Act II, Scene III — The same.[4001]…

Act II, Scene III — The same.[4001]

Enter a Porter. Knocking within.

Porter. Here's a knocking indeed! If a man were porter[4002][4003] of hell-gate, he should have old turning the key. [Knocking[4002][4003][4004][4005] within] Knock, knock, knock! Who's there, i' the name of[4002][4003] Beelzebub? Here's a farmer, that hanged himself on th' expectation[4002][4003][4006] of plenty: come in time; have napkins enow about[4002][4003][4007] 5 you; here you'll sweat for't. [Knocking within.] Knock,[4002][4003][4004][4008] knock! Who's there, in th' other devil's name? Faith,[4002][4003][4009] here's an equivocator, that could swear in both the scales[4002][4003] against either scale; who committed treason enough for[4002][4003][4010] God's sake, yet could not equivocate to heaven: O, come[4002][4003] 10 in, equivocator. [Knocking within.] Knock, knock, knock![4002][4003][4004] Who's there? Faith, here's an English tailor come hither,[4002][4003] for stealing out of a French hose: come in, tailor; here you[4002][4003] may roast your goose. [Knocking within.] Knock, knock;[4002][4003][4004] never at quiet! What are you? But this place is too cold[4002][4003] 15 for hell. I'll devil-porter it no further: I had thought to[4002][4003] have let in some of all professions, that go the primrose[4002][4003] way to the everlasting bonfire. [Knocking within.] Anon,[4002][4003][4004][4011] anon! I pray you, remember the porter.

[Opens the gate.[4002][4003]

Enter MACDUFF and LENNOX.

Macd. Was it so late, friend, ere you went to bed,[4002] 20 That you do lie so late?[4002]

Port. Faith, sir, we were carousing till the second cock:[4002][4012] and drink, sir, is a great provoker of three things.[4002][4012][4013]

Macd. What three things does drink especially provoke?[4002]

Port. Marry, sir, nose-painting, sleep and urine. Lechery,[4002] 25 sir, it provokes and unprovokes; it provokes the desire,[4002] but it takes away the performance: therefore much drink[4002] may be said to be an equivocator with lechery: it makes[4002] him and it mars him; it sets him on and it takes him off;[4002] it persuades him and disheartens him; makes him stand[4002] 30 to and not stand to; in conclusion, equivocates him in a[4002][4014] sleep, and giving him the lie, leaves him.[4002][4014]

Macd. I believe drink gave thee the lie last night.[4002]

Port. That it did, sir, i' the very throat on me: but I[4002][4015] requited him for his lie, and, I think, being too strong for[4002] 35 him, though he took up my legs sometime, yet I made a[4002][4016] shift to cast him.[4002]

Macd. Is thy master stirring?

Enter MACBETH.[4017]

Our knocking has awaked him; here he comes.

Len. Good morrow, noble sir.

Macb. Good morrow, both. 40

Macd. Is the king stirring, worthy thane?

Macb. Not yet.

Macd. He did command me to call timely on him: I have almost slipp'd the hour.[4018]

Macb. I'll bring you to him.

Macd. I know this is a joyful trouble to you; But yet 'tis one. 45

Macb. The labour we delight in physics pain.[4019] This is the door.[4020]

Macd. I'll make so bold to call,[4021] For 'tis my limited service.[4021][4022] [Exit.

Len. Goes the king hence to-day?[4023]

Macb. He does: he did appoint so.

Len. The night has been unruly: where we lay,[4024] 50 Our chimneys were blown down, and, as they say,[4024] Lamentings heard i' the air, strange screams of death,[4024] And prophesying with accents terrible[4025][4026] Of dire combustion and confused events[4026][4027][4028] New hatch'd to the woful time: the obscure bird[4026][4028][4029][4030] 55 Clamour'd the livelong night: some say, the earth[4029] Was feverous and did shake.[4029]

Macb. Twas a rough night.

Len. My young remembrance cannot parallel A fellow to it.

Re-enter MACDUFF.[4031]

Macd. O horror, horror, horror! Tongue nor heart[4032][4033] 60 Cannot conceive nor name thee.[4032]

Macb. } Len. } What's the matter?

Macd. Confusion now hath made his masterpiece. Most sacrilegious murder hath broke ope The Lord's anointed temple, and stole thence The life o' the building.

Macb. What is't you say? the life? 65

Len. Mean you his majesty?

Macd. Approach the chamber, and destroy your sight[4034] With a new Gorgon: do not bid me speak; See, and then speak yourselves. [Exeunt Macbeth and Lennox. Awake, awake![4035] Ring the alarum-bell. Murder and treason! 70 Banquo and Donalbain! Malcolm! awake! Shake off this downy sleep, death's counterfeit, And look on death itself! up, up, and see The great doom's image! Malcolm! Banquo![4036] As from your graves rise up, and walk like sprites, 75 To countenance this horror. Ring the bell. [Bell rings.[4037]

Enter LADY MACBETH.[4038]

Lady M. What's the business, That such a hideous trumpet calls to parley[4039] The sleepers of the house? speak, speak![4040]

Macd. O gentle lady, 'Tis not for you to hear what I can speak: 80 The repetition, in a woman's ear, Would murder as it fell.

Enter BANQUO.[4041]

O Banquo, Banquo![4042] Our royal master's murder'd.[4042]

Lady M. Woe, alas! What, in our house?

Ban. Too cruel any where. Dear Duff, I prithee, contradict thyself,[4043] 85 And say it is not so.[4044]

Re-enter MACBETH and LENNOX, with ROSS.

Macb. Had I but died an hour before this chance, I had lived a blessed time; for from this instant There's nothing serious in mortality: All is but toys: renown and grace is dead;[4045] 90 The wine of life is drawn, and the mere lees Is left this vault to brag of.[4046]

Enter MALCOLM and DONALBAIN.

Don. What is amiss?

Macb. You are, and do not know't:[4047][4048] The spring, the head, the fountain of your blood[4047] Is stopp'd; the very source of it is stopp'd. 95

Macd. Your royal father's murder'd.

Mal. O, by whom?

Len. Those of his chamber, as it seem'd, had done't:[4049] Their hands and faces were all badged with blood;[4050] So were their daggers, which unwiped we found Upon their pillows:[4051] 100 They stared, and were distracted; no man's life[4051][4052] Was to be trusted with them.[4051]

Macb. O, yet I do repent me of my fury, That I did kill them.[4053]

Macd. Wherefore did you so?

Macb. Who can be wise, amazed, temperate and furious,[4054] 105 Loyal and neutral, in a moment? No man: The expedition of my violent love Outrun the pauser reason. Here lay Duncan,[4055] His silver skin laced with his golden blood,[4056] And his gash'd stabs look'd like a breach in nature 110 For ruin's wasteful entrance: there, the murderers, Steep'd in the colours of their trade, their daggers Unmannerly breech'd with gore: who could refrain,[4057] That had a heart to love, and in that heart Courage to make's love known?

Lady M. Help me hence, ho![4058] 115

Macd. Look to the lady.[4059][4060]

Mal. [Aside to Don.] Why do we hold our tongues,[4059][4061] That most may claim this argument for ours?[4059]

Don. [Aside to Mal.] What should be spoken here, where our fate,[4059][4062] Hid in an auger-hole, may rush, and seize us?[4059][4061][4062][4063] Let's away;[4062] 120 Our tears are not yet brew'd.[4061]

Mal. [Aside to Don.] Nor our strong sorrow Upon the foot of motion.[4064]

Ban. Look to the lady:

[Lady Macbeth is carried out.

And when we have our naked frailties hid, That suffer in exposure, let us meet, And question this most bloody piece of work, 125 To know it further. Fears and scruples shake us: In the great hand of God I stand, and thence Against the undivulged pretence I fight Of treasonous malice.

Macd. And so do I.[4065]

All. So all.

Macb. Let's briefly put on manly readiness, 130 And meet i' the hall together.[4066]

All. Well contented.

[Exeunt all but Malcolm and Donalbain.

Mal. What will you do? Let's not consort with them:[4067] To show an unfelt sorrow is an office Which the false man does easy. I'll to England.[4068]

Don. To Ireland, I; our separated fortune[4069] 135 Shall keep us both the safer: where we are[4069] There's daggers in men's smiles: the near in blood,[4069][4070] The nearer bloody.[4069]

Mal. This murderous shaft that's shot Hath not yet lighted, and our safest way Is to avoid the aim. Therefore to horse;[4071] 140 And let us not be dainty of leave-taking, But shift away: there's warrant in that theft Which steals itself when there's no mercy left. [Exeunt.

Act II, Scene IV — Outside Macbeth's castle.[4072]

Enter ROSS with an old Man.

Old M. Threescore and ten I can remember well: Within the volume of which time I have seen[4073] Hours dreadful and things strange, but this sore night Hath trifled former knowings.

Ross. Ah, good father,[4074] Thou seest, the heavens, as troubled with man's act, 5 Threaten his bloody stage: by the clock 'tis day,[4075] And yet dark night strangles the travelling lamp:[4076] Is't night's predominance, or the day's shame, That darkness does the face of earth entomb, When living light should kiss it?

Old M. 'Tis unnatural,[4077] 10 Even like the deed that's done. On Tuesday last A falcon towering in her pride of place Was by a mousing owl hawk'd at and kill'd.

Ross. And Duncan's horses--a thing most strange and certain--[4078] Beauteous and swift, the minions of their race,[4079] 15 Turn'd wild in nature, broke their stalls, flung out,[4080] Contending 'gainst obedience, as they would make[4081] War with mankind.[4081][4082]

Old M. 'Tis said they eat each other.

Ross. They did so, to the amazement of mine eyes,[4083] That look'd upon't.[4083]

Enter MACDUFF.

Here comes the good Macduff.[4083][4084] 20 How goes the world, sir, now?

Macd. Why, see you not?

Ross. Is't known who did this more than bloody deed?

Macd. Those that Macbeth hath slain.

Ross. Alas, the day! What good could they pretend?

Macd. They were suborn'd:[4085] Malcolm and Donalbain, the king's two sons, 25 Are stol'n away and fled, which puts upon them Suspicion of the deed.

Ross. 'Gainst nature still: Thriftless ambition, that wilt ravin up[4086] Thine own life's means! Then 'tis most like[4087] The sovereignty will fall upon Macbeth. 30

Macd. He is already named, and gone to Scone[4088] To be invested.

Ross. Where is Duncan's body?

Macd. Carried to Colme-kill,[4089] The sacred storehouse of his predecessors And guardian of their bones.

Ross. Will you to Scone? 35

Macd. No, cousin, I'll to Fife.

Ross. Well, I will thither.

Macd. Well, may you see things well done there: adieu![4090] Lest our old robes sit easier than our new!

Ross. Farewell, father.

Old M. God's benison go with you, and with those[4091] 40 That would make good of bad and friends of foes!

[Exeunt.[4092]

FOOTNOTES:

[3924] Inverness ... castle.] The same. Court within the Castle. Capell (Johnson conj.). A Hall. Rowe. A Hall in Macbeth's Castle. Pope.

[3925] Enter ...] Collier (substantially). Enter Banquo, and Fleance, with a Torch before him. Ff. Enter Banquo, and Fleance; Servant with a Torch before them. Capell.

[3926] The moon ... clock.] I've not ... clock: The moon is down. Seymour conj., ending the first line at clock.

[3927] Hold ... heaven] One line in Rowe. Two in Ff.

There's] 'Tis very dark; there's Seymour conj.

[3928] And ... repose!] As in Rowe. In Ff lines 7 and 8 end sleepe: ... thoughts.

[3929] Gives ... there?] As in Hanmer. In Ff the lines end repose ... there?

[3930] Enter ...] Ff. After sword in Capell. After there? in Dyce.

Give ... sword] om. Seymour conj., reading Gives ... friend as one line.

[3931] He ... offices] See note (II).

[3932] By ... content.] Arranged as in Pope. The first line ends hostesse, in Ff.

[3933] hostess;] An omission here. Anon. conj.

and shut up] And shut up F1. And shut it up F2F3F4. and's shut up Hanmer.

[3934] All's] Sir, all is Steevens conj.

well] very well Hanmer.

[3935] weird] Theobald. weyward Ff.

[3936] they have] they've Pope.

[3937] We would] Would Pope.

it in] it Rowe (ed. 1). om. Rowe (ed. 2).

[3938] kind'st] F1. kindst F2. kind F3F4. kindest A. Hunter.

leisure] See note (III)

[3939] my consent] my ascent Capell conj. MS. my content Malone conj. my concent Id. conj. (withdrawn), me constant Jackson conj. my convent Becket conj. my consort Grant White conj.

[3940] when 'tis ... you.] As in Rowe. One line in Ff.

[3941] [Exeunt....] Theobald. Exit Banquo. Ff.

[3942] SCENE II. Pope.

[3943] [Exit Servant.] Rowe. Exit. Ff.

[3944] As ... use.] S. Walker would end the lines me ... instrument ... use.

[3945] As ... still;] Five lines, ending me ... instrument ... fools ... rest ... still; in Keightley.

[3946] thy blade and dudgeon] the blade of th' dudgeon Warburton. thy blade, vain dudgeon, Becket conj.

[3947] Thus] This Rowe (ed. 2).

the one half-world] one half the world Pope.

[3948] sleep] F3 F4. sleepe F1 F2. sleeper Rann (Steevens conj.).

witchcraft] now witchcraft Rowe (Davenant's version). while witchcraft Nicholson conj.

[3949] wither'd] with her Seward conj.

[3950] howl's] F3 F4. howle's F1. howles F2.

[3951] With Tarquin's ... strides,] Pope. With Tarquins ... sides, Ff. Tarquin's ... slides, Anon. conj. (Gent. Mag. LVIII. p. 766). With Tarquin ravishing, slides Johnson conj. With ravishing Tarquin's sides, Becket conj. With Tarquin's ravishing ideas, Jackson conj. (Which Tarquin's ravishing sides) Knight conj. Or Tarquin's ravishing strides Hunter conj. With ravishing Tarquin's strides, Staunton conj.

[3952] sure] Capell (Pope conj.). sowre F1 F2. sowr F3. sour F4. sound Pope.

sure and] sovrand Becket conj.

[3953] Hear] Heed Becket conj.

which way they] Rowe. which they may Ff. where they may Barry conj.

walk, for] walk. For Becket conj.

[3954] Thy] The A. Hunter.

of my whereabout] of that we're about Hanmer. of me: veer about or of me: wheel about Anon. conj. (Gent. Mag. LVIII. p. 766).

[3955] And take ... Which] And talk--The present horrour of the time! That Johnson conj.

[3956] Whiles] Whilst Rowe. While Capell.

[3957] Words ... gives.] Put in the margin by Pope.

[3958] SCENE II.] SCENE III. Pope. Theobald continues the scene.

The same.] Capell.

[3959] What ... possets,] Arranged as in Rowe. In Ff the lines end fire ... shriek'd, ... night ... open: ... charge ... possets.

[3960] I have] I've Pope.

[3961] Macb. [Within] Steevens. Enter Macbeth. Macb. Ff.

[3962] attempt and ... deed] Edd., Globe ed. (Hunter conj.). attempt, and ... deed, Ff.

[3963] 'em] them Capell.

[3964] Enter Macbeth.] Steevens (1793). Re-enter Macbeth. Dyce, after husband!

My husband! As in Rowe. A separate line in Ff.

[3965] I ... noise?] One line in Rowe. Two in Ff.

I have] I've Pope.

[3966] Did ... descended?] Macb. Did ... speak? Lady M. _When? Now?_ Macb. As ... descended. Hunter conj.

[3967] Hark!... chamber?] Arranged as by Steevens (1793). One line in Ff.

[3968] [Looking....] Looks.... Pope. om. Ff.

[3969] There's ... sleep.] Arranged as by Rowe. The lines end sleepe, ... other: ... prayers, ... sleepe, in Ff.

[3970] in's] in his Capell.

[3971] That ... I] They wak'd each other; and I Pope.

[3972] address'd] address Theobald.

[3973] hands: ... fear,] Pointed as in Ff. hands, ... fear; Rowe.

[3974] fear] prayer Anon. conj.

[3975] did say] om. Steevens conj.

[3976] I had ... throat.] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[3977] These ... ways;] As in Ff. One line in Rowe.

[3978] thought] thought on Hanmer.

[3979] 'Sleep ... sleep'] See note (IV).

[3980] does] doth Rowe (ed. 2).

[3981] Sleep ... care,] Put in the margin by Pope.

sleave] Steevens (Seward conj.). sleeve Ff.

[3982] death] birth Warburton. breath Becket conj.

life] grief Jennens conj.

[3983] course] source Theobald conj. (withdrawn).

[3984] feast,--] feast.-- Theobald. feast. Ff.

[3985] 'Glamis ... more.'] See note (IV).

[3986] Glamis] For Glamis Seymour conj.

[3987] what] on what Keightley.

[3988] do] om. Pope.

[3989] gild] F3 F4. guild F1. guilde F2.

[3990] [Knocking....] Knocke.... Ff. Knocks.... Rowe (ed. 2).

knocking?] knocking? [Starting. Rowe.

[3991] is't] is it Theobald (ed. 2).

[3992] The ... red] Make the green ocean red-- Pope, putting Thy multitudinous sea incarnadine in the margin.

[3993] The] Thy Theobald, after Pope's margin.

seas] sear F4. sea Rowe.

incarnadine] Rowe. incarnardine Ff.

[3994] green one red.] Green one Red. F4. Greene one, Red F1 F2 F3. green, One red-- Johnson. green--one red. Steevens, 1778 (Murphy conj.).

[3995] Re-enter....] Capell. Enter Lady. Ff.

[3996] [Knocking within.] Dyce. Knocke. Ff. Knocking without. Staunton.

[3997] To ... knocking:] Arranged as in Pope. Seven lines, ending white ... entry: ... chamber: ... deed ... constancie unattended ... knocking, in Ff.

[3998] To ... couldst!] Two lines in Pope. Four in Ff.

[3999] To know] T' unknow Hanmer.

[Knocking....] Knocke. Ff. om. Pope.

[4000] Wake ... thy] Wake Duncan with this Rowe. Wake, Duncan, with this Theobald (Davenant's version).

I would] would Pope. Ay, 'would Steevens (1793).

