SCENE.--_Street in Peking._ (_Enter_ KALAF _and_ BARAK.)
KALAF.
None know my name in Peking's busy town,
Your trusty tongue's as secret as my own;
E'en to your wife I hope you've not revealed--
BARAK.
From her especially the truth's concealed.
KALAF.
For many years, as dead I've been, given o'er.
No mortal here has seen my face before.
Fear not.
BARAK.
Dear Prince, forgive me if I blame you,
I can't help dreading lest the Sphinx may name you.
You were not wise to give her this last chance;
She's so astute! She'll lead you a fine dance.
You had possession--nine points of the law,
Why should you for her meagrims care one straw?
KALAF.
Oh, had you seen her grief.
BARAK.
I needs must smile
To think the tears of this sly crocodile
Should take you in!
KAL.
Perhaps my tender love
Her heart to mutual tenderness may move.
BAR.
No gratitude you'll get from that proud snake.
KAL.
Revile her not!
BAR.
I for your safety quake.
She's quite as cunning as she's fierce.
Her eyes can even through a millstone pierce.
KAL.
Nay, hope the best. My lucky stars preside,
They'll crown me victor of my lovely bride.
BAR.
You're just the same dear, sanguine, thoughtless boy
As ever. I can't bear to spoil your joy.
(_Enter_ BRIGHELLA, _marching backwards, commanding a few
Chinese guards_; PANT. _and_ TART.)
BRIG.
Halt! Pigtails, right! Attention! Royal Black Guards!
(_aside_.) How I do hate this dangerous marching backwards!
PANT.
Oh, here he is! At last we've caught our bird.
Prince, how d'ye do! Allow me just one word.
But who's this man? (_points to_ BARAK.)
Of what has he been talking?
BAR. (_aside_.)
I hope they don't suspect--(_aloud_.) As I was walking,
This man accosted me (I do not know him),
He asked if I his way would kindly show him.
PANT.
Great Prince, you're compassed round about with traps.
If we don't keep you in our eye--perhaps
The Sphinx may have you murdered. To prevent
Unpleasant little accidents we're sent
By his celestial Majesty, to take you
In our safe custody. We'll not forsake you.
(_to_ BARAK.) And you're her spy, I do believe; get out!
And mind your own affairs, Sir Pry-about.
(_to_ KALAF.) As Minister, I hope I may make bold
To say "Sweet Prince, take care you are not sold."
Pray whisper not your name to any one
Except to me, your friend. I'll blab to none.
On my discretion you may safe repose,
Confide in me; your name I'll not disclose.
No more than I would jump right o'er the moon.
KAL.
No doubt; but yet my name, good _Pantaloon_,
Like yours, must be quite "inexpressible."
PANT.
My wish to please is irrepressible.
Command me, pray. Henceforth I will be dumb.
The watchword is,--I understand you,--"Mum!"
TART.
G-go-ood Pr-prince, d-don't m-mi-mind th-that st-stu-pid P-pa-pantaioon,
H-he's n-nothing b-but a g-go-gossipping B-buff-ffoon.
C-co-conf-fi-fide in m-me. Your s-se-secret I won't u-u-ut-ter,
I-in f-f-fact I c-ca-_can't_, 'c-ca-cause of my d-de-deuced s-st-stutter.
PANT.
Your Highness! to the palace, if you please.
(_Signs to_ BRIGHELLA.)
BRIG.
Recover, Pigtails! Black Guards, stand at ease!
(_Exeunt_ KALAF, PANT., _and_ TART., _Guards and_ BRIGHELLA.)
BARAK, (_who has been watching in the background, comes forward_).
Ye Tartar deities, watch o'er his life!
Good gracious, what can hither bring my wife?
(_Enter_ SKIRINA.)
Where art thou going, wife, in such a hurry?
SKIR.
Oh, dearest husband, I'm all in a flurry.
Our handsome guest will be Chang's future
Who'd have believed such an astounding thing?
The Princess Turandot is in despair;
She weeps, she wrings her hands, she tears her hair.
She'll kill herself if she can't tell to-morrow
The name of your young friend. To calm her sorrow,
I bade her not torment herself, for you
Knew all about him, and his father too.
BAR.
Unhappy woman, thou hast ruined us!
SKIR.
