Turandot: The Chinese Sphinx

by Friedrich Schiller

TRUF.
Come, look alive! His Majesty's Divan
Will soon assemble. Now, look sharp, my man!
A carpet for this throne; here sits her Highness;
Bring brooms, and sweep up all this horrid dry mess.
(Enter BRIGHELLA, looking around wonderingly.)
BRIG.
I say, Truffaldin, what's this grand array?
The high Divan again—twice in one day?
TRUF. (without minding him).
Eight seats here for the doctors!
They're all muffs,
But look imposing in their brocade stuffs.
BRIG.
Truffaldin, do you hear? What is the matter?
TRUF.
How dare you make such a confounded clatter?
You stupid, don't you know the whole Divan
Are called to meet as quickly as they can?
Another suitor for my mistress' heart
Is anxious from his silly head to part.
BRIG.
For shame! Three hours ago one victim fell.
TRUF.
This new pretender seems a precious swell.
His curly poll will grace the hangman's pole,
A charming barber's block, upon my soul!
'Twill cut a figure in our "Rotten Row;"
I think that jest is witty—Ho, ho, ho!
BRIG.
Your soul in blackness with your visage vies—
You grin whene'er a fellow-creature dies.
TRUF.
You jackanapes! None of your paltry spite;
My heart's not black,—your liver 'tis that's white;
So hold your jaw. Why should I grieve to see
That men for love such arrant fools can be?
The more the merrier; for on each day,
Our Princess 'scapes a husband's dreaded sway;
She gives us all a good jollification,
Besides munificent gratification.
BRIG.
How barbarous.
TRUF.
Now, don't you be so silly.
Her suitors are not dragged here willy-nilly;
They know the journey here their heads may cost 'em,
But 'tis no loss; for they've already lost 'em.
Perhaps that's why the riddles they can't guess,
And always fall into a hideous mess.
I'm sure my charming mistress is most lenient
To have devised a method so convenient
To rid herself, and China, of such geese;
Much harder tasks,—to fetch the golden fleece—
Or singing water—or the talking bird—
Were formerly exacted, as I've heard.
My lovely Highness is not so inhuman,
She only tests her sweethearts' fine acumen;
And if she must submit to husband's rule,
At least she'll not be governed by a fool.
(March music is heard.)
BRIG.
The royal trumpets sound. Hark, don't you hear 'em.
TRUF.
I'll run t'escort my Princess from her hareem.
Be off! and guard the palace portals,
Let none pass thro' but Mandarin-born mortals.
(Exeunt severally.)
(Enter guards and musicians; then eight doctors pedantically
dressed; PANTALOON and TARTAGLIA in characteristic costumes;
then the KHAN ALTOUM, in extravagantly rich attire, he ascends his
throne, PANT. and TART. station themselves near it. At his entrance,
all prostrate themselves, their foreheads to the ground, and remain
thus until he is seated. At a sign from PANTALOON, the march
ceases.)
ALT.
Good folk, behold your monarch much perplexed,
I must confess I'm seriously vexed.
My daughter's obstinacy quite unnerves me,
Such unforeseen and jadish tricks she serves me.
One charming prince was killed this morn, at six;
Another's just arrived,—I'm in a fix,
And worritted to death by constant butch'ry,
Of lovers caught by my fair daughter's witch'ry;
But yet I cannot break my oath. Fo-hi
Has heard my vow; his wrath I dar'n't defy.
Prime Minister, can't you some project form
And be your monarch's rudder thro' this storm?
PANT.
Celestial Majesty—
ALT.
What do you say?
PANT. (aside.)
The loudest bawling's all time thrown away!
He's deaf as any post—a perfect dummy—
It's no use preaching wisdom to a mummy.
I wish I were in Venice back again!
I had to fly her happy shores, on pain
Of being hanged, or losing liberty,
Because the bigwigs thought my tongue too free.
I hoped, as minister, I was secure
To fatten in an easy sinecure;
Instead of which, I've not one moment's leisure;
No carnival, nor any Christian pleasure.
But constant squabbles, tears, and imprecations,
Divans, beheadings, sphinxes,—I've lost patience!
I'll quit this land of pigtails, gongs, and teas;
Return to Italy, and live at ease.
ALT.
I see you're talking; speak a little louder.
PANT. (aside.)
He wouldn't hear the bursting of gunpowder.
ALT.
Tartaglia, have you seen this poor young fellow?
TART. (stammering, until he speaks Italian very glibly)—
Y-y-your h-hi-high-ness, y-y-es, a-and f-f-found h-hi-him—molto bello.
