Act+IV+Scene+1

**__Act 4 Scene 1 Summary__**
Scene 1 begins with Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus discussing their plans for attack. They marked the names of those that must die for the wrong that they have done to Caesar on a list. They also convinced Lepidus to agree to have his brother killed with the rest. After that Antony ordered Lepidus to go and fetch Caesar's will so that with this they could reduce expenses. Antony told Lepidus that he would either be at the Capitol or here at this very place. After Lepidus left, Antony started to talk to Octavius about how he feels like Lepidus cannot be trusted, but Octavius says that he's "a tried and valiant soldier (l. 28)." Antony replies, comparing Lepidus to his horse, saying he can teach his horse to fight, to run, stop, etc, just like Lepidus has to be taught the basics and skills needed to be a part of this war. To Antony, Lepidus is like property, nothing more than a mere tool needed to finance their war. Octavius agrees, because he feels like there are more important things to worry about, and feels there are many people who want to harm them.

__**Text Explanation**__


//**Act 4 Scene 1 Lines 29-40** //
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" **
 * "So is my horse, Octavius, and for that


 **"Octavius, I have seen more days than you, An though we lay these honors on this man To ease ourselves of diverse slanderous loads, He shall but bear them as the ass bears gold, To groan and sweat under the business, Either led of 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 __**
 Throughout Antony's speeches, he suggests that Lepidus is unfit to hold all the responsibility that they are placing on him, and claims that he is dishonest. Then, he blatantly compares him to a horse, saying all he is good for is carrying the "slanderous loads" for the triumvirate. Antony feels that Lepidus cannot be trusted as a leader of an army, as he does not have the experience or leadership skills that are needed, and instead suggests that all Lepidus can do is support their needs, perhaps financial. When their goals are met, they will turn him away to do his own business. In other words, Antony and Octavius will harness his good-qualities and/or take advantage of the good he "brings to the table" and once his resources are used up or once they win the war, they will go their separate ways. One could refer to Lepidus as the "expendable third" of the triumvirate, because as soon as his usefulness is gone, he will be gone too.