SEMIRAMISACT I.Scene 1.The tent of MenonesACT II.Scene 1.Hall in the palace of NinusACT III.Scene 1.The gardens over the lakeACT IV.Scene 1.The tent of HusakCHARACTERSNinus, king of AssyriaHusak, king of ArmeniaKhosrove, son of HusakMenones, governor of NinevehArtavan, son of MenonesSumbat, friend of ArtavanVassin, officer of the kingHaddo, a guardArmin, a guardDokahra, woman to SemiramisSola, wife of ArtavanSemiramis, daughter of MenonesOfficers, heralds, messengers, guards, soldiers, dancers, &c.SEMIRAMISACT I.Scene: Within the tent of Menones, on the plain before Nineveh. Left, centre, entrance to tent from the plain. Curtains rear, forming partition with exits right and left of centre. The same at right, with one exit, centre. Couch rear, between exits. From a tent-pole near exit, right centre, hang helmet and a suit of chain armor.Sola parts curtains rear, left, and looks out, showing effort to keep awake. She steps forward.Sol.Hist! Armin! Haddo!(Enter two guards, left centre)Still no news?Arm.None, lady.Sol.Oh, Artavan, what keeps thee?Haddo.He will come.Sol.Semiramis is sleeping. I am weary,ButI ’llnot sleep.Arm.Rest, madam; we will call you.Sol.My lord shall find me watching, night or day!Arm.Two nights you have not slept.Sol.Ten thousand nights,I think, good Armin.Had.We will call you, madam.Arm.With the first hoof-beat ringing from the north!Sol.(At curtains, drowsily)I ’llbe—awake.(Goes in)Had.She ’llsleep now.Arm.Ay, she must.Had.AndI ’dnot call her for god Bel himself!Arm.Hark! (Goes to entrance)’Tis a horseman!Had.(Following him) Two!Arm.Right! We must rouseThe lady Semiramis.Had.Make sure ’tis he. (They step out)Voice without.Is this Menones’ tent?Arm.(Without) Ay, Sir! The word!Voice.God Ninus!(Semiramis enters, through curtains right centre)Sem.Artavan! His voice!(Enter Artavan, followed by Sumbat who waits near entrance)Sem.My brother!Art.Semiramis! (Embracing her) Three years this kissHas gathered love for thee!Sem.Has ’tbeen so longSince I left Gazim?Art.Ay,—since Ninus calledOur father here, and Gazim lost her dove.Sem.(On his bosom, laughing softly) The dove of Gazim,—so they called me then.But now—(proudly, moving from him) the lioness of Nineveh!Art.A warrior’s daughter!Sem.And a warrior’s sister!O, I have prayed that you might come! The kingIs gracious—loves the brave—Art.Our father?Sem.Ah!Art.He ’swell?Sem.Is ’tday?Art.Almost.Sem.At dawn he meetsThe Armenians on the plain.Art.Then he is well!Sem.He went forth well,—and brave as when he droveThe Ghees from Gazim with his single sword!But—oh—he needs you, Artavan, he needs you!(Comes closer speaking rapidly)I ’mwith him night and day but when he battles—I buckle on his arms—cheer him away—And wipe the foe’s blood from his mighty swordWhen he returns! ButI ’vea fear so strange!At timeshe ’smoved quite from himself,—so farThat I look on him and see not our father!If I dared speakI ’dalmost say that heWho never lost a battle shrinks from war!Art.(Starting) No, no! Not that! You borrow eyes of fearAnd see what is not!Sem.ButI ’vefelt the dropsCold on his brow, and raised his lifeless armsWhose corded strength hung slack as a sick child’s!O, it is true! And you must stand by him!Fight at his side! I thought to do it! I!See here, my armor!(Moving with him to where the armor hangs)When I had this madeAnd swore to wear it in the fight,’t wasthenHe yielded—said that you might come—(Sound of trumpets at distance. They listen)The charge!Art.I go to him!Sem.(Taking a paper from her bosom)Take this!He ’llunderstand!’Tis some direction later thought upon!Art.My wife is safe—Sem.With me! Three days agoShe came. And now she sleeps—(Points to curtains, rear left)Art.In there? One kiss—Sem.Nay, nay, you go to battle, and should keepSteel in your eye, not woman’s tears!... Who comesWith you?(Looks toward entrance where Sumbat stands)O, Sumbat!(He advances and drops on knee. She gives him both hands and he rises)Welcome! But no timeFor gallant greetings! We are warriors here!(A roll of battle is heard)Art.We go!Sem.Ride! ride! The battle over, yeShall meet the king!(Artavan and Sumbat hasten out. The noise of departure brings Sola to curtains)Sol.What is it? Who was here?Sem.(Absorbed)They ’llreach my father!Sol.Not Artavan?Sem.Ay—he.Sol.And gone—my husband!Without a word—a look!Sem.The battle calls,And he who wears ambition’s spur must ride!Sol.Ambition! O, you think of naught but warAnd glory! Hast thou no heart, Semiramis?Sem.I’ faith, and love thee with it! (kisses her)Sol.Trifle not!Hadst thou a heart thou couldst not live a maid,So beautiful, and never dream of love!Thou ’rtsome strange thing—Sem.What, wilt be angry? Come!I ’lltell thee all he said—thy Artavan,—Ay, every word, and how his eyes grew softWith dimness sweeter than their vanquished lightWhen thou wert his dear theme!(They move to curtains. Semiramis stops and listens)Go in.I ’llcome. (Sola goes in)Sem.(Listening) Is that a chariot? My father!... Nay!He ’ssafe with Artavan! Whatever comesHis son will be his heart and bear him up!Safe, safe, Menones, and thy grizzled locksShall wear their laurels to an honored grave!(Noise of approaching chariot)Itisa chariot! Can it be the king?(Chariot stops without)Armin, who is it comes?Arm.(Appearing at entrance) The Lord Menones.(Semiramis sways, steadies herself, and waits. Menones enters, livid and trembling. In form he is large and mighty, but is grey with age. He staggers over to couch and sits upon it, groaning heavily. Semiramis looks at him in silence. Then approaches and speaks in a low terrified tone)Sem.You fled the battle!Men.Oh!Sem.You must go back!Men.Too late!Sem.(Gaining courage and putting her hands sternly on his shoulders)No!Men.We must fly!Sem.Fly! Never!Men.(Rising) Come!The chariot! The king will leave my raceNo blood on earth!Sem.If it be coward’s blood’Tis better lost!Men.Come, come! We yet can fly!Sem.Back to the battle! ThereI ’llgo with thee!Men.I can not! Oh, theterror ’shere—here—here!It clutches at my heart!Sem.Tear out thy heartAnd keep thy honor whole!(He falls on the couch, shaken with suffering. She kneels by him pleading passionately)Sem.Up, father, up!You must go back! You know not whatyou ’vedone!Our Artavan—Men.Praise Bel,he ’ssafe in Gazim!Sem.No ... he is here ... he came, and rode to find you.Men.He came? Gods, no!Sem.Nay, true!He ’sin the battle!Now you will go! You will go back, my father!He does not know the plan! He can not leadWithout your counsel! Come—your voice—his arm—And all is safe!(He rises; noise of battle; he sinks shuddering)Men.No—I ’lldie here—not there!(Semiramis stands in despair; then lifts her arms praying)Sem.O mighty Belus, give me back my father!(She listens with sudden eagerness and goes to tent door)False! false! They’re verging south! North, north, ye cowards!(Rushes to her armor and takes it down. Shakes the curtains right, and calls)Dokahra! (Throws off her robe and begins putting on armor. Enter Dokahra, right centre)Dok.Mistress!Sem.Buckle here! Be quick!Men.You shall not go!Sem.You have no might or rightTo stay me now!Men.You will be lost!Sem.Lost? No!Did I not plan this battle? Haste, Dokahra!Our lives are in your fingers! Courage, father!