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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/26553-8.txt b/26553-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d780130 --- /dev/null +++ b/26553-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,3248 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Turandot: The Chinese Sphinx, by +Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller + +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 Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Turandot: The Chinese Sphinx + +Author: Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller + +Translator: Sabilla Novello + +Release Date: September 7, 2008 [EBook #26553] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TURANDOT: THE CHINESE SPHINX *** + + + + +Produced by Chuck Greif + + + + + + + + +TURANDOT: + +THE CHINESE SPHINX. + +A DRAMATIC ODDITY + +FREELY TRANSLATED FROM SCHILLER, + +AND CORDIALLY INSCRIBED TO + +LADY PERCY FLORENCE SHELLEY + +BY + +SABILLA NOVELLO. + +LONDON: S. FRENCH, 89, STRAND. + +1872. + +Price One Shilling. + + + + + +Personages. + +ALTOUM, Khan of the Celestial Empire. + +PANTALOON, his Prime Minister. + +TARTAGLIA, Lord Chancellor. + +TRUFFALDIN, Keeper of the Hareem. + +BRIGHELLA, Captain of the Imperial Black Guards. + +KALAF, Prince of Tartary. + +BARAK, his former Tutor. + +ISHMAEL. + +DOCTORS of THE DIVAN. + +_Courtiers, Guards, Priests, Slaves of the Hareem._ + +TURANDOT, Heiress to the Celestial throne: generally known +as "The Chinese Sphinx." + +SKIRINA, her attendant, wife to Barak. + +ADELMA, Princess of Keicobad, slave to Turandot. + +_Female slaves of the Hareem._ + +SCENE.--_Peking and its environs._ + + + + +TURANDOT: THE CHINESE SPHINX. + + + + +ACT I. + + +SCENE.--Outskirts of Peking. L. View of town gate, above which +are reared long poles, bearing turbaned and shorn heads, symmetrically +disposed so as to form a kind of architectural ornament. +R. Small suburban dwellings, from one of which issues PRINCE +KALAF, dressed in a fantastic Tartar warrior's costume. + + +KALAF. + +The Gods be thanked, at last by patient seeking, +I've found a lodging in this crowded Peking. + +(Enter BARAK, in Persian costume; sees KALAF and starts, surprised.) + + +BARAK. + +Prince Kalaf? 'tis not possible. He's dead! +Yet, sure 'tis he--his eyes--his legs--his head,-- +My Lord! + + +KALAF. + +What--Barak! here--alive? + + +BARAK. + +And kicking. +But how escaped you from that fatal licking +The Bey of Tefflis gave us all in battle? +Your father's troops were slaughtered off like cattle, +And you, my Prince, we thought, were slain or taken; +So off I fled to save, at least, _my_ bacon. +I found a refuge in this queer old city; +A widow married me for love--or pity. +We live like happy doves in yonder cot,-- +My only grief,--the thought of your sad lot. + + +KALAF. + +We never thought to meet again, dear Tutor,-- +In China too! + + +BARAK. + +For years I've taken root here. +But, dearest Prince, how was it, tell me, pray, +You 'scaped the perils of that dreadful day? + + +KALAF. + +Breathe not my name! A price is on my head; +I've roamed from land to land; have toiled for bread. +As slave I served the Shah of Keicobad; +This King a fair and gracious daughter had, +Who guessed my birth, and offered me her heart. +Her haughty father bade me quick depart; +With horse and arms he furnished me. I'm here +T' enlist myself as Chinese volunteer; +I hope to serve the Son of Moon and Stars +In some crack regiment of Light Hussars. +But what's the meaning of the crowds that flood +Each caravanserah? Refused I stood +By all, till in yon house I found, at least +Accommodation for myself and beast. + + +BARAK. + +In that trim cottage lives my wife. 'Tis lucky +She proved herself in house-letting so plucky. + + +KALAF. + +I give you joy, old friend; you're married snugly, +Your wife (for a Chinese) is not so ugly, +And kind as kind can be, though somewhat droll, +Adieu,--I'll through the city take a stroll. +And then proceed to visit the great Khan, +And beg him to engage me as his man. + + +BARAK. + +Stay, Prince, how rash!--you do not know your danger: +'Tis evident to Peking you're a stranger. +To-day a horrid deed will be enacted,-- +A cruel death, by Turandot exacted. +Have you not heard that Turandot the fair +Has filled this land with bloodshed and despair? + + +KALAF. + +'Tis true I heard, in distant Keicobad, +Accounts of Turandot, so strange, so sad, +That I believed them false,--exaggerated. +'Twas said the Prince of Keicobad, ill-fated, +Had met his death by Turandot's command; +His father, in revenge, assailed this land, +But lost his life; my patroness, his daughter, +By chance escaped unhurt the gen'ral slaughter, +And slave was made to haughty Turandot: +All this I heard, but credited it not. + + +BARAK. + +Too true is all you've heard through common rumour, +The Princess Turandot's ferocious humour +Has many princes caused to lose their life +In seeking to obtain her as a wife. +Her beauty is so wonderful, that all +As willing victims to her mandate fall; +In vain do various painters daily vie +To limn her rosy cheek, her flashing eye, +Her perfect form, and noble, easy grace, +Her flowing ebon locks and radiant face. +Her charms defy all portraiture: no hand +Can reproduce her air of sweet command. +Yet e'en such counterfeits, from foreign parts +Attract fresh suitors,--win all hearts. +But she, whose outward semblance thus appears +To be Love's temple, such fierce hatred bears +To all marital sway, or marriage tie, +That rather than submit to man, she'd die. +Great kings and princes, all have sued in vain, +One glance of love or pity to obtain. + + +KALAF. + +In Keicobad I heard this oft-told tale, +But thought it paradoxical--and stale. + + +BARAK. + +'Tis true. Her poor old father's in despair, +For China's throne is now without an heir; +He longs for her to wed some prince or other, +And not perplex him with continual bother. +He's of an age to live in peace and quiet, +And not be plagued with wars and civil riot; +He's tried all means his daughter's mind to soften, +Has often sternly threatened--coaxed as often; +Used prayers for such a monarch _infra dig_-- +But all in vain; she's headstrong as a pig. +At length she said she'd make a compromise, +The Khan consented--(he's not over-wise!) +His artful daughter wheedled him to swear, +By great Fo-hi, that she should never wear +The hateful Hymeneal yoke, unless +Some suitor for her hand should rightly guess +Three difficult conundrums by herself composed: +But if the man who for her hand proposed +Should fail to solve her problems--then his pate +Should be struck off, and grace the city-gate. + + +KALAF. + +Why, what a tigress must this Princess be! +I never heard such cruelty--Bless me! + + +BARAK. + +Already kings and princes by the dozen +She's managed by her subtlety to cozen; +For she's so clever that she always diddles +The keenest wits by her confounding riddles. + + +KALAF. + + +As wife, decidedly I should decline her, +She's made of dragon-pattern stony China. +What fools her suitors are, their hearts to fix on +So termagant and bloodthirsty a vixen! + + +BARAK. + +So fascinating is she, none withstand her, +All men for her do nothing but philander. +Behold on yonder gate the ghastly row +Of livid heads set up in dismal show. +All these belonged to men who dared to hope +With Turandot in subtlety to cope. +To-day a prince is led to execution, +Who failed to give her riddles due solution. +That is the reason of the noise you hear, +Pray go not to the town. + + +KALAF. + +What should I fear? + + +BARAK. + +The bloody spectacle your nerves might shake; +The severed head is fastened to a stake. + +(_Gong sounds within the city watts._) + +But hark! yon tantan's loud infernal dinning, +Tells that the tragedy is now beginning. + + +KALAF. + +A monster like this princess should be strangled, +Her body by wild horses torn and mangled. + + +BARAK. + +To all she is not cruelly inclined, +'Tis Man she hates; to women she's most kind. +Within her royal hareem serves my wife, +And with her mistress leads a happy life. +The only fault of Turandot is pride,-- +Her many virtues cannot be denied. + + +KALAF. + +Who comes this way? + + +BARAK. + +'Tis Ishmael, the friend +Of him who just has met his tragic end. + +_Enter_ ISHMAEL, _weeping_. + + +ISH. + +His life is o'er! Ah, would the cruel knife +Had struck my worthless self, and spared his life. + + +BARAK. + +Bear up, good friend, I pity you sincerely, +Your master for his love has paid too dearly. +Why did you not dissuade him from the trial-- + + +ISH. + +My prayers he met with kind, but firm denial. +His dying words still echo in mine ear-- +"Good friend," he said, "to die I do not fear; +My life's a blank if without _her_ I live. +Speed to my father,--beg him to forgive +His hapless son, who staked his life on one +Whose face is fair, whose heart is cold as stone. +Shew him this portrait: (_takes a miniature from his +breast_) when its charms he views, +My frenzied love, my rashness he'll excuse." +This said, he clasped the portrait to his breast, +Fond kisses on its icy beauty pressed; +Then bent his head, and closed his eyes, +The death blow fell, and sent him to the skies. + +(_Dashes the portrait to the ground._) + +Away, thou false deceit! thou cause of woe, +Th' original I'd trample even so. +To dust I'd grind her tiger heart;--her soul, +I'd send to Eblis' region dark and foul! (_Exit_.) + + +BARAK. + +Are you convinced? + + +KALAF. + +I'm perfectly amazed. +How can a painted semblance thus have crazed +So sensible a prince? (_Stoops to pick it up._) + + +BARAK. + +For heaven's sake, +Avoid that picture as you would a snake. + + +KALAF (_smiling_). + +No harm will happen, dear old tutor, sure +From picking up a picture from the floor. +No woman yet has caused my heart to throb,-- +Shall painted lines my soul of freedom rob? + +(_Barak endeavours to prevent Kalaffrom beholding +the miniature; Kalaf puts him aside, and gazes +on it for some time in silence._) + +Ye gods! an angel's face. Oh ecstacy! + + +BARAK. + +Now, there; he's caught. I knew how it would be! + + +KALAF. + + +Beneath this beaming smile, these lustrous eyes, +There cannot lurk a cruel heart of ice. + + +BARAK. + + + +I tell you she's the wickedest of creatures; +Oh, gaze not on the Syren's fatal features, +More baneful than the Gorgon head, Medusa. + + +KALAF. + +Hush, hush, I will not hear you thus abuse her, +I never saw a face and form diviner; +Her's is not mortal clay, but porcelain China, +Some magic power, some demon, I know not, +Enchains my soul to beauteous Turandot. + +(_Gazes enraptured on the miniature._) + +These eyes to meet, these rosy lips to kiss, +Who would not hazard all to win such bliss? +My senses reel, my veins are all afire! +Good Barak, help me to my heart's desire. +Her stern ordeal I'll undergo--to solve +Her problems or to die, is my resolve. + + +BARAK. + +Desist from your intention, I conjure you, +Let my remonstrance of this madness cure you. + + +KALAF. + +You speak in vain. My fortune now or never, +Shall be ensured for aye, or lost for ever. +One stroke will end my life, or I shall gain +The fairest woman e'er beheld, and reign +An Emperor of Chang's celestial state. +O smile upon my hopes, benignant Fate! + +(_During this speech, a Chinese executioner has +appeared on the city gate, bearing a pole upon +which is fixed a turbaned head: he places it in +the row, and disappears._) +But tell me, Barak, shall I in divan +Behold the lovely daughter of the Khan? + + +BARAK. + +A spectacle more thrilling now behold, +That head just smitten off. My blood runs cold, +To think that yours may be thus closely shaven. + + +KALAF. + +Nay, fear is not for princes--I'm no craven. + +(_Contemplates the head with compassion._) + +Poor youth, deserving of a better fate. + + +BARAK. + +Sweet prince, renounce th' attempt. + + +KALAF. + +Too late, too late! + + +BARAK. + +I fear you'll fail to guess the Sphinx's riddles. + + +KALAF. + +I'll cut the Gordian knots right down their middles! +I'm not so stupid as some folks suppose; +'Twill not be easy my quick wit to pose. +I fancy I shall come off with _éclat_; +But if I fail, it does not matter, pshaw! +If in this enterprise I lose my life, +Present my compliments to your good wife; +My horse be hers, in payment of her trouble. +Heigho! this world's a dream, and life's a bubble! + +(_Going. Enter_ SKIRINA _from the cottage._) + +Reveal my name to none. Nay, do not cry, +You've wept me once before as dead. Goodbye. + + +SKIR. + +Why, what's the matter? You are melancholy. + + +BARAK. + +Oh, help me, wife, restrain this youth's mad folly; +He's off to Peking--means to dare the Sphinx! + + +SKIR. + +He's sure to die--my heart within me sinks! +What put such silly nonsense in your head? +You've got brain fever; bless you, go to bed. + + +KALAF. + +Pray save your breath. My fever needs no nurse +But Turandot's fair hand. Here, take my purse, +I have no farther need of money; for +I either die, or shall become an Emperor. + +(_Exit hastily into the city gate._) + + +BARAK (_following him_). + +Dear master, hear me; stay; all, all in vain; +I ne'er shall see his blessèd face again! + + +SKIR. + +You know my stranger-guest? how very funny, +Let's try to catch him, and return his money. + + +BARAK. + +Wife, be not curious; no questions ask, +He's gifted with such mental powers, the task +Of coping with the Sphinx he may achieve-- +His doom unto the gods we now must leave. + + +SKIR. + +We'll sacrifice a pig to great Fo-hi, +He'll perhaps contrive your handsome friend shan't die. + +(_Exeunt into the cottage._) + +END OF ACT I. + + + + +ACT II. + +SCENE.--_Grand saloon of the Divan._ L. _Doors leading to the +Emperor's apartment._ R. _Doors leading to_ TURANDOT'S _Hareem_. +_Black slaves discovered, engaged in setting the saloon in order;_ +TRUFFALDIN _majestically directing them_. + + +TRUF. + +Come, look alive! His Majesty's Divan +Will soon assemble. Now, look sharp, my man! +A carpet for this throne; here sits her Highness; +Bring brooms, and sweep up all this horrid dry mess. + +(_Enter_ BRIGHELLA, _looking around wonderingly_.) + + +BRIG. + + +I say, Truffaldin, what's this grand array? +The high Divan again--twice in one day? + + +TRUF. (_without minding him_). + + +Eight seats here for the doctors! +They're all muffs, +But look imposing in their brocade stuffs. + + +BRIG. + + +Truffaldin, do you hear? What is the matter? + + +TRUF. + + +How dare you make such a confounded clatter? +You stupid, don't you know the whole Divan +Are called to meet as quickly as they can? +Another suitor for my mistress' heart +Is anxious from his silly head to part. + + +BRIG. + + +For shame! Three hours ago one victim fell. + + +TRUF. + + +This new pretender seems a precious swell. +His curly poll will grace the hangman's pole, +A charming barber's block, upon my soul! +'Twill cut a figure in our "_Rotten Row_;" +I think that jest is witty--Ho, ho, ho! + + +BRIG. + +Your soul in blackness with your visage vies-- +You grin whene'er a fellow-creature dies. + + +TRUF. + +You jackanapes! None of your paltry spite; +My heart's not black,--your liver 'tis that's white; +So hold your jaw. Why should I grieve to see +That men for love such arrant fools can be? +The more the merrier; for on each day, +Our Princess 'scapes a husband's dreaded sway; +She gives us all a good jollification, +Besides munificent gratification. + + +BRIG. + +How barbarous. + + +TRUF. + +Now, don't you be so silly. +Her suitors are not dragged here willy-nilly; +They know the journey here their heads may cost 'em, +But 'tis no loss; for they've already lost 'em. +Perhaps that's why the riddles they can't guess, +And always fall into a hideous mess. +I'm sure my charming mistress is most lenient +To have devised a method so convenient +To rid herself, and China, of such geese; +Much harder tasks,--to fetch the golden fleece-- +Or singing water--or the talking bird-- +Were formerly exacted, as I've heard. +My lovely Highness is not so inhuman, +She only tests her sweethearts' fine acumen; +And if she must submit to husband's rule, +At least she'll not be governed by a fool. + +(_March music is heard._) + + +BRIG. + +The royal trumpets sound. Hark, don't you hear 'em. + + +TRUF. + +I'll run t'escort my Princess from her hareem. +Be off! and guard the palace portals, +Let none pass thro' but Mandarin-born mortals. + +(_Exeunt severally._) + +(_Enter guards and musicians; then eight doctors pedantically +dressed;_ PANTALOON _and_ TARTAGLIA _in characteristic costumes; +then the_ KHAN ALTOUM, _in extravagantly rich attire, he ascends his +throne_, PANT. and TART. _station themselves near it_. _At his entrance, +all prostrate themselves, their foreheads to the ground, and remain +thus until he is seated._ _At a sign from_ PANTALOON, _the march +ceases_.) + + +ALT. + +Good folk, behold your monarch much perplexed, + +I must confess I'm seriously vexed. +My daughter's obstinacy quite unnerves me, +Such unforeseen and jadish tricks she serves me. +One charming prince was killed this morn, at six; +Another's just arrived,--I'm in a fix, +And worritted to death by constant butch'ry, +Of lovers caught by my fair daughter's witch'ry; +But yet I cannot break my oath. Fo-hi +Has heard my vow; his wrath I dar'n't defy. +Prime Minister, can't you some project form +And be your monarch's rudder thro' this storm? + + +PANT. + +Celestial Majesty-- + + +ALT. + +What do you say? + + +PANT. (_aside_.) + +The loudest bawling's all time thrown away! +He's deaf as any post--a perfect dummy-- +It's no use preaching wisdom to a mummy. +I wish I were in Venice back again! +I had to fly her happy shores, on pain +Of being hanged, or losing liberty, +Because the bigwigs thought my tongue too free. +I hoped, as minister, I was secure +To fatten in an easy sinecure; +Instead of which, I've not one moment's leisure; +No carnival, nor any Christian pleasure. +But constant squabbles, tears, and imprecations, +Divans, beheadings, sphinxes,--I've lost patience! +I'll quit this land of pigtails, gongs, and teas; +Return to Italy, and live at ease. + + +ALT. + +I _see_ you're talking; speak a little louder. + + +PANT. (_aside_.) + +He wouldn't hear the bursting of gunpowder. + + +ALT. + +Tartaglia, have you seen this poor young fellow? + + +TART. (_stammering, until he speaks Italian very glibly_)-- + +Y-y-your h-hi-high-ness, y-y-es, a-and f-f-found h-hi-him--_molto bello_. + + +ALT. + +What do you say? + + +TART. + +S-so p-p-please y-your M-majesty, +(_aside_) _Non posso più! che sordo! sapresty!_ + + +ALT. + +Then bring this suitor to divan at once. (_Exit guards._) +We'll urge him the hard trial to renounce. + + +PANT. + +I'll try my best; + + +ALT. + +What do you say? + + +PANT. (_aside_.) + +But fear +He'll be as deaf as you, and will not hear. + +(_Enter_ KALAF, _with guards_. _He kneels before the Khan, with +his hands to his forehead._ ALTOUM _regards him with pity_.) + + +ALT. + +Arise, rash man. +(_Aside_.) Ah, what a gallant youth, +Behead him? 'Twould be quite a shame, in sooth. +(_aloud_) Say, who art thou? From what far distant land +Dost come to seek in marriage that fair hand +Which only royal blood may justly claim? + + +KAL. + +Great Khan, permit me to conceal my name; +My lineage justifies my bold desire. + + +PANT. + +I'm sure he's nobly born and nurtured, sire. + + +ALT. + +What do you say? + + +PANT. (_despairingly_.) + +It doesn't signify. + + +ALT. + +'Twould break my aged heart to see thee die. +I'd save thy life if possible. Oh, quit +The sharp encounter with my child's keen wit. +My heart and eyes are sickened by the blood +That's daily shed. + + +KAL. + +Your Majesty's too good. + + +ALT. + +I'm captivated by thy noble air; +With thee my royal throne I'll gladly share. +So thou but force me not to take thy life; +Avoid the fatal Sphinx--give up the strife. + + +KAL. + + +My thanks are all I have, and these I give; +But without Turandot I will not live. +My motto is, "Or death, or Turandot." + + +PANT. (_aside_.) + +He really is a most pig-headed sot! +(_aloud_) Young man, you cannot know the risk you run. +Th' alternative's in earnest--not in fun. +Dame Turandot will spin you a tough riddle, +That's not to be "got thro' like any fiddle." +Not such as this, which any child might guess-- +(Though the Emperor could not, I must confess;) +"_What gives a cold, cures a cold, and pays the doctor's bill?_" +Not short enigmas lightly disentangled; +Hard nuts you'll have to crack, fresh made, new-fangled; +And if you cannot guess them all _instanter_, +Your head will be struck off--I do not banter. +You'll have to answer rightly in a twink; +Your head once off, you'll have no time to think. + + +KAL. + +Your warning's vain: "Or death or Turandot." + + +PANT. (_aside_.) + +For all my sermon he don't care one jot. + + +TART. + +D-d-dear s-sir, l-let m-me p-persuade you. _Lasci stare_ +Th-this d-dr-dread-f-ful st-str-strife, _bruttissimo affare_. + + +KAL. + +Again I say, "Or death, or Turandot." + + +TART. + +H-he-he's ho-hope-l-l-less-l-ly in l-lo-love. _L'è proprio cot._ + + +ALT. + +As no persuasion moves this headstrong man, +Go, summon Turandot to this divan. + +(_Exit guards._) + +(KALAF, _violently agitated, gazes towards the hareem entrance_.) + + +KAL. + +She comes--her beauty will enchant my sight, +Ye Gods, inspire my mind with sapient might! + +(_March heard._ _Enter_ TRUFFALDIN, _with his drawn sabre on his +shoulder_. _Black male and female slaves, beating tantans and +cymbals._ ADELMA, _in Tartar costume, and_ SKIRINA, _both veiled_. +ADELMA _carries a salver upon which are sealed papers_. TRUFFALDIN +_and male slaves prostrate themselves as they pass_ ALTOUM'S _throne; +the female slaves kneel, with their hands to their forehead_. _Then +appears_ TURANDOT, _veiled, in rich Chinese costume_. _The courtiers +and doctors prostrate themselves before her._ ALTOUM _rises; the +Princess makes him a slight inclination, with her hands to her +forehead, then ascends the throne, and seats herself_; ADELMA _and_ +SKIRINA _on either side, the former nearest the audience_. TRUFFALDIN +_takes the salver from_ ADELMA, _and with exaggerated ceremony, +distributes the papers to the eight doctors, and resumes his place. +March ceases._) + + +TUR. (_haughtily_.) + +Once more a vain aspirant for my hand, +Compels me here before you all to stand. +This rash intruder, who thus fondly thinks +To overcome in wit the Chinese Sphinx, +Must little prize his life. His downfall's sore. + + +ALT. + +There stands the man. Now don't be so demure. +He's young and handsome, do have some compassion, +Don't doubly kill him, in your usual fashion. +Accept him as your husband, my sweet daughter, +Don't keep us any longer in hot water. + + +TUR. (_after gazing at_ KALAF, _aside to_ SKIRINA)-- + +Skirina, what can ail me? Heigho! surely +This can't be love--I feel so faint--quite poorly. +No man has ever touched my heart--but now +For this sweet youth I feel--I don't know how. +In all my life I never felt so queer. + + +SKIR. + +At last you've fall'n in love; that's very clear. +So much the better! make your riddles plain. +And then he needn't puzzle his poor brain. + + +TUR. + +Nay, peace, Skirina, recollect my glory. + +(ADELMA _has observed_ KALAF _with emotion_.) + + +ADELMA. + +'Tis he! my former slave. I guessed his story. +My heart was right, he's one of noble birth. + + +TUR. + +Young prince, I clearly recognise your worth. +Be wise in time. Relinquish your attempt. +Too arduous is the trial. Do not tempt +The Fates. I am not cruel, as they say, +But shun the yoke of Man's despotic sway. +In virgin freedom would I live and die; +The meanest hind may claim this boon,--shall I, +The daughter of an emperor, not have +That birthright which belongs to all? Be slave +To brutish force, that makes your sex our lord? +Why does my hand such tempting bait afford? +The gods have made me beauteous, rich, and wise, +Presumptuous man considers me his prize. +If nature dowered me with bounteous treasure +You tyrants think 'twas all to serve your pleasure. +Why should my person, throne, and wealth be booty +To one harsh, jealous master? No, all beauty +Is heaven's gift, and like the sun, should shine +To glad earth's children, and their souls refine. +I hate proud man, and like to make him feel +He may not crush free woman 'neath his heel. + + +KAL. + +Such high-souled sentiments, so fine a mind, +Transcendent grace and beauty, all combin'd +Must justify my love and seeming boldness. +I ne'er accused you of disdain or coldness. +I duly honour maidenly reserve.-- +Your favour I pretend not to deserve; +But who would not risk all, with blindfold eyes,-- +To win a heaven on earth,--a Paradise? +Each day do we not see, for smaller gain, +Great captains brave the dangers of the main? +For glory's empty bubble thousands perish, +Above all treasures your fair hand I cherish; +Your heart and not your throne, is my desire; +Condemn me not if madly I aspire. + + +SKIR. (_aside to_ Turandot.) + +For Fo-hi's sake! three easy riddles give, +Don't let him die, but as your husband live. + + +ADELMA. + +How noble are his words! Ah, had my sire +But known he was a prince. My heart's desire +I'll yet obtain; I'll save him by some plot, +He ne'er shall wed the hateful Turandot. +(_to_ Turandot.) Princess, you're agitated; calm your nerves, +And treat him with contempt as he deserves. + + +TUR. + +You're right, Adelma; thanks for your kind zeal; +He's woman's foe; no pity must I feel. +(_to_ Kalaf.) Prepare then, arrogant young man.-- + + +ALT. + +Dear prince, +May not our Royal words your ear convince? + + +KAL. + +I still repeat: "Or death or Turandot!" + + +PANT. (_aside_.) + +My poor young man, you'll surely go to pot! + + +ALT. + +Then read the awful mandate. + + +SKIR. + +How I tremble. + + +ADELMA. + +My jealousy I scarcely can dissemble. + +(PANTALOON _receives the Doomsday Book, first prostrating Himself +before it; then reads in a loud voice_:)--"By command of his +Celestial Majesty, the Son of the Moon, cousin to the planets, +and near relative to the firmament in general,--oyes! oyes! +oyes!" (_Rings crier's bell._) (_Aside_.) If I said what I liked, I should +say, oh no! oh no! oh no! (_Aloud_.) "Any person of royal +descent may sue for the hand of our daughter, Empress +Turandot, on the following conditions:--The Princess shall +propound three riddles to any suitor proposing himself as her +husband; should he be unable to unravel them, his head shall +be struck off with an axe, and exposed on the city-gate of Peking; +should he unravel them, the Empress Turandot shall become +his lawful bride, and together they shall inherit the throne of +the celestial empire. We swear it by our ancestor, the sun." + + +ALT. (_placing his hands on the book_)-- + +This law, tho' it cause tears and blood to flow, +I've sworn to keep, alas! it must be so. + + +TUR. (_rises and declaims_)-- + +A tree on which men grow and fade; +Old as the world, yet ever new; +Its leaves, on one side, live in shade, +On th' other bears the sun's bright show. +Each time it blooms a ring it wears, +It tells the age of each event. +Upon its bark men's names it bears, +Forgotten e'er its life be spent. +What is this tree, so young, so old, +So sunny warm, so icy cold? + + +KALAF. (_ponders awhile, then bows to the Princess_)-- + +Too happy is your slave, divine Princess, +If nothing harder he may have to guess; +This ancient tree which ever buds anew, +Which sun and shade, man's age and deeds doth shew, +It is "a year," revolving day and night. + + +PANT. (_joyfully_.) + +Shake hands, Tartaglia, I'm quite sure he's right! + + +TART. + +A-a-as-ass-tounding! _Sono contentissimo!_ + + +DOCTORS (_having opened the papers_). + +_Eureka! Optime! Optissimo!_ + +(_Flourish of gongs and cymbals_.) + + +ALT. (_graciously_.) + +Fo-hi protects thee, son; He'll save thy life. + + +ADELMA (_aside_.) + +Ye gods, let not my rival be his wife, +Though I rejoice her vanity is vext. + + +SKIR. + +I hope he'll be as clever at the next! + + +TUR. + +Shall he outwit me? No, by sun and moon; +(_to_ KALAF.) Your joy's precocious--triumph not too soon. + +(_Rises and declaims_)-- + +Canst thou the fragile mirror name, +Reflecting all creation on its limpid face; +'Tis closed within a narrow frame, +Yet compasses high heav'n's blue vault of endless space. +This crystal is of priceless worth, +But yet the poor possess it, nor possession pay; +It is the brightest gem on earth, +It gives and yet receives its heaven-born brilliant ray. +What is this mirror bright and clear, +Free given to all, to all so dear? + + +KALAF (_ponders, then bows to the Princess_). + +Your mystery's not hard to penetrate; +The mirror you describe so small, so great, +So priceless, so benign, "the eye" must be, +A heaven 'twill show if thine speak love to me. + + +PANT. (_embraces_ TART.) + +He's shot the bull's-eye through the very middle. + + +SKIR. + +I never knew his equal at a riddle. + + +DOCTORS (_having opened the papers_). + +_Eureka! Optime! Optissimo!_ + +(_Flourish of gongs and cymbals._) + + +TART. + +_Bravo-o-o! Bravissimo! Benissimo!