Shakespeare Portal

Act 4, Scene 3

Alexandria. Before the Palace.

  1. [Enter two Soldiers to their guard.]
  2. First Soldier
  3. 2391 Brother, good night: to-morrow is the day.
  4. Second Soldier
  5. 2392 It will determine one way: fare you well.
  6. 2393 Heard you of nothing strange about the streets?
  7. First Soldier
  8. 2394 Nothing. What news?
  9. Second Soldier
  10. 2395 Belike 'tis but a rumour. Good night to you.
  11. First Soldier
  12. 2396 Well, sir, good night.
  13. [Enter two other Soldiers.]
  14. Second Soldier
  15. 2397 Soldiers, have careful watch.
  16. Third Soldier
  17. 2398 And you. Good night, good night.
  18. [The first two place themselves at their posts.]
  19. Fourth Soldier
  20. 2399 Here we:
  21. [The third and fourth take their posts.]
  22. Fourth Soldier
  23. 2400 and if
  24. 2401 to-morrow
  25. 2402 Our navy thrive, I have an absolute hope
  26. 2403 Our landmen will stand up.
  27. Third Soldier
  28. 2404 'Tis a brave army,
  29. 2405 And full of purpose.
  30. [Music as of hautboys under the stage.]
  31. Fourth Soldier
  32. 2406 Peace, what noise?
  33. First Soldier
  34. 2407 List, list!
  35. Second Soldier
  36. 2408 Hark!
  37. First Soldier
  38. 2409 Music i' the air.
  39. Third Soldier
  40. 2410 Under the earth.
  41. Fourth Soldier
  42. 2411 It signs well, does it not?
  43. Third Soldier
  44. 2412 No.
  45. First Soldier
  46. 2413 Peace, I say!
  47. 2414 What should this mean?
  48. Second Soldier
  49. 2415 'Tis the god Hercules, whom Antony lov'd,
  50. 2416 Now leaves him.
  51. First Soldier
  52. 2417 Walk; let's see if other watchmen
  53. 2418 Do hear what we do.
  54. [They advance to another post.]
  55. Second Soldier
  56. 2419 How now, masters!
  57. [Speaking together.]
  58. Soldiers
  59. 2420 How now!
  60. 2421 How now! Do you hear this?
  61. First Soldier
  62. 2422 Ay; is't not strange?
  63. Third Soldier
  64. 2423 Do you hear, masters? do you hear?
  65. First Soldier
  66. 2424 Follow the noise so far as we have quarter;
  67. 2425 Let's see how it will give off.
  68. [Speaking together.]
  69. Soldiers
  70. 2426 Content. 'Tis strange.
  71. [Exeunt.]