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Prinzessin Turandot (1934)
Princess Turandot
# roses will bloom, but nobody can be as lovely # as you are, Princess # the sun and the moon and the silvery gleam of the stars # they pale before you, Princess # you are so far away, and still I'd love to woo you # I'd love to die for you, with a thousand joys # Turandot, adorable Turandot # when you turn around, perfumes of jasmin waft by # Turandot, adorable Turandot # just your smile makes your mouth glow like a ruby # when your little foot passes me by # I am just a beggar standing destitute on the roadside # oh Turandot, adorable Turandot # you're as beautiful and brilliant as the dawn adorable Princess Turandot I can't stand it anymore! the whole world seems to revolve around the Miss, my daughter and her group of fools who let themselves be beheaded because of her this girl will be the death of me! get moving, ladies you've started packing only now? when do you intend to get finished? why is everybody in this house bent on driving me crazy! isn't it enough already that my own daughter ruins my nerves! do I even have to get annoyed with you too? where's my husband? I'm speechless I beg of you, do stay that way no way, my dear! out with you I have to talk to you how much do you need? I'm going to the seaside for four weeks then for four weeks to the mountains to recover from the seaside take your time, my rosebud go to the mountains for eight weeks for eight weeks to the seaside and another eight weeks to the country pamper yourself, relax you need it but why do I need it? who has ruined my nerves? your daughter Turandot! don't say that, the dear child... the dear child! she's a charming child who has her suitors beheaded a real angel! - your image! - why my image? did I had you beheaded? or did I marry you? - you married me - you see but your daughter Turandot has her suitors beheaded this is the result of the up-bringing you gave her but I haven't given her any up-bringing but that's exactly what I meant! but why haven't you given her any up-bringing because you're besotted with the girl because you let the girl dance on your nose it's downright outrageous the way she has you around her little finger your daughter makes you the laughing stock of the whole world don't interrupt me all the time I'm fed up with that inconsiderate behaviour but I'm telling you this, my dear when I'm back in eight weeks from my rest cure and if Turandot isn't married by then yet you! then! Holy Confucius! and you're advising me to get married of course you should get married as soon as possible, so that I can have peace at last what do you think you're doing anyway? you can't exterminate all young men just because they're in love with you don't interrupt me I'm fed up with this inconsiderate behaviour but little daddy, I... I'm not your little daddy! - why not? - why why well... of course I'm your daddy and that's why you shall get married! - I won't - you shall - I won't - you shall am I master in this house or am I not? you aren't, little daddy I'll show you that I'm master in the house you ill-bred child you'll marry the one who can solve your riddles I don't care if he's a prince or some vagabond off the streets whither did you come from? from the world where will you be going? to the Emperor to the Emperor? just like that? you must be a megalomaniac, young man man, how dare you! talk politely with us! otherwise we'll complain about you to the Emperor who are you anyway? who am I? I'm Willibald Calaf's servant the famous bird-dealer yes. and the Emperor... one moment now open up those frog's eyes of yours a bit the Emperor himself has invited us let them pass ... I'm not. you see, I said... everyone wooing me must solve three riddles first and if he doesn't solve them he'll be beheaded and then I thought they'd get frightened and nobody would be wooing me and I'll have my peace and now... not a single suitor lets himself be frightened off on the contrary! I practically begged the Prince of Samarkand on my knees not to woo me and what is the result? here you are - he's singing singing even on the way to his execution # Turandot, adorable Turandot # when you turn around, perfumes of jasmin waft by # Turandot, adorable Turandot # just your smile makes your mouth glow like a ruby # when your little foot passes me by... what's keeping you, my friend? patience, my Prince a slight traffic jam check out what's going on down there hey, you make way! good God, how shall I pass through there? I must get home I'm so excited but what's going on there? how shall I get home now? where's your home, little girl? that's none of your business, sir good God, how shall I pass