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- float: left; - margin-right: 1em } - -.align-right { clear: right; - float: right; - margin-left: 1em } - -.align-center { margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto } - -div.shrinkwrap { display: table; } - -/* SECTIONS */ - -body { margin: 5% 10% 5% 10% } - -/* compact list items containing just one p */ -li p.pfirst { margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0 } - -.first { margin-top: 0 !important; - text-indent: 0 !important } -.last { margin-bottom: 0 !important } - -span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 1 } -img.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.5em 0 0; max-width: 25% } -span.dropspan { font-variant: small-caps } - -.no-page-break { page-break-before: avoid !important } - -/* PAGINATION */ - -.pageno { position: absolute; right: 95%; font: medium sans-serif; text-indent: 0 } -.pageno:after { color: gray; content: '[' attr(title) ']' } -.lineno { position: absolute; left: 95%; font: medium sans-serif; text-indent: 0 } -.lineno:after { color: gray; content: '[' attr(title) ']' } -.toc-pageref { float: right } - -@media screen { - .coverpage, .frontispiece, .titlepage, .verso, .dedication, .plainpage - { margin: 10% 0; } - - div.clearpage, div.cleardoublepage - { margin: 10% 0; border: none; border-top: 1px solid gray; } - - .vfill { margin: 5% 10% } -} - -@media print { - div.clearpage { page-break-before: always; padding-top: 10% } - div.cleardoublepage { page-break-before: right; padding-top: 10% } - - .vfill { margin-top: 20% } - h2.title { margin-top: 20% } -} - -/* DIV */ -pre { font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.9em; white-space: pre-wrap } - -</style> -<title>SEMIRAMIS</title> -<meta name="PG.Rights" content="Public Domain" /> -<meta name="PG.Title" content="Semiramis" /> -<meta name="PG.Producer" content="Al Haines" /> -<link rel="coverpage" href="images/img-cover.jpg" /> -<meta name="DC.Creator" content="Edward Peple" /> -<meta name="DC.Created" content="1907" /> -<meta name="PG.Id" content="42822" /> -<meta name="PG.Released" content="2013-05-27" /> -<meta name="DC.Language" content="en" /> -<meta name="DC.Title" content="Semiramis A Tale of Battle and of Love" /> - -<link href="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" rel="schema.DCTERMS" /> -<link href="http://id.loc.gov/vocabulary/relators" rel="schema.MARCREL" /> -<meta content="Semiramis A Tale of Battle and of Love" name="DCTERMS.title" /> -<meta content="semiramis.rst" name="DCTERMS.source" /> -<meta content="en" scheme="DCTERMS.RFC4646" name="DCTERMS.language" /> -<meta content="2013-05-27T16:21:43.738263+00:00" scheme="DCTERMS.W3CDTF" name="DCTERMS.modified" /> -<meta content="Project Gutenberg" name="DCTERMS.publisher" /> -<meta content="Public Domain in the USA." name="DCTERMS.rights" /> -<link href="http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/42822" rel="DCTERMS.isFormatOf" /> -<meta content="Edward Peple" name="DCTERMS.creator" /> -<meta content="2013-05-27" scheme="DCTERMS.W3CDTF" name="DCTERMS.created" /> -<meta content="width=device-width" name="viewport" /> -<meta content="EpubMaker 0.3.20a7 by Marcello Perathoner <webmaster@gutenberg.org>" name="generator" /> -</head> -<body> -<div class="document" id="semiramis"> -<h1 class="center document-title level-1 pfirst title"><span class="x-large">SEMIRAMIS</span></h1> - -<!-- this is the default PG-RST stylesheet --> -<!-- figure and image styles for non-image formats --> -<!-- default transition --> -<!-- default attribution --> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="clearpage"> -</div> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="align-None container language-en pgheader" id="pg-header" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span>This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the </span><a class="reference internal" href="#project-gutenberg-license">Project Gutenberg License</a><span> -included with this eBook or online at -</span><a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/license">http://www.gutenberg.org/license</a><span>.</span></p> -<p class="noindent pnext"></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<div class="align-None container" id="pg-machine-header"> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span>Title: Semiramis -<br /> A Tale of Battle and of Love -<br /> -<br />Author: Edward Peple -<br /> -<br />Release Date: May 27, 2013 [EBook #42822] -<br /> -<br />Language: English -<br /> -<br />Character set encoding: UTF-8</span></p> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst" id="pg-start-line"><span>*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK </span><span>SEMIRAMIS</span><span> ***</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst" id="pg-produced-by"><span>Produced by Al Haines.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span></span></p> -</div> -<div class="align-None container coverpage"> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 79%" id="figure-19"> -<img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="Cover" src="images/img-cover.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">Cover</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<div class="align-None container frontispiece"> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 60%" id="figure-20"> -<img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="She had come into the lion's very lair. (Page 143)" src="images/img-front.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">She had come into the lion's very lair. (Page </span><a class="italics reference internal" href="#id1">143</a><span class="italics">)</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<div class="align-None container titlepage"> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="x-large">SEMIRAMIS</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="large">A Tale of Battle and of Love</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">BY</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">EDWARD PEPLE</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">NEW YORK -<br />MOFFAT, YARD & COMPANY -<br />1907</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<div class="align-None container verso"> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="small">Copyright, 1907 -<br />BY MOFFAT, YARD & COMPANY</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="small">Published August, 1907 -<br />Reprinted, November, 1907</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<div class="align-None container dedication"> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">To -<br />"THE LITTLE PADRE"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">CONTENTS</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<ol class="upperroman simple"> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="medium reference internal" href="#the-raising-of-the-siege">The Raising of the Siege</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="medium reference internal" href="#the-building-of-a-city">The Building of a City</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="medium reference internal" href="#the-governor-of-syria">The Governor of Syria</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="medium reference internal" href="#the-fish-goddess">The Fish Goddess</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="medium reference internal" href="#a-prayer-to-dagon">A Prayer to Dagon</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="medium reference internal" href="#the-daughter-of-derketo">The Daughter of Derketo</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="medium reference internal" href="#a-master-s-kiss">A Master's Kiss</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="medium reference internal" href="#they-that-depart-and-he-that-is-left-behind">They that Depart and He that is Left Behind</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="medium reference internal" href="#the-eaglet-nursed-by-doves">The Eaglet Nursed by Doves</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="medium reference internal" href="#the-lifting-of-a-tax">The Lifting of a Tax</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="medium reference internal" href="#the-sandal-and-the-straws">The Sandal and the Straws</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="medium reference internal" href="#the-sorrows-of-a-king">The Sorrows of a King</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="medium reference internal" href="#the-skin-of-a-one-eyed-lion">The Skin of a One-Eyed Lion</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="medium reference internal" href="#the-turn-of-a-woman-s-tongue">The Turn of a Woman's Tongue</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="medium reference internal" href="#an-army-on-the-march">An Army on the March</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="medium reference internal" href="#the-pass-of-the-wedge">The Pass of the Wedge</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="medium reference internal" href="#in-the-shadow-of-zariaspa">In the Shadow of Zariaspa</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="medium reference internal" href="#the-raisin-in-a-skin-of-vinegar">The Raisin in a Skin of Vinegar</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="medium reference internal" href="#the-stratagem">The Stratagem</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="medium reference internal" href="#the-flight">The Flight</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="medium reference internal" href="#the-riddle-of-the-secret-way">The Riddle of the Secret Way</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="medium reference internal" href="#who-ruleth-first-must-rise">Who Ruleth, First Must Rise</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="medium reference internal" href="#the-siege">The Siege</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="medium reference internal" href="#the-citadel">The Citadel</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="medium reference internal" href="#shifting-the-burden">Shifting the Burden</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="medium reference internal" href="#the-passing-of-a-man">The Passing of a Man</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="medium reference internal" href="#a-path-which-led-to-its-starting-point">A Path Which Led to Its Starting Point</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="medium reference internal" href="#the-cry-of-the-tigress-to-her-mate">The Cry of the Tigress to her Mate</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="medium reference internal" href="#when-a-woman-ruled-the-world">When a Woman Ruled the World</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="medium reference internal" href="#the-desert-and-the-king">The Desert and the King</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="medium reference internal" href="#the-crowning-of-the-dead">The Crowning of the Dead</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="medium reference internal" href="#a-war-queen-s-prophecy">A War Queen's Prophecy</a></p> -</li> -</ol> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">PREFACE.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The existing history of Assyria's greatest ruler, -Semiramis, is so confounded with the religions and -superstitions of the ancients that little or no -authentic fact may be gleaned therefrom. Again, these -legends were handed down from father to son among -the Syrians and imaginative Persians, till finally -recorded by the more imaginative Greeks. These latter -gentlemen seemed seldom to allow mere truth to stand -as a stumbling block in their literary paths, but -leaped it nimbly for the entertainment of an admiring -world.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As for poets, they ever sing of Queen Semiramis -at a period of her seasoned age and wickedness, -though her "devilish beauty" continued to abide -with her, being wielded as an evil scepter o'er the -souls of men; yet much must be forgiven in a poet, -because of that strange inaptitude of truth for a -friendly relationship with meter and with rhyme.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In every human, however bad, there exists a trace -of virtue, even as, on the other hand, no mortal yet -has lived without some blemish of flesh or mind or -heart; thus Nature balances her weird accounts, -leaving the extremes of vice or purity to mythical ideals.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Given a woman without imagination or originality, -and that woman deserves no credit whatsoever for -her righteousness. She exists; she does not live; for -her temptation possesses no attractive lure. Yet -given another woman, of beauty, temper, brains, and -for her the battles of good and evil will be waged -till her fires are dead. Her better self must battle -against ambition, passion, the blood of direct -inheritance, the thousand ghostly guides that lead her -into perilous ways, while on the scales of -circumstances must hang the issue of her rise or fall. She -must face still other foes, in men who are stronger -than herself—men who seek her charms for weel or -woe; for perfect love is a woman's highest goal, and -a man may make or mar it by the mould of his great -or little heart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>If, therefore, in her later days Semiramis was evil, -the fault was not all her own. She chose her master—not -the master of her mind, but the master of her -woman's heart, and to him she gave her all. What -wonder, then, that when her all was filched by lustful -treachery, departing peace awoke a sleeping devil in -her blood?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Great faults had Queen Semiramis, and many, as -viewed by enlightened women from a reach of two -thousand years; yet who shall say that evil would -have claimed this splendid savage had fate not raised -another savage to mould her destiny?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It is not the purpose of this work to present a -series of historical facts, for even the legends of -Semiramis are too absurd and fragmentary to admit -of such a hope. Its aim—in emulation of the -worthy Greeks—is, at least, to entertain, albeit a -truth or two may now and again be handled carelessly. -It treats of ancient loves and wars, a tangle -of myth and probability—a patch-work, woven into -a quilt which, at worst, may assist the reader in -going peacefully to sleep.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span>July, 1907. E. P.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-raising-of-the-siege"><span class="x-large">SEMIRAMIS</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">CHAPTER I</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE RAISING OF THE SIEGE</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>King Ninus sat his war horse, gazing sadly -out across the walls of Zariaspa. His cheek was -bronzed by the brush of many winds, his muscles -hardened by the toil of battle in a hundred lands; the -blood of dauntless youth ran riot in his veins, yet it -whispered at his heart that the King had failed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Behind him the mountains of Hindu-Kush towered, -dull and purple, in the morning light, their peaks -obscured in coils of snake-like mist. Southward they -ran, a ragged line of hills, till they reached the height -of Hindu-Koh and claimed a brotherhood with the -mighty Himalayas. To right and left the -hill-steeps lay, a barren waste of rock and stunted -shrubbery, while at the feet of Assyria's King stretched -fertile valleys, and the plains of Bactria reaching -away to the banks of the River Oxus.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the centre of the plain stood Zariaspa, the city -which defied Assyria's might, a fortress whose walls -rose thirty cubits above the earth, grim, battle-scarred, -but still unconquered. Within, the defenders feasted -from a never ending store of food which seemed to -drop by magic from the brazen skies, while without, -a hungry host of besieging foes sat, cursing, in the -sand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So Ninus sat upon his horse in troubled thought, a -monarch cheated of his heart's desire—cheated by -craft and prowess more subtle than his own. To his -side rode Menon down a mountain trail, a Prince of -the house of Naïri, now travel-stained from a baffled -hunt for the secret of Zariaspa's store of food. He -made report, and Ninus listened, silent, nodding -slowly, frowning at the distant walls.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In feature and form these two were as oddly matched -as the sons of a kindred race might be. The King -was of massive frame and corded thews, a leader of -men who ruled by the right of might, who offered to -those he loved an open hand—to his enemies a -hard-clenched fist. Haughty of mien was he, with the eyes -of a restless hawk burning beneath the shadow of his -brow; his strong, square chin lay hidden in his beard, -while from his helm swept a mass of hair, resting in -thick, oiled curls upon his shoulders.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Prince beside him was but a boy in years, with -a beardless face of beauty to look upon, a slender, -nimble frame, yet hardened in the school of hunting -and of war. Where Fate was pleased to mark his -path, there Menon[#] rode with a loose, free rein, -mocking at danger as he played at love, yet scorning -not discretion's padded shield.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>[#] This name is known to modern writers as Onnes or Cannes, -but the historian Diodorus called him Menon and this name -has been used by the author throughout.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Where Ninus smashed his way through the -bristling ranks of opposing force, Menon skimmed in -crafty circles till he found the weakest point, then -cut it cleanly, as the swallow cuts the wind. Where -Ninus frowned and crushed obedience to his will, there -Menon bought devotion's merchandise with the price -of a joyous laugh; yet the boy, withal, had need to -lean upon the arm of power, while the King was a -king from helm to heel, a lord to whom his mighty -armies gave idolatry and the tribute of their blood.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Menon," spoke the King at length, as he pointed -across the plain to Zariaspa, "I have sworn by Bel -and Ramân to lay yon city low, to sack it to the dust -of its whitest ash. Thinkest thou we may some day -cease to squat in the manner of toads outside its -walls?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Aye, my lord," the Prince returned, with a -fleeting smile, "some day—when the toads have learned -to fly."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>King Ninus nodded thoughtfully, and with his -fingers combed at his thick, black beard.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"True," he answered, "true; and yet we soon will -be upon the wing. Look thou and listen." Again -he pointed, not at the city's walls, but to the monster -camp which circled Zariaspa as a girdle rests about a -woman's waist. "See, Menon, thy King hath learned -to fly."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now even as he spoke, the besieging army woke as -from a heavy sleep. On the gentle wind came a clank -and clatter of swiftly gathered arms, the squeak of -wheels and the harsh, shrill cries of captains to their -men. At first the sound was faint and far, a -whispered echo through the morning mists; yet anon it -multiplied and swelled into a busy roar, as the -vanguard of Assyria's hosts turned tail upon their -enemies and crawled toward the southern mountain-pass.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Menon, like the King, gazed out across the plain, -but in wonder and amaze, then raised his eyes to his -master's frowning face. Twice he strove to speak, -and twice fell silent, turning again to the marvel of -Assyria's army in retreat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My lord—" he began at last, but Ninus checked -him with a lifted hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay, Menon," the master sighed, "thy soul is -troubled because of the strangeness of this thing; yet -heed me and know the cause. My heart is still for -battle, yet the heart hath taken council of the mind, -and wisdom soundeth my retreat."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The King dismounted from his steed, leading the -Prince to a seat upon a stone which overlooked a wider -view of the breaking camp. He placed his arm in -fatherly caress on Menon's shoulder, and spoke once -more:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My warriors have called their chief a god." He -paused to smile behind his beard, and for an instant -sat in reverie. "Now godhood hath its virtues so long -as it leadeth unto victory and beds of ease; yet this -have I learned, and to my woe, that a pot of boiling -grease poured down from a city's wall will scald a god -as it scaldeth a naked slave. Defeat is mortal; gods -bring victory alone, and my faithful followers begin -to mutter among themselves."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again King Ninus paused in reverie, then stretched -his knotted arm toward the stubborn city.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Three years have we girded Zariaspa's walls and -battered at its masonry. Three years! and what hath -been compassed in these weary days? We scrape an -hundred-weight of scales from off the stones, and -sacrifice a third of an army's strength to the sport of -our laughing enemies. Our shafts are as swarms of -harmless gnats, our lances reeds in the hands of girls; -our mightiest engines toys at which the foemen crow -and chuckle in their merriment. From the Oxus to -the hills we harry the land in search of food, while -the Bactrians fatten as they loll upon their -battlements. Aye, meat have they, the which they -devour in lazy arrogance, tossing the bones thereof at -our hungry men below! Whence cometh this vast -supply? From Bel or Gibil, it matters not; they -gorge themselves, and laugh! Five score spies have -I sent by craft into the city, and five score spies have -they hanged upon the walls! By the breath of -Shamashi-Ramân, it rouseth me to wrath!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The King arose and set to striding in fury to and -fro, while Menon forbore to question him, knowing -that if his master willed he would speak in time.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And so," sighed Ninus, pausing at last beside the -boy, "and so will we journey westward for a space, to -conquer other and weaker lands, to fatten my army -with the fruits of spoil, to help them forget that a -god hath failed. When this be compassed, then will -I rest from war beside the Tigris where my city shall -be builded in the sand—a city, Menon, the like of -which no eye hath yet beheld—a fortress beside -whose strength this little Zariaspa is but a nut to -crack beneath thy heel. And there will I set my court -and hold dominion over all the world—hold it, till -men and the children of men shall wear my footstool -smooth with the pressure of their knees!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The monarch's bosom heaved in wrapt desire; his -dark eyes kindled with a flame inspired, as he raised -them toward the clouds. As a prophet he saw this -pearl of glory rise from out the wilderness. He saw its -monster walls, surmounted by a thousand and a half a -thousand soaring towers. In fancy he fashioned -gleaming palaces and sumptuous banquet halls. He -dreamed of gardens drowsing in the cool of spreading -palms, where a king might rest from the toil of his -lion-hunt; he heard the splash of fountains murmuring -through the long blue night, till the torch of -morning lit his terraces, and the grapes of Syria ripened -to his hand. He watched in triumph from his palace -roof the vast brown city stretching at his feet, while -the echoed roar of its busy din climbed upward in -waves of melody. He heard the clang of its mighty -gates of bronze that opened to the commerce of the -earth—that opened again to the outrush of his -war-armed hosts, a thousand nations melted into one grand -hammer-head that rose and fell in obedience to his -lightest nod.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And because of this city," King Ninus cried -aloud, "the peoples of every land shall hold my -memory till the passing ages rot, for I swear to mount -it on a deathless throne and crown it with the -splendour of my name! Up, Menon, and journey with -thy King to NINEVEH!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And thus was born that Nineveh which rode -astride the world, to fall at last, as falls the pride of -power, and find its grave in the dust from whence -it sprung—to lie forgotten in a mouldy crypt of -dreams, till the peoples who slipped from the womb -of another age swarmed forth to dig again—to spell -out a kingdom's vanished glories from the symbols of -a vanished tongue.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Menon and the King rode down into the valley and -across the plain to where the great war-serpent of -Assyria began to uncoil itself and crawl toward the -west. For the space of a moon the joyless work -went on. The camps of horse and foot were struck, -the rude utensils and heavier arms being strapped -to the backs of beasts of burden, while an hundred -thousand chariots were hitched and deployed across -the plains. Cumberous engines for the hurling of -heavy stones were dragged from beneath the city -walls, to be burned and destroyed, or hauled through -gaps in the distant mountain range by lowing oxen -and toiling, sweating slaves. The warriors set torches -to the huts and houses behind their trenches, and a -roar of flames was added to the bustling din of -moving men-at-arms. Great columns of spark-shot smoke -arose, to roll above the city in a suffocating -cloud—to choke the defenders who coughed and crowded -along the battlements. As each dense mass of -besiegers passed, the Bactrianas set up shouts and -songs of victory, while they hurled their taunts, -together with flights of shafts and stones, at the -growling, cursing enemy below.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From day to day the scene was one of turbulence -and haste, a jumble of groaning carts and provision -trains, of swiftly formed battalions passing -westward on the run, to join the vanguard and be lost in a -cloud of thick, low-hanging dust. And thus an -hundred nations trickled into order through the teeming -ruck, each yelling in its native tongue as it flung -defiance back at Zariaspa; while above the rumbling -tramp of myriads of feet rose the blare of -countless signal horns.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the last day dawned, King Ninus marshalled -an array to bid farewell to his jeering foes. -Where he faced the city gates, a thousand chariots -were formed in a curving, triple line, with steeds -whose polished trappings glittered in the sun, their -drivers giants picked from the flower of his force. -The wings were shaped by cavalry, dark-visaged riders -from the south, in turbans and flowing robes, while -a horde of footmen were massed behind. Here were -seen the harnessed tribes that bowed to Assyria's rule; -Indian bowmen, with weapons fashioned from bones -of saurians; spearsmen from Babylonia, archers from -the north; grim swordsmen from the Upper and -Lower Nile, bearing their shields of painted bronze; -wild slingers from the Syrian hills, half clothed in the -skins of beasts; Afghans, sullen Khatti, proud -Armenians in solid, bristling ranks—the warriors of -the world who had swept all Asia as with a flame, yet -failed to drag the walls of Zariaspa down.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the centre of the curving front King Ninus sat -his war horse silently; on his right rode Menon, while -on his left a mounted herald waited for command. -The monarch gave a sign; the stern battalia advanced, -to halt within an arrow-shot of the city gates; then the -herald raised his voice, demanding audience with -Oxyartes, King of Bactria.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now the Bactrians on the walls, suspecting some -deceitful snare, answered the summons with hoots and -laughter, with the mimic howls of animals and the -mocking crow of cocks. A cloud of arrows fell like -drops of rain, galling the restive chariot steeds, while -a captain on the wall released the beam of a -catapult. A monster rock came hurtling through the -air, to strike the earth within a spear's length of the -King and crash through the triple line of -chariots; whereat a mighty roar of rage went up, the -clamour growing into fury, till Ninus wheeled his horse -and gave a sharp command. At his word, the -centre of the line began to bend in a deeper curve, -divided at last, and two great columns of horse and -foot streamed westward toward the hills, while the -rumbling chariots, twelve abreast, brought up the -rear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With Menon alone King Ninus sat motionless upon -his steed till his warriors left the space of a thousand -paces clear; then he rode to the gate and struck it -sharply with the hilt of his heavy sword.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come forth, King Oxyartes!" he cried aloud. -"Come forth!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now the people of Bactria loved a fearless man, be -he enemy or friend, so they cheered him till the city -rocked with the thunder of their shouts, and Oxyartes -stood out upon the battlements.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What would Ninus of the King of Bactria?" he -called; and Ninus answered, albeit he lifted not his -eyes:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is not meet that the lord of Assyria hold -speech with fowls who roost in trees. Come down and -parley, King to King."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A bowman from above took umbrage at the haughty -tone, and loosed a shaft which broke upon the -monarch's metal helm, yet because of this deed King -Oxyartes seized the miscreant and flung him from -the wall. Then he called for a rope which, -being brought, was looped beneath his arms, and his -warriors lowered him to the earth, for the city gates -were sealed. In his hand he held a naked sword, and -Ninus noting this laughed scornfully, dismounted and -cast his weapon on the ground, awaiting his enemy -with folded arms. The Bactrian flushed in shame, -flung his own blade aside, and advanced with -outstretched hands.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pardon, my lord," he begged. "With one so -strange to fear, I might have brought my trust as I -brought my sword."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay," smiled Ninus; "where the sword is -wisdom, there caution is a shield."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Oxyartes was of that mould of warrior which Ninus -loved; the straight, lean form, the kingly head -beneath whose brow the eyes looked out with a level -gaze, while the hands he offered were firm in the -strength of youth—a fitting shield for the heart of -his sturdy land.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And why," he asked, "am I honoured by a -parley with Assyria's lord, when his army marcheth -westward in retreat?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>King Ninus laid his hand upon the Bactrian's -shoulder, looked into his eyes, and spoke:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I come to bid farewell to a worthy foe, ere I turn -toward the Tigris where my city shall be builded on -its shore. There will I rest and plan my coming -wars. There will I raise another and a mightier -force, to return when three short years have passed -and blot thy city from the plains. Ah, smile if thou -wilt, friend Oxyartes, but I come again, and at my -coming, look well to Zariaspa's walls!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So Oxyartes ceased to smile, casting his gaze upon -the earth, for he knew his foe spoke truth and would -come again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My lord," he asked at length, "wherefore should -our races be at war? In the country round about I -may not match thy multitude of men-at-arms; yet -behind my battlements I defy thy proudest strength. -Wisdom crieth out for truce, a compact wherein I -weld my force with thine and share all conquests and -a portion of the spoil thereof. Speak, Ninus, for -the compact seemeth just."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"True," the monarch nodded gravely, "true; and -yet I may not do this thing. When Bactria is -conquered and thy citadel laid low, then will I make a -treaty with thy nation's chiefs. They shall join their -strength to mine and share a goodly part of my -captives and my spoils." He paused to smile, and once -more laid his hand on the shoulder of Oxyartes. -"Their warrior King will I set among my best -beloved, for I hold him as a brother in the arts of war; -yet heed me, friend, I have sworn by Bel and Ramân -to rake the ashes of thy Zariaspa into sacks and with -them feed the waters of the sea! And this will I do, -or leave my bones to bleach beneath the brow of -Hindu-Kush! Till I come again—farewell."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then Oxyartes embraced the Assyrian king, begging -him to tarry for a day as an honored guest, to -feast and receive the richest gifts his kingdom might -afford; but Ninus smiled and shook his head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay, suffer me to treasure up the thought," he -answered with a laugh, "yet keep thy gifts till I -come to take them for myself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So be it," smiled the Bactrian in return. "Three -years of peace thou givest me, and in them will I dig -the grave of Assyria's lord in the shadow of frowning -Kush! Farewell!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He stooped and gave the sword of Ninus into the -monarch's hand, stroked the charger's neck till its -master mounted, then watched the King and Menon -ride away across the sunlit plains.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Not once did Ninus give a backward glance, yet -Menon wheeled his steed and kissed his hand to a -gathering of maidens watching from the battlements.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-building-of-a-city"><span class="large">CHAPTER II</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE BUILDING OF A CITY</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The Assyrian host dragged westward till it -wormed its way through notches in the mountain -range, descended the further slopes, then fared upon -its way. It split at last into lesser armies, each -beneath the leadership of a trusted chief, each charged -with a separate mission of its own. One force swung -north, to harry the shores of the Black and Caspian -seas and to levy tribute for the building of the city. -Another force went south through the plains and -valleys of Armenia, while still another fared afar to -the Sea of the Setting Sun. Here fleets of Phoenician -merchantmen were seized and pressed into the service -of the King, for in the eyes of Ninus a nation's traffic -was but a paltry thing till Nineveh should be. These -ships sailed out toward the delta of the Nile, presently -to return with swarms of Egyptian workers, together -with their cutting-tools of bronze, their winches and -their levers used in the wielding of mighty weights. -Ten score thousand riders spread forth through every -land and every tribe, summoning workers by pay or -promises; and where a tribe rebelled, Assyria's -warriors herded them like sheep toward one central hub -of toil.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>King Ninus himself sat down upon the river bank -where the waters of the Tigris and the Khusur join, -and here he wrought his plans. A band of men went -northward to the forest lands, felled trees, and split -them into boards with which they fashioned a fleet -of wide flat boats. These boats, propelled by sweeps -and pushing-poles, were manned by Phoenicia's sons, -for Assyria knew no more of ship-craft than hillsmen -know the camel's back; yet Ninus employed the skill -of others in his self appointed task. While the boats -were being builded, he marked the line of his city wall -in the form of a mighty egg, full twenty leagues -around; then the King began to dig.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He caused two trenches to be sunk, the one within -the other; the outer trench being twenty cubits wide -and ten in depth, while the inner trench was shallower, -but of greater width. These he flooded by means -of the river Khusur, forming two vast canals, with a -ring of earth between whereon should rest the walls of -Nineveh. Then the whole wide world, it seemed, was -set a-making bricks.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On the Tigris river-flats, above and below the city -site, a million workers toiled by night and -day—warrior, captive, slave, King Ninus cared not, so he -moulded bricks. These bricks were fashioned from -river mud brought down by inundation, the mud -commingled with straw and the fiberous parts of reeds to -give it strength, and were set to bake in the heat of -the summer sun.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Later these river flats would be employed for the -making of other bricks—the kiln-baked bricks which -were glazed and tinted with every color known to men, -designed for the facing of temples and of palaces; -but now the work went on for the city wall alone. -And yet not quite alone, for in the centre of the -city's line, where the Khusur cut the site in twain, the -King erected a monster mound whereon his royal -palace would one day sit; then on the summit of the -mound he builded a watch-tower, and abode therein. -Here, beneath a shading canopy, the master-builder -sat from dawn till dark, watching his work, for he -had sworn a sacred oath to indulge in neither hunt nor -war till Nineveh was Nineveh.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And now he saw the budding of his dream. From -the Tigris banks and up the Khusur came his flatboats, -piled high with bricks; they floated on his two -canals, supplying the workers who builded the wall -between. In time this inner canal would disappear, -being filled with earth, but the outer trench would -ever remain, to serve as a moat which girt the city -round about.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Like unto ants the workers swarmed beneath the eye -of Ninus on his tower, yet every little insect moved in -lines marked out by patient thought. The well-nigh -countless throng was divided into ordered gangs, each -gang provided with an over-chief who urged his -laborers by word of mouth or the lash of whips. -Beneath the tower sat a ring of mounted men-at-arms -who galloped forth with orders of the King, or -brought report from points too distant for his eye to -scan; for the builder willed his work to grow, not with -gaps or breaks, but as one splendid whole, each -section of the wall arising in conformity with its brother -parts, until a straight, unvaried line should mount -each day toward the sky.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From dawn till dark the robe of Ninus fluttered on -the tower's crest—a banner of warning to those who -shirked their toil. Where diligence grew slack from -weariness, or the work of a section fell behind, a -man-at-arms spurred out toward the offending gang, to -strike off the head of its over-chief and cast his body -into an empty boat. Presently this boat, on its -outward journey for a load of bricks, would drop the -corpse into the Tigris, and another chief was set in -the sleeper's place.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Beyond the wall the army of Assyria lay encamped, -yet active beneath the rule of Menon and his chiefs. -A kingdom in itself it was, whence recruits were -drilled and trained to combat with the veteran -warriors; whence engines of offense were builded against -the day when Zariaspa again would suffer siege; -whence foraying bands went forth to gather grain -and fruits, likewise sheep and cattle, wherewith to -feed the multitudes of slaves and soldiery. It was -here deserters from the wall were caught and -crucified in sight of those who harboured thoughts -displeasing to the King; for Ninus punished, not in -impotent gusts of rage, but rather with that cold -precision of a master-mind. And because of these things -his work went on apace.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the wall had risen twenty cubits above its -base, the King contrived from his inner trench a -myriad of intersecting channels converging toward his -central mound. Through these he conveyed material -for the laying of his streets, for the erection of -houses and the temples unto Ishtar, the fire-god Gibil, -and the temple of his great Lord Asshur upon the -hill. The royal palace would be modeled last of -all, for the mind of Ninus, released from other cares, -might give its power to the grandeur of his halls, to -their splendour of adornment wherein the arts of an -hundred nations would be taxed to lend them glory.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And now the deep-tongued voice of labour swelled -in volume, rolling upward in incessant waves of melody -to where the King sat smiling on his tower. He -listened to the roar of sharp command, commingled with -the answering cries of slaves and the groan of laden -carts. Far out across the plain he spied a train of -sleds, each drawn by a thousand men, and creeping -inch by inch through tawny sands; from the quarries -in the south they bore huge blocks of basalt wherefrom -strange effigies would be carven in the likeness of -gods, of lions and of wingéd bulls. Beyond the wall -King Ninus heard the humming din of Assyria's hosts -encamped, the clank of arms and the rumbling tread -of horse and foot. Within, he listened to the whine -of ropes, to the creak of hoisting-cranes which lifted -a world of brick and swung like living tentacles above -the sweating pigmies down below. He heard the -songs of boatmen on his black canals, a droning air -that rose and fell, stilling the harsher cries of labour's -pain, and seeming to chant the kingly builder's praise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The heat of the summer sun poured down, a pitiless, -parching blaze, while a horde of delvers bowed -beneath their lashes and their loads. They staggered -at their tasks, each praying to his gods for the shades -of night to fall, when he slept like a beaten dog till -dawn awoke him to another hell of toil.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And thus fair Nineveh grew, as if by magic, from -the dust, the while a master-devil watched it from his -tower. And the heart of Ninus swelled within him -and was glad.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-governor-of-syria"><span class="large">CHAPTER III</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE GOVERNOR OF SYRIA</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>King Ninus, grandson of the mighty Shalmaneser, -mounted his throne in youth, a throne which -ruled a kingdom run to seed through the slothful -reign of Shamashi-Ramân; yet as his grandsire's -heart had beat for war alone, so beat the heart of -Ninus, resting not till the glory of Assyria flamed -forth again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From the city of Kalah, crumbling in decay, he -began his little conquests, conquering his neighbors -and joining their strength to his, making them friends -and allies rather than slaves who bowed beneath a yoke -of might. He moulded their uncouth valor into -ordered rule, exchanging their clumsy weapons for -his better tools of war, till, presently, an army raised -its head from out the mud of ignorance. A conquered -people, so long as they paid him tribute and -kept their covenants, were left in peace, their gods -untroubled, their temples sacred to their own desires; -but should they revolt, then Ninus and his grim, -unpitying host returned, to leave their cities smouldering -heaps upon the plain, the heads of their chiefs set up -on poles by way of warning to all who entertained a -similar unrest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And thus, like ever widening circles in a pool, the -Assyrian Empire grew apace, until at length its -confines stretched away, even to the shores of the Sea of -the Setting Sun. Beneath the rule of Ninus bowed -Media and Armenia, the roving, battle-loving Khatti, -Tyre, Sidon, Edom and Philistia. Proud Babylon -was once more wedded to Assyria, albeit she ever -scratched and bit in the manner of fractious and -unwilling wives. Damascus fell, a feat which even -Shalmaneser failed to compass, and the peaceful fields of -Syria were overrun, their cattle eaten by the hungry -conquerors. The dwellers on the shores of the Black -and Caspian seas were subject to the sway of Ninus, -and Egypt paid him endless tribute in precious metals -and shields and swords of bronze.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And yet two kingdoms lay as stumbling blocks in -the path of Assyria's power. The one was Bactria, a -land whose armies, beaten in the field, took refuge -behind the massive walls of Zariaspa, defying siege for -three long years, their turrets lined with well-fed, -jeering men-at-arms.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The other unconquered kingdom was Arabia, ruled -by a wily Prince, by the name Boabdul Ben Hutt, -who chose a saddle for his throne, his sceptre a -loose-sheathed scimitar. This country abounded in a breed -of swiftest steeds which wrought King Ninus to the -verge of mad desire; yet the prize was beyond his -grasp, like the fruit of a palm whose trunk he could -neither fell nor climb. And more; its inner kernel -was protected by a circling rind of desertland, far -deadlier than a force of a million warriors. -Moreover this kingdom stood in constant menace to the -plans of Ninus, and so soon as an adjacent country -was subdued and the armies marched to further wars, -a cloud of dusky riders would descend in a swirling -rush of sand, to obliterate the tracks of Assyria's -patient toil.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Report came now to Ninus as he sat upon his -tower, and vexed him till he fain would crucify the -messengers of evil tidings. The horsemen of -Boabdul were troubling Syria with the points of spears, -devouring the fattest flocks and bearing off rich spoils -which the King desired in the building of his city. -For an hour King Ninus combed his beard in thought, -then sent for Menon and spread before him a feast of -fruits and wine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Menon," spoke the King, when the feast was -done, "to-morrow shalt thou journey down into -Arabia and seal a covenant with our worthy foe, Prince -Boabdul Ben Hutt."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Menon stared and set his goblet on the board.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A covenant?" he asked in wonder, for he feared -lest he had not heard aright.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Aye, a covenant of peace," King Ninus nodded -gravely; "for, heed thee, fools alone make war -upon the birds of flight, while a wise man feedeth -them from his store of grain, in that they fatten -against a time of need." Menon smiled, and the King -spoke on: "Go thou, then, unto Arabia, seek out -Boabdul and bear him gifts which I now make ready. -Offer them together with the love and fellowship of -Assyria's lord, and call him brother in my name. -Seal, thou, a covenant whose bonds provide that we -trespass not upon one another's lands; that in all -new conquests, wherein he lendeth aid, a half of the -spoils thereof shall be his part. In turn, Arabia may -call upon the arm of Ninus for the smiting of her -enemies, and the lands subdued shall be divided in two -equal shares. Accede to such demands of the noble -Prince as wisdom and justice may advocate, yet upon -one point hold fast as a buck-hound's grip, though -the treaty come to grief because of it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And that?" asked Menon, still marvelling at the -master's tone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Stallions!" cried the King, as he struck the table -with his hairy fist. "These must I have, to add to -the glory of my stud, to draw my chariots and to fill -the stalls of my stables here at Nineveh. Look to it, -Menon, three thousand steeds of the noblest stock will -Boabdul send each year; and for the which he may -ask his price in maidens or other merchandise. The -steeds, my friend, the godly steeds of Barbary!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a space the King and his faithful general -spoke thoughtfully of matters pertaining to the -truce, then Menon rose to take his leave; but Ninus -detained him further.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"When the covenant shall be sealed," said he, -"send messengers with the terms thereof to my allies -in the South; likewise dispatch a trusty courier to me, -then journey into Syria. In Syria thou wilt wait -upon its Governor, one Surbat by name, a drowsy -man who ruleth with the wisdom of a sheep. Send me -his head; and when he, thus, shall be removed from -office, rule thou in his stead—yet wisely and with -wakefulness."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Menon's cheeks grew red with pride at the honours -which his master was about to heap upon him, and he -would have fallen to his knees in gratitude, but the -King restrained him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay, listen," said he, "the hills of Syria are fat -with the fat of plenty, their vast tribes rich in cattle -and in sheep, while Ninus hath grievous need of food -in the building of his city. Pinch them with tax, my -son, till their veins run dry, yet spare their skins that -they puff again for a later need. I, myself, will send -a messenger unto Surbat, advising him of my will in -the change of rule, albeit as to the smiting of his -neck, I will leave it till thou comest on him suddenly."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once more Menon sought to sink upon his knee, but -Ninus took his hands and raised him, saying, with a -smile:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay, spare thy thanks till the lion's hide is dried; -for, remember, I send thee down to Syria for -Surbat's head. Rule boldly, but with craft, lest -perchance I may some day send for still another head. -And now, farewell."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Menon journeyed down the Tigris in a barge whose -sweeps were manned by swart Phoenicians; and beside -the guard accompanying him, there were certain -slaves who bore provisions and the royal gifts for -Arabia's Prince. By day and night they travelled -swiftly till they came to the town of Kutha, where -they crossed by land to the Euphrates and embarked -in another boat. Thence they floated for many days -on the current of this muddy stream, and rested at -last by Burwar, a league below the site where Babylon, -the Queen of Cities, would some day rise. Here they -dispatched an Arab messenger unto Boabdul Ben -Hutt, and sat down to wait the pleasure of the Prince -and an escort through the desertlands.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At length the escort came, a band of turbaned -savages who stole like ghosts across the sands on the -backs of lurching camels; whose weapons and -trappings gave no sound; whose visages were hardened to -the breath of heated winds and the sting of burning -dust. Their Sheik bade Menon welcome in his -master's name, and strapped the gifts of Ninus on a -vicious lead-beast's hump. He mounted the leader -and seven of his men-at-arms, but the others, together -with the slaves and servants, he commanded to remain -behind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There were those of Menon's guard who sat uneasy -in their seats, because of the strangeness in the gait of -these awsome beasts; and one, when his camel floundered -from its knees, clutched wildly at nothing and -pitched headlong to the earth, to arise from the dust -with curses, amid the laughter of the Bedouins.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now it is not good to mock at a Babylonian in -distress, so he, one Babus, nursed a certain soreness of -his pride which was like to bring the cause of Menon -into bitter stress, yet the time was not yet come.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For the space of eleven days the cavalcade fared -westward through the trackless wastes, the sky a -brazen lake of fire, the plains a tawny, dizzy sea that -seemed to heave with endless waves of sand. In the -hours of noon they rested long beneath the shade of -canopies, and slept; then took up their flight again, -to shiver through the cool of night when a huge moon -leapt with wondrous suddenness from beneath the -world and raced away along his curving, star-lit path. -And thus they journeyed till the dawn of the twelfth -red day, when Menon spied the fringe of a green oasis -as it rose from the desert's rim. Like a cool, sweet -dewdrop it seemed to lie in the core of a yellow leaf, -and after a weary ride at quickened pace the travellers -came upon the outposts of Boabdul's camp.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Here the Assyrians were conducted into tents of -skins, that of Menon being sumptuous in appointment; -it was deep, commodious, and provided with -silent slaves to wait upon the chieftain's needs. One -servant bore a cooling draught of wine, while another -prepared a bath—a tub devised of a camel's hide -supported on stakes which were driven in the earth. -The juice of the grape was sweet to Menon's swollen -tongue, but the bath was like unto the spirit of a -loved one who took him in her arms and kissed away -his weariness. In the water he lingered listlessly, at -rest, at peace, while his thirsty pores drank in the -precious moisture; then a black attendant clothed him in -a filmy robe, and a rich repast was spread. There -were dates and figs, with cakes of pounded grain; -there was wine in jeweled cups, and melons chilled in -the depths of Boabdul's wells. The Assyrian ate and -was satisfied, then sank upon a couch, to slumber -dreamlessly throughout the day, throughout the night, -till at dawn the tingling blood ran knocking at his -heart with the message that he lived again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When, once more he had eaten and was conducted -from his tent, Menon found the camp astir with the -life and bustle of moving warriors, of shifting -sentinels, and horsemen who led their steeds to water and -provided feed. Through groves of palms he could -see a vast array of tents which stretched away to the -uttermost edges of the green oasis, while on the plains -beyond white clouds of riders wheeled and darted to -and fro. The great red sun arose, and with its -coming Menon and his men-at-arms were led before -Arabia's Prince.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Boabdul Ben Hutt stood waiting in the opening of -his royal tent, a youth of lordly mien, with a proud, -disdainful beauty stamped upon his beardless face. -About his head was wound the folds of a milk-white -turban whose tall aigret was caught in the clasp of a -splendid emerald. His robe was wrought with -precious gems and threads of gold, while a jeweled -scimitar swung from his studded belt.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In Assyria's tongue he greeted Menon and his -followers, bidding them welcome to his couch and -board, for the Prince was schooled in the speech of -many lands. He questioned them as to the health -of the King, their master, and sought to know if the -messengers had rested from their tedious march; and -then, when the rind of courtesy was pealed away, -Boabdul demanded that the meat of Assyria's quest be -laid upon the palate of his understanding.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So Menon spoke as Ninus had desired, calmly, -craftily, setting forth the marked advantage of a union -with his lord. He touched with truth upon Assyria's -wants, yet pointed out Arabia's crying needs. He -laid the terms of treaty before the Prince till the -scales of justice balanced to a grain of sand; then, he -called Boabdul brother in his monarch's name and -asked for stallions from the plains of Barbary.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Arab listened in the patience of his race, -albeit a frown of anger now rode upon his brow, while -his fingers fluttered about the hilt of his keen-edged -scimitar. When Menon ceased to speak Boabdul -spurned the gifts of Ninus with his foot and loosed -the bridle of his fiery tongue.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What!" he stormed. "Is Arabia's Prince an -owl? Shall he blink at the glory of Assyria's sun, -while foxes pluck out feathers from his tail? My -stallions! No! Go back to thy master who would -pillage where he conquereth not, and lead him a -bridled jackal for his stud. Go! Say that Boabdul -knoweth not a brother of his name, and bear him as -my gift thy two palms heaped with dust!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A close-packed ring of Bedouins girt the messengers -round about, and those who understood passed -whispered words to their fellow warriors, till soon a -threatening murmur rose, and many a scimitar itched -to leave its sheath.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now Babus, the Babylonian—he whose pride was -sore because of his fall from the camel's back—spoke -out unbidden and flung a taunt in the teeth of the -angry Prince, whereat an Arab impaled the offender -on his lance, so that Babus writhed upon the earth, -and died. The Assyrian guard would have drawn -their swords to avenge the stroke, and of a certainty -would have lost their lives and marred their master's -truce, but Menon wheeled upon them with a word of -sharp command.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Peace!" he cried. "The mouth of a braying ass -is closed with the dust which wise Boabdul sendeth as a -gift to Ninus." He paused, to set a chain of gold -about the neck of the Arab who had wrought the deed, -then turned to the Prince with palms held downward. -"See, my lord," he smiled, "my hands are empty -now. What, then, shall I bear to Ninus who waiteth -at Nineveh for a seal of truce?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The jackal!" flashed Boabdul. "Bear him that!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay," spoke Menon, pointing to the corpse of -Babus at his feet, "thy second gift will I also put to -use in devouring the flesh of this fallen fool, whom -my lord will forget, aye, even as a generous Prince -forgeteth wrath."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Bedouins nodded among themselves and smiled, -for they loved the turn of a crafty tongue, yet the -Prince ceased not to scowl.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And why," he asked, "if Ninus would call me -brother of his heart, doth Ninus not come in person -to my tents, or seek a council on some middle -ground?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Because," replied the messenger, "he buildeth a -city on the Tigus river-bank; a city so vast that -none save he alone may direct the rearing of its walls -and palaces."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oho!" the Arab scoffed. "So the master -thatcheth huts, and sendeth a hired servant where he -dare not risk the peril of his neck."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Menon flushed, but checked a hot retort upon his -lips, and held the eyes of Prince Boabdul in a level -gaze.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Aye, truly," he answered, with a slow, unangered -speech, "I am but an humble servant of my King; -and yet I lead his hosts to battle, even as thou, my -lord, lead those of thine honored father, whom I learn, -with sorrow, is too infirm by reason of his years to -bear the stress of war."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again the Bedouins murmured among themselves, -but now in approval of the Assyrian's words, yet -Boabdul checked them with a frowning glance, and -their tongues were stilled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Of a truth the Prince was pleased in secret at the -covenant which Ninus offered, yet would not seem too -eager of his own desires. Therefore he feigned a -marked disfavor to the plan, in hope that the treaty -might lean more lightly on the shoulders of Arabia.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And this master of thine," he asked, with a dash -of scorn, "is he then so high in power that the world -must kneel before his kingly nod? Is he mightier -than I, Boabdul Ben Hutt, who sweepeth the land -with sword and flame? who ruleth from the desert to -the lip of the western sea and balanceth a kingdom -on the edge of his whetted scimitar? Speak, servant -of thy King! Would Ninus face me, man to man, -and still be conqueror?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"As to that," smiled Menon, openly, "I may not -say. Long have I known my master as a father and -a friend, yet remember not that he boasted of his -deeds."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now the words of Menon were the words of bald -untruth, for Ninus was a very prince of braggarts, -causing a record of his feats of arms to be graven on -mighty tablets, the which were designed for the -wondering eyes of men who should follow after him. But -Menon was unafraid, and the sting of his calm -reproof was as a spur in the flanks of the Arab's rage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I would to my gods," he cried, "that this -builder of huts were here at hand, in that I prove a -weapon on his teeth!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Alas!" sighed Menon, "he is far away at Nineveh, -where he trusteth some day to receive Boabdul as -his honoured guest."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And thou," the Arab sneered; while he trembled -with fury because of the other's unruffled mien, "thou -who bearest the terms of this foolish truce and -shieldeth thy master's insolence, wilt thou dare face me, -afoot or astride a steed?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Aye," said Menon, as he took Boabdul's measure -thoughtfully; "if thereby our treaty may be -sealed—with all my heart."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come!" cried the Arab fiercely. "Come cross -thy blade with mine; and if I fall, the treaty shall be -made in accord with the covenants set forth. If not, -a second council shall be held, whereat thy King -shall sue for peace upon his knees."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Beneath the shade of date-palms a circle of warriors -was formed, and in its centre the two prepared -to battle for the terms of truce. Their robes were -laid aside lest the folds become entangled with their -legs, and they stood forth naked except for waist -cloths girt about their loins. The Arab was lean -and wiry to the litheness of a cat, with corded -thews that lay in knots upon his dusky skin. The -Assyrian's flesh, though pale with the tint of a -northern clime, was firm and hard, its muscles rippling -smoothly with the movement of his limbs. He was -taller and of longer reach, well schooled in the arts of -war, and possessed of a lynx-eyed watchfulness as -a match to the speed of his nimbler foe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Boabdul wielded his curving scimitar, which was -weighted at its point, and held a tiny target upon his -arm in easy grace, while Menon was armed with a -shield of bronze and a heavy two-edged sword, the -gifts of Memetis, an Egyptian prince held hostage -at the court of Ninus.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a moment the two stood motionless, each -striving to note a weakness in the other's guard, each -ready for thrust or parry should an opening chance; -then the Arab crouched and began to move in circles -round and round. Menon, making a pivot of his -heel, turned slowly with his hawk-like adversary, -presenting a steady front to every point of menace or -attack, and daring the Arab with his smiling eyes. Of -a sudden Boabdul feinted with an under-thrust, -recovered, and lashed out wickedly at Menon's head; -yet the scimitar only rasped along the edge of a -waiting sword, and the Arab bounded back beyond the -danger line. Again and again he sought an opening, -and was met by a steady, cool defense, while the -watching Bedouins and Assyrian men-at-arms cheered -lustily for their champions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Stung by repeated failure, Boabdul's blood ran hot -within his veins, and the battle waxed in fierceness and -in speed. As the leopard springs, so the Arab darted -in and out, his scimitar a wheel of light, a weapon in -every spoke, that now rang sharply on a shield of -bronze or gritted against a sword; the while Prince -Menon fixed his gaze on the Arab's eyes and waited -a whisper from his gods.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In circles they stamped the earth, amid the din of -hoarse, wild cries of men who lusted for a sight of -blood; and then a shout went up, for a crimson stream -ran trickling down the Assyrian's thigh. The crafty -Boabdul, too, had seen, and he bounded to a fresh -attack, but Menon caught the blow on his brazen -shield and turned the stroke aside; then swiftly, and -with all his strength he smote the foeman's target with -the flat of his heavy sword. His gods had whispered, -for the Arab's arm hung numbed and useless at his side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And now it was Menon's turn to forsake the waiting -game and push his foeman to the wall. The -fresher of the two, because of his calm defense, he -pressed upon the Prince without a feather-weight -of mercy, nor gave him pause. In vain Boabdul -fought with all his skill to regain an aggressor's -vantage ground, yet could not, for his blade was now his -shield, while Menon warded blows with either arm. -Still the battle was not yet won. The Arab strove -by a score of cunning tricks to lure his enemy into -faulty guard or a weakness of attack. He even -sought with taunts and mockery to tilt the even -temper of his foe; but Menon pressed him closer still -and laughed—which troubled Boabdul grievously. -Once the wily Arab flung himself upon the earth and -slashed at the other's legs, but Menon leaped and -the stroke passed harmlessly beneath, while the -Prince regained his feet and moved backward on the run.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They closed again for a final test of strength and -artifice, twisting, thrusting, showering blows that were -turned aside or evaded by a shifting foot, each -panting in his toil, each weary but undismayed; then, of -a sudden, Menon locked his sword in the curve of the -Arab's scimitar, and, grunting, heaved it from -Boabdul's grasp. The Prince, in an effort to elude the -snare, reeled backward, tripped, and rolled upon the -earth. In a flash the Assyrian sprang upon him and -pressed his point beneath the dusky chin.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With screams of rage the circling Arabs lowered -their spears to swoop upon the victor and save the -vanquished if they might, but Menon flung his shield arm -up in warning.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Back!" he cried, "or by the crown of Ishtar will -I slit his throat!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sons of the desert halted, as a steed is curbed, -each poised for a savage thrust, each waiting in -awesome dread for a thread of life to snap, while -Boabdul Ben Hutt gazed upward into Menon's eyes, -though the brand of fear burned not upon his cheek.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Strike, dog!" he groaned, in the shame and -anguish of defeat; but Menon tossed his sword away -and stretched forth his hands that the fallen one -might rise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In silence stared the Bedouins; in silence Boabdul -rose and looked in puzzled wonder on his conqueror.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Assyrian," he asked at length, "why now is thy -blade unstained, when a twist of fortune gave me -over into thy hand?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My lord," spoke Menon solemnly, and yet with -a certain twinkling of the eye, "I seek to seal a -covenant with Arabia's Prince; not with Boabdul dead."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Arabian had looked on death, and knew that -the wine of life was sweet to him; so anger departed -utterly, and humor seized him till he laughed aloud.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now by my father's beard," he cried, as he caught -the Assyrian's hands in his and pressed them against -his breast, "if Ninus keepeth faith as he chooseth -messengers, right gladly will I call him Brother of -my Soul!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then a mighty cheer arose, whose echoes rolled -far out across the plains—a cheer for Ninus, lord of -all Assyria—and another, louder, longer still, for -the lion-hearted messenger. It had come upon the -Arabs that Menon not once had sought to strike a -fatal blow, but had stood before the desert's fiercest -scimitar, undaunted, staking all upon his strength, -and had spared where he might have slain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They led him unto Boabdul's tent, where the -Prince's aged leech administered to his wound. They -bathed and anointed him lest he suffer hurt because -of his heated blood, and clothed him in raiment from -Boabdul's royal chests.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The treaty was duly sealed, to stand between two -kingdoms through the march of years; and neither -monarch once broke its covenants, albeit the links -thereof were oft' times strained by jealousies and the -wild unrest of evil men.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the terms of peace were closed to the smallest -point, then Menon and his followers abode with the -Prince for the space of seven days, wherein the hours -of light were passed in hunting and in sports of arms, -while the nights were given o'er to feasts and revelry. -The guests were regaled at a kingly board, where -wine cups circled till the thirsts of men could ask no -more, their senses steeped in the charms of music and -of maidens who danced unveiled before their eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the hour of parting Boabdul took the Assyrian -to his heart and bade him think on Araby as a -tent-flap ever held aside; and more, he made the gift of -a noble steed from the plains of Barbary, a brother -stallion to the one which he himself bestrode. With -the steed went an Indian slave whom the Prince called -Huzim, a giant from the Indus, with shoulders of -mighty girth and whose bow no arm save his alone -could draw.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So Menem, in sadness, parted from his host and -journeyed into Syria, where he came upon Surbat, the -drowsy Governor thereof. This man he removed -from office and sent the head of him to Nineveh, -taking council with the gods of craft that he save his -own.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then he rode upon the back of Syria, as a mahout -drives a fractious elephant, goading with a goad of -tax, till the hills resounded with its echoed trumpetings.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-fish-goddess"><span class="large">CHAPTER IV</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE FISH GODDESS</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Menon, Governor of Syria, was troubled in his -soul. Throughout the night he had courted -sleep, yet rest came not to body or to mind, for the -air was close, and vexious thought stood sentinal -beside his couch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the cool of dawn came stealing down on -Syria, he left his heated pallet, clothed himself, and -wandered along the lake shore where the freshening -breezes blew. He sprawled at ease upon a shelving -stone, cast off his outer robe, and watched for a ruby -sun to spring from out the east.