Page 56 - Macbeth Modern Translation

undone. To bed, to bed, to bed.’ She lifted the candle and returned down
the corridor.

‘Will she go to bed now?’ said the doctor.

‘Straight away.’

‘There are terrible rumours about,’ said the doctor. ‘Unnatural acts will create
unnatural scenes like this. Sick minds let out their secrets in the dead of night.
She has more need of a priest than a doctor. Oh, may God forgive us all!
Look after her. Take away anything that she could use to harm herself with.
And don’t take your eyes off her. So. Good night. She’s stunned my mind and
amazed my sight. I think I know what’s going on but I dare not say anything.’

‘Good night, doctor.’ The gentlewoman followed her mistress.

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Macbeth Modern Translation: Act 5, Scene 2

As the rebels had advanced they had been joined by some of the most
powerful thanes in Scotland, and now they were only a few miles from
Dunsinane, the castle to which they had driven the King. They set up their
camp and prepared themselves for the final thrust.

‘The English forces are close,’ said Menteith. Malcolm and Macduff are
burning for revenge and as they marched people were so affected by their
cause that they could have recruited the sick and dying – even the dead!’

Angus traced a finger across his map. ‘We’ll meet them near Birnam Wood.’

He pointed to a thick line. ‘They’re coming this way.’

‘Does anyone know whether Donalbain is with them?’ said Caithness.

‘Definitely not, Sir,’ said Lennox. ‘I’ve got a list of all the officers. Siward’s son’s
there, and a lot of smooth faced youths.’

‘What’s the tyrant up to?’ said Menteith.

‘He’s dug himself in to Dunsinane. Some say he’s mad: others, more
charitable, call it courageous anger, but one thing’s for sure: He can’t keep
his suffering country under control.’

‘Now he can feel his hands sticky with his secret murders,’ said Angus. ‘Now,
as men desert him in droves, he knows what it was like for Duncan. Those who
are still with him don’t have their hearts in it. Now he feels his title hanging
loosely on him like a giant’s robe on a dwarfish thief.’

‘He must be as revolted by himself as we are,’ said Menteith, ‘and it’s no

wonder he’s behaving like a madman.’

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