Act IV, Scene ii:
Alexandria. 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.

[The first two place themselves at their posts.]

FOURTH SOLDIER:

Here we:[The third and fourth take their posts.]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 as of hautboys 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 lov'd,

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!

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:

[Speaking together.] Content. 'Tis strange.

[Exeunt.]