n he is well!

Sem. He went forth well,--and brave as when he drove
The Ghees from Gazim with his single sword!
But--oh--he needs you, Artavan, he needs you!

(Comes closer speaking rapidly)

I'm with him night and day but when he battles--
I buckle on his arms--cheer him away--
And wipe the foe's blood from his mighty sword
When he returns! But I've a fear so strange!
At times he's moved quite from himself,--so far
That I look on him and see not our father!
If I dared speak I'd almost say that he
Who never lost a battle shrinks from war!

Art. (Starting) No, no! Not that! You borrow eyes of fear
And see what is not!

Sem. But I've felt the drops
Cold on his brow, and raised his lifeless arms
Whose corded strength hung slack as a sick child's!
O, it is true! And you must stand by him!
Fight at his side! I thought to do it! I!
See here, my armor!

(Moving with him to where the armor hangs)

When I had this made
And swore to wear it in the fight, 'twas then
He yielded--said that you might come--

(Sound of trumpets at distance. They listen)

The charge!

Art. I go to him!

Sem. (Taking a paper from her bosom)

Take this! He'll understand!
'Tis some direction later thought upon!

Art. My wife is safe--

Sem. With me! Three days ago
She came. And now she sleeps--

(Points to curtains, rear left)

Art. In there? One kiss--

Sem. Nay, nay, you go to battle, and should keep
Steel in your eye, not woman's tears!... Who comes
With you?

(Looks toward entrance where Sumbat stands)

O, Sumbat!

(He advances and drops on knee. She gives him both hands
and he rises)

Welcome! But no time
For gallant greetings! We are warriors here!

(A roll of battle is heard)

Art. We go!

Sem. Ride! ride! The battle over, ye
Shall meet the king!

(Artavan and Sumbat hasten out. The noise of departure