ACT II

Scene 1. Aaron suggests that Chiron and Demetrius satisfy their lust for Lavinia by raping her during

the forthcoming hunt.

Scene 2. Titus and his sons are hunting with Bassianus and Lavinia. Saturninus, Tamora, Demetrius

and Chiron are also present.

Scene 3. Aaron discloses that he has a plan that "will beget/A very excellent piece of villainy."

Tamora enters in an amorous mood, but Aaron can think only of revenge and tells her of her sons'

plan to ravage Lavinia and murder Bassianus. Lavinia and Bassianus accuse Tamora of infidelity to

the Emperor. Demetrius and Chiron then murder Bassianus. Lavinia, terrified of losing her honor,

pleads for death. Tamora, remembering Titus's refusal to spare the life of Alarbus, is unrelenting.

Aaron lures Martius and Quintus to the pit where Bassianus's body has been dumped, thus

incriminating them in the murder. A letter is then produced which apparently proves their guilt. The

Emperor swears that they will be executed. Tamora assures Titus that she will petition Saturninus on

his behalf, and that he should have no fear for his sons.

Scene 4. Marcus finds the raped Lavinia in the forest. She has had both hands amputated and her

tongue cut out so as to prevent her from identifying her attackers.