Within the hour, will take you from the tent
Unto our palace.

(Exeunt Ninus and attendants. Semiramis stands dazed.
Sola comes out softly and looks at her)

Sem. (In rapture) Ah, my father's safe!
I'll tell him!

(Hurries toward curtains right, rear, and stops at exit)

No ... I'll wait. This joy is dead
If Artavan be lost!

(Sola springs toward her with a cry)

Sol. Be lost? Ah, no!
Where is he? Oh, not lost!

Sem. He pushed too far
Amid the flying troops.

Sol. And you--you stole
His last look from my eyes!

Sem. He may be saved.
For Sumbat followed him. He must be saved!
We'll hope till Sumbat comes.

Sol. O, you know naught
Of love!

Sem. I was his sister, Sola, ere
He made thee wife.

Sol. A sister! O, such love
Is nothing! Thou wilt smile at it
If ever thou'rt a wife!

(Semiramis is removing her armor. She stops and looks
questioningly at Sola; then shakes her head)

Sem. Nay, Sola, nay!...
Help me with this.... Somehow my heart is gone
And armor's for the brave.

(Putting on her robe) Now 't has come back.
But beats and whispers like a maiden's own.
I am but half a warrior.... Do not sob.
Sumbat will bring us news.... Ah, he has come!

(Enter Sumbat)

Sol. (Rushing to him and looking into his face)
Oh, lost! (Flies, sobbing, through the curtains, rear left)

Sem. Speak.... Is it true?

Sum. I fear it is.
I could not save him, and they bore him off.

Sem. Alive?

Sum. Alive!

Sem. A prisoner! Not slain!
Then we may hope! I've captured Husak's son!

Sum. Khosrove! Is he not under guard without?
A man most fair ... of lordly form, and young?

Sem. 'Tis he! Have him brought hither instantly!
To Husak word shall go on swiftest steed
That I will yield the prince for Artavan!

(Exit Sumbat)

He's safe ... i