ALT.
What do you say?
TART.
S-so p-p-please y-your M-majesty,
(aside) Non posso più! che sordo! sapresty!
ALT.
Then bring this suitor to divan at once. (Exit guards.)
We'll urge him the hard trial to renounce.
PANT.
I'll try my best;
ALT.
What do you say?
PANT. (aside.)
But fear
He'll be as deaf as you, and will not hear.
(Enter KALAF, with guards. He kneels before the Khan, with
his hands to his forehead. ALTOUM regards him with pity.)
ALT.
Arise, rash man.
(Aside.) Ah, what a gallant youth,
Behead him? 'Twould be quite a shame, in sooth.
(aloud) Say, who art thou? From what far distant land
Dost come to seek in marriage that fair hand
Which only royal blood may justly claim?
KAL.
Great Khan, permit me to conceal my name;
My lineage justifies my bold desire.
PANT.
I'm sure he's nobly born and nurtured, sire.
ALT.
What do you say?
PANT. (despairingly.)
It doesn't signify.
ALT.
'Twould break my aged heart to see thee die.
I'd save thy life if possible. Oh, quit
The sharp encounter with my child's keen wit.
My heart and eyes are sickened by the blood
That's daily shed.
KAL.
Your Majesty's too good.
ALT.
I'm captivated by thy noble air;
With thee my royal throne I'll gladly share.
So thou but force me not to take thy life;
Avoid the fatal Sphinx—give up the strife.
KAL.
My thanks are all I have, and these I give;
But without Turandot I will not live.
My motto is, "Or death, or Turandot."
PANT. (aside.)
He really is a most pig-headed sot!
(aloud) Young man, you cannot know the risk you run.
Th' alternative's in earnest—not in fun.
Dame Turandot will spin you a tough riddle,
That's not to be "got thro' like any fiddle."
Not such as this, which any child might guess—
(Though the Emperor could not, I must confess;)
"What gives a cold, cures a cold, and pays the doctor's bill?"
Not short enigmas lightly disentangled;
Hard nuts you'll have to crack, fresh made, new-fangled;
And if you cannot guess them all instanter,
Your head will be struck off—I do not banter.
You'll have to answer rightly in a twink;
Your head once off, you'll have no time to think.
KAL.
Your warning's vain: "Or death or Turandot."
PANT. (aside.)
For all my sermon he don't care one jot.
TART.
D-d-dear s-sir, l-let m-me p-persuade you. Lasci stare
Th-this d-dr-dread-f-ful st-str-strife, bruttissimo affare.
KAL.
Again I say, "Or death, or Turandot."
TART.
H-he-he's ho-hope-l-l-less-l-ly in l-lo-love. L'è proprio cot.
ALT.
As no persuasion moves this headstrong man,
Go, summon Turandot to this divan.
(Exit guards.)
(KALAF, violently agitated, gazes towards the hareem entrance.)
KAL.
She comes—her beauty will enchant my sight,
Ye Gods, inspire my mind with sapient might!
(March heard. Enter TRUFFALDIN, with his drawn sabre on his
shoulder. Black male and female slaves, beating tantans and
cymbals. ADELMA, in Tartar costume, and SKIRINA, both veiled.
ADELMA carries a salver upon which are sealed papers. TRUFFALDIN
and male slaves prostrate themselves as they pass ALTOUM'S throne;
the female slaves kneel, with their hands to their forehead. Then
appears TURANDOT, veiled, in rich Chinese costume. The courtiers
and doctors prostrate themselves before her. ALTOUM rises; the
Princess makes him a slight inclination, with her hands to her
forehead, then ascends the throne, and seats herself; ADELMA and
SKIRINA on either side, the former nearest the audience. TRUFFALDIN
takes the salver from ADELMA, and with exaggerated ceremony,
distributes the papers to the eight doctors, and resumes his place.
March ceases.)
TUR. (haughtily.)
Once more a vain aspirant for my hand,
Compels me here before you all to stand.
This rash intruder, who thus fondly thinks
To overcome in wit the Chinese Sphinx,
Must little prize his life. His downfall's sore.
ALT.
There stands the man. Now don't be so demure.
He's young and handsome, do have some compassion,
Don't doubly kill him, in your usual fashion.
Accept him as your husband, my sweet daughter,
Don't keep us any longer in hot water.
TUR. (after gazing at KALAF, aside to SKIRINA)—
Skirina, what can ail me? Heigho! surely
This can't be love—I feel so faint—quite poorly.
