You shall!--The queen
Will charge you with all duties.

Sem. No! I will not!

Nin. Ay, ay! We know we please you 'gainst your word
And not your will.

Sem. He is too young, my lord!

Nin. Menones was too old. And 'twas yourself
Who taught us how to prize your brother.

(Re-enter Vassin with a chain of great keys, which the
king takes)

Come!

(Throws chains about Khosrove's neck, and singles out
the keys)

The citadel! The southern arsenal!
The northern wall--the secret passages--
And these the tunnel locks and river gates!
You'll take command at once, and so relieve
The city which we've shut fast as a tomb,
Fearing that spies from Husak's camp might creep
Into our bosom.

Khos. Wisely done, my lord.

Sem. O king, if 't must be so, I'll map for him
My fathers safe division of the city.

Nin. To you we leave him.

(Talks apart with Vassin and Sumbat)

Sem. Sir, what do you mean?

Khos. (Hurriedly) When Vassin came to take me into charge,
Sumbat contrived another should be sent--

Sem. We know the rest! But how save Artavan?

Khos. When I have entered Husak's camp he's free!
You trust me?

Sem. O, I must! I do! But not
To save my brother may I trust to you
The city's keys! You are Assyria's foe--

Khos. Not now! No more a foe, but truest friend!
For in my heart you are Assyria,
And you I'd serve--

Nin. Cut short thy schooling, for
The city waits.

Sem. (Aloud, mapping in her hand) The river here divides
The eastern guard--(lowers her voice) I must not do this! No!
Risk every soul in Nineveh--

Khos. Did I
Not trust thee when I entered here? I knew
The face that shone upon me in the battle
Would not betray me! Who gives perfect trust
Is worthy of it! Thou dost know me true
By Heaven's sign that only souls may read!
I can not say what I would say because
Thou art a wife, but we