Macbeth.-

On his way back to the palace, in the freezzing rain, Macbeth Heard the sound of horses. He looked up and saw Lennox talking to a group of men on horseback. As Macbeth got nearer, the men rode away leaving Lennox alone.



.Who were those men? he commanded.


-Messengers, your Highness, They have news for you.


-What news?



-Macduff has escaped to England.


-To England? .Macbeth was silent for a momento or two, then he became decisive.-I knew it.Macduff is a traitor. I ll send men to his castle, They ll kill everyone they find there. If his wife is there, they ll kill her. If hos children are there, they ll kill them. They ll kill the servants, they ll kill everyone.





Meanwhile, at Macduff s castle, Ross was talking to Lady Macduff who was very angry and upset.



-My husband be patient, my lady, replied Ross.


-Why did he escape?he was afraid. He s a coward and he s a traitor to Mabeth, a traitor to cotland.



-Please don t be so fast to judge him.We don t know why he went, my Lady Perhaps he was wise, not afraid.



-Was it wise to leave me?Was it wise to leave his children?...No, it is clear to me. He doesn not love us.


-No, said Ross gently, You are angry and I can understand that.But Macduff is not a coward. He is wise and noble. These are dangerous times, we do not really understand what s happening. Now, I must go, but I ll be back son. God bless you, my pretty cousin.



-But look at my son...He has no father. We are alone here.


-I am sorry, my Lady but I must go.and Ross left the castle, sadly.


-My child, said Lady Macduff to her son...Your father s dead.


-That s no true, mother It is not true...but is my father a traitor?You said he was a traitor.


-Yes.


-But I do not undersand. What is a traitor, mother?


-A liar and all traitors and all liars must be executed.


-Who exexutes them, mother?


-Honest men


Their sad conversatio was interrupted by the arrival of a Macbeth is sending soldiers. You must go and go at once. And I must go too, they must not find me here.


The Messenger ran from the room.


-Leave? Why should I leave?I ve done no harm!I have no reason to leave.


Macbeth s soldiers burst into the room.


-Where is your husband? I hope he is safe away from you...-cried Lady Macduff


-He s a traitor, said one of the soldiers roughly.


.Liar!cried Macduff s son.


The soldier showed no mercy. He stabbed the boy with a dagger-Mother, he has killed me ...Run! -he screamed.


Lady Macduff ran out of the room towards her other children.


-Come!she screamed.


It was too late.-

Macbeth.-

The following day, a black, wet day, the three witches were standing in a cavern near the open field, This time they were standing around a large black cauldron. They were chanting,




While they were chanting, they were throwing things into the big black cauldron, exactly as the rhyme said. One of them threw a toad into the pot, the next one threw in a snake and the last witch stirred the mixture. Again they chanted...




As they were chanting, Hecate appeared,Oh, well done ! the cried with delight, .Now dance around the cauldron and chant again, Macbeth is coming! Show him your powers. Make him afraid of you. The withches obeyed...




Macbeth walked quickly into the cavern. He was horrified...-What are you doing, your evil midnight hags?



The witches laughed, but did not answer.



-Listen to me, I have a question, he continued.



-Speak, cried the first witch.



-Ask. cried the second.


-we ll answer! cried the third.




-Or shall we can our masters ?said one of the witches. They will answer.





-Call them.Let me see them. Let them answer me-




The witches danced and chanted around the cauldron. The air i the cavern went even colder. Then, a ghostly head rose up from the cauldron.Macbeth started to speak, but one of the witches interrupted.


-Be silent!Listen to our master. He can read your mind.



The ghostly head spoke...-Be afraid of Macduff!That s my answer enough!



The head disappeared.





-No, come back!I have another questions, cried Macbeth.





This time, the ghost of a child appeared above the cauldron, ...-Be brave. No man of woman born can harm Macbeth.



Then this ghost disappeared.






-So I have no reason to be afraid of Macduff, said Macbeth to himself, Now, waht s this ?



A third spirit appeared above the cauldron. It was a child, wearing a Crown and holding a branch. -Be brave, be proud. Macbeth will only be defeated when Birman Wood moves.When Birman Wood moves to Dunsiname Hill to fight him. Macbeth will be defeated.





The spirit disappeared.





-So I am safe, cried Macbeth,...-Forests do not move ! Woods can t fight! But there is one more thing I want to know. Will a child of Banquo  s ever become King?





-Enough, cried the witches, the spirits have told you enough.




-No, I must Know.




The witches began to chant.





There was a movement above the cauldron. The ghostly shapes of eight kings appeared above it. They all looked exactly the same. Then Macbeth saw Banquo s ghost appear next to them. The ghost was pointing at the kings. Macbeth understood the message...Banquo s  children were the future. Kings of Scotland. The spirits and the witchs disappeared, leaving Macbeth standing alone in the cavern, frozen with cold and fear.

Macbeth.-

That same night, in the middle of a thurderstorn, Hecate the Goddess of all witches, was talking to the weird sisters, the three witches. Hecate was angry, How dare you ?



-Why are you angry with us, Hecate ? said one of the three, boldly.


The three witches were afraid of Hecate, because she was even stronger tan them and even more evil.



