that hollow Cage Where like a sweet Mellodious Bird it sung Sweet varied Notes Inchanting every ear Lucius O! say thou for her who hath done this dead Marcus O! thus I found her in the Banii Gardens Seeking to hide her self as doth the Deer That hath receiv'd a wound incurable Titus Then wounded her better he had kill'd me For now I stand as one upon a Rock Inviron'd with a Wilderness of Sea Who marks the swelling Tide grow wave by wave Expecting ever when some envious Surge Will in his brinish Bowells swallow him This way to Death my wretched sons are gone Here stands my other Son a Banish'd man And here my Brother weeping at my griefs But that which gives my soul the greatest blow Is dear Lavinia dearer then my Soul. Had I but seen thy Picture in this Posture It wou'd have turn'd me mad what shall I do Now I behold thy Living substance so Thou hast no hands to wipe away thy tears No tongue to tell me who hath Martyr'd thee Thy Husband he is dead and for his Death Thy Brothers are Condemn'd and dead by this Lav. makes signs of sorrow lifting up her eyes then hanging down her head moving her stumps Look Marcus Ah Son Lucius look on her When I did name her Brothers then fresh tears Stood on her cheeks as doth the morning dew Upon a gather'd Lilly almost withered Marcus. Perchance she weeps because they kill'd her Husband Perchance because she knows them Innocent Titus No no they wou'd not do so soul a deed Witness the sorrow that their Sister makes Dear poor Lavinia let me kiss thy Lips Or make some sign how I may give thee ease Shall thy good Uncle and thy Brother Lucius And thou and I sit round about some Fountain Looking all downwards to behold our Cheeks How they are stain'd like Meadows yet not dry With miery-slime left on them by a Floud And in the Fountain shall we gaze so long 'Till the fresh taste be taken from that clearness And brackish made as Brine with our salt tears Or shall we cut away our Hands like thine Or tear our Tongues out by the Roots and in dumb shows Pass the remainder of our hatefull days What shall we do Let us that have our Tongues Plot some device of further Misery Lav. turns up her eyes then hangs down her head as weeping To make us wonder'd at in times to come Lu. Cease Noble Sr your tears for at you grief See how my wretched Sister mouths and weeps Marcus. Patience Lavinia Titus dry thine eyes Mar. gives Tit. his handkercher Titus Ah Marcus Marcus well do I perceive Thy Handkercher can't drink a tear of mine For thou poor man hast drown'd it with thine own Lucius Ah my Levinia I will wipe thy cheeks Lav. shakes her head points at Mar. handkercher as refusing to have her eyes wip'd Tit. Look Marcus look I understand her signs Had she a tongue to speak now would she say That to her Brother which I said to thee His Handkercher with his own tears all wet Can do no service on her sorrow full cheeks Oh what a Sympathy of woe is this Enter Aron the Moor. Aron Titus Andronicus my Lord the Emperour Sends thee this word that if you think your Sons Are Innocent in Proof of that belief Let Marcus Lucius or thy self good Titus Or any one of you chop off your hand And send it to the Scaffold he for the Piety Will send thee hither both thy Sons And that shall ransome them from Punishment Titus Oh Gracious Emperour for this good news Let me kneel to thee my dear black Angell Did ever Raven sing so like a Lark That gives sweet tydings of the Suns uprise With all my heart I 'le send the Emperour my hand Lucius Stay Father for that War like hand of thine That hath o'rethrown so many Enemies Shall not be sent my hand will serve the turn My Youth can better spare my bloud then you And therefore mine shall save my Brothers Lives Marcus. Which of your hands hath not defended Rome And wrear'd aloft the bloudy Battle-axe O none of both but are of high desert My hand hath been but Idle let that serve To Ransome my two Nephews from their death Then have I kept it to a worthy end Marcus. By Heavens it shall not go Titus Strive you no more such wither'd herbs as these Are fit for plucking up and therefore mine Lucius Dear Sir if Lucius shall be thought your Son Let me redeem my Brothers both from death Marcus. And for our Fathers Love and Mothers care Now let me shew a Brothers love to thee Aron Agree your strife For sear they dye before their Pardon comes The Empress stays the Axe who begg'd this Grace Titus For this good deed Ne're may she beg the mighty Gods is vain Aron There stands an Executioner with his Axe Titus No Lucius Fetch the Sword I use in War. That 's only fit for such a Noble deed The hand of one of you it shall Lop off But whose at your return I will determine Take hence Lavinia with you Exit Lucius Marcus. Let it be mine of five and twenty Sons This one is only left O leave him then Entire Titus That reason has o'recome me follow him Haste Marcus see him bring the Sword to me Lest he should strike the blow e're he return And so deprive thee of thy Piety Exit Marcus. Now I am free but this is no fit place Come hither Executioner Titus and Executioner Exeunt aside I will deceive them both Aron If that be call'd deceit I will be honest And never whilst I live deceive men so But yet in'th'End I will deceive you all Thy Sons thy Daughter and her Husband too Have been deceiv'd by me and now thy self Poor Aged man shalt be deceiv'd and cozen'd When once the mind is to destruction bent How easy 't is new Mischiefs to invent Enter Lucius and Marcus with the Sword. Lucius Where is my Father Marcus. Where is my Brother Titus Aron He is hereabouts O there I see him coming I knew he was not far off Enter Titus with his hand off Lucius See Marcus See the deed is done My Father hath deceiv'd us Marcus. 'T is the first time he ever did Lucius You was too blame to trust him Marcus. So I was but you 'd have done the same Lucius I think I should Titus Good Moor give to his Majesty this hand Tell him it warded his Father From thousand dangers bid him bury it More hath it merited that let it have As for my Sons say I account of them As jewels purchas'd at an easy price And yet dear too because I bought mine own Aron I go Andronicus and for thy hand Look suddenly to have thy Sons with thee Good Old man how much the fight will please thee Exit Aron Ti. Oh! here I lift this one hand up to heaven Tit. Kneels Ma. Luc. Kneels and hold him
