Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Editor: Randall Martin
Not Peer Reviewed

Anthony and Cleopatra (Modern)

[4.10]
Enter a Sentry and his company [of Caesar's Watch]. Enobarbus follows [apart].
2695Sentry
If we be not relieved within this hour,
We must return to'th'court of guard. The night
Is shiny, and they say we shall embattle
By th'second hour i'th'morn.
First Watch
This last day was
A shrewd one to's.
2700Enobarbus
O bear me witness, night--
Second Watch
What man is this?
First Watch
Stand close, and list him.
Enobarbus
Be witness to me, O thou blessèd moon,
When men revolted shall upon record
2705Bear hateful memory: poor Enobarbus did
Before thy face repent.
Enobarbus?
Second Watch
Peace!--Hark further.
Enobarbus
O sovereign mistress of true melancholy,
2710The 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
2715And finish all foul thoughts. Oh 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.
2720Oh, Antony! Oh, Antony!
[He dies.]
First Watch
Let's speak to him.
Sentry
Let's hear him, for the things
He speaks may concern Caesar.
Second Watch
Let's do so.
But he sleeps.
Swoons rather, for so bad a prayer as his
Was never yet for sleep.
First Watch
Go we to him.
Second Watch
Awake, sir, awake; speak to us.
First Watch
Hear you, sir?
2730Sentry
The hand of death hath raught him.
Drums afar off.
Hark, the drums demurely wake the sleepers.
Let us bear him to'th'court of guard;
He is of note. Our hour is fully out.
2735Second Watch
Come on, then. He may recover yet.
Exeunt [with the body].