Lesser than Macbeth, and greater. Not so happy, yet much happier. Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none: So all hail, Macbeth and Banquo!
The uncertainty of the witches' address to Banquo is in noticeable contrast to the directness of their speeches to Macbeth. He is to be “lesser than Macbeth” but also “greater”. He will not achieve a rank as high as Macbeth, hence being lesser, but he will never have to face the guilt of Macbeth, therefore “happier” and “greater”. The prophecy that he shall “get kings” is also very vague as it only proclaims that some of his descendants will be Kings.
