Malcolm and the Scottish thanes along with Siward and his son approach Birnam wood with their large army. Malcolm orders the men to each cut a bough from the forest trees and use it to disguise themselves so that Macbeth will not see them coming.
The lords have learned from reports that Macbeth remains at Dunsinane and that his troops have dwindled because many of the men have revolted. The only men left to fight for Macbeth are men who had no other choice, and are therefore not so strong of heart as the men who fight for Malcolm because they want to. Malcolm and the lords are optimistic that Macbeth will be defeated, but they want to hold off on boasts until the battle has been won for certain.
