_Auf._ Why, noble lords,

Will you be put in mind of his blind fortune,

Which was your shame, by this unholy braggart,

'Fore your own eyes and ears?

_All Consp._ Let him die for't. 120

_All the People._ 'Tear him to pieces.' 'Do it presently.'[3911][3912]

'He killed my son.' 'My daughter.' 'He killed my cousin[3912][3913]

Marcus.' 'He killed my father.'[3912][3913]

_Sec. Lord._ Peace, ho! no outrage: peace![3914]

The man is noble, and his fame folds-in 125

This orb o' the earth. His last offences to us

Shall have judicious hearing. Stand, Aufidius,

And trouble not the peace.

_Cor._ O that I had him,[3915]

With six Aufidiuses, or more, his tribe,[3915]

To use my lawful sword![3915]

_Auf._ Insolent villain! 130

_All Consp._ Kill, kill, kill, kill, kill him!

[_The Conspirators draw, and kill Coriolanus:

Aufidius stands on his body._[3916]

_Lords._ Hold, hold, hold, hold!

_Auf._ My noble masters, hear me speak.

_First Lord._ O Tullus,--[3917]

_Sec. Lord._ Thou hast done a deed whereat valour will weep.[3918]

_Third Lord._ Tread not upon him. Masters all, be quiet;[3919]

Put up your swords. 135

_Auf._ My lords, when you shall know--as in this rage[3920]

Provoked by him, you cannot--the great danger[3921]

Which this man's life did owe you, you'll rejoice

That he is thus cut off. Please it your honours

To call me to your senate, I'll deliver 140

Myself your loyal servant, or endure

Your heaviest censure.

_First Lord._ Bear from hence his body;

And mourn you for him: let him be regarded

As the most noble corse that ever herald

Did follow to his urn.

_Sec. Lord._ His own impatience 145

Takes from Aufidius a great part of blame.

Let's make the best of it.

_Auf._ My rage is gone,

And I am struck with sorrow. Take him up:

Help, three o' the chiefest soldiers; I'll be one.[3901]

Beat thou the drum, that it speak mournfully: 150

Trail your steel pikes. Though in this city he

Hath widow'd and unchilded many a one,

Which to this hour bewail the injury,

Yet he shall have a noble memory.[3922]

Assist. [_Exeunt, bearing the body of Coriolanus._[3922][3923] 155

_A dead march sounded._

FOOTNOTES:

[3679] ACT V. SCENE 1.] Rowe. Actus Quintus. Ff.

Rome.] Rowe.

A public place.] Theobald.

Enter ... Sicinius and Brutus....] Enter ... Sicinius, Brutus,.... Ff.

[3680] _Which was_] _To one_ Collier MS.

[3681] _him; A mile ... tent_] _him, A mile ... tent_ Hanmer. _him, A

mile ... tent,_ Rowe. _him A mile ... tent,_ Ff.

[3682] _knee_] F₁. _kneele_ F₂. _kneel_ F₃ F₄.

[3683] _o' the_] _o' th_ F₄. _a' th'_ F₁ F₂ F₃. _i' the_ Malone.

[3684] _you have_] _you've_ Pope.

[3685] _rack'd for_] Pope. _wrack'd for_ Ff _sack'd fair_ Hanmer.

_reck'd for_ Warburton. _wrack'd poor_ Long MS. _wreck'd for_ Collier.

_wreck'd fair_ Williams conj. _work'd for_ Leo conj.

_for Rome,_] _Rome, for_ Badham conj.

[3686] _cheap:_] _cheape:_ Ff. _cheap,_ Collier. _cheap,--_ Dyce. See

note (X).

[3687] _it was less_] _it was least_ Pope. _least it was_ Steevens.

[3688] _bare_] Ff. _base_ Blackstone and Mason conj. _rare_ Williams

conj.

_bare ... state_] _rebaptizing of estate_ Bullock conj.

[3689] _Very well ... less?_] As in Johnson. One line in Ff.

[3690] _For's_] _For his_ Capell.

[3691] _I am_] _I'm_ Pope.

[3692] _too, we are_] _we're_ Hanmer, ending the previous lines at

_grain ... wife_.

[3693] _never-needed_] _never-heeded_ Steevens (1793).

[3694] _Upbraid's_] _Upbraid us_ Rowe.

[3695] _Pray you_] _I pray you_ Capell.

_What_] _Why, what_ Hanmer.

_do?_] _do there?_ Keightley.

[3696] _Well ... what then?_] As in Pope. Two lines, ending _returne

me ... then?_, in Ff.

[3697] _is return'd_] _return'd_ F₄.

[3698] _Unheard_] _Unheard, or not unheard_ Badham conj., ending lines

43, 44 _but as ... with his_.

_what then?_] om. Hanmer. _what then? How should I then appear?_

Seymour conj. _what then? how then should I return?_ Keightley.

[3699] _what then? But ... friend_] _what then? not as a joyful herald,

But ... friend or what then? As a discountenanc'd friend_ (reading

_As ... his_ as one line) Badham conj.

[3700] _But as_] om. Capell, reading _Unheard ... friend,_ as one line.

[3701] _unkindness ... so?_ Sic. _Yet ... will_] _unkindness: and what

then?_ Sic. _Say it be so; yet ... will, Menenius_ Hanmer (ending the

lines at _friend ... then?... Menenius_). _unkindness? Say't be so?_

Sic. _Say it be so; yet ... will, Menenius_ Capell, following Hanmer's

arrangement. _unkindness?_ Sic. _But yet ... will_ Seymour conj.

[3702] _that thanks from_] _the thanks of_ Hanmer.

[3703] _undertake't_] _undertake it_ Rowe.

[3704] _we have_] _we've_ Pope.

[3705] _our_] om. Pope.

[3706] _him, ... will. I_] _him, ... will. You_ Hanmer. _him: ... will,

you_ Mason conj. _him, ... will. They_ Becket conj. _him: ... will, I_

Staunton.

[3707] _Not?_] F₃ F₄. _Not._ F₁ F₂. _No?_ Capell.

[3708] _sit_] _set_ Farmer conj. MS.

_in gold_] _engoal'd_ Heath conj. _engall'd_ Blackstone conj.

[3709] _He ... not,_] _What he would not, he sent in writing after me,_

Jervis conj.

_me_] om. Pope.

[3710] _what ... So that all_] _and what not, bound with an oath. To

yield to his conditions, All_ Farmer conj. MS.

[3711] _Bound ... So that_] _Except we yield to his conditions, Bound

with an oath. So that_ Capell conj.

[3712] _oath to ... conditions:_] Ff. _oath, not yield to new

conditions:_ Hanmer. oath to yield no new conditions:_ or oath. To

yield to his conditions_ [some words omitted] Johnson conj. _oath, if

you yield to his conditions:_ Heath conj. After _oath_ Malone supposes

two half lines to have been lost. _oath, to yield in his conditions:_

Mason conj. _oath: so yield to his conditions:_ Jackson conj. _oath, to

yield to no conditions:_ Singer conj. _oath to hold to his conditions:_

Solly conj. Keightley (Grant White conj.) marks a line lost after

_would not_.

[3713] _So that ... him_] As in Johnson. Two lines in Ff, ending

_mother ... him_.

[3714] _his noble ... wife_] _his mother And wife_ Pope, reading _So

that ... mother_ as one line. _from's mother And wife_ Hanmer. _in his

mother And wife_ Heath conj. _from his noble mother, and his wife_

Capell. _in his noble mother and his wife_ Anon. conj. apud Steevens.

_in's noble ... wife_ Grant White.

[3715] _Who, as I hear,_] _Do, as I hear,_ Mitford conj. (_Who, as I

hear_) Leo.

[3716] _For_] _Force_ Warburton.

_country_] Keightley (Steevens conj.) marks here an interruption in the

sense.

_let's_] om. Pope.

[3717] SCENE II.] Rowe.

Entrance ... Rome.] A camp. Rowe. The Volscian camp. Theobald. An

advanced post of the Volscian Camp before Rome. Capell.

Two ... guard.] Certain of the guard on Duty. Capell. om. Ff.

Enter....] Enter Menenius to the Watch or Guard. Ff.

[3718] First Sen.] 1. Wat. Ff.

_you?_] _you? Speak._ Seymour conj.

[3719] Sec. Sen.] 2. Wat. Ff.

_Stand, and go_] _Stand there, or get you_ Seymour conj.

_back_] _back again_ Steevens conj.

[3720] _I ... Coriolanus._] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[3721] _From whence?_] _Whence?_ Pope.

[3722] _You ... thence._] As in Pope. Prose in Ff.

[3723] _Will ... thence_] _Will hear no more from Rome; so get you

back_ Seymour conj.

[3724] _lots to blanks_] _blanks to lots_ Seymour conj.

[3725] _thee, fellow_] _the fellow_ F₃.

[3726] _haply_] Hanmer. _happely_ F₁ F₂. _happily_ F₃ F₄.

[3727] _verified_] _magnified_ Hanmer. _narrified_ Warburton.

_varnished_ Edwards conj. _rarefied_ Staunton conj. _certified_ Jervis

conj. _glorified_ Leo conj. _vivified_ Bullock conj.

[3728] _with_] _to_ Hanmer.

[3729] _I have_] _I've_ Pope.

[3730] _on_] _of_ Rowe. (ed. 2).

[3731] _am, as_] F₄. _am as_ F₁ F₂ F₃.

[3732] _out_] _out of_ Rowe.

[3733] _easy_] _queasy_ Collier (Collier MS.) _wheezy_ Staunton conj.

[3734] _palms_] _pasmes_ or _pames_ Warburton conj. _qualms_ Becket

conj.

[3735] _dotant_] _dotard_ F₄.

[3736] _Sirrah ... estimation_] Prose in Pope. Two lines in Ff.

[3737] _thy_] F₁. _the_ F₂ F₃ F₄.

_knew_] _knew that_ Keightley, reading as verse.

[3738] Sec. Sen.] 2. Watch. Steevens (1773). 1. Ff.

[3739] _blood;--back, ... back._] _blood, that's ... having; back,

back._ Hanmer.

[3740] and] with Ff.

[3741] _companion_] _champion_ Rowe.

_errand_] Pope. _arrant_ F₁ F₂ F₃. _errant_ F₄.

[3742] _Coriolanus: guess, but by my ... him,_] Malone. _Coriolanus,

guesse but my ... him:_ Ff. _Coriolanus; guess but my ... him;_ Pope.

_Coriolanus; guess by my ... him,_ Hanmer (Thirlby conj.)

[3743] _swoon_] F₄. _swoond_ F₁ F₂ F₃.

[3744] _your_] F₁ F₂ F₃. _our_ F₄. _their_ Ritson conj. _yond_ Leo

conj. _the_ Anon. conj.

[3745] _thee._] _thee--_ Rowe.

[3746] _my remission_] _remission_ Rowe (ed. 2).

[3747] _poison_] _prison_ Theobald.

[3748] _pity note how much._] Theobald (Thirlby conj.) _pitty: Note how

much,_ Ff.

[3749] [Gives ... letter.] Pope. om. Ff.

[3750] _behold'st._] F₁ F₂. _behold'st--_ F₃ F₄.

[3751] [Exeunt....] Capell. Exeunt. Manent the Guard and Menenius. Ff.

(Manet F₁).

[3752] _'Tis ... again._] Prose in Pope. Two lines in Ff.

[3753] _ye're_] _y'are_ Ff. _you're_ Capell. _you are_ Steevens.

[3754] _The worthy ... wind-shaken._] Prose in F₄. Two lines, the first

ending _rock,_ in F₁ F₂ F₃.

[3755] _he's_] _He is_ Capell, ending line 102 at _general_.

[3756] [Exeunt.] Exit Watch. Ff.

[3757] SCENE III.] Pope.

The tent....] Tent of Coriolanus. Capell.

Enter....] Re-enter ... Pope.

Aufidius, and others.] Capell. and Auffidius. Ff (Aufidius. F₄).

[3758] _I have_] _I've_ Pope. _I still have_ Capell.

[3759] _Only ... friends_] As in Capell. Three lines, ending

_respected ... Rome: ... friends,_ in Ff. Three ending _stopt ...

Rome: ... friends,_ in Rowe.

[3760] _ends_] _end_ Rann.

[3761] _A private_] _private_ Pope, ending lines 5-8 _stopt ...

Rome: ... no ... you._

[3762] _last old_] _last, old_ Rowe.

[3763] _refuse_] _refuge_ F₂.

[3764] _accept; ... more,_] Singer (Heath conj.) _accept, ... more,_

Johnson. _accept, ... more:_ Ff.

[3765] _I have_] _I've_ Pope.

_to_] F₂ F₃ F₄. _too_ F₁.

_embassies_] F₄. _embasses_ F₁ F₂ F₃. _embassie_ Rowe.

[3766] _from_] _for_ Rowe.

[3767] [Shout within.] Ff. Omitted by Hanmer.

_shout_] _sight_ Hanmer.

[3768] _not._] _not--_ Pope. _not do't._ Anon. conj.

Enter....] Malone. Enter Virgilia, Volumnia, Valeria, young Martius,

with Attendants. Ff. Enter, in neglected and mourning Habits, Virgilia,

Volumnia leading in her hands young Marcius, Valeria, and other Ladies.

Capell.

[3769] _nature, break_] Capell. _nature breake_ Ff.

[3770] _doves'_] Steevens (1793). _doves_ Ff. _dove's_ Rowe.

[3771] _As if_] _And if_ Rowe (ed. 2).

[3772] _As ... kin_] As in Rowe (ed. 2). Two lines in Ff.

[3773] _Like ... flesh,_] As in Pope. Two lines, the first ending

_part,_ in Ff.

[3774] _prate_] Pope, ed. 2 (Theobald). _pray_ Ff.

[3775] _thy_] _the_ Rowe.

[3776] _mistaken_] _mistaking_ Collier MS.

_this_] _the_ Rowe.

[3777] [Kneels.] Rowe. om. Ff.

_What is_] Pope. _What's_ Ff.

[3778] _What ... son?_] As in Pope. Two lines, the first ending _me?_

in Ff.

[3779] _hungry_] _angry_ Malone conj. (withdrawn).

[3780] _Fillip_] Steevens (1793). _Fillop_ Ff.

[3781] _Thou ... lady?_] As in Rowe. Two lines, the first ending

_thee,_ in Ff.

[3782] _holp_] Pope. _hope_ Ff.

[3783] _Publicola_] _Poplicola_ Rowe.

[3784] _curdied_] _curdled_ Rowe (ed. 2).

[3785] Vol.] Volum. Ff. Val. Rann (Steevens conj.)

_yours_] _you_ Johnson conj.

[shewing young Martius. Pope.

[3786] _soldiers,_] _souldiers,_ F₃ F₄. _souldiers:_ F₁ F₂.

[3787] _stick_] _sticke_ F₁. _strike_ F₂ F₃ F₄.

[3788] See note (XI).

[3789] _thing ... denials_] F₁ F₂ F₃. _thing ... denial_ F₄.

_things ... denials_ Capell.

[3790] _desire not ... reasons._] As in Pope. The lines end _t'

allay ... reasons_ in Ff.

[3791] _You have_] _You've_ Pope.

[3792] _you_] _we_ Rowe (ed. 2).

[3793] _We have_] _We've_ Pope.

[3794] _all_] F₁. om. F₂ F₃ F₄.

[3795] _that_] om. Pope.

[3796] _eyes_] _hearts_ Rowe.

[3797] _country's_] Rowe. _countries_ Ff.

[3798] _to poor we Thine enmity's_] _to poor us Thine enmity's_ Hanmer.

_so poor we Thine enemies_ Collier (Collier MS.)

[3799] _enmity's_] F₄. _enmities_ F₁ F₂ F₃.

[3800] _we are_] _we're_ Pope.

[3801] _evident_] _eminent_ Rowe.

[3802] _thorough_] Johnson, _through_ Ff. _along_ Pope.

_streets_] _street_ Warburton.

[3803] _cannot_] _can't_ Pope.

[3804] _both parts_] _both_ Seymour conj.

[3805] _no sooner_] _not sooner_ Hanmer.

[3806] _Ay, ... fight._] Arranged as in Pope, who reads _mine too_.

Four lines, ending _boy, ... time ... away ... fight_, in Ff.

[3807] _to_] _into_ Anon. conj.

_mine_] _mine too_ Rowe. _on mine_ Capell.

[3808] _A'_] _A_ Ff. _He_ Pope.

[3809] _nor child_] _no child_ Rowe.

[3810] _I have_] _I've_ Pope.

[Rising.] Capell. om. Ff.

[3811] _to_] _do_ Pope (ed. 1).

[3812] _poisonous_] _poysoners_ Hanmer.

[3813] _war's_] F₄. _Warr's_ F₃. _Warres_ F₁ F₂.

[3814] _fine_] Johnson. _fiue_ F₁. _five_ F₂ F₃ F₄. _first_ Rowe (ed.

2).

[3815] _to charge thy_] Theobald (Warburton). _to change thy_ Ff. _do

charge their_ Hanmer.

