Bo come my soul to bliss, as I speak true;

So speaking as I think, I die,—I die. [Dies.

Oth. 1 have another weapon in this chamber; It is a sword of Spain, the ice-brook's temper;— O, here it is.—Uncle, I must come forth. [dear:

Gra. \Witkin.\ If thou attempt itt it will cost thee Thou hast no weapon, and perforce must suffer.

Oth. Look in upon me, then, and speak with me, Or, naked as I am, I will assault thee.

Re-enter Gratiano.

Gra. What is the matter?

Oth. Behold, I have a weapon;

A better never did itself sustain
Upon a soldier's thigh: I have seen the day.
That, with this Utile arm and this good sword,
I have made iny way through more'impediments
Than twenty times your stop :—but, O vain boast I—
Who can control his fate? 'tis not so now.
Be not afraid, though you do see me weapon'd;
Here is my journey's end, here is my butt,
And very sea-mark of my utmost sail.
Do you go back dismay'd? 'tis a lost fear;
Man but a rush against Othello's breast.
And he retires, where should Othello go?
Now, how dost thou look now? O ifl-starr'd wench I
Pale as thy smock 1 when we shall meet at compt,
This look of thine will hurl my soul from heaven.
And fiends will snatch at it. Cold, cold, my girl I
Even like thy chastity.—O, cursed Slave !—
Whip me, ye devils.

From the possession of this heavenly sight I
Blow me about in winds I roast me in sulphur!
Wash me in steep-down gulfs of liquid fire !—
O Desdemona! Desdemona! dead I O! 01 O 1

Enter Lodovico, Montano, Cassio carried in a chair,
and Officers, with Iago, prisoner.
Lod. Where is this rash and most unfortunate man?
Oth. That's he that was Othello ;—here I am.
Lod. Where is that viper?—bring the villain forth.
Oth. I look down towards his feet,—but that's a
fable.—

If that thou be'st a devil, I cannot kill thee.

^Wounds Iago.

Lod. Wrench his sword from him.

laro. I bleed, sir; but not kill'd.

Oth. I am not sorry neither: I'd have thee live;
For, in my sense, 'tis happiness to die.

Lod. O thou Othello! that wert once so good,
Falt'n in the practice of a damned slave.
What shall be said to thee?

Oth. Why, any thing:

An honourable murderer, if you will;
For nought did I in hate, but all in honour.

Lod '1 his wretch hath part confess'd his vttlany: Did you and he consent in Cassio's death?

Oth. Ay.

Ctis. Dear general, I never gave you cause.

Oth. I do believe it, and I ask your pardon.
Will you, I pray, demand that demi-devil.
Why he hath thus ensnar'd my soul and body?

Jago. Demand me nothing: what you know, you know:

From this time forth I never will speak word.
Lod. What, not to pray?

Gra. Torments will ope your lips.

Oth. Well, thou dost best.

f.od. Sir, you shall understand what hath befall'n, Which, as I think, you know not. Here is a letter. Found in the pocket of the slain Roderigo;

And here another: the one of them Imports
The death of Cassio to be undertook
By Roderigo.
Oth. O villain I

Cos. Most heathenish, and most gross 1

Lod. Now, here's another discontented paper.
Found in his pocket too ; and this, it seems,
Roderigo meant to have sent this damned villain;
But that, belike, Iago in the interim
Came in and satisfied him.

Oth. O, the pernicious caitiff]

How came you, Cassio, by that handkerchief.
That was my wife's?

Cos. I found it in my chamber;

And he himself confess'd, but even now,
That there he dropp'd it, for a special purpose.
Which wrought to his desire.

Oth. O fool 1 fool 1 fool I

Cas. There is, besides, in Roderigo's letter. How he upbraids Iago, that he made him Brave me upon the watch: whereon it came That I was cast: and even but now he spake, After long seeming dead,—Iago hurt him, Iago set him on.

l.od. You must forsake this room, and go with us: Your power and your command is taken off. And Cassio rules in Cyprus. For this slave. If there be any cunning cruelty That can torment hiin much, and hold him long. It shall be his. You shall close prisoner rest. Till that the nature of your fault be known To the Venetian state.—Come, bring him away.

