TAMERLANE.
3
And adds new Horror to his native Fury;For five returning Suns, scarce was he seenBy any the most favour'd of his Court;But in lascivious Ease, amongst his Women,Liv'd from the War retir'd; or else, aloneIn sullen mood sate meditating Plagues,And Ruin to the World, till yester Morn,Like Fire that lab'ring upwards rends the Earth,He burst with Fury from his Tent, CommandingAll should be ready for the Fight, this Day.
Zam.I know his Temper well, since, in his CourtCompanion of the brave Axalla's Embassy,I oft observ'd him, Proud, Impatient,Of Ought Superiour, ev'n of Heav'n, that made him.Fond of false Glory, of the Savage Pow'rOf ruling without Reason, of confoundingJust, and Unjust, by an Unbounded Will;By whom Religion, Honour, all the Bands,That ought to hold the jarring World in Peace,Were held the Tricks of State, Snares of wise PrincesTo draw their Easy Neighbours to destruction.
Mir.Thrice, by our Law and Prophet, has he sworn,By the World's Lord, and Maker, lasting PeaceWith our great Master, and his Royal FriendThe Grecian Emperor; as oft regardlessOf plighted Faith, with most Un-Kingly Baseness,H'has ta'en the Advantage of their absent Arms.Without a War proclaim'd, or Cause pretended,To wast with Sword and Fire their fruitful Fields:Like some accursed Fiend, who, 'scapt from Hell,Poisons the balmy Air thro' which he flies,He blasts the bearded Corn, and loaded Branches,The lab'ring Hind's best hopes, and marks his way with ruine.
Pr.But see! his Fate, the mighty TamerlaneComes like the Proxy of inquring Heav'n,To Judge, and to redress.
Flourish