No man has ever touched my heart—but now
For this sweet youth I feel—I don't know how.
In all my life I never felt so queer.
SKIR.
At last you've fall'n in love; that's very clear.
So much the better! make your riddles plain.
And then he needn't puzzle his poor brain.
TUR.
Nay, peace, Skirina, recollect my glory.
(ADELMA has observed KALAF with emotion.)
ADELMA.
'Tis he! my former slave. I guessed his story.
My heart was right, he's one of noble birth.
TUR.
Young prince, I clearly recognise your worth.
Be wise in time. Relinquish your attempt.
Too arduous is the trial. Do not tempt
The Fates. I am not cruel, as they say,
But shun the yoke of Man's despotic sway.
In virgin freedom would I live and die;
The meanest hind may claim this boon,—shall I,
The daughter of an emperor, not have
That birthright which belongs to all? Be slave
To brutish force, that makes your sex our lord?
Why does my hand such tempting bait afford?
The gods have made me beauteous, rich, and wise,
Presumptuous man considers me his prize.
If nature dowered me with bounteous treasure
You tyrants think 'twas all to serve your pleasure.
Why should my person, throne, and wealth be booty
To one harsh, jealous master? No, all beauty
Is heaven's gift, and like the sun, should shine
To glad earth's children, and their souls refine.
I hate proud man, and like to make him feel
He may not crush free woman 'neath his heel.
KAL.
Such high-souled sentiments, so fine a mind,
Transcendent grace and beauty, all combin'd
Must justify my love and seeming boldness.
I ne'er accused you of disdain or coldness.
I duly honour maidenly reserve.—
Your favour I pretend not to deserve;
But who would not risk all, with blindfold eyes,—
To win a heaven on earth,—a Paradise?
Each day do we not see, for smaller gain,
Great captains brave the dangers of the main?
For glory's empty bubble thousands perish,
Above all treasures your fair hand I cherish;
Your heart and not your throne, is my desire;
Condemn me not if madly I aspire.
SKIR. (aside to Turandot.)
For Fo-hi's sake! three easy riddles give,
Don't let him die, but as your husband live.
ADELMA.
How noble are his words! Ah, had my sire
But known he was a prince. My heart's desire
I'll yet obtain; I'll save him by some plot,
He ne'er shall wed the hateful Turandot.
(to Turandot.) Princess, you're agitated; calm your nerves,
And treat him with contempt as he deserves.
TUR.
You're right, Adelma; thanks for your kind zeal;
He's woman's foe; no pity must I feel.
(to Kalaf.) Prepare then, arrogant young man.—
ALT.
Dear prince,
May not our Royal words your ear convince?
KAL.
I still repeat: "Or death or Turandot!"
PANT. (aside.)
My poor young man, you'll surely go to pot!
ALT.
Then read the awful mandate.
SKIR.
How I tremble.
ADELMA.
My jealousy I scarcely can dissemble.
(PANTALOON receives the Doomsday Book, first prostrating Himself
before it; then reads in a loud voice:)—"By command of his
Celestial Majesty, the Son of the Moon, cousin to the planets,
and near relative to the firmament in general,—oyes! oyes!
oyes!" (Rings crier's bell.) (Aside.) If I said what I liked, I should
say, oh no! oh no! oh no! (Aloud.) "Any person of royal
descent may sue for the hand of our daughter, Empress
Turandot, on the following conditions:—The Princess shall
propound three riddles to any suitor proposing himself as her
husband; should he be unable to unravel them, his head shall
be struck off with an axe, and exposed on the city-gate of Peking;
should he unravel them, the Empress Turandot shall become
his lawful bride, and together they shall inherit the throne of
the celestial empire. We swear it by our ancestor, the sun."
ALT. (placing his hands on the book)—
This law, tho' it cause tears and blood to flow,
I've sworn to keep, alas! it must be so.
TUR. (rises and declaims)—
A tree on which men grow and fade;
Old as the world, yet ever new;
Its leaves, on one side, live in shade,
On th' other bears the sun's bright show.
Each time it blooms a ring it wears,
It tells the age of each event.
Upon its bark men's names it bears,
Forgotten e'er its life be spent.
What is this tree, so young, so old,
So sunny warm, so icy cold?
KALAF. (ponders awhile, then bows to the Princess)—
Too happy is your slave, divine Princess,
If nothing harder he may have to guess;
This ancient tree which ever buds anew,
Which sun and shade, man's age and deeds doth shew,
It is "a year," revolving day and night.
