brings Sola to curtains)

Sol. What is it? Who was here?

Sem. (Absorbed) They'll reach my father!

Sol. Not Artavan?

Sem. Ay--he.

Sol. And gone--my husband!
Without a word--a look!

Sem. The battle calls,
And he who wears ambition's spur must ride!

Sol. Ambition! O, you think of naught but war
And glory! Hast thou no heart, Semiramis?

Sem. I' faith, and love thee with it! (kisses her)

Sol. Trifle not!
Hadst thou a heart thou couldst not live a maid,
So beautiful, and never dream of love!
Thou'rt some strange thing--

Sem. What, wilt be angry? Come!
I'll tell thee all he said--thy Artavan,--
Ay, every word, and how his eyes grew soft
With dimness sweeter than their vanquished light
When thou wert his dear theme!

(They move to curtains. Semiramis stops and listens)

Go in. I'll come. (Sola goes in)

Sem. (Listening) Is that a chariot? My father!... Nay!
He's safe with Artavan! Whatever comes
His son will be his heart and bear him up!
Safe, safe, Menones, and thy grizzled locks
Shall wear their laurels to an honored grave!

(Noise of approaching chariot)

It _is_ a chariot! Can it be the king?

(Chariot stops without)

Armin, who is it comes?

Arm. (Appearing at entrance) The Lord Menones.

(Semiramis sways, steadies herself, and waits. Menones
enters, livid and trembling. In form he is large and
mighty, but is grey with age. He staggers over to couch
and sits upon it, groaning heavily. Semiramis looks at him
in silence. Then approaches and speaks in a low terrified
tone)

Sem. You fled the battle!

Men. Oh!

Sem. You must go back!

Men. Too late!

Sem. (Gaining courage and putting her hands sternly on his
shoulders) No!

Men. We must fly!

Sem. Fly! Never!

Men. (Rising) Come!