What are some metaphors in Acts 4 and 5 of Julius Caesar?

A metaphor is a type of figurative language where something is described as being something other than it is.  It is an indirect comparison. Two examples of metaphors are the condemnation of the proscribed with a spot and the conversation about bees in the parley.

After Julius Caesar’s death, Mark Antony formed a triumvirate with Lepidus and Octavius Caesar. A triumvirate is basically a power-sharing arrangement. One of the first things they did was institute what was known as proscription. This consisted of making a list of one’s enemies and then taking their property or killing them. In this case, the proscription list supposedly contained the names of those involved in the conspiracy to assassinate Caesar.

In the beginning of Act 4, the triumvirate meets to discuss the proscription list. Shakespeare uses this opportunity to portray the three men as callous and opportunistic. We see a different side of Mark Antony here, when he easily condemns his nephew to death.

LEPIDUS

Upon condition Publius shall not live,
Who is your sister's son, Mark Antony.

ANTONY

He shall not live; look, with a spot I damn him.
But, Lepidus, go you to Caesar's house;
Fetch the will hither, and we shall determine
How to cut off some charge in legacies. (Act 4, Scene 1) 

When Antony says “with a spot I damn him,” he is using a metaphor. The spot is Publius’s position on the proscription list. By checking off Publius, Antony condemns him to death. He makes light of the situation with this turn of phrase, possibly to make a show of his ruthlessness for the other triumvirs. It appropriately demonstrates his callousness and cold-bloodedness.

Another example of an interesting metaphor from Act 5 comes during the parley. A parley is a battlefield conversation. The two sides meet under temporary truce and supposedly discuss terms. The parley between Antony, Octavius, Brutus, and Cassius is hardly productive.

CASSIUS

Antony,
The posture of your blows are yet unknown;
But for your words, they rob the Hybla bees,
And leave them honeyless.

ANTONY

Not stingless too.

BRUTUS

O, yes, and soundless too;
For you have stol'n their buzzing, Antony,
And very wisely threat before you sting. (Act 5, Scene 1)

Cassius's metaphor comparing Antony’s words to flowers humorously turns the parley into a verbal jousting match. Antony thrusts Cassius’s words back on him with his comment about taking the stings away from the bees (the enemy), and Brutus extends the metaphor by commenting that Antony is all talk.