Ourself will mingle with society4
And play the humble host.
Our hostess keeps her state, but in best time6
We will require her welcome.
LADY MACBETH
Pronounce it for me, sir, to all our friends,
For my heart speaks they are welcome. Enter First Murderer.
MACBETH
10 See, they encounter thee with their hearts' thanks.
Both sides are even. Here I'll sit i' th' midst.
Be large in mirth; anon we'll drink a measure
The table round. [Goes to Murderer.]
There's blood upon thy face.
FIRST MURDERER 'Tis Banquo's then.
MACBETH
'Tis better thee without than he within.
Is he dispatched?
FIRST MURDERER My lord, his throat is cut:
That I did for him.
MACBETH Thou art the best o' th' cutthroats.
Yet he's good that did the like for Fleance:
19 If thou didst it, thou art the nonpareil.
FIRST MURDERER
20 Most royal sir, Fleance is scaped.
MACBETH
21 Then comes my fit again. I had else been perfect; 22 Whole as the marble, founded as the rock, 23 As broad and general as the casing air.
24 But now I am cabined, cribbed, confined, bound in 25 To saucy doubts and fears. But Banquo's safe?
FIRST MURDERER
Ay, my good lord. Safe in a ditch he bides,
27 With twenty trenched gashes on his head, The least a death to nature.