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diff --git a/1589.txt b/1589.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e598be1 --- /dev/null +++ b/1589.txt @@ -0,0 +1,4676 @@ +Project Gutenberg's Tamburlaine the Great, Part II., 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 II. + +Author: Christopher Marlowe + +Posting Date: August 5, 2008 [EBook #1589] +Release Date: January, 1998 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TAMBURLAINE THE GREAT, PART II. *** + + + + +Produced by Gary R. Young + + + + + +TAMBURLAINE THE GREAT--THE SECOND PART + +By Christopher Marlowe + +Edited By The Rev. Alexander Dyce + + +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. + + +ENDTNOTES: + +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]. One aditional +footnote [a] has been inserted. + +Many of the footnotes refer back to notes to "The First Part +Of Tamburlaine the Great." These references have been copied +and inserted into the notes to this play. + + +CHANGES TO THE TEXT: + +Character names were expanded. For Example, TAMBURLAINE was +TAMB., ZENOCRATE was ZENO., etc. + + + +The Second Part of Tamburlaine the Great. +Concerning the old eds., see the prefatory matter +to THE FIRST PART.[a] + + + + + +THE PROLOGUE. + + The general welcomes Tamburlaine receiv'd, + When he arrived last upon the [1] stage, + Have made our poet pen his Second Part, + Where Death cuts off the progress of his pomp, + And murderous Fates throw all his triumphs [2] down. + But what became of fair Zenocrate, + And with how many cities' sacrifice + He celebrated her sad [3] funeral, + Himself in presence shall unfold at large. + + + + +DRAMATIS PERSONAE. + + TAMBURLAINE, king of Persia. + CALYPHAS, ] + AMYRAS, ] his sons. + CELEBINUS, ] + THERIDAMAS, king of Argier. + TECHELLES, king of Fez. + USUMCASANE, king of Morocco. + ORCANES, king of Natolia. + KING OF TREBIZON. + KING OF SORIA. + KING OF JERUSALEM. + KING OF AMASIA. + GAZELLUS, viceroy of Byron. + URIBASSA. + SIGISMUND, King of Hungary. + FREDERICK, ] + BALDWIN, ] Lords of Buda and Bohemia. + CALLAPINE, son to BAJAZETH, and prisoner to TAMBURLAINE. + ALMEDA, his keeper. + GOVERNOR OF BABYLON. + CAPTAIN OF BALSERA. + HIS SON. + ANOTHER CAPTAIN. + MAXIMUS, PERDICAS, Physicians, Lords, Citizens, Messengers, + Soldiers, and Attendants. + + ZENOCRATE, wife to TAMBURLAINE. + OLYMPIA, wife to the CAPTAIN OF BALSERA. + Turkish Concubines. + + + + +THE SECOND PART OF TAMBURLAINE THE GREAT. + + + + +ACT I. + + + + +SCENE I. + + Enter ORCANES king of Natolia, GAZELLUS viceroy of Byron, + URIBASSA, [4] and their train, with drums and trumpets. + + ORCANES. Egregious viceroys of these eastern parts, + Plac'd by the issue of great Bajazeth, + And sacred lord, the mighty Callapine, + Who lives in Egypt prisoner to that slave + Which kept his father in an iron cage,-- + Now have we march'd from fair Natolia + Two hundred leagues, and on Danubius' banks + Our warlike host, in complete armour, rest, + Where Sigismund, the king of Hungary, + Should meet our person to conclude a truce: + What! shall we parle with the Christian? + Or cross the stream, and meet him in the field? + + GAZELLUS. King of Natolia, let us treat of peace: + We all are glutted with the Christians' blood, + And have a greater foe to fight against,-- + Proud Tamburlaine, that now in Asia, + Near Guyron's head, doth set his conquering feet, + And means to fire Turkey as he goes: + 'Gainst him, my lord, you must address your power. + + URIBASSA. Besides, King Sigismund hath brought from Christendom + More than his camp of stout Hungarians,-- + Sclavonians, Almains, Rutters, [5] Muffs, and Danes, + That with the halberd, lance, and murdering axe, + Will hazard that we might with surety hold. + + ORCANES. [6] Though from the shortest northern parallel, + Vast Grantland, compass'd with the Frozen Sea, + (Inhabited with tall and sturdy men, + Giants as big as hugy [7] Polypheme,) + Millions of soldiers cut the [8] arctic line, + Bringing the strength of Europe to these arms, + Our Turkey blades shall glide through all their throats, + And make this champion [9] mead a bloody fen: + Danubius' stream, that runs to Trebizon, + Shall carry, wrapt within his scarlet waves, + As martial presents to our friends at home, + The slaughter'd bodies of these Christians: + The Terrene [10] main, wherein Danubius falls, + Shall by this battle be the bloody sea: + The wandering sailors of proud Italy + Shall meet those Christians, fleeting with the tide, + Beating in heaps against their argosies, + And make fair Europe, mounted on her bull, + Trapp'd with the wealth and riches of the world, + Alight, and wear a woful mourning weed. + + GAZELLUS. Yet, stout Orcanes, pro-rex of the world, + Since Tamburlaine hath muster'd all his men, + Marching from Cairo [11] northward, with his camp, + To Alexandria and the frontier towns, + Meaning to make a conquest of our land, + 'Tis requisite to parle for a peace + With Sigismund, the king of Hungary, + And save our forces for the hot assaults + Proud Tamburlaine intends Natolia. + + ORCANES. Viceroy of Byron, wisely hast thou said. + My realm, the centre of our empery, + Once lost, all Turkey would be overthrown; + And for that cause the Christians shall have peace. + Sclavonians, Almains, Rutters, Muffs, and Danes, + Fear [12] not Orcanes, but great Tamburlaine; + Nor he, but Fortune that hath made him great. + We have revolted Grecians, Albanese, + Sicilians, Jews, Arabians, Turks, and Moors, + Natolians, Sorians, [13] black [14] Egyptians, + Illyrians, Thracians, and Bithynians, [15] + Enough to swallow forceless Sigismund, + Yet scarce enough t' encounter Tamburlaine. + He brings a world of people to the field, + ]From Scythia to the oriental plage [16] + Of India, where raging Lantchidol + Beats on the regions with his boisterous blows, + That never seaman yet discovered. + All Asia is in arms with Tamburlaine, + Even from the midst of fiery Cancer's tropic + To Amazonia under Capricorn; + And thence, as far as Archipelago, + All Afric is in arms with Tamburlaine: + Therefore, viceroy, [17] the Christians must have peace. + + Enter SIGISMUND, FREDERICK, BALDWIN, and their + train, with drums and trumpets. + + SIGISMUND. Orcanes, (as our legates promis'd thee,) + We, with our peers, have cross'd Danubius' stream, + To treat of friendly peace or deadly war. + Take which thou wilt; for, as the Romans us'd, + I here present thee with a naked sword: + Wilt thou have war, then shake this blade at me; + If peace, restore it to my hands again, + And I will sheathe it, to confirm the same. + + ORCANES. Stay, Sigismund: forgett'st thou I am he + That with the cannon shook Vienna-walls, + And made it dance upon the continent, + As when the massy substance of the earth + Quiver[s] about the axle-tree of heaven? + Forgett'st thou that I sent a shower of darts, + Mingled with powder'd shot and feather'd steel, + So thick upon the blink-ey'd burghers' heads, + That thou thyself, then County Palatine, + The King of Boheme, [18] and the Austric Duke, + Sent heralds out, which basely on their knees, + In all your names, desir'd a truce of me? + Forgett'st thou that, to have me raise my siege, + Waggons of gold were set before my tent, + Stampt with the princely fowl that in her wings + Carries the fearful thunderbolts of Jove? + How canst thou think of this, and offer war? + + SIGISMUND. Vienna was besieg'd, and I was there, + Then County Palatine, but now a king, + And what we did was in extremity + But now, Orcanes, view my royal host, + That hides these plains, and seems as vast and wide + As doth the desert of Arabia + To those that stand on Bagdet's [19] lofty tower, + Or as the ocean to the traveller + That rests upon the snowy Appenines; + And tell me whether I should stoop so low, + Or treat of peace with the Natolian king. + + GAZELLUS. Kings of Natolia and of Hungary, + We came from Turkey to confirm a league, + And not to dare each other to the field. + A friendly parle [20] might become you both. + + FREDERICK. And we from Europe, to the same intent; [21] + Which if your general refuse or scorn, + Our tents are pitch'd, our men stand [22] in array, + Ready to charge you ere you stir your feet. + + ORCANES. So prest [23] are we: but yet, if Sigismund + Speak as a friend, and stand not upon terms, + Here is his sword; let peace be ratified + On these conditions specified before, + Drawn with advice of our ambassadors. + + SIGISMUND. Then here I sheathe it, and give thee my hand, + Never to draw it out, or [24] manage arms + Against thyself or thy confederates, + But, whilst I live, will be at truce with thee. + + ORCANES. But, Sigismund, confirm it with an oath, + And swear in sight of heaven and by thy Christ. + + SIGISMUND. By Him that made the world and sav'd my soul, + The Son of God and issue of a maid, + Sweet Jesus Christ, I solemnly protest + And vow to keep this peace inviolable! + + ORCANES. By sacred Mahomet, the friend of God, + Whose holy Alcoran remains with us, + Whose glorious body, when he left the world, + Clos'd in a coffin mounted up the air, + And hung on stately Mecca's temple-roof, + I swear to keep this truce inviolable! + Of whose conditions [25] and our solemn oaths, + Sign'd with our hands, each shall retain a scroll, + As memorable witness of our league. + Now, Sigismund, if any Christian king + Encroach upon the confines of thy realm, + Send word, Orcanes of Natolia + Confirm'd [26] this league beyond Danubius' stream, + And they will, trembling, sound a quick retreat; + So am I fear'd among all nations. + + SIGISMUND. If any heathen potentate or king + Invade Natolia, Sigismund will send + A hundred thousand horse train'd to the war, + And back'd by [27] stout lanciers of Germany, + The strength and sinews of the imperial seat. + + ORCANES. I thank thee, Sigismund; but, when I war, + All Asia Minor, Africa, and Greece, + Follow my standard and my thundering drums. + Come, let us go and banquet in our tents: + I will despatch chief of my army hence + To fair Natolia and to Trebizon, + To stay my coming 'gainst proud Tamburlaine: + Friend Sigismund, and peers of Hungary, + Come, banquet and carouse with us a while, + And then depart we to our territories. + [Exeunt.] + + + + +SCENE II. + + Enter CALLAPINE, and ALMEDA his keeper. + + CALLAPINE. Sweet Almeda, pity the ruthful plight + Of Callapine, the son of Bajazeth, + Born to be monarch of the western world, + Yet here detain'd by cruel Tamburlaine. + + ALMEDA. My lord, I pity it, and with my heart + Wish your release; but he whose wrath is death, + My sovereign lord, renowmed [28] Tamburlaine, + Forbids you further liberty than this. + + CALLAPINE. Ah, were I now but half so eloquent + To paint in words what I'll perform in deeds, + I know thou wouldst depart from hence with me! + + ALMEDA. Not for all Afric: therefore move me not. + + CALLAPINE. Yet hear me speak, my gentle Almeda. + + ALMEDA. No speech to that end, by your favour, sir. + + CALLAPINE. By Cairo [29] runs-- + + ALMEDA. No talk of running, I tell you, sir. + + CALLAPINE. A little further, gentle Almeda. + + ALMEDA. Well, sir, what of this? + + CALLAPINE. By Cairo runs to Alexandria-bay + Darotes' stream, [30] wherein at [31] anchor lies + A Turkish galley of my royal fleet, + Waiting my coming to the river-side, + Hoping by some means I shall be releas'd; + Which, when I come aboard, will hoist up sail, + And soon put forth into the Terrene [32] sea, + Where, [33] 'twixt the isles of Cyprus and of Crete, + We quickly may in Turkish seas arrive. + Then shalt thou see a hundred kings and more, + Upon their knees, all bid me welcome home. + Amongst so many crowns of burnish'd gold, + Choose which thou wilt, all are at thy command: + A thousand galleys, mann'd with Christian slaves, + I freely give thee, which shall cut the Straits, + And bring armadoes, from [34] the coasts of Spain, + Fraughted with gold of rich America: + The Grecian virgins shall attend on thee, + Skilful in music and in amorous lays, + As fair as was Pygmalion's ivory girl + Or lovely Io metamorphosed: + With naked negroes shall thy coach be drawn, + And, as thou rid'st in triumph through the streets, + The pavement underneath thy chariot-wheels + With Turkey-carpets shall be covered, + And cloth of arras hung about the walls, + Fit objects for thy princely eye to pierce: + A hundred bassoes, cloth'd in crimson silk, + Shall ride before thee on Barbarian steeds; + And, when thou goest, a golden canopy + Enchas'd with precious stones, which shine as bright + As that fair veil that covers all the world, + When Phoebus, leaping from his hemisphere, + Descendeth downward to th' Antipodes:-- + And more than this, for all I cannot tell. + + ALMEDA. How far hence lies the galley, say you? + + CALLAPINE. Sweet Almeda, scarce half a league from hence. + + ALMEDA. But need [35] we not be spied going aboard? + + CALLAPINE. Betwixt the hollow hanging of a hill, + And crooked bending of a craggy rock, + The sails wrapt up, the mast and tacklings down, + She lies so close that none can find her out. + + ALMEDA. I like that well: but, tell me, my lord, + if I should let you go, would you be as good as + your word? shall I be made a king for my labour? + + CALLAPINE. As I am Callapine the emperor, + And by the hand of Mahomet I swear, + Thou shalt be crown'd a king, and be my mate! + + ALMEDA. Then here I swear, as I am Almeda, + Your keeper under Tamburlaine the Great, + (For that's the style and title I have yet,) + Although he sent a thousand armed men + To intercept this haughty enterprize, + Yet would I venture to conduct your grace, + And die before I brought you back again! + + CALLAPINE. Thanks, gentle Almeda: then let us haste, + Lest time be past, and lingering let [36] us both. + + ALMEDA. When you will, my lord: I am ready. + + CALLAPINE. Even straight:--and farewell, cursed Tamburlaine! + Now go I to revenge my father's death. + [Exeunt.] + + + + +SCENE III. + + Enter TAMBURLAINE, ZENOCRATE, and their three sons, + CALYPHAS, AMYRAS, and CELEBINUS, with drums and trumpets. + + TAMBURLAINE. Now, bright Zenocrate, the world's fair eye, + Whose beams illuminate the lamps of heaven, + Whose cheerful looks do clear the cloudy air, + And clothe it in a crystal livery, + Now rest thee here on fair Larissa-plains, + Where Egypt and the Turkish empire part + Between thy sons, that shall be emperors, + And every one commander of a world. + + ZENOCRATE. Sweet Tamburlaine, when wilt thou leave these arms, + And save thy sacred person free from scathe, + And dangerous chances of the wrathful war? + + TAMBURLAINE. When heaven shall cease to move on both the poles, + And when the ground, whereon my soldiers march, + Shall rise aloft and touch the horned moon; + And not before, my sweet Zenocrate. + Sit up, and rest thee like a lovely queen. + So; now she sits in pomp and majesty, + When these, my sons, more precious in mine eyes + Than all the wealthy kingdoms I subdu'd, + Plac'd by her side, look on their mother's face. + But yet methinks their looks are amorous, + Not martial as the sons of Tamburlaine: + Water and air, being symboliz'd in one, + Argue their want of courage and of wit; + Their hair as white as milk, and soft as down, + (Which should be like the quills of porcupines, + As black as jet, and hard as iron or steel,) + Bewrays they are too dainty for the wars; + Their fingers made to quaver on a lute, + Their arms to hang about a lady's neck, + Their legs to dance and caper in the air, + Would make me think them bastards, not my sons, + But that I know they issu'd from thy womb, + That never look'd on man but Tamburlaine. + + ZENOCRATE. My gracious lord, they have their mother's looks, + But, when they list, their conquering father's heart. + This lovely boy, the youngest of the three, + Not long ago bestrid a Scythian steed, + Trotting the ring, and tilting at a glove, + Which when he tainted [37] with his slender rod, + He rein'd him straight, and made him so curvet + As I cried out for fear he should have faln. + + TAMBURLAINE. + Well done, my boy! thou shalt have shield and lance, + Armour of proof, horse, helm, and curtle-axe, + And I will teach thee how to charge thy foe, + And harmless run among the deadly pikes. + If thou wilt love the wars and follow me, + Thou shalt be made a king and reign with me, + Keeping in iron cages emperors. + If thou exceed thy elder brothers' worth, + And shine in complete virtue more than they, + Thou shalt be king before them, and thy seed + Shall issue crowned from their mother's womb. + + CELEBINUS. Yes, father; you shall see me, if I live, + Have under me as many kings as you, + And march with such a multitude of men + As all the world shall [38] tremble at their view. + + TAMBURLAINE. These words assure me, boy, thou art my son. + When I am old and cannot manage arms, + Be thou the scourge and terror of the world. + + AMYRAS. Why may not I, my lord, as well as he, + Be term'd the scourge and terror of [39] the world? + + TAMBURLAINE. Be all a scourge and terror to [40] the world, + Or else you are not sons of Tamburlaine. + + CALYPHAS. But, while my brothers follow arms, my lord, + Let me accompany my gracious mother: + They are enough to conquer all the world, + And you have won enough for me to keep. + + TAMBURLAINE. Bastardly boy, sprung [41] from some coward's loins, + And not the issue of great Tamburlaine! + Of all the provinces I have subdu'd + Thou shalt not have a foot, unless thou bear + A mind courageous and invincible; + For he shall wear the crown of Persia + Whose head hath deepest scars, whose breast most wounds, + Which, being wroth, sends lightning from his eyes, + And in the furrows of his frowning brows + Harbours revenge, war, death, and cruelty; + For in a field, whose superficies [42] + Is cover'd with a liquid purple veil, + And sprinkled with the brains of slaughter'd men, + My royal chair of state shall be advanc'd; + And he that means to place himself therein, + Must armed wade up to the chin in blood. + + ZENOCRATE. My lord, such speeches to our princely sons + Dismay their minds before they come to prove + The wounding troubles angry war affords. + + CELEBINUS. No, madam, these are speeches fit for us; + For, if his chair were in a sea of blood, + I would prepare a ship and sail to it, + Ere I would lose the title of a king. + + AMYRAS. And I would strive to swim through [43] pools of blood, + Or make a bridge of murder'd carcasses, [44] + Whose arches should be fram'd with bones of Turks, + Ere I would lose the title of a king. + + TAMBURLAINE. Well, lovely boys, ye shall be emperors both, + Stretching your conquering arms from east to west:-- + And, sirrah, if you mean to wear a crown, + When we [45] shall meet the Turkish deputy + And all his viceroys, snatch it from his head, + And cleave his pericranion with thy sword. + + CALYPHAS. If any man will hold him, I will strike, + And cleave him to the channel [46] with my sword. + + TAMBURLAINE. Hold him, and cleave him too, or I'll cleave