But straight they told me they would bind me here
Unto the body of a dismal yew,
And leave me to this miserable death: 108
And then they call'd me foul adulteress,
Lascivious Goth, and all the bitterest terms
That ever ear did hear to such effect;
And, had you not by wondrous fortune come, 112
This vengeance on me had they executed.
Revenge it, as you love your mother's life,
Or be ye not henceforth call'd my children.
Dem. This is a witness that I am thy son. 116
Stab him [i.e. Bassianus].
Chi. And this for me, struck home to show my strength.
[Also stabs Bassianus, who dies.]
Lav. Ay, come, Semiramis, nay, barbarous Tamora;
For no name fits thy nature but thy own.
Tam. Give me thy poniard; you shall know, my boys, 120
Your mother's hand shall right your mother's wrong.
Dem. Stay, madam; here is more belongs to her:
First thrash the corn, then after burn the straw.
This minion stood upon her chastity, 124
Upon her nuptial vow, her loyalty,
And with that painted hope braves your mightiness:
And shall she carry this unto her grave?
Chi. An if she do, I would I were an eunuch. 128
Drag hence her husband to some secret hole,
And make his dead trunk pillow to our lust.
Tam. But when ye have the honey ye desire,
Let not this wasp outlive, us both to sting. 132
Chi. I warrant you, madam, we will make that sure.
110 Lascivious Goth; cf. n.
124 minion: saucy person
stood: prided herself
126 painted: unreal, false (?); cf. n.