_ + + +ALT. + +I give you joy; you _are_ a clever fellow! + + +PANT. + +Our Chinese Sphinx with rage is turning yellow. + + +ADELMA. + +In vain the Fates themselves would seek to foil me; +My rival shall not of my love despoil me. + + +SKIR. + +I wish to Fo-hi all was fairly over! + + +ADEL. (_to_ Turandot.) + +If you be mocked by this conceited lover, +Your former victories will naught avail; +Your honour's lost if this pert fop prevail. + + +TUR. + +The world shall perish first! Exultant fool! +My hate increases with thy hope to rule. +Escape my wrath whilst yet thy life is free, +My vengeance dread, and from the contest flee. + + +KAL. + +Your hate alone, adored Princess, can move +My soul. If vainly I implore your love, +Then let me die; my life I do not prize +If loathsome I appear in your sweet eyes. + + +ALT. + +Hear reason, Prince, nor longer tempt the gods. +Throw up the game,--too fearful are the odds. +With honour canst thou quit this high divan, +For thou'st done more than any other man. +Yet two successes serve not, though they're glorious, +Unless for the third time thou be victorious. +And thou, my domineering, wilful child, +Wilt not relent towards this youth? Be mild, +And graciously accept his suit. + + +TUR. + +Relent! +I scorn his love,--his pity I resent. +The law prescribes three trials. Let's proceed, +And try if in the third he may succeed. + + +KAL. + +The gods decide! "Or death or Turandot!" + + +TUR. (_angrily_.) Death--death will be your well-deserved lot. + + +PANT. + +Keep silence in the court! Ahem! ahem! +(_aside_) Now for some crackjaw, mystic apophthegm. + + +TUR. (_rises and declaims_)-- + +What is that thing, held cheap as dust, +Yet honor'd by the Emperor's hand? +'Tis made to pierce, with sword's keen thrust, +But sheds no blood, tho' wounds like sand, +In number deep inflicts; robs none; +Enriches thousands; rules the earth; +Makes life with ease and smoothness run; +Has founded kingdoms; ended dearth; +Most ancient cities it has built, +But ne'er caused war, nor war's sad guilt. +Answer my question (_unveils_). Look me in the face, +Avow you're vanquished and deserve disgrace. + + +KAL. (_gazes on her with rapture._) + +Refulgent loveliness! Ecstatic bliss! + + +PANT, (_shaking him._) + +Collect your senses! Don't take on like this! + + +ALT. + +Alas, I fear his intellect is puzzled; +He's mute,--his tongue seems tied,--his lips tight muzzled. + + +PANT. + +Were't not for dignity, into the kitchen, +I'd rush a glass of something short to fetch 'un. + + +TUR. (_who has returned_ KALAF'S. _fixed gaze_)-- + +Unhappy wretch! thou'rt silent; thou must die. + + +KAL. (_recovers himself, and bows to_ TURANDOT _with extreme composure_)-- + +'Twas but your beauty dazed my wondering eye. +My mind can grasp the meaning of the Sphinx, +Tho' it's as puzzling as the "Babe of Ginx." +The iron thing which wounds yet sheds no blood; +That rules the earth, and gives man wealth and food; +On which each year the Khan doth place his hand, +To typify his reign o'er China's land; +In short, the instrument your riddle mentions +Is one of mankind's earliest inventions. +If I mistake not, Hm--ha--Let me see! +"_The plough_" is meant by Riddle Number three. + + +DOCTORS (_having opened the papers_). + +_Eureka! Optime! Optissimo!_ + +(_Flourish of gongs and cymbals._) + + +PANT. + +I kiss our future Emperor's great toe! + + +TART. + +Th-the S-sp-sphinx is v-van-qui-quished--_Vinto è il Demonio!_ +Sh-she's f-fou-found her m-ma-match. _Evviva il matrimonio!_ + +(TURANDOT _faints_, ADELMA _and_ SKIRINA _support her_. ALTOUM +_leaning on_ PANT. _and_ TART. _descends his throne, and embraces_ +KALAF. _The_ DOCTORS _quit their seats, and retire to the background_.) + + +ALT. + +Sweet prince, our son-in-law thou'lt be to-morrow, +A joyful climax to our royal sorrow. + + +TUR. (_recovers her senses, and rashes wildly between_ ALTOUM _and_ +KALAF)-- + +Oh, make me not his slave! 'Twill drive me mad, +My mind no time for due reflection had. +Too easily his triumph was obtained. + + +ALT. + + +The hard-won victory he fairly gained. +With gratitude become this good youth's wife, +Obey the law, and end this weary strife. + + +TUR. + +Once more call the divan--renew the contest, +If I have time for thought, I'm sure of conquest. + + +PANT. + +Fair Princess Tigerheart, that's _rather_ cool; +Don't make his Majesty act like a fool. +D'you think the royal head of your kind Daddy +Is lined with lead, like a Japan tea-caddy; +What say you, colleague; and ye Doctors wise? + +(_Doctors join hands in a circle, nodding their chins._) + + +DOCTORS. + +Let bloodshed cease. The chopped-off heads suffice. + + +ALT. + +To great Fo-hi's pagoda we'll repair +And finish off this hymeneal affair. + + +TUR. + +Have mercy-- + + +ALT. + +Mercy hast thou shewn to none, +I've kept my oath; do thou as I have done. +Fulfil Fo-hi's decree. + + +TUR. + +Oh, spare me, Sire, +Or at your feet behold your child expire. + +(_Throws herself at his feet._) + + +ALT. + +Thy marriage is ordained. Proud girl, obey, +Too long I've bowed to thy capricious sway. +Entreat no more. I swear by Fo-hi's sword. + + +TUR. + +Hold, father, do not speak the sacred word. +This overbearing tyrant I'll not wed; +I'd rather make the sullen grave my bed. + + +KAL. (_to_ TURANDOT.) + +Abate your terror; nor so madly grieve; +I'll intercede myself for your reprieve. +Fair cruel one, who may your tears withstand? + +(_to_ ALTOUM.) Great monarch, grant her wish; I'd win her hand +By love's sweet power; not by enforced consent. + +(_to_ TURANDOT.) I see thou crav'st my head--then be content. +I love thee so intensely, that my life +Is worthless if I may not call thee wife. +Again a solemn test I'll undergo. + + +ALT. + +She's yours by right of law. Fate willed it so. + + +TUR. + +You shall not drag me to the bridal altar; +This hand shall slay me first (_draws a dagger._) It will not falter. + + +KAL. + +Stay, hold your hand, and calm your poignant sorrow; +We'll meet again in high divan. To-morrow +The Chinese Sphinx this problem shall unravel: +"Who is that Prince who, after weary travel +Escaped from slavedom's thrall, and reached the goal +And blissful summit of his longing soul; +Yet at fulfilment of his heart's desire +Was plunged yet deeper into tortures dire?" +Relentless beauty, if you name aright +The name and lineage of this luckless wight +Then shall you gratify your hate, and take +My life. But if you fail, then shall you make +Me blessed, by giving me your hand. Decide. + + +TUR. + +By this new compact I consent to abide. + + +ALT. + +Imprudent youth, too generously kind, +Thou know'st not her all-penetrating mind. +But, should she conquer thee by female wile, +Thou shalt not fall a victim to her guile. +To-morrow's high divan shall seal her fate; +Her wit may free her; or she'll be thy mate. +Enough of blood's been shed. + + +TUR. (_aside_.) + +My subtle art +Shall crush his pride. Be firm, fond, wav'ring heart. + +(_March strikes up._ ALTOUM, _leaning on_ KALAF'S _shoulder, +followed by_ PANT., TART., DOCTORS, _and Courtiers, exeunt_ L. +TURANDOT, ADELMA, SKIRINA, TRUFFALDIN, _and slaves, exeunt_ R.) + +END OF ACT II. + + + + +ACT III. + + +SCENE.--_Street in Peking._ (_Enter_ KALAF _and_ BARAK.) + + +KALAF. + + +None know my name in Peking's busy town, +Your trusty tongue's as secret as my own; +E'en to your wife I hope you've not revealed-- + + +BARAK. + +From her especially the truth's concealed. + + +KALAF. + + +For many years, as dead I've been, given o'er. +No mortal here has seen my face before. +Fear not. + + +BARAK. + + +Dear Prince, forgive me if I blame you, +I can't help dreading lest the Sphinx may name you. +You were not wise to give her this last chance; +She's so astute! She'll lead you a fine dance. +You had possession--nine points of the law, +Why should you for her meagrims care one straw? + + +KALAF. + +Oh, had you seen her grief. + + +BARAK. + +I needs must smile +To think the tears of this sly crocodile +Should take you in! + + +KAL. + +Perhaps my tender love +Her heart to mutual tenderness may move. + + +BAR. + +No gratitude you'll get from that proud snake. + + +KAL. + +Revile her not! + + +BAR. + +I for your safety quake. +She's quite as cunning as she's fierce. +Her eyes can even through a millstone pierce. + + +KAL. + +Nay, hope the best. My lucky stars preside, +They'll crown me victor of my lovely bride. + + +BAR. + +You're just the same dear, sanguine, thoughtless boy +As ever. I can't bear to spoil your joy. + +(_Enter_ BRIGHELLA, _marching backwards, commanding a few +Chinese guards_; PANT. _and_ TART.) + + +BRIG. + +Halt! Pigtails, right! Attention! Royal Black Guards! +(_aside_.) How I do hate this dangerous marching backwards! + + +PANT. + +Oh, here he is! At last we've caught our bird. +Prince, how d'ye do! Allow me just one word. +But who's this man? (_points to_ BARAK.) +Of what has he been talking? + + +BAR. (_aside_.) + +I hope they don't suspect--(_aloud_.) As I was walking, +This man accosted me (I do not know him), +He asked if I his way would kindly show him. + + +PANT. + +Great Prince, you're compassed round about with traps. +If we don't keep you in our eye--perhaps +The Sphinx may have you murdered. To prevent +Unpleasant little accidents we're sent +By his celestial Majesty, to take you +In our safe custody. We'll not forsake you. +(_to_ BARAK.) And you're her spy, I do believe; get out! +And mind your own affairs, Sir Pry-about. +(_to_ KALAF.) As Minister, I hope I may make bold +To say "Sweet Prince, take care you are not sold." +Pray whisper not your name to any one +Except to me, your friend. I'll blab to none. +On my discretion you may safe repose, +Confide in me; your name I'll not disclose. +No more than I would jump right o'er the moon. + + +KAL. + +No doubt; but yet my name, good _Pantaloon_, +Like yours, must be quite "inexpressible." + + +PANT. + +My wish to please is irrepressible. +Command me, pray. Henceforth I will be dumb. +The watchword is,--I understand you,--"Mum!" + + +TART. + +G-go-ood Pr-prince, d-don't m-mi-mind th-that st-stu-pid P-pa-pantaioon, +H-he's n-nothing b-but a g-go-gossipping B-buff-ffoon. +C-co-conf-fi-fide in m-me. Your s-se-secret I won't u-u-ut-ter, +I-in f-f-fact I c-ca-_can't_, 'c-ca-cause of my d-de-deuced s-st-stutter. + + +PANT. + +Your Highness! to the palace, if you please. + +(_Signs to_ BRIGHELLA.) + + +BRIG. + +Recover, Pigtails! Black Guards, stand at ease! + +(_Exeunt_ KALAF, PANT., _and_ TART., _Guards and_ BRIGHELLA.) + + +BARAK, (_who has been watching in the background, comes forward_). + +Ye Tartar deities, watch o'er his life! +Good gracious, what can hither bring my wife? + +(_Enter_ SKIRINA.) + +Where art thou going, wife, in such a hurry? + + +SKIR. + +Oh, dearest husband, I'm all in a flurry. +Our handsome guest will be Chang's future +Who'd have believed such an astounding thing? +The Princess Turandot is in despair; +She weeps, she wrings her hands, she tears her hair. +She'll kill herself if she can't tell to-morrow +The name of your young friend. To calm her sorrow, +I bade her not torment herself, for you +Knew all about him, and his father too. + + +BAR. + +Unhappy woman, thou hast ruined us! + + +SKIR. + +Why, what harm's done? Why make you such a fuss? + + +BAR. + +My head will have to answer for thy tongue. + + +SKIR. + +Oh, nonsense, dear; I'm sure I've done no wrong. + +(_Enter_ TRUFFALDIN _and slaves_.) + + +BAR. + +Behold what thou hast done, thou Chatterbox. + +(TRUFFALDIN, _with pompous exaggerated ferocity, + holds his sabre to BARAK's breast_.) + + +TRUF. + +Make no resistance! Yield thee, sly old fox! + + +SKIR. + +Have mercy, Truffaldin,--my husband spare! + + +TRUF. + +Of his bald head I'll not disturb one hair. +Good female, you're of the fem'nine gender, +And therefore towards your weakness my heart's tender. +Your husband shall not come to any harm, +So pray don't needlessly yourself alarm. +The highest honour is in store for him, +Free entrance's offered to our Hareem. + + +BAR. + +The gilded trap of the fair Serpent-Sphinx. +She's found me out; she's eyes like any lynx. +There's no escape. + + +TRUF. (_flourishing his sabre_). + +Lead on, my free-born slaves, +To where the flag of slavedom freely waves. + +(_Exeunt_ BARAK, TRUF. _menacing him, and slaves_.) + + +SKIR. + +Forgive me, husband dear. Adieu, adieu! +Oh dear, oh dear, what ever shall I do? +Adelma urged me to my boastful prating-- +She always is so very aggravating; +I'd like to drop a lump of deadly _pison_ +In her next cup of "best strong-flavoured Hyson." +I do declare my brain's all in a fuddle-- +Fo-hi, do help me out of this sad muddle! +I'll sacrifice another guinea-pig, +For mortals, then, I needn't care one fig. (_Exit_.) + + + + + +SCENE II.--_A vestibule in_ TURANDOT'S _Hareem_. BARAK _is fastened +to one of its pillars, black mutes, with drawn daggers, stand on each +side of him_. _A large porcelain dish, fitted with golden coins is on a +table near him._ TURANDOT _stands before him in a threatening +attitude_. (ADELMA _beside her_.) + + +TUR. + +Yet hast thou time. Obey my royal pleasure, +And thine shall be this pile of golden treasure. +If not, my slaves shall pierce thy heart. His name +Reveal at once; his parentage proclaim. + + +BAR. + +Your threats are vain; your treasures I despise. +Repent your obstinate resolve. Be wise +And learn, a woman's highest happiness +Is, by her love a worthy man to bless. + + +TUR. + +To preach to me befits thee not. Desist. +My potent will in vain thou wouldst resist. +Seize on him, slaves, and do your work. Forbear +Awhile. Reflect, and save thy life. I swear +By Fo-hi's face, no harm shall touch thy friend +Nor thee, if thou consent to serve my end. + + +BAR. + +Your path's deceitful. Swear by Fo-hi's might +My friend shall call you his e'er morrow's night. +You hesitate--you dare not swear a lie +Before the sacred face of great Fo-hi. + + +ADELMA. + +Presumptuous wretch, dar'st thou our queen defy? +Princess, demur no longer; let him die. + +(SKIRINA _rushes in._) + + +SKIR. + +Hold, Princess; hold; your father is at hand! +(_aside_.) My knees are knocking; I can hardly stand. + + +ADELMA. + +Unlucky chance! To prison with this fellow! + + +SKIR. + +Adelma, hush; you needn't bawl and bellow. + + +TUR. + +In deepest dungeon let him be confin'd. + + +BAR. + +My body you may shackle; not my mind. + + +SKIR. (_aside to_ BARAK.) + +Take courage, husband; do not fear their spite; +The pig will save us yet; I tell you it's all right. + +(_Mutes hastily conduct_ BARAK _through a secret door; others +remove the dish of gold_.) + + +TUR. + +Adelma, thou'rt my only friend. Advise + +My mind distraught 'twixt love and hate. Despise +Me not, but pity me. Some counsel lend. + + +ADEL. + +As force has failed, by craft we'll gain our end. +I have a plan,--I'm sure of its success, +If to the stranger's cell we gain access. + + +TUR. + +Take gold--suborn his guards--the highest meed +I hold as nought if thy new scheme succeed. + + +ADEL. + +Skirina's help I need to work my plot. + + +SKIR. + +I'd let myself be skinned for Turandot. +I wish my service could my husband save. + + +TUR. + +His life be thy reward, thou faithful slave. + +(SKIRINA _kisses_ TURANDOT'S _hand_.) + + +ADEL. + +Your royal father comes. In me confide. +(_aside_.) Assist me, love, to quell her haughty pride. + +(_Exeunt_ ADELMA _and_ SKIRINA.) + + +TUR. + +What will Adelma's fertile brain devise? +(_after a pause_.) In vain the truth I'd hide from mine own eyes; +My heart is his--irrevocably his. +To be his wife--oh rapture, heavenly bliss! +Yet I must spurn his love. I will not bear +All China's cold contempt; man's scoffing sneer. +What glory would be mine could I but tame +This bragging conqueror. Pronounce his name +In high divan, and chase him from our city, +Abashed and in despair. But yet, with pity +My heart would surely break. Come, virgin pride +And woman's art my shame and grief to hide. +To-day, proud man has made me bear disgrace; +To-morrow I must triumph o'er his race. +But yet--he did not boastfully rejoice-- +Rebuke I welcomed from his gentle voice. +How humble was his suit--how mild and good, +How unresentful towards my scornful mood. +Avaunt, ye tender phantasies, avaunt! +I dread the world's disdain--its scoffing taunt. +My people shall not see Turandot fall, +The slave of one means abject slave to all. + +(_Enter_ ALTOUM, _perusing a scroll_; PANT, _and_ TART, _following at +some distance_.) + + +ALT. (_to himself_.) + +The Bey of Tefflis dead? So ends this tyrant! + + +PANT. (_aside to_ TART.) + +What makes his Majesty indulge in high rant? + + +ALT. (_as above_.) + +Prince Kalaf, heir to Tartary's high throne, +Is called to fill the Bey's, besides his own. +This scroll informs me Kalaf is the stranger +Who overthrew the Sphinx and 'scaped her danger. +I'm glad to find the Prince is no bad catch,-- +My daughter's will be quite a splendid match. + + +PANT. (_to_ TART.) + +What is he muttering all to himself, +Just like a miser counting o'er his pelf? +I do believe he's talking in blank verse, +Or reasoning in rhyme, which would be worse. +He's deaf; if he were blind, 't would suit us better, +For then he couldn't read his private letter. + + +TART. (_to_ PANT.) + +A s-sp-special Es-taf-fette! _Ci cova gatto!_ +S-such m-my-mystery! _Capisco niente affatto._ + +(ALT. _places the scroll in his breast, and signs to_ PANT. _and_ +TART. _to withdraw, which they do with reluctance_.) + + +ALT. + + +My child, the night is far advanced; yet still +Thy restless steps pace through thy hareem chill. +Quite hopeless is thy task; not all the College +Of Doctors could impart the wished-for knowledge. +Thou canst not guess thy 'pponent's name, tho' we +Have fully learned his family history. +He's worthy of thy hand; my wish obey, +Avoid to-morrow's public _exposée_. +Thou'rt sure to fail. For my sake save thy fame, +My soul recoils from witnessing thy shame. + + +TUR. + +I shall not put my father to the blush; +My adversary's arrogance I'll crush. + + +ALT. + +Ah, flatter not thyself. Let one defeat +Suffice; do not the painful scene repeat. + + +TUR. + +The high divan shall judge. Firm as a rock +Is my strong will. His easy task I mock. + + +ALT. + +Has thy keen wit discovered--tell me truth-- +The secret of this overtrusting youth? +If so, be gen'rous; let him go in peace; +From further strife and public struggle cease. +Deal gently with this boy of noble race, +Nor wantonly expose him to disgrace. +Thus shalt thou earn all Chang's high admiration. +Thy harsh decree has much estranged the nation. +They tell strange tales about the Chinese Sphinx, +Men's skulls she gnaws--hot human blood she drinks. +Oh, show thyself as modest, tender, duteous,-- +More homage this commands than being beauteous. + + +TUR. + +Your mercy, Sire, beseems your hoary age; +Your words might well convert a Grecian sage, +But cannot change my purpose. I'll not bow +My neck to any man: so runs my vow. +In public this pert boy my power defeated,-- +In public shall my vengeance be completed. + + +ALT. + +Dear child, paternal love shall condescend +To humbly beg obedience. Do but bend +To my desire, and thou shalt from me learn +The whole of what this stranger may concern. +In public thou shalt triumph--name aloud +Thy foe, in face of an applauding crowd. +But swear, if thus I'm traitor for thy sake +Thou wilt this suitor for thy husband take. +Thy deed will bless thine aged father's days-- +Reward a loving heart--win all men's praise. + + +TUR. (_who has listened with increasing emotion_)-- + +His words are torture to my wav'ring pride, +How shall I act? How may I best decide? +Adelma shall I trust? Her plot may fail; +Without disgrace a father may prevail. +Down, stubborn soul (_advances towards_ ALT., _then +hesitates_), and yet, beneath Man's yoke +To crouch? No, no, my vow I'll not revoke. + + +ALT. + +Thou'rt touched. Sweet daughter, grant my fond desire. + + +TUR. + +He fears I may succeed and thwart him. Sire, +I'll meet in high divan. My will is steady. + + +ALT. + +Then, if thou fail, the altar shall be ready; +The rite shall be performed with solemn fitness, +While vulgar crowds shall thy confusion witness. +Their scoffing jeers shall be thy wedding hymn; +Thy father stooped in vain; now stoop to him. (_Exit_.) + + +TUR. + +Oh, murder not your child! Adelma, friend,-- +Forsake me not. My grief some comfort send; +My only hope's in thee. If great Fo-hi +Withhold success, to-morrow sees me die. (_Exit_.) + + +END OF ACT. III. + + + + +ACT IV. + + +SCENE.--A magnificent apartment, with divers outlets; in the +background an oriental couch. The scene is dark. KALAF discovered +pacing up and down, BRIGHELLA holding a torch, observing him, +and shaking his head. + + +BRIG. + +Just three o'clock! by Kong's pagoda-chimes. +You've paced this floor just twice three hundred times. +Your Highness had much better go to sleep. +You'll have to rise with dawn's first ruddy peep. +I can't watch any more; my eyelids close. + +KALAF. Thou'rt right, Brighella; go to thy repose. + +(BRIG. going, returns cautiously.) + +BRIG. + +One word, your Highness,--when I've left my post, +Don't be astonished if you see a ghost. +You understand? You needn't be afraid; +I daren't say more; my silence is prepaid. +Forewarned, forearmed, you know. To a blind horse +A nod's as good as twenty winks, of course. + +KALAF. (_looking about, uneasily._) + +What spectres shall I see? what dreary sprite? + + +BRIG. + +Oh, nothing, (_yawns_.) I'm _so_ sleepy, Prince, good night. + +(_Going, returns._) + +I hope you are not angry with Brighella-- +I'm but a poor, ill-paid, hardworking fellah-- +The Emperor has ordered that no fly +Shall enter this apartment--you know why; +But tho' he's king, his daughter really rules. +It's hard to keep one's balance 'twixt two stools! +And what a woman wills, for good or evil. +That must be done, or she will play the devil. + +(_Going, returns._) + +Mind, _I_ know nothing. Keyholes may suffice; +If any noise you hear, it's only mice! + +(_Exit, winking significantly._) + + +KAL. + +Good night, and thanks; your hint I comprehend. +Will treachery be used my life to end? +Nay, Turandot's too noble--I'll not fear. +The fateful hour approaches (_opens a casement_.) +Dawn is near, +I'll seek to drown my care in dreamy rest. + +(_As he sinks on the couch, a secret door opens, admitting_ SKIRINA +_dressed in male attire, a false beard on_.) + + +SKIR. + +My lord. + + +KALAF. (_starting up_.) What man is this? Some silly jest. + + +SKIR. + +What, don't you know Skirina? (_takes off the beard_.) +I'm so frightened! +Disguised I've passed your guards, in these clothes tightened. +I've got so much to tell. Your poor old tutor +Is put in chains! Yes, nothing less would suit her. +He's anxious for your life--he begs you'll sign +Your name to show you're safe; just write one line +To pacify him; or he'll all declare; +The Princess Turandot's in such a flare. +I tremble for my husband,--he's demented, +Until you've kindly to his wish consented. +I've brought a tablet--just your name indite +To ease his mind. + + +KAL. (_takes the tablet_.) + +To please him, I will write. + +(_Suddenly recollects himself, and looks at her searchingly._) + +Skirina, would'st thou traitress turn? Thy guest I've been. + + +SKIR. (_aside_.) + +I promised I would do my best. +But such reproaches down I cannot gulp, +Not if my mistress beat me to a pulp. +So Miss Adelma may play off her tricks +Herself, (_to_ KALAF.) Please don't your eyes thus on me fix. +(_whimpering_.) I should have thought some slight consideration +You would have felt for my sad situation. +If you suspect me. + + +KAL. + +Nay, I'm sure you acted +All out of kindness. + + +SKIR. (_aside_.) + +I shall go distracted. +(_to_ KALAF.) My husband waits your news. My leave I'll take; +(_aside_.) Adelma's sharp; but he's as wide awake. (_Exit_.) + + +KAL. + +Brighella warned me well. + +(_Enter_ TRUFFALDIN, _covered by a long black mantle_.) + +Another visit! +Nocturnal ghosts abound. Well, friend, what is it? + + +TRUF. + +Your Excellency, news excellent I bring-- +You'll hear a wonderfully wondrous thing. + + +KAL. + +Speak on, good vision; I am all attention. + + +TRUF. + +T'explain in plainest words is my intention. +The keeper of the Hareem stands before you! +But that's not here nor there; so I'll not bore you +With all my titles. The Princess Turandot +Right thro' the heart by Cupid's dart is shot! +I would not flatt'ringly your Highness flatter +With mincing terms, nor will I mince the matter. +My mistress is distracted to--distraction +By your attractive personal--attraction. +If truth I speak not, may the high Fo-hi +Grind all my bones to make his next meat-pie! + + +KAL. + +So far, so good; what hast thou more to say? + + +TRUF. + +Be not impatient, Royal Highness, pray. +My mistress is a tiger-cat--(permit +The term; tho' coarse, 'tis graphically fit.) +She gnashes her white teeth with frantic ire, +And raves against you, "Robbers, murder, fire!" +If truth I speak not, may the high Fo-hi +Make mince-meat of me for his sacred pie. + + +KAL. + +No need of oaths. But hast thou not, good keeper, +Some better news to tell a waken'd sleeper? + + +Truf. + +Of course I have. Without circumlocution +I now proceed to instant elocution: +My charming mistress sent me here to beg +You'll trust her with your secret. Her last leg +She's standing on; and in sheer desperation +She'll marry you; but must before the nation +Appear to vanquish you--in mere appearance. +Be quick, and of your secret make a clearance. +Clear up the matter, and I'll then clear out; +My time is precious. Finish off this bout. + + +KAL. + +One thing thou hast forgotten. + + +TRUF. + +What have I? + + +KAL. + +To imprecate thy bones to Fo-bi's pie. +Return to Turandot. Tell her from me +She'll glorious shine in high divan, if she +Benignant prove herself; more true distinction +She'll gain by this, than by my hope's extinction. + +(_Signs to_ TRUF. _to withdraw._) + + +TRUF. (_aside_.) + +I've only got my trouble for my pain; +I'll never do a kindly act again. (_Exit_.) + + +KAL. + +Come, gentle sleep. Refresh me, balm divine! +Take courage, weary soul, success may yet be mine. + +(_Retires to the couch, and sinks; into slumber._ _Enter_ ADELMA, +_veiled, bearing a lighted taper_.) + + +ADEL. + +I shall not fail. In vain was their endeavour, +But I will venture all, the knot to sever. +I may not learn his name,--but I'll implore +His flight from Peking. Then my love, once more +May hope to win his heart. + +(_Unveils, and gazes upon him._) + +He gently slumbers: +Reluctantly I rouse him, but time numbers +The hours yet left for action. Prince, arise! + + +KAL. + +Who calls? Another spirit! Do my eyes +Deceive me? Can it be? Adelma here? +Thy royal person in a slave's mean gear! +Such lowly garb is surely some disguise. + + +ADEL. + +No, Prince; Adelma now in slav'ry sighs. +Beneath the galling yoke of her who martyred +My wretched brother, and my father slaughtered. +Not you alone must suffer from the curse +Of Turandot's fell ire; my fate's far worse. + + +KAL. + +Princess, believe me; more your lot I mourn +Than e'en my own. So fair, so nobly born, +So gracious to th' unhappy;--I can ne'er +Forget your kindness to myself. If e'er +In need of faithful service you may stand, +Which I may render in return, command +Me as your slave. My gratitude's eternal. + + +ADEL. + +From Turandot I'd save you. Her infernal +Devices throw a glamour o'er your senses: +But did you know her shallow, false pretences, +Of her great excellence you'd scorn the notion, +Nor waste on her your noble heart's devotion. +For all she sets up as a learned Sphinx, +She's nothing but a sly, conceited minx. + + +KAL. + +Nay, blame not her, but adverse destiny, +Your brother willed his death; the choice was free. +Your father fell in battle--'twas ill-fate +Awarded death, not she. Oh, do not hate +Your mistress; surely she your worth esteems +And treats you as your gentle birth beseems. +To-morrow, if I'm victor as before +I'll freedom give you, and your throne restore. + + +ADEL. + +Can nothing your credulity convince? +Oh, fly this wicked woman, dearest Prince. +Escape with me! Come haste! Our time is short; +I've bribed your guards. We'll sail from the next port +To Keicobad--there all will hail me Queen. + + +KAL. + +Farewell, Princess; magnanimous you've been. +Escape alone. To die I am content, +You cannot turn me from my firm intent. + + +ADEL. + +Ungrateful man! Then learn the horrid truth. +The heart of Turandot can feel no ruth. +You've foiled her cunning. Fear her tiger-spring. +To-morrow as you pass to join the King +In high divan,--her slaves, with stealthy blow, +Will pierce your heart;--your life will be laid low. + + +KAL. + +Oh, hapless Kalaf! must thy life thus end? +In exile perish--far from ev'ry friend! +O Timur, dearest father, couldst thou see +Thine only son in such deep misery, +All Tartary thou'dst gladly give to save +Its royal heir from such untimely grave. + +(_Covers his face in despair._) + + +ADEL. (_aside_) Hah, Kalaf, future Khan of Tartarland! +(Most luckily the last-told lie I planned.) +He's in my power. If he escape one net, +He'll fall into another, closer yet. + + +KAL. (_to himself_.) + +I've said "Or death or Turandot." Her will +Decrees my death--from her 'tis, welcome still. +Adieu, fond hopes. Delusive joys, farewell! + + +ADEL. + +Once more let me implore you. Do not sell +Your life thus cheap. We still have time for flight. + + +KAL. + +My honour bids me stay and brave the fight. + + +ADEL. + +You're obstinate. Farewell, then, _unknown stranger_, +(_aside_.) My love despised! I burn with jealous anger. +_Prince Kalaf, Timur's son!_ you're in my snare; +I can be fierce as Turandot. Beware! (_Exit_.) + + +KALAF. + +I'm on the rack! when will this torture cease? + +(_Enter_ BRIGHELLA.) + + +BRIG. + +'Tis time to join divan, Prince, if you please. + +(KALAF _regards him suspiciously_.) + + +KAL. + +Art thou her tool? Shall I by thy hand fall? +Stain not thy soul with guiltless blood. Take all +I have, if money be thy greed. But know +Without a struggle I'll not take thy blow. + +(_Draws his-sword._) + + +BRIG. + +His brain is addled, sure as eggs is eggs! +Lor', how he stands, astraddling out his legs! + + +KAL. (_throws down his sword._) + +I'll not defend myself. Tell her who offered +Base gold for life, my breast I freely proffered +To meet th' assassin's knife. There lies my sword. +Fulfil her stern behest. + + +BRIG. + +Upon my word +And honour, my strict orders are, to see +You safely to divan. His Majesty +Is all agog to see the fun. + + +KAL. (_to himself_.) + +Alive +I ne'er shall reach divan. My death I'll strive +To calmly meet. Perchance my bleeding corse +Will melt her heart to pity and remorse. + +(_Exit_, BRIGHELLA _following him; guards receive him outside._ +_Music strikes up._) + + + + +SCENE.