Page 9 - Macbeth Modern Translation

The second witch shook her head slowly. Her voice was low and snake-like.

‘Not so happy, yet much happier.’

The third witch pointed at him. ‘Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none.
So, all hail, Macbeth and Banquo.’

‘Banquo and Macbeth, all hail!’ said the first witch. They glided backwards
and began merging with the gloom.

‘Stop!’ said Macbeth. ‘Is that all? Tell me more. I know I’m Thane of Glamis as

a result of Sinel’s death. But Cawdor? The Thane of Cawdor is alive and well.
And as for being king! It’s no more believable than being Thane of Cawdor.
Tell me where you get this strange information. Or why you stop us on this
blasted heath with such a prophetic greeting. Speak up, I command you!’

They had gone.

‘These are bubbles of the earth,’ said Banquo. ‘Where have they gone?’

‘Vanished into the air. And what seemed solid melted like breath in the wind.
I wish they had stayed.’

‘Were we seeing things?’ said Banquo. ‘Have we gone mad?’

Macbeth gazed at his friend for a moment then he laughed. ‘Your children
will be kings.’ He doubled over and roared. Banquo began laughing too.

‘And you’ll be king,’ he said, slapping Macbeth on the back.

‘That’s not all. Thane of Cawdor too. Isn’t that how the song it went?’

‘That very tune,’ said Banquo. ‘And the words too.’

They heard someone coming and two shapes – men on horseback –

emerged from the darkness.

‘Who’s that?’ said Banquo.

The two men dismounted and showed themselves to be Ross and Angus.
After warm greetings and hearty handshakes Ross addressed Macbeth.

‘The King is delighted with the news of your success,’ he said. ‘He’s especially
impressed with your courageous rampage among the formidable Norwegian
ranks. Reports about you came thick as hail and everyone raved about you.’

‘He’s sent us to thank you,’ said Angus. ‘And to escort you to him.’

‘He’s going to reward you,’ said Ross. ‘And for a start he’s told me to address
you as Thane of Cawdor. And so – ‘ He bowed. ‘Hail, most worthy Thane, for
that’s your title.’

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