-How dare you play silly games with Macbeth without me?You did not even tell me what you were planning. I am your goddess.I want my part. Hecate was screaming now, -In future, I want you to ask me first before you do anything. Now, listen to me and do what i say.-



The thunder got louder and the lightning came nearer. The witches listened in silence. Hecate continued...-Macbeth is coming here tomorrow. He is coming to see you. He wants to know what will happen next. He wants to know more about his future. You must confuse him.Use all your magic skills.Make him think that he is safe and secure.


.Man s biggest enemy is a false sense of security. Tell him that ereything will be alright. Do as I say and remember, I am your goddess.


Hecate disappeared into the night, leaving the three witches shivering in the dark.



The same night in the royal palace , rumours were beginning to fly. Lennox was talking to another of the Scottish thanes.



-Strange things have happened here in Scotland. Duncan was murdered, murdered at Macbeth s castle. When his sons escaped, it was natural to think that they were Duncan s murderes. Everyone thought it and everyone said it. But now, after everything that s happened. I am not sure I believe it.





-Yes, I think I agree with you. I dont think Donalbain and Malcom killed their father. They loved him as a father  and as their King said the thane.-


- Now Banquo is dead and Fleance has escaped. And this time everyone is saying that Fleance murderer his father too. I do not believe that eiter.



-No, No...you are right, Lennox. Neither do I, it seems wrong to me, agreed the thane.



-And do not you think it was a litlle strange that Macbeth killed Duncan s guards immediately?They were asleep, they were drink, and he killed them. Why did not he give as all a chance to talk to them?Why did not he question them?



-Yes, it is very strange, said the thane.


-It may be disloyal to King Macbeth to say this, but  I am glad he has not found Donalbain or Malcom. It is lucky for them.



There was a long silence.



-And now, continued Lennox, It seems that Macduff is in disgrace.He did not come to the tyrant s banquet. Do you Know where he is ?




-Yes, I do. Macduff has gone to England to find Malcom. Malcom is the true King of Scotland, his father, Duncan, wanted him to be his hear. He wanted him to be the next King of Scotland. Macduff is going to speak to Malcom. He thinks they should talk to Edward, the Englis King. They hope ad I hope, King Edward will help, then we can stop Macbeth, we can remove Macbeth the tyrant from the Scottish throne. We ll have to more banquets with bloody daggers. Then we can save Scotland.





-This is a good news. Our prayers are with him, said Lennox.

Macbeth.-

That same night, in the middle of a thunderstorm, Hecate, the Goddess of all witches, was talking to the weird sisters, the three witches.Hecate was angry. How dare you ?






-Why are you so angry with us, Hecate ? said one of the three, bodly.







The three witches were afraid ef Hecate, because she was even stronger tan them and even more evil.








-How dare you play silly games with Macbeth me ?You did not even tell me  what you were planning. I am your goddess. I want my part.-Hecate was screaming now.







-In future, I want you to ask the first before you do anything. Now, listen to me, and do what I say ?


 




The thunder got louder and the lightning came nearer. The witches listened in silence. Hecate continnued, Macbeth is comming here tomorrow. He is coming to see you. He wants to know what will happen next. He wants to know more about his future. You must confuse him.Use all your magic skills.Make him think that he is safe and secure.






Man s biggest enemy is a false sense of security. Tell him that everything will be alright. Do as I say and remember, I am your goddess.






Hecate disappeared into the night, leaving the three witches shivering in the dark.

Macbeth.-

-but, look, look here is there !It is Banquo...Macbeth whispered black to his wife. He was obviously terrified by  what he could see.



-Please...be brave, my lord. There is no-one there.


Macbeth turned and looked again at the ghostly figure in the chair but the chair was empty. Banquo was not there any more. He sighed with enormous relief walked back to the table with his wife and went to sit down.


-I am sorry, he said to his guests, I was feeling ill.Now I am fine. Let s raise our glasses to Banquo, our absent friend. Banquo, the finest man, my greatest friend!





Everyone stood up and raised their glasses. To Banquo, they said.



Then suddenly, before anyone could take a drink, Macbeth screamed and pointed his finger.





-There, there...get away...get away from me you horrible visión!you are dead!Dead!



But,once again, there was nothing there, Macbeth s guets were now very worried. He was screaming and shouting and he was pointing his finger at nothing. Lady Macbeth tried to calm everyone down, but then she decided the banquet had to end and so she asked everyone to leave.





At last, Banquo s ghost vanished again and Macbeth began to calm down. Again he sat down in his chair.





-He ll be fine, lady Macbeth said to everyone as they left, he just needs to rest. Please do not worry. good night.




The thanes and the other guests left the hall.



-Good night.said Lennox...I hope the feels better in the morning.





Macbeth was exhausted...Blood will have blood, he said to his wife, But Macbeth was also very worried.





-Macbeth did not come tonight. he said in a tired, dull voice-



-Did you invite him? said the Queen.





-Oh yes, I don t know why he did not come, but I ll find out. I have spies in the castle. I have spies in all their houses. And another thing.




-I think i ll visit the three witches again tomorrow. They know more tan is going to happen. It is too late to turn back now.





-You are tired, my lord, said his wife. You need to sleep. Everything will look better in the morning.



