Everyone has arrived at Birnam Wood, and they’re ready to march on Dunsinane. Malcolm fulfills the witches’ vision by commanding that each soldier carry a bough from the trees of Birnam Wood so that they’ll be concealed as they approach Dunsinane.
Malcolm
Cousins, I hope the time is coming soon when we’ll be safe in our homes again.
Menteith
We have no doubts.
Siward
Which forest is this one?
Menteith
The forest of Birnam.
Malcolm
Order every soldier to cut down a branch and hold it in front of him while he marches. That way, it will be hard to tell how many of us there are. Macbeth’s reconnaissance won’t be able to get an accurate count.
Soldiers
It will be done.
Siward
We’ve learned that Macbeth is confident he can withstand siege and is still in Dunsinane castle. and therefore doesn’t contest our setting up camp before his castle.
Malcolm
That’s his only hope. Soldiers of all ranks who could have given him the advantage are abandoning him. The only ones still following are those constrained to do so, and their hearts aren’t in it.
Macduff
We will not know until the actual battle is fought, so let’s focus on fighting as well as we can.
Siward
Time is approaching when the right outcome will let us know what we’ve won, or lost. Speculation just reflects our unsure hopes. Only sword strokes will determine the certain outcome – toward which, bring on the war.
