Part 29 (2/2)

ADELMA.

Off! Let me die.

(_In a voice stifled with tears._)

Ungrateful wretch!

CALAF (_s.n.a.t.c.hes the dagger from her_).

No, for I owe you all.

It was your treachery saved me. You shall not Call me ungrateful.

TURANDOT.

Are you mad, Adelma, All of a sudden?

CALAF.

Generous Emperor, If my pet.i.tion may in aught avail, Give her her freedom!

TURANDOT.

I pet.i.tion, too, My n.o.ble father. I conceive it well, She never can forgive me her distress; No, nor believe that I can pardon her.

Give her her freedom.... And if you could grant Some greater favour, do it for our sake!

ALTOUM.

On such a day of gladness be the measure Of mercy full. I give her not alone Her freedom but her father's kingdom back.

So let her choose a consort she can love, And rule the realm with him....

ADELMA.

To all the weight Of guilt upon my conscience, to my load Of love sent back from where it should have lodged, You add the burden of the greatest mercy.

I cannot yet conceive it. Give me time To understand the height of my good fortune.

But now I have no answer save these tears....

CALAF.

Oh that I knew now where to find you, father!

My heart, so full of joy, burns to embrace you.

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