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Behind him lay the village of Ascalon, where dwelt -the herders of sheep, the tillers of the thirsty soil and -the wardens of flocks and herds. Before him -stretched the lake, deep, green and chill, the palm and -pomegranate casting ghostly shadows from its shores. -On the further side, in the gloom of shrubbery and -trees, the temple of the fish-god Dagon seemed but -the end of a morning mist that trailed across the -waters. In the shallows beside the rocks swam -countless fishes, now darting to cover beneath the stones, -now leaping at some luckless fly that swung too near -the danger line. From end to end the surface broke -with myriads of fins, while ever and again a louder -splash proclaimed some monster's upward rush, the -widening ripples cut by minnows in a scurrying -flight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They dwelt in peace, these denizens of the deep, -for the Syrians eat no fish, nor may they snare them -with hooks or nets lest the wrath of Dagon utterly -destroy such fools, together with their flocks and herds, -their wives and children, their soil and the fruits -therein. And thus the fish lived on and multiplied.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There were men, as countless as the fish of -Ascalon, who envied Menon as one on whom the gods had -smiled; yet now he sat with his chin upon his palm, -with a foot that tapped impatiently on the -wave-bathed shore, while he scowled at the glory of a -coming dawn.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Wherefore should he scowl, this favorite of the -gods, Chief Governor of Syria, a warrior beloved of -men, a youth watched covertly from many a latticed -screen till his careless passing caused a yearning sigh? -Wherefore should he mutter curses in his palm and -dig his heel into the sands? Had he not on yestereve -received a scroll from the King himself, wherein -that monarch praised him for his services afield, and, -more, for his crafty rule? Had Ninus not made offer -of a high reward when Nineveh should be builded at -the end of two short years? Ah, here the sandal -galled! Full many an older man, for very joy, might -have danced upon the lake shore happily, yet Menon -muttered curses in his palm and digged his heel into -the sands.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ere another moon was dead, the waiting messengers -must return to Nineveh and with them bear an -answer to the lord of all the lands. Agreement to the -King's desire meant cruelty more bitter than he dared -to dream. Refusal dragged the keystone from his -arch of hope, to crush him beneath the very walls his -youthful strength had raised. To seek delay—</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Of a sudden Menon started from his revery, as -a round white pebble struck his knee and bounded into -the lake. He looked to learn whence the missile came, -but all was still. Behind him in the distance stretched -the rolling hills, with herders following in the wake -of drowsy sheep; to the right, the lake's rim lay in -peace, barren save for a fluttering bird or two, while -on the left a fringe of bush ran out on a point of -rocks, too low, it seemed, to screen a human form. -Still wondering, the Assyrian rubbed his knee and -gazed reproachfully at the fishes in the lake, when a -flute-like laugh pealed forth—a joyous, bubbly -laugh—that rang along the shores till every rocky -ledge took up its notes and flung a mocking echo -across the waves.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Menon sprang upon a stone, to explore each nook -and crevice with a hunter's circling gaze. With body -bent, with every sense alert, he swept the shores for -the jester's hiding place; and at last, when hope was -well-nigh spent, he caught the gleam of a -wind-blown lock of hair from the rocky point close down -by the water's edge. Menon smiled, then seemed to -become engrossed in the sight of some floating -object far out upon the lake; yet, the while, from the -tail of his crafty eye, he watched the point whence -mischief hid as behind a shield. A silence fell. No -sound was heard save the splash of plunging carp, the -yelp of a shepherd's dog, and the harsh, shrill cry of -a crane that passed in lazy, lumbering flight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From the water a form rose noiselessly, while a pair -of dancing eyes looked out through a leafy screen; -a rounded arm was raised, and Menon wheeled and -caught the second pebble as it came. For an instant -the two stood motionless; the one surprised at her -swift discovery, the other stricken speechless with -amaze at the bold, unearthly beauty, of a water nymph.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A goddess!" he gasped at length, and stared in -the wonder of a dreamer roused from sleep.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She stood at the water's edge, a girl just budding -into womanhood, her fair skin glistening with the -freshness of her bath. A clinging skirt from hip -to knee, revealed her slender symmetry of limb, clean, -lithe, and poised for nimble flight. For the rest she -was nude, save for a tumbling wealth of flame-hued -locks, tossed by the rising breeze, half veiling, half -disclosing, a gleaming bust and throat. Above, a -witch's face, Grecian in its lines, yet dashed with the -warm voluptuousness of Semitic blood; a mouth, -firm, fearless in its strength, yet tempered by -a reckless merriment—a mouth to harden in a -tempest-gust of scorn, to quiver at the sigh of passion's -prayer, or fling its light-lipped laughter in the teeth -of him who prayed. Her eyes—a haunted pool of -light, wherein, a man might drown his soul, and, -sinking, bless his torturer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For an instant more stood Menon, gaping at the -girl, till humor gripped him, and he flung back his -head and laughed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By Asshur," he cried aloud, "a kiss shall be the -price of thy sweet impertinence!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At a bound he cleared the intervening space and -stretched his hand for a wayward coil of hair, yet -ere his fingers closed the girl leaped backward, turned, -and plunged into the lake. In a flash she disappeared, -to rise again and strike out swiftly in a line -with Dagon's temple on the further shore.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oho!" laughed Menon, "t'is then a fish's game! -So be it, saucy one, for two shall play it to the end!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Not pausing to divest himself of clothing or the -leathern sandals strapped upon his feet, he followed -after, sank and shot upward, snorting as he shook -his head to free his ears and eyes. With strong, free -strokes he began the race, smiling happily because -of its speedy end. What chance had she against his -splendid strength, he who had breasted the swollen -Euphrates, or stemmed the Tigris when its waters -sang to the plunge of hissing arrow points? The -chilling bath lent vigor to his limbs and sent the -young blood bubbling through his veins. The shoulder -muscles writhed beneath his skin, while his heart -beat faster in the fierce exhilaration of pursuit. -What joy to run such quarry down, that gleaming -body moving with an easy sweep, the flame-red hair -that barely kept beyond his reach!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Faster and faster Menon swam, with every grain of -power behind his strokes; yet the maiden kept her -lead, now pausing to fling a mocking glance behind, -now darting forward till the ripples danced against -her breast. And so the chase went on, till the lake -was well-nigh crossed, till the temple, which had -seemed to twinkle among the trees, now stood out -boldly, and an image of the ugly fish-god Dagon -watched the stragglers in stony silence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then the pace began to tell, even upon the -Assyrian's strength. His muscles ached; his hot breath -broke between his lips in labored gasps; about his -breast a band of bronze seemed squeezing out his -life, and a sweat of weakness dripped into his eyes. -He was gaining now! He saw with a hunter's joy -that his quarry wearied of her work. Her strokes -grew feeble, while the flaming head sank lower among -the waves.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By Bêlit," he wheezed, "the kiss is mine, or I -rest my bones at the bottom of thy lake!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The space of a spear's length lay between the two, -and inch by inch the pursuer cut it down, while the -nymph had ceased to mock him with her laughter, -and bent her ebbing strength to the effort of escape. -For her the race was run. On came the panting -hunter in her wake, remorseless, eager, a hard hand -reaching for her floating locks. She ducked her -head, eluding seizure by a finger-breadth, leaped as -the struggling fishes dart, and regained a tiny lead. -Once more vantage slipped away, and now was -hanging on a thread of chance. Again and again the -Assyrian's hand shot out, to clutch the air or a dash -of spray in his empty fist. His failure angered him. -He clenched his teeth and worried on, yet splashing -clumsily, for exertion now was fraught with agony.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The kiss!" he breathed. "I'll have the kiss, I -swear, or—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The oath died suddenly upon his lips, for the -maiden tossed her arms and disappeared. With a -cry the youth plunged after her, forgetting his pain -in the fullness of a self-reproach. He reached the -spot where her form had sunk, and strove to dive, -but weary nature proved a master of his will. He -floated to regain his wind, while scanning the lake for -a rising blotch of red; but only the leaping carp -made circles through the waves, and a ruby sun -climbed upward from a bed of mist. The breeze -hummed foolishly among the palms, and a blue crane -flung an accusing cry across the waters.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Menon's hope ebbed low and lower still, to die, to -spring again to life at a peal of bubbly laughter, -sweet unto his ears. Behind him he caught a flash -of flaming hair, the gleam of a throat that shaped the -taunt, a shoulder cutting through the ripples easily—the -lake-nymph, fresh, unweary, an impish victor -of the race!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By a trick she had lured him to expend his strength -in the chase of one who swam as the minnows swim; -and to Menon came this knowledge like a blow between -the eyes. He turned him shoreward with a feeble -stroke, striving to keep himself afloat, for his heavy -sandals weighed him down, and languor seized on -every fibre of his frame. He was beaten, spent. A -blurred mist rose before his eyes, while the droning -call of distant battle raged within his ears. A -thousand flame-hued heads danced tauntingly beyond his -reach, and laughed and laughed. The world went -spinning down into a gulf of gloom, and a clumsy -crane reeled after it—a steel-blue ghost that stabbed -him with a beak of fire. He choked; he fought for -life as he lashed out madly, till the foam-churned -waters mounted high and fell to crush him in their -roaring might.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For the space of an indrawn breath a white face -rode upon the surface of the lake, then slowly the -Assyrian sank.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was easier now! He seemed to slide from the -grip of pain to a waving couch of peace. The world -had slipped from out its gulf of gloom at last, to rock -through league on league of emerald cloud, and the -crane was gone. The lake-nymph's laughter, too, -had died away. She fled from him no more, but -stretched her arms and held him close, his limp head -pillowed on her breast. She warmed his flesh with the -coils of her fiery hair, and her child-voice rose and -fell in a crooning slumber-song.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The kiss!" sighed Menon, and the waters hung -above him drowsily.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="a-prayer-to-dagon"><span class="large">CHAPTER V</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">A PRAYER TO DAGON</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>As the young Assyrian sank, the maid smiled -cunningly and edged away, fearing to be snared in -a trap of her own device; yet when the moments -melted one by one, her merriment gave place to fear. -Full well she knew the space a swimmer might remain -beneath the waves, and when at last four tiny -bubbles rose, she took one long, deep breath, and dived.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Downward her course was laid in a slanting line, -down to the very lake-bed, where the rocks were -coated with a slimy muck, and tall grey weeds swayed -gently to and fro. She worked in circles among the -sharp-edged, slippery stones, groping with hands and -feet where shadows closed the mouths of the darker -pools; and at last she touched his hand. She strove -to seize it, but her breath was well-nigh spent, and -with a spring she shot toward the air.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A moment's rest and again she dived, now certain -of the spot whereon he lay. She reached him, paused -an instant while her fingers sought a clutching point -and closed upon his belt. She raised his weight, then -bent her knees to lend a springing start, and began a -battle for the stranger's life.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Slowly, too slowly, was the journey made, for the -body in its water-laden robes was dragging heavily, -while the swimmer, with only one free arm, was -hampered in her toil. But still she rose, though her -lungs were like to burst, and the sinews across her -chest were taut with pain. Up, still up, till youth -and will could bear the double tax no more. She had -ceased to move. She was sinking now, and of a -sudden loosed her hold and raced for life—alone. -High up she shot, till her slim waist cleared the water -line. Another long, glad breath, and she sank again -ere the body might once more settle among the weeds; -and now she was beneath it, swimming cautiously, lest -her burden slip.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>How far it seemed to that wavy blur of light above, -and how he weighed her down! How the lagging -moments crawled, while each was a hope that slid away -as the waters swept beneath her arms! His trailing -hands were checking speed, and his robe was torn and -entangled with her feet; yet across her shoulder hung -his head, his cheek pressed close against her own.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By Ishtar, she would save him now, or rest beside -him on his couch of weeds!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At last! A prayer of thankfulness to Dagon -whistled across her lips with the first sweet rush of -imprisoned breath; then, grasping the Assyrian's -locks, she turned upon her back and swam to the -temple's marble steps.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once she had seen her foster-father bring back the -life of a shepherd boy whose spark was well-nigh -quenched in a swollen mountain stream; and so she -wrought with Menon, first turning him upon his face -and by her weight expelling the water from his lungs; -then she chafed his pulses, beat with her fists upon -his body, and moved his arms with a rhythmic motion -to and fro. This she did and more, for, womanlike, -when hope had oozed away, she took him on the -cradle of her breast and sought to coax him back to life -by soothing, childish words.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Live! Live!" she breathed. "How young thou -art to die! And I—a fool!—a fool!—to cause -thee ill! Come back, sweet boy, and I will give the -kiss! Aye, an hundred if thou wilt—but come!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She wound her arms about him and looked into his -upturned face. How beautiful he was, but oh, how -still! How deep were his eyes which gazed into her -own, but saw not her tears of pity and of pain! -Some noble was he, perchance, in the train of Menon, -the mighty Governor, who would doubtless sell her -into slavery because of her wicked deed. But why -should a youth do foolish things? Why had he dared -the waters of her lake where fish alone or the child -of fishes swim? Must a life so young, so precious, -pay the price of folly? The folly of a kiss! Ah, he -might have it now, though his lips were cold, -unconscious, beneath the pressure of her own.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again and again the blazing head was bowed, while -the color raced from cheek to throat, and the -lake-nymph's blood awoke—awoke with a flame that -would one day boil the caldron of Assyria, when the -froth was stirred by a spoon of passionate unrest—a -flame that would parch a thousand lands and drive -their hordes to madness in a quenchless lust for war.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With the strength of despair the maiden lifted -Menon's body, dragged it up the temple steps and -laid it at the foot of Dagon's altar; then on her knees -beside it she raised her arms and prayed, in a woman's -passion-born desire.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"See, Dagon," she cried aloud, "see what the -spirits of thy lake hold prisoner! See how still he -lieth—he who was warm and filled with the breath of -youth! An offering? No, no, sweet god, 'tis not an -offering at thy daughter's hands. The fruits, the -garlands, and the grain are thine; the fattest kids -and the first of the springtime ewes, but he is mine! -List thee, mighty one! Why lookest thou across -the lake in silence, unmoved, and heeding not my -cry? Do I not bring thee dates and flowers, the -goat's milk and the buds from the tallest palms? -No boon have I asked of thee, yet grant it now! -Ah, pity, pity, and give him back to me!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The suppliant bowed her head and waited, but the -fish-god gave no sign. High up he towered, a -hideous effigy in rough-hewn stone, with human face -and hands, with the scaly body of a fish, while below -his human feet were seen, distorted, half concealed in -heaps of withered blossoms borne in offering by his -shepherd worshippers. Behind him lay a carven -plow, in emblem of the tiller's art, a sickle, a herder's -crook, and vessels of wine from the vineyard's choicest -juice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Long moments passed. The lake-nymph's eyes -were shifted from Dagon's visage to the stranger at -her side. His body lay in an ugly, helpless sprawl, -his arms outstretched, his dark eyes fixed on nothingness, -as vacant as the idol's own. Once more the -maiden turned to the god who seemed to mock her -with his icy calm, whose stony ears were closed to the -voice of prayer. She waited, and childish reverence -melted as a mist dissolves, and fury rent her heart. -She sprang to her feet and beat upon the effigy with -doubled fists, her eyes ablaze, her loose hair whipping -at her naked breast.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Awake! Awake! Art sleeping, Dagon, that -thou heedest not? Awake, I say! 'Tis I who -call—</span><em class="italics">Shammuramat</em><span>![#] Am I, too, not a child of gods, -whom the good witch Schelah sayeth will one day rule -the world? Heed, or I tear thy temple down and set -a Moloch in thy stead! Awake, thou fool! Awake!"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">[#] The name "Shammuramat" has been corrupted by the -Greeks into Semiramis, in which form the great Assyrian -Queen is better known.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The shrill voice ceased. The pale girl listened with -a chill of terror till the echoes died in the temple's -dome. Once more she fell upon her knees, and -though her rage still stormed within her heart she -softened her speech, as in after years she won by -flattery where anger failed to lash obedience to her will.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Forgive, dear Dagon," she whispered, as she -clasped his feet, "my tongue is the tongue of -Derketo, my mother, whom thou didst curse with a just -unhappiness. Yet listen! In error didst thou cause -this youth to sink in the waters of thy lake, for he, -too, loveth thee, with a love as great as mine. Give -me his life, divine one, and in payment will I steal -rich wine from my father's oldest skins—the palm-wine, -Dagon, which is sweet and strong. Also, my -goat is thine. I will slay it here in sacrifice and lay -its heart in the hollow of thy hand."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She paused in thought profound. The bribe was -large, yet the scales of barter needed still another -weight; and well she knew the gods demand in -sacrifice the parting with gifts which cause the keenest -pangs. Of all her treasures two were held most dear, -her dog and a string of pearls; and now, as she looked -into Menon's sightless eyes, her treasures seemed -to shrink in worth. Yet ere she squandered all upon -an altar stone, the voice of wisdom whispered at her -ear and caused her to hide a smile.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hear me, Dagon," she murmured, meekly, "thou -knowest my good dog Habal that on rest-days cometh -to thy temple's door? Him, too, might I give in -offering to turn thy heart, yet the deed were folly and -to thee unjust; for doth he not watch my father's -flocks, with a faithful eye upon the lambs which are -slain for thee alone? Were Habal dead, who then -might save thy lambs from the beasts of prey? Nay, -Habal's teeth can serve thee unto better ends than -Habal's blood."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She stole a glance at Dagon, and, finding his features -placid in content, became emboldened to seal her -bargain with a master-stroke. In a corner of the -temple lay her robe of fine spun wool, discarded for -her morning bath; and now from beneath its folds -she brought her necklace, holding it up for the greedy -god to see.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look! Look, sweet god," she cried. "This I -offer thee—a treasure given by a great Armenian -prince. Soften thy heart and I cast it into the -deepest waters of thy lake, where none may find it and -dispoil thee of my gift."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>True, Semiramis herself might dive and recover it -at will, albeit she hoped a point so trifling might -escape the god. Yet, lest the thought occur to him, -she hastened on:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Knowest thou not the value of such pearls? -With a single bead thou couldst buy an hundred -Habals for thine altar's needs. Think, then, what all -would mean—they are twice a score—and I give -them for the life of this one poor youth, whom -me-thinks is of common blood and lowly born. Heed, -wise one, and hasten, lest wisdom tempt me and I keep -my pearls."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A shaft of sunlight filtered through the thick -leaved palms, wavered, and crawled across the -temple's floor; for an instant it rested on a tangle of -blazing hair, then slowly climbed the fish-god's scaly -side. As the maiden watched, with parted lips, with -bosom fluttering to a quickened pulse, the flame of -sunlight flickered and went out. Yet at her choking -cry, it leaped to life again, to splash the face of -Dagon with a leering glow of happiness—and -Menon groaned and stirred.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While one might count a score, the girl leaned, limp -and nerveless, on Dagon's altar stone; then she cast -aside the blistered cat's paw of divine appeal and set -in its place a swift, more vigorous god of force. -With a zeal of hope she fell upon the body of her -charge in all the strength her wild, free life had built, -till Menon's eyelids fluttered and a frown of half -unconscious protest ridged his brow. In the twilight of -understanding, he fancied himself an ill used -prisoner in the hands of enemies who mauled him from -neck to heel; and when with returning life came an -agony of water-laden lungs that labored to be free, -he turned on his side and muttered curses, deep, -fervent, touched by the fires of poesy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was then, then only, that the toil of Semiramis -gave place to indolence. She rested her chin upon -her knees and listened to the music of his oaths—music -far sweeter than the liquid notes of shepherd's -flutes, or the echoes of sheep bells tinkling through -the dusk. A seed of love had broken from its strange, -unharrowed soil, and the bud had opened to look upon -its god.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With a sigh of peace she rose and clothed herself -in the robe of fine spun wool, clasped tight her girdle -and strapped the sandal thongs about her feet; then -she rested Menon's head upon her lap and forced -between his teeth the rim of a wine cup of which she -recklessly deprived great Dagon's shrine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Dagon and I," she murmured, with an impish -smile, "have compassed much; yet Dagon alone, -without the measure of my aid—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She paused, for a young cloud slid across the sun, -flinging a shadow on the temple floor, a shadow which -crept and crept till the fish-god's visage darkened -with its gloom; then Semiramis remembered, rose, and -cast her pearls far out into the lake.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once more she sat beside her charge, chafing his -temples with a patient, lingering caress. Long, long -she watched, her fancy looming lace-work webs of -fate, while her heart marked joyfully his battle with -reluctant life; till, presently, his breath flowed gently -and the sweat of pain was dried upon his brow.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Menon's glance met hers, and a flush of shame -grew hot upon his cheek—the shame of defeat to -him, a war-tried soldier, at the hands of a shepherd -girl. Yet in her smile a man might forget defeat—forget -and rejoice—forget all else save the smile and -the maid who smiled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His color spread, yet the blood-warmed tint now -told no more of the sting of an humbled pride. He -strove to raise his arms, but they seemed as weights -too heavy for his strength, and sank beside him -weakly. His thews were slack; he lay as helpless as -an unweaned babe, yet the victor's eyes were laughing -down into his own, and were kind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The kiss!" sighed Menon, and the maiden bent -and gave her soul into the keeping of his lips.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-daughter-of-derketo"><span class="large">CHAPTER VI</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE DAUGHTER OF DERKETO</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>A coppery sun climbed upward on his hill of -cloud; the south-wind ceased, and the lake -drowsed lazily in the morning sun. The Assyrian -still reclined with his head upon the lap of Semiramis, -for in the beginning she would not suffer him to tax -his strength with speech. She urged that he rest, -while she told her name and the story of her birth; -and he, content, asked nothing more than to look and -listen, while his heart grew hungry and his pulses -sang to a tune of joy. So the maiden babbled on of -gods and men, of the shepherd's home with Simmas, -her foster-father, and of her simple life with sheep -that browsed upon the hills and the fishes swam in the -waters of Ascalon.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Her mother, Derketo, had been a goddess whom -the Syrians worshipped in her temple beside the lake, -till she drew the fatal wrath of Dagon down, because -of her beauty and her foolish vanities. She lured -the hearts of mortals from their level paths, -consuming them with mad desires which were barren and -unfulfilled; playing with passion, yet drinking not its -flame—a reckless sprite who mocked at hell, while -she danced on a thread that stretched across its throat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then Dagon, troubled at her wickedness, brought -forth from some far eastern land a warrior youth who -sighed and sang before Derketo's shrine. Slender -was he and shapely, with deep blue eyes and locks -that shone as a flame of golden red; so the goddess -came out to him and was pleased because of the -sweetness of his song. Through the long blue night he -sang and whispered in her ear, till by his arts and a -subtle tongue he wrought her fall, then straightway -disappeared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A babe was born, and Derketo, in her shame and -grief, stole out by night upon the hills and left her -child among the rocks to die; then, weeping, she -crept into her temple, hiding behind its altar's shadow -from the sight of men. By day she slept; by night -she crouched beside the water's edge, to fling shrill -curses at Dagon across the lake.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then Dagon in wrath waxed terrible, and sent a -lightning bolt which destroyed the goddess and her -temple utterly, so that Syria knew her beauty and -her wiles no more.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now a farmer who dwelt in Ascalon was sorely -vexed because of theft, yet never could he lay his -hands upon the pilferer, albeit he watched together -with his wife and sons. The goats' milk left in crocks -outside his door would disappear in the broad of day, -and after a space his cheeses began to suffer -likewise. Marveling, he set himself to watch again, and -at dawn a flock of doves dropped down before his -door. They pecked at his cheeses, or filled their -beaks with milk, then winged their flight to a distant -point on the hillside over against the lake. The -farmer and his sons marked out the spot and journeyed -thither, to find a babe that was sheltered among the -stones—the same which Derketo left to perish, and -now was nurtured by these sacred birds.[#]</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>[#] This is the accepted legend of the origin of Semiramis.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The farmers bore her tenderly to the house of -Simmas, chief warden of the royal flocks, a kindly -man who reared her as his own; and they called her -Shammuramat, which name, in the Syrian tongue, -means Dove.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus the offspring of a goddess, and adopted -child of doves and mortal man, grew swiftly to a -strength and beauty of the gods themselves. From -early childhood she loved the lake, where she sported -among the waves till none might match her in speed -or grace of stroke; yet, truly, born of Derketo, -goddess of the fishes, what marvel, then? Again, as her -mystic father hunted through far off eastern lands, -so the girl soon turned to hunting through the hills -of Syria, with a passion which made her bow and -spear a wonder among the simple shepherd folk.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And now," said Semiramis, as she toyed with -Menon's hand, "and now am I a woman grown, with -lovers who come in droves as the cattle come, yet -daring not to voice the yearnings of their hearts. -Great, stupid youths are they, the sons of farmers -and tenders of our herds, who stare at me in -tongue-tied wonderment; aye, like unto the yearling calves -whose thoughts we may not fathom because of their -foolishness."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Assyrian laughed and drew her down till her -lips met his and clung; and she joined his merriment, -in that he seemed so unakin to the yearlings of -which she spoke. Then, presently, she thought to -ask his name.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Menon," he answered simply, whereat she started, -pushed his head from out her lap and edged away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Menon—</span><em class="italics">thou</em><span>!" she cried. "Ah, no, my lord! -A jest! That man is but a devil's leech who clingeth -to the throat of Syria, taxing, taxing, till its very -blood is sucked in tax! </span><em class="italics">Thou</em><span>—!" She paused to -laugh. "The Governor is ugly, fat—and thou—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again she stopped, with suddenness, and blushed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay, harken," said Menon, "of a truth I am the -Governor; and it cometh to me that I would tax thy -country further still—tax it till I snatch from thy -foster-father, Simmas, his choicest store of all."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Eh—what!" she demanded, angered at his -words. "My father—that kind old man? Shame! -Shame, my lord!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Menon pursed his lips and ridged his brow with -his sternest frown.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I fain would rob him as I say; yea, even thy -sacred doves and the very gods themselves, of Syria's -Pearl—Shammuramat."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The girl said naught, but gazed in silence out across -the lake, while a smile played softly at the corners of -her mouth. She was not ill pleased to be called the -Pearl of Syria, albeit she herself had long been -conscious of the pretty truth. Moreover, t'was most -unseemly in a maid to gainsay a mighty Governor; and -in her heart she could find no dread of this weighty tax -on Syria's birds and gods. Therefore she waited for -his further speech, which came at length with earnestness:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now as to these taxes, concerning which I am -called a devil's leech, it grieveth me sorely to oppress -a simple folk, and it causeth my soul's unrest by night -and day."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again the maiden laughed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Aye, truly," she answered, spreading out her -locks for the sun to dry; "I well can believe thy -words, for never have I looked upon a youth so -melancholy, or one on whom his sorrows ride with a -tighter knee. Yet tell me, O Prince of Woe, what -in truth may chance to be thy station and thy name?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Menon spread his hands, though he could not help -but smile at the maiden's doubt of him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay, believe me," he urged, "I speak the truth. -I swear it on thy fish-god's altar. I am indeed the -Governor, sent hither at the King's command, to do -his bidding, not my will alone. King Ninus buildeth -a city for himself on a far off river bank, a city -which is like unto a huge, devouring monster, swallowing -up the stores of men, the fruits of the earth, and -the children of every land. This, then, is why I come -to tax thine honest neighbors of their wealth."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He told her of the city's walls and of how they rose -from out the waste of sand; of the temples, palaces, -the towers and the soaring citadel. He told of -millions toiling through the nights and days, and of an -army which girt the walls around, while Semiramis -sat listening, drinking in his words.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah!" she breathed. "Ah, now I understand! -And what is this city called?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nineveh—the Opal of the East."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again Semiramis came close to Menon's side, and, -at his pleading, once more took his head into her lap.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This monarch of thine," said she, as she nodded -thoughtfully, "is right. He is wise and strong. -My people are fools to murmur against the justice -of his tax. For listen! I, too, will some day build -a city, more grand, more vast in its reach and splendour, -aye, even than this Opal of the East. Its walls -shall top thine highest towers—its gardens shall -hang between the earth and sky. Ah, laugh if thou -wilt, yet Schelah hath seen it all—as I have -seen—as it rises on her kettle's smoke."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At Menon's look of wonder, she told him that -Schelah was a witch who dwelt in a cave among the hills, -who wrought strange spells, told fortunes, and healed -disease with her arts and herbs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A withered crone is she," the maiden said, "ugly -and of crooked limbs, whose very name the farmers -fear; and yet she is not an evil witch, but kind and -gentle to those who understand. Why, I fear her no -more than—than—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Than me?" asked Menon, with a smile.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Than thou," she nodded happily, "and I fear </span><em class="italics">thee</em><span> -none at all. Yet tell me more."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He told her of the battles he had seen; of the siege -of Zariaspa, where Ninus, baffled of desire, needs turn -away till a mightier army could be raised, and -engines devised to batter down the walls. He told her -of other wars, long, fierce, triumphant in the end; and -as he spoke Semiramis saw it all, even as she once -had seen a dim and ghostly Babylon which rose from -out old Schelah's kettle-smoke.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She saw vast, rolling plains, where armies met with -a rending crash and roar; where warriors, locked in a -grip of rage, fought desperately and died; where -chariots charged as against a cliff, to totter and -overturn, and the sands ran red with blood. She heard -the cries of men and the clang of blows, exultant -shouts of victory and the shrieks of those who -fled—the rumble of wheels and hoofs that shook the -earth—the clamour of ranks that reeled through tossing -clouds of dust. Her bosom heaved; her cheeks, her -lips, grew crimson with the rush of blood; her dark -eyes kindled, and she trembled as in a chill.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ishtar!" she cried, as she raised her head and -clenched her outflung hands. "Oh, if I but once -might sing a battle-song! To struggle—to -fight—!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Menon checked her with a rich, full-throated laugh -that echoed to the temple's dome.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Fight?" he asked. "In the name of all the -gods, fight whom?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She gave no heed to his merry tone, for the spark -had caught, the flames were lit, and the fuel needs -must burn.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"</span><em class="italics">Poof</em><span>! I care not, so it be a foe—a foe who -will stand and scorns to fly!" Again she raised her -arms, her rich voice shrill in its pitch of feverish -desire: "To drive a chariot and lash its steeds through -hedges of swords and spears! To drink of the wine -of war! To conquer and to reign—a queen! And -see!" she cried, as she caught her flame-hued hair, -"this will I cut away, that none may know me for a -maid. Then, then wilt thou suffer me to follow as a -youth who is in thy train. Speak, lord, I wait."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Menon smiled and shook his head, for a maiden's -path, he told her, was not amidst the perils of the -field; but she took his cheeks in both her palms and -bent till her breath was mingled with his own.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay, once," she pleaded, in her haunting, liquid -tone, "one </span><em class="italics">little</em><span> war—no more! Ah, Menon, sweet, -thou will let me go?" Lower she bent and leaned -upon his lips, while her strange eyes burned their -passion into his, her fair arms clinging in a love caress. -"Menon! Menon!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He trembled, for his heart cried out aloud and -longed to give this maid whatever she asked; and she -held him closer still, murmuring into his ear as her -mother, Derketo, might have whispered when she -lured the steps of men from their level paths.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Heed me," she pleaded low, and brushed his -cheek with the velvet of a softer curve, "didst thou -not will to tax my father of the Pearl of Syria? -What then? Wouldst leave me in thy home—alone—to -yearn for a loved one far afield, to -weep, to listen for his footstep through the weary -night? Nay, Menon, that were cruelty, and thou art -kind."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A shadow settled on the Governor's brow. He -arose and paced the temple's floor, his hands locked -tight behind his back. Grim duty called his name, -and it came to him that the scepter of Assyria was -thrust between his heart and the woman for whom it -beat alone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What troubleth thee, my lord?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a space he answered naught, but kept to his -thoughtful pacing to and fro.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Maiden," he began at last, "there are matters -of state which come to pass, and a woman may not -understand, by reason of their strange complexities."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The girl looked up, with a sparkle in her eye which -warred with a sense of vague misgiving in her heart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perchance, my lord, the tongue of a learned -Governor is happily of that turn which maketh such -matters simple, even to a woman's foolish mind. I pray -thee try."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Menon laughed, then began to tell his trouble as -best he might, though the task now seemed more -weighty than the sealing of a truce; and rather far -would he have faced Boabdul's scimitar than the eyes -of this red-haired girl who watched him, hanging on -his utterance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"King Ninus," said he, "hath sent me messengers -who on yesterday were come. They bear me a scroll -wherein my master is pleased to laud my deeds with -flatteries and praise. At his command have I taxed -thy people till the very grass blades wilt, and thereby -won the enmity of all the land; yet the King is glad, -for because of me he receiveth vast stores for the -building of his city. In reward"—here Menon -faltered, turned away his eyes and looked upon the -floor—"in reward he offereth me his daughter's -hand—Sozana—when the walls and palaces of Nineveh shall be."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah!" breathed Semiramis. "Ah! I see!" She -crouched upon the temple steps, one knee clasped -tight within her arms, her pink chin resting on it -thoughtfully. "Go on, my lord."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This offer," continued Menon, scowling as he -spoke, "is a fruit of bitterness upon my tongue, for -the maid is loved by my best of friends—Memetis—an -Egyptian Prince whom Ninus holdeth hostage at -his court lest his nation rise to—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He stopped, for Semiramis had checked his speech -with a cold command.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay, let Memetis rest! What manner of maid -may this Sozana chance to be?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"She is dark and slight," the Governor answered -slowly, "of a trustful nature, gentle in her ways, and -kind." The girl beside him laughed, yet merriment -was not its tone; and Menon blundered on: "As -children we played together, she and I—a saucy -little rogue of mirth and song—a child, for whom -I'd cut away my hand rather than bring a pang of -suffering."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So," said Semiramis, in a whispered drawl, "so -the Princess is fair to look upon. I did divine as -much. Well? Well, my lord?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And now," sighed Menon, "the King would -cause this pretty child to stifle love and wed where she -hath no will."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not so," declared Semiramis, with a snap of her -firm white teeth. "Be warranted, my lord, the jade -hath put him up to it. What! Hath she not seen -thee? Hast thou not beguiled her with thy, craftful -wiles? How should it, then, be otherwise?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again the lake-nymph laughed, ungently, and with -a shrill, derisive ring.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay!" said Menon. "Nay! She yearneth not -for me, nor do I yearn for her. In secret is she -betrothed unto Memetis whom she loveth utterly; and -should I bow to the King's desire, t'would bring a -hurt to her whom I took to wife, and to him whose -happiness I hold more dearly than mine own."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once more the Assyrian paused and gazed in trouble -through the temple's door. In the waters of the -lake he seemed to see the faces of his monarch and his -friends, the King, with a smile upon his bearded lips; -Memetis, sad and silent in reproach, and sweet -Sozana, wondering at a grief too deep for tears.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then why," asked Semiramis, quivering as she -spoke, "then why, in the name of Bel and Moloch, -wouldst thou do this wicked thing?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Governor stood before her, cast in gloom, and -answered sullenly:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The offer of the King is the King's command, -and once, once only, may a subject thwart his will."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah!" breathed Semiramis once again. "Ah, I -see! Moreover, I do perceive that Menon hath a -mighty leaning to this maid of Nineveh, who is dark -and slight, of a trustful nature, gentle in her ways, -and kind. Nay, shake not thy head, deceitful one. -Shammuramat is not a fool. What, then, remaineth -for my lord to choose?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Menon sighed, but answered naught, while she sat -and watched him pacing in his deep unrest. Presently -she spoke again, slowly, softly, yet the tone was -cold:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have marked, my lord, that those of smallest -mind demand the longest span of time in making up -the same. The wise man acteth! His love and greed -he weigheth not in the selfsame scale. What! Hath -the mighty Governor still to choose?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Assyrian leaned against a pillar of the -temple, gazed gloomily before him, and brooded on the -mandate of the King. The warrior within him -whispered at his ear, calling, pleading, as with a -trumpet's blast. Another voice there was, that told of a -love of power—of the joy in ruling over weaker -men—and Menon's place was beside the King. -They dragged him, these voices, as with a chain of -bronze, yet his heart cried out Shammuramat! With -her he could dwell in peace for all time, an outcast -from his land, a wanderer, in want and poverty—a -worshipper who died content in the glory of her -smile. And yet—</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is my lord still praying to his gods of guile, or -doth he slumber because of weariness—and me?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The troubled Governor did not note a certain -purring in her tone, nor the gleam of her eye, while she -crouched as the leopard crouches, noiseless, ready for -its spring.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By the great lord Asshur," Menon muttered between -his teeth, "my wits are tried and grievously." He -shook himself and turned with his winning smile. -"Can the friend of the good witch Schelah lend aid -to one who is vexed in spirit and in mind?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yea!" cried Semiramis, springing to her feet -in a gust of fury. "Yea!" Her eyes flamed hotly, -and her fingers clenched till the nails bit deep into -her palms. "</span><em class="italics">Go</em><span>, thief of kisses! Go, when thou -hast scorched my country bare with tax! Go back -to thy maid of Nineveh—this whining jade whose -sire is but a savage and a fool! Yet tell her -this—thou hast looked on the Pearl of Syria! </span><em class="italics">Tell -her—and she will understand!</em><span>"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For an instant stood Semiramis, a queen of -consuming rage and scorn; then she laughed—laughed -hoarsely—in the mockery of mirth, sprang down the -temple steps, and was gone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Menon followed after, shouting, begging her -return, as he sought her among the trees and tangled -undergrowth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Shammuramat! Shammuramat!" he called -aloud, and only the echoes of his yearning voice came -back to taunt him. For a weary space he searched, -yet his search was vain; and when hope had departed -utterly, he turned him homeward, skirting the lake -shore with a lagging step.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then a girl crept out from the shadows among -the trees and sat on the temple steps. She rested her -arms upon her knees, her chin upon her arms, and -watched till Menon's drooping figure passed from -sight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once more she cast her robe aside, tore off her -sandals and flung them down; and then, in the -wondrous beauty of her form unveiled, she stood in wrath -before the fish-god Dagon, her eyes aflame, her red -hair tumbling in disorder on her neck.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What!" she stormed. "Did I—Shammuramat—drag -out this liar from the lake, to save him for -a minx at Nineveh?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She snapped her fingers scornfully and turned upon -her heel; then she dived for her string of pearls.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="a-master-s-kiss"><span class="large">CHAPTER VII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">A MASTER'S KISS</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>For a year, since his appointment, the Governor -of Syria had dwelt at Azapah, a central point -where his army camped, and whence his agents and -his spies went forth to every tribe. Yet Azapah was -a home in name alone, for Menon's eye was ever set -on the works of his under-officers. He would ride -from point to point, descending at uncertain times -on those whose duties dozed in lethargy, or on others -whose fingers stuck by chance to certain taxes of the -King. And as Ninus made examples on the walls of -Nineveh, so Menon dealt with those who disobeyed his -will; for the body of a wicked, slothful servant was -held to be of higher value when detached from the -head which led his steps astray. Thus Menon won -the name of a cruel master, albeit a whisper now and -again went forth of many a poor man's taxes paid in -full from the Governor's own purse.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He journeyed ever on his noble steed of Barbary, -whose name was Scimitar, in honor of Boabdul's -blade, and, likewise, was attended by the Indian slave -who came as the Arab's second gift. In Huzim he -found a jewel and a friend, whose heart he won by a -stroke of policy. From the first the Governor had -been kind to him, and when the borders of Arabia -were passed, Huzim was given his freedom, to -return if he would to his home upon the Indus; but -the Indian fell upon his knees, to kiss the master's -hand and cover it with tears. His freedom he -accepted with a grateful heart, yet prayed to remain -in the service of his lord, to whom he proved a -faithful watch-dog unto the end. His mighty bow and -shafts brought many a dish of flesh to Menon's -board, and at night his body lay athwart the master's -door, where none might pass and live to slink away -again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now Menon had tarried beside the lake of -Ascalon for a longer space than was his wont to abide -in any place; yet business there was none to stay his -leave, nor taxes in arrears. The voice of duty -whispered warnings in his ear, pointing unto urgent -matters far afield; yet duty, he swore, might sleep with -Gibil till Semiramis was seen again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For many days he sought her among the hills, from -the crack of dawn till the brazen sun went down, yet -found her not; and his heart, because of its hunger -for the maid, grew faint within him and clamored -for a food denied.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis, too, was haunted by a certain restlessness -of mind and foot, a goad which ever kept her -on the move. Close hidden within some clump of -trees, she would watch the hunter's fruitless search -from hour to hour. Her eyes grew wistful, and a -fever burned in her racing blood, though pride, a -demon's pride, forbade that she suffer capture at his -hands. If the seeker came near unto her hiding -place, she would straightway creep away to some other -vantage point and watch him with a scowl. Yet, -because of his lack of craft in snaring her, hot anger -mounted to the heights of foolishness, causing her to -mutter curses on him, bitter, deep, and to vent her -wrath upon things inanimate. At last she left the -lover to his own device, and with her spear and -arrows hunted far and wide, thus finding relief in a -savage joy of killing beasts—the great, the -small—she cared not which, so be it that she killed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then Menon, in despair, set Huzim on her trail, -for in prowess of the chase, or in coming up with -wary things, there were none the like of him -throughout the land. So Huzim circled round about and -found what his master sought.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the close of one long red day, when the sun -swung low and purple clouds were banked against the -rim of night, the Indian bore word that Semiramis -returned to Ascalon by way of a certain path; so -Menon hid himself and lay in wait. From a leafy -screen he watched her coming, while his breath grew -warm and quick, and nearer she came, unconscious of -the snare. Her bow and quiver rattled at her back -with each slow step; she used her spear for a walking -staff, and her flame-hued head was bowed upon her -breast. In the dust she dragged the body of a -leopard by its tail, while her sheep-dog Habal trotted -at her heels.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Of a sudden Menon stepped across her path, and, -with folded arms, stood smiling as he blocked her -way. With a startled cry Semiramis leaped backward, -while Habal crouched between his mistress and -the man, his thick hair bristling down his spine, an -ugly rumble in his hoarse, deep growl.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Governor spoke contritely and in a prayerful -tone, yet the maiden met his pleading with a torrent -of abuse. This he bore with fortitude, and when -she paused for breath, he strove to gain his end by -reason, knowing not that an angry woman scorns it -as she scorns no other thing in heaven or hell. Of -this he learned unto his woe, but when he would have -overborne her, snatching at her hand, she struck -him with the butt of her hunting spear and set her -dog upon him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Straight at his throat the black dog leaped, but -Menon caught it by the neck and held its jaws, -though its strength was great and it battled with him -mightily. For a space they struggled for a -master-grip, yet Habal's teeth, in the end, were of no -avail, for Menon squeezed him till his bones were like -to crack, while he turned once more to Semiramis and -urged his suit.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now a lover will find a grievous task in murmuring -into a maiden's ear, and at the same time hold a -foaming, furious dog; so the maiden mocked him because -of his sad discomfiture, and stirred his wrath. Peal -on peal of impish laughter rang out in the twilight -hush, till Menon cursed, and, clutching Habal still, -turned angrily away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then the maiden's merriment died swiftly on her -lips, for she saw that he stole her dog; and with a -cry of fury she set a shaft upon her bow and drew -it to its head. In an instant now the Governor -would tax her land no more, and Habal and her heart -might then be free. And yet she faltered—paused; -then dashed her weapon on the earth, to fling herself -beside it, weeping bitterly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So Menon bore the struggling Habal in his arms, -till he reached his house, where he tamed the brute -and made of him a friend. Long, long he labored -unto this end with morsels of tempting food and many -a soft caress, till at last the captive wagged his tail -and licked a master's hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Menon had conquered, yet he could not soothe a -look of sadness deep in Habal's eyes, nor cause him -to desist from snuffling at the outer door where he -scratched with his paws and whined.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At length, when the third day passed, the lover -clasped a collar of gold on Habal's neck and -whispered into his ear; but Habal looked into his face, -bewildered, for he did not understand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"</span><em class="italics">Shammuramat!</em><span>" cried Menon, sharply, and the -glad beast sprang upon him, whimpering in his joy. -The door was opened. Habal, barking, bounded -through, to burn the earth with the beat of his flying -paws. Yet on the crest of a distant hill he stopped, -looked back and barked again, then disappeared. And -the lover, watching, understood—and smiled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So Habal found his mistress, as she drooped in the -doorway of her father's home, and overturned her in -the pure delight of coming into his own. He fawned -upon her, yelping out his love aloud; he muzzled her, -caressing with paw and tongue, to prove devotion far -deeper in its purity than aught a mortal holds on the -altar of his heart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis, too, was glad at her dog's return, for -she took him in her arms, and, weeping strangely, hid -her face on his shaggy breast; but when she saw the -collar Habal wore, her fury boiled afresh. She tore -it from his neck and gave it to a beggar who had -wandered into Ascalon.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The beggar took the trinket gratefully, then hobbled -away as fast as his legs might carry him, though -ever and anon he cast a glance behind, in the manner -of one who marvels and may not understand. Now -whether this persistent turning brought good or evil, -is a matter hidden in the beggar's soul alone, for, -presently, a horse came tearing down the wind, while -a wild-haired girl leaned low upon its neck, -augmenting speed with frantic voice and heel. She came -upon the wanderer suddenly, reining in her steed till -it reared upon its haunches, pawing at the air, its -mouth stretched wide, its nostrils red and quivering. -Then the girl dismounted, demanding back her gift.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The beggar protested, and, muttering, turned -away, but she menaced him with her hunting spear, -and of a certainty would have pinned him to the earth -had he not obeyed. Slowly he produced the golden -collar from his pouch and tossed it at her feet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hound!" cried Semiramis, "pick it up and give -it in my hand!" Again her spear was poised, so the -beggar stooped to do her bidding hastily; then, while -this fiery hawkling rode away, he lingered, gazing -after her in loose-jawed wonderment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis made a wide detour to pass the lake, -where she flung poor Habal's collar far into the -deep—repented, and on the morrow dived and recovered -it again. That night she sought her sleep with the -bauble nestling upon her heart; but sleep came not, -for her flesh seemed burned by every golden link. -She hurled it from her angrily and was happy for a -space, then stole from her couch and hunted till she -found it in the dark.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When she had it, she hated it; but when she had -it not, she longed for it with a gnawing, furious -desire which ever increased in heat and magnitude; -wherein it may be seen that Semiramis, though a -goddess born, was human—and a woman—after all.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile the Messengers of State were waiting -patiently for Menon's answer to the King at -Nineveh; yet the Governor bade them tarry on for yet a -little while, and took to hunting from a vantage point -on the back of his good steed Scimitar.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One morning Habal's barking caught his ear, so -he followed the sound till he reached the spine of a -high, adjacent hill. In the centre of a plain beyond -he spied Semiramis, unarmed, and walking slowly; so -his heart rose up as he patted Scimitar and loosed -the rein. In the night he had vowed no more to -plead his cause with a lowly mien, but would break -this witch's spirit though he heat her with his -fists.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis saw him coming, and her heart stood -still. The lake was far too distant for a haven of -retreat, and the plain was bare of bush or thicket -through which she might elude pursuit. Should she -stand and face him? Yea! By Ishtar, </span><em class="italics">no</em><span>! He -then might fancy that she waited him—she—Semiramis! -So she turned and fled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The maid was fleet of foot, and skimmed the earth -with the speed of a frightened fawn; yet her pace, -alas, was a paltry match for the splendid stride of -Scimitar. Behind her she heard the thunder of his -hoofs, but louder still chimed out the notes of -Menon's laughter as his joy gave tongue. He was -nearer now! He pressed upon her flank! Then -Menon bent and gathered up the maiden in his arms. -She screamed and bit his hand; she scratched him, -raining buffets on his face and breast; but he only; -laughed the more, and kissed her on the mouth and -eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On, on they sped, with mighty leaps and bounds, -for Scimitar knew not what manner of warlocks -fought upon his back, so he took the bit between his -teeth and ran as before he had never run, while the -toiling Habal panted far behind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now after a space Semiramis ceased to strive, and -lay passive in the rider's grasp. It pleased her thus -to be torn from the roots of her own hot willfulness. -It joyed her to be battered against a victor's heart, to -drink in the pain of a hand wound tight within her -locks, and to feel her strength give way beneath his -brutal power. For thus it was written that -Semiramis should love, in stormy passion, where an -humble prayer was trampled under foot in scorn.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So it came to pass that of a sudden she flung her -arms about the conqueror's neck and sobbed as though -her soul were rent in twain, while he, to soothe the -tempest of her tears, bent down and kissed her lips. -Again and yet again he bent, till Semiramis raised -her head and stared upon him in amaze.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In the name of the gods!" she cried, "how many -wouldst thou take?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not one," laughed Menon, "which thou givest -me unwillingly, for I do but return thy courtesies -upon the temple steps."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Eh—what!" she faltered, flushing crimson at -his speech. "Nay, truly, I recall but three—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So be it, then," said Menon, with another laugh -and still another kiss. "T'is in my mind that when -my body had been drowned, and lying helpless in thy -power—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Beast!" she stormed, in grievous doubt if she -should strain him to her heart or take his life; yet -Menon lived.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Governor turned his steed on the backward -trail and journeyed till they came in sight of -Ascalon; then he slid from the back of Scimitar and -walked beside, lest idle shepherds marvel at the -strangeness of uncommon things; albeit he still held -tight to the maiden's hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis, from her perch, looked down into her -lover's eyes, and her spirit sang because of its -bubbling joy, for now he was hers—</span><em class="italics">hers!</em><span>—till the -very stars should die; yet, suddenly, she dragged at -the bridle rein.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wait! What, then, of this minx, Sozana?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Menon frowned, yet looked upon her steadily.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Of her," he answered, "thy mind need hold no -fear, for I love her not. To-morrow will I leave the -service of my King and fly with thee into Arabia. -With Prince Boabdul will we there abide, for his love -will shield me, even from the wrath of Ninus."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now that," spoke Semiramis, thoughtfully, "were -the course of a fledgling and a fool." A moment -more she pondered, looking up at last. "Tell me, -can Ninus conquer Zariaspa, or will he fail again?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Zariaspa?" asked Menon, vacantly, wondering -how this matter ran with his flight into the desert with -a wife. "Zariaspa?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Aye, Zariaspa!" she repeated in impatience. -"The town—the city! What! Is my lord a frog? -Come, lace thy wits. Will Ninus conquer Zariaspa -in the end?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay," said Menon, "for the walls are high and -strong, while the food of the garrison is brought by -some mysterious means, the which is a puzzle unrevealed -by thought, or search, or vigilance. Again, -and yet again, will Ramân-Nirari fail."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah!" breathed Semiramis, nodding in the manner -of some venerable judge. "Then write thy King -in this wise: I, Menon, Governor of Syria, greet -my lord and master, even as a son might greet his -father, in love and reverence. Because of the honor -he hath done me, my heart o'erfloweth with a joy, -and in glad obedience to a monarch's will, I accept -his dau—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hold!" cried Menon, angrily. "Now by, the -beard of—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay," laughed Semiramis, "but wait the end." Again -she borrowed of an aged judge's mien. "—I -accept thy daughter's hand. And now, O Radiant -One, I crave a boon—not for myself alone, but for -my King. When Zariaspa shall be overthrown, and -another gem is set in the war-crown of my lord, then -let these nuptials be proclaimed. Thus, men will -marvel, saying among themselves: Of a verity King -Ninus is divine; for who but a god would share the -glory of his name with an humble warrior—one -unworthy of reward so high." Semiramis paused to -smile. "In closing thy letter, praise the King -because of the city which he buildeth on the sand. -Contrive thy words with an artful edge of truth, in that -you touch his vanity. A touch—no more. Yet, -above all else, be brief, and of a not too marked -humility."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A light of understanding crept into Menon's eyes, -yet a cloud arose to mar his perfect happiness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But—but," he stammered, "if, peradventure, -King Ninus conquereth this city, after all—then—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Poof!" scoffed Semiramis. "At worst we will -have loved for two untroubled years—and much may -chance in that goodly span of time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For answer, Menon, caring not a fig if a thousand -shepherds saw, laughed happily, then drew her down -to him and kissed her laughing lips.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Across the hills of Syria the lovers journeyed at a -crawling pace, Semiramis enthroned upon the back of -Scimitar, while Menon, with her hand clasped tight in -his, strolled slowly at the bridle-rein.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They reached the home of Simmas, and a dancing -dog ran out, to spring upon them, barking joyously.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="they-that-depart-and-he-that-is-left-behind"><span class="large">CHAPTER VIII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THEY THAT DEPART AND HE THAT IS LEFT BEHIND</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Simmas, chief warden of the royal flocks and -herds, was a venerable man both wise and strong, -yet his heart was as water running before the will of -his foster-child. Unto him the lovers brought the -matter of their vows, concealing naught of the -danger to themselves, nor the wrath of Ninus should he -learn how they sought to flatter him and dim his eye. -Gravely had Simmas listened, smiling indulgent -smiles, though his heart was sore afraid for her whom -he loved so tenderly; and, at length when the tale was -done, he sighed and shook his wise old head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My son," said he, "there are valiant men who -have hied them forth to capture beasts of prey with -arrows and with spears; others, more reckless still, -go armed with ropes and stones, yet never have I -known of one who laboured to that end by tickling a -lion's nose with straws."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How know we, then," asked Semiramis, "that a -lion may not be vastly pleased thereat?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Poor Simmas was forced to laugh, for how could -the man do otherwise, with two round arms clasped -tight about his neck, a pink cheek nestled lovingly -against his own? And thus his foster-child met -every argument, twisting his threads of wisdom into -ropes of foolishness, until, reluctantly, he gave them -blessing, smiling through his tears.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Down, Habal," cried Semiramis, "and lick thy -master's hand." And the dog went down.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So it came to pass that the messengers went out -from Syria and knelt to Ninus as he sat upon his -watch-tower in the heat of a certain day. They bore -him a missive which that Monarch read for the -seventh time, then read again in sore perplexity, his -fingers combing at his beard. It preened his vanity -as by a feather-touch of truth, and joyed his nostrils -with the unctuous odour of his own divinity—a point -whereon his pride was prodded grievously of late.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At his failure in subduing Zariaspa, a whisper -leaked abroad that Ninus was but a mortal, after all; -and through his harshness unto those who toiled on -the walls of Nineveh, the whisper swelled in volume -and in frequency, till now it lay upon him in the -hours of sleep. The voice of the people grumbled -sullenly, or cried aloud because of the yoke of tax; -yet, far more clamorous still, the whisper troubled at -his heart, for a god once doubted is a god undone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Therefore, in Menon's missive, the King found -goodly food for thought; and yet, on the other hand -there seemed a haunting something underneath, a -something which caused him to taste with care ere he -swallowed whole.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now as I live," mused Ninus to his inward self, -"my Menon loveth me with a love that is rare -amongst the sons of men; or else, full cry, he -followeth the trail of a woman other than Sozana. A -woman of wit! A dreadless woman—a guileful -and a wise."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The monarch pondered deeply for a space, while he -combed at his beard and gazed toward the walls of -Nineveh; then, suddenly, he frowned and leaned -across the parapet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Zomar!" he called to a mounted man-at-arms -below, "ride out to yonder chief of labourers by the -western gate and admonish him to ply his whip with -a higher diligence; for it cometh to me that the -villain's head is balanced over-lightly on his neck."