When Cush returned from the campaigns he had waged across the breadth of the world, behold, Nimrod was already wed. And because he had taken a wife without the blessing of his father, strife arose in no small measure, until at last it ripened into open rupture. For Cush would not abide the pretended divinity of Semiramis, and even less did he tolerate it for this cause: that he deemed the sacred lineage of Ham to stand above all others, and thus required that the sons and daughters sprung from his loins should take spouses only from that same consecrated blood.
Yet Nimrod's resolve was unyielding, for he held himself lord of his own destiny, and his strength waxed daily, seeing that he had raised for himself a dominion independent of Cush. Moreover, the counsel of Semiramis bore greatly upon him, and she urged him ever to resist the demands of his father.
Now it came to pass that on a certain occasion Cush held a great feast in Babylon, to celebrate the laying of the foundations of that tower which in later days would be named Babel. This was the day also wherein his birth was commemorated; and thither came the self-proclaimed divine pair, leaving behind the ease of their dwellings in Egypt, and journeying unto the plain of Shinar under the pretense of offering a gift unto the mighty king: a thousand slaves, sound of limb and strong of body, to be set to labor upon the raising of that proud and towering work.
But Cush refused the gift, and in his palace would not receive his son nor the fair woman at his side. Then was Nimrod deeply affronted, and in wrath he entered the royal house with his personal guard, seeking to demand an answer before the sovereign.
Now Cush had sworn by the names of his gods that his son should not behold his face again until he had made himself worthy of his presence. Yet, desiring in some measure to soften the enmity between them, he had sent letters unto him while he yet abode in Thebes, declaring that if he would cast aside the foreign princess, he would be received without delay in Babylon.
This new affront Nimrod took ill; and he bided his time until an hour should present itself in which he might confront his father within his own stronghold. In those days, by the counsel of Semiramis, he made war upon Phoenicia, and thereby his throne was greatly strengthened. Yet this ambition stirred unease in Cush, for Egypt and Phoenicia had belonged of old to Mizraim and Canaan, his brothers. But more grievous to him still was the knowledge that the prince of Ethiopia had grown heedless of his commands, and now advanced toward Babylon with his wife and a great company of nobles.
In truth, Cush might have received him gladly, for Nimrod had become mighty and renowned throughout the earth. Yet because he had taken to wife a stranger, he rejected him all the more, and commanded his servants that he should not be welcomed within the city.
And it came to pass, while the king sat upon his throne delighting in the dance of Nubian women, that Nimrod entered unbidden. Proud was his bearing, and untempered his manner, as he strode into the hall and brought the dancers and the musicians alike to silence. Cush beheld him, and with a calm uncharacteristic of him, allowed his son to speak first.
And Nimrod addressed him, his voice anointed with irony:
"From afar have I come to honor the king—yet no door is opened unto me."
Then Cush answered, his voice untroubled:
"Corpses are not admitted to feasts. They draw the flies."
At this Nimrod's countenance darkened, yet he mastered himself and spoke again:
"My father! I have come in peace and with the most generous intent. Therefore honor thy son before these guests, and receive me into thy presence."
But the king of Babylon replied without change of tone:
"Thou hast defied my command and broken into my house. How then shall I welcome thee? Did I not swear by the right hand of my father Cronos that thou shouldst not behold my face until thou wert made worthy of me? Wouldst thou withstand the king and yet live?"
At these words, for the first time in his life, Nimrod felt the shadow of peril fall upon him; yet it was not in his nature to retreat. Therefore he turned to the language of diplomacy:
"Long life and prosperity to the king! My coming hath no other purpose than to praise thee for the unheard-of conquests of thy mighty arm."
Then Cush beckoned him closer, and when they stood face to face, the king whispered:
"Glorify me before these my guests, and I shall greatly honor thee. Know that thou hast offended my authority, and given no heed to my oath; thus thou hast left me no course but to put thee to death."
Nimrod stepped back and said:
"What wouldst thou have me do, my father?"
And the king answered at once:
"Dismiss this wife of thine this very day, and I shall raise thee to honor. Give me proof of thy loyalty, and thou shalt sit at my right hand."
But lo! to the astonishment of the king, Semiramis, though standing afar, had heard the whisper. And she rose at once, and came to stand beside her husband. Taking Nimrod's hand, she spoke, unbidden:
"My lord and I have no wish to mar the king's feast. Forget that which thou hast taken for offense, and we shall depart without further discord. As for the oath thou hast sworn, fulfill it on the morrow or the next—for even time itself serves the king."
Cush smiled with bitter scorn and answered:
"Daughter of Enlil! Thinkest thou to come into my house and command me before my guests? Thy demon's charms hold no power over me!"
Yet she, untouchable as the stars, replied:
"Be not hasty in thy thoughts, O Cush. If thou knowest who is my father, thou shouldst also know that even the king of Babylon is in this world to serve me. Today thou shalt cast us out; but I say unto thee, before the sun hath thrice risen in the east, thou shalt seek us as one seeks a hidden mine, and with supplication shalt bring us back, to receive us with honors fit only for gods."
Then the king of Babylon mocked her words, and said of Nimrod:
"A fine heir thou wouldst have been! Nimrod, firstborn of Cush, hath sold himself to be ruled by a woman! My word I give—and this very day I shall fulfill it. Ye and your servants shall not depart hence until ye are made corpses!"
And striking his hands together, he cried:
"Guards!"
But none came.
Again he shouted, more fiercely:
"Guards!"
Then Semiramis smiled and said:
"The king's guard cannot answer, for they are overcome by our archers."
"What is it that ye intend?" cried Cush.
And she answered, now in full command:
"We desired peace—but now we see it is no longer possible. To ensure our safety, I have commanded our finest men, and they have taken the sons of Cush as hostages. When we have journeyed a day's distance, they shall be released. Then may the king fulfill the oath he hath sworn."
"Cursed be ye!" roared Cush. "Leave my city at once! Yet by the glory of Cronos I swear—I shall pursue you as a flea and overtake you before the third moon! Begone from my sight!"
Then Semiramis laughed once more and answered his earlier mockery:
"The king shall not see us again—nor shall he see the moon upon the third day."
Thus they departed from Babylon; and as she had promised, Semiramis released the hostages after a day's journey. Yet on the following day messengers came forth from Babylon and fell before Nimrod, saying:
"Our lord the king hath sent us. The ruler of Babylon lies grievously ill upon his bed, and entreats thy presence with all haste!"
But Nimrod answered, unshaken:
"Return by the way ye came, and say unto the king that the gods have heard the words of his oath, and I shall no longer behold his face."
At this the men fell upon their faces and pleaded:
"My lord! Thy father stands at the brink of death and implores thee to come without delay!"
Yet he replied:
"I shall not oppose the will of the gods. Here shall I remain and wait. Return unto Babylon, and when ye arrive, ye shall find my father dead. Bury him with the honors he deserves, and then come again unto me."
And as the messengers rose to depart, Semiramis came forth and spoke before Nimrod:
"When ye have performed the king's funeral rites, gather without delay the seventy sons of Cush and slay them, so that none remain. Then sound the trumpet throughout the city, and proclaim in every street that Nimrod reigns in Babylon."