1
CHARACTERS
MACBETH
LADY MACBETH
His Wife
THREE WITCHES
BANQUO
A General
DUNCAN
King of Scotland
MALCOLM
His son
MACDUFF
Lord of Fife
ROSS
Nobleman
LENNOX
Nobleman
SIWARD
Earl of Northumberland
SEYTON
Assistant to Macbeth
PORTER
Gatekeeper of Macbeth's castle
MURDERER'S 1 AND 2
DOCTOR
NOTE DI REGIA
Suggestivi colpi di scena, effetti visivi, l’innovativa scenografia, il particolare disegno luci e
personaggi forti e grotteschi quali streghe e fantasmi, fanno da cornice ad un adattamento
fantasioso ed intrigante.
Il testo originale, ma con dialoghi naturalmente adattati e modernizzati e per rendere
l’opera comprensibile ed affascinante anche per gli spettatori giovani, vi immergerà in una
“black fable” che vi catturerà scena dopo scena in un crescendo emozionante ed
avventuroso.
Un misto tra favola e dramma che vi divertirà e commuoverà con la sua trama affascinante
e tenebrosa decisamente superiore anche ai più spettrali film horror moderni.
Nell’adattamento che vi presentiamo abbiamo deciso di mantenere invariato il lessico delle
streghe, lasciando immutata la poesia che William Shakespeare ha voluto infondere alle
rime con le quali questi personaggi si esprimono.
Grazie e buon divertimento da ERASMUS INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL AND THEATRE
www.erasmustheatre.com
2
“MACBETH”
By William Shakespeare
Adapted by Erasmus Theatre
Scene 1
A desert heath. Thunder and lightening. Enter Three Witches.
First Witch:
When shall we three meet again
In thunder, lightening, or in rain?
Second Witch:
When the Hurlyburly’s done,
When the battle’s lost and won.
Third Witch:
That will be ere the set of sun.
First Witch:
Where the place?
Second Witch:
Upon the heath.
Third Witch:
There to meet with Macbeth.
First Witch:
I come, Graymalkin!
Second Witch:
Paddock calls.
Third Witch:
Anon.
All:
Fair is foul, and foul is fair:
Hover through the fog and filthy air.
Scene 2
A camp near Forres (Scotland) after a battle.
Ross:
Your highness, I bring you news from the battlefield.
Duncan:
Come, come.
Malcolm:
Report, brave friend.
Ross:
Doubtful it stood. The merciless Macdonwald - a born rebel, blessed with
treachery - brings light and heavy infantry from the west coast and fortune on
his side, but all’s too weak; for brave Macbeth - who well deserves our praise raised his bloody sword and carved out a passage through the battle until he
reached Macdonwald. Without saying a word to the rebel he split him from gut
to jaws and fixed his head upon the battlements.
Duncan:
O valiant kinsman! A deserving gentleman!
Ross:
Note, your highness, that the battle does not end here. As soon as we had
squashed the revolt, the Norwegian King took advantage of our weary soldiers
and began a fresh assault.
Duncan:
Did this new attack trouble our leaders, Macbeth and Banquo?
3
Ross:
No, no more than a sparrow threatens an eagle or a hare the lion. They fought
like cannons loaded with a double charge.
Malcolm:
What great news!
Ross:
But this is not all. The Norwegian attack was aided by Lord Cawdor! The
wretched traitor!
Malcolm:
But Macbeth was victorious?
Ross:
Of course, your highness. The King of Norway, asked for terms of surrender.
We refused to let him bury his dead until he deposited ten thousand dollars at
the island of Saint Columba.
Duncan:
Lord Cawdor shall never deceive us again. Go pronounce his present death
and bestow his title upon Macbeth
Ross:
I’ll see it done.
Scene 3
On the heath.
First Witch:
Where have you been, sister?
Second Witch:
Killing swine.
Third Witch:
Sister, where you?
First Witch:
A sailor’s wife had chestnuts in her lap,
And munch’d and munch’d, and munch’d: ’Give
me,’ said I:
‘Off with you, witch!’ the rump-fed ronyon cries.
Her husband to Aleppo has gone, master of the Tiger:
But in a sieve I’ll thither sail,
And, like a rat without a tail,
I’ll do, I’ll do and I’ll do.
Second Witch:
I’ll give you a wind.
First Witch:
You are kind.
Third Witch:
And I another.
First Witch:
I myself have all the other;
And the very ports they blow,
All the quarters that they know.
I’ll drain him dry as hay:
Sleep shall neither night nor day
Hang upon his pent-house lid;
He shall live a man forbid.
Weary seven nights nine times nine
Shall he dwindle, peak and pine:
Though his bark cannot be lost,
Yet it shall be tempest-tossed.
Look what I have.
4
Second Witch:
Show me, show me.
First Witch:
Here I have a pilot’s thumb,
Wrack’d as homeward he did come.
Sound of a drum.
Third Witch:
A drum! a drum!
Macbeth doth come.
All:
The weird sisters, hand in hand,
Posters of the sea and land,
Thus do go about, about:
Thrice to thine, and thrice to mine,
And thrice again, to make it nine.
Peace! The charm's wound up.
Enter Macbeth and Banquo.
Macbeth:
I have never seen such a foul and yet fair a day.
Banquo:
How much further till we arrive at Duncan’s palace? (Macbeth stops him)
Who are these wild and withered creatures? They do not look like they are
from this world and yet they stand here upon it. Do you live? You seem to
understand me.
Macbeth:
Speak, if you can: what are you?
First Witch:
All hail, Macbeth! hail to thee, Lord of Glamis!
Second Witch:
All hail, Macbeth! hail to thee, Lord of Cawdor!
Third Witch:
All hail, Macbeth! that shalt be king hereafter.
Banquo:
Good sir, why do you start and seem to fear their fair words? (to the Witches)
In the name of truth, tell me, are you real? (to Macbeth) My noble comrade,
will you say nothing? You have been greeted as a future king! (to the Witches)
If you can look into the seeds of time, and say which grain will grow and which
will not, then speak to me. I do not fear you.
First Witch:
Hail!
Second Witch:
Hail!
Third Witch:
Hail!
First Witch:
Lesser than Macbeth, but yet greater.
Second Witch:
Not so happy, yet much happier.
