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Macbeth

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Bring them before us.

Exit Servant.

To be thus is nothing, but to be safely thus.48

Our fears in Banquo stick deep,49

And in his royalty of nature reigns that50

Which would be feared. 'Tis much he dares;51

And to that dauntless temper of his mind

He hath a wisdom that doth guide his valor

To act in safety. There is none but he

Whose being I do fear; and under him

My genius is rebuked, as it is said56

Mark Antony's was by Caesar. He chid the sisters57

When first they put the name of king upon me,

And bade them speak to him. Then, prophetlike,

They hailed him father to a line of kings.60

Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown

And put a barren scepter in my grip,

Thence to be wrenched with an unlineal hand,

No son of mine succeeding. If't be so,

65 For Banquo's issue have I filed my mind; For them the gracious Duncan have I murdered;

67 Put rancors in the vessel of my peace 68 Only for them, and mine eternal jewel 69 Given to the common enemy of man 70 To make them kings-the seeds of Banquo kings.

71 Rather than so, come, Fate, into the list, 72 And champion me to th' utterance. Who's there?

Enter Servant and two Murderers.

[To Servant]

Now go to the door and stay there till we call.

Exit Servant.

Was it not yesterday we spoke together?

MURDERERS

It was, so please your highness.

MACBETH Well then, now



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