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