Third Witch:
Thou shalt father kings, though you be none:
All hail, Macbeth and Banquo!
First Witch:
Macbeth and Banquo, all hail!
Macbeth:
Wait! You haven’t said enough. Tell me more. I became Lord of Glamis after
Sinel’s death, but Lord of Cawdor? Lord Cawdor lives! And how can I be king?
5
How do you know such things and why do you stop our way upon this war-torn
heath with these predictions? Speak, I charge you.
The Witches vanish
Banquo:
Where did they go?
Macbeth:
Into the air. What seemed like flesh dissolved like breath into the wind. They
said that your children shall be kings.
Banquo:
They said that you shall be king.
Macbeth:
And Lord of Cawdor too?
Banquo:
Who’s there?
Enter Ross
Ross:
King Duncan has happily received news of your success in battle, Macbeth.
He is amazed that you fought the Norwegian army without fearing the day’s
great slaughter. Relay riders poured into camp with news of your great
defence. The king has sent me to give you thanks and bring you to his court.
Macbeth:
I am most grateful and honoured.
Ross:
He also bid me call you Lord of Cawdor. A title of which you are most worthy.
Banquo:
What? Did those hags speak the truth?
Macbeth:
The Lord of Cawdor lives. Why do you confer his title on me?
Ross:
He lives, yet he is condemned to death and no longer deserves to be called
“Lord”. I know not how or why he allied with those of Norway, only that he is a
traitor. He has confessed to treason and shall be punished.
Macbeth:
(to himself) Lord of Glamis and Cawdor and the greatest yet to come to pass.
(to Ross) I thank you for your pains.
(to Banquo) Do you not hope now that your children shall be kings after the
witches first prediction has been proven correct?
Banquo:
If their words were true then you may hope to wear the crown. But it is
strange: often, evil lures us by telling truths and by giving rewards that will
destroy us. (to Ross) Friend, a word, I pray you.
Macbeth:
(to himself) Two truths are told. Shall I be king? This supernatural prophecy
cannot be ill, cannot be good; If ill, why commence with a truth? I am now Lord
of Cawdor: If good, then why does it give me thoughts that unfix my hair and
make my heart knock at my ribs? Present fears are less than my horrible
imaginings. My thought, of murder, is for now only fantastical but it unnerves
me.
Banquo:
Notice how deep in thought Macbeth seems.
Macbeth:
If chance will have me as king, why then, chance may crown me without my
intervention.
6
Banquo:
New honours have been placed upon him and like new clothes it will take a
while before they fit perfectly!
Macbeth:
Come what come may.
Banquo:
Worthy Macbeth, we are waiting for you.
Macbeth:
Forgive my musing. My dull brain was engaged with things forgotten. Let us
join the king.
Scene 4
At Duncan’s palace.
Duncan:
Noble Macbeth, I am eager to express my thanks to you. You are so deserving
of such thanks and reward that I and all Scotland are forever in your debt.
Macbeth:
The service and the loyalty I owe pays itself. Your highness, I accept my
obligation to you and to Scotland. I did what a loyal subject should do to
express his love and honour to his king.
Duncan:
I have now planted you, and will labour to make you bloom. Noble Banquo,
you are no less deserving of praise. Let me infold you and hold you to my
heart.
Banquo:
And if there I grow, the harvest is your own.
Duncan:
Princes, kinsmen and lords, note that I bestow upon Malcolm, my eldest son,
the title Prince of Cumberland, and will succeed me on Scotland’s throne.
Malcolm’s honour accompanies rewards to all who deserve royal praise. Now
let us go to Inverness and Macbeth’s castle to celebrate our victory.
Macbeth:
(to himself) Malcolm is heir to the throne! That is an obstacle that I must fall
against or overcome to continue my path to the throne. Stars, hide your fires!
Let not light see my black and deep desires and conceal what my hand must
do.
Scene 5
Macbeth’s castle. Lady Macbeth reads a letter.
Lady Macbeth:
“I was eager to tell you this news, my love, so that you may join in my
rejoicing. Lay it to your heart, and farewell.”
You are Lord of Glamis and Cawdor and shall be what the witches promised.
Yet I fear your nature is too full of the milk of human kindness to take the
quickest way to the throne. But you are not without ambition however, you fear
to do what you must to become king. Hurry home so that I may twist your
thinking with my sharp words towards the obstacles that stand between you
and your crown.
Messenger:
My lady, I have word that the king comes here tonight.
Lady Macbeth:
Is your master not with the king?
Messenger:
Yes my lady, Lord Macbeth is coming. A messenger brought the news in
advance.
7
Lady Macbeth:
Then we must prepare. (Messenger leaves)
And so, we shall play host to Duncan. Come, you spirits that tend on mortal
thoughts, strip away all womanly qualities and fill me from head to toe with
direst cruelty. Thicken my blood and halt the flow of regret, that no visits of
conscience will distract me from my purpose. Come, dark night, and cover
yourself in hellish fog so that my keen knife sees not the wound it makes.
Enter Macbeth.
Great Glamis and worthy Cawdor! You will be greater than both. Your letters
have transported me beyond the present to a future that will soon be true.
Macbeth:
My dearest love, Duncan comes here tonight.
Lady Macbeth:
And when will he leave?
Macbeth:
Tomorrow.
Lady Macbeth:
Duncan shall never see the sun of tomorrow. Your face, my lord, is a book
where men may read your intention. You must pass the time playing the host.
Welcome the king with kind gestures and words and look like an innocent
flower to conceal the serpent within. You must prepare for a royal visit, leave
this night’s darker business with me.
Macbeth:
We will talk more of this later.
Lady Macbeth:
Go. Here comes the king now. I will greet his highness.
Exit Macbeth. Enter Duncan.
Duncan:
Ah, see, our honoured hostess. I thank you for treating us to your hospitality.
Lady Macbeth:
My service, even doubled and quadrupled, is far less than the honour you
bestow by visiting our home. For former kindnesses and for the recent
honours you have given Macbeth, we offer you our prayers.
Duncan:
Where is the Lord of Cawdor? We followed him closely but his love for you has
sped him home before us.
Lady Macbeth:
He is busy making preparations.
Duncan:
Give me your hand and take me to our host.
