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144 A Restoration Version of Act III
Enter Macbeth's Lady una 1 Servant.
La. Macb. Is Banquo gone from Court?
Ser. Yes Madam, but returns again to night.
La. Macb. Say to the King, I wou'd attend his leisure
for a few words. {Exit. Ser.
Where our desire is got without content,
Alas, it is not Gain, but punishment !
Tis safer to be that which we destroy,
Then by Destruction live in doubtful joy.
Enter Macbeth.
How now my Lord, why do you keep alone?
Making the worst of Fancy your Companions,
Conversing with those thoughts which shou'd ha' dy'd
With those they think on : things without redress
Shou'd be without regard: what's done, is done.
Macb. Alas, we have but scotch'd the Snake nor kill'd it.
She'l close and be her self, whilst our poor malice
Remains in danger of her former Sting.
But let the frame of all things be disjoynt
E're we will eat our bread in fear; and sleep
In the affliction of those horrid Dreams
That shake us mightily ! Better be with him
Whom we to gain the Crown, have sent to peace;
Then on the torture of the mind to lie
In restless agony. Duncan is dead;
He, after life's short feaver, now sleeps; Well,
Treason has done its worst; nor Steel, nor Poyson,
Nor Foreign force, nor yet Domestick Malice
Can touch him further.
La. Macb. Come on, smooth your rough brow:
Be free and merry with your guests tonight.
Macb. I shall, and so I pray be you, but still,
Remember to apply your self to Banquo:
Present him kindness with your Eye and Tongue.