Antony and Cleopatra - Act 4 - Scene 3

SCENE III. 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?

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.

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.

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!

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.

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
    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?

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.

    Exeunt