TITUS ANDRONICUS. THE preponderance of criticism is altogether opposed to the admission of this play among the undoubted works of Shakspeare. The most probable statement connecting our author with the play is that made by Ravenscroft, who, in the preface to an alteration of the tragedy, published in 1687, says that he had been "told by some anciently conversant with the stage, that it was not originally Shakspeare's, but brought by a private author to be acted; he only gave some master touches to one or two of the principal parts or characters." "Titus Andronicus," observes Hazlitt, "is certainly as unlike Shakspeare's usual style as it is possible. It is an accumulation of vulgar physical horrors, in which the power exercised by the poet bears no proportion to the repugnance excited by the subject." SCENE I.-Rome, before the Capitol. The Tomb of the ANDRONICI appearing; the TRIBUNES and Bas. Romans, friends, followers, favourers of my right,— If ever Bassianus, Cæsar's son, Were gracious in the eyes of royal Rome, VOL. V. *I. e. my title to the succession. And suffer not dishonour to approach And, Romans, fight for freedom in your choice. Enter MARCUS ANDRONICUS, aloft, with the Crown. Know, that the people of Rome, for whom we stand For many good and great deserts to Rome; Lives not this day within the city walls: From weary wars against the barbarous Goths, Hath yoked a nation strong, train'd up in arms. And now at last, laden with honour's spoils, 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! In thy uprightness and integrity, And so I love and honour thee and thine, Thy nobler brother Titus, and his sons, And her, to whom my thoughts are humbled all, [Exeunt the followers of BASSIANUS. [Exeunt the followers of SATURNINUS. * Summoned. Rome, be as just and gracious unto me, Open the gates, and let me in. Bas. Tribunes! and me, a poor competitor. [SATURNINUS and BASSIANUS go into the Capitol, and exeunt with SENATORS, MARCUS, &c. SCENE II.-The same. Enter a CAPTAIN, and others. Cap. Romans, make way; The good Andronicus, Enter MUTIUS and MARTIUS: after a coffin covered with black; then After them, TITUS ANDRONICUS; and then TAMORA, with ALARBUS, CHIRON, DEMETRIUS, AARON, and other Goths, prisoners; soldiers and people fol lowing. The bearers set down the coffin, and TITUS speaks. Tit. Hail, Rome, victorious in thy mourning weeds! Lo, as the bark that hath discharged her fraught,* Returns with precious lading to the bay, From whence at first she weigh'd her anchorage, These, that survive, let Rome reward with love; Here Goths have given me leave to sheath my sword. Sweet cell of virtue and nobility, [The tomb is opened. How many sons of mine hast thou in store, Luc. Give us the proudest prisoner of the Goths, That we may hew his limbs, and, on a pile, |