No Fear Shakespeare: Macbeth: Act 3, scene iv

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Banquet prepared. Enter MACBETH, LADY MACBETH, ROSS, LENNOX, LORDS, and attendants.

The stage is set for a banquet. MACBETH enters with LADY MACBETH, ROSS, LENNOX, LORDS, and their attendants.

	MACBETH
	You know your own degrees; sit down. At first
	And last, the hearty welcome.

MACBETH

You know your own ranks, so you know where to sit. Sit down. From the highest to the lowest of you, I bid you a hearty welcome.

The LORDS sit

The LORDS sit down.

	LORDS
	Thanks to your majesty.

LORDS

Thanks to your majesty.

	MACBETH
	Ourself will mingle with society
	And play the humble host.
5	Our hostess keeps her state, but in best time
	We will require her welcome.

MACBETH

I will walk around and mingle with all of you, playing the humble host. My wife will stay in her royal chair, but at the appropriate time I will have her welcome you all.

	LADY MACBETH
	Pronounce it for me, sir, to all our friends,
	For my heart speaks they are welcome.

LADY MACBETH

Say welcome to all of our friends for me, sir, for in my heart they are all welcome.

Enter FIRST MURDERER at the door

The FIRST MURDERER appears at the door.

	MACBETH
	See, they encounter thee with their hearts' thanks.
10	Both sides are even. Here I'll sit i' th' midst.
	Be large in mirth. Anon we'll drink a measure
	The table round.

MACBETH

And they respond to you with their hearts as well. The table is full on both sides. I will sit here in the middle. Be free and happy. Soon we will toast around the table.

(aside to FIRST MURDERER) There's blood upon thy face.

(approaching the door and speaking to the MURDERER) There's blood on your face.

	FIRST MURDERER
	'Tis Banquo's then.

FIRST MURDERER

Then it must be Banquo's.

	MACBETH
15	'Tis better thee without than he within.
	Is he dispatched?

MACBETH

I'd rather see his blood splattered on your face than flowing through his veins. Did you finish him off?


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