be brother to the king?

Art. (Bitterly) My hope
Runs not so high, and even to her I now
Give up all claim. I'll own no blood but that
In my own veins keeps honor! So farewell!

Nin. Be not so fast! Whence comest thou, my man?

Art. From Husak's camp. When he received thy word
His son should go to him, he set me free.

Sem. Oh, set you free!

Art. And now, O king--

Sem. (Seeing that the king is impressed) My lord,
If he came from the camp how has he passed
The city gates?

Nin. Ah ... true ... he could not pass.

Sem. (Mockingly) Perhaps he scaled the hundred feet of wall,
And crossed the rampart 'neath the arrow watch
Of towers eighty-score!

Art. I found a way,
Proud woman!

Nin. How?

(As Artavan speaks Sola enters left front, and is held
aside by Sumbat)

Art. This morning ere the battle
She who was then my sister gave me this.

(Shows paper)

'Twas some direction sent unto my father,
The lord Menones. (Turning paper) On this side I found
A map whose secret key I knew, that marked
A passage 'neath the river. This I sought,
Found it unguarded--

Nin. By the seven winds!--

(Enter an officer)

Off. O king!

Nin. You're of the northern watch?

Off. I am,
O king! The Armenians advance upon
The northern wall, but come with lances down!

Art. They come in peace to meet the son of Husak!

Sem. O, haste, my lord! Haste, Artavan to duty!
Their rage when they shall learn the fate of Khosrove
May give them courage to assail our walls!
Go, brother!

Nin. Hold! This man speaks not as madmen!

Sem. Should I not know my brother, sir?

Nin. You should.
Choose which is he. The other we condemn
To death.

Art. (Holding out his arms)
Save me, Semiramis!

Khos. (Holding out his arms) Save me,
My sister!

Sem. (Going to Khosrove's arms)