Titus Andronicus

Share
First folio
Modern text

Definitions

Key line

Enter Aaron alone.Enter Aaron alone with gold Tit II.iii.1.1
Aron. AARON 
He that had wit, would thinke that I had none,He that had wit would think that I had none,wit (n.)
intelligence, wisdom, good sense, mental ability
Tit II.iii.1
To bury so much Gold vnder a Tree,To bury so much gold under a tree Tit II.iii.2
And neuer after to inherit it.And never after to inherit it.inherit (v.)
receive, obtain, come into possession [of]
Tit II.iii.3
Let him that thinks of me so abiectly,Let him that thinks of me so abjectlyabjectly (adv.)

old form: abiectly
contemptibly, in a degrading way, with a low opinion
Tit II.iii.4
Know that this Gold must coine a stratageme,Know that this gold must coin a stratagemstratagem (n.)

old form: stratageme
scheme, device, cunning plan
Tit II.iii.5
coin (v.)

old form: coine
create, make [as in minting a coin]
Which cunningly effected, will begetWhich, cunningly effected, will begetbeget (v.), past form begot
produce, engender, give rise to
Tit II.iii.6
A very excellent peece of villany:A very excellent piece of villainy.excellent (adj.)
[in a bad or neutral sense] exceptionally great, supreme, extreme
Tit II.iii.7
He hides the gold Tit II.iii.8
And so repose sweet Gold for their vnrest,And so repose, sweet gold, for their unrest Tit II.iii.8
That haue their Almes out of the Empresse Chest.That have their alms out of the Empress' chest. Tit II.iii.9
Enter Tamora to the Moore.Enter Tamora alone to the Moor Tit II.iii.10.1
Tamo. TAMORA 
My louely Aaron, / Wherefore look'st thou sad,My lovely Aaron, wherefore look'st thou sad,sad (adj.)
serious, grave, solemn
Tit II.iii.10
When euerything doth make a Gleefull boast?When everything doth make a gleeful boast? Tit II.iii.11
The Birds chaunt melody on euery bush,The birds chant melody on every bush, Tit II.iii.12
The Snake lies rolled in the chearefull Sunne,The snake lies rolled in the cheerful sun, Tit II.iii.13
The greene leaues quiuer.with the cooling winde,The green leaves quiver with the cooling wind Tit II.iii.14
And make a cheker'd shadow on the ground:And make a chequered shadow on the ground. Tit II.iii.15
Vnder their sweete shade, Aaron let vs sit,Under their sweet shade, Aaron, let us sit, Tit II.iii.16
And whil'st the babling Eccho mock's the Hounds,And whilst the babbling echo mocks the hounds, Tit II.iii.17
Replying shrilly to the well tun'd-Hornes,Replying shrilly to the well-tuned horns, Tit II.iii.18
Asif a double hunt were heard at once,As if a double hunt were heard at once, Tit II.iii.19
Let vs sit downe, and marke their yelping noyse:Let us sit down and mark their yellowing noise.mark (v.)

old form: marke
note, pay attention [to], take notice [of]
Tit II.iii.20
yellowing (adj.)
yelping, bellowing
And after conflict, such as was suppos'd.And after conflict such as was supposed Tit II.iii.21
The wandring Prince and Dido once enioy'd,The wand'ring prince and Dido once enjoyed,Dido (n.)
[pron: 'diydoh] Queen of Carthage who fell in love with Aeneas when he was shipwrecked on her shores; commanded by Jupiter, Aeneas left without seeing Dido again, and she killed herself on a funeral pyre
Tit II.iii.22
When with a happy storme they were surpris'd,When with a happy storm they were surprisedhappy (adj.)
opportune, appropriate, propitious, favourable
Tit II.iii.23
And Curtain'd with a Counsaile-keeping Caue,And curtained with a counsel-keeping cave,counsel-keeping (adj.)able to keep secretsTit II.iii.24
We may each wreathed in the others armes,We may, each wreathed in the other's arms, Tit II.iii.25
(Our pastimes done) possesse a Golden slumber,Our pastimes done, possess a golden slumber, Tit II.iii.26
Whiles Hounds and Hornes, and sweet Melodious BirdsWhiles hounds and horns and sweet melodious birds Tit II.iii.27
Be vnto vs, as is a Nurses SongBe unto us as is a nurse's song Tit II.iii.28
Of Lullabie, to bring her Babe asleepe.Of lullaby to bring her babe asleep. Tit II.iii.29
Aron. AARON 
Madame, / Though Venus gouerne your desires,Madam, though Venus govern your desires,Venus (n.)
planet particularly associated with love, beauty, and fertility
Tit II.iii.30
Saturne is Dominator ouer mine:Saturn is dominator over mine.dominator (n.)
ruler, lord, sovereign
Tit II.iii.31
Saturn (n.)
planet particularly associated with melancholic, morose, or vengeful temperaments
What signifies my deadly standing eye,What signifies my deadly-standing eye,deadly-standing (adj.)death-dealingTit II.iii.32
signify (v.)
report, make known, declare
My silence, and my Cloudy Melancholie,My silence, and my cloudy melancholy, Tit II.iii.33
My fleece of Woolly haire, that now vncurles,My fleece of woolly hair that now uncurls Tit II.iii.34
Euen as an Adder when she doth vnrowleEven as an adder when she doth unroll Tit II.iii.35
To do some fatall execution?To do some fatal execution?execution (n.)
killing, slaying, slaughter
Tit II.iii.36
No Madam, these are no Veneriall signes,No, madam, these are no venereal signs.venereal (adj.)

