Saturninus speaks in outrage and entitlement — every speech is about what he is owed. He escalates instantly and forgives only when politically forced. Watch for how his gratitude always has a shelf life measured in minutes.
Noble patricians, patrons of my right,
Defend the justice of my cause with arms;
And, countrymen, my loving followers,
Plead my successive title with your swords.
I am his firstborn son that was the last
That wore the imperial diadem of Rome;
Then let my father’s honours live in me,
Nor wrong mine age with this indignity.
Noble patricians, defenders of my rightful claim, Support the justice of my case with your weapons; And, fellow Romans, my devoted supporters, Advance my claim to imperial succession with your swords. I am the firstborn son of the man who was the last To wear the imperial crown of Rome; So let my father's honors live through me, And do not diminish my standing with this disrespect.
Hey, important nobles, you're with me on this, right? Back my claim with force. And listen up, my loyal supporters—fight with your swords to make me emperor. I'm the oldest son of the guy who last wore Rome's crown, So my father's legacy should pass to me. Don't disrespect me by taking that away.
nobles, support my claim use your swords to back me up i'm the rightful heir don't take away my father's honor
Bassianus speaks the language of rights and merit rather than rank — he is the play's brief voice of liberal Rome, arguing that virtue should win elections. He will be dead before Act Three.
Romans, friends, followers, favourers of my right,
If ever Bassianus, Caesar’s son,
Were gracious in the eyes of royal Rome,
Keep then this passage to the Capitol,
And 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.
Romans, my friends, my allies, supporters of my rightful position, If Bassianus, son of Caesar, has ever earned favor In the eyes of Roman leadership, Then guard this path to the Capitol, And do not allow dishonor to approach The imperial seat, which is consecrated to virtue, To justice, self-restraint, and nobility; Rather, let personal merit shine through pure voting, And, Romans, fight for the freedom of your choice.
Listen up, Romans, friends, people backing my cause— If I've ever meant anything to Rome as Caesar's son, Keep the path to the Capitol safe, and make sure dishonor doesn't touch the imperial throne, which belongs to virtue, justice, and noble behavior. Let the best person win in a fair election, and fight to protect your right to choose freely.
if i've earned rome's trust as caesar's son guard the path to power let virtue decide who rules fight for freedom to choose
Marcus is the play's reasonable man: measured, rhetorical, always appealing to precedent and principle. He is usually right and usually ignored. Watch for how he frames every crisis as a question of Roman law or classical example.
Princes, that strive by factions and by friends
Ambitiously for 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
For many good and great deserts to Rome.
A nobler man, a braver warrior,
Lives not this day within the city walls.
He by the senate is accited home
From weary wars against the barbarous Goths,
That with his sons, a terror to our foes,
Hath yoked a nation strong, trained 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 returned
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, flourishing 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.
Leaders, you who fight for power through factions and friends, know that the people of Rome, whom we represent, have through common vote in the election for Roman leadership chosen Andronicus, called Pius, for his many good and great services to Rome. A more noble man, a braver soldier, does not live in this city today. He has been summoned home by the senate from exhausting wars against the savage Goths, and with his sons, a terror to our enemies, he has conquered a strong nation, trained in warfare. Ten years have passed since he first took up this cause for Rome and defeated our enemies' pride. Five times he has returned bleeding to Rome, carrying his brave sons in coffins from the battlefield. And now finally, loaded with the rewards of honor, comes back the good Andronicus to Rome, renowned Titus, distinguished in warfare. Let us ask, by the honor of his name, whom you would worthily want to lead, and by the rights of the Capitol and senate, whom you claim to honor and worship, that you withdraw and reduce your forces, dismiss your followers, and like proper candidates, plead your merits in peace and humility.
You princes fighting for power through alliances and supporters, understand that the people of Rome, whom we speak for, have voted to choose Andronicus for Roman leadership, calling him Pius, because of all the good and great things he's done for Rome. There's no more noble man or braver soldier living in this city today. The senate has called him home from exhausting wars against the savage Goths, and with his sons, he's been a nightmare for our enemies, conquering a strong nation trained in war. For ten years now he's been fighting this fight for Rome and defeating our enemies with the sword. Five times he's come back bleeding to Rome, bringing his courageous sons home in coffins. And now, finally, coming back covered in the spoils of war, is the good Andronicus returning to Rome, the famous Titus, mighty in battle. I'm asking you, because of the honor of his name, since you say he should lead us, and because of Rome's institutions, which you claim to honor and respect, that you stop fighting and give up your power, send away your supporters, and like normal candidates, state your case for leadership peacefully and humbly.
princes fighting for power rome chose andronicus no braver soldier he fought ten years came back five times bleeding with dead sons now step back support him in peace
How fair the tribune speaks to calm my thoughts!
What a persuasive speech from the tribune—it settles my mind!
Wow, that tribune really knows how to make a good speech and talk some sense into me!
that tribune's speech is smooth really settles my mind
Marcus Andronicus, so I do affy
In thy uprightness and integrity,
And so I love and honour thee and thine,
Thy noble brother Titus and his sons,
And her to whom my thoughts are humbled all,
Gracious Lavinia, Rome’s rich ornament,
That I will here dismiss my loving friends,
And to my fortunes and the people’s favour
Commit my cause in balance to be weighed.
Marcus Andronicus, I trust in your honesty and integrity, and I love and honor you and your family, your noble brother Titus and his sons, and her to whom my thoughts turn completely, gracious Lavinia, Rome's beautiful jewel, so I will dismiss my loyal supporters here, and entrust my cause to the people's favor to be judged fairly.
Marcus Andronicus, I have trust in your honesty and integrity, and I love and respect you and your whole family, especially your noble brother Titus and his sons, and most of all Lavinia, gracious Lavinia, Rome's most beautiful woman, so I'm going to tell my supporters to leave, and I'll let the people decide what's best for me.
i trust you marcus i love titus and his sons and i love lavinia most so i'll step back let the people choose
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.
My friends, who have stood so firmly on my behalf, I thank you all, and I dismiss you all here, And to the love and favor of my country I entrust myself, my person, and my cause.
Thanks, you guys, for backing me so hard—I really appreciate it. But I'm going to let you go now. I'm putting everything—myself, my interests, everything—in Rome's hands.
thanks for the support but i'm releasing you putting my faith in rome's hands
Rome, be as just and gracious unto me
As I am confident and kind to thee.
Open the gates and let me in.
Rome, be as just and generous to me as I have been confident and kind to you. Open your gates and let me in.
Rome, treat me as fairly as I've treated you with loyalty and respect. Let me through your gates.
rome, be good to me like i've been good to you. open the gates.
Tribunes, and me, a poor competitor.
Tribunes, and also me, a mere humble competitor.
Tribunes, and—oh—me too, just a guy trying to win this thing.
tribunes, and me too just a humble candidate
Romans, make way! The good Andronicus,
Patron of virtue, Rome’s best champion,
Successful in the battles that he fights,
With honour and with fortune is returned
From where he circumscribed with his sword
And brought to yoke the enemies of Rome.
Romans, make way! The noble Andronicus, Rome's virtue personified, Rome's greatest champion, Successful in every battle he has fought, With honor and good fortune has returned From where he defeated with his sword And brought to submission the enemies of Rome.
Romans, step aside! Here comes Andronicus, Rome's greatest hero and most virtuous man— the one who's won every battle he's fought. He's back with honor and success, fresh from conquering Rome's enemies with his sword.
make way for andronicus rome's best warrior back from beating the enemy with honor intact
two men bearing a coffin covered with black; then two other sons; then
Titus Andronicus; and then Tamora, the Queen of Goths and her sons
Alarbus, Chiron and Demetrius with Aaron the Moor, and others as many
as can be, then set down the coffin, and Titus speaks.
Two men carry a coffin draped in black, followed by two more of his sons. Then Titus Andronicus enters. Then Tamora, the Queen of the Goths, with her sons Alarbus, Chiron, and Demetrius, and Aaron the Moor, and as many other attendants as the stage can hold. They set down the coffin and Titus begins to speak.
