Ross, Macduff, and an old man discuss the recent goings-on in Scotland. They all agree that something awful is afoot. Macduff tells them that rumor has it Malcolm and Donalbain were the ones who hired the servants to kill Duncan. Everyone suspects them because they fled Scotland so quickly after the king died. He also tells them the latest news: Macbeth is king. But Macduff is not too keen on attending his coronation.
Old Man
I can remember the last seventy years well. In all that time I’ve seen my share of terrible times and strange things, but last night’s violence made them all seem trivial.
Ross
Good old man, you see the heavens threatening us because they are outraged by what’s happened here on earth. According to the clock it’s daytime, and yet darkness seems to be strangling the sun. Is it because of the night’s strength, or the day's shame, that we see darkness bury the earth when it should be blessed by daylight?
Old Man
It’s unnatural, just like the murder that’s been done. Last Tuesday, a falcon circling the sky with pride was attacked and killed by an owl that ordinarily preys on mice.
Ross
And Duncan's horses – it was the strangest thing – beautiful and swift, the best of their kind, they suddenly went wild and broke out of their stables, refused to obey anyone. It was like they were declaring war on mankind.
Old Man
People say they ate each other.
Ross
They did, to my utter shock. I saw it. Here comes the good Macduff.
How is everything going now, sir?
Macduff
Can’t you see for yourself?
Ross
Does anyone know who did this terrible deed?
Macduff
Those men Macbeth killed.
Ross
Too bad he killed them! What good could it have done them to kill Duncan?
Macduff
They were bribed. Malcolm and Donalbain, the king's two sons, snuck out and ran off. That makes them look awfully suspicious.
Ross
More unnaturalness! What kind of wasteful ambition would make you kill your own parent! Then I suppose the crown will go to Macbeth.
Macduff
He’s already been named King, and went to Scone to be crowned.
Ross
Where is Duncan's body?
Macduff
They carried it to Colmekill, the sacred tomb where the bones of his ancestors lie.
Ross
Are you going to Scone?
Macduff
No, cousin, I'm going to Fife.
Ross
Well then, I’ll go to Scone.
Macduff
Well I hope everything goes well with Macbeth as king, or we’ll be preferring the old regime to this new one. Good-bye!
Ross
Good-bye, good old man.
Old Man
God’s blessings go with you, and with all those who would turn bad into good, and enemies into friends!
