Vas. He passed before your order fell.
Nin. We ’ll welcome him.
(Looks toward the queen’s room)
I ’ll make my peace with this.
(Goes out with Vassin, left, rear. Semiramis enters hesitatingly, sees that Ninus is gone and advances fearfully toward the figure on the floor. The guards stand back, right front. She retreats, covering her eyes; then approaches and bends over the body. Searches his face, and throws up her hands in sudden joy)
Sem. Not Khosrove! O, it is not Khosrove!
(Leaves him and hurries to exit, trying to suppress her emotion. Returns to the body)
Where is the prince? Poor wretch! Can you not speak?
... Are these thy ways, ambition?
Voice without. Way! Make way!
(Semiramis hurries to her room. Enter the king, left rear, walking with Khosrove, and followed by Vassin and Sumbat)