Antony and Cleopatra

The Same.Before the Palace.

Enter two Soldiers to their guard.

First Sold.Brother, good night; to-morrow is the day.

Sec. Sold.It will determine one way; fare you well.

Heard you of nothing strange about the streets?

First Sold.Nothing. What news?

Sec. Sold.Belike, ’tis but a rumour. Good night to you.

First Sold.Well, sir, good night.

Enter two other Soldiers.

Sec. Sold.Soldiers, have careful watch.

Third Sold.And you. Good night, good night.[The first two place themselves at their posts.

Fourth Sold.Here we:[They take their posts.

And if to-morrow

Our navy thrive, I have an absolute hope

Our landmen will stand up.

Third Sold.’Tis a brave army,

And full of purpose.[Music of hautboys under the stage.

Fourth Sold.Peace! what noise?

First Sold.List, list!

Sec. Sold.Hark!

First Sold.Music i’ the air.

Third Sold.Under the earth.

Fourth Sold.It signs well, does it not?

Third Sold.No.

First Sold.Peace, I say!

What should this mean?

Sec. Sold.’Tis the god Hercules, whom Antony lov’d,

Now leaves him.

First Sold.Walk; let’s see if other watchmen

Do hear what we do.[They advance to another post.

Sec. Sold.How now, masters!

Soldiers.How now!—

How now!—do you hear this?

First Sold.Ay; is ’t not strange?

Third Sold.Do you hear, masters? do you hear?

First Sold.Follow the noise so far as we have quarter;

Let’s see how ’t will give off.

Soldiers.[Speaking together.]Content.—’Tis strange.[Exeunt.