CHARACTERS
Ninus, king of Assyria
Husak, king of Armenia
Khosrove, son of Husak
Menones, governor of Nineveh
Artavan, son of Menones
Sumbat, friend of Artavan
Vassin, officer of the king
Haddo, a guard
Armin, a guard
Dokahra, woman to Semiramis
Sola, wife of Artavan
Semiramis, daughter of Menones
Officers, heralds, messengers, guards, soldiers, dancers, &c.
SEMIRAMIS
ACT I.
Scene: Within the tent of Menones, on the plain before Nineveh. Left, centre, entrance to tent from the plain. Curtains rear, forming partition with exits right and left of centre. The same at right, with one exit, centre. Couch rear, between exits. From a tent-pole near exit, right centre, hang helmet and a suit of chain armor.
Sola parts curtains rear, left, and looks out, showing effort to keep awake. She steps forward.
Sol. Hist! Armin! Haddo!
(Enter two guards, left centre)
Still no news?
Arm. None, lady.
Sol. Oh, Artavan, what keeps thee?
Haddo. He will come.
Sol. Semiramis is sleeping. I am weary,
But I ’ll not sleep.
Arm. Rest, madam; we will call you.
Sol. My lord shall find me watching, night or day!
Arm. Two nights you have not slept.
Sol. Ten thousand nights,
I think, good Armin.
Had. We will call you, madam.
Arm. With the first hoof-beat ringing from the north!
Sol. (At curtains, drowsily)
I ’ll be—awake.
(Goes in)
Had. She ’ll sleep now.
Arm. Ay, she must.
Had. And I ’d not call her for god Bel himself!
Arm. Hark! (Goes to entrance)
’Tis a horseman!
Had. (Following him) Two!
Arm. Right! We must rouse
The lady Semiramis.
Had. Make sure ’tis he. (They step out)
Voice without. Is this Menones’ tent?
Arm. (Without) Ay, Sir! The word!
Voice. God Ninus!
(Semiramis enters, through curtains right centre)
Sem. Artavan! His voice!
(Enter Artavan, followed by Sumbat who waits near entrance)
Sem. My brother!
Art. Semiramis! (Embracing her) Three years this kiss
Has gathered love for thee!
Sem. Has ’t been so long
Since I left Gazim?
Art. Ay,—since Ninus called
Our father here, and Gazim lost her dove.
Sem. (On his bosom, laughing softly) The dove of Gazim,—so they called me then.
But now—(proudly, moving from him) the lioness of Nineveh!
Art. A warrior’s daughter!
Sem. And a warrior’s sister!
O, I have prayed that you might come! The king
Is gracious—loves the brave—
Art. Our father?
Sem. Ah!
Art. He ’s well?
Sem. Is ’t day?
Art. Almost.
Sem. At dawn he meets
The Armenians on the plain.
Art. Then he is well!
Sem. He went forth well,—and brave as when he drove
The Ghees from Gazim with his single sword!
But—oh—he needs you, Artavan, he needs you!
(Comes closer speaking rapidly)
I ’m with him night and day but when he battles—
I buckle on his arms—cheer him away—
And wipe the foe’s blood from his mighty sword
When he returns! But I ’ve a fear so strange!
At times he ’s moved quite from himself,—so far
That I look on him and see not our father!
If I dared speak I ’d almost say that he
Who never lost a battle shrinks from war!
Art. (Starting) No, no! Not that! You borrow eyes of fear
And see what is not!
Sem. But I ’ve felt the drops
Cold on his brow, and raised his lifeless arms
Whose corded strength hung slack as a sick child’s!
O, it is true! And you must stand by him!
Fight at his side! I thought to do it! I!
See here, my armor!
(Moving with him to where the armor hangs)
When I had this made
And swore to wear it in the fight, ’t was then
He yielded—said that you might come—
(Sound of trumpets at distance. They listen)
The charge!
Art. I go to him!
Sem. (Taking a paper from her bosom)
Take this! He ’ll understand!
’Tis some direction later thought upon!
Art. My wife is safe—
Sem. With me! Three days ago
She came. And now she sleeps—
(Points to curtains, rear left)
Art. In there? One kiss—
Sem. Nay, nay, you go to battle, and should keep
Steel in your eye, not woman’s tears!... Who comes
With you?
(Looks toward entrance where Sumbat stands)
O, Sumbat!
(He advances and drops on knee. She gives him both hands and he rises)
Welcome! But no time
For gallant greetings! We are warriors here!
(A roll of battle is heard)
Art. We go!
Sem. Ride! ride! The battle over, ye
Shall meet the king!
(Artavan and Sumbat hasten out. The noise of departure 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!
The chariot! The king will leave my race
No blood on earth!
Sem. If it be coward’s blood
’Tis better lost!
Men. Come, come! We yet can fly!
Sem. Back to the battle! There I ’ll go with thee!
Men. I can not! Oh, the terror ’s here—here—here!
It clutches at my heart!
Sem. Tear out thy heart
And keep thy honor whole!
(He falls on the couch, shaken with suffering. She kneels by him pleading passionately)
Sem. Up, father, up!
You must go back! You know not what you ’ve done!
Our Artavan—
Men. Praise Bel, he ’s safe in Gazim!
Sem. No ... he is here ... he came, and rode to find you.
Men. He came? Gods, no!
Sem. Nay, true! He ’s in the battle!
Now you will go! You will go back, my father!
He does not know the plan! He can not lead
Without your counsel! Come—your voice—his arm—
And all is safe!
(He rises; noise of battle; he sinks shuddering)
Men. No—I ’ll die here—not there!
(Semiramis stands in despair; then lifts her arms praying)
Sem. O mighty Belus, give me back my father!
(She listens with sudden eagerness and goes to tent door)
False! false! They’re verging south! North, north, ye cowards!
(Rushes to her armor and takes it down. Shakes the curtains right, and calls)
Dokahra! (Throws off her robe and begins putting on armor. Enter Dokahra, right centre)
Dok. Mistress!
Sem. Buckle here! Be quick!
Men. You shall not go!
Sem. You have no might or right
To stay me now!
Men. You will be lost!
Sem. Lost? No!
Did I not plan this battle? Haste, Dokahra!
Our lives are in your fingers! Courage, father!
(Going, Dokahra still adjusting armor)
The king has smiled on me—I do not know—
But there was such a promise in his smile—
And if the victory ’s mine he will forgive!
Dok. This rivet, mistress!
(Noise of battle)
Sem. Artavan, I come!
(Rushes out. Sound of chariot rolling away. Dokahra looks stolidly at Menones for a moment, then turns through curtains, right. Menones presses his heart in pain, moans wretchedly, and draws a blanket over his body)
Men. Is this the form that bright Decreto loved?
But where the soul, O, gods! (Lies shuddering)
Voice without. The King!
