Titus Andronicus
William Shakespeare
Original text: Bodleian Libraries · Shakespeare First Folio (1623), Bodleian Library Arch. G c.7; diplomatic TEI transcription
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The Lamentable Tragedie of Titus Andronicus.
Actus Primus. Scoena Prima.
Flourish. Enter the Tribunes and Senators aloft And then enter Saturninus and his Followers at one doore, and…
Saturninus. Noble Patricians, Patrons of my right, Defend the iustice of my Cause with Armes. And Countrey‑men, my…
Bassianus. Romaines, Friends, Followers, Fauourers of my Right: If euer Bassianus, Cæsars Sonne, Were gracious in the eyes…
Enter Marcus Andronicus aloft with the Crowne.
Princes, that striue by Factions, and by Friends,
Ambitiously for Rule and Empery:
Know, that the people of Rome for whom we stand
A speciall Party, haue by Common voyce
In Election for the Romane Emperie,
Chosen Andronicus, Sur‑named Pious,
For many good and great deserts to Rome.
A Nobler man, a brauer Warriour,
Liues not this day within the City Walles.
He by the Senate is accited home
From weary Warres against the barbarous Gothes,
That with his Sonnes (a terror to our Foes)
Hath yoak'd a Nation strong, train'd vp in Armes.
Ten yeares are spent, since first he vndertooke
This Cause of Rome, and chasticed with Armes
Our Enemies pride. Fiue times he hath return'd
Bleeding to Rome, bearing his Valiant Sonnes
In Coffins from the Field.
And now at last, laden with Honours Spoyles,
Returnes the good Andronicus to Rome,
Renowned Titus, flourishing in Armes
Let vs intreat, by Honour of his Name,
Whom (worthily) you would haue now succeede,
And in the Capitoll and Senates right,
Whom you pretend to Honour and Adore,
That you withdraw you, and abate your Strength,
Dismisse your Followers, and as Suters should,
Pleade your Deserts in Peace and Humblenesse.
Saturnine. How fayre the Tribune speakes, To calme my thoughts.
Bassia. Marcus Andronicus, so I do affie In thy vprightnesse and Integrity: And so I Loue and Honor…
Exit Souldiours.
Saturnine. Friends, that haue beene Thus forward in my Right, I thanke you all, and heere Dismisse you…
Bassia. Tribunes, and me, a poore Competitor.
Flourish. They go vp into the Senat house.
Enter a Captaine.
Cap. Romanes make way: the good Andronicus, Patron of Vertue, Romes best Champion, Successefull in the Battailes that…
Sound Drummes and Trumpets. And then enter two of Titus Sonnes; After them, two men bearing a Coffin…
Andronicus. Haile Rome: Victorious in thy Mourning Weedes: Loe as the Barke that hath discharg'd his fraught, Returnes…
They open the Tombe.
There greete in silence as the dead are wont,
And sleepe in peace, slaine in your Countries warres:
O sacred receptacle of my ioyes,
Sweet Cell of vertue and Noblitie,
How many Sonnes of mine hast thou in store,
That thou wilt neuer render to me more?
Luc. Giue vs the proudest prisoner of the Gothes, That we may hew his limbes, and on a…
Tit. I giue him you, the Noblest that Suruiues, The eldest Son of this distressed Queene.
Tam. Stay Romaine Bretheren, gracious Conqueror, Victorious Titus, rue the teares I shed, A Mothers teares in passion…
Tit. Patient your selfe Madam, and pardon me. These are the Brethren, whom you Gothes beheld Aliue and…
Luc. Away with him, and make a fire straight, And with our Swords vpon a pile of wood,…
Exit Sonnes with Alarbus.
□□□□□□□ irreligious piety.
□□□□□□□□ Scythia halfe so barbarous?
□□□□□□□□□□ Scythia to ambitious Rome,
Alarbus goes to rest, and we suruiue,
To tremble vnder Titus threatning lookes.
Then Madam stand resolu'd, but hope withall,
The selfe same Gods that arm'd the Queene of Troy
With opportunitie of sharpe reuenge
Vpon the Thracian Tyrant in his Tent,
May fauour Tamora the Queene of Gothes,
(When Gothes were Gothes, and Tamora was Queene)
To quit the bloody wrongs vpon her foes.
Enter the Sonnes of Andronicus againe.
Luci. See Lord and Father, how we haue perform'd Our Romaine rightes, Alarbus limbs are lopt, And intrals…
Tit. Let it be so, and let Andronicus Make this his latest farewell to their soules.
Flourish. Then Sound Trumpets, and lay the Coffins in the Tombe.
In peace and Honour rest you heere my Sonnes,
Romes readiest Champions, repose you heere in rest,
Secure from worldly chaunces and mishaps:
Heere lurks no Treason, heere no enuie swels,
Heere grow no damned grudges, heere are no stormes,
No noyse, but silence and Eternall sleepe,
In peace and Honour rest you heere my Sonnes.
Enter Lauinia.
Laui. In peace and Honour, liue Lord Titus long, My Noble Lord and Father, liue in Fame: Loe…
Ti. Kind Rome, That hast thus louingly reseru'd The Cordiall of mine age to glad my hart, Lauinia…
Marc. Long liue Lord Titus, my beloued brother, Gracious Triumpher in the eyes of Rome.
Tit. Thankes Gentle Tribune, Noble brother Marcus.
Mar. And welcome Nephews from succesfull wars, You that suruiue and you that sleepe in Fame: Faire Lords…
Tit. A better head her Glorious body fits, Then his that shakes for age and feeblenesse: What should…
Mar. Titus, thou shalt obtaine and aske the Emperie.
Sat. Proud and ambitious Tribune can'st thou tell?
Titus. Patience Prince Saturninus.
Sat. Romaines do me right. Patricians draw your Swords, and sheath them not Till Saturninus be Romes Emperour:…
Luc. Proud Saturnine, interrupter of the good That Noble minded Titus meanes to thee.
Tit. Content thee Prince, I will restore to thee The peoples harts, and weane them from themselues.
Bass. Andronicus, I do not flatter thee But Honour thee, and will doe till I die: My Faction…
Tit. People of Rome, and Noble Tribunes heere, I aske your voyces and your Suffrages, Will you bestow…
Tribunes. To gratifie the good Andronicus, And Gratulate his safe returne to Rome, The people will accept whom…
Tit. Tribunes I thanke you, and this sure I make, That you Create your Emperours eldest sonne, Lord…
Mar. An. With Voyces and applause of euery sort, Patricians and Plebeans we Create Lord Saturninus Romes Great…
Satu. Titus Andronicus, for thy Fauours done, To vs in our Election this day, I giue thee thankes…
Tit. It doth my worthy Lord, and in this match, I hold me Highly Honoured of your Grace,…
Satu. Thankes Noble Titus, Father of my life, How proud I am of thee, and of thy gifts…
Tit. Now Madam are your prisoner to an Emperour, To him that for you Honour and your State,…
Satu. A goodly Lady, trust me of the Hue That I would choose, were I to choose a…
Lau. Not I my Lord, sith true Nobilitie, Warrants these words in Princely curtesie.
