RALPH: Thanks so much for joining us, Malcolm. I know you're in the middle of a battle, so there must be a lot going on. 

MALCOLM: Thanks for having me, Ralph. It's not too hard to get away, actually. Things have been going pretty well. 

RALPH: Well, yes, that's what I've been hearing. And I wanted to start with the news from Siward—the commander of the English forces that are supporting you. He says that Macbeth's castle has been gently rendered. That sounds like a good thing. 

MALCOLM: It is. It means Macbeth's forces have surrendered without much of a fight. 

RALPH: And then, he says the tyrant's people on both sides, do fight. 

MALCOLM: Fantastic. So some of Macbeth's soldiers have already joined our side. Not too surprising, really. People never really want a tyrant in charge. 

RALPH: Well, it sounds like things are going very smoothly for you. Siward says there's not much left to do. And he invites you to take over Macbeth's castle. 

MALCOLM: Well, sure. We should do that. But there are some friends still that we don't know about. 

RALPH: Yes. Well, as Siward puts it you have to expect that some people will die, but that it's so few in this case, the war has had a pretty low cost. Who, in particular, are you worried about? 

MALCOLM: Macduff is missing and Siward's son, young Siward, is also missing. 

RALPH: Well, let's—oh, oh, dear. Ross tells Siward that his son, young Siward, has paid a soldier's debt. And that just as soon as he became a man—he was pretty young, after all—he has died like a man. 

MALCOLM: That's some pretty rough news, Ralph. 

RALPH: Yes. And Siward just got done saying that the war had come at a low cost. And now, he finds out his son's death has been part of the price of that victory. 

MALCOLM: How's he handling it? 

RALPH: Well, let's see. He asks Ross—and maybe, you can help me with this—had he his hurts before? 

MALCOLM: He wants to know if his son died from wounds that are on the front of his body. Well, he wants to know if his son faced the enemy or if he tried to run. 

RALPH: Oh, wow. Well, Ross says his wounds were on the front and Siward sounds relieved. He calls his son God's soldier, and he says he couldn't wish a fairer death for any son of his, even if he had as many sons as he has hairs on his head. He ends by saying his son's knell is knolled. 

MALCOLM: That's right. The bell that signals the death of somebody, the death knell. 

RALPH: Such a sad moment. I'm sorry you had to learn that here. 

MALCOLM: Well, it is war, Ralph. Young Siward deserves more sorrow, which I will spend for him when the battle is finished. Speaking of which—

RALPH: Oh, yes. Let's see here. 

MACDUFF: Hail, king, for so thou art. Behold the usurpers cursed head. 

RALPH: Oh, dear. Where did you get that? 

MACDUFF: Thanks for the tip about the green room, Ralph. 

RALPH: Tip? 

MACDUFF: I see thee compassed with thy kingdom's pearl, Malcolm. They speak my salutation in their minds, whose voices I desire aloud with mine. Hail, King of Scotland. 

ALL: Hail, King of Scotland. 

MALCOLM: Thank you all. And I want you to know that order will be restored, immediately. In fact, can I make an announcement, Ralph? You know, like my dad did when we were here together. 

RALPH: I don't think I could stop you. 

MALCOLM: I want all my thanes to know that from now on, they'll be known as earls. 

RALPH: Earls instead of thanes—that's the announcement? 

MALCOLM: That's right. 

RALPH: So just a name change? Is that such a big deal? 

MALCOLM: We've got to get past this warrior's society business, trust me. Besides, haven't you learned yet that what things are called can make all the difference in the world? 

RALPH: Now, you've got a point there. Anyway, it's your country. Go right ahead. 

MALCOLM: We're going to do things right from now on. We will bring back our friends from abroad who escaped the tyrant and we will arrest those who helped the dead butcher and his devilish queen, who killed herself by the way. 

RALPH: Oh, wow. So it was suicide. 

MALCOLM: This is going to take a little time, but we'll get it done. So thanks to all at once, and to each one, whom we invite to see us crowned at Scone. You too, Ralph. You should come to the ceremony. You're part of us now. 

RALPH: How nice. Thank you. I'll check my calendar. But if you don't mind, just one last question. 

MALCOLM: Really? You don't have a very good sense of timing, Ralph. Didn't you see how things were wrapping up there? I become king, I give a little speech, and scene. 

RALPH: You're right, I'm sorry. I just can't help it. It's my job. One last question. 

MALCOLM: Very well, it's your show. 

RALPH: So I just can't help but think this all started with your father putting down a rebellion—a civil war with men trying to overthrow your father. Then, Macbeth kills your father and he becomes king, himself. And now, here we are with you overthrowing Macbeth. It's just not clear to me-- you know, as an outsider—how this cycle will ever stop. Are you worried that you might be next? That someone might eventually be coming after you? 

MACDUFF: Did you just threaten the king? 

RALPH: Oh, no, no, no. Don't get me wrong, I just—well, the thought crossed my mind. 

MACDUFF: What thought? To kill the king? 

RALPH: You know what, forget it. This was silly of me. It's your special day. I should have kept my mouth shut. 

MALCOLM: Seize him. 

RALPH: Seize me? 

MALCOLM: It's standard procedure, Ralph. We have to take all threats seriously. I'm sure you'll be fine in the end. We just have to do a thorough investigation. 

RALPH: Well, signing off. Thanks everyone for joining us. We'll see you again next time, if there is a next time.