her turrets pause discoursing gods,
Let her not dare forget the stanchion truth--
Immortal writ in every mortal face--
"Thou art the wife and mother of the world!"

(Sees Khosrove's cloak upon the floor, and kneels by it,
taking it in her hands)

My Khosrove!... Methought a god struck off my chains
So strong and fair he seemed, yet strove to hide
The beauty of his act, as might a star
Shrink in its own sweet light!

(Buries her face in the folds of the cloak)

O, noble prince,
I might have kissed thy lips and not thy garment!

(Rises and wraps the cloak about her. Spurns with her foot
her own robe which has been left trampled)

Thou purple rag, lie there! Love's vesture shall
Enfold me as I go!

(Starts out) Alone ... on foot ...
But I've not far to journey. Foes are kind....
The first one met ... well, I will thank him!... Cries?
It is the feast. A man may feast who had--
But has no son!... (Startled) 'Tis not the feast!... I know
That noise confused--hoarse shouts--shrieks--pawing steeds--
And rumbling chariots! Those are the tones
Of battle! O, the bloody work! 'Tis war!
Did it delight me once?... Assyrian cries!
My troops! my troops! They've rallied! How they cheer!
What brave heart leads them on?

(Cries come nearer)

Poor creatures, they
Would save me knowing not I died with Khosrove.
I will not live--

(The rear of the tent is torn away by an onslaught.
Assyrian troops enter, led by Artavan)

Art. Semiramis!

Sem. My brother!
You live!

Art. And you!

Sem. Praise Heaven there is one
Will comfort my sad kingdom!

Art. Nay, all's well!
The death of Ninus freed me from my prison;
I gathered troops and pushed hard after you,
To hear you had been taken; then I planned
This rescue. Thank great Belus, I'm in time!

Sem. In time? Nay, thou'rt too late!

Art. Too late? Whe