Enter Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus.

• Explanation: The scene begins with the three members of the Second Triumvirate: Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus, who are now in charge after Caesar’s assassination.
• Analysis: The entrance of these three leaders signifies the continuation of political unrest after Caesar’s death.

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ANTONY
These many, then, shall die; their names are pricked.

• Explanation: Antony is reviewing a list of people who are marked for execution. “Pricked” refers to the process of writing down or marking those who are to die.
• Analysis: The use of the word “pricked” suggests that death is being treated as a simple administrative task. This conveys a sense of ruthless bureaucracy in the aftermath of Caesar’s assassination.

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OCTAVIUS
Your brother too must die. Consent you, Lepidus?

• Explanation: Octavius tells Lepidus that his brother must also be executed, asking for Lepidus’s consent to this decision.
• Analysis: This line further establishes the cold, calculating nature of the triumvirs as they eliminate anyone who might pose a threat to their power.

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LEPIDUS
I do consent.

• Explanation: Lepidus agrees to the execution of his own brother.
• Analysis: This demonstrates Lepidus’s submission to the authority of Antony and Octavius, showing his lack of agency and power.

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OCTAVIUS
Prick him down, Antony.

• Explanation: Octavius tells Antony to add Lepidus’s brother to the list of those to be killed.
• Analysis: The use of “prick him down” again reflects the mechanized, detached nature of the political decisions being made. These lives are reduced to mere names on a list.

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LEPIDUS
Upon condition Publius shall not live,
Who is your sister’s son, Mark Antony.

• Explanation: Lepidus offers a condition: his sister’s son, Publius, must also be executed.
• Analysis: This suggests that Lepidus is trying to maintain his family’s interests, even though he is largely powerless in this arrangement.

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ANTONY
He shall not live; look, with a spot I damn him.
But, Lepidus, go you to Caesar’s house;
Fetch the will hither, and we shall determine
How to cut off some charge in legacies.

• Explanation: Antony agrees to kill Publius and instructs Lepidus to fetch Caesar’s will so they can alter it to reduce the amount of money and assets given to Caesar’s heirs.
• Analysis: Antony’s manipulation of Caesar’s will shows his growing power and his willingness to exploit Caesar’s death for personal gain. The use of “damn him” is an indication of Antony’s growing ruthlessness.

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LEPIDUS
What, shall I find you here?

• Explanation: Lepidus asks if he will find Antony and Octavius still at the same location when he returns.
• Analysis: This line is a simple question but reflects the disconnection between Lepidus and the others. He is given orders, but not much importance is placed on him.

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OCTAVIUS
Or here, or at the Capitol.

• Explanation: Octavius replies, saying Lepidus may find them either here or at the Capitol.
• Analysis: This suggests the ongoing planning and movement of the triumvirs, emphasizing the instability and unpredictability of their rule.

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Lepidus exits.

• Explanation: Lepidus leaves to fulfill his task.
• Analysis: Lepidus’s exit highlights his marginal role in the leadership, further reinforcing his powerlessness in comparison to Antony and Octavius.

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ANTONY
This is a slight, unmeritable man,
Meet to be sent on errands. Is it fit,
The threefold world divided, he should stand
One of the three to share it?

• Explanation: Antony criticizes Lepidus, calling him a “slight, unmeritable man” and questioning whether he is fit to share in ruling the empire. He feels that Lepidus is too weak to be part of the Triumvirate.
• Analysis: This is a moment of frankness from Antony, revealing his true feelings about Lepidus. It contrasts Antony’s own power and ambition with Lepidus’s perceived ineptitude. The rhetorical question, “Is it fit?” suggests that Antony doubts Lepidus’s qualifications.

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OCTAVIUS
So you thought him
And took his voice who should be pricked to die
In our black sentence and proscription.

• Explanation: Octavius responds, reminding Antony that they originally considered Lepidus a worthy ally and gave him a say in matters of life and death, including signing off on the execution list.
• Analysis: This shows the tension between Antony and Octavius, who now seem to be questioning each other’s judgment. It highlights the instability of their alliance and their differing views on Lepidus.

