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

ACT, I. (Book 1)

SCENE, I. (Book 1)

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;

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?

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

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

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!......

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!

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

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,

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;

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.

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 enter∣tain'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?

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!

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

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,

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! —

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.