Read Macbeth Online

37

The Dagger 
Scene 

ACT II 

Scene I. Inverness. Court of Macbeth' s castle. 

Enter Banquo, and Fleance with a torch before 

him 

Banquo. How goes the night, boy? 

■Fleance. The moon is down ; I have not heard 
the clock. 

Banquo. And she goes down at twelve. 

Fleance. I take't, 'tis later, sir. 

Banquo. Hold, take my sword. — There's hus- 
bandry in heaven ; 
Their candles are all out. Take thee that too. 
A heavy summons lies like lead upon me, 
And yet I would not sleep. Merciful powers, 
Restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature 
Gives way to in repose ! 

Enter Macbeth, and a Servant with a torch 

Give me my sword. 
Who's there? 10 

Macbeth. A friend. 

Banquo. What, sir, not yet at rest ? The king's 
a-bed : 
He hath been in unusual pleasure, and 

8. What thoughts and why cursed?