Sat. Thankes sweete Lauinia, Romans let vs goe: Ransomlesse heere we set our Prisoners free, Proclaime our Honors…
Bass. Lord Titus by your leaue, this Maid is mine.
Tit. How sir? Are you in earnest then my Lord?
Bass. I Noble Titus, and resolu'd withall, To doe my selfe this reason, and this right.
Marc. Suum cuiquam, is our Romane Iustice, This Prince in Iustice ceazeth but his owne.
Luc. And that he will and shall, if Lucius liue.
Tit. Traytors auant, where is the Emperours Guarde? Treason my Lord, Lauinia is surpris'd.
Sat. Surpris'd, by whom?
Bass. By him that iustly may Beare his Betroth'd, from all the world away.
Muti. Brothers helpe to conuey her hence away, And with my Sword Ile keepe this doore safe.
Tit. Follow my Lord, and Ile soone bring her backe.
Mut. My Lord you passe not heere.
Tit. What villaine Boy, bar'st me my way in Rome?
Mut. Helpe Lucius helpe. He kils him.
Luc. My Lord you are vniust, and more then so, In wrongfull quarrell, you haue slaine your son.
Tit. Nor thou, nor he are any sonnes of mine, My sonnes would neuer so dishonour me. Traytor…
Luc. Dead if you will, but not to be his wife, That is anothers lawfull promist Loue.
Enter aloft the Emperour with Tamora and her two sonnes, and Aaron the Moore.
Empe. No Titus, no, the Emperour needs her not, Nor her, nor thee, nor any of thy stocke:…
Tit. O monstrous, what reproachfull words are these?
Sat. But goe thy wayes, goe giue that changing peece, To him that flourisht for her with his…
Tit. These words are Razors to my wounded hart
Sat. And therefore louely Tamora Queene of Gothes, That like the stately Thebe mong'st her Nimphs Dost ouer‑shine…
Tamo. And heere in sight of heauen to Rome I sweare, If Saturnine aduance the Queen of Gothes,…
Satur. Ascend Faire Qeene, Panthean Lords, accompany Your Noble Emperour and his louely Bride, Sent by the heauens…
Exeunt omnes.
Tit. I am not bid to waite vpon this Bride: Titus when wer't thou wont to walke alone,…
Enter Marcus and Titus Sonnes.
Mar. O Titus see! O see what thou hast done! In a bad quarrell, slaine a Vertuous sonne.
Tit. No foolish Tribune, no: No sonne of mine, Nor thou, nor these Confedrates in the deed, That…
Luci. But let vs giue him buriall as becomes: Giue Mutius buriall with our Bretheren.
Tit. Traytors away, he rest's not in this Tombe: This Monument fiue hundreth yeares hath stood, Which I…
Mar. My Lord this is impiety in you, My Nephew Mutius deeds do plead for him, He must…
Ti. And shall! What villaine was it spake that word?
Titus sonne speakes.
He that would vouch'd it in any place but heere.
Tit. What would you bury him in my despight?
Mar. No Noble Titus, but intreat of thee, To pardon Mutius, and to bury him.
Tit. Marcus, Euen thou hast stroke vpon my Crest, And with these Boyes mine Honour thou hast wounded,…
1. Sonne. He is not himselfe, let vs withdraw.
2. Sonne. Not I tell Mutius bones be buried. The Brother and the sonnes kneele.
Mar. Brother, for in that name doth nature plea'd.
2. Sonne. Father, and in that name doth nature speake.
Tit. Speake thou no more if all the rest will speede.
Mar. Renowned Titus more then halfe my soule.
Luc. Deare Father, soule and substance of vs all.
Mar. Suffer thy brother Marcus to interre His Noble Nephew heere in vertues nest, That died in Honour…
Tit. Rise Marcus, rise, The dismall'st day is this that ere I saw, To be dishonored by my…
They put him in the Tombe.
Luc. There lie thy bones sweet Mutius with thy (friends Till we with Trophees do adorne thy Tombe.
They all kneele and say.
No man shed teares for Noble Mutius,
He liues in Fame, that di'd in vertues cause.
Exit.
Mar. My Lord to step out of these sudden dumps, How comes it that the subtile Queene of…
Ti. I know not Marcus: but I know it is, (Whether by deuise or no) the heauens can…
Flourish. Enter the Emperor, Tamora, and her two sons, with the Moore at one doore. Enter at the…
Sat. So Bassianus, you haue plaid your prize, God giue you ioy sir of your Gallant Bride.
Bass. And you of yours my Lord: I say no more, Nor wish no lesse, and so I…
Sat. Traytor, if Rome haue law, or we haue power, Thou and thy Faction shall repent this Rape.
Bass. Rape call you it my Lord, to cease my owne, My true betrothed Loue, and now my…
Sat. 'Tis good sir: you are very short with vs, But if we liue, weele be as sharpe…
Bass. My Lord, what I haue done as best I may, Answere I must, and shall do with…
Tit. Prince Bassianus leaue to plead my Deeds, 'Tis thou, and those, that haue dishonoured me, Rome and…
Tam. My worthy Lord if euer Tamora, Were gracious in those Princely eyes of thine, Then heare me…
Satu. What Madam, be dishonoured openly, And basely put it vp without reuenge?
Tam. Not so my Lord, The Gods of Rome fore‑fend, I should be Authour to dishonour you. But…
King. Rise Titus, rise, My Empresse hath preuail'd.
Titus. I thanke your Maiestie, And her my Lord. These words, these lookes, Infuse new life in me.
Tamo. Titus, I am incorparate in Rome, A Roman now adopted happily. And must aduise the Emperour for…
Son. We doe, And vow to heauen, and to his Highnes, That what we did, was mildly, as…
Mar. That on mine honour heere I do protest.
King. Away and talke not, trouble vs no more.
Tamora. Nay, nay, Sweet Emperour, we must all be friends, The Tribune and his Nephews kneele for grace,…
King. Marcus, For thy sake and thy brothers heere, And at my louely Tamora's intreats, I doe remit…
Tit. To morrow and it please your Maiestie, To hunt the Panther and the Hart with me, With…
Satur. Be it so Titus, and Gramercy to.
Exeunt.
Actus Secunda.
Flourish. Enter Aaron alone.
Aron. Now climbeth Tamora Olympus toppe, Safe out of Fortunes shot, and sits aloft, Secure of Thunders cracke…
Enter Chiron and Demetrius brauing.
Dem. Chiron thy yeres wants wit, thy wit wants edge And manners to intru'd where I am grac'd,…
Chi. Demetrius, thou doo'st ouer‑weene in all, And so in this, to beare me downe with braues, 'Tis…
Aron. Clubs, clubs, these louers will not keep the peace.
Dem. Why Boy, although our mother (vnaduised) Gaue you a daunsing Rapier by your side, Are you so…
Chi. Meane while sir, with the little skill I haue, Full well shalt thou perceiue how much I…
Deme. I Boy, grow ye so braue? They drawe.
