Turandot: The Chinese Sphinx

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)

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.)