you? and now That box I gave yon was not thought by me To tell this tale of mine. By thine own tongue thou art comdemn'd, and must Endure our law. Thou art dead. Imo. That headless man This man is better, than the man he slew, As well descended as thyself; and hath [To the Guard. In killing creatures vile, as cats and dogs They were not born for bondage. Arv. In that he spake too far. Bel. We will die all three: But I will prove, that two of us are as good, As I have given out him.— My sons, I must, For mine own part, unfold a dangerous speech, Arv. Your danger is Think, that you are upon a rock; Ours. Throw me again. [Embracing him. Gui. And our good his. Pust. Hang there like fruit, my soul, Bel. Have at it then ! Till the tree die ! By leave ! - Thou had'st, great king, a subject, who We call'd Belarius. Cym. What of him? he is A banish'd traitor. [Kneeling. Bel. He it is, that hath [To Guiderius and Arviragus. I know not how, a traitor. You had a motive for't. Cym. Take him hence! The whole world shall not save him! Bel. Not too hot! First pay me for the nursing of thy sons ; And let it be confiscate all, so soon Bel. I am too blunt, and saucy: here's my knee; Ere I arise, I will prefer my sons ; These two young gentlemen, that call me father, With his sword drawn; foam'd at the mouth, and And think they are my sons, are none of mine; swore, They are the issue of your loins, my liege, And blood of your begetting. Cym. How! my issue? Bel. So sure as you your father's. I, old Morgan, Then in my pocket; which directed him And that Belarius whom you sometime banish'd: To seek her on the mountains near to Milford; Your pleasure was my mere offence, my punishment Where, in a frenzy, in my master's garments, Itself, and all my treason; that I suffer'd, Which he in forc'd from me, away he posts Was all the harm I did. These gentle princes With unchaste purpose, and with oaths to violate (For such, and so they are, ) these twenty years My lady's honour: what became of him, Have I train'd up: those arts they have, as I I further know not. Could put into them; my breeding was, sir, as Gui. Let me end the story; Your highness knows. Their nurse, Euriphile, I slew him there. Whom for the theft I wedded, stole these children Upon my banishment: I mov'd her to't; Excited me to treason. Their dear loss, The more of you 'twas felt, the more it shap'd Unto my end of stealing them. But, gracious sir, Gui. A most uncivil one. The wrongs he did me, Here are your sons again ; and I must lose Were nothing prince-like; for he did provoke me Two of the sweet'st companions in the world : With language, that would make me spurn the sea, The benediction of these covering heavens If it could so roar to me: I cut off's head; Fall on their heads like dew! for they are worthy And am right glad, he is not standing here To inlay heaven with stars. lp Cym. Thou weep'st, and speak'st. Speak, Iachimo! I had you down, and might The service, that you three have done, is more The Have made you finish. His Unlike, than this thou tellst: I lost my childreu; Tach. I am down again, (Kneeling. If these be they, I know not how to wish WE But now my heavy conscience sinks my knee, C; A pair of worthier sous. As then your force did. Take that life, 'beseech you, And Bel. Be pleas'd a while! Which I so often owe! but your ring first! Fro This gentleman, whom I call Polydore, And here the bracelet of the truest princess, To Post. Kneel not to me! Cym. Nobly doom'd: We'll learn our freeness of a son-in-law; Upon his neck a mole, a sanguine star; Pardon's the word to all. It was a mark of wonder. Arv. You holp us, sir, As mean indeed to be our brother; Post. Your servant, princes ! - Good my lord of To be his evidence now. Rome, Cym. 0, what, am I SA Call forth your soothsayer. As I slept, methought , A mother to the birth of three? Ne'er mother Great Jupiter, upon his eagle back, Rejoic'd deliverance more. - Bless'd may you be, BA Appear'd to me, with other spritely shows That, after this strange starting from your orbs, of mine owo kindred: when I wak’d, I found You may reign in them now! -- Imogen, Ti This label on my bosom; whose containing Thou hast lost by this a kingdom! Is so from sense in hardness, that I can Imo. No, my lord! M Make no collection of it; let him show L Luc. Philarmonus ! ME When I was but your sister; I you brothers, Luc. Read, and declare the meaning! NE When you were so indeed. Sooth. [Reads.] When as a lion's whelp