old form: Veneriall
displaying the character of Venus, associated with sexual desire
Tit II.iii.37
Vengeance is in my heart, death in my hand,Vengeance is in my heart, death in my hand, Tit II.iii.38
Blood, and reuenge, are Hammering in my head.Blood and revenge are hammering in my head. Tit II.iii.39
Harke Tamora, the Empresse of my Soule,Hark, Tamora, the empress of my soul, Tit II.iii.40
Which neuer hopes more heauen, then rests in thee,Which never hopes more heaven than rests in thee, Tit II.iii.41
This is the day of Doome for Bassianus;This is the day of doom for Bassianus.doom, day of

old form: Doome
last day of life, death-day
Tit II.iii.42
His Philomel must loose her tongue today,His Philomel must lose her tongue today; Tit II.iii.43
Thy Sonnes make Pillage of her Chastity,Thy sons make pillage of her chastity Tit II.iii.44
And wash their hands in Bassianus blood.And wash their hands in Bassianus' blood. Tit II.iii.45

He holds up a letter Tit II.iii.46
Seest thou this Letter, take it vp I pray thee,Seest thou this letter? Take it up, I pray thee, Tit II.iii.46
And giue the King this fatall plotted Scrowle,And give the King this fatal-plotted scroll.fatal-plotted (adj.)

old form: fatall plotted
containing a deadly plot
Tit II.iii.47
Now question me no more, we are espied,Now question me no more, we are espied.espy (v.)
catch sight of, discern, see
Tit II.iii.48
Heere comes a parcell of our hopefull Booty,Here comes a parcel of our hopeful booty,parcel (n.)

old form: parcell
part, piece, portion, bit
Tit II.iii.49
hopeful (adj.)

old form: hopefull
hoped-for, anticipated
Which dreads not yet their liues destruction.Which dreads not yet their lives' destruction.dread (v.)
fear, anticipate in fear, be anxious about
Tit II.iii.50
Enter Bassianus and Lauinia.Enter Bassianus and Lavinia Tit II.iii.51
Tamo. TAMORA 
Ah my sweet Moore: / Sweeter to me then life.Ah, my sweet Moor, sweeter to me than life! Tit II.iii.51
Aron. AARON 
No more great Empresse, Bassianus comes,No more, great Empress; Bassianus comes. Tit II.iii.52
Be crosse with him, and Ile goe fetch thy SonnesBe cross with him, and I'll go fetch thy sonscross (adj.)

old form: crosse
perverse, contrarious, contradictory
Tit II.iii.53
To backe thy quarrell what so ere they be.To back thy quarrels, whatsoe'er they be. Tit II.iii.54
Exit Tit II.iii.54
Bassi. BASSIANUS 
Whom haue we heere? / Romes Royall Empresse,Who have we here? Rome's royal Empress, Tit II.iii.55
Vnfurnisht of our well beseeming troope?Unfurnished of her well-beseeming troop?well-beseeming (adj.)

old form: well beseeming
fine-looking, well-ordered
Tit II.iii.56
troop (n.)

old form: troope
company, retinue, band of followers
unfurnished (adj.)

old form: Vnfurnisht
deprived, not provided [with]
Or is it Dian habited like her,Or is it Dian, habited like her,habited (adj.)
clothed, dressed, clad
Tit II.iii.57
habit (v.)
dress, clothe, costume
Diana, Dian (n.)
Roman goddess associated with the Moon, chastity, and hunting
Who hath abandoned her holy Groues,Who hath abandoned her holy groves Tit II.iii.58
To see the generall Hunting in this Forrest?To see the general hunting in this forest?general (adj.)

old form: generall
joint, common, communal
Tit II.iii.59
Tamo. TAMORA 
Sawcie controuler of our priuate steps:Saucy controller of my private steps,saucy (adj.)

old form: Sawcie
insolent, impudent, presumptuous, defiant
Tit II.iii.60
controller (n.)

old form: controuler
steward, household manager
Had I the power, that some say Dian had,Had I the power that some say Dian had, Tit II.iii.61
Thy Temples should be planted presently.Thy temples should be planted presentlypresently (adv.)
immediately, instantly, at once
Tit II.iii.62
With Hornes, as was Acteons, and the HoundsWith horns, as was Actaeon's, and the houndsActaeon (n.)
[pron: ak'tayon] cuckold; hunter who saw Artemis (goddess of chastity) bathing naked; she changed him into a stag, who was killed by his own hounds
Tit II.iii.63
Should driue vpon his new transformed limbes,Should drive upon thy new-transformed limbs,drive (v.)

old form: driue
fall, rush, dash
Tit II.iii.64
Vnmannerly Intruder as thou art.Unmannerly intruder as thou art. Tit II.iii.65
Laui. LAVINIA 
Vnder your patience gentle Empresse,Under your patience, gentle Empress,gentle (adj.)
well-born, honourable, noble
Tit II.iii.66
'Tis thought you haue a goodly gift in Horning,'Tis thought you have a goodly gift in horning,horning (n.)
giving horns, making a cuckold
Tit II.iii.67
goodly (adj.)
splendid, excellent, fine
And to be doubted, that your Moore and youAnd to be doubted that your Moor and youdoubt (v.)
suspect, have suspicions about, fear
Tit II.iii.68
Are singled forth to try experiments:Are singled forth to try experiments.single forth (v.)
[hunting] select from a herd, separate from other people
Tit II.iii.69
Ioue sheild your husband from his Hounds to day,Jove shield your husband from his hounds today:Jove (n.)
[pron: johv] alternative name for Jupiter, the Roman supreme god
Tit II.iii.70
'Tis pitty they should take him for a Stag.'Tis pity they should take him for a stag. Tit II.iii.71
Bassi. BASSIANUS 
Beleeue me Queene, your swarth Cymerion,Believe me, Queen, your swart Cimmerianswart, swarth (adj.)
swarthy, dusky, of dark complexion
Tit II.iii.72
Cimmerian (n.)
native of a mythical country where the sun was never seen
Doth make your Honour of his bodies Hue,Doth make your honour of his body's hue,hue (n.)
appearance, complexion
Tit II.iii.73
Spotted, detested, and abhominable.Spotted, detested, and abominable.spotted (adj.)
stained, blemished
Tit II.iii.74
Why are you sequestred from all your traine?Why are you sequestered from all your train,sequester (v.)

