Turandot, Princess of China Part 14

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 c.o.xcomb 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 wis.h.!.+ 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?