Project Gutenberg's Tamburlaine the Great, Part I., by Christopher Marlowe This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org Title: Tamburlaine the Great, Part I. Author: Christopher Marlowe Release Date: August 5, 2008 [EBook #1094] Last Updated: January 15, 2013 Language: English Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 *** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TAMBURLAINE THE GREAT, PART I. *** Produced by Gary R. Young, and David Widger TAMBURLAINE THE GREAT, IN TWO PARTS. This is Part I. By Christopher Marlowe Edited By The Rev. Alexander Dyce. Skip to Part II. TRANSCRIBER'S COMMENTS ON THE PREPARATION OF THE E-TEXT: SQUARE BRACKETS: The square brackets, i.e. [ ] are copied from the printed book, without change, except that the stage directions usually do not have closing brackets. These have been added. FOOTNOTES: For this E-Text version of the book, the footnotes have been consolidated at the end of the play. Numbering of the footnotes has been changed, and each footnote is given a unique identity in the form [XXX]. CHANGES TO THE TEXT: Character names were expanded. For Example, TAMBURLAINE was TAMB., ZENOCRATE was ZENO., etc. GREEK: One word, appearing in note 115, was printed in Greek Characters. This word has been transliterated as [deiktikos]. CONTENTS TO THE GENTLEMEN-READERS AND OTHERS THAT TAKE PLEASURE THE FIRST PART OF TAMBURLAINE THE GREAT. ACT I. SCENE I. SCENE II. ACT II. SCENE I. SCENE II. SCENE III. SCENE IV. SCENE V. SCENE VI. SCENE VII. ACT III. SCENE I. SCENE II. SCENE III. ACT IV. SCENE I. SCENE II. SCENE III. SCENE IV. ACT V. SCENE I. FOOTNOTES Tamburlaine the Great. Who, from a Scythian Shephearde by his rare and woonderfull Conquests, became a most puissant and mightye Monarque. And (for his tyranny, and terrour in Warre) was tearmed, The Scourge of God. Deuided into two Tragicall Discourses, as they were sundrie times shewed vpon Stages in the Citie of London. By the right honorable the Lord Admyrall, his seruauntes. Now first, and newlie published. London. Printed by Richard Ihones: at the signe of the Rose and Crowne neere Holborne Bridge. 1590. 4to. The above title-page is pasted into a copy of the FIRST PART OF TAMBURLAINE in the Library at Bridge-water House; which copy, excepting that title-page and the Address to the Readers, is the impression of 1605. I once supposed that the title-pages which bear the dates 1605 and 1606 (see below) had been added to the 4tos of the TWO PARTS of the play originally printed in 1590; but I am now convinced that both PARTS were really reprinted, THE FIRST PART in 1605, and THE SECOND PART in 1606, and that nothing remains of the earlier 4tos, except the title-page and the Address to the Readers, which are preserved in the Bridge- water collection. In the Bodleian Library, Oxford, is an 8vo edition of both PARTS OF TAMBURLAINE, dated 1590: the title-page of THE FIRST PART agrees verbatim with that given above; the half-title-page of THE SECOND PART is as follows; The Second Part of The bloody Conquests of mighty Tamburlaine. With his impassionate fury, for the death of his Lady and loue faire Zenocrate; his fourme of exhortacion and discipline to his three sons, and the maner of his own death. In the Garrick Collection, British Museum, is an 8vo edition of both PARTS dated 1592: the title-page of THE FIRST PART runs thus; Tamburlaine the Great. Who, from a Scythian Shepheard, by his rare and wonderfull Conquestes, became a most puissant and mightie Mornarch [sic]: And (for his tyrannie, and terrour in warre) was tearmed, The Scourge of God. The first part of the two Tragicall discourses, as they were sundrie times most stately shewed vpon Stages in the Citie of London. By the right honorable the Lord Admirall, his seruauntes. Now newly published. Printed by Richard Iones, dwelling at the signe of the Rose and Crowne neere Holborne Bridge. The half-title-page of THE SECOND PART agrees exactly with that already given. Perhaps the 8vo at Oxford and that in the British Museum (for I have not had an opportunity of comparing them) are the same impression, differing only in the title-pages. Langbaine (ACCOUNT OF ENGL. DRAM. POETS, p. 344) mentions an 8vo dated 1593. The title-pages of the latest impressions of THE TWO PARTS are as follows; Tamburlaine the Greate. Who, from the state of a Shepheard in Scythia, by his rare and wonderfull Conquests, became a most puissant and mighty Monarque. London Printed for Edward White, and are to be solde at the little North doore of Saint Paules-Church, at the signe of the Gunne, 1605. 