Hast yet foundA governor for the city?Nin.No.Sem.DelayAt this unsettled time? Dost think it safe?Nin.I ’veordered every tower-watch redoubled,Each gate close-locked, and keep the keys myself!None goes or comes till I have found the manFor governor.Sem.Would not Vassin serve?Nin.(With suspicion)I ’veother use for him. Perchancehe ’llgoFrom Nineveh.Sem.My lord,there ’sone from Gazim,Sumbat,thou ’ltfind as true as thine own heart.Who with some aid from me—Nin.From you? So, so!Sem.(In surprise) I was my father’s head and hand, my lord.Who knows the guardian locks and wards and plansSecretive for thy safety but myself?Whom thou dost choose must learn somewhat of me.Nin.Ay,you ’llnob heads together!Sem.Sir?Nin.Well, well—I ’llchoose a man!(Exit moodily, right centre)Sem.Strange ... but he is the king!... Ah, Khosrove! Artavan!... Nay, I will thinkOf nothing but my duty to the crown!...... “And with a father and a brother lost—”(Enter Sola, left, front. She sees that Semiramis is alone and advances)Sem.“Though thou wert worshipped, thou couldst not be happy!”Sol.Tell me! When does he come?Sem.Who, child?Sol.You ask?My husband—Artavan!Sem.He will not come.Sol.Art thou not queen?Sem.And Ninus king.Sol.He will not save thy brother?Sem.Nay, he can not.Sol.O monster king!Sem.Hush, Sola ... he forgaveMy father.Sol.Oh!—because he knew him dead!Sem.He knew him dead!Sol.Ah, I will tell you now!(Looks about guardedly, and speaks in a low tone)I saw your father die—and Ninus saw him!Dokahra waked me—and unseen we watched!The king came to the tent—discovered all—Doomed him to death—you to dishonor! ThenYour father rose to strike him—and fell dead.The king—Sem.Go! Leave me, Sola! Leave me! Go!(Exit Sola, left, near front)Sem.(Stands in silent horror, then speaks slowly)...I ’llkeep my oath ... and crown. Still will I makeAssyria great. Assyria is the army,And I ... am queen of arms ... not love! Not love!(Re-enter Ninus)Sem.(Softly, not seeing Ninus)“Dost know what love is, daughter of Menones?”Nin.(Advancing) My bride!Sem.(Turning to him) My lord, I would see Sumbat. PrayLet him be summoned.Nin.Nay,we ’vesworn this dayShall be for us alone!Sem.’t washe I chargedWith care of the Armenian prince.Nin.My queenShall not be troubled.Sem.’t willnot trouble me,My lord.Nin.Enough it troubles me!Sem.He ’dknowOf this foul fault, against your will—Nin.AgainThat theme! Forget it!Sem.O, my lord, forgetThat noble prince? So brave—so proud—so fair—Nin.What do you say? O, you changed eyes with him!Sem.My lord!Nin.This is your grief! Your brother! Ha!Sem.Your majesty—Nin.Not majesty! Fool! Fool!Ho, there! Bring in the Armenian! You shall seeThis noble prince! So brave—so proud—so fair!Her brother! O, fool, fool, fool!Sem.This the king?Nin.Why,I ’ma fool, my lady!(Guards enter right front with a half lifeless body)Look on him!He ’shad some kisses since you saw him lastThat struck full deep!Sem.(Staggering back) Is that—Nin.Ay, it is he!Look on him! ’Tis your Khosrove! Your—Sem.(Majestically) Peace Ninus!When you have knelt to meI ’llhear you speak!(Exit left centre)Nin.(Stares after her and becomes calm)Now I have ruined all.She ’llnot forgive!(Enter Vassin, left, rear)Vas.My lord, the brother of the queen has come.Nin.Not Artavan?Vas.Ay, Artavan.Nin.He ’shere?Vas.When Husak had your oathyou ’dfree his son,Prince Khosrove, Artavan was sent at onceTo Nineveh.Nin.How could he passThe gates?Vas.He passed before your order fell.Nin.We ’llwelcome him.(Looks toward the queen’s room)I ’llmake my peace with this.(Goes out with Vassin, left, rear. Semiramis enters hesitatingly, sees that Ninus is gone and advances fearfully toward the figure on the floor. The guards stand back, right front. She retreats, covering her eyes; then approaches and bends over the body. Searches his face, and throws up her hands in sudden joy)Sem.Not Khosrove! O, it is not Khosrove!(Leaves him and hurries to exit, trying to suppress her emotion. Returns to the body)Where is the prince? Poor wretch! Can you not speak?... Are these thy ways, ambition?Voice without.Way! Make way!(Semiramis hurries to her room. Enter the king, left rear, walking with Khosrove, and followed by Vassin and Sumbat)Nin.Speak not of going, Artavan!Khos.I must,O king! I pray your leave to go at onceTo Gazim. Sudden troubles urge me there.I beg your kingly warrant I may passThe gates—Nin.Nay, you shall stay! We shall persuade you!(To attendant) Summon the queen. Her voicewe ’lladd to ours.Khos.My lord—Nin.We like you, Artavan! By Bel,We do! You’re worthy of your sister queen!No more—you ’llstay! ... See! This is Khosrove!(Bends over body on the floor) Is—Or was? ... He lives.... Think you these bones will holdUntil they reach old Husak? Nowyou ’vecome,We must keep faith! Ha! ha!Khos.And that—is Khosrove?Nin.Truth, ’tis! ... Bear out the dog!(Guards bear off body, right front. Enter Semiramis. Sumbat crosses to her)Sem.My brother? Where?Khos.Here! (Advancing to her)Sum.(To Semiramis) Be not amazedAnd Artavan is safe!Nin.Thiswelcome ’scoldMethinks. We gave him warmer greeting.Sem.Sir,Such sudden joy—My brother knowsthere ’snoneI hold more dear.Nin.How now? Not one?Sem.(Dropping her eyes from Khosrove) Yes—one—Perhaps.Nin.(Pleased, taking her hand)We are forgiven?Sem.Indeed, my lord.Nin.And for your brother, hear our royal word.We make him governor of Nineveh!Sem.(In alarm) No! no!Nin.’Tis done! Go, Vassin, bring the keys!(Exit Vassin, right front)And wear this ring, my general!Khos.My lord,I could not undertake—Nin.You shall!—The queenWill charge you with all duties.Sem.No! I will not!Nin.Ay, ay! We know we please you ’gainst your wordAnd not your will.Sem.He is too young, my lord!Nin.Menones was too old. And’t wasyourselfWho taught us how to prize your brother.(Re-enter Vassin with a chain of great keys, which the king takes)Come!(Throws chains about Khosrove’s neck, and singles out the keys)The citadel! The southern arsenal!The northern wall—the secret passages—And these the tunnel locks and river gates!You ’lltake command at once, and so relieveThe city whichwe ’veshut fast as a tomb,Fearing that spies from Husak’s camp might creepInto our bosom.Khos.Wisely done, my lord.Sem.O king,if ’tmust be so,I ’llmap for himMy fathers safe division of the city.Nin.To you we leave him.(Talks apart with Vassin and Sumbat)Sem.Sir, what do you mean?Khos.(Hurriedly) When Vassin came to take me into charge,Sumbat contrived another should be sent—Sem.We know the rest! But how save Artavan?Khos.When I have entered Husak’s camphe ’sfree!You trust me?Sem.O, I must! I do! But notTo save my brother may I trust to youThe city’s keys! You are Assyria’s foe—Khos.Not now! No more a foe, but truest friend!For in my heart you are Assyria,And youI ’dserve—Nin.Cut short thy schooling, forThe city waits.Sem.