Two men bring in a coffin covered in black cloth. Then two more of Titus's sons come out. Next, Titus himself appears. After that comes Tamora, the Queen of the Goths, with her sons Alarbus, Chiron, Demetrius, and Aaron the Moor, plus other attendants filling the stage. They put the coffin down and Titus starts talking.
two guys carry a black coffin. more of titus's sons. then titus. then tamora and her crew with alarbus, chiron, demetrius, aaron. coffin goes down. titus speaks.
Titus speaks in the grammar of Roman duty — every sentence is a decree, an invocation, or a sacrifice. He has no register for negotiation or doubt, which means every crisis arrives as a shock he cannot process. Watch for how often he invokes Rome, honor, and his ancestors as substitutes for thinking.
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 weighed her anchorage,
Cometh Andronicus, bound with laurel boughs,
To resalute his country with his tears,
Tears of true joy for his return to Rome.
Thou great defender of this Capitol,
Stand gracious to 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 bring unto 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, unburied yet,
To hover on the dreadful shore of Styx?
Make way to lay them by their brethren.
Welcome, Rome, victorious though dressed in mourning! Just as a ship that has unloaded her cargo returns with precious goods to the harbor from where she first set sail, comes Andronicus, crowned with laurel branches, to greet his country again with his tears, tears of real joy for his return to Rome. You great protector of the Capitol, be gracious toward the ceremonies we intend. Romans, of twenty-five brave sons, half the number that King Priam had, see what remains, both living and dead. Let Rome reward with love those who survive; those I bring to their final home, let them be buried with their ancestors. Here the Goths have let me put away my sword. Titus, being careless of your own family, why do you let your sons, still unburied, hover on the terrible shore of the underworld? Make way so I can lay them with their brothers.
Welcome, Rome, victor though dressed in grief! Just like a ship that has unloaded her cargo comes back to harbor full of treasure from where she first sailed out, here comes Andronicus, wearing laurel wreaths, to greet his country again with tears, tears of joy for coming home to Rome. You great guardian of the Capitol, be kind to the funeral rites we're about to perform. Romans, I had twenty-five brave sons, half as many as King Priam had, here's what's left, living and dead. Let Rome honor and love those who survived; those I'm bringing home for the last time, let them be buried with their ancestors. The Goths have finally let me stop fighting. Titus, you've been neglecting your own family, why are you letting your sons stay unburied, stranded on the terrible shore of the underworld? Let us go bury them with their brothers.
welcome rome like a ship coming home andronicus returns with tears joy for homecoming of twenty-five sons only these survive love the living bury the dead
There greet in silence, as the dead are wont,
And sleep in peace, slain in your country’s wars.
O sacred receptacle of my joys,
Sweet cell of virtue and nobility,
How many sons hast thou of mine in store,
That thou wilt never render to me more?
Greet each other silently there, as the dead do, And rest in peace, killed in your country's wars. O sacred repository of my joys, Sweet dwelling place of virtue and nobility, How many of my sons do you hold inside, That you will never return to me again?
Go ahead and greet each other down there in silence, the way the dead do, And rest in peace—you died fighting for your country. You are the sacred home of my greatest joys, The place where virtue and nobility lived, Tell me: how many of my sons do you have in there, That I'll never see them again?
greet each other quiet like the dead do. rest in peace - died for country. you were my joy. how many sons you got? i'll never see them.
Lucius is his father's soldier: direct, loyal, and capable of ruthlessness in the name of duty. His first act in the play is to demand a human sacrifice; his last will be to become emperor. Watch for how his arc mirrors Rome's — destruction first, then reluctant reconstruction.
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 unappeased,
Nor we disturbed with prodigies on earth.
Give us the proudest prisoner from the Goths, So that we can hack his body apart, and on a funeral pyre Sacrifice his flesh to our dead brothers' spirits Before this earthly grave that holds their bones, So that their shades are not left unsatisfied, Nor we troubled by supernatural omens on earth.
Give us the most important Goth prisoner you've got. We're going to cut him up and burn his body as an offering to our dead brothers' spirits, right in front of where they're buried. That way their ghosts will be satisfied and we won't have to worry about bad omens.
give us the top goth prisoner we'll sacrifice him for our dead brothers keep their spirits happy
I give him you, the noblest that survives,
The eldest son of this distressed queen.
I give you him—the noblest who survives, The oldest son of the distressed queen.
Here he is—the best one we've got left, the eldest son of that upset queen.
take him the queen's oldest son the noblest one alive
Tamora has two modes: supplication (beautifully sincere when her children are threatened) and calculation (the asides reveal a strategist operating three moves ahead). Watch for the shift between her public eloquence and her private cruelty — they are never far apart.
Stay, Roman brethren! Gracious conqueror,
Victorious Titus, 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 me.
Sufficeth 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 merciful.
Sweet mercy is nobility’s true badge.
Thrice-noble Titus, spare my first-born son.
Wait, Roman warriors! Merciful conqueror, Victorious Titus, feel sympathy for my tears, A mother's tears shed passionately for her son. And if your sons were ever precious to you, Consider my son equally precious to me. It is enough that we have been taken to Rome, To be displayed in your victory parade and return As captives to you and to Roman rule; But must my sons die in the streets For brave deeds done for their country's sake? If it was dutiful for your sons to fight for king and state, It was equally dutiful for mine. Andronicus, do not stain your tomb with blood. Will you approach the nature of the gods? Then come close to them through being merciful. True mercy is the badge of nobility. Noblest Titus, spare my firstborn son.
Hold on, Romans! Merciful conqueror, Victorious Titus, look at these tears I'm crying— a mother's passionate tears for her son. You loved your sons, right? Well, my son means just as much to me. Look, we're already here as prisoners in Rome, displayed in your victory parade, bound to your rule. Isn't that enough? Do my sons have to die in the streets for doing their duty to their country? If it was honorable for your sons to fight for Rome, it was honorable for mine to fight for Goth. Andronicus, don't bloodstain your tomb with this. Do you want to act like a god? Then be merciful like one. Mercy is what makes someone truly noble. Victorious Titus, please, spare my oldest son.
please wait i'm a mother begging my son means everything to me just like your sons meant to you we're already captives be merciful like a god would be save my son
Patient yourself, madam, and pardon me.
These are their brethren whom your Goths beheld
Alive and dead, and for their brethren slain
Religiously they ask a sacrifice.
To this your son is marked, and die he must,
T’ appease their groaning shadows that are gone.
Compose yourself, madam, and forgive me. These are the brothers of those men you saw Alive and dead here, and because their brothers were killed, They religiously demand a sacrifice. Your son has been marked for this death, and he must die, To appease the sorrowful spirits of those who are gone.
Please calm down, ma'am, and understand. These soldiers have brothers here—some who made it back alive, some who didn't. Because their brothers were killed, they're demanding a sacrifice as a religious rite. Your son is chosen for this, and he has to die. It's the only way to keep the spirits of the dead satisfied.
understand, madam your son's brothers all died they need a sacrifice to satisfy the dead this is the way
Away with him, and make a fire straight,
And with our swords, upon a pile of wood,
Let’s hew his limbs till they be clean consumed.
Take him away quickly, and build a fire now, And with our swords, on a pile of wood, Let's chop his limbs until they are completely consumed.
Get him out of here and get a fire going right now. We'll use our swords to hack his body apart on a funeral pyre until there's nothing left.
take him away build the fire we're gonna burn him with our swords
O cruel, irreligious piety!
Such cruel and misguided religious devotion!
This is insane—calling this brutality some kind of religious duty!
this is cruel and wrong blaming it on religion
Chiron is the younger and more impulsive of Tamora's surviving sons — shorter speeches, quicker to violence, almost always following Demetrius's lead. Watch for how his nastiness is casual rather than strategic.
Was never Scythia half so barbarous!
Scythia was never half as savage as this!
