Antony:
Lepidus is like my horse, Octavius.
I feed my horse, yes, but that doesn't make him equal to me.
He’s just a beast I’ve trained —
I teach him how to fight, to turn, to stop, to charge straight ahead.
His body does what my will commands.
Lepidus is the same:
He must be told what to do, where to go —
He has no spirit or mind of his own.
He’s an empty man who copies others,
Feeds on worn-out ideas and second-hand fashions.
Don’t think of him as a partner —
He’s just a tool, a means to an end.
Now, now, Octavius,
Listen — something big is happening:
Brutus and Cassius are raising armies.
We must prepare ours immediately.
So let’s join forces,
Secure our best allies, gather all our resources,
And sit down for a war council
To decide how to deal with secret threats
And how to face dangers that are out in the open.
Word/Phrase Meanings
provender Food or fodder, especially for animals (here, horse feed)
creature Living being (refers to the horse)
to wind To turn or steer (make the horse change direction)
corporal motion Physical movement of the body
governed by my spirit Controlled by my will or command
in some taste In a certain sense; to some extent
barren-spirited Lacking strength of character or originality
feeds on objects, arts, and imitations Depends on external things and copies others
staled Worn out or no longer fresh or original
Begin his fashion Starts using things that others have already used and discarded
property A tool, object, or possession (not a person with real value or agency)
Listen great things Pay attention — important events are happening
levying powers Raising armies; gathering military forces
make head Take action; raise our own forces quickly
alliance be combined Let us unite our political and military strength
our means stretch’d Use all our available resources
presently Immediately or soon (not the modern "at present")
sit in council Hold a meeting to plan or discuss strategy
covert matters Hidden threats or secret plots
disclosed Revealed, uncovered
open perils Obvious or visible dangers
surest answered Dealt with in the most effective and certain way
Scene 2
Brutus:
Halt there!
> Lucilius:
Give the password and stop.
> Brutus:
Lucilius, is Cassius nearby?
> Lucilius:
Yes, he's close. Pindarus has come ahead
To bring you greetings from him.
> Brutus:
He sends his greetings. — Pindarus,
Whether your master has changed himself
Or been misled by unworthy men,
He has given me reason to wish
That some of the things he has done could be undone.
But if he is near, we’ll soon clear this up.
> Lucilius:
I have no doubt
That my noble general will act
Just as he always does — with respect and honor.
> Brutus:
I don’t doubt him either.
Now tell me something, Lucilius.
How did he receive you? I want to know.
> Lucilius:
He was polite and respectful enough,
But not with the same warmth,
Or the open, friendly tone
He used to show in the past.
> Brutus:
You've just described
A once-passionate friend who’s grown cold.
Always remember, Lucilius:
When love starts to fade,
People become overly formal and fake.
Real honesty doesn't need to put on a show.
But shallow people — like excitable horses —
Look impressive at first,
But when it’s time for a real test,
They collapse, like tired animals
That can’t handle the pressure.
Is his army arriving?
> Lucilius:
They plan to camp tonight in Sardis.
Most of the troops, especially the cavalry,
Have already come with Cassius.
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