Nin. My herald there! Stand forth!
(The herald of Ninus takes station centre rear)
Decree
As Khosrove wills!
Her. of Khos. Appear, O Ninus!
Nin. No!
Her. of Khos. Appear, O Ninus!
(Ninus goes slowly to rear and stands by his herald)
Her. of Khos. Hear, all Nineveh!
Hear the decree of Ninus, king and god!
That Artavan, the brother of the queen,
Shall freely live, and die by no man’s hand!
Her. of Ninus. (Blows trumpet, then speaks)
Hear the decree of Ninus, king and god,
That Artavan, the brother of the queen,
Shall freely live, and die by no man’s hand!