Macbeth - Act 1 Scene 6
Before Macbeth's castle.
The torches indicate that it is evening and that the scene takes place outside, while the hautboys (musical instruments similar to oboes) would provide a gentle musical accompaniment.
Banquo's speech seems to overstate his trust and innocence, but it also serves to link him with Duncan as an honorable and trusting person, in contrast to Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
Hautboys and torches. Enter DUNCAN, MALCOLM, DONALBAIN, BANQUO,
LENNOX, MACDUFF, ROSS, ANGUS, and Attendants
DUNCAN
This castle hath a pleasant seat; the air
Nimbly and sweetly recommends itself
Unto our gentle senses.
BANQUO
This guest of summer,
The temple-haunting martlet, does approve,
By his loved mansionry, that the heaven's breath
Smells wooingly here: no jutty, frieze,
Buttress, nor coign of vantage, but this bird
Hath made his pendent bed and procreant cradle:
Where they most breed and haunt, I have observed,
The air is delicate.
Enter LADY MACBETH
Duncan's words are gentle and teasing, indicating that he realizes that his presence is a burden (since he must be feasted and entertained), but that he appreciates the efforts being made on his behalf.
DUNCAN
See, see our honoured hostess!
The love that follows us sometime is our trouble,
Which still we thank as love. Herein I teach you
How you shall bid God 'ild us for your pains,
And thank us for your trouble.
The presence of the King at Macbeth's castle is indeed an honour, and connects to the idea that, in a properly functioning society, honours (and titles) are bestowed to the deserving, rather than seized by the ambitious.
LADY MACBETH
All our service
In every point twice done and then done double
Were poor and single business to contend
Against those honours deep and broad wherewith
Your majesty loads our house: for those of old,
And the late dignities heaped up to them,
We rest your hermits.
DUNCAN
Where's the Thane of Cawdor?
We coursed him at the heels, and had a purpose
To be his purveyor; but he rides well,
And his great love, sharp as his spur, hath holp him
To his home before us. Fair and noble hostess,
We are your guest tonight.
Lady Macbeth's response is polite and charming, highlighting the duties of a subject to a king and of a host to a guest. For the audience, the comment is loaded with dramatic irony, as she is plotting to murder her king and guest.
Duncan takes Lady Macbeth's hand, and the political, social, and domestic links suggested in the language of the scene now join into a physical gesture.
LADY MACBETH
Your servants ever
Have theirs, themselves and what is theirs, in compt,
To make their audit at your highness' pleasure,
Still to return your own.
DUNCAN
Give me your hand;
Conduct me to mine host: we love him highly,
And shall continue our graces towards him.
By your leave, hostess.
Exeunt