4to. Tamburlaine the Greate. With his impassionate furie, for the death of his Lady and Loue fair Zenocrate: his forme of exhortation and discipline to his three Sonnes, and the manner of his owne death. The second part. London Printed by E. A. for Ed. White, and are to be solde at his Shop neere the little North doore of Saint Paules Church at the Signe of the Gun. 1606. 4to. The text of the present edition is given from the 8vo of 1592, collated with the 4tos of 1605-6. TO THE GENTLEMEN-READERS 1 AND OTHERS THAT TAKE PLEASURE IN READING HISTORIES. 2 Gentlemen and courteous readers whosoever: I have here published in print, for your sakes, the two tragical discourses of the Scythian shepherd Tamburlaine, that became so great a conqueror and so mighty a monarch. My hope is, that they will be now no less acceptable unto you to read after your serious affairs and studies than they have been lately delightful for many of you to see when the same were shewed in London upon stages. I have purposely omitted and left out some fond 3 and frivolous gestures, digressing, and, in my poor opinion, far unmeet for the matter, which I thought might seem more tedious unto the wise than any way else to be regarded, though haply they have been of some vain-conceited fondlings greatly gaped at, what time they were shewed upon the stage in their graced deformities: nevertheless now to be mixtured in print with such matter of worth, it would prove a great disgrace to so honourable and stately a history. Great folly were it in me to commend unto your wisdoms either the eloquence of the author that writ them or the worthiness of the matter itself. I therefore leave unto your learned censures 4 both the one and the other, and myself the poor printer of them unto your most courteous and favourable protection; which if you vouchsafe to accept, you shall evermore bind me to employ what travail and service I can to the advancing and pleasuring of your excellent degree. Yours, most humble at commandment, R[ichard] J[ones], printer. THE FIRST PART OF TAMBURLAINE THE GREAT. THE PROLOGUE. From jigging veins of rhyming mother-wits, And such conceits as clownage keeps in pay, We'll lead you to the stately tent of war, Where you shall hear the Scythian Tamburlaine Threatening the world with high astounding terms, And scourging kingdoms with his conquering sword. View but his picture in this tragic glass, And then applaud his fortunes as you please. DRAMATIS PERSONAE. MYCETES, king of Persia. COSROE, his brother. MEANDER, ] THERIDAMAS, ] ORTYGIUS, ] Persian lords. CENEUS, ] MENAPHON, ] TAMBURLAINE, a Scythian shepherd. TECHELLES, ] USUMCASANE, ] his followers. BAJAZETH, emperor of the Turks. KING OF FEZ. KING OF MOROCCO. KING OF ARGIER. KING OF ARABIA. SOLDAN OF EGYPT. GOVERNOR OF DAMASCUS. AGYDAS, ] MAGNETES, ] Median lords. CAPOLIN, an Egyptian. PHILEMUS, Bassoes, Lords, Citizens, Moors, Soldiers, and Attendants. ZENOCRATE, daughter to the Soldan of Egypt. ANIPPE, her maid. ZABINA, wife to BAJAZETH. EBEA, her maid. Virgins of Damascus. THE FIRST PART OF TAMBURLAINE THE GREAT. ACT I. SCENE I. Enter MYCETES, COSROE, MEANDER, THERIDAMAS, ORTYGIUS, CENEUS, MENAPHON, with others. MYCETES. Brother Cosroe, I find myself agriev'd; Yet insufficient to express the same, For it requires a great and thundering speech: Good brother, tell the cause unto my lords; I know you have a better wit than I. COSROE. Unhappy Persia,—that in former age Hast been the seat of mighty conquerors, That, in their prowess and their policies, Have triumph'd over Afric, 5 and the bounds Of Europe where the sun dares scarce appear For freezing meteors and congealed cold,— Now to be rul'd and govern'd by a man At whose birth-day Cynthia with Saturn join'd, And Jove, the Sun, and Mercury denied To shed their 6 influence in his fickle brain! Now Turks and Tartars shake their swords at thee, Meaning to mangle all thy provinces. MYCETES. Brother, I see your meaning well enough, And through 7 your planets I perceive you think I am not wise enough to be a king: But I refer me to my noblemen, That know my wit, and can be witnesses. I might command you to be slain for this,— Meander, might I not? MEANDER. Not for so small a fault, my sovereign lord. MYCETES. I mean it not, but yet I know I might.— Yet live; yea, live; Mycetes wills it so.