PANT. (joyfully.)
Shake hands, Tartaglia, I'm quite sure he's right!
TART.
A-a-as-ass-tounding! Sono contentissimo!
DOCTORS (having opened the papers).
Eureka! Optime! Optissimo!
(Flourish of gongs and cymbals.)
ALT. (graciously.)
Fo-hi protects thee, son; He'll save thy life.
ADELMA (aside.)
Ye gods, let not my rival be his wife,
Though I rejoice her vanity is vext.
SKIR.
I hope he'll be as clever at the next!
TUR.
Shall he outwit me? No, by sun and moon;
(to KALAF.) Your joy's precocious—triumph not too soon.
(Rises and declaims)—
Canst thou the fragile mirror name,
Reflecting all creation on its limpid face;
'Tis closed within a narrow frame,
Yet compasses high heav'n's blue vault of endless space.
This crystal is of priceless worth,
But yet the poor possess it, nor possession pay;
It is the brightest gem on earth,
It gives and yet receives its heaven-born brilliant ray.
What is this mirror bright and clear,
Free given to all, to all so dear?
KALAF (ponders, then bows to the Princess).
Your mystery's not hard to penetrate;
The mirror you describe so small, so great,
So priceless, so benign, "the eye" must be,
A heaven 'twill show if thine speak love to me.
PANT. (embraces TART.)
He's shot the bull's-eye through the very middle.
SKIR.
I never knew his equal at a riddle.
DOCTORS (having opened the papers).
Eureka! Optime! Optissimo!
(Flourish of gongs and cymbals.)
TART.
Bravo-o-o! Bravissimo! Benissimo!
ALT.
I give you joy; you are a clever fellow!
PANT.
Our Chinese Sphinx with rage is turning yellow.
ADELMA.
In vain the Fates themselves would seek to foil me;
My rival shall not of my love despoil me.
SKIR.
I wish to Fo-hi all was fairly over!
ADEL. (to Turandot.)
If you be mocked by this conceited lover,
Your former victories will naught avail;
Your honour's lost if this pert fop prevail.
TUR.
The world shall perish first! Exultant fool!
My hate increases with thy hope to rule.
Escape my wrath whilst yet thy life is free,
My vengeance dread, and from the contest flee.
KAL.
Your hate alone, adored Princess, can move
My soul. If vainly I implore your love,
Then let me die; my life I do not prize
If loathsome I appear in your sweet eyes.
ALT.
Hear reason, Prince, nor longer tempt the gods.
Throw up the game,—too fearful are the odds.
With honour canst thou quit this high divan,
For thou'st done more than any other man.
Yet two successes serve not, though they're glorious,
Unless for the third time thou be victorious.
And thou, my domineering, wilful child,
Wilt not relent towards this youth? Be mild,
And graciously accept his suit.
TUR.
Relent!
I scorn his love,—his pity I resent.
The law prescribes three trials. Let's proceed,
And try if in the third he may succeed.
KAL.
The gods decide! "Or death or Turandot!"
TUR. (angrily.)
Death—death will be your well-deserved lot.
PANT.
Keep silence in the court! Ahem! ahem!
(aside) Now for some crackjaw, mystic apophthegm.
TUR. (rises and declaims)—
What is that thing, held cheap as dust,
Yet honor'd by the Emperor's hand?
'Tis made to pierce, with sword's keen thrust,
But sheds no blood, tho' wounds like sand,
In number deep inflicts; robs none;
Enriches thousands; rules the earth;
Makes life with ease and smoothness run;
Has founded kingdoms; ended dearth;
Most ancient cities it has built,
But ne'er caused war, nor war's sad guilt.
Answer my question (unveils). Look me in the face,
Avow you're vanquished and deserve disgrace.
KAL. (gazes on her with rapture.)
Refulgent loveliness! Ecstatic bliss!
PANT. (shaking him.)
Collect your senses! Don't take on like this!
ALT.
Alas, I fear his intellect is puzzled;
He's mute,—his tongue seems tied,—his lips tight muzzled.
PANT.
Were't not for dignity, into the kitchen,
I'd rush a glass of something short to fetch 'un.
TUR. (who has returned Kalaf's. fixed gaze)—
Unhappy wretch! thou'rt silent; thou must die.
KAL. (recovers himself, and bows to TURANDOT with extreme composure)—
'Twas but your beauty dazed my wondering eye.
My mind can grasp the meaning of the Sphinx,
Tho' it's as puzzling as the "Babe of Ginx."