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Across the Syrian hills, beneath the splendour of a -million stars, rode Menon and Semiramis, side by side. -Their hearts were full with the fullness of a joy which -conquers speech and leaves them to beat with a -voiceless pulse of peace. Their eyes alone told secrets, -tender, deep, for each had hunted through the desert -for a grain of sand, and, finding it, was glad, for -they knew that its name was love.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Before them, silent too, rode Huzim, his head bowed -low upon his mighty chest, for a worm of jealousy -had entered him because of this love of a master for -his bride. Was a slave not human? Should his -lowly mind be proof against the poison of forgetfulness? -A slave! And yet—the master's hand had -freed him of his chains, while he himself had riveted -them again. What now? Were the cloaks of love -not strange and manifold? So gratitude rose up to -choke the jealous worm; then Huzim raised his head -once more and crooned the songs of those who dwell -where the Indus runs and the sun is warm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For league on league they journeyed through the -night, each heart a slave, each thought a link in the -chain of loving servitude. In the van rode Huzim, -singing softly in his native tongue; behind him came -Menon and Semiramis, hand in hand, while, still -again, as a rear-guard of the march, the wise, -untroubled Habal trotted at their heels.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>On the hills of Syria the shepherds built their fires -against the chill of night; and many a youth looked -long amongst the flames for the eyes of -Shammuramat—strange eyes that peered from the -embers impishly, half veiled in coils of smoke. They -danced! They mocked! Now laughing when some -green young twig was burned; now falling into -darkness with its blackened ash. How sad they were, -these ashes of a dream—as sad as the bleat of a -wandering sheep as the cry came floating down the -wind. And yet—what, then, should a goddess have -to do with the herders of browsing beasts, or they -with her? Should an ox lick salt from off the stars? -Nay, not so!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus wisdom came to the watchers of the fires, till -peace was brought by drowsiness, and the shepherds -slept.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>In the home of Simmas an old man paced the -silent rooms and found not peace nor rest. How bare -and desolate when a loved one came no more! How -pitiful they were, these homely things that her hand -was wont to touch—a broken spear—a quiver cast -aside—a sandal old and worn!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He fled to the housetop from the ghosts below, -but they followed, clutching at his robe with the -hands of memory. He had hunted through the desert -for a grain of sand, and found it not, for, lo! his -sand was dust. Then Simmas fell upon his knees -and stretched his withered arms toward the stars.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"</span><em class="italics">Oh, Ishtar, Ishtar,</em><span>" he cried aloud, "</span><em class="italics">fling pity -to a weak old man!</em><span>"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-eaglet-nursed-by-doves"><span class="large">CHAPTER IX</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE EAGLET NURSED BY DOVES</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>In troublous times the government of Syria was not -a game at which a child might play; and, albeit -Menon dwelt with his wife at Azapah, he needs must -circle round about through many a restless tribe. -From Nineveh came an endless call for grain -wherewith to feed the multitudes of labourers, for oxen, -asses, and the water buffalo, whose strength was now -employed in the drawing of heavy loads. Train on -train of lowing, braying beasts were driven from out -the land; and so soon as their tails had ceased to -switch in Syria, a cry went up for more. Thus the -Syrians whispered amongst themselves, as others -muttered far away at Nineveh; and soon the whisper -swelled, till each man spoke his thoughts aloud, and -thought was bitter against the Governor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So Menon journeyed forth and back again, chiding, -soothing, punishing. His hand was heavy when -the rod was lifted of necessity; and when it fell, the -back of the smitten wore a mark. Throughout he -was honest, just, and unafraid in all things save one -alone—Semiramis. He dare not suffer her to share -the perils of the road, nor did he desire that tidings -should leak abroad concerning his wedded state; for -of all swift messengers, both of earth and air, not -one keeps pace with the babble of an idle tongue—and -the ears of the King were sharp.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>True, Menon might have wedded both Sozana and -Semiramis, together with a score of other wives, yet -the mate of a daughter of the King must cherish one -wife alone. And still again, that man who would -divide his love betwixt some other and Semiramis had -best go down at once amid the raging fires of Gibil -to seek his peace of soul. So Menon, as he rode, -was wont to ponder upon these things, and was -troubled because of fear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis fretted in the absence of her lord, till -her heart was rife with a clamorous unrest. She -loved him as a tigress loves its mate, and knew no -peace till he came to her side again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Huzim, too, was left behind for a watch-dog in -the Governor's house, a servant who vied with Habal -as a sentinel against alarm. If the Indian loved his -master, to the mistress he gave idolatry, and naught -was there which he would not do to bring her happiness. -In the chase which she loved he taught her arts -of the jungle-hunt, when the tracker's hand is -brother to his eye, and the eye must sweat because of -its constant roving to and fro. He taught her to -use her bow, not in the manner of Syrian archers who -sight along the shaft, but to shoot from the hip, -with vision fixed upon the mark alone, thus giving -a quickness following hard upon the heels of thought. -Above all other arms he schooled her in the use of a -heavy-headed spear on which to receive the body of a -pouncing beast; and for his patience Huzim found -good cause to thank his gods.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On a certain morning they trailed across the hills, -the Indian and Semiramis, while Habal snuffled -joyously for any breed of mischief that he chanced to -find. Long they hunted, but without a kill, till at -mid-day, of a sudden, the dog set up a furious -barking in a deep ravine. Semiramis, who chanced to be -in the valley's neck while Huzim hunted far above, -came first to the point whence the angry uproar told -of game. At first there was naught to see, save -Habal dancing in his rage, his lips rolled back, his thick -hair bristling; yet, presently, through a tangled -screen of thorn and vine, she spied a lion crouched -upon the body of a goat, the blood of his victim -dripping from his jaws. A mighty beast was he, ill -pleased at being thus disturbed; and now, at the sight -of Semiramis, he roared his wrath and leaped upon -his enemies.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the lion sprang, the heart of Huzim was like to -stop its beat in fear. With a cry of anguish from -above he plunged down the steep declivity, heedless of -stones and thorns that tore his flesh as he rended a -pathway through the interwoven shrubberies. He -saw his mistress crouch, and brace the butt of her -hunting spear behind her on the earth. He saw a -tawny body hurtling through the air, to land on the -waiting spear point which, by reason of the brute's -own weight, sank deep into his neck; then the -monster shot in a curve above the woman's head and, -snarling, fell among the rocks. With all her strength -the huntress clung to her weapon's haft, striving to -hold her prey upon his back, while the cautious -Habal, with that over-plus of noise which sometimes -covers a lack of pluck, snapped viciously at the brush -of the lion's tail.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Panting, breathless with his toil, the Indian raced -toward the spot, notching an arrow as he came, yet -Semiramis would have none of him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hold, Huzim!" she cried. "On thy life dare -loose a shaft! The kill is mine!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So Huzim stayed his hand, though it irked him -sore to watch while his mistress gripped her spear -and was tossed like a rag upon the wind; but at -length the lion ceased to struggle, sighing, as he -stretched his splendid limbs in death.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then Huzim—that trail-tried hunter, of many a -fight more terrible than this—did a thing which was -full of strangeness in a man. Trembling, he cast -himself upon the earth, to clasp the feet of -Semiramis, to kiss them, and to weep as a child might -weep; but his mistress laughed, and patted Huzim's -head, even as it was her wont to fondle Habal for a -deed of love.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Homeward they journeyed across the hills, -Semiramis proud of the pelt which Huzim bore, while -Habal pranced before them, with the air of one who -had done this deed alone, and cared not a pinch of -wind if the whole world knew and marveled because -of a most uncommon dog.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So the hunts went on, for Menon now was much -abroad in quelling troubles which arose on every -hand; though often in his leisure hours he joined the -sport, and this Semiramis loved best of all.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then the Kurds arose in fierce revolt, and the -Governor needs leave his wife for a longer space, though -many a bitter tear she shed, in that he would not -suffer her to go. She was mad for a taste of war, mad -as when with kisses she had urged him on the temple -steps at Ascalon; yet Menon closed his ears alike to -prayer and subtle argument. And thus it came to -pass that she dried her eyes and watched him depart -alone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now the Kurds were a wild and valiant race of -hillsmen dwelling among the rocks, bold men who -ceased to long for battle only when vultures picked -their carcasses; so Menon and his army journeyed -forth and laboured unto that end. He tracked them -through wastes of sand, through gorges where -torrents rushed, and monster stones came thundering -down the pass; yet after a space he lured them to -the centre of a plain and sought to give them one more -taste of Assyria's scourge. He screened a strong -reserve behind a hill, and then, in seeming disarray, -marched down upon the enemy, while the Kurds looked -on and were overjoyed because of the greater number -of their warriors.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Kurds awaited not the enemy's attack, but, -shrieking in their barbarous tongue, poured down -the slope to catch him in a dip between the hills.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In sooth the case of Assyria seemed evil, yet at a -low command the disorder vanished utterly. As if by -magic warriors sprang into the close-ranked form of -a crescent moon, its curving front a line of bristling -spears, its long horns tipped by horse, while in the -rear and on either flank a cloud of bowmen waited for -their prey.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the hush before the storm a rider came spurring -down the hill, to fling himself from his winded steed -and to fall at Menon's feet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Huzim!" breathed the Governor, in a nameless -dread. "What now?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Forgive, my lord," the Indian begged upon his -knees, "and slay me if thou wilt. The lady -Shammuramat—hath gone!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"</span><em class="italics">Gone?</em><span>" cried Menon, whitening to the lips. "In -the name of Bêlit—where?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay, lord, I know not," Huzim, in his grief, -protested wildly. "In the hours of night she slipped -away unseen. At morning, Habal, Scimitar and she -were gone. I tracked them hither, lord, and now—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His speech was drowned in a rush of howling -Kurds, their first line breaking as a wave is shattered -on a rock, their second crumpled, bleeding, tossed back -in heaps of slain, while the third for an instant -glared across the spears, then died as their brothers -died. Yet more came on, and more again, an endless -stream of madmen, delirious in rage, each caring -naught for life so be it that he dragged a foeman -down. They hacked at lance heads with their clumsy -swords and wormed their way through the legs of the -heaving front, till the crescent swayed and was like -to burst in rout. And still they came, like waves -from out the sea, to strike and fall, roll backward, -rise and strike again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Governor had held the temper of his enemies in -contempt too light, and now repented of his -rashness in giving them a vantage ground. He looked -for his horsemen screened behind the hill, but Kedah, -their captain, was not the man to charge without an -order from his chief; so Menon's soul was troubled -for his army's fate.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The reserve!" he roared into a courier's ear. -"Ride on the wings of hell! Nay, look! By the -grace of all the gods, they come!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Of a truth it was so. A cloud of horsemen swept -along the ridge in the form of a solid wedge, its sharp -point aiming full at the foemen's flank. To the -front, three lengths ahead, a steed of Barbary ran -low against the earth, on its back a wild-eyed imp of -war, unhelmeted, her red hair whipping out behind. -In her hand she waved a hunting spear, and urged -her men in a high, shrill scream that rang above the -battle's din—and the men came on as evil spirits -drive. Downward they plunged, to strike the Kurds -with the shock of a thunder-bolt, to bore a ragged -pathway through the seething ruck; then turned and -bored back again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And now the hearts of the Kurds grew faint, and a -scrambling rout began; yet ere they could flee, the -horsemen battered through their flank once more, -circled, and took them in their rear. The crescent -steadied, formed its line again, and spread to cut the -Kurds' retreat; but Menon, shouting words that were -hoarse and strange, flung wisdom to the seven winds, -and charged.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Destruction dire might have come upon the enemy, -but so long as he saw that flaming head that rocked -on a surf of reeling, blood-mad warriors, he knew -no thought save one—to reach Semiramis and be -her shield. With Huzim close behind he won his way -through a tangle of plunging steeds and men, but -paused at last, to battle vainly at a human wall -which he might not pierce.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As it chanced, the Kurds were caught between two -closing jaws which pinched them as in a vice; yet -full a third swarmed out at right and left, to scurry -away among the distant crags where none but snakes -might follow after.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The battle was done at last. A silence fell where -the crash and roar of carnage had resounded through -the hills. The Assyrian footmen were drawn in -triple lines, and Menon recalled his horsemen who -galloped far and wide, impaling stragglers on their -points. At last they came, Semiramis in the lead, while -behind her rode a soul-sick horseman, his chin sunk -low upon his breast. Kedah was he called, the -captain in whose command the reserve had been entrusted, -and he who had charged without his chieftain's word. -In silence he dismounted; from his saddle he produced -a rope which he looped about his neck, then gave the -end into Menon's hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Governor frowned darkly and his rage was -deep; not that the officer had charged without -command, but because this underling had dared to bring -Semiramis into a raging, blood-bespattered pool of -death.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Speak, Kedah—the truth! Be brief!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My lord," replied the man, who thought himself -about to die, "my lips speak truth, as Bêlit watcheth -me. I sat behind yon hill and waited for the word to -ride. I heard the tumult when the battle joined, and -though I yearned to come upon the dogs, I held my -will in leash." The offender paused, glanced -backward at Semiramis, smiled, and spoke again: "Of -a sudden, my lord, this goddess dropped upon us -from the clouds, for I swear I saw her not till her -grip was on mine arm and she cursed me in mine ear. -'Fool!' she cried, 'why dawdle here when the great -lord Menon sweateth in the toils. At them, ye -swine, or by the living gods I charge alone!'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Kedah paused, to shrug and spread his hands, -palms upward.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My lord, I came. I know not why I came—but came."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Another silence fell. The angered Governor -looked from Kedah to Semiramis. She sat her steed -in the glory of a beauty dear to him; her cheeks were -flushed, her eyes aflame with battle-fires, her red locks -tumbling on a breast revealed, for her robe was rent -and torn. Still Menon's lips moved not; then Kedah -raised his head, his fingers toying nervously at his -noose.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My lord, I do perceive no tree in sight, yet, -haply, further on—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He stopped, for Semiramis loosed a ringing laugh -and vaulted from the back of Scimitar, to approach -the chief without a sense of fear or shame.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My lord," said she, and pointed with her hunting -spear, "if, in truth, this sturdy warrior must hang, -then first shalt thou hang Shammuramat." She -snatched the noose from Kedah's neck and laid it -about her own. "And harken, O Prince of Justice," -she cried aloud, "in his throat this fellow lieth! Aye, -even to spare me thy reproof! It was I who disobeyed, -not he, for I told him I came at thine own command."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now the lady had spoken no such thing, and, truly, -it was as Kedah said; yet the sweet lie joyed the hearts -of the horsemen mightily, and a smile ran rippling -down the line. Presently Semiramis spoke again, -humbly, sadly, with her hands clasped tight, in the -manner of a slave condemned to die:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My lord, I do perceive no tree in sight, yet, -haply, further on—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then a roar of laughter burst from every rank, -and even as it broke, so yearned these men to break -from their ordered lines, to hoist a war-queen up and -bear her on their harnessed backs, to shout her praise -aloud.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So Menon ceased to frown, for how could he hold -his anger at a conqueror of enemies and friends? -Had she not saved his army and his very life itself? -What now! So he took her to his heart, though his -heart was sad. In a little space the tidings would -leak abroad concerning this warrior queen who was -his wife, and because of love his soul grew dark within -him and was afraid.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On the homeward march Semiramis sought by many -an art and wile to chase away his gloom, but ever he -would sigh and shake his head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, love," he murmured, "now have we cut a -link from out our chain of happiness, for when my -master learneth of this thing—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"</span><em class="italics">Poof!</em><span>" she laughed. "'Twas worth a link or -two of love; and even though King Ninus naileth -me against his wall, still will I have thundered down -that slope and tasted once of the wine of war. Smile, -Menon mine!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And Menon smiled—in that she bade him smile.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-lifting-of-a-tax"><span class="large">CHAPTER X</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE LIFTING OF A TAX</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The army marched swiftly back to Azapah, for -the place was sore in need of the Governor's fist. -In his absence the people, growing bold, had stoned -his agents, slaying many in their hatred toward -Assyria's King. So Menon straightway rode from -tribe to tribe, advising patience until Nineveh was -builded, when peace and plenty would once more lay -upon the land. Where wisdom and cunning failed -to pacify, there Menon employed a rod of force, -even as Ninus held the growling hordes of Egypt -beneath his thumb. The King had grown vexed at -reports from Karnak that the children of the Nile -were chafing beneath their yoke, so he sent swift -messengers, saying that upon the day when Egypt -flew to arms, that day would he crucify their Prince -Memetis on the walls of Nineveh. And Egypt ceased -to growl.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In all his dealings with the tribes of Syria, Menon -soon learned that the wit of Semiramis was sharper -than his own. When his strings of policy grew -twisted into knotted snarls, she would lay her fingers -on the hidden ends, pull deftly, and the skein was -free again. Thus, more and more, the Governor -leaned upon the shoulder of his wife's advice, till there -came a time when, stricken by a fever, he gave the -rule of Syria into her hands.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Tenderly Semiramis nursed her lord through the -life of a summer moon, and yet not once did her -eyelids close on the troubles beyond her house. From -there she sent her agents forth with oil upon their -tongues, or planned with Kedah, in whose command -she placed the Assyrian force of arms; for Kedah -loved her with such a love as Habal gave, albeit he -rarely snapped at the brush of a lion's tail. In her -best appointed room she received the headmen of every -tribe, who came with grievances, or for favours great -and small. To each she listened thoughtfully, while -scanning his face for flaws beneath the skin, then she -dealt with the man in accordance with his flaws. -With the bold she was bold; with the timid, gentle -in her speech; with the sullen she soothed away the -temper in their hearts and made them whole again. -On the vain she smiled, nor recked the issue to his -soul, while she laughed with the gay, and was sober -before the wise. Thus each man came and went, -rejoicing at departure because of his own uplifted -understanding, yet knowing not that the swaying of -mortal flesh, to Semiramis, was a master-art of arts.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The juice of flattery," said she, "must needs be -mixed with bread—not honey-cakes—for an -over-sweetness cloyeth and is vain."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now it chanced, that among the dwellers at -Azapah, there were those who starved, alike on the -bread of flattery and the little left them by the grasp -of tax; so they met in a secret place and contrived -a plot to destroy the Governor's house with fire, -while those who slept therein should come not forth -alive. With the army close at hand they dare not -move; yet when Kedah led his force away to fall upon -a certain band of malcontents, the plotters over-powered -the guards who were left behind, slew them, then -came to make their evil works complete.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the hour of midnight Semiramis sat by Menon's -couch, albeit the fever now had passed and his body -was on the mend; yet it joyed her thus to mother him -and to watch him while he slept. Habal lay yawning -at her feet, but of a sudden the bristles rose upon his -back and a rasping mutter trembled in his throat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Peace, Habal, peace!" his mistress urged, fearful -lest the growls disturb her lord; yet the dog would -not be stilled. Crouched at the stout-barred door, he -growled afresh, and Semiramis knew full well that -Habal snuffed a trouble in the air; so, calling Hazim, -she mounted to the roof.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To the left she saw the tents of her guard in flames, -while through the night came a close-packed throng, -their ugly visages alight in the glare of many a torch. -A hideous crew they were, the scum and evildoers of -the plains, half clothed, and armed with staves and -stones. At the sight, the heart of Semiramis grew -cold within her breast—not for her own alarm, but -for him who slept below, and, shrinking with Huzim -behind a parapet, she waited, pondering hard and fast.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On came the crowd, full twenty score, who, if they -would, might override the Governor's feeble strength -in the twinkling of an eye, dash down the doors and -drag the inmates forth to butchery. Yet ere a torch -could be set against the walls, the plotters saw a -woman leap upon the parapet above, to smile upon -them and raise her hands in glad surprise, as though -they bore her precious wedding gifts.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Greeting!" she cried. "What seek ye of Shammuramat?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now a murderer's liver is a cousin to his slinking -mind, and these who came were murderers. Of a -certainty, had they reached the house by stealth, they -would have burned it to the earth, showing no mercy -to the Governor or his wife. Yet when this vision -stood upon the housetop, not as one who pleads for -life, but as a master knowing them for the cattle -which they were, then the plotters faltered in their -course and paused. A silence fell, and for a moment -no man found his tongue.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What seek ye of Shammuramat?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The Governor!" cried a voice amongst the -throng. "The Governor! Give him into our hands!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah!" said the lady upon the roof, as she nodded -pleasantly. "Ah, I see! Right gladly would my -lord come out to you, but my lord is not within." She -raised her hand to check a murmur of dissent, and -smiled. "If friends would speak with him, I pray -them wait for a little space, for even now he returneth -with his men-at-arms. Harken!" She placed a -hand behind her ear and gazed toward the north, -whence Kedah and his force would come at dawn. -"Harken to the clatter of his cavalry and the beat of -hoofs upon the plain. Patience, good friends—he -cometh!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They listened, tricked for an instant by her words, -but only the croak of frogs and the hum of insects -sounded on the breeze; then the cowards' muttering -swelled into a roar of rage. A volley of stones was -flung against the house, one missile striking her upon -the temple, causing her to totter on the roof's edge -dizzily, while a trickle of blood ran down her cheek. -Huzim had marked the man who hurled this stone, -and, cursing, he set an arrow on his bow; but the -mistress stayed his hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Down, Huzim! I yet may deal with them. Be -not a fool!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once more she turned to the scowling men who had -stopped their rush when they saw the wound to one -on whom their vengeance lay not so heavily; yet they -hung in the balance now, and the weight of a hair -might tip the beam.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perchance," she called aloud, "ye have a -grievance, just, and one which I might quickly mend. -What, then, would ye have of me?—I who have ever -kept my promises, even though it brought me wounds, -as I now am wounded at your hands. Speak! If it -lieth within my power to grant—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She was checked by a babel of discordant cries -from the tongue of each who sought above the rest -to air a separate woe; and Semiramis smiled within -herself, though she frowned upon them with the dark -displeasure of a queen.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Be silent, dogs!" she commanded, fiercely. -"What! Would ye burst my ears with the yelpings -of your pack? Have done!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They stared. She had them marveling now, and -would keep them marveling, lest idle thought breed -mischief ere she clipped its wings.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let one step forth!" she called. "Your leader. -What! Is there not one man in all this valiant -throng?" She paused to raise her eyes and hands. -"Dear Ishtar, pity them!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A mighty murmuring arose, when each man -nudged his fellow, urging him to speak for all, till -at last a hairy-chested, black-browed villain pushed -toward the front—the same who had flung the stone, -and Huzim's fingers curled about his bow, and he -whimpered in restraint.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The leader spoke. He made his charge against -the Governor who pressed, he said, upon the people -till their children cried aloud for food. He lied; yet -he lied with a certain air of honesty; and as he -marked each point, the rabble applauded him, while -their fury was like to bubble up afresh. He told of -his nation staggering beneath the load of an unjust -tax, when Ninus built him palaces wherein to squander -wealth in wild debauchery. His people, he declared, -were overjoyed to obey the King and pay him tribute -according to the law; but when he sought to starve -them by the right of might, then Syria bared her -teeth. Justice they asked—no more—and received -the lash.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Stay!" cried Semiramis, seeing that the crowd -was pushed by frenzy to the danger line. "If -your hearts are hot against the King alone, why then -would ye seek to harm my lord who standeth -between the wrath of Ninus and your worthless carcasses?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A reckless speech it was, and well she knew that -she laid her finger on an open sore.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why?" the leader thundered. "Why? Because -we would strike the master through the man! -A Governor shall be no more in Syria, save a -Governor dead!" Amid hoarse shoutings he lifted up -his voice again: "If Menon would plunder bread -from the mouths of women, let Menon come forth -alone, to reckon with their sons—their brothers—and -those who love them as they love their land."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A tumult now arose. The torch-lights flickered -on a sea of upturned faces, black with wrath, -distorted by the passions of ferocious men full ripe for -a deed of blood. They gathered for a rush; great -stones were raised aloft, and flaming brands were -whirled in eager fists.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Semiramis had one shaft in her quiver still, -and, setting it upon the string of craft, she let it -fly. She flung her arms toward the sky, and laughed—a -shrill, derisive peal that echoed far beyond the -outskirts of the band and for an instant checked its -charge; then, from the housetop, she pointed a -scornful finger at the black-browed chief.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thou child!" she cried. "Thou suckling babe! -Thou fool! to whom the asses of the wilderness are as -oracles! What! Hast thou, then, not heard?" She -paused, to give her listeners the space of an -indrawn breath, then full in their teeth she launched -a master-lie.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Harken!" she cried, "and bend your knees in -gratitude. </span><em class="italics">King Ninus hath lifted his tax from -Syria—and no man needs must pay!</em><span>"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A hush of wonder fell upon the throng, and in the -silence Semiramis heard a rustling at her side. -Turning, she looked into Menon's eyes, grown large -in fear, and seeming larger still against the pallor -of his pain-drawn face. He had heard the tumult -and had risen from his couch, to crawl to the -house-top, trembling in the weakness of his state.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"</span><em class="italics">Bêlit!</em><span>" he gasped in hoarse dismay. "What -madness wouldst thou do?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay, wait!" she whispered. "Huzim, hold thy -master, that these madmen see him not." Then she -turned to the crew below. "Oho!" she scoffed. "I -see that ye are filled with shame; yet hear the end. -At the prayers of my lord the Governor, King Ninus -harkened to your murmurings, and giveth unto Syria -what he giveth no other land. Not only doth he lift -the burden of your tax, but commandeth that no -man pay a sum which he payeth not of his own desire; -wherein the King would measure generosity, not by -force, but love. Moreover, he offereth a high reward -in the nature of a prize. To the tribe which may -aid his needs by the largest store, that tribe will -Ninus set above all other tribes in riches and in -power, receiving its headmen as his honoured guests -at Nineveh." Once more the speaker paused, till the -meaning of her words had sunk into wondering ears. -"What now," she asked, "is the King a tyrant, or -your Governor a beast to slay?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a moment more a silence held the marveling -men, then they broke into a mighty roar, shouting -while they stamped upon their torches, weeping, -cheering lustily for Menon and the King. Yet -Semiramis was not yet done with them. She raised her -hand for silence, pointed to the smoking ruins of the -camp, and spoke in her sternest tone:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"For what ye have done this night, my lord -forgiveth you because of your swinish ignorance. Yet -have a care, for every evil face amongst your pack -is chiseled on my memory. Once, not twice, the -Governor may forgive, and a rope there is in Syria for -each offending neck. Now go! and thank the gods -for the little wisdom ye have learned."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So the murderers dispersed, and, silent, scattered -far and wide to seek their homes, while a priestess of -guile, who lingered on the housetop, looked after -them and laughed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Menon mine," she murmured, filled with glee, as -she smoothed the pillows on his couch, "by Ishtar I -swear 'twas keener sport than a dash against the -Kurds!"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Menon and Semiramis took thought together, long -and earnestly; for now, when the Syrians learned how -they had been deceived, the ashes of murder would -burst again in flames. Menon was for hanging every -man who had sought to burn his house, but Semiramis -said nay.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By craft have we sown a seed; by craft will we -nurture it and eat the fruit."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus it came to pass that a cunning proclamation -was sent throughout the land, and the simple -peoples rejoiced and sang songs of praise because of -the lifting of their tax. Moreover the many tribes -began to vie with one another for the prize which -Semiramis had offered in the name of Ninus, till unto -Azapah they brought such stores of metals and of -food, that Menon reaped a harvest far beyond his -dreams. Where tribes were wont to dole their tribute -out through doubled fists, they now came swiftly and -unbidden, with treasures on their backs—for men -look not where their footsteps fall when chasing -swamp-flies to a goal of greed and power.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And now to Nineveh came mighty stores of grain -and wine, long lines of sheep and cattle, asses, goats, -and the water buffalo. Metals came likewise, silver, -gold and brass; fruits were there also, and honey in -earthen jars. Whatever dry Syria owned, that Syria -sent, till Ninus, seeing this stream of riches pouring -through his gates, sat down upon his stool both -suddenly and hard, in the grip of profound amaze.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now by the great lord Asshur," he muttered in -his beard, "these eyes of mine have never looked upon -the like before! In thought have I wronged my -Menon grievously, for in truth he loveth me with a -love that is rare amongst the sons of men."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-sandal-and-the-straws"><span class="large">CHAPTER XI</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE SANDAL AND THE STRAWS</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>And now came a day when Nineveh was Nineveh -at last, and Ninus stood upon his palace roof -and was glad because of the Opal of the East. At -his feet a vast brown city lay—a city builded by his -heart—each brick a monument to other hearts that -broke in rearing temples to Assyria's gods. In the -streets a busy hum of trade arose, where marts and -booths were opened to the sale of a thousand wares; -where citizens in gala dress swarmed in and out of -unfamiliar doors; where troops of children danced in -wreaths of flowers, or white-robed priests filed past, -chanting their deep-toned songs and bearing loads in -sacrifice to the temple of Nineb and up its winding -ziggurat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From the palace steps a broad, smooth road ran -down to the western gate and was lined by effigies of -stone, great wingéd bulls, and lions crouching as for -a spring. Around it all the mighty wall lay coiled, -its top of a width whereon three chariots might be -driven abreast, while above rose a thousand and a -half a thousand towers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The army still encompassed Nineveh around, yet -the King was not for war. He looked on his work -and sighed a sigh of peace, then stretched his mighty -limbs and prepared a lion hunt. For three long -years his heart had yearned for sports afield, with a -yearning which hunters alone may know; yet, -because of his vow, the bow and spear were left -untouched by the monarch's hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Consulting his oracles, and likewise the prophet -Azet whose arts foretold great deeds of wonder to -his arms, the King appointed another Governor in -Syria and commanded Menon to join him on the -banks of the lower Euphrates. Here game might be -found in plenty where Ninus had known rare pleasures -of the chase in former days; so, smiling, he set -him forth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the messengers had come to Azapah, Menon -bowed to the master's will and departed with a heavy -heart, first sending Semiramis with Huzim back to -Ascalon, to dwell for a little space till chance might -bring him into Syria again. He reached the banks -of the Euphrates and waited the royal hunter till a -moon had waned; but Ninus came not, because of the -slowness of his journey to the place.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The King, in sitting much upon his tower while -Nineveh was being builded, had laid a deal of fat -upon his bones, and tedious travel irked him; moreover, -in the hunt his breath was shorter than of yore -and his thews less strong. Yet the mind may ofttimes -entertain a zeal beyond the body's power, and in this -King Ninus brewed a trouble for himself—but the -trouble was yet to come.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Semiramis, at parting with her lord, wept bitter -tears; yet she, too, bowed where wisdom left no -loophole of escape, and journeyed with Huzim and Habal -back to Ascalon. And here her grief must find -another stab, keener, deeper, more sad than the parting -from one who would come again; for in the house of -Simmas an old man lay asleep—a woman's sandal -pressed against his beard.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They buried Simmas far out upon the hillside, -where in years gone by a babe was mothered by a -flock of doves. The babe was a woman now, who -loved her foster-father tenderly and above all others -save her lord alone; so she wept beside the grave for -many days.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A dove was he," she whispered to her lonely -heart, "so fond, so gentle in his ministries—a dove -that winged his flight and left me, only because of -Ishtar's yearning cry."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In her two long years of absence Semiramis had -oft'times dreamed of Ascalon, longing to roam its -hills once more or to swim in its cool, green lake; -yet now it all seemed strangely poor and small. The -shores of the lake had shrunk together in the night; -the hills were not so high as the hills of yore, nor -the trees so green; the vault of the very sky itself -seemed pressing down to smother her, and the smell of -the very earth was not the same. Ah, if she were like -to Habal who could see no change in the march of -time; yet Habal was but a dog!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now, concerning this dog, the mistress erred and -grievously. Not only did he mark the change in -Ascalon, but a greater one within himself. He -swaggered through the village with his tail held high, -in the manner of one who had done large deeds -abroad, passing old canine friends without a sniff or -wag, yet eying interlopers scornfully. On these he -would fall at the slightest wink of provocation, and -leave his memory marked upon their hides; so his -name became a wonder unto other dogs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis was not of Habal's stamp, nor did she -boast of her deeds abroad; yet still their memory -beckoned, till her soul was full with a great unrest. -At home she was idle, grieving for the things so -changed, wandering through a house made desolate -by the flight of those she loved. Old friends would -come—gaunt shepherds, gazing on her beauty with -the eyes of cattle that rove the hills—to linger, then -slink away to hide the passion in their hearts.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Home! Home!" she cried. "No longer is it -home, for the dove hath flown, and my lord is not -beside me in the gloom!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Through the hush of night there were whispers on -the wind—relentless ghosts that glide from the outer -world to mock us with their sighs; to bring on their -garments odours of the days that were, and the hopes -of other days to come; to haunt us, till we harken to -their murmurings and know not peace.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They called to Semiramis, these whispers, in the -name of love, whence Menon seemed to stretch his -arms in loneliness. They called through a shattered -fringe of Kurds who screamed and struggled under -hoof and heel; they called in the tongues of madmen -whirling torches round and round, their evil faces -yellow in the flame and smoke. They called her to -deeds of arms—to work—to power. Oh, Ishtar, -if she might ride under whip and spur to Nineveh, -and pit her wits against the King! To play the -thirsty game, with life the stake, its hazard on a -single cast! Ah, if she might glide, as these ghosts -were gliding through the night, far out beyond the -rim of solitude, to the teeming battle-ground of hearts -and men!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For days she wandered, silent, yearning to be gone, -while the faithful Huzim dogged her every step. -His master had admonished him to watch his charge -with a winkless eye, lest spirit override her reason -and tempt her to a recklessness. It troubled Huzim -thus to be a jailer to one he loved, yet the master's -will was law, so the Indian followed ever on her trail.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis knew no peace nor rest, and at last she -came to Dagon's temple down beside the lake, to lay -her sorrows on the fish-god's knees and ask a sign.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All day, all night, she prayed, yet when the dawn -came oozing from out the east, the face of Dagon -was as a face of stone. The suppliant sat upon the -temple steps, weary, warring with despair. With -listless eyes she watched a beetle crawling at her feet, -then, of a sudden, hope rose up and lived. She -grasped the bug between her thumb and finger, holding -it above the surface of the lake, while she closed -her teeth as a gambler might at the whirl of his last -remaining coin.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now this," she murmured to herself, "shall tell -me of Dagon's will. If the beetle swim, I go! If -he sink, I rot in Ascalon!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She cast it in, smiling, for she knew right well -that the bug must float, yet turning her back lest -Dagon mark her knowledge of such things. For an -instant the victim struggled pleasingly with leg and -wing, while the smile of Semiramis broadened in its -reach, to flicker, to fade, to die. A monster carp -came upward with a rush. One snap, and the tempting -morsel disappeared, thus making the fish-god's -judgment clear, beyond the very hem of Redemption's robe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis sat upon the temple's steps, her chin -upon her hands, her eyes on a wheel of ripples that -widened away from its hub of swift calamity. She -pondered long, her thoughts like cats in trees, with -Habal barking furiously below.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He sank," she sighed. "Of a certainty he sank. -I may not make it otherwise. And yet"—she -paused to steal a glance at Dagon's face—"and yet -the fool </span><em class="italics">did</em><span> swim for a </span><em class="italics">little</em><span> space. Mayhap—" Again -she paused, then spread her hands and raised -her eyes appealingly. "In truth my beetle proveth -naught at all. For a space he swam. For a space -he sank. Dagon, Dagon, what meanest thou in this?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>No answer came. Once more she pondered, her -fair brow puckered with the lines of deep perplexity; -till, presently, the truant colour raced to her cheek -again and her great eyes lit with the flame of -understanding.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah!" she breathed. "Ah, now I see. Thou -meanest, O wise and radiant one, that, </span><em class="italics">sink or swim</em><span>, -must I do this thing. What!" she cried, "hast thou, -thyself, not said it? And, lo! I am but a weak and -foolish woman in thy power. Ah, Dagon, Dagon, -thou art a crafty god, indeed!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In haste Semiramis left the temple door, and, -singing loudly, tripped toward her home. Her god had -sent a sign. She was free to journey now as her -heart desired. Free! And yet, a doubt came -prowling after her—a watchful, sleepless doubt that -dogged her steps, even as Huzim slipped upon her -trail from his hiding-place behind a stone. On the -hill she paused, to mutter to herself in a soothing -tone:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The sign is clear. Did I linger on in Ascalon, -some evil might befall me, even as that carp arose to -snatch my beetle in his greedy maw. Did Menon -know, he would urge that I fly to him without delay."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She went her way and took up her song again, but -paused to reason with a small brown toad that hopped -across her path.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Little beast," said she, "thou comest as a warning -of some ugly chance, the which, I confess, hath -filled me with the juice of fear. Therefore will I -hasten out of Syria in time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She walked around the toad with care, and, singing, -journeyed on till she reached the house where the -old dove Simmas dwelt in days gone by. At the door -she lingered, ere she raised the latch, for one last -argument in the cause of a heart's desire.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now Dagon," she reflected, grieving at the -thought, "is in truth a careless god in the matter of -his signs. Had Ishtar cursed me with a simple mind, -I might have misinterpreted, alas!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis then slept, to dream of Menon till the -shades of night wore on, and in her dreams found -weightier reasons which she laid on the fish-god's -judgment scale.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Huzim," she asked, when the Indian had brought -the evening meal, "did I seek escape from Ascalon, -what course would thy duty run?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mistress," he answered her, "like an arrow in -my heart is the thought of force with one whose -happiness is held above my hopes of peace; yet the -master's will is the master's will, and a servant must -obey."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah," she nodded thoughtfully. "Ah, I see! -Yet if, by chance, I slipped away in the gloom of -night, as I did at Azapah—what then?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Indian cast a troubled gaze upon the floor, and -heaved a sigh.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I would follow, mistress, as before I followed, till -I fell because of weariness."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then follow!" said Semiramis, "for I go to join -my lord at Nineveh—and to tickle the lion's nose -with straws."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-sorrows-of-a-king"><span class="large">CHAPTER XII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE SORROWS OF A KING</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>King Ninus, lord of all Assyria, lay cursing -in his royal litter, while slaves and attendants -bore him northward on the banks of the Euphrates. -Presently they left their course, struck eastward till -they reached the Tigris and again turned north, -whence, with many rests and long, forced marches in -the cool of night, the stricken King at length was -placed upon his couch at Nineveh.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Full many a grievous matter rode upon the -monarch's mind, and the pale attending leech wrought -vainly to quell his patient's fever, one augmented by -a sleepless, boiling rage within. By day the King -would fret; by night he rioted throughout his dreams -and found no rest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>First there was his wound, a ragged, half-healed -gash, laid open by a lion's claw and running from a -point beneath his arm-pit to his hip. It was not the -wound itself, nor the pain thereof, which fired the -hunter's wrath, but rather the truth that he, -Ramân-Nirari—the greatest hunter since beasts and hunters -were—should miss his kill and seek his life in flight. -Of witnesses there were only three: Shidur-Kam, a -warrior whom the King might trust to entrench his -tongue behind his teeth, and a slave who was safer -still, for Ninus had cast his body into the Euphrates; -but, then, there was a girl—a red-haired girl—who -perched in the boughs of a citron tree and -laughed as the King sped underneath, a wounded lion -leaping at his horse's haunch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At another time the monarch might have held this -face, and the echo of a bubbly laugh, in pleasing -memory; yet raillery, directed at a royal personage -in the stress of flight, begets a recollection of a -different breed. So the mocking laughter haunted -Ninus through all the day and caused him to wake at -night and grind his teeth in fury.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Argol," said he, to the faithful leech beside him, -"give order that a thousand horse repair to the -region of our lion hunt. Command them to scour the -country round about in a circuit of thirty leagues -and bring me every red-haired wench they may chance -to find. By Gibil's flame! I have a pressing need of -them!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The leech sighed sadly, tapped upon a gong of -bronze, then waited in silence till an officer strode in, -saluted, and sank upon his knees. The order given -and the soldier gone, Argol administered a sleeping -draught and sat once more at his weary post.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Yet the King slept not, for still another matter -lay heavy on his heart. There was a certain man -called Azet, the venerable seer who had prophesied -with lies. Before the hunt he had opened the -carcasses of seven cranes, finding in the entrails of each -and all an omen of success. Full thirty beasts, said -Azet, should the King o'ercome, returning unto -Nineveh triumphant and sound of limb. Was not -this prophet, then, to blame for the ills which had -come to pass? Wherefore should he prophesy unto -evil ends, or cause witch-women to laugh from the -boughs of citron trees? Could virtue not be found -in the vitals of seven sacred cranes? or was this holy -man but a monster and a fool?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The King's dark brow grew darker still with -troublous thought, as he questioned his leech for the -hundredth time in fretful tones:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Argol, good Argol, tell me, I pray thee, man, -how in the name of Asshur may I teach this wretch to -mend his auguries?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My lord," the leech replied, as he raised his -drooping lids and gazed out dreamily to where the -Tigris flowed, "my lord, the breath of man ariseth -from his breast, but in his throat are shaped his evil -prophecies."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Eh—what?" the King demanded. "What -manner of speech is this, and how doth it run with -Azet and his seven cranes?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hang him, my lord," said Argol, drowsily, and -turned away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A slow smile lit the features of the King, while -for a space he pondered, plucking at his coverlet; -then, summoning an officer, he gave an order in a -weak but cheerful voice, at the same time causing his -couch to be removed to a shaded spot upon the palace -roof. Here, with his watch-worn leech beside him, he -could lie at ease and feast his eyes on the glory of -completed Nineveh. Across his terraced gardens -where fountains sparkled in the sun, he could see the -temple of Asshur and of Ishtar upon their hills; -likewise the temple of the fire-god Gibil, above whose -dome a wreath of smoke hung low, belched upward -from the flames beneath. He could see his streets, -his marts, his mighty gates and the tawny plains -beyond where the Tigris and the Khusur ran. He -could see his wall—that shield of his heart's -desire—which made his city a fortress against the world; -yet the thoughts of Ninus were not for walls and -shields.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He watched a thousand horsemen pass the western -gate and gallop swiftly down the river bank, then -disappear from Nineveh for the space of many days. -The chief was a man of little love beyond his sword -and steed, one, who would give short shift to devils -with flame-hued hair, and the heart of the King was -glad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Of a sudden a tumult rose from the streets below, -while a concourse gathered, and a sound of weeping -ascended to the palace roof. Through the surging -throng a band of soldiers fought their way, leading -the prophet Azet toward the wall and beating back -the populace with the butts of their heavy spears.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The western gate was spanned by a monster arch, -on the shoulder of which sat the highest tower of all, -and thither the soldiers led their victim by a -winding stair. When at last they appeared on the -turret's edge, a wail of anguish rang out afresh, while -the multitude gazed upward, swarming to and fro.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now truly," chuckled Ninus as he watched, -"this fellow hath a wondrous following, who, because -of their ignorance, grieve at things they may not -understand."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From the turret the soldiers thrust a wooden beam; -from the end thereof they hanged the prophet by a -noose, and, according to a writing set above the gate, -"The prophecies of Azet ceased to be throughout the -land."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Argol then bound his master's wound in a healing -salve, and the sufferer straightway slept for many -hours; on waking, his fever had departed utterly, so -he mended in body and in mind. He appointed -another prophet, one Nakir-Kish, a wise and observing -man whose promises of good and ill were the like of -kites, the strings thereof being held within his hand -till his eye had marked the temper of all heavenly -winds. Thus Nakir-Kish endured.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>King Ninus now sent for Bobardol, a sculptor of -high renown, the same who had carven a famous bull -that had, in all, five legs. This extra limb might at -first seem strange and at odds with Nature's own -design; yet, even so, it had its marked advantages. An -observer gazing on this masterpiece—no matter -where he stood—might always perceive four legs; -"And that," said Bobardol, "is Art." So Ninus -was pleased, and retained the sculptor in his service.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The King gave order for a monster </span><em class="italics">stele</em><span>, whereon -should be carven a scene from the lion hunt, the -monarch being pictured, not in wild retreat, but faced -about and causing great discomfiture to a mighty -foe. True, the attitudes of the King of Assyria and -the king of beasts would be quite reversed, yet Ninus -was a god whose front was more imposing than his -back; moreover it </span><em class="italics">would</em><span> have been as pictured had -Azet not prophesied with lies. Shall a King be held -to blame where foolish servants err through -ignorance? Not so!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sculptor Bobardol now set to work, while -Ninus commanded a sumptuous feast to be prepared, -whereby he might celebrate his triumphs in the chase. -His soldiers and populace should pass in lines through -the palace hall and gaze in awe upon this unveiled -tablet, set up to the glory of the high lord -Asshur—and to the glory of the King.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While waiting this work of art, and at the same -time resting so that his wound might heal, Ninus was -wont to recline within his litter which was borne along -the top of the city wall. Here he could watch at -will, or give directions in the order of another -enterprise which dwelt in his mind and heart. Three -years had now passed by since his warriors turned -tail from Zariaspa; and the time approached when -Ninus must seal his promises to rake the ashes of -this city into sacks and with them feed the waters of -the sea.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The army encamped within and without the walls -of Nineveh was twice so great as that which had -failed in the former siege, and Ninus gave much -thought to the plans of his second war. On the -plain a wall had been erected, in height and thickness -measuring that of Zariaspa, and here the Assyrians -practiced methods of assault. Great carts they had, -with platforms twenty cubits above their wheels, -propelled by slaves who were hidden underneath, while -above the platforms ladders rose and slanted toward -the wall. Up these the men-at-arms would clamber -rapidly, to grapple with defenders at the top; and so -great was their zeal in this mimic war that many lives -were lost because of it. There were tall machines -which worked on pivots, whose swinging buckets could -set a score of men upon a parapet; there were towers -faced by armor-plates of brass, from the crests of -which wide bridges might be flung, while warriors -swarmed across to engage the enemy. Huge -catapults were built, of new design and hurling power, -some casting single rocks, and others to rake a -battlement with a volley of smaller stones. Full many -a strange machine of cunning workmanship was thus -devised and stored against departure, when the King -would once more lead his armies to the East.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the lowgrounds and on the rolling slopes -beyond the river Khusur which flows between the -mounds of Koyunjik and Nebbi Yunas, myriads of -oxen and beasts of burden were set to graze upon the -pasture-lands. These had been employed in the -building up of Nineveh, and now were resting for a -further need, for their final strength would be utilized -in hauling the traps of war through desert lands and -toilsome ways, on spongy forest roads to the hills -beyond, up heavy mountain slopes to gorges between -the peaks of Hindu-Kush. Thence they would -scramble down into the plains of Bactria, to become -at last the food for a hungry host; and thus the -cattle served unto many ends.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The waiting army was under sole command of -Menon, whose heart was now divided between two -loves. To prepare for war would have joyed him -vastly, except for his vow to wed Sozana when -Zariaspa fell before the King; and this he might not -do because of Semiramis, of whom he dreamed as -resting peacefully in the valley of Ascalon. Had -Ninus spoken aught to him of the red-haired imp who -laughed from the bough of a citron tree, Menon's -heart might then have borne a double weight; but the -happening was not that quality of jest on which a -monarch is pleased to regale his chiefs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It chanced on a certain day that Menon was -summoned to the palace for a council with the King, and, -striding through the gardens, he came with suddenness -upon Sozana, who sat alone. Fair was she, with -the beauty of a childish maid; yet in her green simar, -and the silvery veil which was wound about her throat, -Sozana was a princess, from her raven hair to the -jeweled sandals on her tiny feet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Since returning from Syria Menon had found no -opportunity for speech with her, and now he came -forward joyously, his hands outstretched. At the -sound of footsteps Sozana had risen from her seat, -but, on seeing him, she gave a little cry of -disappointment and of pain, flushed crimson and turned away -without an answer to his greeting; and when he -sought to question her concerning such treatment of -an old-time friend, she sank upon a bench, to weep as -though her heart would break.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a moment Menon stood irresolute, then, as he -began to speak again, a hand was laid upon his -shoulder, and, turning, he looked into the eyes of -Memetis the Egyptian, a youth whom he loved as he -might have loved his mother's son, but who now -refused his greeting coldly, spurning the proffered -hand and placing his own behind his back.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How now," asked Menon, "is this the manner of -Memetis to his friends?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay," returned Memetis, frowning as he spoke; -"true friends I greet in love and tenderness; the false -may rest with Hathor ere I take their hands."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then it came upon Menon that Memetis and Sozana -knew of the mandate of the King, and were -bitter in their thoughts of one who came between them -and their happiness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Memetis," the Assyrian asked, "is it, then, to -the walls of Zariaspa that thine eyes are turned, -fearing lest a friend hath juggled with thy trust as a -traitor might?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Egyptian's black eyes glowed in anger which -he vainly strove to check, while his fingers played -about the hilt of a dagger at his belt.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Aye," he answered bitterly, "to the walls of -Zariaspa do I turn mine eyes, for with their fall falls -every hope which Isis dangled before my foolish -heart. And thou!" he cried, "the false! The -treacherous! who would tear Sozana from mine arms, -aye, even as the hawk would swoop upon a nest of -doves!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Menon strove to speak, but the Egyptian would not -harken to his words. The Assyrian faced Sozana, -stretching forth his hand, but Memetis sprang -between them, drawing his dagger, and in a low, fierce -whisper spoke his wrath:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Lay but a finger on this maid, or speak her name -again, and as Osiris liveth, will I take thy life!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Menon looked into the lover's eyes, and slowly -spread his arms.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Strike!" he murmured sadly. "Strike, and -learn from other lips than mine that Memetis is a -fool."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He waited, but the Egyptian made no move, -because of the sorrow on the face of one who had been -a cherished friend.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And dost thou dream," asked Menon, pointing to -the girl who wept beside him, "that I would willingly -bring sorrow to this child? Nay, listen, both, then -judge me when ye know the truth."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Egyptian's hand sank down beside him, and -his blade was tossed upon the earth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Speak on," he begged, "but, oh, my friend, I -pray thee show me no mirage of hope that melteth -when a thirsty traveller would drink."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So Menon sat between them on the bench and told -them of Semiramis. He told of the artifice by which -he sought to gull the King, in a firm belief that -Zariaspa would not fall; and yet, should chance prove -otherwise, he would fly with his wife into Arabia, -where Prince Boabdul offered them a safe retreat. -He spoke of his life in Syria, of the wonder of his -love for her whom he left behind; and as the tale -went on Sozana dried her tears and held the teller's -hand in both her own, for she and Memetis knew at -last that Menon betrayed no trust in him, and their -hearts were glad because of a hope restored.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Forgive," Memetis pleaded as his friend arose; -and Menon smiled, bent down and kissed Sozana as a -brother might, then left them with a heavy heart to -seek the King.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ninus still reclined upon his couch—for his hurt -was yet unhealed—and rested beneath the shade of -a canopy on the palace roof, whiles he waited in -impatience for Menon's coming till the hour was past. -Now it is not good to linger when a wounded monarch -waits, so Ninus fretted, combing at his beard as was -his wont when matters troubled him or anger rose.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How now," he asked, when Menon came at length -with a hasty step, "am I the master, or do I sleep, -to awaken presently and find myself a servant—</span><em class="italics">thou</em><span> -the King?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Forgive, my lord," begged Menon, falling on his -knee; "King Ninus sleepeth not. 'Twas the servant -who drowsed beside the way. In the garden below I -chanced upon Sozana with whom I have held no -speech since—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah!" said the King, his anger fading, while -a smile began to play about his mouth. "So the -eagle needs must wait when pigeons peck at love. -Speak on, my son."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Menon flushed and cast his gaze upon the floor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I—I sat with her, my lord, and spoke of many -things, taking no thought of how the moments flew, -till—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hark!" said Ninus, as he raised his hand. -"Can it be that I hear Sozana singing from the -garden there?" Menon listened, nodded, and the King -went on: "Strange!" he mused. "For days she -hath tasted lightly of her food, and sighed and -drooped her head; yet now at thy coming she hath -straightway plumed herself, and pipeth a saucy song. -Look thou, master fox, what miracle is this?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Menon flushed again and smiled a foolish smile; -yet he answered cunningly, with a lingering grip on -the slippery skin of truth:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My lord, I—I whispered into the maiden's ear."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oho!" laughed Ninus. "Now by my beard, I'd -give a goodly sum to learn thine art. But come, -what chanced to be the burden of this pretty speech?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"As to that," said Menon boldly, in a manner -which ever pleased his lord, "my whisper is a secret -in the keeping of discretion's tongue and the maiden's -ear alone."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"U'u'm!" mused Ninus. "How many men-at-arms -are now prepared to take the field against our -good friend Oxyartes?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a space the two discussed their plans for a -second war against the Bactrians, then Menon saluted -his master's hand and took his leave. Alone, the -King lay thinking on his war, when of a sudden his -thought was disarranged by the notes of another -song, no longer Sozana's voice, but that of a man, -deep, tender, and pleasing to the ear:</span></p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Like Love is the fragile Lotus bud,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>When kissed by the gleaming, golden flood</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of light from shining Ra;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>It blooms 'neath the warm, caressing beams</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>On the Nile of Life, and its blossom seems</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To shine as a milk-white star.</span></div> -<div class="line"> </div> -<div class="line"><span>But lo! when the fateful season turns,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And the tawny desert glows and burns,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Shimmering, parched, and dry—</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As the vanquished foe to the victor stoops,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>All faded and shriveled the Lotus droops—</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And, withered, it falls to die!</span></div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Strange!" mused Ninus, combing at his beard. -"The Egyptian sitteth with Sozana in the gardens -down below and singeth a song of love; albeit I mark -that his song be sad.... Yet—why should -he sing at all, the fool! Doth he, too, whisper into -the maiden's ear, and—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The monarch paused abruptly, to call to his -faithful leech in a tone of petulance:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Argol! come stroke my side in the region of my -wound; for I tell thee, man, it itcheth damnably."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-skin-of-a-one-eyed-lion"><span class="large">CHAPTER XIII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE SKIN OF A ONE-EYED LION</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The throne-hall of the palace was of lofty pitch—and -of spacious depth and width. In its rear, -through arches, lay an open portico, while beyond -could be seen the Valley of the Tigris and the reaches -of the river on its journey to the sea. Within were -carven pillars of marble and of stone brought hither -by utmost toil from foreign lands; likewise other -pillars of malachite, of silver, and of hammered gold, -draped with hangings of purple and embroidered -stuffs from the treasure-stores of far Phoenicia. -There were curious arms, the trophies of chase and -war, rare gifts from conquered princes sent to -Nineveh through love or fear, and the mounted heads -and skins of beasts which had fallen before the King's -own spear and shafts.