[4001] SCENE III.] Scene continued in Rowe. SCENE IV. Warburton, following Pope's margin. SCENE II. Staunton.

The same.] Capell.

[4002] Porter. Here's ... cast him.] Put in the margin by Pope.

[4003] Blank verse, Maginn conj.

[4004] [Knocking within.] Knock. Ff.

[4005] he should have old] he could not have more A. Hunter.

[4006] on] in Pope. upon Maginn conj.

[4007] come in time] come in, Time Staunton. come in, farmer Anon. conj.

enow] F1. enough F2 F3 F4.

[4008] you'll] you will Rann.

[4009] in th'] i'th' Theobald (ed. 2).

Faith] I' faith Maginn conj.

[4010] who] one who Maginn conj.

[4011] bonfire] darkness. So quoted by Maginn.

[4012] Faith ... things.] Prose first by Johnson. Two lines in Ff.

[4013] of three things ... cast him.] of sleep. A. Hunter.

[4014] in a sleep] into a sleep Rowe. into sleep Mason conj. asleep Collier MS.

[4015] on me] o' me Theobald (ed. 2).

[4016] up] om. Warburton.

[4017] SCENE IV. Pope.

Enter M.] Collier. After line 37 in Ff. After noble sir, line 40, in Pope. After line 39 in Capell. Re-enter M. Dyce, after line 39.

[4018] I have] I've Pope.

[4019] physics] Physicks F1 F2. Physick's F3 F4.

[4020] This] That Capell (MS. correction).

[4021] I'll ... service.] As verse first by Hanmer. Prose in Ff.

[4022] [Exit.] Capell. Exit Macduffe. Ff.

[4023] hence] From hence Steevens (1793), reading _For ... king From ... so_, as two lines.

He does:] om. Pope.

[4024] The ... death,] As in Rowe. Four lines, ending unruly: ... downe, ... ayre ... Death, in Ff.

[4025] And prophesying] And prophesyings Hanmer. Aunts prophesying Warburton conj.

[4026] And ... time: the] And ... time. The Ff. And, ... time, the Knight (Anon. conj.).

[4027] combustion] F1. combustions F2 F3 F4.

[4028] events New ... time: the] events, New ... time. The Ff. events. New ... time, the Johnson conj.

[4029] New ... shake.] Arranged as in Hanmer. Four lines, ending time ... Night ... fevorous ... shake, in Ff. Three in Rowe, ending time ... night, ... shake.

[4030] obscure] obscene S. Walker conj.

[4031] Re-enter M.] Re-enter M., hastily. Capell. Enter M. Ff.

[4032] Tongue ... thee.] As in Capell. One line in Ff.

[4033] Tongue nor] Or tongue or Pope. Nor tongue, nor Theobald.

[4034] Macd.] F1. Macb. F2 F3 F4.

[4035] [Exeunt ...] Ff, after awake, awake.

[4036] Banquo!] Donalbain! Hanmer. Banquo! rise! Johnson conj.

[4037] Ring the bell. [Bell rings.] Ff. Bell rings. Theobald, omitting Ring the bell.

[Bell rings.] Alarum-bell rings. Dyce.

Enter ...] Re-enter ... Dyce.

[4038] SCENE V. Pope.

[4039] a] an Rowe (ed. 2).

[4040] speak, speak!] speak. Pope.

O] om. Pope.

[4041] Enter Banquo.] Enter Banquo, and Others. Capell. Re-enter Banquo. Dyce.

[4042] O ... murder'd.] As in Theobald. One line in Ff.

[4043] Dear Duff] Macduff Pope.

contradict] contract F2 F3 F4.

[4044] Re-enter ...] Enter Macbeth, Lenox, and Rosse. Ff. Re-enter Macbeth, and Lenox. Capell.

[4045] is dead] are dead Hanmer.

[4046] Is] Are Hanmer.

[4047] You are ... head,] You are, and do not know it, The spring, the head: Anon. conj. (Gent. Mag. LIX. p. 810).

[4048] know't] know it Steevens.

[4049] seem'd, had] seems, have A. Hunter.

[4050] badged] bath'd Malone conj. (withdrawn).

[4051] Upon ... them.] As in Steevens (1793). Two lines, the first ending distracted, in Ff.

[4052] no] As no Hanmer, reading As ... them as one line.

[4053] them.] them-- Rowe.

[4054] amazed] and maz'd Anon. conj. (Gent. Mag. LIX. p. 35).

[4055] Outrun] Outran Johnson.

[4056] His ... blood] His snow-white skin streaked with his crimson blood A. Hunter.

laced] laqu'd Warburton conj.

golden] goary Pope.

[4057] Unmannerly breech'd] Unmanly reech'd Warburton. Unmanly drench'd Johnson. Unmannerly hatch'd Seward conj. In a manner lay drench'd Heath conj.

[4058] make's] make his Capell.

[Seeming to faint. Rowe.

[4059] Look ... us?] S. Walker would end the lines lady ... claim ... spoken ... hole, ... us?

[4060] [gather about her. Capell.

[4061] [Aside ...] Staunton. om. Ff.

[4062] What ... away] As in Dyce. Three lines, ending here, ... hole, ... away, in Ff. Malone ends the lines at spoken ... hole ...tears. Knight ends them at here ... hole ... tears.

[4063] Hid in] hid in F1. hid within F2 F3 F4. hidden in Jackson conj.

[4064] Upon] on Pope, reading Are ... on as one line.

Look] Look there Hanmer.

[Lady ...] Rowe. om. Ff.

[4065] Macd.] Macb. Rowe.

And] om. Pope.

[4066] [Exeunt all but ...] Hanmer. Exeunt. Ff.

[4067] What ... them:] One line in Rowe. Two in Ff.

[4068] Which ... England.] One line in Rowe. Two in Ff.

[4069] To ... bloody.] As in Rowe. Four lines in Ff, ending I ... safer: ... smiles; ... bloody.

[4070] near] near' Delius.

[4071] horse] F1. house F2 F3 F4.

[4072] SCENE IV.] SCENE II. Rowe. SCENE VI. Pope.

Outside ...] The outside of Macbeth's Castle. Theobald.

[4073] I have] I've Pope.

[4074] Ah] Rowe. Ha Ff.

[4075] Threaten] Rowe. Threatens Ff.

his] this Theobald.

stage] strage Warburton conj. (withdrawn).

[4076] travelling] F3 F4. travailing F1 F2.

[4077] should] shall F2.

[4078] And ... certain] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

horses] horse S. Walker conj.

[4079] their] the Theobald.

[4080] flung] F3 F4. flong F1 F2.

[4081] would make War] Divided as in Steevens (1793). The first line ends would in Ff.

[4082] mankind] man Pope.

eat] ate Keightley.

[4083] They ... Macduff.] As in Pope. Three lines, ending so: ... upon't ... Macduffe, in Ff.

[4084] Enter Macduff.] As in Ff. After the line in Johnson.

[4085] were] are Theobald (ed. 1).

suborn'd] Rowe. subborned F1 F2. suborned F3 F4.

[4086] wilt] Warburton. will Ff.

ravin up] Theobald, raven up F1. raven upon F2 F3 F4.

[4087] Thine] Its Hanmer.

life's] Pope. lives Ff.

Then 'tis] Why then it is Hanmer.

[4088] gone] gons F2.

[4089] Colme-kill] Colmeshill Rowe. Colmes-kill Johnson.

[4090] Well, may] Theobald. Well may Ff.

[4091] you] F1. you sir F2. you, sir F3 F4.

[4092] [Exeunt.] Exeunt omnes. Ff.

Act III, Scene I — Forres. The palace.[4093]

Enter BANQUO.

Ban. Thou hast it now: king, Cawdor, Glamis, all,[4094] As the weird women promised, and I fear[4095] Thou play'dst most foully for't: yet it was said[4096] It should not stand in thy posterity, But that myself should be the root and father 5 Of many kings. If there come truth from them-- As upon thee, Macbeth, their speeches shine--[4097] Why, by the verities on thee made good, May they not be my oracles as well And set me up in hope? But hush, no more.[4098] 10

Sennet sounded. Enter MACBETH, as king; LADY MACBETH, as queen; LENNOX, ROSS, Lords, Ladies, and Attendants.[4099]

Macb. Here's our chief guest.

Lady M. If he had been forgotten, It had been as a gap in our great feast, And all-thing unbecoming.[4100]

Macb. To-night we hold a solemn supper, sir, And I'll request your presence.

Ban. Let your highness[4101] 15 Command upon me, to the which my duties[4102] Are with a most indissoluble tie For ever knit.

Macb. Ride you this afternoon?

Ban. Ay, my good lord.

Macb. We should have else desired your good advice,[4103] 20 Which still hath been both grave and prosperous,[4103] In this day's council; but we'll take to-morrow.[4103][4104] Is't far you ride?[4103][4105]

Ban. As far, my lord, as will fill up the time 'Twixt this and supper: go not my horse the better, 25 I must become a borrower of the night For a dark hour or twain.

Macb. Fail not our feast.

Ban. My lord, I will not.

Macb. We hear our bloody cousins are bestow'd In England and in Ireland, not confessing 30 Their cruel parricide, filling their hearers With strange invention: but of that to-morrow, When therewithal we shall have cause of state Craving us jointly. Hie you to horse: adieu,[4106][4107] Till you return at night. Goes Fleance with you?[4107] 35

Ban. Ay, my good lord: our time does call upon 's.[4108]

Macb. I wish your horses swift and sure of foot, And so I do commend you to their backs. Farewell. [Exit Banquo. Let every man be master of his time 40 Till seven at night; to make society[4109] The sweeter welcome, we will keep ourself[4109][4110] Till supper-time alone: while then, God be with you![4110][4111]

[Exeunt all but Macbeth and an Attendant.

Sirrah, a word with you: attend those men[4112][4113] Our pleasure?[4113] 45

Attend. They are, my lord, without the palace-gate.[4113]

Macb. Bring them before us. [Exit Attendant.[4114] To be thus is nothing;[4115][4116] But to be safely thus: our fears in Banquo[4116][4116] Stick deep; and in his royalty of nature[4116] Reigns that which would be fear'd: 'tis much he dares,[4116] 50 And, to that dauntless temper of his mind, He hath a wisdom that doth guide his valour To act in safety. There is none but he Whose being I do fear: and under him My Genius is rebuked, as it is said[4117] 55 Mark Antony's was by Cæsar. He chid the sisters,[4117][4118] When first they put the name of king upon me, And bade them speak to him; then prophet-like[4119] They hail'd him father to a line of kings: Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown 60 And put a barren sceptre in my gripe, Thence to be wrench'd with an unlineal hand,[4120] No son of mine succeeding. If 't be so,[4121] For Banquo's issue have I filed my mind;[4122][4123] For them the gracious Duncan have I murder'd;[4123] 65 Put rancours in the vessel of my peace[4123] Only for them, and mine eternal jewel[4123] Given to the common enemy of man,[4123] To make them kings, the seed of Banquo kings![4123][4124] Rather than so, come, fate, into the list, 70 And champion me to the utterance! Who's there?[4125]

Re-enter Attendant, with two Murderers.

Now go to the door, and stay there till we call.[4126]

[Exit Attendant.

Was it not yesterday we spoke together?

First Mur. It was, so please your highness.[4127]

Macb. Well then, now[4128] Have you consider'd of my speeches? Know[4128][4129][4130] 75 That it was he in the times past which held you[4130] So under fortune, which you thought had been[4130] Our innocent self: this I made good to you[4130] In our last conference, pass'd in probation with you,[4130][4131] How you were borne in hand, how cross'd, the instruments,[4130] 80 Who wrought with them, and all things else that might[4130] To half a soul and to a notion crazed Say 'Thus did Banquo.'

First Mur. You made it known to us.[4132]

Macb. I did so; and went further, which is now[4133] Our point of second meeting. Do you find[4133] 85 Your patience so predominant in your nature,[4133] That you can let this go? Are you so gospell'd,[4133] To pray for this good man and for his issue,[4133] Whose heavy hand hath bow'd you to the grave[4133] And beggar'd yours for ever?[4133]

First Mur. We are men, my liege.[4133] 90

Macb. Ay, in the catalogue ye go for men; As hounds and greyhounds, mongrels, spaniels, curs, Shoughs, water-rugs and demi-wolves, are clept[4134] All by the name of dogs: the valued file Distinguishes the swift, the slow, the subtle, 95 The housekeeper, the hunter, every one According to the gift which bounteous nature Hath in him closed; whereby he does receive Particular addition, from the bill[4135] That writes them all alike: and so of men. 100 Now if you have a station in the file, Not i' the worst rank of manhood, say it,[4136] And I will put that business in your bosoms[4137] Whose execution takes your enemy off, Grapples you to the heart and love of us, 105 Who wear our health but sickly in his life, Which in his death were perfect.[4138]

Sec. Mur. I am one, my liege, Whom the vile blows and buffets of the world Have so incensed that I am reckless what[4139] I do to spite the world.[4139][4140]

First Mur. And I another 110 So weary with disasters, tugg'd with fortune,[4141] That I would set my life on any chance, To mend it or be rid on 't.

Macb. Both of you[4142] Know Banquo was your enemy.[4142]

Both Mur. True, my lord.

Macb. So is he mine, and in such bloody distance 115 That every minute of his being thrusts Against my near'st of life: and though I could With barefaced power sweep him from my sight And bid my will avouch it, yet I must not, For certain friends that are both his and mine,[4143] 120 Whose loves I may not drop, but wail his fall[4143] Who I myself struck down: and thence it is[4143][4144] That I to your assistance do make love, Masking the business from the common eye For sundry weighty reasons.

Sec. Mur. We shall, my lord, 125 Perform what you command us.

First Mur. Though our lives--

Macb. Your spirits shine through you. Within this hour at most[4145] I will advise you where to plant yourselves,[4146] Acquaint you with the perfect spy o' the time,[4147] The moment on 't; for 't must be done to-night, 130 And something from the palace; always thought[4148][4149] That I require a clearness: and with him--[4149] To leave no rubs nor botches in the work-- Fleance his son, that keeps him company, Whose absence is no less material to me 135 Than is his father's, must embrace the fate Of that dark hour. Resolve yourselves apart: I'll come to you anon.

Both Mur. We are resolved, my lord.[4150]

Macb. I'll call upon you straight: abide within.

[Exeunt Murderers.[4151]

It is concluded: Banquo, thy soul's flight, 140 If it find heaven, must find it out to-night. [Exit.[4152]

Act III, Scene II — The palace.[4153]

Enter LADY MACBETH and a Servant.[4154]

Lady M. Is Banquo gone from court?

Serv. Ay, madam, but returns again to-night.

Lady M. Say to the king, I would attend his leisure For a few words.

Serv. Madam, I will. [Exit.

Lady M. Nought's had, all's spent,[4155] Where our desire is got without content: 5 'Tis safer to be that which we destroy[4156] Than by destruction dwell in doubtful joy.

Enter MACBETH.

How now, my lord! why do you keep alone,[4157] Of sorriest fancies your companions making;[4158] Using those thoughts which should indeed have died 10 With them they think on? Things without all remedy[4159] Should be without regard: what's done is done.

Macb. We have scotch'd the snake, not kill'd it:[4160] She'll close and be herself, whilst our poor malice[4161] Remains in danger of her former tooth. 15 But let the frame of things disjoint, both the worlds suffer,[4162] Ere we will eat our meal in fear, and sleep In the affliction of these terrible dreams That shake us nightly: better be with the dead, Whom we, to gain our peace, have sent to peace,[4163] 20 Than on the torture of the mind to lie In restless ecstasy. Duncan is in his grave;[4164] After life's fitful fever he sleeps well; Treason has done his worst: nor steel, nor poison, Malice domestic, foreign levy, nothing, 25 Can touch him further.[4165][4166]

Lady M. Come on;[4165] Gentle my lord, sleek o'er your rugged looks;[4165] Be bright and jovial among your guests to-night.[4165][4167]

Macb. So shall I, love; and so, I pray, be you:[4165][4168] Let your remembrance apply to Banquo;[4165][4168][4169] 30 Present him eminence, both with eye and tongue:[4165][4168] Unsafe the while, that we[4165][4168][4170] Must lave our honours in these flattering streams,[4168][4171] And make our faces visards to our hearts,[4168][4172] Disguising what they are.[4168]

Lady M. You must leave this.[4168] 35

Macb. O, full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife! Thou know'st that Banquo, and his Fleance, lives.[4173]

Lady M. But in them nature's copy's not eterne.[4174]

Macb. There's comfort yet; they are assailable; Then be thou jocund: ere the bat hath flown 40 His cloister'd flight; ere to black Hecate's summons The shard-borne beetle with his drowsy hums[4175] Hath rung night's yawning peal, there shall be done[4176] A deed of dreadful note.[4176]

Lady M. What's to be done?

Macb. Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck, 45 Till thou applaud the deed. Come, seeling night,[4177] Scarf up the tender eye of pitiful day, And with thy bloody and invisible hand Cancel and tear to pieces that great bond Which keeps me pale! Light thickens, and the crow[4178][4179] 50 Makes wing to the rooky wood:[4179][4180] Good things of day begin to droop and drowse, Whiles night's black agents to their preys do rouse.[4181] Thou marvell'st at my words: but hold thee still; Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill: 55 So, prithee, go with me. [Exeunt.

Act III, Scene III — A park near the palace.[4182]

Enter three Murderers.

First Mur. But who did bid thee join with us?

Third Mur. Macbeth.

Sec. Mur. He needs not our mistrust; since he delivers[4183] Our offices, and what we have to do, To the direction just.[4184]

First Mur. Then stand with us.[4184] The west yet glimmers with some streaks of day: 5 Now spurs the lated traveller apace[4185] To gain the timely inn, and near approaches[4186] The subject of our watch.

Third Mur. Hark! I hear horses.

Ban. [Within] Give us a light there, ho!

Sec. Mur. Then 'tis he: the rest[4187][4188][4189] That are within the note of expectation[4188][4189][4190] 10 Already are i' the court.[4188][4191]

First Mur. His horses go about.

Third Mur. Almost a mile: but he does usually-- So all men do--from hence to the palace gate[4192] Make it their walk.

Sec. Mur. A light, a light![4193]

Enter BANQUO, and FLEANCE with a torch.[4194]

Third Mur. 'Tis he.[4193]

First Mur. Stand to 't.[4193] 15

Ban. It will be rain to-night.[4195]

First Mur. Let it come down.