They exit
Scene 6
Enter Macbeth
Macbeth:
If it were done when it is done, then it is best that it is done quickly. If the
assassination can secure my destiny and bring me success, then this blow
might be the be-all and end-all of my crimes. But I am both Duncan’s kinsman
and subject. I am his host. I should protect him against his murderer not be the
one to bear the knife. Besides, Duncan has been such a kind and virtuous
ruler that all will mourn his death. I can think of no reason for continuing my
plot other than my ambition for the throne.
8
Enter Lady Macbeth
How now! What news?
Lady Macbeth:
He is finishing his meal. Why did you leave us?
Macbeth:
We will proceed no further with this filthy business. He has honoured me and
elevated my reputation. I must enjoy these rewards rather than cast them
aside so soon.
Lady Macbeth:
Was your deceit so short-lived, like a drunkard who wakes sick and regretful
for his behaviour the previous evening? Are you too cowardly to seize the
height of your ambition?
Macbeth:
I pray you, have peace. I do what a man must. Who dares to do more is none.
Lady Macbeth:
What beast were you then when you spoke of this plan to me? You were a
man then. The opportunity to reach your goal has risen it’s head and this has
scared you.
Macbeth:
What if we should fail ...
Lady Macbeth:
Fail? Summon your courage and we‘ll not fail. When Duncan is asleep I will
ply his two servants with wine until they are drunk beyond reason. What then
cannot you and I perform upon the unguarded king? And the blame can be
easily placed on his intoxicated officers.
Macbeth:
If we use their daggers and mark them with Duncan’s blood the accusation will
be stronger.
Lady Macbeth:
No one will challenge it. We shall raise an outcry and grieve for the dead king.
Macbeth:
I am settled and convinced by your words. We must rejoin the others. A false
face must hide what the false heart knows.
Scene 7
Night has fallen. Banquo walks the halls of the castle.
Banquo:
Who’s there?
Macbeth:
A friend.
Banquo:
What, sir! Not yet at rest? The king is sleeping. He has been good spirited this
evening and has sent great gifts to your servants and your wife for her
hospitality.
Macbeth:
If we had known of the kings visit earlier we would have been better prepared.
Where’s your son?
Banquo:
Fleance is resting. This day has been most eventful. I dreamt last night of the
three weird sisters. To you they have shown some truth.
Macbeth:
I think not of them: yet when we have a moments peace we should discuss
that business, if you would grant the time.
Banquo:
At your kindest leisure.
9
Macbeth:
If you remain true to me, when I advance, it shall make honour for you. Till
then, rest easy.
Banquo:
Thanks, sir, and the same to you.
Exit Banquo.
Macbeth:
Is this a dagger which I see before me, the handle toward my hand? Come, let
me hold you. I have you not , and yet I see you still. Are you not, fatal vision,
sensible to feeling as to sight? Or are you a dagger of the mind? I see you still,
in a form as real as this which now I draw. You point me in the way that I was
going and represent an instrument I was to use. On your blade and handle are
drops of blood that I didn’t see before. This is unreal. It is the murderous
business that tricks my eyes. (a bell rings) I go, and it is done; the bell invites
me. Hear it not, Duncan, for it is a chime that summons you to heaven or to
hell.
He leaves. Enter Lady Macbeth.
Lady Macbeth:
The wine that has intoxicated the servants has made me bold and fiery. (a
noise) What was that? Shh! It was the owl that shrieked, the night bird that
prophesises death. Macbeth is about it. The chamber doors are open and the
drunken servants snore rather than keep watch.
Macbeth:
Who’s there?
Lady Macbeth:
Oh no! I’m afraid they have woken and the deed is not done.
Enter Macbeth.
Macbeth:
It is finished.
Lady Macbeth:
My husband!
Macbeth:
Did you hear a noise?
Lady Macbeth:
I heard the owl scream and the crickets cry. Did you not speak?
Macbeth:
When?
Lady Macbeth:
Now.
Macbeth:
As I descended?
Lady Macbeth:
Yes.
Macbeth:
Listen! (looking at his hands) This is a sorry sight.
Lady Macbeth:
A foolish thing to say a sorry sight.
Macbeth:
I thought I heard a voice cry “Sleep no more! Macbeth has murdered sleep”,
the innocent sleep that soothes worry and restores the body, nature’s fuel for
life.
Lady Macbeth:
What do you mean?
10
Macbeth:
Still it cried, “Sleep no more” to all the house. “The Lord of Glamis has
murdered sleep and therefore Cawdor shall sleep no more. Macbeth shall
sleep no more!”
Lady Macbeth:
Who was it that cried out to you? Why, my lord, do you unbend your noble
strength with such sick imaginings? Go and get some water to wash this filthy
evidence from your hands. Why did you bring these daggers from the place?
They must lie there. Take them back and smear the sleeping servants with
blood.
Macbeth:
I’ll not go. I am afraid to think of what I have done. I dare not look on it again.
Lady Macbeth:
Infirm of purpose! Give me the daggers. There is no difference between the
look of a corpse and a sleeping man. I’ll do it. (she exits)
There is a knocking sound.
Macbeth:
Where is that knocking coming from? What is wrong with me that I flinch at
every sound? What hands are here! Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this
blood clean from my hand? My hands are so bloody they will turn the seas
red.
Enter Lady Macbeth.
Lady Macbeth:
My hands are as bloody as yours, but I would be ashamed to be so terrified.
(knocking) I hear a knocking at the southern entrance. Let’s get to bed. A little
water clears us of this deed. (more knocking) Listen! More knocking. You must
put on your night clothes so to seem as if we were sleeping. Be not lost so
poorly in your thoughts.
Knocking again.
Macbeth:
Wake Duncan with your knocking! Oh how I wish you could.
They exit.
Scene 8
At the Gate. Enter Gatekeeper (Porter).
Porter:
Here’s a knocking indeed! If a man were porter of hells gate, he would have
difficulty in turning the key. (knocking) Knock, knock, knock! In the name of
Beelzebub, who’s there? Oh, here’s a farmer that took his life for hoarding
grain during hard times. Did you bring handkerchiefs sir, because you’ll sweat
for your sins here. (knocking) Knock, knock! Who’s there ... in the other devil’s
name! Faith, here’s a deceiver who could claim both sides of an argument,
who committed treason under a godly oath, but could not deceive his way into
heaven. O! Come in, deceiver. (knocking) Knock, knock, knock! Who’s there?
