【Macbeth】 Act 1, Scene 3

2024年7月22日

Thunder. Enter the three Witches.

First Witch:
Where hast (have) thou (you) been, sister?

Where have you been, sister?

This line is a simple introduction but sets the stage for the witches’ reunion, indicating that they have been up to individual mischief and are now coming together to influence Macbeth’s fate. Their casual greeting belies the ominous nature of their meeting.

Second Witch:
Killing swine.

Killing pigs.

The second witch’s response emphasizes their malevolence and engagement in dark, harmful activities. This casual mention of killing adds to their sinister character and foreshadows the harm they will bring to Macbeth and others.

Third Witch:
Sister, where thou (you)?

And you, sister, where have you been?

First Witch:
A sailor’s wife had chestnuts in her lap,
And munch’d, and munch’d, and munch’d:—
‘Give me,’ quoth (said) I:
‘Aroint (begone) thee (you), witch!’ the rump-fed ronyon (fat woman) cries.
Her husband’s to Aleppo gone, master o’ the Tiger:
But in a sieve (basket) I’ll thither (there) sail,
And, like a rat without a tail,
I’ll do, I’ll do, and I’ll do.

A sailor’s wife had chestnuts in her lap,
And munched, and munched, and munched:—
‘Give me some,’ I said:
‘Get away, witch!’ the fat woman cried.
Her husband’s gone to Aleppo, master of the Tiger ship:
But in a basket, I’ll sail there,
And, like a rat without a tail,
I’ll do, I’ll do, and I’ll do.

I saw a sailor’s wife with chestnuts in her lap, munching away. I asked her for some, and she shouted, ‘Get away, witch!’ Her husband’s off to Aleppo, captain of the Tiger ship. But I’ll sail there in a sieve and, like a tailless rat, I’ll get my revenge.

This passage demonstrates the witches’ vindictiveness and power. The first witch’s story of revenge for a minor slight shows their pettiness and capability for harm. The mention of sailing in a sieve and turning into a rat highlights their supernatural abilities and malevolent intentions.

Second Witch:
I’ll give thee (you) a wind.

I’ll give you a wind for your journey.

The second witch’s offer to control the wind emphasizes their command over nature and their willingness to assist in causing trouble. It underscores their collaborative and supportive relationship in their malevolent endeavors.

First Witch:
Thou’rt (you are) kind.

You’re kind.

This brief exchange shows the camaraderie among the witches, despite their wickedness. It adds a layer of complexity to their characters, showing that they can be supportive and cooperative, albeit in the pursuit of evil.

Third Witch:
And I another.

And I’ll give you another wind.

The third witch’s contribution further highlights their collective power and shared purpose. Their ability to control the winds foreshadows the chaos they will bring to Macbeth’s life.

First Witch:
I myself have all the other;
And the very ports they blow,
All the quarters that they know
I’ the shipman’s card.
I will drain him dry as hay:
Sleep shall neither night nor day
Hang upon his pent-house lid;
He shall live a man forbid:
Weary se’nnights nine times nine
Shall he dwindle, peak and pine:
Though his bark cannot be lost,
Yet it shall be tempest-tost.
Look what I have.

I have all the other winds;
And I control all the ports they blow to,
All the directions they know
On the sailor’s map.
I will drain him dry as hay:
He will not sleep day or night
With his eyelids heavy.
He shall live as a cursed man:
Weary for nine times nine weeks
He will dwindle, waste away, and suffer:
Though his ship can’t be lost,It will be storm-tossed.
Look what I have.

I control all the other winds and know every port they blow to. I’ll drain him dry as a bone. He won’t sleep day or night. He’ll live under a curse, exhausted for weeks and weeks. He’ll wither away. Even though his ship won’t sink, it’ll be tossed around by storms. Look what I have here.

The first witch’s detailed description of her powers and plans for the sailor reveals the extent of her malice and supernatural abilities. Her intention to torment the sailor without killing him shows a preference for prolonged suffering. This foreshadows the mental and emotional torment that Macbeth will later experience.

Second Witch:
Show me, show me.

Show me, show me.

