Page 32 - Macbeth Modern Translation

‘You know that it was he who kept you in such a low condition in the past,
not me. I told you that yesterday. I told you everything that Banquo’s done to
you.’

‘You did,’ said the first man.

‘Yes I did,’ said Macbeth. ‘And I went further, which is the point of this
meeting. Are you really so forgiving that you can let it go? Are you such
Christians that you’d pray for this man and his children when his heavy hand
has oppressed you and your children for ever?’

‘We are men, my Liege,’ said the first.

‘Well you pass for men,’ said Macbeth. ‘Now, if you have any manhood in
you at all I will give you a job that will remove your oppressor while at the
same time tighten your bond with me: I’m sick and won’t be well until he’s
dead.’

‘I’m so bitter, my Liege,’ said the second, ‘that I don’t care what I do.’

‘Me too,’ said the first. ‘I’m so tired of hardship that I’d do anything to try and
mend my life or else be rid of it.’

‘So both of you know Banquo was your enemy?’

They nodded.

‘Well he’s mine too. And so much so that every moment he lives is a knife
wound in my heart. I could blow him out of sight with naked power if I
wanted to but I mustn’t because certain friends who are his as well wouldn’t

like it. That’s why I’ve come to you – to do it in private.’

‘We’ll do anything you ask of us,’ said the second man.

‘Even though our lives -’ the first man began.

‘Your courage is outstanding,’ Macbeth interrupted. He went to the window.
‘Right! Within the next hour I’ll advise you where to plant yourselves and you
can go and get ready. It must be done tonight – and some distance from the
palace. And remember, I require a good, clean job – no bungling or
botches. His son, Fleance, will be with him. His death is just as important to
me. I’ll leave you alone, now, so that you can make up your minds in private.
I’ll come back in a little while.

‘We’ve already decided, my Lord.’

‘Alright. Off you go. I’ll come to you straight away.’

They went out and Macbeth smiled. Good. That was it then. If Banquo’s soul

was going to heaven it would go tonight.

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