(Menones draws blanket over his face and becomes motionless. Enter the king, with Vassin)
Nin. (At entrance) Stand here!
Godagon, haste! Ride to Menones; say
We wait within his tent; his messengers
Will reach us here.
(A rider spurs off without. Ninus and Vassin advance within the tent)
Vas. Your majesty, suppose
The Armenians gain, you ’ll be in danger here.
Why come so near for news?
Nin. For news, good Vassin?
I had a better reason. Semiramis
Tents with her father.
(Points to curtains)
Vas. Ah!
Nin. The sun will break
Through there!
Vas. My lord—
Nin. She stirs! She comes! Wait—see!
(Dokahra’s gaunt figure appears at curtains)
Vas. A false dawn, is it not?
Nin. Your mistress sleeps?
Dok. (Abasing herself)
No, mighty king!
Nin. She ’s up? Then give her word
We’re here.
Dok. She ’s not within, my lord.
Nin. Abroad!
So soon? She ’s on the general’s business?
Dok. And yours, O king! She ’s joined the battle!
Nin. She!
Vas. Ha! ha! Do you believe this?
Nin. Ay ... ’tis so.
I know her spirit. Here ’s mettle for a queen!
(Menones uncovers and half rises)
Vas. You would not make her one, your majesty!
Though she should lead your troops to victory,
Still is she but your general’s daughter, and
Assyria’s crown is given of gods to gods!
Nin. And Ninus knows to keep his race untainted.
But all the jewels of a king, my Vassin,
Are not worn in his crown. Some in the heart
Are casketed, and there this maid shall shine
For me alone. Were she of heavenly race—
Men. (Starting up)
She is, my lord!
(Ninus regards him in astonishment)
Nin. What do you here, Menones?
Speak!
Men. (Trembling) I am ill.
Nin. Ill, sir? Ha! Now I know!
Your daughter leads while you couch safe in tent!
She sought to hide your shame! O, what a heart!
But you—
Men. I led, my lord, till illness seized—
Nin. Too ill to fight, but not too ill to fly!
Hound! hound! My troops are lost! I ’d kill you now
But ’tis an hour too soon! First you must be
Of every honor stript!
Men. (Kneeling) My lord and king,
I know that I must die, but hear a prayer
For my brave daughter’s sake! Betray her not,
Lest thou offend the gods that gave thee life,
For she, too, is of heaven!
Vas. Ha!
Men. I swear
’Tis true! My lord, Decreto was her mother!
She met me on the plains of Gazim when
This aged figure was called fair, and youth
Still fed its fire to manhood’s prime;
Our babe she left upon a mountain crest
And sent her doves to tend it through a year,
Then bade me scale the mount and take my own.
I did, and named her for Decreto’s dove—
Semiramis!
Nin. What precious tale is this?
Vas. He thinks to fright you from the maid, my lord.
Dok. (Falling at the king’s feet)
O king, ’tis true! Ask thou in Gazim—
Nin. Go!
(Dokahra vanishes through curtains left rear)
Nin. ’T will take a better lie to save your head!
Men. My head? Thou ’rt welcome to it! ’Tis not that!
But she—my daughter—
Nin. We will spare her life.
Men. (Calmly) It is my prayer that she may die with me.
Nin. Not while we love. If e’er she lose her charm,
We may remember that you were her father.
Men. (Furiously, forgetting himself)
She has a brother yet!
Nin. A brother! So!
We ’ll look to him as well! Thanks for your news!
Men. (Towering up) Though every god in heaven gave thee blood
Yet would I spill it!
(Lifts his sword; suddenly drops it and falls, pressing his heart. Ninus and Vassin watch him silently until he is still)
Nin. Dead?
Vas. (Stooping) Ay, dead, my lord.
Nin. I would have spared him though I threatened death.
Vas. Have spared the coward? Why, your majesty?
Nin. Semiramis has spirit passing woman’s;
I have no hope to force her to my arms,
And I ’d have wrought her heart to tenderness
By mercy to her father. Love is my aim!
All else I can command—but that—Guards here!
(Enter Armin and Haddo)
Not you—my own! But wait—a word! Where sleeps
Menones?
Arm. (Pointing) There, O king!
(The body of Menones lies behind the king and Vassin, unseen by the guards. Exeunt Armin and Haddo. Enter the king’s guards)
Nin. Take up this body.
Place it within.
(Guards go in with Menones’ body)
Vas. What would you do, my lord?
Nin. You ’ll know in time.
(Re-enter guards) Hark! You saw nothing!
Guards. (Bowing to floor) Nothing.
O mighty Ninus! (Exeunt)
Nin. I will have her love!
Vassin, this story of her goddess birth
Is true!
Vas. How knows your majesty?
Nin. It speaks
In all her motions. Every glance and grace
Revouches it. E’en your dull eye must know
Her beauty is immortal, though her life
Is forfeit to the clay and must have end.
Vas. Thou ’lt find another fair! Youth blooms and goes!
Nin. Not such as hers! Her brow ’s a holy page
Where chiselling Time dare never set a mark!
The sun hath been her lover, and so deep
Hath touched her locks with fire no winter hand
May shake his kisses out!
Vas. Why, thou ’rt in love!
(Confused voices without. A messenger runs in and falls at the feet of the king)
Nin. Speak, sir!
Mes. Assyria wins! The Armenians fly!
They ’ve lost their leader—
Nin. Khosrove! Is he taken?
Mes. Taken or slain, I know not which, but know
He leads no more the enemy! They fly
Before Semiramis!
Nin. Semiramis!
Mes. Ay, all was rout until she reached the field
And spurred the—
Voice of herald without. Victory! A victory!
Ninus is god and king!
Cries. A victory!
(Enter herald)
Herald. Assyria triumphs o’er his enemies!
Nin. Is Khosrove taken?
Her. Slain, the people cry!
The soldiers hail Semiramis their chief,
Call her a goddess, drag her chariot,
And shout and swear by Belus’ ruling star
To be her slaves forever!
Nin. So they shall.
Vas. Your majesty—
Nin. Peace, Vassin! Wait and see!
(Noise and cries without as Semiramis is drawn toward the tent in her chariot)
Nin. Ho! Guards!
(The king’s guards enter. Ninus passes to right centre, facing entrance opposite. Guards station themselves on each side of him and in his rear. Semiramis enters, followed by officers and soldiers. Her helmet is off, her hair falling)
Nin. Hail goddess!
(Semiramis looks at the king in astonishment then glances fearfully toward Menones’ room)
Nin. Hail, Assyria’s queen!
Sem. (Faintly) O king—
(Ninus advances to her. She kneels before him)
Nin. Kneel down, Menones’ daughter! Rise,
The bride of Ninus, nevermore to kneel!
(Raises her)
This victory is proof, if proof I need,
That you are a true daughter of the skies,
Mate for the mightiest throne!
(To soldiers) Cry festival!
