Page 13 - Macbeth Modern Translation

The assembled men clapped then they all got up and congratulated the
young prince. Duncan called Macbeth to him. ‘We’ll go from here to
Inverness and honour you with a visit,’ he said.

‘It’ll be my pleasure,’ said Macbeth. ‘I’ll be the messenger myself and take
the joyful news to my wife. I beg leave to go now.’

As Macbeth hurried down to the courtyard where a fresh horse was waiting
the thoughts that had not left him for a moment became even more insistent.
The Prince of Cumberland! That was a new development – a step over which
he would trip unless he could jump over it: it was in his way.

He suddenly became aware of his thoughts and they appalled him. It was a
good thing that no light could show his black and deep desires.

And yet… he wished that it would happen. Exactly what, he daren’t think
about but it would be something that the eye would fear to look at.

As he rode off Banquo was telling the King about Macbeth’s astonishing

performance in the battle.

‘Hearing about his valour is like a banquet to me,’ said Duncan. ‘Let’s follow
him. He’s so diligent that he’s sped off ahead of us to prepare a royal
welcome. He’s a cousin without equal!’

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