— Meander, thou, my faithful counsellor, Declare the cause of my conceived grief, Which is, God knows, about that Tamburlaine, That, like a fox in midst of harvest-time, Doth prey upon my flocks of passengers; And, as I hear, doth mean to pull my plumes: Therefore 'tis good and meet for to be wise. MEANDER. Oft have I heard your majesty complain Of Tamburlaine, that sturdy Scythian thief, That robs your merchants of Persepolis Trading by land unto the Western Isles, And in your confines with his lawless train Daily commits incivil 8 outrages, Hoping (misled by dreaming prophecies) To reign in Asia, and with barbarous arms To make himself the monarch of the East: But, ere he march in Asia, or display His vagrant ensign in the Persian fields, Your grace hath taken order by Theridamas, Charg'd with a thousand horse, to apprehend And bring him captive to your highness' throne. MYCETES. Full true thou speak'st, and like thyself, my lord, Whom I may term a Damon for thy love: Therefore 'tis best, if so it like you all, To send my thousand horse incontinent 9 To apprehend that paltry Scythian. How like you this, my honourable lords? Is it not a kingly resolution? COSROE. It cannot choose, because it comes from you. MYCETES. Then hear thy charge, valiant Theridamas, The chiefest 10 captain of Mycetes' host, The hope of Persia, and the very legs Whereon our state doth lean as on a staff, That holds us up and foils our neighbour foes: Thou shalt be leader of this thousand horse, Whose foaming gall with rage and high disdain Have sworn the death of wicked Tamburlaine. Go frowning forth; but come thou smiling home, As did Sir Paris with the Grecian dame: Return with speed; time passeth swift away; Our life is frail, and we may die to-day. THERIDAMAS. Before the moon renew her borrow'd light, Doubt not, my lord and gracious sovereign, But Tamburlaine and that Tartarian rout 11 Shall either perish by our warlike hands, Or plead for mercy at your highness' feet. MYCETES. Go, stout Theridamas; thy words are swords, And with thy looks thou conquerest all thy foes. I long to see thee back return from thence, That I may view these milk-white steeds of mine All loaden with the heads of killed men, And, from their knees even to their hoofs below, Besmear'd with blood that makes a dainty show. THERIDAMAS. Then now, my lord, I humbly take my leave. MYCETES. Theridamas, farewell ten thousand times. [Exit THERIDAMAS.] Ah, Menaphon, why stay'st thou thus behind, When other men press 12 forward for renown? Go, Menaphon, go into Scythia, And foot by foot follow Theridamas. COSROE. Nay, pray you, 13 let him stay; a greater [task] Fits Menaphon than warring with a thief: Create him pro-rex of all 14 Africa, That he may win the Babylonians' hearts, Which will revolt from Persian government, Unless they have a wiser king than you. MYCETES. Unless they have a wiser king than you! These are his words; Meander, set them down. COSROE. And add this to them,—that all Asia Lament to see the folly of their king. MYCETES. Well, here I swear by this my royal seat— COSROE. You may do well to kiss it, then. MYCETES. Emboss'd with silk as best beseems my state, To be reveng'd for these contemptuous words! O, 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 abus'd, Meander. [Exeunt all except COSROE and MENAPHON.] MENAPHON. How now, my lord! what, mated 15 and amaz'd To hear the king thus threaten like himself! COSROE. Ah, Menaphon, I pass not 16 for his threats! The plot is laid by Persian noblemen And captains of the Median garrisons To crown me emperor of Asia: But this it is that doth excruciate The very substance of my vexed soul, To see our neighbours, that were wont to quake And tremble at the Persian monarch's name, Now sit and laugh our regiment 17 to scorn; And that which might resolve 18 me into tears, Men from the farthest equinoctial line Have swarm'd in troops into the Eastern India, Lading their ships 19 with gold and precious stones, And made their spoils from all our provinces. MENAPHON. This should entreat your highness to rejoice, Since Fortune gives you opportunity To gain the title of a conqueror By curing of this maimed empery. Afric and Europe bordering on your land, And continent to your dominions, How easily may you, with a mighty host, Pass 20 into Graecia, as did Cyrus once, And cause them to withdraw their forces home, Lest you 21 subdue the pride of Christendom! [Trumpet within.] COSROE. But, Menaphon, what means this trumpet's sound? MENAPHON. Behold, my lord, Ortygius and the rest Bringing the crown to make you emperor! Re-enter ORTYGIUS and CENEUS, 22 with others, bearing a crown. ORTYGIUS. Magnificent and mighty prince Cosroe, We, in the name of other Persian states 23 And commons of this mighty monarchy, Present thee with th' imperial diadem. CENEUS. The warlike soldiers and the gentlemen, That heretofore have fill'd Persepolis With Afric captains taken in the field, Whose ransom made them march in coats of gold, With costly jewels hanging at their ears, And shining stones upon their lofty crests, Now living idle in the walled towns, Wanting both pay and martial discipline, Begin in troops to threaten