King Duncan Quotes

Would thou hadst less deserved…
More is thy due than more than all can pay.

– William Shakespeare

Macbeth, Act 1, Scene 4. The gracious King Duncan heaps praise on Macbeth for helping to defeat Scotland’s enemies and save his throne. He tells Macbeth that he owes him more than he could ever pay. There is much irony here, since we know that the disloyal Macbeth has his eye on the throne and the King will later pay with his life when he is murdered by Macbeth. Duncan’s praise for the new Thane of Cawdor shows us that things are not not always as they appear to be.

Our eldest, Malcolm, whom we name hereafter
The Prince of Cumberland; which honour must
Not unaccompanied invest him only,
But signs of nobleness, like stars, shall shine
On all deservers.

– William Shakespeare

Macbeth, Act 1, Scene 4. Duncan confers the title of Prince of Cumberland on his son Malcolm, making him first in line to the Scottish throne. Using a “stars” simile, he says that new noble titles will be conferred on other deserving people also. Duncan’s act of elevating his son to this position and not Macbeth costs the King his life in Act 1, Scene 5.

This castle hath a pleasant seat; the air
Nimbly and sweetly recommends itself
Unto our gentle senses.

– William Shakespeare

Macbeth, Act 1, Scene 6. As Duncan approaches Macbeth’s home, he comments on the castle’s pleasant setting and also how sweet the air around it is. This is a good example of dramatic irony, because the audience is aware that Duncan is complimenting his death chamber. To the “gentle” Duncan the appearance of a pleasant atmosphere is far different from the reality of the horrible fate the Macbeths have planned for him. Appearances can deceive.
Duncan on love in Macbeth

See, see, our honour’d 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 ‘ield us for your pains,
And thank us for your trouble.

– William Shakespeare

Macbeth, Act 1, Scene 6. There is a grand irony in King Duncan’s words, as he thanks his hostess for her love and hospitality and jokes about how people go to a lot of trouble for him. He doesn’t realize that the kind of reception Lady Macbeth has in store of him – she plans to kill him that night!
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