ROSS and an OLD MAN enter.
OLD MAN
I can remember the past seventy years pretty well, and in all that time I have seen dreadful hours and strange things. But last night's horrors make everything that came before seem like a joke.
ROSS
Ah yes, old man. You can see the skies. They look like they're upset about what mankind has been doing, and they're threatening the Earth with storms. The clock says it's daytime, but dark night is strangling the sun. Is it because night is so strong, or because day is so weak, that darkness covers the earth when it's supposed to be light?
OLD MAN
It's unnatural, just like the murder that has been committed. Last Tuesday a falcon was circling high in the sky, and it was caught and killed by an ordinary owl that usually goes after mice.
ROSS
And something else strange happened. Duncan's horses, which are beautiful and swift and the best of their breed, suddenly turned wild and broke out of their stalls. Refusing to be obedient as usual, they acted like they were at war with mankind.
OLD MAN
They say the horses ate each other.
ROSS
I saw it with my own eyes. It was an amazing sight. Here comes the good Macduff.
MACDUFF enters
How are things going now?
MACDUFF
Can't you see for yourself?
ROSS
Does anyone know who committed this horrible crime?
MACDUFF
The servants Macbeth killed.
ROSS
It's too bad he killed them. What good would it have done those men to kill Duncan?
MACDUFF
They were paid to betray their master. Malcolm and Donalbain, the king's two sons, have run away and fled, which makes them the prime suspects.
ROSS
Everything about this is unnatural! What a stupid ambition, causing a son to kill the father who supports him. Then it looks like Macbeth will become king.
MACDUFF
He has already been named king and has left for Scone to be crowned.
ROSS
Where is Duncan's body?
MACDUFF
It was carried to Colmekill to be placed in the tomb of his ancestors, where their bones are kept safe.
ROSS
Are you going to Scone?
MACDUFF
No, cousin, I'm going to Fife.
ROSS
Well, I'll go to Scone.
MACDUFF
I hope things go well there. Good-bye! And let's hope things don't get worse.
ROSS
Farewell, old man.
OLD MAN
May God's blessing go with you and with all who turn bad into good, and enemies into friends!
They all exit.