The feast of triumph and the wedding revel
We ’ll hold together! Go!
(Exeunt soldiers, cheering without)
Nin. (Taking the hand of Semiramis)
To-day thou ’lt come?
Sem. (Withdrawing her hand and bowing her head)
I am my king’s.
Nin. (Passing to exit) The royal chariot,
Within the hour, will take you from the tent
Unto our palace.
(Exeunt Ninus and attendants. Semiramis stands dazed. Sola comes out softly and looks at her)
Sem. (In rapture) Ah, my father ’s safe!
I ’ll tell him!
(Hurries toward curtains right, rear, and stops at exit)
No ... I ’ll wait. This joy is dead
If Artavan be lost!
(Sola springs toward her with a cry)
Sol. Be lost? Ah, no!
Where is he? Oh, not lost!
Sem. He pushed too far
Amid the flying troops.
Sol. And you—you stole
His last look from my eyes!
Sem. He may be saved.
For Sumbat followed him. He must be saved!
We ’ll hope till Sumbat comes.
Sol. O, you know naught
Of love!
Sem. I was his sister, Sola, ere
He made thee wife.
Sol. A sister! O, such love
Is nothing! Thou wilt smile at it
If ever thou ’rt a wife!
(Semiramis is removing her armor. She stops and looks questioningly at Sola; then shakes her head)
Sem. Nay, Sola, nay!...
Help me with this.... Somehow my heart is gone
And armor ’s for the brave.
(Putting on her robe) Now ’t has come back.
But beats and whispers like a maiden’s own.
I am but half a warrior.... Do not sob.
Sumbat will bring us news.... Ah, he has come!
(Enter Sumbat)
Sol. (Rushing to him and looking into his face)
Oh, lost! (Flies, sobbing, through the curtains, rear left)
Sem. Speak.... Is it true?
Sum. I fear it is.
I could not save him, and they bore him off.
Sem. Alive?
Sum. Alive!
Sem. A prisoner! Not slain!
Then we may hope! I ’ve captured Husak’s son!
Sum. Khosrove! Is he not under guard without?
A man most fair ... of lordly form, and young?
Sem. ’Tis he! Have him brought hither instantly!
To Husak word shall go on swiftest steed
That I will yield the prince for Artavan!
(Exit Sumbat)
He ’s safe ... if there be time ... if there be time!...
Husak, the Fierce ... but he must love his son,
And will be merciful to save him. Ay....
So brave a son. Now I recall his face,
It would have made me pause had not my eyes
Been dim with triumph.
(Enter Sumbat, followed by officers with Khosrove. The officers fall back, leaving the captive before Semiramis. He is stripped of all armor, and clothed in a scant tunic revealing a figure of marked strength and grace. He stands erect, but with head bowed, and his arms bound to his sides)
Sem. (Gazes at him) Ah!... (She advances a step)
Armenian!
(At sound of her voice he lifts his head and looks at her with eager recognition)
Sem. (Stepping back) Armenian!
Khos. (Proudly) Armenia, by your leave!
I am my father’s house.
Sem. I ’m glad ’tis so.
Then he should value thee.
Khos. He does.
Sem. So much
That he will spare the life of Artavan
If we spare yours?
Khos. Who is this Artavan
Who evens me in price?
Sem. Menones’ son.
Khos. Menones? Governor of Nineveh?
Who fled my sword, fear-cold, and pale with terror?
Insult not Husak with so poor a suit!
That coward’s race—
Sem. Am I a coward, sir?
Khos. (In sudden dejection)
These fettered arms make answer, princess.
Sem. Nay,
I am Menones’ daughter,—Artavan
My brother!
Khos. Not the Assyrian princess? O,
Forgive me, lady! I am proud to be
Thy brother’s price!
Sem. What surety have I
That Artavan still lives?
Khos. My word.
Officer. His word!
O, noble madam, it is known to all
That Husak takes no prisoners of war.
They die before his tent.
Khos. Such is the custom—
Sem. O me, my brother!
Khos. But I can avouch
That Artavan still lives.
Off. Trust not the word
Of captive foes, my lady. By what means
Can he know this?
Sem. Speak, sir.
Khos. To you alone
I ’ll speak.
Sem. Nay—before all!
Khos. Unto no ear
But thine.
Sem. Wouldst save thy life?
Khos. Perhaps. Wouldst save
Thy brother?
Sem. Sumbat, wilt advise me?
Sum. Trust him,
And hear what he would say.
Sem. Out then, my friends,
I pray you.
(All go out but Semiramis and Khosrove.)
Now!
Khos. My father swore to me
Before I led his troops ’gainst Nineveh,
All captives should be held at my disposal
And bloody custom waived. I would not speak
’Fore all, lest I should rob fierce Husak’s name
Of terror which is half his sword.
Sem. But now
He thinks you dead.
Khos. Not so. I ’ve sent him word
By a sure mouth that I ’m unhurt and held
A prisoner.
Sem. O then my brother ’s safe!
How gracious art thou, Heaven!
(Steps towards entrance) Sumbat!
Khos. (Stepping before her) Wait!
Sem. What more?
Khos. All—everything—there ’s nothing said!
Ninus will spare me not! ’Tis thou must save me!
Sem. I! No! The king!
Khos. Not he! Is Artavan
Grown dearer than his hate to Husak? Nay—
Sem. Sir, fear not Ninus. He will grant my suit.
Khos. He will? You—you—
Sem. I ’ve saved his army!
Khos. (Relieved) Ah!
No more than that?
Sem. Enough!
Khos. No! ’T will not wipe
Revenge from out his heart,—and you have saved
But that your father threw away.
Sem. Peace, sir!
Khos. There ’s but one way for me—escape!
Sem. No more!
Nay—not another word!
Khos. I must escape—
Sem. Not one!
Khos. That word unsaid slays Artavan,
Spoken it saves him! Once in Ninus’ power
I have no hope of life, and with me dies
Your brother.
Sem. (Scornfully) Do not fear!
Khos. I fear? By Heaven!
Think you this heart is not a soldier’s own
Because ’tis captive to a woman’s sword?
A woman’s sword! O little had thy sword
To do with my defeat! Unarmed thou wouldst
Have taken me—for ’t was thy beauty struck
My weapon to my side! (rapidly and passionately)
When I bore down
Upon your chariot, I could have swept you
With one arm from the world! But suddenly
A missile struck your helmet and dislodged
The glory of your face before my eyes,
Your hair ran gold, the shining East looked black
Behind the star you made upon its breast!
I knew thee for a goddess, and stood still
Meek captive to thy wish! O blest am I
To learn thou art not greater than myself,
But so much less that I may lift thee up!
Fly with me—be my queen—
(Semiramis tries to speak)
Go, call them in!
I ’ll shout above their heads to reach thine ears!
O, trust to me! In me thy brother lives!
