Saturninus speaks in outrage and entitlement — every speech is about what he is owed. He escalates instantly and forgives only when politically forced. Watch for how his gratitude always has a shelf life measured in minutes.
Noble patricians, patrons of my right,
Defend the justice of my cause with arms;
And, countrymen, my loving followers,
Plead my successive title with your swords.
I am his firstborn son that was the last
That wore the imperial diadem of Rome;
Then let my father’s honours live in me,
Nor wrong mine age with this indignity.
Noble patricians, patrons of my right,.
Defend the justice of my cause with arms;.
And, countrymen, my loving followers,.
Plead my successive title with your swords.
I am his firstborn son that was the last.
That wore the imperial diadem of Rome;.
Then let my father’s honours live in me,.
Nor wrong mine age with this indignity.
noble patricians, patrons of my right,.
defend the justice of my cause with arms;.
and, countrymen, my loving followers,.
plead my successive title with your swords.
i am his firstborn son that was the last.
that wore the imperial diadem of rome;.
you're shaming me
rome comes first
Bassianus speaks the language of rights and merit rather than rank — he is the play's brief voice of liberal Rome, arguing that virtue should win elections. He will be dead before Act Three.
Romans, friends, followers, favourers of my right,
If ever Bassianus, Caesar’s son,
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,
To justice, continence, and nobility;
But let desert in pure election shine,
And, Romans, fight for freedom in your choice.
Romans, friends, followers, favourers of my right,.
If ever Bassianus, Caesar’s son,.
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,.
To justice, continence, and nobility;.
But let desert in pure election shine,.
romans, friends, followers, favourers of my right,.
if ever bassianus, caesar’s son,.
wbefore 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,.
rome comes first
Marcus is the play's reasonable man: measured, rhetorical, always appealing to precedent and principle. He is usually right and usually ignored. Watch for how he frames every crisis as a question of Roman law or classical example.
Princes, that strive by factions and by friends
Ambitiously for rule and empery,
Know that the people of Rome, for whom we stand
A special party, have by common voice,
In election for the Roman empery,
Chosen Andronicus, surnamed Pius
For many good and great deserts to Rome.
A nobler man, a braver warrior,
Lives not this day within the city walls.
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, trained up in arms.
Ten years are spent since first he undertook
This cause of Rome, and chastised with arms
Our enemies’ pride. Five times he hath returned
Bleeding to Rome, bearing his valiant sons
In coffins from the field.
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,
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.
Princes, that strive by factions and by friends.
Ambitiously for rule and empery,.
Know that the people of Rome, for whom we stand.
A special party, have by common voice,.
In election for the Roman empery,.
Chosen Andronicus, surnamed Pius.
For many good and great deserts to Rome.
A nobler man, a braver warrior,.
princes, that strive by factions and by friends.
ambitiously for rule and empery,.
know that the people of rome, for whom we stand.
a special party, have by common voice,.
in election for the roman empery,.
chosen andronicus, surnamed pius.
rome comes first
How fair the tribune speaks to calm my thoughts!
How fair the tribune speaks to calm my thoughts!
how fair the tribune speaks to calm my youghts!
how fair the tribune speaks to calm my thoughts!
Marcus Andronicus, so I do affy
In thy uprightness and integrity,
And so I love and honour thee and thine,
Thy noble brother Titus and his sons,
And her to whom my thoughts are humbled all,
Gracious Lavinia, Rome’s rich ornament,
That I will here dismiss my loving friends,
And to my fortunes and the people’s favour
Commit my cause in balance to be weighed.
Marcus Andronicus, so I do affy.
In your uprightness and integrity,.
And so I love and honour you and yours,.
your noble brother Titus and his sons,.
And her to whom my thoughts are humbled all,.
Gracious Lavinia, Rome’s rich ornament,.
That I will here dismiss my loving friends,.
And to my fortunes and the people’s favour.
marcus andronicus, so i do affy.
in your uprightness and integrity,.
and so i love and honour you and yours,.
your noble brother titus and his sons,.
and her to whom my youghts are humbled all,.
gracious lavinia, rome’s rich ornament,.
rome comes first
she is everything to me
Friends, that have been thus forward in my right,
I thank you all and here dismiss you all,
And to the love and favour of my country
Commit myself, my person, and the cause.
Friends, that have been thus forward in my right,.
I thank you all and here dismiss you all,.
And to the love and favour of my country.
Commit myself, my person, and the cause.
friends, that have been thus forward in my right,.
i thank you all and hbefore dismiss you all,.
and to the love and favour of my country.
commit myself, my person, and the cause.
she is everything to me
Tribunes, and me, a poor competitor.
Tribunes, and me, a poor competitor.
tribunes, and me, a poor competitor.
tribunes
Romans, make way! The good Andronicus,
Patron of virtue, Rome’s best champion,
Successful in the battles that he fights,
With honour and with fortune is returned
From where he circumscribed with his sword
And brought to yoke the enemies of Rome.
Romans, make way! The good Andronicus,.
Patron of virtue, Rome’s best champion,.
Successful in the battles that he fights,.
With honour and with fortune is returned.
From where he circumscribed with his sword.
And brought to yoke the enemies of Rome.
romans, make way! the good andronicus,.
patron of virtue, rome’s best champion,.
successful in the battles that he fights,.
with honour and with fortune is returned.
from whbefore he circumscribed with his sword.
and brought to yoke the enemies of rome.
rome comes first
Titus speaks in the grammar of Roman duty — every sentence is a decree, an invocation, or a sacrifice. He has no register for negotiation or doubt, which means every crisis arrives as a shock he cannot process. Watch for how often he invokes Rome, honor, and his ancestors as substitutes for thinking.
Hail, Rome, victorious in thy mourning weeds!
Lo, as the bark that hath discharged her fraught
Returns with precious lading to the bay
From whence at first she weighed her anchorage,
Cometh Andronicus, bound with laurel boughs,
To resalute his country with his tears,
Tears of true joy for his return to Rome.
Thou great defender of this Capitol,
Stand gracious to the rites that we intend.
Romans, of five-and-twenty valiant sons,
Half of the number that King Priam had,
Behold the poor remains, alive and dead.
These that survive let Rome reward with love;
These that I bring unto their latest home,
With burial amongst their ancestors.
Here Goths have given me leave to sheathe my sword.