Why I have not another tear to shed Nor have the Gods a mischief now in store Besides I have news Joyfull news for all I know the Authors of Lavinia's wrongs And hug my self with thoughts of dear revenge Taught by the practice of young Junius there See what Lavinia in the dust has writ Lucius What could she write when she has ne're a hand Jun. Oh father I can tell you how She took this Arrow held it in her mouth And with her handless Arms did guide it thus Marcus. Rape Chiron Demetrius reads They Lucius Accursed Goths Marcus. But who Kill'd Bassianus that who can tell Lucius She points again to those two Names Lavinia turns hastily and points to the Names on the ground Titus The same the same ye Everlasting Gods Revenge Revenge I cry aloud Revenge Marcus. Be calm Andronicus and yet I know There is enough written upon this Earth To stir a Mutiny in the mildest thoughts And raise Loud Clamours from the tongues of Infants Titus Whil'st this remains thus Legible I 'le get A Leaf of Brass and with a Pen of Steel Copy these words in lasting Characters And lay it by the angry Northern wind Will blow these Sands like Sibels Leaves abroad And where 's the Fatal Legend then Lucius I have them written on my Heart Marcus. And I. Junius I have them too by heart Marcus. But wilt thou not forget them Junius Never I warrant you Uncle Marcus. Wilt thou revenge 'em too Junius I when I am a man. But even now I 'le do what I can Marcus. That 's a good Boy My Lord Kneel down with me Lavinia Kneel And kneel sweet Youth the Roman Hector's Hope And swear with me with the same awfull fear The Father of that Chaste dishonour'd Dame Lord Junius Brutus swore for Lucrece Rape That we will prosecute Revenge upon the Trayterous Goths or Dye Titus Marcus is rouz'd let 's haste to Action now For these two Heads do seem to speak to me And bid that words shou'd not delay our Deeds Ye heavy Friends then Circle me about That I may turn me to each one of you And swear unto my soul as Marcus did Revenge shall wipe away our Injuries Or Death shall hide us from the worlds reproach Marcus. Lucius Junius It shall Titus The Vow is made come Brother take a Head And in this hand the other I will bear And Junius too share in this Ceremony Bring thou that hand and help thy handless Aunt Lucius for thee go get thee from my sight Thou art an Exile and thou must not stay Make haste my Son thou hast far to go Embrace and part for we have much to do Lucius Farewell Andronicus my Noble Father Lu. Embraces them all as they go out Man most distress'd that ever liv'd in Rome Marcus farewell the best of Tribunes here Farewell Lavinia too my helpless Sister Tho' wrong'd and wretched still to me as dear And Junius too my Little Boy farewell Thy Fathers hope and only Joy that 's left To all thy Friends and weeping Parents here And Rome farewell 'till Lucius comes again He loves his Pledges dearer then his Life From thee and these I turn my eyes away 'T is Killing grief to go and Death to stay Exit ACT V. SCENE I. Enter a Woman and her Husband a Goth the Man having a Black-a-more-Child in his Arms. Woman NOw give me the Child wait you without I see Company coming be gone the Moor must not see you Exit Man. Enter Chiron Demetrius O Princes you are undone disgrac't And Rome will shortly cast you forth with Scorn Dem. Woman wherefore dost thou exclaim What dost thou wrap and fumble in thy Arms Wom. O that which I would hide from Heavens Eye Our Empress Shame this Black and loathsome Child Of this in Secret she was deliver'd After your Royall Father dy'd The Moor Chi. The very Image of that Fiend Demet. Couple with a Moor How cam'st thou by the Child Or by what means did you the secret Learn Wom. O Sir he loves this black Imp above the World And when we were brought Captives unto Rome Order'd the Nurse where privately 't was kept To bring it after him She distemper'd with the Journey Sicken'd And dy'd this Morning With her latest breath She call'd me to her told me the Secret And bid me bear the Child to the Moor Who would reward me well but lest it shou'd Grow up to ruine you and the Empress And all the Goths Expose to Roman fury In Loyalty I bring it to you As both of you think fit to be dispos'd Enter Aron Here comes the Hell-bred Villain The father of this black and dismall Issue Moor do'st thou know this brat Aron Yes Princes be kind to 't 't is of kin to you Chi. Accursed Off-spring Dem. It shall not Live. Aron It shall not Princes for the love I bear to you and to the Empres it shall not Dem. Give it me my sword shall dispatch it Aron Aron takes the Child from the Woman Let no hand but mine do Execution On my flesh and blood Now it shall not dye Sooner this sword shall plough thy bowells up Say Murderous Villains will you kill your brother Now by the burning tapors of the Skye That shone so brightly when this Boy was got He dyes upon my Cymiters sharp point That touches this my first-born son and heir I tell you younglings not Enceladus With all his threatning band of Typhons brood Nor great Aleides nor the God of War Shall Seize this Prey out of his Fathers hands Dem. Would you toth ' Empress shame preserve a thing So foul and black Aron What what ye sanguine hollow-hearted Boys Ye gawdy blossoms checquer'd white and red See here is a gloss that will not sully Like your water colour'd complexions Which chance does fade and Sickness washes out I say that black is better then another hue In that it scorns to bear another hue For all the water in the Ocean Can never turn the Swans black legs to white Although she lave them hourly in the floud Princes in spight of you this shall live Chir. Wilt thou betray thy Mistress Aron My Mistress is my Mistress this my self The Vigour and the Picture of my Youth This before all the world I do prefer This maugre all the world will I keep safe Or some of you shall feel my vengeance Demet. I blush to think upon this Ignominy Aron Why there 's the Privilege your beauty bears Fie trecherous colour that betrays with blushing The close Enacts and Councells of the Heart Here 's a Young Lad fram'd of another Leer Look how the Black Slave smiles upon the Father As who would say Old Dad I am thine own He is your Brother Lords your Brother by the surer side Altho' my Seal be Stamped on his face Chir. By this the Empress will be Sham'd Ruin'd Scorn'd in Rome and dye by the Emperours rage Dem. Consider Aron what is best to do
