The Tragedy of Macbeth: Index

ACT I
1 An Open Place ………………………………………………... 2
2 A Camp near Forres …………………………………………… 3
3 A Heath ………………………………………………………... 5
4 Forres. A Room in the Palace …………………………………. 9
5 Inverness. A Room in Macbeths Castle ……………………….. 10
6 The Same. Before the Castle …………………………………... 11
7 The Same. A Room in the Castle ………………………………. 12
ACT II
1 The Same. Court within the Castle …………………………….. 14
2 The Same ………………………………………………………. 15
3 The Same ………………………………………………………. 18
4 Without the Castle ……………………………………………... 23
ACT III
1 Forres. A Room in the Palace …………………………………. 25
2 The Same. Another Room …………………………………….. 28
3 The Same. A Park, with a Road Leading to the Palace ……….. 30
4 A Room of State in the Palace ………………………………… 31
5 The Heath ……………………………………………………… 36
6 Forres. A Room in the Palace ………………………………….. 37
ACT IV
1 A Dark Cave, In the Middle, a Cauldron, Boiling …………….. 39
2 Fife. A Room in Macduff’s Castle …………………………….. 44
3 England. A Room in the King’s Palace ………………………... 48
ACT V
1 Dunsinane. A Room in the Castle ……………………………… 53
2 The Country near Dunsinane …………………………………... 56
3 Dunsinane. A Room in the Castle ……………………………... 57
4 Country near Dunsinane: a Wood in View …………………….. 60
5 Tragic Descent …………………………………………………. 61
6 Dunsinane. Within the Castle ………………………………….. 61
7 The Same. A Plain before the Castle ………………………….. 63
8 The Same. Another Part of the Plain ………………………….. 64
1
 ACT I
Scene 1
In an Open Place

[Thunder and lightning (sounds), enter the three WITCHES.]

FIRST WITCH
When will the three of us meet again?
In thunder, lighting, or in rain?

SECOND WITCH
When the commotion is done,
When the battle is lost and won.

THIRD WITCH
That will be before the set of the sun.

SECOND WITCH
Upon the wasteland

THIRD WITCH
We will meet Macbeth there.

FIRST WITCH (singed) (referring to their inanimate spirits)

Here I come, gray kitty.

SECOND WITCH
My toad, Paddock is calling.

THIRD WITCH
Let’s go at once.

ALL (singed)
Right is wrong and wrong is right.
Hanging through the fog and the filthy air.

[The three witches vanish.]

2
 Scene 2
In a Camp near Forres (Forres- a Scottish town)

[The sound of a trumpet at a distance, enters KING DUNCAN, MALCOM,

DONALBAIN, LENNOX with ATTENDANTS, meeting a bleeding SOLDIER.]
DUNCAN
What wounded and bloody man is this? It seems by his casualty, that he can retell of
the newest state of the revolt.

MALCOLM
This is the sergeant, who like a good and strong soldier, fought against my captivity-
Greetings, brave friend! Tell the King your knowledge of the dispute, as if you
never left the battlefield.

SOLDIER
It remained uncertain; The merciless Macdonwald, (worthy to be called a rebel,)
from the Western Isles. Supplied armament to our enemies, but all efforts were
doomed.

Brave Macbeth with his waving forged out his path, ‘till he faced the enemy; split
him open from the belly to the legs, and fixed his head upon our fortification.

DUNCAN
Our brave cousin! Worthy gentleman!

DUNCAN
Macbeth and Banquo were never dismayed, right?

SOLDIER
Yes, they never dismayed! They redoubled their attacks on the enemy; it seemed as
if they wanted to make the battle memorable for the time to come.
But please help me, I feel like I’m fainting.

DUNCAN
May the honor of your words resemble the honor of your wounds. -Go, help him
DOCTORs
[Exit SOLDIER with medics.]

DOCTOR 1
Come with us, valiant Sir.

DOCTOR 2
Do not say any word, Sir you already bled so much.

DOCTOR 1
3
 If we don’t hurry, he will soon die a martyr.

[Enter ROSS and ANGUS.]

Who is the one coming?

MALCOLM
The honorable Guard of Ross.

LENNOX
What an anxious look is in his eyes! He looks as if he wants to say something
important.

ROSS
God Save the King!

DUNCAN
From where you come from, worthy Guard?

ROSS
From Fife, Great King. From where the flags of Norway fly in the sky against us.
Norway was terrible in number and led by the disloyal and proud traitor Guard of
Cawdor, but with the resolution of Macbeth easily the victory fell upon us.

DUNCAN
What a joy!

ROSS
But we know that Sweno, the King of Norway desires a treaty. We cannot attack his
men until he pays out Inchcolme (Scottish city) ten thousand dollars for our general
use.

DUNCAN
The Guard of Cawdor will not deceive us anymore- Go, pronounce him dead, and
give his title to Macbeth.

ROSS
I’ll do it right away.

DUNCAN
What he has lost, Macbeth the noble won.

[They exit]

4
 Scene 3
In a wasteland
[Thunder. Enter three witches.]

FIRST WITCH
Where have you been, my dear sisters?

SECOND WITCH
Killing pigs.

THIRD WITCH
And you sister?

FIRST WITCH (storytelling)(annoyed)

Well, A sailor’s wife had almonds in her lap, and she munched away them, “Give
me one” I said, and the silly little creature said, “Begone, witch!” So, I’ll cause a
storm and ruin her husband's trip.

SECOND WITCH
I’ll help you with the wind.

THIRD WITCH
Me too. I’ll give you thunder.

[Coming sound of drums.]

THIRD WITCH (excitement)

Drums! Drums! Macbeth is coming.

[Enter MACBETH and BANQUO.]

ALL
(dancing) We are weird sisters, hand in hand. Three times to yours. Three Times to
mine, and three times again to add up nine. Enough! The charm is done.

MACBETH
I have never seen a day so dark and so beautiful.

BANQUO (To Macbeth) (weariness)

How far is it to Forres? (shock) What are these creatures, so withered and untamed,
they seem from out of this world, but they are on it. Are you a living creature, or are
you something we should fear? (to the witches)
You seem like women, but your beards forbid me to interpret that...you are
so…witches! You are witches!

5
MACBETH (screamed)
Speak If you can! -Who are you?

FIRST WITCH (sarcasm)

Greetings, Macbeth, Hail to you, Guard of Glamis!

SECOND WITCH
Greetings Macbeth, Hail to you, Guard of Cawdor

THIRD WITCH (Irony)

Greetings Macbeth, hail to you, soon-to-be King!

BANQUO (to Macbeth)

Good friend, what are you afraid of hearing things that sound so favorable?
(to the witches)
Again, who are you? You speak to my Sir as if you know him to the point of
promising a hope of royalty, tell me then if you can predict the future. Speak our
fortune!

WITCHES (with curiosity)

FIRST WITCHES
Hello to you.

SECOND WITCH
Greetings!

THIRD WITCH
Lower than Macbeth, but greater.

SECOND WITCH (irony)

Not so lucky but happier.

THIRD WITCH
Your descendants will be Kings, even though you will not be one.

FIRST WITCH (over exaggeration)

Nice to meet you Banquo and Macbeth. Hail to you!

MACBETH (impatience)(confusion)(anger)
Don’t you dare leave, you have not told me all I want to know by my Father’s death,
I know I’m Guard of Glemis, but how come of Cawdor, the Guard of Cawdor is
alive and well, so please tell me, how in the world this prophecy will happen? How
dare you speak so boldly of the future!

[WITCHES vanish.]

6
BANQUO (weariness)(confusion)
Earth has many mysteries as water has, and these are of them. Where did they go?

MACBETH (suggested aggravation)

They vanished into thin air! They did not even dare to stay and answer.

BANQUO
Sir, are you sure we saw them, right? As surely as we are speaking. Or did we eat
some sort of insane herb that left us with no reason?

MACBETH (sarcasm)(laughing)
Your children will be Kings.

BANQUO (joking)
You will be King.

MACBETH (joking)
And Guard of Cawdor too, isn’t what they said?

BANQUO (laughing)
The same tune and words. Who is coming?

[Enter ROSS and ANGUS.]

ROSS
The King has happily received the news of your success in battle Macbeth. Hearing
of your doings and how you fought against rebels and at the same time with Norway
with no fear of death he could not wait any longer to praise you!

ANGUS
We are sent to give you from our royal master sincere thanks; and grace him with a
visit.

ROSS (reverence)
And for a pledge of great honor, He instructed me to call you from now on Guard of
Cawdor! So, Hail to you most worthy Guard of Cawdor! For this is your title.

BANQUO (afraid)
What! Since when the Devil can speak the truth?

MACBETH (disbelief)
The Guard of Cawdor lives Why are you calling me something I’m not?

7
ANGUS
The man who was the Guard of Cawdor is still alive but has been sentenced to
death. Whether he fought allied with Norway or joined with the rebels; I’m not sure.
But he is finished.

MACBETH (amazement)(proud)
(To himself) Just like they said, Glamis, and Guard of Cawdor, oh, the best is yet to
come! (To ROSS and ANGUS) Thank you for the news.
(To BANQUO) Do you not wish for your children to be Kings, when those who
gave the title of Guard of Cawdor to me, promised no less to them?

BANQUO (serious)(contemplative)
If you trust what they say, it might bring you to the crown in addition to Guard of
Cawdor; but this, this is strange. Sometimes to bring us to destruction darkness tells
us truths, convinces us with vanities, and leads us to serious consequences with no
way out. (To ROSS and Angus) Gentleman, I’d like to have a word with you. (they
leave to the side and leave Macbeth alone)

MACBETH (desperation)
(To himself) The witches were right in two things, so this means I will become
King in the end. This supernatural temptation cannot be that bad of a thing, but it
can’t be good either. It can be bad because I was promoted to something true, but it
can’t be good, because suddenly I want to murder King Duncan.

BANQUO (nervous)
Look at him, wrapped in a daze.

MACBETH (desperation)
(to himself) No. If fate wants me to be king fate itself will do it.

BANQUO
(To Ross and Angus) He is not used to his new title, don’t mind him. Macbeth!
We’re ready when you are.

MACBETH (acting normal again)

Excuse me, Gentleman, I was distracted. I will never forget this favor as long as I
live. Let’s go to the King. (To Banquo, whispering) Think about what just happened,
then we’ll talk.

BANQUO
Absolutely.

MACBETH
(to BANQUO) Until then don’t say a word. Let’s go my friends.

[They Exit.]

8
 Scene 4
Forres. A Room in the Palace

[Trumpets. Enter DUNCAN, MALCOM, DONALBAIN, LENNOX, and ATTENDANTS.

DUNCAN.]

DUNCAN
Has the former Guard of Cawdor been executed yet? Where are the people in charge
of that?