Faith, here’s an English tailor who scrimped on the making of French hose:
come in, tailor, come in where hell will roast your goose! (knocking) Knock,
knock - shall I never rest! What are you? But this place is too cold for hell. I’ll
devil-porter it no further: I had thought to have let in some of all professions
who sin all their lives to the everlasting bonfire. (knocking) I’m coming, I’m
coming. I pray you, remember the porter.
Enter Macduff and Ross.
11
Macduff:
Did you go to bed so late that you overslept?
Porter:
Faith, sir, we celebrated until 2 o’clock and drink, sir, is a great provoker of
three things ... a red nose, sleep and ...
Macduff:
Is your master awake? (enter Macbeth) The knocking has woken him, here he
comes. (exit Porter) Good morrow, noble sir.
Macbeth:
Good morrow.
Macduff:
Is the king stirring?
Macbeth:
Not yet.
Macduff:
He asked me to call for him on time. I am almost late.
Macbeth:
I’ll take you to him.
Macduff:
I know that this is a joyful trouble for you, but it is an inconvenience.
Macbeth:
It is no trouble. There is Duncan’s door.
Exit Macduff. Enter Banquo.
Ross:
Is the king travelling today.
Macbeth:
Yes. he made his arrangements to leave.
Ross:
The night has been unruly. The wind has blown down chimneys and it has
been said that some have heard strange screams of death in the air. The owl
fretted all night.
Macbeth:
It was a rough night.
Ross:
In all my years, I can’t remember so bad a night.
Enter Macduff.
Macduff:
O horror! Horror! Horror! Neither tongue nor heart can believe or name it.
Macbeth:
What’s the matter?
Macduff:
The worst kind of destruction! A most sacrilegious murder!
Macbeth:
What are you saying?
Banquo:
Do you mean his majesty?
Macduff:
Approach his chamber and destroy your sight!
Exit Macbeth and Banquo.
Awake! Awake! Ring the alarm. Murder and treason. Awake! Awake! Ring the
bell.
Enter Lady Macbeth.
12
Lady Macbeth:
What’s the cause of this uproar that wakes the sleepers of the house? Speak!
Macduff:
O gentle lady! It is not for you to hear. The words would kill as they fell upon
your ear.
Enter Macbeth and Banquo
Macbeth:
Had I but died an hour ago I would have lived a blessed time. From this
moment on there is nothing worth living for.
Enter Malcolm
Malcolm:
What’s wrong? Why the alarm?
Macbeth:
The spring, the head, the fountain of your blood has been stopped.
Macduff:
Your royal father has been murdered.
Malcolm:
By whom?
Banquo:
His servants appear to be guilty. Their hands and faces are covered in blood,
as well as their daggers, which they had left unwiped on their pillows.
Macbeth:
I regret that in my rage, I killed them.
Macduff:
Why?
Macbeth:
Who can be logical and terrified, composed and enraged, loyal to the king and
fair in the same moment? There lay Duncan, his silver skin coated in blood,
and his murderers soaked in the same colour. Who could overcome love for
the king and not want to slay his killers?
Lady Macbeth:
I feel faint.
Macduff:
Look to the lady.
Banquo:
Yes, take care of the lady and when we are all calmer let us meet and
question this bloody piece of work. Fear and suspicion unnerve us.
Macduff:
I agree.
Macbeth:
Let’s briefly quiet our nerves and then meet in the hall.
They all exit leaving Malcolm alone for an instant. He leaves.
Scene 9
Enter Ross followed by Macduff
Ross:
How goes the world, sir? Did you learn who did this terrible deed?
Macduff:
The servants whom Macbeth killed.
Ross:
What good would they gain from killing the king?
Macduff:
Someone paid them to do it. Malcolm, the king's son, has stolen away and
fled. This puts suspicion upon him.
13
Ross:
This is a strange business that will destroy the prince's chances of the throne.
Then it is likely that Macbeth will succeed Duncan as king?
Macduff:
Macbeth has already been named as the successor. He has gone to Scone,
where all royal crownings take place, to receive the title.
Ross:
Where is Duncan's body?
Macduff:
Carried to Colmekill, the sacred resting place of all Scots royalty.
Ross:
Will you go to Scone?
Macduff:
No friend, I will go home to Fife.
Ross:
I shall go to Scone.
Macduff:
Well, I hope that you will see things well done there. Adieu! I fear that the
future shall not be as settled as the past.
Ross:
Farewell.
They exit.
Scene 10
Forres. In the palace. Enter Banquo.
Banquo:
You have it all now: King, Cawdor, Glamis, all, just as the weird sisters
promised; and, I fear you played most foully for it. Yet it was said that you
would not create a dynasty but that I should be the root and father of many
kings.
A fanfare announces the arrival of Macbeth with Lady Macbeth, Ross and an attendant.
Macbeth:
Here's our chief guest.
Lady Macbeth:
If he had been forgotten, it would have ruined our feast.
Macbeth:
Tonight we are holding a state dinner and I request your presence.
Banquo:
If the king commands me, it is my duty to obey.
Macbeth:
Will you go riding this afternoon?
Banquo:
Yes, my good lord.
Macbeth:
For today's council I would have desired your good advice which has always
been both grave and prosperous, but I shall wait for it until tomorrow. Is it far
you ride?
Banquo:
As far as I can before dinner. I may be out an hour or two after dark.
Macbeth:
I have heard that Malcolm has fled to England but does not confess his part in
the cruel murder. Other people are being told wild stories but we'll discuss this
tomorrow. Adieu till you return tonight. Is your son Fleance riding with you?
Banquo:
Yes my good lord.
14
Macbeth:
I hope your horses are swift and sure-footed. Farewell.
Exit all except Macbeth and attendant.
Macbeth:
Sir, may I have a word with you. Did you state my command to those men?
Attendant:
Yes my lord. They wait outside the palace gate.
Macbeth:
Bring them to me. (exit Attendant) To be king is not as important as to be
secure on the throne. My fear of Banquo runs deep. In his character is a royal
nature that troubles me. He is ambitious yet self controlled and wise enough to
behave sensibly. In my hand the witches placed a short-term advancement to
the throne and no son of mine will be king. I have killed Duncan to make way
for Banquo's children to become kings. The seed of Banquo kings! I welcome
fate to settle this. Who's there?