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.
Hail, Rome, victorious in your mourning weeds!
Lo, as the bark that has discharged her fraught.
Returns with precious lading to the bay.
From whence at first she weighed her anchorage,.
Cometh Andronicus, bound with laurel boughs,.
To resalute his country with his tears,.
Tears of true joy for his return to Rome.
you great defender of this Capitol,.
hail, rome, victorious in your mourning weeds!
lo, as the bark that has discharged her fraught.
returns with precious lading to the bay.
from whence at first she weighed her anchorage,.
cometh andronicus, bound with laurel boughs,.
to resalute his country with his tears,.
rome comes first
she is everything to me
Lucius is his father's soldier: direct, loyal, and capable of ruthlessness in the name of duty. His first act in the play is to demand a human sacrifice; his last will be to become emperor. Watch for how his arc mirrors Rome's — destruction first, then reluctant reconstruction.
Give us the proudest prisoner of the Goths,
That we may hew his limbs, and on a pile
_Ad manes fratrum_ sacrifice his flesh
Before this earthy prison of their bones,
That so the shadows be not unappeased,
Nor we disturbed with prodigies on earth.
Give us the proudest prisoner of the Goths,.
That we may hew his limbs, and on a pile.
_Ad manes fratrum_ sacrifice his flesh.
Before this earthy prison of their bones,.
That so the shadows be not unappeased,.
Nor we disturbed with prodigies on earth.
give us the proudest prisoner of the goths,.
that we may hew his limbs, and on a pile.
_ad manes fratrum_ sacrifice his flesh.
before this earyour prison of their bones,.
that so the shadows be not unappeased,.
nor we disturbed with prodigies on earth.
give us the proudest prisoner of the goths
I give him you, the noblest that survives,
The eldest son of this distressed queen.
I give him you, the noblest that survives,.
The eldest son of this distressed queen.
i give him you, the noblest that survives,.
the eldest son of this distressed queen.
i give him you
Tamora has two modes: supplication (beautifully sincere when her children are threatened) and calculation (the asides reveal a strategist operating three moves ahead). Watch for the shift between her public eloquence and her private cruelty — they are never far apart.
Stay, Roman brethren! Gracious conqueror,
Victorious Titus, rue the tears I shed,
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.
Sufficeth not that we are brought to Rome,
To beautify thy triumphs and return
Captive to thee and to thy Roman yoke;
But must my sons be slaughtered in the streets
For valiant doings in their country’s cause?
O, if to fight for king and commonweal
Were piety in thine, it is in these.
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.
Stay, Roman brethren! Gracious conqueror,.
Victorious Titus, rue the tears I shed,.
A mother’s tears in passion for her son.
And if your sons were ever dear to you,.
O, think my son to be as dear to me.
Sufficeth not that we are brought to Rome,.
To beautify your triumphs and return.
Captive to you and to your Roman yoke;.
stay, roman brethren! gracious conqueror,.
victorious titus, rue the tears i shed,.
a mother’s tears in passion for her son.
and if your sons wbefore ever dear to you,.
o, think my son to be as dear to me.
sufficeth not that we are brought to rome,.
rome comes first
Patient yourself, madam, and pardon me.
These are their brethren whom your Goths beheld
Alive and dead, and for their brethren slain
Religiously they ask a sacrifice.
To this your son is marked, and die he must,
T’ appease their groaning shadows that are gone.
Patient yourself, madam, and pardon me.
These are their brethren whom your Goths beheld.
Alive and dead, and for their brethren slain.
Religiously they ask a sacrifice.
To this your son is marked, and die he must,.
T’ appease their groaning shadows that are gone.
patient yourself, madam, and pardon me.
these are their brethren whom your goths beheld.
alive and dead, and for their brethren slain.
religiously they ask a sacrifice.
to this your son is marked, and die he must,.
t’ appease their groaning shadows that are gone.
patient yourself
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.
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.
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.
away with him
The ritual dismemberment of Alarbus is presented, on Titus's side, as a genuine religious obligation — the Roman practice of propitiating the shades of the dead with blood sacrifice. Shakespeare's audience would have known this as a feature of Roman religion as described by classical authors. But the play immediately complicates it: Tamora makes the best possible argument against it, invoking the universal bond between mother and child, and the parallel between her sons' courage and Titus's own. The sacrifice is legal, traditional, and religiously mandated — and also the most catastrophic choice in the play. This is Shakespeare's central question: can a system of duty produce monstrous outcomes while its practitioners remain genuinely virtuous? The answer the play gives is not comfortable. Titus is not a hypocrite. He is a man whose moral vocabulary has no room for mercy, and the absence kills him.
O cruel, irreligious piety!
O cruel, irreligious piety!
this is cruel, irreligious piety!
this is cruel
Chiron is the younger and more impulsive of Tamora's surviving sons — shorter speeches, quicker to violence, almost always following Demetrius's lead. Watch for how his nastiness is casual rather than strategic.
Was never Scythia half so barbarous!
Was never Scythia half so barbarous!
was never scythia half so barbarous!
was never scythia half so barbarous!
Demetrius has more words than Chiron and a longer rhetorical reach — he cites precedent, quotes mythology, and frames violence in the language of inevitability. He is bad in a more considered way than his brother.
Oppose not Scythia to ambitious Rome.
Alarbus goes to rest, and we survive
To tremble under Titus’ threat’ning look.
Then, madam, stand resolved, but hope withal
The self-same gods that armed the Queen of Troy
With opportunity of sharp revenge
Upon the Thracian tyrant in his tent
May favour Tamora, the queen of Goths,
(When Goths were Goths and Tamora was queen)
To quit the bloody wrongs upon her foes.
Oppose not Scythia to ambitious Rome.
Alarbus goes to rest, and we survive.
To tremble under Titus’ threat’ning look.
Then, madam, stand resolved, but hope withal.
The self-same gods that armed the Queen of Troy.
With opportunity of sharp revenge.
Upon the Thracian tyrant in his camp.
May favour Tamora, the queen of Goths,.
oppose not scythia to ambitious rome.
alarbus goes to rest, and we survive.
to tremble under titus’ threat’ning look.
then, madam, stand resolved, but hope withal.
the self-same gods that armed the queen of troy.
with opportunity of sharp revenge.
you're shaming me
rome comes first
i want revenge
See, lord and father, how we have performed
Our Roman rites. Alarbus’ limbs are lopped,
And entrails feed the sacrificing fire,
Whose smoke like incense doth perfume the sky.