The second witch’s eagerness to see what the first witch has indicates their shared interest in malicious activities. This moment builds anticipation for the audience, highlighting the witches’ curiosity and unity in their dark deeds.

First Witch:
Here I have a pilot’s thumb,
Wreck’d as homeward he did come.

Here I have a pilot’s thumb,
Wrecked as he was coming home.

Here, I’ve got a pilot’s thumb. He was wrecked while coming home.

The first witch’s possession of a pilot’s thumb, taken from a shipwrecked sailor, underscores the tangible and gruesome nature of their powers. It symbolizes their ability to control and destroy, adding to the ominous atmosphere and foreshadowing the fate of those who cross paths with them.

Drum within.

Third Witch:
A drum, a drum!
Macbeth doth (does) come.

A drum, a drum!
Macbeth is coming.

The sound of the drum announces Macbeth’s approach, signifying the moment when the witches’ prophecies will begin to influence his fate. This line heightens the anticipation and connects the supernatural with Macbeth’s imminent arrival.

ALL:
The weird sisters, hand in hand,
Posters of the sea and land,
Thus do go about, about:
Thrice to thine (your) and thrice to mine
And thrice again, to make up nine.
Peace! the charm’s wound up.

The weird sisters, hand in hand,
Travelers of the sea and land,
Thus go around, around:
Three times yours and three times mine
And three times again, to make nine.
Peace! The charm is ready.

The weird sisters, hand in hand, travelers of sea and land, circle around. Three times for you, three times for me, and three times again to make nine. Quiet! The charm is set.

The witches chant in unison, performing a ritual to solidify their spell. The repetition of threes is significant in witchcraft, symbolizing completeness and power. This scene underscores the witches’ unity and the magical forces at play, setting the stage for their encounter with Macbeth.

Enter MACBETH and BANQUO.

MACBETH:
So foul and fair a day I have not seen.

I’ve never seen a day so bad (killing / weather) and yet so good (victory).

Macbeth’s line echoes the witches’ earlier chant, “Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” This connection suggests that Macbeth is already under their influence and foreshadows the moral confusion and chaos that will define his journey.

BANQUO:
How far is’t (is it) call’d to Forres? What are these
So wither’d (withered) and so wild in their attire (clothes),
That look not like the inhabitants o’ the earth,
And yet are on’t? Live you? or are you aught (anything)
That man may question? You seem to understand me,
By each at once her choppy finger laying
Upon her skinny lips: you should be women,
And yet your beards forbid me to interpret
That you are so.

How far is it to Forres? What are these creatures,
So withered and wild in their clothes,
That look not like people of the earth,
And yet are here? Are you alive? Or are you something
That people can question? You seem to understand me,
Each of you putting a finger to your skinny lips:
You should be women,
But your beards prevent me from thinking
That you are.

How far is it to Forres? Who are these withered and wild-looking people in such strange clothes? They don’t look like they belong on this earth, yet here they are. Are you alive? Can we talk to you? You seem to understand me since you’re all putting your choppy fingers on your skinny lips. You should be women, but your beards make me question it.

Banquo’s curiosity and confusion highlight the witches’ eerie and unnatural appearance. His observations set up the uncanny nature of the witches and their ambiguous gender, enhancing the sense of unease and supernatural mystery.

MACBETH:
Speak, if you can: what are you?

Speak, if you can: what are you?

Macbeth’s direct question reflects his bold and inquisitive nature. It also shows his readiness to engage with the supernatural, foreshadowing his susceptibility to their influence and the prophecies they are about to deliver.

First Witch:
All hail, Macbeth! hail to thee (to cheer, salute, or greet; welcome), Thane of Glamis!

All hail, Macbeth! Hail to you, Thane of Glamis!

The first witch’s greeting acknowledges Macbeth’s current title, grounding the supernatural encounter in his real-world status. This sets up the prophecies that will lead Macbeth down a dark path

Second Witch:
All hail, Macbeth, hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor!

All hail, Macbeth! Hail to you, Thane of Cawdor!

The second witch’s prophecy, which Macbeth is not yet aware of, hints at his imminent rise in status. This foreknowledge creates dramatic irony and foreshadows the fulfillment of the witches’ predictions, further drawing Macbeth into their influence.

