ACT 2
[Enter ROSS and an old Man]
OLD MAN
Threescore and ten I can remember well:
I can recall the last seventy years,
Within the volume of which time I have seen
And through that vast amount of time, I’ve seen
Hours dreadful and things strange; but this sore night
Some dreadful times and strange things; but this sad night
Hath trifled former knowings.
Belittles all I’ve seen before.
ROSS
Ah, good father,
Good father,
Thou seest, the heavens, as troubled with man's act,
Look at the skies: they’re black, caused by man’s actions,
Threaten his bloody stage: by the clock, 'tis day,
And threaten us with storms. Although it’s daytime,
And yet dark night strangles the travelling lamp:
It’s dark as night, as though the sun’s extinguished.
Is't night's predominance, or the day's shame,
Has night usurped the day or is it our shame
That darkness does the face of earth entomb,
That’s caused this darkness to encase the earth
When living light should kiss it?
When sun should shine on us?
OLD MAN
'Tis unnatural,
It is unnatural,
Even like the deed that's done. On Tuesday last,
Like what has happened here. On Tuesday last,
A falcon, towering in her pride of place,
A falcon, soaring high above the earth,
Was by a mousing owl hawked at and killed.
Was savaged by an owl that feeds on mice.
ROSS
And Duncan's horses--a thing most strange and certain--
And Duncan’s horses—this is really strange—
Beauteous and swift, the minions of their race,
Pure thoroughbreds, both fast and beautiful,
Turned wild in nature, broke their stalls, flung out,
Turned wild and feral, breaking from their stables,
Contending 'gainst obedience, as they would make
Ignoring all their orders, like they were
War with mankind.
At war with man.
OLD MAN
'Tis said they eat each other.
I heard they ate each other.
ROSS
They did so, to the amazement of mine eyes
They did: amazingly, my eyes observed it
That looked upon't. Here comes the good Macduff.
By looking at them. Here comes good Macduff.
[Enter MACDUFF]
How goes the world, sir, now?
How’s everything now, sir?
MACDUFF
Why, see you not?
Why, can’t you see it?
ROSS
Is't known who did this more than bloody deed?
Do we know who is guilty of the murder?
MACDUFF
Those that Macbeth hath slain.
The servants that Macbeth has killed.
ROSS
Alas, the day!
Oh, shame!
What good could they pretend?
What would the servants gain from that?
MACDUFF
They were suborned:
They’d been bribed:
Malcolm and Donalbain, the king's two sons,
Malcolm and Donalbain, the king’s two sons,
Are stol'n away and fled; which puts upon them
Snuck out and fled, which makes them both appear
Suspicion of the deed.
Suspicious of the deed.
ROSS
'Gainst nature still!
It’s so unnatural!
Thriftless ambition, that wilt ravin up
Wasteful ambition, choosing to destroy
Thine own life's means! Then 'tis most like
The one that gave them life! And so it’s likely
The sovereignty will fall upon Macbeth.
Macbeth will now become our sovereign king.
MACDUFF
He is already named, and gone to Scone
He’s named already; he has gone to Scone town
To be invested.
To be made king.
ROSS
Where is Duncan's body?
Where’s Duncan’s body now?
MACDUFF
Carried to Colmekill,
Taken to Iona,
The sacred storehouse of his predecessors,
The sacred island where his predecessors
And guardian of their bones.
Are buried.
ROSS
Will you to Scone?
So, will you depart for Scone?
MACDUFF
No, cousin, I'll to Fife.
No, I’ll head home to Fife.
ROSS
Well, I will thither.
I’ll go to Scone.
MACDUFF
Well, may you see things well done there: adieu!
Well, may you see things well done there: adieu!
Lest our old robes sit easier than our new!
In case our old king’s better than the new!
ROSS
Farewell, father.
Farewell, father-figure.
OLD MAN
God's benison go with you; and with those
God bless you, and may God bless all the others
That would make good of bad, and friends of foes!
Who turn bad things to good, and foes to brothers!
[Exeunt]
