Macbeth a tragædy : with all the alterations, amendments, additions, and new songs : as it's now acted at the Dukes Theatre.

Macbeth a tragædy : with all the alterations, amendments, additions, and new songs : as it's now acted at the Dukes Theatre.

Table of contents

Title page

The Argument.

The Perſons Names.

ACT, I. SCENE, I.

ACT, II. SCENE, I.

ACT, III. SCENE, I.

ACT the 4th. SCENE the 1st.

ACT. V.

Scen. I.

Scen. II.

Scene III.

Scen. IV.

Scene. VI.

§

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[Page]

MACBETH, A TRAGAEDY. With all the ALTERATIONS, AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS, AND NEW SONGS. As it's now Acted at the Dukes Theatre.

LONDON, Printed for P. Chetwin, and are to be Sold by moſt Bookſellers, 1674.

The Argument.

[Page]

[Page]

DUncan, King of the Scots, had two Principal Men, whom he Imployed in all Matters of Importance, Macbeth and Banquo, Theſe two Traveling together through a Forreſt, were met by three Fairie Witches (Weirds the Scots call them) whereof the firſt making Obeyſance unto Macbeth, ſaluted him, Thane (a Title unto which that of Earl afterwards ſucceeded) of Glammis, the ſecond Thane of Cowder, and the third King of Scotland: This is unequal dealing, ſaith Banquo, to give my Friend all the Honours, and none unto me: To which one of the Weirds made Anſwer, That he indeed ſhould not be a King, but out of his Loyns ſhould come a Race of Kings; that ſhould for ever Rule the Scots. And having thus ſaid, they all ſuddenly Vaniſhed, Vpon' their Arrival at the Court, Macbeth was immediately Created Thane of Glammis; and not long after ſome new Service of his, requiring new Recompence, he was Honoured with Title of Thane of Cowder. Seeing then how happily the Prediction of the three Weirds fell out, in the former he Reſolved not to be wanting to himſelf in fulfilling the third; and therefore firſt he Killed the King, and after by reaſon of his Command among the Souldiers and Common People, he Succeeded in his Throne. Being ſcarce warm in his Seat, he called to mind the Prediction given to his Companion Banquo: Whom hereupon ſuſpected as his Supplanter, he cauſed to be Killed, together with his Poſterity: Flean one of his Sons, Eſcaped only, with no ſmall difficulty into Wales, Freed as he thought from all fear of Banquo and his Iſſue; he Built Dunſinan Caſtle, and made it his Ordinary Seat: And afterwards on ſome new Fears, Conſulted with certain of his Wizards about his future Eſtate: Was told by one of them, that he ſhould never be Overcome, till Birnam Wood (being ſome Miles diſtant) came to Dunſinan Caſtle; and by another, that he ſhould never be Slain by any Man which was Born of a Woman. Secure then as he thought, from all future Dangers; he omitted no kind of Libidinous Cruelty for the ſpace of 18 Years; for ſo long he Tyrannized over Scotland. But having then made up the Meaſure of his Iniquities, Macduff the Governor of Fife, aſſociating to himſelf ſome few Patriots (and being aſſiſted with Ten Thouſand Engliſh) equally hated by the Tyrant, and abhorring the Tyranny, met in Birnam Wood, taking every one of them a Bough in his hand (the better to keep them from diſcovery) Marching early in the Morning towards Dunſinan Caſtle, which they took by Scalado. Macbeth eſcaping, was purſued by Macduff, who having overtaken him, urged him to the Combat; to whom the Tyrant, half in ſcorn, returned this Anſwer: That he did in Vain attempt to Kill him, it being his Deſtiny never to be Slain by any that was Born of Woman. Now then ſaid Macduff, is thy fatal end drawing faſt upon thee, for I was never Born of Woman, but violently Cut out of my Mothers Belly: Which words ſo daunted the cruel Tyrant, though otherways a Valiant man and of great Performances, that he was very eaſily ſlain; and Malcolm Conmer, the true Heir, Seated in his Throne.

The Perſons Names.

[Page]

King of Scotland, | Mr. Lee.
Malcolm his Son,
Prince of Cumberland | Mr. Norris,
Donalbain. | Mr. Cademan,
Lenox, | Mr. Medbourn.
Roſs, |
Angus, |
Macbeth, | Mr. Batterton.
Banquo, | Mr. Smith.
Macduff, | Mr. Harris.
Monteth, |
Cathnes, |
Seyward and his Son. |
Seyton, |
Doctor. |
Feance Boy to Banquo. |
Porter, Old man, 2 Murderers. |
Macbeth's Wife. | Mrs. Batterton.
Macduff's Wife | Mrs. Long.
Her Son. |
Waiting Gentlewoman. |
Ghoſt of Banquo, | Mr. Sanford.
Heccatte. |
Three Wittches. |
Servants and Attendants. |

ACT, I.
SCENE, I.

[Page]

Thunder and Lightening. Enter three Witches.

1 Witch.

WHEN ſhall we three meet again, In Thunder, Lightning, and in Rain?

2.

When the Hurly-burly's done, When the Battle's loſt and won.

3.

And that will be e're ſet of Sun.

1.

VVhere's the place?

2.

Upon the Heath.

3.

There we reſolve to meet Macbeth.....

A ſhriek like an Owl.

1.

I come Gray Malkin.

All.

Paddock calls!

To us fair weather's foul, and foul is fair!

Come hover through the foggy, filthy Air........

Ex. flying.

Enter King, Malcolm, Donalbine and Lenox, with Attendants meeting Seyton wounded.

King.

What aged man is that? if we may gueſs

His meſſage by his looks, He can relate the

Iſſue of the Battle!

Malc.

This is the valiant Seyton,

Who like a good and hardy Souldier fought

To ſave my liberty. Hail, Worthy Friend,

Inform the King in what condition you

Did leave the Battle?

Seyton.

It was doubtful;

[Page]As two ſpent ſwimmers, who together cling

And choak their Art: the mercileſs Mackdonald

(VVorthy to be a Rebel, to which end

The multiplying Villanies of Nature

Swarm'd thick upon him) from the weſtern Iſles:

VVith Kernes and Gallow-glaſſes was ſupply'd.

VVhom Fortune with her ſmiles oblig'd a-while;

But brave Macbeth (who well deſerves that name)

Did with his frowns put all her ſmiles to flight:

And Cut his paſſage to the Rebels perſon:

Then having Conquer'd him with ſingle force,

He fixt his Head upon our Battlements.

King.

O valiant Couſin! VVorthy Gentleman!

Seyton.

But then this Day-break of our Victory

Serv'd but to light us into other Dangers

That ſpring from whence our hopes did ſeem to riſe;

Produc'd our hazard: for no ſooner had

The juſtice of your Cauſe, Sir, (arm'd with valour,)

Compell'd theſe nimble Kernes to truſt their Heels.

But the Norweyan Lord, (having expected

This opportunity) with new ſupplies

Began a freſh aſſault.

King.

Diſmaid not this our Genenerals, Macbeth

And Banquo?

Seyton.

Yes, as ſparrows Eagles, or as hares do Lions;

As flames are heighten'd by acceſs of fuel;

So did their valours gather ſtrength, by having

Freſh Foes on whom to exerciſe their Swords:

VVhoſe thunder ſtill did drown the dying groans

Of thoſe they ſlew, which elſe had been ſo great,

Th' had frighted all the reſt into-Retreat.

My ſpirits faint: I would relate the wounds

VVhich their Swords made; but my own ſilence me.

King.

So well thy wounds become thee as thy words:

Th' are full of Honour both: Go get him Surgeons —

Ex. Cap. and Attendants.

Enter Macduff.

But, who comes there?

[Page]Malc.

Noble Macduff!

Lenox.

VVhat haſte looks through his eyes!

Donal.

So ſhould he look who comes to ſpeak things ſtrange.

Macd.

Long live the King!

King.

VVhence com'ſt thou, worthy Thane?

Macd.

From Fife, Great King; where the Norweyan Banners

Darkned the Air; and fann'd our people cold:

Norwey himſelf, with infinite ſupplies,

(Aſſiſted by that moſt diſloyal Thane.

Of Cawdor) long maintain'd a diſmal Conflict,

Till brave Macbeth oppos'd his bloody rage,

And check'd his haughty ſpirits, after which

His Army fled: Thus ſhallow ſtreams may flow

Forward with violence a-while; but when

They are oppos'd, as faſt run back agen.

In brief, the Victory was ours.

King.

Great Happineſs!

Malcol.

And now the Norwey King craves Compoſition.

VVe would not grant the burial of his men,

Until at Colems-Inch he had disburs'd

Great heaps of Treaſure to our Generals uſe.

King.

No more that Thane of Cawdor ſhall deceive

Our confidence: pronounce his preſent Death;

And with his former Title greet Macbeth.

He has deſerv'd it.

Macd.

Sir! I'll ſee it done.

King.

What he has loſt, Noble Macbeth has won.....

Exeunt.

Thunder and Lightening. Enter three Witches flying.

1 Witch.

Where haſt thou been, Siſter?

2.

Killing Swine!

3.

Siſter; where thou?

1.

A Sailor's wife had Cheſtnuts in her lap,

And mounch'd, and mounch'd, and mounch'd; give me quoth I;

Anoint thee, Witch, the rump-fed Ronyon cry'd,

Her Husband's to the Baltick gone, Maſter o'th' Tyger.

But in a ſieve I'll thither ſail,

And like a Rat without a tail

[Page]I'll do, I'll do, and I will do.

2.

I'll give thee a wind.

1.

Thou art kind.

3.

And I another.

1.

I my ſelf have all the other.

And then from every Port they blow;

From all the points that Sea-men know.

I will drain him dry as hay;

Sleep ſhall neither night nor day

Hang upon his pent-houſe lid;

My charms ſhall his repoſe forbid,

Weary ſen-nights nine times nine,

Shall he dwindle, waſte, and pine.

Though his Bark cannot be loſt,

Yet ſhall be Tempeſt-toſt.

Look what I have.

2.

Shew me, ſhew me, —

1.

Here I have a Pilot's thumb

Wrack'd, as homeward he did come!

A. Drum within.

3.

A Drum, a Drum:

Macbeth does come.

1.

The weyward Siſters hand in hand,

Poſters of the Sea and Land

Thus do go about, about

Thrice to thine,

2.

And thrice to mine;

3.

And thrice agen to make up nine.

2.

Peace, the Charms wound up.

Enter Macbeth and Banquo with Attendants.

Macb.

Command; they make a halt upon the Heath. —

So fail, and foul a day I have not ſeen!

Banq.

How far is't now to Soris? what are theſe

So wither'd, and ſo wild in their attire?

That look not like the Earths Inhabitants,

And yet are on't? Live you? or are you things

Crept hither from the lower World to fright

Th' Inhabitants of this? You ſeem to know me

By laying all at once your choppy fingers

[Page]Upon your skinny-lips; you ſhou'd be women,

And yet your looks forbid me to interpret

So well of you. —

Macb.

Speak, if you can, what are you?

1 Witch.

All hail, Macbeth, Hail to thee Thane of Glamis;

2.

All hail, Macbeth, Hail to thee Thane of Cawdor.

3.

All hail, Macbeth, who ſhall be King hereafter?

Banq.

Good Sir, what makes you ſtart? and ſeem to dread

Events which ſound ſo fair? I'th' name of Truth

Are you fantaſtical? or that indeed

Which outwardly you ſhew? my noble Partner,

You greet with preſent Grace,

And ſtrange prediction

Of noble Fortune, and of Royal hope;

With which he ſeems ſurpriz'd: To me you ſpeak not.

If you can look into the ſeeds of Time,

And tell which grain will grow, and which will not,

Speak then to me; who, neither beg your favour,

Nor fear your hate. —

1.

Hail!

2.

Hail!

3.

Hail!

1.

Leſſer than Macbeth, and greater.

2.

Not ſo happy, yet much happier.

3.

Thou ſhalt get Kings, thou ſhalt ne'r be one.

So all Hail Macbeth and Banquo.—

1.

Banquo and Macbeth, all Hail......

Exeunt.

Macbeth.

Stay! you imperfect Speakers! tell me more;

By Sinel's death I know I am Thane of Glamis;

But how of Cawdor, whilſt that Thane yet lives?

And, for your promiſe, that I ſhall be King,

'Tis not within the proſpect of belief,

No more than to be Cawdor: ſay from whence

You have this ſtrange Intelligence: or why

Upon this blaſted Heath you ſtop our way

With ſuch prophetick greeting? Speak, I charge you.

Witches vaniſh.

Ha! gone!......

[Page]Banq.

The earth has Bubbles like the water:

And theſe are ſome of them: how ſoon they are vaniſh'd!

Macb...

Th' are turn'd to Air; what ſeem'd Corporeal

Is melted into nothing; would they had ſtaid.

Banq...

Were ſuch things here as we diſcours'd of now?

Or have we taſted ſome infectious Herb

That captivates our Reaſon?

Macb.

Your Children ſhall be Kings.

Banq.

You ſhall be King.

Macb.

And Thane of Cawdor too, went it not ſo?

Banq.

Juſt to that very tune! who's here?

Enter Macduff.

Macd.

Macbeth the King has happily receiv'd

The news of your ſucceſs: And when he reads

Your pers'nal venture in the Rebels fight,

His wonder and his praiſes then contend

Which ſhall exceed: when he reviews your worth,

He ſinds you in the ſtout Norweyan-ranks;

Not ſtarting at the Images of Death

Made by your ſelf: each Meſſenger which came

Being loaden with the praiſes of your Valour;

Seem'd proud to ſpeak your Glories to the King;

VVho, for an earneſt of a greater Honour

Bad me, from him, to call you Thane of Cawdor:

In which Addition, Hail, moſt Noble Thane!

Banq.

What, can the Devil ſpeak true?

Macb.

The Thane of Cawdor lives!

Why do you dreſs me in his borrow'd Robes?

Macd.

'Tis true, Sir; He, who was the Thane, lives yet;

But under heavy judgment bears that life

VVhich he in juſtice is condemn'd to loſe,

VVhether he was combin'd with thoſe of Norway,

Or did aſſiſt the Rebel privately;

Or whether he concurr'd with both, to cauſe

His Country's danger, Sir, I cannot tell:

But, Treaſons Capital, confeſs'd, and prov'd,

Have over-thrown him.

Macb.

Glamis and Thane of Cawdor!

[Page]The greateſt is behind; my noble Partner!

Do you not hope your Children ſhall be Kings?

VVhen thoſe who gave to me the Thane of Cawdor

Promis'd no leſs to them.