MALCOLM
My King, they haven’t come back yet. But I spoke with someone who saw Cawdor
die. He said that he openly admitted his treason and begged for forgiveness, His
dead was atrocious, resembling garbage.

DUNCAN (angry)
You never know the true intentions of someone by looking at their face, I trusted
Cawdor.

[Enter MACBETH, BANQUO, ROSS, ANGUS.]

DUNCAN (to Macbeth)

My dear Kingsman! Just when I was feeling guilty for not thanking you enough for
all you’ve done on my behalf.

MACBETH
The opportunity to serve you is my reward. Your only obligation your Highness is to
accept our service, by protecting you we are only doing our honor.

DUNCAN
You are welcome here. By making you Guard of Cawdor, I have planted a seed for a
great career, and I will make sure it grows. (To Banquo) Noble Banquo, you deserve
no less than Macbeth and everyone should know it.

BANQUO
If I’ve accomplished something great. All the credit is to you.

DUNCAN
I’m so overjoyed it brings tears to my eyes! My relatives, lords, and friends, I want
you to witness how I name my son Malcolm, today as Prince of Cumberland. But he
is not the only one receiving honor today. (To Macbeth) Go now to your castle in
Inverness, where I will visit you soon.

9
MACBETH
I’m not happy unless I’m not working with you, I’ll call. My wife and let her know of the
news and your visit. With that, I’ll be off.

DUNCAN
My worthy Cawdor!

MACBETH (annoyed)
(As he leaves, to himself) Malcolm is now the prince of Cumberland! To become
King myself either I get rid of him by killing him or give up altogether. Stars, hide
your light for what evil deeds my hands want to do. Because I’ll do it.

DUNCAN
(To Banquo) You are right Banquo, Macbeth is as valiant as you say. Let’s follow
him now that he has gone to prepare our welcome.

Scene 5
Inverness. A Room in Macbeth’s Castle
[LADY MACBETH enters reading a letter.]

LADY MACBETH (to herself)

(looks up from the letter) You are Guard of Glamis and now of Cawdor, and of
course, you’re going to be king. But I worry you don’t have what it takes to have the
crown. You are so sentimental to strike aggressively when you must do so. Hurry
home so I can persuade you do to whatever it takes for the throne. In the end, call it
witchcraft or call it fate, it wants you to be king.

[Enters SERVANT.]

LADY MACBETH (annoyed)

Speak what you know.

SERVANT
The King is coming tonight.

LADY MACBETH
You cannot be serious! Isn’t Macbeth with the King, Wouldn’t Macbeth tell me in
advance so I could prepare?

SERVANT
Sorry Lady, but it is true, Macbeth is also coming.

LADY MACBETH
Take good care of him, he brings great news.
(evil sarcasm)

10
 Oh, King Duncan, now you are entering my fortress where you will meet your
death! Evil Spirits accompany me now, so heaven cannot stop me and cry “Stop!”.

[MACBETH enters.]
(excitement)
Great Guard of Glamis, Worthy Guard of Cawdor! Soon, you’ll be greater than
those titles once you become King! Your letter transported me to our destiny my
Lord.

MACBETH
My love, Duncan is coming here tonight.

LADY MACBETH (malice)

And when is he leaving?

MACBETH
He plans to leave tomorrow.

LADY MACBETH
That day will never come. Your face betrays you my Lord, and people will notice,
so you must appear as expected, welcoming, and innocent as a flower, overly
friendly with our guest, but be like the snake hiding underneath. I’ll take care of the
rest.

MACBETH (nervous)
We’ll speak of this later.

LADY MACBETH (slightly annoyed)

Try your best to appear relaxed and innocent, and don’t ruin this, I’ll do the rest.

[They exit.]

Scene 6
The Same. Before the Castle

[The stage is lit by torches. Enters DUNCAN, MALCOM, DONOLBAIN, BANQUO,

LENNOX, MACDUFF, ROSS, ANGUS.]

DUNCAN
This castle is a pleasant place. The air is sweet.

BANQUO
The fact that this summer bird made their nest here, tells us that is a breezy place.

[LADY MACBETH enters.]

11
DUNCAN
Look! Here comes our honorable hostess.

LADY MACBETH
Everything we are doing for you, even if it was doubled and doubled again cannot
compare to the honors you have brought my family.

DUNCAN
Where is my Macbeth? We followed him closely, but it seemed as if we arrived
before him. We are your guests now.

LADY MACBETH
We are your servants, your Highness, and as always, our house and everything in it
is at your disposal.

DUNCAN
Give me your hand dear, and lead me to my host Macbeth, who I love, and will
continue loving. Whenever you are ready hostess.

[They exit.]

Scene 7
The Same. A Room in the Castle

[The stage is lit by torches. A butler and various servants carry utensils. Then MACBETH
enters.]

MACBETH (to himself)

If all of this can be over as soon as possible, then it would be better to get it over
now. The King’s assassination can go under the radar, and I will face no
consequences, he trusts me, as his Kinsman and his host. Nobody will suspect me.
But still in this world, there are punishments for these heinous crimes and my
consciousness is not yet gone. The only thing moving me is ambition.

[LADY MACBETH enters.]

What news do you have? (anxiety)

LADY MACBETH
He has almost finished dinner. Why did you leave the room?

MACBETH (anxious)
Has he asked for me?

LADY MACBETH (annoyed)

Of course, he has.

12
MACBETH
We will not continue with this plan; He has given me so much honor lately; and I’ve
gained nothing but praise from everybody, my life is shining, and I don’t want it to
end.

LADY MACBETH (annoyance)(irony)

Were you drunk when you eagerly agreed with me? Did you sleep the courage away
and wake up as fearful as always? You look green and pale, dear. is that the way you
love me too? Will, you take the crown or live as a coward?

MACBETH (agony)
Please, stop talking! Don’t persuade me to do something a man should not do!

LADY MACBETH
If you weren’t a man, then what kind of beast were you when you agreed with me?
When you dared to kill then you him there you were a man. The time and place
weren’t right before and now they are almost too good to miss.

MACBETH (trying to reason with her)

If we fail...

LADY MACBETH
We, fail? If you get your boldness up, we can't fail. When Duncan is asleep -he is
too tired and has eaten too much. I’ll get his two servants drunk, so drunk they’ll
fall like pigs. What won't we be able to do? Then as easily, we will blame the
servants.

MACBETH (surprised)
May you only give birth to male children because your evil heart can’t create
something delicate and feminine. Once we covered the two servants with blood and
sued their daggers, won't people believe they are culprits?

LADY MACBETH (sarcasm)

Who would think anything less? We will be grieving the old man's death anyway.

MACBETH
You’ve convinced me, I’ll do it with my whole strength this crime. Now go, be a
good hostess, and conceive with a smile the evilness of your heart.

13
 ACT II
Scene 1
The Same. Court within the Castle
[Enter BANQUO and FLEANCE with a torch.]

BANQUO (Curious)
How's the night, boy?

FLEANCE (Uncertain)
Moon's gone; I haven't heard the clock yet.

BANQUO
It's midnight.

FLEANCE (Doubtful)
I think it's later.

BANQUO (Concerned)
Here, take my sword. The stars are out. Take the torch too. Something's weighing on
me. I don't want to sleep. Keep those dark thoughts away. Give me my sword.

[Enter MACBETH and a SERVANT with a torch.]

MACBETH (Alert)
Who's there?

BANQUO (Surprised)
Still not resting?! The King's in bed, feeling unusually happy, handing out gifts to
everyone. He sends this diamond to your wife, calling her a gracious hostess,
content with life's abundance.

MACBETH (Regretful)
Our intentions failed us tonight, making us servants to our flaws.

BANQUO (Reassuring)
All's well.
I dreamt of the three weird sisters last night. They've shown you something true.

MACBETH (Uninterested)
I don't think of them. But when we can find time, let's discuss that matter, if you're
willing.

BANQUO (Agreeable)
Whenever you're ready.

14
MACBETH (Appreciative)
If you stick by my side when it matters, you'll earn honor.

BANQUO (Determined)
I won't lose anything by supporting you. I'll remain loyal and clear-headed.

MACBETH
Sleep well.

BANQUO (Grateful)
Thanks, same to you.

[Exit BANQUO and FLEANCE.]

MACBETH (Giving command)

Go, tell my wife to ring the bell when my drink's ready. Go to bed.

[Exit SERVANT.]

MACBETH (Delusional)
Is that a dagger I see? Can't touch it, but it's there. Real or just in my head? It guides
me to my dark deed. Eyes show me a bloody blade. Nature's dead, nightmares haunt
me. I move like a ghost towards my goal. Earth, stay silent; time, keep the horror.
Victim still lives as I hesitate.

[A bell rings.]

The deed's done. Duncan, heed not the bell; it's your fate.

[Exit]

Scene 2
The Same.

[Enter LADY MACBETH.]

LADY MACBETH (confident)
The same drink that made them drunk has made me bold. What dulled their
senses has sharpened mine. Listen! Silence! It was the owl's shriek,
foretelling death's arrival. He's at it. Doors open, servants snore. I've drugged
their drinks, now Death and Nature are fighting over them.

MACBETH (anxious)
[Within] Who's there? What's happening?

15
LADY MACBETH (alarmed)
Oh no! They've woken up, and it's not done yet. The attempt, not the deed, confuses
us. I've prepared their daggers for him. If he didn't resemble my father as he slept, I
would have done it myself. My husband?

[Enter MACBETH.]

MACBETH (tense)
I've done it. Did you hear a noise?

LADY MACBETH (tense)

I heard the owl scream and the crickets cry. Did you not speak?

MACBETH (anxious)
When?

LADY MACBETH (tense)

Just now.

MACBETH (nervous)
As I descended?

LADY MACBETH (tense)

Yes.

MACBETH (alarmed)
Listen! Who lies in the second chamber?

LADY MACBETH
Donalbain.

MACBETH (disturbed)
This is a sorry sight. [Looking at his hands]

LADY MACBETH (kind of sarcastic)

A foolish thought, to say a sorry sight.

MACBETH (troubled)
One of them laughed in his sleep, and the other cried, "Murder!" They woke each
other up, but then they prayed and went back to sleep.

LADY MACBETH (with a hint of sarcasm)

They're both sleeping together.

MACBETH (haunted)

16
 One said, "God bless us!" and the other, "Amen," as if they saw me with these
bloody hands, listening to their fear. I couldn't even say "Amen" when they said,
"God bless us."

LADY MACBETH (trying to dismiss his thoughts)

Consider it not so deeply.

MACBETH (tormented)
But why couldn't I say "Amen"? I needed that blessing, but it choked me.

LADY MACBETH (urgent)

We shouldn't dwell on these deeds like this. It'll drive us mad.

