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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, Princess of China + A Chinoiserie in Three Acts + +Author: Karl Gustav Vollmöller + +Translator: Jethro Bithell + +Release Date: September 30, 2008 [EBook #26730] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TURANDOT, PRINCESS OF CHINA *** + + + + +Produced by Chuck Greif + + + + + +</pre> + +<hr class="full" /> + +<h3 class="un">PLAYS OF TO-DAY AND TO-MORROW</h3> + + +<h1><i>TURANDOT</i></h1> +<h2><i>PRINCESS OF CHINA</i></h2> + +<h3 class="top5"><i>A CHINOISERIE IN THREE ACTS</i></h3> + +<h3 class="top5"><i>BY</i><br /> +<i>KARL VOLLMOELLER</i></h3> + +<p class="c top5"><i><b>AUTHORIZED ENGLISH VERSION</b></i>,<br /> +<i><b>BY</b></i><br /> +<i><b>JETHRO BITHELL</b></i></p> + +<p class="c top5">LONDON: T. FISHER UNWIN</p> + +<p class="c">ADELPHI TERRACE</p> + +<p class="c">First Edition, January, 1913</p> + +<p class="c">(All rights reserved.)</p> + +<table summary="ACTS" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" +style="text-align:center;margin-left:20%;margin-right:20%; +border:dotted 4px gray;padding:2%;margin-top:15%;"> +<tr class="space"><td><a href="#THE_FIRST_ACT"><b>THE FIRST ACT</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#SCENE_I"><b>SCENE I, </b></a> +<a href="#SCENE_II"><b>SCENE II, </b></a> +<a href="#SCENE_III"><b>SCENE III, </b></a> +<a href="#SCENE_IV"><b>SCENE IV, </b></a> +<a href="#SCENE_V"><b>SCENE V, </b></a> +<a href="#SCENE_VI"><b>SCENE VI, </b></a> +<a href="#SCENE_VII"><b>SCENE VII, </b></a> +<a href="#SCENE_VIII"><b>SCENE VIII, </b></a> +<a href="#SCENE_IX"><b>SCENE IX, </b></a> +<a href="#SCENE_X"><b>SCENE X, </b></a> +<a href="#SCENE_XI"><b>SCENE XI</b></a></td></tr> +<tr class="space"><td><a href="#THE_SECOND_ACT"><b>THE SECOND ACT</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#SCENE_Ia"><b>SCENE I, </b></a> +<a href="#SCENE_IIa"><b>SCENE II, </b></a> +<a href="#SCENE_IIIa"><b>SCENE III, </b></a> +<a href="#SCENE_IVa"><b>SCENE IV, </b></a> +<a href="#SCENE_Va"><b>SCENE V, </b></a> +<a href="#SCENE_VIa"><b>SCENE VI., </b></a> +<a href="#SCENE_VIIa"><b>SCENE VII, </b></a> +<a href="#SCENE_VIIIa"><b>SCENE VIII, </b></a> +<a href="#SCENE_IXa"><b>SCENE IX, </b></a> +<a href="#SCENE_Xa"><b>SCENE X, </b></a> +<a href="#SCENE_XIa"><b>SCENE XI, </b></a> +<a href="#SCENE_XII"><b>SCENE XII, </b></a> +<a href="#SCENE_XIII"><b>SCENE XIII, </b></a> +<a href="#SCENE_XIV"><b>SCENE XIV</b></a></td></tr> +<tr class="space"><td><a href="#THE_THIRD_ACT"><b>THE THIRD ACT</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#SCENE_Ib"><b>SCENE I, </b></a> +<a href="#SCENE_IIb"><b>SCENE II</b></a></td></tr> +</table> + + +<p class="c top15">DRAMATIS PERSONÆ</p> +<table summary="personae" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"> +<tr><td class="smcap">Turandot</td><td>Princess of China</td></tr> +<tr><td class="smcap">Altoum</td><td>Emperor of China, her father</td></tr> +<tr><td class="smcap">Adelma</td><td>Princess of Tartary, favourite slave of Turandot</td></tr> +<tr><td class="smcap">Zelima</td><td>Another slave of Turandot</td></tr> +<tr><td class="smcap">Skirina</td><td>Zelima's mother</td></tr> +<tr valign="top"><td class="smcap">Barak</td><td>(Under the name of Hassan),<br />Skirina's husband; formerly Major-domo of</td></tr> +<tr><td class="smcap">Calaf</td><td>Prince of Astrakhan</td></tr> +<tr><td class="smcap">Ishmael</td><td>Major-domo of the beheaded Prince of Samarkand</td></tr> +<tr><td class="smcap">Pantalone</td><td>Prime Minister of the Emperor Altoum</td></tr> +<tr><td class="smcap">Tartaglia</td><td>Lord High Chancellor of China</td></tr> +<tr><td class="smcap">Brigella</td><td>Captain of the Imperial pages</td></tr> +<tr><td>Truffaldino</td><td>Chief Eunuch of Turandot's harem</td></tr> +<tr><td class="smcap">Prince of Samarkand</td><td>(Silent)</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="5" align="left">Eight Doctors. Female Slaves and Eunuchs of the harem. +A Headsman. Soldiers of the Palace Guard.</td></tr> +</table> + +<p class="c">SCENE: Pekin.—All the acting characters wear Chinese costume, +except Adelma and Calaf, who are in Tartar dress.</p> + + +<p class="c top5">Cast of the play as produced at the St. James's +Theatre, London, on January 18, 1913, under the +management of Sir George Alexander.</p> + +<table summary="personae" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"> + +<tr><td>Turandot</td><td class="smcap">Evelyn D'alroy</td></tr> +<tr><td>Altoum</td><td class="smcap">J. H. Barnes</td></tr> +<tr><td>Adelma</td><td class="smcap">Hilda Moore</td></tr> +<tr><td>Zelima</td><td class="smcap">Maire O'neill</td></tr> +<tr><td>Skirina</td><td class="smcap">Margaret Yarde</td></tr> +<tr><td>Barak</td><td class="smcap">Alfred Harris</td></tr> +<tr><td>Calaf</td><td class="smcap">Godfrey Tearle</td></tr> +<tr><td>Ishmael</td><td class="smcap">James Berry</td></tr> +<tr><td>Pantalone</td><td class="smcap">Edward Sass</td></tr> +<tr><td>Tartaglia</td><td class="smcap">E. Vivian Reynolds</td></tr> +<tr><td>Brigella</td><td class="smcap">Fred Lewis</td></tr> +<tr><td>Truffadino</td><td class="smcap">Norman Forbes</td></tr> +<tr><td>Prince of Samarkand </td><td class="smcap">Austin Fehrman</td></tr> +</table> + +<p class="c">The action takes place outside the gates of Pekin, and +inside the Emperor's Palace.</p> + + + + +<p class="c smcap top15">to<br /> +my friend that great artist<br /> +FERRUCCIO BUSONI</p> + + + +<p class="c top15">NOTE</p> + +<p>The very affecting history of the cruel Princess +Turandot and the handsome Prince Calaf may be +read in those Persian tales which are known by the +name of <i>The Thousand and One Nights.</i></p> + +<p>Twice already has the story gone over the boards: +in 1762 in Venice as "Turandotte," one of the <i>fiabe</i> of +Count Carlo Gozzi; in 1804 in Weimar, as Friedrich +Schiller's "Turandot." Both versions lived their +passing hour, and died to the stage.</p> + +<p>The present dramatisation of the ancient fable—a +modest attempt to cast good metal anew—closely +follows the Italian of the sardonic nobleman whose +bones have been mouldering by the blue lagoons for +over a hundred years.</p> + +<p class="r smcap">Karl Vollmoeller.</p> + + + + +<h3><a name="THE_FIRST_ACT" id="THE_FIRST_ACT"></a>THE FIRST ACT</h3> + + + + +<h3><a name="SCENE_I" id="SCENE_I"></a>SCENE I</h3> + +<p class="c"><i>One of the city gates of Pekin. Over the gate, +planted on iron poles, a row of severed heads +with shaven crowns and Turkish tufts.</i></p> + +<p class="c">TIME: <i>Shortly after sunrise.</i> <i>When the curtain +rises the gate is closed.</i> <i>From within the +roll of drums and military commands.</i></p> + + +<p class="drama"> +<span class="name">BRIGELLA.</span><br /> +<br /> +(<i>Behind the scenes.</i>) Halt! Present arms!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TRUFFALDINO.</span><br /> +<br /> +(<i>Behind the scenes.</i>) Halt! Slope swords!<br /> +<br /> +Open the gate! At ease! Quick march!<br /> +<br /> +(<i>The gate is thrown open.</i> <span class="smcap">TRUFFALDINO</span>,<br /> +<i>leading the eunuchs</i>; <i>then, between</i> <span class="smcap">PANTALONE</span><br /> +<i>and</i> <span class="smcap">TARTAGLIA</span>, <i>the</i> <span class="smcap">PRINCE OF<br /> +SAMARKAND</span>; <i>behind them, at the head<br /> +of his pages,</i> <span class="smcap">BRIGELLA</span>. <i>The whole<br /> +procession halts in front of the gate,<br /> +they all draw up in one line, and gaze<br /> +upwards at the bloody heads.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANTALONE.</span><br /> +<br /> +(<i>Stepping in front of the footlights.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +My name is Pantalone, and I am a native of Venice. At<br /> +the moment I am the Prime Minister of the<br /> +Chinese Empire. Eh, what d'ye say? What<br /> +I'<i>m</i> doing here in Pekin? H'm. (<i>Puts his hand<br /> +in front of his mouth.</i>) Venice got too hot for<br /> +me. An ind-indelicate affair. My wife of<br /> +course, you guess my meaning. (<i>To the</i> <span class="smcap">PRINCE</span>.)<br /> +This, your Royal Highness, is the place you<br /> +have heard so much of. Have a good look at<br /> +it, <i>please</i>. Make yourself <i>quite</i> at home. Yes,<br /> +quite right, up there, <i>please</i>! (<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">TARTAGLIA</span>.)<br /> +<br /> +I say, my dear Lord Chancellor. Be so good as<br /> +to show his Royal Highness the elevated position<br /> +he will occupy in the near future. You have the<br /> +information, I presume.<br /> +<br /> +(<span class="smcap">TARTAGLIA</span> <i>turns towards the</i> <span class="smcap">PRINCE</span>,<br /> +<span class="smcap">PANTALONE</span> <i>pulls his sleeve</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +Don't forget, my dear Lord Chancellor.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TARTAGLIA.</span><br /> +<br /> +(<i>Stepping in front of the footlights.</i>) My name<br /> +is Tat-Tra-Tartaglia (<i>stammers</i>). From Naples.<br /> +My mother always maintained that she was the<br /> +daughter of a Spanish grandee, but I fear she<br /> +was a fisherman's daughter from Po-Po-Pozzuoli.<br /> +My father, on the other hand (<i>stops short and<br /> +looks round</i>)——<br /> +<br /> +(<span class="smcap">PANTALONE</span> <i>makes signs to him</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANTALONE.</span><br /> +<br /> +Better not.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TARTAGLIA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Better not! That old scarecrow there makes<br /> +out that nobody ever knew who my father was.<br /> +He is a... li-li-liar. Excuse me, one moment,<br /> +ladies and gentlemen. (<i>To the</i> <span class="smcap">Prince</span>.) That<br /> +head up there on the right, which I beg your<br /> +Royal Highness graciously to observe, is the head<br /> +of the valiant Prince of Hyrcania. A valiant<br /> +prince, a sweet prince. But silly, silly. There's<br /> +quite a nice open space next to him for you, a<br /> +fine, sunny situation with a pleasant prospect.<br /> +How would that do, eh? Company to your liking?<br /> +All of 'em in the Almanach de Gotha.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANTALONE.</span><br /> +<br /> +(<i>To</i> BRIGELLA.) Send the executioner up with<br /> +the pole. We'll let this charming young Prince<br /> +select his own point of vantage.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BRIGELLA.</span><br /> +<br /> +(<i>To the headsman.</i>) What are you hanging<br /> +about here for, you hangman, you? Up on the<br /> +wall with you, by Hikey Mo! Up on the wall or<br /> +I'll wallop you.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANTALONE.</span><br /> +<br /> +Halt! 'Sh! Don't forget!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BRIGELLA.</span><br /> +<br /> +(<i>Stepping in front of the footlights.</i>) I'm<br /> +Brigella, begging your pardon. One of the old<br /> +honest family of the Brigellas. As you can hear<br /> +by the way I talk, I was born in Ferrara. There<br /> +are lying rogues, drat 'em, as say as how you can<br /> +tell any one that comes from Ferrara by his<br /> +knavish face. Concerning my own person, though<br /> +I says it as shouldn't, I've a heart of gold. Not<br /> +half. Talking about gold now, you'll be wondering,<br /> +sure enough, what brought <i>me</i> from Ferrara<br /> +to Pekin. Well, now, it was a purse of gold,<br /> +God bless ye! It was a little matter of two<br /> +hundred florins that belonged to my employer,<br /> +the celebrated Dr. Gratiano...<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANTALONE.</span><br /> +<br /> +(<i>Pulls his sleeve.</i>) Better not!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BRIGELLA.</span><br /> +<br /> +And now with this heart of gold of mine blest<br /> +if I ain't got to conduct this broth of a boy,<br /> +bless his honest face! to the block, by command<br /> +of my mistress, the high and mighty Turandot<br /> +...the cru'l Turandot. (<i>Sobs.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TRUFFALDINO.</span><br /> +<br /> +(<i>Pushing</i> BRIGELLA <i>aside.</i>) That's enough.<br /> +Get out of that. A regular rogue. Standing<br /> +there and talking about florins.... H'm!<br /> +Regular rogue.<br /> +<br /> +(PANTALONE <i>pulls his sleeve</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +Ah! quite so. I am Truffaldino, by your leave.<br /> +Truffaldino from the Giudeccao Quite so.<br /> +(<i>Turning towards</i> BRIGELLA.) Regular rogue.<br /> +It is monstrous that the dirtiest rascals should<br /> +always get on best. I have not myself always<br /> +had the best of luck in these parts... Would you<br /> +believe it, my voice used to be a very fine, deep<br /> +baritone. But now... (<i>Sings falsetto</i>):<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">I am not young; I am not old;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I live, yet have no life!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Ask him who hath suffered woes untold</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">From some volcanic strife</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Of passionate years, if he remember,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Tombed in the grave of life's December,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Its vanished golden June.</span><br /> +<br /> +What do you say about my voice? Lady-like?<br /> +Well, yes, you see I've spent so much of my<br /> +time in the society of ladies that I'm afraid my<br /> +voice has assimilated the quality of theirs. (<i>Sighs<br /> +deeply.</i>) Oh, yes. Not that there is any lack of<br /> +good nourishment. Oh, no. Nor of liquid<br /> +refreshment. Oh, no. Nor of refined and entertaining<br /> +company. Oh, no. Nor could any one<br /> +suggest that I am not in high favour. Oh, no.<br /> +I have been appointed Chief... Inspector...<br /> +Oh, no, no, Chief... Manager... Oh, no, no,<br /> +no... Chief Administrator... Quite so!<br /> +Chief Administrator of the Harem of her Imperial<br /> +Highness the Princess Turandot. A position of<br /> +distinction, a—<br /> +<br /> +(PANTALONE <i>pulls his sleeve, and drags him away</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANTALONE.</span><br /> +<br /> +Confound you, sir!... (<i>To the hangman, who<br /> +has appeared on the wall.</i>) Another inch or so<br /> +to the right. Halt! a fine place that.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TARTAGLIA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Too far to the right, my dear colleague. Much<br /> +too far to the right. There's a fine place quite<br /> +near there between the young Maharajah of Timbuctoo<br /> +and the Crown Prince of Beluchistan. (<i>To<br /> +the headsman.</i>) Just a shade farther—to the<br /> +left, that's it, you've got it—straight up, straight<br /> +up. Halt!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANTALONE.</span><br /> +<br /> +That will never do, my dear Lord Chancellor.<br /> +That will never do. Really, we <i>can't</i> have three<br /> +moustaches together. Back to the right—to the<br /> +right. The Prince of Hyrcania is clean-shaven.<br /> +His Royal Highness, the dear fellow, will have<br /> +quite a martial appearance next to him. That's<br /> +it, right in the middle. A little bit more to<br /> +the front. Right you are. Halt! (<i>To the<br /> +Prince.</i>) I do hope your Royal Highness is<br /> +delighted with the situation we have been at such<br /> +pains to select for you. Commanding position,<br /> +don't you think? Eh? Very well, then, that's<br /> +all right. Drive it in fast. Down with you.<br /> +Quick—march! And now, your Royal Highness,<br /> +my dear old fellow, may we request the honour of<br /> +your company back to town? We shall proceed,<br /> +according to instructions, past the harem of our<br /> +illustrious Princess to the place of execution.<br /> +But you won't need to make-a, long stay <i>there</i>,<br /> +you'll be back here again very shortly. Let me<br /> +take this opportunity of introducing to you one<br /> +of our most capable, one of our busiest officials,<br /> +with whom you will soon come into closer contact.<br /> +A very charming man—(<i>whispers to him</i>). You'll<br /> +find him sharp though, he has a cutting manner.<br /> +...But don't look so cut up, your Royal Highness;<br /> +keep your pecker up. Come now, love<br /> +hasn't treated you so badly after all; it brings<br /> +most men to the altar and then to the halter—<br /> +you'll keep your head out of that noose anyhow.<br /> +And your flame, your idolized, lovely Turandot,<br /> +will perhaps do you the honour of appearing on<br /> +the grated balcony. I tell you this in case you<br /> +should by any chance desire to cast her one of<br /> +your languishing glances, your Royal Highness,<br /> +my dear old chappie. You silly fool you...<br /> +Forward, march!... Forward, I tell you,<br /> +march, and be damned to you! Right about<br /> +turn, forward march!<br /> +</p> + +<p>(<i>Music. Exeunt all, in the same order as +they came, towards the interior of the +city. Enter CALAF, from the left, on +a pony. He dismounts, and looks round +about him in a dazed and dreamy +manner.</i>)</p> + + + + +<h3><a name="SCENE_II" id="SCENE_II"></a>SCENE II</h3> + +<p class="c">CALAF.</p> + +<p>(<i>Stepping in front of the footlights.</i>) I am +Prince Calaf, 'sh! Nobody must know my name. +Calaf—I don't mind telling <i>you</i>. My father is +Timur, once the mighty King of Astrakhan—the +cruel Sultan of Taschkent drove us out of our own +country. O miserable fate! O heavenly gods! +I wandered for months and months with my +parents in the desert. Our foe, the Sultan, sent +riders after us. At the Court of Kaikobad, King +of the Carcasenes, I served as a gardener. His +daughter, the Princess Adelma, fell in love with +me. I had to flee again, and came to Berlas. +There I kept my poor parents by carrying burdens, +and by begging. Then a happy chance gave +me these fine clothes, a horse, and this purse of +gold. I set out in quest of adventure. And +here I am now in Pekin.</p> + +<p class="c">(<i>Noise behind the scenes. Enter BARAK from +the city.</i>)</p> + + + + +<h3><a name="SCENE_III" id="SCENE_III"></a>SCENE III</h3> + +<p class="c">CALAF, <i>then</i> BARAK.</p> + +<p class="drama"> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +Whence come you, stranger?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Who asks?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +Dare I believe, my eyes?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Do I see right?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +It is he!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +None else!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +My Prince!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +My tutor, friend!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +Prince Calaf!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Barak!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +Yet alive!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +You here?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +And you, Prince?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Quiet. Betray me not. But whisper low,<br /> +How comes it that in Pekin you are found?