Men. (Furiously, forgetting himself)
She has a brother yet!
Nin. A brother! So!
We ’ll look to him as well! Thanks for your news!
Men. (Towering up) Though every god in heaven gave thee blood
Yet would I spill it!
(Lifts his sword; suddenly drops it and falls, pressing his heart. Ninus and Vassin watch him silently until he is still)
Nin. Dead?
Vas. (Stooping) Ay, dead, my lord.
Nin. I would have spared him though I threatened death.
Vas. Have spared the coward? Why, your majesty?
Nin. Semiramis has spirit passing woman’s;
I have no hope to force her to my arms,
And I ’d have wrought her heart to tenderness
By mercy to her father. Love is my aim!
All else I can command—but that—Guards here!
(Enter Armin and Haddo)