Chapter II: Part 2

THE EIGHT DOCTORS.

(_All together._) Must be executed! Must be executed--in its entirety. Decision final--irrevocable!

ALTOUM.

Straight to the altar, then. This stranger prince Will now reveal his birth and name, the priests----

TURANDOT (_in despair_).

Grant me a respite, father!

ALTOUM.

Not one minute.

TURANDOT.

(_Casting herself on her knees before him._)

If you would have me living, father, father! Grant me another day, another contest. I cannot bear the shame of it. I will rather Die than be subject to that coxcomb there, Die rather than be wife to that proud boy. The very word "wife," the mere thought of it, Of being his possession, strikes me dead.

ALTOUM (_descending from his throne_).

Savage and obstinate and ruthless child! Not one word more. Come, gentlemen, let us go!

CALAF (_to_ TURANDOT).

Arise, fair, cruel mistress of my heart!

(_To_ ALTOUM.)

I beg you, sire, grant her the respite! How Could I be happy if she hated me? And what avails my love, breeding but hate? If I have not the power to touch her heart, Let her be free. I do not claim my right.

(_To_ TURANDOT.)

If you could see into my heart that bleeds, Torn as it is, you would be merciful. You are determined I shall die. So be it.

(_To_ ALTOUM.)

Grant her another match. My life is cheap.

ALTOUM.

No more of that! On to the Temple, on I The games are over now.... Imprudent youth!

TURANDOT (_determinedly_).

So be it, to the Temple, I say, too! But on the altar steps your daughter dies.

CALAF.

Dies? Lord and master, and my Princess you... I pray you both to grant me one desire: I will myself set my unbending Queen One riddle now. And this is my riddle: Who Is that King's son and of what stock is he, Who was a beggar, porter, menial, Yet in good fortune more unfortunate? Woman without a heart, guess here to-morrow In the Divan his and his father's name. If you can _not_, take pity on my pain, Appease your heart, refuse your hand no more! But if your cunning tell those two names true, Your pride may drink its fill out of my blood.

TURANDOT.

Stranger, I take the bargain. It shall hold.

ZELIMA (_aside_).

Alas, new fears!

ADELMA (_aside_).

New hope is beckoning!

ALTOUM.

I do _not_ take the bargain. The law alone Holds good, and shall be carried out.

CALAF (_kneels before him_).

Sublime Ruler of nations, star of all the world, Let your great heart be softened, and vouchsafe To grant what here your daughter begs with me. Deny her not the satisfaction I Do not withhold. Let her bestir her brains; And if her brains can serve her, let her give The answer to my riddle here to-morrow.

TURANDOT (_aside_).

Rage stifles me, and he is mocking still.

ALTOUM.

Blind fool, you know not what you ask. But have Your wish! Another contest there shall be! If she can name the names, we will not force Marriage on her; but you--for I forbid New carnage--free and scatheless go your way!

(_In a low voice to_ CALAF.)

Now follow me! Blind fool, what have you done?

(_Music strikes up with a march._ ALTOUM _turns, followed by the guards, the doctors_, PANTALONE, _and_ TARTAGLIA, _to left exit_. _Exeunt_ TURANDOT, ZELIMA, TRUFFALDINO, _the eunuchs, and female slaves, with their tambourines, through the door to the right_.)

END OF THE FIRST ACT.

THE SECOND ACT

SCENE I

Chamber in the harem.

TURANDOT, ZELIMA. _Afterwards_ ADELMA.

TURANDOT.

I cannot bear to think of it, Zelima; I cannot bear the thought of my disgrace.

ZELIMA.

I cannot think you mean it, mistress mine. A young prince, noble, handsome, so enamoured, And you so full of hatred and disgust?

TURANDOT.

Torture me not. That is the very reason... I am ashamed to say that it is so.... But there are other feelings strange to me.... I seem to shiver both with heat and frost.... No, no, I hate him, I am sure, Zelima-- Hate him for making me a laughing-stock Before the whole Divan--nay, the whole world! How they will laugh at me! Help me, Zelima! Come to my help! How did his riddle run: "Who is that Prince and of what stock is he, Who was a beggar, porter, menial, Yet in good fortune more unfortunate?" So much is clear that he himself is meant. But how in all the world am I to guess His and his father's names? Here no one knows him. The Emperor himself has granted him For the time being still to be unknown. Only to save time did I take the odds. What shall I do now? I am helpless, helpless!

ZELIMA.

How would it do to ask a fortune-teller?

TURANDOT.

A fortune-teller?

ZELIMA.

No, that would not do. But think, how genuine his pain, his sighs! And how he cast himself at your father's feet To plead for you!

TURANDOT.

Enough of this--enough! I said, indeed... my heart... believe it not. It is not true. I hate him. For I know They all are treacherous: pretending love Until they have the maiden in their toils; But when they have their will, they laugh at us, Dallying with now this woman and now that; Nor is there any slave too base for them, Nor any harlot at too low a price. Zelima, speak no more of him. If he To-morrow is victorious again, Oh, I shall hate him worse than death.

ZELIMA.

Dear mistress, So long as you are young and beautiful, Rebellion beseems you. But when age Comes creeping on, and wooers stay away, What will be yours beside too late regret?... What would you lose now save a little pride, The phantom of your fame?...

ADELMA.

(_Has slowly come nearer, and now interrupts her._)

They that are base In birth may, it is true, so basely think As thou, Zelima. How couldst thou conceive The feelings of our noble mistress, when After so many years with triumph crowned, A stranger roving here from who knows where Puts her to shame in public? How shouldst thou Know anything of pride and pain and shame? Thou didst not see the looks of mockery, The slanted smile round every mouth. I saw it, Saw it and shook with rage and shame for her. I love her. And shall I stand and see her now, Against the promptings of her heart and will, Delivered up into a stranger's hands?

TURANDOT (_vehemently_).

Stop! Do not make me mad beyond control!

ZELIMA.

Delivered up? Is it so bad as that?

ADELMA.

