3533] O, yes ... sting.] You threat before you sting. Pope, putting the original in the margin.

[3534] Hack'd] Hackt F1 F2. Hack F3 F4.

[3535] you ... hounds,] One line in Rowe. Two in Ff.

teeth] F3 F4. teethes F1 F2.

[3536] Whilst] While Collier (one volume edition).

[3537] Struck] F3 F4. Strooke F1 F2.

you] om. Pope.

[3538] Struck.... Cas. Flatterers] As one line, Capell conj., omitting you.

[3539] Flatterers!] You flatterers! Keightley.

thank] you may thank Steevens conj.

[3540] sweat] Rowe (ed. 2). swet Ff.

[3541] Look:] Behold, Rowe, arranging as Ff.

[3542] Look; I ... conspirators] As in Steevens (1793). One line in Ff.

[3543] a sword] sword S. Walker conj., arranging as Ff.

[3544] thirty] twenty Theobald.

[3545] sword of traitors] word of traitor Collier MS.

[3546] traitors' hands] traitors Reed (1803, 1813, 1821).

[3547] honourable] honourably Craik conj.

[3548] worthless] worthles F1. worthies F2 F3 F4.

[3549] [ ... their army.] Army. Ff.

[3550] SCENE III. Pope.

Why ... bark!] One line in Rowe. Two in Ff.

[3551] all is] all's S. Walker conj., ending the line Ho!

[3552] Ho,] om. Pope. As a separate line by Steevens (1793).

[3553] [Standing forth] See note (VIII).

[3554] Messala!] Messala. Ff. _Messala,--_Capell.

[3555] Messala, ... day] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[3556] as] at Keightley.

[3557] am I] I am S. Walker conj.

[3558] former ensign] foremost ensign Rowe. forward ensign Collier MS. foremost ensigns Lettsom conj.

[3559] steads] F3 F4 steeds F1 F2.

ravens, crows] ravenous crows Warburton.

[3560] ready to] as 'twould Seymour conj.

up] om. Pope.

[3561] perils] F1. peril F2 F3 F4.

[3562] Lucilius] Lucius Rowe (ed. 2).

[3563] rest] Rowe. rests Ff.

incertain] uncertain Capell.

[3564] By] Be F2.

[3565] himself: ... how,] himself; ... how, Pope. himselfe, ... how: Ff. himself, ... how, Craik.

[3566] I ... life] Put in parentheses by Johnson.

[3567] time] term Cappell.

life:] life; Theobald, life, Ff. Here Warburton marks a sentence omitted.

[3568] some] those Craik (Collier MS.).

[3569] this battle] om. Steevens conj.

[3570] Thorough] Thorew F1 F2. Through F3 F4. Along Pope. By the proud victors, thro' Seymour conj.

streets] street, Rowe (ed. 2).

[3571] No, ... Roman,] One line in Rowe. Two in Ff.

[3572] the] F1. that F2 F3 F4.

begun] began Collier (Malone conj.).

[3573] SCENE II.] Capell. SCENE IV. Pope.

The field of battle.] Capell.

[3574] Alarum.] Ff. Alarums, as of a Battle join'd. Capell.

[3575] [Loud alarum.] Ff. om. Capell.

[3576] Octavius'] Pope. Octavio's Ff.

[3577] And] One Hanmer. A Warburton.

[3578] SCENE III.] Capell. Scene continued in Pope.

Another ... field.] Capell.

[3579] Alarums.] Ff. Alarum. Pope.

[3580] are] were Pope.

[3581] further] farther Collier.

[3582] far] far' Dyce (ed. 2).

[3583] yond] yon' Capell.

[3584] get ... hill] get thee higher on this hill Capell conj.

higher] F1. thither F2 F3 F4.

[3585] [Pindarus....] Pindarus goes up. Dyce. Exit Pin. Hanmer. Omitted in Ff.

[3586] breathed] F1 F2. breath'd F3 F4.

[3587] his] its Pope.

Sirrah,] Now Pope.

[3588] [Above] Ff. Within Hanmer. Appearing on the hill. Jennens.

my lord] my good lord Steevens conj.

[3589] [Above] Dyce. Within. Hanmer. om. Ff.

[3590] Titinius ... joy.] As in Pope, who reads Titinius for Now, Titinius, line 31. In Ff He's tane is in a separate line. Malone ends the lines is ... that ... on.--Titinius!-- ... hark!... joy. Dyce (ed. 2) ends them about ... spur;-- ... him;--Titinius!-- ... hark!... joy.

[3591] Now,] Now, now, Nicholson conj., ending the line O, he.

[3592] down; behold] down, Behold Capell, ending line 32 at down.

[Pindarus disappears. Jennens.

[3593] Pindarus descends.] Dyce. Enter Pindarus. Ff. Re-enter Pindarus. Capell.

[3594] Come ... prisoner;] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[3595] freeman] F3 F4. free-man F1 F2.

[3596] hilts] hilt Pope.

[3597] [Pindarus stabs him.] Kills him. F2 F3 F4 (after line 46). Kills himself. Rowe (ed. 2), after line 46.

[3598] [Dies.] Capell. om. Ff.

[3599] So ... been,] One line in Rowe. Two in Ff.

[3600] [Exit.] Rowe. om. Ff.

[3601] Re-enter ... with] Capell. Enter ... and Ff.

[3602] SCENE V. Pope.

[3603] to night] to-night Knight (ed. 1) and Collier (ed. 1).

[3604] is set] F1. it set F2 F3 F4.

[3605] sun] sunne F1. sonne F2. son F3 F4.

[3606] O] om. Pope.

[3607] What,] Why, Capell.

[3608] [Exit Messala.] Pope. om. Ff.

[3609] [Kills himself.] Dies. Ff. Stabs himself (after line 89). Dies. Rowe.

[3610] Alarum.] om. Capell.

Re-enter....] Capell. Enter Brutus, Messala, yong Cato, Strato, Volumnius, and Lucillius. Ff.

[3611] SCENE VI. Pope.

[3612] walks] wa'kes F2.

[3613] [Low alarums.] om. Capell.

[3614] whether] Edd. where Ff. if Pope. whe'r Capell. whêr Dyce.

[3615] The] Thou Rowe.

fare] far F1.

[3616] moe] F3 F4. mo F1 F2. more Rowe.

[3617] Thasos Edd. (S. Walker conj.). Thassos Theobald. Tharsus Ff.

[3618] funerals] funeral Pope.

[3619] Labeo] Hanmer. Labio Ff.

Flavius,] F4. Flavio F1. Flavius F2 F3.

[3620] o'clock] Theobald. a clock Ff.

[3621] SCENE IV.] Capell. SCENE VII. Pope.

Another....] Capell. The Field of Battel. Pope.

[3622] Alarum.] Alarums. Capell.

Enter ... others.] Capell, substantially. Enter Brutus, Messala, Cato, Lucillius, and Flavius. Ff.

young Cato,] Dyce. Cato, Ff.

[3623] [Enter Souldiers, and fight. Ff. Charges the retiring Enemy. Capell.

[3624] Bru.] Rowe. om. Ff.

[3625] [Exit.] Pope. Charges them in another Part, and Exit, driving them in. The Party charg'd by Cato rally, and Cato falls. Capell.

[3626] Lucil.] Jennens. Luc. Ff.

[3627] First Sold.] 1. S. Capell. Sold. Ff.

[3628] Only I] I only Hanmer.

die:] Here Warburton marks a line, spoken by the soldier, as omitted.

[3629] [Offering money] Johnson. Giving him money. Hanmer. om. Ff.

[3630] not] not, sir Capell.

[3631] the] Pope (ed. 2). thee Ff.

[3632] Enter Antony.] Capell. After line 15 in Ff.

[3633] [They shew Lucilius. Capell.

[3634] or alive] alive Warburton.

[3635] Brutus, friend] F4. Brutus friend F1 F2 F3.

[3636] whether] Edd. where Ff. if Pope. whe'r Capell.

[3637] us word] us word, F1. us, F2 F3. us F4.

[3638] SCENE V.] Capell. SCENE VIII. Pope.

Another ...] Pope.

[3639] [Whispering.] Rowe. om. Ff.

[3640] [Whispering.] Whispers him. Capell. om. Ff.

Shall] om. Pope.

[3641] [Low alarums.] F1. Low alarum. F2 F3 F4. Alarum. Pope. Alarm. Johnson.

[3642] prithee] prethee Ff. pray thee Capell.

[3643] sword-hilts] sword hilts F1 F2. swords hilt F3 F4.

whilst] whilest F1 F2. while F3 F4.

[3644] [Shaking hands severally. Collier (Collier MS.).

[3645] thee too, Strato. Countrymen,] Theobald. thee, to Strato, Countrymen: Ff.

[3646] in] F1. om. F2 F3 F4.

[3647] this] their S. Walker conj.

[3648] life's] Rowe (ed. 2). lives Ff.

[3649] [Alarum.] Alarums. Capell.

[3650] follow] follow thee Pope.

[Exeunt ...] Capell. om. Ff.

