Macbeth

by: William Shakespeare

Act 5 Scene 2

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Original Text	Modern Text
Drum and colors. Enter MENTEITH, CAITHNESS, ANGUS, LENNOX, and soldiers	MENTEITH, CAITHNESS, ANGUS, LENNOX, and soldiers enter with a drummer and flag.
MENTEITH The English power is near, led on by Malcolm, His uncle Siward and the good Macduff. Revenges burn in them, for their dear causes Would to the bleeding and the grim alarm 5Excite the mortified man.	MENTEITH The English army is near, led by Malcolm, his uncle Siward, and the good Macduff. They burn for revenge. The wrongs they have suffered would make dead men rise up and fight.
ANGUS Near Birnam Wood Shall we well meet them; that way are they coming.	ANGUS We’ll meet them near Birnam Wood. They are coming that way.
CAITHNESS Who knows if Donalbain be with his brother?	CAITHNESS Does anyone know if Donalbain is with his brother?
LENNOX For certain, sir, he is not. I have a file Of all the gentry. There is Siward’s son, 10And many unrough youths that even now Protest their first of manhood.	LENNOX He is definitely not there, sir. I have a list of all the important men. Siward’s son is there, as well as many boys too young to have beards who will become men by joining in this battle.
MENTEITH What does the tyrant?	MENTEITH What is the tyrant Macbeth doing?
CAITHNESS Great Dunsinane he strongly fortifies. Some say he’s mad, others that lesser hate him Do call it valiant fury. But, for certain, 15He cannot buckle his distempered cause Within the belt of rule.	CAITHNESS He is fortifying his castle at Dunsinane with heavy defenses. Some say he’s insane. Those who hate him less call it brave anger. One thing is certain: he’s out of control.
ANGUS Now does he feel His secret murders sticking on his hands. Now minutely revolts upbraid his faith-breach. Those he commands move only in command, 20Nothing in love. Now does he feel his title Hang loose about him, like a giant’s robe Upon a dwarfish thief.	ANGUS Now Macbeth feels the blood of his murdered enemies sticking to his hands. Now, rebel armies punish him every minute for his treachery. The soldiers he commands are only following orders. They don’t fight because they love Macbeth. Now he seems too small to be a great king, like a midget trying to wear the robes of a giant.

Read the Summary of Act 5, scenes 1–11

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