[3816] _should_] _shall_ Hanmer.

[3817] _noble man_] _Noble man_ F₂ F₃ F₄. _Nobleman_ F₁.

[3818] _There's_] F₁. _There is_ F₂ F₃ F₄.

[3819] _to 's_] _to his_ Capell.

[3820] _Thou hast_] _Thou'st_ Pope.

[3821] _cluck'd_] _clock'd_ F₁.

[3822] _him with_] F₂ F₃ F₄. _him with him with_ F₁.

[3823] _To his_] _To 's_ Theobald.

_'longs_] F₄. _longs_ F₁ F₂ F₃.

[3824] _Down: an end;_] _Downe: an end,_ F₁ F₂. _Down: an end,_ F₃.

_Down: and end,_ F₄. _Down; down; and end;_ Johnson.

[3825] _behold's_] _behold us_ Rowe (ed. 2).

[3826] _his child_] _this child_ Theobald.

[3827] _I ... little._] Arranged as in Pope. One line in Ff.

[3828] _I am_] _I'm_ Pope.

[3829] Cor. [After ... silent] Holds her by the hand silent. Corio. Ff.

silent] silent, long and self-struggling. Collier MS.

_O_] om. Pope.

[3830] _dangerously_] _dongerously_ F₂.

[3831] _But_] om. Pope.

[3832] _Now_] _Tell me now_ Badham conj., ending the lines 191-193 at

_good ... would you ... less_.

[3833] _were you_] _If you were_ Capell. _An were you_ S. Walker conj.

_stead_] F₄. _stead_ F₁ F₂ F₃.

_would_] _say, would_ Pope.

[3834] _Aufidius_] om. Badham conj.

[3835] _I ... withal._] _I too was mov'd._ Pope. _I was mov'd with 't._

Capell.

[3836] [Aside] Rowe. om. Ff.

_I am ... thou hast_] _I'm ... thou'st_ Pope.

[3837] _a former_] _my former_ Hanmer. _a firmer_ Collier MS.

[The Ladies....] Johnson. om. Ff.

[To Volumnia....] Rowe.

[3838] _Ay ... bear_] Arranged as in Hanmer. In Ff the first line ends

at _together_.

[3839] _drink_] _think_ Farmer conj. _swink_ Becket conj.

[3840] _Ladies ... peace._] Auf. _Ladies ... peace._ Hanmer.

[3841] SCENE IV.] Pope. SCENE III. Rowe.

Rome. A public place.] Capell. Rome. Pope. The Forum in Rome. Theobald.

[3842] _differency_] F₁. _difference_ F₂ F₃ F₄.

[3843] _eight-year-old_] _eight yeare old_ F₁ F₂. _eight years old_ F₃

F₄.

[3844] _in his state_] _in state_ Johnson.

[3845] _as a thing made for_] _as a king, great as_ Leo conj.

[3846] _long_] _'long_ Capell.

[3847] Sec. Mess.] Mes. Ff.

[3848] _Friend ... certain?_] Arranged as by Pope, who reads _Art

certain._ In Ff the first line ends at _true_?

[3849] _is it ..._] Pope. _Is't ..._ Ff. Sec. Mess. _Ay, sir, ..._ S.

Walker conj.

_certain?_] F₃ F₄. _certaine._ F₁ F₂.

[3850] [Trumpets....] Noise within, of Shoutings, and loud Musick.

Capell.

all together] Rowe. altogether Ff.

[3851] _cymbals_] F₄. _Symboles_ F₁ F₂. _Cymbole_ F₃.

[3852] _you_] _yon_ F₂.

[A shout within.] Ff. Shout again. Capell.

[3853] _Volumnia_] _Volumna_ F₂.

[3854] _You have_] _You've_ Pope.

[3855] [Music....] Sound still with the Shouts. Ff.

[3856] _First ... thankfulness_] As in Pope. In Ff the first line ends

at _tydings_.

[3857] _Sir ... joy_] As in Capell. Prose in Ff.

[3858] _They are_] _They're_ Pope.

_city?_] F₃ F₄. _city._ F₁ F₂.

[3859] _We will_] Capell. _Wee'l_ F₁ F₂ F₃. _We'll_ F₄.

[3860] _We ... joy_] As in Capell. One line in Ff.

[3861] [Exeunt] Ff. Going. Capell.

[3862] SCENE V. The same ... gate.] Dyce. Scene continued in earlier

editions.

Enter....] Enter two Senators, with Ladies, passing over the Stage,

with other Lords. Ff.

[3863] First Sen.] 1. S. Capell. Sena. Ff.

[3864] _your_] _our_ Warburton.

[3865] _strew_] F₁ F₄. _strow_ F₂ F₃.

[3866] _Unshout_] Rowe. _Unshoot_ Ff.

[3867] _Welcome ... Welcome_] As in Steevens (1793). One line in Ff.

[3868] [A flourish ... trumpets. Exeunt.] Exeunt. A flourish ...

trumpets. F₂ F₃ F₄. A flourish ... trumpets. F₁.

[3869] SCENE VI.] Dyce. SCENE IV. Rowe. SCENE V. Pope.

Antium.] Rowe. Corioli. Singer.

A public place.] Theobald.

[3870] _o'_] F₄. _a'_ F₁ F₂ F₃.

[3871] _Him I accuse_] F₄. _Him I accuse:_ F₁ F₂ F₃. _He I accuse_

Pope. _He, I accuse,_ Theobald.

[3872] [Exeunt Attendants.] Exeunt Att. Malone. Exit Att. Capell. om.

Ff.

[3873] _Even so ... slain_] As in Pope. Prose in Ff.

[3874] _Most ... deliver you_] As in Pope. Two lines, the first ending

_intent,_ in Ff.

[3875] _and I pawn'd_] _and pawn'd_ Pope. _pawn'd_ Capell.

[3876] _water'd_] Rowe. _watered_ Ff.

[3877] _and free_] om. Capell. _and fierce_ Hanmer. _and free, To an

enforc'd observance_ S. Walker conj.

[3878] _Sir, his stoutness_] _His stoutness, sir,_ Hanmer. _Witness,

sir, his stoutness_ Staunton conj.

[3879] _stooping,--_] Capell. _stooping,_ F₂. _stooping._ F₁ F₃ F₄.

_stooping--_ Rowe.

[3880] _projects to_] F₃ F₄. _projects, to_ F₁ F₂.

[3881] _holp_] _holpe_ F₁. _hope_ F₂ F₃. _hop'd_ F₄.

[3882] _reap ... end_] F₃. _reape ... end_ F₁ F₂. _reap ... make_ F₄.

_reap ... ear_ Collier MS. _ear ... reap_ Singer (Lettsom conj.)

_reap ... bind_ Staunton conj. _reap ... inn_ Keightley (Collier conj.)

[3883] _did end_] _divined_ Bullock conj.

[3884] _waged_] _wag'd_ F₃ F₄. _wadg'd_ F₁ F₂. _wagg'd_ Anon. conj.

(Gent. Mag.)

[3885] _in the last_] _at last_ Pope.

[3886] _glory--_] F₃ F₄. _glory._ F₁ F₂.

[3887] _him._] _him:_ F₄. _him,_ F₁ F₂ F₃.

[3888] sound,] F₃ F₄. sounds, F₁ F₂.

[3889] _With giving_] _Giving_ Pope.

[3890] _we will_] F₁ F₄. _he will_ F₂ F₃.

[3891] _second. When ... way his_] Theobald. _second, when ... way.

His_ Ff. _second, when ... way, his_ Rowe.

[3892] _Say ... lords._] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[3893] All the Lords.] All Lords. Ff.

_You are_] _Yon are_ F₂. _You're_ Pope.

[3894] _to you_] om. Hanmer.

_hear't_] Ff. _hear it_ Rowe.

[3895] _this_] om. Pope.

_excuse_] _scuse_ Seymour conj.

[3896] SCENE VI. Pope.

_return'd your_] F₁. _return'd, your_ F₂ F₃ F₄.

[3897] _spoils ... Do_] Pope. _spoiles ... Doth_ Ff. _spoil ... Doth_

Capell.

[3898] _The_] _Thee_ F₂.

_We have_] _We've_ Pope.

[3899] _here_] F₃ F₄. _heere_ F₁. _heare_ F₂.

[3900] _Subscribed_] Pope. _Subscrib'd_ Ff.

[3901] _o'_] F₄. _a'_ F₁ F₂ F₃.

[3902] _heads_] F₁ F₂. _head_ F₃ F₄.

[3903] _other_] Rowe. _others_ Ff.

[3904] Auf.] Ff. First Lord. Tyrwhitt conj.

[3905] _that ever I was_] Ff. _that ever I'm_ Pope. _I ever Was_ Hanmer.

[3906] _scold_] Rowe. _scoul'd_ F₁ F₂. _scould_ F₃ F₄.

[3907] _to_] _too_ F₂.

[3908] _on_] _in_ Rowe.

[3909] _Flutter'd_] F₃ F₄. _Flatter'd_ F₁ F₂.

_Volscians_] _Volscies_ Rowe.

[3910] _it._] Rowe. _it,_ Ff.

[3911] All the People.] All People. Ff. The Croud speak promiscuously.

Theobald. Cit. [confusedly] Capell.

[3912] _'Tear ... father'_] First as prose by Capell. Three lines,

ending _presently ... cosine ... father,_ in Ff. See note (VII).

[3913] _'He ... Marcus'_] _kill'd my cousin_ Pope, reading as verse.

[3914] _ho_] om. Pope.

[3915] _O that ... sword_] As in Pope. Two lines, the first ending

_more,_ in Ff.

[3916] [The Conspirators....] Draw both the Conspirators, and kils

Martius, who falles, Auffidius stands on him. Ff. (and kills.... F₃.

and kill ... and Aufidius.... F₄).

[3917] _masters_] _lords_ Rowe.

_Tullus,--_] _Tullus--_ Rowe. _Tullus._ Ff.

[3918] _Thou ... weep_] As in Steevens (1793). Two lines, the first

ending _whereat,_ in Ff.

[3919] _him. Masters all,_] _him--Masters all,_ Rowe. _him Masters,

all_ F₁ F₂ F₃. _him, Masters, all_ F₄.

[3920] _My ... rage_] As in Pope. Two lines in Ff.

[3921] _you_] _I_ Hanmer.

[3922] _Yet ... Assist_] As in Capell. One line in Ff.

[3923] _Assist_] om. Pope.

[Exeunt ... Coriolanus....] Malone. Exeunt ... Martius.... Ff.

NOTES.

NOTE I.

I. 1. 108-117. In Singer's edition of 1826 these speeches were

distributed in the following manner:

'_Men._ The kingly-crowned ...

... if that they--

_1 Cit._ What then?

_Men._ 'Fore me ...

... body,--

_1 Cit._ Well, what then?

The former ...

... answer?

In his edition of 1856 the ordinary arrangement is silently given.

NOTE II.

I. 3. 41. The first Folio reads:

'At Grecian sword. _Contenning_, tell _Valeria_' &c.

as if 'Contenning' were the name of the gentlewoman in attendance.

The second has:

'At Grecian swordes _Contending_: tell _Valeria_' &c.

The third:

'At Grecian swords Contending: tell Valeria' &c.

The fourth:

'At _Grecian_ swords contending: tell _Valeria_' &c.

which is followed substantially by all editors before Capell.

Capell reads:

'At Grecian swords' contending.--Tell _Valeria_' &c.

which is adopted in subsequent editions down to that of Mr Knight,

inclusive.

Mr Collier, in his first edition, gave:

'At Grecian sword's contending.--Tell Valeria' &c.

at the same time offering as a conjecture:

'At Grecian swords, contemning.'

This was afterwards found among the MS. corrections of his second Folio

and adopted by Mr Singer, as well as by Mr Collier himself in his

second edition.

The reading we have given in the text was first adopted by Dr Leo. He,

however, puts no comma after 'sword.'

Mr Keightley gives the same reading, marking, however, a break in the

sense, thus:

'At Grecian sword, contemning.... Tell Valeria' &c.

Mr Lettsom conjectures:

'As Grecian swords contemning.'

Perhaps we might read:

'At Grecian sword, contemning 't.'

It has also been suggested to us that '_Contenning_' is the remnant of

a stage-direction [_containing herself_]. But we know of no similar

instance in any old edition.

NOTE III.

I. 4. 31. A copy of the second Folio, which was in the possession of Mr

Singer, is said to have 'a Heard,' not 'you Heard.'

Malone, in his Supplement to Steevens's edition of 1778, proposed to

read:

'You shames of Rome, you! hoards of boils and plagues

Plaister you o'er.'

NOTE IV.

I. 9. 41-53. Theobald, at Warburton's suggestion, read the whole speech

as follows:

'_Mar._ May these same Instruments, which you profane,

Never sound more! when drums and trumpets shall

I' th' field prove flatterers, let camps, as cities,

Be made of false-fac'd soothing! When Steel grows

Soft, as the parasite's silk, let Hymns be made

An overture for th' wars!--No more, I say;

For that I have not wash'd my Nose that bled,

Or foil'd some debile wretch, which, without note

Here's many else have done; you shout me forth

In acclamations hyperbolical;

As if I lov'd, my little should be dieted

In praises, sauc'd with lies.'

Subsequent editors partly followed Theobald's arrangement, without

adopting his readings.

Mr Knight printed as follows:

'May these same instruments which you profane,

Never sound more, when drums and trumpets shall

I' the field prove flatterers! Let courts and cities be

Made all of false-fac'd soothing, where steel grows soft

As the parasite's silk!

Let them be made an overture for the wars!' &c.

Hudson follows Knight, but reads _where steel ... silk_ as one line.

Singer proposed to read and print thus:

'May these same instruments, which you profane,

Never sound more! shall drums and trumpets, when

I' the field, prove flatterers? (Let courts and cities be

Made all of false-faced soothing,

When steel grows soft as the Parasite's silk)--

Let them be made an overture for the wars!--

No more! I say,' &c.

In his _Text of Shakespeare Vindicated_, &c. (1853) he arranged the

first four lines as in our text, and in the two following read

_silks ... them_.

NOTE V.

II. 3. 236-238. The Folios here read:

'hither,

And Nobly nam'd, so twice being Censor,

Was his great Ancestor.'

Rowe, in his first edition, reads:

'hither,

And, nobly nam'd _Martius_, so, twice being Censor,

Was his great Ancestor.'

In his second edition he reads:

'hither

And nobly nam'd; so, twice being Censor,

Was his great Ancestor.'

Pope reads:

'hither.

†And _Censorinus_, darling of the people

(And nobly nam'd so for twice being censor)

Was his great ancestor.'

In his note on the passage he says, "This verse I have supply'd. A line

having been certainly left out in this place, as will appear to any

one who consults the beginning of Plutarch's life of Coriolanus, from

whence this passage is directly translated."

Notwithstanding that the words 'darling of the people' are not in the

passage referred to, the line inserted by Pope was accepted by all

subsequent editors down to Singer.

Steevens, in his edition of 1773, omitted 'for' in the second line; and

in his edition of 1793, instead of 'twice being censor' read 'being

censor twice.'

Singer (ed. 1856) reads:

'hither;

[One of that family nam'd Censorinus]

And nobly nam'd so, twice being chosen Censor,

Was his great ancestor.'

Mr Grant White adopts Pope's insertion, and follows Singer in reading

'chosen' in the next line.

Dr Delius reads:

'hither;

[And Censorinus, that was so surnam'd,]

And nobly named so, twice being censor,

Was his great ancestor.'

He remarks that 'darling of the people' does not sound like Shakespeare.

Dr Leo reads:

'hither;

[And Censorinus, nam'd so by the people,]

And nobly named so, twice being censor,

Was his great ancestor.'

Mr Keightley reads:

'hither;

_And Censorinus, he that was so nam'd_,

--And nobly nam'd so, twice being Censor--

Was his great ancestor.'

Dr Nicholson conjectures that the line omitted was:

'And he that was surnamed Censorinus.'

The passage from Plutarch, to which Pope refers, stands as follows

in North's translation of the Lives, p. 235, (ed. 1595): 'Of the same

house were _Publius, & Quintus_, who brought to ROME their best water

they had by conduites. _Censorinus_ also came of that familie, that was

so surnamed, because the people had chosen him _Censor_ twise.'

The reading we have given in the text was first adopted by us in the

Globe Edition. It leaves the words of the Folios still in their order,

and introduces what must have been the significant fact that Censorinus

was chosen 'by the people.' A stain or rent in the copy might have

rendered parts of two lines illegible, the remainder being unskilfully

pieced together by transcriber or printer.

NOTE VI.

III. 1. 97-101. Hanmer, followed by Capell, reads:

'If they have power,

Let them have cushions by you: if none, awake

Your dang'rous lenity: if you are learned,

Be not as common fools: if you are not,

Then vail your ignorance.'

In line 98, where Mr Collier, from his MS. corrector, reads 'impotence'

for 'ignorance', Warburton interprets 'ignorance' as 'impotence;

because it makes impotent.'

