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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The History of Don Quixote de la Mancha, by
+Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The History of Don Quixote de la Mancha
+
+Author: Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
+
+Release Date: April 29, 2011 [EBook #35993]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HISTORY OF DON QUIXOTE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Paul Dring, Delphine Lettau and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Transcribers note: The single occurence in the original of the letter e
+with macron above has been represented in the text below as [=e]
+
+
+
+
+THE HISTORY
+
+OF
+
+DON QUIXOTE DE LA MANCHA.
+
+
+[Illustration: Don Quixote.]
+
+
+[Illustration:
+
+The
+
+history
+
+of
+
+Don Quixote
+
+de la mancha
+
+LONDON
+
+Edward Lumley.]
+
+
+
+
+The history
+
+of
+
+Don Quixote de la Mancha.
+
+From the Spanish of Cervantes.
+
+REVISED FOR GENERAL READING.
+
+TO WHICH IS PREFIXED
+
+A Sketch of the Life and Writings of the Author.
+
+Second Edition,
+
+WITH ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+London:
+
+James Burns
+
+mdcccxlviii.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+ CHAP. PAGE
+
+ I. The quality and way of living of Don Quixote 1
+
+ II. Which treats of Don Quixote's first sally 5
+
+ III. An account of the pleasant method taken by Don Quixote to
+ be dubbed a knight 8
+
+ IV. What befell the Knight after he had left the inn 12
+
+ V. A further account of our Knight's misfortunes 17
+
+ VI. Of the pleasant and curious scrutiny which the Curate and
+ the Barber made of the library of our ingenious gentleman 20
+
+ VII. Don Quixote's second sally in quest of adventures 24
+
+ VIII. Of the good success which the valorous Don Quixote had
+ in the most terrifying and incredible adventure of the Windmills,
+ with other transactions worthy to be transmitted to posterity 26
+
+ IX. What passed between Don Quixote and the Goatherds 29
+
+ X. A continuation of the story of Marcella 33
+
+ XI. The sage discourse continued; with the adventures of a
+ dead body 47
+
+ XII. Which treats of the grand adventure of Mambrino's helmet,
+ with other things which befell our invincible Knight 57
+
+ XIII. Of what befell Don Quixote in the Sierra Morena, being one
+ of the most extraordinary adventures related in this faithful
+ history 66
+
+ XIV. A continuation of the adventure in the Sierra Morena 72
+
+ XV. Of what happened to Don Quixote's Squire, with the famous
+ device of the Curate and the Barber 84
+
+ XVI. How the Priest and the Barber proceeded in their project;
+ with other things worthy of being related 88
+
+ XVII. Of the new and agreeable adventure that befell the Priest
+ and the Barber, and of the beautiful Dorothea 96
+
+ XVIII. Which treats of the beautiful Dorothea's discretion;
+ with other particulars 102
+
+ XIX. Of the ingenious method pursued to withdraw our enamoured
+ Knight from the rigorous penance which he had imposed on
+ himself 108
+
+ XX. The pleasant dialogue between Don Quixote and his Squire
+ continued; with other adventures 115
+
+ XXI. What befell Don Quixote and his company at the inn 121
+
+ XXII. Of the dreadful battle betwixt Don Quixote and certain
+ Wine-skins 125
+
+ XXIII. Containing an account of many surprising accidents in
+ the inn 127
+
+ XXIV. The history of the famous Princess Micomicona continued;
+ with other pleasant adventures 132
+
+ XXV. A continuation of Don Quixote's curious and excellent
+ discourse upon arms and learning 137
+
+ XXVI. Of occurrences at the inn; and of many other things worthy
+ to be known 139
+
+ XXVII. The agreeable history of the young muleteer; with other
+ strange accidents 141
+
+ XXVIII. A continuation of the extraordinary adventures that
+ happened in the inn 145
+
+ XXIX. In which the dispute concerning Mambrino's helmet is
+ decided; with other adventures that really and truly happened 148
+
