Semiramis and the Throne of Ninus

The Syrian Semiramis was a poor wench, kept by one of Ninus’ slaveg, till Ninus meeting herand taking a fancy to her, at length doted upon her to that degree that she not only governed him as she pleased, but contemned him; so that, finding that she had got the absolute mastery over him, she became so bold as to desire him to do her the favor to see her sit but one day upon the throne, with the royal diadem ie her head, dispatching the public business. ‘The king consented, and gave order to all his officers to yield her the same obedience as to himself, At first she was very moderate in her commands, only to make trial of the guards about her; but when she saw that they obeyed her without the least hesitation or murmuring, she commanded them first to lay hold of Ninus himself, then to bind him, at length to kill him. Which being done, she took the government upon herself, and reigned victoriously over all Asia.