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The entrance was set with chiselled lions, and -wingéd bulls in miniature of those which guarded the -western gate, while the walls were lined with </span><em class="italics">steles</em><span>, -whereon were pictured the battles of the King, his -deeds of prowess in the hunt, his sacrifices at the -altars of his gods.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On the ceiling stretched a tessellated emblem of all -the deities wrought cunningly with bits of tinted -stone and precious gems, a work of art so fabulous in -price that even the spendthrift Ninus drew his breath -when the cost thereof was known to him. In the -centre sat the great lord Asshur in his godly robes, -his breast adorned with the wingéd disk designed in -pearls and sapphires on a base of lapis-lazuli. -Before high Asshur King Ninus knelt, obedient to the -heavenly will alone, while around them were grouped -the lesser deities—Ramân hurling forth his -lightning forks, Bel in his hornéd cap, red Gibil peering -out through sacrificial flame and smoke, Bêlit -princess of the dawn, Shala, Nebo, Ninêb, and Nerga of -the chase, Shamashi-Ramân, father of the King—a -heavenly litter of divinities, each dear to the heart -of his special worshipper.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On a sumptuous throne sat Ninus, with Sozana at -his side, for the queen had passed away ere Nineveh -was complete; so now his daughter held the highest -place in the monarch's heart. The hall was thronged -with chieftains, priests, and the king's good friends. -At the feet of Ninus sat Menon, and at his side the -Arabian Prince, Boabdul Ben Hutt, whom the king -had urged to grace his festival. There were kings -of Tyre and Sidon, from beside the Sea of the -Setting Sun, whose cities sent their caravans of tribute -and of tax with muttered curses trailing after them; -and likewise came the sons of Canaan, giant Khatti -chiefs still restless beneath their yoke, princes of -Babylon, Syrians, lords of the desert and the sea; -grim mountaineers who had fought like rats in the -caverns of their rocky homes; governors, rulers, and a -swarm of wives and daughters of these men, all now -unveiled at the mandate of the King.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From behind a pillar Memetis looked upon Sozana's -face, his hope an oasis whence his soul might drink -the waters of his love; yet now must he sip lest Ninus -mark his thirst and be aggrieved thereat. So, with -his eyes, the Egyptian looked out upon the throng, -yet with his heart he saw one maid alone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A goodly gathering it was, in rich attire, in armor -and robes of state, the warriors of a hundred wars, -the proudest beauty of the court, assembled now to -view the monster tablet carven in honor of the King. -It was newly set within the wall, hidden from sight -by crimson draperies, and on either side stood the -sculptor Bobardol and the High Priest Nakir-Kish, -the one to draw the cloth aside, the other to bless the -</span><em class="italics">stele</em><span> in the name of Asshur.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A breathless silence fell upon the courtiers; King -Ninus gave a sign, and the sculptor drew the draperies -aside. On the </span><em class="italics">stele</em><span> was pictured in </span><em class="italics">bas-relief</em><span> a -wondrous exploit of the King, who, mounted on a -rearing charger, battled with a king of beasts. This -lion was springing upon the withers of the steed, -seeking to drag the hunter from his seat with teeth -and claws, while Ninus gripped its throat and crushed -its skull with a haft of his broken spear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A triumph of art it was, bespeaking valor spirited -and rare, rather than exactness of the facts -concerning this glorious happening, and a murmur of -admiration rose to every lip because of the daring -monarch and the skill of Bobardol.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Below an inscription told the story of the deed, in -language employed by Assyria's Kings, wherein they -laid aside the robes of modesty and spake for the -world to hear:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I, Ramân-Nirari, son of Shamashi-Ramân and -mightiest of all Assyria's Kings, by the will of -Asshur, lord of earth and sky, fared forth to conquer -lions in this the twentieth year of my resplendent -reign. Much game I slew, my horse bestriding, -likewise upon my feet alone with arrows and with spear. -Thus it came to pass that I, Ninus, to whom no -other may compare in skill and lack of dread, joined -battle with a mighty, one-eyed lion in the thickets -along the Euphrates. Terrible in rage was he, this -lion, because of the wounds I gave, roaring till my -servants fled in fear away. Yet I, alone, took hold -upon his throat and smote him thrice, in that his -roaring ceased and went out of his belly with the death of -a so great beast."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"To the high lord Asshur praise! To Ninus -praises greater still, for Asshur watched while Ninus -wrought the deed!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Amid rejoicings the </span><em class="italics">stele</em><span> was blessed by the High -Priest Nakir-Kish, while the wine cup circled and a -chant was heard from a train of hidden priests—a -chant which now was taken up in the temples throughout -vast Nineveh, and the gods smelt sacrifice from -a thousand altar stones. A jingling tinkle then -arose, when from right and left two lines of dancers -tripped into the hall, to bow before the King, to rise -and glide in rhythmic steps through the measures of -their dance. A score they were, of beauties picked -from many lands and climes, arrayed in gauzy robes, -rich head dress and bangles of bronze and gold. -They swayed to a pace of slow monotony, with the -sad, melodious strain of citherns and of flutes of -quaint design; then, suddenly, at a crash of cymbals, -the dancers woke to life, whirling, tossing high their -arms, leaping through a swift, bewildering maze, with -gleaming bodies, crimson lips and pleading eyes. -Louder and louder rang the music's call to passion -and to love, while faster and faster the pink feet -fell in velvet kisses on the floor of tinted brick; till, -at last, with a scurrying rush, the maidens left the -hall, while a shout of applause and noise of clapping -hands rolled after them down the corridors.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A silence followed, wherein the courtiers waited -eagerly for a signal that the feast was spread, when -an officer stepped toward the throne and bowed before -the King.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thy pardon, lord," he faltered, "but a woman -clamoreth at the palace door. She would enter -without delay and will not be denied."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So strange was the man's demeanor that all who -heard him marveled at its cause, yet Ninus spoke -impatiently:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bid her begone, lest my servants scourge her -from the city gates!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The officer, with downcast eyes, retreated toward -the door where every eye was turned in sharp -expectancy of a stranger unbidden to the feast. From -without the audience heard a murmur of protest -cut short by a firm, imperious command; then the -officer came slinking back into the hall.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Lord," he quaved, trembling before the King, -"thy high commands I gave, bidding the woman -depart in peace, yet—yet she will not go."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"</span><em class="italics">Will not!</em><span>" King Ninus roared. "By Gibil's -breath, what manner of wench is this to defy me in -my teeth?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Lord," the soldier stammered in confusion, while -his cheeks went white and red by turns, "lord, no -mortal wench is she, but a spirit from the outer world, -so fair to look upon that—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A roar of laughter checked him, and even Ninus -joined therein, yet presently the King spoke sternly, -striving to hide his smile:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Go, ape, and bring her hither! Yet mark you, -man; if she be not fairer than any woman of my -land, I swear to hang you from the highest roof in -Nineveh!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A titter arose and the blushing officer retired, to -presently return with—not one stranger in his -wake—but three. In the lead a woman strode, yet such -a woman as the court of Ninus had never looked upon. -She was clothed in a skirt of lamb's wool whose border -touched her knee, her limbs encased in doe skin lashed -with thongs; across her breast was flung a leopard's -silky hide, and head dress had she none save a crown -of flame-hued hair. In her hand she held a hunting -spear, and at her back was slung her bow, together -with its quiver and a sheaf of shafts. Behind her -walked an Indian, of lowly mien but of mighty -strength, who, besides his spear and bow, bore a half -dried lion's skin, while at his heels a shepherd's dog -came swaggering in as though the palace were some -kennel of a lesser dog—and, strangely, the woman's -bearing seemed the same.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On the assembled court the effect was varied and -most strange. The women raised their brows in -outward scorn of this stranger and her garb, yet in their -secret hearts they knew a rival who outstripped them -far; therefore they hated her and yearned that some -swift calamity befall; but their husbands looked -with a kindlier gaze. The warriors, the statesmen, -aye, even the priests themselves, for a moment stood -in silent awe, each face revealing what each soul would -hide—wonder, worship, base desire—for the -passions of men are tuned to divers keys when beauty -strikes the chords.</span></p> -<p class="pnext" id="id1"><span>To Menon the woman came as a fevered dream -from which he longed to wake and know that she was -safe in Ascalon; yet the dog was there—and -Huzim—Huzim who looked into his master's eyes and -dropped his own. It was true! She had come into -the lion's very lair, and the voice of Fear cried out -aloud that Folly had claimed its own.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"</span><em class="italics">Shammuramat!</em><span>" breathed Menon, leaning limp -and white on the shoulder of Boabdul. "May the -gods lend aid, where I may give her none!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Courage, friend!" the Arab whispered, "for in -this, as in all things, my scimitar is brother to thy -sword."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The King leaned back upon his throne, with folded -arms, with eyelids narrowed into slits beneath his -frown, with fingers that combed his beard, while the -heart of him rejoiced. At last it was she! The -red-haired devil who had perched in a citron tree and -mocked him as he fled before a wounded lion. Ah, -now should she pay the price of laughter in the coin -of tears!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A hush had fallen on the company, each waiting -with bated breath for the King to speak; but the -King spoke not. At length Semiramis, wearying of -the pause, stepped forward without the royal word of -sufferance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My lord," said she, and pointed to her servant -and the gift he bore, "I bring a lion's skin from the -thickets of the Euphrates. A mighty one-eyed lion -which—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hold!" cried Ninus, leaping to his feet, his hard -hands clenched, his neck veins standing out to a -wrathful rush of blood. For a moment he stood, -regarding the woman with a dark, malignant frown, -then he turned to a man-at-arms beside his throne: -"Go down with this wench to the keep below and let -her taste the lash!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To those who heard, this deep injustice came like -a thunderbolt, for naught had the woman done save -to bear a present to the King and speak without his -leave. A murmur of protest sounded throughout the -gathering, and Menon half arose with his hand upon -his sword; yet the Arab checked him by a warning -word and a grip upon his arm, for the time was not -yet ripe to place a life in jeopardy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The man-at-arms, obedient to his master's will, -strode forward and laid his hand upon the prisoner's -arm; but at his touch Semiramis took a backward step, -then with her doubled fist she struck him fair upon -the apple of his throat. With a grunt of pain the -fellow sprawled full length, his armor clanging on -the floor, while Huzim lowered his spear point -threateningly and Habal crouched beside the prostrate man, -his lips rolled back, his eye upon his mistress, waiting -for a sign.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again fell silence, to linger till one might count a -score, while all looked on in dumb amaze at this queen -who dared the rage of Ninus, meeting his eye with an -eye that knew not fear and his scowl with a reckless -smile.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My lord," she began once more, her low voice -smooth and even as though the stretching of a -warrior on his back were but a pleasing courtesy, "my -lord, I bring a lion's skin from the thickets of the -Euphrates. A mighty one-eyed lion which leaped -upon thy horse's neck and—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Have done!" stormed Ninus. "What witch's -foolery is this of lions in the thickets of the -Euphrates?" He paused to laugh derisively. "Perchance -it was even thou who slew the brute—thou with thy -puny might."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Puny?" smiled Semiramis, pointing to the fallen -man-at arms. "Nay, ask this grimy dog who dared -to pollute me with his touch. And as for the lion, -good my lord, I have his skin. Mayhap I slew him, -and again mayhap he laid aside his coat in the -manner of a wrestler, eager for another bout with Ninus, -who, alas, receiveth gifts with but a sorry grace." She -smiled once more and again took up her interrupted -speech: "My lord, I bring a lion's skin—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Peace! Peace!" cried the King, then turned to -glare about him savagely. A laugh had broken from -some hidden soldier's throat, and, as a flame is -kindled from a spark, so mirth ran riot up and down the -hall.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The King, whose temper had been weakened by his -wound, was placed in a grievous pass. Should he -suffer this witch to tell her damning tale of disaster -in the chase, it would brand the royal hunter as a -braggart and a liar—a case far out of tune with a -king's desire to be thought a god. On the other -hand, should he check her speech by force, there were -those who would hold displeasure for a deed they -could not understand. Therefore Ninus swallowed -down his spleen and sought to meet guile with guile.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Princess," he laughed, as he once more took his -seat, "with anger assumed did I test the mettle of a -huntress at my court, and my heart is glad because of -the spirit she hath shown. Speak then, fearing -naught, and if thy tale prove true and pleasing to our -ears, demand what thou wilt from Ninus in exchange -for this one-eyed lion's skin."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis bowed low and was about to speak, when -the monarch checked her with a lifted hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay, a moment," he begged. "Now perchance -I might tell this tale myself, and thereby lose no shred -of its palatable meat." He smiled to his court -amusedly and once more bent his glance upon -Semiramis: "A lion's skin is borne me from the -thickets along the lower Euphrates—a one-eyed lion, -fierce and strong, that leapt upon my charger's neck -and pressed me hurtfully. I, Ninus, in my terror of -a beast so strange, then flung my weapons down, -turned tail and fled for safety in my distant camp, -whilst thou—all praise to Asshur for the -deed—came after me and slew my enemy." Again the -monarch laughed and stretched his hand toward the -huntress: "Speak, pretty one, is this the tale of -Ninus and the one-eyed lion?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The King, in painting with a brush of truth, had -spread his colors artfully, for it came to him that to -steal the thunder from an accusing tongue was better -far than a shield of defensive lies. So the courtiers -whispered among themselves and smiled at the -pleasing humor of their Song. This joyed the monarch -vastly, for his vanity was large, and now that his wit -had given him a vantage ground, he turned to Semiramis, -ready for attack, but was ill prepared for his -subtle enemy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On her face came a look of childish wonderment -and pain, while her hands were raised in protest of a -thought so wrongful to the King. She stood with -her back toward the </span><em class="italics">stele</em><span> which pictured the lion hunt, -yet, on entering the hall, her eye had marked it, and -memory served her well.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, no, my lord," she answered timidly, as she -slowly shook her head, "of a truth thy words are the -words of jest, for I saw thy battle from the bough of -a citron tree wherein I had climbed in my wish to -gaze upon the King."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She paused to drop her eyes, but raised them again -at a smile and a word from Assyria's lord.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Speak," said the King, "and fear not, for we -fain would hear this tale.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O radiant one," returned Semiramis, "small skill -have I in the telling of a deed so great, and yet each -day my prayers of praise go up to Ishtar, in that I -saw this glorious battle of a god."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The King breathed easy and ceased to comb his -beard, and Semiramis began her story, of the hunt. -At first her voice was low, melodious and calm, yet -presently it rose to the fevered pitch of an orator -whose audience is but a harp beneath his hand, each -string a heart to thrill and quiver at a master-touch. -Her listeners seemed to see the hunter charge the king -of beasts, his stout spear shivering with the impact -of the blow. They heard the lion's roar of fury as -he leaped on the shoulder of the rearing steed, to -tear at his enemy, while the two tossed to and fro in a -grip of death. They heard the rip of armored -garments at the stroke of raking claws, while the blood -of Ninus dyed his vestments red and his arm rained -blows upon the skull of a maddened beast. They saw -its mighty jaws relax, the tawny body heave in agony, -to drop to the earth at last in death. Then the -conqueror strove to staunch his wounds and, failing, rode -for succor to his distant camp.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis ceased to speak, and those who had -listened drew a long, deep sigh of wonder at the King's -escape and at her who told the tale so truthfully. -King Ninus likewise heaved a sigh, but of peace and -sweet content, for never since his reign began had he -looked upon so glorious a liar.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Behold!" cried Nakir-Kish, and pointed to the </span><em class="italics">stele</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis turned, to stare in seeming wonder -at the carven miracle. One fluttering hand was -drawn across her eyes; her lips moved slowly, giving -forth no sound, and all save two who watched her -felt that here, indeed, was truth. King Ninus raised -his hand to check a tribute of applause, and spoke in -a voice of gentleness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What more?" he asked. "How came it to pass -that a woman beareth the lion's skin to Nineveh?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis spread her hands in the manner of one -who does a deed too small for the waste of words.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O mighty one," she answered simply, "of a truth -my tale is told. When the beast lay dead I descended -from out my tree to watch while my servant removed -its skin." She took the lion's hide from Huzim and -laid it at the monarch's feet. "My lord, I bring this -simple token of my love to Nineveh, in trust that the -King of all the world will grant my small desires."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Say on," cried Ninus, "and by the sword of -Asshur do I swear to make a just reward. Speak, -then, for we harken to thy wish."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis spoke not. She raised her eyes to his -in the wondering innocence of a little child and smiled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay, lord, why now should I name desires which -Ninus in his wisdom knoweth well?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"True," returned the monarch thoughtfully, once -more combing at his beard and wondering if some -trap were being laid, "true, and yet 'twere well to -name thy wish aloud, in that these my friends may -ever bear a witness to the promise made. Speak, for -Ninus heedeth."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Forgiveness!" begged Semiramis, kneeling upon -the lion's skin. "This, O Father of the Land, I ask -alone."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Granted!" cried the King, "though I swear I -know not—um—though thy sin be great or small."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis pressed the fingers of the King against -her lips, then, rising, turned with a joyous cry and -flung herself into Menon's arms.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A gasp of wonder rose from those who saw, while -Menon flushed, and his friend Boabdul smiled. -Sozana sought the eyes of Memetis with a furtive -glance, but the King rose up in wrath.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What now!" he demanded, in a voice which shook -with passion, but Semiramis checked him with a laugh -and stood before him holding Menon's hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Three years agone, as thou knowest well, my lord, -he wedded me in Syria."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Eh—what!" cried the puzzled King. "In -truth he is thy spouse?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Aye," she nodded happily, "in defiance of his -master's will; and thought—the foolish boy—to -blind the eyes of the Eagle of Assyria. Yet as for -me, my lord, I laughed, for well I knew that the -vanities of man must come to dust. What! I asked -him, is thy master a fool whose eye can fathom -naught beyond his nose? Nay, King Ninus is a god -whose wisdom marketh the works of lesser men, and -he smileth because of them. Therefore, since Ninus -knoweth all, he will treasure up this jest till such a -time as Menon cometh unto Nineveh, and will rally -him in the sight of all the court. Speak then, O -generous lord, that thy courtiers may laugh with thee."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The monarch made no answer. He was like unto -a man who stood between two ditches, each too wide -to spring across, yet spring he must. To admit a -knowledge of his governor's disobedience, would mean -forgiveness where the measure of his wrath was fain -to fall; and yet denial stamped him, not as a high, -far-seeing god, but a mortal fool whose vision ceased -at the tip of his royal nose. So Ninus pondered -thoughtfully.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How now, my lord," asked Semiramis with her -witch's smile, "in truth dids't thou not know of this -joyous happening from the first?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Aye," growled Ninus, savagely, "I knew it—from -the first."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-turn-of-a-woman-s-tongue"><span class="large">CHAPTER XIV</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE TURN OF A WOMAN'S TONGUE</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>For many days the mind of the King was troubled -by a fractious mood. He strove to nurse an -anger against Semiramis, yet, even as he brooded, his -thought would trail away from the wrong she had -put upon him, and linger on the witchery of the -woman's eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"</span><em class="italics">Heh!</em><span>" he muttered, savagely. "This imp is -not an imp to be forgotten in a day!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There were hours wherein he was prone to pass -the matter by, to forgive these lovers who had balked -his will by a wit more subtle than his own; yet -moments would come when he longed to strip her -shoulders bare and watch the lash laid on; and in such -a mood he caused her to be brought before him as he -lolled in his garden in the noontide heat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His couch had been set beside a fountain's edge, -beneath a trellaced arbor whereon a vine of Syria -climbed, the great black grapes in clusters peeping -from their leaves and set apart for the lips of the -King alone. At his hand were a jeweled flagon and -a dish of fruit on which he regaled himself from time -to time as he waited for Semiramis, while at his head -stood a eunuch who waved a fan of feathered -plumes and watched lest a buzzing insect rest upon -his monarch's skin.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>King Ninus, smiling grimly, watched Semiramis -coming down a garden-path, and hardened his heart, -for now, alone with her, he would speak his mind as -befit the master of the world, and even learn, -perchance, if her arrogance would break beneath the lash.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then presently she stood before him, clothed in a -white simar, whose edges were stitched with pale blue -feathers of some tiny bird, crossed on her breast and -caught by a silver girdle at her waist, the soft folds -falling to her sandaled feet. Her hair was drawn -from her temples in a drooping curve, confined with -jeweled pins in a knot behind, and was covered by a -gauzy veil, now lifted from her face in deference to -the King.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the eyes of Ninus she was fair beyond his fondest -dreams of womankind, yet, withal, she galled him -by her calm assurance of the power to charm. So, -for a space he regarded her and spoke no word, till -Semiramis, uninvited, perched herself upon a stool -and inquired into the monarch's health as though she -had been his leech in charge.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Woman," growled the King, "knowest thou why -I bring thee here—alone—where none may hear -my words or thine?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She smiled and looked into his eyes, striving to -read the mind beneath, then plucked a bunch of his -sacred grapes from the vine about her head and -began to eat them thoughtfully.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mayhap my lord is weary of himself and willeth -to be amused."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The King half raised himself upon his arm in -angry astonishment, for the impudence of both her -act and speech was past belief. Serene and -undismayed, she spoke as an equal, to </span><em class="italics">him</em><span>—the lord of -all Assyria—and pecked at his royal fruit with the -recklessness of some wanton bird. His mouth went -open, while he vainly sought for words wherein to -shape his wrath; yet, ere he could find them, -Semiramis had poised a luscious grape between her thumb -and finger and thrust it between his lips.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Eat, my lord," she murmured, smiling happily, -"for never have I tasted fruit that lay more sweet -upon my tongue."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So the monarch, marveling at a weakness which -he could not understand, devoured the grape and cast -its skin into the fountain at his side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The grapes of Syria!" laughed Semiramis. -"Ah, good my lord, their flavor, like unto a memory, -leadeth me among my native hills—to the lake of -Ascalon and the vine-clad temple crouching on its -shore. If my lord would hunt, I can lead him where -the beasts of prey are fierce and strong—where—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay," said the King who stretched himself at -ease upon his couch, "I would hear the story of -Shammuramat."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She bowed her head in obedience to his will, and, as -before she had spoken to Menon on the steps of -Dagon's temple, so now again she told the tale of a -babe that was nursed by doves, the while she fed her -royal listener with grapes, and watched his anger -fade. She told him of her home with Simmas, the -father-dove, and of her other home in Azapah, whence -she fled by night to join the battle of the Kurds.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The eyes of Ninus were sparkling now, his lips -had twitched into a smile; and when he learned how -the tax on Syria was raised, he laughed till the tears -ran down and the pain in his wounded side aggrieved -him sorely.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Was this the woman above whose back he longed -to hear the whistle of a scourge? Nay, strive as he -would, he failed to harbor wrath against Semiramis, -yet in his breast there rankled still a wound to pride. -Someone must suffer because of the disobedience; if -not the woman, then justice must fall upon the man. -Should Menon be blest above all other men—to enjoy -the love of Ninus and also the love of one who was -fit to mate with kings? Nay! By the necklace of -the five great gods, this thing was not to be!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So Ninus nursed a grave displeasure against his -general, while he lay with half closed eyes and hung -upon the words of his general's wife. He watched -her lips, her eyes, the curve of her rounded breast, -and the tiny veins on her velvet skin where the blood -of passion drowsed. In the soil of his soul a seed -was planted deep, and though he knew not its name, -it would grow in might, a sturdy vine that twined its -soft, insidious tendrils round a monarch's heart, till -it dragged him to the earth with the weight of its -ripened fruit.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The palace gardens lazed in a silence of the -noon-day's heat that was broken only by the fountain's -gurgling song, the flutter of a bird that dropped to -drink, and the voice of Semiramis, low, melodious, and -sweet. The sounds on the city streets below were -hushed in the hour of rest, and the lisp of the breeze -was but a whisper among the palms. Farther and -fainter the Syrian's murmurs trailed away, till they -seemed to the King the nameless voices of the night, -when a hunter sprawls beside his camp-fire, listening, -listening, while he slides from weariness to -peace—and Ninus slept.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In his dreams he sat upon the throne at Nineveh -and looked toward the east. His eye could pierce -the snow-capped mountain range, and the rolling -mists beyond which hung above the walls and citadel -of Zariaspa. He saw his armies swarming up the -battlements, to be beaten back and tumble headlong -to the earth, while his foemen waved their -bloodstained arms and shouted, though their shouts he -could not hear. He strove to cry commands, but a -hot wind blew them back into his throat, and the -Bactrians leaped from their battlements to smite the -children of Assyria. Yet, suddenly, they seemed to -pause in fear, retreating to their walls before the -charge of a single chariot which swept across the -plain. It was drawn by three white steeds that fought -with hoof and teeth, the taut reins held in the shield -hand of Semiramis. Her locks, unbound, were -streaming in the wind. The sun's rays lit her golden -armor with a flash of fire that burned through the -ranks of her fleeing enemies. Straight at the walls -she drove, while the King looked on and trembled -in his dread. A stone from a catapult went hurtling -out and burst upon her shield, but she laughed and -urged her steeds. He saw her splash through a -bloody moat, and, shuddering, closed his eyes; yet -when he opened them again, lo! the city walls had -crumbled into dust, and the chariot raced across great -mounds of smoking wreck. Westward it came, -through passes and defiles, up, up to the summit of -the Hindu-Kush, to thunder down into the plains -beyond, wheel swiftly to the west and speed for -Nineveh! She was coming! Semiramis was coming! -Ah, he could see her clearly now—her great eyes -blazing from a splotch of red and gold—her white -throat gleaming through a web of wind-blown hair. -She passed the city gates, which burst before her -rush, and drove full swing between long rows of -wingéd bulls and crouching lions. The King could -now discern the beat of hoofs, the ring of the driver's -voice as she urged her steeds, and the crack of her -pitiless lash. He heard the shock of her chariot -wheels when they struck the palace steps, and the -splintering crash of Ramân's statue as it overturned; -then the massive doors of the hall fell in, while a queen -of battle thundered over them, to check her panting -steeds beside the throne.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bactria is no more!" she cried, and leaped to a -seat beside the King. Then Ninus flung wide his -arms, yet ere he felt her weight against his breast, -a black cloud slid between them—and the lord of -dreams awoke.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis had gone, and in her place stood Menon, -waiting till the slumbers of his master ceased.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My lord," spoke Menon humbly, as he bent his -knee, "the armies of Assyria lie beyond the wall, -ready to march on Zariaspa at the King's command."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For many moments Ninus scowled upon this man -who in days of old had been his friend in joy and -grief, in peace, in victory and defeat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then lead them forth at dawn," he answered, -sternly; "and mark thou, Menon, this for thine ear -alone. On Zariaspa's fall will hang the fate of those -who disobey my will."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Menon looked up swiftly, and the King spoke on:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thy deed in Syria hath grieved me sorely, the -more because of a trust misplaced, and so thy hand -shall dip no more in the fleshpots at thy master's -board. Go, then, without the love of Ninus which -was like unto the love of a father for his son, and -sue for pardon when our enemies shall cease to be."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The monarch waved his hand as a sign that the -conference was done, yet Menon lingered still.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And she, my lord?" he asked, striving to quell -the tremor in his tone. "If Bactria falleth, what -then of my wife Shammuramat?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The King lay still and pondered for a space, till -at length his dark eyes glowed with the fires of craft. -A plan was born wherein he might compass his own -desires, and at the self same time hold Menon in the -grip of unceasing diligence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Shammuramat," said Ninus, smiling in his beard, -"remaineth a hostage here at Nineveh till the war -be done. My army, once beyond the Hindu-Kush, -shall divide in twain, the one half mine, the other -thine, albeit Ninus is the chief of all. Then will we -each lay siege to Zariaspa, the one upon the east, the -other on the west; and as thy men are spurred to deeds -of valor by promises of high reward, so will I urge -mine. And look thou, boy, the walls are strong, their -copings manned by sturdy foes; yet to him who first -shall stand a conqueror on the summit of their citadel, -that man shall receive a prize."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And the prize, my lord?" asked Menon, shivering -at a dread to which he dared not give a name.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"</span><em class="italics">Shammuramat!</em><span>" cried Ninus, bringing down his -doubled fist, till the table rocked and the flagon -overturned, the dark wine gurgling out upon the earth -like the blood of a stricken warrior. "To the -conqueror shall go this prize—by Asshur I swear -it!—though he be her wedded spouse or the spawn of a -Hittite serf. Now go! and set thy hope on the -citadel of Zariaspa."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For an instant Menon lingered still, his gaze fixed -fast upon the eyes of Ninus, his hot blood surging -madly through his veins, his sword hand playing -nervously about his blade; then he laughed and turned -upon his heel without salute, albeit his laughter was -like unto the cry of a strangled wolf.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wait!" called the King, and as Menon paused, -he pointed a warning finger at his under-chief. "No -parting word may be spoken with thy wife, save in -my presence and in my audience hall this night. And -more; should thy lips tell aught which Ninus gave in -secret to thine ear, then marvel not if my men-at-arms -cast lots amongst them for a concubine!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So Menon went out from the gardens of the King, -and, with a head that drooped upon his breast, rode -slowly to the camp beyond the city wall.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="an-army-on-the-march"><span class="large">CHAPTER XV</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">AN ARMY ON THE MARCH</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Sad at heart Semiramis stood on the palace roof -at dawn and watched the army, like a mighty -serpent, wriggling away toward the east.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Her parting with Menon had been strange indeed, -for while his lips spoke bravely of the days to come, -in his eyes lurked shadows of a troubled soul. Some -secret preyed upon him which he dare not share with -her, and the eagle glance of Ninus rested on him -ceaselessly, even while the husband's kiss was pressed upon -her lips; and Menon stumbled as he left the hall. -What danger to her lord lay hidden behind the master's -smile, and why should he hold her here, a prisoner, -at Nineveh? Menon, too, had bade her stay behind, -though since her coming, in the one sweet night when -she rested at his side, he had sworn to part from her -no more till Ishtar snapped the thread. What now? -Was his change of heart a mandate of the King, -whereby her lord should suffer in secret for his -disobedience, when open forgiveness was but a -close-masked lie? By Gibil, if he dared—!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis leaned across the parapet, shaking her -hard-clenched fist toward the lines of marching men -which had swallowed up the purple litter of the -wounded King. Hour by hour she watched the armies -move, like restless waves on the breast of a shoreless -sea, the sunlight flashing on their polished gear. -Line on line of footmen swung in measured stride, -archers, slingers, pikemen, and those who fought with -axes and with staves; vast clouds of riders skirting -the Khusur river's edge where the way was cleared -for the monster catapults now knocked apart and -bound upon carts with wooden wheels. As far as the -eye could reach great lines of lowing oxen drew these -machines of war, their drivers goading them with -whips and the points of swords, while as a rear-guard -came a rumbling host of chariots clanging through -the city's eastern gate.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A brazen sun climbed upward on its arch, hung like -a keystone over Nineveh, then dipped toward the west; -and still Assyria's forces stretched in sight of the high -brown walls, a tangle of an hundred nations pressing -on at the will of a wounded King. A ball of dull red -fire hung low behind the hills; a purple mist came -creeping down on Nineveh, and the tail of an army -disappeared beyond the river bend. Then Semiramis -cast herself upon the palace roof and wept, for in the -sob of a rising breeze she seemed to hear the sigh of -Dagon and the rush of a carp that dragged her beetle -down. It were better far that she should rot in -Ascalon than dwell a prisoner at Nineveh, watching, -listening, through the dull eternities of night for the -footstep of a loved one who came not back to her.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The Assyrian host crawled eastward through the -dust and heat, skirting the mountain spurs, and -marching through the plains of Media, where an -infant nation gave but weak resistance to the progress -of the King. For four long moons they journeyed -slowly, with many halts, for the ponderous machines -of war retarded speed because of their weight and -the breaking of axles and of wheels. Up mountain -sides they were dragged by ropes attached to cattle -and to slaves who held them back from running down -the slopes beyond, though anon some heavier cart -would sway, careen, and tumble with a rending crash -among the stones.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the van, and guarded by wings of flying horse, -went an army of workmen who smoothed the way, -hewing wide roads through forestlands, bridging the -smaller streams, or constructing barges where rivers -needs be crossed. Through desert wastes they laid a -track of wood, whereon the wheels of catapults might -roll and sink not deeply into the sands; and thus -Assyria moved, by force of slow, brute strength, till the -slopes of Hindu-Kush were reached and the toil of -gods began.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>King Ninus might have fretted at the slowness of -his pace, yet his wound had healed and his strength -came back again; so while his engines and his baggage -carts crept slowly along their way, he foraged through -the lands, subduing strangers, adding them to his -mighty host, or collecting tribute and a store of food -against the hungry days of siege. Where peoples -were peaceful or stricken with fear before his might, -then would he hunt from dawn till the shades of -evening fell, though since the day of his going out from -Nineveh, Menon joined not in his master's sports, nor -dipped his hand in the fleshpots at the royal board; -and in the eyes of men this thing was strange.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To the warriors in Menon's charge, their chieftain -had passed from boyhood to sterner age, for his laugh -no more resounded through the camp as in days of -old, and a frown of gloom sat always upon his brow. -Where the followers of Ninus feasted by night and -day, laying great rolls of fat upon their bones, -Menon's men were held to the toil of war, to the -practice of arms and a temperate use of wine and food, -till slender and gaunt they grew, yet clear of sight -and as hard as the rocky roads up which they climbed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When half of the mountain's side was scaled and -the army rested in the valley's lap, King Ninus -proclaimed a council of his chiefs wherein he set forth -plans to take the enemy unawares. That Oxyartes -smelled their coming, was clear because of his many -spies who dodged like mountain goats among the -crags; yet weary days must pass ere the great -machines of war could be dragged into the plains beyond, -and this the Bactrians likewise knew full well. -Therefore Ninus planned a sudden dash of chariots and -horse through the highest mountain pass and a swift -descent on Zariaspa, thereby cutting off a mass of -Bactrians ere they found a safe retreat behind their -walls.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This strategy seemed wise, and the chiefs as with -one voice agreed thereto save Menon only, who sat -apart and spoke no word. King Ninus, noting this, -grew vexed and gave command that Menon stay -behind in charge of the footmen and the baggage trains, -a flout which hurt the youthful warrior to the -marrow of his pride. For a moment he looked upon his -master, then shrugged and left the council tent in -silence, striding down the rocky path to his camp -below. He yearned to reach the walls of Zariaspa, yet -he knew full well that Ninus might accomplish naught -without the aid of his ladders and his catapults; -and these must be watched with a sleepless eye, for in -them lay the hope of a breach in the city's walls or a -path which led to the summit of the citadel. One man -would stand upon that lofty goal and claim the -prize—Semiramis—and Menon swore by his every god -of light and gloom to be that man!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the cloak of evening fell King Ninus with his -horsemen and his chariots moved stealthily up the -winding trail which led to the mountain's top, while -Menon brooded by his camp fire far into the night. -In the valley about him his soldiers lay asleep, wrapped -in their cloaks, for the mountain air was chill; on the -cliffs above his ghostly sentinels could be seen against -the stars, watchful lest marauding bands swoop down -to pillage the baggage trains or scatter the beasts of -burden through intersecting glades. Many and bold -were the Bactrian mountaineers who spared no pains -to harass the Assyrians' march, though far too weak -to battle openly; therefore they clung to the army's -flanks, as insects gall a steed; and because of them -Assyria itched by night and day.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The hours dragged on and on, till Menon with a -sigh arose at last and entered his tent where he flung -himself upon his couch of skins for an hour of sleep; -but sleep came not, for his heart was heavy, and his -thoughts trailed ever back to Nineveh and to her who -lay in peril of a fate unknown. Then, presently, his -eyelids drooped with a restless drowsiness wherein came -tangled, half wakeful dreams through which he -clambered up the walls of Zariaspa, while Ninus pushed -him downward, laughing to see him fall. In the far, -dim distance the voice of a woman stormed, sobbing -because she might not reach his side; then, suddenly, -Menon sat upright, listening, at the call of a sentry -outside his tent. The flap was thrust aside, and -Huzim entered, bearing a heavy burden in his arms.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When a torch was kindled, its light revealed a -Bactrian spy whom Huzim had captured on the outskirts -of the camp and whose limbs were bound with leathern -thongs, for the Indian found less labor in bearing -this spy upon his mighty back than in leading him, -struggling, down a tedious defile.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The prisoner was questioned concerning his master, -Oxyartes, but refused to speak. They scourged him, -yet he bore the lash in silence, scowling at his enemies, -till Huzim procured a torture iron, clamped it on the -Bactrian's bare foot and turned the screws; then the -wretch's spirit broke; he shrieked for mercy, promising -to reveal all secrets which the Assyrians wished to -learn. Menon nodded, and by a sign directed Huzim -to keep the iron about the prisoner's foot, then he -turned to the sufferer sternly:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Speak," he commanded; "yet remember, fellow, -that much is known to us, and for each false word that -slips your tongue, this screw shall sink a hair's breadth -into your ankle bone."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The threat proved potent; Menon learned, by swift, -adroit questionings, that Oxyartes lay in wait for -Ninus at the outlet of a deep defile on the ridge of the -highest mountain pass, where, aided by rising ground -and the towering cliffs on either side, he could crush -the Assyrians, even as this devil's iron bit into a -captive's foot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Menon pondered thoughtfully, for the case was -evil, demanding all his craft. Mayhap the captive -lied, seeking to draw away another force from the -baggage trains, when hidden mountaineers might pour -into the valley, wrecking the machines of war and -dealing a fatal blow to the plans of siege. On the other -hand, should Ninus, in his overconfidence of strength, -become entangled in the narrow gorge, then of a -certainty Assyria's fate was sealed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Menon faltered. A haunting whisper worried at -his ears:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let Ninus die! Wherefore should a mortal shield -an enemy who houndeth him in a cause of cruelty? -Leave him to his fate! Race back to Nineveh and the -goal of a heart's desire!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Twas sweet, this haunting whisper, yet another -voice within him cried aloud—cried for the glory of -Assyria and the lives of those who rode into a snare. -Should he soil a warrior's after-memory with the -murder of his friends—those who had charged with him -in Syria against the Kurds? By the breath of Ishtar, -no! Semiramis would scorn him as the weakness of a -craven merited!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In a moment Menon's tent was thronged with -officers and under-chiefs to whom he issued swift -commands. The camp in the valley woke to sudden life. -Slumbering warriors roused to cast their cloaks aside -and form in silent, eager bands, their heavier armor -left behind, their backs untrammeled by any weight -save their arms alone, their pouches for food, and -leathern flasks for water and for wine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the valley, carts and wagons were set in one vast -oval barricade, while oxen and the burden-beasts -were roped within. Beneath the wheels lay a force -of men who slept upon their arms, and treble sentries -paced the outposts and lined the cliffs above. The -baggage train was a fortress now which well might -hold its own till Menon could reach his threatened -King, strike at the enemy, and hasten back again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And now the force was on the move, Menon in the -van, while at his side strode the faithful Kedah, he who -had served in Syria, and at his master's lightest nod -would charge across the lip of a precipice. Three -spears' lengths in advance went the Bactrian spy who, -choosing between the torture-iron and a sack of gold, -had promised to lead the Assyrians by a shorter route -to where King Oxyartes lay concealed; yet, lest he -betray his trust, a noose was knotted about his neck -and Huzim followed close upon his heels.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To those who raced with the coming dawn on -slippery mountain paths, circling deep chasms, leaping -from stone to stone where torrents cut their way, the -ceaseless trainings of Menon's camp now stood them -in good stead. The chill of the altitude was felt no -more, for the soldiers' blood ran bubbling through -their veins as their limbs grew damp with the sweat -of toil. Upward they clambered, swinging westward -in a wide detour, in the hope of taking Oxyartes in his -rear, now running swiftly down some gentle slope, -now clinging like flies to the face of a dizzy cliff, then -up again on narrow, tortuous ways.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They came at last upon the point where Ninus and -his force had passed when they entered the gorge -which notched the summit of the mountain range; -and as Menon paused, his ear could faintly catch a -distant rumble of the chariot wheels where the -rearguard dragged its way on the stony trail.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Well might Menon pause. To dash into that gulf -of gloom, meant only to become a part of Assyria's -slaughter when the battle joined; nor might a single -spy press on with warning, for the march of Ninus, -beyond a peradventure, was followed up by a force of -Bactrians who would balk retreat. To advise the -King of impending fate was beyond the powers of -Menon's strength or strategy; yet, what if after all -his journey bore no fruit save the knowledge of a fool -who was lured by phantoms to forsake a trust? In -fancy he fashioned swarms of hairy mountaineers who -tumbled down the cliff sides to the valley's lap, -charging his wagons, stabbing at his men beneath the -wheels. He heard their howls of triumph—smelled -the smoke, as great red flames leaped, roaring, at his -priceless machines of war, while maddened cattle-beasts -surged round and round, trampling his men -beneath their frenzied hoofs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Well might Menon cast his eyes along the backward -trail, for if judgment served him ill, what hope of her -who watched upon the walls of Nineveh, listening for -the footsteps of a loved-one coming in the night? He -faltered, yet, as he stood, irresolute, there came a -memory of Semiramis admonishing a foolish serving-maid -in their home at Azapah:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thou child!" she chided. "When once the mind -be set upon a thing, go straightway and do that thing, -leaving the broken threads of consequence to be -gathered up in afterdays."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So Menon wiped the beads of sweat from off his -brow and gave the word to move. He divided his -men-at-arms, commanding Kedah to mount the heights -on the gorge's right, while he, with an equal force, -would take the left; thus the two long files diverged -from the central point and soon were hidden among -the beetling crags.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For an hour they stole along uncertain paths, -hugging the edge of a slit-like mountain pass which -marked the march of Ninus in the depths below. -They moved with speed, yet cautiously, lest the -rattling of a weapon or a stone displaced give warning -to the enemy, while beneath their very feet could be -heard the clattering hoof-falls of three score -thousand war steeds plodding sleepily—and Menon and -his men raced on to reach the van.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At length the gloom of night began to fade. A -smear of grey crept up from out the east. Then, -of a sudden, the hills awoke, resounding with the crash -of arms, the thunder of descending stones, the cries -of men, and the shriek of stricken steeds.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Too late!" sighed Menon, gazing down into the -shadowy gulf whence the tongues of tumult roared. -"Too late! Yet, perchance, the hand of Ishtar -stayed my speed!"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-pass-of-the-wedge"><span class="large">CHAPTER XVI</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE PASS OF THE WEDGE</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>With the army of Ninus the night had passed -without alarm, for in the lead crept a force of -spies who watched the way and made report by -signals that the road was clear of enemies. Following -the spies came a mass of mounted spearsmen, armed -also with swords and shields, a vanguard for the King -who reposed in his royal litter borne by slaves. Then -came another horde of close-ranked horsemen, nodding -on the backs of their toiling steeds, or cursing at the -steeps of their tedious ascent. Behind rolled a host -of heavy chariots, their horses well-nigh spent by the -labor of their climb and the need of water for their -thirsty throats.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Slowly and more slowly still this mighty monster -crawled upward on its way, through gloom more -dense than night because of towering rock-walls which -shut it in, deflecting icy winds that searched the -crevices of armor-plate or the seams of leathern coats. -Then the road became more difficult, for, as dawn -approached, the mountain pass grew narrower in its -cleft, till far above the riders' heads the cliffs leaned -inward, leaving but a ribbon's width of star-stabbed -sky between.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And now the gorge came suddenly to an end, as -though rent apart by giants of some forgotten age. -The ground still sloped toward the ridge of Hindu-Kush, -but the hillsides sheared away on either hand, -their faces scarred by black ravines, by twisting -ridges, tangled root-dried shrubbery, and wastes of -splintered rock.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This place was known to travellers as the Pass -of the Wedge, because of its strange formation, -resembling in shape some splitting instrument -which forced two soaring mountain-backs apart. In -its neck, at the narrowest point, six chariots might -drive abreast, yet it broadened till its widest reach -might hold a thousand horsemen standing flank to -flank; and here the Assyrian vanguard spread as -spreads a fan, rejoicing to be free at last from the -gloomy gorge which had closed about their heads.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Here, too, the crafty Oxyartes laid his snare, for -as each Assyrian spy came through the pass, a -shadowy form rose up behind him, and in a moment -more a noose would grip his neck, and his shout of -warning died with his strangled breath. Then the -Bactrians, themselves, stole backward down the trail -with signals that the road was clear, luring a drowsy -army on to a swift awakening of woe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus, in the haze of dawn, the foremost Assyrian -riders came against a barrier of high-piled stones -whose crevices were filled with a hedge of planted -spears. Too late the horsemen checked their steeds, -wheeling to warn their followers. A torch flared out -from the rocks above, and at the sign the battle broke -with a deep, tumultuous roar, wherein the screams of -men were intermingled with a rushing avalanche of -stones, the hiss of shafts and the whine of leaden -pellets hurled from slings. Great boulders, hurtling -down the steep declivities, would strike the bottom, -rending bloody lines through the mass of close-packed -horsemen, or, bursting into fragments, hurl a score -of riders from their steeds.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The last of the horses had passed the gorge's neck, -and at the signal of alarm, long files of chariots came -streaming out, to meet a heaving, backward wave of -terror-stricken men, each seeking safety from the -missiles of their unseen enemies, and finding death in a -rush of wheels. The chariot horses reared and -plunged beneath a galling hail of darts, fell and -became entangled with their harness, while other -chariots crashed into them and piled upon the wreck.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Another signal torch flared up, and blood-mad -Bactria seemed to tear the very hills apart. A storm of -stones was poured into the gorge's neck, till a mound -of splintered chariots and dying warriors arose, -choking egress, cutting off retreat, and locking Ninus with -the flower of his force in a trap of death.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Beyond, in the centre of the press, the King, -aroused from sleep, sprang from his litter and seized -a passing steed; half clad, unarmored and unhelmed, -he rose to Assyria's stress. Here was no weakling, -cowering at a grave mischance of war, but a King -who conquered nations, teaching them, like dogs, to -lick his hand; and when they snarled he walked among -them with a whip. What recked it though his foes -were hidden among the heights, his army writhing in -a pit of gloom? A King was a King, and peril ran -as mothers-milk on the lips of the lord of men.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the half light Ninus towered above his followers, -his bare arms raised aloft, his great voice rolling -forth commands, till those who had lost their wits in -the sudden fury of attack, plucked courage from their -master's fearless front. Where tossing, disordered -troops ran riot among themselves, balking defense and -fanning the torch of panic into flame, they now -pressed backward from the valley's sides and the zone -of plunging rocks, raising their shields to protect -their heads from showers of arrows and smaller stones. -Where horsemen proved a hindrance, the riders -dismounted, and while one force was sent ahead to tear -away the spear-set barrier, still others charged the -hillsides, scrambling up by the aid of projecting -roots, in a valiant effort to dislodge their foes; but -the Bactrians beat them back with savage thrusts of -javelins and of spears. So soon as an Assyrian head -arose above some ledge, a wild-haired mountaineer -would cleave it with an axe and laugh aloud as the -corpse went tumbling down, itself a missile, thwarting -the progress of its scuffling friends.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again and again the assault was checked, till the -climbers faltered and then went reeling down the slope, -while the Bactrians shrieked their triumph from above, -and the wrath of Ninus knew no bounds. He raged -about him, striking with his sword at every flying -warrior within his reach, cursing their cowardice and -leaping from his steed to lead one last mad onslaught -on his enemies.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There were those who fain would save their King, -so they flung themselves upon him and clung in the -manner of wriggling eels; yet even as they struggled -a louder shouting rose among the rocks, and the -strugglers paused in awe. Commingled with the -shouts came cries of sharp alarm, while the Bactrian -shafts were aimed no longer in the valley's bed, but -upward at the crags. King Ninus looked and -marveled. The gloom of dawn was thinning rapidly; -great coils of mist, that swam among the peaks, -unwound and disappeared, scattered by shifting winds, -or sucked into thirsty, deep defiles. The red sun -shot above a ragged spur, flinging his torch of hope -into the death-strewn pass, for upon the heights on -either hand the warm light lit the arms of Menon -and Kedah as they led their men.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As Bactria had pressed upon Assyria's force below, -so now Prince Menon galled the Bactrians from his -vantage point above, destroying them with arrows -and with slings, with down-flung stones and the trunks -of fallen trees. With Kedah came the Syrian hillsmen, -silent, pitiless, while Menon led the loose-limbed -mountaineers from the land of Naïri, to whom a fray -was as a feast of wine. They sang as they swept the -cliffs, jeering, mocking while they slew, seizing their -fallen foes where other missiles failed and flinging -their bodies on the heads of those beneath.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the gorge the King's men once more scrambled -up the slopes, snatching at the foemen's legs and feet, -dragging them from rifts and crevices. Anon two -foes would grapple on some narrow ledge, totter, and -plunge, still fighting with nails and teeth, till the shock -of death released them from the fierce embrace. The -Bactrians who sought to fly were caught below on -the points of spears with shouts of vengeful joy, -while those who held their ground in the courage of -despair, were slain where they stood, for mercy they -begged not nor received.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A breach had now been torn through the barrier of -stones which stretched across the gorge, and the King, -to relieve the press within, led three score thousand -horsemen out and breasted the gentle slope beyond; -yet scarce had he cleared the opening when Oxyartes, -with a cloud of riders, swept into view and came -thundering down the hill. They far outnumbered the -Assyrian horse and held a marked advantage by reason -of their whirlwind rush; yet the heart of the King -arose. Here was no unseen enemy hurling stones -from shrouded heights, but a foe to charge on even -ground, sword to sword and shield to shield—a foe -to conquer in the glory of his strength, or to free a -royal saddle of its weight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"At them!" he cried and loosed his bridle rein, -while his followers with a shout of joy came streaming -after him. With a clangorous roar the riders met, -their horses rearing to the shock, battling with hoofs -or toppling backward upon those who pressed behind. -For an instant Bactrian and Assyrian both recoiled, -then drew their breath and fell to the work of war—a -struggle, deadly, fraught with fate, for victory gave -the whip-hand unto Ninus or the brave King Oxyartes; -and so the leaders vied in their deeds of arms. -They met at last, the sword of Ninus clanging on the -Bactrian's blade; and for a space they glared across -their shield-rims silently, then rose in their saddles for -a scepter-stroke that would mark a kingdom's fall.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Yet fate had written that this stroke was not to be, -for the chiefs were swept apart by a surging rush of -men, and each was forced to steep his blade in the -blood of meaner foes, while the tangled, battling mass -was moving once again, downward, when the weight -of Oxyartes's force began to tell. Slowly, foot by -foot, the Assyrians gave ground, in spite of Ninus -and his mighty arm, till the rearward riders backed -into the barrier of stones, or struggled vainly, in its -narrow breach.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Of a certainty the King was in a grievous case, yet -now from the hillsides Menon and Kedah stung the -Bactrians' flanks, taking them with flights of shafts -that pierced their armpits, sank into their necks or -unprotected backs, while the Syrian slingers marked -their own and grunted in their toil. A leaden pellet -smote King Oxyartes full upon the helm. He reeled -and would have plunged beneath his horse's hoofs, -but a warrior leaped behind him, clutching the drooping -form and guiding the good steed rearward on the run.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Shorn of their chief, the fury of the Bactrians -ceased, and, fearing the day was lost, they wheeled -and sought for safety in retreat. The mountaineers -of Naïri barred their path, but were ridden down as -an east wind sweeps a lake, though many a horse and -rider fell before their spears. Upward the Bactrians -toiled, with Ninus and his riders hacking at their -heels, till the mountain top was reached, and a beaten -army fled like foxes to the plains below. Their -King had made a valiant cast for victory, yet Ninus -stood, a conqueror, on the spine of Hindu-Kush.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And now came a swarm of fighting-men from out -the bloody pass—exulting horsemen, shouting -charioteers, Menon and his men-at-arms who had run -throughout the night to shield the glory of Assyria -and the glory of Assyria's King.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The eyes of the monarch fell upon the Prince of -Naïri who strode toward him through the throng, -and his heart grew warm with the old, strong love that -slumbered, but had not died. He was fain to forget -the follies of this youth, to take the hands of Menon -into his own and lay them against his breast; yet the -smile of a sudden faded from his lips, his brow grew -clouded, and his outstretched arms sank slowly to his -sides. On the tongues of the multitudes a shout -arose—a shout that rolled across the trembling hills -till its echoes bounded back from a thousand crags; -and the name it roared was not the name of Assyria's -lord, but Menon! MENON!—and the King grew -cold in wrath. A serpent of jealousy had coiled about -his heart, and, striking, stung it to its core.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How now!" he demanded. "What manner of -craft be this which bringeth thee upon my heels? -Perchance, when silent in our council tent, thou knewest -of this peril in our path, yet spoke no word, in the -hope of profit to thyself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay, lord," answered Menon, humbly, while he -looked into his master eyes; "too late to warn thee I -learned from a captured spy of this trap beyond the -pass, so I hastened by a shorter path across the hills, -with as great a force as I dare detach from the army -left on guard."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A likely tale!" the angry monarch scoffed, though -he knew in his heart that Menon spoke the truth. -"Go back to my wagon-trains which are left as a -tempting bait to our watchful foes! And mark thou -this," he cried as he clenched his fist, "bring down my -stores and my engines of war unharmed before the -walls of Zariaspa, or account to Ninus for a trust -betrayed!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Prince Menon flushed, then paled again as he strove -to hold an eager tongue in bounds.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So be it," he answered, haughtily, and turned -upon his heel; but Ninus called him back, for it came -to him that his words were hasty and hurtful to the -minds of those who heard.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What wilt thou," he asked, "in payment of -thy deed? Where Assyria oweth, there Assyria will -pay, nor boggle at the price. What, then, wilt thou -have at the hands of Assyria's King?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Naught," said Menon, looking on his master -with a level gaze. "There are mongers of fish who -hawk their wares in the open market-place. A -warrior may buy; but a warrior selleth not—even to -Assyria's lord."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once more he turned upon his heel, and, commanding -Kedah to collect his men-at-arms, strode down the -mountainside on the backward trail, while the King -gazed grimly after him and spoke no word.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A failure Ninus might forgive, but Menon's triumph -galled him, even as an ill-set bandage chafes a -wound.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="in-the-shadow-of-zariaspa"><span class="large">CHAPTER XVII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">IN THE SHADOW OF ZARIASPA</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>From the walls of Zariaspa the Bactrians watched -a besieging host descend into the plains. First -came mounted warriors who paused at the mountain's -foot, one half to pitch their camp and guard the road -which swarms of workmen delved to smooth, while the -other half made shift to sweep the country round -about, to seize on points of vantage or to beat back -hostile bands of horse and foot that sought to enter -the city and aid its strength. Then followed long -lines of chariots, till the eyes of the Bactrians ached -with the glitter of the proud array. This second -army, when it reached the plains, began likewise to -divide, stretching away to east and west in the -manner of two huge, creeping arms that girt the city in -a close embrace. Day after day went by, till the -war-cars stood at rest in a circle six hundred cubits -distant from the walls; then came the footmen.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As a locust pest descends upon a land, so swarmed -this horde from out the hills, till the earth was hidden -and the grass blades died beneath their tread. As the -forces of horse and chariots had split, so split the -footmen, swinging to east and west, then sitting down -behind the besieging circle's outer rim.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Assyrians offered no assault upon the walls, -for their engines of war must first be guided down the -mountainside and their catapults and towers be set in -place; yet the army lay not in idleness. Detachments -were sent to forage through the land, laying -up stores among the foot-hills where the camp of -supplies was set. Here the cattle were put to fatten -on fertile slopes where water abounded in the valleys -near at hand. Here grass was plucked and borne -away as feed for the chariot steeds. Here, also, the -pack trains were brought to camp under guard of a -strong reserve, for the feeding of the army proved a -mighty task. Below this camp ten thousand slaves -toiled ceaselessly among the rocky wastes, piling huge -stones upon wooden sledges, dragging them away -and piling them up again for use of the waiting catapults. -Still other slaves filled water-skins which they -strapped on the backs of asses and drove the braying -beasts to distant points where springs and streams -were not; so the labors of men went on.