ALTOUM.
Calaf, rejoice exceedingly. This empire You have twice won. Your father, too, has won His kingdom back. Slain is the Sultan who Robbed it from him. Until your sire"s return A faithful servant wields the sceptre for him, And in the meantime sends out messengers To seek you in all countries. Read this leaf I It signifies the end of all your grief.
CALAF.
Ye heavenly G.o.ds, you raise and you cast down.
You cast down and make mighty, heavenly G.o.ds.
(_All present sob in their emotion._)
TURANDOT.
Now nothing more trouble this wedding-day.
(_Comes meditatively somewhat to the front._)
Calaf here risks his head to win a wife.
A faithful friend and servant risks his life To save his Prince. A man wins back a throne For his lost King, and makes it not his own.
A woman, who made out she loved me, hid A false heart"s treachery. And could I then, After all this, look down in scorn on men?
No. And may Heaven forgive me all I did That made me seem a monster in men"s sight!
(_Steps quite up to the footlights._)
Dear gentlemen, I tell you this because I love you all; and if you are polite Let my conversion have your loud applause.
QUICK CURTAIN
UNWIN BROTHERS, LIMITED, THE GRESHAM PRESS, WOKING AND LONDON.