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +When your ill-fated army fought and lost<br /> +Before the gates of Astrakhan, and fled<br /> +Close followed by the Sultan of Taschkent,<br /> +Who, barbarous, o'er the battlefield careered,<br /> +I in my helpless rage and wounded sore<br /> +Sought refuge in the city. There I heard<br /> +Timur, your noble father, like yourself,<br /> +Had fallen in the battle. Weeping then,<br /> +I hastened to the Palace, with intent<br /> +To save Elmase, your mother, from the foe.<br /> +I could not find her. And already raged<br /> +The Sultan o'er the unresisting town.<br /> +I turned my back on hope, and fled away.<br /> +And after months of wandering I came hither,<br /> +And took a false name, calling myself Hassan<br /> +The Persian, and as such I came to know<br /> +A widow in distress. By virtue of<br /> +My few remaining jewels which I sold<br /> +For her, and by the good advice I gave,<br /> +I rescued her from utter penury.<br /> +She was not thankless, I disliked her not,<br /> +And in the end I married her. And she<br /> +Even to this very day thinks that I am<br /> +A Persian, and she calls me Hassan, not<br /> +Barak. And so I live with her, and I<br /> +Am poor indeed after my former state,<br /> +But richer than a prince now that I find<br /> +You who are dearer to me than a son,<br /> +Now that I find my Prince Calaf alive.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Kneels.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +'Sh! Speak no name! On that disastrous day<br /> +I hied me with my father to the Palace.<br /> +We snatched what precious things we could, and fled,<br /> +We and my mother, out of Astrakhan,<br /> +All three in beggars' garb.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK</span> (<i>weeps</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Prince, say no more!<br /> +My heart is breaking. Timur, my noble King,<br /> +The Queen herself in such sad lowliness.<br /> +But are they yet alive?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +They are alive,<br /> +Barak. They both are living. And after that,<br /> +Wandering still farther, in the end we came<br /> +Unto the city of the Carcasenes.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK</span> (<i>rises</i>).<br /> +<br /> +O say no more! I have heard enough of grief...<br /> +And yet I see you as a knight attired.<br /> +Tell me how fortune favoured you at last.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Tell you how fortune—<i>favoured</i> me? You jest!<br /> +But I will tell you how I fared. The Khan<br /> +Of Berlas hath a favourite sparrow-hawk,<br /> +That with his jesses to the forest flew.<br /> +By some good chance I caught this hawk, and brought him<br /> +Home to the Khan, who questioned of my name.<br /> +I hid my birth, and painted myself poor,<br /> +A porter of burdens, and my parents ill.<br /> +Straightway he sends them to the hospital... (<i>Weeps.</i>)<br /> +Barak, thy King, thy Queen, in a hospital!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +Merciful God!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +To me he gives this purse here;<br /> +A horse he gives me, too, and this attire.<br /> +I throw myself into my parents' arms,<br /> +And weeping say: "I will no longer bear<br /> +To see you so. Now I will fare in quest<br /> +Of the jade Fortune, and either I will lose<br /> +My life, or you shall hear from me anon."<br /> +They clung around my, neck, would come with me.<br /> +(God grant they have not followed at my heels<br /> +In their blind love!) Now to Pekin I come<br /> +Where in the Emperor's army I will 'list;<br /> +And if I rise!—The day of vengeance dawns!—<br /> +Why is the city full to overflowing?<br /> +Stay! I will seek thee out again, Barak;<br /> +But now I burn to see what festival<br /> +Swells such a crowd.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +O go not, my dear Prince.<br /> +And spare your eyes the pitiable sight<br /> +Of most ignoble butchery.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Butchery?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +It cannot be but you have heard the fame<br /> +Of Turandot, the Emperor's only daughter,<br /> +Who, beautiful as she is cruel, fills<br /> +Pekin with death and mourning without end?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Something I heard of this kind at the Court<br /> +Of Kaikobad. Indeed, they told me there<br /> +That Kaikobad's own son mysteriously<br /> +In Pekin found his death. And this was why<br /> +King Kaikobad waged war against Altoum.<br /> +But these are tales told for an idle hour.<br /> +Well, what comes next?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +What next? Why, Turandot,<br /> +The mighty Emperor's daughter, unexcelled<br /> +In the mind's keenness, and of beauty such<br /> +That never master's pencil limned her (spite<br /> +Of the innumerable pictures of her<br /> +Which travel round the world), is so conceited,<br /> +And hates all men with such a ruthless hate,<br /> +The greatest princes woo her hand in vain.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +That ancient fable. And what follows next?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +This fable is a fable that is true.<br /> +Her father often sought to have her wed—<br /> +For she is sole heir to his mighty throne—<br /> +But she said "no" to every prince that came,<br /> +And his soft heart would not constrain her "yea."<br /> +Not seldom her refusal led to war,<br /> +And, though his arms were yet victorious,<br /> +He felt the approach of age, and so one day<br /> +He spake to her, deliberately resolved:<br /> +"Make up thy mind to take a husband now,<br /> +Or else show me a means to spare my land<br /> +The throes of war. Age bows my shoulders down,<br /> +And I have made too many kings my foes<br /> +By breaking faith with them for love of thee.<br /> +So once again I charge thee, promptly wed,<br /> +Or show the means I seek, then live and die<br /> +Even as it pleases thee." The proud maid then<br /> +Used every artifice to thwart his will,<br /> +Was sick with fury, yea, was nigh to death!<br /> +And when the Emperor would not bate a jot,<br /> +Hark what this wild she-devil then devised....<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +I know the tale! She craves an edict: this—<br /> +That any prince be free to sue for her.<br /> +With this condition: She will set the suitor<br /> +Three riddles, and before the whole Divan.<br /> +If he can solve them, he shall be her consort,<br /> +And heir of China. If he cannot solve them,<br /> +Altoum by most solemn oath is bound<br /> +To rid the reckless suitor of the head<br /> +Which could not solve the riddles of his daughter.<br /> +Goes not the fable so? Well, you go on with it;<br /> +It bores me.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +Fable! Would to Heaven it were!<br /> +The Emperor would not hear of it at first;<br /> +But she with threats and feints and flattering<br /> +Forces the old man's gentle heart to yield,<br /> +Convincing him by saying: "No one ever<br /> +Will risk his head on it; and if he should,<br /> +In any case the Emperor would be blameless,<br /> +Since it were question of an edict sworn,<br /> +And noised abroad." And what she willed was done.<br /> +A fable, is it? Is it a fable, all<br /> +That this inhuman law has brought to pass?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Well, if you say it is so, I will credit<br /> +The edict. But I never will believe<br /> +That any fool has known, and risked his head.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +You won't believe it? Pray you, look up here!<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Points to the heads on the wall.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +All those are heads of hopeful princes, who<br /> +Have tried their luck and could not solve the riddles,<br /> +And hence... are where they are.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF (<i>horror-struck</i>).</span><br /> +<br /> +Most horrible!<br /> +But, tell me, who could ever be so mad,<br /> +So crazy, as to risk his head to win<br /> +A monster of a maiden such as this?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +Prince, he who sees her picture is so lost,<br /> +That to possess the living picture he<br /> +Would blindly walk into the arms of death.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +A fool might.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +Yes, and a wise man, too.<br /> +Hark to the people pouring out to see<br /> +The wise and handsome Prince of Samarkand<br /> +Beheaded now. The Emperor himself weeps,<br /> +But the she-devil puffs herself with pride.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>In the distance a beating of muffled drums.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +This muffled rolling is the headsman's sign.<br /> +It was to see it not I left the town.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +These are strange things you tell me, Barak<br /> +How<br /> +Could Nature ever fashion such a thing,<br /> +And call it woman, as this Turandot,<br /> +So harnessed against love, so pitiless?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +My own wife's daughter serves her in the harem,<br /> +And tells such things about her—things, my<br /> +Prince!—<br /> +Worse than a tigress is this Turandot;<br /> +And worst of all her vices is her pride.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +To Hell with such a monster! If <i>I</i> were<br /> +Her father,, I would burn her at the stake....<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK</span> (<i>looking towards the city gate.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +See, there comes Ishmael, the friend and guide<br /> +Of the young Prince they slaughtered even now.<br /> +My poor friend!<br /> +</p> + + + + +<h3><a name="SCENE_IV" id="SCENE_IV"></a>SCENE IV</h3> + +<p class="c">ISHMAEL. <i>The foregoing.</i></p> + + +<p class="drama"> +<span class="name">ISHMAEL</span> (<i>Enters weeping from the city</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Oh, my friend! Now he is dead.<br /> +My Prince is dead! Accursed headsman's axe,<br /> +Why hast thou severed not this neck of mine?<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Breaks out into despairing weeping.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +But why didst thou not hinder him in time,<br /> +My friend?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ISHMAEL.</span><br /> +<br /> +Dost thou on all my misery<br /> +Heap reprimands, Hassan! I have done my duty<br /> +To the uttermost. I might, indeed, have summoned<br /> +His father hither, if there <i>had</i> been time;<br /> +But there was <i>not</i>.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +Be calm, my friend, be calm.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ISHMAEL.</span><br /> +<br /> +Calm? I be calm? Like arrows stinging sharp<br /> +The last words that he spoke stick in my breast:<br /> +<br /> +"Weep not," he said, "for I am glad to die,<br /> +Since I may not possess her. Bear my greeting<br /> +Unto my father. May he pardon me<br /> +That when I fared I took no leave of him.<br /> +Tell him it was for fear lest his denial<br /> +Should force my disobedience. And show him<br /> +This picture.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Draws a picture from the folds of his robe.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +When he sees such loveliness,<br /> +He will forgive, and weep my fate with thee."<br /> +Thus speaking, my dear Prince a hundred times<br /> +Kissed the accursed picture, and then bowed<br /> +His neck to the stroke. Blood spurts on high.<br /> +The trunk<br /> +Quivers, and falls. High in the headsman's hands<br /> +The head I love. Blind, dazed with pain I flee....<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Hurls the picture to the ground and tramples on it.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +Thou devilish, accursed witchery!<br /> +I tread thee in the dust, thou spawn of Hell!<br /> +And O that I could trample with these feet<br /> +The witch herself! Haha! I was to take thee<br /> +Unto his father, unto Samarkand?<br /> +I fancy<br /> +That Samarkand will never see me more.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Exit in desperation.</i>)<br /> +</p> + + + + +<h3><a name="SCENE_V" id="SCENE_V"></a>SCENE V</h3> + +<p class="c">BARAK, CALAF.</p> + + +<p class="drama"> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +Well? Did you hear?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +You see me all amazed.<br /> +One thing I understand not: how such power<br /> +Should issue from a picture.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Bends down to lift up the picture.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK</span> (<i>screams</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Prince, bethink you I<br /> +What are you doing?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +I will lift it up,<br /> +To gaze upon this perilous loveliness....<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Makes a dash for the picture.</i> BARAK <i>holds<br /> +him back with force.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +You might as well look on the Gorgon's head!<br /> +I will not let you.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Have you lost your wits?<br /> +Let go of me! If <i>you</i> are weak, <i>I</i> am not!<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Pushes him aside, and lifts the picture up.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +I tell you: woman's loveliness hath never<br /> +Fettered even for a second's space my eyes,<br /> +Much less my heart: I mean the loveliness<br /> +Of <i>living</i> women. And now a daub or so,<br /> +Cast on a canvas by some colour-grinder,<br /> +Will stagger me, you think! Am I a child?<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Sighs.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +Mine is no case of love...<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Is about to look at the picture, when BARAK<br /> +quickly lays his hand upon it and prevents him.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +Prince, close your eyes,<br /> +For Heaven's sake!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Offend me not. Let go!<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Looks at the picture, makes a gesture of<br /> +surprise, and is seen to be in a state<br /> +of ecstasy that grows with gazing.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK</span> (<i>in anguish</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Disaster, take thy course!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +O Barak, what<br /> +Do I behold? How can it be that this<br /> +Sweet face, these gentle eyes, this soft, white breast,<br /> +Should harbour such a heart as thou hast said,<br /> +A heart cold as the snows of yesteryear?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +Unhappy man!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +O worshipped rosy cheeks!<br /> +O magic-breathing lips! O angel eyes!...<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +Unhappy man!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +What son of earth shall be<br /> +So brimmed with bliss, so blessed of the gods,<br /> +That he shall hold thee, breathing, animate<br /> +Perfection, in the hollow of his arms?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +Unhappy man!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF</span> (<i>looks up for a moment, resolved</i>).<br /> +<br /> +This is the turn of fate!<br /> +The loveliest lady of the whole round earth,<br /> +Yea, and the richest empire time hath known,<br /> +I by a game of riddles now shall win—<br /> +Or else, thou turbid life of mine, farewell!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +Unhappy man!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF</span> (<i>gazing at the picture again</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Thou sweetest promise! Thou<br /> +Pledge of my hope! Lo! a new sacrifice<br /> +Is coming to thy riddles and to thee.<br /> +Vouchsafe one smile, sweet lady, lady mine!—<br /> +O Barak, tell me, tell me, shall I once,<br /> +Before they murder me, behold her face?<br /> +<br /> +(<i>A new roll of drums from the centre of the<br /> +city, sounding nearer than the first.</i><br /> +CALAF <i>hearkens, though his eyes are<br /> +still riveted on the picture.</i> <i>The executioner<br /> +appears on the city wall, a fearful<br /> +sight, his bare arms bespattered with<br /> +blood.</i> <i>He plants the head of the</i><br /> +PRINCE Of SAMARKAND <i>on the vacant<br /> +pole and then disappears</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +Stop looking on her face and look on that!<br /> +That head up yonder, smoking yet with blood,<br /> +Is the last lunatic's. And the same headsman<br /> +Who set it there to-morrow will be yours.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Bursts into tears.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF</span> (<i>turning towards the Prince's head</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Unhappy man! What unknown power decrees<br /> +That I must be thy mate? Up, Barak, up!<br /> +Thou hast already once mourned me for dead,<br /> +And why not once again? I will venture it.<br /> +Tell no one who I am. Perchance the heavens<br /> +Are tired of heaping troubles on my back.<br /> +If fortune crown me in this game of riddles,<br /> +Barak, I shall be grateful! Now, farewell!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +O Heaven! My son.... My child....<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Notices his wife coming out of her house.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +Come hither, quick!<br /> +<br /> +Skirina, help thou also! See, this youth,<br /> +Whom I love well, is running from me now<br /> +To woo the Princess and her riddles....<br /> +</p> + + + + +<h3><a name="SCENE_VI" id="SCENE_VI"></a>SCENE VI</h3> + +<p class="c">SKIRINA. <i>The foregoing.</i></p> + + +<p class="drama"> +<span class="name">SKIRINA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Hold!<br /> +<br /> +What drives thee on, fair youth, to meet thy death?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +My fate, good woman, and this loveliness....<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Shows the picture.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">SKIRINA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Who gave him the she-devil's image? (<i>Weeps.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK</span> (<i>weeps likewise</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Chance.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF</span> (<i>frees himself</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Hassan, farewell! Farewell, thou worthy dame I<br /> +My charger and this purse I give to you.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Draws his purse and hands it to</i> SKIRINA.)<br /> +<br /> +My poverty has nothing else to show<br /> +Its gratitude. I pray you, if you will,<br /> +Give something of it to the Heavenly Powers<br /> +That they protect me. And something to the poor,<br /> +That they may pray for me. And so farewell!