(Going, Dokahra still adjusting armor)The king has smiled on me—I do not know—But there was such a promise in his smile—And if thevictory ’smine he will forgive!Dok.This rivet, mistress!(Noise of battle)Sem.Artavan, I come!(Rushes out. Sound of chariot rolling away. Dokahra looks stolidly at Menones for a moment, then turns through curtains, right. Menones presses his heart in pain, moans wretchedly, and draws a blanket over his body)Men.Is this the form that bright Decreto loved?But where the soul, O, gods! (Lies shuddering)Voice without.The King!(Menones draws blanket over his face and becomes motionless. Enter the king, with Vassin)Nin.(At entrance) Stand here!Godagon, haste! Ride to Menones; sayWe wait within his tent; his messengersWill reach us here.(A rider spurs off without. Ninus and Vassin advance within the tent)Vas.Your majesty, supposeThe Armenians gain,you ’llbe in danger here.Why come so near for news?Nin.For news, good Vassin?I had a better reason. SemiramisTents with her father.(Points to curtains)Vas.Ah!Nin.The sun will breakThrough there!Vas.My lord—Nin.She stirs! She comes! Wait—see!(Dokahra’s gaunt figure appears at curtains)Vas.A false dawn, is it not?Nin.Your mistress sleeps?Dok.(Abasing herself)No, mighty king!Nin.She ’sup? Then give her wordWe’re here.Dok.She ’snot within, my lord.Nin.Abroad!So soon?She ’son the general’s business?Dok.And yours, O king!She ’sjoined the battle!Nin.She!Vas.Ha! ha! Do you believe this?Nin.Ay ... ’tis so.I know her spirit.Here ’smettle for a queen!(Menones uncovers and half rises)Vas.You would not make her one, your majesty!Though she should lead your troops to victory,Still is she but your general’s daughter, andAssyria’s crown is given of gods to gods!Nin.And Ninus knows to keep his race untainted.But all the jewels of a king, my Vassin,Are not worn in his crown. Some in the heartAre casketed, and there this maid shall shineFor me alone. Were she of heavenly race—Men.(Starting up)She is, my lord!(Ninus regards him in astonishment)Nin.What do you here, Menones?Speak!Men.(Trembling) I am ill.Nin.Ill, sir? Ha! Now I know!Your daughter leads while you couch safe in tent!She sought to hide your shame! O, what a heart!But you—Men.I led, my lord, till illness seized—Nin.Too ill to fight, but not too ill to fly!Hound! hound! My troops are lost!I ’dkill you nowBut ’tis an hour too soon! First you must beOf every honor stript!Men.(Kneeling) My lord and king,I know that I must die, but hear a prayerFor my brave daughter’s sake! Betray her not,Lest thou offend the gods that gave thee life,For she, too, is of heaven!Vas.Ha!Men.I swear’Tis true! My lord, Decreto was her mother!She met me on the plains of Gazim whenThis aged figure was called fair, and youthStill fed its fire to manhood’s prime;Our babe she left upon a mountain crestAnd sent her doves to tend it through a year,Then bade me scale the mount and take my own.I did, and named her for Decreto’s dove—Semiramis!Nin.What precious tale is this?Vas.He thinks to fright you from the maid, my lord.Dok.(Falling at the king’s feet)O king, ’tis true! Ask thou in Gazim—Nin.Go!(Dokahra vanishes through curtains left rear)Nin.’T willtake a better lie to save your head!Men.My head?Thou ’rtwelcome to it! ’Tis not that!But she—my daughter—Nin.We will spare her life.Men.(Calmly) It is my prayer that she may die with me.Nin.Not while we love. If e’er she lose her charm,We may remember that you were her father.Men.(Furiously, forgetting himself)She has a brother yet!Nin.A brother! So!We ’lllook to him as well! Thanks for your news!Men.(Towering up) Though every god in heaven gave thee bloodYet would I spill it!(Lifts his sword; suddenly drops it and falls, pressing his heart. Ninus and Vassin watch him silently until he is still)Nin.Dead?Vas.(Stooping) Ay, dead, my lord.Nin.I would have spared him though I threatened death.Vas.Have spared the coward? Why, your majesty?Nin.Semiramis has spirit passing woman’s;I have no hope to force her to my arms,AndI ’dhave wrought her heart to tendernessBy mercy to her father. Love is my aim!All else I can command—but that—Guards here!(Enter Armin and Haddo)Not you—my own! But wait—a word! Where sleepsMenones?Arm.(Pointing) There, O king!(The body of Menones lies behind the king and Vassin, unseen by theguards. Exeunt Armin and Haddo. Enter the king’s guards)Nin.Take up this body.Place it within.(Guards go in with Menones’ body)Vas.What would you do, my lord?Nin.You ’llknow in time.(Re-enter guards) Hark! You saw nothing!Guards.(Bowing to floor) Nothing.O mighty Ninus! (Exeunt)Nin.I will have her love!Vassin, this story of her goddess birthIs true!Vas.How knows your majesty?Nin.It speaksIn all her motions. Every glance and graceRevouches it. E’en your dull eye must knowHer beauty is immortal, though her lifeIs forfeit to the clay and must have end.Vas.Thou ’ltfind another fair! Youth blooms and goes!Nin.Not such as hers! Herbrow ’sa holy pageWhere chiselling Time dare never set a mark!The sun hath been her lover, and so deepHath touched her locks with fire no winter handMay shake his kisses out!Vas.Why,thou ’rtin love!(Confused voices without. A messenger runs in and falls at the feet of the king)Nin.Speak, sir!Mes.Assyria wins! The Armenians fly!They ’velost their leader—Nin.Khosrove! Is he taken?Mes.Taken or slain, I know not which, but knowHe leads no more the enemy! They flyBefore Semiramis!Nin.Semiramis!Mes.Ay, all was rout until she reached the fieldAnd spurred the—Voice of herald without.Victory! A victory!Ninus is god and king!Cries.A victory!(Enter herald)Herald.Assyria triumphs o’er his enemies!Nin.Is Khosrove taken?Her.Slain, the people cry!The soldiers hail Semiramis their chief,Call her a goddess, drag her chariot,And shout and swear by Belus’ ruling starTo be her slaves forever!Nin.So they shall.Vas.Your majesty—Nin.Peace, Vassin! Wait and see!(Noise and cries without as Semiramis is drawn toward the tent in her chariot)Nin.Ho! Guards!(The king’s guards enter. Ninus passes to right centre, facing entrance opposite. Guards station themselveson each side of him and in his rear. Semiramis enters, followed by officers and soldiers. Her helmet is off, her hair falling)Nin.Hail goddess!(Semiramis looks at the king in astonishment then glances fearfully toward Menones’ room)Nin.Hail, Assyria’s queen!Sem.(Faintly) O king—(Ninus advances to her. She kneels before him)Nin.Kneel down, Menones’ daughter! Rise,The bride of Ninus, nevermore to kneel!(Raises her)This victory is proof, if proof I need,That you are a true daughter of the skies,Mate for the mightiest throne!(To soldiers) Cry festival!The feast of triumph and the wedding revelWe ’llhold together! Go!(Exeunt soldiers, cheering without)Nin.(Taking the hand of Semiramis)To-daythou ’ltcome?Sem.(Withdrawing her hand and bowing her head)I am my king’s.Nin.(Passing to exit) The royal chariot,Within the hour, will take you from the tentUnto our palace.