[They set upon Banquo.

Ban. O, treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly![4196] Thou mayst revenge. O slave! [Dies. Fleance escapes.[4197]

Third Mur. Who did strike out the light?

First Mur. Was't not the way?

Third Mur. There's but one down; the son is fled.

Sec. Mur. We have lost[4198] 20 Best half of our affair.[4199]

First Mur. Well, let's away and say how much is done.[4199]

[Exeunt.

Act III, Scene IV — Hall in the palace.[4200]

A banquet prepared. Enter MACBETH, LADY MACBETH, ROSS, LENNOX, Lords, and Attendants.[4201]

Macb. You know your own degrees; sit down: at first[4202][4203] And last the hearty welcome.[4202][4204]

Lords. Thanks to your majesty.

Macb. Ourself will mingle with society And play the humble host. Our hostess keeps her state, but in best time[4205] 5 We will require her welcome.

Lady M. Pronounce it for me, sir, to all our friends, For my heart speaks they are welcome.[4206]

Enter first Murderer to the door.

Macb. See, they encounter thee with their hearts' thanks. Both sides are even: here I'll sit i' the midst: 10 Be large in mirth; anon we'll drink a measure The table round. [Approaching the door] There's blood upon thy face.[4207][4208]

Mur. 'Tis Banquo's then.[4208]

Macb. 'Tis better thee without than he within.[4208][4209] Is he dispatch'd?[4208] 15

Mur. My lord, his throat is cut; that I did for him.[4208][4210]

Macb. Thou art the best o' the cut-throats: yet he's good[4208][4211][4212] That did the like for Fleance: if thou didst it,[4208][4211] Thou art the nonpareil.[4208][4211]

Mur. Most royal sir,[4208] Fleance is 'scaped.[4208] 20

Macb. [Aside] Then comes my fit again: I had else been perfect,[4208][4213] Whole as the marble, founded as the rock,[4208] As broad and general as the casing air:[4208] But now I am cabin'd, cribb'd, confined, bound in[4208][4214] To saucy doubts and fears.--But Banquo's safe?[4208] 25

Mur. Ay, my good lord: safe in a ditch he bides,[4208] With twenty trenched gashes on his head;[4208] The least a death to nature.[4208]

Macb. Thanks for that.[4208] [Aside] There the grown serpent lies; the worm that's fled[4208][4215] Hath nature that in time will venom breed,[4208] 30 No teeth for the present. Get thee gone: to-morrow[4208] We'll hear ourselves again.[4208][4216] [Exit Murderer.

Lady M. My royal lord, You do not give the cheer: the feast is sold[4217] That is not often vouch'd, while 'tis a-making,[4218] 'Tis given with welcome: to feed were best at home;[4219] 35 From thence the sauce to meat is ceremony; Meeting were bare without it.

Macb. Sweet remembrancer! Now good digestion wait on appetite, And health on both!

Len. May't please your highness sit.

[The Ghost of Banquo enters, and sits in Macbeth's place.[4220]

Macb. Here had we now our country's honour roof'd, 40 Were the graced person of our Banquo present; Who may I rather challenge for unkindness[4221] Than pity for mischance![4222]

Ross. His absence, sir, Lays blame upon his promise. Please't your highness[4223] To grace us with your royal company.[4224] 45

Macb. The table's full.

Len. Here is a place reserved, sir.[4225]

Macb. Where?

Len. Here, my good lord. What is't that moves your highness?[4226]

Macb. Which of you have done this?

Lords. What, my good lord?

Macb. Thou canst not say I did it: never shake 50 Thy gory locks at me.

Ross. Gentlemen, rise; his highness is not well.

Lady M. Sit, worthy friends: my lord is often thus, And hath been from his youth: pray you, keep seat; The fit is momentary; upon a thought[4227] 55 He will again be well: if much you note him, You shall offend him and extend his passion: Feed, and regard him not. Are you a man?[4228][4229]

Macb. Ay, and a bold one, that dare look on that[4229] Which might appal the devil.[4229]

Lady M. O proper stuff![4229][4230] 60 This is the very painting of your fear:[4229][4231] This is the air-drawn dagger which, you said,[4229] Led you to Duncan. O, these flaws and starts,[4229] Impostors to true fear, would well become[4229][4232] A woman's story at a winter's fire,[4229] 65 Authorized by her grandam. Shame itself![4229] Why do you make such faces? When all's done,[4229] You look but on a stool.[4229]

Macb. Prithee, see there! behold! look! lo! how say you?[4229][4233] Why, what care I? If thou canst nod, speak too.[4229] 70 If charnel-houses and our graves must send[4229] Those that we bury back, our monuments[4229] Shall be the maws of kites.[4229] [Exit Ghost.[4234]

Lady M. What, quite unmann'd in folly?[4229]

Macb. If I stand here, I saw him.[4229]

Lady M. Fie, for shame![4229]

Macb. Blood hath been shed ere now, i' the olden time,[4229][4235] 75 Ere humane statute purged the gentle weal;[4229][4236] Ay, and since too, murders have been perform'd[4229][4237] Too terrible for the ear: the time has been,[4229][4238] That, when the brains were out, the man would die,[4229] And there an end; but now they rise again,[4229] 80 With twenty mortal murders on their crowns,[4229] And push us from our stools: this is more strange[4229] Than such a murder is.[4229]

Lady M. My worthy lord, Your noble friends do lack you.

Macb. I do forget.[4239] Do not muse at me, my most worthy friends; 85 I have a strange infirmity, which is nothing To those that know me. Come, love and health to all;[4240] Then I'll sit down. Give me some wine, fill full. I drink to the general joy o' the whole table,[4241] And to our dear friend Banquo, whom we miss; 90 Would he were here! to all and him we thirst, And all to all.[4242]

Lords. Our duties, and the pledge.[4243]

Re-enter Ghost.[4244]

Macb. Avaunt! and quit my sight! let the earth hide thee! Thy bones are marrowless, thy blood is cold; Thou hast no speculation in those eyes 95 Which thou dost glare with.

Lady M. Think of this, good peers, But as a thing of custom: 'tis no other; Only it spoils the pleasure of the time.

Macb. What man dare, I dare: Approach thou like the rugged Russian bear, 100 The arm'd rhinoceros, or the Hyrcan tiger;[4245] Take any shape but that, and my firm nerves Shall never tremble: or be alive again,[4246] And dare me to the desert with thy sword; If trembling I inhabit then, protest me[4247] 105 The baby of a girl. Hence, horrible shadow![4248] Unreal mockery, hence! [Exit Ghost.[4249] Why, so: being gone, I am a man again. Pray you, sit still.

Lady M. You have displaced the mirth, broke the good meeting,[4250] With most admired disorder.[4251]

Macb. Can such things be,[4251][4252] 110 And overcome us like a summer's cloud,[4252] Without our special wonder? You make me strange[4252] Even to the disposition that I owe,[4253] When now I think you can behold such sights,[4254] And keep the natural ruby of your cheeks,[4255] 115 When mine is blanch'd with fear.

Ross. What sights, my lord?[4256]

Lady M. I pray you, speak not; he grows worse and worse; Question enrages him: at once, good night: Stand not upon the order of your going, But go at once.

Len. Good night; and better health 120 Attend his majesty!

Lady M. A kind good night to all![4257]

[Exeunt all but Macbeth and Lady M.

Macb. It will have blood: they say blood will have blood:[4258] Stones have been known to move and trees to speak;[4259] Augures and understood relations have[4259][4260] By maggot-pies and choughs and rooks brought forth[4261] 125 The secret'st man of blood. What is the night?

Lady M. Almost at odds with morning, which is which.

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

Lady M. Did you send to him, sir?[4262]

Macb. I hear it by the way, but I will send:[4263] 130 There's not a one of them but in his house[4264] I keep a servant fee'd. I will to-morrow,[4265][4266] And betimes I will, to the weird sisters:[4266][4267] More shall they speak, for now I am bent to know,[4268] By the worst means, the worst. For mine own good[4269] 135 All causes shall give way: I am in blood Stepp'd in so far that, should I wade no more,[4270] Returning were as tedious as go o'er:[4271] Strange things I have in head that will to hand, Which must be acted ere they may be scann'd. 140

Lady M. You lack the season of all natures, sleep.[4272]

Macb. Come, we'll to sleep. My strange and self-abuse[4273] Is the initiate fear that wants hard use: We are yet but young in deed.[4274] [Exeunt.

Act III, Scene V — A heath.[4275]

Thunder. Enter the three Witches, meeting HECATE.

First Witch. Why, how now, Hecate! you look angerly.

Hec. Have I not reason, beldams as you are,[4276][4277] Saucy and over-bold? How did you dare[4277] To trade and traffic with Macbeth In riddles and affairs of death; 5 And I, the mistress of your charms, The close contriver of all harms, Was never call'd to bear my part, Or show the glory of our art? And, which is worse, all you have done 10 Hath been but for a wayward son,[4278] Spiteful and wrathful; who, as others do,[4279] Loves for his own ends, not for you.[4280] But make amends now: get you gone, And at the pit of Acheron 15 Meet me i' the morning: thither he Will come to know his destiny: Your vessels and your spells provide, Your charms and every thing beside. I am for the air; this night I'll spend[4281] 20 Unto a dismal and a fatal end:[4282] Great business must be wrought ere noon: Upon the corner of the moon There hangs a vaporous drop profound; I'll catch it ere it come to ground: 25 And that distill'd by magic sleights[4283] Shall raise such artificial sprites[4284] As by the strength of their illusion Shall draw him on to his confusion: He shall spurn fate, scorn death, and bear 30 His hopes 'bove wisdom, grace and fear: And you all know security Is mortals' chiefest enemy.[4285]

[Music and a song within: 'Come away, come away,' &c.

Hark! I am call'd; my little spirit, see, Sits in a foggy cloud, and stays for me.[4286] [Exit. 35

First Witch. Come, let's make haste; she'll soon be back again.[4287]

[Exeunt.

Act III, Scene VI — Forres. The palace.[4288]

Enter LENNOX and another Lord.[4289]

Len. My former speeches have but hit your thoughts,[4290] Which can interpret farther: only I say[4291] Things have been strangely borne. The gracious Duncan[4292] Was pitied of Macbeth: marry, he was dead: And the right-valiant Banquo walk'd too late;[4293] 5 Whom, you may say, if't please you, Fleance kill'd, For Fleance fled: men must not walk too late.[4294] Who cannot want the thought, how monstrous[4294][4295] It was for Malcolm and for Donalbain[4294] To kill their gracious father? damned fact![4294] 10 How it did grieve Macbeth! did he not straight,[4296] In pious rage, the two delinquents tear, That were the slaves of drink and thralls of sleep? Was not that nobly done? Ay, and wisely too;[4297] For 'twould have anger'd any heart alive 15 To hear the men deny 't. So that, I say,[4298] He has borne all things well: and I do think That, had he Duncan's sons under his key--[4299] As, an't please heaven, he shall not--they should find[4300] What 'twere to kill a father; so should Fleance. 20 But, peace! for from broad words, and 'cause he fail'd[4301] His presence at the tyrant's feast, I hear, Macduff lives in disgrace: sir, can you tell Where he bestows himself?

Lord. The son of Duncan,[4302][4303] From whom this tyrant holds the due of birth, 25 Lives in the English court, and is received[4304] Of the most pious Edward with such grace That the malevolence of fortune nothing Takes from his high respect. Thither Macduff[4305] Is gone to pray the holy king, upon his aid[4306] 30 To wake Northumberland and warlike Siward:[4307] That by the help of these, with Him above To ratify the work, we may again Give to our tables meat, sleep to our nights, Free from our feasts and banquets bloody knives,[4308] 35 Do faithful homage and receive free honours: All which we pine for now: and this report Hath so exasperate the king that he[4309] Prepares for some attempt of war.[4310]

Len. Sent he to Macduff?

Lord. He did: and with an absolute 'Sir, not I,'[4302] 40 The cloudy messenger turns me his back, And hums, as who should say 'You'll rue the time That clogs me with this answer.'

Len. And that well might Advise him to a caution, to hold what distance[4311] His wisdom can provide. Some holy angel 45 Fly to the court of England and unfold His message ere he come, that a swift blessing May soon return to this our suffering country[4312] Under a hand accursed!

Lord. I'll send my prayers with him.[4313]

[Exeunt.

FOOTNOTES:

[4093] Forres.] Foris. Capell.

The palace.] A royal Apartment. Rowe. An Apartment in the Palace. Theobald.

[4094] king, Cawdor, Glamis] king, Glamis, and Cawdor Seymour conj.

[4095] as] om. Pope.

weird] Theobald. weyard F1. weyward F2F3F4.

women] F1F2. woman F3F4.

[4096] foully] fowly F1.

[4097] shine] shew Collier MS.

[4098] hope?] F4. hope. F1 F2 F3.

[4099] Sennet sounded.] Senit sounded. Ff.

Lady ... Lennox, Ross,] Lady Macbeth, Lennox, Ross, Rowe. Lady Lenox, Rosse, Ff. Lady Macbeth, Queen; Ross, Lennox, Capell.

Ladies] Capell. om. Ff.

[4100] all-thing] F1. all-things F2. all things F3 F4.

[4101] I'll] I A. Hunter.

Let your highness] Lay your highness's Rowe. Lay your highness' Pope. Set your highness' Mason conj.

[4102] upon] be upon Keightley.

[4103] We ... ride?] As in Ff. In Pope the lines end desir'd ... grave ... but ... ride?

[4104] council] Rowe. councell F1 F2. councel F3 F4.

take] talk Malone. take't Keightley.

[4105] Is't] Is it Pope.

[4106] you] om. Pope.

[4107] adieu ... you] As in Pope, Two lines, the first ending night, in Ff.

[4108] upon 's] upon us Pope.

[4109] night; to ... welcome,] Theobald. night, to ... welcome: Ff.

[4110] The sweeter ... you] As in Rowe. Three lines, ending welcome: ... alone: ... you, in Ff.

[4111] while] till Pope.

be with] b' wi' Anon. conj.

[Exeunt....] Exeunt Lords. Ff. Exeunt Lady Macbeth, and Lords. Rowe.

[4112] SCENE II. Pope.

[To a Servant. Rowe.

with you] om. Steevens (1793), reading Sirrah ... pleasure? as one line.

[4113] Sirrah ... gate.] S. Walker would end the lines you: ... lord ... gate.

[4114] [Exit Attendant.] Exit Servant. Ff.

[4115] To be ... dares,] Arranged as in Rowe. Four lines, ending thus: ... deepe, ... that ... dares, in Ff.

[4116] nothing; But] nothing. But Pope. nothing, but Ff.

[4117] as ... Cæsar.] om. Johnson conj.

[4118] Mark] om. Pope.

Cæsar] Cæsar's Hanmer.

[4119] bade] Theobald (ed. 2). bad Ff.

[4120] with] by Capell conj.

[4121] If 't be] If 'tis Pope.

[4122] filed] fil'd F1 F2. fill'd F3 F4. 'filed Warburton. soil'd Long MS.

[4123] mind; ... murder'd; ... them, ... kings, ... kings!] Minde, ... murther'd, ... them, ... Kings, ... Kings. Ff. mind? ... murther'd?... them?... kings?... kings? Pope.

[4124] seed] Pope. seedes F1 F2. seeds F3 F4.

[4125] And ... there?] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

Re-enter....] Capell. Enter Servant, and two Murtherers. Ff.

[4126] Now] om. Pope.

go] om. Steevens (1793).

[Exit Attendant.] Capell. Exit Servant. Ff.

[4127] First Mur.] 1. Mur. Steevens (1793). Murth. Ff.

[4128] now ... speeches?] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[4129] Have you] F1 F2. You have F3 F4.

[4130] Know ... might] As in Rowe. Eight lines in Ff, ending past, ... fortune, ... selfe ... conference, ... you: ... crost: ... them: ... might.

[4131] with you] om. Steevens conj., ending the line how.

[4132] You ... us.] True, you made it known. Pope.

[4133] I did ... ever?] As in Rowe. Nine lines, ending so: ... now ... meeting ... predominant, ... goe?... man, ... hand ... begger'd ... ever? in Ff.

[4134] Shoughs] Showghes Ff. shocks Capell. Slouths Johnson conj. (withdrawn).

clept] Capell. clipt Ff. cleped Theobald. clep'd Hanmer.

[4135] bill] quill Collier MS.

[4136] Not i' the] And not in the Rowe. Not in the most Keightley.

worst] worser Jervis conj.

say it] Rowe. say 't Ff.

[4137] that] F1 F2. the F3 F4.

[4138] my liege] om. Pope.

[4139] Have ... do] As in Rowe. One line in Ff.

[4140] Have] Rowe. Hath Ff.

[4141] weary] weary'd Capell.

with disasters, tugg'd] with disastrous tuggs Warburton. of disastrous tuggs A. Hunter.

[4142] Both ... enemy.] As in Rowe. One line in Ff.

[4143] For certain ... it is] See note (V).

[4144] Who] Whom Pope.

[4145] Your ... most] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

Within] In Pope.

at most] om. Steevens conj.

[4146] yourselves,] yourselves. Steevens (1793).

[4147] you] ye Seymour conj.

you ... spy o' the] you with a perfect spy o' the Johnson conj. you with the perfect spot, the Tyrwhitt conj. you with the perfectry o' the Becket conj. you with the precincts by the Jackson conj. you, with a perfect spy, o' the Collier MS.

[4148] always thought] a way, though, Jackson conj.

[4149] always ... clearness:] Omitted by Pope.

[4150] to you] om. Steevens conj.

my lord] om. Hanmer.

[4151] [Exeunt Murderers.] Theobald. om. Ff.

[4152] [Exit.] Theobald. Exeunt. Ff.

[4153] SCENE II.] Rowe continues the Scene. SCENE III. in Pope.

The palace] Another Apartment in the Palace. Theobald.

[4154] Lady Macbeth] Macbeths Lady, Ff.

[4155] Madam] om. Seymour conj.

Lady M.] Lady. Ff. Enter Macbeth. Macb. Strutt conj.

Nought's had] om. Steevens conj.

[4156] safer] better Hanmer.

