Scene 3
Alexandria. Before Cleopatra’s palace.
(Antony’s First Soldier; Antony’s Second Soldier; Antony’s Third Soldier; Antony’s Fourth Soldier)
Soldiers mounting guard hear otherworldly music, which they conclude is the god Hercules abandoning Antony. (34 lines)
Enter a company of Antony’s Soldiers.
Brother, good night; tomorrow is the day.
It will determine one way; fare you well.
Heard you of nothing strange about the streets?
Nothing. What news?
Belike ’tis but a rumor. Good night to you.
Well, sir, good night.
They meet other Soldiers.
Soldiers, have careful watch.
And you. Good night, good night.
They place themselves in every corner of the stage.
Here we. And if tomorrow
Our navy thrive, I have an absolute hope
Our landmen will stand up.
’Tis a brave army,
And full of purpose.
Music of the hoboys is under the stage.
Peace, what noise?
List, list!
Hark!
Music i’ th’ air.
Under the earth.
It signs well, does it not?
No.
Peace, I say.
What should this mean?
’Tis the god Hercules, whom Antony lov’d,
Now leaves him.
Walk; let’s see if other watchmen
Do hear what we do.
How now, masters?
Speak together.
How now?
How now? Do you hear this?
Ay, is’t not strange?
Do you hear, masters? Do you hear?
Follow the noise so far as we have quarter;
Let’s see how it will give off.
Content. ’Tis strange.
Exeunt.