MACBETH
Copyright and Performance Rights
Once purchased, this script may be copied as many times as necessary in any form that is felt
appropriate to the activity undertaken. This is on the proviso that all copying is done for use
within the purchasing organisation.
Should the purchasing organisation wish to perform the play to an audience, a charge of $30
for the first performance and $20 for subsequent performances will be required before the
production/s can take place. A performance rights application form can be obtained by
emailing Michael Bond at [email protected]
Michael Bond © 2016
Note: In this shortened version, Act 3, Scenes 5 and 6; and Act 5 Scenes 2, 7 and 8 from the
original script have been omitted or combined with other scenes for the purpose of increased
brevity.
MACBETH
ACT ONE
SCENE ONE
A desert place. Thunder and lightning. Three witches enter.
1st Witch:
When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?
2nd Witch:
When the fighting's done. When the battle's lost and won.
3rd Witch:
Before the setting of the sun.
1st Witch:
Where shall we meet?
2nd Witch:
On the heath.
3rd Witch:
Where we’ll meet with Macbeth.
1st Witch:
I come, grey cat!
2nd Witch:
The toad calls.
3rd Witch:
We’ll go now.
All:
Fair is foul, and foul is fair. Hover through the fog and filthy air.
They exit.
SCENE TWO
A camp near Forres. King Duncan, Malcolm, Donalbain, Lennox and attendants meet with
a bleeding sergeant.
Duncan:
Who is this wounded man?
Malcolm:
This is the sergeant who saved me from being captured, thank you
brave friend. Tell the King how the battle was going.
Sergeant:
It was still in doubt until brave Macbeth fought his way through their
lines, killed Macdonwald and hung his head on the battlements.
Duncan:
A worthy man indeed.
1
Sergeant:
But the rebels mounted another charge.
Duncan:
What happened?
Sergeant:
Macbeth and Banquo doubled their efforts to fight the enemy. But I am weak
from my wounds, I must rest.
Duncan:
You are a brave and honourable man. Take him to the doctor.
The sergeant is taken out. Ross enters.
Malcolm:
Ah, the worthy Thane of Ross.
Duncan:
Where have you been?
Ross:
At Fife, great King. And I can report that we have the victory. The
Thane of Cawdor has been defeated.
Duncan:
That's wonderful news. Go and meet Macbeth and tell him that the title of the
man he defeated is his.
Ross:
I will do it happily.
They all exit.
SCENE THREE
A heath. Thunder. Three witches enter. A drum sounds.
First Witch:
A drum.
Sec. Witch:
A drum.
Third Witch: Macbeth does come.
Macbeth and Banquo enter.
Banquo:
What are these things in front of us? They’re very strange. Who are
you? You look like women, but your appearance confuses me.
Macbeth:
Speak. Who are you?
First Witch:
All hail Macbeth. Hail to you Thane of Glamis.
Sec. Witch:
All hail Macbeth. Hail to you Thane of Cawdor.
Third Witch: All hail Macbeth. Who shall be King in the future.
2
Banquo:
What's the matter Macbeth? Why do these promises worry you? to the witches
What news do you have for me?
First Witch:
Hail!
Sec. Witch:
Hail!
Third Witch: Hail!
First Witch:
Lesser than Macbeth, and greater.
Sec. Witch:
Not as happy yet much happier.
Third Witch: You shall father kings, but never be one.
All Witches:
Hail Macbeth and Banquo.
Macbeth:
Stay and tell me more. I know I am Thane of Glamis, but how can I be Thane of
Cawdor? He’s still alive. How do you know all this? Tell me please.
The witches vanish.
Banquo:
They've gone.
Macbeth:
Your children shall be kings.
Banquo:
You shall be King.
Macbeth:
And Thane of Cawdor. Who's there?
Ross and Angus enter.
Ross:
The King is very happy with your success Macbeth.
Angus:
We have been sent to bring you to him.
Ross:
And he told me to address you as Thane of Cawdor.
Banquo:
What! Is that true?
