“Macbeth”
by Giuseppe Verdi libretto (English)
| Characters |
| Duncan (King of Scotland) — Mime Macbeth (general in the King’s army) — Baritone Banquo (general in the King’s army) — Bass Lady Macbeth (Macbeth’s wife) — Soprano Lady Macbeth’s Attendant — Mezzo-soprano Macduff (Scottish nobleman, Thane of Fife) — Tenor Malcolm (Duncan’s son) — Tenor Fleance (Banquo’s son) — Mime Doctor — Bass Macbeth’s Servant — Bass Assassin — Bass Herald — Bass Hecate (Goddess of the Night) — Dancer Witches, the King’s Messengers, Scottish nobles and exiles, Assassins, English soldiers, Bards, Aerial Spirits, Apparitions, etc., etc. Time and Place The scene is laid in Scotland, chiefly at Macbeth’s castle. At the beginning of Act IV, it is on the border between Scotland and England. |
| Act One |
| Scene 1 A wood. Three groups of witches appear one after another amid flashes of lightning and thunder. I. What have you been doing? Tell us! II. I have slit a boar’s throat. And you? III. A steersman’s wife crossed my mind: I sent her to the devil, but her husband has set sail, and I’ll drown him with his ship. I. I’ll send you a tempest. II. I’ll stir up the waves. III. I’ll drive it across the shoals. (A drum is heard.) All A drum! What can it be? Macbeth is coming. Here he is! (They mingle together and weave a wild dance.) The wandering sisters go through the air, go upon the waves, they know how to weave a circle that embraces both land and sea. |
| Scene 2 Macbeth and Banquo. The preceding. Macbeth Never have I seen a day so fair and foul! Banquo Nor one so glorious! Macbeth (He notices the witches.) Oh, who are these? Banquo Who are you? Are you of this world or of another realm? I would call you women, but your filthy beards forbid me. Macbeth Come, speak! Witches (in a prophetic tone) I. Hail, Macbeth, Thane of Glamis! II. Hail, Macbeth, Thane of Cawdor! III. Hail, Macbeth, King of Scotland! (Macbeth trembles.) Banquo (to Macbeth, in a low voice) Do such happy prophecies make you tremble? (to the witches) Speak to me as well, if the future is not hidden from you, fantastic creatures. Witches I. Hail! II. Hail! III. Hail! I. Less than Macbeth, yet greater! II. Not so happy as he, yet happier! III. Not a king, but the father of kings! All Long live Macbeth and Banquo! Long live Banquo and Macbeth! (They disappear.) Macbeth Gone... (thoughtfully) Your children shall be kings. Banquo And you, king before them. Banquo - Macbeth Mysterious words! |
| Scene 3 The King’s Messengers. The preceding. Messengers Brave Macbeth! Your lord has made you Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth But that Thane still lives! Messengers No! Struck down by the law, he died upon the block. Banquo (with a shudder) (Ah, hell spoke the truth!) Macbeth (aside, in a low voice, almost in terror) Two prophecies are now fulfilled... The third promises me a throne... But why do I feel my hair stand on end? Bloody thought, whence were you born?... Though fate offers me a crown, I shall not raise a grasping hand to seize it. Banquo (aside) Oh, how hope of a royal throne fills him with pride! Yet often the wicked Spirit of Hell speaks truth, only to deceive us, then leaves us, accursed, upon the abyss it has dug for us. Messengers (Why did Macbeth hear us so coldly? Why did his face show no joy?) (All exit.) |
| Scene 4 The witches return. Witches They have gone! We shall gather again when we hear the crash of thunder. They have gone! Let us flee! We shall await the fulfilment of destiny at the witches’ sabbath. There we shall see Macbeth rejoice, and our oracle will speak to him. Let us flee! Let us flee! (They leave.) |
| Scene 5 A hall in Macbeth’s castle leading to other rooms. Lady Macbeth, reading a letter. “On the day of victory I met them... I was amazed by what I heard; when the King’s messengers hailed me Thane of Cawdor, thus fulfilling the prophecy of those very seers who foretold a crown for my head. Keep this secret in your heart. Farewell.” Ambitious spirit, you are Macbeth... You aspire to greatness, but will you be ruthless? The path to power is filled with crimes, and woe to him who sets a hesitant foot upon it, then draws back! Come, hurry! I long to kindle that cold heart! I shall give you the courage to accomplish this daring deed. The prophetesses promise you the throne of Scotland... Why delay? Accept the gift; ascend the throne and reign. |
| Scene 6 A Servant and the preceding. Servant At nightfall the King arrives here. Lady Macbeth What did you say? Is Macbeth with him? Servant He accompanies him. The news, my lady, is certain. Lady Macbeth May he receive the welcome that befits a king. (The Servant exits.) |
| Scene 7 Lady Macbeth alone. Lady Macbeth Duncan will be here?... Here?... Here tonight?... Arise, all you ministers of hell, who steel mortals for deeds of blood! Night, envelop us in your motionless darkness; let not the dagger see the breast it strikes. |
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