(Aloud, mapping in her hand) The river here dividesThe eastern guard—(lowers her voice) I must not do this! No!Risk every soul in Nineveh—Khos.Did INot trust thee when I entered here? I knewThe face that shone upon me in the battleWould not betray me! Who gives perfect trustIs worthy of it! Thou dost know me trueBy Heaven’s sign that only souls may read!I can not say what I would say becauseThou art a wife, but wert thou not a wife,Though thou wert thousand times a queen,I ’dpourSuch worship to your ears you would believeMy heart would rend my body’s walls and leapOut of my bosom sooner than beat onceA traitor to your trust! Take Ninus’ ring!Give me this little one—(slipping a ring from her finger) that hath enclosedThe sovereign rose and ruby of thy veinsThat dims his purple power—and thee I serve—Your general—not his! Whate’er you wouldI 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 willAnd on thy waking nature leave no blush,May words I must not speak take life and payThe debt they owe this hour!Sem.I beg you go!Assyria ’sin your hands!Khos.Nay, in my heart!Nin.Come, Artavan! No more delay! Your troopsAwait before the citadel.Khos.I go,My lord.(Confusion without, left rear. Enter an officer)Off.Pardon, your majesty! A manWho sayshe ’sbrother to the queen, makes boldTo 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 spyWho plays his wits are lost and takes this wayTo force into the court!Khos.I ’llthrust him out!He may mean danger to your person.Nin.Nay,We ’llsport with him. Let him come in!(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! ThenThou wouldst be brother to the king?Art.(Bitterly) My hopeRuns not so high, and even to her I nowGive up all claim.I ’llown no blood but thatIn 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 wordHis 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 passedThe city gates?Nin.Ah ... true ... he could not pass.Sem.(Mockingly) Perhaps he scaled the hundred feet of wall,And crossed the rampart ’neath the arrow watchOf 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 battleShe who was then my sister gave me this.(Shows paper)’T wassome direction sent unto my father,The lord Menones. (Turning paper) On this side I foundA map whose secret key I knew, that markedA passage ’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?Off.I am,O king! The Armenians advance uponThe 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 KhosroveMay give them courage to assail 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 condemnTo 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!Vassin, attend him! Sumbat, be his chief!We trust where trusts the queen!Sem.(To Khosrove) Give up the keysTo Sumbat!(Exeunt Khosrove, Vassin, Sumbat, left rear)Nin.(To Artavan) You to death! (Signs to guards)Sem.My royal lord,First would I question him alone, and learnThe truth about this passage. He may beIn league with traitors subtler than himself.One moment, sir, I pray.Nin.O, ever wise!Bribe him with any promise death may keepTo 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—Art.Who can he be you prize aboveYour honor and my life?Sem.The son of himWho set you free on Ninus’ oath, an oathBroke in the heart ere it had left the lips!Art.My brave Semiramis!You ’vesaved the prince,And with his life my honor! O, pardon me!Sem.He was escaping in your name when youArrived too soon—Art.Forgive me that!Sem.And nowTo save my brother!Art.Hope it not. Be gladThat one is safe. Had Khosrove lost his lifeIn Ninus’ court, my oath had driven me backTo Husak—and to death. No power thenHad saved me. Now—Sem.Now thou shalt live!Art.Nay, see!His guards watch well! There is no way.Sem.No wayBut through the will of Ninus. He shall save thee!Art.O, for your own dear life, Semiramis,Let Ninus know not I am Artavan!Sem.He dare not touch me, for thearmy ’smine!(Goes into Ninus’ chamber)Sol.My love!Art.’Tis welcome and farewell, my Sola!Sol.O, she will save thee!Art.Teach me not to hope.(A band of dancing maidens enter, left, and sing a bridal chorus before the doors of Ninus’ chamber)Love and Beauty now are one,No more wandering away!Love ’sthe sky to Beauty’s sun,From him she can not stray.And he is bright by her fair light or none!Love and Beauty dreaming lie,Who shall say it is not meet?Who shall say, O fie, O fie,To the favor sweetThat Love will ask and Beauty not deny?(Maidens dance out, right. Re-enter Semiramis)Sem.He ’swild with rage! I can not calm him!Sol.Oh,To lose thee now!(Enter Ninus. He advances upon Semiramis)Nin.Who is he, then—that man—If not thy brother? To whose arms you wentAs you have never come to mine?Sem.A manWhose life you owed to me by holiest promiseAnd oath unto the gods! I saved your soulWhen I so saved—Nin.Speak! Who?Sem.The son of Husak,Prince Khosrove, of Armenia!(Utter silence. Ninus stands choked and dumb; then moves to strike Semiramis)Sem.Strike meYou strike your army!(Ninus drops his hand and stares at her, livid and shaken, then turns fiercely upon Artavan)Sem.(Rushes before him and falls, clinging to his knees)Wait, O wait, my lord!If thou dost Hope to know my love! Dost dreamOf bridal joy! Wouldst rest thy head in peaceUpon my bosom, say thou wilt forgive!And I, too, will forgive! No more will askWhat thou hast done or not done! All thy pastIs fair as Heaven by this moment’s sun!I ’lllove thee as thou hadst been born this hourThat gives my brother life! O, speak the word,And take me to thy heart—thy wife—thy slave—Nin.By earth and heaven, he shall die—and now!(Raises his dagger to strike. Enter Vassin)Vas.(Excitedly) My lord, this is the strangest governor!He ordered me with Sumbat to lead outThe city troops beyond the southern gate,Then spurred to north! Sumbat obeyed, but I,Not liking this, returned to you!Nin.’Tis Khosrove!Vas.(Staggered) Then we are lost!Nin.Pursue him! Fly! Call backOur troops!Vas.Too late! By now they’re locked withoutThe southern wall, and Khosrove rides to opeThe north to Husak!Sem.(Aside) False! Down, slanderous thoughtThat darkens me not him! That face that lookedAs Truth had chosen it to show her ownTo man! That voice—each word the enchanted doorTo holier worlds unspoken! No.I ’lltrust!(Enter an officer)Off.O, great Assyria, the Armenians come!The Gazimtraitor ’ssold thee unto Husak!Thy foes are pouring through the northern gateAnd bear down on the palace! Sumbat holdsThy troops upon the southern plain And barsAll passage!There ’sno help!(Ninus listens speechless)Attendants.(Running in) O, we are lost!Off.The city will be sacked! The palace guardsAre but a handful!Sem.False? O, Khosrove! False?Then there is no man true? E’en Sumbat lostTo thy sweet promises! False! false!(Enter a second officer)Off.(Prostrating himself) Oh Ninus!Call on thy gods! Thy enemies are at thee!The palace is enclosed, and every foeBears in his hand a torch that blazes deathTo all within!(The inmates of the palace are running to and fro, rear, and looking fearfully out into the court below)Sem.O beauteous gods, is thisYour earth? Where Falsehood steals your garments, nayYour smile, seduces with your voice, and stampsYour semblance upon fiends?Voices.Save us, O king!(Ninus stands immovable, as if made deaf and dumb by impending disaster)Voice.We burn! They cast the brands!Another.Not yet! They wait!Voices of prostrate figures.Save us, O king!Voice.See! see! The leader speaks!Another.His herald! Hear!