Be silent, thou! Thou pretty little slave, Thou hast no need to understand these things. What matters it to thee if, heedlessly, She pledged her word? And what shall come to pass In the Divan to-morrow if in shame She hold her tongue? I can already see The mockery scarcely hid, the open scorn, And the base wit, such wit as is the meed Of a poor actress.

TURANDOT (_beside herself_).

Hold your tongue, Adelma! Unless I know the names before to-morrow, I shall have nothing save this dagger....

ADELMA.

Do not despair, Princess. By taking thought-- Or, if it must be so, by trickery-- We yet will find the names.

ZELIMA.

Oh, find the names, Dear, wise Adelma....

TURANDOT.

I must know the names, Adelma. His name, and his father's name. How shall I find them out? Adelma, help me!

ADELMA.

One thing I know: to-day in the Divan Himself betrayed it: in this city lives _One_ man who knows his name and origin. Now what behoves us is to ferret through The town, and if we make no stint of gold Haply we may discover what we seek.

TURANDOT.

Take anything--gold, gems--do what you will.

ZELIMA.

What can she do with gold or precious stones? Whom shall she give them to, to purchase help? And if the plan succeed, what will you do If some one find your mesh of trickery?

ADELMA.

Who would betray the trick--if not Zelima?

ZELIMA (_flaring up_).

Shame on your venomous tongue! Princess, hear _me_: Cast not your gold away. I had indeed Hoped to appease, convince you in the end, Hoped you would give the Prince your hand--the Prince Who loves you, and well is worthy of your love. Now I will be obedient. My old mother, Skirina, came to visit me just now. Rejoicing at the fortune of the Prince, And knowing nothing of the imminent Encounter which to-morrow shall decide, She told me she had spoken to the stranger The night before, and said that my step-father, Old Hassan, knows him. There and then I asked What might his name be, but she did not know, Or swore she did not. Hassan, so she said, Would not betray his name for any price. This notwithstanding, she has promised me To do her best to worm the secret out. Now, Princess, doubt my zeal, if still you can.

(_Exit in excitement._)

TURANDOT.

Come, to my arms! Why does she run away?

ADELMA.

Let the fool go. Now we have got the scent, And let us with swift cunning track the game. But come with me straightway and let me tell you The plan I have. Put all your trust in me.

TURANDOT.

Adelma, I put all my trust in you. But save me from this stranger whom I loathe.

(_Exeunt both._)

SCENE II

Before the Palace.

CALAF, BARAK.

CALAF.

But seeing that in all Pekin no man Knows me, save you, and since my country lies A hundred days of journeying from here, And when you think we have been wanderers O'er the earth's face eight years as unknown men, And when you think we are reported dead: I say, Barak, the wretched have no name.

BARAK.

And yet my mind misgives me: Here you win At one throw of the dice the loveliest Of maidens and a mighty empire too: You stake your head to win, and, having won, You throw the prize away.

CALAF.

You must not measure My actions by the ell: I am in love.... But you have been discreet, Barak, I know? Even to your wife?

BARAK.

Even to my wife, be sure. And yet my heart forebodes much evil hap.

SCENE III

PANTALONE, TARTAGLIA, BRIGELLA, SOLDIERS. _The foregoing._

PANTALONE.

Here he is, by the Lord Harry, here he is!

TARTAGLIA.

Who is this man, your Royal Highness?

PANTALONE.

Where the dickens have you been to, my dearest Prince? What sort of people are you honouring with your intercourse, my dearest Prince?

BARAK (_aside_).

Great heavens, what threatens now?

CALAF.

This is some stranger, Whom here I met and questioned of the way.

TARTAGLIA.

By your leave, my dearest Royal Highness, I had not previously noticed that there was any screw loose under your turban. Your conduct so far had led me, I trust not misled me, to believe that your head was screwed on quite safe. But what the deuce are you up to now, if you will allow me to say so?

PANTALONE.

'Sh! 'Sh! It's no use crying over spilt milk. Heaven knows, my dear Prince, you little suspect what hot water you've got into, and if we hadn't kept a sharp eye on you, you'd be in a fine pickle at this moment. (_To_ BARAK.) Your presence here, Mr. Nanny-goat, is no longer desired! As for you, my dearest Royal Highness, will you have the goodness to withdraw to your private apartments? Brigella, you will forthwith call two thousand men of the guards to arms, and with your corps of pages sentinel the entrance to his suite, taking care that no one gains admission. Our most Sublime Majesty, the Emperor, is so much in love with the Prince that he is all the time in a perfect state lest anything should happen to him. If he is not his son-in-law by to-morrow morning, Heaven knows the old gentleman will succumb to this violent passion. (_To_ CALAF.) And let me tell you, you've been making a fool of yourself. (_Whispering to him._) For Heaven's sake, don't let your name get between your teeth! But if by any chance you would care to whisper it to a venerable, discreet old man, I can assure you it would be in good keeping. What do you say?

CALAF.

You serve your Emperor ill, old gentleman!

PANTALONE.

Oh, bravo! Oh, bravo! Now then, Mr. Brigella, off you go!

BRIGELLA.

You stop your parleying first. I'll see to my duty in due course.

TARTAGLIA.

I should advise you to. Off you go, or off goes your head.

BRIGELLA.

My head's hard enough to stand _your_ pecking, old cock.

TARTAGLIA.

(_Whispering to_ CALAF.) I'm simply bursting with curiosity to know your dear, delightful name. If you would only have the kindness to confide it to me!

CALAF.

Enough! Enough! To-morrow you shall hear it.

TARTAGLIA.

Excellent. By George!

PANTALONE.

Your Royal Highness, I take my leave! (_To_ BARAK.) And you, my worthy Mr. Nanny-goat, you will do well to depart this place and smoke your pipe on the market square instead of standing about here. I urgently recommend you to mind your own business. I believe that would do you a lot more good.

(_Exit._)

TARTAGLIA.

(_To_ BARAK.) A lot more good, believe me! You have, if I may say so, a rascal's face; and I can tell you I don't like it.

(_Exit._)

BRIGELLA.

Permit me, your Royal Highness, to execute my commission. Have the goodness to follow me to your apartments!

