Open Source Shakespeare

Antony and Cleopatra

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Act IV, Scene 3

The same. Before the palace.

       

[Enter two Soldiers to their guard]

  • First Soldier. Brother, good night: to-morrow is the day.
  • Second Soldier. It will determine one way: fare you well.
    Heard you of nothing strange about the streets? 2580
  • First Soldier. Nothing. What news?
  • Second Soldier. Belike 'tis but a rumour. Good night to you.
  • First Soldier. Well, sir, good night.

[Enter two other Soldiers]

  • Second Soldier. Soldiers, have careful watch. 2585
  • Third Soldier. And you. Good night, good night.

[They place themselves in every corner of the stage]

  • Fourth Soldier. Here we: and if to-morrow
    Our navy thrive, I have an absolute hope
    Our landmen will stand up. 2590
  • Third Soldier. 'Tis a brave army,
    And full of purpose.

[Music of the hautboys as under the stage]

  • Fourth Soldier. Peace! what noise?
  • First Soldier. List, list! 2595
  • Second Soldier. Hark!
  • First Soldier. Music i' the air.
  • Third Soldier. Under the earth.
  • Fourth Soldier. It signs well, does it not?
  • Third Soldier. No. 2600
  • First Soldier. Peace, I say!
    What should this mean?
  • Second Soldier. 'Tis the god Hercules, whom Antony loved,
    Now leaves him.
  • First Soldier. Walk; let's see if other watchmen 2605
    Do hear what we do?

[They advance to another post]

  • Second Soldier. How now, masters!
  • All. [Speaking together] How now!
    How now! do you hear this? 2610
  • First Soldier. Ay; is't not strange?
  • Third Soldier. Do you hear, masters? do you hear?
  • First Soldier. Follow the noise so far as we have quarter;
    Let's see how it will give off.
  • All. Content. 'Tis strange. 2615

[Exeunt]