old form: sequestred
separate, remove, cut off
Tit II.iii.75
Dismounted from your Snow-white goodly Steed,Dismounted from your snow-white goodly steed.goodly (adj.)
good-looking, handsome, attractive, comely
Tit II.iii.76
And wandred hither to an obscure plot,And wandered hither to an obscure plot, Tit II.iii.77
Accompanied with a barbarous Moore,Accompanied but with a barbarous Moor, Tit II.iii.78
If foule desire had not conducted you?If foul desire had not conducted you? Tit II.iii.79
Laui. LAVINIA 
And being intercepted in your sport,And being intercepted in your sport,sport (n.)
sexual recreation, intercourse, amorous dalliance
Tit II.iii.80
Great reason that my Noble Lord, be ratedGreat reason that my noble lord be ratedrate (v.)
berate, reproach, rebuke, scold
Tit II.iii.81
For Saucinesse, I pray you let vs hence,For sauciness. (To Bassianus) I pray you, let us hence,sauciness (n.)

old form: Saucinesse
insolence, rudeness, impertinence
Tit II.iii.82
And let her ioy her Rauen coloured loue,And let her joy her raven-coloured love.joy (v.)

old form: ioy
derive enjoyment from, delight in
Tit II.iii.83
This valley fits the purpose passing well.This valley fits the purpose passing well.purpose (n.)
intention, aim, plan
Tit II.iii.84
Bassi. BASSIANUS 
The King my Brother shall haue notice of this.The King my brother shall have note of this. Tit II.iii.85
Laui. LAVINIA 
I, for these slips haue made him noted long,Ay, for these slips have made him noted long.noted (adj.)
stigmatized, disgraced, discredited
Tit II.iii.86
slip (n.)
lapse, error in conduct, fault
Good King, to be so mightily abused.Good king, to be so mightily abused! Tit II.iii.87
Tamora. TAMORA 
Why I haue patience to endure all this?Why have I patience to endure all this. Tit II.iii.88
Enter Chiron and Demetrius.Enter Chiron and Demetrius Tit II.iii.89
Dem. DEMETRIUS 
How now deere Soueraigne / And our gracious Mother,How now, dear sovereign and our gracious mother, Tit II.iii.89
Why doth your Highnes looke so pale and wan?Why doth your highness look so pale and wan? Tit II.iii.90
Tamo. TAMORA 
Haue I not reason thinke you to looke pale.Have I not reason, think you, to look pale? Tit II.iii.91
These two haue tic'd me hither to this place,These two have 'ticed me hither to this place.'tice (v.)

old form: tic'd
shortened form of ‘entice’
Tit II.iii.92
A barren, detested vale you see it is.A barren detested vale, you see it is: Tit II.iii.93
The Trees though Sommer, yet forlorne and leane,The trees, though summer, yet forlorn and lean, Tit II.iii.94
Ore-come with Mosse, and balefull Misselto.O'ercome with moss and baleful mistletoe; Tit II.iii.95
Heere neuer shines the Sunne, heere nothing breeds,Here never shines the sun, here nothing breeds, Tit II.iii.96
Vnlesse the nightly Owle, or fatall Rauen:Unless the nightly owl or fatal raven.nightly (adj.)
of the night, active at night
Tit II.iii.97
fatal (adj.)

old form: fatall
ominous, full of foreboding, doom-laden
And when they shew'd me this abhorred pit,And when they showed me this abhorred pit, Tit II.iii.98
They told me heere at dead time of the night,They told me here at dead time of the night Tit II.iii.99
A thousand Fiends, a thousand hissing Snakes,A thousand fiends, a thousand hissing snakes, Tit II.iii.100
Ten thousand swelling Toades, as many Vrchins,Ten thousand swelling toads, as many urchins,urchin (n.)

old form: Vrchins
hedgehog
Tit II.iii.101
Would make such fearefull and confused cries,Would make such fearful and confused cries Tit II.iii.102
As any mortall body hearing it,As any mortal body hearing it Tit II.iii.103
Should straite fall mad, or else die suddenly.Should straight fall mad, or else die suddenly.straight (adv.)