--_High Divan, as in Act II._ ALTOUM _discovered on his +throne_; PANT. _and_ TART. _beside it_; _the eight Doctors seated; Guard +under arms_. _Behind a curtain, in the background, is an altar, +with a Chinese idol: a Chinese priest on each side of it._ KALAF +_enters, agitated, and looking suspiciously around him; bows to_ +ALTOUM. + + +KAL. (_aside_.) + +Do I still live? Each step, I thought to feel +The thrust of an assassin's deadly steel. +Adelma's warning was some dream, or now I dream. + + +ALT. + +My son, care sits upon thy brow. +Glad news I have in store for thee. Alone +Joys come not. Turandot shall be thine own. +Three times to-night she sent to me to pray +I would defer th' encounter of to-day. +'Tis evident her pride is sorely vext, +She'd hide her failure by some vain pretext. +Rejoice, all blessings for thy weal combine, +To-day full happiness on thee shall shine. + + +PANT. (_to_ KALAF, _confidentially_)-- + +Believe me, if so please your Majesty-- +(I mean your Majesty that is to be.) +Your future wife's ill-temper there's no bearing; +Her tantrums and hysterics are quite wearing. +A hundred times I was called up last night +To try and set this knotty question right. +I'd scarcely time my slippers to resume, +Much less to dress in proper court costume. +I just popped on my crimson satin breeches,-- +I fear I caught a cold; (_sneezes_) must put on leeches, +A blister p'raps--take horrid water-gruel. + +(_Blows, his nose portentously._) + +No breakfast yet I've swallowed 'Tis too cruel! +Who'd be Prime Minister? to starve and toil, +And fret and fume in an eternal coil. +But yet, I would not, for a hundred dollar +Have missed the sight of her rampagious choler; +I was rejoiced my turn had come to grin, +Just as folks do at me when Harlequin +Before my nose runs off with Columbine, +In every stupid Christmas pantomime. + + +TART. + +I-I was c-called up-p _inaspettatamente_, +S-she b-begged m-my a-ai-aid qu-quite _disperatamente_. + + +ALT. + +Prepare the altar. + +(_A curtain is raised, disclosing an altar with a Chinese deity. +Two priests attending._) + +Hither call our daughter; +Obedience to the law shall now be taught her. +Set open all the doors! Lo, where she comes. + +(_A slow march is heard._ TRUFFALDIN _and slaves enter, in mourning +garments, with weepers of crape attached to their pigtails._ _Female +slaves in black veils: then_ TURANDOT, ADELMA, _and_ SKIRINA, _all +demonstrating extreme dejection_. TURANDOT _ascends her throne +with the same ceremonies at in Act II._) + + +PANT. + +Is this a wedding march, with muffled drums? +It sounds more like a dead march, dull and dreary-- +The one in "Saul," or Verdi's _Miserere_. +Her sulky Highness looks as black as thunder +At having thus in public to knock under. + + +TUR. (_to_ KALAF). + +This sad procession, Prince _Incognito_ +Profound humiliation is to show. +Your arrogance upon my shame will gloat,-- +Your eyes on your defeated slave will doat. +I see the altar--Fo-hi's grand official +Prepared to bind the victim sacrificial. +My glory's dead--disgraced is Turandot! +Condemned to wear the chain of Hymen's knot. + + +KAL. + +Oh, couldst thou know how deeply I revere +Thy maiden dignity, not thus severe +Thoud'st show thyself, nor my fond love resent. +As slave to thee my whole life shall be spent; +But deign one gracious sign to give, that thou +In time, responsive tenderness mayst know. + + +ALT. + +Prince, condescend no more. Commence the rite! + + +TUR. + +One moment more. (_Sarcastically_.) I am not ready, quite. + +(_Rises and addresses_ KALAF)-- + +I raised your hopes, that they might deeper fall. +Prince Kalaf, Son of Timur, quit this hall +And China's realm. Go, seek another bride. +In vain my penetration you defied; +No secret's hidden from the Chinese Sphinx. + + +SKIR. (_aside_). + +She never naps--not e'en for forty winks! + + +KAL. + +Ah, woe is me! + + +ALT. + +Dear me, what is the matter? +I cannot hear thro' all this general chatter. + + +PANT, (_aside_). + +I shan't attempt just now to make him hear; +I'm dazed myself, and his head's _never_ clear. + + +TART. + +W-what a c-ca-cat-as-ass-astrophe! _Corpo di Bacco!_ +H-he m-must r-re-return--_colle pive nel sacco_. + + +KAL. + +My overloving heart has caused my woe, +I gave up all, to please my lovely foe. +If yesterday I purposely had failed +To win the day, or from the contest quailed, +My soul had now found rest. Ah, why +Altoum, wert thou too merciful? To die +To-day, if conquered, should have been my meed-- +Great Emperor, thus shouldst thou have decreed. + + +ALT. + +Poor Kalaf! tears mine aged eyes bedew. + +(_wipes hit eyes_.) + + +TUR. (_aside to_ SKIRINA)-- + +His grief affects me deeply; strangely new +Emotions swell my bosom. + + +SKIR. + +Put an end +To trifling. Far as Jericho I'd send +All shilly-shally. Do, for goodness' sake +Speak out and say, "As husband I thee take." +I've married twice, and know how shy one feels-- + +Plunge in at once, right over head and heels. +A royal Crown Prince, too; my stars and garters! +_Crême de la crême_--the cream of Crimean Tartars! + + +ADELMA. + +My soul by doubt and hate is torn; +She loves him, though she shows such bitter scorn. +I'm stung to anguish, yet I'll not repine, +My rival's torture is as sharp as mine. + +(KALAF _has stood bowed down by grief; he starts suddenly and +approaches_ TURANDOT'S _throne_)-- + + +KALAF. + +Thy cruel will shall find no more resistance; +Why need the headsman end my sad existence? +This dagger shall release.... + +(_Unsheathes a dagger._ ADELMA _makes a movement of horror._ +TURANDOT _precipitates herself from the throne, and stays his hand_). + + +TUR. + +Stay, Kalaf, stay! +Or strike thy heart through mine. + +(_Throws herself across his breast._) + + +ALT. + +What does she say? + +(TURANDOT _and_ KALAF _gaze at each other in silence, for some +time_.) + + +KAL. + +Wouldst doom me to a life, of love bereft? +My hopes and joys all faded--nothing left. +Such mercy seeks more cruelly to kill; +But my despair is stronger than thy will. + +(_Attempts to stab himself._) + + +Tur. + +For my sake, live; nor ever quit my side; +Prince, take me as your loving, happy bride. + + +ADELMA (_aside_). + +'Tis agony; I cannot bear this sight. (_Retires_.) + + +ALT. + +What do they say? (_to_ PANT., _who endeavours to explain_). +Don't speak. I _see_ all's right. + + +SKIR. + +Fo-hi be praised! Now, this is what I call +A great success. My pig has done it all. + +(_Fetches_ BARAK _from behind the crowd_)-- + +Come, dearest husband; much too long you've trembled. + + +TUR. + +Let it be known to all those here assembled-- +I may not justly claim the victor's crown, +Adelma's shrewdness served me; not my own. +Prince Kalaf vanquished me, and may command +As prize of his achievement, my poor hand. +(_To_ KALAF.) But not in deference to lawful right +I gave myself to thee, but through love's might. +My heart was thine, when first I did behold thee. + + +KALAF. + +Excess of bliss, thus to my heart to fold thee! + + +ALT. + +What do they say? You all make such a noise, +I can't hear anything--not my own voice. +No doubt it's quite correct, nay, sentimental; +So take my blessing and consent parental. + + +TART. + +F-f-friend F-pa-pantaloon, what j-j-joy! _Che dolci affetti!_ +P-prep-p-pare the b-ba-ban-qu-quet. _Mangerem confetti!_ + + +ALTOUM _joins the lover's hands, and places his hands on their heads_. +_The eight Doctors join hands and dance in a circle, nodding their +chins._ PANT. _and_ TART. _dance together_. +BARAK _and_ SKIRINA _ditto_. +TRUFFALDIN _twirls round_ ADELMA, +_who snubs him_. BRIGHELLA _and guards gravely jump up and down_. +_Tableau_. + + +END OF ACT IV. + + +FINIS. + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Turandot: The Chinese Sphinx, by +Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TURANDOT: THE CHINESE SPHINX *** + +***** This file should be named 26553-8.txt or 26553-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/6/5/5/26553/ + +Produced by Chuck Greif + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +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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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Turandot: The Chinese Sphinx + +Author: Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller + +Translator: Sabilla Novello + +Release Date: September 7, 2008 [EBook #26553] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TURANDOT: THE CHINESE SPHINX *** + + + + +Produced by Chuck Greif + + + + + +</pre> + +<hr class="full" /> + +<h1>TURANDOT:</h1> + +<p class="head">THE CHINESE SPHINX.</p> + +<p class="head2">A DRAMATIC ODDITY</p> + +<p class="head3">FREELY TRANSLATED FROM SCHILLER,</p> + +<p class ="c top5">AND CORDIALLY INSCRIBED TO</p> + +<p class ="head3">LADY PERCY FLORENCE SHELLEY</p> + +<p class ="c smcap top5">by</p> + +<h2 class="top5">SABILLA NOVELLO.</h2> + +<hr style="width:5%;" /> + +<p class ="c">LONDON: S. FRENCH, 89, STRAND.</p> + +<p class ="c">1872.</p> + +<p class ="c"><i>Price One Shilling.</i></p> + +<p class ="toc"><a href="#ACT_I"><b>ACT I.</b></a> +<a href="#ACT_II"><b>ACT II.</b></a> +<a href="#ACT_III"><b>ACT III.</b></a> +<a href="#ACT_IV"><b>ACT IV.</b></a> +</p> + +<hr /> +<h3>Personages.</h3> + +<p>ALTOUM, Khan of the Celestial Empire.</p> + +<p>PANTALOON, his Prime Minister.</p> + +<p>TARTAGLIA, Lord Chancellor.</p> + +<p>TRUFFALDIN, Keeper of the Hareem.</p> + +<p>BRIGHELLA, Captain of the Imperial Black Guards.</p> + +<p>KALAF, Prince of Tartary.</p> + +<p>BARAK, his former Tutor.</p> + +<p>ISHMAEL.</p> + +<p>DOCTORS of THE DIVAN.</p> + +<p class="c"><i>Courtiers, Guards, Priests, Slaves of the Hareem.</i></p> + +<p>TURANDOT, Heiress to the Celestial throne: generally known +as "The Chinese Sphinx."</p> + +<p>SKIRINA, her attendant, wife to Barak.</p> + +<p>ADELMA, Princess of Keicobad, slave to Turandot.</p> + +<p class="c"><i>Female slaves of the Hareem.</i></p> + +<p class="c">SCENE.—<i>Peking and its environs.</i></p> + +<hr /> + + +<h3>TURANDOT: THE CHINESE SPHINX.</h3> + +<h3><a name="ACT_I" id="ACT_I"></a>ACT I.</h3> + + +<p class="top5"><span class="smcap">SCENE</span>.—Outskirts of Peking. L. View of town gate, above which +are reared long poles, bearing turbaned and shorn heads, symmetrically +disposed so as to form a kind of architectural ornament. +R. Small suburban dwellings, from one of which issues <span class="smcap">PRINCE</span> +<span class="smcap">KALAF</span>, dressed in a fantastic Tartar warrior's costume.</p> + + +<p class="drama"><span class="name">KALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +The Gods be thanked, at last by patient seeking,<br /> +I've found a lodging in this crowded Peking.<br /> +<br /> +(Enter BARAK, in Persian costume; sees KALAF and starts, surprised.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +Prince Kalaf? 'tis not possible. He's dead!<br /> +Yet, sure 'tis he—his eyes—his legs—his head,—<br /> +My Lord!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +What—Barak! here—alive?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +And kicking.<br /> +But how escaped you from that fatal licking<br /> +The Bey of Tefflis gave us all in battle?<br /> +Your father's troops were slaughtered off like cattle,<br /> +And you, my Prince, we thought, were slain or taken;<br /> +So off I fled to save, at least, <i>my</i> bacon.<br /> +I found a refuge in this queer old city;<br /> +A widow married me for love—or pity.<br /> +We live like happy doves in yonder cot,—<br /> +My only grief,—the thought of your sad lot.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +We never thought to meet again, dear Tutor,—<br /> +In China too!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +For years I've taken root here.<br /> +But, dearest Prince, how was it, tell me, pray,<br /> +You 'scaped the perils of that dreadful day?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Breathe not my name! A price is on my head;<br /> +I've roamed from land to land; have toiled for bread.<br /> +As slave I served the Shah of Keicobad;<br /> +This King a fair and gracious daughter had,<br /> +Who guessed my birth, and offered me her heart.<br /> +Her haughty father bade me quick depart;<br /> +With horse and arms he furnished me. I'm here<br /> +T' enlist myself as Chinese volunteer;<br /> +I hope to serve the Son of Moon and Stars<br /> +In some crack regiment of Light Hussars.<br /> +But what's the meaning of the crowds that flood<br /> +Each caravanserah? Refused I stood<br /> +By all, till in yon house I found, at least<br /> +Accommodation for myself and beast.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +In that trim cottage lives my wife. 'Tis lucky<br /> +She proved herself in house-letting so plucky.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +I give you joy, old friend; you're married snugly,<br /> +Your wife (for a Chinese) is not so ugly,<br /> +And kind as kind can be, though somewhat droll,<br /> +Adieu,—I'll through the city take a stroll.<br /> +And then proceed to visit the great Khan,<br /> +And beg him to engage me as his man.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +Stay, Prince, how rash!—you do not know your danger:<br /> +'Tis evident to Peking you're a stranger.<br /> +To-day a horrid deed will be enacted,—<br /> +A cruel death, by Turandot exacted.<br /> +Have you not heard that Turandot the fair<br /> +Has filled this land with bloodshed and despair?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +'Tis true I heard, in distant Keicobad,<br /> +Accounts of Turandot, so strange, so sad,<br /> +That I believed them false,—exaggerated.<br /> +'Twas said the Prince of Keicobad, ill-fated,<br /> +Had met his death by Turandot's command;<br /> +His father, in revenge, assailed this land,<br /> +But lost his life; my patroness, his daughter,<br /> +By chance escaped unhurt the gen'ral slaughter,<br /> +And slave was made to haughty Turandot:<br /> +All this I heard, but credited it not.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +Too true is all you've heard through common rumour,<br /> +The Princess Turandot's ferocious humour<br /> +Has many princes caused to lose their life<br /> +In seeking to obtain her as a wife.<br /> +Her beauty is so wonderful, that all<br /> +As willing victims to her mandate fall;<br /> +In vain do various painters daily vie<br /> +To limn her rosy cheek, her flashing eye,<br /> +Her perfect form, and noble, easy grace,<br /> +Her flowing ebon locks and radiant face.<br /> +Her charms defy all portraiture: no hand<br /> +Can reproduce her air of sweet command.<br /> +Yet e'en such counterfeits, from foreign parts<br /> +Attract fresh suitors,—win all hearts.<br /> +But she, whose outward semblance thus appears<br /> +To be Love's temple, such fierce hatred bears<br /> +To all marital sway, or marriage tie,<br /> +That rather than submit to man, she'd die.<br /> +Great kings and princes, all have sued in vain,<br /> +One glance of love or pity to obtain.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +In Keicobad I heard this oft-told tale,<br /> +But thought it paradoxical—and stale.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +'Tis true. Her poor old father's in despair,<br /> +For China's throne is now without an heir;<br /> +He longs for her to wed some prince or other,<br /> +And not perplex him with continual bother.<br /> +He's of an age to live in peace and quiet,<br /> +And not be plagued with wars and civil riot;<br /> +He's tried all means his daughter's mind to soften,<br /> +Has often sternly threatened—coaxed as often;<br /> +Used prayers for such a monarch <i>infra dig</i>—<br /> +But all in vain; she's headstrong as a pig.<br /> +At length she said she'd make a compromise,<br /> +The Khan consented—(he's not over-wise!)<br /> +His artful daughter wheedled him to swear,<br /> +By great Fo-hi, that she should never wear<br /> +The hateful Hymeneal yoke, unless<br /> +Some suitor for her hand should rightly guess<br /> +Three difficult conundrums by herself composed:<br /> +But if the man who for her hand proposed<br /> +Should fail to solve her problems—then his pate<br /> +Should be struck off, and grace the city-gate.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Why, what a tigress must this Princess be!<br /> +I never heard such cruelty—Bless me!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +Already kings and princes by the dozen<br /> +She's managed by her subtlety to cozen;<br /> +For she's so clever that she always diddles<br /> +The keenest wits by her confounding riddles.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +As wife, decidedly I should decline her,<br /> +She's made of dragon-pattern stony China.<br /> +What fools her suitors are, their hearts to fix on<br /> +So termagant and bloodthirsty a vixen!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +So fascinating is she, none withstand her,<br /> +All men for her do nothing but philander.<br /> +Behold on yonder gate the ghastly row<br /> +Of livid heads set up in dismal show.<br /> +All these belonged to men who dared to hope<br /> +With Turandot in subtlety to cope.<br /> +To-day a prince is led to execution,<br /> +Who failed to give her riddles due solution.<br /> +That is the reason of the noise you hear,<br /> +Pray go not to the town.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +What should I fear?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +The bloody spectacle your nerves might shake;<br /> +The severed head is fastened to a stake.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Gong sounds within the city watts.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +But hark! yon tantan's loud infernal dinning,<br /> +Tells that the tragedy is now beginning.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +A monster like this princess should be strangled,<br /> +Her body by wild horses torn and mangled.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +To all she is not cruelly inclined,<br /> +'Tis Man she hates; to women she's most kind.<br /> +Within her royal hareem serves my wife,<br /> +And with her mistress leads a happy life.<br /> +The only fault of Turandot is pride,—<br /> +Her many virtues cannot be denied.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Who comes this way?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +'Tis Ishmael, the friend<br /> +Of him who just has met his tragic end.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Enter</i> ISHMAEL, <i>weeping</i>.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ISH.</span><br /> +<br /> +His life is o'er! Ah, would the cruel knife<br /> +Had struck my worthless self, and spared his life.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +Bear up, good friend, I pity you sincerely,<br /> +Your master for his love has paid too dearly.<br /> +Why did you not dissuade him from the trial—<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ISH.</span><br /> +<br /> +My prayers he met with kind, but firm denial.<br /> +His dying words still echo in mine ear—<br /> +"Good friend," he said, "to die I do not fear;<br /> +My life's a blank if without <i>her</i> I live.<br /> +Speed to my father,—beg him to forgive<br /> +His hapless son, who staked his life on one<br /> +Whose face is fair, whose heart is cold as stone.<br /> +Shew him this portrait: (<i>takes a miniature from his<br /> +breast</i>) when its charms he views,<br /> +My frenzied love, my rashness he'll excuse."<br /> +This said, he clasped the portrait to his breast,<br /> +Fond kisses on its icy beauty pressed;<br /> +Then bent his head, and closed his eyes,<br /> +The death blow fell, and sent him to the skies.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Dashes the portrait to the ground.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +Away, thou false deceit! thou cause of woe,<br /> +Th' original I'd trample even so.<br /> +To dust I'd grind her tiger heart;—her soul,<br /> +I'd send to Eblis' region dark and foul! (<i>Exit</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +Are you convinced?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +I'm perfectly amazed.<br /> +How can a painted semblance thus have crazed<br /> +So sensible a prince? (<i>Stoops to pick it up.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +For heaven's sake,<br /> +Avoid that picture as you would a snake.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KALAF</span> (<i>smiling</i>).<br /> +<br /> +No harm will happen, dear old tutor, sure<br /> +From picking up a picture from the floor.<br /> +No woman yet has caused my heart to throb,—<br /> +Shall painted lines my soul of freedom rob?<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Barak endeavours to prevent Kalaffrom beholding<br /> +the miniature; Kalaf puts him aside, and gazes<br /> +on it for some time in silence.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +Ye gods! an angel's face. Oh ecstacy!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +Now, there; he's caught. I knew how it would be!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +Beneath this beaming smile, these lustrous eyes,<br /> +There cannot lurk a cruel heart of ice.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +I tell you she's the wickedest of creatures;<br /> +Oh, gaze not on the Syren's fatal features,<br /> +More baneful than the Gorgon head, Medusa.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Hush, hush, I will not hear you thus abuse her,<br /> +I never saw a face and form diviner;<br /> +Her's is not mortal clay, but porcelain China,<br /> +Some magic power, some demon, I know not,<br /> +Enchains my soul to beauteous Turandot.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Gazes enraptured on the miniature.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +These eyes to meet, these rosy lips to kiss,<br /> +Who would not hazard all to win such bliss?<br /> +My senses reel, my veins are all afire!<br /> +Good Barak, help me to my heart's desire.<br /> +Her stern ordeal I'll undergo—to solve<br /> +Her problems or to die, is my resolve.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +Desist from your intention, I conjure you,<br /> +Let my remonstrance of this madness cure you.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +You speak in vain. My fortune now or never,<br /> +Shall be ensured for aye, or lost for ever.<br /> +One stroke will end my life, or I shall gain<br /> +The fairest woman e'er beheld, and reign<br /> +An Emperor of Chang's celestial state.<br /> +O smile upon my hopes, benignant Fate!<br /> +<br /> +(<i>During this speech, a Chinese executioner has<br /> +appeared on the city gate, bearing a pole upon<br /> +which is fixed a turbaned head: he places it in<br /> +the row, and disappears.</i>)<br /><br /> +But tell me, Barak, shall I in divan<br /> +Behold the lovely daughter of the Khan?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +A spectacle more thrilling now behold,<br /> +That head just smitten off. My blood runs cold,<br /> +To think that yours may be thus closely shaven.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Nay, fear is not for princes—I'm no craven.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Contemplates the head with compassion.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +Poor youth, deserving of a better fate.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +Sweet prince, renounce th' attempt.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Too late, too late!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +I fear you'll fail to guess the Sphinx's riddles.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +I'll cut the Gordian knots right down their middles!<br /> +I'm not so stupid as some folks suppose;<br /> +'Twill not be easy my quick wit to pose.<br /> +I fancy I shall come off with <i>éclat</i>;<br /> +But if I fail, it does not matter, pshaw!<br /> +If in this enterprise I lose my life,<br /> +Present my compliments to your good wife;<br /> +My horse be hers, in payment of her trouble.<br /> +Heigho! this world's a dream, and life's a bubble!<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Going. Enter</i> SKIRINA <i>from the cottage.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +Reveal my name to none. Nay, do not cry,<br /> +You've wept me once before as dead. Goodbye.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">SKIR.</span><br /> +<br /> +Why, what's the matter? You are melancholy.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +Oh, help me, wife, restrain this youth's mad folly;<br /> +He's off to Peking—means to dare the Sphinx!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">SKIR.</span><br /> +<br /> +He's sure to die—my heart within me sinks!<br /> +What put such silly nonsense in your head?<br /> +You've got brain fever; bless you, go to bed.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Pray save your breath. My fever needs no nurse<br /> +But Turandot's fair hand. Here, take my purse,<br /> +I have no farther need of money; for<br /> +I either die, or shall become an Emperor.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Exit hastily into the city gate.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK</span> (<i>following him</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Dear master, hear me; stay; all, all in vain;<br /> +I ne'er shall see his blessèd face again!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">SKIR.</span><br /> +<br /> +You know my stranger-guest? how very funny,<br /> +Let's try to catch him, and return his money.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +Wife, be not curious; no questions ask,<br /> +He's gifted with such mental powers, the task<br /> +Of coping with the Sphinx he may achieve—<br /> +His doom unto the gods we now must leave.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">SKIR.</span><br /> +<br /> +We'll sacrifice a pig to great Fo-hi,<br /> +He'll perhaps contrive your handsome friend shan't die.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Exeunt into the cottage.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +</p> +<p class="c">END OF ACT I.<br /> +</p> + + +<hr /> + +<h3><a name="ACT_II" id="ACT_II"></a>ACT II.</h3> + +<p class="top5"><span class="smcap">SCENE</span>.—<i>Grand saloon of the Divan.</i> L. <i>Doors leading to the +Emperor's apartment.</i> R. <i>Doors leading to</i> <span class="smcap">TURANDOT's</span> <i>Hareem</i>. +<i>Black slaves discovered, engaged in setting the saloon in order;</i> +<span class="smcap">TRUFFALDIN</span> <i>majestically directing them</i>.</p> + + +<p class="drama"> +<span class="name">TRUF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Come, look alive! His Majesty's Divan<br /> +Will soon assemble. Now, look sharp, my man!<br /> +A carpet for this throne; here sits her Highness;<br /> +Bring brooms, and sweep up all this horrid dry mess.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Enter</i> BRIGHELLA, <i>looking around wonderingly</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BRIG.</span><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +I say, Truffaldin, what's this grand array?<br /> +The high Divan again—twice in one day?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TRUF.</span> (<i>without minding him</i>).<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +Eight seats here for the doctors!<br /> +They're all muffs,<br /> +But look imposing in their brocade stuffs.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BRIG.</span><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +Truffaldin, do you hear? What is the matter?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TRUF.</span><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +How dare you make such a confounded clatter?<br /> +You stupid, don't you know the whole Divan<br /> +Are called to meet as quickly as they can?<br /> +Another suitor for my mistress' heart<br /> +Is anxious from his silly head to part.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BRIG.</span><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +For shame! Three hours ago one victim fell.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TRUF.</span><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +This new pretender seems a precious swell.<br /> +His curly poll will grace the hangman's pole,<br /> +A charming barber's block, upon my soul!<br /> +'Twill cut a figure in our "<i>Rotten Row</i>;"<br /> +I think that jest is witty—Ho, ho, ho!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BRIG.</span><br /> +<br /> +Your soul in blackness with your visage vies—<br /> +You grin whene'er a fellow-creature dies.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TRUF.</span><br /> +<br /> +You jackanapes! None of your paltry spite;<br /> +My heart's not black,—your liver 'tis that's white;<br /> +So hold your jaw. Why should I grieve to see<br /> +That men for love such arrant fools can be?