| | Scene 1 | A wood
Three groups of witches appear one after the other amid thunder and lightning. |
| I. What have you been doing? Tell us!
II. I have slit a boar's throat. What have you done?
III. I'm thinking of a
steersman's wife
who chased me to the devil,
but her husband has set sail
and I'll drown him with his ship.
I. I shall give you the north wind.
II. I shall raise the waves.
III. I shall drag it across the shallows.
(Drumming is heard)
ALL:
A drum! What can it be?
Macbeth is coming. He is here.
(They group together and dance in a ring.)
The wandering sisters
Fly through the air, sail over the waves,
they bind a circle
through land and sea.
| Scene 2 | | Macbeth and Banquo |
| MACBETH:
I have never seen a day so fine and fierce!
BANQUO:
Nor so glorious!
MACBETH:
(noticing the witches)
Oh, who are those?
BANQUO:
Who are you? Are you from this world
or from some other place?
I should call you women, but your filthy beards
prevent me.
MACBETH:
Come, speak!
WITCHES:
I. Hail, Macbeth, Thane of Glamis!
II. Hail, Macbeth, Thane of Cawdor!
III. Hail, Macbeth, King of Scotland!
(Macbeth trembles)
BANQUO:
Do these happy prophecies make you tremble?
(to the witches)
Tell me as well about the future,
weird beings, if you can see it.
WITCHES:
I. Hail!
II. Hail!
III. Hail!
I. You will be lesser than Macbeth and yet greater!
II. Not so happy as he, but happier!
III. Not king, but the father of kings!
ALL:
Long live Macbeth and Banquo!
Long live Banquo and Macbeth!
(They disappear)
MACBETH:
They have vanished!
(thinking)
Your children will be kings.
BANQUO:
And you will be king before them.
BANQUO - MACBETH:
Mysterious words! | Scene 3 | | The Kinq’s messengers enter. |
| MESSENGERS:
Brave Macbeth, your lord
has made you Thane of Cawdor.
MACBETH:
But that Thane is still living!
MESSENGERS:
No! Struck down by the law
he has died on the block.
BANQUO:
(aside)
Ah, the devil spoke the truth!
MACBETH:
(aside)
Two prophecies are now fulfilled.
The third promises me a crown.
But why do I feel my hair standing on end?
Where has this thought of blood come from?
Fate offers me a crown which I will not
stretch out my hand to snatch.
BANQUO:
(aside)
Oh, how the hope of a kingdom
fills him with pride!
But often the wicked spirit of hell
tells us truths and betrays us,
and, cursed, we are abandone
above that pit dug out for us
MESSENGERS:
Why has Macbeth taken this news so coldly?
Why does he show no pleasure?
(All leave.) | Scene 4 | | The witches return. |
| WITCHES:
They have gone! We shall come together again
when we hear the crash of thunder.
They have gone. Let us go. We await
destiny's fulfilment amid the witches'sabbath.
Macbeth will return, we shall see him there
and our oracle will speak to him.
Let us go!
(They leave) | Scene 5 | A hall in Macbeth’s castle, leading to other rooms.
Lady Macbeth reading a letter. |
| "I met them on the day of victory.
I was stunned at what I heard;
when the King's messengers hailed me
Thane of Cawdor, it fulfilled a prophecy
those seers had made.
They also predicted a crown for my head.
Keep this secret in your heart. Farewell."
You are an
ambitious soul, Macbeth. You long for greatness,
but will you be wicked enough?
The road to power
is filled with crimes, and woe to him
who sets an uncertain foot upon it and retreats!
Come! Hurry! I wish
to light a fire in your cold heart!
I shall give you the courage
to carry out this bold undertaking.
The prophetesses promise you
the throne of Scotland.
Why delay? Accept the gift,
mount the throne and reign. | Scene 6 | | A servant enters. |
| SERVANT:
The King will come here this evening.
LADY MACBETH:
What? Is Macbeth with him?
SERVANT:
He is accompanying him.
My lady, the news is certain.
LADY MACBETH:
Let him find a reception which a king deserves.
(The servant goes out) | Scene 7 | | Lady Macbeth alone. |
| LADY MACBETH:
Duncan will be here?
Here? Spend the night here?
Arise, all the
agents of hell
that rouse mortals
to bloody acts!
