Humorous Wedding Speech: Banquo's Speech

Good evening King Malcolm, Lord Siward, esteemed Earls and Thanes, and loyal friends. We are gathered here on this beautiful evening to celebrate the coronation of King Malcolm and the passing of the watchful tyranny of Macbeth. While we savour the glory of victory, we must acknowledge a great loss. It is my duty to pay homage to my brother Thane and worthy friend, Banquo. Banquo has long been a loyal son of Scotland. Given the overwhelming chaos that ensued his death we have not found a setting suitable to reflect upon his life. Tonight, we have that setting to revere his life as a callous warrior, a loving father and an honourable man.

Most of us gathered here today are aware of Banquo’s fearless presence on the battlefield. Many a time, we have heard accounts
His modest wisdom, loyalty and genuine morality were second to none. Throughout his life, Banquo always carried the voice of reason. Earl Ross and Earl Angus, you were both witnesses to his reasoned approach to the prophecies of the imperfect speakers and his considered warnings to Macbeth to save him from being full of scorpions. Despite the favourable prophecy that his own descendants would be heirs to the throne, Banquo was aware of the witches’ scheming ways. He saw that the witches were trying to win their trust through little truths, but later betray them in the deepest consequences. Banquo delivered these thoughts as warning to Macbeth to protect his friend from the evil webs of the witches. Banquo’s ability to understand people and his attention to subtle cues was a rare trait; I remember when Lady Macbeth learned of King Duncan’s death, she said “Woe, alas! What, in our house?” To which Banquo responded “Too cruel anywhere” (Act 2 Scene 3 Line 88-89) suspecting that Lady Macbeth was feigning her reaction. I could go on about Banquo’s cleverness or unwavering loyalty, but that would be to venture on an endless