ACTISCENEI。Rome。BeforetheCapitol。TheTomboftheANDRONICIappearing;theTribunesandSenatorsaloft。Enter,below,fromoneside,SATURNINUSandhisFollowers;and,fromtheotherside,BASSIANUSandhisFollowers;withdrumandcoloursSATURNINUSNoblepatricians,patronsofmyright,Defendthejusticeofmycausewitharms,And,countrymen,mylovingfollowers,Pleadmysuccessivetitlewithyourswords:
Iamhisfirst-bornson,thatwasthelastThatworetheimperialdiademofRome;
Thenletmyfather’shonoursliveinme,Norwrongmineagewiththisindignity。BASSIANUSRomans,friends,followers,favorersofmyright,IfeverBassianus,Caesar’sson,WeregraciousintheeyesofroyalRome,KeepthenthispassagetotheCapitolAndsuffernotdishonourtoapproachTheimperialseat,tovirtueconsecrate,Tojustice,continenceandnobility;
Butletdesertinpureelectionshine,And,Romans,fightforfreedominyourchoice。
EnterMARCUSANDRONICUS,aloft,withthecrownMARCUSANDRONICUSPrinces,thatstrivebyfactionsandbyfriendsAmbitiouslyforruleandempery,KnowthatthepeopleofRome,forwhomwestandAspecialparty,have,bycommonvoice,InelectionfortheRomanempery,ChosenAndronicus,surnamedPiusFormanygoodandgreatdesertstoRome:
Anoblerman,abraverwarrior,Livesnotthisdaywithinthecitywalls:
Hebythesenateisaccit’dhomeFromwearywarsagainstthebarbarousGoths;
That,withhissons,aterrortoourfoes,Hathyokedanationstrong,train’dupinarms。
TenyearsarespentsincefirstheundertookThiscauseofRomeandchastisedwitharmsOurenemies’pride:fivetimeshehathreturn’dBleedingtoRome,bearinghisvaliantsonsIncoffinsfromthefield;
Andnowatlast,ladenwithhorror’sspoils,ReturnsthegoodAndronicustoRome,RenownedTitus,flourishinginarms。
Letusentreat,byhonourofhisname,Whomworthilyyouwouldhavenowsucceed。
AndintheCapitolandsenate’sright,Whomyoupretendtohonourandadore,Thatyouwithdrawyouandabateyourstrength;
Dismissyourfollowersand,assuitorsshould,Pleadyourdesertsinpeaceandhumbleness。SATURNINUSHowfairthetribunespeakstocalmmythoughts!BASSIANUSMarcusAndronicus,soIdoallyInthyuprightnessandintegrity,AndsoIloveandhonourtheeandthine,ThynoblebrotherTitusandhissons,Andhertowhommythoughtsarehumbledall,GraciousLavinia,Rome’srichornament,ThatIwillheredismissmylovingfriends,Andtomyfortunesandthepeople’sfavorCommitmycauseinbalancetobeweigh’d。
ExeuntthefollowersofBASSIANUSSATURNINUSFriends,thathavebeenthusforwardinmyright,Ithankyouallandheredismissyouall,AndtotheloveandfavorofmycountryCommitmyself,mypersonandthecause。
ExeuntthefollowersofSATURNINUS
Rome,beasjustandgraciousuntomeAsIamconfidentandkindtothee。
Openthegates,andletmein。BASSIANUSTribunes,andme,apoorcompetitor。
Flourish。SATURNINUSandBASSIANUSgoupintotheCapitolEnteraCaptainCaptainRomans,makeway:thegoodAndronicus。
Patronofvirtue,Rome’sbestchampion,Successfulinthebattlesthathefights,Withhonourandwithfortuneisreturn’dFromwherehecircumscribedwithhissword,Andbroughttoyoke,theenemiesofRome。
Drumsandtrumpetssounded。EnterMARTIUSandMUTIUS;Afterthem,twoMenbearingacoffincoveredwithblack;thenLUCIUSandQUINTUS。Afterthem,TITUSANDRONICUS;andthenTAMORA,withALARBUS,DEMETRIUS,CHIRON,AARON,andotherGoths,prisoners;Soldiersandpeoplefollowing。TheBearerssetdownthecoffin,andTITUSspeaksTITUSANDRONICUSHail,Rome,victoriousinthymourningweeds!
Lo,asthebark,thathathdischargedherfraught,ReturnswithpreciousjadingtothebayFromwhenceatfirstsheweigh’dheranchorage,ComethAndronicus,boundwithlaurelboughs,Tore-salutehiscountrywithhistears,TearsoftruejoyforhisreturntoRome。
ThougreatdefenderofthisCapitol,Standgracioustotheritesthatweintend!
Romans,offiveandtwentyvaliantsons,HalfofthenumberthatKingPriamhad,Beholdthepoorremains,aliveanddead!
ThesethatsurviveletRomerewardwithlove;
ThesethatIbringuntotheirlatesthome,Withburialamongsttheirancestors:
HereGothshavegivenmeleavetosheathemysword。
Titus,unkindandcarelessofthineown,Whysuffer’stthouthysons,unburiedyet,TohoveronthedreadfulshoreofStyx?
Makewaytolaythembytheirbrethren。
ThetombisopenedTheregreetinsilence,asthedeadarewont,Andsleepinpeace,slaininyourcountry’swars!
Osacredreceptacleofmyjoys,Sweetcellofvirtueandnobility,Howmanysonsofminehastthouinstore,Thatthouwiltneverrendertomemore!LUCIUSGiveustheproudestprisoneroftheGoths,Thatwemayhewhislimbs,andonapileAdmanesfratrumsacrificehisflesh,Beforethisearthyprisonoftheirbones;
Thatsotheshadowsbenotunappeased,Norwedisturb’dwithprodigiesonearth。TITUSANDRONICUSIgivehimyou,thenoblestthatsurvives,Theeldestsonofthisdistressedqueen。TAMORAStay,Romanbrethren!Graciousconqueror,VictoriousTitus,ruethetearsIshed,Amother’stearsinpassionforherson:
Andifthysonswereeverdeartothee,O,thinkmysontobeasdeartome!
