SCENE VI.

In the harem. Anteroom with columns. In the middle a table, on which stands a large basin filled with gold coins. It is night.

(TRUFFALDINO and his eunuchs surround BARAK, who is fettered to a pillar. To the right stand SKIRINA and ZELIMA, weeping; to the left, in an imperious attitude, TURANDOT.)

TURANDOT. There still is time. I offer you again This dish of gold, if you will speak the names. If you refuse, I'll have you whipped to death. Come hither, slaves! (The eunuchs make her a deep bow and grip their sticks.) BARAK (to SKIRINA). Now see what you have done! (To TURANDOT.) Princess, feed on your prey. Strike on, ye slaves! I know the son's name and I know the sire's. But direst torture shall not make me speak; No, nor the pains of death. Your dish of gold Is so much dirt to me. SKIRINA and ZELIMA. (Cast themselves down before TURANDOT.) Princess, have mercy.... TURANDOT. I am sick of this obstinacy. Slaves, hither! Give this old man a whipping! ZELIMA. Frightful! Stay! SKIRINA. My husband! My poor husband! ADELMA (enters from behind the scenes). Take heed, Princess! Hasten away! The Emperor hither comes! (Pointing to BARAK and SKIRINA.) Conceal this pair here in the deepest dungeon. Give me this dish of gold, and let Zelima Come with me. I have bribed the sentinels That stand at guard before the stranger's room. Zelima, if you love your mother, do What now I bid. TURANDOT. In you I put my trust, Adelma. Help me! Do what you think fit! (At a sign from ADELMA, TRUFFALDINO leads BARAK and SKIRINA out to the right.) ADELMA. Zelima, come. (To the eunuchs.) One of you bring this basin.

(Exit ADELMA, followed by ZELIMA and one of the eunuchs, carrying the basin.)