第1章

类别:其他 作者:William Shakespeare字数:18279更新时间:19/01/04 13:38:26
ACTISCENEI。Rome。BeforetheCapitol。TheTomboftheANDRONICIappearing;theTribunesandSenatorsaloft。Enter,below,fromoneside,SATURNINUSandhisFollowers;and,fromtheotherside,BASSIANUSandhisFollowers;withdrumandcoloursSATURNINUSNoblepatricians,patronsofmyright,Defendthejusticeofmycausewitharms,And,countrymen,mylovingfollowers,Pleadmysuccessivetitlewithyourswords: Iamhisfirst-bornson,thatwasthelastThatworetheimperialdiademofRome; Thenletmyfather’shonoursliveinme,Norwrongmineagewiththisindignity。BASSIANUSRomans,friends,followers,favorersofmyright,IfeverBassianus,Caesar’sson,WeregraciousintheeyesofroyalRome,KeepthenthispassagetotheCapitolAndsuffernotdishonourtoapproachTheimperialseat,tovirtueconsecrate,Tojustice,continenceandnobility; Butletdesertinpureelectionshine,And,Romans,fightforfreedominyourchoice。 EnterMARCUSANDRONICUS,aloft,withthecrownMARCUSANDRONICUSPrinces,thatstrivebyfactionsandbyfriendsAmbitiouslyforruleandempery,KnowthatthepeopleofRome,forwhomwestandAspecialparty,have,bycommonvoice,InelectionfortheRomanempery,ChosenAndronicus,surnamedPiusFormanygoodandgreatdesertstoRome: Anoblerman,abraverwarrior,Livesnotthisdaywithinthecitywalls: Hebythesenateisaccit’dhomeFromwearywarsagainstthebarbarousGoths; That,withhissons,aterrortoourfoes,Hathyokedanationstrong,train’dupinarms。 TenyearsarespentsincefirstheundertookThiscauseofRomeandchastisedwitharmsOurenemies’pride:fivetimeshehathreturn’dBleedingtoRome,bearinghisvaliantsonsIncoffinsfromthefield; Andnowatlast,ladenwithhorror’sspoils,ReturnsthegoodAndronicustoRome,RenownedTitus,flourishinginarms。 Letusentreat,byhonourofhisname,Whomworthilyyouwouldhavenowsucceed。 AndintheCapitolandsenate’sright,Whomyoupretendtohonourandadore,Thatyouwithdrawyouandabateyourstrength; Dismissyourfollowersand,assuitorsshould,Pleadyourdesertsinpeaceandhumbleness。SATURNINUSHowfairthetribunespeakstocalmmythoughts!BASSIANUSMarcusAndronicus,soIdoallyInthyuprightnessandintegrity,AndsoIloveandhonourtheeandthine,ThynoblebrotherTitusandhissons,Andhertowhommythoughtsarehumbledall,GraciousLavinia,Rome’srichornament,ThatIwillheredismissmylovingfriends,Andtomyfortunesandthepeople’sfavorCommitmycauseinbalancetobeweigh’d。 ExeuntthefollowersofBASSIANUSSATURNINUSFriends,thathavebeenthusforwardinmyright,Ithankyouallandheredismissyouall,AndtotheloveandfavorofmycountryCommitmyself,mypersonandthecause。 ExeuntthefollowersofSATURNINUS Rome,beasjustandgraciousuntomeAsIamconfidentandkindtothee。 Openthegates,andletmein。BASSIANUSTribunes,andme,apoorcompetitor。 Flourish。SATURNINUSandBASSIANUSgoupintotheCapitolEnteraCaptainCaptainRomans,makeway:thegoodAndronicus。 Patronofvirtue,Rome’sbestchampion,Successfulinthebattlesthathefights,Withhonourandwithfortuneisreturn’dFromwherehecircumscribedwithhissword,Andbroughttoyoke,theenemiesofRome。 Drumsandtrumpetssounded。EnterMARTIUSandMUTIUS;Afterthem,twoMenbearingacoffincoveredwithblack;thenLUCIUSandQUINTUS。Afterthem,TITUSANDRONICUS;andthenTAMORA,withALARBUS,DEMETRIUS,CHIRON,AARON,andotherGoths,prisoners;Soldiersandpeoplefollowing。TheBearerssetdownthecoffin,andTITUSspeaksTITUSANDRONICUSHail,Rome,victoriousinthymourningweeds! Lo,asthebark,thathathdischargedherfraught,ReturnswithpreciousjadingtothebayFromwhenceatfirstsheweigh’dheranchorage,ComethAndronicus,boundwithlaurelboughs,Tore-salutehiscountrywithhistears,TearsoftruejoyforhisreturntoRome。 ThougreatdefenderofthisCapitol,Standgracioustotheritesthatweintend! Romans,offiveandtwentyvaliantsons,HalfofthenumberthatKingPriamhad,Beholdthepoorremains,aliveanddead! ThesethatsurviveletRomerewardwithlove; ThesethatIbringuntotheirlatesthome,Withburialamongsttheirancestors: HereGothshavegivenmeleavetosheathemysword。 Titus,unkindandcarelessofthineown,Whysuffer’stthouthysons,unburiedyet,TohoveronthedreadfulshoreofStyx? Makewaytolaythembytheirbrethren。 ThetombisopenedTheregreetinsilence,asthedeadarewont,Andsleepinpeace,slaininyourcountry’swars! Osacredreceptacleofmyjoys,Sweetcellofvirtueandnobility,Howmanysonsofminehastthouinstore,Thatthouwiltneverrendertomemore!LUCIUSGiveustheproudestprisoneroftheGoths,Thatwemayhewhislimbs,andonapileAdmanesfratrumsacrificehisflesh,Beforethisearthyprisonoftheirbones; Thatsotheshadowsbenotunappeased,Norwedisturb’dwithprodigiesonearth。TITUSANDRONICUSIgivehimyou,thenoblestthatsurvives,Theeldestsonofthisdistressedqueen。