(CURTAIN)
ACT II.
The great hall in the palace of Nineveh. The rear is open, showing the sky and the towers of the city. Along the floor, which is high above the ground court, rear, are sculptured lions. On each side of hall where right and left reach open rear are large entrances, with steps leading up to hall, guarded by spearmen and archers. Within the hall, between winged bulls, are entrances to chambers, right centre and left centre. Near front, right, smaller entrance between figures of men with lion heads. The same opposite, left. The walls of the hall are lined with alabaster slabs on which are sculptured and colored the conquests of Assyrian kings.
Ninus alone. Enter Vassin, left centre.
Nin. (As Vassin enters)
You ’ve told her?
Vas. Ay, my lord.
Nin. What does she say?
Does she suspect we ordered Khosrove’s torture?
Vas. I can not answer that.
Nin. Then answer this!
You’re sure that he will die? You made good work?
Vas. Good work, my lord. He can not live a day.