Page 26 - Macbeth Modern Translation

Macbeth and Lennox returned. Everyone looked at Macbeth.

‘If I had died an hour before this tragedy I would have lived a good life,’ he
said. ‘From this moment there’s nothing important in life.’

Malcolm and Donalbain came down the stairs. ‘What’s wrong?’ said

Donalbain.

Macbeth approached them and put and arm around each. ‘You are and
don’t know it,’ he said. ‘The spring, the head, the fountain of your blood, has
been turned off. Its very source has been cut off.’

‘Your royal father’s been murdered,’ said Macduff.

‘Oh!’ Malcolm slumped against Macbeth. ‘Who did it?’

‘His chamberlains,’ said Lennox. ‘Their hands and faces were all smeared with
blood. So were their daggers, which lay unwiped on their pillows. They stared

like madmen, quite desperate.’

‘Even so!’ exclaimed Macbeth. ‘I’m sorry about the anger that made me kill
them.’

‘Why did you do that?’ said Macduff.

‘I couldn’t help it,’ said Macbeth. ‘Anyone would have done the same. My
love for royal Duncan was stronger than my reason.’ He swept the air in front
of him. ‘Here lay Duncan, his silver skin laced with his golden blood, the
jagged wounds an affront to nature itself. There… he pointed to the side –
‘the murderers, soaked in the evidence of their deed, their daggers

obscenely dripping blood. Who could have helped himself if he’d had a
heart at all?’

Macduff was about to say something when Lady Macbeth moaned and
thrust her hand up dramatically to her forehead. ‘Help me!’ she said and
dropped down.

‘Help the lady,’ said Macduff and servants ran to her assistance.

They all gathered around her, showing their concern. Malcolm whispered to
his brother: ‘Why aren’t we taking charge of this? This is our business.’

‘We’d be fools to say anything at all,’ said Donalbain. ‘It’s too dangerous.
Let’s get out of here.’

‘Careful with her there,’ said Banquo as the servants lifted Lady Macbeth.
‘And when we’re all dressed let’s meet and inquire into this violent piece of
work. I’m determined to oppose this malicious treason.’

‘So am I,’ said Macduff.

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