Page:Macbeth (1918) Yale.djvu/69

Macbeth, IV. i.  Sec. Witch. By the pricking of my thumbs,

Something wicked this way comes.

Open, locks,

Whoever knocks.

Macb. How now, you secret, black, and midnight hags!

What is 't you do?

All. A deed without a name.

Macb. I conjure you, by that which you profess,—

Howe'er you come to know it,—answer me:

Though you untie the winds and let them fight

Against the churches; though the yesty waves

Confound and swallow navigation up;

Though bladed corn be lodg'd and trees blown down;

Though castles topple on their warders' heads;

Though palaces and pyramids do slope

Their heads to their foundations; though the treasure

Of Nature's germens tumble all together,

Even till destruction sicken; answer me

To what I ask you.

First Witch. Speak.

Sec. Witch. Demand.

Third Witch. We'll answer.

First Witch. Say if thou'dst rather hear it from our mouths,

Or from our masters&#39;?

Macb. Call 'em: let me see 'em.

First Witch. Pour in sow's blood, that hath eaten

Her nine farrow; grease, that's sweaten

 50, 51 Cf. n.

53 yesty: foamy

55 bladed corn: grain not yet in the ear

lodg'd: beaten flat

58, 59 treasure germens; cf. n.

65 farrow: young pigs 