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_ ACT II - SCENE IV
[Enter MYCETES with his crown in his hand.] [97]
MYCETES.
Accurs'd be he that first invented war!
They knew not, ah, they knew not, simple men,
How those were [98] hit by pelting cannon-shot
Stand staggering [99] like a quivering aspen-leaf
Fearing the force of Boreas' boisterous blasts!
In what a lamentable case were I,
If nature had not given me wisdom's lore!
For kings are clouts that every man shoots at,
Our crown the pin [100] that thousands seek to cleave:
Therefore in policy I think it good
To hide it close; a goodly stratagem,
And far from any man that is a fool:
So shall not I be known; or if I be,
They cannot take away my crown from me.
Here will I hide it in this simple hole.
[Enter TAMBURLAINE.]
[Footnote 97: with his crown in his hand] The old eds. add "offering to hide it;" but THAT he does presently after.]
[Footnote 98: those were] i.e. those who were, who have been.]
[Footnote 99: Stand staggering] So the 8vo.--The 4to "Stand THOSE staggering."]
[Footnote 100: For kings are clouts that every man shoots at,
Our crown the pin, &c.
CLOUT means the white mark in the butts; PIN, the peg in the centre, which fastened it.]
TAMBURLAINE.
What, fearful coward, straggling from the camp,
When kings themselves are present in the field?
MYCETES.
Thou liest.
TAMBURLAINE.
Base villain, darest thou give me [101] the lie?
[Footnote 101: me] So the 4to.--Omitted in the 8vo.]
MYCETES.
Away! I am the king; go; touch me not.
Thou break'st the law of arms, unless thou kneel,
And cry me "mercy, noble king!"
TAMBURLAINE.
Are you the witty king of Persia?
MYCETES.
Ay, marry, [102] am I: have you any suit to me?
[Footnote 102: MYCETES. Ay, marry, &c.] From this to "TAMBURLAINE. Well,
I mean you shall have it again" inclusive, the dialogue is
prose: compare act iv. sc. 4, p. 29.]
TAMBURLAINE.
I would entreat you to speak but three wise words.
MYCETES.
So I can when I see my time.
TAMBURLAINE.
Is this your crown?
MYCETES.
Ay: didst thou ever see a fairer?
TAMBURLAINE.
You will not sell it, will you?
MYCETES.
Such another word, and I will have thee executed.
Come, give it me.
TAMBURLAINE.
No; I took it prisoner.
MYCETES.
You lie; I gave it you.
TAMBURLAINE.
Then 'tis mine.
MYCETES.
No; I mean I let you keep it.
TAMBURLAINE.
Well, I mean you shall have it again.
Here, take it for a while: I lend it thee,
Till I may see thee hemm'd with armed men;
Then shalt thou see me pull it from thy head:
Thou art no match for mighty Tamburlaine.
[Exit.]
MYCETES.
O gods, is this Tamburlaine the thief?
I marvel much he stole it not away.
[Trumpets within sound to the battle: he runs out.] _
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