May triumph in our long-expected fate. Enter a MESSENGER. MES. My lord, we have discovered the enemy And lift thy lofty arm into the clouds, TAMB. See where it is, the keenest curtle axe Cos. Thy words assure me of kind success; The fainting army of that foolish king. We are enough to scare the enemy, And more than needs to make an emperor. [They go out to the battle. Mycetes enters alone with his crown in his hand, and endeavours to hide it.] Myc. Accurs'd be he that first invented war! They knew not, ah they knew not, simple men, * Sure in both the old editions. How those, who're hit by pelting cannon shot, If Nature had not giv'n me wisdom's lore, To hide it close; a goodly stratagem, So shall I not be known; or if I be, They can not take away my crown from me. Enter TAMBURLAINE. TAMB. What fearful coward's straggling from the camp, When kings themselves are present in the field? TAMB. Base villain, dar'st thou give the lie? Myc. Away; I am the king; go; touch me not. Thou break'st the law of arms, unless thou kneel And cry me mercy, noble king. TAMB. Are you the witty king of Persia? Myc. Aye, marry am I: have you any suit to me? TAMB. I would entreat you but to speak three wise words. Myc. So I can when I see my time. TAMB. Is this your crown? Myc. Aye, didst thou ever see a fairer ? TAMB. You will not sell it, will you? Myc. Such another word and I will have thee executed. Come, give it me! TAMB. No; I took it prisoner. Myc. You lie; I gave it you. TAMB. Then 'tis mine. Myc. No; I mean I let you keep it. TAMB. Well; I mean you shall have it again. [Exit Tamb. Myc. O gods! Is this Tamburlaine the thief? I marvel much he stole it not away. [Trumpets sound to the battle: Mycetes runs out. Enter COSROE, TAMBURLAINÉ, THERIDAMAS, MENAPHON, MEANDER, ORTYGIUS, TECHELLES, USUMCASANE, with others. TAMB. Hold thee, Cosroe! wear two imperial crowns; Think thee invested now as royally, Even by the mighty hand of Tamburlaine, Meander, you, that were our brother's guide, MEAND. Most happy emperor, in humblest terms, I vow my service to your majesty, With utmost virtue of my faith and duty. Cos. Thanks, good Meander: then Cosroe reign, And govern Persia in her former pomp! Now send embassage to thy neighbour kings, To one that can command what longs thereto. With twenty thousand expert soldiers. And grace your calling with a greater sway. ORTY. And as we ever aim'd at your behoof, Cos. I will not thank thee, sweet Ortygius ; And now, Lord Tamburlaine, my brother's camp To follow me to fair Persepolis. Meand. Your majesty shall shortly have your wish, And ride in triumph through Persepolis, [All go out but Tamb. Tech. Ther. and Usum. Tamb. And ride in triumph through Persepolis! Is it not brave to be a king, Techelles ? Usumcasane and Theridamas, Is it not passing brave to be a king, And ride in triumph through Persepolis ? Tech. O, my lord, 'tis sweet and full of pomp. Usum. To be a king is half to be a god. THER. A god is not so glorious as a king. Tamb. Why say, Theridamas, wilt thou be a king? |