Part 13 (2/2)

(_He embraces_ CALAF.)

TURANDOT.

(_Has recovered herself, and rushes in a rage at the embracing pair._)

Stay! Do not let this man Believe he is my husband. I demand Another meeting and three riddles more.

The time I was allowed was far too short.

Stay!----

ALTOUM (_interrupting her_).

False and cruel child! The game is played.

Thou shalt not so begin a second time.

The edict has run out, and is surrendered Into the keeping of my ministers.

PANTALONE.

I beg a thousand pardons. But we can't do with any more of these riddles, Heaven knows!

We can't do with any more head-chopping, Heaven knows, as if they were nothing but lettuces. The young man there has guessed right. The edict must be executed in its entirety.

The bridecake has got to go into the oven. (_To_ TARTAGLIA.) What do you say, my Lord Chancellor?

TARTAGLIA.

Must be executed--in its entirety. There is no call for any further explanations, interpretations, dissertations, appeals, and commentaries. What do our learned doctors say?

THE EIGHT DOCTORS.

(_All together._) Must be executed! Must be executed--in its entirety. Decision final--irrevocable!

ALTOUM.

Straight to the altar, then. This stranger prince Will now reveal his birth and name, the priests----

TURANDOT (_in despair_).

Grant me a respite, father!

ALTOUM.

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