[3651] smatch] smack Steevens.

in it] in't Pope.

[3652] [Runs on his sword ... [Dies.] He runs on his Sword and dies. Rowe, after line 51. Dyes. Ff, after line 51.

[3653] Alarum.] Alarums.] Capell.

Octavius, Antony,] Capell. Antony, Octavius, Ff.

the army.] their army. Malone.

[3654] SCENE IX. Pope.

[3655] Lucil.] Jennens. Luci. Ff.

[3656] good] om. Capell, reading 63, 64 as one line.

[3657] master] F1. om. F2. Lord F3 F4.

[3658] then take him] take him then Hanmer.

[3659] he] him Seymour conj.

[3660] that] what So quoted by S. Walker.

[3661] general honest] general-honest S. Walker conj.

[3662] general ... And] generous ... Of Craik (Collier MS.).

[3663] With all] F3 F4. Withall F1 F2.

[3664] order'd] Pope, ordered Ff.

[3665] [Exeunt.] Capell. Exeunt omnes. Ff.

NOTES.

NOTE I.

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ. Rowe has 'Artemidorus, a Soothsayer,'--'Artimedorus a Sooth-sayer' in the first edition--which was altered by Theobald, who described Artemidorus as 'a Sophist of Cnidos,' and made the Soothsayer a separate person.

The Acts, but not the Scenes, are marked in the Folios.

NOTE II.

II. 1. 73. In both the editions of Pope this line is ludicrously printed thus:

'No, Sir, their--are pluckt about their ears.'

He seems to have thought that 'hat' was an intolerable anachronism, for in Coriolanus, II. 3. 92 and 160, he has substituted 'cap.' In this passage it would seem that he could not make up his mind and left a blank accordingly. It is noticed in one of Theobald's letters to Warburton (Nichols's Illustrations, Vol. II. p. 493).

NOTE III.

II. 1. 189. Jennens quotes 'and wildness' as the reading of Rowe's Octavo. Two lines below he quotes 'laugh at us hereafter' as from the same edition. In I. 2. 110, he says that Rowe's Octavo reads 'we arrive' for 'arrive;' in I. 2. 163, that it reads 'would you' for 'you would;' in I. 2. 170, that it reads 'But' for 'Both;' in I. 3. 85, that it omits 'say;' in III. 1. 207, that it reads 'Sing'd.' In none of these cases does our copy of Rowe correspond with his statements.

NOTE IV.

III. 2. 109. We transcribe a portion of Pope's note on this passage:

'"Cæsar has had great wrong. 3 Pleb. Cæsar had never wrong, but with just cause."

If ever there was such a line written by Shakespear, I shou'd fancy it might have its place here, and very humorously in the character of a Plebeian.' He refers to Ben Jonson's quotation in the Sylva or Discoveries, which has been much discussed by the commentators on III. 1. 47. Jonson's words are: 'Many times he [i.e. Shakespeare] fell into those things, could not escape laughter: as when he said in the person of Cæsar, one speaking to him, "Cæsar thou dost me wrong." He replied "Cæsar did never wrong but with just cause," and such like; which were ridiculous.' Vol. IX. pp. 175, 176. ed. 1816. There is another reference to Shakespeare's supposed blunder in the Induction to Ben Jonson's Staple of News, first acted in 1625: 'Prologue. Cry you mercy, you never did wrong, but with just cause.' Vol. V. p. 162. Gifford in his note supposes that Metellus Cimber's speech and Cæsar's reply, as they are found in the Folio of 1623, are due to the 'botchery of the players,' and that they originally stood thus:

'Met. Cæsar, thou dost me wrong. Cæs. Cæsar did never wrong, but with just cause.'

But surely the first twelve lines of Cæsar's reply, to which Gifford makes no allusion, cannot have been written by any other hand than Shakespeare's. On the whole it seems more probable that Jonson, quoting from memory, quoted wrong, than that the passage was altered in consequence of his censure, which was first made, publicly, in 1625.

NOTE V.

III. 2. 202. The arrangement given in the text, suggested by Mr Grant White and Dr Delius, was first printed by us in the _Globe Shakespeare_ and has been adopted by Mr Dyce in his second edition. The folios continue the words to the second citizen, thus:

'2. We will be reveng'd: Revenge About, seeke, burne, fire, kill, slay, Let not a Traitor live.'

See Coriolanus, Note (VII). Perhaps the speech given to Sec. Cit. lines 206, 207, should be also given to All, as Dr Delius has also suggested. The same remark may apply to the speech of Third Cit. at the end of Scene 3.

NOTE VI.

IV. 1. Rowe and Pope give 'Rome' for the Scene. Theobald places it on 'a small Island near Mutina.' In his note he says, 'Shakespeare, I dare say, knew from Plutarch, that these Triumvirs met, upon the Proscription, in a little Island: which Appian, who is more particular, says, lay near Mutina upon the River Lavinius.' Hanmer makes the scene at 'A small Island in the little River Rhenus near Bononia.' Warburton cuts the knot by omitting to indicate the scene. Johnson followed Theobald. Capell put 'A Room in Antony's House,' which is adopted by Malone and modern editors generally. Mr Knight says, 'The triumvirs, it is well known, did not meet at Rome to settle their proscription. But it is evident that Shakspere places his scene at Rome, by Lepidus being sent to Cæsar's house, and told that he shall find his confederates "or here, or at the Capitol."'

NOTE VII.

IV. 2. 50, 52. The ingenious alteration made by Mr Craik cures the defective metre of line 50 and gets rid of the incongruous 'association of an officer of rank and a servant boy' in line 52. We have not however adopted it, because we are of opinion that the error, such as it is, is due to the author and not to a transcriber. In the first place, irregularities of metre are especially frequent, as Mr Dyce and others have pointed out, where proper names occur; and, secondly, an incongruity which was unnoticed by a long series of commentators may well have escaped the observation of a writer among whose merits minute accuracy cannot be ranked. Moreover in Shakespeare's eyes Lucius was probably a page of gentle birth, with whom Titinius might not unfitly be associated; and the office of guarding a door is at least as suitable to him as that of carrying a message to an army. In the next scene, both Lucius and Lucilius are in attendance.

NOTE VIII.

V. 1. 69, 70. The stage directions given in the text are compounded of that given in the Folios and that given by Rowe. The Folios after 'hark, a word with you,' add Lucillius and Messala stand forth, which Capell was the first to omit. Rowe retaining those words added, Brutus speaks apart to Lucilius.

MACBETH.

Dramatis Personæ

DUNCAN, king of Scotland. MALCOLM, } DONALBAIN, } his sons. MACBETH, } BANQUO, } generals of the King's army. MACDUFF, } LENNOX, } ROSS, } MENTEITH, } noblemen of Scotland. ANGUS, } CAITHNESS, } FLEANCE, son to Banquo. SIWARD, earl of Northumberland, general of the English forces. Young SIWARD, his son. SEYTON, an officer attending on Macbeth. Boy, son to Macduff. An English Doctor. A Scotch Doctor. A Sergeant. A Porter. An Old Man.

Lady MACBETH. Lady MACDUFF. Gentlewoman[3667] attending on Lady Macbeth.

HECATE. Three Witches. Apparitions.

Lords, Gentlemen, Officers, Soldiers, Murderers, Attendants, and Messengers.

SCENE: Scotland: England.

THE TRAGEDY OF

MACBETH.

FOOTNOTES:

[3666] First given by Rowe; more fully by Capell.

[3667] Gentlewoman ...] Capell. Gentlewomen ... Rowe.

Act I, Scene I — A desert place.[3668]

Thunder and lightning. Enter three Witches.

First Witch. When shall we three meet again[3669] In thunder, lightning, or in rain?[3670]

Sec. Witch. When the hurlyburly's done,[3671] When the battle's lost and won.

Third Witch. That will be ere the set of sun.[3672] 5

First Witch. Where the place?

Sec. Witch. Upon the heath.

Third Witch. There to meet with Macbeth.[3673]

First Witch. I come, Graymalkin.[3674]

All. Paddock calls:--anon![3675][3676][3677] Fair is foul, and foul is fair.[3675][3676][3678] 10 Hover through the fog and filthy air.[3675] [Exeunt.[3679]

Act I, Scene II — A camp near Forres.[3680]

Alarum within. Enter DUNCAN, MALCOLM, DONALBAIN, LENNOX, with Attendants, meeting a bleeding Sergeant.[3681]

Dun. What bloody man is that? He can report,[3682] As seemeth by his plight, of the revolt The newest state.

Mal. This is the sergeant[3683] Who like a good and hardy soldier fought[3683][3684] 'Gainst my captivity. Hail, brave friend![3684][3685] 5 Say to the king the knowledge of the broil[3686] As thou didst leave it.