Come, and thy fallen father shall be brave
Beneath Armenia’s smile! Here thou mayst save
His life, but ne’er again will he know honor!
Help me to fly and save three lives in one!
Give me to Ninus—give me up to death,
And with a father and a brother lost,
Though thou wert worshipped ’mong thy country’s gods
Still thou couldst not be happy!
Sem. Sir—
Khos. But come,
And they are safe!
Sem. (Bewildered) What do I hear?
Khos. O, come!
Dost know what love is, daughter of Menones?
It is the fire that dead puts out the light
On every hearth, living makes all the world
One altar feeding incense unto Heaven!
It gives the soul to life, breath to the soul,
Pulse to ambition, strength to warrior arms,—
(Struggling with his fetters)
Such strength that they may break all captive bonds
To clasp their own!
(Breaks his fetters and attempts to embrace her as she retreats gazing at him as if fascinated. She escapes him, and throws off her bewilderment. He drops to his knees holding out his arms to her)
And love I offer thee!
Sem. Sir, I forgive thee, for thou knowest not
To whom you speak!
Khos. Know not!
Sem. I who am now
Menones’ daughter, ere the night shall be
The bride of Ninus, king of all Assyria!
(Khosrove rises, bows before her, and stands with silent dignity)
Sem. You—you—were saying—
Khos. Nothing, royal madam.
Have you not friends without?
(Semiramis hesitates, goes to door and calls)
Sem. Sumbat!
(To Khosrove) Thou ’rt safe!
Khos. (Ironically)
Assyria’s queen should know!
Sem. She does!
(Re-enter Sumbat and officers)
Sum. Unbound!
Sem. Ay, he is free! We only wait the word
Of gracious Ninus. Guard him until then,
We charge you, Sumbat. Keep you nearest him.
(Exeunt Sumbat and officers with Khosrove)
Sem. My father now! He must have heard the shouts
Of victory, yet still he hides himself.
... The king asked not for love. He is Assyria.
I would not lessen him by love. Not yet....
’Tis my triumphant arms he weds. The heart
Must sleep....
Voice of guard at entrance. The king approaches!
Sem. Ah!... The king!
His word, and all is done. I ’ll speak to him
Before I see my father. Then I may say
‘Thou art forgiven, and Artavan is safe!’
... And Khosrove ... safe.... The royal chariot!...
O, mother, send thy doves—I am once more
A babe!
(The king enters alone)
Nin. Art ready for thy king?
Sem. I am—
And yet—a word before I go! Thou know’st
That Khosrove is my prisoner—
Nin. Khosrove! He!
We thought him slain!
Sem. Nay, sir—
Nin. A prisoner!
O, welcome gift! We ask no other dower!
Sem. But, gracious lord—
Nin. (Turning to entrance) Ho, Vassin! Khosrove ’s taken!
Go! Find him out and drag him straight to dungeon!
Bind him with chains until he can not move,
Till we ’ve devised some bitter way of death!
Vas. (Without) I haste, my lord!
Nin. At last my enemy is ’neath my feet!
(Returning to Semiramis)
And ’tis to thee we owe this gift of fortune!
... You’re pale, Semiramis.
Sem. O king—
Nin. (Taking her hands) And trembling.
Dost fear my greatness? Nay, thou ledst my army—
Sem. O, if for that thou ow’st me aught, grant me—
Nin. Whate’er thou wouldst!
Sem. My brother, Artavan,
Is Husak’s captive! Thou canst save him!
Nin. I?
Then he is saved! But how! Tell me the way!
Sem. Husak will yield him up for Khosrove!
Nin. What
Send Khosrove back alive! Not though the gods
Commanded it! Alive! ’T was Husak slew
My father, and his son shall die! Ten years
I ’ve sought for this revenge! And give it up
For a green lad fresh from the fields of Gazim?
Sem. A warrior, sir, who ’ll win thee many a battle!
And crest thy glory with meridian stars!
He ’s worth the price though pity lent no coin!
Save him, my lord! A bridal boon I ask!
Give me my brother!
Nin. A bridal boon I ’ll grant.
Thou lov’st thy father?
Sem. (Choking) You know—that he—
Nin. I know.
Sem. Great king—
Nin. One thou mayst save.
Sem. O gods!
Nin. Thy brother, or thy father? Thou mayst choose.
Sem. I know my duty, sir. I choose my father.
Nin. A noble choice. We are not harsh, my queen.
The people know Menones’ life is forfeit,
And know how I have sought for Khosrove’s death;
Did I spare both for your sake they would say
That Ninus’ scepter is a woman’s hand.
(Shouts of rejoicing without)
But come! The chariot waits. The people call.
Sem. First will I tell my father that he lives.
He ’s waiting there the summons to his death.
Ah, I must thank you sir.
(Takes the king’s hand and kisses it. Goes through curtains, right, rear. Her cry is heard within. She returns.)
Too late! He ’s dead!
Cold, cold, my father! Oh!
(Sobs, her hands covering her face)
Nin. (Removing her hands and putting his arm about her)
Thou ’rt not alone,
My bride!
Sem. (Withdrawing and kneeling to him, her hands upraised)
O king, leave me my brother!
Nin. Nay!
Did you not have your choice? You ask too much.
Sem. (Rising) Ah, so I do! I should demand, not ask!
Nin. Demand!
Sem. Ay, king! ... ’Tis true I ’m not alone.
My goddess mother is again with me
As when this morn my heart exultant rode
The tides of triumph! When the heavens rolled
And like a stooping sea caught up my soul
Till ranged with the applauding gods it clapped
My courage on below! You offer me
A place beside your throne. I offer you
The hearts of all your subjects now my own,—
The love—the worship of your mighty army!
(Cries without)
They shout my name—not yours—great Ninus! Hear!
Shouts: Semiramis is queen! Semiramis!
Sem. I bring a hand, with yours inlocked, shall reach
O’er Asia’s breadth and draw her glory in!
A heart ambitious with immortal beat
To make Assyria greatest ’neath the stars!
And in return I ask my brother’s life!
Give me your promise Khosrove goes to Husak,
Or leave me where I stand—Menones’ daughter!
Nin. (Slowly, reading the determination in her face)
I promise.
Sem. Swear!
Nin. I swear it!
Sem. (Relaxes, falls at his feet, and reaches up, clasping his hands)
O, god Ninus!
(CURTAIN)
ACT II.
The great hall in the palace of Nineveh. The rear is open, showing the sky and the towers of the city. Along the floor, which is high above the ground court, rear, are sculptured lions. On each side of hall where right and left reach open rear are large entrances, with steps leading up to hall, guarded by spearmen and archers. Within the hall, between winged bulls, are entrances to chambers, right centre and left centre. Near front, right, smaller entrance between figures of men with lion heads. The same opposite, left. The walls of the hall are lined with alabaster slabs on which are sculptured and colored the conquests of Assyrian kings.
