Cipher Slides The Bard's Cipher
Decoding the Language of Macbeth
The Problem
"Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and caldron bubble."
Shakespeare's language can feel like a secret code. But once you know the cipher, the meaning becomes clear.
Today's Mission
Compose a secret plan or a sharp insult using the vocabulary of the 1600s.
The Twist
Your classmates must decode your message using only their wits and their Lexicon.
Part 1: The Pronouns
Thou
Subject (You)
Thee
Object (You)
Thy/Thine
Possessive (Your)
Cheat Sheet
Thou art a villain.
I shall strike thee.
Wash thy filthy hands.
The choice is thine.
Part 2: Verb Endings
-est
Use with Thou
"Thou knowest my heart."
-eth
Use with He, She, It
"The lady protesteth too much."
Special Cases:
Are Art
Does Doth
Has Hath
Will Shalt / Wilt
The Mission
1
Draft
Write a message (Insult or Secret Plan) in plain English. Then, rewrite it in your own modern slang.
2
Encode
Use the Bard's Lexicon to translate your message into Shakespearean English.
3
Swap
Give your "Shakespearean" version to a partner. They must decode it back into plain English.
Lexicon Large Print Part 1 Reference Bard Lexicon
Large Print: Part 1 (A–M)
Abate to shorten or lessen
Abhor to hate strongly
Alack expression of sorrow
Anon soon / right away
Art are
Aye yes
Bawd a dirty person
Befall to happen to
Begone go away!
Part 1 Reference Page 1 of 10
Bard Lexicon: Part 1 (Continued)
Belike probably / maybe
Beseech to beg
Betimes early / soon
Beware be careful of
Bootless useless
Brave handsome or fine
Chamber bedroom
Chide to scold
Churl a rude person
Part 1 Reference Page 2 of 10
Bard Lexicon: Part 1 (Continued)
Coil trouble or fuss
Cousin (Coz) close friend
Cuckold a betrayed man
Cur a dog / mean man
Dastard a coward
Dispatch to kill or send
Doth does
Draw pull sword
E'en even
Part 1 Reference Page 3 of 10
Bard Lexicon: Part 1 (Continued)
E'er ever
Enmity hatred
Ere before
Eyne eyes
Fain gladly
Fair beautiful
Farewell goodbye
Fie shame!
Foe enemy
Part 1 Reference Page 4 of 10
Bard Lexicon: Part 1 (Continued)
Fond foolish
Forsooth truly
Forswear to lie
Fraught filled with
Gillyvors flowers
Gird to prepare
God-den good evening
Good-morrow good morning
Guile trickery
Part 1 Reference Page 5 of 10
Bard Lexicon: Part 1 (Continued)
Halt stop
Haply perhaps
Hark listen!
Haste hurry
Hath has
Hence away
Hie go quickly
Hither here
Hodge-podge a mess
Part 1 Reference Page 6 of 10
Bard Lexicon: Part 1 (Continued)
Honest true
Howbeit however
Humor mood
Ilk kind
Iwis certainly
Jape a joke
Knave dishonest man
Lady noble woman
Lass girl
Part 1 Reference Page 7 of 10
Bard Lexicon: Part 1 (Continued)
Lief happily
Light wait / land
Like likely
List listen
Look watch
Lord noble man
Lowly humble
Lurk hide
Madam lady
Part 1 Reference Page 8 of 10
Bard Lexicon: Part 1 (Continued)
Maid servant girl
Mark pay attention
Marry indeed
Mean to intend
Meet proper
Mere total
Minion servant
Moe more
Morrow morning
Part 1 Reference Page 9 of 10
Bard Lexicon: Part 1 (Continued)
Motley clownish
Part 1 Reference Page 10 of 10
Bard Lexicon Part 1 The Bard's Lexicon
Part I: A Reference Guide for Modern Enciphering (A–L)
Document: B-01
Abate to shorten or lessen
Abhor to hate strongly
Alack expression of sorrow
Anon soon / right away
Art are
Aye yes
Bawd a dirty person
Befall to happen to
Begone go away!