Aron. Why how now Lords? So nere the Emperours Pallace dare you draw, And maintaine such a quarrell…
Deme. Not I, till I haue sheath'd My rapier in his bosome, and withall Thrust these reprochfull speeches…
Chi. For that I am prepar'd, and full resolu'd, Foule spoken Coward, That thundrest with thy tongue, And…
Aron. A way I say. Now by the Gods that warlike Gothes adore, This pretty brabble will vndoo…
Chi. I care not I, knew she and all the world, I loue Lauinia more then all the…
Demet. Youngling, Learne thou to make some meaner choise, Lauinia is thine elder brothers hope.
Aron. Why are ye mad? Or know ye not in Rome, How furious and impatient they be, And…
Chi. Aaron, a thousand deaths would I propose, To atchieue her whom I do loue.
Aron. To atcheiue her, how?
Deme. Why, mak'st thou it so strange? Shee is a woman, therefore may be woo'd, Shee is a…
Aron. I, and as good as Saturnius may.
Deme. Then why should he dispaire that knowes to court it With words, faire lookes, and liberality: What…
Aron. Why then it seemes some certaine snatch or so Would serue your turnes.
Chi. I so the turne were serued.
Deme. Aaron thou hast hit it.
Aron. Would you had hit it too, Then should not we be tir'd with this adoo: Why harke…
Chi. Faith not me.
Deme. Nor me, so I were one.
Aron. For shame be friends, & ioyne for that you iar: 'Tis pollicie, and stratageme must doe That…
Chi. Thy counsell Lad smells of no cowardise.
Deme. Sit fas aut nefas, till I finde the streames, To coole this heat, a Charme to calme…
Exeunt.
Enter Titus Andronicus and his three sonnes, making a noyse with hounds and hornes, and Marcus.
Tit. The hunt is vp, the morne is bright and gray, The fields are fragrant, and the Woods…
Winde Hornes
Heere a cry of houndes, and winde hornes in a peale, then Enter Saturninus, Tamora, Bassianus, Lauinia, Chiron,…
Ti. Many good morrowes to your Maiestie, Madam to you as many and as good. I promised your…
Satur. And you haue rung it lustily my Lords, Somewhat to earely for new married Ladies.
Bass. Lauinia, how say you?
Laui. I say no: I haue bene awake two houres and more.
Satur. Come on then, horse and Chariots let vs haue, And to our sport: Madam, now shall ye…
Mar. I haue dogges my Lord, Will rouze the proudest Panther in the Chase, And clime the highest…
Tit. And I haue horse will follow where the game Makes way, and runnes likes Swallowes ore the…
Deme. Chiron we hunt not we, with Horse nor Hound But hope to plucke a dainty Doe to…
Exeunt.
Enter Aaron alone.
Aron. He that had wit, would thinke that I had none, To bury so much Gold vnder a…
Enter Tamora to the Moore.
Tamo. My louely Aaron, Wherefore look'st thou sad, When euery thing doth make a Gleefull boast? The Birds…
Aron. Madame, Though Venus gouerne your desires, Saturne is Dominator ouer mine: What signifies my deadly standing eye,…
Enter Bassianus and Lauinia
Tamo. Ah my sweet Moore: Sweeter to me then life.
Aron. No more great Empresse, Bassianus comes, Be crosse with him, and Ile goe fetch thy Sonnes To…
Bassi. Whom haue we heere? Romes Royall Empresse, Vnfurnisht of our well beseeming troope? Or is it Dian…
Tamo. Sawcie controuler of our priuate steps: Had I the power, that some say Dian had, Thy Temples…
Laui. Vnder your patience gentle Empresse, 'Tis thought you haue a goodly gift in Horning, And to be…
Bassi. Beleeue me Queene, your swarth Cymerion, Doth make your Honour of his bodies Hue, Spotted, detested, and…
Laui. And being intercepted in your sport, Great reason that my Noble Lord, be rated For Saucinesse, I…
Bassi. The King my Brother shall haue notice of this.
Laui. I, for these slips haue made him noted long, Good King, to be so mightily abused.
Tamora. Why I haue patience to endure all this?
Enter Chiron and Demetrius.
Dem. How now deere Soueraigne And our gracious Mother, Why doth your Highnes looke so pale and wan?
Tamo. Haue I not reason thinke you to looke pale. These two haue tic'd me hither to this…
Dem. This is a witnesse that I am thy Sonne. stab him.
Chi. And this for me, Strook home to shew my strength.
Laui. I come Semeramis, nay Barbarous Tamora. For no name fits thy nature but thy owne.
Tam. Giue me thy poyniard, you shal know my boyes Your Mothers hand shall right your Mothers wrong.
Deme. Stay Madam heere is more belongs to her, First thrash the Corne, then after burne the straw:…
Chi. And if she doe, I would I were an Eunuch, Drag hence her husband to some secret…
Tamo. But when ye haue the hony we desire, Let not this Waspe out‑liue vs both to sting.
Chir. I warrant you Madam we will make that sure: Come Mistris, now perforce we will enioy, That…
Laui. Oh Tamora, thou bear'st a woman face.
Tamo. I will not heare her speake, away with her.
Laui. Sweet Lords intreat her heare me but a word.
Demet. Listen faire Madam, let it be your glory To see her teares, but be your hart to…
Laui. When did the Tigers young‑ones teach the dam? O doe not learne her wrath, she taught it…
Chiro. What, Would'st thou haue me proue my selfe a bastard?
Laui. 'Tis true, The Rauen doth not hatch a Larke, Yet haue I heard, Oh could I finde…
Tamo. I know not what it meanes, away with her.
Lauin. Oh let me teach thee for my Fathers sake, That gaue thee life when well he might…
Tamo. Had'st thou in person nere offended me. Euen for his sake am I pittilesse: Remember Boyes I…
Laui. Oh Tamora, Be call'd a gentle Queene, And with thine owne hands kill me in this place,…
Tam. What beg'st thou then? fond woman let me go?
Laui. 'Tis present death I beg, and one thing more, That womanhood denies my tongue to tell: Oh…
Tam. So should I rob my sweet Sonnes of their fee, No let them satisfie their lust on…
Deme. Away, For thou hast staid vs heere too long.
Lauinia. No Garace, No womanhood? Ah beastly creature, The blot and enemy to our generall name, Confusion fall—
Chi. Nay then Ile stop your mouth Bring thou her husband, This is the Hole where Aaron bid…
Tam. Farewell my Sonnes, see that you make her sure, Nere let my heart know merry cheere indeed,…
Exit.
Enter Aaron with two of Titus Sonnes.
Aron. Come on my Lords, the better foote before, Straight will I bring you to the lothsome pit,…
Quin. My sight is very dull what ere it bodes.
Marti. And mine I promise you, were it not for shame, Well could I leaue our sport to…
Quin. What art thou fallen? What subtile Hole is this, Whose mouth is couered with Rude growing Briers,…
Martius. Oh Brother, With the dismal'st obiect That euer eye with sight made heart lament.
Aron. Now will I fetch the King to finde them heere, That he thereby may haue a likely…
Exit Aaron.
Marti. Why dost not comfort me and helpe me out, From this vnhallow'd and blood‑stained Hole?
Quintus. I am surprised with an vncouth feare, A chilling sweat ore‑runs my trembling ioynts, My heart suspects…
Marti. To proue thou hast a true diuining heart, Aaron and thou looke downe into this den, And…
Quintus. Aaron is gone, And my compassionate heart Will not permit mine eyes once to behold The thing…
Marti. Lord Bassianus lies embrewed heere, All on a heape like to the slaughtred Lambe, In this detested,…
Quin. If it be darke, how doost thou know 'tis he?