through there? what am I to do? who's the sweet little crab? crab? sir, this is the confidant and companion of Princess Turandot if you would follow me across the courtyard, Miss Mian Li this is a good idea, I mustn't keep the Princess waiting today she's in a bad mood anyway, she dreamt of white mice - of white mice? - she did this means trouble doesn't it? white mice always mean trouble then you must run home quickly, Miss Mian Li yes, but first I must know what's going on here I'm awfully curious so am I what's going on here? the Prince of Samarkand is to be beheaded why? because he didn't solve Princess Turandot's riddles because he didn't what? because he couldn't solve Princess Turandot's riddles yes, those are the quaint ways she has with her suitors quaint ways indeed! she swore to marry the man who can solve her three riddles and if he cannot solve them then he's beheaded mercilessly beheaded? yes, ritsch ratsch if you want to verify utter nonsense! this pitiful execution won't take place, I'll see to that I must get home, I must get home I must tell Turandot about it are you all made out of cotton? can you watch calmly how this... this this evil young woman has executed hundreds of young men in the bloom of their youth... just because the silly goose doesn't feel like getting married? Willibald, come here sir, I demand satisfaction get going stop it now get going, run away no way! leave me alone! with whom do I have the honour? Calaf, nice to meet you sir, you have dared to insult the Princess Turandot in the most insolent manner if you don't take back that insult with an expression of deepest regret then you're going to get into trouble with me you must be dreaming! that evil young woman ought to get a good hiding on her silken panties silken panties! and when I say silken panties I'm being polite by the devil! you're not going to take back your insult of Princess Turandot? on the contrary! you can bet on it you'll regret it, sir may heaven have pity on your heirs, my boy clear the ring first round out 1 : 1 second round but I must get home, I must get home pardon me if I go on with my dinner one simply doesn't have time the whole day I don't find anything tasty nowadays... but one has to peck some food now and then to keep one's head on one's shoulders excuse me, sir, no pun intended you know the conditions under which every suitor may woo the Princess what's this? I beg your pardon, Chief Judge, but you must come to the execution square at once somebody has freed the Prince of Samarkand... and is ruining our business Good Heavens, who is it? a madman # I fell asleep beside the waters with the lotus flowers # and dreamed about love # I am awake and all the blossoms have faded # will love pass away like that, I wonder ah, Princess, the things I've lived through right now, indescribable what is it? tell me such insolence. one couldn't possibly tell this. it would be lse-majest what's the matter? an ordinary bird-dealer, he said things about you, Princess! evil little dame, he said silly goose, he said and that you ought to get a good hiding on your behind that's what he said what? who is this insolent ruffian? his name is Calaf, a bird-dealer his servant is called Willibald isn't it downright insolent? and ... all this is ... really true? every word of it, Princess I swear it, and I even haven't told you the worst things he said arrest the brute! in the name of the Princess Turandot in the name of the Princess Turandot # Turandot, adorable Turandot in the name of the Princess Turandot make way too late, look at the mess are you Calaf, the bird-dealer? he is, if you please on the highest orders by the Princess Turandot: you are my prisoner you've come at the right time, my boy I'm just in the mood to have a little chat with Princess Turandot Willibald! Willibald, look after the birds, I'll be back soon I don't think so me neither we don't think so here's the criminal, most gracious Princess out with you! down with you! what do you mean? on your knees! why? don't you know who I am? you lout I know exactly who you are a heartless little person the Princess Turandot don't shout! I'll shout as much as I like what kind of behaviour is that, for a princess? so young, so beautiful, created by God on a Sunday to make men happy and instead, what are you doing? the men, stupid enough to woo you, you're sending to the executioner by the dozen, and why? because you don't want to get married, you silly goose! this is enough! not yet! I forbid you to shout at me! I'll shout as much as I like if you're surrounded my milksops who don't dare tell you the truth then I'll have to do it you're very beautiful, one could eat you but unfortunately a freak a freak, I'm