Remaineth naught but to inter our brethren,
And with loud ’larums welcome them to Rome.
See, lord and father, how we have performed.
Our Roman rites. Alarbus’ limbs are lopped,.
And entrails feed the sacrificing fire,.
Whose smoke like incense does perfume the sky.
Remaineth naught but to inter our brethren,.
And with loud ’larums welcome them to Rome.
see, lord and father, how we have performed.
our roman rites. alarbus’ limbs are lopped,.
and entrails feed the sacrificing fire,.
whose smoke like incense does perfume the sky.
remaineth naught but to inter our brethren,.
and with loud ’larums welcome them to rome.
rome comes first
Let it be so; and let Andronicus
Make this his latest farewell to their souls.
Let it be so; and let Andronicus.
Make this his latest farewell to their souls.
let it be so; and let andronicus.
make this his latest farewell to their souls.
let it be so; and let andronicus make this his latest farewe
In this first scene Lavinia is gracious, obedient, and utterly without agency — her role is to be transferred between men. Watch for the gap between her decorousness here and the terrible eloquence she will find later when language itself is taken from her.
In peace and honour live Lord Titus long;
My noble lord and father, live in fame.
Lo, at this tomb my tributary tears
I render for my brethren’s obsequies;
And at thy feet I kneel, with tears of joy
Shed on this earth for thy return to Rome.
O, bless me here with thy victorious hand,
Whose fortunes Rome’s best citizens applaud.
In peace and honour live Lord Titus long;.
My noble lord and father, live in fame.
Lo, at this tomb my tributary tears.
I render for my brethren’s obsequies;.
And at your feet I kneel, with tears of joy.
Shed on this earth for your return to Rome.
O, bless me here with your victorious hand,.
Whose fortunes Rome’s best citizens applaud.
in peace and honour live lord titus long;.
my noble lord and father, live in fame.
lo, at this tomb my tributary tears.
i render for my brethren’s obsequies;.
and at your feet i kneel, with tears of joy.
shed on this earth for your return to rome.
rome comes first
Kind Rome, that hast thus lovingly reserved
The cordial of mine age to glad my heart!
Lavinia, live; outlive thy father’s days,
And fame’s eternal date, for virtue’s praise.
Kind Rome, that have thus lovingly reserved.
The comfort of mine age to glad my heart!
Lavinia, live; outlive your father’s days,.
And fame’s eternal date, for virtue’s praise.
kind rome, that hast thus lovingly reserved.
the cordial of mine age to glad my heart!
lavinia, live; outlive your father’s days,.
and fame’s eternal date, for virtue’s praise.
rome comes first
she is everything to me
Long live Lord Titus, my beloved brother,
Gracious triumpher in the eyes of Rome.
Long live Lord Titus, my beloved brother,.
Gracious triumpher in the eyes of Rome.
long live lord titus, my beloved brother,.
gracious triumpher in the eyes of rome.
rome comes first
she is everything to me
Thanks, gentle tribune, noble brother Marcus.
Thanks, gentle tribune, noble brother Marcus.
thanks, gentle tribune, noble brother marcus.
thanks
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;
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,
Send thee by me, their tribune and their trust,
This palliament of white and spotless hue,
And name thee in election for the empire
With these our late-deceased emperor’s sons.
Be _candidatus_ then, and put it on,
And help to set a head on headless Rome.
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;.
But safer triumph is this funeral pomp.
That has aspired to Solon’s happiness.
And triumphs over chance in honour’s bed.
Titus Andronicus, the people of Rome,.
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;.
but safer triumph is this funeral pomp.
that has aspired to solon’s happiness.
someone help me
rome comes first
A better head her glorious body fits
Than his that shakes for age and feebleness.
What, should I don this robe and trouble you?
Be chosen with proclamations today,
Tomorrow yield up rule, resign my life,
And set abroad new business for you all?
Rome, I have been thy soldier forty years,
And led my country’s strength successfully,
And buried one and twenty valiant sons,
Knighted in field, slain manfully in arms,
In right and service of their noble country.
Give me a staff of honour for mine age,
But not a sceptre to control the world.
Upright he held it, lords, that held it last.
A better head her glorious body fits.
Than his that shakes for age and feebleness.
What, should I don this robe and trouble you?
Be chosen with proclamations today,.
Tomorrow yield up rule, resign my life,.
And set abroad new business for you all?
Rome, I have been your soldier forty years,.
And led my country’s strength successfully,.
a better head her glorious body fits.
than his that shakes for age and feebleness.
what, should i don this robe and trouble you?
be chosen with proclamations today,.
tomorrow yield up rule, resign my life,.
and set abroad new business for you all?
rome comes first
Titus, thou shalt obtain and ask the empery.
Titus, you shall obtain and ask the empery.
titus, you shalt obtain and ask the empery.
titus
Proud and ambitious tribune, canst thou tell?
Proud and ambitious tribune, canst you tell?
proud and ambitious tribune, canst you tell?
proud and ambitious tribune
Patience, Prince Saturninus.
Patience, Prince Saturninus.
patience, prince saturninus.
patience
Romans, do me right.
Patricians, draw your swords, and sheathe them not
Till Saturninus be Rome’s emperor.
Andronicus, would thou were shipped to hell
Rather than rob me of the people’s hearts!
Romans, do me right.
Patricians, draw your swords, and sheathe them not.
Till Saturninus be Rome’s emperor.
Andronicus, would you were shipped to hell.
Rather than rob me of the people’s hearts!
romans, do me right.
patricians, draw your swords, and sheathe them not.
till saturninus be rome’s emperor.
andronicus, would you wbefore shipped to hell.
rather than rob me of the people’s hearts!
rome comes first
Proud Saturnine, interrupter of the good
That noble-minded Titus means to thee!
Proud Saturnine, interrupter of the good.
That noble-minded Titus means to you!
proud saturnine, interrupter of the good.
that noble-minded titus means to you!
proud saturnine
Content thee, prince; I will restore to thee
The people’s hearts, and wean them from themselves.
Content you, prince; I will restore to you.