[4157] How....] Lady M. How.... Strutt conj.

[4158] fancies] francies F2.

[4159] all] om. Hanmer.

[4160] scotch'd] Theobald. scorch'd Ff. switch'd or bruis'd A. Hunter conj.

[4161] close] coil A. Hunter.

[4162] But ... suffer,] One line in Theobald. Two in Ff, the first ending disjoint. Two in Steevens (1793), the first ending let.

the frame ... suffer] both worlds disjoint, and all things suffer Pope.

frame] eternal frame Collier (Collier MS.), arranging as Ff.

[4163] our peace] F1. our place F2 F3 F4. our seat Keightley.

[4164] In ... grave;] As in Rowe. Two lines in Ff.

Duncan is in his] Duncan's in 's S. Walker conj.

[4165] Can ... we] S. Walker would end the lines lord, ... jovial ... love; ... remembrance ... both ... we.

[4166] further] farther Collier.

[4167] among] F1 'mong F2 F3 F4.

[4168] See note (VI).

[4169] apply] F1 still apply F2 F3 F4.

[4170] Unsafe ... that we] Vouchsafe the while your presence.--O, that we Bullock conj.

[4171] flattering] so flattering Rowe.

[4172] visards] vizards Ff. vizors Theobald.

to our] t' our Pope.

[4173] Fleance] Rowe. Fleans F1 F3 F4. Feans F2.

lives] live Hanmer.

[4174] eterne] eternal Pope.

[4175] shard-borne] F1 F2. shard-born F3 F4. sharp-brow'd Davenant's version. sharn-bode Daniel conj.

[4176] Hath ... note.] As in Rowe. In Ff the first line ends at peale.

[4177] seeling] Ff. sealing Rowe.

[4178] Light] Night Warburton conj.

[4179] and ... wood] As in Rowe. One line in Ff.

[4180] to the rooky] to the murky or to the dusky Roderick conj. to the rocky Jennens. to rook i' th' Steevens conj.

wood:] wood: on earth below Keightley.

[4181] Whiles] While Capell.

preys] F3 F4. prey's F1 F2. prey Pope.

[4182] SCENE III.] SCENE II. Rowe. SCENE IV. Pope.

A park....] A Park, the Castle at a Distance. Rowe.

[4183] He needs not our] We need not to Warburton conj. ap. Theobald MS.

our] to Pope.

[4184] do, To ... just.] do.--To ... just! Johnson conj.

[4185] lated] F1. latest F2 F3 F4.

[4186] and] end F1.

near] here Collier MS.

[4187] Give us a light] Give us light Pope. Give light Hanmer.

Then 'tis he] Then it is he Pope. 'Tis he Capell.

[4188] Give ... about.] S. Walker would end the lines ho!... within ... already ... about, reading it is for 'tis, line 9, and in for i', line 11.

[4189] the rest ... expectation] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[4190] That are] om. Steevens conj.

[4191] Already] om. Steevens conj.

[4192] from] om. Seymour conj.

[4193] A light ... to 't.] Marked as 'Aside' by Capell.

[4194] Enter....] Ff (after walk). Enter Banquo, and Fleance; Servant, with a Torch, before them. Capell (after walk).

Fleance] Fleans, Ff.

[4195] It will be] 'Twill Steevens conj., reading Stand ... down as one line.

[They....] They fall upon Banquo and kill him; in the scuffle Fleance escapes. Rowe. om. Ff.

[4196] O ... fly!] One line in Hanmer. Two in Ff.

good] godd F2. om. Pope.

[4197] [Dies....] Pope. Dies. Rowe. om. Ff.

[4198] There's ... fled] As in Ff. Pope ends the lines at son ... affair.

We have] We've Pope.

[4199] S. Walker would end the lines away, ... done.

[4200] SCENE IV.] SCENE III. Rowe. SCENE V. Pope.

Hall....] A Room of State. Rowe. A Room of State in the Castle. Pope. A Hall of State.... Capell.

[4201] A banquet....] Banquet.... Ff. A Banquet set out. Flourish. Capell.

[4202] You ... welcome.] Arranged as in Capell (Johnson conj.). The first line ends at downe: in Ff.

[4203] at first] And first Rowe (ed. 2). To first A. Hunter (Johnson conj.).

[4204] last] next Johnson conj.

[They sit. Rowe.

[4205] best] F1. the best F2 F3 F4.

[4206] they are] they're Pope. their Anon. conj.

Enter ... door.] Capell, after line 10. Enter first Murtherer. Ff.

[4207] [Approaching the door] Edd. (Globe ed.). To the Mur. Rowe. To the Murtherer aside at the door. Pope. om. Ff.

[4208] There's ... again.] Marked as 'Aside' by Capell.

[4209] [Aside. Hunter conj.

he] him Hanmer.

[4210] that I did] I did that Pope.

[4211] Thou ... nonpareil.] Arranged as in Rowe. The lines end Cutthroats, ... Fleans: ... Non-pareill] in Ff.

[4212] o' the] of Pope.

good] as good Long MS.

[4213] [Aside] Grant White (Hunter conj.).

Then ... perfect,] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

[4214] I am] I'm Pope.

[4215] [Aside] Indicated by Steevens.

[4216] hear ourselves] hear't ourselves Theobald. hear thee ourselves Hanmer. hear, ourselves Steevens. hear, ourselves, Dyce. hear thee ourselves Keightley.

ourselves] ourself Capell conj.

[4217] sold] cold Pope.

[4218] vouch'd] Ff. vouched Rowe.

while 'tis a-making,] while 'tis a making: F1. while 'tis making: F2 F3 F4. while 'tis making, Pope. the while 'tis making: Collier MS.

[4219] 'Tis ... feed] Then give the welcome: to eat A. Hunter.

[4220] [The Ghost....] Ghost of Banquo rises, ... Capell. Enter the Ghost of Banquo, and ... Ff, after it, line 37. Staunton transfers, to follow mischance! line 43: Keightley, to follow company, line 45. The Ghost of Duncan ... Seymour conj.

[4221] Who] Whom Pope.

[4222] mischance!] Pope. mischance. Ff.

[4223] Please't] Please it Steevens.

[4224] company.] Dyce. company? Ff.

[starting. Rowe.

[4225] Here is] Here's Pope (ed. 2).

[4226] Here ... highness?] One line in Capell. Two in Ff.

my good lord] my lord Steevens (1793), reading Where?... highness? as one line.

[4227] momentary] F1. momentany F2 F3 F4.

upon] on Pope.

[4228] Feed] Eat A. Hunter.

[To Macbeth. Rowe. To Macb. aside. Pope.

[4229] Are ... is.] Marked as 'Aside' by Capell.

[4230] O] om. Pope.

[4231] [Aside. Pope.

[4232] Impostors to true] F1 F3 F4. Imposters to true F2. Importers to true Theobald conj. (withdrawn). Impostors of true Hanmer. Impostures true to Johnson conj. Impostures of true Capell.

[4233] [Pointing to the Ghost. Rowe.

Prithee ... you?] One line in Capell. Two in Ff.

[4234] [Exit Ghost.] F2 F3 F4. Omitted in F1. Ghost vanishes. Rowe.

in folly] om. Steevens conj.

[4235] olden] olde Rowe (ed. 1). golden Mason conj. elden Seymour conj.

[4236] humane] Ff. human Theobald (ed. 2).

gentle] gen'ral Theobald (Warburton). ungentle Seymour conj.

[4237] have been] hath been Johnson.

[4238] time has] Edd. times has F1. times have F2 F3 F4.

[4239] do forget] forgot Pope.

[4240] Come,] om. Pope.

[4241] o'] of Rowe.

[4242] And all] And hail Johnson conj. (withdrawn).

[4243] [The Lords rise. Jennens conj.

[4244] Re-enter Ghost.] The Ghost rises again. Pope. Enter Ghost. Ff, after line 88. As he is drinking, the Ghost rises again just before him. Rowe, after line 88. Enter Banquo's Ghost. Seymour conj. Enter Duncan's Ghost. Strutt conj.

[4245] the Hyrcan] th' Hircan F1 F2. th' Hyrcan F3 F4. Hyrcanian Pope (Davenant's version). Hyrcan Johnson. _the Hircanian_ Capell.

[4246] or be alive] O be alive Rowe (ed. 2). Be alive Pope.

[4247] trembling I inhabit then,] F1. trembling I inhabit, then F2 F3 F4. trembling I inhibit, then Pope. trembling me inhibit, then Theobald conj. (withdrawn). trembling I evade it, then Johnson conj. trembling I in habit then, Jennens. trembling I, in habit then Jennens conj. trembling I inhibit thee, Malone (Steevens conj.). trembling I exhibit, then A. Hunter (Robinson conj., Gent. Mag. Vol. LIX. 1201). tremblingly inhabile, then Becket conj. trembling I inhibit then, Elwin. blenching I evade it, then Bailey conj. trembling I evitate it, then Keightley. trembling I unknight me, then Bullock conj. trembling I inherit, then Anon. conj.

protest] protect F4.

[4248] horrible] terrible Theobald (ed. 2), Warburton and Johnson.

[4249] [Exit Ghost.] Exit. F2 F3 F4, after shadow, line 106. om. F1. Ghost vanishes. Rowe, after gone. Ghost disappears. Dyce.

being gone] F1 F2. be gone F3 F4.

[4250] [The Lords rise. Rowe.

[4251] broke ... disorder.] As in Rowe. One line in Ff.

[4252] Macb. Can ... You] Lady M. Can't ... wonder? Macb. You Warburton.

[4253] to] at Hanmer.

owe] know Johnson conj. (withdrawn).

[4254] When now] Now when Hanmer.

[4255] cheeks] cheek Hanmer.

[4256] is] are Malone.

sights] F1. signes F2 F3. signs F4.

[4257] A kind] om. Pope.

[Exeunt ...] Exeunt Rosse, Lenox, Lords, and Attendants. Capell. Exit Lords. F1. Exeunt Lords. F2 F3 F4.

[4258] It ... blood:] One line in Rowe. Two, the first ending say, in Ff.

blood: they say] blood, they say Pope. blood they say, Ff. blood.--They say, Johnson.

[4259] speak; Augures] speak Augures; Singer conj.

[4260] Augures] Ff. Augurs Theobald. Auguries Rann (Steevens conj.). See note (VII).

and understood] that understood Rowe. that understand Warburton.

[4261] maggot-pies and] mag-pies, and by Pope.

choughs] coughs Warburton.

[4262] sir?] om. Collier conj.

[4263] hear] heard Keightley.

[4264] There's not a one] There is not one Pope.

a one] a Thane Theobald. a man Grant White.

[4265] I keep] I'll keep Collier MS.

[4266] I ... sisters:] S. Walker would end the lines fee'd ... will, ... sisters.

[4267] And betimes ... to] Betimes ... unto Pope. And betimes ... unto Rann. Ay, and betimes ... to Anon. conj.

I will] will I Lettsom conj.

weird] Theobald. weyard F1. wizard F2 F3 F4.

[4268] I am] I'm Pope.

[4269] worst. For ... good] Johnson. worst, for ... good, Ff. worst, for ... good; Rowe.

[4270] Stepp'd] Stept F1. Spent F2 F3 F4.

[4271] go] going Hanmer.

[4272] natures] nature A. Hunter.

[4273] to] too Warburton.

[4274] We are] We're Pope.

in deed] Theobald. indeed Ff. in deeds Hanmer.

[4275] SCENE V.] SCENE IV. Rowe. SCENE VI. Pope.

A heath.] The Heath. Rowe. Hecate.] F3 F4. Hecat. F1 F2.

[4276] reason, beldams] Knight. reason (Beldams) Ff.

[4277] are, ... over-bold?] Capell. are? ... over-bold, Ff.

[4278] wayward] weyward Pope.

[4279] Spiteful ... do,] A spiteful and a wrathful, who Steevens conj.

[4280] Loves] Lives Halliwell conj.

[4281] the] th' Ff.

[4282] dismal and a fatal] dismal, fatal Pope. dismal-fatal Steevens (1793).

[4283] sleights] slights Ff.

[4284] raise] rise F2.

[4285] mortals'] Theobald (ed. 2). mortals Ff. mortal's Rowe.

[Music ... away,' &c.] Capell, substantially. Musicke, and a Song. Ff.

[4286] a] the Rowe (ed. 2).

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

[Exit.] Capell. om. Ff.

[4287] back again.] As in Pope. As a separate line in Ff.

[4288] SCENE VI.] SCENE V. Rowe. SCENE VII. Pope.

Forres. The palace.] A Chamber. Theobald. Foris. A Room in the Palace. Capell.

[4289] another Lord.] Angus. A. Hunter (Johnson conj.).

[4290] My ... thoughts,] One line in Rowe. Two in Ff.

[4291] farther] further Johnson.

[4292] borne] born F4.

[4293] right-valiant] Hyphen inserted by Theobald.

[4294] late. Who ... father?] Ff. late Who ... father. Grant White conj. (withdrawn).

[4295] Who cannot want] You cannot want Hanmer. Who can want or Who cannot have Jennens conj. Who care not, want Jackson conj. We cannot want Keightley.

monstrous] monstrous too Pope. monsterous Capell.

[4296] it did grieve Macbeth!] Capell. it did greeve Macbeth? Ff. did it grieve Macbeth? Pope.

[4297] not that] F1 F2. that not F3 F4.

and] om. Pope.

[4298] deny 't] deny it Capell.

[4299] his key] F1. the key F2 F3 F4.

[4300] an't] Theobald (ed. 2). and 't Ff.

should] F1. shall F2 F3 F4.

[4301] 'cause] Pope. cause Ff.

[4302] Lord.] Ang. A. Hunter (Johnson conj.).

[4303] son] Theobald. Sonnes F1 F2 F3. Sons F4.

[4304] Lives] F1. Live F2 F3 F4.

is] Ff. are Rowe.

[4305] Arranged as in Ff. Steevens (1773, 1778, 1785) transferred is gone to end of line 29.

[4306] holy] om. Pope.

upon] on Capell. om. Anon. conj.

upon his aid] in aid Anon. conj.

[4307] Siward] Theobald (ed. 2). Hanmer. Seyward Ff.

[4308] Free] Fright or Fray Steevens conj.

Free ... banquets] Our feasts and banquets free from Malone conj.

[4309] exasperate] exasperated Rowe (ed. 2). exasp'rated Pope.

the king] Hanmer. their king Ff. our king Anon. conj.

[4310] of war] om. Pope.

[4311] to a caution, to] to a caution, t' Ff. to a care to Pope. caution and to Steevens conj.

[4312] suffering country] country, suffering Capell conj.

[4313] I'll send ... him.] My prayers with him! Steevens (1793).

Act IV, Scene I — A cavern. In the middle, a boiling cauldron.[4314]

Thunder. Enter the three Witches.

First Witch. Thrice the brinded cat hath mew'd.

Sec. Witch. Thrice and once the hedge-pig whined.[4315]

Third Witch. Harpier cries ''Tis time, 'tis time.'[4316]

First Witch. Round about the cauldron go: In the poison'd entrails throw.[4317] 5 Toad, that under cold stone[4318] Days and nights has thirty one[4319] Swelter'd venom sleeping got,[4320] Boil thou first i' the charmed pot.

All. Double, double toil and trouble;[4321] 10 Fire burn and cauldron bubble.

Sec. Witch. Fillet of a fenny snake,[4322] In the cauldron boil and bake; Eye of newt and toe of frog, Wool of bat and tongue of dog, 15 Adder's fork and blind-worm's sting,[4323] Lizard's leg and howlet's wing,[4324] For a charm of powerful trouble, Like a hell-broth boil and bubble.

All. Double, double toil and trouble; 20 Fire burn and cauldron bubble.

Third Witch. Scale of dragon, tooth of wolf, Witches' mummy, maw and gulf[4325] Of the ravin'd salt-sea shark,[4326] Root of hemlock digg'd i' the dark, 25 Liver of blaspheming Jew, Gall of goat and slips of yew Sliver'd in the moon's eclipse,[4327] Nose of Turk and Tartar's lips, Finger of birth-strangled babe 30 Ditch-deliver'd by a drab, Make the gruel thick and slab: Add thereto a tiger's chaudron,[4328] For the ingredients of our cauldron.[4329]

All. Double, double toil and trouble; 35 Fire burn and cauldron bubble.

Sec. Witch. Cool it with a baboon's blood, Then the charm is firm and good.

Enter HECATE to the other three Witches.[4330]

Hec. O, well done! I commend your pains;[4331] And every one shall share i' the gains: 40 And now about the cauldron sing, Like elves and fairies in a ring, Enchanting all that you put in.

[Music and a song: 'Black spirits,' &c. [Hecate retires.[4332]

Sec. Witch. By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes: 45 Open, locks,[4333] Whoever knocks![4333]

Enter MACBETH.

Macb. How now, you secret, black, and midnight hags![4334] What is't you do?

All. A deed without a name.

Macb. I conjure you, by that which you profess, 50 Howe'er you come to know it, answer me: Though you untie the winds, and let them fight Against the churches; though the yesty waves Confound and swallow navigation up; Though bladed corn be lodged and trees blown down;[4335] 55 Though castles topple on their warders' heads;[4336] Though palaces and pyramids do slope[4337] Their heads to their foundations; though the treasure Of nature's germins tumble all together,[4338] Even till destruction sicken; answer me 60 To what I ask you.

First Witch. Speak.

Sec. Witch. Demand.

Third Witch. We'll answer.

First Witch. Say, if thou'dst rather hear it from our mouths,[4339] Or from our masters?[4340]

Macb. Call 'em, let me see 'em.

First Witch. Pour in sow's blood, that hath eaten Her nine farrow; grease that's sweaten[4341] 65 From the murderer's gibbet throw Into the flame.

All. Come, high or low; Thyself and office deftly show!

Thunder. First Apparition: an armed Head.[4342]

Macb. Tell me, thou unknown power,--[4343]

First Witch. He knows thy thought: Hear his speech, but say thou nought. 70

First App. Macbeth! Macbeth! Macbeth! beware Macduff;[4344] Beware the thane of Fife. Dismiss me: enough.[4345]

[Descends.

Macb. Whate'er thou art, for thy good caution thanks; Thou hast harp'd my fear aright: but one word more,--[4346]

First Witch. He will not be commanded: here's another, 75 More potent than the first.

