Turandot: The Chinese Sphinx Part 10

DOCTORS.

Let bloodshed cease. The chopped-off heads suffice.

ALT.

To great Fo-hi's paG.o.da we'll repair And finish off this hymeneal affair.

TUR.

Have mercy--

ALT.

Mercy hast thou shewn to none, I've kept my oath; do thou as I have done.

Fulfil Fo-hi's decree.

TUR.

Oh, spare me, Sire, Or at your feet behold your child expire.

(_Throws herself at his feet._)

ALT.

Thy marriage is ordained. Proud girl, obey, Too long I've bowed to thy capricious sway.

Entreat no more. I swear by Fo-hi's sword.

TUR.

Hold, father, do not speak the sacred word.

This overbearing tyrant I'll not wed; I'd rather make the sullen grave my bed.

KAL. (_to_ TURANDOT.)

Abate your terror; nor so madly grieve; I'll intercede myself for your reprieve.

Fair cruel one, who may your tears withstand?

(_to_ ALTOUM.) Great monarch, grant her wish; I'd win her hand By love's sweet power; not by enforced consent.

(_to_ TURANDOT.) I see thou crav'st my head--then be content.

I love thee so intensely, that my life Is worthless if I may not call thee wife.

Again a solemn test I'll undergo.

ALT.

She's yours by right of law. Fate willed it so.

TUR.

You shall not drag me to the bridal altar; This hand shall slay me first (_draws a dagger._) It will not falter.

KAL.

Stay, hold your hand, and calm your poignant sorrow; We'll meet again in high divan. To-morrow The Chinese Sphinx this problem shall unravel: "Who is that Prince who, after weary travel Escaped from slavedom's thrall, and reached the goal And blissful summit of his longing soul; 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.)