Our quivering lances, shaking in the air, 20 Ther. You see, my Lord, what working words he hath; But when you see his actions stop1 his speech, Your speech will stay or so extol his worth As I shall be commended and excused For turning my poor charge to his direction. 30 Would make one thirst 2 and strive to be retained Tech. With duty and 3 with amity we yield Our utmost service to the fair Cosroe. Cos. Which I esteem as portion of my crown. Usumcasane and Techelles both, 4 When she that rules in Rhamnus' golden gates, And makes a passage for all prosperous arms, Then shall your meeds 5 and valours be advanced 1 Dyce reads "top," which gives excellent sense. 2 8vo. 66 thrust."-4to. "thrist." Broughton quotes from Locrine :— 3 So 4to.-8vo. "not." "She that rules fair Rhamnus' golden gates Grant us the honour of the victory." 40 The old copies read "Rhamnis." The allusion is of course to Nemesis, who had a temple at Rhamnus in Attica. 5 So 8vo.-4to. “deeds.” Tamb. Then haste, Cosroe, to be king alone, The king, your brother, is now hard at hand; Enter a Messenger. Mes. My lord, we have discovered the enemy Ready to charge you with a mighty army. 50 Cos. Come, Tamburlaine! now whet thy winged sword, And lift thy lofty arm into the clouds, That it may reach the king of Persia's crown, Tamb. See where it is, the keenest curtle axe Cos. Thy words assure me of kind success; Tamb. Usumcasane and Techelles, come ! 60 [They go out to the battle. SCENE IV. MYCETES comes out alone with his Crown in his hand, offering to hide it. Myc. Accursed be he that first invented war!) If Nature had not given me wisdom's lore, To hide it close; a goodly stratagem, So shall I not be known; or if I be, They cannot take away my crown from me. Here will I hide it in this simple hole. Enter TAMBURLAINE. IO Tamb. What, fearful coward, straggling from the camp, When kings themselves are present in the field? Myc. Thou liest. Tamb. Base villain! darest thou give 2 the lie? 1 The "clout" was the mark at which the archers aimed, and the "pin" was the nail which fastened it. 2 So 8vo. Dyce follows the reading of the 4to. "give me 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? 20 Myc. Ay, marry am I have you any suit to me? Tamb. I would entreat you speak but three wise words. Myc. So I can when I see my time. Tamb. Is this your crown? Myc. Ay, 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. 30 [Exit TAMBURLAINE. Myc. O gods! Is this Tamburlaine the thief? I marvel much he stole it not away. 40 [Sound trumpets to the battle, and he runs in. SCENE V. Enter COSROE, TAMBURLAINE, 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, As if as many kings as could encompass thee Cos. So do I, thrice renowmèd man-at-arms, On your submission we with thanks excuse, Meand. Most happy emperor, in humblest terms, With utmost virtue of my faith and duty. Cos. Thanks, good Meander: then, Cosroe, reign, Now send embassage to thy neighbour kings, 1 So 4to.-8vo. "chiefe." 20 |