Turandot: The Chinese Sphinx

ALT. (graciously.)Fo-hi protects thee, son; He'll save thy life.ADELMA (aside.)Ye gods, let not my rival be his wife,Though I rejoice her vanity is vext.SKIRI hope he'll be as clever at the next!TURShall he outwit me? No, by sun and moon;(to KALAF.) Your joy's precocious – triumph not too soon.

(Rises and declaims) —

Canst thou the fragile mirror name,Reflecting all creation on its limpid face;'Tis closed within a narrow frame,Yet compasses high heav'n's blue vault of endless space.This crystal is of priceless worth,But yet the poor possess it, nor possession pay;It is the brightest gem on earth,It gives and yet receives its heaven-born brilliant ray.What is this mirror bright and clear,Free given to all, to all so dear?KALAF (ponders, then bows to the Princess)Your mystery's not hard to penetrate;The mirror you describe so small, so great,So priceless, so benign, "the eye" must be,A heaven 'twill show if thine speak love to me.PANT. (embraces TART.)He's shot the bull's-eye through the very middle.SKIRI never knew his equal at a riddle.DOCTORS (having opened the papers)Eureka! Optime! Optissimo!

(Flourish of gongs and cymbals.)

TARTBravo-o-o! Bravissimo! Benissimo!ALTI give you joy; you are a clever fellow!PANTOur Chinese Sphinx with rage is turning yellow.ADELMAIn vain the Fates themselves would seek to foil me;My rival shall not of my love despoil me.SKIRI wish to Fo-hi all was fairly over!ADEL. (to Turandot.)If you be mocked by this conceited lover,Your former victories will naught avail;Your honour's lost if this pert fop prevail.TURThe world shall perish first! Exultant fool!My hate increases with thy hope to rule.Escape my wrath whilst yet thy life is free,My vengeance dread, and from the contest flee.KALYour hate alone, adored Princess, can moveMy soul. If vainly I implore your love,Then let me die; my life I do not prizeIf loathsome I appear in your sweet eyes.ALTHear reason, Prince, nor longer tempt the gods.Throw up the game, – too fearful are the odds.With honour canst thou quit this high divan,For thou'st done more than any other man.Yet two successes serve not, though they're glorious,Unless for the third time thou be victorious.And thou, my domineering, wilful child,Wilt not relent towards this youth? Be mild,And graciously accept his suit.TURRelent!I scorn his love, – his pity I resent.The law prescribes three trials. Let's proceed,And try if in the third he may succeed.KALThe gods decide! "Or death or Turandot!"TUR. (angrily.)Death – death will be your well-deserved lot.PANTKeep silence in the court! Ahem! ahem!(aside) Now for some crackjaw, mystic apophthegm.TUR. (rises and declaims) —What is that thing, held cheap as dust,Yet honor'd by the Emperor's hand?'Tis made to pierce, with sword's keen thrust,But sheds no blood, tho' wounds like sand,In number deep inflicts; robs none;Enriches thousands; rules the earth;Makes life with ease and smoothness run;Has founded kingdoms; ended dearth;Most ancient cities it has built,But ne'er caused war, nor war's sad guilt.Answer my question (unveils). Look me in the face,Avow you're vanquished and deserve disgrace.KAL. (gazes on her with rapture.)Refulgent loveliness! Ecstatic bliss!PANT. (shaking him.)Collect your senses! Don't take on like this!ALTAlas, I fear his intellect is puzzled;He's mute, – his tongue seems tied, – his lips tight muzzled.PANTWere't not for dignity, into the kitchen,I'd rush a glass of something short to fetch 'un.TUR. (who has returned Kalaf's. fixed gaze) —Unhappy wretch! thou'rt silent; thou must die.KAL. (recovers himself, and bows to TURANDOT with extreme composure) —'Twas but your beauty dazed my wondering eye.My mind can grasp the meaning of the Sphinx,Tho' it's as puzzling as the "Babe of Ginx."The iron thing which wounds yet sheds no blood;That rules the earth, and gives man wealth and food;On which each year the Khan doth place his hand,To typify his reign o'er China's land;In short, the instrument your riddle mentionsIs one of mankind's earliest inventions.If I mistake not, Hm – ha – Let me see!"The plough" is meant by Riddle Number three.DOCTORS (having opened the papers)Eureka! Optime! Optissimo!

