MACBETH
Macbeth "Thank God !"
ACTI SCENE ONE: SCOTLAND
"Who is this man?" asked King Duncan as he, his son
Malcolm and the other Scottish nobles in his group approached
the wounded soldier.
"He's one of your captains. He fought courageously with
your army and didn't let the rebels take me prisoner," answered
Malcolm.
The king knelt beside the wounded man. "Captain, how
was the battle going befare you left?"
The man replied, "The traitor Macdonwald arrived at the
battlefield with a large army. In spite of their superior numbers,
Macbeth was determined to win the battle. He fought bravely
and inspired us to do the same. When he found Macdonwald on
the battlefield, he cut him in two. The traitor's head was placed
on a spear; it now adoms the entrance to our camp. Befare you
rejoice at this news, Your Highness, I must inform you that the
battle is not yet won. Just when we thought we were victorious,
Sweno, the King of Norway, began a new assault against us with
a bigger, greater army. I could see despair in our generals' eyes.
Macbeth and Banquo fought bravely, though they knew their
cause was lost. I'm too weak now to give you any more news. I
have lost too much blood. Please, attend to my wounds."
"Take this man to our doctors," said Duncan to the nobles.
At that moment a noble called Ross ran into the clearing and
cried, "God save the King !"
"Where have you come from?" asked Duncan.
"From the battlefield, Your Highness. Although the King of
Norway arrived with greater numbers, and although he had the
aid of the traitorous Thane of Cawdor, we have won the battle!"
8 9
"The King of Norway adrnits defeat and wants to sign the
peace treaty with you. The Thane of Cawdor is now our
prisoner."
"He'll pay for his treason with his life," said Duncan. "Ross,
go and find Macbeth. Inform him of our victory. Tell him he will
be Thane of Cawdor. He has won the title which the traitor has
lost."
ACTI SCENE Two
Macbeth and Banquo were walking back through the woods
towards their encampment. Banquo stopped suddenly.
"Who are those three women? They seem to have appeared
from nowhere. Are they spirits?"
"What are you?" asked Macbeth. He took a step towards
them.
The three women answered individually.
"Hail Macbeth! Thane of Glamis!"
"Hail Macbeth! Thane of Cawdor!"
"Hail Macbeth! The man who will soon be King of
Scotland!"
"My lord, why are you trembling?" Banquo asked. He
tumed to the witches. "You've affected my friend deeply. Are
you spirits or humans? If you can predict the future, then tell me
what my destiny will be."
"Hail!" they cried together; they then began to speak to
Banquo one by one.
"You are inferior to Macbeth, and yet you are greater."
"You are notas fortunate as Macbeth, but you will be more
fortunate."
"You'll never be king, but you will be the father of kings."
"All hail Macbeth and Banquo!" they cried together.
"Stay! Tell me more," Macbeth implored. "I am the Thane
 Two SHAKESPEAREAN TRAGEDIES MACBETH

"Why have you blocked our path and announced these strange prophecies?"
of Glamis, but I'm not the Thane of Cawdor. That title already
belongs to another noble, and there's very little chance that 1'11
ever be king. Why have you blocked our path and announced
these strange prophecies? Tell mel"
The three witches disappeared.
"Where have they gone?" exclaimed Banquo.
"I don't know."
"Did they really exist or did we imagine them?"
"Banquo, they said that your sons will be kings."
"They predicted that you will be king ... "
" ... as well as the Thane of Cawdor." Macbeth had turned pale.
"Who's there?" Banquo asked. He tumed as he heard the
bushes move behind him. Ross and Angus appeared.
"The king has been informed of your brave acts on the
battlefield," Ross said to Macbeth. "He is deeply indebted to
you and has asked to see you. He has also named you Thane of
Cawdor."
"That's impossiblel" said Macbeth. "The Thane of Cawdor
is alive."
"He lives ... but not for long," replied Angus. "He's been
condemned to death for rebelling against King Duncan. You are
the Thane of Cawdor now."
Macbeth tumed to Banquo and whispered, "A part of the
witches' prophecy has already come true."
"This means there is a good chance you will be crowned
king."
"l'm the Thane of Cawdor!" Macbeth thought. "If the rest of
the prophecies come true, I will be king. This should be good
news. I should be happy. Why <loes the thought of it frighten me
and fill me with dread?"
His thoughts were interrupted by Banquo. "My lord, we
await your instructions."
'Tm sorry. I was distracted. The king has requested my
presence. I must honour his desires. Come, friends."

