Page 54 - Macbeth Modern Translation

‘That’s more like it,’ said Malcolm. ‘Come let’s go to the King. Our army’s
waiting: there’s nothing left to do. Macbeth is ripe for shaking. Cheer up,
gentlemen. It’s a long night that never finds the day.’

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Macbeth Modern Translation: Act 5, Scene 1

The success of the rebels had forced the King to retreat to his northern castle
at Dunsinane and it was from there that he was conducting the war.

It was late. A doctor stood in a recess of the wall of a dark corridor with one
of the Queen’s gentlewomen-in-waiting. ‘I’ve watched with you for two
nights but I’m beginning to doubt your story,’ he said. When did you say she
last walked?’

‘Since his Majesty went into the field I’ve seen her rise from her bed, put on

her nightgown, unlock her cabinet, take out a piece of paper, fold it, write on
it, read it, then seal it and return to bed. And fast asleep all the time.’

‘It’s very unnatural to behave as though she were awake while being
asleep,’ said the doctor. ‘Apart from this sleep walking and the writing and so
on, what have you heard her say?’

‘Oh, I wouldn’t dare tell you, Sir.’

‘You may tell me, and it’s appropriate to do so.’

‘Not to you, nor anyone. There’s no witness to confirm it.’ There was a point of
candlelight some way along the corridor. ‘Shhhh!’ she said. ‘Look. Here she
comes. This is exactly like it was before and there, you see? Fast asleep.
Watch her and don’t move.’

‘How did she get that light?’

‘It was at her bedside. She has a lighted candle with her all the time. She’s
ordered it.’

‘You see?’ said the doctor. ‘Her eyes are open.’

‘Yes, but she can’t see anything.’

Lady Macbeth stopped near them. She was examining her hands closely.

‘What’s she doing?’ whispered the doctor. ‘Look how she’s rubbing her
hands.’

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