TAMORAStay,Romanbrethren!Graciousconqueror,VictoriousTitus,ruethetearsIshed,Amother’stearsinpassionforherson: Andifthysonswereeverdeartothee,O,thinkmysontobeasdeartome! SufficethnotthatwearebroughttoRome,Tobeautifythytriumphsandreturn,CaptivetotheeandtothyRomanyoke,Butmustmysonsbeslaughter’dinthestreets,Forvaliantdoingsintheircountry’scause? O,iftofightforkingandcommonwealWerepietyinthine,itisinthese。 Andronicus,stainnotthytombwithblood: Wiltthoudrawnearthenatureofthegods? Drawnearthemtheninbeingmerciful: Sweetmercyisnobility’struebadge: ThricenobleTitus,sparemyfirst-bornson。TITUSANDRONICUSPatientyourself,madam,andpardonme。 Thesearetheirbrethren,whomyouGothsbeheldAliveanddead,andfortheirbrethrenslainReligiouslytheyaskasacrifice: Tothisyoursonismark’d,anddiehemust,Toappeasetheirgroaningshadowsthataregone。LUCIUSAwaywithhim!andmakeafirestraight; Andwithourswords,uponapileofwood,Let’shewhislimbstilltheybecleanconsumed。 ExeuntLUCIUS,QUINTUS,MARTIUS,andMUTIUS,withALARBUSTAMORAOcruel,irreligiouspiety!CHIRONWaseverScythiahalfsobarbarous?DEMETRIUSOpposenotScythiatoambitiousRome。 Alarbusgoestorest;andwesurviveTotrembleunderTitus’threateninglooks。 Then,madam,standresolved,buthopewithalTheself-samegodsthatarm’dtheQueenofTroyWithopportunityofsharprevengeUpontheThraciantyrantinhistent,MayfavorTamora,theQueenofGoths—— WhenGothswereGothsandTamorawasqueen—— Toquitthebloodywrongsuponherfoes。 Re-enterLUCIUS,QUINTUS,MARTIUSandMUTIUS,withtheirswordsbloodyLUCIUSSee,lordandfather,howwehaveperform’dOurRomanrites:Alarbus’limbsarelopp’d,Andentrailsfeedthesacrificingfire,Whosesmoke,likeincense,dothperfumethesky。 Remainethnought,buttointerourbrethren,Andwithloud’larumswelcomethemtoRome。TITUSANDRONICUSLetitbeso;andletAndronicusMakethishislatestfarewelltotheirsouls。 Trumpetssounded,andthecoffinlaidinthetombInpeaceandhonourrestyouhere,mysons; Rome’sreadiestchampions,reposeyouhereinrest,Securefromworldlychancesandmishaps! Herelurksnotreason,herenoenvyswells,Heregrownodamnedgrudges;herearenostorms,Nonoise,butsilenceandeternalsleep: Inpeaceandhonourrestyouhere,mysons! EnterLAVINIALAVINIAInpeaceandhonourliveLordTituslong; Mynoblelordandfather,liveinfame! Lo,atthistombmytributarytearsIrender,formybrethren’sobsequies; AndatthyfeetIkneel,withtearsofjoy,Shedontheearth,forthyreturntoRome: O,blessmeherewiththyvictorioushand,WhosefortunesRome’sbestcitizensapplaud!TITUSANDRONICUSKindRome,thathastthuslovinglyreservedThecordialofmineagetogladmyheart! Lavinia,live;outlivethyfather’sdays,Andfame’seternaldate,forvirtue’spraise! Enter,below,MARCUSANDRONICUSandTribunes;re-enterSATURNINUS andBASSIANUS,attendedMARCUSANDRONICUSLongliveLordTitus,mybelovedbrother,GracioustriumpherintheeyesofRome!TITUSANDRONICUSThanks,gentletribune,noblebrotherMarcus。MARCUSANDRONICUSAndwelcome,nephews,fromsuccessfulwars,Youthatsurvive,andyouthatsleepinfame! Fairlords,yourfortunesarealikeinall,Thatinyourcountry’sservicedrewyourswords: Butsafertriumphisthisfuneralpomp,ThathathaspiredtoSolon’shappinessAndtriumphsoverchanceinhonour’sbed。 TitusAndronicus,thepeopleofRome,Whosefriendinjusticethouhasteverbeen,Sendtheebyme,theirtribuneandtheirtrust,Thispalliamentofwhiteandspotlesshue; Andnametheeinelectionfortheempire,Withtheseourlate-deceasedemperor’ssons: Becandidatusthen,andputiton,AndhelptosetaheadonheadlessRome。TITUSANDRONICUSAbetterheadhergloriousbodyfitsThanhisthatshakesforageandfeebleness: WhatshouldIdonthisrobe,andtroubleyou? Bechosenwithproclamationsto-day,To-morrowyielduprule,resignmylife,Andsetabroadnewbusinessforyouall? Rome,Ihavebeenthysoldierfortyyears,Andledmycountry’sstrengthsuccessfully,Andburiedoneandtwentyvaliantsons,Knightedinfield,slainmanfullyinarms,InrightandserviceoftheirnoblecountryGivemeastaffofhonourformineage,Butnotasceptretocontroltheworld: Uprightheheldit,lords,thathelditlast。MARCUSANDRONICUSTitus,thoushaltobtainandasktheempery。SATURNINUSProudandambitioustribune,canstthoutell?TITUSANDRONICUSPatience,PrinceSaturninus。SATURNINUSRomans,domeright: Patricians,drawyourswords:andsheathethemnotTillSaturninusbeRome’semperor。 Andronicus,wouldthouwertshipp’dtohell,Ratherthanrobmeofthepeople’shearts!LUCIUSProudSaturnine,interrupterofthegoodThatnoble-mindedTitusmeanstothee!TITUSANDRONICUSContentthee,prince;IwillrestoretotheeThepeople’shearts,andweanthemfromthemselves。BASSIANUSAndronicus,Idonotflatterthee,Buthonourthee,andwilldotillIdie: Myfactionifthoustrengthenwiththyfriends,Iwillmostthankfulbe;andthankstomenOfnoblemindsishonourablemeed。