f there be time ... if there be time!...
Husak, the Fierce ... but he must love his son,
And will be merciful to save him. Ay....
So brave a son. Now I recall his face,
It would have made me pause had not my eyes
Been dim with triumph.

(Enter Sumbat, followed by officers with Khosrove. The
officers fall back, leaving the captive before Semiramis.
He is stripped of all armor, and clothed in a scant tunic
revealing a figure of marked strength and grace. He stands
erect, but with head bowed, and his arms bound to his
sides)

Sem. (Gazes at him) Ah!... (She advances a step)

Armenian!

(At sound of her voice he lifts his head and looks at her
with eager recognition)

Sem. (Stepping back) Armenian!

Khos. (Proudly) Armenia, by your leave!
I am my father's house.

Sem. I'm glad 'tis so.
Then he should value thee.

Khos. He does.

Sem. So much
That he will spare the life of Artavan
If we spare yours?

Khos. Who is this Artavan
Who evens me in price?

Sem. Menones' son.

Khos. Menones? Governor of Nineveh?
Who fled my sword, fear-cold, and pale with terror?
Insult not Husak with so poor a suit!
That coward's race--

Sem. Am I a coward, sir?

Khos. (In sudden dejection)
These fettered arms make answer, princess.

Sem. Nay,
I am Menones' daughter,--Artavan
My brother!

Khos. Not the Assyrian princess? O,
Forgive me, lady! I am proud to be
Thy brother's price!

Sem. What surety have I
That Artavan still lives?

Khos. My word.

Officer. His word!
O, noble madam, it is known to all
That Husak takes no prisoners of war.
They die before his tent.

Khos. Such is the custom--

Sem. O me, my brother!

Khos. But I can avouch