Turandot

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.