Dok. This rivet, mistress!
(Noise of battle)
Sem. Artavan, I come!
(Rushes out. Sound of chariot rolling away. Dokahra looks stolidly at Menones for a moment, then turns through curtains, right. Menones presses his heart in pain, moans wretchedly, and draws a blanket over his body)
Men. Is this the form that bright Decreto loved?
But where the soul, O, gods! (Lies shuddering)
Voice without. The King!
(Menones draws blanket over his face and becomes motionless. Enter the king, with Vassin)
Nin. (At entrance) Stand here!
Godagon, haste! Ride to Menones; say
We wait within his tent; his messengers
Will reach us here.
(A rider spurs off without. Ninus and Vassin advance within the tent)
Vas. Your majesty, suppose
The Armenians gain, you ’ll be in danger here.
Why come so near for news?