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?
