Part 1, Act 2, Scene 4 Summary

Mycetes appears, carrying his crown. He speaks in soliloquy about how frightening war is, how kings always make good targets in a war, and how he thinks it is a good idea to hide his crown so no-one can take it from him. Tamburlaine appears and confronts him. Mycetes tries to use his authority as king to order him away, but Tamburlaine stays and discovers the crown. Mycetes demands that he give it back and Tamburlaine does, saying it is only a loan. He then goes out, and Mycetes marvels that Tamburlaine "the thief" did not simply steal it.

Part 1, Act 2, Scene 4 Analysis

This brief scene is noteworthy for several things. First is the erratic behavior of Mycetes, which bears out the previously discussed possibility that he may be senile. Second is the fast-paced banter between Mycetes and Tamburlaine...