Macbeth ActI Scene 7 [Macbeth's castle.Hautboys and torches.Enter a Sewer,and divers Servants with dishes and service,and pass over the stage.Then enter MACBETH MACBETH If it were done when'tis done,then 'twere well It were done quickly:if the assassination Could trammel up the consequence,and catch With his surcease success;that but this blow Might be the be-all and the end-all here, But here,upon this bank and shoal of time, We'ld jump the life to come.But in these cases We still have judgment here;that we but teach Bloody instructions,which,being taught,return To plague the inventor:this even-handed justice Commends the ingredients of our poison'd chalice To our own lips.He's here in double trust; First,as I am his kinsman and his subject, Strong both against the deed;then,as his host, Who should against his murderer shut the door, Not bear the knife myself.Besides,this Duncan Hath borne his faculties so meek,hath been So clear in his great office,that his virtues Will plead like angels,trumpet-tongued,against The deep damnation of his taking-off; And pity,like a naked new-born babe, Striding the blast,or heaven's cherubim,horsed Upon the sightless couriers of the air, Shall blow the horrid deed in every eye, That tears shall drown the wind.I have no spur To prick the sides of my intent,but only Vaulting ambition,which o'erleaps itself And falls on the other. [Enter LADY MACBETH How now!what news? LADY MACBETH He has almost supp'd:why have you left the chamber? MACBETH Hath he ask'd for me? LADY MACBETH Know you not he has? MACBETH
Macbeth Act I Scene 7 [Macbeth's castle. Hautboys and torches. Enter a Sewer, and divers Servants with dishes and service, and pass over the stage. Then enter MACBETH] MACBETH If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well It were done quickly: if the assassination Could trammel up the consequence, and catch With his surcease success; that but this blow Might be the be-all and the end-all here, But here, upon this bank and shoal of time, We'ld jump the life to come. But in these cases We still have judgment here; that we but teach Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return To plague the inventor: this even-handed justice Commends the ingredients of our poison'd chalice To our own lips. He's here in double trust; First, as I am his kinsman and his subject, Strong both against the deed; then, as his host, Who should against his murderer shut the door, Not bear the knife myself. Besides, this Duncan Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been So clear in his great office, that his virtues Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued, against The deep damnation of his taking-off; And pity, like a naked new-born babe, Striding the blast, or heaven's cherubim, horsed Upon the sightless couriers of the air, Shall blow the horrid deed in every eye, That tears shall drown the wind. I have no spur To prick the sides of my intent, but only Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself And falls on the other. [Enter LADY MACBETH] How now! what news? LADY MACBETH He has almost supp'd: why have you left the chamber? MACBETH Hath he ask'd for me? LADY MACBETH Know you not he has? MACBETH
We will proceed no further in this business: He hath honour'd me of late;and I have bought Golden opinions from all sorts of people, Which would be worn now in their newest gloss. Not cast aside so soon. LADY MACBETH Was the hope drunk Wherein you dress'd yourself?hath it slept since? And wakes it now,to look so green and pale At what it did so freely?From this time Such I account thy love.Art thou afeard To be the same in thine own act and valour As thou art in desire?Wouldst thou have that Which thou esteem'st the ornament of life, And live a coward in thine own esteem, Letting 'I dare not'wait upon 'I would,' Like the poor cat i'the adage? MACBETH Prithee,peace: I dare do all that may become a man; Who dares do more is none. LADY MACBETH What beast was't,then, That made you break this enterprise to me? When you durst do it,then you were a man; And,to be more than what you were,you would Be so much more the man.Nor time nor place Did then adhere,and yet you would make both: They have made themselves,and that their fitness now Does unmake you.I have given suck,and know How tender 'tis to love the babe that milks me: I would,while it was smiling in my face, Have pluck'd my nipple from his boneless gums, And dash'd the brains out,had I so sworn as you Have done to this. MACBETH If we should fail? LADY MACBETH We fail! But screw your courage to the sticking-place, And we'll not fail.When Duncan is asleep-- Whereto the rather shall his day's hard journey Soundly invite him--his two chamberlains Will I with wine and wassail so convince