CALAF.

I am coming.

(_To_ BARAK.)

Friend, until we meet again, Some better time, farewell.

BARAK.

Your humble servant.

BRIGELLA.

Come along! Come along! No more fooling.

(_Exit at the head of his guards, who march in two lines, with_ CALAF _between them_.)

SCENE IV

BARAK, then SKIRINA.

BARAK.

(_Sees_ SKIRINA _coming from the Palace_.)

Who's there? Skirina? What! And in such haste? Whence come you? Whither are you going?

SKIRINA.

Why, For sheer delight because the unknown Prince Had won the game; a little, too, because I itched to hear how the proud tigress took it, I ran to see Zelima in the harem.

BARAK.

Incautious woman! What is this you say? I see. I hear you boasting: "Yes, just fancy, The strange Prince spoke to us; my husband knows him...." Is it not as I say?

SKIRINA.

Well, if it is, What harm is there?

BARAK.

Confess it! You have told!

SKIRINA.

Well, yes! She asked me straightway for his name, And, to be frank, I promised her...

BARAK (_angrily_).

Damnation! The cat's out of the bag. Insensate woman! Come hence! Away out of the town!

(TRUFFALDINO _appears with his eunuchs in the background._)

Too late! There come the eunuchs.

(_To_ SKIRINA.)

Fool of a woman, go! Go home and hide thy folly!

(_To the eunuchs._)

Here I am!

SCENE V

TRUFFALDINO, EUNUCHS. _The foregoing._

TRUFFALDINO.

(_Aside._) You ass! (_Aloud._) Stop bleating and shaking your tags, you old ram you! (_In a kindly tone._) You're going to have a fine time of it to-day, old boy.

BARAK.

I'm wanted in the harem. Good! let us go.

TRUFFALDINO.

Ass! you're going to have a fine time of it, you old baa-baa. And I'll help you. Against all the rules of etiquette and good breeding, I condescend to introduce you alive into the harem. Can you appreciate the height of your good fortune? H'm! A vigorous old chap like you! Inside the most holy seraglio? Baa! Baa! All those pretty ladies? Baa! Baa! Eh! is that nothing to you? Baa! Baa! (_More to the public._) As a rule, we are very particular on this point--absolutely rigorous. As a rule, not even a flea is admitted into the harem before it has been carefully examined to see whether it's a male or a female. We tickle it, and if it laughs it's a she. Females have a silk thread tied round their left leg. Males are immediately executed. Baa! Baa! And now you have this good fortune thrust upon you.

BARAK.

I know the Princess sends you after _me_. What of the woman there? I know her not.

TRUFFALDINO.

Thou knowest her not! Baa! Baa! Thou art a liar, old chap. Thou liest in thy throat, thou silvery ram. Thou knowest her not! Thou paralytic pack of prevarication! This buxom smiling lady, with her attractive, plump figure, thou knowest her not? Thou thrice-bleached hypocrite! And all the time you share all she has, year in, year out, as far as you are able to. Baa! Baa! I'll help you. Baa! Baa! I'll teach you to tell me lies! Baa! Baa! Me, the Grand Eunuch of China! (_Beckons to the eunuchs to bring_ SKIRINA _closer to_ BARAK.) Well, do you know her now? This lady? Your wife, you wretch, you wretch! Baa! Baa!

SKIRINA.

I can't make head or tail of it.

BARAK.

Remember What I have said. And hold your tongue. Poor fool, You have now what you wanted.

SKIRINA.

Heaven help us!

TRUFFALDINO.

(_To the eunuchs._) Up! Take the pair of 'em between you. Slope swords! Halt! Attention! Eyes front! Quick march!

SCENE VI.

_In the harem._ _Anteroom with columns._ _In the middle a table, on which stands a large basin filled with gold coins._ _It is night._

(TRUFFALDINO _and his eunuchs surround_ BARAK, _who is fettered to a pillar_. _To the right stand_ SKIRINA _and_ ZELIMA, _weeping; to the left, in an imperious attitude_, TURANDOT.)

TURANDOT.

There still is time. I offer you again This dish of gold, if you will speak the names. If you refuse, I'll have you whipped to death. Come hither, slaves!

(_The eunuchs make her a deep bow and grip their sticks._)

BARAK (_to_ SKIRINA).

Now see what you have done!

(_To_ TURANDOT.)

Princess, feed on your prey. Strike on, ye slaves! I know the son's name and I know the sire's. But direst torture shall not make me speak; No, nor the pains of death. Your dish of gold Is so much dirt to me.

SKIRINA _and_ ZELIMA.

(_Cast themselves down before_ TURANDOT.)

Princess, have mercy....

TURANDOT.

I am sick of this obstinacy. Slaves, hither! Give this old man a whipping!

ZELIMA.

Frightful! Stay!

SKIRINA.

My husband! My poor husband!

ADELMA (_enters from behind the scenes_).

Take heed, Princess! Hasten away! The Emperor hither comes!

(_Pointing to_ BARAK _and_ SKIRINA.)

Conceal this pair here in the deepest dungeon. Give me this dish of gold, and let Zelima Come with me. I have bribed the sentinels That stand at guard before the stranger's room. Zelima, if you love your mother, do What now I bid.

TURANDOT.

In you I put my trust, Adelma. Help me! Do what you think fit!

(_At a sign from_ ADELMA, TRUFFALDINO _leads_ BARAK _and_ SKIRINA _out to the right_.)

ADELMA.

Zelima, come. (_To the eunuchs._) One of you bring this basin.

(_Exit_ ADELMA, _followed by_ ZELIMA _and one of the eunuchs, carrying the basin_.)

SCENE VII

TURANDOT.

TURANDOT.

What will Adelma do? If I should win, Who would be greater then than Turandot? Who then would dare to challenge her again? Ah! what a joy, to cast the names to-morrow Into his face, and drive him from my presence, Shamed, disappointed! Not pure joy, perhaps.... I see him weeping, sad, depressed.... I feel Something like pity at the thought of it.... Stay, Turandot, thou little soul, what thought Is this thou harbourest now! Did _he_ show pity, When _he_ in the Divan had solved the riddles? Did he not make thee red with rage and shame? Heaven, help Adelma now, and help me, Heaven, To annihilate him utterly! Help me now To guard my virgin freedom, succour me Against the coarse and domineering sex!

