Page 118

William Shakespeare. (1564–1616) (continued)

With his surcease success; that but this blow
Might be the be-all and the end-all here,
But here, upon this bank and shoal of time,
We ’ld jump the life to come. But in these cases
We still have judgment here; that we but teach
Bloody instructions, which being taught, return
To plague the inventor: this even-handed justice
Commends the ingredients of our poison’d chalice
To our own lips.

Macbeth. Act i. Sc. 7.

1372

Besides, this Duncan
Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been
So clear in his great office, that his virtues
Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued, against
The deep damnation of his taking-off;
And pity, like a naked new-born babe,
Striding the blast, or heaven’s cherubim, horsed
Upon the sightless couriers of the air,
Shall blow the horrid deed in every eye,
That tears shall drown the wind. I have no spur
To prick the sides of my intent, but only
Vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself,
And falls on the other.

Macbeth. Act i. Sc. 7.

1373

I have bought
Golden opinions from all sorts of people.

Macbeth. Act i. Sc. 7.

1374

Letting “I dare not” wait upon “I would,”
Like the poor cat i’ the adage. 1

Macbeth. Act i. Sc. 7.

1375

I dare do all that may become a man;
Who dares do more is none.

Macbeth. Act i. Sc. 7.

1376

Nor time nor place
Did then adhere.

Macbeth. Act i. Sc. 7.

1377

Macb. If we should fail?
Lady M. We fail!
But screw your courage to the sticking-place,
And we ’ll not fail.

Macbeth. Act i. Sc. 7.

Note 1.
See Heywood, Quotation 65. [back]

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