Hus. Ay.
Khos. What wilt thou grant?
Hus. Ask of thy heart,
(Khosrove is about to speak) Peace, boy!
For once we ’ll be a father, not a soldier! Wait!
(Khosrove kneels and kisses his father’s hand as Semiramis enters between guards. She is robed and crowned, her arms fettered with golden chains, and holds herself proudly, not looking at Husak. She turns to Khosrove, who watches her eagerly)
Sem. We meet again. Wert thou upon the field?
I saw thee not. Perchance thy father thought
’T were wise to find his health and lead his troops
Lest Love should blunt thy sword!
Hus. By Bel, his sword
Was sharp enough to find the heart of Sumbat,—
Your general!
Sem. Sumbat slain! (Turns to Khosrove) and slain by you!
Khos. I had my choice—to slay him or to die.
Sem. (With bitter scorn) And did the love that makes one prayer to Heaven
Rule in that choice?