第1章

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。