Semiramis and Other Plays Part 20

Yes--yes--I knew--I knew the king would fall.

But knew, too, sir, that Va.s.sin was below, And, by my precious G.o.ds, I did not dream He would not save his king! While you--my guest-- You would have gone to death!

Khos. Forgive me!

(Semiramis walks farther, not heeding him)

Oh, I found a stream that ran from heavenly springs And in it cast the soot of h.e.l.l!

Sem. Well served-- Well served, Semiramis!... I was so sad ...

And would not be content to let him go ...

I wanted but a word ... a word to cheer me ...

And now I have it--murderess!

Khos. (Who has advanced to her) No, no, I did not say it!

Sem. The tongue may well keep silent When eyes speak lightning. I have heard too much!

'T were better I had let you die!

Khos. Ay, better ...

Better than this!

Sem. Now, now I am a.s.syria!

No more a woman! Softness to the winds!

And let my heart be as my armor--steel!

Khos. Thou canst not make it so by saying it.

There is no cold or heat may temper hearts Away from their true nature. Mail thyself From head to foot, thou'rt still Semiramis!

Sem. A queen!

(An officer enters, left)

Off. Your majesty, an urgent hand Brings this report.

(Gives paper to her, which she reads)

Sem. The Ghecs are in revolt!

Thank them for me! They could not show me favor More to my heart!

(Exit officer, left)

I'm sick of peace--this peace That gives men time to brood and breed foul thoughts And fouler deeds! Give me the open war whose blows Rain down as free as moonbeams from the sun!

Who meets me there I know, at least, he's brave, And there--

Khos. Semiramis!

Sem. (Proudly) Armenia, speak!

You have our leave.

Khos. These Ghecs--my father is Their ancient, sworn ally!

Sem. Well, sir?

Khos. His oath Binds him to give them aid.

Sem. The braver then The battle!

Khos. I am my father's son!

Sem. You mean We'll meet upon the field!

Khos. I can not take The field against you!

Sem. No? Why not?

Khos. You know!

Because I love you!

Sem. Sir, I am a.s.syria!

Khos. Nay, but Menones' daughter! She whose heart I touched--

Sem. You touched?

Khos. Ere taint of pride or power Or mad ambition had laid a canker there!

When she was maiden still, and knew no thought She might not whisper in her father's ear!

Gentle as Spring when hus.h.i.+ng the young dove, But strong from virgin battle, with the flush Of valorous purpose pure as G.o.ddess' dream Starting the n.o.ble war-blood in her cheek!

'Tis she I speak to now--she that I love-- Not the proud queen grown bold in blood and triumph!

Love me, Semiramis! You shall have peace!

Not this sick peace that turns your heart to hate, But peace that charms the beauty back to life And new dreams to the soul! O, no more war!

Then lilies springing in thy steps shall say What fairer grace went by! These fingers shall Forget the sword whose music is men's groans, And on sweet strings draw out the heart of love To give the world the key of melody!

Ah, you shall war no more--

Sem. Sir, you forget!

These Ghecs--

Khos. Will not revolt if I become a.s.syria's head! They trust me as their--

Sem. You!

a.s.syria's head! You! you! O, now I see!

I'm not yet blind, although my heart was fast Upstealing to my eyes to make me so!

Khos. O clear thy sight a second time, my queen, And read me true!

Sem. And you had almost moved me!

Khos. Melt, stony eyes--

Sem. The magic's left the earth That had the power to soften them!