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not for the ears ofa “gentle lady” and announces the murder to Banquo as Macbeth and Lennox re-enter. Macbeth, in his “public” role, gives a formal speech about how “The wine of life is drawn,” as Malcolm and Donalbain arrive and hear of their father’s death. Lennox explains that it seems Duncan’s grooms killed him, as he found them and their daggers covered in blood. Macbeth claims that he killed the grooms in his fury, but as Macduff questions him, Lady Macbeth seems to faint, drawing attention away from her husband. As Macduff and Banquo call for help and Macbeth suggests that they all arm themselves, Malcolm and Donalbain discuss matters. Fearing they may be the next victims, they leave for England and Ireland.
Act 2 Scene 4
    Ross discusses the strange omens that have surrounded events, such as the darkness that “entombs” the earth even though it is daytime, reflecting Macbeth’s reversal of natural order. Macduff arrives to report that Duncan’s grooms were responsible for the murder and it is believed that they were hired by Malcolm and Donalbain, who have fled. Ross comments that “sovereignty will fall upon Macbeth,” and Macduff says that he has already gone to Scone to be crowned. Ross intends to go to the coronation, but Macduff goes home to Fife.
Act 3 Scene 1
    Lines 1–46: Banquo contemplates how the three weyard sisters’ prophesies have come true for Macbeth, who is now king, but fears that Macbeth has “played” “most foully” in order that they should. He also considers the sisters’ predictions for himself, that he will be “the root and father / Of many kings,” and wonders if this is true. He stops as he hears the approach of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, who flatter him as their “chief guest” at a feast that evening. Macbeth asks if Banquo intends to ride with Fleance that afternoon, asking how far he intends to go and urging him not to be back late. He then declares that “every man” will be “master of his time / Till seven,”raising the matter of time once again and drawing attention to Macbeth’s own attempts to “master” the world around him.
    Lines 47–151: When the others have left, Macbeth sends for some men who await him outside the palace. He reflects on Banquo’s “royalty of nature,” which makes him the one person to fear. He remembers the weyard sisters’ prophecy that Banquo will be the father of kings but that he himself wears a “fruitless crown,” and therefore he has murdered Duncan and given up his immortal soul on behalf of “Banquo’s issue.” He is interrupted by the servant bringing in the men: they are hired Murderers. Macbeth reminds them of a previous conversation in which he persuaded them that Banquo had wronged them. He asks if they are ready to kill him. They are, and Macbeth instructs them to kill Fleance as well, that night and away from the palace. The distancing of the deed from the palace, and the placing of the Murderers outside the palace gates at the beginning of this scene suggests Macbeth’s continuing attempts to separate his darker personal element from his public face.
Act 3 Scene 2
    Sending a servant to fetch her husband, Lady Macbeth echoes his words in the previous scene as she contemplates the uncertainty of their achievements when “desire is got without content.” When Macbeth arrives, she asks him why he keeps dwelling on the past: “what’s done is done.” He tells her that they are not yet safe and that he would be better dead and in peace, like Duncan, than living with a tortured mind that is “full of scorpions.” She encourages him to be “bright and jovial” with their guests. He replies that she must do the same, particularly with Banquo. He tells her that he has planned “A deed of dreadful note,” but refuses to say what it is. His comment “Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck” is strangely tender in contrast to his following invocation to the “seeling night,” but also