Even the most brutal barbarian tribes aren't this savage!
even barbarians aren't this brutal
The ritual dismemberment of Alarbus is presented, on Titus's side, as a genuine religious obligation — the Roman practice of propitiating the shades of the dead with blood sacrifice. Shakespeare's audience would have known this as a feature of Roman religion as described by classical authors. But the play immediately complicates it: Tamora makes the best possible argument against it, invoking the universal bond between mother and child, and the parallel between her sons' courage and Titus's own. The sacrifice is legal, traditional, and religiously mandated — and also the most catastrophic choice in the play. This is Shakespeare's central question: can a system of duty produce monstrous outcomes while its practitioners remain genuinely virtuous? The answer the play gives is not comfortable. Titus is not a hypocrite. He is a man whose moral vocabulary has no room for mercy, and the absence kills him.
Demetrius has more words than Chiron and a longer rhetorical reach — he cites precedent, quotes mythology, and frames violence in the language of inevitability. He is bad in a more considered way than his brother.
Oppose not Scythia to ambitious Rome.
Alarbus goes to rest, and we survive
To tremble under Titus’ threat’ning look.
Then, madam, stand resolved, but hope withal
The self-same gods that armed the Queen of Troy
With opportunity of sharp revenge
Upon the Thracian tyrant in his tent
May favour Tamora, the queen of Goths,
(When Goths were Goths and Tamora was queen)
To quit the bloody wrongs upon her foes.
Do not set Scythia as a rival to ambitious Rome. Alarbus goes to his rest, and we survive To tremble beneath Titus' threatening gaze. So, madam, accept what is happening, but hold onto hope That the same gods who gave the Queen of Troy The opportunity to take sharp revenge On the Thracian tyrant in his tent May favor Tamora, the queen of the Goths, (When Goths were Goths and Tamora was their queen) To repay the bloody wrongs your enemies have done.
Don't compare Scythia to Rome—Rome's got the power here. Alarbus is gone, and we're left here shaking in fear of Titus. So madam, deal with what's happening, but don't give up hope. The same gods who helped the Trojan queen get revenge on that tyrant in his tent might help you, Tamora, queen of the Goths. When Goths were strong and you ruled them, those gods might let you pay back every bloody wrong Rome's done to you.
don't compare scythia to rome alarbus is dead we're left to fear titus but the gods might help you get revenge madam, hold onto hope
See, lord and father, how we have performed
Our Roman rites. Alarbus’ limbs are lopped,
And entrails feed the sacrificing fire,
Whose smoke like incense doth perfume the sky.
Remaineth naught but to inter our brethren,
And with loud ’larums welcome them to Rome.
See, my lord and father, how we have completed Our Roman funeral rites. Alarbus' limbs are cut off, And his internal organs feed the funeral fire, Whose smoke like incense perfumes the sky. All that remains is to bury our brothers And with loud fanfares welcome them to their rest in Rome.
Look, Dad, we've finished the Roman funeral ceremony. Alarbus' body parts are gone, and his insides are burning in the sacred fire— the smoke's like incense floating up to heaven. Now we just need to bury our brothers and give them a proper welcome to their tombs in Rome.
we finished the rites alarbus is sacrificed the smoke rises up now bury our brothers
Let it be so; and let Andronicus
Make this his latest farewell to their souls.
So it shall be done; Andronicus will make his ultimate farewell to these departed souls.
Yes, do that. I'll say my last goodbye to these dead soldiers.
let's bury them i'll say goodbye to their spirits
In peace and honour rest you here, my sons;
Rome’s readiest champions, repose you here in rest,
Secure from worldly chances and mishaps.
Here lurks no treason, here no envy swells,
Here grow no damned drugs; here are no storms,
No noise, but silence and eternal sleep.
In peace and honour rest you here, my sons.
Rest here in peace, my sons, with honour, Rome's most loyal defenders, lie here resting, Safe from the world's changes and troubles. Here lurks no betrayal, no envy swells, No poisonous plots grow here; here are no storms, No noise, but silence and eternal sleep. Rest here in peace, my sons, with honour.
Sleep here peacefully, my sons, with honour, Rome's finest warriors, rest here in quiet, Safe from all the chaos and heartbreak of the world. There's no betrayal here, no jealousy, No poisoning, no storms, nothing but silence And the calm of eternal peace. Sleep here with honour, my sons, at last.
rest in peace my sons. you were rome's best warriors. no betrayal. no jealousy. no storms. just quiet. eternal sleep. peace and honour.
In this first scene Lavinia is gracious, obedient, and utterly without agency — her role is to be transferred between men. Watch for the gap between her decorousness here and the terrible eloquence she will find later when language itself is taken from her.
In peace and honour live Lord Titus long;
My noble lord and father, live in fame.
Lo, at this tomb my tributary tears
I render for my brethren’s obsequies;
And at thy feet I kneel, with tears of joy
Shed on this earth for thy return to Rome.
O, bless me here with thy victorious hand,
Whose fortunes Rome’s best citizens applaud.
May you live long in peace and honor, Lord Titus; My noble lord and father, live in eternal fame. Look, at this tomb I shed my tribute of tears For my brothers' funeral rites; And at your feet I kneel, tears of joy Falling on this ground for your safe return to Rome. Bless me here with your victorious hand, Whose military successes are praised by Rome's best citizens.
Live long in peace and glory, Lord Titus. My father, may you be remembered forever in Rome's history. I'm crying at this tomb to honor my brothers' funeral. I'm kneeling at your feet, and my tears are happy ones— happy you made it back to Rome safely. Give me your blessing with the hand that won all those battles. Rome's greatest citizens all respect you for it.
live in peace and fame, father i'm crying for my brothers i'm so glad you're home bless me with your hand
Kind Rome, that hast thus lovingly reserved
The cordial of mine age to glad my heart!
Lavinia, live; outlive thy father’s days,
And fame’s eternal date, for virtue’s praise.
Kind Rome, you have preserved for me The comfort of my old age to make my heart glad! Lavinia, live; outlive your father's lifetime, And enjoy eternal fame through virtue's praise.
Rome, you've been so good to me— keeping my daughter safe all these years to brighten my old age. Lavinia, live a long life, longer than mine, and be remembered forever for your goodness.
rome has been good to us lavinia, live long be remembered for virtue
and others.
and the others
and all the rest of them
and others
Long live Lord Titus, my beloved brother,
Gracious triumpher in the eyes of Rome.
May you have a long life, my brother Titus, You who Rome sees as its greatest and most virtuous warrior.
Here's to you, Titus, my dear brother— may you live long, you who Rome loves as its greatest victor.
long live my brother titus rome's greatest victor
Thanks, gentle tribune, noble brother Marcus.
Thank you, kind tribune, noble brother Marcus.
Thanks, Marcus—you're a good man and a good brother.
thanks, noble marcus
And welcome, nephews, from successful wars,
You that survive, and you that sleep in fame.
Fair lords, your fortunes are alike in all,
That in your country’s service drew your swords;
But safer triumph is this funeral pomp
That hath aspired 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 palliament of white and spotless hue,
And name thee in election for the empire
With these our late-deceased emperor’s sons.
Be _candidatus_ then, and put it on,
And help to set a head on headless Rome.
Welcome, nephews, from your successful wars, you who survived and you who live in glory through death. Noble lords, your fates are the same in this, that you drew swords in your country's service; but a more secure victory is this funeral ceremony that has reached toward wisdom and triumphs over fate in honor's place. Titus Andronicus, the people of Rome, whose friend and servant in justice you have always been, send to you through me, their representative, this white and spotless robe, and name you as a candidate for leadership along with the late emperor's sons. Be the candidate then, and put it on, and help to give leadership to Rome which lacks a head.
Welcome home, nephews, from your victorious wars, you survivors, and you who died in glory. Noble lords, you all share the same fate, that you fought with swords for your country; but a more certain victory is this funeral ceremony that has achieved something greater and overcomes fate through honor. Titus Andronicus, the people of Rome, who you've always served with justice, are sending you, through me, their representative, this white spotless robe, and are nominating you as a candidate for emperor along with the late emperor's sons. Become a candidate and put it on, and help save Rome which has no leader right now.
welcome home nephews survived or died with honor fate accepted rome sends you white robe nominating you emperor put it on save rome
A better head her glorious body fits
Than his that shakes for age and feebleness.