civil war, And openly exclaim against their 24 king: Therefore, to stay all sudden mutinies, We will invest your highness emperor; Whereat the soldiers will conceive more joy Than did the Macedonians at the spoil Of great Darius and his wealthy host. COSROE. Well, since I see the state of Persia droop And languish in my brother's government, I willingly receive th' imperial crown, And vow to wear it for my country's good, In spite of them shall malice my estate. ORTYGIUS. And, in assurance of desir'd success, We here do crown thee monarch of the East [;] Emperor of Asia and Persia; 25 Great lord of Media and Armenia; Duke of Africa and Albania, Mesopotamia and of Parthia, East India and the late-discover'd isles; Chief lord of all the wide vast Euxine Sea, And of the ever-raging 26 Caspian Lake. ALL. 27 Long live Cosroe, mighty emperor! COSROE. And Jove may 28 never let me longer live Than I may seek to gratify your love, And cause the soldiers that thus honour me To triumph over many provinces! By whose desires of discipline in arms I doubt not shortly but to reign sole king, And with the army of Theridamas (Whither we presently will fly, my lords,) To rest secure against my brother's force. ORTYGIUS. We knew, 29 my lord, before we brought the crown, Intending your investion so near The residence of your despised brother, The lords 30 would not be too exasperate To injury 31 or suppress your worthy title; Or, if they would, there are in readiness Ten thousand horse to carry you from hence, In spite of all suspected enemies. COSROE. I know it well, my lord, and thank you all. ORTYGIUS. Sound up the trumpets, then. [Trumpets sounded.] ALL. 32 God save the king! [Exeunt.] SCENE II. Enter TAMBURLAINE leading ZENOCRATE, TECHELLES, USUMCASANE, AGYDAS, MAGNETES, LORDS, and SOLDIERS loaden with treasure. TAMBURLAINE. Come, lady, let not this appal your thoughts; The jewels and the treasure we have ta'en Shall be reserv'd, and you in better state Than if you were arriv'd in Syria, Even in the circle of your father's arms, The mighty Soldan of Aegyptia. ZENOCRATE. 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, Who, travelling 33 with these Median lords To Memphis, from my uncle's country of Media, Where, all my youth, I have been governed, Have pass'd the army of the mighty Turk, Bearing his privy-signet and his hand To safe-conduct us thorough 34 Africa. MAGNETES. And, since we have arriv'd in Scythia, Besides rich presents from the puissant Cham, We have his highness' letters to command Aid and assistance, if we stand in need. TAMBURLAINE. But now you see these letters and commands Are countermanded by a greater man; And through my provinces you must expect Letters of conduct from my mightiness, 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 Till men and kingdoms help to strengthen it, And must maintain my life exempt from servitude.— But, tell me, madam, is your grace betroth'd? ZENOCRATE. I am, my lord,—for so you do import. TAMBURLAINE. I am a lord, for so my deeds shall prove; And yet a shepherd by my parentage. But, lady, this fair face and heavenly hue Must grace his bed that conquers Asia, And means to be a terror to the world, Measuring the limits of his empery By east and west, as Phoebus doth his course.— Lie here, ye weeds, that I disdain to wear! This complete armour and this curtle-axe Are adjuncts more beseeming Tamburlaine.— And, madam, whatsoever you esteem Of this success, and loss unvalued, 35 Both may invest you empress of the East; And these that seem but silly country swains May have the leading of so great an host As with their weight shall make the mountains quake, Even as when windy exhalations, Fighting for passage, tilt within the earth. TECHELLES. As princely lions, when they rouse themselves, Stretching their paws, and threatening herds of beasts, So in his armour looketh Tamburlaine. Methinks I see kings kneeling at his feet, And he with frowning brows and fiery looks Spurning their crowns from off their captive heads. USUMCASANE. And making thee and me, Techelles, kings, That even to death will follow Tamburlaine. TAMBURLAINE. Nobly resolv'd, sweet friends and followers! These lords perhaps do scorn our estimates, And think we prattle with distemper'd spirits: But, since they measure our deserts so mean, That in conceit 36 bear empires on our spears, Affecting thoughts coequal with the clouds, They shall be kept our forced followers Till with their eyes they view us emperors. ZENOCRATE. The gods, defenders of the innocent. Will never prosper your intended drifts, That thus oppress poor friendless passengers. Therefore at least admit us liberty, Even as thou hop'st to be eternized By