The Prologue…

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 Threat’ning 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.

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Act I, Scene I

[Enter] MYCETES, COSROE, MEANDER, THERIDAMAS, ORTYGIUS, CENEUS, [MENAPHON,] with others.

Myc. Brother Cosroe, I find myself aggriev’d, Yet insufficient to express the same, For it requires a great and thund’ring speech: Good brother, tell the cause unto my lords; I know you have a better wit than I. 5

Cos. 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 and the bounds Of Europe, where the sun dares scarce appear 10 For freezing meteors and congealed cold, Now to be rul’d and governed by a man At whose birthday Cynthia with Saturn join’d, And Jove, the Sun, and Mercury denied To shed [their] influence in his fickle brain! 15 Now Turks and Tartars shake their swords at thee, Meaning to mangle all thy provinces.

Myc. Brother, I see your meaning well enough, And through your planets I perceive you think I am not wise enough to be a king; 20 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?

Meand. Not for so small a fault, my sovereign lord. 25

Myc. 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, 31 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.

Meand. Oft have I heard your majesty complain 35 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[266] outrages, 40 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, 45 Your grace hath taken order by Theridamas Charg’d with a thousand horse, to apprehend And bring him captive to your highness’ throne.

Myc. Full true thou speak’st, and like thyself, my lord, Whom I may term a Damon for thy love: 50 Therefore ’tis best, if so it like you all, To send my thousand horse incontinent[267] To apprehend that paltry Scythian. How like you this, my honourable lords? Is it not a kingly resolution? 55

Cos. It cannot choose, because it comes from you.

Myc. Then hear thy charge, valiant Theridamas, The chiefest captain of Mycetes’ host, The hope of Persia, and the very legs Whereon our State doth lean as on a staff, 60 That holds us up, and foils our neighbour foes. Thou shalt be leader of this thousand horse, Whose foaming pall with rage and high disdain Have sworn the death of wicked Tamburlaine. Go frowning forth; but come thou smiling home, 65 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.

Ther. Before the moon renew her borrowed light, Doubt not, my lord and gracious sovereign, 70 But Tamburlaine and that Tartarian rout, Shall either perish by our warlike hands, Or plead for mercy at your highness’ feet.

Myc. Go, stout Theridamas, thy words are swords, 74 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 e’en to their hoofs below Besmear’d with blood that makes a dainty show. 80

Ther. Then now, my lord, I humbly take my leave.

Myc. Theridamas, farewell! ten thousand times. Exit THERIDAMAS. Ah, Menaphon, why stay’st thou thus behind, When other men press forward for renown? Go, Menaphon, go into Scythia; 85 And foot by foot follow Theridamas.

Cos. Nay, pray you let him stay; a greater [task] Fits Menaphon than warring with a thief. Create him Prorex[268] of all Africa, That he may win the Babylonians’ hearts 90 Which will revolt from Persian government, Unless they have a wiser king than you.

Myc. “Unless they have a wiser king than you!” These are his words; Meander, set them down.

Cos. And add this to them—that all Asia 95 Laments to see the folly of their king.

Myc. Well, here I swear by this my royal seat,—

Cos. You may do well to kiss it then.

Myc. Emboss’d with silk as best beseems my state, To be reveng’d for these contemptuous words. Oh, where is duty and allegiance now? 101 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. 106

Exeunt all but COSROE and MENAPHON.

Men. How now, my lord? What, mated[269] and amaz’d To hear the king thus threaten like himself!

Cos. Ah, Menaphon, I pass[270] not for his threats; The plot is laid by Persian noblemen 110 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— 114 To see our neighbours that were wont to quake And tremble at the Persian monarch’s name, Now sit and laugh our regiment[271] to scorn; And that which might resolve[272] me into tears, Men from the farthest equinoctial line 119 Have swarm’d in troops into the Eastern India, Lading their ships with gold and precious stones, And made their spoils from all our provinces.

Men. This should entreat your highness to rejoice, Since Fortune gives you opportunity To gain the title of a conqueror 125 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 into Græcia, as did Cyrus once, 130 And cause them to withdraw their forces home, Lest you subdue the pride of Christendom. [Trumpet within.]

Cos. But, Menaphon, what means this trumpet’s sound?

Men. Behold, my lord, Ortygius and the rest Bringing the crown to make you Emperor! 135

Enter ORTYGIUS and CENEUS bearing a crown with others.

Orty. Magnificent and mighty Prince Cosroe, We, in the name of other Persian states[273] And commons of this mighty monarchy, Present thee with th’ imperial diadem.

Cen. The warlike soldiers and the gentlemen, That heretofore have fill’d Persepolis 141 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, 145 Now living idle in the walled towns, Wanting both pay and martial discipline, Begin in troops to threaten civil war, And openly exclaim against the king: Therefore, to stay all sudden mutinies, 150 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.

Cos. Well, since I see the state of Persia droop 155 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.

Orty. And in assurance of desir’d success, 160 We here do crown thee monarch of the East, Emperor of Asia and Persia; Great Lord of Media and Armenia; Duke of Africa and Albania, Mesopotamia and of Parthia, 165 East India and the late-discovered isles; Chief Lord of all the wide, vast Euxine sea, And of the ever-raging Caspian lake. Long live Cosroe, mighty Emperor!

Cos. And Jove may[274] never let me longer live Than I may seek to gratify your love, 171 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, 175 And with the army of Theridamas, (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[275] so near 180 The residence of your despised brother, The lords would not be too exasperate To injure 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. 185

Cos. I know it well, my lord, and thank you all.

Orty. Sound up the trumpets then. God save the King! [Trumpets sound.] Exeunt.

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Act I, Scene II

[Enter] TAMBURLAINE leading ZENOCRATE, TECHELLES, USUMCASANE, [AGYDAS, MAGNETES] and other Lords, and Soldiers, loaden with treasure.

Tamb. 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, 5 The mighty Soldan of Egyptia.

Zeno. Ah, shepherd! pity my distressed plight, (If, as thou seemst, thou art so mean a man,) And seek not to enrich thy followers By lawless rapine from a silly maid, 10 Who travelling with these Median lords To Memphis, from my uncle’s country, Media,[276] Where all my youth I have been governed, Have pass’d the army of the mighty Turk, Bearing his privy signet and his hand 15 To safe conduct us thorough Africa.

Mag. 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. 20

Tamb. 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. 25 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, 30 And must maintain my life exempt from servitude.— But, tell me, madam, is your grace betroth’d?

Zeno. I am—my lord—for so you do import.

Tamb. I am a lord, for so my deeds shall prove: And yet a shepherd by my parentage. 35 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 Phœbus doth his course. 40 Lie here ye weeds that I disdain to wear! This complete armour and this curtle-axe[277] Are adjuncts more beseeming Tamburlaine. And, madam, whatsoever you esteem Of this success and loss unvalued,[278] 45 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 50 Fighting for passage, tilt within the earth.

Tech. As princely lions, when they rouse themselves, Stretching their paws, and threat’ning herds of beasts, So in his armour looketh Tamburlaine. Methinks I see kings kneeling at his feet, 55 And he with frowning brows and fiery looks, Spurning their crowns from off their captive heads.

Usum. And making thee and me, Techelles, kings, That even to death will follow Tamburlaine.

Tamb. Nobly resolv’d, sweet friends and followers! 60 These lords, perhaps do scorn our estimates, And think we prattle with distempered spirits; But since they measure out deserts so mean, That in conceit bear empires on our spears, Affecting thoughts coequal with the clouds, 65 They shall be kept our forced followers, Till with their eyes they view us emperors.

Zeno. The gods, defenders of the innocent, Will never prosper your intended drifts, That thus oppress poor friendless passengers. 70 Therefore at least admit us liberty, Even as thou hop’st to be eternised, By living Asia’s mighty Emperor.

Agyd. I hope our lady’s treasure and our own May serve for ransom to our liberties. 75 Return our mules and empty camels back, That we may travel into Syria, Where her betrothed lord Alcidamas, Expects th’ arrival of her highness’ person.

Mag. And wheresoever we repose ourselves, 80 We will report but well of Tamburlaine.

Tamb. 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 85 Shall buy the meanest soldier in my train. Zenocrate, lovelier than the love of Jove, Brighter than is the silver Rhodope. Fairer than whitest snow on Scythian hills,— Thy person is more worth to Tamburlaine, 90 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, 95 Enchas’d with precious jewels of mine own, More rich and valurous[279] than Zenocrate’s. With milk-white harts upon an ivory sled, Thou shalt be drawn amidst the frozen pools, And scale the icy mountains’ lofty tops, 100 Which with thy beauty will be soon resolv’d. My martial prizes with five hundred men, Won on the fifty-headed Volga’s waves, Shall we all offer to Zenocrate,— And then myself to fair Zenocrate. 105

Tech. What now!—in love?

