Page:Macbeth (1918) Yale.djvu/21

Macbeth, I. iii

Macb. The Thane of Cawdor lives: why do you dress me

In borrow'd robes?

Ang. Who was the thane lives yet;

But under heavy judgment bears that life

Which he deserves to lose. Whether he was combin'd

With those of Norway, or did line the rebel

With hidden help and vantage, or that with both

He labour'd in his country's wrack, I know not;

But treasons capital, confess'd and prov'd,

Have overthrown him.

Macb. [Aside.] Glamis, and Thane of Cawdor:

The greatest is behind.

[To Ross and Angus.] Thanks for your pains.

[To Banquo.] Do you not hope your children shall be kings,

When those that gave the Thane of Cawdor to me

Promis'd no less to them?

Ban. That, trusted home,

Might yet enkindle you unto the crown,

Besides the Thane of Cawdor. But 'tis strange:

And oftentimes, to win us to our harm,

The instruments of darkness tell us truths,

Win us with honest trifles, to betray's

In deepest consequence.

Cousins, a word, I pray you.

Macb. [Aside.] Two truths are told,

As happy prologues to the swelling act

Of the imperial theme.—I thank you, gentlemen.—

[Aside.] This supernatural soliciting

Cannot be ill, cannot be good; if ill,

Why hath it given me earnest of success,

 112 line: reinforce

114 wrack: wreck

120 home: to the utmost

125 betray's: betray us

126 In consequence: most grievously hereafter