+ XXX. The notable adventure of the Holy Brotherhood; with an
+ account of the ferocity of our good Knight, Don Quixote 151
+
+ XXXI. Of the strange and wonderful manner in which Don Quixote
+ de la Mancha was enchanted; with other remarkable occurrences 156
+
+ XXXII. Of the ingenious contest between Don Quixote and the
+ Canon; with other incidents 161
+
+ XXXIII. The Goatherd's narrative 164
+
+ XXXIV. Of the quarrel between Don Quixote and the Goatherd,
+ with the rare adventure of the Disciplinants 167
+
+ XXXV. What passed between the Curate, the Barber, and Don
+ Quixote, concerning his indisposition 172
+
+ XXXVI. Of the memorable quarrel between Sancho Panza and Don
+ Quixote's Niece and Housekeeper; with other pleasant passages 178
+
+ XXXVII. The pleasant discourse between Don Quixote, Sancho Panza,
+ and the bachelor Samson Carrasco 181
+
+ XXXVIII. The discourse continued; also the wise and pleasant
+ dialogue between Sancho Panza and Teresa Panza his wife; together
+ with other passages worthy of happy memory 185
+
+ XXXIX. What passed between Don Quixote, his Niece, and the
+ Housekeeper; being one of the most important chapters in the
+ whole history 189
+
+ XL. Don Quixote's success in his journey to visit the Lady
+ Dulcinea del Toboso 192
+
+ XLI. That gives an account of things which you will know when
+ you have read it 196
+
+ XLII. Wherein is related the stratagem practised by Sancho, of
+ enchanting the Lady Dulcinea; with other events no less ludicrous
+ than true 198
+
+ XLIII. Of the strange adventure which befell the valorous Don
+ Quixote with the cart, or Death's caravan 202
+
+ XLIV. Of the strange adventure which befell the valorous Don
+ Quixote with the brave Knight of the Mirrors 206
+
+ XLV. Wherein is continued the adventure of the Knight of the
+ Wood, with the wise and witty dialogue between the two Squires 210
+
+ XLVI. Continuation again of the adventure of the Knight of the
+ Wood 213
+
+ XLVII. Giving an account of the Knight of the Mirrors and his
+ Squire 220
+
+ XLVIII. Of what befell Don Quixote with a worthy gentleman of
+ La Mancha 223
+
+ XLIX. Where you will find set forth the highest proof that Don
+ Quixote ever gave, or could give, of his courage; with the
+ successful issue of the adventure of the Lions 227
+
+ L. How Don Quixote was entertained at the castle or house of the
+ Knight of the Green Coat, with other extraordinary matters 232
+
+ LI. The adventure of the Shepherd-Lover, and other truly comical
+ passages 235
+
+ LII. An account of rich Camacho's wedding, and what befell poor
+ Basil 239
+
+ LIII. The progress of Camacho's wedding; with other delightful
+ accidents 242
+
+ LIV. An account of the great adventure of Montesinos' cave 247
+
+ LV. Of the wonderful things which the unparalleled Don Quixote
+ declared he had seen in the deep cave of Montesinos, the
+ greatness and impossibility of which make this adventure
+ pass for apocryphal 250
+
+ LVI. Which gives an account of a thousand trifles and stories,
+ as impertinent as necessary to the right understanding of this
+ grand history 256
+
+ LVII. Where you find the grounds of the braying adventures,
+ that of the Puppet-player, and the memorable divining of the
+ fortune-telling Ape 260
+
+ LVIII. A pleasant account of the Puppet-play; with other very
+ good things 266
+
+ LIX. Wherein is shewn Don Quixote's ill success in the braying
+ adventure, which did not end so happily as he desired and
+ expected 271
+
+ LX. Of some things which he that reads shall know, if he reads
+ them with attention 275
+
+ LXI. What happened to Don Quixote with the fair Huntress 278
+
+ LXII. Which treats of many and great matters 281
+
+ LXIII. Don Quixote's answer to his reprover; with other grave
+ and merry accidents 285
+
+ LXIV. Containing ways and means for disenchanting the peerless
+ Dulcinea del Toboso, being one of the most famous adventures
+ in the whole book 291
+
+ LXV. Wherein is contained the information given to Don Quixote
