Sem. ’Tis true! What have I done? Ye gods! ’tis true!
He would not so rebel if ’t were not true!
But Vassin is below! He ’ll know his king
And save him!
(Kneels) Belus, mighty Belus, pardon!
(The sun has set, and red clouds show almost black over water, rear. The front of stage is nearly dark. Lights glimmer from the gardens, and a faint torch shows in the darkness under the bridge. Shouts and shrieks come from within. People rush out)
Voices. The king! the king!
Sem. (Retreating to railing, front) ’Tis done!
Officer. (Running across) The king has fallen
Into the lake! Lights there! below! (Runs down steps leading under the bridge)
Other officers following. Lights! lights!
(Torches flare under the bridge. Darkness above as the last light fades from the sky. A moment of noise and search, and officers appear on the bridge, right, rear, with Vassin. A guard bears torch which throws light on his face)
Sem. (Confronting him)
You ’ve saved the king!
Vas. I have. For I have slain
His foe!