Saturninus, son to the late emperor of Rome, and afterwards declared emperor himself. Bassianus, brother to Saturninus; in love with Lavinia. Titus Andronicus, a noble Roman, general against the Goths. Marcus Andronicus, tribune of the people; and Young Lucius, a boy, son to Lucius. Publius, son to Marcus the tribune. Emilius, a noble Roman. Aaron, a Moor, beloved by Tamora. A Captain, Tribune, Messenger, and Clown; Romans. Goths, and Romans. Tamora, Queen of the Goths. Lavinia, daughter to Titus Andronicus. A Nurse, and a black Child. Kinsmen of Titus, Senators, Tribunes, Officers, Soldiers, and Attendants. Scene, Rome; and the country near it. TITUS ANDRONICUS. ACT I. SCENE I-Rome. Before the Capitol. The tomb of the Andronici appearing; the Tribunes and Senators aloft, as in the senate. Enter, below, Saturninus and his Followers, on one side ; and Bassianus and his Followers, on the other with drum and colours Saturninus. 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 first-born son, that was the last That ware the imperial diadem of Rome; Then let my father's honours live in me, Nor wrong mine age with this indignity. Bas. Romans,-friends, followers, favourers of my right, If ever Bassianus, Caesar's son, Were gracious in the eyes of royal Rome, (1) i. e. My title to the succession. Enter Marcus Andronicus aloft, with the crown. Mar. Princes that strive by factions, and by friends, Ambitiously for rule and empery, Know, that the people of Rome, for whom we stand For many good and great deserts to Rome; Lives not this day within the city walls: From weary wars against the barbarous Goths; And now at last, laden with honour's spoils, Bas. Marcus Andronicus, so I do affy And so I love and honour thee and thine, Thy nobler brother Titus, and his sons, And her to whom my thoughts are humbled all, (1) Summoned. |