Enter Two Murderers.
Ah – was it not yesterday we spoke together?
Murderer 1:
Yes your highness.
Macbeth:
Since then have you considered my words? Know that it was him who
wronged you in the past. I gave you proof of how he mistreated and double
crossed you. The documents prove that it was Banquo.
Murderer 1:
Yes you made it clear.
Macbeth:
I did so. Are you so patient to allow Banquo to continue to wrong you? Are you
so religious that you can pray for this man even though he has burdened and
robbed you?
Murderer 2:
We are but men, my liege.
Macbeth:
Yes, you a listed as men like breeds of hounds. All catalogued according to
their qualities and traits. And so it is with men. If you have a quality that raises
you above the lowest of humanity then say it and I will put business in your
hands that will rid you of an enemy who does not honour the king.
Murderer 2:
I am the kind of man, my king, who grows enraged by hard times. I become
reckless to avenge myself on the world.
Murderer 1:
I too am tired of disaster and misfortune. I want to seize the opportunity to
improve my fate.
Macbeth:
Both of you know that Banquo was your enemy.
Murderer 2:
True, my lord.
Macbeth:
So is he mine. Every minute he lives he threatens my life. And though I could
with barefaced power sweep him from my sight, I must not. For certain friends
that are both his and mine, who's loyalty I must not lose, would blame me for
his killing. And so I ask for your assistance.
Murderer 1:
We shall, my lord, perform what you command us.
15
Macbeth:
Your spirits shine through you. Within this hour I will inform you where to wait
for Banquo. It must be done tonight and away from the palace. With him is
Fleance, his son, who must embrace the same fate of that dark hour. Make up
your minds and I shall come to you soon.
Murderer 2:
We are already determined, my lord.
Macbeth:
Then I shall summon you directly. Wait within. (exit Murderers) It is concluded.
Banquo, If you should ever get to heaven, it will be tonight.
Enter Lady Macbeth.
Lady Macbeth:
So this is where you hide. Why do you keep alone, my lord, where regretful
thoughts burden you. Things that are without remedy should be without
regard. What's done is done.
Macbeth:
We have wounded the snake but not killed it. It will heal and endanger us once
more with its tooth. It is better to be with the dead than to live on with a
tortured mind. Duncan is in his grave and at peace. He can suffer no more
from traitors, daggers and poison.
Lady Macbeth:
Come on, my sweet lord, sleek over your rugged looks. Be bright and jovial
among your guests tonight.
Macbeth:
I will my love. Full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife, for Banquo and Fleance
live.
Lady Macbeth:
They can not live forever.
Macbeth:
That's true. They are vulnerable. Then be happy. Before the bat flies from its
hiding place, there shall be a deed of dreadful note.
Lady Macbeth:
What's to be done?
Macbeth:
Keep your innocence, sweet, until you learn of my plot. Come seeling night,
and cover up the tender eye of pitiful day. Good things of day begin to droop
and drowse, whilst night's black agents to their preys do rouse. Come, let us
go and prepare for this nights festivities.
They exit.
Scene 11
Outside of the palace. The Murderers.
We see Banquo followed by the Murderers. There is a scream.
Banquo: Fleance! Run!
Sounds of a struggle and then silence.
16
Scene 12
A room in the palace. Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Ross and Lennox.
Macbeth:
Come, come. Sit down. Welcome.
Lords:
Thank you your majesty.
Lady Macbeth:
And where is Macduff?
Macbeth:
He has refused to answer my call, but I shall send for him again
Enter Murderer
Macbeth:
There is blood on your face.
Murderer:
Then it is Banquo's
Macbeth:
It is better there than within him. Is he dead?
Murderer:
My lord, his throat is cut.
Macbeth:
You are the best of assassins ...
Murderer:
Most royal sir, Fleance escaped.
Macbeth:
My terror returns. I wanted everything perfect, whole as the marble and sound
as the rock. You are sure that Banquo is dead.
Murderer:
Yes, my good lord, He lies in a ditch with twenty gashes on his head, any one
of which might have killed him.
Macbeth:
I thank you for that. Go, tomorrow we will discuss the matter further.
Exit Murderer
Lady Macbeth:
My royal lord, you are not cheerful. Unless you welcome the guests they will
feel as if they are paying for their dinner. It would be better to eat at home. The
sauce to the meat is ceremony.
Macbeth:
Yes, now good digestion waits on appetite and health on both!
Lennox:
Would you take a seat sir? (The ghost of Banquo enters and sits in Macbeth's
place)
Macbeth:
I could enjoy my honours if Banquo were present. I only hope that he has
chosen not to attend rather than fallen on bad luck.
Ross:
His absence speaks ill of him. Please your highness, sit with us.
Macbeth:
The table's full.
Lennox:
Here is your place sir.
Macbeth:
Where?
Lennox:
Here, my lord. What is wrong your highness?
17
Macbeth:
Which of you have done this?
Ross:
What, my good lord?
Macbeth:
You can not say that I did it. Do not shake your gory locks at me!
Ross:
We must leave. The king is unwell.
Lady Macbeth:
Sit, worthy friends. My husband is often distressed, a problem from his youth.
The fit will pass. Are you a man?
Macbeth:
Yes and a bold one, that dare look on that which might appal the devil.
Lady Macbeth:
What nonsense! This is a vision derived from fear, like that of the dagger that
led you to Duncan. Why do you make such faces? You are merely gazing at a
chair.
Macbeth:
See there! Look! What are you saying to me? What do I care! If you can nod,
you can speak too. (the ghost disappears)
Lady Macbeth:
What is the matter with you?
Macbeth:
As I stand here, I saw Banquo.
Lady Macbeth:
Shame on you!
Macbeth:
There was a time that, when the brains were beaten from a corpse, the body
lay dead. Now the dead rise again, with twenty gashes on their heads.
Lady Macbeth:
My lord, your guests miss your company.
Macbeth:
I had forgotten them. Do not be alarmed, my most worthy friends. I have a
strange illness. Come, love and health to all. Pass the wine and fill the cups. I
drink to the general joy of the whole table and to my dear friend Banquo,
whom I miss.