living Asia's mighty emperor. AGYDAS. I hope our lady's treasure and our own May serve for ransom to our liberties: Return our mules and empty camels back, That we may travel into Syria, Where her betrothed lord, Alcidamus, Expects the arrival of her highness' person. MAGNETES. And wheresoever we repose ourselves, We will report but well of Tamburlaine. TAMBURLAINE. Disdains Zenocrate to live with me? Or you, my lords, to be my followers? Think you I weigh this treasure more than you? Not all the gold in India's wealthy arms Shall buy the meanest soldier in my train. Zenocrate, lovelier than the love of Jove, Brighter than is the silver Rhodope, 37 Fairer than whitest snow on Scythian hills, Thy person is more worth to Tamburlaine Than the possession of the Persian crown, Which gracious stars have promis'd at my birth. A hundred Tartars shall attend on thee, Mounted on steeds swifter than Pegasus; Thy garments shall be made of Median silk, Enchas'd with precious jewels of mine own, More rich and valurous 38 than Zenocrate's; With milk-white harts upon an ivory sled Thou shalt be drawn amidst the frozen pools, 39 And scale the icy mountains' lofty tops, Which with thy beauty will be soon resolv'd: 40 My martial prizes, with five hundred men, Won on the fifty-headed Volga's waves, Shall we all offer 41 to Zenocrate, And then myself to fair Zenocrate. TECHELLES. What now! in love? TAMBURLAINE. Techelles, women must be flattered: But this is she with whom I am in 42 love. Enter a SOLDIER. SOLDIER. News, news! TAMBURLAINE. How now! what's the matter? SOLDIER. A thousand Persian horsemen are at hand, Sent from the king to overcome us all. TAMBURLAINE. How now, my lords of Egypt, and Zenocrate! Now must your jewels be restor'd again, And I, that triumph'd 43 so, be overcome? How say you, lordings? is not this your hope? AGYDAS. We hope yourself will willingly restore them. TAMBURLAINE. Such hope, such fortune, have the thousand horse. Soft ye, my lords, and sweet Zenocrate! You must be forced from me ere you go.— A thousand horsemen! we five hundred foot! An odds too great for us to stand against. But are they rich? and is their armour good! SOLDIER. Their plumed helms are wrought with beaten gold, Their swords enamell'd, and about their necks Hang massy chains of gold down to the waist; In every part exceeding brave 44 and rich. TAMBURLAINE. Then shall we fight courageously with them? Or look you I should play the orator? TECHELLES. No; cowards and faint-hearted runaways Look for orations when the foe is near: Our swords shall play the orators for us. USUMCASANE. Come, let us meet them at the mountain-top, 45 And with a sudden and an hot alarum Drive all their horses headlong down the hill. TECHELLES. Come, let us march. TAMBURLAINE. Stay, Techelles; ask a parle first. The SOLDIERS enter. Open the mails, 46 yet guard the treasure sure: Lay out our golden wedges to the view, That their reflections may amaze the Persians; And look we friendly on them when they come: But, if they offer word or violence, We'll fight, five hundred men-at-arms to one, Before we part with our possession; And 'gainst the general we will lift our swords, And either lance 47 his greedy thirsting throat, Or take him prisoner, and his chain shall serve For manacles till he be ransom'd home. TECHELLES. I hear them come: shall we encounter them? TAMBURLAINE. Keep all your standings, and not stir a foot: Myself will bide the danger of the brunt. Enter THERIDAMAS with others. THERIDAMAS. Where is this 48 Scythian Tamburlaine? TAMBURLAINE. Whom seek'st thou, Persian? I am Tamburlaine. THERIDAMAS. Tamburlaine! A Scythian shepherd so embellished With nature's pride and richest furniture! His looks do menace heaven and dare the gods; His fiery eyes are fix'd upon the earth, As if he now devis'd some stratagem, Or meant to pierce Avernus' darksome vaults 49 To pull the triple-headed dog from hell. TAMBURLAINE. Noble and mild this Persian seems to be, If outward habit judge the inward man. TECHELLES. His deep affections make him passionate. TAMBURLAINE. With what a majesty he rears his looks!