<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Exit in the direction of the city.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +Prince, do not go! My son.... My dear, dear son....<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">SKIRINA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Confucius be merciful to us!<br /> +</p> + + + + +<h3><a name="SCENE_VII" id="SCENE_VII"></a>SCENE VII</h3> + +<p class="c"><i>The great hall of the imperial Divan: two high +doors on each side, on the right to</i> TURANDOT'S +<i>harem, on the left to the</i> EMPEROR'S +<i>chambers</i>.</p> + +<p class="c">TRUFFALDINO, EUNUCHS.</p> + + +<p class="drama"> +<span class="name">TRUFFALDINO.</span><br /> +<br /> +Halt! First scrubbing company, at ease,<br /> +march. Stack muskets. Attention! Present<br /> +besoms. Sweep. Sweep like the devil. Roll<br /> +up, spread, smooth.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Eunuchs roll up the carpets.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +There's nothing I like better than watching other<br /> +people work. Quite so. This here is the Great<br /> +Throne. His Majesty the Emperor of China sits<br /> +on that.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Two eunuchs carry the throne past.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +We call it the Great Throne because it's a big<br /> +'un. And this is the Little Throne. Quite so,<br /> +the Little Throne.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Two eunuchs carry</i> TURANDOT 's <i>throne to<br /> +its place</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +The Princess's, don't you know. We call this<br /> +the Little Throne because it's a small 'un. Quite<br /> +so. And <i>these</i> are the eight cushions of the<br /> +learned doctors.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Eight slaves carry cushions past.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +The sublime Divan will assemble immediately, and<br /> +then they'll all sit on 'em—the Emperor on<br /> +the Great Throne, the Princess on the Little<br /> +Throne, and the Doctors on the eight cushions.<br /> +<br /> +(BRIGELLA <i>enters from the right</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BRIGELLA.</span><br /> +<br /> +I've always got the blues in Pekin. Not half!<br /> +Here's the Emperor just gone and issued a fresh<br /> +Court ceremonial again, and I can't get it into<br /> +my noddle. I keep on practising. I can't do<br /> +anything without practising. Oh, all right, you're<br /> +a laughing at me. What are you laughing about?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TRUFFALDINO.</span><br /> +<br /> +Business is good, that's what I'm laughing for.<br /> +My business and my adored Princess's. Trade's<br /> +flourishing, praised be the Lord! Huge turnover,<br /> +commissions promptly executed. Greatest<br /> +stock of sheep's heads in the world. The Divan<br /> +will assemble immediately. There's another prince<br /> +arrived, with his head itching.... <i>Ut veniant<br /> +omnes</i>—let them all come.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BRIGELLA.</span><br /> +<br /> +No, it's getting a bit too hot, all our young<br /> +sparks going off like match-heads. Strike me<br /> +dead, a man <i>can</i> talk without his head—he can<br /> +talk with his belly if he's a ventriloquist—but<br /> +he can't keep his mouth shut when he's lost his<br /> +head. What <i>are</i> you a-laughin' at? It's no joke,<br /> +not half! It's not three hours since the last was<br /> +polished off, and you can find it in your heart to<br /> +laugh!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TRUFFALDINO.</span><br /> +<br /> +I have good reason to laugh. Every time my<br /> +sweet adored Princess has netted one of these<br /> +sheepish little princes with her riddles she's in<br /> +such an excellent temper she's sure to present me<br /> +with a charming token of her Imperial favour.<br /> +But you have no taste for such charms.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BRIGELLA.</span><br /> +<br /> +I've more than you, anyhow! I can't come<br /> +out with such high-flying language about your<br /> +Princess. The hysterical water-wagtail. What<br /> +right has she to turn her nose up at marriage?<br /> +Considering she knows nothing about it. Perhaps<br /> +she might like it. You never can tell.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TRUFFALDINO.</span><br /> +<br /> +Marriage! Oh, fie!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BRIGELLA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Look here, I can't stand hearing a carved turkey<br /> +like you cackling rot about marriage. Think of<br /> +your own mamma. If she hadn't got married,<br /> +where would you be?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TRUFFALDINO.</span><br /> +<br /> +That's a lie. My mamma never got married at<br /> +all, and I'm here just the same. You see me, don't<br /> +you?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BRIGELLA.</span><br /> +<br /> +True; I ought to have seen at the first glance<br /> +that you were a bastard.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TRUFFALDINO.</span><br /> +<br /> +I am not a bastard. I am a child of love. All<br /> +geniuses are children of love.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BRIGELLA.</span><br /> +<br /> +But all children of love are not geniuses. You,<br /> +for instance.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TRUFFALDINO.</span><br /> +<br /> +I? I have risen in the world. I am Chief—<br /> +Chief—Chief—Administrator of the Harem. You<br /> +understand. (Music is heard.) Anyhow, you<br /> +go to the devil now and pay your customary<br /> +assiduous attention to your pages. His Sublime<br /> +Majesty the Emperor approaches....<br /> +</p> + + + + +<h3><a name="SCENE_VIII" id="SCENE_VIII"></a>SCENE VIII</h3> + +<p>(<i>To the strains of music enter from the left +the Imperial Guards, thereupon the +eight doctors, behind them</i> PANTALONE, +TARTAGLIA, <i>finally</i> ALTOUM, <i>at whose +entrance all prostrate themselves, touching +the floor with their brows</i>. ALTOUM +<i>seats himself on his throne</i>. PANTALONE +<i>and</i> TARTAGLIA <i>stand near him</i>. +<i>The doctors sink on to their cushions. +The music ceases.</i>)</p> + + +<p class="drama"> +<span class="name">ALTOUM.</span><br /> +<br /> +How long, ye faithful, shall this torture last?<br /> +Scarcely have we with seeming reverence<br /> +Mourned the poor Prince of Samarkand, mine eyes<br /> +Have scarcely dried their tears, but a new victim,<br /> +New sorrow comes. O cruel daughter, born<br /> +To be a curse to me! But what avails<br /> +To curse the day when by the highest God<br /> +I swore that edict! For I cannot break<br /> +My oath; I cannot touch my daughter's heart;<br /> +I cannot frighten those who come to woo.<br /> +Which man of you can tell me what to do?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANTALONE.</span><br /> +<br /> +My dearest Majesty, some other Counsellor<br /> +must advise you in this case. In my home in<br /> +Venice, Heaven knows, I never heard of such<br /> +laws. In my home there are never any edicts<br /> +of that sort. In my home princes don't fall in<br /> +love with a medallion, and then, out of sheer<br /> +love for the original, go hawking their heads about.<br /> +In my home in Venice there never was a girl<br /> +who refused a man when he offered, like this<br /> +Princess Turandot here. Heaven knows, in my<br /> +home such things don't happen even in dreams!<br /> +Before I had the ill-luck to have to run away<br /> +from Venice, and before I had the unmerited good<br /> +fortune to be appointed your Majesty's Prime<br /> +Minister, I had never heard anything about China,<br /> +except that you had to be careful not to smash<br /> +it; and Heaven knows it kind of knocks me<br /> +on the head that in this part of the world there<br /> +should be such obsolete customs and such obsolete<br /> +oaths and such obsolete males and females as<br /> +there are here in your country, Heaven knows.<br /> +And if I were to tell the story in my home in<br /> +Venice, they would say: "Shut up, you bounder!<br /> +Tell that to the marines!" They'd laugh in<br /> +my face, I tell you, Heaven knows!<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Goes to his place.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM.</span><br /> +<br /> +(<i>To</i> TARTAGLIA.) Have you already seen the<br /> +new arrival?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TARTAGLIA.</span><br /> +<br /> +I have, your Majesty. We have given him<br /> +the suite reserved for foreign princes. He has<br /> +a remarkably good presence, a nice face, charming<br /> +manners, and a good accent. I never saw a nicer<br /> +prince in all my life. I am positively in love<br /> +with him, and my heart goes pit-a-pat when I<br /> +think that he is at this moment on his way to<br /> +have his head chopped off, just like a silly sheep;<br /> +such a handsome prince, such a charming prince,<br /> +such a boy of a prince....<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM.</span><br /> +<br /> +O sorrow!<br /> +<br /> +(<i>To</i> PANTALONE.) Are the sacrifices made<br /> +By which we send up prayers to Providence<br /> +To teach this most unhappy man to solve<br /> +Our cruel daughter's riddles? Though I scarce<br /> +Can hope....<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANTALONE.</span><br /> +<br /> +As far as the sacrifices are concerned, Heaven<br /> +knows, your Majesty may be quite easy on that<br /> +point. There has been no economy with regard<br /> +to the sacrifices, your Majesty. I have ordered<br /> +sacrifices to be made to High Heaven of one<br /> +hundred dogs, sacrifice of one hundred horses to<br /> +the Sun, and of one hundred cats to the Moon.<br /> +(<i>Aside.</i>) I, for my own part, Heaven knows,<br /> +expect nothing from this Imperial butchery except<br /> +sausages and meat-pies.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TARTAGLIA.</span><br /> +<br /> +(<i>Aside.</i>) It would have been far better to<br /> +slaughter that cat of a Princess. Then everything<br /> +would be in order. That would be the best<br /> +way to end all this spitting and scratching.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM.</span><br /> +<br /> +Let the new-comer be conducted hither!<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Exit one of the</i> DOCTORS.)<br /> +<br /> +I will endeavour to dissuade him. You,<br /> +My reverend doctors, help in this, and you,<br /> +My faithful ministers and counsellors,<br /> +If, haply, grief should paralyse my tongue.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANTALONE.</span><br /> +<br /> +We've done our best in that direction often<br /> +enough already, your Majesty, and we're getting<br /> +about sick of it, Heaven knows. We shall talk<br /> +at him till our throats are sore, and then he'll<br /> +go and get his windpipe cut like a turkey.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TARTAGLIA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Listen here, Pantalone. If my observations can<br /> +be relied on, this young Prince has gifts of the<br /> +very highest order, and a degree of ingenuity<br /> +which is positively penetrating. I do not quite<br /> +give up all hope.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANTALONE.</span><br /> +<br /> +Rot, my dear fellow, rot! You think he's going,<br /> +to guess that snake's riddles. Rot! Stuff and<br /> +nonsense! Humbug! Get out! He's done for.<br /> +</p> + + + + +<h3><a name="SCENE_IX" id="SCENE_IX"></a>SCENE IX</h3> + +<p class="c">CALAF. <i>The foregoing.</i></p> + +<p class="c">(<i>Enter</i> CALAF, <i>escorted by the</i> DOCTOR. <i>He +kneels, and rests his hand on his forehead.</i>)</p> + + +<p class="drama"> +<span class="name">ALTOUM.</span><br /> +<br /> +Arise, thou young and madly daring man!<br /> +<br /> +(CALAF <i>rises, makes an obeisance, and stands<br /> +with noble bearing between the two<br /> +thrones, facing the spectators.</i> ALTOUM<br /> +<i>scans him carefully</i>. <i>Aside.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +How handsome the youth is! Compassion moves<br /> +My breast.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Aloud.</i>) Unhappy man, what is thy name?<br /> +What King calls himself father unto thee?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF</span> (<i>at first somewhat confused, then with a<br /> +noble bow</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Sire, let me beg a boon: that for the nonce<br /> +My name be covered up with dark.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM.</span><br /> +<br /> +How now!<br /> +<br /> +You woo the Emperor's daughter, and withhold<br /> +Your name?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF</span> (<i>with pride</i>).<br /> +<br /> +I am of royal blood. If Heaven<br /> +Decree my death, there will be time left then<br /> +To make my name and country known to you.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>With another bow.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +Vouchsafe me silence for the present, Sire.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM</span> (<i>aside</i>).<br /> +<br /> +What noble speech and port!<br /> +(<i>Aloud.</i>) But if perchance<br /> +You solve the riddles, and then prove to be<br /> +Of mean extraction, how shall the edict...<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF</span> (<i>interrupting him quickly</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Sire,<br /> +The edict serves not save for sons of Kings.<br /> +If I by help of Heaven should solve the riddles,<br /> +And then were found to be of base extraction,<br /> +Let my head pay for it. My body give<br /> +To dogs and carrion crows upon the fields.<br /> +There is one man in Pekin knows my name,<br /> +And he will bear me witness.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>With an obeisance to the</i> EMPEROR.)<br /> +<br /> +Therefore I<br /> +Entreat you in your mercy once again,<br /> +Still let my name be covered up with dark.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM.</span><br /> +<br /> +So be it then! It is your pleasing speech<br /> +And noble bearing make me grant the boon.<br /> +Oh that you now would grant the Emperor<br /> +The boon he begs for from his very throne,<br /> +Beseeching you: Go back, my son, go back!<br /> +Desist from this adventure, and go back!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANTALONE.</span><br /> +<br /> +We can't get him any farther, your Majesty.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM.</span><br /> +<br /> +The nations are already nursing wrath<br /> +Against me for the reckless oath I swore.<br /> +Do not thou also force me to shed tears<br /> +Over thy corpse. Oh, force me not to hate<br /> +This daughter of my loins more than I do<br /> +Already; force me not to hate myself<br /> +Who brought her into the world, more than I do.<br /> +Proud, vain, and pitiless, and cruel, source<br /> +Is she of torment to me till I die.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Sire, but I cannot think that you have cause<br /> +To fill your heart with torment and unrest.<br /> +If in your daughter there is cruelty,<br /> +It is not from her father that it came.<br /> +If guilt you have, it can be only this:<br /> +That you have given the world such peerless beauty<br /> +As draws all men to her. I thank you, Sire,<br /> +For your great goodness! I have but one thought,<br /> +To win your Turandot or live no more.<br /> +All that I ask is death or Turandot.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANTALONE.</span><br /> +<br /> +H'm, my dearest Royal Highness, I presume<br /> +you vouchsafed to behold the severed heads on<br /> +the city wall. Eh? Heaven knows what pleasure<br /> +there can be in having oneself stuck like a pig,<br /> +so that afterwards the whole town is full of<br /> +tears and blowing of noses, Heaven knows. I<br /> +can tell you beforehand, the Princess will nail<br /> +you three riddles together that it would take<br /> +Old Moore himself seven years to take to pieces,<br /> +Heaven knows. We two sit here, year in, year<br /> +out, and the learned doctors, too, sit here in<br /> +judgment, judging who guesses well and who<br /> +guesses ill, and we've had a bit of practice and<br /> +we can "read print, Heaven knows—and yet we<br /> +can't make head or tail of our most wise Princess's<br /> +riddles. These are not riddles like those in<br /> +Saturday's <i>Daily Telegraph</i>, such as:<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"Puts his head between his feet,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And rolls him in a ball complete,"</span><br /> +<br /> +or:<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"Four already, I'll be bound,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">This is one when it is found."</span><br /> +<br /> +No, these are confounded new-fangled puzzles<br /> +with man-traps in 'em and patent springs. And<br /> +if she didn't write the solutions beforehand on<br /> +slips of paper and pop 'em into sealed envelopes<br /> +and hand 'em in to the doctors, why even they<br /> +wouldn't know whether they were standing on their<br /> +head or their feet, Heaven knows. You go back<br /> +home, my dearest Royal Highness. It really<br /> +would be a pity, such a fine young fellow as you<br /> +are. Do as I advise you, Heaven knows. If<br /> +you don't I wouldn't give as much for your head<br /> +as I would for a turnip radish. No use, no use.<br /> +<br /> +(PANTALONE <i>to his place.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +You talk and lose your breath, old gentleman,<br /> +What I demand is death or Turandot.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TARTAGLIA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Turandot.... Turandot.... What a<br /> +damned stupid ass the dear fellow is! You just<br /> +listen to me, my dear boy! This is not a<br /> +question of drawing lots with blades of straw<br /> +for a cup of coffee or an iced chocolate. Get<br /> +that into your head; do be quick and get that<br /> +into your head, please. It is a question here of<br /> +keeping or losing your head. That is the only<br /> +argument I will bring forward to reduce you to<br /> +reason. This one argument <i>should</i> suffice. Your<br /> +head is in danger, do you understand? Your<br /> +head. His belovèd Majesty in his own most<br /> +gracious person begs and implores you not, to<br /> +lose your head. His Imperial Majesty has in<br /> +his own most gracious person sacrificed one hundred<br /> +horses to the Sun, one hundred dogs to High<br /> +Heaven, and one hundred cats to the Moon, to<br /> +induce them to restore your lost wits—and you,<br /> +you sweet little sugar-plum you, you actually<br /> +refuse. Why, even if there were no other fish<br /> +in the sea except Princess Turandot, your intentions<br /> +would still amount to capital folly. You<br /> +must give me credit, my dearest Prince, for talking<br /> +so frankly, because I wish you well. Have you,<br /> +may I ask, at any time carefully considered what<br /> +it means to be shortened by a head? I can hardly<br /> +believe you have.