NOTE VII.

III. 1. 185-188. All editors follow the Folios in assigning the words

'Weapons, weapons, weapons!' to the second senator, and all, except

Capell, continue the words 'Tribunes ... citizens!' to the same

speaker. Capell assigned them to the First Senator. But surely the

words are intended to express the tumultuous cries of the partisans

on both sides, who are bustling about Coriolanus. The following words

'Peace, peace, peace' ... attributed to 'All' in the Folios, are spoken

by some of the elder Senators endeavouring to calm the tumult.

Compare also Act V. Sc. 6. 121-123. There is a similar stage direction

of the Folio, which was similarly misinterpreted, in _The Tempest_, I.

1. 57-59.

NOTE VIII.

III. 2. 105. Malone (1790) says 'The word _as_ has been substituted for

_which_ by the modern editors in the passage before us.' We have been

unable to find it in Rowe, Pope, Theobald, Hanmer, Warburton, Johnson,

Capell, or Steevens. It is probably a printer's emendation in some of

the numerous reprints of the play.

NOTE IX.

IV. 5. 130. Mr Collier, in a note to this passage, says that the Earl

of Ellesmere's copy of the first Folio has 'o'er-beare.' Mr Staunton,

to whom the volume has been lent, has kindly consulted it for us, and

says that the reading there is 'o're beate' or 'o're beare.' He adds

'It is difficult to say which. There are other cases in the Folio where

the _t_ and _r_ so nearly resemble each other that I can hardly decide

between them.'

NOTE X.

V. 1. 17. Mr Collier explains his reading by the following note:

'Menenius intends to say that the tribunes have wrecked a noble memory

for Rome by occasioning its destruction.'

NOTE XI.

V. 3. 75. Dr Nicholson writes to us: 'The stage action here to which

Coriolanus replies is this: the boy refuses to kneel, but interposes

between the kneeling ladies and Coriolanus. See his after speech

'A' shall not tread on me,' &c. This, if not introduced as a stage

direction, ought to be explained in a note.' To us Coriolanus seems

rather to commend the boy for doing as he was bid. To refuse to kneel

would suit ill with his 'aspect of intercession' (line 32). Besides, he

kneels, without being specially told to do so, afterwards (line 175).

TITUS ANDRONICUS.

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ[H].

SATURNINUS, son to the late Emperor of Rome, afterwards emperor.

BASSIANUS, brother to Saturninus.

TITUS ANDRONICUS, a noble Roman.

MARCUS ANDRONICUS, tribune of the people, and brother to Titus.

LUCIUS, }

QUINTUS, }

MARTIUS, }

MUTIUS, } sons to Titus Andronicus.

YOUNG LUCIUS, a boy, son to Lucius.

PUBLIUS, son to Marcus Andronicus.

ÆMILIUS, a noble Roman.

ALARBUS, }

DEMETRIUS, } sons to Tamora.

CHIRON, }

AARON, a Moor, beloved by Tamora.

A Captain, Tribune, Messenger, and Clown; Romans and Goths.

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._

[H] First given imperfectly by Rowe.

THE TRAGEDY OF

TITUS ANDRONICUS.

ACT I.

SCENE I. _Rome. Before the Capitol. The Tomb of the Andronici

appearing._

_Flourish. Enter the_ Tribunes _and_ Senators _aloft. And then

enter below_, SATURNINUS _and his_ Followers _from one

side, and_ BASSIANUS _and his_ Followers _from the other

side, with drum and colours_.[3924]

_Sat._ Noble patricians, patrons of my right,

Defend the justice of my cause with arms;

And, countrymen, my loving followers,[3925]

Plead my successive title with your swords:

I am his first-born son, that was the last[3926] 5

That ware the imperial diadem of Rome;[3926]

Then let my father's honours live in me,

Nor wrong mine age with this indignity.

_Bas._ Romans, friends, followers, favourers of my right,[3927]

If ever Bassianus, Cæsar's son, 10

Were gracious in the eyes of royal Rome,

Keep then this passage to the Capitol;

And suffer not dishonour to approach

The imperial seat, to virtue consecrate,[3928]

To justice, continence and nobility:[3929] 15

But let desert in pure election shine;

And, Romans, fight for freedom in your choice.

_Enter_ MARCUS ANDRONICUS, _aloft, with the crown_.[3930]

_Marc._ Princes, that strive by factions and by friends[3931]

Ambitiously for rule and empery,

Know that the people of Rome, for whom we stand 20

A special party, have by common voice,

In election for the Roman empery,[3932]

Chosen Andronicus, surnamed Pius[3933]

For many good and great deserts to Rome:

A nobler man, a braver warrior, 25

Lives not this day within the city walls:[3934]

He by the senate is accited home

From weary wars against the barbarous Goths;

That, with his sons, a terror to our foes,

Hath yoked a nation strong, train'd up in arms. 30

Ten years are spent since first he undertook

This cause of Rome, and chastised with arms

Our enemies' pride: five times he hath return'd

Bleeding to Rome, bearing his valiant sons

In coffins from the field.[3935] 35

And now at last, laden with honour's spoils,

Returns the good Andronicus to Rome,

Renowned Titus, flourishing in arms.

Let us entreat, by honour of his name,

Whom worthily you would have now succeed,[3936] 40

And in the Capitol and senate's right,

Whom you pretend to honour and adore,

That you withdraw you and abate your strength,

Dismiss your followers and, as suitors should,

Plead your deserts in peace and humbleness. 45

_Sat._ How fair the tribune speaks to calm my thoughts![3937]

_Bas._ Marcus Andronicus, so I do affy

In thy uprightness and integrity,

And so I love and honour thee and thine,

Thy noble Titus and his sons, 50

And her to whom my thoughts are humbled all,[3938]

Gracious Lavinia, Rome's rich ornament,

That I will here dismiss my loving friends,

And to my fortunes and the people's favour[3939]

Commit my cause in balance to be weigh'd.

[_Exeunt the Followers of Bassianus._[3940] 55

_Sat._ Friends, that have been thus forward in my right,[3941]

I thank you all, and here dismiss you all,

And to the love and favour of my country

Commit myself, my person and the cause.

[_Exeunt the Followers of Saturninus._[3942]

Rome, be as just and gracious unto me 60

As I am confident and kind to thee.

Open the gates, and let me in.[3943]

_Bas._ Tribunes, and me, a poor competitor.

[_Flourish. Saturninus and Bassianus go up

into the Capitol._[3944]

_Enter a_ Captain.

_Cap._ Romans, make way: the good Andronicus,[3945]

Patron of virtue, Rome's best champion, 65

Successful in the battles that he fights,

With honour and with fortune is return'd

From where he circumscribed with his sword,[3946]

And brought to yoke, the enemies of Rome.

_Drums and trumpets sounded. Enter_ MARTIUS _and_ MUTIUS;

_after them, two_ Men _bearing a coffin covered with black;

then_ LUCIUS _and_ QUINTUS. _After them_, TITUS ANDRONICUS;

_and then_ TAMORA Queen of Goths, _with_ ALARBUS,

DEMETRIUS, CHIRON, AARON, _and other_ Goths, _prisoners_;

Soldiers _and_ People _following. The_ Bearers _set down

the coffin, and_ TITUS _speaks_.[3947]

_Tit._ Hail, Rome, victorious in thy mourning weeds![3948] 70

Lo, as the bark that hath discharged her fraught[3949]

Returns with precious lading to the bay

From whence at first she weigh'd her anchorage,

Cometh Andronicus, bound with laurel boughs,[3950]

To re-salute his country with his tears, 75

Tears of true joy for his return to Rome.

Thou great defender of this Capitol,

Stand gracious to the rites that we intend![3951]

Romans, of five and twenty valiant sons,

Half of the number that King Priam had, 80

Behold the poor remains, alive and dead!

These that survive let Rome reward with love;

These that I bring unto their latest home,

With burial amongst their ancestors:[3952]

Here Goths have given me leave to sheathe my sword. 85

Titus, unkind, and careless of thine own,

Why suffer'st thou thy sons, unburied yet,

To hover on the dreadful shore of Styx?

Make way to lay them by their brethren.[3953]

[_They open the tomb._

There greet in silence, as the dead are wont,[3954] 90

And sleep in peace, slain in your country's wars!

O sacred receptacle of my joys,[3955]

Sweet cell of virtue and nobility,

How many sons hast thou of mine in store,[3956]

That thou wilt never render to me more! 95

_Luc._ Give us the proudest prisoner of the Goths,

That we may hew his limbs and on a pile

'Ad manes fratrum' sacrifice his flesh,[3957]

Before this earthy prison of their bones,[3958]

That so the shadows be not unappeased,[3959] 100

Nor we disturb'd with prodigies on earth.

_Tit._ I give him you, the noblest that survives,

The eldest son of this distressed queen.[3960]

_Tam._ Stay, Roman brethren! Gracious conqueror,[3961]

Victorious Titus, rue the tears I shed,[3962] 105

A mother's tears in passion for her son:

And if thy sons were ever dear to thee,

O, think my son to be as dear to me![3963]

Sufficeth not, that we are brought to Rome,

To beautify thy triumphs and return,[3964] 110

Captive to thee and to thy Roman yoke;

But must my sons be slaughter'd in the streets,[3965]

For valiant doings in their country's cause?

O, if to fight for king and commonweal

Were piety in thine, it is in these. 115

Andronicus, stain not thy tomb with blood.

Wilt thou draw near the nature of the gods?

Draw near them then in being merciful:

Sweet mercy is nobility's true badge:

Thrice-noble Titus, spare my first-born son. 120

_Tit._ Patient yourself, madam, and pardon me.

These are their brethren, whom you Goths beheld[3966]

Alive and dead; and for their brethren slain[3953]

Religiously they ask a sacrifice:

To this your son is mark'd, and die he must, 125

To appease their groaning shadows that are gone.[3967]

_Luc._ Away with him! and make a fire straight;

And with our swords, upon a pile of wood,

Let's hew his limbs till they be clean consumed.

[_Exeunt the sons of Andronicus with Alarbus_[3968]

_Tam._ O cruel, irreligious piety! 130

_Chi._ Was ever Scythia half so barbarous?

_Tam._ Oppose not Scythia to ambitious Rome.[3969]

Alarbus goes to rest, and we survive[3970]

To tremble under Titus' threatening look.[3971]

Then, madam, stand resolved; but hope withal, 135

The self-same gods that arm'd the Queen of Troy

With opportunity of sharp revenge

Upon the Thracian tyrant in his tent,[3972]

May favour Tamora, the queen of Goths,

When Goths were Goths and Tamora was queen, 140

To quit the bloody wrongs upon her foes.[3973]

_Re-enter the sons of_ ANDRONICUS, _with their swords bloody_.[3974]

_Luc._ See, lord and father, how we have perform'd

Our Roman rites: Alarbus' limbs are lopp'd,[3975]

And entrails feed the sacrificing fire,[3976]

Whose smoke, like incense, doth perfume the sky. 145

Remaineth nought but to inter our brethren

And with loud 'larums welcome them to Rome.

_Tit._ Let it be so; and let Andronicus

Make this his latest farewell to their souls.

[_Trumpets sounded, and the coffin laid in the tomb._[3977]

In peace and honour rest you here, my sons;[3978] 150

Rome's readiest champions, repose you here in rest,[3979]

Secure from worldly chances and mishaps!

Here lurks no treason, here no envy swells,

Here grow no damned drugs; here are no storms,[3980]

No noise, but silence and eternal sleep: 155

In peace and honour rest you here, my sons!

_Enter_ LAVINIA.[3981]

_Lav._ In peace and honour live Lord Titus long;[3982]

My noble lord and father, live in fame!

Lo, at this tomb my tributary tears

I render, for my brethren's obsequies;[3953] 160

And at thy feet I kneel, with tears of joy

Shed on the earth, for thy return to Rome:

O, bless me here with thy victorious hand,

Whose fortunes Rome's best citizens applaud![3983]

_Tit._ Kind Rome, that hast thus lovingly reserved[3984] 165

The cordial of mine age to glad my heart![3985]

Lavinia, live; outlive thy father's days,

And fame's eternal date, for virtue's praise!

_Enter, below,_ MARCUS ANDRONICUS _and_ Tribunes; _re-enter_

SATURNINUS _and_ BASSIANUS, _attended_.[3986]

_Marc._ Long live Lord Titus, my beloved brother,

Gracious triumpher in the eyes of Rome! 170

_Tit._ Thanks, gentle tribune, noble brother Marcus.[3987]

_Marc._ And welcome, nephews, from successful wars,

You that survive, and you that sleep in fame!

Fair lords, your fortunes are alike in all,

That in your country's service drew your swords: 175

But safer triumph is this funeral pomp,

That hath aspired to Solon's happiness,

And triumphs over chance in honour's bed.

Titus Andronicus, the people of Rome,

Whose friend in justice thou hast ever been, 180

Send thee by me, their tribune and their trust,[3988]

This palliament of white and spotless hue;

And name thee in election for the empire,

With these our late-deceased emperor's sons:[3989]

Be candidatus then, and put it on, 185

And help to set a head on headless Rome.

_Tit._ A better head her glorious body fits

Than his that shakes for age and feebleness:

What should I don this robe, and trouble you?[3990]

Be chosen with proclamations to-day,[3991] 190

To-morrow yield up rule, resign my life,

And set abroad new business for you all?[3992]

Rome, I have been thy soldier forty years,

And led my country's strength successfully,

And buried one and twenty valiant sons, 195

Knighted in field, slain manfully in arms,

In right and service of their noble country:

Give me a staff of honour for mine age,

But not a sceptre to control the world:

Upright he held it, lords, that held it last. 200

_Marc._ Titus, thou shalt obtain and ask the empery.[3993]

_Sat._ Proud and ambitious tribune, canst thou tell?

_Tit._ Patience, Prince Saturninus.[3994]

_Sat._ Romans, do me right;

Patricians, draw your swords, and sheathe them not

Till Saturninus be Rome's emperor. 205

Andronicus, would thou wert shipp'd to hell,

Rather than rob me of the people's hearts!

_Luc._ Proud Saturnine, interrupter of the good

That noble-minded Titus means to thee!

_Tit._ Content thee, prince; I will restore to thee 210

The people's hearts, and wean them from themselves.

_Bas._ Andronicus, I do not flatter thee,

But honour thee, and will do till I die:

My faction if thou strengthen with thy friends,[3995]

I will most thankful be; and thanks to men 215

Of noble minds is honourable meed.

_Tit._ People of Rome, and people's tribunes here,[3996]

I ask your voices and your suffrages:

Will you bestow them friendly on Andronicus?

_Tribunes._ To gratify the good Andronicus,[3997] 220

And gratulate his safe return to Rome,

The people will accept whom he admits.

_Tit._ Tribunes, I thank you: and this suit I make,[3998]

That you create your emperor's eldest son,

Lord Saturnine; whose virtues will, I hope, 225

Reflect on Rome as Titan's rays on earth,

And ripen justice in this commonweal:

Then, if you will elect by my advice,[3999]

Crown him, and say 'Long live our emperor!'

_Marc._ With voices and applause of every sort,[4000] 230

Patricians and plebeians, we create[4001]

Lord Saturninus Rome's great emperor,

And say 'Long live our Emperor Saturnine!'

[_A long flourish till they come down._[4002]

_Sat._ Titus Andronicus, for thy favours done

To us in our election this day, 235

I give thee thanks in part of thy deserts,

And will with deeds requite thy gentleness:

And, for an onset, Titus, to advance

Thy name and honourable family,

Lavinia will I make my empress,[4003] 240

Rome's royal mistress, mistress of my heart,

And in the sacred Pantheon her espouse:[4004]

Tell me, Andronicus, doth this motion please thee?

_Tit._ It doth, my worthy lord; and in this match

I hold me highly honour'd of your grace:[4005] 245

And here, in sight of Rome, to Saturnine,[4006]

King and commander of our commonweal,

The wide world's emperor, do I consecrate

My sword, my chariot and my prisoners;

Presents well worthy Rome's imperious lord:[4007] 250

Receive them then, the tribute that I owe,

Mine honour's ensigns humbled at thy feet.[4008]

_Sat._ Thanks, noble Titus, father of my life!

How proud I am of thee and of thy gifts,

Rome shall record; and when I do forget 255

The least of these unspeakable deserts,

Romans, forget your fealty to me.

_Tit._ [_To Tamora_] Now, madam, are you prisoner to an emperor;[4009]

To him that, for your honour and your state,[4010]

Will use you nobly and your followers. 260

_Sat._ A goodly lady, trust me; of the hue[4011][4012]

That I would choose, were I to choose anew.[4011][4013]

Clear up, fair queen, that cloudy countenance:

Though chance of war hath wrought this change of cheer,[4014]

Thou comest not to be made a scorn in Rome: 265

Princely shall be thy usage every way.