Tamb. Techelles, women must be flattered: But this is she with whom I am in love.

Enter a Soldier.

Sold. News! news!

Tamb. How now, what’s the matter? 110

Sold. A thousand Persian horsemen are at hand, Sent from the king to overcome us all.

Tamb. How now, my lords of Egypt, and Zenocrate! How!—must your jewels be restor’d again, And I that triumph’d so be overcome? 115 How say you, lordings,—is not this your hope?

Agyd. We hope yourself will willingly restore them.

Tamb. Such hope, such fortune, have the thousand horse. Soft ye, my lords, and sweet Zenocrate! You must be forced from me ere you go. 120 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?

Sold. Their plumed helms are wrought with beaten gold, 124 Their swords enamell’d, and about their necks Hangs massy chains of gold, down to the waist, In every part exceeding brave[280] and rich.

Tamb. Then shall we fight courageously with them? Or look you I should play the orator?

Tech. No; cowards and faint-hearted runaways 130 Look for orations when the foe is near. Our swords shall play the orator for us.

Usum. Come! let us meet them at the mountain foot, And with a sudden and an hot alarum, Drive all their horses headlong down the hill. 135

Tech. Come, let us march!

Tamb. Stay, Techelles! ask a parley first.

The Soldiers enter.

Open the mails,[281] yet guard the treasure sure; Lay out our golden wedges to the view, 139 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. 144 And ’gainst the general we will lift our swords, And either lance his greedy thirsting throat, Or take him prisoner, and his chain shall serve For manacles, till he be ransom’d home.

Tech. I hear them come; shall we encounter them?

Tamb. Keep all your standings and not stir a foot, 150 Myself will bide the danger of the brunt.

Enter THERIDAMAS with others.

Ther. Where is this Scythian Tamburlaine?

Tamb. Whom seek’st thou, Persian?—I am Tamburlaine.

Ther. Tamburlaine!— A Scythian shepherd so embellished 155 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, 159 Or meant to pierce Avernus’ darksome vaults To pull the triple-headed dog from hell.

Tamb. Noble and mild this Persian seems to be, If outward habit judge the inward man.

Tech. His deep affections make him passionate.

Tamb. With what a majesty he rears his looks! 165 In thee, thou valiant man of Persia, I see the folly of thy emperor. Art thou but captain of a thousand horse, That by characters graven in thy brows, And by thy martial face and stout aspect, 170 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 176 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 180 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, 185 He sends this Soldan’s daughter rich and brave, To be my Queen and portly Emperess. If thou wilt stay with me, renowmed man, And lead thy thousand horse with my conduct, Besides thy share of this Egyptian prize, 190 Those thousand horse shall sweat with martial spoil Of conquered kingdoms and of cities sack’d. Both we will walk upon the lofty clifts, And Christian merchants[282] that with Russian stems Plough up huge furrows in the Caspian sea, 195 Shall vail[283] 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 sometimes masked in a shepherd’s weed, And by those steps that he hath scal’d the Heavens 200 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,) 204 And when my name and honour shall be spread As far as Boreas claps his brazen wings, Or fair Boötes sends his cheerful light, Then shalt thou be competitor[284] with me, And sit with Tamburlaine in all his majesty.

Ther. Not Hermes, prolocutor to the gods, 210 Could use persuasions more pathetical.

Tamb. Nor are Apollo’s oracles more true, Than thou shalt find my vaunts substantial.

Tech. We are his friends, and if the Persian king Should offer present dukedoms to our state, 215 We think it loss to make exchange for that We are assur’d of by our friend’s success.

Usum. And kingdoms at the least we all expect, Besides the honour in assured conquests, Where kings shall crouch unto our conquering swords, 220 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.

Ther. What strong enchantments ’tice my yielding soul! Are these resolved nobles[285] Scythians? 225 But shall I prove a traitor to my king?

Tamb. No, but the trusty friend of Tamburlaine.

Ther. Won with thy words, and conquered with thy looks, I yield myself, my men, and horse to thee, To be partaker of thy good or ill, 230 As long as life maintains Theridamas.

Tamb. 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, 236 And both our souls aspire celestial thrones. Techelles and Casane, welcome him!

Tech. Welcome, renowmed Persian, to us all!

Usum. Long may Theridamas remain with us! 240

Tamb. 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 we adore in Scythia, Thyself and them shall never part from me 245 Before I crown you kings in Asia. Make much of them, gentle Theridamas, And they will never leave thee till the death.

Ther. Nor thee nor them, thrice noble Tamburlaine, Shall want my heart to be with gladness pierc’d To do you honour and security. 251

Tamb. A thousand thanks, worthy Theridamas. And now fair madam, and my noble lords, If you will willingly remain with me You shall have honours as your merits be; 255 Or else you shall be forc’d with slavery.

Agyd. We yield unto thee, happy Tamburlaine.

Tamb. For you then, madam, I am out of doubt.

Zeno. I must be pleas’d perforce. Wretched Zenocrate! Exeunt. 260

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Act II, Scene I

[Enter] COSROE, MENAPHON, ORTYGIUS, CENEUS, with other Soldiers.

Cos. 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, 5 What stature wields he, and what personage?

Men. 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,[286] 11 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 15 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 love of arms; 20 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, 25 Making it dance with wanton majesty.— His arms and fingers, long, and sinewy,[287] Betokening valour and excess of strength— In every part proportioned like the man Should make the world subdu’d to Tamburlaine. 30

Cos. Well hast thou pourtray’d in thy terms of life The face and personage of a wondrous man; Nature doth strive with Fortune and his stars To make him famous in accomplish’d worth; And well his merits show him to be made 35 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 40 And clos’d in compass of the killing bullet, Though strait the passage and the port[288] be made That leads to palace of my brother’s life, Proud is his fortune if we pierce it not. And when the princely Persian diadem 45 Shall overweigh his weary witless head, And fall like mellowed fruit with shakes of death, In fair Persia, noble Tamburlaine Shall be my regent and remain as king.

Orty. In happy hour we have set the crown 50 Upon your kingly head, that seeks our honour In joining with the man ordain’d by Heaven, To further every action to the best.

Cen. He that with shepherds and a little spoil Durst, in disdain of wrong and tyranny, 55 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!

Cos. And such shall wait on worthy Tamburlaine. 60 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, 65 And with unwilling soldiers faintly arm’d, To seek revenge on me and Tamburlaine, To whom, sweet Menaphon, direct me straight.

Men. I will, my lord. Exeunt.

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Act II, Scene II

[Enter] MYCETES, MEANDER, with other Lords and Soldiers.

Myc. 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 on that false Cosroe, my traitorous brother. Would it not grieve a king to be so abus’d 5 And have a thousand horsemen ta’en away? And, which is worst, to have his diadem Sought for by such scald[289] knaves as love him not? I think it would; well then, by Heavens I swear, Aurora shall not peep out of her doors, 10 But I will have Cosroe by the head, And kill proud Tamburlaine with point of sword. Tell you the rest, Meander; I have said.

Meand. Then having past Armenian deserts now, 14 And pitch’d our tents under the Georgian hills, Whose tops are covered 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 awhile, 20 They gather strength by power of fresh supplies. This country swarms with vile outrageous men That live by rapine and by lawless spoil, Fit soldiers for the wicked Tamburlaine; And he that could with gifts and promises 25 Inveigle him that led a thousand horse, And make him false his faith unto his king, Will quickly win such as are like himself. Therefore cheer up your minds; prepare to fight; He that can take or slaughter Tamburlaine 30 Shall rule the province of Albania: Who brings that traitor’s head, Theridamas, Shall have a government in Media, Beside the spoil of him and all his train: But if Cosroe, (as our spials[290] say, 35 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.]

A Spy. A hundred horsemen of my company Scouting abroad upon these champaign plains 40 Have view’d the army of the Scythians, Which make reports it far exceeds the king’s.

Meand. Suppose they be in number infinite, Yet being void of martial discipline All running headlong after greedy spoils, 45 And more regarding gain than victory, Like to the cruel brothers of the earth, Sprung of the teeth of dragons venomous, Their careless swords shall lance their fellows’ throats, And make us triumph in their overthrow. 50

Myc. Was there such brethren, sweet Meander, say, That sprung of teeth of dragons venomous?

Meand. So poets say, my lord.

Myc. And ’t is a pretty toy to be a poet. Well, well, Meander, thou art deeply read, 55 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.

Meand. Then, noble soldiers, to entrap these thieves, That live confounded in disordered troops, 60 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, 65 You, fighting more for honour than for gold, Shall massacre those greedy-minded slaves; And when their scattered army is subdu’d, And you march on their slaughtered carcases, Share equally the gold that bought their lives, 70 And live like gentlemen in Persia. Strike up the drum and march courageously! Fortune herself doth sit upon our crests.