The iron thing which wounds yet sheds no blood;
That rules the earth, and gives man wealth and food;
On which each year the Khan doth place his hand,
To typify his reign o'er China's land;
In short, the instrument your riddle mentions
Is one of mankind's earliest inventions.
If I mistake not, Hm—ha—Let me see!
"The plough" is meant by Riddle Number three.
DOCTORS (having opened the papers).
Eureka! Optime! Optissimo!
(Flourish of gongs and cymbals.)
PANT.
I kiss our future Emperor's great toe!
TART.
Th-the S-sp-sphinx is v-van-qui-quished—Vinto è il Demonio!
Sh-she's f-fou-found her m-ma-match. Evviva il matrimonio!
(TURANDOT faints, ADELMA and SKIRINA support her. ALTOUM
leaning on PANT. and TART. descends his throne, and embraces
KALAF. The DOCTORS quit their seats, and retire to the background.)
ALT.
Sweet prince, our son-in-law thou'lt be to-morrow,
A joyful climax to our royal sorrow.
TUR. (recovers her senses, and rashes wildly between ALTOUM and
KALAF)—
Oh, make me not his slave! 'Twill drive me mad,
My mind no time for due reflection had.
Too easily his triumph was obtained.
ALT.
The hard-won victory he fairly gained.
With gratitude become this good youth's wife,
Obey the law, and end this weary strife.
TUR.
Once more call the divan—renew the contest,
If I have time for thought, I'm sure of conquest.
PANT.
Fair Princess Tigerheart, that's rather cool;
Don't make his Majesty act like a fool.
D'you think the royal head of your kind Daddy
Is lined with lead, like a Japan tea-caddy;
What say you, colleague; and ye Doctors wise?
(Doctors join hands in a circle, nodding their chins.)
DOCTORS.
Let bloodshed cease. The chopped-off heads suffice.
ALT.
To great Fo-hi's pagoda we'll repair
And finish off this hymeneal affair.
TUR.
Have mercy—
ALT.
Mercy hast thou shewn to none,
I've kept my oath; do thou as I have done.
Fulfil Fo-hi's decree.
TUR.
Oh, spare me, Sire,
Or at your feet behold your child expire.
(Throws herself at his feet.)
ALT.
Thy marriage is ordained. Proud girl, obey,
Too long I've bowed to thy capricious sway.
Entreat no more. I swear by Fo-hi's sword.
TUR.
Hold, father, do not speak the sacred word.
This overbearing tyrant I'll not wed;
I'd rather make the sullen grave my bed.
KAL. (to TURANDOT.)
Abate your terror; nor so madly grieve;
I'll intercede myself for your reprieve.
Fair cruel one, who may your tears withstand?
(to ALTOUM.) Great monarch, grant her wish; I'd win her hand
By love's sweet power; not by enforced consent.
(to TURANDOT.) I see thou crav'st my head—then be content.
I love thee so intensely, that my life
Is worthless if I may not call thee wife.
Again a solemn test I'll undergo.
ALT.
She's yours by right of law. Fate willed it so.
TUR.
You shall not drag me to the bridal altar;
This hand shall slay me first (draws a dagger.) It will not falter.
KAL.
Stay, hold your hand, and calm your poignant sorrow;
We'll meet again in high divan. To-morrow
The Chinese Sphinx this problem shall unravel:
"Who is that Prince who, after weary travel
Escaped from slavedom's thrall, and reached the goal
And blissful summit of his longing soul;
Yet at fulfilment of his heart's desire
Was plunged yet deeper into tortures dire?"
Relentless beauty, if you name aright
The name and lineage of this luckless wight
Then shall you gratify your hate, and take
My life. But if you fail, then shall you make
Me blessed, by giving me your hand. Decide.
TUR.
By this new compact I consent to abide.
ALT.
Imprudent youth, too generously kind,
Thou know'st not her all-penetrating mind.
But, should she conquer thee by female wile,
Thou shalt not fall a victim to her guile.
To-morrow's high divan shall seal her fate;
Her wit may free her; or she'll be thy mate.
Enough of blood's been shed.
TUR. (aside.)
My subtle art
Shall crush his pride. Be firm, fond, wav'ring heart.
(March strikes up. ALTOUM, leaning on KALAF's shoulder,
followed by PANT., TART., DOCTORS, and Courtiers, exeunt L.
TURANDOT, ADELMA, SKIRINA, TRUFFALDIN, and slaves, exeunt R.)

END OF ACT II.

---

ACT III.

