Titus Andronicus

The tribunes and senators cross the stage, leading Martius and Quintus to execution. Titus pleads with them, citing his years of military service for Rome, and his other sons’ honorable deaths in battle. He lies down; they all leave. Titus says he will weep indefinitely.

Lucius enters and tells him he pleads in vain, as the tribunes have left. Titus continues to plead, saying that he will speak to the stones as the tribunes will not listen. He notices that Lucius’s weapon is drawn; Lucius explains that he tried to rescue his brothers, but his attempt failed, and he was punished with banishment. Titus says this is a good thing: Rome is full of tigers.

Marcus enters with Lavinia in tow. Lucius falls to his knees at the sight of her, but Titus tells him to rise and look. Titus says his grief was already overwhelming before this. He vows to cut off his hands too, as they have done no good by serving Rome. He asks who has committed this crime. Marcus tells him Lavinia’s tongue has been torn out, and he found her in the wooded park. Titus laments his great griefs, saying that Lavinia’s suffering is the worst of them.