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.

  1. Not so, my lord; the gods of Rome forfend
  2. I should be author to dishonour you!
  3. But on mine honour dare I undertake
  4. For good Lord Titus’ innocence in all;
  5. Whose fury not dissembled speaks his griefs:
  6. Then, at my suit, look graciously on him;
  7. Lose not so noble a friend on vain suppose,
  8. Nor with sour looks afflict his gentle heart.

Aside to SATURNINUS

  1. be won at last;
  2. Dissemble all your griefs and discontents:
  3. You are but newly planted in your throne;
  4. Lest, then, the people, and patricians too,
  5. Upon a just survey, take Titus’ part,
  6. And so supplant you for ingratitude,
  7. Which Rome reputes to be a heinous sin,
  8. Yield at entreats; and then let me alone:
  9. I’ll find a day to massacre them all
  10. And raze their faction and their family,
  11. The cruel father and his traitorous sons,
  12. To whom I sued for my dear son’s life,
  13. And make them know what ’tis to let a queen
  14. Kneel in the streets and beg for grace in vain.

Aloud

  1. Come, come, sweet emperor; come, Andronicus;
  2. Take up this good old man, and cheer the heart
  3. That dies in tempest of thy angry frown.