Rest on my word, and let not discontent

Daunt all your hopes: madam, he comforts you[4015]

Can make you greater than the Queen of Goths.[4016]

Lavinia, you are not displeased with this?[4017] 270

_Lav._ Not I, my lord; sith true nobility

Warrants these words in princely courtesy.[4018]

_Sat._ Thanks, sweet Lavinia. Romans, let us go:

Ransomless here we set our prisoners free:

Proclaim our honours, lords, with trump and drum. 275

[_Flourish. Saturninus courts Tamora in dumb show._[4019]

_Bas._ [_Seizing Lavinia_] Lord Titus, by your leave,

this maid is mine.[4020]

_Tit._ How, sir! are you in earnest then my lord?

_Bas._ Ay, noble Titus, and resolved withal

To do myself this reason and this right.

_Marc._ 'Suum cuique' is our Roman justice:[4021] 280

This prince in justice seizeth but his own.

_Luc._ And that he will, and shall, if Lucius live.

_Tit._ Traitors, avaunt! Where is the emperor's guard?

Treason, my lord! Lavinia is surprised!

_Sat._ Surprised! by whom?

_Bas._ By him that justly may 285

Bear his betroth'd from all the world away.

[_Exeunt Bassianus and Marcus with Lavinia._[4022]

_Mut._ Brothers, help to convey her hence away,[4023]

And with my sword I'll keep this door safe.

[_Exeunt Lucius, Quintus, and Martius._[4024]

_Tit._ Follow, my lord, and I'll soon bring her back.

_Mut._ My lord, you pass not here.[4025]

_Tit._ What, villain boy![4026] 290

Barr'st me my way in Rome? [_Stabbing Mutius._[4026]

_Mut._ Help, Lucius, help! [_Dies._

[_During the fray, Saturninus, Tamora, Demetrius,

Chiron and Aaron go out, and re-enter above._

_Re-enter_ LUCIUS.[4027]

_Luc._ My lord, you are unjust; and, more than so,

In wrongful quarrel you have slain your son.

_Tit._ Nor thou, nor he, are any sons of mine;

My sons would never so dishonour me: 295

Traitor, restore Lavinia to the emperor.

_Luc._ Dead, if you will; but not to be his wife,

That is another's lawful promised love. [_Exit._[4028]

_Sat._ No, Titus, no; the emperor needs her not,

Nor her, nor thee, nor any of thy stock:[4029] 300

I'll trust by leisure him that mocks me once;

Thee never, nor thy traitorous haughty sons,

Confederates all thus to dishonour me.

Was none in Rome to make a stale[4030][4031]

But Saturnine? Full well, Andronicus,[4031] 305

Agree these deeds with that proud brag of thine,

That saidst, I begg'd the empire at thy hands.

_Tit._ O monstrous! what reproachful words are these?

_Sat._ But go thy ways; go, give that changing piece

To him that flourish'd for her with his sword: 310

A valiant son-in-law thou shalt enjoy;

One fit to bandy with thy lawless sons,

To ruffle in the commonwealth of Rome.

_Tit._ These words are razors to my wounded heart.

_Sat._ And therefore, lovely Tamora, queen of Goths, 315

That, like the stately Phœbe 'mongst her nymphs,[4032]

Dost overshine the gallant'st dames of Rome,

If thou be pleased with this my sudden choice,

Behold, I choose thee, Tamora, for my bride,

And will create thee empress of Rome.[4033] 320

Speak, Queen of Goths, dost thou applaud my choice?

And here I swear by all the Roman gods,

Sith priest and holy water are so near

And tapers burn so bright and every thing

In readiness for Hymenæus stand,[4034] 325

I will not re-salute the streets of Rome,

Or climb my palace, till from forth this place

I lead espoused my bride along with me.

_Tam._ And here, in sight of heaven, to Rome I swear,

If Saturnine advance the Queen of Goths, 330

She will a handmaid be to his desires,

A loving nurse, a mother to his youth.

_Sat._ Ascend, fair queen, Pantheon. Lords, accompany[4035]

Your noble emperor and his lovely bride,

Sent by the heavens for Prince Saturnine, 335

Whose wisdom hath her fortune conquered:

There shall we consummate our spousal rites.

[_Exeunt all but Titus._[4036]

_Tit._ I am not bid to wait upon this bride.[4037]

Titus, when wert thou wont to walk alone,

Dishonour'd thus and challenged of wrongs? 340

_Re-enter_ MARCUS, LUCIUS, QUINTUS, _and_ MARTIUS.[4038]

_Marc._ O Titus, see, O, see what thou hast done!

In a bad quarrel slain a virtuous son.

_Tit._ No, foolish tribune, no; no son of mine,

Nor thou, nor these, confederates in the deed

That hath dishonour'd all our family;[4039] 345

Unworthy brother, and unworthy sons!

_Luc._ But let us give him burial, as becomes;

Give Mutius burial with our brethren.

_Tit._ Traitors, away! he rests not in this tomb:

This monument five hundred years hath stood,[4040] 350

Which I have sumptuously re-edified:

Here none but soldiers and Rome's servitors

Repose in fame; none basely slain in brawls:

Bury him where you can, he comes not here.

_Marc._ My lord, this is impiety in you: 355

My nephew Mutius' deeds do plead for him;[4041]

He must be buried with his brethren.

_Quin._} And shall, or him we will accompany.[4042]

_Mart._}

_Tit._ And shall! what villain was it spake that word?

_Quin._ He that would vouch it in any place but here.[4043] 360

_Tit._ What, would you bury him in my despite?

_Marc._ No, noble Titus; but entreat of thee

To pardon Mutius and to bury him.

_Tit._ Marcus, even thou hast struck upon my crest[4044]

And with these boys mine honour thou hast wounded: 365

My foes I do repute you every one;

So trouble me no more, but get you gone.

_Mart._ He is not with himself; let us withdraw.[4045]

_Quin._ Not I, till Mutius' bones be buried.[4046]

[_Marcus and the sons of Titus kneel._[4047]

_Marc._ Brother, for in that name doth nature plead,-- 370

_Quin._ Father, and in that name doth nature speak,--[4046]

_Tit._ Speak thou no more, if all the rest will speed.[4048]

_Marc._ Renowned Titus, more than half my soul,--[4049]

_Luc._ Dear father, soul and substance of us all,--

_Marc._ Suffer thy brother Marcus to inter 375

His noble nephew here in virtue's nest,

That died in honour and Lavinia's cause.

Thou art a Roman; be not barbarous:

The Greeks upon advice did bury Ajax[4050]

That slew himself; and wise Laertes' son[4051] 380

Did graciously plead for his funerals:

Let not young Mutius then, that was thy joy,

Be barr'd his entrance here.

_Tit._ Rise, Marcus, rise:

The dismall'st day is this that e'er I saw,

To be dishonour'd by my sons in Rome![4039] 385

Well, bury him, and bury me the next.

[_Mutius is put into the tomb._[4052]

_Luc._ There lie thy bones, sweet Mutius, with thy friends,

Till we with trophies do adorn thy tomb.

_All._ [_Kneeling_] No man shed tears for noble Mutius;[4053][4054]

He lives in fame that died in virtue's cause.[4054][4055] 390

_Marc._ My lord, to step out of these dreary dumps,[4056]

How comes it that the subtle Queen of Goths

Is of a sudden thus advanced in Rome?

_Tit._ I know not, Marcus; but I know it is,

Whether by device or no, the heavens can tell:[4057] 395

Is she not then beholding to the man[4058]

That brought her for this high good turn so far?

Yes, and will nobly him remunerate.[4059]

_Flourish. Re-enter, from one side_, SATURNINUS _attended_,

TAMORA, DEMETRIUS, CHIRON, _and_ AARON; _from the other_,

BASSIANUS, LAVINIA, _with others_.[4060]

_Sat._ So, Bassianus, you have play'd your prize:[4061]

God give you joy, sir, of your gallant bride! 400

_Bas._ And you of yours, my lord! I say no more,

Nor wish no less; and so I take my leave.

_Sat._ Traitor, if Rome have law, or we have power,

Thou and thy faction shall repent this rape.

_Bas._ Rape, call you it, my lord, to seize my own, 405

My true-betrothed love, and now my wife?[4062]

But let the laws of Rome determine all;

Meanwhile I am possess'd of that is mine.

_Sat._ 'Tis good, sir: you are very short with us;

But, if we live, we'll be as sharp with you. 410

_Bas._ My lord, what I have done, as best I may,

Answer I must, and shall do with my life.

Only thus much I give your grace to know:

By all the duties that I owe to Rome,[4063]

This noble gentleman, Lord Titus here, 415

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 moved to wrath

To be controll'd in that he frankly gave: 420

Receive him then to favour, Saturnine,

That hath express'd himself in all his deeds

A father and a friend to thee and Rome.

_Tit._ Prince Bassianus, leave to plead my deeds:

'Tis thou and those that have dishonour'd me.[4064] 425

Rome and the righteous heavens be my judge,

How I have loved and honour'd Saturnine![4065]

_Tam._ My worthy lord, if ever Tamora

Were gracious in those princely eyes of thine,

Then hear me speak indifferently for all; 430

And at my suit, sweet, pardon what is past.

_Sat._ What, madam! be dishonour'd openly,[4039]

And basely put it up without revenge?[4066]

_Tam._ Not so, my lord; the gods of Rome forfend[4067]

I should be author to dishonour you! 435

But on mine honour dare I undertake[4068]

For good Lord Titus' innocence in all;[4069]

Whose fury not dissembled speaks his griefs:

Then, at my suit, look graciously on him;

Lose not so noble a friend on vain suppose, 440

Nor with sour looks afflict his gentle heart.

[_Aside to Sat._] My lord, be ruled by me, be won at last;[4070]

Dissemble all your griefs and discontents:

You are but newly planted in your throne;

Lest then the people, and patricians too, 445

Upon a just survey, take Titus' part,

And so supplant you for ingratitude,[4071]

Which Rome reputes to be a heinous sin,[4072]

Yield at entreats, and then let me alone:

I'll find a day to massacre them all, 450

And raze their faction and their family,[4073]

The cruel father and his traitorous sons,

To whom I sued for my dear son's life;

And make them know what 'tis to let a queen

Kneel in the streets and beg for grace in vain.-- 455

Come, come, sweet emperor; come, Andronicus;[4074]

Take up this good old man, and cheer the heart

That dies in tempest of thy angry frown.

_Sat._ Rise, Titus, rise; my empress hath prevail'd.[4075][4076]

_Tit._ I thank your majesty, and her, my lord:[4076] 460

These words, these looks, infuse new life in me.[4076]

_Tam._ Titus, I am incorporate in Rome,

A Roman now adopted happily,

And must advise the emperor for his good.

This day all quarrels die, Andronicus. 465

And let it be mine honour, good my lord,[4077]

That I have reconciled your friends and you.

For you, Prince Bassianus, I have pass'd

My word and promise to the emperor,

That you will be more mild and tractable. 470

And fear not, lords, and you, Lavinia;[4078]

By my advice, all humbled on your knees,[4079]

You shall ask pardon of his majesty.

_Luc._ We do; and vow to heaven, and to his highness,[4080]

That what we did was mildly as we might, 475

Tendering our sister's honour and our own.

_Marc._ That, on mine honour, here I do protest.

_Sat._ Away, and talk not; trouble us no more.[4075]

_Tam._ Nay, nay, sweet emperor, we must all be friends:[4081]

The tribune and his nephews kneel for grace; 480

I will not be denied: sweet heart, look back.

_Sat._ Marcus, for thy sake and thy brother's here,[4075][4082]

And at my lovely Tamora's entreats,

I do remit these young men's heinous faults:

Stand up.[4083] 485

Lavinia, though you left me like a churl,

I found a friend; and sure as death I swore[4084]

I would not part a bachelor from the priest.

Come, if the emperor's court can feast two brides,

You are my guest, Lavinia, and your friends. 490

This day shall be a love-day, Tamora.

_Tit._ To-morrow, an it please your majesty[4085]

To hunt the panther and the hart with me,[4086]

With horn and hound we'll give your grace bonjour.[4087]

_Sat._ Be it so, Titus, and gramercy too. 495

[_Flourish. Exeunt._[4088]

FOOTNOTES:

[3924] ACT I. SCENE I.] Actus Primus. Scæna Prima. Ff. om. Qq.

Rome.] Rowe.

Before the Capitol.] Theobald.

The Tomb of the Andronici appearing.] In it the tomb of the Andronici.

Capell.

Flourish.] F₁. om. Qq. F₂ F₃ F₄.

Enter ... enter, below ... from one side ... from the other side ...]

Enter ... enter ... at one doore ... at the other ... Ff.

aloft.] aloft, as in the Senate. Rowe.

from the other side] om. Qq.

colours] Ff. Trumpets. Qq.

[3925] _my_] Ff. _and_ Rowe.

[3926] _I am his ... That ware_] Qq. _I was the ... That wore_ F₁ F₂

F₃. _I was the first-born son of him that last Wore_ F₄. _I am the

firstborn son of him that last Wore_ Pope. _I am his ... That wore_

Collier. _I am the first-born son of him, the last That wore_ Collier

MS.

[3927] _Romans, friends_] _Friends, Romans_ Anon. conj.

_Romans ... right_] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[3928] _virtue consecrate_,] Rowe (ed. 2). _vertue, consecrate_ Qq.

_vertue: consecrate_ F₁ F₂ F₃. _virtue, consecrate_ F₄.

[3929] _continence_] _conscience_ Collier MS.

[3930] Enter ... aloft] Ff. Marcus Andronicus Qq.

[3931] _by friends_] Qq F₁. _my friends_ F₂ F₃ F₄.

[3932] _election_] _free election_ Hanmer. _fair election_ Capell.

_Roman_] om. Capell.

[3933] _Pius_] _Pious_ F₁.

[3934] _the city_] _our city_ Rowe (ed. 2).

[3935] Keightley marks this as an imperfect line.

[3936] _worthily_] Qq. _(worthily)_ Ff.

_succeed_] _succeeded_ Capell.

[3937] _How ... thoughts_] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[3938] _my_] _our_ Rowe.

[3939] _fortunes_] _fortune's_ Delius.

[3940] Exeunt....] Capell. Exit Souldiers. Qq. Exit Souldiours. F₁. Ex.

Souldiers. F₂ F₃ F₄.

[3941] _Friends ... right_] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

_Friends_] _Eriends_ Q₁.

[3942] _the cause_] _my cause_ Collier MS.

[Exeunt....] Capell. Omitted in Qq Ff.

[3943] _gates,_] _gates, tribunes,_ Capell. _brazen gates,_ Collier

(Collier MS.)

[3944] [Flourish.] F₁ om. Qq F₂ F₃ F₄.

Saturninus....] Sat. and Bas. with a few, ascend the Capitol; and

Exeunt, with Senators, and Marcus. Capell. They goe vp into the Senate

house. Qq Ff.

[3945] SCENE II. Pope. SCENE II. The same. Capell. om. Qq Ff.

[3946] _where_] Qq. _whence_ Ff.

[3947] Drums....] Sound Drummes and Trumpets, and then enter two of

Titus sonnes, and then two men bearing a Coffin couered with blacke,

then two other sonnes, then Titus Andronicus, and then Tamora the

Queene of Gothes and her two sonnes, Chiron and Demetrius, with Aron

the More, and others, as many as can be, then set downe the coffin, and

Titus speakes. Qq, and so substantially Ff.

Alarbus] added by Rowe.

[3948] _Hail ... weeds_] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

_thy_] _my_ Warburton.

_mourning_] _mournining_ Q₂.

[3949] _her_] F₄. _his_ Qq F₁ F₂ F₃.

_fraught_] _freight_ Rowe.

[3950] _bound_] om. Rowe.

[3951] _rites_] _rights_ Q₁.

[3952] _amongst_] _among_ Rowe.

[3953] _brethren_] Q₁ F₃ F₄. _bretheren_ Q₂ F₁ F₂.

[3954] _the dead_] _dead_ Q₁.

[3955] _sacred_] _sacret_ F₂.

[3956] _hast thou of mine_] Q₁. _of mine hast thou_ Q₂ Ff.

[3957] _manes_] F₃ F₄. _manus_ Qq F₁ F₂.

[3958] _earthy_] Qq. _earthly_ Ff.

[3959] _the_] _their_ Collier MS.

_unappeased_] _vnappeaxd_ Q₁.

[3960] _this_] Q₁ Ff. _his_ Q₂.

[giving them Alarbus. Capell.

[3961] _brethren_] Qq F₃ F₄. _bretheren_ F₁ F₂.

[3962] _rue_] Qq F₁. _true_ F₂ F₃. _true,_ F₄.

[3963] _son_] _sonne_ Qq. _sonnes_ F₁ F₂. _sons_ F₃ F₄.

[3964] _triumphs and return,_] Theobald. _triumphs, and returne_ Qq Ff.

[3965] _slaughter'd_] Rowe. _slaughtered_ Qq. _slaughtred_ Ff.

[3966] _their_] Qq. _the_ Ff.

_beheld_] Qq F₁ _behold_ F₂ F₃ F₄.

[3967] _gone_] _dust_ Collier MS.