Ser. Doubtful it stood;[3687] As two spent swimmers, that do cling together[3688] And choke their art. The merciless Macdonwald--[3689] Worthy to be a rebel, for to that 10 The multiplying villanies of nature[3690] Do swarm upon him--from the western isles Of kerns and gallowglasses is supplied;[3691] And fortune, on his damned quarrel smiling,[3692] Show'd like a rebel's whore: but all's too weak:[3693] 15 For brave Macbeth--well he deserves that name-- Disdaining fortune, with his brandish'd steel,[3694] Which smoked with bloody execution, Like valour's minion carved out his passage[3695][3696] Till he faced the slave;[3695][3697] 20 Which ne'er shook hands, nor bade farewell to him,[3698] Till he unseam'd him from the nave to the chaps,[3699] And fix'd his head upon our battlements.

Dun. O valiant cousin! worthy gentleman!

Ser. As whence the sun 'gins his reflection[3700] 25 Shipwrecking storms and direful thunders break,[3701] So from that spring whence comfort seem'd to come Discomfort swells. Mark, king of Scotland, mark:[3702] No sooner justice had, with valour arm'd, Compell'd these skipping kerns to trust their heels,[3703] 30 But the Norweyan lord, surveying vantage, With furbish'd arms and new supplies of men,[3704] Began a fresh assault.

Dun. Dismay'd not this[3705] Our captains, Macbeth and Banquo?[3705][3706]

Ser. Yes;[3707] As sparrows eagles, or the hare the lion.[3707] 35 If I say sooth, I must report they were As cannons overcharged with double cracks;[3708] So they[3709] Doubly redoubled strokes upon the foe:[3710] Except they meant to bathe in reeking wounds,[3711] 40 Or memorize another Golgotha, I cannot tell--[3712][3713] But I am faint; my gashes cry for help.[3712]

Dun. So well thy words become thee as thy wounds;[3714] They smack of honour both. Go get him surgeons.[3715] 45

[Exit Sergeant, attended.

Who comes here?[3716]

Enter ROSS.

Mal. The worthy thane of Ross.

Len. What a haste looks through his eyes! So should he look[3717][3718] That seems to speak things strange.[3718][3719]

Ross. God save the king!

Dun. Whence camest thou, worthy thane?

Ross. From Fife, great king; Where the Norweyan banners flout the sky[3720] 50 And fan our people cold.[3721] Norway himself, with terrible numbers,[3721][3722] Assisted by that most disloyal traitor The thane of Cawdor, began a dismal conflict;[3723] Till that Bellona's bridegroom, lapp'd in proof, 55 Confronted him with self-comparisons, Point against point rebellious, arm 'gainst arm,[3724] Curbing his lavish spirit: and, to conclude,[3725] The victory fell on us.

Dun. Great happiness!

Ross. That now[3726] 60 Sweno, the Norways' king, craves composition;[3726][3727] Nor would we deign him burial of his men Till he disbursed, at Saint Colme's inch,[3728] Ten thousand dollars to our general use.

Dun. No more that thane of Cawdor shall deceive 65 Our bosom interest: go pronounce his present death,[3729] And with his former title greet Macbeth.[3730]

Ross. I'll see it done.

Dun. What he hath lost, noble Macbeth hath won.

[Exeunt.

Act I, Scene III — A heath.

Thunder. Enter the three Witches.

First Witch. Where hast thou been, sister?[3731]

Sec. Witch. Killing swine.

Third Witch. Sister, where thou?[3732]

First Witch. A sailor's wife had chestnuts in her lap, And mounch'd, and mounch'd, and mounch'd. 'Give me,' quoth I:[3733] 5 'Aroint thee, witch!' the rump-fed ronyon cries.[3734] Her husband's to Aleppo gone, master o' the Tiger: But in a sieve I'll thither sail, And, like a rat without a tail, I'll do, I'll do, and I'll do.[3735] 10

Sec. Witch. I'll give thee a wind.

First Witch. Thou'rt kind.[3736]

Third Witch. And I another.

First Witch. I myself have all the other; And the very ports they blow,[3737] 15 All the quarters that they know[3738] I' the shipman's card.[3739] I will drain him dry as hay:[3740] Sleep shall neither night nor day Hang upon his pent-house lid; 20 He shall live a man forbid: Weary se'nnights nine times nine[3741] Shall he dwindle, peak, and pine: Though his bark cannot be lost, Yet it shall be tempest-tost. 25 Look what I have.

Sec. Witch. Show me, show me.

First Witch. Here I have a pilot's thumb, Wreck'd as homeward he did come. [Drum within.

Third Witch. A drum, a drum! 30 Macbeth doth come.[3742]

All. The weird sisters, hand in hand,[3743] Posters of the sea and land,[3744] Thus do go about, about: Thrice to thine, and thrice to mine,[3745] 35 And thrice again, to make up nine. Peace! the charm's wound up.

Enter MACBETH and BANQUO.[3746]

Macb. So foul and fair a day I have not seen.[3747]

Ban. How far is't call'd to Forres? What are these[3748] So wither'd, and so wild in their attire, 40 That look not like the inhabitants o' the earth,[3749] And yet are on't? Live you? or are you aught That man may question? You seem to understand me, By each at once her choppy finger laying Upon her skinny lips: you should be women, 45 And yet your beards forbid me to interpret That you are so.

Macb. Speak, if you can: what are you?

First Witch. All hail, Macbeth! hail to thee, thane of Glamis!

Sec. Witch. All hail, Macbeth! hail to thee, thane of Cawdor!

Third Witch. All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter! 50

Ban. Good sir, why do you start, and seem to fear Things that do sound so fair? I' the name of truth,[3750] Are ye fantastical, or that indeed Which outwardly ye show? My noble partner You greet with present grace and great prediction 55 Of noble having and of royal hope, That he seems rapt withal: to me you speak not:[3751] If you can look into the seeds of time, And say which grain will grow and which will not,[3752] Speak then to me, who neither beg nor fear 60 Your favours nor your hate.

First Witch. Hail!

Sec. Witch. Hail!

Third Witch. Hail!

First Witch. Lesser than Macbeth, and greater. 65

Sec. Witch. Not so happy, yet much happier.

Third Witch. Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none: So all hail, Macbeth and Banquo![3753]

First Witch. Banquo and Macbeth, all hail![3754]

Macb. Stay, you imperfect speakers, tell me more: 70 By Sinel's death I know I am thane of Glamis;[3755] But how of Cawdor? the thane of Cawdor lives, A prosperous gentleman; and to be king Stands not within the prospect of belief, No more than to be Cawdor. Say from whence 75 You owe this strange intelligence? or why Upon this blasted heath you stop our way With such prophetic greeting? Speak, I charge you.[3756]

[Witches vanish.

Ban. The earth hath bubbles as the water has, And these are of them: whither are they vanish'd? 80

Macb. Into the air, and what seem'd corporal melted[3757] As breath into the wind. Would they had stay'd![3757]

Ban. Were such things here as we do speak about? Or have we eaten on the insane root[3758] That takes the reason prisoner? 85

Macb. Your children shall be kings.

Ban. You shall be king.

Macb. And thane of Cawdor too: went it not so?

Ban. To the selfsame tune and words. Who's here?[3759]

Enter ROSS and ANGUS.

Ross. The king hath happily received, Macbeth,[3760] The news of thy success: and when he reads 90 Thy personal venture in the rebels' fight,[3761] His wonders and his praises do contend[3762] Which should be thine or his: silenced with that,[3762][3763] In viewing o'er the rest o' the selfsame day, He finds thee in the stout Norweyan ranks, 95 Nothing afeard of what thyself didst make,[3764] Strange images of death. As thick as hail[3765][3766] Came post with post, and every one did bear[3766][3767] Thy praises in his kingdom's great defence, And pour'd them down before him.

Aug. We are sent[3768] 100 To give thee, from our royal master, thanks;[3769][3770] Only to herald thee into his sight,[3769] Not pay thee.

Ross. And for an earnest of a greater honour, He bade me, from him, call thee thane of Cawdor:[3771] 105 In which addition, hail, most worthy thane! For it is thine.

Ban. What, can the devil speak true?

Macb. The thane of Cawdor lives: why do you dress me[3772] In borrow'd robes?[3772][3773]

Ang. Who was the thane lives yet, But under heavy judgement bears that life 110 Which he deserves to lose. Whether he was combined[3774] With those of Norway, or did line the rebel[3774][3775] With hidden help and vantage, or that with both[3774][3776] He labour'd in his country's wreck, I know not;[3774] But treasons capital, confess'd and proved, 115 Have overthrown him.

Macb. [Aside] Glamis, and thane of Cawdor:[3777] The greatest is behind.--Thanks for your pains.--[3778] Do you not hope your children shall be kings,[3779] When those that gave the thane of Cawdor to me Promised no less to them?

Ban. That, trusted home,[3780] 120 Might yet enkindle you unto the crown, Besides the thane of Cawdor. But 'tis strange: And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, The instruments of darkness tell us truths, Win us with honest trifles, to betray 's[3781] 125 In deepest consequence.[3782] Cousins, a word, I pray you.[3782]

Macb. [Aside] Two truths are told,[3783] As happy prologues to the swelling act Of the imperial theme.--I thank you, gentlemen. [Aside] This supernatural soliciting[3784] 130 Cannot be ill; cannot be good: if ill,[3785][3786] Why hath it given me earnest of success,[3786] Commencing in a truth? I am thane of Cawdor:[3787] If good, why do I yield to that suggestion Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair[3788] 135 And make my seated heart knock at my ribs, Against the use of nature? Present fears[3789] Are less than horrible imaginings: My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical,[3790] Shakes so my single state of man that function[3791] 140 Is smother'd in surmise, and nothing is[3791] But what is not.[3791][3792]

Ban. Look, how our partner's rapt.

