Turandot: The Chinese Sphinx Part 13

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 att.i.tude_. (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 shaft 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.