SCENE.—Street in Peking. (Enter KALAF and BARAK.)

KALAF.
None know my name in Peking's busy town,
Your trusty tongue's as secret as my own;
E'en to your wife I hope you've not revealed—
BARAK.
From her especially the truth's concealed.
KALAF.
For many years, as dead I've been, given o'er.
No mortal here has seen my face before.
Fear not.
BARAK.
Dear Prince, forgive me if I blame you,
I can't help dreading lest the Sphinx may name you.
You were not wise to give her this last chance;
She's so astute! She'll lead you a fine dance.
You had possession—nine points of the law,
Why should you for her meagrims care one straw?
KALAF.
Oh, had you seen her grief.
BARAK.
I needs must smile
To think the tears of this sly crocodile
Should take you in!
KAL.
Perhaps my tender love
Her heart to mutual tenderness may move.
BAR.
No gratitude you'll get from that proud snake.
KAL.
Revile her not!
BAR.
I for your safety quake.
She's quite as cunning as she's fierce.
Her eyes can even through a millstone pierce.
KAL.
Nay, hope the best. My lucky stars preside,
They'll crown me victor of my lovely bride.
BAR.
You're just the same dear, sanguine, thoughtless boy
As ever. I can't bear to spoil your joy.
(Enter BRIGHELLA, marching backwards, commanding a few
Chinese guards; PANT. and TART.)
BRIG.
Halt! Pigtails, right! Attention! Royal Black Guards!
(aside.) How I do hate this dangerous marching backwards!
PANT.
Oh, here he is! At last we've caught our bird.
Prince, how d'ye do! Allow me just one word.
But who's this man? (points to BARAK.)
Of what has he been talking?
BAR. (aside.)
I hope they don't suspect—(aloud.) As I was walking,
This man accosted me (I do not know him),
He asked if I his way would kindly show him.
PANT.
Great Prince, you're compassed round about with traps.
If we don't keep you in our eye—perhaps
The Sphinx may have you murdered. To prevent
Unpleasant little accidents we're sent
By his celestial Majesty, to take you
In our safe custody. We'll not forsake you.
(to BARAK.) And you're her spy, I do believe; get out!
And mind your own affairs, Sir Pry-about.
(to KALAF.) As Minister, I hope I may make bold
To say "Sweet Prince, take care you are not sold."
Pray whisper not your name to any one
Except to me, your friend. I'll blab to none.
On my discretion you may safe repose,
Confide in me; your name I'll not disclose.
No more than I would jump right o'er the moon.
KAL.
No doubt; but yet my name, good Pantaloon,
Like yours, must be quite "inexpressible."
PANT.
My wish to please is irrepressible.
Command me, pray. Henceforth I will be dumb.
The watchword is,—I understand you,—"Mum!"
TART.
G-go-ood Pr-prince, d-don't m-mi-mind th-that st-stu-pid P-pa-pantaioon,
H-he's n-nothing b-but a g-go-gossipping B-buff-ffoon.
C-co-conf-fi-fide in m-me. Your s-se-secret I won't u-u-ut-ter,
I-in f-f-fact I c-ca-can't, 'c-ca-cause of my d-de-deuced s-st-stutter.
PANT.
Your Highness! to the palace, if you please.
(Signs to BRIGHELLA.)
BRIG.
Recover, Pigtails! Black Guards, stand at ease!
(Exeunt KALAF, PANT., and TART., Guards and BRIGHELLA.)
BARAK, (who has been watching in the background, comes forward).
Ye Tartar deities, watch o'er his life!
Good gracious, what can hither bring my wife?
(Enter SKIRINA.)
Where art thou going, wife, in such a hurry?
SKIR.
Oh, dearest husband, I'm all in a flurry.
Our handsome guest will be Chang's future
Who'd have believed such an astounding thing?
The Princess Turandot is in despair;
She weeps, she wrings her hands, she tears her hair.
She'll kill herself if she can't tell to-morrow
The name of your young friend. To calm her sorrow,
I bade her not torment herself, for you
Knew all about him, and his father too.
BAR.
Unhappy woman, thou hast ruined us!
SKIR.
Why, what harm's done? Why make you such a fuss?
BAR.
My head will have to answer for thy tongue.
SKIR.
Oh, nonsense, dear; I'm sure I've done no wrong.
(Enter TRUFFALDIN and slaves.)
BAR.
Behold what thou hast done, thou Chatterbox.
(TRUFFALDIN, with pompous exaggerated ferocity, holds his sabre to BARAK's breast.)
TRUF.