Third Witch:
All hail, Macbeth, that shalt (shall) be king hereafter!

All hail, Macbeth! You shall be king hereafter!

All hail, Macbeth! You will be king one day!

The third witch’s prophecy is the most significant, predicting Macbeth’s ascent to the throne. This moment plants the seed of ambition in Macbeth, setting the stage for his internal conflict and the moral decay that follows.

BANQUO:
Good sir, why do you start; and seem to fear
Things that do sound so fair? I’ the name of truth,
Are ye (you) fantastical (imaginary), or that indeed
Which outwardly ye show? My noble partner
You greet with present grace and great prediction
Of noble having and of royal hope,
That he seems rapt (amazed) withal (by it): to me you speak not.
If you can look into the seeds of time,
And say which grain will grow and which will not,
Speak then to me, who neither beg nor fear
Your favours nor your hate.

Good sir, why do you look startled and seem to fear
Things that sound so good? In the name of truth,
Are you real, or just imaginary
As you appear? My noble partner
You greet with present honors and great predictions
Of noble rank and royal hope,
That he seems amazed by it: you don’t speak to me.
If you can look into the seeds of time,
And say which grain will grow and which will not,
Then speak to me, who neither begs nor fears
Your favors nor your hate.

Good sir, why do you look startled and seem afraid of such good news? In the name of truth, are you real or just illusions? You greet my noble friend with current honor and predictions of greatness, and he’s entranced. But you haven’t spoken to me. If you can see the future and know which seeds will grow and which won’t, speak to me. I don’t beg for your favors or fear your hate.

Banquo’s reaction contrasts with Macbeth’s. He is curious and skeptical, not immediately swayed by the witches’ words. This sets up Banquo as a foil to Macbeth, highlighting Macbeth’s ambition and susceptibility to temptation. Banquo’s questions about the witches’ nature and his own future hint at the broader themes of fate and free will in the play.

First Witch:
Hail!
Second Witch:
Hail!
Third Witch:
Hail!

First Witch: Hail!
Second Witch: Hail!
Third Witch: Hail!

The witches’ repeated greetings emphasize their unity and the formality of their prophecies. The triple “hail” reinforces the significance of their predictions and the supernatural weight behind their words.

First Witch:
Lesser than Macbeth, and greater.
Second Witch:
Not so happy, yet much happier.
Third Witch:
Thou shalt (You shall) get kings, though thou be none (but you won’t be one).
So all hail, Macbeth and Banquo!
First Witch:
Banquo and Macbeth, all hail!

Lesser than Macbeth, and greater.
Not as happy, yet much happier.
You shall father kings, but you won’t be one.
So all hail, Macbeth and Banquo!
Banquo and Macbeth, all hail!

First Witch: You’ll be lesser than Macbeth, but greater.
Second Witch: Not as happy as Macbeth, but much happier.
Third Witch: Your descendants will be kings, even though you won’t be one.
So, all hail, Macbeth and Banquo!
First Witch: Banquo and Macbeth, all hail!

The witches’ paradoxical statements to Banquo highlight the complex nature of their prophecies. Banquo’s future is contrasted with Macbeth’s, suggesting that while Macbeth will achieve great power, Banquo’s legacy will be more enduring. This sets up the tension between Macbeth and Banquo and foreshadows the future conflict over the throne.

MACBETH:
Stay, you imperfect speakers, tell me more:
By Sinel’s death I know I am Thane of Glamis;
But how of Cawdor? the Thane of Cawdor lives,
A prosperous gentleman; and to be king
Stands not within the prospect of belief,
No more than to be Cawdor. Say from whence (where)
You owe this strange intelligence? or why upon this blasted heath (field)
You stop our way with such prophetic greeting?
Speak, I charge you.

Stay, you unclear speakers, tell me more:
By Sinel’s death I know I am Thane of Glamis;
But how can I be Thane of Cawdor? The Thane of Cawdor is alive,
A successful gentleman; and to be king
Is not something I can believe,
No more than being Cawdor. Where
Do you get this strange information? Or why on this barren field
Do you stop us with such prophetic greetings?
Speak, I command you.