Why, what harm's done? Why make you such a fuss?
BAR.
My head will have to answer for thy tongue.
SKIR.
Oh, nonsense, dear; I'm sure I've done no wrong.
(_Enter_ TRUFFALDIN _and slaves_.)
BAR.
Behold what thou hast done, thou Chatterbox.
(TRUFFALDIN, _with pompous exaggerated ferocity,
holds his sabre to BARAK's breast_.)
TRUF.
Make no resistance! Yield thee, sly old fox!
SKIR.
Have mercy, Truffaldin,--my husband spare!
TRUF.
Of his bald head I'll not disturb one hair.
Good female, you're of the fem'nine gender,
And therefore towards your weakness my heart's tender.
Your husband shall not come to any harm,
So pray don't needlessly yourself alarm.
The highest honour is in store for him,
Free entrance's offered to our Hareem.
BAR.
The gilded trap of the fair Serpent-Sphinx.
She's found me out; she's eyes like any lynx.
There's no escape.
TRUF. (_flourishing his sabre_).
Lead on, my free-born slaves,
To where the flag of slavedom freely waves.
(_Exeunt_ BARAK, TRUF. _menacing him, and slaves_.)
SKIR.
Forgive me, husband dear. Adieu, adieu!
Oh dear, oh dear, what ever shall I do?
Adelma urged me to my boastful prating--
She always is so very aggravating;
I'd like to drop a lump of deadly _pison_
In her next cup of "best strong-flavoured Hyson."
I do declare my brain's all in a fuddle--
Fo-hi, do help me out of this sad muddle!
I'll sacrifice another guinea-pig,
For mortals, then, I needn't care one fig. (_Exit_.)
SCENE II.--_A vestibule in_ TURANDOT'S _Hareem_. BARAK _is fastened
to one of its pillars, black mutes, with drawn daggers, stand on each
side of him_. _A large porcelain dish, fitted with golden coins is on a
table near him._ TURANDOT _stands before him in a threatening
attitude_. (ADELMA _beside her_.)
TUR.
Yet hast thou time. Obey my royal pleasure,
And thine shall be this pile of golden treasure.
If not, my slaves shall pierce thy heart. His name
Reveal at once; his parentage proclaim.
BAR.
Your threats are vain; your treasures I despise.
Repent your obstinate resolve. Be wise
And learn, a woman's highest happiness
Is, by her love a worthy man to bless.
TUR.
To preach to me befits thee not. Desist.
My potent will in vain thou wouldst resist.
Seize on him, slaves, and do your work. Forbear
Awhile. Reflect, and save thy life. I swear
By Fo-hi's face, no harm shall touch thy friend
Nor thee, if thou consent to serve my end.
BAR.
Your path's deceitful. Swear by Fo-hi's might
My friend shall call you his e'er morrow's night.
You hesitate--you dare not swear a lie
Before the sacred face of great Fo-hi.
ADELMA.
Presumptuous wretch, dar'st thou our queen defy?
Princess, demur no longer; let him die.
(SKIRINA _rushes in._)
SKIR.
Hold, Princess; hold; your father is at hand!
(_aside_.) My knees are knocking; I can hardly stand.
ADELMA.
Unlucky chance! To prison with this fellow!
SKIR.
Adelma, hush; you needn't bawl and bellow.
TUR.
In deepest dungeon let him be confin'd.
BAR.
My body you may shackle; not my mind.
SKIR. (_aside to_ BARAK.)
Take courage, husband; do not fear their spite;
The pig will save us yet; I tell you it's all right.
(_Mutes hastily conduct_ BARAK _through a secret door; others
remove the dish of gold_.)
TUR.
Adelma, thou'rt my only friend. Advise
My mind distraught 'twixt love and hate. Despise
Me not, but pity me. Some counsel lend.
ADEL.
As force has failed, by craft we'll gain our end.
I have a plan,--I'm sure of its success,
If to the stranger's cell we gain access.
TUR.
Take gold--suborn his guards--the highest meed
I hold as nought if thy new scheme succeed.
ADEL.
Skirina's help I need to work my plot.
SKIR.
I'd let myself be skinned for Turandot.
I wish my service could my husband save.
TUR.
His life be thy reward, thou faithful slave.
(SKIRINA _kisses_ TURANDOT'S _hand_.)
