The feast is ready, which the careful Titus
Hath ordain'd to an honourable end,
For peace, for love, for league, and good to Rome:
Please you, therefore, draw nigh, and take your places.
SATURNINUS Marcus, we will.
[Hautboys sound. The Company sit down at table]
[Enter TITUS dressed like a Cook, LAVINIA veiled,
Young LUCIUS, and others. TITUS places the dishes
on the table]
TITUS ANDRONICUS Welcome, my gracious lord; welcome, dread queen;
Welcome, ye warlike Goths; welcome, Lucius;
And welcome, all: although the cheer be poor,
'Twill fill your stomachs; please you eat of it.
SATURNINUS Why art thou thus attired, Andronicus?
TITUS ANDRONICUS Because I would be sure to have all well,
To entertain your highness and your empress.
TAMORA We are beholding to you, good Andronicus.
TITUS ANDRONICUS An if your highness knew my heart, you were.
My lord the emperor, resolve me this:
Was it well done of rash Virginius
To slay his daughter with his own right hand,
Because she was enforced, stain'd, and deflower'd?
SATURNINUS It was, Andronicus.
TITUS ANDRONICUS Your reason, mighty lord?
SATURNINUS Because the girl should not survive her shame,
And by her presence still renew his sorrows.
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