Wait, you imperfect speakers, tell me more. I know I’m the Thane of Glamis because of Sinel’s death. But how can I be Thane of Cawdor? The Thane of Cawdor is alive and doing well. And becoming king seems just as unlikely as becoming Thane of Cawdor. Where do you get this strange information? And why do you stop us on this desolate heath with such prophetic greetings? Speak, I command you.

Macbeth’s demand for more information shows his curiosity and growing ambition. His questions reveal his confusion and disbelief, but also his desire to understand and potentially control his fate. This moment marks the beginning of Macbeth’s internal struggle with his ambition and foreshadows his tragic downfall.

Witches vanish.

BANQUO:
The earth hath bubbles, as the water has,
And these are of them. Whither (where) are they vanish’d (vanished)?

The earth has bubbles, like water has,
And these are some of them. Where did they vanish?

The earth has bubbles like the water does, and those were some of them. Where did they vanish to?

Banquo’s comparison of the witches to bubbles emphasizes their ethereal and transient nature. His bewilderment and curiosity mirror the audience’s, reinforcing the sense of mystery and the supernatural.

MACBETH:
Into the air; and what seem’d corporal (solid) melted
As breath into the wind. Would they had stay’d (stayed)!

Into the air; and what seemed solid melted
Like breath into the wind. I wish they had stayed!

Into the air; what seemed solid just melted like breath into the wind. I wish they had stayed!

Macbeth’s reaction shows his frustration and desire for more information. His wish for the witches to stay indicates his burgeoning obsession with their prophecies and foreshadows his increasing reliance on supernatural guidance.

BANQUO:
Were such things here as we do speak about?
Or have we eaten on the insane root
That takes the reason prisoner?

Were such things here as we are talking about?
Or have we eaten the root that makes us crazy?

Did we really see what we’re talking about? Or have we eaten some crazy plant that makes us lose our minds?

Banquo’s skepticism and rationalization reflect his cautious nature. He questions the reality of the encounter, highlighting the play’s themes of appearance versus reality and the blurred line between the natural and supernatural.

MACBETH:
Your children shall be kings.

Your children shall be kings.

Macbeth’s immediate focus on Banquo’s prophecy about his descendants reveals his envy and growing ambition. This line underscores the tension between Macbeth and Banquo and sets the stage for future conflict.

BANQUO:
You shall be king.

You shall be king.

Banquo’s response acknowledges the witches’ prophecy for Macbeth, reinforcing the legitimacy of their words. It also highlights Banquo’s acceptance of fate, contrasting with Macbeth’s growing determination to shape his own destiny.

MACBETH:
And Thane of Cawdor too: went it not so?

And Thane of Cawdor too: wasn’t that what they said?

And Thane of Cawdor too. Didn’t they say that?

Macbeth’s fixation on the titles and power foretold by the witches shows his ambition and eagerness to see the prophecies fulfilled. This moment underscores his internal conflict and foreshadows his willingness to take drastic actions to achieve his goals.

BANQUO:
To the selfsame tune and words. Who’s here?

Exactly those words. Who’s here?

Exactly, those were their words. Who’s coming?

Banquo’s acknowledgment of the witches’ words sets the stage for the arrival of Ross and Angus, who will bring news that begins to fulfill the prophecies. This transition maintains the play’s momentum and builds anticipation for the unfolding events.

Enter ROSS and ANGUS.

ROSS:
The king hath happily received, Macbeth,
The news of thy success; and when he reads
Thy personal venture in the rebels’ fight,
His wonders and his praises do contend (compete)
Which should be thine or his: silenced with that,
In viewing o’er the rest o’ the selfsame day,
He finds thee in the stout Norweyan ranks,
Nothing afeard of what thyself didst make,
Strange images of death. As thick as hail
Came post with post; and every one did bear
Thy praises in his kingdom’s great defence,
And pour’d them down before him.