old form: straite
straightaway, immediately, at once
Tit II.iii.104
No sooner had they told this hellish tale,No sooner had they told this hellish tale, Tit II.iii.105
But strait they told me they would binde me heere,But straight they told me they would bind me here Tit II.iii.106
Vnto the body of a dismall yew,Unto the body of a dismal yew Tit II.iii.107
And leaue me to this miserable death.And leave me to this miserable death. Tit II.iii.108
And then they call'd me foule Adulteresse,And then they called me foul adulteress, Tit II.iii.109
Lasciuious Goth, and all the bitterest tearmesLascivious Goth, and all the bitterest terms Tit II.iii.110
That euer eare did heare to such effect.That ever ear did hear to such effect. Tit II.iii.111
And had you not by wondrous fortune come,And had you not by wondrous fortune come, Tit II.iii.112
This vengeance on me had they executed:This vengeance on me had they executed.vengeance (n.)
harm, mischief, damage
Tit II.iii.113
Reuenge it, as you loue your Mothers life,Revenge it as you love your mother's life, Tit II.iii.114
Or be ye not henceforth cal'd my Children.Or be ye not henceforth called my children. Tit II.iii.115
Dem. DEMETRIUS 
This is a witnesse that I am thy Sonne.This is a witness that I am thy son. Tit II.iii.116
stab him.He stabs Bassianus Tit II.iii.117
Chi. CHIRON 
And this for me, / Strook home to shew my strength.And this for me, struck home to show my strength. Tit II.iii.117
He also stabs Bassianus, who dies. Tit II.iii.118.1
Tamora threatens Lavinia Tit II.iii.118.2
Laui. LAVINIA 
I come Semeramis, nay Barbarous Tamora.Ay, come, Semiramis, nay, barbarous Tamora,Semiramis (n.)
[pron: se'miramis] semi-legendary Assyrian queen renowned for promiscuity, 9th-c BC
Tit II.iii.118
For no name fits thy nature but thy owne.For no name fits thy nature but thy own. Tit II.iii.119
Tam. TAMORA 
Giue me thy poyniard, you shal know my boyesGive me the poniard. You shall know, my boys,poniard (n.)

old form: poyniard
dagger
Tit II.iii.120
Your Mothers hand shall right your Mothers wrong.Your mother's hand shall right your mother's wrong. Tit II.iii.121
Deme. DEMETRIUS 
Stay Madam heere is more belongs to her,Stay, madam, here is more belongs to her: Tit II.iii.122
First thrash the Corne, then after burne the straw:First thrash the corn, then after burn the straw. Tit II.iii.123
This Minion stood vpon her chastity,This minion stood upon her chastity,minion (n.)
hussy, jade, minx
Tit II.iii.124
stand upon (v.)

old form: vpon
make an issue of, insist upon, bother about
Vpon her Nuptiall vow, her loyaltie.Upon her nuptial vow, her loyalty, Tit II.iii.125
And with that painted hope, braues your Mightinesse,And with that quaint hope braves your mightiness.quaint (adj.)
nice, prim, fastidious
Tit II.iii.126
brave (v.)

old form: braues
challenge, defy, confront, provoke
And shall she carry this vnto her graue?And shall she carry this unto her grave? Tit II.iii.127
Chi. CHIRON 
And if she doe, / I would I were an Eunuch,And if she do, I would I were an eunuch. Tit II.iii.128
Drag hence her husband to some secret hole,Drag hence her husband to some secret hole, Tit II.iii.129
And make his dead Trunke-Pillow to our lust.And make his dead trunk pillow to our lust. Tit II.iii.130
Tamo. TAMORA 
But when ye haue the hony we desire,But when ye have the honey ye desire, Tit II.iii.131
Let not this Waspe out-liue vs both to sting.Let not this wasp outlive, us both to sting.outlive (v.)

