In the Scottish court, King Duncan is rehashing a recent battle with his sons and other noblemen. He’s hoping a wounded Captain can give him the scoop on what went down on the battlefield. The captain tells them that “brave Macbeth” and Banquo were the heroes of the hour, and then he's promptly hauled off to the doctor. In walk Ross and Angus, two Scottish nobles (also known as thanes). Ross brings another tale of Macbeth’s battle skills: apparently he bested the King of Norway, who was being helped by the traitorous Thane of Cawdor. Duncan may be pleased to hear of Macbeth’s awesome feats, but he’s pretty peeved that the Thane of Cawdor has betrayed him. Duncan demands the Thane of Cawdor's execution and plans to hand over the Thane's titles to our main man, Macbeth.
Duncan
Who’s that man covered in blood? It looks like he’ll be able to give us the most up-to-date news on the revolt, as he clearly was just wounded.
Malcolm
This is the strong soldier who fought to keep me from being captured. Hello, brave friend! Tell the king what the status of the battle was when you left it.
Sergeant
The outcome was uncertain. The opposing forces were like two exhausted swimmers who grab onto each other until they’re both drowning. The rebel leader Macdonald -- a man born with all the traits of a merciless villain -- had been joined by peasant soldiers from the Western Islands. And Fortune, the goddess of fate, has taken the rebels’ side. But they weren’t strong enough, because the brave Macbeth – for he certainly deserves that name – defied Fortune. Waving his sword, he cut a path through the rebel forces until he came face to face with Macdonald. Macbeth didn’t even bother to shake hands before he ripped Macdonald open from his navel to his jaw, and placed his head on our castle wall.
Duncan
Oh what a brave nobleman! What a worthy gentleman!
Sergeant
Just as spring brings longer days, it also brings thunderstorms capable of sinking ships; that which seems to bring comfort, brings discomfort, too. Take note, King of Scotland. As soon as justice, armed with courage, sent the rebels into retreat, the King of Norway, thinking that he could take advantage of our exhausted state, attacked us with his fresh, well-armed forces.
Duncan
This didn’t distress our captains, Macbeth and Banquo?
Sergeant
It didn’t distress them any more than sparrows frighten eagles, or rabbits scare lions! But, in all seriousness, I have to tell you that they were like cannons loaded with double shot; they were twice as fierce in their attacks on the enemy. It was as if they wanted to bathe in their enemy’s blood, or make the battle as memorable as Golgotha. But, oh, I feel faint. My wounds need treatment!
Duncan
Who’s coming now?
Malcolm
It’s the worthy Lord of Ross.
Lennox
He sure looks like he’s in a hurry! Anyone who looks like that must have something remarkable to report.
Ross
God save the king!
Duncan
Where have you come from, worthy lord?
Ross
I’ve come from Fife, great King, where the Norwegian banners fill the sky and make our people cold with fear.
The King of Norway and his terrifyingly large army, assisted by the traitorous Thane of Cawdor, started a dreadful battle. But then Macbeth—as if he were worthy of marrying the goddess of war—put on his trusty armor and matched the King of Norway in every way. He broke his spirit, and so the victory went to us.
Duncan
Wonderful news!
Ross
So now, Sweno, the King of Norway, wants a truce. And we did not allow him to bury his men until he paid us ten thousand dollars at Saint Colme’s.
Duncan
The Lord of Cawdor will no longer deceive me and abuse my trust. Give the order for his immediate execution, and give his title to Macbeth.
Ross
I'll see that it’s done.
Duncan
What Cawdor has lost by his treason, noble Macbeth has won by his brave service.
