He'd know
Of this foul fault, against your will--

Nin. Again
That theme! Forget it!

Sem. O, my lord, forget
That noble prince? So brave--so proud--so fair--

Nin. What do you say? O, you changed eyes with him!

Sem. My lord!

Nin. This is your grief! Your brother! Ha!

Sem. Your majesty--

Nin. Not majesty! Fool! Fool!
Ho, there! Bring in the Armenian! You shall see
This noble prince! So brave--so proud--so fair!
Her brother! O, fool, fool, fool!

Sem. This the king?

Nin. Why, I'm a fool, my lady!

(Guards enter right front with a half lifeless body)

Look on him!
He's had some kisses since you saw him last
That struck full deep!

Sem. (Staggering back) Is that--

Nin. Ay, it is he!
Look on him! 'Tis your Khosrove! Your--

Sem. (Majestically) Peace Ninus!
When you have knelt to me I'll hear you speak!

(Exit left centre)

Nin. (Stares after her and becomes calm)
Now I have ruined all. She'll not forgive!

(Enter Vassin, left, rear)

Vas. My lord, the brother of the queen has come.

Nin. Not Artavan?

Vas. Ay, Artavan.

Nin. He's here?

Vas. When Husak had your oath you'd free his son,
Prince Khosrove, Artavan was sent at once
To Nineveh.

Nin. How could he pass
The gates?

Vas. He passed before your order fell.

Nin. We'll welcome him.

(Looks toward the queen's room)

I'll make my peace with this.

(Goes out with Vassin, left, rear. Semiramis enters
hesitatingly, sees that Ninus is gone and advances
fearfully toward the figure on the floor. The guards
stand back, right front. She retreats, covering her
eyes; then approaches and bends over the body. Searches
his face, and throws up her hands in sudden joy)

Sem. Not Khosrove! O, it is not Khosrove!

(Leaves him and hurries to exit, tryin