Belike probably / maybe
Beseech to beg
Betimes early / soon
Beware be careful of
Bootless useless
Brave handsome or fine
Chamber bedroom
Chide to scold
Churl a rude person
Coil trouble or fuss
Cousin (Coz) close friend
Cuckold a betrayed man
Cur a dog / mean man
Dastard a coward
Dispatch to kill or send
Doth does
Draw pull sword
E'en even
E'er ever
Enmity hatred
Ere before
Eyne eyes
Fain gladly
Fair beautiful
Farewell goodbye
Fie shame!
Foe enemy
Fond foolish
Forsooth truly
Forswear to lie
Fraught filled with
Gillyvors flowers
Gird to prepare
God-den good evening
Good-morrow good morning
Guile trickery
Halt stop
Haply perhaps
Hark listen!
Haste hurry
Hath has
Hence away
Hie go quickly
Hither here
Hodge-podge a mess
Honest true
Howbeit however
Humor mood
Ilk kind
Iwis certainly
Jape a joke
Knave dishonest man
Lady noble woman
Lass girl
Lief happily
Light wait / land
Like likely
List listen
Look watch
Lord noble man
Lowly humble
Lurk hide
Madam lady
Maid servant girl
Mark pay attention
Marry indeed
Mean to intend
Meet proper
Mere total
Minion servant
Lexicon Large Print Part 2 Reference Bard Lexicon
Large Print: Part 2 (N–Z)
Nay no
Ne'er never
Nice fastidious / picky
Nonpareil unique / best
O'er over
Oft often
Ope open
Out! begone!
Owe to own
Part 2 Reference Page 1 of 10
Bard Lexicon: Part 2 (Continued)
Pate head / skull
Peradventure perhaps
Perchance by luck
Perdition hell / destruction
Plight situation
Prithee please
Quaff to drink deeply
Quaint clever / skilled
Quean rude woman
Part 2 Reference Page 2 of 10
Bard Lexicon: Part 2 (Continued)
Quest a search
Quit to pay back
Quoth said
Ravined hungry / ravenous
Reckon to calculate
Render to give
Repair to go to
Retire to leave
Ruffian violent man
Part 2 Reference Page 3 of 10
Bard Lexicon: Part 2 (Continued)
Sack wine
Sad serious
Saucy disrespectful
Scullion kitchen servant
Scurvy gross / mean
Seely innocent / happy
Sennet trumpet call
Several separate
Sherris sherry / wine
Part 2 Reference Page 4 of 10
Bard Lexicon: Part 2 (Continued)
Shoon shoes
Shrewd mischievous
Shrive to confess
Sirrah low rank man
Sith since
Slops loose pants
Sooth truth
Sort to choose
Speed to help / prosper
Part 2 Reference Page 5 of 10
Bard Lexicon: Part 2 (Continued)
Spleen anger / mood
Sprite a spirit
Stark completely
Stay to wait
Stead to assist
Straight immediately
Subtle sneaky
Suit a request
Sullied dirty / stained
Part 2 Reference Page 6 of 10
Bard Lexicon: Part 2 (Continued)
Surcease the end
Surly arrogant
Swaddle to wrap
Swagger to brag
Swashing violent
Sway control
Swoon to faint
Bard Lexicon Part 2 The Bard's Lexicon
Part II: A Reference Guide for Modern Enciphering (N–Z)
Document: B-02
Nay no
Ne'er never
Nice fastidious / picky
Nonpareil unique / best
O'er over
Oft often
Ope open
Out! begone!