<br /> +The more the merrier; for on each day,<br /> +Our Princess 'scapes a husband's dreaded sway;<br /> +She gives us all a good jollification,<br /> +Besides munificent gratification.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BRIG.</span><br /> +<br /> +How barbarous.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TRUF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Now, don't you be so silly.<br /> +Her suitors are not dragged here willy-nilly;<br /> +They know the journey here their heads may cost 'em,<br /> +But 'tis no loss; for they've already lost 'em.<br /> +Perhaps that's why the riddles they can't guess,<br /> +And always fall into a hideous mess.<br /> +I'm sure my charming mistress is most lenient<br /> +To have devised a method so convenient<br /> +To rid herself, and China, of such geese;<br /> +Much harder tasks,—to fetch the golden fleece—<br /> +Or singing water—or the talking bird—<br /> +Were formerly exacted, as I've heard.<br /> +My lovely Highness is not so inhuman,<br /> +She only tests her sweethearts' fine acumen;<br /> +And if she must submit to husband's rule,<br /> +At least she'll not be governed by a fool.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>March music is heard.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BRIG.</span><br /> +<br /> +The royal trumpets sound. Hark, don't you hear 'em.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TRUF.</span><br /> +<br /> +I'll run t'escort my Princess from her hareem.<br /> +Be off! and guard the palace portals,<br /> +Let none pass thro' but Mandarin-born mortals.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Exeunt severally.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Enter guards and musicians; then eight doctors pedantically<br /> +dressed;</i> <span class="smcap">PANTALOON</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">TARTAGLIA</span> <i>in characteristic costumes;<br /> +then the</i> <span class="smcap">KHAN ALTOUM</span>, <i>in extravagantly rich attire, he ascends his<br /> +throne</i>, <span class="smcap">PANT.</span> and <span class="smcap">TART.</span> <i>station themselves near it</i>. <i>At his entrance,<br /> +all prostrate themselves, their foreheads to the ground, and remain<br /> +thus until he is seated.</i> <i>At a sign from</i> <span class="smcap">PANTALOON</span>, <i>the march<br /> +ceases</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Good folk, behold your monarch much perplexed,<br /> +<br /> +I must confess I'm seriously vexed.<br /> +My daughter's obstinacy quite unnerves me,<br /> +Such unforeseen and jadish tricks she serves me.<br /> +One charming prince was killed this morn, at six;<br /> +Another's just arrived,—I'm in a fix,<br /> +And worritted to death by constant butch'ry,<br /> +Of lovers caught by my fair daughter's witch'ry;<br /> +But yet I cannot break my oath. Fo-hi<br /> +Has heard my vow; his wrath I dar'n't defy.<br /> +Prime Minister, can't you some project form<br /> +And be your monarch's rudder thro' this storm?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Celestial Majesty—<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +What do you say?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANT.</span> (<i>aside</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +The loudest bawling's all time thrown away!<br /> +He's deaf as any post—a perfect dummy—<br /> +It's no use preaching wisdom to a mummy.<br /> +I wish I were in Venice back again!<br /> +I had to fly her happy shores, on pain<br /> +Of being hanged, or losing liberty,<br /> +Because the bigwigs thought my tongue too free.<br /> +I hoped, as minister, I was secure<br /> +To fatten in an easy sinecure;<br /> +Instead of which, I've not one moment's leisure;<br /> +No carnival, nor any Christian pleasure.<br /> +But constant squabbles, tears, and imprecations,<br /> +Divans, beheadings, sphinxes,—I've lost patience!<br /> +I'll quit this land of pigtails, gongs, and teas;<br /> +Return to Italy, and live at ease.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +I <i>see</i> you're talking; speak a little louder.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANT.</span> (<i>aside</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +He wouldn't hear the bursting of gunpowder.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Tartaglia, have you seen this poor young fellow?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TART.</span> (<i>stammering, until he speaks Italian very glibly</i>)—<br /> +<br /> +Y-y-your h-hi-high-ness, y-y-es, a-and f-f-found h-hi-him—<i>molto bello</i>.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +What do you say?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TART.</span><br /> +<br /> +S-so p-p-please y-your M-majesty,<br /> +(<i>aside</i>) <i>Non posso più! che sordo! sapresty!</i><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Then bring this suitor to divan at once. (<i>Exit guards.</i>)<br /> +We'll urge him the hard trial to renounce.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANT.</span><br /> +<br /> +I'll try my best;<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +What do you say?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANT.</span> (<i>aside</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +But fear<br /> +He'll be as deaf as you, and will not hear.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">KALAF</span>, <i>with guards</i>. <i>He kneels before the Khan, with<br /> +his hands to his forehead.</i> <span class="smcap">ALTOUM</span> <i>regards him with pity</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Arise, rash man.<br /> +(<i>Aside</i>.) Ah, what a gallant youth,<br /> +Behead him? 'Twould be quite a shame, in sooth.<br /> +(<i>aloud</i>) Say, who art thou? From what far distant land<br /> +Dost come to seek in marriage that fair hand<br /> +Which only royal blood may justly claim?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span><br /> +<br /> +Great Khan, permit me to conceal my name;<br /> +My lineage justifies my bold desire.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANT.</span><br /> +<br /> +I'm sure he's nobly born and nurtured, sire.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +What do you say?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANT.</span> (<i>despairingly</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +It doesn't signify.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +'Twould break my aged heart to see thee die.<br /> +I'd save thy life if possible. Oh, quit<br /> +The sharp encounter with my child's keen wit.<br /> +My heart and eyes are sickened by the blood<br /> +That's daily shed.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span><br /> +<br /> +Your Majesty's too good.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +I'm captivated by thy noble air;<br /> +With thee my royal throne I'll gladly share.<br /> +So thou but force me not to take thy life;<br /> +Avoid the fatal Sphinx—give up the strife.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +My thanks are all I have, and these I give;<br /> +But without Turandot I will not live.<br /> +My motto is, "Or death, or Turandot."<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANT.</span> (<i>aside</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +He really is a most pig-headed sot!<br /> +(<i>aloud</i>) Young man, you cannot know the risk you run.<br /> +Th' alternative's in earnest—not in fun.<br /> +Dame Turandot will spin you a tough riddle,<br /> +That's not to be "got thro' like any fiddle."<br /> +Not such as this, which any child might guess—<br /> +(Though the Emperor could not, I must confess;)<br /> +"<i>What gives a cold, cures a cold, and pays the doctor's bill?</i>"<br /> +Not short enigmas lightly disentangled;<br /> +Hard nuts you'll have to crack, fresh made, new-fangled;<br /> +And if you cannot guess them all <i>instanter</i>,<br /> +Your head will be struck off—I do not banter.<br /> +You'll have to answer rightly in a twink;<br /> +Your head once off, you'll have no time to think.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span><br /> +<br /> +Your warning's vain: "Or death or Turandot."<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANT.</span> (<i>aside</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +For all my sermon he don't care one jot.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TART.</span><br /> +<br /> +D-d-dear s-sir, l-let m-me p-persuade you. <i>Lasci stare</i><br /> +Th-this d-dr-dread-f-ful st-str-strife, <i>bruttissimo affare</i>.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span><br /> +<br /> +Again I say, "Or death, or Turandot."<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TART.</span><br /> +<br /> +H-he-he's ho-hope-l-l-less-l-ly in l-lo-love. <i>L'è proprio cot.</i><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +As no persuasion moves this headstrong man,<br /> +Go, summon Turandot to this divan.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Exit guards.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +(<span class="smcap">KALAF</span>, <i>violently agitated, gazes towards the hareem entrance</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span><br /> +<br /> +She comes—her beauty will enchant my sight,<br /> +Ye Gods, inspire my mind with sapient might!<br /> +<br /> +(<i>March heard.</i> <i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">TRUFFALDIN</span>, <i>with his drawn sabre on his<br /> +shoulder</i>. <i>Black male and female slaves, beating tantans and<br /> +cymbals.</i> <span class="smcap">ADELMA</span>, <i>in Tartar costume, and</i> <span class="smcap">SKIRINA</span>, <i>both veiled</i>.<br /> +<span class="smcap">ADELMA</span> <i>carries a salver upon which are sealed papers</i>. <span class="smcap">TRUFFALDIN</span><br /> +<i>and male slaves prostrate themselves as they pass</i> <span class="smcap">ALTOUM'S</span> <i>throne;<br /> +the female slaves kneel, with their hands to their forehead</i>. <i>Then<br /> +appears</i> <span class="smcap">TURANDOT</span>, <i>veiled, in rich Chinese costume</i>. <i>The courtiers<br /> +and doctors prostrate themselves before her.</i> <span class="smcap">ALTOUM</span> <i>rises; the<br /> +Princess makes him a slight inclination, with her hands to her<br /> +forehead, then ascends the throne, and seats herself</i>; <span class="smcap">ADELMA</span> <i>and</i><br /> +<span class="smcap">SKIRINA</span> <i>on either side, the former nearest the audience</i>. <span class="smcap">TRUFFALDIN</span><br /> +<i>takes the salver from</i> <span class="smcap">ADELMA</span>, <i>and with exaggerated ceremony,<br /> +distributes the papers to the eight doctors, and resumes his place.<br /> +March ceases.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span> (<i>haughtily</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +Once more a vain aspirant for my hand,<br /> +Compels me here before you all to stand.<br /> +This rash intruder, who thus fondly thinks<br /> +To overcome in wit the Chinese Sphinx,<br /> +Must little prize his life. His downfall's sore.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +There stands the man. Now don't be so demure.<br /> +He's young and handsome, do have some compassion,<br /> +Don't doubly kill him, in your usual fashion.<br /> +Accept him as your husband, my sweet daughter,<br /> +Don't keep us any longer in hot water.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span> (<i>after gazing at</i> <span class="smcap">KALAF</span>, <i>aside to</i> <span class="smcap">SKIRINA</span>)—<br /> +<br /> +Skirina, what can ail me? Heigho! surely<br /> +This can't be love—I feel so faint—quite poorly.<br /> +No man has ever touched my heart—but now<br /> +For this sweet youth I feel—I don't know how.<br /> +In all my life I never felt so queer.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">SKIR.</span><br /> +<br /> +At last you've fall'n in love; that's very clear.<br /> +So much the better! make your riddles plain.<br /> +And then he needn't puzzle his poor brain.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span><br /> +<br /> +Nay, peace, Skirina, recollect my glory.<br /> +<br /> +(<span class="smcap">ADELMA</span> <i>has observed</i> <span class="smcap">KALAF</span> <i>with emotion</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +'Tis he! my former slave. I guessed his story.<br /> +My heart was right, he's one of noble birth.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span><br /> +<br /> +Young prince, I clearly recognise your worth.<br /> +Be wise in time. Relinquish your attempt.<br /> +Too arduous is the trial. Do not tempt<br /> +The Fates. I am not cruel, as they say,<br /> +But shun the yoke of Man's despotic sway.<br /> +In virgin freedom would I live and die;<br /> +The meanest hind may claim this boon,—shall I,<br /> +The daughter of an emperor, not have<br /> +That birthright which belongs to all? Be slave<br /> +To brutish force, that makes your sex our lord?<br /> +Why does my hand such tempting bait afford?<br /> +The gods have made me beauteous, rich, and wise,<br /> +Presumptuous man considers me his prize.<br /> +If nature dowered me with bounteous treasure<br /> +You tyrants think 'twas all to serve your pleasure.<br /> +Why should my person, throne, and wealth be booty<br /> +To one harsh, jealous master? No, all beauty<br /> +Is heaven's gift, and like the sun, should shine<br /> +To glad earth's children, and their souls refine.<br /> +I hate proud man, and like to make him feel<br /> +He may not crush free woman 'neath his heel.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span><br /> +<br /> +Such high-souled sentiments, so fine a mind,<br /> +Transcendent grace and beauty, all combin'd<br /> +Must justify my love and seeming boldness.<br /> +I ne'er accused you of disdain or coldness.<br /> +I duly honour maidenly reserve.—<br /> +Your favour I pretend not to deserve;<br /> +But who would not risk all, with blindfold eyes,—<br /> +To win a heaven on earth,—a Paradise?<br /> +Each day do we not see, for smaller gain,<br /> +Great captains brave the dangers of the main?<br /> +For glory's empty bubble thousands perish,<br /> +Above all treasures your fair hand I cherish;<br /> +Your heart and not your throne, is my desire;<br /> +Condemn me not if madly I aspire.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">SKIR.</span> (<i>aside to</i> Turandot.)<br /> +<br /> +For Fo-hi's sake! three easy riddles give,<br /> +Don't let him die, but as your husband live.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +How noble are his words! Ah, had my sire<br /> +But known he was a prince. My heart's desire<br /> +I'll yet obtain; I'll save him by some plot,<br /> +He ne'er shall wed the hateful Turandot.<br /> +(<i>to</i> Turandot.) Princess, you're agitated; calm your nerves,<br /> +And treat him with contempt as he deserves.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span><br /> +<br /> +You're right, Adelma; thanks for your kind zeal;<br /> +He's woman's foe; no pity must I feel.<br /> +(<i>to</i> Kalaf.) Prepare then, arrogant young man.—<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Dear prince,<br /> +May not our Royal words your ear convince?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span><br /> +<br /> +I still repeat: "Or death or Turandot!"<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANT.</span> (<i>aside</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +My poor young man, you'll surely go to pot!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Then read the awful mandate.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">SKIR.</span><br /> +<br /> +How I tremble.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +My jealousy I scarcely can dissemble.<br /> +<br /> +(<span class="smcap">PANTALOON</span> <i>receives the Doomsday Book, first prostrating Himself<br /> +before it; then reads in a loud voice</i>:)—"By command of his<br /> +Celestial Majesty, the Son of the Moon, cousin to the planets,<br /> +and near relative to the firmament in general,—oyes! oyes!<br /> +oyes!" (<i>Rings crier's bell.</i>) (<i>Aside</i>.) If I said what I liked, I should<br /> +say, oh no! oh no! oh no! (<i>Aloud</i>.) "Any person of royal<br /> +descent may sue for the hand of our daughter, Empress<br /> +Turandot, on the following conditions:—The Princess shall<br /> +propound three riddles to any suitor proposing himself as her<br /> +husband; should he be unable to unravel them, his head shall<br /> +be struck off with an axe, and exposed on the city-gate of Peking;<br /> +should he unravel them, the Empress Turandot shall become<br /> +his lawful bride, and together they shall inherit the throne of<br /> +the celestial empire. We swear it by our ancestor, the sun."<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span> (<i>placing his hands on the book</i>)—<br /> +<br /> +This law, tho' it cause tears and blood to flow,<br /> +I've sworn to keep, alas! it must be so.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span> (<i>rises and declaims</i>)—<br /> +<br /> +A tree on which men grow and fade;<br /> +Old as the world, yet ever new;<br /> +Its leaves, on one side, live in shade,<br /> +On th' other bears the sun's bright show.<br /> +Each time it blooms a ring it wears,<br /> +It tells the age of each event.<br /> +Upon its bark men's names it bears,<br /> +Forgotten e'er its life be spent.<br /> +What is this tree, so young, so old,<br /> +So sunny warm, so icy cold?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KALAF.</span> (<i>ponders awhile, then bows to the Princess</i>)—<br /> +<br /> +Too happy is your slave, divine Princess,<br /> +If nothing harder he may have to guess;<br /> +This ancient tree which ever buds anew,<br /> +Which sun and shade, man's age and deeds doth shew,<br /> +It is "a year," revolving day and night.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANT.</span> (<i>joyfully</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +Shake hands, Tartaglia, I'm quite sure he's right!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TART.</span><br /> +<br /> +A-a-as-ass-tounding! <i>Sono contentissimo!</i><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">DOCTORS</span> (<i>having opened the papers</i>).<br /> +<br /> +<i>Eureka! Optime! Optissimo!</i><br /> +<br /> +(<i>Flourish of gongs and cymbals</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span> (<i>graciously</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +Fo-hi protects thee, son; He'll save thy life.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA</span> (<i>aside</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +Ye gods, let not my rival be his wife,<br /> +Though I rejoice her vanity is vext.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">SKIR.</span><br /> +<br /> +I hope he'll be as clever at the next!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span><br /> +<br /> +Shall he outwit me? No, by sun and moon;<br /> +(<i>to</i> <span class="smcap">KALAF</span>.) Your joy's precocious—triumph not too soon.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Rises and declaims</i>)—<br /> +<br /> +Canst thou the fragile mirror name,<br /> +Reflecting all creation on its limpid face;<br /> +'Tis closed within a narrow frame,<br /> +Yet compasses high heav'n's blue vault of endless space.<br /> +This crystal is of priceless worth,<br /> +But yet the poor possess it, nor possession pay;<br /> +It is the brightest gem on earth,<br /> +It gives and yet receives its heaven-born brilliant ray.<br /> +What is this mirror bright and clear,<br /> +Free given to all, to all so dear?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KALAF</span> (<i>ponders, then bows to the Princess</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Your mystery's not hard to penetrate;<br /> +The mirror you describe so small, so great,<br /> +So priceless, so benign, "the eye" must be,<br /> +A heaven 'twill show if thine speak love to me.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANT.</span> (<i>embraces</i> <span class="smcap">TART</span>.)<br /> +<br /> +He's shot the bull's-eye through the very middle.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">SKIR.</span><br /> +<br /> +I never knew his equal at a riddle.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">DOCTORS</span> (<i>having opened the papers</i>).<br /> +<br /> +<i>Eureka! Optime! Optissimo!</i><br /> +<br /> +(<i>Flourish of gongs and cymbals.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TART.</span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Bravo-o-o! Bravissimo! Benissimo!</i><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +I give you joy; you <i>are</i> a clever fellow!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Our Chinese Sphinx with rage is turning yellow.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +In vain the Fates themselves would seek to foil me;<br /> +My rival shall not of my love despoil me.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">SKIR.</span><br /> +<br /> +I wish to Fo-hi all was fairly over!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADEL.</span> (<i>to</i> Turandot.)<br /> +<br /> +If you be mocked by this conceited lover,<br /> +Your former victories will naught avail;<br /> +Your honour's lost if this pert fop prevail.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span><br /> +<br /> +The world shall perish first! Exultant fool!<br /> +My hate increases with thy hope to rule.<br /> +Escape my wrath whilst yet thy life is free,<br /> +My vengeance dread, and from the contest flee.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span><br /> +<br /> +Your hate alone, adored Princess, can move<br /> +My soul. If vainly I implore your love,<br /> +Then let me die; my life I do not prize<br /> +If loathsome I appear in your sweet eyes.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Hear reason, Prince, nor longer tempt the gods.<br /> +Throw up the game,—too fearful are the odds.<br /> +With honour canst thou quit this high divan,<br /> +For thou'st done more than any other man.<br /> +Yet two successes serve not, though they're glorious,<br /> +Unless for the third time thou be victorious.<br /> +And thou, my domineering, wilful child,<br /> +Wilt not relent towards this youth? Be mild,<br /> +And graciously accept his suit.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span><br /> +<br /> +Relent!<br /> +I scorn his love,—his pity I resent.<br /> +The law prescribes three trials. Let's proceed,<br /> +And try if in the third he may succeed.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span><br /> +<br /> +The gods decide! "Or death or Turandot!"<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span> (<i>angrily</i>.) +<br /> +<br /> +Death—death will be your well-deserved lot.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Keep silence in the court! Ahem! ahem!<br /> +(<i>aside</i>) Now for some crackjaw, mystic apophthegm.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span> (<i>rises and declaims</i>)—<br /> +<br /> +What is that thing, held cheap as dust,<br /> +Yet honor'd by the Emperor's hand?<br /> +'Tis made to pierce, with sword's keen thrust,<br /> +But sheds no blood, tho' wounds like sand,<br /> +In number deep inflicts; robs none;<br /> +Enriches thousands; rules the earth;<br /> +Makes life with ease and smoothness run;<br /> +Has founded kingdoms; ended dearth;<br /> +Most ancient cities it has built,<br /> +But ne'er caused war, nor war's sad guilt.<br /> +Answer my question (<i>unveils</i>). Look me in the face,<br /> +Avow you're vanquished and deserve disgrace.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span> (<i>gazes on her with rapture.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +Refulgent loveliness! Ecstatic bliss!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANT</span>. (<i>shaking him.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +Collect your senses! Don't take on like this!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Alas, I fear his intellect is puzzled;<br /> +He's mute,—his tongue seems tied,—his lips tight muzzled.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Were't not for dignity, into the kitchen,<br /> +I'd rush a glass of something short to fetch 'un.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span> (<i>who has returned</i> <span class="smcap">Kalaf's</span>. <i>fixed gaze</i>)—<br /> +<br /> +Unhappy wretch! thou'rt silent; thou must die.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span> (<i>recovers himself, and bows to</i> <span class="smcap">TURANDOT</span> <i>with extreme composure</i>)—<br /> +<br /> +'Twas but your beauty dazed my wondering eye.<br /> +My mind can grasp the meaning of the Sphinx,<br /> +Tho' it's as puzzling as the "Babe of Ginx."<br /> +The iron thing which wounds yet sheds no blood;<br /> +That rules the earth, and gives man wealth and food;<br /> +On which each year the Khan doth place his hand,<br /> +To typify his reign o'er China's land;<br /> +In short, the instrument your riddle mentions<br /> +Is one of mankind's earliest inventions.<br /> +If I mistake not, Hm—ha—Let me see!<br /> +"<i>The plough</i>" is meant by Riddle Number three.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">DOCTORS</span> (<i>having opened the papers</i>).<br /> +<br /> +<i>Eureka! Optime! Optissimo!</i><br /> +<br /> +(<i>Flourish of gongs and cymbals.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANT.</span><br /> +<br /> +I kiss our future Emperor's great toe!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TART.</span><br /> +<br /> +Th-the S-sp-sphinx is v-van-qui-quished—<i>Vinto è il Demonio!</i><br /> +Sh-she's f-fou-found her m-ma-match. <i>Evviva il matrimonio!</i><br /> +<br /> +(<span class="smcap">TURANDOT</span> <i>faints</i>, <span class="smcap">ADELMA</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">SKIRINA</span> <i>support her</i>. <span class="smcap">ALTOUM</span><br /> +<i>leaning on</i> <span class="smcap">PANT</span>. <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">TART</span>. <i>descends his throne, and embraces</i><br /> +<span class="smcap">KALAF</span>. <i>The</i> <span class="smcap">DOCTORS</span> <i>quit their seats, and retire to the background</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Sweet prince, our son-in-law thou'lt be to-morrow,<br /> +A joyful climax to our royal sorrow.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span> (<i>recovers her senses, and rashes wildly between</i> <span class="smcap">ALTOUM</span> <i>and</i><br /> +<span class="smcap">KALAF</span>)—<br /> +<br /> +Oh, make me not his slave! 'Twill drive me mad,<br /> +My mind no time for due reflection had.<br /> +Too easily his triumph was obtained.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +The hard-won victory he fairly gained.<br /> +With gratitude become this good youth's wife,<br /> +Obey the law, and end this weary strife.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span><br /> +<br /> +Once more call the divan—renew the contest,<br /> +If I have time for thought, I'm sure of conquest.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Fair Princess Tigerheart, that's <i>rather</i> cool;<br /> +Don't make his Majesty act like a fool.<br /> +D'you think the royal head of your kind Daddy<br /> +Is lined with lead, like a Japan tea-caddy;<br /> +What say you, colleague; and ye Doctors wise?<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Doctors join hands in a circle, nodding their chins.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">DOCTORS.</span><br /> +<br /> +Let bloodshed cease. The chopped-off heads suffice.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +To great Fo-hi's pagoda we'll repair<br /> +And finish off this hymeneal affair.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span><br /> +<br /> +Have mercy—<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Mercy hast thou shewn to none,<br /> +I've kept my oath; do thou as I have done.<br /> +Fulfil Fo-hi's decree.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span><br /> +<br /> +Oh, spare me, Sire,<br /> +Or at your feet behold your child expire.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Throws herself at his feet.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Thy marriage is ordained. Proud girl, obey,<br /> +Too long I've bowed to thy capricious sway.<br /> +Entreat no more. I swear by Fo-hi's sword.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span><br /> +<br /> +Hold, father, do not speak the sacred word.<br /> +This overbearing tyrant I'll not wed;<br /> +I'd rather make the sullen grave my bed.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span> (<i>to</i> <span class="smcap">TURANDOT</span>.)<br /> +<br /> +Abate your terror; nor so madly grieve;<br /> +I'll intercede myself for your reprieve.<br /> +Fair cruel one, who may your tears withstand?<br /> +<br /> +(<i>to</i> <span class="smcap">ALTOUM</span>.) Great monarch, grant her wish; I'd win her hand<br /> +By love's sweet power; not by enforced consent.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>to</i> <span class="smcap">TURANDOT</span>.) I see thou crav'st my head—then be content.<br /> +I love thee so intensely, that my life<br /> +Is worthless if I may not call thee wife.<br /> +Again a solemn test I'll undergo.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +She's yours by right of law. Fate willed it so.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span><br /> +<br /> +You shall not drag me to the bridal altar;<br /> +This hand shall slay me first (<i>draws a dagger.