TITUSANDRONICUSPeopleofRome,andpeople’stribuneshere,Iaskyourvoicesandyoursuffrages: WillyoubestowthemfriendlyonAndronicus?TribunesTogratifythegoodAndronicus,AndgratulatehissafereturntoRome,Thepeoplewillacceptwhomheadmits。TITUSANDRONICUSTribunes,Ithankyou:andthissuitImake,Thatyoucreateyouremperor’seldestson,LordSaturnine;whosevirtueswill,Ihope,ReflectonRomeasTitan’sraysonearth,Andripenjusticeinthiscommonweal: Then,ifyouwillelectbymyadvice,Crownhimandsay’Longliveouremperor!’MARCUSANDRONICUSWithvoicesandapplauseofeverysort,Patriciansandplebeians,wecreateLordSaturninusRome’sgreatemperor,Andsay’LongliveourEmperorSaturnine!’ AlongflourishtilltheycomedownSATURNINUSTitusAndronicus,forthyfavorsdoneTousinourelectionthisday,Igivetheethanksinpartofthydeserts,Andwillwithdeedsrequitethygentleness: And,foranonset,Titus,toadvanceThynameandhonourablefamily,LaviniawillImakemyempress,Rome’sroyalmistress,mistressofmyheart,AndinthesacredPantheonherespouse: Tellme,Andronicus,doththismotionpleasethee?TITUSANDRONICUSItdoth,myworthylord;andinthismatchIholdmehighlyhonour’dofyourgrace: AndhereinsightofRometoSaturnine,Kingandcommanderofourcommonweal,Thewideworld’semperor,doIconsecrateMysword,mychariotandmyprisoners; PresentswellworthyRome’simperiallord: Receivethemthen,thetributethatIowe,Minehonour’sensignshumbledatthyfeet。SATURNINUSThanks,nobleTitus,fatherofmylife! HowproudIamoftheeandofthygiftsRomeshallrecord,andwhenIdoforgetTheleastoftheseunspeakabledeserts,Romans,forgetyourfealtytome。TITUSANDRONICUS[ToTAMORA]Now,madam,areyouprisonertoanemperor; Tohimthat,foryourhonourandyourstate,Willuseyounoblyandyourfollowers。SATURNINUSAgoodlylady,trustme;ofthehueThatIwouldchoose,wereItochooseanew。 Clearup,fairqueen,thatcloudycountenance: Thoughchanceofwarhathwroughtthischangeofcheer,ThoucomestnottobemadeascorninRome: Princelyshallbethyusageeveryway。 Restonmyword,andletnotdiscontentDauntallyourhopes:madam,hecomfortsyouCanmakeyougreaterthantheQueenofGoths。 Lavinia,youarenotdispleasedwiththis?LAVINIANotI,mylord;sithtruenobilityWarrantsthesewordsinprincelycourtesy。SATURNINUSThanks,sweetLavinia。Romans,letusgo; Ransomlessherewesetourprisonersfree: Proclaimourhonours,lords,withtrumpanddrum。 Flourish。SATURNINUScourtsTAMORAindumbshowBASSIANUSLordTitus,byyourleave,thismaidismine。 SeizingLAVINIATITUSANDRONICUSHow,sir!areyouinearnestthen,mylord?BASSIANUSAy,nobleTitus;andresolvedwithalTodomyselfthisreasonandthisright。MARCUSANDRONICUS’Suumcuique’isourRomanjustice: Thisprinceinjusticeseizethbuthisown。LUCIUSAndthathewill,andshall,ifLuciuslive。TITUSANDRONICUSTraitors,avaunt!Whereistheemperor’sguard? Treason,mylord!Laviniaissurprised!SATURNINUSSurprised!bywhom?BASSIANUSByhimthatjustlymayBearhisbetroth’dfromalltheworldaway。 ExeuntBASSIANUSandMARCUSwithLAVINIAMUTIUSBrothers,helptoconveyherhenceaway,AndwithmyswordI’llkeepthisdoorsafe。 ExeuntLUCIUS,QUINTUS,andMARTIUSTITUSANDRONICUSFollow,mylord,andI’llsoonbringherback。MUTIUSMylord,youpassnothere。TITUSANDRONICUSWhat,villainboy! Barr’stmemywayinRome? StabbingMUTIUSMUTIUSHelp,Lucius,help! DiesDuringthefray,SATURNINUS,TAMORA,DEMETRIUS,CHIRONandAARON gooutandre-enter,aboveRe-enterLUCIUSLUCIUSMylord,youareunjust,and,morethanso,Inwrongfulquarrelyouhaveslainyourson。TITUSANDRONICUSNorthou,norhe,areanysonsofmine; Mysonswouldneversodishonourme: Traitor,restoreLaviniatotheemperor。LUCIUSDead,ifyouwill;butnottobehiswife,Thatisanother’slawfulpromisedlove。 ExitSATURNINUSNo,Titus,no;theemperorneedshernot,Norher,northee,noranyofthystock: I’lltrust,byleisure,himthatmocksmeonce; Theenever,northytraitoroushaughtysons,Confederatesallthustodishonourme。 WastherenoneelseinRometomakeastale,ButSaturnine?Fullwell,Andronicus,Agreethesedeedswiththatproudbragofthine,Thatsaid’stIbegg’dtheempireatthyhands。TITUSANDRONICUSOmonstrous!whatreproachfulwordsarethese?SATURNINUSButgothyways;go,givethatchangingpieceTohimthatflourish’dforherwithhisswordAvaliantson-in-lawthoushaltenjoy; Onefittobandywiththylawlesssons,ToruffleinthecommonwealthofRome。TITUSANDRONICUSThesewordsarerazorstomywoundedheart。SATURNINUSAndtherefore,lovelyTamora,queenofGoths,ThatlikethestatelyPhoebe’mongsthernymphsDostovershinethegallant’stdamesofRome,Ifthoubepleasedwiththismysuddenchoice,Behold,Ichoosethee,Tamora,formybride,AndwillcreatetheeempressofRome,Speak,QueenofGoths,dostthouapplaudmychoice? AndhereIswearbyalltheRomangods,SithpriestandholywateraresonearAndtapersburnsobrightandeverythingInreadinessforHymenaeusstand,Iwillnotre-salutethestreetsofRome,Orclimbmypalace,tillfromforththisplaceIleadespousedmybridealongwithme。