g to suppress her
emotion. Returns to the body)

Where is the prince? Poor wretch! Can you not speak?
... Are these thy ways, ambition?

Voice without. Way! Make way!

(Semiramis hurries to her room. Enter the king, left rear,
walking with Khosrove, and followed by Vassin and Sumbat)

Nin. Speak not of going, Artavan!

Khos. I must,
O king! I pray your leave to go at once
To Gazim. Sudden troubles urge me there.
I beg your kingly warrant I may pass
The gates--

Nin. Nay, you shall stay! We shall persuade you!

(To attendant)
Summon the queen. Her voice we'll add to ours.

Khos. My lord--

Nin. We like you, Artavan! By Bel,
We do! You're worthy of your sister queen!
No more--you'll stay! ... See! This is Khosrove!

(Bends over body on the floor) Is--

Or was? ... He lives.... Think you these bones will hold
Until they reach old Husak? Now you've come,
We must keep faith! Ha! ha!

Khos. And that--is Khosrove?

Nin. Truth, 'tis! ... Bear out the dog!

(Guards bear off body, right front. Enter Semiramis.
Sumbat crosses to her)

Sem. My brother? Where?

Khos. Here! (Advancing to her)

Sum. (To Semiramis) Be not amazed
And Artavan is safe!

Nin. This welcome's cold
Methinks. We gave him warmer greeting.

Sem. Sir,
Such sudden joy--My brother knows there's none
I hold more dear.

Nin. How now? Not one?

Sem. (Dropping her eyes from Khosrove) Yes--one--
Perhaps.

Nin. (Pleased, taking her hand)
We are forgiven?

Sem. Indeed, my lord.

Nin. And for your brother, hear our royal word.
We make him governor of Nineveh!

Sem. (In alarm)
No! no!

Nin. 'Tis done! Go, Vassin, bring the keys!

(Exit Vassin, right front)

And wear this ring, my general!

Khos. My lord,
I could not undertake--

Nin.