Part 12 (2/2)

You trust me?

Sem. O, I must! I do! But not To save my brother may I trust to you The city's keys! You are a.s.syria's foe--

Khos. Not now! No more a foe, but truest friend!

For in my heart you are a.s.syria, And you I'd serve--

Nin. Cut short thy schooling, for The city waits.

Sem. (Aloud, mapping in her hand) The river here divides The eastern guard--(lowers her voice) I must not do this! No!

Risk every soul in Nineveh--

Khos. Did I Not trust thee when I entered here? I knew The face that shone upon me in the battle Would not betray me! Who gives perfect trust Is worthy of it! Thou dost know me true By Heaven's sign that only souls may read!

I can not say what I would say because Thou art a wife, but wert thou not a wife, Though thou wert thousand times a queen, I'd pour Such wors.h.i.+p to your ears you would believe My heart would rend my body's walls and leap Out of my bosom sooner than beat once A traitor to your trust! Take Ninus' ring!

Give me this little one--(slipping a ring from her finger) that hath enclosed The sovereign rose and ruby of thy veins That dims his purple power--and thee I serve-- Your general--not his! Whate'er you would I will! Command me now--

Sem. Enough! Go, go!

Lose no more time!

Khos. O, in some dream to come, When innocence may wear what form it will And on thy waking nature leave no blush, May words I must not speak take life and pay The debt they owe this hour!

Sem. I beg you go!

a.s.syria's in your hands!

Khos. Nay, in my heart!

Nin. Come, Artavan! No more delay! Your troops Await before the citadel.

Khos. I go, My lord.

(Confusion without, left rear. Enter an officer)

Off. Pardon, your majesty! A man Who says he's brother to the queen, makes bold To press before you!

Nin. Yet another brother?

Sem. No, no, my lord!

Off. He comes from Husak's camp.

Sem. It is some madman surely, or a spy Who plays his wits are lost and takes this way To force into the court!

Khos. I'll thrust him out!

He may mean danger to your person.

Nin. Nay, We'll sport with him. Let him come in!

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