SufficethnotthatwearebroughttoRome,Tobeautifythytriumphsandreturn,CaptivetotheeandtothyRomanyoke,Butmustmysonsbeslaughter’dinthestreets,Forvaliantdoingsintheircountry’scause?
O,iftofightforkingandcommonwealWerepietyinthine,itisinthese。
Andronicus,stainnotthytombwithblood:
Wiltthoudrawnearthenatureofthegods?
Drawnearthemtheninbeingmerciful:
Sweetmercyisnobility’struebadge:
ThricenobleTitus,sparemyfirst-bornson。TITUSANDRONICUSPatientyourself,madam,andpardonme。
Thesearetheirbrethren,whomyouGothsbeheldAliveanddead,andfortheirbrethrenslainReligiouslytheyaskasacrifice:
Tothisyoursonismark’d,anddiehemust,Toappeasetheirgroaningshadowsthataregone。LUCIUSAwaywithhim!andmakeafirestraight;
Andwithourswords,uponapileofwood,Let’shewhislimbstilltheybecleanconsumed。
ExeuntLUCIUS,QUINTUS,MARTIUS,andMUTIUS,withALARBUSTAMORAOcruel,irreligiouspiety!CHIRONWaseverScythiahalfsobarbarous?DEMETRIUSOpposenotScythiatoambitiousRome。
Alarbusgoestorest;andwesurviveTotrembleunderTitus’threateninglooks。
Then,madam,standresolved,buthopewithalTheself-samegodsthatarm’dtheQueenofTroyWithopportunityofsharprevengeUpontheThraciantyrantinhistent,MayfavorTamora,theQueenofGoths——
WhenGothswereGothsandTamorawasqueen——
Toquitthebloodywrongsuponherfoes。
Re-enterLUCIUS,QUINTUS,MARTIUSandMUTIUS,withtheirswordsbloodyLUCIUSSee,lordandfather,howwehaveperform’dOurRomanrites:Alarbus’limbsarelopp’d,Andentrailsfeedthesacrificingfire,Whosesmoke,likeincense,dothperfumethesky。
Remainethnought,buttointerourbrethren,Andwithloud’larumswelcomethemtoRome。TITUSANDRONICUSLetitbeso;andletAndronicusMakethishislatestfarewelltotheirsouls。
Trumpetssounded,andthecoffinlaidinthetombInpeaceandhonourrestyouhere,mysons;
Rome’sreadiestchampions,reposeyouhereinrest,Securefromworldlychancesandmishaps!
Herelurksnotreason,herenoenvyswells,Heregrownodamnedgrudges;herearenostorms,Nonoise,butsilenceandeternalsleep:
Inpeaceandhonourrestyouhere,mysons!
EnterLAVINIALAVINIAInpeaceandhonourliveLordTituslong;
Mynoblelordandfather,liveinfame!
Lo,atthistombmytributarytearsIrender,formybrethren’sobsequies;
AndatthyfeetIkneel,withtearsofjoy,Shedontheearth,forthyreturntoRome:
O,blessmeherewiththyvictorioushand,WhosefortunesRome’sbestcitizensapplaud!TITUSANDRONICUSKindRome,thathastthuslovinglyreservedThecordialofmineagetogladmyheart!
Lavinia,live;outlivethyfather’sdays,Andfame’seternaldate,forvirtue’spraise!
Enter,below,MARCUSANDRONICUSandTribunes;re-enterSATURNINUS
andBASSIANUS,attendedMARCUSANDRONICUSLongliveLordTitus,mybelovedbrother,GracioustriumpherintheeyesofRome!TITUSANDRONICUSThanks,gentletribune,noblebrotherMarcus。MARCUSANDRONICUSAndwelcome,nephews,fromsuccessfulwars,Youthatsurvive,andyouthatsleepinfame!
Fairlords,yourfortunesarealikeinall,Thatinyourcountry’sservicedrewyourswords:
Butsafertriumphisthisfuneralpomp,ThathathaspiredtoSolon’shappinessAndtriumphsoverchanceinhonour’sbed。
TitusAndronicus,thepeopleofRome,Whosefriendinjusticethouhasteverbeen,Sendtheebyme,theirtribuneandtheirtrust,Thispalliamentofwhiteandspotlesshue;
Andnametheeinelectionfortheempire,Withtheseourlate-deceasedemperor’ssons:
Becandidatusthen,andputiton,AndhelptosetaheadonheadlessRome。TITUSANDRONICUSAbetterheadhergloriousbodyfitsThanhisthatshakesforageandfeebleness:
WhatshouldIdonthisrobe,andtroubleyou?
Bechosenwithproclamationsto-day,To-morrowyielduprule,resignmylife,Andsetabroadnewbusinessforyouall?
Rome,Ihavebeenthysoldierfortyyears,Andledmycountry’sstrengthsuccessfully,Andburiedoneandtwentyvaliantsons,Knightedinfield,slainmanfullyinarms,InrightandserviceoftheirnoblecountryGivemeastaffofhonourformineage,Butnotasceptretocontroltheworld:
Uprightheheldit,lords,thathelditlast。MARCUSANDRONICUSTitus,thoushaltobtainandasktheempery。SATURNINUSProudandambitioustribune,canstthoutell?TITUSANDRONICUSPatience,PrinceSaturninus。SATURNINUSRomans,domeright:
Patricians,drawyourswords:andsheathethemnotTillSaturninusbeRome’semperor。
Andronicus,wouldthouwertshipp’dtohell,Ratherthanrobmeofthepeople’shearts!LUCIUSProudSaturnine,interrupterofthegoodThatnoble-mindedTitusmeanstothee!TITUSANDRONICUSContentthee,prince;IwillrestoretotheeThepeople’shearts,andweanthemfromthemselves。BASSIANUSAndronicus,Idonotflatterthee,Buthonourthee,andwilldotillIdie:
Myfactionifthoustrengthenwiththyfriends,Iwillmostthankfulbe;andthankstomenOfnoblemindsishonourablemeed。TITUSANDRONICUSPeopleofRome,andpeople’stribuneshere,Iaskyourvoicesandyoursuffrages:
WillyoubestowthemfriendlyonAndronicus?TribunesTogratifythegoodAndronicus,AndgratulatehissafereturntoRome,Thepeoplewillacceptwhomheadmits。TITUSANDRONICUSTribunes,Ithankyou:andthissuitImake,Thatyoucreateyouremperor’seldestson,LordSaturnine;whosevirtueswill,Ihope,ReflectonRomeasTitan’sraysonearth,Andripenjusticeinthiscommonweal:
Then,ifyouwillelectbymyadvice,Crownhimandsay’Longliveouremperor!’MARCUSANDRONICUSWithvoicesandapplauseofeverysort,Patriciansandplebeians,wecreateLordSaturninusRome’sgreatemperor,Andsay’LongliveourEmperorSaturnine!’
