Scene 5. Outside Dunsinane.

Enter MACBETH and LADY MACBETH, on horses.

Macbeth. You will be better soon, my wife. We will purge the mental sickness that has enveloped you. I am sure of it.

Lady Macbeth. I have no doubt, though I worry what will become of the kingdom while we are gone.

Macbeth. As long as you live, it matters not to me.

Enter MACDUFF.

Macduff. Turn around, you dog from hell, turn around!

Macbeth. Go, my love, escape! I will keep Macduff back.

Exit LADY MACBETH.

Macbeth. You are the only man I have avoided. But go away now. I'm already guilty of killing your whole family.

Macduff. I have nothing to say to you. My sword will talk for me. You are too evil for words!

They fight.

Macbeth. You're wasting your time trying to wound me. You might as well try to stab the air with your sword. Go fight someone who can be harmed. I lead a charmed life, which can't be ended by anyone born from a woman.

Macduff. You can forget about your charm. The evil spirit you serve can tell you that I was not born. They cut me out of my mother's womb before she could bear me naturally.

Macbeth. Curse you for telling me this. You've frightened away my courage. I don't believe those evil creatures anymore. They tricked me with their word games, raising my hopes and then destroying them. I won't fight you.

Macduff. Then surrender, coward, and we'll put you in a freak show, just like they do with deformed animals. We'll put a picture of you on a sign, right above the words "Come see the tyrant!"

Macbeth. I'm not going to surrender and have to kiss the ground in front of Malcolm, or be taunted by the common people. Even though Birnam Wood really did come to Dunsinane, and I'm fighting a man not of woman born, I'll fight to the end. I'll put up my shield and battle you. Come on, let's go at it, Macduff, and damn the first man who cries, 'Stop! Enough!'

Exeunt, fighting. MACBETH is slain.