old form: out-liue
survive, live longer
Tit II.iii.132
Chir. CHIRON 
I warrant you Madam we will make that sure:I warrant you, madam, we will make that sure.sure (adj.)
harmless, innocuous, unable to cause damage
Tit II.iii.133
warrant (v.)
assure, promise, guarantee, confirm
Come Mistris, now perforce we will enioy,Come, mistress, now perforce we will enjoyperforce (adv.)
forcibly, by force, violently
Tit II.iii.134
That nice-preserued honesty of yours.That nice-preserved honesty of yours.honesty (n.)
virtue, chastity
Tit II.iii.135
Laui. LAVINIA 
Oh Tamora, thou bear'st a woman face.O Tamora, thou bearest a woman's face –  Tit II.iii.136
Tamo. TAMORA 
I will not heare her speake, away with her.I will not hear her speak. Away with her! Tit II.iii.137
Laui. LAVINIA 
Sweet Lords intreat her heare me but a word.Sweet lords, entreat her hear me but a word. Tit II.iii.138
Demet. DEMETRIUS  
(to Tamora) Tit II.iii.139
Listen faire Madam, let it be your gloryListen, fair madam, let it be your glory Tit II.iii.139
To see her teares, but be your hart to them,To see her tears, but be your heart to them Tit II.iii.140
As vnrelenting flint to drops of raine.As unrelenting flint to drops of rain. Tit II.iii.141
Laui. LAVINIA 
(to Demetrius) Tit II.iii.142.1
When did the Tigers young-ones teach the dam?When did the tiger's young ones teach the dam?dam (n.)
mother
Tit II.iii.142
O doe not learne her wrath, she taught it thee,O, do not learn her wrath. She taught it thee: Tit II.iii.143
The milke thou suck'st from her did turne to Marble,The milk thou sucked'st from her did turn to marble, Tit II.iii.144
Euen at thy Teat thou had'st thy Tyranny,Even at thy teat thou hadst thy tyranny. Tit II.iii.145
Yet euery Mother breeds not Sonnes alike, (To Chiron) Yet every mother breeds not sons alike:alike (adv.)
the same, in the same way
Tit II.iii.146
Do thou intreat her shew a woman pitty.Do thou entreat her show a woman's pity. Tit II.iii.147
Chiro. CHIRON 
What, / Would'st thou haue me proue myselfe a bastard?What, wouldst thou have me prove myself a bastard? Tit II.iii.148
Laui. LAVINIA 
'Tis true, / The Rauen doth not hatch a Larke,'Tis true, the raven doth not hatch a lark. Tit II.iii.149
Yet haue I heard, Oh could I finde it now,Yet have I heard – O, could I find it now! –  Tit II.iii.150
The Lion mou'd with pitty, did indureThe lion, moved with pity, did endure Tit II.iii.151
To haue his Princely pawes par'd all away.To have his princely paws pared all away. Tit II.iii.152
Some say, that Rauens foster forlorne children,Some say that ravens foster forlorn children Tit II.iii.153
The whil'st their owne birds famish in their nests:The whilst their own birds famish in their nests.bird (n.)
young bird, fledgeling, nestling
Tit II.iii.154
Oh be to me though thy hard hart say no,O be to me, though thy hard heart say no, Tit II.iii.155
Nothing so kind but something pittifull.Nothing so kind, but something pitiful.something (adv.)
a little, to some extent
Tit II.iii.156
Tamo. TAMORA 
I know not what it meanes, away with her.I know not what it means; away with her! Tit II.iii.157
Lauin. LAVINIA 
Oh let me teach thee for my Fathers sake,O, let me teach thee for my father's sake, Tit II.iii.158
That gaue thee life when well he might haue slaine thee:That gave thee life when well he might have slain thee. Tit II.iii.159
Be not obdurate, open thy deafe eares.Be not obdurate, open thy deaf ears. Tit II.iii.160
Tamo. TAMORA 
Had'st thou in person nere offended me.Hadst thou in person ne'er offended me, Tit II.iii.161
Euen for his sake am I pittilesse:Even for his sake am I pitiless. Tit II.iii.162
Remember Boyes I powr'd forth teares in vaine,Remember, boys, I poured forth tears in vain Tit II.iii.163
To saue your brother from the sacrifice,To save your brother from the sacrifice, Tit II.iii.164
But fierce Andronicus would not relent,But fierce Andronicus would not relent. Tit II.iii.165
Therefore away with her, and vse her as you will,Therefore away with her, and use her as you will: Tit II.iii.166
The worse to her, the better lou'd of me.The worse to her, the better loved of me. Tit II.iii.167
Laui. LAVINIA  
(clasping Tamora) Tit II.iii.168.1
Oh Tamora, / Be call'd a gentle Queene,O Tamora, be called a gentle queen,gentle (adj.)
courteous, friendly, kind
Tit II.iii.168
And with thine owne hands kill me in this place,And with thine own hands kill me in this place, Tit II.iii.169
For 'tis not life that I haue beg'd so long, For 'tis not life that I have begged so long. Tit II.iii.170
Poore I was slaine, when Bassianus dy'd.Poor I was slain when Bassianus died. Tit II.iii.171
Tam. TAMORA 
What beg'st thou then? fond woman let me go?What begg'st thou then, fond woman? Let me go!fond (adj.)
foolish, stupid, mad
Tit II.iii.172
Laui. LAVINIA 
'Tis present death I beg, and one thing more,'Tis present death I beg, and one thing more Tit II.iii.173
That womanhood denies my tongue to tell:That womanhood denies my tongue to tell.womanhood (n.)
gentle womanliness, female modesty
Tit II.iii.174
deny (v.)
disallow, forbid, refuse permission [for]
Oh keepe me from their worse then killing lust,O, keep me from their worse-than-killing lust, Tit II.iii.175
And tumble me into some loathsome pit,And tumble me into some loathsome pit Tit II.iii.176
Where neuer mans eye may behold my body,Where never man's eye may behold my body. Tit II.iii.177
Doe this, and be a charitable murderer.Do this, and be a charitable murderer. Tit II.iii.178
Tam. TAMORA 
So should I rob my sweet Sonnes of their fee,So should I rob my sweet sons of their fee. Tit II.iii.179
No let them satisfie their lust on thee.No, let them satisfy their lust on thee. Tit II.iii.180
Deme. DEMETRIUS  
(to Lavinia) Tit II.iii.181.1
Away, / For thou hast staid vs heere too long.Away, for thou hast stayed us here too long.stay (v.)

old form: staid
detain, confine, keep
Tit II.iii.181
Lauinia.LAVINIA 
No Garace, / No womanhood? Ah beastly creature,No grace? No womanhood? Ah, beastly creature, Tit II.iii.182
The blot and enemy to our generall name,The blot and enemy to our general name,name (n.)
reputation, fame, renown
Tit II.iii.183
general (adj.)

old form: generall
common, of everyone, public
Confusion fall---Confusion fall –  Tit II.iii.184.1
Chi. CHIRON 
Nay then Ile stop your mouthNay then, I'll stop your mouth. Tit II.iii.184.2
He seizes Lavinia Tit II.iii.185
Bring thou her husband,(To Demetrius) Bring thou her husband. Tit II.iii.185
This is the Hole where Aaron bid vs hide him.This is the hole where Aaron bid us hide him. Tit II.iii.186
Demetrius drags the body of Bassianus into the pit and Tit II.iii.187.1
covers the opening Tit II.iii.187.2
Tam. TAMORA 
Farewell my Sonnes, see that you make her sure,Farewell, my sons. See that you make her sure.sure (adj.)
harmless, innocuous, unable to cause damage
Tit II.iii.187
Exeunt Chiron and Demetrius with Lavinia Tit II.iii.187
Nere let my heart know merry cheere indeed,Ne'er let my heart know merry cheer indeedcheer (n.)

old form: cheere
mood, disposition
Tit II.iii.188
Till all the Andronici be made away:Till all the Andronici be made away.make away (v.)
put an end to, do away with
Tit II.iii.189
Now will I hence to seeke my louely Moore,Now will I hence to seek my lovely Moor, Tit II.iii.190
And let my spleenefull Sonnes this Trull defloure. And let my spleenful sons this trull deflower.trull (n.)
drab, trollop, whore
Tit II.iii.191
spleenful (adj.)