(Flourish of gongs and cymbals.)

PANTI kiss our future Emperor's great toe!TARTTh-the S-sp-sphinx is v-van-qui-quished —Vinto è il Demonio!Sh-she's f-fou-found her m-ma-match. Evviva il matrimonio!

(TURANDOT faints, ADELMA and SKIRINA support her. ALTOUM leaning on PANT. and TART. descends his throne, and embraces KALAF. The DOCTORS quit their seats, and retire to the background.)

ALTSweet prince, our son-in-law thou'lt be to-morrow,A joyful climax to our royal sorrow.TUR. (recovers her senses, and rashes wildly between ALTOUM and KALAF) —Oh, make me not his slave! 'Twill drive me mad,My mind no time for due reflection had.Too easily his triumph was obtained.ALTThe hard-won victory he fairly gained.With gratitude become this good youth's wife,Obey the law, and end this weary strife.TUROnce more call the divan – renew the contest,If I have time for thought, I'm sure of conquest.PANTFair Princess Tigerheart, that's rather cool;Don't make his Majesty act like a fool.D'you think the royal head of your kind DaddyIs lined with lead, like a Japan tea-caddy;What say you, colleague; and ye Doctors wise?

(Doctors join hands in a circle, nodding their chins.)

DOCTORSLet bloodshed cease. The chopped-off heads suffice.ALTTo great Fo-hi's pagoda we'll repairAnd finish off this hymeneal affair.TURHave mercy —ALTMercy hast thou shewn to none,I've kept my oath; do thou as I have done.Fulfil Fo-hi's decree.TUROh, spare me, Sire,Or at your feet behold your child expire.

(Throws herself at his feet.)

ALTThy marriage is ordained. Proud girl, obey,Too long I've bowed to thy capricious sway.Entreat no more. I swear by Fo-hi's sword.TURHold, father, do not speak the sacred word.This overbearing tyrant I'll not wed;I'd rather make the sullen grave my bed.KAL. (to TURANDOT.)Abate your terror; nor so madly grieve;I'll intercede myself for your reprieve.Fair cruel one, who may your tears withstand?(to ALTOUM.) Great monarch, grant her wish; I'd win her handBy love's sweet power; not by enforced consent.(to TURANDOT.) I see thou crav'st my head – then be content.I love thee so intensely, that my lifeIs worthless if I may not call thee wife.Again a solemn test I'll undergo.ALTShe's yours by right of law. Fate willed it so.TURYou shall not drag me to the bridal altar;This hand shall slay me first (draws a dagger.) It will not falter.KALStay, hold your hand, and calm your poignant sorrow;We'll meet again in high divan. To-morrowThe Chinese Sphinx this problem shall unravel:"Who is that Prince who, after weary travelEscaped from slavedom's thrall, and reached the goalAnd blissful summit of his longing soul;Yet at fulfilment of his heart's desireWas plunged yet deeper into tortures dire?"Relentless beauty, if you name arightThe name and lineage of this luckless wightThen shall you gratify your hate, and takeMy life. But if you fail, then shall you makeMe blessed, by giving me your hand. Decide.TURBy this new compact I consent to abide.ALTImprudent youth, too generously kind,Thou know'st not her all-penetrating mind.But, should she conquer thee by female wile,Thou shalt not fall a victim to her guile.To-morrow's high divan shall seal her fate;Her wit may free her; or she'll be thy mate.Enough of blood's been shed.TUR. (aside.)My subtle artShall crush his pride. Be firm, fond, wav'ring heart.

(March strikes up. ALTOUM, leaning on KALAF's shoulder, followed by PANT., TART., DOCTORS, and Courtiers, exeunt L. TURANDOT, ADELMA, SKIRINA, TRUFFALDIN, and slaves, exeunt R.)