Mart. Vpon his bloody finger he doth weare A precious Ring, that lightens all the Hole: Which like…
Quint. Reach me thy hand, that I may helpe thee out, Or wanting strength to doe thee so…
Martius. Nor I no strength to clime without thy help.
Quin. Thy hand once more, I will not loose againe, Till thou art heere aloft, or I below,…
Both fall in.
Enter the Emperour, Aaron the Moore.
Satur. Along with me, Ile see what hole is heere, And what he is that now is leapt…
Marti. The vnhappie sonne of old Andronicus, Brought hither in a most vnluckie houre, To finde thy brother…
Satur. My brother dead? I know thou dost but iest, He and his Lady both are at the…
Marti. We know not where you left him all aliue, But out alas, heere haue we found him…
Enter Tamora, Andronicus, and Lucius.
Tamo. Where is my Lord the King?
King. Heere Tamora, though grieu'd with killing griefe.
Tam. Where is thy brother Bassianus?
King. Now to the bottome dost thou search my wound, Poore Bassianus heere lies murthered.
Tam. Then all too late I bring this fatall writ, The complot of this timelesse Tragedie, And wonder…
She giueth Saturnine a Letter. Saturninus reads the Letter.
And if we misse to meete him hansomely,
Sweet huntsman, Bassianus 'tis we meane,
Doe thou so much as dig the graue for him,
Thou know'st our meaning, looke for thy reward
Among the Nettles at the Elder tree:
Which ouer‑shades the mouth of that same pit:
Where we decreed to bury Bassianuss
Doe this and purchase vs thy lasting friends.
King. Oh Tamora, was euer heard the like? This is the pit, and this the Elder tree, Looke…
Aron. My gracious Lord heere is the bag of Gold.
King. Two of thy whelpes, fell Curs of bloody kind Haue heere bereft my brother of his life:…
Tamo. What are they in this pit, Oh wondrous thing! How easily murder is discouered?
Tit. High Emperour, vpon my feeble knee, I beg this boone, with teares, not lightly shed, That this…
King. If it be prou'd? you see it is apparant, Who found this Letter, Tamora was it you?
Tamora. Andronicus himselfe did take it vp.
Tit. I did my Lord, Yet let me be their baile, For by my Fathers reuerent Tombe I…
King. Thou shalt not baile them, see thou follow me: Some bring the murthered body, some the murtherers,…
Tamo. Andronicus I will entreat the King, Feare not thy Sonnes, they shall do well enough.
Tit. Come Lucius come, Stay not to talke with them.
Exeunt.
Enter the Empresse Sonnes, with Lauinia, her hands cut off and her tongue cut out, and rauisht.
Deme. So now goe tell and if thy tongue can speake, Who t'was that cut thy tongue and…
Chi. Write downe thy mind, bewray thy meaning so, And if thy stumpes will let thee play the…
Dem. See how with signes and tokens she can scowle.
Chi. Goe home, Call for sweet water, wash thy hands.
Dem. She hath no tongue to call, nor hands to wash. And so let's leaue her to her…
Chi. And t'were my cause, I should goe hang my selfe.
Dem. If thou had'st hands to helpe thee knit the cord.
Exeunt.
Winde Hornes. Enter Marcus from hunting, to Lauinia.
Who is this, my Neece that flies away so fast?
Cosen a word, where is your husband?
If I do dreame, would all my wealth would wake me;
If I doe wake, some Planet strike me downe,
That I may slumber in eternall sleepe.
Speake gentle Neece, what sterne vngentle hands
Hath lopt, and hew'd, and made thy body bare
Of her two branches, those sweet Ornaments
Whose circkling shadowes, Kings haue sought to sleep in
And might not gaine so great a happines
As halfe thy Loue: Why doost not speake to me?
Alas, a Crimson riuer of warme blood,
Like to a bubling fountaine stir'd with winde,
Doth rise and fall betweene thy Rosed lips,
Comming and going with thy hony breath.
But sure some Tereus hath defloured thee,
And least thou should'st detect them, cut thy tongue.
Ah, now thou turn'st away thy face for shame:
And notwithstanding all this losse of blood,
As from a Conduit with their issuing Spouts,
Yet doe thy cheekes looke red as Titans face,
Blushing to be encountred with a Cloud,
Shall I speake for thee? shall I say 'tis so?
Oh that I knew thy hart, and knew the beast
That I might raile at him to ease my mind.
Sorrow concealed, like an Ouen stopt,
Doth burne the hart to Cinders where it is.
Faire Philomela she but lost her tongue,
And in a tedious Sampler sowed her minde.
But louely Neece, that meane is cut from thee,
A craftier Tereus hast thou met withall,
And he hath cut those pretty fingers off,
That could haue better sowed then Philomel.
Oh had the monster seene those Lilly hands,
Tremble like Aspen leaues vpon a Lute,
And make the silken strings delight to kisse them,
He would not then haue toucht them for his life.
Or had he heard the heauenly Harmony,
Which that sweet tongue hath made:
He would haue dropt his knife and fell asleepe,
As Cerberus at the Thracian Poets feete.
Come, let vs goe, and make thy father blinde,
For such a sight will blinde a fathers eye.
One houres storme will drowne the fragrant meades,
What, will whole months of teares thy Fathers eyes?
Doe not draw backe, for we will mourne with thee:
Oh could our mourning ease thy misery.
Exeunt
Actus Tertius.
Enter the Iudges and Senatours with Titus two sonnes bound, passing on the Stage to the place of…
Ti. Heare me graue fathers, noble Tribunes stay, For pitty of mine age, whose youth was spent In…
Enter Lucius, with his weapon drawne.
Oh reuerent Tribunes, oh gentle aged men,
Vnbinde my sonnes, reuerse the doome of death,
And let me say (that neuer wept before)
My teares are now preualing Oratours.
Lu. Oh noble father, you lament in vaine, The Tribunes heare not, no man is by, And you…
Ti. Ah Lucius for thy brothers let me plead, Graue Tribunes, once more I intreat of you.
Lu. My gracious Lord, no Tribune heares you speake.
Ti. Why 'tis no matter man, if they did heare They would not marke me: oh if they…
Lu. To rescue my two brothers from their death, For which attempt the Iudges haue pronounc'st My euerlasting…
Ti. O happy man, they haue befriended thee: Why foolish Lucius, dost thou not perceiue That Rome is…
Enter Marcus and Lauinia.
Mar. Titus, prepare thy noble eyes to weepe, Or if not so, thy noble heart to breake: I…
Ti. Will it consume me? Let me see it then.
Mar. This was thy daughter.
Ti. Why Marcus so she is.
Luc. Aye me this obiect kils me.
Ti. Faint‑harted boy, arise and looke vpon her, Speake Lauinia, what accursed hand Hath made thee handlesse in…
Luci. Speake gentle sister, who hath martyr'd thee?
Mar. O that delightfull engine of her thoughts, That blab'd them with such pleasing eloquence, Is torne from…
Luci. Oh say thou for her, Who hath done this deed?
