首页 >出版文学> Titus Andronicus>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。