We will proceed no further in this business: He hath honour'd me of late; and I have bought Golden opinions from all sorts of people, Which would be worn now in their newest gloss, Not cast aside so soon. LADY MACBETH Was the hope drunk Wherein you dress'd yourself? hath it slept since? And wakes it now, to look so green and pale At what it did so freely? From this time Such I account thy love. Art thou afeard To be the same in thine own act and valour As thou art in desire? Wouldst thou have that Which thou esteem'st the ornament of life, And live a coward in thine own esteem, Letting 'I dare not' wait upon 'I would,' Like the poor cat i' the adage? MACBETH Prithee, peace: I dare do all that may become a man; Who dares do more is none. LADY MACBETH What beast was't, then, That made you break this enterprise to me? When you durst do it, then you were a man; And, to be more than what you were, you would Be so much more the man. Nor time nor place Did then adhere, and yet you would make both: They have made themselves, and that their fitness now Does unmake you. I have given suck, and know How tender 'tis to love the babe that milks me: I would, while it was smiling in my face, Have pluck'd my nipple from his boneless gums, And dash'd the brains out, had I so sworn as you Have done to this. MACBETH If we should fail? LADY MACBETH We fail! But screw your courage to the sticking-place, And we'll not fail. When Duncan is asleep -- Whereto the rather shall his day's hard journey Soundly invite him -- his two chamberlains Will I with wine and wassail so convince
That memory,the warder of the brain, Shall be a fume,and the receipt of reason A limbeck only:when in swinish sleep Their drenched natures lie as in a death, What cannot you and I perform upon The unguarded Duncan?what not put upon His spongy officers,who shall bear the guilt Of our great quell? MACBETH Bring forth men-children only; For thy undaunted mettle should compose Nothing but males.Will it not be received, When we have mark'd with blood those sleepy two Of his own chamber and used their very daggers, That they have done't? LADY MACBETH Who dares receive it other, As we shall make our griefs and clamour roar Upon his death? MACBETH I am settled,and bend up Each corporal agent to this terrible feat. Away,and mock the time with fairest show: False face must hide what the false heart doth know. [Exeunt] Act2 Scene 1 MACBETH Go bid thy mistress,when my drink is ready, She strike upon the bell.Get thee to bed. [Exit Servant] Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand?Come,let me clutch thee I have thee not,and yet I see thee still Art thou not,fatal vision,sensible To feeling as to sight?or art thou but A dagger of the mind,a false creation, Proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain? I see thee yet,in form as palpable As this which now I draw. Thou marshall'st me the way that I was going; And such an instrument I was to use. Mine eyes are made the fools o'the other senses, Or else worth all the rest;I see thee still
That memory, the warder of the brain, Shall be a fume, and the receipt of reason A limbeck only: when in swinish sleep Their drenched natures lie as in a death, What cannot you and I perform upon The unguarded Duncan? what not put upon His spongy officers, who shall bear the guilt Of our great quell? MACBETH Bring forth men-children only; For thy undaunted mettle should compose Nothing but males. Will it not be received, When we have mark'd with blood those sleepy two Of his own chamber and used their very daggers, That they have done't? LADY MACBETH Who dares receive it other, As we shall make our griefs and clamour roar Upon his death? MACBETH I am settled, and bend up Each corporal agent to this terrible feat. Away, and mock the time with fairest show: False face must hide what the false heart doth know. [Exeunt] Act 2 Scene 1 MACBETH Go bid thy mistress, when my drink is ready, She strike upon the bell. Get thee to bed. [Exit Servant] Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee. I have thee not, and yet I see thee still. Art thou not, fatal vision, sensible To feeling as to sight? or art thou but A dagger of the mind, a false creation, Proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain? I see thee yet, in form as palpable As this which now I draw. Thou marshall'st me the way that I was going; And such an instrument I was to use. Mine eyes are made the fools o' the other senses, Or else worth all the rest; I see thee still