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +You talk too much and lose your breath, dear sir.<br /> +Death is what I demand or Turandot.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM.</span><br /> +<br /> +Death have then, and with death my own despair.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>To the</i> DOCTORS.)<br /> +<br /> +Go, one of you, and bid the Princess come.<br /> +And tell her a fresh sacrifice awaits.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Exit</i> DOCTOR <i>behind</i> EMPEROR, <i>front of stage</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF</span> (<i>aside</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Ye heavenly powers, help me, and lend me strength<br /> +And self-possession, lest the sight of her<br /> +Confuse me: for my mind already sways,<br /> +My heart pants, and my lips are quivering.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>To the assembly.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +Illustrious Divan, most reverend Doctors,<br /> +My answers' judges, judges soon to me<br /> +Over my life and death, oh, pardon now<br /> +My rash adventure, be not pitiless<br /> +To one disquieted and blind with love,<br /> +Who, heedless of the place and of the hour,<br /> +Forces the closed arms of his sullen fate.<br /> +</p> + + + + +<h3><a name="SCENE_X" id="SCENE_X"></a>SCENE X</h3> + +<p>(<i>From the right the sounds of a march with +kettledrums and tambourines.</i> <i>First +appears</i> TRUFFALDINO, <i>shouldering his +broadsword, at the head of his eunuchs</i>. +<i>After them a troop of female slaves +beating tambourines.</i> <i>Then, thickly +veiled, the two favourite slaves of the</i> +PRINCESS—<i>the one</i>, ADELMA, <i>in rich +Tartar costume; the other</i>, ZELIMA, <i>in +more simple Chinese dress</i>. <i>The latter +carries a little dish, which contains +sealed leaves with the solutions of +the riddles.</i> TRUFFALDINO <i>and the +eunuchs march past the</i> EMPEROR'S +<i>throne, cast themselves face downwards +on the earth, and rise again</i>. <i>The +female slaves kneel, and lift their hands +to their foreheads.</i> <i>Last appears</i> TURANDOT +<i>in gorgeous Chinese costume, +veiled, and with a haughty attitude of +challenge</i>. <i>The eight doctors and the +two ministers cast themselves down +before her, touching the floor with their +brows.</i> ALTOUM <i>rises</i>. TURANDOT +<i>raises her hand to her forehead and +greets her father with a solemn bow, +then ascends her throne and sits down</i>. +ZELIMA <i>stands at her right</i>, ADELMA <i>at +her left</i>. CALAF, <i>who had bowed when +the</i> PRINCESS <i>entered, now stands erect, +sunk in admiration of her beauty</i>. +TRUFFALDINO, <i>after performing various +ceremonies in his comic way, takes the +dish with the sealed leaves out of</i> +ZELIMA'S <i>hand; he distributes these +among the doctors, and then, with +various ceremonies and obeisances, withdraws +to his place</i>. <i>Music plays until</i> +TRUFFALDINO <i>leaves the Divan</i>. <i>Then +deep silence ensues.</i>)</p> + + + + +<h3><a name="SCENE_XI" id="SCENE_XI"></a>SCENE XI</h3> + +<p class="c">ALTOUM, TURANDOT, CALAF, ZELIMA, ADELMA, +PANTALONE, TARTAGLIA, DOCTORS, GUARDS.</p> + + +<p class="drama"> +<span class="name">TURANDOT</span> (<i>haughtily</i>).<br /> +<br /> +What man is this again, who fondly hopes<br /> +To penetrate the darkness of my riddles<br /> +In spite of warnings manifold and grim?<br /> +What man comes speeding after dead men's heels,<br /> +And asks to lose his head?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM.</span><br /> +<br /> +Here stands the man.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Points to</i> CALAF.)<br /> +<br /> +Look at him well. Does he, at last, not seem<br /> +Worthy to make you end this cursèd game?<br /> +Take him for consort, and so give me peace!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT</span> (<i>after scanning</i> CALAF <i>for a moment,<br /> +whispers to</i> ZELIMA).<br /> +<br /> +Pity I never felt! I pity him!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ZELIMA</span> (<i>whispers</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Then, quick, three easy riddles. Bid pride go!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT</span> (<i>flaring up, whispers</i>).<br /> +<br /> +What sayest thou, rash girl?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA</span> (<i>aside</i>).<br /> +<br /> +God! dare I trust<br /> +My eyes? It is the very, man—the same<br /> +Who served my sire as gardener. Then he is<br /> +A prince—a prince, indeed. My heart guessed true.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Thou errant Prince, desist from this adventure.<br /> +See, I am nowise cruel, as men say.<br /> +It is but my deep loathing for all males<br /> +That forces me to stand as now at guard<br /> +To keep from me a sex that I abhor.<br /> +Why should I not be free to fight my foe?<br /> +What brings you here to harden me again?<br /> +If prayers can move you, I myself will beg:<br /> +Desist! Put not my sharp mind to the test.<br /> +It is my only pride, the only weapon<br /> +Heaven gave me. And I know that I should die<br /> +If any man were victor of my mind.<br /> +Claim not my riddles then. There still is time.<br /> +Else naught awaits you save a shameful death.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Voice of a goddess, body of an angel,<br /> +Rare mind, unparalleled intelligence,<br /> +Are gathered in one woman's being here.<br /> +Who calls the man a fool that risks his life<br /> +For treasures such as these? Princess, your own<br /> +High understanding cannot fail but see<br /> +That as your gifts in greater glory shine,<br /> +As your refusal is more violent,<br /> +So many more the hearts you set on fire.<br /> +Had I a thousand lives, I would with joy,<br /> +For your sake, Princess, die a thousand deaths.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ZELIMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Be kind! Three easy riddles. He deserves them.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA</span> (<i>aside</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Would he were mine! He is a prince. That I<br /> +Had known it then, ere I became a slave!<br /> +Now I do love him with a threefold strength.<br /> +Oh, why is love for ever weak in courage?<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Aside to</i> TURANDOT.)<br /> +<br /> +Princess, take care! Your honour is at stake!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT</span> (<i>aside</i>).<br /> +<br /> +So it was fated one should come at last<br /> +And teach me pity! Heart, be firm and cold!<br /> +<br /> +(<i>To</i> CALAF, <i>vehemently</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +Up, thou rash champion, gird thee for the fight!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM</span> (<i>to</i> CALAF).<br /> +<br /> +Are you still obstinate!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +I said just now,<br /> +Death give me, or else give me Turandot.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM.</span><br /> +<br /> +Proceed, then, with the public recitation<br /> +Of that bad edict. Hark, and tremble, you!<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Music, ceremony.</i> PANTALONE <i>takes the<br /> +Book of the Law from the folds of his<br /> +raiment, kisses it, holds it first to his<br /> +breast and then to his forehead, and<br /> +hands it to</i> TARTAGLIA, <i>who has just<br /> +cast himself on the floor, whereupon</i><br /> +TARTAGLIA <i>recites with a loud voice</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TARTAGLIA.</span><br /> +<br /> +There is no prince of royal lineage<br /> +But shall be free to woo. But first to him<br /> +Three riddles of the Princess shall be set<br /> +Before eight doctors in the full Divan.<br /> +Let him solve these, and TURANDOT is his;<br /> +But if he solve them not, he shall straightway<br /> +Be yielded up into the headsman's hands,<br /> +Who promptly shall, by severing his head,<br /> +Do him to death. Immediate execution<br /> +Of this our solemn edict we affirm<br /> +And swear by oath, by great Confucius,<br /> +We, Khan Altoum, Emperor of China.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>The recital ended</i>, TARTAGLIA <i>kisses the<br /> +Book of the Law, holds it to his breast,<br /> +then to his forehead, and hands it to</i><br /> +PANTALONE, <i>who has cast himself<br /> +down with his face to the earth, and so<br /> +receives it</i>. <i>He rises, and extends the<br /> +book to</i> ALTOUM, <i>who lays one hand<br /> +upon it to swear the oath</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM</span> (<i>sighing</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Oh, bloody edict! To observe thee now<br /> +I do affirm, and by Confucius swear.<br /> +<br /> +(PANTALONE <i>replaces the book in the folds<br /> +of his garment</i>. <i>The whole Divan waits<br /> +in profound silence</i>. TURANDOT <i>rises</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT</span> (<i>in a didactic tone</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Come, stranger, name that tender pair of doves,<br /> +As white as innocence, as frail as roses,<br /> +Hiding from all men's eyes save his who loves<br /> +To see how by the other each reposes,<br /> +Even as a sister by her sister's aide.<br /> +But he that loves and finds them where they hide<br /> +Roams restless till he holds them to his breast.<br /> +They bring him from the Islands of the Blest<br /> +Heroic fire to make him do and dare,<br /> +And tidings from the Land of Heart's Desire.<br /> +Name, cunning stranger, name this tender pair.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Sits down again.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +(<i>Gazes upwards for a moment in meditation,<br /> +then makes a bow to</i> TURANDOT <i>and<br /> +lifts his hand to his brow</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +Two doves, thou sayest, doves so tender-hearted<br /> +That they are always paired and never parted;<br /> +Scarce grown enough to bear their weight aloft,<br /> +And yet already plump, and firm, and soft;<br /> +Two smooth, white doves to which my yearning wings,<br /> +To which by night my secret dreaming sings.<br /> +These two white doves which hold me free from scaith,<br /> +These doves my fortune—they are: <span class="smcap">HOPE</span> and <span class="smcap">FAITH</span>.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANTALONE.</span><br /> +<br /> +He's hit the mark, my dear Lord Chancellor!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TARTAGLIA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Hit the bull's-eye.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">THE EIGHT DOCTORS.</span><br /> +<br /> +(<i>Open the first of the sealed papers.</i> <i>All<br /> +together.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +Optime. Hope and Faith! Hope and Faith!<br /> +Hope and Faith!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM</span> (<i>joyfully</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Heaven help thee farther, my belovèd son!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ZELIMA</span> (<i>aside</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Ye gods, protect him!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA</span> (<i>aside</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Blind him, O ye gods!<br /> +O give him not to her, or I shall die!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT</span> (<i>aside, indignantly</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Can it be possible that <i>he</i> should win?<br /> +<br /> +(<i>To</i> CALAF, <i>aloud</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +Listen, poor fool! And solve this riddle now:<br /> +<br /> +(<i>She stands up, and continues in her didactic tone.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +Come, stranger, name those slender pillars twain<br /> +Which bear a bristling fortress on their summit,<br /> +A fort which still is in my sire's domain,<br /> +Although thy heart burns high to overcome it;<br /> +Pillars in strength and beauty smooth and rounded,<br /> +On which thy Hope and Faith are firmly founded:<br /> +These pillars holding Heaven upon their height—<br /> +Tell me the names, now, of these pillars white.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +(<i>After some meditation, and with the same<br /> +bow as before.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +These two white pillars soaring to the skies,<br /> +That bear a kingdom and all Paradise;<br /> +That bear the magic land my dreams divine,<br /> +Which are as slender as a forest pine;<br /> +Of every prince the very noblest aim;<br /> +Thine empire's fairest ornament and fame,<br /> +To which my hope clings like a climbing flower—<br /> +I call these pillars twain: <span class="smcap">KNOWLEDGE</span> and <span class="smcap">POWER</span>.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANTALONE.</span><br /> +<br /> +(<i>Joyfully</i>.) Hits the bull right in the eye,<br /> +my dear Lord Chancellor!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TARTAGLIA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Centre. Centre.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">THE EIGHT DOCTORS.</span><br /> +<br /> +(<i>In chorus, after unsealing the second leaf.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +Optime. Knowledge and Power! Knowledge<br /> +and Power! Knowledge and Power!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM</span> (<i>excitedly</i>).<br /> +<br /> +O joy! O joy!—Gods, help him to the end!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ZELIMA</span> (<i>aside</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Would this had been the last!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA</span> (<i>excitedly, aside</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Alas! I lose him!<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Aside to</i> TURANDOT.)<br /> +<br /> +This moment turns your fair renown to shame:<br /> +He is your better.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT</span> (<i>in a low voice</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Silence! Ere he win<br /> +Let the world go to pieces.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Aloud to</i> CALAF.)<br /> +<br /> +Rash fool! know<br /> +My hatred step by step grows with thy hope<br /> +Of victory. Leave the Divan! Go! Flee<br /> +From my last riddle, and so save thy head!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Your hate weighs heavy, my adored Princess.<br /> +So much the lighter weighs this head of mine,<br /> +Since before you it finds so little grace.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM.</span><br /> +<br /> +Desist, my son. And thou, my child, desist<br /> +From further riddles. Reach thy hand to him,<br /> +For he deserves to be thy husband.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT</span> (<i>fiercely</i>).<br /> +<br /> +He!<br /> +My husband! Of my free will? Never!<br /> +Never!<br /> +Let the law have its course.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF</span> (<i>to</i> ALTOUM).<br /> +<br /> +Free be her will.<br /> +Naught I demand but death, or Turandot.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT.</span><br /> +<br /> +So be it, then; take death. Hold still and mark!<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Rises.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +Now tell me: knowest thou the magic flower<br /> +By whose bright rays the soul's dark deeps are lit;<br /> +Which, hiding in its quiet, sacred bower,<br /> +Waits for the Fairy Prince to gather it;<br /> +But which, if he find not its shy recess,<br /> +Withers and dies in forlorn loneliness?<br /> +Within the bosom of its petals furled<br /> +Lies with Life's sense the Riddle of the World;<br /> +And he that first its chalice openeth<br /> +Glows with the wine of Life, the scorn of<br /> +Death.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>She unveils herself.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +Now look me in the face, now hold thy ground,<br /> +Die like a dog, or name the flower I mean.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF</span> (<i>in ecstasy</i>).<br /> +<br /> +O beauty bright!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM</span> (<i>excitedly</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Alas! he is wandering!<br /> +Compose thyself, my son. Keep clear! Keep clear!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ZELIMA</span> (<i>aside</i>).<br /> +<br /> +I am dizzy with excitement.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA</span> (<i>aside</i>).<br /> +<br /> +He is mine!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANTALONE.</span><br /> +<br /> +(<i>Beside himself.</i>) Cheer up, sonny! cheer up!<br /> +Wish I could give him a dig in the ribs, Heaven<br /> +knows! My shanks are quivering with fear he<br /> +shouldn't be able to get his wits together again.<br /> +Oh for a cooling draught of old Three Star!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TARTAGLIA.</span><br /> +<br /> +If it weren't contrary to etiquette, I'd like to<br /> +run into the kitchen and fetch the vinegar bottle.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Death thou didst ask for, death thou hast received.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +For one poor moment I was dazzled by<br /> +Your beauty—but I was not overcome.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>To the public.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +This magic flower by which the soul is lit,<br /> +Which makes the heart tremble with dreaming it;<br /> +This magic rose of all men's fiery dreams,<br /> +Which under soft moss hides its gentle beams;<br /> +Which is with beauty sweet and goodness shy,<br /> +And bears the hope that holds the heavens on high;<br /> +This magic flower of purest ray divine,<br /> +This flower is: <span class="smcap">LOVE</span>—dearest, your love and mine.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANTALONE.</span><br /> +<br /> +Praised be the Lord! Praised be the Lord!<br /> +Here! I can't stand this any longer....<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Runs up to</i> CALAF <i>and embraces him</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TARTAGLIA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Victory, your Majesty! Hail! Victory!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">THE EIGHT DOCTORS.</span><br /> +<br /> +(<i>Open the third leaf.</i>) Love! Love! Love!<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Vociferous hurrahs of the crowd outside and<br /> +noisy music.</i> TURANDOT <i>falls all of<br /> +a heap on her throne</i>, ZELIMA <i>and</i><br /> +ADELMA <i>busy themselves with her</i>.<br /> +ALTOUM <i>lifts the PRINCE off his feet<br /> +and kisses him</i>, PANTALONE <i>and</i> TARTAGLIA<br /> +<i>helping</i>. <i>The doctors retire in<br /> +a row to the background.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM.</span><br /> +<br /> +And now enough of tyranny and whims—<br /> +Do you hear me, Turandot! And you, dear son,<br /> +Come to my heart.