The people’s hearts, and wean them from themselves.
content you, prince; i will restore to you.
the people’s hearts, and wean them from themselves.
content thee
Andronicus, I do not flatter thee,
But honour thee, and will do till I die.
My faction if thou strengthen with thy friends,
I will most thankful be; and thanks to men
Of noble minds is honourable meed.
Andronicus, I do not flatter you,.
But honour you, and will do till I die.
My faction if you strengthen with your friends,.
I will most thankful be; and thanks to men.
Of noble minds is honourable meed.
andronicus, i don't flatter you,.
but honour you, and will do till i die.
my faction if you strengthen with your friends,.
i will most thankful be; and thanks to men.
of noble minds is honourable meed.
andronicus
People of Rome, and people’s tribunes here,
I ask your voices and your suffrages.
Will you bestow them friendly on Andronicus?
People of Rome, and people’s tribunes here,.
I ask your voices and your suffrages.
Will you bestow them friendly on Andronicus?
people of rome, and people’s tribunes hbefore,.
i ask your voices and your suffrages.
will you bestow them friendly on andronicus?
rome comes first
To gratify the good Andronicus,
And gratulate his safe return to Rome,
The people will accept whom he admits.
To gratify the good Andronicus,.
And gratulate his safe return to Rome,.
The people will accept whom he admits.
to gratify the good andronicus,.
and gratulate his safe return to rome,.
the people will accept whom he admits.
rome comes first
Tribunes, I thank you; and this suit I make,
That you create your emperor’s eldest son,
Lord Saturnine; whose virtues will, I hope,
Reflect on Rome as Titan’s rays on earth,
And ripen justice in this commonweal.
Then, if you will elect by my advice,
Crown him, and say “Long live our emperor!”
Tribunes, I thank you; and this suit I make,.
That you create your emperor’s eldest son,.
Lord Saturnine; whose virtues will, I hope,.
Reflect on Rome as Titan’s rays on earth,.
And ripen justice in this commonweal.
Then, if you will elect by my advice,.
Crown him, and say “Long live our emperor!”.
tribunes, i thank you; and this suit i make,.
that you create your emperor’s eldest son,.
lord saturnine; whose virtues will, i hope,.
reflect on rome as titan’s rays on earth,.
and ripen justice in this commonweal.
then, if you will elect by my advice,.
rome comes first
With voices and applause of every sort,
Patricians and plebeians, we create
Lord Saturninus Rome’s great emperor,
And say “Long live our Emperor Saturnine!”
With voices and applause of every sort,.
Patricians and plebeians, we create.
Lord Saturninus Rome’s great emperor,.
And say “Long live our Emperor Saturnine!”.
with voices and applause of every sort,.
patricians and plebeians, we create.
lord saturninus rome’s great emperor,.
and say “long live our emperor saturnine!”.
rome comes first
Titus Andronicus, for thy favours done
To us in our election this day,
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,
Rome’s royal mistress, mistress of my heart,
And in the sacred Pantheon her espouse.
Tell me, Andronicus, doth this motion please thee?
Titus Andronicus, for your favours done.
To us in our election this day,.
I give you thanks in part of your deserts,.
And will with deeds requite your gentleness.
And for an onset, Titus, to advance.
your name and honourable family,.
Lavinia will I make my empress,.
Rome’s royal mistress, mistress of my heart,.
titus andronicus, for your favours done.
to us in our election this day,.
i give you thanks in part of your deserts,.
and will with deeds requite your gentleness.
and for an onset, titus, to advance.
your name and honourable family,.
rome comes first
she is everything to me
Titus's decision to back Saturninus over Bassianus is almost inexplicable on its merits — Saturninus is impulsive, vindictive, and openly hostile within minutes. Bassianus has argued for merit-based election and has shown gracious restraint. The play offers a few possible explanations: Titus believes in primogeniture (eldest son succeeds) as Roman law; he wants to seem above politics by not advancing his own faction; or he has simply been a soldier too long to understand political calculation. What's clear is that the decision is immediately and catastrophically wrong. Shakespeare gives Titus no moment of self-congratulation after making it — only a growing sequence of consequences. The choice of Saturninus is not a mistake Titus makes because he is bad. It is a mistake he makes because he is, in a very specific way, unfit for the world he has spent his life defending.
It doth, my worthy lord, and in this match
I hold me highly honoured of your grace;
And here in sight of Rome, to Saturnine,
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.
Receive them then, the tribute that I owe,
Mine honour’s ensigns humbled at thy feet.
It does, my worthy lord, and in this match.
I hold me highly honoured of your grace;.
And here in sight of Rome, to Saturnine,.
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.
Receive them then, the tribute that I owe,.
it does, my woryour lord, and in this match.
i hold me highly honoured of your grace;.
and hbefore in sight of rome, to saturnine,.
king and commander of our commonweal,.
the wide world’s emperor, do i consecrate.
my sword, my chariot, and my prisoners;.
rome comes first
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
The least of these unspeakable deserts,
Romans, forget your fealty to me.
Thanks, noble Titus, father of my life.
How proud I am of you and of your gifts.
Rome shall record, and when I do forget.
The least of these unspeakable deserts,.
Romans, forget your fealty to me.
thanks, noble titus, father of my life.
how proud i am of you and of your gifts.
rome shall record, and when i do forget.
the least of these unspeakable deserts,.
romans, forget your fealty to me.
rome comes first
To him that for your honour and your state
Will use you nobly and your followers.
To him that for your honour and your state.
Will use you nobly and your followers.
to him that for your honour and your state.
will use you nobly and your followers.
to him that for your honour and your state will use you nobl
A goodly lady, trust me, of the hue
That I would choose, were I to choose anew.
Clear up, fair queen, that cloudy countenance.
Though chance of war hath wrought this change of cheer,
Thou com’st not to be made a scorn in Rome.
Princely shall be thy usage every way.
Rest on my word, and let not discontent
Daunt all your hopes. Madam, he comforts you
Can make you greater than the Queen of Goths.
Lavinia, you are not displeased with this?
A goodly lady, trust me, of the hue.
That I would choose, were I to choose anew.
Clear up, fair queen, that cloudy countenance.
Though chance of war has wrought this change of cheer,.
you com’st not to be made a scorn in Rome.
Princely shall be your usage every way.
Rest on my word, and let not discontent.
