Part 2 (1/2)

I'm perfectly amazed.

How can a painted semblance thus have crazed So sensible a prince? (_Stoops to pick it up._)

BARAK.

For heaven's sake, Avoid that picture as you would a snake.

KALAF (_smiling_).

No harm will happen, dear old tutor, sure From picking up a picture from the floor.

No woman yet has caused my heart to throb,-- Shall painted lines my soul of freedom rob?

(_Barak endeavours to prevent Kalaffrom beholding the miniature; Kalaf puts him aside, and gazes on it for some time in silence._)

Ye G.o.ds! an angel's face. Oh ecstacy!

BARAK.

Now, there; he's caught. I knew how it would be!

KALAF.

Beneath this beaming smile, these l.u.s.trous eyes, There cannot lurk a cruel heart of ice.

BARAK.

I tell you she's the wickedest of creatures; Oh, gaze not on the Syren's fatal features, More baneful than the Gorgon head, Medusa.

KALAF.

Hush, hush, I will not hear you thus abuse her, I never saw a face and form diviner; Her's is not mortal clay, but porcelain China, Some magic power, some demon, I know not, Enchains my soul to beauteous Turandot.

(_Gazes enraptured on the miniature._)

These eyes to meet, these rosy lips to kiss, Who would not hazard all to win such bliss?

My senses reel, my veins are all afire!

Good Barak, help me to my heart's desire.

Her stern ordeal I'll undergo--to solve Her problems or to die, is my resolve.

BARAK.

Desist from your intention, I conjure you, Let my remonstrance of this madness cure you.