Oth. Soft you ; a word or two, before you go. I have done the state some service, and they know it ;—

No more of that.—I pray you, in your letters.
When you shall these unlucky deeds relate,
Speak of me as 1 am ; nothing extenuate.
Nor set down aught in malice: then, must you speak
Of one that lov'tf, not wisely, but too well;
Of one not easily jealous, but, being wrought,
Perplex'd in the extreme ; of one, whose hand,
Like the base Indian, threw a pearl away,
Richer than all his tribe; of one. whose subdu'd eyes,
Albeit unused to the melting mood.
Drop tears as fast as the Arabian trees
Their medicinal gum. Set you down this;
And say, besides,—that in Aleppo once.
Where a malignant and a turban d Turk
Beat a Venetian, and tradue'd the state,
I took by the throat the circumcised dog.
And smote him—thus. [Stafis himself.

Lod. O bloody period I

Gra. All that's spoke is marr'd,

Oth. I kiss'd thee, ere I kill'd thee:—no way but

this.

Killing myself, to die upon a kiss. [Dees, Cas. This did I fear, but thought he had no For he was great of heart. (weapon;

Lod. [To iago.] O Spartan dog.

More fell than anguish, hunger, or the sea 1
Look on the tragic loading of this bed;
This is thy work : the object poisons sight;
Let it be hid.—Gratiano, keep the house.
And seize upon the fortunes of the Moor,
For they succeed on you.—To you. lord governor,
Remains the censure of this hellish villain;
The time, the place, the torture,—O, enforce it I
Myself will straight abroad; and to the state
This heavy act with heavy heart relate. {Exeunt.

ACT I.

SCENE I.—Rome. Before the Capital. The tomb of the A ndronici appearing; the TribOTY and Senators' aloft. Enter, below, Saturnim and Jus followers, oti one side, and Hassiam and his followers^ on the other; with dm and colours.

Sat. Noble patricians, patrons of my right.
Defend the justice of vay cause with arms;
And. countrymen, my loving followers.
Plead my successive title with your swords:
I am his first-born son, that was the last
That wore the imperial diadem of Rome;
Then let my father's honours live in inc.
Nor wrong mine age with this indignity.

Has. Romans, friends, followers, favourers of my
If ever Bassianus, Caesar's son, [right
Wore gracious in the eyes of royal Rome,
Keep, then, this passage to the Capitol;
Ami suffer not dishonour to approach
The imperial seat, to virtue consecrate,
To justice, continence, and nobility:
But let desert in pure election shine;
And. Romans, fight for freedom in your choice.

Enter Marcus Andronicus,aloft, with the crown.

Mar. Princes, that strive by factions and by friend; Ambitiously fur rule and empery, Know that the people of Rome, for whom we stand A special party, have, by common voice, In election for the Roman empery, Chosen Andronicus. surnamed Pius Foi many good and great deserts to Rome: A nobler man, a braver warrior, I -ives not this day within the city walls: He by the senate isaccited home, From weary wars against the barbarous Goths; '1 hat, with his sons, a terror to our foes. Hath yok'd a nation, train'd up in arms. Ten years are spent since first he undertook This cause of Rome, and chastised with arms Our enemies' pride: five times he hath return'd Bleeding to Rome, bearing his valiant sons In coffins from the field; And now at last, laden with honour's spoils, Returns the good Andronicus to Rome, Renowned Titus, nourishing in arms. Let us entreat,—by honour of his name, Whom worthily you would have now succeed. And in the Capitol and senate's right, "Whom you pretend to honour and adore. That you withdraw you, and abate your strength; Dismiss- your followers, and, as suitors should. Plead your deserts in peace and humbleness.

Sat. How fair the tribune speaks to calm my thoughts 1

Bets. Marcus Adronicus, so I do affy
In thy uprightness and integrity,
And so I love and honour thee and thine,
Vhy noble brother Titus and his sons.
And her to whom my thoughts are humbled all.
Gracious Lavinia. Rome's rich ornament.
That 1 will here dismiss my loving friends;
And to niy fortunes, and the people's favour.
Commit niy cause in balance to be weigh"d.

{Exeunt the followers of Bassianus.