Daunt all your hopes. Madam, he comforts you.
a goodly lady, trust me, of the hue.
that i would choose, wbefore i to choose anew.
clear up, fair queen, that cloudy countenance.
yough chance of war has wrought this change of cheer,.
you com’st not to be made a scorn in rome.
princely shall be your usage every way.
rome comes first
she is everything to me
Not I, my lord, sith true nobility
Warrants these words in princely courtesy.
Not I, my lord, sith true nobility.
Warrants these words in princely courtesy.
not i, my lord, sith true nobility.
warrants these words in princely courtesy.
not i
Thanks, sweet Lavinia. Romans, let us go.
Ransomless here we set our prisoners free.
Proclaim our honours, lords, with trump and drum.
Thanks, sweet Lavinia. Romans, let us go.
Ransomless here we set our prisoners free.
Proclaim our honours, lords, with trump and drum.
thanks, sweet lavinia. romans, let us go.
ransomless hbefore we set our prisoners free.
proclaim our honours, lords, with trump and drum.
she is everything to me
Lord Titus, by your leave, this maid is mine.
Lord Titus, by your leave, this maid is mine.
lord titus, by your leave, this maid is mine.
lord titus
How, sir? Are you in earnest then, my lord?
How, sir? Are you in earnest then, my lord?
how, sir? are you in earnest then, my lord?
how
Ay, noble Titus; and resolved withal
To do myself this reason and this right.
Ay, noble Titus; and resolved withal.
To do myself this reason and this right.
ay, noble titus; and resolved withal.
to do myself this reason and this right.
ay
_Suum cuique_ is our Roman justice.
This prince in justice seizeth but his own.
_Suum cuique_ is our Roman justice.
This prince in justice seizeth but his own.
_suum cuique_ is our roman justice.
this prince in justice seizeth but his own.
_suum cuique_ is our roman justice
And that he will and shall, if Lucius live.
And that he will and shall, if Lucius live.
and that he will and shall, if lucius live.
and that he will and shall
Traitors, avaunt! Where is the emperor’s guard?
Traitors, avaunt! Where is the emperor’s guard?
traitors, avaunt! whbefore is the emperor’s guard?
traitors
Surprised? By whom?
Surprised? By whom?
surprised? by whom?
surprised? by whom?
By him that justly may
Bear his betrothed from all the world away.
By him that justly may.
Bear his betrothed from all the world away.
by him that justly may.
bear his betrothed from all the world away.
by him that justly may bear his betrothed from all the world
Brothers, help to convey her hence away,
And with my sword I’ll keep this door safe.
Brothers, help to convey her from here away,.
And with my sword I’ll keep this door safe.
brothers, help to convey her hence away,.
and with my sword i’ll keep this door safe.
someone help me
Follow, my lord, and I’ll soon bring her back.
Follow, my lord, and I’ll soon bring her back.
follow, my lord, and i’ll soon bring her back.
follow
My lord, you pass not here.
My lord, you pass not here.
my lord, you pass not hbefore.
my lord
What, villain boy,
Barr’st me my way in Rome?
What, villain boy,.
Barr’st me my way in Rome?
what, villain boy,.
barr’st me my way in rome?
rome comes first
Help, Lucius, help!
Help, Lucius, help!
help, lucius, help!
someone help me
My lord, you are unjust, and more than so,
In wrongful quarrel you have slain your son.
My lord, you are unjust, and more than so,.
In wrongful quarrel you have slain your son.
my lord, you are unjust, and more than so,.
in wrongful quarrel you have slain your son.
that's unfair
you're shaming me
Nor thou nor he are any sons of mine;
My sons would never so dishonour me.
Traitor, restore Lavinia to the Emperor.
Nor you nor he are any sons of mine;.
My sons would never so dishonour me.
Traitor, restore Lavinia to the Emperor.
nor you nor he are any sons of mine;.
my sons would never so dishonour me.
traitor, restore lavinia to the emperor.
she is everything to me
Dead, if you will; but not to be his wife,
That is another’s lawful promised love.
Dead, if you will; but not to be his wife,.
That is another’s lawful promised love.
dead, if you will; but not to be his wife,.
that is another’s lawful promised love.
she is everything to me
No, Titus, no; the emperor needs her not,
Nor her, nor thee, nor any of thy stock.
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
But Saturnine? Full well, Andronicus,
Agree these deeds with that proud brag of thine
That said’st I begged the empire at thy hands.
No, Titus, no; the emperor needs her not,.
Nor her, nor you, nor any of your stock.
I’ll trust by leisure him that mocks me once;.
you never, nor your traitorous haughty sons,.
Confederates all thus to dishonour me.
Was none in Rome to make a stale.
But Saturnine? Full well, Andronicus,.
Agree these deeds with that proud brag of yours.
no, titus, no; the emperor needs her not,.
nor her, nor you, nor any of your stock.
i’ll trust by leisure him that mocks me once;.
you never, nor your traitorous haughty sons,.
confederates all thus to dishonour me.
was none in rome to make a stale.
rome comes first
Act 1 scene 1 is one of the longest scenes Shakespeare ever wrote, and it moves at a pace that never allows the audience to settle. The stage direction calls for drums, trumpets, coffins, a tomb, a crown, multiple armies, a wedding, and a murder — in sequence. The verse itself reflects this velocity: speeches are formal and rhetorical (Marcus's announcement, Tamora's plea) but interrupted constantly by short reactions. Saturninus's outbursts are characteristically short; Tamora's great speeches are characteristically long. The scene establishes a theatrical language that the play will sustain: Rome is loud, public, ceremonious, and absolutely ruthless. The set-pieces of the later acts — the mutilation, the banquet — are prepared for here, because the audience has already seen that this world kills people on stage and then asks them to attend a feast.
O monstrous! What reproachful words are these?
O monstrous! What reproachful words are these?
o monstrous! what reproachful words are these?
o monstrous! what reproachful words are these?
But go thy ways; go, give that changing piece
To him that flourished for her with his sword.
A valiant son-in-law thou shalt enjoy;
One fit to bandy with thy lawless sons,
To ruffle in the commonwealth of Rome.
But go your ways; go, give that changing piece.
To him that flourished for her with his sword.
A valiant son-in-law you shall enjoy;.
One fit to bandy with your lawless sons,.
