 | Semiramis |  |
SCENE THE FIRST.
An Apartment in the Palace.Semiramis and Otanes discover'd.
OTANES.
Be comforted, O Queen!
SEMIRAMIS.
Never again
Shall peace or joy their welcome visit pay
To guilt like mine.
Say, is that wretch Assures yet inform'd
Of all these strange events?—and do my people
Know that Arzaces is their long-lost prince?
OTANES.
No tongue has yet reveal'd the horrid secret.
The people, as some oracle, adore
The shade of Ninus; but they strive in vain
To fathom its impenetrable meaning,
And prostrate at the altars they remain,
Till yonder tomb shall ope its pond'rous jaws
T'admit the prince—who with the holy pontiff
Entreats the gods to fortify his arm,
And grant him power to strike the unknown victim.
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But where's Assures, and the fair Azema?
OTANES.
With horror in her looks, death in her eyes,
Azema wanders near the sacred tomb,
And ever and anon in fervent prayers
Entreats great Jove to shield her dear Arzaces.
SEMIRAMIS.
O shade of my dead lord! thou read'st my heart,
Thou see'st that tho' 'twas pityless towards thee,
It boasts at least the feelings of a mother.
[Exit Otanes.
| Semiramis | |