Antony and Cleopatra
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Act IV, Scene 9
OCTAVIUS CAESAR’s camp.
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[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.
2835
- Second Soldier. This last day was
A shrewd one to's.
[Enter DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS]
- Domitius Enobarus. O, bear me witness, night,—
- Third Soldier. What man is this?
2840
- Second Soldier. Stand close, and list him.
- Domitius Enobarus. Be witness to me, O thou blessed moon,
When men revolted shall upon record
Bear hateful memory, poor Enobarbus did
Before thy face repent!
2845
- First Soldier. Enobarbus!
- Third Soldier. Peace!
Hark further.
- Domitius Enobarus. O sovereign mistress of true melancholy,
The poisonous damp of night disponge upon me,
2850 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,
2855 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!
2860
[Dies]
- Second Soldier. Let's speak To him.
- First Soldier. Let's hear him, for the things he speaks
May concern Caesar.
- Third Soldier. Let's do so. But he sleeps.
2865
- First Soldier. Swoons rather; for so bad a prayer as his
Was never yet for sleep.
- Second Soldier. Go we to him.
- Third Soldier. Awake, sir, awake; speak to us.
- Second Soldier. Hear you, sir?
2870
- First Soldier. The hand of death hath raught him.
[Drums afar off]
Hark! the drums
Demurely wake the sleepers. Let us bear him
To the court of guard; he is of note: our hour
2875 Is fully out.
- Third Soldier. Come on, then;
He may recover yet.
[Exeunt with the body]
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