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On an eminence among the hills, where three long -years agone the King had sat his horse and watched -an army break its camp, Ninus now sat before his -tent, commanding the order of his force below. Even -as he builded Nineveh, that splendid city of defense, -he now laid out a thousand cities of assault. Like the -tire of a chariot wheel his army encompassed the hub -of Zariaspa, the spokes thereof being long, wide -avenues, converging toward the city walls and affording -unhampered ground for the moving of his men, or -for bearing food to his hungry hosts. Each spoke -was a sharp dividing line between the outposts of a -separate camp, each camp in command of a leader -accounting to an over-chief who in turn accounted to the -King.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This plan of war seemed good to Ninus, and in his -joy he forgot all else save the fire of a mighty -conqueror; yet when his engines were dragged into the -plains and set at vantage points within his lines, he -remembered Menon, and his heart grew cold again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This man had saved Assyria's vanguard from defeat, -aye, even the life of Ninus he had saved, and -thereby won the love of a multitude who were witness -to the deed. Justice cried out for the King's -forgiveness, yet it cried in vain, for justice is ever a -feather-weight in the scale of jealousy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay," the monarch muttered, sullenly, "him may -I not forgive; yet, lest these foolish chieftains -murmur among themselves, I will keep my covenants."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Therefore he summoned Menon to his tent, dismissing -the guard so that none might overhear his -words, and spoke:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In Syria I set thee to a task and bade thee wed -Sozana when all things were accomplished in that -land. A servant thou art, and the price of -disobedience is the heaviest debt a servant needs must pay. -If, therefore, thou judgest me because I withhold my -love, think then of the trust I placed in thee and the -manner in which my faith hath been deceived."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My lord," replied the Prince, "I pray thee suffer -me to speak as in other days thine ear was turned in -patience to my words." Ninus nodded, and the youth -went on: "In all things, save one alone, I have set -the King's desires above the yearnings of my will. In -childhood I bore his wine cup, obedient to his lightest -nod. From him I learned the arts of war, and served -him through conquests of four score lands, sparing -neither strength nor blood to bring him victory. -When Nineveh was rising from the earth I journeyed -down into Arabia, measured my sword with the Prince -Boabdul, and sealed a treaty which gave Assyria -peace along the border lands. It bringeth thee -stallions from the plains of Barbary, and an army of -mounted Bedouins; it bringeth thee peace of heart, for -thine enemies are now thy friends. In Syria I ruled -till summer for the third time came, nor grudged the -ceaseless labor of my hands. For my master's needs -at Nineveh I sapped the wealth of every Syrian tribe, -save the Sons of Israel alone, whose grip on treasure -no mortal man hath yet been born to loose with profit -unto himself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, good my lord, I have no will to wag a boastful -tongue, yet man to man I give thee simple truth, -urging that a life's devotion outcount the grave -displeasure of my King."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ninus was moved. In his heart he loved this youth -as he loved no other throughout the kingdom of -Assyria, and now he sat in reverie, his chin upon his -hand, with eyes that gazed upon the armies at his -feet and saw them not. Full well he knew the value -of a servant's deeds; full well he knew the power of -Menon's sway among the soldiery, who, since the -battle in the mountain pass, had set him upon a perch -of fame. In the siege of the city Menon's sword -would rise as a tower of strength, yet might it not -outshine the King's? What profited the fall of -Zariaspa if the name of Menon rolled on the tongue of -victory? Could a single chariot hold two gods of war? -Nay, not so; for one must drive while the other smote -the enemy. Who, then, should ply the whip and who -the spear? By Gibil, it were better far that the -grapes of triumph hung unplucked than to watch a -rival make merry on their juice! Yet Ninus was -Ninus, and what had he to fear from a beardless -under-chief?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Harken!" said the King. "Thy prayer is -granted, and my anger, together with thy one misdeed, -shall be forgotten, even as we cleanse our blades -with moistened sand. To the glory of Asshur must -Zariaspa fall, and Menon shall follow Ninus through -its broken shell."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the eyes of the Prince rose tears of gratitude, as -he sought to kiss his master's robe; but the master -in haste withdrew it, for a woman peeped through -memory's veil, and her smile was a smile of mockery.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay, not so fast," King Ninus growled. "The -trader's pack is lightened ere his purse may swallow -up the gain. To enjoy the fruits of a monarch's -love, first, then, must the cause of sorrow be -dispelled."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What meanest thou, my lord?" asked Menon, -rising from his knees; and the King smiled grimly, -combing at his beard.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Put by Shammuramat—dream of her no more—and -take the daughter of Ramân-Nirari to thy bed -and board."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the words of the King a flame of anger lit the -young Assyrian's eyes; yet he curbed his tongue and -stood, in silence, beneath the tyrant's gaze. Long -thus he stood, but made reply at last:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My lord, did Shammuramat bid me tear the -memory of Ninus from my heart, I would answer as I -answer now—it may not be. Thy servant is one -whom Sozana loveth not, and to me she is naught -save a friend and the daughter of my King. -Shammuramat is mine—by the will of Ishtar and the -word of my master given in the halls of Nineveh. -With her, her only, will I share my bed and board, -till it pleaseth the gods to rend our vows apart."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So be it," Ninus answered, and pointed across the -valleys to the sun-lit plains beyond. "Mark yon -road which runneth from the foot-hills to the city's -southern gate! Beyond it on the east lieth half my -army. Go forth and take command. The west is -mine. Since Menon setteth his will against the -King's, so shall he set his strength against my -strength, and in the fall of Zariaspa prove the better -man."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a space Prince Menon made no answer, but -scanned the distant road which cut the besieging host -in twain as a knife divides a loaf. To the east lay -sun-baked plains where water was scarce and stones -were few, while on the west lay fertile valleys where -the fattening oxen browsed, and hillsides abounding -in stones wherewith to feed the catapults. Again, on -the west were set the heaviest engines of assault, while -to Menon's lot fell the lighter towers and weaker -catapults of clumsy and old design.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was easy to perceive why Ninus chose the west, -for every resource lay ready at his hand. His -outposts commanded all mountain roads, and the camp -of supply was set within his lines, whence food and -water must be borne to the eastern army over parching -Bands. In event of a counter-siege, attack must -come from the border lands along the river Oxus, thus -causing the east to bear the brunt of each assault—and -the Scythian riders were wont to strike in hours -of sleep.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Menon was quick to mark the wisdom of the monarch's -choice, yet he hid his rage and spoke with a -mocking smile:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My lord, the master's generosity is here made -manifest, for on the eastern camp the sun is first to -rise, thus giving me a longer day wherein to wrestle -with mine enemies. I yield my gratitude, O Lord of -Earth and Heaven, and may Ishtar smile on him who -first shall stand upon the citadel."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then Menon made obeisance, mounted his good -steed Scimitar and rode toward the east, while the -King gazed after him, combing at his beard.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When Menon reached his camp, he entered his tent -and straightway summoned Huzim to his side. To -the Indian he recounted all which had come to pass, -and laid a trust upon him which to another might not -be given.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Huzim," he began, "of all who have served me, -there is none the like of you in faith and love; yet -now must I add to my weight of debt in a task of -peril and of toil. Go you in secret unto Nineveh -and there gain speech with my wife Shammuramat. -Tell her of all these things which I breathe into your -ear alone, then contrive her escape and together -journey to the land of Prince Boabdul who will give you -both retreat. When this be compassed, send me a -trusted messenger, when I, myself, will follow after you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Menon ceased to speak, and for a space the Indian -looked thoughtfully upon the earth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My lord," he answered, "this thing will I do, as -in all things else I serve my master, even with my life; -yet would it not be better far that I lay in wait for -Ninus when he hunteth among the hills? An arrow -in his throat—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay," smiled Menon; "we may not harbor -murder against Assyria's King, even though we live -because of it. Go you to the furthest outposts of our -camp, and when night is fallen creep away among -the hills. Cross them, avoiding all roads and passes -held by our men-at-arms, then make such speed to -Nineveh as wisdom and your craft have taught. If -it please the gods that Shammuramat shall reach -Arabia, there guard her, Huzim, till I come to prove -my gratitude."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To the Indian Menon gave a pouch of precious -metal for his needs on the road to Nineveh and for -his flight therefrom; then Huzim embraced his -master's knees and disappeared toward the south.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>In the three long years of peace which had come to -Bactria since Assyria's first attack, the people had -not lain down in idleness, but labored diligently -against the second coming of the King. If Ninus -marched against their smaller towns, he found their -walls unmanned, their streets deserted save for -forgotten dogs, the houses empty of inhabitants or stores. -Beyond the river Oxus an army of mounted Bactrians -lay encamped, but far too fleet and numerous to be -followed ere their chief of cities be destroyed; so -Ninus pursued them not.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The years of peace had likewise wrought a change -in Zariaspa, for its walls were heightened and capped -by jutting battlements, whereon the besieged could -laugh at ladders which their foes set up; and its -many gates were sealed with masonry. Save at a -single point on the north-west side, where the plain -sloped downward into a deep and dry ravine, the -Bactrians had digged a mighty ditch about their -walls, though whence came the water which ever -filled this trench, was a mystery as dark as the city's -source of food. None might drink this water, lest -they sicken and die, with swollen bodies and discolored -flesh; for in truth the trench was poisoned by reason -of offal flung therein.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By day the Bactrians thronged their battlements, -gibing at their foes, while at night the walls were -lighted by flaring braziers clamped beneath the -jut-stones and fed with pitch through slits which pierced -the masonry. Thus the parapets were shrouded in -uncertain gloom, while beneath, the walls were bathed -in light; and woe unto him who sought to swim the -trench and clamber up.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On every side the Assyrians began to fill this trench, -and labored to that end by hurling stones and the -waste of camp materials by means of their catapults. -Likewise, by night, a myriad of slaves took up the -tasks, and of a sudden a horde of naked men would -rush from out the darkness, each bearing on his head -a sack of sand, each flinging his burden into the -trench and beating swift retreat; though many were -slain, and weary days went by ere the grievous work -was done.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On the city's western side King Ninus straightway -urged a fierce assault, and from dawn till dusk the -battlements resounded with the crash of mighty -stones. Great creaking towers of metal-plated wood -were pushed against the wall, while from their -swaying tops the Assyrians flung out bridges, battling -with the Bactrians hand to hand. Anon they would -win a foothold among their enemies who repelled them -with swords and spears, or destroyed their towers by -means of engines of strange and devilish design. -These engines, set on wheels and dragged to given -points along the parapet, were fashioned in the form -of a mighty bow whose missiles were trunks of trees -with sharpened points. These shafts were soaked in -oil and smeared with pitch or resinous gum, and -before discharge they were set on fire, then crashed -into the clumsy towers, to stick and wrap the whole -in flames, while the choked Assyrians leaped down to -death or roasted in the wreck. So, thus, for the -space of a moon King Ninus toiled, compassing -naught save the bitterness of defeat, grave loss of -his men-at-arms, and destruction to his engines of -assault.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On Zariaspa's eastern walls Assyria made no -attack. Menon foresaw that the city must be won by -strategy rather than by might; therefore he put his -camps in order, looking to the health and comfort of -his men ere he sacrificed their lives in a fruitless siege.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To lessen the toil of bearing water from the distant -hills, he commanded that wells be dug in every camp; -and having sunk these wells—many to the depth of -thirty cubits—his wisdom was rewarded by the -bounty of Mother Earth. Now toward the north the -digging was in vain, while southward the shallower -wells gave forth a cool, sweet flow of water; and the -reason thereof was a sore perplexity, albeit, in -after-days the solving of the riddle was, to Semiramis, a -simple task.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Next, Menon caused his chariots to be set in double -lines and tilted upon their tails. From their upright -harness-poles he stretched wide canopies of cloth and -matted grass; thus, in the noon-day heat, which ever -increased in fierceness as the summer grew, his men -might rest beneath a grateful shade. This joyed the -Assyrians mightily, and where chariots there were -none, they planted their spears and devised a roof of -vines and the boughs of trees. 'Twas a little thing, -this thought for the common soldiery, yet it bought -an army utterly, and the Prince was looked upon with -pride.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then to Menon came the thought that if he alone -could see beyond the city walls, a marked advantage -might be scored against the King; and for many days -he rolled the problem in his brain, till suddenly he -laughed aloud and summoned a messenger to his side. -This messenger, presently, rode southward, skirting -the city wall, till he crossed the dividing road and -came to the western camp, where he found King Ninus -in a fretful mood.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O King," spoke the messenger, falling upon his -knees, "my master sendeth greeting to the lord of -Earth and Heaven, and speaketh through the mouth -of his humble slave. Because of the height of -Zariaspa's walls, the lord of Assyria knoweth naught of -what the Bactrians do within; therefore my master -urgeth that a mighty mound of earth be raised to the -reach of forty cubits above the plains."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How now!" cried Ninus, angrily. "Wherefore -should I do this foolish thing?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay, lord," the messenger made reply, "I do but -recount my master's words. From the summit of this -mound the King might dispose his armies with a wider -view; and, likewise, mark the weakest points within -the foemen's walls. This, my lord, is all, save thy -royal answer which my master chargeth me to bear."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now had Ninus himself devised the plan, it might -have seemed good to him; yet, coming from Menon -in the form of fatherly advice and spoken in the -presence of a score of chiefs, it roused the monarch's -ire. His brow grew black with rage; he rose and -spurned the messenger with his foot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Go back," he thundered, "and say that Ninus -fighteth upon the earth, and not in the manner of -kites above the clouds. Urge, also, that the meddler -hold his tongue, lest Asshur tempt me and I cut it out. -Begone!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So the messenger returned to Menon, who smiled -at the anger of his King and straightway began to -raise a mound upon the east, while Ninus, from the -west, still battered at the walls with ponderous stones.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For many days and nights the eastern camp was -given o'er to sweating toil, as cubit by cubit rose the -monster mound which even unto this day may be seen -on the plains of Bactria. And while this labor grew -apace, another and more irksome task was laid upon -the soldiery, for stones must be gathered from the -distant hills wherewith to serve the catapults, and -loud rose the mutterings of those who journeyed back -and forth beneath the sun.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My lord," spoke Kedah, one day dismounting at -Menon's side, "our chiefs are murmuring amongst -themselves and the men wax petulant."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wherefore?" asked Menon, laying a gentle hand -on the shoulder of his friend.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Because," answered Kedah, "they yearn to fly -at Zariaspa's throat, yet weapons rust, and my lord -employeth men in the tasks of slaves. It is not meet -that warriors strain their thews in dragging stones -across the sands, nor in digging earth wherewith to -build a mountain on a plain."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Patience, good Kedah," Menon urged, "for the -mountain is well-nigh done; and as for the gathering -of stones, I bethink me of another plan."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He leaned and whispered into Kedah's ear, and as -he spoke the soldier grinned, then laughed aloud and -smote himself upon the thigh. So Kedah, chuckling, -rode away; and, as Menon had whispered into his ear, -in turn he whispered into the ear of the chief of every -camp, who grinned and rubbed his palms.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That night the Bactrians heard a mighty hammering -outside their walls, and when morning dawned -they marvelled at a line of scaffolding of strange -design which had risen in the darkness. On upright -spears were bits of rag, fluttering like banners in the -breeze, while at intervals were set huge effigies of -Oxyartes and the chiefs of Zariaspa, in attitudes -which caused a wound to their stately pride.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Assyrians came forth with shoutings and mysterious -signs. They danced in circles, while pointing -scoffing fingers at their enemies upon the walls, and -bowed in obeisance before their ugly effigies.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now the Bactrians knew not what manner of strategy -lay concealed behind this scaffolding, so they set -their catapults and battered it down with a storm of -stones; thereat the Assyrians sent up wailings, shrieks -of rage—and the noise of their mouths was great. -With bitter curses they shook their fists, attacking -their foes with arrows and with slings: yet after a -space they retreated sullenly beyond the danger line. -When night was come the Bactrians again heard -hammerings, and morning found the scaffolds once more -set in place, though a pace or two more distant from -the walls. This time the Zariaspians laughed, and -reduced the work to splinters with stones from their -hurling-beams, while Assyria's children cursed them -till the deed was done.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For seven nights the scaffolds were rebuilt, each -night a pace or two more distant from the catapults, -yet the enemy each day would find the range and -fling them to the earth. On the seventh day the -effigies of Oxyartes and his chiefs were hung by their -necks with ropes, and were placed at the furthest -scope of the Bactrian machines. On the scaffolds -were crowded a swarm of soldiery who bellowed songs -of praise, or flung vile insults at their foes, goading -them to fury by names of a foulness hitherto -unknown. In vain the Bactrians strove to smite their -mockers, striving till the mid-day hour, yet their -missiles fell short, and Menon perched upon the -summit of his mound, jeering at Oxyartes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now the spies of Ninus brought him word of the -strangeness of Menon's deeds, and, divining not the -reason of these things, the King waxed warm with -curiosity. In his chariot he drove to the eastern -camp, a slave behind him who held a feathered screen -above his head, for the heat of the day was such that -many died.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From afar the monarch spied the mound on which -sat Menon, and it came to Ninus that his general -lolled at rest where grateful breezes blew, while he, the -lord of all Assyria, must sweat on a baking -plain—and it vexed him mightily. Likewise he perceived a -half a league of scaffolding, whereon clung a -multitude of idle men. Wherefore should Menon waste -the hours of day when Zariaspa lay unconquered -before his eyes? Must Ninus toil to feed this lazy horde -who swapped the work of war for childish sports? -By the glory of Asshur, this shameful thing should -cease!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come down!" he cried to Menon, as he leaped -from his brazen chariot; and Menon came down and -bowed before the King.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What foolery is this which has come to pass?" -the king demanded, pointing to the hideous effigies, -and he spoke with scorn: "Must Assyria set up new -and hateful gods, to worship them before the eyes of -Bactria?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay, lord," answered Menon, humbly, "we worship -none save Assyria's gods and Assyria's King."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A murmur rose from the circling chiefs, and the -wrath of Ninus cooled beneath the salve of flattery; -yet still he scowled, and the tone of his speech was -harsh:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If it be not worship, why then should ye toil for -seven nights, and watch each day while yonder -Bactrians beat your temples to the ground?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My lord," replied Prince Menon, "our eastern -camp is far removed from the rock-strewn hills; and -to lighten the labor of dragging stones across the -sands, we borrow from our good friend Oxyartes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Borrow!" cried the King. "What meanest thou?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For answer Menon pointed to the ground outside -the walls, now sown with missiles which the Bactriana -had cast from catapults.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"See, my lord, what the generous foemen give in -payment for our gibes. To gather such a store of -stones would fill the space of two weary moons; yet -Oxyartes flingeth them out to me in seven days. -Therefore we hold them as a passing loan, till, -presently, we shall hurl them back again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a moment King Ninus spoke no word, yet his -frown departed and his features lit with a ghostly -smile; then he mounted his chariot and drove toward -the west.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A shout went up from Menon's merry warriors, and -when night was come they gathered great piles of -borrowed stones, with the which, in time, they would storm -the walls of Zariaspa.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-raisin-in-a-skin-of-vinegar"><span class="large">CHAPTER VIII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE RAISIN IN A SKIN OF VINEGAR</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Through the hot brown streets of Nineveh -a merchant of Phoenicia hawked his wares. His -frame, once huge and splendid in its strength, was -bent with seeming age, and a grey beard fell to the -belt of his trailing robe. Before him, by a leathern -strap about his neck, hung a wooden tray whereon his -trinkets were displayed, baubles of polished metal, -beads of coral and of carven wood, rings, amulets, and -fragrant scents. Here, too, were bracelets, chains -of many links, scarfs of web-like fabrics and of gaudy -hue, colored with the secret dyes from the Sea of the -Setting Sun.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From street to street the merchant pushed his way, -while ever and anon he raised his voice in a strange -shrill cry which drew attention to himself and to his -wares; and thus he bartered among the foolish wives -of Nineveh. Yet at last he wandered past the market-place -to the richer quarters of the city, and came -to the central mound whereon sat the palace of the -King. To the westward terraced slopes ran down -to the level of the streets and to smooth, wide avenues -which stretched to the river gate; yet here, where the -merchant walked, the walls of the mound rose twenty -cubits, masking the royal gardens which drowsed in -the noon-day heat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again and yet again from the old man's throat -came his strange, harsh call, resembling the cry of a -startled crane in flight; then, presently, he paused -at the joyous barking of a dog and a woman's voice -in sharp admonishment: "Peace, Habal, peace!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The merchant hurried onward, yet at the entrance -of a narrow lane he turned, cried out once more and -disappeared, while within the gardens Semiramis hid a -smile and sought to soothe the whining of a shepherd's -dog.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When noontide came again, the merchant once more -wandered past the garden walls, and now a captain -of the guard came out to him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hey, old man!" the soldier called. "Come, follow -me, for the Princess Sozana would look upon your wares."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay," said the merchant, smiling as he shook his -head, "my trinkets deck the charms of common -maidens in the market-place. The daughter of a -king would scorn them, for their price is small."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So spoke the merchant, and smiled once more as he -turned upon his heel, but the captain caught him -roughly by the robe and whispered into his ear:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Fool! The Princess Sozana asks but once to -look upon a merchant's tray. Come quickly, lest I -urge your pace by a spear-point in your hams."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The old man trembled at the threat, and followed -meekly, through a door of bronze which pierced the -wall. At the head of a narrow flight of steps he -reached the gardens which King Ninus made for the -pleasure of his idle hours. There were palms and -vines from Syria, flowers from an hundred lands, -trees and shrubs which were strange to the merchant's -eyes, and fragrant thickets interlaced by tiny paths. -Here a fountain bubbled, and there an artificial spring -gushed forth as though by nature moistening the -earth, while countless birds of brilliant plumage -fluttered down to drink.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Of a sudden the merchant and his guide came face -to face with those who had sent the summons. -Beneath an arbor on a bench of stone sat the Princess -Sozana in a green simar which was wrought with -precious gems and with threads of gold. At her side -lazed Semiramis, robed in white; yet, unadorned, her -beauty far outshone the daughter of the King. At -Sozana's feet lay Prince Memetis, the Egyptian -hostage, toying with her veil which was cast aside, and -behind them stood an Afgan mute who waved a -monster fan of plumes. None else was near, save Kishra, -chief eunuch of the palace-guard whom Ninus had -left in charge of his household and his prisoners, and -who now in watchful silence sat apart, his sharp eyes -resting on the merchant's face.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The old man knelt, bent forward till his forehead -touched the earth, and sprinkled dust upon his head; -then, kneeling still, he displayed his wares to the -women's listless gaze. One by one he raised them -from his tray, expounding their virtues or the potency -of sacred amulets; yet none were pleasing to Sozana's -mind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"See," she pouted, plucking at the sleeve of Semiramis, -"there is naught save jingling rubbish such as -slaves may wear. Wherefore shouldst thou bring -this merchant from the streets to weary me? Ho, -Kishra! Bid the man begone."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The eunuch strode forward, but Semiramis stayed -him with a lifted hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay," she pleaded, "I did but think to ease the -dullness of the hour, and the baubles please me, for -many of the like have I seen in Syria."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The merchant raised his head, a light of hope -within his eyes; then he fumbled in a hidden corner -of his tray, producing a tiny fish which was carven in -malachite and suspended by a leathern stong.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah!" cried Semiramis, and clapped her hands. -"Look, Sozana! 'Tis a symbol of Dagon which the -Syrian shepherds wear about their necks when they -roam the hills by night. Buy it for me, Kishra, for -'twill keep off evil, bringing peace to me and to those -who serve."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The eunuch scowled, but did her bidding, while -Semiramis turned once more to the trinket tray.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Dost know the land of Syria, old man?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Aye, lady," the merchant answered with -sparkling eyes, "from the slopes of Lebanon to the Sea -of Death—from Jordan where dwells the Sons of -Israel to Azapah and the valley of Ascalon—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sweet Ishtar!" cried Semiramis, flinging up her -hands. "My home, Sozana! He hath journeyed -even to my home in Ascalon!" She laughed and -turned to the merchant once again, for now in truth -she knew that Huzim hid beneath the Phoenician's -robe. "Speak," she commanded, in the Syrian -tongue which was strange to Kishra and her friends, -"speak, for they may not understand. What -message from my lord?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So Huzim answered her and told of the danger-snares -which beset his master round about. He told -of the battle in the pass, of the wrath of Ninus, and -of how the King made proclamation of the prize to -him who should first stand conqueror on the citadel of -Zariaspa. He spoke of all which Menon had -commanded him, and though his words were heavy with -the weight of fear, yet Semiramis nodded in seeming -happiness and clapped her hands.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What telleth he?" Sozana asked, and Semiramis -answered with a joyous smile:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He telleth of my lake which sparkleth like unto a -jewel among the hills; of my fishes that swim therein, -and of Dagon's little temple on the shore. I see the -sheep that browse by day, till the sun is low behind -the desert's rim, and one by one the shepherds' fires -leap, twinkling, through the dusk. Ah, Sozana, mine, -'tis like unto the joy of Prince Memetis when he -dreameth by night of his silver Nile and the mighty -pyramids."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sozana, turning, cast a look of tenderness on him -who smiled into her eyes, and suffered her hand to -linger when the Egyptian raised it to his lips.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Say on," begged Semiramis of the merchant once -again, "for I tell you, friend, when first I heard your -hunter's call in the streets below, my heart was set -a-leaping, even as Habal loosed his tongue in honest -joy. Poor Habal! I have shut him in my chamber, -lest in his gladness he spring upon your breast and -thereby undeceive this eunuch Kishra, who even now -regardeth you with a doubting eye. Be, therefore, -brief. What more of my troubled lord?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mistress," replied the faithful Indian, "he -urgeth that we steal away from Nineveh by craft and -journey to the land of Prince Boabdul, whither the -master followeth when my messenger shall bear him -word that all is well."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So be it," said Semiramis, puckering her brows. -"Kishra, bear a draught of wine to this aged man who -is athirst and would now depart."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The chief of eunuchs departed on her errand, and -in his absence Semiramis spoke quickly, albeit she -smiled the while:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Go, Huzim, and sell your wares through Nineveh -by day, yet wait by night on the further river-bank -where the water lilies grow. If seven nights pass by -and I come not to the place, then walk once more by -the garden wall, and Sozana shall summon you again. -Buy baubles of Egypt, Huzim, for her lover is of that -land, and trifles will seem of value in her sight; yet if -Ishtar smileth I will win to the river-bank and journey -to Arabia as my lord hath willed."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When Kishra returned with a cup of wine, the -Princess listened eagerly to the merchant's tale of a -ring he had seen and would seek to find. It was -fashioned, he said, of yellow metal in the form of two -serpents intertwined. It was set with moon-stones, -jewels sacred to the goddess Isis who shed her light -on the land of Pharaohs far beyond the sea; and -Sozana laughed in happiness, urging that he buy this -ring though it brought the price of an hundred -slaves. The merchant promised as he drank his wine, -then, once more bowing till his forehead touched the -earth, he departed whence he came. In the streets -below he smiled as he hawked his wares, while those -in the garden heard his voice uplifted ever and anon -in the cry of a startled crane.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Three days passed by, and Semiramis whipped her -brain for means of escape from Nineveh; yet all in -vain, for liberty seemed as far denied as though her -limbs were weighted down by chains. On the -parapets of the garden wall paced sentinels from dawn -till dawn was come again, so that none might pass -unchallenged or unscathed. The palace was but a -prison perched on its lofty mound, and though its -halls still swarmed with servants and with slaves, its -portals were sealed while the King made war on -Bactria. By night Semiramis shared the chamber of -Sozana, yet the door she might not pass, for across its -threshold the eunuch Kishra lay, the curtain-rope -made fast to a copper bracelet on his waist. If by -chance she could cross the watch-dog's form to the -gardens beyond and clamber down the brick-built -mound, she still must face the barrier of the city wall -or the brazen gates closed fast in the hours of night. -True, bribery of the sentinels might buy a path to -the river-bank, whence swimming the Tigris would be -as play to the daughter of Derketo; yet, one false -step—one virtuous fool who scorned to barter -honesty for coin—and Huzim might wait among the lily -beds in vain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Full many a wakeful hour Semiramis stared -through the opening in the roof, with eyes which -followed not the shimmering stars, nor the chariot of -Ishtar rolling down the sky. To her troubled brain -came a thousand daring plans, each smiling hope, -each ending in a jeer of mockery, till her head grew -hot, and anger rose to devour her in its might. What! -Was she, the child of gods, to be balked at every turn, -when love cried out and Menon battled with his fate -alone? Nay, by the breath of Gibil, this thing was -not to be! Gold she had none wherewith to buy -release, nor jewels to tempt a captor's lust for wealth; -and yet— Of a sudden Semiramis laughed aloud, -till the fair Sozana stirred, awaking with a cry.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay, child, 'tis naught," the Syrian whispered, -as she stroked a trembling hand. "Hush, sweet; I -did but dream, and the spirits of the night have -brought me words of wisdom and of peace."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The eunuch Kishra sat beneath a palm, his mind -a prey unto vexious thought. He was hideous to -look upon, with a bloated paunch, a thick-lipped -mouth, and crafty eyes which peeped from their -pouch-like rims. Long had he served in the -household of the King, and now was chief of the -palace-guard and warden of the chambers where the women -dwelt. When Ninus marched to Bactria, the rearward -wing of the palace had been sealed, and, together -with the gardens, was set apart for Sozana and -Semiramis, while Memetis, the Egyptian hostage, -was confined in a distant court, in charge of an -under-chief. Now the Princess had pined for the presence -of him she loved, and sought by bribery to have him -brought to her; yet Kishra feared the wrath of Ninus, -and naught would move him. Sozana then contrived, -through her tire-maid Nissa, to bribe the guard who -paced before the Egyptian's door, and in secret this -maiden bore many a tender message to and fro, till -she came at last to a grievous end.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Kishra once marked her stealing from a shadowy -passage-way, and on the morrow he lay in wait, -following upon her heels and listening while Memetis -whispered with the maid. In the knowledge of being -thus befooled, so great was his rage that he fell upon -Nissa and slew him with his sword, too late repenting -the folly of his deed. With the Princess he sought -to excuse himself, but for once Sozana forgot her -gentle mien and rose in wrath.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Dog!" she cried, "your life shall pay for the -murder of this child, for I swear by Asshur to see -you crucified upon the garden wall."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now the eunuch knew that Ninus loved his daughter -utterly, and at her pleading, would surely nail him -to the mortar between the bricks; so he groveled at her -feet with tears and prayers, beseeching that she speak -no word on the King's return; yet the Princess -spurned him with her foot and refused to heed, till -Semiramis spoke softly into her ear, then the maiden's -cheeks grew red again with a rosy flush.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Kishra," she answered, "I will spare your worthless -life, yet exact a price therefor. Memetis shall -come each morning to the garden here, and, beneath -your sight, remain till the evening hour. Do this, -and silence holds my tongue. Refuse, and the god of -darkness claims you for his own."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus it came to pass that the eunuch, in his dread -of being crucified, suffered Sozana to have her will, -albeit, at very sight of the Egyptian, his blood -became as water in his veins. If Ninus learned that -Memetis came each day to the women's dwelling-place, -short shift would the chief of guards receive, and -Ninus was prone to beset the passing of a man with -pain. Thus Kishra roasted betwixt two fires of woe, -and because of all these things he pondered much -upon his lot, and his sleep was fraught with evil -dreams.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As he now sat pondering beneath the palm, -Semiramis and Sozana talked with Prince Memetis on a -distant garden-seat. This oft' occurred, yet now -there was somewhat in their manner which annoyed -the eunuch's thoughts, for they whispered, with their -heads held close together, while ever and anon -they glanced to where Kishra sat, and laughed as at -some merry jest. So the eunuch waxed suspicious -of their murmurings; yet, when he came toward them, -they straightway ceased to smile and began to speak -of the garden birds, the flowering plants, or the heat -of the mid-day sun. Throughout the day they -counseled among themselves in secret, with fingers upon -their lips and many a swift, mysterious sign, till -Kishra sweated because of curiosity.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All night he cudgeled at his brain for means by -which to overhear their words, and ere the dawn he -bethought him of a plan. Behind the garden-seat, -whereon the conspirators were wont to loll, was a -muddy fish pond surrounded by overhanging shrubs; -and here the eunuch submerged himself, with his -chin upon the bank, his fat head covered by a mass -of matted vines. In this retreat he waited for a weary -space, yet the plotters came at last, seating themselves -a spear's length from the listener's open ears.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hast found a messenger?" Sozana asked, in a -voice subdued.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"S-h-h-h! Have a care," the Syrian cautioned, -with a finger against her lip; "the fox is -listening, perchance. Keep watch, Memetis, lest he -steal upon us suddenly."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Kishra grinned from his covert in the pond, but -gave no sign; then Semiramis drew from her bosom -the little fish of malachite which was bought from the -merchant of Phoenicia.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Of a truth," said she, "the messenger hath been -found, and under Kishra's very nose. Two nights he -waiteth in the street below, till I give him warning by -a night-bird's cry and cast this trinket from the -garden wall. See! I have marked it with a secret sign, -for proof to my lord in Bactria that the runner -speaketh truth."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah!" sighed Sozana. "And, seeing it, he will -come to thee?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Aye," returned Semiramis, with a smile of joy, -"as fast as Scimitar can bear him on his way. Upon -his coming, then will I escape from Nineveh, and with -my dear lord cross the Tigris, where we dig our buried -treasure from the earth, and—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Treasure!" cried Memetis. "Nay, of this thou -has spoken naught before."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hush!" begged Semiramis, clutching at his arm. -"Methought I marked a movement in the shrubbery. -Go see, Memetis, for Kishra would give an eye to learn -of what I tell."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Egyptian rose and beat about the undergrowth, -but found no sign of him who watched, for -the eunuch lay as a dead man in the pond, scarce -breathing, though his heart was pounding in his -breast. A treasure! This, then, was why the -plotters whispered secretly. Fools! The fox's teeth, -perchance, might sink beneath the feathers when he -snapped.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Tis naught," the Egyptian made report, as he -came once more to the garden-seat. "Say on, -Shammuramat, for none can overhear."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mayhap," the Syrian laughed, "it were wiser -that I held my tongue, yet ye who love me will ever -be discreet. When we journeyed from Azapah to the -court of Ninus, I bore a store of jewels in a leathern -sack; and, knowing not if the King would smile or -frown, I buried it on the river's further bank against -a time of need. Ah, Sozana, thou who loveth gems, -shouldst look upon this store! There are pearls from -India, rubies from beyond the Sea of the Setting -Sun, blue girasols and the opals of the Nile, zircons -gleaming as the eyes of Bêlit shine, amethysts, and -corals carven in the forms of birds and beasts. Tyre, -Sidon, and the far off Heliopolis have helped to heap -this hoard. With half a kingdom might be bought, -yet now it lyeth hidden in a bed of river mud."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Princess sighed, and Semiramis pinched her -dusky cheek, promising to keep the choicest gem of -all as a wedding gift for the little daughter of Assyria.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay," Sozana smiled, "'tis not for the gems I -sigh, but because of a loved one who would depart -from me. Why, sweet, wouldst thou do this thing?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis looked thoughtfully upon the earth and -stirred a lizard with her sandaled foot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Dost remember the merchant of Phoenicia who -was here three days agone? He told me of my home -in Ascalon. Since then I yearn for the smell of my -dew-moist hills, for the reach of the valleys, and my -sweet, cool lake which sparkleth in its bed of rocks. -The water, Sozana!—and here I look upon a tepid -spring—a fountain fed by cisterns on the palace -roof. Downward this water floweth, to trickle weakly -from the earth, while eunuchs gather it in skins and -bear it back upon the roof again. Dear Ishtar, what -a flout to Nature's pride!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a space the three sat silent, then the Egyptian -hostage asked:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And if thou wouldst fly with Menon unto Ascalon, -what then would chance to Kishra when the master -cometh from his wars?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis laughed softly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Poor Kishra! In truth he sleepeth on the -hornéd cap of Bel. The master knoweth much -concerning his servant's treachery, and hath sworn to -hang him from the highest tower in Nineveh."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There were ripples in the fish pond, but the plotters -gave no heed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It cometh to me," Semiramis laughed again, -"that this eunuch will gather up such treasure-store -as may be wrung from those who serve him, and fly -to some distant land ere Ninus nail him to the city -gate. A villain is he, yet none may say that Kishra -be a fool."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a space they argued strategems of escape from -the palace walls, and of the journey unto Ascalon, -then the three arose, and, chattering, wandered down -the garden path.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From the fish pond Kishra crawled, with an evil -grin upon his face, and made his way by stealth along -the wall, a stream of muddy water dripping from his -muddy robe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From a vine-clad arbor by the fountain's pool, -Semiramis watched him creeping through the trees, -and smiled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Of a truth," she murmured, happily, "the poison -in his blood will work; aye, even as a raisin in a skin -of vinegar."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-stratagem"><span class="large">CHAPTER XIX</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE STRATAGEM</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>With Kishra it came to pass as Semiramis had -prophesied, for a poison worked within his -veins till he sickened and knew no peace. Hour by -hour he squatted upon the earth, while the words of -the Syrian burned into his heart:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"</span><em class="italics">The master knoweth much concerning his servant's -treachery, and hath sworn to hang him from the -highest tower in Nineveh!</em><span>"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In sooth it were wise to hide away in some secret -place where the tramp of Assyria's hosts was but an -echo down the wind, and India offered many a safe -retreat. Yet, one grown lazy at a post of power -revolts at the thought of poverty and toil, for the -cup and a savory dish were as musk to the eunuch's -nose. If he could but lay his hand on the treasure -of Semiramis! To dwell in plenty and in ease! To -swing the lash above the backs of a hundred slaves! -Ah, this were peace! These jewels lay hidden in a -leathern sack—a sack concealed in a bed of river -mud. Mayhap, if craft were exercised—! Mayhap!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Long Kishra crouched, with burning eyes, with -parching lips which he moistened with a restless -tongue, while the raisin worked in a skin of vinegar. -To his brain came many a cunning scheme which -faltered not at a stain of blood, till the sun-lit garden -reeled before his sight, and the pebbles in the path -were as a million precious gems which mocked his -greed. Then Kishra slept, to dream of being -crucified on the brazen gates of Nineveh.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When night was come the eunuch set a guard in the -streets below, with commands to seize on all who -loitered in the shadow of the wall; then he hid himself -and lay in wait.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Through the garden stole Semiramis, clothed in a -sombre robe and bearing the fish of malachite now -wrapped in a veil and bound with cords. She skirted -the fountain and bent her steps toward the east, -where fewest sentries paced the parapets, and here she -paused. Kishra rejoiced that Habal followed not at -the Syrian's heels, for the eunuch's scent would -speedily have caused a warning growl; yet now the spy had -removed his sandals, and his cat-like tread fell, -noiseless, on the trail.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Close in the shadow of the wall, Semiramis raised -her voice in a night-bird's cry. For a space she -listened. An answering cry came faintly back, then -she raised her packet to fling it across the wall; but -behind her Kishra rose, caught the uplifted arm and -wrenched the amulet from her grasp.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With a smothered cry, Semiramis wheeled upon him, -her eyes two pools of fury, while a storm of passion -bubbled to her lips.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hound! give back my own. What! Am I, the -spouse of Syria's Governor, to be tracked like a -pilferer through the night? Have done! Give o'er my -packet and begone!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So fiery was her mien that Kishra took a backward -step, drawing a dagger from his belt and presenting -its point against attack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not so," he answered, tauntingly. "When -captives send forth messengers to Bactria, a palace -warden risketh the hazard of his head."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The woman started. What if the eunuch had -overheard her whisperings and was advised of all? Yet, -how could it chance, when Memetis had watched on -every hand. So Kishra read her thoughts, for anger -departed from her tongue, and in its place came a -tone of craft:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Tis naught, good Kishra. 'Tis naught, I swear, -save a message to my lord—a token that all is well -at Nineveh—an amulet—the little green fish which -the merchant of Phoenicia sold. See, Kishra. I pray -you break the seal."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The eunuch laughed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"True," he nodded, "'tis but a fish, and being -but a fish, can wait for a moon till the stores of grain -be dispatched to the King at Zariaspa. Thy message -shall journey with the guard."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay," she reasoned, "these wagon-trains are -slow, and my haste is great. To-night must it go, -or to-morrow, else my runner will come too late."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah!" grinned Kishra. "Then perchance thy -lord in Bactria will reward this runner for his haste."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Aye," replied the Syrian, "even as you shall be -rewarded if you cross me not."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The price of broken faith is large," said the -eunuch, artfully. "How much?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A purse that is weighted to its very throat."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He laughed in scorn and turned away, but Semiramis -caught his robe with a swift, detaining hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Listen," she urged; "if the price be small, then -will I add to the purse another purse and such -ornaments as are mine—even to the pearls that rim my -sandals round."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Kishra still shook his head and withdrew his robe, -retreating through the garden, while the Syrian -followed after him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What, then?" she pleaded, and sighed in hope to -see him pause.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a moment he pondered, then, leaning forward -till she felt his breath upon her cheek, he whispered, -hoarsely:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"</span><em class="italics">The leathern sack of gems!</em><span>"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once more she started, yet controlled her voice, -answering in a tone of wonderment:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A leathern sack of gems? In truth I know -naught of it. As Bêlit liveth, your words are the -words of foolishness."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"True," grinned Kishra; "no treasure is hidden -on the river bank, nor is there a garden-seat before -our eyes, nor a fish pond near at hand where a man -may hide his body beneath the scum and harken unto -whisperings."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At his taunting speech Semiramis raised her fist -as if to dash it in his evil face, then let it fall beside -her, while she sank upon the garden seat in bitter -tears. The eunuch for a space stood silent, for well -he knew the value of a bridled tongue, so he waited -for her heart to battle with her mind and conquer it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Give me this sack," he said at length, "and thy -runner shall go unharmed."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay," sobbed Semiramis, "a purse—no more."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A half," urged Kishra, but she shook her head, -again repeating her offer of the purse.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A third. Think, mistress, vast riches will be left -to thee, and a third is little." She made no answer, -and a light of cunning crept into his eyes. "All -might I have if I willed to serve thee ill, for I know -the spot on the river bank where—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"</span><em class="italics">Liar!</em><span>"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Syrian once more faced him, trembling in -her wrath.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No eye save mine can find the hiding place, -though it sought till the sun is cold. Who, then, -shall point the way for thieves?" She laughed -derisively. "Shall I, Shammuramat, go forth—disguised, -perchance, as some kitchen wench—at the -heels of a sexless beast? Nay, not till Nineveh hath -rotted from the plain!" Again she laughed and -snapped her scornful fingers in the eunuch's face. -"Safe by the river my treasure lieth—a treasure -for which the King might barter half his power—yet -not one gem shall fall into your grasp. Go out -and hunt the Tigris, from the mountains to the sea. -Dig! and may Gibil damn you for a fool!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She drew her robe aside, as though she passed some -thing of pestilence, and strode away, while Kishra -came pattering meekly after her. His avarice had -over-shot the mark, and failure gnawed his bowels -with the teeth of fear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They now had reached the fountain's pool where -the palace torches glimmered through the foliage, -casting strange shadows upon the earth till the garden -seemed thronged with myriads of dancing ghosts. -Here Kishra put forth his hand and grasped a fold -of the Syrian's simar.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Heed me," he begged, and as Semiramis swung -angrily about, he began once more to bargain for the -gems. "Be patient, mistress, for my needs are sore, -and I, too, would escape from Nineveh, even as thou -and thy lord will fly to Ascalon. Give me but a little -part of this treasure store and I swear to aid thee -with an aid none else may give."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis pondered thoughtfully.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Fling my packet from the wall and I promise -you a part."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the man was not to be deceived by slippery -promises.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay; when the gems are in my hand, then shall -the fish of malachite be given unto thy messenger."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Their horns were locked again. Yet, a moment -since, when the Syrian had cursed him in her scorn, -her words had left a maggot in his mind. "What!" -she had demanded. "Shall I, Shammuramat, go -forth to point the way for thieves—disguised, -perchance, as some kitchen wench?" Ah, if he could -but bend her pride, how simple would be the rest!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Listen," he begged, with deep humility. "In -the hour of stress we stoop to many things. What -harm if the lady Shammuramat conceal her beauty -beneath an humble cloak and fare with Kishra to the -river bank? By boat we may cross, returning ere -the night is old, and none would be the wiser, for the -city gates are free to me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No!" declared Semiramis, with a gesture of -disdain. "I trust you not, nor will I leave the palace -mound, though you prayed till dawn."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Her speech was firm, yet in it the eunuch marked -a sign of wavering, so he urged his case with a -beating heart:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The gems once buried in the garden here, we wait -in peace till Menon cometh to take thee hence, and for -a third of this treasure store a friend is made, where -an enemy might balk thy every move."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His words were words of wisdom, yet the Syrian -frowned in doubt, while her sandal tapped impatiently -on the graveled path.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What will it profit," the tempter asked, "if wealth -be stored away, when he whom thou loveth shall die in -a distant land?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What mean you?" cried Semiramis, with a gasp -of fear, and Kishra drove the nail:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If the fish of malachite, with the message which -it beareth, shall go into Bactria, coming not to Menon, -but to the King's own hand, then in truth thy lord -may suffer grievously."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At his thin-veiled threat the woman quailed, while -terror leaped into her eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay—nay," she pleaded, clinging to his arm, -"'twere cruel to do this thing. Be merciful, good -Kishra, and I give a tenth."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The battle was won. The eunuch could scarce restrain -his joy, for in his heart an evil plan took root. -The treasure once dug from the river bank, the body -of Semiramis should fill the hole; yet, lest suspicion -rise, he wrought by subtlety, grumbling at the -smallness of his pay.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And my messenger," Semiramis demanded, -"what of him? Two days will he wait—no more. -Alas, we will be too late!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then come with me to-night," breathed Kishra, -biting at his nails.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Syrian wavered, her will tossed back and forth -on the shields of doubt and love, till Kishra hinted at -further ills to Menon; then her spirit broke. -Trembling from head to heel, she agreed to go, but -laid an oath upon him, and sought to bind him with a -thong of bribery.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Kishra," she faltered, "I have promised you a -tenth. Be faithful and I give a greater part. Dost -swear to guard me from every harm and bring me in -safety to the palace once again?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the gloom the man smiled wickedly, yet gave his -pledge; then whispered into her ear:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Go to thy chamber, and when the princess sleepeth, -creep forth and join me at the garden-seat. An -hour must pass, for I send a messenger to the river -shore to find a boat. A cloak will I have for thee, and -pigment wherewith to stain thy skin, lest the keepers -of the gate should marvel at thy comeliness. Go now, -and count on Kishra as a servant faithful to the end."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a moment more she lingered, faltering; then -bowed her head and passed from the garden with a -weary tread.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the sleeping-chamber, Sozana drew her down -beside the couch, asking in whispered mirth:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Didst hear my answer to the night-bird's call? -How fareth the jest with Kishra?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It worketh," breathed Semiramis into a tiny ear, -"for the son of fools will journey to the river bank -and dig for dreams. Sleep, dear one, and to-morrow -we may laugh aloud."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Long lay Semiramis, staring through the opening -in the roof, while she waited for sleep to kiss Sozana's -eyes. Her bosom heaved; her breath came hot, -impatient, from her lips. If all went well the city would -soon be left behind, and the gardens of Ninus would -be but a haunting memory. How sweet to snap the -bonds of dull captivity and face such crouching -dangers as the darkness veiled! And yet, a sorrow came -to share the treasure of her joy. The Princess and -Memetis thought her plan was but a jest whereby to -trouble Kishra's peace of mind; and to-morrow they -must mourn her as one who slips away into the great -unknown and leaves no trace. Again, came a sharper -pang for a friend deserted—one who would grieve as -none other save her lord might grieve—for Habal, -too, must be left behind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Her hand stole out from the couch's edge and fell -upon him in a fond caress, while Habal licked the -hand, and his tail beat happily upon the tiles. Then -Semiramis drew him up to her, and wept, with her -face deep hidden on his shaggy breast.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The Princess slept. Semiramis arose and moved -in stealth toward the door; yet she paused on the -threshold, for her dog came creeping at her heels.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Down, Habal, down!" she whispered, struggling -with her tears, and the dog obeyed, though he whined -because of impending evil—a sense which is keen in -the hearts of beasts, and is passing strange.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the garden all was still. Semiramis crept to the -appointed place where the eunuch waited, eager to -begone. She smeared her hands and face with pigment, -donned a slave's simar, and hid her flame-hued hair -beneath a ragged hood; yet, when all was ready, she -hung back, trembling, till Kishra's patience broke, -and he longed to urge her on by blows.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The door of bronze, which pierced the garden wall, -was opened by a sentry who saw but the eunuch and -a kitchen wench with a basket upon her head. Oft -had he seen the like before when Kishra went forth in -search of dainties for his pampered appetite; so when -the door clanged sharply at their backs, the sentry -once more nodded at his post.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the street was reached Semiramis well-nigh -swooned for joy, and vowed a gift to Ishtar should -the city gates be passed. In silence they began to -walk, when of a sudden each started at the sound as of -a body falling from the palace mound. They paused, -but naught was heard or seen, so the two set out -again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Westward their course was laid, past many a booth -where women laughed, and crafty hucksters lured -them on to buy; past a teeming market-place, for -Kishra went boldly in accustomed paths, lest -marauders spring upon him from some darkened alley-way. -The place was a place of noises, lights and evil -smells, of leering, besotted crowds who knew the -eunuch and gibed him because of the woman at his -side. The Syrian's blood burned hotly in her veins, -till she yearned to tear the jesters with her nails; yet -wisdom whispered, so she laughed in the manner of -an easy-virtued kitchen wench, and went her way.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And now the booths were passed, and they came at -length to the city wall with its mighty gates of brass. -Here fortune once more favored them, for a band of -belated horsemen came clattering in, the riders nodding -on their weary steeds; so Kishra whispered with the -captain of the gate, slyly pressing a coin into his -palm; then, as the keeper turned his back, the two -slipped by and went unnoticed out of Nineveh.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In silence the treasure-seekers crossed the plain till -they came to the river bank. Here a boat was found -in charge of an under-keeper's boy who stretched out -his hand for pay, then straightway disappeared. -Kishra produced a digging tool from beneath his -cloak, laid it beside him on the beach, and began to -unloose the boat; and while he was thus employed, -Semiramis cast a lingering glance at the city wall that -loomed against the sky, so black, so stern, with its -monster towers which seemed to stand on guard like -giant wardens of the night.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As she gazed, her heart grew sad again—sad for -the little Princess dreaming on her couch, and because -of Habal, watching for the mistress who would come -not back to him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She sighed and turned; yet, turning, felt a cold -nose thrust into her hand; then with a cry of joy -Semiramis fell upon her knees, her arms clasped tight -about the neck of the faithful dog. She remembered -the sound of a body falling from the palace mound; -'twas Habal that had leaped to the street below, where -he lay for a space with the breath dashed out of him, -then hobbled along her trail with a broken paw. -At the city gate he had darted between the legs of -the horses filing in, and now crouched, panting, at -the Syrian's side, to receive caresses, or reproof -because of his disobedient love.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now the coming of Habal proved a check to -Kishra's plan of murdering the woman when her -treasure was in his hands; so, cursing, he snatched up -his digging tool wherewith to slay the beast; but -Semiramis sprang between them, furious as a mother -who defends her child, while the dog rose, snarling, -eager for Kishra's blood.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Lay but a finger tip upon him," the mistress -cried, "and you hunt alone on the further shore! -Have done! The dog is wounded, and with us he -shall go!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Kishra paused. Full well he knew the risk of -trifling with a woman's whims. It were better to -humor her in this little thing than to hazard all ere -the gems were in his clutch; so, grumbling, he cast -his digging tool into the boat and made ready to -depart. The craft was small, and rude of shape, yet -would serve to bear them safely to the other side; and -when Semiramis and Habal had settled in the bow, -Kishra with his paddle pushed out into the stream.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Whither, mistress?" he asked in a muffled tone, -as though he feared some lurker on the bank might -hear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"To the lily beds in line with the city gate," the -Syrian whispered, with a hidden smile, while she -tore a strip from her nether garment and bound it on -Habal's broken paw.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a space they were silent, and, as the boat -slipped forward in the gloom, dim voices of the night -came floating to their ears—to the woman, sweeter -than a zittern's softest strain. She listened to the -river's droning hymn as it worshipped on its way to -the Sea-god's shrine, and the deep-toned song of frogs -from a reedy marsh. She heard the lisp of the paddle -in the yellow tide, a heron's echoed cry, and the far, -faint call of sentries from the battlements of Nineveh.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On the heart of Kishra these voices cast a spell of -fear, chilling the fever of his greed which till now -had urged him on. Why should the Syrian be -overjoyed to greet her dog if she thought to return ere -the dawn had come? Perchance she laid some snare -to trip his feet, and would fly to Ascalon, cheating -him of his wealth so coveted. The treasure! Mayhap -no gems were hidden there at all, and hers was -but a trick to lure him to his death.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A thousand terrors trickled from out the gloom; -they swam through the waters, climbed into the boat, -and lay upon him heavily. Of a sudden the traitor -paused, with his paddle across his knees.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mistress," he asked, "what proof have I that -no enemy lurketh beside the lily beds, to fall upon me -when we reach the shore?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"None," replied Semiramis. "He who would dig -for leathern sacks, must dare such dangers as the -night-gods send. Yet, if yours be a coward's heart, -turn back, for it cometh to me that a tenth is -usury." She smiled again, and bent to her restless dog: -"Down, Habal, down! What troubleth thee?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boat now floated in the middle of the stream, -and ere Kishra began his paddling once again, his -fears were confirmed by the actions of the dog. -Habal had risen, sniffing at the air. On the western -breeze he caught a scent, and his bark rang out till -the echoes rolled from shore to shore. A friend was -near at hand, and the dog gave joyous tongue.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a moment Kishra sat staring at Semiramis, -while through his evil brain shot the knowledge of his -own credulity. From the first she had gulled him, -luring him to lie in a muddy fish pond, harkening unto -whisperings. No runner waited for her fish of -malachite. Her tremblings and her tears were but a mask. -Even in her well-feigned fury she had fed him with -designs for his own undoing, and he, in his gross -cupidity, had eaten of the fruit of fools. No treasure -lay hidden on the river shore, but enemies who smiled -and waited for their own.