Ninus alone. Enter Vassin, left centre.
Nin. (As Vassin enters)
You ’ve told her?
Vas. Ay, my lord.
Nin. What does she say?
Does she suspect we ordered Khosrove’s torture?
Vas. I can not answer that.
Nin. Then answer this!
You’re sure that he will die? You made good work?
Vas. Good work, my lord. He can not live a day.
Nin. A day! You ’ve hurried then! I bade you fill
His wounds with mortal but a lingering bane!
Go, have him brought within! He must not die
Without my foot upon his neck!
(As Vassin is going) What said
The queen?
Vas. She cried ‘My brother ’s lost!’
Nin. No more?
Vas. O, then her soul put sorrow’s grandeur on,
And those about her saw a noble storm;
But yet so proud her royal eyes, each drop
That fell from them were worth a world
To him for whom they fell!
Nin. (Aside) He loves the queen!
(Enter Semiramis, left, centre)
Sem. Is this thing true my lord? O, surely Heaven
Will cry out ‘No’ though thou must answer ‘Ay!’
Nin. (To Vassin) Go! (Exit Vassin, right front)
Sem. Is it true?
Nin. Too true, my queen!
Khosrove is maimed beyond all hope of life,
And thou must make thy husband heir to love
That was thy brother’s.
Sem. Oh!
Nin. Thy grief is mine.
Sem. I will not weep, though I could shed such streams
As when the clouds from riven breast pour down
Their torrent agonies!... How strange, my lord,
The guards should venture so without your warrant!
Nin. I ’ve had their heads for it!
Sem. (Shocked) Their heads!... Why, this
’Tis to be royal! Ah!
Nin. Put by these thoughts,
Semiramis. No theme to-day but love!
Sem. Love, sir?
Nin. Ay, that! Thou lov’st me, dost thou not?
Sem. Thou art great Ninus!
Nin. I ’d be loved as man!
Forget my kingdom, and put arms about me
As doth the peasant maid her beggar lord!
Sem. (Moving from him) I thought thy greatness married my ambition
To make Assyria brave e’en to the gods!
I ’ll keep my promise ... howsoever thine
Is broken. Crowned, my glorious purpose beats
Higher than any dream my maiden heart
Could nourish! I will keep my word. But love?
If thou wouldst have it—win it!
(Starts away, then turns back to him)
Hast yet found
A governor for the city?
Nin. No.
Sem. Delay
At this unsettled time? Dost think it safe?
Nin. I ’ve ordered every tower-watch redoubled,
Each gate close-locked, and keep the keys myself!
None goes or comes till I have found the man
For governor.
Sem. Would not Vassin serve?
Nin. (With suspicion) I ’ve other use for him. Perchance he ’ll go
From Nineveh.
Sem. My lord, there ’s one from Gazim,
Sumbat, thou ’lt find as true as thine own heart.
Who with some aid from me—
Nin. From you? So, so!
Sem. (In surprise) I was my father’s head and hand, my lord.
Who knows the guardian locks and wards and plans
Secretive for thy safety but myself?
Whom thou dost choose must learn somewhat of me.
Nin. Ay, you ’ll nob heads together!
Sem. Sir?
Nin. Well, well—
I ’ll choose a man!
(Exit moodily, right centre)
Sem. Strange ... but he is the king!
... Ah, Khosrove! Artavan!... Nay, I will think
Of nothing but my duty to the crown!...
... “And with a father and a brother lost—”
(Enter Sola, left, front. She sees that Semiramis is alone and advances)
Sem. “Though thou wert worshipped, thou couldst not be happy!”
Sol. Tell me! When does he come?
Sem. Who, child?
Sol. You ask?
My husband—Artavan!
Sem. He will not come.
Sol. Art thou not queen?
Sem. And Ninus king.
Sol. He will not save thy brother?
Sem. Nay, he can not.
Sol. O monster king!
Sem. Hush, Sola ... he forgave
My father.
Sol. Oh!—because he knew him dead!
Sem. He knew him dead!
Sol. Ah, I will tell you now!
(Looks about guardedly, and speaks in a low tone)
I saw your father die—and Ninus saw him!
Dokahra waked me—and unseen we watched!
The king came to the tent—discovered all—
Doomed him to death—you to dishonor! Then
Your father rose to strike him—and fell dead.
The king—
Sem. Go! Leave me, Sola! Leave me! Go!
(Exit Sola, left, near front)
Sem. (Stands in silent horror, then speaks slowly)
... I ’ll keep my oath ... and crown. Still will I make
Assyria great. Assyria is the army,
And I ... am queen of arms ... not love! Not love!
(Re-enter Ninus)
Sem. (Softly, not seeing Ninus)
“Dost know what love is, daughter of Menones?”
Nin. (Advancing) My bride!
Sem. (Turning to him) My lord, I would see Sumbat. Pray
Let him be summoned.
Nin. Nay, we ’ve sworn this day
Shall be for us alone!
Sem. ’t was he I charged
With care of the Armenian prince.
Nin. My queen
Shall not be troubled.
Sem. ’t will not trouble me,
My lord.
Nin. Enough it troubles me!
Sem. He ’d know
Of this foul fault, against your will—
Nin. Again
That theme! Forget it!
Sem. O, my lord, forget
That noble prince? So brave—so proud—so fair—
Nin. What do you say? O, you changed eyes with him!
Sem. My lord!
Nin. This is your grief! Your brother! Ha!
Sem. Your majesty—
Nin. Not majesty! Fool! Fool!
Ho, there! Bring in the Armenian! You shall see
This noble prince! So brave—so proud—so fair!
Her brother! O, fool, fool, fool!
Sem. This the king?
Nin. Why, I ’m a fool, my lady!
(Guards enter right front with a half lifeless body)
Look on him!
He ’s had some kisses since you saw him last
That struck full deep!
Sem. (Staggering back) Is that—
Nin. Ay, it is he!
Look on him! ’Tis your Khosrove! Your—
Sem. (Majestically) Peace Ninus!
When you have knelt to me I ’ll hear you speak!
(Exit left centre)
Nin. (Stares after her and becomes calm)
Now I have ruined all. She ’ll not forgive!
(Enter Vassin, left, rear)
Vas. My lord, the brother of the queen has come.
Nin. Not Artavan?
Vas. Ay, Artavan.
Nin. He ’s here?
Vas. When Husak had your oath you ’d free his son,
Prince Khosrove, Artavan was sent at once
To Nineveh.
Nin. How could he pass
The gates?
Vas. He passed before your order fell.
Nin. We ’ll welcome him.
(Looks toward the queen’s room)
I ’ll make my peace with this.
(Goes out with Vassin, left, rear. Semiramis enters hesitatingly, sees that Ninus is gone and advances fearfully toward the figure on the floor. The guards stand back, right front. She retreats, covering her eyes; then approaches and bends over the body. Searches his face, and throws up her hands in sudden joy)
Sem. Not Khosrove! O, it is not Khosrove!