old form: spleenefull
passionate, furious, hot-headed
Exit.Exit Tit II.iii.191
Enter Aaron with two of Titus Sonnes.Enter Aaron with two of Titus's sons, Quintus and Tit II.iii.192.1
Martius Tit II.iii.192.2
Aron. AARON 
Come on my Lords, the better foote before,Come on, my lords, the better foot before. Tit II.iii.192
Straight will I bring you to the lothsome pit,Straight will I bring you to the loathsome pitstraight (adv.)
straightaway, immediately, at once
Tit II.iii.193
Where I espied the Panther fast asleepe.Where I espied the panther fast asleep. Tit II.iii.194
Quin. QUINTUS 
My sight is very dull what ere it bodes.My sight is very dull, whate'er it bodes.dull (adj.)
dim, not sharp, lacking keenness
Tit II.iii.195
bode (v.)
forebode, portend, predict, augur
Marti. MARTIUS 
And mine I promise you, were it not for shame,And mine, I promise you. Were it not for shame, Tit II.iii.196
Well could I leaue our sport to sleepe a while.Well could I leave our sport to sleep awhile.sport (n.)
recreation, amusement, entertainment
Tit II.iii.197
He falls into the pit Tit II.iii.198.1
Quin. QUINTUS 
What art thou fallen? / What subtile Hole is this,What, art thou fallen? What subtle hole is this,subtle, subtile (adj.)
tricky, deceptive, treacherous
Tit II.iii.198
Whose mouth is couered with Rude growing Briers,Whose mouth is covered with rude-growing briars,rude-growing (adj.)
spreading rough and wild
Tit II.iii.199
Vpon whose leaues are drops of new-shed-blood,Upon whose leaves are drops of new-shed blood Tit II.iii.200
As fresh as mornings dew distil'd on flowers,As fresh as morning dew distilled on flowers?distil (v.)

old form: distil'd
trickle down, fall in tiny drops
Tit II.iii.201
A very fatall place it seemes to me:A very fatal place it seems to me.fatal (adj.)

old form: fatall
death-dealing, death-boding
Tit II.iii.202
Speake Brother hast thou hurt thee with the fall?Speak, brother, hast thou hurt thee with the fall? Tit II.iii.203
Martius. MARTIUS 
Oh Brother, / With the dismal'st obiectO brother, with the dismall'st object hurtobject (n.)

old form: obiect
spectacle, sight, object of attention
Tit II.iii.204
That euer eye with sight made heart lament.That ever eye with sight made heart lament. Tit II.iii.205
Aron. AARON  
(aside) Tit II.iii.206
Now will I fetch the King to finde them heere,Now will I fetch the King to find them here, Tit II.iii.206
That he thereby may haue a likely gesse,That he thereby may have a likely guess Tit II.iii.207
How these were they that made away his Brother.How these were they that made away his brother.make away (v.)
put an end to, do away with
Tit II.iii.208
Exit Aaron.Exit Tit II.iii.208
Marti. MARTIUS 
Why dost not comfort me and helpe me out,Why dost not comfort me and help me outcomfort (v.)
assist, help, give aid to
Tit II.iii.209
From this vnhallow'd and blood-stained Hole?From this unhallowed and blood-stained hole?unhallowed (adj.)

old form: vnhallow'd
unholy, wicked, sacrilegious
Tit II.iii.210
Quintus. QUINTUS 
I am surprised with an vncouth feare,I am surprised with an uncouth fear:surprise (v.)
astonish, bewilder, perplex
Tit II.iii.211
uncouth (adj.)

old form: vncouth
unfamiliar, strange, unknown
A chilling sweat ore-runs my trembling ioynts,A chilling sweat o'erruns my trembling joints; Tit II.iii.212
My heart suspects more then mine eie can see.My heart suspects more than mine eye can see. Tit II.iii.213
Marti. MARTIUS 
To proue thou hast a true diuining heart,To prove thou hast a true-divining heart,true-divining (adj.)

old form: true diuining
capable of foretelling the truth
Tit II.iii.214
Aaron and thou looke downe into this den,Aaron and thou look down into this den Tit II.iii.215
And see a fearefull sight of blood and death.And see a fearful sight of blood and death. Tit II.iii.216
Quintus. QUINTUS 
Aaron is gone, / And my compassionate heartAaron is gone, and my compassionate heart Tit II.iii.217
Will not permit mine eyes once to beholdWill not permit mine eyes once to behold Tit II.iii.218
The thing whereat it trembles by surmise:The thing whereat it trembles by surmise.surmise (n.)
idea, imagining, conjecture
Tit II.iii.219
Oh tell me how it is, for nere till nowO tell me who it is, for ne'er till now Tit II.iii.220
Was I a child, to feare I know not what.Was I a child to fear I know not what. Tit II.iii.221
Marti. MARTIUS 
Lord Bassianus lies embrewed heere,Lord Bassianus lies berayed in bloodembrue (v.)
pierce, stab, stain with blood
Tit II.iii.222
beray (v.)
stain, defile, disfigure
All on a heape like to the slaughtred Lambe,All on a heap, like to a slaughtered lamb,on (prep.)
in
Tit II.iii.223
In this detested, darke, blood-drinking pit.In this detested, dark, blood-drinking pit. Tit II.iii.224
Quin. QUINTUS 
If it be darke, how doost thou know 'tis he?If it be dark, how dost thou know 'tis he? Tit II.iii.225
Mart. MARTIUS 
Vpon his bloody finger he doth weareUpon his bloody finger he doth wear Tit II.iii.226
A precious Ring, that lightens all the Hole:A precious ring that lightens all this hole, Tit II.iii.227
Which like a Taper in some Monument,Which like a taper in some monumenttaper (n.)
candle
Tit II.iii.228
Doth shine vpon the dead mans earthly cheekes,Doth shine upon the dead man's earthy cheeks,earthy (adj.)