</i>) It will not falter.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span><br /> +<br /> +Stay, hold your hand, and calm your poignant sorrow;<br /> +We'll meet again in high divan. To-morrow<br /> +The Chinese Sphinx this problem shall unravel:<br /> +"Who is that Prince who, after weary travel<br /> +Escaped from slavedom's thrall, and reached the goal<br /> +And blissful summit of his longing soul;<br /> +Yet at fulfilment of his heart's desire<br /> +Was plunged yet deeper into tortures dire?"<br /> +Relentless beauty, if you name aright<br /> +The name and lineage of this luckless wight<br /> +Then shall you gratify your hate, and take<br /> +My life. But if you fail, then shall you make<br /> +Me blessed, by giving me your hand. Decide.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span><br /> +<br /> +By this new compact I consent to abide.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Imprudent youth, too generously kind,<br /> +Thou know'st not her all-penetrating mind.<br /> +But, should she conquer thee by female wile,<br /> +Thou shalt not fall a victim to her guile.<br /> +To-morrow's high divan shall seal her fate;<br /> +Her wit may free her; or she'll be thy mate.<br /> +Enough of blood's been shed.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span> (<i>aside</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +My subtle art<br /> +Shall crush his pride. Be firm, fond, wav'ring heart.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>March strikes up.</i> <span class="smcap">ALTOUM</span>, <i>leaning on</i> <span class="smcap">KALAF's</span> <i>shoulder,<br /> +followed by</i> <span class="smcap">PANT</span>., <span class="smcap">TART</span>., <span class="smcap">DOCTORS</span>, <i>and Courtiers, exeunt</i> L.<br /> +<span class="smcap">TURANDOT</span>, <span class="smcap">ADELMA</span>, <span class="smcap">SKIRINA</span>, <span class="smcap">TRUFFALDIN</span>, <i>and slaves, exeunt</i> R.)<br /> +<br /> +</p> +<p class="c">END OF ACT II.<br /> +</p> + +<hr /> + + +<h3><a name="ACT_III" id="ACT_III"></a>ACT III.</h3> + + +<p class="c top5"><span class="smcap">SCENE</span>.—<i>Street in Peking.</i> (<i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">KALAF</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">BARAK</span>.)</p> + + +<p class="drama"> +<span class="name">KALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +None know my name in Peking's busy town,<br /> +Your trusty tongue's as secret as my own;<br /> +E'en to your wife I hope you've not revealed—<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +From her especially the truth's concealed.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +For many years, as dead I've been, given o'er.<br /> +No mortal here has seen my face before.<br /> +Fear not.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +Dear Prince, forgive me if I blame you,<br /> +I can't help dreading lest the Sphinx may name you.<br /> +You were not wise to give her this last chance;<br /> +She's so astute! She'll lead you a fine dance.<br /> +You had possession—nine points of the law,<br /> +Why should you for her meagrims care one straw?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Oh, had you seen her grief.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +I needs must smile<br /> +To think the tears of this sly crocodile<br /> +Should take you in!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span><br /> +<br /> +Perhaps my tender love<br /> +Her heart to mutual tenderness may move.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BAR.</span><br /> +<br /> +No gratitude you'll get from that proud snake.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span><br /> +<br /> +Revile her not!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BAR.</span><br /> +<br /> +I for your safety quake.<br /> +She's quite as cunning as she's fierce.<br /> +Her eyes can even through a millstone pierce.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span><br /> +<br /> +Nay, hope the best. My lucky stars preside,<br /> +They'll crown me victor of my lovely bride.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BAR.</span><br /> +<br /> +You're just the same dear, sanguine, thoughtless boy<br /> +As ever. I can't bear to spoil your joy.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">BRIGHELLA</span>, <i>marching backwards, commanding a few<br /> +Chinese guards</i>; <span class="smcap">PANT.</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">TART</span>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BRIG.</span><br /> +<br /> +Halt! Pigtails, right! Attention! Royal Black Guards!<br /> +(<i>aside</i>.) How I do hate this dangerous marching backwards!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Oh, here he is! At last we've caught our bird.<br /> +Prince, how d'ye do! Allow me just one word.<br /> +But who's this man? (<i>points to</i> <span class="smcap">BARAK</span>.)<br /> +Of what has he been talking?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BAR.</span> (<i>aside</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +I hope they don't suspect—(<i>aloud</i>.) As I was walking,<br /> +This man accosted me (I do not know him),<br /> +He asked if I his way would kindly show him.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Great Prince, you're compassed round about with traps.<br /> +If we don't keep you in our eye—perhaps<br /> +The Sphinx may have you murdered. To prevent<br /> +Unpleasant little accidents we're sent<br /> +By his celestial Majesty, to take you<br /> +In our safe custody. We'll not forsake you.<br /> +(<i>to</i> <span class="smcap">BARAK</span>.) And you're her spy, I do believe; get out!<br /> +And mind your own affairs, Sir Pry-about.<br /> +(<i>to</i> <span class="smcap">KALAF</span>.) As Minister, I hope I may make bold<br /> +To say "Sweet Prince, take care you are not sold."<br /> +Pray whisper not your name to any one<br /> +Except to me, your friend. I'll blab to none.<br /> +On my discretion you may safe repose,<br /> +Confide in me; your name I'll not disclose.<br /> +No more than I would jump right o'er the moon.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span><br /> +<br /> +No doubt; but yet my name, good <i>Pantaloon</i>,<br /> +Like yours, must be quite "inexpressible."<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANT.</span><br /> +<br /> +My wish to please is irrepressible.<br /> +Command me, pray. Henceforth I will be dumb.<br /> +The watchword is,—I understand you,—"Mum!"<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TART.</span><br /> +<br /> +G-go-ood Pr-prince, d-don't m-mi-mind th-that st-stu-pid P-pa-pantaioon,<br /> +H-he's n-nothing b-but a g-go-gossipping B-buff-ffoon.<br /> +C-co-conf-fi-fide in m-me. Your s-se-secret I won't u-u-ut-ter,<br /> +I-in f-f-fact I c-ca-<i>can't</i>, 'c-ca-cause of my d-de-deuced s-st-stutter.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Your Highness! to the palace, if you please.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Signs to</i> <span class="smcap">BRIGHELLA</span>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BRIG.</span><br /> +<br /> +Recover, Pigtails! Black Guards, stand at ease!<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Exeunt</i> <span class="smcap">KALAF</span>, <span class="smcap">PANT</span>., <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">TART</span>., <i>Guards and</i> <span class="smcap">BRIGHELLA</span>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK</span>, (<i>who has been watching in the background, comes forward</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Ye Tartar deities, watch o'er his life!<br /> +Good gracious, what can hither bring my wife?<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">SKIRINA</span>.)<br /> +<br /> +Where art thou going, wife, in such a hurry?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">SKIR.</span><br /> +<br /> +Oh, dearest husband, I'm all in a flurry.<br /> +Our handsome guest will be Chang's future<br /> +Who'd have believed such an astounding thing?<br /> +The Princess Turandot is in despair;<br /> +She weeps, she wrings her hands, she tears her hair.<br /> +She'll kill herself if she can't tell to-morrow<br /> +The name of your young friend. To calm her sorrow,<br /> +I bade her not torment herself, for you<br /> +Knew all about him, and his father too.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BAR.</span><br /> +<br /> +Unhappy woman, thou hast ruined us!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">SKIR.</span><br /> +<br /> +Why, what harm's done? Why make you such a fuss?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BAR.</span><br /> +<br /> +My head will have to answer for thy tongue.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">SKIR.</span><br /> +<br /> +Oh, nonsense, dear; I'm sure I've done no wrong.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">TRUFFALDIN</span> <i>and slaves</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BAR.</span><br /> +<br /> +Behold what thou hast done, thou Chatterbox.<br /> +<br /> +(<span class="smcap">TRUFFALDIN</span>, <i>with pompous exaggerated ferocity, holds his sabre to BARAK's breast</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TRUF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Make no resistance! Yield thee, sly old fox!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">SKIR.</span><br /> +<br /> +Have mercy, Truffaldin,—my husband spare!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TRUF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Of his bald head I'll not disturb one hair.<br /> +Good female, you're of the fem'nine gender,<br /> +And therefore towards your weakness my heart's tender.<br /> +Your husband shall not come to any harm,<br /> +So pray don't needlessly yourself alarm.<br /> +The highest honour is in store for him,<br /> +Free entrance's offered to our Hareem.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BAR.</span><br /> +<br /> +The gilded trap of the fair Serpent-Sphinx.<br /> +She's found me out; she's eyes like any lynx.<br /> +There's no escape.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TRUF.</span> (<i>flourishing his sabre</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Lead on, my free-born slaves,<br /> +To where the flag of slavedom freely waves.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Exeunt</i> <span class="smcap">BARAK</span>, <span class="smcap">TRUF</span>. <i>menacing him, and slaves</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">SKIR.</span><br /> +<br /> +Forgive me, husband dear. Adieu, adieu!<br /> +Oh dear, oh dear, what ever shall I do?<br /> +Adelma urged me to my boastful prating—<br /> +She always is so very aggravating;<br /> +I'd like to drop a lump of deadly <i>pison</i><br /> +In her next cup of "best strong-flavoured Hyson."<br /> +I do declare my brain's all in a fuddle—<br /> +Fo-hi, do help me out of this sad muddle!<br /> +I'll sacrifice another guinea-pig,<br /> +For mortals, then, I needn't care one fig. (<i>Exit</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +</p> + +<p class="top5"><span class="smcap">SCENE</span> II.—<i>A vestibule in</i> <span class="smcap">TURANDOT's</span> <i>Hareem</i>. <span class="smcap">BARAK</span> <i>is fastened +to one of its pillars, black mutes, with drawn daggers, stand on each +side of him</i>. <i>A large porcelain dish, fitted with golden coins is on a +table near him.</i> <span class="smcap">TURANDOT</span> <i>stands before him in a threatening +attitude</i>. (<span class="smcap">ADELMA</span> <i>beside her</i>.)</p> + +<p class="drama"> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span><br /> +<br /> +Yet hast thou time. Obey my royal pleasure,<br /> +And thine shall be this pile of golden treasure.<br /> +If not, my slaves shall pierce thy heart. His name<br /> +Reveal at once; his parentage proclaim.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BAR.</span><br /> +<br /> +Your threats are vain; your treasures I despise.<br /> +Repent your obstinate resolve. Be wise<br /> +And learn, a woman's highest happiness<br /> +Is, by her love a worthy man to bless.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span><br /> +<br /> +To preach to me befits thee not. Desist.<br /> +My potent will in vain thou wouldst resist.<br /> +Seize on him, slaves, and do your work. Forbear<br /> +Awhile. Reflect, and save thy life. I swear<br /> +By Fo-hi's face, no harm shall touch thy friend<br /> +Nor thee, if thou consent to serve my end.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BAR.</span><br /> +<br /> +Your path's deceitful. Swear by Fo-hi's might<br /> +My friend shall call you his e'er morrow's night.<br /> +You hesitate—you dare not swear a lie<br /> +Before the sacred face of great Fo-hi.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Presumptuous wretch, dar'st thou our queen defy?<br /> +Princess, demur no longer; let him die.<br /> +<br /> +(<span class="smcap">SKIRINA</span> <i>rushes in.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">SKIR.</span><br /> +<br /> +Hold, Princess; hold; your father is at hand!<br /> +(<i>aside</i>.) My knees are knocking; I can hardly stand.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Unlucky chance! To prison with this fellow!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">SKIR.</span><br /> +<br /> +Adelma, hush; you needn't bawl and bellow.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span><br /> +<br /> +In deepest dungeon let him be confin'd.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BAR.</span><br /> +<br /> +My body you may shackle; not my mind.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">SKIR.</span> (<i>aside to</i> <span class="smcap">BARAK</span>.)<br /> +<br /> +Take courage, husband; do not fear their spite;<br /> +The pig will save us yet; I tell you it's all right.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Mutes hastily conduct</i> <span class="smcap">BARAK</span> <i>through a secret door; others<br /> +remove the dish of gold</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span><br /> +<br /> +Adelma, thou'rt my only friend. Advise<br /> +<br /> +My mind distraught 'twixt love and hate. Despise<br /> +Me not, but pity me. Some counsel lend.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADEL.</span><br /> +<br /> +As force has failed, by craft we'll gain our end.<br /> +I have a plan,—I'm sure of its success,<br /> +If to the stranger's cell we gain access.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span><br /> +<br /> +Take gold—suborn his guards—the highest meed<br /> +I hold as nought if thy new scheme succeed.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADEL.</span><br /> +<br /> +Skirina's help I need to work my plot.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">SKIR.</span><br /> +<br /> +I'd let myself be skinned for Turandot.<br /> +I wish my service could my husband save.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span><br /> +<br /> +His life be thy reward, thou faithful slave.<br /> +<br /> +(<span class="smcap">SKIRINA</span> <i>kisses</i> <span class="smcap">Turandot's</span> <i>hand</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADEL.</span><br /> +<br /> +Your royal father comes. In me confide.<br /> +(<i>aside</i>.) Assist me, love, to quell her haughty pride.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Exeunt</i> <span class="smcap">ADELMA</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">SKIRINA</span>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span><br /> +<br /> +What will Adelma's fertile brain devise?<br /> +(<i>after a pause</i>.) In vain the truth I'd hide from mine own eyes;<br /> +My heart is his—irrevocably his.<br /> +To be his wife—oh rapture, heavenly bliss!<br /> +Yet I must spurn his love. I will not bear<br /> +All China's cold contempt; man's scoffing sneer.<br /> +What glory would be mine could I but tame<br /> +This bragging conqueror. Pronounce his name<br /> +In high divan, and chase him from our city,<br /> +Abashed and in despair. But yet, with pity<br /> +My heart would surely break. Come, virgin pride<br /> +And woman's art my shame and grief to hide.<br /> +To-day, proud man has made me bear disgrace;<br /> +To-morrow I must triumph o'er his race.<br /> +But yet—he did not boastfully rejoice—<br /> +Rebuke I welcomed from his gentle voice.<br /> +How humble was his suit—how mild and good,<br /> +How unresentful towards my scornful mood.<br /> +Avaunt, ye tender phantasies, avaunt!<br /> +I dread the world's disdain—its scoffing taunt.<br /> +My people shall not see Turandot fall,<br /> +The slave of one means abject slave to all.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">ALTOUM</span>, <i>perusing a scroll</i>; <span class="smcap">PANT</span>, <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">TART</span>, <i>following at<br /> +some distance</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span> (<i>to himself</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +The Bey of Tefflis dead? So ends this tyrant!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANT.</span> (<i>aside to</i> <span class="smcap">TART</span>.)<br /> +<br /> +What makes his Majesty indulge in high rant?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span> (<i>as above</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +Prince Kalaf, heir to Tartary's high throne,<br /> +Is called to fill the Bey's, besides his own.<br /> +This scroll informs me Kalaf is the stranger<br /> +Who overthrew the Sphinx and 'scaped her danger.<br /> +I'm glad to find the Prince is no bad catch,—<br /> +My daughter's will be quite a splendid match.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANT.</span> (<i>to</i> <span class="smcap">TART</span>.)<br /> +<br /> +What is he muttering all to himself,<br /> +Just like a miser counting o'er his pelf?<br /> +I do believe he's talking in blank verse,<br /> +Or reasoning in rhyme, which would be worse.<br /> +He's deaf; if he were blind, 't would suit us better,<br /> +For then he couldn't read his private letter.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TART.</span> (<i>to</i> <span class="smcap">PANT</span>.)<br /> +<br /> +A s-sp-special Es-taf-fette! <i>Ci cova gatto!</i><br /> +S-such m-my-mystery! <i>Capisco niente affatto.</i><br /> +<br /> +(<span class="smcap">ALT</span>. <i>places the scroll in his breast, and signs to</i> <span class="smcap">PANT</span>. <i>and</i><br /> +<span class="smcap">TART</span>. <i>to withdraw, which they do with reluctance</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +My child, the night is far advanced; yet still<br /> +Thy restless steps pace through thy hareem chill.<br /> +Quite hopeless is thy task; not all the College<br /> +Of Doctors could impart the wished-for knowledge.<br /> +Thou canst not guess thy 'pponent's name, tho' we<br /> +Have fully learned his family history.<br /> +He's worthy of thy hand; my wish obey,<br /> +Avoid to-morrow's public <i>exposée</i>.<br /> +Thou'rt sure to fail. For my sake save thy fame,<br /> +My soul recoils from witnessing thy shame.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span><br /> +<br /> +I shall not put my father to the blush;<br /> +My adversary's arrogance I'll crush.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Ah, flatter not thyself. Let one defeat<br /> +Suffice; do not the painful scene repeat.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span><br /> +<br /> +The high divan shall judge. Firm as a rock<br /> +Is my strong will. His easy task I mock.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Has thy keen wit discovered—tell me truth—<br /> +The secret of this overtrusting youth?<br /> +If so, be gen'rous; let him go in peace;<br /> +From further strife and public struggle cease.<br /> +Deal gently with this boy of noble race,<br /> +Nor wantonly expose him to disgrace.<br /> +Thus shalt thou earn all Chang's high admiration.<br /> +Thy harsh decree has much estranged the nation.<br /> +They tell strange tales about the Chinese Sphinx,<br /> +Men's skulls she gnaws—hot human blood she drinks.<br /> +Oh, show thyself as modest, tender, duteous,—<br /> +More homage this commands than being beauteous.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span><br /> +<br /> +Your mercy, Sire, beseems your hoary age;<br /> +Your words might well convert a Grecian sage,<br /> +But cannot change my purpose. I'll not bow<br /> +My neck to any man: so runs my vow.<br /> +In public this pert boy my power defeated,—<br /> +In public shall my vengeance be completed.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Dear child, paternal love shall condescend<br /> +To humbly beg obedience. Do but bend<br /> +To my desire, and thou shalt from me learn<br /> +The whole of what this stranger may concern.<br /> +In public thou shalt triumph—name aloud<br /> +Thy foe, in face of an applauding crowd.<br /> +But swear, if thus I'm traitor for thy sake<br /> +Thou wilt this suitor for thy husband take.<br /> +Thy deed will bless thine aged father's days—<br /> +Reward a loving heart—win all men's praise.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span> (<i>who has listened with increasing emotion</i>)—<br /> +<br /> +His words are torture to my wav'ring pride,<br /> +How shall I act? How may I best decide?<br /> +Adelma shall I trust? Her plot may fail;<br /> +Without disgrace a father may prevail.<br /> +Down, stubborn soul (<i>advances towards</i> <span class="smcap">ALT</span>., <i>then<br /> +hesitates</i>), and yet, beneath Man's yoke<br /> +To crouch? No, no, my vow I'll not revoke.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Thou'rt touched. Sweet daughter, grant my fond desire.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span><br /> +<br /> +He fears I may succeed and thwart him. Sire,<br /> +I'll meet in high divan. My will is steady.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Then, if thou fail, the altar shall be ready;<br /> +The rite shall be performed with solemn fitness,<br /> +While vulgar crowds shall thy confusion witness.<br /> +Their scoffing jeers shall be thy wedding hymn;<br /> +Thy father stooped in vain; now stoop to him. (<i>Exit</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span><br /> +<br /> +Oh, murder not your child! Adelma, friend,—<br /> +Forsake me not. My grief some comfort send;<br /> +My only hope's in thee. If great Fo-hi<br /> +Withhold success, to-morrow sees me die. (<i>Exit</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +</p> +<p class="c">END OF ACT III.<br /> +</p> + +<hr /> + + + +<h3><a name="ACT_IV" id="ACT_IV"></a>ACT IV.</h3> + + +<p class="top5"><span class="smcap">SCENE</span>.—A magnificent apartment, with divers outlets; in the +background an oriental couch. The scene is dark. KALAF discovered +pacing up and down, BRIGHELLA holding a torch, observing him, +and shaking his head.</p> + + +<p class="drama"> +<span class="name">BRIG.</span><br /> +<br /> +Just three o'clock! by Kong's pagoda-chimes.<br /> +You've paced this floor just twice three hundred times.<br /> +Your Highness had much better go to sleep.<br /> +You'll have to rise with dawn's first ruddy peep.<br /> +I can't watch any more; my eyelids close.<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KALAF</span>. +<br /> +<br />Thou'rt right, Brighella; go to thy repose.<br /> +<br /> +(BRIG. going, returns cautiously.)<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BRIG</span>.<br /> +<br /> +One word, your Highness,—when I've left my post,<br /> +Don't be astonished if you see a ghost.<br /> +You understand? You needn't be afraid;<br /> +I daren't say more; my silence is prepaid.<br /> +Forewarned, forearmed, you know. To a blind horse<br /> +A nod's as good as twenty winks, of course.<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KALAF</span>. (<i>looking about, uneasily.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +What spectres shall I see? what dreary sprite?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BRIG.</span><br /> +<br /> +Oh, nothing, (<i>yawns</i>.) I'm <i>so</i> sleepy, Prince, good night.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Going, returns.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +I hope you are not angry with Brighella—<br /> +I'm but a poor, ill-paid, hardworking fellah—<br /> +The Emperor has ordered that no fly<br /> +Shall enter this apartment—you know why;<br /> +But tho' he's king, his daughter really rules.<br /> +It's hard to keep one's balance 'twixt two stools!<br /> +And what a woman wills, for good or evil.<br /> +That must be done, or she will play the devil.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Going, returns.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +Mind, <i>I</i> know nothing. Keyholes may suffice;<br /> +If any noise you hear, it's only mice!<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Exit, winking significantly.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span><br /> +<br /> +Good night, and thanks; your hint I comprehend.<br /> +Will treachery be used my life to end?<br /> +Nay, Turandot's too noble—I'll not fear.<br /> +The fateful hour approaches (<i>opens a casement</i>.)<br /> +Dawn is near,<br /> +I'll seek to drown my care in dreamy rest.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>As he sinks on the couch, a secret door opens, admitting</i> <span class="smcap">SKIRINA</span><br /> +<i>dressed in male attire, a false beard on</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">SKIR.</span><br /> +<br /> +My lord.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KALAF.</span> (<i>starting up</i>.) +<br /> +<br /> +What man is this? Some silly jest.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">SKIR.</span><br /> +<br /> +What, don't you know Skirina? (<i>takes off the beard</i>.)<br /> +I'm so frightened!<br /> +Disguised I've passed your guards, in these clothes tightened.<br /> +I've got so much to tell. Your poor old tutor<br /> +Is put in chains! Yes, nothing less would suit her.<br /> +He's anxious for your life—he begs you'll sign<br /> +Your name to show you're safe; just write one line<br /> +To pacify him; or he'll all declare;<br /> +The Princess Turandot's in such a flare.<br /> +I tremble for my husband,—he's demented,<br /> +Until you've kindly to his wish consented.<br /> +I've brought a tablet—just your name indite<br /> +To ease his mind.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span> (<i>takes the tablet</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +To please him, I will write.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Suddenly recollects himself, and looks at her searchingly.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +Skirina, would'st thou traitress turn? Thy guest I've been.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">SKIR.</span> (<i>aside</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +I promised I would do my best.<br /> +But such reproaches down I cannot gulp,<br /> +Not if my mistress beat me to a pulp.<br /> +So Miss Adelma may play off her tricks<br /> +Herself, (<i>to</i> <span class="smcap">KALAF</span>.) Please don't your eyes thus on me fix.<br /> +(<i>whimpering</i>.) I should have thought some slight consideration<br /> +You would have felt for my sad situation.<br /> +If you suspect me.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span><br /> +<br /> +Nay, I'm sure you acted<br /> +All out of kindness.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">SKIR.</span> (<i>aside</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +I shall go distracted.<br /> +(<i>to</i> <span class="smcap">KALAF</span>.) My husband waits your news. My leave I'll take;<br /> +(<i>aside</i>.) Adelma's sharp; but he's as wide awake. (<i>Exit</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span><br /> +<br /> +Brighella warned me well.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">TRUFFALDIN</span>, <i>covered by a long black mantle</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +Another visit!<br /> +Nocturnal ghosts abound. Well, friend, what is it?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TRUF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Your Excellency, news excellent I bring—<br /> +You'll hear a wonderfully wondrous thing.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span><br /> +<br /> +Speak on, good vision; I am all attention.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TRUF.</span><br /> +<br /> +T'explain in plainest words is my intention.<br /> +The keeper of the Hareem stands before you!<br /> +But that's not here nor there; so I'll not bore you<br /> +With all my titles. The Princess Turandot<br /> +Right thro' the heart by Cupid's dart is shot!<br /> +I would not flatt'ringly your Highness flatter<br /> +With mincing terms, nor will I mince the matter.<br /> +My mistress is distracted to—distraction<br /> +By your attractive personal—attraction.<br /> +If truth I speak not, may the high Fo-hi<br /> +Grind all my bones to make his next meat-pie!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span><br /> +<br /> +So far, so good; what hast thou more to say?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TRUF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Be not impatient, Royal Highness, pray.<br /> +My mistress is a tiger-cat—(permit<br /> +The term; tho' coarse, 'tis graphically fit.)