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mad with terror, Kishra spun the boat about, but, -in his over-strength of fear, the paddle snapped, and -Semiramis laughed aloud. Helpless he sat, a victim -to this gloating witch who befooled him with her -guile—he—Kishra, warden of the King, who dared -not return again to his post of ease. Then fury took -him utterly. He seized on the digging tool, arose, -and swung it high above his head in the thought to -brain her at a blow.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Devil," he snarled, "thou hast tricked me with a lie!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Down came the implement, but not upon the Syrian, -for Habal had leaped at Kishra's throat, and Semiramis -overturned the tossing craft.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For an instant all was darkness, fraught with fear; -then the man rose, gasping, clutching at the boat. -A spear's length away he spied a foaming swirl, where -Semiramis flung high her arms and disappeared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then the river again took up its droning hymn; -the sentries called from the distant battlements; a -dog's head rode the waves as it pointed to the -westward shore, and a boat went spinning down the -Tigris, while Kishra clung in terror to its slippery -keel.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-flight"><span class="large">CHAPTER XX</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE FLIGHT</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Ho, Huzim!" called Semiramis, as she gained -a footing on the river mud and splashed -through the shallows where the lilies grew; and -Huzim, with a cry of greeting, stretched forth his hands -to draw her up upon the bank.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Art safe?" he asked. "No hurt hath come to -thee? Of a truth I rejoiced at the voice of Habal, -yet close upon it came a sound of tumult, and my -strength forsook me utterly. See, mistress, I -tremble still, for the night hath brought a terror to my -heart."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In his joy the faithful servant, who would have -dared the anger of the gods themselves to shield -Semiramis, sank down and clasped her knees, to weep as -a child might weep.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay," laughed the woman, with a gentle hand -upon his straight black locks, "'twas naught indeed -save a plunge and a joyous swim, for the waters -thronged about me with the kisses of old, remembered -friends. Up, Huzim! Bear Habal in your arms, for -his leg hath received a hurt, poor beast. And -hasten! Yon apish eunuch whirling down the stream -may arise an outcry, bringing a troop of horse upon -our trail."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Indian arose, and raising Habal as his mistress -bade him, strode forward through the darkness, while -she, in the joy of freedom, walked happily at his side, -wringing the water from her wet simar and whispering -of all which had come to pass. For a league they -journeyed westward till they came to a hillock -crowned by trees, and here the Indian bade his -mistress wait, while he, himself, went onward to secure -their steeds which waited in a secret place in the -wooded lands beyond.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Keep watch," he urged, then filled his lungs with -a hopeful breath and vanished in the gloom.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Alone, the Syrian raised her eyes toward the sky -and once more listened to the voices of the night. -The river's hymn was hushed; no sentry's call rang -out from distant Nineveh, and across the plains came -only a foolish wind that murmured among the trees. -Yet other voices rose in the heart of Semiramis, to -cry aloud with every quickened beat. Menon! -Menon! they shouted, till the echo mounted to the -burning stars, to catch their flame and tumble back -to the heart which sent it forth. Thus cried Derketo, -that mother whose passion stirred in the daughter's -blood, till her eyes grew dim in yearning tenderness. -As a song it sounded in her ears—a song of fire -and love; yet with it rose a strain more harsh, the -voice of her unknown sire—perchance a war-god -from the Southern Seas. It rose in a stern command -and was taken up on the tongues of marching multitudes, -in the snarl of the battle-horn, and the rumble -of charging chariots.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To the south lay far Arabia, whence peace might -follow in the thread of love; yet Semiramis stretched -her arms toward the east where Zariaspa sat, -unconquered, on the plains.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From the darkness came Huzim on the back of a -goodly steed, leading another by its bridle rein. To -the saddle-skin of each was bound a food-sack, arms, -and a woolen cloak to shield the body from the chill -of night. Likewise, for Semiramis, he had brought -a brave attire, for henceforth she must travel, not as -a woman, but as a man; so, from a screen of the -hillock's trees, she discarded her wet simar and soon -stepped forth in the guise of a youthful warrior. -From her shoulders hung a linen tunic, belted and -falling to the knee, while her limbs were encased in -heavier cloth, bound round with thongs. Her arms -were bare, and on her head sat a brazen helm, of a -pattern worn by fighting chiefs on the Syrian coast, -its stiff rim lined with a veil of many folds.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With a laugh Semiramis leaped astride her steed, -causing her dog to be set before her on the saddle-skin, -for their pace would be swift, and Habal might -not follow with his broken foot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"See, mistress," whispered Huzim, coming to her -side and stretching forth his arm toward the south; -"there lieth our road which leadeth by devious ways -to the desert home of Prince Boabdul, whence we -journey at my lord's command."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Aye," the Syrian nodded, "'twas even so two -moons agone, yet now the world hath somehow gone -awry, till Arabia no longer lieth in the south. Come, -hasten! that we catch this wandering land ere it shift -again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With another laugh she wheeled her steed and raced -toward the north, while for an instant Huzim gazed -after her, his jaws agape in wonderment; then he -cursed, and spurred upon her track. For a space -she held the lead, till the Indian cut it down and at -last stretched forth his hand which closed on her -bridle-rein.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How now," he cried, when the steeds had come -to a fretful stand, "what madness wouldst thou do? -Come, turn southward, for to Arabia we journey, else -Huzim must first be slain."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For the first time since the battle with the Kurds -she marked a frown of anger upon the servant's brow, -yet little she reckoned of the wrath of any man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Huzim," she answered, and her teeth shone white -in the light of a riding moon, "I know not what path -is best for fools to take, nor if you would hide in -idleness beneath the desert's sands; but as for me, as -Ishtar hears my oath, I go to Bactria."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But why?" he demanded, in a tone of keen -despair. "Why tempt the gods when wisdom pointeth -out the way?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once more Semiramis raised her arms toward the -stars, and her fists were clenched.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"To join my lord and share the perils which are -his; to wrest a loved one from the toils which hedge -him round about, or drive my hunting spear through -the body of Assyria's King!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In vain the Indian pleaded; in vain he besought her -with prayers and tears to discard a plan so mad, but -she paid no heed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What!" she demanded, "am I born of coward's -blood? Nay; what man may do, that also will I, a -woman, compass; and, failing, the fault is mine alone. -Think," she argued, "if hiding seemeth good to you, -then will we lie concealed among the crags which -overtop the plains of Bactria, whence you, good Huzim, -may creep by night into Menon's camp and guide him -safely to my side. Once joined with him, we journey -where he wills, though it be to Gibil or to Ramân's -thunder-halls."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus in the end the reluctant Indian gave in, and -they rode toward the north, though for a space he -lagged behind in troubled silence, his chin upon his -breast. As he rode it came to him that his mistress -had never held a thought of flying to Arabia, but -had curbed her tongue lest wisdom move him to -prevent escape from Nineveh. It was now too late to -husband wine when the skin was rent, so Huzim shook -the anger from him, and, with one last sigh of doubt, -came up to the side of Semiramis.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a league they held to the river bank, then -forded at a shallow point and travelled eastward -swiftly till the night was gone. And thus they fared -for many days, boldly by night, and resting throughout -the day in close retreats, for they knew not if -Kishra had perchance survived to send out hunters -on their trail. Poor Habal's paw healed quickly, and -soon he rode no more on the saddle-skin, albeit a moon -went by ere he ran upon four sound legs again; yet, -even with a bandaged limb, the dog served faithfully, -and many a lurking danger came to naught by reason -of his warning growls.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And now they came into Media, and the fear of -pursuit was lost; so onward they pushed, avoiding the -open roads. They passed through trackless -forest-lands, through verdant valleys and up again to the -crests of wooded hills, where at their feet the lands -of foreign peoples stretched far and wide, their -dwelling places marked by coils of smoke. Anon they -skirted woodland villages, and, peering through a -screen of leaves, saw naked children sporting in the -sun, their naked mothers pounding grain with stones, -while uncouth warriors drowsed at ease beneath the -shade. Once, on a hillside, they came full face upon -a hunter, bearing a forest pig upon his back, in his -hand a spear. For a space the man stared stupidly, -then dropped his burden, cast his spear at Huzim, and -went shrieking down the slope. From stone to stone -he leaped, as leaps a mountain goat, the while he cried -out shrilly to his friends beneath; yet in his final -plunge he bore no message save a shaft between his -shoulder blades.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Of a truth," sighed Huzim, "'twas pity to slay -the fool, yet wise, perchance, for his tribesmen know -not if we be an army or a single man. Come, hasten, -mistress, lest his friends be cursed with curious minds."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They hastened on, and for a space no other -mischief came to trouble them, though many evils stalked -abroad by night and day; yet these were passed -because of Huzim's cunning woodcraft, and Habal's wit -in scenting peril from afar. Then, when the skin of -Semiramis was tanned to a ruddy brown, and the -steeds were lean and weary from their toil, the -travellers neared the foothills of Hindu-Kush, to fall upon -a grave mischance. They had come to a forest's -edge, where a sloping plain of a league in width -stretched out before them, ascending to the mountain -steeps beyond; and here the Indian counseled that they -lie concealed till the shades of night should fall, but -Semiramis would have none of it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay," she urged; "I burn to reach the mountain -top for a peep into the land of Bactria, and to know, -perchance, if my lord still battleth there. Come, -Huzim, lest I leave a faithful friend behind."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The servant shook his head and galloped after her, -yet his hope came back again when the middle of the -plain was reached and naught was seen save a -watchful kite that swung in the blue above. Then Habal -wheeled on the backward trail, and barked. From -the forest left behind came a score of riders who -spread to right and left, then lashed their mounts and -advanced in a ragged line.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Tis even as I feared," growled Huzim beneath -his breath. "Speed thee, mistress! We yet may -win to the hills in time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But ere they had ridden twenty paces he was fain -to draw his rein, for out from a fringe of woods -ahead another band appeared, to spread as the first -had spread, with an aim of closing in upon the -fugitives. The Indian unslung his bow, casting about -him for a spot wherein to halt and hold his foes at -bay, but Semiramis smiled upon him and took command.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Be not a child," she whispered. "Your shafts -are useless, for these our enemies outnumber us, and -our steeds are spent. Obey me and speak no word."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She drew her bridle, shielded her eyes from the -sunlight's glare, then waved her hand and dashed full -speed toward the Bactrian troop.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In the name of the gods—!" gasped Huzim, -spurring after her; but she laughed and, once more -waved her hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now the horsemen, marveling at the strangeness -of this move, drew rein upon the slope and waited till -their quarry came to them. Outposts they were whom -Oxyartes set beyond the mountains, to watch all roads, -to cut off messengers, and to bring report of armies or -of food-trains coming out from Nineveh.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ho, friends!" laughed Semiramis, pausing in -their midst and speaking in the Bactrian tongue, a deal -of which she had learned from Menon while in Syria. -"For the moment I feared ye were a herd of Assyrian -swine. Who leadeth here?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A Bactrian youth dismounted and stepped before -her, his fellows gathering in a close-packed ring.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How art thou called?" she questioned, looking -straight into his eye.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Dagas," he answered, with a bow and a smile of -merriment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The woman was fair to look upon and easy in her -speech, yet spies were ever prone to claim a friendship -with their foes in a hope of deceiving them; so -the Bactrian smiled, and was not to be deceived.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah!" sighed Semiramis, stretching her hand to -him. "Then bear me wine, good Dagas—the best—for -to-day I have journeyed far and am athirst. -See, likewise, to our steeds and to my servant here, -who—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She paused, for now the chieftain laughed aloud -because of her impudence, while those about him -joined in a roar of mirth; yet mirth was turned to -wonderment, when a gust of fury lit her eyes, and she -struck at the head of Dagas with a haft of her -hunting spear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Fool!" she stormed, "is the sister of Oxyartes -to be mocked by a brainless dog?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The shaft went home. The laughter died upon -their lips; yet, ere their startled senses woke again, -Semiramis swept on:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What! Know ye not that Babylon is in revolt? -That Tyre and Sidon fling aside the yoke? That -Syria flies to arms and sends her armies forth to -crush King Ninus as a grain of corn? Does Bactria -sleep, as sleeps Assyria's lord, when Nineveh -hath tumbled to the earth—a blotch of mud upon the -plains? Does Dagas know not that the hosts advance, -with horsemen countless as the forest leaves, with -slingers, axemen, hordes of Hittite charioteers, and -a swarm of riders from the desert lands?" She -flung back her head and laughed. "O worms of -ignorance! O sons of fishes, knowing naught beyond -their slimy pool! Go out and guard each road—each -mountain pass—lest fugitives slip by and cry -disaster to the King!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She paused for lack of breath, and a buzz of -confusion rose among the men-at-arms; then, at their -chieftain's questioning glance, Semiramis spoke -again:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Five days must pass ere the vanguard cometh, -yet I and my servant hasten on to warn the King -of Zariaspa; for when our warriors pour down the -mountain sides, then must Oxyartes sally forth and -take King Ninus in his rear."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dagas knit his brows in troubled thought, then -raised his eyes and asked:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What surety have I that thy words are the words -of truth—that thy tidings be not a trick to befool -mine ears?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"None," she answered, in majestic pride. "None -save my word alone. If thou doubtest, then hold me -prisoner." Again she paused, to look upon the youth -in scorn. "Yet I warn thee, Dagas, that should a -mischief come of it, or I suffer by delay—by every -god in heaven, thy flesh shall puff in one great blister -from the lash!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once more the Bactrian pondered, torn 'twixt duty -and a fear of some bold deceit, then he asked, as a -final test:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And how wilt thou reach the city when Ninus -encompasseth it about in a deep, unbroken ring? -How scale the walls and bear thy message in?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was now the Syrian's turn to ponder, for on her -wit hung fortune, good and evil, balanced to a hair. -To blunder meant captivity, death perchance; to -answer rightly was beyond her power; yet she faltered -not, and staked her all upon a single cast. She -smiled upon Dagas, leaned down, and whispered into -his ear:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"</span><em class="italics">Why scale a wall when a message may go to -Zariaspa by the secret way?</em><span>"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Bactrian started, glanced swiftly toward the -north, and back to her dancing eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What meanest thou?" he asked, and hung upon -her words as one who waits on death.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once more Semiramis smiled upon him, stooping till -her breath played warm upon his cheek.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thou comely child," she murmured into his blood-flushed -ear, "where stores of food are sent for my -brother's needs, there, also, may a message find its -way, though it float or fly."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This she delivered boldly, on the hazard of a -guess, and Dagas fell upon his knee and made -obeisance, begging that she hold no evil memory against -him, in that he had harbored doubt.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay," she answered him, "of all which hath come -to pass I will make report to Oxyartes;" then, as the -Bactrian's cheeks went white, she added, meaningly: -"The King would know when his chiefs mix caution -with their zeal, else how shall he make a just reward?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dagas rose up in a flush of pride, and of vanity -which ever follows certain men of war.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Command me," he cried, "and thy lightest wish -shall be mine own desire."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis paused, to look upon the earth in -thought; then from her finger she drew a jewel, -placing it within his hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Dagas," she enjoined, "when the conquering -host hath come from out the west, seek thou the King -of Tyre, saying that she of the flame-hued locks hath -come in safety unto Hindu-Kush. In proof of thy -words, display this bauble before his eyes—then keep -it for thine own." With a radiant smile she checked -his thanks and spoke again: "Ride southward with -all thy men-at-arms to guard the roads, lest Assyrian -runners pass. Nay, I need no guide to the Secret -Place, for the way is known to me. Now set us wine -and meat, and then—farewell!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young chief hastened to do her bidding -eagerly, in hope of the rich reward from Oxyartes, -though to his racing heart it seemed that in life he -could ask no higher gift than to bask in this woman's -smile. So he set them a feast, which being done, his -guests arose. Henceforth they must go on foot, for -the mountain paths were such that horses might not -climb, so the steeds were left with Dagas and his -followers. At parting the Bactrian lingered, gazing -with awe into the Syrian's eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Princess," he faltered, "in days to come I pray -thee to hold my memory, for the sword of an -humble man is thine, be it drawn against enemy or -friend."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus Dagas spoke, yet little did he dream that in -after years this love of his would part a nation and -its king.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis yearned to question him concerning -many things, but her tongue gave thanks alone, as her -hand dropped into his and pressed it. So she fared to -the north, with Huzim and Habal following her lead, -while Dagas stood watching till they passed from -sight; then he turned and sighed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a space the travellers journeyed swiftly, the -woman smiling to herself, while Huzim pondered and -spoke no word; yet, presently, he laid his hand upon -her arm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mistress," said he, "our path is upward among -the crags, and as we journey now, we risk the peril -of unknown ways and wander from our course."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay," Semiramis denied, "our quest is in the -north, for there a weighty secret lieth. Listen; to -Zariaspa cometh a strange supply of food, vexing -Ninus, in that he may not cut it off and starve his -enemies; therefore in the north I seek its source, though -I hunt the hills for the space of a double moon."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Indian frowned and slowly shook his head. -One hour agone she had burned to reach the mountain -top, and now would hunt behind it for the space of a -double moon. Of a surety the ways of women were -a trouble unto Huzim's mind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And how," he asked, "may we know that this -secret place be hidden in the north?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again the Syrian laughed, and the laughter pleased -her to the finger tips.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good Dagas betrayed it by a fleeting glance, and -knew not that he gave his master into my hand. -What manner of place it is, or where it lieth, the -spirits of the mountains only know; yet, mayhap, -these spirits may be taught to wag their tongues."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once more the patient Huzim shook his head, -following on in silent thought, and for a space they -bent their steps on a gently ascending path, till they -came to a rocky spur which overlooked the plains.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"See!" cried Semiramis, pointing with her spear, -while her merriment was loosed, to echo back from -stone to stone. "Yon troop of Bactrians rideth -toward the south, to cry alarm, to guard all roads, and -to wait a phantom host which cometh to Zariaspa's aid."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Huzim gazed out and saw that her words were true, -though he joined not in her merriment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay, mistress," he murmured, "this Dagas is -but a fool; yet deeply was I troubled for thy fate, -till streams of sweat poured out upon my skin. Thou -didst say that Syria had risen in revolt—that Hittite -chariots advanced—that Nineveh was but a blotch of -mud upon the plain. 'Twas witful craft, I grant, -though hazardous, for truth was twisted inside out, -even as women wring their garments at a washing time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Aye," sighed Semiramis, dreamily, as she rested -on her hunting spear and watched the riders vanish in -a cloud of dust, "aye, good Huzim, in song and -legend this truth of which thou speakest is a wondrous -thing, yet oft must the god of wisdom robe himself -in the splendor of a lie."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-riddle-of-the-secret-way"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXI</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE RIDDLE OF THE SECRET WAY</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The day waxed old. The sun plunged down into -a fiery death, as though a Moloch swallowed it, -to breathe back flames from his brazen throat; then -the crimson glow grew faint and faded from the -west; the twilight deepened, while a purple haze stole -up on the mountain slopes, to wrap the loftiest crags -in gloom, till the moon rode forth and set them free.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis and Huzim now paused for rest and -food, for the way grew more precipitous, and naught -might be accomplished while the darkness held; so -when the Indian had eaten he stretched himself in -sleep, but for the Syrian there was none. She sat -with her chin upon her hand, gazing in thought upon -the mountain stream which tumbled noisily beside the -resting place, while through her brain a question -rioted and gave no peace—a question which mocked, -yet lured her on through swamps of deep perplexity. -Whence came these stores of food to Zariaspa? and -why in the name of Nebo should the Bactrians set -the place on the further side of a mountain range? -To cross the ridge was but to meet with Ninus and his -ring of warriors. How pass them and win to the city -walls?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, little stream," she murmured, with a heavy -sigh, "what secrets of the hills thy hundred tongues -could tell did I but understand thy strange, wise -songs!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The stream sang on, a roar of dull monotony that -lulled her senses into drowsiness, and again the Syrian -sighed as she stretched her limbs for sleep; yet slumber -hid itself away as hid the answer to her quest, and -suddenly a silence fell—a silence so deep that the -wind-gods seemed to hold their breath as for a -coming storm, while through the hush ran a whispered -chant of insects of the night—that murmurous hum -from the tongues of tiny, things.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Syrian started, sat upright on the earth, and -stared at the stream in wide-eyed unbelief. Where, -before, a torrent rushed along its way, leaping the -stones with a foaming, boisterous swirl, now ran a -trickling rivulet. Its song was stilled; black rocks -protruded from its bed, and a stranded fish flapped -clumsily upon the sand. For a moment longer stared -Semiramis, then leaped to her feet and shook the -sleeping Indian.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Awake!" she cried. "As Ishtar liveth, I have -spoken with the stream—and the stream hath -answered me!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a space she whispered eagerly, pointing to -the north, till Huzim rose and brushed the slumber -from his eyes. They bound the jaws of Habal with a -leathern thong, lest the dog give tongue and sound -alarm; then they crept in silence up the water-course. -Northward it ran, yet suddenly it sheared away -toward the east where the hills bent inward, forming a -mighty pocket in the mountainside, and here the -hunters paused, for faintly down the wind came the calls -of men, the bellow of a burden-beast, and the sound of -many hammer-strokes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah," breathed Semiramis, "'tis there the riddle -hath its root, hanging like grapes till we come to strip -the vine."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They left the stream and clambered upward, with -an aim of spying from above, the Indian creeping on -ahead, while Semiramis came after him, her dog in -leash. The steeps grew difficult, but the seekers -spared their strength, mounting slowly till they came -upon a sentry seated in a narrow pass and singing -softly to himself.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How white is his throat," smiled Huzim, as he -notched a shaft and knelt among the rocks; but -Semiramis laid a restraining hand upon his arm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay, spare him; for see, he looketh upon the -stars, and, all unknowing, giveth praise to Ishtar. -To slay him were to bring us evil. Come!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To the right they crept, in a circuit which brought -them far above the watcher's post, then turned and -bent upon their course again; and thus they journeyed -stealthily, as in days of old they had stalked their -game in Syria, coming at last to the lip of a -precipice. Prostrate they lay and peeped below, yet -naught could be seen because of gloom, and the -trailing mists which eddied to and fro at the chase of a -fickle breeze. Strange sounds came floating up to -them, an oath, a sharp command, the crack of a lash, -and the jumbled echoes of haste and toil; and now the -moon slid out from behind a crag, bathing the slopes -in a wave of light, while the call of sentries echoed far -and wide, and the din in the valley ceased.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The watchers crept into the shadow of an -over-hanging rock, continuing to peer into the depths -beneath; and, as they looked, they caught the gleam of -water, whereon a clumsy barge was pushed by men -who waded to their waists.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"See!" gasped Huzim, pointing to the loaded -barge. "It floateth toward the cliff! What manner -of mystery is this?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was even as he said. Another barge came out, -and still another, till seven in all were counted, each -pushed by waders toward the cliff, each disappearing -suddenly as if it sank into some yawning well. On -the water's edge swarmed scores of men, each busied -with his appointed task; then after a space a gang -came forth to labor at a wooden gate which slid -between jaws of masonry. By means of a prizing-beam -this gate was raised, when the dammed-up water once -more rushed into the bed of the mountain stream, and -the earth was seen where a lake had rested in a basin -among the hills.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now all these things were strange to Huzim and -as marvels beyond his grasp, but Semiramis smiled and -thus reproached herself:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In truth have I been but a suckling babe concerning -wit and the wiles of men; yet beyond the mountains -lie twice a million other babes, with Ninus who -croweth mightily and sitteth enthroned—the master-babe -of all!" She turned to the Indian, thoughtfully: -"Tell me, didst say that Menon dug his wells -to the east of Zariaspa and found sweet water there?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Aye," said Huzim; "but what hath this to do -with barges on a mountainside?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Much," the Syrian laughed, "for these boats go -down through a cavernous passage-way, beneath the -mountain, beneath the earth where Ninus is encamped, -and beneath the city's walls. There the Bactrians -receive their stores of food and burn these barges which -may not travel back again. The water they gather -up in cisterns for the city's needs, or loose it at will, -whence it floweth away, to sink in the thirsty sands -beyond. Thus Menon hath digged his wells, and -marveleth at what is found."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Indian listened with an open mouth, grunting -his wonder, but offering no reply, and Semiramis -spoke again:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By Ishtar, 'tis a cunning wile, yet craft may -match it unto Bactria's woe. Menon is mine at last!" -she cried exultantly. "The King is mine! And -Zariaspa lieth in the hollow of my hand! Up, -Huzim, for we climb to the mountain top ere dawn hath -come!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once more they journeyed, with care at first -because of sentinels who watched the hillsides as a -mother eagle guards her young; but at length the -danger line was passed and they mounted with -quickened pace. Up, up they climbed till the moon went -down, and the chill of the lofty altitude came searching -beneath their cloaks; then for an hour they rested, -and the ascent was begun again. By the gleam of the -stars alone they toiled, till a sickly glow came -stealing from out the east; and then, as the sun came up, -they stood at last on the mountain's spine, poor Habal -dropping at their feet with heaving flanks and a -lolling tongue.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis heaved a sigh. Beneath her lay the land -of Bactria, yet hidden now by a ghostly sea of -mist—a mist that writhed and heaved, revealing giant -peaks that seemed to peep out timidly, to turn and -flee as though pursued by spirits of the under-world; -then the peaks, emboldened as the sunrays drank the -vapors down, rushed back again, while scurrying -clouds dissolved like rabble before a war-king's chariot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Lower and lower sank the mist, till the battlements -of Zariaspa pierced the veil, and on the walls long -lines of white-robed priests came forth in worship of -the sun, while warriors dipped their banners, knelt, -and raised their gleaming arms aloft.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As Semiramis watched, the scene unrolled as to one -who looks into a witch's caldron when the reek is blown -away. She saw the valleyed foothills, and the tawny -plain that stretched beyond till lost in an ochre haze. -She saw the city, grim, defiant in its might, and the -vast brown monster coiled around its outer shell, -hungry, baffled, weary of its fruitless grip. From north -to south long ridges seamed the earth where trenches -had been dug to hold the slain and the offal of the -camps, the whole heaped o'er with sand lest pestilence -arise, while scattered far and wide lay blackened -skeletons of scaling-towers, engines of assault, and -abandoned catapults, which the enemy had wrecked or -burned with fire.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And now the army wakened, not as warriors eager -for the siege, but as sluggards who find it easier far to -hurl a drowsy curse than to labor like men in a cause -of little hope.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"See!" cried Semiramis, pointing with a trembling -arm, while her great eyes blazed in scorn. "King -Ninus lieth down in sloth, and a million warriors rot -in idleness! By Ishtar, with such a force I'd -overthrow yon town as a woodsman felleth a sapless -tree!" She paused to sigh, then turned to Huzim with a -smile: "Among the stars above strange happenings -are ordained, yet perchance unto Ninus I may whisper -soon, in that he rouseth from his lethargy."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Indian regarded her both earnestly and long.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mistress," he answered, grimly, in the manner of -one who is charged with truth, "if thou wouldst -whisper in the ear of Assyria's King, first make its -opening larger with the barb of thy hunting spear."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay," laughed Semiramis; "a woman's wit may -sink far deeper and will leave no scar. Now point me -out where my good lord Menon hath set his camp."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Indian's finger swept the line of the city's -eastern wall, to a mound beyond, to a dull brown horde -of idle warriors—as idle as the warriors of the King.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah!" sighed the yearning wife, and walked apart -to gaze across the walls of Zariaspa, in hope that her -heart might lead her eyes unto one she sought among -a myriad of midges on the distant field.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Menon," she whispered, her arms outstretched, -her sensuous soul outflung, "were Shammuramat in -truth a dove, how swiftly would she wing her way to -thee!"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>As the sun slid down and the shadows of the hills -crept out across the plains, King Ninus sat within his -tent, while about him stood a score of his under-chiefs. -Warriors they were of many lands which made -Assyria's kingdom one, stern men of copper hue, half -naked in the summer heat, gaunt of feature, lean and -sinewy of limb. On the faces of many was stamped -a look of weariness; on others anger, while the -monarch wore his darkest scowl; for a council was being -held, wherein rebellion against the King had risen to -a fever-pitch, and fierce internal strife was like to rend -the army from end to end.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Heed me!" cried Asharal, the Babylonian Prince -whose hatred of the conqueror led him ever to dispute. -"What need to starve in Bactria when plenty lieth -along the Tigris and the Euphrates? Why break -our teeth against a wall of stone when naught may -come of it save a bleeding mouth? We storm a -city, fling away a nation's wealth as though its -coffers served a catapult! Our soldiers sicken at the -lack of food and because of the bitterness of long -defeat! If Ninus be in truth a god, then let him give -this city into our hands; if not, he will lead his -wearied servants home!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For answer the King rose up and smote Prince -Asharal full upon the mouth, in that he fell upon the -earth with twitching limbs and eyes that rolled in -vacancy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So," growled Ninus, nursing the knuckles of his -great brown fist, "the dog, at last, hath a mouth that -bleeds." He turned to the Babylonian's friends and -spoke again, calmly, but as a master speaks: -"Because he is born a fool, I spare him—the next of his -like shall hang!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A silence fell within the council tent, save for the -shifting of uneasy feet, and the creak of harness as -the fallen man breathed fast and hard; then, in the -hush, a sentry entered, bowing low before the King.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Lord," said he, "a messenger is without, demanding -an audience of Ninus and of his chiefs."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lips of the monarch parted for an oath, and -yet no sound came forth; instead his mouth stretched -wider still in wonderment, for before him stepped a -woman warrior, the like of whom his eyes had never -lit upon. Her shapely limbs were encased in linen, -bound with thongs, as were the leathern sandals on -her feet; she wore her tunic, washed white in a -mountain stream, and across her breast was flung a -leopard's skin, caught with a clasp behind and forming a -quiver for her shafts. She carried a bow and hunting -spear, and on her shoulders, brown and bare, her -red locks rippled from a brazen helm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The chieftains stared; and yet it was not the -splendor of her raiment which held them in amaze, but her -beauty, strange and devilish—her eyes, deep pools of -ever changing light wherein the sons of men grew -foolish and were consumed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Shammuramat!" breathed the King. "Whence comest thou?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Shammuramat no more," the Syrian answered, -"but a merchant from the west with wares for sale."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By Bêlit," grunted Gazil, a hairy chieftain from -the uplands of the river Hit, "did the merchant sell -herself, I'd buy, though the bargain stripped me to -the bone."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hush!" a nudging neighbor whispered. "Be -sparing of thy tongue, lest Ninus serve thee as he -served yon Babylonian fool."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So Gazil held his peace, and Ninus looked in silence -on Semiramis. In the mind of the King two spirits -warred for mastery; the one in anger at this prisoner -who escaped from Nineveh to defy his will, the other -unwilling admiration of her recklessness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And why," he asked, as he combed his beard, -"doth the merchant risk her head in a journey unto -Zariaspa?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis regarded him with a look of childish -wonder wherein was mingled trust untouched by fear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Right well the lord of Assyria knoweth that I -come at his own command."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now the King bad commanded no such thing, yet, -recalling how the Syrian's wits had befooled him in -the halls at Nineveh, he took council with himself lest -it chance again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Speak," he urged, with a cautious mien, "that -these my chiefs and friends may hear."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis bowed before him humbly and turned to -the listening men.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My lords," she began, and looked on each in -turn, "far better than I might Ninus speak, for the -glory of this deed is his." She paused an instant, -then spoke once more, her rich tones falling strangely -on the ears of those who heard. "In a vision came -the King unto my side—a spirit in the godly robes -of Asshur and the hornéd cap of Bel. 'Arise, -Shammuramat,' he commanded, in a voice that rolled as -from afar; 'arise and seek through the hills of -Hindu-Kush for a wondrous secret hidden there—a -secret through which all Zariaspa feasteth long, while -Assyria must prowl, a hungry wolf outside its walls.'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah!" cried Ninus, leaping to his feet, "thou -knowest, then, whence cometh Zariaspa's store of food?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Aye," she answered, "but the spirit of the King -said more." The monarch sank into his seat, and -she turned to the gaping chiefs: "'My spirit,' -spoke the spirit of the King, 'is heaven-born, yet my -flesh is mortal as all men know full well; so follow -thou where my spirit leadeth and sell this secret to my -mortal flesh for such a price as justice may demand.'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The King looked up, a light of anger in his eyes; -but he curbed his speech, for he knew not what was -yet to come, and half a god was better far than being -proven not a god at all.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Say on," he muttered, and Semiramis said on. -She wove a wondrous tale of magic and of myth, of -how the spirit led her through the gates of Nineveh -unseen; of how a steed awaited beyond the walls to -bear her on her way; of the arms and raiment found -upon its back, and its speed in passing through the -lands of enemies.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now in these days the sons of Assyria were as -children whose minds were swayed by superstitious -fears; in demons they believed who thronged the earth -and air, the waters and the sky; so the words of -Semiramis were the words of truth to all save two, -who listened and were not deceived. The one was the -King; the other Nakir-Kish, High Priest of the -Magi, a man of wisdom who stood apart with folded -arms, and smiled. The Syrian marked his look of -ill-veiled jealousy, for she trod too close upon his -own dark rites to pass unchallenged; therefore she -sought to disarm an enemy ere the weapon of his -speech was raised.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My lords," said she to the wondering chiefs, -"the tale is done. As the spirit of Ninus led my -steps, so followed I and found; yet if there be one to -doubt my words, then let him ask of Nakir-Kish, by -whose high arts was the spirit of the King unleashed -and sent to me at Nineveh."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All eyes were turned upon Nakir-Kish who flushed -as the Syrian's shaft went home, for of a certainty he -stood in a grievous pass. To deny would strip him -of a boasted power and cheat his magic of a splendid -deed; to confirm her words was but to mark him as -the ally of a liar; so the High Priest pondered for a -space and held his tongue. Yet the chieftains waited, -so at last he strode to the center of their ring and -raised his arms.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Tis even as she telleth," he cried aloud, and -Semiramis smiled, with the air of one who -conquers Kings; then Ninus arose and spoke:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Peace, Nakir-Kish! It is not meet that our -works be heralded abroad. Let the woman tell of -the Bactrians' store-house hidden from our mortal -eyes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Syrian shook her head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My lord," she made reply, "'tis true the merchant -selleth wares, yet the merchant hath a price."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Name it," growled the King. "If thy words -be true, I give a chariot's weight in gold; if -false—beware!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay, radiant one," she smiled, "is Shammuramat -a thief? One chariot I ask—of wood and brass—with -a man to drive me whither and when I will."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Granted," agreed the King. "Choose chariot, -steeds, and charioteer, but in the name of Nebo tell us -quickly of what we yearn to know."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wait!" said Semiramis. "My bargain must -first be sealed. As to steeds, I care not, so be they -sound in wind and limb; yet as to him who driveth, is -of greater moment to my sale."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She turned to the listening warriors, then paused -to laugh again, for half a score of men stepped -forward, eager to drive her, though the road be laid -through Gibil's smoking gates.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It is ill to tweak a King's impatient mood, yet this -the Syrian dared to do, knowing right well the price -Assyria would pay to call proud Bactria slave; -therefore she paid no heed to Ninus, but wrought with his -chieftains, smiling, conscious of her power.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay, friends, 'tis I whose pride is roused at -thought of riding forth with valiant men of war. -Each—all—I love ye, for your strength, your -loyalty to him who leadeth, who by his wisdom -conquereth the world; yet one alone may drive my -chariot, and he—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Prince Menon!" cried Nakir-Kish, seeking to -win a friend where he dare not make an enemy, and -Semiramis turned and bowed before the King.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The monarch frowned, and for a space he pondered, -weighing the value of the Syrian's knowledge -against the measure of his royal pride; yet it came -to him that her arts had left him but a single path, -for in her secret lay the nation's welfare and the -King's. His chieftains plotted treason, while the -army trembled between revolt and loyalty, wavering, -waiting for a leader's cry to plunge them headlong -into open war—a war at which the Bactrians would -laugh aloud in very joy. Peace, then, the Syrian -offered—peace and victory—her price the -forgiveness of a single man. Forgiveness! It was -galling to the King, yet, where a King drinks gall, -it were well that he drain his goblet with a smile, as -though the draught lay sweet upon his tongue; therefore -Ninus smiled, rising to speak in a voice which all -might hear:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Listen, my children. Long have I yearned to -take Prince Menon to my heart; yet, because of -stubbornness, he sitteth upon his mound, devoured -by spleen. If now he would once more call himself -my son, a father will bid him welcome, even as he -welcometh a daughter in Shammuramat."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this a mighty shout went up, and the Syrian's -great eyes filled with tears. She fell upon her knees -and would have pressed her lips to the monarch's -hand, but Ninus raised her and kissed her upon the -mouth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then before them all Semiramis told her tale of -the water-way beneath the hills; of the cleft in the -cliffs on the further side where the Bactrians damned -a mountain stream, raising the waters to the height -desired. She told of the outposts guarding this -secret round about, while through the fertile lands an -army of hunters combed the forests and the fields -for game; this game to be borne to the hidden cleft -and loaded on barges, whence it floated through the -bowels of the earth unto waiting Zariaspa.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And thus," cried Semiramis, "cometh food to our -hated enemies—stores and a flow of sweet, cool -water, when Assyria must sit outside the walls, -unconquering, hungered and athirst."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She ceased, and silence lay within the royal tent, -silence save for the sound of heavy breathing and, -anon, a gasp of wonderment; yet, presently, the -High Priest Nakir-Kish strode forth, with the aim -of sharing in the Syrian's fame. He raised his -naked arms, a light of battle in his eyes, his voice a -tempest charged with the fires of prophecy:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Glory to Asshur, lord of all the lords! for on -the spirit-tongue of Ninus is chanted Zariaspa's song -of death! Harken, ye chiefs of proud Assyria, and -ye who follow at their heels! This day your King -will lead ye o'er the peaks of Hindu-Kush, to crush -the foeman's strength, to destroy his store-house in -the mountain side, and fill the tunnel's mouth with -stones! Up, Gazil! Sound thy battle horn! -Collect thy swordsmen from the hills of Naïri and thy -slingers from the north! Up, men of Babylon and -Nineveh, to follow where your King may lead, and -let your war-cry be—</span><em class="italics">Shammuramat</em><span>!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Syrian bowed low, yet even as the chieftains -rose with her name in war-cry on their lips, she stayed -them with a lifted hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay, lords," she laughed, "your mighty priest -hath offered but a jest, to test the temper of his dogs -in leash. Bark not so loud, brave dogs, for none will -climb the mountain side this day."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At her daring speech, the High Priest Nakir-Kish -grew pale in wrath, and Ninus watched in silence, -knowing there was somewhat yet to come, while the -men-at-arms drew closer, in a circle of wonder and of -awe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What need to climb," the woman asked, "when -the master hath a fairer plan?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Say on," commanded Ninus, cautiously, and -Semiramis turned her back upon Nakir-Kish.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My lord," she spoke, "'tis not in thy mind to -cross the mountain range and tumble stones into the -tunnel's throat, for thereby this great supply of -food will cease. Rather would the King go forth -and dig till he find this sunken river-bed; and then, -when the laden boats come down, their stores shall -fill the stomach of Assyria, while Zariaspa looketh -on with curses at our feast. This, then, is the -thought in the mind of Ninus, for the mind of the -King is wise."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She ceased, and once more silence fell. The -chieftains cast their eyes upon the earth, nudging one -another slyly, while the High Priest glowered and -spoke no word. King Ninus was likewise silent for a -space, yet presently his great beard trembled beneath -his fingers, as he gazed at the woman leaning on her -spear; then he burst into a roar of laughter, taking -her hand as he might the hand of a brother and a King.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>In the valley among the foothills, hidden from the -sight of Zariaspa's walls, an army of slaves began -to dig a mighty trench; full twenty cubits deep it -was, running from north to south in a line which -must cross the hidden river-bed. For eleven days -they dug, yet all in vain, till many looked askance -upon Semiramis, believing her tale to be the fancies -of some foolish dream; and of those who doubted, -the first was Nakir-Kish, while Ninus followed close -upon his heels.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The King set watch upon Semiramis, commanding -that Menon come not into the western camp till -proof of her word was manifest; yet at all these -doubts the Syrian laughed, urging her diggers on -with promises of reward—reward, forsooth, which -would come from the coffers of the King.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She demanded the post of chieftain of these works, -and from dawn till darkness fell she set the pace for -labor, even as Ninus himself had toiled in the -building up of Nineveh. At night, when the camp was -stilled in sleep, she would creep through the valley's -dip, listening from time to time with her ear pressed -close against the earth, and at last she reaped -reward in the faint far gurgle of waters underneath.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On the morning of the eleventh day, the diggers -ceased their toil, for their trench had come upon a -rocky water-course whose roof was fashioned of -timbers and the trunks of trees, whose height five cubits -might embrace and whose width was of greater span. -No water now flowed through this strange black hole, -yet its bottom was wet, and soon a stream came -trickling down, to deepen and grow in magnitude; then, -while the diggers leaned upon their implements, -watching open-mouthed, the current turned upon -itself, no longer sweeping toward the city walls, but -into the trench Semiramis had dug—a tiny river, -running in a strange new bed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And now a marvellous happening came to pass, -for, suddenly from out the earth shot a wooden barge -full laden with the carcasses of bear and mountain-goat, -sheep, and the deer which wander through the -hills of Hindu-Kush, much grain and skins of wine. -Then, seeing these things, the diggers dropped their -tools and fled from Semiramis as from one accursed; -but the Syrian laughed and leaped upon the barge.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The King, aroused from sleep by a thunderous -roar of many voices, came out from his tent and -stared into a new-made river flowing at his feet. On -its tide sat a rocking barge piled high with food and -drink, while on the very topmost sack of grain a -red-haired witch was perched, her eyes aglow, her -hand outflung in impish greeting to the King.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ho, master!" she cried, with a bubble of -laughter in her tone, "the lords of Bactria send -tribute to the lord of all the world!"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="who-ruleth-first-must-rise"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">WHO RULETH, FIRST MUST RISE</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>A sumptuous feast was held, whereat the -greater and lesser chiefs of every camp -assembled, each in his appointed place; moreover, -throughout the army of Assyria no soldier went -unfed, or thirsted for a gulp of wine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the head of the royal board sat Ninus, in his -robes of state, with Menon on his left, Semiramis on -his right, while below them ran a double row of -grim-faced warriors from many lands, the bearded nobles -of Assyria's court, the swart barbarian clad in skins; -yet pieces all in the bloody game of war. With -thumpings of hairy fists they bawled for wine—red -wine from the hills of Syria—and in the riot of a -drunken toast they thundered forth the -name—</span><em class="italics">Shammuramat</em><span>!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>King Ninus smiled into Menon's eyes, dropping -his hand upon the shoulder of the youth, while Menon -smiled in turn, lifted the monarch's hand and pressed -it to his lips. And thus amid wild music of the -sheep-skin drum and the zither's tinkling whine, -beneath the flickering glare of torches filling the air -with resinous reek, a truce was made; a treaty betwixt -Prince Menon and the King, wherein all enmity -should cease, and the youth once more might claim a -foster-father's love. In peace might he dwell with -his wife Semiramis, and, fearing naught, lead forth -his men-at-arms to storm the walls of Zariaspa.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Deep into the night a din of revelry was heard, -till the vault of the skies turned gray and the -burning stars winked out, even as the brawlers one by one -dispersed, to rest till a span of sleep brought back -their fires again. Then Menon and Semiramis gave -thanks unto the King for his bounty and his love, -made low obeisance, kissed his robe, and hand in hand -went forth into the night.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Outside the tent, amid a glare of torches, a chariot -stood, its steeds grown restless at the weary wait, -and thither Menon led his wife, now his for all time -by the oath of Assyria's King; yet ere they could -mount and loose the reins, a white-clad figure stole -from the shadow of a lesser tent, stood full in the -chariot's path and raised his arms. Menon peered -beneath the hood, then bent his knee to the High -Priest Nakir-Kish.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What wouldst thou?" he asked, and the High -Priest answered, solemnly:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Of Menon—naught!" Then he laid a finger -upon his lip and beckoned to Semiramis.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Marvelling, she followed him to a point beyond -the hearing of her lord, and by the light of a dying -moon she marked his features, grim and cold, his -thin lips twitching beneath a manelike beard. A -man of commanding beauty was Nakir-Kish, strong -in the vigor of his two score years, and stronger still -in the pride of his mystic power; and now with folded -arms he looked upon Semiramis, keenly, without a -show of haste, then, presently, he spoke:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Princess, thy crafts become thee not, nor is it -meet that a woman meddleth in affairs of men. Go, -then, to the tent of thy lord whom Ninus spareth, and -rear him children, leaving the arts of magic and of -war to priests and warriors."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wherefore?" she asked, and looked into his eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Because," he made reply, "where the fires of -heaven fall, the earth is seared, and the daughters of -mortals sleep to wake no more."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She smiled, then answered, proudly, and as one who -knows not fear:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My mother was Derketo; my father a warrior-god -from the Eastern Seas. The fires of heaven -may warm me, but will never blight."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Full well she knew the cause of his discontent, for -the worm of jealousy may eat into the hearts of -priests, even as it feeds upon the vanity of lesser men. -In bending Ninus to her will, she had filched the -boasted powers of Nakir-Kish, and even though she -gave him credit for his magic arts, still she contrived -to stand upon a step above his own. Where an army -of spies had failed to win the secret of Zariaspa's -food, where even the Magi with their spells and -slaughtered birds discovered naught, a woman had -sought among the hills and found; thus, coming as -the savior of Assyria's hosts, her, shadow fell athwart -the temple's door, and the pride of the priest was -shamed. What if this shadow grew? What if this -woman thirsted for a higher power and yearned to -sway a nation, even as she swayed the minds of a -score of fools? Might she not, in the end, push -Ninus from his godly pedestal, and in his fall bring -bruises to the flesh of Nakir-Kish? Born of devils -or of men, what the Syrian craved, that thing must be -her own; so the heart of the priest was troubled lest -these happenings come to pass.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Think," he whispered; "once, once only, will -Assyria's King forgive, and at a word from me the -pardon of thy lord may slip his memory, in that -Menon passeth from our sight to comfort thee no -more."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now threats against herself Semiramis could -bear, and smile at them as at an idle puff of wind, -yet at a hint of evil unto her lord, the tigress within -her woke and showed its claws.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Priest," she answered, in that purring tone which -in after years her courtiers learned to dread, "I -bethink me of a little fox I reared in Syria. A -weakling he was that grew in strength and appetite -because of my bounty and my care. From my hand -he received his food, from my heart a love which -shielded him from every harm; yet when he stole my -father's fowls and hid among the rocky hills, nine -days I hunted him with this my hunting spear, and -nailed his skin against the wall."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis thrust her weapon upright in the earth -and beside it held forth her hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Choose, Nakir-Kish—I care not which—but choose!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The High Priest pondered, looking into her winkless -eyes. Fowls must he have, and wisdom warred with -pride. His pride called out aloud for open enmity, -for the measuring of his power against her wits, yet -wisdom whispered that it were better far to receive -his food in peace rather than buy it with the price -of a priestly skin; therefore he loosed her spear from -out the earth, gave back her own, and took the -proffered hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thou hast stood my test," he murmured, with a -lying smile; and Semiramis watched him till he -disappeared beyond the shadows of his tent ere she -mounted the chariot beside her waiting lord.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What seeketh the High Priest?" Menon asked, -and the Syrian laughed softly as she answered him:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He fain would be our friend, for the great man, -in his wisdom, hath divined that thou and I may one -day rise in power."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Across the plain they drove, eastward, till they -reached a clump of sheltering trees, and here Prince -Menon drew his rein. As to wherefore, she questioned -not, for as the moon slipped out from behind -a cloud, the warrior took her in his arms, the first -embrace since Nineveh was left behind, and her lips -met his in a kiss of passion and of tenderness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Yet others beside the moon looked on, with frowns -as dark as the gathering clouds; for from the shadows -watched Nakir-Kish, sullen in the helpless fury of -defeat, while the lord of Assyria saw, also, and -clenched his mighty fists.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The moon went down behind the spine of Hindu-Kush, -and the High Priest slept at last; but Ninus -sat brooding till the dawn had come, and the thoughts -of the King were evil.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>And now fresh plans were set afoot for the -conquering of Zariaspa; King Ninus still laid siege to -the western wall, while Menon set upon the east, -though between the two no outward enmity was seen. -By night they wrought their stratagems within the -royal tent, and by daylight scanned the city from -the crest of Menon's mound, till those who watched -them said within themselves:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, verily, are they like unto a father and a -son, wherefore Assyria will profit and be glad."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then it came to the mind of Nakir-Kish that -Semiramis, because of her splendid deeds, would claim -some office of leadership, thereby fermenting -jealousies amongst the warrior chiefs; but in this were -his prophecies confounded. The Syrian asked for -naught. So the High Priest wrought in secret with -the King, urging that he set her in command of the -Babylonians, whose chief, Prince Asharal, had been -stripped of office through the wrath of Ninus. By -this design a mighty part of Assyria's host would hate -the girl and seek her downfall, even though her blood -was spilled; yet when Ninus offered to set her in the -place of Asharal, she laughed and shook her head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What!" she demanded, "shall I, a woman, wear -the sword of so great a man? Nay, lord, if thou -wouldst please me best, forget thy wrath and restore -this fallen idol unto Babylon."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not so," cried Ninus; "in my teeth hath he -defied me, and though I spared his life, no more shall -he lead his warriors to war. Of a verity, the race of -Asharal is run."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"True," spoke Semiramis; "right well doth he -merit death, yet what of the Babylonians who -followed in his lead? With another chief they are but -as sullen swine, undiligent, earning not their salt; yet -under command of Asharal, who, in the strangeness -of their hearts they love, no longer are they swine, -but fighting men. Justice, therefore, cheateth -Ninus, when craft will give him an hundred thousand -allies to his strength."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>King Ninus, marveling at her wisdom, laughed -aloud, and set Prince Asharal in office once again, -though when it was whispered that Semiramis and -not the King had compassed it, Ninus gained little -love from Babylonia, while the Syrian won a -kingdom for a friend—a kingdom which would one day -set her up on high, and hail her Queen, from -sun-parched Egypt to the frozen waters of the North.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus Semiramis foiled the high priest Nakir-Kish, -refusing all honors, taking no part in battle save -such assistance as might be rendered to her lord in -strategy; yet at length she chose her own reward -and was set in command of the subterranean -river-bed, together with all supplies therefrom, and in -this her choice was good. She pitched her tent -among the foot-hills beside the opening of her trench, -then summoned the faithful Syrian Kedah, placing -him as chief of a thousand men-at-arms. With this -her body-guard, and Huzim who slept across the -opening of her tent, she could rest in peace, knowing -that none would molest her person or pry into the -secrets of her charge.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Three days went by, and many a laden barge came -down to fatten Ninus and his men, yet on the fourth -day a great commotion was observed upon the city -walls; a throng of priests came forth with Oxyartes -at their head, and gazed toward the distant mountain -range, then an under-priest made ready a pyre of -wood, drenched it with pitch and applied a torch, so -that soon a column of dense black smoke ascended in -the breezeless air. Then another pyre was lit, -likewise a third, though his last was smothered by a -mighty cloth in the hands of many priests. The -cloth they removed anon, then thrust it back again, -and lo! the smoke went up, not in columns the like of -the other fires, but in short black puffs with -intervals between.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To those who watched, these pitch-fires seemed but -some religious rite of their strange, barbaric foes, -but one among them was of different mind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By Bêlit," cried Semiramis, springing to her -feet, "the Bactrians signal to their friends among -the hills! Go, Kedah, take a force of slingers to gall -those busy priests upon the wall. Up, Huzim! -Light a score of fires, in that the signs of Oxyartes -may be confounded. Go!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She watched, and soon a myriad of fires sprang up, -to send a spark-shot curtain rolling above the -battlements; the while a band of Hittites camped hard by, -thinking an attack was planned, ran out and stormed -the walls. A wild, unwonted hubbub rose, whereat -the King grew wroth and sent a force of men with -whips to flog the Hittites back into their camp again. -Then the Bactrians, looking down upon these things, -were mystified and whispered among themselves in -wondering awe:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"To the high gods, praise! King Ninus hath -lost his reason, for of a certainty the man is mad!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That day the trench which led to the camp of Ninus -was closed by a mighty gate of wood, and the -subterranean river flowed once more to Zariaspa, and the -Bactrians ate of the food which travelled underneath -their towering hills.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How now!" the King demanded of Semiramis -when report was made to him by Nakir-Kish. -"Wherefore should we feed our foes? Lift straightway -this foolish gate and let us feast again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay, lord," the Syrian made reply, "this thing -I may not do;" and the King stepped backward, rent -by wonder at her words.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To Ninus, one who disobeyed was as one whose life -is forfeited forthwith, for the pride of the man was -great, and commands, once given, were carried -through, even though the cost thereof was greater -than the vantage gained; yet in the calm defiance of -this red-haired imp there lurked a spirit as fearless -as his own—a something which bewitched the soul -of him, causing him to swallow down his wrath and -ask with a meekness new to his fiery tongue:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where the King desireth the welfare of Assyria's -host, wherefore wouldst thou thwart so just an aim?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thoughtfully she scraped the earth with one -sandaled foot, smiled, and made reply:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Of a surety my lord would be a half-fed serpent -rather than an empty-bellied hawk."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What meanest thou?" he asked, and again the -Syrian smiled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Tis better far that the belts of Assyria hang -loose for a little space than to shout to Oxyartes -concerning our knowledge of his river bed. Should he -signal again to his friends across the Hindu-Kush, -then straightway will they cease to load their boats, -and albeit Zariaspa thereby starveth, naught is -gained, for Ninus suffereth the hunger of a fool. -So, then, to Oxyartes shall go one-half, till he, in -wonder at the small supply, will signal to his friends for -more; and thus may we satisfy the needs of all."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a space the monarch made no answer, but -looked in thought across the yellow plain, then at -length he spoke, as one who communes with himself -alone:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By the splendor of Shamashi-Ramân, the time -hath come when Ninus must cease to meddle in affairs -of craft."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He spoke no more, but mounted his chariot and -drove to his distant camp, slowly, with his head bowed -low, though ever and anon he laughed, as one who -gloats with pride at his own contrivances.