thee; + For we will march against them presently. + Theridamas, Techelles, and Casane + Promis'd to meet me on Larissa-plains, + With hosts a-piece against this Turkish crew; + For I have sworn by sacred Mahomet + To make it parcel of my empery. + The trumpets sound; Zenocrate, they come. + Enter THERIDAMAS, and his train, with drums and trumpets. + Welcome, Theridamas, king of Argier. + + THERIDAMAS. My lord, the great and mighty Tamburlaine, + Arch-monarch of the world, I offer here + My crown, myself, and all the power I have, + In all affection at thy kingly feet. + + TAMBURLAINE. Thanks, good Theridamas. + + THERIDAMAS. Under my colours march ten thousand Greeks, + And of Argier and Afric's frontier towns + Twice twenty thousand valiant men-at-arms; + All which have sworn to sack Natolia. + Five hundred brigandines are under sail, + Meet for your service on the sea, my lord, + That, launching from Argier to Tripoly, + Will quickly ride before Natolia, + And batter down the castles on the shore. + + TAMBURLAINE. Well said, Argier! receive thy crown again. + Enter USUMCASANE and TECHELLES. + Kings of Morocco [47] and of Fez, welcome. + + USUMCASANE. Magnificent and peerless Tamburlaine, + I and my neighbour king of Fez have brought, + To aid thee in this Turkish expedition, + A hundred thousand expert soldiers; + ]From Azamor to Tunis near the sea + Is Barbary unpeopled for thy sake, + And all the men in armour under me, + Which with my crown I gladly offer thee. + + TAMBURLAINE. Thanks, king of Morocco: take your crown again. + + TECHELLES. And, mighty Tamburlaine, our earthly god, + Whose looks make this inferior world to quake, + I here present thee with the crown of Fez, + And with an host of Moors train'd to the war, [48] + Whose coal-black faces make their foes retire, + And quake for fear, as if infernal [49] Jove, + Meaning to aid thee [50] in these [51] Turkish arms, + Should pierce the black circumference of hell, + With ugly Furies bearing fiery flags, + And millions of his strong [52] tormenting spirits: + ]From strong Tesella unto Biledull + All Barbary is unpeopled for thy sake. + + TAMBURLAINE. Thanks, king of Fez: take here thy crown again. + Your presence, loving friends and fellow-kings, + Makes me to surfeit in conceiving joy: + If all the crystal gates of Jove's high court + Were open'd wide, and I might enter in + To see the state and majesty of heaven, + It could not more delight me than your sight. + Now will we banquet on these plains a while, + And after march to Turkey with our camp, + In number more than are the drops that fall + When Boreas rents a thousand swelling clouds; + And proud Orcanes of Natolia + With all his viceroys shall be so afraid, + That, though the stones, as at Deucalion's flood, + Were turn'd to men, he should be overcome. + Such lavish will I make of Turkish blood, + That Jove shall send his winged messenger + To bid me sheathe my sword and leave the field; + The sun, unable to sustain the sight, + Shall hide his head in Thetis' watery lap, + And leave his steeds to fair Bootes' [53] charge; + For half the world shall perish in this fight. + But now, my friends, let me examine ye; + How have ye spent your absent time from me? + + USUMCASANE. My lord, our men of Barbary have march'd + Four hundred miles with armour on their backs, + And lain in leaguer [54] fifteen months and more; + For, since we left you at the Soldan's court, + We have subdu'd the southern Guallatia, + And all the land unto the coast of Spain; + We kept the narrow Strait of Jubalter, [55] + And made Canaria call us kings and lords: + Yet never did they recreate themselves, + Or cease one day from war and hot alarms; + And therefore let them rest a while, my lord. + + TAMBURLAINE. They shall, Casane, and 'tis time, i'faith. + + TECHELLES. And I have march'd along the river Nile + To Machda, where the mighty Christian priest, + Call'd John the Great, [56] sits in a milk-white robe, + Whose triple mitre I did take by force, + And made him swear obedience to my crown. + ]From thence unto Cazates did I march, + Where Amazonians met me in the field, + With whom, being women, I vouchsaf'd a league, + And with my power did march to Zanzibar, + The western part of Afric, where I view'd + The Ethiopian sea, rivers and lakes, + But neither man nor child in all the land: + Therefore I took my course to Manico, + Where, [57] unresisted, I remov'd my camp; + And, by the coast of Byather, [58] at last + I came to Cubar, where the negroes dwell, + And, conquering that, made haste to Nubia. + There, having sack'd Borno, the kingly seat, + I took the king and led him bound in chains + Unto Damascus, [59] where I stay'd before. + + TAMBURLAINE. Well done, Techelles!--What saith Theridamas? + + THERIDAMAS. I left the confines and the bounds of Afric, + And made [60] a voyage into Europe, + Where, by the river Tyras, I subdu'd + Stoka, Podolia, and Codemia; + Then cross'd the sea and came to Oblia, + And Nigra Silva, where the devils dance, + Which, in despite of them, I set on fire. + ]From thence I cross'd the gulf call'd by the name + Mare Majore of the inhabitants. + Yet shall my soldiers make no period + Until Natolia kneel before your feet. + + TAMBURLAINE. Then will we triumph, banquet and carouse; + Cooks shall have pensions to provide us cates, + And glut us with the dainties of the world; + Lachryma Christi and Calabrian wines + Shall common soldiers drink in quaffing bowls, + Ay, liquid gold, when we have conquer'd him, [61] + Mingled with coral and with orient [62] pearl. + Come, let us banquet and carouse the whiles. + [Exeunt.] + + + + +ACT II. + + + + +SCENE I. + + Enter SIGISMUND, FREDERICK, and BALDWIN, with their train. + + SIGISMUND. Now say, my lords of Buda and Bohemia, + What motion is it that inflames your thoughts, + And stirs your valours to such sudden arms? + + FREDERICK. Your majesty remembers, I am sure, + What cruel slaughter of our Christian bloods + These heathenish Turks and pagans lately made + Betwixt the city Zula and Danubius; + How through the midst of Varna and Bulgaria, + And almost to the very walls of Rome, + They have, not long since, massacred our camp. + It resteth now, then, that your majesty + Take all advantages of time and power, + And work revenge upon these infidels. + Your highness knows, for Tamburlaine's repair, + That strikes a terror to all Turkish hearts, + Natolia hath dismiss'd the greatest part + Of all his army, pitch'd against our power + Betwixt Cutheia and Orminius' mount, + And sent them marching up to Belgasar, + Acantha, Antioch, and Caesarea, + To aid the kings of Soria [63] and Jerusalem. + Now, then, my lord, advantage take thereof, [64] + And issue suddenly upon the rest; + That, in the fortune of their overthrow, + We may discourage all the pagan troop + That dare attempt to war with Christians. + + SIGISMUND. But calls not, then, your grace to memory + The league we lately made with King Orcanes, + Confirm'd by oath and articles of peace, + And calling Christ for record of our truths? + This should be treachery and violence + Against the grace of our profession. + + BALDWIN. No whit, my lord; for with such infidels, + In whom no faith nor true religion rests, + We are not bound to those accomplishments + The holy laws of Christendom enjoin; + But, as the faith which they profanely plight + Is not by necessary policy + To be esteem'd assurance for ourselves, + So that we vow [65] to them should not infringe + Our liberty of arms and victory. + + SIGISMUND. Though I confess the oaths they undertake + Breed little strength to our security, + Yet those infirmities that thus defame + Their faiths, [66] their honours, and religion, [67] + Should not give us presumption to the like. + Our faiths are sound, and must be consummate, [68] + Religious, righteous, and inviolate. + + FREDERICK. Assure your grace, 'tis superstition + To stand so strictly on dispensive faith; + And, should we lose the opportunity + That God hath given to venge our Christians' death, + And scourge their foul blasphemous paganism, + As fell to Saul, to Balaam, and the rest, + That would not kill and curse at God's command, + So surely will the vengeance of the Highest, + And jealous anger of his fearful arm, + Be pour'd with rigour on our sinful heads, + If we neglect this [69] offer'd victory. + + SIGISMUND. Then arm, my lords, and issue suddenly, + Giving commandment to our general host, + With expedition to assail the pagan, + And take the victory our God hath given. + [Exeunt.] + + + + +SCENE II. + + Enter ORCANES, GAZELLUS, and URIBASSA, with their train. + + ORCANES. Gazellus, Uribassa, and the rest, + Now will we march from proud Orminius' mount + To fair Natolia, where our neighbour kings + Expect our power and our royal presence, + T' encounter with the cruel Tamburlaine, + That nigh Larissa sways a mighty host, + And with the thunder of his martial [70] tools + Makes earthquakes in the hearts of men and heaven. + + GAZELLUS. And now come we to make his sinews shake + With greater power than erst his pride hath felt. + An hundred kings, by scores, will bid him arms, + And hundred thousands subjects to each score: + Which, if a shower of wounding thunderbolts + Should break out of the bowels of the clouds, + And fall as thick as hail upon our heads, + In partial aid of that proud Scythian, + Yet should our courages and steeled crests, + And numbers, more than infinite, of men, + Be able to withstand and conquer him. + + URIBASSA. Methinks I see how glad the Christian king + Is made for joy of our [71] admitted truce, + That could not but before be terrified + With [72] unacquainted power of our host. + + Enter a Messenger. + + MESSENGER. Arm, dread sovereign, and my noble lords! + The treacherous army of the Christians, + Taking advantage of your slender power, + Comes marching on us, and determines straight + To bid us battle for our dearest lives. + + ORCANES. Traitors, villains, damned Christians! + Have I not here the articles of peace + And solemn covenants we have both confirm'd, + He by his Christ, and I by Mahomet? + + GAZELLUS. Hell and confusion light upon their heads, + That with such treason seek our overthrow, + And care so little for their prophet Christ! + + ORCANES. Can there be such deceit in Christians, + Or treason in the fleshly heart of man, + Whose shape is figure of the highest God? + Then, if there be a Christ, as Christians say, + But in their deeds deny him for their Christ, + If he be son to everliving Jove, + And hath the power of his outstretched arm, + If he be jealous of his name and honour + As is our holy prophet Mahomet, + Take here these papers as our sacrifice + And witness of thy servant's [73] perjury! + [He tears to pieces the articles of peace.] + Open, thou shining veil of Cynthia, + And make a passage from th' empyreal heaven, + That he that sits on high and never sleeps, + Nor in one place is circumscriptible, + But every where fills every continent + With strange infusion of his sacred vigour, + May, in his endless power and purity, + Behold and venge this traitor's perjury! + Thou, Christ, that art esteem'd omnipotent, + If thou wilt prove thyself a perfect God, + Worthy the worship of all faithful hearts, + Be now reveng'd upon this traitor's soul, + And make the power I have left behind + (Too little to defend our guiltless lives) + Sufficient to discomfit [74] and confound + The trustless force of those false Christians!-- + To arms, my lords! [75] on Christ still let us cry: + If there be Christ, we shall have victory. + [Exeunt.] + + + + +SCENE III. + + Alarms of battle within. Enter SIGISMUND wounded. + + SIGISMUND. Discomfited is all the Christian [76] host, + And God hath thunder'd vengeance from on high, + For my accurs'd and hateful perjury. + O just and dreadful punisher of sin, + Let the dishonour of the pains I feel + In this my mortal well-deserved wound + End all my penance in my sudden death! + And let this death, wherein to sin I die, + Conceive a second life in endless mercy! + [Dies.] + + Enter ORCANES, GAZELLUS, URIBASSA, with others. + + ORCANES. Now lie the Christians bathing in their bloods, + And Christ or Mahomet hath been my friend. + + GAZELLUS. See, here the perjur'd traitor Hungary, + Bloody and breathless for his villany! + + ORCANES. Now shall his barbarous body be a prey + To beasts and fowls, and all the winds shall breathe, + Through shady leaves of every senseless tree, + Murmurs and hisses for his heinous sin. + Now scalds his soul in the Tartarian streams, + And feeds upon the baneful tree of hell, + That Zoacum, [77] that fruit of bitterness, + That in the midst of fire is ingraff'd, + Yet flourisheth, as Flora in her pride, + With apples like the heads of damned fiends. + The devils there, in chains of quenchless flame, + Shall lead his soul, through Orcus' burning gulf, + ]From pain to pain, whose change shall never end. + What say'st thou yet, Gazellus, to his foil, + Which we referr'd to justice of his Christ + And to his power, which here appears as full + As rays of Cynthia to the clearest sight? + + GAZELLUS. 'Tis but the fortune of the wars, my lord, + Whose power is often prov'd a miracle. + + ORCANES. Yet in my thoughts shall Christ be honoured, + Not doing Mahomet an [78] injury, + Whose power had share in this our victory; + And, since this miscreant hath disgrac'd his faith, + And died a traitor both to heaven and earth, + We will both watch and ward shall keep his trunk [79] + Amidst these plains for fowls to prey upon. + Go, Uribassa, give [80] it straight in charge. + + URIBASSA. I will, my lord. + [Exit.] + + ORCANES. And now, Gazellus, let us haste and meet + Our army, and our brother[s] of Jerusalem, + Of Soria, [81] Trebizon, and Amasia, + And happily, with full Natolian bowls + Of Greekish wine, now let us celebrate + Our happy conquest and his angry fate. + [Exeunt.] + + + + +SCENE IV. + + The arras is drawn, and ZENOCRATE is discovered lying + in her bed of state; TAMBURLAINE sitting by her; three + PHYSICIANS about her bed, tempering potions; her three + sons, CALYPHAS, AMYRAS, and CELEBINUS; THERIDAMAS, + TECHELLES, and USUMCASANE. + + TAMBURLAINE. Black is the beauty of the brightest day; + The golden ball of heaven's eternal fire, + That danc'd with glory on the silver waves, + Now wants the fuel that inflam'd his beams; + And all with faintness, and for foul disgrace, + He binds his temples with a frowning cloud, + Ready to darken earth with endless night. + Zenocrate, that gave him light and life, + Whose eyes shot fire from their [82] ivory brows, [83] + And temper'd every soul with lively heat, + Now by the malice of the angry skies, + Whose jealousy admits no second mate, + Draws in the comfort of her latest breath, + All dazzled with the hellish mists of death. + Now walk the angels on the walls of heaven, + As sentinels to warn th' immortal souls + To entertain divine Zenocrate: + Apollo, Cynthia, and the ceaseless lamps + That gently look'd upon this [84] loathsome earth, + Shine downwards now no more, but deck the heavens + To entertain divine Zenocrate: + The crystal springs, whose taste illuminates + Refined eyes with an eternal sight, + Like tried silver run through Paradise + To entertain divine Zenocrate: + The cherubins and holy seraphins, + That sing and play before the King of Kings, + Use all their voices and their instruments + To entertain divine Zenocrate; + And, in this sweet and curious harmony, + The god that tunes this music to our souls + Holds out his hand in highest majesty + To entertain divine Zenocrate. + Then let some holy trance convey my thoughts + Up to the palace of th' empyreal heaven, + That this my life may be as short to me + As are the days of sweet Zenocrate.-- + Physicians, will no [85] physic do her good? + + FIRST PHYSICIAN. My lord, your majesty shall soon perceive, + An if she pass this fit, the worst is past. + + TAMBURLAINE. Tell me, how fares my fair Zenocrate? + + ZENOCRATE. I fare, my lord, as other empresses, + That, when this frail and [86] transitory flesh + Hath suck'd the measure of that vital air + That feeds the body with his dated health, + Wane with enforc'd and necessary change. + + TAMBURLAINE. May never such a change transform my love, + In whose sweet being I repose my life! + Whose heavenly presence, beautified with health, + Gives light to Phoebus and the fixed stars; + Whose absence makes [87] the sun and moon as dark + As when, oppos'd in one diameter, + Their spheres are mounted on the serpent's head, + Or else descended to his winding train. + Live still, my love, and so conserve my life, + Or, dying, be the author [88] of my death. + + ZENOCRATE. Live still, my lord; O, let my sovereign live! + And sooner let the fiery element + Dissolve, and make your kingdom in the sky, + Than this base earth should shroud your majesty; + For, should I but suspect your death by mine, + The comfort of my future happiness, + And hope to meet your highness in the heavens, + Turn'd to despair, would break my wretched breast, + And fury would confound my present rest. + But let me die, my love; yes, [89] let me die; + With love and patience let your true love die: + Your grief and fury hurts my second life. + Yet let me kiss my lord before I die, + And let me die with kissing of my lord. + But, since my life is lengthen'd yet a while, + Let me take leave of these my loving sons, + And of my lords, whose true nobility + Have merited my latest memory. + Sweet sons, farewell! in death resemble me, + And in your lives your father's excellence. [90] + Some music, and my fit will cease, my lord. + [They call for music.] + + TAMBURLAINE. Proud fury, and intolerable fit, + That dares torment the body of my love, + And scourge the scourge of the immortal God! + Now are those spheres, where Cupid us'd to sit, + Wounding the world with wonder and with love, + Sadly supplied with pale and ghastly death, + Whose darts do pierce the centre of my soul. + Her sacred beauty hath enchanted heaven; + And, had she liv'd before the siege of Troy, + Helen, whose beauty summon'd Greece to arms, + And drew a thousand ships to Tenedos, + Had not been nam'd in Homer's Iliads,-- + Her name had been in every line he wrote; + Or, had those wanton poets, for whose birth + Old Rome was proud, but gaz'd a while on her, + Nor Lesbia nor Corinna had been nam'd,-- + Zenocrate had been the argument + Of every epigram or elegy. + [The music sounds--ZENOCRATE dies.] + What, is she dead? Techelles, draw thy sword, + And wound the earth, that it may cleave in twain, + And we descend into th' infernal vaults, + To hale the Fatal Sisters by the hair, + And throw them in the triple moat of hell, + For taking hence my fair Zenocrate. + Casane and Theridamas, to arms! + Raise cavalieros [91] higher than the clouds, + And with the cannon break the frame of heaven; + Batter the shining palace of the sun, + And shiver all the starry firmament, + For amorous Jove hath snatch'd my love from hence, + Meaning to make her stately queen of heaven. + What