Part 14 (1/2)

Not one minute.

TURANDOT.

(_Casting herself on her knees before him._)

If you would have me living, father, father!

Grant me another day, another contest.

I cannot bear the shame of it. I will rather Die than be subject to that c.o.xcomb there, Die rather than be wife to that proud boy.

The very word ”wife,” the mere thought of it, Of being his possession, strikes me dead.

ALTOUM (_descending from his throne_).

Savage and obstinate and ruthless child!

Not one word more. Come, gentlemen, let us go!

CALAF (_to_ TURANDOT).

Arise, fair, cruel mistress of my heart!

(_To_ ALTOUM.)

I beg you, sire, grant her the respite! How Could I be happy if she hated me?

And what avails my love, breeding but hate?

If I have not the power to touch her heart, Let her be free. I do not claim my right.

(_To_ TURANDOT.)

If you could see into my heart that bleeds, Torn as it is, you would be merciful.

You are determined I shall die. So be it.

(_To_ ALTOUM.)

Grant her another match. My life is cheap.

ALTOUM.

No more of that! On to the Temple, on I The games are over now.... Imprudent youth!

TURANDOT (_determinedly_).

So be it, to the Temple, I say, too!

But on the altar steps your daughter dies.