Art. My brave Semiramis! You ’ve saved the prince,
And with his life my honor! O, pardon me!
Sem. He was escaping in your name when you
Arrived too soon—
Art. Forgive me that!
Sem. And now
To save my brother!
Art. Hope it not. Be glad
That one is safe. Had Khosrove lost his life
In Ninus’ court, my oath had driven me back
To Husak—and to death. No power then
Had saved me. Now—
Sem. Now thou shalt live!
Art. Nay, see!
His guards watch well! There is no way.
Sem. No way
But through the will of Ninus. He shall save thee!
Art. O, for your own dear life, Semiramis,
Let Ninus know not I am Artavan!
Sem. He dare not touch me, for the army ’s mine!