(A trumpet sounds below)Voice of Khosrove’s herald.Assyria, come forth!(All within listen, silent, eager, fearful)Hear thou, O Ninus! Hear the word of Khosrove!He will depart with the Armenian troops,And leave the city free of sword and fire,Ifthou ’ltdecree that Artavan shall liveFree and unharmed!(The face of Semiramis illumines with joy)Deny and NinevehShall flame!Nin.My herald there! Stand forth!(The herald of Ninus takes station centre rear)DecreeAs Khosrove wills!Her. of Khos.Appear, O Ninus!Nin.No!Her. of Khos.Appear, O Ninus!(Ninus goes slowly to rear and stands by his herald)Her. of Khos.Hear, all Nineveh!Hear the decree of Ninus, king and god!That Artavan, the brother of the queen,Shall freely live, and die by no man’s hand!Her. of Ninus.(Blows trumpet, then speaks)Hear the decree of Ninus, king and god,That Artavan, the brother of the queen,Shall freely live, and die by no man’s hand!(Silence. The voice of Khosrove below)Khos.Assyria, speak!Nin.I, Ninus, so decree!(Staggers back toward front as all press to rear to see the troops go out. Semiramis, Artavan and Sola stand together gazing out)Sem.O, Khosrove! See—he rides—away—away!(Leans forward waving her scarf. Ninus, alone in front, goes toward his chamber, falls on the stepsoverpoweredwith rage and lifts his clenched hands)Nin.O, vengeance! Vengeance for a king!(CURTAIN)ACT III.Scene: The gardens over the lake. A wide bridge extends from the bank of the lake, left, to the gardens which are partly visible on the right. At the rear, right, is a garlanded archway. At the left, front, steps lead from the bridge to the bank and top of the bridge. Beyond the bridge, rear, clouds show that the sun is setting.A score of spearmen, with lances down, march in right, front, and out through archway, right, rear.Enter, right, front, the king and Sumbat. The king is royally clad and crowned; Sumbat in official robe.Sumbat.Khosrove delays.Nin.But do not doubthe ’llcome.I have his word, and couriers have seenHis horsemen on the plain.Sum.How noble, sir,To close the Feast of Peace with supreme revelIn honor of your foe!Nin.Not foe, good Sumbat.We have no foes. Our queen’s triumphant armsHave made glad subjects of all enemiesBut one, and him we make our friend. To-nightAssyria and Armenia sup as one!(Turns toward right, rear)We ’llsee ifall ’sprepared as we gave order.(Exeunt under the arch of garlands. Dancers enter, right, front, and pass out through arch. Following them, Semiramis with her women. All are in rich attire but the queen who wears simple white robe. A dove nestles on her bosom. She gives the women leave to pass on and they go out merrily through arch, right, rear. Semiramis lingers; comes to the railing of the bridge, centre, and leans upon it)Sem.Will Khosrove come? I do not doubt the king,—And yet—I pray he will not come!(Re-enter Sumbat, through arch. He comes out to the queen)Sem.You, Sumbat?Where is the king?Sum.I left him in the garden,Giving new orders for Prince Khosrove’s honor.Sem.Sumbat, you trust the king?Sum.I do.You ’vewroughtSuch noble change in him that drop by dropHe ’smated all his blood unto your virtues.Sem.I must believe it, lest a doubt should breedThe weakness it suspects. Butis ’tnot strangeKhosrove should trust him too?Sum.He knows that youWould warn him if there lay a danger here.Sem.I warn him? But suppose the warning false?’T wouldwrong the king, whose purpose seems so pureIt might have journeyed with his soul when firstIt came from Heaven! No.I ’llanswer for him!He could not counterfeit so deep my eyesWould find no bottom to deceit!... But nowWhat hast thou heard of Artavan?Sum.No word.Sem.I fear—Sum.He ’ssafe. Be sure of that. No manWould dare lay finger on him!Sem.But to goWithout a word! Poor Sola grieves, and weepsAs thoughshe ’ddrown her wits in tears.(A boat glides from under the bridge and over the water beneath them)See there!’Tis she! Alone below!(Sola alights from boat and runs up steps to the bridge)I ’llspeak to her.Go, Sumbat! (Sumbat goes off right)Sister, stay.(Stops Sola as she is passing)Why do you run?Sol.I ’mrunning from the king!Sem.The king, my love?There ’sno king here.Sol.Nay,he ’sbelow!Sem.Below?Sol.Under the bridge with Vassin!Sem.Vassin? No.The king has sent him out of Nineveh!Sol.He did not go. I swear thathe ’sbelow!Sem.What were you doing ’neath the bridge?Sol.Ah me,I seek in every place for Artavan.I ’llsave him from the king!Sem.So kind a king?Sol.O, kind! As death, or plague, or leprosy!’Tis he has taken revenge on Artavan!He ’llkill the prince, too, when he comes!Sem.My child—Sol.(Pointing down)I heard them talking there!Sem.Thyhusband ’ssafe.Bethink thee that the king’s decree protects him.Sol.Not from the king! From man, not from the gods,And Ninus is a god, or dreams he is!Sem.From man—not from—no, no! I will not sayOr think it! My poor child—Sol.You ’llsave the prince?’Tis you he trusts, not Ninus!Sem.Sweet, be calm.You did not see the king.Sol.Hear all, and save him!When Khosrove takes the seat of highest honor,Lord of the Revels by Assyria’s favor,The floor will part, the chair fall to the lake,Where Vassin waits to slay him, while the kingStrikes down in wrath the master of the feastFor fault of accident!Sem.Where are your wits?See, yonder comes the king!(Re-enter Ninus through archway)Sem.(As he approaches) Is all prepared,My lord?Sol.(To Semiramis) ’Tis true—true—true!(Runs off, right)Nin.Ay, all is readyExcept the queen. What means these simple robes,Semiramis?Sem.A compliment untoYour majesty.Nin.It shows more like affront!I would have Khosrove see a splendor hereUnpainted in the daring of his dream,And thou the star of it! A merchant’s daughterWould robe her handmaid with more care—lend herA pearl or two—a bit of scarf—or scrapOf tinsel sun—Sem.My lord—Nin.A compliment!’Tis your disdain—Sem.It grieves me, sir, that youShould read in outward sign what never yetWas in my soul. Our wars are done, my lord;And exultation of the conquering hourCalms into peace; as I laid armor byFor victor robes and symbol of my glory,I now cast off the purple of the queen,And but remember that I am a wife.Nin.(Embracing her) Beloved Semiramis! Forgive thy slave!No royal dye could shine so to my eyesAs this soft white put on for me alone!Thy pardon, love, and thou shalt shortly learnA king, too, knows how best to compliment!An honor waits for thee—(Enter officer, left)Off.O king!Nin.We hear!Off.The Armenian approaches.Nin.Khosrove comes?(Semiramis watches the king closely)Off.He comes, great Ninus!Nin.Well, and more than well!Summon our train. (Exit officer, right) But one is lacking here,Our brother—Artavan.Sem.My lord—you think—Nin.Who would dare harm him? He is safe.Sem.(Coming very near him) From man,Not from the gods.Nin.(Stepping back) What do you mean?Sem.The truth!Nin.(Seizing her arm) It is not so! I do deny it!Sem.(Calmly) What,My lord?Nin.What meant you when you said ‘the truth’!Sem.That gods may work some harm to Artavan.Nin.(At ease) True, love! Uncertain is their favor. Look!He comes! (Gazing off left)Sem.