ADEL.
Your royal father comes. In me confide.
(_aside_.) Assist me, love, to quell her haughty pride.
(_Exeunt_ ADELMA _and_ SKIRINA.)
TUR.
What will Adelma's fertile brain devise?
(_after a pause_.) In vain the truth I'd hide from mine own eyes;
My heart is his--irrevocably his.
To be his wife--oh rapture, heavenly bliss!
Yet I must spurn his love. I will not bear
All China's cold contempt; man's scoffing sneer.
What glory would be mine could I but tame
This bragging conqueror. Pronounce his name
In high divan, and chase him from our city,
Abashed and in despair. But yet, with pity
My heart would surely break. Come, virgin pride
And woman's art my shame and grief to hide.
To-day, proud man has made me bear disgrace;
To-morrow I must triumph o'er his race.
But yet--he did not boastfully rejoice--
Rebuke I welcomed from his gentle voice.
How humble was his suit--how mild and good,
How unresentful towards my scornful mood.
Avaunt, ye tender phantasies, avaunt!
I dread the world's disdain--its scoffing taunt.
My people shall not see Turandot fall,
The slave of one means abject slave to all.
(_Enter_ ALTOUM, _perusing a scroll_; PANT, _and_ TART, _following at
some distance_.)
ALT. (_to himself_.)
The Bey of Tefflis dead? So ends this tyrant!
PANT. (_aside to_ TART.)
What makes his Majesty indulge in high rant?
ALT. (_as above_.)
Prince Kalaf, heir to Tartary's high throne,
Is called to fill the Bey's, besides his own.
This scroll informs me Kalaf is the stranger
Who overthrew the Sphinx and 'scaped her danger.
I'm glad to find the Prince is no bad catch,--
My daughter's will be quite a splendid match.
PANT. (_to_ TART.)
What is he muttering all to himself,
Just like a miser counting o'er his pelf?
I do believe he's talking in blank verse,
Or reasoning in rhyme, which would be worse.
He's deaf; if he were blind, 't would suit us better,
For then he couldn't read his private letter.
TART. (_to_ PANT.)
A s-sp-special Es-taf-fette! _Ci cova gatto!_
S-such m-my-mystery! _Capisco niente affatto._
(ALT. _places the scroll in his breast, and signs to_ PANT. _and_
TART. _to withdraw, which they do with reluctance_.)
ALT.
My child, the night is far advanced; yet still
Thy restless steps pace through thy hareem chill.
Quite hopeless is thy task; not all the College
Of Doctors could impart the wished-for knowledge.
Thou canst not guess thy 'pponent's name, tho' we
Have fully learned his family history.
He's worthy of thy hand; my wish obey,
Avoid to-morrow's public _exposée_.
Thou'rt sure to fail. For my sake save thy fame,
My soul recoils from witnessing thy shame.
TUR.
I shall not put my father to the blush;
My adversary's arrogance I'll crush.
ALT.
Ah, flatter not thyself. Let one defeat
Suffice; do not the painful scene repeat.
TUR.
The high divan shall judge. Firm as a rock
Is my strong will. His easy task I mock.
ALT.
Has thy keen wit discovered--tell me truth--
The secret of this overtrusting youth?
If so, be gen'rous; let him go in peace;
From further strife and public struggle cease.
Deal gently with this boy of noble race,
Nor wantonly expose him to disgrace.
Thus shalt thou earn all Chang's high admiration.
Thy harsh decree has much estranged the nation.
They tell strange tales about the Chinese Sphinx,
Men's skulls she gnaws--hot human blood she drinks.
Oh, show thyself as modest, tender, duteous,--
More homage this commands than being beauteous.
TUR.
Your mercy, Sire, beseems your hoary age;
Your words might well convert a Grecian sage,
But cannot change my purpose. I'll not bow
My neck to any man: so runs my vow.
In public this pert boy my power defeated,--
In public shall my vengeance be completed.
ALT.
Dear child, paternal love shall condescend
To humbly beg obedience. Do but bend
To my desire, and thou shalt from me learn
The whole of what this stranger may concern.
In public thou shalt triumph--name aloud
Thy foe, in face of an applauding crowd.
But swear, if thus I'm traitor for thy sake
Thou wilt this suitor for thy husband take.
