Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Editor: Anthony Dawson
Not Peer Reviewed

Modern (Modern)

Hautboys and torches. Enter King, Malcolm, Donalbain, Banquo, Lennox, Macduff, Ross, Angus, and attendants.
Duncan
This castle hath a pleasant seat; 435the air
Nimbly and sweetly recommends itself
Unto our gentle senses.
Banquo
This guest of summer,
The temple-haunting martlet, does approve
By his loved mansionry that the heavens' breath
440Smells wooingly here. No jutty, frieze,
Buttress, nor coign of vantage, but this bird
Hath made his pendant bed and procreant cradle.
Where they most breed and haunt, I have observed
The air is delicate.
Enter Lady [Macbeth].
445Duncan
See, see, our honored hostess. The love
That follows us sometime is our trouble,
Which still we thank as love. Herein I teach you
How you shall bid God 'ield us for your pains
And thank us for your trouble.
450Lady Macbeth
All our service
In every point twice done, and then done double,
Were poor and single business to contend
Against those honors, deep and broad, wherewith
Your majesty loads our house. 455For those of old,
And the late dignities heaped up to them,
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,
460And his great love, sharp as his spur, hath holp him
To his home before us. Fair and noble hostess,
We are your guest tonight.
Lady Macbeth
Your servants ever
Have theirs, themselves, and what is theirs in count,
465To make their audit at your highness' pleasure,
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.
470By your leave, hostess.
Exeunt.