Turandot, Princess of China Part 10

ZELIMA _stands at her right_, ADELMA _at her left_. CALAF, _who had bowed when the_ PRINCESS _entered, now stands erect, sunk in admiration of her beauty_.

TRUFFALDINO, _after performing various ceremonies in his comic way, takes the dish with the sealed leaves out of_ ZELIMA'S _hand; he distributes these among the doctors, and then, with various ceremonies and obeisances, withdraws to his place_. _Music plays until_ TRUFFALDINO _leaves the Divan_. _Then deep silence ensues._)

SCENE XI

ALTOUM, TURANDOT, CALAF, ZELIMA, ADELMA, PANTALONE, TARTAGLIA, DOCTORS, GUARDS.

TURANDOT (_haughtily_).

What man is this again, who fondly hopes To penetrate the darkness of my riddles In spite of warnings manifold and grim?

What man comes speeding after dead men's heels, And asks to lose his head?

ALTOUM.

Here stands the man.

(_Points to_ CALAF.)

Look at him well. Does he, at last, not seem Worthy to make you end this cursed game?

Take him for consort, and so give me peace!

TURANDOT (_after scanning_ CALAF _for a moment, whispers to_ ZELIMA).

Pity I never felt! I pity him!

ZELIMA (_whispers_).

Then, quick, three easy riddles. Bid pride go!

TURANDOT (_flaring up, whispers_).

What sayest thou, rash girl?

ADELMA (_aside_).

G.o.d! dare I trust My eyes? It is the very, man--the same Who served my sire as gardener. Then he is A prince--a prince, indeed. My heart guessed true.

TURANDOT.

Thou errant Prince, desist from this adventure.

See, I am nowise cruel, as men say.

It is but my deep loathing for all males That forces me to stand as now at guard To keep from me a s.e.x that I abhor.

Why should I not be free to fight my foe?

What brings you here to harden me again?

If prayers can move you, I myself will beg: Desist! Put not my sharp mind to the test.

It is my only pride, the only weapon Heaven gave me. And I know that I should die If any man were victor of my mind.

Claim not my riddles then. There still is time.

Else naught awaits you save a shameful death.

CALAF.

Voice of a G.o.ddess, body of an angel, Rare mind, unparalleled intelligence, Are gathered in one woman's being here.

Who calls the man a fool that risks his life For treasures such as these? Princess, your own High understanding cannot fail but see That as your gifts in greater glory s.h.i.+ne, As your refusal is more violent, So many more the hearts you set on fire.

Had I a thousand lives, I would with joy, For your sake, Princess, die a thousand deaths.

ZELIMA.

Be kind! Three easy riddles. He deserves them.

ADELMA (_aside_).

Would he were mine! He is a prince. That I Had known it then, ere I became a slave!

Now I do love him with a threefold strength.

Oh, why is love for ever weak in courage?

(_Aside to_ TURANDOT.)

Princess, take care! Your honour is at stake!

TURANDOT (_aside_).

So it was fated one should come at last And teach me pity! Heart, be firm and cold!

(_To_ CALAF, _vehemently_.)

Up, thou rash champion, gird thee for the fight!

ALTOUM (_to_ CALAF).

Are you still obstinate!

CALAF.

I said just now, Death give me, or else give me Turandot.