[00:00.08]Chapter 13.
[00:01.94]Unlucky for some.
[00:04.95]The rebels were ready.
[00:07.90]Before the leafy glades of Birnam Wood stood a mighty army.
[00:14.40]McBeth's attempts to stem the revolt had failed.
[00:18.64]Deserters flocked in their droves to Malcolm's side.
[00:23.89]Now McBeth's only hope was to hold on to Duncinane.
[00:30.43]Malcolm was growing up quickly.
[00:35.96]In place of the tortured teenager was a responsible man.
[00:42.80]He addressed the waiting army.
[00:47.26]We must disguise our approach, he told them.
[00:52.15]Each man must cut down a leafy branch and hold it before him.
[01:00.57]10,000 soldiers obeyed his command.
[01:04.73]Before the startled eyes of nature, Birnam Wood began to move.
[01:12.79]It was just as the sisters had foretold.
[01:18.67]Back at Duncinane, the fortifications were almost complete.
[01:24.69]McBeth marched around on the walls, ordering banners to be hung, oil to be boiled, rocks to be stacked.
[01:35.06]Before him marched a squadron of drummers in colors of war.
[01:40.48]It all looked very convincing to those with dull eyes.
[01:47.13]But I could see into the souls of McBeth's soldiers and knew they had no stomach for a fight.
[01:56.63]McBeth, however, was like a blinkered horse.
[02:01.58]In his eyes, Duncinane was secure.
[02:08.45]Let them lay siege, he laughed.
[02:12.74]They'll starve before they enter these gates.
[02:19.43]McBeth's band of followers laughed as well.
[02:25.85]Of course, continued McBeth, I would rather we took them on hand-to-hand, if they weren't stuffed full of our own men, forced to fight with that puny prince.
[02:39.04]There was a chorus of agreement, but then from inside, a terrible scream followed by an awful sound of wailing.
[02:52.69]What's that vile noise? asked McBeth.
[02:58.67]My good Lord, replied Seton, it sounds like crying women.
[03:06.78]Seton hurried inside.
[03:09.95]McBeth stayed rooted to the spot, a curious expression on his face.
[03:17.04]He had forgotten what it was like to feel fear or any other emotion.
[03:23.78]Now a human cry seemed strange and alien from a land where McBeth no longer lived.
[03:32.08]Well, he asked as Seton returned, what's up?
[03:39.22]The queen, my Lord, blurted Seton.
[03:42.68]Yes?
[03:46.77]She is dead, my Lord.
[03:54.58]McBeth gave a tired sigh.
[04:00.75]It's the wrong time to die, he muttered.
[04:04.82]The wrong time altogether.
[04:11.09]Still, what does it matter?
[04:15.89]What does anything matter?
[04:20.74]Life's a joke.
[04:26.70]We puff and pant and fret and fight, and then, what?
[04:35.32]Where does it lead us all?
[04:39.67]To dust.
[04:46.49]As McBeth spoke, so the grey blanket of sky seemed to lower as if to smother Duncinane.
[04:56.79]A messenger arrived, riding hectically into the castle grounds.
[05:03.87]He lept from his horse and raced to McBeth.
[05:07.67]Panic was written all over his face.
[05:13.35]My Lord, he spluttered, I hardly know how to say this.
[05:20.13]You've got a tongue, haven't you? snapped McBeth.
[05:24.68]Sir, the messenger went on, as I was standing watch, I looked up at Birnam Wood, and it began to move.
[05:38.57]Liar and slave! cried McBeth, raising his arm.
[05:43.54]The messenger cowered.
[05:45.64]I swear to God! he cried. It's coming this way.
[05:53.36]If you are lying, warned McBeth, you will hang from the nearest tree until you rot.
[06:02.36]And if not, God help us all.