Lords:
To the king and the health of all. (the ghost of Banquo re-enters)
Macbeth:
Go away! Leave my sight! Let the earth hide you! Take any shape you wish
but that of Banquo and I'll not tremble, or be alive again and draw your sword!
Go, you horrible shadow. Go! (the ghost vanishes)
Lady Macbeth:
You have ruined a good feast with your strange fit.
Macbeth:
Can such a thing be and not disturb me? You make me feel as if I do not know
myself when you can behold such sights and keep the natural ruby of your
cheeks.
Ross:
What sights my lord?
Lady Macbeth:
I pray you, do not speak. He grows worse and worse. I'm afraid we must bid
you goodnight.
Lennox:
Goodnight. I hope your majesty will soon be in better health.
Lady Macbeth:
Goodnight to you all.
18
All exit apart from Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
Macbeth:
The ghost wants blood. Blood will have blood. What time is it?
Lady Macbeth:
It is halfway between night and morning?
Macbeth:
Tomorrow, I will talk with the weird sisters, I must know the worst of my fate. I
have waded so far in blood that going back is no more difficult than to
continue.
Lady Macbeth:
You need some sleep.
Macbeth:
Come then. We shall sleep.
They exit.
Scene 13
A cave with the Three Witches. Thunder.
First Witch:
Thrice the brinded cat has mew'd.
Second Witch:
Thrice and once the hedge-pig whined.
Third Witch:
Harpier cries 'Tis time, 'tis time.
First Witch:
Round about the cauldron go;
In the poison'd entrails throw.
Toad, that under cold stone
Days and nights has thirty-one
Swelter'd venom sleeping got,
Boil thou first in the charmed pot.
All:
Double, double toil and trouble;
Fire burn, and cauldron bubble.
Second Witch:
Fillet of a fenny snake,
In the cauldron boil and bake;
Eye of newt and toe of frog,
Wool of bat and tongue of dog,
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, maw and gulf
Of the ravin'd salt-sea shark,
Root of hemlock digg'd in the dark,
Silver'd in the moon's eclipse,
Nose of Turk and Tartar's lips,
Add thereto a tiger's chaudron,
For the ingredients of our cauldron.
19
All:
Double, double toil and trouble;
Fire burn and cauldron bubble.
Second Witch:
Cool it with a baboon's blood,
Then the charm is firm and good.
First Witch:
By the pricking of my thumbs,
Something wicked this way comes.
Open, locks,
Whoever knocks!
Enter Macbeth
Macbeth:
Greetings, you secret, black and midnight hags! What are you doing?
All:
A deed without a name.
Macbeth:
Tell me, even if you must turn the world on it's head, what I want to know.
First Witch:
Speak.
Second Witch:
Demand.
Third Witch:
We'll answer.
First Witch:
Say, if you'd rather hear it from our mouths,
Or from our masters?
Macbeth:
Call them. Let me see them.
First Witch:
Pour in sow's blood, that has eaten
Her nine farrow; grease that's sweaten
From the murderer's gibbet throw
Into the flame.
All:
Come, high or low;
Thyself and office deftly show!
Thunder. 1st Apparition: a head with a helmet.
Macbeth:
Tell me ...
Second Witch:
He knows your thoughts:
Hear his speech, but say thou nought.
1st Apparition:
Macbeth! Macbeth! Macbeth! Beware Macduff;
Beware the Lord of Fife. Dismiss me. Enough.
1st Apparition disappears.
Macbeth:
Whatever you are, I thank you for the warning. You have spoken my fear of
Macduff. But tell me more.
Third Witch:
He will not be commanded: here's another,
More potent than the first.
Thunder. 2nd Apparition: A blood covered Child.
20
2nd Apparition:
Macbeth! Macbeth! Macbeth!
Be bloody, bold, and resolute; laugh to scorn
The power of man, for none of woman born
Shall harm Macbeth.
2nd Apparition disappears.
Macbeth:
Then live, Macduff. Why should I fear you? But I shall be certain of my future
and not let him live.
Thunder. 3rd Apparition: a Child crowned, with a tree in his hand.
What is this?
All:
Listen, but speak not to it.
3rd Apparition:
Be lion-mettled, proud; and take no care
Who chafes, who frets, or where conspirers are:
Macbeth shall never vanquished be until
Great Birnam wood to high Dunsinane hill
Shall come against him.
3rd Apparition disappears.
Macbeth:
That will never be. Who can make a tree pull up its roots? No one shall rebel
until Birnam wood rises. Sweet omens! Good! Macbeth shall live in peace on
the throne. Still, my heart longs to know, will Banquo's children ever rule this
kingdom?
All:
Seek to know no more.
Macbeth:
I must satisfy my curiosity. If you refuse, an eternal curse will fall upon you!
What noise is this?
First Witch:
Show!
Second Witch:
Show!
Third Witch:
Show!
All:
Show his eyes, and grieve his heart;
Come like shadows, so depart!
An illusion of Eight Kings, the last with a mirror in his hand; followed by the ghost of Banquo.
Macbeth:
What is this? There are more? A fifth and sixth. Eight no less. And you? Be
gone! You are too much like the spirit of Banquo. Filthy hags! Why do you
show me this? Now I see that it is true for the blood-stained Banquo smiles
upon me and points at them for they are his.
Apparitions vanish.
First Witch:
Yes, sir, all this is true: but why
Stands Macbeth thus amazedly?
Come, sisters, cheer we up his sprites,
And show the best of our delights:
I'll charm the air to give a sound,
21
While you perform your antic round:
That this great king may kindly say,
Our duties did his welcome pay.
The Witches vanish.
Macbeth:
Where are they? Gone?
Enter Lennox
Did you see the weird sisters?
Lennox:
No, my lord.
Macbeth:
Did they not pass you?
Lennox:
No, my lord.
Macbeth:
I did hear the galloping of a horse. Who has arrived?
Lennox:
Messengers, my lord, who report that Macduff has fled to England.
Macbeth:
Fled to England!
Lennox:
Yes, my good lord, to join with Malcolm. They also bring news of Banquo. He
did not return to the palace last night. His body has been found far beyond the
palace walls. It has been said that his son dealt the blow and has now fled in
fear.
