Turandot

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 shaft 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.