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62 Macbeth [Act in 

Lady Macbeth. Say to the king, I would at- 
tend his leisure 
For a few words. 

Servant. Madam, I will. [Exit. 

Lady Macbeth. Nought's had, all's spent, 

Where our desire is got without content: 
'T is safer to be that which we destroy 
Than by destruction dwell in doubtful joy. 

Enter Macbeth 

How now, my lord ! why do you keep alone, 
Of sorriest fancies your companions making, 
Using those thoughts which should indeed have 

died 10 

With them they think on? Things without all 

remedy 
Should we without regard : what's done is done. 
Macbeth. We have scotch'd the snake, not kill'd 

it: 
She'll close and be herself, whilst our poor malice 
Remains in danger of her former tooth. 
But let the frame of things disjoint, both the 

worlds suffer, 
Ere we will eat our meal in fear, and sleep 
In the affliction of these terrible dreams 
That shake us nightly ; better be with the dead, 
Whom we, to gain our peace, have sent to peace, 20 
Than on the torture of the mind to lie