Antony and Cleopatra, Act 4, Scene 9

Sentry

If we be not relieved within this hour,We must return to th’ court of guard. The nightIs shiny, and they say we shall embattleBy th’ second hour i’ th’ morn.

If no one relieves us within this hour, we must return to the guardhouse. The night is bright, and they say we will form up for battle by two in the morning.

First Watch

This last day was a shrewd one to’s.

This last day was a rough one for us.

Enobarbus

O, bear me witness, night.—

Oh, night, be my witness—

Second Watch

What man is this?

Who is this man?

First Watch

Stand close and list him.

Stay out of sight and listen to him.

Enobarbus

Be witness to me, O thou blessed moon,When men revolted shall upon recordBear hateful memory, poor Enobarbus didBefore thy face repent.

Blessed moon, be my witness: when traitors are remembered with hatred in the records of history, testify that poor Enobarbus repented in your presence.

Sentry

Enobarbus?

Enobarbus?

Second Watch

Peace! Hark further.

Quiet! Listen to what else he says.

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 heartAgainst the flint and hardness of my fault,Which, being dried with grief, will break to powderAnd 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 registerA master-leaver and a fugitive.O Antony! O Antony!

Oh, supreme mistress of deep sadness, pour the night's poisonous moisture over me, so that life, which rebels against my will, will cling to me no longer. Throw my heart against the stone-hard cruelty of my crime. Dried out by grief, my heart will crumble to dust and put an end to all wicked thoughts. Oh, Antony, whose nobility is greater than the disgrace of my betrayal, forgive me personally, but let the world record me as a man who deserted his master and ran away. Oh, Antony! Oh, Antony!

First Watch

Let’s speak to him.

Let's speak to him.

Sentry

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

Let's listen to him, because what he says may concern Caesar.

Second Watch

Let’s do so. But he sleeps.

Let's do that. But he's asleep.

Sentry

Swoons rather, for so bad a prayer as hisWas never yet for sleep.

More likely he's fainted. No one ever prayed such a terrible prayer just to fall asleep.

First Watch

Go we to him.

Let's go to him.

Second Watch

Awake, sir, awake! Speak to us.

Wake up, sir, wake up! Speak to us.

First Watch

Hear you, sir?

Can you hear us, sir?

Sentry

The hand of death hath raught him.

Death has taken hold of him.

Second Watch

Come on, then. He may recover yet.

Come on, then. He may still recover.