Trumpets sound. KING DUNCAN, LENNOX, MALCOLM, DONALBAIN, and their attendants enter.
[DUNCAN]:Has the Thane of Cawdor been executed? Have those in charge of the execution returned?
[MALCOLM]:My lord, they haven't returned yet. But I spoke with someone who saw Cawdor die. He said Cawdor confessed his treason, begged for your forgiveness, and showed deep regret. Nothing he did in his whole life was as noble as the way he died. He died like a man fully prepared to throw away the most precious thing he owned—as if it were nothing.
[DUNCAN]:You can never read a man's mind by looking at his face. Cawdor was someone I trusted completely.
MACBETH, BANQUO, ROSS, and ANGUS enter.
[DUNCAN → MACBETH]:My noble cousin! I've been feeling guilty for not thanking you enough. You've accomplished so much that no matter how quickly I try to reward you, I can't keep up. If you had done less, then maybe I could thank you properly. All I can say is that I owe you more than I can ever repay.
[MACBETH]:My loyalty and service to you is its own reward. Your duty is simply to accept our service—and our duty to your throne and country is like that of children to a father or servants to a master. We're only doing what we should when we do all we can to protect you.
[DUNCAN]:Welcome here. The honors I've given you are like seeds just planted—and now I will work to help you grow even greater.(to Banquo)Noble Banquo, you deserve just as much praise, and everyone should know it. Come here and let me hold you close to my heart.
[BANQUO]:Then if I grow to greatness, the harvest will belong to you.
[DUNCAN]:I'm so full of joy that it brings tears to my eyes. Sons, relatives, thanes, and all who stand closest to me: I now declare that Malcolm is the heir to my throne. From this moment, he will be known as the Prince of Cumberland. And he won't be the only one honored—new titles of nobility will shine like stars on all who deserve them.(to Macbeth)Now let's travel to your castle at Inverness, where your hospitality will make me even more indebted to you.
[MACBETH]:Any effort made in your service never feels like work. I'll ride ahead and bring my wife the joyful news of your arrival. I humbly take my leave.
[DUNCAN]:My noble Cawdor!
[MACBETH — aside]:Malcolm is the Prince of Cumberland! He stands in my way. I must either step over him or give up my hopes of being king. Stars, hide your light—don't let it shine on my dark and deep desires. Let my eye ignore what my hand is about to do. Yet once it's done, my eyes will be forced to see it.
MACBETH exits.
[DUNCAN]:Exactly, Banquo. Macbeth is so brave that praising him feeds my own joy—it's like a feast for me. Let's follow him, since he's already gone ahead to prepare for our welcome. He is unmatched as a noble relative.
Trumpets sound. They all exit.