Nin. Now to revel! Sound the trumpets!
(Exeunt officers through archway. Trumpets sound from the gardens. Dancing maidens in white robes, each with a dove resting on her hand, enter right front, reach the centre of the stage, and begin the dance of doves. As the maidens describe circles in the dance the doves rise and fly in similar circles above their heads, and re-alight on their extended hands)
Sem. (Who has stood aside during the dance, apparently disturbed)
It is not true! Were any man so vile
Nature would spurn him back to chaos ere
His mother had beheld him!
(The dance ends. The maidens pass out under arch. All move to follow when Ninus speaks)
Nin. Stay! Hear, all!
Before we feast in honor of our guest,
We would do honor to our noble queen,
Whose arms of might have brought our land to peace.
Whose looks of love have brought our heart to rest!
To-night we doff our crown that she may wear it!
(Removing crown)
And here decree her word shall be obeyed
Above our own.
(Puts crown on the queen’s head)
Dost like our compliment?
Sem. It is too much, my king.