Chapter 17

_In the harem._ _Anteroom with columns._ _In the middle a table, on which stands a large basin filled with gold coins._ _It is night._

(TRUFFALDINO _and his eunuchs surround_ BARAK, _who is fettered to a pillar_. _To the right stand_ SKIRINA _and_ ZELIMA, _weeping; to the left, in an imperious attitude_, TURANDOT.)

TURANDOT.

There still is time. I offer you again This dish of gold, if you will speak the names. If you refuse, I'll have you whipped to death. Come hither, slaves!

(_The eunuchs make her a deep bow and grip their sticks._)

BARAK (_to_ SKIRINA).

Now see what you have done!

(_To_ TURANDOT.)

Princess, feed on your prey. Strike on, ye slaves! I know the son's name and I know the sire's. But direst torture shall not make me speak; No, nor the pains of death. Your dish of gold Is so much dirt to me.

SKIRINA _and_ ZELIMA.

(_Cast themselves down before_ TURANDOT.)

Princess, have mercy....

TURANDOT.

I am sick of this obstinacy. Slaves, hither! Give this old man a whipping!

ZELIMA.

Frightful! Stay!

SKIRINA.

My husband! My poor husband!

ADELMA (_enters from behind the scenes_).

Take heed, Princess! Hasten away! The Emperor hither comes!

(_Pointing to_ BARAK _and_ SKIRINA.)

Conceal this pair here in the deepest dungeon. Give me this dish of gold, and let Zelima Come with me. I have bribed the sentinels That stand at guard before the stranger's room. Zelima, if you love your mother, do What now I bid.

TURANDOT.

In you I put my trust, Adelma. Help me! Do what you think fit!

(_At a sign from_ ADELMA, TRUFFALDINO _leads_ BARAK _and_ SKIRINA _out to the right_.)

ADELMA.

Zelima, come. (_To the eunuchs._) One of you bring this basin.

(_Exit_ ADELMA, _followed by_ ZELIMA _and one of the eunuchs, carrying the basin_.)