Myc. He tells you true, my masters: so he does. Drums, why sound ye not, when Meander speaks? 75 Exeunt [drums sounding].

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Act II, Scene III

[Enter] COSROE, TAMBURLAINE, THERIDAMAS, TECHELLES, USUMCASANE, and ORTYGIUS, with others.

Cos. 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. 5

Tamb. And so mistake you not a whit, my lord; For fates and oracles [of] Heaven have sworn To royalise the deeds of Tamburlaine, And make them blest that share in his attempts. And doubt you not but, if you favour me, 10 And let my fortunes and my valour sway To some direction in your martial deeds, The world will strive with hosts of men-at-arms, To swarm unto the ensign I support: The host of Xerxes, which by fame is said 15 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, 20 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.

Ther. You see, my lord, what working words he hath; 25 But when you see his actions [top][291] 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 friends, my lord, 30 Would make one thirst and strive to be retain’d In such a great degree of amity.

Tech. With duty and with amity we yield Our utmost service to the fair Cosroe.

Cos. Which I esteem as portion of my crown. Usumcasane and Techelles both, 36 When she[292] that rules in Rhamnus’ golden gates, And makes a passage for all prosperous arms, Shall make me solely Emperor of Asia, Then shall your meeds and valours be advanc’d To rooms of honour and nobility. 41

Tamb. 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; 45 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.]

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, And set it safe on my victorious head. 54

Tamb. 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 as it swiftly flies. 59

Cos. Thy words assure me of kind success; Go, valiant soldier, go before and charge The fainting army of that foolish king.

Tamb. Usumcasane and Techelles, come! We are enow to scare the enemy, And more than needs to make an emperor. 65 [Exeunt] to the battle.

[SCENE IV.]

MYCETES comes out alone with his crown in his hand, offering to hide it.

Myc. Accurs’d be he that first invented war! They knew not, ah, they knew not, simple men, How those were hit by pelting cannon shot, Stand staggering like a quivering aspen leaf Fearing the force of Boreas’ boisterous blasts. 5 In what a lamentable case were I If Nature had not given me wisdom’s lore! For kings are clouts[293] that every man shoots at, Our crown the pin[294] that thousands seek to cleave; Therefore in policy I think it good 10 To hide it close; a goodly stratagem, And far from any man that is a fool: 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. 15

Enter TAMBURLAINE.

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 the lie?

Myc. Away; I am the king; go; touch me not. 20 Thou break’st the law of arms, unless thou kneel And cry me “mercy, noble king.”

Tamb. Are you the witty King of Persia?

Myc. Ay, marry am I: have you any suit to me?

Tamb. I would entreat you speak but three wise words. 25

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 (30) thee executed. Come, give it me!

Tamb. No; I took it prisoner.

Myc. You lie; I gave it you.

Tamb. Then ’t is mine.

Myc. No; I mean I let you keep it. 35

Tamb. Well; I mean you shall have it again. Here; take it for a while: I lend it thee, ’Till I may see thee hemm’d with armed men; Then shalt thou see me pull it from thy head: Thou art no match for mighty Tamburlaine. 40 [Exit.]

Myc. O gods! Is this Tamburlaine the thief? I marvel much he stole it not away. Trumpets sound 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 4 With greatest pomp, had crown’d thee emperor.

Cos. So do I, thrice renowmed man-at-arms, 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, 10 And chiefest 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.

Meand. Most happy Emperor, in humblest terms, 15 I vow my service to your majesty, With utmost virtue of my faith and duty.

Cos. Thanks, good Meander: then, Cosroe, reign, And govern Persia in her former pomp! Now send embassage to thy neighbour kings, 20 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. 25 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, 30 And grace your calling with a greater sway.

Orty. And as we ever aim’d at your behoof, And sought your state all honour it deserv’d, So will we with our powers and our lives Endeavour to preserve and prosper it. 35

Cos. 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. 40 Then will we 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 scattered troops,) 45 Farewell, lord regent and his happy friends! I long to sit upon my brother’s throne.

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

Exeunt all but TAMBURLAINE, TECHELLES, THERIDAMAS, and USUMCASANE.

Tamb. “And ride in triumph through Persepolis!” 50 Is it not brave to be a king, Techelles? Usumcasane and Theridamas, Is it not passing brave to be a king, “And ride in triumph through Persepolis”?

Tech. O, my lord, ’t is sweet and full of pomp.

Usum. To be a king is half to be a god. 56

Ther. A god is not so glorious as a king. I think the pleasure they enjoy in Heaven, Cannot compare with kingly joys in earth. To wear a crown enchas’d with pearl and gold, Whose virtues carry with it life and death; 61 To ask and have, command and be obeyed; When looks breed love, with looks to gain the prize,— Such power attractive shines in princes’ eyes!

Tamb. Why say, Theridamas, wilt thou be a king? 65

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

Tamb. What says my other friends? Will you be kings?

Tech. I, if I could, with all my heart, my lord.

Tamb. Why, that ’s well said, Techelles; so would I, And so would you, my masters, would you not?

Usum. What then, my lord? 71

Tamb. Why then, Casane, shall we wish for aught The world affords in greatest novelty, And rest attemptless, faint, and destitute? Methinks we should not: I am strongly mov’d. That if I should desire the Persian crown, 76 I could attain it with a wondrous ease. And would not all our soldiers soon consent, If we should aim at such a dignity?

Ther. I know they would with out persuasions. 80

Tamb. Why then, Theridamas, I’ll first assay To get the Persian kingdom to myself; Then thou for Parthia; they for Scythia and Media; And, if I prosper, all shall be as sure As if the Turk, the pope, Afric, and Greece, 85 Came creeping to us with their crowns apace.[295]

Tech. Then shall we send to this triumphing king, And bid him battle for his novel crown?

Usum. Nay, quickly then, before his room be hot.

Tamb. ’T will prove a pretty jest, in faith, my friends. 90

Ther. A jest to charge on twenty thousand men! I judge the purchase[296] more important far.

Tamb. Judge by thyself, Theridamas, not me; For presently Techelles here shall haste To bid him battle ere he pass too far, 95 And lose more labour than the game will quite.[297] Then shalt thou see this Scythian Tamburlaine Make but a jest to win the Persian crown. Techelles, take a thousand horse with thee, And bid him turn him back to war with us, 100 That only made him king to make us sport. We will not steal upon him cowardly, But give him warning and more warriors. Haste thee, Techelles; we will follow thee. [Exit TECHELLES.] What saith Theridamas? 105

Ther. Go on for me. Exeunt.

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Act II, Scene VI

[Enter] COSROE, MEANDER, ORTYGIUS, MENAPHON, with other Soldiers.

Cos. What means this devilish shepherd to aspire With such a giantly presumption To cast up hills against the face of Heaven, And dare the force of angry Jupiter? But as he thrust them underneath the hills, 5 And press’d out fire from their burning jaws, So will I send this monstrous slave to hell, Where flames shall ever feed upon his soul.

Meand. Some powers divine, or else infernal, mix’d Their angry seeds at his conception; 10 For he was never sprung of human race, Since with the spirit of his fearful pride He dare so doubtlessly resolve of rule, And by profession be ambitious.

Orty. What god, or fiend, or spirit of the earth, 15 Or monster turned to a manly shape, Or of what mould or mettle he be made, What star or state[298] soever govern him, Let us put on our meet encount’ring minds And in detesting such a devilish thief, 20 In love of honour and defence of right, Be arm’d against the hate of such a foe, Whether from earth, or hell, or Heaven, he grow.

Cos. Nobly resolv’d, my good Ortygius; And since we all have suck’d one wholesome air, And with the same proportion of elements 25 Resolve, I hope we are resembled, Vowing our loves to equal death and life. Let’s cheer our soldiers to encounter him, That grievous image of ingratitude, 30 That fiery thirster after sovereignty, And burn him in the fury of that flame, That none can quench but blood and empery. Resolve, my lords and loving soldiers, now To save your king and country from decay. 35 Then strike up, drum; and all the stars that make The loathsome circle of my dated life. Direct my weapon to his barbarous heart, That thus opposeth him against the gods, And scorns the powers that govern Persia! 40 [Exeunt.]

[SCENE VII.]

Enter to the battle, and after the battle enter COSROE, wounded, TAMBURLAINE, THERIDAMAS, TECHELLES, USUMCASANE, with others.

Cos. Barbarous and bloody Tamburlaine, Thus to deprive me of my crown and life! Treacherous and false Theridamas, Even at the morning of my happy state, Scarce being seated in my royal throne, 5 To work my downfall and untimely end! An uncouth pain torments my grieved soul, And death arrests the organ of my voice, Who, ent’ring at the breach thy sword hath made, Sacks every vein and artier[299] of my heart.— 10 Bloody and insatiate Tamburlaine!