(Leaves him and hurries to exit, trying to suppress her emotion. Returns to the body)
Where is the prince? Poor wretch! Can you not speak?
... Are these thy ways, ambition?
Voice without. Way! Make way!
(Semiramis hurries to her room. Enter the king, left rear, walking with Khosrove, and followed by Vassin and Sumbat)
Nin. Speak not of going, Artavan!
Khos. I must,
O king! I pray your leave to go at once
To Gazim. Sudden troubles urge me there.
I beg your kingly warrant I may pass
The gates—
Nin. Nay, you shall stay! We shall persuade you!
(To attendant) Summon the queen. Her voice we ’ll add to ours.
Khos. My lord—
Nin. We like you, Artavan! By Bel,
We do! You’re worthy of your sister queen!
No more—you ’ll stay! ... See! This is Khosrove!
(Bends over body on the floor) Is—
Or was? ... He lives.... Think you these bones will hold
Until they reach old Husak? Now you ’ve come,
We must keep faith! Ha! ha!
Khos. And that—is Khosrove?
Nin. Truth, ’tis! ... Bear out the dog!
(Guards bear off body, right front. Enter Semiramis. Sumbat crosses to her)
Sem. My brother? Where?
Khos. Here! (Advancing to her)
Sum. (To Semiramis) Be not amazed
And Artavan is safe!
Nin. This welcome ’s cold
Methinks. We gave him warmer greeting.
Sem. Sir,
Such sudden joy—My brother knows there ’s none
I hold more dear.
Nin. How now? Not one?
Sem. (Dropping her eyes from Khosrove) Yes—one—
Perhaps.
Nin. (Pleased, taking her hand)
We are forgiven?
Sem. Indeed, my lord.
Nin. And for your brother, hear our royal word.
We make him governor of Nineveh!
Sem. (In alarm) No! no!
Nin. ’Tis done! Go, Vassin, bring the keys!
(Exit Vassin, right front)
And wear this ring, my general!
Khos. My lord,
I could not undertake—
Nin. 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 ’t was 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 wert thou not a wife,
Though thou wert thousand times a queen, I ’d pour
Such worship to your ears you would believe
My heart would rend my body’s walls and leap
Out of my bosom sooner than beat once
A traitor to your trust! Take Ninus’ ring!
Give me this little one—(slipping a ring from her finger) that hath enclosed
The sovereign rose and ruby of thy veins
That dims his purple power—and thee I serve—
Your general—not his! Whate’er you would
I will! Command me now—
Sem. Enough! Go, go!
Lose no more time!
Khos. O, in some dream to come,
When innocence may wear what form it will
And on thy waking nature leave no blush,
May words I must not speak take life and pay
The debt they owe this hour!
Sem. I beg you go!
Assyria ’s in your hands!
Khos. Nay, in my heart!
Nin. Come, Artavan! No more delay! Your troops
Await before the citadel.
Khos. I go,
My lord.
(Confusion without, left rear. Enter an officer)
Off. Pardon, your majesty! A man
Who says he ’s brother to the queen, makes bold
To press before you!
Nin. Yet another brother?
Sem. No, no, my lord!
Off. He comes from Husak’s camp.
Sem. It is some madman surely, or a spy
Who plays his wits are lost and takes this way
To force into the court!
Khos. I ’ll thrust him out!
He may mean danger to your person.
Nin. Nay,
We ’ll sport with him. Let him come in!
(Exit Officer)
Sem. My lord—
Nin. Your brother! Ho, ho, ho!
(Enter Artavan)
Art. My sister!
Sem. (Staring) Sir?
Art. Though queen, art thou not still my sister?
Sem. No!
Art. (Bowing with scornful ceremony)
Your majesty!
Nin. Ha! ha! His sister! Then
Thou wouldst 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)
’T was 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)
Brother!
Nin. (To Khosrove) Haste thee to thy office!
Vassin, attend him! Sumbat, be his chief!
We trust where trusts the queen!
Sem. (To Khosrove) Give up the keys
To Sumbat!
(Exeunt Khosrove, Vassin, Sumbat, left rear)
Nin. (To Artavan) You to death! (Signs to guards)
Sem. My royal lord,
First would I question him alone, and learn
The truth about this passage. He may be
In league with traitors subtler than himself.
One moment, sir, I pray.
Nin. O, ever wise!
Bribe him with any promise death may keep
To tell you all. But do not linger, love;
We lose our bridal day!
(Exit, right centre. Semiramis looks at Artavan with the greatest tenderness. He gazes coldly upon her, Sola clinging to him)
Art. What would the queen?
Sem. To be again thy sister. Dost not guess?
That man—
Art. Who can he be you prize above
Your honor and my life?
Sem. The son of him
Who set you free on Ninus’ oath, an oath
Broke in the heart ere it had left the lips!
Art. My brave Semiramis! You ’ve saved the prince,
And with his life my honor! O, pardon me!
Sem. He was escaping in your name when you
Arrived too soon—
Art. Forgive me that!
Sem. And now
To save my brother!
Art. Hope it not. Be glad
That one is safe. Had Khosrove lost his life
In Ninus’ court, my oath had driven me back
To Husak—and to death. No power then
Had saved me. Now—
Sem. Now thou shalt live!
Art. Nay, see!
His guards watch well! There is no way.
Sem. No way
But through the will of Ninus. He shall save thee!
Art. O, for your own dear life, Semiramis,
Let Ninus know not I am Artavan!
Sem. He dare not touch me, for the army ’s mine!
(Goes into Ninus’ chamber)
Sol. My love!
Art. ’Tis welcome and farewell, my Sola!
Sol. O, she will save thee!
Art. Teach me not to hope.
(A band of dancing maidens enter, left, and sing a bridal chorus before the doors of Ninus’ chamber)
Love and Beauty now are one,
No more wandering away!
Love ’s the sky to Beauty’s sun,
From him she can not stray.
And he is bright by her fair light or none!
Love and Beauty dreaming lie,
Who shall say it is not meet?
Who shall say, O fie, O fie,
To the favor sweet
That Love will ask and Beauty not deny?
(Maidens dance out, right. Re-enter Semiramis)
Sem. He ’s wild with rage! I can not calm him!
Sol. Oh,
To lose thee now!
(Enter Ninus. He advances upon Semiramis)
Nin. Who is he, then—that man—
If not thy brother? To whose arms you went
As you have never come to mine?
Sem. A man
Whose life you owed to me by holiest promise
And oath unto the gods! I saved your soul
When I so saved—
Nin. Speak! Who?
Sem. The son of Husak,
Prince Khosrove, of Armenia!
(Utter silence. Ninus stands choked and dumb; then moves to strike Semiramis)
Sem. Strike me
You strike your army!