And on thy blade and dudgeon gouts of blood, Which was not so before.There's no such thing: It is the bloody business which informs Thus to mine eyes.Now o'er the one halfworld Nature seems dead,and wicked dreams abuse The curtain'd sleep;witchcraft celebrates Pale Hecate's offerings,and wither'd murder, Alarum'd by his sentinel,the wolf, Whose howl's his watch,thus with his stealthy pace. With Tarquin's ravishing strides,towards his design Moves like a ghost.Thou sure and firm-set earth, Hear not my steps,which way they walk,for fear Thy very stones prate of my whereabout, And take the present horror from the time, Which now suits with it.Whiles I threat,he lives: Words to the heat of deeds too cold breath gives. [A bell rings] I go,and it is done;the bell invites me Hear it not,Duncan;for it is a knell That summons thee to heaven or to hell. [Exit] Scene 2 [The same.] [Enter LADY MACBETH LADY MACBETH That which hath made them drunk hath made me bold; What hath quench'd them hath given me fire. Hark!Peace! It was the owl that shriek'd,the fatal bellman, Which gives the stern'st good-night.He is about it: The doors are open;and the surfeited grooms Do mock their charge with snores:I have drugg'd their possets. That death and nature do contend about them, Whether they live or die MACBETH [Within] Who's there?what,ho! LADY MACBETH Alack,I am afraid they have awaked, And 'tis not done.The attempt and not the deed Confounds us.Hark!I laid their daggers ready; He could not miss'em.Had he not resembled My father as he slept,I had done't
And on thy blade and dudgeon gouts of blood, Which was not so before. There's no such thing: It is the bloody business which informs Thus to mine eyes. Now o'er the one halfworld Nature seems dead, and wicked dreams abuse The curtain'd sleep; witchcraft celebrates Pale Hecate's offerings, and wither'd murder, Alarum'd by his sentinel, the wolf, Whose howl's his watch, thus with his stealthy pace. With Tarquin's ravishing strides, towards his design Moves like a ghost. Thou sure and firm-set earth, Hear not my steps, which way they walk, for fear Thy very stones prate of my whereabout, And take the present horror from the time, Which now suits with it. Whiles I threat, he lives: Words to the heat of deeds too cold breath gives. [A bell rings] I go, and it is done; the bell invites me. Hear it not, Duncan; for it is a knell That summons thee to heaven or to hell. [Exit] Scene 2 [The same.] [Enter LADY MACBETH] LADY MACBETH That which hath made them drunk hath made me bold; What hath quench'd them hath given me fire. Hark! Peace! It was the owl that shriek'd, the fatal bellman, Which gives the stern'st good-night. He is about it: The doors are open; and the surfeited grooms Do mock their charge with snores: I have drugg'd their possets, That death and nature do contend about them, Whether they live or die. MACBETH [Within] Who's there? what, ho! LADY MACBETH Alack, I am afraid they have awaked, And 'tis not done. The attempt and not the deed Confounds us. Hark! I laid their daggers ready; He could not miss 'em. Had he not resembled My father as he slept, I had done't
[Enter MACBETH My husband! MACBETH I have done the deed.Didst thou not hear a noise? LADY MACBETH I heard the owl scream and the crickets cry. Did not you speak? MACBETH When? LADY MACBETH Now. MACBETH As I descended? LADY MACBETH Ay. MACBETH Hark! Who lies i'the second chamber? LADY MACBETH Donalbain. MACBETH [Looking on his hands] This is a sorry sight. LADY MACBETH A foolish thought,to say a sorry sight MACBETH There's one did laugh in's sleep,and one cried 'Murder!' That they did wake each other:I stood and heard them: But they did say their prayers,and address'd them Again to sleep. LADY MACBETH There are two lodged together. MACBETH One cried 'God bless us!'and'Amen'the other; As they had seen me with these hangman's hands. Listening their fear,I could not say 'Amen,' When they did say 'God bless us!' LADY MACBETH Consider it not so deeply. MACBETH But wherefore could not I pronounce 'Amen'? I had most need of blessing,and'Amen' Stuck in my throat. LADY MACBETH