shall , co Cym. Did you e'er meet? himself unknown, without seeking find, and be Arv. Ay, my good lord! embraced by a piece of tender air; and when from Gui. And at first meeting lov'd; a stately cedar shall be lopped branches, which Continaed so, until we thought he died. being dead many years, shall after revive, be Cor. By the queen's dram she swallow'd. jointed to the old stock, and freshly grow; then Cym. O rare instinct ! shall Posthumus end his miseries, Britain be for When shall I hear all through? This fierce abridge- tunate, and flourish in peace and plenty. Thou, Leonatus, art the lion's whelp; The fit and apt construction of thy name, (To Cymbelin Why fled you from the court? and whither? These, which we call mollis aer; and mollis aer I Answering the letter of the oracle, With this most tender air. Cym. This hath some seeming. Thy two sons forth; who, by Belarias stolen, For many years thought dead, are now revir'd, And smoke the temple with our sacrifices, -- To the majestic cedar join'd; whose issue Thou art my brother; so we'll hold thee ever! Promises Britain peace and plenty. (To Belarius. Cym. Well, Although the victor, we submit to Caesar, And to the Roman empire; promising To pay our wonted tribute, from the which We were dissuaded by our wicked queen; Imo. My good master, Whom heavens, in justice, (both on her, and her Have laid most heavy hand. Sooth. The fingers of the powers above do tab? of this yet scarce-cold battle, at this instant Post. Is full-accomplish’d: for the Roman eagle , The soldier, that did company these three From south to west on wing soaring aloft, In poor beseeming; 'twas a fitment for Lessen'd herself, and in the beams o'the sun The purpose I then follow'd. - That I was he, So vanish'd : which foreshor'd our princely eagle ment am, sir, The imperial Caesar, should again unite A Roman and a British ensign wave Friendly together! so through Lud's town march ; And in the temple of great Iupiter Our peace we'll ratify; seal it with feasts !- 1 (Exeunt. TITUS ANDRONICUS. Persons of the Drama. Aevilius, a noble Roman. CHIRON, sons to Tamora. Lecits, the Goths. Aarox, a Moor, beloved by Tamora. Marcus Andronicus, tribune of the people, and a Captain, Tribune, Messenger, and Clown; Romans. brother to Titius. Goths, and Romans. Tamora, qucen of the Goths. Lavinia, daughter to Titus Andronicus. A Nurse, and a Black Child. Kinsmen of Titus, Senators, Tribunes, Officers, Soldiers, and Attendants, racle, А ст I. From weary wars against the barbarous Goths: That, with his sons, a terror to our foes, Hatlı yok'd a nation strong, train'd up in arms. In coffius from the field; Sat. Noble patricians, patrons of my right, And now, at last, laden with honour's spoils, 1. Defend the justice of my cause with arms! Returns the good Andronicus to Rome, di And, countrymen, my loving followers, Renowned Titus, flourishing in arms, Let us entreat, - By honour of his name, alier, le Plead my successive title with your swords! ho, ereti I am his first-born son, that was the last Whom, worthily, you would have now succeed, That wore the imperial diadem of Rome; And in the Capitol and senate's right, Thom ere cup Then let my father's honours live in me, you pretend to honour and adore, That you, and abate your strength ; Bas. Romans, - friends, followers, favourers of my Dismiss your followers, and, as suitors should, right! Plead your deserts in peace and humbleness. Sat. How fair the tribune speaks to calm my pd branna If ever Bassianus, Caesar's son, Were gracious in the eyes of royal Rome, thoughts! Bas. Marcus Andronicus, so I do affy In thy uprightness and integrity, And so I love and honour thee and thice, Thy noble brother Titus, and his sons, And her, to whom my thoughts are humbled all, Gracious Lavinia, Rome's rich ornament, That I will here dismiss my loving friends; Commit my cause in balance to be weigh’d. (Exeunt the Followers of Bassianus. A special party, have, by common voice, Sat. Friends, that have been thus forward in my In election for the Roman empery, right, Chosen Audronicus, surnamed Pius, Į thank you all, and here dismiss you all! Commit myself, my person, and the cause! (Exeunt the Followers of Saturninus. He by the senate is accited liome, Pome, be as just and gracious unto me, 86 Beleria 1, are 100 i shaxs pleety. Ind, Caiss | mit to Lidl prostius from the both art le, at this And In rig Give Bat n Mar. of Troy Sa!. Patric Andet Rathe Luc That Thes As I am confident and kind to thee! Tit. Patient yourself, madam, and pardon me! Be CE Open the gates, and let me in! These are their brethren, whom you Goths beheld And Bas. Tribunes! and me, a poor competitor! Alive, and dead; and for their brethren slain, Tit [Sat, and Bas, go into the Capitol, and ex- Religiously they ask a sacrifice: Than eunt with Senators, Marcus, etc. To this your son is mark'd; and die he must, Wha: To appease their groaning shadows that are gone . Be ch SCENE II.