Turandot

He's young and handsome, do have some compassion,

Don't doubly kill him, in your usual fashion.

Accept him as your husband, my sweet daughter,

Don't keep us any longer in hot water.

TUR. (after gazing at KALAF, aside to SKIRINA)-

Skirina, what can ail me? Heigho! surely

This can't be love-I feel so faint-quite poorly.

No man has ever touched my heart-but now

For this sweet youth I feel-I don't know how.

In all my life I never felt so queer.

SKIR.

At last you've fall'n in love; that's very clear.

So much the better! make your riddles plain.

And then he needn't puzzle his poor brain.

TUR.

Nay, peace, Skirina, recollect my glory.

(ADELMA has observed KALAF with emotion.)

ADELMA.

'Tis he! my former slave. I guessed his story.

My heart was right, he's one of noble birth.

TUR.

Young prince, I clearly recognise your worth.

Be wise in time. Relinquish your attempt.

Too arduous is the trial. Do not tempt

The Fates. I am not cruel, as they say,

But shun the yoke of Man's despotic sway.

In virgin freedom would I live and die;

The meanest hind may claim this boon,-shall I,

The daughter of an emperor, not have

That birthright which belongs to all? Be slave

To brutish force, that makes your sex our lord?

Why does my hand such tempting bait afford?

The gods have made me beauteous, rich, and wise,

Presumptuous man considers me his prize.

If nature dowered me with bounteous treasure

You tyrants think 'twas all to serve your pleasure.

Why should my person, throne, and wealth be booty

To one harsh, jealous master? No, all beauty

Is heaven's gift, and like the sun, should shine

To glad earth's children, and their souls refine.

I hate proud man, and like to make him feel

He may not crush free woman 'neath his heel.

KAL.

Such high-souled sentiments, so fine a mind,

Transcendent grace and beauty, all combin'd

Must justify my love and seeming boldness.

I ne'er accused you of disdain or coldness.

I duly honour maidenly reserve.-

Your favour I pretend not to deserve;

But who would not risk all, with blindfold eyes,-

To win a heaven on earth,-a Paradise?

Each day do we not see, for smaller gain,

Great captains brave the dangers of the main?

For glory's empty bubble thousands perish,

Above all treasures your fair hand I cherish;

Your heart and not your throne, is my desire;

Condemn me not if madly I aspire.

SKIR. (aside to Turandot.)

For Fo-hi's sake! three easy riddles give,

Don't let him die, but as your husband live.

ADELMA.

How noble are his words! Ah, had my sire

But known he was a prince. My heart's desire

I'll yet obtain; I'll save him by some plot,

He ne'er shall wed the hateful Turandot.

(to Turandot.) Princess, you're agitated; calm your nerves,

And treat him with contempt as he deserves.

TUR.

You're right, Adelma; thanks for your kind zeal;

He's woman's foe; no pity must I feel.

(to Kalaf.) Prepare then, arrogant young man.-

ALT.

Dear prince,

May not our Royal words your ear convince?

KAL.

I still repeat: 'Or death or Turandot!'

PANT. (aside.)

My poor young man, you'll surely go to pot!

ALT.

Then read the awful mandate.

SKIR.

How I tremble.

ADELMA.