People of Peking! This is the law: Turandot, the Pure, Will be the bride of the man of royal blood, Who solves the three enigmas that she will ask him. But whoever faces the trial and is defeated, Must bow to the axe his haughty head! The Prince of Persia had Fate against him: When the moon rises, At the executioner's hand he must die! He must die! Yes, die! We want the executioner! Quickly, quickly! Death! Death! The punishment! If you don't appear, we'll waken you, Pu-Tin-Pao! Pu-Tin-Pao! To the palace! To the palace! Stand back, dog! THE CROWD Ah, cruel ones! Stop, by Heaven! GUARDS Stand back, dogs!