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Sero.

The gods forbid !

Ant. Well, my good fellows, wait on me to-night: Scant not my cups; and make as much of me, As when mine empire was your fellow too, And suffer'd my command.

Cleo.

What does he mean?

Eno. To make his followers weep.
Ant.

Tend me to-night;

May be, it is the period of your duty:
Haply, you shall not see me more; or if,
A mangled shadow: perchance, to-morrow
You'll serve another master. I look on you,
As one that takes his leave. Mine honest friends,
I turn you not away; but, like a master
Married to your good service, stay till death:
Tend me to-night two hours, I ask no more,
And the gods yield+ you for't!

Eno.

To give them this discomfort?

What mean you, sir,

And I, an ass, am onion-ey'd; for shame,

Transform us not to women.

Ant.

Look, they weep;

Ho, ho, hot!

Now the witch take me, if I meant it thus!

Grace grow where those drops fall! My hearty friends,

You take me in too dolorous a sense:

I spake to you for your comfort: did desire you To burn this night with torches: Know, my hearts, I hope well of to-morrow; and will lead you,

Where rather I'll expect victorious life,

Than death and honour. Let's to supper; come,
And drown consideration.

[Exeunt.

• Perhaps.

+ Reward.

Stop.

SCENE III.

The same. Before the palace.

Enter two Soldiers, to their guard.

1 Sold. Brother, good night: to-morrow is the day. 2 Sold. It will determine one way: fare you well. Heard you of nothing strange about the streets? 1 Sold. Nothing: What news? 2 Sold,

Good night to you.

1 Sold.

Belike, 'tis but a rumour:

Well, sir, good night.

Enter two other Soldiers.

2 Sold.

Have careful watch.

3 Sold.

Soldiers,

And you: Good night, good night.

[The first two place themselves at their posts. 4 Sold. Here we: [They take their posts.] and if

to-morrow

Our navy thrive, I have an absolute hope

Our landmen will stand up.

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2 Sold. 'Tis the god Hercules, whom Antony lov'd,

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3 Sold. Do you hear, masters? do you hear? 1 Sold. Follow the noise so far as we have quarter; Let's see how't will give off.

Sold. [Several speaking.] Content: 'Tis strange.

[Exeunt.

SCENE IV.

The same. A room in the palace.

Enter Antony, and Cleopatra; Charmian, and others, attending.

Ant. Eros! mine armour, Eros!

Cleo.

Sleep a little.

Ant. No, my chuck.-Eros, come; mine armour,

Eros !

Enter Eros, with armour.

Come, my good fellow, put thine iron on :

If fortune be not ours to-day, it is

Because we brave her.-Come.

Cleo.

What's this for?

Ant.

Nay, I'll help too.

Ah, let be, let be! thou art

The armourer of my heart :-False, false; this, this. Cleo. Sooth, la, I'll help: Thus it must be.

Ant.

Well, well;

We shall thrive now.-See'st thou, my good fellow?

Go, put on thy defences.

Eros.

Cleo. Is not this buckled well?

Ant.

Briefly, sir.

Rarely, rarely:

He that unbuckles this, till we do please

To doff'tt for our repose, shall hear a storm.—
Thou fumblest, Eros; and my queen's a squire
More tight at this, than thou: Despatch.-O love,
That thou could'st see my wars to-day, and knew'st
The royal occupation! thou should'st see

Enter an Officer, armed.

A workman in't.-Good morrow to thee; welcome: Thou look'st like him that knows a warlike charge: To business that we love, we rise betime,

And go to it with delight.

1 Offi.

A thousand, sir,

Early though it be, have on their riveted trim §,

And at the port expect you.

[Shout. Trumpets. Flourish.

Enter other Officers, and Soldiers.

2 Offi. The morn is fair.-Good morrow, general. All. Good morrow, general.

Ant.

'Tis well blown, lads.

This morning, like the spirit of a youth

That means to be of note, begins betimes.

So, so; come, give me that: this way; well said.
Fare thee well, dame, whate'er becomes of me:
This is a soldier's kiss: rebukable, [Kisses her.
And worthy shameful check it were, to stand
On more mechanick compliment; I'll leave thee

• Shortly. + Put it off. + Handy.
Riveted dress, armour.

Now, like a man of steel.-You, that will fight,
Follow me close; I'll bring you to't.-Adieu.

[Exeunt Antony, Eros, Officers, and Sold. Char. Please you, retire to your chamber? Cleo. Lead me: He goes forth gallantly. That he and Cæsar might Determine this great war in single fight! Then, Antony,-But now,-Well, on.

[Exeunt.

SCENE V.

Antony's camp near Alexandria.

Trumpets sound. Enter Antony and Eros; a Soldier meeting them.

Sold. The gods make this a happy day to Antony! Ant. 'Would, thou and those thy scars had once

prevail'd

To make me fight at land!

Had'st thou done so,

Sold. The kings that have revolted, and the soldier That has this morning left thee, would have still Follow'd thy heels.

Ant.

Sold.

Who's gone this morning?

One ever near thee: Call for Enobarbus,
He shall not hear thee; or from Cæsar's camp

Say, I am none of thine.

Ant.

Sold.

Who?

He is with Cæsar.

Eros.

He has not with him.

Ant.

Sold.

What say'st thou ?

Sir,

Sir, his chests and treasure

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Ant. Go, Eros, send his treasure after; do it; Detain no jot, I charge thee: write to him

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