, and more than well!
Summon our train. (Exit officer, right) But one is lacking here,
Our brother--Artavan.

Sem. My lord--you think--

Nin. Who would dare harm him? He is safe.

Sem. (Coming very near him) From man,
Not from the gods.

Nin. (Stepping back) What do you mean?

Sem. The truth!

Nin. (Seizing her arm)
It is not so! I do deny it!

Sem. (Calmly) What,
My lord?

Nin. What meant you when you said 'the truth'!

Sem. That gods may work some harm to Artavan.

Nin. (At ease) True, love! Uncertain is their favor. Look!
He comes! (Gazing off left)

Sem. (Aside) He's false! And if he's false in this--then is--
O, Khosrove, thou art lured to death! And I
Have been thy traitorous star!

(Enter Khosrove, left, attended by Armenians)

Nin. Hail, Khosrove! Hail!

Assyrians.
Hail to Armenia! Hail!

Khos. O, Ninus, hail!

Armenians.
Hail to Assyria, greatest over kings!

Nin. Thou'rt welcome, and we thank thee for thy trust,
Which we'll betray when Heaven has no god
To damn our treachery! In proof of faith,
Wear thou the royal dagger with thy own.

(Detaches his weapon, which he gives to Khosrove)

Our queen--has she no word?

(Khosrove bows low before Semiramis)

Sem. Peace and long life
To Khosrove.

Nin. Now to revel! Sound the trumpets!

(Exeunt officers through archway. Trumpets sound from the
gardens. Dancing maidens in white robes, each with a dove
resting on her hand, enter right front, reach the centre
of the stage, and begin the dance of doves. As the maidens
describe circles in the dance the doves rise and fly in
similar circles above their heads, and re-alight on their
extended hands)

Sem. (Who has stood aside during the dance, apparently disturbed)
It is not true! Were any man so vile
Nature would spurn him back to chaos ere
His mother had beheld him!

(The dance ends. The maidens pass out under arch. All move