 | Semiramis |  |
SCENE THE THIRD.
Azema and Assures.ASSURES.
His insolence too long has been endured.
But may I now hold converse with Azema,
On subjects far more worthy her attention?
AZEMA.
Can there be theme more glorious? Speak, my lord,
I am all attention.
ASSURES.
O let no trifling cares usurp your thoughts,
The world's great guidance, universal sway
Shall soon call on us, and shall occupy
Each vast idea.—Lo! Semiramis
Is but the shadow of herself, high Heaven
Seems to debase her greatness, and that star
Which long has shone with undiminish'd blaze
The glory of our hemisphere, has lost
Its wonted lustre, and now hasting on
Towards its decline, shall set in endless night.
AZEMA.
My lord, I am not skill'd in state intrigues,
But know not why you deem yourself impower'd
To tax my sighs, or read my virgin thoughts.
23
Cherish aspiring thoughts, thoughts worthy kings.
The fate of empire hangs upon our union:
For now I speak to mighty kings and heroes,
And all the demi-gods from whom you sprang.
Too long a woman trampling on their ashes,
Usurping pow'r to which we should lay claim,
Has held enthrall'd the nations of the earth.
Complete the work then of her falling greatness.
Time was, she had your charms; assume her courage.
Love should not dare present himself before you
In aught but in a monarch's form. That crown
I tender, and I trust you'll not prefer
A rude barbarian?
AZEMA.
Peace, peace, Assures.
Shall I contemn the glory, and disgrace
The names recorded by eternal fame
Of my great ancestors? Though I deny
That in the blazon of that glorious strain
One could be found of more exalted soul,
Than him you dare miscall a rude barbarian.
For me, when Fate decrees that I must wed,
'Tis for Semiramis to guide my choice.
You say the gods are all incensed against her.
I know not for what crime; but this I know,
That thou wilt never be the chosen man,
24
To point the thunder of avenging Jove.
[Exit.
| Semiramis | |