Macbeth:
And another friend falls at the hand of his own child. But now is the time to act
and put an end to Macduff. I shall raid Macduff's castle, slay his wife and
children and all who are his kin. Show me no more visions! Where are these
messengers? Take me to them.
They exit.
Scene 14
In England. In front of King Edward's palace.
Malcolm:
Let us find some shade and share our sorrow over Scotland's hard times.
Macduff:
We should grasp our swords and, like good Scots, march back to Scotland to
rid it of an unworthy king. Every day, more women are widowed and their
children orphaned. Each day, more grief echoes through Scotland.
Malcolm:
What you have spoke, may well be true. Macbeth may be a tyrant, even
though he was once thought to be honest. You have been loyal to him and
have no reason to create stories. But then you may be testing me for
Macbeth's sake and then betray me.
Macduff:
I am not treacherous.
Malcolm:
But Macbeth is. Even a virtuous and good natured man can change when he
becomes king. I crave your pardon; I can not know for sure whether you are
trustworthy.
Macduff:
I have given up hope of convincing you.
22
Malcolm:
Why did you leave your wife and children in such a dangerous place? How
could you leave your loved ones without telling them of your departure?
Maybe your answers can help me to see your true intentions.
Macduff:
Poor Scotland is bleeding! Tyrants like Macbeth thrive and good people stand
and do nothing. He is king therefore he can flaunt his evil deeds. I would never
be the villain you think I am.
Malcolm:
Do not take offence. I have no fear of you. I know how our country weeps and
bleeds. Each new day a gash is added to her wounds. I believe that others will
support my revolt against Macbeth. Here from gracious England I have the
offer of thousands. But even then the people shall suffer more under the new
king.
Macduff:
Could there be one worse than Macbeth?
Malcolm:
I speak of myself. Black Macbeth will seem as pure as snow compared to me
and my evil habits.
Macduff:
Not even in the legions of horrid hell can a devil be more damned than
Macbeth.
Malcolm:
I am so sin-ridden that, if I were king, I would steal land from the nobles and
take their jewels and homes.
Macduff:
Such greed is deep-rooted and fast-growing. It is greed that has killed past
kings. Yet, do not fear, Scotland has enough royal treasure to content you. We
can forgive your sins for you have many other good graces.
Malcolm:
But I have none. The royal character consists of justice, truth, self-control,
generosity, mercy, dedication, patience and courage. I have none of these. If I
had the power I would dump peace into hell, uproar universal peace and ruin
harmony on earth.
Macduff:
Then truly, you are not fit to rule, nor to live! O wretched Scotland, when shall
you see wholesome days again? Even the crowned prince by his own
admission is not fit for the throne. Your royal father was a most sainted king ...
Malcolm:
Macduff, this noble passion has cleansed me of doubt and proved you are
truthful and honourable. Devilish Macbeth by trickery has tried before to lure
me into his grasp. I admit that those sins and faults I spoke of were all
invented. Made-up. I would never betray anyone and value truth over life itself.
Macduff, you and I will fight Macbeth together.
Macduff:
I am confused and yet relieved.
Malcolm:
Who is coming?
Macduff:
It is my ever gentle cousin, welcome.
Malcolm:
Now I know him! Being away from home has made my fellow countrymen
strangers to me.
Ross:
It is true, sir.
Macduff:
Stands Scotland where it did?
23
Ross:
It can not be called our motherland, but our grave. As I left to come here with
news of Scotland, there ran a rumour that many worthy rebels were marching
out. I saw them! Now is the time to rise up! If Scots saw you, more would join
the rebels!
Malcolm:
We are coming home to comfort them. King Edward has loaned us good Lord
Siward and ten thousand troops!
Ross:
I wish that your words gave me comfort but I have news that should be howled
out in the desert where no ear can hear.
Macduff:
What is it?
Ross:
Do not despise me for telling you the worst news you have ever heard.
Macduff:
What is it?
Ross:
Assassins raided your castle and savagely murdered your wife and children
like deer. To reveal the rest would be the death of you.
Malcolm:
Merciful heaven! Tell us the rest. The terror that you don't describe causes
more suffering than to know it.
Macduff:
My children too?
Ross:
Wife, children, servants, all that could be found.
Macduff:
And I was not there! My wife killed too?
Ross:
Just as I said.
Malcolm:
Take comfort. Let's make a medicine from our great revenge to cure this
deadly grief.
Macduff:
Macbeth has no children. All my pretty ones? Did you say all?
Malcolm:
Bear your grief like a man.
Macduff:
I will, but I must also suffer as a man. Did heaven look on and do nothing?
Sinful Macduff! They were all struck down because of you!
Malcolm:
Let grief sharpen your sword and turn into anger.
Macduff:
Gentle heavens, bring me quickly to confront Macbeth. Face to face with
Scotland's fiend. Sword to sword.
Malcolm:
Come, let's speak with the king. Our forces are ready and Macbeth is ripe for
shaking. Take what comfort you can. No night is so long that it never finds the
day.
They exit.
24
Scene 15
Macbeth's castle at Dunsinane. Enter a Servant and Doctor.
Doctor:
You and I have watched the lady for two nights, but I can see no truth in your
report. When was it that she last walked in her sleep?
Servant:
Since his majesty went into the field, I have seen her rise from her bed, throw
her robe around her, unlock her closet, take paper, fold it, write upon it, read it
and afterwards seal it, and again return to bed, and all this while fast asleep.
Doctor:
This suggests a disturbed mind indeed. In her night time agitation, besides her
walking and other odd behaviours, what have you heard her say?
Servant:
That, sir, I can not reveal. Neither to you nor anyone. (Lady Macbeth enters
carrying a candle) Look! Here she comes. This is her nightly pattern. I vow
upon my life that she is fast asleep.
Doctor:
Her eyes are open.
Servant:
Yes, but her mind is asleep.
Doctor:
What is she doing now? Look how she rubs her hands.
Servant:
It is her custom to pretend to wash her hands. I have known her to continue
doing this for a quarter of an hour.
Lady Macbeth:
Yet here's a spot.
Doctor:
Hark! She speaks.
Lady Macbeth:
Out, damned spot! Out I say! One o'clock, two, then it is time to do it. Hell is
murky! Shame, my lord, shame! A soldier and scared? Why should we fear
when none can challenge the king? Who would have thought the old man to
have had so much blood in him?
