Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Not Peer Reviewed

Titus Andronicus (Quarto 1, 1594)

The most Lamentable Tragedie
But I haue done a thousand dreadfull things,
As willingly as one would kill a flie,
And nothing grieues me hartelie indeede,
2260But that I cannot doe ten thousand more.
Lucius. Bring downe the Diuell for he must not die,
So sweet a death as hanging presently.
Aron. If there be Diuels would I were a Diuel,
To liue and burne in euerlasting fire,
2265So I might haue your companie in hell,
But to torment you with my bitter tongue.
Luci. Sirs stop his mouth and let him speake no more.

Enter Emillius.

Goth. My Lord there is a messenger from Rome,
2270Desiers to be admitted to your presence.
Lucius. Let him come nere.
Welcome Emillius, what's the newes from Rome?
Emil. Lord Lucius, and you Princes of the Gothes,
The Romaine Emperour greets you all by me,
2275And for he vnderstands you are in Armes,
He craues a Parley at your fathers house,
Willing you to demaund your hostages,
And they shall be immediatly deliuered.
Goth. What saies our Generall.
2280Luci. Emillius, let the Emperour giue his pledges,
Vnto my Father and my Vnkle Marcus,
And we will come, march away

Enter Tamora and her two sonnes disguised.

Tamora. Thus in this strange and sad habilliament,
2285I will encounter with Andronicus,
And say I am reuenge sent from belowe,
To ioyne with him and right his hainous wrongs,
Knocke