 | Semiramis |  |
SCENE THE SECOND.
Enter Assures.ASSURES.
It seems on thee high honours have been lavish'd,
For which ev'n kings themselves have sigh'd in vain.
Nay, thou hast dar'd presumptuously to rival
High-born Assures in Azema's love.
ARZACES.
I've learnt, it's true, to honour and revere
That race from which you sprang, your rank and blood;
But in despite of all these rights you boast,
I dare put in my claim, I love the maid;
And I could add, if like a peaceful courtier
I chose to vaunt before her, I upheld
That throne which you, Assures, hope t'ascend.
And now I haste t'obey Azema's orders.
By her and by Semiramis alone
I am commanded. You perchance hereafter
May wield the scepter, but ne'er hope to rank
Arzaces in the number of your subjects.
22
Do monarchs give as scourges to mankind.
[Exit.
| Semiramis | |