Never yet kept fond lovers apart,
Nor tweaked the nose of their Punchinello.
ZELIMA
Cease! Her royal highness orders—
PUNCHINELLO, SCARAMOUCHE AND PANTALOON
[Pushing past Zelima, enter the room bearing bright Chinese lanterns, and singing in chorus]
A merry heart, O, a merry heart
Never yet kept fond lovers apart!
[Joined by Harlequin, they pause together before Turandot and, pointing simultaneously their left toes, strike sharply their instruments with a sweeping bow]
TURANDOT