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Scene ill] Macbeth 23 

Macbeth. [Aside] Glamis, and thane of Caw- 
dor : 
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 
Promised no less to them? 

Banquo. That, trusted home, 120 

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. 

[To Ross and Angus]. Cousins, a word, I pray 

you. 
Macbeth. [Aside]. Two truths are told, 
As happy prologues to the swelling act 
Of the imperial theme. [To Ross and Angus] 

I thank you, gentlemen. — 
[Aside] This supernatural soliciting 130 

Cannot be ill ; cannot be good : if ill, 
Why hath it given me earnest of success, 
Commencing in a truth? I am thane of Cawdor: 
If good, why do I yield to that suggestion 
Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair 
And make my seated heart knock at my ribs, 

Why are Macbeth's speeches aside?