Nin. Menones was too old. And ’t was yourself
Who taught us how to prize your brother.
(Re-enter Vassin with a chain of great keys, which the king takes)
Come!
(Throws chains about Khosrove’s neck, and singles out the keys)
The citadel! The southern arsenal!
The northern wall—the secret passages—
And these the tunnel locks and river gates!
You ’ll take command at once, and so relieve
The city which we ’ve shut fast as a tomb,
Fearing that spies from Husak’s camp might creep
Into our bosom.
Sem. O king, if ’t must be so, I ’ll map for him
My fathers safe division of the city.
Nin. To you we leave him.
(Talks apart with Vassin and Sumbat)
Sem. Sir, what do you mean?