SCENE III
The same. Before the palace.
[Enter two Soldiers to their guard]
First Soldier
Brother, good night: to-morrow is the day.
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?
It will determine one way: fare you well.
Heard you of nothing strange about the streets?
First Soldier
Nothing. What news?
Nothing. What news?
Second Soldier
Belike ’tis but a rumour. Good night to you.
Belike ’tis but a rumour. Good night to you.
First Soldier
Well, sir, good night.
Well, sir, good night.
[Enter two other Soldiers]
Second Soldier
Soldiers, have careful watch.
Soldiers, have careful watch.
Third Soldier
And you. Good night, good night.
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.
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.
’Tis a brave army,
And full of purpose.
[Music of the hautboys as under the stage]
Fourth Soldier
Peace! what noise?
Peace! what noise?
First Soldier
List, list!
List, list!
Second Soldier
Hark!
Hark!
First Soldier
| Music i’ the air. |
Third Soldier
Under the earth.
Under the earth.
Fourth Soldier
It signs well, does it not?
It signs well, does it not?
Third Soldier
No.
No.
First Soldier
Peace, I say!
What should this mean?
Peace, I say!
What should this mean?
Second Soldier
’Tis the god Hercules, whom Antony loved,
Now leaves him.
’Tis the god Hercules, whom Antony loved,
Now leaves him.
First Soldier
Walk; let’s see if other watchmen
Do hear what we do?
Walk; let’s see if other watchmen
Do hear what we do?
[They advance to another post]
Second Soldier
How now, masters!
How now, masters!
All
How now! do you hear this?
| [Speaking together] | How now! |
First Soldier
Ay; is’t not strange?
Ay; is’t not strange?
Third Soldier
Do you hear, masters? do you hear?
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.
Follow the noise so far as we have quarter;
Let’s see how it will give off.
All
Content. ’Tis strange.
Content. ’Tis strange.
[Exeunt]