AlongflourishtilltheycomedownSATURNINUSTitusAndronicus,forthyfavorsdoneTousinourelectionthisday,Igivetheethanksinpartofthydeserts,Andwillwithdeedsrequitethygentleness:
And,foranonset,Titus,toadvanceThynameandhonourablefamily,LaviniawillImakemyempress,Rome’sroyalmistress,mistressofmyheart,AndinthesacredPantheonherespouse:
Tellme,Andronicus,doththismotionpleasethee?TITUSANDRONICUSItdoth,myworthylord;andinthismatchIholdmehighlyhonour’dofyourgrace:
AndhereinsightofRometoSaturnine,Kingandcommanderofourcommonweal,Thewideworld’semperor,doIconsecrateMysword,mychariotandmyprisoners;
PresentswellworthyRome’simperiallord:
Receivethemthen,thetributethatIowe,Minehonour’sensignshumbledatthyfeet。SATURNINUSThanks,nobleTitus,fatherofmylife!
HowproudIamoftheeandofthygiftsRomeshallrecord,andwhenIdoforgetTheleastoftheseunspeakabledeserts,Romans,forgetyourfealtytome。TITUSANDRONICUS[ToTAMORA]Now,madam,areyouprisonertoanemperor;
Tohimthat,foryourhonourandyourstate,Willuseyounoblyandyourfollowers。SATURNINUSAgoodlylady,trustme;ofthehueThatIwouldchoose,wereItochooseanew。
Clearup,fairqueen,thatcloudycountenance:
Thoughchanceofwarhathwroughtthischangeofcheer,ThoucomestnottobemadeascorninRome:
Princelyshallbethyusageeveryway。
Restonmyword,andletnotdiscontentDauntallyourhopes:madam,hecomfortsyouCanmakeyougreaterthantheQueenofGoths。
Lavinia,youarenotdispleasedwiththis?LAVINIANotI,mylord;sithtruenobilityWarrantsthesewordsinprincelycourtesy。SATURNINUSThanks,sweetLavinia。Romans,letusgo;
Ransomlessherewesetourprisonersfree:
Proclaimourhonours,lords,withtrumpanddrum。
Flourish。SATURNINUScourtsTAMORAindumbshowBASSIANUSLordTitus,byyourleave,thismaidismine。
SeizingLAVINIATITUSANDRONICUSHow,sir!areyouinearnestthen,mylord?BASSIANUSAy,nobleTitus;andresolvedwithalTodomyselfthisreasonandthisright。MARCUSANDRONICUS’Suumcuique’isourRomanjustice:
Thisprinceinjusticeseizethbuthisown。LUCIUSAndthathewill,andshall,ifLuciuslive。TITUSANDRONICUSTraitors,avaunt!Whereistheemperor’sguard?
Treason,mylord!Laviniaissurprised!SATURNINUSSurprised!bywhom?BASSIANUSByhimthatjustlymayBearhisbetroth’dfromalltheworldaway。
ExeuntBASSIANUSandMARCUSwithLAVINIAMUTIUSBrothers,helptoconveyherhenceaway,AndwithmyswordI’llkeepthisdoorsafe。
ExeuntLUCIUS,QUINTUS,andMARTIUSTITUSANDRONICUSFollow,mylord,andI’llsoonbringherback。MUTIUSMylord,youpassnothere。TITUSANDRONICUSWhat,villainboy!
Barr’stmemywayinRome?
StabbingMUTIUSMUTIUSHelp,Lucius,help!
DiesDuringthefray,SATURNINUS,TAMORA,DEMETRIUS,CHIRONandAARON
gooutandre-enter,aboveRe-enterLUCIUSLUCIUSMylord,youareunjust,and,morethanso,Inwrongfulquarrelyouhaveslainyourson。TITUSANDRONICUSNorthou,norhe,areanysonsofmine;
Mysonswouldneversodishonourme:
Traitor,restoreLaviniatotheemperor。LUCIUSDead,ifyouwill;butnottobehiswife,Thatisanother’slawfulpromisedlove。
ExitSATURNINUSNo,Titus,no;theemperorneedshernot,Norher,northee,noranyofthystock:
I’lltrust,byleisure,himthatmocksmeonce;
Theenever,northytraitoroushaughtysons,Confederatesallthustodishonourme。
WastherenoneelseinRometomakeastale,ButSaturnine?Fullwell,Andronicus,Agreethesedeedswiththatproudbragofthine,Thatsaid’stIbegg’dtheempireatthyhands。TITUSANDRONICUSOmonstrous!whatreproachfulwordsarethese?SATURNINUSButgothyways;go,givethatchangingpieceTohimthatflourish’dforherwithhisswordAvaliantson-in-lawthoushaltenjoy;
Onefittobandywiththylawlesssons,ToruffleinthecommonwealthofRome。TITUSANDRONICUSThesewordsarerazorstomywoundedheart。SATURNINUSAndtherefore,lovelyTamora,queenofGoths,ThatlikethestatelyPhoebe’mongsthernymphsDostovershinethegallant’stdamesofRome,Ifthoubepleasedwiththismysuddenchoice,Behold,Ichoosethee,Tamora,formybride,AndwillcreatetheeempressofRome,Speak,QueenofGoths,dostthouapplaudmychoice?