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the King was gone, Semiramis sat pondering, -with puckered brow, with eyes which saw not, -yet seemed to pierce the city walls; then she caused -the river-gate to be raised once more, and, whispering -a command to Kedah, called Huzim to her side and -disappeared with him till the strength of the sun was -spent and night had settled down upon the hills.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Prince Menon, coming from his eastern camp to -seek Semiramis, could find no trace of her. In vain -he sought, but none could give him news, while even -Kedha lied stoutly concerning her affairs, though it -pained his vitals to falsify unto one he loved. In -despair the Prince was thinking of departure, when -Semiramis herself appeared with a suddenness which -caused her spouse to stare. From beneath a mat in -a corner of her tent the head of Huzim rose; after it -came his body which stooped and raised Semiramis -as from a pit. Wet were her garments, soaked with -mud and slime, till it seems as if she must have -wallowed in a mire, while even her hair hung dank and -dripping about her neck.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In the name of the gods—!" cried Menon, but -she checked him with a grimy hand thrust swiftly -across his mouth. She looked to note that none were -lingering outside her tent, then, laughing softly, -whispered into Menon's ear:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Fear not, my lord; no accident hath befallen me; -yet the soul of the King desireth a bird called -Zariaspa, and I—in the hope of pleasing him—have -sprinkled a pinch of salt upon its tail."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-siege"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXIII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE SIEGE</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Semiramis in her chariot drove slowly round -the wall of Zariaspa, scanning it from every -vantage point; impenetrable, grim, it towered above -her in the dignity of strength—the majesty of -strength—which scorned to even mock the puny -power of muscle and of brain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mistress," asked Huzim who stood beside her in -the chariot, "what booteth it to win this outer wall -when the higher walls of the citadel must needs be -scaled?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It booteth much," she answered with a smile, -"for this citadel was made a gift to me two moons -agone."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Indian drew his reins and stared upon her in -deep concern, thinking the sun, perchance, had -touched her brain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What meanest thou?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a moment there came no answer, yet presently -she raised her impish eyes:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Huzim, my father Simmas once spake a mighty -truth, saying that he whose tongue betrayed the -children of his thought was both a murderer and a fool."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Indian flicked his steeds, and in silence drove -along the city's western side till Semiramis bade him -draw his reins again; wherefore he knew not, for she -paused to watch the common sight of a giant -catapult hurling stones against the wall. This engine -was fashioned in the form of a flinging-beam, the -beam bent downward by ropes of human hair and -sinews from the necks of bulls, while on its end was -set a heavy stone. The beam, released, sprang -upward, propelling its missile in a lumbering curve, -yet wrought no harm, for the heavier stones fell -short, while the lighter ones flew high, to crash into -some house beyond the walls.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"See," said Semiramis, sitting upon the rim of a -chariot wheel and pointing to the fruitless work, -"they ever miss their mark because of these stones -of unequal weight and shape. See, Huzim, the Bactrians -hold no fear of missiles which fly so slowly and -do but encumber the earth beneath their walls. If, -perchance—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She paused of a sudden, one brown hand rubbing -idly on the chariot wheel, her gaze fixed fast on a heap -of broken stones; then she laughed aloud and danced -upon the sand in the manner of some joy some child.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What aileth thee, my mistress?" asked the -Indian, and she laughed again in answer to his -questioning:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In truth, good Huzim, once more am I the -mother of a thought—a sturdy brat—and thou -shalt help me nurture him, for, lo! these laboring -swine have made to me the gift of Zariaspa's outer -walls."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Menon, Huzim and Semiramis sat far into the -night, pondering over plans and stratagems, and when -morning came the Indian and his mistress sought out -a hidden valley among the hills. With them went -seven score of workmen, a full-armed guard, and -slaves who bore the beams and bodies of abandoned -catapults; and straightway the voice of labor rose -on the mountain side, while along the valley's lip -was set the guard, who with slings and shafts made -answer to wandering curiosity.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In Menon's camp a labor was likewise set afoot, -and engines of siege were put to rights again, while -the army, wondering at things they could not -understand, were set to making sacks. These sacks they -contrived of fibre, of discarded clothes, of the cloth -of canopies, or of any fabric gleaned from far or -near sobeit they held two hundred-weight of sand; -and when a warrior made questionings as to the -strangeness of this toil, his chief would bid him hold -his tongue, for the reason thereof was known to -Menon and Semiramis alone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When tidings of these happenings were brought -unto the King, he drove away the messenger with -oaths, for his heart was sick of fruitless stratagems. -Where Ninus failed, there also must Menon fail; so -the King went hunting through the uplands, finding -little game, but much to vex the soul of him because -of unhappy ponderings. Glory he desired, and the -mastery of all the world, yet greater than these was -his haunting thirst for the mastery of one woman's -love and the glory of her passion lit for him alone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In such a mood King Ninus one day came upon -Semiramis returning from the valley in the hills, and -marveled at the score of engines which she dragged -across the sands. So frail they were, so slender as to -build and the fashioning of hurling-beams, that the -King desired to know if these toys were designed to -fling the stones of cherries at their enemies.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Aye," said Semiramis, gravely and without a -smile, "for the Bactrians like not cherries, nor the -stones thereof. Come, good my lord, tomorrow, for -tomorrow a red juice trickleth from their battlements."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This answer puzzled Ninus, puzzled him throughout -the night and filled his very dreams with a deep -unrest; so on the morrow he drove into Menon's -eastern camp to mark what craft might lie beneath the -Syrian's words. Yet, if craft it was, its meaning was -hidden from the monarch's mind, for Menon was now -employed in throwing sacks of sand against the city -wall. No aim had they to harm the besieged upon -the battlements, but smote the masonry with a -harmless thud and piled upon the earth. Full two score -engines, set in line and served by eager, sweating -men, were thus engaged in a foolish sport; and as -Ninus laughed in scorn, so laughed the Bactrians, -gibing Menon and urging him to a greater diligence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now, strangely, Menon's warriors made no answer -to the enemy's abuse, but wrought in silence, bearing -endless bags of sand upon their backs, while beyond -sat the engines of Semiramis, idle, aiding naught in -this mockery of siege; yet beneath the walls a mound -of sand-sacks grew apace; then, of a sudden, the -jeering Bactrians understood. Their laughter was -changed to curses, their merriment to shouts of rage, -for they saw that Menon built a sloping road-way to -their battlements and soon would launch a horde of -warriors upon the walls.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And now a tumult rose—the cries of captains -raging at their men, the shriek of battle-horns and -the answering din of Bactrian soldiery rushing to -defense. On the walls were set their heaviest catapults -with the aim of wrecking Menon's lighter engines of -assault; but now the "thought-child" of Semiramis -took a part, and even Ninus watched in awe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This engine was not the like of other engines, for its -hurling-beam bent backward in half a circle's space, -and on the beam was set a chariot wheel. When -loosed, the beam sprang forward with a sidelong sweep -and the missile was launched as a boy might fling a -shell. At the first discharge—aimed high because -of a lurking vanity in the Syrian's soul—the wheel -spun out, and, with a strange, melodious sound, went -whining over Zariaspa. The eyes of Assyria's host -looked on in wonder and in pride of her, and the joy -of Semiramis was like unto the joy of a crowing babe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Soon other engines were set in place and a score -of chariot wheels were loosed, with a mournful, -pleasing hum—pleasing to those who sent it forth, yet -of different tune to the hapless warriors who were -dashed from off their walls. These wheels, by reason -of their roundness and their equal weight, could be -flung with a wondrous accuracy, and woe unto those -who sought to serve the Bactrian catapults; while -Menon, in peace, went forward with his toil of piling -sacks of sand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>If the Bactrians raged because of this new-born -stratagem, so Ninus also raged, but in another vein -of wrath. None had communed with him concerning -it, and Menon, in secret, sought to snatch a glory -from his King; so Ninus cast about him for a cause -of just displeasure at the man. With the road -against the wall he could find no fault, for the sands -of the desert were free to all; yet the casting away -of his chariot wheels was wicked extravagance, a -crime, and in no wise to be borne.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How now, Shammuramat!" he cried, striding to -her side, and trembling in his wrath. "Wherefore -shouldst thou do this evil thing? and how shall my -hosts ride home to Nineveh when the wheels of my -chariots are cast among our enemies?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay, lord," she answered, with her devil's laugh, -"to-day, when Zariaspa shall be thine, then mays't -thou gather up these cherry-stones and call them -wheels again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So Ninus, cursing, turned upon his heel, mounted -his waiting chariot and drove furiously toward the -western camp, in his ears a roar from Zariaspa's -walls and an answering roar from those who toiled -beneath; then Semiramis left her engines, and, with -Huzim to drive her steeds, went clattering along the -dust-trail of the King.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The camp once reached, the King deployed his -armies in a swift attack upon the western wall, in the -hope that Bactria's force was bent on the distant -point where Menon struck his blow; so creaking -towers and mighty structures of wood and brass were -pushed toward the battlements, and men swarmed up, -to grapple with defending foes, to fall and die.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis, following in the wake of Ninus, caused -Huzim to draw his reins at the camp of Asharal, the -Babylonian Prince whom the monarch had deprived -of office, yet restored again at the pleadings of the -Syrian. To him she whispered, and at the whisper -Prince Asharal smiled happily and straightway -sought the King. The King he found in a fretful -mood because of the slowness of his armies and their -failure to win the walls, and it troubled him the -more when Asharal in meekness bent his knee and -spoke:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My lord, in what appointed place shall thy servant -serve, trusting thereby to aid my King in this his -sore discomfiture?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now this question, to Ninus, was like salt in an open -wound, and he fain would have smitten Asharal upon -his humble mouth; yet many watched, and so the -King stretched forth one trembling arm and pointed -to the citadel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There standeth what we seek! Go seek it, fool, -and trouble me no more with idle questionings!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Babylonian bowed his head, half in homage, -half in his wish to hide a joyous smile, and so went out -from the presence of the King; yet, presently, he -came upon Semiramis, sprang upon her chariot-tail, -and the steeds were lashed in a race toward the hills. -They made no pause till they reached the gateway of -the subterranean river course, where Asharal made -choice of a thousand Babylonian men-at-arms, and, -commanding them to follow, disappeared with Kedha, -Huzim and Semiramis into the bowels of the earth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This move was made in secret and with care, yet a -rumor thereof was learned by the prying High Priest -Nakir-Kish who forthwith hastened to the King; yet -Ninus was in the stress of an ill-gone battle, frowning -tugging at his beard, so the High Priest held his -tongue till a more propitious moment for his evil -news. He waited apart, but Ninus spied him -presently and called him to his side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Priest," said he, "a weighty question haunteth -me, without a pause or peace, and the answer thereto -is hidden from my mind; yet, mayhap, some aid may -rise from out thine auguries."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Speak on," begged Nakir-Kish, and the troubled -monarch spoke:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"At Nineveh I swore an oath that he who first -stood conqueror on the citadel of Zariaspa might claim -a woman as his own, be the man a king or the spawn -of a Hittite serf. In Bactria I gave this woman unto -Menon, swearing again in an oath to part them not." He -paused and looked on Nakir-Kish with narrowed -eyes. "May a monarch swear two oaths, the one -against the other, keeping both? Not so. Which, -then, shall I keep, and which may Ninus break -without affront to the justice of our gods?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The High Priest looked upon his master and read -the evil in his heart. Full well he knew which oath -the King would break; full well he knew the danger -in unpleasing auguries; so he closed his eyes, and in a -solemn voice made answer, craftily:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"To one who is born a god, the gods alone make -known their highest will. Heed, then, O King, thy -servant's poor advice. Stand first thyself upon the -citadel, and in thy justice give this woman unto him -who best deserveth such a prize."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He paused. The moment now was ripe to tell of -Semiramis and Asharal, yet ere he could speak the -tide of battle called the King who leaped into his -chariot, leaving Nakir-Kish alone. In the sands of -the desert the High Priest stood, watching his master's -receding form till it passed from sight, then he -muttered in his beard:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A man may be born a King; a man may be born -a fool; yet if I were King I would stamp this Syrian -devil in the dust, lest she ride one day on a kingdom's -back as a beggar may ride an ass."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So the High Priest Nakir-Kish went out and -opened the carcass of a sacred crane, finding therein -no augury of happiness for master or for man.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>On the eastern side of the city wall the sand heap -grew apace, and now a band of Hittites rushed -furiously up the slope to engage the defenders of the -battlements. No foothold might they gain upon the -wall, and were slain because of their ardor and their -foolishness; yet their bodies added to the growing -pile.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On the walls thronged hordes of reckless Bactrians, -stemming the assault, and among them crashed the -spinning chariot wheels, landing with an upward -lurch and causing wide, bloody gaps, to be filled by -other martyrs in a hopeless cause. The Bactrians -liked not cherries, and, even as Semiramis had said, a -red juice trickled from their battlements. Likewise, -beneath the walls were many Assyrians slain by darts -and slings, and, when sacks of sand grew scarce, their -corpses were set in the catapults and hurled upon -the heap, till the roadway well-nigh reached the -summit of the wall.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The forces of Menon now gathered for a rush, but -the Bactrians checked them by a brave device. From -the wall's lip they emptied great vats of oil which ran -in the crevices between the sacks of sand, and when -torches were flung thereon the roadway became a -Gibil's path which mortals might not climb and live. -Huge tongues of yellow flame licked forth; dense -clouds of smoke puffed out and went rolling towards -the sky; yet if this sea of fire held hungering -Assyria back, it likewise drove their foemen from the -battlements, and so for a space defense and assault -alike were quelled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And now a watcher from the summit of Menon's -mound cried out a warning unto those below.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"</span><em class="italics">The King! The King!</em><span>" he cried. "Ho, brothers, -look ye and beware! King Ninus hath won to -the western wall!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was even as he said, for on the west but a weak -defense was given, and Ninus and his warriors had -mounted to the parapets, soon to descend into the -city streets and cleave a pathway to the citadel. The -Citadel! There Menon, too, had sworn to stand the -first, for his heart was troubled by the master's double -oath; yet now the road was blocked by raging flame.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sand! Sand!" he cried, and the sacks were slit -and set in the catapults. On striking they would -burst, the loose sand being scattered far and wide; -and thus, through diligence and the urging of his -men by lashes and the promise of rich reward, the -flames were in part subdued.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then up this smoking pathway rushed the armies -of Assyria, lusting for blood in the thirst of a long -year's wait, hungering for the plunder of this mighty -jewel-chest, mad for the women waiting in the grip of -fear. They burned their hands on the blistered -masonry, scorched their feet as they trod the -parapets; yet quickly they spread to distant points along -the wall or leaped below on the spear points of the -Bactrians.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The walls once gained, Assyria held the whip-hand, -and an endless stream of fighting men came pouring -into the streets. On the western side King Ninus had -torn away the masonry which blocked the gate, and a -wedge of chariots came thundering in, to ride the -defenders down. Thus, east and west, Assyria pressed -on Bactria, forcing the foemen inward toward their -citadel, and through every street and alley battle -rioted and knew no pause. For every pace King -Oxyartes asked a price of blood which Ninus paid, -and the sons of Zariaspa struggled to the death for -their hearths and homes, while women from the -house tops tore away the tiles and flung them -down—flung curses also, and their very beds which they -dragged upon the roofs and tumbled on the conquerors.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On every hand the awsome din of war arose, the -screams of death and victory, the battle chants of -charging men, and the roar of flame which wrapped -the city round about. As clouds of rolling smoke -went up, with the tongue of carnage sounding underneath, -the household doves of Bactria took fright and -began to wheel in dizzy circles overhead. A warrior -saw therein an omen, and cried to his fellows that -Semiramis was born of doves; therefore Asshur -smiled upon her and on the arms of those who -served.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Forthwith a mighty roar went up, and as Assyria -pushed toward the citadel her warriors thundered -forth the name—SHAMMURAMAT.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-citadel"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXIV</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE CITADEL</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Along the subterranean river course, cautiously -and without a light, groped Kedha, Semiramis -and Asharal, while at their heels walked Huzim -bearing on his shoulder a mighty hammer with a -ponderous head of brass; and following after came a -thousand Babylonian warriors picked for their -courage and their skill in deeds of arms.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One other came also, albeit none had bidden him, -and now he came snuffling to the Syrian's side, knowing -full well that the time was past when his mistress -might send him back; so Semiramis cursed Habal -softly and suffered him to go.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Asharal," she whispered presently, "in this my -enterprise a chance is given thee to win renown among -the peoples of thy land, yet in return therefor I ask -a price." She laid a hand upon his shoulder and -spoke into his ear: "If the halls of the citadel be -cleared, no man save Menon first must stand with -me upon the roof, else a woe may come of it. Pledge -me, therefore, in the word of a Prince of Babylon."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Princess," he answered, "the kingdom which I -serve is thine, even as its chief is thine, and he who -passeth Asharal upon the stair must pass him dead."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now Kedah, who heard, said naught, but his hand -sought the hand of Semiramis whom he loved; he -raised it and in the darkness pressed it to his lips.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Prince Asharal went backward, whispering to the -chieftains of his line who in turn passed down the -purport of command to every follower, then in silence -the march went on.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They came at last to the mouth of the passage-way -which was guarded by a double gate of brass, and -beyond, through its massive bars, could be discerned a -vaulted chamber, where the city cisterns lay, stretching -away in impenetrable gloom. Behind the gates -sat a full-armed sentinel drowsing at his post, yet an -arrow in his throat brought deeper slumber to the -man; then Huzim raised his hammer and, grunting, -struck the gates. Thrice fell his mighty blows, with -a clanging crash that sent the echoes rolling down a -hundred passage-ways, and from out the murk came -running other sentinels, trumpet-tongued in the flush -of dread alarm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Strike, Huzim!" shrilled Semiramis. "Strike in -the name of Bêlit—and in mine!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So Huzim once more raised the hammer head above -his own and, with a heave which drove the blood from -out his nostrils, struck; the brazen gates fell inward, -smitten from their hinges, and Semiramis sprang over -them. Upward her warriors pressed toward halls of -Zariaspa's citadel, and where a doorway barred their -path, there Huzim smote it, till wood and metal gave -before his strength; then into the central hall burst -a raging imp of war, with the wolves of Babylonia -baying at her heels.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Within the inner court were gathered many women, -the wives of nobles, the children of King Oxyartes -and his spouse, huddled together in the fear of death, -but these Semiramis harmed not. Her work was laid -among the warriors who manned the gates of the outer -court, holding them for the inrush of the Bactrians -fighting in the streets, for every man who might be -spared from the citadel's defense was flung against -the invading hordes of Menon and the King. So it -chanced that within the citadel were, in all, three -thousand men-at-arms, and these Semiramis attacked as a -hound may leap at a lion's throat; yet ill it might -have gone with her slender force had Menon not sent -another thousand warriors to follow down the hidden -river course. They came at the turning point of fate, -the mountaineers from the land of Naïri, wild, hairy -men who sang as they fought, or died with a broken -song upon their lips; thus their strange, barbaric -tongues gave heart to Babylon, even as their swords -brought woe amongst the enemy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The gates were won; the victors pursued their -quarry from hall to hall, through winding passageways -and on stairs that dripped with blood, while -Semiramis, with Kedah and Huzim, worked ever -upward toward the highest battlements. Two stairways -led to an opening on the roof, the one upon the -right, the other on the left, and these they mounted, -while from without came the roar of battle raging in -the streets.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the Bactrians, pressed by Ninus, sought refuge -in their citadel they came upon fast-locked gates, -and so a tangled swarm of defeated warriors were -squeezed against the walls, while into them drove -Menon and the King, cleaving a pathway to the goal -of their hearts' desire.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From the press King Ninus looked upward to the -summit of the citadel and marvelled at what he saw, -for a shepherd dog—the first to stand a conqueror -thereon—looked down and barked and barked; then -Semiramis sprang beside him, her red locks tossing -from beneath her helm. She, too, looked down, on -a caldron of murder seething in the pool of Zariaspa's -walls; then she raised her round young arms, and, -even as the conquering eagle screams, so screamed -Semiramis, in a vaunting battle-cry.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the streets below that cry reechoed from the -thirst-parched tongues of a raging multitude that -thundered at the fast-locked gates and trod on a floor -of slain; then the bolts were drawn and the halls of -the citadel were gorged with the inrush of a conquering -horde. In the van ran Ninus, and close beside -him Menon came, each intent on mounting to the -battlements, each watching covertly lest the other -gain some vantage ground; thus it came about that -the two contrived a separate road. The King -advanced to the stairway on the right, and with sword -in hand looked backward, in a grim, unspoken vow -to slay the man who followed him; but a Babylonian -whispered in the ear of Menon who was straightway -swallowed up amongst the throng.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now the followers of Asharal, according to their -pledge, made way for Menon, opening a path toward -the flight of stairs upon the left, while the right was -barred by the fighting-men of Babylon. Here none -might mount and live, yet at the coming of the -King—this black-browed warrior-lord of all the world—the -blood of Babylon was cooled; their sword points -fell, and they suffered him to pass—to pass across -the wounded, senseless form of Asharal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So, upward ran Prince and King, the one upon the -right, the other on the left, each panting in his toil -till their veins were swelled into throbbing, purple -knots; each casting aside all reckoning of life and -death save the one desire to outstrip his fellow animal -in the race toward the roof. The roof!—whereon -a woman stood—one mould of mortal clay, yet mixed -with the blood-red wine of passion, whereof men drink, -and in their madness trample on the altars of their gods.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Upward, still upward, till a single flight remained, -and none might say which held a vantage of the lead; -then Menon groaned aloud and sank exhausted on -the stair. Huzim, watching from above, leaped down -to seize his master in his arms and bear him upon -the roof; yet, alas! too late, for the mighty sinews -of the King would win to the summit of the citadel. -The race was well-nigh run. Between the lord of -all Assyria and his goal there stood one man -alone—Kedha the faithful—he who loved Semiramis as a -dog may love the master of his heart; he who loved -in silence since that bygone day in Syria when a -red-locked imp of war had cursed him in his teeth and with -him charged a wall of battling Kurds. At the coming -of the King he crouched upon the stair, not in fear, -but in awe of that crowning flash of Destiny when a -man and his spirit reach the parting of the way. An -arm shot out and seized the monarch's thigh; a -shoulder pressed him, and the two plunged downward, -rolling to the bottom of the stair.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the fall poor Kedha lay beneath the King—beneath -two hairy hands that in fury gripped his -throat. These hands had builded Nineveh; they had -played with nations as a juggler toys with sharpened -blades; they had woven the thongs of servitude—from -sun-baked Egypt to the frozen waters of the -North—and now they closed, till the neck of one -last slave was snapped and his body lay in a bleeding, -huddled heap. Thus Kedha passed, in the cause -of those he loved, and, in passing, wrought a nobler -deed than the lord of all Assyria could boast, with -scepter and with sword.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When Ninus at last came out upon the roof, Menon -rested from the toil of battle and the stress of his -racing climb, breath-spent, with fast-closed eyes which -noted not the coming of his King. In his heart -of hearts the monarch yearned to raise the victor in -his arms and hurl him from the battlements, but -Semiramis leaned upon his hunting spear, even as -Huzim leaned upon his mighty hammer haft; therefore -the monarch smiled. He raised Prince Menon and -set him upon the battlements, and then, in the sight of -the watching hosts, proclaimed him conqueror; -whereat a mighty roar went up, till the soul of the -King grew faint with fury, though his hand was -steady, and he smiled.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>When darkness fell, great braziers of oil and fat -were lighted in the hall of the conquered citadel, and -there the King made feast in honor of his victory. -Beside him sat Menon and Semiramis, on whom the -monarch looked with a look of love, hiding his flaming -jealousy in smiles. Beyond them sat the brave -Prince Asharal, on whom King Ninus also smiled, -with a devil of hatred clawing at his heart. So the -feast went on and on, and joy was rife throughout -Assyria and Babylon.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the wine was half consumed, and when beasts -and captives had been slain in sacrifice of Asshur, then -Ninus arose and spoke concerning the splendor of all -things which had come to pass. To those deserving -praise, he praised without stint of measure, promising -such reward as the treasures of plundered Bactria -might yield; yet Menon he set in honor above the -rest. He bade his warriors look upon this man as the -son of Ninus—son of his loins and heart—who -would henceforth share in the stress of war and the -rule of the King's dominion over men.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"For who," he cried, "shall sit upon Assyria's -throne if Ninus, perchance, be gathered to his fate?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A silence fell throughout the hall, and each man -looked upon his fellow, wondering. Semiramis, too, -sat silent, her eyes fast fixed upon the master's face, -striving to read his hidden heart, even as a seeker -after truth may scan a graven lie upon a monument.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So the feast, at last, was done, and each man -sought his rest, the King to toss upon his couch and -plan a war of craft, while Semiramis, because of a -wounded knee, was borne in the arms of Menon to his -tent, and slept from weariness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The feast was done; yet within the stricken city's -gates another feast was made—a feast of horror—for -the victors fell to plundering far and wide, seeking -for wine and blood, for hidden gold, for jewels—and -for those who wore the gems.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As Fate has written, women must ever shed the -tears of war; so now they were hunted from home to -home, to fall a prey to the brutish lust of conquerors. -Some shrieked for mercy, and received it not; some -slew themselves and passed to judgment undefiled; -while others still would smile on being comforted. -The feast, at least, was done. A red moon hung -above the peaks of Hindu-Kush, and dipped into the -gloom. A stillness fell on stricken Zariaspa, for the -gods of mercy sent it sleep. Anon, the stillness -broke to the howling of a dog, or the rustle of some -wounded warrior who crawled from out the shadows -in search of a cooler spot whereon to die.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="shifting-the-burden"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXV</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">SHIFTING THE BURDEN</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The High Priest Nakir-Kish was summoned to -an audience with the King, and was bade to -bear a sacred fowl for the manifestation of an -augury; so he went forthwith and came upon his -master, alone and seated on the throne of Oxyartes, with -a naked sword across his knees. The High Priest -marveled at the strangeness of this thing, but held -his peace, bending his knee and asking in what -manner he might serve his gracious lord.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ninus for a space sat silent, combing at his beard, -his black brows drawn into a knot above his nose; -then, suddenly, he spoke:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"May a King do homage to a dog?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The priest stepped back a pace; he passed a hand -across his eyes, in the fear that, mayhap, he -dreamed; but the King spoke on:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Shall the lord of Assyria keep covenant with a -barking beast, whose mind is such that an oath is -naught to him?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then Nakir-Kish divined. His master would shift -the burden of an evil deed, even though he set it on -the shoulders of the gods; therefore the High Priest -answered cunningly:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay, lord, in matters concerning the King alone, -there is one endowed by birth and mind to best -interpret them—thyself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not so!" cried Ninus, "for the fate of others is -woven in the skein. As my deeds of arms are wrought -for the glory of Asshur and the lesser gods, so, then, -must the gods point out my way when their servant -wandereth in the mists of doubt." He paused, then -spoke again, as an humble traveller who had lost his -path: "Heed, Nakir-Kish, and lend me aid. The -first to stand a conqueror upon the citadel was -Habal—and Habal is but a dog. Shall Habal take -Shammuramat to wife? Not so! One oath is thus -dissolved."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Aye," spoke the priest, "but who was next to -stand with Habal on the summit of the citadel?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Menon!" breathed the King, in smothered wrath. -"Menon to whom I swore a second oath and gave him -this Syrian for his own."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The High Priest shook his head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Twould seem," he ventured, "that one covenant -dissolved would bind its maker's faith to the second -covenant, and thereby lift the troublous mists of -doubt."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"True," the monarch nodded; "true, to the feeble -mind of man; yet, mayhap, in the judgment of the -gods, this matter hath a deeper trend. -Shammuramat, not Menon, was the conqueror; and albeit -he stood before me on the citadel, his vantage was won -by trickery!—by his servant who cast me down the -stairs, in the cause of his master's evil selfishness!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>King Ninus paused again, and his fingers, which -had squeezed the breath from Kedha, combed gently -at his beard, then dropped to the sword across his -knees.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Heed, Nakir-Kish; rive open thy sacred bird, -and in its entrails seek an answer to my questionings."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So the High Priest wrought his master's will; yet -the while he pondered, seeking some nook of wisdom -wherein to hide himself. He slew the sacred crane -and opened it; he plucked three downy feathers and, -giving each a name, dropped them into the carcass, -then bound the whole with a silken cord. Head -downward he held the crane, and by its slender legs he -swung it in mystic circles before the King, then laid -it at last upon an altar-stone. When the carcass -once more was opened, two feathers lay curled in a -close embrace, while the third was lost to sight, and -the cheek of the High Priest paled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Read!" breathed Ninus; yet Nakir-Kish stood -silent, casting a troubled gaze upon the floor. The -King stretched forth a hand and pointed to the bird; -and in that moment the High Priest knew that an -augury of truth was but an augury of death. The -master made no threat by word of tongue, yet slid his -fingers down the edge of a naked sword, as he looked -on the warm brown throat of Nakir-Kish—and smiled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The trembling priest said naught. His brain -swam round and round, and a mist of fear arose -before his eyes, for the feather which bore the name of -Ninus had disappeared in the entrails of the -slaughtered crane.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Speak!" growled the King, and the pale priest -lifted up his voice and spoke, though he spoke in -shame:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"</span><em class="italics">Prince Menon shall pass from the sight of those -who love him best! ........... The lord of the world -will claim his own—and take Shammuramat—to wife!</em><span>"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He ceased, and the King sat pondering, with fingers -that combed his beard in a feather-touch; then the -High Priest gathered up the sacred crane and went -his way. On the burning sands he strode, in the -glare of a molten sun, seeking to free his spirit from -the shadow of a lie.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The King sat pondering. Unto him came a trusted -spy with word that in the mountains of Hindu-Kush -was gathered a mighty force of Bactrians, those who -had escaped from Zariaspa and from the lesser cities -round about. The monarch harkened to these tidings -with a bounding heart, for in his brain an evil -plan was born. Desiring to hold the secret of the -Bactrian force, he spoke no word of it to any man, -and put the spy to death; then mounting his chariot, -he drove to the tent of Menon and Semiramis. Here -he came upon them, the Syrian resting upon a couch -of skins, by reason of her wounded knee, while Menon -sat beside her on the ground.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The monarch greeted them, and with them held a -secret council, setting forth the expedients of war. -King Oxyartes he would make an ally to Assyria's -might, when the scattered Bactrians had been -subdued and the terms of treaty were thereby cheapened -for the conquerors. Concerning Zariaspa, he would -not destroy it, but would set a governor within its -walls and keep it as a stronghold in the East. -Therefore he begged that Semiramis would lead a force of -twenty thousand warriors across the mountains, seizing -upon the source of the hidden river-course, lest -the Bactrians choke the cleft with stones and cheat -the city of its water and its food.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Right gladly would Semiramis have wrought this -deed, yet because of her wound she might not scale -the mountains steeps; so, sorrowing at the idleness of -many days to come, she offered her servant Huzim as -a guide. The King demurred. It was not meet, he -said, that a slave should win the glory of so great a -thing; yet since Semiramis and the Indian alone -might point the way, he would suffer Huzim to lead -the army hence. So thus it was agreed, and, after -discoursing on other weighty matters of the time, -Ninus went forth and once more mounted to his -chariot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now it chanced that when the King was gone -Semiramis held council with her lord, and in that -council wrought more woe unto herself than in all her -other days since she lay, a deserted babe, among the -rocks of Ascalon.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Menon," said she, "'tis well that thou and I bask -always in the light of uncommon things. Mayhap -our works may oft' times fret the King to jealousy; -yet, even so, we win the homage of Assyria and Babylon. -Go, therefore, thyself and, leaving Huzim here -to guard my tent, point out the way to the Bactrians' -secret place."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay," sighed Menon, "how, then, shall I mark -a trail through the hills of Hindu-Kush when the -way thereof is hidden and unknown to me?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis laughed aloud. Through the open -tent she pointed to a cleft which split two mountain -peaks in twain:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Climb yonder and pass between, then journey -down the further slope till the second mountain stream -is reached; hunt northward toward its source, and the -foam-tongued waters will shout thy way, even as -hounds lift up their song on the quarry's trail." She -paused to laugh again: "In truth, King Ninus is -of little wisdom, else to him I might have pointed out -this open path, even as I point it out to thee."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Prince Menon looked upon his wife and smiled, -then dispatched a messenger to Ninus, begging to lead -the army over Hindu-Kush; but the King refused. -Then Menon went himself before the master, -beseeching that this honor might be his, and setting -forth such argument that the King at last was -moved, albeit he gave consent reluctantly; so Menon, -rejoicing, went out from the presence of his lord and -came again unto Semiramis.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Yet when he was gone, the King sat pondering -on his throne, combing at his beard with a feather-touch, -rejoicing, even as the younger man rejoiced. -Full well he knew that the fastness of the hills now -swarmed with Bactria's fighting-men. Full well he -knew that this horde of warriors, driven from their -cities and their homes, would watch from commanding -heights and fall upon Menon with the fury of a lion -brought to bay. And thus would the master send -him forth to die, even as in after days King David of -the Jews sent forth the husband of Bathsheba to -perish on the spear-points of the sons of Ammon.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And because of these things, the lord of all the -world sat pondering on his throne, combing at his -beard with a feather-touch—rejoicing—for now -in truth would he set the burden of his sin on the -shoulders of the gods.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>When darkness descended Menon lashed his armor -on and bade farewell to his wife Semiramis. He -smiled in parting, yet she, because of a haunting -whisper-ghost of fear, clung tightly to her lord with -her round, warm arms and warmer lips, setting about -his neck a leathern thong whereon hung a little fish -of malachite—the same which had befooled the -eunuch Kishra and brought her in safety out of Nineveh.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"See," she whispered, "'tis a charm which we of -Syria wear, averting evil and bringing back a -cherished one unto those who love him best. Wear, then, -my charm, as I will ever wear the garment of thy -love, for if thou comest not back to me, ah, Menon -mine, the joy of the world is but as a cup of water -spilled."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So Menon held his woman to his breast and looked -into the heart-pools of her eyes—looked and was -gone—on a road of darkness wherein he would grope -for a cherished one in vain, and fling his cries of -anguish at a throne of unlistening gods.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-passing-of-a-man"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXVI</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE PASSING OF A MAN</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>King Ninus took council within himself, and was -afraid. Menon, he knew full well, was a seasoned -warrior, one who even from the ashes of defeat -would oft' times snatch a brand of victory. What -if he won to the Bactrians' secret-place and returned -unscathed? He would thereby add more glory to his -name and bring his master's design to naught. -Nay, Menon must pass from the sight of those who -loved him best! What chance, the like of this, might -again arise, and when? Mayhap the lord of the -world must wait—alone—for the waning of many -moons, while Menon lay nightly at the side of -Semiramis—and the thought was not to be endured. By -the spirit of Shamashi-Ramân, the spirit of this man -must pass!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And yet King Ninus pondered, tossed back and -forth by passion and the haunting whisper-ghost of -fear. Then he lifted his head and laughed. It was -not meet that the lord of all Assyria should whine at -the altar stone of circumstance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Therefore," he reasoned within himself, "will I -twist the tail of chance; for when the steed of Doubt -be saddled, mount him, lest a rider be left behind."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So it came to pass that Menon, ere he led the army -forth, was summoned before the King, and found him -seated in the hall of Oxyartes, attended by Neb and -Ura, two tongueless eunuchs of giant frame and -knotted thews, whom Ninus had brought from the land of -the Lower Nile. At right and left of the royal seat -they stood, awaiting the master's nod—a nod which -would be obeyed, though it asked the slaying of an -enemy or destruction to themselves; yet Ninus gave -no sign to them as Menon bowed before the throne. -It had come to the King, in thought, that by -plucking his rival's wife from out his arms and sending -him to death, mayhap the wrath of the goddess -Ishtar might work an evil unto him who wrought the -deed; therefore it were wise that Menon yield to the -master's will, though consent be won by bribery or -the torture-chain. So Ninus smiled, and spoke in a -voice of honey mixed with oil:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Son of my heart, it hath come to me that our -needs demand a King in the land of Syria; and -because of thy deeds will I set thee up, to -reign in plenty, bringing glory to thy house and -name."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Menon looked upon his master, marveling; yet at -his heart suspicion came a-knocking, even as a runner -speeds by night to sound alarm from door to door. -He feared, yet knelt before his lord and spoke in -gratitude; then, rising at last, he took the bit of -chance between his teeth, and asked:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Who, lord, shall follow me to Syria and there -remain?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And Ninus answered him and said:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"An army of chosen warriors to hedge thee in safety -round about—my daughter Sozana to sit beside thee -on a throne."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A silence fell. Each looked into the other's eyes, -in measure of the final cast; then Menon spoke a single -word in answer:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again fell silence, till the monarch's cloak of -gentleness was pealed away, leaving him a brutish ruler -over men—a ruler naked in his flame of power—before -whose passion the passions of lesser men must -be consumed and die.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Heed well," he cried, and pointed a finger, -trembling in spite of will, "'tis better far to sit a -throne in Syria than to rot and be forgotten in the -hills of Hindu-Kush. Choose, then, to live or die! -Choose now, for I tell thee this: though the arch of -heavens fall, Shammuramat shall be thy wife no -more—but mine!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For answer Menon set one foot upon the dais of -the throne, and, curving his spine, struck fiercely with -a doubled fist. It sank into the monarch's beard, and -deeper, to the cruel mouth beneath; whereat King -Ninus reeled, and the great dim hall spun round and -round in a misty smear of light. Then Menon's -sword came rasping from its sheath, for he, too, -looked through a blinding mist, though the mist was -red; yet ere he could smite, the eunuchs Neb and Ura -fell upon him, dragging him to the floor where they -bound his wrists with thongs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The King arose, though leaning dizzily against his -throne. He wiped a blood stain from his wounded -lips and spoke, in a voice which was strangely calm:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bear me this dog to a chamber beneath the -citadel and nail him to the wall!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So the eunuch Neb went out and cleared the -passage-ways of all who lolled therein, while Ura -covered Menon with a cloak and bore him on his back to -a distant chamber where the city cisterns were. Here -they stripped him of his armor and of all he wore -besides, even to the little fish of malachite; then, deaf -to his curses, they pierced his hands and feet and -nailed him against the wall, where he hung in agony.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When this was accomplished Ninus came to view -his handiwork. He looked and his heart was glad, -for now no more would this man rise up to steal his -fruits of passion or of power.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Heed," spoke he; "renounce Shammuramat for -evermore, and I lift thee from the nails and heal thy -wounds." Menon made no answer, and presently the -master spoke again: "To fling away thy life is but -the deed of a mindless fool, for I swear by the breath -of Asshur thine eyes shall look no more upon Shammuramat!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Liar!" cried Menon, and laughed in scorn—laughed, -though a sweat of anguish dripped down -upon his breast; and the laughter enraged the King.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With his fingers he touched his eyes; touched, too, -the dagger in his girdle and made a sign to the -eunuch Neb. Two thrusts, and the brain of Menon -wandered on a darkened road; then Ninus looked up -and mocked at the man impaled upon the wall.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Who now," he asked, "will look upon Shammuramat? and -who shall say that the lord of Assyria -speaketh falsely, even to a fool?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He ceased; then Menon raised his drooping head -and cursed his King in prophecy:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thou spawn of hell! Laugh now in my hour -of tears! Rejoice, ere the hand of reckoning shall -draw thy taunting tongue! Thou hast slain my -heart and let my body live! Slay, thou, the body, -also, but the spirit thou cans't not slay! 'Twill come -to thee, this spirit, watching at thy couch and board, -watching through thy huntings and thy wars—through -days of waking and the nights of troubled -sleep! 'Twill bay thy trail of blood and lead the -hounds of Ishtar to their kill! Laugh, then, O lord -of lies, and wait for Menon! Wait!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The shrill voice ceased to ring throughout the -chamber, and he who cried in prophecy hung limp -and speechless from the nails. The eunuchs crouched, -trembling, at the master's feet, and the master, also, -was afraid. Nor man nor beast he feared, yet if a -spirit rode upon his soul, full well he knew that the -steed would race for Gibil's smoking stalls; so the -King took council within himself whereby to cheat a -ghostly rider of his mount.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In truth," he mused, "if Menon liveth, his spirit -may not wander from its outer shell; and if it there -remain, how, then, shall it follow me, with a nose of -vengeance snuffling at my trail? Again, should the -woman accuse me of his death, right well may I swear -a guiltless oath while his life be still his own."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus mused Ninus and washed his conscience of a -stain, then turned to his eunuchs in a sharp command:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Lift ye this man from the nails upon the wall; -restore his breath with water from the cisterns, and -his strength with wine. Bring garments wherewith -to warm his flesh, and a salve to heal his wounds. -Guard ever this doorway, bearing food and drink, for -I charge ye that his body must not die, but live."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So the King came up from under the under-chambers -of the citadel and caused a thousand torches -to be set aflame; yet, even in the glare of burning -pitch, a shadow seemed to haunt him, with a -low-hung muzzle snuffling at his heels.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>From the city gates went twenty thousand -warriors, and in the van a spy whose name was -Akki-Bul, a man who knew the hills of Hindu-Kush and -would lead an army hence. Why, he fathomed not, -yet wore the armor of a chieftain and his sword, a -chieftain's nether garments, while about his neck, -from a leathern thong, hung a charm of carven -malachite. So, pondering upon the strangeness of -these things, proud Akki-Bul went forth to spy the -way, ten spear lengths in advance of those who -followed after him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Through the opening in her tent Semiramis -watched an army steal across the plain and disappear -into a valley's dip; then she slept, to dream of her -home in Ascalon, of Dagon's lake, of the creatures -that swim therein, and of Menon—with a little green -fish of malachite that nestled against his heart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In a chamber beneath the citadel lay a sorely -stricken man. In fever and pain he lay, and cried -aloud to the far, unlistening gods. With tortured -hands he groped on a darkened road and found no -staff wherewith to feel his way. His book of light was -closed; the water from his cup had spilled, and the -glory of the world was gray.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The morning mists came writhing from their -valley-beds, and the Hindu-Koh loomed red through an -opal haze. A drowsing desert shrank from the heat -to come, and the world awoke and yawned.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now those who watched from the city wall, looked -westward and were amazed, for down the hill-slopes -came a swarm of warriors, fleeing as from the -unclean boggards of an under-world; and after them ran -other men, smiting with sword and shaft, till the -shreds of a death-torn army came streaming across -the plain. They poured through the city gate, -choking it with the inrush of a bawling crew, while many -fell panting, in the shadow of the wall; then Ninus, -roused by a signal of alarm, drove, raging, into the -press. Half clad, he leaned from his rocking chariot, -lashing at all who came within his reach, cursing the -cowardice of men who brought a shame to Assyria's -King.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis, too, awoke, and at the clamour of -retreating men, her blood ran chill and she trembled for -her lord. In haste she clothed herself, unmindful of -her wounded knee, and limped to the city gates. She -yearned to question each passer-by, and dared not, -because of a terror clawing at her heart; so the daughter -of Derketo crouched in a shadow of the wall, with -parching tongue and hunted eyes, waiting, listening -for the tidings which would blight the glory of her -world.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>King Ninus marked her coming, yet gave no sign, -for now he had a part to play, wherein he would -befool the craftiest of women to whom the gods had -given breath and brain. He called aloud for Menon, -but no answer came, nor were there any knowing aught -of him since the rout began; so Ninus reviled them, -swearing vengeance on all who had left their chieftain -to perish among the hills. He gave command that a -mighty force make ready for attack against the -Bactrians, a force which he himself would lead, in -search for Menon, held prisoner or dead; then, wheeling -his chariot, drove swiftly to the citadel; and there, -as he lashed his armor on, he chuckled joyously, for -a lion had learned the wisdom of a fox.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From the shadow of the wall Semiramis groped her -way toward her tent, numb, tearless, and with a sense -of wonder at the strangeness of her grief. She -seemed to look in pity, from afar, on this silent thing -who set a helm upon her flaming locks and a breast-plate -on a breast which now was dead. So the one -Semiramis watched the other make ready for a journey -into Hindu-Kush; she saw the silent one take up her -hunting spear, mount on her chariot and drive to the -city gate, where she-waited, shivering, in the glory of -a summer sun.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the King came forth to find her waiting -there, his heart misgave him, for if Semiramis chanced -to find the body of Akki-Bul in Menon's armor, then -in truth would the crust of Gibil's pit be lifted from -its fires. Therefore he sought to dissuade her will, -saying that he himself would accomplish all things, -while she remained at rest till her wound was healed; -yet to his pleadings she answered naught, for to her -his words were meaningless and like unto the idle -whisperings of rain drops as they fell. She stood -upon her chariot, gazing in silence out toward the -prison of the hills which hid her lord, and waited for -Assyria to move.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then the King, in secret, gave command to all who -followed him that if any came upon Menon's body or -the armor which he wore, no word of it should reach -Semiramis, because of her consuming grief; and those -who loved her, promised, and the army marched across -the plains of Bactria.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To Semiramis came the faithful Huzim with a -whispered word of hope. He seated her on the -chariot's floor and took the reins, while after them -trotted Habal, for the dog, perchance, might lead -the seekers where the cunning of man would falter -on the trail. When the foot-hills were reached the -chariot was left behind; Semiramis rode an unharnessed -steed which Huzim led, and the toil of ascent began.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And now the slopes of Hindu-Kush awoke to the -din of strife, for the hill rocks swarmed with -Bactria's fighting-men who loosened great stones upon -the climbers, or smote them with down-flung spears -and whistling shafts; and even as the voice of battle -woke, so woke Semiramis from the slumber of her -grief. In her veins ran the blood of two great -passions which must ever rule the world—the passions -of love and war—begotten in the lust-lock of -Derketo and a battle-god.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus a child of passion went raging through the -hills of Hindu-Kush, and where she might not climb, -there Huzim bore her on his mighty back. At her -side fought Asharal and the chiefs of Babylon, while -about them was ever set a ring of the men of Naïri, -those hairy mountaineers who sang as they battled; -yet now, because of Menon whom they loved, the -battle-chant was hushed upon their lips.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Upward they toiled, through valley and defile -smiting their Bactrian enemies on every hand, -pursuing them from crag to crag, or cutting off retreat; -and where the foeman hid away in caverns, they were -smoked therefrom and slain. So Assyria came at -last to the mountain-top, surged through the pass -and swept the slopes beyond, coming by night to the -source of the hidden river-bed, while the Bactrians -fled to the forest lands beyond, hiding in swampy -glades where Ninus might not follow them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When morning was come and a force had been left -to guard the mouth of the river-bed, the Assyrian -army once more breasted the mountain slope, and on -the eastern side began a search for Menon, though the -task was great. There were those who thought to -find the spot whence the first assault had come, yet, by -reason of the darkness which had made the marks on -the mountain side seem strange, they found it not; -nor might they trace it by the bodies of the slain, for -the second battle had strewn the rocky wastes with -dead, even as the field-man scatters grain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For seven days the hunters combed the hills, while -the sun poured down in fury, and from the sky great -birds of prey descended to their feast; at approach -they would reel away in lazy flight, mocking the -seekers with discordant cries, then settle to some other -dread repast. So the search went on in vain, and day -by day the spirits of Ninus rose, for, if Semiramis -came not upon the corpse of Akki-Bul, the monarch's -treachery would lie forever with the lost; then came -to pass a happening which fitted the King's desire, -even as a sword may slide into its sheath.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The good dog Habal had hunted with his mistress -and her slave, yet found no scent to lead them on their -quest; and now as he snuffled along the edge of a -precipice his footing gave beneath him, and, clawing -at the loosened stones, the dog went whirling down -into the depth below. As he fell, Semiramis cried -out in pain and grief, for Habal she loved, with a -love which woman only may fathom or understand. -Sorrowing, she commanded Huzim to descend into the -rift to learn if a spark of life remained within her -dog; so the Indian went down.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The way was grievous, and at the bottom he was -forced to stone away a flock of noisome vulture-birds; -then he came upon Habal with the breath of -life dashed out of him. The Indian stooped, yet -paused in stark amaze, for the dead dog lay beside -the body of a man—a man who wore Prince Menon's -armor and his broken helm; yet, because of heat and -the beaks of birds, none now might see therein a -semblance of the hapless Akki-Bul. Thus it seemed that, -even in his death, a faithful beast had led his loved -ones on the trail of the master whom he loved.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So Huzim climbed up to Semiramis, and, sorrowing, -gave into her hand Prince Menon's sword, together -with a little green fish of malachite suspended -on a leathern thong; and, seeing these things, her -wails of anguish echoed throughout the hills, for now -she knew in truth that her lord would come to her no -more.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She would have clambered down to him, but Huzim -dissuaded her, saying that the steeps would cause her -wound to open; and again, it were better that she hold -the memory of her lord in life than to look upon -this rotting thing below. So Huzim, with Asharal -and the men of Naïri, descended into the rift -and left Semiramis weeping on the lip of the precipice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They dug a grave and laid therein the body of -Akki-Bul, dropping their tears upon it in the name -of Menon, Prince of the house of Naïri; and with -him they buried Habal, as every faithful dog would -yearn to sleep, with his paws and muzzle resting on a -master's breast. Above, among the rocks, a thousand -warriors watched, grim sons of battle and of blood, -yet children now in the grip of unselfish grief. -Semiramis they loved, because of the glory of the -woman's flesh and the glory of her deeds; her -sorrows were even as their sorrows, so their hearts were -sad within them, and they wept.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then down the mountain side went the army of Assyria, -to the foot-hills and across the hot brown plains, -coming at last to the city of Zariaspa; and in the -lead went Ninus, a chant of mourning on his lips, a -song of passion in his heart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Throughout the day Semiramis lay within her tent -as one who is stricken by a sword, and Huzim sat -beside her, cooling her brows with water, and driving -the fever from her wound with ointment and pounded -herbs. At evening came the King, with words of -gentleness, mourning with her at the double loss of -Menon and her shepherd dog; but she answered him -and said:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay, lord, mourn not because of Habal, for in -his death the gods let fall a dew of comfort and of -peace. In the rimless fields of the over-world my -Menon is not alone, for Habal's spirit hunteth at his -master's side."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now if this thought brought peace unto Semiramis, -no peace it brought unto the King, for his cheek went -pale beneath his beard. Since Menon had hung upon -the wall and cursed him, swearing to lead the hounds -of Ishtar on his trail, a dog was a dread abomination -in his sight—a thing to bay his memory and patter -after him on ghostly feet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When night was come he tossed upon his couch in -troubled dreams, watching a ghoulish army trail -across the sky. Spirits they were of those he had sent -to perish in the hills of Hindu-Kush; and in their lead -flew Menon's spirit—with the spirit of a dog in -leash. And the King awoke and caused his torches -to be lit.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="a-path-which-led-to-its-starting-point"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXVII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">A PATH WHICH LED TO ITS STARTING POINT</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>King Ninus now rested from his war and disposed -of the affairs of state. He sealed a treaty with -Oxyartes whereby all Bactria lay subject to Assyria's -rule, each city paying yearly tribute to the King. -King Oxyartes he took unto himself as a brother-chief, -and in Zariaspa set up as Governor of Tax a -man whose name was Tiglath-Shul, a chieftain who -would likewise hold a force of warriors in command -of the city wall.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When this was accomplished, Ninus brought before -him the eunuchs Neb and Ura, and charged them to -guard the prison door of Menon, suffering none to -enter or learn the name of him who lay therein. -Likewise he whispered in the ear of Tiglath-Shul, -saying that a Bactrian hostage was being held in the -keep below, and the head of a certain Governor would, -mayhap, be forfeit for those who meddled in the -King's affairs. Therefore the Governor took -council with himself, refrained from prying, and set a -blight on all who were overcurious. Then Ninus, -when other weighty matters had been put in order, -commanded that the armies of Assyria depart on the -homeward way.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once more the marching host like a monster -serpent crawling through the dust, crept upward among -the hills, through the Pass of the Wedge now strewn -with whitening bones, and down the rugged slopes -beyond; through forest-lands and the countries of -those who dwelt among the rocks, through Media -ripening for a conquest by the King; scaling the -Zagros mountains, and coming at last unto Arbela -where the army sat down in weariness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Throughout the journey Semiramis lay within her -litter, holding speech with none save Huzim who ever -sat on guard, while the King, albeit he yearned for a -sight of her, restrained his ardor till her term of -mourning passed and her grief had spent itself.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Because," he mused, "a fruit hath life so long -as it hangeth on its mother-branch. But once may this -fruit be plucked—no more; take, therefore, heed lest -in plucking we find it green."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So the lion persevered in the wisdom of the fox and -broke not upon the seclusion of Semiramis; then, after -a rest of twenty days, the army left Arbela, marched -northward across the river Zab and thence to the -eastern gate of Nineveh; and at their coming the -people flocked to the city walls, with songs of -rejoicing for the conquerors, with love-lit eyes for those -who returned to waiting homes, with hunted eyes -that watched in vain for others who slept in the vales -of Hindu-Kush. Thus it came to pass that Nineveh -was rent with joy and tears; for where the thousands -wept into the ashes of their hearths, the tens of -thousands steeped their hearts in wine, and laughed. -Laughter and tears, entwined in a close embrace, for -the joy of a man is ever his neighbor's woe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the palace of the King there was likewise joy, -much feasting and the dance of timbril-girls; then -Ninus, in the gardens, came upon Sozana and Memetis -who together had dwelt in happiness since the eunuch -Kishra ran afoul of fate. An infant had been born -to them, so Ninus tore his beard in wrath and gave his -daughter in wedlock to the man; albeit he would have -surely slain the Egyptian had Semiramis not pleaded -mightily.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Heed," said she, "what profit in this deed of -blood? What promise in a babe left fatherless? See -what a sturdy little warrior, who, as Asshur liveth, -hath the eye of Ninus and his very nose!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus the wrath of the King grew less, as the wrath -of man must ever grow beneath the soothing subtleties -of a woman's tongue. Then Semiramis shut herself -within her chamber, communing with none save Sozana -and the child; and thus through the life of seven -moons she mourned for Menon, sitting by day in the -garden's shade, or at night on the palace roof, seeking -for peace in the rays of Ishtar and her sister stars.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now Ninus, who loved her, grew impatient of her -grief, and sought by every art to contrive a wakening -therefrom, yet in every pleasure set for her he failed; -then came a time when he must journey in India to seal -a covenant with that country's King. So he -summoned Huzim who was born of that land where the -Indus runs, and spoke unto him, saying:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thy mistress pineth, dreaming in regret of things -which even the high god Asshur may not mend. -Plead, therefore, with Shammuramat, urging that she -follow with Sozana in my train, and, perchance, the -wonders of thy native land may rouse her from her -sorrows and her lethargy."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Indian bowed before the King and promised, -then sought his mistress in the gardens on the mound. -He found her, seated beside the fountain's pool, -feeding the fishes that swam therein, while in her hand -she held another fish—a little green thing of carven -malachite suspended on a leathern thong. This -saddened Huzim, yet he spoke to her concerning India, -of the marvels of its mighty river and the game -abounding on its marshy banks; he told her of other -game, strange beasts that made their lairs within -the jungle where hunters followed after them on the -backs of other beasts; and as he spoke, the eyes of -Huzim glowed in joy and his muscles quivered, even as -the muscles of a battle-steed, for he yearned for his -native land, and his hope ran high that his mistress -might journey there.