END OF ACT II

ACT III

SCENE. —Street in Peking. (Enter KALAF and BARAK.)KALAFNone know my name in Peking's busy town,Your trusty tongue's as secret as my own;E'en to your wife I hope you've not revealed —BARAKFrom her especially the truth's concealed.KALAFFor many years, as dead I've been, given o'er.No mortal here has seen my face before.Fear not.BARAKDear Prince, forgive me if I blame you,I can't help dreading lest the Sphinx may name you.You were not wise to give her this last chance;She's so astute! She'll lead you a fine dance.You had possession – nine points of the law,Why should you for her meagrims care one straw?KALAFOh, had you seen her grief.BARAKI needs must smileTo think the tears of this sly crocodileShould take you in!KALPerhaps my tender loveHer heart to mutual tenderness may move.BARNo gratitude you'll get from that proud snake.KALRevile her not!BARI for your safety quake.She's quite as cunning as she's fierce.Her eyes can even through a millstone pierce.KALNay, hope the best. My lucky stars preside,They'll crown me victor of my lovely bride.BARYou're just the same dear, sanguine, thoughtless boyAs ever. I can't bear to spoil your joy.

(Enter BRIGHELLA, marching backwards, commanding a fewChinese guards; PANT. and TART.)

BRIGHalt! Pigtails, right! Attention! Royal Black Guards!(aside.) How I do hate this dangerous marching backwards!PANTOh, here he is! At last we've caught our bird.Prince, how d'ye do! Allow me just one word.But who's this man? (points to BARAK.)Of what has he been talking?BAR. (aside.)I hope they don't suspect – (aloud.) As I was walking,This man accosted me (I do not know him),He asked if I his way would kindly show him.PANTGreat Prince, you're compassed round about with traps.If we don't keep you in our eye – perhapsThe Sphinx may have you murdered. To preventUnpleasant little accidents we're sentBy his celestial Majesty, to take youIn our safe custody. We'll not forsake you.(to BARAK.) And you're her spy, I do believe; get out!And mind your own affairs, Sir Pry-about.(to KALAF.) As Minister, I hope I may make boldTo say "Sweet Prince, take care you are not sold."Pray whisper not your name to any oneExcept to me, your friend. I'll blab to none.On my discretion you may safe repose,Confide in me; your name I'll not disclose.No more than I would jump right o'er the moon.KALNo doubt; but yet my name, good Pantaloon,Like yours, must be quite "inexpressible."PANTMy wish to please is irrepressible.Command me, pray. Henceforth I will be dumb.The watchword is, – I understand you, – "Mum!"TARTG-go-ood Pr-prince, d-don't m-mi-mind th-that st-stu-pid P-pa-pantaioon,H-he's n-nothing b-but a g-go-gossipping B-buff-ffoon.C-co-conf-fi-fide in m-me. Your s-se-secret I won't u-u-ut-ter,I-in f-f-fact I c-ca-can't, 'c-ca-cause of my d-de-deuced s-st-stutter.PANTYour Highness! to the palace, if you please.

(Signs to BRIGHELLA.)

BRIGRecover, Pigtails! Black Guards, stand at ease!

(Exeunt KALAF, PANT., and TART., Guards and BRIGHELLA.)

BARAK, (who has been watching in the background, comes forward)Ye Tartar deities, watch o'er his life!Good gracious, what can hither bring my wife?

(Enter SKIRINA.)

Where art thou going, wife, in such a hurry?SKIROh, dearest husband, I'm all in a flurry.Our handsome guest will be Chang's futureWho'd have believed such an astounding thing?The Princess Turandot is in despair;She weeps, she wrings her hands, she tears her hair.She'll kill herself if she can't tell to-morrowThe name of your young friend. To calm her sorrow,I bade her not torment herself, for youKnew all about him, and his father too.BARUnhappy woman, thou hast ruined us!SKIRWhy, what harm's done? Why make you such a fuss?BARMy head will have to answer for thy tongue.SKIROh, nonsense, dear; I'm sure I've done no wrong.

(Enter TRUFFALDIN and slaves.)

BARBehold what thou hast done, thou Chatterbox.

(TRUFFALDIN, with pompous exaggerated ferocity, holds his sabre to BARAK's breast.)

TRUFMake no resistance! Yield thee, sly old fox!SKIRHave mercy, Truffaldin, – my husband spare!TRUFOf his bald head I'll not disturb one hair.Good female, you're of the fem'nine gender,And therefore towards your weakness my heart's tender.Your husband shall not come to any harm,So pray don't needlessly yourself alarm.The highest honour is in store for him,Free entrance's offered to our Hareem.BARThe gilded trap of the fair Serpent-Sphinx.She's found me out; she's eyes like any lynx.There's no escape.TRUF. (flourishing his sabre).Lead on, my free-born slaves,To where the flag of slavedom freely waves.