Macbeth:
The Thane of Cawdor is alive, so how can you call me that?
Angus:
Yes, he’s alive, but not for long. He was involved in the treasonous act and is
sentenced to death.
Macbeth: aside Glamis and Thane of Cawdor. to Ross and Angus Thank you for your for
your news. to Banquo Your children could be kings. aside Two prophecies
3
fulfilled. If the prophesy says I’ll be King then I'll not fight it. to others Come
my friends, let's join the King.
They exit.
SCENE FOUR
Forres. A room in the Palace. A flourish. Duncan, Malcolm, Donalbain, Lennox and
attendants enter.
Duncan:
Has Cawdor been executed yet?
Malcolm:
He has. He admitted his treason and died regretting his deeds.
Duncan:
It’s very sad. I trusted him completely.
Macbeth, Banquo, Ross and Angus enter.
Duncan:
Welcome Macbeth and Banquo, two honourable men.
Macbeth:
You have our loyalty.
Duncan:
I am glad of that as I have one more announcement to make. My
eldest son, Malcolm is to be known as the Prince of Cumberland.
Macbeth: aside The Prince of Cumberland! The successor to Duncan! That puts a stop to my
plans. But I shouldn’t be thinking like that, my loyalty must lie with the King.
Macbeth exits.
SCENE FIVE
Inverness. Macbeth's castle. Lady Macbeth enters reading a letter.
Lady M:
'They met me on the day of our victory and they knew more than any normal
person could. When I tried to question them further, they disappeared. While I
was considering what had happened a message came from the King saying that
I was to be Thane of Cawdor, just as these strange beings had said. They had
also said that I would be King one day. I thought I should tell you this so that
you should know what has happened.’
You are already Thane of Glamis and you will be made Thane of Cawdor. I
worry that your kind nature will slow your ambition so that the events
predicted will take too long to happen. It will be up to me to convince you of
what has to happen for you to become King.
A messenger enters.
4
What is it?
Messenger:
The King will be here tonight.
Lady M:
And Macbeth?
Messenger:
He has arrived.
Lady M:
Leave me now.
The messenger leaves.
Lady M:
This opportunity cannot be missed. It will mean that I must involve myself in
murder and to do this I must make myself cold and unfeeling, so that I can do
what must be done. Come evil spirits, descend on me and make my blood thick
and free me from my womanly kindness. My hand cannot waver from its deadly
path.
Macbeth enters.
Lady M:
Thane of Cawdor! Our future lies within our reach. When is he due to leave?
Macbeth:
Tomorrow.
Lady M:
He will never leave alive. Go and greet him, be friendly and innocent, we
can't have anyone suspect you.
Macbeth:
We will discuss it later.
Lady M:
Leave it all to me.
They exit.
SCENE SIX
In front of Macbeth's castle.
Hautboys and torches. Enter DUNCAN, MALCOLM, DONALBAIN, BANQUO,
LENNOX, MACDUFF, ROSS, ANGUS, and Attendants
Duncan:
This castle appeals to me. It appears so calm and inviting.
Banquo:
I agree.
Lady Macbeth enters.
5
Duncan:
Ah our honoured hostess.
Lady M:
You are most welcome in our home.
Duncan:
Where's the thane of Cawdor? He left to here at a great pace and left us
behind. We are to be your guests tonight.
Lady:
We are happy to serve you.
Duncan:
Let me take your hand as you lead me to your husband.
Exit
SCENE SEVEN
A room in the castle. Macbeth enters.
Macbeth:
If I’m going to do it, I must do it quickly. If the assassination can be successful
and have no further consequences then all will be well. But when violence is
used to gain power, then violence often comes to those who used it in the first
place. He is a kind and gentle man and I am his subject. I should be protecting
him from harm not planning his death. His death will bring great sadness to
many people. The only reason I have to kill him is my ambition to be King.
Lady Macbeth enters.
Macbeth:
What's happening?
Lady M:
He has almost finished his meal. Why did you leave the table?