god soever holds thee in his arms, + Giving thee nectar and ambrosia, + Behold me here, divine Zenocrate, + Raving, impatient, desperate, and mad, + Breaking my steeled lance, with which I burst + The rusty beams of Janus' temple-doors, + Letting out Death and tyrannizing War, + To march with me under this bloody flag! + And, if thou pitiest Tamburlaine the Great, + Come down from heaven, and live with me again! + + THERIDAMAS. Ah, good my lord, be patient! she is dead, + And all this raging cannot make her live. + If words might serve, our voice hath rent the air; + If tears, our eyes have water'd all the earth; + If grief, our murder'd hearts have strain'd forth blood: + Nothing prevails, [92] for she is dead, my lord. + + TAMBURLAINE. FOR SHE IS DEAD! thy words do pierce my soul: + Ah, sweet Theridamas, say so no more! + Though she be dead, yet let me think she lives, + And feed my mind that dies for want of her. + Where'er her soul be, thou [To the body] shalt stay with me, + Embalm'd with cassia, ambergris, and myrrh, + Not lapt in lead, but in a sheet of gold, + And, till I die, thou shalt not be interr'd. + Then in as rich a tomb as Mausolus' [93] + We both will rest, and have one [94] epitaph + Writ in as many several languages + As I have conquer'd kingdoms with my sword. + This cursed town will I consume with fire, + Because this place bereft me of my love; + The houses, burnt, will look as if they mourn'd; + And here will I set up her stature, [95] + And march about it with my mourning camp, + Drooping and pining for Zenocrate. + [The arras is drawn.] + + + + +ACT III. + + + + +SCENE I. + + Enter the KINGS OF TREBIZON and SORIA, [96] one bringing a + sword and the other a sceptre; next, ORCANES king of + Natolia, and the KING OF JERUSALEM with the imperial crown, + after, CALLAPINE; and, after him, other LORDS and ALMEDA. + ORCANES and the KING OF JERUSALEM crown CALLAPINE, and the + others give him the sceptre. + + ORCANES. Callapinus Cyricelibes, otherwise Cybelius, son and + successive heir to the late mighty emperor Bajazeth, by the aid + of God and his friend Mahomet, Emperor of Natolia, Jerusalem, + Trebizon, Soria, Amasia, Thracia, Ilyria, Carmania, and all the + hundred and thirty kingdoms late contributory to his mighty + father,--long live Callapinus, Emperor of Turkey! + + CALLAPINE. Thrice-worthy kings, of Natolia and the rest, + I will requite your royal gratitudes + With all the benefits my empire yields; + And, were the sinews of th' imperial seat + So knit and strengthen'd as when Bajazeth, + My royal lord and father, fill'd the throne, + Whose cursed fate [97] hath so dismember'd it, + Then should you see this thief of Scythia, + This proud usurping king of Persia, + Do us such honour and supremacy, + Bearing the vengeance of our father's wrongs, + As all the world should blot his [98] dignities + Out of the book of base-born infamies. + And now I doubt not but your royal cares + Have so provided for this cursed foe, + That, since the heir of mighty Bajazeth + (An emperor so honour'd for his virtues) + Revives the spirits of all [99] true Turkish hearts, + In grievous memory of his father's shame, + We shall not need to nourish any doubt, + But that proud Fortune, who hath follow'd long + The martial sword of mighty Tamburlaine, + Will now retain her old inconstancy, + And raise our honours [100] to as high a pitch, + In this our strong and fortunate encounter; + For so hath heaven provided my escape + ]From all the cruelty my soul sustain'd, + By this my friendly keeper's happy means, + That Jove, surcharg'd with pity of our wrongs, + Will pour it down in showers on our heads, + Scourging the pride of cursed Tamburlaine. + + ORCANES. I have a hundred thousand men in arms; + Some that, in conquest [101] of the perjur'd Christian, + Being a handful to a mighty host, + Think them in number yet sufficient + To drink the river Nile or Euphrates, + And for their power enow to win the world. + + KING OF JERUSALEM. And I as many from Jerusalem, + Judaea, [102] Gaza, and Sclavonia's [103] bounds, + That on mount Sinai, with their ensigns spread, + Look like the parti-colour'd clouds of heaven + That shew fair weather to the neighbour morn. + + KING OF TREBIZON. And I as many bring from Trebizon, + Chio, Famastro, and Amasia, + All bordering on the Mare-Major-sea, + Riso, Sancina, and the bordering towns + That touch the end of famous Euphrates, + Whose courages are kindled with the flames + The cursed Scythian sets on all their towns, + And vow to burn the villain's cruel heart. + + KING OF SORIA. From Soria [104] with seventy thousand strong, + Ta'en from Aleppo, Soldino, Tripoly, + And so unto my city of Damascus, [105] + I march to meet and aid my neighbour kings; + All which will join against this Tamburlaine, + And bring him captive to your highness' feet. + + ORCANES. Our battle, then, in martial manner pitch'd, + According to our ancient use, shall bear + The figure of the semicircled moon, + Whose horns shell sprinkle through the tainted air + The poison'd brains of this proud Scythian. + + CALLAPINE. Well, then, my noble lords, for this my friend + That freed me from the bondage of my foe, + I think it requisite and honourable + To keep my promise and to make him king, + That is a gentleman, I know, at least. + + ALMEDA. That's no matter, [106] sir, for being a king; + or Tamburlaine came up of nothing. + + KING OF JERUSALEM. Your majesty may choose some 'pointed time, + Performing all your promise to the full; + 'Tis naught for your majesty to give a kingdom. + + CALLAPINE. Then will I shortly keep my promise, Almeda. + + ALMEDA. Why, I thank your majesty. + [Exeunt.] + + + + +SCENE II. + + Enter TAMBURLAINE and his three sons, CALYPHAS, AMYRAS, and + CELEBINUS; USUMCASANE; four ATTENDANTS bearing the hearse of + ZENOCRATE, and the drums sounding a doleful march; the town + burning. + + TAMBURLAINE. So burn the turrets of this cursed town, + Flame to the highest region of the air, + And kindle heaps of exhalations, + That, being fiery meteors, may presage + Death and destruction to the inhabitants! + Over my zenith hang a blazing star, + That may endure till heaven be dissolv'd, + Fed with the fresh supply of earthly dregs, + Threatening a dearth [107] and famine to this land! + Flying dragons, lightning, fearful thunder-claps, + Singe these fair plains, and make them seem as black + As is the island where the Furies mask, + Compass'd with Lethe, Styx, and Phlegethon, + Because my dear Zenocrate is dead! + + CALYPHAS. This pillar, plac'd in memory of her, + Where in Arabian, Hebrew, Greek, is writ, + THIS TOWN, BEING BURNT BY TAMBURLAINE THE GREAT, + FORBIDS THE WORLD TO BUILD IT UP AGAIN. + + AMYRAS. And here this mournful streamer shall be plac'd, + Wrought with the Persian and th' [108] Egyptian arms, + To signify she was a princess born, + And wife unto the monarch of the East. + + CELEBINUS. And here this table as a register + Of all her virtues and perfections. + + TAMBURLAINE. And here the picture of Zenocrate, + To shew her beauty which the world admir'd; + Sweet picture of divine Zenocrate, + That, hanging here, will draw the gods from heaven, + And cause the stars fix'd in the southern arc, + (Whose lovely faces never any view'd + That have not pass'd the centre's latitude,) + As pilgrims travel to our hemisphere, + Only to gaze upon Zenocrate. + Thou shalt not beautify Larissa-plains, + But keep within the circle of mine arms: + At every town and castle I besiege, + Thou shalt be set upon my royal tent; + And, when I meet an army in the field, + Those [109] looks will shed such influence in my camp, + As if Bellona, goddess of the war, + Threw naked swords and sulphur-balls of fire + Upon the heads of all our enemies.-- + And now, my lords, advance your spears again; + Sorrow no more, my sweet Casane, now: + Boys, leave to mourn; this town shall ever mourn, + Being burnt to cinders for your mother's death. + + CALYPHAS. If I had wept a sea of tears for her, + would not ease the sorrows [110] I sustain. + + AMYRAS. As is that town, so is my heart consum'd + With grief and sorrow for my mother's death. + + CELEBINUS. My mother's death hath mortified my mind, + And sorrow stops the passage of my speech. + + TAMBURLAINE. But now, my boys, leave off, and list to me, + That mean to teach you rudiments of war. + I'll have you learn to sleep upon the ground, + March in your armour thorough watery fens, + Sustain the scorching heat and freezing cold, + Hunger and thirst, [111] right adjuncts of the war; + And, after this, to scale a castle-wall, + Besiege a fort, to undermine a town, + And make whole cities caper in the air: + Then next, the way to fortify your men; + In champion [112] grounds what figure serves you best, + For which [113] the quinque-angle form is meet, + Because the corners there may fall more flat + Whereas [114] the fort may fittest be assail'd, + And sharpest where th' assault is desperate: + The ditches must be deep; the [115] counterscarps + Narrow and steep; the walls made high and broad; + The bulwarks and the rampires large and strong, + With cavalieros [116] and thick counterforts, + And room within to lodge six thousand men; + It must have privy ditches, countermines, + And secret issuings to defend the ditch; + It must have high argins [117] and cover'd ways + To keep the bulwark-fronts from battery, + And parapets to hide the musketeers, + Casemates to place the great [118] artillery, + And store of ordnance, that from every flank + May scour the outward curtains of the fort, + Dismount the cannon of the adverse part, + Murder the foe, and save the [119] walls from breach. + When this is learn'd for service on the land, + By plain and easy demonstration + I'll teach you how to make the water mount, + That you may dry-foot march through lakes and pools, + Deep rivers, havens, creeks, and little seas, + And make a fortress in the raging waves, + Fenc'd with the concave of a monstrous rock, + Invincible by nature [120] of the place. + When this is done, then are ye soldiers, + And worthy sons of Tamburlaine the Great. + + CALYPHAS. My lord, but this is dangerous to be done; + We may be slain or wounded ere we learn. + + TAMBURLAINE. Villain, art thou the son of Tamburlaine, + And fear'st to die, or with a [121] curtle-axe + To hew thy flesh, and make a gaping wound? + Hast thou beheld a peal of ordnance strike + A ring of pikes, mingled with shot and horse, [122] + Whose shatter'd limbs, being toss'd as high as heaven, + Hang in the air as thick as sunny motes, + And canst thou, coward, stand in fear of death? + Hast thou not seen my horsemen charge the foe, + Shot through the arms, cut overthwart the hands, + Dying their lances with their streaming blood, + And yet at night carouse within my tent, + Filling their empty veins with airy wine, + That, being concocted, turns to crimson blood, + And wilt thou shun the field for fear of wounds? + View me, thy father, that hath conquer'd kings, + And, with his [123] host, march'd [124] round about the earth, + Quite void of scars and clear from any wound, + That by the wars lost not a drop [125] of blood, + And see him lance [126] his flesh to teach you all. + [He cuts his arm.] + A wound is nothing, be it ne'er so deep; + Blood is the god of war's rich livery. + Now look I like a soldier, and this wound + As great a grace and majesty to me, + As if a chair of gold enamelled, + Enchas'd with diamonds, sapphires, rubies, + And fairest pearl of wealthy India, + Were mounted here under a canopy, + And I sat down, cloth'd with a massy robe + That late adorn'd the Afric potentate, + Whom I brought bound unto Damascus' walls. + Come, boys, and with your fingers search my wound, + And in my blood wash all your hands at once, + While I sit smiling to behold the sight. + Now, my boys, what think ye of a wound? + + CALYPHAS. I know not [127] what I should think of it; + methinks 'tis a pitiful sight. + + CELEBINUS. 'Tis [128] nothing.--Give me a wound, father. + + AMYRAS. And me another, my lord. + + TAMBURLAINE. Come, sirrah, give me your arm. + + CELEBINUS. Here, father, cut it bravely, as you did your own. + + TAMBURLAINE. It shall suffice thou dar'st abide a wound; + My boy, thou shalt not lose a drop of blood + Before we meet the army of the Turk; + But then run desperate through the thickest throngs, + Dreadless of blows, of bloody wounds, and death; + And let the burning of Larissa-walls, + My speech of war, and this my wound you see, + Teach you, my boys, to bear courageous minds, + Fit for the followers of great Tamburlaine.-- + Usumcasane, now come, let us march + Towards Techelles and Theridamas, + That we have sent before to fire the towns, + The towers and cities of these hateful Turks, + And hunt that coward faint-heart runaway, + With that accursed [129] traitor Almeda, + Till fire and sword have found them at a bay. + + USUMCASANE. I long to pierce his [130] bowels with my sword, + That hath betray'd my gracious sovereign,-- + That curs'd and damned traitor Almeda. + + TAMBURLAINE. Then let us see if coward Callapine + Dare levy arms against our puissance, + That we may tread upon his captive neck, + And treble all his father's slaveries. + [Exeunt.] + + + + +SCENE III. + + Enter TECHELLES, THERIDAMAS, and their train. + + THERIDAMAS. Thus have we march'd northward from Tamburlaine, + Unto the frontier point [131] of Soria; [132] + And this is Balsera, their chiefest hold, + Wherein is all the treasure of the land. + + TECHELLES. Then let us bring our light artillery, + Minions, falc'nets, and sakers, [133] to the trench, + Filling the ditches with the walls' wide breach, + And enter in to seize upon the hold.-- [134] + How say you, soldiers, shall we not? + + SOLDIERS. Yes, my lord, yes; come, let's about it. + + THERIDAMAS. But stay a while; summon a parle, drum. + It may be they will yield it quietly, [135] + Knowing two kings, the friends [136] to Tamburlaine, + Stand at the walls with such a mighty power. + [A parley sounded.--CAPTAIN appears on the walls, + with OLYMPIA his wife, and his SON.] + + CAPTAIN. What require you, my masters? + + THERIDAMAS. Captain, that thou yield up thy hold to us. + + CAPTAIN. To you! why, do you [137] think me weary of it? + + TECHELLES. Nay, captain, thou art weary of thy life, + If thou withstand the friends of Tamburlaine. + + THERIDAMAS. These pioners [138] of Argier in Africa, + Even in [139] the cannon's face, shall raise a hill + Of earth and faggots higher than thy fort, + And, over thy argins [140] and cover'd ways, + Shall play upon the bulwarks of thy hold + Volleys of ordnance, till the breach be made + That with his ruin fills up all the trench; + And, when we enter in, not heaven itself + Shall ransom thee, thy wife, and family. + + TECHELLES. Captain, these Moors shall cut the leaden pipes + That bring fresh water to thy men and thee, + And lie in trench before thy castle-walls, + That no supply of victual shall come in, + Nor [any] issue forth but they shall die; + And, therefore, captain, yield it quietly. [141] + + CAPTAIN. Were you, that are the friends of Tamburlaine, [142] + Brothers of [143] holy Mahomet himself, + I would not yield it; therefore do your worst: + Raise mounts, batter, intrench, and undermine, + Cut off the water, all convoys that can, [144] + Yet I am [145] resolute: and so, farewell. + [CAPTAIN, OLYMPIA, and SON, retire from the walls.] + + THERIDAMAS. Pioners, away! and where I stuck the stake, + Intrench with those dimensions I prescrib'd; + Cast up the earth towards the castle-wall, + Which, till it may defend you, labour low, + And few or none shall perish by their shot. + + PIONERS. We will, my lord. + [Exeunt PIONERS.] + + TECHELLES. A hundred horse shall scout about the plains, + To spy what force comes to relieve the hold. + Both we, Theridamas, will intrench our men, + And with the Jacob's staff measure the height + And distance of the castle from the trench, + That we may know if our artillery + Will carry full point-blank unto their walls. + + THERIDAMAS. Then see the bringing of our ordnance + Along the trench into [146] the battery, + Where we will have gallions of six foot broad, + To save our cannoneers from musket-shot; + Betwixt which shall our ordnance thunder forth, + And with the breach's fall, smoke, fire, and dust, + The crack, the echo, and the soldiers' cry, + Make deaf the air and dim the crystal sky. + + TECHELLES. Trumpets and drums, alarum presently! + And, soldiers, play the men; the hold [147] is yours! + [Exeunt.] + + + + +SCENE IV. + + Alarms within. Enter the CAPTAIN, with OLYMPIA, and his + SON. + + OLYMPIA. Come, good my lord, and let us haste from hence, + Along the cave that leads beyond the foe: + No hope is left to save this conquer'd hold. + + CAPTAIN. A deadly bullet, gliding through my side, + Lies heavy on my heart; I cannot live: + I feel my liver pierc'd, and all my veins, + That there begin and nourish every part, + Mangled and torn, and all my entrails bath'd + In blood that straineth [148] from their orifex. + Farewell, sweet wife! sweet son, farewell! I die. + [Dies.] + + OLYMPIA. Death, whither art thou gone, that both we live? + Come back again, sweet Death, and strike us both! + One minute and our days, and one sepulchre + Contain our bodies! Death, why com'st thou not + Well, this must be the messenger for thee: + [Drawing a dagger.] + Now, ugly Death, stretch out thy sable wings, + And carry both our souls where his remains.-- + Tell me, sweet boy, art thou content to die? + These barbarous Scythians, full of cruelty, + And Moors, in whom was never pity found, + Will hew us piecemeal, put us to the wheel, + Or else invent some torture worse than that; + Therefore die by thy loving mother's hand, + Who gently now will lance thy ivory throat, + And quickly rid thee both of pain and life. + + SON. Mother, despatch me, or I'll kill myself; + For think you I can live and see him dead? + Give me your knife, good mother, or strike home: [149] + The Scythians shall not tyrannize on me: + Sweet mother, strike, that I may meet my father. + [She stabs him, and he dies.] + + OLYMPIA. Ah, sacred Mahomet, if this be sin, + Entreat a pardon of the God of heaven, + And purge my soul before it come to thee! + [She burns the bodies of her HUSBAND and SON, + and then attempts to kill herself.] + + Enter THERIDAMAS, TECHELLES, and all their train. + + THERIDAMAS. How now, madam! what are you doing? + + OLYMPIA. Killing myself, as I have done my son, + Whose body, with his father's, I have burnt, + Lest cruel Scythians should dismember him. + + TECHELLES. 