The Shakspearian reader Author:William Shakespeare Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: MACBETH. " The traditionary itory of Macbeth, on which this Drama u founded, u related by HoIUnshed, in hU Chronicle, and aim by George Buchanan in his Latin ... more »" History of Scotland." Sbakipeam U supposed to have avaik-J hinuelf of Holluuhed'i narrative in the con- itrncuon of thii Play, as the incidents introduced by the Poet, are precinct? thoie narrated by the chronicler. The inpernatnral agency exercised by the Witches, may appear in this enlightened age, to be beyond the bounds of credibility, but it ihonld be remembered that in Shakspeare'a time, the belief in witchcraft was universal. PERSONS REPRESENTED. It, King of Scotland. Malcolm, Donalbain, /' sons. Macbeth, Banquo, general of the King's army. Macdoff, Lenox, Rosse, Menteth, Angus, Cathness, noblemen of Scotland. Fleance, ton to Banquo. Siward, Earl of Northumberland, general of the English force". Young Siward, Aw son. Seyton, an officer attending on Macbeth. Son to Macduff. An English Doctor. A Scotch Doctor. A Soldier. A Porter. An old Man. Lady Macbeth. Lady Macdoff. Gentlewoman attending on Lady Macbeth. Hecate, and three Witches. Lords, Gentlemen, Officers, Soldiers, Murderers, Attendant, and Messengers. The Ghost of Banquo, and general other apparitions. 8CENE,—in the end of the Fourth Act, lies in England ; through the reft of the Play, in Scotland ; and, chiefly, at Macbeth's Castle. ACT I. SCENE I.—An open Place. Thunder and Lightning. Enter three Witches. 1st Witch. When shall we three meet again, In thunder, lightning, or in rain ? 2nd Witch. When the hurlyburly's done, When the battle's lost and won: Srd Witch. That will be ere set of sun. 1st Witch. Where the place ? 2nd Witch. Upon the heath : Srd Witch. There to meet with Macbeth. 1st W...« less