Banq.

If all be true,

You have a Title to a Crown, as well

As to the Thane of Cawdor. It ſeems ſtrange;

But many times to win us to our harm,

The Inſtruments of darkneſs tell us truths,

And tempt us with low trifles; that they may

Betray us in the things of high concern.

Macb.

Th' have told me truth as to the name of Cawdor,

aſide.

That may be prologue to the name of King.

Leſs Titles ſhou'd the greater ſtill fore-run,

The morning Star doth uſher in the Sun.

This ſtrange prediction in as ſtrange a manner

Deliver'd: neither can be good nor ill,

If ill; 'twou'd give no earneſt of ſucceſs,

Beginning in a truth: I'm Thane of Cawdor;

If good? why am I then perplext with doubt?

My future bliſs cauſes my preſent fears,

Fortune, methinks, which rains down Honour on me,

Seems to rain bloud too: Duncan does appear

Clowded by my increaſing Glories: but

Theſe are but dreams.

Banq.

Look how my Partner's rap'd!

Macb.

If Chance will have me King; Chance may beſtow▪

A Crown without my ſtir.

Banq.

His Honours are ſurprizes, and reſemble▪

New Garments, which but ſeldom fit men well,

Unleſs by help of uſe.

Macb.

Come, what come may;

Patience and time run through the rougheſt day.

Banq.

VVorthy Macbeth! we wait upon your leiſure.

Macb.

I was reflecting upon paſt tranſactions;

VVorthy Macduff; your pains are regiſtred

VVhere every day I turn the leaf to read them.

Let's haſten to the King: we'll think upon

[Page]Theſe accidents at more convenient time.

VVhen w'have maturely weigh'd them, we'll impart

Our mutual judgments to each others breaſts.

Banq.

Let it be ſo.

Macb.

Till then, enough. Come Friends......

Exeunt.

Enter King, Lenox, Malcolme, Donalbine, Attendants.

King.

Is execution done on Cawdor yet?

Or are they not return'd, who were imploy'd

In doing it?

Malc.

They are not yet come back;

But I have ſpoke with one who ſaw him die,

And did report that very frankly, he

Confeſs'd his Treaſons; and implor'd your pardon,

VVith ſigns of a ſincere and deep repentance.

He told me, nothing in his life became him

ſo well, as did his leaving it. He dy'd

As one who had been ſtudy'd in his Death,

Quitting the deareſt thing he ever had,

As 'twere a worthleſs trifle.

King.

There's no Art

To find the minds conſtruction in the face:

He was a Gentleman on whom I built

An abſolute truſt.

Enter Macbeth, Banquo, and Macduff.

O worthy'ſt Cozen!

The ſin of my Ingratitude even now

Seem'd heavy on me. Thou art ſo far before,

That all the wings of recompence are ſlow

To overtake thee: would thou hadſt leſs deſerv'd,

That the proportion both of thanks and payment

Might have been mine: I've only left to ſay,

That thou deſerv'ſt more than I have to pay.

Macb.

The ſervice and the loyalty I owe you,

Is a ſufficient payment for it ſelf:

Your Royal part is to receive our Duties;

VVhich Duties are, Sir, to your Throne and State,

Children and Servants; and when we expoſe

Our deareſt lives to ſave your Intereſt,

[Page]We do but what we ought.

King.

Y'are welcome hither;

I have begun to plant thee, and will labour

Still to advance thy growth: And noble Banquo,

(Who ha'ſt no leſs deſerv'd; nor muſt partake

Leſs of our favour,) let me here enfold thee,

And hold thee to my heart.

Banq.

There if I grow,

The harveſt is your own.

King.

My joys are now

Wanton in fulneſs; and wou'd hide themſelves

In drops of ſorrow. Kinſmen, Sons, and Thanes;

And you, whoſe places are the neareſt, know

VVe will eſtabliſh our eſtate upon

Our Eldeſt, Malcolm, whom we name hereafter

The Prince of Cumberland: nor muſt he wear

His Honours unaccompany'd by others,

But marks of nobleneſs, like Stars ſhall ſhine

On all deſervers. Now we'll haſten hence

To Enverneſs: we'll be your gueſt, Macbeth,

And there contract a greater debt than that

VVhich I already owe you.

Macb.

That Honour, Sir,

Out-ſpeaks the beſt expreſſion of my thanks:

I'll be my ſelf the Harbinger, and bleſs

My wife with the glad news of your approach.

I humbly take my leave.

Macbeth going out, ſtops, and ſpeaks whilſt the King talks with Banq. &c.

King.

My worthy Cawdor!..

Macb.

The Prince of Cumberland! that is a ſtep

On which I muſt fall down, or elſe o're-leap;

For in my way it lies. Stars! hide your fires,

Let no light ſee my black and deep deſires.

The ſtrange Idea of a bloudy act

Does into doubt all my reſolves diſtract.

My eye ſhall at my hand connive, the Sun

Himſelf ſhould wink when ſuch a deed is done....

Exit.

King.

True, Noble Banquo, he is full of worth;

And with his Commendations I am fed;

[Page]It is a Feaſt to me. Let's after him,

VVhoſe care is gone before to bid us welcome:

He is a matchleſs Kinſman....

Exeunt.

Enter Lady Macbeth, and Lady Macduff. Lady Macbeth having a Letter in her hand.

La. Macb.

Madam, I have obſerv'd ſince you came hither,

You have been ſtill diſconſolate. Pray tell me,

Are you in perfect health?

La. Macd.

Alas! how can I?

My Lord, when Honour call'd him to the VVar,

Took with him half of my divided ſoul,

VVhich lodging in his boſom, lik'd ſo well

The place, that 'tis not yet return'd.

La. Macb.

Methinks

That ſhould not diſorder you: for, no doubt

The brave Macduff left half his ſoul behind him,

To make up the defect of yours.

La. Macd.

Alas!

The part tranſplanted from his breaſt to mine,

(As 'twere by ſympathy) ſtill bore a ſhare

In all the hazards which the other half

Incurr'd, and fill'd my boſom up with fears.

La. Macb.

Thoſe fears, methinks, ſhould ceaſe now he is ſafe.

La. Macd.

Ah, Madam, dangers which have long prevail'd

Upon the fancy; even when they are dead

Live in the memory a-while.

La. Macb.

Although his ſafety has not power enough to put

Your doubts to flight, yet the bright glories which

He gain'd in Battel might diſpel thoſe Clowds.

La. Macd.

The world miſtakes the glories gain'd in war,

Thinking their Luſtre true: alas, they are

But Comets, Vapours! by ſome men exhal'd

From others bloud, and kindl'd in the Region

Of popular applauſe, in which they live

A-while; then vaniſh: and the very breath

Which firſt inflam'd them, blows them out agen.

La. Macb.

I willingly would read this Letter; but

Her preſence hinders me; I must divert her.

[Page]If you are ill, repoſe may do you good;

Y'had beſt retire; and try if you can ſleep.

L. Macd.

My doubtful thoughts too long have kept me waking,

Madam! I'll take your Counſel.....

Ex. La. Macd.

L. Macb.

Now I have leiſure, peruſe this Letter.

His laſt brought ſome imperfect news of things

Which in the ſhape of women greeted him

In a ſtrange manner. This perhaps may give

More full intelligence.

She reads.

Reads. They met me in the day of ſucceſs; and I have been told they have more in them than mortal Knowledg. When I deſir'd to queſtion them further; they made themſelves air. Whilſt I entertain'd my ſelf with the wonder of it, came Miſſives from the King, who call'd me Thane of Cawdor: by which Title, theſe weyward Siſters had ſaluted me before, and referr'd me to the coming on of time; with, Hail King that ſhall be. This have I imparted to thee, (my deareſt partner of Greatneſs) that thou might'st not loſe thy rights of rejoycing, by being ignorant of what is promis'd.Lay it to thy heart, and farewel.

Glamis thou art, and Cawdor, and ſhalt be

What thou art promis'd: yet I fear thy Nature

Has too much of the milk of humane kindneſs

To take the neareſt way: thou would'ſt be great:

Thou do'ſt not want ambition: but the ill

Which ſhould attend it: what thou highly covet'ſt

Thou covet'ſt holily! alas, thou art

Loth to play falſe; and yet would'ſt wrongly win!

Oh how irregular are thy deſires?

Thou willingly, Great Glamis, would'ſt enjoy

The end without the means! Oh haſte thee hither,

That I may pour my ſpirits in thy ear:

And chaſtiſe with the valour of my tongue

Thy too effeminate deſires of that

VVhich ſupernatural aſſiſtance ſeems

To Crown thee with. VVhat may be your news?

[Page] Enter Servant:

Macb. Servant.

The King comes hither to night.

La. Macb.

Th'art mad to ſay it:

Is not thy Maſter with him? were this true,

He would give notice for the pre [...]ration.

Macb. ſerv.

So pleaſe you, it is true: our Thane is coming;

One of my fellows had the ſpeed of him;

Who, almoſt dead for breath, had ſcarcely more

Than would make up his Meſſage.

L. Macb.

See him well look'd too: he brings welcome news.

There wou'd be muſick in a Raven's voice,

Which ſhould but croke the Entrance of the King

Under my Battlements. Come all you ſpirits

That wait on mortal thoughts: unſex me here:

Empty my Nature of humanity,

And fill it up with cruelty: make thick

My bloud, and ſtop all paſſage to remorſe;

That no relapſes into mercy may

Shake my deſign, nor make it fall before

'Tis ripen'd to effect: you murthering ſpirits,

(Where ere in ſightleſs ſubſtances you wait

On Natures miſchief) come, and fill my breaſts

With gall inſtead of milk: make haſte dark night,

And hide me in a ſmoak as black as hell;

That my keen ſteel ſee not the wound it makes:

Nor Heav'n peep through the Curtains of the dark,

To cry, hold! hold!

Enter Macbeth.

Great Glamis! worthy Cawdor!

Greater than both, by the all-Hail hereafter;

Thy Letters have tranſported me beyond

My preſent poſture; I already feel

The future in the inſtant.

Macb.

Deareſt Love,

Duncan comes here to night.

La. Macb.

When goes he hence?

Macb.

To morrow, as he purpoſes▪

La. Macb.

O Never!

[Page]Never may any Sun that morrow ſee.

Your face, my Thane, is as a book, where men

May read ſtrange matters to beguile the time.

Be chearful, Sir; bear welcome in your eye,

Your hand, your tongue: Look like the innocent flower,

But be the ſerpent under't: He that's coming

Muſt be provided for: And you ſhall put

This nights great bus'neſs into my diſpatch;

Which ſhall to all our future nights and daies

Give ſoveraign Command: we will with-draw,

And talk on't further: Let your looks be clear,

Your change of Count'nance does betoken fear.

Exeunt.

Enter King, Malcolme, Donalbine, Banquo, Lenox, Macduff, Attendants.

King.

This Caſtle has a very pleaſant ſeat;

The air does ſweetly recommend it ſelf

To our delighted ſenſes.

Banq.

The Gueſt of Summer,

The Temple-haunting Martin by his choice

Of this place for his Manſion, ſeems to tell us;

That here Heavens breath ſmells pleaſantly. No window,

Buttrice, nor place of vantage; but this Bird

Has made his pendant bed and cradle where

He breeds and haunts. I have obſerv'd the Air,

'Tis delicate.

Enter Lady Macbeth.

King.

See, ſee our honoured Hoſteſs,

By loving us, ſome perſons cauſe our trouble;

Which ſtill we thank as love: herein I teach

You how you ſhould bid us welcome for your pains,

And thank you for your trouble.

La. Macb.

All our ſervices

In every point twice done, would prove but poor

And ſingle gratitude, if weigh'd with theſe

Obliging honours which

Your Majeſty confers upon our houſe;

For dignities of old and later date

(Being too poor to pay) we muſt be ſtill

[Page]Your humble debtors.

Macd.

Madam, we are all joyntly, to night, your trouble;

But I am your treſpaſſer upon another ſcore.

My wife, I underſtand, has in my abſence

Retir'd to you.

L. Macb.

I muſt thank her: for whilſt ſhe came to me

Seeking a Cure for her own ſolitude,

She brought a remedy to mine: her fears

For you, have ſomewhat indiſpos'd her, Sir,

She's now with-drawn, to try if ſhe can ſleep:

VVhen ſhe ſhall wake, I doubt not but your preſence

VVill perfectly reſtore her health.

King.

VVhere's the Thane of Cawdor?

VVe cours'd him at the heels, and had a purpoſe

To be his purveyor: but he rides well,

And his great love (ſharp as his ſpur) has brought him

Hither before us. Fair and Noble Lady,

VVe are your Gueſts to night.

L. Macb.

Your ſervants

Should make their Audit at your pleaſure, Sir,

And ſtill return it as their debt.

King.

Give me your hand.

Conduct me to Macbeth: we love him highly,

And ſhall continue our affection to him.

Exeunt.

Enter Macbeth.

Macb.

If it were well when done; then it were well

It were done quickly; if his Death might be

VVithout the Death of nature in my ſelf,

And killing my own reſt; it wou'd ſuffice;

But deeds of this complexion ſtill return

To plague the doer, and deſtroy his peace:

Yet let me think; he's here in double truſt.

Firſt, as I am his Kinſman, and his Subject,

Strong both againſt the Deed: then as his Hoſt,

VVho ſhould againſt his murderer ſhut the door,

Not bear the ſword my ſelf. Beſides, this Duncan

Has born his faculties ſo meek, and been

So clear in his great Office; that his Vertues,

[Page]Like Angels, plead againſt ſo black a deed;

Vaulting Ambition! thou o're-leap'ſt thy ſelf

To fall upon another: now, what news?

Enter L. Macbeth.

L. Macb.

H' has almoſt ſupp'd: why have you left the chamber?

Macb.

Has he enquir'd for me?

L. Macb.

You know he has!

Macb.

VVe will proceed no further in this buſineſs:

H' has honour'd me of late; and I have bought

Golden opinions from all ſorts of people,

VVhich ſhould be worn now in their neweſt gloſs;,

Not caſt aſide ſo ſoon.

L. Macb.

VVas the hope drunk

VVherein you dreſs'd your ſelf? has it ſlept ſince?

And wakes it now to look ſo pale and fearful

At what it wiſh'd ſo freely? Can you fear

To be the ſame in your own act and valour,

As in deſire you are? would you enjoy

VVhat you repute the Ornament of Life,

And live a Coward in your own eſteem?

You dare not venture on the thing you wiſh:

But ſtill wou'd be in tame expectance of it.

Macb.