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>He embraces</i> CALAF.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT.</span><br /> +<br /> +(<i>Has recovered herself, and rushes in a rage<br /> +at the embracing pair.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +Stay! Do not let this man<br /> +Believe he is my husband. I demand<br /> +Another meeting and three riddles more.<br /> +The time I was allowed was far too short.<br /> +Stay!——<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM</span> (<i>interrupting her</i>).<br /> +<br /> +False and cruel child! The game is played.<br /> +Thou shalt not so begin a second time.<br /> +The edict has run out, and is surrendered<br /> +Into the keeping of my ministers.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANTALONE.</span><br /> +<br /> +I beg a thousand pardons. But we can't do<br /> +with any more of these riddles, Heaven knows!<br /> +We can't do with any more head-chopping,<br /> +Heaven knows, as if they were nothing but<br /> +lettuces. The young man there has guessed<br /> +right. The edict must be executed in its entirety.<br /> +The bridecake has got to go into the oven. (<i>To</i><br /> +TARTAGLIA.) What do you say, my Lord<br /> +Chancellor?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TARTAGLIA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Must be executed—in its entirety. There is no<br /> +call for any further explanations, interpretations,<br /> +dissertations, appeals, and commentaries. What<br /> +do our learned doctors say?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">THE EIGHT DOCTORS.</span><br /> +<br /> +(<i>All together.</i>) Must be executed! Must be<br /> +executed—in its entirety. Decision final—irrevocable!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM.</span><br /> +<br /> +Straight to the altar, then. This stranger prince<br /> +Will now reveal his birth and name, the priests——<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT</span> (<i>in despair</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Grant me a respite, father!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM.</span><br /> +<br /> +Not one minute.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT.</span><br /> +<br /> +(<i>Casting herself on her knees before him.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +If you would have me living, father, father!<br /> +Grant me another day, another contest.<br /> +I cannot bear the shame of it. I will rather<br /> +Die than be subject to that coxcomb there,<br /> +Die rather than be wife to that proud boy.<br /> +The very word "wife," the mere thought of it,<br /> +Of being his possession, strikes me dead.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM</span> (<i>descending from his throne</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Savage and obstinate and ruthless child!<br /> +Not one word more. Come, gentlemen, let us go!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF</span> (<i>to</i> TURANDOT).<br /> +<br /> +Arise, fair, cruel mistress of my heart!<br /> +<br /> +(<i>To</i> ALTOUM.)<br /> +<br /> +I beg you, sire, grant her the respite! How<br /> +Could I be happy if she hated me?<br /> +And what avails my love, breeding but hate?<br /> +If I have not the power to touch her heart,<br /> +Let her be free. I do not claim my right.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>To</i> TURANDOT.)<br /> +<br /> +If you could see into my heart that bleeds,<br /> +Torn as it is, you would be merciful.<br /> +You are determined I shall die. So be it.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>To</i> ALTOUM.)<br /> +<br /> +Grant her another match. My life is cheap.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM.</span><br /> +<br /> +No more of that! On to the Temple, on I<br /> +The games are over now.... Imprudent youth!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT</span> (<i>determinedly</i>).<br /> +<br /> +So be it, to the Temple, I say, too!<br /> +But on the altar steps your daughter dies.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Dies? Lord and master, and my Princess you...<br /> +I pray you both to grant me one desire:<br /> +I will myself set my unbending Queen<br /> +One riddle now. And this is my riddle: Who<br /> +Is that King's son and of what stock is he,<br /> +Who was a beggar, porter, menial,<br /> +Yet in good fortune more unfortunate?<br /> +Woman without a heart, guess here to-morrow<br /> +In the Divan his and his father's name.<br /> +If you can <i>not</i>, take pity on my pain,<br /> +Appease your heart, refuse your hand no more!<br /> +But if your cunning tell those two names true,<br /> +Your pride may drink its fill out of my blood.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Stranger, I take the bargain. It shall hold.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ZELIMA</span> (<i>aside</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Alas, new fears!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA</span> (<i>aside</i>).<br /> +<br /> +New hope is beckoning!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM.</span><br /> +<br /> +I do <i>not</i> take the bargain. The law alone<br /> +Holds good, and shall be carried out.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF</span> (<i>kneels before him</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Sublime<br /> +Ruler of nations, star of all the world,<br /> +Let your great heart be softened, and vouchsafe<br /> +To grant what here your daughter begs with me.<br /> +Deny her not the satisfactionI<br /> +Do not withhold. Let her bestir her brains;<br /> +And if her brains can serve her, let her give<br /> +The answer to my riddle here to-morrow.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT</span> (<i>aside</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Rage stifles me, and he is mocking still.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM.</span><br /> +<br /> +Blind fool, you know not what you ask. But have<br /> +Your wish! Another contest there shall be!<br /> +If she can name the names, we will not force<br /> +Marriage on her; but you—for I forbid<br /> +New carnage—free and scatheless go your way!<br /> +<br /> +(<i>In a low voice to</i> CALAF.)<br /> +<br /> +Now follow me! Blind fool, what have you done?<br /> +</p> + +<p>(<i>Music strikes up with a march.</i> ALTOUM +<i>turns, followed by the guards, the +doctors</i>, PANTALONE, <i>and</i> TARTAGLIA, <i>to +left exit</i>. <i>Exeunt</i> TURANDOT, ZELIMA, +TRUFFALDINO, <i>the eunuchs, and female +slaves, with their tambourines, through +the door to the right</i>.)</p> + +<p class="c smcap top5">END OF THE FIRST ACT.</p> + + + + +<h3><a name="THE_SECOND_ACT" id="THE_SECOND_ACT"></a>THE SECOND ACT</h3> + + + + +<h3><a name="SCENE_Ia" id="SCENE_Ia"></a>SCENE I</h3> + +<p class="c">Chamber in the harem.</p> + +<p class="c">TURANDOT, ZELIMA. <i>Afterwards</i> ADELMA.</p> + + +<p class="drama"> +<span class="name">TURANDOT.</span><br /> +<br /> +I cannot bear to think of it, Zelima;<br /> +I cannot bear the thought of my disgrace.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ZELIMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +I cannot think you mean it, mistress mine.<br /> +A young prince, noble, handsome, so enamoured,<br /> +And you so full of hatred and disgust?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Torture me not. That is the very reason...<br /> +I am ashamed to say that it is so....<br /> +But there are other feelings strange to me....<br /> +I seem to shiver both with heat and frost....<br /> +No, no, I hate him, I am sure, Zelima—<br /> +Hate him for making me a laughing-stock<br /> +Before the whole Divan—nay, the whole world!<br /> +How they will laugh at me! Help me, Zelima!<br /> +Come to my help! How did his riddle run:<br /> +"Who is that Prince and of what stock is he,<br /> +Who was a beggar, porter, menial,<br /> +Yet in good fortune more unfortunate?"<br /> +So much is clear that he himself is meant.<br /> +But how in all the world am I to guess<br /> +His and his father's names? Here no one knows him.<br /> +The Emperor himself has granted him<br /> +For the time being still to be unknown.<br /> +Only to save time did I take the odds.<br /> +What shall I do now? I am helpless, helpless!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ZELIMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +How would it do to ask a fortune-teller?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT.</span><br /> +<br /> +A fortune-teller?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ZELIMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +No, that would not do.<br /> +But think, how genuine his pain, his sighs!<br /> +And how he cast himself at your father's feet<br /> +To plead for you!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Enough of this—enough!<br /> +I said, indeed... my heart... believe it not.<br /> +It is not true. I hate him. For I know<br /> +They all are treacherous: pretending love<br /> +Until they have the maiden in their toils;<br /> +But when they have their will, they laugh at us,<br /> +Dallying with now this woman and now that;<br /> +Nor is there any slave too base for them,<br /> +Nor any harlot at too low a price.<br /> +Zelima, speak no more of him. If he<br /> +To-morrow is victorious again,<br /> +Oh, I shall hate him worse than death.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ZELIMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Dear mistress,<br /> +So long as you are young and beautiful,<br /> +Rebellion beseems you. But when age<br /> +Comes creeping on, and wooers stay away,<br /> +What will be yours beside too late regret?...<br /> +What would you lose now save a little pride,<br /> +The phantom of your fame?...<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +(<i>Has slowly come nearer, and now interrupts her.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +They that are base<br /> +In birth may, it is true, so basely think<br /> +As thou, Zelima. How couldst thou conceive<br /> +The feelings of our noble mistress, when<br /> +After so many years with triumph crowned,<br /> +A stranger roving here from who knows where<br /> +Puts her to shame in public? How shouldst thou<br /> +Know anything of pride and pain and shame?<br /> +Thou didst not see the looks of mockery,<br /> +The slanted smile round every mouth. I saw it,<br /> +Saw it and shook with rage and shame for her.<br /> +I love her. And shall I stand and see her now,<br /> +Against the promptings of her heart and will,<br /> +Delivered up into a stranger's hands?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT</span> (<i>vehemently</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Stop! Do not make me mad beyond control!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ZELIMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Delivered up? Is it so bad as that?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Be silent, thou! Thou pretty little slave,<br /> +Thou hast no need to understand these things.<br /> +What matters it to thee if, heedlessly,<br /> +She pledged her word? And what shall come to pass<br /> +In the Divan to-morrow if in shame<br /> +She hold her tongue? I can already see<br /> +The mockery scarcely hid, the open scorn,<br /> +And the base wit, such wit as is the meed<br /> +Of a poor actress.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT</span> (<i>beside herself</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Hold your tongue, Adelma!<br /> +Unless I know the names before to-morrow,<br /> +I shall have nothing save this dagger....<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Do not despair, Princess. By taking thought—<br /> +Or, if it must be so, by trickery—<br /> +We yet will find the names.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ZELIMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Oh, find the names,<br /> +Dear, wise Adelma....<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT.</span><br /> +<br /> +I must know the names,<br /> +Adelma. His name, and his father's name.<br /> +How shall I find them out? Adelma, help me!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +One thing I know: to-day in the Divan<br /> +Himself betrayed it: in this city lives<br /> +<i>One</i> man who knows his name and origin.<br /> +Now what behoves us is to ferret through<br /> +The town, and if we make no stint of gold<br /> +Haply we may discover what we seek.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Take anything—gold, gems—do what you will.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ZELIMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +What can she do with gold or precious stones?<br /> +Whom shall she give them to, to purchase help?<br /> +And if the plan succeed, what will you do<br /> +If some one find your mesh of trickery?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Who would betray the trick—if not Zelima?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ZELIMA</span> (<i>flaring up</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Shame on your venomous tongue! Princess, hear <i>me</i>:<br /> +Cast not your gold away. I had indeed<br /> +Hoped to appease, convince you in the end,<br /> +Hoped you would give the Prince your hand—the Prince<br /> +Who loves you, and well is worthy of your love.<br /> +Now I will be obedient. My old mother,<br /> +Skirina, came to visit me just now.<br /> +Rejoicing at the fortune of the Prince,<br /> +And knowing nothing of the imminent<br /> +Encounter which to-morrow shall decide,<br /> +She told me she had spoken to the stranger<br /> +The night before, and said that my step-father,<br /> +Old Hassan, knows him. There and then I asked<br /> +What might his name be, but she did not know,<br /> +Or swore she did not. Hassan, so she said,<br /> +Would not betray his name for any price.<br /> +This notwithstanding, she has promised me<br /> +To do her best to worm the secret out.<br /> +Now, Princess, doubt my zeal, if still you can.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Exit in excitement.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Come, to my arms! Why does she run away?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Let the fool go. Now we have got the scent,<br /> +And let us with swift cunning track the game.<br /> +But come with me straightway and let me tell you<br /> +The plan I have. Put all your trust in me.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Adelma, I put all my trust in you.<br /> +But save me from this stranger whom I loathe.<br /> +</p> + +<p class="c">(<i>Exeunt both.</i>)</p> + + + + +<h3><a name="SCENE_IIa" id="SCENE_IIa"></a>SCENE II</h3> + +<p class="c">Before the Palace.</p> + +<p class="c">CALAF, BARAK.</p> + + +<p class="drama"> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +But seeing that in all Pekin no man<br /> +Knows me, save you, and since my country lies<br /> +A hundred days of journeying from here,<br /> +And when you think we have been wanderers<br /> +O'er the earth's face eight years as unknown men,<br /> +And when you think we are reported dead:<br /> +I say, Barak, the wretched have no name.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +And yet my mind misgives me: Here you win<br /> +At one throw of the dice the loveliest<br /> +Of maidens and a mighty empire too:<br /> +You stake your head to win, and, having won,<br /> +You throw the prize away.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +You must not measure<br /> +My actions by the ell: I am in love....<br /> +But you have been discreet, Barak, I know?<br /> +Even to your wife?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +Even to my wife, be sure.<br /> +And yet my heart forebodes much evil hap.<br /> +</p> + + + + +<h3><a name="SCENE_IIIa" id="SCENE_IIIa"></a>SCENE III</h3> + +<p class="c">PANTALONE, TARTAGLIA, BRIGELLA, SOLDIERS. +<i>The foregoing.</i></p> + + +<p class="drama"> +<span class="name">PANTALONE.</span><br /> +<br /> +Here he is, by the Lord Harry, here he is!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TARTAGLIA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Who is this man, your Royal Highness?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANTALONE.</span><br /> +<br /> +Where the dickens have you been to, my dearest<br /> +Prince? What sort of people are you honouring<br /> +with your intercourse, my dearest Prince?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK</span> (<i>aside</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Great heavens, what threatens now?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +This is some stranger,<br /> +Whom here I met and questioned of the way.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TARTAGLIA.</span><br /> +<br /> +By your leave, my dearest Royal Highness, I<br /> +had not previously noticed that there was any<br /> +screw loose under your turban. Your conduct<br /> +so far had led me, I trust not misled me, to<br /> +believe that your head was screwed on quite safe.<br /> +But what the deuce are you up to now, if you<br /> +will allow me to say so?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANTALONE.</span><br /> +<br /> +'Sh! 'Sh! It's no use crying over spilt milk.<br /> +Heaven knows, my dear Prince, you little suspect<br /> +what hot water you've got into, and if we hadn't<br /> +kept a sharp eye on you, you'd be in a fine<br /> +pickle at this moment. (<i>To</i> BARAK.) Your<br /> +presence here, Mr. Nanny-goat, is no longer<br /> +desired! As for you, my dearest Royal Highness,<br /> +will you have the goodness to withdraw to<br /> +your private apartments? Brigella, you will<br /> +forthwith call two thousand men of the guards to<br /> +arms, and with your corps of pages sentinel the<br /> +entrance to his suite, taking care that no one<br /> +gains admission. Our most Sublime Majesty,<br /> +the Emperor, is so much in love with the Prince<br /> +that he is all the time in a perfect state lest<br /> +anything should happen to him. If he is not his<br /> +son-in-law by to-morrow morning, Heaven knows<br /> +the old gentleman will succumb to this violent<br /> +passion. (<i>To</i> CALAF.) And let me tell you,<br /> +you've been making a fool of yourself. (<i>Whispering<br /> +to him.</i>) For Heaven's sake, don't let your<br /> +name get between your teeth! But if by any<br /> +chance you would care to whisper it to a venerable,<br /> +discreet old man, I can assure you it would be<br /> +in good keeping. What do you say?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +You serve your Emperor ill, old gentleman!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANTALONE.</span><br /> +<br /> +Oh, bravo! Oh, bravo! Now then, Mr.<br /> +Brigella, off you go!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BRIGELLA.</span><br /> +<br /> +You stop your parleying first. I'll see to my<br /> +duty in due course.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TARTAGLIA.</span><br /> +<br /> +I should advise you to. Off you go, or off<br /> +goes your head.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BRIGELLA.</span><br /> +<br /> +My head's hard enough to stand <i>your</i> pecking,<br /> +old cock.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TARTAGLIA.