'Twas bravely done, and like a soldier's wife. + Thou shalt with us to Tamburlaine the Great, + Who, when he hears how resolute thou wert, [150] + Will match thee with a viceroy or a king. + + OLYMPIA. My lord deceas'd was dearer unto me + Than any viceroy, king, or emperor; + And for his sake here will I end my days. + + THERIDAMAS. But, lady, go with us to Tamburlaine, + And thou shalt see a man greater than Mahomet, + In whose high looks is much more majesty, + Than from the concave superficies + Of Jove's vast palace, the empyreal orb, + Unto the shining bower where Cynthia sits, + Like lovely Thetis, in a crystal robe; + That treadeth Fortune underneath his feet, + And makes the mighty god of arms his slave; + On whom Death and the Fatal Sisters wait + With naked swords and scarlet liveries; + Before whom, mounted on a lion's back, + Rhamnusia bears a helmet full of blood, + And strows the way with brains of slaughter'd men; + By whose proud side the ugly Furies run, + Hearkening when he shall bid them plague the world; + Over whose zenith, cloth'd in windy air, + And eagle's wings join'd [151] to her feather'd breast, + Fame hovereth, sounding of [152] her golden trump, + That to the adverse poles of that straight line + Which measureth the glorious frame of heaven + The name of mighty Tamburlaine is spread; + And him, fair lady, shall thy eyes behold. + Come. + + OLYMPIA. Take pity of a lady's ruthful tears, + That humbly craves upon her knees to stay, + And cast her body in the burning flame + That feeds upon her son's and husband's flesh. + + TECHELLES. Madam, sooner shall fire consume us both + Than scorch a face so beautiful as this, + In frame of which Nature hath shew'd more skill + Than when she gave eternal chaos form, + Drawing from it the shining lamps of heaven. + + THERIDAMAS. Madam, I am so far in love with you, + That you must go with us: no remedy. + + OLYMPIA. Then carry me, I care not, where you will, + And let the end of this my fatal journey + Be likewise end to my accursed life. + + TECHELLES. No, madam, but the [153] beginning of your joy: + Come willingly therefore. + + THERIDAMAS. Soldiers, now let us meet the general, + Who by this time is at Natolia, + Ready to charge the army of the Turk. + The gold and [154] silver, and the pearl, ye got, + Rifling this fort, divide in equal shares: + This lady shall have twice so much again + Out of the coffers of our treasury. + [Exeunt.] + + + + +SCENE V. + + Enter CALLAPINE, ORCANES, the KINGS OF JERUSALEM, TREBIZON, + and SORIA, with their train, ALMEDA, and a MESSENGER. + + MESSENGER. Renowmed [155] emperor, mighty [156] Callapine, + God's great lieutenant over all the world, + Here at Aleppo, with an host of men, + Lies Tamburlaine, this king of Persia, + (In number more than are the [157] quivering leaves + Of Ida's forest, where your highness' hounds + With open cry pursue the wounded stag,) + Who means to girt Natolia's walls with siege, + Fire the town, and over-run the land. + + CALLAPINE. My royal army is as great as his, + That, from the bounds of Phrygia to the sea + Which washeth Cyprus with his brinish waves, + Covers the hills, the valleys, and the plains. + Viceroys and peers of Turkey, play the men; + Whet all your [158] swords to mangle Tamburlaine, + His sons, his captains, and his followers: + By Mahomet, not one of them shall live! + The field wherein this battle shall be fought + For ever term'd [159] the Persians' sepulchre, + In memory of this our victory. + + ORCANES. Now he that calls himself the [160] scourge of Jove, + The emperor of the world, and earthly god, + Shall end the warlike progress he intends, + And travel headlong to the lake of hell, + Where legions of devils (knowing he must die + Here in Natolia by your [161] highness' hands), + All brandishing their [162] brands of quenchless fire, + Stretching their monstrous paws, grin with [163] their teeth, + And guard the gates to entertain his soul. + + CALLAPINE. Tell me, viceroys, the number of your men, + And what our army royal is esteem'd. + + KING OF JERUSALEM. From Palestina and Jerusalem, + Of Hebrews three score thousand fighting men + Are come, since last we shew'd your [164] majesty. + + ORCANES. So from Arabia Desert, and the bounds + Of that sweet land whose brave metropolis + Re-edified the fair Semiramis, + Came forty thousand warlike foot and horse, + Since last we number'd to your majesty. + + KING OF TREBIZON. From Trebizon in Asia the Less, + Naturaliz'd Turks and stout Bithynians + Came to my bands, full fifty thousand more, + (That, fighting, know not what retreat doth mean, + Nor e'er return but with the victory,) + Since last we number'd to your majesty. + + KING OF SORIA. Of Sorians [165] from Halla is repair'd, [166] + And neighbour cities of your highness' land, [167] + Ten thousand horse, and thirty thousand foot, + Since last we number'd to your majesty; + So that the army royal is esteem'd + Six hundred thousand valiant fighting men. + + CALLAPINE. Then welcome, Tamburlaine, unto thy death!-- + Come, puissant viceroys, let us to the field + (The Persians' sepulchre), and sacrifice + Mountains of breathless men to Mahomet, + Who now, with Jove, opens the firmament + To see the slaughter of our enemies. + + Enter TAMBURLAINE with his three SONS, CALYPHAS, AMYRAS, + and CELEBINUS; USUMCASANE, and others. + + TAMBURLAINE. How now, Casane! see, a knot of kings, + Sitting as if they were a-telling riddles! + + USUMCASANE. My lord, your presence makes them pale and wan: + Poor souls, they look as if their deaths were near. + + TAMBURLAINE. Why, so he [168] is, Casane; I am here: + But yet I'll save their lives, and make them slaves.-- + Ye petty kings of Turkey, I am come, + As Hector did into the Grecian camp, + To overdare the pride of Graecia, + And set his warlike person to the view + Of fierce Achilles, rival of his fame: + I do you honour in the simile; + For, if I should, as Hector did Achilles, + (The worthiest knight that ever brandish'd sword,) + Challenge in combat any of you all, + I see how fearfully ye would refuse, + And fly my glove as from a scorpion. + + ORCANES. Now, thou art fearful of thy army's strength, + Thou wouldst with overmatch of person fight: + But, shepherd's issue, base-born Tamburlaine, + Think of thy end; this sword shall lance thy throat. + + TAMBURLAINE. Villain, the shepherd's issue (at whose birth + Heaven did afford a gracious aspect, + And join'd those stars that shall be opposite + Even till the dissolution of the world, + And never meant to make a conqueror + So famous as is [169] mighty Tamburlaine) + Shall so torment thee, and that Callapine, + That, like a roguish runaway, suborn'd + That villain there, that slave, that Turkish dog, + To false his service to his sovereign, + As ye shall curse the birth of Tamburlaine. + + CALLAPINE. Rail not, proud Scythian: I shall now revenge + My father's vile abuses and mine own. + + KING OF JERUSALEM. By Mahomet, he shall be tied in chains, + Rowing with Christians in a brigandine + About the Grecian isles to rob and spoil, + And turn him to his ancient trade again: + Methinks the slave should make a lusty thief. + + CALLAPINE. Nay, when the battle ends, all we will meet, + And sit in council to invent some pain + That most may vex his body and his soul. + + TAMBURLAINE. Sirrah Callapine, I'll hang a clog about + your neck for running away again: you shall not + trouble me thus to come and fetch you.-- + But as for you, viceroy[s], you shall have bits, + And, harness'd [170] like my horses, draw my coach; + And, when ye stay, be lash'd with whips of wire: + I'll have you learn to feed on [171] provender, + And in a stable lie upon the planks. + + ORCANES. But, Tamburlaine, first thou shalt [172] kneel to us, + And humbly crave a pardon for thy life. + + KING OF TREBIZON. The common soldiers of our mighty host + Shall bring thee bound unto the [173] general's tent [.] + + KING OF SORIA. And all have jointly sworn thy cruel death, + Or bind thee in eternal torments' wrath. + + TAMBURLAINE. Well, sirs, diet yourselves; you know I + shall have occasion shortly to journey you. + + CELEBINUS. See, father, how Almeda the jailor looks upon us! + + TAMBURLAINE. Villain, traitor, damned fugitive, + I'll make thee wish the earth had swallow'd thee! + See'st thou not death within my wrathful looks? + Go, villain, cast thee headlong from a rock, + Or rip thy bowels, and rent [174] out thy heart, + T' appease my wrath; or else I'll torture thee, + Searing thy hateful flesh with burning irons + And drops of scalding lead, while all thy joints + Be rack'd and beat asunder with the wheel; + For, if thou liv'st, not any element + Shall shroud thee from the wrath of Tamburlaine. + + CALLAPINE. Well, in despite of thee, he shall be king.-- + Come, Almeda; receive this crown of me: + I here invest thee king of Ariadan, + Bordering on Mare Roso, near to Mecca. + + ORCANES. What! take it, man. + + ALMEDA. [to Tamb.] Good my lord, let me take it. + + CALLAPINE. Dost thou ask him leave? here; take it. + + TAMBURLAINE. Go to, sirrah! [175] take your crown, and make up + the half dozen. So, sirrah, now you are a king, you must give + arms. [176] + + ORCANES. So he shall, and wear thy head in his scutcheon. + + TAMBURLAINE. No; [177] let him hang a bunch of keys on his + standard, to put him in remembrance he was a jailor, that, + when I take him, I may knock out his brains with them, + and lock you in the stable, when you shall come sweating + from my chariot. + + KING OF TREBIZON. Away! let us to the field, that the villain + may be slain. + + TAMBURLAINE. Sirrah, prepare whips, and bring my chariot + to my tent; for, as soon as the battle is done, I'll ride + in triumph through the camp. + Enter THERIDAMAS, TECHELLES, and their train. + How now, ye petty kings? lo, here are bugs [178] + Will make the hair stand upright on your heads, + And cast your crowns in slavery at their feet!-- + Welcome, Theridamas and Techelles, both: + See ye this rout, [179] and know ye this same king? + + THERIDAMAS. Ay, my lord; he was Callapine's keeper. + + TAMBURLAINE. Well, now ye see he is a king. Look to him, + Theridamas, when we are fighting, lest he hide his crown + as the foolish king of Persia did. [180] + + KING OF SORIA. No, Tamburlaine; he shall not be put + to that exigent, I warrant thee. + + TAMBURLAINE. You know not, sir.-- + But now, my followers and my loving friends, + Fight as you ever did, like conquerors, + The glory of this happy day is yours. + My stern aspect [181] shall make fair Victory, + Hovering betwixt our armies, light on me, + Loaden with laurel-wreaths to crown us all. + + TECHELLES. I smile to think how, when this field is fought + And rich Natolia ours, our men shall sweat + With carrying pearl and treasure on their backs. + + TAMBURLAINE. You shall be princes all, immediately.-- + Come, fight, ye Turks, or yield us victory. + + ORCANES. No; we will meet thee, slavish Tamburlaine. + [Exeunt severally.] + + + + +ACT IV. + + + + +SCENE I. + + Alarms within. AMYRAS and CELEBINUS issue from the tent + where CALYPHAS sits asleep. [182] + + AMYRAS. Now in their glories shine the golden crowns + Of these proud Turks, much like so many suns + That half dismay the majesty of heaven. + Now, brother, follow we our father's sword, + That flies with fury swifter than our thoughts, + And cuts down armies with his conquering wings. + + CELEBINUS. Call forth our lazy brother from the tent, + For, if my father miss him in the field, + Wrath, kindled in the furnace of his breast, + Will send a deadly lightning to his heart. + + AMYRAS. Brother, ho! what, given so much to sleep, + You cannot [183] leave it, when our enemies' drums + And rattling cannons thunder in our ears + Our proper ruin and our father's foil? + + CALYPHAS. Away, ye fools! my father needs not me, + Nor you, in faith, but that you will be thought + More childish-valourous than manly-wise. + If half our camp should sit and sleep with me, + My father were enough to scare [184] the foe: + You do dishonour to his majesty, + To think our helps will do him any good. + + AMYRAS. What, dar'st thou, then, be absent from the fight, + Knowing my father hates thy cowardice, + And oft hath warn'd thee to be still in field, + When he himself amidst the thickest troops + Beats down our foes, to flesh our taintless swords? + + CALYPHAS. I know, sir, what it is to kill a man; + It works remorse of conscience in me. + I take no pleasure to be murderous, + Nor care for blood when wine will quench my thirst. + + CELEBINUS. O cowardly boy! fie, for shame, come forth! + Thou dost dishonour manhood and thy house. + + CALYPHAS. Go, go, tall [185] stripling, fight you for us both, + And take my other toward brother here, + For person like to prove a second Mars. + 'Twill please my mind as well to hear, both you [186] + Have won a heap of honour in the field, + And left your slender carcasses behind, + As if I lay with you for company. + + AMYRAS. You will not go, then? + + CALYPHAS. You say true. + + AMYRAS. Were all the lofty mounts of Zona Mundi + That fill the midst of farthest Tartary + Turn'd into pearl and proffer'd for my stay, + I would not bide the fury of my father, + When, made a victor in these haughty arms, + He comes and finds his sons have had no shares + In all the honours he propos'd for us. + + CALYPHAS. Take you the honour, I will take my ease; + My wisdom shall excuse my cowardice: + I go into the field before I need! + [Alarms within. AMYRAS and CELEBINUS run out.] + The bullets fly at random where they list; + And, should I [187] go, and kill a thousand men, + I were as soon rewarded with a shot, + And sooner far than he that never fights; + And, should I go, and do no harm nor good, + I might have harm, which all the good I have, + Join'd with my father's crown, would never cure. + I'll to cards.--Perdicas! + + Enter PERDICAS. + + PERDICAS. Here, my lord. + + CALYPHAS. + Come, thou and I will go to cards to drive away the time. + + PERDICAS. Content, my lord: but what shall we play for? + + CALYPHAS. Who shall kiss the fairest of the Turks' concubines + first, when my father hath conquered them. + + PERDICAS. Agreed, i'faith. + [They play.] + + CALYPHAS. They say I am a coward, Perdicas, and I fear + as little their taratantaras, their swords, or their cannons + as I do a naked lady in a net of gold, and, for fear I should be + afraid, would put it off and come to bed with me. + + PERDICAS. Such a fear, my lord, would never make ye retire. + + CALYPHAS. I would my father would let me be put in the front + of such a battle once, to try my valour! [Alarms within.] + What a coil they keep! I believe there will be some hurt done + anon amongst them. + + Enter TAMBURLAINE, THERIDAMAS, TECHELLES, USUMCASANE; + AMYRAS and CELEBINUS leading in ORCANES, and the KINGS + OF JERUSALEM, TREBIZON, and SORIA; and SOLDIERS. + + TAMBURLAINE. + See now, ye [188] slaves, my children stoop your pride, [189] + And lead your bodies [190] sheep-like to the sword!-- + Bring them, my boys, and tell me if the wars + Be not a life that may illustrate gods, + And tickle not your spirits with desire + Still to be train'd in arms and chivalry? + + AMYRAS. Shall we let go these kings again, my lord, + To gather greater numbers 'gainst our power, + That they may say, it is not chance doth this, + But matchless strength and magnanimity? + + TAMBURLAINE. No, no, Amyras; tempt not Fortune so: + Cherish thy valour still with fresh supplies, + And glut it not with stale and daunted foes. + But where's this coward villain, not my son, + But traitor to my name and majesty? + [He goes in and brings CALYPHAS out.] + Image of sloth, and picture of a slave, + The obloquy and scorn of my renown! + How may my heart, thus fired with mine [191] eyes, + Wounded with shame and kill'd with discontent, + Shroud any thought may [192] hold my striving hands + ]From martial justice on thy wretched soul? + + THERIDAMAS. Yet pardon him, I pray your majesty. + + TECHELLES and USUMCASANE. + Let all of us entreat your highness' pardon. + + TAMBURLAINE. Stand up, [193] ye base, unworthy soldiers! + Know ye not yet the argument of arms? + + AMYRAS. Good my lord, let him be forgiven for once, [194] + And we will force him to the field hereafter. + + TAMBURLAINE. Stand up, my boys, and I will teach ye arms, + And what the jealousy of wars must do.-- + O Samarcanda, where I breathed first, + And joy'd the fire of this martial [195] flesh, + Blush, blush, fair city, at thine [196] honour's foil, + And shame of nature, which [197] Jaertis' [198] stream, + Embracing thee with deepest of his love, + Can never wash from thy distained brows!-- + Here, Jove, receive his fainting soul again; + A form not meet to give that subject essence + Whose matter is the flesh of Tamburlaine, + Wherein an incorporeal [199] spirit moves, + Made of the mould whereof thyself consists, + Which makes me valiant, proud, ambitious, + Ready to levy power against thy throne, + That I might move the turning spheres of heaven; + For earth and all this airy region + Cannot contain the state of Tamburlaine. + [Stabs CALYPHAS.] + By Mahomet, thy mighty friend, I swear, + In sending to my issue such a soul, + Created of the massy dregs of earth, + The scum and tartar of the elements, + Wherein was neither courage, strength, or wit, + But folly, sloth, and damned idleness, + Thou hast procur'd a greater enemy + Than he that darted mountains at thy head, + Shaking the burden mighty Atlas bears, + Whereat thou trembling hidd'st thee in the air, + Cloth'd with a pitchy cloud for being seen.-- [200] + And now, ye canker'd curs of Asia, + That will not see the strength of Tamburlaine, + Although it shine as brightly as the sun, + Now you shall [201] feel the strength of Tamburlaine, + And, by the state of his supremacy, + Approve [202] the difference 'twixt himself and you. + + ORCANES. Thou shew'st the difference 'twixt ourselves and thee, + In this thy barbarous damned tyranny. + + KING OF JERUSALEM. Thy victories are grown so violent, + That shortly heaven, fill'd with the meteors + Of blood and fire thy tyrannies have made, + Will pour down blood and fire on thy head, + Whose scalding drops will pierce thy seething brains, + And, with our bloods, revenge our bloods [203] on thee. + + TAMBURLAINE. Villains, these terrors, and these tyrannies + (If tyrannies war's justice ye repute), + I execute, enjoin'd me from above, + To scourge the pride of such as Heaven abhors; + Nor am I made arch-monarch of the world, + Crown'd and invested by the hand of Jove, + For deeds of bounty or nobility; + But, since I exercise a greater name, + The scourge of God and terror of the world, + I must apply myself to fit those terms, + In war, in blood, in death, in cruelty, + And plague such peasants [204] as resist in [205] me + The power of Heaven's eternal majesty.-- + Theridamas, Techelles, and Casane, [206] + Ransack the tents and the pavilions + Of these proud Turks, and take their concubines, + Making them bury this effeminate brat; + For not a common soldier shall defile + His manly fingers with so faint a boy: + Then bring those Turkish harlots to my tent, + And I'll dispose them as it likes me best.