Original
Modern English
Threescore and ten I can remember well: Within the volume of which time I have seen Hours dreadful and things strange; but this sore night Hath trifled former knowings.
I can remember well the past seventy years: In that time I’ve seen Horrible hours and strange things; but this terrible night Has made everything else seem insignificant.
Ah, good father, Thou seest, the heavens, as troubled with man’s act, Threaten his bloody stage: by the clock, ’tis day, And yet dark night strangles the travelling lamp: Is’t night’s predominance, or the day’s shame, That darkness does the face of earth entomb, When living light should kiss it?
Ah, good father, You see, the heavens, disturbed by man’s actions, Threaten his bloody stage: by the clock, it’s day, And yet dark night chokes the travelling sun: Is it night’s dominance, or the day’s disgrace, That causes darkness to cover the earth, When daylight should be kissing it?
’Tis unnatural, Even like the deed that’s done. On Tuesday last, A falcon, towering in her pride of place, Was by a mousing owl hawk’d at and kill’d.
It’s unnatural, Just like the deed that’s been done. Last Tuesday, A falcon, soaring proudly in her place, Was killed by a mouse-hunting owl.
And Duncan’s horses--a thing most strange and certain-- Beauteous and swift, the minions of their race, Turn’d wild in nature, broke their stalls, flung out, Contending ’gainst obedience, as they would make War with mankind.
And Duncan’s horses--a thing most strange and certain-- Beautiful and fast, the servants of their breed, Turned wild, broke out of their stalls, and ran free, Fighting against their training, as if they wanted to Wage war on mankind.
’Tis said they eat each other.
It’s said they ate each other.
They did so, to the amazement of mine eyes That look’d upon’t. Here comes the good Macduff.
They did, to the astonishment of my eyes That saw it happen. Here comes good Macduff.
How goes the world, sir, now?
How’s the world going, sir, now?
Why, see you not?
Why, don’t you see?
Is’t known who did this more than bloody deed?
Do we know who committed this terribly bloody deed?
Those that Macbeth hath slain.
Those Macbeth has killed.
Alas, the day! What good could they pretend?
Alas, what a day! What reason could they have for this?
They were suborn’d: Malcolm and Donalbain, the king’s two sons, Are stol’n away and fled; which puts upon them Suspicion of the deed.
They were bribed: Malcolm and Donalbain, the king’s two sons, Have stolen away and fled; which makes people think They were behind the murder.
’Gainst nature still! Thriftless ambition, that wilt ravin up Thine own life’s means! Then ’tis most like The sovereignty will fall upon Macbeth.
It goes against nature still! Thoughtless ambition, that will devour The means of your own life! Then it seems most likely That the throne will go to Macbeth.
He is already named, and gone to Scone To be invested.
He’s already been named king, and gone to Scone To be crowned.
Where is Duncan’s body?
Where’s Duncan’s body?
Carried to Colmekill, The sacred storehouse of his predecessors, And guardian of their bones.
It’s been taken to Colmekill, The sacred tomb of his ancestors, And protector of their remains.
Will you to Scone?
Are you going to Scone?
No, cousin, I’ll to Fife.
No, cousin, I’m going to Fife.
Well, I will thither.
Alright, I’ll go there.
Well, may you see things well done there: adieu! Lest our old robes sit easier than our new!
I hope you see things go well there: goodbye! Let’s hope our old habits are more comfortable than our new ones!
Farewell, father.
Goodbye, father.
God’s benison go with you; and with those That would make good of bad, and friends of foes!
God’s blessing go with you; and with those Who would turn bad into good, and enemies into friends!