(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!