Literature/William Shakespeare/Macbeth

Macbeth

William Shakespeare, c. 1606

Act IIIScene III

The same. A Park or Lawn, with a gate leading to the Palace

Enter three Murderers.

First Murderer

But who did bid thee join with us?

Third Murderer

Macbeth.

Second Murderer

He needs not our mistrust; since he deliversOur offices and what we have to doTo the direction just.

First Murderer

Then stand with us.The west yet glimmers with some streaks of day.Now spurs the lated traveller apace,To gain the timely inn; and near approachesThe subject of our watch.

Third Murderer

Hark! I hear horses.

Banquo

Within.

Give us a light there, ho!

Second Murderer

Then ’tis he; the restThat are within the note of expectationAlready are i’ th’ court.

First Murderer

His horses go about.

Third Murderer

Almost a mile; but he does usually,So all men do, from hence to the palace gateMake it their walk.

Enter Banquo and Fleance with a torch.

Second Murderer

A light, a light!

Third Murderer

’Tis he.

First Murderer

Stand to’t.

Banquo

It will be rain tonight.

First Murderer

Let it come down.

Assaults Banquo.

Banquo

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

Dies. Fleance escapes.

Third Murderer

Who did strike out the light?

First Murderer

Was’t not the way?

Third Murderer

There’s but one down: the son is fled.

Second Murderer

We have lost best half of our affair.

First Murderer

Well, let’s away, and say how much is done.

Exeunt.