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis smiled in sadness, for she saw the hope in -her servant's heart, albeit she knew he would here -remain at Nineveh through all his days rather than -part from those he served.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, Huzim," she sighed, as she laid a hand upon -his mighty arm, "'tis even as my good lord Menon -spoke to me on many a day, for in all the world thou -art ever first in faith and love. Go, therefore, unto -Ninus, saying that I, Shammuramat, wilt journey -in his train to the land of my faithful Huzim, where -the Indus runs and the sun is warm."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The servant wept in gladness, and would have -kissed her feet, but she raised him gently and bade -him seek the King; so Huzim went out from Semiramis, -rejoicing, with the half forgotten songs of -childhood bubbling beneath his tongue.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus it came to pass that in royal barges, manned -by boatmen of Phoenicia, King Ninus and his train -fared down the Tigris, even to the point of its -marriage with the Euphrates, and thence to the gulf -beyond; and throughout the journey Semiramis sat -apart with her tiring-maids, nor did the King pay -court to her, but minded his own affairs in the wisdom -of the fox.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the gulf's head they left their barges and -climbed to the deck of a mighty ship which rocked -upon the waters till the King and all his court were -like to die of a sickness which came upon them; for -Assyrians ever hate the sea, and now their inwards -turned in riotous revolt. The King himself was -assailed most grievously, for he groaned aloud in -anguish, beseeching his servants that they slay him and -have done with woe; yet the seizure passed at length, -and after many days the great ship came to rest upon -the Indus, while its two score oarsmen dropped among -their chains, and slept.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the river's mouth King Khama met his royal -visitor, with much rejoicing and the beating of -wooden drums, and, after exchange of gifts and -courtesies, King Ninus and all his train were paddled in -bobbing reed-boats, till they came at last to Surya, -the City of the Sun; and here rare feasts were held -and the covenants of peace were duly sealed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then followed more feastings, with toothful dishes, -and a native wine which provokes the heart to mirth, -while before them came jugglers performing deeds of -prodigy, and madmen who mocked at death in a -snake-dance with the hooded cobra, till even Semiramis -was stirred to pleasure and amaze.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To those of Assyria were the sacred rites of India -made manifest in the temples of the fire-god Agni, -and of Indra who ruled the open skies, while priests -made offerings of the moon-plant's milk, and melted -butter which they set atrickle on the altar stones. In -the fastness of the hills were viewed the shrines of the -devil gods, where the wild-eyed Khonds made sacrifice -to Siva the Destroyer, or to Kali, the goddess of dread -iniquities, whose necklace was a string of human -skulls.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the guests were weary of sacred things, King -Khama took them hunting, whereat the heart of -Ninus rose from out the dust, while Semiramis smiled -as Huzim gave into her hand a spear and an oddly -fashioned bow. Then for many days they trailed -through swamp and forest-land, slaying monsters in -the thickets along the river shores, or hunting tawny -jungle-beasts from the backs of elephants. These -elephants, to Semiramis, were ever a wonder and a -joy, because of their strength and the wisdom in their -little eyes; yet to Ninus they brought no joy, for their -motion recalled the heavings of a ship and took away -his zest of life and of all things contained therein. -Therefore he bestrode a steed, or met his game on foot -and slew it in the glory of his strength.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus Semiramis awoke from her lethargy of grief, -and, albeit, she sorrowed still, her blood ran quickly -through her veins, while laughter rose upon her lips -and was not stayed; whereat the King was glad, and -in his gladness begged that she choose a gift from out -the riches of this marvelous land. She pondered -thoughtfully, then voiced a desire so strange that -Ninus stared upon her and combed at his beard in -wonderment:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My lord, I thank thee, and of thy bounty will ask -a thousand sheaves of reeds, with two score reeds in -every sheaf thereof."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now on the river marshes grew these reeds, to a -heighth three times the stature of a man, and were -light of weight and strong; also their outer rind was -hard, so that fishermen fashioned boats of them, and -the water came not in. Likewise, so plentiful they -were that a beggar might build him a house of reeds -and thatch his roof, or feed them to his fires.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus Semiramis chose a worthless seeming gift, -when she might have picked from the jewels of a -wonder-land, yet when Ninus questioned her concerning -the folly of her choice, she laughed and would tell -him nothing of her thoughts; so the thousand sheaves -of reeds were dispatched to Nineveh, though the labor -and the cost thereof was great.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And now came a final feast, with a parting from -India's King, and the train of Ninus faced its -homeward way; albeit they journeyed not upon a heaving -ship, for the master swore by the thunder of the gods -that nevermore would he rive his belly on a thrice -accursed sea. Therefore they marched by land along -the coast, hunting much game as they fared at easy -pace, till they came again to the Tigris where the -boats awaited to bear them on to Nineveh.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As they journeyed slowly up this stream, the King -paid court unto Semiramis, but at first she would -answer nothing to his prayers. With the death of -Menon her heart had died within her breast, and never -again could she look with love on any man; yet, since -the passion of love was spent, it left in her heart full -sweep for that other passion—the passion of -power—to wind the skein of destiny, or snap it as she -would. She yearned to say unto a nation, Go! and -to another nation, Come!—to shape the ends of the -peoples of the earth—to cause them to bow into the -dust and worship one who could lift them up again. -How better then, could this passion of desire be -wrought than in mating with Assyria's lord? To -barter one human body in exchange for dominion -over all the world! True, Ninus drove the chariot -of state, yet she had but to whisper in the driver's ear -to turn the course of its plunging steeds. If Ninus -held the reins, a woman held the lash—and, by the -smoke of Gibil, she would lay it on!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus dreamed Semiramis, while about her the -waters of the Tigris crooned their chant of mystery; -above, the great stars hung, and flung their burning -meteors across the sky; the marshes throbbed with the -drone of things invisible and though the gloom rose -the vast black walls of Nineveh.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis, weeping, clung still to a thread of -memory—a thread which stretched from a grave in the -Hindu-Kush to the steps of Assyria's throne; yet -strand by strand it parted, till at last it snapped, and -into the Tigris her trailing hand let fall a little -green fish of carven malachite.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The great brown city woke to the thunder-throated -voice of festival; the princes of the world foregathered -there in honor of the King who would take Semiramis -to wife. From every land they came, together with -their followers in arms, and Nineveh resounded with -the shoutings of foreign tongues. In the temples on -every hill great fires were lit, and the nostrils of the -gods were filled with the smoke of sacrifice, while -Nakir-Kish and his swarm of under-priests slew flocks -of cranes and found in every one an omen of joy -unutterable. Through the streets ran youths and -maidens twined with flowers, exchanging favors freely -in this gladsome hour when none need count the cost. -The warriors might quench their thirst at brimming -tubs of wine, with naught to pay save shouts for -Assyria's Queen; so they drank to the verge of madness -and fought fiercely among themselves, for their hearts -were glad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Likewise, the forests and the fields were swept for -meat wherewith to feed the multitudes, for Ninus -dipped into his treasures with a reckless hand, even as -men in the drunkenness of joy will ever squander all -their substance, regretting it sorely in the sober -after-days.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the palace, the wealth of kingdoms sank from -sight through feastings of costly foolishness, where -jewels were baked in the very bread, and the bidden -guests would oft'times break their teeth thereon; albeit -they kept the jewels, smiling at their pain. Then -the King, who was mad with love, went forth and -set Semiramis upon a chariot of gold, driving her -slowly through the streets, so that all might behold -the glory of her charms. He bade his people -worship her, and as they knelt he scattered treasures on -their heads, till the worshippers vied viciously among -themselves, seeking this wealth in the whirling dust -where they battled with fists and nails.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At last came the wedding rites, and as Semiramis -sat with Ninus on his throne, the palace rocked with -bellowing acclaim; then followed more feasting, with -the din of music, the songs of thickening tongues, -and all Assyria was glad save one alone. Through -the reek of flaring torches and the fumes of wine, a -woman fled to the peace of the silent roof; yet the -echoes of joy came climbing after her, hounding -her heart with the memories of other days—the -whisper-ghosts that would not die, though crushed -beneath a throne.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On her knees the woman fell, and flung her arms -toward the dim, unlistening stars.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, Menon, Menon," she cried aloud, "how -empty is the world without the solace of thy kisses -on my breast!"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Thus it came to pass that the nursling of doves -made a nest on Assyria's throne. For a year she dwelt -in the master's house, and bore him a son whose name -was Ninyas; albeit Semiramis never loved the child, -who was weak and petulant, of a slothful nature and -a selfish heart—a son who in after days would seek -his mother's death, then reign in besotted idleness -and squander the strength of a kingdom built on -swords.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now Ninus loved his Queen, to the verge of -madness, and naught was there which he would not do -to gladden her or indulge her whims; yet Semiramis -loved not the King, for in her heart rose ever the -image of one man alone—Menon the Beautiful—who -dwelt with the dead in a valley of Hindu-Kush.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus, since her passion slumbered with him who -would wake no more, ambition borrowed of love's -desire and rode on a chariot of war. War, red war! till -the peace of remotest lands was rent by the screams -of battle-horns. Thus the kingdom of Assyria grew -apace. The fathers of men had fashioned a map of -the countries of all the world; yet it fitted not the -fancy of Semiramis, so the War Queen changed it, -with a finger dipped in blood.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Where the fury of battle knotted its tightest snarl, -there she would drive her chariot, to leap at the throat -of danger, breast the surf of death, ride over it, and -leave a crimson trail behind. And the warriors bowed -down and worshipped her, half in unknowing passion, -half in awe, forgetting the glory of the high god -Asshur in the glory of a woman-god. As she rode -in her chariot of gold, so she rode in the hearts of -men, driving them on with a feather-lash, yet -driving where she willed; and Ninus became not jealous -of her worship or her deeds, for the Queen was his, -and the glory of Shammuramat was, also, his.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the years of war went by, she changed not in -the beauty of form and face, for her strange, -unearthly charms remained with her, thus causing all to -wonder at her immortality; yet with Ninus it was -otherwise. Grizzled he grew; the furrows of age ran, -straggling, across his brow, and his great beard -whitened, even as the coat of a battle-steed is streaked -with foam. There were moments when his wrath -would burst all bounds, without a cause therefor, and -he seemed a man who harkened to a whisper-ghost -that hunted him and worried at his ears. Each year -a trusted messenger brought report from Zariaspa -that Menon's spirit still tarried in the body of the -man; yet the master knew no peace throughout his -days, and a dog was ever hateful in his sight. By -night he would awaken at the distant baying of a -hound, then lie in the sweat of fear, huddling for -comfort at a woman's side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The finger of Fate swept slowly round in a circle -of a score of years, and the monarch's path of evil -led homeward to its starting point. In the Zagros -mountain lay a mighty gap through which, in after -years, would pour a race of the white-skinned sons -of Iran, conquering the world and holding proud -dominion till the end of time; and through this gap -now crept a train of Bactrians, hiding by day and -faring forth again in the hours of night. With them -they bore a curtained litter wherein lay a man whose -fingers curved like the claws of birds, whose feet were -shrivelled so that he might not stand thereon, and -his weak hands wandered always, as if groping on a -darkened road.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nearer, nearer drew this blind, misshapen thing, -moaning as his litter rocked from side to side, -helpless, shorn of strength; yet better far for Ninus had -the hounds of Ishtar fallen on his trail. Outside the -walls the Bactrian train lay hidden in the night; then, -presently, a warrior chief came knocking at the gates -of Nineveh.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-cry-of-the-tigress-to-her-mate"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXVIII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE CRY OF THE TIGRESS TO HER MATE</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Semiramis, Queen of all Assyria, sat in the -royal gardens, in the light of a great round -moon which swung above the walls of Nineveh. About -her were grouped her maidens, lolling on the fountain's -rim, splashing their tiny feet in the coolness of -the waves, while their laughter vied with the gurgling -music of a water-song. This song burst forth from -the fountain's heart, low, soothing, in the summer -night, yet was marred of a sudden by the shrieks of -Ziffa, a timorous maiden from the north on whose -white knee a clammy little frog had sprung. So -Ziffa shrieked, till saved by a laughing warrior, the -son of Sozana and Memetis, now grown into a man; -then the maidens crowned him with a wreath of lily -leaves, and their merriment waxed shrill in the -gladsome foolishness of youth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In this harmless mirth Semiramis took no part, for -to-night her heart was sad. Her fancy roved through -the thickets of a score of years, led on by a thread of -memory, and lingered in the vale of Hindu-Kush. -Again she looked upon the everlasting hills and the -plain below, that thirsty plain on which her cup of -water had been spilled, which drank her joy and made -a brother-desert of her soul.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As she sat apart, her great eyes lifted to the glow -of Ishtar's trail, a man-at-arms came clanking down -the garden path, bearing report that a stranger -waited beyond the wall with a message for the Queen -alone. His name was Dagas, a Bactrian warrior, -and, as surety of faith and good intent, he sent a -jeweled ring, declaring that Assyria's Queen once -wore it on her hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis took the jewel, which in truth had been -her own, and, remembering, laughed aloud. This -Dagas was the same whom her wits befooled in the -foot-hills of Hindu-Kush, when she claimed a -sisterhood to Oxyartes and sent the Bactrian seeking for -an army of phantom warriors. So, laughing again, -she dismissed her maidens and suffered Dagas to -approach alone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He knelt before her, pressing her sandal to his lips, -then at her bidding rose, and gave her smile for smile; -no longer the beardless youth, but a grizzled man of -war, on whom the heel of years had trod and set its -mark. She looked upon him now, remembering how -her charms had dazzled him in the day of long ago, so -she smiled again and spoke in gentleness:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, Dagas, thou has come at last to reproach me -for deceiving thee. In exchange for Zariaspa I gave -thee a jewel and a lie. For thee an evil bartering, -my Dagas; yet ask of my bounty, and receive. What -wouldst thou?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Naught," returned the Bactrian, with a sigh, -"naught save thy memory of one who hath loved -Shammuramat, and who loveth still."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To the eyes of the woman leaped the fires of wrath, -for how should a slave presume to babble of his -love?—for </span><em class="italics">her</em><span>—the Queen of all Assyria! She would -have clapped her hands in summons of her guard to -slay the dog, yet Dagas restrained her gently, -smiling as he shook his head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay, Mistress of the World, I speak not of myself, -albeit of myself the same is true; for while I wore -thy ring I took no wife unto my breast, no hope unto -my heart. For another I plead—for one who shall -grope in darkness all his days—yet in his hell of -everlasting night, one cry hath rung through the -empty hall of years—one heart-cry beating at the -doors of life—Shammuramat!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Bactrian ceased. The Queen, in wonder, was -silent, too, for the words of the man seemed strange -and meaningless. Yet why should the dead arise to -life? Why should the thread of memory become a -chain and drag her back to her lord of other days?—to -Menon the Beautiful—he who had torn the veil -of Ishtar, and bade her look on the naked glory of a -heart!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Speak," she whispered, watching Dagas, as before -she watched in the shadow of Zariaspa's wall, -waiting, listening, for tidings of the lost; and Dagas -spoke.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He told her of a pestilence which had run through -his city's streets, knocking at the doors of beggar and -of prince till those who might took refuge in the hills, -while others remained because of poverty or lack of -fear, and died. Among the stricken were two -Egyptian eunuchs, Neb and Ura, who guarded a certain -prisoner by command of Tiglath-Shul; yet when -these eunuchs died, the Governor set Dagas and a -brother warrior as keepers of the man. They had -ministered to this prisoner, whose eyes were blind and -whose hands and feet were useless by reason of his -being nailed against the wall.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And so," said Dagas, "in sorrow of his state, I -sought to hearten him, and became his friend. To -me he told his tale, in the truth whereof I may not -vouch, for it brandeth him as madman, or else the -saddest son of chance since tears were fashioned by -the pitying gods."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis made no answer, but she raised her -trembling hand, so that Dagas understood and spoke -again:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By night, by day, he pleaded with me, saying: I -am Menon, Prince of the House of Naïri, whom Ninus -hath crucified. Go, thou, unto my wife Shammuramat -and tell her of this thing—tell her I swear -it by her kisses on the temple steps at Ascalon! And -if she doubt thee still, say thou of me, in her parting -words, that the garment of her love hath gone, and -the joy of the world is but as a cup of water spilled!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Bactrian ceased. Semiramis sat, silent, on the -garden seat; no longer Queen of proud Assyria—Mistress -of the World—but </span><em class="italics">the woman</em><span>, stripped of -royalty and power; </span><em class="italics">the woman</em><span>, crouching in a -huddled heap, whence two great eyes looked out and -suffered; eyes which would have shrieked, had tongues -been given them, yet staring now, in the terror of a -stricken beast.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Through the gardens floated laughter—song—the -tinkling mirth of zitherns softly played. On the -night breeze ran the hum of Nineveh, joyous, flinging -care to the seven winds; and a woman's heart was -wondering at the strangeness of it all. Menon lived! -Menon the Beautiful who had died in the glory of his -youth! Yet Menon lived! Who, then, lay down -with Habal in the vale of Hindu-Kush? Speak, -Ishtar! Who?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>No answer came, till Dagas, in tones of gentleness, -told her how this man had journeyed out of Bactria -and now lay hidden beyond the city wall; then Semiramis -arose and spoke, though her voice was as the voice -of some other woman, broken and unknown to her;</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Go, thou, with my servant Huzim and bring him -in secret unto me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She spoke no more, nor did she offer gold or -gratitude to him who had proved devotion rare among -the sons of men; yet the Mistress of the World bent -down and pressed her lips to the hand of an humble -warrior.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Huzim and Dagas came to the hiding-place where -Menon lay, and the servant knew not his master, -because of his shrunken form and the hair which grew -upon his cheeks and chin; yet in Huzim's arms the -master lay sobbing out his joy, till the servant knew, -rejoicing that the dead had risen up to live again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They cut away his beard, washed him, and clothed -his form in a garment of fine-spun wool; then they -bore him in secret to a chamber on the palace mound.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And Semiramis came in to him—alone—for on that -meeting nor you nor I may seek to look, when even -the goddess Ishtar might have turned away in pity -and in pain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Through the long blue night he lay with his head -upon her breast, weeping, babbling of the aching -solitude of his prison years, caressing her hair, her -features, with the crooked fingers which were now his -eyes. And Semiramis rocked him in the cradle of -her arms, as she might have rocked a babe, soothing, -whispering her love to this poor misshapen thing, -crooning, till he slept at last, to forget the tangle of -his joy and grief.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then the Queen of Assyria stole away—away -from the horror of it—seeking the housetop, where -none might see, where none might hear, where none -might follow save the ghosts of pain. On the roof -she stood and opened her robe to the cool, sweet -breath of the morning stars. She looked upon Bêlit -riding down the sky; she looked upon sleeping -Nineveh which was builded by the King. The King! who -had builded up another curse and set its walls on a -woman's heart—its palace on a woman's shame! -The King! who had wrenched the glory from a -woman's soul and crucified it!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And now, when her soul could bear no more, she -loosed one long-drawn, quivering scream—the cry of -the tigress to her stricken mate.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="when-a-woman-ruled-the-world"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXIX</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">WHEN A WOMAN RULED THE WORLD</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>In the palace of the King there was revelry -unstinted, for a change had come upon Semiramis. -Through the score of years when she reigned with -Ninus, she had paid the tribute of a wife, in -sufferance of love which she gave not back again, bearing -his son, while her heart roved ever through the hills -of Hindu-Kush. She graced his throne and added to -his kingdom's power; she ruled his house and gave -obedience to her lord; yet the King asked more. He -asked for all, not tithes, but the utmost treasure of a -woman's heart—her smiles, her yearnings, and the -fruits of love which ripened for her mate alone; and -now, when the frost of age was set as a helm upon his -locks, the hope of youth burst forth to flower again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis smiled upon the King, and there was -somewhat in her eyes which sent the hot blood bounding -through his veins, which caused his breath to flow -the faster and his hand to tremble in a lingering -caress. Her beauty was for him—the master of -men—the lord of a woman's yielding soul—the -love-mad king who groveled at a shrine of craft.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So Semiramis suffered the King's caress, smiling -her smiles of promise, while she hushed the curses of -her fury-throated hate. She waited now, even as the -tigress stalks her kill, patient, tireless, crouching till -a shifting wind had passed, to rise again and steal -toward the pouncing-point. King Ninus she might -have slain by day or night, and there were moments -when her fingers clung to a weapon hungrily; yet the -King was King, and his nation might not be slain. -Nay, first must she strip this man of a nation's love, -strip him to the very nakedness of guilt, then nail him -to a wall of suffering, even as Menon hung upon a -wall of stone. So the tigress waited, and her quarry -frolicked through the fields of pleasant ways.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>High revelry resounded on the palace mound, till -the echoes thereof were borne to a distant chamber -where Huzim sat on guard, where Semiramis would -steal from the hateful feasts and comfort Menon, till -the whisper of wisdom urged return. And the King -was mad with love, haunting her footsteps, heaping -her lap with his splendid gifts; yet his gifts she would -not receive, and retreated from the ardor of his love. -She lured him to a deeper madness still, drawing him -on by every artful charm, repulsing in a gust of -petulance; now warm, now cold, till Ninus knew not -if he stood upon his royal head or upon his royal -heels. She withdrew to her chamber, heedless of his -knockings and his calls, till his soul became afraid of -losing her again, and he followed her with pleadings -and with prayers. At his prayers she scoffed; at his -wrath she answered with a higher wrath, then, of a -sudden, gave freely where he had not asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus Ninus marveled at the strangeness of her -mind, and begged that she ask of him such gifts as -would please her best, for he swore by the robe of -Shamashi-Ramân that none might fathom aught at -all in the wilderness of a woman's whims.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At his offer of gifts, the Queen took thought, -pondering upon it for the space of a day and night; -then she came unto him, saying:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My lord, if thou wouldst please me best, go hunt -for lions in the thickets along the Euphrates."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Eh—-what?" cried the King, thinking she -sought to banish him from his bed and board; but she -laughed and laid her hand upon his arm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nay, lord, grieve not at parting from my side, -for, as Ishtar liveth, </span><em class="italics">I swear to follow after -thee!</em><span>" Again she laughed, to smooth the hidden meaning of -her oath, and smiled upon him as her tongue tripped -on: "Yet in thy absence I would reign as Queen of -all Assyria—to rule alone—for the span of one -short moon. Give, thus, the chariot of state into -my hands, and Shammuramat will drive it, to the -wonder of her lord and King."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once more the master looked upon the promise in -her eyes—strange orbs that swam in passion's misty -light—and though the voice of wisdom cried aloud -against this thing, the voice of love cried, also, till the -tongue of warning ceased to clamor and was still. -Thus it came to pass that Ninus and his hunters -rode toward the south, while criers ran through the -streets of Nineveh, proclaiming the Queen as Ruler -Absolute, for the life of a summer moon.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now as these criers ran, so ran a host of other -messengers, bidding the warrior chiefs of every land -to appear at court, while their followers might feast -within the city walls, nor pay the reckoning thereof. -So, while the master hunted beasts, the mistress -hunted men. She brought them to her board and -feasted them, till hunger and thirst could ask no -more. She made such gifts as never a pillaged city -yielded to a conqueror, and even the mouths of beggars -she filled with gold. To those in office she gave a -higher office still, with dream-land promises to all who -sought to climb; but to their wives and daughters -she offered naught, nor gave; for her thoughts were -now of men—the fighting men from the face of all -the earth, who would rise as one and dash a monarch -from his throne.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Since that by-gone day when she set Prince Asharal -again into his place, proud Babylon, to a man, -was hers; yet now she wanted more than Babylon. -She wanted the warriors of Assyria—the warriors -who had worshipped Ninus as a god. She wanted -the blood and bone which had raised him up on -high—and she wanted them to stamp him in the dust -from whence he sprung.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So, now, through Nineveh rang the voice of joy, -the voice of feastings and the voice of praise; and on -these several tongues the name of Ninus sounded not, -but in its place one mad, tumultuous roar—</span><em class="italics">Shammuramat</em><span>!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Queen of the Moon they called her, and she smiled -upon their happiness, and gave and gave. She -sapped the country bare of wine and food. She flung -her gems amongst them as a drunken sower scatters -grain. She spilled the blood of a nation's wealth, -till the treasury staggered in the manner of a wounded -ox, and still she smiled; smiled though her heart was -breaking for a man—alight with the flames of Gibil -for another man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus it came to pass, at the waning of the moon, -that one last feast was held in the hall of the -spendthrift Queen, a hall now choked with a press of -warrior chiefs and the princes of the world, grim fighters -who wore their swords and battle-scars. Such men -alone were bidden to the feast—such men who in -secret loved the Queen, yet dared not lay a tongue to -the telling of their love.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then unto these sons of war came the mistress of -Assyria, not in her gem-sewn robes of state, but in -the armor of a battle-queen. On her breasts were set -her nipple-plates of gold; on her flame-hued locks -that helm which had flashed like star-fire through the -ruck of war. Across her shoulders was flung a leopard -skin, and her arms were bare, stripped of all save the -bands of bronze which bound the sinews of her wrists. -No longer was she the laughing imp who had charged -against the Kurds, but a woman—a queen—a -tempest-hearted battle-hawk.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At her coming no man spoke, but looked in awe, -till presently—they knew not why—the silence was -rent by thunders of acclaim, and the Queen bowed -low before the sons of war. No smile she gave in -greeting; no light-lipped laughter to these men who -had followed her through storm and sun; but on her -face rode a look of fierce resolve which caused them -to wait the coming of uncertain things.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In silence she bade them sit; in silence she sat -amongst them, albeit she caused one seat to be vacant -at her side; then in silence the feast began. It was -not the like of her other feasts, for before them was -set the simple fare of warriors afield; and where the -wine of Syria was wont to slake their thirst, each -found a cup of water at his hand. The Queen sought -not their drunken passion which would die before the -morrow's sun, for now she would feed their hearts on -the flesh of truth and mix their lasting curses with her -own. Thus each man, marveling, ate in silence and -waited for the coming of the storm; and then, when -the feast was done at last, Semiramis arose and spoke:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My brothers," she began, "brothers in war, in -love, in the days of idleness and peace, the heart of -your Queen is sad. As I share with you the bounty -of my throne, so now I share my sorrows, giving -each a part; yet, ere I bare my grief, I would ask -if there be any here to offer me reproach. If there -be one to say that Shammuramat hath sent him into -danger where she herself would fear to lead, speak -now, that I brand him liar! Come forth and say -injustice hath been done to any man—that I looked -with lack of pity on a wound, or gave not of my -own to all who hungered and were athirst! Come -forth, my brothers, and name the price of one -grievance unavenged, that I, your sister and your Queen, -may pay it ere I bare my heart!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>None spoke; yet a growling murmur rose, and -each man looked upon his fellow fiercely, daring -him to loose a tongue, lest his blood be loosed to -wash away the lie.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis had paused, but she lifted up her voice -once more. As in days of old she had played upon -the hearts of men, even as a harper sounds the chords -of curses and of tears, so now she played again. -She told them of her home in Ascalon, and how -Prince Menon came to wake her soul. She told -them of her wedded years wherein her lord had -striven for the King—had conquered Zariaspa and -stood with her upon the fallen citadel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And you," she cried, "who loved him! You -who shared his bounty and the peril of his wars! -You who stood with me on a vale's lip in the -Hindu-Kush and saw him buried in the earth! -What! Know you not that his armor alone is buried -there? For in his armor lay a rotting lie! A lie! -For Habal—my good dog Habal—sleepeth with -his paws and muzzle on a stranger's breast! A lie, -I say! A lie! </span><em class="italics">For Menon liveth and by Ninus was -crucified!</em><span>"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The shrill voice ceased. It had risen to the scream -of a tigress calling to her mate; but now no answering -roar burst forth in echo of her call. The sons -of Assyria sat silent—wondering. All had heard -the tale of Prince Menon's death, and many had seen -him laid away to sleep. On the vale's lip they had -wept for a man they loved. They had seen—had -known! How, then, should the dead arise to life -again? Semiramis had branded ears and eyes as the -keepers of a lie—a lie which dragged the gods of -honor down and damned them! Aye, a lie; but -should it rise to point its finger at a King, or point -it at a Queen? So each man cast his gaze upon the -floor and sat in silence—wondering.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis smote her palms together, thrice. At -the sign, a door swung open and Huzim strode in, -bearing a burden in his arms, a burden which he set -upon the vacant seat beside the Queen. A man it -was, or the semblance of a man, whose eyes were blind; -whose form was shrunken, and whose hands were -curved in the manner of horrid claws.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look!" cried the Mistress of the World. "Look -ye upon this torn, misshapen thing who was once -the glory of a woman's heart! Look ye and learn -from him what the King hath wrought—for you -who loved him—and for me! Look! for a lie hath -risen from the grave, and liveth to mark its own!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In awe they gathered round him, though they knew -him not, by reason of the horror of his state; but -the warriors Prince Menon knew, and voiced his joy -in meeting them again; weeping as he found the -features of old friends with his wandering finger-tips; -sobbing as he called them each by name, or -whispered secrets known to him and their hearts alone. -Then Huzim raised him up, and he called aloud on -the sons of Naïri, his children of war, who would -harken to a father's battle-cry; and as that cry rang -out, they knew him once again, and knelt before him, -weeping bitterly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And now," called Semiramis to her kneeling -warriors, "I ask that you follow me to pluck a vulture -from his roost on Assyria's throne! To cast him out, -as a father might cast a serpent from the bosom of his -babe! The King! who hath shorn me of my joy in -life! The King! who hath stolen away my lord—who -caused me to bear him a bastard son—who hath -made a strumpet of your Queen! The King! The -King no more! Naught do I ask but justice! Give -me this, or the edge of your pitying swords!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She ceased. She knelt at the side of her stricken -mate and held him in the cradle of her arms, her eyes -upturned to those who shared her suffering. From -the throats of these men there came no shout of fury -at the King, no wrathful curse, no sound save the -wrench of a stifled sob; yet on their faces rode a look -of death, as each man drew his sword and laid it at -the feet of the undone Mistress of the World.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the feast had passed in silence, so now these men -departed one by one, and, treading softly, went out -into the night; then each sought out his home or tent, -and slept—to dream and mutter curses in his -troubled sleep.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Through the western gate passed a troop of horse, -swinging toward the south and riding as the spirits -drive.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It is written of Ninyas, son of Semiramis and -the King, that never one good deed came out of him; -and now he rode with warnings to his father in the -south, who straightway fled into Arabia, seeking a -shield in the desert's sands and a sword in Boabdul's -scimitar.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was Ninyas who turned against his mother in her -hour of stress. It was Ninyas who, in after years, -spread forth report that Semiramis had lied—that -Menon had hanged himself in Bactria—that the -Queen had set a maimed imposter in his place to -accomplish her evil ends.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Yet, as Ninyas reigned in sloth and foul debauchery, -so judgment came upon him at last. As his -heart was false, so also, his tongue was false, for who -will credit aught of him who has turned against a -mother in her hour of stress?</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Through the long blue night Semiramis sat beside -her withered lord; and if she had loved him on the -temple steps at Ascalon, when he lay in the splendid -beauty of his youth, so now she loved him a hundred -fold when the wine of his life was spilled for her. -What matter though his hands were curved and his -eyes were blind? What matter though his outer shell -was dead? The heart of the man still lived, and it -beat for her alone. Together they had hunted -through the desert for a grain of sand, and, finding -it, were glad, for they knew that its name was Love.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>When morning came stealing down on Nineveh, -the city awoke and growled. A loose-tongued warrior -had whispered to his wife; his wife had whispered -to a neighbor's wife,—and the city knew. Through -the streets ran men who were swollen with the bounty -of Semiramis, and with them foregathered other -men—lean dogs who licked their chops and gazed on the -glories of more benefits to come. So Nineveh woke to -growlings, which grew into a bark of wrath, till, -from end to end, the Opal of the East gave tongue, -frothing, struggling at the leash, and yearning to -leap like the hounds of Ishtar on a master's trail.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus, after a space, the western gate was opened -wide, and through it poured the war-hounds of -Assyria. Southward they swung, and in their lead rode -a queenly hunter in her battle-gear—for Semiramis -had kept her oath to Ninus, and would follow after him.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-desert-and-the-king"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXX</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE DESERT AND THE KING</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>On the rim of Arabia's desert Semiramis and her -army sat down to rest, for well she knew this -pitiless, burning waste would offer a sterner barrier -than the points of a million swords; therefore the -Queen took council with herself and prepared to -battle with the scourge of thirst.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On every chariot was loaded wine-skins, filled with -water and covered o'er with cloths and matted grass -to keep them cool. Each rider was commanded to -fare on foot, while across his steed were balanced -other water-skins; then came to light the wisdom of -Semiramis in choosing ten score thousand reeds as a -gift from the King in India.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>These reeds were of mighty length, and on their -ends were set the heads of spears; again, they were -hollow, and, the pith therein being bored away, they -were filed with water, when their butts were closed -with plugs of wood. Thus it came to pass that each -man bore a new and fearsome weapon in his hands, -wherefrom he might drink and ease the torture of a -thirsty tongue.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then, presently, the army moved toward Boabdul's -stronghold in the desert's heart. By night they -journeyed, when the sun shone not and the air was -chill; by day they slept beneath the shade of -canopies which were stretched on the points of planted -spears; yet even their vast supply of water dwindled -into nothingness, and the beasts of burden suffered -and were sad. Men drank of their spears, but the -heat had warmed their drink, and many died of -madness and were left behind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Yet Semiramis journeyed on. Her pathway led, -not straight to the goal of her hot revenge, but by a -devious course which touched the palm-groves of -oases, where springs and wells were found; and where -these wells had dried beneath the fierceness of the sun, -there Semiramis drove her reeds into the earth till -oft' a grateful gush of water flowed therefrom. In -these groves her warriors rested, drinking the precious -juice of life and filling again their reed-spears and -their water-skins; then the journey was taken up once -more.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Now it came about that the scurrying riders of -Boabdul brought word that Assyria marched across -the plain; so the Arab prepared to give them battle -on the sands, or to fly if the force proved stronger -than his own.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>King Ninus had befooled the Arabian Prince, persuading -him that the people rose in an unjust cause, -till Boabdul harkened and was wroth because of this -shameful thing, swearing to give his blood, if need -be, in behalf of a brother king.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And now, at the dawn of a certain day, these two -looked out on the desert, and were amazed. Through -the mists came the army of Assyria, not as a -strong-armed host to batter down its foes, but as men who -were famished by the desert's breath, whose strength -was spent, who reeled and fell upon the sand, to -rise and struggle on again. Their war-wings -stretched in ragged disarray; their chariots came -crawling far behind where they should have held the -van, and horsemen limped across the fiery plains, -leading their drooping steeds.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the sight, Boabdul looked into the eyes of -Ninus, and Ninus looked into Boabdul's eyes, and -laughed. 'Twere pity to fall upon this heat-picked -skeleton of strength and ride it down; yet, since it -was written thus, who, then, should thwart the will -of Asshur and his scribe of fate? So Ninus and -Boabdul laughed again, and prepared a slaughter -for the sons of sacrifice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Two clouds of wild-eyed riders swept around the -grove of palms, their white robes fluttering their -lances flung aloft and caught as they fell again. -They joined in one, a mad-mouthed horde of desert-wolves, -who loosed their reins and raced at the core of -Assyria's stricken lines.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At their coming, Assyria bended as a twig which -it trod upon; yet, of a sudden, the twig would bend no -more. Where warriors had seemed to sink exhausted -on the sand, they now stood up in the splendor of -their strength. Where lines seemed torn to wilted -shreds, they now closed tightly, and Arabia came -upon a hedge of spears—the reed-spears of Semiramis. -Behind the first line stood another line, their -spears protruding against attack; and behind these -two stood other lines, till he who would reach Assyria -must leap a hurdle of seven rows of points. Thus -Arabia hacked vainly at a wall of death, even as in -after days the blood of Sparta spilled itself on the -spears of Macedonia.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And now the war-wings ceased their feeble flutterings, -to close upon Boabdul and his men, to take them -in as a mother might take a wanderer in her arms; -though on that mother's breast they found no peace of -heart. The Bedouin horsemen backed upon themselves -in a close-packed, tangled mass, fighting with scimitars -against a storm of darts and the thrusts of spears; -then a lane was opened, and into the boiling ruck -drove Semiramis and her wedge of chariots.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the car of the Queen stood Huzim, holding the -reins and striving to guard his mistress with a mighty -shield of bronze; yet to-day Semiramis cared -naught for shields, nor recked of death, so long as -she came upon the Vulture of Assyria. For him -alone she sought—the King!—and never before -had the tigress raged as she raged this day. Where -an hundred scimitars flashed about her head, she rode -them down and bored toward the King—bored till -her steeds were slain and her chariot overturned, then -she arose from the earth and bored on foot into the -press.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She cared not for a thousand swords, and yet one -scimitar there was which she might not pass -unscathed. High up it swung, in the fist of Prince -Boabdul; but ere it could descend upon her, Huzim -leaped and dragged the Arab from his horse. On -the blood-wet sands they battled, beneath the hoofs of -plunging steeds, where dying Bedouins sought with -dagger thrusts to claim still one more death ere they -stood before their gods; and Huzim, who was once the -Arab's slave, prevailed against Boabdul, gripped him -tightly, and whispered into his ear:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Peace, little master! for it grieveth me to crack -thy bones. Peace, then, for I hold thee fast!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now the Prince whose rage and mirth went ever -hand in hand, forbore to strive with his mighty -conqueror, and laughed because of Huzim's words; -yet the Arabs, seeing their chieftain fallen, surged -backward and burst their way through Assyria's wall -of men. Beaten, they fled like foxes from the trap -which Semiramis had set for them; and in the van of -their flying pack rode Ninus, on a matchless steed of -Barbary. Away they sped through the desert's -shimmering haze, where Assyria might not follow -after them, nor did Semiramis seek to follow, for in -her brain was born a craftier design.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the grove of palms she caused Boabdul to be -brought before her where she cut his bonds and -offered him her hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My lord," she spoke, "with thee I have no cause -for war, nor did I seek to bring a harm to these thy -followers who are dead or scattered o'er the plains. -My concernment is with the Vulture of Assyria, and -him I will snare though I rake the sand-wastes of -Arabia from end to end."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then she told Boabdul of all things which had -come to pass—how the King had crucified Prince -Menon whom the Arab loved, and had stolen his wife -for the space of a score of years; and so great was -Boabdul's wrath that he rent his robe and swore by -his gods of fire to follow after Ninus, to find him, and -to nail him on a wall of woe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Fear not," he cried, "for my desert is but a -prison-yard, where the wardens of heat and thirst -will hedge our captive round about and drive him to -the arms of those who seek. Fear not, for soon will -we come upon the King."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And thus Semiramis had won unto her cause the -man who above all other men could aid her in her -quest; the man who balanced a thousand tribes on the -edge of his whetted scimitar; the man who now sent -forth his riders, recalling all who had scattered across -the plains.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Throughout the day Semiramis rested in the shade, -and slept; but when night was come she chose a few -from amongst her warrior-chiefs, then with Boabdul -and his brown-skinned Bedouins she slipped across the -sands. On camels they rode, those long-limbed, -lurching beasts that devoured the leagues with a -tireless, padding gait—that glided like ghosts beneath -the icy stars—that slid through the wastes of red -Arabia on a trail of death.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And in the silence of the night Semiramis raised her -eyes and arms and cried unto the stars:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, Ishtar, Ishtar, give over this devil to the -vengeance of my heart—keep, thou, my lord till I -come again to him at Nineveh!"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>King Ninus was mounted on a matchless steed of -Barbary, and his eagerness to be gone from out -Arabia kept pace with his matchless steed. Full well -he knew that Semiramis would follow after him; full -well he knew that, since Boabdul's arm was lost to -him, his hope lay eastward in the distant country of -India's King. Could he win to the Euphrates, cross -over it, and skirt the coast, coming at last to the river -Indus, he there might mock the huntings of all -Assyria, and bide his time till an army could be -raised—an army which should give him back his throne, -his power; for these King Ninus craved, and would -have them, though his years were few.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That Semiramis hunted him, was a thought of -bitterness in the monarch's heart, for he loved her -utterly; yet, since Prince Menon had risen from the -dead, a terror, also, rose, which vied with the -yearnings of his love and sent him eastward in a line as -straight as an arrow's flight. His steed outstripped -the flying Bedouins who had burst through Assyria's -lines, and soon the King sped on alone—alone on -the desert's fiery breast—and hour on hour he fled -from the vengeance of Semiramis.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At evening the King grew faint from heat and -his lips were parched with thirst, while even his -splendid mount was drooping, and faltered in its stride. -The wise steed scented the breath of a cool oasis -toward the north, and would have turned thereto, but -Ninus knew naught of the plainsman's lore and lashed -the wise one, racing him eastward in a dead straight -line.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus it came about that when night had fallen the -horse grew lame, so Ninus dismounted and rested -upon the sand. Then a cold wind rose, which sang -across the desert, searching his bones till he shivered -and cursed aloud; and the good steed shivered, also, -because of his sweating body and the lack of a -master's care. Naught had this stallion of Barbary -known save love and tenderness; and now, with -drooping head, he looked upon the cursing King, -and wondered. No covering was there to shield his -flanks against the cold; no water wherewith to bathe -his wind-burned nostrils; no hand to stroke his -muzzle in caress; no lips to croon the love-songs of the -land of Araby. The chill of the night had entered -into him, till he whinnied for the shelter of a master's -tent, and coughed in pain; then man and beast lay -down together in a hollow in the sands which Ninus -dug with his royal nails.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the warmth of morning came again, the two -went on their way; yet a red sun rose to harry them, -to pour its light upon them in a wavy glare; and the -stallion of Barbary reeled toward the east. Again -came night. Again came day—the pitiless, parching -day, when league on league of tawny desert -wrapped them round in a world of flame; when their -tongues were black and swollen from the pangs of -thirst, a thirst which took them by the throat and -shook them, a thirst which reached beyond and -gripped their hearts.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then, presently, the faithful steed could bear his -weight no more; he staggered and fell upon the sands -to die. King Ninus slew him, and, in the fury of -his thirst, he drank of the horse's blood; but the blood -was warm and brought no ease to him, for rather did -it spur his mad desire. Then the famished man rose -up and wandered away on the desert's breast—alone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>No more he fled from the anger of Semiramis -toward the east, but strayed in circles, while the -heat-waves danced before his eyes, causing a haze which -blinded him, till through it ran the twisted fancies of -a dream. Before him he spied a river gurgling -through the sands—a deep, sweet river, where the -cool palms waved upon its shores; so Ninus spread -his arms and rushed toward it eagerly. Yet, at his -coming, the waters fled away and melted as a morning -mist dissolves; then the King fell prone upon his face, -to bury his lips in a draught of the flaming sands. -To his knees he rose and lifted his hairy arms aloft, -whispering hoarsely to the gods on high; and unto -Ninus came the gods!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He saw them on the far horizon's line, gaunt spirits -sweeping down as the storm-king rides—red Ramân, -prince of lightnings and the thunder-bolt—the lord -god Asshur and his underlings of war and death; and -even as Ninus had set a sin on the shoulders of these -gods, so now they bore that sin, and the sin was in the -likeness of Prince Menon who had come at last to -reckon with his King. And the lord of the world -would have burrowed in the sands to hide himself, but -the spirit of a blind man pointed out the way, and -Ishtar's spirit snapped the leash of her spirit hounds.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Straight at their prey they sprang, but the King -was a King, and stood upon his feet to battle with -them mightily—to fight as his hands had fought -from childhood to declining years; yet now he was -old and the glory of his strength was spent. He felt -the teeth of Ishtar's hounds upon his throat, and, in -his madness, knew not that the deathly grip was of -thirst alone; so Ninus screamed and died—died battling, -as the man had battled all his days, yet Menon's -prophecy was a prophecy of truth.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>When the red sun, weary of his raging, sank -behind the desert's rim, Boabdul and Semiramis came -upon the ending of their trail. The King! On his -back he lay, his wide eyes staring at the heavens -whence his judgment came. The body of a King! -The shell of a spirit which had ruled the wills of -lesser men, which had conquered all save the spirits of -the gods alone, and, conquering, had used the world -as a sandal for his lordly feet. The body of a King; -yet now a King no more, but dust!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis looked down upon him, sorrowing—sorrowing -because of one who had cheated her in life, -as now he cheated her in death; but the Arab read -another tale in that kingly heap of dust, and spoke -to her in gentleness and in the ripened wisdom of his -years:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Grieve not, O Queen Shammuramat, because of a -vengeance that is lifted from out thy hands. Grieve -not, for of a truth King Ninus hath been crucified on -a wall of the desert's wrath."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-crowning-of-the-dead"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXXI</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE CROWNING OF THE DEAD</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Prince Ninyas, when he had brought his -warnings to the King, fled not with him into -Arabia, for he had no thought to risk his slothful -bones in the peril of a war; therefore he hired a -score of boatmen and was paddled up the Tigris till -he came again to Nineveh.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now in every land and in every city there are those -who suffer with the worms of a strange unrest, and -did their highest god come down to rule amongst -them they would find some cause for disaffection, -yearning for a change in government.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With men of this breed Prince Ninyas whispered, -promising that when the throne was his a reign of -peace should come to Nineveh, wherein the wormy -ones might look for the fruits of their souls' -desire; so, when the Queen returned, and report was -spread concerning the death of Ninus, then a million -infant lies were born. They waxed in strength, these -lies, till soon they muttered through the city streets; -yet, because of the whip-hand of Semiramis, they -muttered secretly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now secret discontent was ever hateful to the Queen, -for she held that a man should bring his grievance -to the stool of a justice, setting forth his wrongs in -the manner of a man, else hold his tongue; therefore -she sought to bring this trouble to a head and set her -heel upon it, swiftly and with weight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Through the streets ran scores of criers, with word -that on the morrow would the court be held before the -eyes of Nineveh; so when the morrow came the -streets were packed with multitudes that surged -toward the palace mound, waiting for weary hours -before the appointed time, in expectancy of uncommon -things. Dread whisperings went round about -concerning the Queen who had slain the King, and who -now would tax the people grievously, demanding their -wealth to supply a treasury made lean; thus -growlings arose on every hand, till the waiting crowds -swarmed to and fro and fought amongst themselves.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To the ears of the High Priest Nakir-Kish came -warnings of the Queen's intent; so he hastened unto -her, urging that she rule in wisdom, lest fierce internal -wars ferment throughout Assyria. Semiramis looked -upon him, smiling, and answered in a tone of softness -which was like unto the purring of a cat:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"For thy wise advice I pay in humble gratitude; -yet the tongue of a fool may oft' undo him by its -flutterings. Hold it, O Priest, and follow, thou, my -will this day, lest, one by one, my servants shall draw -thy teeth." She paused and looked upon him keenly -through her half closed lids. "It cometh to me that -Nakir-Kish was ever close to Ninus, even in sins. -Take, therefore, a further heed, lest thy bread be -eaten with slowness and in pain."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then the priest went out from the presence of -Semiramis, took council with himself and held his -tongue; wherein the man was wise, for to wag it -would bring him woe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The palace steps ran down from the royal mound -to an open square wherein were set the effigies of -lions and wingéd bulls, and here the sons of Nineveh -foregathered at the mandate of the Queen. At the -head of this stairway, before the palace doors, was -set Assyria's double throne, while about it stood a -ring of priests, and the chiefs of war in their -battle-gear. Then, presently, Semiramis came forth, -resplendent in her gem-sewn robes, and, descending the -palace steps to a middle distance, she raised her arms -to check the shouts of loud acclaim, then addressed the -multitude:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My children," she called, "it hath come to mine -ears that ye murmur amongst yourselves because of -foolishness and lies—because I would take away what -my hand hath given, and become a pilferer where ye -look to find a friend. Know, then, that I, -Shammuramat—Queen of Assyria—Mistress of the -World—ask naught from </span><em class="italics">any</em><span> man!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At her words a thunderous shouting rose, and men -danced madly in their joy on the open square. One -loud-mouthed warrior sprang upon the back of a -wingéd bull and bawled to his friends below:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Long reign the Queen! A curse on Ninyas—son -of Ninus—and the Prince of Liars! A curse -upon his evil tongue!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The curse was taken up by five score thousand -mouths, till the roarings rocked the palace mound, and -the din was great; then Semiramis once more raised -her arms and spoke to the seething multitude:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Naught do I ask, my children, in taxes or in -gifts; for now would I make a royal gift to you. -The King is dead! He died in a distant land, where -I followed after him because of his evil works. The -King is dead; yet now do I give to you another King!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She ceased. No shout arose, for her listeners -stood silent, wondering if she thought to set the liar, -Ninyas, on her throne; so they waited, each man -drawing in his breath.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Through the palace doors strode Huzim, bearing -a burden in his mighty arms—a burden which he set -on Assyria's double throne. A man it was, or the -semblance of a man, whose eyes were blind; whose -form was shrunken, and whose hands were curved in -the manner of horrid claws. This, then, was the -King whom Semiramis would give!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In silence the people gazed on Menon while one -might count a score, then from their throats came a -quivering wolf-lipped howl. No pæan of rejoicing -rode that tempest-gust of sound, but the snarl of men -whose passions were stirred to madness and to deeds -of blood. Would Semiramis dare to crown this -hideous thing?—this mockery of man who swayed -in weakness as he sat on high? Nay, better to set a -prince of liars on the throne! Better to crown a -graven effigy! So the people howled their wrath and -surged toward the palace steps, seeking to tear the -idol from a woman's shrine and stamp it in the dust.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>About Semiramis were gathered her chiefs of war, -Prince Asharal of Babylon, Boabdul Ben Hutt whose -scimitar could match a score of swords, Huzim the -faithful, Dagas who loved and whose shield was hers -in any cause, while many more stout arms were there -to work her will; but of these the Queen thought not -as she faced the coming throng.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ye dogs!" she stormed, "am I to be sickened by -the yelpings of your pack? Ye swine of Assyria! -who have fattened on the plenty of Shammuramat! -I who have puffed your bellies with the food of gods! -Have done! Go down in peace, nor lay your tongues -to idle mutterings! In peace, I say, lest I cease to -love you and destroy you utterly!" She paused for -an instant, then flung her hand toward her stricken -mate, lifting her voice that all might hear and heed: -"</span><em class="italics">On a throne King Menon sitteth, and shall sit! -Down! Down upon your knees and worship him, -who is lord of my heart and lord of all the world!</em><span>"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now those who would have rushed upon her, paused -at the very wonder of her love, and in that pause -Semiramis turned and made a sign to Nakir-Kish. -The High Priest would have set the crown on Menon's -head, but the head drooped forward, sinking upon his -breast. His little strength had ebbed. The tumult -of the populace below had seemed like the roar of -battle in his ears, though the meaning thereof was strange -to him, and he knew not that he was King. One -thought alone was in his heart—Semiramis!—and -to her he stretched his broken, wandering hands.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the Queen would have her will. She snatched -the crown from the High Priest Nakir-Kish and set -it on Menon's brow—a brow which now would never -feel its royal weight, for a dead man slid from -Assyria's throne and fell upon his face.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And the people shouted not, but were very still, for -beside the crownless King a weeping woman knelt—forgetful -that the swine of all Assyria looked upon -her grief—knowing only that the Mistress of the -World had </span><em class="italics">lost</em><span> her world.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="a-war-queen-s-prophecy"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXXII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">A WAR QUEEN'S PROPHECY</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Once more the priests and the chiefs of war -foregathered at the mandate of the Queen; and now -they waited not on the palace steps, but assembled in -the council hall, that spacious chamber where, in days -of old King Ninus was wont to issue his commands. -There, through its open end, could be seen the Tigris, -chanting a wordless song as it ran to a chanting sea; -there hung proud trophies of the battle and the chase; -there, on the walls, were the carven </span><em class="italics">steles</em><span> of Ninus, -each telling a tale of a monarch's mighty deeds.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And to those who waited there, Semiramis came at -last; no longer clothed in the splendor of her -gem-sewn robes, or the glory of her battle-gear. She -wore a garb of mourning, and on the flame-hued -locks was set no diadem save a crown of withered -leaves. In silence she came into the hall, and in -silence took her seat upon the throne. In silence she -looked on the men before her—men who had followed -through the desert's fire and the storm of many -a war; then the Queen arose and spoke:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My brothers," she began, "brothers in battle and -the pleasant ways of peace, your sister Shammuramat -is sad. The King is dead; yet I grieve not for the -King. The king of my heart is dead, and I grieve -for him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She paused. Her warrior brothers bowed their -heads, and each man hid his eyes in the hollow of his -hand; then the Queen spoke on:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And now will I reign alone! Alone, till it -pleaseth Ishtar to call me unto one who will wait and -listen for my footsteps coming in the night. And so -will I reign alone! Yet harken, ye children of -Assyria, and ye who write on tablets and the graven -</span><em class="italics">stele</em><span>! In after-days the sons of men will say of me -that Shammuramat was one of an evil heart!—that -her heart was for war, for blood, for pillage, and the -conquering of all the earth! They will say that she -slew the King—slew him in brutish lust for a -lesser man! They will say that she ruled with a rod -of might, and set ambition on a higher altar than the -altar of her gods! All this, and more, will run from -the babbling tongues of men—</span><em class="italics">and Shammuramat -will strive to make it true!</em><span>"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once more she paused and looked upon her wondering -warriors.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Heed, then, my brothers who will marvel at my -wrathful days to come! Heed ye and remember one -who hath wrought this evil in my soul! The King! who -hath crucified a woman's love! The King! who -hath torn a woman's heart from out her breast and -set a raging devil as the master of her blood! So -harken, ye children of Assyria, and ye who write on -tablets and the graven </span><em class="italics">stele</em><span>! Remember! And now -make ready for a war!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A war?" cried Nakir-Kish, who knew that the -nations rested on their arms and were at peace. -"What war?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Semiramis turned upon him with a cry of consuming -rage, and with the scepter of an hundred lands -she smote him across his mouth. The High Priest -Nakir-Kish went down before her throne, and she -raised her eyes on high and called aloud:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Dear Ishtar, hear the fool who asketh me what war!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She turned to her brother warriors, her children of -the sword, grim, battle-scarred, and faithful unto -death; and to them she stretched her empty arms and -opened her empty heart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"War! War!" she cried. "I care not where -nor how, so be it that we war! </span><em class="italics">Rise Babylon—and -sink Assyria!</em><span>"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 6em"> -</div> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="backmatter"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst" id="pg-end-line"><span>*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK </span><span>SEMIRAMIS</span><span> ***</span></p> -<div class="cleardoublepage"> -</div> -<div class="language-en level-2 pgfooter section" id="a-word-from-project-gutenberg" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<span id="pg-footer"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><span>A Word from Project Gutenberg</span></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>We will update this book if we find any errors.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This book can be found under: </span><a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/42822"><span>http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/42822</span></a></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no one -owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation (and -you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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