Nin. A bridal boon I ’ll grant.
Thou lov’st thy father?
Sem. (Choking) You know—that he—
Nin. I know.
Sem. Great king—
Nin. One thou mayst save.
Sem. O gods!
Nin. Thy brother, or thy father? Thou mayst choose.
Sem. I know my duty, sir. I choose my father.
Nin. A noble choice. We are not harsh, my queen.
The people know Menones’ life is forfeit,
And know how I have sought for Khosrove’s death;
Did I spare both for your sake they would say
That Ninus’ scepter is a woman’s hand.
(Shouts of rejoicing without)