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  • Title: Titus Andronicus (Quarto 1, 1594)

  • Copyright Internet Shakespeare Editions. This text may be freely used for educational, non-proift purposes; for all other uses contact the Coordinating Editor.
    Author: William Shakespeare
    Not Peer Reviewed

    Titus Andronicus (Quarto 1, 1594)

    of Titus Andronicus.
    To vs in our election this day,
    I giue thee thankes in part of thy deserts,
    And will with deeds requite thy gentlenes:
    And for an onset Titus to aduance,
    270Thy name and honourable familie,
    Lauinia will I make my Empresse,
    Romes Royall Mistris, Mistris of my hart,
    And in the sacred Pathan her espouse:
    Tell me Andronicus doth this motion please thee.
    275Titus. It doth my worthie 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 commonweale,
    The wide worlds Emperour, doe I consecrate
    280My sword, my Chariot, and my Prisoners,
    Presents well worthy Romes imperious Lord:
    Receiue them then, the tribute that I owe,
    Mine honours Ensignes humbled at thy feete.
    Saturnine. Thankes Noble Titus Father of my life,
    285How proude I am of thee and of thy gifts
    Rome shall record, and when I doe forget
    The least of these vnspeakeable deserts,
    Romans forget your Fealtie to me.
    Titus. Now Madam are you prisoner to an Emperour.
    290To him that for your honour and your state,
    Will vse you Nobly, and your followers.
    Saturnine. A goodly Lady trust me of the hue,
    That I would choose were I to choose a new:
    Cleare vp faire Queene that cloudy countenance,
    295Though change of war hath wrought this change of chear
    Thou comst not to be made a scorne in Rome.
    Princely shall be thy vsage euerie waie
    Rest on my word, and let not discontent,
    300Daunt all your hopes, Madam he comforts you,
    Can make you greater than the Queene of Gothes,
    B3 Lauinia.