10 11
 Two SHAKESPEAREAN TRAGEDIES
They arrived at the king's camp half an hour later.
"Welcome, nobles!" exclaimed King Duncan. He turned to ,
Macbeth. "Please forgive me. My gratitude for your loyalty is
greater than the rewards I give you for it."
"To serve you loyally is reward enough for me, Your
Highness."
"Thank you. You honour me," the king replied. He turned to
all the nobles who were assembled in his tent. "My heart is full
of joy. Gentlemen, I've decided to name my son Malcolm heir
to my throne. Macbeth, will you allow me to celebrate today's
happy events at your castle in Inverness ?"
"I would be honoured, Your Highness. I'll leave for my
castle immediately, so that my wife and I will be ready to
welcome you with the honour you deserve."
Once Macbeth was outside the king's tent, he thought,
"Malcolm is heir to the throne! I'll have to find a way to remove
this obstacle from my path to the crown."
ACTI SCENE THREE
Lady Macbeth finished reading the letter from her husband
in which he told her about the witches' prophecies. She folded
the letter, placed it on the desk of her study and thought,
"Macbeth is now the Thane of Cawdor. According to this letter,
he will soon be king. He'll need my help to gain the crown.
Although he wants to be k:ing, I'll have to push him to win the
throne. Macbeth's ambition is weakened by kindness and his
sense of loyalty."
The entrance of a messenger interrupted her thoughts. "My
lady! The king is coming to spend the night here! Macbeth is on
his way to help you with the preparations."
"Thank you. Go to the castle entrance and wait there to
welcome my husband." When the messenger left, Lady Macbeth
thought, "This is excellent news ! Oh, spirits ! Make my blood
12
MACBETH
cold. Fill me with enough strength and cruelty to ensure that the
prophecies will become reality."
She turned when she heard the door close behind her. "Hail
Macbeth, Thane of Glamis and Cawdor! Your letter has filled
me with marvellous expectations about your future greatness."
"My love, King Duncan is coming to spend the night here."
"When will he leave?"
"Tomorrow."
"He'll never see tomorrow. Listen to me. Your face betrays
your thoughts. Mask your ambition with the appearance of
loyalty and love. Let me take care of the rest, and the throne will
be yours."
"I'm not sure about this. We need to talk."
"Shhh! Leave everything to me."
Later that evening, Lady Macbeth found her husband alone
in his study. "Why aren't you with the king?" she demanded.
"The feast has almost finished!"
"Has he asked forme?"
"Of course he has!"
"I've decided that we should not go ahead with our plan to
assassinate King Duncan. He has honoured me, and I don't want
to betray him!"
"Are you mad? This is your destiny! Are you too much of a
coward to take what is rightfully yours?"
"Quiet! I'm as braveas any man."
"Are you? You told me that your destiny was to be king!"
"But what will happen if we fail?"
"Then we fail! But if you have the courage to kill him, we
won't fail. Duncan is exhausted. He'll fall asleep quickly. I'll
make sure that his two guards are sufficiently drunk to neglect
their duty and fall asleep as well. Once that happens, you'll be
able to assassinate Duncan with one of their daggers and accuse
them of his death. No one will suspect us if we are convincing
when we express our grief over the king's death."
13
 Two SHAKESPEAREAN TRAGEDIES MACBETH

"You are right," said Macbeth. "Go and prepare yourself for
the feast. Remember, our outward appearance must mask our
inner thoughts."

ScENE NE
ACTII
lt was near dawn when Macbeth walked towards the king's
bedroom. Suddenly, a dagger appeared, floating in the air befare
him. It moved through the halls of the castle, directing him
towards Duncan's room. The dagger stopped in front of
Duncan's door. All at once, blood appeared on the blade and
dripped onto the floor.
While she waited for her husband to return, Lady Macbeth
walked back and forth nervously across her bedroom. After a
short time, her husband appeared at her door with bloody hands.
"I've done it! Did you hear anything?"
"Only the cry of an owl."
"The guards awoke while I was killing Duncan. They were
so drunk, they fell back to sleep almost immediately. I hope they
didn't see me."
"Of course they didn't see you! They were drunk, and it was
dark."
"I wish I hadn't committed this crime!"
"Don't be foolish! Wash the blood from your hands and stop
thinking about it. Wait a minute! Why did you bring that dagger
with you? Take it back to Duncan's bedroom and smear the
guards with the king's blood."
"No! I can't go back there again!"
"Then stay here. I'll do it. I'll be back in a minute."
While Macbeth was waiting for his wife to return, the sound
of knocking from another part of the castle made him jump.
"Who could that be?" he thought. "I'm so nervous that every
sound frightens me!"
"It's done," said Lady Macbeth as she entered. "Now my "/'ve done it! Did you hear anything?"

