counterfeit so deep my eyes
Would find no bottom to deceit!... But now
What hast thou heard of Artavan?

Sum. No word.

Sem. I fear--

Sum. He's safe. Be sure of that. No man
Would dare lay finger on him!

Sem. But to go
Without a word! Poor Sola grieves, and weeps
As though she'd drown her wits in tears.

(A boat glides from under the bridge and over the water
beneath them)

See there!
'Tis she! Alone below!

(Sola alights from boat and runs up steps to the bridge)

I'll speak to her.

Go, Sumbat! (Sumbat goes off right)

Sister, stay.

(Stops Sola as she is passing)

Why do you run?

Sol. I'm running from the king!

Sem. The king, my love?
There's no king here.

Sol. Nay, he's below!

Sem. Below?

Sol. Under the bridge with Vassin!

Sem. Vassin? No.
The king has sent him out of Nineveh!

Sol. He did not go. I swear that he's below!

Sem. What were you doing 'neath the bridge?

Sol. Ah me,
I seek in every place for Artavan.
I'll save him from the king!

Sem. So kind a king?

Sol. O, kind! As death, or plague, or leprosy!
'Tis he has taken revenge on Artavan!
He'll kill the prince, too, when he comes!

Sem. My child--

Sol. (Pointing down)
I heard them talking there!

Sem. Thy husband's safe.
Bethink thee that the king's decree protects him.

Sol. Not from the king! From man, not from the gods,
And Ninus is a god, or dreams he is!

Sem. From man--not from--no, no! I will not say
Or think it! My poor child--

Sol. You'll save the prince?
'Tis you he trusts, not Ninus!

Sem. Sweet, be calm.
You did not see the king