The Tragedy of Macbeth — Act 5, Scene 4: Country near Birnam wood.

Malcolm leads Siward, Young Siward, Macduff, and the Scottish nobles and soldiers as they march toward Dunsinane. Near Birnam Wood, Malcolm orders each soldier to cut a branch and carry it in front of him so the army’s size will be hidden. Siward says Macbeth is still shut up in the castle and willing to face the siege. Malcolm observes that Macbeth now has only reluctant followers left, while Macduff urges everyone to judge the outcome by action rather than talk. Siward agrees that the coming battle will decide everything, and the army moves forward in disciplined formation.