A heavy summons lies like lead upon me, / And yet I would not sleep. Merciful powers, / Restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature / Gives way to in repose!
Act II, Scene 1 · Banquo
Context
Late at night in the castle courtyard, Banquo tells his son Fleance that he feels exhausted yet fears falling asleep. He prays aloud for help resisting dark thoughts that come when one's guard is down.
Analysis
The simile 'like lead' makes tiredness into something heavy and oppressive, suggesting Banquo feels weighed down by more than physical fatigue. His admission that he fears his own mind in sleep reveals an internal struggle—he's aware that rest might unleash thoughts he's trying to suppress while awake, giving readers early evidence that the witches' prophecies are already working on more than just Macbeth.
Essay Tip
Use this to argue that Banquo is not immune to temptation—his prayer shows he's fighting ambition or guilt just as Macbeth is, but unlike Macbeth, he's still trying to resist it.