Azema: Whate’er the gods Have done but fills my soul with sad dismay: Ninus was loved by them; yet Ninus perished.

Ninias: But now they will avenge him: cease thy plaints.

Azema: Oft have they chose the purest victim, oft Have shed the blood of innocence.

Ninias: No more; They will defend whom thus they have united: They by a father’s voice exhorted us, Gave me a throne, a mother, and a wife. Soon shalt thou see me sprinkled with the blood Of the vile murderer; from the tomb those gods Shall lead me to the altar; I obey; It is enough: the rest be left to heaven.

SCENE V.

Azema: [Alone.] O guard his footsteps in this fatal tomb! Ye powers inscrutable, whose blood must flow This day? I tremble for the event, and dread The hand of Assur, long inured to slaughter; Even on his father’s ashes may he shed The blood of Ninias: O may the dark womb Of hell receive and swallow up his rage! Ye lightnings blast him! O illustrious shade Of Ninus, wherefore wouldst thou not permit A wretched wife to go with her dear lord? O guide, support him in this place of darkness! Did I not hear the voice of Ninias mixed With deadly groans? O would this sacred tomb, Which I profane, but open to my wishes The gate of death!—I will descend:—I go— Hark! the earth shakes, and dreadful lightnings flash Athwart the skies: fear, hope, despair—he comes.

SCENE VI.

Ninias, a Bloody Sword in His Hand, Azema.

Ninias: O heaven! Where am I?

Azema: O! my lord, you’re pale, And bloody, frozen with horror.