Thy deed will bless thine aged father's days--
Reward a loving heart--win all men's praise.
TUR. (_who has listened with increasing emotion_)--
His words are torture to my wav'ring pride,
How shall I act? How may I best decide?
Adelma shall I trust? Her plot may fail;
Without disgrace a father may prevail.
Down, stubborn soul (_advances towards_ ALT., _then
hesitates_), and yet, beneath Man's yoke
To crouch? No, no, my vow I'll not revoke.
ALT.
Thou'rt touched. Sweet daughter, grant my fond desire.
TUR.
He fears I may succeed and thwart him. Sire,
I'll meet in high divan. My will is steady.
ALT.
Then, if thou fail, the altar shall be ready;
The rite shall be performed with solemn fitness,
While vulgar crowds shall thy confusion witness.
Their scoffing jeers shall be thy wedding hymn;
Thy father stooped in vain; now stoop to him. (_Exit_.)
TUR.
Oh, murder not your child! Adelma, friend,--
Forsake me not. My grief some comfort send;
My only hope's in thee. If great Fo-hi
Withhold success, to-morrow sees me die. (_Exit_.)
END OF ACT. III.
ACT IV.
SCENE.--A magnificent apartment, with divers outlets; in the
background an oriental couch. The scene is dark. KALAF discovered
pacing up and down, BRIGHELLA holding a torch, observing him,
and shaking his head.
BRIG.
Just three o'clock! by Kong's pagoda-chimes.
You've paced this floor just twice three hundred times.
Your Highness had much better go to sleep.
You'll have to rise with dawn's first ruddy peep.
I can't watch any more; my eyelids close.
KALAF. Thou'rt right, Brighella; go to thy repose.
(BRIG. going, returns cautiously.)
BRIG.
One word, your Highness,--when I've left my post,
Don't be astonished if you see a ghost.
You understand? You needn't be afraid;
I daren't say more; my silence is prepaid.
Forewarned, forearmed, you know. To a blind horse
A nod's as good as twenty winks, of course.
KALAF. (_looking about, uneasily._)
What spectres shall I see? what dreary sprite?
BRIG.
Oh, nothing, (_yawns_.) I'm _so_ sleepy, Prince, good night.
(_Going, returns._)
I hope you are not angry with Brighella--
I'm but a poor, ill-paid, hardworking fellah--
The Emperor has ordered that no fly
Shall enter this apartment--you know why;
But tho' he's king, his daughter really rules.
It's hard to keep one's balance 'twixt two stools!
And what a woman wills, for good or evil.
That must be done, or she will play the devil.
(_Going, returns._)
Mind, _I_ know nothing. Keyholes may suffice;
If any noise you hear, it's only mice!
(_Exit, winking significantly._)
KAL.
Good night, and thanks; your hint I comprehend.
Will treachery be used my life to end?
Nay, Turandot's too noble--I'll not fear.
The fateful hour approaches (_opens a casement_.)
Dawn is near,
I'll seek to drown my care in dreamy rest.
(_As he sinks on the couch, a secret door opens, admitting_ SKIRINA
_dressed in male attire, a false beard on_.)
SKIR.
My lord.
KALAF. (_starting up_.) What man is this? Some silly jest.
SKIR.
What, don't you know Skirina? (_takes off the beard_.)
I'm so frightened!
Disguised I've passed your guards, in these clothes tightened.
I've got so much to tell. Your poor old tutor
Is put in chains! Yes, nothing less would suit her.
He's anxious for your life--he begs you'll sign
Your name to show you're safe; just write one line
To pacify him; or he'll all declare;
The Princess Turandot's in such a flare.
I tremble for my husband,--he's demented,
Until you've kindly to his wish consented.
I've brought a tablet--just your name indite
To ease his mind.
KAL. (_takes the tablet_.)
To please him, I will write.
(_Suddenly recollects himself, and looks at her searchingly._)
Skirina, would'st thou traitress turn? Thy guest I've been.
SKIR. (_aside_.)
I promised I would do my best.
But such reproaches down I cannot gulp,
Not if my mistress beat me to a pulp.
So Miss Adelma may play off her tricks
Herself, (_to_ KALAF.) Please don't your eyes thus on me fix.
