The scene King Duncan and his procession arrive at Inverness. Formal greetings are said between King Duncan and Lady Macbeth, who now takes on the more common role of perfect hostess.

Duncan’s speech on his arrival at Inverness is heavy with dramatic irony. Not only is the “seat” of the castle “pleasant,” but the air is sweeter than to what the king is used to. The presence of the martlet serves to add to the irony. As far as the king is concerned, the castle, from the outside, appears to be a somewhat paradise.

The king’s address to Lady Macbeth and her next reply are full of the heightened language of formal introduction: “God ‘ild you,” “We rest your hermits ever.” Of course, her complex greeting contrasts her language of the previous scene and emphasizes her falsity.