This guest of summer, the temple haunting martlet

This guest of summer, the temple haunting martlet

In William Shakespeare's play Macbeth, the character Banquo uses the phrase "This guest of summer, the temple haunting martlet" to describe the swifts that have built their nests in the eaves of his castle. The martlet, or swift, is a small bird known for its ability to fly swiftly and tirelessly through the air. Banquo uses this imagery to reflect on the fleeting nature of life and the transience of human existence.

The martlet is a migratory bird that arrives in the summer and departs in the fall, making it a temporary visitor to Banquo's castle. Banquo compares the swift to a guest, suggesting that it is a welcome presence that brings life and vitality to the otherwise empty and desolate castle. The martlet is also described as "temple haunting," implying that it is a sacred and spiritual creature that brings a sense of peace and tranquility to its surroundings.

The imagery of the martlet as a guest of summer serves as a metaphor for the passing of time and the inevitability of death. Just as the swifts come and go with the changing seasons, so too do human beings pass through the world, leaving behind only memories and echoes of their presence. Banquo's contemplation of the martlet reflects his own awareness of his mortality and the impermanence of life.

The martlet also symbolizes freedom and escape in Macbeth. As a bird that is able to soar through the air with ease, the swift represents a sense of liberation and release from the constraints of earthly existence. Banquo's observation of the martlet's flight serves as a reminder of the possibility of transcendence and transformation, even in the face of death and destruction.

Overall, Banquo's description of the martlet as a guest of summer is a poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the eternal cycle of birth and death. The imagery of the swift serves as a powerful symbol of freedom, transience, and the enduring spirit of humanity in the face of adversity.