[3968] [Exeunt ...] Exit Titus sonnes with Alarbus. Qq. Exit Sonnes

with Alarbus. Ff. Exeunt Mutius, Marcus, Quintus and Lucius with

Alarbus. Rowe.

[3969] _not_] Qq. _me_ F₁ F₂ F₃. _me,_ F₄.

[3970] _goes_] Qq F₁. _goe_ F₂. _go_ F₃ F₄.

[3971] _Titus'_] _Titus's_ F₄.

_look_] _looke_ Qq. _lookes_ F₁ F₂. _looks_ F₃ F₄.

[3972] _his_] _her_ Theobald.

[3973] _the_] _her_ Rowe. _these_ Capell conj.]

_wrongs_] _wrong_ Anon. conj.

[3974] Re-enter ... Andronicus,] Enter the sonnes of Andronicus againe.

Qq Ff. Enter Mutius, Marcus, Quintus and Lucius. Rowe.

with their swords bloody] Capell. om. Qq Ff.

[3975] _rites_] F₂ F₃ F₄. _rights_ Q₁. _rightes_ Q₂ F₁.

_Alarbus'_] _Alarbus's_ F₄.

[3976] _And_] _And's_ or _His_ Anon. conj.]

_entrails_] _intrals_ Qq Ff.

[3977] [Trumpets ...] Sound trumpets, and lay the Coffin in the Tombe.

Qq. Flourish. Then sound Trumpets, and lay the Coffins in the Tombe. Ff

(Flourish. om. F₂ F₃ F₄).

[3978] [kneeling. Collier (Collier MS.)

[3979] _in rest_] om. Pope.

[3980] _drugs_] _drugges_ Q₁. _grudgges_ Q₂. _grudges_ Ff. _grudge'_ S.

Walker conj.

_are_] Qq F₁. om. F₂ F₃ F₄.

[3981] [Rising.] Collier (Collier MS.)

SCENE III. Johnson.

Enter Lavinia] Qq Ff. Placed by Johnson after line 155. Enter Lavinia,

Attendants. Ravenscroft's Version. Enter Lavinia, attended. Capell.

[3982] SCENE III. Pope.

Lav.] om. Q₁.

[3983] _fortunes_] Qq. _fortune_ Ff.

[3984] _Kind ... reserved_] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

_reserved_] _preserv'd_ Hanmer.

[3985] _my_] _mine_ F₄.

[3986] _And_] _In_ Theobald (Warburton).

Enter ...] Dyce. Enter, from the Capitol, Marcus Andronicus,

Saturninus, Bassianus, and Others. Capell. Omitted in Qq Ff.

[3987] _Thanks ... Marcus_] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[3988] _and their_] _in their_ Hanmer.

[3989] _late-deceased_] Theobald. _late deceased_ Qq Ff.

[3990] _What should_] _What! should_ Theobald.

[3991] _chosen_] _chose_ Rowe.

_proclamations_] _acclamations_ Collier MS.

[3992] _abroad_] Qq F₁ F₂. _abroach_ F₃ F₄.

[3993] _Titus_] in a separate line, S. Walker conj.]

_Titus ... empery_] _Ask, Titus, and thou shalt obtain the empery_

Staunton conj.

_and ask_] om. Hanmer. _then ask_ Capell conj.

[3994] _Saturninus_] _Saturnine_ Hanmer.

[3995] _friends_,] F₄. _friends_ F₃. _friend,_ Qq. _friend?_ F₁ F₂.

[3996] _people's_] _peoples_ Qq. _noble_ Ff.

[3997] Tribunes.] Mar. Rowe.

[3998] _suit_] _sute_ Qq F₃. _sure_ F₁ F₂. _snit_ F₄.

[3999] _advice_] _advise_ Qq Ff.

[4000] Marc.] Marcus. An. Qq. Mar. An. Ff.

[4001] _plebeians_] _plebeans_ Qq F₁.

[4002] [A long....] Ff. Omitted in Qq.

[4003] _empress_] _emperess_ F₄.

[4004] _Pantheon_] F₄. _Panthæon_ F₂ F₃. _Pathan_ Qq F₁.

[4005] _honour'd_] F₄. _honoured_ Qq F₁ F₂ F₃.

[4006] _Saturnine_] _Saturninus_ Rowe.

[4007] _imperious_] Q₁. _imperiall_ Q₂ Ff.

[4008] _thy_] Qq. _my_ Ff. _your_ Capell conj.

[4009] [To Tamora] Johnson.

_are you_] _are your_ F₁. _y'are_ S. Walker conj.

[4010] _your honour_] _you honour_ F₁.

[4011] Marked as 'Aside' by Capell.

[4012] [To Tamora. Rowe (ed. 2).

[4013] _anew_] _a-new_ Rowe. _a newe_ Qq Ff.

[4014] _Though ... cheer_] One line in Qq F₃ F₄. Two, the first ending

_warre_, in F₁ F₂.

[4015] _he_] _who_ Pope.

[4016] _Can make you_] Qq F₃ F₄. _Can make your_ F₁. _Can you make you_

F₂.

[4017] _this?_] Ff. _this._ Qq.

[4018] _Warrants_] _Warrant_ Rowe (ed. 2).

[4019] _trump_] _trumpet_ F₃ F₄.

[Flourish.] Capell. om. Qq Ff.

Saturninus....] Dyce. The emperor.... Rowe (after line 279). Saturninus

addresses Tamora. Capell. Omitted in Qq Ff.

[4020] [Seizing Lavinia] Rowe.

[4021] _cuique_] F₂ F₃ F₄. _cuiqum_ Q₁. _cuiquam_ Q₂ F₁.

[4022] [Exeunt....] Malone (substantially). Exit, bearing off Lavinia;

Marcus, and Titus' Sons, guarding them; Mutius last. Capell. Exit

Bassianus with Lavinia. Rowe. om. Qq Ff.

[4023] SCENE IV. Pope.

_Brothers, help_] _Help, brothers,_ Anon. conj.

[4024] _safe_] _secure_ Pope.

[Exeunt....] Malone. om. Qq Ff.

[4025] [Assailing him.] Capell.

[4026] _What ... Rome?_] As in Pope. One line in Qq Ff.

[4027] [Stabbing Mutius.... Dies.] He kills him. Qq Ff. Falls and dies.

Capell. Titus kills Mutius. Malone.

[During ... above.] Edd. Enter aloft the Emperour with Tamora and her

two sonnes, and Aron the Moore. Qq Ff (Aaron Ff.), after line 295.

Re-enter Lucius.] Capell. om. Qq Ff.

[4028] _lawful promised_] _lawful-promis'd_ S. Walker conj.

[Exit.] Capell. om. Qq Ff.

[4029] _Nor her_] _Not her_ Malone (1790).

[4030] _Was ... stale_] Qq F₁. _Was there none els in Rome to make a

stale of_ F₂ F₃ F₄. _Was there none else ... stale_ Boswell. _What, was

there none in Rome to make a stale_ S. Walker conj. _Was none in all

Rome thus to make a stale_ Anon. conj.

[4031] Knight ends the lines _Saturnine?... Andronicus._

[4032] _Phœbe_] F₂ F₃ F₄. _Thebe_ Qq F₁.

_'mongst_] _'mong_ Pope.

[4033] _empress_] _Empresse_ Q₁ F₁ F₂. _Emperesse_ Q₂. _Emperess_ F₃ F₄.

[4034] _stand_] _stands_ Pope.

[4035] _Ascend ... accompany_] One line in Qq. Two, the first ending

_Queene,_ in Ff.

_Pantheon_] _the Pantheon_ S. Walker conj.

_Pantheon. Lords,_] _Pantheon; lords_ Pope. _Panthean Lords_ Q₁.

_Panthean Lords,_ Q₂ F₁ F₂ F₃. _Pantheon Lords,_ F₄.

[4036] [Exeunt....] Exeunt. Manet Titus Andronicus. Theobald. Exeunt

omnes. Qq Ff.

[4037] SCENE V. Pope.

[4038] _Dishonour'd_] Pope. _Dishonoured_ Qq Ff.

Re-enter....] Capell. Enter Marcus and Titus sonnes. Qq Ff.

[4039] _dishonour'd_] Pope. _dishonoured_ Qq Ff.

[4040] _hundred_] F₃ F₄. _hundreth_ Qq F₁. _hunreth_ F₂.

[4041] _Mutius'_] _Mutius's_ F₄.

[4042] Quin. Mart.] Capell. Titus two sonnes speakes. Qq F₁ F₂. Titus

two sons speak. F₃ F₄.

[4043] Quin.] Rowe. Titus sonne speakes. Qq Ff. (son speaks. F₃ F₄.)

Mart. Capell.

_vouch it_] Qq F₄. _vouch'd it_ F₁ F₂ F₃. _vouch_ Rowe (ed. 1).

_vouch't_ Rowe (ed. 2).

[4044] _struck_] F₃ F₄. _stroke_ Qq F₁ F₂.

[4045] Mart.] Malone. 3. Sonne Qq. 1. Sonne. Ff. Luc. Rowe. Qui. Capell.

_with_] Qq. om. Ff. _well_ Hanmer. _now_ Ritson conj.

_with himself ... withdraw_] _himself ... withdraw awhile_ Collier MS.

[4046] Quin.] Rowe. 2. Sonne. Qq Ff. Mart. Capell.

[4047] [Marcus ...] The brother and the sonnes kneele. Qq Ff.

[4048] _speed_] _speak_ Delius conj.

[4049] _Renowned_] _Renowmed_ Q₁.

[4050] _advice_] F₄. _advise_ Qq F₁ F₂ F₃.

[4051] _wise_] Qq. om. Ff. _ev'n_ Rowe.

[4052] [Mutius ...] They put him in the tombe. Qq Ff.

[4053] All. [Kneeling]. They all kneele and say, Qq Ff.

[4054] _No ... cause._] Continued to Lucius by Capell, who inserts

(after line 390) All. _No man_ &c.

[4055] Exit all but Marcus and Titus. Qq. Exit. Ff. Omitted first by

Rowe.

[4056] _dreary_] Pope. _dririe_ Qq. _sudden_ Ff. _sullen_ Dyce conj.

(withdrawn).

[4057] _Whether_] _If_ Pope.

_device_] Rowe (ed. 2). _devise_ Qq Ff.

[4058] _beholding_] _beholden_ Pope.

[4059] _Yes ... remunerate_] Ff. Omitted in Qq. Given to Marcus by Dyce

(Malone conj.)

[4060] [Flourish.] Ff. om. Qq.

Re-enter....] Enter the Emperour, Tamora and her two sonnes, with the

Moore at one doore. Enter at the other doore Bascianus and Lauinia,

with others. Qq Ff.

[4061] SCENE VI. Pope.

_prize_] _prise_ Grant White conj.

[4062] _true-betrothed_] Theobald. _true betrothed_ Qq Ff.

[4063] _that_] _which_ Rowe.

[4064] _dishonour'd_] F₄. _dishonoured_ Qq F₁ F₂ F₃.

[4065] _I have_] _have I_ Rowe (ed. 2).

[4066] _revenge?_] _revenge._ Q₁.

[4067] _Not ... forfend_] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[4068] _dare I_] _dare, I_ F₁ F₂.

[4069] _Titus'_] Rowe (ed. 2). _Titus_ Qq Ff. _Titus's_ Rowe (ed. 1).

[4070] [Aside....] First marked by Rowe.

[4071] _you_] Q₁. _us_ Q₂ Ff.

_ingratitude_] _ingratude_ Q₂.

[4072] _sin,_] Rowe. _sinne._ Qq F₁ F₂. _sin._ F₃ F₄.

[4073] _raze_] F₃ F₄. _race_ Qq F₁ F₂. _rase_ Pope.

[4074] [aloud. Hanmer.

[4075] Sat.] King. Q₂.

[4076] _Rise ... me._] Three lines in Qq. Six in Ff.

[4077] _mine_] Qq F₁ F₂. _my_ F₃ F₄.

[4078] _And fear ... Lavinia_] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[4079] _advice_] Rowe. _advise_ Qq Ff.

_all humbled_] _all-humbled_ Theobald.

[4080] Luc.] Rowe. om. Q₁. All. Q₂. Son. Ff.

_We do;_] As in Qq. As a separate line in Ff.

[Kneel. Collier (Collier MS.)

[4081] _Nay, nay,_] As in Qq. As a separate line in Ff.

[4082] _Marcus,_] As in Qq. As a separate line in Ff.

[4083] _Stand up._] Pope omitted these words, supposing them to have

been a stage direction. Placed in a separate line by Capell. In Qq Ff

they begin line 486. They stand up. Collier (Collier MS.)

[4084] _swore_] Qq. _sware_ Ff.

[4085] _an_] Theobald. _and_ Qq Ff.

[4086] _hart_] _Heart_ F₂.

[4087] _With ... bonjour._] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[4088] [Flourish. Exeunt.] Capell. Exeunt. Qq Ff.

ACT II.

SCENE I. _Rome. Before the palace._

_Enter_ AARON.[4089]

_Aar._ Now climbeth Tamora Olympus' top,

Safe out of fortune's shot, and sits aloft,

Secure of thunder's crack or lightning flash,

Advanced above pale envy's threatening reach.[4090]

As when the golden sun salutes the morn, 5

And, having gilt the ocean with his beams,

Gallops the zodiac in his glistering coach,

And overlooks the highest-peering hills;[4091]

So Tamora:[4092]

Upon her wit doth earthly honour wait,[4093] 10

And virtue stoops and trembles at her frown.

Then, Aaron, arm thy heart, and fit thy thoughts,[4094]

To mount aloft with thy imperial mistress,[4095]

And mount her pitch, whom thou in triumph long

Hast prisoner held, fetter'd in amorous chains, 15

And faster bound to Aaron's charming eyes

Than is Prometheus tied to Caucasus.[4096]

Away with slavish weeds and servile thoughts![4097]

I will be bright, and shine in pearl and gold,

To wait upon this new-made empress.[4098] 20

To wait, said I? to wanton with this queen,[4099]

This goddess, this Semiramis, this nymph,[4100]

This siren, that will charm Rome's Saturnine,

And see his shipwreck and his commonweal's.

Holloa! what storm is this? 25

_Enter_ DEMETRIUS _and_ CHIRON, _braving_.[4101]

_Dem._ Chiron, thy years want wit, thy wit wants edge,[4102]

And manners, to intrude where I am graced,

And may, for aught thou know'st, affected be.[4103]

_Chi._ Demetrius, thou dost over-ween in all,

And so in this, to bear me down with braves. 30

'Tis not the difference of a year or two

Makes me less gracious, or thee more fortunate:[4104]

I am as able and as fit as thou

To serve, and to deserve my mistress' grace;

And that my sword upon thee shall approve, 35

And plead my passions for Lavinia's love.[4105]

_Aar._ [_Aside_] Clubs, clubs! these lovers will not keep

the peace.[4106][4107]

_Dem._ Why, boy, although our mother, unadvised,

Gave you a dancing-rapier by your side,[4108]

Are you so desperate grown, to threat your friends?[4109] 40

Go to; have your lath glued within your sheath

Till you know better how to handle it.

_Chi._ Meanwhile, sir, with the little skill I have,

Full well shalt thou perceive how much I dare.

_Dem._ Ay, boy, grow ye so brave? [_They draw._

_Aar._ [_Coming forward_] Why, how now, lords![4110] 45

So near the emperor's palace dare you draw,

And maintain such a quarrel openly?

Full well I wot the ground of all this grudge:[4111]

I would not for a million of gold

The cause were known to them it most concerns; 50

Nor would your noble mother for much more

Be so dishonour'd in the court of Rome.[4112]

For shame, put up.

_Dem._ Not I, till I have sheathed[4113]

My rapier in his bosom, and withal

Thrust those reproachful speeches down his throat[4114] 55

That he hath breathed in my dishonour here.

_Chi._ For that I am prepared and full resolved.[4115]

Foul-spoken coward! that thunder'st with thy tongue[4116]

And with thy weapon nothing darest perform.[4117]

_Aar._ Away, I say![4106] 60

Now, by the gods that warlike Goths adore,[4118]

This petty brabble will undo us all.[4119]

Why, lords, and think you not how dangerous[4120]

It is to jet upon a prince's right?[4121]

What, is Lavinia then become so loose, 65

Or Bassianus so degenerate,

That for her love such quarrels may be broach'd

Without controlment, justice, or revenge?[4122]

Young lords, beware! an should the empress know[4123]

This discord's ground, the music would not please.[4124] 70

_Chi._ I care not, I, knew she and all the world:

I love Lavinia more than all the world.

_Dem._ Youngling, learn thou to make some meaner choice:[4125]

Lavinia is thine elder brother's hope.

_Aar._ Why, are ye mad? or know ye not, in Rome[4106][4126] 75

How furious and impatient they be,

And cannot brook competitors in love?

I tell you, lords, you do but plot your deaths

By this device.[4127]

_Chi._ Aaron, a thousand deaths[4128]

Would I propose to achieve her whom I love.[4128][4129] 80

_Aar._ To achieve her! how?