Macb. [Aside] If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me,[3793] Without my stir.

Ban. New honours come upon him, Like our strange garments, cleave not to their mould 145 But with the aid of use.[3794]

Macb. [Aside] Come what come may,[3795] Time and the hour runs through the roughest day.

Ban. Worthy Macbeth, we stay upon your leisure.

Macb. Give me your favour: my dull brain was wrought[3796] With things forgotten. Kind gentlemen, your pains[3796][3797] 150 Are register'd where every day I turn[3796] The leaf to read them. Let us toward the king.[3796] Think upon what hath chanced, and at more time,[3796][3798] The interim having weigh'd it, let us speak[3799] Our free hearts each to other.

Ban. Very gladly. 155

Macb. Till then, enough. Come, friends.[3800] [Exeunt.

Act I, Scene IV — Forres. The palace.[3801]

Flourish. Enter DUNCAN, MALCOLM, DONALBAIN, LENNOX, and Attendants.[3802]

Dun. Is execution done on Cawdor? Are not[3803] Those in commission yet return'd?

Mal. My liege,[3804] They are not yet come back. But I have spoke[3804] With one that saw him die, who did report[3804] That very frankly he confess'd his treasons,[3804] 5 Implored your highness' pardon and set forth[3804] A deep repentance: nothing in his life[3804] Became him like the leaving it; he died[3804] As one that had been studied in his death, To throw away the dearest thing he owed[3805] 10 As 'twere a careless trifle.

Dun. There's no art To find the mind's construction in the face: He was a gentleman on whom I built An absolute trust.

Enter MACBETH, BANQUO, ROSS, and ANGUS.

O worthiest cousin![3806] The sin of my ingratitude even now 15 Was heavy on me: thou art so far before[3807] That swiftest wing of recompense is slow[3808] To overtake thee. Would thou hadst less deserved,[3809] That the proportion both of thanks and payment Might have been mine! only I have left to say,[3810] 20 More is thy due than more than all can pay.[3811]

Macb. The service and the loyalty I owe, In doing it, pays itself. Your highness' part[3812] Is to receive our duties: and our duties[3812] Are to your throne and state, children and servants;[3812] 25 Which do but what they should, by doing every thing[3812][3813] Safe toward your love and honour.[3812][3813][3814]

Dun. Welcome hither: I have begun to plant thee, and will labour To make thee full of growing. Noble Banquo, That hast no less deserved, nor must be known[3815] 30 No less to have done so: let me infold thee And hold thee to my heart.

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

Dun. My plenteous joys, Wanton in fulness, seek to hide themselves In drops of sorrow. Sons, kinsmen, thanes,[3816] 35 And you whose places are the nearest, know, We will establish our estate upon Our eldest, Malcolm, whom we name hereafter The Prince of Cumberland: which honour must Not unaccompanied invest him only,[3817] 40 But signs of nobleness, like stars, shall shine On all deservers. From hence to Inverness,[3818] And bind us further to you.[3819]

Macb. The rest is labour, which is not used for you:[3819] I'll be myself the harbinger, and make joyful[3820] 45 The hearing of my wife with your approach; So humbly take my leave.

Dun. My worthy Cawdor!

Macb. [Aside] The Prince of Cumberland! that is a step,[3821] On which I must fall down, or else o'erleap, For in my way it lies. Stars, hide your fires; 50 Let not light see my black and deep desires:[3822] The eye wink at the hand; yet let that be Which the eye fears, when it is done, to see. [Exit.

Dun. True, worthy Banquo; he is full so valiant,[3823] And in his commendations I am fed; 55 It is a banquet to me. Let's after him,[3824] Whose care is gone before to bid us welcome: It is a peerless kinsman. [Flourish. Exeunt.[3825]

Act I, Scene V — Inverness. Macbeth's castle.[3826]

Enter LADY MACBETH, reading a letter.[3827]

Lady M. 'They met me in the day of success; and I[3828] have learned by the perfectest report, they have more in[3829] them than mortal knowledge. When I burned in desire to question them further, they made themselves air, into which they vanished. Whiles I stood rapt in the wonder of it,[3830] 5 came missives from the king, who all-hailed me "Thane[3831] of Cawdor;" by which title, before, these weird sisters saluted[3832] me, and referred me to the coming on of time, with "Hail, king that shalt be!" This have I thought good to[3833] deliver thee, my dearest partner of greatness, that thou 10 mightst not lose the dues of rejoicing, by being ignorant[3834] of what greatness is promised thee. Lay it to thy heart, and farewell.' Glamis thou art, and Cawdor, and shalt be[3835] What thou art promised: yet do I fear thy nature;[3836] 15 It is too full o' the milk of human kindness[3837] To catch the nearest way: thou wouldst be great; Art not without ambition, but without The illness should attend it: what thou wouldst highly, That wouldst thou holily; wouldst not play false, 20 And yet wouldst wrongly win: thou'ldst have, great Glamis,[3838][3839] That which cries 'Thus thou must do, if thou have it;[3838][3839] And that which rather thou dost fear to do[3839] Than wishest should be undone.' Hie thee hither,[3839][3840] That I may pour my spirits in thine ear, 25 And chastise with the valour of my tongue All that impedes thee from the golden round,[3841] Which fate and metaphysical aid doth seem[3842] To have thee crown'd withal.[3843]

Enter a Messenger.[3844]

What is your tidings?

Mess. The king comes here to-night.

Lady M. Thou'rt mad to say it:[3845] 30 Is not thy master with him? who, were't so, Would have inform'd for preparation.

Mess. So please you, it is true: our thane is coming:[3845] One of my fellows had the speed of him, Who, almost dead for breath, had scarcely more 35 Than would make up his message.

Lady M. Give him tending; He brings great news. [Exit Messenger. The raven himself is hoarse[3846] That croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan Under my battlements. Come, you spirits[3847] That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here,[3848] 40 And fill me, from the crown to the toe, top-full Of direst cruelty! make thick my blood,[3849] Stop up the access and passage to remorse, That no compunctious visitings of nature Shake my fell purpose, nor keep peace between[3850] 45 The effect and it! Come to my woman's breasts,[3851] And take my milk for gall, you murdering ministers,[3852] Wherever in your sightless substances You wait on nature's mischief! Come, thick night, And pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell, 50 That my keen knife see not the wound it makes, Nor heaven peep through the blanket of the dark,[3853] To cry 'Hold, hold!'

Enter MACBETH.

Great Glamis! worthy Cawdor![3854] Greater than both, by the all-hail hereafter! Thy letters have transported me beyond 55 This ignorant present, and I feel now[3855] The future in the instant.

Macb. My dearest love,[3856] Duncan comes here to-night.

Lady M. And when goes hence?

Macb. To-morrow, as he purposes.

Lady M. O, never Shall sun that morrow see![3857] 60 Your face, my thane, is as a book where men[3858] May read strange matters. To beguile the time,[3859] Look like the time; bear welcome in your eye, Your hand, your tongue: look like the innocent flower, But be the serpent under't. He that's coming 65 Must be provided for: and you shall put This night's great business into my dispatch; Which shall to all our nights and days to come Give solely sovereign sway and masterdom.

Macb. We will speak further.

Lady Macb. Only look up clear; 70 To alter favour ever is to fear:[3860] Leave all the rest to me. [Exeunt.

Act I, Scene VI — Before Macbeth's castle.[3861]

Hautboys and torches. Enter DUNCAN, MALCOLM, DONALBAIN, BANQUO, LENNOX, MACDUFF, ROSS, ANGUS, and Attendants.[3862]

Dun. This castle hath a pleasant seat; the air[3863][3864] Nimbly and sweetly recommends itself[3864] Unto our gentle senses.[3865]

Ban. This guest of summer, The temple-haunting martlet, does approve[3866] By his loved mansionry that the heaven's breath[3867] 5 Smells wooingly here: no jutty, frieze,[3868][3869] Buttress, nor coign of vantage, but this bird[3868][3870] Hath made his pendent bed and procreant cradle:[3868][3871] Where they most breed and haunt, I have observed[3868][3871][3872] The air is delicate.[3868]

Enter LADY MACBETH.

Dun. See, see, our honour'd hostess![3868][3873] 10 The love that follows us sometime is our trouble,[3874] Which still we thank as love. Herein I teach you[3875] How you shall bid God'ild us for your pains,[3875][3876] And thank us for your trouble.

Lady M. All our service In every point twice done, and then done double, 15 Were poor and single business to contend Against those honours deep and broad wherewith[3877] Your majesty loads our house: for those of old,[3877] And the late dignities heap'd up to them,[3877] We rest your hermits.[3877]

Dun. Where's the thane of Cawdor?[3877][3878] 20 We coursed him at the heels, and had a purpose To be his purveyor: but he rides well, And his great love, sharp as his spur, hath holp him[3879] To his home before us. Fair and noble hostess,[3880] We are your guest to-night.

