ACT 1
[Hautboys and torches. Enter DUNCAN, MALCOLM, DONALBAIN, BANQUO, LENNOX, MACDUFF, ROSS, ANGUS, and Attendants]
DUNCAN
This castle hath a pleasant seat; the air
This castle's in a lovely spot; the breeze
Nimbly and sweetly recommends itself
Is so delightful here, it leaves one feeling
Unto our gentle senses.
Relaxed and mellow.
BANQUO
This guest of summer,
This migrating bird,
The temple-haunting martlet, does approve,
The house martin, that nests in steeples, likes it
By his loved mansionry, that the heaven's breath
So much it builds its home here, on the winds
Smells wooingly here: no jutty, frieze,
That lure it in. No ledges, overhangs,
Buttress, nor coign of vantage, but this bird
Stone columns, jutted corners, but this bird
Hath made his pendent bed and procreant cradle:
Has built his nest in which to procreate.
Where they most breed and haunt, I have observed,
Where these birds congregate, I have observed
The air is delicate.
The winds are gentle.
[Enter LADY MACBETH]
DUNCAN
See, see, our honoured hostess!
Look, our gracious hostess!
The love that follows us sometime is our trouble,
The adulation I get often tires me,
Which still we thank as love. Herein I teach you
Although I'm grateful for it. Saying that,
How you shall bid God 'ild us for your pains,
Please ask God to forgive how I disturb you
And thank us for your trouble.
And gives us thanks for troubling you!
LADY MACBETH
All our service
My service
In every point twice done and then done double
If doubled, then if doubled once again,
Were poor and single business to contend
Would still be insignificant compared
Against those honours deep and broad wherewith
To such a great an honour that we have
Your majesty loads our house: for those of old,
Our king within our house; for former visits
And the late dignities heaped up to them,
And all your recent trips you've graced us with,
We rest your hermits.
We pray like hermits.
DUNCAN
Where's the thane of Cawdor?
Where's the thane of Cawdor?
We coursed him at the heels, and had a purpose
We followed close behind and had intended
To be his purveyor: but he rides well;
To treat him well, but he rode quickly on;
And his great love, sharp as his spur, hath holp him
And his deep love of you has spurred him forward
To his home before us. Fair and noble hostess,
To reach his home before us. Lovely hostess,
We are your guest to-night.
We are your guests tonight.
LADY MACBETH
Your servants ever
We are your servants
Have theirs, themselves and what is theirs, in compt,
And what we have, our servants and possessions,
To make their audit at your highness' pleasure,
Are here to use just as your highness pleases
Still to return your own.
As though they were your own.
DUNCAN
Give me your hand;
Give me your hand
Conduct me to mine host: we love him highly,
And take me to my host. I love him dearly
And shall continue our graces towards him.
And will continue my politeness with him.
By your leave, hostess.
I'll follow you, hostess.
[Exeunt]