(Exeunt Ninus and attendants. Semiramis stands dazed. Sola comes out softly and looks at her)Sem.(In rapture) Ah, myfather ’ssafe!I ’lltell him!(Hurries toward curtains right, rear, and stops at exit)No ...I ’llwait. This joy is deadIf Artavan be lost!(Sola springs toward her with a cry)Sol.Be lost? Ah, no!Where is he? Oh, not lost!Sem.He pushed too farAmid the flying troops.Sol.And you—you stoleHis last look from my eyes!Sem.He may be saved.For Sumbat followed him. He must be saved!We ’llhope till Sumbat comes.Sol.O, you know naughtOf love!Sem.I was his sister, Sola, ereHe made thee wife.Sol.A sister! O, such loveIs nothing! Thou wilt smile at itIf everthou ’rta wife!(Semiramis is removing her armor. She stops and looks questioningly at Sola; then shakes her head)Sem.Nay, Sola, nay!...Help me with this.... Somehow my heart is goneAndarmor ’sfor the brave.(Putting on her robe) Now’t hascome back.But beats and whispers like a maiden’s own.I am but half a warrior.... Do not sob.Sumbat will bring us news.... Ah, he has come!(Enter Sumbat)Sol.(Rushing to him and looking into his face)Oh, lost! (Flies, sobbing, through the curtains, rear left)Sem.Speak.... Is it true?Sum.I fear it is.I could not save him, and they bore him off.Sem.Alive?Sum.Alive!Sem.A prisoner! Not slain!Then we may hope!I ’vecaptured Husak’s son!Sum.Khosrove! Is he not under guard without?A man most fair ... of lordly form, and young?Sem.’Tis he! Have him brought hither instantly!To Husak word shall go on swiftest steedThat I will yield the prince for Artavan!(Exit Sumbat)He ’ssafe ... if there be time ... if there be time!...Husak, the Fierce ... but he must love his son,And will be merciful to save him. Ay....So brave a son. Now I recall his face,It would have made me pause had not my eyesBeen dim with triumph.(Enter Sumbat, followed by officers with Khosrove. The officers fall back, leaving the captive before Semiramis. He is stripped of all armor, and clothed in a scant tunic revealing a figure of marked strength and grace. He stands erect, but with head bowed, and his arms bound to his sides)Sem.(Gazes at him) Ah!... (She advances a step)Armenian!(At sound of her voice he lifts his head and looks at her with eager recognition)Sem.(Stepping back) Armenian!Khos.(Proudly) Armenia, by your leave!I am my father’s house.Sem.I ’mglad ’tis so.Then he should value thee.Khos.He does.Sem.So muchThat he will spare the life of ArtavanIf we spare yours?Khos.Who is this ArtavanWho evens me in price?Sem.Menones’ son.Khos.Menones? Governor of Nineveh?Who fled my sword, fear-cold, and pale with terror?Insult not Husak with so poor a suit!That coward’s race—Sem.Am I a coward, sir?Khos.(In sudden dejection)These fettered arms make answer, princess.Sem.Nay,I am Menones’ daughter,—ArtavanMy brother!Khos.Not the Assyrian princess? O,Forgive me, lady! I am proud to beThy brother’s price!Sem.What surety have IThat Artavan still lives?Khos.My word.Officer.His word!O, noble madam, it is known to allThat Husak takes no prisoners of war.They die before his tent.Khos.Such is the custom—Sem.O me, my brother!Khos.But I can avouchThat Artavan still lives.Off.Trust not the wordOf captive foes, my lady. By what meansCan he know this?Sem.Speak, sir.Khos.To you aloneI ’llspeak.Sem.Nay—before all!Khos.Unto no earBut thine.Sem.Wouldst save thy life?Khos.Perhaps. Wouldst saveThy brother?Sem.Sumbat, wilt advise me?Sum.Trust him,And hear what he would say.Sem.Out then, my friends,I pray you.(All go out but Semiramis and Khosrove.)Now!Khos.My father swore to meBefore I led his troops ’gainst Nineveh,All captives should be held at my disposalAnd bloody custom waived. I would not speak’Fore all, lest I should rob fierce Husak’s nameOf terror which is half his sword.Sem.But nowHe thinks you dead.Khos.Not so.I ’vesent him wordBy a sure mouth thatI ’munhurt and heldA prisoner.Sem.O then mybrother ’ssafe!How gracious art thou, Heaven!(Steps towards entrance) Sumbat!Khos.(Stepping before her) Wait!Sem.What more?Khos.All—everything—there ’snothing said!Ninus will spare me not! ’Tis thou must save me!Sem.I! No! The king!Khos.Not he! Is ArtavanGrown dearer than his hate to Husak? Nay—Sem.Sir, fear not Ninus. He will grant my suit.Khos.He will? You—you—Sem.I ’vesaved his army!Khos.(Relieved) Ah!No more than that?Sem.Enough!Khos.No!’T willnot wipeRevenge from out his heart,—and you have savedBut that your father threw away.Sem.Peace, sir!Khos.There ’sbut one way for me—escape!Sem.No more!Nay—not another word!Khos.I must escape—Sem.Not one!Khos.That word unsaid slays Artavan,Spoken it saves him! Once in Ninus’ powerI have no hope of life, and with me diesYour brother.Sem.(Scornfully) Do not fear!Khos.I fear? By Heaven!Think you this heart is not a soldier’s ownBecause ’tis captive to a woman’s sword?A woman’s sword! O little had thy swordTo do with my defeat! Unarmed thou wouldstHave taken me—for’t wasthy beauty struckMy weapon to my side! (rapidly and passionately)When I bore downUpon your chariot, I could have swept youWith one arm from the world! But suddenlyA missile struck your helmet and dislodgedThe glory of your face before my eyes,Your hair ran gold, the shining East looked blackBehind the star you made upon its breast!I knew thee for a goddess, and stood stillMeek captive to thy wish! O blest am ITo learn thou art not greater than myself,But so much less that I may lift thee up!Fly with me—be my queen—(Semiramis tries to speak)Go, call them in!I ’llshout above their heads to reach thine ears!O, trust to me! In me thy brother lives!Come, and thy fallen father shall be braveBeneath Armenia’s smile! Here thou mayst saveHis life, but ne’er again will he know honor!Help me to fly and save three lives in one!Give me to Ninus—give me up to death,And with a father and a brother lost,Though thou wert worshipped ’mong thy country’s godsStill thou couldst not be happy!Sem.Sir—Khos.But come,And they are safe!Sem.(Bewildered) What do I hear?Khos.O, come!Dost know what love is, daughter of Menones?It is the fire that dead puts out the lightOn every hearth, living makes all the worldOne altar feeding incense unto Heaven!It gives the soul to life, breath to the soul,Pulse to ambition, strength to warrior arms,—(Struggling with his fetters)Such strength that they may break all captive bondsTo clasp their own!(Breaks his fetters and attempts to embrace her as she retreats gazing at him as if fascinated. She escapes him, and throws off her bewilderment. He drops to his knees holding out his arms to her)And love I offer thee!Sem.Sir, I forgive thee, for thou knowest notTo whom you speak!Khos.Know not!Sem.I who am nowMenones’ daughter, ere the night shall beThe bride of Ninus, king of all Assyria!(Khosrove rises, bows before her, and stands with silent dignity)Sem.You—you—were saying—Khos.Nothing, royal madam.Have you not friends without?(Semiramis hesitates, goes to door and calls)Sem.Sumbat!(To Khosrove)Thou ’rtsafe!Khos.(Ironically)Assyria’s queen should know!Sem.She does!(Re-enter Sumbat and officers)Sum.Unbound!Sem.Ay, he is free! We only wait the wordOf gracious Ninus. Guard him until then,We charge you, Sumbat. Keep you nearest him.