TAMORAAndhere,insightofheaven,toRomeIswear,IfSaturnineadvancetheQueenofGoths,Shewillahandmaidbetohisdesires,Alovingnurse,amothertohisyouth。SATURNINUSAscend,fairqueen,Pantheon。Lords,accompanyYournobleemperorandhislovelybride,SentbytheheavensforPrinceSaturnine,Whosewisdomhathherfortuneconquered: Thereshallweconsummateourspousalrites。 ExeuntallbutTITUSTITUSANDRONICUSIamnotbidtowaituponthisbride。 Titus,whenwertthouwonttowalkalone,Dishonour’dthus,andchallengedofwrongs? Re-enterMARCUS,LUCIUS,QUINTUS,andMARTIUSMARCUSANDRONICUSOTitus,see,O,seewhatthouhastdone! Inabadquarrelslainavirtuousson。TITUSANDRONICUSNo,foolishtribune,no;nosonofmine,Northou,northese,confederatesinthedeedThathathdishonour’dallourfamily; Unworthybrother,andunworthysons!LUCIUSButletusgivehimburial,asbecomes; GiveMutiusburialwithourbrethren。TITUSANDRONICUSTraitors,away!herestsnotinthistomb: Thismonumentfivehundredyearshathstood,WhichIhavesumptuouslyre-edified: HerenonebutsoldiersandRome’sservitorsReposeinfame;nonebaselyslaininbrawls: Buryhimwhereyoucan;hecomesnothere。MARCUSANDRONICUSMylord,thisisimpietyinyou: MynephewMutius’deedsdopleadforhimHemustbeburiedwithhisbrethren。QUINTUSMARTIUSAndshall,orhimwewillaccompany。TITUSANDRONICUS’Andshall!’whatvillainwasitthatspakethatword?QUINTUSHethatwouldvouchitinanyplacebuthere。TITUSANDRONICUSWhat,wouldyouburyhiminmydespite?MARCUSANDRONICUSNo,nobleTitus,butentreatoftheeTopardonMutiusandtoburyhim。TITUSANDRONICUSMarcus,eventhouhaststruckuponmycrest,And,withtheseboys,minehonourthouhastwounded: MyfoesIdoreputeyoueveryone; So,troublemenomore,butgetyougone。MARTIUSHeisnotwithhimself;letuswithdraw。QUINTUSNotI,tillMutius’bonesbeburied。 MARCUSandtheSonsofTITUSkneelMARCUSANDRONICUSBrother,forinthatnamedothnatureplead,——QUINTUSFather,andinthatnamedothnaturespeak,——TITUSANDRONICUSSpeakthounomore,ifalltherestwillspeed。MARCUSANDRONICUSRenownedTitus,morethanhalfmysoul,——LUCIUSDearfather,soulandsubstanceofusall,——MARCUSANDRONICUSSufferthybrotherMarcustointerHisnoblenephewhereinvirtue’snest,ThatdiedinhonourandLavinia’scause。 ThouartaRoman;benotbarbarous: TheGreeksuponadvicedidburyAjaxThatslewhimself;andwiseLaertes’sonDidgraciouslypleadforhisfunerals: LetnotyoungMutius,then,thatwasthyjoyBebarr’dhisentrancehere。TITUSANDRONICUSRise,Marcus,rise。 Thedismall’stdayisthisthate’erIsaw,Tobedishonour’dbymysonsinRome! Well,buryhim,andburymethenext。 MUTIUSisputintothetombLUCIUSThereliethybones,sweetMutius,withthyfriends,Tillwewithtrophiesdoadornthytomb。All[Kneeling]NomanshedtearsfornobleMutius; Helivesinfamethatdiedinvirtue’scause。MARCUSANDRONICUSMylord,tostepoutofthesedrearydumps,HowcomesitthatthesubtleQueenofGothsIsofasuddenthusadvancedinRome?TITUSANDRONICUSIknownot,Marcus;butIknowitis,Whetherbydeviceorno,theheavenscantell: IsshenotthenbeholdingtothemanThatbroughtherforthishighgoodturnsofar? Yes,andwillnoblyhimremunerate。 Flourish。Re-enter,fromoneside,SATURNINUSattended,TAMORA,DEMETRIUS,CHIRONandAARON;fromtheother,BASSIANUS,LAVINIA,andothersSATURNINUSSo,Bassianus,youhaveplay’dyourprize: Godgiveyoujoy,sir,ofyourgallantbride!BASSIANUSAndyouofyours,mylord!Isaynomore,Norwishnoless;andso,Itakemyleave。SATURNINUSTraitor,ifRomehavelaworwehavepower,Thouandthyfactionshallrepentthisrape。BASSIANUSRape,callyouit,mylord,toseizemyown,Mytruth-betrothedloveandnowmywife? ButletthelawsofRomedetermineall; MeanwhileIampossess’dofthatismine。SATURNINUS’Tisgood,sir:youareveryshortwithus; But,ifwelive,we’llbeassharpwithyou。BASSIANUSMylord,whatIhavedone,asbestI may,AnswerImustandshalldowithmylife。 OnlythusmuchIgiveyourgracetoknow: ByallthedutiesthatIowetoRome,Thisnoblegentleman,LordTitushere,Isinopinionandinhonourwrong’d; ThatintherescueofLaviniaWithhisownhanddidslayhisyoungestson,InzealtoyouandhighlymovedtowrathTobecontroll’dinthathefranklygave: Receivehim,then,tofavor,Saturnine,Thathathexpress’dhimselfinallhisdeedsAfatherandafriendtotheeandRome。TITUSANDRONICUSPrinceBassianus,leavetopleadmydeeds: ’Tisthouandthosethathavedishonour’dme。 Romeandtherighteousheavensbemyjudge,HowIhavelovedandhonour’dSaturnine!TAMORAMyworthylord,ifeverTamoraWeregraciousinthoseprincelyeyesofthine,Thenhearmespeakinindifferentlyforall; Andatmysuit,sweet,pardonwhatispast。