Scene summary
In Rome, Mark Antony and Octavius sit down with Lepidus to mark who must die, and Lepidus and Antony each agree to include a relative: Lepidus's brother, Antony's nephew. Lepidus goes off to fetch Caesar's will, and Antony calls him an insignificant man, good only for errands, and compares him to an ass that carries gold as far as its master wants. He then warns Octavius that Brutus and Cassius are gathering troops and that it is time to strengthen the alliance.
Analysis
Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus mark who must die and trade relatives: Lepidus's brother and Antony's nephew. Antony sends Lepidus to fetch Caesar's will and compares him to an ass that carries gold wherever its owner wishes: he uses him as long as he serves. He then tells Octavius that Brutus and Cassius are gathering troops and that it is time to strengthen the alliance. What drives him is to concentrate force against Brutus and Cassius, who are still alive and raising troops.
He shall but bear them as the ass bears gold, / To groan and sweat under the business
(IV.1)
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