+ how to disenchant Dulcinea; with other wonderful passages 296
+
+ LXVI. Wherein is recorded the wonderful and inconceivable
+ adventure of the afflicted Duenna, or the Countess of Trifaldi;
+ and likewise Sancho Panza's letter to his wife Teresa Panza 299
+
+ LXVII. In which is continued the famous adventure of the
+ afflicted Duenna 303
+
+ LXVIII. Of the account given by the afflicted Duenna of her
+ misfortunes 304
+
+ LXIX. Wherein the Countess Trifaldi continues her stupendous
+ and memorable history 308
+
+ LXX. Which treats of matters relating and appertaining to this
+ adventure, and to this memorable history 309
+
+ LXXI. Of the arrival of Clavileno; with the conclusion of this
+ prolix adventure 313
+
+ LXXII. The instructions which Don Quixote gave to Sancho Panza,
+ before he went to his government; with other well-digested
+ matter 319
+
+ LXXIII. Of the second instruction Don Quixote gave Sancho Panza 322
+
+ LXXIV. How Sancho Panza was carried to his government; and of
+ the strange adventure that befell Don Quixote in the castle 325
+
+ LXXV. How the great Sancho Panza took possession of his island,
+ and in what manner he began to govern 328
+
+ LXXVI. Of a dreadful alarm which Don Quixote experienced 331
+
+ LXXVII. Which gives a further account of Sancho Panza's behaviour
+ in his government 334
+
+ LXXVIII. What happened to Don Quixote with Donna Rodriguez; as
+ also other passages worthy to be recorded 340
+
+ LXXIX. What happened to Sancho Panza as he went the rounds in
+ his island 342
+
+ LXXX. Which narrates the success of the page that carried
+ Sancho's letter to his wife 350
+
+ LXXXI. A continuation of Sancho Panza's government; with other
+ entertaining passages 355
+
+ LXXXII. A relation of the adventures of the second disconsolate
+ or distressed matron, otherwise called Donna Rodriguez; with
+ the letters of Teresa Panza to the Duchess and to her husband 360
+
+ LXXXIII. The toilsome end and conclusion of Sancho Panza's
+ government 364
+
+ LXXXIV. What happened to Sancho by the way; with other matters
+ which you will have no more to do than to see 368
+
+ LXXXV. Which treats of matters that relate to this history,
+ and no other 370
+
+ LXXXVI. Of the extraordinary and unaccountable combat between Don
+ Quixote de la Mancha and the lackey Tosilos, in vindication
+ of the matron Donna Rodriguez's daughter 372
+
+ LXXXVII. How adventures crowded so thick on Don Quixote that
+ they trod upon one another's heels 376
+
+ LXXXVIII. Of an extraordinary accident that happened to Don
+ Quixote, which may well pass for an adventure 383
+
+ LXXXIX. What happened to Don Quixote going to Barcelona 388
+
+ XC. Of what befell Don Quixote at his entrance into Barcelona;
+ with other events more true than ingenious 397
+
+ XCI. Of the adventure of the enchanted head; with other trifling
+ matters that must not be omitted 399
+
+ XCII. Of an unlucky adventure which Don Quixote laid most to
+ heart of any that had yet befallen him 404
+
+ XCIII. Wherein is given an account of the Knight of the White
+ Moon; with other matters 406
+
+ XCIV. How Don Quixote resolved to turn shepherd, and lead a rural
+ life for the year's time he was obliged not to bear arms;
+ with other passages truly good and diverting 410
+
+ XCV. Of the ominous accidents that crossed Don Quixote as he
+ entered his village; with other transactions that illustrate and
+ adorn this memorable history 417
+
+ XCVI. How Don Quixote fell sick, made his last will, and died 420
+
+
+
+
+Preface.
+
+
+When we reflect upon the great celebrity of the "Life, Exploits, and
+Adventures of that ingenious Gentleman, Don Quixote de la Mancha," and
+how his name has become quite proverbial amongst us, it seems strange
+that so little should be known concerning the great man to whose
+imagination we are indebted for so amusing and instructive a tale. We
+cannot better introduce our present edition than by a short sketch of
+his life, adding a few remarks on the work itself and the present
+adapted reprint of it.