Owe to own
Pate head / skull
Peradventure perhaps
Perchance by luck
Perdition hell / destruction
Plight situation
Prithee please
Quaff to drink deeply
Quaint clever / skilled
Quean rude woman
Quest a search
Quit to pay back
Quoth said
Ravined hungry / ravenous
Reckon to calculate
Render to give
Repair to go to
Retire to leave
Ruffian violent man
Sack wine
Sad serious
Saucy disrespectful
Scullion kitchen servant
Scurvy gross / mean
Seely innocent / happy
Sennet trumpet call
Several separate
Sherris sherry / wine
Shoon shoes
Shrewd mischievous
Shrive to confess
Sirrah low rank man
Sith since
Slops loose pants
Sooth truth
Sort to choose
Speed to help / prosper
Spleen anger / mood
Sprite a spirit
Stark completely
Stay to wait
Stead to assist
Straight immediately
Subtle sneaky
Suit a request
Sullied dirty / stained
Surcease the end
Surly arrogant
Swaddle to wrap
Swagger to brag
Swashing violent
Sway control
Swoon to faint
Tarry to wait
Thee you (object)
Thine yours
Thou you (subject)
Thy your
Tidings news
Tush! nonsense!
Verily truly
Vile disgusting
Visor mask
Warrant to promise
Welkin the sky
Wench peasant girl
Wherefore why?
Whither to where?
Woe sadness
Cipher Scroll Worksheet The Cipher Scroll
Mission: Encode a message using the language of the Bard.
Operation: Macbeth
Agent Name
Date
1
The Modern Draft
Write your plan or insult in plain, everyday English. Keep it to 1-3 sentences.
2
The Slang Translation
How would you say this in current slang? (e.g., "no cap," "bet," "rent free")
3
The Bard's Cipher (Encoding)
Use the "Bard's Lexicon" and pronoun/verb rules to translate your message into Shakespearean English.
Swap scrolls with a partner now
4
Agent Decoding
Partner's Name:
Translate the Shakespearean message above back into plain English. What are they trying to say?
Verified by the Thane of Glamis
Cipher Facilitation Guide Cipher Facilitation Guide
Teaching the Language of the Bard through Intrigue
Teacher Resource
Time Required
45–60 Minutes
Focus Skills
Context Clues, Morphology
Materials
Lexicon Parts 1 & 2, Scroll
Lesson Objectives
Students will identify and apply Elizabethan pronouns (thou/thee/thy) and verb suffixes (-est/-eth).
Students will use a visual lexicon to translate modern concepts into early modern English.
Students will practice decoding unfamiliar syntax using context and reference tools.
Facilitation Steps
1
The Hook (10 mins)
Use the Cipher Slides to introduce the concept of "encoding." Explain that while Shakespeare feels foreign, it follows specific rules. Contrast "slang" (their current code) with "Shakespearean" (the 1600s code).
2
Drafting & Encoding (20 mins)
Distribute the Bard's Lexicon and the Cipher Scroll . Students must write their message first in plain English. Encourage them to be dramatic (insults or "Macbeth-style" plots). They then translate into slang to bridge the gap before the final encoding.
3
The Swap (15 mins)
Have students swap scrolls. Remind decoders to look at the Lexicon for vocabulary and use the suffix rules (-est/-eth) to find the "modern" verbs.
Common Pitfalls
Verb Endings: Remind students that "-est" is for "You/Thou" and "-eth" is for "He/She/It." A common error is using "-eth" for everything.
Word Order: Students often try to keep modern SVO (Subject-Verb-Object) order. Encourage them to move verbs around to sound more "theatrical."
Insult Tone: Remind students that insults should be directed at fictional characters or inanimate objects, not peers.
Examples for Modeling
"You are a coward who talks too much."
"Wait, the King is coming here soon."
High School Cipher Strips Intelligence Briefing: The Bard's Cipher
Protocol: Macbeth // Encoding Exercise [A]
REF: HS-MAC-01-A
Name:
Date:
01. Modern English Draft
02. Slang Translation
03. Shakespearean Encoding
04. Peer Decoding Process DECODER AGENT: ________________________________
CUT HERE TO SEPARATE STRIPS
Intelligence Briefing: The Bard's Cipher
Protocol: Macbeth // Encoding Exercise [B]
REF: HS-MAC-01-B
Name:
Date:
01. Modern English Draft
02. Slang Translation
03. Shakespearean Encoding
04. Peer Decoding Process DECODER AGENT: ________________________________ Macbeth Decoded Game Slides The Grand Challenge
Macbeth Decoded
Acts 1-3 Game Show
The Rules of Engagement
1
Decode: A quote from Macbeth will appear. Use your Bard's Lexicon to translate the bolded words.
