Macbeth: Act 1, Scene 1
tragedy
A desert place.
Scene Summary
Skip to text ↓Three witches meet briefly on a heath in thunder and lightning. They agree to meet again after a battle, when the fog and filth clear — and when they will encounter Macbeth. The scene lasts barely a dozen lines. Its job is to establish that something dark is already in motion before the play's main characters have appeared.
Thunder and lightning. Enter three Witches
First Witch
When shall we three meet again
In thunder, lightning, or in rain?
Second Witch
When the hurlyburly's done,
When the battle's lost and won.
Third Witch
That will be ere the set of sun.
First Witch
Where the place?
Second Witch
Upon the heath.
Third Witch
There to meet with Macbeth.
First Witch
I come, Graymalkin!
Second Witch
Paddock calls.
Third Witch
Anon.
ALL
Fair is foul, and foul is fair:
Hover through the fog and filthy air.
Exeunt