A young officer came into the campaign room where Macbeth was pacing among his closest advisers. ‘Don’t bring me any more reports!’ said Macbeth. ‘I don’t care if every single one of them deserts me: nothing will bother me until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane.’ He laughed and some of those present joined him.

‘What danger is the boy Malcolm? Wasn’t he born of woman? The spirits that know everything that’s going to happen to human beings told me: ‘Don’t be afraid, Macbeth: no man that’s born of woman will ever have power over you. That’s what they said.’ He went to the window and leant out. ‘Then fly, treacherous thanes!’ he shouted to the open countryside. ‘And join the English weaklings!’ He turned back to his silent officers. ‘My strength of mind and courage will never collapse with doubt or shake with fear,’ he told them.

A servant came in and stood looking as though he hoped he wouldn’t be noticed. ‘The Devil damn you black you cream-faced loon!’ screamed Macbeth. ‘Where did you get that goose-look?’