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Antony and Cleopatra

Please see the bottom of this page for explanatory notes and resources.
ACT IV SCENE III The same. Before the palace. 
[Enter two Soldiers to their guard]
First SoldierBrother, good night: to-morrow is the day.
Second SoldierIt will determine one way: fare you well.
Heard you of nothing strange about the streets?
First SoldierNothing. What news?
Second SoldierBelike 'tis but a rumour. Good night to you.5
First SoldierWell, sir, good night.
[Enter two other Soldiers]
Second SoldierSoldiers, have careful watch.
Third SoldierAnd you. Good night, good night.
[They place themselves in every corner of the stage]
Fourth SoldierHere we: and if to-morrow
Our navy thrive, I have an absolute hope10
Our landmen will stand up.
Third Soldier'Tis a brave army,
And full of purpose.
[Music of the hautboys as under the stage]
Fourth SoldierPeace! what noise?
First SoldierList, list!15
Second SoldierHark!
First SoldierMusic i' the air.
Third SoldierUnder the earth.
Fourth SoldierIt signs well, does it not?
Third SoldierNo.20
First SoldierPeace, I say!
What should this mean?
Second Soldier'Tis the god Hercules, whom Antony loved,
Now leaves him.
First SoldierWalk; let's see if other watchmen25
Do hear what we do?
[They advance to another post]
Second SoldierHow now, masters!
All[Speaking together] How now!
How now! do you hear this?
First SoldierAy; is't not strange?30
Third SoldierDo you hear, masters? do you hear?
First SoldierFollow the noise so far as we have quarter;
Let's see how it will give off.
AllContent. 'Tis strange.
[Exeunt]


Antony and Cleopatra, Act 4, Scene 4
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Explanatory Notes for Act 4, Scene 3
From Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra. Ed. M. Eaton. Boston: Educational Publishing Company.
(Line numbers have been altered.)
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5. Belike. Very Hkely.

10. Absolute. Certain.

* Hautboys. A wind instrument made of wood.

19. Signs. It is a good omen.

23. Hercules. A legendary Greek hero who was in later times regarded as a god.

32. Quarter. As far as the Hmits of our beat.

33. Give off. Cease.

34. Content. Very good, all right.

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How to cite the explanatory notes:

Shakespeare, William. Antony and Cleopatra. Ed. M. Eaton. Boston: Educational Publishing Company, 1908. Shakespeare Online. 20 Feb. 2010. (date when you accessed the information) < http://www.shakespeare-online.com/plays/antony_4_3.html >.

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