Page:Macbeth (1918) Yale.djvu/34

22

Ban. What, sir! not yet at rest? The king's a-bed:

He hath been in unusual pleasure, and

Sent forth great largess to your offices.

This diamond he greets your wife withal,

By the name of most kind hostess; and shut up

In measureless content.

Macb. Being unprepar'd,

Our will became the servant to defect,

Which else should free have wrought.

Ban. All's well.

I dreamt last night of the three weird sisters:

To you they have show'd some truth.

Macb. I think not of them:

Yet, when we can entreat an hour to serve,

We would spend it in some words upon that business,

If you would grant the time.

Ban. At your kind'st leisure.

Macb. If you shall cleave to my consent, when 'tis,

It shall make honour for you.

Ban. So I lose none

In seeking to augment it, but still keep

My bosom franchis'd and allegiance clear,

I shall be counsell'd.

Macb. Good repose the while!

Ban. Thanks, sir: the like to you.

Exit Banquo [with Fleance].

Macb. Go bid thy mistress, when my drink is ready

She strike upon the bell. Get thee to bed.

Is this a dagger which I see before me,

 14 largess: gifts

offices: servants' quarters

16 shut up; cf. n.

17–19 Cf. n.

25 consent: policy, plan

when 'tis: i.e., when it takes effect

28 franchis'd: free