(Exeunt BARAK, TRUF. menacing him, and slaves.)

SKIRForgive me, husband dear. Adieu, adieu!Oh dear, oh dear, what ever shall I do?Adelma urged me to my boastful prating —She always is so very aggravating;I'd like to drop a lump of deadly pisonIn her next cup of "best strong-flavoured Hyson."I do declare my brain's all in a fuddle —Fo-hi, do help me out of this sad muddle!I'll sacrifice another guinea-pig,For mortals, then, I needn't care one fig. (Exit.)SCENE II. —A vestibule in TURANDOT's Hareem. BARAK is fastened to one of its pillars, black mutes, with drawn daggers, stand on each side of him. A large porcelain dish, fitted with golden coins is on a table near him. TURANDOT stands before him in a threatening attitude. (ADELMA beside her.)TURYet hast thou time. Obey my royal pleasure,And thine shall be this pile of golden treasure.If not, my slaves shall pierce thy heart. His nameReveal at once; his parentage proclaim.BARYour threats are vain; your treasures I despise.Repent your obstinate resolve. Be wiseAnd learn, a woman's highest happinessIs, by her love a worthy man to bless.TURTo preach to me befits thee not. Desist.My potent will in vain thou wouldst resist.Seize on him, slaves, and do your work. ForbearAwhile. Reflect, and save thy life. I swearBy Fo-hi's face, no harm shall touch thy friendNor thee, if thou consent to serve my end.BARYour path's deceitful. Swear by Fo-hi's mightMy friend shall call you his e'er morrow's night.You hesitate – you dare not swear a lieBefore the sacred face of great Fo-hi.ADELMAPresumptuous wretch, dar'st thou our queen defy?Princess, demur no longer; let him die.

(SKIRINA rushes in.)

SKIRHold, Princess; hold; your father is at hand!(aside.) My knees are knocking; I can hardly stand.ADELMAUnlucky chance! To prison with this fellow!SKIRAdelma, hush; you needn't bawl and bellow.TURIn deepest dungeon let him be confin'd.BARMy body you may shackle; not my mind.SKIR. (aside to BARAK.)Take courage, husband; do not fear their spite;The pig will save us yet; I tell you it's all right.

(Mutes hastily conduct BARAK through a secret door; othersremove the dish of gold.)

TURAdelma, thou'rt my only friend. AdviseMy mind distraught 'twixt love and hate. DespiseMe not, but pity me. Some counsel lend.ADELAs force has failed, by craft we'll gain our end.I have a plan, – I'm sure of its success,If to the stranger's cell we gain access.TURTake gold – suborn his guards – the highest meedI hold as nought if thy new scheme succeed.ADELSkirina's help I need to work my plot.SKIRI'd let myself be skinned for Turandot.I wish my service could my husband save.TURHis life be thy reward, thou faithful slave.

(SKIRINA kisses Turandot's hand.)

ADELYour royal father comes. In me confide.(aside.) Assist me, love, to quell her haughty pride.

(Exeunt ADELMA and SKIRINA.)

TURWhat will Adelma's fertile brain devise?(after a pause.) In vain the truth I'd hide from mine own eyes;My heart is his – irrevocably his.To be his wife – oh rapture, heavenly bliss!Yet I must spurn his love. I will not bearAll China's cold contempt; man's scoffing sneer.What glory would be mine could I but tameThis bragging conqueror. Pronounce his nameIn high divan, and chase him from our city,Abashed and in despair. But yet, with pityMy heart would surely break. Come, virgin prideAnd woman's art my shame and grief to hide.To-day, proud man has made me bear disgrace;To-morrow I must triumph o'er his race.But yet – he did not boastfully rejoice —Rebuke I welcomed from his gentle voice.How humble was his suit – how mild and good,How unresentful towards my scornful mood.Avaunt, ye tender phantasies, avaunt!I dread the world's disdain – its scoffing taunt.My people shall not see Turandot fall,The slave of one means abject slave to all.

(Enter ALTOUM, perusing a scroll; PANT, and TART, following atsome distance.)