SATURNINUSWhat,madam!bedishonour’dopenly,Andbaselyputitupwithoutrevenge?TAMORANotso,mylord;thegodsofRomeforfendIshouldbeauthortodishonouryou! ButonminehonourdareIundertakeForgoodLordTitus’innocenceinall; Whosefurynotdissembledspeakshisgriefs: Then,atmysuit,lookgraciouslyonhim; Losenotsonobleafriendonvainsuppose,Norwithsourlooksafflicthisgentleheart。 AsidetoSATURNINUS bewonatlast; Dissembleallyourgriefsanddiscontents: Youarebutnewlyplantedinyourthrone; Lest,then,thepeople,andpatricianstoo,Uponajustsurvey,takeTitus’part,Andsosupplantyouforingratitude,WhichRomereputestobeaheinoussin,Yieldatentreats;andthenletmealone: I’llfindadaytomassacrethemallAndrazetheirfactionandtheirfamily,Thecruelfatherandhistraitoroussons,TowhomIsuedformydearson’slife,Andmakethemknowwhat’tistoletaqueenKneelinthestreetsandbegforgraceinvain。 AloudCome,come,sweetemperor;come,Andronicus; Takeupthisgoodoldman,andcheertheheartThatdiesintempestofthyangryfrown。SATURNINUSRise,Titus,rise;myempresshathprevail’d。TITUSANDRONICUSIthankyourmajesty,andher,mylord: Thesewords,theselooks,infusenewlifeinme。TAMORATitus,IamincorporateinRome,ARomannowadoptedhappily,Andmustadvisetheemperorforhisgood。 Thisdayallquarrelsdie,Andronicus; Andletitbeminehonour,goodmylord,ThatIhavereconciledyourfriendsandyou。 Foryou,PrinceBassianus,Ihavepass’dMywordandpromisetotheemperor,Thatyouwillbemoremildandtractable。 Andfearnotlords,andyou,Lavinia; Bymyadvice,allhumbledonyourknees,Youshallaskpardonofhismajesty。LUCIUSWedo,andvowtoheavenandtohishighness,Thatwhatwedidwasmildlyaswemight,Tenderingoursister’shonourandourown。MARCUSANDRONICUSThat,onminehonour,hereIdoprotest。SATURNINUSAway,andtalknot;troubleusnomore。TAMORANay,nay,sweetemperor,wemustallbefriends: Thetribuneandhisnephewskneelforgrace; Iwillnotbedenied:sweetheart,lookback。SATURNINUSMarcus,forthysakeandthybrother’shere,AndatmylovelyTamora’sentreats,Idoremittheseyoungmen’sheinousfaults: Standup。 Lavinia,thoughyouleftmelikeachurl,Ifoundafriend,andsureasdeathIsworeIwouldnotpartabachelorfromthepriest。 Come,iftheemperor’scourtcanfeasttwobrides,Youaremyguest,Lavinia,andyourfriends。 Thisdayshallbealove-day,Tamora。TITUSANDRONICUSTo-morrow,anitpleaseyourmajestyTohuntthepantherandthehartwithme,Withhornandhoundwe’llgiveyourgracebonjour。SATURNINUSBeitso,Titus,andgramercytoo。 Flourish。ExeuntACTIISCENEI。Rome。BeforethePalace。EnterAARONAARONNowclimbethTamoraOlympus’top,Safeoutoffortune’sshot;andsitsaloft,Secureofthunder’scrackorlightningflash; Advancedabovepaleenvy’sthreateningreach。 Aswhenthegoldensunsalutesthemorn,And,havinggilttheoceanwithhisbeams,Gallopsthezodiacinhisglisteringcoach,Andoverlooksthehighest-peeringhills; SoTamora: Uponherwitdothearthlyhonourwait,Andvirtuestoopsandtremblesatherfrown。 Then,Aaron,armthyheart,andfitthythoughts,Tomountaloftwiththyimperialmistress,Andmountherpitch,whomthouintriumphlongHastprisonerheld,fetter’dinamorouschainsAndfasterboundtoAaron’scharmingeyesThanisPrometheustiedtoCaucasus。 Awaywithslavishweedsandservilethoughts! Iwillbebright,andshineinpearlandgold,Towaituponthisnew-madeempress。 Towait,saidI?towantonwiththisqueen,Thisgoddess,thisSemiramis,thisnymph,Thissiren,thatwillcharmRome’sSaturnine,Andseehisshipwreckandhiscommonweal’s。 Holloa!whatstormisthis? EnterDEMETRIUSandCHIRON,bravingDEMETRIUSChiron,thyyearswantwit,thywitwantsedge,Andmanners,tointrudewhereIamgraced; Andmay,foraughtthouknow’st,affectedbe。CHIRONDemetrius,thoudostover-weeninall; Andsointhis,tobearmedownwithbraves。 ’TisnotthedifferenceofayearortwoMakesmelessgraciousortheemorefortunate: IamasableandasfitasthouToserve,andtodeservemymistress’grace; Andthatmyswordupontheeshallapprove,AndpleadmypassionsforLavinia’slove。AARON[Aside]Clubs,clubs!theseloverswillnotkeepthepeace。DEMETRIUSWhy,boy,althoughourmother,unadvised,Gaveyouadancing-rapierbyyourside,Areyousodesperategrown,tothreatyourfriends? Goto;haveyourlathgluedwithinyoursheathTillyouknowbetterhowtohandleit。CHIRONMeanwhile,sir,withthelittleskillIhave,FullwellshaltthouperceivehowmuchIdare。DEMETRIUSAy,boy,growyesobrave? TheydrawAARON[Comingforward]Why,hownow,lords! Soneartheemperor’spalacedareyoudraw,Andmaintainsuchaquarrelopenly? FullwellIwotthegroundofallthisgrudge: IwouldnotforamillionofgoldThecausewereknowntothemitmostconcerns; NorwouldyournoblemotherformuchmoreBesodishonour’dinthecourtofRome。 Forshame,putup。DEMETRIUSNotI,tillIhavesheathedMyrapierinhisbosomandwithalThrustthesereproachfulspeechesdownhisthroatThathehathbreathedinmydishonourhere。CHIRONForthatIampreparedandfullresolved。 Foul-spokencoward,thatthunder’stwiththytongue,Andwiththyweaponnothingdarestperform!AARONAway,Isay! Now,bythegodsthatwarlikeGothsadore,Thispettybrabblewillundousall。 