ord.
Let him depart. He mocks our glory, and bears
A challenge in his proud simplicity
That puts our splendor to defense.

Khos. Nay, madam!
I came to lay my duty at your feet,
And lift my eyes no higher than your hand
Without your royal leave! But now I'll cast
My gaze upon the stars, forgetting that
You walk beneath them! (Going)

Nin. Stay, O prince!

(To Semiramis)
A boon, your majesty! 'T would blot our honor
To send him from us thus! We shall be plunged
Anew in wars, for Husak will avenge it!
I am thy most unhappy subject, and
Thou'lt hear my prayer!

(Goes after Khosrove and leads him back)

You'll stay, O Khosrove?

Khos. Ay,
On one condition.

Nin. Name it!

Khos. That you will take
Our seat at feast.

Nin. Nay--

Sem. That is our command!

Nin. No, no!

Sem. We'll have it so!

Nin. I'll not consent!

Sem. It is our royal order! Guards for Ninus!

Nin. What do you mean?

Sem. To have our way! Guards here!
You shall not do this wrong to your high self!
We'll look unto your honor! (To guards) Bear him in!

(Guards stand in amazement)

Did ye not hear the king's decree? I reign!

(Guards take hold of Ninus)

Nin. By Hut and Nim!

Sem. Place him in Khosrove's seat!

(Guards draw Ninus through the archway. Khosrove follows,
then all but Semiramis, who lingers fearfully, runs
toward front, then back and listens)

Sem. 'Tis true! What have I done? Ye gods! 'tis true!
He would not so rebel if 't were not true!
But Vassin is below! He'll know his king
And save him!

(Kneels) Belus, mighty Belus, pardon!

(The sun has set, and red clouds show almost black over
water, rear. The front of stage is nearly dark. Lights
glimmer from the gardens, and a faint torch shows in the
darkness un