<br /> +She gnashes her white teeth with frantic ire,<br /> +And raves against you, "Robbers, murder, fire!"<br /> +If truth I speak not, may the high Fo-hi<br /> +Make mince-meat of me for his sacred pie.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span><br /> +<br /> +No need of oaths. But hast thou not, good keeper,<br /> +Some better news to tell a waken'd sleeper?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +Truf.<br /> +<br /> +Of course I have. Without circumlocution<br /> +I now proceed to instant elocution:<br /> +My charming mistress sent me here to beg<br /> +You'll trust her with your secret. Her last leg<br /> +She's standing on; and in sheer desperation<br /> +She'll marry you; but must before the nation<br /> +Appear to vanquish you—in mere appearance.<br /> +Be quick, and of your secret make a clearance.<br /> +Clear up the matter, and I'll then clear out;<br /> +My time is precious. Finish off this bout.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span><br /> +<br /> +One thing thou hast forgotten.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TRUF.</span><br /> +<br /> +What have I?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span><br /> +<br /> +To imprecate thy bones to Fo-bi's pie.<br /> +Return to Turandot. Tell her from me<br /> +She'll glorious shine in high divan, if she<br /> +Benignant prove herself; more true distinction<br /> +She'll gain by this, than by my hope's extinction.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Signs to</i> <span class="smcap">TRUF</span>. <i>to withdraw.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TRUF.</span> (<i>aside</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +I've only got my trouble for my pain;<br /> +I'll never do a kindly act again. (<i>Exit</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span><br /> +<br /> +Come, gentle sleep. Refresh me, balm divine!<br /> +Take courage, weary soul, success may yet be mine.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Retires to the couch, and sinks; into slumber.</i> <i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">ADELMA</span>,<br /> +<i>veiled, bearing a lighted taper</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADEL.</span><br /> +<br /> +I shall not fail. In vain was their endeavour,<br /> +But I will venture all, the knot to sever.<br /> +I may not learn his name,—but I'll implore<br /> +His flight from Peking. Then my love, once more<br /> +May hope to win his heart.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Unveils, and gazes upon him.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +He gently slumbers:<br /> +Reluctantly I rouse him, but time numbers<br /> +The hours yet left for action. Prince, arise!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span><br /> +<br /> +Who calls? Another spirit! Do my eyes<br /> +Deceive me? Can it be? Adelma here?<br /> +Thy royal person in a slave's mean gear!<br /> +Such lowly garb is surely some disguise.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADEL.</span><br /> +<br /> +No, Prince; Adelma now in slav'ry sighs.<br /> +Beneath the galling yoke of her who martyred<br /> +My wretched brother, and my father slaughtered.<br /> +Not you alone must suffer from the curse<br /> +Of Turandot's fell ire; my fate's far worse.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span><br /> +<br /> +Princess, believe me; more your lot I mourn<br /> +Than e'en my own. So fair, so nobly born,<br /> +So gracious to th' unhappy;—I can ne'er<br /> +Forget your kindness to myself. If e'er<br /> +In need of faithful service you may stand,<br /> +Which I may render in return, command<br /> +Me as your slave. My gratitude's eternal.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADEL.</span><br /> +<br /> +From Turandot I'd save you. Her infernal<br /> +Devices throw a glamour o'er your senses:<br /> +But did you know her shallow, false pretences,<br /> +Of her great excellence you'd scorn the notion,<br /> +Nor waste on her your noble heart's devotion.<br /> +For all she sets up as a learned Sphinx,<br /> +She's nothing but a sly, conceited minx.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span><br /> +<br /> +Nay, blame not her, but adverse destiny,<br /> +Your brother willed his death; the choice was free.<br /> +Your father fell in battle—'twas ill-fate<br /> +Awarded death, not she. Oh, do not hate<br /> +Your mistress; surely she your worth esteems<br /> +And treats you as your gentle birth beseems.<br /> +To-morrow, if I'm victor as before<br /> +I'll freedom give you, and your throne restore.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADEL.</span><br /> +<br /> +Can nothing your credulity convince?<br /> +Oh, fly this wicked woman, dearest Prince.<br /> +Escape with me! Come haste! Our time is short;<br /> +I've bribed your guards. We'll sail from the next port<br /> +To Keicobad—there all will hail me Queen.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span><br /> +<br /> +Farewell, Princess; magnanimous you've been.<br /> +Escape alone. To die I am content,<br /> +You cannot turn me from my firm intent.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADEL.</span><br /> +<br /> +Ungrateful man! Then learn the horrid truth.<br /> +The heart of Turandot can feel no ruth.<br /> +You've foiled her cunning. Fear her tiger-spring.<br /> +To-morrow as you pass to join the King<br /> +In high divan,—her slaves, with stealthy blow,<br /> +Will pierce your heart;—your life will be laid low.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span><br /> +<br /> +Oh, hapless Kalaf! must thy life thus end?<br /> +In exile perish—far from ev'ry friend!<br /> +O Timur, dearest father, couldst thou see<br /> +Thine only son in such deep misery,<br /> +All Tartary thou'dst gladly give to save<br /> +Its royal heir from such untimely grave.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Covers his face in despair.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADEL.</span> (<i>aside</i>) +<br /> +<br /> +Kalaf, future Khan of Tartarland!<br /> +(Most luckily the last-told lie I planned.)<br /> +He's in my power. If he escape one net,<br /> +He'll fall into another, closer yet.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span> (<i>to himself</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +I've said "Or death or Turandot." Her will<br /> +Decrees my death—from her 'tis, welcome still.<br /> +Adieu, fond hopes. Delusive joys, farewell!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADEL.</span><br /> +<br /> +Once more let me implore you. Do not sell<br /> +Your life thus cheap. We still have time for flight.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span><br /> +<br /> +My honour bids me stay and brave the fight.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADEL.</span><br /> +<br /> +You're obstinate. Farewell, then, <i>unknown stranger</i>,<br /> +(<i>aside</i>.) My love despised! I burn with jealous anger.<br /> +<i>Prince Kalaf, Timur's son!</i> you're in my snare;<br /> +I can be fierce as Turandot. Beware! (<i>Exit</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +I'm on the rack! when will this torture cease?<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">BRIGHELLA</span>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BRIG.</span><br /> +<br /> +'Tis time to join divan, Prince, if you please.<br /> +<br /> +(<span class="smcap">KALAF</span> <i>regards him suspiciously</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span><br /> +<br /> +Art thou her tool? Shall I by thy hand fall?<br /> +Stain not thy soul with guiltless blood. Take all<br /> +I have, if money be thy greed. But know<br /> +Without a struggle I'll not take thy blow.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Draws his-sword.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BRIG.</span><br /> +<br /> +His brain is addled, sure as eggs is eggs!<br /> +Lor', how he stands, astraddling out his legs!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span> (<i>throws down his sword.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +I'll not defend myself. Tell her who offered<br /> +Base gold for life, my breast I freely proffered<br /> +To meet th' assassin's knife. There lies my sword.<br /> +Fulfil her stern behest.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BRIG.</span><br /> +<br /> +Upon my word<br /> +And honour, my strict orders are, to see<br /> +You safely to divan. His Majesty<br /> +Is all agog to see the fun.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span> (<i>to himself</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +Alive<br /> +I ne'er shall reach divan. My death I'll strive<br /> +To calmly meet. Perchance my bleeding corse<br /> +Will melt her heart to pity and remorse.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Exit</i>, <span class="smcap">BRIGHELLA</span> <i>following him; guards receive him outside.</i><br /> +<i>Music strikes up.</i>)<br /> +</p> + +<p class="top5"><span class="smcap">SCENE</span>.—<i>High Divan, as in Act II.</i> <span class="smcap">ALTOUM</span> <i>discovered on his +throne</i>; <span class="smcap">PANT</span>. <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">TART</span>. <i>beside it</i>; <i>the eight Doctors seated; Guard +under arms</i>. <i>Behind a curtain, in the background, is an altar, +with a Chinese idol: a Chinese priest on each side of it.</i> <span class="smcap">KALAF</span> +<i>enters, agitated, and looking suspiciously around him; bows to</i> +<span class="smcap">ALTOUM</span>.<br /></p> + +<p class="drama"> +<span class="name">KAL.</span> (<i>aside</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +Do I still live? Each step, I thought to feel<br /> +The thrust of an assassin's deadly steel.<br /> +Adelma's warning was some dream, or now I dream.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +My son, care sits upon thy brow.<br /> +Glad news I have in store for thee. Alone<br /> +Joys come not. Turandot shall be thine own.<br /> +Three times to-night she sent to me to pray<br /> +I would defer th' encounter of to-day.<br /> +'Tis evident her pride is sorely vext,<br /> +She'd hide her failure by some vain pretext.<br /> +Rejoice, all blessings for thy weal combine,<br /> +To-day full happiness on thee shall shine.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANT</span>. (<i>to</i> <span class="smcap">KALAF</span>, <i>confidentially</i>)—<br /> +<br /> +Believe me, if so please your Majesty—<br /> +(I mean your Majesty that is to be.)<br /> +Your future wife's ill-temper there's no bearing;<br /> +Her tantrums and hysterics are quite wearing.<br /> +A hundred times I was called up last night<br /> +To try and set this knotty question right.<br /> +I'd scarcely time my slippers to resume,<br /> +Much less to dress in proper court costume.<br /> +I just popped on my crimson satin breeches,—<br /> +I fear I caught a cold; (<i>sneezes</i>) must put on leeches,<br /> +A blister p'raps—take horrid water-gruel.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Blows, his nose portentously.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +No breakfast yet I've swallowed 'Tis too cruel!<br /> +Who'd be Prime Minister? to starve and toil,<br /> +And fret and fume in an eternal coil.<br /> +But yet, I would not, for a hundred dollar<br /> +Have missed the sight of her rampagious choler;<br /> +I was rejoiced my turn had come to grin,<br /> +Just as folks do at me when Harlequin<br /> +Before my nose runs off with Columbine,<br /> +In every stupid Christmas pantomime.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TART.</span><br /> +<br /> +I-I was c-called up-p <i>inaspettatamente</i>,<br /> +S-she b-begged m-my a-ai-aid qu-quite <i>disperatamente</i>.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Prepare the altar.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>A curtain is raised, disclosing an altar with a Chinese deity.<br /> +Two priests attending.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +Hither call our daughter;<br /> +Obedience to the law shall now be taught her.<br /> +Set open all the doors! Lo, where she comes.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>A slow march is heard.</i> <span class="smcap">TRUFFALDIN</span> <i>and slaves enter, in mourning<br /> +garments, with weepers of crape attached to their pigtails.</i> <i>Female<br /> +slaves in black veils: then</i> <span class="smcap">TURANDOT, ADELMA</span>, <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">SKIRINA</span>, <i>all<br /> +demonstrating extreme dejection</i>. <span class="smcap">TURANDOT</span> <i>ascends her throne<br /> +with the same ceremonies at in Act II.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Is this a wedding march, with muffled drums?<br /> +It sounds more like a dead march, dull and dreary—<br /> +The one in "Saul," or Verdi's <i>Miserere</i>.<br /> +Her sulky Highness looks as black as thunder<br /> +At having thus in public to knock under.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span> (<i>to</i> <span class="smcap">KALAF</span>).<br /> +<br /> +This sad procession, Prince <i>Incognito</i><br /> +Profound humiliation is to show.<br /> +Your arrogance upon my shame will gloat,—<br /> +Your eyes on your defeated slave will doat.<br /> +I see the altar—Fo-hi's grand official<br /> +Prepared to bind the victim sacrificial.<br /> +My glory's dead—disgraced is Turandot!<br /> +Condemned to wear the chain of Hymen's knot.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span><br /> +<br /> +Oh, couldst thou know how deeply I revere<br /> +Thy maiden dignity, not thus severe<br /> +Thoud'st show thyself, nor my fond love resent.<br /> +As slave to thee my whole life shall be spent;<br /> +But deign one gracious sign to give, that thou<br /> +In time, responsive tenderness mayst know.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Prince, condescend no more. Commence the rite!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span><br /> +<br /> +One moment more. (<i>Sarcastically</i>.) I am not ready, quite.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Rises and addresses</i> <span class="smcap">KALAF</span>)—<br /> +<br /> +I raised your hopes, that they might deeper fall.<br /> +Prince Kalaf, Son of Timur, quit this hall<br /> +And China's realm. Go, seek another bride.<br /> +In vain my penetration you defied;<br /> +No secret's hidden from the Chinese Sphinx.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">SKIR.</span> (<i>aside</i>).<br /> +<br /> +She never naps—not e'en for forty winks!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span><br /> +<br /> +Ah, woe is me!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Dear me, what is the matter?<br /> +I cannot hear thro' all this general chatter.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANT</span>, (<i>aside</i>).<br /> +<br /> +I shan't attempt just now to make him hear;<br /> +I'm dazed myself, and his head's <i>never</i> clear.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TART.</span><br /> +<br /> +W-what a c-ca-cat-as-ass-astrophe! <i>Corpo di Bacco!</i><br /> +H-he m-must r-re-return—<i>colle pive nel sacco</i>.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span><br /> +<br /> +My overloving heart has caused my woe,<br /> +I gave up all, to please my lovely foe.<br /> +If yesterday I purposely had failed<br /> +To win the day, or from the contest quailed,<br /> +My soul had now found rest. Ah, why<br /> +Altoum, wert thou too merciful? To die<br /> +To-day, if conquered, should have been my meed—<br /> +Great Emperor, thus shouldst thou have decreed.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Poor Kalaf! tears mine aged eyes bedew.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>wipes hit eyes</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span> (<i>aside to</i> <span class="smcap">SKIRINA</span>)—<br /> +<br /> +His grief affects me deeply; strangely new<br /> +Emotions swell my bosom.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">SKIR.</span><br /> +<br /> +Put an end<br /> +To trifling. Far as Jericho I'd send<br /> +All shilly-shally. Do, for goodness' sake<br /> +Speak out and say, "As husband I thee take."<br /> +I've married twice, and know how shy one feels—<br /> +<br /> +Plunge in at once, right over head and heels.<br /> +A royal Crown Prince, too; my stars and garters!<br /> +<i>Crême de la crême</i>—the cream of Crimean Tartars!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +My soul by doubt and hate is torn;<br /> +She loves him, though she shows such bitter scorn.<br /> +I'm stung to anguish, yet I'll not repine,<br /> +My rival's torture is as sharp as mine.<br /> +<br /> +(<span class="smcap">KALAF</span> <i>has stood bowed down by grief; he starts suddenly and<br /> +approaches</i> <span class="smcap">TURANDOT's</span> <i>throne</i>)—<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Thy cruel will shall find no more resistance;<br /> +Why need the headsman end my sad existence?<br /> +This dagger shall release....<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Unsheathes a dagger.</i> <span class="smcap">ADELMA</span> <i>makes a movement of horror.</i><br /> +<span class="smcap">TURANDOT</span> <i>precipitates herself from the throne, and stays his hand</i>).<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span><br /> +<br /> +Stay, Kalaf, stay!<br /> +Or strike thy heart through mine.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Throws herself across his breast.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +What does she say?<br /> +<br /> +(<span class="smcap">TURANDOT</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">KALAF</span> <i>gaze at each other in silence, for some<br /> +time</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KAL.</span><br /> +<br /> +Wouldst doom me to a life, of love bereft?<br /> +My hopes and joys all faded—nothing left.<br /> +Such mercy seeks more cruelly to kill;<br /> +But my despair is stronger than thy will.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Attempts to stab himself.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +Tur.<br /> +<br /> +For my sake, live; nor ever quit my side;<br /> +Prince, take me as your loving, happy bride.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA</span> (<i>aside</i>).<br /> +<br /> +'Tis agony; I cannot bear this sight. (<i>Retires</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +What do they say? (<i>to</i> <span class="smcap">PANT</span>., <i>who endeavours to explain</i>).<br /> +Don't speak. I <i>see</i> all's right.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">SKIR.</span><br /> +<br /> +Fo-hi be praised! Now, this is what I call<br /> +A great success. My pig has done it all.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Fetches</i> <span class="smcap">BARAK</span> <i>from behind the crowd</i>)—<br /> +<br /> +Come, dearest husband; much too long you've trembled.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TUR.</span><br /> +<br /> +Let it be known to all those here assembled—<br /> +I may not justly claim the victor's crown,<br /> +Adelma's shrewdness served me; not my own.<br /> +Prince Kalaf vanquished me, and may command<br /> +As prize of his achievement, my poor hand.<br /> +(<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">KALAF</span>.) But not in deference to lawful right<br /> +I gave myself to thee, but through love's might.<br /> +My heart was thine, when first I did behold thee.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">KALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Excess of bliss, thus to my heart to fold thee!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALT.</span><br /> +<br /> +What do they say? You all make such a noise,<br /> +I can't hear anything—not my own voice.<br /> +No doubt it's quite correct, nay, sentimental;<br /> +So take my blessing and consent parental.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TART.</span><br /> +<br /> +F-f-friend F-pa-pantaloon, what j-j-joy! <i>Che dolci affetti!</i><br /> +P-prep-p-pare the b-ba-ban-qu-quet. <i>Mangerem confetti!</i><br /> +<br /> +<br /></p> + +<p>ALTOUM <i>joins the lover's hands, and places his hands on their heads</i>. +<i>The eight Doctors join hands and dance in a circle, nodding their +chins.</i> <span class="smcap">PANT</span>. <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">TART</span>. <i>dance together</i>. +<span class="smcap">BARAK</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">SKIRINA</span> <i>ditto</i>. +<span class="smcap">TRUFFALDIN</span> <i>twirls round</i> <span class="smcap">ADELMA</span>, +<i>who snubs him</i>. <span class="smcap">BRIGHELLA</span> <i>and guards gravely jump up and down</i>. <i>Tableau</i>.<br /> +<br /> +<br /></p> +<p class="c">END OF ACT IV.</p> + + +<p class="c top5">FINIS.</p> + +<hr class="full" /> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Turandot: The Chinese Sphinx, by +Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TURANDOT: THE CHINESE SPHINX *** + +***** This file should be named 26553-h.htm or 26553-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/6/5/5/26553/ + +Produced by Chuck Greif + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +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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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Turandot: The Chinese Sphinx + +Author: Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller + +Translator: Sabilla Novello + +Release Date: September 7, 2008 [EBook #26553] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TURANDOT: THE CHINESE SPHINX *** + + + + +Produced by Chuck Greif + + + + + + + + +TURANDOT: + +THE CHINESE SPHINX. + +A DRAMATIC ODDITY + +FREELY TRANSLATED FROM SCHILLER, + +AND CORDIALLY INSCRIBED TO + +LADY PERCY FLORENCE SHELLEY + +BY + +SABILLA NOVELLO. + +LONDON: S. FRENCH, 89, STRAND. + +1872. + +Price One Shilling. + + + + + +Personages. + +ALTOUM, Khan of the Celestial Empire. + +PANTALOON, his Prime Minister. + +TARTAGLIA, Lord Chancellor. + +TRUFFALDIN, Keeper of the Hareem. + +BRIGHELLA, Captain of the Imperial Black Guards. + +KALAF, Prince of Tartary. + +BARAK, his former Tutor. + +ISHMAEL. + +DOCTORS of THE DIVAN. + +_Courtiers, Guards, Priests, Slaves of the Hareem._ + +TURANDOT, Heiress to the Celestial throne: generally known +as "The Chinese Sphinx." + +SKIRINA, her attendant, wife to Barak. + +ADELMA, Princess of Keicobad, slave to Turandot. + +_Female slaves of the Hareem._ + +SCENE.--_Peking and its environs._ + + + + +TURANDOT: THE CHINESE SPHINX. + + + + +ACT I. + + +SCENE.--Outskirts of Peking. L. View of town gate, above which +are reared long poles, bearing turbaned and shorn heads, symmetrically +disposed so as to form a kind of architectural ornament. +R. Small suburban dwellings, from one of which issues PRINCE +KALAF, dressed in a fantastic Tartar warrior's costume. + + +KALAF. + +The Gods be thanked, at last by patient seeking, +I've found a lodging in this crowded Peking. + +(Enter BARAK, in Persian costume; sees KALAF and starts, surprised.) + + +BARAK. + +Prince Kalaf? 'tis not possible. He's dead! +Yet, sure 'tis he--his eyes--his legs--his head,-- +My Lord! + + +KALAF. + +What--Barak! here--alive? + + +BARAK. + +And kicking. +But how escaped you from that fatal licking +The Bey of Tefflis gave us all in battle? +Your father's troops were slaughtered off like cattle, +And you, my Prince, we thought, were slain or taken; +So off I fled to save, at least, _my_ bacon. +I found a refuge in this queer old city; +A widow married me for love--or pity. +We live like happy doves in yonder cot,-- +My only grief,--the thought of your sad lot. + + +KALAF. + +We never thought to meet again, dear Tutor,-- +In China too! + + +BARAK. + +For years I've taken root here. +But, dearest Prince, how was it, tell me, pray, +You 'scaped the perils of that dreadful day? + + +KALAF. + +Breathe not my name! A price is on my head; +I've roamed from land to land; have toiled for bread. +As slave I served the Shah of Keicobad; +This King a fair and gracious daughter had, +Who guessed my birth, and offered me her heart. +Her haughty father bade me quick depart; +With horse and arms he furnished me. I'm here +T' enlist myself as Chinese volunteer; +I hope to serve the Son of Moon and Stars +In some crack regiment of Light Hussars. +But what's the meaning of the crowds that flood +Each caravanserah? Refused I stood +By all, till in yon house I found, at least +Accommodation for myself and beast. + + +BARAK. + +In that trim cottage lives my wife. 'Tis lucky +She proved herself in house-letting so plucky. + + +KALAF. + +I give you joy, old friend; you're married snugly, +Your wife (for a Chinese) is not so ugly, +And kind as kind can be, though somewhat droll, +Adieu,--I'll through the city take a stroll. +And then proceed to visit the great Khan, +And beg him to engage me as his man. + + +BARAK. + +Stay, Prince, how rash!--you do not know your danger: +'Tis evident to Peking you're a stranger. +To-day a horrid deed will be enacted,-- +A cruel death, by Turandot exacted. +Have you not heard that Turandot the fair +Has filled this land with bloodshed and despair? + + +KALAF. + +'Tis true I heard, in distant Keicobad, +Accounts of Turandot, so strange, so sad, +That I believed them false,--exaggerated. +'Twas said the Prince of Keicobad, ill-fated, +Had met his death by Turandot's command; +His father, in revenge, assailed this land, +But lost his life; my patroness, his daughter, +By chance escaped unhurt the gen'ral slaughter, +And slave was made to haughty Turandot: +All this I heard, but credited it not. + + +BARAK. + +Too true is all you've heard through common rumour, +The Princess Turandot's ferocious humour +Has many princes caused to lose their life +In seeking to obtain her as a wife. +Her beauty is so wonderful, that all +As willing victims to her mandate fall; +In vain do various painters daily vie +To limn her rosy cheek, her flashing eye, +Her perfect form, and noble, easy grace, +Her flowing ebon locks and radiant face. +Her charms defy all portraiture: no hand +Can reproduce her air of sweet command. +Yet e'en such counterfeits, from foreign parts +Attract fresh suitors,--win all hearts. +But she, whose outward semblance thus appears +To be Love's temple, such fierce hatred bears +To all marital sway, or marriage tie, +That rather than submit to man, she'd die. +Great kings and princes, all have sued in vain, +One glance of love or pity to obtain. + + +KALAF. + +In Keicobad I heard this oft-told tale, +But thought it paradoxical--and stale. + + +BARAK. + +'Tis true. Her poor old father's in despair, +For China's throne is now without an heir; +He longs for her to wed some prince or other, +And not perplex him with continual bother. +He's of an age to live in peace and quiet, +And not be plagued with wars and civil riot; +He's tried all means his daughter's mind to soften, +Has often sternly threatened--coaxed as often; +Used prayers for such a monarch _infra dig_-- +But all in vain; she's headstrong as a pig. +At length she said she'd make a compromise, +The Khan consented--(he's not over-wise!) +His artful daughter wheedled him to swear, +By great Fo-hi, that she should never wear +The hateful Hymeneal yoke, unless +Some suitor for her hand should rightly guess +Three difficult conundrums by herself composed: +But if the man who for her hand proposed +Should fail to solve her problems--then his pate +Should be struck off, and grace the city-gate. + + +KALAF. + +Why, what a tigress must this Princess be! +I never heard such cruelty--Bless me! + + +BARAK. + +Already kings and princes by the dozen +She's managed by her subtlety to cozen; +For she's so clever that she always diddles +The keenest wits by her confounding riddles. + + +KALAF. + + +As wife, decidedly I should decline her, +She's made of dragon-pattern stony China. +What fools her suitors are, their hearts to fix on +So termagant and bloodthirsty a vixen! + + +BARAK. + +So fascinating is she, none withstand her, +All men for her do nothing but philander. +Behold on yonder gate the ghastly row +Of livid heads set up in dismal show. +All these belonged to men who dared to hope +With Turandot in subtlety to cope. +To-day a prince is led to execution, +Who failed to give her riddles due solution. +That is the reason of the noise you hear, +Pray go not to the town. + + +KALAF. + +What should I fear? + + +BARAK. + +The bloody spectacle your nerves might shake; +The severed head is fastened to a stake. + +(_Gong sounds within the city watts._) + +But hark! yon tantan's loud infernal dinning, +Tells that the tragedy is now beginning. + + +KALAF. + +A monster like this princess should be strangled, +Her body by wild horses torn and mangled. + + +BARAK. + +To all she is not cruelly inclined, +'Tis Man she hates; to women she's most kind. +Within her royal hareem serves my wife, +And with her mistress leads a happy life. +The only fault of Turandot is pride,-- +Her many virtues cannot be denied. + + +KALAF. + +Who comes this way? + + +BARAK. + +'Tis Ishmael, the friend +Of him who just has met his tragic end. + +_Enter_ ISHMAEL, _weeping_. + + +ISH. + +His life is o'er! Ah, would the cruel knife +Had struck my worthless self, and spared his life. + + +BARAK. + +Bear up, good friend, I pity you sincerely, +Your master for his love has paid too dearly. +Why did you not dissuade him from the trial-- + + +ISH. + +My prayers he met with kind, but firm denial. +His dying words still echo in mine ear-- +"Good friend," he said, "to die I do not