Another. Not yet! They wait!
Voices of prostrate figures. Save us, O king!
Voice. See! see! The leader speaks!
Another. His herald! Hear!
(A trumpet sounds below)
Voice of Khosrove’s herald. Assyria, come forth!
(All within listen, silent, eager, fearful)
Hear thou, O Ninus! Hear the word of Khosrove!
He will depart with the Armenian troops,
And leave the city free of sword and fire,
If thou ’lt decree that Artavan shall live
Free and unharmed!
(The face of Semiramis illumines with joy)
Deny and Nineveh
Shall flame!