None goes or comes till I have found the man For governor.

Sem. Would not Va.s.sin serve?

Nin. (With suspicion) I've other use for him. Perchance he'll go From Nineveh.

Sem. My lord, there's one from Gazim, Sumbat, thou'lt find 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 plans Secretive for thy safety but myself?

Whom thou dost choose must learn somewhat of me.

Nin. Ay, you'll n.o.b heads together!

Sem. Sir?

Nin. Well, well-- I'll choose a man!

(Exit moodily, right centre)

Sem. Strange ... but he is the king!

... Ah, Khosrove! Artavan!... Nay, I will think Of 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 forgave My 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! Then Your 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'll keep my oath ... and crown. Still will I make a.s.syria great. a.s.syria 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. Pray Let him be summoned.

Nin. Nay, we've sworn this day Shall be for us alone!

Sem. 'Twas he I charged With care of the Armenian prince.

Nin. My queen Shall not be troubled.

Sem. 'T will not trouble me, My lord.

Nin. Enough it troubles me!

Sem. He'd know Of this foul fault, against your will--

Nin. Again That theme! Forget it!

Sem. O, my lord, forget That n.o.ble 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!