Macbeth:
We’re not going through with this. I can't do it.
Lady M:
Why not? You kill in battle, why not in ambition?
Macbeth:
I don't know. I just can't.
Lady M:
Then why did you tell me about the predictions? Didn’t you want to have
them come true? If I had been told to dash my child's brains out for this to
happen, I would have done it. So why can't you do this?
Macbeth:
But if we should fail ....
Lady M:
We will not fail if you do your part. I’ll drug his two servants so that they will
not be able to stop you and will remember nothing.
Macbeth:
Alright, I'll do it.
They exit.
6
ACT TWO
SCENE ONE
Inverness. A court within the castle. Banquo and Fleance enter.
Banquo:
Do you know what time it is?
Fleance:
No, but I know it’s late.
Banquo:
I wish I could sleep. Who’s there?
Macbeth enters.
Macbeth:
A friend.
Banquo:
I thought you’d be asleep.
Macbeth:
Too much to do with the King’s arrival.
Banquo:
I dreamt of the weird sisters last night.
Macbeth:
I don’t even think of them.
Banquo:
Good night to you.
Macbeth:
And to you.
Banquo and Fleance exit. A servant appears
Macbeth:
Go to my wife and tell her to ring when my drink is ready.
Servant:
I shall do so.
The servant exits.
Macbeth:
Is this a dagger I see before me, the handle towards my hand? Come let me hold
you. But I cannot. I see you now with blood upon your blade that was not there
before.
A bell rings.
Macbeth:
I must go, the bell invites me. I hope Duncan doesn't hear it, for it
summons him to hell.
He exits.
7
SCENE TWO
The same. Lady Macbeth enters.
Lady M:
The wine I gave the servants has given me courage. I have laid everything out
ready for my husband. If the King hadn’t looked like my father I would have
done it myself.
Macbeth enters.
Macbeth:
I have done the deed. looking at his hands This is a sorry sight.
Lady M:
A foolish thought.
Macbeth:
I thought I heard a voice cry out as I killed him. It cried, "Sleep no more.
Macbeth murders sleep."
Lady M:
What do you mean?
Macbeth:
And it called again, "Sleep no more. Macbeth shall sleep no more. "
Lady M:
Who could have called out? You're imagining it. Get some water and wash your
hands. Why have you brought the daggers with you? Go and wipe them on his
servants.
Macbeth:
I can't! I can't go back there.
Lady M:
Give me the daggers. I'll wipe the servants with the blood, so that the evidence is
on them.
Lady Macbeth exits. Knocking is heard.
Macbeth:
What's that? Why does every noise startle me? Will all the water in the world
ever clean these hands? The washing of these hands will always turn the water
red.
Lady Macbeth enters.
Lady M:
Now my hands are the same colour as yours.
More knocking.
I hear knocking. Let's go to bed. A little water will clear us of this deed.
More knocking.
8
Quickly, get your nightgown in case you are needed. Don't lose
yourself in your thoughts.
More knocking.
Macbeth:
I only wish you could wake Duncan with your knocking.
They exit.
SCENE THREE
The same. A porter enters.
Porter:
Knock, knock, knock. Who's there?
More knocking.
Porter:
I'm coming. I'm coming. Don't be so impatient. I can only move slowly.
More knocking.
Porter:
Take pity on a poor old porter. My bones are not what they once were.
He opens the door. Macduff and Lennox enter.
Macduff:
What took you so long? Did you go to bed so late last night that you
have slept in this morning?
Porter:
I'm afraid sir that we did drink till late last night.
Macduff:
Is your master awake?
Macbeth appears.
Macduff:
It seems our knocking has woken him.
Lennox:
Good morning noble sir.
Macbeth:
Good morning to you both.
Macduff:
Is the King awake yet?
Macbeth:
Not yet. aside I wish that he was.
Macduff:
He told me to wake him early.
9
Macbeth:
I'll take you to him.
Macduff:
Don't worry, I'll go myself.
Macduff exits.
