Tamburlaine the Great — Part 2

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 (#x5_x_5_i443) 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 (#x5_x_5_i446) might become you both.

FREDERICK.  And we from Europe, to the same intent; 21 (#x5_x_5_i449)
Which if your general refuse or scorn,
Our tents are pitch'd, our men stand 22 (#x5_x_5_i452) in array,
Ready to charge you ere you stir your feet.

ORCANES.  So prest 23 (#x5_x_5_i455) 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 (#x5_x_5_i458) 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 (#x5_x_5_i461) 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 (#x5_x_5_i464) 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 (#x5_x_5_i467) 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 (#x5_x_5_i470) 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 (#x5_x_5_i483) runs—