University of Virginia Library

SCENE XII.

Enter Semira.
Sem.
Defend yourself, my lord, the palace wall,
Encompass'd by a faithless throng, resounds
With rebel shouts—and all require thy death.

Artax.
Almighty powers!

[places the cup on the altar.
Artab.
What impious wretch has dar'd
To rise against his king?

Artax.
Alas! too late
I know him now—Arbaces is the traitor.

Sem.
He whom we mourn'd as dead?

Artax.
He lives, the ingrate:
He lives—forgetful of my faith to Xerxes,
Forgetful of my duty to my father,
I set him free, and merit to receive
The punishment which Heaven has destin'd for me:
Yes, I myself have woo'd my own destruction.

Artab.
Why should you fear, my king? For your protection
Your faithful Artaban shall still suffice.

Artax.
Then let us haste to punish—

[going.