I go, and it is done; the bell invites me. Hear it not, Duncan; for it is a knell That summons thee to heaven or to hell.
SHAKESPEARE.
THE MURDER. FROM "MACBETH," ACT II. SC. 2.
Scene in the Castle. Enter Lady Macbeth.
Lady Macbeth.—That which hath made them drunk hath made me bold, What hath quenched them hath given me fire. Hark!—Peace! It was the owl that shrieked, the fatal bellman, Which gives the stern'st good night. He is about it: The doors are open; and the surfeited grooms Do mark their charge with snores: I have drugged their possets, That death and nature do contend about them, Whether they live or die.
Macbeth (within).—Who's there? What, ho!
Lady Macbeth.—Alack, I am afraid they have awaked And 't is not done:—the attempt and not the deed Confounds us.—Hark!—I laid their daggers ready; He could not miss them.—Had he not resembled My father, as he slept, I had done 't.—My husband!
(Enter Macbeth.)
Macbeth.—I have done the deed. Didst thou not hear a noise?
Lady Macbeth.—I heard the owl scream, and the crickets cry. Did not you speak?