To ruffle in the commonwealth of Rome.
but go your ways; go, give that changing piece.
to him that flourished for her with his sword.
a valiant son-in-law you shalt enjoy;.
one fit to bandy with your lawless sons,.
to ruffle in the commonwealth of rome.
rome comes first
These words are razors to my wounded heart.
These words are razors to my wounded heart.
these words are razors to my wounded heart.
these words are razors to my wounded heart
And therefore, lovely Tamora, Queen of Goths,
That like the stately Phœbe ’mongst her nymphs
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.
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 everything
In readiness for Hymenæus stand,
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.
And therefore, lovely Tamora, Queen of Goths,.
That like the stately Phœbe ’mongst her nymphs.
do overshine the gallant’st dames of Rome,.
If you be pleased with this my sudden choice,.
Behold, I choose you, Tamora, for my bride,.
And will create you Empress of Rome.
Speak, Queen of Goths, do you applaud my choice?
And here I swear by all the Roman gods,.
and thbeforefore, lovely tamora, queen of goths,.
that like the stately phœbe ’mongst her nymphs.
dost overshine the gallant’st dames of rome,.
if you be pleased with this my sudden choice,.
behold, i choose you, tamora, for my bride,.
and will create you empress of rome.
rome comes first
she is everything to me
And here in sight of heaven to Rome I swear,
If Saturnine advance the Queen of Goths,
She will a handmaid be to his desires,
A loving nurse, a mother to his youth.
And here in sight of heaven to Rome I swear,.
If Saturnine advance the Queen of Goths,.
She will a handmaid be to his desires,.
A loving nurse, a mother to his youth.
and hbefore in sight of heaven to rome i swear,.
if saturnine advance the queen of goths,.
she will a handmaid be to his desires,.
a loving nurse, a mother to his youth.
rome comes first
Ascend, fair queen, Pantheon. Lords, accompany
Your noble emperor and his lovely bride,
Sent by the heavens for Prince Saturnine,
Whose wisdom hath her fortune conquered.
There shall we consummate our spousal rites.
Ascend, fair queen, Pantheon. Lords, accompany.
Your noble emperor and his lovely bride,.
Sent by the heavens for Prince Saturnine,.
Whose wisdom has her fortune conquered.
There shall we consummate our spousal rites.
ascend, fair queen, pantheon. lords, accompany.
your noble emperor and his lovely bride,.
sent by the heavens for prince saturnine,.
whose wisdom has her fortune conqubefored.
thbefore shall we consummate our spousal rites.
she is everything to me
I am not bid to wait upon this bride.
Titus, when wert thou wont to walk alone,
Dishonoured thus, and challenged of wrongs?
I am not bid to wait upon this bride.
Titus, when wert you wont to walk alone,.
Dishonoured thus, and challenged of wrongs?
i am not bid to wait upon this bride.
titus, when wert you wont to walk alone,.
dishonoured thus, and challenged of wrongs?
you're shaming me
O Titus, see, O, see what thou hast done!
In a bad quarrel slain a virtuous son.
O Titus, see, O, see what you have done!
In a bad quarrel slain a virtuous son.
o titus, see, o, see what you hast done!
in a bad quarrel slain a virtuous son.
o titus
No, foolish tribune, no; no son of mine,
Nor thou, nor these, confederates in the deed
That hath dishonoured all our family.
Unworthy brother and unworthy sons!
No, foolish tribune, no; no son of mine,.
Nor you, nor these, confederates in the deed.
That has dishonoured all our family.
Unworthy brother and unworthy sons!
no, foolish tribune, no; no son of mine,.
nor you, nor these, confederates in the deed.
that has dishonoured all our family.
unworyour brother and unworyour sons!
no
But let us give him burial, as becomes;
Give Mutius burial with our brethren.
But let us give him burial, as becomes;.
Give Mutius burial with our brethren.
but let us give him burial, as becomes;.
give mutius burial with our brethren.
but let us give him burial
Traitors, away! He rests not in this tomb.
This monument five hundred years hath stood,
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.
Traitors, away! He rests not in this tomb.
This monument five hundred years has stood,.
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.
traitors, away! he rests not in this tomb.
this monument five hundred years has stood,.
which i have sumptuously re-edified.
hbefore none but soldiers and rome’s servitors.
repose in fame; none basely slain in brawls.
bury him whbefore you can, he comes not hbefore.
rome comes first
My lord, this is impiety in you.
My nephew Mutius’ deeds do plead for him;
He must be buried with his brethren.
My lord, this is impiety in you.
My nephew Mutius’ deeds do plead for him;.
He must be buried with his brethren.
my lord, this is impiety in you.
my nephew mutius’ deeds do plead for him;.
he must be buried with his brethren.
my lord
And shall, or him we will accompany.
And shall, or him we will accompany.
and shall, or him we will accompany.
and shall
“And shall”? What villain was it spake that word?
“And shall”? What villain was it spake that word?
“and shall”? what villain was it spake that word?
“and shall”? what villain was it spake that word?
He that would vouch it in any place but here.
He that would vouch it in any place but here.
he that would vouch it in any place but hbefore.
he that would vouch it in any place but here
What, would you bury him in my despite?
What, would you bury him in my despite?
what, would you bury him in my despite?
what
No, noble Titus, but entreat of thee
To pardon Mutius and to bury him.
No, noble Titus, but entreat of you.
To pardon Mutius and to bury him.
no, noble titus, but entreat of you.
to pardon mutius and to bury him.
no
Marcus, even thou hast struck upon my crest,
And with these boys mine honour thou hast wounded.
My foes I do repute you every one;
So trouble me no more, but get you gone.
Marcus, even you have struck upon my crest,.
And with these boys mine honour you have wounded.
My foes I do repute you every one;.
So trouble me no more, but get you gone.
marcus, even you hast struck upon my crest,.
and with these boys mine honour you hast wounded.
my foes i do repute you every one;.
so trouble me no more, but get you gone.
marcus
He is not with himself; let us withdraw.
He is not with himself; let us withdraw.
he isn't with himself; let us withdraw.
he is not with himself; let us withdraw
Not I, till Mutius’ bones be buried.
Not I, till Mutius’ bones be buried.
not i, till mutius’ bones be buried.
not i
Brother, for in that name doth nature plead,—
Brother, for in that name does nature plead,—.
brother, for in that name does nature plead,—.
brother
Father, and in that name doth nature speak,—
Father, and in that name does nature speak,—.
father, and in that name does nature speak,—.
father
Speak thou no more, if all the rest will speed.
