Page 48 - Macbeth Modern Translation

‘Clever boy,’ she said and hugged him.

‘Was my father really a traitor, Mother?’

‘Yes he was.’

‘What’s a traitor?’

‘Someone who swears and lies: swears to love you and protect you without
meaning it.’

‘And are all those who do that traitors?’

‘Every one,’ she said. ‘And they should all be hanged!’

‘Who’d hang them?’

‘The honest men, of course.’

The boy laughed. ‘Then the liars and swearers are fools: because there are
enough liars and swearers to beat the honest men up and hang them!’

She laughed. ‘God help you, poor monkey.’ Then her face became serious
again. ‘But what are you going to do for a father?’

‘If he were really dead you’d be crying and if you weren’t it would be a
good sign that I’d soon have a new father.’

‘Little chatterbox. You could go on forever.’

The door burst open and a travel-worn man came in. ‘Don’t be alarmed, fair
Madam,’ he said as she pushed the child from her and sprang up. ‘You don’t
know me, although I’m well aware of your rank. Listen, I haven’t got much
time. You’re in immediate danger. You must leave right now. Take your little
ones and go! I’m sorry to frighten you like this but not to warn you would be

far worse. Go now: the danger is close.’ He made for the door. ‘Heaven
protect you. I dare not stay any longer.’ And he was gone.

Lady Macduff looked about desperately. ‘Where can I go to? I’ve done
nothing.’

There was some screaming somewhere and the child ran to her and clung to
her. They stayed, frozen, listening to the commotion outside, then two men
appeared in the doorway and came in.

‘Who are you?’ said Lady Macduff.

‘Where’s your husband?’ one of them said.

‘I hope he’s not anywhere so unsanctified that someone like you might find
him,’ she said.

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