telling you, because you have no heart if you had one, all the beheaded suitors would appear in your dreams every night till you wouldn't know in nor out thank God on your knees that I'm not your father nor your brother, nor, my God protect me from it, your husband, otherwise you'd get it good so... so.... but please now you may speak you.... you... you... now you've lost your vocabulary, is that it? you ruffian! too kind, Princess arrest this man at once! shall we cut his head off? I ... never want to see him again out with him into the prison with him yes Princess, presently I'll throw him into prison right away where else should I throw him? out with you come with me, my dear young man, you've spoken to my heart get up say, who was the little fat fellow? the Heavenly Son which son? His august Majesty the Emperor the Emperor? you must be joking Princess Turandot's father? must be a funny family I don't care whether he has time or not I must to the Emperor you must be mad, you fellow to the Emperor? are you announced? I'll announce myself I'll tell him a piece of my mind he's arrested my master Calaf, and I want to... I shall... I absolutely must speak to the Emperor one moment, guard why are you so excited, Mr. Willibald? because those two fools won't let me pass impossible behaviour we'll take care of this at once, Mr. Willibald you take Pingpong - you know where and you, my dear ??? announce to the Emperor that Mr. Willibald urgently requires an audience tell him it's about Calaf, the bird-dealer well, how did I manage? great, thank you you're welcome His Majesty will graciously appear here very soon wait here, but don't touch anything well, don't you like him? I don't, he has lice look at this. are you the gardener, by the way? but I'm not a gardener I'm the Emperor of China and I'm the Shah of Persia you don't say! this is a charming surprise - a chance meeting... - my dear Shah of Persia, to what do I owe the pleasure? my dear Emperor of China, one moment - what's that? - hands off! what kind of a bird is that? this is a miracle bird why a miracle bird? he only sings when two love each other and are nice to each other when two love each other? a pity, with my wife, the poor little birdie would drop dead at once don't make me giggle your wife, of all people! even the Empress wouldn't be good enough for this bird just between ourselves, my wife and the Empress are made of the same stock - you don't say! - like twins that much of a resemblance? have you been employed here for long? I'll be celebrating my 25th jubilee here soon - and you're content, I mean... - I can't complain are you on good terms with the Emperor? but we grew up together but this is wonderful! you might do me a great favour - listen, the Emperor is a great bird-lover - he is - but what he keeps here in his cages is no big deal - I beg your pardon? but this miracle bird might tempt him and how! you see, and that's why I want to offer it to the Emperor for Calaf, as ransom and if you'll help me with this, then... then I'll tell you a remedy against vine lice will it really work? you can bet on it just a handful... - now let me talk for once - please because you don't need any ransom for Calaf why? what? yes yes yes ??? but no, Mr. Calaf please take a look yourself as you can see the victims of our charming princess are in excellent health this club offers everything a young gentleman of education and taste might wish for we've told ourselves, why should we deprive those charming young men who have lost their heads anyway, of their blooming life? let them live His Majesty the Emperor and my humble self have found a way out I say, the idea of a genius what do you mean, is this supposed to be me? here you are tell me, Chief Judge, what are the guys out there waiting for? the ransom I see, and this ransom the Emperor will pocket no, my dear, this is a little private affair of my own I say, Chief Judge, you're a real crook my dear Mr. Calaf... bravo, that is so true! I'm sorry, sir, but I have to agree with you but you're right Mr. Chief Judge, you really are a crook you flatter me since you're here, Mr. Calaf, would you be so kind and have your measures taken? take your hands off, will you but this is the only method for a life insurance I can offer you too kind, but I prefer my own method which is...? I'll solve Princess Turandot's riddles I'm not in love with that little shrew sir! - are you going off again? - keep calm, my boy once I've solved the Princess' riddles, I'll be the master of this house and I'll free you all without ransom? of course you noble young man! Mr. Chief Judge announce to the Princess Turandot that tonight at sunset I'll meet her to solve her riddles - tonight? - at sunset that Calaf wants to solve my riddles yes Princess, unfortunately unfortunately? but this is great! yes Princess great great? it's an insolence! an insolence not only that he insults me, challenges me... now he even dictates the time of the meeting! but Princess, why don't you refuse to see him? excellent so that people will think I'm afraid of him oh no! oh no! tell that bird-dealer that he's to appear in the small audience hall at sunset yes Princess but he's to be on time, I won't wait one minute yes Princess by my dear gardener I really like you so do I my dear Shah of Persia what's the matter? what's the matter? Your august Majesty but kids, stop that nonsense I don't demand that of you I have to announce to His Majesty that a certain Mr. Calaf, bird-dealer has dared to challenge the Princess Turandot and will try to solve her riddles tonight at sunset. tell me, is that really the Emperor? good gracious! Your Majesty I have a confession to make I'm not the Shah of Persia you aren't? but those shoes are impossible! but Princess, you've chosen them yourself just now! but Your Imperial Highness, I haven't finished yet you've been fiddling with my scalp for an eternity now Mian Li, my mirrored fan quick Your Imperial Highness looks ravishing again tonight I look awful oh no I won't appear in the audience hall tonight looking like that you've arranged me like a scare-crow it's enough to drive one mad Your Imperial Highness You're Imperial Highness, are you decent? you must be out of your mind, Mr. Chief Judge good heavens! His Majesty the Emperor is waiting where's my daughter? Her Imperial Highness, the Princess Turandot before Her Imperial Highness, Princess Turandot, and her august Imperial father a certain Calaf has appeared today bird-dealer by profession registered at no. 146 in the princess' list of suitors one moment just to avoid any future misunderstandings I've reported here in order to solve the Princess' riddles whether I shall marry her... whether I shall marry her... that... that remains to be seen. approach, Calaf one of these goblets contains a deadly poison can you tell me which it is? well, Calaf? well, Calaf? in which goblet is the poison? in this one, Princess you may retire now, old boy Calaf does good I bet 100 to 1 one moment, my dear how much does this golden god of riches weigh? about the same as I thank you, my friend approach, Calaf you've heard how much this golden god of riches weighs? we are ordering you now to turn him upside down with two fingers of your right hand may I touch him? please is it screwed to the pedestal? but no! well Calaf one moment heavy, isn't it? one moment, Princess may I? if you please, Princess with two fingers of the right hand no! no no no no let me look too bend down a bit, Mr. Emperor fabulous you havent reached the end yet, Calaf you haven't solved the most difficult riddle yet and when I've solved it, Princess? when I've solved it, then... I've been thinking it over then I'll marry you bravo it takes two to marry that's right, you and me you perhaps but not I but we've a contract, you'll have to marry me if I solve the third riddle you won't solve it, by your life you won't! Mr. Calaf what have I been dreaming of last night? - both thumbs, Your Majesty - what? both thumbs, that brings even more luck he'll make it, he won't make it he'll make it he won't make it well Calaf? what have I been dreaming of last night? white mice is this true? it is congratulations long live Calaf Calaf has won! Calaf has won! hurrah for Calaf. down with the Chief Judge! kids, now we're free! we'll go for a stroll # being imprisoned all the time, nobody can stand this # that's not possible, one must get out once in a while # we're flesh and blood, we're not made from iron # now we need to do something for our hearts # we want to go out strolling # look at pretty girls # we want to go out dancing again, then the world is twice as beautiful # it doesn't have to last the whole night through, it'll be enough till next morning at 8 # we want to go out strolling, then the world is twice as beautiful my little daughter Turandot ah, my golden days are over a genius, that Calaf may the devil take him I beg your pardon? of course, I mean... bravo ... bravo Turandot Princess Princess, your barrette you've lost your arrow Princess what will be my finder's reward? Princess but Princess! Turandot tell me... why don't you like me? won't you even look at me? you won't? try it try it you see I'm not that terrible no no don't start that I'll try my luck with her but my child! - I'll be damned! - this means nothing, my dear son-in-law once you're married... but I don't want to get married, never, never! he