Tamb. The thirst of reign and sweetness of a crown That caus’d the eldest son of heavenly Ops, To thrust his doting father from his chair, And place himself in the empyreal Heaven, 15 Mov’d me to manage arms against thy state. What better precedent than mighty Jove? Nature that fram’d us of four elements, Warring within our breasts for regiment,[300] Doth teach us all to have aspiring minds: 20 Our souls, whose faculties can comprehend The wondrous architecture of the world, And measure every wand’ring planet’s course, Still climbing after knowledge infinite, And always moving as the restless spheres, 25 Wills us to wear ourselves, and never rest, Until we reach the ripest fruit of all, That perfect bliss and sole felicity, The sweet fruition of an earthly crown.

Ther. And that made me to join with Tamburlaine: 30 For he is gross and like the massy earth, That moves not upwards, nor by princely deeds Doth mean to soar above the highest sort.

Tech. And that made us the friends of Tamburlaine, To lift our swords against the Persian king. 35

Usum. For as, when Jove did thrust old Saturn down, Neptune and Dis gain’d each of them a crown, So do we hope to reign in Asia, If Tamburlaine be plac’d in Persia.

Cos. The strangest men that ever nature made! 40 I know not how to take their tyrannies. My bloodless body waxeth chill and cold, And with my blood my life slides through my wound; My soul begins to take her flight to hell, And summons all my senses to depart.— 45 The heat and moisture, which did feed each other, For want of nourishment to feed them both, Is dry and cold; and now doth ghastly death, With greedy talons gripe my bleeding heart, And like a harpy tires[301] on my life. 50 Theridamas and Tamburlaine, I die: And fearful vengeance light upon you both!

[COSROE dies. TAMBURLAINE] takes the crown and puts it on.

Tamb. Not all the curses which the Furies breathe, Shall make me leave so rich a prize as this. Theridamas, Techelles, and the rest, 55 Who think you now is King of Persia?

All. Tamburlaine! Tamburlaine!

Tamb. Though Mars himself, the angry god of arms, And all the earthly potentates conspire To dispossess me of this diadem. 60 Yet will I wear it in despite of them, As great commander of this eastern world, If you but say that Tamburlaine shall reign.

All. Long live Tamburlaine and reign in Asia!

Tamb. So now it is more surer on my head, 65 Than if the gods had held a parliament, And all pronounc’d me King of Persia. [Exeunt.]

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Act III, Scene I

[Enter] BAJAZETH, the KINGS of FEZ, MOROCCO, and ARGIER,[302] with others in great pomp.

Baj. Great Kings of Barbary and my portly bassoes,[303] We hear the Tartars and the eastern thieves, Under the conduct of one Tamburlaine, Presume a bickering with your emperor, 4 And thinks to rouse us from our dreadful siege Of the famous Grecian Constantinople. You know our army is invincible; As many circumcised Turks we have, And warlike bands of Christians renied,[304] As hath the ocean or the Terrene sea[305] 10 Small drops of water when the moon begins To join in one her semicircled horns. Yet would we not be brav’d with foreign power, Nor raise our siege before the Grecians yield, Or breathless lie before the city walls. 15

K. of Fez. Renowmed Emperor, and mighty general, What, if you sent the bassoes of your guard To charge him to remain in Asia, Or else to threaten death and deadly arms As from the mouth of mighty Bajazeth. 20

Baj. Hie thee, my basso, fast to Persia, Tell him thy Lord, the Turkish Emperor, Dread Lord of Afric, Europe, and Asia, Great King and conqueror of Græcia, The ocean, Terrene, and the Coal-black sea,[306] 25 The high and highest monarch of the world, Wills and commands (for say not I entreat), Not once to set his foot on Africa, Or spread his colours [forth] in Græcia, Lest he incur the fury of my wrath. 30 Tell him I am content to take a truce, Because I hear he bears a valiant mind: But if, presuming on his silly power, He be so mad to manage arms with me, Then stay thou with him; say, I bid thee so: 35 And if, before the sun have measured Heaven With triple circuit, thou regreet us not, We mean to take his morning’s next arise For messenger he will not be reclaim’d, And mean to fetch thee in despite of him. 40

Bas. Most great and puissant monarch of the earth, Your basso will accomplish your behest, And show your pleasure to the Persian, As fits the legate of the stately Turk. Exit.

K. of Arg. They say he is the King of Persia; But, if he dare attempt to stir your siege, 46 ’T were requisite he should be ten times more, For all flesh quakes at your magnificence.

Baj. True, Argier; and tremble at my looks.

K. of Mor. The spring is hind’red by your smothering host, 50 For neither rain can fall upon the earth, Nor sun reflex his virtuous beams thereon. The ground is mantled with such multitudes.

Baj. All this is true as holy Mahomet; And all the trees are blasted with our breaths.

K. of Fez. What thinks your greatness best to be achiev’d 56 In pursuit of the city’s overthrow?

Baj. I will the captive pioners of Argier Cut off the water that by leaden pipes Runs to the city from the mountain Carnon. 60 Two thousand horse shall forage up and down, That no relief or succour come by land: And all the sea my galleys countermand. Then shall our footmen lie within the trench, And with their cannons mouth’d like Orcus’ gulf, 65 Batter the walls, and we will enter in; And thus the Grecians shall be conquered.

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Act III, Scene II

[Enter] ZENOCRATE, AGYDAS, ANIPPE, with others.

[Agyd.] Madam Zenocrate, may I presume To know the cause of these unquiet fits, That work such trouble to your wonted rest? ’T is more than pity such a heavenly face Should by heart’s sorrow wax so wan and pale, 5 When your offensive rape by Tamburlaine, (Which of your whole displeasures should be most,) Hath seem’d to be digested long ago.

Zeno. Although it be digested long ago, As his exceeding favours have deserv’d, 10 And might content the Queen of Heaven, as well As it hath chang’d my first conceiv’d disdain, Yet since a farther passion feeds my thoughts With ceaseless and disconsolate conceits, Which dyes my looks so lifeless as they are, 15 And might, if my extremes had full events, Make me the ghastly counterfeit of death.

Agyd. Eternal heaven sooner be dissolv’d, And all that pierceth Phœbus’ silver eye, Before such hap fall to Zenocrate! 20

Zeno. Ah, life and soul, still hover in his breast And leave my body senseless as the earth, Or else unite you to his life and soul, That I may live and die with Tamburlaine!

Enter [behind] TAMBURLAINE, TECHELLES, and others.

Agyd. With Tamburlaine! Ah, fair Zenocrate, 25 Let not a man so vile and barbarous, That holds you from your father in despite, And keeps you from the honours of a queen, (Being suppos’d his worthless concubine,) Be honoured with your love but for necessity. 30 So, now the mighty Soldan hears of you, Your highness needs not doubt but in short time He will with Tamburlaine’s destruction Redeem you from this deadly servitude.

Zeno. [Agydas,] leave to wound me with these words, 35 And speak of Tamburlaine as he deserves. The entertainment we have had of him Is far from villany[307] or servitude, And might in noble minds be counted princely.

Agyd. How can you fancy one that looks so fierce, 40 Only dispos’d to martial stratagems? Who, when he shall embrace you in his arms, Will tell how many thousand men he slew; And when you look for amorous discourse, Will rattle forth his facts[308] of war and blood, 45 Too harsh a subject for your dainty ears.

Zeno. As looks the Sun through Nilus’ flowing stream, Or when the Morning holds him in her arms, So looks my lordly love, fair Tamburlaine; His talk much sweeter than the Muses’ song 50 They sung for honour ’gainst Pierides; Or when Minerva did with Neptune strive: And higher would I rear my estimate Than Juno, sister to the highest god, If I were match’d with mighty Tamburlaine. 55

Agyd. Yet be not so inconstant in your love; But let the young Arabian live in hope After your rescue to enjoy his choice. You see though first the King of Persia, Being a shepherd, seem’d to love you much, 60 Now in his majesty he leaves those looks, Those words of favour, and those comfortings, And gives no more than common courtesies.

Zeno. Thence rise the tears that so distain my cheeks, Fearing his love through my unworthiness.— 65

TAMBURLAINE goes to her and takes her away lovingly by the hand, looking wrathfully on AGYDAS, and says nothing. [Exeunt all but AGYDAS.]

