Titus Andronicus: Act I, Scene i
Titus Andronicus. Act 1, Scene 1. Tamora
This speech is used in our interview with Kamilah Long.
Click here for a scanned version of the text.
Click here for a First Folio version of the text.
- Not so, my lord; the gods of Rome forfend
- I should be author to dishonour you!
- But on mine honour dare I undertake
- For good Lord Titus’ innocence in all;
- Whose fury not dissembled speaks his griefs:
- Then, at my suit, look graciously on him;
- Lose not so noble a friend on vain suppose,
- Nor with sour looks afflict his gentle heart.
Aside to SATURNINUS
- be won at last;
- Dissemble all your griefs and discontents:
- You are but newly planted in your throne;
- Lest, then, the people, and patricians too,
- Upon a just survey, take Titus’ part,
- And so supplant you for ingratitude,
- Which Rome reputes to be a heinous sin,
- Yield at entreats; and then let me alone:
- I’ll find a day to massacre them all
- And raze their faction and their family,
- The cruel father and his traitorous sons,
- To whom I sued for my dear son’s life,
- And make them know what ’tis to let a queen
- Kneel in the streets and beg for grace in vain.
Aloud
- Come, come, sweet emperor; come, Andronicus;
- Take up this good old man, and cheer the heart
- That dies in tempest of thy angry frown.