Octavius said, "You may do your will," in response to Antony's defiant assertion of his own superior age and wisdom, indicating Antony's refusal to heed Octavius's counsel.
This specific exchange occurs during a tense moment between the triumvirs, Octavius and Antony, following the assassination of Julius Caesar. Their differing opinions and power dynamics are evident in their dialogue.
The Context of the Disagreement
The statement "You may do your will" highlights the escalating tension and a clash of authority between Octavius and Antony.
- Octavius's Point: Octavius initially reminds Antony that he had previously listened to Lepidus regarding who should be marked for assassination. This point was an attempt to suggest that Antony wasn't always completely independent in his judgment and could, at times, be swayed by others' opinions, implying he should be open to Octavius's input now.
- Antony's Rebuttal: Antony, however, quickly dismissed Octavius's implicit suggestion. He retorted by emphasizing his seniority and experience, asserting that he was "older and wiser" than Octavius. By claiming this intellectual and experiential superiority, Antony directly conveyed that he did not need, nor would he accept, Octavius's advice or direction in this matter. He made it clear he would act according to his own judgment.
- Octavius's Response: Faced with Antony's direct challenge and refusal to listen, Octavius's phrase "You may do your will" serves as a somewhat resigned, yet pointed, concession. It acknowledges Antony's determination to proceed as he sees fit, but it is immediately followed by a crucial qualifier: "But he's a tried and valiant soldier." This qualifier suggests that while Octavius might let Antony have his way for the moment, he still believes his own judgment (or the judgment he was about to express) regarding a particular individual's worth (referring to Lepidus, who was the subject of the previous part of their conversation) is correct. It underscores Octavius's quiet, firm disagreement despite his outwardly permissive words.
Essentially, Octavius's statement was a reluctant acceptance of Antony's insubordination, born out of Antony's forceful declaration of independence and superior judgment.