Act 3 scene 1
BANQUO
Now you have it all: you’re the king, the thane of Cawdor, and the thane of Glamis, just like the weird women promised you. And I suspect you cheated to gain these titles. But it was also said that the crown would not go to your descendants, and that my sons and grandsons would be kings instead. If the witches had told the truth—which they did about you—maybe what they said about me will come true too. But shhh! I’ll talk less now.
MACBETH
(indicating BANQUO) Here’s our most important guest.
LADY MACBETH
If we forgot about him, our big celebration wouldn’t be complete, and that would not be good.
MACBETH
(to BANQUO) Tonight we’re having a ceremonial banquet, and I want you to be there.
BANQUO
It is always my duty to do, what your highness commands me to.
MACBETH
Are you riding this afternoon?
BANQUO
Yes, my good lord.
MACBETHWe wanted to hear your good advice, which has always been serious and helpful, at the council today, but we’ll wait until tomorrow. Are you riding far?
BANQUO
a ride from now till dinner. Unless my horse goes faster than expected, I will be back an hour or two after sunset.
MACBETH
Don’t be late for our feast.
BANQUO
My lord, I won’t miss it.
MACBETH
We hear that the princes, those murderers, are hiding in England and Ireland. They have not confessed to cruelly murdering their own father, and they have been coming up with strange lies to tell their hosts. But we can talk more about that tomorrow, when we’ll discuss matters that concern us both. Hurry up and get to your horse.See you at the feast. Will Fleance be coming with you?
BANQUO
Yes, my good lord. It’s time for us to go now.
MACBETH
I wish you a swift and careful journey, with that, please proceed on. Farewell.
BANQUO exits.
MACBETH
Everybody may do as they please until seven o'clock tonight. In order to make your company even more enjoyable, I’m going to keep to myself until suppertime. Until then,...