-- + Meanwhile, take him in. + + SOLDIERS. We will, my lord. + [Exeunt with the body of CALYPHAS.] + + KING OF JERUSALEM. O damned monster! nay, a fiend of hell, + Whose cruelties are not so harsh as thine, + Nor yet impos'd with such a bitter hate! + + ORCANES. Revenge it, [207] Rhadamanth and Aeacus, + And let your hates, extended in his pains, + Excel [208] the hate wherewith he pains our souls! + + KING OF TREBIZON. May never day give virtue to his eyes, + Whose sight, compos'd of fury and of fire, + Doth send such stern affections to his heart! + + KING OF SORIA. May never spirit, vein, or artier, [209] feed + The cursed substance of that cruel heart; + But, wanting moisture and remorseful [210] blood, + Dry up with anger, and consume with heat! + + TAMBURLAINE. Well, bark, ye dogs: I'll bridle all your tongues, + And bind them close with bits of burnish'd steel, + Down to the channels of your hateful throats; + And, with the pains my rigour shall inflict, + I'll make ye roar, that earth may echo forth + The far-resounding torments ye sustain; + As when an herd of lusty Cimbrian bulls + Run mourning round about the females' miss, [211] + And, stung with fury of their following, + Fill all the air with troublous bellowing. + I will, with engines never exercis'd, + Conquer, sack, and utterly consume + Your cities and your golden palaces, + And, with the flames that beat against the clouds, + Incense the heavens, and make the stars to melt, + As if they were the tears of Mahomet + For hot consumption of his country's pride; + And, till by vision or by speech I hear + Immortal Jove say "Cease, my Tamburlaine," + I will persist a terror to the world, + Making the meteors (that, like armed men, + Are seen to march upon the towers of heaven) + Run tilting round about the firmament, + And break their burning lances in the air, + For honour of my wondrous victories.-- + Come, bring them in to our pavilion. + [Exeunt.] + + + + +SCENE II. + + Enter OLYMPIA. + + OLYMPIA. Distress'd Olympia, whose weeping eyes, + Since thy arrival here, behold [212] no sun, + But, clos'd within the compass of a [213] tent, + Have [214] stain'd thy cheeks, and made thee look like death, + Devise some means to rid thee of thy life, + Rather than yield to his detested suit, + Whose drift is only to dishonour thee; + And, since this earth, dew'd with thy brinish tears, + Affords no herbs whose taste may poison thee, + Nor yet this air, beat often with thy sighs, + Contagious smells and vapours to infect thee, + Nor thy close cave a sword to murder thee, + Let this invention be the instrument. + + Enter THERIDAMAS. + + THERIDAMAS. Well met, Olympia: I sought thee in my tent, + But, when I saw the place obscure and dark, + Which with thy beauty thou wast wont to light, + Enrag'd, I ran about the fields for thee, + Supposing amorous Jove had sent his son, + The winged Hermes, to convey thee hence; + But now I find thee, and that fear is past, + Tell me, Olympia, wilt thou grant my suit? + + OLYMPIA. My lord and husband's death, with my sweet son's, + (With whom I buried all affections + Save grief and sorrow, which torment my heart,) + Forbids my mind to entertain a thought + That tends to love, but meditate on death, + A fitter subject for a pensive soul. + + THERIDAMAS. Olympia, pity him in whom thy looks + Have greater operation and more force + Than Cynthia's in the watery wilderness; + For with thy view my joys are at the full, + And ebb again as thou depart'st from me. + + OLYMPIA. Ah, pity me, my lord, and draw your sword, + Making a passage for my troubled soul, + Which beats against this prison to get out, + And meet my husband and my loving son! + + THERIDAMAS. Nothing but still thy husband and thy son? + Leave this, my love, and listen more to me: + Thou shalt be stately queen of fair Argier; + And, cloth'd in costly cloth of massy gold, + Upon the marble turrets of my court + Sit like to Venus in her chair of state, + Commanding all thy princely eye desires; + And I will cast off arms to [215] sit with thee, + Spending my life in sweet discourse of love. + + OLYMPIA. No such discourse is pleasant in [216] mine ears, + But that where every period ends with death, + And every line begins with death again: + I cannot love, to be an emperess. + + THERIDAMAS. Nay, lady, then, if nothing will prevail, + I'll use some other means to make you yield: + Such is the sudden fury of my love, + I must and will be pleas'd, and you shall yield: + Come to the tent again. + + OLYMPIA. Stay now, my lord; and, will you [217] save my honour, + I'll give your grace a present of such price + As all the world can not afford the like. + + THERIDAMAS. What is it? + + OLYMPIA. An ointment which a cunning alchymist + Distilled from the purest balsamum + And simplest extracts of all minerals, + In which the essential form of marble stone, + Temper'd by science metaphysical, + And spells of magic from the mouths [218] of spirits, + With which if you but 'noint your tender skin, + Nor pistol, sword, nor lance, can pierce your flesh. + + THERIDAMAS. Why, madam, think you to mock me thus palpably? + + OLYMPIA. To prove it, I will 'noint my naked throat, + Which when you stab, look on your weapon's point, + And you shall see't rebated [219] with the blow. + + THERIDAMAS. Why gave you not your husband some of it, + If you lov'd him, and it so precious? + + OLYMPIA. My purpose was, my lord, to spend it so, + But was prevented by his sudden end; + And for a present easy proof thereof, [220] + That I dissemble not, try it on me. + + THERIDAMAS. I will, Olympia, and will [221] keep it for + The richest present of this eastern world. + [She anoints her throat. [222]] + + OLYMPIA. Now stab, my lord, and mark your weapon's point, + That will be blunted if the blow be great. + + THERIDAMAS. Here, then, Olympia.-- + [Stabs her.] + What, have I slain her? Villain, stab thyself! + Cut off this arm that at murdered my [223] love, + In whom the learned Rabbis of this age + Might find as many wondrous miracles + As in the theoria of the world! + Now hell is fairer than Elysium; [224] + A greater lamp than that bright eye of heaven, + ]From whence the stars do borrow [225] all their light, + Wanders about the black circumference; + And now the damned souls are free from pain, + For every Fury gazeth on her looks; + Infernal Dis is courting of my love, + Inventing masks and stately shows for her, + Opening the doors of his rich treasury + To entertain this queen of chastity; + Whose body shall be tomb'd with all the pomp + The treasure of my [226] kingdom may afford. + [Exit with the body.] + + + + +SCENE III. + + Enter TAMBURLAINE, drawn in his chariot by the KINGS OF + TREBIZON and SORIA, [227] with bits in their mouths, + reins in his [228] left hand, and in his right hand a whip + with which he scourgeth them; AMYRAS, CELEBINUS, TECHELLES, + THERIDAMAS, USUMCASANE; ORCANES king of Natolia, and the + KING OF JERUSALEM, led by five [229] or six common SOLDIERS; + and other SOLDIERS. + + TAMBURLAINE. Holla, ye pamper'd jades of Asia! [230] + What, can ye draw but twenty miles a-day, + And have so proud a chariot at your heels, + And such a coachman as great Tamburlaine, + But from Asphaltis, where I conquer'd you, + To Byron here, where thus I honour you? + The horse that guide the golden eye of heaven, + And blow the morning from their nostrils, [231] + Making their fiery gait above the clouds, + Are not so honour'd in [232] their governor + As you, ye slaves, in mighty Tamburlaine. + The headstrong jades of Thrace Alcides tam'd, + That King Aegeus fed with human flesh, + And made so wanton that they knew their strengths, + Were not subdu'd with valour more divine + Than you by this unconquer'd arm of mine. + To make you fierce, and fit my appetite, + You shall be fed with flesh as raw as blood, + And drink in pails the strongest muscadel: + If you can live with it, then live, and draw + My chariot swifter than the racking [233] clouds; + If not, then die like beasts, and fit for naught + But perches for the black and fatal ravens. + Thus am I right the scourge of highest Jove; + And see the figure of my dignity, + By which I hold my name and majesty! + + AMYRAS. Let me have coach, [234] my lord, that I may ride, + And thus be drawn by [235] these two idle kings. + + TAMBURLAINE. Thy youth forbids such ease, my kingly boy: + They shall to-morrow draw my chariot, + While these their fellow-kings may be refresh'd. + + ORCANES. O thou that sway'st the region under earth, + And art a king as absolute as Jove, + Come as thou didst in fruitful Sicily, + Surveying all the glories of the land, + And as thou took'st the fair Proserpina, + Joying the fruit of Ceres' garden-plot, [236] + For love, for honour, and to make her queen, + So, for just hate, for shame, and to subdue + This proud contemner of thy dreadful power, + Come once in fury, and survey his pride, + Haling him headlong to the lowest hell! + + THERIDAMAS. Your majesty must get some bits for these, + To bridle their contemptuous cursing tongues, + That, like unruly never-broken jades, + Break through the hedges of their hateful mouths, + And pass their fixed bounds exceedingly. + + TECHELLES. Nay, we will break the hedges of their mouths, + And pull their kicking colts [237] out of their pastures. + + USUMCASANE. Your majesty already hath devis'd + A mean, as fit as may be, to restrain + These coltish coach-horse tongues from blasphemy. + + CELEBINUS. How like you that, sir king? why speak you not? + + KING OF JERUSALEM. Ah, cruel brat, sprung from a tyrant's loins! + How like his cursed father he begins + To practice taunts and bitter tyrannies! + + TAMBURLAINE. Ay, Turk, I tell thee, this same [238] boy is he + That must (advanc'd in higher pomp than this) + Rifle the kingdoms I shall leave unsack'd, + If Jove, esteeming me too good for earth, + Raise me, to match [239] the fair Aldeboran, + Above [240] the threefold astracism of heaven, + Before I conquer all the triple world.-- + Now fetch me out the Turkish concubines: + I will prefer them for the funeral + They have bestow'd on my abortive son. + [The CONCUBINES are brought in.] + Where are my common soldiers now, that fought + So lion-like upon Asphaltis' plains? + + SOLDIERS. Here, my lord. + + TAMBURLAINE. + Hold ye, tall [241] soldiers, take ye queens a-piece,-- + I mean such queens as were kings' concubines; + Take them; divide them, and their [242] jewels too, + And let them equally serve all your turns. + + SOLDIERS. We thank your majesty. + + TAMBURLAINE. Brawl not, I warn you, for your lechery; + For every man that so offends shall die. + + ORCANES. Injurious tyrant, wilt thou so defame + The hateful fortunes of thy victory, + To exercise upon such guiltless dames + The violence of thy common soldiers' lust? + + TAMBURLAINE. + Live continent, [243] then, ye slaves, and meet not me + With troops of harlots at your slothful heels. + + CONCUBINES. O, pity us, my lord, and save our honours! + + TAMBURLAINE. Are ye not gone, ye villains, with your spoils? + [The SOLDIERS run away with the CONCUBINES.] + + KING OF JERUSALEM. O, merciless, infernal cruelty! + + TAMBURLAINE. Save your honours! 'twere but time indeed, + Lost long before ye knew what honour meant. + + THERIDAMAS. It seems they meant to conquer us, my lord, + And make us jesting pageants for their trulls. + + TAMBURLAINE. And now themselves shall make our pageant, + And common soldiers jest [244] with all their trulls. + Let them take pleasure soundly in their spoils, + Till we prepare our march to Babylon, + Whither we next make expedition. + + TECHELLES. Let us not be idle, then, my lord, + But presently be prest [245] to conquer it. + + TAMBURLAINE. We will, Techelles.--Forward, then, ye jades! + Now crouch, ye kings of greatest Asia, + And tremble, when ye hear this scourge will come + That whips down cities and controlleth crowns, + Adding their wealth and treasure to my store. + The Euxine sea, north to Natolia; + The Terrene, [246] west; the Caspian, north northeast; + And on the south, Sinus Arabicus; + Shall all [247] be loaden with the martial spoils + We will convey with us to Persia. + Then shall my native city Samarcanda, + And crystal waves of fresh Jaertis' [248] stream, + The pride and beauty of her princely seat, + Be famous through the furthest [249] continents; + For there my palace royal shall be plac'd, + Whose shining turrets shall dismay the heavens, + And cast the fame of Ilion's tower to hell: + Thorough [250] the streets, with troops of conquer'd kings, + I'll ride in golden armour like the sun; + And in my helm a triple plume shall spring, + Spangled with diamonds, dancing in the air, + To note me emperor of the three-fold world; + Like to an almond-tree [251] y-mounted [252] high + Upon the lofty and celestial mount + Of ever-green Selinus, [253] quaintly deck'd + With blooms more white than Erycina's [254] brows, [255] + Whose tender blossoms tremble every one + At every little breath that thorough heaven [256] is blown. + Then in my coach, like Saturn's royal son + Mounted his shining chariot [257] gilt with fire, + And drawn with princely eagles through the path + Pav'd with bright crystal and enchas'd with stars, + When all the gods stand gazing at his pomp, + So will I ride through Samarcanda-streets, + Until my soul, dissever'd from this flesh, + Shall mount the milk-white way, and meet him there. + To Babylon, my lords, to Babylon! + [Exeunt.] + + + + +ACT V. + + + + +SCENE I. + + Enter the GOVERNOR OF BABYLON, MAXIMUS, and others, upon + the walls. + + GOVERNOR. What saith Maximus? + + MAXIMUS. My lord, the breach the enemy hath made + Gives such assurance of our overthrow, + That little hope is left to save our lives, + Or hold our city from the conqueror's hands. + Then hang out [258] flags, my lord, of humble truce, + And satisfy the people's general prayers, + That Tamburlaine's intolerable wrath + May be suppress'd by our submission. + + GOVERNOR. Villain, respect'st thou [259] more thy slavish life + Than honour of thy country or thy name? + Is not my life and state as dear to me, + The city and my native country's weal, + As any thing of [260] price with thy conceit? + Have we not hope, for all our batter'd walls, + To live secure and keep his forces out, + When this our famous lake of Limnasphaltis + Makes walls a-fresh with every thing that falls + Into the liquid substance of his stream, + More strong than are the gates of death or hell? + What faintness should dismay our courages, + When we are thus defenc'd against our foe, + And have no terror but his threatening looks? + + Enter, above, a CITIZEN, who kneels to the GOVERNOR. + + CITIZEN. My lord, if ever you did deed of ruth, + And now will work a refuge to our lives, + Offer submission, hang up flags of truce, + That Tamburlaine may pity our distress, + And use us like a loving conqueror. + Though this be held his last day's dreadful siege, + Wherein he spareth neither man nor child, + Yet are there Christians of Georgia here, + Whose state he [261] ever pitied and reliev'd, + Will get his pardon, if your grace would send. + + GOVERNOR. How [262] is my soul environed! + And this eterniz'd [263] city Babylon + Fill'd with a pack of faint-heart fugitives + That thus entreat their shame and servitude! + + Enter, above, a SECOND CITIZEN. + + SECOND CITIZEN. My lord, if ever you will win our hearts, + Yield up the town, and [264] save our wives and children; + For I will cast myself from off these walls, + Or die some death of quickest violence, + Before I bide the wrath of Tamburlaine. + + GOVERNOR. Villains, cowards, traitors to our state! + Fall to the earth, and pierce the pit of hell, + That legions of tormenting spirits may vex + Your slavish bosoms with continual pains! + I care not, nor the town will never yield + As long as any life is in my breast. + + Enter THERIDAMAS and TECHELLES, with SOLDIERS. + + THERIDAMAS. Thou desperate governor of Babylon, + To save thy life, and us a little labour, + Yield speedily the city to our hands, + Or else be sure thou shalt be forc'd with pains + More exquisite than ever traitor felt. + + GOVERNOR. Tyrant, I turn the traitor in thy throat, + And will defend it in despite of thee.-- + Call up the soldiers to defend these walls. + + TECHELLES. Yield, foolish governor; we offer more + Than ever yet we did to such proud slaves + As durst resist us till our third day's siege. + Thou seest us prest [265] to give the last assault, + And that shall bide no more regard of parle. [266] + + GOVERNOR. Assault and spare not; we will never yield. + [Alarms: and they scale the walls.] + + Enter TAMBURLAINE, drawn in his chariot (as before) by the + KINGS OF TREBIZON and SORIA; AMYRAS, CELEBINUS, USUMCASANE; + ORCANES king of Natolia, and the KING OF JERUSALEM, led by + SOLDIERS; [267] and others. + + TAMBURLAINE. The stately buildings of fair Babylon, + Whose lofty pillars, higher than the clouds, + Were wont to guide the seaman in the deep, + Being carried thither by the cannon's force, + Now fill the mouth of Limnasphaltis' lake, + And make a bridge unto the batter'd walls. + Where Belus, Ninus, and great Alexander + Have rode in triumph, triumphs Tamburlaine, + Whose chariot-wheels have burst [268] th' Assyrians' bones, + Drawn with these kings on heaps of carcasses. + Now in the place, where fair Semiramis, + Courted by kings and peers of Asia, + Hath trod the measures, [269] do my soldiers march; + And in the streets, where brave Assyrian dames + Have rid in pomp like rich Saturnia, + With furious words and frowning visages + My horsemen brandish their unruly blades. + Re-enter THERIDAMAS and TECHELLES, bringing in the + GOVERNOR OF BABYLON. + Who have ye there, my lords? + + THERIDAMAS. The sturdy governor of Babylon, + That made us all the labour for the town, + And us'd such slender reckoning of [270] your majesty. + + TAMBURLAINE. Go, bind the villain; he shall hang in chains + Upon the ruins of this conquer'd town.-- + Sirrah, the view of our vermilion tents + (Which threaten'd more than if the region + Next underneath the element of fire + Were full of comets and of blazing stars, + Whose flaming trains should reach down to the earth) + Could not affright you; no, nor I myself, + The wrathful messenger of mighty Jove, + That with his sword hath quail'd all earthly kings, + Could not persuade you to submission, + But still the ports [271] were shut: villain, I say, + Should I but touch the rusty gates of hell, + The triple-headed Cerberus would howl, + And make [272] black Jove to crouch and kneel to me; + But I have sent volleys of shot to you, + Yet could not enter till the breach was made. + + GOVERNOR. Nor, if my body could have stopt the breach, + Shouldst thou have enter'd, cruel Tamburlaine. + 'Tis not thy bloody tents can make me yield, + Nor yet thyself, the anger of the Highest; + For, though thy cannon shook the city-walls, [273] + My heart did never quake, or courage faint. + + TAMBURLAINE. Well, now I'll make it quake.