Olive Tilford Dargan

“ Our queen—has she no word?
(Khosrove bows low before Semiramis)
Sem. Peace and long life
To Khosrove.
Nin. Now to revel! Sound the trumpets!
(Exeunt officers through archway. Trumpets sound from the gardens. Dancing maidens in white robes, each with a dove resting on her hand, enter right front, reach the centre of the stage, and begin the dance of doves. As the maidens describe circles in the dance the doves rise and fly in similar circles above their heads, and re-alight on their extended hands)
Sem. ”

“ We ’ll see if all ’s prepared as we gave order.
(Exeunt under the arch of garlands. Dancers enter, right, front, and pass out through arch. Following them, Semiramis with her women. All are in rich attire but the queen who wears simple white robe. A dove nestles on her bosom. She gives the women leave to pass on and they go out merrily through arch, right, rear. Semiramis lingers; comes to the railing of the bridge, centre, and leans upon it)
Sem. ”

“ Shouts and shrieks come from within. People rush out)
Voices. The king! the king!
Sem. (Retreating to railing, front) ’Tis done!
Officer. (Running across) The king has fallen
Into the lake! Lights there! below! (Runs down steps leading under the bridge)
Other officers following. Lights! lights!
(Torches flare under the bridge. Darkness above as the last light fades from the sky. A moment of noise and search, and officers appear on the bridge, right, rear, with Vassin. A guard bears torch which throws light on his face)
Sem. ”

“ Sem. His foe? No—you have killed the king!
(Falls back into the arms of her women. Complete darkness on stage. An instant later moonlight. Khosrove and Semiramis alone on the bridge, centre, front)
Khos. ”