Our eldest, Malcolm, whom we name hereafter
The Prince of Cumberland; which honour must
Not unaccompanied invest him only,
But signs of nobleness, like stars, shall shine
On all deservers.
– William Shakespeare
Macbeth, Act 1, Scene 4. Duncan confers the title of Prince of Cumberland on his son Malcolm, making him first in line to the Scottish throne. Using a “stars” simile, he says that new noble titles will be conferred on other deserving people also. Duncan’s act of elevating his son to this position and not Macbeth costs the King his life in Act 1, Scene 5.