can try till he's blue in the face what do you have against Calaf? he's a nice guy and clever too that's just it, that he's so clever! but good heavens, child, you've always told me all men weren't clever enough for you I have but he didn't have to be that clever! now be reasonable but I don't want to be reasonable! - good evening - son-in-law, be reasonable! but I don't want to be reasonable! I don't like a wife who is stubborn like a donkey my wife should love me, should be impatient to lie in my arms, and... marry a woman who doesn't like me? not if they gave her to me for free! I'm sorry Your Majesty, it would have been an honour and a pleasure to become your son-in-law but this is going too far. A good day have a little patience with the child, son-in-law... little son-in-law it is the only way, believe me, Your Majesty not "Majesty" "daddy-in-law" I'm determined to become your daddy-in-law and I your son-in-law and you want to run away from Turandot? yes, so that she'll run after me, that stubborn person do you think she'll be cured that way? of course, she's such an ill-tuned little screw - but this is all your fault - what? yes, your fault alone! as to education, I wouldn't trust our children to you you're wrong, son-in-law I'm a born granddaddy you are? well, the matter mustn't be rushed first, we'll give the girl's head a good washing and Your Majesty shall help me eh, daddy-in-law I believe there's a full moon tonight really? because exactly 14 days ago we had the new moon I see it's so beautiful to take a walk under a full moon the both of us? alright, we'll meet at the Little Dragon's Gate it's quite hidden and there's never any guard around never any guard? fine now I must ask the Princess for leave, good-bye and now my little daughter mustn't worry anymore tomorrow morning Calaf will give you an easy riddle, a mere formality, like a child's game and if you solve it, you'll be rid of that Calaf and free he wants to get rid of me? why get rid of you? if only as a formality, he wants to give me an easy riddle a child's game for you but he'll think of something weird, and I won't be able to solve it, and I'll sit there and Calaf will laugh his head off Mian Li, are you my friend or aren't you? I swear - so you want to help me? - I do I must find out till tomorrow morning which riddle Calaf will pose me good God, but that's difficult! I know but I must find it out and you must help me yes I've an idea, Princess that Calaf has a servant if we tried to question that servant I know where to find him don't you want to change, sir? I mean make yourself pretty for the engagement ceremony it has been postponed damned then we'll stay here? yes, if you don't mind not at all I've made the bed, sir thank you, I'm not tired the apples are on the stove say, what do you want exactly? - nothing - tell me, what do you want? if you don't need me anymore... a friend of the Emperor has invited me is the friend's name perhaps Mian Li? I don't know his name exactly - but he has a great influence - on whom? on you that too alright, run along thank you thank you very much, sir # when you stand guard at night # one knows how slowly time passes # one wishes for dawn # 'cause the sweetheart is waiting # that's what a soldier needs to be happy # and a drop of wine # tralala, halt, who's there? # who's sneaking through the night? # you thieves, you scum, away with you! traptraptrap # a guard's life is hard. what are you doing here? as you can see, I stand guard here at the Dragon's Gate? but nobody used to stand guard here before but tonight there is to guard Calaf's wagon, the Emperor's son-in-law tonight of all nights! say, are you thirsty? I've never been not thirsty in my life then get drunk on Calaf's health but who's to stand guard then? nobody else but me that's very noble of you that's me friend, take this too thank you you can entirely rely on me, Princess I'll question that Willibald in a way which will please you because if you don't know the answer to Calaf's question tomorrow... then you would not only be put to shame for the second time I beg your pardon, Princess, but, which is much worse... you'd be totally in that disagreeable Calaf's power and that would be just awful, Princess, no no no that would be unthinkable, I'd rather die that let that allow to happen good-bye Princess but don't stay away too long! with that Mr. Calaf disagreeable she said ah, Pingpong # don't be afraid, everything will work out fine # I'm surprised at my own courage # ha, what's that, what do I see? # my heart almost stands still # now there's some rustling in the flowery grove # perhaps that's a robber # tralala, halt who's there? # who is sneaking around here in the