MACBETH (disturbed)
I thought I heard a voice cry out, "Sleep no more! Macbeth has murdered sleep, the
innocent sleep..."

LADY MACBETH (concerned)

What do you mean?

MACBETH (frantically)
It kept saying, "Sleep no more!" to the whole house. "Glamis has murdered sleep,
and therefore Cawdor shall sleep no more; Macbeth shall sleep no more!"

LADY MACBETH (worried and trying to reassure)

Who cried out like that? Why, my worthy Guard, you're letting your noble strength
weaken just to think about it. You're obsessing over this. Go, get some water and
wash the blood from your hands.

[MACBETH brings the daggers out of his pocket] Why did you bring the daggers
here?! Leave them where they were and go smear the sleeping servants with blood.

MACBETH (panicked)
I can't go back there. I'm afraid to even think about what I've done. I can't bear to look at it
again.

LADY MACBETH (disappointed and angry)

You Coward minded! Give me the daggers. Sleeping or dead, they're just like
pictures. It's childish to fear painted devils. If they bleed, I'll smear the servants'
faces with blood too, to make them look guilty.

[Exit LADY MACBETH. Knocking within.]

17
MACBETH (terrified)
Where's that knocking coming from? Why does every sound terrify me? What hands
are these? They seem to pluck out my eyes. Can all the oceans wash this blood from
my hands? No, instead my hands will turn the seas red.

[Enter LADY MACBETH.]

LADY MACBETH (determined)

My hands are as bloody as yours, but I refuse to have a weak heart. [Knock.] I hear
knocking at the south entrance. Let's go to our chamber. A little water will wash us
of this deed How easy is it, then! Your constancy You're getting lost in your
thoughts. [Knock.] Listen! More knocking. Put on your nightgown, in case we need
to act like we were asleep. Don't let your thoughts overwhelm you.

MACBETH (desperate)
Knowing what I've done. I'd rather not to recognize myself. [Knock.] Wake Duncan
with your knocking. I wish you could!

[Exit]
Scene 3
The Same
[Enter a PORTER, knocking within.]

PORTER (exhausted, kind of crazy)

Here's a knocking! If I were the gatekeeper of Hell, I'd be busy turning the key.
[Knocking.] Knock, knock, knock. Who's there?
[Knocking.] Coming, coming. Please, don't forget about the porter.

[Opens the gate.]

[MACDUFF and LENNOX enter.]

MACDUFF (concerned)
Were you up late last night, friend?

PORTER (amused)
Indeed, sir, we were partying until the early hours.

MACDUFF (skeptical)
I think alcohol got the better of you last night.

PORTER (exhausted)
Absolutely, sir, I had quite the row with it. But I got the upper hand eventually, even
if it did knock me off my feet a few times.

18
MACDUFF (urgent)
Is your master awake?

[MACBETH enters.]

Our knocking has woken him; here he comes.

LENNOX (respectful)
Good morning, noble sir!

MACBETH (composed)
Good morning, both!

MACDUFF (anxious)
Is the King awake, worthy Guard?

MACBETH (assuring)
Not yet.

MACDUFF (worried)
He asked me to wake him early. I'm running late.

MACBETH (reassuring)
I'll take you to him.

MACDUFF (relieved)
I know this is a happy duty for you, but it's still a duty.

MACBETH (serious)
This way.

[MACDUFF exits.]

LENNOX (curious)
Is the King leaving today?

MACBETH (affirmative)
Yes, he planned to.

LENNOX (alarmed)
The night was turbulent. Our chimneys were blown down, and we heard strange
noises—lamentations, screams of death, and terrifying prophecies. The birds were
restless all night. Some say the earth itself shook.

MACBETH (acknowledging)
It was indeed a rough night.

19
LENNOX (unsettled)
I've never experienced anything like it.

[MACDUFF enters.]

MACDUFF (horrified)
Oh, horror! horror! horror! I can't even describe it. Something terrible has happened.

MACBETH and LENNOX (concerned)

What's wrong?

MACDUFF (frantic)
Chaos has reached its peak. The most sacrilegious murder has desecrated the King's
chamber, stealing his life.

MACBETH (in disbelief)

What are you saying? The King's life?

LENNOX (shocked)
You mean his Majesty?

MACDUFF (distressed)
Come to the chamber and see for yourselves. I can't bring myself to describe it.
Awake, awake!

[MACBETH and LENNOX exit.]

Ring the alarm bell! Murder and treason! Look upon death itself! Rise up, Malcolm!
Banquo! Let your spirits emerge from the grave to witness this horror!

[A bell rings.]

[LADY MACBETH enters.]

LADY MACBETH (anxious)

What's happening? Why is there such a commotion? Speak, speak!

MACDUFF (grave)
Oh, gentle lady! It's not for your ears to hear what I have to say. The mere repetition
would be as terrible as the act itself.

[BANQUO enters.]

Would kill as it fell—Oh, Banquo! Banquo! Our king has been murdered.

LADY MACBETH (anguished)

Oh no, in our own house?
20
BANQUO (anguished)
It's cruel anywhere. Please, Duff, tell me it's not true.

[MACBETH and LENNOX enter.]

MACBETH (grief-stricken)
If only I had died an hour before this happened. From this moment, life seems
meaningless. Honor and grace are dead, and we're left with nothing but emptiness.

[MALCOLM and DONALBAIN enter.]

DONALBAIN (shocked)
What is going on?

MACBETH (heavy-hearted)
You are, and you don't even know it. The source of your bloodline is stopped. Your
father, the King, has been murdered.

MALCOLM (disbelieving)
By whom?

LENNOX (accusing)
It seems it was done by those close to him. They were covered in blood, their faces
and hands stained. We found daggers on their pillows. They looked mad and
distracted. No one was safe around them.

MACBETH (remorseful)
I regret my rage that led me to kill them.

MACDUFF (demanding)
Why did you do it?

MACBETH (defensive)
Who can be calm and rational, loyal and impartial, all at once? My love for Duncan
overpowered reason. He lay there, his lifeblood staining his silver skin. It looked
like a tear in the fabric of nature, a breach for destruction. The murderers, steeped in
the blood of their trade, their daggers dripping, couldn't resist. Who wouldn't act
when they have a heart full of love and courage?

LADY MACBETH (panicked)

Help me, I need to leave.

MACDUFF (supportive)
Take care of the lady.

21
MALCOLM (determined)
Why are we silent? We should take charge of the situation.

DONALBAIN (fearful)
What can we say here, where danger lurks? Let's leave; our tears haven't even
started flowing yet.

MALCOLM (resolute)
Nor should they, until we're in motion.

BANQUO (commanding)
Take care of the lady.

[LADY MACBETH is carried out.]

When we're safely hidden from view, let's convene and question this bloody act. We
must uncover the truth. Fears and doubts shake us, but I stand firm in the hand of
God against treacherous malice.

MACDUFF (determined)
So, do I.

ALL (united)
As do we all.

MACBETH (solemn)
Let's prepare ourselves and meet in the hall.

ALL (united)
Agreed.

[Everyone exits except MALCOLM and DONALBAIN.]

MALCOLM (decisive)
What will you do? Let's not join them. Showing fake sorrow is too easy for deceitful
men. I'm going to England.

DONALBAIN (resolute)
And I'll go to Ireland. Our separation will keep us safer. Where we are now, even
family members can't be trusted. The closer the blood, the more likely the
bloodshed.

MALCOLM (assured)
This murderous plot hasn't reached us yet. Our best move is to leave now. Let's go.
There's a justification in leaving when there's no mercy left.

[They exit.]
22
 Scene 4
Without the castle

[Enter ROSS and an OLD MAN.]

OLD MAN (nostalgic)

I remember seventy years well. In that time, I've seen dreadful hours and strange
events, but tonight surpasses them all.
ROSS (pensive)
Indeed, old friend. The heavens seem disturbed by man's actions. It's daytime by the
clock, yet dark night shrouds the sky. Is it night overpowering day, or the shame of
the day hiding behind darkness when light should embrace the earth?

OLD MAN (concerned)

It's unnatural, just like the deed that's been done. Last Tuesday, a proud falcon was
killed by a hunting owl.

ROSS (serious)
And Duncan's horses, swift and beautiful, turned wild, breaking free from their
stalls as if rebelling against obedience, as if they were waging war against humanity.

OLD MAN (alarmed)

They say they even turned on each other.

ROSS (astonished)
They did, to my utter amazement. Here comes Macduff.

[Enter MACDUFF.]

MACDUFF (anguished)
How is the world, sir?

ROSS (inquiring)
Can't you see?

MACDUFF (distressed)
Do we know who committed this heinous act?

ROSS (agonized)
Those murdered by Macbeth.

MACDUFF (tormented)
Alas! What reason could they have?

23
ROSS (perturbed)
They were manipulated. Malcolm and Donalbain, the King's two sons, have fled in
secrecy, casting suspicion upon themselves.

MACDUFF (frustrated)
It's against all nature. Ambition, unchecked, can devour one's own life. It seems
likely that Macbeth will seize the throne.

MACDUFF (desperate)
He's already been named and has gone to Scone for the coronation.

ROSS (grave)
Where is Duncan's body?

MACDUFF (somber)
Taken to Colme-kill, the resting place of his ancestors.

ROSS (determined)
Will you go to Scone?

MACDUFF (resolute)
No, cousin. I'll go to Fife.

ROSS (supportive)
Very well, I will go.

MACDUFF (anxious)
I hope things go smoothly. Goodbye, lest our old ways prove more comfortable than
our new ones.

ROSS (affectionate)
Goodbye, father.

OLD MAN (blessing)

God bless you both, and those who turn bad into good, and enemies into friends.

[They exit.]

24
 ACT III
Scene 1
Forres. A room in the palace.
[Enter BANQUO.]

BANQUO (skeptical)
You have it all now—king, Cawdor, Glamis, just as the Weird Women promised.
But I suspect you obtained it through foul means. They also said it wouldn't pass to
your descendants but that I would be the father of kings. If their prophecies hold
true for you, why can't they do the same for me? But enough of that.

[A fanfare sounds. Enter MACBETH as King, LADY MACBETH as Queen, LENNOX,

ROSS, LORDS, LADIES, and ATTENDANTS.]

MACBETH (regal)
Here's our main guest.

LADY MACBETH (diplomatic)

If he had been forgotten, it would have been a gap in our great feast and unseemly.

MACBETH (hospitable)
Tonight we have a special dinner, sir, and I would like you to join us.

BANQUO (deferential)
Your Highness, you command me, and I am duty-bound to obey.

MACBETH (inquiring)
Will you be riding this afternoon?

BANQUO (courteous)
Yes, my good lord.

