_In the harem._ _Anteroom with columns._ _In the
middle a table, on which stands a large basin
filled with gold coins._ _It is night._
(TRUFFALDINO _and his eunuchs surround_
BARAK, _who is fettered to a pillar_. _To
the right stand_ SKIRINA _and_ ZELIMA,
_weeping; to the left, in an imperious
attitude_, TURANDOT.)
TURANDOT.
There still is time. I offer you again
This dish of gold, if you will speak the names.
If you refuse, I'll have you whipped to death.
Come hither, slaves!
(_The eunuchs make her a deep bow and grip their sticks._)
BARAK (_to_ SKIRINA).
Now see what you have done!
(_To_ TURANDOT.)
Princess, feed on your prey. Strike on, ye slaves!
I know the son's name and I know the sire's.
But direst torture shall not make me speak;
No, nor the pains of death. Your dish of gold
Is so much dirt to me.
SKIRINA _and_ ZELIMA.
(_Cast themselves down before_ TURANDOT.)
Princess, have mercy....
TURANDOT.
I am sick of this obstinacy. Slaves, hither!
Give this old man a whipping!
ZELIMA.
Frightful! Stay!
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_.)