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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    Not Peer Reviewed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)

    The most lamentable Tragedie
    To iustice, continence, and Nobillitie:
    But let desert in pure election shine,
    And Romaines fight for freedome in your choice.
    25Marcus Andronicus with the Crowne.
    Princes that striue by factions and by friends,
    Ambitiously for Rule and Emperie,
    Know that the people of Rome for whom we stand
    A speciall Partie, haue by common voice,
    30In election for the Romaine Empery
    Chosen Andronicus, surnamed Pius:
    For many good and great deserts to Rome,
    A Nobler man, a brauer Warriour,
    Liues not this day within the Cittie walls.
    35Hee by the Senate is accited home,
    From weary warres against the barbarous Gothes,
    That with his sonnes a terrour to our foes,
    Hath yoakt a Nation strong, traind vp in Armes.
    Tenne yeares are spent since first he vndertooke
    40This cause of Rome, and chastised with armes
    Our enemies pride: Fiue times he hath returnd
    Bleeding to Rome, bearing his valiant sonnes,
    In Coffins from the field, and at this day,
    43.1To the Monument of that Andronicy
    Done sacrifice of expiation,
    And slaine the Noblest prisoner of the Gothes.
    And now at last laden with honours spoiles,
    45Returnes the good Andronicus to Rome,
    Renowned Titus flourishing in Armes.
    Let vs intreat by honour of his name,
    Whom worthily you would haue now succeede,
    And in the Capitall and Senates Right,
    50Whom you pretend to honour and adore,
    That you withdraw you, and abate your strength,
    Dismisse your followers, and as suters should,
    Pleade your deserts in peace and humblenes.
    Saturninus.
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