MACBETH (considerate)
We would have valued your advice today, but we'll wait until tomorrow. How far
will you ride?
BANQUO (casual)
As far as needed to fill the time until supper. If my horse doesn't cooperate, I may
need to borrow the night for an hour or two.

MACBETH (cordial)
Don't miss our feast.

BANQUO (assuring)
I won't, my lord.

25
MACBETH (informing)
We've heard that our traitorous relatives are in England and Ireland, denying their
guilt and making up wild stories. But we'll discuss that tomorrow when we have
more pressing matters. Go ride. Goodbye until you return tonight. Is Fleance going
with you?

BANQUO (confirming)
Yes, my lord. Time calls us.

MACBETH (bidding farewell)

I wish your horses are swift and sure-footed. Farewell.

[BANQUO exits.]

Let everyone enjoy their time until seven tonight. To make our gathering even more
pleasant, I'll be alone until suppertime. Until then, God be with you.

[LORDS and all but MACBETH and a SERVANT exit.]

Now, a word with you. Are those men waiting as we asked?

ATTENDANT
Yes, my lord. They're outside the palace gate.

MACBETH
Bring them before us.

[The ATTENDANT exits.]

To be in my position means nothing if it's not secure. I fear Banquo deeply. He dares
much, and his noble nature commands respect. He possesses a wisdom that guides
his courage toward safety. There's no one else I fear like him. My own ambition is
diminished by comparison. Banquo rebuked the witches when they named me king
and asked them to speak to him. They prophesied that he would father kings while I
would have a fruitless reign, my lineage broken by an unrelated successor. If this is
true, I've plotted against my own best interests, murdering Duncan and disturbing
my peace of mind only for Banquo's descendants. Instead of that, I'll challenge fate
itself. Who's there?

[Enter ATTENDANT and TWO MURDERERS.]

(to the attendant) Wait by the door until we call.

[The ATTENDANT exits.]

Didn't we speak yesterday?

26
MURDERERS
Yes, Your Highness.

MACBETH
Well then, have you thought about what I said? Remember, it was Banquo who held
you down before, making you think it was me. In our last meeting, I proved to you
how you were misled, how you were crossed, who influenced you, and everything
else that might convince a wavering spirit. Say "Banquo did this."

FIRST MURDERER
You made it clear to us.

MACBETH
I went further, as we discussed earlier. Are you patient enough to let this go? Are
you devout enough to pray for this good man and his family, who have brought you
close to death and ruined you forever?

FIRST MURDERER
We are men, my lord.

MACBETH
Yes, you are counted among men, just as dogs are counted among animals—some
are valued for their swiftness, others for their loyalty. Men are the same. If you're
not at the bottom of the list, tell me, and I'll trust you with a task that will rid us of
your enemy, binding you to me in love and loyalty. He's made my life a misery.

SECOND MURDERER
I'm one of those who has been so beaten down by life that I don't care what I do to
spite the world.

FIRST MURDERER
And I'm another, tired of misfortune and bad luck, willing to risk anything to change
it.

MACBETH
Both of you know that Banquo is your enemy.

MURDERERS
Yes, my lord.

MACBETH
He's mine too, and every minute he's alive threatens my own life. Though I could
use my power to get rid of him openly, I can't do that because of certain friends who
are loyal to both him and me. That's why I'm asking for your help, hiding this plan
from the public eye for several important reasons.

27
SECOND MURDERER
We will do as you command, my lord.

FIRST MURDERER
Even at the risk of our lives

MACBETH
Your resolve is evident. Within an hour, I'll tell you where to position yourselves,
when to act, and what to take from the palace. I want everything to be clear. And
with Banquo's son Fleance also taken care of, it will be a complete success. Prepare
yourselves. I'll come to you soon.

MURDERERS
We're ready, my lord.

MACBETH
I'll call for you shortly. Stay close by.

[The MURDERERS exit.]

It's decided. Banquo's soul must find its way to heaven tonight, if it can.

[MACBETH exits.]

Scene 2
The same. Another room
[Enter LADY MACBETH and a SERVANT.]

LADY MACBETH (contemplative)

Is Banquo gone from court?

SERVANT
Yes, madam, but he returns tonight.

LADY MACBETH (giving command)

Tell the King I would like to speak with him when he has a moment.

SERVANT
Madam, I will. [The Servant exits.]

LADY MACBETH (reflective)

Nothing is gained if our desires lack contentment. It's safer to be the one who
destroys than to live in uncertain joy.

[Enter MACBETH.]

28
MACBETH (disturbed)
What's troubling you, my lord? Why are you isolating yourself with such sorrowful
thoughts? What's done cannot be undone.

LADY MACBETH (concerned)

We have only wounded the snake, not killed it. It will recover while our malice
remains vulnerable. But let the world crumble before we live in fear and endure
these haunting dreams. It's better to be with the dead than tormented by the mind.
Duncan sleeps peacefully now; treason can harm him no more.

MACBETH (tense)
Come, my dear lord, smooth your troubled appearance. Be cheerful among your
guests tonight.

MACBETH (strained)
I shall, my love, and I hope you will too. Keep Banquo in mind; praise him openly.
We must mask our true feelings and hide what's in our hearts.

LADY MACBETH (skeptical)

You need to let go of this.

MACBETH (agitated)
My mind is filled with torment. Banquo and his son Fleance are still alive.

LADY MACBETH (attempting reassurance)

But they're not immortal.

MACBETH (desperate)
There's still hope; they can be harmed. So, be happy. Before long, a dreadful deed
will be done.

LADY MACBETH (alarmed)

What do you mean?

MACBETH (cryptic)
Be innocent of what's to come, my dear, until you can praise the deed. Come, let
night fall and hide our actions. Dark deeds thrive in darkness. You may wonder at
my words but be silent. Evil deeds strengthen themselves with further evil. So,
come with me.

[They exit.]

29
 Scene 3
The same. A park with a road leading to the palace.
[Enter three MURDERERS.]

FIRST MURDERER (assertive)

Who asked you to join us?

THIRD MURDERER (defensive)

Macbeth.

SECOND MURDERER (reassuring)

[To the first murder] No need to doubt him; he's given us clear instructions.

FIRST MURDERER (determined)

Then let's go ahead. It's getting dark, and travelers are hurrying to reach inns before
nightfall. Banquo is approaching.

THIRD MURDERER (alert)

Listen! I hear horses.

BANQUO (heard offstage)

[Within] Bring us a light!

SECOND MURDERER (confirming)

It's him. Others who were expected are already in the court.

FIRST MURDERER (nervous)

His horses are circling.

THIRD MURDERER (anticipating)

They're almost here, but usually, everyone walks from here to the palace gate.

SECOND MURDERER (urgently)

A light, a light!

THIRD MURDERER (identifying)

It's him.

[Enter BANQUO and FLEANCE, with a torch.]

FIRST MURDERER (ready)

Get ready.

BANQUO (to Fleance, unaware of danger)

It's going to rain tonight.

30
FIRST MURDERER (sinister)
Let it pour!

[The three MURDERERS attack.]

BANQUO (in pain)

Betrayal! Run, good Fleance, run, run, run! Seek revenge—Oh!

[He dies. FLEANCE escapes.]

THIRD MURDERER (frustrated)

Who put out the torch?

FIRST MURDERER (defensive)

Wasn't that the plan?

THIRD MURDERER (disappointed)

Only one down. The son has escaped.

SECOND MURDERER (disheartened)

We've lost half our success.

FIRST MURDERER (resigned)

Let's go and report what we've done.

[They exit.]

Scene 4
A room of state in the palace.

[Banquet prepared. Enter MACBETH, LADY MACBETH, ROSS, LENNOX, LORDS, and
ATTENDANTS.]

MACBETH (commanding)
You know your own places; sit down. At first and last, the hearty welcome.
LORDS
Thanks to your Majesty.

MACBETH (gracious)
We will mingle with society and play the humble host. Our hostess keeps her
dignity, but at the right moment, we will ask for her welcome.

LADY MACBETH (confident)

Pronounce it for me, sir, to all our friends, for my heart speaks they are welcome.

31
 [Enter FIRST MURDERER to the door.]

MACBETH (noticing)
See, they greet you with heartfelt thanks. Both sides are pleased. Here I’ll sit in the
middle. Be merry. Later, we’ll drink and toast around the table.

[Approaching the door, to the murderer] There’s blood on your face.

MURDERER
It’s Banquo’s blood.

MACBETH (composed)
It’s better for you to have blood on your face than for him to be within. Is he taken
care of?

MURDERER
My lord, he’s taken care of. I saw to it.

MACBETH (relieved)
You are the best of the killers. But whoever got Fleance is good too. If you did it,
you’re unmatched.

MURDERER
Most royal sir, Fleance got away.

MACBETH
[Aside] Then my troubles return. I was almost perfect, as solid as a rock. But now I
feel confined, trapped by doubts and fears. But Banquo’s safe?

MURDERER
Yes, my lord. He’s hiding in a ditch, with many fatal wounds on his head.

MACBETH (contemplative)
That’s good to hear. The serpent lies there. The escaped worm might cause trouble
in the future, but for now, it's harmless. Leave now. Tomorrow, we'll talk more.

[Exit MURDERER.]

LADY MACBETH (concerned)

My royal lord, you’re not enjoying the feast. The feast is wasted if it’s not
appreciated. It's given with welcome. It’s better to eat at home. Without ceremony,
gatherings are dull.

MACBETH (determined)
This brings back memories! Now, let's enjoy the food and drink, and hope for good
digestion and health for all.

32
LENNOX
May it please your Highness to sit.

[Enter the GHOST of BANQUO, taking Macbeth’s place at the table.]

MACBETH (alarmed)
Here, if Banquo were with us now, our gathering would be complete. His absence
brings more than just regret; it casts doubt on his loyalty.

ROSS
Indeed, his absence reflects poorly on his commitment. Would your Majesty honor
us with your presence?

MACBETH (unsettled)
The table's full

LENNOX
There's a seat here, sir.

MACBETH (agitated)
Where?

LENNOX
Right here, my lord. What's troubling you?

MACBETH (distressed)
Who among you is responsible for this?

LORDS
What do you mean, my lord?
MACBETH
[to the Ghost] You can't accuse me of this. Don't haunt me with your bloody
appearance.
ROSS
Gentlemen, please rise. His Majesty isn't well.

LADY MACBETH (trying to calm)

Please, sit down, friends. My lord often behaves like this since he was young.
Please, stay seated. This episode is brief; he'll recover soon. If you pay too much
attention, you'll make it worse. Ignore him.
[Drawing Macbeth aside] Are you a man?

MACBETH (defensive)
Yes, and a brave one at that. I dare to face anything, even if it terrifies the devil.

