Page 57 - Macbeth Modern Translation

They sat until late talking about how they were going to restore the rightful
king to the throne, even if it took every drop of their blood to heal their
country.

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Macbeth Modern Translation: Act 5, Scene 3

A young officer came into the campaign room where Macbeth was pacing
among his closest advisers. ‘Don’t bring me any more reports!’ said Macbeth.
‘I don’t care if every single one of them deserts me: nothing will bother me
until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane.’ He laughed and some of those

present joined him.

‘What danger is the boy Malcolm? Wasn’t he born of woman? The spirits that
know everything that’s going to happen to human beings told me: ‘Don’t be
afraid, Macbeth: no man that’s born of woman will ever have power over
you. That’s what they said.’ He went to the window and leant out. ‘Then fly,
treacherous thanes!’ he shouted to the open countryside. ‘And join the

English weaklings!’ He turned back to his silent officers. ‘My strength of mind
and courage will never collapse with doubt or shake with fear,’ he told them.

A servant came in and stood looking as though he hoped he wouldn’t be
noticed. ‘The Devil damn you black you cream-faced loon!’ screamed
Macbeth. ‘Where did you get that goose-look?’

‘There are ten thousand…’

‘Geese, scoundrel?’

‘Soldiers, Sir.’

Macbeth raised his arm and the boy cowered. ‘Go and prick your face and
cover your paleness with blood, you coward!’ he yelled. ‘What soldiers,
clown? Damn you! Those white cheeks of yours are hideous.’ The youth
trembled. He opened his mouth but couldn’t speak.

‘What soldiers, whey-face?’

‘The English force, Sir.’

Macbeth took him by the scruff of the neck and marched him to the door.
‘Get your face out of here!’ He opened the door and threw the boy out.

‘Seyton!’ he called. ‘I get fed up when I see… Seyton, where are you?’

The doctor, who had been sitting among the attendants, rushed across to
Macbeth, who pushed him away.

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