I prithee peace: I dare do all that may

Become a man; he who dares more, is none.

L Macb.

What Beaſt then made you break this Enterprize

To me? when you did that, you were a man:

Nay, to be more than what you were, you would

Be ſo much more the man. Nor time nor place

Did then adhere; and yet you wiſh'd for both;

And now th' have made themſelves; how you betray

Your Cowardize? I've given ſuck, and know

How tender 'tis to love the Babe that milks me:

I would, whilſt it was ſmiling in my face,

Have pluck'd my Nipple from his boneleſs gums,

And daſh'd the brains out, had I ſo reſolv'd,

As you have done for this.

Macb.

If we ſhould fail: —

L. Macb.

How, fail! —

[Page]Bring but your Courage to the fatal place,

And we'll not fail; when Duncan is a-ſleep,

(To which, the pains of this daies journey will

Soundly invite him) his two Chamberlains

I will with wine and waſſel ſo convince;

That memory (the centry of the brain)

Shall be a fume; and the receipt of reaſon,

A limbeck only: when, in ſwiniſh ſleep,

Their natures ſhall lie drench'd, as in their Death,

What cannot you and I perform upon

His ſpungy Officers? we'll make them bear

The guilt of our black Deed.

Macb.

Bring forth men-children only;

For thy undaunted temper ſhould produce

Nothing but males: but yet when we have mark'd

Thoſe of his Chamber (whilſt they are a-ſleep)

With Duncan's bloud, and us'd their very daggers;

I fear it will not be, with eaſe, believ'd

That they have don't.

L. Macb.

Who dares believe it otherwiſe,

As we ſhall make our griefs and clamours loud

After his death?

Macb.

I'm ſetl'd, and will ſtretch up

Each fainting ſinew to this bloudy act.

Come, let's delude the time with faireſt ſhow,

Fain'd looks muſt hide what the falſe heart does know.

ACT, II.
SCENE, I.

[Page]

Enter Banquo and Fleame.

Banq.

HOW goes the night, Boy?

Fleame.

I have not heard the Clock,

But the Moon is down.

Banq.

And ſhe goes down at twelve.

Flea.

I take't 'tis late, Sir,

Ex. Fleam.

Banq.

An heavy ſummons lies like lead upon me;

Nature wou'd have me ſleep, and yet I fain wou'd wake:

Merciful powers reſtrain me in theſe curſed thoughts

That thus diſturb my reſt.

Enter Macbeth and Servant.

Who's there? Macbeth, a friend.

Banq.

VVhat, Sir, not yet at reſt? the King's a-bed;

He has been to night in an unuſual pleaſure:

He to your ſervants has been bountiful,

And with this Diamond he greets your wife

By the obliging name of moſt kind Hoſteſs.

Macb.

The King taking us unprepar'd, reſtrain'd our power

Of ſerving him; which elſe ſhould have wrought more free.

Banq.

All's well.

I dream'd laſt night of the three weyward Siſters

To you they have ſhewn ſome truth.

Macb.

I think not of them;

Yet, when we can intreat an hour or two,

[Page]We'll ſpend it in ſome wood upon that buſineſs.

Banq.

At your kindeſt leiſure.

Macb.

If when the Propheſie begins to look like truth

You will adhere to me, it ſhall make honour for you.

Banq.

So I loſe none in ſeeking to augment it, but ſtill

Keeping my boſom free, and my Allegiances dear,

I ſhall be counſell'd.

Macb.

Good repoſe the while.

Banq.

The like to you, Sir.

Ex. Banquo.

Macb.

Go bid your Miſtreſs, when ſhe is undreſt,

To ſtrike the Cloſet-bell, and I'll go to bed.

Is this a dagger which I ſee before me?

The hilt draws towards my hand; come, let me graſp thee:

I have thee not, and yet I ſee thee ſtill;

Art thou not fatal Viſion, ſenſible

To feeling as to ſight? or, art thou but

A dagger of the mind, a falſe creation

Proceeding from the brain, oppreſt with heat.

My eyes are made the fools of th'other ſenſes;

Or elſe worth all the reſt: I ſee thee ſtill,

And on thy blade are ſtains of reeking bloud.

It is the bloudy buſineſs that thus

Informs my eye-ſight; now, to half the world

Nature ſeems dead, and wicked dreams infect

The health of ſleep; now witchcraft celebrates

Pale Heccate's Offerings; now murder is

Alarm'd by his nights Centinel: the wolf,

Whoſe howling ſeems the watch-word to the dead:

But whilſt I talk, he lives: hark, I am ſummon'd;

O Duncan, hear it not, for 'tis a bell

That rings my Coronation, and thy Knell.

Exit.

Enter Lady Macbeth.

La Macb.

That which made them drunk, has made me bold;

VVhat has quenched them, hath given new fire to me.

Heark; oh, it was the Owl that ſhriek'd;

The fatal Bell-man that oft bids good night

To dying men, he is about it; the doors are open,

And whilſt the ſurfeited Grooms neglect their charges for ſleep,

[Page]Nature and death are now contending in them.

Enter Macbeth.

Macb.

VVho's there?

La. Macb.

Alas, I am afraid they are awak'd,

And 'tis not done; the attempt without the deed

VVould ruine us. I laid the daggers ready,

He could not miſs them; and had he not reſembl'd

My Father, as he ſlept, I would have don't

My Husband.

Macb.

I have done the deed, didſt thou not hear a noiſe?

La. Macb.

I heard the Owl ſcream, and the Crickets cry,

Did dot you ſpeak?

Macb.

VVhen?

La. Macb.

Now.

Macb.

Who lies i'th' Anti-chamber?

La. Macb.

Donalbain.

Macb.

This is a diſmal ſight.

La. Macb.

A fooliſh thought to ſay a diſmal ſight:

Macb.

There is one did laugh as he ſecurely ſlept,

And one cry'd Murder, that they wak'd each other.

I ſtood and heard them; but they ſaid their Prayers,

And then addreſt themſelves to ſleep again.

La. Macb.

There are two lodg'd together.

Macb.

One cry'd, Heaven bleſs us, the other ſaid, Amen:

As they had ſeen me with theſe Hang-mans hands,

Silenc'd with fear, I cou'd not ſay Amen

VVhen they did ſay, Heaven bleſs us.

La. Macb.

Conſider it not ſo deeply.

Macb.

But, wherefore could not I pronounce, Amen?

I had moſt need of bleſſing, and Amen

Stuck in my throat.

La. Macb.

Theſe deeds ſhou'd be forgot as ſoon as done,

Leſt they diſtract the doer.

Macb.

Methoughts I heard a noiſe cry, ſleep no more:

Macbeth has murder'd ſleep, the innocent ſleep;

Sleep, that locks up the ſenſes from their care;

The death of each daies life; tir'd labours bath;

Balm of hurt; minds great natures ſecond courſe;

[Page]Chief nouriſher in life's feaſt.

La. Macb.

What do you mean?

Macb.

Still it cry'd, ſleep no more, to all the houſe.

Glamis hath murder'd ſleep, and therefore Cawdor

Shall ſleep no more; Macbeth ſhall ſleep no more.

La. Macb.

Why do you dream thus? go, get ſome water,

And cleanſe this filthy witneſs from your hands.

Why did you bring the daggers from the place?

They muſt be there, go carry them, and ſtain

The ſleepy Grooms with bloud.

Macb.

I'll go no more;

I am afraid to think what I have done.

What then, with looking on it, ſhall I do?

La. Macb.

Give me the daggers, the ſleeping and the dead▪

Are but as pictures; 'tis the eye of childhood

That fears a painted Devil: with his bloud

I'll ſtain the faces of the Grooms; by that

It will appear their guilt.

Ex. La. Macbeth Knock within.

Macb.

What knocking's that?

How is't with me, when every noiſe affrights me?

VVhat hands are here! can the Sea afford

VVater enough to waſh away the ſtains?

No, they would ſooner add a tincture to

The Sea, and turn the green into a red.

Enter Lady Macbeth.

La. Macb.

My hands are of your colour; but I ſcorn

To wear an heart ſo white. Heark,

Knock.

I hear a knocking at the Gate: to your Chamber;

A little water clears us of this deed.

Your fear has left you unman'd; heark, more knocking.

Get on your Gown, leſt occaſions call us,

And ſhews us to be watchers; be not loſt

So poorly in your thoughts.

Exit.

Macb.

Diſguis'd in blood, I ſcarce can find my way.

VVake Duncan with this knocking, wou'd thou could'ſt.

Exit.

Enter Lenox and Macbeth's Servant.

Lenox.

You ſleep ſoundly, that ſo much knocking

[Page]Could not wake you.

Serv.

Labour by day cauſes reſt by night.

Enter Macduff.

Len.

See the Noble Macduff.

Good morrow, my Lord, have you obſerv'd

How great a miſt does now poſſeſs the air;

It makes me doubt whether't be day or night.

Macd.

Riſing this morning early, I went to look out of my

VVindow, and I cou'd ſcarce ſee farther than my breath:

The darkneſs of the night brought but few objects

To our eyes, but too many to our ears.

Strange claps and creekings of the doors were heard;

The Screech-Owl with his ſcreams, ſeem'd to foretell▪

Some deed more black than night.

Enter Macbeth.

Macd.

Is the King ſtirring?

Macb.

Not yet.

Macd.

He did command me to attend him early;

I have almoſt ſlip'd the hour.

Macb.

I'll bring you to him.

Macd.

I know this is a joyful trouble to you.

Macb.

The labour we delight in, gives;

That door will bring you to him.

Macd.

I'll make bold to call; for 'tis my limited ſervice.

Ex. Macd.

Len.

Goes the King hence to day?

Macb.

So he deſigns.

Len.

The night has been unruly:

VVhere we lay, our chimneys were blown down;

And, as they ſay, terrible groanings were heard i'th' air:

Strange ſcreams of death, which ſeem'd to propheſie

More ſtrange events, fill'd divers.

Some ſay the Earth ſhook.

Macb.

'Twas a rough night.

Len.

My young remembrance cannot recollect its fellow.

Enter Macduff.

Macd.

Oh horror! horror! horror!

VVhich no heart can conceive, nor tongue can utter.

Macb.

VVhat's the matter?

Len.

VVhat's the matter?

[Page]Macd.

Horror has done its worſt:

Moſt ſacrilegious murder has broke open

The Lord's anointed Temple, and ſtole thence

The life o'th' building.

Macb.

What is't you ſay; the life?

Len.

Meaning his Majeſty.

Macd.

Approach the Chamber, and behold a ſight

Enough to turn ſpectators into ſtone.

I cannot ſpeak, ſee, and then ſpeak your ſelves:

Ring the Alarum-bell. Awake, awake,

Ex. Macb. and Len.

Murther, Treaſon; Banquo, Malcom, and Donalbain,

Shake off your downy ſleep, Death's counterfeit;

And look on Death it ſelf; up, up, and ſee,

As from your Graves, riſe up, and walk like ſpirits

To countenance this horror: ring the bell.

Bell rings.

Enter Lady Macbeth.

La. Macb.

VVhat's the buſineſs, that at this dead of night

You alar'm us from our reſt?

Macd.

O, Madam!

'Tis not for you to hear what I can ſpeak:

The repetition in a womans ear

VVould do another murther.

Enter Banquo.

Oh Banquo, Banquo, our Royal Maſter's murther'd!

La. Macb.

Ah me! in our houſe?

Banq.

The deed's too cruel any where, Macduff;

Oh, that you could but contradict your ſelf,

And ſay it is not true.

Enter Macbeth and Lenox.

Macb.

Had I but dy'd an hour before this chance,

I had liv'd a bleſſed time; for, from this inſtant,

There's nothing in it worth a good mans care;

All is but toyes, Renown and Grace are dead.

Enter Malcolm, and Donalbain.

Donal.

VVhat is amiſs?

Macb.

You are, and do not know't:

The ſpring, the head, the fountain of your bloud

Is ſtop'd; the very ſource of it is ſtop'd.

Macd.

Your Royal Father's murther'd.

[Page]Malc.

Murther'd! by whom?

Len.

Thoſe of his Chamber, as it ſeem'd, had don't;

Their hands and faces were all ſtain'd with bloud:

So were their Daggers, which we found unwip'd,

Upon their pillows. VVhy was the life of one,

So much above the beſt of men, entruſted

To the hands of two, ſo much below

The worſt of beaſts.

Macb.

Then I repent me I ſo raſhly kill'd e'm.

Macd.

VVhy did you ſo?

Macb.

VVho can be prudent and amaz'd together;

Loyal and neutral in a moment? no man.

Th' expedition of my violent love

Out-ran my pauſing reaſon: I ſaw Duncan,

Whoſe gaping wounds look'd like a breach in nature,

VVhere ruine enter'd there. I ſaw the murtherers

Steep'd in the colours of their trade; their Daggers

Being yet unwip'd, ſeem'd to own the deed,

And call for vengeance; who could then refrain,

That had an heart to love; and in that heart

Courage to manifeſt his affection.

La. Macb.

Oh, oh, oh.

Faints.

Macd.

Look to the Lady.

Mal.

VVhy are we ſilent now, that have ſo large

An argument for ſorrow?

Donal.

VVhat should be ſpoken here, where our fate may ruſh▪

Suddenly upon us, and as if it lay

Hid in ſome corner; make our death ſucceed

The ruine of our Father e're we are aware.

Macd.

I find this place too publick for true ſorrow:

Let us retire, and mourn: but firſt,

Guarded by Vertue, I'm reſolv'd to find

The utmoſt of this buſineſs.

Banq.

And I.

Macb.

And all.

Let all of us take manly reſolution;

And two hours hence meet together in the Hall

To queſtion this moſt bloudy fact.

[Page]Banq.

We ſhall be ready, Sir,

Ex. all but Malc. & Donalb.

Malc.

What will you do?

Let's not conſort with them:

To ſhew an unfelt-ſorrow, is an office

Which falſe men▪ do with eaſe.

I'll to England.

Donal.

To Ireland I'm reſolv'd to ſteer my courſe;

Our ſeparated fortune may protect our perſons

Where we are: Daggers lie hid under mens ſmiles,

And the nearer ſome men are allied to our bloud,

The more, I fear, they ſeek to ſhed it.

Malc.

This murtherous ſhaft that's ſhot,

Hath not yet lighted; and our ſafeſt way

Is, to avoid the aim: then let's to horſe,

And uſe no ceremony in taking leave of any.

Exeunt.

SCENE the fourth. Enter Lenox and Seaton.

Seaton.

I can remember well,

Within the compaſs of which time I've ſeen

Hours dreadful, and things ſtrange; but this one night

Has made that knowledge void.