Night, wrap us
In motionless darkness.
Do not let the knife see
The breast which it strikes. | Scene 8 | | Macbeth enters. |
| MACBETH:
Oh, my lady!
LADY MACBETH:
Cawdor!
MACBETH:
Soon you will see the King.
LADY MACBETH:
And when will he leave?
MACBETH:
Tomorrow.
LADY MACBETH:
May the sun never bring that tomorrow.
MACBETH:
What are you saying?
LADY MACBETH:
Do you not understand?
MACBETH:
I understand.
LADY MACBETH:
Well?
MACBETH:
And if the blow should fail?
LADY MACBETH:
It will not fail if you do not waver.
(Sounds of celebration are heard.
)
The King!
Now come and greet him cheerfully with me.
(They go out) | Scene 9 | | Sounds of folk-like music are heard, coming nearer, announcing the arrival of the king. He crosses the hall accompanied by Banquo, Macduff, Macbeth, Lady Macbeth and courtiers. |
| Scene 10 | | Macbeth to a servant |
| MACBETH:
Tell my wife that as soon as
My night drink is ready
I wish to be alerted by a bell.
(The servant leaves) | Scene 11 | | Macbeth solo. |
| MACBETH:
Is this a dagger I see before me?
The hilt turned to me?
If you are not a dream, let me grasp you.
You fly from me, and yet I can see you!
You run ahead of me
along the unclear path which my mind
intended to follow!
Horrid sight!
The blade is streaked with blood!
But now there’s nothing there.
Only my bloody imagination gives it shape
and presents a dream to my eyes as a reality.
On one half of the world
nature now is dead. Now the murderer
creeps like a phantom through the shadows.
Now the witches consummate their secrets.
Motionless earth!
Stay hushed at my steps.
(A bell rings)
It is decided.
That bell invites me!
Do not hear it, Duncan.
It is a knell
That summons you
to heaven or to hell.
(He goes into the King’s chambers) | Scene 12 | | Lady Macbeth. |
| LADY MACBETH:
Sleep reigns over everyone.
Ah, that moaning!
The owl responds
To his mournful farewell.
MACBETH:
(within)
Who’s there?
LADY MACBETH:
What if he was roused from his sleep
before the fatal blow? | Scene 13 | | His face contorted and a dagger in his hand. |
| MACBETH:
It is all over.
My fated lady, did you not hear
murmuring, as I did?
LADY MACBETH:
I heard the shriek of an owl.
What did you say a moment ago?
MACBETH:
I?
LADY MACBETH:
I thought I heard you just now.
MACBETH:
While I was coming down?
LADY MACBETH:
Yes.
MACBETH:
Tell me, who is sleeping
in the side room?
LADY MACBETH:
The King's son.
MACBETH:
(looking at his hands)
Oh, what an awful sight!
LADY MACBETH:
Look away.
MACBETH:
I heard the courtiers
praying in their sleep.
God be with us always, they said.
I wanted to say Amen
but the rebellious word
froze on my lips.
LADY MACBETH:
Madness!
MACBETH:
Why could I not
say that Amen?
LADY MACBETH:
Such foolishness, but the first light of day:
will dispel it.
MACBETH:
Then I heard a voice within me saying:
O Macbeth, you will have only thorns for a pillow.
Glamis, you have murdered sleep for ever.
Cawdor, you will never sleep again.
LADY MACBETH:
But tell me, did you not seem to hear another voice?
You are bold, Macbeth, but have no daring.
You hesitate halfway, Glamis, and stop.
Cawdor, you are a conceited child.
MACBETH:
I shall hear Duncan's holy virtues
thunder vengeance at me like angels of wrath.
LADY MACBETH:
His spirit is trembling, struggling and raving.
Who would ever call him the unconquered man he was?
(to Macbeth)
Take the knife back there.
Smear his guards with blood
so that they will be accused.
MACBETH:
I go there? I cannot go back in!
LADY MACBETH:
Give me the knife.
(She takes the knife from Macbeth’s hands and goes into the King's chambers.) | Scene 14 | | There is loud knocking at the castle gate. |
| MACBETH:
Every noise alarms me!
(Looking at his hands)
Oh, this hand!
The ocean could not
wash my hands clean! | Scene 15 | | Lady Macbeth and the others. |
| LADY MACBETH:
(returning)
See! My hands are stained too.