The king has happily received, Macbeth,
The news of your success; and when he reads
Of your personal venture in the rebels’ fight,
His amazement and his praises compete
For who should be more praised: silenced by that,
Looking over the rest of the same day,
He finds you in the strong Norwegian ranks,
Unafraid of what you made,
Strange images of death. As thick as hail,
Messengers came one after another; and each one brought
Your praises in his kingdom’s great defense,
And poured them down before him.

Macbeth, the king has received the news of your success and is thrilled. When he read about your bravery in the rebels’ fight, he was amazed and couldn’t decide whether to praise you or be proud himself. As he went through the rest of the day’s events, he saw you in the fierce Norwegian ranks, unafraid, creating scenes of death. Messengers came as quickly as hail, and each one praised your defense of the kingdom, pouring their admiration before the king.

Ross’s praise of Macbeth highlights his bravery and valor, reinforcing his heroic status. This admiration from the king and messengers sets up Macbeth’s rise in status and foreshadows his tragic fall. The imagery of “strange images of death” also hints at the violence and bloodshed that will continue to follow Macbeth.

ANGUS:
We are sent
To give thee (you) from our royal master thanks;
Only to herald thee into his sight,
Not pay thee.

We are sent
To give you thanks from our royal master;
Just to bring you to his sight,
Not to pay you.

We’re sent to give you thanks from our royal master and to bring you to him. We’re not here to reward you ourselves.

Angus’s message conveys the king’s gratitude and desire to see Macbeth, emphasizing the honor and recognition Macbeth is receiving. This moment builds anticipation for Macbeth’s meeting with the king and his elevation in status.

ROSS:
And, for an earnest of a greater honour,
He bade me, from him, call thee Thane of Cawdor:
In which addition, hail, most worthy thane!
For it is thine.

And, as a sign of a greater honor,
He told me, from him, to call you Thane of Cawdor:
With this title, hail, most worthy thane!
For it is yours.

And as a sign of even greater honor, he told me to call you Thane of Cawdor. Hail, most worthy thane! The title is yours.

Ross’s announcement of Macbeth’s new title fulfills part of the witches’ prophecy, reinforcing their influence and foreshadowing Macbeth’s growing ambition. This moment is crucial as it sets Macbeth on the path towards the throne and his eventual downfall.

BANQUO:
What, can the devil speak true?

What, can the devil speak true?

What, can the devil tell the truth?

Banquo’s astonishment and suspicion highlight his skepticism about the witches and their prophecies. His line underscores the theme of truth and deception, questioning whether seemingly evil sources can still convey accurate information.

MACBETH:
The Thane of Cawdor lives: why do you dress me
In borrow’d (borrowed) robes?

The Thane of Cawdor lives: why do you dress me
In borrowed robes?

The Thane of Cawdor is alive. Why are you giving me his title?

Macbeth’s confusion and disbelief show his initial reluctance to accept the prophecy’s fulfillment. His reference to “borrowed robes” symbolizes his uncertainty about his new role and foreshadows the theme of appearances versus reality.

ANGUS:
Who was the thane lives yet;
But under heavy judgment bears that life
Which he deserves to lose. Whether he was combined
With those of Norway, or did line the rebel
With hidden help and vantage, or that with both
He labour’d in his country’s wreck, I know not;
But treasons capital, confess’d and proved,
Have overthrown him.

The one who was the thane still lives;
But under heavy judgment, he deserves to lose his life.
Whether he was joined
With those of Norway, or secretly helped the rebels,
Or that he worked for both,
I don’t know;
But capital treasons, confessed and proved,
Have overthrown him.

The Thane of Cawdor is still alive but under a death sentence. Whether he conspired with Norway or secretly helped the rebels, or both, I don’t know. But his treason has been confessed and proven, and he’s been overthrown.

Angus’s explanation clarifies the reason for Macbeth’s new title, showing the consequences of treason. This moment highlights the themes of loyalty and betrayal, as well as the swift changes in fortune that characterize the play.

MACBETH:
[Aside] Glamis, and Thane of Cawdor!
The greatest is behind.
[To ROSS and ANGUS]
Thanks for your pains.
[To BANQUO]
Do you not hope your children shall be kings,
When those that gave the Thane of Cawdor to me
Promised no less to them?