AndhereIswearbyalltheRomangods,SithpriestandholywateraresonearAndtapersburnsobrightandeverythingInreadinessforHymenaeusstand,Iwillnotre-salutethestreetsofRome,Orclimbmypalace,tillfromforththisplaceIleadespousedmybridealongwithme。TAMORAAndhere,insightofheaven,toRomeIswear,IfSaturnineadvancetheQueenofGoths,Shewillahandmaidbetohisdesires,Alovingnurse,amothertohisyouth。SATURNINUSAscend,fairqueen,Pantheon。Lords,accompanyYournobleemperorandhislovelybride,SentbytheheavensforPrinceSaturnine,Whosewisdomhathherfortuneconquered:
Thereshallweconsummateourspousalrites。
ExeuntallbutTITUSTITUSANDRONICUSIamnotbidtowaituponthisbride。
Titus,whenwertthouwonttowalkalone,Dishonour’dthus,andchallengedofwrongs?
Re-enterMARCUS,LUCIUS,QUINTUS,andMARTIUSMARCUSANDRONICUSOTitus,see,O,seewhatthouhastdone!
Inabadquarrelslainavirtuousson。TITUSANDRONICUSNo,foolishtribune,no;nosonofmine,Northou,northese,confederatesinthedeedThathathdishonour’dallourfamily;
Unworthybrother,andunworthysons!LUCIUSButletusgivehimburial,asbecomes;
GiveMutiusburialwithourbrethren。TITUSANDRONICUSTraitors,away!herestsnotinthistomb:
Thismonumentfivehundredyearshathstood,WhichIhavesumptuouslyre-edified:
HerenonebutsoldiersandRome’sservitorsReposeinfame;nonebaselyslaininbrawls:
Buryhimwhereyoucan;hecomesnothere。MARCUSANDRONICUSMylord,thisisimpietyinyou:
MynephewMutius’deedsdopleadforhimHemustbeburiedwithhisbrethren。QUINTUSMARTIUSAndshall,orhimwewillaccompany。TITUSANDRONICUS’Andshall!’whatvillainwasitthatspakethatword?QUINTUSHethatwouldvouchitinanyplacebuthere。TITUSANDRONICUSWhat,wouldyouburyhiminmydespite?MARCUSANDRONICUSNo,nobleTitus,butentreatoftheeTopardonMutiusandtoburyhim。TITUSANDRONICUSMarcus,eventhouhaststruckuponmycrest,And,withtheseboys,minehonourthouhastwounded:
MyfoesIdoreputeyoueveryone;
So,troublemenomore,butgetyougone。MARTIUSHeisnotwithhimself;letuswithdraw。QUINTUSNotI,tillMutius’bonesbeburied。
MARCUSandtheSonsofTITUSkneelMARCUSANDRONICUSBrother,forinthatnamedothnatureplead,——QUINTUSFather,andinthatnamedothnaturespeak,——TITUSANDRONICUSSpeakthounomore,ifalltherestwillspeed。MARCUSANDRONICUSRenownedTitus,morethanhalfmysoul,——LUCIUSDearfather,soulandsubstanceofusall,——MARCUSANDRONICUSSufferthybrotherMarcustointerHisnoblenephewhereinvirtue’snest,ThatdiedinhonourandLavinia’scause。
ThouartaRoman;benotbarbarous:
TheGreeksuponadvicedidburyAjaxThatslewhimself;andwiseLaertes’sonDidgraciouslypleadforhisfunerals:
LetnotyoungMutius,then,thatwasthyjoyBebarr’dhisentrancehere。TITUSANDRONICUSRise,Marcus,rise。
Thedismall’stdayisthisthate’erIsaw,Tobedishonour’dbymysonsinRome!
Well,buryhim,andburymethenext。
MUTIUSisputintothetombLUCIUSThereliethybones,sweetMutius,withthyfriends,Tillwewithtrophiesdoadornthytomb。All[Kneeling]NomanshedtearsfornobleMutius;
Helivesinfamethatdiedinvirtue’scause。MARCUSANDRONICUSMylord,tostepoutofthesedrearydumps,HowcomesitthatthesubtleQueenofGothsIsofasuddenthusadvancedinRome?TITUSANDRONICUSIknownot,Marcus;butIknowitis,Whetherbydeviceorno,theheavenscantell:
IsshenotthenbeholdingtothemanThatbroughtherforthishighgoodturnsofar?
Yes,andwillnoblyhimremunerate。
Flourish。Re-enter,fromoneside,SATURNINUSattended,TAMORA,DEMETRIUS,CHIRONandAARON;fromtheother,BASSIANUS,LAVINIA,andothersSATURNINUSSo,Bassianus,youhaveplay’dyourprize:
Godgiveyoujoy,sir,ofyourgallantbride!BASSIANUSAndyouofyours,mylord!Isaynomore,Norwishnoless;andso,Itakemyleave。SATURNINUSTraitor,ifRomehavelaworwehavepower,Thouandthyfactionshallrepentthisrape。BASSIANUSRape,callyouit,mylord,toseizemyown,Mytruth-betrothedloveandnowmywife?
ButletthelawsofRomedetermineall;
MeanwhileIampossess’dofthatismine。SATURNINUS’Tisgood,sir:youareveryshortwithus;
But,ifwelive,we’llbeassharpwithyou。BASSIANUSMylord,whatIhavedone,asbestI
may,AnswerImustandshalldowithmylife。
OnlythusmuchIgiveyourgracetoknow:
ByallthedutiesthatIowetoRome,Thisnoblegentleman,LordTitushere,Isinopinionandinhonourwrong’d;
ThatintherescueofLaviniaWithhisownhanddidslayhisyoungestson,InzealtoyouandhighlymovedtowrathTobecontroll’dinthathefranklygave:
Receivehim,then,tofavor,Saturnine,Thathathexpress’dhimselfinallhisdeedsAfatherandafriendtotheeandRome。TITUSANDRONICUSPrinceBassianus,leavetopleadmydeeds:
’Tisthouandthosethathavedishonour’dme。
Romeandtherighteousheavensbemyjudge,HowIhavelovedandhonour’dSaturnine!TAMORAMyworthylord,ifeverTamoraWeregraciousinthoseprincelyeyesofthine,Thenhearmespeakinindifferentlyforall;
Andatmysuit,sweet,pardonwhatispast。SATURNINUSWhat,madam!bedishonour’dopenly,Andbaselyputitupwithoutrevenge?TAMORANotso,mylord;thegodsofRomeforfendIshouldbeauthortodishonouryou!