Agyd. Betray’d by fortune and suspicious love, Threat’ned with frowning wrath and jealousy, Surpris’d with fear of hideous revenge, I stand aghast; but most astoniéd[309] To see his choler shut in secret thoughts, 70 And wrapt in silence of his angry soul. Upon his brows was portray’d ugly death; And in his eyes the furies of his heart That shone as comets, menacing revenge, And casts a pale complexion on his checks. 75 As when the seaman sees the Hyades Gather an array of Cimmerian clouds, (Auster and Aquilon with winged steeds, All sweating, tilt about the watery Heavens, With shivering spears enforcing thunderclaps, 80 And from their shields strike flames of lightning,) All fearful folds his sails and sounds the main, Lifting his prayers to the Heavens for aid Against the terror of the winds and waves, So fares Agydas for the late-felt frowns, 85 That sent a tempest to my daunted thoughts, And makes my soul divine her overthrow.

Re-enter TECHELLES with a naked dagger.

Tech. See you, Agydas, how the king salutes you? He bids you prophesy what it imports. Exit.

Agyd. I prophesied before, and now I prove 90 The killing frowns of jealousy and love. He needed not with words confirm my fear, For words are vain where working tools present The naked action of my threat’ned end: It says, Agydas, thou shalt surely die, 95 And of extremities elect the least; More honour and less pain it may procure To die by this resolved hand of thine, Than stay the torments he and Heaven have sworn. 99 Then haste, Agydas, and prevent the plagues Which thy prolonged fates may draw on thee. Go, wander, free from fear of tyrant’s rage, Removed from the torments and the hell Wherewith he may excruciate thy soul, And let Agydas by Agydas die, 105 And with this stab slumber eternally. Stabs himself.

[Re-enter TECHELLES with USUMCASANE.]

Tech. Usumcasane, see, how right the man Hath hit the meaning of my lord, the king.

Usum. Faith, and Techelles, it was manly done; And since he was so wise and honourable, 110 Let us afford him now the bearing hence, And crave his triple-worthy burial.

Tech. Agreed, Casane; we will honour him. [Exeunt bearing out the body.]

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Act III, Scene III

[Enter] TAMBURLAINE, TECHELLES, USUMCASANE, THERIDAMAS, a Basso, ZENOCRATE, [ANIPPE,] with others.

Tamb. Basso, by this thy lord and master knows I mean to meet him in Bithynia: See how he comes! Tush, Turks are full of brags, And menace more than they can well perform. He meet me in the field, and fetch thee hence! Alas! poor Turk! his fortune is too weak 6 To encounter with the strength of Tamburlaine. View well my camp, and speak indifferently; Do not my captains and my soldiers look As if they meant to conquer Africa? 10

Bas. Your men are valiant, but their number few, And cannot terrify his mighty host. My lord, the great commander of the world, Besides fifteen contributory kings, Hath now in arms ten thousand Janissaries, 15 Mounted on lusty Mauritanian steeds, Brought to the war by men of Tripoli; Two hundred thousand footmen that have serv’d In two set battles fought in Græcia: And for the expedition of this war, 20 If he think good, can from his garrisons Withdraw as many more to follow him.

Tech. The more he brings the greater is the spoil, For when they perish by our warlike hands, We mean to seat our footmen on their steeds, 25 And rifle all those stately Janisars.

Tamb. But will those kings accompany your lord?

Bas. Such as his highness please; but some must stay To rule the provinces he late subdu’d.

Tamb. [To his Officers.] Then fight courageously: their crowns are yours; 30 This hand shall set them on your conquering heads, That made me Emperor of Asia.

Usum. Let him bring millions infinite of men, Unpeopling Western Africa and Greece, Yet we assure us of the victory. 35

Ther. Even he that in a trice vanquish’d two kings, More mighty than the Turkish emperor, Shall rouse him out of Europe, and pursue His scattered army till they yield or die.

Tamb. Well said, Theridamas; speak in that mood; 40 For will and shall best fitteth Tamburlaine, Whose smiling stars give him assured hope Of martial triumph ere he meet his foes. I that am term’d the scourge and wrath of God, The only fear and terror of the world, 45 Will first subdue the Turk, and then enlarge Those Christian captives, which you keep as slaves, Burdening their bodies with your heavy chains, And feeding them with thin and slender fare; That naked row about the Terrene sea, 50 And when they chance to breathe and rest a space, Are punish’d with bastones[310] so grievously, That they lie panting on the galley’s side, And strive for life at every stroke they give. These are the cruel pirates of Argier, 55 That damned train, the scum of Africa, Inhabited with straggling runagates, That make quick havoc of the Christian blood; But, as I live, that town shall curse the time That Tamburlaine set foot in Africa. 60

Enter BAJAZETH with his Bassoes, and contributory KINGS [of FEZ, MOROCCO, and ARGIER; ZABINA and EBEA].

Baj. Bassoes and Janissaries of my guard, Attend upon the person of your lord, The greatest potentate of Africa.

Tamb. Techelles and the rest, prepare your swords; I mean to encounter with that Bajazeth. 65

Baj. Kings of Fez, Moroccus, and Argier, He calls me Bajazeth, whom you call Lord! Note the presumption of this Scythian slave! I tell thee, villain, those that lead my horse Have to their names titles of dignity, 70 And dar’st thou bluntly call me Bajazeth?

Tamb. And know, thou Turk, that those which lead my horse, Shall lead thee captive thorough Africa; And dar’st thou bluntly call me Tamburlaine?

Baj. By Mahomet my kinsman’s sepulchre, And by the holy Alcoran I swear, 76 He shall be made a chaste and lustless eunuch, And in my sarell[311] tend my concubines; And all his captains that thus stoutly stand, Shall draw the chariot of my emperess, 80 Whom I have brought to see their overthrow.

Tamb. By this my sword, that conquer’d Persia, Thy fall shall make me famous through the world. I will not tell thee how I’ll handle thee, But every common soldier of my camp 85 Shall smile to see thy miserable state.

K. of Fez. What means the mighty Turkish emperor, To talk with one so base as Tamburlaine?

K. of Mor. Ye Moors and valiant men of Barbary, How can ye suffer these indignities? 90

K. of Arg. Leave words, and let them feel your lances’ points Which glided through the bowels of the Greeks.

Baj. Well said, my stout contributory kings: Your threefold army and my hugy[312] host Shall swallow up these base-born Persians. 95

Tech. Puissant, renowmed, and mighty Tamburlaine, Why stay we thus prolonging all their lives?

Ther. I long to see those crowns won by our swords, That we may reign as kings of Africa.

Usum. What coward would not fight for such a prize? 100

Tamb. Fight all courageously, and be you kings; I speak it, and my words are oracles.

Baj. Zabina, mother of three braver boys Than Hercules, that in his infancy Did pash[313] the jaws of serpents venomous; 105 Whose hands are made to gripe a warlike lance, Their shoulders broad for complete armour fit, Their limbs more large, and of a bigger size, Than all the brats ysprung from Typhon’s loins; Who, when they come unto their father’s age, Will batter turrets with their manly fists;— 111 Sit here upon this royal chair of state, And on thy head wear my imperial crown, Until I bring this sturdy Tamburlaine, And all his captains bound in captive chains. 115

Zab. Such good success happen to Bajazeth!

Tamb. Zenocrate, the loveliest maid alive, Fairer than rocks of pearl and precious stone, The only paragon of Tamburlaine, Whose eyes are brighter than the lamps of Heaven 120 And speech more pleasant than sweet harmony! That with thy looks canst clear the darkened sky, And calm the rage of thund’ring Jupiter, Sit down by her, adorned with my crown, As if thou wert the Empress of the world. 125 Stir not, Zenocrate, until thou see Me march victoriously with all my men, Triumphing over him and these his kings, Which I will bring as vassals to thy feet; Till then take thou my crown, vaunt of my worth, 130 And manage words with her, as we will arms.

Zeno. And may my love, the King of Persia, Return with victory and free from wound!

Baj. Now shalt thou feel the force of Turkish arms, Which lately made all Europe quake for fear. 135 I have of Turks, Arabians, Moors, and Jews, Enough to cover all Bithynia. Let thousands die; their slaughtered carcasses Shall serve for walls and bulwarks to the rest And as the heads of Hydra, so my power, 140 Subdued, shall stand as mighty as before. If they should yield their necks unto the sword, Thy soldiers’ arms could not endure to strike So many blows as I have heads for thee. Thou know’st not, foolish, hardy Tamburlaine, What ’t is to meet me in the open field, 146 That leave no ground for thee to march upon.

Tamb. Our conquering swords shall marshal us the way We use to march upon the slaughtered foe, 149 Trampling their bowels with our horses’ hoofs; Brave horses bred on the white Tartarian hills; My camp is like to Julius Cæsar’s host, That never fought but had the victory; Nor in Pharsalia was there such hot war As these, my followers, willingly would have. 155 Legions of spirits fleeting[314] in the air Direct our bullets and our weapons’ points, And make your[315] strokes to wound the senseless lure,[316] And when she sees our bloody colours spread, Then Victory begins to take her flight, 160 Resting herself upon my milk-white tent. But come, my lords, to weapons let us fall, The field is ours, the Turk, his wife, and all. Exit with his followers.