Lady M. Your servants ever 25 Have theirs, themselves, and what is theirs, in compt,[3881] To make their audit at your highness' pleasure, Still to return your own.

Dun. Give me your hand; Conduct me to mine host: we love him highly,[3882] And shall continue our graces towards him. 30 By your leave, hostess. [Exeunt.[3883]

Act I, Scene VII — Macbeth's castle.[3884]

Hautboys and torches. Enter a Sewer, and divers Servants with dishes and service and pass over the stage. Then enter MACBETH.[3885]

Macb. If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well[3886] It were done quickly: if the assassination[3886][3887] Could trammel up the consequence, and catch, With his surcease, success; that but this blow[3888] Might be the be-all and the end-all here,[3889] 5 But here, upon this bank and shoal of time,[3890] We'ld jump the life to come. But in these cases We still have judgement here; that we but teach Bloody instructions, which being taught return[3891] To plague the inventor: this even-handed justice[3892][3893] 10 Commends the ingredients of our poison'd chalice[3892][3894] To our own lips. He's here in double trust: First, as I am his kinsman and his subject, Strong both against the deed; then, as his host, Who should against his murderer shut the door, 15 Not bear the knife myself. Besides, this Duncan Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been[3895] So clear in his great office, that his virtues Will plead like angels trumpet-tongued against[3896] The deep damnation of his taking-off; 20 And pity, like a naked new-born babe, Striding the blast, or heaven's cherubin horsed[3897] Upon the sightless couriers of the air,[3898] Shall blow the horrid deed in every eye, That tears shall drown the wind. I have no spur 25 To prick the sides of my intent, but only Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself[3899] And falls on the other.[3900]

Enter LADY MACBETH.[3901]

How now! what news?

Lady M. He has almost supp'd: why have you left the chamber?[3902]

Macb. Hath he ask'd for me?

Lady M. Know you not he has?[3903] 30

Macb. We will proceed no further in this business: He hath honour'd me of late; and I have bought Golden opinions from all sorts of people,[3904] Which would be worn now in their newest gloss,[3905] Not cast aside so soon.

Lady M. Was the hope drunk 35 Wherein you dress'd yourself? hath it slept since?[3906] And wakes it now, to look so green and pale At what it did so freely? From this time[3907] Such I account thy love. Art thou afeard[3908] To be the same in thine own act and valour 40 As thou art in desire? Wouldst thou have that[3909] Which thou esteem'st the ornament of life, And live a coward in thine own esteem,[3909] Letting 'I dare not' wait upon 'I would,' Like the poor cat i' the adage?[3910]

Macb. Prithee, peace: 45 I dare do all that may become a man; Who dares do more is none.[3911]

Lady M. What beast was't then That made you break this enterprise to me? When you durst do it, then you were a man; And, to be more than what you were, you would 50 Be so much more the man. Nor time nor place[3912] Did then adhere, and yet you would make both:[3913] They have made themselves, and that their fitness now[3914] Does unmake you. I have given suck, and know How tender 'tis to love the babe that milks me: 55 I would, while it was smiling in my face, Have pluck'd my nipple from his boneless gums, And dash'd the brains out, had I so sworn as you[3915][3916] Have done to this.[3915][3917]

Macb. If we should fail?

Lady M. We fail! But screw your courage to the sticking-place, 60 And we'll not fail. When Duncan is asleep-- Whereto the rather shall his day's hard journey[3918] Soundly invite him--his two chamberlains Will I with wine and wassail so convince[3919] That memory, the warder of the brain, 65 Shall be a fume, and the receipt of reason A limbec only: when in swinish sleep Their drenched natures lie as in a death,[3920] What cannot you and I perform upon The unguarded Duncan? what not put upon 70 His spongy officers, who shall bear the guilt Of our great quell?

Macb. Bring forth men-children only; For thy undaunted mettle should compose[3921] Nothing but males. Will it not be received, When we have mark'd with blood those sleepy two 75 Of his own chamber, and used their very daggers, That they have done't?

Lady M. Who dares receive it other, As we shall make our griefs and clamour roar Upon his death?

Macb. I am settled, and bend up[3922] Each corporal agent to this terrible feat. 80 Away, and mock the time with fairest show:[3923] False face must hide what the false heart doth know.[3923]

[Exeunt.

FOOTNOTES:

[3668] ACT I. SCENE I.] Actus Primus. Scæna Prima. Ff.

A desert place.] An open Heath. Rowe. An open place. Theobald. om Ff.

[3669] again] Hanmer. againe? F1 F2. again? F3 F4.

[3670] or] and Hanmer.

[3671] done] over A. Hunter.

[3672] the] om. Pope.

[3673] to meet with Macbeth] I go to meet Macbeth Pope. to meet with great Macbeth Capell. we go to meet Macbeth A. Hunter (Jennens conj.). to meet with--1. Witch. Whom? 2. Witch. Macbeth. Rann (Steevens conj.). to meet and greet Macbeth Jackson conj. to meet with thane Macbeth Nicholson conj.

[3674] I come] I come, I come Pope, putting Grimalkin in a separate line.

[Spirits call in succession. Nicholson conj.

[3675] All. Paddock ... air.] 2. Witch. Padocke calls--anon! All. Fair ... air. Pope. 2. Witch. Paddock calls. 3. Witch. Anon. All. Fair ... air. Grant White (Hunter conj.).

[3676] Paddock ... fair.] Two lines in Pope. One in Ff.

[3677] calls:--anon!] calls--anon-- Rowe. calls anon: Ff.

[3678] foul is fair] foul sfair Rowe (ed. 2).

[3679] the] om. Pope.

[Exeunt.] Ff. They rise from the Stage, and fly away. Rowe. Witches vanish. Malone.

[3680] A camp ...] Capell. A Palace. Rowe. The Palace at Forres. Theobald.

[3681] Alarum within] om. Rowe.

Duncan,] Capell. King, Ff.

Sergeant.] Edd. Captaine. Ff. Soldier. Capell.

[3682] Dun.] Capell. King. Ff. (and throughout).

[3683] sergeant Who ... good] serjeant, who Like a right good Hanmer.

[3684] soldier fought 'Gainst] soldier Fought against S. Walker conj., or supposes some words to be lost.

[3685] Hail] Haile F1. Haile: haile F2. Hail, hail F3 F4. Hail, my S. Walker conj.

[3686] the knowledge] thy knowledge Keightley (Collier MS. and S. Walker conj.).

[3687] Doubtful] Doubtful long Pope. Doubtfully Steevens (1793).

it] it had Anon. conj.

stood;] Here Keightley marks a line omitted.

[3688] two] to Warburton.

spent] expert Jennens.

[3689] Macdonwald] F1. Macdonnell F2 F3 F4.

[3690] villanies] F1 F4. Villaines F2 F3.

[3691] Of] With Hanmer.

gallowglasses] Gallow glasses F2 F3 F4. Gallowgrosses F1.

is] was Pope.

[3692] damned quarrel] Hanmer (Warburton and Johnson). damned quarry Ff. damped quarry Jackson conj.

[3693] a rebel's] the rebel's Hanmer.

all's too weak] all too weak Pope. all-to-weak Hunter conj.

[3694] Disdaining fortune] Like valour's minion Mitford conj.

[3695] Like ... slave:] As in Ff. Steevens (1793) ends the first line minion. Keightley marks an omission after minion and after slave.

[3696] Like valour's minion] om. Mitford conj.

carved] Rowe (ed. 2). carv'd Ff.

[3697] he] he had Pope.

[3698] Which ne'er] Knight. Which nev'r F1 F2 F3. Which never F4. Who ne'er Pope. And ne'er Capell. When he ne'er Nicholson conj.

Which ... hands] And ne'er slack'd hand Bullock conj.

bade] Steevens (1778). bad F1 F2 F3. bid F4.

[3699] nave] nape Hanmer (Warburton).

chaps] chops Ff.

[3700] 'gins] F1. gins F2 F3 F4. gives Pope.

[3701] Shipwrecking ... break] Burst forth shipwrecking storms and direful thunders Anon. conj.

thunders break,] Pope. thunders: F1. thunders breaking F2 F3 F4. thunders burst, or thunders threat, S. Walker conj.

[3702] Discomfort swells] Discomfort swell'd Pope. Discomforts well'd Johnson (Thirlby conj.). Discomfit well'd Warburton. Discomfort wells Capell.

[3703] kerns] kernes Ff. kermes Johnson.

[3704] furbish'd] furbusht Ff.

[3705] Dismayed ... Banquo?] As in Pope. Prose in Ff.

[3706] captains] captains twain S. Walker conj.

Macbeth] brave Macbeth Hanmer.

[3707] Yes; ... lion.] As in Pope. Two lines, ending eagles ... lyon, in Ff.

[3708] overcharged with] overcharg'd; with Theobald. charg'd with Seymour conj. (reading As ... they as one line).