14 15
 Two SHAKESPEAREAN TRAGEDIES
hands are the sarne colour as yours. Can you hear? Sorneone is
knocking at the southern entrance to the castle. Come, let' s wash
this blood off our hands and get into bed. We rnust seern
surprised by the news of Duncan's death."
SCENE Two
ACTII
The porter opened the door to the southern entrance and
welcorned Macduff and Lennox into the castle. Macbeth greeted
thern in the reception hall.
"Good rnorning, rny lord," said Lennox.
"Good rnorning to you both," replied Macbeth.
"Has the king woken up yet?" asked Macduff.
"No, he hasn't."
"That's strange. He asked me to rneet hirn this rnorning and
told me to be punctual."
"1'11 take you to his bedroorn, if you wish."
"No, I've troubled you enough," said Macduff. ''1'11 go by
rnyself. Excuse me."
Less than five minutes had passed when Macduff ran back
into the hall.
"Horror! Horror!" he cried.
"What's the rnatter?" asked Macbeth.
"The king has been assassinated!"
"The king? Assassinated?"
"Go and see for yourself!"
As Macbeth ran out of the hall, Macduff called to the
servants. "Ring the alarrn! Wake everyone! Malcolrnl Banquo!
Get upl"
"Why are you ringing the alarrn?" asked Lady Macbeth as
she entered the hall. "What's the rnatter?"
Before Macduff could reply, Malcolrn, Macbeth and the
other nobles joined thern. Macduff turned to Malcolrn and said,
"Your father has been assassinated."
"Who did this?"
16
MACBETH
"His guards. Their faces and hands were covered with
blood. Their daggers were, too."
"They're dead," said Macbeth. "I killed thern."
Macduff tumed to hirn. "Why?"
"I'rn sorry. I know that it was wrong, but I lost control. The
sight of King Duncan lying in a pool of blood put me into a fury
that blinded rny reason. They were dead before I realised what I
had done."
Lady Macbeth fainted before her husband had finished
speaking. Banquo cried to the servants, "Attend to her!"
"My lords," said Macbeth, "we are all too hysterical now.
We need sorne time to compose ourselves. Let's rneet later in
the reception hall."
After the others had left, Malcolrn turned to his brother,
Donalbain. "I don't trust thern. My instincts tell me that
sornething is wrong. One of thern is the assassin. I feel that
we're in danger. I've decided to leave Scotland and go to
England. What are you going to do?"
''1'11 go to Ireland. If what you say is true, we aren't safe
here. We'll have a better chance of surviving if we separate."
The two brothers hurried to the stables, ernbraced one
another, rnounted their horses and galloped off in different
directions.
Two hours later, Ross approached Macduff in the castle
courtyard. "Who cornrnitted this vile crirne?" Ross asked.
"The guards that Macbeth killed."
"Why did they do it? What benefit could they gain?"
"They were probably paid to do it. Malcolrn and Donalbain
have fled. This action rnakes thern the prime suspects."
' "Then Macbeth will be king?"
"He has already been given the title and is on his way to
Scone to be crowned."
"Will you be there?"
"No, I rnust go to Fife. I hope things go well. Farewell."
17

