Part 25 (2/2)

You know me now, my destiny, my race.

May you the better credit a King's daughter, What pity--I will not say love--constrains her Now to confide to you. False Turandot, Malicious, cunning, cruel Turandot, Soon as the morning dawns, will have you murdered.

All orders are already given. So much From her, who is the mistress of your dreams.

CALAF (_starts up savagely_).

She will have me murdered, do you say?

ADELMA.

(_Rises likewise, with the most solemn emphasis._)

Yes, murdered: While you are on your way to the Divan.

A score of swords await your setting out.

CALAF (_beside himself_).

I will call the guards.

(_Makes for the door._)

ADELMA (_holds him back_).

Bethink yourself, rash man!

The guards? They have been bought by Turandot!

CALAF (_in blind despair_).

Timur, my wretched father, thus it stands.

With Calaf, thy proud son; he that set out To seek good fortune for himself and thee!

(_Covers his face with his hands._)

ADELMA (_aside_).

Haha! Timur... Calaf.... Be thrice blest, lie That lured this forth. Doubly I hold him now.

CALAF.

Can it be possible that Turandot...

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