(Exeunt Sumbat and officers with Khosrove)Sem.My father now! He must have heard the shoutsOf victory, yet still he hides himself.... The king asked not for love. He is Assyria.I would not lessen him by love. Not yet....’Tis my triumphant arms he weds. The heartMust sleep....Voice of guard at entrance.The king approaches!Sem.Ah!... The king!His word, and all is done.I ’llspeak to himBefore I see my father. Then I may say‘Thou art forgiven, and Artavan is safe!’... And Khosrove ... safe.... The royal chariot!...O, mother, send thy doves—I am once moreA babe!(The king enters alone)Nin.Art ready for thy king?Sem.I am—And yet—a word before I go! Thou know’stThat Khosrove is my prisoner—Nin.Khosrove! He!We thought him slain!Sem.Nay, sir—Nin.A prisoner!O, welcome gift! We ask no other dower!Sem.But, gracious lord—Nin.(Turning to entrance) Ho, Vassin!Khosrove ’staken!Go! Find him out and drag him straight to dungeon!Bind him with chains until he can not move,Tillwe ’vedevised some bitter way of death!Vas.(Without) I haste, my lord!Nin.At last my enemy is ’neath my feet!(Returning to Semiramis)And ’tis to thee we owe this gift of fortune!... You’re pale, Semiramis.Sem.O king—Nin.(Taking her hands) And trembling.Dost fear my greatness? Nay, thou ledst my army—Sem.O, if for that thou ow’st me aught, grant me—Nin.Whate’er thou wouldst!Sem.My brother, Artavan,Is Husak’s captive! Thou canst save him!Nin.I?Then he is saved! But how! Tell me the way!Sem.Husak will yield him up for Khosrove!Nin.WhatSend Khosrove back alive! Not though the godsCommanded it! Alive!’T wasHusak slewMy father, and his son shall die! Ten yearsI ’vesought for this revenge! And give it upFor a green lad fresh from the fields of Gazim?Sem.A warrior, sir,who ’llwin thee many a battle!And crest thy glory with meridian stars!He ’sworth the price though pity lent no coin!Save him, my lord! A bridal boon I ask!Give me my brother!Nin.A bridal boonI ’llgrant.Thou lov’st thy father?Sem.(Choking) You know—that he—Nin.I know.Sem.Great king—Nin.One thou mayst save.Sem.O gods!Nin.Thy brother, or thy father? Thou mayst choose.Sem.I know my duty, sir. I choose my father.Nin.A noble choice. We are not harsh, my queen.The people know Menones’ life is forfeit,And know how I have sought for Khosrove’s death;Did I spare both for your sake they would sayThat Ninus’ scepter is a woman’s hand.(Shouts of rejoicing without)But come! The chariot waits. The people call.Sem.First will I tell my father that he lives.He ’swaiting there the summons to his death.Ah, I must thank you sir.(Takes the king’s hand and kisses it. Goes through curtains, right, rear. Her cry is heard within. She returns.)Too late!He ’sdead!Cold, cold, my father! Oh!(Sobs, her hands covering her face)Nin.(Removing her hands and putting his arm about her)Thou ’rtnot alone,My bride!Sem.(Withdrawing and kneeling to him, her hands upraised)O king, leave me my brother!Nin.Nay!Did you not have your choice? You ask too much.Sem.(Rising) Ah, so I do! I should demand, not ask!Nin.Demand!Sem.Ay, king! ... ’Tis trueI ’mnot alone.My goddess mother is again with meAs when this morn my heart exultant rodeThe tides of triumph! When the heavens rolledAnd like a stooping sea caught up my soulTill ranged with the applauding gods it clappedMy courage on below! You offer meA place beside your throne. I offer youThe hearts of all your subjects now my own,—The love—the worship of your mighty army!(Cries without)They shout my name—not yours—great Ninus! Hear!Shouts:Semiramis is queen! Semiramis!Sem.I bring a hand, with yours inlocked, shall reachO’er Asia’s breadth and draw her glory in!A heart ambitious with immortal beatTo make Assyria greatest ’neath the stars!And in return I ask my brother’s life!Give me your promise Khosrove goes to Husak,Or leave me where I stand—Menones’ daughter!Nin.(Slowly, reading the determination in her face)I promise.Sem.Swear!Nin.I swear it!Sem.(Relaxes, falls at his feet, and reaches up, clasping his hands)O, god Ninus!(CURTAIN)ACT II.The great hall in the palace of Nineveh. The rear is open, showing the sky and the towers of the city. Along the floor, which is high above the ground court, rear, are sculptured lions. On each side of hall where right and left reach open rear are large entrances, with steps leading up to hall, guarded by spearmen and archers. Within the hall, between winged bulls, are entrances to chambers, right centre and left centre. Near front, right, smaller entrance between figures of men with lion heads. The same opposite, left. The walls of the hall are lined with alabaster slabs on which are sculptured and colored the conquests of Assyrian kings.Ninus alone. Enter Vassin, left centre.Nin.(As Vassin enters)You ’vetold her?Vas.Ay, my lord.Nin.What does she say?Does she suspect we ordered Khosrove’s torture?Vas.I can not answer that.Nin.Then answer this!You’re sure that he will die? You made good work?Vas.Good work, my lord. He can not live a day.Nin.A day!You ’vehurried then! I bade you fillHis wounds with mortal but a lingering bane!Go, have him brought within! He must not dieWithout my foot upon his neck!(As Vassin is going) What saidThe queen?Vas.She cried ‘Mybrother ’slost!’Nin.No more?Vas.O, then her soul put sorrow’s grandeur on,And those about her saw a noble storm;But yet so proud her royal eyes, each dropThat fell from them were worth a worldTo him for whom they fell!Nin.(Aside) He loves the queen!(Enter Semiramis, left, centre)Sem.Is this thing true my lord? O, surely HeavenWill cry out ‘No’ though thou must answer ‘Ay!’Nin.(To Vassin) Go! (Exit Vassin, right front)Sem.Is it true?Nin.Too true, my queen!Khosrove is maimed beyond all hope of life,And thou must make thy husband heir to loveThat was thy brother’s.Sem.Oh!Nin.Thy grief is mine.Sem.I will not weep, though I could shed such streamsAs when the clouds from riven breast pour downTheir torrent agonies!... How strange, my lord,The guards should venture so without your warrant!Nin.I ’vehad their heads for it!Sem.(Shocked) Their heads!... Why, this’Tis to be royal! Ah!Nin.Put by these thoughts,Semiramis. No theme to-day but love!Sem.Love, sir?Nin.Ay, that! Thou lov’st me, dost thou not?Sem.Thou art great Ninus!Nin.I ’dbe loved as man!Forget my kingdom, and put arms about meAs doth the peasant maid her beggar lord!Sem.(Moving from him) I thought thy greatness married my ambitionTo make Assyria brave e’en to the gods!I ’llkeep my promise ... howsoever thineIs broken. Crowned, my glorious purpose beatsHigher than any dream my maiden heartCould nourish! I will keep my word. But love?If thou wouldst have it—win it!(Starts away, then turns back to him)
Ninus, king of AssyriaHusak, king of ArmeniaKhosrove, son of HusakMenones, governor of NinevehArtavan, son of MenonesSumbat, friend of ArtavanVassin, officer of the kingHaddo, a guardArmin, a guardDokahra, woman to SemiramisSola, wife of ArtavanSemiramis, daughter of MenonesOfficers, heralds, messengers, guards, soldiers, dancers, &c.