33
2WLADY MACBETH (assertive)
Oh, this is just the manifestation of your fear. This is the same dagger you said led
you to Duncan. These fears and hesitations, they're not real, they're like stories
women tell by the fire, passed down by their grandmothers. It's shameful! Why do
you make such faces? It's just an empty chair when all is said and done.

MACBETH (agonized)
Look there! Look! How do you explain that? What do I care? If you can nod, then
speak too. If graves and tombs must spit out those we bury, our monuments will
become the feeding ground for birds.

[The GHOST exits.]

LADY MACBETH (trying to soothe)

What! Are you completely weakened by foolishness?

MACBETH (distraught)
If I stay here, I saw him.

LADY MACBETH (embarrassed and angry)

Shame on you!

MACBETH (tormented)
There have been murders before, long before the law intervened to protect the
innocent. And even since then, there have been murders so gruesome that they're
beyond belief. There was a time when once a man's brains were spilled, he would
die and that would be the end of it. But now they rise again, with twenty mortal
wounds on their heads, pushing us from our seats. This is more bizarre than any
murder.

LADY MACBETH (trying to reassure)

My dear lord, your noble friends need you.

MACBETH (anguished)
I forget. Don't stare at me, my dear friends. I have a peculiar weakness that means
nothing to those who know me well. Come, let's toast to love and health for all. I
drink to the happiness of everyone at this table, and to our dear friend Banquo, who
is absent. I wish he were here. To all, and especially to him, we raise our glasses.

[The GHOST enters again.]

LORDS (unsettled)
To our duties and to the toast.

MACBETH (to the Ghost, desperate)

34
 Leave! Vanish from my sight! Your bones are lifeless, your blood is cold. You have
no understanding in those eyes with which you glare.

LADY MACBETH (trying to dismiss)

Think of this, gentlemen, as a common occurrence. It's nothing more; it just spoils
the fun.

MACBETH (to the Ghost, pleading)

Whatever form you take, whether a fierce bear, a rhinoceros, or a tiger, except that
one, my nerves won't tremble. Or come back to life and challenge me to a duel in
the desert. If I tremble then, call me a coward. Away, horrible shadow! Unreal
mockery, leave!
[The GHOST exits.]

MACBETH (regaining composure)

Now that it's gone, I am a man again. Please, everyone, sit down.

LADY MACBETH (trying to maintain composure)

You've ruined the mood and disrupted the gathering with your strange behavior.

MACBETH (reflective)
Can such things really happen, catching us off guard like a sudden storm, without us
being amazed? You make me feel like a stranger to myself, to think you can witness
such things and keep your cheeks rosy, while mine turn pale with fear.

ROSS (concerned)
What things, my lord?

LADY MACBETH (anxious)

Please, don't ask. He's getting worse. Let's say goodnight now.

LENNOX (sympathetic)
Good night to all. May better health come to his Majesty.

LADY MACBETH (dismissively)

Good night to everyone.

[Everyone exits except MACBETH and LADY MACBETH.]

MACBETH (reflective)
Blood will have blood, they say. Stones have been known to move, and trees to
speak. Even birds and animals have revealed secrets. What time is it?

LADY MACBETH (observing)

It's like night and morning are fighting, not sure who will win.
35
MACBETH (determined)
Did you hear that Macduff has refused to come when we called?

LADY MACBETH (curious)

Did you send for him, sir?

MACBETH (resolute)
I heard it mentioned, but I will send again. There isn't a single person in his house
who isn't under my control. Tomorrow, and early too, I will visit the Weird Sisters.
They will speak more, for now I am determined to find out the worst by any means
necessary. For my own good, everything else will have to wait. I am so deeply
involved in blood now that turning back would be as tedious as going forward. I
have strange plans in mind that must be put into action before they can be fully
understood.

LADY MACBETH (concerned)

You lack the restorative power of sleep, the natural cure for all ills.

MACBETH (resigned)
Come, let's go to sleep. My strange behavior is a result of my lack of experience
with fear. We are still inexperienced in our deeds.

[They exit.]

Scene 5
The Heath
[Thunder. The THREE WITCHES enter, meeting HECATE.]

FIRST WITCH (apprehensive)

Hecate, why do you look so angry?

HECATE (indignant and angry)

Do I not have reason to be angry with you, you impudent hags? How dare you
engage with Macbeth in cryptic dealings involving death, while I, the one who
orchestrates your spells and schemes, was left out? And to make matters worse, all
your actions have been for the sake of a wayward and selfish man who loves only
himself, not you. But now you must make amends. Go away and meet me at the pit
of Acheron tomorrow morning. Bring your tools, spells, and everything else. I am
heading to the skies. This night will mark a grim and fateful end. There are
important tasks to be done before noon. In the sky, there hangs a profound droplet of
mist. I will capture it before it falls and, with magical tricks, distill it into spirits that
will lure Macbeth towards his downfall. He will defy fate, mock death, and cling to

36
 his hopes above wisdom, grace, and fear. And remember, complacency is the
greatest enemy of mortals.

[Music plays and a song is sung "Come away, come away," etc.]

Listen! I am summoned. My spirit awaits me in a cloudy mist.

[Hecate exits.]

FIRST WITCH (alarmed)

Let's hurry. She'll be back soon.
[They exit.]

Scene 6
Forres. A room in the palace.
[Enter Lennox and another Lord.]

LENNOX (pensive)
My previous remarks have surely struck a chord with you, prompting further
reflection. All I can say is that events have taken a strange turn. Macbeth appeared
to mourn the noble Duncan's death, yet he was the one who killed him. And the
brave Banquo met his end too, arriving late, which led to his son Fleance being
suspected of his murder. Men shouldn't linger in dangerous places. And who can
ignore the monstrous act committed by Malcolm and Donalbain, their own father's
murder? It deeply troubled Macbeth, didn't it? Didn't he, in righteous anger,
immediately punish the drunken servants who were supposed to be guarding
Duncan? Wasn't that a noble and wise action? Surely, anyone would have been
enraged to hear the servants deny their guilt. So, I say, Macbeth has handled
everything admirably. And I believe that if he had Duncan's sons under his control
(which, God willing, he never will), they would learn the consequences of killing a
father, just as Fleance should. But enough of that. It's been rumored that Macduff,
due to his absence at Macbeth's feast, now lives in disgrace. Can you tell me where
he is?

LORD
The son of Duncan, rightful heir to the throne, resides at the English court, where
the devout King Edward welcomes him graciously. Despite the twists of fate,
Macduff's high regard remains untouched. He has gone there to seek King Edward's
aid in rallying Northumberland and the warlike Siward. With their assistance, and
the blessing of God, we hope to restore peace to our land—to feast without fear, to
sleep soundly at night, to honor our king faithfully, and to receive the respect we
deserve. This news has angered the King, and he is preparing for war.

LENNOX

37
 Did he send a message to Macduff?

LORD
He did, but Macduff replied firmly, "Not I," turning his back on the messenger with
a grim warning.

LENNOX
That should indeed caution him to keep his distance, using his wisdom to safeguard
himself. Let's hope that a holy angel flies swiftly to the court of England and reveals
Macduff's message before he arrives. Perhaps then, a swift blessing will return to
our troubled country, cursed by the hand of tyranny.
LORD
My prayers will accompany him.

[They exit.]

ACT IV
Scene 1
A Dark Cave. In the Middle, a Cauldron, Boiling

[Thunder. Enter THREE WITCHES.]

FIRST WITCH
Thrice the brinded cat had mewed.

SECOND WITCH

38
 Thrice; and once the hedge-pig whined.

THIRD WITCH
Harpies cries, -this time, this time-.

FIRST WITCH
Round about the cauldron go;
In the poisoned guts throw.
Toad, that under cold stone,
Days and nights has thirty one
Suffocated venom, sleeping got,
Boil you first in the charmed pot.

ALL
Double, double toil and trouble;
Fire burn, and cauldron bubble.

SECOND WITCH
Meat of a fenny snake
In the cauldron boil and bake;
Eye of newt, and toe of frog,
Wool of bat, and tongue of frog,
Adder’s fork, and blind-worm’s sting,
Lizard’s leg, and owlet’s wing,
For a charm of powerful trouble,
Like a hell-broth boil and bubble.

ALL
Double, double toil and trouble;
Fire burn, and cauldron bubble.

THIRD WITCH
Scale of dragon, tooth of wolf;
Witches' mummy; jaw and gulf
Of the ravenous salt-sea shark;
Root of hemlock digging in the dark;
Liver of blaspheming Jew;
Gall of goat, and slips of yew
Silvered in the moon’s eclipse;
Nose of Turk, and Tartar’s Lip;…
Make the gruel thick and slab
Add that of a tiger’s entrails,
For the ingredients of our cauldron.

ALL
Double, double toil and trouble;
Fire burn, and cauldron bubble.
39
SECOND WITCH
Cool it with a baboon’s blood;
Then the charm is firm and good.

[Enter HECATE]

HECATE (Thankful)
O, well done! Thank you for your efforts,
And everyone should rejoice with them.
Now about the cauldron,
Like elves and fairies beings in a place.
Enchanting all you put in there.

[Music and a song, “Black Spirits.”]

SECOND WITCH (knowing something he does not know)

By the pricking on my thumbs,
Something wicked has come.
Knocking (displeased)
Open at once,
To whoever knocks,
Ah, it’s you.

MACBETH (disgusted)
You midnights old hags!
Why are you doing you witches?

ALL (displeased and angry)

None of your business you cat!

MACBETH (desperate, angry, and demanding)

I demand you to say me what you profess,
Answer me!!
Or is it that you are not that powerful as you say you are,
Ha, even if it’s destruction what you mean, say it to me,
Answer my questions.

FIRST WITCH
Speak then.

SECOND WITCH
Demand us.

THIRD WITCH
And we’ll answer.
40
FIRST WITCH
Do you wish to hear it from our mouths or from our masters you insolent?

MACBETH (desperate)
Call them, let me see them.

FIRST WITCH
Pour in blood of a sow that has eaten his offspring,
Take the sweat of a murderer on the gallows and throw into the flame.

ALL
Come, high and low spirits, show yourselves.

[Thunder. An apparition of an armed Head appears.]

MACBETH (astonished and slightly scared)

What is this? This…this…being? Tell me what you know?

SECOND WITCH (starting to get angry with him)

He knows your thoughts, you jerk,
Hear, but do not say a word.

APPARITION
Macbeth! Macbeth! Macbeth! Beware Macduff;
Beware!! Beware the Guard of Cawdor!! Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

MACBETH
Thanks for your warning,
But…

FIRST WITCH (angry)

NO, He will not be commanded.
Here another, a more powerful one.

APPARITION
Macbeth! Macbeth! Macbeth!

MACBETH (desperate)
I can hear you; you can just say what you want to say.

