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, Va.s.sin, bring the keys!

(Exit Va.s.sin, right front)

And wear this ring, my general!

Khos. My lord, I could not undertake--

Nin. You shall!--The queen Will charge you with all duties.

Sem. No! I will not!

Nin. Ay, ay! We know we please you 'gainst your word And not your will.

Sem. He is too young, my lord!

Nin. Menones was too old. And 'twas yourself Who taught us how to prize your brother.

(Re-enter Va.s.sin 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 a.r.s.enal!

The northern wall--the secret pa.s.sages-- And these the tunnel locks and river gates!

You'll take command at once, and so relieve The city which we've shut fast as a tomb, Fearing that spies from Husak's camp might creep Into our bosom.

Khos. Wisely done, my lord.

Sem. O king, if 't must be so, I'll map for him My fathers safe division of the city.

Nin. To you we leave him.

(Talks apart with Va.s.sin and Sumbat)

Sem. Sir, what do you mean?

Khos. (Hurriedly) When Va.s.sin 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 camp he's free!

You trust me?

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

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

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

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

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

Risk every soul in Nineveh--

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

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

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

Sem. Enough! Go, go!

Lose no more time!

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

Sem. I beg you go!

a.s.syria's in your hands!

Khos. Nay, in my heart!

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

Khos. I go, My lord.

(Confusion without, left rear. Enter an officer)

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

Nin. Yet another brother?

Sem. No, no, my lord!

Off. He comes from Husak's camp.

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

Khos. I'll thrust him out!

He may mean danger to your person.

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