</span><br /> +<br /> +(<i>Whispering to</i> CALAF.) I'm simply bursting<br /> +with curiosity to know your dear, delightful name.<br /> +If you would only have the kindness to confide it<br /> +to me!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Enough! Enough! To-morrow you shall hear it.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TARTAGLIA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Excellent. By George!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANTALONE.</span><br /> +<br /> +Your Royal Highness, I take my leave! (<i>To</i><br /> +BARAK.) And you, my worthy Mr. Nanny-goat,<br /> +you will do well to depart this place and smoke<br /> +your pipe on the market square instead of standing<br /> +about here. I urgently recommend you to<br /> +mind your own business. I believe that would<br /> +do you a lot more good.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Exit.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TARTAGLIA.</span><br /> +<br /> +(<i>To</i> BARAK.) A lot more good, believe me!<br /> +You have, if I may say so, a rascal's face; and<br /> +I can tell you I don't like it.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Exit.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BRIGELLA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Permit me, your Royal Highness, to execute<br /> +my commission. Have the goodness to follow<br /> +me to your apartments!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +I am coming.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>To</i> BARAK.)<br /> +<br /> +Friend, until we meet again,<br /> +Some better time, farewell.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +Your humble servant.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BRIGELLA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Come along! Come along! No more fooling.<br /> +</p> + +<p class="c">(<i>Exit at the head of his guards, who march +in two lines, with</i> CALAF <i>between them</i>.)</p> + + + + +<h3><a name="SCENE_IVa" id="SCENE_IVa"></a>SCENE IV</h3> + +<p class="c">BARAK, then SKIRINA.</p> + + +<p class="drama"> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +(<i>Sees</i> SKIRINA <i>coming from the Palace</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +Who's there? Skirina? What! And in such haste?<br /> +Whence come you? Whither are you going?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">SKIRINA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Why,<br /> +For sheer delight because the unknown Prince<br /> +Had won the game; a little, too, because<br /> +I itched to hear how the proud tigress took it,<br /> +I ran to see Zelima in the harem.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +Incautious woman! What is this you say?<br /> +I see. I hear you boasting: "Yes, just fancy,<br /> +The strange Prince spoke to us; my husband knows him...."<br /> +Is it not as I say?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">SKIRINA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Well, if it is,<br /> +What harm is there?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +Confess it! You have told!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">SKIRINA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Well, yes! She asked me straightway for his name,<br /> +And, to be frank, I promised her...<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK</span> (<i>angrily</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Damnation!<br /> +The cat's out of the bag. Insensate woman!<br /> +Come hence! Away out of the town!<br /> +<br /> +(TRUFFALDINO <i>appears with his eunuchs in<br /> +the background.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +Too late!<br /> +There come the eunuchs.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>To</i> SKIRINA.)<br /> +<br /> +Fool of a woman, go!<br /> +Go home and hide thy folly!<br /> +<br /> +(<i>To the eunuchs.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +Here I am!<br /> +</p> + + + + +<h3><a name="SCENE_Va" id="SCENE_Va"></a>SCENE V</h3> + +<p class="c">TRUFFALDINO, EUNUCHS. <i>The foregoing.</i></p> + + +<p class="drama"> +<span class="name">TRUFFALDINO.</span><br /> +<br /> +(<i>Aside.</i>) You ass! (<i>Aloud.</i>) Stop bleating<br /> +and shaking your tags, you old ram you! (<i>In a<br /> +kindly tone.</i>) You're going to have a fine time<br /> +of it to-day, old boy.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +I'm wanted in the harem. Good! let us go.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TRUFFALDINO.</span><br /> +<br /> +Ass! you're going to have a fine time of it,<br /> +you old baa-baa. And I'll help you. Against<br /> +all the rules of etiquette and good breeding, I<br /> +condescend to introduce you alive into the harem.<br /> +Can you appreciate the height of your good fortune?<br /> +H'm! A vigorous old chap like you!<br /> +Inside the most holy seraglio? Baa! Baa! All<br /> +those pretty ladies? Baa! Baa! Eh! is that<br /> +nothing to you? Baa! Baa! (<i>More to the<br /> +public.</i>) As a rule, we are very particular on<br /> +this point—absolutely rigorous. As a rule, not<br /> +even a flea is admitted into the harem before it<br /> +has been carefully examined to see whether it's<br /> +a male or a female. We tickle it, and if it<br /> +laughs it's a she. Females have a silk thread<br /> +tied round their left leg. Males are immediately<br /> +executed. Baa! Baa! And now you have this<br /> +good fortune thrust upon you.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +I know the Princess sends you after <i>me</i>.<br /> +What of the woman there? I know her not.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TRUFFALDINO.</span><br /> +<br /> +Thou knowest her not! Baa! Baa! Thou<br /> +art a liar, old chap. Thou liest in thy throat,<br /> +thou silvery ram. Thou knowest her not! Thou<br /> +paralytic pack of prevarication! This buxom<br /> +smiling lady, with her attractive, plump figure,<br /> +thou knowest her not? Thou thrice-bleached<br /> +hypocrite! And all the time you share all she<br /> +has, year in, year out, as far as you are able to.<br /> +Baa! Baa! I'll help you. Baa! Baa! I'll<br /> +teach you to tell me lies! Baa! Baa! Me,<br /> +the Grand Eunuch of China! (<i>Beckons to the<br /> +eunuchs to bring</i> SKIRINA <i>closer to</i> BARAK.) Well,<br /> +do you know her now? This lady? Your wife,<br /> +you wretch, you wretch! Baa! Baa!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">SKIRINA.</span><br /> +<br /> +I can't make head or tail of it.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK.</span><br /> +<br /> +Remember<br /> +What I have said. And hold your tongue.<br /> +Poor fool,<br /> +You have now what you wanted.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">SKIRINA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Heaven help us!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TRUFFALDINO.</span><br /> +<br /> +(<i>To the eunuchs.</i>) Up! Take the pair of<br /> +'em between you. Slope swords! Halt! Attention!<br /> +Eyes front! Quick march!<br /> +</p> + + + + +<h3><a name="SCENE_VIa" id="SCENE_VIa"></a>SCENE VI.</h3> + +<p><i>In the harem.</i> <i>Anteroom with columns.</i> <i>In the +middle a table, on which stands a large basin +filled with gold coins.</i> <i>It is night.</i></p> + +<p>(TRUFFALDINO <i>and his eunuchs surround</i> +BARAK, <i>who is fettered to a pillar</i>. <i>To +the right stand</i> SKIRINA <i>and</i> ZELIMA, +<i>weeping; to the left, in an imperious +attitude</i>, TURANDOT.)</p> + + +<p class="drama"> +<span class="name">TURANDOT.</span><br /> +<br /> +There still is time. I offer you again<br /> +This dish of gold, if you will speak the names.<br /> +If you refuse, I'll have you whipped to death.<br /> +Come hither, slaves!<br /> +<br /> +(<i>The eunuchs make her a deep bow and grip their sticks.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BARAK</span> (<i>to</i> SKIRINA).<br /> +<br /> +Now see what you have done!<br /> +<br /> +(<i>To</i> TURANDOT.)<br /> +<br /> +Princess, feed on your prey. Strike on, ye slaves!<br /> +I know the son's name and I know the sire's.<br /> +But direst torture shall not make me speak;<br /> +No, nor the pains of death. Your dish of gold<br /> +Is so much dirt to me.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">SKIRINA</span> <i>and</i> ZELIMA.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Cast themselves down before</i> TURANDOT.)<br /> +<br /> +Princess, have mercy....<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT.</span><br /> +<br /> +I am sick of this obstinacy. Slaves, hither!<br /> +Give this old man a whipping!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ZELIMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Frightful! Stay!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">SKIRINA.</span><br /> +<br /> +My husband! My poor husband!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA</span> (<i>enters from behind the scenes</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Take heed, Princess!<br /> +Hasten away! The Emperor hither comes!<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Pointing to</i> BARAK <i>and</i> SKIRINA.)<br /> +<br /> +Conceal this pair here in the deepest dungeon.<br /> +Give me this dish of gold, and let Zelima<br /> +Come with me. I have bribed the sentinels<br /> +That stand at guard before the stranger's room.<br /> +Zelima, if you love your mother, do<br /> +What now I bid.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT.</span><br /> +<br /> +In you I put my trust,<br /> +Adelma. Help me! Do what you think fit!<br /> +<br /> +(<i>At a sign from</i> ADELMA, TRUFFALDINO<br /> +<i>leads</i> BARAK <i>and</i> SKIRINA <i>out to the<br /> +right</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Zelima, come. (<i>To the eunuchs.</i>) One of you<br /> +bring this basin.<br /> +</p> + +<p class="c">(<i>Exit</i> ADELMA, <i>followed by</i> ZELIMA <i>and one +of the eunuchs, carrying the basin</i>.)</p> + + + + +<h3><a name="SCENE_VIIa" id="SCENE_VIIa"></a>SCENE VII</h3> + +<p class="c">TURANDOT.</p> + + +<p class="drama"> +<span class="name">TURANDOT.</span><br /> +<br /> +What will Adelma do? If I should win,<br /> +Who would be greater then than Turandot?<br /> +Who then would dare to challenge her again?<br /> +Ah! what a joy, to cast the names to-morrow<br /> +Into his face, and drive him from my presence,<br /> +Shamed, disappointed! Not pure joy, perhaps....<br /> +I see him weeping, sad, depressed.... I feel<br /> +Something like pity at the thought of it....<br /> +Stay, Turandot, thou little soul, what thought<br /> +Is this thou harbourest now! Did <i>he</i> show pity,<br /> +When <i>he</i> in the Divan had solved the riddles?<br /> +Did he not make thee red with rage and shame?<br /> +Heaven, help Adelma now, and help me, Heaven,<br /> +To annihilate him utterly! Help me now<br /> +To guard my virgin freedom, succour me<br /> +Against the coarse and domineering sex!<br /> +</p> + + + + +<h3><a name="SCENE_VIIIa" id="SCENE_VIIIa"></a>SCENE VIII</h3> + +<p class="c">ALTOUM, PANTALONE, TARTAGLIA, GUARDS, TURANDOT.</p> + + +<p class="drama"> +<span class="name">ALTOUM</span> (<i>meditatively, aside, reading letter</i>).<br /> +<br /> +So Fate at last has stricken that bloody robber,<br /> +The Sultan of Tashkent. And the same fate<br /> +Brings, by strange dispensation, Timur's son,<br /> +Calaf, to us, and to a great good-fortune.<br /> +Who dares to penetrate Thy mysteries,<br /> +Just Heaven?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANTALONE</span> (<i>whispering to</i> TARTAGLIA).<br /> +<br /> +What the devil is the old gentleman always<br /> +drivelling about now?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TARTAGLIA</span> (<i>whispering</i>).<br /> +<br /> +A secret messenger has arrived. Hell's loose somewhere.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM</span> (<i>stepping up to</i> TURANDOT).<br /> +<br /> +Child, the night is almost gone,<br /> +And, sleepless yet, you wander to and fro,<br /> +Seeking to know-something you cannot know.<br /> +I, who have nowise sought, have found it out:<br /> +You seek, and know it not.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Shows her the letter.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +Both names are writ<br /> +Upon this sheet. From countries far away<br /> +A secret rider bore it even now,<br /> +With other tidings, grave and full of joy.<br /> +The messenger I hold in custody<br /> +Until to-morrow night. Your unknown suitor<br /> +Is of a truth a prince, and a King's son.<br /> +You will not, cannot guess the names. My child,<br /> +It is a father's pity brings me here:<br /> +Why will you once again, this day that dawns,<br /> +Have yourself put to shame before a crowd,<br /> +Suffering the cruel malice of their hate?<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Makes signs to</i> PANTALONE <i>and</i> TARTAGLIA<br /> +<i>to leave him alone</i>. <i>Exeunt both with<br /> +the</i> GUARDS.)<br /> +<br /> +Leave us alone! I hold it in my hand<br /> +To spare you all.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT</span> (<i>wavering</i>).<br /> +<br /> +To spare me what? I thank you,<br /> +Father. I have no need of any help.<br /> +In my own wits I have my best defence.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM.</span><br /> +<br /> +You are now at your wits' end; you know it, too.<br /> +A desperate confusion fills your eyes.<br /> +We are alone with one another now.<br /> +Come, tell your father! Do you know the names?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT.</span><br /> +<br /> +You will know that in the Divan to-morrow.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM.</span><br /> +<br /> +Listen, my child. You do not know these names.<br /> +But if you do, trust in my love and say.<br /> +Then I will let the poor man know, and see<br /> +That he shall quit my lands without delay,<br /> +And we will have it noised abroad that you<br /> +Have conquered him, and spared him public shame.<br /> +Thus you escape the hatred of the crowd.<br /> +Will you deny your father this light boon?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT.</span><br /> +<br /> +I know the names.... I do not know the names....<br /> +Did <i>he</i> show any pity when <i>he</i> won?<br /> +Now let him bear what I myself have borne.<br /> +If I <i>do</i> know the names, I shall announce them<br /> +To-morrow to the crowd in the Divan.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM</span> (<i>makes first a gesture of impatience and<br /> +then forces himself to be calm.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +All that he did was done in love, my daughter,<br /> +And in a game played for his head. Now bid<br /> +Ambition leave your heart, and anger too,<br /> +And let me show you how a father loves.<br /> +I pledge my head you do not know the names.<br /> +I have them here—and I will tell you them.<br /> +To-morrow then you may in the Divan<br /> +Put him to shame and contumely, and see<br /> +His anguish and his torture call for death,<br /> +Because with you he loses all he loved.<br /> +And only one thing do I crave: when you<br /> +Have fed your vengeance on him to the full,<br /> +Reach him your hand and be his willing wife.<br /> +Swear it; we are alone. Then have the names.<br /> +And all shall be a secret, mine and yours.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT</span> (<i>uncertain and excited, aside</i>).<br /> +<br /> +What shall I do? Depend upon Adelma?<br /> +Or shall I let my father tell the names,<br /> +And bow my head to the yoke?... Less is the shame,<br /> +Beyond all doubt, to yield to one's own father.<br /> +But what if wise Adelma had succeeded<br /> +Already, and my oath had been too soon?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM.</span><br /> +<br /> +Why will you rack your brains when all is clear?<br /> +Let not irresolution harry you!<br /> +Would you still have me think you know the names?<br /> +Child, be persuaded!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT</span> (<i>aside</i>).<br /> +<br /> +No, I will wait for Adelma.<br /> +My father urges me. This is a sign<br /> +The mystery is not impenetrable.<br /> +He is in league with that strange man, and seeks<br /> +To talk me over.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM.</span><br /> +<br /> +Hesitate no longer!<br /> +Make up your mind! Rein in your rearing pride!<br /> +Torture yourself no more.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT.</span><br /> +<br /> +I <i>am</i> resolved.<br /> +Call the Divan together in good time.<br /> +I have no more to say.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM.</span><br /> +<br /> +You are resolved<br /> +Rather to yield to force than to your father!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT.</span><br /> +<br /> +I am resolved to fight.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM</span> (<i>in a rage</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Fool without heart!<br /> +I will indeed call the Divan together<br /> +To be your temple and your altar too.<br /> +And I will summon priests, to celebrate<br /> +Your marriage while a crowd looks on and mocks.<br /> +Yea, have your will, you stupid fool! Good night.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Exit.</i>)<br /> +</p> + + + + +<h3><a name="SCENE_IXa" id="SCENE_IXa"></a>SCENE IX</h3> + +<p><i>Scene shifted.</i> <i>A magnificent apartment with +several doors.</i> <i>In the middle of the room an +Oriental divan, which serves</i> CALAF <i>as a bed</i>. +<i>Deep night.</i></p> + +<p class="c">BRIGELLA, CALAF.</p> + + +<p class="drama"> +<span class="name">BRIGELLA.</span><br /> +<br /> +(<i>With a candlestick in his hand.</i>) Three hundred<br /> +and seventy-seven, three hundred and<br /> +seventy-eight, three hundred and seventy-nine.<br /> +It's already three o'clock in the morning, your<br /> +Royal Highness, and you've walked now exactly<br /> +three hundred and eighty times from one corner<br /> +of the room to the other. To be quite frank, I'm<br /> +done up, and if you <i>would</i> lie down a little,<br /> +it would do us both good. You're in safety here.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Yes, you are right. But my excited mind<br /> +Gives me no peace. Forgive me! Leave me!<br /> +Go!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BRIGELLA.</span><br /> +<br /> +I should like to give you a piece of advice,<br /> +my dearest Royal Highness: if a ghost pays<br /> +you a visit, be prudent, be prudent; <i>try</i> to be prudent.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Ghosts, do you say? What ghosts? Is the place haunted?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BRIGELLA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Well.... H'm.... We have the most<br /> +stringent orders to admit nobody, under penalty<br /> +of death. H'm.... Poor servants <i>we</i> are, poor<br /> +servants! The Emperor is the Emperor, you<br /> +understand, but the Princess, she is the Empress,<br /> +so to speak. Poor servants... it's hard to have<br /> +to pick your way between two puddles. Not<br /> +half! If you only knew it, we've always got<br /> +our heads between the hammer and the anvil.<br /> +We don't want to get into <i>anybody's</i> bad graces.