Speeches (Lines) for Bassianus
in "Titus Andronicus"
Total: 14

1

I,1,13

Saturninus. Noble patricians, patrons of my right,
Defend the justice of my cause with arms,
And, countrymen, my loving followers,
Plead my successive title with your swords:
I am his first-born son, that was the last
That wore the imperial diadem of Rome;
Then let my father's honours live in me,
Nor wrong mine age with this indignity.

Bassianus. Romans, friends, followers, favorers of my right,
If ever Bassianus, Caesar's son,
Were gracious in the eyes of royal Rome,
Keep then this passage to the Capitol
And suffer not dishonour to approach
The imperial seat, to virtue consecrate,
To justice, continence and nobility;
But let desert in pure election shine,
And, Romans, fight for freedom in your choice.

2

I,1,52

Saturninus. How fair the tribune speaks to calm my thoughts!

Bassianus. Marcus Andronicus, so I do ally
In thy uprightness and integrity,
And so I love and honour thee and thine,
Thy noble brother Titus and his sons,
And her to whom my thoughts are humbled all,
Gracious Lavinia, Rome's rich ornament,
That I will here dismiss my loving friends,
And to my fortunes and the people's favor
Commit my cause in balance to be weigh'd.

3

I,1,70

Saturninus. Friends, that have been thus forward in my right,
I thank you all and here dismiss you all,
And to the love and favor of my country
Commit myself, my person and the cause.
[Exeunt the followers of SATURNINUS]
Rome, be as just and gracious unto me
As I am confident and kind to thee.
Open the gates, and let me in.

Bassianus. Tribunes, and me, a poor competitor.

4

I,1,237

Titus Andronicus. Content thee, prince; I will restore to thee
The people's hearts, and wean them from themselves.

Bassianus. Andronicus, I do not flatter thee,
But honour thee, and will do till I die:
My faction if thou strengthen with thy friends,
I will most thankful be; and thanks to men
Of noble minds is honourable meed.

5

I,1,304

(stage directions). [Flourish. SATURNINUS courts TAMORA in dumb show]

Bassianus. Lord Titus, by your leave, this maid is mine.

6

I,1,307

Titus Andronicus. How, sir! are you in earnest then, my lord?

Bassianus. Ay, noble Titus; and resolved withal
To do myself this reason and this right.

7

I,1,315

Saturninus. Surprised! by whom?

Bassianus. By him that justly may
Bear his betroth'd from all the world away.

8

I,1,450

Saturninus. So, Bassianus, you have play'd your prize:
God give you joy, sir, of your gallant bride!

Bassianus. And you of yours, my lord! I say no more,
Nor wish no less; and so, I take my leave.

9

I,1,454

Saturninus. Traitor, if Rome have law or we have power,
Thou and thy faction shall repent this rape.

Bassianus. Rape, call you it, my lord, to seize my own,
My truth-betrothed love and now my wife?
But let the laws of Rome determine all;
Meanwhile I am possess'd of that is mine.

10

I,1,460

Saturninus. 'Tis good, sir: you are very short with us;
But, if we live, we'll be as sharp with you.

Bassianus. My lord, what I have done, as best I may,
Answer I must and shall do with my life.
Only thus much I give your grace to know:
By all the duties that I owe to Rome,
This noble gentleman, Lord Titus here,
Is in opinion and in honour wrong'd;
That in the rescue of Lavinia
With his own hand did slay his youngest son,
In zeal to you and highly moved to wrath
To be controll'd in that he frankly gave:
Receive him, then, to favor, Saturnine,
That hath express'd himself in all his deeds
A father and a friend to thee and Rome.

11

II,2,715

Saturninus. And you have rung it lustily, my lord;
Somewhat too early for new-married ladies.

Bassianus. Lavinia, how say you?

12

II,3,790

(stage directions). [Enter BASSIANUS and LAVINIA]

Bassianus. Who have we here? Rome's royal empress,
Unfurnish'd of her well-beseeming troop?
Or is it Dian, habited like her,
Who hath abandoned her holy groves
To see the general hunting in this forest?

13

II,3,807

Lavinia. Under your patience, gentle empress,
'Tis thought you have a goodly gift in horning;
And to be doubted that your Moor and you
Are singled forth to try experiments:
Jove shield your husband from his hounds to-day!
'Tis pity they should take him for a stag.

Bassianus. Believe me, queen, your swarth Cimmerian
Doth make your honour of his body's hue,
Spotted, detested, and abominable.
Why are you sequester'd from all your train,
Dismounted from your snow-white goodly steed.
And wander'd hither to an obscure plot,
Accompanied but with a barbarous Moor,
If foul desire had not conducted you?

14

II,3,820

Lavinia. And, being intercepted in your sport,
Great reason that my noble lord be rated
For sauciness. I pray you, let us hence,
And let her joy her raven-colour'd love;
This valley fits the purpose passing well.

Bassianus. The king my brother shall have note of this.