Len.

Thou ſeeſt the Heavens, as troubled with mans act,

Threaten'd this bloudy day: by th'hour 'tis day,

And yet dark night does cover all the skie,

As if it had quite blotted out the Sun.

Is't nights predominance, or the daies ſhame

Makes darkneſs thus uſurp the place of light.

Seat.

'Tis ſtrange and unnatural,

Even like the deed that's done; on Tueſday laſt,

A Faulcon towring in her height of pride,

Was by a mouſing Owl hawk'd at, and kill'd.

Len.

And Duncan's Horſes, which before were tame,

Did on a ſudden change their gentle natures,

And became wild; they broke out of their Stables,

As if they would make war with mankind.

Seat.

'Tis ſaid they eat each other.

Len.

They did ſo,

To th'amazement of thoſe eyes that ſaw it.

[Page] Enter Macduff.

Here comes the good Macduff:

How goes the world, Sir, now?

Len.

Is't known who did this more than bloudy deed?

Macd.

Thoſe that Macbeth hath ſlain, are moſt ſuſpected.

Len.

Alas, what good could they pretend?

Macd.

It is ſuppos'd they were ſuborn'd.

Malcolm and Donalbain, the Kings two Sons,

Are ſtoln away from Court,

Which puts upon them ſuſpition of the deed.

Len.

Unnatural ſtill.

Could their ambition prompt them to deſtroy

The means of their own life.

Macd.

You are free to judge

Of their deportment as you pleaſe; but moſt

Men think e'm guilty.

Len.

Then 'tis moſt like the Soveraignty will fall

Upon Macbeth.

Macd.

He is already nam'd, and gone to Scone

To be inveſted.

Len.

Where's Duncan's body?

Macd.

Carried to Colmehill,

The ſacred Store-houſe of his Predeceſſors.

Len.

VVill you to Scone?

Macd.

No, Couſin, I'll to Fyfe:

My wife and children frighted at the Alar'm

Of this ſad news, have thither led the way,

And I'll follow them: may the King you go

To ſee inveſted, prove as great and good

As Duncan was; but I'm in doubt of it.

New Robes ne're as the old ſo eaſie ſit.

Exeunt.

SCENE; An Heath. Enter Lady Macduff, Maid, and Servant.

La. Macd.

Art ſure this is the place my Lord appointed

Us to meet him?

Serv.

This is the entrance o'th' Heath; and here

He order'd me to attend him with the Chariot.

La. Macd.

How fondly did my Lord conceive that we

[Page]Should ſhun the place of danger by our flight

From Everneſs? The darkneſs of the day▪

Makes the Heath ſeem the gloomy walks of death.

VVe are in danger ſtill: they who dare here.

Truſt Providence, may truſt it any where.

Maid.

But this place, Madam, is more free from terror:

Laſt night methoughts I heard a dismal noiſe

Of ſhrieks and groanings in the air.

La. Macd.

'Tis true, this is a place of greater ſilence;

Not ſo much troubled with the groans of thoſe

That die; nor with the out-cries of the living.

Maid.

Yes, I have heard ſtories, how ſome men

Have in ſuch lonely places been affrighted

VVith dreadful ſhapes and noiſes.

Macduff hollows.

La. Macd.

But heark, my Lord ſure hollows;

'Tis he; anſwer him quickly.

Serv.

Illo, ho, ho, ho.

Enter Macduff.

La. Macd.

Now, I begin to ſee him: are you a foot,

My Lord?

Macd.

Knowing the way to be both ſhort and eaſie,

And that the Chariot did attend me here,

I have adventur'd. VVhere are our children?

La. Macd.

They are ſecurely ſleeping in the Chariot.

First Song by Witches.

1 Witch.

Speak, Siſter, ſpeak; is the deed done?

2 Witch.

Long ago, long ago:

Above twelve glaſſes ſince have run.

3 Witch.

Ill deeds are ſeldom ſlow;

Nor ſingle: following crimes on former wait.

The worſt of creatures faſteſt propagate.

Many more murders muſt this one enſue,

As if in death were propagation too▪

2 Witch.

He will.

1 Witch.

He ſhall.

3 Witch.

He muſt ſpill much more bloud;

And become worſe, to make his Title good.

1 VVitch.

Now let's dance.

[Page]2 Witch.

Agreed.

3 Witch.

Agreed.

4 Witch.

Agreed.

Chorus.

VVe ſhou'd rejoyce when good Kings bleed.

VVhen cattel die, about we go,

What then, when Monarchs periſh, ſhould we do?

Macd.

VVhat can this be?

La. Macd.

This is moſt ſtrange: but why ſeem you afraid?

Can you be capable of fears, who have

So often caus'd it in your enemies?

Macd.

It was an helliſh Song: I cannot dread

Ought that is mortal; but this is ſomething more.

Second Song.

Let's have a dance upon the Heath;

VVe gain more life by Duncan's death.

Sometimes like brinded Cats we ſhew,

Having no muſick but our mew.

Sometimes we dance in ſome old mill,

Upon the hopper, ſtones, and wheel.

To ſome old ſaw, or Bardiſh Rhime,

VVhere ſtill the Mill clack does keep time.

Sometimes about an hollow tree,

A round, a round, a round dance we.

Thither the chirping Cricket comes,

And Beetle, ſinging drowſie hums.

Sometimes we dance o're Fens and Furs,

To howls of wolves, and barks of curs.

And when with none of thoſe we meet,

VVe dance to th' ecchoes of our feet.

At the night-Raven's diſmal voice,

VVhilſt others tremble, we rejoyce;

And nimbly, nimbly dance we ſtill

To th' ecchoes from an hollow Hill.

Macd.

I am glad you are not affraid.

La. Macd.

I would not willingly to fear ſubmit:

None can fear ill, but thoſe that merit it.

Macd.

Am I made bold by her? how strong a guard

Is innocence? if any one would be

[Page]Reputed valiant, let him learn of you;

Vertue both courage is, and ſafety too.

A dance of witches.

Enter two VVitches.

Macd.

Theſe ſeem foul ſpirits; I'll ſpeak to e'm.

If you can any thing by more than nature know;

You may in thoſe prodigious times fore-tell

Some ill we may avoid.

1 VVitch.

Saving thy bloud will cauſe it to be ſhed;

2 VVitch.

He'll bleed by thee, by whom thou firſt haſt bled.

3 VVitch.

Thy wife ſhall ſhunning danger, dangers find,

And fatal be, to whom▪ ſhe moſt is kind.

Ex. witches.

La Macd.

VVhy are you alter'd, Sir? be not ſo thoughtful:

The Meſſengers of Darkneſs never ſpake

To men, but to deceive them.

Macd.

Their words ſeem to fore-tell ſome dire predictions.

La. Macd.

He that believes ill news from ſuch as theſe,

Deſerves to find it true. Their words are like

Their ſhape; nothing but fiction.

Let's haſten to our journey.

Macd.

I'll take your counſel; for to permit

Such thoughts upon our memories to dwell,

VVill make our minds the Regiſters of Hell.

Exeunt omnes.

ACT, III.
SCENE, I.

Enter Banquo.

Banq.

THou haſt it now, King, Cawdor, Glamis, all,

As the three Siſters promis'd; but I fear

Thou plaid'ſt moſt foully for't: yet it was ſaid

It ſhould not ſtand in thy Poſterity:

But that my ſelf ſhould be the Root and Father

Of many Kings; they told thee truth.

VVhy, ſince their promiſe was made good to thee,

May they not be my Oracles as well.

Enter Macbeth; Lenox, and Attendants.

Macb.

Here's our chief Gueſt, if he had been forgotten,

[Page]It had been want of muſick to our Feaſt

To night we hold a ſolemn ſupper, Sir;

And all requeſt your preſence.

Banq.

Your Majeſty layes your command on me,

To which my duty is to obey.

Macb.

Ride you this afternoon?

Banq.

Yes, Royal Sir.

Macb.

We ſhould have elſe deſir'd your good advice,

(VVhich ſtill hath been both grave and proſperous)

In this daies Counſel; but we'll take to morrow.

Is't far you ride?

Banq.

As far, Great Sir, as will take up the time:

Go not my Horſe the better,

I muſt become a borrower of the night,

For a dark hour or two.

Macb.

Fail not our Feaſt.

Banq.

My Lord, I ſhall not.

Macb.

VVe hear our bloudy Couſins are beſtow'd

In England, and in Ireland; not confeſſing

Their cruel Parricide; filling their hearers

VVith ſtrange invention. But, of that to morrow.

Goes your Son with you?

Banq.

He does; and our time now calls upon us.

Macb.

I wiſh your Horſes ſwift, and ſure of foot.

Farewel.

Ex. Banquo.

Let every man be maſter of his time;

Till ſeven at night, to make ſociety

The more welcome; we will our ſelves withdraw,

And be alone till ſupper.

Exeunt Lords.

Macduff departed frowningly, perhaps

He is grown jealous; he and Banquo muſt

Embrace the ſame fate.

Do thoſe men attend our pleaſure?

Serv.

They do; and wait without.

Macb.

Bring them before us.

Ex. Servant.

I am no King till I am ſafely ſo.

My fears ſtick deep in Banquo's ſucceſſors;

And in his Royalty of Nature reigns that

[Page]Which wou'd be fear'd. He dares do much;

And to that dauntleſs temper of his mind,

He hath a wiſdom that doth guide his valour

To act in ſafety. Under him

My genius is rebuk'd: he chid the Siſters

VVhen firſt they put the name of King upon me,

And bade them ſpeak to him. Then, Prophet like,

They hail'd him Father to a line of Kings.

Upon my head they plac'd a fruitleſs Crown,

And put a barren Scepter in my hand:

Thence to be wreſted by anothers race;

No ſon of mine ſucceeding: if't be ſo;

For Banquo's Iſſue, I have ſtain'd my ſoul

For them: the gracious Duncan I have murder'd:

Rather than ſo, I will attempt yet further,

And blot out, by their bloud, what e're

Is written of them in the book of Fate.

Enter Servant, and two Murtherers.

Wait you without, and ſtay there till we call.

Ex. Servant.

Was it not yeſterday we ſpoke together?

1 Murth.

It was; ſo pleaſe your Highneſs.

Macb.

And have you ſince conſider'd what I told you?

How it was Banquo, who in former times

Held you ſo much in ſlavery;

Whilſt you were guided to ſuſpect my innocence.

This I made good to you in your laſt conference;

How you were born in hand; how croſt:

The Inſtruments, who wrought with them.

2 Mur.

You made it known to us.

Macb.

I did ſo; and now let me reaſon with you:

Do you find your patience ſo predominant

In your nature,

As tamely to remit thoſe injuries?

Are you ſo Goſpell'd to pray for this good man,

And for his Iſſue; whoſe heavy hand

Hath bow'd you to the Grave, and begger'd

Yours for ever?

1 Mur.

We are men, my Liege.

[Page]Macb.

Ay, in the catalogue you go for men;

As hounds, and grey-hounds, mungrels, ſpaniels, curs,

Shoughs, water-rugs, and demi-wolves, are all

Call'd by the name of dogs: the liſt of which

Diſtinguiſhes the ſwift, the ſlow, the ſubtil,

The houſe-keeper, the hunter, every one

According to the gift which bounteous Nature

Hath beſtow'd on him; and ſo of men.

Now, if you have a ſtation is the liſt,

Nor i'th' worſt rank of manhood; ſay't,

And I will put that buſineſs in your boſoms,

Which, if perform'd, will rid you of your enemy,

And will endear you to the love of us.

2 Mur.

I am one, my Liege,

Whom the vile blows, and malice of the Age

Hath ſo incens'd, that I care not what I do

To ſpight the VVorld.

1 Mur.

And I another,

So weary with diſaſters, and ſo inflicted by fortune,

That I would ſet my life on any chance,

To mend it, or to loſe it.

Macb.

Both of you know Banquo was your enemy.

2 Mur.

True, my Lord.

Macb.

So is he mine; and though I could

With open power take him from my ſight,

And bid my will avouch it: yet I muſt not;

For certain friends that are both his and mine;

VVhoſe loves I may not hazard; would ill

Reſent a publick proceſs: and thence it is

That I do your aſſiſtance crave, to mask

The buſineſs from the common eye.

2 Mur.

We ſhall, my Lord, perform what you command us.

1 Mur.

Though our lives—

Macb.

Your ſpirits ſhine through you▪

VVithin this hour, at moſt,

I will adviſe you where to plant your ſelves;

For it muſt be done to night:

And ſomething from the Palace; alwaies remember'd,

That you keep ſecrecy with the preſcribed Father.

[Page] Flean, his Son too, keeps him company;

Whoſe abſence is no leſs material to me

Than that of Banquo's: he too muſt embrace the fate

Of that dark hour. Reſolve your ſelves apart.

both Mur.

We are reſolv'd, my Liege.

Macb.

I'll call upon you ſtreight.

Ex. Murth.

Now, Banquo, if thy ſoul can in her flight

Find Heaven, thy happineſs begins to night.

Ex.

Enter Macduff, and Lady Macduff.

Macd.

It muſt be ſo. Great Duncan's bloudy death

Can have no other Author but Macbeth.

His Dagger now is to a Scepter grown;

From Duncan's Grave he has deriv'd his Throne.

La. Macd.

Ambition urg'd him to that bloudy deed:

May you be never by Ambition led:

Forbid it Heav'n, that in revenge you ſhou'd

Follow a Copy that is writ in bloud.

Macd.

From Duncan's Grave, methinks, I hear a groan

That call's a loud for juſtice.

La. Macd.

If the Throne

Was by Macbeth ill gain'd, Heavens may,

Without your Sword, ſufficient vengeance pay.

Uſurpers lives have but a ſhort extent,

Nothing lives long in a ſtrange Element.

Macd.

My Countreys dangers call for my defence

Againſt the bloudy Tyrants violence.

L. Macd.

I am affraid you have ſome other end,

Than meerly Scotland's freedom to defend.

You'd raiſe your ſelf, whilſt you wou'd him dethrone;

And ſhake his Greatneſs, to confirm your own.

That purpoſe will appear, when rightly ſcan'd,

But uſurpation at the ſecond hand.

Good Sir, recall your thoughts.

Macd.

What if I ſhou'd▪

Aſſume the Scepter for my Countrey's good?

Is that an uſurpation? can it be

Ambition to procure the liberty

Of this ſade Realm; which does by Treaſon bleed?

That which provokes, will juſtifie the deed.

[Page]Lady Macd.

