To The World, I Say This...

Macbeth on Trial

Bailiff: “All rise.”

Judge enters and is seated.

Bailiff:  “Department One of the Heaven’s Court is now in session. Judge God presiding. Please be seated.”

Judge: “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Calling the case of the people of the State of Scotland versus Macbeth. Please read the charges.”

Bailiff: “This is the trial to decide the eternal fate of the defendant, Macbeth, former Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and King of Scotland. The counts against him are one count of first degree murder for the murder of former King Duncan of Scotland, one count of manslaughter of former Lady Macbeth of Inverness, five counts of aiding and abetting for the deaths of former Banquo, former Lady Macduff of Fife and the former children of Macduff of Fife, one count of conspiracy to murder for the attempted murder of Fleance late Banquo’s son, and three counts of second degree murder for the murder of young Siward of Scandinavia and King Duncan’s personal Guards.”

Judge: “Are both sides ready?”

Prosecution: “The prosecution is ready Your Honour.”

Defense: “Ready for the devil Your Honour.”

Prosecution turns to jury.

Prosecution: “Good morning saints and sinners. I am Lidia, arch-she-demon first class, representing the People of Hell in this case.”

Defense turns to jury.

Defense: “Good morning saints and sinners. I am Katrina, principality angel first class, representing the defendant Macbeth in this case.”

Judge: “The prosecution may call it’s first witness.”

Prosecution: “ We call Duncan.”

Duncan comes to the stand.

Bailiff (to Duncan): “Raise your right hand. Do you promise that the testimony you shall give in the case before this court shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?”

Duncan: “I do.”

Duncan is seated to the Judge’s right. Prosecutor stands.

Prosecutor: “Please state your name for the court.”

Duncan: “ Duncan, former King of Scotland.”

Prosecutor: “Please tell the court, in your own words, what happened the night you were killed.”

Duncan: “I had just learned that day that Macbeth had won the battle against the Norwegians. I had given him the title Thane of Cawdor. That afternoon I had given the right of succession to the throne to Malcom, my oldest son. I went to Inverness to celebrate with my sons and Macbeth and his house.”

Prosecutor: “When did Macbeth kill you?”

Defense: “Objection! There is no sufficient evidence to say that the defendant murdered the witness.”

Prosecutor: “There is Your Honour. Presenting Hell’s evidence No. 1:” (picks up bloody dagger) “this dagger has been tested; the blood is Duncan’s, and the fingerprints found on the hilt are the defendant’s.”

Judge: “Objection is overruled. Witness may answer the question.”

Duncan: “He killed me in my sleep, after the celebration.”

Prosecutor: “Thank you. No further questions Your Honour.”

Prosecutor sits. Defence stands.

Defence: “Would you say that Macbeth was a good man?”

Prosecutor: “Objection! Relevance?”