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32 Macbeth [Act I 



Enter Lady Macbeth 

Duncan. See, see, our honour'd hostess ! 

The love that follows us sometime is our trouble, 
Which still we thank as love. Herein I teach you 
How you shall bid God 'ild us for your pains, 
And thank us for your trouble. 

Lady Macbeth. All our service 

In every point twice done, and then done double 
Were poor and single business, to contend 
Against those honours deep and broad wherewith 
Your majesty loads our house; for those of old, 
And the late dignities heap'd up to them, 
We rest your hermits. 

Duncan. Where s the thane of Cawdor? 

We cours'd him at the heels and had a ourpose 
To be his purveyor ; but he rides well, 
And his great love, sharp as his spur, hath holp him 
To his home before us. Fair and noble hostess, 
We' are your guest to-night. 

Lady Macbeth. Your servants ever 

Have theirs, themselves, and what is theirs, in 

compt, 
To make their audit at your highness' pleasure, 
Still to return your own. 

Duncan. Give me your hand ; 

Conduct me to mine host: we love him highly, 
And shall continue our graces towards him. 
By your leave, hostess. [Exeunt. 

Note the strong contrasts of this scene. 



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