A sprinkle of water and they will be c1ean again.
The deed too will pass into oblivion.
(There is more knocking)
MACBETH:
Do you hear? They're knocking louder.
LADY MACBETH:
Come away! We must remove
all suspicion from the murderer.
Be yourself, Macbeth. Have courage!
Don't be defeated by fear.
MACBETH:
Oh, if only I could wipe my crime
from my mind!
O murdered King, if only I could
rouse you from your deep sleep.
(Lady Macbeth drags him off) | Scene 16 | | Macduff and Banquo. |
| MACDUFF:
The King ordered me to waken him early,
and it is already late.
Wait here for me, Banquo.
(He goes into the King's chamber) | Scene 17 | | Banquo alone. |
| BANQUO:
Oh what an awful night!
Mourning voices were heard
in the blind air, voices of death.
The bird of ill omen moaned gloomily
and the earth was felt to shake.
| Scene 18 | | Macduff and Banquo. |
| MACDUFF:
(coming back appalled)
Horror! Horror! Horror!
BANQUO:
What has happened?
MACDUFF:
In there,
see for yourself.
I cannot say it!
(Banquo rushes into the King's chamber)
Hurry! Ho there!
Everyone come here!
(Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, her Gentlewoman, Malcolm and servants all enter)
Murder! Murder!
Treason! | Scene 19 | | Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Malcolm, Macduff, Banquo, Gentlewoman, Servants. |
| LADY MACBETH:
What sudden confusion!
BANQUO:
(coming back, stunned)
We are lost!
ALL:
What is it? Speak!
What has happened?
BANQUO:
King Duncan has been murdered!
ALL:
Open your mouth, hell
and swallow all creation in your womb.
Heaven, let your flames fall
on the unknown, detestable murderer.
God, you can look into our hearts,
aid us, we trust in you alone.
We look to you for light and counsel
to tear through the veil of darkness.
Deadly castigator let your formidable,
ready anger take the villain
and mark his head as you marked
that of the first murderer. | | | Scene 1 | A room in the castle.
Macbeth enters, deep in thought, followed by Lady Macbeth. |
| LADY MACBETH:
Why are you avoiding me, and why
do I always see you sunk deep in thought?
The deed cannot he undone.
The sorceresses spoke the truth and you are king.
Because of his sudden flight to England
Duncan's son has been accused
of parricide and the throne was left
empty for you.
MACBETH:
But the witches predicted
that Banquo would father kings.
So will his sons reign?
Will Duncan have died for them?
LADY MACBETH:
He and his son are alive, it is true.
MACBETH:
But they are not immortal.
LADY MACBETH:
No, they are not!
MACBETH:
My lady, more blood must flow!
LADY MACBETH:
Where? When?
MACBETH:
Tonight.
LADY MACBETH:
Will you be firm in what you intend?
MACBETH:
Banquo, eternity opens its realm to you.
(He rushes out) | Scene 2 | | Lady Macbeth alone. |
| LADY MACBETH:
The light is fading, the beacon
that eternally crosses the wide sky has gone out.
O longed-for night, throw a veil
over the guilty murderous hand.
A new crime! It must be so!
The fatal deed must be done.
Power means nothing to the dead;
for them a requiem and eternity.
Oh, desire of the throne!
Oh, sceptre, at last you are mine!
Every living desire
is quieted and calmed in you.
The man who was prophesied king
will soon fall lifeless. | Scene 3 | A park. In the distance is Macbeth's castle.
Two groups of assassins enter from several directions. |
| ASSASSINS:
I. Who commanded you to join us?
II. It was Macbeth.
I. To do what?
II. We are to slaughter Banquo.
I. When? Where?
II. Together with you.
He will come here with his son.
I. Stay. All is well.
ALL:
The sun has disappeared, now let night reign,
wicked and bloodstained.
Blind night, hurry to extinguish
all light on earth and in heaven.
The time is near, now let us hide.
We shall wait for him in silence.
Tremble, Banquo, the point of a dagger
is stuck in your side!
(They leave) | Scene 4 | | Enter Banquo and Fleance. |
| BANQUO:
Hurry, my son, let us escape
from these shadows.
I can feel an unknown sensation rising in my heart,
filled with sad foreboding and suspicion.
