That Artavan still lives.

Off. Trust not the word
Of captive foes, my lady. By what means
Can he know this?

Sem. Speak, sir.

Khos. To you alone
I'll speak.

Sem. Nay--before all!

Khos. Unto no ear
But thine.

Sem. Wouldst save thy life?

Khos. Perhaps. Wouldst save
Thy brother?

Sem. Sumbat, wilt advise me?

Sum. Trust him,
And hear what he would say.

Sem. Out then, my friends,
I pray you.

(All go out but Semiramis and Khosrove.)

Now!

Khos. My father swore to me
Before I led his troops 'gainst Nineveh,
All captives should be held at my disposal
And bloody custom waived. I would not speak
'Fore all, lest I should rob fierce Husak's name
Of terror which is half his sword.

Sem. But now
He thinks you dead.

Khos. Not so. I've sent him word
By a sure mouth that I'm unhurt and held
A prisoner.

Sem. O then my brother's safe!
How gracious art thou, Heaven!

(Steps towards entrance) Sumbat!

Khos. (Stepping before her) Wait!

Sem. What more?

Khos. All--everything--there's nothing said!
Ninus will spare me not! 'Tis thou must save me!

Sem. I! No! The king!

Khos. Not he! Is Artavan
Grown dearer than his hate to Husak? Nay--

Sem. Sir, fear not Ninus. He will grant my suit.

Khos. He will? You--you--

Sem. I've saved his army!

Khos. (Relieved) Ah!
No more than that?

Sem. Enough!

Khos. No! 'T will not wipe
Revenge from out his heart,--and you have saved
But that your father threw away.

Sem. Peace, sir!

Khos. There's but one way for me--escape!

Sem.