Two SHAKESPEAREAN TRAGEDIES
SCENE NE
ACT 111
A week later, Banquo stood alone in the great hall of one of
King Macbeth's new castle at Invemess.
"The strange women's prophecies about Macbeth have all
come true," he thought. "I suspect that he is implicated in
Duncan's death. Will the prophecies about me also become
reality? Will I be the father of a long line of kings?"
His thoughts were interrupted by Macbeth's entrance into
the hall. Lady Macbeth and a group of lords accompanied him.
"Ah, here is our most honoured guest," said Macbeth.
"There will be a feast tonight. I hope that you will be able to
attend."
"I am honoured to be your guest, Your Highness. I must
leave shortly in order to attend to sorne obligations, but I assure
you that I will retum in time for the feast."
"Marvellous! Banquo, I've heard that Duncan's sons are in
England and Ireland. They haven't confessed to murdering their
father yet. Instead, they've fabricated sorne incredible stories
about Duncan's death. We'll discuss it at tomorrow's council
meeting. Is your son Fleance accompanying you today?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Well, good luck to you both. I'll see you tonight."
Macbeth tumed to his group and announced, "You are free
to do what you like until the feast commences. I want to be alone
until then. Enjoy yourselves."
As the queen and the lords left the hall, Macbeth stopped
one of his servants. "I sent for several men. Have they arrived?"
"Yes, Your Highness. They are outside the palace gates."
"Bring them to me."
"At once."
Macbeth watched the servant leave. He thought, "I fear
Banquo most. He is intelligent, noble and brave. Those strange
women promised me the crown, and now it is mine. But it is a
18
MACBETH
barren crown. According to them, I am the only one in my
family who will be king. Banquo's descendants are destined to
inherit the throne. I've sacrificed too much for this crown to let
it go to someone else's family when I die."
"You requested our presence, Your Highness?"
Macbeth tumed to the three men. "Yes. Have you thought
about my proposal? Do you agree that Banquo is your enemy as
well as mine?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Will you comply with my request?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Good. I'll give you more instructions soon. This must be
done tonight, away from the castle. His son will be with him.
He must die as well."
"As you wish, Your Highness."
"Leave me now. I'll call for you when I need your services."
Lady Macbeth entered the hall as the three accomplices
exited. "My love, why do you still look so preoccupied? What's
done is done. Toe crown is yours," she said to Macbeth.
"It is, but it's not secure yet. One more thing must be done
in order to ensure that the crown passes to our children."
"What?"
"Don't worry about it now. When it's done, I'll tell you and
you'll be proud of me. It's getting late. Let's prepare for the
feast."
ACTIII ScENETw
Later that evening, Macbeth stood at the centre of the dining
hall as his guests arrived. "Welcome dear friends!" he shouted.
"Please, take your places around the table."
As the guests began to sit, Macbeth noticed one of his
accomplices in the shadows next to a side door. Macbeth
approached him and whispered, "Have you succeeded? Is
19
 Two SHAKESPEAREAN TRAGEDIES MACBETH

Banquo dead?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
"And his son?"
"I'm very sorry, Your Highness. The boy, Fleance, has
escaped."
"Then I'm not secure yet. Come back tomorrow, and we'll
plan his death."
"Yes, Your Highness."
As the assassin left, Lady Macbeth approached her husband.
"My lord, your guests are seated and waiting for you."
"Oh, yes. Of course."
As he carne towards the dining table, the ghost of Banquo
appeared and sat in Macbeth's seat.
"Ah, there you are!" said Ross. "Come, Macbeth. Sit down
and give us the pleasure of your company."
"Where? The table is full."
"No it isn't. We've reserved a place for you."
"Where?"
"Here, Your Highness. What's the matter? Why do you look
so terrified?"
"Is this a joke?"
"What, Your Highness?"
"I didn't do it! I swear I didn't do it!"
"My lords," Ross said in a worried voice, "the king isn't
well."
Lady Macbeth rose quickly and addressed the lords. "Dear
friends, pay no attention to the king. My lord is often like this.
He's been this way since he was a child. It will pass quickly.
Please, ignore him and enjoy your meal." She tumed to Macbeth
and whispered, "What's the matter with you?"
"Look! Look!" cried Macbeth, pointing at Banquo's ghost.
"At what? There is nothing there but an empty chair! Your
fear is causing you to see visions. Compose yourself!" As she
said this, Banquo's ghost disappeared. "Come, Macbeth. Sit down and give us the pleasure ofyour company."