SCENE VIII

ALTOUM, PANTALONE, TARTAGLIA, GUARDS, TURANDOT.

ALTOUM (_meditatively, aside, reading letter_).

So Fate at last has stricken that bloody robber, The Sultan of Tashkent. And the same fate Brings, by strange dispensation, Timur's son, Calaf, to us, and to a great good-fortune. Who dares to penetrate Thy mysteries, Just Heaven?

PANTALONE (_whispering to_ TARTAGLIA).

What the devil is the old gentleman always drivelling about now?

TARTAGLIA (_whispering_).

A secret messenger has arrived. Hell's loose somewhere.

ALTOUM (_stepping up to_ TURANDOT).

Child, the night is almost gone, And, sleepless yet, you wander to and fro, Seeking to know-something you cannot know. I, who have nowise sought, have found it out: You seek, and know it not.

(_Shows her the letter._)

Both names are writ Upon this sheet. From countries far away A secret rider bore it even now, With other tidings, grave and full of joy. The messenger I hold in custody Until to-morrow night. Your unknown suitor Is of a truth a prince, and a King's son. You will not, cannot guess the names. My child, It is a father's pity brings me here: Why will you once again, this day that dawns, Have yourself put to shame before a crowd, Suffering the cruel malice of their hate?

(_Makes signs to_ PANTALONE _and_ TARTAGLIA _to leave him alone_. _Exeunt both with the_ GUARDS.)

Leave us alone! I hold it in my hand To spare you all.

TURANDOT (_wavering_).

To spare me what? I thank you, Father. I have no need of any help. In my own wits I have my best defence.

ALTOUM.

You are now at your wits' end; you know it, too. A desperate confusion fills your eyes. We are alone with one another now. Come, tell your father! Do you know the names?

TURANDOT.

You will know that in the Divan to-morrow.

ALTOUM.

Listen, my child. You do not know these names. But if you do, trust in my love and say. Then I will let the poor man know, and see That he shall quit my lands without delay, And we will have it noised abroad that you Have conquered him, and spared him public shame. Thus you escape the hatred of the crowd. Will you deny your father this light boon?

TURANDOT.

I know the names.... I do not know the names.... Did _he_ show any pity when _he_ won? Now let him bear what I myself have borne. If I _do_ know the names, I shall announce them To-morrow to the crowd in the Divan.

ALTOUM (_makes first a gesture of impatience and then forces himself to be calm._)

All that he did was done in love, my daughter, And in a game played for his head. Now bid Ambition leave your heart, and anger too, And let me show you how a father loves. I pledge my head you do not know the names. I have them here--and I will tell you them. To-morrow then you may in the Divan Put him to shame and contumely, and see His anguish and his torture call for death, Because with you he loses all he loved. And only one thing do I crave: when you Have fed your vengeance on him to the full, Reach him your hand and be his willing wife. Swear it; we are alone. Then have the names. And all shall be a secret, mine and yours.

TURANDOT (_uncertain and excited, aside_).

What shall I do? Depend upon Adelma? Or shall I let my father tell the names, And bow my head to the yoke?... Less is the shame, Beyond all doubt, to yield to one's own father. But what if wise Adelma had succeeded Already, and my oath had been too soon?

ALTOUM.

Why will you rack your brains when all is clear? Let not irresolution harry you! Would you still have me think you know the names? Child, be persuaded!

TURANDOT (_aside_).

No, I will wait for Adelma. My father urges me. This is a sign The mystery is not impenetrable. He is in league with that strange man, and seeks To talk me over.

ALTOUM.

Hesitate no longer! Make up your mind! Rein in your rearing pride! Torture yourself no more.

TURANDOT.

I _am_ resolved. Call the Divan together in good time. I have no more to say.

ALTOUM.

You are resolved Rather to yield to force than to your father!

TURANDOT.

I am resolved to fight.

ALTOUM (_in a rage_).

Fool without heart! I will indeed call the Divan together To be your temple and your altar too. And I will summon priests, to celebrate Your marriage while a crowd looks on and mocks. Yea, have your will, you stupid fool! Good night.

(_Exit._)

SCENE IX

_Scene shifted._ _A magnificent apartment with several doors._ _In the middle of the room an Oriental divan, which serves_ CALAF _as a bed_. _Deep night._

BRIGELLA, CALAF.

BRIGELLA.

(_With a candlestick in his hand._) Three hundred and seventy-seven, three hundred and seventy-eight, three hundred and seventy-nine. It's already three o'clock in the morning, your Royal Highness, and you've walked now exactly three hundred and eighty times from one corner of the room to the other. To be quite frank, I'm done up, and if you _would_ lie down a little, it would do us both good. You're in safety here.

CALAF.

Yes, you are right. But my excited mind Gives me no peace. Forgive me! Leave me! Go!

BRIGELLA.

I should like to give you a piece of advice, my dearest Royal Highness: if a ghost pays you a visit, be prudent, be prudent; _try_ to be prudent.

CALAF.

Ghosts, do you say? What ghosts? Is the place haunted?

BRIGELLA.

Well.... H'm.... We have the most stringent orders to admit nobody, under penalty of death. H'm.... Poor servants _we_ are, poor servants! The Emperor is the Emperor, you understand, but the Princess, she is the Empress, so to speak. Poor servants... it's hard to have to pick your way between two puddles. Not half! If you only knew it, we've always got our heads between the hammer and the anvil. We don't want to get into _anybody's_ bad graces. I'm sure you understand me. And a man wants to put something aside for his old days. And so you see we poor devils are in the hell of a hole. Not half!

CALAF.

What are you driving at? Is my life in danger?

BRIGELLA.

