Sem. Praise Heaven there is one
Will comfort my sad kingdom!
Art. Nay, all ’s well!
The death of Ninus freed me from my prison;
I gathered troops and pushed hard after you,
To hear you had been taken; then I planned
This rescue. Thank great Belus, I ’m in time!
Sem. In time? Nay, thou ’rt too late!
Art. Too late? When thou
Dost live?
Sem. I live? No! Thou ’rt deceived!
Art. O Heaven!
... She ’s dazed! Her troubles have bewildered her.
All ’s well, my sister! Husak has been taken.
Thy crown itself is in our hands ... The crown!
(A soldier hands it to him)
You see ’tis safe. (She takes it idly)
Sem. A crown. For such a thing
Wouldst give thy Sola?
Art. She is dear to me,
But ay, by Heaven, I would!