fear; +My life's a blank if without _her_ I live. +Speed to my father,--beg him to forgive +His hapless son, who staked his life on one +Whose face is fair, whose heart is cold as stone. +Shew him this portrait: (_takes a miniature from his +breast_) when its charms he views, +My frenzied love, my rashness he'll excuse." +This said, he clasped the portrait to his breast, +Fond kisses on its icy beauty pressed; +Then bent his head, and closed his eyes, +The death blow fell, and sent him to the skies. + +(_Dashes the portrait to the ground._) + +Away, thou false deceit! thou cause of woe, +Th' original I'd trample even so. +To dust I'd grind her tiger heart;--her soul, +I'd send to Eblis' region dark and foul! (_Exit_.) + + +BARAK. + +Are you convinced? + + +KALAF. + +I'm perfectly amazed. +How can a painted semblance thus have crazed +So sensible a prince? (_Stoops to pick it up._) + + +BARAK. + +For heaven's sake, +Avoid that picture as you would a snake. + + +KALAF (_smiling_). + +No harm will happen, dear old tutor, sure +From picking up a picture from the floor. +No woman yet has caused my heart to throb,-- +Shall painted lines my soul of freedom rob? + +(_Barak endeavours to prevent Kalaffrom beholding +the miniature; Kalaf puts him aside, and gazes +on it for some time in silence._) + +Ye gods! an angel's face. Oh ecstacy! + + +BARAK. + +Now, there; he's caught. I knew how it would be! + + +KALAF. + + +Beneath this beaming smile, these lustrous eyes, +There cannot lurk a cruel heart of ice. + + +BARAK. + + + +I tell you she's the wickedest of creatures; +Oh, gaze not on the Syren's fatal features, +More baneful than the Gorgon head, Medusa. + + +KALAF. + +Hush, hush, I will not hear you thus abuse her, +I never saw a face and form diviner; +Her's is not mortal clay, but porcelain China, +Some magic power, some demon, I know not, +Enchains my soul to beauteous Turandot. + +(_Gazes enraptured on the miniature._) + +These eyes to meet, these rosy lips to kiss, +Who would not hazard all to win such bliss? +My senses reel, my veins are all afire! +Good Barak, help me to my heart's desire. +Her stern ordeal I'll undergo--to solve +Her problems or to die, is my resolve. + + +BARAK. + +Desist from your intention, I conjure you, +Let my remonstrance of this madness cure you. + + +KALAF. + +You speak in vain. My fortune now or never, +Shall be ensured for aye, or lost for ever. +One stroke will end my life, or I shall gain +The fairest woman e'er beheld, and reign +An Emperor of Chang's celestial state. +O smile upon my hopes, benignant Fate! + +(_During this speech, a Chinese executioner has +appeared on the city gate, bearing a pole upon +which is fixed a turbaned head: he places it in +the row, and disappears._) +But tell me, Barak, shall I in divan +Behold the lovely daughter of the Khan? + + +BARAK. + +A spectacle more thrilling now behold, +That head just smitten off. My blood runs cold, +To think that yours may be thus closely shaven. + + +KALAF. + +Nay, fear is not for princes--I'm no craven. + +(_Contemplates the head with compassion._) + +Poor youth, deserving of a better fate. + + +BARAK. + +Sweet prince, renounce th' attempt. + + +KALAF. + +Too late, too late! + + +BARAK. + +I fear you'll fail to guess the Sphinx's riddles. + + +KALAF. + +I'll cut the Gordian knots right down their middles! +I'm not so stupid as some folks suppose; +'Twill not be easy my quick wit to pose. +I fancy I shall come off with _eclat_; +But if I fail, it does not matter, pshaw! +If in this enterprise I lose my life, +Present my compliments to your good wife; +My horse be hers, in payment of her trouble. +Heigho! this world's a dream, and life's a bubble! + +(_Going. Enter_ SKIRINA _from the cottage._) + +Reveal my name to none. Nay, do not cry, +You've wept me once before as dead. Goodbye. + + +SKIR. + +Why, what's the matter? You are melancholy. + + +BARAK. + +Oh, help me, wife, restrain this youth's mad folly; +He's off to Peking--means to dare the Sphinx! + + +SKIR. + +He's sure to die--my heart within me sinks! +What put such silly nonsense in your head? +You've got brain fever; bless you, go to bed. + + +KALAF. + +Pray save your breath. My fever needs no nurse +But Turandot's fair hand. Here, take my purse, +I have no farther need of money; for +I either die, or shall become an Emperor. + +(_Exit hastily into the city gate._) + + +BARAK (_following him_). + +Dear master, hear me; stay; all, all in vain; +I ne'er shall see his blessed face again! + + +SKIR. + +You know my stranger-guest? how very funny, +Let's try to catch him, and return his money. + + +BARAK. + +Wife, be not curious; no questions ask, +He's gifted with such mental powers, the task +Of coping with the Sphinx he may achieve-- +His doom unto the gods we now must leave. + + +SKIR. + +We'll sacrifice a pig to great Fo-hi, +He'll perhaps contrive your handsome friend shan't die. + +(_Exeunt into the cottage._) + +END OF ACT I. + + + + +ACT II. + +SCENE.--_Grand saloon of the Divan._ L. _Doors leading to the +Emperor's apartment._ R. _Doors leading to_ TURANDOT'S _Hareem_. +_Black slaves discovered, engaged in setting the saloon in order;_ +TRUFFALDIN _majestically directing them_. + + +TRUF. + +Come, look alive! His Majesty's Divan +Will soon assemble. Now, look sharp, my man! +A carpet for this throne; here sits her Highness; +Bring brooms, and sweep up all this horrid dry mess. + +(_Enter_ BRIGHELLA, _looking around wonderingly_.) + + +BRIG. + + +I say, Truffaldin, what's this grand array? +The high Divan again--twice in one day? + + +TRUF. (_without minding him_). + + +Eight seats here for the doctors! +They're all muffs, +But look imposing in their brocade stuffs. + + +BRIG. + + +Truffaldin, do you hear? What is the matter? + + +TRUF. + + +How dare you make such a confounded clatter? +You stupid, don't you know the whole Divan +Are called to meet as quickly as they can? +Another suitor for my mistress' heart +Is anxious from his silly head to part. + + +BRIG. + + +For shame! Three hours ago one victim fell. + + +TRUF. + + +This new pretender seems a precious swell. +His curly poll will grace the hangman's pole, +A charming barber's block, upon my soul! +'Twill cut a figure in our "_Rotten Row_;" +I think that jest is witty--Ho, ho, ho! + + +BRIG. + +Your soul in blackness with your visage vies-- +You grin whene'er a fellow-creature dies. + + +TRUF. + +You jackanapes! None of your paltry spite; +My heart's not black,--your liver 'tis that's white; +So hold your jaw. Why should I grieve to see +That men for love such arrant fools can be? +The more the merrier; for on each day, +Our Princess 'scapes a husband's dreaded sway; +She gives us all a good jollification, +Besides munificent gratification. + + +BRIG. + +How barbarous. + + +TRUF. + +Now, don't you be so silly. +Her suitors are not dragged here willy-nilly; +They know the journey here their heads may cost 'em, +But 'tis no loss; for they've already lost 'em. +Perhaps that's why the riddles they can't guess, +And always fall into a hideous mess. +I'm sure my charming mistress is most lenient +To have devised a method so convenient +To rid herself, and China, of such geese; +Much harder tasks,--to fetch the golden fleece-- +Or singing water--or the talking bird-- +Were formerly exacted, as I've heard. +My lovely Highness is not so inhuman, +She only tests her sweethearts' fine acumen; +And if she must submit to husband's rule, +At least she'll not be governed by a fool. + +(_March music is heard._) + + +BRIG. + +The royal trumpets sound. Hark, don't you hear 'em. + + +TRUF. + +I'll run t'escort my Princess from her hareem. +Be off! and guard the palace portals, +Let none pass thro' but Mandarin-born mortals. + +(_Exeunt severally._) + +(_Enter guards and musicians; then eight doctors pedantically +dressed;_ PANTALOON _and_ TARTAGLIA _in characteristic costumes; +then the_ KHAN ALTOUM, _in extravagantly rich attire, he ascends his +throne_, PANT. and TART. _station themselves near it_. _At his entrance, +all prostrate themselves, their foreheads to the ground, and remain +thus until he is seated._ _At a sign from_ PANTALOON, _the march +ceases_.) + + +ALT. + +Good folk, behold your monarch much perplexed, + +I must confess I'm seriously vexed. +My daughter's obstinacy quite unnerves me, +Such unforeseen and jadish tricks she serves me. +One charming prince was killed this morn, at six; +Another's just arrived,--I'm in a fix, +And worritted to death by constant butch'ry, +Of lovers caught by my fair daughter's witch'ry; +But yet I cannot break my oath. Fo-hi +Has heard my vow; his wrath I dar'n't defy. +Prime Minister, can't you some project form +And be your monarch's rudder thro' this storm? + + +PANT. + +Celestial Majesty-- + + +ALT. + +What do you say? + + +PANT. (_aside_.) + +The loudest bawling's all time thrown away! +He's deaf as any post--a perfect dummy-- +It's no use preaching wisdom to a mummy. +I wish I were in Venice back again! +I had to fly her happy shores, on pain +Of being hanged, or losing liberty, +Because the bigwigs thought my tongue too free. +I hoped, as minister, I was secure +To fatten in an easy sinecure; +Instead of which, I've not one moment's leisure; +No carnival, nor any Christian pleasure. +But constant squabbles, tears, and imprecations, +Divans, beheadings, sphinxes,--I've lost patience! +I'll quit this land of pigtails, gongs, and teas; +Return to Italy, and live at ease. + + +ALT. + +I _see_ you're talking; speak a little louder. + + +PANT. (_aside_.) + +He wouldn't hear the bursting of gunpowder. + + +ALT. + +Tartaglia, have you seen this poor young fellow? + + +TART. (_stammering, until he speaks Italian very glibly_)-- + +Y-y-your h-hi-high-ness, y-y-es, a-and f-f-found h-hi-him--_molto bello_. + + +ALT. + +What do you say? + + +TART. + +S-so p-p-please y-your M-majesty, +(_aside_) _Non posso piu! che sordo! sapresty!_ + + +ALT. + +Then bring this suitor to divan at once. (_Exit guards._) +We'll urge him the hard trial to renounce. + + +PANT. + +I'll try my best; + + +ALT. + +What do you say? + + +PANT. (_aside_.) + +But fear +He'll be as deaf as you, and will not hear. + +(_Enter_ KALAF, _with guards_. _He kneels before the Khan, with +his hands to his forehead._ ALTOUM _regards him with pity_.) + + +ALT. + +Arise, rash man. +(_Aside_.) Ah, what a gallant youth, +Behead him? 'Twould be quite a shame, in sooth. +(_aloud_) Say, who art thou? From what far distant land +Dost come to seek in marriage that fair hand +Which only royal blood may justly claim? + + +KAL. + +Great Khan, permit me to conceal my name; +My lineage justifies my bold desire. + + +PANT. + +I'm sure he's nobly born and nurtured, sire. + + +ALT. + +What do you say? + + +PANT. (_despairingly_.) + +It doesn't signify. + + +ALT. + +'Twould break my aged heart to see thee die. +I'd save thy life if possible. Oh, quit +The sharp encounter with my child's keen wit. +My heart and eyes are sickened by the blood +That's daily shed. + + +KAL. + +Your Majesty's too good. + + +ALT. + +I'm captivated by thy noble air; +With thee my royal throne I'll gladly share. +So thou but force me not to take thy life; +Avoid the fatal Sphinx--give up the strife. + + +KAL. + + +My thanks are all I have, and these I give; +But without Turandot I will not live. +My motto is, "Or death, or Turandot." + + +PANT. (_aside_.) + +He really is a most pig-headed sot! +(_aloud_) Young man, you cannot know the risk you run. +Th' alternative's in earnest--not in fun. +Dame Turandot will spin you a tough riddle, +That's not to be "got thro' like any fiddle." +Not such as this, which any child might guess-- +(Though the Emperor could not, I must confess;) +"_What gives a cold, cures a cold, and pays the doctor's bill?_" +Not short enigmas lightly disentangled; +Hard nuts you'll have to crack, fresh made, new-fangled; +And if you cannot guess them all _instanter_, +Your head will be struck off--I do not banter. +You'll have to answer rightly in a twink; +Your head once off, you'll have no time to think. + + +KAL. + +Your warning's vain: "Or death or Turandot." + + +PANT. (_aside_.) + +For all my sermon he don't care one jot. + + +TART. + +D-d-dear s-sir, l-let m-me p-persuade you. _Lasci stare_ +Th-this d-dr-dread-f-ful st-str-strife, _bruttissimo affare_. + + +KAL. + +Again I say, "Or death, or Turandot." + + +TART. + +H-he-he's ho-hope-l-l-less-l-ly in l-lo-love. _L'e proprio cot._ + + +ALT. + +As no persuasion moves this headstrong man, +Go, summon Turandot to this divan. + +(_Exit guards._) + +(KALAF, _violently agitated, gazes towards the hareem entrance_.) + + +KAL. + +She comes--her beauty will enchant my sight, +Ye Gods, inspire my mind with sapient might! + +(_March heard._ _Enter_ TRUFFALDIN, _with his drawn sabre on his +shoulder_. _Black male and female slaves, beating tantans and +cymbals._ ADELMA, _in Tartar costume, and_ SKIRINA, _both veiled_. +ADELMA _carries a salver upon which are sealed papers_. TRUFFALDIN +_and male slaves prostrate themselves as they pass_ ALTOUM'S _throne; +the female slaves kneel, with their hands to their forehead_. _Then +appears_ TURANDOT, _veiled, in rich Chinese costume_. _The courtiers +and doctors prostrate themselves before her._ ALTOUM _rises; the +Princess makes him a slight inclination, with her hands to her +forehead, then ascends the throne, and seats herself_; ADELMA _and_ +SKIRINA _on either side, the former nearest the audience_. TRUFFALDIN +_takes the salver from_ ADELMA, _and with exaggerated ceremony, +distributes the papers to the eight doctors, and resumes his place. +March ceases._) + + +TUR. (_haughtily_.) + +Once more a vain aspirant for my hand, +Compels me here before you all to stand. +This rash intruder, who thus fondly thinks +To overcome in wit the Chinese Sphinx, +Must little prize his life. His downfall's sore. + + +ALT. + +There stands the man. Now don't be so demure. +He's young and handsome, do have some compassion, +Don't doubly kill him, in your usual fashion. +Accept him as your husband, my sweet daughter, +Don't keep us any longer in hot water. + + +TUR. (_after gazing at_ KALAF, _aside to_ SKIRINA)-- + +Skirina, what can ail me? Heigho! surely +This can't be love--I feel so faint--quite poorly. +No man has ever touched my heart--but now +For this sweet youth I feel--I don't know how. +In all my life I never felt so queer. + + +SKIR. + +At last you've fall'n in love; that's very clear. +So much the better! make your riddles plain. +And then he needn't puzzle his poor brain. + + +TUR. + +Nay, peace, Skirina, recollect my glory. + +(ADELMA _has observed_ KALAF _with emotion_.) + + +ADELMA. + +'Tis he! my former slave. I guessed his story. +My heart was right, he's one of noble birth. + + +TUR. + +Young prince, I clearly recognise your worth. +Be wise in time. Relinquish your attempt. +Too arduous is the trial. Do not tempt +The Fates. I am not cruel, as they say, +But shun the yoke of Man's despotic sway. +In virgin freedom would I live and die; +The meanest hind may claim this boon,--shall I, +The daughter of an emperor, not have +That birthright which belongs to all? Be slave +To brutish force, that makes your sex our lord? +Why does my hand such tempting bait afford? +The gods have made me beauteous, rich, and wise, +Presumptuous man considers me his prize. +If nature dowered me with bounteous treasure +You tyrants think 'twas all to serve your pleasure. +Why should my person, throne, and wealth be booty +To one harsh, jealous master? No, all beauty +Is heaven's gift, and like the sun, should shine +To glad earth's children, and their souls refine. +I hate proud man, and like to make him feel +He may not crush free woman 'neath his heel. + + +KAL. + +Such high-souled sentiments, so fine a mind, +Transcendent grace and beauty, all combin'd +Must justify my love and seeming boldness. +I ne'er accused you of disdain or coldness. +I duly honour maidenly reserve.-- +Your favour I pretend not to deserve; +But who would not risk all, with blindfold eyes,-- +To win a heaven on earth,--a Paradise? +Each day do we not see, for smaller gain, +Great captains brave the dangers of the main? +For glory's empty bubble thousands perish, +Above all treasures your fair hand I cherish; +Your heart and not your throne, is my desire; +Condemn me not if madly I aspire. + + +SKIR. (_aside to_ Turandot.) + +For Fo-hi's sake! three easy riddles give, +Don't let him die, but as your husband live. + + +ADELMA. + +How noble are his words! Ah, had my sire +But known he was a prince. My heart's desire +I'll yet obtain; I'll save him by some plot, +He ne'er shall wed the hateful Turandot. +(_to_ Turandot.) Princess, you're agitated; calm your nerves, +And treat him with contempt as he deserves. + + +TUR. + +You're right, Adelma; thanks for your kind zeal; +He's woman's foe; no pity must I feel. +(_to_ Kalaf.) Prepare then, arrogant young man.-- + + +ALT. + +Dear prince, +May not our Royal words your ear convince? + + +KAL. + +I still repeat: "Or death or Turandot!" + + +PANT. (_aside_.) + +My poor young man, you'll surely go to pot! + + +ALT. + +Then read the awful mandate. + + +SKIR. + +How I tremble. + + +ADELMA. + +My jealousy I scarcely can dissemble. + +(PANTALOON _receives the Doomsday Book, first prostrating Himself +before it; then reads in a loud voice_:)--"By command of his +Celestial Majesty, the Son of the Moon, cousin to the planets, +and near relative to the firmament in general,--oyes! oyes! +oyes!" (_Rings crier's bell._) (_Aside_.) If I said what I liked, I should +say, oh no! oh no! oh no! (_Aloud_.) "Any person of royal +descent may sue for the hand of our daughter, Empress +Turandot, on the following conditions:--The Princess shall +propound three riddles to any suitor proposing himself as her +husband; should he be unable to unravel them, his head shall +be struck off with an axe, and exposed on the city-gate of Peking; +should he unravel them, the Empress Turandot shall become +his lawful bride, and together they shall inherit the throne of +the celestial empire. We swear it by our ancestor, the sun." + + +ALT. (_placing his hands on the book_)-- + +This law, tho' it cause tears and blood to flow, +I've sworn to keep, alas! it must be so. + + +TUR. (_rises and declaims_)-- + +A tree on which men grow and fade; +Old as the world, yet ever new; +Its leaves, on one side, live in shade, +On th' other bears the sun's bright show. +Each time it blooms a ring it wears, +It tells the age of each event. +Upon its bark men's names it bears, +Forgotten e'er its life be spent. +What is this tree, so young, so old, +So sunny warm, so icy cold? + + +KALAF. (_ponders awhile, then bows to the Princess_)-- + +Too happy is your slave, divine Princess, +If nothing harder he may have to guess; +This ancient tree which ever buds anew, +Which sun and shade, man's age and deeds doth shew, +It is "a year," revolving day and night. + + +PANT. (_joyfully_.) + +Shake hands, Tartaglia, I'm quite sure he's right! + + +TART. + +A-a-as-ass-tounding! _Sono contentissimo!_ + + +DOCTORS (_having opened the papers_). + +_Eureka! Optime! Optissimo!_ + +(_Flourish of gongs and cymbals_.) + + +ALT. (_graciously_.) + +Fo-hi protects thee, son; He'll save thy life. + + +ADELMA (_aside_.) + +Ye gods, let not my rival be his wife, +Though I rejoice her vanity is vext. + + +SKIR. + +I hope he'll be as clever at the next! + + +TUR. + +Shall he outwit me? No, by sun and moon; +(_to_ KALAF.) Your joy's precocious--triumph not too soon. + +(_Rises and declaims_)-- + +Canst thou the fragile mirror name, +Reflecting all creation on its limpid face; +'Tis closed within a narrow frame, +Yet compasses high heav'n's blue vault of endless space. +This crystal is of priceless worth, +But yet the poor possess it, nor possession pay; +It is the brightest gem on earth, +It gives and yet receives its heaven-born brilliant ray. +What is this mirror bright and clear, +Free given to all, to all so dear? + + +KALAF (_ponders, then bows to the Princess_). + +Your mystery's not hard to penetrate; +The mirror you describe so small, so great, +So priceless, so benign, "the eye" must be, +A heaven 'twill show if thine speak love to me. + + +PANT. (_embraces_ TART.) + +He's shot the bull's-eye through the very middle. + + +SKIR. + +I never knew his equal at a riddle. + + +DOCTORS (_having opened the papers_). + +_Eureka! Optime! Optissimo!_ + +(_Flourish of gongs and cymbals._) + + +TART. + +_Bravo-o-o! Bravissimo! Benissimo!_ + + +ALT. + +I give you joy; you _are_ a clever fellow! + + +PANT. + +Our Chinese Sphinx with rage is turning yellow. + + +ADELMA. + +In vain the Fates themselves would seek to foil me; +My rival shall not of my love despoil me. + + +SKIR. + +I wish to Fo-hi all was fairly over! + + +ADEL. (_to_ Turandot.) + +If you be mocked by this conceited lover, +Your former victories will naught avail; +Your honour's lost if this pert fop prevail. + + +TUR. + +The world shall perish first! Exultant fool! +My hate increases with thy hope to rule. +Escape my wrath whilst yet thy life is free, +My vengeance dread, and from the contest flee. + + +KAL. + +Your hate alone, adored Princess, can move +My soul. If vainly I implore your love, +Then let me die; my life I do not prize +If loathsome I appear in your sweet eyes. + + +ALT. + +Hear reason, Prince, nor longer tempt the gods. +Throw up the game,--too fearful are the odds. +With honour canst thou quit this high divan, +For thou'st done more than any other man. +Yet two successes serve not, though they're glorious, +Unless for the third time thou be victorious. +And thou, my domineering, wilful child, +Wilt not relent towards this youth? Be mild, +And graciously accept his suit. + + +TUR. + +Relent! +I scorn his love,--his pity I resent. +The law prescribes three trials. Let's proceed, +And try if in the third he may succeed. + + +KAL. + +The gods decide! "Or death or Turandot!" + + +TUR. (_angrily_.) Death--death will be your well-deserved lot. + + +PANT. + +Keep silence in the court! Ahem! ahem! +(_aside_) Now for some crackjaw, mystic apophthegm. + + +TUR. (_rises and declaims_)-- + +What is that thing, held cheap as dust, +Yet honor'd by the Emperor's hand? +'Tis made to pierce, with sword's keen thrust, +But sheds no blood, tho' wounds like sand, +In number deep inflicts; robs none; +Enriches thousands; rules the earth; +Makes life with ease and smoothness run; +Has founded kingdoms; ended dearth; +Most ancient cities it has built, +But ne'er caused war, nor war's sad guilt. +Answer my question (_unveils_). Look me in the face, +Avow you're vanquished and deserve disgrace. + + +KAL. (_gazes on her with rapture._) + +Refulgent loveliness! Ecstatic bliss! + + +PANT, (_shaking him._) + +Collect your senses! Don't take on like this! + + +ALT. + +Alas, I fear his intellect is puzzled; +He's mute,--his tongue seems tied,--his lips tight muzzled. + + +PANT. + +Were't not for dignity, into the kitchen, +I'd rush a glass of something short to fetch 'un. + + +TUR. (_who has returned_ KALAF'S. _fixed gaze_)-- + +Unhappy wretch! thou'rt silent; thou must die. + + +KAL. (_recovers himself, and bows to_ TURANDOT _with extreme composure_)-- + +'Twas but your beauty dazed my wondering eye. +My mind can grasp the meaning of the Sphinx, +Tho' it's as puzzling as the "Babe of Ginx." +The iron thing which wounds yet sheds no blood; +That rules the earth, and gives man wealth and food; +On which each year the Khan doth place his hand, +To typify his reign o'er China's land; +In short, the instrument your riddle mentions +Is one of mankind's earliest inventions. +If I mistake not, Hm--ha--Let me see! +"_The plough_" is meant by Riddle Number three. + + +DOCTORS (_having opened the papers_). + +_Eureka! Optime! Optissimo!_ + +(_Flourish of gongs and cymbals._) + + +PANT. + +I kiss our future Emperor's great toe! + + +TART. + +Th-the S-sp-sphinx is v-van-qui-quished--_Vinto e il Demonio!_ +Sh-she's f-fou-found her m-ma-match. _Evviva il matrimonio!_ + +(TURANDOT _faints_, ADELMA _and_ SKIRINA _support her_. ALTOUM +_leaning on_ PANT. _and_ TART. _descends his throne, and embraces_ +KALAF. _The_ DOCTORS _quit their seats, and retire to the background_.) + + +ALT. + +Sweet prince, our son-in-law thou'lt be to-morrow, +A joyful climax to our royal sorrow. + + +TUR. (_recovers her senses, and rashes wildly between_ ALTOUM _and_ +KALAF)-- + +Oh, make me not his slave! 'Twill drive me mad, +My mind no time for due reflection had. +Too easily his triumph was obtained. + + +ALT. + + +The hard-won victory he fairly gained. +With gratitude become this good youth's wife, +Obey the law, and end this weary strife. + + +TUR. + +Once more call the divan--renew the contest, +If I have time for thought, I'm sure of conquest. + + +PANT. + +Fair Princess Tigerheart, that's _rather_ cool; +Don't make his Majesty act like a fool. +D'you think the royal head of your kind Daddy +Is lined with lead, like a Japan tea-caddy; +What say you, colleague; and ye Doctors wise? + +(_Doctors join hands in a circle, nodding their chins._) + + +DOCTORS. + +Let bloodshed cease. The chopped-off heads suffice. + + +ALT. + +To great Fo-hi's pagoda we'll repair +And finish off this hymeneal affair. + + +TUR. + +Have mercy-- + + +ALT. + +Mercy hast thou shewn to none, +I've kept my oath; do thou as I have done. +Fulfil Fo-hi's decree. + + +TUR. + +Oh, spare me, Sire, +Or at your feet behold your child expire. + +(_Throws herself at his feet._) + + +ALT. + +Thy marriage is ordained. Proud girl, obey, +Too long I've bowed to thy capricious sway. +Entreat no more. I swear by Fo-hi's sword. + + +TUR. + +Hold, father, do not speak the sacred word. +This overbearing tyrant I'll not wed; +I'd rather make the sullen grave my bed. + + +KAL. (_to_ TURANDOT.) + +Abate your terror; nor so madly grieve; +I'll intercede myself for your reprieve. +Fair cruel one, who may your tears withstand? + +(_to_ ALTOUM.) Great monarch, grant her wish; I'd win her hand +By love's sweet power; not by enforced consent. + +(_to_ TURANDOT.) I see thou crav'st my head--then be content. +I love thee so intensely, that my life +Is worthless if I may not call thee wife. +Again a solemn test I'll undergo. + + +ALT. + +She's yours by right of law. Fate willed it so. + + +TUR. + +You shall not drag me to the bridal altar; +This hand shall slay me first (_draws a dagger._) It will not falter. + + +KAL. + +Stay, hold your hand, and calm your poignant sorrow; +We'll meet again in high divan. To-morrow +The Chinese Sphinx this problem shall unravel: +"Who is that Prince who, after weary travel +Escaped from slavedom's thrall, and reached the goal +And blissful summit of his longing soul; +Yet at fulfilment of his heart's desire +Was plunged yet deeper into tortures dire?" +Relentless beauty, if you name aright +The name and lineage of this luckless wight +Then shall you gratify your hate, and take +My life. But if you fail, then shall you make +Me blessed, by giving me your hand. Decide. + + +TUR. + +By this new compact I consent to abide. + + +ALT. + +Imprudent youth, too generously kind, +Thou know'st not her all-penetrating mind. +But, should she conquer thee by female wile, +Thou shalt not fall a victim to her guile. +To-morrow's high divan shall seal her fate; +Her wit may free her; or she'll be thy mate. +Enough of blood's been shed. + + +TUR. (_aside_.) + +My subtle art +Shall crush his pride. Be firm, fond, wav'ring heart. + +(_March strikes up._ ALTOUM, _leaning on_ KALAF'S _shoulder, +followed by_ PANT., TART., DOCTORS, _and Courtiers, exeunt_ L. +TURANDOT, ADELMA, SKIRINA, TRUFFALDIN, _and slaves, exeunt_ R.) + +END OF ACT II. + + + + +ACT III. + + +SCENE.