I won't say that; but you are aware of the blessed interest people about here take in your name. By way of example it might possibly happen that a hobgoblin or a fairy steps in through the keyhole and leads you into temptation. Keep a tight rein on your five senses, that's all. You see what I mean, don't you? Poor servants _we_ people! Poor devils! Not half!

CALAF.

Go. Have no fear. I stand upon my guard.

BRIGELLA.

(_Slapping him on the back._) That's right, your Highness, that's right. I commend myself to your most gracious protection. (_Aside._) I _have_ heard that some people can find it in their hearts to refuse a purse of florins. _I_ have done my very best, but I can't find it in my heart. So help me, God! A man can only do what he can do. I can't do it; no, I can't do it.

(_Exit._)

SCENE X

CALAF.

CALAF.

What is this fellow warning me against? Who is to visit me? Well, I can fight, Yea, fight the very devil, if he come. My thoughts are all for her. Short time remains Of fearing and of torment: Dawn is nigh! And can it be her heart is still so hard And pitiless? Well, let us try to sleep.

SCENE XI

ZELIMA, CALAF.

_Enter_ ZELIMA.

ZELIMA.

My Prince, I am a slave of Turandot, And hither come by ways which even to her Are closed. Good news I bring you.

CALAF.

Slave, you lie. The heart of Turandot is pitiless.

ZELIMA.

You speak the truth. And yet: you are the first That ever touched it. You believe me not, And yet it is quite true. She says she hates you, And she already loves you. May the earth Swallow me if it is not true she loves you.

CALAF.

The news _is_ good. I will believe. What next?

ZELIMA.

She bids me tell you, only her ambition Drives her to desperation. Now she sees That what she undertook she cannot do, But thinking of to-morrow and its shame She is consumed.... May the earth swallow me, If here I lie!

CALAF.

Enough, my pretty slave. I will believe. Go! Tell her: it is easy To give the contest up. And she would win Fairer renown by softening her heart, And giving of her own free will the hand He longs for to the man who loves her true. Is this the message, haply, that you bring?

ZELIMA.

No, Prince. My message runs not so. We ask Consideration for our weaknesses. The Princess begs you for a favour. Spare Her vanity. Help her to say those names In the Divan to-morrow. Then she herself Will from her throne descend, and reach to you Her right hand. You it costs so little. Say The names, and in this manner win her heart.

CALAF (_with a smile_).

H'm! Pretty slave, where is the speech's end?

ZELIMA.

What speech's end, your Highness?

CALAF.

"Let the earth Swallow me if I lie in this."

ZELIMA.

You doubt it?

CALAF.

I do a little doubt it--just so much That I refuse to do what you desire. Go, tell your mistress, if I hide the names It is because a lover must be cautious-- I do not hide them with intent to pain her.

ZELIMA (_violently_).

Fool, fool! you little know what this will cost you!

CALAF.

And if it cost my life!

ZELIMA.

You soon will see. Good-night.

(_Aside._)

The fool! He has made a fool of me.

(_Exit in a rage._)

CALAF.

Be steadfast, heart! Only a few hours more The skies will clear, and fear will have an end. That I could sleep.... My tortured spirit yearns For rest. Sink down upon me, gentle sleep!

(_Goes to sleep._)

SCENE XII

CALAF, TRUFFALDINO.

TRUFFALDINO.

(_Comes creeping in cautiously from right, creeps under the divan._)

Well, thank God! he's gone to sleep at last. 'Sh! 'Sh! (_In the front of the stage before the footlights._) As my poor old mother used to say, "A good name is worth a fortune." What a good name this idiot of a Prince must have, considering how my gracious Princess is throwing all her money away on him! Skirina's got some, Zelima's got some, Brigella's got some. I've got some, and I'm going to get two purses extra if I get this young hopeful's name. And I shall get it! You watch me. I'm going to! (_With much ceremony he pulls a big turnip, wrapped in a strip of paper, out of his dress._) Here I have the famous magic root mandragora. The Universal Doctor and Great Herbalist Pimpernel, Market Square, second door to the right, let me have it for a tanner. Warranted, of course. Warranted to go two years. Printed instructions for use attached. (_Unwraps the turnip, reads:_) "The root mandragora opens all doors, bursts all locks, raises hidden treasure, confers riches and wisdom...." (_Looks up._) Aha! just what I want. (_Reads on:_) "It has influence over the constellations and the planets, makes the blind to see and the deaf to hear, is a protection against the evil eye, heals all maladies of the mind, depression in men and melancholy in women...." (_Looks up._) Aha! Depression, quite so. Melancholy, quite so. (_Reads on:_) "It confers the gift of second sight, reveals hidden secrets...." (_Looks up._) Ah! now we have it. Hidden secrets.... "Let it be placed under the pillow of the person, whether male or female, whose secret it is desired to know, when the said person is asleep. Then the person aforesaid..." Hurrah! (_jumps for joy_) "will, by dreaming aloud, communicate what it is desired to know." Did you hear that? Isn't that the very thing? (_Creeps up to_ CALAF'S _bed, and, with excessive caution, places the turnip under his pillow_.) 'Sh! 'Sh!

(_Draws back a little, and waits, in the greatest excitement, for what is going to happen._ CALAF _does not utter a sound_. _With a disappointed face_ TRUFFALDINO _creeps nearer the bed again_. CALAF _remains dumb_.)

Do say something, my dear boy! Do say something, please! (_Waits a little._) Out with the name, my sweet little lambkin.

(_With transfigured face_ CALAF _whispers terms of endearment_.)

What's he saying now? Tu... Tu... Turandot. Oh, bother! I know that name already, the name of my adored Princess. It's _your_ name I want to know, my darling boy.

(CALAF _goes on whispering excitedly_. _He smiles in his happy dream, and raises himself on his elbow during the following without opening his eyes_.)

Tu... nothing but Turandot! Well, then, here I am, duckie. Here I am, lovey, here I am--my own very self, your own little lovey duckie Turandot. (_Purses up his lips._ CALAF _smiles as though in rapture_.) What wouldst thou have of me, my sweetest heart? Eh? Well, what? Something like this? (_Smacks his lips._) Well, then, you _shall_ have it, and more besides. But first of all, darling, you must tell me your name, your own delightful, sweet little name, my honey!...

