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, 240
Rome's royal mistress, mistress of my heart,
And in the sacred Pantheon her espouse.
Tell me, Andronicus, doth this motion please thee?
Tit. It doth, my worthy lord; and in this match 244
I hold me highly honour'd 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 248
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. 252
Sat. 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, 256
Romans, forget your fealty to me.
Tit. [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. 260
Sat. [Aside.] A goodly lady, trust me; of the hue
That I would choose, were I to choose anew.
[To Tamora.] Clear up, fair queen, that cloudy countenance:
Though chance of war hath wrought this change of cheer, 264
Thou com'st not to be made a scorn in Rome:
237 gentleness: noble conduct
238 onset: beginning
264 cheer: countenance
