Shakespeare can be confusing, right? That’s why we’ve given everyone free access to our Modern English Translation of Macbeth. If you’re using this for essays and exams, make sure to quote from the original Shakespearean language (on the left) and only use the modern translation to help you understand what’s going on!

Thanks for reading! If you find this resource useful, you can take a look at our full online Macbeth course here. Use the code “SHAKESPEARE” to receive a 50% discount!

This course includes: 

  • A full set of video lessons on each key element of the text: summary, themes, setting, characters, context, attitudes, analysis of key quotes, essay questions, essay examples
  • Downloadable documents for each video lesson 
  • A range of example B-A* / L7-L9 grade essays, both at GCSE (ages 14-16) and A-Level (age 16+) with teacher comments and mark scheme feedback
  • A bonus Macbeth workbook designed to guide you through each scene of the play!

Act 1, Scene 1

Thunder and lightning. Enter three WITCHES

FIRST WITCH
When shall we three meet again?
In thunder, lightning, or in rain?

SECOND WITCH
When the hurly-burly’s done,
When the battle’s lost and won.

THIRD WITCH
That will be ere the set of sun.

FIRST WITCH
Where the place?

SECOND WITCH
Upon the heath.

THIRD WITCH
There to meet with Macbeth.

FIRST WITCH
I come, Graymalkin!

SECOND WITCH
Paddock calls.

THIRD WITCH
Anon.

ALL
Fair is foul, and foul is fair
Hover through the fog and filthy air.

Exeunt

 

 

Link to the next Scene

Act 1, Scene 1

Thunder and lightning. Enter three WITCHES

FIRST WITCH
When shall we all meet again? Should we meet up when there is thunder, lightning, or rain?

SECOND WITCH
When the chaos is all over,
When the battle’s lost and won.

THIRD WITCH
That will be before sunset tonight.

FIRST WITCH
What place should we meet?

SECOND WITCH
Let’s meet on the moorland.

THIRD WITCH
Macbeth will be there, we can meet him.

(The Witches’ familiars – Graymalkin and Paddock – call to them)

FIRST WITCH
I’m coming, Graymalkin!

SECOND WITCH
Paddock is calling to me.

THIRD WITCH
See you all soon.

ALL
Fair is foul, and foul is fair
Hover through the fog and filthy air.

All characters leave the stage.

Thanks for reading! If you find this resource useful, you can take a look at our full online Macbeth course here. Use the code “SHAKESPEARE” to receive a 50% discount!

This course includes: 

  • A full set of video lessons on each key element of the text: summary, themes, setting, characters, context, attitudes, analysis of key quotes, essay questions, essay examples
  • Downloadable documents for each video lesson 
  • A range of example B-A* / L7-L9 grade essays, both at GCSE (ages 14-16) and A-Level (age 16+) with teacher comments and mark scheme feedback
  • A bonus Macbeth workbook designed to guide you through each scene of the play!