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?

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]