[3709] So they] As a separate line in Steevens. In Ff So they begins line 39, in Globe ed. ends line 37. Before or after these words Grant White conjectures the rest of a line to be lost. Keightley marks the omission of part of a line before So they.

[3710] Doubly] om. Pope, reading So ... foe as one line.

[3711] reeking] F1 F4. recking F2 F3.

[3712] I ... help.] As in Rowe. Two lines, the first ending faint, in Ff.

[3713] tell--] Rowe. tell: Ff.

[3714] So] As A. Hunter.

[3715] [Exit ...] Exeunt some with the Soldier. Capell. Exit Soldier, attended. Malone. om. Ff.

[3716] Who] But who Pope. Who is't Steevens conj.

here?] here now? Keightley.

Enter Ross.] Steevens (after line 45). Enter Rosse and Angus. Ff (after line 45). Transferred by Dyce to follow strange, line 48.

[3717] a haste] F1. hast F2 F3 F4. haste Rowe.

[3718] So ... strange] As in Hanmer. One line in Ff. Given to Malcolm, Upton conj.

[3719] seems] teems Johnson conj. comes Collier (Collier MS.). seeks or deems Anon. conj.

[3720] flout the] float i' the Becket conj. Did flout the Keightley, reading From ... cold as two lines, the first ending banners.

[3721] And ... himself,] One line, S. Walker conj.

[3722] Norway himself, with] Norway, himself with Theobald.

terrible numbers,] numbers terrible, Pope. terrible numbers, there Keightley.

[3723] began] 'gan Pope.

[3724] point rebellious, arm] Theobald. point, rebellious arme Ff.

[3725] and] om. Pope.

[3726] That ... composition] As in Steevens (1778). Two lines, the first ending king, in Ff.

That now ... the Norway's] Now ... Norway's Pope, reading Now ... composition as one line.

[3727] Sweno] om. Steevens conj., reading That ... composition as one line.

Norways'] Steevens (1778). Norwayes Ff. Norway's Rowe.

[3728] Colme's inch] Colmes ynch F1. Colmes-hill F2 F3 F4. Colmes-kill-isle Pope. Colmkil-isle Hanmer. Colme's hill Capell. Colmes' inch Steevens.

[3729] bosom interest] bosom trust Capell conj. bosom's trust Anon. conj. bisson trust Anon. conj. trusting boson Anon. conj.

go] om. Capell conj.

present] om. Pope.

[3730] greet] F1. great F2 F3 F4. A heath] Capell. The heath. Rowe.

[3731] thou] om. Steevens conj.

[3732] Sister] om. Steevens conj.

[3733] Give ... I:] As in Pope. A separate line in Ff.

[3734] Aroint thee] Aroynt thee F1 F2. Anoynt thee F3 F4. I've rauntree Anon. conj. (Gent. Mag. LIV. p. 731). A rauntree Anon. conj. (Gent. Mag. LV. p. 535). A rown-tree A. Hunter. Aroint the Becket conj.

[3735] and I'll do] and I'll not fail Jackson conj.

[3736] Thou'rt] Capell. Th'art Ff. Thou art Pope.

[3737] very] various Johnson conj.

ports] points Pope.

[3738] know] know, F1. know. F2 F3 F4.

[3739] card.] card to show. Collier (Collier MS.).

[3740] I will] Pope. Ile F1. I'le F2 F3. I'll F4.

[3741] se'nnights] sev'nights Ff. seven-nights Dyce.

[3742] C. Lofft conjectured that the play should begin with this line; Strutt that it should commence with the following line.

[3743] weird] Theobald. weyward Ff. weyard Keightley.

[3744] of] o'er A. Hunter.

[3745] Thrice] Thice F2.

[3746] Banquo.] Banquo, with Soldiers and other Attendants. Rowe. Banquo, journeying; Soldiers, and Others, at a Distance. Capell.

[3747] SCENE IV. Pope.

[3748] Forres] Foris Pope. Soris Ff.

[3749] the inhabitants o' the] inhabitants of Pope.

[3750] [To the Witches. Rowe.

[3751] rapt] Pope. wrapt Ff.

[3752] not] rot Porson conj. MS.

[3753] So] om. Pope.

[3754] First Witch.] 1. Ff. 1. 2. Capell.

[3755] Sinel's] Finleg's Ritson conj. Sinane's Beattie conj.

I am] I'm Pope.

[3756] With ... you.] As in Pope. Two lines in Ff.

[3757] Into ... stayed!] As in Capell. Three lines, ending corporall, ... winde ...stay'd, in Ff.

[3758] on] of F4.

[3759] Who's] but who is Hanmer.

[3760] SCENE V. Pope.

[3761] venture] 'venture Warburton.

[3762] contend Which ... that,] contend.--Silenced with that which should be thine, not his, Becket conj.

[3763] should] would Pope.

[3764] afeard] afraid F4.

[3765] death. As] Pope. death; as Rowe. death, as Ff.

[3766] thick ... with post] quick as tale, Post follow'd post A. Hunter.

hail Came] Rowe. tale Can Ff. tale, Came Steevens (Johnson conj.). bale Came Becket conj.

[3767] with] on Pope.

[3768] sent] not sent Hunter conj.

[3769] Only ... pay thee.] To herald thee into his sight, not pay thee. Steevens (1793). Only to herald thee into his sight. Mitford conj.

[3770] herald] F4. harrold F1. herald F2F3.

into his] to's or in's S. Walker conj., reading Only ... thee as one line.

[3771] bade] Theobald (ed. 2). bad Ff.

[3772] why ... robes?] As in Capell. One line in Ff.

[3773] borrow'd] Capell. borrowed F1. his borrowed F2F3F4. his borrow'd Pope.

[3774] Whether ... know not] As in Malone. Five lines, ending loose ... Norway ... helpe, ... labour'd ... not, in Ff. Four lines, ending was ... rebel ... both ... not, in Pope.

[3775] those of] om. Pope.

did] F1 and Pope. else did F2F3F4.

[3776] that] om. Pope.

[3777] [Aside] Rowe. om. Ff.

[3778] [To Angus. Rowe.

[3779] [To Banquo. Rowe.

[3780] trusted] thrusted Keightley (Malone conj.).

[3781] betray's] F1F3F4. betrays F2. betray us Rowe (ed. 2).

[3782] In ... you] As in Ff. One line in Capell.

[3783] [To Rosse and Angus. Rowe. talks with Rosse and Angus apart. Capell.] [Aside] Rowe. om. Ff.

[3784] [Aside] Marked first by Capell.

[3785] Cannot ... cannot] Can it ... can it Anon. conj.

cannot be good] can it be good? Jackson conj.

[3786] if ill ... success,] As in Rowe. One line in Ff.

[3787] I am] I'm Pope.

[3788] unfix] upfix Warburton. uplift A. Hunter.

hair] Rowe. heire F1F2F3. heir F4.

[3789] fears] feats Theobald (Warburton). acts A. Hunter.

[3790] whose] where Collier MS.

murder ... fantastical] murther's yet but fantasy Hanmer.

[3791] Shakes ... not.] Arranged as in Pope. Three lines, ending man, ... surmise, ... not, in Ff.

[3792] partner's] F1F4. partners F2F3.

[3793] [Aside] Rowe. om. Ff.

If ... me,] As in Rowe. Two lines in Ff.

[3794] [Aside] Johnson. om. Ff.

[3795] Time and the hour] Time! on!--the hour Johnson conj. Time and the honour Jackson conj. Time's sandy hour Bailey conj.

[3796] Give ... time,] Arranged as in Pope. As seven lines, ending favour ... forgotten ... registred, ... leafe, ... them ... upon ... time, in Ff. Six lines, ending favour:-- ... forgotten ... register'd ... them.-- ... king ... time, in Knight.

[3797] forgotten] forgot Pope.

[To Rosse and Angus. Johnson.

[3798] [To Banquo. Rowe.

[3799] The] I' th' Steevens conj. In the Keightley.

[3800] Till ... friends] As in Pope. Two lines in Ff.

[3801] SCENE IV.] Ff. SCENE VI. Pope.

Forres. The palace.] Foris. A Room in the Palace. Capell. A Palace. Rowe.

[3802] Duncan,] Capell. King, Ff.

Malcolm ... Lennox,] Rowe. Lenox, Malcolme, Donalbaine, Ff.

[3803] Dun.] Capell. King. Ff (and throughout).

Is ... not] Arranged as by Capell. The line ends at Cawdor? in Ff.

Cawdor?] Cawdor yet? Pope.

Are] F2 F3 F4. Or F1.

[3804] My liege, ... died] Arranged as by Pope. Seven lines, ending back ... die: ... hee ... pardon, ... repentance: ... him, ... dy'de, in Ff.

[3805] owed] own'd] Warburton (Johnson conj.). had A. Hunter.

[3806] worthiest] my most worthy Hanmer.

[3807] Was] Is A. Hunter.

thou art] Thou'rt Pope.

[3808] That] The Jennens.

wing] F1. wine F2 F3 F4. wind Rowe.