Baj. Come, kings and bassoes, let us glut our swords, That thirst to drink the feeble Persians’ blood. Exit with his followers.

Zab. Base concubine, must thou be plac’d by me, That am the empress of the mighty Turk?

Zeno. Disdainful Turkess and unreverend boss![317] Call’st thou me concubine, that am betroth’d Unto the great and mighty Tamburlaine? 170

Zab. To Tamburlaine, the great Tartarian thief!

Zeno. Thou wilt repent these lavish words of thine, When thy great basso-master and thyself Must plead for mercy at his kingly feet, And sue to me to be your advocate. 175

Zab. And sue to thee! I tell thee, shameless girl, Thou shalt be laundress to my waiting maid!— How lik’st thou her, Ebea? Will she serve?

Ebea. Madam, she thinks, perhaps, she is too fine. But I shall turn her into other weeds, 180 And make her dainty fingers fall to work.

Zeno. Hear’st thou, Anippe, how thy drudge doth talk? And how my slave, her mistress, menaceth? Both for their sauciness shall be employed 184 To dress the common soldiers’ meat and drink, For we will scorn they should come near ourselves.

Anip. Yet sometimes let your highness send for them To do the work my chambermaid disdains. They sound the battle within.[318]

Zeno. Ye gods and powers that govern Persia, And made my lordly love her worthy king, 190 Now strengthen him against the Turkish Bajazeth, And let his foes, like flocks of fearful roes Pursu’d by hunters, fly his angry looks, That I may see him issue conqueror!

Zab. Now. Mahomet, solicit God himself, 195 And make him rain down murdering shot from Heaven To dash the Scythians’ brains, and strike them dead, That dare to manage arms with him That offered jewels to thy sacred shrine, When first he warr’d against the Christians! 200 [They sound] to the battle again.

Zeno. By this the Turks lie welt’ring in their blood, And Tamburlaine is Lord of Africa.

Zab. Thou art deceiv’d.—I heard the trumpets sound As when my emperor overthrew the Greeks, And led them captive into Africa. 205 Straight will I use thee as thy pride deserves: Prepare thyself to live and die my slave.

Zeno. If Mahomet should come from Heaven and swear My royal lord is slain or conquered, Yet should he not persuade me otherwise 210 But that he lives and will be conqueror.

BAJAZETH flies and [TAMBURLAINE] pursues him. The battle short, and they enter. BAJAZETH is overcome.

Tamb. Now, king of bassoes, who is conqueror?

Baj. Thou, by the fortune of this damned [foil].[319]

Tamb. Where are your stout contributory kings?

Re-enter TECHELLES, THERIDAMAS, and USUMCASANE.

Tech. We have their crowns, their bodies strow the field. 215

Tamb. Each man a crown! Why, kingly fought, i’ faith. Deliver them into my treasury.

Zeno. Now let me offer to my gracions lord His royal crown again so highly won.

Tamb. Nay, take the Turkish crown from her, Zenocrate, 220 And crown me Emperor of Africa.

Zab. No, Tamburlaine: though now thou gat the best, Thou shalt not yet be lord of Africa.

Ther. Give her the crown, Turkess: you were best. He takes it from her, and gives it to ZENOCRATE.

Zab. Injurious villains! thieves! runagates! How dare you thus abuse my majesty? 226

Ther. Here, madam, you are Empress; she is none.

Tamb. Not now, Theridamas; her time is past. The pillars that have bolstered up those terms, Are fallen in clusters at my conquering feet. 230

Zab. Though he be prisoner, he may be ransomed.

Tamb. Not all the world shall ransom Bajazeth.

Baj. Ah, fair Zabina! we have lost the field; And never had the Turkish emperor So great a foil by any foreign foe. 235 Now will the Christian miscreants be glad, Ringing with joy their superstitious bells, And making bonfires for my overthrow. But, ere I die, those foul idolaters Shall make me bonfires with their filthy bones. For though the glory of this day be lost, 241 Afric and Greece have garrisons enough To make me sovereign of the earth again.

Tamb. Those walled garrisons will I subdue, And write myself great lord of Africa. 245 So from the East unto the furthest West Shall Tamburlaine extend his puissant arm. The galleys and those pilling[320] brigandines, That yearly sail to the Venetian gulf, And hover in the Straits for Christians’ wrack, Shall lie at anchor in the isle Asant,[321] 251 Until the Persian fleet and men of war, Sailing along the oriental sea, Have fetch’d about the Indian continent, Even from Persepolis to Mexico, 255 And thence unto the straits of Jubalter;[322] Where they shall meet and join their force in one Keeping in awe the bay of Portingale,[323] And all the ocean by the British shore; And by this means I’ll win the world at last. 260

Baj. Yet set a ransom on me, Tamburlaine.

Tamb. What, think’st thou Tamburlaine esteems thy gold? I’ll make the kings of India, ere I die, Offer their mines to sue for peace to me, And dig for treasure to appease my wrath. 265 Come, bind them both, and one lead in the Turk; The Turkess let my love’s maid lead away. Thy bind them.

Baj. Ah, villains!—dare you touch my sacred arms? O Mahomet!—O sleepy Mahomet!

Zab. O cursed Mahomet, that makes us thus The slaves to Scythians rude and barbarous! 271

Tamb. Come, bring them in; and for this happy conquest. Triumph and solemnise a martial feast. Exeunt.

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Act IV, Scene I

[Enter the] SOLDAN of EGYPT, with three or four LORDS, CAPOLIN, [and a Messenger].

Sold. Awake, ye men of Memphis! Hear the clang Of Scythian trumpets! Hear the basilisks[324] That, roaring, shake Damascus’ turrets down! The rogue of Volga holds Zenocrate, The Soldan’s daughter, for his concubine, 5 And with a troop of thieves and vagabonds, Hath spread his colours to our high disgrace, While you, faint-hearted, base Egyptians, Lie slumbering on the flowery banks of Nile, As crocodiles that unaffrighted rest, 10 While thund’ring cannons rattle on their skins.

Mess. Nay, mighty Soldan, did your greatness see The frowning looks of fiery Tamburlaine, That with his terror and imperious eyes Commands the hearts of his associates, 15 It might amaze your royal majesty.

Sold. Villain, I tell thee, were that Tamburlaine As monstrous[325] as Gorgon,[326] prince of hell, The Soldan would not start a foot from him. But speak, what power hath he?

Mess. Mighty lord, 20 Three hundred thousand men in armour clad, Upon their prancing steeds disdainfully With wanton paces trampling on the ground: Five hundred thousand footmen threat’ning shot, Shaking their swords, their spears, and iron bills, Environing their standard round, that stood 26 As bristle-pointed as a thorny wood: Their warlike engines and munition Exceed the forces of their martial men.

Sold. Nay, could their numbers countervail the stars, 30 Or ever-drizzling drops of April showers, Or withered leaves that Autumn shaketh down Yet would the Soldan by his conquering power, So scatter and consume them in his rage, That not a man should live to rue their fall. 35

Capo. So might your highness, had you time to sort Your fighting men, and raise your royal host; But Tamburlaine, by expedition, Advantage takes of your unreadiness. 39

Sold. Let him take all th’ advantages he can. Were all the world conspir’d to fight for him, Nay, were he devil, as he is no man, Yet in revenge of fair Zenocrate, Whom he detaineth in despite of us, This arm should send him down to Erebus, 45 To shroud his shame in darkness of the night.

Mess. Pleaseth your mightiness to understand, His resolution far exceedeth all. The first day when he pitcheth down his tents, White is their hue, and on his silver crest, 50 A snowy feather spangled white he bears, To signify the mildness of his mind, That, satiate with spoil, refuseth blood. But when Aurora mounts the second time As red as scarlet is his furniture; 55 Then must his kindled wrath be quench’d with blood, Not sparing any that can manage arms; But if these threats move not submission, Black are his colours, black pavilion; His spear, his shield, his horse, his armour, plumes, 60 And jetty feathers menace death and hell! Without respect of sex, degree, or age, He razeth all his foes with fire and sword.

Sold. Merciless villain! Peasant, ignorant Of lawful arms or martial discipline! 65 Pillage and murder are his usual trades; The slave usurps the glorious name of war. See, Capolin, the fair Arabian king, That hath been disappointed by this slave Of my fair daughter and his princely love, 70 May have fresh warning to go war with us, And be reveng’d for her disparagement. [Exeunt.]

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Act IV, Scene II

[Enter] TAMBURLAINE, TECHELLES, THERIDAMAS, USUMCASANE, ZENOCRATE, ANIPPE, two MOORS drawing BAJAZETH in his cage, and his wife [ZABINA] following him.