Titus Andronicus OR THE Rape of Lavinia Acted at the Theatre Royall A TRAGEDY Alter'd from Mr SHAKESPEARS Works By Mr. Edw. Ravenscroft Licensed Dec. 21. 1686. R. L. S. LONDON Printed by J. B. for J. Hindmarsh at the Golden-Ball in Cornhill over against the Royal-Exchange 1687. The Persons Names ROMANS Saturninus Sons of the Deceas'd Emperour Bassianus Titus Andronicus An Old Roman General Marcus Andronicus A Tribune Brother to Titus Emillius A Tribune Lucius The Sons of Titus Mutius Martius Quintus Junius Son of Lucius a Child Lavinia Daughter of Titus A Roman Captain Other Captains Senators Tribunes Plebeans and Guards A Dead Son of Titus GOTHS Tamora Queen of Goths Alarbus A Mute The Queens Sons Chiron Demetrius Aron A Moor in favour with Tamora and her General A Goth A Common Souldier His Wife A Blackamoor Infant All brought Captives to Rome by Titus The Scene ROME TO THE READER READER I Think it a greater theft to Rob the dead of their Praise then the Living of their Money That I may not appear Guilty of such a Crime 't is necessary I should acquaint you that there is a Play in Mr. Shakespears Volume under the name of Titus Andronicus from whence I drew part of this I have been told by some anciently conversant with the Stage that it was not Originally his but brought by a private Author to be Acted and he only gave some Master-touches to one or two of the Principal Parts or Characters this I am apt to believe because 't is the most incorrect and indigested piece in all his Works It seems rather a heap of Rubbish then a Structure However as if some great Building had been design'd in the removal we found many Large and Square Stones both usefull and Ornamental to the Fabrick as new Modell'd Compare the Old Play with this you 'l finde that none in all that Authors Works ever receiv'd greater Alterations or Additions the Language not only refin'd but many Scenes entirely New Besides most of the principal Characters heighten'd and the Plot much encreas'd The Success answer'd the Labour tho' it first appear'd upon the Stage at the beginning of the pretended Popish Plot when neither Wit nor Honesty had Encouragement Nor cou'd this expect favour since it shew'd the Treachery of Villains and the Mischiefs carry'd on by Perjury and False Evidence and how Rogues may frame a Plot that shall deceive and destroy both the Honest and the Wise which were the reasons why I did forward it at so unlucky a conjuncture being content rather to lose the Profit then not expose to the World the Picture of such Knaves and Rascals as then Reign'd in the opinion of the Foolish and Malicious part of the Nation but it bore up against the Faction and is confirm'd a Stock-Play In the Hurry of those distracted times the Prologue and Epilogue were lost But to let the Buyer have his penny-worths I furnish you with others which were Written by me to other Persons Labours two of 'em were proportion'd to that Mad Season For when Ill Manners and Ill Principles Reign in a State it is the business of the Stage as well as Pulpits to declaim and Instruct That was my design when I Writ and now Print 'em that the Purchaser may not Repine at the Author or Bookseller for a hard Bargain Adieu PROLOGUE Spoken in Lent. GAllants in this good Godly Time of Lent. I am come forth to bid you all repent You Sparks I see have got a Pious Notion You put on Black to shew your great Devotion But lest you shou'd mistake what I intend Let me tell you your Faults and how to mend First leave to shew your Valour in the Pit Leave Railing at Great Men to shew your Wit. With Vizard-Masques leave your Lewd Raillery Leave your disturbance in the Middle-Gallery Leave all your Jests of Bant'ring and Dum-founding Leave always Duelling and never Wounding Leave coming here when you do not intend To see the Play but pick up a she-friend Leave sharping for your selves and pay your Guinny For Procuration there to honest Jenny Next for the men of Bus'ness in the Nation Let them begin a Thorough-Reformation Let 'em leave Faction Jelousies and Fears Leave setting us together by the Ears Let Corporations leave Petitioning And learn all due Allegeance to the King Let Politicians too not be so hot To Swear that a Spring-Tide's a Popish Plot Do not too Eagerly that Scent pursue Lest Hunting an Old Plot you Start a New. Leave your provoking Caesar and his Frowns Leave Crossing Birth-Rights and disposing Crowns Leave Englands Antient Glory so to wrong As naming Princes with irreverent Tongue Tho' Forreigners and Enemies they be Forget not what is due to Majesty Whil'st Brutishly Those Titles we prophane The World does think we are turn'd Picts again Consider well and then you 'l be I hope So Civilis'd as scarce to Burn the Pope But if you will go on make this Addition Burn too the Rump and Westminster-Petition EPILOGUE SWell'd Big with Expectation you did come To see us Act our great Affairs at home Papists accus'd and Satyrs against Rome That might have pleas'd but still the modest Stage Forbears to represent the Present Age. Let Forreign Stories matter here supply Old Tales and known are fit for Tragedy Besides I think the Bus'ness of our Nation Too sad a Theam to pass for Recreation Let us be Mute 'till the whole Truth comes out Not like the Rabble at Executions shout Heathens that knew but just Morality Pitty'd the Guilty when they came to dy Barbarians at such sights do show Regret How far are we then from Religion yet Religion teaches mildeness in her Laws Triumph Suspicion upon Iustice draws Go then contented hence with what you 've seen Fancy you have two hours in Turky been This was no Popish-Plot yet English too For to say truth it was our Plot on you A PROLOGUE Spoken before the Long Vacation NOw comes Vacation that dead time of th' Year When nothing but New Plays will bring you here Now for the Countrey all you little Citts Prepare to gallop down on Smithfield Titts Having run out you go to make up Cash To Parents dear Equip'd with the Heel-Spur and Spatter-dash But you the Graver sort of City-Blades Profit does keep in town to mind your Trades Whil'st in Crape-Mantoes deckt and trolly-Pinners Your Wives at Epsom slily play the Sinners You go on Saturdays to see your Honeys Are Waggish with 'em leave 'em Spending-Moneys But come on Mundays up to Town like Tonys England is blest the Wells are so in fashion There Heirs are got for one third pare of th' Nation You Town-Gallants who wallow in Debauches New Liveries prepare and fine Gilt Coaches And all in Order too to leave the Town Each to his Mansion-House does rattle down Which many hundred years in th' Name has been Where Miss appears as Glorious as a Queen The Country at you does but Laugh and
Ieer Tho' Tenants flatter you for their good Cheer But Heark ye who 'l keep House there the next Year Scriv'ners and Bankers will have restitution E're that time comes Iudgment and Execution Punk trusts in Settlement the Misses Ioynter But by some quirk in Law they disappoint her The Country Lawyers too Iog down apace Each with his NOVERINT UNIVERSI Face Rides Iabbering along some damn'd Law-Case Young Ladies too attend their Parents down Quit their Intrigues and sigh to leave the Town How innocently there you sit and Chat And Walk the Fields in Bongrace or Straw-Hat Eat Syllybubs see Reapers mow such Sport Did please you well before you saw the Court. But fare ye well When you are gone we 'll shut the Play-house door The Bully-Gamster Bawd and Vnkept Whore Who here remain will be so very poor They 'l Venter their Half-Crowns but the first day And then To pick up Cullys not to see the Play. All will be Sharpers here what shall we do To Live Faith let us be oblig'd by you Come all and pay your Foyes before you go Else we must troop to Scotland after Ioh We by the last advice for Certain hear That Haynes does head the Rebell-Players there PROLOGUE after the Vacation Spoken by Mr. Haines FRiends how have ye done this many a day You long'd I warrant you for a New Play And we have wish'd as much to see you here Well long Vacation's a damn'd time o' th' year When to your Country-Houses you were gone Some few Pill'd-Garlicks Straggl'd up and down Who for meer want of Mony staid in Town As for Example I my self was one Shop-Keepers wanting trade were off o' th' hooks And all day long sat casting up their books Drew out their Debts resolving all to Dun As soon as e're you Gallants came to Town Or else to Fox and Geese with Neighbour go A game resembling much themselves and you And Gamesters who the rest o' th' year went fine Now look'd out sharp and Cry'd come where shall 's dine Go to the I'avern no attendance there Except a Drawer snoring in the Bar. No Roaring-Gallant nor no Punk that Sings The litte bell but very seldom Rings No Hurry nor no Noise as heretofore No Crying Speak t'th ' Star t'th ' half-Moon Score The streets are quiet too All the Debauchees Were Bullys pawning Whores and bilking Coaches The best on 't was things were not very dear For Whores 't was the Cheap'st time of all the year But some whom sad Experience taught to know Their Misery here lest us to follow you Pawn'd Rings and Pettycoats hard shift they made In hopes at Windsor they might force a Trade There Leiger Lav I see some half a score That ply'd like Watermen at D'pee's door Bawl'd out to Passingers Next Whore next Whore. But Travelling of Late was much in Fashion Some of the Actresses went that year to Holywell Some Pilgrim Saints there were of our Vocation Only they did it a far different way Your Ladies went to sin but ours to pray ACT I. SCENE I. Enter Saturninus and his Followers Bassianus and his at another door With Drums and Trumpets Senators above in the Capitoll Saturninus NOble Patricians Patrons of my right Defend the Justice of my cause with Arms And Countrymen my Loving Followers Plead my Successive Title with your Swords I am his first-born Son who last Wore the Imperial Diadem of Rome Then let my Fathers Honours Live in me Nor Wrong my Birth with this Indignity Bassianus Romans friends followers favourers of my Right If ever Bassianus Caesars Son Was Gracious in the Eyes of Royall Rome Keep then this passage to the Capitoll And Suffer not dishonours to approach The Imperial Seat Consecrate To Justice Continence and Nobility But let desert in pure Election shine And Romans fight for freedom in your choice Enter Marcus Andronicus with the Crown Marcus. Princes that strive by factions and by friends Ambitiously for Rule and Empire Know that the People of Rome for whom we stand A Party Interess'd have by common voice In Election for the Roman Empire Chosen Andronicus surnam'd Pius For many good and great deserts to Rome A Nobler Man a braver Warrior Breaths not this Day within the City-Walls He by the Senate is at length call'd home From tedious Wars against the bloody Goths That with his Sons a terror to our foes Hath Yoak'd a Nation strong Train'd up in Arms. Ten years are spent since first he undertook This cause of Rome and to chastise with Swords Our Enemies Pride five times he hath return'd Bleeding to Rome bearing his Valiant Sons In Coffins from the field Let us intreat by honour of his Name And in the Capitoll and Senates right Whom you pretend to honour and adore That you withdraw you and abate your strength Dismiss your followers and as Sutors should Plead your Deserts in Peace and humbleness Saturn How fair the Tribune speaks to calm my thoughts Bassia Marcus Andronicus I do rely On thy uprightness and Integrity And so I Love and honour thee and thine Thy noble Brother Titus and his Sons And her to whom my thoughts are humbled all The fair Lavinia Romes bright Ornament That I will here Dismiss my Loving Friends And to my Fortunes and the Peoples favour Commit my case in Ballance to be wayd Roman Soldiers retire Saturn Friends that have been thus forward in my right I thank you all and here dismiss you all And to the Love and favour of my Country Commit my Self my Person and the Cause Rome be as Just and gracious now to me As I am confident and kind to thee Open the Gates and let me in An humble Suppliant to your Senate Bassi. Tribunes and me a poor competitor Exeunt as into the Senate-house ACT I. Scene II. Enter a Captain Capt. Romans make way the good Andronicus Patron of Virtue Romes best Champion Successfull in the Battles that he fights With Honour and with Fortune is return'd From where he circumscribed with his Sword And brought to Yoak the Enemies of Rome Sound of Drums and Trumpets then Enter two of Titus's Sons and then a dead Son brought in Funeral Pomp then two other Sons all bearing his Armour then Titus Andronicus and then Tamora Queen of Goths and her two Sons Chiron and Demetrius with Aron the Moor and others they stop the Armour is laid by the dead Son in order Titus Hail Rome Victorious in thy mourning weeds As doth the Bark that hath discharg'd his fraught Return with precious Lading to the bay From whence at first she weigh'd her Anchorage Cometh Andronicus Bound with Lawrell boughs To re-salute his Country with his Tears Tears of true Joy for his return to Rome Thou great Defender of this Capitoll Stand gracious to the rights that we intend Romans of Five and twenty valiant Sons Half of the number that King Priam had Behold the poor remains alive and dead These that survive let Rome reward with Love
These that I bring unto their Latest Home With Buriall amongst their Ancestors Here Goths have given me leave to sheath my Sword Titus unkind and careless of thine own Why suffer'st thou thy Sons unbury'd yet To hover on the dreadfull shoar of Styx Make way to lay them with their Brethren The Temple opens A Glorious Tomb is discover'd where they place the Dead Corps Warlike Musick all the while Sounding There Greet in Silence as the Dead are wont And Sleep in Peace Slain in your Countrys Wars Lucius Now give the Proudest Pris'ner of the Goths That we may hew his Limbs and on a Pile Sacrifice his flesh to our dear Brothers Ghost That so his Shadow be not unappeas'd Nor we disturb'd with Prodigies on Earth Titus I give him you the Noblest that Survives The Eldest Son of this distressed Queen Tamora Stay Roman Brethren Glorious Conqueror Victorious Titus Behold the Tears I shed A Mothers Tears in Passion for her Son Is 't not sufficient we are brought to Rome To Beautify thy Triumphs and return Captive to thee and to thy Roman Yoke But must my Sons be Slaughter'd in the Streets For Valiant doings in their Countrys Cause If to fight for King and Common-Wealth Were piety in thine it is in these Andronicus stain not thy Tomb with Blood Will't thou draw near the Nature of the Gods Draw near them then in being Mercifull Noble Titus spare my first-born Son. Titus My Son whom Chance of War your Captive made Was Born in Glory too and for great deeds Adopted was the Eldest Son of Fame Yet fell a Victim to Plebean Rage Lucius Deaf like the Gods when Thunder fills the Air Were you to all our suppliant Romans then Unmov'd beheld him made a Sacrifice T' appease your Angry Gods What Gods are they Are pleas'd with Humane Blood and Cruelty Titus Then did his sorrowfull Brethren here These other Sons of mine from me Exact A Vow This was the Tenor which it bore If any of the Cruel Tamora's Race Should fall in Roman hands him I wou'd give To their Revenging Piety To this Your Eldest Son is doom'd and dye he must Not to revenge their Bloods we now bring home Or theirs who formerly were slain in Arms For shew me now those Valiant Fighting Goths I 'le kiss their Noble hands that gave the Wounds 'Cause bravely they perform'd This was no Cause But a Sons groaning Shadow to appease By Priestly Butchers Murder'd on your Altars Marc. Remembrance whetts our rage away with him On yond Erected Pile kindle a Fire And on it strow his separated Limbs To be Consum'd in the devouring Flames Quint. Learn Goths from hence and after keep 't in mind That Cruelty is not the Worship of the Gods. Sons of Titus with Alarbus their Prisoner Exeunt Tam. Intention made it Piety in us But in you this Act is Cruelty Chir. Was ever Cythia half so Barbarous Dem. Oppose not Cythia to Ambitious Rome Titus goes up to the Tomb. Alarbus goes to rest and we survive To tremble under Titus threatning Look Aron To tremble said you did you say to tremble No Madam stand resolv'd but hope withall That the same Gods that Arm'd the Queen of Troy With opportunity of Sharp revenge Upon the Thracian Tyrant in his Tent. May favour Tamora the Queen of Goths With like successfull minutes to requite These Bloody wrongs and Romans Injuries Enter Lavinia Attendants Lavin In Peace and Honour Live Lord Titus Long. My Noble Lord and Father Live in Fame Here at this Tomb my Tributary Tears I render for my Brothers Obsequies And at your feet I kneel with tears of joy Shed on the Earth for your return to Rome O bless me here with that Victorious hand Whose Fortune Romes best Citizens applaud Titus Kind Rome that has thus Lovingly restor'd The Cordial of my Age to glad my heart Lavinia Live out-live thy Fathers days And Fames Eternal date for Virtues praise Re-Enter the Sons of Titus See injur'd Romans and amazed Goths How swift revenge has been to Execute The Fire is kindled Alarbus Intrails feed the flame Now rest thou manes of our Murder'd Brother Naught now remains but that we Close The Monument and with Wars Loud Alarums Take our Leave Titus Let it be so and let Andronicus Make this his Latest farewell to the Souls Sound Drums Trumpets and Lay the Coffin in the Tomb. In Peace and Honour rest you here my Sons Romes Valiant Champions repose you here in rest Secure from Worldly Chances and Mishaps Here Lurks no Treason here no Envy Swells Here grow no damned Drugs here are no Storms No noise but silence and Eternal Sleep The Monument Closes In Peace and Honour rest you here my Sons Enter Marcus. Marcus. Long Live Lord Titus my beloved Brother Titus Thanks worthy Tribune Noble Brother Marcus. Marcus. Welcome dear Nephews from Successfull Wars You that Survive and you that sleep in Fame Your Fortunes are in all Glorious alike That in your Countrys Service drew your Swords But safer Triumph is this Funeral Pomp That hath aspir'd to Solons happiness And Triumphs over Chance in Honours Bed. Now Noble Titus Gratify the Eyes of Rome With sight of thee and of thy Valiant Sons See how in Crowds they press to Honour thee Titus Tho'a Conqueror I am still my Countrys Servant And Romes Vassal Exeunt The Scene Closes SCENE III. Enter Emillius with other Tribunes and Senators Gives Marcus a Robe which he Offers to Titus Enter Saturninus and Bassianus with Followers at several Doors Drums Trumpets Sound Marcus. Titus Andronicus the People of Rome Whose friend in Justice thou hast ever been Send thee this white and spotless Robe And name thee in Election for the Empire With these our late deceased Emperours Sons Then stand a Candidate and put it on And help to set a head on headless Rome Titus A better head her glorious body fits Then this that shakes with Age and feebleness Wherefore should I assume this Robe and trouble you Be chosen with Acclamations to day To morrow yield up Rule resign my Life And set abroad new business for you all Rome I have been thy Souldier forty years And led my Countrys strength successfully And Bury'd one and twenty Valiant Sons Knighted in Field slain manfully in Arms In right and service of their Noble Country Give me a Staff of Honour for my Age But not a Scepter to controul the World. Upright he held it Lords that held it last Marcus. Thou shalt ask the Empire and shalt obtain it Saturn Proud and Ambitious Tribune canst thou tell Titus Patience Prince Saturninus Saturn Romans do me right Patricians draw you Swords and sheath them not 'Till Saturninus be Romes Emperour Andronicus wou'd thy Aged head lay deep in Earth Rather then rob me of the Peoples hearts Lucius Proud Saturnine interrupter of that good The Noble-minded Titus means to thee Titus Prince I 'le restore to thee the Peoples hearts And wean them
