Part 20 (1/2)

SKIRINA.

My husband! My poor husband!

ADELMA (_enters from behind the scenes_).

Take heed, Princess!

Hasten away! The Emperor hither comes!

(_Pointing to_ BARAK _and_ SKIRINA.)

Conceal this pair here in the deepest dungeon.

Give me this dish of gold, and let Zelima Come with me. I have bribed the sentinels That stand at guard before the stranger's room.

Zelima, if you love your mother, do What now I bid.

TURANDOT.

In you I put my trust, Adelma. Help me! Do what you think fit!

(_At a sign from_ ADELMA, TRUFFALDINO _leads_ BARAK _and_ SKIRINA _out to the right_.)

ADELMA.

Zelima, come. (_To the eunuchs._) One of you bring this basin.

(_Exit_ ADELMA, _followed by_ ZELIMA _and one of the eunuchs, carrying the basin_.)

SCENE VII

TURANDOT.

TURANDOT.

What will Adelma do? If I should win, Who would be greater then than Turandot?

Who then would dare to challenge her again?

Ah! what a joy, to cast the names to-morrow Into his face, and drive him from my presence, Shamed, disappointed! Not pure joy, perhaps....

I see him weeping, sad, depressed.... I feel Something like pity at the thought of it....

Stay, Turandot, thou little soul, what thought Is this thou harbourest now! Did _he_ show pity, When _he_ in the Divan had solved the riddles?

Did he not make thee red with rage and shame?

Heaven, help Adelma now, and help me, Heaven, To annihilate him utterly! Help me now To guard my virgin freedom, succour me Against the coa.r.s.e and domineering s.e.x!

SCENE VIII