night? # thieves, scum, away with you traptraptrap # a guard's duty is heavy Willibald Mr. Willibald ah, Miss Mian Li, good evening Mr. Calaf you're here? so it seems isn't Mr. Willibald in? no, Mr. Willibald has an engagement but he hasn't been at the Dragon's Gate he hasn't been where? I mean ... I mean... with whom has he the engagement? as far as I know, with a highly influential person with a highly influential person? yes - well? - in vain, Princess why? Mr. Willibald is not at home. And Mr. Willibald isn't where he ought to have been. Mr. Willibald simply isn't there and the full moon has risen what are we to do now? then there remains only one solution: I'll ask Calaf myself you? why you? but Princess, do you want to go to Calaf yourself? why not you? a Princess of Imperial descent? sneak to a young man at night, meet him in his garden? at under a full moon, of all things! but Princess! are you in love with Calaf, by the way? is Your Imperial Highness jealous, by the way? ridiculous then I'll sacrifice myself for my adored Princess and go to Calaf the things one does for a good friend yes, who is it? I, Mian Li ah, Mian Li come in somebody's coming I'll leave. good-bye, Mr. Calaf - Mr. Calaf! - what is it? good God, I'm so nervous so, you'll see to it that Turandot will come here you can completely rely on me, Mr. Calaf I'll work her over so that she'll burst with jealousy but when she comes you mustn't betray me, otherwise she'll tear my head off that would be a pity about the pretty head Princess, a thousand pardons, but I'm so excited I completely forgot to knock but the Princess doesn't wear her shoes just imagine what happened to me, Princess just as I was about to elicit out of Calaf the riddle he intended to pose to you tomorrow at that moment, unfortunately somebody crossed the Bridge of the Silvery Bells and I got so frightened that I ran away like mad Ive never seen such imbecility in my whole life you know what is at stake I entrust you with a charge of the utmost importance and you abandon me I wouldn't have thought you capable of that, Mian Li Your Imperial Highness, I'm desolate now you'll have to go to Calaf yourself I see, now I'll have to go to Calaf myself all of a sudden and what did you say just a moment ago? "but Princess, you couldn't possibly think of going to Calaf yourself!" "a Princess of Imperial descent? sneak to a young man at night, meet him in his garden?" "especially under a full moon" that's true, Princess, but you could disguise yourself - as what? - as Mian Li put on my jacket and the veil he knows them already quite well but I'm not sure if this looks becoming on me but Princess, he mustn't recognize you! and besides, inside the wagon it's quite dark I see you must have been terribly frightened you poor thing not at all, Princess you're never afraid when you're with Calaf is that so? your jacket and the veil, quick Mian Li, do you really think he won't recognize me? underneath my veil? of course not, Princess who's there? Mian Li? yes come in you've come from ... Turandot? of course come in what's the matter? you weren't that shy a short while ago but I'm not shy! it's pretty in here I've told Turandot about it if you wander across all those countries you always find some souvenirs don't you want to take off your veil? don't touch me! but Mian Li, that's not like you! you weren't so prudish a short while ago excuse me, why do you address me as "thou" all of a sudden? did I call you "you" earlier? have you forgotten, my little Mian Li? and this? and that? really? do you want to have another baked apple? what's that? but you've eaten three of them a moment ago try it you take one bite and I take another bite tastes good, doesn't it? you take one bite - come on - always as "you and me" just like we did a short while ago no thank you I don't want it anymore another bite, please, then it'll taste better to me I ... I've just eaten too much of it and besides, I haven't returned because of the baked apples because of me? because of you neither but? but... but because of the riddle, Calaf I see Calaf, please tell me the riddle you're going to pose to my Princess why doesn't the silly person come and ask me herself? but Calaf! now that she's reached the end of her Chinese with me... tell me, why does she send you? why? what are good friends for? I'm sorry, it's impossible why is it impossible? you must find a way out you're so clever it has nothing to do with being clever the thing is this: I can only think of the riddle if my miracle bird sings and my miracle bird only sings if two people kiss each other so? if you want to learn the riddle Turandot is to solve then... then I'll have to kiss you Mian Li, listen to me