Act III Scene I :

A Summary

After Banquo exits, Macbeth is left alone with his thoughts. He quickly realizes that to be king is nothing unless the king is safe. And he does not feel secure with Banquo around, who "hath a wisdom that doth guide his valour ... There is none but he whose being I do fear ... under him, my genius is rebuked." Since the rest of the witches' prophesy has already turned into truth, Macbeth fears that the part about Banquo's children taking over the kingship will also come true. To prevent the last part from coming true, Macbeth decides to kill his trusted friend and his son, Fleance, later that night. Right away he orders in a pair of poor and ignorant beggars, convinces them that "it was [Banquo] in the times past which held you so under...