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 brother to Titus. Lucius, Quintus, sons to Titus Andronicus. Martius, Mutius, Young Lucius, a boy, son to Lucius. Publius, son to Marcus the tribune. Æmilius, a noble Roman. Aaron, a Moor, beloved by Tamora. A Captain, Tribune, Messenger, and Clown; Ro mans. 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; Bas. Romans,-friends, followers, favourers of my right, If ever Bassianus, Cæsar's son, i. e. My title to the succession. VOL. VII. Were gracious in the eyes of royal Rome, And, Romans, fight for freedom in your choice. 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 Chosen Andronicus, surnamed Pius 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, 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; Summoned. Dismiss your followers, and, as suitors should, Sat. How fair the tribuue speaks to calm my thoughts! Bus. Marcus Andronicus, so I do affy In thy uprightness and integrity, And so I love and honour thee and thine," [Exeunt the Followers of Bassianus. Sat. Friends, that have been thus forward in my rigit, I thank you all, and here dismiss you all; [Exeunt the Followers of Saturninus. Rome, be as just and gracious unto me, Open the gates, and let me in. Bas. Tribunes! and me, a poor competitor. SCENE II. The same. Enter a Captain, and others. Cap. 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 return'd, |