-You are right. Let s try to sleep. I am just a Little afraid, but we need to be ready. There s much more left to come.-

Macbeth.-

-Thank you, cried the Thanes.-





-Welcome, welcome, everyone !-Macbeth cried as he came back into the hall.He went over to sit next to his queen , but then he saw that someone was sitting in his seat. He looked around , pretending to look for Banquo. But where is Banquo? Banquo is not here ! cried Macbeth.-





-No, said Ross , but he promised to came. We all hear him and I am sure he ll be here soon.




- Come and sit down, sire, called Lennox. Then our banquet can really start!





- But there is nowhere for me to sit.





-Here, Sir. This is your place, here ...Lennox pointed to an empty chair.





-Where? said Macbeth clearly agitated, where ? what are you doing here ?Do not look at me like that





The thans looked astonished. Macbeth was talking to the empty chair.





The Queen got up and tried to calm Macbeth, as her guests were all very concerned by his behaviour. The chair was clearly empty., but Macbeth seemed to think that someone was sitting there.






- Do not worry. sit down enjoy the food !The queen said. He  s just feeling a litlle ill. He often has a problema like this, he s had it since he was Young, It will pass very quikly.

 


-Control Yourself!  She then whispered to her husband , there s no one there- The chair is empty. Remember the dagger you saw before you killed Duncan ? This is the same. I t is a visitor. It is all in your mind, it is in your imagination !

Macbeth.-

It was just beginning to go dark that evening and three men were hiding in the shadows, outside the castle.. They were the two men sent by Macbeth to kill Banquo, the third man was a stranger.


-Who are you?

-I am here to help you, said the stranger.

-Who sent you?


-Macbeth.

-But there are already two of us, said one man.


-I know, said the stranger, but Macbeth wants to be sure.Which three of us to do this job, we cant fail.


-Fine, you are right, said the first man, come and join with us,


The three men stood together in the darkness.



When you hear the horses, we ll get Banquo and you can get the boy, is that clear?Macbeth says the boy must die too.



-How long do you think they ll be ?



-Not long. It is almost evening, they ll be here son. When they get near to the castle, they ll get off their horses and a servant will meet them with a light.


The three men Heard the sound of horses in the distance. The sound came nearer and nearer. Then, they Heard the horses stop and saw a servant walk out of the castle gates with a light in his hand.



-Right, three men ran out of the shadows, Banquo and Fleance were taken completely by surprise.Two of them pulled Banquo from his horse and the third got hold of Fleance.As they attacked Banquo, he just had time to shout to his son.-Ride Fleance, ride...It is a trap...Ride for your life.



Those were Banquo s last words. The two men killed him. Fleance struggled hard and got away from his attacker, he jumped onto his horse and rode off as fast as he could. He did not look back. He rode far away from the royal palace. The servants was terrified, he too, ran away as fast as he could.



-quick,back to the palace,said the leader of the men. We have good news for King Macbeth, but we also have bad news about Fleance. We must tell him straight away.



Back at the castle, guests were beginning to arrive for the banquet. Macbeth was welcoming them all into the great hall. Then In the distance, he saw the first of his trusted men at the gate. Macbeth quickly walked over to him.




-There s blood on your face.he whispered. That is good So Banquo is dead. Did you kill Fleance too, as I asked?



-I am sorry, sire, Fleance escaped.


.This is bad, he will come back to take his revenge. I do not like it. And Banquo, where is Banquo s body?



-Safe, sire. He is in the ditch, he is dead.



-Thank you. Thank you for that, Now go, we ll talk about this tomorrow. You will have your reward for your loyalty.Leave now, before someone sees you.




The man disappeared back into the shadows and Macbeth ran to join his guests in the hall. They were beginning to take their seats at the table which was full of food and drink.



-Welcome Friends!said the queen.



-

Macbeth.-

That afternoon , the Queen had no idea what Macbeth was planning. She was sitting in her rooms alone.She was thinking about Duncans murder. She was beginning to think that killing King Duncan was a terrible mistake. It was strange, both she and Macbeth had that they wanted but she was not happy and neither was her husband. He was spending a lot of time alone and she did not think that it was a good for him.




She called a servant and sent him to find Macbeth. When he joined his wife in the hall, she decided to give him some words of advice.



-Look, my lord, why are you spending all your time alone?What is done is done. We cannot change the past. We have to forget about Duncan.


-No, no ..We have only just begin, Macbeth replied..We started something when we killed Duncan. We are in danger, our throne is in danger and we cannot stop now. We have to finish it, or well never eat or sleep in peace again. I would prefer to die and be with Duncan tan to live but have a tortured mind.

-You ll feel better at the banquet tonight. You ll be happy with oour guests tonight.


-Yes. I will , my dear wife...and so will you as we remember Banquo..

-Forget about Banquo, she said.-

-But it is not so easy. It is like my mind is full of scorpions and I am sure the reason is because Banquo and Fleance are still alive.




The new Queen tried to calm her husband.



- We cannot do anything about him at all. Forget about him.



-Oh, but I have done something about Banquo . And also about Fleance. I did not tell you because there was no need for you to Know.




-Macbeth, my Lord, what have you done ?What have you done ? said the Queen horrified.


-Wait. Have a Little patience. You ll see in the morning.-

Macbeth.-

Macbeths trusted servant returned to the great hall some time later. He brought two men with him.


-Ah yes, said Macbeth, I spoke to both of you yesterday, too, did not I ?



-yes, said the first man.



-Have you thought about what I said ?



-Yes, we have.



