We'll look to him as well! Thanks for your news!

Men. (Towering up) Though every god in heaven gave thee blood
Yet would I spill it!

(Lifts his sword; suddenly drops it and falls, pressing
his heart. Ninus and Vassin watch him silently until he
is still)

Nin. Dead?

Vas. (Stooping) Ay, dead, my lord.

Nin. I would have spared him though I threatened death.

Vas. Have spared the coward? Why, your majesty?

Nin. Semiramis has spirit passing woman's;
I have no hope to force her to my arms,
And I'd have wrought her heart to tenderness
By mercy to her father. Love is my aim!
All else I can command--but that--Guards here!

(Enter Armin and Haddo)

Not you--my own! But wait--a word! Where sleeps
Menones?

Arm. (Pointing) There, O king!

(The body of Menones lies behind the king and Vassin,
unseen by the guards. Exeunt Armin and Haddo. Enter the
king's guards)

Nin. Take up this body.
Place it within.

(Guards go in with Menones' body)

Vas. What would you do, my lord?

Nin. You'll know in time.

(Re-enter guards) Hark! You saw nothing!

Guards. (Bowing to floor) Nothing.
O mighty Ninus! (Exeunt)

Nin. I will have her love!
Vassin, this story of her goddess birth
Is true!

Vas. How knows your majesty?

Nin. It speaks
In all her motions. Every glance and grace
Revouches it. E'en your dull eye must know
Her beauty is immortal, though her life
Is forfeit to the clay and must have end.

Vas. Thou'lt find another fair! Youth blooms and goes!

Nin. Not such as hers! Her brow's a holy page
Where chiselling Time dare never set a mark!
The sun hath been her lover, and so deep
Hath touched her locks with fire no winter hand
May shake his kisses out!

Vas. Why, thou'rt in love!

(Confused voices without. A messenger runs in and falls
at the feet of the king)

Nin. Speak, sir!

Mes. Assyria wins! The Armenians fly