+
+The obscurity we have alluded to is one which Cervantes shares with
+many others, some of them the most illustrious authors which the world
+ever produced. Homer, Hesiod,--names with which the mouths of men have
+been familiar for centuries,--how little is now known of them! And not
+only so, but how little was known of them even by those who lived
+comparatively close upon their own time! How scattered and
+unsatisfactory are the few particulars which we have of the life of
+our own poet William Shakspere!
+
+
+Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra was born at Alcala de Henares, a town of
+New Castile, famous for its University, founded by Cardinal Ximenes.
+He was of gentle birth, both on his father's and mother's side.
+Rodrigo de Cervantes, his father, was descended from an ancient family
+of Galicia, of which several branches were settled in some of the
+principal cities of Spain. His mother's name was Leonora de
+Cort[=e]nas. We find by the parish register of Santa Maria la Mayor,
+at Alcala de Henares, that Miguel was baptised in that church on
+Sunday, the 9th of October, 1547; in which year we may conclude,
+therefore, that he was born. The discovery of this baptismal register
+set at rest a dispute which had for some time been going on between
+_seven_ different cities, each of which claimed the honour of being
+the native place of our author: these were, besides the one already
+mentioned, Seville, Madrid, Esquivias, Toledo, Lucena, and Alcazar de
+San Juan. In this respect we cannot avoid drawing a comparison between
+the fame of Cervantes and the prince of poets, Homer.
+
+From a child he discovered a great liking for books, which no doubt
+determined his parents, whose fortune, notwithstanding their good
+family, was any thing but affluent, to educate him for one of the
+learned professions, by which alone at that time there was any chance
+of getting wealth. Miguel, however, did not take to the strict studies
+proposed to him: not that he was idle; his days were spent in reading
+books of amusement, such as novels, romances, and poems. It was of the
+materials afforded by such a pursuit that his fame was afterwards
+built.
+
+Cervantes continued at Madrid till he was in his twenty-first year,
+during which time he remained with his learned tutor Juan Lopez de
+Hoyos. He seems to have been a great favourite with him; for, in a
+collection of "Luctus," published by Juan on the death of the Queen,
+we find an elegy and a ballad contributed by the editor's "dear and
+beloved disciple Miguel de Cervantes." Under the same editorial care
+Cervantes himself tells us, in his _Viage de Parnasso_, that he
+published a pastoral poem of some length, called 'Filena,' besides
+several ballads, sonnets, canzonets, and other small poems.
+
+Notwithstanding the comparative insignificance of these productions,
+they probably excited some little attention; for it appears not
+unlikely that it was to them that Cervantes owed his appointment to an
+office, which we find him holding, in 1569, at Rome,--that of
+chamberlain to his eminence the Cardinal Julio Aquaviva, an
+ecclesiastic of considerable learning. Such an appointment, however,
+did not suit the active disposition and romantic turn of one so deeply
+read in the adventures of the old knights, the glory of which he
+longed to share; from which hope, however, the inactivity and monotony
+of a court-life could not but exclude him.
+
+In 1571 there was concluded a famous league between Pope Pius V.,
+Philip II. of Spain, and the Venetian Republic, against Selim, the
+Grand Turk, who was attacking Cyprus, then belonging to Venice. John
+of Austria, natural son of the celebrated Emperor Charles V., and
+brother of the king of Spain, was made commander-in-chief of the
+allied forces, both naval and military; and under him, as general of
+the Papal forces, was appointed Mario Antonio Colonna, Duke of
+Paliano. It became fashionable for the young men of the time to enlist
+in this expedition; and Cervantes, then about twenty-four years of
+age, soon enrolled himself under the standard of the Roman general.
+After various success on both sides, in which the operations of the
+Christians were not a little hindered by the dissensions of their
+commanders, to which the taking of Nicosia by the Turks may be
+imputed, the first year's cruise ended with the famous battle of
+Lepanto; after which the allied forces retired, and wintered at
+Messina.
