Macbeth to modern English

Modern Text

Enter a DOCTOR of physic and a waiting-GENTLEWOMAN

DOCTOR

I have two nights watched with you but can perceive no truth in your report. When was it she last walked?

DOCTOR

I’ve stayed up with you for two nights now, and I haven’t seen any evidence of what you were talking about. When was the last time you saw her sleepwalking?

GENTLEWOMAN

Since his majesty went into the field, I have seen her rise from her bed, throw her nightgown upon her, unlock her closet, take forth paper, fold it, write upon ’t, read it, afterwards seal it, and again return to bed; yet all this while in a most fast sleep.

GENTLEWOMAN

Since Macbeth went to war, I have seen her rise from her bed, put on her nightgown, unlock her closet, take out some paper, fold it, write on it, read it, seal it up, and then return to bed, remaining asleep the entire time.

DOCTOR

A great perturbation in nature, to receive at once the benefit of sleep, and do the line>effects of watching. In this slumbery agitation, besides her walking and other actual performances, what, at any time, have you heard her say?

DOCTOR

It’s unnatural to be asleep and act as if you’re awake. When she is like this, besides walking and performing various activities, have you heard her say anything?

GENTLEWOMAN

That, sir, which I will not report after her.

GENTLEWOMAN

She says something, sir, but I will not repeat it to you.

DOCTOR

You may to me, and ’tis most meet you should.

DOCTOR

You can tell me. You really should.

GENTLEWOMAN

Neither to you nor any one, having no witness to confirm my speech.

GENTLEWOMAN

I will not confess it to you nor to anyone else, because there was no one else to witness her speech.

Enter LADY MACBETH with a taper

LADY MACBETH enters, holding a candle.

Lo you, here she comes. This is her very guise; and, upon my life, fast asleep. Observe her, stand close.

Look, here she comes! This is exactly how she always looks, and—I swear it—she is fast asleep. Watch her. Keep hidden.