APPARITION
You insolent!! Be violent, bold and firm as you shall not be harmed by anybody
born from a woman.

MACBETH (decided on doing something)

41
 Then MacDuff can live. I don’t need to fear anymore…but to assure myself and
don’t be frightened at night I’ll kill him.

Thunder. An apparition of a Child crowned, with a tree in his hand, appears.

MACBETH
What is this spirit? It seems like the offspring of a king, a new prince?

ALL
Shut up, just listen!!!

APPARITION
Be brave as the lion is. Do not fret for who hates or resents you.
Macbeth will never be defeated only when Birnam Wood marches to fight you at
Dunsinane Hill.

[Descends]

MACBETH (confused)
Nonsense!!! That cannot be as no one can command forests or trees to move. Your
prophecy must be wrong; by murderers will never come. But tell me, are Banquo’s
sons ever becoming rulers of the realm?

ALL
Then do not ask anything more.

MACBETH (angry)
Satisfy me.
Refuse and I let a curse fall upon you!!!!
Why is the cauldron sinking? And what is that noise?

[Hautboy music plays in the background.]

FIRST WITCH
Show!!

SECOND WITCH
Show!!

THIRD WITCH
Show!!

ALL
Show your true sight and grieve your heart!!
Depart!!

42
[An apparition of eight Kings and Banquo, who pass over in order; the last King bearing a
mirror.]

MACBETH (scared)
They look so much like the ghost of Banquo and as the last king,
Why do you show me this, so it is true then descendants of him are going to rule.
How horrifying!!!

[The apparition vanishes.]

MACBETH
So is this true?

FIRST WITCH (bored)

It is true, just get over it Macbeth. Why are you looking so amazed?
Come sisters, let’s cheer him up, dance around him like crazy and I’ll enchant the
music.
Let’s show him our delight!

[Music. The witches dance and vanish.]

MACBETH (scared, angry, desperate)

Where are they?
This evil hour has made my disgrace. You, the one outside, come in!

[Enter LENNOX]

LENNOX
What do you want, sir?

MACBETH
Did you see the weird sisters?

LENNOX
No.

MACBETH
Did they not go to see you?

LENNOX
No, they didn’t.

MACBETH
They should be doomed!!
I heard the galloping of horses. Who came by?

LENNOX
43
Two or three men, sir, they brought word that Macduff has fled to England.

MACBETH
Fled to England you say?

LENNOX
Yes, sir.

MACBETH (decided and slightly angry)

I see, time has messed up my plans.
From now on I’ll do my thoughts and not just think about them.
In fact, I’ll raid MacDuff’s castle, take the town of Fife, kill his wife and sons and
I’ll end any descendants that he may have.
There’s not going to be any nonsense of visions. Bring me the messengers.

[They exit.]

Scene 2
Fife A room in Macduff’s castle.
[Enter LADY MACDUFF, HER SONS, and ROSS]

LADY MACDUFF (confused and angry)

What did he do for him to flee the land?

ROSS
Be patient, madam.

LADY MACDUFF (angry)

He had none. What was he thinking when he decided to run away? I know he was
afraid, but that will make him look more as a traitor.

ROSS
You don’t know if it was wisdom or fear that made him leave.

LADY MACDUFF (anger, desperation, sadness)

Wisdom? To leave his wife, his children, and titles in a place so unsafe that he fled.
You can see by this that he does not love us; any person who loves their families and
has common sense will stay to protect them. So do not tell me it was for wisdom; it
was pure fear and cowardice.

ROSS
My dearest cousin, please pull yourself together. Your husband does love you and
your children; he’s noble, judicious and wise. When someone denounced you as a
44
 traitor, you fear the worst and don’t know what to do; everything is going to be fine.
I put my blessing upon you and your family.

LADY MACDUFF (sad and angry, sarcastic)

He is a father, Ross, and he is leaving them without one as if they are fatherless.

ROSS
I’ll go now, if I stay longer it will be a disgrace for me and I’ll embarrass you.
Goodbye my dear cousin.

[ROSS exits]

LADY MACDUFF (angry)

My child, your father’s dead. What will you do? How will you live?

SON (sarcastic)
As birds do, mother.

LADY MACDUFF (sarcastic)

What are you going to start eating, worms and flies?

SON
I meant that I’ll live with what I can get just like birds do.

LADY MACDUFF
You’d be a pitiful one. You wouldn’t know how to be afraid of traps.

SON
Why would I need to be? If you say I’ll give pity no one will want to harm me. And
my father is not dead.

LADY MACDUFF
But he is dead. What are you going to do without a father?

SON
What are you going to do without a husband?

LADY MACDUFF
I can buy myself twenty husbands for all I care.

SON
Then you’ll be buying them for nothing as you will sell them.

LADY MACDUFF
You talk like a child even though you’re smart.

45
SON
Was father a traitor?

LADY MACDUFF
That he was.
One that makes promises and lies.

SON
Are all traitors like that?

LADY MACDUFF
Everyone who does so is a traitor and should be hanged.

SON
Should the one who breaks promises be hanged?

LADY MACDUFF
Every single one.

SON
Who should hang them?

LADY MACDUFF
The honest men.

SON
Then liars are fools, there are enough of them so honest people can hang them.

LADY MACDUFF
God help you for saying that, boy. But what will you do without a father?

SON
If he was dead you’d be crying for him. If not, it is a sign that I’ll get a new father
soon.

LADY MACDUFF
You silly boy!! How you talk nonsense.

[A messenger enters]

MESSENGER
Good day, madam. I know you don’t know me and it really is none of my concern,
but if I don’t say this to you, I will never forgive myself. You and your children are
in terrible danger, take my advice and flee this town before it arrives. Sorry for
scaring you, madam, but please be safe and blessings to you.

[Exit messenger]
46
LADY MACDUFF (scared, angry, desperate)
Where should we flee? We have done nothing wrong, but then again in this world
people praise the bad deed and not the good ones. So, it doesn’t matter that we are
innocents.

[Enter Murderers]

LADY MACDUFF
Who are you?

MURDERERS (anger)
Where is your husband?

LADY MACDUFF
I hope in a place where you barbarians cannot find him.

MURDERERS
He’s a traitor. He shall die.

SON (anger)
You liars, my father is not a traitor, you bastards!! GET OUT!!

FIRST MURDERER (challenging the son)

What did you call me? I dare you to say it again.

SON (angry)
You…are…a…bastard

FIRST MURDERER (mocking him and angry)

And you are a son of a traitor. (stabbing him)

SON (desperate, in pain, sorrowful)

Mother, I beg you please run away.

[The son dies]

LADY MACDUFF (Sorrowful)

MY SON!!

[Exit Lady Macduff, crying and screaming, pursued by the murderers]

Scene 3
England. A room in the king’s palace

47
 [Enter MALCOLM and MACDUFF]

MALCOLM
Let’s seek a shady and desolate place where we can sit alone and cry.

MACDUFF
Instead of that, let’s fight for our country as honorable men until our country sounds
like heaven itself.

MALCOLM (being defensive)

I will avenge what I believe is wrong, and I’ll believe in whatever I feel is right.
This tyrant who governs us was once one of the most honorable men, and you were
one of his closest friends. I wouldn’t judge you if you betrayed me to win his favor
back; it would be a good idea to offer someone poor and innocent to someone as
angry and crazy as Macbeth.

MACDUFF (defending himself)

I’m not treacherous.

MALCOLM (scared, doubting everyone)

But he is. Even someone with a good heart wouldn’t want to be in his bad side. I’m
sorry to put my fears on your person; but even evil has to look good, just like
Lucifer, one of the brightest of angels, fell into darkness, and good has to look good
as the other angels stay on the good side.

MACDUFF (in sorrow)

I have lost my hopes.

MALCOLM (curious)
Maybe you lost hopes about me, where I found doubts about you. Tell me, why did
you leave your wife and children behind? Aren’t they the most precious persons in
your life? I beg you, do not interpret these in a bad way, but you have to understand
that I need to protect myself.

MACDUFF (angry and offended)

Well, then go ahead and build yourself all you want with all those things you stole
because your title is safe!! I wouldn’t be the villain you think I am if that bloody
kingdom of Macbeth was offered to me and all of its riches. Farewell to you.

MALCOLM (trying to be comprehended)

But don’t be offended. I don’t fully distrust you; I do think Macbeth has oppressed
our country, but I wouldn’t be better. I have been promised troops, but the country
would suffer worse and in many more ways.

MACDUFF (curious)
Why is that?

48
MALCOLM
I know myself; I have too many vices. When the people find out about them,
Macbeth would seem like the good one and I’ll be the wicked one.

MACDUFF
Not even in hell could you find a devil worse than Macbeth, my friend.

MALCOLM
I do admit he has a treacherous nature. He is a murderer, a liar, he’s violent and
malicious, hence he has committed every sin you can think of. But me, my sexual
desires from wives, daughters, old women, and young maids together would never
satisfy me. My desires restrain me, that is why Macbeth is better than me.

MACDUFF
Endless lust can lead to tyranny. Do not fret, take your right and succumb to your
desires in secret, and then appear as virtuous to your people. Your lust cannot be that
strong that you are going to finish all women, plus there would be women willing to
give you what you want.

MALCOLM
Along with the lust, I’m one greedy person. I’ll end up stealing lands from nobles,
jewels, and houses. The more I have, the more I’ll want until I leave my good
subjects with nothing.

MACDUFF
Well, greed is worse than lust, but Scotland has too many treasures to satisfy your
needs; it will balance everything.

MALCOLM
But I don’t have any good traits, plus I don’t have the qualities of a king, such as
justice, truth, moderation, stability, generosity, perseverance, mercy, humility,
devotion, patience, courage, and bravery. Instead, I have the opposite of all that.

MACDUFF
Oh my dear Scotland, we’re doomed.

MALCOLM
If you found someone like me being a king, let me know.

MACDUFF (lost patience, angry)

A king like that!! You are not fit to even live! Oh my, our nation is really doomed;
how are you the child of King Duncan? He was honorable and a virtuous king, and
your mother, the queen, spent more time on her knees praying than standing. Now
our hope is really dead because you, the one who is supposed to be king, is an idiot
and Macbeth is a madman and a tyrant.

MALCOLM (knows that he can trust him)

49
 Macduff, this outburst of yours has made me realize that you are indeed an honest
and honorable man. Now I know that I can trust you; you are nothing like Macbeth
who tried to trick me and lure me to his power. All this that I told you is all a lie;
I’m still a virgin, I don’t care about riches, I have never lied, I have never broken a
promise. The words that I just profess to you about my character are the first lies I
have ever told. I am so ready to serve my country and lead her out of this misery,
and I want you by my side. Right, before you came, old Siward arrived with ten
thousand soldiers to get the throne, and you, my friend, will help me to achieve that.
Why are you silent?