Why,lords,andthinkyounothowdangerousItistojetuponaprince’sright? What,isLaviniathenbecomesoloose,OrBassianussodegenerate,Thatforherlovesuchquarrelsmaybebroach’dWithoutcontrolment,justice,orrevenge? Younglords,beware!andshouldtheempressknowThisdiscord’sground,themusicwouldnotplease。CHIRONIcarenot,I,knewsheandalltheworld: IloveLaviniamorethanalltheworld。DEMETRIUSYoungling,learnthoutomakesomemeanerchoice: Laviniaisthineelderbrother’shope。AARONWhy,areyemad?orknowyenot,inRomeHowfuriousandimpatienttheybe,Andcannotbrookcompetitorsinlove? Itellyou,lords,youdobutplotyourdeathsBythisdevice。CHIRONAaron,athousanddeathsWouldIproposetoachieveherwhomIlove。AARONToachieveher!how?DEMETRIUSWhymakestthouitsostrange? Sheisawoman,thereforemaybewoo’d; Sheisawoman,thereforemaybewon; SheisLavinia,thereforemustbeloved。 What,man!morewaterglidethbythemillThanwotsthemillerof;andeasyitisOfacutloaftostealashive,weknow: ThoughBassianusbetheemperor’sbrother。 BetterthanhehavewornVulcan’sbadge。AARON[Aside]Ay,andasgoodasSaturninusmay。DEMETRIUSThenwhyshouldhedespairthatknowstocourtitWithwords,fairlooksandliberality? What,hastnotthoufulloftenstruckadoe,Andbornehercleanlybythekeeper’snose?AARONWhy,then,itseems,somecertainsnatchorsoWouldserveyourturns。CHIRONAy,sotheturnwereserved。DEMETRIUSAaron,thouhasthitit。AARONWouldyouhadhitittoo! Thenshouldnotwebetiredwiththisado。 Why,harkye,harkye!andareyousuchfoolsTosquareforthis?woulditoffendyou,thenThatbothshouldspeed?CHIRONFaith,notme。DEMETRIUSNorme,soIwereone。AARONForshame,befriends,andjoinforthatyoujar: ’TispolicyandstratagemmustdoThatyouaffect;andsomustyouresolve,Thatwhatyoucannotasyouwouldachieve,Youmustperforceaccomplishasyoumay。 Takethisofme:LucrecewasnotmorechasteThanthisLavinia,Bassianus’love。 AspeediercoursethanlingeringlanguishmentMustwepursue,andIhavefoundthepath。 Mylords,asolemnhuntingisinhand; TherewillthelovelyRomanladiestroop: Theforestwalksarewideandspacious; AndmanyunfrequentedplotsthereareFittedbykindforrapeandvillany: Singleyouthitherthenthisdaintydoe,Andstrikeherhomebyforce,ifnotbywords: Thisway,ornotatall,standyouinhope。 Come,come,ourempress,withhersacredwitTovillanyandvengeanceconsecrate,Willweacquaintwithallthatweintend; Andsheshallfileourengineswithadvice,Thatwillnotsufferyoutosquareyourselves,Buttoyourwishes’heightadvanceyouboth。 Theemperor’scourtislikethehouseofFame,Thepalacefulloftongues,ofeyes,andears: Thewoodsareruthless,dreadful,deaf,anddull; Therespeak,andstrike,braveboys,andtakeyourturns; Thereserveyourlusts,shadow’dfromheaven’seye,AndrevelinLavinia’streasury。CHIRONThycounsel,lad,smellsofnocowardice,DEMETRIUSSitfasautnefas,tillIfindthestreamTocoolthisheat,acharmtocalmthesefits。 PerStyga,permanesvehor。 ExeuntSCENEII。AforestnearRome。Hornsandcryofhoundsheard。EnterTITUSANDRONICUS,withHunters,&;c。,MARCUS,LUCIUS,QUINTUS,andMARTIUSTITUSANDRONICUSThehuntisup,themornisbrightandgrey,Thefieldsarefragrantandthewoodsaregreen: UncouplehereandletusmakeabayAndwaketheemperorandhislovelybrideAndrousetheprinceandringahunter’speal,Thatallthecourtmayechowiththenoise。 Sons,letitbeyourcharge,asitisours,Toattendtheemperor’spersoncarefully: Ihavebeentroubledinmysleepthisnight,Butdawningdaynewcomforthathinspired。 Acryofhoundsandhorns,windedinapeal。EnterSATURNINUS,TAMORA,BASSIANUS,LAVINIA,DEMETRIUS,CHIRON,andAttendantsManygoodmorrowstoyourmajesty; Madam,toyouasmanyandasgood: Ipromisedyourgraceahunter’speal。SATURNINUSAndyouhaverungitlustily,mylord; Somewhattooearlyfornew-marriedladies。BASSIANUSLavinia,howsayyou?LAVINIAIsay,no; Ihavebeenbroadawaketwohoursandmore。SATURNINUSComeon,then;horseandchariotsletushave,Andtooursport。 ToTAMORA Madam,nowshallyeseeOurRomanhunting。MARCUSANDRONICUSIhavedogs,mylord,Willrousetheproudestpantherinthechase,Andclimbthehighestpromontorytop。TITUSANDRONICUSAndIhavehorsewillfollowwherethegameMakesway,andrunlikeswallowso’ertheplain。DEMETRIUSChiron,wehuntnot,we,withhorsenorhound,Buthopetopluckadaintydoetoground。 ExeuntSCENEIII。Alonelypartoftheforest。EnterAARON,withabagofgoldAARONHethathadwitwouldthinkthatIhadnone,Toburysomuchgoldunderatree,Andneveraftertoinheritit。 LethimthatthinksofmesoabjectlyKnowthatthisgoldmustcoinastratagem,Which,cunninglyeffected,willbegetAveryexcellentpieceofvillany: Andsorepose,sweetgold,fortheirunrestHidesthegoldThathavetheiralmsoutoftheempress’chest。 