Doctor:
Did you hear that?
Lady Macbeth:
The lord of Fife had a wife. Where is she now? What! Will these hands never
be clean?
Servant:
She has spoken what she should not, I am sure of that.
Lady Macbeth:
My hands still smell of blood. All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten these
hands.
Doctor:
Well, I can not cure this disease, still, I have known sleepwalkers who have
died blamelessly in their beds.
Lady Macbeth:
Wash your hands, put on your night-gown; look not so pale. I tell you yet
again, Banquo is buried. He cannot come out of his grave.
Doctor:
This too?
Lady Macbeth:
To bed, to bed: There's a knocking at the gate. Come, come, give me your
hand. What's done cannot be undone. To bed, to bed. (she exits)
25
Doctor:
Will she now go back to bed?
Servant:
Directly.
Doctor:
Foul whisperings are abroad. Unnatural deeds cause unnatural troubles. She
needs God more than a doctor. Look after her and keep her from harm.
Goodnight.
Servant:
Goodnight good Doctor.
They exit.
Scene 16
Dunsinane. A room in the castle. Macbeth and Servants.
Macbeth:
Bring me no more reports of deserters. Let them run. I have no reason to fear
until Birnam Wood attacks Dunsinane! What is Malcolm? Is he not a normal
human being? The witches that know all human fate have prophesised that no
one born of woman shall over-power Macbeth. What makes you quiver like a
goose?
Servant:
There are ten thousand ...
Macbeth:
What? Geese!
Servant:
Enemy soldiers sir.
Macbeth:
Go and pinch your cheeks to put some colour in your scared face. What
soldiers are coming?
Servant:
The English army, sir. It is said that they march to Birnam Wood.
Macbeth:
Take your face out of my sight! (Servant leaves) Seyton! I am sick at heart
when I see – Seyton, I say! – this revolt, which will either please me or end my
reign. Seyton!
Enter Seyton.
Seyton:
What is your gracious pleasure?
Macbeth:
Is there anymore news?
Seyton:
We have confirmed earlier reports, my lord.
Macbeth:
Then I shall fight until the enemy hacks the meat from my bones. Give me my
armour.
Seyton:
But it is not needed yet.
Macbeth:
I want to put on my armour. Send out more horses to scour the country. And
hang those who talk of fear. Give me my armour. Doctor, how is my lady?
Doctor:
Not so sick my lord, but mentally tormented by overwhelming illusions that
give her no rest.
Macbeth:
Doctor:
Then heal her.
For that illness, the patient must heal themselves.
26
Macbeth:
Come, put my armour on. Seyton send out soldiers. Doctor, the lords have
deserted me – come Seyton, hurry – If you could find Scotland’s disease and
wipe it out, I would glorify you for restoring the country to its former health.
Remove my armour, I say! - What herb or drug would wipe away these English
troops? Have you heard of their approach?
Doctor:
Yes, my lord. We have heard the news. There is talk of many things among
your people.
Macbeth:
Bring my armour and follow me. I will not be afraid of death and pain until
Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane.
They exit.
Scene 17
Near Birnam Wood. Malcolm, Macduff and Ross.
Malcolm:
Kinsmen I hope that the time is near when our homes will be safe.
Ross:
We have no doubt.
Macduff:
What wood is this before us.
Ross:
The wood of Birnam.
Malcolm:
Let each soldier cut a branch to carry in front of him: thereby we shall shadow
our numbers.
Ross:
We have learned that Macbeth keeps still in Dunsinane and waits for our
arrival.
Malcolm:
Scots of all classes have deserted him and those that remain are forced to
obey.
They exit.
Scene crosses to Dunsinane. Macbeth and Seyton.
Macbeth:
Hang out our banners. They continue to march towards us but this castle is
strong enough to outlast their attack. What is it?
Seyton:
The queen, my lord, is dead.
Macbeth:
She should have died hereafter. Out, out, brief candle! Life's but a walking
shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then
is heard no more.
Seyton:
My lord, I have other disturbing news.
Macbeth:
Well, say, sir.
Seyton:
While I was standing watch upon the hill, I looked towards Birnam and the
wood began to move.
Macbeth:
Liar and slave!
Seyton:
Let me endure your punishment if I am lying. From three miles away you may
see it coming. The grove is in motion.
27
Macbeth:
If you are lying you will hang on a tree until you starve. If you speak the truth I
care not if you do the same to me. “Fear not until Birnam Wood comes to
Dunsinane” - and now it does. Soldiers to arms and move out! There is no
safety in running away or remaining here. Ring the alarum-bell!
Scene 18
Dunsinane.
Macduff:
Turn, hell-hound, turn!
Macbeth:
Of all the men, I have tried to avoid you. Go! My soul already overflows with
the blood of your family.
I have no words for you. I will let my sword speak for me. (they fight)
Macduff:
Macbeth:
You waste your energy. Thrusting your sharp sword at my flesh is as useless
as fighting air. I bear a charmed life and shall surrender only to a man not born
of woman.
Macduff:
Abandon your charm and let the demon you serve tell you that Macduff was
not born normally. He was cut from his mother's womb.
Macbeth:
I curse your tongue for telling me so. Let no man believe prophets that bandy
words and give them a double sense. They whisper promises in our ears and
destroy our hopes. I'll not fight with you.
Then surrender, coward.
Macduff:
Macbeth:
I will not surrender and grovel before Malcolm. Even if Birnam Wood has come
to Dunsinane and if you are not born of woman, I will fight to the end. Lay on,
Macduff, and damned be the first man who cries, “Hold, enough!”
They exit fighting. Enter Malcolm and others.
Malcolm:
I wish that all my supporters had survived the battle.
Siward:
War always kills. We have lost few soldiers in winning so great a victory.
Ross:
But we are missing Macduff.
Malcolm:
When did you see him last?
Ross:
Not long after we first launched the attack.
Siward:
His course was set straight for Macbeth.
Enter Macduff carrying Macbeth's head.
Macduff:
Hail, King Malcolm, for that is your new title. Behold, I carry Macbeth's cursed
head. Scotland is free. The tyrant is dead. I bid you all to join with me in
saluting our new king. Hail, King of Scotland!
All:
Hail, King of Scotland!
THE END
28