But, if I live, his feigned ecstasies Shall be no shelter to these outrages: But he and his shall know, that Justice lives Tam. My gracious lord, my lovely Saturnine, Whose loss hath pierced him deep, and scarr'd his heart; And rather comfort his distressed plight, [aside. Than prosecute the meanest, or the best, Enter CLOWN. How now, good fellow? wouldst thou speak with us? Clown. Yes, forsooth, an your mistership be im perial. Tam. Empress I am, but yonder sits the emperor. Clown. "Tis he. God, and saint Stephen, give 1 Flatter. you good den: I have brought you a letter, and a couple of pigeons here. [Saturninus reads the letter. Sat. Go, take him away, and hang him presently. Tam. Come, sirrah, you must be hanged. Clown. Hanged! By 'r lady, then I have brought up a neck to a fair end. [Exit, guarded. Sat. Despiteful and intolerable wrongs! Shall I endure this monstrous villany? I know from whence this same device proceeds. Enter EMILIUS. What news with thee, Æmilius ? Em. Arm, arm, my lords: Rome never had more cause. The Goths have gather'd head; and, with a power Of high-resolved men, bent to the spoil, They hither march amain, under conduct Of Lucius, son to old Andronicus; Who threats, in course of this revenge, to do 1 Good even. As much as ever Coriolanus did. Sat. Is warlike Lucius general of the Goths? These tidings nip me; and I hang the head, As flowers with frost, or grass beat down with storms. Ay, now begin our sorrows to approach. And they have wish'd that Lucius were their emperor. Tam. Why should you fear? is not your city strong? Sat. Ay, but the citizens favor Lucius; And will revolt from me, to succour him. Tam. King, be thy thoughts imperious,1 like thy name. Is the sun dimm'd, that gnats do fly in it? With words more sweet, and yet more dangerous, 1i. e. imperial. 2 Stop. 3 Clover-flowers. When as the one is wounded with the bait, Sat. But he will not entreat his son for us. Of warlike Lucius; and appoint the meeting, [Exit Emilius. Tam. Now will I to that old Andronicus; And temper him, with all the art I have, And bury all thy fear in my devices. Sat. Then go successfully, and plead to him. [Exeunt. ACT V. SCENE 1. Plains near Rome. Enter LUCIUS and Goths, with drum and colors. Lucius. Approved warriors, and my faithful friends, I have received letters from great Rome, Which signify, what hate they bear their emperor, Therefore, great lords, be, as your titles witness, 1 Goth. Brave slip, sprung from the great Andronicus, Whose name was once our terror, now our com fort; Whose high exploits and honorable deeds Ingrateful Rome requites with foul contempt;- Led by their master to the flower'd fields, And be avenged on cursed Tamora. Goths. And, as he saith, so say we all with him. 1 Harm. |