Instead of which, I've not one moment's leisure;
No carnival, nor any Christian pleasure.
But constant squabbles, tears, and imprecations,
Divans, beheadings, sphinxes, – I've lost patience!
I'll quit this land of pigtails, gongs, and teas;
Return to Italy, and live at ease.
ALT
I see you're talking; speak a little louder.
PANT. (aside.)
He wouldn't hear the bursting of gunpowder.
ALT
Tartaglia, have you seen this poor young fellow?
TART. (stammering, until he speaks Italian very glibly) —
Y-y-your h-hi-high-ness, y-y-es, a-and f-f-found h-hi-him —molto bello.
ALT
What do you say?
TART
S-so p-p-please y-your M-majesty,
(aside) Non posso più! che sordo! sapresty!
ALT
Then bring this suitor to divan at once. (Exit guards.)
We'll urge him the hard trial to renounce.
PANT
I'll try my best;
ALT
What do you say?
PANT. (aside.)
But fear
He'll be as deaf as you, and will not hear.
(Enter KALAF, with guards. He kneels before the Khan, withhis hands to his forehead. ALTOUM regards him with pity.)
ALT
Arise, rash man.
(Aside.) Ah, what a gallant youth,
Behead him? 'Twould be quite a shame, in sooth.
(aloud) Say, who art thou? From what far distant land
Dost come to seek in marriage that fair hand
Which only royal blood may justly claim?
KAL
Great Khan, permit me to conceal my name;
My lineage justifies my bold desire.
PANT
I'm sure he's nobly born and nurtured, sire.
ALT
What do you say?
PANT. (despairingly.)
It doesn't signify.
ALT
'Twould break my aged heart to see thee die.
I'd save thy life if possible. Oh, quit
The sharp encounter with my child's keen wit.
My heart and eyes are sickened by the blood
That's daily shed.
KAL
Your Majesty's too good.
ALT
I'm captivated by thy noble air;
With thee my royal throne I'll gladly share.
So thou but force me not to take thy life;
Avoid the fatal Sphinx – give up the strife.
KAL
My thanks are all I have, and these I give;