Back in the court, Duncan demands to know whether or not the Thane of Cawdor has been executed for his treason. After his son Malcolm assures him that the deed is done, Macbeth and company arrive. Duncan’s over the moon. He heaps praise on Macbeth, and tells the newly minted Thane of Cawdor that he can’t thank him enough for his heroism on the battlefield. He also reveals that he intends to have his son Malcolm succeed him on the throne, which throws Macbeth for a bit of a loop. He privately ponders his growing desire to kill Duncan so that he can grab the throne for himself. Then he heads home to tell his wife the good news, and Duncan promises a visit.
Duncan
Has Cawdor been executed yet? Have the men that were sent to do the job returned?
Malcolm
My king, they haven’t come back yet. But I did talk to someone who saw him die, and he told me that Cawdor confessed his treasons in full, begged your highness’ forgiveness and was full of repentance. Nothing in his life reflected on him as well as his death did. He was like an actor who had studied his role well. He threw away his most valuable possession, his life, as if it were nothing.
Duncan
There’s no way to tell what someone’s thinking just by looking at their face. I trusted the Lord of Cawdor completely.
Macbeth, my worthiest nobleman, I’m feeling guilty for the insufficient gratitude I’ve shown you. Your successes pile up so fast that my thanks to you can’t keep up. If only you deserved less, so that the amount of my thanks and payments would have been appropriate! All I can say is that you deserve more than anyone can reward you.
Macbeth
Providing you service and loyalty is a reward in itself. Your role is to receive our services, and our duties to you and your government are like children’s duties to their parents or servants’ duties to their masters. We’re only doing what we must do, which is to safeguard you in every way while seeking your love and honor.
Duncan
Welcome. I’ve planted the seeds of greatness in you, and I’ll work to see that they flourish. Noble Banquo, you’re just as deserving, and must be just as honored as Macbeth. Let me embrace you and regard you as a close friend.
Banquo
If ever I have any success, all the credit goes to you.
Duncan
My joy is so immense that it is embarrassed and trying to hide itself behind tears. Sons, relatives, lords, and you others who are close to me, I’d like to announce that I’m naming my oldest son, Malcolm, the Prince of Cumberland, heir to the throne. But he’s not the only one to be honored; noble titles will shine like stars on all those who deserve them. [To Macbeth] Let’s go to your castle at Inverness, where I’ll strengthen our bonds by being your guest.
Macbeth
Attending to you is an honor; everything else is mere labor. I’ll go ahead to inform my wife the good news of your visit. I humbly request permission to depart.
Duncan
Of course, my worthy Cawdor.
Macbeth
[Aside] Malcolm, heir to the throne! That’s an obstacle in my way to the throne, unless I can get over it or prevent it somehow. Stars, look away. I don’t want your light to shine on my horrible desires. Let my eyes not see what my hands are doing, but let me be bold enough to do what I would normally be afraid to look at. [Exit]
Duncan
[In the middle of a conversation with Banquo] That’s true, worthy Banquo; Macbeth’s very brave, and his achievements nourish me so much, it’s like a banquet. Let's follow him, since he’s prudently gone ahead to his castle prepare for my reception. No other nobleman can match him.
[Flourish. All exit]
