Act 2 Scene 1


Scene Summary 





Banquo and his son Fleance meet Macbeth in the courtyard at night.  There is an uneasy conversation between Macbeth and Banquo.


Macbeth tells a servant to ring a bell at Lady Macbeth’s bidding. This is to serve as the signal to kill Duncan.


 Macbeth sees a floating dagger pointing him towards Duncan’s room. 


The hallucination disappears. The bell rings. Macbeth moves towards Duncan’s bedchamber to commit the murder.


Inverness. Courtyard ofMacbeth’s castle. Enter BANQUO, and FLEANCE bearing a torch before him


BANQUO How goes the night, boy?


FLEANCE The moon is down; I have not heard the clock.


BANQUO And she goes down at twelve.


FLEANCE I take't, 'tis later, sir.


BANQUO Hold, take my sword.1


1 There’s husbandry2


A heavy summons lies like lead upon me, And yet I would not sleep.4


in heaven;


Their candles are all out3. Take thee that too. Merciful powers,


Restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature Gives way to in repose!5 [Enter MACBETH, and a Servant with a torch] Give me my sword.


10 Who's there?


MACBETH A friend.


BANQUO What, sir, not yet at rest? The king's a-bed: He hath been in unusual pleasure, and Sent forth great largess to your offices.6 This diamond he greets your wife withal,


34 4


sword: Banquo should feel relaxed in his friend’s home but he is guardedly clutching his sword.


2 husbandry: good housekeeping 3


candles are all out: The night is starless.


A heavy summons…not sleep: I’m tired but can’t sleep.


5


cursed thoughts…in repose: horrible ideas that enter my head when I rest


6


great largess to your offices: generous gifts to your servants’ rooms


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