PANTALONE.

(_Beside himself._) Cheer up, sonny! cheer up!

Wish I could give him a dig in the ribs, Heaven knows! My shanks are quivering with fear he shouldn't be able to get his wits together again.

Oh for a cooling draught of old Three Star!

TARTAGLIA.

If it weren't contrary to etiquette, I'd like to run into the kitchen and fetch the vinegar bottle.

TURANDOT.

Death thou didst ask for, death thou hast received.

CALAF.

For one poor moment I was dazzled by Your beauty--but I was not overcome.

(_To the public._)

This magic flower by which the soul is lit, Which makes the heart tremble with dreaming it; This magic rose of all men's fiery dreams, Which under soft moss hides its gentle beams; Which is with beauty sweet and goodness shy, And bears the hope that holds the heavens on high; This magic flower of purest ray divine, This flower is: LOVE--dearest, your love and mine.

PANTALONE.

Praised be the Lord! Praised be the Lord!

Here! I can't stand this any longer....

(_Runs up to_ CALAF _and embraces him_.)

TARTAGLIA.

Victory, your Majesty! Hail! Victory!

THE EIGHT DOCTORS.

(_Open the third leaf._) Love! Love! Love!

(_Vociferous hurrahs of the crowd outside and noisy music._ TURANDOT _falls all of a heap on her throne_, ZELIMA _and_ ADELMA _busy themselves with her_.

ALTOUM _lifts the PRINCE off his feet and kisses him_, PANTALONE _and_ TARTAGLIA _helping_. _The doctors retire in a row to the background._)

ALTOUM.

And now enough of tyranny and whims-- Do you hear me, Turandot! And you, dear son, Come to my heart.

(_He embraces_ CALAF.)

TURANDOT.

(_Has recovered herself, and rushes in a rage at the embracing pair._)

Stay! Do not let this man Believe he is my husband. I demand Another meeting and three riddles more.

The time I was allowed was far too short.

Stay!----

ALTOUM (_interrupting her_).

False and cruel child! The game is played.

Thou shalt not so begin a second time.

The edict has run out, and is surrendered Into the keeping of my ministers.

PANTALONE.

I beg a thousand pardons. But we can't do with any more of these riddles, Heaven knows!

We can't do with any more head-chopping, Heaven knows, as if they were nothing but lettuces. The young man there has guessed right. The edict must be executed in its entirety.

The bridecake has got to go into the oven. (_To_ TARTAGLIA.) What do you say, my Lord Chancellor?

TARTAGLIA.

Must be executed--in its entirety. There is no call for any further explanations, interpretations, dissertations, appeals, and commentaries. What do our learned doctors say?

THE EIGHT DOCTORS.

(_All together._) Must be executed! Must be executed--in its entirety. Decision final--irrevocable!

ALTOUM.

Straight to the altar, then. This stranger prince Will now reveal his birth and name, the priests----

TURANDOT (_in despair_).

Grant me a respite, father!

ALTOUM.