EnterTAMORATAMORAMylovelyAaron,whereforelook’stthousad,Wheneverythingdothmakeagleefulboast? Thebirdschantmelodyoneverybush,Thesnakeliesrolledinthecheerfulsun,ThegreenleavesquiverwiththecoolingwindAndmakeachequer’dshadowontheground: Undertheirsweetshade,Aaron,letussit,And,whilstthebabblingechomocksthehounds,Replyingshrillytothewell-tunedhorns,Asifadoublehuntwereheardatonce,Letussitdownandmarktheiryelpingnoise; And,afterconflictsuchaswassupposedThewanderingprinceandDidoonceenjoy’d,WhenwithahappystormtheyweresurprisedAndcurtain’dwithacounsel-keepingcave,Wemay,eachwreathedintheother’sarms,Ourpastimesdone,possessagoldenslumber; WhileshoundsandhornsandsweetmelodiousbirdsBeuntousasisanurse’ssongOflullabytobringherbabeasleep。AARONMadam,thoughVenusgovernyourdesires,Saturnisdominatorovermine: Whatsignifiesmydeadly-standingeye,Mysilenceandmycloudymelancholy,MyfleeceofwoollyhairthatnowuncurlsEvenasanadderwhenshedothunrollTodosomefatalexecution? No,madam,thesearenovenerealsigns: Vengeanceisinmyheart,deathinmyhand,Bloodandrevengearehammeringinmyhead。 HarkTamora,theempressofmysoul,Whichneverhopesmoreheaventhanrestsinthee,ThisisthedayofdoomforBassianus: HisPhilomelmustlosehertongueto-day,ThysonsmakepillageofherchastityAndwashtheirhandsinBassianus’blood。 Seestthouthisletter?takeitup,Ipraythee,Andgivethekingthisfatalplottedscroll。 Nowquestionmenomore;weareespied; Herecomesaparcelofourhopefulbooty,Whichdreadsnotyettheirlives’destruction。TAMORAAh,mysweetMoor,sweetertomethanlife!AARONNomore,greatempress;Bassianuscomes: Becrosswithhim;andI’llgofetchthysonsTobackthyquarrels,whatsoe’ertheybe。 ExitEnterBASSIANUSandLAVINIABASSIANUSWhohavewehere?Rome’sroyalempress,Unfurnish’dofherwell-beseemingtroop? OrisitDian,habitedlikeher,WhohathabandonedherholygrovesToseethegeneralhuntinginthisforest?TAMORASaucycontrollerofourprivatesteps! HadIthepowerthatsomesayDianhad,ThytemplesshouldbeplantedpresentlyWithhorns,aswasActaeon’s;andthehoundsShoulddriveuponthynew-transformedlimbs,Unmannerlyintruderasthouart!LAVINIAUnderyourpatience,gentleempress,’Tisthoughtyouhaveagoodlygiftinhorning; AndtobedoubtedthatyourMoorandyouAresingledforthtotryexperiments: Joveshieldyourhusbandfromhishoundsto-day! ’Tispitytheyshouldtakehimforastag。BASSIANUSBelieveme,queen,yourswarthCimmerianDothmakeyourhonourofhisbody’shue,Spotted,detested,andabominable。 Whyareyousequester’dfromallyourtrain,Dismountedfromyoursnow-whitegoodlysteed。 Andwander’dhithertoanobscureplot,AccompaniedbutwithabarbarousMoor,Iffouldesirehadnotconductedyou?LAVINIAAnd,beinginterceptedinyoursport,GreatreasonthatmynoblelordberatedForsauciness。Iprayyou,letushence,Andletherjoyherraven-colour’dlove; Thisvalleyfitsthepurposepassingwell。BASSIANUSThekingmybrothershallhavenoteofthis。LAVINIAAy,fortheseslipshavemadehimnotedlong: Goodking,tobesomightilyabused!TAMORAWhyhaveIpatiencetoendureallthis? EnterDEMETRIUSandCHIRONDEMETRIUSHownow,dearsovereign,andourgraciousmother! Whydothyourhighnesslooksopaleandwan?TAMORAHaveInotreason,thinkyou,tolookpale? Thesetwohave’ticedmehithertothisplace: Abarrendetestedvale,youseeitis; Thetrees,thoughsummer,yetforlornandlean,O’ercomewithmossandbalefulmistletoe: Herenevershinesthesun;herenothingbreeds,Unlessthenightlyowlorfatalraven: Andwhentheyshow’dmethisabhorredpit,Theytoldme,here,atdeadtimeofthenight,Athousandfiends,athousandhissingsnakes,Tenthousandswellingtoads,asmanyurchins,WouldmakesuchfearfulandconfusedcriesAsanymortalbodyhearingitShouldstraightfallmad,orelsediesuddenly。 Nosoonerhadtheytoldthishellishtale,ButstraighttheytoldmetheywouldbindmehereUntothebodyofadismalyew,Andleavemetothismiserabledeath: Andthentheycall’dmefouladulteress,LasciviousGoth,andallthebitteresttermsThatevereardidheartosucheffect: And,hadyounotbywondrousfortunecome,Thisvengeanceonmehadtheyexecuted。 Revengeit,asyouloveyourmother’slife,Orbeyenothenceforthcall’dmychildren。DEMETRIUSThisisawitnessthatIamthyson。 StabsBASSIANUSCHIRONAndthisforme,struckhometoshowmystrength。 AlsostabsBASSIANUS,whodiesLAVINIAAy,come,Semiramis,nay,barbarousTamora,Fornonamefitsthynaturebutthyown!TAMORAGivemethyponiard;youshallknow,myboysYourmother’shandshallrightyourmother’swrong。DEMETRIUSStay,madam;hereismorebelongstoher; Firstthrashthecorn,thenafterburnthestraw: Thisminionstooduponherchastity,Uponhernuptialvow,herloyalty,Andwiththatpaintedhopebravesyourmightiness: Andshallshecarrythisuntohergrave?CHIRONAnifshedo,IwouldIwereaneunuch。 Draghenceherhusbandtosomesecrethole,Andmakehisdeadtrunkpillowtoourlust。