[Turandot starts suddenly from her throne and sinks back, whispering to Zelima. Capo despatches Harlequin to Turandot, who gives him tremblingly a key, which he carries to Scaramouche]

CAPO.

Unlock the secret box.

SCARAMOUCHE

[As Harlequin unlocks the little box on his platter and presents to him a strip of parchment from within it, reads aloud]

A withered rose.

[A murmur runs through the assembly]

ALTOUM

Now by my star, well guessed!

CAPO.