Nin. Peace, Vassin! Wait and see!
(Noise and cries without as Semiramis is drawn toward the tent in her chariot)
Nin. Ho! Guards!
(The king’s guards enter. Ninus passes to right centre, facing entrance opposite. Guards station themselves on each side of him and in his rear. Semiramis enters, followed by officers and soldiers. Her helmet is off, her hair falling)
Nin. Hail goddess!
(Semiramis looks at the king in astonishment then glances fearfully toward Menones’ room)
Nin. Hail, Assyria’s queen!
Sem. (Faintly) O king—
(Ninus advances to her. She kneels before him)
Nin. Kneel down, Menones’ daughter! Rise,
The bride of Ninus, nevermore to kneel!