(CALAF _sinks back and lies dumb again, sulkily_.)

Oh, you won't, won't you? You really won't? How nasty of you, my love! Just look at me. See how pretty I am! (_Trips coquettishly up and down in front of the bed._) Look at my lovely white arms and my lovely plump legs, and my glorious hair hanging all down my back! ...Just look at it, my sweet little chick!

(CALAF _begins to whisper excitedly, raising himself the while_.)

That's right, that's right, quite so: talk, talk, my bonny babe! (_Bends down again, till his mouth almost touches the sleeper's._) Once again, my sweet one! Say it once again, my little white lambkin! It shall have its kiss, it shall, right away.

(CALAF _turns suddenly and violently round on the other side, and deals him a ringing box on the ear_. (_Squeaking noisily_, TRUFFALDINO _runs away_. CALAF _sits up for a moment in astonishment, opens his eyes, shuts them again immediately, and sinks back on his couch_.)

SCENE XIII

ADELMA, _veiled, with a lantern in her hand_.

CALAF _sleeping_.

ADELMA (_aside_).

O moment I have sighed for long! O love, That lendest cunning courage unto me! And Fortune, thou that through all obstacles Hast led me hither: help a lovesick maid! Oh, bring me to the goal of my desires! Silence this yearning, love! And, Fortune, break These galling fetters....

(_She lets the light of her lantern rest on_ CALAF, _and gazes at him_.)

My belovèd sleeps. Oh, burst not, heart! Dear eyes, how loth I am To trespass on the rest possessing you! And yet I must. At once. The short night flees.

(_She puts her lantern down._)

Stranger, awake!

CALAF (_starts up in a fright_).

Whose voice awakens me? What seekest thou again, thou creeping ghost? Why are my eyes denied their sleep?

ADELMA.

Be calm! Only a wretched woman stands before you. And she does not come, as the other did, To lure the names from you by trickery.

CALAF.

Let be! You cannot cheat me.

ADELMA.

I cheat _you_? Has not a slave been here with such intent?

(_Puts her lantern down._)

CALAF.

Yes, and she went as wise, as when she came, And you will go as wise as when you came.

ADELMA.

You know me ill to be so rude. Sit up And listen.

(_Sits down on the divan._)

CALAF.

Well, then, what is your desire?

ADELMA.

First look at me, and then.... Prince, tell me now, Who do you think I am?

CALAF.

In shape and bearing Noble you seem, but by your dress a slave. And as a slave I saw you yesterday In the Divan.

ADELMA.

Five years since I saw you, And then _you_ were a slave.

(_Raises her veil._)

Look at this face! Do you not know it?

CALAF.

Adelma! How! Adelma, Whom I thought dead!

ADELMA.

She is a serving-maid, Who was the daughter of King Kaikobad.

CALAF.

Adelma! A slave!

ADELMA.

A slave! I'll tell you why. I had a brother, blind with love, as you are, For Turandot. In the Divan he met her.

(_Weeps._)

You saw his head above the city gate With all the others.

CALAF.

It is true, then, true.

ADELMA.

My father Kaikobad, in fury bold, Led his array against Altoum. Fortune, The fickle jade, lured him to his defeat And death. Altoum's general devised At one fell stroke to extirpate our race. My brothers he assassinated. Me, Together with my mother and three sisters, He cast into the river, then in spate. The gentle Emperor, coming on the scene, Ordered his guards to fish us out again. I was the only one brought to the shore, And I was led in the triumphal train, And given as a slave to Turandot, To wait on the hard-hearted woman who Was cause of all my griefs. Now, Calaf, speak, Am I not worth compassion?

(_Weeps._)

CALAF (_moved_).

Indeed you are, Adelma, Princess of the Carcasenes! But what can so unfortunate a man As I am do for you? If fortune smile On me to-morrow, I will promise help For you, and freedom. And your grieving now Can only heap the measure of my own.

ADELMA.

You know me now, my destiny, my race. May you the better credit a King's daughter, What pity--I will not say love--constrains her Now to confide to you. False Turandot, Malicious, cunning, cruel Turandot, Soon as the morning dawns, will have you murdered. All orders are already given. So much From her, who is the mistress of your dreams.

CALAF (_starts up savagely_).

She will have me murdered, do you say?

ADELMA.

(_Rises likewise, with the most solemn emphasis._)

Yes, murdered: While you are on your way to the Divan. A score of swords await your setting out.

CALAF (_beside himself_).

I will call the guards.

(_Makes for the door._)

ADELMA (_holds him back_).

Bethink yourself, rash man! The guards? They have been bought by Turandot!

CALAF (_in blind despair_).

Timur, my wretched father, thus it stands. With Calaf, thy proud son; he that set out To seek good fortune for himself and thee!

(_Covers his face with his hands._)

ADELMA (_aside_).

Haha! Timur... Calaf.... Be thrice blest, lie That lured this forth. Doubly I hold him now.

CALAF.

Can it be possible that Turandot... How _can_ it be that such an angel's face Should hide such devilry?...

(_Contemptuously._)

No. You deceive me, Adelma. Go!

ADELMA.

I will forgive your doubt. An angel's face? Oh, would that you had seen her As I have! In the harem rages she, And like a snapping bitch runs to and fro, Green in the face, and with her bloodshot eyes Shining with hate under distorted brows. Doubt if you will. That you should doubt my words Is not such pain as your approaching death.

(_Weeps._)

CALAF.

What treachery! By the very guards betrayed Appointed to protect me! He spake right, That rascal of a captain: Gold kills duty. Life, fare thee well!

ADELMA.

And yet you may escape Your evil star. Up, I will show the way. By saving you from death, I save myself From slavery. With my jewels I have bought Two of the guards, an escort I have hired, And horses are in readiness. The Khan Of Berlas is my kinsman. Leagued with him Let us invade and seize my kingdom--yours, If so you will. And this my hand be yours, If you will have it. But if you will not, The Tartar Kings are not unblest with daughters, Fair maidens full of love and fit for you. Be you the King, and I will be your subject. Only flee, death. Only deliver me. And I will conquer even my love, which now, Crimson with shame, I have confessed..... Day dawns! Day dawns! My head swims.... Stranger, flee with me!