Marc. Oh thus I found her straying in the Parke, Seeking to hide herselfe as doth the Deare…
Tit. It was my Deare, And he that wounded her, Hath hurt me more, then had he kild…
Mar. Perchance she weepes because they kil'd her husband, Perchance because she knowes him innocent.
Ti. If they did kill thy husband then be ioyfull, Because the law hath tane reuenge on them.…
Lu. Sweet Father cease your teares, for at your griefe See how my wretched sister sobs and weeps.
Mar. Patience deere Neece, good Titus drie thine eyes.
Ti. Ah Marcus, Marcus, Brother well I wot, Thy napkin cannot drinke a teare of mine, For thou…
Lu. Ah my Lauinia I will wipe thy cheekes.
Ti. Marke Marcus marke, I vnderstand her signes, Had she a tongue to speake, now would she say…
Enter Aron the Moore alone.
Moore. Titus Andronicus, my Lord the Emperour, Sends thee this word, that if thou loue thy sonnes, Let…
Ti. Oh gracious Emperour, oh gentle Aaron. Did euer Rauen sing so like a Larke, That giues sweet…
Lu. Stay Father, for that noble hand of thine, That hath throwne downe so many enemies, Shall not…
Mar. Which of your hands hath not defended Rome, And rear'd aloft the bloody Battleaxe, Writing destruction on…
Moore. Nay come agree, whose hand shall goe along For feare they die before their pardon come.
Mar. My hand shall goe.
Lu. By heauen it shall not goe.
Ti. Sirs striue no more, such withered hearbs as these Are meete for plucking vp, and therefore mine.
Lu. Sweet Father, if I shall be thought thy sonne, Let me redeeme my brothers both from death.
Mar. And for our fathers sake, and mothers care, Now let me shew a brothers loue to thee.
Ti. Agree betweene you, I will spare my hand.
Lu. Then Ile goe fetch an Axe.
Mar. But I will vse the Axe.
Exeunt
Ti. Come hither Aaron, Ile deceiue them both, Lend me thy hand, and I will giue thee mine,
Moore. If that be cal'd deceit, I will be honest, And neuer whil'st I liue deceiue men so:…
He cuts off Titus hand
Enter Lucius and Marcus againe.
Ti. Now stay you strife, what shall be, is dispatcht: Good Aron giue his Maiestie me hand, Tell…
Aron. I goe Andronicus, and for thy hand, Looke by and by to haue thy sonnes with thee:…
Exit.
Ti. O heere I lift this one hand vp to heauen, And bow this feeble ruine to the…
Mar. Oh brother speake with possibilities, And do not breake into these deepe extreames.
Ti. Is not my sorrow deepe, hauing no bottome? Then be my passions bottomlesse with them.
Mar. But yet let reason gouerne thy lament.
Titus. If there were reason for these miseries, Then into limits could I binde my woes: When heauen…
Enter a messenger with two heads and a hand.
Mess. Worthy Andronicus, ill art thou repaid, For that good hand thou sentst the Emperour: Heere are the…
Exit.
Marc. Now let hot ætna coole in Cicilie, And be my heart an euer‑burning hell: These miseries are…
Luci. Ah that this sight should make so deep a wound, And yet detested life not shrinke thereat:…
Mar. Alas poore hart that kisse is comfortlesse, As frozen water to a starued snake.
Titus. When will this fearefull slumber haue an end?
Mar. Now farwell flatterie, die Andronicus, Thou dost not slumber, see thy two sons heads, Thy warlike hands,…
Titus. Ha, ha, ha,
Mar. Why dost thou laugh? it fits not with this houre.
Ti. Why I haue not another teare to shed: Besides, this sorrow is an enemy, And would vsurpe…
Exeunt.
Manet Lucius.
Luci. Farewell Andronicus my noble Father: The woful'st man that euer liu'd in Rome: Farewell proud Rome, til…
Exit Lucius
A Banket. Enter Andronicus, Marcus, Lauinia, and the Boy.
An. So, so, now sit, and looke you eate no more Then will preserue iust so much strength…
Mar. Fy brother fy, teach her not thus to lay Such violent hands vppon her tender life.
An. How now! Has sorrow made thee doate already? Why Marcus, no man should be mad but I:…
Boy. Good grandsire leaue these bitter deepe laments, Make my Aunt merry, with some pleasing tale.
Mar. Alas, the tender boy in passion mou'd, Doth weepe to see his grandsires heauinesse.
An. Peace tender Sapling, thou art made of teares, And teares will quickly melt thy life away.
Marcus strikes the dish with a knife.
What doest thou strike at Marcus with knife.
Mar. At that that I haue kil'd my Lord, a Flys
An. Out on the murderour: thou kil'st my hart, Mine eyes cloi'd with view of Tirranie: A deed…
Mar. Alas (my Lord) I haue but kild a flie.
An. But? How: if that Flie had a father and mother? How would he hang his slender gilded…
Mar. Pardon me sir, It was a blacke illfauour'd Fly, Like to the Empresse Moore, therefore I kild…
An. O, o, o, Then pardon me for reprehending thee, For thou hast done a Charitable deed: Giue…
Mar. Alas poore man, griefe ha's so wrought on him, He takes false shadowes, for true substances.
An. Come, take away: Lauinia, goe with me, Ile to thy closset, and goe read with thee Sad…
Exeunt
Actus Quartus.
Enter young Lucius and Lauinia running after him, and the Boy flies from her with his bookes vnder…
Boy. H□lpe Gransier helpe, my Aunt Lauinia, Followes me euery where I know not why. Good Vncle Marcus…
Mar. Stand by me Lucius, doe not feare thy Aunt.
Titus. She loues thee boy too well to doe thee harme
Boy. I when my father was in Rome she did.
Mar. What meanes my Neece Lauinia by these signes?
Ti. Feare not Lucius, somewhat doth she meane: See Lucius see, how much she makes of thee: Some…
Boy. My Lord I know not I, nor can I gesse, Vnlesse some fit or frenzie do possesse…
Mar. Lucius I will.
Ti. How now Lauinia, Marcus what meanes this? Some booke there is that she desires to see, Which…
Mar. I thinke she meanes that ther was more then one Confederate in the fact, I more there…
Ti. Lucius what booke is that she tosseth so?
Boy. Grandsier 'tis Ouids Metamorphosis, My mother gaue it me.
Mar. For loue of her that's gone, Perhahs she culd it from among the rest.
Ti. Soft, so busily she turnes the leaues, Helpe her, what would she finde? Lauinia shall I read?…
Mar. See brother see, note how she quotes the leaues
Ti. Lauinia, wert thou thus surpriz'd sweet girle, Rauisht and wrong'd as Philomela was? Forc'd in the ruthlesse,…
Mar. O why should nature build so foule a den, Vnlesse the Gods delight in tragedies?
Ti. Giue signes sweet girle, for heere are none but friends What Romaine Lord it was durst do…
Mar. Sit downe sweet Neece, brother sit downe by me, Appollo, Pallas, Ioue, or Mercury, Inspire me that…
He writes his Name with his staffe, and guides it with feete and mouth
This sandie plot is plaine, guide if thou canst
This after me, I haue writ my name,
Without the helpe of any hand at all.