_Dem._ Why makest thou it so strange?[4130]

She is a woman, therefore may be woo'd;

She is a woman, therefore may be won;

She is Lavinia, therefore must be loved.

What, man! more water glideth by the mill 85

Than wots the miller of; and easy it is

Of a cut loaf to steal a shive, we know:

Though Bassianus be the emperor's brother,

Better than he have worn Vulcan's badge.[4131]

_Aar._ [_Aside_] Ay, and as good as Saturninus may.[4106][4132] 90

_Dem._ Then why should he despair that knows to court it

With words, fair looks, and liberality?

What, hast not thou full often struck a doe,[4133]

And borne her cleanly by the keeper's nose?

_Aar._ Why, then, it seems, some certain snatch or so[4106] 95

Would serve your turns.

_Chi._ Ay, so the turn were served.

_Dem._ Aaron, thou hast hit it.

_Aar._ Would you had hit it too![4106]

Then should not we be tired with this ado.

Why, hark ye, hark ye! and are you such fools

To square for this? would it offend you, then,[4134] 100

That both should speed?[4135]

_Chi._ Faith, not me.

_Dem._ Nor me, so I were one.[4136]

_Aar._ For shame, be friends, and join for that you jar:

'Tis policy and stratagem must do

That you affect; and so must you resolve, 105

That what you cannot as you would achieve,

You must perforce accomplish as you may.

Take this of me: Lucrece was not more chaste

Than this Lavinia, Bassianus' love.[4137]

A speedier course than lingering languishment[4138] 110

Must we pursue, and I have found the path.[4139]

My lords, a solemn hunting is in hand;

There will the lovely Roman ladies troop:

The forest walks are wide and spacious;

And many unfrequented plots there are 115

Fitted by kind for rape and villany:

Single you thither then this dainty doe,

And strike her home by force, if not by words:

This way, or not at all, stand you in hope.

Come, come, our empress, with her sacred wit[4140] 120

To villany and vengeance consecrate,

Will we acquaint with all that we intend;[4141]

And she shall file our engines with advice,[4142]

That will not suffer you to square yourselves,

But to your wishes' height advance you both. 125

The emperor's court is like the house of Fame,

The palace full of tongues, of eyes and ears:[4143]

The woods are ruthless, dreadful, deaf and dull;[4144]

There speak, and strike, brave boys, and take your turns;

There serve your lust, shadow'd from heaven's eye,[4145] 130

And revel in Lavinia's treasury.

_Chi._ Thy counsel, lad, smells of no cowardice.

_Dem._ Sit fas aut nefas, till I find the stream[4146]

To cool this heat, a charm to calm these fits,[4147]

Per Styga, per manes vehor. [_Exeunt._[4148] 135

SCENE II. _A forest near Rome. Horns and cry of hounds heard._

_Enter_ TITUS ANDRONICUS, _with_ Hunters, &c., MARCUS, LUCIUS,

QUINTUS, _and_ MARTIUS.[4149]

_Tit._ The hunt is up, the morn is bright and grey,[4150]

The fields are fragrant, and the woods are green:[4151]

Uncouple here, and let us make a bay,

And wake the emperor and his lovely bride,

And rouse the prince, and ring a hunter's peal,[4152] 5

That all the court may echo with the noise.[4153]

Sons, let it be your charge, as it is ours,[4154]

To attend the emperor's person carefully.[4155]

I have been troubled in my sleep this night,

But dawning day new comfort hath inspired. 10

_A cry of hounds, and horns winded in a peal. Enter_

SATURNINUS, TAMORA, BASSIANUS, LAVINIA, DEMETRIUS, CHIRON,

_and their_ Attendants.[4156]

Many good morrows to your majesty;

Madam, to you as many and as good:

I promised your grace a hunter's peal.

_Sat._ And you have rung it lustily, my lords;[4157]

Somewhat too early for new-married ladies. 15

_Bas._ Lavinia, how say you?

_Lav._ I say, no;[4158][4159]

I have been broad awake two hours and more.[4159][4160]

_Sat._ Come on then; horse and chariots let us have,

And to our sport. [_To Tamora_] Madam, now shall ye see[4161]

Our Roman hunting.

_Marc._ I have dogs, my lord, 20

Will rouse the proudest panther in the chase,

And climb the highest promontory top.[4162]

_Tit._ And I have horse will follow where the game

Makes way, and run like swallows o'er the plain.[4163]

_Dem._ Chiron, we hunt not, we, with horse nor hound,[4164] 25

But hope to pluck a dainty doe to ground. [_Exeunt._[4164]

SCENE III. _A lonely part of the forest._

_Enter_ AARON, _with a bag of gold_.[4165]

_Aar._ He that had wit would think that I had none,[4166]

To bury so much gold under a tree,

And never after to inherit it.

Let him that thinks of me so abjectly

Know that this gold must coin a stratagem, 5

Which, cunningly effected, will beget[4167]

A very excellent piece of villany:

And so repose, sweet gold, for their unrest [_Hides the gold._[4168]

That have their alms out of the empress' chest.

_Enter_ TAMORA.[4169]

_Tam._ My lovely Aaron, wherefore look'st thou sad,[4170] 10

When every thing doth make a gleeful boast?

The birds chant melody on every bush;

The snake lies rolled in the cheerful sun;[4171]

The green leaves quiver with the cooling wind,

And make a chequer'd shadow on the ground: 15

Under their sweet shade, Aaron, let us sit,

And, whilst the babbling echo mocks the hounds,

Replying shrilly to the well-tuned horns,

As if a double hunt were heard at once,[4172]

Let us sit down and mark their yellowing noise;[4173] 20

And, after conflict such as was supposed

The wandering prince and Dido once enjoy'd,[4174]

When with a happy storm they were surprised,

And curtain'd with a counsel-keeping cave,

We may, each wreathed in the other's arms, 25

Our pastimes done, possess a golden slumber;

Whiles hounds and horns and sweet melodious birds[4175]

Be unto us as is a nurse's song

Of lullaby to bring her babe asleep.

_Aar._ Madam, though Venus govern your desires,[4176] 30

Saturn is dominator over mine:

What signifies my deadly-standing eye,[4177]

My silence and my cloudy melancholy,

My fleece of woolly hair that now uncurls

Even as an adder when she doth unroll 35

To do some fatal execution?[4178]

No, madam, these are no venereal signs:

Vengeance is in my heart, death in my hand,

Blood and revenge are hammering in my head.

Hark, Tamora, the empress of my soul, 40

Which never hopes more heaven than rests in thee,

This is the day of doom for Bassianus:

His Philomel must lose her tongue to-day,[4179]

Thy sons make pillage of her chastity,

And wash their hands in Bassianus' blood. 45

Seest thou this letter? take it up, I pray thee,[4180]

And give the king this fatal-plotted scroll.[4181]

Now question me no more; we are espied;

Here comes a parcel of our hopeful booty,

Which dreads not yet their lives' destruction.[4182] 50

_Tam._ Ah, my sweet Moor, sweeter to me than life![4183]

_Aar._ No more, great empress; Bassianus comes:[4166]

Be cross with him, and I'll go fetch thy sons

To back thy quarrels, whatsoe'er they be. [_Exit._

_Enter_ BASSIANUS _and_ LAVINIA.[4184]

_Bas._ Who have we here? Rome's royal empress,[4185][4186] 55

Unfurnish'd of her well-beseeming troop?[4187]

Or is it Dian, habited like her,

Who hath abandoned her holy groves

To see the general hunting in this forest?

_Tam._ Saucy controller of my private steps![4188] 60

Had I the power that some say Dian had,

Thy temples should be planted presently[4189]

With horns, as was Actæon's, and the hounds[4190]

Should drive upon thy new-transformed limbs,[4191]

Unmannerly intruder as thou art! 65

_Lav._ Under your patience, gentle empress,[4186]

'Tis thought you have a goodly gift in horning;

And to be doubted that your Moor and you

Are singled forth to try experiments:

Jove shield your husband from his hounds to-day! 70

'Tis pity they should take him for a stag.

_Bas._ Believe me, queen, your swarth Cimmerian[4192]

Doth make your honour of his body's hue,

Spotted, detested, and abominable.

Why are you sequester'd from all your train, 75

Dismounted from your snow-white goodly steed,

And wander'd hither to an obscure plot,

Accompanied but with a barbarous Moor,[4193]

If foul desire had not conducted you?

_Lav._ And, being intercepted in your sport,[4194] 80

Great reason that my noble lord be rated

For sauciness. I pray you, let us hence,

And let her joy her raven-colour'd love;[4195]

This valley fits the purpose passing well.

_Bas._ The king my brother shall have note of this.[4196] 85

_Lav._ Ay, for these slips have made him noted long:[4197]

Good king, to be so mightily abused!

_Tam._ Why have I patience to endure all this?[4198]

_Enter_ DEMETRIUS _and_ CHIRON.

_Dem._ How now, dear sovereign, and our gracious mother![4199]

Why doth your highness look so pale and wan?[4200] 90

_Tam._ Have I not reason, think you, to look pale?

These two have ticed me hither to this place:

A barren detested vale, you see it is;[4201]

The trees, though summer, yet forlorn and lean,

O'ercome with moss and baleful mistletoe:[4202] 95

Here never shines the sun; here nothing breeds,

Unless the nightly owl or fatal raven:

And when they show'd me this abhorred pit,

They told me, here, at dead time of the night,

A thousand fiends, a thousand hissing snakes, 100

Ten thousand swelling toads, as many urchins,

Would make such fearful and confused cries,

As any mortal body hearing it[4203]

Should straight fall mad, or else die suddenly.

No sooner had they told this hellish tale, 105

But straight they told me they would bind me here

Unto the body of a dismal yew,[4204]

And leave me to this miserable death:

And then they call'd me foul adulteress,

Lascivious Goth, and all the bitterest terms 110

That ever ear did hear to such effect:[4205]

And, had you not by wondrous fortune come,

This vengeance on me had they executed.

Revenge it, as you love your mother's life,

Or be ye not henceforth call'd my children.[4206] 115

_Dem._ This is a witness that I am thy son. [_Stabs Bassianus._[4207]

_Chi._ And this for me, struck home to show my strength.[4208]

[_Also stabs Bassianus, who dies._

_Lav._ Ay, come, Semiramis, nay, barbarous Tamora,[4209]

For no name fits thy nature but thy own!

_Tam._ Give me the poniard; you shall know, my boys,[4210] 120

Your mother's hand shall right your mother's wrong.

_Dem._ Stay, madam; here is more belongs to her;

First thrash the corn, then after burn the straw:

This minion stood upon her chastity,

Upon her nuptial vow, her loyalty, 125

And with that painted hope braves your mightiness:[4211][4212]

And shall she carry this unto her grave?[4212][4213]

_Chi._ An if she do, I would I were an eunuch.[4214]

Drag hence her husband to some secret hole,

And make his dead trunk pillow to our lust.[4215] 130

_Tam._ But when ye have the honey ye desire,[4216]

Let not this wasp outlive, us both to sting.[4217]

_Chi._ I warrant you, madam, we will make that sure.[4218]

Come, mistress, now perforce we will enjoy

That nice-preserved honesty of yours.[4219] 135

_Lav._ O Tamora! thou bear'st a woman's face--[4220]

_Tam._ I will not hear her speak; away with her!

_Lav._ Sweet lords, entreat her hear me but a word.

_Dem._ Listen, fair madam: let it be your glory

To see her tears, but be your heart to them 140

As unrelenting flint to drops of rain.[4221]

_Lav._ When did the tiger's young ones teach the dam?[4222]

O, do not learn her wrath; she taught it thee;[4223]

The milk thou suck'dst from her did turn to marble;[4224]

Even at thy teat thou hadst thy tyranny.[4225] 145

Yet every mother breeds not sons alike:

[_To Chiron_] Do thou entreat her show a woman pity.[4226]

_Chi._ What, wouldst thou have me prove myself a bastard?[4227]

_Lav._ 'Tis true; the raven doth not hatch a lark:[4227][4228]

Yet have I heard,--O, could I find it now!-- 150

The lion, moved with pity, did endure

To have his princely paws pared all away:[4229]

Some say that ravens foster forlorn children,

The whilst their own birds famish in their nests:

O, be to me, though thy hard heart say no, 155

Nothing so kind, but something pitiful!

_Tam._ I know not what it means: away with her!

_Lav._ O, let me teach thee! for my father's sake,

That gave thee life, when well he might have slain thee,

Be not obdurate, open thy deaf ears.[4230] 160

_Tam._ Hadst thou in person ne'er offended me,

Even for his sake am I pitiless.[4231]

Remember, boys, I pour'd forth tears in vain,

To save your brother from the sacrifice;

But fierce Andronicus would not relent: 165

Therefore, away with her, and use her as you will;[4232]

The worse to her, the better loved of me.

_Lav._ O Tamora, be call'd a gentle queen,[4233]

And with thine own hands kill me in this place!

For 'tis not life that I have begg'd so long; 170

Poor I was slain when Bassianus died.[4234]

_Tam._ What begg'st thou then? fond woman, let me go.[4235]

_Lav._ Tis present death I beg; and one thing more

That womanhood denies my tongue to tell:

O, keep me from their worse than killing lust, 175

And tumble me into some loathsome pit,

Where never man's eye may behold my body:

Do this, and be a charitable murderer.

_Tam._ So should I rob my sweet sons of their fee:

No, let them satisfy their lust on thee. 180

_Dem._ Away! for thou hast stay'd us here too long.[4236]

_Lav._ No grace? no womanhood? Ah, beastly creature![4236][4237]

The blot and enemy to our general name![4238]

Confusion fall--[4239]

_Chi._ Nay, then I'll stop your mouth. Bring thou her husband:[4240] 185

This is the hole where Aaron bid us hide him.

[_Demetrius throws the body of Bassianus into the

pit; then exeunt Demetrius and Chiron, dragging

off Lavinia._[4241]

_Tam._ Farewell, my sons: see that you make her sure.

Ne'er let my heart know merry cheer indeed,

Till all the Andronici be made away.[4242]

Now will I hence to seek my lovely Moor, 190

And let my spleenful sons this trull deflower. [_Exit._

_Re-enter_ AARON, _with_ QUINTUS _and_ MARTIUS.[4243]

_Aar._ Come on, my lords, the better foot before:[4244]

Straight will I bring you to the loathsome pit[4245]

Where I espied the panther fast asleep.

_Quin._ My sight is very dull, whate'er it bodes. 195

_Mart._ And mine, I promise you; were it not for shame,[4246]

Well could I leave our sport to sleep awhile.

[_Falls into the pit._[4247]

_Quin._ What, art thou fall'n? What subtle hole is this,[4248]

Whose mouth is cover'd with rude-growing briers,[4249]

Upon whose leaves are drops of new-shed blood 200

As fresh as morning dew distill'd on flowers?[4250]

A very fatal place it seems to me.

Speak, brother, hast thou hurt thee with the fall?

_Mart._ O brother, with the dismal'st object hurt[4251]

That ever eye with sight made heart lament! 205

_Aar._ [_Aside_] Now will I fetch the king to find them here,[4252]

That he thereby may have a likely guess[4253]

How these were they that made away his brother. [_Exit._[4254]

_Mart._ Why dost not comfort me, and help me out[4255]

From this unhallow'd and blood-stained hole?[4256] 210

_Quin._ I am surprised with an uncouth fear;[4257]

A chilling sweat o'er-runs my trembling joints;[4258]

My heart suspects more than mine eye can see.

_Mart._ To prove thou hast a true-divining heart,[4259]

Aaron and thou look down into this den,[4260] 215

And see a fearful sight of blood and death.

_Quin._ Aaron is gone; and my compassionate heart[4261]

Will not permit mine eyes once to behold

The thing whereat it trembles by surmise:

O, tell me how it is; for ne'er till now[4262] 220

Was I a child to fear I know not what.

_Mart._ Lord Bassianus lies embrewed here,

All on a heap, like to a slaughter'd lamb,[4263]

In this detested, dark, blood-drinking pit.

_Quin._ If it be dark, how dost thou know 'tis he?[4264] 225

_Mart._ Upon his bloody finger he doth wear

A precious ring, that lightens all the hole,[4265]

Which, like a taper in some monument,

Doth shine upon the dead man's earthy cheeks,[4266]

And shows the ragged entrails of the pit:[4267] 230

So pale did shine the moon on Pyramus

When he by night lay bathed in maiden blood.

0 brother, help me with thy fainting hand--

If fear hath made thee faint, as me it hath--[4268]

Out of this fell devouring receptacle,[4269] 235

As hateful as Cocytus' misty mouth.[4270]

_Quin._ Reach me thy hand, that I may help thee out;

Or, wanting strength to do thee so much good,

I may be pluck'd into the swallowing womb

Of this deep pit, poor Bassianus' grave. 240

I have no strength to pluck thee to the brink.