(_whimpering_.) I should have thought some slight consideration
You would have felt for my sad situation.
If you suspect me.
KAL.
Nay, I'm sure you acted
All out of kindness.
SKIR. (_aside_.)
I shall go distracted.
(_to_ KALAF.) My husband waits your news. My leave I'll take;
(_aside_.) Adelma's sharp; but he's as wide awake. (_Exit_.)
KAL.
Brighella warned me well.
(_Enter_ TRUFFALDIN, _covered by a long black mantle_.)
Another visit!
Nocturnal ghosts abound. Well, friend, what is it?
TRUF.
Your Excellency, news excellent I bring--
You'll hear a wonderfully wondrous thing.
KAL.
Speak on, good vision; I am all attention.
TRUF.
T'explain in plainest words is my intention.
The keeper of the Hareem stands before you!
But that's not here nor there; so I'll not bore you
With all my titles. The Princess Turandot
Right thro' the heart by Cupid's dart is shot!
I would not flatt'ringly your Highness flatter
With mincing terms, nor will I mince the matter.
My mistress is distracted to--distraction
By your attractive personal--attraction.
If truth I speak not, may the high Fo-hi
Grind all my bones to make his next meat-pie!
KAL.
So far, so good; what hast thou more to say?
TRUF.
Be not impatient, Royal Highness, pray.
My mistress is a tiger-cat--(permit
The term; tho' coarse, 'tis graphically fit.)
She gnashes her white teeth with frantic ire,
And raves against you, "Robbers, murder, fire!"
If truth I speak not, may the high Fo-hi
Make mince-meat of me for his sacred pie.
KAL.
No need of oaths. But hast thou not, good keeper,
Some better news to tell a waken'd sleeper?
Truf.
Of course I have. Without circumlocution
I now proceed to instant elocution:
My charming mistress sent me here to beg
You'll trust her with your secret. Her last leg
She's standing on; and in sheer desperation
She'll marry you; but must before the nation
Appear to vanquish you--in mere appearance.
Be quick, and of your secret make a clearance.
Clear up the matter, and I'll then clear out;
My time is precious. Finish off this bout.
KAL.
One thing thou hast forgotten.
TRUF.
What have I?
KAL.
To imprecate thy bones to Fo-bi's pie.
Return to Turandot. Tell her from me
She'll glorious shine in high divan, if she
Benignant prove herself; more true distinction
She'll gain by this, than by my hope's extinction.
(_Signs to_ TRUF. _to withdraw._)
TRUF. (_aside_.)
I've only got my trouble for my pain;
I'll never do a kindly act again. (_Exit_.)
KAL.
Come, gentle sleep. Refresh me, balm divine!
Take courage, weary soul, success may yet be mine.
(_Retires to the couch, and sinks; into slumber._ _Enter_ ADELMA,
_veiled, bearing a lighted taper_.)
ADEL.
I shall not fail. In vain was their endeavour,
But I will venture all, the knot to sever.
I may not learn his name,--but I'll implore
His flight from Peking. Then my love, once more
May hope to win his heart.
(_Unveils, and gazes upon him._)
He gently slumbers:
Reluctantly I rouse him, but time numbers
The hours yet left for action. Prince, arise!
KAL.
Who calls? Another spirit! Do my eyes
Deceive me? Can it be? Adelma here?
Thy royal person in a slave's mean gear!
Such lowly garb is surely some disguise.
ADEL.
No, Prince; Adelma now in slav'ry sighs.
Beneath the galling yoke of her who martyred
My wretched brother, and my father slaughtered.
Not you alone must suffer from the curse
Of Turandot's fell ire; my fate's far worse.
KAL.
Princess, believe me; more your lot I mourn
Than e'en my own. So fair, so nobly born,
So gracious to th' unhappy;--I can ne'er
Forget your kindness to myself. If e'er
In need of faithful service you may stand,
Which I may render in return, command
Me as your slave. My gratitude's eternal.
ADEL.
From Turandot I'd save you. Her infernal
Devices throw a glamour o'er your senses:
But did you know her shallow, false pretences,
Of her great excellence you'd scorn the notion,
Nor waste on her your noble heart's devotion.
For all she sets up as a learned Sphinx,
She's nothing but a sly, conceited minx.
KAL.
