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 ready Except the queen. What means these simple robes, Semiramis?

Sem. A compliment unto Your majesty.

Nin. It shows more like affront!

I would have Khosrove see a splendor here Unpainted in the daring of his dream, And thou the star of it! A merchant's daughter Would robe her handmaid with more care--lend her A pearl or two--a bit of scarf--or sc.r.a.p Of tinsel sun--

Sem. My lord--

Nin. A compliment!

'Tis your disdain--

Sem. It grieves me, sir, that you Should read in outward sign what never yet Was in my soul. Our wars are done, my lord; And exultation of the conquering hour Calms into peace; as I laid armor by For 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 eyes As this soft white put on for me alone!

Thy pardon, love, and thou shalt shortly learn A 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 G.o.ds.

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 G.o.ds may work some harm to Artavan.

Nin. (At ease) True, love! Uncertain is their favor. Look!

He comes! (Gazing off left)

Sem. (Aside) He's false! And if he's false in this--then is-- O, Khosrove, thou art lured to death! And I Have been thy traitorous star!

(Enter Khosrove, left, attended by Armenians)

Nin. Hail, Khosrove! Hail!

a.s.syrians.

Hail to Armenia! Hail!

Khos. O, Ninus, hail!

Armenians.

Hail to a.s.syria, greatest over kings!

Nin. Thou'rt welcome, and we thank thee for thy trust, Which we'll betray when Heaven has no G.o.d To d.a.m.n 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 life To 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 vile Nature would spurn him back to chaos ere His mother had beheld him!

(The dance ends. The maidens pa.s.s out under arch. All move to follow when Ninus speaks)