[Stage Direction]:Torches light the stage. The sound of oboes playing. DUNCAN, MALCOLM, DONALBAIN, BANQUO, LENNOX, MACDUFF, ROSS, ANGUS, and their attendants enter.
[DUNCAN]:This castle sits in a pleasant place. The fresh, sweet air delights my noble senses.
[BANQUO]:The martin—a summer bird that builds its nest in church steeples—builds its nest here, which proves how sweet and blessed the breeze is. These birds have made nests on every ledge, carving, buttress, and corner of the castle. I've noticed martins always choose to live and mate in places where the air is finest.
[Stage Direction]:LADY MACBETH enters.
[DUNCAN]:Look, it's our honored hostess! Sometimes the love my subjects show me brings them trouble, but I still thank them for it as an act of love. By saying this, I'm suggesting that you thank me for the trouble my visit brings you, since my presence here comes from my affection for you.
[LADY MACBETH]:All our efforts—even doubled and doubled again—are small and insignificant compared to the deep honors you bring to our home. For the honors you've given us in the past and the new ones added lately, we will always be your grateful and loyal servants.
[DUNCAN]:Where is Macbeth, the Thane of Cawdor? We followed close behind him and hoped to catch up so that we could greet him first. But he rides fast, and his love for you—sharp as the spur he uses—helped him reach home before us. Noble and gracious hostess, we are your guests tonight.
[LADY MACBETH]:We are always your servants. Our servants, ourselves, and everything we own are yours as well. Everything we have is at your service, because it truly belongs to you already.
[DUNCAN]:Give me your hand. Lead me to my host. I hold him in great love and will continue to show him my favor. After you, hostess.