(Aside)He ’sfalse! And ifhe ’sfalse in this—then is—O, Khosrove, thou art lured to death! And IHave been thy traitorous star!(Enter Khosrove, left, attended by Armenians)Nin.Hail, Khosrove! Hail!Assyrians.Hail to Armenia! Hail!Khos.O, Ninus, hail!Armenians.Hail to Assyria, greatest over kings!Nin.Thou ’rtwelcome, and we thank thee for thy trust,Whichwe ’llbetray when Heaven has no godTo damn our treachery! In proof of faith,Wear thou the royal dagger with thy own.(Detaches his weapon, which he gives to Khosrove)Our queen—has she no word?(Khosrove bows low before Semiramis)Sem.Peace and long lifeTo Khosrove.Nin.Now to revel! Sound the trumpets!(Exeunt officers through archway. Trumpets sound from the gardens. Dancing maidens in white robes, each with a dove resting on her hand, enter right front, reach the centre of the stage, and begin the dance of doves. As the maidens describe circles in the dance the doves rise and fly in similar circles above their heads, and re-alight on their extended hands)Sem.(Who has stood aside during the dance, apparently disturbed)It is not true! Were any man so vileNature would spurn him back to chaos ereHis mother had beheld him!(The dance ends. The maidens pass out under arch. All move to follow when Ninus speaks)Nin.Stay! Hear, all!Before we feast in honor of our guest,We would do honor to our noble queen,Whose arms of might have brought our land to peace.Whose looks of love have brought our heart to rest!To-night we doff our crown that she may wear it!(Removing crown)And here decree her word shall be obeyedAbove our own.(Puts crown on the queen’s head)Dost like our compliment?Sem.It is too much, my king.Nin.(Kneeling) Nay, nay, thy subject!(Semiramis seems gay with a sudden resolve)Sem.If it so please thee thenI ’llbe the king!Nin.(Rising) We have decreed. If any here refuseTo honor thy command, though thou shouldst doomMy death, himself that instant dies. (To officer) You, sir,Take order for it, and if your own hand fail,When we are king againwe ’llhave your head!Off.My arm be as your will, my lord!Sem.O, thenI have a wish I did not dare to voice.Nin.Command it now.Sem.It hath much troubled meThat Khosrove should be honored over you,Lord of the Revels.Khos.(Astonished) Lady—Sem.King,if ’tplease you!I ’velaid my purple by, but I have stillThe royal color in my heart. Think’st thouTo sit above Assyria, who wearest notThe brave investment of the gods? who hold’stThy sceptre still from warrior chiefs, not fromAnointed kings?Khos.Because my race is proud!Too proud to kneel to any earthly kingAnd take the sacred vestment from his hands!Sem.You see, my lord, that even in his heartHe ranks himself above you!Nin.But, my love—Khos.Farewell! Thou didst me service once, and hereI thought to thank thee, but—Nin.Stay, Khosrove, stay!Khos.Farewell, with all my heart!Nin.Nay—Sem.O, my lord.Let him depart. He mocks our glory, and bearsA challenge in his proud simplicityThat puts our splendor to defense.Khos.Nay, madam!I came to lay my duty at your feet,And lift my eyes no higher than your handWithout your royal leave! But nowI ’llcastMy gaze upon the stars, forgetting thatYou walk beneath them! (Going)Nin.Stay, O prince!(To Semiramis) A boon, your majesty!’T wouldblot our honorTo send him from us thus! We shall be plungedAnew in wars, for Husak will avenge it!I am thy most unhappy subject, andThou ’lthear my prayer!(Goes after Khosrove and leads him back)You ’llstay, O Khosrove?Khos.Ay,On one condition.Nin.Name it!Khos.That you will takeOur seat at feast.Nin.Nay—Sem.That is our command!Nin.No, no!Sem.We ’llhave it so!Nin.I ’llnot consent!Sem.It is our royal order! Guards for Ninus!Nin.What do you mean?Sem.To have our way! Guards here!You shall not do this wrong to your high self!We ’lllook unto your honor! (To guards) Bear him in!(Guards stand in amazement)Did ye not hear the king’s decree? I reign!(Guards take hold of Ninus)Nin.By Hut and Nim!Sem.Place him in Khosrove’s seat!(Guards draw Ninus through the archway. Khosrovefollows, then all but Semiramis, who lingers fearfully, runs toward front, then back and listens)Sem.’Tis true! What have I done? Ye gods! ’tis true!He would not so rebel if’t werenot true!But Vassin is below!He ’llknow his kingAnd save him!(Kneels) Belus, mighty Belus, pardon!(The sun has set, and red clouds show almost black over water, rear. The front of stage is nearly dark. Lights glimmer from the gardens, and a faint torch shows in the darkness under the bridge. Shouts and shrieks come from within. People rush out)Voices.The king! the king!Sem.(Retreating to railing, front) ’Tis done!Officer.(Running across) The king has fallenInto the lake! Lights there! below! (Runs down steps leading under the bridge)Other officers following.Lights! lights!(Torches flare under the bridge. Darkness above as the last light fades from the sky. A moment of noise and search, and officers appear on the bridge, right, rear, with Vassin. A guard bears torch which throws light on his face)Sem.(Confronting him)You ’vesaved the king!Vas.I have. For I have slainHis foe!Sem.His foe? No—you have killed the king!(Falls back into the arms of her women. Complete darkness on stage. An instant later moonlight. Khosrove and Semiramis alone on the bridge, centre, front)Khos.(Bowing ceremoniously)Farewell, Assyria!Sem.O, not that name!Not yet—not yet.Khos.Does it not please your pride?Sem.My pride? ’Tis gone. Now I could lay my headUpon the dust.Khos.In truth! Butyou ’llnot do it!Humility ’sa word the great think sweetUpon the tongue, but near the heart they findIt loseth flavor!Sem.Ah ... you do not know?You think the words I spoke were born of pride?So far from that—no, no—I will not tell,And yet you wrong me, prince.Khos.(Eagerly) Did you suspectSome danger to me here, and seek to forceMy angry leave? You did not care so much?Sem.I cared so much that rather than betray youI would have let you go believing meA woman worth your scorn. Ah, there my prideIn truth did suffer!Khos.O, Semiramis!Thou art the same as when I saw thee last?As when I rode away and left thy face—The only face in Nineveh—nay—I—Will go. Farewell, most noble queen!Sem.Farewell!(He lingers)Sem.Why go in haste?Khos.I left my father sick.He will be troubled till I come again.Sem.How dared you trust—Khos.What would I not have daredTo look on thee again?... My horsemen wait....(Waving toward left)I come!Sem.Farewell!... Armenia is my friend?I ’msad.... The manner of this death.... It weighsUpon me.Khos.Let it not.Thou ’rtinnocentSem.O, some may doubt!Khos.But who wrongs Virtue putsA crown upon her! If thou hadst foreknownThe accident—
Hast yet foundA governor for the city?
Nin.No.
Sem.DelayAt this unsettled time? Dost think it safe?
Nin.I ’veordered every tower-watch redoubled,Each gate close-locked, and keep the keys myself!None goes or comes till I have found the manFor governor.
Sem.Would not Vassin serve?
Nin.(With suspicion)I ’veother use for him. Perchancehe ’llgoFrom Nineveh.
Sem.My lord,there ’sone from Gazim,Sumbat,thou ’ltfind as true as thine own heart.Who with some aid from me—
Nin.From you? So, so!
