ber three.

DOCTORS (_having opened the papers_).

_Eureka! Optime! Optissimo!_

(_Flourish of gongs and cymbals._)

PANT.

I kiss our future Emperor's great toe!

TART.

Th-the S-sp-sphinx is v-van-qui-quished--_Vinto e il Demonio!_
Sh-she's f-fou-found her m-ma-match. _Evviva il matrimonio!_

(TURANDOT _faints_, ADELMA _and_ SKIRINA _support her_. ALTOUM
_leaning on_ PANT. _and_ TART. _descends his throne, and embraces_
KALAF. _The_ DOCTORS _quit their seats, and retire to the background_.)

ALT.

Sweet prince, our son-in-law thou'lt be to-morrow,
A joyful climax to our royal sorrow.

TUR. (_recovers her senses, and rashes wildly between_ ALTOUM _and_
KALAF)--

Oh, make me not his slave! 'Twill drive me mad,
My mind no time for due reflection had.
Too easily his triumph was obtained.

ALT.

The hard-won victory he fairly gained.
With gratitude become this good youth's wife,
Obey the law, and end this weary strife.

TUR.

Once more call the divan--renew the contest,
If I have time for thought, I'm sure of conquest.

PANT.

Fair Princess Tigerheart, that's _rather_ cool;
Don't make his Majesty act like a fool.
D'you think the royal head of your kind Daddy
Is lined with lead, like a Japan tea-caddy;
What say you, colleague; and ye Doctors wise?

(_Doctors join hands in a circle, nodding their chins._)

DOCTORS.

Let bloodshed cease. The chopped-off heads suffice.

ALT.

To great Fo-hi's pagoda we'll repair
And finish off this hymeneal affair.

TUR.

Have mercy--

ALT.

Mercy hast thou shewn to none,
I've kept my oath; do thou as I have done.
Fulfil Fo-hi's decree.

TUR.

Oh, spare me, Sire,
Or at your feet behold your child expire.

(_Throws herself at his feet._)

ALT.

Thy marriage is ordained. Proud girl, obey,
Too long I've bowed to thy capricious sway.
Entreat no more. I swear by Fo-hi's sword.

TUR.

Hold, father, do not speak the sacred word.
This overbearing tyrant I'll not wed;
I'd rather make the sullen grave my bed.

KAL. (_to_ TURANDOT.)

Abate your terror; nor so madly grieve;
I'll intercede myself for your reprieve.
Fair cruel one, who may your tears withstand?

(_to_ ALTOUM.) Great monarch, grant her wish; I'd win her hand
By love's sweet power; not by enforced consent.

(_to_ TURANDOT.) I see thou crav'st my head--then be content.
I love thee so intensely, that my life
Is worthless if I may not call thee wi