20 21
 Two SHAKESPEAREAN TRAGEDIES
"He was there! I saw him! I've killed him and now his ghost
has come back to torment me!"
"Calm down and join our guests!"
Macbeth took a deep breath and tumed. "I'm sorry, my
friends. Please pay no attention to me. I suffer from a strange
illness which sometimes affects me. It's gone now. Let the feast
begin! Wine! Wine for evryone!"
Befare he could sit down, the ghost of Banquo appeared
again.
"Stop it! Stop it! Get away from me!" cried Macbeth.
Lady Macbeth rose again. "Please friends, pay no attention.
This is quite a common event. It will pass soon."
Banquo's ghost disappeared once more. Macbeth
approached his guests. "I'm very sorry. But how can you all be
so calm after you have seen such things?" Macbeth asked.
"What things are you talking about, Your Highness?" asked
Ross.
Lady Macbeth addressed the guests befare her husband
could reply. "I'm terribly sorry. Please leave us. Toe king is
getting worse. I must attend to him alone."
Lennox stood with the others and they all began to leave the
hall. "We'll pray for the king's health," he said as they went out
the <loor.
ACT 111 SCENE THREE
Once they were alone, Lady Macbeth tumed to her husband.
"Are you calm now? What is wrong with you?"
"There is a saying which I can't forget, 'Blood will come
from blood.' Don't worry, I'm calm now ... I'm calm. Did
Macduff ignore our invitation?"
"Did you send for him?"
"Yes. I'll send for him again tomorrow, and I'll go to see the
strange women again. They must tell me more. I must have their
22
MACBETH
advice!"
"My love, your preoccupations are exhausting you! Let's go
to sleep."
"Yes, yes. To sleep. Let's go to sleep."
ACTIII SCENE FouR
When Macbeth and his wife entered their bedroom, Lennox
and another lord were conversing in the castle's courtyard.
"I don't trust Macbeth," said Lennox. "The circumstances
that have given him the crown of Scotland are too suspicious.
We must be careful. My instincts tell me that anyone who doubts
Macbeth's version of the truth will soon be dead or in disgrace,
like Macduff. Have you had any news from him?"
,. "I hear that he has joined Malcolm in England. Together,
they have given the King of England their interpretation of the
bloody events and have convinced him that Macbeth is a tyrant
with no right to the Scottish crown. I also hear that an army is
being formed with the aid of Siward to regain the throne. I pray
for their success."
"So do I. Keep this conversation secret. Macbeth's suspicion
can be dangerous for us. Goodnight. Be careful."
"Goodnight."
ACTIV SCENE NE
"A malevolent force is approaching," said one of the witches
to her companions. A moment later, Macbeth appeared at the
entrance to their cave.
"I've come to find answers to my questions."
"Ask us," replied one witch. "We'll gladly answer you."
"Or would you prefer to have our masters answer?" asked
another witch.
"Yes," replied Macbeth. "Call them."
23
 Two SHAKESPEAREAN TRAGEDIES MACBETH

The three witches began to chant and quickly fell into a

trance. Within seconds, a head appeared, floating in the air.
"I want to know ... "
"He knows your thoughts," interrupted one witch. "You
don't need to say anything. Just let him speak."
"Macbeth! Beware Macduff, the Thane of Fife," cried the
head and suddenly disappeared.
"Wait!"
"Silence!" another witch said. "A more powerful vision is
going to materialise."
As she finished speaking, a bloody child appeared and cried,
"Macbeth! Be brave. No man bom from a woman will have the
power to defeat you." The spirit disappeared suddenly.
"Then I don't have to worry about Macduff! He can live,"
said Macbeth. "No. I will kill him. Then he won't cause any
problems."
A child wearing a crown and carrying a tree in his hand
appeared next. "Don't worry about enemies who conspire
against your reign. You will not be defeated until the great
woods of Bimam attack you at Dunsinane."
As the third spirit disappeared, Macbeth tumed to the three
witches. "I shall never be defeated! It's impossible for trees to
walk and attack human beings. This good news has calmed me.
Yet there is still one prophecy that worries me. I must know if
Banquo's descendants will be kings of Scotland."
"Don't ask any more questions, Macbeth."
"I must have this question answered! Tell me!"
The three witches closed their eyes. A column of eight kings
appeared accompanied by Banquo. The eighth king carried a
mirror in which the images of many more kings were reflected.
"Eight kings and many more reflected in the mirror. Will this
become a reality?"
"Yes," replied one of the witches. "Now we must leave you.
We have other obligations." With a wave of their hands, the The three witches began to chant and quickly fell into a trance.