CALAF.

In vain. I have resolved to stay and die.

ADELMA.

Then I will, too, stay for a little while In slavery yet. And soon it will be seen Which of us two is readier to die.

(_Aside._)

Often persistent love attains at last! Calaf, Timur's son?

(_Aloud._)

Stranger Prince, good-night!

(_Exit._)

CALAF.

Oh, will this night of horrors never end? And this fight of the soul that is consumed In burning love? By Fortune cast away-- Cast into perils, by her hate pursued, I tarry for the dawn and traitorous knives.

(_The scene grows light._)

See, the sun rises. Now the hour is come For her to feed her pleasure on my blood, The hour has come that sees my torment end!

SCENE XIV

BRIGELLA, GUARDS, CALAF.

BRIGELLA.

Time's up, your Highness. Fun begins in a minute.

CALAF.

Oh, is it you? Well, carry out your orders! Be quick! It doesn't matter. Get it over.

BRIGELLA (_astonished_).

What orders? Eh? I haven't got any orders. The only order I've got is to escort you to the Divan. Double quick! The Emperor has already combed his beard and may appear in the Divan any minute.

CALAF (_in a tragedy tone_).

Up, then, to the Divan! What though I do not Reach it alive? What matters it? See here, Am I the man to be afraid of death?

(_Casts his sword away._)

I need no weapon. Let the Princess know That I have offered of my own free will To her assassins my defenceless breast

(_Exit._)

BRIGELLA.

What the devil _is_ the fellow raving about? Women, those damned women! They've been at him the whole night, not half, and his brain's collapsed! Hello, you! Present arms! Dress your ranks! March!

(_Exeunt._ _Music of drums and other instruments of war._)

END OF THE SECOND ACT.

THE THIRD ACT

SCENE I

_The great hall of the imperial Divan. In the "background, covered by a curtain, an altar with a Chinese idol; two priests standing beside it._ ALTOUM _on his throne, the doctors on their cushions_, PANTALONE _and_ TARTAGLIA _on each side of the_ EMPEROR. ALTOUM, PANTALONE, TARTAGLIA, _the_ DOCTORS, _the_ GUARDS. _Later_ CALAF. (_Enter_ CALAF _excitedly from right_. _He looks round uneasily and suspiciously._ _When he arrives at the middle of the room he bows to_ ALTOUM.)

CALAF (_aside_).

How's this? No trace of ambushed murderers? Did the slave lie? Can Turandot have found The names out, and rescinded her commands? Then I lose all. Death had been better far.

ALTOUM.

My son, you seem excited and in fear, And I were fain had you a merry face. Now all is well. Your sorrows are at end. Glad tidings that concern you I will save A little while. As for my daughter, she Is yours. She sent to me thrice in the night Petitioning release from this encounter. Therefore I charge you, son, be of good cheer!

PANTALONE.

Heaven knows, my dearest Royal Highness, I myself had to trot off in the night to pay a call on her Royal Highness in the Seraglio and receive her most illustrious commands. I didn't even have the time to tumble into my slippers and get dressed properly. And it was so cold, Heaven knows (_coughs_), I'm shivering yet. Never mind! Never mind!

TARTAGLIA.

They fetched me out of bed at 5 a.m. It was just beginning to get light a bit. She made me stand in front of her half an hour while she went on whining something or other. For sheer cold and vexation I talked the most clotted nonsense to her. (_Aside._) It would have suited my humour better if I could have given her a downright good spanking.

ALTOUM.

You see yourself: she is so slow in coming. I have already sent explicit orders In case of need to bring her here by force. Here she shall stand and learn to blush, a pain She would not let me spare her. Therefore, son, Take good heart at the prospect of near joy.

CALAF.

I crave your pardon, sire, and give you thanks! I am tormented by most fearful doubts, And by the thought that for my sake she now Is suffering shame and force. Much rather... No Not that. If I _do_ lose her, what remains To me of life? With time and tenderness I will compel her to forget this rage. My will shall be her wish, my heart her heart. For her sake I will grant what either asks, And my love's banner be: Fidelity!

ALTOUM.

Let there be no more dallying! This Divan Be changed into a temple, so that she, Soon as she enters here, may recognize That I too have a will. Prepare the marriage. Unveil the altar.

(_The curtain in the background opens, and the altar with the priests is seen._)

PANTALONE.

She's coming, my dear Lord Chancellor, she's coming. I believe I can already hear her whining.

TARTAGLIA.

The accompaniment does at all events sound decidedly dismal. That's what I call a genuine wedding march, just the same as for a funeral.

SCENE II

TURANDOT, ADELMA, ZELIMA, TRUFFALDINO, EUNUCHS, SLAVES. _The foregoing._ (_To the strains of a gloomy march_ TURANDOT _appears_. _Before her proceed eunuchs._ _Her whole escort wear signs of mourning._ _With the same ceremonial as in First Act_, TURANDOT _ascends the throne, and at sight of the altar and the priests starts with surprise_. _The position of the actors is exactly the same as in the First Act._ CALAF _stands erect in the centre_.)

TURANDOT.

This mourning of my escort, _Prince unknown_, These gloomy faces and these necks bowed down, Are (well I know it) sweet to your hard heart; And, mourning, I behold the altar ready. For all my efforts to avenge the shame Put on me yesterday, I still am helpless. I have fought my fight. I bow my neck to fate.

CALAF.

Would you could read the heart you say is hard, Princess, to see what wormwood your hate blends With all its rapture. Let not your heart rue Crowning the man with happiness who loves you And worships you, and if it is a crime To worship you, I beg you here: forgive!

ALTOUM.

Enough. She is not worth such humble words. Now teach _her_ to be humble! Music, ho! Up! To the altar! Let the priests begin!

TURANDOT.