Sat. Friends, that have been thus forward in my right,

I thank you all, and here dismiss you all;
And to the love and favour of my country
Commit myself, my person, and the cause.

[Exeunt thefollowers ty1" Saturninus.
Rome, be as just and gracious unto me,
As I am confident and kind to thee,
Open the gates, and let me in.
Bets. Tribunes, and me, a poor competitor,

[Flourish. Sat. and Bas, go up into the Capitol. SCENE U.— T/te Same. Enter a Captain and others. Cap. Romans, make way: the good Andronicus, Patron of virtue, Rome's l>est champion, Successful in the battles that he fights, IVUfa honour and with fortune is return'd From where he circumscribed with his sword. And brought to yoke, the enemies of Rome. Drums and trumpets sounded. Enter Martins and Muttus; after thetn, two men bearing a coffin covered with black; then Lucius and Quintus. After them, Titus Andronicus; and then Tamora, with Alar bus, Chiron, Demetrius, Aaron, and other Goths, prisoners; Soldiers and people following. The bearers set down the coffin, and Titus speaks.

Tit. Hail, Rome, victorious in thy mourning weeds! T.o, as the bark, that hath discharg'd her fraught. Returns with precious lading to the bay. From whence at first she weigh'd her anchorage, Cometh Andronicus, bound with laurel boughs. To re-salute his country with his tears. Tears of true joy for his return to Rome. Thou great defender of this Capitol, Stand gracious u> the rites that we intend ! » Romans, of five and twenty valiant sons. Half of the number that king Priam had. Behold the poor remains, alive and dead! These that survive let Rome reward with love; These that I bringtinto their latest home, With burial amongst their ancestors: Here Goths have given me leave to sheathe my sword. Titus, unkind, and careless of thine own. Why suffer'st thou thy sons, uuburied yet.

To hover on the dreadful shore of Styx?
Make way to lay them by their brethren.

1" The tomb is opened. There greet in silence, as the dead are wont, And sleep in peace, slain in your country's wars I

0 sacred receptacle of my joys.
Sweet cell of virtue and nobility.

How many sons of mine hast thou in store,
That thou wilt never render to me more I

Lnc. Give us. the proudest prisoner of the Goths,
That we may hew his limbs, and on a pile
Ad manes fratrum sacrifice his flesh.
Before this earthy prison of their bones;
That so the shadows be not unappeas'd.
Nor we disturb'd with prodigies on earth.

Tit. 1 (five him you, the noblest that survives. The eldest son of this distressed queen.

Tarn. Stay, Roman brethren 1 Gracious conqueror,
Victorious '1 itus, rue the tears I shed,
A mother's tears in passion for her son:
And, if thy sons were ever dear to thee,
O, think my son to be as dear to nie 1
Sufnceth not, that we are brought to Rome,
To beautify thy triumphs and return.
Captive to thee and to thy Roman yoke;
But must my sons be slaughtered in the streets,
For valiant doings in their country's cause?
O, if to fight for king_ and commonweal
Were piety in thine, it is in these.
Andronicus, stain not thy tomb with blood:
Wilt thou draw near the nature of the gods?
Draw near them, then, in being merciuil:
Sweet mercy is nobility's true badge:
Thrice-noble Titus, spare my first-born son.

Tit. Patient yourself, madam, and pardon me.
These are their brethren, whom you Goths beheld
Alive and dead; and for their brethren slain.
Religiously they ask a sacrifice:
To this your son is inark'd, and die he must.
To appease their groaning shadows that are gone.

Lite. Away with him] and make afire straight;
And with our swords, upon a pile of wood.
Let's hew his limbs till they be clean consum'd.

[Exeunt Lucius, Qui.itus, Martins, and r Mutius. "with Alarbus.

Taut. 0 cruel, irreligious piety J

Chi. Was ever Scytfua half so barbarous!

Dene. Oppose not Scythia to ambitious Rome.
Alarbus goes to rest; and we survive
To tremble under Titus* threatening look.
Then, madam, stand resolv'd; but nope withal,
The self-sanic gods, that arui'd the queen of Troy
With opportunity of sharp revenge
Upon the Thracian tyrant in his tent,
May favour Tainora, the queen of Goths,
JWnen Goths were Goths, and Tamora was queen,)
To quit the bloody wrongs upon her foes.

