In the 4th act of Macbeth (In my absence as I was sick) I have discovered that this scene represents a succession Macbeth must take to become either higher than Malcolm. (The eldest). Meaning Macbeth is saying that Malcolm’s success is like an obstacle (Like the step) Or stay as a “Peerless kinsman” According to King Duncan, this abbreviation means to me that he finds Macbeth “Not Trustworthy” Or perhaps “Not responsible” Enough to have the right to become a king. A Quote I have found for this act or scene is this. “The Prince Of Cumberland! That is a step on which I must fall down, or else o’er leap, For in my way it lies. Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires;” From what this means is that all Macbeth is, is confronting Malcolm, who yet again I have explained is higher than Macbeth.
Macbeth: [Aside], The Prince Of Cumberland (Malcolm) Who is higher than me, Is a step I must fall down (Relating to Malcolm’s success as an obstacle, Which is the step). or else o’er-leap (Which means Leap Over Macbeth knows that he can’t become King with Malcolm [and Donaldson] in the way. Therefore, he will kill Duncan and blame his sons). For in my way it lies. Stars, hide your eyes; Let not light see my dark and deep desires (This means that he wants Heaven/God to not see his thoughts for they are bad). The eye wink at the hand; yet let that be, Which the eye fears (Still meaning to not wanting God/Heaven to read his thoughts) when it is done, to see.