— In thee, thou valiant man of Persia, I see the folly of thy 50 emperor. Art thou but captain of a thousand horse, That by characters graven in thy brows, And by thy martial face and stout aspect, Deserv'st to have the leading of an host? Forsake thy king, and do but join with me, And we will triumph over all the world: I hold the Fates bound fast in iron chains, And with my hand turn Fortune's wheel about; And sooner shall the sun fall from his sphere Than Tamburlaine be slain or overcome. Draw forth thy sword, thou mighty man-at-arms, Intending but to raze my charmed skin, And Jove himself will stretch his hand from heaven To ward the blow, and shield me safe from harm. See, how he rains down heaps of gold in showers, As if he meant to give my soldiers pay! And, as a sure and grounded argument That I shall be the monarch of the East, He sends this Soldan's daughter rich and brave, 51 To be my queen and portly emperess. If thou wilt stay with me, renowmed 52 man, And lead thy thousand horse with my conduct, Besides thy share of this Egyptian prize, Those thousand horse shall sweat with martial spoil Of conquer'd kingdoms and of cities sack'd: Both we will walk upon the lofty cliffs; 53 And Christian merchants, 54 that with Russian stems 55 Plough up huge furrows in the Caspian Sea, Shall vail 56 to us as lords of all the lake; Both we will reign as consuls of the earth, And mighty kings shall be our senators. Jove sometime masked in a shepherd's weed; And by those steps that he hath scal'd the heavens May we become immortal like the gods. Join with me now in this my mean estate, (I call it mean, because, being yet obscure, The nations far-remov'd admire me not,) And when my name and honour shall be spread As far as Boreas claps his brazen wings, Or fair Bootes 57 sends his cheerful light, Then shalt thou be competitor 58 with me, And sit with Tamburlaine in all his majesty. THERIDAMAS. Not Hermes, prolocutor to the gods, Could use persuasions more pathetical. TAMBURLAINE. Nor are Apollo's oracles more true Than thou shalt find my vaunts substantial. TECHELLES. We are his friends; and, if the Persian king Should offer present dukedoms to our state, We think it loss to make exchange for that We are assur'd of by our friend's success. USUMCASANE. And kingdoms at the least we all expect, Besides the honour in assured conquests, Where kings shall crouch unto our conquering swords, And hosts of soldiers stand amaz'd at us, When with their fearful tongues they shall confess, These are the men that all the world admires. THERIDAMAS. What strong enchantments tice my yielding soul To these 59 resolved, noble Scythians! But shall I prove a traitor to my king? TAMBURLAINE. No; but the trusty friend of Tamburlaine. THERIDAMAS. Won with thy words, and conquer'd with thy looks, I yield myself, my men, and horse to thee, To be partaker of thy good or ill, As long as life maintains Theridamas. TAMBURLAINE. Theridamas, my friend, take here my hand, Which is as much as if I swore by heaven, And call'd the gods to witness of my vow. Thus shall my heart be still combin'd with thine Until our bodies turn to elements, And both our souls aspire celestial thrones.— Techelles and Casane, welcome him. TECHELLES. Welcome, renowmed 60 Persian, to us all! USUMCASANE. Long may Theridamas remain with us! TAMBURLAINE. These are my friends, in whom I more rejoice Than doth the king of Persia in his crown; And, by the love of Pylades and Orestes, Whose statues 61 we adore in Scythia, Thyself and them shall never part from me Before I crown you kings 62 in Asia. Make much of them, gentle Theridamas, And they will never leave thee till the death. THERIDAMAS. Nor thee nor them, 63 thrice-noble Tamburlaine, Shall want my heart to be with gladness pierc'd, To do you honour and security. TAMBURLAINE. A thousand thanks, worthy Theridamas.— And now, fair madam, and my noble lords, If you will 64 willingly remain with me, You shall have honours as your merits be; Or else you shall be forc'd with slavery. AGYDAS. We yield unto thee, happy Tamburlaine. TAMBURLAINE. For you, then, madam, I am out of doubt. ZENOCRATE. I must be pleas'd perforce,—wretched Zenocrate! [Exeunt.] ACT II. SCENE I. Enter COSROE, MENAPHON, ORTYGIUS, and CENEUS, with SOLDIERS. COSROE. Thus far are we towards Theridamas, And valiant Tamburlaine, the man of fame, The man that in the forehead of his fortune Bears figures of renown and miracle. But tell me, that hast seen him, Menaphon, What stature wields he, and what personage? MENAPHON. Of stature tall, and straightly fashioned, Like his desire, lift upwards and divine; So large of limbs, his joints so strongly knit, Such breadth of shoulders as might mainly bear Old Atlas' burden; 'twixt his manly pitch, 65 A pearl more worth than all the world is plac'd, Wherein by curious sovereignty of art Are fix'd his piercing instruments of sight, Whose fiery circles bear encompassed A heaven of heavenly bodies in their spheres, That guides his steps and actions to the throne Where honour sits invested royally; Pale of complexion, wrought in him with passion, Thirsting with sovereignty and 66 love of arms; His lofty brows in folds do figure death, And in their smoothness amity and life; About them hangs a knot of amber hair, Wrapped in