Lennox:
Does the King leave you today?
Macbeth:
He does.
Lennox:
It was a wild night last night. The wind blew hard and I heard
strange screams of death.
Macbeth:
It was a rough night.
Lennox:
I can't remember one as bad as that before.
Macduff enters.
Macduff:
O horror! Horror! Horror!
Macbeth:
What's the matter?
Macduff:
A most sacrilegious murder!
Macbeth:
What do you mean?
Lennox:
You mean the King?
Macduff:
Look for yourselves, a terrible sight. Go to his room.
Macbeth and Lennox exit.
Macduff:
Ring the bell! Murder and treason! Banquo! Donalbain! Malcolm!
Awake! Get out of bed and see this terrible deed! Ring the bell!
A bell rings. Lady Macbeth enters.
Lady M:
What's happening? What is all the shouting about?
Macduff:
My lady, I hesitate to tell you this, my news is not for a woman's
ears.
Banquo enters.
Macduff:
Banquo! Banquo! Our royal master's murdered!
10
Lady M:
Oh no! And in our house.
Banquo:
It is cruel news in any location.
Lennox and Macbeth enter.
Macbeth:
This is terrible news.
Malcolm and Donalbain enter.
Donalbain:
What's going on?
Macduff:
Your father has been murdered.
Malcolm:
By whom?
Lennox:
By those who guarded him. Their hands and faces were streaked in
blood.
Macbeth:
And as they lay asleep I killed them.
Macduff:
Why did you do that?
Macbeth:
I was so overcome with grief that I just lost control.
Lady M:
Oh dear, I'm faint.
Malcolm: aside to Donalbain What will we do? Our lives may be at risk.
Donalbain: aside to Malcolm You’re right.
Banquo:
The lady's ill.
Lady Macbeth is helped out by Lennox.
Macduff:
We must meet and plan what we must do next.
Macbeth:
We should dress ourselves and meet again in the hall.
All except Donalbain and Malcolm exit.
Malcolm:
We can't stay here. We will either be accused or murdered by the
villain. I think I'll go to England.
Donalbain:
And I’ll go to Ireland. If we are apart, we will be much safer.
They exit.
11
SCENE FOUR
Outside the castle. Ross and an old man enter.
Old Man:
In all my seventy years, I have not known a night as dreadful and
strange as this.
Ross:
Yes father, it was a dreadful night.
Old Man:
A dreadful night, not only for the deed. Unnatural deeds have happened in nature
too. I saw a falcon brought down and killed by a mere mousing owl. And
Duncan's horses, so placid and obedient, broke free form their stalls and ate each
other.
Macduff enters.
Ross:
What has happened now?
Macduff:
Don't you know the news?
Ross:
Yes, but do you know who did it?
Macduff:
The ones who Macbeth killed.
Ross:
But what good could it have done them?
Macduff:
They were paid. Malcolm and Donalbain have fled, so they must have been
behind it.
Ross:
With them no longer here, it would seem that Macbeth will now be
King.
Macduff:
He has already been chosen. He has gone to Scone to be invested.
Ross:
Where’s Duncan's body?
Macduff:
It will be carried to Colmekil.
Ross:
Are you going to Scone?
Macduff:
No, I'm going to Fife.
Ross:
Well I will go to Scone.
Macduff:
Good luck.
Ross:
Farewell father.
12
Old Man:
Farewell son.
They exit.
ACT THREE
SCENE ONE
Forres. A room in the palace. Banquo enters.
Banquo:
You have it all now - King, Cawdor, Glamis. As the weird women promised.
I’m afraid you have had a hand in this, but I must remember that I too, or at least
my children, will benefit from what has happened.
Macbeth as King, Lady Macbeth as Queen, Lennox, Ross, Lords and attendants enter.
Macbeth:
Here's our chief guest.
Lady M:
We couldn't forget him.
Macbeth:
We’re having a feast tonight and you must be there.
Banquo:
I would be happy to attend.
Macbeth:
Are you riding this afternoon?