Nay, blame not her, but adverse destiny,
Your brother willed his death; the choice was free.
Your father fell in battle--'twas ill-fate
Awarded death, not she. Oh, do not hate
Your mistress; surely she your worth esteems
And treats you as your gentle birth beseems.
To-morrow, if I'm victor as before
I'll freedom give you, and your throne restore.
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 pass 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_ BRIGHELLA.)
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' assassin'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_, BRIGHELLA _following him; guards receive him outside._
_Music strikes up._)
SCENE.--_High Divan, as in Act II._ ALTOUM _discovered on his
throne_; PANT. _and_ TART. _beside it_; _the eight Doctors seated; Guard
under arms_. _Behind a curtain, in the background, is an altar,
with a Chinese idol: a Chinese priest on each side of it._ KALAF
_enters, agitated, and looking suspiciously around him; bows to_
ALTOUM.
KAL. (_aside_.)
Do I still live? Each step, I thought to feel
The thrust of an assassin's deadly steel.
Adelma's warning was some dream, or now I dream.
ALT.
My son, care sits upon thy brow.
Glad news I have in store for thee. Alone
Joys come not. Turandot shall be thine own.
Three times to-night she sent to me to pray
I would defer th' encounter of to-day.
'Tis evident her pride is sorely vext,
She'd hide her failure by some vain pretext.
Rejoice, all blessings for thy weal combine,
To-day full happiness on thee shall shine.
PANT. (_to_ KALAF, _confidentially_)--
Believe me, if so please your Majesty--
(I mean your Majesty that is to be.)
Your future wife's ill-temper there's no bearing;
Her tantrums and hysterics are quite wearing.
A hundred times I was called up last night
To try and set this knotty question right.
I'd scarcely time my slippers to resume,
Much less to dress in proper court costume.
I just popped on my crimson satin breeches,--
I fear I caught a cold; (_sneezes_) must put on leeches,
A blister p'raps--take horrid water-gruel.
(_Blows, his nose portentously._)
No breakfast yet I've swallowed 'Tis too cruel!
Who'd be Prime Minister? to starve and toil,
And fret and fume in an eternal coil.
But yet, I would not, for a hundred dollar
Have missed the sight of her rampagious choler;
I was rejoiced my turn had come to grin,
Just as folks do at me when Harlequin
Before my nose runs off with Columbine,
In every stupid Christmas pantomime.
TART.
I-I was c-called up-p _inaspettatamente_,
S-she b-begged m-my a-ai-aid qu-quite _disperatamente_.
ALT.
Prepare the altar.
(_A curtain is raised, disclosing an altar with a Chinese deity.
Two priests attending._)
Hither call our daughter;
Obedience to the law shall now be taught her.
Set open all the doors! Lo, where she comes.
(_A slow march is heard._ TRUFFALDIN _and slaves enter, in mourning
garments, with weepers of crape attached to their pigtails._ _Female
slaves in black veils: then_ TURANDOT, ADELMA, _and_ SKIRINA, _all
demonstrating extreme dejection_. TURANDOT _ascends her throne
with the same ceremonies at in Act II._)
PANT.
Is this a wedding march, with muffled drums?
It sounds more like a dead march, dull and dreary--
The one in "Saul," or Verdi's _Miserere_.
Her sulky Highness looks as black as thunder
At having thus in public to knock under.
TUR. (_to_ KALAF).
This sad procession, Prince _Incognito_
Profound humiliation is to show.
Your arrogance upon my shame will gloat,--
Your eyes on your defeated slave will doat.
I see the altar--Fo-hi's grand official
Prepared to bind the victim sacrificial.
My glory's dead--disgraced is Turandot!
Condemned to wear the chain of Hymen's knot.
KAL.
Oh, couldst thou know how deeply I revere
Thy maiden dignity, not thus severe
Thoud'st show thyself, nor my fond love resent.
As slave to thee my whole life shall be spent;
But deign one gracious sign to give, that thou
In time, responsive tenderness mayst know.
ALT.
Prince, condescend no more. Commence the rite!
TUR.
One moment more. (_Sarcastically_.) I am not ready, quite.
(_Rises and addresses_ KALAF)--
I raised your hopes, that they might deeper fall.
Prince Kalaf, Son of Timur, quit this hall
And China's realm. Go, seek another bride.