ALT. (to himself.)The Bey of Tefflis dead? So ends this tyrant!PANT. (aside to TART.)What makes his Majesty indulge in high rant?ALT. (as above.)Prince Kalaf, heir to Tartary's high throne,Is called to fill the Bey's, besides his own.This scroll informs me Kalaf is the strangerWho overthrew the Sphinx and 'scaped her danger.I'm glad to find the Prince is no bad catch, —My daughter's will be quite a splendid match.PANT. (to TART.)What is he muttering all to himself,Just like a miser counting o'er his pelf?I do believe he's talking in blank verse,Or reasoning in rhyme, which would be worse.He's deaf; if he were blind, 't would suit us better,For then he couldn't read his private letter.TART. (to PANT.)A s-sp-special Es-taf-fette! Ci cova gatto!S-such m-my-mystery! Capisco niente affatto.

(ALT. places the scroll in his breast, and signs to PANT. and TART. to withdraw, which they do with reluctance.)

ALTMy child, the night is far advanced; yet stillThy restless steps pace through thy hareem chill.Quite hopeless is thy task; not all the CollegeOf Doctors could impart the wished-for knowledge.Thou canst not guess thy 'pponent's name, tho' weHave fully learned his family history.He's worthy of thy hand; my wish obey,Avoid to-morrow's public exposée.Thou'rt sure to fail. For my sake save thy fame,My soul recoils from witnessing thy shame.TURI shall not put my father to the blush;My adversary's arrogance I'll crush.ALTAh, flatter not thyself. Let one defeatSuffice; do not the painful scene repeat.TURThe high divan shall judge. Firm as a rockIs my strong will. His easy task I mock.ALTHas thy keen wit discovered – tell me truth —The secret of this overtrusting youth?If so, be gen'rous; let him go in peace;From further strife and public struggle cease.Deal gently with this boy of noble race,Nor wantonly expose him to disgrace.Thus shalt thou earn all Chang's high admiration.Thy harsh decree has much estranged the nation.They tell strange tales about the Chinese Sphinx,Men's skulls she gnaws – hot human blood she drinks.Oh, show thyself as modest, tender, duteous, —More homage this commands than being beauteous.TURYour mercy, Sire, beseems your hoary age;Your words might well convert a Grecian sage,But cannot change my purpose. I'll not bowMy neck to any man: so runs my vow.In public this pert boy my power defeated, —In public shall my vengeance be completed.ALTDear child, paternal love shall condescendTo humbly beg obedience. Do but bendTo my desire, and thou shalt from me learnThe whole of what this stranger may concern.In public thou shalt triumph – name aloudThy foe, in face of an applauding crowd.But swear, if thus I'm traitor for thy sakeThou wilt this suitor for thy husband take.Thy deed will bless thine aged father's days —Reward a loving heart – win all men's praise.

TUR. (who has listened with increasing emotion) —

His words are torture to my wav'ring pride,How shall I act? How may I best decide?Adelma shall I trust? Her plot may fail;Without disgrace a father may prevail.Down, stubborn soul (advances towards ALT., thenhesitates), and yet, beneath Man's yokeTo crouch? No, no, my vow I'll not revoke.ALTThou'rt touched. Sweet daughter, grant my fond desire.TURHe fears I may succeed and thwart him. Sire,I'll meet in high divan. My will is steady.ALTThen, if thou fail, the altar shall be ready;The rite shall be performed with solemn fitness,While vulgar crowds shall thy confusion witness.Their scoffing jeers shall be thy wedding hymn;Thy father stooped in vain; now stoop to him. (Exit.)TUROh, murder not your child! Adelma, friend, —Forsake me not. My grief some comfort send;My only hope's in thee. If great Fo-hiWithhold success, to-morrow sees me die. (Exit.)END OF ACT III

ACT IV

SCENE. – A magnificent apartment, with divers outlets; in the background an oriental couch. The scene is dark. KALAF discovered pacing up and down, BRIGHELLA holding a torch, observing him, and shaking his headBRIGJust three o'clock! by Kong's pagoda-chimes.You've paced this floor just twice three hundred times.Your Highness had much better go to sleep.You'll have to rise with dawn's first ruddy peep.I can't watch any more; my eyelids close.KALAFThou'rt right, Brighella; go to thy repose.

(BRIG. going, returns cautiously.)

BRIGOne word, your Highness, – when I've left my post,Don't be astonished if you see a ghost.You understand? You needn't be afraid;I daren't say more; my silence is prepaid.Forewarned, forearmed, you know. To a blind horseA nod's as good as twenty winks, of course.KALAF. (looking about, uneasily.)What spectres shall I see? what dreary sprite?BRIGOh, nothing, (yawns.) I'm so sleepy, Prince, good night.