Sem.(In surprise) I was my father’s head and hand, my lord.Who knows the guardian locks and wards and plansSecretive for thy safety but myself?Whom thou dost choose must learn somewhat of me.
Nin.Ay,you ’llnob heads together!
Sem.Sir?
Nin.Well, well—I ’llchoose a man!
(Exit moodily, right centre)
Sem.Strange ... but he is the king!... Ah, Khosrove! Artavan!... Nay, I will thinkOf nothing but my duty to the crown!...... “And with a father and a brother lost—”
(Enter Sola, left, front. She sees that Semiramis is alone and advances)
Sem.“Though thou wert worshipped, thou couldst not be happy!”
Sol.Tell me! When does he come?
Sem.Who, child?
Sol.You ask?My husband—Artavan!
Sem.He will not come.
Sol.Art thou not queen?
Sem.And Ninus king.
Sol.He will not save thy brother?
Sem.Nay, he can not.
Sol.O monster king!
Sem.Hush, Sola ... he forgaveMy father.
Sol.Oh!—because he knew him dead!
Sem.He knew him dead!
Sol.Ah, I will tell you now!
(Looks about guardedly, and speaks in a low tone)
I saw your father die—and Ninus saw him!Dokahra waked me—and unseen we watched!The king came to the tent—discovered all—Doomed him to death—you to dishonor! ThenYour father rose to strike him—and fell dead.The king—
Sem.Go! Leave me, Sola! Leave me! Go!
(Exit Sola, left, near front)
Sem.(Stands in silent horror, then speaks slowly)...I ’llkeep my oath ... and crown. Still will I makeAssyria great. Assyria is the army,And I ... am queen of arms ... not love! Not love!
(Re-enter Ninus)
Sem.(Softly, not seeing Ninus)“Dost know what love is, daughter of Menones?”
Nin.(Advancing) My bride!
Sem.(Turning to him) My lord, I would see Sumbat. PrayLet him be summoned.
Nin.Nay,we ’vesworn this dayShall be for us alone!
Sem.’t washe I chargedWith care of the Armenian prince.
Nin.My queenShall not be troubled.
Sem.’t willnot trouble me,My lord.
Nin.Enough it troubles me!
Sem.He ’dknowOf this foul fault, against your will—
Nin.AgainThat theme! Forget it!
Sem.O, my lord, forgetThat noble prince? So brave—so proud—so fair—
Nin.What do you say? O, you changed eyes with him!
Sem.My lord!
Nin.This is your grief! Your brother! Ha!
Sem.Your majesty—
Nin.Not majesty! Fool! Fool!Ho, there! Bring in the Armenian! You shall seeThis noble prince! So brave—so proud—so fair!Her brother! O, fool, fool, fool!
Sem.This the king?
Nin.Why,I ’ma fool, my lady!
(Guards enter right front with a half lifeless body)
Look on him!He ’shad some kisses since you saw him lastThat struck full deep!
Sem.(Staggering back) Is that—
Nin.Ay, it is he!Look on him! ’Tis your Khosrove! Your—
Sem.(Majestically) Peace Ninus!When you have knelt to meI ’llhear you speak!
(Exit left centre)
Nin.(Stares after her and becomes calm)Now I have ruined all.She ’llnot forgive!
(Enter Vassin, left, rear)
Vas.My lord, the brother of the queen has come.
Nin.Not Artavan?
Vas.Ay, Artavan.
Nin.He ’shere?
Vas.When Husak had your oathyou ’dfree his son,Prince Khosrove, Artavan was sent at onceTo Nineveh.
Nin.How could he passThe gates?
Vas.He passed before your order fell.
Nin.We ’llwelcome him.
(Looks toward the queen’s room)
I ’llmake my peace with this.
(Goes out with Vassin, left, rear. Semiramis enters hesitatingly, sees that Ninus is gone and advances fearfully toward the figure on the floor. The guards stand back, right front. She retreats, covering her eyes; then approaches and bends over the body. Searches his face, and throws up her hands in sudden joy)
Sem.Not Khosrove! O, it is not Khosrove!
(Leaves him and hurries to exit, trying to suppress her emotion. Returns to the body)
Where is the prince? Poor wretch! Can you not speak?... Are these thy ways, ambition?
Voice without.Way! Make way!
(Semiramis hurries to her room. Enter the king, left rear, walking with Khosrove, and followed by Vassin and Sumbat)
Nin.Speak not of going, Artavan!
Khos.I must,O king! I pray your leave to go at onceTo Gazim. Sudden troubles urge me there.I beg your kingly warrant I may passThe gates—
Nin.Nay, you shall stay! We shall persuade you!
(To attendant) Summon the queen. Her voicewe ’lladd to ours.
Khos.My lord—
Nin.We like you, Artavan! By Bel,We do! You’re worthy of your sister queen!No more—you ’llstay! ... See! This is Khosrove!
(Bends over body on the floor) Is—
Or was? ... He lives.... Think you these bones will holdUntil they reach old Husak? Nowyou ’vecome,We must keep faith! Ha! ha!
Khos.And that—is Khosrove?
Nin.Truth, ’tis! ... Bear out the dog!
(Guards bear off body, right front. Enter Semiramis. Sumbat crosses to her)
Sem.My brother? Where?
Khos.Here! (Advancing to her)
Sum.(To Semiramis) Be not amazedAnd Artavan is safe!
Nin.Thiswelcome ’scoldMethinks. We gave him warmer greeting.
Sem.Sir,Such sudden joy—My brother knowsthere ’snoneI hold more dear.
Nin.How now? Not one?
Sem.(Dropping her eyes from Khosrove) Yes—one—Perhaps.
Nin.(Pleased, taking her hand)We are forgiven?
Sem.Indeed, my lord.
Nin.And for your brother, hear our royal word.We make him governor of Nineveh!
Sem.(In alarm) No! no!
Nin.’Tis done! Go, Vassin, bring the keys!
(Exit Vassin, right front)
And wear this ring, my general!
Khos.My lord,I could not undertake—
Nin.You shall!—The queenWill charge you with all duties.
Sem.No! I will not!
Nin.Ay, ay! We know we please you ’gainst your wordAnd not your will.
Sem.He is too young, my lord!
Nin.Menones was too old. And’t wasyourselfWho taught us how to prize your brother.
(Re-enter Vassin with a chain of great keys, which the king takes)
Come!
(Throws chains about Khosrove’s neck, and singles out the keys)
The citadel! The southern arsenal!The northern wall—the secret passages—And these the tunnel locks and river gates!You ’lltake command at once, and so relieveThe city whichwe ’veshut fast as a tomb,Fearing that spies from Husak’s camp might creepInto our bosom.
Khos.Wisely done, my lord.
Sem.O king,if ’tmust be so,I ’llmap for himMy fathers safe division of the city.
Nin.To you we leave him.
(Talks apart with Vassin and Sumbat)
Sem.Sir, what do you mean?
Khos.(Hurriedly) When Vassin came to take me into charge,Sumbat contrived another should be sent—
Sem.We know the rest! But how save Artavan?
Khos.When I have entered Husak’s camphe ’sfree!You trust me?
Sem.O, I must! I do! But notTo save my brother may I trust to youThe city’s keys! You are Assyria’s foe—
Khos.Not now! No more a foe, but truest friend!For in my heart you are Assyria,And youI ’dserve—
Nin.Cut short thy schooling, forThe city waits.
