Shall either perish by our warlike hands, Or plead for mercy at your Highness' feet. Myc. Go, stout Theridamas, thy words are swords, And from their knees e'en to their hoofs below 80 Ther. Then now, my Lord, I humbly take my leave. Ah, Menaphon, why stay'st thou thus behind, And foot by foot follow Theridamas. Cos. Nay, pray you let him stay; a greater [task]1 Fits Menaphon than warring with a thief: Create him Prorex 2 of all Africa, That he may win the Babylonians' hearts Myc. "Unless they have a wiser king than you.' Laments to see the folly of their king. 1 The modern editors insert the word "task." 90 2 Viceroy. In Day's Parliament of Bees the master-bee is styled [Prorex." Cos. You may do well to kiss it then. Myc. Embossed with silk as best beseems my state, To be revenged for these contemptuous words. Oh, where is duty and allegiance now? Fled to the Caspian or the Ocean main? What shall I call thee ? brother?—no, a foe; Monster of nature !—Shame unto thy stock That dar'st presume thy sovereign for to mock! Meander, come: I am abused, Meander. 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; The plot is laid by Persian noblemen And captains of the Median garrisons 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. I: "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 And Commons of the mighty monarchy, Present thee with the imperial diadem. Cen. The warlike soldiers and the gentlemen, 140 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." 2 Old copies "Conerus." 3 I.e. nobles. Now living idle in the wallèd towns, Cos. Well, since I see the state of Persia droop Orty. And in assurance of desired success, Great Lord of Media and Armenia; East India and the late discovered isles; All.2 Long live Cosroe, mighty emperor ! Than I may seek to gratify your love, And cause the soldiers that thus honour me 150 160 170 1 Nares quotes several passages (from Spenser, Jonson, &c.) where 66 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 investion 1 so near The residence of your despised 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. |