Book-bot.com - read famous books online for free

Characters of Shakespeare's Plays by William Hazlitt
page 48 of 332 (14%)

Another passage to show that Shakespeare lost sight of nothing that
could in anyway give relief or heightening to his subject, is the
conversation which takes place between Banquo and Fleance
immediately before the murder-scene of Duncan.

Banquo. How goes the night, boy?

Fleance. The moon is down: I have not heard the clock.

Banquo. And she goes down at twelve.

Fleance. I take't, tis later, Sir.

Banquo. Hold, take my sword. There's husbandry in heav'n,
Their candles are all out.--
A heavy summons lies like lead upon me,
And yet I would not sleep: Merciful Powers,
Restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature
Gives way to in repose.

In like manner, a fine idea is given of the gloomy coming on of
evening, just as Banquo is going to be assassinated.

Light thickens and the crow
Makes wing to the rooky wood.
. . . . .
Now spurs the lated traveller apace
To gain the timely inn.

DigitalOcean Referral Badge