Banquo:
Yes, I think I will.
Macbeth:
Going far?
Banquo:
No not too far.
Macbeth:
Make sure you're back in time for the feast.
Banquo:
I'll be there.
Macbeth:
Will Fleance be going with you?
Banquo:
He will.
Macbeth:
Have a good ride.
Banquo exits.
Macbeth:
I think we should all have some free time. You are all free to do as you please till
13
seven tonight.
All exit except Macbeth and an attendant.
Macbeth:
Are those men outside?
Attendant:
They are, my lord.
Macbeth:
Then bring them to me.
Attendant exits.
Macbeth:
I fear Banquo deeply. The sisters have said his children will be King. I have
committed murder for his children. It is time for me to change the future.
The attendant enters with two murderers.
Attendant:
Here are the men, my lord.
Macbeth:
Good. Now go outside and make sure we are not disturbed.
Attendant:
Yes, my lord.
Macbeth:
Remember that we spoke yesterday?
1st Murd:
We do your highness.
2nd Murd:
And we know what we must do.
Macbeth:
You know that Banquo is your enemy.
1st Murd:
We do, my lord.
Macbeth:
It must be done tonight and outside the castle. He rides with his son, so you
must lie in wait for them. Fleance must meet the same fate as his father.
2nd Murd:
We know what we must do.
Macbeth:
Then go now and do what you must do.
They exit.
SCENE TWO
Another room in the palace. Lady Macbeth and a servant enter.
Lady M:
Has Banquo left yet?
14
Servant:
He has, madam, but he will return tonight.
Lady M:
Tell the King I would like to see him.
Servant:
I will madam.
Macbeth enters.
Lady M:
How are you my lord? Why do you stay away from me? There’s no use in
dwelling on the past, what's done is done.
Macbeth:
There is still work to be done before we can rest.
Lady M:
Be calm, my lord. Relax and enjoy the feast tonight.
Macbeth:
We must make sure that no-one knows what is really in our hearts.
Lady M:
Don't dwell on it Macbeth.
Macbeth:
Don't worry, they can still be dealt with.
Lady M:
What do you plan to do?
Macbeth:
I’ll tell you nothing until the deed is done. It’s better for you to be innocent of
this. Congratulate me after it is over.
They exit.
SCENE THREE
A park outside the palace. The two murderers enter and are then joined by a third.
1st Murd:
Who told you to join us?
3rd Murd:
Macbeth.
2nd Murd:
He's got our instructions.
1st Murd:
Then stay with us, the day is nearly gone and our prey will soon be
with us.
3rd Murd:
Wait! I hear horses.
Banquo: off stage Hello there! Give us a light.
2nd Murd:
Over here!
15
3rd Murd:
It's him!
1st Murd:
Get ready.
Banquo and Fleance enter.
Fleance:
You're very kind to help us out.
Banquo:
It might rain tonight.
1st Murd:
Then let it come down on you!
The murderers attack.
Fleance:
Look out father!
Banquo:
Treachery! Run Fleance!
Fleance:
Murder! Murder!
Banquo is killed and Fleance escapes.
3rd Murd:
We've only got one of them.
1st Murd:
We can't do much about that now. Let's report what we have done.
They exit.
SCENE FOUR
A room of state in the palace. A banquet is prepared. Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Ross,
Lennox, Lords and attendants enter.
Macbeth:
Welcome everybody. Welcome and enjoy yourselves.
Lords:
Thank you, your majesty.
The first murderer appears at the door. Macbeth goes to him.
Macbeth:
There's blood upon your face.
1st Murd:
It's Banquo's.
Macbeth:
Excellent. And Fleance? Who has his blood?
1st Murd:
He escaped.
16
Macbeth:
Thanks for what you have done. You'd better go now, we’ll talk
again.
Lennox:
Your highness, come sit with us!
The ghost of Banquo enters and sits in Macbeth's place.
Macbeth:
I wonder where Banquo is. He's very late.