(Ninus drops his hand and stares at her, livid and shaken, then turns fiercely upon Artavan)
Sem. (Rushes before him and falls, clinging to his knees)
Wait, O wait, my lord!
If thou dost Hope to know my love! Dost dream
Of bridal joy! Wouldst rest thy head in peace
Upon my bosom, say thou wilt forgive!
And I, too, will forgive! No more will ask
What thou hast done or not done! All thy past
Is fair as Heaven by this moment’s sun!
I ’ll love thee as thou hadst been born this hour
That gives my brother life! O, speak the word,
And take me to thy heart—thy wife—thy slave—
Nin. By earth and heaven, he shall die—and now!
(Raises his dagger to strike. Enter Vassin)
Vas. (Excitedly) My lord, this is the strangest governor!
He ordered me with Sumbat to lead out
The city troops beyond the southern gate,
Then spurred to north! Sumbat obeyed, but I,
Not liking this, returned to you!
Nin. ’Tis Khosrove!
Vas. (Staggered) Then we are lost!
Nin. Pursue him! Fly! Call back
Our troops!
Vas. Too late! By now they’re locked without
The southern wall, and Khosrove rides to ope
The north to Husak!
Sem. (Aside) False! Down, slanderous thought
That darkens me not him! That face that looked
As Truth had chosen it to show her own
To man! That voice—each word the enchanted door
To holier worlds unspoken! No. I ’ll trust!
(Enter an officer)
Off. O, great Assyria, the Armenians come!
The Gazim traitor ’s sold thee unto Husak!
Thy foes are pouring through the northern gate
And bear down on the palace! Sumbat holds
Thy troops upon the southern plain And bars
All passage! There ’s no help!
(Ninus listens speechless)
Attendants. (Running in) O, we are lost!
Off. The city will be sacked! The palace guards
Are but a handful!
Sem. False? O, Khosrove! False?
Then there is no man true? E’en Sumbat lost
To thy sweet promises! False! false!
(Enter a second officer)
Off. (Prostrating himself) Oh Ninus!
Call on thy gods! Thy enemies are at thee!
The palace is enclosed, and every foe
Bears in his hand a torch that blazes death
To all within!
(The inmates of the palace are running to and fro, rear, and looking fearfully out into the court below)
Sem. O beauteous gods, is this
Your earth? Where Falsehood steals your garments, nay
Your smile, seduces with your voice, and stamps
Your semblance upon fiends?
Voices. Save us, O king!
(Ninus stands immovable, as if made deaf and dumb by impending disaster)
Voice. We burn! They cast the brands!
Another. Not yet! They wait!
Voices of prostrate figures. Save us, O king!
Voice. See! see! The leader speaks!
Another. His herald! Hear!
(A trumpet sounds below)
Voice of Khosrove’s herald. Assyria, come forth!
(All within listen, silent, eager, fearful)
Hear thou, O Ninus! Hear the word of Khosrove!
He will depart with the Armenian troops,
And leave the city free of sword and fire,
If thou ’lt decree that Artavan shall live
Free and unharmed!
(The face of Semiramis illumines with joy)
Deny and Nineveh
Shall flame!
Nin. My herald there! Stand forth!
(The herald of Ninus takes station centre rear)
Decree
As Khosrove wills!
Her. of Khos. Appear, O Ninus!
Nin. No!
Her. of Khos. Appear, O Ninus!
(Ninus goes slowly to rear and stands by his herald)
Her. of Khos. Hear, all Nineveh!
Hear the decree of Ninus, king and god!
That Artavan, the brother of the queen,
Shall freely live, and die by no man’s hand!
Her. of Ninus. (Blows trumpet, then speaks)
Hear the decree of Ninus, king and god,
That Artavan, the brother of the queen,
Shall freely live, and die by no man’s hand!
(Silence. The voice of Khosrove below)
Khos. Assyria, speak!
Nin. I, Ninus, so decree!
(Staggers back toward front as all press to rear to see the troops go out. Semiramis, Artavan and Sola stand together gazing out)
Sem. O, Khosrove! See—he rides—away—away!
(Leans forward waving her scarf. Ninus, alone in front, goes toward his chamber, falls on the steps overpowered with rage and lifts his clenched hands)
Nin. O, vengeance! Vengeance for a king!
(CURTAIN)
ACT III.
Scene: The gardens over the lake. A wide bridge extends from the bank of the lake, left, to the gardens which are partly visible on the right. At the rear, right, is a garlanded archway. At the left, front, steps lead from the bridge to the bank and top of the bridge. Beyond the bridge, rear, clouds show that the sun is setting.
A score of spearmen, with lances down, march in right, front, and out through archway, right, rear.
Enter, right, front, the king and Sumbat. The king is royally clad and crowned; Sumbat in official robe.
Sumbat. Khosrove delays.
Nin. But do not doubt he ’ll come.
I have his word, and couriers have seen
His horsemen on the plain.
Sum. How noble, sir,
To close the Feast of Peace with supreme revel
In honor of your foe!
Nin. Not foe, good Sumbat.
We have no foes. Our queen’s triumphant arms
Have made glad subjects of all enemies
But one, and him we make our friend. To-night
Assyria and Armenia sup as one!
(Turns toward right, rear)
We ’ll see if all ’s prepared as we gave order.
(Exeunt under the arch of garlands. Dancers enter, right, front, and pass out through arch. Following them, Semiramis with her women. All are in rich attire but the queen who wears simple white robe. A dove nestles on her bosom. She gives the women leave to pass on and they go out merrily through arch, right, rear. Semiramis lingers; comes to the railing of the bridge, centre, and leans upon it)
Sem. Will Khosrove come? I do not doubt the king,—
And yet—I pray he will not come!
(Re-enter Sumbat, through arch. He comes out to the queen)
Sem. You, Sumbat?
Where is the king?
Sum. I left him in the garden,
Giving new orders for Prince Khosrove’s honor.
Sem. Sumbat, you trust the king?
Sum. I do. You ’ve wrought
Such noble change in him that drop by drop
He ’s mated all his blood unto your virtues.
Sem. I must believe it, lest a doubt should breed
The weakness it suspects. But is ’t not strange
Khosrove should trust him too?
Sum. He knows that you
Would warn him if there lay a danger here.
Sem. I warn him? But suppose the warning false?
’T would wrong the king, whose purpose seems so pure
It might have journeyed with his soul when first
It came from Heaven! No. I ’ll answer for him!
He could not 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.
Sol. Hear all, and save him!
When Khosrove takes the seat of highest honor,
Lord of the Revels by Assyria’s favor,
The floor will part, the chair fall to the lake,
Where Vassin waits to slay him, while the king
Strikes down in wrath the master of the feast
For fault of accident!
Sem. Where are your wits?
See, yonder comes the king!
(Re-enter Ninus through archway)
Sem. (As he approaches) Is all prepared,
My lord?