curls, as fierce Achilles' was, On which the breath of heaven delights to play, Making it dance with wanton majesty; His arms and fingers long and sinewy, 67 Betokening valour and excess of strength;— In every part proportion'd like the man Should make the world subdu'd 68 to Tamburlaine. COSROE. Well hast thou pourtray'd in thy terms of life The face and personage of a wondrous man: Nature doth strive with Fortune 69 and his stars To make him famous in accomplish'd worth; And well his merits shew him to be made His fortune's master and the king of men, That could persuade, at such a sudden pinch, With reasons of his valour and his life, A thousand sworn and overmatching foes. Then, when our powers in points of swords are join'd, And clos'd in compass of the killing bullet, Though strait the passage and the port 70 be made That leads to palace of my brother's life, Proud is 71 his fortune if we pierce it not; And, when the princely Persian diadem Shall overweigh his weary witless head, And fall, like mellow'd fruit, with shakes of death, In fair 72 Persia noble Tamburlaine Shall be my regent, and remain as king. ORTYGIUS. In happy hour we have set the crown Upon your kingly head, that seeks our honour In joining with the man ordain'd by heaven To further every action to the best. CENEUS. He that with shepherds and a little spoil Durst, in disdain of wrong and tyranny, Defend his freedom 'gainst a monarchy, What will he do supported by a king, Leading a troop of gentlemen and lords, And stuff'd with treasure for his highest thoughts! COSROE. And such shall wait on worthy Tamburlaine. Our army will be forty thousand strong, When Tamburlaine and brave Theridamas Have met us by the river Araris; And all conjoin'd to meet the witless king, That now is marching near to Parthia, And, with unwilling soldiers faintly arm'd, To seek revenge on me and Tamburlaine; To whom, sweet Menaphon, direct me straight. MENAPHON. I will, my lord. [Exeunt.] SCENE II. Enter MYCETES, MEANDER, with other LORDS; and SOLDIERS. MYCETES. Come, my Meander, let us to this gear. I tell you true, my heart is swoln with wrath On this same thievish villain Tamburlaine, And of 73 that false Cosroe, my traitorous brother. Would it not grieve a king to be so abus'd, And have a thousand horsemen ta'en away? And, which is worse, 74 to have his diadem Sought for by such scald knaves as love him not? I think it would: well, then, by heavens I swear, Aurora shall not peep out of her doors, But I will have Cosroe by the head, And kill proud Tamburlaine with point of sword. Tell you the rest, Meander: I have said. MEANDER. Then, having pass'd Armenian deserts now, And pitch'd our tents under the Georgian hills, Whose tops are cover'd with Tartarian thieves, That lie in ambush, waiting for a prey, What should we do but bid them battle straight, And rid the world of those detested troops? Lest, if we let them linger here a while, They gather strength by power of fresh supplies. This country swarms with vile outragious men That live by rapine and by lawless spoil, Fit soldiers for the 75 wicked Tamburlaine; And he that could with gifts and promises Inveigle him that led a thousand horse, And make him false his faith unto his 76 king, Will quickly win such as be 77 like himself. Therefore cheer up your minds; prepare to fight: He that can take or slaughter Tamburlaine, Shall rule the province of Albania; Who brings that traitor's head, Theridamas, Shall have a government in Media, Beside 78 the spoil of him and all his train: But, if Cosroe (as our spials say, And as we know) remains with Tamburlaine, His highness' pleasure is that he should live, And be reclaim'd with princely lenity. Enter a SPY. SPY. An hundred horsemen of my company, Scouting abroad upon these champion 79 plains, Have view'd the army of the Scythians; Which make report it far exceeds the king's. MEANDER. Suppose they be in number infinite, Yet being void of martial discipline, All running headlong, greedy after 80 spoils, And more regarding gain than victory, Like to the cruel brothers of the earth, Sprung 81 of the teeth of 82 dragons venomous, Their careless swords shall lance 83 their fellows' throats, And make us triumph in their overthrow. MYCETES. Was there such brethren, sweet Meander, say, That sprung of teeth of dragons venomous? MEANDER. So poets say, my lord. MYCETES. And 'tis a pretty toy to be a poet. Well, well, Meander, thou art deeply read; And having thee, I have a jewel sure. Go on, my lord, and give your charge, I say; Thy wit will make us conquerors to-day. MEANDER. Then, noble soldiers, to entrap these thieves That live confounded in disorder'd troops, If wealth or riches may prevail with them, We have our camels laden all with gold, Which you that be but common soldiers Shall fling in every corner of the field; And, while the base-born Tartars take it up, You, fighting more for honour than for gold, Shall massacre those greedy-minded slaves; And, when their scatter'd army is subdu'd, And you march on their slaughter'd carcasses, Share equally the gold that bought their lives, And live like gentlemen in Persia. Strike up the 84 drum, and march courageously: Fortune herself doth sit upon our crests. MYCETES. He tells you true, my masters; so he does.