What, should I don this robe and trouble you?
Be chosen with proclamations today,
Tomorrow yield up rule, resign my life,
And set abroad new business 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 honour for mine age,
But not a sceptre to control the world.
Upright he held it, lords, that held it last.
Rome's glorious body needs a better leader than someone who shakes with age and weakness. Should I put on this robe and cause problems? Be elected today with big ceremonies, then give up power tomorrow and resign my life, and create new chaos for you all? Rome, I have been your soldier for forty years, and successfully led your nation's strength, and buried twenty-one brave sons, honored in battle, killed honorably in warfare, serving and fighting for their noble country. Give me a walking staff suitable for my age, but not a scepter to rule the world. The man who held it last, lords, held it honorably.
Rome's great body deserves a better leader than someone too old and shaky to rule. Should I take this robe and mess things up? Get voted in with fanfare today, then step down tomorrow and give up my life, and cause all new problems for everyone? Rome, I've been your soldier for forty years, and successfully led your military, and buried twenty-one brave sons, honored soldiers who died fighting, serving their country with honor. Give me a cane for my old age, but not the crown to rule the world. The man before me held it with honor, my lords.
better leader than me old and weak they'd elect me today id resign tomorrow forty years a soldier twenty-one dead sons give me a cane not a crown
Titus, thou shalt obtain and ask the empery.
Titus, you will obtain and be asked for the empire.
Titus, the empire is yours—everyone's asking for you.
titus, you'll be emperor everyone wants you
Proud and ambitious tribune, canst thou tell?
Proud and ambitious tribune, can you tell me?
You arrogant tribune with your big ambitions—who do you think you are?
who do you think you are arrogant tribune
Patience, Prince Saturninus.
Patience, Prince Saturninus.
patience, prince saturninus.
patience
Romans, do me right.
Patricians, draw your swords, and sheathe them not
Till Saturninus be Rome’s emperor.
Andronicus, would thou were shipped to hell
Rather than rob me of the people’s hearts!
Romans, give me justice. Nobles, draw your swords, and do not sheathe them Until Saturninus is Rome's emperor. Andronicus, I wish you were sent to hell Rather than steal my people's love!
Romans, support me! Noblemen, pull your swords and keep them out until I'm emperor! Andronicus, I'd rather see you dead than let you steal the people's hearts from me!
romans back me up swords out til i'm emperor andronicus you're stealing my people
Proud Saturnine, interrupter of the good
That noble-minded Titus means to thee!
Proud Saturninus, you interrupt the good That the noble-minded Titus intends for you!
You arrogant Saturninus, you're ruining the good thing this honorable Titus is trying to do for you!
saturninus you're ruining it titus is trying to help you stop interrupting
Content thee, prince; I will restore to thee
The people’s hearts, and wean them from themselves.
Be content, prince; I will restore to you The people's hearts, and make them faithful to you alone.
Calm down, prince. I'll win back the people's love for you and make sure they only follow you.
relax prince i'll make the people love you i promise
Andronicus, I do not 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.
Andronicus, I do not flatter you, But truly honor you, and will do so until I die. If you strengthen my faction with your friends, I will be deeply grateful; and gratitude to people Of noble character is the greatest honor.
Andronicus, I'm not blowing smoke at you— I genuinely respect you, and I will the rest of my life. If you bring your supporters to my side, I'll be really thankful. And when noble people say thanks, that's the highest compliment.
i respect you titus for real, not fake if you back me i'll be grateful forever
People of Rome, and people’s tribunes here,
I ask your voices and your suffrages.
Will you bestow them friendly on Andronicus?
People of Rome, and Rome's elected representatives here, I ask for your voices and your votes. Will you freely give them to Andronicus?
Romans, senators, I'm asking you straight up: do you want to vote for me?
rome, senators will you vote for me andronicus
To gratify the good Andronicus,
And gratulate his safe return to Rome,
The people will accept whom he admits.
To reward the good Andronicus, And celebrate his safe return to Rome, The people will accept whoever he supports.
To honor this great guy Andronicus and celebrate that he's back home safe, we'll vote for whoever he chooses.
we'll honor andronicus vote for who he picks
Tribunes, I thank you; and this suit I make,
That you create your emperor’s eldest son,
Lord Saturnine; whose virtues will, I hope,
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!”
Senators, I thank you; and I make this request: That you make Rome's emperor the eldest son, Lord Saturnine; whose qualities, I trust, Will shine on Rome like the sun's rays on earth, And ripen justice in the state. Then, if you will follow my advice, Crown him, and declare, "Long live our emperor!"
Senators, thanks for trusting me. Here's what I want: Make Saturnine, the old emperor's oldest son, the new emperor. He's going to be great for Rome—his leadership will light up the city like sunshine, and he'll make sure justice is done. If you'll listen to me, crown him and shout, "Long live Emperor Saturnine!"
make saturnine emperor he'll be like sunshine for rome justice will flourish long live the emperor
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!”
With voices and cheers from every kind of Roman, Both nobles and common people, we make Lord Saturninus Rome's great emperor, And declare, "Long live our Emperor Saturnine!"
With everyone shouting—the rich, the poor, everybody— we're making Saturnine emperor of Rome. Long live Emperor Saturnine!
romans all together we crown saturnine long live emperor saturnine
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,
Rome’s royal mistress, mistress of my heart,
And in the sacred Pantheon her espouse.
Tell me, Andronicus, doth this motion please thee?
Titus Andronicus, because of the favors you have done For us in our election today, I give you thanks in partial repayment of your service, And I will repay your kindness with actions. And to begin, Titus, to elevate Your name and honored family, I will make Lavinia my empress, Rome's royal lady, the lady of my heart, And in the sacred Pantheon I will marry her. Tell me, Andronicus, does this plan please you?
Titus Andronicus, thanks for helping me get elected. I owe you big time, and I'm going to pay you back with real actions. As a start, here's what I want to do: I'm going to make your daughter Lavinia my empress. She'll be Rome's royal lady and my queen. We'll get married in the Pantheon. What do you think about that, Andronicus?
thanks titus for getting me elected i'm giving you big payback lavinia will be empress my queen and rome's
It doth, my worthy lord, and in this match
I hold me highly honoured 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 my prisoners;
Presents well worthy Rome’s imperious lord.
Receive them then, the tribute that I owe,
Mine honour’s ensigns humbled at thy feet.
It does please me, my worthy lord, and in this marriage I consider myself greatly honored by your favor; And here before Rome's eyes, to Saturnine, King and commander of our commonwealth, The world's emperor, I do dedicate My sword, my chariot, and my prisoners; Gifts truly worthy of Rome's imperial ruler. Receive them, then, as the tribute I owe, My honors' symbols laid humbly at your feet.
I'm honored, my lord—this is a huge honor for my family. Right here in front of all Rome, I swear my loyalty to you, Saturnine, Rome's ruler, the emperor of the world. I'm giving you my sword, my battle chariot, and all my prisoners— they're all yours. These are gifts fit for Rome's greatest leader. Take them as payment for everything you've done for me. I'm laying all my honors at your feet.
i'm honored here before rome i give you everything my sword, my chariot, prisoners it's all yours
Thanks, noble Titus, father of my life.
How proud I am of thee and of thy gifts
Rome shall record, and when I do forget
The least of these unspeakable deserts,
Romans, forget your fealty to me.
Thanks, noble Titus, father of my life. Rome will record how proud I am of you and your gifts, and when I forget even the smallest of your incredible services, Romans, forget your loyalty to me.