Sol. (To Semiramis) ’Tis true—true—true!
(Runs off, right)
Nin. Ay, all is ready
Except the queen. What means these simple robes,
Semiramis?
Sem. A compliment unto
Your majesty.
Nin. It shows more like affront!
I would have Khosrove see a splendor here
Unpainted in the daring of his dream,
And thou the star of it! A merchant’s daughter
Would robe her handmaid with more care—lend her
A pearl or two—a bit of scarf—or scrap
Of tinsel sun—
Sem. My lord—
Nin. A compliment!
’Tis your disdain—
Sem. It grieves me, sir, that you
Should read in outward sign what never yet
Was in my soul. Our wars are done, my lord;
And exultation of the conquering hour
Calms into peace; as I laid armor by
For victor robes and symbol of my glory,
I now cast off the purple of the queen,
And but remember that I am a wife.
Nin. (Embracing her) Beloved Semiramis! Forgive thy slave!
No royal dye could shine so to my eyes
As this soft white put on for me alone!
Thy pardon, love, and thou shalt shortly learn
A king, too, knows how best to compliment!
An honor waits for thee—
(Enter officer, left)
Off. O king!
Nin. We hear!
Off. The Armenian approaches.
Nin. Khosrove comes?
(Semiramis watches the king closely)
Off. He comes, great Ninus!
Nin. Well, and more than well!
Summon our train. (Exit officer, right) But one is lacking here,
Our brother—Artavan.
Sem. My lord—you think—
Nin. Who would dare harm him? He is safe.
Sem. (Coming very near him) From man,
Not from the gods.
Nin. (Stepping back) What do you mean?
Sem. The truth!
Nin. (Seizing her arm) It is not so! I do deny it!
Sem. (Calmly) What,
My lord?
Nin. What meant you when you said ‘the truth’!
Sem. That gods may work some harm to Artavan.
Nin. (At ease) True, love! Uncertain is their favor. Look!
He comes! (Gazing off left)
Sem. (Aside) He ’s false! And if he ’s false in this—then is—
O, Khosrove, thou art lured to death! And I
Have been thy traitorous star!
(Enter Khosrove, left, attended by Armenians)
Nin. Hail, Khosrove! Hail!
Assyrians. Hail to Armenia! Hail!
Khos. O, Ninus, hail!
Armenians. Hail to Assyria, greatest over kings!
Nin. Thou ’rt welcome, and we thank thee for thy trust,
Which we ’ll betray when Heaven has no god
To damn our treachery! In proof of faith,
Wear thou the royal dagger with thy own.
(Detaches his weapon, which he gives to Khosrove)
Our queen—has she no word?
(Khosrove bows low before Semiramis)
Sem. Peace and long life
To Khosrove.
Nin. Now to revel! Sound the trumpets!
(Exeunt officers through archway. Trumpets sound from the gardens. Dancing maidens in white robes, each with a dove resting on her hand, enter right front, reach the centre of the stage, and begin the dance of doves. As the maidens describe circles in the dance the doves rise and fly in similar circles above their heads, and re-alight on their extended hands)
Sem. (Who has stood aside during the dance, apparently disturbed)
It is not true! Were any man so vile
Nature would spurn him back to chaos ere
His mother had beheld him!
(The dance ends. The maidens pass out under arch. All move to follow when Ninus speaks)
Nin. Stay! Hear, all!
Before we feast in honor of our guest,
We would do honor to our noble queen,
Whose arms of might have brought our land to peace.
Whose looks of love have brought our heart to rest!
To-night we doff our crown that she may wear it!
(Removing crown)
And here decree her word shall be obeyed
Above our own.
(Puts crown on the queen’s head)
Dost like our compliment?
Sem. It is too much, my king.
Nin. (Kneeling) Nay, nay, thy subject!
(Semiramis seems gay with a sudden resolve)
Sem. If it so please thee then I ’ll be the king!
Nin. (Rising) We have decreed. If any here refuse
To honor thy command, though thou shouldst doom
My death, himself that instant dies. (To officer) You, sir,
Take order for it, and if your own hand fail,
When we are king again we ’ll have your head!
Off. My arm be as your will, my lord!
Sem. O, then
I have a wish I did not dare to voice.
Nin. Command it now.
Sem. It hath much troubled me
That Khosrove should be honored over you,
Lord of the Revels.
Khos. (Astonished) Lady—
Sem. King, if ’t please you!
I ’ve laid my purple by, but I have still
The royal color in my heart. Think’st thou
To sit above Assyria, who wearest not
The brave investment of the gods? who hold’st
Thy sceptre still from warrior chiefs, not from
Anointed kings?
Khos. Because my race is proud!
Too proud to kneel to any earthly king
And take the sacred vestment from his hands!
Sem. You see, my lord, that even in his heart
He ranks himself above you!
Nin. But, my love—
Khos. Farewell! Thou didst me service once, and here
I thought to thank thee, but—
Nin. Stay, Khosrove, stay!
Khos. Farewell, with all my heart!
Nin. Nay—
Sem. O, my lord.
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 under the bridge. Shouts and shrieks come from within. People rush out)
Voices. The king! the king!
Sem. (Retreating to railing, front) ’Tis done!
Officer. (Running across) The king has fallen
Into the lake! Lights there! below! (Runs down steps leading under the bridge)
Other officers following. Lights! lights!
(Torches flare under the bridge. Darkness above as the last light fades from the sky. A moment of noise and search, and officers appear on the bridge, right, rear, with Vassin. A guard bears torch which throws light on his face)
Sem. (Confronting him)
You ’ve saved the king!
Vas. I have. For I have slain
His foe!
Sem. His foe? No—you have killed the king!
(Falls back into the arms of her women. Complete darkness on stage. An instant later moonlight. Khosrove and Semiramis alone on the bridge, centre, front)
Khos. (Bowing ceremoniously)
Farewell, Assyria!
Sem. O, not that name!
Not yet—not yet.
Khos. Does it not please your pride?
Sem. My pride? ’Tis gone. Now I could lay my head
Upon the dust.
Khos. In truth! But you ’ll not do it!
Humility ’s a word the great think sweet
Upon the tongue, but near the heart they find
It loseth flavor!
Sem. Ah ... you do not know?
You think the words I spoke were born of pride?
So far from that—no, no—I will not tell,
And yet you wrong me, prince.
Khos. (Eagerly) Did you suspect
Some danger to me here, and seek to force
My angry leave? You did not care so much?
Sem. I cared so much that rather than betray you
I would have let you go believing me
A woman worth your scorn. Ah, there my pride
In truth did suffer!
Khos. O, Semiramis!
Thou art the same as when I saw thee last?
As when I rode away and left thy face—
The only face in Nineveh—nay—I—
Will go. Farewell, most noble queen!
Sem. Farewell!
(He lingers)
Sem. Why go in haste?