Re-enter Lucius, Quint us, Martius, and Mutius,
•with their sWords bloody.

Lux. See, lord and father, how we have perfonn'd
Our Roman rites: Alarbus' limbs are lopp'd.
And entrails feed the sacrificing fire.
Whose smoke, like incense, doth perfume the sky.
Rcmaineth nought, but to inter our brethren.
And with loud Tarums welcome them to Rome.

Tit. Let it be so; and let Andronicus Make this his latest farewell to their souls,

| Trumpets sounded, and the coffin laid in the tomb.

In peace snd honour rest you here, my sons;

Koine's readiest champions, repose yon here in rest.

Secure from worldly cliances and mishaps I

Here lurks no treason, here no envy swells.

Here grow no damned grudges; here are no storms,

No noise, but silence and eternal sleep:

Enter Lavinia.
In peace and honour rest you here, my sons 1

Lav. In peace and honour live lord Titus long;
My noble lord and father, live in fame 1
Lo. at this tomb my tributary tears

1 render, for my brethren's obsequies;
And at thy feet I kneel, with'tears of joy,
Shed on the earth, for thy return to Rome:
O. bless me here with thy victorious hand,
Whose fortunes Rome's best citizens applaud I

Tit. Kind Rome, that has thus lovingly reserv'd
The cordial of mine age to glad my heart I

Lavinia, live; outlive thy father's days,
And fame s eternal date, for virtue's praise!
Enter Marcus Andronicus, Saturninus, Bassianus,
and others.

Mar. Long live lord Titus, my beloved brother. Gracious triumpher in the eyes of Rome 1

Tit. Thanks, gentle tribune, noble brother Marcus.

Mar. And welcome, nephews, from successful wars.
You that survive, and you that sleep in fame 1
Fair lords, your fortunes are alike in all.
That in your country's service drew your swords r
But safer triumph is this funeral pomp.
That hath asplr'd to Solon's happiness.
And triumphs over chance in honour's bed.
Titus Andronicus, the people of Rome,
Whose friend in justice thou hast ever been.
Send thee by me, their tribune and their trust,
This parliament of white and spotless hue;
And name thee in election for the empire.
With these our late-deceased emperor's sons:
Be caxdidatus, then, and put it 00,
And help to set a head on headless Rome.

Tit. A better head her glorious body fits.
Than his, that shakes for age and feebleness!
What should I don this robe, and trouble youf
He chosen with proclamations to-day.
To-morrow yield up role, resign my life,
And set abroad new Ixisiuess for you all?
Rome, I have been thy soldier forty years,
And led my country's strength successfully.
And buried one and twenty valiant sons.
Knighted in field, slain manfully in arms,
In right and service of their noble country:
Give me a staff of hortour for mine age.
But not a sceptre to control the worfd:
Upright he held it, lords, that held it last:

Mar. Titus, thou shalt obtain and ask the empety.

Sat Proud and ambitious tribune, canst thou tell!

Tit. Patience, prince Saturninus.

Sat Romans, do me right;

Patricians, draw your swords, and sheathe them not
Till Saturninus be Rome's emperor.
Andronicus, would thou wert shipp'd to hell,
Rather than rob me of the people s hearts I

Luc. Proud Saturnine, interrupter of the good
That noble-minded Titus means to thee!

Tit. Content thee, prince; I will restore to thee The people's hearts, and wean them from themselves.

Has. Andronicus, I do Bot flatter thee,
But honour thee, and will do till I die:
My faction if thou strengthen with thy friends,
I will most thankful be; and thanks, to men
Of noble minds, is honourable meed.

Tit. People of Rome, and people's tribunes here,
I ask your voices and your suffrages:
Will you bestow thein friendly on Andronicus?

Tribunes To gratify the good Andronicus,
And gratulate his safe return to Rome,
The people will accept whom he admits.