_Mart._ Nor I no strength to climb without thy help.[4271]

_Quin._ Thy hand once more; I will not loose again,[4272]

Till thou art here aloft, or I below:

Thou canst not come to me: I come to thee. [_Falls in._ 245

_Enter_ SATURNINUS _with_ AARON.[4273]

_Sat._ Along with me: I'll see what hole is here,[4274]

And what he is that now is leap'd into it.[4275]

Say, who art thou that lately didst descend

Into this gaping hollow of the earth?[4276]

_Mart._ The unhappy son of old Andronicus; 250

Brought hither in a most unlucky hour,

To find thy brother Bassianus dead.

_Sat._ My brother dead! I know thou dost but jest:

He and his lady both are at the lodge

Upon the north side of this pleasant chase; 255

'Tis not an hour since I left them there.[4277]

_Mart._ We know not where you left them all alive;[4278]

But, out, alas! here have we found him dead.

_Re-enter_ TAMORA, _with_ Attendants; TITUS ANDRONICUS, _and_

LUCIUS.[4279]

_Tam._ Where is my lord the king?

_Sat._ Here, Tamora; though grieved with killing grief.[4280] 260

_Tam._ Where is thy brother Bassianus?

_Sat._ Now to the bottom dost thou search my wound:

Poor Bassianus here lies murdered.

_Tam._ [_Giving a letter_] Then all too late I bring this fatal writ,[4281]

The complot of this timeless tragedy; 265

And wonder greatly that man's face can fold

In pleasing smiles such murderous tyranny.

_Sat._ [_Reads_] 'An if we miss to meet him handsomely--[4282]

Sweet huntsman, Bassianus 'tis we mean--

Do thou so much as dig the grave for him: 270

Thou know'st our meaning. Look for thy reward[4283]

Among the nettles at the elder-tree

Which overshades the mouth of that same pit

Where we decreed to bury Bassianus.

Do this and purchase us thy lasting friends.' 275

O Tamora! was ever heard the like?[4284]

This is the pit, and this the elder-tree.

Look, sirs, if you can find the huntsman out

That should have murder'd Bassianus here.[4285]

_Aar._ My gracious lord, here is the bag of gold.[4286] 280

_Sat._ [_To Titus_] Two of thy whelps, fell curs of bloody kind,[4287]

Have here bereft my brother of his life.

Sirs, drag them from the pit unto the prison:

There let them bide until we have devised

Some never-heard-of torturing pain for them.[4288] 285

_Tam._ What, are they in this pit? O wondrous thing![4289]

How easily murder is discovered!

_Tit._ High emperor, upon my feeble knee

I beg this boon, with tears not lightly shed,

That this fell fault of my accursed sons, 290

Accursed, if the fault be proved in them--[4290]

_Sat._ If it be proved! you see it is apparent.

Who found this letter? Tamora, was it you?

_Tam._ Andronicus himself did take it up.

_Tit._ I did, my lord: yet let me be their bail;[4291] 295

For, by my fathers' reverend tomb, I vow[4292]

They shall be ready at your highness' will

To answer their suspicion with their lives.[4293]

_Sat._ Thou shalt not bail them: see thou follow me.

Some bring the murder'd body, some the murderers:[4294] 300

Let them not speak a word; the guilt is plain;[4295]

For, by my soul, were there worse end than death,

That end upon them should be executed.[4296]

_Tam._ Andronicus, I will entreat the king:

Fear not thy sons; they shall do well enough.[4297] 305

_Tit._ Come, Lucius, come; stay not to talk with them.

[_Exeunt._[4298]

SCENE IV. _Another part of the forest._

_Enter_ DEMETRIUS _and_ CHIRON, _with_ LAVINIA, _ravished; her hands

cut off, and her tongue cut out_.[4299]

_Dem._ So, now go tell, an if thy tongue can speak,[4300]

Who 'twas that cut thy tongue and ravish'd thee.[4301]

_Chi._ Write down thy mind, bewray thy meaning so,

An if thy stumps will let thee play the scribe.[4302]

_Dem._ See, how with signs and tokens she can scrowl.[4303] 5

_Chi._ Go home, call for sweet water, wash thy hands.[4304]

_Dem._ She hath no tongue to call, nor hands to wash;

And so let's leave her to her silent walks.

_Chi._ An 'twere my case, I should go hang myself.[4305]

_Dem._ If thou hadst hands to help thee knit the cord. 10

[_Exeunt Demetrius and Chiron._

_Horns winded, within. Enter_ MARCUS, _from hunting_.[4306]

_Mar._ Who is this? my niece, that flies away so fast![4307]

Cousin, a word; where is your husband?[4308]

If I do dream, would all my wealth would wake me!

If I do wake, some planet strike me down,

That I may slumber in eternal sleep! 15

Speak, gentle niece, what stern ungentle hands[4309]

Have lopp'd and hew'd and made thy body bare[4309]

Of her two branches, those sweet ornaments,

Whose circling shadows kings have sought to sleep in,

And might not gain so great a happiness 20

As have thy love? Why dost not speak to me?[4310]

Alas, a crimson river of warm blood,

Like to a bubbling fountain stirr'd with wind,

Doth rise and fall between thy rosed lips,[4311]

Coming and going with thy honey breath. 25

But, sure, some Tereus hath deflowered thee,

And, lest thou shouldst detect him, cut thy tongue.[4312]

Ah, now thou turn'st away thy face for shame!

And, notwithstanding all this loss of blood,

As from a conduit with three issuing spouts,[4313] 30

Yet do thy cheeks look red as Titan's face

Blushing to be encounter'd with a cloud.

Shall I speak for thee? shall I say 'tis so?[4314]

O, that I knew thy heart; and knew the beast,[4315]

That I might rail at him, to ease my mind! 35

Sorrow concealed, like an oven stopp'd,

Doth burn the heart to cinders where it is.

Fair Philomel, why she but lost her tongue,[4316]

And in a tedious sampler sew'd her mind:[4317]

But, lovely niece, that mean is cut from thee; 40

A craftier Tereus, cousin, hast thou met,[4318]

And he hath cut those pretty fingers off,

That could have better sew'd than Philomel.[4319]

O, had the monster seen those lily hands

Tremble, like aspen-leaves, upon a lute, 45

And make the silken strings delight to kiss them,

He would not then have touch'd them for his life!

Or, had he heard the heavenly harmony

Which that sweet tongue hath made,[4320]

He would have dropp'd his knife, and fell asleep[4321] 50

As Cerberus at the Thracian poet's feet.

Come, let us go and make thy father blind;

For such a sight will blind a father's eye:

One hour's storm will drown the fragrant meads;

What will whole months of tears thy father's eyes? 55

Do not draw back, for we will mourn with thee:

O, could our mourning ease thy misery! [_Exeunt._[4322]

FOOTNOTES:

[4089] ACT II. SCENE I.] Rowe. Actus secunda. F₁. Actus secundus. F₂ F₃

F₄. om. Qq. See note (I).

Rome.] Rowe.

Before the palace] Theobald.

Enter Aaron.] sound trumpets, Manet Moore. Qq. Enter Aaron alone. Ff.

[4090] _above_] _about_ F₁.

[4091] _highest-peering_] Theobald. _highest piering_ Qq F₁ F₂.

_highest piring_ F₃ F₄.

[4092] _So Tamora_] Marked by Keightley as an imperfect line.

[4093] _wit_] _will_ Hanmer (Warburton).

_earthly_] Qq F₁ F₂. _early_ F₃ F₄.

[4094] _thy heart_] _the heart_ F₂.

[4095] _mount aloft_] _soar aloft_ S. Walker conj.

[4096] _is_] _was_ Collier (Collier MS.)

[4097] _servile_] Q₁. _idle_ Q₂ Ff.

[4098] _empress_] _empresse_ F₁ F₂. _emperesse_ Qq. _emperess_ F₃ F₄.

[4099] _wait_] _wait upon_ Hanmer.

[4100] _Semiramis_] F₃ F₄. _Semerimis_ Qq F₁. _Samiramis_ F₂.

_this nymph_] Q₁. _this Queene_ Q₂ Ff. om. Hanmer, reading _This

queen ... Semiramis_ as one line. _this quean_ Jackson conj.

[4101] _Holloa_] _Hollo_ Qq. _Holla_ Ff.

braving] om. Rowe.

[4102] SCENE II. Pope.

_want_] F₂ F₃ F₄. _wants_ Qq F₁.

[4103] _know'st_] Ff. _knowest_ Qq.

[4104] _or_] om. Hanmer.

[4105] _passions_] _passion_ Rowe.

[4106] Aar.] Moore. Qq.

[4107] [Aside] Dyce. om. Qq Ff.

[4108] _dancing-rapier_] Steevens. _daunsing rapier_ Qq F₁ F₂. _dancing

rapier_ F₃ F₄. _dangling rapier_ Long MS.

[4109] _friends_?] _friends:_ Q₁.

[4110] [Coming forward] Dyce. Interposing. Capell. Omitted in Qq Ff.

_how now_] Qq F₁. _now_ F₂ F₃ F₄.

[4111] _wot the ... grudge:_] _wote, the ... grudge._ Ff. _wote,

the ... grudge,_ Qq.

[4112] _dishonour'd_] Pope. _dishonoured_ or _dishonored_ Qq Ff.

[4113] Dem.] Chi. Theobald (Warburton).

[4114] _those_] Q₁. _these_ Q₂ Ff.

[4115] Chi.] Dem. Theobald (Warburton).

[4116] _Foul-spoken ... tongue_] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

_that_] _Thou_ Rowe.

[4117] _darest_] _darst_ Q₁. _durst_ Q₂. _dar'st_ Ff.

[4118] [beating down their Swords. Capell.

[4119] _petty_] Qq F₄. _pretty_ F₁ F₂ F₃.

[4120] _lords,_] _lords--_ Rowe.

[4121] _jet_] _iet_ Qq. _set_ Ff. _jut_ Malone.

[4122] _revenge?_] Q₂ Ff. _revenge._ Q₁.

[4123] _an_] Capell. _and_ Qq Ff.

[4124] _discord's_] F₄. _discords_ Qq. _discord_ F₁ F₂ F₃.

[4125] _Youngling ... choice_] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

_meaner_] Qq F₁ F₂. _better_ F₃ F₄.

[4126] _Why, are_] Theobald. _Why are_ Qq Ff.

_not, in Rome_] Theobald. _not in Rome,_ Qq F₁ F₂. _not in Rome_ F₃ F₄.

[4127] _device_] Theobald. _devise_ Qq Ff.

[4128] _Aaron ... love_] Arranged as by Hanmer. Two lines, the first

ending _propose,_ in Qq Ff.

[4129] _propose_] _oppose_ Anon. conj. (Gent. Mag. Vol. LX.).

_love._] Q₁. _do love._ Q₂ Ff. _do love?_ Rowe.

[4130] _makest_] _mak'st_ Ff. _makes_ Qq.

[4131] _have_] Qq F₁. _have yet_ F₂ F₃ F₄.

_Vulcan's_] _Vulcanus'_ or _old Vulcan's_ Anon. conj.

[4132] [Aside] Theobald. om. Qq Ff.

_Saturninus_] Q₁ F₂ F₃ F₄. _Saturnius_ F₁. _Saturnine_ Q₂.

[4133] _not thou_] Qq F₁ F₂. _thou not_ F₃ F₄.

_struck_] F₃ F₄. _strooke_ Q₁. _strucke_ Q₂ F₁ F₂.

[4134] _this?_] Q₂ Ff. _this:_ Q₁.

_then_] _then?_ Ff.

[4135] _That ... speed_] Qq. Omitted in Ff.

_speed?_] _speede?_ Q₂. _speede._ Q₁.

[4136] _Faith_] _I' faith_ Capell.

_Nor ... one_] _No, nor me_ Hanmer.

[4137] _Bassianus'_] Pope. _Bassianus_ Qq F₁ F₂ F₃. _Bassianus's_ F₄.

[4138] _than_] Rowe. _this_ Qq Ff.

[4139] _we_] _ye_ Hanmer.

[4140] _sacred_] _secret_ Anon. conj.

[4141] _Will we_] _We will_ Rowe (ed. 2).

[4142] _advice_] F₄. _advise_ Qq F₁ F₂ F₃.

[4143] _and_] Q₁. _of_ Q₂ Ff.

[4144] _dreadful_] _dreadless_ Collier MS.

_dull_] _dumb_ Anon. conj.

[4145] _lust_] Qq. _lusts_ Ff.

_shadow'd_] Ff. _shadowed_ Qq.

[4146] _Sit_] Qq. _Sẏ_ F₁. _Si_ F₂ F₃ F₄.

_stream_] _streame_ Qq. _streames_ F₁ F₂. _streams_ F₃ F₄.

[4147] _these_] Q₁. _their_ Q₂ Ff. See note (II).

[4148] _Styga_] F₄. _Stygia_ F₃. _Stigia_ Qq F₁ F₂.

[4149] SCENE II.] Rowe. SCENE III. Pope. ACT II. SCENE I. Johnson conj.

A forest near Rome.] A forest. Rowe. A Chace near Rome. Court before a

Lodge. Capell.

Horns ... heard.] Capell.

Enter ...] Capell, substantially. Enter Titus Andronicus and his three

sonnes, making a noyse with hounds & hornes. Qq. Enter ... hornes, and

Marcus. Ff.

[4150] _morn_] _Moone_ Q₁.

_grey_] _gay_ Hanmer.

[4151] _green_] _wide_ Collier MS.

[4152] _ring ... peal_] _sing ... round_ Collier MS. _ring ... round_

Collier MS. (as quoted in Collier, ed. 2).

[4153] _noise_] _sound_ Collier MS.

[4154] _as it is ours_] _and so will I_ Collier MS.

[4155] _attend_] _tend_ Pope.

[4156] _new ... inspired_] _brought comfort and delight_ Collier MS.

A cry ... peal. Enter....] Heere a cry of Houndes, and winde hornes in

a peale, then enter.... Qq. Winde Hornes. Heere a cry.... peale, then

Enter.... Ff.

[4157] _lords_] _lord_ Dyce. _lads_ Anon. conj.

[4158] _I say_] _Why, I say_ Hanmer.

[4159] _I say ... more_] As in Ff. One line in Qq.

[4160] _broad_] Qq. om. Ff.

[4161] [To Tamora] Steevens.

[4162] _promontory_] _Promontary_ F₁. _promontory's_ Collier MS.

[4163] _way_] Qq F₁. _away_ F₂ F₃ F₄.

_run_] F₃ F₄. _runne_ F₂. _runnes_ Qq F₁.

[4164] Marked as 'Aside' by Capell.

[4165] SCENE III.] Capell. SCENE IV. Pope. om. Ff.

A lonely ... forest.] A desart part of the Forest. Theobald.

Enter Aaron....] Enter Aaron, with a Bag of Gold, which he hides.

Capell. Enter Aron alone. Qq Ff (Aaron F₁ F₄).

[4166] Aar.] Moore. Qq.

[4167] _effected_] _affected_ Rowe (ed. 2).

[4168] [Hides the gold.] Malone.

[4169] Enter Tamora.] Enter Tamora alone to the Moore. Qq. Enter Tamora

to the Moore. Ff.

[4170] _My ... sad_] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

_sad_] _so sad_ Rowe (ed. 1).

[4171] _rolled_] _coiled_ Collier (Collier MS.)

[4172] _if_] om. F₂.

[4173] _yellowing_] Qq. _yelping_ Ff. _yelling_ Pope.

[4174] _and Dido_] _of Dido_ Reed (1803, 1813, 1821).

[4175] _Whiles_] _Whilst_ Rowe.

[4176] _Madam ... desires_] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[4177] _deadly-standing_] Theobald. _deadly standing_ Qq Ff.

[4178] _execution?_] Q₂ Ff. _execution._ Q₁.

[4179] _lose_] F₃ F₄. _loose_ Qq F₁ F₂.

[4180] _letter?_] Q₁. _letter,_ Q₂ Ff.

[4181] _fatal-plotted_] Theobald. _fatall plotted_ Qq Ff.

[4182] _dreads_] _dread_ Pope.

[4183] _Ah ... life_] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[4184] _quarrels_] Q₁ F₃ F₄. _quarrell_ Q₂ F₁ F₂.

[Exit.] Rowe. om. Qq Ff.

Enter....] Pope. Enter.... Qq Ff, after line 50.

[4185] SCENE V. Pope.

_Who_] Qq. _Whom_ Ff.

_Who ... empress_] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[4186] _empress_] _emperess_ Rowe (ed. 2).

[4187] _her_] Q₁. _our_ Q₂ Ff.

_troop_] _troops_ Rowe (ed. 2).

[4188] _my_] Q₁. _our_ Q₂ Ff.

[4189] _presently_] F₃ F₄. _presently,_ Qq. _presently._ F₁ F₂.

[4190] _was_] _were_ Capell.

[4191] _drive_] _thrive_ Heath conj. _dine_ Collier (Collier MS.)

_thy_] Q₁. _his_ Q₂ Ff.

[4192] _swarth_] Ff. _swartie_ Q₁. _swarty_ Q₂. _swart_ Capell.