-The same. Luc. Away with him! and make a fire straight; ToEnter a Captain, and Others. And with our swords, upon a pile of wood, Cap. Romans, make way! The good Andronicus, Let's hew his limbs, till they be clean consum'd! Romo Patron of virtue, Rome's best champion, [Exeunt Lucius, Quintus, Martius, and Mutius, Apd 1 Successful in the battles that he fights, with Alarbus. And With honour and with fortune is return’d, Tam. O cruel, irreligious piety! Knig! From where he circumscribed with his sword, Chi. Was ever Scythia half so barbarons ? And brought to yoke, the enemies of Rome! Dem. Oppose not Scythia to ambitious Rome. Flourish of trumpets, etc. Enter Mutius and Mar- Alarbus goes to rest; and we survive tius: after them, two Men bearing a coffin co- To tremble voder Titus' threatening look. Cprig vered with black ; then Quintus und Lucius. After Then, madam, stand resolv'd! but hope withal, them, Titus Andronicus; and then Tamora, with The self-same gods, that arm’d the queen dar. Alarbus, Chiron, Demetrius, Aaron, and otlrer With opportunity of sharp revenge Goths, prisoners; Soldiers and People, following. Upon the Thracian tyrant in his tent, The Bearers set down the coffin, and Tirus speaks. May favour Tamora, the queen of Goths, Tit. Hail, Rome, victorious in thy mourning weeds! (When Goths were Goths, and Tamora was queen, Tills Lo, as the bark, that hath discharg'd her fraught, To quit the bloody wrongs upon her foes. Returns with precious lading to the bay, Re-enter Lucius, Quintus, Maktics, and Vetits, From whence at first she weigh'd her anchorage, with their swords bloody. Cometh Andronicus, bound with laurel boughs, Luc. Sce, lord and father, how we have perform'd To re-salute his country with his tears! Our Roman rites! Alarbus' limbs are lopp'd, Tears of true joy for his return to Rome! And entrails feed the sacrificing fire, Thou great defender of this Capitol, Whose smoke, like incense, doth perfume the sky. Bus Stand gracious to the rites that we intend !. Remaineth nought, but to inter our brethren, Bri Romans, of five and twenty valiant sons, And with loud 'larums welcome them to Rome. Half of the number that king Priam had, Tic. Let it be so, and let Andronicus Behold the poor remains, alive, and dead ! Make this his latest farewell to their souls! Ort These, that survive, let Rome reward with love; [Trumpets sounded, and the coffins laid in T. These, that I bring unto their latest home, the tomb. Tas With burial amongst their ancestors : In peace and honour rest you here, my sons! Here Goths have given me leave to sheath my sword ! Rome's readiest champions, repose you here, T: Titus, uukind, and careless of thine own, Secure from worldly chances and mishaps! Why suffer'st thou thy sons, unburied yet, Here lurks no treason, here no envy swells, The To hover on the dreadful shore of Styx ? Here grow no damned grudges ; here are no storms TE Make way to lay them by their brethren! No noise, but silence and eternal sleep! Tha [The tomb is opened. Enter LAVINIA. My noble lord and father, live in fame! Lo! at this tomb my tributary tears Coro How many sons of mine hast thou in store, I render, for my brethren's obsequies ; That thou wilt never render to me more ! And at thy feet I kneel, with tears of joy Luc. Give us the proudest prisoner of the Goths, Shed on the earth, for thy return to Rome! That we may hew his limbs, and, on a pile, o, bless me here with thg victorious hand, Ad manes fratrum sacrifice his flesh, Whose fortunes Rome's best citizens appland! Before this earthly prison of their bones; Tit. Kind Rome, that hast thus lovingly resery'd That so the shadows be not unappeas'd, The cordial of mine age to glad my heart! – Tit. I give him you; the noblest that survives, And fame's eternal date, for virtue's praise! Enter MARCUS ANDRONICUS, Saturnixus, Basslasts and others. Victorious Titus, rue the tears I shed, Mar. Long live lord Titus, my beloved brother , A mother's tears in passion