Tit. Tribunes, I thank you: and this suit I make.
That you create your emperor's eldest son^^
Lord Saturnine; whose virtues will, I hop*P
Reflect on Rome, as Titan's rays on earth,
And ripen justice in this commonweal:
Then, if you will elect by my advice.
Crown him, and say,—** Long live our emperor 1"

Mar. With voices and applause of every sort.
Patricians and plebeians, we create
Lord Saturninus Rome's great emperor.
And say.—** Long live our Emperor Saturnine 1**

\A long flourish

Sat. Titus Andronicus, for thy favours done
To us in our election this day,
I give thee thanks in part of thy deserts.
And will with deeds requite thy gentleness:
And, for an onset, Titus, to advance
Thy name and honourable family.
Lavinia will I make my empress.
Route's royal mistress, mistress of my heart.
And in the sacred Pantheon her espouse:
Tell me. Andronicus, doth this motion please thee?

Tit, It doth, my worthy lord ; and in this match
I hold me highly honourd of your grace: .
And here, in sight of Rome, to Saturnine,
King and commander of our commonweal,
The wide world's emperor, do I consecrate
My sword, my chariot, and iiiy prisoners;
Presents well worthy Rome's, imperial lord:

Receive them, then, the tribute that I owe, Mine honour s ensigns humbled at thy feet.

Sat. Thanks, noble Titus, father of my life I I low proud I am of thee and of thy Rifts, Koiae shall record; and, when I do forget The least of these unspeakable iJ""

, forget your fealty to me. Tit. | To i amora.] Now, madam, are you prisoner to an emperor; To him, that, for your honour and your state, Will use you nobly, and your followers.

Sat. A goodly lady, trust me ; of the hue
That 1 would choose, were 1 to choose anew.—
Clear up, fair queen, that cloudy countenance:
Though chance of war hath wrought this change of j
cheer.

Thou com'kt not to be made a scorn in Rome:
Princely shall be thy usage every way.
Rest on my word, and let not discontent
Daunt all your hopes : madam, he comforts you.
Can make you greater than the queen of Goths.—
Lavinia, you are not displeas'd with this?

Lav. Not i. my lord; stth true nobility
Warrants these words in princely courtesy.

Sat. Thanks, sweet Lavinia.—Romans, let us go Ransomloss here we set our prisoners free:

honours, lords, with trump and drum. [h'ionnsh. Saturninus courts Tamora in dumb show. Bos. Lord Titus, by your leave, this maid is mine.

[Setting Lavinia. Tit. How, sir I Are you in earnest, then, my lord \ Has. Ay, noble Titus; and resolv*d withal, To do myself this reason ami this right.

Mar. Sm$m cuique is our Roman justice: This prince in justice seizeth but his own. Luc. And that he will, and shall, if Lucius lire. Tit. Traitors, nvauntl Where is the emperor's Treason, my lord, Lavinia is surpris'd I [guard"

Sat. Surprised 1 By whom?

Has. By him that justly may

Bear his betroth'd from all the world away.

[b'xeunt Marcus and Bassianus, with Lavinia.

Mut. Brothers, help to convey her hence away. And with iny sword I'll keep this door safe.

[Exeunt Lucius, Quintus, and Martius, Tit. Follow, my lord, and i ll soon bring her back. Mnt. My lord, you pass not here. TO. What, villain boy!

Barr'st me my way in Rome? [Stabbing Mutius. Mut. Help, Lucius, help 1

[Dies.

Re-enter Lucius.

Luc. My lord, you are unjust: and, more than so, In wrongful quarrel you have slain your son.

Tit. Nor thou, nor he, are any sons of mine; My sons would never so dishonour me: Traitor, restore I .avinia to the emperor.

Liu: ^:ad. if you will; but not to be his wife.
That isWbther's lawful promts tl love. [Exit.

Sat. No, Titus, no ; the emperor needs her not.
Nor her. nor thee, nor any of thy stock:
111 trust, by leisure, him that mocks me once;
Thee never, tmr thy trait*rous haughty sons,
Confederates all thus to dishonour ute.
Was none in Rome to make a stale.
But Saturnine! I-nil well. Andronicus,
Agreed these <l-eds with that proud brag of thine,
That saidst, I begg'd the empire at thy hands.

lit. O monstrous! what reproachful words are these 1

Sat But go thy ways: go, give that changing piece

To him that rlotirish'd for her with his sword:
A valiant son-in-law thou shalt enjoy:
One fit to bandy with thy lawless suns.
To ruffle in the commonwealth of Rome.

