SCENE V.
Macbeth. You know your own degrees, sit down: At first and last, the hearty welcome.
As this passage stands, not only the numbers are very imperfect, but the sense, if any can be found, weak and contemptible. The numbers will be improved by reading,
—sit down at first,
And last a hearty welcome.
But for last should then be written next. I believe the true reading is,
You know your own degrees, sit down—To first
And last the hearty welcome.
All of whatever degree, from the highest to the lowest, may be assured that their visit is well received.
NOTE XXIX
Macbeth.—There's blood upon thy face.
[—To the murderer, aside at the door.]
Murderer. 'Tis Banquo's then.
Macbeth. 'Tis better thee without, than he within.
The sense apparently requires that this passage should be read thus: