PERSONS REPRESENTED. Saturninus, Son to the late Emperor of Rome, and afterwards declared Emperor himself. Bassianus, Brother to Saturninus; in love with Lavinia. Titus Andronicus, a noble Roman, General against the Goths. Marcus Andronicus, Tribune of the People; and Brother to Titus. Aaron, a Moor, beloved by Tamora. A Captain, Tribune, Messenger, and Clown; Romans. Goths, and Romans. Tamora, Queen of the Goths. Lavinia, Daughter to Titus Andronicus. A Nurse, and a black Child. Kinsmen of Titus, Senators, Tribunes, Officers, Soldiers, and Attendants. SCENE, Rome; and the country near it. TITUS ANDRONICUS. ACT I. SCENE I. ROME. BEFORE THE CAPITOL. The tomb of the Andronici appearing; the Tribunes and Senators aloft, as in the Senate. Enter, below, Saturninus and his followers, on one side; and Bassianus and his followers, on the other; with drum and colours. Sat. Noble patricians, patrons of my right, Bas. Romans,-friends, followers, favourers of my right, If ever Bassianus, Cæsar's son, Were gracious in the eyes of royal Rome, B But let desert in pure election shine; And, Romans, fight for freedom in your choice. Enter Marcus Andronicus aloft, with the crown. Mar. Princes, that strive by factions, and by friends, Ambitiously for rule and empery,— Know, that the people of Rome, for whom we stand Chosen Andronicus, surnamed Pius For many good and great deserts to Rome; Lives not this day within the city walls: From weary wars against the barbarous Goths; And now at last, laden with honour's spoils, Let us entreat,-By honour of his name, Whom you pretend to honour and adore,- Plead your deserts in peace and humbleness. thoughts! Bas. Marcus Andronicus, so I do affy In thy uprightness and integrity, And so I love and honour thee and thine, And her, to whom my thoughts are humbled all, [Exeunt the followers of Bassianus. Sat. Friends, that have been thus forward in my right, I thank you all, and here dismiss you all; [Exeunt the followers of Saturninus. Rome, be as just and gracious unto me, Bas. Tribunes! and me, a poor competitor. SCENE II. THE SAME. Enter a Captain, and Others. Cap. Romans, make way; The good Andronicus, Patron of virtue, Rome's best champion, Successful in the battles that he fights, Flourish of trumpets, &c. enter Mutius, and Martius: after them, two men bearing a coffin cover'd with black; then Quintus and Lucius. After them, Titus Andronicus; and then Tamora, with Alarbus, Chiron, Demetrius, Aaron, and other Goths, prisoners; soldiers and people, following. The bearers set down the coffin, and Titus speaks. Tit. Hail, Rome, victorious in thy mourning weeds! Lo, as the bark, that hath discharg'd her fraught, Stand gracious to the rites that we intend!— |