How the gloom falls
more and more darkly from heaven!
It was on a night like this
that they stabbed my lord Duncan.
A thousand feverish images
foretell misfortune to me
and cloud my thoughts
with phantoms and fears.
(They go off into the park)
Alas! Fly, my son! Treachery!
(Fleance crosses the scene pursued by one of the assassins) | Scene 5 | A magnificent hall with a table laid for a banquet.
Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, her Gentlewoman, Macduff, Knights and Ladies. |
| CHORUS:
Hail, King!
MACBETH:
Hail to you, most noble lords.
CHORUS:
Hail, madam!
LADY MACBETH:
Accept my thanks for your praise.
MACBETH:
Let everyone take his place
according to his rank.
I am pleased to greet
such guests at the banquet.
Let my consort take
her appointed place on the throne.
But first let her offer
a toast in your honour.
LADY MACBETH:
I am ready to answer
your royal request, my lord.
ALL:
And you will hear our reply,
prompted by our hearts.
LADY MACBETH:
Fill the cup
with the choicest wine.
Give life to pleasure
And death to sorrow.
Let hate and scorn
fly from us
and let love alone
reign here.
Let us savour the balm
for every wound
which gives new life
to the heart.
Let us cast dull care
from our hearts;
give life to pleasure
and death to sorrow.
ALL:
Let us cast dull care
from our hearts;
give life to pleasure
and death to sorrow. | Scene 6 | | An assassin appears at a side door. Macbeth goes up to him. |
| MACBETH:
You have blood on your face.
ASSASSIN:
It is Banquo's.
MACBETH:
Is this the truth?
ASSASSIN:
Yes.
MACBETH:
What about his son?
ASSASSIN:
He fled!
MACBETH:
Heavens! But Banquo?
ASSASSIN:
He is dead.
(Macbeth dismisses the assassin, who leaves) | Scene 7 | | |
| LADY MACBETH:
My royal husband, what has drawn you away
from the delights of the banquet?
MACBETH:
Banquo is not here. That courageous man
who would complete the chosen circle
of the most worthy
in all our kingdom.
LADY MACBETH:
He said he would be here but he has failed us.
MACBETH:
I shall sit in his place.
(Macbeth goes to sit down, but Banquo’s ghost, which only he can see, is in his place)
Which of you has done this?
ALL:
What?
MACBETH:
(to the ghost)
Do not say that it was I!
Do not shake your bloody locks at me!
ALL:
(getting up)
Macbeth is ill.
Let us go.
LADY MACBETH:
Stay! His sickness is passing.
(softly, to Macbeth)
Are you a man?
MACBETH:
I am, and a bold man if I can
look at such a thing which might frighten
the devil himself.
There ... there ... can't you see it?
(to the ghost)
Since you can nod your head,
tell me, can the dead come back from the grave?
(The ghost vanishes)
LADY MACBETH:
(softly, to Macbeth)
You are mad!
MACBETH:
I saw him with my own eyes.
LADY MACBETH:
Sit down, my husband!
All our guests are unhappy.
Re-awaken enjoyment!
MACBETH:
Forgive me, everyone.
Let the cheering toast be sung again,
and let us not forget Banquo
who is not with us.
LADY MACBETH:
Fill the cup
with choicest wine.
Give life to pleasure
and death to sorrow.
Let hate and scorn
fly from us
and let love alone
reign here.
Let us savour the balm
for every wound
which gives new life
to the heart.
Let us empty our glasses
to illustrious Banquo!
The flower of warriors,
The pride of Scotland.
ALL:
Let us empty our glasses, etc
MACBETH:
(To the ghost who reappears)
Go, spirit of hell!
Earth, open a ditch
and swallow him.
Those bones are burning,
that steaming blood
sprays in my face!
That look is turned on me
And pierces my heart!
ALL:
Oh misfortune! Terror!
MACBETH:
I am as daring as any man!
You may become a tiger, a threatening lion,
you may snatch me, but you will not see Macbeth tremble.
You will discover if I feel fear!
But leave me!
Leave me, awesome ghost!
(The ghost disappears)
I am coming back to life!
LADY MACBETH:
(softly to Macbeth)
Shame, my lord!
MACBETH:
That shadow demands blood from me,
and it will have it, I swear it will have it!
I shall go to the witches
and pierce the veil of the future.
LADY MACBETH:
(to Macbeth)
Cowardly spirit! Your fright
has created idle phantoms.
The crime is done.
The dead cannot return.
MACDUFF:
Sinister mysteries! He has spoken
terrified by phantoms.
This land has become
a den of thieves.
ALL:
Sinister mysteries! He has spoken
terrified by phantoms.
This land has become
a den of thieves. | | | Scene 1 | | A dark cave. In the middle is a boiling cauldron. Thunder and lightning. |
| WITCHES:
I. Three times the cat has mewed in heat.
II. Three times the hoopoe has mourned and wailed.
III. Three times the porcupine has yelped to the wind.
ALL:
This is the hour!
Come, let us dance quickly round the cauldron
and mix powerful brews in our circle.
Sisters, to work! The water is steaming,
crackling and bubbling.
I. Poisonous toad,
which sucks wolfsbane,
thorn, root
plucked at twilight,
cook and bubble
in the devil's pot.
II. Tongue of viper,
hair of bat,
blood of monkey,
tooth of dog,
boil and be swallowed up
in the infernal brew
III. Finger of child
strangled at birth,
lip of Tartar,
heart of heretic,
thicken the
hellish broth.
ALL:
Boil! Boil!
Sprits,
black and white,
red and blue
blend together!
You who well
know how,
blend together! | Scene 2 | | |
| MACBETH:
(appearing at the entrance, addressing some of his men)
Wait for me in silence until I call.
He goes towards the witches.
What are you doing, mysterious women?
WITCHES:
A work with no name.
MACBETH:
In the name of the infernal task I implore you,
let me know my destiny, even if
heaven and earth must renew their ancient struggle.
WITCHES:
Do you wish to hear it from the unknown powers:
whom we obey, or from us?
MACBETH:
I invoke them,
if they can tell me
the dark secrets of the future.
WITCHES:
Wandering spirits, arise from the depths,
descend from the heights.
There is a flash of lightning and a head wearing a helmet appears from out of the ground.
MACBETH:
Tell me, spirit ...
WITCHES:
He has read what is in your heart
Stay quiet and hear his secret words.
APPARITION:
O Macbeth! Macbeth! Macbeth!
Beware Macduff!
MACBETH:
You confirm my suspicions at what I have heard!
Just one word ...
The apparition vanishes.
WITCHES:
He will not hear questions.
Here is another, more powerful.
Lightning: a bloodstained child appears.
Stay quiet and hear his mysterious words.
APPARITION:
O Macbeth! Macbeth! Macbeth!
You may be bloody and fierce:
no man born of woman will harm you.
It disappears.
MACBETH:
O Macduff, I forgive you your life.
No, you will die. Your death
will be a double shield on my royal breast!
Thunder and lightning. A child appears wearing a crown and carrying a sapling.
But what does this thunder and lightning mean?
A child with a king's crown!
WITCHES:
Be quiet and listen.
APPARITION:
Be strong:
you will be glorious and invincible
until you see Birnam wood
come marching towards you.
(It disappears)
MACBETH:
Oh, what a cheering prophecy! No wood
was ever moved by magic power.
(To the witches)
Now tell me: will the descendants
of Banquo ever mount the throne?
WITCHES:
Do not ask!
MACBETH:
I must know!
Or else my sword will fall on you!
The cauldron sinks into the ground.
The cauldron has disappeared! Why?
What is this music? Speak! What is it?
WITCHES:
I. Appear!
II. Appear!
III. Appear!
ALL:
Then like mist vanish again.
(Eight kings pass by, one after the other. Lastly comes Banquo, carrying a mirror in his hand)
MACBETH:
(to the first)
Away, royal phantom!
You remind me of Banquo.
Your crown is a bolt of lightning
burning my eyes.
(to the second)
Away, frightening vision,
your brow is wrapped in bands!
(to the third)
Are there more?
to the others
A third? A fourth? A fifth?
Oh, horror! The last one
is carrying a mirror,
and new kings are endorsed
within the crystal.
And Banquo, oh, awful sight,
you laugh while you point them out to me?
Die, you deadly offspring!
He draws his sword and strikes out at the ghosts. He stops.
But you have no life! Oh, terror!
(to the witches)
Will they live?
WITCHES:
They will live.
MACBETH:
Oh, I am lost!
He faints.
WITCHES:
He has fainted. Spirits of the air,
bring the unconscious King back to his senses. | Scene 3 | | Spirits descend, and while they dance around Macbeth the witches sing. |
| CHORUS:
Nymphs and
white-winged sylphs,
blow upon
that pallid brow,
weave a whirl
of sweet songs
to comfort his body and soul.
(The witches and spirits disappear) | Scene 4 | | Lady Macbeth, Macbeth and Araldo. |
| MACBETH:
(coming to)
Where am I?
They have gone! Oh, may this hour
be eternally damned!
(A herald enters)
HERALD:
The Queen!
MACBETH:
What is it?
LADY MACBETH:
(entering)
I have found you at last!
What were you doing?
MACBETH:
I have been questioning the witches again.
LADY MACBETH:
And what did they say?
MACBETH:
To beware Macduff.
LADY MACBETH:
What else?
MACBETH:
That no man born of woman will kill me.
LADY MACBETH:
What else?
MACBETH:
I shall be unconquered until Birnam wood
marches against me.
LADY MACBETH:
What else?
MACBETH:
Yet Banquo’s line appeared to me,
and they will reign!
LADY MACBETH:
Lies! Death and destruction to that wicked brood!
MACBETH:
Yes, death! Macduff’s castle must burn!
His wife and children must perish!
LADY MACBETH:
Let Banquo's son be found and put to death!
MACBETH:
All our enemies' blood will be spilled.
LADY MACBETH:
Now I see your old courage again.
MACBETH AND LADY MACBETH:
Hour of death and vengeance,
thunder and resound throughout the whole world,
bewildering, like the dark intention
that has shaken our hearts to their depths.
Come quickly, hour of death,
Fate's remorseless decree;
this business will end with crime
since it was begun with blood.
Vengeance! | | | Scene 1 | A deserted p1ace on the border between Scotland and England. In the distance is Birnam wood. Scottish refugees - men, women and children.
Macduff stands sorrowfully apart from them. |
| CHORUS:
Oppressed land of ours! You cannot have
the sweet name of mother
now that you have become a tomb
for your sons.
From orphans, from those who mourne,
some for husbands, some for children,
at each new dawn a cry goes up
to outrage heaven.
To that cry heaven replies
as if moved to pity,
oppressed land, it would
proclaim your grief for ever.
The bell tolls constantly for death
but no-one is so bold
as to shed a vain tear
for the suffering and dying.
Oppressed land of ours!
My homeland, oh,my homeland!
MACDUFF/
Oh my children! You have all been killed
by that tyrant, together with
your poor mother! Ah, did I
leave a mother and her children in the clutches of that beast?
Alas, a father's hand was not there
to shield you, my dear ones,
from the treacherous assassins
who put you to death.
And in vain you called on me,
a fugitive, in hiding,
with your last gasp,
with your last breath.
Lord, bring me face to face
with this tyrant, and if he escapes me
let your merciful arms
open to him. | Scene 2 | | Drums sound and Malcolm enters, leading a large number of English soldiers. |
| MALCOLM:
Where are we? What wood is that?
CHORUS:
Birnam wood.
MALCOLM:
Let every man break off a branch
and carry it in front of
him to conceal himself.
(to Macduff)
Let vengeance comfort you.
MACDUFF:
I cannot have it. He has no children.
MALCOLM:
Whoever does not hate the land of his birth
(let him take up arms and follow me)
ALL:
Our betrayed homeland
calls us, in tears.
Brothers! Let us run
to rescue the oppressed!
The wrath of God
will destroy the villain.
God has grown tired
of his awful crimes. | Scene 3 | A hall in Macbeth's castle. Night.
A doctor and Lady Macbeth's gentlewoman. |
| DOCTOR:
We have waited in
vain for two nights,
GENTLEWOMAN:
She will appear tonight.
DOCTOR:
What was she talking about in her sleep?
GENTLEWOMAN:
I must not repeat it to any living man.
Here she is! | Scene 4 | | Lady Macbeth enterswith a lamp. |
| DOCTOR:
That lamp in her hand?
GENTLEWOMAN:
It is the lamp which she
keeps always beside her bed.
DOCTOR:
Oh, her eyes are wide open!