[Aside] Glamis, and Thane of Cawdor!
The greatest is yet to come.
[To ROSS and ANGUS]
Thanks for your trouble.
[To BANQUO]
Do you not hope your children shall be kings,
When those that gave me the Thane of Cawdor
Promised no less to them?

[Aside] Thane of Glamis and now Thane of Cawdor! The greatest part is still to come.
[To ROSS and ANGUS] Thank you for your efforts.
[To BANQUO] Don’t you hope your children will be kings, when the ones who gave me the Thane of Cawdor also promised them the throne?

Macbeth’s aside reveals his growing ambition and belief in the witches’ prophecies. His conversation with Banquo shows that he is already contemplating the next step towards kingship, foreshadowing his willingness to take drastic actions to achieve his goals.

BANQUO:
That trusted home
Might yet enkindle you unto the crown,
Besides the Thane of Cawdor. But ‘tis strange:
And oftentimes, to win us to our harm (the witches are enjoying causing mischiefs),
The instruments of darkness (Demonology, the Devil plays them) tell us truths,
Win us with honest trifles, to betray’s
In deepest consequence.
Cousins, a word, I pray you.

If you trust them completely,
You might be led to the crown,
Besides the Thane of Cawdor. But it’s strange:
And often, to lead us to our harm,
The instruments of darkness tell us truths,
Win us with small truths, to betray (trick, fool or cheat) us
In the deepest consequences.
Cousins, a word, please.

Trusting these prophecies might lead you to the crown, beyond being Thane of Cawdor. But it’s strange. Sometimes, to lead us to our doom, dark forces tell us the truth, win us over with small truths, only to betray us in the end. Let’s talk for a moment.

Banquo’s warning about the dangers of trusting the witches highlights his wisdom and caution. He sees the potential harm in their prophecies (equivocations), contrasting with Macbeth’s growing obsession. This moment foreshadows the conflict between fate and free will and the consequences of ambition.

MACBETH:
[Aside] Two truths are told,
As happy prologues to the swelling act
Of the imperial theme.—I thank you, gentlemen.
[Aside] This supernatural soliciting
Cannot be ill; cannot be good: if ill,
Why hath it given me earnest of success,
Commencing in a truth? I am Thane of Cawdor:
If good, why do I yield to that suggestion
Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair
And make my seated heart knock at my ribs,
Against the use of nature? Present fears
Are less than horrible imaginings:
My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical,
Shakes so my single state of man that function
Is smother’d in surmise, and nothing is
But what is not.

[Aside] Two truths are told,
As happy prologues to the swelling act
Of the imperial theme.—I thank you, gentlemen.
[Aside] This supernatural solicitation
Cannot be bad; cannot be good: if it’s bad,
Why has it given me a taste of success,
Starting with a truth? I am Thane of Cawdor:
If it’s good, why do I yield to that suggestion
Whose horrid image makes my hair stand on end
And makes my heart pound against my ribs,
Against nature? Present fears
Are less than horrible imaginings:
My thought, of murder which is only imagined,
Shakes my single state of man that function
Is smothered in surmise, and nothing is
But what is not.

[Aside] Two truths have been told, like happy introductions to the main event of becoming king. Thank you, gentlemen.
[Aside] This supernatural temptation can’t be bad, but it can’t be good either. If it’s bad, why has it given me a glimpse of success, starting with a truth? I am Thane of Cawdor. If it’s good, why do I find myself thinking about something so horrible that it makes my hair stand on end and my heart pound? Current fears are less than these terrible imaginings. The thought of murder, which is just an idea, shakes me so much that I can’t act. Everything seems unreal.

Macbeth’s aside reveals his inner turmoil and moral conflict. He is torn between the allure of the prophecies and the horror of the actions they suggest. This passage highlights his growing ambition and the psychological struggle that will drive the plot forward. His contemplation of murder, despite his fear, foreshadows his eventual decision to kill Duncan and seize the throne.

BANQUO:
Look, how our partner’s rapt (amazed).

Look, how our partner is amazed.

Look how our friend is lost in thought.

Banquo’s observation emphasizes Macbeth’s deep contemplation and foreshadows his internal struggle. This moment shows Banquo’s awareness of Macbeth’s distraction and hints at the growing distance between them.