Ross:
I'm sure he’ll turn up. Come and join us.
Macbeth:
The table's full.
Lennox:
Here's a place for you.
Macbeth:
Where?
Lennox:
Here. What’s upset you?
Macbeth:
Which of you has done this?
Lords:
Done what?
Macbeth:
You cannot say that I did it. Don't look at me like that.
Ross:
His highness is not well gentlemen, let's leave him.
Lady M:
No, no, sit down. He sometimes has these turns. It will pass soon.
What's the matter with you?
Macbeth:
Look at it.
Lady M:
What is it, another air borne dagger?
Macbeth:
Look at it! It’s the ghost of Banquo!
The ghost disappears.
Lady M:
I see nothing. Look, your friends are leaving.
Macbeth:
I'm sorry friends. I'm alright now. Come sit down and let us enjoy
ourselves once more.
Lords:
If you are sure.
The ghost appears.
17
Macbeth:
Get away! Get out of my sight!
Lady M:
Don't take any notice of him.
Macbeth:
I am not scared of you. You can’t live again, but I’ll gladly kill you twice.
The ghost exits.
Lady M:
You’re upsetting everyone. Calm down.
Macbeth:
How can I be calm with these sights before me?
Ross:
What sights, your majesty?
Lady M:
I'm sorry, he really is having a bad turn. Perhaps you'd better go.
Lennox:
Good night then. I hope his majesty is feeling better soon.
Lady M:
Good night to you all.
They all exit.
Macbeth:
I must see the sisters again.
Lady M:
What you need is sleep.
Macbeth:
You're right. A good night's sleep is what I need.
They exit.
ACT FOUR
SCENE ONE
A cavern. In the middle, a boiling cauldron. Thunder. The three witches enter.
1st Witch:
Round about the cauldron go,
In the poisoned entrails throw.
Toad that under cold stone,
Days and nights has thirty-one.
Sweltered venom sleeping got,
Boil you first in the charmed pot.
All:
Double, double, toil and trouble,
Fire burn and cauldron bubble.
18
2nd 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,
Adders fork and blind worm's sting,
Lizard's leg and howlet'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.
3rd Witch: Scale of dragon, tooth of wolf,
Witches' mummy, maw and gulf
Of the ravened salt sea shark,
Root of hemlock, digged in the dark,
Liver of blaspheming Jew,
Gall of goat and slips of yew
Slivered in the moon's eclipse,
Nose of Turk and Tartar's lips,
Finger of birth-strangled babe
Ditch-delivered by a drab
Make the gruel thick and slab.
Add thereto a tiger's chaudron,
For the ingredients of our cauldron.
All:
Double, double, toil and trouble,
Fire burn and cauldron bubble.
2nd Witch:
Cool it with a baboon's blood,
Then the charm is firm and good.
Hecate enters.
Hecate:
Well done, all of you.
2nd Witch:
By the pricking of my thumbs,
Something wicked this way comes.
Macbeth:
How are you, you secret, black and midnight hags? What are you
doing?
All:
Nothing much. Just casting a few spells.
Macbeth:
I have a question for you all.
1st Witch:
Speak.
19
2nd Witch:
Ask it.
3rdWitch:
We will answer you.
1st Witch:
Or perhaps you would rather hear from our masters.
Macbeth:
Call them. Let me see them.
1st Witch:
Pour some sow's blood into the fire.
Thunder. An apparition of an armed head appears.
Macbeth:
Tell me, you unknown power ....
1st Witch:
He knows your thoughts, so say nothing. Listen to what he has to say.
1st App:
Macbeth. Macbeth. Macbeth. Beware Macduff.
The apparition disappears.
Macbeth:
What do you mean? Tell me more.
1st Witch:
You'll hear no more from him, but here's another.
The second apparition appears - a bloody child.
2nd App:
Be bloody, bold and resolute. For no-one born of a woman born shall harm
you.
The second apparition disappears.
Macbeth:
Then I need not fear Macduff. But just to be sure I'll kill him anyway.