Sem.(Aloud, mapping in her hand) The river here dividesThe eastern guard—(lowers her voice) I must not do this! No!Risk every soul in Nineveh—
Khos.Did INot trust thee when I entered here? I knewThe face that shone upon me in the battleWould not betray me! Who gives perfect trustIs worthy of it! Thou dost know me trueBy Heaven’s sign that only souls may read!I can not say what I would say becauseThou art a wife, but wert thou not a wife,Though thou wert thousand times a queen,I ’dpourSuch worship to your ears you would believeMy heart would rend my body’s walls and leapOut of my bosom sooner than beat onceA traitor to your trust! Take Ninus’ ring!Give me this little one—(slipping a ring from her finger) that hath enclosedThe sovereign rose and ruby of thy veinsThat dims his purple power—and thee I serve—Your general—not his! Whate’er you wouldI 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 willAnd on thy waking nature leave no blush,May words I must not speak take life and payThe debt they owe this hour!
Sem.I beg you go!Assyria ’sin your hands!
Khos.Nay, in my heart!
Nin.Come, Artavan! No more delay! Your troopsAwait before the citadel.
Khos.I go,My lord.
(Confusion without, left rear. Enter an officer)
Off.Pardon, your majesty! A manWho sayshe ’sbrother to the queen, makes boldTo 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 spyWho plays his wits are lost and takes this wayTo force into the court!
Khos.I ’llthrust him out!He may mean danger to your person.
Nin.Nay,We ’llsport with him. Let him come in!
(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! ThenThou wouldst be brother to the king?
Art.(Bitterly) My hopeRuns not so high, and even to her I nowGive up all claim.I ’llown no blood but thatIn 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 wordHis 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 passedThe city gates?
Nin.Ah ... true ... he could not pass.
Sem.(Mockingly) Perhaps he scaled the hundred feet of wall,And crossed the rampart ’neath the arrow watchOf 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 battleShe who was then my sister gave me this.
(Shows paper)
’T wassome direction sent unto my father,The lord Menones. (Turning paper) On this side I foundA map whose secret key I knew, that markedA passage ’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?
Off.I am,O king! The Armenians advance uponThe 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 KhosroveMay give them courage to assail 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 condemnTo 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!Vassin, attend him! Sumbat, be his chief!We trust where trusts the queen!
Sem.(To Khosrove) Give up the keysTo Sumbat!
(Exeunt Khosrove, Vassin, Sumbat, left rear)
Nin.(To Artavan) You to death! (Signs to guards)
Sem.My royal lord,First would I question him alone, and learnThe truth about this passage. He may beIn league with traitors subtler than himself.One moment, sir, I pray.
Nin.O, ever wise!Bribe him with any promise death may keepTo 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—
Art.Who can he be you prize aboveYour honor and my life?
Sem.The son of himWho set you free on Ninus’ oath, an oathBroke in the heart ere it had left the lips!
Art.My brave Semiramis!You ’vesaved the prince,And with his life my honor! O, pardon me!
Sem.He was escaping in your name when youArrived too soon—
Art.Forgive me that!
Sem.And nowTo save my brother!
Art.Hope it not. Be gladThat one is safe. Had Khosrove lost his lifeIn Ninus’ court, my oath had driven me backTo Husak—and to death. No power thenHad saved me. Now—
Sem.Now thou shalt live!
Art.Nay, see!His guards watch well! There is no way.
Sem.No wayBut through the will of Ninus. He shall save thee!
Art.O, for your own dear life, Semiramis,Let Ninus know not I am Artavan!
Sem.He dare not touch me, for thearmy ’smine!
(Goes into Ninus’ chamber)
Sol.My love!
Art.’Tis welcome and farewell, my Sola!
Sol.O, she will save thee!
Art.Teach me not to hope.
(A band of dancing maidens enter, left, and sing a bridal chorus before the doors of Ninus’ chamber)
Love and Beauty now are one,No more wandering away!Love ’sthe sky to Beauty’s sun,From him she can not stray.And he is bright by her fair light or none!Love and Beauty dreaming lie,Who shall say it is not meet?Who shall say, O fie, O fie,To the favor sweetThat Love will ask and Beauty not deny?
Love and Beauty now are one,No more wandering away!Love ’sthe sky to Beauty’s sun,From him she can not stray.And he is bright by her fair light or none!
Love and Beauty dreaming lie,Who shall say it is not meet?Who shall say, O fie, O fie,To the favor sweetThat Love will ask and Beauty not deny?
(Maidens dance out, right. Re-enter Semiramis)
Sem.He ’swild with rage! I can not calm him!
Sol.Oh,To lose thee now!
(Enter Ninus. He advances upon Semiramis)
Nin.Who is he, then—that man—If not thy brother? To whose arms you wentAs you have never come to mine?
Sem.A manWhose life you owed to me by holiest promiseAnd oath unto the gods! I saved your soulWhen I so saved—
Nin.Speak! Who?
Sem.The son of Husak,Prince Khosrove, of Armenia!
(Utter silence. Ninus stands choked and dumb; then moves to strike Semiramis)
Sem.Strike meYou strike your army!
(Ninus drops his hand and stares at her, livid and shaken, then turns fiercely upon Artavan)
Sem.(Rushes before him and falls, clinging to his knees)Wait, O wait, my lord!If thou dost Hope to know my love! Dost dreamOf bridal joy! Wouldst rest thy head in peaceUpon my bosom, say thou wilt forgive!And I, too, will forgive! No more will askWhat thou hast done or not done! All thy pastIs fair as Heaven by this moment’s sun!I ’lllove thee as thou hadst been born this hourThat gives my brother life! O, speak the word,And take me to thy heart—thy wife—thy slave—
Nin.By earth and heaven, he shall die—and now!
(Raises his dagger to strike. Enter Vassin)
Vas.(Excitedly) My lord, this is the strangest governor!He ordered me with Sumbat to lead outThe city troops beyond the southern gate,Then spurred to north! Sumbat obeyed, but I,Not liking this, returned to you!
Nin.’Tis Khosrove!
Vas.(Staggered) Then we are lost!
Nin.Pursue him! Fly! Call backOur troops!
Vas.Too late! By now they’re locked withoutThe southern wall, and Khosrove rides to opeThe north to Husak!
Sem.(Aside) False! Down, slanderous thoughtThat darkens me not him! That face that lookedAs Truth had chosen it to show her ownTo man! That voice—each word the enchanted doorTo holier worlds unspoken! No.I ’lltrust!
(Enter an officer)
Off.O, great Assyria, the Armenians come!The Gazimtraitor ’ssold thee unto Husak!Thy foes are pouring through the northern gateAnd bear down on the palace! Sumbat holdsThy troops upon the southern plain And barsAll passage!There ’sno help!
(Ninus listens speechless)
Attendants.(Running in) O, we are lost!
Off.The city will be sacked! The palace guardsAre but a handful!
Sem.False? O, Khosrove! False?Then there is no man true? E’en Sumbat lostTo thy sweet promises! False! false!
(Enter a second officer)
Off.(Prostrating himself) Oh Ninus!Call on thy gods! Thy enemies are at thee!The palace is enclosed, and every foeBears in his hand a torch that blazes deathTo all within!
(The inmates of the palace are running to and fro, rear, and looking fearfully out into the court below)
Sem.O beauteous gods, is thisYour earth? Where Falsehood steals your garments, nayYour smile, seduces with your voice, and stampsYour semblance upon fiends?
Voices.Save us, O king!
(Ninus stands immovable, as if made deaf and dumb by impending disaster)
Voice.We burn! They cast the brands!
Another.Not yet! They wait!
