Omn. And, as he saith, so say we all with him. Luc. I humbly thank him, and I thank you all. But who comes here, led by a lusty Goth ? Enter a Goth, leading AARON, with his Child in his Arms. Goth. Renowned Lucius, from our troops I stray'd, To gaze upon a ruinous monastery; And as I earnestly did fix mine eye Upon the wasted building, suddenly I heard a child cry underneath a wall : I made unto the noise ; when soon I heard The crying babe control'd with this discourse : Peace, tawny slave; half me, and half thy dam ! Did not thy hue bewray whose brat thou art, Had nature lent thee but thy mother's look, Villain thou mightst have been an emperor: 30 But where the bull and cow are both milk-white, They never do beget a coal-black calf. Peace, villain, peace! —even thus he rates the babe, For I must bear thee to a trusty Goth; Who, when he knows thou art the emperess' babe, Will hold thee dearly for thy mother's sake. With this, my weapon drawn, I rush'd upon him, Surpris'd' him suddenly; and brought him hither, To use as you think needful of the man. Luc. O worthy Goth! this is the incarnate devil, That robbid Andronicus of his good hand : This is the pearl that pleas'd your emperess' eye; And here's the base fruit of his burning lust. -3 Say's Say, wall-ey'd slave, whither would'st thou convey word ? Aar. Touch not the boy, he is of royal blood. Luc. Too like the sire for ever being good. 50 Aar. Lucius, save the child; But you all! Luc. Say on ; and, if it please me which thou speak'st, Co Thy child shall live, and I will see it nourish'd. Aar. An if it please thee ? why, assure thee, Lucius, "Twill vex thy soul to hear what I shall speak; For I must talk of murders, rapes, and massacres, Acts of black night, abominable deeds, Complots of mischief, treason; villanies Ruthful to hear, yet piteously perform'd: And this shall all be buried by my death, Unless thou swear to me, my child shall live. 69 Luc. Tell on thy mind; I say, thy child shall live. Aar, Hij Aar. Swear, that he shall, and then I will begin. Luc. Who should I swear by thou believ'st no god; Aar. What if I do not ; as, indeed, I do not; 80 Luc. Even by my god, I swear to thee, I will. peress. Aar. Tut, Lucius! this was but a deed of charity, To that which thou shalt hear of me anon. 91 'Twas her two sons, that murder'd Bassianus: They cut thy sister's tongue, and ravish'd her, And cut her hands off ; and trimm'd her as thou saw'st. .Luc. O, detestable villain ! call'st thou that trimming ? Aar. Aar. Why, she was wash'd, and out, and trimm'd; and 'twas Luc. O, barbarous beastly villains, like thyself! Aar. Indeed, I was the tutor to instruct them : blush ? Luc. I 20 Luc. Art thou not sorry for these heinous deeds ? Aar. Ay, that I had not done a thousand more. 130 Luc. Bring down the devil ; for he must not die So sweet a death, as hanging presently. Aar. If there be devils, 'would I were a devil, 150 But to torment you with my bitter tongue ! Luc. Sirs, stop his mouth, and let him speak no more. Enter |