Curst be that hart that forc'st vs to that shift:
Write thou good Neece, and heere display at last,
What God will haue discouered for reuenge,
Heauen guide thy pen to print thy sorrowes plaine,
That we may know the Traytors and the truth.
She takes the staffe in her mouth, and guides it with her stumps and writes.
Ti. Oh doe ye read my Lord what she hath writs? Stuprum, Chiron, Demetrius.
Mar. What, what, the lustfull sonnes of Tamora, Performers of this hainous bloody deed?
Ti. Magni Dominator poli, Tam lentus audis scelera, tam lentus vides?
Mar. Oh calme thee gentle Lord: Although I know There is enough written vpon this earth, To stirre…
Ti. Tis sure enough, and you knew how. But if you hunt these Beare‑whelpes, then beware The Dam…
Boy. I say my Lord, that if I were a man, Their mothers bed‑chamber should not be safe,…
Mar. I that'sthat's my boy, thy father hath full oft, For his vngratefull country done the like.
Boy. And Vncle so will I, and if I liue.
Ti. Come goe with me into mine Armorie, Lucius Ile fit thee, and withall, my boy Shall carry…
Boy. I with my dagger in their bosomes Grandsire:
Ti. No boy not so, Ile teach thee another course, Lauinia come, Marcus looke to my house, Lucius…
Exeunt.
Mar. O heauens! Can you heare a good man grone And not relent, or not compassion him? Marcus…
Exit
Enter Aron, Chiron and Demetrius at one dore: and at another dore young Lucius and another, with a…
Chi. Demetrius heeres the sonne of Lucius, He hath some message to deliuer vs.
Aron. I some mad message from his mad Grandfather.
Boy. My Lords, with all the humblenesse I may, I greete your honours from Andronicus, And pray the…
Deme. Gramercie louely Lucius, what's the newes? For villanie's markt with rape. May it please you, My Grandsire…
Exit
Deme. What's heere? a scrole, & written round about? Let's see.
Integer vitæ scelerisque purus, non egit maury iaculis nec ar cus.
Chi. O 'tis a verse in Horace, I know it well. I read it in the Grammer long…
Moore. I iust, a verse in Horace: right, you haue it, Now what a thing it is to…
Deme. But me more good, to see so great a Lord Basely insinuate, and send vs gifts.
Moore. Had he not reason Lord Demetrius? Did you not vse his daughter very friendly?
Deme. I would we had a thousand Romane Dames At such a bay, by turne to serue our…
Chi. A charitable wish, and full of loue.
Moore. Heere lack's but you mother for to say, Amen.
Chi. And that would she for twenty thousand more.
Deme. Come, let vs go, and pray to all the Gods For our beloued mother in her paines.
Moore. Pray to the deuils, the gods haue giuen vs ouer.
Flourish.
Dem. Why do the Emperors trumpets flourish thus?
Chi. Belike for ioy the Emperour hath a sonne.
Deme. Soft, who comes heere?
Enter Nurse with a blacke a Moore childe.
Nur. Good morrow Lords: O tell me, did you see Aaron the Moore?
Aron. Well, more or lesse, or nere a whit at all, Heere Aaron is, and what with Aaron…
Nurse. Oh gentle Aaron, we are all vndone, Now helpe, or woe betide thee euermore.
Aron. Why, what a catterwalling dost thou keepe? What dost thou wrap and fumble in thine armes?
Nurse. O that which I would hide from heauens eye, Our Empresse shame, and stately Romes disgrace, She…
Aron. To whom?
Nurse. I meane she is brought a bed?
Aron. Wel God giue her good rest, What hath he sent her?
Nurse. A deuill.
Aron. Why then she is the Deuils Dam: a ioyfull issue.
Nurse. A ioylesse, dismall, blacke &, sorrowfull issue, Heere is the babe as loathsome as a toad, Among'st…
Aron. Out you whore, is black so base a hue? Sweet blowse, you are a beautious blossome sure.
Deme. Villaine what hast thou done?
Aron. That which thou canst not vndoe Chi. Thou hast vndone our mother.
Deme. And therein hellish dog, thou hast vndone, Woe to her chance, and damn'd her loathed choyce, Accur'st…
Chi. It shall not liue.
Aron. It shall not die.
Nurse. Aaron it must, the mother wils it so.
Aron. What, must it Nurse? Then let no man but I Doe execution on my flesh and blood.
Deme. Ile broach the Tadpole on my Rapiers point: Nurse giue it me, my sword shall soone dispatch…
Aron. Sooner this sword shall plough thy bowels vp. Stay murtherous villaines, will you kill your brother? Now…
Deme. Wilt thou betray thy noble mistris thus?
Aron. My mistris is my mistris: this my selfe, The vigour, and the picture of my youth: This,…
Deme. By this our mother is for euer sham'd.
Chi. Rome will despise her for this foule escape.
Nur. The Emperour in his rage will doome her death.
Chi. I blush to thinke vpon this ignominie.
Aron. Why ther's the priuiledge your beauty beares: Fie trecherous hue, that will betray with blushing The close…
Nurse. Aaron what shall I say vnto the Empresse?
Dem. Aduise thee Aaron, what is to be done, And we will all subscribe to thy aduise: Saue…
Aron. Then sit we downe and let vs all consult. My sonne and I will haue the winde…
Deme. How many women saw this childe of his?
Aron. Why so braue Lords, when we ioyne in league I am a Lambe: but if you braue…
Nurse. Cornelia, the midwife, and my selfe, And none else but the deliuered Empresse.
Aron. The Empresse, the Midwife, and your selfe, Two may keepe counsell, when the third's away: Goe to…
Deme. What mean'st thou Aaron? Wherefore did'st thou this?
Aron. O Lord sir, 'tis a deed of pollicie? Shall she liue to betray this guilt of our's:…
Chi. Aaron I see thou wilt not trust the ayre with secrets.
Deme. For this care of Tamora, (crets. Her selfe, and hers are highly bound to thee.
Exeunt
Aron. Now to the Gothes, as swift as Swallow flies, There to dispose this treasure in mine armes,…
Exit
Enter Titus, old Marcus, young Lucius, and other gentlemen with bowes, and Titus beares the arrowes with Letters…
Tit. Come Marcus, come, kinsmen this is the way. Sir Boy let me see your Archerie, Looke yee…
Marc. O Publius is not this a heauie case To see thy Noble Vnckle thus distract?
Publ. Therefore my Lords it highly vs concernes, By day and night t' attend him carefully: And feede…
Marc. Kinsmen, his sorrowes are past remedie. Ioyne with the Gothes, and with reuengefull warre, Take wreake on…
Tit. Publius how now? how now my Maisters? What haue you met with her?
Publ. No my good Lord, but Pluto sends you word, If you will haue reuenge from hell you…
Tit. He doth me wrong to feed me with delayes, Ile diue into the burning Lake below, And…
Marc. Kinsmen, shoot all your shafts into the Court, We will afflict the Emperour in his pride.
Tit. Now Maisters draw, Oh well said Lucius: Good Boy in Virgoes lap, giue it Pallas.
