The chariot! The king will leave my race
No blood on earth!

Sem. If it be coward's blood
'Tis better lost!

Men. Come, come! We yet can fly!

Sem. Back to the battle! There I'll go with thee!

Men. I can not! Oh, the terror's here--here--here!
It clutches at my heart!

Sem. Tear out thy heart
And keep thy honor whole!

(He falls on the couch, shaken with suffering. She kneels
by him pleading passionately)

Sem. Up, father, up!
You must go back! You know not what you've done!
Our Artavan--

Men. Praise Bel, he's safe in Gazim!

Sem. No ... he is here ... he came, and rode to find you.

Men. He came? Gods, no!

Sem. Nay, true! He's in the battle!
Now you will go! You will go back, my father!
He does not know the plan! He can not lead
Without your counsel! Come--your voice--his arm--
And all is safe!

(He rises; noise of battle; he sinks shuddering)

Men. No--I'll die here--not there!

(Semiramis stands in despair; then lifts her arms praying)

Sem. O mighty Belus, give me back my father!

(She listens with sudden eagerness and goes to tent door)

False! false! They're verging south! North, north, ye cowards!

(Rushes to her armor and takes it down. Shakes the
curtains right, and calls)

Dokahra! (Throws off her robe and begins putting on armor.
Enter Dokahra, right centre)

Dok. Mistress!

Sem. Buckle here! Be quick!

Men. You shall not go!

Sem. You have no might or right
To stay me now!

Men. You will be lost!

Sem. Lost? No!
Did I not plan this battle? Haste, Dokahra!
Our lives are in your fingers! Courage, father!

(Going, Dokahra still adjusting armor)

The king has smiled on me--I do not know--
But there was such a promise in his smile--
And if the victory's mine he will forgive!

Dok. This rivet, mistress!

(Noise of battle)

Sem. Artavan, I come!