If the Deſign ſhould proſper, the Event

May make us ſafe, but not you Innocent:

For whilſt to ſet our fellow Subjects free

From preſent Death, or future Slavery.

You wear a Crown, not by your Title due,

Defence in them, is an Offence in you;

That Deed's unlawful though it coſt no Blood,

In which you'l be at beſt unjuſtly Good.

You, by your Pitty which for us you plead,

Weave but Ambition of a finer thread.

Macd.

Ambition do's the height of power affect,

My aim is not to Govern, but Protect:

And he is not ambitious that declares,

He nothing ſeeks of Scepters but their cares.

Lady Md.

Can you ſo patiently your ſelf moleſt,

And loſe your own, to give your Countrey reſt!

In Plagues what ſound Phyſician wou'd endure

To be infected for another's Cure.

Macd.

If by my troubles I cou'd yours releaſe,

My Love wou'd turn thoſe torments to my eaſe:

I ſhou'd at once be ſick and healthy too,

Though Sickly in my ſelf, yet Well in you.

Lady Md.

But then reflect upon the Danger, Sr.

Which you by your aſpiring wou'd incur

From Fortunes Pinacle, you will too late

Look down, when you are giddy with your height;

Whilſt you with Fortune play to win a Crown,

The Peoples Stakes are greater than your own.

Macd.

In hopes to have the common Ills redreſt,

Who wou'd not venture ſingle intereſt.

Enter Servant.

Ser.

My Lord, a Gentleman, juſt now arriv'd

From Court, has brought a Meſſage from the King:

Macd.

One ſent from him, can no good Tidings bring?

Lady Md.

What wou'd the Tyrant have?

Macd.

Go, I will hear

The News, though it a diſmal Accent bear;

[Page]Those who expect and do not fear their Doom,

May hear a Meſſage though from Hell it come:

Exeunt.

Enter Macbeth's Lady and Servant.

Lady Mb.

Is Banquo gone from Court?

Ser.

Yes Madam, but returns again to night.

Lady Md.

Say to the King, I wou'd attend his leiſure

For a few words.

Exit Ser.

Where our deſire is got without content,

Alaſs, it is not Gain, but puniſhment!

Tis ſafer to be that which we deſtroy,

Then by Deſtruction live in doubtful joy.

Enter Macbeth.

How now my Lord, why do you keep alone?

Making the worſt of Fancy your Companions,

Converting with thoſe thoughts which ſhou'd ha' dy'd

With thoſe they think on: things without redreſs

Shou'd be without regard: what's done, is done.

Macb.

Alas, we have but ſcorch'd the Snake, not kill'd it,

She'l cloſe and be her ſelf, whilſt our poor malice

Remains in danger of her former Sting.

But let the frame of all things be disjoynt

E're we will eat our bread in fear; and ſleep

In the affliction of thoſe horrid Dreams

That ſhake us mightily! Better be with him

Whom we to gain the Crown, have ſent to peace;

Then on the torture of the Mind to lye

In reſtleſs Agony. Duncan is dead;

He, after life's ſhow feavor, now ſleeps; Well:

Treaſon has done it's worſt; nor Steel, nor Poyſon,

No Ferreign force, nor yet Domeſtick Malice

Can touch him further.

Lady Mb.

Come on, ſmooth your rough brow:

Be free and merry with your gueſt to night.

Macb.

I ſhall, and ſo I pray be you but ſtill,

Remember to apply your ſelf to Banquo:

Preſent him kindneſs with your Eye and Tongue,

In how unſafe a poſture are our honors

That we muſt have recourſe to flattery,

[Page]And make our Faces Vizors to our hearts.

Lady Mb.

You muſt leave this.

Macb.

How full of Scorpions is my mind? Dear wife

Thou know'ſt that Banquo and his Flean lives.

La. Mb.

But they are not Immortal, there's comfort yet in tha [...].

Macb.

Be merry then, for e're the Bat has flown

His Cloyſter'd flight; e're to black Heceate's Summons▪

The ſharp brow'd Beetle with his drowſie hums,

Has rung night's ſecond Peal:

There ſhall bee done a deed of dreadful Note.

Lady Mb.

What is't?

Macb.

Be innocent of knowing it, my Dear,

Till thou applaud the deed, come diſmal Night

Cloſe up the Eye of the quick ſighted Day

With thy inviſible and bloody hand,

The Crow, makes wing to the thick ſhady Grove,

Good things of day grow dark and overcaſt,

Whilſt Night's black Agent's to their Preys make haſt,

Thou wonder'ſt at my Language, wonder ſtill,

Things ill begun; ſtrengthen themſelves by ill.

Exeunt.

Enter three Murtherers.

1. Mur.

The time is almoſt come,

The Weſt yet glimmers with ſome ſtreaks of day,

Now the benighted Traveller ſpurs on,

To gain the timely Inn.

2. Mur.

Hark, I hear Horſes, and ſaw ſome body alight

At the Park gate.

3. Mur.

Then tis he; the reſt

That are expected are i'th' Court already.

1. Mur.

His Horſes go about almoſt a Mile,

And men from hence to th' Pallace make it their uſual walk.

Exe.

Enter Banquo and Flean.

Banquo,

It will be Rain to night.

Flean,

We muſt make haſt;

Banq.

Our haſt concerns us more then being wet.

The King expects me at his feaſt to night,

To which he did invite me with a kindneſs,

Greater then he was wont to expreſs.

Exeunt.

[Page] Re-enter Murtherers with drawn Swords.

1. Mur.

Banquo, thou little think'ſt what, bloody feaſt

Is now preparing for thee.

2. Mur.

Nor to what ſhades the darkneſs of this night,

Shall lead thy wandring ſpirit.

Exeunt after Banquo. Claſſing of Swords is heard from within.

Re-enter Flean purſu'd by one of the Murtherers.

Flean.

Murther, help, help, my Father's kill'd.

Exe. running.

SCENE opens, a Banquet prepar'd.

Enter Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Seaton, Lenox, Lords, Attendants.

Macb.

You know your own Degrees, ſit down.

Seat.

Thanks to your Majeſty.

Macb.

Our Self will keep you company,

And Play the humble Hoſt to entertain you:

Our Lady keeps her State; but you ſhall have her welcome too.

Lady Mb.

Pronounce it for me Sir, to all our Friends.

Enter firſt Murtherer.

Macb.

Both ſides are even; be free in Mirth, anon

Wee'l drink a meaſure about the Table.

There's blood upon thy face.

Mur.

'Tis Banquo's then.

Macb.

Is he diſpatch'd?

Mur.

My Lord, his Throat is cut: that I did for him.

Macb.

Thou are the beſt of Cut-throats;

Yet he is good that did the like for Flean.

Mur.

Moſt Royal Sir he ſcap'd.

Macb.

Then comes my fit again, I had elſe been Perfect,

Firm a [...] a Pillar founded on a Rock!

As unconfin'd as the free ſpreading Air.

But now I'm check'd with ſawcy Doubts and Fears.

But Banquo's ſafe?

Mur.

Safe in a Ditch he lies,

With twenty gaping wounds on his head,

The leaſt of which was Mortal.

Macb.

There the ground Serpent lies; the worm that's fled

Hath Nature, that in time will Venom breed.

Though at preſent it wants a Sting, to morrow,

To morrow you▪ ſhall hear further.

Exit. Mur.

[Page]Lady Mb.

My Royal Lord, you ſpoil the Feaſt,

The Sauce to Meat is chearfulneſs.

Enter the Ghoſt of Banquo and ſits in Macbeth's place.

Macb.

Let good digeſtion wait on Appetite,

And Health on both.

Len.

May it pleaſe your Highneſs to ſit.

Macb.

Had we but here our Countrys honor;

Were the grac'd perſon of our Banquo preſent,

Whom we may juſtly challenge for unkindneſs.

Seat.

His abſence Sir,

Lays blame upon his promiſe; pleaſe your Highneſs

To grace us with your Company?

Macb.

Yes, I'le ſit down. The Table's full

Len.

Here is a place reſerv'd Sir:

Macb.

Where Sir?

Len.

Here. What is 'tthat moves your Highneſs?

Macb.

Which of you have done this?

Lords,

Done what?

Macb.

Thou can'ſt not ſay I did it; never ſhake

Thy goary Locks at me.

Seat.

Gentlemen riſe, his Highneſs is not well.

Lady Mb.

Sit worthy Friends, my Lord is often thus,

And hath been from his youth: pray keep your Seats,

The fit is ever ſudden, if you take notice of it,

You ſhall offend him, and provoke his paſſion

In a moment he'l be well again.

Are you a Man?

Macb.

Ay, and a bold one; that dare look on that

Which wou'd diſtract the Devil

Lady Mb.

O proper ſtuff:

This is the very painting of your fear:

This is the Air-drawn Dagger, which you ſaid

Led you to Duncan. O theſe Fits and Starts,

(Impoſtors to true fear) wou'd well become

A womans ſtory, authoriz'd by her Grandam,

Why do you ſtare thus? when all's done

You look but on a Chair.

Macb..

Prethee ſee there, how ſay you now!

[Page]Why, what care I, If thou can'ſt nod; ſpeak too,

If Charnel-houſes and our Graves muſt ſend

Thoſe that we bury, back; our Monuments

Shall be the maws of Kites.

Lady Mb.

What quite unman'd in folly?

the Ghoſt deſcends.

Macb.

If I ſtand here, I ſaw it:

Lady Mb.

Fye, for ſhame.

Macb.

Tis not the firſt of Murders; blood was ſhed

E're humane Law decreed it for a ſin.

Ay, and ſince Murthers too have been committed

Too terrible for the Ear. The times has been,

That when the brains were out, the man wou'd dye;

And there lye ſtill; but now they riſe again

And thruſt us from our ſeats.

Lady Mb.

Sir, your noble Friends do lack you.

Macb.

Wonder not at me my moſt worthy Friends,

I have a ſtrange Infirmity; tis nothing

To thoſe that know me. Give me ſome Wine,

Here's to the general Joy of all the Table,

And to our dear friend Banquo, whom we miſs,

Wou'd he were here: to all, and him, we drink.

Lords,

Our Duties are to pledge it.

the Ghoſt of Banq. riſes at his feet.

Macb.

Let the Earth hide thee: thy blood is cold,

Thou haſt no uſe now of thy glaring Eyes.

Lady Mb.

Think of this good my Lords, but as a thing

Of Cuſtom: tis no other,

Only it ſpoils the pleaſure of the time.

Macb.

What Man can dare, I dare:

Approach thou like the rugged Ruſſian Bear,

The Armd Rhinoceros, or the Hircanian Tigre:

Take any ſhape but that; and my firm Nerves

Shall never tremble; Or revive a while,

And dare me to the Deſart with thy Sword,

If any Sinew ſhrink, proclaim me then

The Baby of a Girl. Hence horrible ſhadow.

Ex. Ghoſt.

So, now I am a man again: pray you ſit ſtill.

Lady Mb.

You have diſturb'd the Mirth;

Broke the glad Meeting with your wild diſorder.

[Page]Macb.

Can ſuch things be without Aſtoniſhment.

You make me ſtrange,

Even to the diſpoſition that I owe,

When now I think you can behold ſuch ſights,

And keep the Natural colour of your Cheeks,

Whilſt mine grew pale with fear.

Seat.

What ſights?

Lady Mb.

I pray you ſpeak not, he'l grow worſe and worſe;

Queſtions enrages him, at once good night:

Stand not upon the Order of your going.

Len.

Good night, and better health attend his Majeſty.

Lady Mb.

A kind good night to all.

Exeunt Lords.

Macb.

It will have Blood they ſay. Blood will have blood.

Stones have been known to move, and Trees to ſpeak.

Augures well read in Languages of Birds

By Magpyes, Rooks, and Dawes, have reveal'd

The ſecret Murther. How goes the night?

Lady Mb.

Almoſt at odds with morning, which is which.

Macb.

Why did Macduffe after a ſolemn Invitation,

Deny his preſence at our Feaſt?

Lady Mb.

Did you ſend to him Sir?

Macb.

I did; But I'le ſend again,

There's not one great Thane in all Scotland,

But in his houſe I keep a Servant,

He and Banquo muſt embrace the ſame fate.

I will to morrow to the Weyward Siſters,

They ſhall tell me more; for now I am bent to know

By the worſt means, the worſt that can befall me:

All Cauſes ſhall give way; I am in Blood

Stept in ſo far, that ſhould I wade no more,

Returning were as bad, as to go o're.

Lady Mb.

You lack the ſeaſon of all Natures, ſleep.

Macb.

Well I'le in

And reſt; if ſleeping I repoſe can have,

When the Dead riſe and want it in the Grave.

Exeunt.

Enter Macduffe and Lady Macduffe.

Lady Md.

Are you reſolv'd then to be gone?

Macd.

I am:

[Page]I know my Anſwer cannot but inflame

The Tyrants fury to pronounce my death,

My life will ſoon be blaſted by his breath.

Lady Md.

But why ſo far as England muſt you fly?

Macd.

The fartheſt part of Scotland is too nigh.

Lady Md.

Can you leave me, your Daughter and young Son,

To periſh by that Tempeſt which you ſhun.

When Birds of ſtronger VVing are fled away,

The Ravenous Kite do's on the weaker Prey.

Macd.

He will not injure you, he cannot be

Poſteſt with ſuch unmanly cruelty:

You will your ſafety to your weakneſs owe

As Graſs eſcapes the Syth by being low.

Together we ſhall be too ſlow to fly:

Single, we may outride the Enemy.

I'le from the Engliſh King ſuch Succours crave,

As ſhall revenge the Dead, and Living ſave.

My greateſt miſery is to remove,

With all the wings of haſte from what I love.

Lady Md.

If to be gone ſeems miſery to you,

Good Sir, let us be miſerable too.

Macd.

Your Sex which here is your ſecurity,

Will by the toyls of flight your Danger be.

Enter Meſſenger.

What fatal News do's bring thee out of breath?

Meſſ.

Sir, Banquo's kill'd.

Macd.

Then I am warn'd of Death.

Farewell; our ſafety, Us, a while muſt ſever:

Lady Md.

Fly, fly, or we may bid farewell for ever.

Macd.

Flying from Death, I am to Life unkind,

For leaving you, I leave my Life behind.

Exit.

Lady Md.

O [...] my dear Lord, I find now thou art gone,

I am more Va [...]iant when unſafe alone.

My heart feels man-hood, it does Death deſpiſe,

Yet I am ſtill a Woman in my eyes.

And of my Tears thy abſence is the cause,

So falls the Dew when the bright Sun withdraws.

Exeunt.

