Previous
Act 1, Scene 5
Macbeth Translation Act 1, Scene 6
Torches light the stage. The sound of oboes playing. DUNCAN enters, along with MALCOLM, DONALBAIN, BANQUO, LENNOX, MACDUFF, ROSS, ANGUS, and their attendants.
DUNCAN
This castle hath a pleasant seat. The airNimbly and sweetly recommends itselfUnto our gentle senses.
DUNCAN
This castle sits in a pleasant place. The fresh, sweet air delights my noble senses.
BANQUO
This guest of summer, The temple-haunting martlet, does approve, By his loved mansionry, that the heaven’s breath Smells wooingly here. No jutty, frieze, Buttress, nor coign of vantage, but this bird Hath made his pendant bed and procreant cradle. Where they most breed and haunt, I have observed, The air is delicate.
BANQUO
That the martin—a summer bird that builds its nest in the steeples of churches—builds its nest here proves how sweet and blessed the breeze is. These birds have built nests on every projection, carving, buttress, and corner of this castle. I've noticed that martins prefer to live and mate in places where the air is most fine.
LADY MACBETH enters.
DUNCAN
See, see, our honored hostess! The love that follows us sometime is our trouble, Which still we thank as love. Herein I teach you How you shall bid God ‘ild us for your pains, And thank us for your trouble.
DUNCAN
Look, it’s our honored hostess! I am troubled sometimes by the lengths that my subjects go to out of love for me, but I still thank you for your love. In saying this, I’m suggesting that you thank me for the trouble my presence is causing you, since I’m here out of my love for you.
LADY MACBETH
All our service, In every point twice done and then done double, Were poor and single business to contend Against those honors deep and broad wherewith Your majesty loads our house. For those of old, And the late dignities heaped up to them, We rest your hermits.
LADY MACBETH
All our efforts—even if they were doubled and then doubled again—are poor and small acts when compared to the profound honor you’ve brought to our home. In gratitude for the honors you’ve given us in the past, and those you’ve added just recently, we will always pray for and support you.
DUNCAN
Where’s the thane of Cawdor? We coursed him at the heels and had a purpose To be his purveyor; but he rides well, And his great love, sharp as his spur, hath holp him To his home before us. Fair and noble hostess, We are your guest tonight.
DUNCAN
Where’s Macbeth, Thane of Cawdor? We followed closely after him, and hoped to overtake him on the road so that we would be the ones to welcome him. But he rides well, and his great love for you—which is as sharp as his spur—helped him reach his home before us. Beautiful and noble hostess, we are your guests tonight.
LADY MACBETH
Your servants ever Have theirs, themselves, and what is theirs in compt , To make their audit at your highness’ pleasure, Still to return your own.
LADY MACBETH
We are always your servants. And our servants, we ourselves, and everything we own belong to you. It is all yours to use and enjoy, and we are ready to return it to you because it is really your own, after all.
DUNCAN
Give me your hand. Conduct me to mine host. We love him highly And shall continue our graces towards him. By your leave, hostess.
DUNCAN
Give me your hand. Lead me to Macbeth, my host. I love him dearly, and I shall continue to hold him in high favor. When you’re ready, hostess.
They all exit.