Tamb. Bring out my footstool. They take him out of the cage.

Baj. Ye holy priests of heavenly Mahomet, That, sacrificing, slice and cut your flesh, Staining his altars with your purple blood; Make Heaven to frown and every fixed star 5 To suck up poison from the moorish fens, And pour it in this glorious[327] tyrant’s throat!

Tamb. The chiefest God, first mover of that sphere, Enchas’d with thousands ever-shining lamps, Will sooner burn the glorious frame of Heaven, 10 Than it should so conspire my otherthrow. But, villain! thou that wishest this to me, Fall prostrate on the low disdainful earth, And be the footstool of great Tamburlaine, That I may rise into my royal throne. 15

Baj. First shalt thou rip my bowels with thy sword, And sacrifice my heart to death and hell, Before I yield to such a slavery.

Tamb. Base villain, vassal, slave to Tamburlaine! Unworthy to embrace or touch the ground, 20 That bears the honour of my royal weight; Stoop, villain, stoop!—Stoop! for so he bids That may command thee piecemeal to be torn, Or scattered like the lofty cedar trees Struck with the voice of thund’ring Jupiter. 25

Baj. Then, as I look down to the damned fiends, Fiends look on me! and thou, dread god of hell, With ebon sceptre strike this hateful earth, And make it swallow both of us at once!

[TAMBURLAINE] gets up upon him to his chair.

Tamb. Now clear the triple region of the air, 30 And let the majesty of Heaven behold Their scourge and terror tread on emperors. Smile stars, that reign’d at my nativity, And dim the brightness of their neighbour lamps! Disdain to borrow light of Cynthia! 35 For I, the chiefest lamp of all the earth, First rising in the East with mild aspect, But fixed now in the meridian line, Will send up fire to your turning spheres, And cause the sun to borrow light of you. 40 My sword struck fire from his coat of steel, Even in Bithynia, when I took this Turk; As when a fiery exhalation, Wrapt in the bowels of a freezing cloud Fighting for passage, make[s] the welkin crack, And casts a flash of lightning to the earth: 46 But ere I march to wealthy Persia, Or leave Damascus and th’ Egyptian fields, As was the fame of Clymene’s brain-sick son, That almost brent the axle-tree of Heaven, 50 So shall our swords, our lances, and our shot Fill all the air with fiery meteors: Then, when the sky shall wax as red as blood, It shall be said I made it red myself, To make me think of nought but blood and war. 55

Zab. Unworthy king, that by thy cruelty Unlawfully unsurp’st the Persian seat, Dar’st thou, that never saw an emperor Before thou met my husband in the field, Being thy captive, thus abuse his state, 60 Keeping his kingly body in a cage, That roofs of gold and sun-bright palaces Should have prepar’d to entertain his grace? And treading him beneath thy loathsome feet, Whose feet the kings of Africa have kiss’d. 65

Tech. You must devise some torment worse, my lord, To make these captives rein their lavish tongues.

Tamb. Zenocrate, look better to your slave.

Zeno. She is my handmaid’s slave, and she shall look That these abuses flow not from her tongue: 70 Chide her, Anippe.

Anip. Let these be warnings for you then, my slave, How you abuse the person of the king; Or else I swear to have you whipt, stark-nak’d.

Baj. Great Tamburlaine, great in my over-throw, 75 Ambitious pride shall make thee fall as low, For treading on the back of Bajazeth, That should be horsed on four mighty kings.

Tamb. Thy names and titles and thy dignities Are fled from Bajazeth and remain with me, 80 That will maintain ’t against a world of kings. Put him in again. [They put him back into the cage.]

Baj. Is this a place for mighty Bajazeth? Confusion light on him that helps thee thus!

Tamb. There, whiles he lives, shall Bajazeth be kept; 85 And, where I go, he thus in triumph drawn; And thou, his wife, shalt feed him with the scraps My servitors shall bring thee from my board; For he that gives him other food than this Shall sit by him and starve to death himself; 90 This is my mind and I will have it so. Not all the kings and emperors of the earth, If they would lay their crowns before my feet, Shall ransom him or take him from his cage. The ages that shall talk of Tamburlaine, 95 Even from this day to Plato’s wondrous year, Shall talk how I have handled Bajazeth; These Moors, that drew him from Bithynia To fair Damascus, where we now remain, Shall lead him with us wheresoe’er we go. 100 Techelles, and loving followers, Now may we see Damascus’ lofty towers, Like to the shadows of Pyramides, That with their beauties grac’d the Memphian fields. The golden statue[328] of their feathered bird 105 That spreads her wings upon the city walls Shall not defend it from our battering shot. The townsmen mask in silk and cloth of gold, And every house is as a treasury: The men, the treasure, and the town is ours.

Ther. Your tents of white now pitch’d before the gates, 111 And gentle flags of amity display’d, I doubt not but the governor will yield, Offering Damascus to your majesty.

Tamb. So shall he have his life and all the rest. 115 But if he stay until the bloody flag Be once advanc’d on my vermilion tent, He dies, and those that kept us out so long. And when they see me march in black array, With mournful streamers hanging down their heads, 120 Were in that city all the world contain’d, Not one should scape, but perish by our swords.

Zeno. Yet would you have some pity for my sake, Because it is my country’s, and my father’s.

Tamb. Not for the world, Zenocrate, if I’ve sworn. 125 Come; bring in the Turk. Exeunt.

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Act IV, Scene III

[Enter the] SOLDAN, [the KING of] ARABIA, CAPOLIN, with streaming colours and Soldiers.

Sold. Methinks we march as Meleager did, Environed with brave Argolian knights, To chase the savage Calydonian boar, Or Cephalus with lusty Theban youths Against the wolf that angry Themis sent 5 To waste and spoil the sweet Aonian fields, A monster of five hundred thousand heads, Compact of rapine, piracy, and spoil. The scum of men, the hate and scourge of God, Raves in Egyptia and annoyeth us. 10 My lord, it is the bloody Tamburlaine, A sturdy felon and a base-bred thief, By murder raised to the Persian crown, That dares control us in our territories. To tame the pride of this presumptuous beast, 15 Join your Arabians with the Soldan’s power, Let us unite our royal bands in one, And hasten to remove Damascus’ siege. It is a blemish to the majesty And high estate of mighty emperors, 20 That such a base usurping vagabond Should brave a king, or wear a princely crown.

K. of Arab. Renowmed Soldan, have you lately heard The overthrow of mighty Bajazeth About the confines of Bithynia? 25 The slavery wherewith he persecutes The noble Turk and his great emperess?

Sold. I have, and sorrow for his bad success; But, noble lord of great Arabia, Be so persuaded that the Soldan is 30 No more dismay’d with tidings of his fall Than in the haven when the pilot stands And views a stranger’s ship rent in the winds, And shivered against a craggy rock; Yet in compassion of his wretched state, 35 A sacred vow to Heaven and him I make, Confirming it with Ibis’ holy name, That Tamburlaine shall rue the day, the hour, Wherein he wrought such ignominious wrong Unto the hallowed person of a prince, 40 Or kept the fair Zenocrate so long As concubine, I fear, to feed his lust.

K. of Arab. Let grief and fury hasten on revenge; Let Tamburlaine for his offences feel Such plagues as Heaven and we can pour on him. 45 I long to break my spear upon his crest, And prove the weight of his victorious arm; For Fame, I fear, hath been too prodigal In sounding through the world his partial praise.

Sold. Capolin, hast thou survey’d our powers? 50

Capol. Great Emperors of Egypt and Arabia, The number of your hosts united is A hundred and fifty thousand horse; Two hundred thousand foot, brave men-at-arms, Courageous, and full of hardiness, 55 As frolic as the hunters in the chase Of savage beasts amid the desert woods.

K. of Arab. My mind presageth fortunate success; And, Tamburlaine, my spirit doth foresee The utter ruin of thy men and thee. 60

Sold. Then rear your standards; let your sounding drums Direct our soldiers to Damascus’ walls. Now, Tamburlaine, the mighty Soldan comes, And leads with him the great Arabian king, To dim thy baseness and obscurity, 65 Famous for nothing but for theft and spoil; To raze and scatter thy inglorious crew Of Scythians and slavish Persians. Exeunt.

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Act IV, Scene IV

The Banquet; and to it cometh TAMBURLAINE, all in scarlet, [ZENOCRATE,] THERIDAMAS, TECHELLES, USUMCASANE, the TURK [BAJAZETH in his cage, ZABINA,] with others.

Tamb. Now hang our bloody colours by Damascus, Reflexing hues of blood upon their heads, While they walk quivering on their city walls, Half dead for fear before they feel my wrath; Then let us freely banquet and carouse 5 Full bowls of wine unto the god of war That means to fill your helmets full of gold, And make Damascus spoils as rich to you, As was to Jason Colchos’ golden fleece.— And now, Bajazeth, hast thou any stomach? 10

Baj. Ay, such a stomach, cruel Tamburlaine, as I could willingly feed upon thy blood-raw heart.

