Open Source Shakespeare

The Tragedy of Macbeth

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Act I, Scene 6

Before Macbeth’s castle.

       

[Hautboys and torches. Enter DUNCAN, MALCOLM,] [p]DONALBAIN, BANQUO, LENNOX, MACDUFF, ROSS, ANGUS, and Attendants]

  • Duncan. This castle hath a pleasant seat; the air
    Nimbly and sweetly recommends itself
    Unto our gentle senses. 435
  • Banquo. This guest of summer,
    The temple-haunting martlet, does approve,
    By his loved mansionry, that the heaven's breath
    Smells wooingly here: no jutty, frieze,
    Buttress, nor coign of vantage, but this bird 440
    Hath made his pendent bed and procreant cradle:
    Where they most breed and haunt, I have observed,
    The air is delicate.

[Enter LADY MACBETH]

  • Duncan. See, see, our honour'd hostess! 445
    The love that follows us sometime is our trouble,
    Which still we thank as love. Herein I teach you
    How you shall bid God 'ild us for your pains,
    And thank us for your trouble.
  • Lady Macbeth. All our service 450
    In every point twice done and then done double
    Were poor and single business to contend
    Against those honours deep and broad wherewith
    Your majesty loads our house: for those of old,
    And the late dignities heap'd up to them, 455
    We rest your hermits.
  • Duncan. Where's the thane of Cawdor?
    We coursed him at the heels, and had a purpose
    To be his purveyor: but he rides well;
    And his great love, sharp as his spur, hath holp him 460
    To his home before us. Fair and noble hostess,
    We are your guest to-night.
  • Lady Macbeth. Your servants ever
    Have theirs, themselves and what is theirs, in compt,
    To make their audit at your highness' pleasure, 465
    Still to return your own.
  • Duncan. Give me your hand;
    Conduct me to mine host: we love him highly,
    And shall continue our graces towards him.
    By your leave, hostess. 470

[Exeunt]