[Music] in act 3 scene 1 Macbeth has been crowned King and Banquo contemplates the witches predictions he suspects Macbeth had something to do with the recent events but also considers the prophecy that he will father many kings Macbeth and Lady Macbeth with lords and attendants interrupts Banquo's reflections calling him their chief guest Macbeth asks how long he plans to stay he tells him that he and Fleance plan to leave the castle in the afternoon to go riding but promises to return in time for the evening banquet before Banquo leaves Macbeth adds that Malcolm and Donalbain have lied their ways into the courts of England and Ireland adding to his suspicions that they were the murderers after Banquo departs Macbeth has two new visitors at the gate while waiting for them he considers his safety and fears Banquo as an immediate threat contemplating the prophecy that Banquo's descendants will rule Scotland who grows envious fortunately for Macbeth he has it all planned out the two visitors are actually murderers whom he hired to kill Banquo and Fleance on their way back from their ride even though Banquo suspects Macbeth may have had a hand in Duncan's murder he is oddly unconcerned about his own safety he freely tells Macbeth his plans to go riding that afternoon and his sons plans to accompany him because he spends some time thinking about the witches predictions he may feel that this gives him protection from harm or perhaps he is simply reluctant to treat his friend as an enemy from Macbeth's point of view the prophecy about Banquo is deeply troubling he is upset that fate has given him a fruitless crown or one that will not bear more Kings in his name because he does not know how Banquo's descendants might get to the throne he feels threatened furthermore he feels that if Banquo side of the prophecy is fulfilled then all of his misdeeds will simply be the benefit of Banquo's descendants in hiring the murderers to kill his friend Banquo Macbeth has revealed the extent of his change from an honorable and loyal individual to a corrupt and deceitful one and although increasingly horrified by his actions his behavior has become even more rash before and even after killing Duncan Macbeth experienced doubt about the act and needed his wife to press him forward now he experiences no hesitation and does not consult his wife although he is unwilling to do the killing himself he seems comfortable with ordering the death of his friend now that he has the power to do so