Enter Duncan, Lennox, Malcolm, Donalbain and attendants. Duncan speaks.
“Tell me, Cawdor’s execution, has the traitor lost his head?”
“His death was witnessed, then confirmed, quite dead sir,” Malcolm said.
"He first confessed, repented too, asked pardon for his crime
Then left this world quite bravely, of fear he gave no sign."
Enter Macbeth, Banquo, Ross and Angus.
“Oh, worthy cousin,” smiled the king, "such gratitude I owe
More is due than I can pay, what more can I bestow?"
“There is no debt,” Macbeth replied, "’twas done in loyalty
To you, your throne, our Scottish state, to all your family."
“You give me joy,” King Duncan said, "I feel most overcome
For the throne and state you speak of… we bequeath unto our son
Malcolm now from henceforth is… the prince of Cumberland
But this honour we invest in him is not given out of hand.
"For others too, deservers all, will gain nobility
To bind us all from coast to coast, from sea to shining sea.
Soon I’ll come to Inverness to award your titles there."
“Most joyous news,” Macbeth replied, “I’ll go now to prepare.”
Macbeth exits and thinks about the news he has been given.
"Now in my way… lies Cumberland, a step to overcome
If I falter now or hesitate, my ambitions come undone
I must hide from light my deep desires, tell none of what is planned
And hope my eyes will overlook the workings of my hand."
End of Scene 4