Semiramis and Other Plays Part 8

Sem. Nay, sir--

Nin. A prisoner!

O, welcome gift! We ask no other dower!

Sem. But, gracious lord--

Nin. (Turning to entrance) Ho, Va.s.sin! Khosrove's taken!

Go! Find him out and drag him straight to dungeon!

Bind him with chains until he can not move, Till we've devised some bitter way of death!

Vas. (Without) I haste, my lord!

Nin. At last my enemy is 'neath my feet!

(Returning to Semiramis)

And 'tis to thee we owe this gift of fortune!

... You're pale, Semiramis.

Sem. O king--

Nin. (Taking her hands) And trembling.

Dost fear my greatness? Nay, thou ledst my army--

Sem. O, if for that thou ow'st me aught, grant me--

Nin. Whate'er thou wouldst!

Sem. My brother, Artavan, Is Husak's captive! Thou canst save him!

Nin. I?

Then he is saved! But how! Tell me the way!

Sem. Husak will yield him up for Khosrove!

Nin. What Send Khosrove back alive! Not though the G.o.ds Commanded it! Alive! 'Twas Husak slew My father, and his son shall die! Ten years I've sought for this revenge! And give it up For a green lad fresh from the fields of Gazim?

Sem. A warrior, sir, who'll win thee many a battle!

And crest thy glory with meridian stars!

He's worth the price though pity lent no coin!

Save him, my lord! A bridal boon I ask!

Give me my brother!

Nin. A bridal boon I'll grant.

Thou lov'st thy father?

Sem. (Choking) You know--that he--

Nin. I know.

Sem. Great king--

Nin. One thou mayst save.

Sem. O G.o.ds!

Nin. Thy brother, or thy father? Thou mayst choose.

Sem. I know my duty, sir. I choose my father.

Nin. A n.o.ble choice. We are not harsh, my queen.

The people know Menones' life is forfeit, And know how I have sought for Khosrove's death; Did I spare both for your sake they would say That Ninus' scepter is a woman's hand.

(Shouts of rejoicing without)

But come! The chariot waits. The people call.

Sem. First will I tell my father that he lives.

He's waiting there the summons to his death.

Ah, I must thank you sir.

(Takes the king's hand and kisses it. Goes through curtains, right, rear. Her cry is heard within. She returns.)

Too late! He's dead!

Cold, cold, my father! Oh!

(Sobs, her hands covering her face)

Nin. (Removing her hands and putting his arm about her)

Thou'rt not alone, My bride!

Sem. (Withdrawing and kneeling to him, her hands upraised) O king, leave me my brother!

Nin. Nay!

Did you not have your choice? You ask too much.

Sem. (Rising) Ah, so I do! I should demand, not ask!

Nin. Demand!

Sem. Ay, king! ... 'Tis true I'm not alone.

My G.o.ddess mother is again with me As when this morn my heart exultant rode The tides of triumph! When the heavens rolled And like a stooping sea caught up my soul Till ranged with the applauding G.o.ds it clapped My courage on below! You offer me A place beside your throne. I offer you The hearts of all your subjects now my own,-- The love--the wors.h.i.+p of your mighty army!

(Cries without)

They shout my name--not yours--great Ninus! Hear!

Shouts: Semiramis is queen! Semiramis!