Enter Lenox and Seaton.

Len.

My former ſpeeches have but hit your thoughts

[Page]Which can interpret further; Only I ſay

Things have been ſtrangely carry'd.

Duncan was pitti'd, but he firſt was dead.

And the right Valiant Banquo walk'd too late:

Men muſt not walk ſo late: who can want Sence

To know how Moſtrous it was in Nature,

For Malcolme and Donalbain, to kill

Their Royal Father; horrid Fact! how did

It grieve Macbeth, did he not ſtraight

In Pious rage the two Delinquents kill,

That were the ſlaves of Drunkenneſs and Sleep.

Was not that Nobly done?

Seat.

Ay, and wiſely too:

For 'twou'd have anger'd any Loyal heart

to hear the men deny it.

Len.

So that I ſay he has born all things well:

And I do think that had he Duncan's Sons

Under his power (as may pleaſe Heaven he ſhall not)

They ſhou'd find what it were to kill a Father.

So ſhou'd Flean: but peace; I hear Macduffe

Deny'd his preſence at the Feaſt: For which

He lives in diſgrace. Sir, can you tell

Where he beſtowes himſelf?

Seat.

I hear that Malcolme lives i'th' Engliſh Court,

And is receiv'd of the moſt Pious Edward,

With ſuch Grace, that the Malevolences of Fortune

Takes nothing from his high Reſpect; thither

Macduff is gone to beg the Holy King's

Kind aid, to wake Northumberland

And VVarlike Seyward, and by the help of theſe,

To finiſh what they have ſo well begun.

This report

Do's ſo Exaſperate the King, that he

Prepares for ſome attempt of VVar.

Len.

Sent he to Macduffe?

Seat.

He did, his abſolute Command.

Len.

Some Angel fly toth' Engliſh Court, and tell

His Meſſage e're he come; that ſome quick bleſſing,

[Page]To this afflicted Country, may arrive

Whilſt thoſe that merit it, are yet alive.

Exeunt.

Thunder, Enter three Witches meeting Hecat.

1. Witch.

How, Hecat, you look angerly?

Hecat.

Have I not reaſon Beldams?

VVhy did you all Traffick with Macbeth

'Bout Riddles and affairs of Death,

And cal'd not me; All you have done

Hath been but for a Weyward Son:

Make ſome amends now: get you gon,

And at the pit of Achaeron

Meet me i'th' morning: Thither he

Will come to know his Deſtiny.

Dire buſineſs will be wrought e're Noon,

For on a corner of the Moon,

A drop my Spectacles have found,

I'le catch it e're it come to ground.

And that diſtil'd ſhall yet e're night,

Raiſe from the Center ſuch a Spright:

As by the ſtrength of his Illuſion,

Shall draw Macbeth to his Confuſion

Musick and Song.

HEccate, Heccate, Heccate! Oh come away:

Hark, I am call'd, my little Spirit ſee,

Sits in a foggy Cloud, and ſtays for me.

Sing within. Machine deſcends.

Come away Heccate, Heccate! Oh come away:

Hec.

I come, I come, with all the ſpeed I may,

VVith all the ſpeed I may.

VVhere's Stadling?

2.

Here.

Hec.

VVhere's Puckle?

3.

Here, and Hopper too, and Helway too.

1.

VVe want but you, we want but you:

Come away make up the Count,

Hec.

I will but Noint, and the I mount,

I will but, &c.

[Page]1.

Here comes down one to fetch his due, a Kiſs,

A Cull, a ſip of blood.

And why thou ſtaiſt ſo long, I muſe,

Since th' Air's ſo ſweet and good.

2.

O art thou come; VVhat News?

All goes fair for our delight,

Either come, or elſe refuſe,

Now I'm furniſh'd for the flight

Now I go, and now I flye,

Malking my ſweet Spirit and I.

3.

O what a dainty pleaſure's this,

To ſail i'th' Air

VVhile the Moon ſhines fair;

To Sing, to Toy, to Dance and Kiſs,

Over VVoods, high Rocks and Mountains;

Over Hills, and miſty Fountains:

Over Steeples, Towers, and Turrets:

VVe flye by night 'mongſt troops of Spirits.

No Ring of Bells to our Ears ſounds,

No howles of VVolves, nor Yelps of Hounds;

No, nor the noiſe of VVaters breach,

Nor Cannons Throats our Height can reach.

1.

Come let's make haſt ſhe'll ſoon be back again:

2.

But whilſt ſhe moves through the foggy Air,

Let's to the Cave and our dire Charms prepare.

Finis Actus 3.

ACT the 4th.
SCENE the 1st.

1. Witch.

THrice the brinded Cat hath Mew'd.

2.

Thrice, and once the Hedge-Pig whin'd,

Shutting his Eyes againſt the Wind.

3.

Harpier cries, tis time, tis time.

1.

Then round about the Cauldron go,

And poyſon'd Entrals throw.

[Page]This Toad which under Moſſy ſtone,

Has days and nights lain thirty one:

And ſwelter'd Venom ſleeping got,

We'l boyl in the Inchanted Pot.

All.

Double double, toyl and trouble;

Fire burn, and Cauldron bubble.

2.

The Fillet of a Fenny Snake

Of Scuttle Fiſh the vomit black.

The Eye of New't, and Toe of Frog,

The wool of Bat, and tongue of Dog.

An Adders fork and blind Worms ſting,

A Lizzard's leg, and Howlets wing,

Shall like a Hell-broth boil and bubble.

All.

Double, double, &c.

3.

The ſcale of Dragon, tooth of Wolf,

A Witches mummy: Maw and Gulf

Of Cormorant and the Sea Shark,

The root of Hemlock dig'd i'th' dark.

The liver of blaſpheming Jew,

With gall of Goats, and ſlips of Yew,

Pluckt when the Moon was in Eclips,

With a Turks noſe, and Tarters lips

The finger of a ſtrangl'd Babe

Born of a Di [...]ch deliver'd Drab,

Shall make the Greuel thick and ſlab.

Adding thereto a fat Dutchman's Chawdron,

For the ingredients of our Cawdron.

All.

Double, double, &c.

2.

I'le cool it with a Baboones blood,

And ſo the Charm is firm and good.

Enter Heccate and the other three Witches.

Hec.

Oh well done, I commend your pains,

And every one ſhall ſhare the Gains.

And now about the Cauldron ſin

Like Elves and Fairies in a ring.

[Page] Muſick and Song.

Hec.

BLack Spirits, and white,

Red Spirits and gray;

Mingle, mingle, mingle,

You that mingle may.

1. Witch.

Tiffin, Tiffin, keep it ſtiff in,

Fire drake Puckey, make it luckey:

Lyer Robin, you muſt bob in.

Chor.

A round, a round, about, about,

All ill come running in, all good keep out.

1.

Here's the blood of a Bat!

Hec.

O put in that, put in that.

2.

Here's Lizards brain,

Hec.

Put in a grain.

1.

Here's Juice of Toad, here's oyl of Adder

That will make the Charm grow madder.

2.

Put in all theſe, 'twill raiſe the ſtanch;

Hec.

Nay here's three ownces of a red-hair'd Wench.

Chor. A round, a round, &c.

2.

I by the pricking of my Thumbs,

Know ſomthing Wicked this way comes,

Open Locks, whoever knocks.

Enter Macbeth.

Macb.

How now you Secret, black and mid-night Haggs,

What are you doing?

All.

A deed without a name.

Macb.

I conjure you by that which you profeſs.

How e're you come to know it, anſwer me.

Though you let looſe the raging Winds to ſhake whole Towns,

Though bladed Corn be lodg'd, and Trees blown down.

Though Caſtles tumble on their Warders heads;

Though Palaces and towring Piramids

Are ſwallowed up in Earth-quakes. Anſwer me.

1.

Speak.

2.

Pronounce.

3.

Demand.

4.

I'le anſwer thee

[Page]Macb.

What Deſtinie's appointed for my Fate?

Hec.

Thou double Thane and King; beware Macduffe:

Avoiding him, Macbeth is ſafe enough.

Macb.

VVhat e're thou art for try kind Caution, Thanks.

Hec.

Be bold and bloody, and man's hatred ſcorn,

Thou ſhalt be harm'd by none of VVoman born'd.

Macb.

Then live Macduffe; what need I fear thy power:

But none can be too ſure, thou ſhalt not live,

That I may tell pale hearted fear it lies,

And ſleep in ſpite of Thunder.

Hec.

Be Confident, be Proud, and take no care

VVho wages War, or where Conſpirers are,

Macbeth ſhall like a lucky Monarch Raign,

Till Birnam Wood ſhall come to Dunſenain.

Macb.

Can Forreſts move? the Propheſie is good,

If I ſhall never fall till the great Wood

Of B [...]rnan riſe; thou may'ſt preſume Macbeth,

To live out Natures Leaſe, and pay thy breath

To Time and mortal Cuſtom. Yet my heart

Longs for more Knowledge: Tell me if your Art

Extends ſo far: ſhall Banquo's Iſſue o're

This Kingdom raign?

All.

Enquire no more.

Macb.

I will not be deny'd. Ha!

Cauldron ſinks.

An eternal Curſe fall on you; let me know

Why ſinks that Cauldron, and what noiſe is this.

1. Witch.

Appear.

2.

appear,

3.

appear.

VVound through his Eyes, his harden'd Heart,

Like Shaddows come, and ſtraigth depart.

A ſhaddow of eight Kings, and Banquo's Ghoſt after them paſs by.

Macb.

Thy Crown offends my ſight. A ſecond too like the firſt.

A third reſembles him: a fourth too like the former:

Ye filthy Hags, will they ſucceed

Each other ſtill till Dooms-day?

Another yet; a ſeventh? I'll ſee no more:

And yet the eigth appears.

Ha! the bloody Banquo ſmiles upon me,

[Page]And by his ſmiling on me, ſeems to ſay

That they are all Succeſſors of his race.

Hec.

Ay, Sir, all this is ſo: but why

Macbeth, ſtand'ſt thou amazedly:

Come Siſters, let us chear his heart,

And ſhew the pleaſures of our Art;

I'le charm the Air to give a ſound

While you perform your Antick round.

Muſick. The Witches Dance and Vaniſh. the Cave ſinks.

Mach.

Where are they? Gone?

Let this pernicious hour ſtand

Accurs'd to all eternity.

without there.

Enter Seyton.

Seyt.

What's your Graces will?

Macb.

Saw you the Wayward ſiſters?

Seyt.

No my Lord.

Macb.

Came they not by you?

Seyt.

By me Sir?

Macb.

Infected be the Earth in which they ſunk,

And Damn'd all thoſe that truſt 'em. Juſt now

I heard the galloping of Horſe; who was't came by?

Seyt.

A Meſſenger from the Engliſh Court, who

Brings word Macduff is fled to England.

Macb.

Fled to England?

Seyt.

Ay my Lord.

Macb.

Time thou' Anticipat'ſt all my Deſignes;

Our Purpoſes ſeldom ſucceed, unleſs

Our Deeds go with them.

My Thoughts ſhall henceforth into Actions riſe,

The Witches made me cruel, but not wiſe.

Exeunt.

Enter Macduffe's Wife, and Lenox.

Lady Md.

I then was frighted with the ſad alarm

Of Banquo's Death, when I did counſel him

[Page]To fly, but now alas! I much repent it,

What had he done to leave the Land? Macbeth

Did know him Innocent.

Len.

You muſt have patience Madam.

Lady Md.

He had none.

His flight was madneſs. When our Actions do not,

Our fears oft make us Traytors.

Len.

You know not whether it was his VViſdom or his Fear.

Lady Md.

Wiſdom? to leave his Wife and Children in a place

From whence himſelf did fly; he loves us not.

He wants the natural touch: For the poor Wren

(The moſt diminutive of Birds) will with

The Ravenous Owl, fight ſtoutly for her young ones.

Len.

Your Husband, Madam;

Is Noble, Wiſe, Judicious, and beſt knows

The fits o'th' Seaſon. I dare not ſpeak much further,

But cruel are the Times; when we are Traytors,

And do not know our ſelves: when we hold Rumor,

From what we fear, yet know not what we fear;

But float upon a wild and violent Sea.

Each way, and more, I take my way of you:

'T ſhall not be long but I'll be here again.

Things at the worſt will ceaſe, or elſe climb upwards

To what they were before. Heaven protect you.

Lady Mad.

Farewell Sir.

[Page] Enter a Woman.

Wom.

Madam, a Gentleman in haſte deſires

To ſpeak with you.

Lady Md.

A Gentleman, admit him.

Enter Seyton.

Seyton.

Though I have not the honour to be known

To you, Yet I was well acquainted with

The Lord Macduff which brings me here to tell you

There's danger near you, be not found here,

Fly with your little one; Heaven preſerve you,

I dare ſtay no longer.

Exit Seyton.

Lady Md.

Where ſhall I go, and whither ſhall I fly?

I've done no harm; but I remember now

I'm in a vicious world, where to do harm

Is often proſperous, and to do good

Accounted dangerous folly; Why do I then

Make uſe of this ſo womanly defence?

I'le boldly in, and dare this new Alarm:

What need they fear whom Innocenſe doth arm?

Exit.

Enter Malcolm, and Macduff. The Scene Birnam Wood.

Macd.

In theſe cloſe ſhades of Birnam Wood let us

Weep our ſad Boſoms empty.

Malcolm.

You'l think my Fortunes deſperate,

That I dare meet you here upon your ſummons.

Macd.

You ſhould now

Take Arms to ſerve your Country. Each new day

New Widows mourn, new Orphans cry, and ſtill

Changes of ſorrow reach attentive Heaven.

Malc.

This Tirant whoſe foul Name bliſters our Tongues,

Was once thought, honeſt. You have lov'd him well.

He has not toucht you yet.

Macd.

I am not treacherous.

Malc.

But Macbeth is.

And yet Macduff may be what I did always think him,

Juſt, and good.

Macd.

I've loſt my hopes.

Malc.

Perhaps even there where I did find my doubts;

[Page]But let not Jealouſies be your Diſhonours,

But my own ſafeties.

Macd.

Bleed, Bleed, poor Country.

Great Tiranny, lay thy Foundation ſure,

Villains are ſafe when good men are ſuſpected.

I'le ſay no more. Fare thee well young Prince,

I would not be that Traytor which thou thinkſt me

For twice Macbeths reward of Treachery.

Malc.

Be not offended:

I ſpeak not as in abſolute fear of you:

I think our Countrey ſinks beneath the Yoak,

It weeps, it bleeds, and each new day a gaſh

Is added to her wounds. I think withall

That many hands would in my Cauſe be active.

