Macbeth

A Tortured Mind By the way, any news from your cousins Malcolm and Donalbain? I heard they have found protection in England and Ireland and are telling a lot of lies4 instead of confessing to their crime... Ah, my Lord, I haven t heard anything, replied Banquo nervously. Well, well. continued the King, We ll discuss the matter in the Council tomorrow. Is Fleance coming with you? Yes, my Lord, said Banquo, but we ll return in time for the banquet. Good-bye for now and have a safe journey! When Banquo left, Macbeth dismissed5 all merrily. My Lords, do what you like until seven this evening. I wish to be alone for a time, so I will then enjoy your company better! But soon after, he ordered his servant to bring in two men waiting at the palace gate. To be King is nothing if I am not safe , he was thinking. I fear Banquo, I fear his courage, his natural nobility, his wisdom6 I don t fear Malcolm, I don t fear Donalbain as much as I fear Banquo. He is much better than me and he is going to be the father to a line of kings! He paused for a moment, walking up and down the room furiously; then he stopped and, moving his arms up and down, said in a confused way, I destroyed the peace of my soul for a fruitless crown. Ah, I murdered Duncan for a crown that will make Banquo s children kings! Ah, I am a failure7! He controlled himself when the two men arrived. Well, yesterday I explained to you, he started, how Banquo caused all your troubles. Will you accept them, the ruin of your families, without reacting? We are men, my Lord! replied one of them. 4. lie: false statement. 5. dismissed: let free. 6. wisdom: judgment. 7. failure: unsuccessful man. 49