old form: earthly
pale, earth-coloured, lifeless as earth
Tit II.iii.229
And shewes the ragged intrailes of the pit:And shows the ragged entrails of this pit.entrails (n.)

old form: intrailes
inside, interior
Tit II.iii.230
ragged (adj.)
rough, harsh
So pale did shine the Moone on Piramus,So pale did shine the moon on PyramusPyramus (n.)
lover of Thisbe; kept apart by their parents, they talked through a crack in their dividing wall; arriving at a rendezvous, Pyramus found Thisbe’s cloak stained with blood from a lion’s prey; thinking she had been killed by a lion
Tit II.iii.231
When he by night lay bath'd in Maiden blood:When he by night lay bathed in maiden blood. Tit II.iii.232
O Brother helpe me with thy fainting hand.O brother, help me with thy fainting hand –  Tit II.iii.233
If feare hath made thee faint, as mee it hath,If fear hath made thee faint, as me it hath –  Tit II.iii.234
Out of this fell deuouring receptacle,Out of this fell devouring receptacle,receptacle (n.)
repository, storehouse, receiving chamber
Tit II.iii.235
As hatefull as Ocitus mistie mouth.As hateful as Cocytus' misty mouth.Cocytus (n.)
[pron: ko'siytus] one of the mythological rivers of the underworld, which souls of the dead must cross
Tit II.iii.236
Quint. QUINTUS 
Reach me thy hand, that I may helpe thee out,Reach me thy hand, that I may help thee out, Tit II.iii.237
Or wanting strength to doe thee so much good,Or, wanting strength to do thee so much good,want (v.)
fall short [of], be deficient [in]
Tit II.iii.238
I may be pluckt into the swallowing wombe,I may be plucked into the swallowing womb Tit II.iii.239
Of this deepe pit, poore Bassianus graue:Of this deep pit, poor Bassianus' grave. Tit II.iii.240
I haue no strength to plucke thee to the brinke.I have no strength to pluck thee to the brink –  Tit II.iii.241
Martius. MARTIUS 
Nor I no strength to clime without thy help.Nor I no strength to climb without thy help. Tit II.iii.242
Quin. QUINTUS 
Thy hand once more, I will not loose againe,Thy hand once more; I will not loose again Tit II.iii.243
Till thou art heere aloft, or I below,Till thou art here aloft or I below. Tit II.iii.244
Thou can'st not come to me, I come to thee.Thou canst not come to me – I come to thee. Tit II.iii.245
Boths fall in.He falls in. Tit II.iii.246.1
Enter the Emperour, Aaron the Enter the Emperor with attendants and Aaron, the Tit II.iii.246.2
Moore.Moor Tit II.iii.246.3
Satur. SATURNINUS 
Along with me, Ile see what hole is heere,Along with me. I'll see what hole is here, Tit II.iii.246
And what he is that now is leapt into it.And what he is that now is leapt into it. Tit II.iii.247
Say, who art thou that lately did'st descend,Say, who art thou that lately didst descendlately (adv.)
recently, of late
Tit II.iii.248
Into this gaping hollow of the earth?Into this gaping hollow of the earth? Tit II.iii.249
Marti. MARTIUS 
The vnhappie sonne of old Andronicus,The unhappy sons of old Andronicus, Tit II.iii.250
Brought hither in a most vnluckie houre,Brought hither in a most unlucky hour Tit II.iii.251
To finde thy brother Bassianus dead.To find thy brother Bassianus dead. Tit II.iii.252
Satur. SATURNINUS 
My brother dead? I know thou dost but iest,My brother dead? I know thou dost but jest. Tit II.iii.253
He and his Lady both are at the Lodge,He and his lady both are at the lodge Tit II.iii.254
Vpon the North-side of this pleasant Chase,Upon the north side of this pleasant chase.chase (n.)
hunting ground, territory
Tit II.iii.255
'Tis not an houre since I left him there.'Tis not an hour since I left them there. Tit II.iii.256
Marti. MARTIUS 
We know not where you left him all aliue,We know not where you left them all alive, Tit II.iii.257
But out alas, heere haue we found him dead.But, out alas, here have we found him dead. Tit II.iii.258
Enter Tamora, Andronicus, and Lucius.Enter Tamora, Titus Andronicus, and Lucius Tit II.iii.259
Tamo. TAMORA 
Where is my Lord the King?Where is my lord the King? Tit II.iii.259
King. SATURNINUS 
Heere Tamora, though grieu'd with killing griefe.Here, Tamora, though grieved with killing grief. Tit II.iii.260
Tam. TAMORA 
Where is thy brother Bassianus?Where is thy brother Bassianus? Tit II.iii.261
King. SATURNINUS 
Now to the bottome dost thou search my wound,Now to the bottom dost thou search my wound:search (v.)
probe, explore, examine
Tit II.iii.262
Poore Bassianus heere lies murthered.Poor Bassianus here lies murdered. Tit II.iii.263
Tam. TAMORA 
Then all too late I bring this fatall writ,Then all too late I bring this fatal writ,writ (n.)
document, missive, letter
Tit II.iii.264
The complot of this timelesse Tragedie,The complot of this timeless tragedy,timeless (adj.)

