ght a tablet--just your name indite
To ease his mind.

KAL. (_takes the tablet_.)

To please him, I will write.

(_Suddenly recollects himself, and looks at her searchingly._)

Skirina, would'st thou traitress turn? Thy guest I've been.

SKIR. (_aside_.)

I promised I would do my best.
But such reproaches down I cannot gulp,
Not if my mistress beat me to a pulp.
So Miss Adelma may play off her tricks
Herself, (_to_ KALAF.) Please don't your eyes thus on me fix.
(_whimpering_.) I should have thought some slight consideration
You would have felt for my sad situation.
If you suspect me.

KAL.

Nay, I'm sure you acted
All out of kindness.

SKIR. (_aside_.)

I shall go distracted.
(_to_ KALAF.) My husband waits your news. My leave I'll take;
(_aside_.) Adelma's sharp; but he's as wide awake. (_Exit_.)

KAL.

Brighella warned me well.

(_Enter_ TRUFFALDIN, _covered by a long black mantle_.)

Another visit!
Nocturnal ghosts abound. Well, friend, what is it?

TRUF.

Your Excellency, news excellent I bring--
You'll hear a wonderfully wondrous thing.

KAL.

Speak on, good vision; I am all attention.

TRUF.

T'explain in plainest words is my intention.
The keeper of the Hareem stands before you!
But that's not here nor there; so I'll not bore you
With all my titles. The Princess Turandot
Right thro' the heart by Cupid's dart is shot!
I would not flatt'ringly your Highness flatter
With mincing terms, nor will I mince the matter.
My mistress is distracted to--distraction
By your attractive personal--attraction.
If truth I speak not, may the high Fo-hi
Grind all my bones to make his next meat-pie!

KAL.

So far, so good; what hast thou more to say?

TRUF.

Be not impatient, Royal Highness, pray.
My mistress is a tiger-cat--(permit
The term; tho' coarse, 'tis graphically fit.)
She gnashes her white teeth with frantic ire,
And raves against you, "Robbers, murder, fire!"
If truth I speak not, may the high Fo-hi
Make mince-meat of me for his sacred pie.

KAL.

No need of oaths. But hast thou not, good keeper,
Some better news to tell a waken'd sleeper?

Truf.

Of course I have. Without circumlocution
I now proceed to instant elocution:
My charming mistress sent me here to beg
You'll trust her with your secret. Her last leg
She's standing on; and in sheer desperation
She'll marry you; but must before the nation
Appear to vanquish you--in mere appearance.
Be qu