<br /> +I'm sure you understand me. And a man wants<br /> +to put something aside for his old days. And<br /> +so you see we poor devils are in the hell of a<br /> +hole. Not half!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +What are you driving at? Is my life in danger?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BRIGELLA.</span><br /> +<br /> +I won't say that; but you are aware of the<br /> +blessed interest people about here take in your<br /> +name. By way of example it might possibly<br /> +happen that a hobgoblin or a fairy steps in<br /> +through the keyhole and leads you into temptation.<br /> +Keep a tight rein on your five senses, that's<br /> +all. You see what I mean, don't you? Poor<br /> +servants <i>we</i> people! Poor devils! Not half!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Go. Have no fear. I stand upon my guard.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BRIGELLA.</span><br /> +<br /> +(<i>Slapping him on the back.</i>) That's right, your<br /> +Highness, that's right. I commend myself to<br /> +your most gracious protection. (<i>Aside.</i>) I <i>have</i><br /> +heard that some people can find it in their hearts<br /> +to refuse a purse of florins. <i>I</i> have done my<br /> +very best, but I can't find it in my heart. So<br /> +help me, God! A man can only do what he can<br /> +do. I can't do it; no, I can't do it.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Exit.</i>)<br /> +</p> + + + + +<h3><a name="SCENE_Xa" id="SCENE_Xa"></a>SCENE X</h3> + +<p class="c">CALAF.</p> + + +<p class="drama"> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +What is this fellow warning me against?<br /> +Who is to visit me? Well, I can fight,<br /> +Yea, fight the very devil, if he come.<br /> +My thoughts are all for her. Short time remains<br /> +Of fearing and of torment: Dawn is nigh!<br /> +And can it be her heart is still so hard<br /> +And pitiless? Well, let us try to sleep.<br /> +</p> + + + + +<h3><a name="SCENE_XIa" id="SCENE_XIa"></a>SCENE XI</h3> + +<p class="c">ZELIMA, CALAF.</p> + +<p class="c"><i>Enter</i> ZELIMA.</p> + + +<p class="drama"> +<span class="name">ZELIMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +My Prince, I am a slave of Turandot,<br /> +And hither come by ways which even to her<br /> +Are closed. Good news I bring you.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Slave, you lie.<br /> +The heart of Turandot is pitiless.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ZELIMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +You speak the truth. And yet: you are the first<br /> +That ever touched it. You believe me not,<br /> +And yet it is quite true. She says she hates you,<br /> +And she already loves you. May the earth<br /> +Swallow me if it is not true she loves you.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +The news <i>is</i> good. I will believe. What next?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ZELIMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +She bids me tell you, only her ambition<br /> +Drives her to desperation. Now she sees<br /> +That what she undertook she cannot do,<br /> +But thinking of to-morrow and its shame<br /> +She is consumed.... May the earth swallow me,<br /> +If here I lie!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Enough, my pretty slave.<br /> +I will believe. Go! Tell her: it is easy<br /> +To give the contest up. And she would win<br /> +Fairer renown by softening her heart,<br /> +And giving of her own free will the hand<br /> +He longs for to the man who loves her true.<br /> +Is this the message, haply, that you bring?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ZELIMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +No, Prince. My message runs not so. We ask<br /> +Consideration for our weaknesses.<br /> +The Princess begs you for a favour. Spare<br /> +Her vanity. Help her to say those names<br /> +In the Divan to-morrow. Then she herself<br /> +Will from her throne descend, and reach to you<br /> +Her right hand. You it costs so little. Say<br /> +The names, and in this manner win her heart.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF</span> (<i>with a smile</i>).<br /> +<br /> +H'm! Pretty slave, where is the speech's end?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ZELIMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +What speech's end, your Highness?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +"Let the earth<br /> +Swallow me if I lie in this."<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ZELIMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +You doubt it?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +I do a little doubt it—just so much<br /> +That I refuse to do what you desire.<br /> +Go, tell your mistress, if I hide the names<br /> +It is because a lover must be cautious—<br /> +I do not hide them with intent to pain her.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ZELIMA</span> (<i>violently</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Fool, fool! you little know what this will cost you!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +And if it cost my life!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ZELIMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +You soon will see.<br /> +Good-night.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Aside.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +The fool! He has made a fool of me.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Exit in a rage.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Be steadfast, heart! Only a few hours more<br /> +The skies will clear, and fear will have an end.<br /> +That I could sleep.... My tortured spirit yearns<br /> +For rest. Sink down upon me, gentle sleep!<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Goes to sleep.</i>)<br /> +</p> + + + + +<h3><a name="SCENE_XII" id="SCENE_XII"></a>SCENE XII</h3> + +<p class="c">CALAF, TRUFFALDINO.</p> + + +<p class="drama"> +<span class="name">TRUFFALDINO.</span><br /> +<br /> +(<i>Comes creeping in cautiously from right,<br /> +creeps under the divan.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +Well, thank God! he's gone to sleep at last.<br /> +'Sh! 'Sh! (<i>In the front of the stage before<br /> +the footlights.</i>) As my poor old mother used to<br /> +say, "A good name is worth a fortune." What<br /> +a good name this idiot of a Prince must have,<br /> +considering how my gracious Princess is throwing<br /> +all her money away on him! Skirina's got some,<br /> +Zelima's got some, Brigella's got some. I've got<br /> +some, and I'm going to get two purses extra if<br /> +I get this young hopeful's name. And I shall<br /> +get it! You watch me. I'm going to! (<i>With<br /> +much ceremony he pulls a big turnip, wrapped<br /> +in a strip of paper, out of his dress.</i>) Here I<br /> +have the famous magic root mandragora. The<br /> +Universal Doctor and Great Herbalist Pimpernel,<br /> +Market Square, second door to the right, let me<br /> +have it for a tanner. Warranted, of course.<br /> +Warranted to go two years. Printed instructions<br /> +for use attached. (<i>Unwraps the turnip, reads:</i>)<br /> +"The root mandragora opens all doors, bursts all<br /> +locks, raises hidden treasure, confers riches and<br /> +wisdom...." (<i>Looks up.</i>) Aha! just what<br /> +I want. (<i>Reads on:</i>) "It has influence over<br /> +the constellations and the planets, makes the blind<br /> +to see and the deaf to hear, is a protection<br /> +against the evil eye, heals all maladies of the<br /> +mind, depression in men and melancholy in<br /> +women...." (<i>Looks up.</i>) Aha! Depression,<br /> +quite so. Melancholy, quite so. (<i>Reads on:</i>) "It<br /> +confers the gift of second sight, reveals hidden<br /> +secrets...." (<i>Looks up.</i>) Ah! now we have<br /> +it. Hidden secrets.... "Let it be placed under<br /> +the pillow of the person, whether male or female,<br /> +whose secret it is desired to know, when the<br /> +said person is asleep. Then the person aforesaid..."<br /> +Hurrah! (<i>jumps for joy</i>) "will,<br /> +by dreaming aloud, communicate what it is desired<br /> +to know." Did you hear that? Isn't that the<br /> +very thing? (<i>Creeps up to</i> CALAF'S <i>bed, and,<br /> +with excessive caution, places the turnip under<br /> +his pillow</i>.) 'Sh! 'Sh!<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Draws back a little, and waits, in the<br /> +greatest excitement, for what is going<br /> +to happen.</i> CALAF <i>does not utter a<br /> +sound</i>. <i>With a disappointed face</i><br /> +TRUFFALDINO <i>creeps nearer the bed<br /> +again</i>. CALAF <i>remains dumb</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +Do say something, my dear boy! Do say something,<br /> +please! (<i>Waits a little.</i>) Out with the<br /> +name, my sweet little lambkin.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>With transfigured face</i> CALAF <i>whispers<br /> +terms of endearment</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +What's he saying now? Tu... Tu...<br /> +Turandot. Oh, bother! I know that name<br /> +already, the name of my adored Princess. It's<br /> +<i>your</i> name I want to know, my darling boy.<br /> +<br /> +(CALAF <i>goes on whispering excitedly</i>. <i>He<br /> +smiles in his happy dream, and raises<br /> +himself on his elbow during the following<br /> +without opening his eyes</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +Tu... nothing but Turandot! Well, then, here<br /> +I am, duckie. Here I am, lovey, here I am—my<br /> +own very self, your own little lovey duckie<br /> +Turandot. (<i>Purses up his lips.</i> CALAF <i>smiles<br /> +as though in rapture</i>.) What wouldst thou<br /> +have of me, my sweetest heart? Eh? Well,<br /> +what? Something like this? (<i>Smacks his lips.</i>)<br /> +Well, then, you <i>shall</i> have it, and more besides.<br /> +But first of all, darling, you must tell me your<br /> +name, your own delightful, sweet little name, my<br /> +honey!...<br /> +<br /> +(CALAF <i>sinks back and lies dumb again,<br /> +sulkily</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +Oh, you won't, won't you? You really won't?<br /> +How nasty of you, my love! Just look at me.<br /> +See how pretty I am! (<i>Trips coquettishly up<br /> +and down in front of the bed.</i>) Look at my<br /> +lovely white arms and my lovely plump legs,<br /> +and my glorious hair hanging all down my back!<br /> +...Just look at it, my sweet little chick!<br /> +<br /> +(CALAF <i>begins to whisper excitedly, raising<br /> +himself the while</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +That's right, that's right, quite so: talk, talk,<br /> +my bonny babe! (<i>Bends down again, till his<br /> +mouth almost touches the sleeper's.</i>) Once again,<br /> +my sweet one! Say it once again, my little white<br /> +lambkin! It shall have its kiss, it shall, right<br /> +away.<br /> +</p> + +<p>(CALAF <i>turns suddenly and violently round +on the other side, and deals him a ringing +box on the ear</i>. (<i>Squeaking noisily</i>, +TRUFFALDINO <i>runs away</i>. CALAF <i>sits +up for a moment in astonishment, opens +his eyes, shuts them again immediately, +and sinks back on his couch</i>.)</p> + + + + +<h3><a name="SCENE_XIII" id="SCENE_XIII"></a>SCENE XIII</h3> + +<p class="c">ADELMA, <i>veiled, with a lantern in her hand</i>. +CALAF <i>sleeping</i>.</p> + + +<p class="drama"> +<span class="name">ADELMA</span> (<i>aside</i>).<br /> +<br /> +O moment I have sighed for long! O love,<br /> +That lendest cunning courage unto me!<br /> +And Fortune, thou that through all obstacles<br /> +Hast led me hither: help a lovesick maid!<br /> +Oh, bring me to the goal of my desires!<br /> +Silence this yearning, love! And, Fortune, break<br /> +These galling fetters....<br /> +<br /> +(<i>She lets the light of her lantern rest on</i><br /> +CALAF, <i>and gazes at him</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +My belovèd sleeps.<br /> +Oh, burst not, heart! Dear eyes, how loth I am<br /> +To trespass on the rest possessing you!<br /> +And yet I must. At once. The short night flees.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>She puts her lantern down.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +Stranger, awake!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF</span> (<i>starts up in a fright</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Whose voice awakens me?<br /> +What seekest thou again, thou creeping ghost?<br /> +Why are my eyes denied their sleep?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Be calm!<br /> +Only a wretched woman stands before you.<br /> +And she does not come, as the other did,<br /> +To lure the names from you by trickery.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Let be! You cannot cheat me.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +I cheat <i>you</i>?<br /> +Has not a slave been here with such intent?<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Puts her lantern down.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Yes, and she went as wise, as when she came,<br /> +And you will go as wise as when you came.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +You know me ill to be so rude. Sit up<br /> +And listen.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Sits down on the divan.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Well, then, what is your desire?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +First look at me, and then.... Prince, tell me now,<br /> +Who do you think I am?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +In shape and bearing<br /> +Noble you seem, but by your dress a slave.<br /> +And as a slave I saw you yesterday<br /> +In the Divan.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Five years since I saw you,<br /> +And then <i>you</i> were a slave.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Raises her veil.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +Look at this face!<br /> +Do you not know it?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Adelma! How! Adelma,<br /> +Whom I thought dead!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +She is a serving-maid,<br /> +Who was the daughter of King Kaikobad.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Adelma! A slave!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +A slave! I'll tell you why.<br /> +I had a brother, blind with love, as you are,<br /> +For Turandot. In the Divan he met her.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Weeps.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +You saw his head above the city gate<br /> +With all the others.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +It is true, then, true.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +My father Kaikobad, in fury bold,<br /> +Led his array against Altoum. Fortune,<br /> +The fickle jade, lured him to his defeat<br /> +And death. Altoum's general devised<br /> +At one fell stroke to extirpate our race.<br /> +My brothers he assassinated. Me,<br /> +Together with my mother and three sisters,<br /> +He cast into the river, then in spate.<br /> +The gentle Emperor, coming on the scene,<br /> +Ordered his guards to fish us out again.<br /> +I was the only one brought to the shore,<br /> +And I was led in the triumphal train,<br /> +And given as a slave to Turandot,<br /> +To wait on the hard-hearted woman who<br /> +Was cause of all my griefs. Now, Calaf, speak,<br /> +Am I not worth compassion?<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Weeps.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF</span> (<i>moved</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Indeed you are,<br /> +Adelma, Princess of the Carcasenes!<br /> +But what can so unfortunate a man<br /> +As I am do for you? If fortune smile<br /> +On me to-morrow, I will promise help<br /> +For you, and freedom. And your grieving now<br /> +Can only heap the measure of my own.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +You know me now, my destiny, my race.<br /> +May you the better credit a King's daughter,<br /> +What pity—I will not say love—constrains her<br /> +Now to confide to you. False Turandot,<br /> +Malicious, cunning, cruel Turandot,<br /> +Soon as the morning dawns, will have you murdered.<br /> +All orders are already given. So much<br /> +From her, who is the mistress of your dreams.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF</span> (<i>starts up savagely</i>).<br /> +<br /> +She will have me murdered, do you say?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +(<i>Rises likewise, with the most solemn emphasis.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +Yes, murdered:<br /> +While you are on your way to the Divan.<br /> +A score of swords await your setting out.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF</span> (<i>beside himself</i>).<br /> +<br /> +I will call the guards.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Makes for the door.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA</span> (<i>holds him back</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Bethink yourself, rash man!<br /> +The guards? They have been bought by Turandot!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF</span> (<i>in blind despair</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Timur, my wretched father, thus it stands.<br /> +With Calaf, thy proud son; he that set out<br /> +To seek good fortune for himself and thee!<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Covers his face with his hands.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA</span> (<i>aside</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Haha! Timur... Calaf.... Be thrice blest, lie<br /> +That lured this forth. Doubly I hold him now.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Can it be possible that Turandot...<br /> +How <i>can</i> it be that such an angel's face<br /> +Should hide such devilry?...<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Contemptuously.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +No. You deceive me,<br /> +Adelma. Go!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +I will forgive your doubt.<br /> +An angel's face? Oh, would that you had seen her<br /> +As I have! In the harem rages she,<br /> +And like a snapping bitch runs to and fro,<br /> +Green in the face, and with her bloodshot eyes<br /> +Shining with hate under distorted brows.<br /> +Doubt if you will. That you should doubt my words<br /> +Is not such pain as your approaching death.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Weeps.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +What treachery! By the very guards betrayed<br /> +Appointed to protect me! He spake right,<br /> +That rascal of a captain: Gold kills duty.<br /> +Life, fare thee well!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +And yet you may escape<br /> +Your evil star. Up, I will show the way.<br /> +By saving you from death, I save myself<br /> +From slavery. With my jewels I have bought<br /> +Two of the guards, an escort I have hired,<br /> +And horses are in readiness. The Khan<br /> +Of Berlas is my kinsman. Leagued with him<br /> +Let us invade and seize my kingdom—yours,<br /> +If so you will. And this my hand be yours,<br /> +If you will have it. But if you will not,<br /> +The Tartar Kings are not unblest with daughters,<br /> +Fair maidens full of love and fit for you.