And yet--a word before I go! Thou know'st
That Khosrove is my prisoner--

Nin. Khosrove! He!
We thought him slain!

Sem. Nay, sir--

Nin. A prisoner!
O, welcome gift! We ask no other dower!

Sem. But, gracious lord--

Nin. (Turning to entrance) Ho, Vassin! 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 gods
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 gods!

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

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

Nin. A noble choice. We are not harsh, my queen.