Thunder. Second Apparition: a bloody Child.[4347]

Sec. App. Macbeth! Macbeth! Macbeth!

Macb. Had I three ears, I'ld hear thee.

Sec. App. Be bloody, bold and resolute; laugh to scorn[4348][4349] The power of man, for none of woman born[4348] 80 Shall harm Macbeth.[4348] [Descends.

Macb. Then live, Macduff: what need I fear of thee? But yet I'll make assurance double sure,[4350] And take a bond of fate: thou shalt not live; That I may tell pale-hearted fear it lies, 85 And sleep in spite of thunder.

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

What is this,[4351][4352] That rises like the issue of a king,[4351] And wears upon his baby-brow the round And top of sovereignty?

All. Listen, but speak not to 't.[4353]

Third App. Be lion-mettled, proud, and take no care[4354] 90 Who chafes, who frets, or where conspirers are: Macbeth shall never vanquished be until Great Birnam wood to high Dunsinane hill[4355] Shall come against him. [Descends.[4356]

Macb. That will never be: Who can impress the forest, bid the tree 95 Unfix his earth-bound root? Sweet bodements! good! Rebellion's head, rise never, till the wood[4357] Of Birnam rise, and our high-placed Macbeth[4358] Shall live the lease of nature, pay his breath To time and mortal custom. Yet my heart[4359] 100 Throbs to know one thing: tell me, if your art Can tell so much: shall Banquo's issue ever[4360] Reign in this kingdom?

All. Seek to know no more.

Macb. I will be satisfied: deny me this, And an eternal curse fall on you! Let me know:[4361][4362] 105 Why sinks that cauldron? and what noise is this?[4362]

[Hautboys.[4363]

First Witch. Show!

Sec. Witch. Show!

Third Witch. Show!

All. Show his eyes, and grieve his heart;[4359] 110 Come like shadows, so depart!

A show of eight Kings, the last with a glass in his hand; Banquo's Ghost following.[4364]

Macb. Thou art too like the spirit of Banquo: down! Thy crown does sear mine eye-balls. And thy hair,[4365] Thou other gold-bound brow, is like the first.[4366] A third is like the former. Filthy hags! 115 Why do you show me this? A fourth! Start, eyes![4367] What, will the line stretch out to the crack of doom? Another yet! A seventh! I'll see no more: And yet the eighth appears, who bears a glass[4368] Which shows me many more; and some I see 120 That two-fold balls and treble sceptres carry: Horrible sight! Now I see 'tis true;[4369] For the blood-bolter'd Banquo smiles upon me, And points at them for his. What, is this so?[4370]

First Witch. Ay, sir, all this is so: but why[4371][4372] 125 Stands Macbeth thus amazedly?[4348] Come, sisters, cheer we up his sprites,[4348][4373] And show the best of our delights:[4348] I'll charm the air to give a sound,[4348] While you perform your antic round,[4348][4374] 130 That this great king may kindly say[4348] Our duties did his welcome pay.[4348]

[Music. The Witches dance, and then vanish, with Hecate.[4375]

Macb. Where are they? Gone? Let this pernicious hour[4376] Stand aye accursed in the calendar! Come in, without there!

Enter LENNOX.

Len. What's your grace's will? 135

Macb. Saw you the weird sisters?[4377]

Len. No, my lord.

Macb. Came they not by you?

Len. No indeed, my lord.

Macb. Infected be the air whereon they ride, And damn'd all those that trust them! I did hear The galloping of horse: who was't came by? 140

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

Macb. Fled to England!

Len. Ay, my good lord.

Macb. [Aside] Time, thou anticipatest my dread exploits:[4378] The flighty purpose never is o'ertook 145 Unless the deed go with it: from this moment The very firstlings of my heart shall be[4379] The firstlings of my hand. And even now,[4380] To crown my thoughts with acts, be it thought and done:[4381] The castle of Macduff I will surprise; 150 Seize upon Fife; give to the edge o' the sword His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls[4382] That trace him in his line. No boasting like a fool;[4383] This deed I'll do before this purpose cool:[4384] But no more sights!--Where are these gentlemen?[4385] 155 Come, bring me where they are. [Exeunt.

Act IV, Scene II — Fife. Macduff's castle.[4386]

Enter LADY MACDUFF, her Son, and ROSS.[4387]

L. Macd. What had he done, to make him fly the land?[4388]

Ross. You must have patience, madam.

L. Macd. He had none: His flight was madness: when our actions do not, Our fears do make us traitors.

Ross. You know not Whether it was his wisdom or his fear. 5

L. Macd. Wisdom! to leave his wife, to leave his babes, His mansion and his titles, in a place From whence himself does fly? He loves us not; He wants the natural touch: for the poor wren, The most diminutive of birds, will fight,[4389] 10 Her young ones in her nest, against the owl. All is the fear and nothing is the love; As little is the wisdom, where the flight So runs against all reason.

Ross. My dearest coz,[4390] I pray you, school yourself: but, for your husband, 15 He is noble, wise, judicious, and best knows[4391] The fits o' the season. I dare not speak much further:[4392] But cruel are the times, when we are traitors And do not know ourselves; when we hold rumour[4393][4394] From what we fear, yet know not what we fear,[4394] 20 But float upon a wild and violent sea[4395] Each way and move. I take my leave of you:[4396] Shall not be long but I'll be here again:[4397] Things at the worst will cease, or else climb upward To what they were before. My pretty cousin, 25 Blessing upon you![4398]

L. Macd. Father'd he is, and yet he's fatherless.[4398][4399]

Ross. I am so much a fool, should I stay longer,[4398] It would be my disgrace and your discomfort:[4398] I take my leave at once.[4398] [Exit.

L. Macd. Sirrah, your father's dead:[4400] 30 And what will you do now? How will you live?

Son. As birds do, mother.

L. Macd. What, with worms and flies?[4401]

Son. With what I get, I mean; and so do they.[4402]

L. Macd. Poor bird! thou'ldst never fear the net nor lime,[4403] The pitfall nor the gin.[4404] 35

Son. Why should I, mother? Poor birds they are not set for.[4404][4405] My father is not dead, for all your saying.[4404][4406]

L. Macd. Yes, he is dead: how wilt thou do for a father?[4404][4407]

Son. Nay, how will you do for a husband?[4404]

L. Macd. Why, I can buy me twenty at any market.[4404] 40

Son. Then you'll buy 'em to sell again.[4404][4408]

L. Macd. Thou speak'st with all thy wit, and yet, i' faith,[4404][4409][4410] With wit enough for thee.[4404][4410]

Son. Was my father a traitor, mother?

L. Macd. Ay, that he was. 45

Son. What is a traitor?

L. Macd. Why, one that swears and lies.

Son. And be all traitors that do so?[4411]

L. Macd. Every one that does so is a traitor, and must[4412] be hang'd.[4412] 50

Son. And must they all be hang'd that swear and lie?

L. Macd. Every one.

Son. Who must hang them?

L. Macd. Why, the honest men.[4413]

Son. Then the liars and swearers are fools; for there 55 are liars and swearers enow to beat the honest men and[4414] hang up them.

L. Macd. Now, God help thee, poor monkey! But how[4415][4416] wilt thou do for a father?[4416]

Son. If he were dead, you'd weep for him: if you would 60 not, it were a good sign that I should quickly have a new father.

L. Macd. Poor prattler, how thou talk'st![4417]

Enter a Messenger.

Mess. Bless you, fair dame! I am not to you known, Though in your state of honour I am perfect. 65 I doubt some danger does approach you nearly: If you will take a homely man's advice, Be not found here; hence, with your little ones.[4418] To fright you thus, methinks I am too savage;[4418] To do worse to you were fell cruelty,[4419] 70 Which is too nigh your person. Heaven preserve you! I dare abide no longer. [Exit.[4420]

L. Macd. Whither should I fly? I have done no harm. But I remember now[4421] I am in this earthly world, where to do harm[4422] Is often laudable, to do good sometime 75 Accounted dangerous folly: why then, alas, Do I put up that womanly defence, To say I have done no harm?--What are these faces?[4423]

Enter Murderers.

First Mur. Where is your husband?[4424]

L. Macd. I hope, in no place so unsanctified 80 Where such as thou mayst find him.

First Mur. He's a traitor.

Son. Thou liest, thou shag-ear'd villain![4425]

First Mur. What, you egg!

[Stabbing him.

Young fry of treachery!

Son. He has kill'd me, mother:[4426] Run away, I pray you![4427] [Dies.

[Exit Lady Macduff, crying'Murder!' Exeunt murderers, following her.

Act IV, Scene III — England. Before the King's palace.[4428]

Enter MALCOLM and MACDUFF.

Mal. Let us seek out some desolate shade, and there Weep our sad bosoms empty.

Macd. Let us rather Hold fast the mortal sword, and like good men Bestride our down-fall'n birthdom: each new morn[4429] New widows howl, new orphans cry, new sorrows 5 Strike heaven on the face, that it resounds As if it felt with Scotland and yell'd out Like syllable of dolour.[4430]

Mal. What I believe, I'll wail; What know, believe; and what I can redress, As I shall find the time to friend, I will. 10 What you have spoke, it may be so perchance. This tyrant, whose sole name blisters our tongues, Was once thought honest: you have loved him well; He hath not touch'd you yet. I am young; but something[4431] You may deserve of him through me; and wisdom[4432] 15 To offer up a weak, poor, innocent lamb[4433] To appease an angry god.

Macd. I am not treacherous.

Mal. But Macbeth is. A good and virtuous nature may recoil In an imperial charge. But I shall crave your pardon;[4434] 20 That which you are, my thoughts cannot transpose: Angels are bright still, though the brightest fell: Though all things foul would wear the brows of grace,[4435] Yet grace must still look so.[4436]

Macd. I have lost my hopes.

Mal. Perchance even there where I did find my doubts.[4437] 25 Why in that rawness left you wife and child,[4438] Those precious motives, those strong knots of love, Without leave-taking? I pray you,[4439] Let not my jealousies be your dishonours, But mine own safeties. You may be rightly just, 30 Whatever I shall think.

Macd. Bleed, bleed, poor country: Great tyranny, lay thou thy basis sure, For goodness dare not check thee: wear thou thy wrongs;[4440] The title is affeer'd. Fare thee well, lord:[4441] I would not be the villain that thou think'st[4442] 35 For the whole space that's in the tyrant's grasp And the rich East to boot.

Mal. Be not offended: I speak not as in absolute fear of you. I think our country sinks beneath the yoke; It weeps, it bleeds, and each new day a gash 40 Is added to her wounds: I think withal There would be hands uplifted in my right; And here from gracious England have I offer Of goodly thousands: but for all this,[4443] When I shall tread upon the tyrant's head, 45 Or wear it on my sword, yet my poor country Shall have more vices than it had before, More suffer and more sundry ways than ever, By him that shall succeed.

Macd. What should he be?

Mal. It is myself I mean: in whom I know 50 All the particulars of vice so grafted That, when they shall be open'd, black Macbeth[4444] Will seem as pure as snow, and the poor state Esteem him as a lamb, being compared With my confineless harms.

Macd. Not in the legions 55 Of horrid hell can come a devil more damn'd In evils to top Macbeth.[4445]

Mal. I grant him bloody, Luxurious, avaricious, false, deceitful, Sudden, malicious, smacking of every sin[4446] That has a name: but there's no bottom, none, 60 In my voluptuousness: your wives, your daughters, Your matrons and your maids, could not fill up The cistern of my lust, and my desire[4447] All continent impediments would o'erbear, That did oppose my will: better Macbeth 65 Than such an one to reign.[4448]

Macd. Boundless intemperance In nature is a tyranny; it hath been The untimely emptying of the happy throne, And fall of many kings. But fear not yet To take upon you what is yours: you may 70 Convey your pleasures in a spacious plenty,[4449] And yet seem cold, the time you may so hoodwink:[4450] We have willing dames enough; there cannot be[4451] That vulture in you, to devour so many As will to greatness dedicate themselves, 75 Finding it so inclined.

Mal. With this there grows In my most ill-composed affection such A stanchless avarice that, were I king, I should cut off the nobles for their lands, Desire his jewels and this other's house: 80 And my more-having would be as a sauce To make me hunger more, that I should forge Quarrels unjust against the good and loyal,[4452] Destroying them for wealth.

Macd. This avarice Sticks deeper, grows with more pernicious root[4453] 85 Than summer-seeming lust, and it hath been[4454] The sword of our slain kings: yet do not fear; Scotland hath foisons to fill up your will[4455] Of your mere own: all these are portable,[4456] With other graces weigh'd. 90

Mal. But I have none: the king-becoming graces, As justice, verity, temperance, stableness, Bounty, perseverance, mercy, lowliness, Devotion, patience, courage, fortitude, I have no relish of them, but abound 95 In the division of each several crime, Acting it many ways. Nay, had I power, I should Pour the sweet milk of concord into hell,[4457] Uproar the universal peace, confound[4458] All unity on earth.

Macd. O Scotland, Scotland! 100

Mal. If such a one be fit to govern, speak: I am as I have spoken.

Macd. Fit to govern![4459] No, not to live. O nation miserable![4459] With an untitled tyrant bloody-scepter'd, When shalt thou see thy wholesome days again, 105 Since that the truest issue of thy throne By his own interdiction stands accursed,[4460] And does blaspheme his breed? Thy royal father Was a most sainted king: the queen that bore thee, Oftener upon her knees than on her feet, 110 Died every day she lived. Fare thee well![4461] These evils thou repeat'st upon thyself Have banish'd me from Scotland. O my breast,[4462] Thy hope ends here!

Mal. Macduff, this noble passion, Child of integrity, hath from my soul 115 Wiped the black scruples, reconciled my thoughts To thy good truth and honour. Devilish Macbeth[4463] By many of these trains hath sought to win me Into his power; and modest wisdom plucks me From over-credulous haste: but God above 120 Deal between thee and me! for even now I put myself to thy direction, and Unspeak mine own detraction; here abjure[4464] The taints and blames I laid upon myself, For strangers to my nature. I am yet 125 Unknown to woman, never was forsworn,[4465] Scarcely have coveted what was mine own, At no time broke my faith, would not betray The devil to his fellow, and delight No less in truth than life: my first false speaking 130 Was this upon myself: what I am truly, Is thine and my poor country's to command: Whither indeed, before thy here-approach,[4466] Old Siward, with ten thousand warlike men,[4467] Already at a point, was setting forth.[4468] 135 Now we'll together, and the chance of goodness[4469] Be like our warranted quarrel! Why are you silent?[4470]

Macd. Such welcome and unwelcome things at once 'Tis hard to reconcile.

Enter a Doctor.

Mal. Well, more anon. Comes the king forth, I pray you?[4471] 140

Doct. Ay, sir; there are a crew of wretched souls That stay his cure: their malady convinces[4472] The great assay of art; but at his touch, Such sanctity hath heaven given his hand, They presently amend.

Mal. I thank you, doctor. [Exit Doctor.[4473] 145

Macd. What's the disease he means?

Mal. 'Tis call'd the evil: A most miraculous work in this good king; Which often, since my here-remain in England,[4474] I have seen him do. How he solicits heaven,[4475] Himself best knows: but strangely-visited people,[4476] 150 All swoln and ulcerous, pitiful to the eye, The mere despair of surgery, he cures, Hanging a golden stamp about their necks, Put on with holy prayers: and 'tis spoken, To the succeeding royalty he leaves 155 The healing benediction. With this strange virtue He hath a heavenly gift of prophecy, And sundry blessings hang about his throne That speak him full of grace.

Enter ROSS.[4477]

Macd. See, who comes here?

Mal. My countryman; but yet I know him not. 160

Macd. My ever gentle cousin, welcome hither.

Mal. I know him now: good God, betimes remove[4478] The means that makes us strangers![4479]

Ross. Sir, amen.

Macd. Stands Scotland where it did?

Ross. Alas, poor country! Almost afraid to know itself! It cannot 165 Be call'd our mother, but our grave: where nothing,[4480] But who knows nothing, is once seen to smile; Where sighs and groans and shrieks that rend the air,[4481] Are made, not mark'd; where violent sorrow seems A modern ecstasy: the dead man's knell[4482] 170 Is there scarce ask'd for who; and good men's lives[4483] Expire before the flowers in their caps, Dying or ere they sicken.[4484]

Macd. O, relation Too nice, and yet too true![4485]

Mal. What's the newest grief?[4485][4486]

Ross. That of an hour's age doth hiss the speaker; 175 Each minute teems a new one.

Macd. How does my wife?

Ross. Why, well.

Macd. And all my children?

Ross. Well too.

Macd. The tyrant has not batter'd at their peace?

Ross. No; they were well at peace when I did leave 'em.

Macd. Be not a niggard of your speech: how goes 't?[4487] 180

Ross. When I came hither to transport the tidings, Which I have heavily borne, there ran a rumour Of many worthy fellows that were out; Which was to my belief witness'd the rather, For that I saw the tyrant's power a-foot: 185 Now is the time of help; your eye in Scotland Would create soldiers, make our women fight,[4488] To doff their dire distresses.

Mal. Be't their comfort We are coming thither: gracious England hath[4489] Lent us good Siward and ten thousand men;[4490] 190 An older and a better soldier none That Christendom gives out.

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

Macd. What concern they?[4491][4492] 195 The general cause? or is it a fee-grief[4492] Due to some single breast?

Ross. No mind that's honest But in it shares some woe, though the main part Pertains to you alone.

Macd. If it be mine, Keep it not from me, quickly let me have it. 200

Ross. Let not your ears despise my tongue for ever, Which shall possess them with the heaviest sound That ever yet they heard.

Macd. Hum! I guess at it.[4493]

Ross. Your castle is surprised; your wife and babes Savagely slaughter'd: to relate the manner, 205 Were, on the quarry of these murder'd deer, To add the death of you.

Mal. Merciful heaven! What, man! ne'er pull your hat upon your brows; Give sorrow words: the grief that does not speak Whispers the o'er-fraught heart, and bids it break. 210

Macd. My children too?

Ross. Wife, children, servants, all[4494] That could be found.[4494]

Macd. And I must be from thence![4494] My wife kill'd too?[4494]

Ross. I have said.[4495]

Mal. Be comforted: Let's make us medicines of our great revenge, To cure this deadly grief. 215

Macd. He has no children. All my pretty ones?[4496] Did you say all? O hell-kite! All?[4497][4498][4499] What, all my pretty chickens and their dam[4498] At one fell swoop?[4498]

Mal. Dispute it like a man.