Thank you, noble Titus, the father of everything good in my life. Rome will remember how proud I am of you and what you've given me, and if I ever forget even one little thing you've done for me, Romans, don't be loyal to me anymore.
thanks titus i'm proud of you rome will remember if i forget what you did don't follow me
Titus's decision to back Saturninus over Bassianus is almost inexplicable on its merits — Saturninus is impulsive, vindictive, and openly hostile within minutes. Bassianus has argued for merit-based election and has shown gracious restraint. The play offers a few possible explanations: Titus believes in primogeniture (eldest son succeeds) as Roman law; he wants to seem above politics by not advancing his own faction; or he has simply been a soldier too long to understand political calculation. What's clear is that the decision is immediately and catastrophically wrong. Shakespeare gives Titus no moment of self-congratulation after making it — only a growing sequence of consequences. The choice of Saturninus is not a mistake Titus makes because he is bad. It is a mistake he makes because he is, in a very specific way, unfit for the world he has spent his life defending.
[_To Tamora_.] Now, madam, are you prisoner to an emperor;
To him that for your honour and your state
Will use you nobly and your followers.
Now, madam, you are prisoner to an emperor; One who for your honor and your position Will treat you and your followers nobly.
So madam, you're now a prisoner of the emperor; But he's someone who respects your honor and your status And will treat you and your people with dignity.
ur a prisoner to the emperor now but hell treat u nobly
A goodly lady, trust me, of the hue
That I would choose, were I to choose anew.
Clear up, fair queen, that cloudy countenance.
Though chance of war hath wrought this change of cheer,
Thou com’st 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 displeased with this?
A beautiful lady, I must say, of the appearance I would have chosen, had I been selecting again. Brighten up, noble lady, that sad face. Though the chaos of war has changed your mood, You are not coming to Rome to be mocked. You will be treated like royalty in every way. Take my word for it, and do not lose hope. Madam, those who can comfort you Can make you greater than the Queen of Goths. Lavinia, are you not happy with this arrangement?
You're a beautiful woman, seriously—if I could pick a wife again, it'd be someone like you. Cheer up, queen, stop looking so sad. I know war messed with your head, but listen— you're not here to be humiliated in Rome. You're going to be treated like royalty. Believe me, everything's going to be fine. Madam, I can make you happier and more powerful than you were as queen of the Goths. Lavinia, are you okay with this?
you're beautiful cheer up war was rough but you'll be treated like royalty lavinia, happy with this
Not I, my lord, sith true nobility
Warrants these words in princely courtesy.
No, my lord, because true nobility Justifies these words spoken with regal courtesy.
No complaints here, my lord. Real nobility speaks with the kind courtesy you're showing me.
i'm good, my lord your words are noble and courteous
Thanks, sweet Lavinia. Romans, let us go.
Ransomless here we set our prisoners free.
Proclaim our honours, lords, with trump and drum.
Thank you, sweet Lavinia. Romans, let us go. Here we release our prisoners without ransom. Announce our victories, lords, with trumpet and drum.
Thanks, Lavinia. Romans, let's go celebrate. We're setting all the prisoners free as a gift. Lords, have the trumpets and drums announce our victory!
thanks lavinia let's celebrate free the prisoners trumpets and drums for victory
Lord Titus, by your leave, this maid is mine.
Lord Titus, with your permission, this young woman is mine.
Titus, if you don't mind—this woman is betrothed to me.
titus lavinia is mine we're betrothed
How, sir? Are you in earnest then, my lord?
What? Are you serious about this, my lord?
Wait, are you actually being serious right now, my lord?
are you serious right now
Ay, noble Titus; and resolved withal
To do myself this reason and this right.
Yes, noble Titus; and I am resolved To give myself this justice and this right.
Yes, Titus. I'm serious, and I'm determined to claim what's rightfully mine.
yes titus i'm claiming my rights what's mine
_Suum cuique_ is our Roman justice.
This prince in justice seizeth but his own.
Each person to their own is our Roman justice. This prince is simply taking what belongs to him.
In Rome, justice means everyone gets what's theirs. This prince is just taking what he's entitled to.
roman justice each person gets what's theirs he's taking what's his
And that he will and shall, if Lucius live.
And he will do it, and he must, if Lucius lives.
And he's going to do it, I'll make sure of it.
he's taking her if i have anything to say
Traitors, avaunt! Where is the emperor’s guard?
Betrayers, get away from here! Where is the emperor's guard?
Traitors, back off! Where's the emperor's security?
traitors back off where's the guard
Treason, my lord, Lavinia is surprised.
Treason, my lord! Lavinia has been taken away.
This is treason, sir! They've kidnapped Lavinia!
treason! they took lavinia!
Surprised? By whom?
Surprised? By whom?
surprised? by whom?
surprised? by whom?
By him that justly may
Bear his betrothed from all the world away.
By him who rightfully can Take his promised bride away from everyone.
By me, who has the rightful claim to take my betrothed away from you.
i have the right to take my bride
Brothers, help to convey her hence away,
And with my sword I’ll keep this door safe.
Brothers, help carry her away, And with my sword I will keep this door secure.
Brothers, get her out of here, quick. I'll guard this door with my sword.
brothers get her out i'll guard the door
Follow, my lord, and I’ll soon bring her back.
Follow, my lord, and I will quickly bring her back.
Go after her, and I'll get her back to you quick.
follow them i'll bring her back soon
My lord, you pass not here.
My lord, you cannot pass through here.
My lord, you can't go through this door.
you can't go through my lord
What, villain boy,
Barr’st me my way in Rome?
What, rebellious boy, You block my way in Rome?
You insolent kid—you're blocking me in my own city of Rome?
you're blocking me in rome insolent boy
Help, Lucius, help!
Help, Lucius, help!
help, lucius, help!
someone help me
My lord, you are unjust, and more than so,
In wrongful quarrel you have slain your son.
My lord, you are unjust, and more than that, You have killed your own son in a wrongful fight.
My lord, that was wrong of you, and worse— you just killed your own son.
you're wrong you killed your own son
Nor thou nor he are any sons of mine;
My sons would never so dishonour me.
Traitor, restore Lavinia to the Emperor.
Neither you nor he are any sons of mine; My sons would never bring me such shame. Traitor, restore Lavinia to the Emperor.
You're not my son, and neither is he. No real son of mine would disrespect me like this. Traitor, give Lavinia back to the emperor.
you're not my son no real son would do this give lavinia back
Dead, if you will; but not to be his wife,
That is another’s lawful promised love.
Dead, if you must—but never to be his wife, Because she is another man's lawful promised love.
Kill me if you want—but she won't be his wife. She's already promised to someone else.
kill me but she's not marrying him she's promised to someone else
Act 1 scene 1 is one of the longest scenes Shakespeare ever wrote, and it moves at a pace that never allows the audience to settle. The stage direction calls for drums, trumpets, coffins, a tomb, a crown, multiple armies, a wedding, and a murder — in sequence. The verse itself reflects this velocity: speeches are formal and rhetorical (Marcus's announcement, Tamora's plea) but interrupted constantly by short reactions. Saturninus's outbursts are characteristically short; Tamora's great speeches are characteristically long. The scene establishes a theatrical language that the play will sustain: Rome is loud, public, ceremonious, and absolutely ruthless. The set-pieces of the later acts — the mutilation, the banquet — are prepared for here, because the audience has already seen that this world kills people on stage and then asks them to attend a feast.
Aaron the Moor.
Aaron the Moor
Aaron the Moor enters
aaron the moor
No, Titus, no; the emperor needs her not,
Nor her, nor thee, nor any of thy stock.
I’ll trust by leisure him that mocks me once;
Thee never, nor thy traitorous haughty sons,
Confederates all thus to dishonour me.
Was none in Rome to make a stale
But Saturnine? Full well, Andronicus,
Agree these deeds with that proud brag of thine
That said’st I begged the empire at thy hands.
No, Titus, no; the emperor doesn't need her, nor her, nor you, nor any of your family. I won't trust someone who mocks me once; you never, nor your traitorous arrogant sons, all working together to humiliate me. Was there no one else in Rome to be made a fool of but Saturninus? You did it well, Andronicus, match these deeds with that boastful claim of yours that I begged for the empire from your hands.
No, Titus, no; the emperor doesn't want her, her, you, or anyone in your family. I won't trust someone who insults me once; never you or your traitorous arrogant sons, all working together to shame me. Was I the only man in Rome you could fool? Nice work, Andronicus, now tell me how that fits with your big talk about me begging you for the empire.
no titus emperor doesn't want her don't trust you or your sons you shamed me was i the only one? that doesn't match your story
O monstrous! What reproachful words are these?
