It’s time to roll out the red carpet as Duncan arrives at Inverness—the home of Macbeth and his lady. Duncan’s got Malcolm, Donalbain, Lennox, Macduff, Ross, Angus, and some other attendants to accompany him. After praising the castle, Duncan eagerly asks Lady Macbeth to show him to their host: the one and only Macbeth.
Duncan
This castle is in a pleasant place; the air smells sweet and appealing to my fine senses.
Banquo
You can tell that summer bird, the martin, likes it here as well by the many nests in the palace walls. There is no place in the castle without a nest full of chicks. I’ve noticed these birds like to stay and mate in places where the air is delicate. [Enter Lady Macbeth]
Duncan
Look, here comes our honored hostess! This attention is sometimes an inconvenience to me, but I always accept it as love. By this example, I’m teaching you to ask for God’s blessing and to thank me for the inconvenience I’ve caused you.
Lady Macbeth
All our work we’ve done for you, even if it were doubled and then doubled again, could not compare to the honors you have bestowed on our household. For past honors as well as the recent ones, we pray every day for God to bless you.
Duncan
Where's the Lord of Cawdor? We rode just at his heels, and we wanted to get here before him. But he rides well and due to his great love for us, he spurred on his horse to arrive before us. Beautiful and noble hostess, we are your guests tonight.
Lady Macbeth
We are your servants and we hold our lives and all our possessions on loan, always ready to return them to you at your leisure.
Duncan
Give me your hand and take me to my host. I love him dearly and would like to extend such courtesies to him. Permit me to give you a little kiss, my hostess.