Marc. My Lord, I aime a Mile beyond the Moone, Your letter is with Iupiter by this.
Tit. Ha, ha, Publius, Publius, what hast thou done? See, see, thou hast shot off one of Taurus…
Mar. This was the sport my Lord, when Publius shot, The Bull being gal'd, gaue Aries such a…
Tit. Why there it goes, God giue your Lordship ioy.
Enter the Clowne with a basket and two Pigeons in it.
Titus. Newes, newes, from heauen, Marcus the poast is come. Sirrah, what tydings? haue you any letters? Shall…
Clowne. Ho the Iibbetmaker, he sayes that he hath ta ken them downe againe, for the man must…
Tit. But what sayes Iupiter I aske thee?
Clowne. Alas sir I know not Iupiter: I neuer dranke with him in all my life.
Tit. Why villaine art not thou the Carrier?
Clowne. I of my Pigions sir, nothing else.
Tit. Why, did'st thou not come from heauen?
Clowne. From heauen? Alas sir, I neuer came there, God forbid I should be so bold, to presse…
Mar. Why sir, that is as fit as can be to serue for your Oration, and let him…
Tit. Tell mee, can you deliuer an Oration to the Em perour with a Grace?
Clowne. Nay truely sir, I could neuer say grace in all my life.
Tit. Sirrah come hither, make no more adoe, But giue your Pigeons to the Emperour, By me thou…
Clowne. I sir
Titus. Then here is a Supplication for you, and when you come to him, at the first approach…
Clowne. I warrant you sir, let me alone.
Tit. Sirrha hast thou a knife? Come let me see it. Heere Marcus, fold it in the Oration,…
Clowne. God be with you sir, I will.
Exit.
Tit. Come Marcus let vs goe, Publius follow me.
Exeunt.
Enter Emperour and Empresse, and her two sonnes, the Emperour brings the Arrowes in his hand that Titus…
Satur. Why Lords, What wrongs are these? was euer seene An Emperour in Rome thus ouerborne, Troubled, Confronted…
Tamo. My gracious Lord, my louely Saturnine, Lord of my life, Commander of my thoughts, Calme thee, and…
Enter Clowne.
How now good fellow, would'st thou speake with vs?
Clow. Yea forsooth, and your Mistership be Emperiall.
Tam. Empresse I am, but yonder sits the Emperour.
Clo. 'Tis he; God & Saint Stephen giue you good den; I haue brought you a Letter, &…
He reads the Letter.
Satu. Goe take him away, and hang him presently.
Clowne. How much money must I haue?
Tam. Come sirrah you must be hang'd.
Clow. Hang'd? ber Lady, then I haue brought vp a neck to a faire end.
Exit.
Satu. Despightfull and intollerable wrongs, Shall I endure this monstrous villany? I know from whence this same deuise…
Enter Nuntius Emillius.
Satur. What newes with thee Emillius?
Emil. Arme my Lords, Rome neuer had more cause, The Gothes haue gather'd head, and with a power…
King. Is warlike Lucius Generall of the Gothes? These tydings nip me, and I hang the head As…
Tam. Why should you feare? Is not our City strong?
King. I, but the Cittizens fauour Lucius, And will reuolt from me, to succour him.
Tam. King, be thy thoughts Imperious like thy name. Is the Sunne dim'd, that Gnats do flie in…
King. But he will not entreat his Sonne for vs.
Tam. If Tamora entreat him, then he will, For I can smooth and fill his aged eare, With…
King. Emillius do this message Honourably, And if he stand in Hostage for his safety, Bid him demaund…
Emill. Your bidding shall I do effectually.
Exit.
Tam. Now will I to that old Andronicus, And temper him with all the Art I haue, To…
Satu. Then goe successantly and plead for him.
Exit.
Actus Quintus.
Flourish. Enter Lucius with an Army of Gothes, with Drum and Souldiers.
Luci. Approued warriours, and my faithfull Friends, I haue receiued Letters from great Rome, Which signifies what hate…
Goth. Braue slip, sprung from the Great Andronicus, Whose name was once our terrour, now our comfort, Whose…
Luci. I humbly thanke him, and I thanke you all. But who comes heere, led by a lusty…
Enter a Goth leading of Aaron with his child in his armes.
Goth. Renowned Lucius, from our troups I straid, To gaze vpon a ruinous Monasterie, And as I earnestly…
Luci. Oh worthy Goth, this is the incarnate deuill, That rob'd Andronicus of his good hand: This is…
Aron. Touch not the Boy, he is of Royall blood.
Luci. Too like the Syre for euer being good. First hang the Child that he may see it…
Aron. Get me a Ladder Lucius, saue the Childe, And beare it from me to the Empresse: If…
Luci. Say on, and if it please me which thou speak'st, Thy child shall liue, and I will…
Aron. And if it please thee? why assure thee Lucius, 'Twill vexe thy soule to heare what I…
Luci. Tell on thy minde, I say thy Childe shall liue.
Aron. Sweare that he shall, and then I will begin.
Luci. Who should I sweare by, Thou beleeuest no God, That graunted, how can'st thou beleeue an oath?
Aron. What if I do not, as indeed I do not, Yet for I know thou art Religious,…
Luci. Euen by my God I sweare to to thee I will.
Aron. First know thou, I begot him on the Empresse.
Luci. Oh most Insatiate luxurious woman!
Aron. Tut Lucius, this was but a deed of Charitie, To that which thou shalt heare of me…
Lucius. Oh detestable villaine! Call'st thou that Trimming?
Aron. Why she was washt, and cut, and trim'd, And 'twas trim sport for them that had the…
Luci. Oh barbarous beastly villaines like thy selfe!
Aron. Indeede, I was their Tutor to instruct them That Codding spirit had they from their Mother, As…
Goth. What canst thou say all this, and neuer blush?
Aron. I, like a blacke Dogge, as the saying is.
Luci. Art thou not sorry for these hainous deedes?
Aron. I, that I had not done a thousand more: Euen now I curse the day, and yet…
Luci. Bring downe the diuell, for he must not die So sweet a death as hanging presently.
Aron. If there be diuels, would I were a deuill, To liue and burne in euerlasting fire, So…
Luci. Sirs stop his mouth, & let him speake no more.
Enter Emillius.
Goth. My Lord, there is a Messenger from Rome Desires to be admitted to your presence.
Luc. Let him come neere. Welcome Emillius, what the newes from Rome?
Emi. Lord Lucius, and you Princes of the Gothes, The Romaine Emperour greetes you all by me, And…
Goth. What saies our Generall?
Luc. Emillius, let the Emperour giue his pledges Vnto my Father, and my Vncle Marcus, Flourish. And we…
Exeunt.
Enter Tamora, and her two Sonnes disguised.
Tam. Thus in this strange and sad Habilliament, I will encounter with Andronicus, And say, I am Reuenge…
They knocke and Titus opens his study dore.
Tit. Who doth mollest my Contemplation? Is it your tricke to make me ope the dore, That so…
Tam. Titus, I am come to talke with thee,
Tit. No not a word: how can I grace my talke, Wanting a hand to giue it action,…
Tam. If thou did'st know me, Thou would'st talke with me.
