Act III, Scene 1 Part II
Forres. The Palace.
[ENTER Banquo, at the gates of Forres]
Banquo: Macbeth has it all now: King, Cawdor, Glamis.
I fear that the witches had been correct,
And that it was played foully for,
Must I as well?
[ENTER Macbeth]
Banquo: I shall speak no more of this.
[Macbeth suspiciously questioning]
Macbeth: Speak of what?
Banquo: Riding my liege.
Macbeth: Where is it that you travel?
Banquo: It’s just a leisurely ride.
[ENTER Fleance, walking to stand beside Banquo]
Macbeth: Is dear Fleance accompanying you?
Fleance: Aye milord!
Banquo: Well, time is of the essence and we must be off my king.
Macbeth: Farewell, and may your horses be swift, and sure of foot.
[EXEUNT Banquo, Fleance]
[Setting changes to an evening forest. The sun has almost set, and it is extremely quiet.]
[Thunder. Enter three witches]
[Drum within]
Second Witch: Drum, a Drum!
Banquo comes.
[ENTER Banquo, weary and tired, torch in hand]
First Witch: You come to seek prophecy once more?
Banquo: Indeed I have.
[Banquo places the torch on the ground]
Have I not reason to take action on your foretelling's,
For me to pave the path for my future fore-sons?
Third Witch: Destiny’s disk will not diversify its direction
Thoughts like this mustn’t have such conception
Second Witch: Your fate is set in stone,
Means of getting there are unbeknown.
First Witch: Yours’s indeed most of all,
For there is no need to squall about,
No need to act on malice, desire, malevolence or doubt.
[Witches say with an echoing tone]
All: Return home, to the warm fire,
but be wary around your noble sire.
[Witches Vanish]
Banquo: What doth my sire want from me I query?
This foul play may lead him too far astray.
Do I follow the judgement of the witches, or pursue my predilection?
The path is dark, for I must grab a torch to light my way,
For my son, and their sons furthermore, the decision will not be made today.
[Banquo picks up his torch and walks off the stage]
[EXIT Banquo]
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