ACT 1
Macbeth Act 1, Scene 1: Retold in Modern English Verse
Three Witches, a storm, and the name Macbeth
In thunder and lightning, three Witches meet in a deserted place. They agree to gather again when the battle is over – before sunset, upon the heath – and there they will meet Macbeth. Called away by their spirit companions, a cat and a toad, they chant that fair is foul and foul is fair, and vanish into the fog.
Characters appearing: First Witch | Second Witch | Third Witch
Key themes: The Supernatural | Appearance vs Reality
A DESERT PLACE.
[THUNDER AND LIGHTNING. ENTER THREE WITCHES]
FIRST WITCH
When shall we three meet again
When will we three meet again?
In thunder, lightning, or in rain?
In thunder, lightning, or in rain?
SECOND WITCH
When the hurlyburly's done,
When the raucous battle’s done,
When the battle's lost and won.
When someone’s lost, and someone’s won.
THIRD WITCH
That will be ere the set of sun.
That will precede the setting sun.
FIRST WITCH
Where the place?
Where shall we meet?
SECOND WITCH
Upon the heath.
Upon the heath.
THIRD WITCH
There to meet with Macbeth.
That’s where we’ll meet Macbeth.
FIRST WITCH
I come, Graymalkin!
[to her cat] I’m coming, Graymalkin.
SECOND WITCH
Paddock calls.
My toad, Paddock, is calling.
THIRD WITCH
Anon.
[to her spirit] I’ll be there soon.
ALL
Fair is foul, and foul is fair:
What’s fair is foul; what’s foul is fair;
Hover through the fog and filthy air.
Let’s fly through foggy, filthy air.
[EXEUNT]