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ANTONY
Octavius, I have seen more days than you,
And, though we lay these honors on this man
To ease ourselves of diverse sland’rous loads,
He shall but bear them as the ass bears gold,
To groan and sweat under the business,
Either led or driven, as we point the way;
And having brought our treasure where we will,
Then take we down his load and turn him off
(Like to the empty ass) to shake his ears
And graze in commons.

• Explanation: Antony asserts his seniority and experience over Octavius, suggesting that Lepidus is nothing more than a beast of burden. He uses the metaphor of a donkey (ass) carrying gold to describe how Lepidus bears the honors without understanding their true value, only to be discarded once his usefulness has ended.
• Analysis: The metaphor of the donkey emphasizes Antony’s view of Lepidus as nothing more than a tool to further their goals. The use of “groan and sweat” adds an image of physical burden, and the comparison to the “empty ass” shows how they see Lepidus as expendable.

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OCTAVIUS
You may do your will,
But he’s a tried and valiant soldier.

• Explanation: Octavius defends Lepidus, calling him a “tried and valiant soldier.”
• Analysis: This line highlights the contrasting opinions between Antony and Octavius. While Antony sees Lepidus as weak and disposable, Octavius recognizes his military value.

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ANTONY
So is my horse, Octavius, and for that
I do appoint him store of provender.
It is a creature that I teach to fight,
To wind, to stop, to run directly on,
His corporal motion governed by my spirit;
And, in some taste, is Lepidus but so.
He must be taught and trained and bid go forth—
A barren-spirited fellow, one that feeds
On objects, arts, and imitations
Which, out of use and staled by other men,
Begin his fashion. Do not talk of him
But as a property.

• Explanation: Antony compares Lepidus to his horse, suggesting that like the horse, Lepidus must be trained and controlled. He also describes Lepidus as lacking original thought and only imitating others.
• Analysis: The extended metaphor comparing Lepidus to a horse illustrates Antony’s view that Lepidus is an obedient tool, controlled by others. The use of “barren-spirited” emphasizes Lepidus’s lack of initiative or originality. The description of Lepidus as “property” shows how Antony views him as a possession, not a true equal.

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And now, Octavius,
Listen great things. Brutus and Cassius
Are levying powers. We must straight make head.

• Explanation: Antony warns Octavius that Brutus and Cassius are gathering forces, and they must prepare for battle.
• Analysis: The urgency in Antony’s tone (“straight make head”) reflects the immediate threat posed by Brutus and Cassius. It sets the stage for the coming conflict.

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Therefore let our alliance be combined,
Our best friends made, our means stretched;
And let us presently go sit in council
How covert matters may be best disclosed
And open perils surest answerèd.

• Explanation: Antony suggests strengthening their alliance, making new friends, and using all available resources to defeat their enemies. He proposes they meet and plan how to handle potential dangers.
• Analysis: This speech emphasizes Antony’s strategic mindset and his desire for control. The idea of “covert matters” suggests that deception and secrecy will be part of their strategy.

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OCTAVIUS
Let us do so, for we are at the stake
And bayed about with many enemies,
And some that smile have in their hearts, I fear,
Millions of mischiefs.

• Explanation: Octavius agrees, expressing concern that they are surrounded by enemies, some of whom may appear friendly but are actually plotting against them.
• Analysis: The phrase “at the stake” indicates imminent danger, and “bayed about” suggests being surrounded by hostile forces. Octavius’s fear of hidden threats (“millions of mischiefs”) shows the paranoia and distrust among the triumvirs.

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They exit.

• Explanation: The scene ends with the triumvirs leaving to prepare for the upcoming battle.
• Analysis: The exit marks the transition from political plotting to action, setting up the conflict between the triumvirs and Brutus and Cassius.

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Literary Devices:

• Metaphor: Antony compares Lepidus to a horse, suggesting he is merely an obedient tool.
• Rhetorical Question: “Is it fit…?” – Antony uses this to express doubt about Lepidus’s suitability for power.
• Allusion: “Barren-spirited fellow” – Lepidus is likened to a blank canvas, with no personal value or initiative.
• Imagery: The “empty ass” with its gold symbolizes someone who is burdened and then discarded once no longer useful.
• Irony: While the triumvirs portray themselves as rightful rulers, they are deeply distrustful and constantly plotting against each other.