--Go draw him [274] up, + Hang him in [275] chains upon the city-walls, + And let my soldiers shoot the slave to death. + + GOVERNOR. Vile monster, born of some infernal hag, + And sent from hell to tyrannize on earth, + Do all thy worst; nor death, nor Tamburlaine, + Torture, or pain, can daunt my dreadless mind. + + TAMBURLAINE. Up with him, then! his body shall be scar'd. [276] + + GOVERNOR. But, Tamburlaine, in Limnasphaltis' lake + There lies more gold than Babylon is worth, + Which, when the city was besieg'd, I hid: + Save but my life, and I will give it thee. + + TAMBURLAINE. + Then, for all your valour, you would save your life? + Whereabout lies it? + + GOVERNOR. Under a hollow bank, right opposite + Against the western gate of Babylon. + + TAMBURLAINE. Go thither, some of you, and take his gold:-- + [Exeunt some ATTENDANTS.] + The rest forward with execution. + Away with him hence, let him speak no more.-- + I think I make your courage something quail.-- + [Exeunt ATTENDANTS with the GOVERNOR or BABYLON.] + When this is done, we'll march from Babylon, + And make our greatest haste to Persia. + These jades are broken-winded and half-tir'd; + Unharness them, and let me have fresh horse. + [ATTENDANTS unharness the KINGS or TREBIZON and SORIA] + So; now their best is done to honour me, + Take them and hang them both up presently. + + KING OF TREBIZON. + Vile [277] tyrant! barbarous bloody Tamburlaine! + + TAMBURLAINE. Take them away, Theridamas; see them despatch'd. + + THERIDAMAS. I will, my lord. + [Exit with the KINGS or TREBIZON and SORIA.] + + TAMBURLAINE. Come, Asian viceroys; to your tasks a while, + And take such fortune as your fellows felt. + + ORCANES. First let thy Scythian horse tear both our limbs, + Rather than we should draw thy chariot, + And, like base slaves, abject our princely minds + To vile and ignominious servitude. + + KING OF JERUSALEM. Rather lend me thy weapon, Tamburlaine, + That I may sheathe it in this breast of mine. + A thousand deaths could not torment our hearts + More than the thought of this doth vex our souls. + + AMYRAS. + They will talk still, my lord, if you do not bridle them. + + TAMBURLAINE. Bridle them, and let me to my coach. + + [ATTENDANTS bridle ORCANES king of Natolia, and the + KING OF JERUSALEM, and harness them to the chariot.-- + The GOVERNOR OF BABYLON appears hanging in chains + on the walls.--Re-enter THERIDAMAS.] + + AMYRAS. See, now, my lord, how brave the captain hangs! + + TAMBURLAINE. 'Tis brave indeed, my boy:--well done!-- + Shoot first, my lord, and then the rest shall follow. + + THERIDAMAS. Then have at him, to begin withal. + [THERIDAMAS shoots at the GOVERNOR.] + + GOVERNOR. Yet save my life, and let this wound appease + The mortal fury of great Tamburlaine! + + TAMBURLAINE. No, though Asphaltis' lake were liquid gold, + And offer'd me as ransom for thy life, + Yet shouldst thou die.--Shoot at him all at once. + [They shoot.] + So, now he hangs like Bagdet's [278] governor, + Having as many bullets in his flesh + As there be breaches in her batter'd wall. + Go now, and bind the burghers hand and foot, + And cast them headlong in the city's lake. + Tartars and Persians shall inhabit there; + And, to command the city, I will build + A citadel, [279] that all Africa, + Which hath been subject to the Persian king, + Shall pay me tribute for in Babylon. + + TECHELLES. + What shall be done with their wives and children, my lord? + + TAMBURLAINE. Techelles, drown them all, man, woman, and child; + Leave not a Babylonian in the town. + + TECHELLES. I will about it straight.--Come, soldiers. + [Exit with SOLDIERS.] + + TAMBURLAINE. Now, Casane, where's the Turkish Alcoran, + And all the heaps of superstitious books + Found in the temples of that Mahomet + Whom I have thought a god? they shall be burnt. + + USUMCASANE. Here they are, my lord. + + TAMBURLAINE. Well said! [280] let there be a fire presently. + [They light a fire.] + In vain, I see, men worship Mahomet: + My sword hath sent millions of Turks to hell, + Slew all his priests, his kinsmen, and his friends, + And yet I live untouch'd by Mahomet. + There is a God, full of revenging wrath, + ]From whom the thunder and the lightning breaks, + Whose scourge I am, and him will I [281] obey. + So, Casane; fling them in the fire.-- + [They burn the books.] + Now, Mahomet, if thou have any power, + Come down thyself and work a miracle: + Thou art not worthy to be worshipped + That suffer'st [282] flames of fire to burn the writ + Wherein the sum of thy religion rests: + Why send'st [283] thou not a furious whirlwind down, + To blow thy Alcoran up to thy throne, + Where men report thou sitt'st [284] by God himself? + Or vengeance on the head [285] of Tamburlaine + That shakes his sword against thy majesty, + And spurns the abstracts of thy foolish laws?-- + Well, soldiers, Mahomet remains in hell; + He cannot hear the voice of Tamburlaine: + Seek out another godhead to adore; + The God that sits in heaven, if any god, + For he is God alone, and none but he. + + Re-enter TECHELLES. + + TECHELLES. I have fulfill'd your highness' will, my lord: + Thousands of men, drown'd in Asphaltis' lake, + Have made the water swell above the banks, + And fishes, fed [286] by human carcasses, + Amaz'd, swim up and down upon [287] the waves, + As when they swallow assafoetida, + Which makes them fleet [288] aloft and gape [289] for air. + + TAMBURLAINE. Well, then, my friendly lords, what now remains, + But that we leave sufficient garrison, + And presently depart to Persia, + To triumph after all our victories? + + THERIDAMAS. Ay, good my lord, let us in [290] haste to Persia; + And let this captain be remov'd the walls + To some high hill about the city here. + + TAMBURLAINE. Let it be so;--about it, soldiers;-- + But stay; I feel myself distemper'd suddenly. + + TECHELLES. What is it dares distemper Tamburlaine? + + TAMBURLAINE. Something, Techelles; but I know not what.-- + But, forth, ye vassals! [291] whatsoe'er [292] it be, + Sickness or death can never conquer me. + [Exeunt.] + + + + +SCENE II. + + Enter CALLAPINE, KING OF AMASIA, a CAPTAIN, and train, + with drums and trumpets. + + CALLAPINE. King of Amasia, now our mighty host + Marcheth in Asia Major, where the streams + Of Euphrates [293] and Tigris swiftly run; + And here may we [294] behold great Babylon, + Circled about with Limnasphaltis' lake, + Where Tamburlaine with all his army lies, + Which being faint and weary with the siege, + We may lie ready to encounter him + Before his host be full from Babylon, + And so revenge our latest grievous loss, + If God or Mahomet send any aid. + + KING OF AMASIA. Doubt not, my lord, but we shall conquer him: + The monster that hath drunk a sea of blood, + And yet gapes still for more to quench his thirst, + Our Turkish swords shall headlong send to hell; + And that vile carcass, drawn by warlike kings, + The fowls shall eat; for never sepulchre + Shall grace this [295] base-born tyrant Tamburlaine. + + CALLAPINE. When I record [296] my parents' slavish life, + Their cruel death, mine own captivity, + My viceroys' bondage under Tamburlaine, + Methinks I could sustain a thousand deaths, + To be reveng'd of all his villany.-- + Ah, sacred Mahomet, thou that hast seen + Millions of Turks perish by Tamburlaine, + Kingdoms made waste, brave cities sack'd and burnt, + And but one host is left to honour thee, + Aid [297] thy obedient servant Callapine, + And make him, after all these overthrows, + To triumph over cursed Tamburlaine! + + KING OF AMASIA. Fear not, my lord: I see great Mahomet, + Clothed in purple clouds, and on his head + A chaplet brighter than Apollo's crown, + Marching about the air with armed men, + To join with you against this Tamburlaine. + + CAPTAIN. Renowmed [298] general, mighty Callapine, + Though God himself and holy Mahomet + Should come in person to resist your power, + Yet might your mighty host encounter all, + And pull proud Tamburlaine upon his knees + To sue for mercy at your highness' feet. + + CALLAPINE. Captain, the force of Tamburlaine is great, + His fortune greater, and the victories + Wherewith he hath so sore dismay'd the world + Are greatest to discourage all our drifts; + Yet, when the pride of Cynthia is at full, + She wanes again; and so shall his, I hope; + For we have here the chief selected men + Of twenty several kingdoms at the least; + Nor ploughman, priest, nor merchant, stays at home; + All Turkey is in arms with Callapine; + And never will we sunder camps and arms + Before himself or his be conquered: + This is the time that must eternize me + For conquering the tyrant of the world. + Come, soldiers, let us lie in wait for him, + And, if we find him absent from his camp, + Or that it be rejoin'd again at full, + Assail it, and be sure of victory. + [Exeunt.] + + + + +SCENE III. + + Enter THERIDAMAS, TECHELLES, and USUMCASANE. + + THERIDAMAS. Weep, heavens, and vanish into liquid tears! + Fall, stars that govern his nativity, + And summon all the shining lamps of heaven + To cast their bootless fires to the earth, + And shed their feeble influence in the air; + Muffle your beauties with eternal clouds; + For Hell and Darkness pitch their pitchy tents, + And Death, with armies of Cimmerian spirits, + Gives battle 'gainst the heart of Tamburlaine! + Now, in defiance of that wonted love + Your sacred virtues pour'd upon his throne, + And made his state an honour to the heavens, + These cowards invisibly [299] assail his soul, + And threaten conquest on our sovereign; + But, if he die, your glories are disgrac'd, + Earth droops, and says that hell in heaven is plac'd! + + TECHELLES. O, then, ye powers that sway eternal seats, + And guide this massy substance of the earth, + If you retain desert of holiness, + As your supreme estates instruct our thoughts, + Be not inconstant, careless of your fame, + Bear not the burden of your enemies' joys, + Triumphing in his fall whom you advanc'd; + But, as his birth, life, health, and majesty + Were strangely blest and governed by heaven, + So honour, heaven, (till heaven dissolved be,) + His birth, his life, his health, and majesty! + + USUMCASANE. Blush, heaven, to lose the honour of thy name, + To see thy footstool set upon thy head; + And let no baseness in thy haughty breast + Sustain a shame of such inexcellence, [300] + To see the devils mount in angels' thrones, + And angels dive into the pools of hell! + And, though they think their painful date is out, + And that their power is puissant as Jove's, + Which makes them manage arms against thy state, + Yet make them feel the strength of Tamburlaine + (Thy instrument and note of majesty) + Is greater far than they can thus subdue; + For, if he die, thy glory is disgrac'd, + Earth droops, and says that hell in heaven is plac'd! + + Enter TAMBURLAINE, [301] drawn in his chariot (as before) + by ORCANES king of Natolia, and the KING OF JERUSALEM, + AMYRAS, CELEBINUS, and Physicians. + + TAMBURLAINE. What daring god torments my body thus, + And seeks to conquer mighty Tamburlaine? + Shall sickness prove me now to be a man, + That have been term'd the terror of the world? + Techelles and the rest, come, take your swords, + And threaten him whose hand afflicts my soul: + Come, let us march against the powers of heaven, + And set black streamers in the firmament, + To signify the slaughter of the gods. + Ah, friends, what shall I do? I cannot stand. + Come, carry me to war against the gods, + That thus envy the health of Tamburlaine. + + THERIDAMAS. Ah, good my lord, leave these impatient words, + Which add much danger to your malady! + + TAMBURLAINE. Why, shall I sit and languish in this pain? + No, strike the drums, and, in revenge of this, + Come, let us charge our spears, and pierce his breast + Whose shoulders bear the axis of the world, + That, if I perish, heaven and earth may fade. + Theridamas, haste to the court of Jove; + Will him to send Apollo hither straight, + To cure me, or I'll fetch him down myself. + + TECHELLES. + Sit still, my gracious lord; this grief will cease, [302] + And cannot last, it is so violent. + + TAMBURLAINE. Not last, Techelles! no, for I shall die. + See, where my slave, the ugly monster Death, + Shaking and quivering, pale and wan for fear, + Stands aiming at me with his murdering dart, + Who flies away at every glance I give, + And, when I look away, comes stealing on!-- + Villain, away, and hie thee to the field! + I and mine army come to load thy back + With souls of thousand mangled carcasses.-- + Look, where he goes! but, see, he comes again, + Because I stay! Techelles, let us march, + And weary Death with bearing souls to hell. + + FIRST PHYSICIAN. Pleaseth your majesty to drink this potion, + Which will abate the fury of your fit, + And cause some milder spirits govern you. + + TAMBURLAINE. Tell me what think you of my sickness now? + + FIRST PHYSICIAN. I view'd your urine, and the hypostasis, [303] + Thick and obscure, doth make your danger great: + Your veins are full of accidental heat, + Whereby the moisture of your blood is dried: + The humidum and calor, which some hold + Is not a parcel of the elements, + But of a substance more divine and pure, + Is almost clean extinguished and spent; + Which, being the cause of life, imports your death: + Besides, my lord, this day is critical, + Dangerous to those whose crisis is as yours: + Your artiers, [304] which alongst the veins convey + The lively spirits which the heart engenders, + Are parch'd and void of spirit, that the soul, + Wanting those organons by which it moves, + Cannot endure, by argument of art. + Yet, if your majesty may escape this day, + No doubt but you shall soon recover all. + + TAMBURLAINE. Then will I comfort all my vital parts, + And live, in spite of death, above a day. + [Alarms within.] + + Enter a Messenger. + + MESSENGER. My lord, young Callapine, that lately fled + from your majesty, hath now gathered a fresh army, and, + hearing your absence in the field, offers to set upon [305] us + presently. + + TAMBURLAINE. See, my physicians, now, how Jove hath sent + A present medicine to recure my pain! + My looks shall make them fly; and, might I follow, + There should not one of all the villain's power + Live to give offer of another fight. + + USUMCASANE. I joy, my lord, your highness is so strong, + That can endure so well your royal presence, + Which only will dismay the enemy. + + TAMBURLAINE. I know it will, Casane.--Draw, you slaves! + In spite of death, I will go shew my face. + [Alarms. Exit TAMBURLAINE with all the rest (except the + PHYSICIANS), and re-enter presently.] + + TAMBURLAINE. Thus are the villain cowards [306] fled for fear, + Like summer's vapours vanish'd by the sun; + And, could I but a while pursue the field, + That Callapine should be my slave again. + But I perceive my martial strength is spent: + In vain I strive and rail against those powers + That mean t' invest me in a higher throne, + As much too high for this disdainful earth. + Give me a map; then let me see how much + Is left for me to conquer all the world, + That these, my boys, may finish all my wants. + [One brings a map.] + Here I began to march towards Persia, + Along Armenia and the Caspian Sea, + And thence unto [307] Bithynia, where I took + The Turk and his great empress prisoners. + Then march'd I into Egypt and Arabia; + And here, not far from Alexandria, + Whereas [308] the Terrene [309] and the Red Sea meet, + Being distant less than full a hundred leagues, + I meant to cut a channel to them both, + That men might quickly sail to India. + ]From thence to Nubia near Borno-lake, + And so along the Aethiopian sea, + Cutting the tropic line of Capricorn, + I conquer'd all as far as Zanzibar. + Then, by the northern part of Africa, + I came at last to Graecia, and from thence + To Asia, where I stay against my will; + Which is from Scythia, where I first began, [310] + Backward[s] and forwards near five thousand leagues. + Look here, my boys; see, what a world of ground + Lies westward from the midst of Cancer's line + Unto the rising of this [311] earthly globe, + Whereas the sun, declining from our sight, + Begins the day with our Antipodes! + And shall I die, and this unconquered? + Lo, here, my sons, are all the golden mines, + Inestimable drugs and precious stones, + More worth than Asia and the world beside; + And from th' Antarctic Pole eastward behold + As much more land, which never was descried, + Wherein are rocks of pearl that shine as bright + As all the lamps that beautify the sky! + And shall I die, and this unconquered? + Here, lovely boys; what death forbids my life, + That let your lives command in spite of death. + + AMYRAS. Alas, my lord, how should our bleeding hearts, + Wounded and broken with your highness' grief, + Retain a thought of joy or spark of life? + Your soul gives essence to our wretched subjects, [312] + Whose matter is incorporate in your flesh. + + CELEBINUS. Your pains do pierce our souls; no hope survives, + For by your life we entertain our lives. + + TAMBURLAINE. But, sons, this subject, not of force enough + To hold the fiery spirit it contains, + Must part, imparting his impressions + By equal portions into [313] both your breasts; + My flesh, divided in your precious shapes, + Shall still retain my spirit, though I die, + And live in all your seeds [314] immortally.-- + Then now remove me, that I may resign + My place and proper title to my son.-- + First, take my scourge and my imperial crown, + And mount my royal chariot of estate, + That I may see thee crown'd before I die.