-Banquo has behaved badly towards you, as I told you yesterday. He is not your friend, continued Macbeth. Are you brave men ? Are you brave enough to do what I ask for you ?


-We are my lord, said the second man.


Excellent, said Macbeth, then listen carefully. Banquo is your enemy, but he is also an enemy of mine. Every minute that he is alive. I am in danger and so are you. I want you to kill him.Will you help me ?


-Yes, I will do ask my Lord, said the first man, I have had a bad time in life,many things have gone wrong the first man, I have had a bad time in life, many things have gone wrong for me. You tell me that it is Banquos fault that these things have happened. I believe you are right and I think he must die.


-I will also do as you ask, said the second man. I have been unlucky all my life. Perhaps this will change my luck.


-Excelent again, said Macbeth, but you must do it tonight.



Tonight is your only chance.You must do exactly as I say. Wait outside the castle walls, in the shadows and when Banquo comes, you must attack him and kill him. Make sure you are not too near to the castle, no one must hear you, no one must suspect you. There is one more thing. His son will be with him and he is my enemy too. He must also die. Can you do this for me?


-Yes, we can, my Lord, both men said together.


Macbeth turned away from his two guests.Yes, Banquo it will son be over and done. Tonight you will die and so will Fleance. You will find a place in heaven tonight.-

Macbeth.-

-I hope all goes well there, Ross


Macduff said goodbye to the old man and rode away from Macbethscastle.


-goodbye, old man, said Ross.

-God bless you and all those who want to bring peace, the old man replied.



After the coronation, the New King Macbeth moved to the Royal palace at Forres. All the Scottish thanes were invited to celebrate the event and Banquo was one of the first to arrive. But Banquo was worried and a Little excited...he coul not stop thinking about the three witches and their prophecies. They called Macbeth Thane of Cadwor and he became Thane of Cawdor. Then they called him King of Scotland. Was Macbeth involved in Duncans murder?But no, then, they said my children would be royal. Perhaps now I can hope for my future, he thought.


Two servants opened the doors and interrupted his thoughts. King Macbeth and his new queen came into the room.


-Ah here s our most important guest!Look, my dear, it is our good friend Banquo.


The Queen welcomed Banquo warmly and invited him to the banquet that evening.


Thank you, your Highness, Banquo accepted the invitation to the dinner, then he explained that he wanted to go riding in the afternoon. He liked the countryside around Macbeths castle.



-Fine, said Macbeth, but when you return we should talk. We need to talk about Malcom and Donalbain.They are my cousins but I am sure they are the murderers. One is in Ireland and the other in England. They escaped after Duncan died and now they are telling terrible lies about their fathers death. Anyway,are you planning to go far this afternoon? Will you be back in time for us to talk?


Yes, we ll be back in time for the banquet and well be back in time to talk.


-we, you said?Is Fleance going with you?


-Yes, Banquo confirmed that he and his son were going riding together.


-well.said Macbeth, I hope you both enjoy the ride, but dont be too late back.Remember that you are the most important guest at the banquet tonight.You are my most trusted friend.


Banquo laughed. He said goodbye to Macbeth and the Queen, then left the room. The Queen followed him, as she had a lot of things to do before the banquet.


Macbeth was then alone in the hall. He walked around for a while. He was worried about Banquo, and he had two major reasons to be worried.


The first reason was that Banquo Knew about the witches prophecy. What if Banquo told someone?What if people started to talk?


The second reason was more complicated. The witches had also made a prophecy about Banquo.


-You will not be King, but your children will be kings. Macbeth said the witches words out loud.



-If Banquo s children are kings, then my own children cannot be kings. I have commited a crime, a terrible crime and Banquo s children will benefit.


There was only one solution. Banquo must die and Fleance Banquo s son must die with him. The perfect chance was on that very afternoon, when Banquo and Fleance were out riding. Macbeth called his most trusted servant to come and talk to him.

Macbeth.-

It Lord Macbeth awake, yet ? asked Macduff.

At that very moment, Macbeth came into the courtyard.Good morning to you both!

Good morning to you, Macbeth. Congratulations, Thane of Cawdor, replied Macduff Is the King awake yet'?He told us to come early. I hope we are not later tan he expected.

He is still in bed. ShallI go and wake him''?

No, no, Ill go, said Macduff.

Ill show you the way, Macbeth walked across the courtyard with Macduff. When they reached the castle door, Macbeth pointed to the Kings rooms. Macbeth went inside and Macbeth went back across the courtyard to talk to Lennox.

What a terrible storm we had last night. The noise from the wind was terrible. It sounded just like  a man screaming. It made me feel quite strange. The wind almost sounded like death, said Lennox

Yes, it was a rough night!Macbeth agreed.

It certainly was.We saw quite a lot of damage on the roads. I do not remember anything like it.

The door into the Castle slammed shut and Macbeth came out into the courtyard. His face was a White as a sheet. Horror, oh horror, he cried!

What is the matter?cried Lennox and Macbeth together, what is it, man?

Murder, It is murder!

Not the King?

Go, Look!

Macbeth and Lennox ran towards the Kings rooms.

Ring the alarm bells, screamed Macduff. wake up, everyone...Murder, Treason, Malcom, Donalbain, wake up! Banquo, wake up!Murder. Treason!

Lady Macbeth came running towards the King s rooms. What is happened?TTell me, Macduff.