Tamb. Nay thine own is easier to come by; pluck out that, and ’t will serve thee and thy (15) wife. Well, Zenocrate, Techelles, and the rest, fall to your victuals.

Baj. Fall to, and never may your meat digest! Ye Furies, that can mask invisible, Dive to the bottom of Avernus’ pool, 20 And in your hands bring hellish poison up And squeeze it in the cup of Tamburlaine! Or, winged snakes of Lerna, cast your stings, And leave your venoms in this tyrant’s dish!

Zab. And may this banquet prove as ominous As Progne’s to th’ adulterous Thracian king, 26 That fed upon the substance of his child.

Zeno. My lord, how can you [tamely][329] suffer these Outrageous curses by these slaves of yours?

Tamb. To let them see, divine Zenocrate, 30 I glory in the curses of my foes, Having the power from the imperial Heaven To turn them all upon their proper heads.

Tech. I pray you give them leave, madam; this speech is a goodly refreshing to them. 35

Ther. But if his highness would let them be fed, it would do them more good.

Tamb. Sirrah, why fall you not to? Are you so daintily brought up, you cannot eat your own flesh? 40

Baj. First, legions of devils shall tear thee in pieces.

Usum. Villain, know’st thou to whom thou speakest?

Tamb. O, let him alone. Here; eat, sir; (45) take it from my sword’s point, or I’ll thrust it to thy heart. Bajazeth takes it and stamps upon it.

Ther. He stamps it under his feet, my lord.

Tamb. Take it up, villain, and eat it; or I will make thee slice the brawns of thy arms (50) into carbonadoes[330] and eat them.

Usum. Nay, ’twere better he kill’d his wife, and then she shall be sure not to be starv’d. And he be provided for a month’s victual beforehand. 55

Tamb. Here is my dagger: despatch her while she is fat; for if she live but a while longer, she will fall into a consumption with fretting, and then she will not be worth the eating.

Ther. Dost thou think that Mahomet will (60) suffer this?

Tech. ’Tis like he will when he cannot let[331] it.

Tamb. Go to; fall to your meat.—What, not a bit! Belike he hath not been watered today; (65) give him some drink.

They give Bajazeth water to drink, and he flings it on the ground.

Tamb. Fast, and welcome, sir, while[332] hunger make you eat. How now, Zenocrate, doth not the Turk and his wife make a goodly show at a banquet? 70

Zeno. Yes, my lord.

Ther. Methinks, ’tis a great deal better than a consort[333] of music.

Tamb. Yet music would do well to cheer up Zenocrate. Pray thee tell why thou art so (75) sad? If thou wilt have a song, the Turk shall strain his voice. But why is it?

Zeno. My lord, to see my father’s town besieg’d, The country wasted where myself was born, How can it but afflict my very soul? 80 If any love remain in you, my lord, Or if my love unto your majesty May merit favour at your highness’ hands, Then raise your siege from fair Damascus’ walls, And with my father take a friendly truce. 85

Tamb. Zenocrate, were Egypt Jove’s own land, Yet would I with my sword make Jove to stoop. I will confute those blind geographers That make a triple region in the world, Excluding regions which I mean to trace, 90 And with this pen[334] reduce them to a map, Calling the provinces, cities, and towns, After my name and thine, Zenocrate. Here at Damascus will I make the point That shall begin the perpendicular; 95 And would’st thou have me buy thy father’s love With such a loss?—Tell me, Zenocrate.

Zeno. Honour still wait on happy Tamburlaine! Yet give me leave to plead for him, my lord.

Tamb. Content thyself: his person shall be safe 100 And all the friends of fair Zenocrate, If with their lives they will be pleas’d to yield, Or may be forc’d to make me Emperor; For Egypt and Arabia must be mine.— Feed, you slave! Thou may’st think thyself 105 happy to be fed from my trencher.

Baj. My empty stomach, full of idle heat, Draws bloody humours from my feeble parts, Preserving life by hasting cruel death. My veins are pale, my sinews hard and dry, 110 My joints benumb’d: unless I eat, I die.

Zab. Eat, Bajazeth. Let us live in spite of them, looking[335] some happy power will pity and enlarge[336] us.

Tamb. Here, Turk; wilt thou have a clean (115) trencher?

Baj. Ay, tyrant, and more meat.

Tamb. Soft, sir; you must be dieted; too much eating will make you surfeit.

Ther. So it would, my lord, specially having (120) so small a walk and so little exercise.

Enter a second course of crowns.

Tamb. Theridamas, Techelles, and Casane, here are the cates you desire to finger, are they not?

Ther. Ay, my lord; but none save kings must feed with these. 125

Tech. ’T is enough for us to see them, and for Tamburlaine only to enjoy them.

Tamb. Well; here is now to the Soldan of Egypt, the King of Arabia, and the Governor (130) of Damascus. Now take these three crowns, and pledge me, my contributory kings. I crown you here, Theridamas, King of Argier; Techelles, King of Fez; and Usumcasane, King of Moroccus. How say you to this, Turk? These are (135) not your contributory kings.

Baj. Nor shall they long be thine, I warrant them.

Tamb. Kings of Argier, Moroccus, and of Fez, You that have march’d with happy Tamburlaine As far as from the frozen [plage[337]]of Heaven 140 Unto the watery morning’s ruddy bower,[338] And thence by land unto the torrid zone, Deserve these titles I endow you with By [valour[339]] and by magnanimity. Your births shall be no blemish to your fame, 145 For virtue is the fount whence honour springs, And they are worthy she investeth kings.

Ther. And since your highness hath so well vouchsaf’d, If we deserve them not with higher meeds Than erst our states and actions have retain’d 150 Take them away again and make us slaves.

Tamb. Well said, Theridamas; when holy fates Shall ’stablish me in strong Egyptia, We mean to travel to th’ antartic pole, Conquering the people underneath our feet, 155 And be renowm’d as never emperors were. Zenocrate, I will not crown thee yet, Until with greater honours I be grac’d. [Exeunt.]

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Act V, Scene I

[Enter] the GOVERNOR of DAMASCUS, with three or four Citizens, and four Virgins, with branches of laurel in their hands.

Gov. Still doth this man, or rather god of war, Batter our walls and beat our turrets down; And to resist with longer stubbornness Or hope of rescue from the Soldan’s power, Were but to bring our wilful overthrow, 5 And make us desperate of our threat’ned lives. We see his tents have now been altered With terrors to the last and cruellest hue. His coal-black colours everywhere advanc’d Threaten our city with a general spoil; 10 And if we should with common rites of arms Offer our safeties to his clemency, I fear the custom, proper to his sword, Which he observes as parcel of his fame, Intending so to terrify the world, 15 By any innovation or remorse Will never be dispens’d with till our deaths. Therefore, for these our harmless virgins’ sakes, Whose honours and whose lives rely on him, Let us have hope that their unspotted prayers, 20 Their blubbered cheeks, and hearty, humble moans, Will melt his fury into some remorse,[340] And use us like a loving conqueror.

1 Virg. If humble suits or imprecations,[341] (Uttered with tears of wretchedness and blood 25 Shed from the heads and hearts of all our sex, Some made your wives and some your children) Might have entreated your obdurate breasts To entertain some care of our securities Whiles only danger beat upon our walls, 30 These more than dangerous warrants of our death Had never been erected as they be, Nor you depend on such weak helps as we.

Gov. Well, lovely virgins, think our country’s care, Our love of honour, loath to be inthrall’d 35 To foreign powers and rough imperious yokes, Would not with too much cowardice or fear, (Before all hope of rescue were denied) Submit yourselves and us to servitude. Therefore in that your safeties and our own, 40 Your honours, liberties, and lives were weigh’d In equal care and balance with our own, Endure as we the malice of our stars, The wrath of Tamburlaine, and power of wars; Or be the means the overweighing heavens 45 Have kept to qualify[342] these hot extremes, And bring us pardon in your cheerful looks.

2 Virg. Then here before the majesty of Heaven And holy patrons of Egyptia, With knees and hearts submissive we entreat 50 Grace to our words and pity to our looks That this device may prove propitious, And through the eyes and ears of Tamburlaine Convey events of mercy to his heart; Grant that these signs of victory we yield 55 May bind the temples of his conquering head, To hide the folded furrows of his brows, And shadow his displeased countenance With happy looks of ruth and lenity. Leave us, my lord, and loving countrymen; 60 What simple virgins may persuade, we will.

Gov. Farewell, sweet virgins, on whose safe return Depends our city, liberty, and lives. Exeunt.

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