Part 13 (1/2)

(Exit Officer)

Sem. My lord--

Nin. Your brother! Ho, ho, ho!

(Enter Artavan)

Art. My sister!

Sem. (Staring) Sir?

Art. Though queen, art thou not still my sister?

Sem. No!

Art. (Bowing with scornful ceremony) Your majesty!

Nin. Ha! ha! His sister! Then Thou wouldst be brother to the king?

Art. (Bitterly) My hope Runs not so high, and even to her I now Give up all claim. I'll own no blood but that In my own veins keeps honor! So farewell!

Nin. Be not so fast! Whence comest thou, my man?

Art. From Husak's camp. When he received thy word His son should go to him, he set me free.

Sem. Oh, set you free!

Art. And now, O king--

Sem. (Seeing that the king is impressed) My lord, If he came from the camp how has he pa.s.sed The city gates?

Nin. Ah ... true ... he could not pa.s.s.

Sem. (Mockingly) Perhaps he scaled the hundred feet of wall, And crossed the rampart 'neath the arrow watch Of towers eighty-score!

Art. I found a way, Proud woman!

Nin. How?

(As Artavan speaks Sola enters left front, and is held aside by Sumbat)

Art. This morning ere the battle She who was then my sister gave me this.

(Shows paper)

'Twas some direction sent unto my father, The lord Menones. (Turning paper) On this side I found A map whose secret key I knew, that marked A pa.s.sage 'neath the river. This I sought, Found it unguarded--

Nin. By the seven winds!--

(Enter an officer)

Off. O king!

Nin. You're of the northern watch?