Oh, Lady it is too terrible for a gentle woman like you to hear. I cannot say, it would be a crime to tell you.

By now, everyone was awake. Thanes, servants and guards were all running towards the King s rooms.

What is it Macduff? cried Malcom.

I am sorry, Malcom. your father, your royal father is dead. Murdered, Murdered by traitors to Scotland.

Who?who did it?Who murderer him?people cried.

It seems his servants killed him, cried Lennox. They were covered in blood. Their daggers and their clothes were covered in blood.

Why?Why did tell kill my father'?I was sure they were loyal men.

Well question them now!shouted Macduff.

But you cant. I killed the traitors, I killed them with my own sword, said Macbeth quietly.

Why on earth did you do that? Macduff was absolutely furious.

I see your point. Yes, perhaps it was a mistake, but I was so angry when I saw the King lying dead. I thought of our good King Duncan murderer by those two drunks and I saw the blood on their daggers. I smelled the wine and I killed them. I love King Duncan.

Lady Macbeth cried out and then fainted. The thanes all ran to help her and her servants carried her to her rooms. Banquo went to talk to all the thanes and soldiers, leaving Duncan s two sons alone together.

They could hear Banquo talkimg to the men. We need to find out why this happened? We must find our way, Quick everyone get dressed, Bring your armour. Well meet in the great hall in ten minutes.

Malcom and Donalbain moved away so that no one could hear them. We are in danger too, said Malcom to his brother, trying to be calm.Someone here is an enemy to us. We cant trust anyone, not even our close Friends. We need to get away. I am going to England. Ill be safer there and perhaps I can find men to help us.

-I agree, said Donalbain. Ill go to Ireland. Well be safer if we separate and lets go now. Lets not wait to say goodbye to these false Friends.They showed no mercy to our father, they ll show no mercy to us.

Malcom and Donalbain went secretely out of the castle, called for their houses and escaped. Scotland s true King, Malcom, Duncan s Heir escaped to England.

A short while later, Lord Ross was standing in the courtyard talking to an old man.

I am seventy-four years old, said the man, and I have seen some terrible things in my life, but this is the worst even of all.

-I agree,old man.

The murder of a King, here, in my master house. But strangely, other terrible things have happened too in the last few days. Look at the sky now, it is daytime, but the sky is dark.And on Tuesday, a baby owl killed a falcon. I ve never seen a thing like that before. I am sure these are strange signs of trouble.

Yes, agreed Ross...and the kings horses, his beautiful fast horses are all dead. They escaped from their stables and started fighting .I have never seen horses fighting like that, it was a terrible thing to see.

Then Macduff walked into the courtyard. He greeted the two men.

-What do you think of all this?asked Macduff. Did Duncans servants really kill him?

I know, it seems strange that they did it. and why?what advantage could they get?said Ross. I really dont understand.

Someone probably paid them. I think Duncan was murdered by his sons. Thik about it. Where are Malcom and Donalbain now?They are not in the castle. I think they have escaped.This makes them look guilty. This makes me think they killed their own father.

-Yes, you may be right. This is an unnatural crime, but ambition is a terribel thing, said Ross in a sad voice.

-I suppose this meant that Macbeth will now be King.

-yes, you are right. The other thanes have already taken him to Scone.

- So, another King will be crowned at Scone. King Macbeth of Scotland?

-It will be difficult for Macbeth to follow Duncan. Duncan was such a good King, sighed Macduff.

-And what about King Duncan s body?where is it?

-His servants have taken him to Colmekill. Theyll put his body with the bodies of all Scotlands kings.

The three men sighed sadly.

-So Macduff, are you going to Scone, to see Macbeth s coronation?

-No, I am going home to Fife to see my wife and children''?What about you?

-I am going to Scone.

Macbeth.-

Who is knocking at the gates ?cried the porter as he was getting out of bed.Knock, who is there ?Who is it at this time in the morning?




The knocking went on.



Just a minute !give me time ! Nobody thinks about the por old porter.


The knocking went on and on getting louder and louder.


It is allright I am coming.



The porter walked slowly out of the gatehouse and into the courtyard. He looked through the gates and saw two men standing outside. Who are you ? he said sleepily.



Macduff, a Thane of Scotland, said the other. Open the gates, men. Let us in at once.



The porter opened and gates slowly.



Come on, be quick man...shouted Macduff, why are you so slow ?Did you drink too much last night?



Perhaps a Little too much, admitied the porter, as he left the two men in...We did have a small celebration last night, in honour of the King.

Macbeth.-

Later the same night, Banquo and his son, Fleance, were walking on the castle courtyard.. What time is it, Fleance?Banquo asked.


-I do not know. It must be almost midnight.

-It is time for bed, then . Look. it is dark in the castle , all the candles are out.My head is so full of stranges thoughts, though. I dont not think I ll sleep well tonight.


Suddenly, they Heard footsteps in the courtyard . Who is there ?called Banquo.


A friend

It was Macbeth.

So you have not gone to bed  yet, either?said Banquo. The King s asleep, he really enjoyed himself tonight and he is getting on very well with Lady Macbeth.

-Yes, he has been very generous too.

On the way here I thought about the weird sisters, the witches, said Banquo. Their first prediction for you has come true already, has not it?


Forget them, for a moment, replied Macbeth, Lets talk about them another day.