Voices of prostrate figures.Save us, O king!
Voice.See! see! The leader speaks!
Another.His herald! Hear!
(A trumpet sounds below)
Voice of Khosrove’s herald.Assyria, come forth!
(All within listen, silent, eager, fearful)
Hear thou, O Ninus! Hear the word of Khosrove!He will depart with the Armenian troops,And leave the city free of sword and fire,Ifthou ’ltdecree that Artavan shall liveFree and unharmed!
(The face of Semiramis illumines with joy)
Deny and NinevehShall flame!
Nin.My herald there! Stand forth!
(The herald of Ninus takes station centre rear)
DecreeAs Khosrove wills!
Her. of Khos.Appear, O Ninus!
Nin.No!
Her. of Khos.Appear, O Ninus!
(Ninus goes slowly to rear and stands by his herald)
Her. of Khos.Hear, all Nineveh!Hear the decree of Ninus, king and god!That Artavan, the brother of the queen,Shall freely live, and die by no man’s hand!
Her. of Ninus.(Blows trumpet, then speaks)
Hear the decree of Ninus, king and god,That Artavan, the brother of the queen,Shall freely live, and die by no man’s hand!
(Silence. The voice of Khosrove below)
Khos.Assyria, speak!
Nin.I, Ninus, so decree!
(Staggers back toward front as all press to rear to see the troops go out. Semiramis, Artavan and Sola stand together gazing out)
Sem.O, Khosrove! See—he rides—away—away!
(Leans forward waving her scarf. Ninus, alone in front, goes toward his chamber, falls on the stepsoverpoweredwith rage and lifts his clenched hands)
Nin.O, vengeance! Vengeance for a king!
(CURTAIN)
Scene: The gardens over the lake. A wide bridge extends from the bank of the lake, left, to the gardens which are partly visible on the right. At the rear, right, is a garlanded archway. At the left, front, steps lead from the bridge to the bank and top of the bridge. Beyond the bridge, rear, clouds show that the sun is setting.
A score of spearmen, with lances down, march in right, front, and out through archway, right, rear.
Enter, right, front, the king and Sumbat. The king is royally clad and crowned; Sumbat in official robe.
Sumbat.Khosrove delays.
Nin.But do not doubthe ’llcome.I have his word, and couriers have seenHis horsemen on the plain.
Sum.How noble, sir,To close the Feast of Peace with supreme revelIn honor of your foe!
Nin.Not foe, good Sumbat.We have no foes. Our queen’s triumphant armsHave made glad subjects of all enemiesBut one, and him we make our friend. To-nightAssyria and Armenia sup as one!
(Turns toward right, rear)
We ’llsee ifall ’sprepared as we gave order.
(Exeunt under the arch of garlands. Dancers enter, right, front, and pass out through arch. Following them, Semiramis with her women. All are in rich attire but the queen who wears simple white robe. A dove nestles on her bosom. She gives the women leave to pass on and they go out merrily through arch, right, rear. Semiramis lingers; comes to the railing of the bridge, centre, and leans upon it)
Sem.Will Khosrove come? I do not doubt the king,—And yet—I pray he will not come!
(Re-enter Sumbat, through arch. He comes out to the queen)
Sem.You, Sumbat?Where is the king?
Sum.I left him in the garden,Giving new orders for Prince Khosrove’s honor.
Sem.Sumbat, you trust the king?
Sum.I do.You ’vewroughtSuch noble change in him that drop by dropHe ’smated all his blood unto your virtues.
Sem.I must believe it, lest a doubt should breedThe weakness it suspects. Butis ’tnot strangeKhosrove should trust him too?
Sum.He knows that youWould warn him if there lay a danger here.
Sem.I warn him? But suppose the warning false?’T wouldwrong the king, whose purpose seems so pureIt might have journeyed with his soul when firstIt came from Heaven! No.I ’llanswer for him!He could not counterfeit so deep my eyesWould find no bottom to deceit!... But nowWhat hast thou heard of Artavan?
Sum.No word.
Sem.I fear—
Sum.He ’ssafe. Be sure of that. No manWould dare lay finger on him!
Sem.But to goWithout a word! Poor Sola grieves, and weepsAs thoughshe ’ddrown her wits in tears.
(A boat glides from under the bridge and over the water beneath them)
See there!’Tis she! Alone below!
(Sola alights from boat and runs up steps to the bridge)
I ’llspeak to her.
Go, Sumbat! (Sumbat goes off right)
Sister, stay.
(Stops Sola as she is passing)
Why do you run?
Sol.I ’mrunning from the king!
Sem.The king, my love?There ’sno king here.
Sol.Nay,he ’sbelow!
Sem.Below?
Sol.Under the bridge with Vassin!
Sem.Vassin? No.The king has sent him out of Nineveh!
Sol.He did not go. I swear thathe ’sbelow!
Sem.What were you doing ’neath the bridge?
Sol.Ah me,I seek in every place for Artavan.I ’llsave him from the king!
Sem.So kind a king?
Sol.O, kind! As death, or plague, or leprosy!’Tis he has taken revenge on Artavan!He ’llkill the prince, too, when he comes!
Sem.My child—
Sol.(Pointing down)I heard them talking there!
Sem.Thyhusband ’ssafe.Bethink thee that the king’s decree protects him.
Sol.Not from the king! From man, not from the gods,And Ninus is a god, or dreams he is!
Sem.From man—not from—no, no! I will not sayOr think it! My poor child—
Sol.You ’llsave the prince?’Tis you he trusts, not Ninus!
Sem.Sweet, be calm.You did not see the king.
Sol.Hear all, and save him!When Khosrove takes the seat of highest honor,Lord of the Revels by Assyria’s favor,The floor will part, the chair fall to the lake,Where Vassin waits to slay him, while the kingStrikes down in wrath the master of the feastFor fault of accident!
Sem.Where are your wits?See, yonder comes the king!
(Re-enter Ninus through archway)
Sem.(As he approaches) Is all prepared,My lord?
Sol.(To Semiramis) ’Tis true—true—true!
(Runs off, right)
Nin.Ay, all is readyExcept the queen. What means these simple robes,Semiramis?
Sem.A compliment untoYour majesty.
Nin.It shows more like affront!I would have Khosrove see a splendor hereUnpainted in the daring of his dream,And thou the star of it! A merchant’s daughterWould robe her handmaid with more care—lend herA pearl or two—a bit of scarf—or scrapOf tinsel sun—
Sem.My lord—
Nin.A compliment!’Tis your disdain—
Sem.It grieves me, sir, that youShould read in outward sign what never yetWas in my soul. Our wars are done, my lord;And exultation of the conquering hourCalms into peace; as I laid armor byFor victor robes and symbol of my glory,I now cast off the purple of the queen,And but remember that I am a wife.
Nin.(Embracing her) Beloved Semiramis! Forgive thy slave!No royal dye could shine so to my eyesAs this soft white put on for me alone!Thy pardon, love, and thou shalt shortly learnA king, too, knows how best to compliment!An honor waits for thee—
(Enter officer, left)
Off.O king!
Nin.We hear!
Off.The Armenian approaches.
Nin.Khosrove comes?
(Semiramis watches the king closely)
Off.He comes, great Ninus!
Nin.Well, and more than well!Summon our train. (Exit officer, right) But one is lacking here,Our brother—Artavan.
Sem.My lord—you think—
Nin.Who would dare harm him? He is safe.
Sem.(Coming very near him) From man,Not from the gods.
