Part 13 (2/2)

Off. I am, O king! The Armenians advance upon The northern wall, but come with lances down!

Art. They come in peace to meet the son of Husak!

Sem. O, haste, my lord! Haste, Artavan to duty!

Their rage when they shall learn the fate of Khosrove May give them courage to a.s.sail our walls!

Go, brother!

Nin. Hold! This man speaks not as madmen!

Sem. Should I not know my brother, sir?

Nin. You should.

Choose which is he. The other we condemn To death.

Art. (Holding out his arms) Save me, Semiramis!

Khos. (Holding out his arms) Save me, My sister!

Sem. (Going to Khosrove's arms) Brother!

Nin. (To Khosrove) Haste thee to thy office!

Va.s.sin, attend him! Sumbat, be his chief!

We trust where trusts the queen!

Sem. (To Khosrove) Give up the keys To Sumbat!

(Exeunt Khosrove, Va.s.sin, Sumbat, left rear)

Nin. (To Artavan) You to death! (Signs to guards)

Sem. My royal lord, First would I question him alone, and learn The truth about this pa.s.sage. He may be In league with traitors subtler than himself.

One moment, sir, I pray.

Nin. O, ever wise!

Bribe him with any promise death may keep To tell you all. But do not linger, love; We lose our bridal day!

(Exit, right centre. Semiramis looks at Artavan with the greatest tenderness. He gazes coldly upon her, Sola clinging to him)

Art. What would the queen?

Sem. To be again thy sister. Dost not guess?

That man--

<script>