SEMIRAMIS
Scene: Within the tent of Menones, on the plain before Nineveh. Left, centre, entrance to tent from the plain. Curtains rear, forming partition with exits right and left of centre. The same at right, with one exit, centre. Couch rear, between exits. From a tent-pole near exit, right centre, hang helmet and a suit of chain armor.
Sola parts curtains rear, left, and looks out, showing effort to keep awake. She steps forward.
Sol.Hist! Armin! Haddo!
(Enter two guards, left centre)
Still no news?
Arm.None, lady.
Sol.Oh, Artavan, what keeps thee?
Haddo.He will come.
Sol.Semiramis is sleeping. I am weary,ButI ’llnot sleep.
Arm.Rest, madam; we will call you.
Sol.My lord shall find me watching, night or day!
Arm.Two nights you have not slept.
Sol.Ten thousand nights,I think, good Armin.
Had.We will call you, madam.
Arm.With the first hoof-beat ringing from the north!
Sol.(At curtains, drowsily)I ’llbe—awake.
(Goes in)
Had.She ’llsleep now.
Arm.Ay, she must.
Had.AndI ’dnot call her for god Bel himself!
Arm.Hark! (Goes to entrance)’Tis a horseman!
Had.(Following him) Two!
Arm.Right! We must rouseThe lady Semiramis.
Had.Make sure ’tis he. (They step out)
Voice without.Is this Menones’ tent?
Arm.(Without) Ay, Sir! The word!
Voice.God Ninus!
(Semiramis enters, through curtains right centre)
Sem.Artavan! His voice!
(Enter Artavan, followed by Sumbat who waits near entrance)
Sem.My brother!
Art.Semiramis! (Embracing her) Three years this kissHas gathered love for thee!
Sem.Has ’tbeen so longSince I left Gazim?
Art.Ay,—since Ninus calledOur father here, and Gazim lost her dove.
Sem.(On his bosom, laughing softly) The dove of Gazim,—so they called me then.But now—(proudly, moving from him) the lioness of Nineveh!
Art.A warrior’s daughter!
Sem.And a warrior’s sister!O, I have prayed that you might come! The kingIs gracious—loves the brave—
Art.Our father?
Sem.Ah!
Art.He ’swell?
Sem.Is ’tday?
Art.Almost.
Sem.At dawn he meetsThe Armenians on the plain.
Art.Then he is well!
Sem.He went forth well,—and brave as when he droveThe Ghees from Gazim with his single sword!But—oh—he needs you, Artavan, he needs you!
(Comes closer speaking rapidly)
I ’mwith him night and day but when he battles—I buckle on his arms—cheer him away—And wipe the foe’s blood from his mighty swordWhen he returns! ButI ’vea fear so strange!At timeshe ’smoved quite from himself,—so farThat I look on him and see not our father!If I dared speakI ’dalmost say that heWho never lost a battle shrinks from war!
Art.(Starting) No, no! Not that! You borrow eyes of fearAnd see what is not!
Sem.ButI ’vefelt the dropsCold on his brow, and raised his lifeless armsWhose corded strength hung slack as a sick child’s!O, it is true! And you must stand by him!Fight at his side! I thought to do it! I!See here, my armor!
(Moving with him to where the armor hangs)
When I had this madeAnd swore to wear it in the fight,’t wasthenHe yielded—said that you might come—
(Sound of trumpets at distance. They listen)
The charge!
Art.I go to him!
Sem.(Taking a paper from her bosom)
Take this!He ’llunderstand!’Tis some direction later thought upon!
Art.My wife is safe—
Sem.With me! Three days agoShe came. And now she sleeps—
(Points to curtains, rear left)
Art.In there? One kiss—
Sem.Nay, nay, you go to battle, and should keepSteel in your eye, not woman’s tears!... Who comesWith you?
(Looks toward entrance where Sumbat stands)
O, Sumbat!
(He advances and drops on knee. She gives him both hands and he rises)
Welcome! But no timeFor gallant greetings! We are warriors here!
(A roll of battle is heard)
Art.We go!
Sem.Ride! ride! The battle over, yeShall meet the king!
(Artavan and Sumbat hasten out. The noise of departure brings Sola to curtains)
Sol.What is it? Who was here?
Sem.(Absorbed)They ’llreach my father!
Sol.Not Artavan?
Sem.Ay—he.
Sol.And gone—my husband!Without a word—a look!
Sem.The battle calls,And he who wears ambition’s spur must ride!
Sol.Ambition! O, you think of naught but warAnd glory! Hast thou no heart, Semiramis?
Sem.I’ faith, and love thee with it! (kisses her)
Sol.Trifle not!Hadst thou a heart thou couldst not live a maid,So beautiful, and never dream of love!Thou ’rtsome strange thing—
Sem.What, wilt be angry? Come!I ’lltell thee all he said—thy Artavan,—Ay, every word, and how his eyes grew softWith dimness sweeter than their vanquished lightWhen thou wert his dear theme!
(They move to curtains. Semiramis stops and listens)
Go in.I ’llcome. (Sola goes in)
Sem.(Listening) Is that a chariot? My father!... Nay!He ’ssafe with Artavan! Whatever comesHis son will be his heart and bear him up!Safe, safe, Menones, and thy grizzled locksShall wear their laurels to an honored grave!
(Noise of approaching chariot)
Itisa chariot! Can it be the king?
(Chariot stops without)
Armin, who is it comes?
Arm.(Appearing at entrance) The Lord Menones.
(Semiramis sways, steadies herself, and waits. Menones enters, livid and trembling. In form he is large and mighty, but is grey with age. He staggers over to couch and sits upon it, groaning heavily. Semiramis looks at him in silence. Then approaches and speaks in a low terrified tone)
Sem.You fled the battle!
Men.Oh!
Sem.You must go back!
Men.Too late!
Sem.(Gaining courage and putting her hands sternly on his shoulders)
No!
Men.We must fly!
Sem.Fly! Never!
Men.(Rising) Come!The chariot! The king will leave my raceNo blood on earth!
Sem.If it be coward’s blood’Tis better lost!
Men.Come, come! We yet can fly!
Sem.Back to the battle! ThereI ’llgo with thee!
Men.I can not! Oh, theterror ’shere—here—here!It clutches at my heart!
Sem.Tear out thy heartAnd keep thy honor whole!
(He falls on the couch, shaken with suffering. She kneels by him pleading passionately)
Sem.Up, father, up!You must go back! You know not whatyou ’vedone!Our Artavan—
Men.Praise Bel,he ’ssafe in Gazim!
Sem.No ... he is here ... he came, and rode to find you.
Men.He came? Gods, no!
Sem.Nay, true!He ’sin the battle!Now you will go! You will go back, my father!He does not know the plan! He can not leadWithout your counsel! Come—your voice—his arm—And all is safe!
(He rises; noise of battle; he sinks shuddering)
Men.No—I ’lldie here—not there!
(Semiramis stands in despair; then lifts her arms praying)
Sem.O mighty Belus, give me back my father!
(She listens with sudden eagerness and goes to tent door)
False! false! They’re verging south! North, north, ye cowards!
(Rushes to her armor and takes it down. Shakes the curtains right, and calls)
Dokahra! (Throws off her robe and begins putting on armor. Enter Dokahra, right centre)
Dok.Mistress!
Sem.Buckle here! Be quick!
Men.You shall not go!
Sem.You have no might or rightTo stay me now!
Men.You will be lost!
Sem.Lost? No!Did I not plan this battle? Haste, Dokahra!Our lives are in your fingers! Courage, father!
(Going, Dokahra still adjusting armor)
The king has smiled on me—I do not know—But there was such a promise in his smile—And if thevictory ’smine he will forgive!