ButonminehonourdareIundertakeForgoodLordTitus’innocenceinall;
Whosefurynotdissembledspeakshisgriefs:
Then,atmysuit,lookgraciouslyonhim;
Losenotsonobleafriendonvainsuppose,Norwithsourlooksafflicthisgentleheart。
AsidetoSATURNINUS
bewonatlast;
Dissembleallyourgriefsanddiscontents:
Youarebutnewlyplantedinyourthrone;
Lest,then,thepeople,andpatricianstoo,Uponajustsurvey,takeTitus’part,Andsosupplantyouforingratitude,WhichRomereputestobeaheinoussin,Yieldatentreats;andthenletmealone:
I’llfindadaytomassacrethemallAndrazetheirfactionandtheirfamily,Thecruelfatherandhistraitoroussons,TowhomIsuedformydearson’slife,Andmakethemknowwhat’tistoletaqueenKneelinthestreetsandbegforgraceinvain。
AloudCome,come,sweetemperor;come,Andronicus;
Takeupthisgoodoldman,andcheertheheartThatdiesintempestofthyangryfrown。SATURNINUSRise,Titus,rise;myempresshathprevail’d。TITUSANDRONICUSIthankyourmajesty,andher,mylord:
Thesewords,theselooks,infusenewlifeinme。TAMORATitus,IamincorporateinRome,ARomannowadoptedhappily,Andmustadvisetheemperorforhisgood。
Thisdayallquarrelsdie,Andronicus;
Andletitbeminehonour,goodmylord,ThatIhavereconciledyourfriendsandyou。
Foryou,PrinceBassianus,Ihavepass’dMywordandpromisetotheemperor,Thatyouwillbemoremildandtractable。
Andfearnotlords,andyou,Lavinia;
Bymyadvice,allhumbledonyourknees,Youshallaskpardonofhismajesty。LUCIUSWedo,andvowtoheavenandtohishighness,Thatwhatwedidwasmildlyaswemight,Tenderingoursister’shonourandourown。MARCUSANDRONICUSThat,onminehonour,hereIdoprotest。SATURNINUSAway,andtalknot;troubleusnomore。TAMORANay,nay,sweetemperor,wemustallbefriends:
Thetribuneandhisnephewskneelforgrace;
Iwillnotbedenied:sweetheart,lookback。SATURNINUSMarcus,forthysakeandthybrother’shere,AndatmylovelyTamora’sentreats,Idoremittheseyoungmen’sheinousfaults:
Standup。
Lavinia,thoughyouleftmelikeachurl,Ifoundafriend,andsureasdeathIsworeIwouldnotpartabachelorfromthepriest。
Come,iftheemperor’scourtcanfeasttwobrides,Youaremyguest,Lavinia,andyourfriends。
Thisdayshallbealove-day,Tamora。TITUSANDRONICUSTo-morrow,anitpleaseyourmajestyTohuntthepantherandthehartwithme,Withhornandhoundwe’llgiveyourgracebonjour。SATURNINUSBeitso,Titus,andgramercytoo。
Flourish。ExeuntACTIISCENEI。Rome。BeforethePalace。EnterAARONAARONNowclimbethTamoraOlympus’top,Safeoutoffortune’sshot;andsitsaloft,Secureofthunder’scrackorlightningflash;
Advancedabovepaleenvy’sthreateningreach。
Aswhenthegoldensunsalutesthemorn,And,havinggilttheoceanwithhisbeams,Gallopsthezodiacinhisglisteringcoach,Andoverlooksthehighest-peeringhills;
SoTamora:
Uponherwitdothearthlyhonourwait,Andvirtuestoopsandtremblesatherfrown。
Then,Aaron,armthyheart,andfitthythoughts,Tomountaloftwiththyimperialmistress,Andmountherpitch,whomthouintriumphlongHastprisonerheld,fetter’dinamorouschainsAndfasterboundtoAaron’scharmingeyesThanisPrometheustiedtoCaucasus。
Awaywithslavishweedsandservilethoughts!
Iwillbebright,andshineinpearlandgold,Towaituponthisnew-madeempress。
Towait,saidI?towantonwiththisqueen,Thisgoddess,thisSemiramis,thisnymph,Thissiren,thatwillcharmRome’sSaturnine,Andseehisshipwreckandhiscommonweal’s。
Holloa!whatstormisthis?
EnterDEMETRIUSandCHIRON,bravingDEMETRIUSChiron,thyyearswantwit,thywitwantsedge,Andmanners,tointrudewhereIamgraced;
Andmay,foraughtthouknow’st,affectedbe。CHIRONDemetrius,thoudostover-weeninall;
Andsointhis,tobearmedownwithbraves。
’TisnotthedifferenceofayearortwoMakesmelessgraciousortheemorefortunate:
IamasableandasfitasthouToserve,andtodeservemymistress’grace;
Andthatmyswordupontheeshallapprove,AndpleadmypassionsforLavinia’slove。AARON[Aside]Clubs,clubs!theseloverswillnotkeepthepeace。DEMETRIUSWhy,boy,althoughourmother,unadvised,Gaveyouadancing-rapierbyyourside,Areyousodesperategrown,tothreatyourfriends?
Goto;haveyourlathgluedwithinyoursheathTillyouknowbetterhowtohandleit。CHIRONMeanwhile,sir,withthelittleskillIhave,FullwellshaltthouperceivehowmuchIdare。DEMETRIUSAy,boy,growyesobrave?
TheydrawAARON[Comingforward]Why,hownow,lords!
Soneartheemperor’spalacedareyoudraw,Andmaintainsuchaquarrelopenly?
FullwellIwotthegroundofallthisgrudge:
IwouldnotforamillionofgoldThecausewereknowntothemitmostconcerns;
NorwouldyournoblemotherformuchmoreBesodishonour’dinthecourtofRome。
Forshame,putup。DEMETRIUSNotI,tillIhavesheathedMyrapierinhisbosomandwithalThrustthesereproachfulspeechesdownhisthroatThathehathbreathedinmydishonourhere。CHIRONForthatIampreparedandfullresolved。
Foul-spokencoward,thatthunder’stwiththytongue,Andwiththyweaponnothingdarestperform!AARONAway,Isay!
