Open Source Shakespeare

The Tragedy of Macbeth

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Act III, Scene 3

A park near the palace.

       

[Enter three Murderers]

  • First Murderer. But who did bid thee join with us?
  • Third Murderer. Macbeth. 1235
  • Second Murderer. He needs not our mistrust, since he delivers
    Our offices and what we have to do
    To the direction just.
  • First Murderer. Then stand with us.
    The west yet glimmers with some streaks of day: 1240
    Now spurs the lated traveller apace
    To gain the timely inn; and near approaches
    The subject of our watch.
  • Third Murderer. Hark! I hear horses.
  • Banquo. [Within] Give us a light there, ho! 1245
  • Second Murderer. Then 'tis he: the rest
    That are within the note of expectation
    Already are i' the court.
  • First Murderer. His horses go about.
  • Third Murderer. Almost a mile: but he does usually, 1250
    So all men do, from hence to the palace gate
    Make it their walk.
  • Second Murderer. A light, a light!

[Enter BANQUO, and FLEANCE with a torch]

  • Third Murderer. 'Tis he. 1255
  • First Murderer. Stand to't.
  • Banquo. It will be rain to-night.
  • First Murderer. Let it come down.

[They set upon BANQUO]

  • Banquo. O, treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly! 1260
    Thou mayst revenge. O slave!

[Dies. FLEANCE escapes]

  • Third Murderer. Who did strike out the light?
  • First Murderer. Wast not the way?
  • Third Murderer. There's but one down; the son is fled. 1265
  • Second Murderer. We have lost
    Best half of our affair.
  • First Murderer. Well, let's away, and say how much is done.

[Exeunt]