--_Street in Peking._ (_Enter_ KALAF _and_ BARAK.) + + +KALAF. + + +None know my name in Peking's busy town, +Your trusty tongue's as secret as my own; +E'en to your wife I hope you've not revealed-- + + +BARAK. + +From her especially the truth's concealed. + + +KALAF. + + +For many years, as dead I've been, given o'er. +No mortal here has seen my face before. +Fear not. + + +BARAK. + + +Dear Prince, forgive me if I blame you, +I can't help dreading lest the Sphinx may name you. +You were not wise to give her this last chance; +She's so astute! She'll lead you a fine dance. +You had possession--nine points of the law, +Why should you for her meagrims care one straw? + + +KALAF. + +Oh, had you seen her grief. + + +BARAK. + +I needs must smile +To think the tears of this sly crocodile +Should take you in! + + +KAL. + +Perhaps my tender love +Her heart to mutual tenderness may move. + + +BAR. + +No gratitude you'll get from that proud snake. + + +KAL. + +Revile her not! + + +BAR. + +I for your safety quake. +She's quite as cunning as she's fierce. +Her eyes can even through a millstone pierce. + + +KAL. + +Nay, hope the best. My lucky stars preside, +They'll crown me victor of my lovely bride. + + +BAR. + +You're just the same dear, sanguine, thoughtless boy +As ever. I can't bear to spoil your joy. + +(_Enter_ BRIGHELLA, _marching backwards, commanding a few +Chinese guards_; PANT. _and_ TART.) + + +BRIG. + +Halt! Pigtails, right! Attention! Royal Black Guards! +(_aside_.) How I do hate this dangerous marching backwards! + + +PANT. + +Oh, here he is! At last we've caught our bird. +Prince, how d'ye do! Allow me just one word. +But who's this man? (_points to_ BARAK.) +Of what has he been talking? + + +BAR. (_aside_.) + +I hope they don't suspect--(_aloud_.) As I was walking, +This man accosted me (I do not know him), +He asked if I his way would kindly show him. + + +PANT. + +Great Prince, you're compassed round about with traps. +If we don't keep you in our eye--perhaps +The Sphinx may have you murdered. To prevent +Unpleasant little accidents we're sent +By his celestial Majesty, to take you +In our safe custody. We'll not forsake you. +(_to_ BARAK.) And you're her spy, I do believe; get out! +And mind your own affairs, Sir Pry-about. +(_to_ KALAF.) As Minister, I hope I may make bold +To say "Sweet Prince, take care you are not sold." +Pray whisper not your name to any one +Except to me, your friend. I'll blab to none. +On my discretion you may safe repose, +Confide in me; your name I'll not disclose. +No more than I would jump right o'er the moon. + + +KAL. + +No doubt; but yet my name, good _Pantaloon_, +Like yours, must be quite "inexpressible." + + +PANT. + +My wish to please is irrepressible. +Command me, pray. Henceforth I will be dumb. +The watchword is,--I understand you,--"Mum!" + + +TART. + +G-go-ood Pr-prince, d-don't m-mi-mind th-that st-stu-pid P-pa-pantaioon, +H-he's n-nothing b-but a g-go-gossipping B-buff-ffoon. +C-co-conf-fi-fide in m-me. Your s-se-secret I won't u-u-ut-ter, +I-in f-f-fact I c-ca-_can't_, 'c-ca-cause of my d-de-deuced s-st-stutter. + + +PANT. + +Your Highness! to the palace, if you please. + +(_Signs to_ BRIGHELLA.) + + +BRIG. + +Recover, Pigtails! Black Guards, stand at ease! + +(_Exeunt_ KALAF, PANT., _and_ TART., _Guards and_ BRIGHELLA.) + + +BARAK, (_who has been watching in the background, comes forward_). + +Ye Tartar deities, watch o'er his life! +Good gracious, what can hither bring my wife? + +(_Enter_ SKIRINA.) + +Where art thou going, wife, in such a hurry? + + +SKIR. + +Oh, dearest husband, I'm all in a flurry. +Our handsome guest will be Chang's future +Who'd have believed such an astounding thing? +The Princess Turandot is in despair; +She weeps, she wrings her hands, she tears her hair. +She'll kill herself if she can't tell to-morrow +The name of your young friend. To calm her sorrow, +I bade her not torment herself, for you +Knew all about him, and his father too. + + +BAR. + +Unhappy woman, thou hast ruined us! + + +SKIR. + +Why, what harm's done? Why make you such a fuss? + + +BAR. + +My head will have to answer for thy tongue. + + +SKIR. + +Oh, nonsense, dear; I'm sure I've done no wrong. + +(_Enter_ TRUFFALDIN _and slaves_.) + + +BAR. + +Behold what thou hast done, thou Chatterbox. + +(TRUFFALDIN, _with pompous exaggerated ferocity, + holds his sabre to BARAK's breast_.) + + +TRUF. + +Make no resistance! Yield thee, sly old fox! + + +SKIR. + +Have mercy, Truffaldin,--my husband spare! + + +TRUF. + +Of his bald head I'll not disturb one hair. +Good female, you're of the fem'nine gender, +And therefore towards your weakness my heart's tender. +Your husband shall not come to any harm, +So pray don't needlessly yourself alarm. +The highest honour is in store for him, +Free entrance's offered to our Hareem. + + +BAR. + +The gilded trap of the fair Serpent-Sphinx. +She's found me out; she's eyes like any lynx. +There's no escape. + + +TRUF. (_flourishing his sabre_). + +Lead on, my free-born slaves, +To where the flag of slavedom freely waves. + +(_Exeunt_ BARAK, TRUF. _menacing him, and slaves_.) + + +SKIR. + +Forgive me, husband dear. Adieu, adieu! +Oh dear, oh dear, what ever shall I do? +Adelma urged me to my boastful prating-- +She always is so very aggravating; +I'd like to drop a lump of deadly _pison_ +In her next cup of "best strong-flavoured Hyson." +I do declare my brain's all in a fuddle-- +Fo-hi, do help me out of this sad muddle! +I'll sacrifice another guinea-pig, +For mortals, then, I needn't care one fig. (_Exit_.) + + + + + +SCENE II.--_A vestibule in_ TURANDOT'S _Hareem_. BARAK _is fastened +to one of its pillars, black mutes, with drawn daggers, stand on each +side of him_. _A large porcelain dish, fitted with golden coins is on a +table near him._ TURANDOT _stands before him in a threatening +attitude_. (ADELMA _beside her_.) + + +TUR. + +Yet hast thou time. Obey my royal pleasure, +And thine shall be this pile of golden treasure. +If not, my slaves shall pierce thy heart. His name +Reveal at once; his parentage proclaim. + + +BAR. + +Your threats are vain; your treasures I despise. +Repent your obstinate resolve. Be wise +And learn, a woman's highest happiness +Is, by her love a worthy man to bless. + + +TUR. + +To preach to me befits thee not. Desist. +My potent will in vain thou wouldst resist. +Seize on him, slaves, and do your work. Forbear +Awhile. Reflect, and save thy life. I swear +By Fo-hi's face, no harm shall touch thy friend +Nor thee, if thou consent to serve my end. + + +BAR. + +Your path's deceitful. Swear by Fo-hi's might +My friend shall call you his e'er morrow's night. +You hesitate--you dare not swear a lie +Before the sacred face of great Fo-hi. + + +ADELMA. + +Presumptuous wretch, dar'st thou our queen defy? +Princess, demur no longer; let him die. + +(SKIRINA _rushes in._) + + +SKIR. + +Hold, Princess; hold; your father is at hand! +(_aside_.) My knees are knocking; I can hardly stand. + + +ADELMA. + +Unlucky chance! To prison with this fellow! + + +SKIR. + +Adelma, hush; you needn't bawl and bellow. + + +TUR. + +In deepest dungeon let him be confin'd. + + +BAR. + +My body you may shackle; not my mind. + + +SKIR. (_aside to_ BARAK.) + +Take courage, husband; do not fear their spite; +The pig will save us yet; I tell you it's all right. + +(_Mutes hastily conduct_ BARAK _through a secret door; others +remove the dish of gold_.) + + +TUR. + +Adelma, thou'rt my only friend. Advise + +My mind distraught 'twixt love and hate. Despise +Me not, but pity me. Some counsel lend. + + +ADEL. + +As force has failed, by craft we'll gain our end. +I have a plan,--I'm sure of its success, +If to the stranger's cell we gain access. + + +TUR. + +Take gold--suborn his guards--the highest meed +I hold as nought if thy new scheme succeed. + + +ADEL. + +Skirina's help I need to work my plot. + + +SKIR. + +I'd let myself be skinned for Turandot. +I wish my service could my husband save. + + +TUR. + +His life be thy reward, thou faithful slave. + +(SKIRINA _kisses_ TURANDOT'S _hand_.) + + +ADEL. + +Your royal father comes. In me confide. +(_aside_.) Assist me, love, to quell her haughty pride. + +(_Exeunt_ ADELMA _and_ SKIRINA.) + + +TUR. + +What will Adelma's fertile brain devise? +(_after a pause_.) In vain the truth I'd hide from mine own eyes; +My heart is his--irrevocably his. +To be his wife--oh rapture, heavenly bliss! +Yet I must spurn his love. I will not bear +All China's cold contempt; man's scoffing sneer. +What glory would be mine could I but tame +This bragging conqueror. Pronounce his name +In high divan, and chase him from our city, +Abashed and in despair. But yet, with pity +My heart would surely break. Come, virgin pride +And woman's art my shame and grief to hide. +To-day, proud man has made me bear disgrace; +To-morrow I must triumph o'er his race. +But yet--he did not boastfully rejoice-- +Rebuke I welcomed from his gentle voice. +How humble was his suit--how mild and good, +How unresentful towards my scornful mood. +Avaunt, ye tender phantasies, avaunt! +I dread the world's disdain--its scoffing taunt. +My people shall not see Turandot fall, +The slave of one means abject slave to all. + +(_Enter_ ALTOUM, _perusing a scroll_; PANT, _and_ TART, _following at +some distance_.) + + +ALT. (_to himself_.) + +The Bey of Tefflis dead? So ends this tyrant! + + +PANT. (_aside to_ TART.) + +What makes his Majesty indulge in high rant? + + +ALT. (_as above_.) + +Prince Kalaf, heir to Tartary's high throne, +Is called to fill the Bey's, besides his own. +This scroll informs me Kalaf is the stranger +Who overthrew the Sphinx and 'scaped her danger. +I'm glad to find the Prince is no bad catch,-- +My daughter's will be quite a splendid match. + + +PANT. (_to_ TART.) + +What is he muttering all to himself, +Just like a miser counting o'er his pelf? +I do believe he's talking in blank verse, +Or reasoning in rhyme, which would be worse. +He's deaf; if he were blind, 't would suit us better, +For then he couldn't read his private letter. + + +TART. (_to_ PANT.) + +A s-sp-special Es-taf-fette! _Ci cova gatto!_ +S-such m-my-mystery! _Capisco niente affatto._ + +(ALT. _places the scroll in his breast, and signs to_ PANT. _and_ +TART. _to withdraw, which they do with reluctance_.) + + +ALT. + + +My child, the night is far advanced; yet still +Thy restless steps pace through thy hareem chill. +Quite hopeless is thy task; not all the College +Of Doctors could impart the wished-for knowledge. +Thou canst not guess thy 'pponent's name, tho' we +Have fully learned his family history. +He's worthy of thy hand; my wish obey, +Avoid to-morrow's public _exposee_. +Thou'rt sure to fail. For my sake save thy fame, +My soul recoils from witnessing thy shame. + + +TUR. + +I shall not put my father to the blush; +My adversary's arrogance I'll crush. + + +ALT. + +Ah, flatter not thyself. Let one defeat +Suffice; do not the painful scene repeat. + + +TUR. + +The high divan shall judge. Firm as a rock +Is my strong will. His easy task I mock. + + +ALT. + +Has thy keen wit discovered--tell me truth-- +The secret of this overtrusting youth? +If so, be gen'rous; let him go in peace; +From further strife and public struggle cease. +Deal gently with this boy of noble race, +Nor wantonly expose him to disgrace. +Thus shalt thou earn all Chang's high admiration. +Thy harsh decree has much estranged the nation. +They tell strange tales about the Chinese Sphinx, +Men's skulls she gnaws--hot human blood she drinks. +Oh, show thyself as modest, tender, duteous,-- +More homage this commands than being beauteous. + + +TUR. + +Your mercy, Sire, beseems your hoary age; +Your words might well convert a Grecian sage, +But cannot change my purpose. I'll not bow +My neck to any man: so runs my vow. +In public this pert boy my power defeated,-- +In public shall my vengeance be completed. + + +ALT. + +Dear child, paternal love shall condescend +To humbly beg obedience. Do but bend +To my desire, and thou shalt from me learn +The whole of what this stranger may concern. +In public thou shalt triumph--name aloud +Thy foe, in face of an applauding crowd. +But swear, if thus I'm traitor for thy sake +Thou wilt this suitor for thy husband take. +Thy deed will bless thine aged father's days-- +Reward a loving heart--win all men's praise. + + +TUR. (_who has listened with increasing emotion_)-- + +His words are torture to my wav'ring pride, +How shall I act? How may I best decide? +Adelma shall I trust? Her plot may fail; +Without disgrace a father may prevail. +Down, stubborn soul (_advances towards_ ALT., _then +hesitates_), and yet, beneath Man's yoke +To crouch? No, no, my vow I'll not revoke. + + +ALT. + +Thou'rt touched. Sweet daughter, grant my fond desire. + + +TUR. + +He fears I may succeed and thwart him. Sire, +I'll meet in high divan. My will is steady. + + +ALT. + +Then, if thou fail, the altar shall be ready; +The rite shall be performed with solemn fitness, +While vulgar crowds shall thy confusion witness. +Their scoffing jeers shall be thy wedding hymn; +Thy father stooped in vain; now stoop to him. (_Exit_.) + + +TUR. + +Oh, murder not your child! Adelma, friend,-- +Forsake me not. My grief some comfort send; +My only hope's in thee. If great Fo-hi +Withhold success, to-morrow sees me die. (_Exit_.) + + +END OF ACT. III. + + + + +ACT IV. + + +SCENE.--A magnificent apartment, with divers outlets; in the +background an oriental couch. The scene is dark. KALAF discovered +pacing up and down, BRIGHELLA holding a torch, observing him, +and shaking his head. + + +BRIG. + +Just three o'clock! by Kong's pagoda-chimes. +You've paced this floor just twice three hundred times. +Your Highness had much better go to sleep. +You'll have to rise with dawn's first ruddy peep. +I can't watch any more; my eyelids close. + +KALAF. Thou'rt right, Brighella; go to thy repose. + +(BRIG. going, returns cautiously.) + +BRIG. + +One word, your Highness,--when I've left my post, +Don't be astonished if you see a ghost. +You understand? You needn't be afraid; +I daren't say more; my silence is prepaid. +Forewarned, forearmed, you know. To a blind horse +A nod's as good as twenty winks, of course. + +KALAF. (_looking about, uneasily._) + +What spectres shall I see? what dreary sprite? + + +BRIG. + +Oh, nothing, (_yawns_.) I'm _so_ sleepy, Prince, good night. + +(_Going, returns._) + +I hope you are not angry with Brighella-- +I'm but a poor, ill-paid, hardworking fellah-- +The Emperor has ordered that no fly +Shall enter this apartment--you know why; +But tho' he's king, his daughter really rules. +It's hard to keep one's balance 'twixt two stools! +And what a woman wills, for good or evil. +That must be done, or she will play the devil. + +(_Going, returns._) + +Mind, _I_ know nothing. Keyholes may suffice; +If any noise you hear, it's only mice! + +(_Exit, winking significantly._) + + +KAL. + +Good night, and thanks; your hint I comprehend. +Will treachery be used my life to end? +Nay, Turandot's too noble--I'll not fear. +The fateful hour approaches (_opens a casement_.) +Dawn is near, +I'll seek to drown my care in dreamy rest. + +(_As he sinks on the couch, a secret door opens, admitting_ SKIRINA +_dressed in male attire, a false beard on_.) + + +SKIR. + +My lord. + + +KALAF. (_starting up_.) What man is this? Some silly jest. + + +SKIR. + +What, don't you know Skirina? (_takes off the beard_.) +I'm so frightened! +Disguised I've passed your guards, in these clothes tightened. +I've got so much to tell. Your poor old tutor +Is put in chains! Yes, nothing less would suit her. +He's anxious for your life--he begs you'll sign +Your name to show you're safe; just write one line +To pacify him; or he'll all declare; +The Princess Turandot's in such a flare. +I tremble for my husband,--he's demented, +Until you've kindly to his wish consented. +I've brought a tablet--just your name indite +To ease his mind. + + +KAL. (_takes the tablet_.) + +To please him, I will write. + +(_Suddenly recollects himself, and looks at her searchingly._) + +Skirina, would'st thou traitress turn? Thy guest I've been. + + +SKIR. (_aside_.) + +I promised I would do my best. +But such reproaches down I cannot gulp, +Not if my mistress beat me to a pulp. +So Miss Adelma may play off her tricks +Herself, (_to_ KALAF.) Please don't your eyes thus on me fix. +(_whimpering_.) I should have thought some slight consideration +You would have felt for my sad situation. +If you suspect me. + + +KAL. + +Nay, I'm sure you acted +All out of kindness. + + +SKIR. (_aside_.) + +I shall go distracted. +(_to_ KALAF.) My husband waits your news. My leave I'll take; +(_aside_.) Adelma's sharp; but he's as wide awake. (_Exit_.) + + +KAL. + +Brighella warned me well. + +(_Enter_ TRUFFALDIN, _covered by a long black mantle_.) + +Another visit! +Nocturnal ghosts abound. Well, friend, what is it? + + +TRUF. + +Your Excellency, news excellent I bring-- +You'll hear a wonderfully wondrous thing. + + +KAL. + +Speak on, good vision; I am all attention. + + +TRUF. + +T'explain in plainest words is my intention. +The keeper of the Hareem stands before you! +But that's not here nor there; so I'll not bore you +With all my titles. The Princess Turandot +Right thro' the heart by Cupid's dart is shot! +I would not flatt'ringly your Highness flatter +With mincing terms, nor will I mince the matter. +My mistress is distracted to--distraction +By your attractive personal--attraction. +If truth I speak not, may the high Fo-hi +Grind all my bones to make his next meat-pie! + + +KAL. + +So far, so good; what hast thou more to say? + + +TRUF. + +Be not impatient, Royal Highness, pray. +My mistress is a tiger-cat--(permit +The term; tho' coarse, 'tis graphically fit.) +She gnashes her white teeth with frantic ire, +And raves against you, "Robbers, murder, fire!" +If truth I speak not, may the high Fo-hi +Make mince-meat of me for his sacred pie. + + +KAL. + +No need of oaths. But hast thou not, good keeper, +Some better news to tell a waken'd sleeper? + + +Truf. + +Of course I have. Without circumlocution +I now proceed to instant elocution: +My charming mistress sent me here to beg +You'll trust her with your secret. Her last leg +She's standing on; and in sheer desperation +She'll marry you; but must before the nation +Appear to vanquish you--in mere appearance. +Be quick, and of your secret make a clearance. +Clear up the matter, and I'll then clear out; +My time is precious. Finish off this bout. + + +KAL. + +One thing thou hast forgotten. + + +TRUF. + +What have I? + + +KAL. + +To imprecate thy bones to Fo-bi's pie. +Return to Turandot. Tell her from me +She'll glorious shine in high divan, if she +Benignant prove herself; more true distinction +She'll gain by this, than by my hope's extinction. + +(_Signs to_ TRUF. _to withdraw._) + + +TRUF. (_aside_.) + +I've only got my trouble for my pain; +I'll never do a kindly act again. (_Exit_.) + + +KAL. + +Come, gentle sleep. Refresh me, balm divine! +Take courage, weary soul, success may yet be mine. + +(_Retires to the couch, and sinks; into slumber._ _Enter_ ADELMA, +_veiled, bearing a lighted taper_.) + + +ADEL. + +I shall not fail. In vain was their endeavour, +But I will venture all, the knot to sever. +I may not learn his name,--but I'll implore +His flight from Peking. Then my love, once more +May hope to win his heart. + +(_Unveils, and gazes upon him._) + +He gently slumbers: +Reluctantly I rouse him, but time numbers +The hours yet left for action. Prince, arise! + + +KAL. + +Who calls? Another spirit! Do my eyes +Deceive me? Can it be? Adelma here? +Thy royal person in a slave's mean gear! +Such lowly garb is surely some disguise. + + +ADEL. + +No, Prince; Adelma now in slav'ry sighs. +Beneath the galling yoke of her who martyred +My wretched brother, and my father slaughtered. +Not you alone must suffer from the curse +Of Turandot's fell ire; my fate's far worse. + + +KAL. + +Princess, believe me; more your lot I mourn +Than e'en my own. So fair, so nobly born, +So gracious to th' unhappy;--I can ne'er +Forget your kindness to myself. If e'er +In need of faithful service you may stand, +Which I may render in return, command +Me as your slave. My gratitude's eternal. + + +ADEL. + +From Turandot I'd save you. Her infernal +Devices throw a glamour o'er your senses: +But did you know her shallow, false pretences, +Of her great excellence you'd scorn the notion, +Nor waste on her your noble heart's devotion. +For all she sets up as a learned Sphinx, +She's nothing but a sly, conceited minx. + + +KAL. + +Nay, blame not her, but adverse destiny, +Your brother willed his death; the choice was free. +Your father fell in battle--'twas ill-fate +Awarded death, not she. Oh, do not hate +Your mistress; surely she your worth esteems +And treats you as your gentle birth beseems. +To-morrow, if I'm victor as before +I'll freedom give you, and your throne restore. + + +ADEL. + +Can nothing your credulity convince? +Oh, fly this wicked woman, dearest Prince. +Escape with me! Come haste! Our time is short; +I've bribed your guards. We'll sail from the next port +To Keicobad--there all will hail me Queen. + + +KAL. + +Farewell, Princess; magnanimous you've been. +Escape alone. To die I am content, +You cannot turn me from my firm intent. + + +ADEL. + +Ungrateful man! Then learn the horrid truth. +The heart of Turandot can feel no ruth. +You've foiled her cunning. Fear her tiger-spring. +To-morrow as you pass to join the King +In high divan,--her slaves, with stealthy blow, +Will pierce your heart;--your life will be laid low. + + +KAL. + +Oh, hapless Kalaf! must thy life thus end? +In exile perish--far from ev'ry friend! +O Timur, dearest father, couldst thou see +Thine only son in such deep misery, +All Tartary thou'dst gladly give to save +Its royal heir from such untimely grave. + +(_Covers his face in despair._) + + +ADEL. (_aside_) Hah, Kalaf, future Khan of Tartarland! +(Most luckily the last-told lie I planned.) +He's in my power. If he escape one net, +He'll fall into another, closer yet. + + +KAL. (_to himself_.) + +I've said "Or death or Turandot." Her will +Decrees my death--from her 'tis, welcome still. +Adieu, fond hopes. Delusive joys, farewell! + + +ADEL. + +Once more let me implore you. Do not sell +Your life thus cheap. We still have time for flight. + + +KAL. + +My honour bids me stay and brave the fight. + + +ADEL. + +You're obstinate. Farewell, then, _unknown stranger_, +(_aside_.) My love despised! I burn with jealous anger. +_Prince Kalaf, Timur's son!_ you're in my snare; +I can be fierce as Turandot. Beware! (_Exit_.) + + +KALAF. + +I'm on the rack! when will this torture cease? + +(_Enter_ BRIGHELLA.) + + +BRIG. + +'Tis time to join divan, Prince, if you please. + +(KALAF _regards him suspiciously_.) + + +KAL. + +Art thou her tool? Shall I by thy hand fall? +Stain not thy soul with guiltless blood. Take all +I have, if money be thy greed. But know +Without a struggle I'll not take thy blow. + +(_Draws his-sword._) + + +BRIG. + +His brain is addled, sure as eggs is eggs! +Lor', how he stands, astraddling out his legs! + + +KAL. (_throws down his sword._) + +I'll not defend myself. Tell her who offered +Base gold for life, my breast I freely proffered +To meet th' assassin's knife. There lies my sword. +Fulfil her stern behest. + + +BRIG. + +Upon my word +And honour, my strict orders are, to see +You safely to divan. His Majesty +Is all agog to see the fun. + + +KAL. (_to himself_.) + +Alive +I ne'er shall reach divan. My death I'll strive +To calmly meet. Perchance my bleeding corse +Will melt her heart to pity and remorse. + +(_Exit_, BRIGHELLA _following him; guards receive him outside._ +_Music strikes up._) + + + + +SCENE.--_High Divan, as in Act II._ ALTOUM _discovered on his +throne_; PANT. _and_ TART. _beside it_; _the eight Doctors seated; Guard +under arms_. _Behind a curtain, in the background, is an altar, +with a Chinese idol: a Chinese priest on each side of it._ KALAF +_enters, agitated, and looking suspiciously around him; bows to_ +ALTOUM. + + +KAL. (_aside_.) + +Do I still live? Each step, I thought to feel +The thrust of an assassin's deadly steel. +Adelma's warning was some dream, or now I dream. + + +ALT. + +My son, care sits upon thy brow. +Glad news I have in store for thee. Alone +Joys come not. Turandot shall be thine own. +Three times to-night she sent to me to pray +I would defer th' encounter of to-day. +'Tis evident her pride is sorely vext, +She'd hide her failure by some vain pretext. +Rejoice, all blessings for thy weal combine, +To-day full happiness on thee shall shine. + + +PANT. (_to_ KALAF, _confidentially_)-- + +Believe me, if so please your Majesty-- +(I mean your Majesty that is to be.) +Your future wife's ill-temper there's no bearing; +Her tantrums and hysterics are quite wearing. +A hundred times I was called up last night +To try and set this knotty question right. +I'd scarcely time my slippers to resume, +Much less to dress in proper court costume. +I just popped on my crimson satin breeches,-- +I fear I caught a cold; (_sneezes_) must put on leeches, +A blister p'raps--take horrid water-gruel. + +(_Blows, his nose portentously._) + +No breakfast yet I've swallowed 'Tis too cruel! +Who'd be Prime Minister? to starve and toil, +And fret and fume in an eternal coil. +But yet, I would not, for a hundred dollar +Have missed the sight of her rampagious choler; +I was rejoiced my turn had come to grin, +Just as folks do at me when Harlequin +Before my nose runs off with Columbine, +In every stupid Christmas pantomime. + + +TART. + +I-I was c-called up-p _inaspettatamente_, +S-she b-begged m-my a-ai-aid qu-quite _disperatamente_. + + +ALT. + +Prepare the altar. + +(_A curtain is raised, disclosing an altar with a Chinese deity. +Two priests attending._) + +Hither call our daughter; +Obedience to the law shall now be taught her. +Set open all the doors! Lo, where she comes. + +(_A slow march is heard._ TRUFFALDIN _and slaves enter, in mourning +garments, with weepers of crape attached to their pigtails._ _Female +slaves in black veils: then_ TURANDOT, ADELMA, _and_ SKIRINA, _all +demonstrating extreme dejection_. TURANDOT _ascends her throne +with the same ceremonies at in Act II._) + + +PANT. + +Is this a wedding march, with muffled drums? +It sounds more like a dead march, dull and dreary-- +The one in "Saul," or Verdi's _Miserere_. +Her sulky Highness looks as black as thunder +At having thus in public to knock under. + + +TUR. (_to_ KALAF). + +This sad procession, Prince _Incognito_ +Profound humiliation is to show. +Your arrogance upon my shame will gloat,-- +Your eyes on your defeated slave will doat. +I see the altar--Fo-hi's grand official +Prepared to bind the victim sacrificial. +My glory's dead--disgraced is Turandot! +Condemned to wear the chain of Hymen's knot. + + +KAL. + +Oh, couldst thou know how deeply I revere +Thy maiden dignity, not thus severe +Thoud'st show thyself, nor my fond love resent. +As slave to thee my whole life shall be spent; +But deign one gracious sign to give, that thou +In time, responsive tenderness mayst know. + + +ALT. + +Prince, condescend no more. Commence the rite! + + +TUR. + +One moment more. (_Sarcastically_.) I am not ready, quite. + +(_Rises and addresses_ KALAF)-- + +I raised your hopes, that they might deeper fall. +Prince Kalaf, Son of Timur, quit this hall +And China's realm. Go, seek another bride. +In vain my penetration you defied; +No secret's hidden from the Chinese Sphinx. + + +SKIR. (_aside_). + +She never naps--not e'en for forty winks! + + +KAL. + +Ah, woe is me! + + +ALT. + +Dear me, what is the matter? +I cannot hear thro' all this general chatter. + + +PANT, (_aside_). + +I shan't attempt just now to make him hear; +I'm dazed myself, and his head's _never_ clear. + + +TART. + +W-what a c-ca-cat-as-ass-astrophe! _Corpo di Bacco!_ +H-he m-must r-re-return--_colle pive nel sacco_. + + +KAL. + +My overloving heart has caused my woe, +I gave up all, to please my lovely foe. +If yesterday I purposely had failed +To win the day, or from the contest quailed, +My soul had now found rest. Ah, why +Altoum, wert thou too merciful? To die +To-day, if conquered, should have been my meed-- +Great Emperor, thus shouldst thou have decreed. + + +ALT. + +Poor Kalaf! tears mine aged eyes bedew. + +(_wipes hit eyes_.) + + +TUR. (_aside to_ SKIRINA)-- + +His grief affects me deeply; strangely new +Emotions swell my bosom. + + +SKIR. + +Put an end +To trifling. Far as Jericho I'd send +All shilly-shally. Do, for goodness' sake +Speak out and say, "As husband I thee take." +I've married twice, and know how shy one feels-- + +Plunge in at once, right over head and heels. +A royal Crown Prince, too; my stars and garters! +_Creme de la creme_--the cream of Crimean Tartars! + + +ADELMA. + +My soul by doubt and hate is torn; +She loves him, though she shows such bitter scorn. +I'm stung to anguish, yet I'll not repine, +My rival's torture is as sharp as mine. + +(KALAF _has stood bowed down by grief; he starts suddenly and +approaches_ TURANDOT'S _throne_)-- + + +KALAF. + +Thy cruel will shall find no more resistance; +Why need the headsman end my sad existence? +This dagger shall release.... + +(_Unsheathes a dagger._ ADELMA _makes a movement of horror._ +TURANDOT _precipitates herself from the throne, and stays his hand_). + + +TUR. + +Stay, Kalaf, stay! +Or strike thy heart through mine. + +(_Throws herself across his breast._) + + +ALT. + +What does she say? + +(TURANDOT _and_ KALAF _gaze at each other in silence, for some +time_.) + + +KAL. + +Wouldst doom me to a life, of love bereft? +My hopes and joys all faded--nothing left. +Such mercy seeks more cruelly to kill; +But my despair is stronger than thy will. + +(_Attempts to stab himself._) + + +Tur. + +For my sake, live; nor ever quit my side; +Prince, take me as your loving, happy bride. + + +ADELMA (_aside_). + +'Tis agony; I cannot bear this sight. (_Retires_.) + + +ALT. + +What do they say? (_to_ PANT., _who endeavours to explain_). +Don't speak. I _see_ all's right. + + +SKIR. + +Fo-hi be praised! Now, this is what I call +A great success. My pig has done it all. + +(_Fetches_ BARAK _from behind the crowd_)-- + +Come, dearest husband; much too long you've trembled. + + +TUR. + +Let it be known to all those here assembled-- +I may not justly claim the victor's crown, +Adelma's shrewdness served me; not my own. +Prince Kalaf vanquished me, and may command +As prize of his achievement, my poor hand. +(_To_ KALAF.) But not in deference to lawful right +I gave myself to thee, but through love's might. +My heart was thine, when first I did behold thee. + + +KALAF. + +Excess of bliss, thus to my heart to fold thee! + + +ALT. + +What do they say? You all make such a noise, +I can't hear anything--not my own voice. +No doubt it's quite correct, nay, sentimental; +So take my blessing and consent parental. + + +TART. + +F-f-friend F-pa-pantaloon, what j-j-joy! _Che dolci affetti!_ +P-prep-p-pare the b-ba-ban-qu-quet. _Mangerem confetti!_ + + +ALTOUM _joins the lover's hands, and places his hands on their heads_. +_The eight Doctors join hands and dance in a circle, nodding their +chins._ PANT. _and_ TART. _dance together_. +BARAK _and_ SKIRINA _ditto_. +TRUFFALDIN _twirls round_ ADELMA, +_who snubs him_. BRIGHELLA _and guards gravely jump up and down_. +_Tableau_. + + +END OF ACT IV. + + +FINIS. + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Turandot: The Chinese Sphinx, by +Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TURANDOT: THE CHINESE SPHINX *** + +***** This file should be named 26553.txt or 26553.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/6/5/5/26553/ + +Produced by Chuck Greif + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +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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