Final answer:
The witches' statement is directed at Banquo, foreshadowing that his lineage will have royalty but he himself will not be king.
Step-by-step explanation:
The prophetic words, "Lesser than Macbeth, and greater. Not so happy, yet much happier. Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none" are spoken by the witches to Banquo. This occurs during a scene in William Shakespeare's play, Macbeth, where the witches deliver prophecies to both Macbeth and Banquo regarding their futures. The witches hail Macbeth with predictions of his rise to power, and simultaneously tell Banquo that he will be 'lesser than Macbeth, and greater,' implying that while Banquo himself will not become king, his descendants will reign. This prophecy intrigues and confuses Banquo and serves as a key element in the unfolding narrative that ultimately drives Macbeth towards his tragic end.