2
Hypothesize: Choose the correct modern translation from the multiple choices.
3
Justify: You MUST explain to your partner why you chose your answer based on the word bank.
4
Record: Mark your final answer on your Game Tracker.
Round I
The Prophecy
Lady Macbeth (Act 1, Scene 5)
"Glamis thou art, and Cawdor; and shalt be what thou art promised."
Round 1: Which translation is correct?
A
You were Glamis, and now Cawdor; and were what you were promised.
B
You are Glamis and Cawdor, and you will be what you are promised.
C
He is Glamis and Cawdor, and will stay what he was promised.
The Answer is...
B
"Thou art" = You are | "Shalt" = Will
Round II
The Dagger
Macbeth (Act 2, Scene 1)
"Is this a dagger which I see before me, the handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee."
Round 2: What is Macbeth doing?
A
Asking the dagger to stay away from him.
B
Asking someone else to take the dagger for him.
C
Reaching out to grab the dagger (you).
The Answer is...
C
"Thee" = You (Object). He is talking directly to the dagger.
Round III
The Banquo Ghost
Macbeth (Act 3, Scene 4)
"Begone! and quit my sight! let the earth hide thee."
Round 3: What is Macbeth's command?
A
"Hurry up! Stay where I can see you! Let the earth find you."
B
"Go away! Leave my sight! Let the earth bury you."
C
"Quiet! Wait here! Let the earth hold you."
The Answer is...
B
"Begone" = Go away | "Quit" = To leave (in this context)
Round IV
The Vanished
Banquo (Act 1, Scene 3)
Game Note Scroll Worksheet Master Cipher Scroll
Intelligence Gathering (Part I) // Field Encoding (Part II)
Protocol: HS-MAC-02
Name: _____________________________________
Date: ________________________
I
Game Tracker: Macbeth Decoded
Round 1
A
B
C
Round 2
A
B
C
Round 3
A
B
C
Round 4
A
B
C
Round 5
A
B
C
Round 6
A
B
C
II
Field Op: The Cipher Scroll
1. English Draft
2. Slang Version
3. Shakespearean Encoding
Swap scrolls with a partner now
4. Agent Decoding Decoder: ________________
Master Briefing // Acts 1-3 // Protocol Verified
Macbeth Decoded Game Slides V2 The Grand Challenge
Macbeth Decoded
Acts 1-3 Game Show
The Rules of Engagement
1
Use your Bard's Lexicon to decode the highlighted words.
2
Select the most accurate modern translation of the entire quote.
3
Justify your hypothesis to your partner using Lexicon evidence.
4
Record your choice on the Master Cipher Scroll.
Round I
The Prophecy
Lady Macbeth (Act 1)
"Glamis thou art, and Cawdor; and shalt be what thou art promised."
A
You were Glamis and Cawdor, and you were what you were promised.
B
You are Glamis and Cawdor, and you will be what you are promised.
C
He is Glamis and Cawdor, and he will stay what he was promised.
Correct Translation
B
"Thou art" = You are | "Shalt" = Will
Round II
The Dagger
Macbeth (Act 2)
"Is this a dagger which I see before me, the handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee."
A
Is that a knife in front of me? Let me go and grab it.
B
Is this a dagger I see? Come here and let me hold you.
C
Is there a weapon over there? I should try to catch him.
Correct Translation
B
"Thee" = You. Macbeth is personifying the dagger.
Round III
The Ghost
Macbeth (Act 3)
"Begone! and quit my sight! let the earth hide thee."
A
Stop it! Stay right here! Let the ground protect you.
B
Get out! Leave my presence! Let the ground bury you.
C
Be careful! Hide from me! Let the ground save him.
Correct Translation
B
"Begone" = Go away | "Quit" = Leave | "Thee" = You
Round IV
The Challenge
Lady Macbeth (Act 1)
"Wouldst thou have that which thou esteem'st the ornament of life, and live a coward in thine own esteem?"
A
Do you want what you value most in life, but live as a coward in your own eyes?