-- + Help me, my lords, to make my last remove. + [They assist TAMBURLAINE to descend from the chariot.] + + THERIDAMAS. A woful change, my lord, that daunts our thoughts + More than the ruin of our proper souls! + + TAMBURLAINE. Sit up, my son, [and] let me see how well + Thou wilt become thy father's majesty. + + AMYRAS. With what a flinty bosom should I joy + The breath of life and burden of my soul, + If not resolv'd into resolved pains, + My body's mortified lineaments [315] + Should exercise the motions of my heart, + Pierc'd with the joy of any dignity! + O father, if the unrelenting ears + Of Death and Hell be shut against my prayers, + And that the spiteful influence of Heaven + Deny my soul fruition of her joy, + How should I step, or stir my hateful feet + Against the inward powers of my heart, + Leading a life that only strives to die, + And plead in vain unpleasing sovereignty! + + TAMBURLAINE. Let not thy love exceed thine honour, son, + Nor bar thy mind that magnanimity + That nobly must admit necessity. + Sit up, my boy, and with these [316] silken reins + Bridle the steeled stomachs of these [317] jades. + + THERIDAMAS. My lord, you must obey his majesty, + Since fate commands and proud necessity. + + AMYRAS. Heavens witness me with what a broken heart + [Mounting the chariot.] + And damned [318] spirit I ascend this seat, + And send my soul, before my father die, + His anguish and his burning agony! + [They crown AMYRAS.] + + TAMBURLAINE. Now fetch the hearse of fair Zenocrate; + Let it be plac'd by this my fatal chair, + And serve as parcel of my funeral. + + USUMCASANE. Then feels your majesty no sovereign ease, + Nor may our hearts, all drown'd in tears of blood, + Joy any hope of your recovery? + + TAMBURLAINE. Casane, no; the monarch of the earth, + And eyeless monster that torments my soul, + Cannot behold the tears ye shed for me, + And therefore still augments his cruelty. + + TECHELLES. Then let some god oppose his holy power + Against the wrath and tyranny of Death, + That his tear-thirsty and unquenched hate + May be upon himself reverberate! + [They bring in the hearse of ZENOCRATE.] + + TAMBURLAINE. Now, eyes, enjoy your latest benefit, + And, when my soul hath virtue of your sight, + Pierce through the coffin and the sheet of gold, + And glut your longings with a heaven of joy. + So, reign, my son; scourge and control those slaves, + Guiding thy chariot with thy father's hand. + As precious is the charge thou undertak'st + As that which Clymene's [319] brain-sick son did guide, + When wandering Phoebe's [320] ivory cheeks were scorch'd, + And all the earth, like Aetna, breathing fire: + Be warn'd by him, then; learn with awful eye + To sway a throne as dangerous as his; + For, if thy body thrive not full of thoughts + As pure and fiery as Phyteus' [321] beams, + The nature of these proud rebelling jades + Will take occasion by the slenderest hair, + And draw thee [322] piecemeal, like Hippolytus, + Through rocks more steep and sharp than Caspian cliffs: [323] + The nature of thy chariot will not bear + A guide of baser temper than myself, + More than heaven's coach the pride of Phaeton. + Farewell, my boys! my dearest friends, farewell! + My body feels, my soul doth weep to see + Your sweet desires depriv'd my company, + For Tamburlaine, the scourge of God, must die. + [Dies.] + + AMYRAS. Meet heaven and earth, and here let all things end, + For earth hath spent the pride of all her fruit, + And heaven consum'd his choicest living fire! + Let earth and heaven his timeless death deplore, + For both their worths will equal him no more! + [Exeunt.] + + + + +NOTES: + +[a] [From THE FIRST PART OF TAMBURLAINE THE GREAT] + + 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 +Bridgewater 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.] + + + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[Footnote 1: the] So the 4to.--The 8vo "our."] + +[Footnote 2: triumphs] So the 8vo.--The 4to "triumph."] + +[Footnote 3: sad] Old eds. "said."] + +[Footnote 4: Uribassa] In this scene, but only here, the old eds. have +"Upibassa."] + +[Footnote 5: Almains, Rutters] RUTTERS are properly--German troopers, +(REITER, REUTER). In the third speech after the present one +this line is repeated VERBATIM: but in the first scene of +our author's FAUSTUS we have,-- + + "Like ALMAIN RUTTERS with their horsemen's staves."] + +[Footnote 6: ORCANES.] Omitted in the old eds.] + +[Footnote 7: hugy] i.e. huge.] + +[Footnote 8: cut the] So the 8vo.--The 4to "out of."] + +[Footnote 9: champion] i.e. champaign.] + +[Footnote 10: Terrene] i.e. Mediterranean (but the Danube falls into the +Black Sea.)] + +[Footnote 11: Cairo] Old eds. "Cairon:" but they are not consistent in +the spelling of this name; afterwards (p. 45, sec. col.) [See +note 29.] they have "Cario."] + +[Footnote 12: Fear] i.e. frighten.] + +[Footnote 13: Sorians] So the 4to.--Here the 8vo has "Syrians"; but +elsewhere in this SEC. PART of the play it agrees with the 4to +in having "Sorians," and "Soria" (which occurs repeatedly,--the +King of SORIA being one of the characters).--Compare Jonson's +FOX, act iv. sc. 1; + + "whether a ship, + Newly arriv'd from SORIA, or from + Any suspected part of all the Levant, + Be guilty of the plague," &c. + +On which passage Whalley remarks; "The city Tyre, from whence +the whole country had its name, was anciently called ZUR or ZOR; +since the Arabs erected their empire in the East, it has been +again called SOR, and is at this day known by no other name in +those parts. Hence the Italians formed their SORIA."] + +[Footnote 14: black] So the 8vo.--The 4to "AND black."] + +[Footnote 15: Egyptians, +Illyrians, Thracians, and Bithynians] So the 8vo (except +that by a misprint it gives "Illicians").-- +The 4to has,-- + + "Egyptians, + + FREDERICK. And we from Europe to the same intent + Illirians, Thracians, and Bithynians"; + +a line which belongs to a later part of the scene (see next +col.) being unaccountably inserted here. (See note 21.)] + +[Footnote 16: plage] i.e. region. So the 8vo.--The 4to "Place."] + +[Footnote 17: viceroy] So the 8vo.--The 4to "Vice-royes."] + +[Footnote 18: Boheme] i.e. Bohemia.] + +[Footnote 19: Bagdet's] So the 8vo in act v. sc. 1. Here it has +"Badgeths": the 4to "Baieths."] + +[Footnote 20: parle] So the 8vo.--Here the 4to "parley," but before, +repeatedly, "parle."] + +[Footnote 21: FREDERICK. And we from Europe, to the same intent] +So the 8vo.--The 4to, which gives this line in an earlier part +of the scene (see note Sec., preceding col.), [i.e. note 15] +omits it here.] + +[Footnote 22: stand] So the 8vo.--The 4to "are."] + +[Footnote 23: prest] i.e. ready.] + +[Footnote 24: or] So the 8vo.--The 4to "and."] + +[Footnote 25: conditions] So the 4to.--The 8vo "condition."] + +[Footnote 26: Confirm'd] So the 4to.--The 8vo "Confirme."] + +[Footnote 27: by] So the 8vo.--The 4to "with."] + +[Footnote 28: renowmed] See note ||, p. 11. (Here the old eds. agree.) + + [Note ||, from p. 11. (The First Part of Tamburlaine the + Great): + + "renowmed] i.e. renowned.--So the 8vo.--The 4to + "renowned."--The form "RENOWMED" (Fr. renomme) occurs + repeatedly afterwards in this play, according to the 8vo. + It is occasionally found in writers posterior to Marlowe's + time. e.g. + + "Of Constantines great towne RENOUM'D in vaine." + Verses to King James, prefixed to Lord Stirling's + MONARCHICKE TRAGEDIES, ed. 1607.] + +[Footnote 29: Cairo] Old eds. "Cario." See note ¶, p. 43. (i.e. note +11.)] + +[Footnote 30: stream] Old eds. "streames."] + +[Footnote 31: at] So the 4to.--The 8vo "an."] + +[Footnote 32: Terrene] i.e. Mediterranean.] + +[Footnote 33: Where] Altered by the modern editors to "Whence,"--an +alteration made by one of them also in a speech at p. 48, sec. +col., [see note 57: which may be compared with the present +one,-- + + "Therefore I took my course to Manico, + WHERE, unresisted, I remov'd my camp; + And, by the coast," &c.] + +[Footnote 34: from] So the 4to.--The 8vo "to."] + +[Footnote 35: need] i.e. must.] + +[Footnote 36: let] i.e. hinder.] + +[Footnote 37: tainted] i.e. touched, struck lightly; see Richardson's +DICT. in v.] + +[Footnote 38: shall] So the 8vo.--The 4to "should."] + +[Footnote 39: of] So the 8vo.--The 4to "to."] + +[Footnote 40: to] So the 8vo.--The 4to "of."] + +[Footnote 41: sprung] So the 8vo.--The 4to "sprong".--See note ?, +d. [p.] 14. + + [Note ?, from p. 14. (The First Part of Tamburlaine the + Great): + + "Sprung] Here, and in the next speech, both the old eds. + "SPRONG": but in p. 18, l. 3, first col., the 4to has + "SPRUNG", and in the SEC. PART of the play, act iv. sc. 4, + they both give "SPRUNG from a tyrants loynes." + + [Page 18, First Column, Line 3, The First Part of + Tamburlaine the Great, + "For he was never sprung of human race,"] + +[Footnote 42: superficies] Old eds. "superfluities."--(In act iii. sc. 4, +we have, + + "the concave SUPERFICIES + Of Jove's vast palace.")] + +[Footnote 43: through] So the 4to.--The 8vo "thorow."] + +[Footnote 44: carcasses] So the 8vo.--The 4to "carkasse."] + +[Footnote 45: we] So the 8vo.--The 4to "yon (you)."] + +[Footnote 46: channel] i.e. collar, neck,--collar-bone.] + +[Footnote 47: Morocco] The old eds. here, and in the next speech, +"Morocus"; but see note ?, p. 22. + + [note ?, from p. 22. (The First Part of Tamburlaine the + Great): + + "Morocco] Here the old eds. "Moroccus,"--a barbarism which + I have not retained, because previously, in the stage- + direction at the commencement of this act, p. 19, they + agree in reading "Morocco."] + +[Footnote 48: war] So the 8vo.--The 4to "warres."] + +[Footnote 49: if infernal] So the 8vo.--The 4to "if THE infernall."] + +[Footnote 50: thee] Old eds. "them."] + +[Footnote 51: these] So the 4to.--The 8vo "this."] + +[Footnote 52: strong] A mistake,--occasioned by the word "strong" +in the next line.] + +[Footnote 53: Bootes'] So the 4to.--The 8vo "Boetes."] + +[Footnote 54: leaguer] i.e. camp.] + +[Footnote 55: Jubalter] Here the old eds. have "Gibralter"; but in the +First Part of this play they have "JUBALTER": see p. 25, +first col. + + [p. 25, first col. (The First Part of Tamburlaine the + Great): + + "And thence unto the Straits of Jubalter;"] + +[Footnote 56: The mighty Christian Priest, + + Call'd John the Great] Concerning the fabulous personage, + + PRESTER JOHN, see Nares's GLOSS. in v.] + +[Footnote 57: Where] See note ¶, p. 45. (i.e. note 33.)] + +[Footnote 58: Byather] The editor of 1826 printed "Biafar": but it is +very doubtful if Marlowe wrote the names of places correctly.] + +[Footnote 59: Damascus] Here the old eds. "Damasco." See note *, p. 31. + + note *, from p. 31. (The First Part of Tamburlaine the + Great): + + "Damascus] Both the old eds. here "Damasco:" but in many + other places they agree in reading "Damascus."] + +[Footnote 60: And made, &c.] A word dropt out from this line.] + +[Footnote 61: him] i.e. the king of Natolia.] + +[Footnote 62: orient] Old eds. "orientall" and "oriental."--Both in our +author's FAUSTUS and in his JEW OF MALTA we have "ORIENT pearl."] + +[Footnote 63: Soria] See note ?, p. 44. [i.e. note 13.]] + +[Footnote 64: thereof] So the 8vo.--The 4to "heereof."] + +[Footnote 65: that we vow] i.e. that which we vow. So the 8vo.--The 4to +"WHAT we vow." Neither of the modern editors understanding the +passage, they printed "WE THAT vow."] + +[Footnote 66: faiths] So the 8vo.--The 4to "fame."] + +[Footnote 67: and religion] Old eds. "and THEIR religion."] + +[Footnote 68: consummate] Old eds. "consinuate." The modern editors +print "continuate," a word which occurs in Shakespeare's +TIMON OF ATHENS, act i. sc. 1., but which the metre determines +to be inadmissible in the present passage.--The Revd. J. Mitford +proposes "continent," in the sense of--restraining from +violence.] + +[Footnote 69: this] So the 8vo.--The 4to "the."] + +[Footnote 70: martial] So the 4to.--The 8vo "materiall."] + +[Footnote 71: our] So the 4to.--The 8vo "your."] + +[Footnote 72: With] So the 4to.--The 8vo "Which."] + +[Footnote 73: thy servant's] He means Sigismund. So a few lines after, +"this traitor's perjury."] + +[Footnote 74: discomfit] Old eds. "discomfort." (Compare the first line +of the next scene.)] + +[Footnote 75: lords] So the 8vo.--The 4to "lord."] + +[Footnote 76: Christian] So the 8vo.--The 4to "Christians."] + +[Footnote 77: Zoacum] "Or ZAKKUM.--The description of this tree is taken +from a fable in the Koran, chap. 37." Ed. 1826.] + +[Footnote 78: an] So the 8vo.--The 4to "any."] + +[Footnote 79: We will both watch and ward shall keep his trunk] +i.e. We will that both watch, &c. So the 4to.--The 8vo has +"AND keepe."] + +[Footnote 80: Uribassa, give] So the 8vo.--The 4to "Vribassa, AND giue."] + +[Footnote 81: Soria] See note ?, p. 44. [i.e. note 13.]] + +[Footnote 82: their] So the 4to.--Not in the 8vo.] + +[Footnote 83: brows] Old eds. "bowers."] + +[Footnote 84: this] So the 8vo.--The 4to "the."] + +[Footnote 85: no] So the 4to.--The 8vo "not."] + +[Footnote 86: and] So the 4to.--The 8vo "a."] + +[Footnote 87: makes] So the 4to.--The 8vo "make."] + +[Footnote 88: author] So the 4to.--The 8vo "anchor."] + +[Footnote 89: yes] Old eds. "yet."] + +[Footnote 90: excellence] So the 4to.--The 8vo "excellency."] + +[Footnote 91: cavalieros] i.e. mounds, or elevations of earth, to +lodge cannon.] + +[Footnote 92: prevails] i.e. avails.] + +[Footnote 93: Mausolus'] Wrong quantity.] + +[Footnote 94: one] So the 8vo ("on").--The 4to "our."] + +[Footnote 95: stature] See note |||, p. 27.--So the 8vo.--The 4to "statue." +Here the metre would be assisted by reading "statua," which is +frequently found in our early writers: see my REMARKS ON +MR. COLLIER'S AND MR. KNIGHT'S EDITIONS OF SHAKESPEARE, p. 186. + + [note |||, from p. 27. (The First Part of Tamburlaine the + Great): + + "stature] So the 8vo.--The 4to "statue:" but again, in the + SECOND PART of this play, act ii. sc. 4, we have, according + to the 8vo-- + + "And here will I set up her STATURE." + + and, among many passages that might be cited from our + early authors, compare the following; + + "The STATURES huge, of Porphyrie and costlier matters + made." + Warner's ALBIONS ENGLAND, p. 303. ed. 1596. + + "By them shal Isis STATURE gently stand." + Chapman's BLIND BEGGER OF ALEXANDRIA, 1598, sig. A 3. + + "Was not Anubis with his long nose of gold preferred + before Neptune, whose STATURE was but brasse?" + Lyly's MIDAS, sig. A 2. ed. 1592."] + +[Footnote 96: Soria] See note ?, p. 44. [i.e. note 13.]] + +[Footnote 97: fate] So the 8vo.--The 4to "fates."] + +[Footnote 98: his] Old eds. "our."] + +[Footnote 99: all] So the 8vo.--Omitted in the 4to.] + +[Footnote 100: honours] So the 8vo.--The 4to "honour."] + +[Footnote 101: in conquest] So the 4to.--The 8vo "in THE conquest."] + +[Footnote 102: Judaea] So the 8vo.--The 4to "Juda."] + +[Footnote 103: Sclavonia's] Old eds. "Scalonians" and "Sclauonians."] + +[Footnote 104: Soria] See note ?, p. 44. (i.e. note 13.] + +[Footnote 105: Damascus] Here the old eds. "Damasco." See note *, +p. 31. + + note *, from p. 31. (The First Part of Tamburlaine the + Great): + + "Damascus] Both the old eds. here "Damasco:" but in many + other places they agree in reading "Damascus.""] + +[Footnote 106: That's no matter, &c.] So previously (p. 46, first col.) +Almeda speaks in prose, "I like that well," &c. + + [p. 46, first col. (This play): + + "ALMEDA. I like that well: but, tell me, my lord, + if I should let you go, would you be as good as + your word? shall I be made a king for my labour?"] + + +[Footnote 107: dearth] Old eds. "death."] + +[Footnote 108: th'] So the 8vo.--Omitted in the 4to.] + +[Footnote 109: Those] Old eds. "Whose."] + +[Footnote 110: sorrows] So the 8vo.--The 4to "sorrow."] + +[Footnote 111: thirst] So the 4to.--The 8vo "colde."] + +[Footnote 112: champion] i.e. champaign.] + +[Footnote 113: which] Old eds. "with."] + +[Footnote 114: Whereas] i.e. Where.] + +[Footnote 115: the] So the 8vo.--The 4to "and."] + +[Footnote 116: cavalieros] See note ?, p. 52. [i.e. note 91.]] + +[Footnote 117: argins] "Argine, Ital. An embankment, a rampart.["] +Ed., 1826.] + +[Footnote 118: great] So the 8vo.--The 4to "greatst."] + +[Footnote 119: the] Old eds. "their."] + +[Footnote 120: by nature] So the 8vo.--The 4to "by THE nature."] + +[Footnote 121: a] So the 4to.--The 8vo "the."] + +[Footnote 122: A ring of pikes, mingled with shot and horse] Qy. "foot" +instead of "shot"? (but the "ring of pikes" is "foot").--The +Revd. J. Mitford proposes to read, "A ring of pikes AND HORSE, +MANGLED with shot."] + +[Footnote 123: his] So the 8vo--The 4to "this."] + +[Footnote 124: march'd] So the 4to.--The 8vo "martch."] + +[Footnote 125: drop] So the 8vo.--The 4to "dram."] + +[Footnote 126: lance] So the 4to.--Here the 8vo "lanch": but afterwards +more than once it has "lance."] + +[Footnote 127: I know not, &c.] This and the next four speeches are +evidently prose, as are several other portions of the play.] + +[Footnote 128: 'Tis] So the 4to.--The 8vo "This."] + +[Footnote 129: accursed] So the 4to.--The 8vo "cursed."] + +[Footnote 130: his] So the 4to.--The 8vo "the."] + +[Footnote 131: point] So the 8vo.--The 4to "port."] + +[Footnote 132: Soria] See note ?, p. 44. [i.e. note 13.]] + +[Footnote 133: Minions, falc'nets, and sakers] "All small pieces of +ordnance." Ed. 1826.] + +[Footnote 134: hold] Old eds. "gold" and "golde."] + +[Footnote 135: quietly] So the 8vo.--The 4to "quickely."] + +[Footnote 136: friends] So the 4to.--The 8vo "friend."] + +[Footnote 137: you] So the 4to.--The 8vo "thou."] + +[Footnote 138: pioners] See note ||, p. 20. + + [note ||, from p. 20. (The First Part of Tamburlaine the + Great): + + "pioners] The usual spelling of the word in our early + writers (in Shakespeare, for instance)."] + +[Footnote 139: in] So the 8vo.--The 4to "to."] + +[Footnote 140: argins] See note ?[sic], p. 55. [note ?? p. 55, +i.e. note 117.]] + +[Footnote 141: quietly] So the 8vo.--The 4to "quickely."] + +[Footnote 142: Were you, that are the friends of Tamburlaine] So the 8vo. +--The 4to "Were ALL you that are friends of Tamburlaine."] + +[Footnote 143: of] So the 8vo.--The 4to "to."] + +[Footnote 144: all convoys that can] i.e. (I believe) all convoys +(conveyances) that can be cut off. The modern editors alter +"can" to "come."] + +[Footnote 145: I am] So the 8vo.--The 4to "am I."] + +[Footnote 146: into] So the 8vo.--The 4to "vnto."] + +[Footnote 147: hold] So the 4to.--The 8vo "holdS."] + +[Footnote 148: straineth] So the 4to.--The 8vo "staineth."] + +[Footnote 149: home] So the 8vo.--The 4to "haue."] + +[Footnote 150: wert] So the 8vo.--The 4to "art."] + +[Footnote 151: join'd] So the 4to.--The 8vo "inioin'd."] + +[Footnote 152: of] So the 8vo.--The 4to "in."] + +[Footnote 153: the] Added perhaps by a mistake of the transcriber +or printer.] + +[Footnote 154: and] So the 8vo.--The 4to "the."] + +[Footnote 155: Renowmed] See note ||, p. 11. So the 8vo.--The 4to +"Renowned." + + [Note ||, from p. 11. (The First Part of Tamburlaine the + Great). + + "renowmed] i.e. renowned.--So the 8vo.--The 4to "renowned." + --The form "RENOWMED" (Fr. renomme) occurs repeatedly + afterwards in this play, according to the 8vo. It is + occasionally found in writers posterior to Marlowe's time. + e.g. + + "Of Constantines great towne RENOUM'D in vaine." + Verses to King James, prefixed to Lord Stirling's + MONARCHICKE TRAGEDIES, ed. 1607."] + +[Footnote 156: emperor, mighty] So the 8vo.--The 4to "emperour, +AND mightie."] + +[Footnote 157: the] So the 4to.--The 8vo "this."] + +[Footnote 158: your] So the 8vo.--The 4to "our."] + +[Footnote 159: term'd] Old eds. "terme."] + +[Footnote 160: the] So the 4to.--Omitted in the 8vo.] + +[Footnote 161: your] So the 8vo.--The 4to "our."] + +[Footnote 162: brandishing their] So the 4to.--The 8vo "brandishing +IN their."] + +[Footnote 163: with] So the 4to.--Omitted in the 8vo.] + +[Footnote 164: shew'd your] So the 8vo.--The 4to "shewed TO your."] + +[Footnote 165: Sorians] See note ?, p. 44. [i.e. note 13.] + +[Footnote 166: repair'd] So the 8vo.--The 4to "prepar'd."] + +[Footnote 167: And neighbour cities of your highness' land] So the 8vo.-- +Omitted in the 4to.] + +[Footnote 168: he] i.e. Death. So the 8vo.--The 4to "it."] + +[Footnote 169: is] So the 8vo.--The 4to "the."] + +[Footnote 170: harness'd] So the 8vo.--The 4to "harnesse."] + +[Footnote 171: on] So the 4to.--The 8vo "with" (the compositor having +caught the word from the preceding line).] + +[Footnote 172: thou shalt] So the 8vo.--The 4to "shalt thou."] + +[Footnote 173: the] So the 8vo.--The 4to "our."] + +[Footnote 174: and rent] So the 8vo.--The 4to "or rend."] + +[Footnote 175: Go to, sirrah] So the 8vo.