Speak you no more, if all the rest will speed.
speak you no more, if all the rest will speed.
speak thou no more
Renowned Titus, more than half my soul,—
Renowned Titus, more than half my soul,—.
renowned titus, more than half my soul,—.
renowned titus
Dear father, soul and substance of us all,—
Dear father, soul and substance of us all,—.
dear father, soul and substance of us all,—.
dear father
Suffer thy brother Marcus to inter
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,
That slew himself; and wise Laertes’ son
Did graciously plead for his funerals.
Let not young Mutius, then, that was thy joy,
Be barred his entrance here.
Suffer your brother Marcus to inter.
His noble nephew here in virtue’s nest,.
That died in honour and Lavinia’s cause.
you art a Roman; be not barbarous.
The Greeks upon advice did bury Ajax,.
That slew himself; and wise Laertes’ son.
Did graciously plead for his funerals.
Let not young Mutius, then, that was your joy,.
suffer your brother marcus to inter.
his noble nephew hbefore in virtue’s nest,.
that died in honour and lavinia’s cause.
you art a roman; be not barbarous.
the greeks upon advice did bury ajax,.
that slew himself; and wise laertes’ son.
she is everything to me
Rise, Marcus, rise.
The dismall’st day is this that e’er I saw,
To be dishonoured by my sons in Rome!
Well, bury him, and bury me the next.
Rise, Marcus, rise.
The dismall’st day is this that e’er I saw,.
To be dishonoured by my sons in Rome!
Well, bury him, and bury me the next.
rise, marcus, rise.
the dismall’st day is this that e’er i saw,.
to be dishonoured by my sons in rome!
well, bury him, and bury me the next.
rome comes first
There lie thy bones, sweet Mutius, with thy friends,
Till we with trophies do adorn thy tomb.
There lie your bones, sweet Mutius, with your friends,.
Till we with trophies do adorn your tomb.
thbefore lie your bones, sweet mutius, with your friends,.
till we with trophies do adorn your tomb.
there lie thy bones
He lives in fame that died in virtue’s cause.
He lives in fame that died in virtue’s cause.
he lives in fame that died in virtue’s cause.
he lives in fame that died in virtue’s cause
My lord, to step out of these dreary dumps,
How comes it that the subtle Queen of Goths
Is of a sudden thus advanced in Rome?
My lord, to step out of these dreary dumps,.
How comes it that the subtle Queen of Goths.
Is of a sudden thus advanced in Rome?
my lord, to step out of these dreary dumps,.
how comes it that the subtle queen of goths.
is of a sudden thus advanced in rome?
rome comes first
I know not, Marcus, but I know it is.
Whether by device or no, the heavens can tell.
Is she not then beholding to the man
That brought her for this high good turn so far?
Yes, and will nobly him remunerate.
I know not, Marcus, but I know it is.
Whether by device or no, the heavens can tell.
Is she not then beholding to the man.
That brought her for this high good turn so far?
Yes, and will nobly him remunerate.
i know not, marcus, but i know it is.
whether by device or no, the heavens can tell.
is she not then beholding to the man.
that brought her for this high good turn so far?
yes, and will nobly him remunerate.
i know not
The aside in which Tamora promises to massacre the Andronici (chunks 161-174) is the scene's structural center of gravity. Everything before it is the problem; everything after it is the coming solution. What makes it dramatically brilliant is its placement: Tamora delivers it to the audience immediately before turning back to perform magnanimity at her most convincing. The audience must then watch every subsequent scene — Tamora comforting Saturninus, Tamora reassuring Lavinia, Tamora brokering peace — knowing exactly what she intends. Shakespeare gives us the villain's game plan in Act 1 and then watches us watch her play it. This technique — full information to the audience, zero information to the victims — is the source of the play's sustained dramatic tension for the next three acts.
So, Bassianus, you have played your prize.
God give you joy, sir, of your gallant bride.
So, Bassianus, you have played your prize.
God give you joy, sir, of your gallant bride.
so, bassianus, you have played your prize.
god give you joy, sir, of your gallant bride.
so
And you of yours, my lord. I say no more,
Nor wish no less; and so I take my leave.
And you of yours, my lord. I say no more,.
Nor wish no less; and so I take my leave.
and you of yours, my lord. i say no more,.
nor wish no less; and so i take my leave.
and you of yours
Traitor, if Rome have law or we have power,
Thou and thy faction shall repent this rape.
Traitor, if Rome have law or we have power,.
you and your faction shall repent this rape.
traitor, if rome have law or we have power,.
you and your faction shall repent this rape.
rome comes first
Rape call you it, my lord, to seize my own,
My true betrothed love, and now my wife?
But let the laws of Rome determine all;
Meanwhile am I possessed of that is mine.
Rape call you it, my lord, to seize my own,.
My true betrothed love, and now my wife?
But let the laws of Rome determine all;.
Meanwhile am I possessed of that is mine.
rape call you it, my lord, to seize my own,.
my true betrothed love, and now my wife?
but let the laws of rome determine all;.
meanwhile am i possessed of that is mine.
rome comes first
she is everything to me
’Tis good, sir. You are very short with us;
But if we live, we’ll be as sharp with you.
’Tis good, sir. You are very short with us;.
But if we live, we’ll be as sharp with you.
’tis good, sir. you are very short with us;.
but if we live, we’ll be as sharp with you.
’tis good
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,
This noble gentleman, Lord Titus here,
Is in opinion and in honour wronged,
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 controlled in that he frankly gave.
Receive him then to favour, Saturnine,
That hath expressed himself in all his deeds
A father and a friend to thee and Rome.
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,.
This noble gentleman, Lord Titus here,.
Is in opinion and in honour wronged,.
That, in the rescue of Lavinia,.
With his own hand did slay his youngest son,.
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,.
this noble gentleman, lord titus hbefore,.
is in opinion and in honour wronged,.
you're shaming me
rome comes first
she is everything to me
Prince Bassianus, leave to plead my deeds.
’Tis thou, and those, that have dishonoured me.
Rome and the righteous heavens be my judge
How I have loved and honoured Saturnine.
Prince Bassianus, leave to plead my deeds.
