Page 50 - Macbeth Modern Translation

‘Ah, but Macbeth is. You see, a good and virtuous nature may give way
under pressure from a determined king.’ Malcolm watched his visitor closely
as he talked.

‘But it doesn’t matter what I think – it won’t change what you may or may not
be.’ Macduff looked at the ground. ‘That’s the end of my hopes, then.’

‘Perhaps it was just that – your action in coming to England – that made me
suspicious,’ said Malcolm. ‘Why did you leave your wife and children in such
a hurry and unprotected?’ Macduff’s chin had sunk to his chest and Malcolm
touched his hand. ‘Please don’t let my suspicions put you off. You must
understand that I have to protect myself: you may be truly honourable,
whatever I may think.’

‘Bleed, bleed, poor country!’ groaned Macduff. ‘Tyranny’s foundation is very
firm when goodness won’t stop it: it can commit its crimes openly. Its claim to
the throne has become unassailable because everyone lives in fear of it!’ He
stood up.

‘Goodbye, my Lord. I wouldn’t be the scoundrel you take me for the whole
of Scotland. And the rich East as well!’

Malcolm patted the bench and indicated calmly for Macduff to sit down
again – which he did. ‘Don’t be offended,’ he said. ‘I’m not absolutely
certain that you’re someone to be feared. I can see our country sinks
beneath the yoke. It’s crying, it’s bleeding: and every day a gash is added to
her wounds. I also think there would be many people prepared to join me in
an effort to regain my rights. And here in England, gracious Edward has

offered me thousands of men. But for all that, once I had defeated the
tyrant, my poor country would have more misery than it had had before –
more suffering and more evils from the one who succeeds.’

‘Who would that be?’ said Macduff.

Malcolm stood now, and looked down at the unhappy thane. ‘I mean
myself. I know enough about myself to realize that I have so many potential
vices that should they be given reign the venomous Macbeth would seem as
pure as snow. And the miserable country would consider him a lamb
compared with my boundless evil.’

Macduff shook his head. ‘Impossible. You wouldn’t find anyone more evil
than Macbeth in hell!’

‘I agree he’s bloody, lecherous, greedy, false, deceitful, bad tempered,
malicious, full of every sin you can name. But there’s no end to my lust –
none. All the wives, daughters and mothers in Scotland couldn’t satisfy my
lust. I would stop at nothing. It’s better that Macbeth reign than such a man.’

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