Vas. Your majesty, suppose The Armenians gain, you'll be in danger here.

Why come so near for news?

Nin. For news, good Va.s.sin?

I had a better reason. Semiramis Tents with her father.

(Points to curtains)

Vas. Ah!

Nin. The sun will break Through 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's up? Then give her word We're here.

Dok. She's not within, my lord.

Nin. Abroad!

So soon? She's on the general's business?

Dok. And yours, O king! She's joined the battle!

Nin. She!

Vas. Ha! ha! Do you believe this?

Nin. Ay ... 'tis so.

I know her spirit. Here's mettle 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, and a.s.syria's crown is given of G.o.ds to G.o.ds!

Nin. And Ninus knows to keep his race untainted.

But all the jewels of a king, my Va.s.sin, Are not worn in his crown. Some in the heart Are casketed, and there this maid shall shine For 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'd kill you now But 'tis an hour too soon! First you must be Of every honor stript!

Men. (Kneeling) My lord and king, I know that I must die, but hear a prayer For my brave daughter's sake! Betray her not, Lest thou offend the G.o.ds 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 when This aged figure was called fair, and youth Still fed its fire to manhood's prime; Our babe she left upon a mountain crest And 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 will take a better lie to save your head!

Men. My head? Thou'rt welcome 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'll look to him as well! Thanks for your news!