--The 4to "Goe sirrha."] + +[Footnote 176: give arms] An heraldic expression, meaning--shew armorial +bearings (used, of course, with a quibble).] + +[Footnote 177: No] So the 4to.--The 8vo "Go."] + +[Footnote 178: bugs] i.e. bugbears, objects to strike you with terror.] + +[Footnote 179: rout] i.e. crew, rabble.] + +[Footnote 180: as the foolish king of Persia did] See p. 16, first col. + + p. 15, first col. (The First Part of Tamburlaine the + Great, ACT II, Scene IV): + + " SCENE IV. + + Enter MYCETES with his crown in his hand. + + MYCETES. 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! + + (page 16) + + 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 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?"] + +[Footnote 181: aspect] So the 8vo.--The 4to "aspects."] + +[Footnote 182: sits asleep] At the back of the stage, which was supposed +to represent the interior of the tent.] + +[Footnote 183: You cannot] So the 8vo.--The 4to "Can you not."] + +[Footnote 184: scare] So the 8vo.--The 4to "scarce."] + +[Footnote 185: tall] i.e. bold, brave.] + +[Footnote 186: both you] So the 8vo.--The 4to "you both."] + +[Footnote 187: should I] So the 8vo.--The 4to "I should."] + +[Footnote 188: ye] So the 8vo.--The 4to "my."] + +[Footnote 189: stoop your pride] i.e. make your pride to stoop.] + +[Footnote 190: bodies] So the 8vo.--The 4to "glories."] + +[Footnote 191: mine] So the 4to.--The 8vo "my."] + +[Footnote 192: may] So the 4to.--The 8vo "nay."] + +[Footnote 193: up] The modern editors alter this word to "by," not +understanding the passage. Tamburlaine means--Do not KNEEL +to me for his pardon.] + +[Footnote 194: once] So the 4to.--The 8vo "one."] + +[Footnote 195: martial] So the 8vo.--The 4to "materiall." (In this +line "fire" is a dissyllable")] + +[Footnote 196: thine] So the 8vo.--The 4to "thy."] + +[Footnote 197: which] Old eds. "with."] + +[Footnote 198: Jaertis'] So the 8vo.--The 4to "Laertis." By "Jaertis'" +must be meant--Jaxartes'.] + +[Footnote 199: incorporeal] So the 8vo.--The 4to "incorporall."] + +[Footnote 200: for being seen] i.e. "that thou mayest not be seen." +Ed. 1826. See Richardson's DICT. in v. FOR.] + +[Footnote 201: you shall] So the 8vo.--The 4to "shall ye."] + +[Footnote 202: Approve] i.e. prove, experience.] + +[Footnote 203: bloods] So the 4to.--The 8vo "blood."] + +[Footnote 204: peasants] So the 8vo.--The 4to "parsants."] + +[Footnote 205: resist in] Old eds "resisting."] + +[Footnote 206: Casane] So the 4to.--The 8vo "VSUM Casane."] + +[Footnote 207: it] So the 8vo.--Omitted in the 4to.] + +[Footnote 208: Excel] Old eds. "Expell" and "Expel."] + + +[Footnote 209: artier] See note *, p. 18. + + Note *, from p. 18. (The First Part of Tamburlaine the + Great): + + "Artier] i.e. artery. This form occurs again in the SEC. + PART of the present play: so too in a copy of verses by + Day; + + "Hid in the vaines and ARTIERS of the earthe." + SHAKESPEARE SOC. PAPERS, vol. i. 19. + + The word indeed was variously written of old: + + "The ARTER strynge is the conduyt of the lyfe spiryte." + Hormanni VULGARIA, sig. G iii. ed. 1530. + + "Riche treasures serue for th'ARTERS of the war." + Lord Stirling's DARIUS, act ii. Sig. C 2. ed. 1604. + + "Onelye the extrauagant ARTIRE of my arme is brused." + EVERIE WOMAN IN HER HUMOR, 1609, sig. D 4. + + "And from the veines some bloud each ARTIRE draines." + Davies's MICROCOSMOS, 1611, p. 56."] + +[Footnote 210: remorseful] i.e. compassionate.] + +[Footnote 211: miss] i.e. loss, want. The construction is--Run round +about, mourning the miss of the females.] + +[Footnote 212: behold] Qy "beheld"?] + +[Footnote 213: a] So the 4to.--The 8vo "the."] + +[Footnote 214: Have] Old eds. "Hath."] + +[Footnote 215: to] So the 8vo.--The 4to "and."] + +[Footnote 216: in] So the 8vo.--The 4to "to."] + +[Footnote 217: now, my lord; and, will you] So the 8vo.--The 4to +"GOOD my Lord, IF YOU WILL."] + +[Footnote 218: mouths] So the 4to.--The 8vo "mother."] + +[Footnote 219: rebated] i.e. blunted.] + +[Footnote 220: thereof] So the 8vo.--The 4to "heereof."] + +[Footnote 221: and will] So the 4to.--The 8vo "and I wil."] + +[Footnote 222: She anoints her throat] This incident, as Mr. Collier +observes (HIST. OF ENG. DRAM. POET., iii. 119) is borrowed +from Ariosto's ORLANDO FURIOSO, B. xxix, "where Isabella, +to save herself from the lawless passion of Rodomont, anoints +her neck with a decoction of herbs, which she pretends will +render it invulnerable: she then presents her throat to the +Pagan, who, believing her assertion, aims a blow and strikes +off her head."] + +[Footnote 223: my] Altered by the modern editors to "thy,"--unnecessarily.] + +[Footnote 224: Elysium] Old eds. "Elisian" and "Elizian."] + +[Footnote 225: do borrow] So the 4to.--The 8vo "borow doo."] + +[Footnote 226: my] So the 4to (Theridamas is King of Argier).--The 8vo +"thy."] + +[Footnote 227: Soria] See note ?, p. 44. [i.e. note 13.]] + +[Footnote 228: his] So the 4to.--The 8vo "their."] + +[Footnote 229: led by five] So the 4to.--The 8vo "led by WITH fiue."] + +[Footnote 230: Holla, ye pamper'd jades of Asia, &c.] The ridicule +showered on this passage by a long series of poets, will +be found noticed in the ACCOUNT OF MARLOWE AND HIS WRITINGS. + + The "Account of Marlowe and His Writings," is the + introduction to this book of "The Works of Christopher + Marlowe." That is, the book from which this play has been + transcribed. The following is a footnote from page xvii + of that introduction. + + "Tamb. Holla, ye pamper'd jades of Asia!" &c. + p. 64, sec. col. + + This has been quoted or alluded to, generally with ridicule, + by a whole host of writers. Pistol's "hollow pamper'd jades + of Asia" in Shakespeare's HENRY IV. P. II. Act ii. sc. 4, + is known to most readers: see also Beaumont and Fletcher's + COXCOMB, act ii. sc. 2; Fletcher's WOMEN PLEASED, act iv. + sc. 1; Chapman's, Jonson's, and Marston's EASTWARD HO, + act ii. sig. B 3, ed. 1605; Brathwait's STRAPPADO FOR THE + DIUELL, 1615, p. 159; Taylor the water-poet's THIEFE and + his WORLD RUNNES ON WHEELES,--WORKES, pp. 111[121], 239, + ed. 1630; A BROWN DOZEN OF DRUNKARDS, &c. 1648, sig. A 3; + the Duke of Newcastle's VARIETIE, A COMEDY, 1649, p. 72; + --but I cannot afford room for more references.--In 1566 + a similar spectacle had been exhibited at Gray's Inn: + there the Dumb Show before the first act of Gascoigne and + Kinwelmersh's JOCASTA introduced "a king with an imperiall + crowne vpon hys head," &c. "sitting in a chariote very + richly furnished, drawen in by iiii kings in their dublets + and hosen, with crownes also vpon theyr heads, representing + vnto vs ambition by the historie of Sesostres," &c.] + +[Footnote 231: And blow the morning from their nostrils] Here "nostrils" +is to be read as a trisyllable,--and indeed is spelt in the 4to +"nosterils."--Mr. Collier (HIST. OF ENG. DRAM. POET., iii. 124) +remarks that this has been borrowed from Marlowe by the anonymous +author of the tragedy of CAESAR AND POMPEY, 1607 (and he might +have compared also Chapman's HYMNUS IN CYNTHIAM,--THE SHADOW +OF NIGHT, &c. 1594, sig. D 3): but, after all, it is only +a translation; + + "cum primum alto se gurgite tollunt + Solis equi, LUCEMQUE ELATIS NARIBUS EFFLANT." + AEN. xii. 114] + +(Virgil being indebted to Ennius and Lucilius).] + +[Footnote 232: in] So the 8vo.--The 4to "as."] + +[Footnote 233: racking] i.e. moving like smoke or vapour: see +Richardson's DICT. in v.] + +[Footnote 234: have coach] So the 8vo.--The 4to "haue A coach."] + +[Footnote 235: by] So the 4to.--The 8vo "with."] + +[Footnote 236: garden-plot] So the 4to.--The 8vo "GARDED plot."] + +[Footnote 237: colts] i.e. (with a quibble) colts'-teeth.] + +[Footnote 238: same] So the 8vo.--Omitted in the 4to.] + +[Footnote 239: match] So the 8vo.--The 4to "march."] + +[Footnote 240: Above] So the 8vo.--The 4to "About."] + +[Footnote 241: tall] i.e. bold, brave.] + +[Footnote 242: their] So the 4to.--Omitted in the 8vo.] + +[Footnote 243: continent] Old eds. "content."] + +[Footnote 244: jest] A quibble--which will be understood by those +readers who recollect the double sense of JAPE (jest) in our +earliest writers.] + +[Footnote 245: prest] i.e. ready.] + +[Footnote 246: Terrene] i.e. Mediterranean.] + +[Footnote 247: all] So the 8vo.--Omitted in the 4to.] + +[Footnote 248: Jaertis'] See note **, p. 62. [i.e. note 198.] So the +8vo.--The 4to "Laertes."] + +[Footnote 249: furthest] So the 4to.--The 8vo "furthiest."] + +[Footnote 250: Thorough] So the 8vo.--The 4to "Through."] + +[Footnote 251: Like to an almond-tree, &c.] This simile in borrowed +from Spenser's FAERIE QUEENE, B. i. C. vii. st. 32; + + "Upon the top of all his loftie crest, + A bounch of heares discolourd diversly, + With sprincled pearle and gold full richly drest, + Did shake, and seemd to daunce for iollity; + Like to an almond tree ymounted hye + On top of greene Selinis all alone, + With blossoms brave bedecked daintily; + Whose tender locks do tremble every one + At everie little breath that under heaven is blowne." + +The first three books of THE FAERIE QUEENE were originally +printed in 1590, the year in which the present play was first +given to the press: but Spenser's poem, according to the +fashion of the times, had doubtless been circulated in +manuscript, and had obtained many readers, before its +publication. In Abraham Fraunce's ARCADIAN RHETORIKE, 1588, +some lines of the Second Book of THE FAERIE QUEENE are +accurately cited. And see my Acc. of Peele and his Writings, +p. xxxiv, WORKS, ed. 1829.] + +[Footnote 252: y-mounted] So both the old eds.--The modern editors print +"mounted"; and the Editor of 1826 even remarks in a note, that +the dramatist, "finding in the fifth line of Spenser's stanza +the word 'y-mounted,' and, probably considering it to be too +obsolete for the stage, dropped the initial letter, leaving only +nine syllables and an unrythmical line"! ! ! In the FIRST PART +of this play (p. 23, first col.) we have,-- + + "Their limbs more large and of a bigger size + Than all the brats Y-SPRUNG from Typhon's loins:" + +but we need not wonder that the Editor just cited did not +recollect the passage, for he had printed, like his predecessor, +"ERE sprung."] + +[Footnote 253: ever-green Selinus] Old eds. "EUERY greene Selinus" +and "EUERIE greene," &c.--I may notice that one of the modern +editors silently alters "Selinus" to (Spenser's) "Selinis;" +but, in fact, the former is the correct spelling.] + +[Footnote 254: Erycina's] Old eds. "Hericinas."] + +[Footnote 255: brows] So the 4to.--The 8vo "bowes."] + +[Footnote 256: breath that thorough heaven] So the 8vo.--The 4to "breath +FROM heauen."] + +[Footnote 257: chariot] Old eds. "chariots."] + +[Footnote 258: out] Old eds. "our."] + +[Footnote 259: respect'st thou] Old eds. "RESPECTS thou:" but afterwards, +in this scene, the 8vo has, "Why SEND'ST thou not," and "thou +SIT'ST."] + +[Footnote 260: of] So the 8vo.--The 4to "in."] + +[Footnote 261: he] So the 4to.--The 8vo "was."] + +[Footnote 262: How, &c.] A mutilated line.] + +[Footnote 263: eterniz'd] So the 4to.--The 8vo "enternisde."] + +[Footnote 264: and] So the 4to.--Omitted in the 8vo.] + +[Footnote 265: prest] i.e. ready.] + +[Footnote 266: parle] Here the old eds. "parlie": but repeatedly before +they have "parle" (which is used more than once by Shakespeare).] + +[Footnote 267: Orcanes, king of Natolia, and the King of Jerusalem, +led by soldiers] Old eds. (which have here a very imperfect +stage-direction) "the two spare kings",--"spare" meaning-- +not then wanted to draw the chariot of Tamburlaine.] + +[Footnote 268: burst] i.e. broken, bruised.] + +[Footnote 269: the measures] i.e. the dance (properly,--solemn, +stately dances, with slow and measured steps).] + +[Footnote 270: of] So the 8vo.--The 4to "for."] + +[Footnote 271: ports] i.e. gates.] + +[Footnote 272: make] So the 4to.--The 8vo "wake."] + +[Footnote 273: the city-walls) So the 8vo.--The 4to "the walles."] + +[Footnote 274: him] So the 4to.--The 8vo "it."] + +[Footnote 275: in] Old eds. "VP in,["]--the "vp" having been repeated +by mistake from the preceding line.] + +[Footnote 276: scar'd] So the 8vo; and, it would seem, rightly; +Tamburlaine making an attempt at a bitter jest, in reply +to what the Governor has just said.--The 4to "sear'd."] + +[Footnote 277: Vile] The 8vo "Vild"; the 4to "Wild" (Both eds., +a little before, have "VILE monster, born of some infernal hag", +and, a few lines after, "To VILE and ignominious servitude":-- +the fact is, our early writers (or rather, transcribers), +with their usual inconsistency of spelling, give now the one +form, and now the other: compare the folio SHAKESPEARE, +1623, where we sometimes find "vild" and sometimes "VILE.")] + +[Footnote 278: Bagdet's] So the 8vo.--The 4to "Badgets."] + +[Footnote 279: A citadel, &c.] Something has dropt out from this line.] + +[Footnote 280: Well said] Equivalent to--Well done! as appears from +innumerable passages of our early writers: see, for instances, +my ed. of Beaumont and Fletcher's WORKS, vol. i. 328, vol. ii. +445, vol. viii. 254.] + +[Footnote 281: will I] So the 8vo.--The 4to "I will."] + +[Footnote 282: suffer'st] Old eds. "suffers": but see the two following +notes.] + +[Footnote 283: send'st] So the 8vo.--The 4to "sends."] + +[Footnote 284: sit'st] So the 8vo.--The 4to "sits."] + +[Footnote 285: head] So the 8vo.--The 4to "blood."] + +[Footnote 286: fed] Old eds. "feede."] + +[Footnote 287: upon] So the 8vo.--Omitted in the 4to.] + +[Footnote 288: fleet] i.e. float.] + +[Footnote 289: gape] So the 8vo.--The 4to "gaspe."] + +[Footnote 290: in] So the 8vo.--Omitted in the 4to.] + +[Footnote 291: forth, ye vassals] Spoken, of course, to the two kings +who draw his chariot.] + +[Footnote 292: whatsoe'er] So the 8vo.--The 4to "whatsoeuer."] + +[Footnote 293: Euphrates] See note |||, p. 36.] + + note |||, from p. 36. (The First Part of Tamburlaine the + Great): + + "Euphrates] So our old poets invariably, I believe, + accentuate this word." + + Note: 'Euphrates' was printed with no accented characters + at all.] + +[Footnote 294: may we] So the 8vo.--The 4to "we may."] + +[Footnote 295: this] So the 8vo.--The 4to "that" (but in the next speech +of the same person it has "THIS Tamburlaine").] + +[Footnote 296: record] i.e. call to mind.] + +[Footnote 297: Aid] So the 8vo.--The 4to "And."] + +[Footnote 298: Renowmed] See note ||, p. 11. So the 8vo.--The 4to +"Renowned."--The prefix to this speech is wanting in the old eds. + + [note ||, from p. 11. (The First Part of Tamburlaine the + Great): + + "renowmed] i.e. renowned.--So the 8vo.--The 4to "renowned." + --The form "RENOWMED" (Fr. renomme) occurs repeatedly + afterwards in this play, according to the 8vo. It is + occasionally found in writers posterior to Marlowe's time. + e.g. + + "Of Constantines great towne RENOUM'D in vaine." + Verses to King James, prefixed to Lord Stirling's + MONARCHICKE TRAGEDIES, ed. 1607."] + +[Footnote 299: invisibly] So the 4to.--The 8vo "inuincible."] + +[Footnote 300: inexcellence] So the 4to.--The 8vo "inexcellencie."] + +[Footnote 301: Enter Tamburlaine, &c.] Here the old eds. have no stage- +direction; and perhaps the poet intended that Tamburlaine should +enter at the commencement of this scene. That he is drawn in his +chariot by the two captive kings, appears from his exclamation +at p. 72, first col. "Draw, you slaves!"] + +[Footnote 302: cease] So the 8vo.--The 4to "case."] + +[Footnote 303: hypostasis] Old eds. "Hipostates."] + +[Footnote 304: artiers] See note *, p. 18. + + [Note *, from p. 18. (The First Part of Tamburlaine the + Great): + + "Artier] i.e. artery. This form occurs again in the SEC. + PART of the present play: so too in a copy of verses by + Day; + + "Hid in the vaines and ARTIERS of the earthe." + SHAKESPEARE SOC. PAPERS, vol. i. 19. + + The word indeed was variously written of old: + + "The ARTER strynge is the conduyt of the lyfe spiryte." + Hormanni VULGARIA, sig. G iii. ed. 1530. + + "Riche treasures serue for th'ARTERS of the war." + Lord Stirling's DARIUS, act ii. Sig. C 2. ed. 1604. + + "Onelye the extrauagant ARTIRE of my arme is brused." + EVERIE WOMAN IN HER HUMOR, 1609, sig. D 4. + + "And from the veines some bloud each ARTIRE draines." + Davies's MICROCOSMOS, 1611, p. 56."] + +[Footnote 305: upon] So the 4to.--The 8vo "on."] + +[Footnote 306: villain cowards] Old eds. "VILLAINES, cowards" (which +is not to be defended by "VILLAINS, COWARDS, traitors to our +state", p. 67, sec. col.). Compare "But where's this COWARD +VILLAIN," &c., p. 61 sec. col.] + +[Footnote 307: unto] So the 8vo.--The 4to "to."] + +[Footnote 308: Whereas] i.e. Where.] + +[Footnote 309: Terrene] i.e. Mediterranean.] + +[Footnote 310: began] So the 8vo.--The 4to "begun."] + +[Footnote 311: this] So the 8vo.--The 4to "the."] + +[Footnote 312: subjects] Mr. Collier (Preface to COLERIDGE'S SEVEN +LECTURES ON SHAKESPEARE AND MILTON, p. cxviii) says that here +"subjects" is a printer's blunder for "substance": YET HE TAKES +NO NOTICE OF TAMBURLAINE'S NEXT WORDS, "But, sons, this SUBJECT +not of force enough," &c.--The old eds. are quite right in both +passages: compare, in p. 62, first col.; + + "A form not meet to give that SUBJECT essence + Whose matter is the flesh of Tamburlaine," &c.] + +[Footnote 313: into] So the 8vo.--The 4to "vnto."] + +[Footnote 314: your seeds] So the 8vo.--The 4to "OUR seedes." (In p. 18, +first col., [The First Part of Tamburlaine the Great] we have +had "Their angry SEEDS"; but in p. 47, first col., [this play] +"thy seed":--and Marlowe probably wrote "seed" both here and in +p. 18.)] + +[Footnote 315: lineaments] So the 8vo.--The 4to "laments."--The Editor +of 1826 remarks, that this passage "is too obscure for ordinary +comprehension."] + +[Footnote 316: these] So the 4to.--The 8vo "those."] + +[Footnote 317: these] So the 4to.--The 8vo "those."] + +[Footnote 318: damned] i.e. doomed,--sorrowful.] + +[Footnote 319: Clymene's] So the 8vo.--The 4to "Clymeus."] + +[Footnote 320: Phoebe's] So the 8vo.--The 4to "Phoebus."] + +[Footnote 321: Phyteus'] Meant perhaps for "Pythius'", according to the +usage of much earlier poets: + + "And of PHYTON[i.e. Python] that Phebus made thus fine + Came Phetonysses," &c. + Lydgate's WARRES OF TROY, B. ii. SIG. K vi. ed. + 1555.] + +Here the modern editors print "Phoebus'".] + +[Footnote 322: thee] So the 8vo.--The 4to "me."] + +[Footnote 323: cliffs] Here the old eds. "clifts" and "cliftes": +but see p. 12, line 5, first col. + + [p. 12, first col. (The First Part of Tamburlaine the + Great): + + "Both we will walk upon the lofty cliffs;* + + * cliffs: So the 8vo.--The 4to "cliftes."] + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Tamburlaine the Great, Part II., by +Christopher Marlowe + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TAMBURLAINE THE GREAT, PART II. *** + +***** This file should be named 1589.txt or 1589.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/5/8/1589/ + +Produced by Gary R. 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