Chapter 18

TURANDOT.

TURANDOT.

What will Adelma do? If I should win, Who would be greater then than Turandot? Who then would dare to challenge her again? Ah! what a joy, to cast the names to-morrow Into his face, and drive him from my presence, Shamed, disappointed! Not pure joy, perhaps.... I see him weeping, sad, depressed.... I feel Something like pity at the thought of it.... Stay, Turandot, thou little soul, what thought Is this thou harbourest now! Did _he_ show pity, When _he_ in the Divan had solved the riddles? Did he not make thee red with rage and shame? Heaven, help Adelma now, and help me, Heaven, To annihilate him utterly! Help me now To guard my virgin freedom, succour me Against the coarse and domineering sex!