MACDUFF (confused)
You were trying me to see if I was honorable.

MALCOLM (calm)
Yes, why?

MACDUFF (confused)
It’s just hard to believe all that.

[A DOCTOR enters]

MALCOLM
We’ll speak later. (To Macduff)
Is King Edward coming out, doctor?

DOCTOR
Yes, sir. A crowd of sick people is waiting for him. A crowd with grave illnesses, but
they say that when he touches them they get healed. That’s because of the power he
was given by heaven.

MALCOLM
I thank you, doctor.

[Exit DOCTOR]

MACDUFF
What’s the disease he was talking about?

MALCOLM
It’s the evil. Edward’s touch heals them from every bad that they have. I have seen
it; he says that is a gift that the heavens have given him. He prays for them and
places a golden coin around their necks. Magnificent, isn’t it? All this marks him as
a man graced by God.

[Enter ROSS]

MACDUFF
50
 Look, who comes here?

MALCOLM
My countrymen, yet I don’t know him.

MACDUFF
Oh, it’s my gentle cousin, welcome.

MALCOLM
Now I know him. My friend, it’s so good to see you. God bless you!

ROSS
Sir, amen. For you too, blessings.

MACDUFF
Is Scotland the same as when I left?

ROSS (lying)
Our poor country is too frightened. Scotland is not the land it used to be known; it's
more like a cemetery. Everyone dies, and no one asks who dies, as it is too normal
now.

MACDUFF
That sounds awful, even unreal, but it's the reality now.

MALCOLM
What is the most recent news?

ROSS
There are none, as every single minute something atrocious happens.

MACDUFF
How is my wife and children?

ROSS (lying)
They are all well.

MACDUFF
Macbeth hasn’t attacked them?

ROSS
They were in peace.

MACDUFF
Don’t be like that, just tell us the news?
51
ROSS
While I was coming here, I heard some rumors, that many good men were going to
rebel against Macbeth. Then I saw Macbeth’s army on the move, and I knew this
was true. We need your help if you come now; you are going to inspire them to fight
for their freedom, even the women will fight.

MALCOLM
Well, it’s time for me to go back to Scotland. Gracious King Edward has given us
ten thousand men, and he has sent us noble Siward. There is no other soldier more
experienced than he, so we will win.

ROSS
I wish I could repay you with happy news, but I just have bad news.

MACDUFF
What is this news about? Does it affect us all or just one?

ROSS
I cannot keep this news to myself, as it affects you.

MACDUFF (anxious)
Just spit it out.

ROSS (sorrowful)
Your castle was attacked… your wife and children were brutally killed. I cannot tell
you how, as it will only give you remorse.

MALCOLM (shocked)
Merciful Heaven!! Come on, don’t keep your feelings hidden. Put your sorrows into
words and let us help you with your grief.

MACDUFF (shocked, in pain)

My children are dead too.

ROSS
Yes, them too, and your wife and servants, basically everyone they could find.

MACDUFF (in pain still confused)

My poor children! All because I was not there! Is my wife dead?

ROSS
As I said, she was killed too.

MALCOLM
52
 Use all that sorrow to take revenge on Macbeth.

MACDUFF (sorrowful)
He has no children. All my little, innocent children, all of them! We’re all dead in
one swoop and my wife… is she too?

MALCOLM
Fight it like a man.

MACDUFF (sorrowful, desperate, exasperated, anger)

I will. This is because of me and my sins; that’s why God did not send any help. It’s
all my fault, oh my poor children and wife!! Please, my Lord, please give their souls
rest, please, my Lord, I beg you.

MALCOLM
Let all this anger and sorrow sharpen your sword. Let all your feelings out and
convert them to pure rage!!

MACDUFF (vindictive)
I can be weeping like a woman, but I will avenge them. Bring me to Macbeth so I
can end him. I’ll kill him in the most brutal way possible to avenge my dear family.

MALCOLM
Now that’s a man. Come on, let’s go see King Edward to bid him our goodbyes and
to thank him for all. Macbeth, your time is up, we will end you. We will do God’s
work. Cheer up, a new start will commence.

[They exit]

ACT V
Scene 1
Dunsinane, A room in the castle
[Enter PHYSICIAN and a waiting GENTLEWOMAN.]
DOCTOR
I have been with you two nights now and I haven’t seen any truth about your report.
When did she last walk?

GENTLEWOMAN

53
 Since his Majesty went to the war, I have seen her rise from her bed, throw her
nightgown on, unlock her closet, take a paper, fold it, write on it, read it and seal it,
and then again went back to bed; but all this happens while she is asleep.

DOCTOR
What a great perturbation, it’s so strange for s person to do actions while she is
asleep. I must ask you, have you heard her talk in all of this?

GENTLEWOMAN
Sir, I cannot tell you that even if she has spoken.

DOCTOR
You may to me; actually, you ought to tell me.

GENTLEWOMAN
No, I don’t. Not even to you or to anyone else as there wasn’t any other witnesses to
see her speech.

[Enter LADY MACBETH, holding a candle]

Look, here she comes. This is exactly how she always looks, and I swear it that she
is asleep. Please, come closer and observe her. [Spying on her]

DOCTOR
How did she get that candle?

GENTLEWOMAN
She always has her by her side. Those have been her orders; she always needs a
light by her.

DOCTOR
Look, her eyes are open.

GENTLEWOMAN
Yes, but she doesn't see anything.

DOCTOR
What is she doing? Look, she's rubbing her hands.

GENTLEWOMAN
Oh, it's a habit she has to make it seem like she's washing her hands. She does it for
a long time, last time it was for fifteen minutes.

LADY MACBETH
There's still a spot.

54
DOCTOR
Ah, she speaks! I'll write down what she says so I can remember later.

LADY MACBETH
[rubbing her hands] You damned spot, get out! Your queen commands you! He's an
idiot, how can he be a soldier and yet be afraid? I hate him, how stupid can he be!

DOCTOR
Did you hear that? (To the GENTLEWOMAN)

LADY MACBETH (Sorrowful)

The Guard of Fire had a wife, where is she now? Will my hand ever be clean or am I
to be submerged in all these sins?

DOCTOR (Concerned)
Oh no, I think we've heard something we didn't need to know.

GENTLEWOMAN
It seems she has said something she shouldn't have. Only the Lord knows what other
secrets she may have.

LADY MACBETH
The smell of blood continues to be here, not even the strongest perfume could take this
smell from me. Oh no, oh no, oh no! (Panicking and sorrowful)

DOCTOR
Her heart must be carrying a heavy burden.

GENTLEWOMAN
I would never carry something like that in my heart, as I'd end up destroying myself for
power or ambition. (Judgmental but compassionate)

DOCTOR
Well, well, well... (Gets interrupted)

GENTLEWOMAN
I hope she stays well, we shall pray to God for that. (Compassionate)

DOCTOR
This disease is beyond me, but I have heard and know about people who are not guilty of
anything and yet they sleepwalk. (Thoughtful)

LADY MACBETH
Put your nightgown on at once and go wash your hand for heaven’s sake. I tell you Banquo
is buried; he’s not coming back from his grave. (In a trance)
55
DOCTOR
Is that so?

[Exits Lady Macbeth]

DOCTOR
Will she now go to bed?

GENTLEWOMAN
Yes, she is.

DOCTOR
Rumors have gone wild; they say that deranged minds will talk and confess secrets in their
sleep. This woman needs a priest more than a doctor. Ma’am, please take care of her.
Remove anything that could harm her in any way; I have an opinion on this, but I cannot
say it yet – well, it's more that I don't dare to say it. Good night, ma'am.

GENTLEWOMAN
Good night, good doctor.
[They exit]

Scene 2
The country near Dunsinane

[MENTEITH, CAITHNESS, ANGUS, LENNOX, and Soldiers enter with drummer and flag.]

MENTEITH (Screaming to get the attention of everyone)

The English army is coming, led by Malcolm, his uncle Siward, and the good
Macduff. They will fight until the end for revenge. Even the dead people will fight
for the wrong they have suffered.

ANGUS (Supporting Menteith.)

We’ll meet them near Birnam Wood. They are coming that way.

CAITHNESS (Screaming so she can be heard.)

Does anyone know if Donalbain is with his brother?

LENNOX
He is not there; I have a list of all the important men. Siward’s son is there as well
as many young boys that will become men in this atrocious battle.

MENTEITH
What is this tyrant doing?
56
CAITHNESS
He is fortifying his castle at Dunsinane with massive defenses. Some people say that
he has lost his mind and those who hate him call him a grumpy cat; but one thing is
for sure, he’s out of control.

ANGUS
Now Macbeth feels the blood of his murder sticking to his hands. The army
punishes him every minute for his betrayal, and the only ones who follow his
commands are the soldiers. They don’t fight because they love Macbeth, and now he
seems too small to be a great king.

MENTEITH (Apprehensive.)
Who can blame him when he condemns himself for everything he has done?

CAITHNESS
Well, let’s go and let’s give our loyalty to someone who deserves it. Let’s meet
Malcolm, the person who is going to cure our country from this tyranny. We’ll pour
however much blood needs to be poured to help him.

LENNOX
Exactly, it will be for a good deed to make Malcolm king and get rid of Macbeth.
Let us go to Birnam at once.

[They exit, marching]

Scene 3
Dunsinane A room in the castle

[Enter MACBETH, PHYSICIAN, ATTENDANTS]

MACBETH
Don’t bring me any more reports. I don’t care if any other guards desert me. The
prophecy said “Don’t be afraid, Macbeth. No man born from a woman will ever
defeat you”. So, get out of here you disloyal men; my mind and courage would not

57
 falter for anything until all my power is secure. (Talking to the doctor and the
attendants) (Furious and crazy)

[A SERVANT enters]

SERVANT
There are ten thousand- (Muttering)

MACBETH
Speak louder you fool!

SERVANT
Soldiers, sir, ten thousand soldiers.

MACBETH
Bring back some color to your face, you boy. What soldiers, you coward? Curse
you!!

SERVANT
The English army…sir.

MACBETH
Get out of my sight!

[Exit SERVANT]

MACBETH
SEYTON!! Come!!

[SEYTON enters]

MACBETH
Are there any more news?

SEYTON
All rumors have been confirmed, my grace.

MACBETH
I’ll fight until the very end. Bring me my armor!!

SEYTON
You do not need it yet.

MACBETH
I’ll put it on anyway. Send more horses and hang anyone who is spreading fear. I
don’t need any of that foolishness. Give me my armor (to the doctor). How’s my
wife, doctor?
58
PHYSICIAN
Not so sick, my grace, but she is troubled in her sleep.

MACBETH
Cure her of that. Can you not treat her problematic mind, so she can forget all bad
thoughts and ease her heart?