Dok.This rivet, mistress!
(Noise of battle)
Sem.Artavan, I come!
(Rushes out. Sound of chariot rolling away. Dokahra looks stolidly at Menones for a moment, then turns through curtains, right. Menones presses his heart in pain, moans wretchedly, and draws a blanket over his body)
Men.Is this the form that bright Decreto loved?But where the soul, O, gods! (Lies shuddering)
Voice without.The King!
(Menones draws blanket over his face and becomes motionless. Enter the king, with Vassin)
Nin.(At entrance) Stand here!Godagon, haste! Ride to Menones; sayWe wait within his tent; his messengersWill reach us here.
(A rider spurs off without. Ninus and Vassin advance within the tent)
Vas.Your majesty, supposeThe Armenians gain,you ’llbe in danger here.Why come so near for news?
Nin.For news, good Vassin?I had a better reason. SemiramisTents with her father.
(Points to curtains)
Vas.Ah!
Nin.The sun will breakThrough there!
Vas.My lord—
Nin.She stirs! She comes! Wait—see!
(Dokahra’s gaunt figure appears at curtains)
Vas.A false dawn, is it not?
Nin.Your mistress sleeps?
Dok.(Abasing herself)No, mighty king!
Nin.She ’sup? Then give her wordWe’re here.
Dok.She ’snot within, my lord.
Nin.Abroad!So soon?She ’son the general’s business?
Dok.And yours, O king!She ’sjoined the battle!
Nin.She!
Vas.Ha! ha! Do you believe this?
Nin.Ay ... ’tis so.I know her spirit.Here ’smettle for a queen!
(Menones uncovers and half rises)
Vas.You would not make her one, your majesty!Though she should lead your troops to victory,Still is she but your general’s daughter, andAssyria’s crown is given of gods to gods!
Nin.And Ninus knows to keep his race untainted.But all the jewels of a king, my Vassin,Are not worn in his crown. Some in the heartAre casketed, and there this maid shall shineFor me alone. Were she of heavenly race—
Men.(Starting up)She is, my lord!
(Ninus regards him in astonishment)
Nin.What do you here, Menones?Speak!
Men.(Trembling) I am ill.
Nin.Ill, sir? Ha! Now I know!Your daughter leads while you couch safe in tent!She sought to hide your shame! O, what a heart!But you—
Men.I led, my lord, till illness seized—
Nin.Too ill to fight, but not too ill to fly!Hound! hound! My troops are lost!I ’dkill you nowBut ’tis an hour too soon! First you must beOf every honor stript!
Men.(Kneeling) My lord and king,I know that I must die, but hear a prayerFor my brave daughter’s sake! Betray her not,Lest thou offend the gods that gave thee life,For she, too, is of heaven!
Vas.Ha!
Men.I swear’Tis true! My lord, Decreto was her mother!She met me on the plains of Gazim whenThis aged figure was called fair, and youthStill fed its fire to manhood’s prime;Our babe she left upon a mountain crestAnd sent her doves to tend it through a year,Then bade me scale the mount and take my own.I did, and named her for Decreto’s dove—Semiramis!
Nin.What precious tale is this?
Vas.He thinks to fright you from the maid, my lord.
Dok.(Falling at the king’s feet)O king, ’tis true! Ask thou in Gazim—
Nin.Go!
(Dokahra vanishes through curtains left rear)
Nin.’T willtake a better lie to save your head!
Men.My head?Thou ’rtwelcome to it! ’Tis not that!But she—my daughter—
Nin.We will spare her life.
Men.(Calmly) It is my prayer that she may die with me.
Nin.Not while we love. If e’er she lose her charm,We may remember that you were her father.
Men.(Furiously, forgetting himself)She has a brother yet!
Nin.A brother! So!We ’lllook to him as well! Thanks for your news!
Men.(Towering up) Though every god in heaven gave thee bloodYet would I spill it!
(Lifts his sword; suddenly drops it and falls, pressing his heart. Ninus and Vassin watch him silently until he is still)
Nin.Dead?
Vas.(Stooping) Ay, dead, my lord.
Nin.I would have spared him though I threatened death.
Vas.Have spared the coward? Why, your majesty?
Nin.Semiramis has spirit passing woman’s;I have no hope to force her to my arms,AndI ’dhave wrought her heart to tendernessBy mercy to her father. Love is my aim!All else I can command—but that—Guards here!
(Enter Armin and Haddo)
Not you—my own! But wait—a word! Where sleepsMenones?
Arm.(Pointing) There, O king!
(The body of Menones lies behind the king and Vassin, unseen by theguards. Exeunt Armin and Haddo. Enter the king’s guards)
Nin.Take up this body.Place it within.
(Guards go in with Menones’ body)
Vas.What would you do, my lord?
Nin.You ’llknow in time.
(Re-enter guards) Hark! You saw nothing!
Guards.(Bowing to floor) Nothing.O mighty Ninus! (Exeunt)
Nin.I will have her love!Vassin, this story of her goddess birthIs true!
Vas.How knows your majesty?
Nin.It speaksIn all her motions. Every glance and graceRevouches it. E’en your dull eye must knowHer beauty is immortal, though her lifeIs forfeit to the clay and must have end.
Vas.Thou ’ltfind another fair! Youth blooms and goes!
Nin.Not such as hers! Herbrow ’sa holy pageWhere chiselling Time dare never set a mark!The sun hath been her lover, and so deepHath touched her locks with fire no winter handMay shake his kisses out!
Vas.Why,thou ’rtin love!
(Confused voices without. A messenger runs in and falls at the feet of the king)
Nin.Speak, sir!
Mes.Assyria wins! The Armenians fly!They ’velost their leader—
Nin.Khosrove! Is he taken?
Mes.Taken or slain, I know not which, but knowHe leads no more the enemy! They flyBefore Semiramis!
Nin.Semiramis!
Mes.Ay, all was rout until she reached the fieldAnd spurred the—
Voice of herald without.Victory! A victory!Ninus is god and king!
Cries.A victory!
(Enter herald)
Herald.Assyria triumphs o’er his enemies!
Nin.Is Khosrove taken?
Her.Slain, the people cry!The soldiers hail Semiramis their chief,Call her a goddess, drag her chariot,And shout and swear by Belus’ ruling starTo be her slaves forever!
Nin.So they shall.
Vas.Your majesty—
Nin.Peace, Vassin! Wait and see!
(Noise and cries without as Semiramis is drawn toward the tent in her chariot)
Nin.Ho! Guards!
(The king’s guards enter. Ninus passes to right centre, facing entrance opposite. Guards station themselveson each side of him and in his rear. Semiramis enters, followed by officers and soldiers. Her helmet is off, her hair falling)
Nin.Hail goddess!
(Semiramis looks at the king in astonishment then glances fearfully toward Menones’ room)
Nin.Hail, Assyria’s queen!
Sem.(Faintly) O king—
(Ninus advances to her. She kneels before him)
Nin.Kneel down, Menones’ daughter! Rise,The bride of Ninus, nevermore to kneel!
(Raises her)
This victory is proof, if proof I need,That you are a true daughter of the skies,Mate for the mightiest throne!
(To soldiers) Cry festival!The feast of triumph and the wedding revelWe ’llhold together! Go!
(Exeunt soldiers, cheering without)
Nin.(Taking the hand of Semiramis)
To-daythou ’ltcome?
Sem.(Withdrawing her hand and bowing her head)I am my king’s.
Nin.(Passing to exit) The royal chariot,Within the hour, will take you from the tentUnto our palace.