And here from gracious England have I offer

Of goodly Thouſands. But for all this,

When I ſhall tread upon the Tirants head,

Or wear it on my Sword; yet my poor Country

Will ſuffer under greater Tiranny

Than what it ſuffers now,

Macd.

It cannot be.

Malc.

Alas I find my Nature ſo inclin'd

To Vice, that foul Macbeth when I ſhall rule,

Will ſeem as white as Snow.

Macd.

There cannot in all ranſackt Hell be found

A Devil equal to Macbeth.

Malc.

I grant him bloody falſe, deceiptful malitious,

And participating in ſome ſins too horrid to name;

But there's no bottom, no depths in my ill appetite,

If ſuch a one be fit to govern, ſpeak?

Macd.

O Scotlond, Scotland, when ſhalt thou ſee day again?

Since that the trueſt Iſſue of thy Throne,

Diſclaims his Virtue to avoid thy Crown?

Your Royal Father

Was a moſt Saint-like King; the Queen that bore you,

Oftner upon her Knees, than on her Feet,

Dy'd every day ſhe liv'd. Fare thee well,

Theſe Evils thou repeat'ſt upon thy ſelf,

[Page]Hath baniſht me from Scotland. O my breaſt!

Thy hope ends here.

Malc.

Macduff this Noble Paſſion

Child of Integrity hath from my Soul

Wip'd the black ſcruples, reconcil'd my Thoughts

To thy good truth and honour. Macbeth

By many of theſe Trains hath ſought to win me

Into his Power: And modeſt wiſdom plucks me

From over-credulous haſte. But now

I put my ſelf to thy direction, and

Unſpeak mine own Detraction. I abjure

The taunts and blames I laid upon my ſelf,

For ſtrangers to my Nature. What I am truly

Is thine, and my poor Countreys to command.

The gracious Edward has lent us Seymour,

And ten thouſand Men. Why are you ſilent?

Macd.

Such welcom and unwelcom things at once

Are Subjects for my Wonder not my Speech,

My grief and Joy conteſting in my boſom,

I find that I can ſcarce my tongue command,

When two Streams meet the Water's at a ſtand.

Malc.

Aſſiſtance granted by that pious King

Muſt be ſucceſsful, he who by his touch,

Can cure our Bodies of a foul Diſeaſe,

Can by juſt force ſuddue a Traitors Mind,

Power ſupernatural is unconfin'd.

Macd.

If his Compaſſion does on Men Diſeas'd

Effect ſuch Cures; What Wonders will he do,

When to Compaſſion he ads Juſtice too?

Exeunt.

Enter Macbeth and Seaton.

Macb.

Seaton, go bid the Army March.

Seat.

The poſture of Affairs requires your Preſence.

Macb.

But the Indoſpoſition of my Wife

Detains me here.

Seat.

Th'Enemy is upon our borders, Scotland's in danger.

Macb:

So is my Wife, and I am doubly ſo.

I am ſick in her, and my Kingdom too.

[Page]Seaton.

Sir,

Macb.

The Spur of my Ambition prompts me to go

And make my Kingdom ſafe; but Love which ſoftens me

To pity her in her diſtreſs, curbs my Reſolves.

Seat.

He's ſtrangely diſorder'd.

Macb.

Yet why ſhould Love ſince confin'd, deſire

To controul Ambition, for whoſe ſpreading hopes

The world's too narrow, It ſhall not; Great Fires

Put out the Leſs; Seaton go bid my Grooms

Make ready; Ile not delay my going.

Seat.

I go.

Macb.

Stay Seaton, ſtay, Compaſſion calls me back.

Seaton.

He looks and moves diſorderly.

Macb.

I'le not go yet.

Enter a Servant, who whiſpers Macbeth

Seat.

Well Sir.

Macb.

Is the Queen aſleep?

Seat.

What makes 'em whiſper and his countenance change?

Perhaps ſome new deſign has had ill ſucceſs.

Macb.

Seaton, Go ſee what poſture our Affairs are in.

Seat.

I ſhall, and give you notice Sir.

Exit Seat.

Enter Lady Macbeth.

Macb.

How does my Gentle Love?

Lady Mb.

Duncan is dead.

Macb.

No words of that.

Lady Mb.

And yet to Me he Lives.

His fatal Ghoſt is now my ſhadow, and purſues me

Where e're I go.

Macb.

It cannot be My Dear,

Your Fears have misinform'd your eyes.

Lady Mb.

See there; Believe your own.

Why do you follow Me? I did not do it.

Macb.

Methinks there's nothing.

Lady Mb.

If you have Valour force him hence.

Hold, hold, he's gone. Now you look ſtrangely.

Macb.

'Tis the ſtrange error of your Eyes.

Lady Mb.

But the ſtrange error of my Eyes

[Page]Proceeds from the ſtrange Action of your Hands.

Diſtraction does by fits poſſeſs my head,

Becauſe a Crown unjuſtly covers it.

I ſtand ſo high that I am giddy grown.

A Miſt does cover me, as Clouds the tops

Of Hills. Let us get down apace.

Macb.

If by your high aſcent you giddy grow,

'Tis when you caſt your Eyes on things below.

Lady Mb.

You may in Peace reſign the ill gain'd Crown.

Why ſhould you labour ſtill to be unjuſt?

There has been too much Blood already ſpilt.

Make not the Subjects Victims to your guilt.

Macb.

Can you think that a crime, which you did once

Provoke me to commit, had not your breath

Blown my Ambition up into a Flame

Duncan had yet been living▪

Lady Mb.

You were a Man.

And by the Charter of your Sex you ſhou'd

Have govern'd me, there was more crime in you

When you obey'd my Councels, then I contracted

By my giving it. Reſign your Kingdom now,

And with your Crown put off your guilt.

Macb.

Reſign the Crown, and with it both our Lives.

I muſt have better Councellors.

Lady Mb.

What, your Witches?

Curſe on your Meſſengers of Hell. Their Breath

Infected firſt my Breaſt: See me no more.

As King your Crown ſits heavy on your Head,

But heavier on my Heart: I have had too much

Of Kings already. See the Ghoſt again.

Ghoſt appears.

Macb.

Now ſhe relapſes.

Lady Mb.

Speak to him if thou canſt.

Thou look'ſt on me, and ſhew'ſt thy wounded breaſt.

Shew it the Murderer.

Macb.

Within there, Ho.

Enter Women.

Lady Mb.

Am I ta'ne Priſoner? then the Battle's loſt.

Exit.

Lady Macbeth led out by Women.

[Page]Macb.

She does from Duncans death to ſickneſs grieve,

And ſhall from Malcoms death her health receive.

When by a Viper bitten, nothing's good

To cure the venom but a Vipers blood.

Enter Malcom, Macduff; and Lenox, Meeting them.

Macd.

See who comes here!

Malc.

My Countrey-man; but yet I know him not.

Macd.

My ever Gentle Couzin! Welcom.

Malc.

I know him now.

Kind Heaven remove the Means that makes us ſtrangers.

Len.

Amen.

Macd.

What looks does Scotland bear?

Len.

Alas poor Countrey, almoſt afraid to know it ſelf.

It can't be call'd our Mother but our Grave; where nothing,

But who knows nothing is once ſeen to ſmile?

Where ſighs, and groans, and ſhrieks that rend the air,

Are made, not mark'd, where violent ſorrow ſeems

A Modern Extaſie: there Bells

Are always ringing, and no Man asks for whom;

There good Mens lives expire e're they ſicken.

Macd.

Oh Relation! too nice, and yet too true.

Malc.

What's the neweſt grief?

Len.

That of an hours age is out of date,

Each Minute brings a new one.

Macd.

How does my Wife?

Len.

Why well.

Macd.

And all my Children?

Len.

Well too.

Macd.

The Tirant has not quarrell'd at their peace?

Len.

No, they were well at peace when I left 'em

Macd.

Be not ſo ſparing of your ſpeech. How goe'ſt?

Len.

When I came hither to tranſport the tidings,

Which I have heavily born, there ran a rumour

Of many Worthy Men that roſe into a head,

Which was to my Belief; witneſs the rather,

For that I ſaw the Tirants Power a foot.

Now, is the time of help; your Eye in Scotland

Would create Soldiers, and make Women fight.

[Page]Malc.

Be't their Comfort,

We are coming thither: Gracious England hath

Lent us good Seymour, and ten thouſand Men.

Len.

Wou'd I cou'd anſwer this comfort with the like;

But I have words,

That would be utter'd in the deſart air,

Where no Mans ear ſhould hear'em.

Macd.

What concern they? the general cauſe,

Or is't a grief due to ſome ſingle breaſt?

Len:

All honeſt Minds muſt ſhare in't;

But the main part pertains to you.

Macd:

If it be mine, keep it not from Me.

Len:

Let not your ears condemn my tongue for ever,

When they ſhall poſſeſs them with the heavieſt ſound

That ever yet they heard.

Macd:

At once I gueſs, yet am afraid to know,

Len:

Your Caſtle is ſurpriz'd, your Wife and Children.

Savagely Murder'd: to relate the Manner,

Were to increaſe the Butchery of them,

By adding to their fall the Death of You.

Malc:

Merciful Heaven! Noble Macduff

Give ſorrow words; the grief that does not ſpeak,

Whiſpers the o're charg'd heart, and bids it break.

Macd:

My Children too?

Len:

Your Wife, and both your Children,

Macd:

And I not with them dead? Both, both my Children

Did you ſay; my Two?

Len:

I have ſaid,

Macd:

Be comforted;

Let's make us Cordials of our great Revenues,

To cure this deadly Grief.

Macd:

He has no Children, nor can he feel

A fathers Grief: Did you ſay all my Children?

Oh helliſh ravenous Kite! all three at one swoop!

Malc:

Diſpute it like a Man.

Macd:

I ſhall.

But I muſt firſt too feel it as a Man.

I cannot but remember ſuch things were,

[Page]And were moſt precious to me: Did Heaven look on,

And would not take their part? ſinful Macduff,

They were all ſtruck for thee; for thee they fell:

Not for their own offences; but for thine.

Malc:

Let this give Edges to our Swords; let your tears

Become Oyl to our kindled Rage.

Macd:

Oh I could play the Woman with my Eyes,

And brag on't with my tongue; kind Heavens bring this

Dire Friend of Scotland, and my ſelf face to face,

And ſet him within the reach of my keen Sword.

And if he outlives that hour, may Heaven forgive

His ſins, and puniſh Me for his eſcape.

Malc:

Let's haſten to the Army, ſince Macbeth

Is ripe for fall.

Macd.

Heaven give our quarrel but as good ſucceſs

As it hath Juſtice in't: Kind Powers above

Grant Peace to us, whilſt we take his away;

The Night is long that never finds a Day.

Exeunt.

ACT. V.

Scen. I.

Enter Seaton, and a Lady.

Lady:

I have ſeen her riſe from her bed, throw

Her Night-Gown on her, unlock her Cloſet,

Take forth Paper, fold it, write upon't, read it,

Afterwards Seal it, and again return to Bed,

Yet all this while in a moſt faſt ſleep.

Seat:

'Tis ſtrange ſhe ſhould receive the Benefit

Of ſleep, and do the Effects of waking.

In this diſorder what at any time have

You heard her ſay?

Lady.

That Sir, which I will not report of her.

Seat:

You may to Me; and 'tis moſt meet you ſhou'd.

Lady.

Neither to You, nor any one living;

Having no witneſs to confirm my Speech.

[Page] Enter Lady Macbeth.

See here ſhe comes: obſerve her, and ſtand cloſe.

Seat.

You ſee her eyes are open.

Lady.

Ay, But her Senſe is ſhut.

Seat.

What is't ſhe does now? look how ſhe rubs her hands:

Lady.

It is an accuſtom'd action with her to ſeem

Thus waſhing her hands: I have known

Her continue in this a quarter of an hour.

Lady Mb.

Yet out, out, here's a ſpot.

Seat.

Heark, ſhe ſpeaks.

Lady Mb.

Out, out, out I ſay. One, two: Nay then

'Tis time to do't: Fy my Lord, fy, a Soldier,

And affraid? what need we fear? who knows it?

There's none dares call our Power to account;

Yet who would have thought the old Man had

So much Blood in him.

Seat.

Do you mark that?

Lady Mb.

Macduff had once a Wife; where is ſhe now?

Will theſe Hands n'ere be clean? Fy my Lord,

You ſpoil all with this ſtarting: Yet here's

A ſmell of blood; not all the perfumes of Arabia

Will ſweeten this little Hand. Oh, Oh, Oh.

Exit.

Scen. II.

Enter Donalbain and Flean, met by Lenox.

Len.

Is not that DONALBAIN and young Flean, Banquo's Son.

Don.

Who is this my worthy Friend?

Len.

I by your preſence feel my hopes full blown,

Which hitherto have been but in the Bud.

What happy gale has brought you here to ſee

Your Fathers Death Reveng'd?

Don.

Hearing of aid ſent by the Engliſh King,

To check the Tirants Inſolence; I am come

From Ireland:

Flea.

And I from France, we are but newly met.

Don.

Where's my Brother?

[Page]Len.

He and the Good Macduff are with the Army

Behind the Wood.

Don.

What do's the Tyrant now?

Len.

He ſtrongly Fortifies in Dunſinane;

Some ſay he is Mad, others who Love him leſs,

Call it a Valiant Fury; but what e're

The matter is, there is a Civil War

Within his Boſom; and he finds his Crown

Sit looſe about him: His Power grows leſs,

His Fear grows greater ſtill.

Don.

Let's haſte and meet my Brother,

My Intereſt is Grafted into his,

And cannot Grow without it.

Len.

So may you both Out-grow unlucky Chance,

And may the Tyrant's Fall that Growth Advance.

Exeunt.

Scene III.

Enter Macbeth, Seat. and Attendants.

Macb.

Bring me no more Reports: Let 'em flie all

Till Byrnam Wood remove to Dunſinane

I cannot fear. What's the Boy Malcome? What

Are all the Engliſh? Are they not of Women

Born? And t'all ſuch I am Invincible,

Then flie falſe Thanes,

By your Revolt you have inflam'd my Rage,

And now have Borrowed Engliſh Blood to quench it.

Enter a Meſſenger.

Now Friend, what means thy change of Countenance?

Meſſ.

There are Ten Thouſand, Sir,

Macb.

What, Ghoſts?

Meſſ.

No, Armed men.

Macb.

But ſuch as ſhall be Ghoſts e're it be Night.

