The rather brief fifth scene also takes place in Athens. Two of Antony’s men discuss recent events in Rome. A soldier named Eros tells Enobarbus that Octavius Caesar has been successful in his war against Pompey. And, what is worse, Octavius has declared Lepidus a traitor and put him in prison. So, the Triumvirate no longer exists. Only two leaders rule the Roman Empire now: Octavius and Antony. But Octavius also has the forces of Lepidus on his side as well. Antony is extremely upset by this news. He calls Lepidus a “fool” and regrets that a Roman officer killed Pompey (lines 16-18). Both Lepidus and Pompey could have been allies or friends to Antony in his struggle against Octavius. But where Octavius has grown stronger, Antony has become weaker.
The reader should also pay attention to the footnote in the Norton text. Historically, Antony himself commanded the death of Pompey. Shakespeare changes history for dramatic purposes. In reality, these events took place over many years. On the stage, they take place in a couple of hours. Historical plays condense or collapse time. Shakespeare is more concerned with creating a vivid drama than he is with reporting history accurately. Shakespeare is concerned with delineating and developing the character of Antony. Dramatically, the play is more interesting with the playwright pitting (setting in opposition) Antony against Octavius throughout the drama. Thus, Antony’s internal conflict is compounded by the external manversus-man conflict.