Semiramis and Other Plays Part 16

We have no foes. Our queen's triumphant arms Have made glad subjects of all enemies But one, and him we make our friend. To-night a.s.syria and Armenia sup as one!

(Turns toward right, rear)

We'll see if all's prepared as we gave order.

(Exeunt under the arch of garlands. Dancers enter, right, front, and pa.s.s out through arch. Following them, Semiramis with her women. All are in rich attire but the queen who wears simple white robe. A dove nestles on her bosom. She gives the women leave to pa.s.s on and they go out merrily through arch, right, rear. Semiramis lingers; comes to the railing of the bridge, centre, and leans upon it)

Sem. Will Khosrove come? I do not doubt the king,-- And yet--I pray he will not come!

(Re-enter Sumbat, through arch. He comes out to the queen)

Sem. You, Sumbat?

Where is the king?

Sum. I left him in the garden, Giving new orders for Prince Khosrove's honor.

Sem. Sumbat, you trust the king?

Sum. I do. You've wrought Such n.o.ble change in him that drop by drop He's mated all his blood unto your virtues.

Sem. I must believe it, lest a doubt should breed The weakness it suspects. But is 't not strange Khosrove should trust him too?

Sum. He knows that you Would warn him if there lay a danger here.

Sem. I warn him? But suppose the warning false?

'T would wrong the king, whose purpose seems so pure It might have journeyed with his soul when first It came from Heaven! No. I'll answer for him!

He could not counterfeit so deep my eyes Would find no bottom to deceit!... But now What hast thou heard of Artavan?

Sum. No word.

Sem. I fear--

Sum. He's safe. Be sure of that. No man Would dare lay finger on him!

Sem. But to go Without a word! Poor Sola grieves, and weeps As though she'd drown her wits in tears.

(A boat glides from under the bridge and over the water beneath them)

See there!

'Tis she! Alone below!

(Sola alights from boat and runs up steps to the bridge)

I'll speak to her.

Go, Sumbat! (Sumbat goes off right)

Sister, stay.

(Stops Sola as she is pa.s.sing)

Why do you run?

Sol. I'm running from the king!

Sem. The king, my love?

There's no king here.

Sol. Nay, he's below!

Sem. Below?

Sol. Under the bridge with Va.s.sin!

Sem. Va.s.sin? No.

The king has sent him out of Nineveh!

Sol. He did not go. I swear that he's below!

Sem. What were you doing 'neath the bridge?

Sol. Ah me, I seek in every place for Artavan.

I'll save him from the king!

Sem. So kind a king?

Sol. O, kind! As death, or plague, or leprosy!

'Tis he has taken revenge on Artavan!

He'll kill the prince, too, when he comes!

Sem. My child--

Sol. (Pointing down) I heard them talking there!

Sem. Thy husband's safe.

Bethink thee that the king's decree protects him.

Sol. Not from the king! From man, not from the G.o.ds, And Ninus is a G.o.d, or dreams he is!

Sem. From man--not from--no, no! I will not say Or think it! My poor child--

Sol. You'll save the prince?

'Tis you he trusts, not Ninus!

Sem. Sweet, be calm.

You did not see the king.

Sol. Hear all, and save him!

When Khosrove takes the seat of highest honor, Lord of the Revels by a.s.syria's favor, The floor will part, the chair fall to the lake, Where Va.s.sin waits to slay him, while the king Strikes down in wrath the master of the feast For fault of accident!