Page 2188 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

Even so mayst thou the giddy men of Rome. Exit.
Then cheer thy spirit; for know thou, emperor,
I will enchant the old Andronicus [90]
With words more sweet, and yet more dangerous,
Than baits to fish, or honey-stalks to sheep,
Whenas the one is wounded with the bait,
The other rotted with delicious feed.

SAT URNINUS

But he will not entreat his son for us.

T AMORA

If Tamora entreat him, then he will;
For I can smooth and fill his agèd ears
With golden promises, that, were his heart
Almost impregnable, his old ears deaf,
Yet should both ear and heart obey my tongue. [100]
Go thou before to be our ambassador;
Say that the emperor requests a parley
Of warlike Lucius, and appoint the meeting
Even at his father’s house, the old Andronicus.

SAT URNINUS

Æemilius, do this message honourably,
And if he stand in hostage for his safety,
Bid him demand what pledge will please him best.

ÆMILIUS

Your bidding shall I do effectually.

T AMORA

Now will I to that old Andronicus,
And temper him with all the art I have, [110]
To pluck proud Lucius from the warlike Goths.
And now, sweet emperor, be blithe again,
And bury all thy fear in my devices.

SAT URNINUS

Then go incessantly, and plead to him.