Whatever you want, said Banquo yawning...I am going to bed. Sleep well, Macbeth. Come on Fleance.


Banquo and his son went into the castle. After a few minutes, Macbeth followed them inside. He walked up the Stone steps and stood a while them inside. Duncan s rooms. Suddenly Macbeth saw a visión front of him, the visión of a dagger.The dagger was covered in blood and the handle was pointing towards him. What is it ? he whispered , horrified . A dagger? Is this a dagger which I see before me ?And the handle is towards my hand. Come here , dagger . Let me get out .  Let me get you ...But I cant, I cant get you, you are not there . I can see you , but there s nothing there. What is it?What is happening to me ? It is a visión , a dream , it is all in my mind.


The bloody visión seemed to make Macbeth more courageous. He ran into the room where Duncans sercants were asleep.The servants smelled strongly of wine and did not move when Macbeth came in. Macbeth gently took their daggers from their belts and went quickly into Duncan s room.


Lady Macbeth was standing outside in the corridor . She was worried.I hope they drank enough wine, she thought . I hope the servants do not wake up.




Macbeth opened the door and came out of Duncan s rooms very quietly. I have done it, he said. Did you hear any noise?


- Just an owl, nothing more, she replied.


- I Heard a voice, Macbeth was clearly terrified.


There was no voice, Macbeth was clearly terrified.


There was no voice, said lady Macbeth calmly.


-Look at my hands , they are covered in blood , the King s blood and there was a voice. The voice said...You ll never sleep again. Only the innocent sleep. Macbeth you have murdered sleep. It was a terrible voice.


-No, it is imposible. It was all in your mind. I tell you , there was no voice, Now you must be brave , my Lord. Forget what we have done.

Go, wash your hands, wash off the blood. And the daggers . why have you brought the daggers with you ? Are you mad ? Take them back to the servants room and leave them there. Leave them with the servants.


- I cant. I cannot go in there again. I am too afraid to see him dead.Macbeth was trembling.


Then give me the daggers. I ll take them back. Ill cover the servants with Duncans blood. Then people will think that they murdered Ducan.


Lady Mcbeth went into the servants room. When she returned, she could hear knocking at the castle gates. Macbeth was very pale.


- Look at my hands, Macbeth said to his wife, They are stained red with Duncans blood and they ll never be clean again. All the wáter in the oceans will never make them clean again.


- My hands are as red as yours, lady Macbeth was losing patience, but I have more courage than you, Lets go to bed, there s someone knocking at the gates. Everyone must think that we are asleep. No one must see us awake at this time of night.


Lord and Lady Macbeth hurried to their rooms but, as they went inside, they could still hear the sound of knocking at the castle gates.-

Macbeth.-

In the late afternoon Duncan and all the Scottish lords arrived at the castle. As they arrived, the noise of their horses, carriages and armour was tremendous. Lord and Lady Macbeth were standing to the Courtyard ready to meet their guests.


This is a fine castle here, called the King as he got off his horse...Yes, beautiful. And here is the beautiful Lady Macbeth. Thank you, Lady for being our host.


Sire, it is an honour to welcome you here to our home, Lady Macbeth replied, I hope you had a good journey.


Yes, splendid. Your husband went ahead of us, I imagine he was in  a hurry to ride home and see you, my lady...Ah and here is my new Thane of Cawdor. How are you Macbeth, my brave cousin, now you have seen your wife again?




Chatting and laughing, Duncan and the others went into the Castle.


A Little later, Macbeth was talking to himself in his room, I want to be King of Scotland, as the witches said so I must kill Duncan. I have no choice although he is my guest my cousin and my King, but he is a good man, he does not deserve to die. What shall I do?


Lady Macbeth walked into the room. Why did you leave our guests?The King has almost finshed his supper.


Has he asked for me ?


Yes,he is wondering where you are, my lord.


I can do it, said Macbeth I ve thought and thought about it. I can not kill Duncan. He has given me a great honour. I am now Thane of Cawdor. It would be wrong to kill him just for my own ambition.


Coward, hissed his wife are you afraid? Is the mighty. Thane off Cawdor afraid?You want to be King, don t you?You have no choice. You must kill him. If you dont we will never be King and Queen.


I am not a coward, No man is braver than I am But what if we fail?



Then we fail...Just be bold and brave and then we wont fail.I have a plan. Duncan is tired after his journey and will son be ready to go to bed. When he is asleep. Ill go and talk to the two servants who sleep in the room next to his. They ll be tired too, I ll give them lots of wine to make them sleepy and when they fall asleep you can get into Duncan s romos and kill him. No one will think it is us.



My love, when we have children, I hope they ll be boys.said Macbeth. They ll be the bravests boys in Scotland with a mother like you. He thought some more. All right Ill do it tonight, But now I have to go back t the party and pretend that nothing is wrong, I must be a false friend to the King.

Macbeth.-

In Macbeth, castle, lady Macbeth was Reading a letter from her husband.


The battle was a great success, but I must tell you about a strange thing wich happended after the fight was over. As Banquo and I were riding back to the Royal Palace, we met three women on the road...I think they were witches, We stopped and talked to them and they made two prophecies to me about my future, First of all, thay said that I was now the new Thane of Cawdor. Then they made another prediction, they said that one day, I will be King of Scotland. They vanished before I could ask any more questions. Later, we met Lord Ross, who was looking for me. He told me the King wanted to give me a reward. It is incredible. Now I am the new Thane of Cawdor and that is my reward. So, you see, the witches were right.