Now,bythegodsthatwarlikeGothsadore,Thispettybrabblewillundousall。
Why,lords,andthinkyounothowdangerousItistojetuponaprince’sright?
What,isLaviniathenbecomesoloose,OrBassianussodegenerate,Thatforherlovesuchquarrelsmaybebroach’dWithoutcontrolment,justice,orrevenge?
Younglords,beware!andshouldtheempressknowThisdiscord’sground,themusicwouldnotplease。CHIRONIcarenot,I,knewsheandalltheworld:
IloveLaviniamorethanalltheworld。DEMETRIUSYoungling,learnthoutomakesomemeanerchoice:
Laviniaisthineelderbrother’shope。AARONWhy,areyemad?orknowyenot,inRomeHowfuriousandimpatienttheybe,Andcannotbrookcompetitorsinlove?
Itellyou,lords,youdobutplotyourdeathsBythisdevice。CHIRONAaron,athousanddeathsWouldIproposetoachieveherwhomIlove。AARONToachieveher!how?DEMETRIUSWhymakestthouitsostrange?
Sheisawoman,thereforemaybewoo’d;
Sheisawoman,thereforemaybewon;
SheisLavinia,thereforemustbeloved。
What,man!morewaterglidethbythemillThanwotsthemillerof;andeasyitisOfacutloaftostealashive,weknow:
ThoughBassianusbetheemperor’sbrother。
BetterthanhehavewornVulcan’sbadge。AARON[Aside]Ay,andasgoodasSaturninusmay。DEMETRIUSThenwhyshouldhedespairthatknowstocourtitWithwords,fairlooksandliberality?
What,hastnotthoufulloftenstruckadoe,Andbornehercleanlybythekeeper’snose?AARONWhy,then,itseems,somecertainsnatchorsoWouldserveyourturns。CHIRONAy,sotheturnwereserved。DEMETRIUSAaron,thouhasthitit。AARONWouldyouhadhitittoo!
Thenshouldnotwebetiredwiththisado。
Why,harkye,harkye!andareyousuchfoolsTosquareforthis?woulditoffendyou,thenThatbothshouldspeed?CHIRONFaith,notme。DEMETRIUSNorme,soIwereone。AARONForshame,befriends,andjoinforthatyoujar:
’TispolicyandstratagemmustdoThatyouaffect;andsomustyouresolve,Thatwhatyoucannotasyouwouldachieve,Youmustperforceaccomplishasyoumay。
Takethisofme:LucrecewasnotmorechasteThanthisLavinia,Bassianus’love。
AspeediercoursethanlingeringlanguishmentMustwepursue,andIhavefoundthepath。
Mylords,asolemnhuntingisinhand;
TherewillthelovelyRomanladiestroop:
Theforestwalksarewideandspacious;
AndmanyunfrequentedplotsthereareFittedbykindforrapeandvillany:
Singleyouthitherthenthisdaintydoe,Andstrikeherhomebyforce,ifnotbywords:
Thisway,ornotatall,standyouinhope。
Come,come,ourempress,withhersacredwitTovillanyandvengeanceconsecrate,Willweacquaintwithallthatweintend;
Andsheshallfileourengineswithadvice,Thatwillnotsufferyoutosquareyourselves,Buttoyourwishes’heightadvanceyouboth。
Theemperor’scourtislikethehouseofFame,Thepalacefulloftongues,ofeyes,andears:
Thewoodsareruthless,dreadful,deaf,anddull;
Therespeak,andstrike,braveboys,andtakeyourturns;
Thereserveyourlusts,shadow’dfromheaven’seye,AndrevelinLavinia’streasury。CHIRONThycounsel,lad,smellsofnocowardice,DEMETRIUSSitfasautnefas,tillIfindthestreamTocoolthisheat,acharmtocalmthesefits。
PerStyga,permanesvehor。
ExeuntSCENEII。AforestnearRome。Hornsandcryofhoundsheard。EnterTITUSANDRONICUS,withHunters,&;c。,MARCUS,LUCIUS,QUINTUS,andMARTIUSTITUSANDRONICUSThehuntisup,themornisbrightandgrey,Thefieldsarefragrantandthewoodsaregreen:
UncouplehereandletusmakeabayAndwaketheemperorandhislovelybrideAndrousetheprinceandringahunter’speal,Thatallthecourtmayechowiththenoise。
Sons,letitbeyourcharge,asitisours,Toattendtheemperor’spersoncarefully:
Ihavebeentroubledinmysleepthisnight,Butdawningdaynewcomforthathinspired。
Acryofhoundsandhorns,windedinapeal。EnterSATURNINUS,TAMORA,BASSIANUS,LAVINIA,DEMETRIUS,CHIRON,andAttendantsManygoodmorrowstoyourmajesty;
Madam,toyouasmanyandasgood:
Ipromisedyourgraceahunter’speal。SATURNINUSAndyouhaverungitlustily,mylord;
Somewhattooearlyfornew-marriedladies。BASSIANUSLavinia,howsayyou?LAVINIAIsay,no;
Ihavebeenbroadawaketwohoursandmore。SATURNINUSComeon,then;horseandchariotsletushave,Andtooursport。
ToTAMORA
Madam,nowshallyeseeOurRomanhunting。MARCUSANDRONICUSIhavedogs,mylord,Willrousetheproudestpantherinthechase,Andclimbthehighestpromontorytop。TITUSANDRONICUSAndIhavehorsewillfollowwherethegameMakesway,andrunlikeswallowso’ertheplain。DEMETRIUSChiron,wehuntnot,we,withhorsenorhound,Buthopetopluckadaintydoetoground。
ExeuntSCENEIII。Alonelypartoftheforest。EnterAARON,withabagofgoldAARONHethathadwitwouldthinkthatIhadnone,Toburysomuchgoldunderatree,Andneveraftertoinheritit。
LethimthatthinksofmesoabjectlyKnowthatthisgoldmustcoinastratagem,Which,cunninglyeffected,willbegetAveryexcellentpieceofvillany:
Andsorepose,sweetgold,fortheirunrestHidesthegoldThathavetheiralmsoutoftheempress’chest。
EnterTAMORATAMORAMylovelyAaron,whereforelook’stthousad,Wheneverythingdothmakeagleefulboast?
