Semiramis and Other Plays - novelonlinefull.com
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(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. (Pa.s.sing 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!
