fe.
Again a solemn test I'll undergo.

ALT.

She's yours by right of law. Fate willed it so.

TUR.

You shall not drag me to the bridal altar;
This hand shall slay me first (_draws a dagger._) It will not falter.

KAL.

Stay, hold your hand, and calm your poignant sorrow;
We'll meet again in high divan. To-morrow
The Chinese Sphinx this problem shall unravel:
"Who is that Prince who, after weary travel
Escaped from slavedom's thrall, and reached the goal
And blissful summit of his longing soul;
Yet at fulfilment of his heart's desire
Was plunged yet deeper into tortures dire?"
Relentless beauty, if you name aright
The name and lineage of this luckless wight
Then shall you gratify your hate, and take
My life. But if you fail, then shall you make
Me blessed, by giving me your hand. Decide.

TUR.

By this new compact I consent to abide.

ALT.

Imprudent youth, too generously kind,
Thou know'st not her all-penetrating mind.
But, should she conquer thee by female wile,
Thou shalt not fall a victim to her guile.
To-morrow's high divan shall seal her fate;
Her wit may free her; or she'll be thy mate.
Enough of blood's been shed.

TUR. (_aside_.)

My subtle art
Shall crush his pride. Be firm, fond, wav'ring heart.

(_March strikes up._ ALTOUM, _leaning on_ KALAF'S _shoulder,
followed by_ PANT., TART., DOCTORS, _and Courtiers, exeunt_ L.
TURANDOT, ADELMA, SKIRINA, TRUFFALDIN, _and slaves, exeunt_ R.)

END OF ACT II.

ACT III.

SCENE.--_Street in Peking._ (_Enter_ KALAF _and_ BARAK.)

KALAF.

None know my name in Peking's busy town,
Your trusty tongue's as secret as my own;
E'en to your wife I hope you've not revealed--

BARAK.

From her especially the truth's concealed.

KALAF.

For many years, as dead I've been, given o'er.
No mortal here has seen my face before.
Fear not.

BARAK.

Dear Prince, forgive me if I blame you,
I can't help dreading lest the Sphinx may name you.
You were not wise to give her this last chance;
She's so astute! She'll lead you a fine dance.
You had possession--nine points of the law,
Why should you for her meagrims care one straw?

KALAF.

Oh, had you seen her grief.

BARAK.

I needs must smile
To think the tears of this sly crocodile
Should take you in!

KAL.

Perhaps my tender love
Her heart to mutual tenderness may move.

BAR.

No gratitude you'll get from that proud snake.

KAL.

Revile her