Thebirdschantmelodyoneverybush,Thesnakeliesrolledinthecheerfulsun,ThegreenleavesquiverwiththecoolingwindAndmakeachequer’dshadowontheground:
Undertheirsweetshade,Aaron,letussit,And,whilstthebabblingechomocksthehounds,Replyingshrillytothewell-tunedhorns,Asifadoublehuntwereheardatonce,Letussitdownandmarktheiryelpingnoise;
And,afterconflictsuchaswassupposedThewanderingprinceandDidoonceenjoy’d,WhenwithahappystormtheyweresurprisedAndcurtain’dwithacounsel-keepingcave,Wemay,eachwreathedintheother’sarms,Ourpastimesdone,possessagoldenslumber;
WhileshoundsandhornsandsweetmelodiousbirdsBeuntousasisanurse’ssongOflullabytobringherbabeasleep。AARONMadam,thoughVenusgovernyourdesires,Saturnisdominatorovermine:
Whatsignifiesmydeadly-standingeye,Mysilenceandmycloudymelancholy,MyfleeceofwoollyhairthatnowuncurlsEvenasanadderwhenshedothunrollTodosomefatalexecution?
No,madam,thesearenovenerealsigns:
Vengeanceisinmyheart,deathinmyhand,Bloodandrevengearehammeringinmyhead。
HarkTamora,theempressofmysoul,Whichneverhopesmoreheaventhanrestsinthee,ThisisthedayofdoomforBassianus:
HisPhilomelmustlosehertongueto-day,ThysonsmakepillageofherchastityAndwashtheirhandsinBassianus’blood。
Seestthouthisletter?takeitup,Ipraythee,Andgivethekingthisfatalplottedscroll。
Nowquestionmenomore;weareespied;
Herecomesaparcelofourhopefulbooty,Whichdreadsnotyettheirlives’destruction。TAMORAAh,mysweetMoor,sweetertomethanlife!AARONNomore,greatempress;Bassianuscomes:
Becrosswithhim;andI’llgofetchthysonsTobackthyquarrels,whatsoe’ertheybe。
ExitEnterBASSIANUSandLAVINIABASSIANUSWhohavewehere?Rome’sroyalempress,Unfurnish’dofherwell-beseemingtroop?
OrisitDian,habitedlikeher,WhohathabandonedherholygrovesToseethegeneralhuntinginthisforest?TAMORASaucycontrollerofourprivatesteps!
HadIthepowerthatsomesayDianhad,ThytemplesshouldbeplantedpresentlyWithhorns,aswasActaeon’s;andthehoundsShoulddriveuponthynew-transformedlimbs,Unmannerlyintruderasthouart!LAVINIAUnderyourpatience,gentleempress,’Tisthoughtyouhaveagoodlygiftinhorning;
AndtobedoubtedthatyourMoorandyouAresingledforthtotryexperiments:
Joveshieldyourhusbandfromhishoundsto-day!
’Tispitytheyshouldtakehimforastag。BASSIANUSBelieveme,queen,yourswarthCimmerianDothmakeyourhonourofhisbody’shue,Spotted,detested,andabominable。
Whyareyousequester’dfromallyourtrain,Dismountedfromyoursnow-whitegoodlysteed。
Andwander’dhithertoanobscureplot,AccompaniedbutwithabarbarousMoor,Iffouldesirehadnotconductedyou?LAVINIAAnd,beinginterceptedinyoursport,GreatreasonthatmynoblelordberatedForsauciness。Iprayyou,letushence,Andletherjoyherraven-colour’dlove;
Thisvalleyfitsthepurposepassingwell。BASSIANUSThekingmybrothershallhavenoteofthis。LAVINIAAy,fortheseslipshavemadehimnotedlong:
Goodking,tobesomightilyabused!TAMORAWhyhaveIpatiencetoendureallthis?
EnterDEMETRIUSandCHIRONDEMETRIUSHownow,dearsovereign,andourgraciousmother!
Whydothyourhighnesslooksopaleandwan?TAMORAHaveInotreason,thinkyou,tolookpale?
Thesetwohave’ticedmehithertothisplace:
Abarrendetestedvale,youseeitis;
Thetrees,thoughsummer,yetforlornandlean,O’ercomewithmossandbalefulmistletoe:
Herenevershinesthesun;herenothingbreeds,Unlessthenightlyowlorfatalraven:
Andwhentheyshow’dmethisabhorredpit,Theytoldme,here,atdeadtimeofthenight,Athousandfiends,athousandhissingsnakes,Tenthousandswellingtoads,asmanyurchins,WouldmakesuchfearfulandconfusedcriesAsanymortalbodyhearingitShouldstraightfallmad,orelsediesuddenly。
Nosoonerhadtheytoldthishellishtale,ButstraighttheytoldmetheywouldbindmehereUntothebodyofadismalyew,Andleavemetothismiserabledeath:
Andthentheycall’dmefouladulteress,LasciviousGoth,andallthebitteresttermsThatevereardidheartosucheffect:
And,hadyounotbywondrousfortunecome,Thisvengeanceonmehadtheyexecuted。
Revengeit,asyouloveyourmother’slife,Orbeyenothenceforthcall’dmychildren。DEMETRIUSThisisawitnessthatIamthyson。
StabsBASSIANUSCHIRONAndthisforme,struckhometoshowmystrength。
AlsostabsBASSIANUS,whodiesLAVINIAAy,come,Semiramis,nay,barbarousTamora,Fornonamefitsthynaturebutthyown!TAMORAGivemethyponiard;youshallknow,myboysYourmother’shandshallrightyourmother’swrong。DEMETRIUSStay,madam;hereismorebelongstoher;
Firstthrashthecorn,thenafterburnthestraw:
Thisminionstooduponherchastity,Uponhernuptialvow,herloyalty,Andwiththatpaintedhopebravesyourmightiness:
Andshallshecarrythisuntohergrave?CHIRONAnifshedo,IwouldIwereaneunuch。
Draghenceherhusbandtosomesecrethole,Andmakehisdeadtrunkpillowtoourlust。TAMORAButwhenyehavethehoneyyedesire,Letnotthiswaspoutlive,usbothtosting。CHIRONIwarrantyou,madam,wewillmakethatsure。
Come,mistress,nowperforcewewillenjoyThatnice-preservedhonestyofyours。LAVINIAOTamora!thoubear’stawoman’sface,——TAMORAIwillnothearherspeak;awaywithher!LAVINIASweetlords,entreatherhearmebutaword。DEMETRIUSListen,fairmadam:letitbeyourgloryToseehertears;butbeyourhearttothemAsunrelentingflinttodropsofrain。LAVINIAWhendidthetiger’syoungonesteachthedam?