Make no resistance! Yield thee, sly old fox!
SKIR.
Have mercy, Truffaldin,—my husband spare!
TRUF.
Of his bald head I'll not disturb one hair.
Good female, you're of the fem'nine gender,
And therefore towards your weakness my heart's tender.
Your husband shall not come to any harm,
So pray don't needlessly yourself alarm.
The highest honour is in store for him,
Free entrance's offered to our Hareem.
BAR.
The gilded trap of the fair Serpent-Sphinx.
She's found me out; she's eyes like any lynx.
There's no escape.
TRUF. (flourishing his sabre).
Lead on, my free-born slaves,
To where the flag of slavedom freely waves.
(Exeunt BARAK, TRUF. menacing him, and slaves.)
SKIR.
Forgive me, husband dear. Adieu, adieu!
Oh dear, oh dear, what ever shall I do?
Adelma urged me to my boastful prating—
She always is so very aggravating;
I'd like to drop a lump of deadly pison
In her next cup of "best strong-flavoured Hyson."
I do declare my brain's all in a fuddle—
Fo-hi, do help me out of this sad muddle!
I'll sacrifice another guinea-pig,
For mortals, then, I needn't care one fig. (Exit.)

SCENE II.—A vestibule in TURANDOT's Hareem. BARAK is fastened to one of its pillars, black mutes, with drawn daggers, stand on each side of him. A large porcelain dish, fitted with golden coins is on a table near him. TURANDOT stands before him in a threatening attitude. (ADELMA beside her.)

TUR.
Yet hast thou time. Obey my royal pleasure,
And thine shall be this pile of golden treasure.
If not, my slaves shall pierce thy heart. His name
Reveal at once; his parentage proclaim.
BAR.
Your threats are vain; your treasures I despise.
Repent your obstinate resolve. Be wise
And learn, a woman's highest happiness
Is, by her love a worthy man to bless.
TUR.
To preach to me befits thee not. Desist.
My potent will in vain thou wouldst resist.
Seize on him, slaves, and do your work. Forbear
Awhile. Reflect, and save thy life. I swear
By Fo-hi's face, no harm shall touch thy friend
Nor thee, if thou consent to serve my end.
BAR.
Your path's deceitful. Swear by Fo-hi's might
My friend shall call you his e'er morrow's night.
You hesitate—you dare not swear a lie
Before the sacred face of great Fo-hi.
ADELMA.
Presumptuous wretch, dar'st thou our queen defy?
Princess, demur no longer; let him die.
(SKIRINA rushes in.)
SKIR.
Hold, Princess; hold; your father is at hand!
(aside.) My knees are knocking; I can hardly stand.
ADELMA.
Unlucky chance! To prison with this fellow!
SKIR.
Adelma, hush; you needn't bawl and bellow.
TUR.
In deepest dungeon let him be confin'd.
BAR.
My body you may shackle; not my mind.
SKIR. (aside to BARAK.)
Take courage, husband; do not fear their spite;
The pig will save us yet; I tell you it's all right.
(Mutes hastily conduct BARAK through a secret door; others
remove the dish of gold.)
TUR.
Adelma, thou'rt my only friend. Advise
My mind distraught 'twixt love and hate. Despise
Me not, but pity me. Some counsel lend.
ADEL.
As force has failed, by craft we'll gain our end.
I have a plan,—I'm sure of its success,
If to the stranger's cell we gain access.
TUR.
Take gold—suborn his guards—the highest meed
I hold as nought if thy new scheme succeed.
ADEL.
Skirina's help I need to work my plot.
SKIR.
I'd let myself be skinned for Turandot.
I wish my service could my husband save.
TUR.
His life be thy reward, thou faithful slave.
(SKIRINA kisses Turandot's hand.)
ADEL.
Your royal father comes. In me confide.
(aside.) Assist me, love, to quell her haughty pride.
(Exeunt ADELMA and SKIRINA.)
TUR.
What will Adelma's fertile brain devise?
(after a pause.) In vain the truth I'd hide from mine own eyes;
My heart is his—irrevocably his.
To be his wife—oh rapture, heavenly bliss!
Yet I must spurn his love. I will not bear
All China's cold contempt; man's scoffing sneer.
What glory would be mine could I but tame
This bragging conqueror. Pronounce his name
In high divan, and chase him from our city,
Abashed and in despair. But yet, with pity
My heart would surely break. Come, virgin pride
And woman's art my shame and grief to hide.
To-day, proud man has made me bear disgrace;
To-morrow I must triumph o'er his race.
