Turandot: The Chinese Sphinx Part 18

ADEL.

Can nothing your credulity convince?

Oh, fly this wicked woman, dearest Prince.

Escape with me! Come haste! Our time is short; I've bribed your guards. We'll sail from the next port To Keicobad--there all will hail me Queen.

KAL.

Farewell, Princess; magnanimous you've been.

Escape alone. To die I am content, You cannot turn me from my firm intent.

ADEL.

Ungrateful man! Then learn the horrid truth.

The heart of Turandot can feel no ruth.

You've foiled her cunning. Fear her tiger-spring.

To-morrow as you pa.s.s to join the King In high divan,--her slaves, with stealthy blow, Will pierce your heart;--your life will be laid low.

KAL.

Oh, hapless Kalaf! must thy life thus end?

In exile perish--far from ev'ry friend!

O Timur, dearest father, couldst thou see Thine only son in such deep misery, All Tartary thou'dst gladly give to save Its royal heir from such untimely grave.

(_Covers his face in despair._)

ADEL. (_aside_) Hah, Kalaf, future Khan of Tartarland!

(Most luckily the last-told lie I planned.) He's in my power. If he escape one net, He'll fall into another, closer yet.

KAL. (_to himself_.)

I've said "Or death or Turandot." Her will Decrees my death--from her 'tis, welcome still.

Adieu, fond hopes. Delusive joys, farewell!

ADEL.

Once more let me implore you. Do not sell Your life thus cheap. We still have time for flight.

KAL.

My honour bids me stay and brave the fight.

ADEL.

You're obstinate. Farewell, then, _unknown stranger_, (_aside_.) My love despised! I burn with jealous anger.

_Prince Kalaf, Timur's son!_ you're in my snare; I can be fierce as Turandot. Beware! (_Exit_.)

KALAF.

I'm on the rack! when will this torture cease?

(_Enter_ BRIGh.e.l.lA.)

BRIG.

'Tis time to join divan, Prince, if you please.

(KALAF _regards him suspiciously_.)

KAL.

Art thou her tool? Shall I by thy hand fall?

Stain not thy soul with guiltless blood. Take all I have, if money be thy greed. But know Without a struggle I'll not take thy blow.

(_Draws his-sword._)

BRIG.

His brain is addled, sure as eggs is eggs!

Lor', how he stands, astraddling out his legs!

KAL. (_throws down his sword._)

I'll not defend myself. Tell her who offered Base gold for life, my breast I freely proffered To meet th' a.s.sa.s.sin's knife. There lies my sword.

Fulfil her stern behest.

BRIG.

Upon my word And honour, my strict orders are, to see You safely to divan. His Majesty Is all agog to see the fun.

KAL. (_to himself_.)

Alive I ne'er shall reach divan. My death I'll strive To calmly meet. Perchance my bleeding corse Will melt her heart to pity and remorse.

(_Exit_, BRIGh.e.l.lA _following him; guards receive him outside._ _Music strikes up._)