In vain my penetration you defied;
No secret's hidden from the Chinese Sphinx.
SKIR. (_aside_).
She never naps--not e'en for forty winks!
KAL.
Ah, woe is me!
ALT.
Dear me, what is the matter?
I cannot hear thro' all this general chatter.
PANT, (_aside_).
I shan't attempt just now to make him hear;
I'm dazed myself, and his head's _never_ clear.
TART.
W-what a c-ca-cat-as-ass-astrophe! _Corpo di Bacco!_
H-he m-must r-re-return--_colle pive nel sacco_.
KAL.
My overloving heart has caused my woe,
I gave up all, to please my lovely foe.
If yesterday I purposely had failed
To win the day, or from the contest quailed,
My soul had now found rest. Ah, why
Altoum, wert thou too merciful? To die
To-day, if conquered, should have been my meed--
Great Emperor, thus shouldst thou have decreed.
ALT.
Poor Kalaf! tears mine aged eyes bedew.
(_wipes hit eyes_.)
TUR. (_aside to_ SKIRINA)--
His grief affects me deeply; strangely new
Emotions swell my bosom.
SKIR.
Put an end
To trifling. Far as Jericho I'd send
All shilly-shally. Do, for goodness' sake
Speak out and say, "As husband I thee take."
I've married twice, and know how shy one feels--
Plunge in at once, right over head and heels.
A royal Crown Prince, too; my stars and garters!
_Crême de la crême_--the cream of Crimean Tartars!
ADELMA.
My soul by doubt and hate is torn;
She loves him, though she shows such bitter scorn.
I'm stung to anguish, yet I'll not repine,
My rival's torture is as sharp as mine.
(KALAF _has stood bowed down by grief; he starts suddenly and
approaches_ TURANDOT'S _throne_)--
KALAF.
Thy cruel will shall find no more resistance;
Why need the headsman end my sad existence?
This dagger shall release....
(_Unsheathes a dagger._ ADELMA _makes a movement of horror._
TURANDOT _precipitates herself from the throne, and stays his hand_).
TUR.
Stay, Kalaf, stay!
Or strike thy heart through mine.
(_Throws herself across his breast._)
ALT.
What does she say?
(TURANDOT _and_ KALAF _gaze at each other in silence, for some
time_.)
KAL.
Wouldst doom me to a life, of love bereft?
My hopes and joys all faded--nothing left.
Such mercy seeks more cruelly to kill;
But my despair is stronger than thy will.
(_Attempts to stab himself._)
Tur.
For my sake, live; nor ever quit my side;
Prince, take me as your loving, happy bride.
ADELMA (_aside_).
'Tis agony; I cannot bear this sight. (_Retires_.)
ALT.
What do they say? (_to_ PANT., _who endeavours to explain_).
Don't speak. I _see_ all's right.
SKIR.
Fo-hi be praised! Now, this is what I call
A great success. My pig has done it all.
(_Fetches_ BARAK _from behind the crowd_)--
Come, dearest husband; much too long you've trembled.
TUR.
Let it be known to all those here assembled--
I may not justly claim the victor's crown,
Adelma's shrewdness served me; not my own.
Prince Kalaf vanquished me, and may command
As prize of his achievement, my poor hand.
(_To_ KALAF.) But not in deference to lawful right
I gave myself to thee, but through love's might.
My heart was thine, when first I did behold thee.
KALAF.
Excess of bliss, thus to my heart to fold thee!
ALT.
What do they say? You all make such a noise,
I can't hear anything--not my own voice.
No doubt it's quite correct, nay, sentimental;
So take my blessing and consent parental.
TART.
F-f-friend F-pa-pantaloon, what j-j-joy! _Che dolci affetti!_
P-prep-p-pare the b-ba-ban-qu-quet. _Mangerem confetti!_
ALTOUM _joins the lover's hands, and places his hands on their heads_.
_The eight Doctors join hands and dance in a circle, nodding their
chins._ PANT. _and_ TART. _dance together_.
BARAK _and_ SKIRINA _ditto_.
TRUFFALDIN _twirls round_ ADELMA,
_who snubs him_. BRIGHELLA _and guards gravely jump up and down_.
_Tableau_.
END OF ACT IV.
FINIS.