Turandot, Princess of China Part 20

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 coa.r.s.e and domineering s.e.x!

SCENE VIII

ALTOUM, PANTALONE, TARTAGLIA, GUARDS, TURANDOT.

ALTOUM (_meditatively, aside, reading letter_).

So Fate at last has stricken that b.l.o.o.d.y 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. h.e.l.l'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?