Act 5 Scene 2


Scene Summary 


 The thanes meet and approach Macbeth’s castle at Dunsinane.


They discuss the strength of their troops and how Macbeth’s control over his own forces is wavering.


The countryside near Dunsinane. Drum and colours1


ANGUS, LENNOX, and Soldiers


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 Excite the mortified man.2


ANGUS Near Birnam wood Shall we well meet them; that way are they coming.


CAITHNESS Who knows if Donalbain be with his brother?


10


LENNOX For certain, sir, he is not: I have a file Of all the gentry: there is Siward's son, And many unrough youths3


Protest their first of manhood.4 MENTEITH


What does the tyrant?


CAITHNESS Great Dunsinane he strongly fortifies: Some say he's mad; others that lesser hate him Do call it valiant fury;5


but, for certain,


He cannot buckle his distempered cause Within the belt of rule.6


ANGUS Now does he feel


His secret murders sticking on his hands; Now minutely revolts upbraid his faith-breach;7


114 7


Now minutely…faith-breach: Every minute a revolt erupts to reproach him for his disloyalty (to Duncan).


5 valiant fury:mad courage 6


. Enter MENTEITH, CAITHNESS, 1


colours: banners displaying each thane’s colours and crest


2


for their dear causes…mortified man: Their noble reason for rebellion would inspire even a dead man to answer their bloody call to battle.


3 that even now 4


unrough youths: boys that don’t shave yet


Protest their first of manhood: announce for the first time that they are men


He cannot buckle…of rule: He cannot control his diseased mind/he cannot keep order in his kingdom.


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