Chapter 19

ALTOUM, PANTALONE, TARTAGLIA, GUARDS, TURANDOT.

ALTOUM (_meditatively, aside, reading letter_).

So Fate at last has stricken that bloody robber, The Sultan of Tashkent. And the same fate Brings, by strange dispensation, Timur's son, Calaf, to us, and to a great good-fortune. Who dares to penetrate Thy mysteries, Just Heaven?

PANTALONE (_whispering to_ TARTAGLIA).

What the devil is the old gentleman always drivelling about now?

TARTAGLIA (_whispering_).

A secret messenger has arrived. Hell's loose somewhere.

ALTOUM (_stepping up to_ TURANDOT).

Child, the night is almost gone, And, sleepless yet, you wander to and fro, Seeking to know-something you cannot know. I, who have nowise sought, have found it out: You seek, and know it not.

(_Shows her the letter._)

Both names are writ Upon this sheet. From countries far away A secret rider bore it even now, With other tidings, grave and full of joy. The messenger I hold in custody Until to-morrow night. Your unknown suitor Is of a truth a prince, and a King's son. You will not, cannot guess the names. My child, It is a father's pity brings me here: Why will you once again, this day that dawns, Have yourself put to shame before a crowd, Suffering the cruel malice of their hate?

(_Makes signs to_ PANTALONE _and_ TARTAGLIA _to leave him alone_. _Exeunt both with the_ GUARDS.)

Leave us alone! I hold it in my hand To spare you all.

TURANDOT (_wavering_).

To spare me what? I thank you, Father. I have no need of any help. In my own wits I have my best defence.

ALTOUM.

You are now at your wits' end; you know it, too. A desperate confusion fills your eyes. We are alone with one another now. Come, tell your father! Do you know the names?

TURANDOT.

You will know that in the Divan to-morrow.

ALTOUM.

Listen, my child. You do not know these names. But if you do, trust in my love and say. Then I will let the poor man know, and see That he shall quit my lands without delay, And we will have it noised abroad that you Have conquered him, and spared him public shame. Thus you escape the hatred of the crowd. Will you deny your father this light boon?

TURANDOT.

I know the names.... I do not know the names.... Did _he_ show any pity when _he_ won? Now let him bear what I myself have borne. If I _do_ know the names, I shall announce them To-morrow to the crowd in the Divan.

ALTOUM (_makes first a gesture of impatience and then forces himself to be calm._)

All that he did was done in love, my daughter, And in a game played for his head. Now bid Ambition leave your heart, and anger too, And let me show you how a father loves. I pledge my head you do not know the names. I have them here--and I will tell you them. To-morrow then you may in the Divan Put him to shame and contumely, and see His anguish and his torture call for death, Because with you he loses all he loved. And only one thing do I crave: when you Have fed your vengeance on him to the full, Reach him your hand and be his willing wife. Swear it; we are alone. Then have the names. And all shall be a secret, mine and yours.

TURANDOT (_uncertain and excited, aside_).

What shall I do? Depend upon Adelma? Or shall I let my father tell the names, And bow my head to the yoke?... Less is the shame, Beyond all doubt, to yield to one's own father. But what if wise Adelma had succeeded Already, and my oath had been too soon?

ALTOUM.

Why will you rack your brains when all is clear? Let not irresolution harry you! Would you still have me think you know the names? Child, be persuaded!

TURANDOT (_aside_).

No, I will wait for Adelma. My father urges me. This is a sign The mystery is not impenetrable. He is in league with that strange man, and seeks To talk me over.

ALTOUM.

Hesitate no longer! Make up your mind! Rein in your rearing pride! Torture yourself no more.

TURANDOT.

I _am_ resolved. Call the Divan together in good time. I have no more to say.

ALTOUM.

You are resolved Rather to yield to force than to your father!

TURANDOT.

I am resolved to fight.

ALTOUM (_in a rage_).

Fool without heart! I will indeed call the Divan together To be your temple and your altar too. And I will summon priests, to celebrate Your marriage while a crowd looks on and mocks. Yea, have your will, you stupid fool! Good night.

(_Exit._)