+
+Cervantes was present at this famous victory, where he was wounded in
+the left hand by a blow from a scymitar, or, as some assert, by a
+gunshot, so severely, that he was obliged to have it amputated at the
+wrist whilst in the hospital at Messina; but the operation was so
+unskilfully performed, that he lost the use of the entire arm ever
+afterwards. He was not discouraged by this wound, nor induced to give
+up his profession as a soldier. Indeed, he seems, from his own words,
+to be very proud of the honour which his loss conferred upon him. "My
+wound," he says, "was received on the most glorious occasion that any
+age, past or present, ever saw, or that the future can ever hope to
+see. To those who barely behold them, indeed, my wounds may not seem
+honourable; it is by those who know how I came by them that they will
+be rightly esteemed. Better is it for a soldier to die in battle than
+to save his life by running away. For my part I had rather be again
+present, were it possible, in that famous battle, than whole and sound
+without sharing ill the glory of it. The scars which a soldier
+exhibits in his breast and face are stars to guide others to the haven
+of honour and the love of just praise."
+
+The year following the victory of Lepanto, Cervantes still continued
+with the same fleet, and took part in several attacks on the coast of
+the Morea. At the end of 1572, when the allied forces were disbanded,
+Colonna returned to Rome, whither our author probably accompanied him,
+since he tells us that he followed his "conquering banners." He
+afterwards enlisted in the Neapolitan army of the king of Spain, in
+which he remained for three years, though without rising above the
+rank of a private soldier; but it must be remembered that, at the time
+of which we are now speaking, such was the condition of some of the
+noblest men of their country; it was accounted no disgrace for even a
+scion of the nobility to fight as a simple halberdier, or musqueteer,
+in the service of his prince.
+
+On the 26th of September, 1575, Cervantes embarked on board a galley,
+called the 'Sun,' and was sailing from Naples to Spain, when his ship
+was attacked by some Moorish corsairs, and both he and all the rest of
+the crew were taken prisoners, and carried off to Algiers. When the
+Christians were divided amongst their captors, he fell to the lot of
+the captain, the famous Arnauté Mami, an Albanian renegade, whose
+atrocious cruelties are too disgusting to be mentioned. He seems to
+have treated his captive with peculiar harshness, perhaps hoping that
+by so doing he might render him the more impatient of his servitude,
+and so induce him to pay a higher ransom, which the rank and condition
+of his friends in Europe appeared to promise. In this state Cervantes
+continued five years. Some have thought that in "the captive's" tale,
+related in Don Quixote, we may collect the particulars of his own
+fortunes whilst in Africa; but even granting that some of the
+incidents may be the same, it is now generally supposed that we shall
+be deceived if we regard them as any detailed account of his
+captivity. A man of Cervantes' enterprise and abilities was not likely
+to endure tamely the hardships of slavery; and we accordingly find
+that he was constantly forming schemes for escape. The last of these,
+which was the most bold and best contrived of all, failed, because he
+had admitted a traitor to a share in his project.
+
+There was at Algiers a Venetian renegade, named Hassan Aga, a friend
+of Arnauté Mami; he had risen high in the king's favour, and occupied
+an important post in the government of Algiers. We have a description
+of this man's ferocious character in Don Quixote, given us by the
+Captain de Viedma. Cervantes was often sent by his master as messenger
+to this man's house, situated on the sea-shore, at a short distance
+from Algiers. One of Hassan's slaves, a native of Navarre, and a
+Christian, had the management of the gardens of the villa; and with
+him Cervantes soon formed an acquaintance, and succeeded in
+persuading him to allow the making of a secret cave under the garden,
+which would form a place of concealment for himself and fifteen of his
+fellow captives, on whom he could rely. When the cavern was finished,
+the adventurers made their escape by night from Algiers, and took up
+their quarters in it. Of course an alarm was raised when they were
+missing; but, although a most strict search after the fugitives was
+made, both by their masters and by Ochali, then despot of Algiers,
+here they lay hid for several months, being supplied with food by the
+gardener and another Christian slave, named El Dorador.