But yet—he did not boastfully rejoice—
Rebuke I welcomed from his gentle voice.
How humble was his suit—how mild and good,
How unresentful towards my scornful mood.
Avaunt, ye tender phantasies, avaunt!
I dread the world's disdain—its scoffing taunt.
My people shall not see Turandot fall,
The slave of one means abject slave to all.
(Enter ALTOUM, perusing a scroll; PANT, and TART, following at
some distance.)
ALT. (to himself.)
The Bey of Tefflis dead? So ends this tyrant!
PANT. (aside to TART.)
What makes his Majesty indulge in high rant?
ALT. (as above.)
Prince Kalaf, heir to Tartary's high throne,
Is called to fill the Bey's, besides his own.
This scroll informs me Kalaf is the stranger
Who overthrew the Sphinx and 'scaped her danger.
I'm glad to find the Prince is no bad catch,—
My daughter's will be quite a splendid match.
PANT. (to TART.)
What is he muttering all to himself,
Just like a miser counting o'er his pelf?
I do believe he's talking in blank verse,
Or reasoning in rhyme, which would be worse.
He's deaf; if he were blind, 't would suit us better,
For then he couldn't read his private letter.
TART. (to PANT.)
A s-sp-special Es-taf-fette! Ci cova gatto!
S-such m-my-mystery! Capisco niente affatto.
(ALT. places the scroll in his breast, and signs to PANT. and
TART. to withdraw, which they do with reluctance.)
ALT.
My child, the night is far advanced; yet still
Thy restless steps pace through thy hareem chill.
Quite hopeless is thy task; not all the College
Of Doctors could impart the wished-for knowledge.
Thou canst not guess thy 'pponent's name, tho' we
Have fully learned his family history.
He's worthy of thy hand; my wish obey,
Avoid to-morrow's public exposée.
Thou'rt sure to fail. For my sake save thy fame,
My soul recoils from witnessing thy shame.
TUR.
I shall not put my father to the blush;
My adversary's arrogance I'll crush.
ALT.
Ah, flatter not thyself. Let one defeat
Suffice; do not the painful scene repeat.
TUR.
The high divan shall judge. Firm as a rock
Is my strong will. His easy task I mock.
ALT.
Has thy keen wit discovered—tell me truth—
The secret of this overtrusting youth?
If so, be gen'rous; let him go in peace;
From further strife and public struggle cease.
Deal gently with this boy of noble race,
Nor wantonly expose him to disgrace.
Thus shalt thou earn all Chang's high admiration.
Thy harsh decree has much estranged the nation.
They tell strange tales about the Chinese Sphinx,
Men's skulls she gnaws—hot human blood she drinks.
Oh, show thyself as modest, tender, duteous,—
More homage this commands than being beauteous.
TUR.
Your mercy, Sire, beseems your hoary age;
Your words might well convert a Grecian sage,
But cannot change my purpose. I'll not bow
My neck to any man: so runs my vow.
In public this pert boy my power defeated,—
In public shall my vengeance be completed.
ALT.
Dear child, paternal love shall condescend
To humbly beg obedience. Do but bend
To my desire, and thou shalt from me learn
The whole of what this stranger may concern.
In public thou shalt triumph—name aloud
Thy foe, in face of an applauding crowd.
But swear, if thus I'm traitor for thy sake
Thou wilt this suitor for thy husband take.
Thy deed will bless thine aged father's days—
Reward a loving heart—win all men's praise.
TUR. (who has listened with increasing emotion)—
His words are torture to my wav'ring pride,
How shall I act? How may I best decide?
Adelma shall I trust? Her plot may fail;
Without disgrace a father may prevail.
Down, stubborn soul (advances towards ALT., then
hesitates), and yet, beneath Man's yoke
To crouch? No, no, my vow I'll not revoke.
ALT.
Thou'rt touched. Sweet daughter, grant my fond desire.
TUR.
He fears I may succeed and thwart him. Sire,
I'll meet in high divan. My will is steady.
ALT.
Then, if thou fail, the altar shall be ready;
The rite shall be performed with solemn fitness,
While vulgar crowds shall thy confusion witness.
Their scoffing jeers shall be thy wedding hymn;
Thy father stooped in vain; now stoop to him. (Exit.)
TUR.
Oh, murder not your child! Adelma, friend,—
Forsake me not. My grief some comfort send;
My only hope's in thee. If great Fo-hi
Withhold success, to-morrow sees me die. (Exit.)

END OF ACT III.

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