Page 2123 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

SAT URNINUS

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. [320]
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 every thing
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.

T AMORA

And here in sight of heaven to Rome I swear,
If Saturnine advance the Queen of Goths, [330]
She will a handmaid be to his desires,
A loving nurse, a mother to his youth.

SAT URNINUS

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 conquerèd.
There shall we consummate our spousal rites.

Exeunt all but Titus.

T IT US

I am not bid to wait upon this bride.
Titus, when wert thou wont to walk alone,
Dishonoured thus and challengèd of wrongs? [340]

Enter Marcus and Titus’ sons.

MART IUS

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