How horrible! What insulting words are these?
This is insane! Are you talking like that to me?
this is crazy what are you saying
But go thy ways; go, give that changing piece
To him that flourished for her with his sword.
A valiant son-in-law thou shalt enjoy;
One fit to bandy with thy lawless sons,
To ruffle in the commonwealth of Rome.
But go ahead; give this fickle woman To him who fought for her with his sword. You will get a brave son-in-law; One suited to fight against your lawless sons, To cause chaos in the Roman state.
Go ahead, take her, give her to that guy who fought for her. He'll be a fine son-in-law for you— just the type to battle your troublemaking sons and stir up trouble in Rome.
give her to him he fought for her he'll cause chaos with your sons in rome
These words are razors to my wounded heart.
These words cut like razors into my wounded heart.
Your words are cutting me open like knives.
your words hurt like razors
And therefore, lovely Tamora, Queen of Goths,
That like the stately Phœbe ’mongst her nymphs
Dost overshine the gallant’st dames of Rome,
If thou be pleased with this my sudden choice,
Behold, I choose thee, Tamora, for my bride,
And will create thee Empress of Rome.
Speak, Queen of Goths, dost thou applaud my choice?
And here I swear by all the Roman gods,
Sith priest and holy water are so near,
And tapers burn so bright, and everything
In readiness for Hymenæus stand,
I will not re-salute the streets of Rome,
Or climb my palace, till from forth this place
I lead espoused my bride along with me.
And therefore, lovely Tamora, Queen of Goths, You who shine like the bright goddess among her attendants And outshine the most beautiful ladies of Rome, If you are pleased with my sudden decision, See, I choose you, Tamora, for my bride, And I will make you Empress of Rome. Speak, Queen of Goths, do you approve of my choice? And I swear by all the Roman gods, Since priests and holy water are nearby, And candles are burning brightly, and all is ready For the wedding ceremony, I will not walk the streets of Rome again, Or go up to my palace, until from this place I lead you as my bride along with me.
So, beautiful Tamora, Queen of Goths, You're more gorgeous than all of Rome's beautiful women— you outshine them all. If you're into this sudden idea, here it is: I'm picking you to be my wife, and I'm making you Empress of Rome. So what do you think? You good with this? I'm swearing by all the gods— the priests are here, the holy water's here, the candles are lit, everything's ready for a wedding. I'm not moving from this spot, not leaving for the palace, nothing—until I walk out of here with you as my wife.
tamora, you're the most beautiful in all of rome i'm picking you as my bride and making you empress what do you say i swear i won't leave til you agree
And here in sight of heaven to Rome I swear,
If Saturnine advance the Queen of Goths,
She will a handmaid be to his desires,
A loving nurse, a mother to his youth.
And here in the sight of heaven I swear to Rome, If Saturnine raises up the Queen of Goths, She will serve his desires willingly, A loving caregiver, a mother to his life.
And I'm swearing to heaven and Rome right now— if you make me empress, I'll be everything you want. I'll take care of you like a loving nurse, like a mother.
i swear before heaven if you make me empress i'll care for you like a mother would
Ascend, fair queen, Pantheon. Lords, accompany
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 rites.
Go up, beautiful queen, to the Pantheon. Lords, accompany Your noble emperor and his lovely bride, Sent by heaven for Prince Saturnine, Whose leadership has made her fortunate. There we will complete our wedding ceremony.
Come on, beautiful queen, let's head to the Pantheon. Everyone, come with your emperor and his new bride. Heaven sent her for me, Prince Saturnine. My wisdom has brought us together. We're going to finish the wedding right now.
come on queen, let's go to the pantheon lords come with us we'll finish the wedding
I am not bid to wait upon this bride.
Titus, when wert thou wont to walk alone,
Dishonoured thus, and challenged of wrongs?
I am not asked to attend this bride. Titus, when were you accustomed to walk alone, dishonored like this, and facing such wrongs?
Nobody even asked me to be here for this wedding. Titus, when did you ever walk around alone so humiliated, facing such insults?
not invited when was i ever so dishonored
O Titus, see, O, see what thou hast done!
In a bad quarrel slain a virtuous son.
Titus, look, look what you have done! You have killed a virtuous son in a bad fight.
Titus, look at what you did! You killed a good son in a stupid fight.
titus look you killed your son in a senseless fight
No, foolish tribune, no; no son of mine,
Nor thou, nor these, confederates in the deed
That hath dishonoured all our family.
Unworthy brother and unworthy sons!
No, foolish tribune, no; no son of mine, And neither you nor these other men, partners in this deed That has shamed our entire family. Disgraceful brother and dishonorable sons!
No, foolish Marcus, no—he's not my son. Neither are you, and neither are these guys who helped him with this shameful thing. You've all dishonored our family. Disgraceful brother and shameful sons!
no he's not my son none of you are you all shamed our family disgraces
But let us give him burial, as becomes;
Give Mutius burial with our brethren.
But let us give him a proper burial; Give Mutius burial with our brothers.
Come on, let's bury him properly anyway. Let him be buried with our other brothers.
let's bury him right with our brothers
Traitors, away! He rests not in this tomb.
This monument five hundred years hath stood,
Which I 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.
Betrayers, get away! He does not rest in this tomb. This monument has stood for five hundred years, Which I have richly restored and improved. Here only soldiers and Rome's servants Are buried with honor; none basely killed in street brawls. Bury him somewhere else; he will not come here.
Get away from here! He's not going in this tomb. This monument is five hundred years old, and I've spent tons of money fixing it up. Only soldiers who died in real combat go here, and Rome's finest servants. Not some kid who got killed in a pointless street fight. Bury him somewhere else.
he's not going here this is for heroes not kids killed in fights bury him elsewhere
My lord, this is impiety in you.
My nephew Mutius’ deeds do plead for him;
He must be buried with his brethren.
My lord, this is disrespectful and wrong. My nephew Mutius' brave deeds speak in his favor; He must be buried with his brothers.
Titus, that's not right. Your nephew Mutius did brave things. He deserves to be buried with his brothers.
that's wrong titus mutius was brave bury him with his brothers
And shall, or him we will accompany.
And he will be, or we will be buried with him.
He will be buried, or we'll all be buried with him.
he'll be buried or we go with him
“And shall”? What villain was it spake that word?
Who spoke those words "he will be"? What traitor was it?
Who just said "he will be"? What traitor said that?
who said that which traitor
He that would vouch it in any place but here.
Someone who would say it anywhere but here.
Someone who'd say it anywhere except in front of you.
someone who'd say it anywhere but here
What, would you bury him in my despite?
What, would you bury him against my wishes?
You're going to bury him even though I'm against it?
you'll bury him even if i say no
No, noble Titus, but entreat of thee
To pardon Mutius and to bury him.
No, noble Titus, but I am asking you To forgive Mutius and to bury him.
No, Titus. I'm just asking you to forgive Mutius and let him be buried.
titus please forgive mutius let us bury him
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.
Marcus, you yourself have struck at my pride, And with these young men you have wounded my honor. I consider all of you my enemies; So stop bothering me and go away.
Marcus, even you've attacked my pride, and with these boys you've damaged my honor. You're all my enemies as far as I'm concerned. Stop bothering me and get out of here.
marcus you hurt me you're all enemies now stop and leave
He is not with himself; let us withdraw.
He is not in his right mind; let us withdraw.
He's not thinking straight. Let's go.
he's not rational let's leave him
Not I, till Mutius’ bones be buried.
Not I, until Mutius' bones are buried.
I'm not leaving till Mutius is buried.
not til mutius is buried
Brother, for in that name doth nature plead,—
Brother, because that name calls to family duty,—
Brother, that word means family to me,—
brother, because family matters,—
Father, and in that name doth nature speak,—
Father, and because that name speaks to family loyalty,—
Father, and that word is family speaking,—
father, because family is calling,—
Speak thou no more, if all the rest will speed.