(Exeunt Ninus and attendants. Semiramis stands dazed. Sola comes out softly and looks at her)
Sem.(In rapture) Ah, myfather ’ssafe!I ’lltell him!
(Hurries toward curtains right, rear, and stops at exit)
No ...I ’llwait. This joy is deadIf Artavan be lost!
(Sola springs toward her with a cry)
Sol.Be lost? Ah, no!Where is he? Oh, not lost!
Sem.He pushed too farAmid the flying troops.
Sol.And you—you stoleHis last look from my eyes!
Sem.He may be saved.For Sumbat followed him. He must be saved!We ’llhope till Sumbat comes.
Sol.O, you know naughtOf love!
Sem.I was his sister, Sola, ereHe made thee wife.
Sol.A sister! O, such loveIs nothing! Thou wilt smile at itIf everthou ’rta wife!
(Semiramis is removing her armor. She stops and looks questioningly at Sola; then shakes her head)
Sem.Nay, Sola, nay!...Help me with this.... Somehow my heart is goneAndarmor ’sfor the brave.
(Putting on her robe) Now’t hascome back.But beats and whispers like a maiden’s own.I am but half a warrior.... Do not sob.Sumbat will bring us news.... Ah, he has come!
(Enter Sumbat)
Sol.(Rushing to him and looking into his face)Oh, lost! (Flies, sobbing, through the curtains, rear left)
Sem.Speak.... Is it true?
Sum.I fear it is.I could not save him, and they bore him off.
Sem.Alive?
Sum.Alive!
Sem.A prisoner! Not slain!Then we may hope!I ’vecaptured Husak’s son!
Sum.Khosrove! Is he not under guard without?A man most fair ... of lordly form, and young?
Sem.’Tis he! Have him brought hither instantly!To Husak word shall go on swiftest steedThat I will yield the prince for Artavan!
(Exit Sumbat)
He ’ssafe ... if there be time ... if there be time!...Husak, the Fierce ... but he must love his son,And will be merciful to save him. Ay....So brave a son. Now I recall his face,It would have made me pause had not my eyesBeen dim with triumph.
(Enter Sumbat, followed by officers with Khosrove. The officers fall back, leaving the captive before Semiramis. He is stripped of all armor, and clothed in a scant tunic revealing a figure of marked strength and grace. He stands erect, but with head bowed, and his arms bound to his sides)
Sem.(Gazes at him) Ah!... (She advances a step)
Armenian!
(At sound of her voice he lifts his head and looks at her with eager recognition)
Sem.(Stepping back) Armenian!
Khos.(Proudly) Armenia, by your leave!I am my father’s house.
Sem.I ’mglad ’tis so.Then he should value thee.
Khos.He does.
Sem.So muchThat he will spare the life of ArtavanIf we spare yours?
Khos.Who is this ArtavanWho evens me in price?
Sem.Menones’ son.
Khos.Menones? Governor of Nineveh?Who fled my sword, fear-cold, and pale with terror?Insult not Husak with so poor a suit!That coward’s race—
Sem.Am I a coward, sir?
Khos.(In sudden dejection)These fettered arms make answer, princess.
Sem.Nay,I am Menones’ daughter,—ArtavanMy brother!
Khos.Not the Assyrian princess? O,Forgive me, lady! I am proud to beThy brother’s price!
Sem.What surety have IThat Artavan still lives?
Khos.My word.
Officer.His word!O, noble madam, it is known to allThat Husak takes no prisoners of war.They die before his tent.
Khos.Such is the custom—
Sem.O me, my brother!
Khos.But I can avouchThat Artavan still lives.
Off.Trust not the wordOf captive foes, my lady. By what meansCan he know this?
Sem.Speak, sir.
Khos.To you aloneI ’llspeak.
Sem.Nay—before all!
Khos.Unto no earBut thine.
Sem.Wouldst save thy life?
Khos.Perhaps. Wouldst saveThy brother?
Sem.Sumbat, wilt advise me?
Sum.Trust him,And hear what he would say.
Sem.Out then, my friends,I pray you.
(All go out but Semiramis and Khosrove.)
Now!
Khos.My father swore to meBefore I led his troops ’gainst Nineveh,All captives should be held at my disposalAnd bloody custom waived. I would not speak’Fore all, lest I should rob fierce Husak’s nameOf terror which is half his sword.
Sem.But nowHe thinks you dead.
Khos.Not so.I ’vesent him wordBy a sure mouth thatI ’munhurt and heldA prisoner.
Sem.O then mybrother ’ssafe!How gracious art thou, Heaven!
(Steps towards entrance) Sumbat!
Khos.(Stepping before her) Wait!
Sem.What more?
Khos.All—everything—there ’snothing said!Ninus will spare me not! ’Tis thou must save me!
Sem.I! No! The king!
Khos.Not he! Is ArtavanGrown dearer than his hate to Husak? Nay—
Sem.Sir, fear not Ninus. He will grant my suit.
Khos.He will? You—you—
Sem.I ’vesaved his army!
Khos.(Relieved) Ah!No more than that?
Sem.Enough!
Khos.No!’T willnot wipeRevenge from out his heart,—and you have savedBut that your father threw away.
Sem.Peace, sir!
Khos.There ’sbut one way for me—escape!
Sem.No more!Nay—not another word!
Khos.I must escape—
Sem.Not one!
Khos.That word unsaid slays Artavan,Spoken it saves him! Once in Ninus’ powerI have no hope of life, and with me diesYour brother.
Sem.(Scornfully) Do not fear!
Khos.I fear? By Heaven!Think you this heart is not a soldier’s ownBecause ’tis captive to a woman’s sword?A woman’s sword! O little had thy swordTo do with my defeat! Unarmed thou wouldstHave taken me—for’t wasthy beauty struckMy weapon to my side! (rapidly and passionately)When I bore downUpon your chariot, I could have swept youWith one arm from the world! But suddenlyA missile struck your helmet and dislodgedThe glory of your face before my eyes,Your hair ran gold, the shining East looked blackBehind the star you made upon its breast!I knew thee for a goddess, and stood stillMeek captive to thy wish! O blest am ITo learn thou art not greater than myself,But so much less that I may lift thee up!Fly with me—be my queen—
(Semiramis tries to speak)
Go, call them in!I ’llshout above their heads to reach thine ears!O, trust to me! In me thy brother lives!Come, and thy fallen father shall be braveBeneath Armenia’s smile! Here thou mayst saveHis life, but ne’er again will he know honor!Help me to fly and save three lives in one!Give me to Ninus—give me up to death,And with a father and a brother lost,Though thou wert worshipped ’mong thy country’s godsStill thou couldst not be happy!
Sem.Sir—
Khos.But come,And they are safe!
Sem.(Bewildered) What do I hear?
Khos.O, come!Dost know what love is, daughter of Menones?It is the fire that dead puts out the lightOn every hearth, living makes all the worldOne altar feeding incense unto Heaven!It gives the soul to life, breath to the soul,Pulse to ambition, strength to warrior arms,—
(Struggling with his fetters)
Such strength that they may break all captive bondsTo clasp their own!
(Breaks his fetters and attempts to embrace her as she retreats gazing at him as if fascinated. She escapes him, and throws off her bewilderment. He drops to his knees holding out his arms to her)
And love I offer thee!
Sem.Sir, I forgive thee, for thou knowest notTo whom you speak!
Khos.Know not!
Sem.I who am nowMenones’ daughter, ere the night shall beThe bride of Ninus, king of all Assyria!
(Khosrove rises, bows before her, and stands with silent dignity)
Sem.You—you—were saying—
Khos.Nothing, royal madam.Have you not friends without?