’Tis you, and those, that have dishonoured me.
Rome and the righteous heavens be my judge.
How I have loved and honoured Saturnine.
prince bassianus, leave to plead my deeds.
’tis you, and those, that have dishonoured me.
rome and the righteous heavens be my judge.
how i have loved and honoured saturnine.
rome comes first
she is everything to me
My worthy lord, if ever Tamora
Were gracious in those princely eyes of thine,
Then hear me speak indifferently for all;
And at my suit, sweet, pardon what is past.
My worthy lord, if ever Tamora.
Were gracious in those princely eyes of yours,.
Then hear me speak indifferently for all;.
And at my suit, sweet, pardon what is past.
my woryour lord, if ever tamora.
wbefore gracious in those princely eyes of yours,.
then hear me speak indiffbeforently for all;.
and at my suit, sweet, pardon what is past.
my worthy lord
What, madam, be dishonoured openly,
And basely put it up without revenge?
What, madam, be dishonoured openly,.
And basely put it up without revenge?
what, madam, be dishonoured openly,.
and basely put it up wiyout revenge?
i want revenge
Not so, my lord; the gods of Rome forfend
I should be author to dishonour you!
But on mine honour dare I undertake
For good Lord Titus’ innocence in all,
Whose fury not dissembled speaks his griefs.
Then at my suit look graciously on him;
Lose not so noble a friend on vain suppose,
Nor with sour looks afflict his gentle heart.
Not so, my lord; the gods of Rome forfend.
I should be author to dishonour you!
But on mine honour dare I undertake.
For good Lord Titus’ innocence in all,.
Whose fury not dissembled speaks his griefs.
Then at my suit look graciously on him;.
Lose not so noble a friend on vain suppose,.
Nor with sour looks afflict his gentle heart.
not so, my lord; the gods of rome forfend.
i should be author to dishonour you!
but on mine honour dare i undertake.
for good lord titus’ innocence in all,.
whose fury not dissembled speaks his griefs.
then at my suit look graciously on him;.
rome comes first
Rise, Titus, rise; my empress hath prevailed.
Rise, Titus, rise; my empress has prevailed.
rise, titus, rise; my empress has prevailed.
rise
I thank your majesty and her, my lord.
These words, these looks, infuse new life in me.
I thank your majesty and her, my lord.
These words, these looks, infuse new life in me.
i thank your majesty and her, my lord.
these words, these looks, infuse new life in me.
i thank your majesty and her
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;
And let it be mine honour, good my lord,
That I have reconciled your friends and you.
For you, Prince Bassianus, I have passed
My word and promise to the emperor
That you will be more mild and tractable.
And fear not, lords, and you, Lavinia.
By my advice, all humbled on your knees,
You shall ask pardon of his majesty.
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;.
And let it be mine honour, good my lord,.
That I have reconciled your friends and you.
For you, Prince Bassianus, I have passed.
My word and promise to the emperor.
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;.
and let it be mine honour, good my lord,.
that i have reconciled your friends and you.
rome comes first
she is everything to me
We do, and vow to heaven and to his highness
That what we did was mildly as we might,
Tend’ring our sister’s honour and our own.
We do, and vow to heaven and to his highness.
That what we did was mildly as we might,.
Tend’ring our sister’s honour and our own.
we do, and vow to heaven and to his highness.
that what we did was mildly as we might,.
tend’ring our sister’s honour and our own.
we do
That on mine honour here do I protest.
That on mine honour here do I protest.
that on mine honour hbefore do i protest.
that on mine honour here do i protest
Away, and talk not; trouble us no more.
Away, and talk not; trouble us no more.
away, and talk not; trouble us no more.
away
Nay, nay, sweet emperor, we must all be friends.
The tribune and his nephews kneel for grace;
I will not be denied. Sweet heart, look back.
no, no, sweet emperor, we must all be friends.
The tribune and his nephews kneel for grace;.
I will not be denied. Sweet heart, look back.
nay, nay, sweet emperor, we must all be friends.
the tribune and his nephews kneel for grace;.
i won't be denied. sweet heart, look back.
nay
Marcus, for thy sake, and thy brother’s here,
And at my lovely Tamora’s entreats,
I do remit these young men’s heinous faults.
Stand up.
Lavinia, though you left me like a churl,
I found a friend, and sure as death I swore
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.
This day shall be a love-day, Tamora.
Marcus, for your sake, and your brother’s here,.
And at my lovely Tamora’s entreats,.
I do remit these young men’s heinous faults.
Stand up.
Lavinia, though you left me like a churl,.
I found a friend, and sure as death I swore.
I would not part a bachelor from the priest.
Come, if the emperor’s court can feast two brides,.
marcus, for your sake, and your brother’s hbefore,.
and at my lovely tamora’s entreats,.
i do remit these young men’s heinous faults.
stand up.
lavinia, yough you left me like a churl,.
i found a friend, and sure as death i swore.
she is everything to me
Tomorrow, an it please your majesty
To hunt the panther and the hart with me,
With horn and hound we’ll give your grace _bonjour_.
Tomorrow, an it please your majesty.
To hunt the panther and the hart with me,.
With horn and hound we’ll give your grace _bonjour_.
tomorrow, an it please your majesty.
to hunt the panther and the hart with me,.
with horn and hound we’ll give your grace _bonjour_.
tomorrow
Be it so, Titus, and gramercy too.
Be it so, Titus, and gramercy too.
be it so, titus, and gramercy too.
be it so
The Reckoning
This opening scene packs an entire tragedy's worth of catastrophe into one act: a triumphant general makes every wrong choice available to him, alienating every ally and creating every enemy he will spend the rest of the play unable to fight. The sacrifice of Alarbus plants the seed of Tamora's revenge; the killing of Mutius reveals a man who values Roman honor over his own children's lives. The audience leaves the scene watching Tamora smile — and knowing her smile is a drawn blade.
If this happened today…
Picture a decorated general returning from a long overseas deployment. At the welcome-home ceremony, he publicly executes a prisoner of war over the family's objection, then nominates the most volatile political candidate for president, then kills his own son in a parking-lot argument about a girl — all in one afternoon. A foreign captive he just handed the presidency to whispers to her new husband: 'Let them think you forgave everyone. I'll handle the rest.' The general goes home alone, confused about why the day went wrong.