to my swarthy Cheeks Tho' not perciev'd the Oven glows within Emp. Your word 's a noble Warrant If Rome or I Can Merit his or these two Young Princes Loves Their greatness knows no bounds but their desires And now Ascend fair Queen Panthean Lords accompany Your Emperour and his Royal Bride Whose Wisdome hath her fortune conquer'd Assistant be to see the Rites perform'd By heaven she was sent to bless my Reign Captive she came but beauty broke her Chain Exeunt As to the Altar Titus I am not bid to attend these Ceremonies Titus when wer't thou wont to walk alone Dishonour'd thus and challenged of wrongs Enter Marcus Lucius Martius Quintus Mutius Born in Dead Marcus. O Titus see see here what thou hast done In a bad quarrell slain a Virtuous Son. Titus No foolish Tribune no No Son of mine Nor thou nor these confederate in the Deed That hath dishonour'd all our Family Unworthy Brother and unworthy Sons Lucius But let me give him Buriall as becomes Give Mutius buriall with our Brothers Titus Traytors away he rests not in this Tomb This Monument five hundred years hath stood Which I have sumptuously re-edify'd Here none but Souldiers and Romes Servitors Repose in Fame None basely slain in brauls Bury him where you can he comes not here Marcus. This is impiety in you And Mutius deeds do strongly plead for him He must be bury'd with his Brothers Quintus And shall or him we will accompany Titus And shall what Villain was it spoke that word Martius He that wou'd vouch it 'gainst any man but you Titus What wou'd you bury him in spight of me Marcus. No Noble Titus but entreat of thee To pardon Mutius and to bury him Titus Marcus even thou hast strook upon my Crest And with these Boys my Honour thou hast wounded My Foes I do repute you every one So trouble me no more but hence Quintus Not I 'till Mutius Bones be Bury'd Marcus and the Sons all kneel Marcus. Brother for in that name doth Nature plead Lucius Father and in that name doth Nature speak Titus Speak thou no more if all the rest will speed Marcus. Renowned Titus more then half my soul Lucius Dear Father soul and substance of us all Marcus. Suffer thy Brother Marcus to Interr His Noble Nephew here in Virtues Cell That dy'd in Honour and Lavinia's cause Thou art a Roman be not Barbarous The Greeks upon advice did Bury Ajax That slew himself And wise Laertes Son Did piously plead for his Funeralls Let not young Mutius then that was thy Joy Be barr'd his entrance here Titus Rise Marcus rise The dismal'st day is this that e're I saw To be dishonour'd by my Sons in Rome Well bury him and bury me the next they put him in the Vault Lucius There lye thy Bones dear Mutius with thy Friends 'Till we with Trophees do adorn thy Tomb. Marcus. No man shed tears for Noble Mutius He lives in Fame that dy'd in Virtues cause Martius Mutius is bury'd and our griefs are eas'd Quintus The Emperour and his haughty Bride return Enter the Emperour Tamora Chiron Demetrius and Aron at one door Bassianus Lavinia at the other Sons with Attendants Emp. So Bassianus You that so lately play'd the Gladiator Give you Joy Sir of your Gallant Bride Bassi. The like to Saturniâ—â— and his I say no more Nor with no less Emp. Traytor if Rome have Law or we have Power Thou and thy Faction shall repent this Rape Bassi. Rape call you it to seize my own ye Gods My true betrothed Love and now my Wife But let the Laws of Rome determine all Mean while am I possest of what is mine Emp. You are but look to answer the Affront Bassi. Answer I must and shall do with my life Only thus much I wish thee understand By all the Duties that I owe to Rome This Noble Gentleman Lord Titus here Is in opinion and in honour wrong'd That in the Rescue of Lavinia With his own hand did slay his youngest Son In Zeal to you and highly mov'd to wrath To be controul'd in that he frankly gave Receive him then to favour Emperour That hath in all his deeds exprest himself A Father and a Friend to thee and Rome Tamora If Tamora be gracious in your eyes Then hear me speak indifferently for all And at my request pardon what is past Emp. Be dishonour'd openly And basely put it up without Revenge Tamora Not so my Lord the Gods of Rome defend I shou'd be Author to dishonour you But on my Honour dare I undertake For good Lord Titus innocence in all Whose Fury not dissembl'd speaks his Grief Then at my Sute look friendly on his Age Lose not so Noble a Friend on vain suppose See those gray hairs behold the good old man Trust me my Lord he 's innocent Bassi. Subtle Empress insinuating Goth Moor. Hearken to this Counsel with attention Dissemble all your griefs and discontents You are but newly stept into your Throne Lest then the People and Patricians too Upon a Just survey take Titus part You know he has a plausible pretence He kill'd his Son by him the Traytor fell And so supplant you for ingratitude Which Rome reputes to be a heinous Crime Bassi. What says the Moor Moor. I say young Lord Titus is innocent Tamora Innocent where he shou'd play the Villaine aside Yield at Intreaties and let me alone I 'le watch a day that 's fitted for Revenge And race their Faction and their Family The Cruell Father and his Trayterous Sons To whom I once su'd for my dear Sons Life I 'le make 'em know what 't is to let a Queen Kneel in the streets to beg for grace in Vain Look there my Lord behold the good Andronicus Take up the dear Old man and cheer his Heart That sinks in Tempest of your angry frown Bassia Feign'd as I Live Abstract of Woman and of Devil Emp. Rise Titus Rise my Empress has prevail'd Titus I thank you Sir Most heartily I do These words these looks infuse new Life in me Tamora Titus I am incorporate in Rome A Roman now adopted happily And must advise the Emperour for his good This day all Quarrells dye Andronicus And let it be my honour good my Lord That I have reconcil'd your Friends and you For you Prince Bassianus I have pass'd My word and promise to the Emperour That you will be more mild and temperate And fear not Lords and you Lavinia By my advice all humbled on your Knees You shall ask pardon of the Emperour Bassia Kneel Kneel Learn to dissemble all You have a Woman for your Instructor Martius We Kneel and vow to Heaven and the Emperour That what we did was most sincerely meant Tending our Sisters Honour and our own Quintus That that was all the ill we meant Marcus. Here on my Honour I protest They had no other Aim Bassia See the good Tribune Marcus too Has taken the Scent and Bows amongst the crow'd
