goddess' dream
Starting the noble war-blood in her cheek!
'Tis she I speak to now--she that I love--
Not the proud queen grown bold in blood and triumph!
Love me, Semiramis! You shall have peace!
Not this sick peace that turns your heart to hate,
But peace that charms the beauty back to life
And new dreams to the soul! O, no more war!
Then lilies springing in thy steps shall say
What fairer grace went by! These fingers shall
Forget the sword whose music is men's groans,
And on sweet strings draw out the heart of love
To give the world the key of melody!
Ah, you shall war no more--

Sem. Sir, you forget!
These Ghecs--

Khos. Will not revolt if I become
Assyria's head! They trust me as their--

Sem. You!
Assyria's head! You! you! O, now I see!
I'm not yet blind, although my heart was fast
Upstealing to my eyes to make me so!

Khos. O clear thy sight a second time, my queen,
And read me true!

Sem. And you had almost moved me!

Khos. Melt, stony eyes--

Sem. The magic's left the earth
That had the power to soften them!

Khos. Not so--

Sem. You'd keep me still the general's humble daughter
While you would wear the glory I have won!

Khos. Nay, by Mylitta's fire!--

Sem. We'd war no more.
For who has all may well hang by the sword!

Khos. By Heaven, I--

Sem. O, you are man as _he_ was!

(Looks toward the garden shuddering)

I'll trust no more! Who's worthy trust will give it!
So saidst thou once! But thou couldst doubt--so dark
A doubt my soul--

Khos. Nay, that's not my offense!
You are a woman, and you must forgive!
But you are queen, too, and the queen in you
Guards her ambition from my honest love
Lest it divide her glory!

Sem. True, she guards it!
Out of Assyrian stone I'll make a heart
And wear it in my bosom!

Khos. Do not say it!