Macd. I shall do so;[4500] 220 But I must also feel it as a man: I cannot but remember such things were, That were most precious to me. Did heaven look on, And would not take their part? Sinful Macduff, They were all struck for thee! naught that I am,[4501] 225 Not for their own demerits, but for mine, Fell slaughter on their souls: heaven rest them now!

Mal. Be this the whetstone of your sword: let grief Convert to anger; blunt not the heart, enrage it.[4502]

Macd. O, I could play the woman with mine eyes, 230 And braggart with my tongue! But, gentle heavens,[4503] Cut short all intermission; front to front Bring thou this fiend of Scotland and myself;[4504] Within my sword's length set him; if he 'scape, Heaven forgive him too!

Mal. This tune goes manly.[4505] 235 Come, go we to the king; our power is ready; Our lack is nothing but our leave. Macbeth Is ripe for shaking, and the powers above Put on their instruments. Receive what cheer you may; The night is long that never finds the day. [Exeunt. 240

FOOTNOTES:

[4314] ACT IV. SCENE I.] Actus Quartus. Scæna Prima. F1. Actus Quintus ... F2 F3 F4.

A ... cauldron.] Capell, substantially. A dark Cave, in the middle a great Cauldron burning. Rowe.

[4315] Thrice and] Staunton and Delius. Thrice, and Ff. Twice, and Theobald. Thrice; and Steevens (1778).

hedge-pig] Hedge-Pigge F1. Hedges Pigge F2. Hedges Pig F3 F4.

[4316] Harpier] Harper Pope. Hark, her Jackson conj. Harpy Steevens conj.

cries 'Tis] cries, 'tis Ff. cries--'tis Steevens (1773). cries:--'tis Steevens (1778).

[4317] entrails] entremes Warburton conj.

[They march round the Cauldron, and throw in the several Ingredients as for the Preparation of their Charm. Rowe.

[4318] Toad, that] This toad, which Davenant's version. Toadstool, Bullock conj.

under cold] under mossy Davenant's version. under the cold Rowe (ed. 2). under coldest Steevens (1793). under a cold Staunton conj. underneath cold Keightley. under cold cold Anon. conj. under some cold Anon. conj.

[4319] has] F3 F4. ha's F1 F2. hast Hanmer.

one] one, Pope. one: Ff.

[4320] venom sleeping] venom, sleeping Delius.

[4321] Double, double] Steevens. Double, double, Ff.

[4322] Sec. Witch.] 2. Ff. 1 Witch. Pope (ed. 2).

[4323] blind-worm's] blind-worm Pope.

[4324] howlet's] owlet's Pope.

[4325] Witches'] Theobald (ed. 2). Witches Ff. Witch's Singer.

[4326] ravin'd] ravening Pope. ravin Rann (Mason conj.).

salt-sea shark] Capell. salt Sea sharke Ff. salt sea-shark Pope.

[4327] Sliver'd] Silver'd Rowe (ed. 2).

[4328] chaudron] chawdron Ff. chauldron Keightley.

[4329] ingredients] Rowe. Ingredience Ff.

cauldron] F3 F4. cawdron F1 F2.

[4330] Enter ...] Edd. (Globe ed.). Enter Hecat, and the other three Witches. Ff (Hecate, F3 F4). Enter Hecate, and other three Witches. Rowe. Enter Hecate, and other Witches. Collier. Enter Hecate. Dyce (Ritson conj.).

[4331] O] om. Anon. conj.

[4332] Black spirits, &c.] See note (VIII).

[Hecate retires.] Edd. (Globe ed.). Exit Hecate. Dyce. om. Ff.

[4333] Open ... knocks!] As in Dyce. One line in Ff.

[4334] SCENE II. Pope.

[4335] bladed] bleaded Collier (Collier MS.). bearded Beisly conj.

[4336] on] o'er Collier MS.

[4337] slope] stoop Capell conj.

[4338] germins] Theobald. germaine F1 F2. germain F3 F4. germains Pope. germen Delius.

all together] Pope. altogether Ff.

[4339] thou'dst] Capell. th' hadst Ff.

[4340] masters?] Pope. masters. Ff. masters'? Capell. 'em ... 'em] them ... them Capell.

[4341] grease] Pope. greaze F1. greace F2 F3 F4. grace Rowe (ed. 2).

[4342] First Apparition ...] 1. Apparation, an Armed Head. Ff (Apparition, F3 F4). Apparition of an armed Head rises. Rowe.

[4343] power,--] power-- Rowe. power. Ff.

[4344] Macbeth ... Macduff] One line in Rowe. Two in Ff.

[4345] [Descends.] Rowe. He Descends. Ff.

[4346] Thou hast] Thou'st Pope.

harp'd] happ'd Becket conj.

more,--] more-- Rowe. more. Ff.

[4347] Second Apparition ...] 2 Apparition, a Bloody Childe. Ff. Apparition of a bloody Child rises. Rowe.

[4348] Be ... Macbeth.] In Reed (1803) the lines end bold, ... man, ... Macbeth.

[4349] Be ... scorn] One line in Rowe. Two in Ff.

[4350] assurance double] Pope, assurance: double F1. assurance, double F2 F3 F4.

[4351] What ... king,] As in Rowe. One line in Ff.

[4352] Third ...] 3 Apparation ... hand. Ff (Apparition, F3 F4). Apparition of ... rises. Rowe.

[4353] top] type Theobald conj.

to 't] om. Pope.

[4354] lion-mettled] Hyphen inserted by Pope.

[4355] Birnam] F4. Byrnam F1 F2 F3.

high Dunsinane] high Dunsmane F4. Dunsinane's high Pope.

[4356] [Descends.] Rowe. Descend. Ff.

[4357] Rebellion's head] Hanmer (Theobald conj.). Rebellious dead Ff. Rebellious head Theobald (Warburton).

[4358] Birnam] F4. Byrnan F1. Byrnam F2 F3.

[4359] heart] hart F1.

[4360] [The Cauldron sinks into the ground. Rowe.

[4361] [Thunder; and the Cauldron sinks. Horrid Musick. Capell.

[4362] know: Why] know Why S. Walker conj.

[4363] [Hautboys.] Hoboyes. F1 F2 F3. Hoboys. F4.

[4364] A show....] A show of eight Kings, and Banquo last, with a glasse in his hand. Ff. Eight Kings appear and pass over in order, and Banquo last, with a Glass in his Hand. Rowe. Eight ... order, and Banquo; the last, with a glass in his hand. Theobald. Eight ... order, the last holding a glass in his hand: with Banquo following them Hanmer.

[4365] eye-balls. And thy hair,] eye-balls; and thy hair. Collier MS.

hair] haire Ff. air Warburton (Johnson). heir Jackson conj.

[4366] is] art Collier MS.

[4367] eyes] F1. eye F2 F3 F4.

[4368] eighth] F3 F4. eight F1 F2.

[4369] Now] nay now Pope. Ay, now Steevens (1793).

[4370] What, is] Pope. What? is F1. What is F2 F3 F4.

[4371] First Witch.] Hec. Edd. conj.

[4372] Ay, ... pay.] Omit as spurious. Anon. conj.

[4373] sprites] sprights Ff.

[4374] antic] antick Theobald. antique Ff.

[4375] The Witches ... Hecate.] Edd. (Globe ed.). The Witches Dance, and vanish. Ff.

[4376] Where ... hour] One line in Rowe. Two in Ff.

[4377] weird] Theobald. weyard F1. wizard F2 F3. wizards F4.

sisters] sihers F2.

[4378] [Aside] Johnson.

[4379] firstlings] F1. firstling F2 F3 F4.

[4380] firstlings] firstling Rowe (ed. 2).

[4381] be it] be' t Pope.

[4382] unfortunate] th' unfortunate Heath conj.

[4383] him in] om. Johnson conj.

No ... fool;] Omit as spurious, ending lines 153, 154 do ... sights! and reading Where ... are as prose. Anon. conj.

[4384] this purpose] the purpose Hanmer.

[4385] sights] flights Collier (Collier MS. and Singer MS.). sprites Grant White.

[4386] SCENE II.] SCENE III. Pope.

Fife. Macduff's castle.] Macduff's Castle at Fife. Theobald. Macduff's Castle. Rowe.

[4387] Enter Lady Macduff....] Rowe. Enter Macduffes Wife.... Ff.

[4388] L. Macd.] Wife. Ff (and throughout).

[4389] diminutive] F4. diminitive F1 F3. diminiuive F2.

[4390] My ... coz] Dearest cousin Pope. My dearest cousin Theobald.

[4391] He is] He's Pope.

[4392] The fits o'] What fits or That fits Anon. conj.

season] time Pope.

[4393] know] know't Hanmer.

[4394] we hold rumour ... we] we bode ruin ... we or the bold running ... they Johnson conj.

rumour ... fear, yet] fear From rumor, and yet Becket conj.

[4395] float upon] floating on Jackson conj.

[4396] Each ... move.] Each way and wave. Theobald conj. And move each way. Capell. And each way move. Keightley (Steevens conj.). Each way, and move-- Johnson conj. Each wail and moan. Jackson conj. Which way we move. Ingleby conj. And move each wave. Anon. conj.

[4397] Shall] 'T shall Hanmer. It shall Keightley.

[4398] Blessing ... discomfort:] S. Walker would end the lines yet ... fool-- ... disgrace, ... discomfort.

[4399] Father'd ... fatherless] One line in Rowe. Two in Ff.

[4400] [Exit.] Exit Rosse. Ff.

[4401] with] on Pope.

[4402] With] On Pope.

I mean] F1. om. F2 F3 F4.

[4403] Poor ... lime,] One line in Theobald. Two in Ff.

lime] F1. line F2 F3 F4.

[4404] The ... thee.] Capell ends the lines mother?... father's ... dead: ... Nay, ... buy me ... buy 'em ... wit; ... thee.

[4405] Why ... for.] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

[4406] My father is] But my father's Capell, reading Poor ... father's as one line.

[4407] Yes ... father?] One line in Rowe. Two in Ff.

do] do now Capell.

[4408] buy] F3 F4. by F1 F2.

[4409] with all] F2 F3 F4. withall F1.

[4410] and yet ... thee.] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[4411] so?] F3 F4. so. F1 F2.

[4412] Every ... hang'd.] Prose in Pope. Two lines in Ff.

[4413] the] om. F3 F4.

[4414] enow] enough Capell.

[4415] Now] om. F4.

[4416] Now, God ... father?] Prose first in Pope. Two lines in Ff.

[4417] L. Macd.] Wife. F1 F3 F4. Son. F2.

[4418] ones. To ... thus,] ones: To ... thus, F2 F3 F4. _ones To ... thus._ F1.

[4419] worse to you] less, to you Hanmer. worship to you Warburton. less to you, Capell.

[4420] [Exit.] Exit Messenger. Ff.

Whither] F3 F4. Whether F1 F2.

[4421] I have] I've Pope.

[4422] I am] I'm Pope.

[4423] To say ... faces?] One line in Rowe. Two in Ff.]

I have] F1. I had F2 F3 F4. I'ad Pope. I'd Theobald.

[4424] First Mur.] 1. M. Capell. Mur. Ff.

[4425] shag-ear'd] F3 F4. shagge-ear'd F1 F2. shag-hair'd Dyce (Steevens conj.).

[Stabbing him.] Rowe. om. Ff.

[4426] He has] H' as Pope.

[4427] I pray] pray Pope.

[Dies.] Capell. om. Ff.

[Exit ...] Edd. (Globe ed.). Exit L. Macduff, crying Murther; Murtherers pursue her. Theobald. Exit crying Murther. Ff.

[4428] SCENE III.] SCENE IV. Pope.

England. Before ...] Dyce. The King of England's Palace. Rowe. A Room in Edward the Confessor's Palace. Capell. England. Steevens.

[4429] down-fall'n] downfaln Warburton (Johnson). downfall F1 F2 F3. downfal F4. down-fall Capell.

birthdom] Johnson, birthdome F1 F2 F3. birth-dome F4. birth-doom Pope. birth-dame Johnson conj.

[4430] syllable] syllables Pope.

[4431] I am] I'm Pope.

[4432] deserve] Theobald (Walburton). discerne F1 F2. discern F3 F4.

of him] om. Steevens conj.

and wisdom] 'tis wisdom Hanmer. and wisdom is it Steevens conj. and 'tis wisdom Collier conj. and wisdom 'tis or and wisdom bids Staunton conj. and wisdom 'twere Keightley.

[4433] To offer] 'Tis t' offer Nicholson conj.

[4434] But ... crave] I crave Pope. But 'crave Steevens (1793).

[4435] wear] bear F4.

[4436] still look] look still Theobald (ed. 2).

I have] I've Pope.

[4437] Perchance ... doubts.] One line in Rowe. Two in Ff.

[4438] child] childe F1. children F2 F3F4.

[4439] Without] Without so much as Anon. conj.

I pray you] om. Pope. pray you S. Walker conj. O Macduff, I pray you Anon. conj.

[4440] dare] F1F2. dares F3F4.

[4441] The] Ff. His Pope. Thy Malone.

affeer'd] Steevens, 1793 (Heath conj.). affear'd F1F2. afear'd F3. afeard F4. assur'd or affirm'd S. Walker conj. affeered Keightley.

Fare] Far F1.

[4442] think'st] think'st me Keightley.

[4443] Of] Of aid of Keightley.

but] but yet Hanmer.

[4444] open'd] ripen'd Collier MS.

[4445] evils] ills Pope.

Mal.] F1. Macb. F2 F3 F4.

[4446] smacking] F1 smoaking F2 F3 F4.

every] each Pope.

[4447] cistern] F3 F4. _cesterne_F1 F2.

[4448] an] a Capell.

Boundless] om. Steevens conj.

[4449] Convey] Enjoy Singer, ed. 2 (Collier MS.).

[4450] cold, the ... hoodwink:] Theobald. cold. The ... hoodwinke: Ff. cold. The ... hoodwink, Rowe. cold: the ... hoodwink: Pope.

[4451] We have] We've Pope.

[4452] loyal] royal Pope.

[4453] Sticks] Strikes Hanmer (Theobald conj.).

[4454] summer-seeming] summer-teeming Theobald (Warburton). summer-seeding Rann (Heath conj.). fume, or seething Johnson conj. summer-sinning Jackson conj. summer-seaming Staunton conj.

[4455] foisons] foysons F1 F2. poison F3 F4. foison Anon. conj.

[4456] portable] bearable A. Hunter.

[4457] Pour ... hell] Sow'r ... hate Hanmer Sour ... hell Jackson conj.

[4458] Uproar] F3 F4. Uprore F1 F2. Uproot Keightley.

[4459] Fit ... miserable!] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[4460] accursed] accurst F2 F3 F4. accust F1.

[4461] lived] liv'd Ff.

Fare] Oh fare Pope.

[4462] Have] Rowe. Hath Ff.

[4463] thy] this Hanmer (1745).

[4464] detraction] detractions Capell. conj.

[4465] woman] F1. women F2 F3 F4.

forsworn] forsworne F1. forswore F2 F3 F4. yet forsworn Hanmer (1745).

[4466] Whither] Whether F4.

thy] they F1.

here-approach] Hyphen inserted by Pope.

[4467] Siward] Theobald. Seyward Ff.

[4468] Already] Ff. All ready Rowe.

at a point] at appoint Warburton.

forth] F1. foorth? F2. forth? F3 F4.

[4469] the chance of goodness] our chance, in goodness Hanmer. the chance, O goodness, Johnson conj. the chain of goodness Jackson conj.

[4470] Be like] Be-link Jackson conj. Belike Staunton.

-warranted] unwarranted Capell (corrected in MS.).

[4471] SCENE V. Pope.

Well ... you?] As in Rowe. Two lines in Ff.

[4472] convinces] defeats A. Hunter.

[4473] [Exit Doctor.] Capell. Exit. Ff, after amend.

[4474] here-remain] Hyphen inserted by Pope.

[4475] I have] I've Pope.

[4476] strangely-visited] Hyphen inserted by Pope.

[4477] SCENE VI. Pope.

[4478] God, betimes] Capell. God betimes Ff.

[4479] The means] Twice in F2 F3 F4.

makes] make Hanmer.

[4480] nothing] no one A. Hunter.

[4481] rend] Rowe. rent Ff.

[4482] dead man's] Johnson, dead-mans F1 F2. dead-man's F3 F4.

[4483] for who;] for whom? Pope.

[4484] Dying] Die A. Hunter.

or ere] or e'er Rowe.

O, relation] Relation, oh! Hanmer.

[4485] O, ... true] As in Theobald. One line in Ff.

[4486] Too ... true!] Too nice, yet true! Steevens conj.

What's] What is Hanmer.

newest] new'st S. Walker conj.

[4487] goes't] gos't F1 F2 F3. go's it F4.

[4488] make our women] and make women Pope.

[4489] We are] We're] Pope.

[4490] Siward] Theobald. Seyward Ff.

[4491] latch] catch Rowe.

[4492] What ... cause?] Theobald. What concerne they, The generall cause, Ff. What? concern they The gen'ral cause? Rowe.

[4493] Hum Ha A. Hunter.

[4494] Wife ...too?] As in Capell. Two lines in Ff.

[4495] I have] I've Pope.

[4496] He has] You have A. Hunter.

All] What, all Hanmer, ending the previous line at children.

[4497] say all?] say all? what, all? Theobald.

[4498] O hell-kite ... swoop?] Put in the margin by Pope, who reads instead what, all?

[4499] O hell-kite!] O vulture! hell-kite! S. Walker conj.

All?] what, all? Pope's margin.

[4500] Dispute] Endure Pope.

do so] om. Pope.

[4501] struck] Rowe. strooke F1 F2. strook F3 F4.

[4502] anger] wrath Pope.

[4503] heavens] heav'n Pope.

[4504] Scotland and myself;] Scotland and myself, Pope. Scotland, and my selfe Ff.

[4505] Heaven] Then heaven Pope. O God, or Then God Anon. conj.

This tune] Rowe (ed. 2). This time Ff. Thus, time Jackson conj. Dunsinane.] Capell.

