Macbeth, Act 3, Scene 3
Original
Modern English
Enter three Murderers.
Three Murderers come in.
First Murderer1
But who did bid thee join with us?
But who told you to join us?
Third Murderer2
Macbeth.
Macbeth.
Second Murderer3
He needs not our mistrust; since he delivers Our offices and what we have to do To the direction just.
There's no need for us to distrust him, since he lists our duties and what we have to do exactly according to our instructions.
First Murderer6
Then stand with us. The west yet glimmers with some streaks of day. Now spurs the lated traveller apace, To gain the timely inn; and near approaches The subject of our watch.
Then stand here with us. The west still shines with a few streaks of daylight. Now the traveller who is running late spurs his horse to reach the inn in good time; and the man we are waiting for is coming close.
Third Murderer11
Hark! I hear horses.
Listen! I hear horses.
Banquo12
[Within.] Give us a light there, ho!
[Offstage.] Give us a light here, hey!
Second Murderer13
Then ’tis he; the rest That are within the note of expectation Already are i’ th’ court.
Then it's him. The others on the list of guests expected are already in the courtyard.
First Murderer16
His horses go about.
His horses are being led around the other way.
Third Murderer17
Almost a mile; but he does usually, So all men do, from hence to the palace gate Make it their walk.
Nearly a mile round; but he usually — as everyone does — walks from here to the palace gate.
Enter Banquo and Fleance with a torch.
Banquo and Fleance come in, with Fleance carrying a torch.
Second Murderer20
A light, a light!
A light, a light!
Third Murderer21
’Tis he.
It's him.
First Murderer22
Stand to’t.
Get ready for it.
Banquo23
It will be rain tonight.
It's going to rain tonight.
First Murderer24
Let it come down.
Let it come down.
Assaults Banquo.
He attacks Banquo.
Banquo25
O, treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly! Thou mayst revenge—O slave!
Oh, treachery! Run, good Fleance, run, run, run! You may take revenge— Oh, you villain!
Dies. Fleance escapes.
He dies. Fleance escapes.
Third Murderer27
Who did strike out the light?
Who knocked out the light?
First Murderer28
Was’t not the way?
Wasn't that the right thing to do?
Third Murderer29
There’s but one down: the son is fled.
Only one of them is down: the son has got away.
Second Murderer30
We have lost best half of our affair.
We have lost the better half of our business.
First Murderer31
Well, let’s away, and say how much is done.
Well, let's go and report how much has been done.
Exeunt.
They leave.
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