What do you think?Will I be King of Scotland'?Will you be Queen?I wanted to write to you immediately, I wanted you to know. My dear wife, my partner in life, I ll see you son.



Lady Macbeth put the letter down and sat there Deep in thought. My husband was Thane of Glamis and is now Thane of Cawdor. Will he ever be King'?Then she thought about her husband s character.


Macbeth was kind, too kind and he was loyal to the King. He was certainly ambitious, but he was a good and honest man, You want to be King, she thought, but you are too kind, too loyal and too honest. You are not cruel enough. You need to take action and you need to be cruel. Come home to me quikly and I ll help you. Ill make you brave enough to do what we have to do. I ll give you strength...Ill make sure you get the Crown of Scotland and I ll make sure that I am your queen.



There was a knock at the door and Lady Macbeth stood up calmy and opened it. A Messenger was standing outside.


A message from King Duncan, he said bowing.


Yes?


King Duncan is coming here tonight my lady?


Are you mad?here?tonight?


Yes, my lady, And Lord Macbeth will be here son, but he asked me to hurry with this message.



Thank you, you may go, said Lady Macbeth. She was already making plans. Duncan is coming here. to our castle, she thought. It is a perfect opportunity for us. I ll make sure that this will be a fatal visit for him. I need to be calm, cruel and braver than a man. I need all my strength.


Later that afternoon, Macbeth arrived back at his family castle. A servant took his horse and Macbeth went immediately to see his wife.


Later, that afternoon, Macbeth arrived back at his family castle. A servant took his horse and Macbeth went immediately to see his wife.


Hail Macbeth, thane of Cawdor, she cried. Her eyes were bright.


My love, he said kissing her hand. Did my Messenger arrive?Duncan is coming here tonight.


Yes, yes, And when is he leaving?


Tomorow.


Ah ha, replied his wife, but he will never see tomorrow, I have a plan and you Macbeth, Thane of Cawdor, will be King of Scotland.


Listen to me carefully. When Duncan comes here, you must welcome him warmly to our house and you must look innocent. Then later tonight, we will act and you must be like a snake. Our only hope is for Duncan to die. If you are to be King and I am to be Queen, Duncan must die tonight.



we ll talk more about this later, said Macbeth, Now we must prepare for King Duncan s arrival.


Leave the plans to me, said Lady Macbeth as her husband was leaving the room, but you must be cold, you must be brave and you must be calm.

Macbeth.-

So I am both Thane of Glamis and Thane of Cawdor, Macbeth was surprised, but a Little excited. He turned again to Banquo, but they made a second promise. Will I be King of Scotland one day?Will your children also be royal?


Be careful, Macbeth was thinking hard. The witches were right. Their prophecy was right. Now he was the new Thane of Cawdor. Perhaps they were also right about the future. Could he also become King of Scotlamd?But what about King Duncan?Macbeth began to realice that he wanted to be the King of Scotland. Very much.
Macbeth... We are waiting for you...said Banquo.

Sorry Ross, sorry Banquo, he said to his Friends. I was lost in thought.Lets ride to King Duncan.


Back in the palace at Forres, King Duncan was very much in command. They have executed Cawdor yet ?

Yes, Father, said Malcom. They say he was very brave and honest. He confessed his treason and asked you to forgive him.He was very sorry.


A door opened and Macbeth , Banquo and Ross walked in.

My dear cousin, called the King, congratulations to you. I must thank you.


He walked over to Macbeth and shook his hand warmly. He did the same to Banquo.


Sire, said Macbeth, we simply did our duty, You are our King and we are loyal to you.


Welcome, welcome replied the King, Come and see my son Malcom.

The King turned to talk to all the thanes in the room. Thanes of Scotland, he said. I thank you all for you loyalty to Scotland. I think it is time to name my heir, Malcom, my eldest son, has served me well- Today I have made him Prince of Cumberland. He will be the next King of Scotland after me. And now Macbeth, Thane of Cawdor, I will stay at your castle tonight, so we can talk more.


That is an honour, Sire, replied Macbeth, I must send a message to my wife. He bowed to the King and left the room. He was thinking very hard. In truth he was a Little disappointed. Malcom is the new Prince of Cumberland, so he will be King before me. Perhaps the witches were wrong. Their first prophecy was right, but now Malcom is in my way.


Bach in the hall, King Duncan was still talking to the thanes. He was talking about Macbeth, his bravery and his loyalty, Macbeth is a perfect cousin, said the King.

Macbeth.-

The other thanes and soldiers were beginning to return to the royal palace from the battlefield, they told their stories of the day and everyone agreed that Macbeth was the real hero, The Thane of Ross, another of the Scottish lords, knew more details about the battle. God sabe the King, he called. I ve come from Fife. We captured the King of Norway.... Here, here are the ten thousand gold pieces he paid for his freedom...We took the money and he has gone back to Norway.


What about the rebel leader? asked King Duncan, tell me about the Thane of Cawdor.


We captured him too. What shall we do with him?



Excute him. Excute him now. Then I want you to go and find Macbeth. Tell him that I have executed the Thane of Cawdor and tell Macbeth that he is now the new Thane. My brave cousin will now have two titles. Thane of Glamis and Thane of Cawdor¡ That is his reward.


