Turandot

If any noise you hear, it's only mice!

(Exit, winking significantly.)

KAL.

Good night, and thanks; your hint I comprehend.

Will treachery be used my life to end?

Nay, Turandot's too noble-I'll not fear.

The fateful hour approaches (opens a casement.)

Dawn is near,

I'll seek to drown my care in dreamy rest.

(As he sinks on the couch, a secret door opens, admitting SKIRINA

dressed in male attire, a false beard on.)

SKIR.

My lord.

KALAF. (starting up.) What man is this? Some silly jest.

SKIR.

What, don't you know Skirina? (takes off the beard.)

I'm so frightened!

Disguised I've passed your guards, in these clothes tightened.

I've got so much to tell. Your poor old tutor

Is put in chains! Yes, nothing less would suit her.

He's anxious for your life-he begs you'll sign

Your name to show you're safe; just write one line

To pacify him; or he'll all declare;

The Princess Turandot's in such a flare.

I tremble for my husband,-he's demented,

Until you've kindly to his wish consented.

I've brought a tablet-just your name indite

To ease his mind.

KAL. (takes the tablet.)

To please him, I will write.

(Suddenly recollects himself, and looks at her searchingly.)

Skirina, would'st thou traitress turn? Thy guest I've been.

SKIR. (aside.)

I promised I would do my best.

But such reproaches down I cannot gulp,

Not if my mistress beat me to a pulp.

So Miss Adelma may play off her tricks

Herself, (to KALAF.) Please don't your eyes thus on me fix.

(whimpering.) I should have thought some slight consideration

You would have felt for my sad situation.

If you suspect me.

KAL.

Nay, I'm sure you acted

All out of kindness.

SKIR. (aside.)

I shall go distracted.

(to KALAF.) My husband waits your news. My leave I'll take;

(aside.) Adelma's sharp; but he's as wide awake. (Exit.)

KAL.

Brighella warned me well.

(Enter TRUFFALDIN, covered by a long black mantle.)

Another visit!

Nocturnal ghosts abound. Well, friend, what is it?

TRUF.

Your Excellency, news excellent I bring-

You'll hear a wonderfully wondrous thing.

KAL.

Speak on, good vision; I am all attention.

TRUF.

T'explain in plainest words is my intention.

The keeper of the Hareem stands before you!

But that's not here nor there; so I'll not bore you

With all my titles. The Princess Turandot

Right thro' the heart by Cupid's dart is shot!

I would not flatt'ringly your Highness flatter

With mincing terms, nor will I mince the matter.

My mistress is distracted to-distraction

By your attractive personal-attraction.

If truth I speak not, may the high Fo-hi

Grind all my bones to make his next meat-pie!

KAL.

So far, so good; what hast thou more to say?

TRUF.

Be not impatient, Royal Highness, pray.

My mistress is a tiger-cat-(permit

The term; tho' coarse, 'tis graphically fit.)

She gnashes her white teeth with frantic ire,

And raves against you, 'Robbers, murder, fire!'

If truth I speak not, may the high Fo-hi

Make mince-meat of me for his sacred pie.

KAL.

No need of oaths. But hast thou not, good keeper,