Volume I Part 5 (1/2)

MYCETES. O G.o.ds, is this Tamburlaine the thief?

I marvel much he stole it not away.

[Trumpets within sound to the battle: he runs out.]

SCENE V.

Enter COSROE, TAMBURLAINE, MENAPHON, MEANDER, ORTYGIUS, THERIDAMAS, TECh.e.l.lES, USUMCASANE, with others.

TAMBURLAINE. 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 encompa.s.s thee With greatest pomp had crown'd thee emperor.

COSROE. So do I, thrice-renowmed man-at-arms; [103]

And none shall keep the crown but Tamburlaine: Thee do I make my regent of Persia, And general-lieutenant of my armies.-- Meander, you, that were our brother's guide, And chiefest [104] counsellor in all his acts, Since he is yielded to the stroke of war, On your submission we with thanks excuse, And give you equal place in our affairs.

MEANDER. Most happy [105] emperor, in humblest terms I vow my service to your majesty, With utmost virtue of my faith and duty.

COSROE. Thanks, good Meander.--Then, Cosroe, reign, And govern Persia in her former pomp.

Now send emba.s.sage to thy neighbour kings, And let them know the Persian king is chang'd, From one that knew not what a king should do, To one that can command what 'longs thereto.

And now we will to fair Persepolis With twenty thousand expert soldiers.

The lords and captains of my brother's camp With little slaughter take Meander's course, And gladly yield them to my gracious rule.-- Ortygius and Menaphon, my trusty friends, Now will I gratify your former good, And grace your calling with a greater sway.

ORTYGIUS. And as we ever aim'd [106] at your behoof, And sought your state all honour it [107] deserv'd, So will we with our powers and our [108] lives Endeavour to preserve and prosper it.

COSROE. I will not thank thee, sweet Ortygius; Better replies shall prove my purposes.-- And now, Lord Tamburlaine, my brother's camp I leave to thee and to Theridamas, To follow me to fair Persepolis; Then will we [109] march to all those Indian mines My witless brother to the Christians lost, And ransom them with fame and usury: And, till thou overtake me, Tamburlaine, (Staying to order all the scatter'd troops,) Farewell, lord regent and his happy friends.

I long to sit upon my brother's throne.

MEANDER. Your majesty shall shortly have your wish, And ride in triumph through Persepolis.

[Exeunt all except TAMBURLAINE, THERIDAMAS, TECh.e.l.lES, and USUMCASANE.]

TAMBURLAINE. And ride in triumph through Persepolis!-- Is it not brave to be a king, Tech.e.l.les?-- Usumcasane and Theridamas, Is it not pa.s.sing brave to be a king, And ride in triumph through Persepolis?

TECh.e.l.lES. O, my lord, it is sweet and full of pomp!

USUMCASANE. To be a king is half to be a G.o.d.

THERIDAMAS. A G.o.d is not so glorious as a king: I think the pleasure they enjoy in heaven, Cannot compare with kingly joys in [110] earth;-- To wear a crown enchas'd with pearl and gold, Whose virtues carry with it life and death; To ask and have, command and be obey'd; When looks breed love, with looks to gain the prize,-- Such power attractive s.h.i.+nes in princes' eyes.

TAMBURLAINE. Why, say, Theridamas, wilt thou be a king?

THERIDAMAS. Nay, though I praise it, I can live without it.

TAMBURLAINE. What say my other friends? will you be kings?

TECh.e.l.lES. I, if I could, with all my heart, my lord.

TAMBURLAINE. Why, that's well said, Tech.e.l.les: so would I;-- And so would you, my masters, would you not?