The third apparition appears - a child crowned carrying a tree.
3rd App:
You shall not be defeated until Birnam wood comes to Dunsinane.
The third apparition disappears.
Macbeth:
That will never be! But can you tell me one more thing. Will Banquo's son ever
reign?
All:
Don’t ask any more questions.
The witches disappear. Lennox enters.
Lennox:
I bring you news, my lord. Macduff has fled to England.
20
Macbeth:
He hopes to escape me there. He may well, but his family won't. His wife and
child will be killed.
They exit.
SCENE TWO
Fife. Macduff's castle. Lady Macduff, her son and Ross enter.
Lady Macd:
But what has he done that has forced him to run away?
Ross:
You must be patient, madam.
Lady Macd:
Patient! He was not. The first sign of trouble and he runs leaving his wife and
family alone.
Ross:
You husband is noble and wise. I am sure he has done it for a good
reason. I must go now, but I will return soon.
Ross exits.
Lady Macd:
What will we do?
Son:
Don’t worry mother.
A messenger enters.
Messenger:
You don't know me madam, but you must leave this place quickly, for your life
is in danger. That's all I have time to say.
The messenger exits.
Lady Macd:
What have I done to deserve this?
Two murderers enter.
1st Murd:
Where is your husband?
Lady Macd:
I won't tell you.
2nd Murd:
He’s a traitor.
Son:
He's not!
1st Murd:
You child of treachery.
He kills the son.
21
Son:
Run mother!
Lady Macd:
Murder!
She exits, pursued by the murderers.
SCENE THREE
England. Outside the King's palace. Malcolm and Macduff enter.
Malcolm:
I’m not treacherous. I didn’t kill my father.
Macduff:
I know that. It was Macbeth. He is behind all the killing in our land.
Malcolm:
Poor Scotland. I don't know what will become of her.
Macduff:
Neither do I, but we must do something to get rid of Macbeth and his evil ways.
Ross enters.
Macduff:
What brings you here? How is my family?
Ross:
I have come to ask you to return. You could easily raise an army against
Macbeth.
Malcolm:
That's just what we are going to do and we have been given ten
thousand men from England to take with us.
Macduff:
What news is there of my family?
Ross:
The news I have is bad.
Macduff:
I think I can guess it.
Ross:
Your family has been killed.
Macduff:
Then we must go now. I'll have my revenge.
Malcolm:
Let's see the King. We can't waste a moment.
They exit.
ACT FIVE
SCENE ONE
22
Dunsinane. A room in the castle. A woman and a doctor enter.
Doctor:
I have watched with you for two nights, but she hasn't walked in her
sleep as you said.
Woman:
But I have seen her.
Doctor:
Has she said anything during these walks?
Woman:
That's not for me to say.
Doctor:
But surely you can tell me.
Woman:
I'll repeat what I have heard to no-one.
Lady Macbeth enters.
Woman:
Look here she comes.
Doctor:
Her eyes are open.
Woman:
But they see nothing.
Doctor:
She's rubbing her hands.
Woman:
It's like she’s washing her hands.
Lady M:
Yet there's a spot.
Doctor:
She speaks. I will write down what she says.
Lady M:
Out damned spot! Out I say! Who would have thought the old man
would have so much blood.
Doctor:
Hear that?
Lady M:
The Thane of Fife had a wife. Where is she now? Will these hands never be
clean? There's still the smell of blood. All the perfumes of the world will never
sweeten this little hand.
Doctor:
She feels so very guilty. This is beyond my training.
Lady M:
Wash your hands, put on your nightgown. Don't look so pale. I tell you again,
Banquo's buried, he cannot come out of his grave.
Doctor:
What's this?
23
Lady M:
To bed, to bed. There's knocking at the gate. Come give me your
hand. What's done cannot be undone. To bed. To bed.
She exits.
Doctor:
Will she go to bed now?
Woman:
Yes.
Doctor:
Something very bad has happened. Unnatural deeds breed unnatural troubles.