— Drums, why sound ye not when Meander speaks? [Exeunt, drums sounding.] SCENE III. Enter COSROE, TAMBURLAINE, THERIDAMAS, TECHELLES, USUMCASANE, and ORTYGIUS, with others. COSROE. Now, worthy Tamburlaine, have I repos'd In thy approved fortunes all my hope. What think'st thou, man, shall come of our attempts? For, even as from assured oracle, I take thy doom for satisfaction. TAMBURLAINE. And so mistake you not a whit, my lord; For fates and oracles [of] heaven have sworn To royalize the deeds of Tamburlaine, And make them blest that share in his attempts: And doubt you not but, if you favour me, And let my fortunes and my valour sway To some 85 direction in your martial deeds, The world will 86 strive with hosts of men-at-arms To swarm unto the ensign I support. The host of Xerxes, which by fame is said To drink the mighty Parthian Araris, Was but a handful to that we will have: Our quivering lances, shaking in the air, And bullets, like Jove's dreadful thunderbolts, Enroll'd in flames and fiery smouldering mists, Shall threat the gods more than Cyclopian wars; And with our sun-bright armour, as we march, We'll chase the stars from heaven, and dim their eyes That stand and muse at our admired arms. THERIDAMAS. You see, my lord, what working words he hath; But, when you see his actions top 87 his speech, Your speech will stay, or so extol his worth As I shall be commended and excus'd For turning my poor charge to his direction: And these his two renowmed 88 friends, my lord, Would make one thirst 89 and strive to be retain'd In such a great degree of amity. TECHELLES. With duty and 90 with amity we yield Our utmost service to the fair 91 Cosroe. COSROE. Which I esteem as portion of my crown. Usumcasane and Techelles both, When she 92 that rules in Rhamnus' 93 golden gates, And makes a passage for all prosperous arms, Shall make me solely emperor of Asia, Then shall your meeds 94 and valours be advanc'd To rooms of honour and nobility. TAMBURLAINE. Then haste, Cosroe, to be king alone, That I with these my friends and all my men May triumph in our long-expected fate. The king, your brother, is now hard at hand: Meet with the fool, and rid your royal shoulders Of such a burden as outweighs the sands And all the craggy rocks of Caspia. Enter a MESSENGER. MESSENGER. My lord, We have discovered the enemy Ready to charge you with a mighty army. COSROE. Come, Tamburlaine; now whet thy winged sword, And lift thy lofty arm into 95 the clouds, That it may reach the king of Persia's crown, And set it safe on my victorious head. TAMBURLAINE. See where it is, the keenest curtle-axe That e'er made passage thorough Persian arms! These are the wings shall make it fly as swift As doth the lightning or the breath of heaven, And kill as sure 96 as it swiftly flies. COSROE. Thy words assure me of kind success: Go, valiant soldier, go before, and charge The fainting army of that foolish king. TAMBURLAINE. Usumcasane and Techelles, come: We are enow to scare the enemy, And more than needs to make an emperor. [Exeunt to the battle.] SCENE IV. Enter MYCETES with his crown in his hand. 97 MYCETES. Accurs'd be he that first invented war! They knew not, ah, they knew not, simple men, How those were 98 hit by pelting cannon-shot Stand staggering 99 like a quivering aspen-leaf Fearing the force of Boreas' boisterous blasts! In what a lamentable case were I, If nature had not given me wisdom's lore! For kings are clouts that every man shoots at, Our crown the pin 100 that thousands seek to cleave: Therefore in policy I think it good To hide it close; a goodly stratagem, And far from any man that is a fool: So shall not I 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. TAMBURLAINE. What, fearful coward, straggling from the camp, When kings themselves are present in the field? MYCETES. Thou liest. TAMBURLAINE. Base villain, darest thou give me 101 the lie? MYCETES. 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!" TAMBURLAINE. Are you the witty king of Persia? MYCETES. Ay, marry, 102 am I: have you any suit to me? TAMBURLAINE. I would entreat you to speak but three wise words.