These are his words; Meander, set them down.

COSROE. And add this to them,--that all Asia
Lament to see the folly of their king.

MYCETES. Well, here I swear by this my royal seat--

COSROE. You may do well to kiss it, then.

MYCETES. Emboss'd with silk as best beseems my state,
To be reveng'd for these contemptuous words!
O, where is duty and allegiance now?
Fled to the Caspian or the Ocean main?
What shall I call thee? brother? no, a foe;
Monster of nature, shame unto thy stock,
That dar'st presume thy sovereign for to mock!--
Meander, come: I am abus'd, Meander.
[Exeunt all except COSROE and MENAPHON.]

MENAPHON. How now, my lord! what, mated<15> and amaz'd
To hear the king thus threaten like himself!

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,