old form: timelesse
untimely, premature, ill-timed
Tit II.iii.265
complot (n.)
plot, conspiracy, covert plan
And wonder greatly that mans face can fold,And wonder greatly that man's face can fold Tit II.iii.266
In pleasing smiles such murderous Tyrannie.In pleasing smiles such murderous tyranny. Tit II.iii.267
She giueth Saturnine a Letter.She gives Saturninus a letter Tit II.iii.268.1
Saturninus SATURNINUS  
reads the Letter. (reads) Tit II.iii.268.2
And if we misse to meete him hansomely,And if we miss to meet him handsomely,handsomely (adv.)

old form: hansomely
conveniently, opportunely, readily to hand
Tit II.iii.268
Sweet huntsman, Bassianus 'tis we meane,Sweet huntsman – Bassianus 'tis we mean – Tit II.iii.269
Doe thou so much as dig the graue for him,Do thou so much as dig the grave for him. Tit II.iii.270
Thou know'st our meaning, looke for thy rewardThou know'st our meaning. Look for thy reward Tit II.iii.271
Among the Nettles at the Elder tree:Among the nettles at the elder tree Tit II.iii.272
Which ouer-shades the mouth of that same pit:Which overshades the mouth of that same pit Tit II.iii.273
Where we decreed to bury BassianussWhere we decreed to bury Bassianus.decree (v.)
arrange, decide, resolve
Tit II.iii.274
Doe this and purchase vs thy lasting friends.Do this and purchase us thy lasting friends.purchase (v.)
acquire, obtain, win
Tit II.iii.275
Oh Tamora, was euer heard the like?O Tamora, was ever heard the like? Tit II.iii.276
This is the pit, and this the Elder tree,This is the pit, and this the elder tree. Tit II.iii.277
Looke sirs, if you can finde the huntsman out,Look, sirs, if you can find the huntsman out Tit II.iii.278
That should haue murthered Bassianus heere.That should have murdered Bassianus here. Tit II.iii.279
Aron. AARON 
My gracious Lord heere is the bag of Gold.My gracious lord, here is the bag of gold. Tit II.iii.280
King. SATURNINUS  
(to Titus) Tit II.iii.281.1
Two of thy whelpes, fell Curs of bloody kindTwo of thy whelps, fell curs of bloody kind,kind (n.)
nature, reality, character, disposition
Tit II.iii.281
fell (adj.)
cruel, fierce, savage
Haue heere bereft my brother of his life:Have here bereft my brother of his life.bereave (v.)
take away [from], deprive, deny, rob
Tit II.iii.282
Sirs drag them from the pit vnto the prison,Sirs, drag them from the pit unto the prison. Tit II.iii.283
There let them bide vntill we haue deuis'dThere let them bide until we have devisedbide (v.)
remain, persist, continue in being
Tit II.iii.284
Some neuer heard-of tortering paine for them.Some never-heard-of torturing pain for them. Tit II.ii.285
Attendants pull Quintus, Martius, and Bassianus's Tit II.iii.286.1
body from the pit Tit II.iii.286.2
Tamo.TAMORA 
What are they in this pit, / Oh wondrous thing!What are they in this pit? O wondrous thing! Tit II.iii.286
How easily murder is discouered?How easily murder is discovered!discover (v.)

old form: discouered
expose, uncover, give away
Tit II.iii.287
Tit. TITUS  
(kneeling) Tit II.iii.288
High Emperour, vpon my feeble knee,High Emperor, upon my feeble knee Tit II.iii.288
I beg this boone, with teares, not lightly shed,I beg this boon, with tears not lightly shed, Tit II.iii.289
That this fell fault of my accursed Sonnes,That this fell fault of my accursed sons –fell (adj.)
mighty, terrible
Tit II.iii.290
Accursed, if the faults be prou'd in them.Accursed if the faults be proved in them –  Tit II.iii.291
King. SATURNINUS 
If it be prou'd? you see it is apparant,If it be proved? You see it is apparent. Tit II.iii.292
Who found this Letter, Tamora was it you?Who found this letter? Tamora, was it you? Tit II.iii.293
Tamora. TAMORA 
Andronicus himselfe did take it vp.Andronicus himself did take it up. Tit II.iii.294
Tit. TITUS 
I did my Lord, / Yet let me be their baile,I did, my lord; yet let me be their bail, Tit II.iii.295
For by my Fathers reuerent Tombe I vowFor by my fathers' reverend tomb I vow Tit II.iii.296
They shall be ready at yout Highnes will,They shall be ready at your highness' will Tit II.iii.297
To answere their suspition with their liues.To answer their suspicion with their lives.answer (v.)

old form: answere
suffer the consequences [for], be accountable [for]
Tit II.iii.298
King. SATURNINUS 
Thou shalt not baile them, see thou follow me:Thou shalt not bail them. See thou follow me. Tit II.iii.299
Titus rises Tit II.iii.300
Some bring the murthered body, some the murtherers,Some bring the murdered body, some the murderers. Tit II.iii.300
Let them not speake a word, the guilt is plaine,Let them not speak a word, the guilt is plain; Tit II.iii.301
For by my soule, were there worse end then death,For, by my soul, were there worse end than death, Tit II.iii.302
That end vpon them should be executed.That end upon them should be executed. Tit II.iii.303
Tamo. TAMORA 
Andronicus I will entreat the King,Andronicus, I will entreat the King; Tit II.iii.304
Feare not thy Sonnes, they shall do well enough.Fear not thy sons, they shall do well enough. Tit II.iii.305
Tit. TITUS 
Come Lucius come, / Stay not to talke with them.Come, Lucius, come; stay not to talk with them. Tit II.iii.306
Exeunt.Exeunt with Martius and Quintus under guard, Tit II.iii.306.1
and attendants with the body of Bassianus Tit II.iii.306.2
 Previous Act II, Scene III Next  
x

Jump directly to