_Cimmerian_] Theobald. _Cymmerian_ F₂ F₃ F₄. _Cymerion_ Qq F₁.

[4193] _but with a_] Q₁. _with a_ Q₂ Ff. _with him, a_ Capell conj.

[4194] _intercepted_] _interrupted_ Rowe.

[4195] _raven-colour'd_] Pope. _raven culloured_ Qq. _raven coloured_

Ff.

[4196] _note_] Pope. _notice_ Qq Ff.

[4197] _him_] _her_ Steevens conj.

[4198] _have I_] F₂ F₃ F₄. _I have_ Qq F₁.

_this?_] Ff. _this._ Qq.

[4199] _How ... mother_] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[4200] _doth_] _does_ Rowe.

[4201] _barren detested_] _barren and detested_ Rowe. _bare, detested_

Capell.

[4202] _baleful_] _hailful_ Grey conj.

[4203] _body_] _barely_ Collier (Collier MS.)

[4204] _yew_] Ff. _ewgh_ Q₁. _ewe_ Q₂.

[4205] _ear_] _eare_ Qq F₁. _ease_ F₂. _ears_ F₃ F₄.

[4206] _ye not henceforth_] Qq Ff. _ye not from henceforth_ Pope. _not

henceforth_ Capell.

[4207] [Stabs Bassianus.] Stab him. Qq F₁ F₃. Sab him. F₂. Stabs him.

F₄.

[4208] _And ... strength_] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

_struck_] Q₁ F₄. strook Q₂ F₁ F₂ F₃.

[Also stabs....] Stabbing him likewise. Theobald. Stabing suddenly

Bassianus; who falls. Capell. Omitted in Qq Ff.

[4209] _Ay, come_] Hanmer. _I come_ Qq Ff. _I, come_ Theobald.

_Semiramis_] F₂ F₃ F₄. _Semeramis_ Qq F₁.

[4210] _the_] Q₁. _thy_ Q₂ Ff.

[4211] _painted hope ... mightiness_] Qq F₁. _painted hope, she ...

mightinesse_ F₂ F₃ F₄. _painted cope she ... mightiness_ Theobald

(Warburton). _paint now braves your mightiness_ Capell. _painted,

braves your mightiness_ Steevens conj. _painted shape, she braves your

might_ Collier (Collier MS.) _faint hope braves your mightiness_ Grant

White conj. _painted upbraids your mightiness_ or _prankt, outbraves

your mightiness_ Anon. conj.

_hope_] _robe_ Heath conj.

[4212] _painted hope ... this_] _painted, ... this hope_ Anon. conj.

[4213] _grave?_] Q₂ Ff. _grave._ Q₁.

[4214] _An if ... eunuch_] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

_An_] Hanmer. _And_ Qq Ff.

_eunuch_] _Euenuke_ Qq.

[4215] _trunk pillow_] _Trunke-Pillow_ F₁ F₂ F₃.

[4216] _ye ... ye_] F₂ F₃ F₄. _ye ... we_ Qq F₁. _you ... you_ Rowe.

[4217] _outlive, us_] Theobald. _outlive us_ Qq Ff.

[4218] _you_] om. Pope.

[4219] _nice-preserved_] Ff. _nice preserved_ Qq.

[4220] _bear'st_] Ff. _bearest_ Qq.

_woman's_] _womans_ Qq F₃ F₄. _woman_ F₁ F₂.

_face--_] Rowe. _face._ Qq Ff.

[4221] _flint_] Qq F₁ F₂. _flints_ F₃ F₄.

[4222] _dam?_] Q₂ Ff. _dam._ Q₁.

[4223] _learn_] _teach_ Pope.

[4224] _suck'dst_] Rowe (ed. 2). _suckst_ Qq. _suck'st_ Ff.

[4225] _thy teat_] _her teat_ Collier (Collier MS.) _the teat_ Collier

conj.

[4226] [To Chiron] Warburton. om. Qq Ff.

[4227] Two lines in Qq. Four lines, ending _What, ... bastard?...

true, ... larke,_ in Ff.

[4228] After this line S. Walker would insert _Nor the fell lioness

bring forth a lamb_.

[4229] _paws_] _claws_ Singer (Collier MS.)

[4230] _ears_] _yeares_ Q₁.

[4231] _am I_] _am I now_ F₂ F₃ F₄.

[4232] _with her_] om. Hanmer.

_and_] om. Capell.

[4233] _O ... queen_] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[Kneeling. Collier (Collier MS.)

[4234] _Bassianus_] _Bascianus_ Q₁. _Bussianus_ Q₂.

[4235] Tam.] om. F₂.

_then? fond ... go_] F₃ F₄. _then fond ... goe?_ Qq. _then? fond ...

go?_ F₁ F₂.

[4236] Two lines in Qq. Four, ending _Away, ... long ... grace ...

creature,_ in Ff.

[4237] [Rising. Collier (Collier MS.)

[4238] _to_] _of_ Rowe.

[4239] _fall--_] Q₂ F₁. _fall._ Q₁. _all--_ F₂ F₃ F₄.

[4240] _Nay ... husband:_] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[Dragging off Lavinia. Pope.

[4241] [Demetrius....] Capell. Exeunt. F₂ F₃ F₄. om. Qq F₁.

[4242] _Andronici_] Ff. _Adronicie_ Q₁. _Andronicie_ Q₂.

[4243] Re-enter....] Dyce. Enter Aron, with two of Titus sonnes. Qq Ff.

Martius.] Capell. Marcus. Rowe.

[4244] SCENE VI. Pope. SCENE IV. The same. Capell. Dyce continues the

scene.

Aar.] om. Qq.

[4245] _loathsome_] _lonesome_ Collier MS.

[4246] _were it_] _were't_ Pope.

[4247] [Falls....] Marcus falls.... Rowe. om. Qq Ff.

[4248] _What ... this,_] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[4249] _cover'd_] Pope. _covered_ Qq Ff.

_rude-growing_] Pope. _rude growing_ Qq Ff.

[4250] _morning_] Q₁ F₄. _mornings_ Q₂ F₁ F₂ F₃.

[4251] Mart.] Mart. [under the stage. Collier MS.

_O ... object_] Two lines in Ff.

_dismal'st_] _dismallest,_ Pope, omitting _hurt_.

_hurt_] Q₁. Omitted in Q₂ Ff.

[4252] [Aside] Johnson.

[4253] _have_] _give_ Steevens (1793).

[4254] [Exit.] Qq. Exit Aaron. F₁ F₄. Exit Aron. F₂ F₃.

[4255] SCENE VII. Pope.

[4256] _unhallow'd_] Ff. _unhollow_ Qq.

[4257] _uncouth_] _uncouch_ F₂ F₃.

[4258] _chilling_] _killing_ Rowe.

[4259] _true-divining_] Theobald. _true divining_ Qq Ff.

[4260] _this den_] _the den_ Rowe.

[4261] _Aaron ... heart_] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[4262] _how_] Q₂ Ff. _who_ Q₁.

[4263] _like to a_] Qq. _like to the_ Ff.

[4264] _he?_] Q₂ Ff. _hee._ Q₁.

[4265] _the_] Q₂ Ff. _this_ Q₁.

[4266] _earthy_] Q₁. _earthly_ Q₂ Ff.

[4267] _the_] Ff. _this_ Qq.

[4268] _thee_] _the_ F₂.

[4269] _fell devouring_] _fell-devouring_ S. Walker conj.

[4270] _Cocytus'_] _Cocytus_ F₄. _Ocitus_ Qq F₁. _Cocitus_ F₂ F₃.

[4271] _Nor_] _And_ Pope.

[4272] _more; I_] Theobald. _more, I_ Qq Ff. _more I_ Pope.

_loose_] _lose_ Rowe. _loose't_ Capell conj.

[4273] [Falls in.] Pope. Boths fall in. F₁ F₂. Both fall in. F₃ F₄. om.

Qq.

Enter....] Enter the Emperour, and Aron the Moore. Qq Ff (and om. Q₂

Ff)(Aaron F₁ F₄).

[4274] SCENE VIII. Pope.

[4275] _into it_] _into't_ Pope.

[4276] _earth?_ Q₂ Ff. _earth._ Q₁.

[4277] _them_] Q₁. _him_ Q₂ Ff.

[4278] _them_] Qq. _him_ Ff.

[4279] Re-enter ...] Dyce. Enter ... Ff.

with Attendants;] Theobald. om. Qq Ff.

Titus Andronicus,] Andronicus, Qq Ff.

[4280] Sat.] F₂ F₃ F₄. King. Qq F₁ (and throughout the scene).

_grieved_] _gnaw'd_ S. Walker conj.

[4281] [Giving a letter] She giveth Saturnine a Letter. Qq Ff, after

line 267.

[4282] Sat. [Reads] Saturninus reades the Letter. Qq Ff.

_An_] Hanmer. _And_ Qq Ff.

[4283] _meaning. Lock ... reward meaning: ... reward_ Pope.

_meaning, ... reward,_ Q₁. _meaning, ... reward._ Q₂. _meaning, ...

reward_ Ff.

[4284] _O ..._] Theobald. King. _Oh ..._ Qq F₁. Sat. _Oh ..._ F₂ F₃ F₄.

[4285] _murder'd_] _murther'd_ Pope. _murthered_ Qq Ff.

[4286] [Shewing it. Johnson.

[4287] [To Titus] Rowe.

[4288] _torturing_] F₃ F₄. _tortering_ Qq F₁ F₂.

[4289] _What ... thing!_] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[4290] _fault_] Theobald. _faultes_ Q₁. _faults_ Q₂ Ff.

_them--_] F₃ F₄. _them._ Qq F₁ F₂.

[4291] _I ... bail;_] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[4292] _fathers'_] Delius. _fathers_ Qq Ff. _father's_ Rowe.

_reverend_] F₄. _reverent_ Qq F₁ F₂ F₃.

[4293] _their suspicion_] _this suspicion_ Collier (Collier MS.)

[4294] _murder'd_] Rowe (ed. 2). _murther'd_ Rowe (ed. 1). _murthered_

Qq Ff.

[4295] _the_] _their_ Collier (Collier MS.)

[4296] [Attendants draw Quintus, and Martius, out of the Pit, and the

Body of Bassianus; and Exeunt, bearing them off. Capell.

[4297] Exeunt Sat. Tam. Aar. and Train. Capell.

[4298] _Come ... them._] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[Exeunt.] Ff. om. Qq. Exeunt severally. Theobald. Exeunt Titus, and

Lucius. Capell.

[4299] SCENE IV.] Dyce. SCENE IX. Pope. SCENE V. Capell.

Another ...] Dyce. The same ... Capell.

Enter ...] Enter the Empresse sonnes, with Lavinia, her handes cut off,

and her tongue cut out, and ravisht. Qq Ff.

[4300] _an_] Theobald. _and_ Qq Ff.

[4301] _that cut_] _cut out_ Collier (Collier MS.)

[4302] _An if ... thee play_] Capell. _And if ... thee play_ Qq Ff.

_And, if ... thee, play_ Rowe.

[4303] _scrowl_] _scrowle_ Qq. _scowle_ F₁ F₂. _scowl_ F₃ F₄. _scrawl_

Delius.

[4304] _Go ... hands._] One line in Qq. Two, the first ending _home,_

in Ff.

[4305] _An_] Capell. _And_ Ff. _If_ Pope.

_case_] Pope. _cause_ Qq Ff.

[4306] [Exeunt ...] Theobald. Exeunt. Ff. om. Qq.

Horns winded within.] Wind Hornes. Ff. om. Qq. Horns within: Lavinia

starts, and is making from them; Enter Marcus. Capell.

Enter ... hunting.] Qq. Enter ... hunting, to Lavinia. Ff.

[4307] _Who is_] _Who's_ Pope.

_this? my ... fast!_] _this, my ... fast_, Q₁. _this my ... fast?_ Q₂.

_this, my ... fast?_ Ff.

[4308] _a word_] _a word with you_ Keightley.

_husband?_] Q₂ Ff. _husband._ Q₁.

[4309] _hands Have_] Rowe (ed. 2). _hands, Hath_ Qq. _hands Hath_ Ff.

_hand Hath_ Capell.

[4310] _have_] Theobald. _halfe_ Qq F₁ F₂. _half_ F₃ F₄.

[4311] _rosed_] _rosy_ Rowe. _roseate_ or _roseat_ Collier MS.

[4312] _him_] Rowe. _them_ Qq Ff.

[4313] _three_] Hanmer. _theyr_ Q₁. _their_ Q₂ Ff.

[4314] _thee?... so?_] Ff. _thee, ... so._ Q₁. _thee, ... so?_ Q₂.

[4315] _heart_] F₃ F₄. _hart_ Qq F₁ F₂. _hurt_ S. Walker conj.

[4316] _Philomel, why she_] Edd. _Philomela, why she_ Q₁. _Philomella

she_ Q₂. _Philomela she_ Ff.

[4317] _sew'd_] Pope. _sowed_ Qq F₁ F₂ F₃. _sewed_ F₄.

[4318] _cousin, hast thou met,_] _cosen hast thou met,_ Q₁. _hast thou

met,_ Q₂. _hast thou met withall_ Ff.

[4319] _sew'd_] Pope. _sowed_ Qq F₁ F₂. _sewed_ F₃ F₄.

[4320] _tongue hath made_] Qq Ff. _charming instrument has made_

Ravenscroft's version. _tongue of thine hath often made_ Hanmer.

_tongue hath made in minstrelsy_ Collier (Collier MS.) Printed as an

imperfect line by Keightley.

[4321] _fell_] _fall'n_ Hanmer.

[4322] _mourning_] _morning_ F₂.

ACT III.

SCENE I. _Rome. A street._

_Enter_ Judges, Senators, _and_ Tribunes, _with_ MARTIUS _and_

QUINTUS, _bound, passing on to the place of execution_;

TITUS _going before, pleading_.[4323]

_Tit._ Hear me, grave fathers! noble tribunes, stay!

For pity of mine age, whose youth was spent

In dangerous wars, whilst you securely slept;

For all my blood in Rome's great quarrel shed;

For all the frosty nights that I have watch'd; 5

And for these bitter tears, which now you see[4324]

Filling the aged wrinkles in my cheeks;

Be pitiful to my condemned sons,

Whose souls are not corrupted as 'tis thought.[4325]

For two and twenty sons I never wept, 10

Because they died in honour's lofty bed.

[_Lieth down; the Judges, &c. pass by him, and Exeunt._[4326]

For these, tribunes, in the dust I write[4327]

My heart's deep languor and my soul's sad tears:[4328]

Let my tears stanch the earth's dry appetite;[4329]

My sons' sweet blood will make it shame and blush. 15

O earth, I will befriend thee more with rain,[4330]

That shall distil from these two ancient urns,[4331]

Than youthful April shall with all his showers:[4332][4333]

In summer's drought I'll drop upon thee still;[4333]

In winter with warm tears I'll melt the snow, 20

And keep eternal spring-time on thy face,

So thou refuse to drink my dear sons' blood.

_Enter_ LUCIUS, _with his weapon drawn_.[4334]

O reverend tribunes! O gentle, aged men![4335]

Unbind my sons, reverse the doom of death;

And let me say, that never wept before, 25

My tears are now prevailing orators.

_Luc._ O noble father, you lament in vain:

The tribunes hear you not; no man is by;[4336]

And you recount your sorrows to a stone.

_Tit._ Ah, Lucius, for thy brothers let me plead. 30

Grave tribunes, once more I entreat of you,--[4337]

_Luc._ My gracious lord, no tribune hears you speak.

_Tit._ Why, 'tis no matter, man: if they did hear,[4338]

They would not mark me; or if they did mark,[4339]

They would not pity me; yet plead I must,[4339] 35

And bootless unto them....[4339]

Therefore I tell my sorrows to the stones;[4340]

Who, though they cannot answer my distress,

Yet in some sort they are better than the tribunes,[4341]

For that they will not intercept my tale:[4342] 40

When I do weep, they humbly at my feet

Receive my tears, and seem to weep with me;

And, were they but attired in grave weeds,

Rome could afford no tribune like to these.

A stone is soft as wax, tribunes more hard than stones;[4343] 45

A stone is silent and offendeth not,

And tribunes with their tongues doom men to death. [_Rises._[4344]

But wherefore stand'st thou with thy weapon drawn?[4345]

_Luc._ To rescue my two brothers from their death:

For which attempt the judges have pronounced[4346] 50

My everlasting doom of banishment.

_Tit._ O happy man! they have befriended thee.

Why, foolish Lucius, dost thou not perceive

That Rome is but a wilderness of tigers?

Tigers must prey, and Rome affords no prey[4347] 55

But me and mine: how happy art thou then,

From these devourers to be banished!

But who comes with our brother Marcus here?

_Enter_ MARCUS _and_ LAVINIA.

_Marc._ Titus, prepare thy aged eyes to weep;[4348]

Or, if not so, thy noble heart to break: 60

I bring consuming sorrow to thine age.

_Tit._ Will it consume me? let me see it then.