Tit. These words are razors to iny wounded heart.
Sat. And therefore, lovely Tamora, queen of
Goths,

That, like the stately Phoebe 'mongst her nymphs.

Dost overshine the gallant'st dames of Rome,

If rhou be pleas'd with this my sudden choice.

Behold, 1 choose thee, Tamora, for my bride.

And will create the empress of Rome,

Speak, queen of Goths, dost thou applaud my choice!

And here I swear by all tho Roman gods

Sith priest and holy water are so near,
And tapers burn so bright, and every thing
In readiness for Hymeneus stand,
I will not re-salute the streets of Rome,
Or climb my palace, till from forth this place
I lead espous d my bride along with me.

Tarn. And here, in sight of heaven, to Ra
If Saturnine advance the queen of Goths, [y\
She will a handmaid be to his desires,
A loving nurse, a mother to his youth.

Sat. Ascend, fair queen, Pantheon.—Lords,:
pany

Your noble emperor and his lovely bride.
Sent by the heavens for prince Saturnine,
Whose wisdom hath her fortune conquered:
There shall we consummate our spousal rightS-

[ Exeunt Saturninus and his followers; Tamora,
and her sons; Aaron and Goths.

Tit. I am not bid to wait upon this bride:— Titus, when wcrt thou wont to walk alone, Dishonour'd thus, and challenged of wr,rigs? Re-enter Marcus, Lucius, Ouintus, and Martius.

Mar. O Titus, see, <J see what thou hast done I
In a bad quarrel slain a virtuous son.

Tit. No, foolish tribune, no; no son of mine,—
Nor thou, nor these, confederates in the deed
That hath dishonour'd all our family;
Unworthy brother, and unworthy sons I

Liu. But let us give him burial, as becomes;
Give Mutius burial with our brethren.

Tit. Traitors, away I he rests not in this tomb:
This monument five hundred years hath stood.
Which 1 have sumptuously re-edified:
Here none but soldiers, and Rome's servitors.
Repose in fame ; none basely slain in brawls:
Bury him where you can, he comes not here.

Mar. My lord, this is impiety in you:
My nephew Mutius' deeds do plead for him;
He must be buried with his brethren.

Quia., Mart. And shall, or him we will accompany.

TiL And shall 1 What villain was it spoke that word?

Qum. He that would vouch it in any place but

here.

Tit. What, would you bury him in my despite? Mar. No, noble Titus; but entreat of thee Topardon Mutius, and to bury him.

Tit. Marcus, even thou hast struck upon my crest. And, with these boys, mine honour thou hast

wounded:
My foes I do repute you every one;
So, trouble me no more, but get you gone.
Mart. He is not with himself; let us withdraw.
Qnin. Not 1, Fill Mutius' bones be buried

[Marcus and the sons ^"Titus ineeL Mar. Brother, for in that name doth nature plead.

Qnin. father, and in that name doth nature

speak.

Tit Speak thou no more, if all the rest will speed. Mar. Renowned Titus, more than half my soul I Luc. Dear father, soul and substance of us all 1 Mar, Suffer thy brother Marcus to inter His noble nephew here in virtue's nest. That died in honour and Lavinia's cause. Thou art a Roman, be not barbarous: The Greeks upon advice did bury Ajax, That slew himself; and wise Laertes' son Did graciously plead for his funerals: Let not young Mutius, then, that was thy joy. Be barrd his entrance here.

Tit. Rise, Marcus, rise!

The dismall'st day is this that e'er I saw, -
To be dishonour'd by my sons in Rome:
Well, bury hhn, and bury me the next.

[ M utius is put into the tomb. Luc. There lies thy bones, sweet Mutius, with thy friends,

Till we with trophies do adorn thy tomb I
All. \Kneelin£.\ No man shed tears fo noble
Mutius,

He lives in fame that died in virtue's cause.
Mar. My lord,—to step out of these dreary

dumps,—

How conies it that the subtle queen of Goths
Is of a sudden thus advane'd in Rome?

Tit. I know not, Marcus; but i know it Is.
Whether by device or no, the heavens can t«lL