triumvirate Group of three men — Mark Antony, Octavius, and Marcus Lepidus — who band together in order to rule over the Roman Empire.
prick'd checked on a list.
cut off some charge in legacies determine how not to pay off Caesar's bequests.
unmeritable weak man, not deserving of the same status as Antony and Octavius.
threefold word divided These three men declared themselves a triumvirate and controlled the empire between them.
sland'rous loads Octavius and Antony are going to use Lepidus to do some of the dirty work that will be necessary.
empty unburdened or discharged; here, relieved of his load
provender provisions, food
corporal bodily.
taste measure. Here, Lepidus follows rather than leads.
One that feeds . . . begin his fashion Lepidus is not as up-to-date as Antony and Octavius. He follows trends rather than leads.
property tool.
make head go forward, advance. Here, to raise an army.
combin'd augmented.
made brought in.
how covert matters may be best disclos'd to make plans about how to disclose hidden dangers.
surest answered best met.
at the stake fastened to a stake.
bay'd about surrounded as by baying dogs.
