Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616 . Macbeth
Electronic Text Center, University of Virginia Library

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Scene 3

    [A park near the palace.]

    [Enter three Murderers]


First Murderer

   But who did bid thee join with us?


Third Murderer

   Macbeth.


Second Murderer

   He needs not our mistrust, since he delivers
Our offices and what we have to do
To the direction just.


First Murderer

   Then stand with us.
The west yet glimmers with some streaks of day:
Now spurs the lated traveller apace
To gain the timely inn; and near approaches
The subject of our watch.


Third Murderer

   Hark! I hear horses.


BANQUO

    [Within]

    Give us a light there, ho!


Second Murderer

   Then 'tis he: the rest
That are within the note of expectation
Already are i' the court.


First Murderer

   His horses go about.


Third Murderer

   Almost a mile: but he does usually,
So all men do, from hence to the palace gate
Make it their walk.


Second Murderer

   A light, a light!

    [Enter BANQUO, and FLEANCE with a torch]


Third Murderer

   'Tis he.


First Murderer

   Stand to't.


BANQUO

   It will be rain to-night.


First Murderer

   Let it come down.

    [They set upon BANQUO]


BANQUO

   O, treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly!
Thou mayst revenge. O slave!

    [Dies. FLEANCE escapes]


Third Murderer

   Who did strike out the light?


First Murderer

   Wast not the way?


Third Murderer

   There's but one down; the son is fled.


Second Murderer

   We have lost
Best half of our affair.


First Murderer

   Well, let's away, and say how much is done.

    [Exeunt]