24
 Two SHAKESPEAREAN TRAGEDIES
three witches disappeared.
"Come back! Come back!"
"Did you call forme, Your Highness?" Lennox entered the
cave.
"No, I didn't. Did you see three strange women leave this
cave?"
"No, Your Highness."
"They didn't pass you as you entered?"
"No, Your Highness. I've come with news. A messenger has
just arrived at the castle. Macduff has escaped to England."
"He's a traitor. I want you to attack his castle and kill his
whole family. Come, take me to this messenger."
ACTIV SCENE Two
At Macduff's castle, Lady Macduff was upset and confused.
"Why has my husband escaped to England?" she asked her
cousin Ross. She paced nervously back and forth across her
study.
"You must be patient."
"Patient? Was Macduff patient? What he has done is insane!
The same fear that caused him to flee will make people judge
him a traitor!"
"Fear may be the reason he escaped, but it could be that he
is intelligent."
"Is it intelligent to abandon your wife and children?"
"You must have patience, cousin. You must trust that
Macduff had good reasons for leaving. These are extraordinary
and dangerous times. They require actions which may not s~em
logical at first. I must leave now. I'm sorry that I can't stay, but
I promise I will return soon."
As Ross left, Lady Macduff turned to her young son.
"We are alone now. Your father is dead for us."
"Father is dead?"
26
MACBETH
"He isn't dead yet, but by escaping to England, he has
condemned himself as a traitor. He'll surely be executed if he
returns."
"My lady!" cried a messenger as he ran into the study. "You
are in grave danger! Escape with your children at once!
Macbeth's forces are going to attack! I must leave quickly. May
Heaven protect you. Good luck!"
"Why should I leave?" thought Lady Macduff as she saw the
messenger depart. "I have done nothing wrong."
She heard a door open behind her and turned to see three
soldiers enter the study with swords drawn.
"Where is your husband?"
"I hope that he's somewhere you can't find him."
"He's a traitor!"
"You're a liar anda criminal!" cried Lady Macduff's son.
"This will keep your mouth closed foreverl" said the soldier.
He seized the boy and stabbed him to death.
"Assassins! Assassinsl Helpl Help!" screamed Lady
Macduff as the soldiers approached her, blocking her escape.
ACTIV SCENE THREE: ENGLAND
"It breaks my heart to see a tyrant rule my country,"
Macduff said to Malcolm in the council hall of the King of
England's castle.
"Macduff, you can help our country at home more than you
can here in England. Your only crime is that you defended my
cause. Return to Scotland."
"1'
1 "I'm no traitor! My loyalty is to you."
"Listen to me! Siward has offered me an army of ten
thousand men to recover my throne. If I accept his generous
offer and I am victorious, the situation in Scotland will be much
worse than it is now."
"How can you say that?"
27
 Two SHAKESPEAREAN TRAGEDIES MACBETH