Tit. I am not mad, I know thee well enough, Witnesse this wretched stump, Witnesse these crimson lines,…
Tamo. Know thou sad man, I am not Tamora, She is thy Enemie, and I thy Friend, I…
Tit. Art thou Reuenge? and art thou sent to me, To be a torment to mine Enemies?
Tam. I am, therefore come downe and welcome me.
Tit. Doe me some seruice ere I come to thee: Loe by thy side where Rape and Murder…
Tam. These are my Ministers, and come with me.
Tit. Are them thy Ministers, what are they call'd?
Tam. Rape and Murder, therefore called so, Cause they take vengeance of such kind of men.
Tit. Good Lord how like the Empresse Sons they are, And you the Empresse: But we worldly men,…
Tam. This closing with him, fits his Lunacie, What ere I forge to feede his braine‑sicke fits, Do…
Tit. Long haue I bene forlorne, and all for thee, Welcome dread Fury to my woefull house, Rapine…
Tam. What would'st thou haue vs doe Andronicus?
Dem. Shew me a Murtherer, Ile deale with him.
Chi. Shew me a Villaine that hath done a Rape, And I am sent to be reueng'd on…
Tam. Shew me a thousand that haue done thee wrong, And Ile be reuenged on them all.
Tit. Looke round about the wicked streets of Rome, And when thou find'st a man that's like thy…
Tam. Well hast thou lesson'd vs, this shall we do. But would it please thee good Andronicus, To…
Enter Marcus.
Tit. Marcus my Brother, 'tis sad Titus calls, Go gentle Marcus to thy Nephew Lucius, Thou shalt enquire…
Mar. This will I do, and soone returne againe.
Tam. Now will I hence about thy businesse, And take my Ministers along with me.
Tit. Nay, nay, let Rape and Murder stay with me, Or els Ile call my Brother backe againe,…
Tam. What say you Boyes, will you bide with him, Whiles I goe tell my Lord the Emperour,…
Tit. I know them all, though they suppose me mad, And will ore‑reach them in their owne deuises,…
Dem. Madam depart at pleasure, leaue vs heere.
Tam. Farewell Andronicus, reuenge now goes To lay a complot to betray thy Foes.
Tit. I know thou doo'st, and sweet reuenge farewell.
Chi. Tell vs old man, how shall we be imploy'd?
Tit. Tut, I haue worke enough for you to doe, Publius come hither, Caius, and Valentine.
Pub. What is your will?
Tit. Know you these two?
Pub. The Empresse Sonnes I take them, Chiron, Demetrius.
Titus. Fie Publius, fie, thou art too much deceau'd, The one is Murder, Rape is the others name,…
Chi. Villaines forbeare, we are the Empresse Sonnes.
Pub. And therefore do we, what we are commanded. Stop close their mouthes, let them not speake a…
Exeunt.
Enter Titus Andronicus with a knife, and Lauinia with a Bason.
Tit. Come, come Lauinia, looke, thy Foes are bound, Sirs stop their mouthes, let them not speake to…
So now bring them in, for Ile play the Cooke, And see them ready, gainst their Mother comes.
Exeunt.
Enter Lucius, Marcus, and the Gothes.
Luc. Vnckle Marcus, since 'tis my Fathers minde That I repair to Rome, I am content.
Goth. And ours with thine befall, what Fortune will.
Luc. Good Vnckle take you in this barbarous Moore, This Rauenous Tiger, this accursed deuill, Let him receiue…
Aron. Some deuill whisper curses in my eare, And prompt me that my tongue may vtter forth, The…
Luc. Away Inhumaine Dogge, Vnhallowed Slaue, Sirs, helpe our Vnckle, to conuey him in, Flourish The Trumpets shew…
Sound Trumpets. Enter Emperour and Empresse, with Tribunes and others.
Sat. What, hath the Firemament more Suns then one?
Luc. What bootes it thee to call thy selfe a Sunne?
Mar. Romes Emperour & Nephewe breake the parle These quarrels must be quietly debated, The Feast is ready…
Satur. Marcus we will.
Hoboyes.
A Table brought in. Enter Titus like a Cooke, placing the meat on the Table, and Lauinia with…
Titus. Welcome my gracious Lord, Welcome Dread Queene, Welcome ye Warlike Gothes, welcome Lucius, And welcome all: although…
Sat. Why art thou thus attir'd Andronicus?
Tit. Because I would be sure to haue all well, To entertaine your Highnesse, and your Empresse.
Tam. We are beholding to you good Andronicus?
Tit. And if your Highnesse knew my heart, you were: My Lord the Emperour resolue me this, Was…
Satur. It was Andronicus.
Tit. Your reason, Mighty Lord?
Sat. Because the Girle, should not suruiue her shame, And by her presence still renew his sorrowes.
Tit. A reason mighty, strong, and effectuall, A patterne, president, and liuely warrant, For me (most wretched) to…
He kils her.
Sat. What hast done, vnnaturall and vnkinde?
Tit. Kil'd her for whom my teares haue made me blind. I am as wofull as Virginius was,…
Sat. What was she rauisht? tell who did the deed,
Tit. Wilt please you eat, Wilt please your Highnesse feed?
Tam. Why hast thou slaine thine onely Daughter?
Titus. Not I, 'twas Chiron and Demetrius, They rauisht her, and cut away her tongue, And they, 'twas…
Satu. Go fetch them hither to vs presently.
Tit. Why there they are both, baked in that Pie, Whereof their Mother dantily hath fed, Eating the…
He stabs the Empresse.
Satu. Die franticke wretch, for this accursed deed.
Luc. Can the Sonnes eye, behold his Father bleed? There's meede for meede, death for a deadly deed.
Mar. You sad fac'd men, people and Sonnes of Rome, By vprores seuer'd like a flight of Fowle,…
Goth. Let Rome herselfe be bane vnto herselfe, And shee whom mightie kingdomes cursie too, Like a forlorne…
Luc. This Noble Auditory, be it knowne to you, That cursed Chiron and Demetrius Were they that murdred…
Marc. Now is my turne to speake: Behold this Child, Of this was Tamora deliuered, The issue of…
Emilli. Come come, thou reuerent man of Rome, And bring our Emperour gently in thy hand, Lucius our…
Mar. Lucius, all haile Romes Royall Emperour, Goe, goe into old Titus sorrowfull house, And hither hale that…
Luc. Thankes gentle Romanes, may I gouerne so, To heale Romes harmes, and wipe away her woe. But…
Mar. Teare for teare, and louing kisse for kisse, Thy Brother Marcus tenders on thy Lips: O were…
Luc. Come hither Boy, come, come, and learne of vs To melt in showres: thy Grandsire lou'd thee…
Boy. O Grandsire, Grandsire: euen with all my heart Would I were Dead, so you did Liue againe.…
Romans. You sad Andronici, haue done with woes, Giue sentence on this execrable Wretch, That hath beene breeder…
Luc. Set him brest deepe in earth, and famish him: There let him stand, and raue, and cry…
Aron. O why should wrath be mute, & Fury dumbe? I am no Baby I, that with base…
Lucius. Some louing Friends conuey the Emp. hence, And giue him buriall in his Fathers graue. My Father,…
Exeunt omnes.