MACBETH:
[Aside] If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me,
Without my stir.

[Aside] If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me,
Without my effort.

[Aside] If fate wants me to be king, maybe fate will make it happen without me doing anything.

Macbeth’s aside reflects his initial hope that he can achieve his destiny without taking immoral actions. This moment shows his hesitation and internal conflict, highlighting the theme of fate versus free will and setting up his eventual decision to take control of his destiny.

BANQUO:
New honours come upon him,
Like our strange garments, cleave not to their mould (fit him)
But with the aid of use.

New honors come upon him,
Like strange clothes, don’t fit him
Until they are used.

New honors are like new clothes; they don’t fit well until we get used to them.

Banquo’s metaphor emphasizes the idea that Macbeth’s new title and future kingship will take time to feel natural. This line highlights Banquo’s wisdom and understanding of the gradual process of accepting new roles, contrasting with Macbeth’s eagerness to fulfill the prophecies quickly.

MACBETH:
[Aside] Come what come may,
Time and the hour runs through the roughest day.

[Aside] Come what may,
Time and the hour runs through the roughest day.

[Aside] Whatever happens, happens. Time will keep moving no matter how tough things get.

Macbeth’s resigned attitude reflects his uncertainty and attempt to calm his inner turmoil. This moment shows his struggle to reconcile his ambition with his moral hesitation, foreshadowing the tension between his actions and his conscience.

BANQUO:
Worthy Macbeth, we stay upon your leisure.

Worthy Macbeth, we wait upon your leisure.

Worthy Macbeth, we’re waiting for you.

Banquo’s respectful reminder brings Macbeth back to the present, emphasizing their friendship and the support he offers. This moment highlights the contrast between Macbeth’s inner conflict and the outward respect he receives.

MACBETH:
Give me your favour: my dull brain was wrought (worked)
With things forgotten. Kind gentlemen, your pains (efforts)
Are register’d where every day I turn
The leaf to read them. Let us toward the king.
Think upon what hath chanced, and, at more time,
The interim having weigh’d it, let us speak
Our free hearts each to other.

Forgive me: my dull brain was working
With forgotten things. Kind gentlemen, your efforts
Are registered where every day I turn
The leaf to read them. Let us go to the king.
Think upon what has happened, and, at another time,
After we have weighed it, let us speak
Our free hearts to each other.

Forgive me, I was lost in thought. Kind gentlemen, I won’t forget your efforts. Let’s go to the king.
[Aside to BANQUO] Think about what’s happened, and when we have more time, let’s discuss it openly.

BANQUO:
Very gladly.

Very gladly.

Banquo’s willingness to discuss the events with Macbeth underscores his loyalty and friendship. This moment shows Banquo’s supportive nature and his role as a confidant, setting the stage for future discussions and conflicts.

MACBETH:
Till then, enough. Come, friends.

Until then, that’s enough. Let’s go, friends.

Macbeth’s closing line reflects his desire to put aside his worries for the moment and focus on the immediate task. His call to move forward shows his attempt to maintain control and composure, despite his inner turmoil.

They exit.

Insights

This scene shows Macbeth and Banquo encountering the three witches, who deliver their prophecies: Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and then king, and Banquo’s descendants will be kings. When Ross and Angus arrive to tell Macbeth that he is now Thane of Cawdor, Macbeth starts to believe in the witches’ predictions and becomes intrigued by the possibility of becoming king. Banquo, however, remains skeptical and warns that the witches might be trying to lead them to harm.

Famous Expressions and Sayings

“So foul and fair a day I have not seen“ (Macbeth): This line echoes the witches’ earlier statement and highlights the theme of contradictory appearances.
“If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me, without my stir“ (Macbeth): This reflects Macbeth’s initial reluctance to act to fulfill the prophecy, showing his internal conflict.
“Time and the hour runs through the roughest day“ (Macbeth): This saying, meaning that time passes no matter how difficult the day, is still recognized today.
“Look, how our partner’s rapt“ (Banquo): The word “rapt,” meaning deeply absorbed or fascinated, is still in use today.

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