B
Should you take the crown you hate, and live like a hero in your own opinion?
Game Note Scroll Worksheet V2 Master Cipher Scroll
Intelligence Gathering (Part I) // Drafting & Encoding (Part II)
Protocol: HS-MAC-02 (P1)
Agent Name: _____________________________________
Date: ________________________
I
Game Tracker: Macbeth Decoded
Round 1
A
B
C
Round 2
A
B
C
Round 3
A
B
C
Round 4
A
B
C
Round 5
A
B
C
Round 6
A
B
C
II
Field Operation: Drafting & Encoding
1. English Draft
2. Slang Version
3. Shakespearean Encoding Draft
Experiment with vocabulary and verb endings here.
Private Intelligence // Act 1-3 // DO NOT SHARE PAGE 1
Master Cipher Scroll
Field Deployment (Part III) // Peer Decoding (Part IV)
Protocol: HS-MAC-02 (P2)
Originating Agent: _____________________________
Date: ________________________
III
Final Shakespearean Version
Copy your polished Shakespearean translation here. Your partner will see this.
Swap Scroll with Peer Agent
IV
Agent Decoding Intelligence
DECODER AGENT:
Translate the Shakespearean message above back into modern English.
Verification Briefing // Security Clearance Level 1
Cipher Mission Implementation Guide Operation: The Bard's Cipher
Teacher Implementation Dossier
Top Secret
Ref: 30-MIN-MACBETH-OPS
Time Frame
30 Minutes (Rapid Ops)
Primary Objective
Shakespearean Decoding
Target Audience
Macbeth (Acts 1-3)
Essential Mission Assets
Game Slides V2: 6 rounds of Macbeth quote interpretation.
Master Scroll V2: Two-page tracker and swap sheet.
Bard Lexicon: Parts 1 & 2 (A–Z word bank).
Cipher Slides: Briefing for the encoding task.
30-Minute Deployment Timeline
00-15
Part I: Intelligence Gathering
Slides: Macbeth Decoded V2 // Worksheet: Page 1, Sec I
Run 6 rounds of the decoding game. Each round: Quote > MCQ > Partner Justification > Answer Reveal .
Enforce the "Justification" phase—students must point to the word in the Lexicon.
15-22
Part II: Briefing & Drafting
Slides: Cipher Slides // Worksheet: Page 1, Sec II
Instruct students to draft a secret plan or general insult on Page 1, Section II .
Crucial: Ensure students do not share Page 1 with their eventual partners.
22-30
Part III: Field Deployment
Worksheet: Page 2, Sections III & IV
Polishing: Students write final version on Page 2, Sec III.The Swap: Students swap ONLY Page 2 with a partner.Decoding: Partners use the Lexicon to decode the message in Sec IV.
Operational Security
Enforce Secrecy: The activity relies on the decoder not knowing the modern English original. Monitor to ensure Page 1 stays hidden during the swap.
Insult Protocol: Remind students that insults must be theatrical and general (targeting "fools" or "villains") rather than specific classmates.
Setup Tip
Print Master Scroll V2 as two separate pages. This allows students to physically pass Page 2 (the transmission) to a partner while keeping Page 1 (their secure notes and drafts) at their desk.
Master Cipher Scroll Accessible V2 Master Cipher Scroll
Accessible Large Print (20pt)
Protocol: HS-MAC-ACC-01
Name: ____________________________
Date: _____________________________
Round 1
A
B
C
Evidence:
Round 2
A
B
C
Evidence:
Round 3
A
B
C
Evidence:
Round 4
A
B
C
Evidence:
Round 5
A
B
C
Evidence:
Round 6
A
B
C
Evidence:
Part II: Field Operation
Intelligence Gathering and Preliminary Drafting Phase.
Field Ops
Drafting Phase
1. English Draft
Compose your secret plan or general insult in plain English below.
2. Slang Version
Translate the draft into modern slang.
3. Shakespearean Draft
Experiment with the Lexicon here.
