Sémiramis: Such subjects are my kingdom’s best support; I know thee well; thy noble soul, superior To vulgar minds, hath sought Sémiramis, Not for her fortunes, but herself; thy eyes Are fixed on her true interest, and on thee I shall depend: Assur and Azema Shall never meet; their union would be dangerous: But their designs are known, and by my care Will be prevented.

Arsaces: Since my heart at length Is open to thee, and thou hast discovered—

Azema: [Enters suddenly, and throws herself at the feet of Sémiramis.] O queen, permit me thus—

Sémiramis: Rise, Azema: Where’er my choice may light, thou mayest depend On my protection, and shalt find respect Due to thy birth; for, destined as thou wert To be the wife of my lamented son, I look upon thee with a mother’s eye: [To them both.] Go, place yourselves with those whom I have called To witness my resolves, and mark my choice. [To Arsaces.] Be thou, my best protector, near the throne.

SCENE VI.

The apartment of Sémiramis opens into a magnificent saloon richly ornamented; a number of officers in their proper habits on the steps of the throne, which is raised in the middle; the satraps on each side: the high priest enters with the magi, and places himself between Assur and Arsaces: the queen in the midst with Azema, and her attendants: guards at the lower end of the saloon.

Oroes: Ye princes, magi, warriors, the support Of Babylon, assembled by command From great Sémiramis, the will of heaven Soon shall ye know: the gods that guard our empire Have fixed on this important hour to work A great and mighty change; whoe’er the queen Shall here appoint her sovereign and our own It is our duty to obey; and here I bring my tribute to the throne, my prayers And wishes for the glory and the welfare Of them, and of their kingdom: may these days Of joy and gladness ne’er be changed to hours Of grief and sorrow, nor these songs of mirth To mournful plaints!

Azema: A king, my lords, will soon Be named; whoe’er he be, the choice will injure Myself alone; but Azema was born And must remain a subject; I submit To the queen’s pleasure, and on her protection Shall still depend; nor with the dark presage Of future ills shall interrupt your joy: But leave you my example of obedience.

Assur: Howe’er the queen may choose, and heaven determine, We must consult the public good alone; Let us then swear by this imperial throne, And great Sémiramis, to yield submissive, And without murmuring to obey her will.