In Act II, Scene I of William Shakespeare's Macbeth, Macbeth has a conversation with his old friend Banquo and Banquo's son Fleance. Banquo and Fleance have not been able to sleep, presumably because they are very perceptive people who can sense the evil atmosphere of the night. When Macbeth shows up, Banquo asks him why he isn't in bed either. He mentions that King Duncan is in bed already, happily sleeping after the wonderful banquet at Macbeth's castle. King Duncan was so happy that he has sent a bunch of gifts to Macbeth's household, including a huge diamond for Lady Macbeth. Macbeth feigns humbleness, saying that the feast was not as good as it could have been because they were unprepared since Duncan had announced his arrival pretty late. Then, Banquo changes the subject to the three weird sisters, or witches, that the two of them had encountered earlier. He says he had a dream about them, so he started thinking about how their first prophecy (that Macbeth would become the Thane of Cawdor) had come true. Macbeth pretends that he has not thought about them at all, but he says to Banquo that they should find some time later to talk about the witches' prophecy. Banquo agrees and leaves.
After this, Macbeth tells the servant to tell Lady Macbeth to strike the bell whenever his drink is ready. This is actually a secret signal that Duncan is asleep, and "ready" to be killed. Suddenly, he sees a floating dagger (small knife) in front of him. It is unclear whether this is a hallucination or the result of evil spirits. The handle is pointed towards his hand, as if indicating his agency and guilt in what he is about to do. He wonders if he is going mad because he is seeing visions, or if it is witchcraft. He wavers and hesitates, but in the middle of his emotional turmoil, he hears the bell ringing. The signal from Lady Macbeth makes his decision clearer: no matter what, he must murder Duncan that night.
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