The subject of our watch.

Third Mur.

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

Sec. Mur.

Hark! I hear horses.

Then 'tis he: the rest

IO

That are within the note of expectation
Already are i' the court.

First Mur.

His horses go about.

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

Ban. O, treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly! Thou mayst revenge. O slave!

Third Mur. Who did strike out the light?

First Mur.

[Dies. Fleance escapes.

Was 't not the way?

We have lost 20

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

Sec. Mur.

Best half of our affair.

First Mur. Well, let's away and say how much is

done.

Scene IV.

[Exeunt.

Hall in the palace.

A banquet prepared. Enter Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Ross, Lennox, Lords, and Attendants.

Mach. You know your own degrees; sit down: at first And last a hearty welcome.

Lords.

Thanks to your majesty.

Macb. Ourself will mingle with society

And play the humble host.

Our hostess keeps her state, but in best time

We will require her welcome.

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

Enter first Murderer to the door.

Macb. See, they encounter thee with their hearts' thanks.

Both sides are even: here I'll sit i' the midst: 10
Be large in mirth; anon we'll drink a measure

The table round. [Approaching the door] There's blood upon thy face.

Mur. 'Tis Banquo's then.

Macb. "Tis better thee without than he within.

Is he dispatch'd?

Mur. My lord, his throat is cut; that I did for him.

Macb. Thou art the best o' the cut-throats: yet he's good

That did the like for Fleance: if thou didst it,

Thou art the nonpareil.

Mur.

Fleance is 'scaped.

Most royal sir,

20

Macb. [Aside] Then comes my fit again: I had else been perfect,

Whole as the marble, founded as the rock,

As broad and general as the casing air:

But now I am cabin'd, cribb'd, confined, bound in Το saucy doubts and fears.-But Banquo's safe? Mur. Ay, my good lord: safe in a ditch he bides, With twenty trenched gashes on his head; The least a death to nature.

Macb.

Thanks for that.

[Aside] There the grown serpent lies; the worm

that's fled

Hath nature that in time will venom breed,

30

No teeth for the present. Get thee gone: to-morrow
We'll hear ourselves again.

Lady M.

Macb.

Len.

[Exit Murderer.

My royal lord,

You do not give the cheer: the feast is sold
That is not often vouch'd, while 'tis a making,

'Tis given with welcome: to feed were best at

home;

From thence the sauce to meat is ceremony;

Meeting were bare without it.

Sweet remembrancer!

Now good digestion wait on appetite,
And health on both!

May't please your highness sit.

[The Ghost of Banquo enters, and sits in Macbeth's place. Macb. Here had we now our country's honour roof'd, 40 Were the graced person of our Banquo present;

Ross.

Who may

I rather challenge for unkindness

Than pity for mischance!

His absence, sir,

Lays blame upon his promise. Please 't your high

ness

To grace us with your royal company.

Macb. The table 's full.

Len.

Mach. Where?

Here is a place reserved, sir.

Len. Here, my good lord. What is 't that moves your

highness?

Macb. Which of you have done this?

Lords.

What, my good lord? Macb. Thou canst not say I did it: never shake

Thy gory locks at me.

50

Ross. Gentlemen, rise; his highness is not well.
Lady M. Sit, worthy friends: my lord is often thus,
And hath been from his youth: pray you, keep seat;
The fit is momentary; upon a thought

He will again be well: if much you note him,
You shall offend him and extend his passion:
Feed, and regard him not. Are you a man?
Macb. Ay, and a bold one, that dare look on that
Which might appal the devil.

Lady M.

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 flaws and starts,
Impostors to true fear, would well become
A woman's story at a winter's fire,

Authorized by her grandam. Shame itself!
Why do you make such faces ?

done,

You look but on a stool.

60

When all 's