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!