Part 14 (2/2)

CALAF.

Dies? Lord and master, and my Princess you...

I pray you both to grant me one desire: I will myself set my unbending Queen One riddle now. And this is my riddle: Who Is that King's son and of what stock is he, Who was a beggar, porter, menial, Yet in good fortune more unfortunate?

Woman without a heart, guess here to-morrow In the Divan his and his father's name.

If you can _not_, take pity on my pain, Appease your heart, refuse your hand no more!

But if your cunning tell those two names true, Your pride may drink its fill out of my blood.

TURANDOT.

Stranger, I take the bargain. It shall hold.

ZELIMA (_aside_).

Alas, new fears!

ADELMA (_aside_).

New hope is beckoning!

ALTOUM.

I do _not_ take the bargain. The law alone Holds good, and shall be carried out.

CALAF (_kneels before him_).

Sublime Ruler of nations, star of all the world, Let your great heart be softened, and vouchsafe To grant what here your daughter begs with me.

Deny her not the satisfaction I Do not withhold. Let her bestir her brains; And if her brains can serve her, let her give The answer to my riddle here to-morrow.

TURANDOT (_aside_).

Rage stifles me, and he is mocking still.

ALTOUM.

Blind fool, you know not what you ask. But have Your wis.h.!.+ Another contest there shall be!

If she can name the names, we will not force Marriage on her; but you--for I forbid New carnage--free and scatheless go your way!

(_In a low voice to_ CALAF.)

Now follow me! Blind fool, what have you done?

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