Immediately Sire...It will be a great pleasure to tell the brave Macbeth, Ross left, calling for his horse.



Macbeth himself was riding across the open fields with his friend Banquo. They were tired from the battle, but very elated. It was getting dark and the sun was low in the sky.As they were riding along, a sudden mist came up. Their horses stopped, afraid of something. Through the fog, the two men could just see three strange shappes, black and dark. Then they Heard three women call out to them-



Hail


Hail


Hail


Macbeth and Banquo stared at each other and the three witches.


Who are they?whispered Banquo,Lets ride on. We must be near to Forres by now.


No, wait, said his friend. Perhaps they have a message for us.


Hail, Macbeth Thane of Cawdor...cried the second with.


Hail, Macbeth , the future King of Scotland-cried the third.


Macbeth remained silent, trying to understand what the witches were saying, but Banquo was curious to know more.


You have a lot to say about my friend Macbeth. You say he will be Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland, he said bodly, but what about me?what can you tell me about my future? What will happen to me in the future?Will I be as lucky as Macbeth?


The witches answered in turn.


You will be less than Macbeth, but you will be luckier.


You will not be King, but your children will be kings.


You will not be King, but your children will be kings.


Hail, Macbeth, hail Banquo, the witches said together.


No, wait, cried Macbeth, what do you mean? you are right, I am Thane of Glamis, that is my title. But I cannot be Thane of Cawdor because there is already a Thane of Cawdor. He is a rebel, but he is alive. And King of Scotland? I cannot be King, because we already have a good King and we are loyal to him. So tell me, who are you and why have you met us here to tell us these strange prophecies? Tell me...


The witches had nothing more to say. They simply disappeared into the fog.


Where have they gone?said Banquo to Macbeth




It seems they have vanished into the air his friend replied. And I want to know why they went away so suddenly. I had more to ask them.



Where they witches? Or are we going mad ?

Do not worry, your children will be kings? Macbeth joked



And you ll be King too!his friend replied.


Oh yes, And Thane of Cawdor as well, dont forget that ...Shh Just a minute, I can hear horses.


The sound of the horses came nearer and nearer


Who is it ?whispered Macbeth.


It is Lord Ross, cried Banquo.



Macbeth, Lord Ross called out. I have news from the King Your royal cousin is well and Happy with your victory. He sent me to congratulate you and thank you. King Duncan has decided to give you a reward. You are now the new Thane of Cawdor. Hail Macbeth, Thane of Cawdor


They were witches, whispered  Banquo to Macbeth and it looks like they were telling the truth.



Macbeth was confused. He turned to Ross. What do you mean ? The Thane of Cawdor is still alive.


Yes, but he is a traitor and he has confessed. King Duncan has ordener his execution.

Macbeth.-

It was a dark time and a dark place. In ancient Scotland, revellions were common and kings did not live long.Duncan, King of Scotland was in his palace at Forres in the far north. King Duncan was a good man and a fine King, but rebels were trying to take his throne,The rebel leader was a rich, powerful man, the Thane of Cawdor. The battles were hard and bloody and Duncan was worried about his sons.Malcom, the older son , was fighting at that very moment. Fourtunately, the younger son, Donalbain was safe with Duncan for now.



News ! said King Duncan anxiously...we need news about the battle. It is hard to sit here, safe at Forres, while my men are fighting.


I know father, but we must be patient, replied Donalbain, with a heavy heart.

The Thane of Cawdor was a very powwerful man indeed.


Awake from the King s palace in an open field, there was a very strange sight indeed. Three shapes were visible. They were old women, ugly,old women and they were wearing black rags. The three women were witches and they were making a terrible plan.


When will we three meet again?said one witch. In thunder, lightning or in rain?



When the battle s lost and won ?laughed the second.


Before the setting of the sun -added the third.


Where, sisters?Where shall we meet?


Near, near here.


Who, sisters?Who shall we meet?


Lets meet Macbeth

Macbeth, they cried together, let s meet Macbeth, in fog and filthy air¡


An hour or two later, King Duncan and Donalbain were still waiting for news about the latest battle. Suddenly two men appeared on the horizon.


Look Father It is Malcom He is with a soldier. I think he is hurt.Donalbain ran towards his brother. What s happened?Are you hurt ?he cried.


No, brother, Im fine. This soldier is hurt, but he saved my life.I was almost captured by the Thane of Cawdor s men, he turned to the King. Hello father. There s no need to worry. I am well and we won the battle. We won...It was long and terrible and this man here, this soldier is a hero.



Malcom, thank god. whispered, the King embracing his son, and Thank you, Duncan turned to the soldier.


I am not a hero, Sire, said the soldier quietly. Lord Macbeth was the true hero today.


Lord Macbeth, the Thane of Glamis, was the King s cousin.


My brave cousin, said the King...he s such a fine man.


Yes, said the soldier, he fought like a lion. The battle was hard and the King of Norway was helping The Thane of Cawdor. Their Army was larger tan ours too.They attacked again and again but Macbeth and Banquo were good generals. Scotland is safe, Sire Scotland is safe.


The soldier sat down heavily in a chair. I am sorry, Sire, he whispered.


Get a doctor for this brave man, called Duncan, Quickly.