"Because I'm convinced that I'll be a far worse king than
Macbeth! I know myself! My vices are greater than his. He's a
saint compared to me."
"Stop it!" cried Macduff. He stood up and banged the table
with his fist. "I don't want to hear any more of this! Aren't you
aware of the noble blood that runs through your veins? Have
you forgotten what excellent rulers your mother and father
were? Without you, there is no hope for Scotland!"
Macduff's outburst silenced Malcolm. He stood up slowly
and said, "Your passion and conviction have driven away my
doubts. Your faith inspires me to have faith in myself. I'll accept
Siward's offer and am at your command. With good fortune,
we'll be able to defeat this tyrant together."
Both men turned to see Ross enter the hall.
"Welcome, cousin!" Macduff said as Ross embraced him.
"What is the state of Scotland?"
"Terrible," said Ross. "Scotland's suffering increases with
each day that goes by under this tyrant's rule. The situation is
critica!. There is general discontent among the population. Your
presence will inspire a great number of men and women to fight
against Macbeth."
"The people will be comforted to know that we will arrive
soon," said Malcolm. "Siward has offered us the use of ten
thousand men."
"How are my wife and children ?" asked Macduff. "I hope
Macbeth hasn't disturbed them and that they are at peace."
Ross turned to Macduff slowly and said, "I wish I could
bring you good news. Unfortunately, the news I bring for you is
tragic."
"Then don't wait any longer," said Macduff. "Tell me
quickly."
Ross paused for a moment, looked into his cousin's eyes and
said solemnly, "Your castle has been attacked. Your wife and all
your children have been brutally murdered."
Macduff's face became pale. "My children?"
''Your wife, your children, your servants ... everyone found
in your castle is now dead."
"My wife? Dead?"
"Everyone."
Malcolm approached Macduff.
"Find comfort in the fact that we will avenge them."
"You have no childrenl You can't comprehend my pain!"
cried Macduff as he turned to Ross with tears in his eyes. "All
of my little ones are gone?"
Malcolm put his hands on Macduff's shoulders.
"Avenge them like a man."
"Oh, I will. But I must also feel my loss like a man. My most
precious treasures have been taken from me!"
"Change your sadness into fury!"
"I pray that fate puts Macbeth within reach of my sword!"
whispered Macduff.
"Well said. Come, let's inform the King of England that we
are now ready to end Macbeth's tyranny."
ACTV SCENE 0NE: SCOTLAND
"Has Lady Macbeth been sleepwalking?" the doctor asked
the queen's attendant. They were standing in the dressing room
next to Lady Macbeth's chambers.
"Yes. I'm worried about her. I've seen her get out of bed,
write on a piece of paper, fold it, seal it and then get back into
bed without waking up."
"Has she said anything?"
"Yes, but I can't repeat it."
"You can tell me. I'm her doctor."
"I'd prefer not to say anything. Wait! She's corning! She's
sleepwalking again. Observe her closely."
"How did she get that candle?"

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 Two SHAKESPEAREAN TRAGEDIES MACBETH

"It was next to her bed. She has ordered me to keep a candle
lit next to her at all times."
"She's rubbing her hands."
"She always mimes washing her hands. I've sometimes seen
her do it for a quarter of an hour."
"Here's a spot," said Lady Macbeth. "Out, damned spot! My
lord, how can yo u be a soldier and yet be afraid? There is
nothing to fear. Nobody knows what we have done ... I didn't
think that the old man had so much blood in him."
"Did you hear that?" the doctor asked the attendant.
"Macduff had a wife," Lady Macbeth continued. "Where is
she now? When will my hands be completely clean? No more,
my lord. No more."
The doctor tumed to the attendant and whispered, "You are
hearing things that you shouldn't hear."
"No, she is saying things that she shouldn't say."
"I can't wash away this smell of blood," continued Lady
Macbeth. "Wash your hands. Don't look so pale. Banquo is
dead. He can't harm you from his tomb."
"Oh, God!" cried the doctor.
"Come, let's go to bed," said Lady Macbeth as she walked
back to her bedroom. "What's done cannot be undone. Come to
bed."
The doctor tumed to the attendant. "Is she going back to bed
now?"
"Yes."
"I can't cure this illness. She needs divine help. I hope
Heaven pardons her! The only things that you can do are attend
to her and observe her closely. I can't believe what I have heard!
I cannot repeat it. I pray that Heaven will help us all."
f
&

"She has ordered me to keep a candle lit next to her at all times."
'.l'~.'
,(~

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 Two SHAKESPEAREAN TRAGEDIES MACBETH

ACTV SCENE Two

"These reports don't trouble me," Macbeth said to the

attendants who were with him in the council hall. "My victory
is assured until the woods of Bimam attack me. I don't fear
Malcolm. He was bom from a woman, wasn't he? The prophecy
was clear. 'No man bom from a woman will have power to
defeat me.' I have nothing to fear."
Macbeth tumed to see a messenger running into the hall.
"What is it? Why do you look so frightened?" he cried.
"An army of ten thousand men is marching towards the
castle!"
"Does this insignificant force frighten you, coward? Get out
of my sight! Servant!"
"Yes, Your Highness?"
"Bring me my armour. Our victory is assured. There is
nothing to fear until the trees of Bimam Woods acquire the
power to walk and attack me. Come, let's get ready for battle."

ACTV SCENE THREE

"My lords, may good fortune smile upon us and make

"The disguise will help us surprise Macbeth. "
Scotland safe from tyranny," said Malcolm to the commanders
of his army. ACTV SCENE FOUR
"What is the name of the woods in which we are standing?" '

"Hang our banners ! Make sure our defences are ready !"

