Scottish troops, led by Angus, Lennox, and other soldiers, are headed toward Birnam Wood. There, they plan to meet up with Macduff, Malcolm, and their English troops. They all discuss Macbeth’s horrible leadership and the fact that he’s clearly in this for himself, rather than for Scotland. He’s just not king material, the Lords decide, and they’ve got to get him off the throne.
Menteith
The English soldiers are nearby, led by Malcolm, his uncle Siward, and good Macduff. They’re burning with revenge. Their reasons for revenge would stir even a dead man to fight.
Angus
We’ll meet them near Birnam Wood as they’re coming from that direction.
Caithness
Does anyone know if Donalbain is with his brother?
Lennox
I’m sure he’s not. I have a list of all the nobles in their forces. There’s Siward's son and many other young nobles who have just reached manhood.
Menteith
What’s the tyrant doing?
Caithness
He’s preparing Dunsinane castle’s defenses. Some people say he’s crazy. Others, who hate him less, say it’s just valiant anger. What’s clear is that he’s unable to control those he’s trying to rouse to fight on his behalf.
Angus
Now he can feel the blood on his hands from those secret murders. Now every minute a revolt starts in response to his treason. The soldiers who obey him do so only because of duty and not loyalty. The title of “king” feels ill-suited on Macbeth, like the stolen robes of a giant that could easily slip off a dwarf.
Menteith
Who could blame him for being jittery on the outside, when inside he must feel guilty for what he has done?
Caithness
Well, we’ll march on to give our loyalty to those who truly deserve it. We’ll join with Malcolm, the healer of our sick country, and with him we’ll give every drop of our blood to make our country well again.
Lennox
We’ll give as much as Scotland needs, to nourish the flowering Malcolm, and weed out that tyrant. Now let’s march to Birnam Wood.
