Cos. You may do well to kiss it then. Myc. Embossed with silk as best beseems my state, 100 [All go out but COSROE and MENAPHON. Men. How now, my Lord? What, mated1 and amazed To hear the king thus threaten like himself! Cos. Ah, Menaphon, I pass not 2 for his threats; And captains of the Median garrisons But this it is that doth excruciate The very substance of my vexèd soul— To see our neighbours that were wont to quake 1 Confounded. 2 Care not. Cf. 2 Henry VI., iv. 2:—“As for these silken-coated slaves, I pass not." 3 Rule. Cf. Edward II., v. 1: "But what are kings when regiment is gone But perfect shadows in a sunshine day." 4 "Resolve" and "dissolve" are used indifferently. Have swarmed in troops into the Eastern India, To gain the title of a conqueror By curing of this maimèd empery. Afric and Europe bordering on your land, And continent to your dominions, 120 How easily may you, with a mighty host, Pass into Græcia, as did Cyrus once, 130 And cause them to withdraw their forces home, Lest you subdue the pride of Christendom. Cos. But, Menaphon, what means this trumpet's sound? Men. Behold, my lord, Ortygius and the rest Bringing the crown to make you emperor ! Enter ORTYGIUS and CENEUS,2 with others, bearing a Crown. Orty. Magnificent and mighty Prince Cosroe, We, in the name of other Persian states 3 Present thee with the imperial diadem. Cen. The warlike soldiers and the gentlemen, That heretofore have filled Persepolis With Afric captains taken in the field, Whose ransom made them march in coats of gold, And shining stones upon their lofty crests, 1 8vo. "shippe."-4to. "ships." 140 Now living idle in the walled towns, Of great Darius and his wealthy host. Cos. Well, since I see the state of Persia droop 150 Orty. And in assurance of desired success, 160 We here do crown thee monarch of the East, Great Lord of Media and Armenia; East India and the late discovered isles; All.2 Long live Cosroe, mighty emperor ! And cause the soldiers that thus honour me 170 1 Nares quotes several passages (from Spenser, Jonson, &c.) where "malice" is used as a verb. 2 So 4to.-8vo. gives the line to Ortygius. To triumph over many provinces ! By whose desire of discipline in arms I doubt not shortly but to reign sole king, (Whither we presently will fly, my lords) To rest secure against my brother's force. Orty. We knew, my lord, before we brought the crown, Intending your investion1 so near The residence of your despisèd brother, 180 Cos. I know it well, my lord, and thank you all. SCENE II. [Exeunt omnes. Enter TAMBURLAINE leading ZENOCRATE, TECHELLES, USUMCASANE, AGYDAS, MAGNETES, Lords, and Soldiers, loaden with treasure. Tamb. Come, lady, let not this appal your thoughts; The jewels and the treasure we have ta’en 1 Marlowe's use of this word supports Farmer's correction, "infestion" for "infection," in Richard II., ii. 1. 2 The verb "injury" is not uncommon. To the instances given by Dyce add Dr. Dodypol, v. 2:—" Ashamed that you should injury your estate." 3 So 4to.-8vo. gives the words to Ortygius. Shall be reserved, and you in better state, The mighty soldan of Ægyptia. Zeno. Ah, shepherd! pity my distressed plight, (If, as thou seem'st, thou art so mean a man,) And seek not to enrich thy followers By lawless rapine from a silly maid, To Memphis, from my uncle's country of Media,1 To safe conduct us thorough Africa. Mag. And since we have arrived in Scythia, Besides rich presents from the puissant Cham, We have his highness' letters to command Aid and assistance, if we stand in need. Tamb. But now you see these letters and commands Are countermanded by a greater man; And through my provinces you must expect If you intend to keep your treasure safe. But, since I love to live at liberty, As easily may you get the soldan's crown As any prizes out of my precinct ; For they are friends that help to wean my state ΙΟ 20 1 For the sake of the metre Cunningham reads:-" With these my uncle's lords To Memphis from his country of Media." VOL. I. B |