Macbeth Act 1 (Important Quotes)

...But 'tis strange. And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, The instruments of darkness tell us truths, Win us with honest trifles, to betray 's In deepest consequence. --

Banquo p. 23 Scene 3: Lines 134-138

There's no art To find the mind's construction in the face. He was a gentleman on whom I built An absolute trust.

Duncan p. 27 Scene 4: Lines 13-16

This castle hath a pleasant seat. The air Nimbly and sweetly recommends itself Unto our gentle senses.

Duncan p. 35 Scene 6: Lines 1-3

O valiant cousin, worthy gentleman!

Duncan p. 9 Scene 2: Line 26

...Come, you spirits That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full Of direst cruelty. Make thick my blood. Stop up th' access and passage to remorse, That no compunctious visitings of nature Shake my fell purpose, nor keep peace between Th' effect and it. ...

Lady Macbeth p. 33 Scene 5: Lines 47-54

...Look like th' innocent flower, But be the serpent under 't. ...

Lady Macbeth p. 35 Scene 5: Lines 76-78

...Yet I do fear thy nature; It is too full o' th' milk of human kindness To catch the nearest way. ...

Lady Macbeth (alone) p. 31 Scene 5: Lines 16-18

So foul and fair a day I have not seen.

Macbeth p. 17 Scene 3: Line 39

[Aside] This supernatural soliciting Cannot be ill, cannot be good. If ill, Why hath it given me earnest of success Commencing in a truth? I am Thane of Cawdor. If good, why do I yield to that suggestion Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair And make my seated heart knock at my ribs Against the use of nature?...

Macbeth p. 23 Scene 3: Lines 143-150

[Aside] The Prince of Cumberland! That is a step On which I must fall down or else o'erleap, For in my way it lies. Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires.

Macbeth p. 29 Scene 4: Lines 55-58

...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, Not bear the knife myself. 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...

Macbeth p. 39 Scene 7: Lines 12-20

We will proceed no further in this business. He hath honored me of late, and I have bought Golden opinions from all sorts of people, Which would be worn now in their newest gloss, Not cast aside so soon.

Macbeth p. 41 Scene 7: Lines 34-38

I am settled and bend up Each corporal agent to this terrible feat.

Macbeth p. 45 Scene 7: Lines 92-93

If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well It were done quickly. If th' assassination Could trammel up the consequence and catch With his surcease success, that but this blow Might be the be-all and the end-all here...

Macbeth p.39 Scene 7: Lines 1-5

[Aside] If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me Without my stir.

Macbeth p. 25 Scene 3: Lines 157-159

Fair is foul, and foul is fair, Hover through the fog and filthy air.

Three Witches (alone) p. 7 Scene 1: Lines 12-13