Semiramis and Other Plays Part 9

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 a.s.syria 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, G.o.d 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 a.s.syrian kings.

Ninus alone. Enter Va.s.sin, left centre.

Nin. (As Va.s.sin 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 Va.s.sin 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 n.o.ble 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 Va.s.sin) Go! (Exit Va.s.sin, 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 a.s.syria brave e'en to the G.o.ds!

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!