Master Cipher Scroll
Part III: Deployment (The Swap)
Origin Agent: ____________________
Final Cipher
Copy your polished Shakespearean translation below:
Swap this sheet
Part IV: Decoding intelligence
Decoder Agent: ____________________
The Deciphered Message
Translate the partner's message below:
Mission Verified Archive
Master Cipher Scroll Accessible V3 Handout Master Cipher Scroll
Accessible Large Print (20pt) // P1
Name: ____________________________
I. Game Tracker
R1
A
B
C
R4
A
B
C
R2
A
B
C
R5
A
B
C
R3
A
B
C
R6
A
B
C
Secret Tracker // Keep Private
II. Field Operation
Drafting Phase (P2)
1. English Draft
Draft message below:
2. Slang Version
Translate into slang:
3. Shakespearean Draft
Experiment here:
Master Cipher Scroll
Deployment (Swap Sheet P3)
III Final Cipher
Copy for partner:
Swap sheet with partner
IV Decoding
Decoder: ____________________
Protocol HS-MAC-ACC-V3-Handout
Bilingual Bard Lexicon Part 1 The Bard's Lexicon
Edición Bilingüe (Part I: A–M)
REF: B-01-ES
Abate shorten / lessen acortar
Haply perhaps tal vez
Abhor hate strongly detestar
Hark listen! ¡escucha!
Alack sorrow pesar
Haste hurry prisa
Anon soon pronto
Hath has tiene
Art are eres / sois
Hence away lejos
Aye yes sí
Hie go quickly apresurarse
Bawd dirty person rufián
Hither here aquí
Befall happen suceder
Honest true sincero
Begone go away! ¡vete!
Iwis certainly ciertamente
Belike maybe tal vez
Knave rascal bribón
Beseech to beg suplicar
Lady noble woman dama
Beware careful cuidado
Lass girl muchacha
Bootless useless inútil
Lief happily con gusto
Brave handsome apuesto
List listen escuchar
Chamber bedroom alcoba
Lord noble man señor
Chide scold regañar
Maid servant girl doncella
Churl rude person patán
Mark pay attention fijarse
Coil trouble lío
Marry indeed en verdad
Cousin friend amigo
Mean intend pretender
Cur mean man ruin
Meet proper apropiado
Dastard coward cobarde
Mere total puro
Dispatch kill / send matar
Minion servant secuaz
Doth does hace
Morrow morning mañana
Draw pull sword sacar espada
Nay no no
Enmity hatred odio
Ne'er never nunca
Ere before antes
Oft often a menudo
Eyne eyes ojos
Ope open abrir
Edición Bilingüe — Página 1 de 2
Bilingual Bard Lexicon Part 2 The Bard's Lexicon
Edición Bilingüe (Part II: N–Z)
REF: B-02-ES
Nay no no
Speed prosper prosperar
Ne'er never nunca
Spleen anger mal genio
Nonpareil unique sin igual
Sprite spirit espíritu
O'er over sobre
Stark completely totalmente
Oft often a menudo
Stay wait esperar
Ope open abrir
Stead assist ayudar
Out! begone! ¡fuera!
Straight immediately ahora
Owe to own poseer
Subtle sneaky astuto
Pate head cabeza
Suit request petición
Perchance by luck tal vez
Sullied dirty sucio
Plight trouble apuro
Surly arrogant grosero
Prithee please por favor
Tarry wait esperar
Quaff drink beber
Thee you (obj) te / ti
Quean rude woman grosera
Thine yours tuyo
Quit leave irse
Thou you (sub) tú
Quoth said dijo
Thy your tu
Repair go to dirigirse
Verily truly en verdad
Retire leave retirarse
Vile bad vil
Ruffian bully rufíán
Warrant promise prometer
Sack wine vino
Welkin sky firmamento
Sad serious serio
Wench girl muchacha
Saucy rude descarado
Wherefore why? ¿por qué?
Scurvy gross vil
Whither where? ¿a dónde?
Sirrah servant sirviente
Woe sadness desdicha
Sith since puesto que
Wot know saber
Sooth truth verdad
Wretch unlucky infeliz
Sort choose elegir
Zany a fool payaso
Edición Bilingüe — Página 2 de 2