(Semiramis hesitates, goes to door and calls)
Sem.Sumbat!(To Khosrove)Thou ’rtsafe!
Khos.(Ironically)Assyria’s queen should know!
Sem.She does!
(Re-enter Sumbat and officers)
Sum.Unbound!
Sem.Ay, he is free! We only wait the wordOf gracious Ninus. Guard him until then,We charge you, Sumbat. Keep you nearest him.
(Exeunt Sumbat and officers with Khosrove)
Sem.My father now! He must have heard the shoutsOf victory, yet still he hides himself.... The king asked not for love. He is Assyria.I would not lessen him by love. Not yet....’Tis my triumphant arms he weds. The heartMust sleep....
Voice of guard at entrance.The king approaches!
Sem.Ah!... The king!His word, and all is done.I ’llspeak to himBefore I see my father. Then I may say‘Thou art forgiven, and Artavan is safe!’... And Khosrove ... safe.... The royal chariot!...O, mother, send thy doves—I am once moreA babe!
(The king enters alone)
Nin.Art ready for thy king?
Sem.I am—And yet—a word before I go! Thou know’stThat Khosrove is my prisoner—
Nin.Khosrove! He!We thought him slain!
Sem.Nay, sir—
Nin.A prisoner!O, welcome gift! We ask no other dower!
Sem.But, gracious lord—
Nin.(Turning to entrance) Ho, Vassin!Khosrove ’staken!Go! Find him out and drag him straight to dungeon!Bind him with chains until he can not move,Tillwe ’vedevised some bitter way of death!
Vas.(Without) I haste, my lord!
Nin.At last my enemy is ’neath my feet!
(Returning to Semiramis)
And ’tis to thee we owe this gift of fortune!... You’re pale, Semiramis.
Sem.O king—
Nin.(Taking her hands) And trembling.Dost fear my greatness? Nay, thou ledst my army—
Sem.O, if for that thou ow’st me aught, grant me—
Nin.Whate’er thou wouldst!
Sem.My brother, Artavan,Is Husak’s captive! Thou canst save him!
Nin.I?Then he is saved! But how! Tell me the way!
Sem.Husak will yield him up for Khosrove!
Nin.WhatSend Khosrove back alive! Not though the godsCommanded it! Alive!’T wasHusak slewMy father, and his son shall die! Ten yearsI ’vesought for this revenge! And give it upFor a green lad fresh from the fields of Gazim?
Sem.A warrior, sir,who ’llwin thee many a battle!And crest thy glory with meridian stars!He ’sworth the price though pity lent no coin!Save him, my lord! A bridal boon I ask!Give me my brother!
Nin.A bridal boonI ’llgrant.Thou lov’st thy father?
Sem.(Choking) You know—that he—
Nin.I know.
Sem.Great king—
Nin.One thou mayst save.
Sem.O gods!
Nin.Thy brother, or thy father? Thou mayst choose.
Sem.I know my duty, sir. I choose my father.
Nin.A noble choice. We are not harsh, my queen.The people know Menones’ life is forfeit,And know how I have sought for Khosrove’s death;Did I spare both for your sake they would sayThat Ninus’ scepter is a woman’s hand.
(Shouts of rejoicing without)
But come! The chariot waits. The people call.
Sem.First will I tell my father that he lives.He ’swaiting there the summons to his death.Ah, I must thank you sir.
(Takes the king’s hand and kisses it. Goes through curtains, right, rear. Her cry is heard within. She returns.)
Too late!He ’sdead!Cold, cold, my father! Oh!
(Sobs, her hands covering her face)
Nin.(Removing her hands and putting his arm about her)
Thou ’rtnot alone,My bride!
Sem.(Withdrawing and kneeling to him, her hands upraised)O king, leave me my brother!
Nin.Nay!Did you not have your choice? You ask too much.
Sem.(Rising) Ah, so I do! I should demand, not ask!
Nin.Demand!
Sem.Ay, king! ... ’Tis trueI ’mnot alone.My goddess mother is again with meAs when this morn my heart exultant rodeThe tides of triumph! When the heavens rolledAnd like a stooping sea caught up my soulTill ranged with the applauding gods it clappedMy courage on below! You offer meA place beside your throne. I offer youThe hearts of all your subjects now my own,—The love—the worship of your mighty army!
(Cries without)
They shout my name—not yours—great Ninus! Hear!
Shouts:Semiramis is queen! Semiramis!
Sem.I bring a hand, with yours inlocked, shall reachO’er Asia’s breadth and draw her glory in!A heart ambitious with immortal beatTo make Assyria greatest ’neath the stars!And in return I ask my brother’s life!Give me your promise Khosrove goes to Husak,Or leave me where I stand—Menones’ daughter!
Nin.(Slowly, reading the determination in her face)I promise.
Sem.Swear!
Nin.I swear it!
Sem.(Relaxes, falls at his feet, and reaches up, clasping his hands)O, god Ninus!
(CURTAIN)
The great hall in the palace of Nineveh. The rear is open, showing the sky and the towers of the city. Along the floor, which is high above the ground court, rear, are sculptured lions. On each side of hall where right and left reach open rear are large entrances, with steps leading up to hall, guarded by spearmen and archers. Within the hall, between winged bulls, are entrances to chambers, right centre and left centre. Near front, right, smaller entrance between figures of men with lion heads. The same opposite, left. The walls of the hall are lined with alabaster slabs on which are sculptured and colored the conquests of Assyrian kings.
Ninus alone. Enter Vassin, left centre.
Nin.(As Vassin enters)You ’vetold her?
Vas.Ay, my lord.
Nin.What does she say?Does she suspect we ordered Khosrove’s torture?
Vas.I can not answer that.
Nin.Then answer this!You’re sure that he will die? You made good work?
Vas.Good work, my lord. He can not live a day.
Nin.A day!You ’vehurried then! I bade you fillHis wounds with mortal but a lingering bane!Go, have him brought within! He must not dieWithout my foot upon his neck!
(As Vassin is going) What saidThe queen?
Vas.She cried ‘Mybrother ’slost!’
Nin.No more?
Vas.O, then her soul put sorrow’s grandeur on,And those about her saw a noble storm;But yet so proud her royal eyes, each dropThat fell from them were worth a worldTo him for whom they fell!
Nin.(Aside) He loves the queen!
(Enter Semiramis, left, centre)
Sem.Is this thing true my lord? O, surely HeavenWill cry out ‘No’ though thou must answer ‘Ay!’
Nin.(To Vassin) Go! (Exit Vassin, right front)
Sem.Is it true?
Nin.Too true, my queen!Khosrove is maimed beyond all hope of life,And thou must make thy husband heir to loveThat was thy brother’s.
Sem.Oh!
Nin.Thy grief is mine.
Sem.I will not weep, though I could shed such streamsAs when the clouds from riven breast pour downTheir torrent agonies!... How strange, my lord,The guards should venture so without your warrant!
Nin.I ’vehad their heads for it!
Sem.(Shocked) Their heads!... Why, this’Tis to be royal! Ah!
Nin.Put by these thoughts,Semiramis. No theme to-day but love!
Sem.Love, sir?
Nin.Ay, that! Thou lov’st me, dost thou not?
Sem.Thou art great Ninus!
Nin.I ’dbe loved as man!Forget my kingdom, and put arms about meAs doth the peasant maid her beggar lord!
Sem.(Moving from him) I thought thy greatness married my ambitionTo make Assyria brave e’en to the gods!I ’llkeep my promise ... howsoever thineIs broken. Crowned, my glorious purpose beatsHigher than any dream my maiden heartCould nourish! I will keep my word. But love?If thou wouldst have it—win it!
(Starts away, then turns back to him)