Lady Macbeth summons her husband to her, and the two of them have a heart to heart. They’re both pretty unhappy with their current situation—Lady Macbeth because getting what she wanted hasn’t stopped her worrying, and Macbeth because he’s afraid of what Banquo knows. He tells his wife he’s got a plan to handle the situation, but he doesn’t tell her he’s already put Banquo’s murder into motion. He doesn’t want her to wade any deeper into this mess.
Lady Macbeth
Has Banquo left the court?
Servant
Yes, madam, but he’s coming back tonight.
Lady Macbeth
Tell the king I’d like to speak to him when he has a moment.
Servant
I will, Madam.
Lady Macbeth
We have nothing and gave everything. We got everything we wanted without getting any happier. We’d be better off like our victims, rather than living in anxiety while killing everyone.
What is it, my lord? Why are you keeping to yourself with only your sad thoughts for company? Those sad thoughts should have died along with the person you’re thinking about. Things we can’t fix should be forgotten. What’s done is done.
Macbeth
We have injured the snake, but not killed it. It can heal and menace us again, and we’ll be in danger from its fangs just as before. But the universe can break apart and both heaven and earth suffer before I’ll eat my meals in fear, and sleep under the curse of these nightmares.
Better to be dead, like those we killed for our own peace of mind, than to live endlessly tortured by anxiety. Duncan is in his grave; at least he can get a good night’s sleep after an anxious life is over. Treason has done the worst it can do: swords, poison, domestic enemies, foreign enemies – nothing can harm him now!
Lady Macbeth
Come on, my dear lord, soften your severe expression. Be bright and joyful with your guests tonight.
Macbeth
I will, my love, and I hope that you will too. Make sure to pay special attention to Banquo. Treat him as an honored guest both with your looks and with your words. As long as we’re in danger, we must flatter him and mask our hearts with our faces to disguise our true intentions.
Lady Macbeth
You’ve got to stop talking like this.
Macbeth
Oh my dear wife, my mind feels like it’s full of scorpions! You know that Banquo and his son Fleance are still alive.
Lady Macbeth
But they aren’t going to live forever.
Macbeth
That’s a comforting thought, that they are vulnerable. So let’s be cheerful. Before the bats have flown and before the beetle has rung the bell for the goddess of night, a terrible crime will be committed.
Lady Macbeth
What will be done?
Macbeth
Stay in the dark about all this until you can celebrate what’s already happened, my darling. Come, night, and blindfold the tender-hearted day. Tear apart Banquo’s life with your sneaky and criminal hand so that I will no longer be pale with worry.
It’s growing dark and crows are flying to join their fellow birds in the forest. The wholesome things from the day are beginning to doze off while the night’s predators are waking and preparing to hunt. You seem surprised at what I’m saying, but don’t say anything now. Things that began badly only get stronger by further bad deeds. So please, come with me.