One moment more! What vengeance is so sweet As this: to cradle in security And restfulness an unsuspecting heart, And then from the pinnacle of happiness To dash it down into the blackest hell Of torment?

(_She rises._)

Hear me, all of you: Depart From this Divan, _Calaf, son of Timur_! There is the riddle solved you set me. Wretch, Go! seek another wife, and shake with fear Of Turandot, whom none can overcome.

CALAF (_confounded and stricken_).

Great Heaven! Lost! Lost!

ALTOUM (_taken aback_).

What do I hear? Great Heaven!

PANTALONE.

Holy Madonna, she's gone and done it in his beard, my dear Lord Chancellor, Heaven knows.

TARTAGLIA.

(_Mopping his face._) Holy Gorgonzola! this gets over me and no mistake.

CALAF.

Lost! No one helps me. Who _could_ help me now? I have-been my own assassin, and in the end I lose by too much loving love itself. Why did I solve the riddles yesterday? If I had failed to solve them, I were now Cold, dumb, and free from torture worse than death. Great-hearted Emperor, why do you not Let that grim law hold good another time? Now she has found the names, give your cold daughter, To be her crowning triumph, this last head.

(_Approaches_ TURANDOT'S _throne_.)

Most cruel Princess, does it not offend you To know the heart still beating that has dared To love you? Look upon your victim here, Calaf, hateful to you, hateful to Heaven, To the world hateful, and to fortune too-- Calaf, who at your feet now dies.

(_He draws a dagger, and makes a thrust at his heart_. TURANDOT _leaps down from her throne and seizes his arm_.)

TURANDOT (_in a tone of tenderness_).

Calaf, What are you doing?

ALTOUM.

Dare I trust my eyes?

CALAF.

Leave me alone, cold woman! Let me die!

(_Points the dagger again at his breast._ TURANDOT _restrains him_.)

TURANDOT.

Stay! You shall live! and you shall live for me! Listen!

(_To_ ZELIMA.)

Run to the prisoners, Zelima! Comfort old faithful Barak and your mother!

ZELIMA.

Mistress, I will, and lose no time.

(_Exit._)

ADELMA (_excitedly, aside_).

This moment Spells death for me.

TURANDOT.

Now hear me: I have won By accident. For in a sudden burst Of feeling you betrayed yourself last night To my quick-witted slave Adelma here. But let the whole world know: I am above Injustice. And know you: your chivalrous Demeanour and fair features have o'ercome This stubborn heart. Live then, live and be proud: I am your prize.

ADELMA (_in pain, aside_).

Oh, torment worse than death....

CALAF (_casts his dagger to the floor_).

Mine! You! Oh, do not kill me, supreme joy!

ALTOUM (_descends from his throne_).

Let me embrace thee, daughter. This one hour Makes good the pain you heaped upon my heart.

PANTALONE.

Wedding! Wedding! Reverend doctors, your presence is no longer required here.

TARTAGLIA.

Have the goodness to withdraw to the posterior apartment.

(_Exeunt doctors back of stage._)

ADELMA (_comes to the front_. _In the greatest excitement to_ CALAF).

Live! Oh, yes, live! Live with my enemy In happiness.

(_To_ TURANDOT.)

To you, Princess, I say: I hate you. All I tried to do last night I did to snatch from you the man I love, Whom secretly I loved ere he loved you. Last night I sought to have him flee with me. He would not. All my arts could lure from him Were those two names, which I betrayed because I hated you. I planned you should reject him, And that I then should have him. All in vain. There is one last way open to me now. I, too, am royal, and I am ashamed. That so long I have suffered servitude. Take now the last of all the Carcasenes To crown your triumphing....

(_She picks_ CALAF'S _dagger up from the floor_.)

This steel, which you Have warded from his breast, shall open me The way to freedom....

CALAF (_restrains her_).

Stay!

ADELMA.

Off! Let me die.

(_In a voice stifled with tears._)

Ungrateful wretch!

CALAF (_snatches the dagger from her_).

No, for I owe you all. It was your treachery saved me. You shall not Call me ungrateful.

TURANDOT.

Are you mad, Adelma, All of a sudden?

CALAF.

Generous Emperor, If my petition may in aught avail, Give her her freedom!

TURANDOT.

I petition, too, My noble father. I conceive it well, She never can forgive me her distress; No, nor believe that I can pardon her. Give her her freedom.... And if you could grant Some greater favour, do it for our sake!

ALTOUM.

On such a day of gladness be the measure Of mercy full. I give her not alone Her freedom but her father's kingdom back. So let her choose a consort she can love, And rule the realm with him....

ADELMA.

To all the weight Of guilt upon my conscience, to my load Of love sent back from where it should have lodged, You add the burden of the greatest mercy. I cannot yet conceive it. Give me time To understand the height of my good fortune. But now I have no answer save these tears....

CALAF.

Oh that I knew now where to find you, father! My heart, so full of joy, burns to embrace you.

ALTOUM.

Calaf, rejoice exceedingly. This empire You have twice won. Your father, too, has won His kingdom back. Slain is the Sultan who Robbed it from him. Until your sire's return A faithful servant wields the sceptre for him, And in the meantime sends out messengers To seek you in all countries. Read this leaf I It signifies the end of all your grief.

CALAF.

Ye heavenly gods, you raise and you cast down. You cast down and make mighty, heavenly gods.

(_All present sob in their emotion._)

TURANDOT.

Now nothing more trouble this wedding-day.

(_Comes meditatively somewhat to the front._)

Calaf here risks his head to win a wife. A faithful friend and servant risks his life To save his Prince. A man wins back a throne For his lost King, and makes it not his own. A woman, who made out she loved me, hid A false heart's treachery. And could I then, After all this, look down in scorn on men? No. And may Heaven forgive me all I did That made me seem a monster in men's sight!

(_Steps quite up to the footlights._)

Dear gentlemen, I tell you this because I love you all; and if you are polite Let my conversion have your loud applause.

QUICK CURTAIN

UNWIN BROTHERS, LIMITED, THE GRESHAM PRESS, WOKING AND LONDON.