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80 Macbeth [Act IV 

Something wicked this way comes : 
Open, locks, 
Whoever knocks ! 

Enter Macbeth 

Macbeth. How now, you secret, black, and mid- 
night hags ! 
What is't you do? 

All. A deed without a name. 

Macbeth. I conjure you, by that which you 

profess, 50 

Howe'er you came to know it, answer me : 
Though you untie the winds and let them fight 
Against the churches; though the yesty waves 
Confound and swallow navigation up ; 
Though bladed corn be lodg'd and trees blown down ; 
Though castles topple on their warders' heads ; 
Though palaces and pyramids do slope 
Their heads to their foundations ; though the treasure 
Of nature's germens tumble all together, 
Even till destruction sicken ; answer me 60 

To what I ask you. 

First Witch. Speak. 

Second Witch. Demand. 

Third Witch. We'll answer. 

First Witch. Say, if thou'dst rather hear it 
from our mouths, 
Or from our masters? 

52-60. Explain the tragic recklessness here.