Part 19 (2/2)

Eyes front! Quick march!

SCENE VI.

_In the harem._ _Anteroom with columns._ _In the middle a table, on which stands a large basin filled with gold coins._ _It is night._

(TRUFFALDINO _and his eunuchs surround_ BARAK, _who is fettered to a pillar_. _To the right stand_ SKIRINA _and_ ZELIMA, _weeping; to the left, in an imperious att.i.tude_, TURANDOT.)

TURANDOT.

There still is time. I offer you again This dish of gold, if you will speak the names.

If you refuse, I'll have you whipped to death.

Come hither, slaves!

(_The eunuchs make her a deep bow and grip their sticks._)

BARAK (_to_ SKIRINA).

Now see what you have done!

(_To_ TURANDOT.)

Princess, feed on your prey. Strike on, ye slaves!

I know the son's name and I know the sire's.

But direst torture shall not make me speak; No, nor the pains of death. Your dish of gold Is so much dirt to me.

SKIRINA _and_ ZELIMA.

(_Cast themselves down before_ TURANDOT.)

Princess, have mercy....

TURANDOT.

I am sick of this obstinacy. Slaves, hither!

Give this old man a whipping!

ZELIMA.

Frightful! Stay!

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