ems.
To-morrow, if I'm victor as before
I'll freedom give you, and your throne restore.

ADEL.

Can nothing your credulity convince?
Oh, fly this wicked woman, dearest Prince.
Escape with me! Come haste! Our time is short;
I've bribed your guards. We'll sail from the next port
To Keicobad--there all will hail me Queen.

KAL.

Farewell, Princess; magnanimous you've been.
Escape alone. To die I am content,
You cannot turn me from my firm intent.

ADEL.

Ungrateful man! Then learn the horrid truth.
The heart of Turandot can feel no ruth.
You've foiled her cunning. Fear her tiger-spring.
To-morrow as you pass to join the King
In high divan,--her slaves, with stealthy blow,
Will pierce your heart;--your life will be laid low.

KAL.

Oh, hapless Kalaf! must thy life thus end?
In exile perish--far from ev'ry friend!
O Timur, dearest father, couldst thou see
Thine only son in such deep misery,
All Tartary thou'dst gladly give to save
Its royal heir from such untimely grave.

(_Covers his face in despair._)

ADEL. (_aside_) Hah, Kalaf, future Khan of Tartarland!
(Most luckily the last-told lie I planned.)
He's in my power. If he escape one net,
He'll fall into another, closer yet.

KAL. (_to himself_.)

I've said "Or death or Turandot." Her will
Decrees my death--from her 'tis, welcome still.
Adieu, fond hopes. Delusive joys, farewell!

ADEL.

Once more let me implore you. Do not sell
Your life thus cheap. We still have time for flight.

KAL.

My honour bids me stay and brave the fight.

ADEL.

You're obstinate. Farewell, then, _unknown stranger_,
(_aside_.) My love despised! I burn with jealous anger.
_Prince Kalaf, Timur's son!_ you're in my snare;
I can be fierce as Turandot. Beware! (_Exit_.)

KALAF.

I'm on the rack! when will this torture cease?

(_Enter_ BRIGHELLA.)

BRIG.

'Tis time to join divan, Prince, if you please.

(KALAF _regards him suspiciously_.)

KAL.

Art thou her tool? Shall I by thy hand fall?
Stain not thy soul with guiltless blood. Take all
I have, if money be thy greed. But know
Without a struggle I'll not take thy blow.

(_Draws his-sword._)

BRIG.

His brain is addled, sure as eggs is eggs!
Lor', how he stands, astraddling out his legs!

KAL. (_throws down his sword._)

I'll not defend myself. Tell her who offered
Base gold for life, my breast I freely proffered
To meet th' assassin's knife. There lies my sword.
Fulf