Art thou turn'd Coward too, ſince I made thee Captain:

Go Bluſh away thy Paleneſs, I am ſure

Thy Hands are of another Colour; thou haſt Hands

Of Blood, but Looks of Milk.

[Page]Meſſ.

The Engliſh Force ſo pleaſe you —???

Macb.

Take thy Face hence.

He has Infected me with Fear

I am ſure to die by none of Woman morn.

And yet the Engliſh Drums beat an Alarm,

As fatal to my Life as are the Crokes

Of Ravens, when they Flutter about the Windows

Of departing men.

My Hopes are great, and yet me-thinks I fear

My Subjects cry out Curſes on my Name,

Which like a North-wind ſeems to blaſt my Hopes:

Seat.

That Wind is a contagious Vapour exhal'd from Blood.

Enter Second Meſſenger.

What News more?

2. Meſſ.

All's confirm'd my Leige, that was Reported.

Macb.

And my Reſolves in ſpite of Fate ſhall be as firmly.

Send out more Horſe; and Scour the Country round.

How do's my Wife?

Seat.

Not ſo Sick, my Lord, as She is Troubled

With diſturbing Fancies, that keep Her from Her reſt.

Macb.

And I, me-thinks, am Sick of her Diſeaſe:

Seaton ſend out; Captain, the Thanes flie from thee:

Wou'd ſhe were well, I'de quickly win the Field.

Stay Seaton, ſtay, I'le bear you company,

The Engliſh cannot long maintain the Fight;

They come not here to Kill, but to be Slain;

Send out our Scouts.

Seat.

Sir, I am gone.

Aſide

Not to Obey your Orders, but the Call of Juſtice.

I'le to the Engliſh Train whoſe Hopes are built

Upon their Cauſe, and not on Witches Propheſies.

Exit.

Macb.

Poor Thanes, you vainly hope for Victory:

You'l find Macbeth Invincible; or if

He can be O'recome, it muſt be then

By Birnam Oaks, and not by Engliſh-men.

Exit.

Scen. IV.

[Page]

Enter Malcom, Donalbain, Seymor, Macduff, Lenox, Flean, Souldiers.

Malc.

The Sun ſhall ſee us Drain the Tyrants Blood

And Dry up Scotlands Tears: How much we are

Oblig'd to England, which like a kind Neighbour

Lift's us up when we were Fall'n below

Our own Recovery.

Seym.

What Wood is this before us?

Malc.

The Wood of Birnam.

Seym.

Let every Souldier hew him down a Bough,

And bear't before him: By that we may

Keep the Number of our Force undiſcover'd

By the Enemy.

Malc.

It ſhall be done. We Learn no more then that

The Confident Tyrant keeps ſtill in Dunſinane,

And will endure a Seige.

He is of late grown Conſcious of his Guilt,

Which makes him make that City his Place of Refuge.

Macd.

He'l find even there but little Safety;

His very Subjects will aginſt him Riſe.

So Travellers Flie to an Aged Barn

For Shelter from the Rain; when the next Shock

Of Wind throws Down that Roof upon their Heads,

From which they hop'd for Succour.

Len.

The wretched Kernes which now like Boughs are ty'd

To forc'd Obedience; will when our Swords

Have Cut thoſe Bonds, ſtart from Obedience.

Malc.

May the Event make good our Gueſs:

Macd.

It muſt, unleſs our Reſolutions fail

They'l kindle, Sir, their juſt Revenge at ours:

Which double Flame will Singe the Wings of all

The Tyrants hopes; depriv'd of thoſe Supports,

He'l quickly Fall.

Seym.

Let's all Retire to our Commands; our Breath

[Page]Spent in Diſcourſe does but defer his Death,

And but delays our Vengeance,

Macd.

Come let's go.

The ſwifteſt haſt is for Revenge too ſlow.

Exeunt.

Enter Macbeth, and Souldiers.

Macb.

Hang out our Banners proudly o're the Wall,

The Cry is ſtill, they Come: Our Caſtles Strength

Will Laugh a Siege to Scorn: Here let them lie

Till Famine eat them up: Had Seaton ſtill

Been ours, and others who now Increaſe the Number

Of our Enemies, we might have met 'em

Face to Face.

Noiſe within.

What Noiſe is that?

Ser.

It ſeems the Cry of Women.

Macb.

I have almoſt forgot the Taſte of Fears,

The time has been that Dangers have been my Familiars.

Wherefore was that Cry?

Ser.

Great, Sir, the Queen is Dead.

Macb.

She ſhould have Di'd hereafter,

I brought Her here, to ſee my Victines, not to Die.

To Morrow, to Morrow, and to Morrow,

Creeps in a ſtealing pace from Day to Day,

To the laſt Minute of Recorded Time:

And all our Yeſterdays have lighted Fools

To their Eternal Homes: Out, out that Candle,

Life's but a Walking Shaddow, a poor Player

That Struts and Frets his Hour upon the Stage,

And then is Heard no more. It is a Tale

Told by an Ideot, full of Sound and Fury

Signifying Nothing.

Enter a Meſſenger▪

Thou comeſt to uſe thy Tongue: Thy Story quickly.

Meſſ.

Let my Eyes ſpeak what they have ſeen,

For my Tongue cannot.

Macb.

Thy Eyes ſpeak Terror, let thy Tongue expound,

Their Language, or be for ever Dumb.

Meſſ.

As I did ſtand my Watch upon the Hill,

I lookt towards Birnam, and anon me thoughts

[Page]The Wood began to move:

Macb.

Lyar and Slave.

Meſſ.

Let me endure your Wrath if't be not so:

Within this three Mile may you ſee it coming,

I ſay, a moving Grove.

Macb.

If thou ſpeakſt Falſe, I'll ſend thy Soul

To th' other World to meet with moving Woods,

And walking Forreſts;

There to Poſſeſs what it but Dreamt of here.

If thy Speech be true, I care not if thou doeſt

The ſame for me. I now begin

To doubt the Equivocation of the Fiend,

They bid me not to fear till Birnam Wood

Should come to Danſinane: And now a Wood

Is on its March this way; Arm, Arm.

Since thus a Wood do's in a March appear,

There is no Flying hence, nor Tarrying here:

Methinks I now grow weary of the Sun,

And wiſh the Worlds great Glaſs of Life were run.

Exeunt▪

Scene. VI.

Enter Malcome, Seymour, Macduff, Lenox, Flean, Seaton, Donalbain, and their Army with Boughs.

Malc:

Here we are near enough; throw down

Your Leafie Skreens

And ſhew like thoſe you are. You worthy Uncle

Shall with my Brother and the Noble Lenox,

March in the Van, whilſt Valiant Seymour

And my Self, make up the Groſs of the Army,

And follow you with ſpeed.

Sey.

Fare well; the Monſter has forſook his hold and comes

To offer Battle.

Macd:

Let him come on; his Title now

Sits Looſe about him, like a Giants Robe

Upon a Dwarfiſh Thief.

[Page]Enter Macbeth.

Macb.

'Tis too Ignoble, and too baſe to Flie;

Who's he that is not of a Woman Born,

For ſuch a one I am to fear, or none.

Enter Lenox.

Len.

Kind Heaven, I thank thee; have I found thee here;

Oh Scotland! Scotland! mayſt thou owe thy juſt

Revenge to this ſharp Sword, or this bleſt Minute.

Macb.

Retire fond Man, I wou'd not Kill thee.

Why ſhould Faulcons prey on Flies?

It is below Macbeth to Fight with Men.

Len.

But not to Murder Women.

Macb.

Lenox, I pitty thee; thy Arm's too weak.

Len:

This Arm has hitherto found good Succeſs

On your Miniſters of Blood, who Murder'd

Macduffs Lady, and brave Banquo:

Art thou leſs Mortal then they were? Or more

Exempt from Puniſhment? Becauſe thou moſt

Deſerv'ſt it. Have at thy Life.

Macb:

Since then thou art in Love with Death, I will

Vouchſafe it thee.

They fight, Lenox falls.

Thou art of Woman Born, I'm ſure.

Exit Macb.

Len:

Oh my dear Country, Pardon me that I,

Do in a Cauſe ſo great, ſo quickly Die.

Dies.

Enter Macduff.

Macd:

This way the Noiſe is, Tyrant ſhew thy Face,

If thou be'ſt Slain and by no hand of Mine,

My Wife and Childrens Ghoſts will haunt me for't▪

I cannot Strike

At wretched Slaves, who ſell their Lives for Pay;

No, my Revenge ſhall ſeek a Nobler Prey.

[Page]Through all the Paths of Death, I'le ſearch him out:

Let me but find him, Fortune.

Exit.

Enter Malcom, and Seymor.

Sey.

This way, Great Sir, the Tyrants People Fight

With Fear as great as is his Guilt.

Malc:

See who Lies here; the Noble Lenox ſlain,

What Storm has brought this Blood over our

Riſing hopes.

Sey.

Reſtrain your Paſſion, Sir, let's to our Men,

Thoſe who in Noble Cauſes fall, deſerve

Our Pitty, not our Sorrow.

I le bid ſome Body bear the Body further hence.

Exeunt.

Enter Macbeth.

Macb.

Why ſhould I play the Roman Fool and Fall,

On my own Sword, while I have living Foes

To Conquer; my Wounds ſhew better upon them.

Enter Macduff.

Macd.

Turn Hell-Hound, Turn.

Macb.

Of all Men elſe, I have avoided Thee;

But get thee back, my Soul is too much clog'd

With Blood of thine already.

Macd.

I'le have no Words, thy Villanies are worſe

Then ever yet were Puniſht with a Curſe.

Macb.

Thou mayſt as well attempt to Wound the Air,

As me; my Deſtiny's reſerv'd for ſome Immortal Power,

And I muſt fall by Miracle; I cannot Bleed.

Macd.

Have thy black Deeds then turn'd thee to a Devil.

Macb.

Thou wouldſt but ſhare the Fate of Lenox.

Macd.

Is Lenox ſlain? and by a Hand that would Damn all it kills,

But thattheir Cauſe preſerves 'em.

Macb

I have a Prophecy ſecures my Life.

Macd.

I have another which tells me I ſhall have his Blood,

Who firſt ſhed mine.

[Page]Macb.

None of Woman born can ſpill my Blood.

Macd.

Then let the Devils tell thee, Macduff

Was from his Mothers Womb untimely Ript.

Macb.

Curſt be that Tongue that tells me ſo,

And double Damn'd be they who with a double ſence

Make Promiſes to our Ears, and Break at laſt

That Promiſe to our ſight: I will not Fight with thee.

Macd.

Then yield thy ſelf a Priſoner to be Led about

The World, and Gaz'd on as a Monſter, a Monſter

More Deform'd then ever Ambition Fram'd,

Or Tyrannie could ſhape.

Macb.

I ſcorn to Yield. I will in ſpite of Enchantment

Fight with thee, though Birnam Wood be come

To Dunſinane:

And thou art of no Woman Born, I'le try,

If by a Man it be thy Fate to Die.

They Fight, Macbeth falls. They ſhout within

Macd.

This for my Royal Maſter Duncan,

This for my deareſt Friend my Wife,

This for thoſe Pledges of our Loves, my Children.

Hark I hear a Noiſe, ſure there are more

Shout within.

Reſerves to Conquer.

I'le as a Trophy bear away his Sword,

To witneſs my Revenge.

Exit Macduff.

Macb.

Farewell vain World, and what's moſt vain in it,

Ambition Dies.

Enter Malcolm, Seymour, Donalbain, Flean, Seaton, and Souldiers.

Malc.

I wiſh Macduff were ſafe Arriv'd, I am

In doubt for him; for Lenox I'me in grief.

Seym.

Conſider Lenox, Sir, is nobly Slain:

They who in Noble Cauſes fall, deſerve

Our Pity, not our Sorrow. Look where the Tyrant is.

Seat.

The Witches, Sir, with all the Power of Hell,

Could not preſerve him from the Hand of Heaven.

[Page]Enter Macduff with Macbeths Sword.

Macd.

Long Live Malcolm, King of Scotland, ſo you are;

And though I ſhould not Boaſt, that one

Whom Guilt might eaſily weigh down, fell

By my Hand; yet here I preſent you with

The Tyrants Sword, to ſhew that Heaven appointed

Me to take Revenge for you, and all

That Suffered by his Power.

Malc.

Macduff, we have more Ancient Records

Then this of your ſucceſsful Courage.

Macd.

Now Scotland, thou ſhalt ſee bright Day again,

That Cloud's remov'd that did Ecclipſe thy Sun,

And Rain down Blood upon thee. As your Arms

Did all contribute to this Victory;

So let your Voices all concur to give

One joyful Acclamation.

Long Live Malcolm, King of Scotland.

Malc.

We ſhall not make a large Expence of time

Before we Reckon with your ſeveral Loves,

And make us even with you. Thanes and Kinſman,

Henceforth be Earls, the firſt that ever Scotland

Saw Honour'd with that Title: And may they full Flouriſh

On your Families; though like the Laurels

You have Won to Day; they Spring from a Field of Blood.

Drag his Body hence, and let it Hang upon

A Pinnacle in Dunſinane, to ſhew

To ſhew to future Ages what to thoſe is due,

Who others Right, by Lawleſs Power purſue.

Macd.

So may kind Fortune Crown your Raign with Peace,

As it has Crown'd your Armies with Succeſs;

And may the Peoples Prayers ſtill wait on you,

As all their Curſes did Macbeth purſue:

His Vice ſhall make your Virtue ſhine more Bright,

As a Fair Day ſucceeds a Stormy Night.

FINIS. Actus V.

[Page]

Information about this book

Title statement

Macbeth a tragædy : with all the alterations, amendments, additions, and new songs : as it's now acted at the Dukes Theatre.

D'Avenant, William, Sir, 1606-1668.

Edition statement

1674

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2006-02 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A59503

ID [STC]

Wing S2930

ID [STC]

ESTC R15870

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

12431401

ID [OCLC]

ocm 12431401

ID [VID]

61970

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This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal. The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.

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Early English books online.

Notes

(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A59503)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 61970)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 297:28)

Source

— Macbeth a tragædy : with all the alterations, amendments, additions, and new songs : as it's now acted at the Dukes Theatre., D'Avenant, William, Sir, 1606-1668., Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616. Macbeth..

Extent

[4], 66 p.

Printed for P. Chetwin ...,. London :: 1674.. (Alteration and additions by Sir William D'Avenant. Cf. Bartlett.) (Reproduction of original in the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign Campus). Library.)

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Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford.

Editorial practices

EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO.

EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org).

The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source.

Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data.

Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so.

Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor.

The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines.

Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements).

Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site.