[3809] thou hadst] thou'dst Pope.

[3810] mine] more Collier (Collier MS.), mean Staunton conj.

I have] I've Pope.

[3811] than more] ev'n more Hanmer. nay, more A. Hunter.

[3812] Your ... honour.] Arranged as in Pope. Five lines, ending duties: ... state, ... should, ... love ... honor, in Ff.

[3813] by ... Safe toward] in doing nothing, Save tow'rds Johnson conj.

[3814] Safe] Shap'd Hanmer. Fief'd Warburton. Fiefs Warburton conj. Serves Heath conj. Saf'd Malone conj.

Safe toward your] Safe to ward your Anon. conj. (Gent. Mag. LIX. p. 713). Safe-toward your Seymour conj. Your safeguards Becket conj.

your] you Blackstone conj.

love] life Warburton.

[3815] nor] and Rowe.

[3816] kinsmen] F1. kinsman F2 F3 F4.

thanes] and thanes, Hanmer.

[3817] unaccompanied] accompanied Warburton and Johnson.

[3818] From] om. Pope.

Inverness] Pope. Envernes Ff.

[3819] S. Walker would end the lines labour, ... you.

[3820] harbinger] Rowe. herbenger F1 F2 F3. harbenger F4.

[3821] [Aside] Rowe. om. Ff.

[3822] not light] no light Hanmer. not night Warburton.

[3823] so valiant] of valour Hanmer.

[3824] Let's] let us Pope.

[3825] It,] He A. Hunter.

[Flourish. Exeunt.] F3. Exeunt. F2 F3 F4.

[3826] SCENE V.] SCENE VII. Pope.

Inverness. Macbeth's castle.] An Apartment in Macbeth's Castle. Rowe. An ... Castle at Inverness. Pope.

[3827] Enter Lady Macbeth ...] Enter Macbeths Wife alone with a Letter. Ff. Enter Lady Macbeth alone with a Letter. Rowe. Enter Lady Macbeth, reading. Capell.

[3828] Lady M.] Lady. Ff.

[3829] perfectest] Rowe (ed. 2). perfectst F1 F2. perfect'st F3 F4. perfected Warburton.

[3830] Whiles] While Pope.

[3831] all-hailed] all-hail'd F1. all hail'd F2 F3 F4. all, hail'd Rowe (ed. 1).

[3832] weird] Theobald. weyward Ff. wayward Rowe.

[3833] shalt be] shalt be hereafter Upton conj.

[3834] the dues] thy dues Capell conj.

[3835] art] art now Seymour conj.

[3836] do I] I do F4. I Pope.

[3837] human] Rowe. humane Ff.

[3838] And ... it;] As in Pope. Three lines, ending winne ... cryes, ... it, in Ff.

[3839] thou'ldst ... undone.'] See note (I).

[3840] Hie] F4. High F1 F2 F3.

[3841] impedes thee] impeides thee F1. thee hinders F2 F3 F4.

[3842] metaphysical] metaphysic Pope.

doth seem] doth seek Johnson conj. do strive Anon. conj.

[3843] thee crown'd] crown'd thee Warburton.

[3844] Enter a Messenger.] Enter Messenger. Ff. Enter an Attendant. Capell.

[3845] Mess.] Att. Capell.

[3846] He ... hoarse] One line in Rowe. Two in Ff.

[Exit Messenger.] Ff. Exit Att. Capell.

himself is] himself's not Warburton.

[3847] you spirits] all you spirits Pope (Davenant's version). come, you spirits Steevens (1793). spirits of evil Keightley.

[3848] mortal] deadly A. Hunter.

[3849] direst] direct Warburton and Johnson.

[3850] peace] pace Johnson conj.

[3851] The effect and it] The effecting it Becket conj.

effect] essect F2.

it] F3 F4. hit F1 F2.

[3852] for gall] with gall Keightley.

[3853] blanket] Ff. blank height Coleridge conj. blankness Collier MS. blackness Bailey conj. blankest Jessopp conj. blonket Anon. (N. and Q.) conj.

[3854] [Embracing him. Rowe.

[3855] present] present time Pope.

feel] feel e'en Hunter conj. feel me Anon. conj.

[3856] My] om. Pope.

[3857] sun] his sun Jackson conj.

[3858] a] om. F2.

[3859] matters. To ... time,] Theobald. matters, to ... time. Ff.

[3860] to fear] and fear Theobald (ed. 2).

[3861] SCENE VI.] SCENE VIII. Pope. SCENE IV. Rowe (ed. 1).

Before....] The Castle Gate. Rowe. Before Macbeth's Castle Gate. Theobald.

[3862] Hautboys and torches.] Hoboyes, and Torches. Ff (Hoboys, F4). Hautboys. Servants of Macbeth with Torches. Capell.

Enter Duncan....] Enter King.... Ff.

[3863] seat] site Johnson conj.

[3864] the air ... itself] As in Rowe. One line in Ff.

[3865] Unto ... senses] Gentle unto our sense Becket conj.

gentle senses] general sense Warburton. gentle sense Capell (Johnson conj.).

[3866] martlet] Rowe. Barlet Ff.

[3867] loved mansionry] love-mansionry Staunton conj.

mansionry] Theobald. mansonry Ff. masonry Pope (ed. 2).

the] om. Pope.

[3868] Smells ... delicate] Steevens (1793) ends the lines buttress, ... made ... they ... air ... delicate.

[3869] wooingly] sweet and wooingly Hanmer.

wooingly here: no] wooingly. Here is no Johnson conj. (withdrawn).

jutty, frieze] Steevens (1793). jutty frieze Ff. jutting frieze Pope. jutty, (word omitted) frieze S. Walker conj.

[3870] bird] bird on't Keightley.

[3871] cradle: ... haunt,] Rowe. cradle, ... haunt: Ff.

[3872] most] Rowe. must Ff. much Collier (Collier MS.).

[3873] Enter Lady Macbeth.] Enter Lady. Ff (and passim).

See, see,] See! Hanmer.

[3874] sometime is] sometime's Pope (ed. 1). sometimes Pope (ed. 2). sometimes is Theobald.

[3875] you How you] you:--How?--You Jackson conj.

[3876] shall] should Rowe (ed. 2).

God'ild] God-eyld Ff. Godild Hanmer. God-yeld Warburton. god-yield Johnson. God shield Johnson conj.

[3877] Against ... hermits] As in Pope. In Ff the first three lines end broad, ... house: ... dignities.

[3878] hermits] F3 F4. Ermites F1. Hermites F2.

[3879] as] at F2.

[3880] To his] To's Pope.

[3881] theirs, in compt,] theirs, in compt Pope. theirs in compt, Ff.

[3882] host: we] host, we F3 F4. host we F1 F2.

[3883] [kisses her. Nicholson conj.

[3884] SCENE VII.] SCENE IX. Pope.

Macbeth's castle.] An Apartment. Rowe. An Apartment in Macbeth's Castle. Theobald.

[3885] Hautboys and torches.] Ho-boyes. Torches. F1 F2. Ho boyes. Torches. F3. Hoboys. Torches. F4.

Enter ... and pass over....] Enter ... over.... Ff.

a Sewer, and] om. Rowe.

[3886] well It ... quickly: if] well, It ... quickly: If Ff. well. It ... quickly. If Anon, apud Johnson conj. well. It ... quickly if Grant White (Anon. conj. N. and Q.).

[3887] assassination] assassinator Becket conj.

[3888] his] its Pope.

surcease, success] success, surcease A. Hunter (Johnson conj.).

[3889] be ... end-all] _be the all, and be the end of all--_Rowe (ed. 2).

be-all] Hyphen inserted by Pope.

end-all] Hyphen inserted by Pope.

end-all here,] Hanmer. end all. Heere, Ff (Here F3 F4). end all--Here, Rowe (ed. 1). end-all--Here. Warburton.

[3890] But here, upon] Here only on Pope.

shoal Theobald. schoole F1 F2. school F3 F4. shelve Warburton. school'd Becket conj.

time,] time-- Rowe.

[3891] instructions] inductions Becket conj.

[3892] the inventor ... Commends] F1. Omitted in F2 F3 F4 and Rowe.

[3893] this] om. Pope. thus, Collier, ed. 2 (Mason conj.).

[3894] Commends] Returns Pope. ingredients] Pope. ingredience Ff.

[3895] his] F1. this F2 F3 F4.

faculties] F1 F2. faculty F3 F4.

[3896] against] again Johnson.

[3897] cherubin] Ff. cherubim Jennens.

[3898] couriers] Pope. Curriors Ff. curriers Rowe. coursers Theobald (Warburton).

[3899] itself] its sell Singleton conj. its seat Bailey conj.

[3900] on the other.] on th' other. Ff. on th' other-- Rowe. on th' other side. Hanmer. upon the other. Steevens conj. on the rider. Mason conj. on theory. Jackson conj. on th' earth. or upon th' earth. Bailey conj. on the other bank. Anon. conj.

[3901] SCENE X. Pope.

[3902] He has] He's Pope. He hath Hanmer.