Nin.(Stepping back) What do you mean?
Sem.The truth!
Nin.(Seizing her arm) It is not so! I do deny it!
Sem.(Calmly) What,My lord?
Nin.What meant you when you said ‘the truth’!
Sem.That gods may work some harm to Artavan.
Nin.(At ease) True, love! Uncertain is their favor. Look!He comes! (Gazing off left)
Sem.(Aside)He ’sfalse! And ifhe ’sfalse in this—then is—O, Khosrove, thou art lured to death! And IHave been thy traitorous star!
(Enter Khosrove, left, attended by Armenians)
Nin.Hail, Khosrove! Hail!
Assyrians.Hail to Armenia! Hail!
Khos.O, Ninus, hail!
Armenians.Hail to Assyria, greatest over kings!
Nin.Thou ’rtwelcome, and we thank thee for thy trust,Whichwe ’llbetray when Heaven has no godTo damn our treachery! In proof of faith,Wear thou the royal dagger with thy own.
(Detaches his weapon, which he gives to Khosrove)
Our queen—has she no word?
(Khosrove bows low before Semiramis)
Sem.Peace and long lifeTo Khosrove.
Nin.Now to revel! Sound the trumpets!
(Exeunt officers through archway. Trumpets sound from the gardens. Dancing maidens in white robes, each with a dove resting on her hand, enter right front, reach the centre of the stage, and begin the dance of doves. As the maidens describe circles in the dance the doves rise and fly in similar circles above their heads, and re-alight on their extended hands)
Sem.(Who has stood aside during the dance, apparently disturbed)It is not true! Were any man so vileNature would spurn him back to chaos ereHis mother had beheld him!
(The dance ends. The maidens pass out under arch. All move to follow when Ninus speaks)
Nin.Stay! Hear, all!Before we feast in honor of our guest,We would do honor to our noble queen,Whose arms of might have brought our land to peace.Whose looks of love have brought our heart to rest!To-night we doff our crown that she may wear it!
(Removing crown)
And here decree her word shall be obeyedAbove our own.
(Puts crown on the queen’s head)
Dost like our compliment?
Sem.It is too much, my king.
Nin.(Kneeling) Nay, nay, thy subject!
(Semiramis seems gay with a sudden resolve)
Sem.If it so please thee thenI ’llbe the king!
Nin.(Rising) We have decreed. If any here refuseTo honor thy command, though thou shouldst doomMy death, himself that instant dies. (To officer) You, sir,Take order for it, and if your own hand fail,When we are king againwe ’llhave your head!
Off.My arm be as your will, my lord!
Sem.O, thenI have a wish I did not dare to voice.
Nin.Command it now.
Sem.It hath much troubled meThat Khosrove should be honored over you,Lord of the Revels.
Khos.(Astonished) Lady—
Sem.King,if ’tplease you!I ’velaid my purple by, but I have stillThe royal color in my heart. Think’st thouTo sit above Assyria, who wearest notThe brave investment of the gods? who hold’stThy sceptre still from warrior chiefs, not fromAnointed kings?
Khos.Because my race is proud!Too proud to kneel to any earthly kingAnd take the sacred vestment from his hands!
Sem.You see, my lord, that even in his heartHe ranks himself above you!
Nin.But, my love—
Khos.Farewell! Thou didst me service once, and hereI thought to thank thee, but—
Nin.Stay, Khosrove, stay!
Khos.Farewell, with all my heart!
Nin.Nay—
Sem.O, my lord.Let him depart. He mocks our glory, and bearsA challenge in his proud simplicityThat puts our splendor to defense.
Khos.Nay, madam!I came to lay my duty at your feet,And lift my eyes no higher than your handWithout your royal leave! But nowI ’llcastMy gaze upon the stars, forgetting thatYou walk beneath them! (Going)
Nin.Stay, O prince!
(To Semiramis) A boon, your majesty!’T wouldblot our honorTo send him from us thus! We shall be plungedAnew in wars, for Husak will avenge it!I am thy most unhappy subject, andThou ’lthear my prayer!
(Goes after Khosrove and leads him back)
You ’llstay, O Khosrove?
Khos.Ay,On one condition.
Nin.Name it!
Khos.That you will takeOur seat at feast.
Nin.Nay—
Sem.That is our command!
Nin.No, no!
Sem.We ’llhave it so!
Nin.I ’llnot consent!
Sem.It is our royal order! Guards for Ninus!
Nin.What do you mean?
Sem.To have our way! Guards here!You shall not do this wrong to your high self!We ’lllook unto your honor! (To guards) Bear him in!
(Guards stand in amazement)
Did ye not hear the king’s decree? I reign!
(Guards take hold of Ninus)
Nin.By Hut and Nim!
Sem.Place him in Khosrove’s seat!
(Guards draw Ninus through the archway. Khosrovefollows, then all but Semiramis, who lingers fearfully, runs toward front, then back and listens)
Sem.’Tis true! What have I done? Ye gods! ’tis true!He would not so rebel if’t werenot true!But Vassin is below!He ’llknow his kingAnd save him!
(Kneels) Belus, mighty Belus, pardon!
(The sun has set, and red clouds show almost black over water, rear. The front of stage is nearly dark. Lights glimmer from the gardens, and a faint torch shows in the darkness under the bridge. Shouts and shrieks come from within. People rush out)
Voices.The king! the king!
Sem.(Retreating to railing, front) ’Tis done!
Officer.(Running across) The king has fallenInto the lake! Lights there! below! (Runs down steps leading under the bridge)
Other officers following.Lights! lights!
(Torches flare under the bridge. Darkness above as the last light fades from the sky. A moment of noise and search, and officers appear on the bridge, right, rear, with Vassin. A guard bears torch which throws light on his face)
Sem.(Confronting him)You ’vesaved the king!
Vas.I have. For I have slainHis foe!
Sem.His foe? No—you have killed the king!
(Falls back into the arms of her women. Complete darkness on stage. An instant later moonlight. Khosrove and Semiramis alone on the bridge, centre, front)
Khos.(Bowing ceremoniously)Farewell, Assyria!
Sem.O, not that name!Not yet—not yet.
Khos.Does it not please your pride?
Sem.My pride? ’Tis gone. Now I could lay my headUpon the dust.
Khos.In truth! Butyou ’llnot do it!Humility ’sa word the great think sweetUpon the tongue, but near the heart they findIt loseth flavor!
Sem.Ah ... you do not know?You think the words I spoke were born of pride?So far from that—no, no—I will not tell,And yet you wrong me, prince.
Khos.(Eagerly) Did you suspectSome danger to me here, and seek to forceMy angry leave? You did not care so much?
Sem.I cared so much that rather than betray youI would have let you go believing meA woman worth your scorn. Ah, there my prideIn truth did suffer!
Khos.O, Semiramis!Thou art the same as when I saw thee last?As when I rode away and left thy face—The only face in Nineveh—nay—I—Will go. Farewell, most noble queen!
Sem.Farewell!
(He lingers)
Sem.Why go in haste?
Khos.I left my father sick.He will be troubled till I come again.
Sem.How dared you trust—
Khos.What would I not have daredTo look on thee again?... My horsemen wait....
(Waving toward left)
I come!
Sem.Farewell!... Armenia is my friend?I ’msad.... The manner of this death.... It weighsUpon me.
Khos.Let it not.Thou ’rtinnocent
Sem.O, some may doubt!
Khos.But who wrongs Virtue putsA crown upon her! If thou hadst foreknownThe accident—