Tit. It doth, my worthy lord; and in this match
I hold me highly honour'd of your grace:[4005] 245
And here, in sight of Rome, to Saturnine,[4006]
King and commander of our commonweal,
The wide world's emperor, do I consecrate
My sword, my chariot and my prisoners;
Presents well worthy Rome's imperious lord:[4007] 250
Receive them then, the tribute that I owe,
Mine honour's ensigns humbled at thy feet.[4008]
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 255
The least of these unspeakable deserts,
Romans, forget your fealty to me.
Tit. [To Tamora] Now, madam, are you prisoner to an emperor;[4009]
To him that, for your honour and your state,[4010]
Will use you nobly and your followers. 260
Sat. A goodly lady, trust me; of the hue[4011][4012]
That I would choose, were I to choose anew.[4011][4013]
Clear up, fair queen, that cloudy countenance:
Though chance of war hath wrought this change of cheer,[4014]
Thou comest not to be made a scorn in Rome: 265
Princely shall be thy usage every way.
Rest on my word, and let not discontent
Daunt all your hopes: madam, he comforts you[4015]
Can make you greater than the Queen of Goths.[4016]
Lavinia, you are not displeased with this?[4017] 270
Lav. Not I, my lord; sith true nobility
Warrants these words in princely courtesy.[4018]
Sat. Thanks, sweet Lavinia. Romans, let us go:
Ransomless here we set our prisoners free:
Proclaim our honours, lords, with trump and drum. 275
[Flourish. Saturninus courts Tamora in dumb show.[4019]
Bas. [Seizing Lavinia] Lord Titus, by your leave, this maid is mine.[4020]
Tit. How, sir! are you in earnest then my lord?
Bas. Ay, noble Titus, and resolved withal
To do myself this reason and this right.