PHYSICIAN
For that, sir, our Lady must heal by herself. I could give her some medicine.

MACBETH
Absolutely not. That is for animals, not for her. (To Seyton) Put my armor on me.
Give me my sword and send out the soldiers.

(To the doctor) Doctor, the guards are running away from me.

(To Seyton) Hurry up, put my armor already. (Getting frustrated)

(To the doctor) Can you find what’s wrong in my county? If you could bring it up as
it was it would be my delight.

(To Seyton) Pull it off now (frustrated)

(To the Physician) What drug would purge the English out of my country? Heard of
any?

PHYSICIAN
Yes, your grace. The preparations sound about right.

MACBETH
(To Seyton) Bring the armor and follow me. I will not be afraid until the Birnam
forest picks itself up and moves to Dunsinane.

[They exit]

PHYSICIAN
I wish I were far away from Dunsinane so you could pay me to come back. (To
himself, in a mutter)

[Exits]

59
 Scene 4
Country near Dunsinane a wood in view

[Enter with drums and flags, MALCOLM, OLD SIWARD, and his son, MACDUFF,
MENTEITH, CAITHNESS, ANGUS, LENNOX, ROSS, and Soldiers.]

MALCOLM
(Hopeful) Cousins, I hope the time is near when people will be able to be safe in
their own houses.

MENTEITH
We don’t doubt about it.

SIWARD
What wood is the one behind us?

MENTEITH
It’s the wood of Birnam.

MALCOLM
Break off all the branches you can so that the spies of Macbeth will give him
inaccurate reports. (Speaking to the soldiers)

SOLDIERS
We’ll do it, sir.

SIWARD
We have no new news, sir, only that the overconfident Macbeth will let us assault
the castle. (A bit angry) (Talking to Malcolm)

MALCOLM
He wants us to attack the castle. (Unamused)
What he does not know is that his men are just with him because they're scared. It is
not loyalty, so at any second, they are going to leave him; and we are using that to
win. (Confident)

MACDUFF
We shouldn’t get too confident yet. We will fight like honorable men until we bring
that tyrant down. (Demanding)

SIWARD
We’ll soon find out who is supposed to win. Let’s not talk about it more; that will
not help for anything; the only path we have is violence. Let’s go!! (Revengeful)

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 [They exit, marching.]

Scene 5 (Added Scene)

Tragic Descent
[LADY MACBETH stands alone at the top of a grand staircase, her face twisted with
torment. She clutches her chest, breathing heavily, as if consumed by an invisible force. An
GENTLEWOMAN enters, witnessing her distress.]

GENTLEWOMAN
My lady, what torments you?

[LADY MACBETH turns to the attendant, her eyes wild with madness.]

LADY MACBETH
Can you not hear them? The voices, the whispers... They claw at my mind, tearing
me apart!

[Without warning, LADY MACBETH rushes forward and hurls herself off the stairs. The
GENTLEWOMAN gasps in horror, frozen in disbelief at the tragic sight before them.]

GENTLEWOMAN
No! My lady!
Oh, sweet heavens, what madness has taken her from us?

[ The sound of LADY MACBETH's impact reverberates, marking the tragic end of her
torment. The ATTENDANT rushes to the edge of the staircase, looking down at the lifeless
form of LADY MACBETH below, overcome with sorrow and disbelief.]

Scene 6
Dunsinane within the castle

[Enter, with drums and flags, MACBETH, SEYTON, and SOLDIERS.]

MACBETH
Hang our flags!! Our castle is too strong for their lousy attack. They will die from
hunger or something if some of our men wouldn’t have revolted. We could have met
them and beat them back home. (Bragging)

[Sound of crying women]

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SEYTON
It’s the women crying, your grace.

[SEYTON exits]

MACBETH
I’ve almost forgotten how fear feels like. There was a time where almost everything
frightened me, and now with all the horrors I have seen, it's so normal that nothing
shocks me. (Talking with himself, pensive and a bit sorrowful)

[SEYTON comes back]

What was that scream for?

SEYTON
Is the Queen, your grace, she’s dead.

MACBETH
She would have died anyway if it was not today. It could have been tomorrow or
any other day. Plus, grief goes away quickly.

SEYTON
Ahh. (Disturbed)

[A messenger enters]

MACBETH
You’ve come to tell me something. Tell me quickly!!

MESSENGER
My lord, I ought to tell you what I saw, but I don’t know how.

MACBETH
Just say it!!

MESSENGER
When I was keeping an eye on the hill, I saw something…

MACBETH
Boy, just say the damn thing!!

MESSENGER
I looked over to Birnam, and I saw it like it was beginning to move.

MACBETH
Impossible!! You’re a liar!!
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MESSENGER
My lord, come and see it for yourself, and if I’m lying, you can have my head. But
three miles from here, you are going to see a moving tree.

MACBETH
If you’re lying, I will have your head, but if you’re telling the truth, you can have
my head. (To himself) My confidence is failing. I’m starting to doubt everything.
What if what the witches told me is true? They said “Don’t worry until Birnam
Wood comes to Dunsinane,” and now the forest is moving. (Doubtful, pensive) (To
all) Prepare for battle and go!! If he is saying the truth, there will be no use in
running away; we will fight until the end, and if we die, we will die with our armors
on just like warriors. [Exasperated, vengeful]

[They exit]

Scene 7
The Same. A Plain before the Castle
[Enter MALCOLM, old SIWARD, MACDUFF, and their drummer and flag]

MALCOLM
We’re close, now throw down these branches and show them who we really are. (To
all)

Uncle Siward, you and your son will lead the first battle and Macduff and I will do
the rest. (To old Siward)

SIWARD
Good luck and may God be with you. (To Malcolm) If we meet Macbeth’s army, let
us be beaten if we cannot fight. (To all)

MACDUFF
Blow the trumpets; like that, we can know when the news of blood and death
arrives. (To old Siward) May God be with you all. (To all)

[They exit]

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 Scene 8
The same, another part of the plain

[Trumpets and the noise of battle]

[Macbeth enters]

MACBETH (Tired and decisive.)

They have me tied but I can’t run. I must fight until the end. Where’s the man not
born from a woman? He’s the only one I’m scared of, no one else, just he.

[Enter Young Siward]

YOUNG SIWARD (Curious.)

What’s your name?

MACBETH
You’ll be afraid to hear it.

YOUNG SIWARD (Brave.)

No, I won’t, even if you were the devil himself, I wouldn’t.

MACBETH (Proud.)
I’m Macbeth.

YOUNG SIWARD (Disgusted.)

The devil couldn’t even say your name if he had the chance.

MACBETH (Proud.)
And why’s that? I’m more frightening than the devil, wouldn’t you think so?

YOUNG SIWARD (Disgusted and furious.)

You disgust me! I’ll prove to you that you’re nothing.

[They fight and Young Siward dies]

MACBETH (Bragging and proud.)

You are born from a woman, which does not scare me.

[Macbeth exits]

[Trumpets and battle sounds. Macduff enters]

MACDUFF (Angry, sorrowful, vengeful.)

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 The noise is coming from over there. TYRANT, SHOW YOUR FACE!! If someone
else kills you, I will never forgive myself and the ghost of my wife and children will
never leave me at peace. I’ll kill you, only you; my sword just wants your blood.

[Macduff exits]

[Malcolm and old Siward enter]

SIWARD
Come this way, my lord. The victory is almost yours as Macbeth’s castle has been
surrendered and his soldiers are battling on both sides.

MALCOLM (Suspicious.)
Our enemy is fighting as if they don’t want to hurt us.

SIWARD
Sir, enter the castle.

[They exit. Battle noises continue.]

[Macbeth enters]

MACBETH (Pensive and vengeful.)

Why should I commit suicide? As long as my enemy is alive, the only thing I want
to do is put a sword in his heart.

[Macduff enters]

MACDUFF (Furious)
Turn around, you bastard!! Turn around!! Show yourself!!

MACBETH (Panic and regret.)

You’re the only one I have avoided. Just go away, I already have so much guilt for
killing your family.

MACDUFF (Furious.)
I have nothing to say to you. I just want to kill you.

[They fight]

MACBETH (Panic.)
You’re wasting your time trying to kill me. The only one that can is someone not
born from a woman; that’s what the prophecy said.

MACDUFF (Desire to kill.)

You can forget your little, precious charm!! I will kill you even if it’s the last thing
to do. Plus, they cut me from my mother’s womb before she had me naturally.
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MACBETH (Panic!!)
Curse you!! Those evil witches and spirits just played with my mind and raised my
hopes so high. I won’t fight you!

MACDUFF (Anger and mocking Macbeth.)

Then surrender, you coward!! We’ll put you in a freak show and we’ll say “Come
and see the tyrant who was too cowardly to die”

MACBETH (Decisive.)
I’m not going to surrender so people can mock me and especially I’m not bending
the knee to Malcolm. I’ll fight to the very end. Come on, and let be damned the first
one who cries!!

[They exit fighting. Trumpets and battle noises.]

[The trumpet of one army sounds a call to retreat. The other’s trumpet sounds a call of
victory.]

[The victorious army enters, led by Malcolm, old Siward, Ross, the other Guards, and
soldiers, with a drummer and a flag.]

MALCOLM
I wish that all our friends could have survived this battle.

SIWARD
In every battle, some people will die, and judging from the men that are here, our
great victory didn’t cost very much.

MALCOLM (Sorrowful.)
Macduff is missing and your son too.

ROSS (Talking with Siward.)

Sir, your son has paid the price of death. He lived just enough to become a man and
by battling with us, he died as a man.

SIWARD (Shocked.)
So, he’s dead?

ROSS
Yes, my friend. Your grief must not be equal to the sacrifice he made as it would be
eternal.

SIWARD
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 He’s God’s soldier now, and that’s everything I could have hoped for. I couldn’t
have hoped for anything more than a death so honorable for him.

MALCOLM
He is worth more mourning than that; I’ll mourn for him.

SIWARD
He is worth no more than that. He is with God now, and that’s good. (To Malcolm)
Look, the good news arrives... (To all)

[Macduff enters with Macbeth’s head]

MACDUFF
Hail king!!! That’s what you are now. We are now free from Macbeth’s tyranny and
evil spirit. So, Hail King of Scotland!!

[They all kneel]

ALL
Hail King of Scotland!!

[Trumpets play]

MALCOLM
It would not be long before I reward you all. My guards and kinsmen, I name you
all earls, the first earls that Scotland will ever have. We must call home all our
exiled friends as the tyrant is dead now, and his demon-like queen who is rumored
to have committed suicide are no longer here. I thank you all, and you are all invited
to watch me being crowned as King of Scotland!!

ALL
Hail King of Scotland!!

[Trumpets play. They all exit.]

THE END.

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