Ante-room ...] An Anti-chamber in Macbeth's Castle. Rowe.

Act V, Scene I — Dunsinane. Ante-room in the castle.

Enter a Doctor of Physic and a Waiting-Gentlewoman.

Doct. I have two nights watched with you, but can perceive[4506] no truth in your report. When was it she last walked?

Gent. Since his majesty went into the field, I have seen her rise from her bed, throw her nightgown upon her, unlock her closet, take forth paper, fold it, write upon't, read it, 5 afterwards seal it, and again return to bed; yet all this while in a most fast sleep.

Doct. A great perturbation in nature, to receive at once the benefit of sleep and do the effects of watching! In this slumbery agitation, besides her walking and other actual 10 performances, what, at any time, have you heard her say?

Gent. That, sir, which I will not report after her.[4507]

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

Gent. Neither to you nor any one, having no witness to confirm my speech.

Enter LADY MACBETH, with a taper.

Lo you, here she comes![4508] 15 This is her very guise, and, upon my life, fast asleep. Observe her; stand close.

Doct. How came she by that light?

Gent. Why, it stood by her: she has light by her continually; 'tis her command. 20

Doct. You see, her eyes are open.

Gent. Ay, but their sense is shut.[4509]

Doct. What is it she does now? Look, how she rubs her hands.

Gent. It is an accustomed action with her, to seem thus 25 washing her hands: I have known her continue in this a quarter of an hour.

Lady M. Yet here's a spot.

Doct. Hark! she speaks: I will set down what comes from her, to satisfy my remembrance the more strongly.[4510] 30

Lady M. Out, damned spot! out, I say! One: two: why, then 'tis time to do't. Hell is murky. Fie, my lord,[4511] fie! a soldier, and afeard? What need we fear who knows[4512][4513] it, when none can call our power to account? Yet who[4513] would have thought the old man to have had so much 35 blood in him?[4514]

Doct. Do you mark that?

Lady M. The thane of Fife had a wife; where is she[4515] now? What, will these hands ne'er be clean? No more o' that, my lord, no more o' that: you mar all with this[4516] 40 starting.

Doct. Go to, go to; you have known what you should[4517] not.

Gent. She has spoke what she should not, I am sure of that: heaven knows what she has known. 45

Lady M. Here's the smell of the blood still: all the[4518] perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand. Oh, oh, oh!

Doct. What a sigh is there! The heart is sorely charged.

Gent. I would not have such a heart in my bosom for 50 the dignity of the whole body.

Doct. Well, well, well,--[4519]

Gent. Pray God it be, sir.

Doct. This disease is beyond my practice: yet I have known those which have walked in their sleep who have[4520] 55 died holily in their beds.

Lady M. Wash your hands; put on your nightgown; look not so pale: I tell you yet again, Banquo's buried;[4521] he cannot come out on 's grave.[4522]

Doct. Even so? 60

Lady M. To bed, to bed; there's knocking at the gate: come, come, come, come, give me your hand: what's done cannot be undone: to bed, to bed, to bed. [Exit.[4523]

Doct. Will she go now to bed?

Gent. Directly. 65

Doct. Foul whisperings are abroad: unnatural deeds Do breed unnatural troubles: infected minds To their deaf pillows will discharge their secrets: More needs she the divine than the physician. God, God forgive us all! Look after her;[4524] 70 Remove from her the means of all annoyance, And still keep eyes upon her. So good night: My mind she has mated and amazed my sight:[4525] I think, but dare not speak.

Gent. Good night, good doctor.

[Exeunt.[4526]

Act V, Scene II — The country near Dunsinane.[4527]

Drum and colours. Enter MENTEITH, CAITHNESS, ANGUS, LENNOX, and Soldiers.[4528]

Ment. The English power is near, led on by Malcolm, His uncle Siward and the good Macduff:[4529] Revenges burn in them; for their dear causes[4530][4531] Would to the bleeding and the grim alarm[4530][4532] Excite the mortified man.[4530]

Ang. Near Birnam wood[4530][4533] 5 Shall we well meet them; that way are they coming.

Caith. Who knows if Donalbain be with his brother?

Len. For certain, sir, he is not: I have a file[4534] Of all the gentry: there is Siward's son, And many unrough youths, that even now[4535] 10 Protest their first of manhood.[4536]

Ment. What does the tyrant?

Caith. Great Dunsinane he strongly fortifies: Some say he's mad; others, that lesser hate him,[4537] Do call it valiant fury: but, for certain, He cannot buckle his distemper'd cause[4538] 15 Within the belt of rule.

Ang. Now does he feel His secret murders sticking on his hands; Now minutely revolts upbraid his faith-breach; Those he commands move only in command, Nothing in love: now does he feel his title 20 Hang loose about him, like a giant's robe Upon a dwarfish thief.

Ment. Who then shall blame His pester'd senses to recoil and start, When all that is within him does condemn Itself for being there?

Caith. Well, march we on,[4539] 25 To give obedience where 'tis truly owed: Meet we the medicine of the sickly weal,[4540] And with him pour we, in our country's purge, Each drop of us.

Len. Or so much as it needs To dew the sovereign flower and drown the weeds. 30 Make we our march towards Birnam. [Exeunt, marching.[4541]

Act V, Scene III — Dunsinane. A room in the castle.[4542]

Enter MACBETH, Doctor, and Attendants.

Macb. Bring me no more reports; let them fly all: Till Birnam wood remove to Dunsinane[4543] I cannot taint with fear. What's the boy Malcolm?[4544] Was he not born of woman? The spirits that know[4545] All mortal consequences have pronounced me thus:[4546] 5 'Fear not, Macbeth; no man that's born of woman Shall e'er have power upon thee.' Then fly, false thanes,[4547] And mingle with the English epicures: The mind I sway by and the heart I bear[4548] Shall never sag with doubt nor shake with fear.[4549] 10

Enter a Servant.

The devil damn thee black, thou cream-faced loon![4550] Where got'st thou that goose look?[4551]

Serv. There is ten thousand--[4552]

Macb. Geese, villain?

Serv. Soldiers, sir.

Macb. Go prick thy face and over-red thy fear, Thou lily-liver'd boy. What soldiers, patch? 15 Death of thy soul! those linen cheeks of thine Are counsellors to fear. What soldiers, whey-face?[4553]

Serv. The English force, so please you.

Macb. Take thy face hence. [Exit Servant.[4554] Seyton!--I am sick at heart,[4555][4556] When I behold--Seyton, I say!--This push[4555] 20 Will cheer me ever, or disseat me now.[4557] I have lived long enough: my way of life[4558] Is fall'n into the sear, the yellow leaf, And that which should accompany old age, As honour, love, obedience, troops of friends, 25 I must not look to have; but, in their stead, Curses, not loud but deep, mouth-honour, breath, Which the poor heart would fain deny, and dare not.[4559] Seyton!

Enter SEYTON.

Sey. What's your gracious pleasure?[4560]

Macb. What news more?[4561] 30

Sey. All is confirmed, my lord, which was reported.

Macb. I'll fight, till from my bones my flesh be hack'd.[4562] Give me my armour.

Sey. 'Tis not needed yet.

Macb. I'll put it on. Send out moe horses, skirr the country round;[4563] 35 Hang those that talk of fear. Give me mine armour.[4564] How does your patient, doctor?

Doct. Not so sick, my lord, As she is troubled with thick-coming fancies, That keep her from her rest.

Macb. Cure her of that.[4565] Canst thou not minister to a mind diseased,[4566] 40 Pluck from the memory a rooted sorrow, Raze out the written troubles of the brain,[4567] And with some sweet oblivious antidote Cleanse the stuff'd bosom of that perilous stuff[4568] Which weighs upon the heart?

Doct. Therein the patient 45 Must minister to himself.[4569]

Macb. Throw physic to the dogs, I'll none of it. Come, put mine armour on; give me my staff.[4570] Seyton, send out. Doctor, the thanes fly from me. Come, sir, dispatch. If thou couldst, doctor, cast 50 The water of my land, find her disease And purge it to a sound and pristine health,[4571] I would applaud thee to the very echo, That should applaud again. Pull't off, I say. What rhubarb, cyme, or what purgative drug,[4572] 55 Would scour these English hence? Hear'st thou of them?

Doct. Ay, my good lord; your royal preparation Makes us hear something.

Macb. Bring it after me. I will not be afraid of death and bane Till Birnam forest come to Dunsinane.[4573] 60

Doct. [Aside] Were I from Dunsinane away and clear,[4574] Profit again should hardly draw me here. [Exeunt.[4575]

Act V, Scene IV — Country near Birnam wood.

Drum and colours. Enter MALCOLM, old SIWARD and his Son, MACDUFF, MENTEITH, CAITHNESS, ANGUS, LENNOX, ROSS, and Soldiers, marching.

Mal. Cousins, I hope the days are near at hand[4576] That chambers will be safe.

Ment. We doubt it nothing.

Siw. What wood is this before us?

Ment. The wood of Birnam.[4577]

Mal. Let every soldier hew him down a bough, And bear't before him: thereby shall we shadow 5 The numbers of our host, and make discovery Err in report of us.

Soldiers. It shall be done.

Siw. We learn no other but the confident tyrant[4578] Keeps still in Dunsinane, and will endure Our setting down before 't.

Mal. 'Tis his main hope: 10 For where there is advantage to be given,[4579][4580] Both more and less have given him the revolt,[4579] And none serve with him but constrained things Whose hearts are absent too.

Macd. Let our just censures[4581] Attend the true event, and put we on[4581] 15 Industrious soldiership.

Siw. The time approaches, That will with due decision make us know What we shall say we have and what we owe. Thoughts speculative their unsure hopes relate, But certain issue strokes must arbitrate: 20 Towards which advance the war. [Exeunt, marching.

Act V, Scene V — Dunsinane. Within the castle.[4582]

Enter MACBETH, SEYTON, and Soldiers, with drum and colours.[4583]

Macb. Hang out our banners on the outward walls;[4584] The cry is still 'They come:' our castle's strength Will laugh a siege to scorn: here let them lie Till famine and the ague eat them up: Were they not forced with those that should be ours,[4585] 5 We might have met them dareful, beard to beard, And beat them backward home. [A cry of women within.[4586] What is that noise?

Sey. It is the cry of women, my good lord. [Exit.[4587]

Macb. I have almost forgot the taste of fears: The time has been, my senses would have cool'd[4588] 10 To hear a night-shriek, and my fell of hair Would at a dismal treatise rouse and stir As life were in 't: I have supp'd full with horrors;[4589] Direness, familiar to my slaughterous thoughts, Cannot once start me.

Re-enter SEYTON.

Wherefore was that cry?[4590] 15

Scy. The queen, my lord, is dead.[4591]

Macb. She should have died hereafter;[4592] There would have been a time for such a word.[4592][4593] To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow, Creeps in this petty pace from day to day,[4594] 20 To the last syllable of recorded time; And all our yesterdays have lighted fools[4595] The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle![4596] Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player[4597] That struts and frets his hour upon the stage[4597] 25 And then is heard no more: it is a tale[4597] Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing.

Enter a Messenger.

Thou comest to use thy tongue; thy story quickly.

Mess. Gracious my lord,[4598] 30 I should report that which I say I saw,[4599] But know not how to do it.[4600]

Macb. Well, say, sir.

Mess. As I did stand my watch upon the hill, I look'd toward Birnam, and anon, methought,[4601] The wood began to move.

Macb. Liar and slave![4602] 35

Mess. Let me endure your wrath, if't be not so: Within this three mile may you see it coming;[4603] I say, a moving grove.

Macb. If thou speak'st false, Upon the next tree shalt thou hang alive,[4604] Till famine cling thee: if thy speech be sooth,[4605] 40 I care not if thou dost for me as much. I pull in resolution, and begin[4606] To doubt the equivocation of the fiend That lies like truth: 'Fear not, till Birnam wood[4601] Do come to Dunsinane;' and now a wood 45 Comes toward Dunsinane. Arm, arm, and out![4607] If this which he avouches does appear,[4608] There is nor flying hence nor tarrying here.[4608][4609] I 'gin to be a-weary of the sun,[4608][4610] And wish the estate o' the world were now undone.[4608][4611] 50 Ring the alarum-bell! Blow, wind! come, wrack![4612] At least we'll die with harness on our back. [Exeunt.

Act V, Scene VI — Dunsinane. Before the castle.[4613]

Drum and colours. Enter MALCOLM, old SIWARD, MACDUFF, and their Army, with boughs.[4614]

Mal. Now near enough; your leavy screens throw down,[4615] And show like those you are. You, worthy uncle, Shall, with my cousin, your right noble son, Lead our first battle: worthy Macduff and we[4616] Shall take upon 's what else remains to do,[4617] 5 According to our order.

Siw. Fare you well.[4618] Do we but find the tyrant's power to-night, Let us be beaten, if we cannot fight.

Macd. Make all our trumpets speak; give them all breath, Those clamorous harbingers of blood and death.

[Exeunt.[4619] 10

Act V, Scene VII — Another part of the field.[4620]

_Alarums. Enter_MACBETH.[4621]

Macb. They have tied me to a stake; I cannot fly,[4622] But bear-like I must fight the course. What's he That was not born of woman? Such a one Am I to fear, or none.

Enter young SIWARD.[4623]

Yo. Siw. What is thy name?

Macb. Thou'lt be afraid to hear it.

Yo. Siw. No; though thou call'st thyself a hotter name[4624] Than any is in hell.

Macb. My name 's Macbeth.

Yo. Siw. The devil himself could not pronounce a title More hateful to mine ear.

Macb. No, nor more fearful.

Yo. Siw. Thou liest, abhorred tyrant; with my sword[4625] 10 I'll prove the lie thou speak'st.

[They fight, and young Siward is slain.[4626]

Macb. Thou wast born of woman. But swords I smile at, weapons laugh to scorn, Brandish'd by man that's of a woman born. [Exit.

Alarums. Enter MACDUFF.

Macd. That way the noise is. Tyrant, show thy face! If thou be'st slain and with no stroke of mine, 15 My wife and children's ghosts will haunt me still. I cannot strike at wretched kerns, whose arms Are hired to bear their staves: either thou, Macbeth,[4627] Or else my sword, with an unbatter'd edge,[4628] I sheathe again undeeded. There thou shouldst be; 20 By this great clatter, one of greatest note Seems bruited: let me find him, fortune![4629][4630] And more I beg not.[4629] [Exit. Alarums.[4631]

Enter MALCOLM and old SIWARD.

Siw. This way, my lord; the castle's gently render'd: The tyrant's people on both sides do fight; 25 The noble thanes do bravely in the war; The day almost itself professes yours,[4632] And little is to do.

Mal. We have met with foes[4633] That strike beside us.

Siw. Enter, sir, the castle.

[Exeunt. Alarum.[4634]

Act V, Scene VIII — Another part of the field.[4635]

Enter MACBETH.[4636]

Macb. Why should I play the Roman fool, and die On mine own sword? whiles I see lives, the gashes[4637] Do better upon them.

Enter MACDUFF.[4638]

Macd. Turn, hell-hound, turn!

Macb. Of all men else I have avoided thee: But get thee back; my soul is too much charged 5 With blood of thine already.

Macd. I have no words:[4639] My voice is in my sword, thou bloodier villain Than terms can give thee out! [They fight.[4640]

Macb. Thou losest labour: As easy mayst thou the intrenchant air With thy keen sword impress as make me bleed: 10 Let fall thy blade on vulnerable crests; I bear a charmed life, which must not yield To one of woman born.

Macd. Despair thy charm, And let the angel whom thou still hast served Tell thee, Macduff was from his mother's womb 15 Untimely ripp'd.

Macb. Accursed be that tongue that tells me so, For it hath cow'd my better part of man! And be these juggling fiends no more believed, That palter with us in a double sense; 20 That keep the word of promise to our ear, And break it to our hope. I 'll not fight with thee.[4641]

Macd. Then yield thee, coward, And live to be the show and gaze o' the time: We'll have thee, as our rarer monsters are, 25 Painted upon a pole, and underwrit,[4642] 'Here may you see the tyrant.'[4643]

Macb. I will not yield, To kiss the ground before young Malcolm's feet, And to be baited with the rabble's curse. Though Birnam wood be come to Dunsinane,[4644] 30 And thou opposed, being of no woman born,[4645] Yet I will try the last: before my body I throw my warlike shield: lay on, Macduff; And damn'd be him that first cries 'Hold, enough!'[4646]

[Exeunt, fighting. Alarums.[4647]

Retreat. Flourish. Enter, with drum and colours, MALCOLM, old SIWARD, ROSS, the other Thanes, and Soldiers.[4648]

Mal. I would the friends we miss were safe arrived.[4649] 35

Siw. Some must go off: and yet, by these I see, So great a day as this is cheaply bought.

Mal. Macduff is missing, and your noble son.

Ross. Your son, my lord, has paid a soldier's debt: He only lived but till he was a man; 40 The which no sooner had his prowess confirm'd[4650] In the unshrinking station where he fought, But like a man he died.

Siw. Then he is dead?[4651]

Ross. Ay, and brought off the field: your cause of sorrow[4652] Must not be measured by his worth, for then 45 It hath no end.

Siw. Had he his hurts before?

Ross. Ay, on the front.

Siw. Why then, God's soldier be he! Had I as many sons as I have hairs, I would not wish them to a fairer death: And so his knell is knoll'd.

Mal. He's worth more sorrow, 50 And that I'll spend for him.

Siw. He's worth no more: They say he parted well and paid his score: And so God be with him! Here comes newer comfort.[4653]

Re-enter MACDUFF, with MACBETH'S head.[4654]

Macd. Hail, king! for so thou art: behold, where stands[4655] The usurper's cursed head: the time is free: 55 I see thee compass'd with thy kingdom's pearl,[4656] That speak my salutation in their minds; Whose voices I desire aloud with mine: Hail, King of Scotland!

All. Hail, King of Scotland![4657] [Flourish.

Mal. We shall not spend a large expense of time[4658] 60 Before we reckon with your several loves, And make us even with you. My thanes and kinsmen,[4659] Henceforth be earls, the first that ever Scotland In such an honour named. What's more to do, Which would be planted newly with the time, 65 As calling home our exiled friends abroad That fled the snares of watchful tyranny, Producing forth the cruel ministers Of this dead butcher and his fiend-like queen, Who, as 'tis thought, by self and violent hands[4660] 70 Took off her life; this, and what needful else[4661] That calls upon us, by the grace of Grace[4662] We will perform in measure, time and place: So thanks to all at once and to each one, Whom we invite to see us crown'd at Scone.[4663] 75

[Flourish. Exeunt.