+
+One of their companions, named Viana, a gentleman of Minorca, had been
+left behind them, so that he might bear a more active part in the
+escape of the whole party. A sum of money was to be raised for his
+ransom, and then he was to go to Europe and return with a ship in
+which Cervantes and his friends, including the gardener and El
+Dorador, were to embark on an appointed night, and so get back to
+their country. Viana obtained his liberty in September 1577, and
+having reached Minorca in safety, he easily procured a ship and came
+off the coast of Barbary, according to the pre-concerted plan; but
+before he could land, he was seen by the Moorish sentry, who raised an
+alarm and obliged him to put out to sea again, lest he should by
+coming too close attract attention to the cavern. This was a sore
+disappointment to Cervantes and his companions, who witnessed it all
+from their retreat. Still knowing Viana's courage and constancy, they
+had yet hopes of his returning and again endeavouring to get them off.
+And this he most probably would have done had it not been for the
+treachery at which we hinted above. El Dorador just at this time
+thought fit to turn renegade; and of course he could not begin his
+infidel career better than by infamously betraying his former friends.
+In consequence of his information Hassan Aga surrounded the entrance
+to the cave with a sufficient force to make any attempt at resistance
+utterly unavailing, and the sixteen poor prisoners were dragged out
+and conveyed in chains to Algiers. The former attempts which he made
+to escape caused Cervantes to be instantly fixed on as the contriver
+and ringleader of this plot; and therefore, whilst the other fifteen
+were sent back to their masters to be punished as they thought fit, he
+was detained by the king himself, who hoped through him to obtain
+further information, and so implicate the other Christians, and
+perhaps also some of the renegades. Even had he possessed any such
+information, which most likely he did not, Cervantes was certainly the
+very last man to give it: notwithstanding various examinations and
+threats, he still persisted in asserting that he was the sole
+contriver of the plot, till at length, by his firmness, he fairly
+exhausted the patience of Ochali. Had Hassan had his way, Cervantes
+would have been strangled as an example to all Christians who should
+hereafter try to run away from their captivity, and the king himself
+was not unwilling to please him in this matter; but then he was not
+their property, and Mami, to whom he belonged, would not consent to
+lose a slave whom he considered to be worth at least two hundred
+crowns. Thus did the avarice of a renegade save the future author of
+Don Quixote from being strangled with the bowstring. Some of the
+particulars of this affair are given us by Cervantes himself; but
+others are collected from Father Haedo, the contemporary author of a
+history of Barbary. "Most wonderful thing," says the worthy priest,
+"that some of these gentlemen remained shut up in the cavern for five,
+six, even for seven months, without even so much as seeing the light
+of day; and all the time they were sustained only by Miguel de
+Cervantes, and that too at the great and continual risk of his own
+life; no less than four times did he incur the nearest danger of being
+burnt alive, impaled, or strangled, on account of the bold things
+which he dared in hopes of bestowing liberty upon many. Had his
+fortune corresponded to his spirit, skill, and industry, Algiers might
+at this day have been in the possession of the Christians, for his
+designs aspired to no less lofty a consummation. In the end, the whole
+affair was treacherously discovered; and the gardener, after being
+tortured and picketed, perished miserably. But, in truth, of the
+things which happened in that cave during the seven months that it was
+inhabited by these Christians, and altogether of the captivity and
+various enterprises of Miguel de Cervantes, a particular history might
+easily be formed. Hassan Aga was wont to say that, '_could he but be
+sure of that handless Spaniard_, he should consider captives, barks,
+and the whole city of Algiers in perfect safety.'"
+
+And Ochali seems to have been of the same opinion; for he did not
+consider it safe to leave so dangerous a character as Cervantes in
+private hands, and so we accordingly find that he himself bought him
+of Mami, and then kept him closely confined in a dungeon in his own
+palace, with the utmost cruelty. It is probable, however, that the
+extreme hardship of Cervantes' case did really contribute to his
+liberation. He found means of applying to Spain for his redemption;
+and in consequence his mother and sister (the former of whom had now
+become a widow, and the latter, Donna Andrea de Cervantes, was married
+to a Florentine gentleman named Ambrosio) raised the sum of two
+hundred and fifty crowns, to which a friend of the family, one
+Francisco Caramambel, contributed fifty more. This sum was paid into
+the hands of Father Juan Gil and Father Antonio de la Vella
+Trinitarios, brethren of the 'Society for the Redemption of
+Slaves,'[1] who immediately set to work to ransom Cervantes. His case
+was, however, a hard one; for the king asked a thousand crowns for his
+freedom; and the negotiation on this head caused a long delay, but was
+at last brought to an issue by the abatement of the ransom to the sum
+of five hundred crowns; the two hundred still wanting were made up by
+the good fathers, the king threatening that if the bargain were not
+concluded, Cervantes should be carried off to Constantinople; and he
+was actually on board the galley for that purpose. So by borrowing
+some part of the required amount, and by taking the remainder from
+what was originally intrusted for the ransoming of other slaves, these
+worthy men procured our author his liberty, and restored him to Spain
+in the spring of 1581.
