Exit moodily, right centre)

Sem. Strange ... but he is the king!
... Ah, Khosrove! Artavan!... Nay, I will think
Of nothing but my duty to the crown!...
... "And with a father and a brother lost--"

(Enter Sola, left, front. She sees that Semiramis is alone
and advances)

Sem. "Though thou wert worshipped, thou couldst not be happy!"

Sol. Tell me! When does he come?

Sem. Who, child?

Sol. You ask?
My husband--Artavan!

Sem. He will not come.

Sol. Art thou not queen?

Sem. And Ninus king.

Sol. He will not save thy brother?

Sem. Nay, he can not.

Sol. O monster king!

Sem. Hush, Sola ... he forgave
My father.

Sol. Oh!--because he knew him dead!

Sem. He knew him dead!

Sol. Ah, I will tell you now!

(Looks about guardedly, and speaks in a low tone)

I saw your father die--and Ninus saw him!
Dokahra waked me--and unseen we watched!
The king came to the tent--discovered all--
Doomed him to death--you to dishonor! Then
Your father rose to strike him--and fell dead.
The king--

Sem. Go! Leave me, Sola! Leave me! Go!

(Exit Sola, left, near front)

Sem. (Stands in silent horror, then speaks slowly)
... I'll keep my oath ... and crown. Still will I make
Assyria great. Assyria is the army,
And I ... am queen of arms ... not love! Not love!

(Re-enter Ninus)

Sem. (Softly, not seeing Ninus)
"Dost know what love is, daughter of Menones?"

Nin. (Advancing) My bride!

Sem. (Turning to him) My lord, I would see Sumbat. Pray
Let him be summoned.

Nin. Nay, we've sworn this day
Shall be for us alone!

Sem. 'Twas he I charged
With care of the Armenian prince.

Nin. My queen
Shall not be troubled.

Sem. 'T will not trouble me,
My lord.

Nin. Enough it troubles me!

Sem.