[Enter MACBETH] My husband! MACBETH I have done the deed. Didst thou not hear a noise? LADY MACBETH I heard the owl scream and the crickets cry. Did not you speak? MACBETH When? LADY MACBETH Now. MACBETH As I descended? LADY MACBETH Ay. MACBETH Hark! Who lies i' the second chamber? LADY MACBETH Donalbain. MACBETH [Looking on his hands] This is a sorry sight. LADY MACBETH A foolish thought, to say a sorry sight. MACBETH There's one did laugh in's sleep, and one cried 'Murder!' That they did wake each other: I stood and heard them: But they did say their prayers, and address'd them Again to sleep. LADY MACBETH There are two lodged together. MACBETH One cried 'God bless us!' and 'Amen' the other; As they had seen me with these hangman's hands. Listening their fear, I could not say 'Amen,' When they did say 'God bless us!' LADY MACBETH Consider it not so deeply. MACBETH But wherefore could not I pronounce 'Amen'? I had most need of blessing, and 'Amen' Stuck in my throat. LADY MACBETH
These deeds must not be thought After these ways;so,it will make us mad. MACBETH Methought I heard a voice cry 'Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep',the innocent sleep, Sleep that knits up the ravell'd sleeve of care, The death of each day's life,sore labour's bath, Balm of hurt minds,great nature's second course, Chief nourisher in life's feast,-- LADY MACBETH What do you mean? MACBETH Still it cried 'Sleep no more!'to all the house: 'Glamis hath murder'd sleep,and therefore Cawdor Shall sleep no more;Macbeth shall sleep no more.' LADY MACBETH Who was it that thus cried?Why,worthy thane, You do unbend your noble strength,to think So brainsickly of things.Go get some water, And wash this filthy witness from your hand Why did you bring these daggers from the place? They must lie there:go carry them;and smear The sleepy grooms with blood. MACBETH I'll go no more: I am afraid to think what I have done; Look on't again I dare not. LADY MACBETH Infirm of purpose! Give me the daggers:the sleeping and the dead Are but as pictures:'tis the eye of childhood That fears a painted devil.If he do bleed, I'll gild the faces of the grooms withal; For it must seem their guilt [Exit.Knocking within] MACBETH Whence is that knocking? How is't with me,when every noise appals me? What hands are here?ha!they pluck out mine eyes. Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood Clean from my hand?No,this my hand will rather The multitudinous seas in incarnadine, Making the green one red. [Re-enter LADY MACBETH
These deeds must not be thought After these ways; so, it will make us mad. MACBETH Methought I heard a voice cry 'Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep', the innocent sleep, Sleep that knits up the ravell'd sleeve of care, The death of each day's life, sore labour's bath, Balm of hurt minds, great nature's second course, Chief nourisher in life's feast, -- LADY MACBETH What do you mean? MACBETH Still it cried 'Sleep no more!' to all the house: 'Glamis hath murder'd sleep, and therefore Cawdor Shall sleep no more; Macbeth shall sleep no more.' LADY MACBETH Who was it that thus cried? Why, worthy thane, You do unbend your noble strength, to think So brainsickly of things. Go get some water, And wash this filthy witness from your hand. Why did you bring these daggers from the place? They must lie there: go carry them; and smear The sleepy grooms with blood. MACBETH I'll go no more: I am afraid to think what I have done; Look on't again I dare not. LADY MACBETH Infirm of purpose! Give me the daggers: the sleeping and the dead Are but as pictures: 'tis the eye of childhood That fears a painted devil. If he do bleed, I'll gild the faces of the grooms withal; For it must seem their guilt. [Exit. Knocking within] MACBETH Whence is that knocking? How is't with me, when every noise appals me? What hands are here? ha! they pluck out mine eyes. Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood Clean from my hand? No, this my hand will rather The multitudinous seas in incarnadine, Making the green one red. [Re-enter LADY MACBETH]