TAMORAButwhenyehavethehoneyyedesire,Letnotthiswaspoutlive,usbothtosting。CHIRONIwarrantyou,madam,wewillmakethatsure。 Come,mistress,nowperforcewewillenjoyThatnice-preservedhonestyofyours。LAVINIAOTamora!thoubear’stawoman’sface,——TAMORAIwillnothearherspeak;awaywithher!LAVINIASweetlords,entreatherhearmebutaword。DEMETRIUSListen,fairmadam:letitbeyourgloryToseehertears;butbeyourhearttothemAsunrelentingflinttodropsofrain。LAVINIAWhendidthetiger’syoungonesteachthedam? O,donotlearnherwrath;shetaughtitthee; Themilkthousuck’dstfromherdidturntomarble; Evenatthyteatthouhadstthytyranny。 Yeteverymotherbreedsnotsonsalike: ToCHIRON Dothouentreathershowawomanpity。CHIRONWhat,wouldstthouhavemeprovemyselfabastard?LAVINIA’Tistrue;theravendothnothatchalark: YethaveIheard,——O,couldIfinditnow!—— ThelionmovedwithpitydidendureTohavehisprincelypawsparedallaway: Somesaythatravensfosterforlornchildren,Thewhilsttheirownbirdsfamishintheirnests: O,betome,thoughthyhardheartsayno,Nothingsokind,butsomethingpitiful!TAMORAIknownotwhatitmeans;awaywithher!LAVINIAO,letmeteachthee!formyfather’ssake,Thatgavetheelife,whenwellhemighthaveslainthee,Benotobdurate,openthydeafears。TAMORAHadstthouinpersonne’eroffendedme,EvenforhissakeamIpitiless。 Remember,boys,Ipour’dforthtearsinvain,Tosaveyourbrotherfromthesacrifice; ButfierceAndronicuswouldnotrelent; Therefore,awaywithher,anduseherasyouwill,Theworsetoher,thebetterlovedofme。LAVINIAOTamora,becall’dagentlequeen,Andwiththineownhandskillmeinthisplace! For’tisnotlifethatIhavebegg’dsolong; PoorIwasslainwhenBassianusdied。TAMORAWhatbegg’stthou,then?fondwoman,letmego。LAVINIA’TispresentdeathIbeg;andonethingmoreThatwomanhooddeniesmytonguetotell: O,keepmefromtheirworsethankillinglust,Andtumblemeintosomeloathsomepit,Whereneverman’seyemaybeholdmybody: Dothis,andbeacharitablemurderer。TAMORASoshouldIrobmysweetsonsoftheirfee: No,letthemsatisfytheirlustonthee。DEMETRIUSAway!forthouhaststay’dusheretoolong。LAVINIANograce?nowomanhood?Ah,beastlycreature! Theblotandenemytoourgeneralname! Confusionfall——CHIRONNay,thenI’llstopyourmouth。Bringthouherhusband: ThisistheholewhereAaronbidushidehim。 DEMETRIUSthrowsthebodyofBASSIANUSintothepit;thenexeuntDEMETRIUSandCHIRON,draggingoffLAVINIATAMORAFarewell,mysons:seethatyoumakehersure。 Ne’erletmyheartknowmerrycheerindeed,TillalltheAndronicibemadeaway。 NowwillIhencetoseekmylovelyMoor,Andletmyspleenfulsonsthistrulldeflow’r。 ExitRe-enterAARON,withQUINTUSandMARTIUSAARONComeon,mylords,thebetterfootbefore: StraightwillIbringyoutotheloathsomepitWhereIespiedthepantherfastasleep。QUINTUSMysightisverydull,whate’eritbodes。MARTIUSAndmine,Ipromiseyou;were’tnotforshame,WellcouldIleaveoursporttosleepawhile。 FallsintothepitQUINTUSWhatartthoufall’n?Whatsubtleholeisthis,Whosemouthiscover’dwithrude-growingbriers,Uponwhoseleavesaredropsofnew-shedbloodAsfreshasmorningdewdistill’donflowers? Averyfatalplaceitseemstome。 Speak,brother,hastthouhurttheewiththefall?MARTIUSObrother,withthedismall’stobjecthurtThatevereyewithsightmadeheartlament!AARON[Aside]NowwillIfetchthekingtofindthemhere,ThathetherebymaygivealikelyguessHowtheseweretheythatmadeawayhisbrother。 ExitMARTIUSWhydostnotcomfortme,andhelpmeoutFromthisunhallowedandblood-stainedhole?QUINTUSIamsurprisedwithanuncouthfear; Achillingsweato’er-runsmytremblingjoints: Myheartsuspectsmorethanmineeyecansee。MARTIUSToprovethouhastatrue-diviningheart,Aaronandthoulookdownintothisden,Andseeafearfulsightofbloodanddeath。QUINTUSAaronisgone;andmycompassionateheartWillnotpermitmineeyesoncetobeholdThethingwhereatittremblesbysurmise; O,tellmehowitis;forne’ertillnowWasIachildtofearIknownotwhat。MARTIUSLordBassianusliesembrewedhere,Allonaheap,liketoaslaughter’dlamb,Inthisdetested,dark,blood-drinkingpit。QUINTUSIfitbedark,howdostthouknow’tishe?MARTIUSUponhisbloodyfingerhedothwearApreciousring,thatlightensallthehole,Which,likeataperinsomemonument,Dothshineuponthedeadman’searthycheeks,Andshowstheraggedentrailsofthepit: SopaledidshinethemoononPyramusWhenhebynightlaybathedinmaidenblood。 Obrother,helpmewiththyfaintinghand—— Iffearhathmadetheefaint,asmeithath—— Outofthisfelldevouringreceptacle,AshatefulasCocytus’mistymouth。QUINTUSReachmethyhand,thatImayhelptheeout; Or,wantingstrengthtodotheesomuchgood,Imaybepluck’dintotheswallowingwombOfthisdeeppit,poorBassianus’grave。 Ihavenostrengthtoplucktheetothebrink。MARTIUSNorInostrengthtoclimbwithoutthyhelp。QUINTUSThyhandoncemore;Iwillnotlooseagain,Tillthouartherealoft,orIbelow: Thoucanstnotcometome:Icometothee。