'
asked Siward.
"This is Bimam Woods. Gentlemen, tell your soldiers to cut Macbeth commanded his servants to make the final preparations
large branches from the trees. They will be used to disguise us for battle. Cries from within the castle interrupted his words.
when we approach Dunsinane. The disguise will help us surprise "What is that noise?"
Macbeth." "It sounds like women crying. I'll go and investigate,"
"We will do it right away," responded the lords. replied the servant, and he ran out of the chamber. Five minutes
"Good. As soon as this has been done, we can begin our later, he retumed with a pained look on his face.
attack against the tyrant." f "Well, what is it?" asked Macbeth.
Ji "The queen has committed suicide."
i; ;ri'" "Then she is finally at peace."

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 Two SHAKESPEAREAN TRAGEDIES MACBETH
::
Before Macbeth could say anything else, a messenger ran :i'
Siward cried as he attacked. Macbeth quickly gained the
into the chamber. Macbeth turned to him. "What is it? Speak!" advantage and killed him. He looked down at the corpse and
"Your Highness, I don't know if I can find the words to hl'.. w'" said, "You were born of a woman. You had no chance against
describe what I have just seen." 'i' me."
,
"Try!" f/ A hundred metres away, Macduff stood, searching. "Where
"I was standing watch on the hill outside the castle. I are you, Macbeth? I won't be satisfied until I avenge my
looked towards Birnam Woods and saw it begin to move family's death personally."
towards us!"
"That's a lie!" ACTV SCENE SIX
"May your fury fall upon me if I have invented this, Your
Highness. I saw the woods move!" Macduff finally found Macbeth. "Macbeth! Turn and face
"If you are lying, you'll hang from the nearest tree! If this is my vengeance, you criminal!"
true, Birnam Woods is marching towards Dunsinane! Bring me "I don't want to fight you. I have too much of your blood on
my armour! It's time to attack! There will be no escape forme my hands already."
' .f "Let your sword do your talking!"
if this is true. I prefer to die in combat. The hour has come to ;ll

t "I'm warning you. Escape while you can! I'm invincible

fight!"

l
When the attacking force was within three hundred metres
of the castle, Malcolm turned to Siward. "We're close enough.
Tell the men to throw down their branches. Lead the initial
attack with your son. Macduff and I will support you with our
forces."
"At once," replied Siward. "Good luck, Malcolm. Good
luck, Macduff."
"Sound the trumpets! We attack!" cried Macduff.
ACTV SCENE FIVE
As the battle progressed, Macbeth entered a clearing. "I
must keep fighting. Where is this man who was not born from a
woman? Can he really exist?"
Young Siward approached him and cried, "Identify
yourself!"
"I am Macbeth."
"You will taste the justice of my sword, tyrant!" young
! against any man who was born from a woman."
"Then your good fortune has disappeared. My mother died
giving birth to me, and they tore me from her stomach!"
/
.~~' "I won't fight you."
.i~-
t; "Then surrender to me, coward."
I "Render myself captive to you and Malcolm? Never!
"Although all the prophecies have come true, I'll fight until I
die!" cried Macbeth as he attacked Macduff.
Malcolm and Siward were reunited at the gates of the castle.
"My lord," said Siward, "the castle has surrendered. It's
yours! Enter. Victory is near."
ACTV SCENE SEVEN
Sorne time later, Malcolm, Siward and their commanders
were reunited in the council hall of Dunsinane Castle.
"Macduff and your son are still missing. I hope they will
return safely," Malcolm said to Siward. Ross entered the hall

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 Two SHAKESPEAREAN TRAGEDIES MACBETH

and walked towards them.

"My lord, your son has died in battle. You can be proud of
him. He died bravely."
"He's dead?" asked Siward.
"Yes, my lord."
"I am comforted that he died a noble death. May he be in
God's graces now."
Suddenly, the doors of the hall opened and Macduff entered,
carrying Macbeth's head. "Hail Malcolm, King of Scotland!" he
cried. "The tyrant is dead."
"Then this nightmare is finally over," said Malcolm. "You
are all invited to my coronation. You will receive honours for
, your loyalty. I'll inform those in exile from Macbeth's tyranny
that they are welcome once again in Scotland. We must not
/1 waste any time. I pray that these tragic times will quickly
become a distant memory."

The doors of the hall opened and Macduff ente red, carrying Macbeth s head.

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