GENTLEWOMAN:
Yet she cannot see.
(Lady Macbeth puts down the lamp and rubs her hands as if washhig something off)
DOCTOR:
Why is she rubbing her hands?
GENTLEWOMAN:
She thinks that she's washing them.
LADY MACBETH:
There's still a spot here.
Away, I tell you, curse you!
One, two, it is time!
Are you shaking? Don't you dare go in?
A soldier and so cowardly?
Shame! Come on, hurry!
Who would have thought that there would be
so much blood in that old man?
DOCTOR:
What did she say?
LADY MACBETH:
The Thane of Fife
was he not recently a husband and father?
What happened?
(looking at her hands)
Shall I never be able
to clean these hands?
GENTLEWOMAN - DOCTOR:
Oh, horror!
LADY MACBETH:
There's still
human blood here. Thee perfumes
of all Arabia could not clean
this little hand.
Alas!
DOCTOR:
Is she moaning?
LADY MACBETH:
Put on your
nightgown. Come on, wash yourself!
Banquo is dead and no-one
has ever come back from the grave.
DOCTOR:
This too?
LADY MACBETH:
To bed, to bed.
What's done cannot be undone.
Someone is knocking! Come on, Macbeth,
do not let your pallor accuse you.
GENTLEWOMAN - DOCTOR:
Oh, horror!
Lord, have mercy on her! | Scene 5 | | A hall in the castle. |
| MACBETH:
Traitors! You have joined with the English against me!
The powers that prophecy have foretold:
'You may be bloody and fierce,
no man born of woman will harm you.'
No. I am not afraid of you, nor of the boy
who leads you, This attack will
confirm my position on the throne
or push me off for ever. And yet
I feel the life drying up in my veins!
Mercy, respect, love,
the comfort of declining years,
these will place no flowers
on your old age.
Nor should you hope
for kind words on your royal tomb:
only curses, alas,
will be your funeral hymn.
DISTANT VOICES:
She is dead!
MACBETH:
What is that crying? | Scene 6 | | Gentlewoman rushing in. |
| GENTLEWOMAN:
The Queen is dead!
MACBETH:
Life... What does it matter?
It is the tale of a poor fool:
wind and sound signifying nothing.
(The gentlewoman leaves)
| Scene 7 | | Soldiers enter. |
| CHORUS:
Sire!
MACBETH:
What is it? What news?
CHORUS:
Birnam wood is moving!
MACBETH:
You have deceived me, hellish prophecy!
Bring my shield, my sword, my dagger!
My valiant men, to arms! Death or victory!
CHORUS:
To arms then! Death or victory! | Scene 8 | A vast plain surrounded by hills and woods.
In the background are English soldiers, advancing slowly, carrying branches in front of them. |
| MACDUFF:
Throw away the branches and take up your arms!
Follow me!
(Malcolm, Macduff and the soldiers go off)
ALL:
To arms!
(Macbeth enters, pursued by Macduff) | Scene 9 | | |
| MACDUFF:
I have you, butcher of my children!
MACBETH:
Away! No man born of woman
can kill me.
MACDUFF:
I was not born. I was plucked
from my mother's womb.
MACBETH:
Oh God!
(They brandish their swords and exit, battling desperately) | Scene 10 | | |
| CHORUS OF WOMEN:
(entering)
Unhappy day!
Let us pray for our sons!
Te clash of arms has stopped.
DISTANT CHORUS:
Victory!
WOMEN'S CHORUS:
Victory! | Scene 11 | | Malcolm enters, followed by English soldiers, bards and people. |
| MALCOLM:
Where has the usurper gone?
MACDUFF:
He's there, run through by me.
Hail King!
CHORUS:
Hail King!
Where is Macbeth?
Where is the usurper?
The God of victory struck him down
with a breath.
(to Macduff)
He is a valiant hero
who killed the traitor.
He has saved our homeland and our King,
honour and glory to him!
WOMEN:
My thanks rise to you,
great God of vengeance.
Let us sing hymns of glory
to our liberator.
MACDUFF:
Let all place their trust in the King
who has been given back to our love.
The new dawn
will bring you peace and glory!
MALCOLM:
Scotland, trust in me.
The tyrant is dead.
I shall make everlasting
the joy of such a victory. |
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