f spearmen, with lances down, march in right, front, and
out through archway, right, rear.

Enter, right, front, the king and Sumbat. The king is royally clad
and crowned; Sumbat in official robe.

Sumbat. Khosrove delays.

Nin. But do not doubt he'll come.
I have his word, and couriers have seen
His horsemen on the plain.

Sum. How noble, sir,
To close the Feast of Peace with supreme revel
In honor of your foe!

Nin. Not foe, good Sumbat.
We have no foes. Our queen's triumphant arms
Have made glad subjects of all enemies
But one, and him we make our friend. To-night
Assyria and Armenia sup as one!

(Turns toward right, rear)

We'll see if all's prepared as we gave order.

(Exeunt under the arch of garlands. Dancers enter, right,
front, and pass out through arch. Following them, Semiramis
with her women. All are in rich attire but the queen who
wears simple white robe. A dove nestles on her bosom. She
gives the women leave to pass on and they go out merrily
through arch, right, rear. Semiramis lingers; comes to the
railing of the bridge, centre, and leans upon it)

Sem. Will Khosrove come? I do not doubt the king,--
And yet--I pray he will not come!

(Re-enter Sumbat, through arch. He comes out to the queen)

Sem. You, Sumbat?
Where is the king?

Sum. I left him in the garden,
Giving new orders for Prince Khosrove's honor.

Sem. Sumbat, you trust the king?

Sum. I do. You've wrought
Such noble change in him that drop by drop
He's mated all his blood unto your virtues.

Sem. I must believe it, lest a doubt should breed
The weakness it suspects. But is 't not strange
Khosrove should trust him too?

Sum. He knows that you
Would warn him if there lay a danger here.

Sem. I warn him? But suppose the warning false?
'T would wrong the king, whose purpose seems so pure
It might have journeyed with his soul when first
It came from Heaven! No. I'll answer for him!
He could not