Our fears in Banquo
Stick deep; and in his royalty of nature
Reigns that which would be fear’d: ’tis much he dares;
And, to that dauntless temper of his mind,
He hath a wisdom that doth guide his valour
To act in safety. There is none but he
Whose being I do fear.
– William Shakespeare
Macbeth, Act 3, Scene 1. Macbeth reveals his deep-rooted fear of Banquo upsetting his ambition to remain the pre-eminent power in Scotland. He also discloses much about Banquo’s character. He acknowledges that he is noble, wise and brave – virtues he fears and resents in his former friend.