Shakespeare Portal

Act 1, Scene 6

The same. Before the Castle.

  1. [Hautboys. Servants of Macbeth attending.]
  2. [Enter Duncan, Malcolm, Donalbain, Banquo, Lennox, Macduff, Ross, Angus, and Attendants.]
  3. Duncan
  4. 403 This castle hath a pleasant seat: the air
  5. 404 Nimbly and sweetly recommends itself
  6. 405 Unto our gentle senses.
  7. Banquo
  8. 406 This guest of summer,
  9. 407 The temple-haunting martlet, does approve
  10. 408 By his lov'd mansionry, that the heaven's breath
  11. 409 Smells wooingly here: no jutty, frieze, buttress,
  12. 410 Nor coigne of vantage, but this bird hath made
  13. 411 His pendant bed and procreant cradle:
  14. 412 Where they most breed and haunt, I have observ'd
  15. 413 The air is delicate.
  16. [Enter Lady Macbeth.]
  17. Duncan
  18. 414 See, see, our honour'd hostess!—
  19. 415 The love that follows us sometime is our trouble,
  20. 416 Which still we thank as love. Herein I teach you
  21. 417 How you shall bid God ild us for your pains,
  22. 418 And thank us for your trouble.
  23. Lady Macbeth
  24. 419 All our service
  25. 420 In every point twice done, and then done double,
  26. 421 Were poor and single business to contend
  27. 422 Against those honours deep and broad wherewith
  28. 423 Your majesty loads our house: for those of old,
  29. 424 And the late dignities heap'd up to them,
  30. 425 We rest your hermits.
  31. Duncan
  32. 426 Where's the Thane of Cawdor?
  33. 427 We cours'd him at the heels, and had a purpose
  34. 428 To be his purveyor: but he rides well;
  35. 429 And his great love, sharp as his spur, hath holp him
  36. 430 To his home before us. Fair and noble hostess,
  37. 431 We are your guest tonight.
  38. Lady Macbeth
  39. 432 Your servants ever
  40. 433 Have theirs, themselves, and what is theirs, in compt,
  41. 434 To make their audit at your highness' pleasure,
  42. 435 Still to return your own.
  43. Duncan
  44. 436 Give me your hand;
  45. 437 Conduct me to mine host: we love him highly,
  46. 438 And shall continue our graces towards him.
  47. 439 By your leave, hostess.
  48. [Exeunt.]