Nin. (Kneeling) Nay, nay, thy subject!
(Semiramis seems gay with a sudden resolve)
Sem. If it so please thee then I ’ll be the king!
Nin. (Rising) We have decreed. If any here refuse
To honor thy command, though thou shouldst doom
My death, himself that instant dies. (To officer) You, sir,
Take order for it, and if your own hand fail,
When we are king again we ’ll have your head!
Off. My arm be as your will, my lord!
Sem. O, then
I have a wish I did not dare to voice.
Nin. Command it now.
Sem. It hath much troubled me
That Khosrove should be honored over you,
Lord of the Revels.
Khos. (Astonished) Lady—
Sem. King, if ’t please you!
I ’ve laid my purple by, but I have still
The royal color in my heart. Think’st thou
To sit above Assyria, who wearest not
The brave investment of the gods? who hold’st
Thy sceptre still from warrior chiefs, not from
Anointed kings?