Set we our squadrons on yon side o’ th’ hill
In eye of Caesar’s battle, from which place
We may the number of the ships behold
And so proceed accordingly.
Let's position our military units on that side of the hill where we can see Caesar's forces. From that location we can count the number of ships and then act accordingly.
Let's set up our troops on the other side of the hill where we can see Caesar's fleet. Once we know how many ships he has, we can figure out what to do.
position troops on hill. see caesar's ships. count them. then act.
The Reckoning
A brief tactical positioning — Antony at least has a plan for observation before engagement. The contrast with what is about to happen makes these four lines quietly ironic: he will have a view of the battle, but the view will show him his own destruction.
If this happened today…
Two lines before the crisis begins. A general checking his screens before the operation starts. Everything still orderly.