[3903] Know you not he has?] Know you not? he has. Capell conj.

[3904] sorts] sort Theobald.

[3905] would] should Pope.

[3906] dress'd] bless'd Bailey conj.

[3907] did] bid Becket conj. eyed Bailey conj.

time] After this Keightley marks a line omitted.

[3908] love] liver Bailey conj.

afeard] affear'd F1 F2 F3. afraid F4.

[3909] have ... And] leave ... And or have ... Or Johnson conj. crave ... And Becket conj. lack ... And Anon. conj.

[3910] adage?] Capell. adage. Ff.

[3911] Who ... none.] Given to Lady M., reading no, Hunter conj.

do] Rowe and Southern MS. no Ff.

beast was't] boast was't Collier MS. baseness was't Bailey conj. was it Hunter conj.

[3912] the] than Hanmer.

[3913] adhere] co-here Pope.

[3914] They have] They've Pope.

[3915] And ... this.] As in Steevens (1793). In Ff the first line ends at sworne.

[3916] brains] branes F2.

out] on't out S. Walker conj.

so] F1 but so F2F3F4. om. Seymour conj.

[3917] fail?] fail?-- Rowe. fail,-- Theobald (ed. 2).

fail!] Rowe. faile? F1F2 fail? F3F4. fail. Capell.

[3918] his] this Pope.

[3919] convince] confound A. Hunter.

[3920] lie] lyes F1.

[3921] mettle] metal F4.

[3922] I am] I'm Pope.

[3923] Away ... know.] Given to Lady M., Hunter conj.

Act II, Scene I — Inverness. Court of Macbeth's Castle.[3924]

Enter BANQUO, and FLEANCE bearing a torch before him.[3925]

Ban. How goes the night, boy?

Fle. The moon is down; I have not heard the clock.[3926]

Ban. And she goes down at twelve.

Fle. I take't, 'tis later, sir.

Ban. Hold, take my sword. There's husbandry in heaven,[3927] Their candles are all out. Take thee that too. 5 A heavy summons lies like lead upon me, And yet I would not sleep. Merciful powers,[3928] Restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature[3928] Gives way to in repose![3928][3929]

Enter MACBETH, and a Servant with a torch.[3930]

Give me my sword. Who's there?[3929] 10

Macb. A friend.

Ban. What, sir, not yet at rest? The king's a-bed: He hath been in unusual pleasure, and[3931] Sent forth great largess to your offices:[3931] This diamond he greets your wife withal, 15 By the name of most kind hostess; and shut up[3932][3933] In measureless content.[3932]

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

Ban. All's well.[3934] I dreamt last night of the three weird sisters:[3935] 20 To you they have show'd some truth.[3936]

Macb. I think not of them: Yet, when we can entreat an hour to serve, We would spend it in some words upon that business,[3937] If you would grant the time.

Ban. At your kind'st leisure.[3938]

Macb. If you shall cleave to my consent, when 'tis[3939][3940] 25 It shall make honour for you.[3940]

Ban. So I lose none In seeking to augment it, but still keep My bosom franchised and allegiance clear, I shall be counsell'd.

Macb. Good repose the while!

Ban. Thanks, sir: the like to you![3941] 30

[Exeunt Banquo and Fleance.[3942]

Macb. Go bid thy mistress, when my drink is ready, She strike upon the bell. Get thee to bed. [Exit Servant.[3943] Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee. I have thee not, and yet I see thee still. 35 Art thou not, fatal vision, sensible To feeling as to sight? or art thou but A dagger of the mind, a false creation, Proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain? I see thee yet, in form as palpable 40 As this which now I draw.[3944][3945] Thou marshall'st me the way that I was going;[3944][3945] And such an instrument I was to use.[3944][3945] Mine eyes are made the fools o' the other senses,[3945] Or else worth all the rest: I see thee still;[3945] 45 And on thy blade and dudgeon gouts of blood,[3946] Which was not so before. There's no such thing: It is the bloody business which informs Thus to mine eyes. Now o'er the one half-world[3947] Nature seems dead, and wicked dreams abuse 50 The curtain'd sleep; witchcraft celebrates[3948] Pale Hecate's offerings; and wither'd murder,[3949] Alarum'd by his sentinel, the wolf, Whose howl's his watch, thus with his stealthy pace,[3950] With Tarquin's ravishing strides, towards his design[3951] 55 Moves like a ghost. Thou sure and firm-set earth,[3952] Hear not my steps, which way they walk, for fear[3953] Thy very stones prate of my whereabout,[3954] And take the present horror from the time,[3955] Which now suits with it. Whiles I threat, he lives:[3955][3956] 60 Words to the heat of deeds too cold breath gives.[3957]

[A bell rings.

I go, and it is done: the bell invites me. Hear it not, Duncan, for it is a knell That summons thee to heaven, or to hell. [Exit.

Act II, Scene II — The same.[3958]

Enter LADY MACBETH.

Lady M. That which hath made them drunk hath made me bold; What hath quench'd them hath given me fire. Hark! Peace![3959] It was the owl that shriek'd, the fatal bellman,[3959] Which gives the stern'st good-night. He is about it:[3959] The doors are open, and the surfeited grooms[3959] 5 Do mock their charge with snores: I have drugg'd their possets,[3959][3960] That death and nature do contend about them, Whether they live or die.

Macb. [Within] Who's there? what, ho![3961]

Lady M. Alack, I am afraid they have awaked And 'tis not done: the attempt and not the deed[3962] 10 Confounds us. Hark! I laid their daggers ready; He could not miss 'em. Had he not resembled[3963] My father as he slept, I had done 't.[3964]

Enter MACBETH.

My husband!

Macb. I have done the deed. Didst thou not hear a noise?[3965]

Lady M. I heard the owl scream and the crickets cry. 15 Did not you speak?[3966]

Macb. When?

Lady M. Now.

Macb. As I descended?

Lady M. Ay.

Macb. Hark![3967] Who lies i' the second chamber?[3967]

Lady M. Donalbain.

Macb. This is a sorry sight. [Looking on his hands.[3968] 20

Lady M. A foolish thought, to say a sorry sight.

Macb. There's one did laugh in's sleep, and one cried 'Murder!'[3969][3970] That they did wake each other: I stood and heard them:[3969][3971] But they did say their prayers, and address'd them[3969][3972] Again to sleep.[3969]

Lady M. There are two lodged together.[3969] 25

Macb. One cried 'God bless us!' and 'Amen' the other, As they had seen me with these hangman's hands:[3973] Listening their fear, I could not say 'Amen,'[3973][3974] When they did say 'God bless us!'[3975]

Lady M. Consider it not so deeply. 30

Macb. But wherefore could not I pronounce 'Amen'? I had most need of blessing, and 'Amen'[3976] Stuck in my throat.[3976]

Lady M. These deeds must not be thought[3977][3978] After these ways; so, it will make us mad.[3977]

Macb. Methought I heard a voice cry 'Sleep no more![3979] 35 Macbeth does murder sleep'--the innocent sleep,[3979][3980] Sleep that knits up the ravell'd sleave of care,[3981] The death of each day's life, sore labour's bath,[3982] Balm of hurt minds, great nature's second course,[3983] Chief nourisher in life's feast,--

Lady M. What do you mean?[3984] 40

Macb. Still it cried 'Sleep no more!' to all the house: 'Glamis hath murder'd sleep, and therefore Cawdor[3985][3986] Shall sleep no more: Macbeth shall sleep no more.'[3985]

Lady M. Who was it that thus cried? Why, worthy thane, You do unbend your noble strength, to think 45 So brainsickly of things. Go get some water, And wash this filthy witness from your hand. Why did you bring these daggers from the place? They must lie there: go carry them, and smear The sleepy grooms with blood.

Macb. I'll go no more: 50 I am afraid to think what I have done;[3987] Look on 't again I dare not.

Lady M. Infirm of purpose! Give me the daggers: the sleeping and the dead Are but as pictures: 'tis the eye of childhood That fears a painted devil. If he do bleed,[3988] 55 I'll gild the faces of the grooms withal,[3989] For it must seem their guilt. [Exit. Knocking within.[3990]

Macb. Whence is that knocking? How is't with me, when every noise appals me?[3991] What hands are here? ha! they pluck out mine eyes! Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood 60 Clean from my hand? No; this my hand will rather The multitudinous seas incarnadine,[3992][3993] Making the green one red.[3992][3994]

Re-enter LADY MACBETH.[3995]

Lady M. My hands are of your colour, but I shame To wear a heart so white. [Knocking within] I hear a knocking[3996][3997] 65 At the south entry: retire we to our chamber:[3997] A little water clears us of this deed:[3997] How easy is it then! Your constancy[3997] Hath left you unattended. [Knocking within] Hark! more knocking:[3996][3997] Get on your nightgown, lest occasion call us 70 And show us to be watchers: be not lost So poorly in your thoughts.

Macb. To know my deed, 'twere best not know myself.[3996][3998][3999]

[Knocking within.

Wake Duncan with thy knocking! I would thou couldst![3998][4000]

[Exeunt.