<br /> +Be you the King, and I will be your subject.<br /> +Only flee, death. Only deliver me.<br /> +And I will conquer even my love, which now,<br /> +Crimson with shame, I have confessed.....<br /> +Day dawns!<br /> +Day dawns! My head swims.... Stranger, flee with me!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +In vain. I have resolved to stay and die.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Then I will, too, stay for a little while<br /> +In slavery yet. And soon it will be seen<br /> +Which of us two is readier to die.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Aside.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +Often persistent love attains at last!<br /> +Calaf, Timur's son?<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Aloud.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +Stranger Prince, good-night!<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Exit.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Oh, will this night of horrors never end?<br /> +And this fight of the soul that is consumed<br /> +In burning love? By Fortune cast away—<br /> +Cast into perils, by her hate pursued,<br /> +I tarry for the dawn and traitorous knives.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>The scene grows light.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +See, the sun rises. Now the hour is come<br /> +For her to feed her pleasure on my blood,<br /> +The hour has come that sees my torment end!<br /> +</p> + + + + +<h3><a name="SCENE_XIV" id="SCENE_XIV"></a>SCENE XIV</h3> + +<p class="c">BRIGELLA, GUARDS, CALAF.</p> + + +<p class="drama"> +<span class="name">BRIGELLA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Time's up, your Highness. Fun begins in a minute.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Oh, is it you? Well, carry out your orders!<br /> +Be quick! It doesn't matter. Get it over.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BRIGELLA</span> (<i>astonished</i>).<br /> +<br /> +What orders? Eh? I haven't got any orders.<br /> +The only order I've got is to escort you to the<br /> +Divan. Double quick! The Emperor has already<br /> +combed his beard and may appear in the Divan<br /> +any minute.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF</span> (<i>in a tragedy tone</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Up, then, to the Divan! What though I do not<br /> +Reach it alive? What matters it? See here,<br /> +Am I the man to be afraid of death?<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Casts his sword away.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +I need no weapon. Let the Princess know<br /> +That I have offered of my own free will<br /> +To her assassins my defenceless breast<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Exit.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">BRIGELLA.</span><br /> +<br /> +What the devil <i>is</i> the fellow raving about?<br /> +Women, those damned women! They've been at<br /> +him the whole night, not half, and his brain's<br /> +collapsed! Hello, you! Present arms! Dress<br /> +your ranks! March!<br /> +</p> + +<p>(<i>Exeunt.</i> <i>Music of drums and other instruments of war.</i>)</p> + + +<p><span class="smcap">END of the SECOND ACT</span>.</p> + + + + +<h3><a name="THE_THIRD_ACT" id="THE_THIRD_ACT"></a>THE THIRD ACT</h3> + + + + +<h3><a name="SCENE_Ib" id="SCENE_Ib"></a>SCENE I</h3> + +<p><i>The great hall of the imperial Divan. In the "background, +covered by a curtain, an altar with +a Chinese idol; two priests standing beside +it.</i> ALTOUM <i>on his throne, the doctors on +their cushions</i>, PANTALONE <i>and</i> TARTAGLIA +<i>on each side of the</i> EMPEROR. +ALTOUM, PANTALONE, TARTAGLIA, <i>the</i> DOCTORS, +<i>the</i> GUARDS. <i>Later</i> CALAF. +(<i>Enter</i> CALAF <i>excitedly from right</i>. <i>He +looks round uneasily and suspiciously.</i> +<i>When he arrives at the middle of the +room he bows to</i> ALTOUM.)</p> + + +<p class="drama"> +<span class="name">CALAF</span> (<i>aside</i>).<br /> +<br /> +How's this? No trace of ambushed murderers?<br /> +Did the slave lie? Can Turandot have found<br /> +The names out, and rescinded her commands?<br /> +Then I lose all. Death had been better far.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM.</span><br /> +<br /> +My son, you seem excited and in fear,<br /> +And I were fain had you a merry face.<br /> +Now all is well. Your sorrows are at end.<br /> +Glad tidings that concern you I will save<br /> +A little while. As for my daughter, she<br /> +Is yours. She sent to me thrice in the night<br /> +Petitioning release from this encounter.<br /> +Therefore I charge you, son, be of good cheer!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANTALONE.</span><br /> +<br /> +Heaven knows, my dearest Royal Highness, I<br /> +myself had to trot off in the night to pay a call<br /> +on her Royal Highness in the Seraglio and receive<br /> +her most illustrious commands. I didn't even<br /> +have the time to tumble into my slippers and<br /> +get dressed properly. And it was so cold,<br /> +Heaven knows (<i>coughs</i>), I'm shivering yet. Never<br /> +mind! Never mind!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TARTAGLIA.</span><br /> +<br /> +They fetched me out of bed at 5 a.m. It was<br /> +just beginning to get light a bit. She made<br /> +me stand in front of her half an hour while she<br /> +went on whining something or other. For sheer<br /> +cold and vexation I talked the most clotted<br /> +nonsense to her. (<i>Aside.</i>) It would have suited<br /> +my humour better if I could have given her a<br /> +downright good spanking.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM.</span><br /> +<br /> +You see yourself: she is so slow in coming.<br /> +I have already sent explicit orders<br /> +In case of need to bring her here by force.<br /> +Here she shall stand and learn to blush, a pain<br /> +She would not let me spare her. Therefore, son,<br /> +Take good heart at the prospect of near joy.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +I crave your pardon, sire, and give you thanks!<br /> +I am tormented by most fearful doubts,<br /> +And by the thought that for my sake she now<br /> +Is suffering shame and force. Much rather... No<br /> +Not that. If I <i>do</i> lose her, what remains<br /> +To me of life? With time and tenderness<br /> +I will compel her to forget this rage.<br /> +My will shall be her wish, my heart her heart.<br /> +For her sake I will grant what either asks,<br /> +And my love's banner be: Fidelity!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM.</span><br /> +<br /> +Let there be no more dallying! This Divan<br /> +Be changed into a temple, so that she,<br /> +Soon as she enters here, may recognize<br /> +That I too have a will. Prepare the marriage.<br /> +Unveil the altar.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>The curtain in the background opens, and<br /> +the altar with the priests is seen.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANTALONE.</span><br /> +<br /> +She's coming, my dear Lord Chancellor, she's<br /> +coming. I believe I can already hear her whining.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TARTAGLIA.</span><br /> +<br /> +The accompaniment does at all events sound<br /> +decidedly dismal. That's what I call a genuine<br /> +wedding march, just the same as for a funeral.<br /> +</p> + + + + +<h3><a name="SCENE_IIb" id="SCENE_IIb"></a>SCENE II</h3> + +<p>TURANDOT, ADELMA, ZELIMA, TRUFFALDINO, +EUNUCHS, SLAVES. <i>The foregoing.</i> +(<i>To the strains of a gloomy march</i> TURANDOT +<i>appears</i>. <i>Before her proceed eunuchs.</i> +<i>Her whole escort wear signs of mourning.</i> +<i>With the same ceremonial as in +First Act</i>, TURANDOT <i>ascends the +throne, and at sight of the altar and +the priests starts with surprise</i>. <i>The +position of the actors is exactly the same +as in the First Act.</i> CALAF <i>stands +erect in the centre</i>.)</p> + + +<p class="drama"> +<span class="name">TURANDOT.</span><br /> +<br /> +This mourning of my escort, <i>Prince unknown</i>,<br /> +These gloomy faces and these necks bowed down,<br /> +Are (well I know it) sweet to your hard heart;<br /> +And, mourning, I behold the altar ready.<br /> +For all my efforts to avenge the shame<br /> +Put on me yesterday, I still am helpless.<br /> +I have fought my fight. I bow my neck to fate.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Would you could read the heart you say is hard,<br /> +Princess, to see what wormwood your hate blends<br /> +With all its rapture. Let not your heart rue<br /> +Crowning the man with happiness who loves you<br /> +And worships you, and if it is a crime<br /> +To worship you, I beg you here: forgive!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM.</span><br /> +<br /> +Enough. She is not worth such humble words.<br /> +Now teach <i>her</i> to be humble! Music, ho!<br /> +Up! To the altar! Let the priests begin!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT.</span><br /> +<br /> +One moment more! What vengeance is so sweet<br /> +As this: to cradle in security<br /> +And restfulness an unsuspecting heart,<br /> +And then from the pinnacle of happiness<br /> +To dash it down into the blackest hell<br /> +Of torment?<br /> +<br /> +(<i>She rises.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +Hear me, all of you: Depart<br /> +From this Divan, <i>Calaf, son of Timur</i>!<br /> +There is the riddle solved you set me. Wretch,<br /> +Go! seek another wife, and shake with fear<br /> +Of Turandot, whom none can overcome.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF</span> (<i>confounded and stricken</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Great Heaven! Lost! Lost!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM</span> (<i>taken aback</i>).<br /> +<br /> +What do I hear? Great Heaven!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANTALONE.</span><br /> +<br /> +Holy Madonna, she's gone and done it in his<br /> +beard, my dear Lord Chancellor, Heaven knows.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TARTAGLIA.</span><br /> +<br /> +(<i>Mopping his face.</i>) Holy Gorgonzola! this<br /> +gets over me and no mistake.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Lost! No one helps me. Who <i>could</i> help me now?<br /> +I have-been my own assassin, and in the end<br /> +I lose by too much loving love itself.<br /> +Why did I solve the riddles yesterday?<br /> +If I had failed to solve them, I were now<br /> +Cold, dumb, and free from torture worse than death.<br /> +Great-hearted Emperor, why do you not<br /> +Let that grim law hold good another time?<br /> +Now she has found the names, give your cold daughter,<br /> +To be her crowning triumph, this last head.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Approaches</i> TURANDOT'S <i>throne</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +Most cruel Princess, does it not offend you<br /> +To know the heart still beating that has dared<br /> +To love you? Look upon your victim here,<br /> +Calaf, hateful to you, hateful to Heaven,<br /> +To the world hateful, and to fortune too—<br /> +Calaf, who at your feet now dies.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>He draws a dagger, and makes a thrust at<br /> +his heart</i>. TURANDOT <i>leaps down from<br /> +her throne and seizes his arm</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT</span> (<i>in a tone of tenderness</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Calaf,<br /> +What are you doing?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM.</span><br /> +<br /> +Dare I trust my eyes?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Leave me alone, cold woman! Let me die!<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Points the dagger again at his breast.</i><br /> +TURANDOT <i>restrains him</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Stay! You shall live! and you shall live for me!<br /> +Listen!<br /> +<br /> +(<i>To</i> ZELIMA.)<br /> +<br /> +Run to the prisoners, Zelima!<br /> +Comfort old faithful Barak and your mother!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ZELIMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Mistress, I will, and lose no time.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Exit.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA</span> (<i>excitedly, aside</i>).<br /> +<br /> +This moment<br /> +Spells death for me.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Now hear me: I have won<br /> +By accident. For in a sudden burst<br /> +Of feeling you betrayed yourself last night<br /> +To my quick-witted slave Adelma here.<br /> +But let the whole world know: I am above<br /> +Injustice. And know you: your chivalrous<br /> +Demeanour and fair features have o'ercome<br /> +This stubborn heart. Live then, live and be proud:<br /> +I am your prize.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA</span> (<i>in pain, aside</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Oh, torment worse than death....<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF</span> (<i>casts his dagger to the floor</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Mine! You! Oh, do not kill me, supreme joy!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM</span> (<i>descends from his throne</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Let me embrace thee, daughter. This one hour<br /> +Makes good the pain you heaped upon my heart.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">PANTALONE.</span><br /> +<br /> +Wedding! Wedding! Reverend doctors, your<br /> +presence is no longer required here.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TARTAGLIA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Have the goodness to withdraw to the posterior apartment.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Exeunt doctors back of stage.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA</span> (<i>comes to the front</i>. <i>In the greatest<br /> +excitement to</i> CALAF).<br /> +<br /> +Live! Oh, yes, live! Live with my enemy<br /> +In happiness.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>To</i> TURANDOT.)<br /> +<br /> +To you, Princess, I say:<br /> +I hate you. All I tried to do last night<br /> +I did to snatch from you the man I love,<br /> +Whom secretly I loved ere he loved you.<br /> +Last night I sought to have him flee with me.<br /> +He would not. All my arts could lure from him<br /> +Were those two names, which I betrayed because<br /> +I hated you. I planned you should reject him,<br /> +And that I then should have him. All in vain.<br /> +There is one last way open to me now.<br /> +I, too, am royal, and I am ashamed.<br /> +That so long I have suffered servitude.<br /> +Take now the last of all the Carcasenes<br /> +To crown your triumphing....<br /> +<br /> +(<i>She picks</i> CALAF'S <i>dagger up from the floor</i>.)<br /> +<br /> +This steel, which you<br /> +Have warded from his breast, shall open me<br /> +The way to freedom....<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF</span> (<i>restrains her</i>).<br /> +<br /> +Stay!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +Off! Let me die.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>In a voice stifled with tears.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +Ungrateful wretch!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF</span> (<i>snatches the dagger from her</i>).<br /> +<br /> +No, for I owe you all.<br /> +It was your treachery saved me. You shall not<br /> +Call me ungrateful.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Are you mad, Adelma,<br /> +All of a sudden?<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Generous Emperor,<br /> +If my petition may in aught avail,<br /> +Give her her freedom!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT.</span><br /> +<br /> +I petition, too,<br /> +My noble father. I conceive it well,<br /> +She never can forgive me her distress;<br /> +No, nor believe that I can pardon her.<br /> +Give her her freedom.... And if you could grant<br /> +Some greater favour, do it for our sake!<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM.</span><br /> +<br /> +On such a day of gladness be the measure<br /> +Of mercy full. I give her not alone<br /> +Her freedom but her father's kingdom back.<br /> +So let her choose a consort she can love,<br /> +And rule the realm with him....<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ADELMA.</span><br /> +<br /> +To all the weight<br /> +Of guilt upon my conscience, to my load<br /> +Of love sent back from where it should have lodged,<br /> +You add the burden of the greatest mercy.<br /> +I cannot yet conceive it. Give me time<br /> +To understand the height of my good fortune.<br /> +But now I have no answer save these tears....<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Oh that I knew now where to find you, father!<br /> +My heart, so full of joy, burns to embrace you.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">ALTOUM.</span><br /> +<br /> +Calaf, rejoice exceedingly. This empire<br /> +You have twice won. Your father, too, has won<br /> +His kingdom back. Slain is the Sultan who<br /> +Robbed it from him. Until your sire's return<br /> +A faithful servant wields the sceptre for him,<br /> +And in the meantime sends out messengers<br /> +To seek you in all countries. Read this leaf I<br /> +It signifies the end of all your grief.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">CALAF.</span><br /> +<br /> +Ye heavenly gods, you raise and you cast down.<br /> +You cast down and make mighty, heavenly gods.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>All present sob in their emotion.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<span class="name">TURANDOT.</span><br /> +<br /> +Now nothing more trouble this wedding-day.<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Comes meditatively somewhat to the front.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +Calaf here risks his head to win a wife.<br /> +A faithful friend and servant risks his life<br /> +To save his Prince. A man wins back a throne<br /> +For his lost King, and makes it not his own.<br /> +A woman, who made out she loved me, hid<br /> +A false heart's treachery. And could I then,<br /> +After all this, look down in scorn on men?<br /> +No. And may Heaven forgive me all I did<br /> +That made me seem a monster in men's sight!<br /> +<br /> +(<i>Steps quite up to the footlights.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +Dear gentlemen, I tell you this because<br /> +I love you all; and if you are polite<br /> +Let my conversion have your loud applause.<br /> +</p> + + +<p class="c top5">QUICK CURTAIN</p> + + +<p class="c top5"><span class="smcap">UNWIN BROTHERS, LIMITED, THE GRESHAM PRESS, WOKING AND LONDON.</span></p> + +<hr class="full" /> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Turandot, Princess of China, by +Karl Gustav Vollmöller + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TURANDOT, PRINCESS OF CHINA *** + +***** This file should be named 26730-h.htm or 26730-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/6/7/3/26730/ + +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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