by each Arm as to lift him up And bow this feeble ruine to the Earth If any Power pities wretched tears To that I call what will you kneel with me Do then my Loving Son and my dear Brother For Heaven shall hear our prayers or else our breaths Shall thicken all the Air like a deep mist And stain the Sun with Fog as sometimes Clouds When they do hug him in their reaking bosoms Marcus. O Titus speak with possibility And do not break into these deep extreams Lucius Let reason Govern Sir your Sorrows Titus If there were reason for these Miseries Then within Limits could I Binde my passions When Heaven does weep doth not the Earth o'reflow If the Winds rage doth not the Sea grow mad Threatning the Heavens with its surrow'd brow Wilt thou have reason then weak humane reason When Winds from every point of th' compass blow Keep my mind smooth and calm Heaven guides the Sea Yet that rebells swells and throws billows upward Lu. Dear Sir Go in and try with sleep to moderate your grief Titus No I 'le go in and weep by my Lavicia Marcus. Good Brother do go in but try to sleep We 'l Leade you to the door and then go meet Your Sons e're this returning from the Scaffold Titus Lucius wilt thou go too Lucius That I may see my Brothers e're I part I 'me Banish'd Sir and have not long to stay I 'le help to bring 'em to your aged Arms And then of all that 's Good or dear in Rome I 'le take my Leave at once Titus Do then And tell 'em if my other hand Will do them good I will send them that too Exeunt M L. Enter Junius with an Arrow in 's hand running from Lavinia and she tu suing him Titus Turns back Ivnius Help Grandfather help my Aunt Lavinia Follows me every where I know not why Look Look dear Aunt I know not what you mean. Titus Stand by me Junius do not fear thy Aunt She Loves thee Boy too well to do thee harm Jun. I when my Father is at home she does Titus See Junius see how much she makes of thee What means Lavinia by these signs Can'st thou not guess wherefore she follows thee Jun. Indeed I know not I Unless some fit of frenzy does possess her For I have heard my Uncle Marcus say Extremity of griefs would make men mad That made me fear tho' I know my Aunt Loves me Loves me as dear as e're my Mother did And would not but in Madness fright my Youth Which made me fly from her Titus She Kisses thee in signe she means no harm Lavinia Kisses Jun. Then beckons him to follow going towards the door her self See now she beckons thee Some whither she would have thee go with her Junius Ay when my Father comes or my Uncle To go with us I 'le wait on my Aunt Indeed dear Aunt I will. Titus Stay 'till his Father comes Lucius is not yet gone far But presently he goes to Banishment Junius How far is that Grandfather Titus A Long Journey Junius And must I go with him or stay with you Titus I am going yet a Longer Journey Child Junius But whither Grandfather Titus Titus From whence I came Junius What to the Wars again if my Father goes I 'le have a Sword and go with you too Titus No I am going to rest Junius Oh to Bed. Titus To my Grave to dye Junius Ah! but you shan't dye yet Grandfather I Love you Titus Poor Innocent how he beguils my thoughts Bent strongly to invent a way how thou Lavinia might'st disclose thy Injuries And to our knowledge give the Nature And the Actors of thy Wrongs By the disorder of thy dress I fear Thou wert i' th' Salvage hands of Ravishers Lav. turns her head aside from Titus Turn not thy face away to hide thy Blushes Speak thou by signs for here is none but I And Little Junius knows not what it means Jun. pudles in the Sand with the arrow not minding their Discourse What Roman Lord was it durst do the deed Or play'd not Saturnine the Tarquin with thee Junius Look here Grandfather Titus Interrupt me not Good Boy Jun. Do but tell me Grandfather have I writ your name right Titus Titus Andronicus Reads Writ with his Arrow on the dust O Boy Thou hast Inspir'd me Lend me thy Reed Kneel down Lavinia Junius stand thou by me Observe Observe Lavinia what I'm doing Ti. holds the end of the arrow in his mouth guides it with his wrists and writes on the ground Rape is the word that I have written there Without the help of this one hand that 's left If that was not one cause for which thou mourn'st Then here put forth thy foot and blot it out That sigh and mournfull Look tells me it was Beneath it write the wicked Authors Names Decypher in the Sand as I have done she writs in the same manner as above Heaven guide thy pen to print thy sorrows plain Titus Chiron ` Demetrius Ti. Reads They O ye Gods But lest my dimm and aged eyes deceive me Read thou good Junius what is written there Jun. Rape Chiron Demetrius Jun. reads Titus 'T is so Revenge Revenge ye Gods Revenge Upon the Lustfull Sons of Tamora Enter Marcus Lucius Messenger after them bearing in the two heads of Titus Sons and his hand Marcus. Unhappy Titus Unhappy Marcus Luc. Unhappy Lucius Titus Why are ye thus return'd sadly Exclayming With Ringing hands and Eyes lift up to heaven Have yet the Gods more miseries in store Marcus. Worthy Andronicus ill art thou repay'd For that good hand thou sent'st the Emperour Here are the heads of thy two noble Sons And here 's thy hand in scorn to thee sent back Thy Griefs their sport thy resolution mockt Tit. Now let Hot Aetna cool in Cysillia And be my heart an Ever-Burning Hell These Miseries are more then may be born To weep with them that weep some ease doth give But sorrow flowted at is double death Luc. O that this sight should make so deep a wound And yet detested Life not Shrink away Lucius Kisses one head That ever death should let life bear his name Where life hath no more Interest but to breath Marcus. Alas that kiss is vain and comfortless As frozen water to a Starved snake Ti. When will this fearfull slumber have an End Mar. Now farewell flattery dye Andronicus Thou dost not slumber see thy two Sons heads Thy Warlike hand thy mangl'd Daughter here Thy other Banish'd Son with this sad sight Strook pale and bloodless and I thy Brother E'en like a Marble Image cold and Num. Ah now no more will I controul my griefs Tear off thy silver hair thy other hand Gnawing with thy teeth and be this dismall sight The closing up of our most wretched Eyes Now is a time to rage why art thou still Titus Ha ha ha Mar. Why dost thou laugh it fits not with this hour Titus