+
+[1] Societies of this description, though not so common as in Spain,
+existed also in other countries. In England, since the Reformation,
+money bequeathed for this purpose was placed in the hands of some of
+the large London companies or guilds. Since the destruction of
+Algiers, by Lord Exmouth, and still later since the abolition of that
+piratical kingdom by the French, such charitable bequests, having
+become useless for their original purpose, have in some instances been
+devoted to the promotion of education by a decree of Chancery. This is
+the case with a large sum, usually known as 'Betton's gift,' in the
+trusteeship of the Ironmongers' Company.
+
+On his return to his native land the prospects of Cervantes were not
+very flattering. He was now thirty-four years of age, and had spent
+the best portion of his life without making any approach towards
+eminence or even towards acquiring the means of subsistence; his
+adventures, enterprises, and sufferings had, indeed, furnished him
+with a stock from which in after years his powerful mind drew largely
+in his writings; but since he did not at first devote himself to
+literary pursuits, at least not to those of an author, they could not
+afford him much consolation; and as to a military career, his wound
+and long captivity seemed to exclude him from all hope in that
+quarter. His family was poor, their scanty means having suffered from
+the sum raised for his ransom; and his connexions and friends were
+powerless to procure him any appointment at the court. He went to live
+at Madrid, where his mother and sister then resided, and there once
+more betook himself to the pursuit of his younger days. He shut
+himself up, and eagerly employed his time in reading every kind of
+books; Latin, Spanish, and Italian authors--all served to contribute
+to his various erudition.
+
+Three whole years were thus spent; till at length he turned his
+reading to some account, by publishing, in 1584, a pastoral novel
+entitled _Galatæa_. Some authors, amongst whom is Pellicer, are
+inclined to think that dramatic composition was the first in which he
+appeared before the public; but such an opinion has, by competent
+judges, been now abandoned. Galatæa, which is interspersed with songs
+and verses, is a work of considerable merit, quite sufficient, indeed,
+though of course inferior to Don Quixote, to have gained for its
+author a high standing amongst Spanish writers; though in it we
+discern nothing of that peculiar style which has made Cervantes one of
+the most remarkable writers that ever lived,--that insight into human
+character, and that vein of humour with which he exposes and satirises
+its failings. It being so full of short metrical effusions would
+almost incline us to believe that it was written for the purpose of
+embodying the varied contents of a sort of poetical commonplace-book;
+some of which had, perhaps, been written when he was a youth under the
+tuition of his learned preceptor Juan Lopez de Hoyos; others may have
+been the pencillings of the weary hours of his long captivity in
+Africa. As a specimen of his power in the Spanish language it is quite
+worthy of him who in after years immortalised that tongue by the
+romance of Don Quixote. It had been better for Cervantes had he gone
+on in this sort of fictitious composition, instead of betaking himself
+to the drama, in which he had very formidable rivals, and for which,
+as was afterwards proved, his talents were less adapted.
+
+On the 12th of December in the same year that his Galatæa was
+published, Cervantes married, at Esquivias, a young lady who was of
+one of the first families of that place, and whose charms had
+furnished the chief subject of his amatory poems; she was named Donna
+Catalina de Salazar y Palacios y Vozmediano. Her fortune was but
+small, and only served to keep Cervantes for some few months in
+idleness; when his difficulties began to harass him again, and found
+him as a married man less able to meet them. He then betook himself to
+the drama, at which he laboured for several years, though with very
+indifferent success. He wrote, in all, it is said thirty comedies; but
+of these only eight remain, judging from the merits of which, we do
+not seem to have sustained any great loss in the others not having
+reached us.