Speak no more, if all the rest remain silent.
Don't say another word, if everyone else does.
everyone stay silent
The aside in which Tamora promises to massacre the Andronici (chunks 161-174) is the scene's structural center of gravity. Everything before it is the problem; everything after it is the coming solution. What makes it dramatically brilliant is its placement: Tamora delivers it to the audience immediately before turning back to perform magnanimity at her most convincing. The audience must then watch every subsequent scene — Tamora comforting Saturninus, Tamora reassuring Lavinia, Tamora brokering peace — knowing exactly what she intends. Shakespeare gives us the villain's game plan in Act 1 and then watches us watch her play it. This technique — full information to the audience, zero information to the victims — is the source of the play's sustained dramatic tension for the next three acts.
Renowned Titus, more than half my soul,—
Renowned Titus, you are more important to me than life itself,—
Titus, you mean more to me than anything,—
titus you mean everything to me,—
Dear father, soul and substance of us all,—
Dear father, you are everything that matters to us,—
Father, you're the heart and soul of all of us,—
father you're everything to us,—
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 barred his entrance here.
Allow your brother Marcus to bury his noble nephew here in this place of honor, who died in honor for Lavinia's sake. You are a Roman; don't be savage. The Greeks, when given advice, buried Ajax, who killed himself; and the wise Laertes' son graciously argued for his funeral rites. Don't let young Mutius, who was your joy, be prevented from being buried here.
Let your brother Marcus bury his noble nephew here in this honored place, who died fighting honorably for Lavinia. You're a Roman; don't act like a barbarian. The Greeks buried Ajax, even though he killed himself; and wise Odysseus even argued for proper funeral rites for him. Don't keep young Mutius, who you loved, from being buried with the rest.
let marcus bury him your nephew died honorably you're roman not barbarian greeks buried ajax odysseus gave eulogy let mutius be buried here
Rise, Marcus, rise.
The dismall’st day is this that e’er I saw,
To be dishonoured by my sons in Rome!
Well, bury him, and bury me the next.
Stand up, Marcus. This is the most miserable day I have ever seen, To be shamed by my own sons in Rome! Well, bury him, and bury me next.
Get up, Marcus. This is the worst day of my life— being disgraced by my own sons in Rome! Alright, bury him. Might as well bury me too.
get up marcus worst day ever shamed by my sons bury him and bury me too
There lie thy bones, sweet Mutius, with thy friends,
Till we with trophies do adorn thy tomb.
There lie your bones, sweet Mutius, with your friends, Until we decorate your tomb with the spoils of victory.
Rest here, Mutius, with your brothers. We'll come back and honor your tomb with the treasures of war.
rest here mutius with your brothers we'll honor your tomb
[_Kneeling_.] No man shed tears for noble Mutius;
He lives in fame that died in virtue’s cause.
No one should shed tears for noble Mutius; He lives on in fame who died for virtue's sake.
Nobody should cry for noble Mutius; Whoever dies for what's right earns eternal fame.
no tears 4 mutius he died 4 virtue & earned fame
My lord, to step out of these dreary dumps,
How comes it that the subtle Queen of Goths
Is of a sudden thus advanced in Rome?
My lord, to cheer you up from this gloomy mood—how did the shrewd Queen of the Goths suddenly rise to such power in Rome?
Hey, lord, to snap out of this dreadful mood, what's going on with the clever Goth queen being suddenly so powerful here in Rome?
why did the goth queen suddenly get so powerful
I know not, Marcus, but I know it is.
Whether by device or no, the heavens can tell.
Is she not then beholding to the man
That brought her for this high good turn so far?
Yes, and will nobly him remunerate.
I don't know, Marcus, but I know it's true. Whether it was plotted or not, the heavens can tell. Isn't she indebted to the man who brought her to such high honour? Yes, and I will reward him generously.
I don't know Marcus, but it definitely happened. The gods know if it was planned. Doesn't she owe something to whoever got her this power? Yeah, I'll make sure he's rewarded well.
idk but it happened. whoever did this deserves a reward
Aaron the Moor. Drums and Trumpets, at one door. Enter at the other
door Bassianus and Lavinia with others.
Aaron the Moor. Drums and trumpets sound at one entrance. At the other entrance come Bassianus and Lavinia with their attendants.
Aaron the Moor. Drums and trumpets blast from one side of the stage. From the other side come Bassianus and Lavinia with their people.
aaron the moor. drums and trumpets. bassianus and lavinia come in with others.
So, Bassianus, you have played your prize.
God give you joy, sir, of your gallant bride.
Well, Bassianus, you've won your prize. God give you joy for this fine bride.
So Bassianus, you got what you wanted. God bless you with your pretty bride.
congrats on ur bride
And you of yours, my lord. I say no more,
Nor wish no less; and so I take my leave.
And the same to you with yours, my lord. I'll say nothing more and wish no less for you, so I'm leaving now.
Same to you with your bride, my lord. I'm not going to say anything else, and I'm not wishing anything bad on you—so I'm heading out.
same to u. im out
Traitor, if Rome have law or we have power,
Thou and thy faction shall repent this rape.
Traitor, if Rome has law or we have power, you and your followers will regret this taking of the bride.
You traitor—if Rome has any law or I have any power, you and everyone helping you will pay for what you did.
traitor. ur gonna pay
Rape call you it, my lord, to seize my own,
My true betrothed love, and now my wife?
But let the laws of Rome determine all;
Meanwhile am I possessed of that is mine.
You call it rape, my lord, to claim my own betrothed, my true love and now my wife? But let Rome's laws settle everything. Meanwhile, I possess what's rightfully mine.
You call it rape? She was already my betrothed, my true love, and now my wife! Let Rome's laws figure it out. But right now she's legally mine.
shes my wife already. let the law decide
’Tis good, sir. You are very short with us;
But if we live, we’ll be as sharp with you.
That's good, sir. You're being very disrespectful to us, but if we live, we'll return the favour with equal sharpness.
That's fine, sir. You're being pretty rude to me, but if I stay alive, I'll be just as sharp with you.
ur being rude. just wait
My lord, what I have done, as best I may,
Answer I must, and shall do with my life.
Only thus much I give your grace to know:
By all the duties that I owe to Rome,
This noble gentleman, Lord Titus here,
Is in opinion and in honour wronged,
That, in the rescue of Lavinia,
With his own hand did slay his youngest son,
In zeal to you, and highly moved to wrath
To be controlled in that he frankly gave.
Receive him then to favour, Saturnine,
That hath expressed himself in all his deeds
A father and a friend to thee and Rome.
My lord, I'll answer for what I've done and take full responsibility with my life. I just want to tell you one thing: By my loyalty to Rome, this noble gentleman Titus here has been wronged in reputation and honor. When he rescued Lavinia, he killed his own youngest son with his own hands—in loyalty to you and in deep anger at being controlled in what he freely gave to Rome. Forgive him, Saturnine, for he has proven himself a father and a true friend to you and Rome.
My lord, I'll answer for everything I did—I'd stake my life on it. Just let me tell you this: Titus is a noble man who deserves respect, and he's been wronged. When he rescued Lavinia, he killed his own youngest son out of loyalty to you and because he was furious at being controlled in what he freely gave. Please forgive him, Saturnine. He's proven himself a true father to Rome and a friend to you.
i'll answer for what i did Titus has been wronged he killed his own son for you out of loyalty forgive him—he's your friend
Prince Bassianus, leave to plead my deeds.
’Tis thou, and those, that have dishonoured me.
Rome and the righteous heavens be my judge
How I have loved and honoured Saturnine.
Bassianus, stop defending me. It's you and your people who have dishonoured me. Let Rome and the righteous heavens judge how much I've loved and respected Saturnine.
Bassianus, quit speaking for me. It's you and your followers who've shamed me. Heaven and Rome can see how loyal and respectful I've been to Saturnine.
ur the ones who dishonored me. im loyal to saturnine
My worthy lord, if ever Tamora
Were gracious in those princely eyes of thine,
Then hear me speak indifferently for all;
And at my suit, sweet, pardon what is past.