O,donotlearnherwrath;shetaughtitthee;
Themilkthousuck’dstfromherdidturntomarble;
Evenatthyteatthouhadstthytyranny。
Yeteverymotherbreedsnotsonsalike:
ToCHIRON
Dothouentreathershowawomanpity。CHIRONWhat,wouldstthouhavemeprovemyselfabastard?LAVINIA’Tistrue;theravendothnothatchalark:
YethaveIheard,——O,couldIfinditnow!——
ThelionmovedwithpitydidendureTohavehisprincelypawsparedallaway:
Somesaythatravensfosterforlornchildren,Thewhilsttheirownbirdsfamishintheirnests:
O,betome,thoughthyhardheartsayno,Nothingsokind,butsomethingpitiful!TAMORAIknownotwhatitmeans;awaywithher!LAVINIAO,letmeteachthee!formyfather’ssake,Thatgavetheelife,whenwellhemighthaveslainthee,Benotobdurate,openthydeafears。TAMORAHadstthouinpersonne’eroffendedme,EvenforhissakeamIpitiless。
Remember,boys,Ipour’dforthtearsinvain,Tosaveyourbrotherfromthesacrifice;
ButfierceAndronicuswouldnotrelent;
Therefore,awaywithher,anduseherasyouwill,Theworsetoher,thebetterlovedofme。LAVINIAOTamora,becall’dagentlequeen,Andwiththineownhandskillmeinthisplace!
For’tisnotlifethatIhavebegg’dsolong;
PoorIwasslainwhenBassianusdied。TAMORAWhatbegg’stthou,then?fondwoman,letmego。LAVINIA’TispresentdeathIbeg;andonethingmoreThatwomanhooddeniesmytonguetotell:
O,keepmefromtheirworsethankillinglust,Andtumblemeintosomeloathsomepit,Whereneverman’seyemaybeholdmybody:
Dothis,andbeacharitablemurderer。TAMORASoshouldIrobmysweetsonsoftheirfee:
No,letthemsatisfytheirlustonthee。DEMETRIUSAway!forthouhaststay’dusheretoolong。LAVINIANograce?nowomanhood?Ah,beastlycreature!
Theblotandenemytoourgeneralname!
Confusionfall——CHIRONNay,thenI’llstopyourmouth。Bringthouherhusband:
ThisistheholewhereAaronbidushidehim。
DEMETRIUSthrowsthebodyofBASSIANUSintothepit;thenexeuntDEMETRIUSandCHIRON,draggingoffLAVINIATAMORAFarewell,mysons:seethatyoumakehersure。
Ne’erletmyheartknowmerrycheerindeed,TillalltheAndronicibemadeaway。
NowwillIhencetoseekmylovelyMoor,Andletmyspleenfulsonsthistrulldeflow’r。
ExitRe-enterAARON,withQUINTUSandMARTIUSAARONComeon,mylords,thebetterfootbefore:
StraightwillIbringyoutotheloathsomepitWhereIespiedthepantherfastasleep。QUINTUSMysightisverydull,whate’eritbodes。MARTIUSAndmine,Ipromiseyou;were’tnotforshame,WellcouldIleaveoursporttosleepawhile。
FallsintothepitQUINTUSWhatartthoufall’n?Whatsubtleholeisthis,Whosemouthiscover’dwithrude-growingbriers,Uponwhoseleavesaredropsofnew-shedbloodAsfreshasmorningdewdistill’donflowers?
Averyfatalplaceitseemstome。
Speak,brother,hastthouhurttheewiththefall?MARTIUSObrother,withthedismall’stobjecthurtThatevereyewithsightmadeheartlament!AARON[Aside]NowwillIfetchthekingtofindthemhere,ThathetherebymaygivealikelyguessHowtheseweretheythatmadeawayhisbrother。
ExitMARTIUSWhydostnotcomfortme,andhelpmeoutFromthisunhallowedandblood-stainedhole?QUINTUSIamsurprisedwithanuncouthfear;
Achillingsweato’er-runsmytremblingjoints:
Myheartsuspectsmorethanmineeyecansee。MARTIUSToprovethouhastatrue-diviningheart,Aaronandthoulookdownintothisden,Andseeafearfulsightofbloodanddeath。QUINTUSAaronisgone;andmycompassionateheartWillnotpermitmineeyesoncetobeholdThethingwhereatittremblesbysurmise;
O,tellmehowitis;forne’ertillnowWasIachildtofearIknownotwhat。MARTIUSLordBassianusliesembrewedhere,Allonaheap,liketoaslaughter’dlamb,Inthisdetested,dark,blood-drinkingpit。QUINTUSIfitbedark,howdostthouknow’tishe?MARTIUSUponhisbloodyfingerhedothwearApreciousring,thatlightensallthehole,Which,likeataperinsomemonument,Dothshineuponthedeadman’searthycheeks,Andshowstheraggedentrailsofthepit:
SopaledidshinethemoononPyramusWhenhebynightlaybathedinmaidenblood。
Obrother,helpmewiththyfaintinghand——
Iffearhathmadetheefaint,asmeithath——
Outofthisfelldevouringreceptacle,AshatefulasCocytus’mistymouth。QUINTUSReachmethyhand,thatImayhelptheeout;
Or,wantingstrengthtodotheesomuchgood,Imaybepluck’dintotheswallowingwombOfthisdeeppit,poorBassianus’grave。
Ihavenostrengthtoplucktheetothebrink。MARTIUSNorInostrengthtoclimbwithoutthyhelp。QUINTUSThyhandoncemore;Iwillnotlooseagain,Tillthouartherealoft,orIbelow:
Thoucanstnotcometome:Icometothee。