Act II, Scene 4

[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!
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?

MYCETES
Thou liest.

TAMBURLAINE
Base villain, darest thou give me the lie?

MYCETES
Away! I am the king; go; touch me not.
Thou break'st the law of arms, unless thou kneel,
And cry me "mercy, noble king!"

TAMBURLAINE
Are you the witty king of Persia?

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

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.]