 | Semiramis |  |
SCENE THE SIXTH.
To him enter Semiramis.SEMIRAMIS.
My lord, at length I must unfold that heart
Which in your presence has absorb'd its grief.
I've govern'd Asia, and perhaps with glory;
You too have borne the weight of this vast empire.
Long have I liv'd so blest, that I forgot
The dreadful step which rais'd me to this height.
I was unmindful that the gods were just.
But now Heaven speaks, I yield, and this great kingdom
Will soon be strengthen'd, even from its foundation.
ASSURES.
It is a part that's worthy of my Queen
To finish this her glorious work—but say,
What power is able to obscure that glory?
The earth obeys you, what d'ye fear from Heaven?
SEMIRAMIS.
Can you ask this, while you behold yon tomb?
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I must confess I cannot bear with patience
To be reminded that once Ninus reign'd.
For fifteen years that king has slept in peace,
And do we fear his shade should burst the tomb,
And come thus late to cry to man for vengeance?
No fears like these should shake your daring soul;
But if 'tis now intent on nobler plans,
If you'd perpetuate the blood of Belus,
If fair Azema's claim to this high rank—
SEMIRAMIS.
Aye, that's my theme—Great Jove, and Babylon,
Demand without delay the scepter's heir,
And I must chuse a partner of my throne.
You know my pride, and my unconquer'd spirit,
Have made it long their law to reign alone;
But now Heaven's voice assists my people's prayers,
I must divide my power—'Tis you, my lord,
Who best may claim the title of a king;
You're next in power on earth, but not my equal.
It is enough, and I've the pride to think
That rank may satisfy your vast ambition.
ASSURES.
Great are your favours, Queen, great my deserts;
For you I've dy'd my hands with royal blood,
And shall I not receive the bright reward
Of this bold deed?
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Hear
Great Ammon's oracle, and know my will.
[Reads.]
“All Babylon shall wear a face of joy,
“When the sad mother, and more cruel wife,
“Shall light once more the Hymeneal torch.
“Then shall she calm the restless shade of Ninus.”
Such are the eternal orders of the gods.
This day, I mean to give the world a lord;
My choice may fall on you, or on another,
In all things I'll assert my sovereign power,
But chiefly in this act.—Do you give orders
The princes and the magistrait assemble.
This day the offended gods shall be appeas'd,
But 'tis repentance only can disarm them;
And trust me, that remorse which you despise
Is the last virtue which the guilty boast.
You deem me weak and timid, but alas
Fear ever dwells with crimes. This very fear
Adds lustre to my crown—and 'twould become thee,
Humbling thyself, to deprecate Heaven's vengeance.
[Exit.
| Semiramis | |