Final answer:
Mark Antony views Lepidus as a useful ally in the Second Triumvirate, but their relationship is utilitarian, eventually leading to Lepidus being marginalized which reflects Antony's true feelings of using allies for his own gain.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement by Mark Antony about Lepidus can be understood in the context of the Second Triumvirate, which consisted of Mark Antony, Octavian, and Lepidus themselves. Antony recognized Lepidus as a valuable ally in the triumvirate, as evident from the historical accounts that describe all three sharing the power of dictator in Rome.
Despite this alliance, which was primarily based on the need to control Rome and defeat their political enemies, there was also a sense of rivalry. Eventually, Antony and Octavian marginalized Lepidus, reflecting Antony's true feelings towards him—as someone who was useful only so long as he served Antony's and Octavian's interests.
This treatment of Lepidus reveals a sense of utilitarianism in Antony's relationships with his political allies, often discarding them when they were no longer necessary for his own gain.
Such attitudes towards alliance and loyalty during the Roman times were common among political figures, as alliances were frequently formed out of convenience and for the purpose of gaining power as exemplified by Antony's relationship with Lepidus and other political figures of the time.