her there Yet there 's as little Justice as on Land. No fetch me my Tools I 'le dig with Mattock and with Spade And pierce the utmost Center of the Earth And when I come to Pluto's dark Region I will deliver him this Petition a Paper And tell him 't is for Justice that I come That I am Old Andronicus Shaken with Sorrows in ungratefull Rome Ah Rome 't was I that made thee miserable When I threw the Peoples suffrages On him that thus does Tyrannize o're me Well! now I 'le be gone I must be carefull I must not leave one Vessell unsearch'd This wicked Emperour may have Ship'd her hence And then we may go Pipe for Justice Emp. See all the dread of the Eagles presence Cannot now awe to silence that one poor single Grashopper Tam. These are the Effects of Age and Madness The effects of Sorrow for his Valiant Sons Titus Where am I now am I not in Hell allready Is not that Grim Pluto there that Proserpine His Queen Emp. Stop his Mouth take him away and hang him Tamora Forbear Emperour leave me to deal with him Titus Pluto you do me wrong with these delays Since you will not send Justice unto me I 'le dive into the Burning-Lake below And pull her out of Acaron by the heels Emp. What with this Mad man will you do Tam. I will Enchant the good Andronicus With words more sweet and yet more dangerous Then Baits to Fish or Honey-stalks to Sheep When as the one is Wounded with the Bait The other rotted with delicious food Emp. Can you lay Marcus Tongue and Lucius too in Silence Tam. I 'le smooth the Fathers aged Cheeks with golden promises And he shall draw 'em both to his own house To treat of Friendship and tell their grievances Whilst they are busied here in Long debate Friends we 'le imploy to appease the Multitude And pacify the Angry Souldiers Em. Stay then and be successfull in thy Art Titus I was deceiv'd Justice is not in Hell neither Ti. with bundles of Paper 'T was not she I saw Swimming o're the black Lake But a poor Solon-Goose I catch'd her by the wing and knew her by her cackling I 'le look no more for her now I 'le go find Revenge Confer with her of Murder and of Death There 's not a Hollow-Cave or Lurking-place No vast obscurity or Misty-Vale Where Bloody Murder or detested Rape Can couch for fear but I will find 'em out Tell 'em my sorrowfull Name and Injuries Tam. Now I will tamper him with all the Art I have See Titus I am come to talk with thee Titus No not a word how can I grace my talk Wanting a hand to give it action Thou hast the odds of me therefore no more Tam. Appease ye Gods the troubles of his Spirit If Titus knew me Titus would talk to me Tit. Why who are thou Thou art not Revenge And yet I know thou art some direfull Fiend Thou hast Medusa's head Megera's looks Ay ay thou art a Fiend but not my dear Revenge Art thou say Tam. I 'le close with him to fit his Lunacy What e're I forge to feed his frantick fits Do you uphold and in discourse maintain Titus Were 't thou Revenge how I could hug thee Tam. I am Revenge to all that have offended you And I am come to joyn with you To work confusion on your Enemies Titus Yes yes now I perceive thou art Revenge Sensless I was that knew thee not before Loe by thy side where Rape and Murder stands But throughly to convince me that thou art Revenge Stab them or tear them on thy Charriot-wheels And then I 'le mount and be thy Waggoner And Whirle along with thee about the Giobes Or if thou wilt I 'le by thy Waggon-wheel Trot like a servile Footman all day long Even from Epeons rising in the East Untill his very downfull in t the Sea. And day by day I 'le do this heavy task So thou destroy Rapine and Murder there Tam. These are my Ministers and come with me To aid and be assistant in thy cause But right you nam'd them Murder and Rape they are call'd 'Cause they take Vengeance on such kind of men Titus Wellcome dread Fury to my wither'd Arms Rapine and Murder you are wellcome too Now what shall us do Tam. What would'st thou have us to do Andronicus Tit. Look round about the wicked streets of Rome And when thou find'st a man that 's like thy self Good Murder Stab him he 's a Murderer Go thou with him and when it is thy hap To finde another that is like to thee Good Rapine Stab him he 's a Ravisher Go thou with them and in the Emperours Court There is a Queen Attended by a Moor Well may'st thou know her by thy own proportion For all about she does resemble thee I prethee bring them to untimely Ends They have been violent to me and mine Tam. Thou hast given us good directions this shall we do But if 't will please thee good Andronicus To draw his Brother Marcus from his Friends And send for Lucius his most Valiant Son Who now heads the Old Legions thou brought'st home Before the Walls defying the power of Rome If these with their chief friends of either party To a great Entertainment at thy house Thou wilt invite to Feast and Banquet with thee There Saturnine his Empress and her Sons Shall be thy guests too if after Parlee there His doom of Banishment is not revok'd And all thy numerous injuries redress'd Then at thy Mercy shall they stoop and kneel And on them shalt thou ease thy angry Heart What says Andronicus to this proposal Titus But is not this a Plot for my other hand And to betray their Lives Tam. Six of our Noblest Romans shall attend you Whose Lives shall warrant thee safety and return Of them and all their Friends Titus Prepare your Hostages I 'le do 't Tam. Make but appear the Injuries which thou In Papers 'bout the streets of Rome Disperst And then produce the wicked Authors of ' em Justice shall be severely Executed And all thy grievances redress'd Titus Say no more the Old man will do 't In token that I will I leave with you My pretty Junius here 'till my return Here 's all the little treasure of my Life that 's left Tam. He shall be my Care. Dem. Mine Chiron And mine Tam. Dem. Chiron Exeunt Tam. And all our care Titus Now my little Lad remember thy Lesson And wherefore I brought thee hither Jun. I do Grandfather Titus Remember thy wrong'd Aunt Lavinia Jun. Yes and my Banish'd Father and my two dead Uncles And you Grandfather that have but one hand Weeps Titus That 's my good Boy Forbear thy tears his Passion makes me weep Jun. You and my Uncle Marcus made me Swear And do you think Grandfather I will be forsworn Titus Junius no thou com'st of two Good a Kinde I know thou 'lt prove a Chick