Scene 3

Alexandria. Before CLEOPATRA's palace

Enter a company of soldiers

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.

[They meet other soldiers]

SECOND SOLDIER
Soldiers, have careful watch.

FIRST SOLDIER
And you. Good night, good night.

[The two companies separate and place themselves in every corner of the stage]

SECOND 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 is under the stage]

SECOND SOLDIER
Peace, what noise?

THIRD SOLDIER
List, list!

SECOND SOLDIER
Hark!

THIRD SOLDIER
Music i' th' air.

FOURTH SOLDIER
Under the earth.

THIRD SOLDIER
It signs well, does it not?

FOURTH SOLDIER
No.

THIRD SOLDIER
Peace, I say!
What should this mean?

SECOND SOLDIER
'Tis the god Hercules, whom Antony lov'd,
Now leaves him.

THIRD SOLDIER
Walk; let's see if other watchmen
Do hear what we do.

SECOND SOLDIER
How now, masters!

SOLDIERS
[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. SOLDIERS.

CONTENT
'Tis strange.

Exeunt