COSROE. Ah, Menaphon, I pass not [16] for his threats! The plot is laid by Persian noblemen And captains of the Median garrisons To crown me emperor of Asia: But this it is that doth excruciate The very substance of my vexed soul, To see our neighbours, that were wont to quake And tremble at the Persian monarch's name, Now sit and laugh our regiment [17] to scorn; And that which might resolve [18] me into tears, Men from the farthest equinoctial line Have swarm'd in troops into the Eastern India, Lading their ships [19] with gold and precious stones, And made their spoils from all our provinces. MENAPHON. This should entreat your highness to rejoice, Since Fortune gives you opportunity To gain the title of a conqueror By curing of this maimed empery. Afric and Europe bordering on your land, And continent to your dominions, How easily may you, with a mighty host, Pass [20] into Graecia, as did Cyrus once, And cause them to withdraw their forces home, Lest you [21] subdue the pride of Christendom! [Trumpet within.] COSROE. But, Menaphon, what means this trumpet's sound? MENAPHON. Behold, my lord, Ortygius and the rest Bringing the crown to make you emperor! Re-enter ORTYGIUS and CENEUS, [22] with others, bearing a crown. ORTYGIUS. Magnificent and mighty prince Cosroe, We, in the name of other Persian states [23] And commons of this mighty monarchy, Present thee with th' imperial diadem. CENEUS. The warlike soldiers and the gentlemen, That heretofore have fill'd Persepolis With Afric captains taken in the field, Whose ransom made them march in coats of gold, With costly jewels hanging at their ears, And shining stones upon their lofty crests, Now living idle in the walled towns, Wanting both pay and martial discipline, Begin in troops to threaten civil war, And openly exclaim against their [24] king: Therefore, to stay all sudden mutinies, We will invest your highness emperor; Whereat the soldiers will conceive more joy Than did the Macedonians at the spoil Of great Darius and his wealthy host. COSROE. Well, since I see the state of Persia droop And languish in my brother's government, I willingly receive th' imperial crown, And vow to wear it for my country's good, In spite of them shall malice my estate. ORTYGIUS. And, in assurance of desir'd success, We here do crown thee monarch of the East [;] Emperor of Asia and Persia; [25] Great lord of Media and Armenia; Duke of Africa and Albania, Mesopotamia and of Parthia, East India and the late-discover'd isles; Chief lord of all the wide vast Euxine Sea, And of the ever-raging [26] Caspian Lake. ALL. [27] Long live Cosroe, mighty emperor!