LADY MACBETH My hands are of your colour;but I shame To wear a heart so white. [Knocking within] I hear a knocking At the south entry:retire we to our chamber; A little water clears us of this deed: How easy is it,then!Your constancy Hath left you unattended. [Knocking within] Hark！more knocking. Get on your nightgown,lest occasion call us, And show us to be watchers.Be not lost So poorly in your thoughts. MACBETH To know my deed,'twere best not know myself. [Knocking within] Wake Duncan with thy knocking!I would thou couldst! [Exeunt] Act V Scene 1 [Dunsinane.Ante-room in the castle.Enter a Doctor of Physic and a Gentlewoman] Doctor I have two nights watched with you,but can perceive no truth in your report.When was it she last walked? Gentlewoman Since his majesty went into the field,I have seen her rise from her bed,throw her night-gown upon 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. Doctor A great perturbation in nature,to receive at once the benefit of sleep,and do the effects of watching!In this slumbery agitation,besides her walking and other actual performances,what,at any time,have you heard her say? Gentlewoman That,sir,which I will not report after her. Doctor You may to me:and'tis most meet you should. Gentlewoman Neither to you nor any one;having no witness to confirm my speech
LADY MACBETH My hands are of your colour; but I shame To wear a heart so white. [Knocking within] I hear a knocking At the south entry: retire we to our chamber; A little water clears us of this deed: How easy is it, then! Your constancy Hath left you unattended. [Knocking within] Hark! more knocking. Get on your nightgown, lest occasion call us, And show us to be watchers. Be not lost So poorly in your thoughts. MACBETH To know my deed, 'twere best not know myself. [Knocking within] Wake Duncan with thy knocking! I would thou couldst! [Exeunt] Act V Scene 1 [Dunsinane. Ante-room in the castle. Enter a Doctor of Physic and a Gentlewoman] Doctor I have two nights watched with you, but can perceive no truth in your report. When was it she last walked? Gentlewoman Since his majesty went into the field, I have seen her rise from her bed, throw her night-gown upon 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. Doctor A great perturbation in nature, to receive at once the benefit of sleep, and do the effects of watching! In this slumbery agitation, besides her walking and other actual performances, what, at any time, have you heard her say? Gentlewoman That, sir, which I will not report after her. Doctor You may to me: and 'tis most meet you should. Gentlewoman Neither to you nor any one; having no witness to confirm my speech
[Enter LADY MACBETH,with a taper] Lo you,here she comes!This is her very guise; and,upon my life,fast asleep.Observe her;stand close. Doctor How came she by that light? Gentlewoman Why,it stood by her:she has light by her continually;'tis her command. Doctor You see,her eyes are open. Gentlewoman Ay,but their sense is shut. Doctor What is it she does now?Look,how she rubs her hands. Gentlewoman It is an accustomed action with her,to seem thus washing her hands:I have known her continue in this a quarter of an hour. LADY MACBETH Yet here's a spot. Doctor Hark!she speaks:I will set down what comes from her,to satisfy my remembrance the more strongly. LADY MACBETH Out,damned spot!out,I say!--One:two:why, then,'tis time to do't.--Hell is murky!--Fie,my lord,fie!a soldier,and afeard?What need we fear who knows it,when none can call our power to account?--Yet who would have thought the old man to have had so much blood in him. Doctor Do you mark that? LADY MACBETH The thane of Fife had a wife:where is she now?-- What,will these hands ne'er be clean?--No more o' that,my lord,no more o'that:you mar all with this starting. Doctor Go to,go to;you have known what you should not. Gentlewoman She has spoke what she should not,I am sure of that:heaven knows what she has known. LADY MACBETH