My worthy lord, if I have ever found favour in those princely eyes of yours, then listen to me speak fairly for everyone. And at my request, please forgive what happened before.
My lord, if I've ever had your kindness, then listen to me speak up for all of these people here. And please, for my sake, let's move past what happened.
if u care about me forgive whats past
What, madam, be dishonoured openly,
And basely put it up without revenge?
What, madam? Should I just accept being dishonoured in public and let it go without revenge?
What, madam? You want me to just take this public humiliation without getting back at them?
ur asking me to take this without revenge?
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.
Not so, my lord; the gods of Rome forbid I'd be the cause of your shame! But I swear on my honour that Lord Titus is innocent in all this, and his visible fury speaks to real grief. Then at my request, look kindly on him. Don't lose such a noble friend over groundless suspicion, and don't hurt his gentle heart with cold looks.
No, my lord, the gods forbid I'd bring you shame! But I swear on my honour that Titus is completely innocent—his rage is real sorrow, not fake. Please, for my sake, be kind to him. Don't throw away such a good friend over nothing, and don't hurt his feelings with coldness.
titus is innocent. be nice to him. dont lose ur friend
[_Aside_.] My lord, be ruled by me, 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.
My lord, listen to me, give in at last; Hide all your grievances and discontent. You're only newly seated on your throne; Otherwise, the people and the nobles too, When they examine carefully Titus' actions, Might replace you for showing ingratitude, Which Rome considers a terrible sin. Yield to their requests, and then leave it to me. I'll find an occasion to massacre them all, And destroy their faction and their entire family, The brutal father and his traitorous sons, Who refused mercy for my dear son's life; And I'll make them know what it means to see a queen Kneel in the streets and beg for mercy in vain.
My lord, listen to me and give in this time; Pretend you're fine with everything and have no anger. You're still new to ruling this empire; Otherwise, the people and the nobles will notice Titus' good character and might choose him instead, And you'll be replaced for being ungrateful, Which Rome sees as a terrible crime. Give in to what they want, then let me handle the rest. I'll find my moment to kill them all, And wipe out their entire faction and bloodline, The cruel father and his treacherous sons, Who wouldn't save my son's life when I begged; And I'll teach them what happens when you make a queen Beg on her knees for mercy and get nothing.
listen give in let me handle this ill massacre titus & his sons they refused my son mercy now theyll pay
[_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.
Come, come, my dear emperor; come, Andronicus; Lift up this good old man and comfort his heart That's dying in the storm of your anger.
Come on, sweet emperor, come here Andronicus; Cheer up this good old man, whose heart Is breaking from the anger in your face.
cheer up titus his heart is dying from ur anger
Rise, Titus, rise; my empress hath prevailed.
Rise, Titus, rise; my empress has won the day.
Get up, Titus. My empress has convinced me.
ur good. empress convinced me
I thank your majesty and her, my lord.
These words, these looks, infuse new life in me.
I thank your majesty and her, my lord. These words, these looks, bring new life into me.
Thank you, your majesty, and thank you too. Your words and kindness make me feel alive again.
thank u. ur kindness gives me new life
Titus, I am incorporate in Rome,
A Roman now adopted happily,
And must advise the emperor for his good.
This day all quarrels die, Andronicus;
And let it be mine honour, good my lord,
That I have reconciled your friends and you.
For you, Prince Bassianus, I have passed
My word and promise to the emperor
That you will be more mild and tractable.
And fear not, lords, and you, Lavinia.
By my advice, all humbled on your knees,
You shall ask pardon of his majesty.
Titus, I am now woven into Rome, happily adopted as a Roman, and I must advise the emperor for his own good. This day all quarrels end, Andronicus. Let it be my honour, good my lord, that I have reconciled your friends and you. For you, Prince Bassianus, I've given my word to the emperor that you'll be milder and more manageable. And don't worry, you lords, and you, Lavinia. By my advice, all kneeling humbly, you should ask the emperor's forgiveness.
Titus, I'm fully part of Rome now, happily accepted as a Roman, and I need to give the emperor good advice. All the fighting stops today, Andronicus. Let me have the honour of bringing you and your friends back together. Bassianus, I've promised the emperor you'll be more gentle and cooperative. Don't worry, any of you or Lavinia. On my advice, you should all kneel and ask the emperor to forgive you.
im roman now. lets end this fighting. im making peace
We do, and vow to heaven and to his highness
That what we did was mildly as we might,
Tend’ring our sister’s honour and our own.
We do, and we swear to heaven and to his majesty that everything we did, we did as gently as we possibly could, protecting our sister's honour and our own.
We do, and we swear to heaven and to the emperor that we acted as carefully as we could have, protecting our sister's honour and ourselves.
we were gentle. we protected our sister
That on mine honour here do I protest.
I swear that on my honour here.
I swear to that on my honour.
i swear it
Away, and talk not; trouble us no more.
Go away and stop talking; don't trouble us anymore.
Get out of here and be quiet. Leave me alone.
leave me alone
Nay, nay, sweet emperor, we must all be friends.
The tribune and his nephews kneel for grace;
I will not be denied. Sweet heart, look back.
No, no, sweet emperor, we must all be friends. The tribune and his nephews kneel for mercy; I won't accept refusal. Sweet heart, look back at them.
No no, sweet emperor, we all need to be friends. The tribune and his nephews are on their knees asking for forgiveness. I'm not taking no for an answer. Come on, honey, look at them.
we gotta be friends. look at them kneeling
Marcus, for thy sake, and thy brother’s here,
And at my lovely Tamora’s entreats,
I do remit these young men’s heinous faults.
Stand up.
Lavinia, though you left me like a churl,
I found a friend, and sure as death I swore
I would not part a bachelor from the priest.
Come, if the emperor’s court can feast two brides,
You are my guest, Lavinia, and your friends.
This day shall be a love-day, Tamora.
Marcus, for your sake and your brother's here, and at my lovely Tamora's requests, I forgive these young men's grave crimes. Stand up. Lavinia, though you left me like a rude person, I found another bride and swore as surely as death that I wouldn't leave the altar unmarried. Come, if the emperor's court can feast two brides, you and your friends are my guests too. This day will be a celebration of love, Tamora.
Marcus, for you and your brother, and because Tamora asked so nicely, I'm forgiving these young men for what they did. Stand up. Lavinia, you left me pretty rudely, but I found someone else and swore I wouldn't leave the church unmarried. If the emperor's court can host two brides, you and your friends are welcome too. Today we're all celebrating love, Tamora.
ok ur forgiven. todays about celebrating
Tomorrow, an it please your majesty
To hunt the panther and the hart with me,
With horn and hound we’ll give your grace _bonjour_.
Tomorrow, if it pleases your majesty, let's hunt the panther and the stag together. With horn and hound, we'll give your grace a hearty good morning.
Tomorrow, if you'd like, your majesty, let's hunt the panther and the deer. With horns and hounds, we'll give you a cheerful morning.
tomorrow hunt with me panther and stag we'll give you a good morning
Be it so, Titus, and gramercy too.
So be it, Titus, and thank you very much too.
Sounds good, Titus, and thanks a lot.
yeah thanks
The Reckoning
This opening scene packs an entire tragedy's worth of catastrophe into one act: a triumphant general makes every wrong choice available to him, alienating every ally and creating every enemy he will spend the rest of the play unable to fight. The sacrifice of Alarbus plants the seed of Tamora's revenge; the killing of Mutius reveals a man who values Roman honor over his own children's lives. The audience leaves the scene watching Tamora smile — and knowing her smile is a drawn blade.
If this happened today…
Picture a decorated general returning from a long overseas deployment. At the welcome-home ceremony, he publicly executes a prisoner of war over the family's objection, then nominates the most volatile political candidate for president, then kills his own son in a parking-lot argument about a girl — all in one afternoon. A foreign captive he just handed the presidency to whispers to her new husband: 'Let them think you forgave everyone. I'll handle the rest.' The general goes home alone, confused about why the day went wrong.