Sat. Here, Tamora; though grieved with killing grief.[4280] 260
Tam. Where is thy brother Bassianus?
Sat. Now to the bottom dost thou search my wound:
Poor Bassianus here lies murdered.
Tam. [Giving a letter] Then all too late I bring this fatal writ,[4281]
The complot of this timeless tragedy; 265
And wonder greatly that man's face can fold
In pleasing smiles such murderous tyranny.
Sat. [Reads] 'An if we miss to meet him handsomely—[4282]
Sweet huntsman, Bassianus 'tis we mean—
Do thou so much as dig the grave for him: 270
Thou know'st our meaning. Look for thy reward[4283]
Among the nettles at the elder-tree
Which overshades the mouth of that same pit
Where we decreed to bury Bassianus.
Do this and purchase us thy lasting friends.' 275
O Tamora! was ever heard the like?[4284]
This is the pit, and this the elder-tree.
Look, sirs, if you can find the huntsman out
That should have murder'd Bassianus here.[4285]
Aar. My gracious lord, here is the bag of gold.[4286] 280
Sat. [To Titus] Two of thy whelps, fell curs of bloody kind,[4287]
Have here bereft my brother of his life.
Sirs, drag them from the pit unto the prison:
There let them bide until we have devised
Some never-heard-of torturing pain for them.[4288] 285
Tam. What, are they in this pit? O wondrous thing![4289]
How easily murder is discovered!
Tit. High emperor, upon my feeble knee
I beg this boon, with tears not lightly shed,
That this fell fault of my accursed sons, 290
Accursed, if the fault be proved in them—[4290]
Sat. If it be proved! you see it is apparent.
Who found this letter? Tamora, was it you?