AF, _who had bowed when
the_ PRINCESS _entered, now stands erect,
sunk in admiration of her beauty_.
TRUFFALDINO, _after performing various
ceremonies in his comic way, takes the
dish with the sealed leaves out of_
ZELIMA'S _hand; he distributes these
among the doctors, and then, with
various ceremonies and obeisances, withdraws
to his place_. _Music plays until_
TRUFFALDINO _leaves the Divan_. _Then
deep silence ensues._)

SCENE XI

ALTOUM, TURANDOT, CALAF, ZELIMA, ADELMA,
PANTALONE, TARTAGLIA, DOCTORS, GUARDS.

TURANDOT (_haughtily_).

What man is this again, who fondly hopes
To penetrate the darkness of my riddles
In spite of warnings manifold and grim?
What man comes speeding after dead men's heels,
And asks to lose his head?

ALTOUM.

Here stands the man.

(_Points to_ CALAF.)

Look at him well. Does he, at last, not seem
Worthy to make you end this cursed game?
Take him for consort, and so give me peace!

TURANDOT (_after scanning_ CALAF _for a moment,
whispers to_ ZELIMA).

Pity I never felt! I pity him!

ZELIMA (_whispers_).

Then, quick, three easy riddles. Bid pride go!

TURANDOT (_flaring up, whispers_).

What sayest thou, rash girl?

ADELMA (_aside_).

God! dare I trust
My eyes? It is the very, man--the same
Who served my sire as gardener. Then he is
A prince--a prince, indeed. My heart guessed true.

TURANDOT.

Thou errant Prince, desist from this adventure.
See, I am nowise cruel, as men say.
It is but my deep loathing for all males
That forces me to stand as now at guard
To keep from me a sex that I abhor.
Why should I not be free to fight my foe?
What brings you here to harden me again?
If prayers can move you, I myself will beg:
Desist! Put not my sharp mind to the test.
It is my only pride, the only weapon
Heaven gave me. And I know that I should die
If any man were victor of my mind.
Claim not my riddles then. There still is time.
Else naught awaits you save a shameful death.

CALAF.

Voice of a goddess, body of an angel,
Rare mind, unparalleled intelligence,
Are gathered in one woman's being here.
Who calls the man a fool that risks his life
For treasures such as these? Princess, your own
High understanding cannot fail but see
That as your gifts in greater glory shine,
As your refusal is more violent,
So many more the hearts you set on fire.
Had I a thousand lives, I would with joy,
For your sake, Princess, die a thousand deaths.