FOOTNOTES:

[4506] two] too F1.

[4507] report] repeat Warburton conj.

[4508] Lady Macbeth,] Rowe. Lady, Ff. Queen, Staunton.

[4509] sense is] Rowe. sense are Ff. sense' are Dyce (S. Walker conj.).

[4510] [taking out his Tables. Capell.

satisfy] fortifie Warburton.

[4511] murky.] murky! Steevens. See note (IX).

[4512] afeard] afraid Rowe.

[4513] fear who ... account?] Theobald. feare? who ... accompt: F1F2. fear? who ... account: F3F4. fear who ... account--Rowe (ed. 2).

[4514] him?] Rowe. him. Ff.

[4515] [Sings. Nicholson conj.

[4516] this] F1. om. F2F3F4.

[4517] Go ... not.] Prose in Pope. Two lines in Ff.

[4518] of the blood] F1F2. of bloud F3F4.

[4519] well,--] well-- Rowe. well. Ff.

[4520] which ... who] who ... to A. Hunter.

[4521] Banquo's] Duncan's Hunter conj.

[4522] on's] of his Pope. of's Capell.

[4523] [Exit.] Exit Lady. Ff.

[4524] God, God] Good God Pope.

[4525] she has] she 'as Pope.

[4526] [Exeunt.] Exeunt severally. Capell.

[4527] The country ...] Capell. A Field with a Wood at Distance. Rowe.

[4528] Caithness,] Dyce. Cathnes. Ff.

and] om. Ff.

[4529] Siward] Theobald. Seyward Ff.

[4530] for ... man.] Omit as spurious, Anon. conj.

[4531] causes] Quoted cause in Theobald's note.

[4532] Would ... alarm] F1. Omitted in F2F3F4.

[4533] mortified] milkiest Anon. conj.

[4534] I have] I've Pope.

[4535] unrough] Theobald. unruffe F1F2. unruff F3F4. unruff'd Pope. unwrought Mason conj. untough Collier MS.

[4536] tyrant?] F4. tyrant. F1F2F3.

[4537] hate] F1F2. hates F3F4.

[4538] cause] course Singer, ed. 2 (Collier MS. and S. Walker conj.). corse Anon. conj.

[4539] there?] Pope. there. Ff.

[4540] medicine] Med'cine Ff. medecin Steevens (Warburton conj.). med'cin Capell.

[4541] Make we] Make me Theobald (ed. 1). Make up Theobald (ed. 2).

Birnam] Birnan F4.

[Exeunt, marching.] Ff. Exeunt. Rowe.

[4542] Dunsinane. A room in the castle.] Capell. The Castle. Rowe. Dunsinane. Pope.

[4543] Birnam] F3 F4. Byrnane F1. Byrnam F2.

[4544] taint] faint S. Walker conj.

[4545] The spirits] Spirits Pope.

[4546] consequences have] consequents, Steevens (1793).

me thus] it Pope. me Capell.

[4547] upon] on Steevens (1793).

Then fly] Fly Pope.

[4548] sway] stay Anon. conj.

[4549] Enter a Servant.] F3 F4. Enter Servant. F1 F2. Enter an Attendant, hastily. Capell.

[4550] loon] F3. loone F1 F2. lown F4.

[4551] goose] ghost Anon. apud Rann conj.

[4552] is] are Rowe.

thousand--] Rowe. thousand. Ff.

[4553] whey-face] whay-face Ff.

[4554] [Exit Servant.] Dyce. om. Ff.

[4555] Seyton ... say!--] Pointed as in Rowe. Seyton, I ... hart, ... behold: Seyton, I say, Ff.

[4556] I am] I'm Pope.

[4557] cheer] F3 F4. cheere F1 F2. chair Dyce (Percy conj.).

disseat] Steevens (Jennens and Capell conj.). dis-eate F1. disease F2 F3 F4.

[4558] way] May Steevens, 1778, (Johnson conj.).

of] off Jackson conj.

[4559] and dare] but dare Reed (1803, 1813, 1821).

[4560] Seyton!] om. Rowe.

[4561] What's] What is Pope.

[4562] be] F1. is F2 F3 F4.

[4563] moe] F1 F2. more F3 F4.

skirr] scour A. Hunter.

[4564] talk of] F1 stand in F2 F3 F4.

[4565] Cure her] F2 F3 F4. Cure F1. Make cure Anon. conj.

of] F1 F2. from F3 F4.

[4566] not] om. Badham conj.

a mind] minds Pope.

[4567] Raze] F1 F2. Raise F3. Rase F4.

[4568] stuffd ... stuff] cloggd ... stuff or stuffd ... load Staunton conj.

stuffd] stufft F1. stuft F2 F3 F4. full Pope. foul A. Hunter (Steevens conj.). fraught Anon. conj. pressd Anon. conj.

stuff] F3 F4. stuffe F1 F2. tuft Jackson conj. grief Collier (Collier MS.). matter Keightley. slough Anon. conj.

[4569] to] F1. unto F2 F3 F4.

[4570] mine] F1 F2 F3. my F4.

[4571] pristine] pristine F1.

[4572] cyme] Cyme F1 Caeny F2 F3. senna F4. clysme Badham conj sene Wellesley conj. sirrah Bullock conj.

[4573] Birnam] Birnane. F1.

[Exit. Steevens (1793). Exeunt all except Doctor. Dyce.

[4574] [Aside] Hanmer.

[4575] [Exeunt.] Exit. Steevens (1793). Country ...] Edd. (Globe ed.). A Wood. Rowe. Birnam Wood. Pope. Plains leading to Dunsinane; a Wood adjacent. Capell. om. Steevens.

Drums and colours.] Ff. om. Rowe.

Enter ...] Enter Malcolme, Seyward, Macduffe, Seywards Sonne, Menteth, Cathnes, Angus, and Soldiers Marching. Ff.

[4576] Cousins] Cosins F1 F2. Cousin F3 F4.

[4577] Birnam] F3 F4. Byrnam F2. Birnane F1.

[4578] confident] confin'd Warburton.

[4579] where ... have given] when ... do give A. Hunter.

[4580] advantage to be given] a 'vantage to be gone Johnson conj. advantage to be gone Capell. advantage to be got Steevens conj. advantage to be taken Keightley (Chedworth conj.). advantage to be gain'd Singer conj. (withdrawn). advantage to be gotten Collier (Collier MS.).

[4581] Let ... Attend] F1. Let our best censures Before F2 F3 F4. Set our best censures Before Rowe. _Let our best centuries Before:--_ Jackson conj.

[4582] Dunsinane. Within....] Malone. The Castle. Rowe. Dunsinane. Pope. The Castle of Dunsinane. Theobald. Before Dunsinane. Hanmer. Dunsinane. A Plat-form within the Castle. Capell.

[4583] ... drums and colours.] ... Drum and Dolours. F3.... Drums and Colours. F4.

[4584] banners on ... walls;] banners on ... walls, Ff. banners; on ... walls Anon. conj.

[4585] forced] 'forc'd Hanmer. farc'd Collier (Collier MS.).

[4586] [A cry ...] A Cry within of Women. Ff (after noise?).

[4587] [Exit.] Dyce. om. Ff. Retires. Collier conj. Enter an Attendant, who whispers Seyton. Anon. conj.

[4588] cool'd] 'coil'd Malone conj. quail'd Collier (Collier MS.).

[4589] sup'd full] surfeited Hanmer.

[4590] once] now Hanmer.

Re-enter Seyton.] Dyce. om. Ff.

[4591] my lord] om. Pope.

[4592] died hereafter; There] died: hereafter There Jackson conj.

[4593] time ... word.] time for--Such a world!-- Johnson conj. (withdrawn).

[4594] Creeps] Creep Capell conj.

[4595] fools] foules Hunter conj.

[4596] dusty] F1. study F2 F3 F4. dusky Hanmer (Theobald conj.).

[4597] A poor ... more:] Omitted by A. Hunter.

[4598] Gracious my] F1. My gracious F2 F3 F4.

[4599] I say] I'd say Hanmer. om. Keightley, reading Gracious ... which as one line.

[4600] do it] Knight. doo't F1 F2. do't F3 F4.

say] say it Pope.

[4601] Birnam] F4. Byrnane F1. Byrnam F2 F3.

[4602] [Striking him. Rowe.

[4603] may you] F1 F2. you may F3 F4.

[4604] shalt] shall F1.

[4605] cling] clem Anon. conj.

[4606] pull] pall A. Hunter (Johnson conj.).

[4607] toward] towards Warburton.

[4608] If ... undone.] Omit as spurious, Anon. conj.

[4609] nor flying] F1 F2. no flying F3 F4.

[4610] a-weary] F1. a weary F2 F3 F4. weary Johnson.

[4611] the estate] th' estate Ff. the state Pope.

[4612] Ring ... bell] A stage direction, Theobald conj.

[4613] Dunsinane. Before ...] Before Macbeth's Castle. Rowe. Before Dunsinane. Pope.

[4614] Drum and colours.] Ff. om. Rowe.

Enter ... old Siward ...] Enter ... Seyward ... Ff.

[4615] Now ... down,] One line in Rowe. Two in Ff.

leavy] Ff. leafy Collier.

[4616] worthy] brave Pope.

[4617] upon 's] upon us Capell.

[4618] Do we] Let us Pope.

[4619] [Exeunt.] Capell. Exeunt. Alarums continued. Ff.

[4620] SCENE VII.] Scena Septima. Ff. Rowe, Pope, &c. continue the Scene.

Another ...] The same. Another Part of the Plain. Capell.

[4621] Alarums.] Alarums, as of a Battle join'd. Skirmishings. Capell. Alarums continued. Ff (at end of SCENE VI).

[4622] They have] They've Pope.

[4623] Enter young Siward.] Theobald. Enter young Seyward. Ff (yong F2).

[4624] hotter] hoter F1.

[4625] abhorred] F1. thou abhorred F2 F3 F4.

[4626] [They fight ...] Fight, and young Seyward slaine. F1 F2 (yong F2). Fight, and young Seyward's slain. F3 F4.

[4627] either] or Pope.

[4628] unbatter'd] Rowe. unbattered F1 F3 F4. unbatterred F2.

[4629] Seems ... And] As in Ff. One line in Hanmer.

[4630] bruited] bruited there Steevens conj.

find] but find Steevens conj.

[4631] Alarums.] Ff. Alarum. Rowe (ed. 2).

old Siward.] Seyward. Ff. Siward. Theobald. old Seyward. Capell.

[4632] itself professes] professes itself Johnson.

[4633] We have] We've Pope.

[4634] Alarum.] Ff. Alarums. Capell.

[4635] SCENE VIII]. Dyce. SCENE VII. Pope. Scene continued in Ff.

... field.] ... plain. Dyce.

[4636] Enter ...] Ff. Re-enter ... Capell.

[4637] whiles] whilst Rowe.

[4638] Enter ...] Ff. Re-enter ... Capell.

[4639] I have] I've Pope.

[4640] [They fight.] Malone. Fight: Alarum. Ff. Fight. Capell.

[4641] I'll] I will S. Walker conj., ending the lines hope!... coward.

[4642] pole] cloth A. Hunter.

[4643] I will] I'll Pope.

[4644] Birnam] F4. Byrnane F1. Byrnam F2F3.

[4645] being] be Theobald.

[4646] him] he Pope.

[4647] [Exeunt, fighting. Alarums.] Pope. Exeunt fighting. Alarums. Enter Fighting, and Macbeth slaine. Ff. Exeunt, fighting. Capell.

[4648] Retreat. Flourish.] Retreat, and Flourish. Ff.

old Siward,] Seyward, Ff. Siward, Theobald, old Seyward, Capell.

the other Thanes,] Thanes, Ff. Lenox, Angus, Cathness, Menteth, Malone.

[4649] SCENE VIII. Pope.

[4650] his prowess] he well A. Hunter.

[4651] he is] is he Pope.

[4652] cause] course Anon. conj.

[4653] And so] So Pope. And Collier MS.

be with] b' wi' Anon. conj.

[4654] Re-enter ...] Capell. Enter ... Ff.

...head.] Ff.... head on a pole. Malone (from Holinshed).... head on a pike. A. Hunter.

[4655] Hail ... stands] One line in Rowe. Two in Ff.

[Sticking the pike in the ground. Collier (Collier MS.).

[4656] pearl] F3F4. pearle F1F2. peers Rowe. pearls Anon. conj.

[4657] Scotland!] Scotland! hail! Hanmer.

All. Hail,] All. All hail, Anon. conj.

Hail ... Scotland!] King of Scotland, hail! Steevens (1793).

[4658] spend] make Keightley.

expense] extent Steevens conj. expanse Singer conj.

[4659] My] om. Pope.

[4660] self and] self-laid Anon. conj.

[4661] what] what's Hanmer.

[4662] Grace] heaven Pope. God Warburton.

[4663] Exeunt.] Exeunt omnes. Ff.

NOTES.

NOTE I.

I. 3. 21-24. Pope was the first to place the words 'Thus thou ... undone' in inverted commas, and was followed substantially by all subsequent editors with the exception of those we are about to mention. Hanmer printed in italics 'This thou must do if thou have it' only, and was followed by Capell and Mr. Staunton, except that they restore the original reading 'Thus' for 'This.' Johnson proposed to read 'me' for 'it' in line 22, printing in italics the same words which Pope included in inverted commas. His reading was adopted by Rann. Dr. A. Hunter (Harry Rowe) read:

'Thou'dst have, great Glamis, That which cries, Thus than must do, if thou have me, And that's what rather thou dost fear to do, Than wishest should be undone.'

Mr. Joseph Hunter (New Illustrations &c. of Shakespeare, II. p. 172) proposed to mark the words 'Thus thou must do' only as a quotation, and to read line 22 thus:

'That which cries "Thus thou must do" if thou wouldst have it.'

NOTE II.

II. 1. 13, 14. The first Folio reads here:

'He hath beene in vnusuall Pleasure, And sent forth great Largesse to your Offices.'

The second, followed substantially by the third and fourth:

'He hath beene in unusuall pleasure. And sent forth a great Largesse to your Offices.'

Rowe altered 'Offices' to 'Officers.'

Pope reads:

'He hath to-night been in unusual pleasure, And sent great largess to your officers.'

'To-night' was first introduced in Davenant's Version.

This reading was adopted by subsequent editors down to Capell, inclusive. Steevens (1773) has:

'He hath been in unusual pleasure; Sent forth great largess to your officers.'

Jennens first adopted the arrangement given in our text, though he retained Rowe's emendation 'officers.'

NOTE III.

II. 1. 24. After this line Jennens proposes to add the following to Banquo's speech:

'Those lookers into fate, that hail'd you, Cawdor! Did also hail you, king! and I do trust, Most worthy Thane, you would consent to accept What your deserts would grace, when offer'd you.'

NOTE IV.

II. 2. 35, 36. In the Folios and the earlier editors it is not clear from the mode of printing where the words of the 'voice' ended. Hanmer printed the whole in italics down to 'life's feast' in line 40, omitting however line 37 with Pope. Johnson was the first to print only the words 'Sleep no more! Macbeth doth murther sleep' as the cry of the voice, supposing the remainder to be Macbeth's comment. In lines 42, 43, where the printing of the earlier editions is equally indecisive, Hanmer prints from 'Glamis' to 'Macbeth shall sleep no more' in italics, while Johnson prints only 'Glamis hath murder'd sleep' as the cry of the voice.

NOTE V.

III. 1. 120-122. Dr. A. Hunter (Harry Rowe) arranges these lines as follows:

'But wail his fall whom I myself struck down: For certain friends there are, both his and mine, Whose loves I may not drop: and thence it is, &c.'

NOTE VI.

III. 2. 29-35. In these lines we have followed the arrangement of Steevens (1793), which with the exception of the fourth and fifth lines is the same as that of the Folios. The Folios divide the fourth and fifth lines thus:

'Vnsafe the while, that wee must laue Our Honors in these flattering streames.'

Rowe read them:

'Unsafe the while, that we must lave our Honours In these so flattering streams, And make &c.'

Pope:

'Unsafe the while, that we must lave our honours In these so flatt'ring streams, and make our faces Vizards t'our hearts, disguising what they are.

Capell rearranged the whole passage thus:

'So shall I, love; And so, I pray, be you: let your remembrance Apply to Banquo; present him eminence, both With eye and tongue: Unsafe the while, that we Must lave our honours in these flattering streams; And make our faces vizards to our hearts. Disguising what they are.'

Steevens suggested that something was omitted, and proposed to read 'Unsafe the while it is for us, that we,' &c.

NOTE VII.

III. 4. 124. 'Augure,' as was pointed out by Mr. Singer, was used for 'augury.' In Florio's World of Wordes(1598), we find 'Augurio, an augure, a soothsaying, a prediction, a signe, a coniecture, a divination, a bad or ill hap, a wishing of good hap, a forboding.'

NOTE VIII.

IV. 1. 43. Rowe, from Davenant's version, prints the song thus:

'Black Spirits and White, Blue Spirits and Gray, Mingle, mingle, mingle, You that mingle may.'

In the second line Malone printed 'Red spirits,' &c., following Middleton's play of The Witch, Act V. Sc. 2.

NOTE IX.

V. 1. 32. Hell is murky. Steevens printed these words with a note of exclamation after them, with the following note. 'She certainly imagines herself here talking to Macbeth, who, (she supposes,) has just said, Hell is murky, (i.e. hell is a dismal place to go to in consequence of such a deed,) and repeats his words in contempt of his cowardice.'

CAMBRIDGE: PRINTED AT THE UNIVERSITY PRESS.

Transcriber's Notes:

Simple spelling, grammar, and typographical errors were silently corrected.

Anachronistic and non-standard spellings retained as printed.

Line wrapping retained in plays to retain prose numbering.

Linenotes converted to footnotes with anchors at line ends.

Incorrect line numbers retained, e.g. there are often more than 5 lines (or occasionally less than 5) between increments of 5.

Anchors assigned to linenotes without line references.