(Going, returns.)

I hope you are not angry with Brighella —I'm but a poor, ill-paid, hardworking fellah —The Emperor has ordered that no flyShall enter this apartment – you know why;But tho' he's king, his daughter really rules.It's hard to keep one's balance 'twixt two stools!And what a woman wills, for good or evil.That must be done, or she will play the devil.

(Going, returns.)

Mind, I know nothing. Keyholes may suffice;If any noise you hear, it's only mice!

(Exit, winking significantly.)

KALGood night, and thanks; your hint I comprehend.Will treachery be used my life to end?Nay, Turandot's too noble – I'll not fear.The fateful hour approaches (opens a casement.)Dawn is near,I'll seek to drown my care in dreamy rest.

(As he sinks on the couch, a secret door opens, admitting SKIRINA dressed in male attire, a false beard on.)

SKIRMy lord.KALAF. (starting up.)What man is this? Some silly jest.SKIRWhat, don't you know Skirina? (takes off the beard.)I'm so frightened!Disguised I've passed your guards, in these clothes tightened.I've got so much to tell. Your poor old tutorIs put in chains! Yes, nothing less would suit her.He's anxious for your life – he begs you'll signYour name to show you're safe; just write one lineTo pacify him; or he'll all declare;The Princess Turandot's in such a flare.I tremble for my husband, – he's demented,Until you've kindly to his wish consented.I've brought a tablet – just your name inditeTo ease his mind.KAL. (takes the tablet.)To please him, I will write.

(Suddenly recollects himself, and looks at her searchingly.)

Skirina, would'st thou traitress turn? Thy guest I've been.SKIR. (aside.)I promised I would do my best.But such reproaches down I cannot gulp,Not if my mistress beat me to a pulp.So Miss Adelma may play off her tricksHerself, (to KALAF.) Please don't your eyes thus on me fix.(whimpering.) I should have thought some slight considerationYou would have felt for my sad situation.If you suspect me.KALNay, I'm sure you actedAll out of kindness.SKIR. (aside.)I shall go distracted.(to KALAF.) My husband waits your news. My leave I'll take;(aside.) Adelma's sharp; but he's as wide awake. (Exit.)KALBrighella warned me well.

(Enter TRUFFALDIN, covered by a long black mantle.)

Another visit!Nocturnal ghosts abound. Well, friend, what is it?TRUFYour Excellency, news excellent I bring —You'll hear a wonderfully wondrous thing.KALSpeak on, good vision; I am all attention.TRUFT'explain in plainest words is my intention.The keeper of the Hareem stands before you!But that's not here nor there; so I'll not bore youWith all my titles. The Princess TurandotRight thro' the heart by Cupid's dart is shot!I would not flatt'ringly your Highness flatterWith mincing terms, nor will I mince the matter.My mistress is distracted to – distractionBy your attractive personal – attraction.If truth I speak not, may the high Fo-hiGrind all my bones to make his next meat-pie!KALSo far, so good; what hast thou more to say?TRUFBe not impatient, Royal Highness, pray.My mistress is a tiger-cat – (permitThe term; tho' coarse, 'tis graphically fit.)She gnashes her white teeth with frantic ire,And raves against you, "Robbers, murder, fire!"If truth I speak not, may the high Fo-hiMake mince-meat of me for his sacred pie.KALNo need of oaths. But hast thou not, good keeper,Some better news to tell a waken'd sleeper?TRUFOf course I have. Without circumlocutionI now proceed to instant elocution:My charming mistress sent me here to begYou'll trust her with your secret. Her last legShe's standing on; and in sheer desperationShe'll marry you; but must before the nationAppear to vanquish you – in mere appearance.Be quick, and of your secret make a clearance.Clear up the matter, and I'll then clear out;My time is precious. Finish off this bout.KALOne thing thou hast forgotten.TRUFWhat have I?KALTo imprecate thy bones to Fo-bi's pie.Return to Turandot. Tell her from meShe'll glorious shine in high divan, if sheBenignant prove herself; more true distinctionShe'll gain by this, than by my hope's extinction.

(Signs to TRUF. to withdraw.)