There came from me a sigh of pain I looked at her, and looked again : Matthew is in his grave, yet now, W. Wordsworth. CCXX. PARADISE. (FROM 'PARADISE LOST.' BOOK IV.) O on he* fares, and to the border comes Now nearer, crowns with her enclosure green, Cedar, and pine, and fir, and branching palm, Of stateliest view. Yet higher than their tops * He, Satan. On which the Sun more glad impressed his beams When God hath showered the earth; so lovely seemed All sadness but despair: now gentle gales, Of Araby the blest; with such delay Well pleased, they slack their course, and many a league Cheered with the grateful smell old Ocean smiles. J. Milton. CCXXI. MACBETH. ACT III. SCENE IV.-Hall in the Palace. A Banquet prepared. Enter Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Ross, LENNOX, Lords, and Attendants. Macb. Lords. OU know your own degrees; sit down: at first And last the hearty welcome. Thanks to your majesty. Macb. Ourself will mingle with society, And play the humble host. Our hostess keeps her state, but in best time We will require her welcome. Lady M. Pronounce it for me, sir, to all our friends; For my heart speaks they are welcome. * Sabaea, part of Arabia. Macb. First Murderer appears at the door. See, they encounter thee with their hearts' thanks. Both sides are even: here I'll sit i' the midst : Be large in mirth; anon we'll drink a measure The table round. [Approaching the door.] There's blood upon thy face. Mur. 'Tis Banquo's then. Mach. 'Tis better thee without than he within. Is he dispatched? Mur. My lord, his throat is cut; that I did for him. Mach. Thou art the best o' the cut-throats : yet he's good That did the like for Fleance: if thou didst it, Thou art the nonpareil. Mur. Fleance is 'scaped. Most royal sir, Macb. Then comes my fit again: I had else been perfect, Whole as the marble, founded as the rock, As broad and general as the casing air: But now I am cabined, cribbed, confined, bound in The least a death to nature. Macb. Thanks for that: There the grown serpent lies; the worm that's fled No teeth for the present. Get thee gone: to-morrow Lady M. [Exit Murderer. My royal lord, You do not give the cheer: the feast is sold That is not often vouched, while 'tis a-making, 'Tis given with welcome: to feed were best at home; From thence the sauce to meat is ceremony; Meeting were bare without it. Sweet remembrancer! Macb. Now, good digestion wait on appetite, And health on both! Len. May't please your highness sit. [The Ghost of Banquo enters, and sits in Macbeth's place. Macb. Here had we now our country's honour roofed, Were the graced person of our Banquo present, Whom may I rather challenge for unkindness Than pity for mischance. Ross. His absence, sir, Lays blame upon his promise. Please't your highness To grace us with your royal company. Macb. The table's full. Len. Macb. Where? Here is a place reserved, sir. Len. Here, my good lord. What is't that moves your highness? Macb. Which of you have done this? Lords. What, my good lord? Macb. Thou canst not say I did it never shake Thy gory locks at me. Ross. Gentlemen, rise: his highness is not well. Lady M. Sit, worthy friends: my lord is often thus, And hath been from his youth: pray you, keep seat; The fit is momentary; upon a thought He will again be well: if much you note him, Feed, and regard him not. Are you a man? Macb. Ay, and a bold one, that dare look on that Which might appal the devil. Lady M. O proper stuff! This is the air-drawn dagger which, you said, Authorized by her grandam. Shame itself! Why do you make such faces? When all's done, Macb. Prithee, see there! behold! look! lo! how say you? Why, what care I? If thou canst nod, speak too. Those that we bury back, our monuments Lady M. [Ghost vanishes. What, quite unmanned in folly? Fie, for shame! Macb. If I stand here, I saw him. Macb. Blood hath been shed ere now, i' the olden Ere human statute purged the gentle weal; [time, Ay, and since too, murders have been performed That, when the brains were out, the man would die, Lady M. My worthy lord, Your noble friends do lack you. Macb. I do forget. Do not muse at me, my most worthy friends; I have a strange infirmity, which is nothing To those that know me. Come, love and health to all; I drink to the general joy o' the whole table, Lords. Our duties, and the pledge. Re-enter Ghost. Macb. Avaunt! and quit my sight! let the earth hide Thy bones are marrowless, thy blood is cold; [thee! |