She needs God more than she needs a doctor. God forgive her and us all. Look
after her. Good night.
Woman:
Good night doctor.
They exit.
SCENE TWO
Dunsinane. A room in the castle. Macbeth, the doctor and attendants enter.
Macbeth:
I don't need any more reports. I’ve been told that until Birnam
wood moves I am safe. And what of Malcolm? He is born of a woman, so I
don’t need to fear him.
A servant enters.
Servant:
Your majesty.
Macbeth:
What is it?
Servant:
There are ten thousand soldiers .....
Macbeth:
Soldiers? What soldiers?
Servant:
The English, your majesty.
Macbeth:
Get out.
The servant exits.
Macbeth:
Seyton!
Seyton enters.
Seyton:
What is it your majesty?
Macbeth:
What news is there?
24
Seyton:
Everything is as we’ve been told.
Macbeth:
Then I shall fight them to the death. How is your patient doctor?
Doctor:
She is still very troubled by her fantasies.
Macbeth:
Then cure her. You can help the mind can't you?
Doctor:
In such a case, the patient must cure herself.
Macbeth:
Help her doctor. If you can do that you might be able to find a drug to rid me of
these English.
Doctor: aside I wish I was not here. If I get away, nothing will get me back.
SCENE THREE
Near Birnam Wood. Malcolm, Old Siward and his son, Macduff, Mentheith, Caithness,
Angus, Lennox, Ross and soldiers enter.
Siward:
What wood is this?
Menteith:
Birnam Wood.
Malcolm:
Let every soldier cut himself a large branch from the trees and carry it. In that
way we shall disguise our numbers.
Soldier:
It shall be done.
Siward:
Then we will make for Dunsinane and face the evil tyrant.
SCENE FOUR
Dunsinane. Inside the castle. Macbeth, Seyton and soldiers enter.
Macbeth:
We’re ready for them. Let them come and try to take us.
There is the cry of a woman.
Macbeth:
What was that?
Seyton:
The cry of a woman, sire.
He exits.
25
Macbeth:
Another cry within the castle. These noises are my constant reminder
of what I have done.
Seyton enters.
Seyton:
My lord, the Queen is dead.
Macbeth:
More death creeps into this evil place.
A messenger enters.
Messenger:
My lord, I have seen something, but I can't explain it.
Macbeth:
Well try anyway.
Messenger:
As I stood at my post, I looked towards Birnam wood and it began to
move.
Macbeth:
Liar!
Messenger:
You can see for yourself. It moves towards us now.
Macbeth:
Birnam wood comes to Dunsinane. Ring the alarm bells! To your
posts!
They exit.
SCENE FIVE
Another part of the plain. Alarms. Macbeth enters.
Macbeth:
The battle has begun, but who should I fear? There is no man not
born of woman.
Young Siward enters.
Young Siw:
What is your name?
Macbeth:
My name's Macbeth.
Young Siw:
There is no man I hate more than you and with my sword I shall
dispose of you.
They fight and young Siward is killed.
Macbeth:
You were born of woman.
26
Macduff enters.
Macduff:
Turn, hell hound. Turn around.
Macbeth:
Do not fight me. I have killed enough of your family already.
Macduff:
My voice is my sword.
They fight.
Macbeth:
Give up Macduff, for I live a charmed life. None born of woman can
harm me.
Macduff:
Then your charm won't work on me, for I was not born of a woman, but cut from
my mother's womb.
They continue fighting, till they are off stage.
Malcolm:
We have lost some good friends in this war.
Siward:
It’s always the way.
Malcolm:
Your son is missing, and Macduff.
Ross:
Your son, my lord, has paid a soldier's price.
Siward:
Then he is dead?
Ross:
He is.
Macduff enters with Macbeth's head.
Macduff:
Hail to our new King. See here, the tyrant's head and we are free.
Hail King of Scotland!
All:
Hail King of Scotland!
Malcolm:
I thank you all for your support and I invite you Scone for my coronation.
Cheers.
27