no no I don't want to but Mian Li! you'll only be doing a service of friendship for Turandot what about you? I? well I'd like to kiss you very much Mian Li but I thought you loved... the Princess Turandot? I do, but she isn't here right now, or is she? I see and because she isn't here, you want to kiss me what am I to do? you want to know the riddle without kissing the bird won't sing and without the bird singing I can't think of a riddle, it's that simple yes but if I tell the riddle to Turandot and if she'll solve it then she'll be free? of course and you'd agree to that? since she doesn't love me how can you be so sure? if she loved me, would she let you come here? Mian Li? I... so... go ahead no no you mustn't lift the veil but that's impossible why? the bird doesn't consent to compromises he doesn't? then turn off the lantern alright with greatest pleasure no no, hold on, I can't think of the riddle that quickly now I must go home another kiss no no not a single more Mian Li Mian Li but I haven't told you the riddle of course what is the riddle? how many pearls are in the ocean? but that's mean of you! the riddles I had to solve weren't made of cardboard either how many pearls are in the ocean? if I may kiss you once more, I'll tell you the solution no thank you now Turandot shall be tortured as well Mian Li my greetings to the Princess Turandot help! Mian Li, open up! Mian Li, quick! I'm being followed by the ghosts of all the men I've had beheaded close the door! Mian Li! it is I, Willibald good heavens, let's shut the door did you see? the way they ran away from me my brave Willibald my hero hero that feels good that feels even better Princess get out of my sight you false snake false snake? but Princess! why didn't you mention the thing about the baked apples? did the bird sing too while you were there? which bird? what happened? did Calaf recognize you, Princess? he didn't! he thought I was you the whole time and that's why he had been so fresh with me the way you must have behaved with him! behaved! you, my friend? a pretty friend! eating baked apples with him! "you take one bite, I take one bite" "you take another bite" and the "shh" and the "shh" and you know exactly that... what do I know? you know nothing at all! Your Imperial Highness, I'm desperate did you at least manage to learn the riddle? do you imagine I'm as useless as you are? running away like a chicken without getting the riddle? and what is it? "how many pearls are in the ocean?" but who is to count them? calm yourself I'll find the answer alright but then you'll be free, Princess indeed I'll be free! and Calaf will be free and you'll be free too, Mian Li I know exactly what you two are up to you deserve each other marry each other you have my blessings I'll be too glad if I don't have to see the both of you anymore if he's left and gone with his ridiculous wagon you can both sit and eat baked apples till you're bursting! which robe does Your Imperial Highness command for today's audience? I don't care at all which shoes do you wish to wear, Your Imperial Highness? I don't care at all which jewelry, Your Imperial Highness? I don't care at all where's the coral arrow? the Princess' coral arrow she always wears in her hair, her talisman no idea you never have any idea that's your specialty I am sure the Princess wore it yesterday what am I to do if she notices that the talisman is lost there'll be a catastrophe what's that? but this is an arrow to put into your hair it is it's a hair arrow, that is, no no, this is a key the hair arrow is a key? why? this is the key to my riddle you see? did you hurt yourself? quite what's the matter with him? why is he pushing me? but you've run across the Dragon Stairways they're reserved for the Emperor I see how could I know that? I ought to have been told well, it doesn't matter anyway yes, thank you you're welcome where do you want to go now? to Calaf and I? Her Imperial Highness the Princess Turandot approach, Calaf You are to pose the riddle to me, before my father and before the whole world, which I have to solve in order to regain my freedom my riddle is very easy, Princess last night I kissed a woman in my wagon who was that woman? but you were going to ask me something else! how do you know? only one person can know that the woman I love I held in my arms perhaps I can make it easier for you she wore this coral arrow well, Princess? who was that woman? I? is that true? yes, Your Majesty you've solved the riddle you're free, Turandot that's out of the question! no way! you're right, daddy I don't want to owe you anything, Calaf you're to get back what you've given me the end |
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