[Enter LADY MACBETH, with a taper] Lo you, here she comes! This is her very guise; and, upon my life, fast asleep. Observe her; stand close. Doctor How came she by that light? Gentlewoman Why, it stood by her: she has light by her continually; 'tis her command. Doctor You see, her eyes are open. Gentlewoman Ay, but their sense is shut. Doctor What is it she does now? Look, how she rubs her hands. Gentlewoman It is an accustomed action with her, to seem thus washing her hands: I have known her continue in this a quarter of an hour. LADY MACBETH Yet here's a spot. Doctor Hark! she speaks: I will set down what comes from her, to satisfy my remembrance the more strongly. LADY MACBETH Out, damned spot! out, I say! -- One: two: why, then, 'tis time to do't. -- Hell is murky! -- Fie, my lord, fie! a soldier, and afeard? What need we fear who knows it, when none can call our power to account? -- Yet who would have thought the old man to have had so much blood in him. Doctor Do you mark that? LADY MACBETH The thane of Fife had a wife: where is she now? -- What, will these hands ne'er be clean? -- No more o' that, my lord, no more o' that: you mar all with this starting. Doctor Go to, go to; you have known what you should not. Gentlewoman She has spoke what she should not, I am sure of that: heaven knows what she has known. LADY MACBETH
Here's the smell of the blood still:all the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand.Oh,oh,oh! Doctor What a sigh is there!The heart is sorely charged. Gentlewoman I would not have such a heart in my bosom for the dignity of the whole body. Doctor Well,well,well,-- Gentlewoman Pray God it be,sir. Doctor This disease is beyond my practise:yet I have known those which have walked in their sleep who have died holily in their beds. LADY MACBETH Wash your hands,put on your nightgown;look not so pale.--I tell you yet again,Banquo's buried;he cannot come out on's grave. Doctor Even so? LADY MACBETH To bed,to bed!there's knocking at the gate: come,come,come,come,give me your hand.What's done cannot be undone.--To bed,to bed,to bed! [Exit] Doctor Will she go now to bed? Gentlewoman Directly Doctor Foul whisperings are abroad:unnatural deeds Do breed unnatural troubles:infected minds To their deaf pillows will discharge their secrets: More needs she the divine than the physician. God,God forgive us all!Look after her; Remove from her the means of all annoyance, And still keep eyes upon her.So,good night: My mind she has mated,and amazed my sight. I think,but dare not speak. Gentlewoman Good night,good doctor. [Exeunt]
Here's the smell of the blood still: all the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand. Oh, oh, oh! Doctor What a sigh is there! The heart is sorely charged. Gentlewoman I would not have such a heart in my bosom for the dignity of the whole body. Doctor Well, well, well, -- Gentlewoman Pray God it be, sir. Doctor This disease is beyond my practise: yet I have known those which have walked in their sleep who have died holily in their beds. LADY MACBETH Wash your hands, put on your nightgown; look not so pale. -- I tell you yet again, Banquo's buried; he cannot come out on's grave. Doctor Even so? LADY MACBETH To bed, to bed! there's knocking at the gate: come, come, come, come, give me your hand. What's done cannot be undone. -- To bed, to bed, to bed! [Exit] Doctor Will she go now to bed? Gentlewoman Directly. Doctor Foul whisperings are abroad: unnatural deeds Do breed unnatural troubles: infected minds To their deaf pillows will discharge their secrets: More needs she the divine than the physician. God, God forgive us all! Look after her; Remove from her the means of all annoyance, And still keep eyes upon her. So, good night: My mind she has mated, and amazed my sight. I think, but dare not speak. Gentlewoman Good night, good doctor. [Exeunt]
Act 5 Scene 5 Seyton:The queen,my lord,is dead. Macbeth:She should have died hereafter; There would have been time for such a word. Tomorrow,tomorrow,and tomorrow, Creeps in this petty pace from day to day To the last syllable of recorded time, And all our yesterdays have lighted fools The way to dusty death.Out,out,brief candle! Life's but a walking shadow,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 idiot,full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing
Act 5 Scene 5 Seyton: The queen, my lord, is dead. Macbeth: She should have died hereafter; There would have been time for such a word. Tomorrow, tomorrow, and tomorrow, Creeps in this petty pace from day to day To the last syllable of recorded time, And all our yesterdays have lighted fools The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle! Life’s but a walking shadow, 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 idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing