Back to the Play
Doctor and Gentlewoman, Lines 1-27
Performance Videos
Act 5,
Scene 1
Lines 1-27

The Doctor and Gentlewoman perform an excerpt from Act 5, Scene 1 of myShakespeare's Macbeth. 

[The Macbeth castle located at Dunsinane Hill. Enter a Doctor and a Gentlewoman who waits on the queen.]

Doctor

I have two nights watched with you, but can perceive
no truth in your report. When was it she last walked?

Gentlewoman

Since his majesty went into the field, I have seen
her rise from her bed, throw her nightgown upon
her, unlock her closet, take forth paper, fold it,
write upon't, read it, afterwards seal it, and again
return to bed — yet all this while in a most fast sleep.

Doctor

A great perturbation in nature — to receive at once
the benefit of sleep, and do the effects of watching. 
In this slumbery agitation, besides her walking and 
other actual performances, what, at any time, 
have you heard her say?

Gentlewoman

That, sir, which I will not report after her.

Doctor

You may to me, and 'tis most meet you should.

Gentlewoman

Neither to you nor any one, having no witness to
confirm my speech.
[Enter Lady Macbeth, with a candle]
Lo you, here she comes. This is her very guise,
and, upon my life, fast asleep. Observe her; stand close.

Doctor

How came she by that light?

Gentlewoman

Why, it stood by her. She has light by her
continually; 'tis her command.

Doctor

You see, her eyes are open.

Gentlewoman

Ay, but their sense is shut.

Doctor

What is it she does now? Look, how she rubs her hands.

Gentlewoman

It is an accustomed action with her, to seem thus
washing her hands. I have known her continue in
this a quarter of an hour.