Macb. If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well[3886]
It were done quickly: if the assassination[3886][3887]
Could trammel up the consequence, and catch,
With his surcease, success; that but this blow[3888]
Might be the be-all and the end-all here,[3889] 5
But here, upon this bank and shoal of time,[3890]
We'ld jump the life to come. But in these cases
We still have judgement here; that we but teach
Bloody instructions, which being taught return[3891]
To plague the inventor: this even-handed justice[3892][3893] 10
Commends the ingredients of our poison'd chalice[3892][3894]
To our own lips. He's here in double trust:
First, as I am his kinsman and his subject,
Strong both against the deed; then, as his host,
Who should against his murderer shut the door, 15
Not bear the knife myself. Besides, this Duncan
Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been[3895]
So clear in his great office, that his virtues
Will plead like angels trumpet-tongued against[3896]
The deep damnation of his taking-off; 20
And pity, like a naked new-born babe,
Striding the blast, or heaven's cherubin horsed[3897]
Upon the sightless couriers of the air,[3898]
Shall blow the horrid deed in every eye,
That tears shall drown the wind. I have no spur 25
To prick the sides of my intent, but only
Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself[3899]
And falls on the other.[3900]
Enter Lady Macbeth.[3901]
How now! what news?
Lady M. He has almost supp'd: why have you left the chamber?[3902]
Macb. Hath he ask'd for me?
Lady M. Know you not he has?[3903] 30
Macb. We will proceed no further in this business:
He hath honour'd me of late; and I have bought
Golden opinions from all sorts of people,[3904]
Which would be worn now in their newest gloss,[3905]
Not cast aside so soon.
Lady M. Was the hope drunk 35
Wherein you dress'd yourself? hath it slept since?[3906]
And wakes it now, to look so green and pale
At what it did so freely? From this time[3907]
Such I account thy love. Art thou afeard[3908]
To be the same in thine own act and valour 40
As thou art in desire? Wouldst thou have that[3909]
Which thou esteem'st the ornament of life,
And live a coward in thine own esteem,[3909]
Letting 'I dare not' wait upon 'I would,'
Like the poor cat i' the adage?[3910]
Macb. Prithee, peace: 45
I dare do all that may become a man;
Who dares do more is none.[3911]