Act 1 Scene 6


Scene Summary 


Duncan and Banquo arrive at Macbeth’s castle and are greeted by Lady Macbeth.


Inverness. Before Macbeth's castle. Hautboys1


DUNCAN This castle hath a pleasant seat;2


and torches. Enter DUNCAN, MALCOLM, DONALBAIN, BANQUO, LENNOX, MACDUFF, ROSS, ANGUS and Attendants 1 Hautboys: oboe players the air


Nimbly and sweetly recommends itself Unto our gentle senses.


BANQUO The temple-haunting martlet,3


This guest of summer, does approve,


By his loved mansionry,4 that the heaven's breath5 Smells wooingly6


here: no jutty, frieze,


Buttress, nor coign of vantage, but this bird Hath made his pendent bed and procreant cradle.7 Where they most breed and haunt, I have observed, The air is delicate.8 [Enter LADYMACBETH]


DUNCAN 10 See, see, our honoured hostess!


The love that follows us sometime is our trouble, Which still we thank as love.9


How you shall bid God 'ield us for your pains, And thank us for your trouble.10


LADYMACBETH All our service


In every point twice done and then done double Were poor and single business to contend Against those honours deep and broad wherewith Your Majesty loads our house: for those of old, And the late dignities11


heaped up to them,


We rest your hermits.12 DUNCAN


20 Where's the Thane of Cawdor?


We coursed him at the heels,13 and had a purpose To be his purveyor:14 but he rides well,


26 13 14 11 12 9 Herein I teach you, 10


The love…thank as love: Sometimes my subject’s love is bothersome but I am grateful for it.


Herein I teach you…for your trouble: I say this to teach you to thank God for the inconvenience and me for the trouble, as it displays my love for you.


late dignities: recent honours, i.e. the title of Thane of Cawdor


We rest your hermits:We are in your debt. Hermits relied on charity to survive.


coursed him at the heels: rode close behind him


purveyor: an officer who rode ahead of a king to organise his accommodation


3 4


martlet: house martin (a type of bird)


loved mansionry: favourite home


5 heaven’s breath: air


6 wooingly: inviting/welcoming 7


8


no jutty…procreant cradle: The bird has nested in every protruding part of the building.


Where they most breed… delicate: Wherever these birds most commonly breed and hunt, the air is appealing.


2 seat: location/position


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