Semiramis A Tragedy |
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| 2. | SCENE THE SECOND. |
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 | Semiramis |  |
33
SCENE THE SECOND.
Enter Oroes to Semiramis.SEMIRAMIS.
August successor of great Zoroaster,
This day I mean to name the Assyrian king;
'Tis yours to place the diadem on his brows.
Is all prepar'd for this solemnity?
OROES.
The magi and the nobles are assembled;
Your will is done, and there my duty ends.
I'm bound to obey, but not to judge our monarchs;
That task is fitting only for the gods.
SEMIRAMIS.
These obscure phrases, this mysterious language,
Shew that in secret you condemn my choice.
OROES.
I know it not—O may it prove a bless'd one!
SEMIRAMIS.
The oracle demands a sacrifice.
OROES.
True, mighty Queen; Ammon shall be obey'd.
SEMIRAMIS.
Say, venerable pontiff—have the sacred altars
This morn receiv'd the off'rings of Arzaces?
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They have, O Queen,—and Heaven doth hold them precious;
He and his gifts are pleasing to the gods.
SEMIRAMIS.
I do believe thee—and thy sayings, priest,
Do cheer my soul.—May I not trust Arzaces?
OROES.
He is the firmest pillar of the state;
The gods have led him hither, and his glory
Is their own work.
SEMIRAMIS.
With joy, with heart-felt transport
My ears imbibe these tidings—Hope and peace
Shall calm ere long the tempest in my soul.
Haste, and let all your altars smoke with incense,
Your holy roofs resound with notes of praise.
And strait do thou and all the magi join
In supplications to the gentle gods
To shed their choicest blessings on these nuptials.
[Exit Oroes.
| Semiramis | |