!
They've lost their leader--

Nin. Khosrove! Is he taken?

Mes. Taken or slain, I know not which, but know
He leads no more the enemy! They fly
Before Semiramis!

Nin. Semiramis!

Mes. Ay, all was rout until she reached the field
And spurred the--

Voice of herald without. Victory! A victory!
Ninus is god and king!

Cries. A victory!

(Enter herald)

Herald. Assyria triumphs o'er his enemies!

Nin. Is Khosrove taken?

Her. Slain, the people cry!
The soldiers hail Semiramis their chief,
Call her a goddess, drag her chariot,
And shout and swear by Belus' ruling star
To be her slaves forever!

Nin. So they shall.

Vas. Your majesty--

Nin. Peace, Vassin! Wait and see!

(Noise and cries without as Semiramis is drawn toward
the tent in her chariot)

Nin. Ho! Guards!

(The king's guards enter. Ninus passes to right centre,
facing entrance opposite. Guards station themselves on
each side of him and in his rear. Semiramis enters,
followed by officers and soldiers. Her helmet is off,
her hair falling)

Nin. Hail goddess!

(Semiramis looks at the king in astonishment then glances
fearfully toward Menones' room)

Nin. Hail, Assyria's queen!

Sem. (Faintly) O king--

(Ninus advances to her. She kneels before him)

Nin. Kneel down, Menones' daughter! Rise,
The bride of Ninus, nevermore to kneel!

(Raises her)

This victory is proof, if proof I need,
That you are a true daughter of the skies,
Mate for the mightiest throne!

(To soldiers) Cry festival!
The feast of triumph and the wedding revel
We'll hold together! Go!

(Exeunt soldiers, cheering without)

Nin. (Taking the hand of Semiramis)

To-day thou'lt come?

Sem. (Withdrawing her hand and bowing her head)
I am my king's.

Nin. (Passing to exit) The royal chariot,