for her son ! Gracious triumpher in the eyes of Rome! And, if thy sons were ever dear to thee, Tit. Thanks, gentle tribune, noble brother Marcus' 0, think my son to be as dear to me! Mar. And welcome, nephews, from successful warh Sufficeth not, that we are brought to Rome, Yon that survive, and you that sleep in fame! To beautify thy triumphs, and return, Fair lords, your fortunes are alike in all, Captive to thee, and to thy Roman yoke ; That in your country's service drew your But must my sons be slaughter'd in the streets, But safer triumph is this funeral pomp, For valiant doings in their country's cause? That hath aspir'd to Solon's happiness, 0! if to fight for king and common-weal And triumphs over chance, in honour's bed! Were piety in thine, it is in these! Titus Andronicus, the people of Rome, Andronicus, stain not thy tomb with blood ! Whose friend in justice thou hast ever beed, Wilt thou draw near the nature of the gods? Send thee by me, their tribune, and their trust, Draw wear them then in being merciful: This palliament of white and spotless hue; And name thee in election for the empire, Lora swords! Be candidatus then, and put it on, The least of these unspeakable deserts, Tit. Now, madam, are you prisoner to an emperor! [To Tamora. Will use you nobly, and your followers ! Sat. A goodly lady, trust me! for the hue That I would choose, were I to choose anew.- Clear up, fair queen, that cloudy countenance ! cheer, Thou com'st not to be made a scorn in Rome : Rest on my word and let not discontent Daunt all your hopes ! Madam, he comforts you, Warrants these words in princely courtesy. Sat. Thanks, sweet Lavinia !- Romans, let us go! Proclaim our honours, lords, with trump and drum! (Seizing Lavinia. Luc. Proud Saturnine, interrupter of the good Tit. How, sir? Are you in earnest then, my lord ? That noble-minded Titus means to thee! Bas. Ay, noble Titus; and resolv'd withal, Mar. Suum cuique is our Roman justice ! This prince in justice seizeth but his own. guard ? Sat. Surpris’d! By whom? Bear his betroth’d from all the world away. (Ereunt Marcus and Bassianus, with Lavinia. The people will accept whom he admits. Mut. Brothers, help to convey her hence away, Tit. Tribunes, I thank you! and this suit I make, And with my sword i'll keep this door safe ! That you create your emperor's eldest son, Exeunt Lucius, Quintus, and Martius. Lord Saturnine; whose virtues will, I hope, Tit. Follow, my lord, and I'll soon bring her back. Mut. My lord, you pass not here! Tit. What, villain boy! Barr'st me my way in Rome? (Titus kills Mutius. Long live our emperor! Mut. Help, Lucius, help! Re-enter Lucius. Luc. My lord, you are unjust; and, more than so, In wrongful quarrel you have slain your son. [ A long flourish. My sons would never so dishonour me! Luc. Dead, if you will; but not to be his wife, That is another's lawful promis'd love. [Exit. And will with deeds requite thy gentleness! Sat. No, Titus, no! the emperor needs her not, And, for an onset, Titus, to advance Not her, nor thee, nor any of thy stock: Thy name, and honourable family, I'll trust by leisure him that mocks me once; Lavinia will I make my emperess, Thee never, nor thy traitorous haughty sons Confederates all thus to dishonour me. Was there none else in Rome to make a stale of Tell me, Andronicus, doth this motion please thee? Bat Saturnine? Full well, Andronicus, Tit. It doth, my worthy lord! and, in this mateh, Agree these deeds with that proud brag of thine, I hold me highly honour'd of your grace: That said'st, 1 begg'd the empire at thy hand. And here, in sight of Rome, to Saturnine, - Tit. O monstrous ! what reproachful words are these? King and commander of our common-weal, Sat. But go thy ways! go, give that changing piece The wide world's emperor, -do I consecrate To him that flourish'd for her with his sword: My sword, my chariot, and my prisoners : A valiant son-in-law thou shalt enjoy; Presents well worthy Rome's imperial lord: One fit to bandy with thy lawless so.18, Receive them then, the tribute that I owe, To ruffle in the commonwealth of Rome. Mine honour's ensigns humbled at thy feet! Tit. These words are razors to my wounded heart ! Sat. Thanks, noble Titus, father of my life! Sat. And therefore, lovely Tamora, queen of Goths,How prond I am of thee, and of thy gifts, That, like the stately Phoebe 'mongst her nymphs, Rome shall record! and when I do forget Dost overshine the gallant'st dames of Rome, 86* |