Antony and Cleopatra · Act 4, Scene 9

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Sentinels at their post
Sentinels at their post
First Soldier

If we be not relieved within this hour, We must return to the court of guard: the night Is shiny; and they say we shall embattle By the second hour i’ the morn.

First Soldier

If we are not relieved within the hour, We must go back to the guard post: the night Is clear; and they say we’ll form up By the second hour in the morning.

Second Soldier

This last day was A shrewd one to’s.

Second Soldier

This last day was A tough one for us.

Enter DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS
Enter DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS
Domitius Enobarbus

O, bear me witness, night,--

Domitius Enobarbus

Oh, witness me, night,--

Third Soldier

What man is this?

Third Soldier

Who is this man?

Second Soldier

Stand close, and list him.

Second Soldier

Stand close, and listen to him.

Domitius Enobarbus

Be witness to me, O thou blessed moon, When men revolted shall upon record Bear hateful memory, poor Enobarbus did Before thy face repent!

Domitius Enobarbus

Witness for me, oh blessed moon, When men who have rebelled will be remembered For their hate, poor Enobarbus did Before you, repent!

First Soldier

Enobarbus!

First Soldier

Enobarbus!

Third Soldier

Peace! Hark further.

Third Soldier

Quiet! Listen to more.

Domitius Enobarbus

O sovereign mistress of true melancholy, The poisonous damp of night disponge upon me, That life, a very rebel to my will, May hang no longer on me: throw my heart Against the flint and hardness of my fault: Which, being dried with grief, will break to powder, And finish all foul thoughts. O Antony, Nobler than my revolt is infamous, Forgive me in thine own particular; But let the world rank me in register A master-leaver and a fugitive: O Antony! O Antony!

Domitius Enobarbus

Oh, powerful queen of true sadness, The poisonous chill of night settle on me, So that life, which fights against my wishes, May no longer cling to me: smash my heart Against the harshness of my guilt: Which, dried by sorrow, will turn to dust, And put an end to all my evil thoughts. Oh Antony, Greater than my betrayal, which is shameful, Forgive me personally; But let the world mark me down As a deserter and a runaway: Oh Antony! Oh Antony!

Dies
Dies
Second Soldier

Let’s speak To him.

Second Soldier

Let’s talk to him.

First Soldier

Let’s hear him, for the things he speaks May concern Caesar.

First Soldier

Let’s listen to him, because what he says Might be important to Caesar.

Third Soldier

Let’s do so. But he sleeps.

Third Soldier

Let’s do that. But he’s sleeping.

First Soldier

Swoons rather; for so bad a prayer as his Was never yet for sleep.

First Soldier

More like fainting; because such a bad prayer as his Was never made for sleep.

Second Soldier

Go we to him.

Second Soldier

Let’s go to him.

Third Soldier

Awake, sir, awake; speak to us.

Third Soldier

Wake up, sir, wake up; talk to us.

Second Soldier

Hear you, sir?

Second Soldier

Can you hear us, sir?

First Soldier

The hand of death hath raught him.

First Soldier

Death’s grip has taken him.

Drums afar off
Drums afar off
First Soldier

Hark! the drums Demurely wake the sleepers. Let us bear him To the court of guard; he is of note: our hour Is fully out.

First Soldier

Listen! The drums Softly wake the sleepers. Let’s take him To the guardhouse; he’s important: our shift Is almost over.

Third Soldier

Come on, then; He may recover yet.

Third Soldier

Let’s go then; He might still recover.

Exeunt with the body
Exeunt with the body

End of Act 4, Scene 9

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