Semiramis and Other Plays Part 18

Nin. Stay! Hear, all!

Before we feast in honor of our guest, We would do honor to our n.o.ble queen, Whose arms of might have brought our land to peace.

Whose looks of love have brought our heart to rest!

To-night we doff our crown that she may wear it!

(Removing crown)

And here decree her word shall be obeyed Above our own.

(Puts crown on the queen's head)

Dost like our compliment?

Sem. It is too much, my king.

Nin. (Kneeling) Nay, nay, thy subject!

(Semiramis seems gay with a sudden resolve)

Sem. If it so please thee then I'll be the king!

Nin. (Rising) We have decreed. If any here refuse To honor thy command, though thou shouldst doom My death, himself that instant dies. (To officer) You, sir, Take order for it, and if your own hand fail, When we are king again we'll have your head!

Off. My arm be as your will, my lord!

Sem. O, then I have a wish I did not dare to voice.

Nin. Command it now.

Sem. It hath much troubled me That Khosrove should be honored over you, Lord of the Revels.

Khos. (Astonished) Lady--

Sem. King, if 't please you!

I've laid my purple by, but I have still The royal color in my heart. Think'st thou To sit above a.s.syria, who wearest not The brave investment of the G.o.ds? who hold'st Thy sceptre still from warrior chiefs, not from Anointed kings?

Khos. Because my race is proud!

Too proud to kneel to any earthly king And take the sacred vestment from his hands!

Sem. You see, my lord, that even in his heart He ranks himself above you!

Nin. But, my love--

Khos. Farewell! Thou didst me service once, and here I thought to thank thee, but--

Nin. Stay, Khosrove, stay!

Khos. Farewell, with all my heart!

Nin. Nay--

Sem. O, my lord.

Let him depart. He mocks our glory, and bears A challenge in his proud simplicity That puts our splendor to defense.

Khos. Nay, madam!

I came to lay my duty at your feet, And lift my eyes no higher than your hand Without your royal leave! But now I'll cast My gaze upon the stars, forgetting that You walk beneath them! (Going)

Nin. Stay, O prince!

(To Semiramis) A boon, your majesty! 'T would blot our honor To send him from us thus! We shall be plunged Anew in wars, for Husak will avenge it!

I am thy most unhappy subject, and Thou'lt hear my prayer!

(Goes after Khosrove and leads him back)

You'll stay, O Khosrove?

Khos. Ay, On one condition.

Nin. Name it!

Khos. That you will take Our seat at feast.

Nin. Nay--

Sem. That is our command!

Nin. No, no!

Sem. We'll have it so!

Nin. I'll not consent!

Sem. It is our royal order! Guards for Ninus!

Nin. What do you mean?

Sem. To have our way! Guards here!

You shall not do this wrong to your high self!

We'll look unto your honor! (To guards) Bear him in!

(Guards stand in amazement)

Did ye not hear the king's decree? I reign!

(Guards take hold of Ninus)

Nin. By Hut and Nim!

Sem. Place him in Khosrove's seat!