+
+It may appear strange at first that one who possessed such a wonderful
+power of description and delineation of character as did Cervantes,
+should not have been more successful in dramatic writing; but,
+whatever may be the cause, certain it is that his case does not stand
+alone. Men who have manifested the very highest abilities as
+romance-writers, have, if not entirely failed, at least not been
+remarkably successful, as composers of the drama; and of our own time,
+who so great a delineator of character, or so happy in his incidents,
+or so stirring in his plots, as the immortal Author of Waverley? Yet
+the few specimens of dramatic composition which he has left us, only
+serve to shew that, when _Waverley_, _Guy Mannering_, _Ivanhoe_, and
+the rest of his romances are the delight of succeeding generations,
+_Halidon Hill_ and the _House of Aspen_ will, with the _Numancia
+Vengada_ of the author of Don Quixote, be buried in comparative
+oblivion.
+
+In 1588 Cervantes left Madrid, and settled at Seville, where, as he
+himself tells us, "he found something better to do than writing
+comedies." This "something better" was probably an appointment in some
+mercantile business; for we know that one of the principal branches of
+his family were very opulent merchants at Seville at that time, and
+through them he might obtain some means of subsistence less precarious
+than that which depended upon selling his comedies for a few "reals."
+Besides, two of the Cervantes-Saavedra of Seville were themselves
+amateur poets, and likely therefore to regard the more favourably
+their poor relation, Miguel of Alcala de Henares, to whom they would
+gladly intrust the management of some part of their mercantile
+affairs. The change, however, of life did not prevent Cervantes from
+still cultivating his old passion for literature; and we accordingly
+find his name as one of the prize-bearers for a series of poems which
+the Dominicans of Saragoza, in 1595, proposed to be written in praise
+of St. Hyacinthus; one of the prizes was adjudged to "Miguel Cervantes
+Saavedra of Seville."
+
+In 1596 we find two short poetical pieces of Cervantes written upon
+the occasion of the gentlemen of Seville having taken arms, and
+prepared to deliver themselves and the city of Cadiz from the power of
+the English, who, under the famous Earl of Essex, had made a descent
+upon the Spanish coast, and destroyed the shipping intended for a
+second armada for the invasion of England. In 1598 Philip II. died;
+and Cervantes wrote a sonnet, which he then considered the best of his
+literary productions, upon a majestic tomb, of enormous height, to
+celebrate the funeral of that monarch. On the day that Philip was
+buried, a serious quarrel happened between the civil and
+ecclesiastical authorities of Seville; and Cervantes was mixed up in
+it, and was in some trouble for having dared to manifest his
+disapprobation by hissing at some part of their proceedings, but we
+are not told what.
+
+In 1599 Cervantes went to Toledo, which is remarkable as being the
+place where he pretended to discover the original manuscript of Don
+Quixote, by the Arabian Cid Hamet Benengeli. It was about this time,
+too, that he resided in La Mancha, where he projected and executed
+part, at least, of his immortal romance of Don Quixote, and where he
+also laid the scene of that "ingenious gentleman's" adventures. It
+seems likely that, whatever may have been Cervantes' employment at
+Seville, it involved frequent travelling; and this may account for the
+very accurate knowledge which he displays of the different districts
+which he describes in his tale; for it is certain that the earlier
+part of his life could have afforded him no means of acquiring such
+information. Some have thought also that he was occasionally employed
+on government business, and that it was whilst on some commission of
+this sort that he was ill-treated by the people of La Mancha, and
+thrown into prison by them at Argasamilla. Whatever may have been the
+cause of his imprisonment, he himself tells us in the prologue to Don
+Quixote, that the first part of that work was composed in a jail.
+
+But for fifteen years of Cervantes' life, from 1588 to 1603, we know
+but very little of his pursuits; the notices we have of him during
+that time are very few and unsatisfactory; and this is the more to be
+regretted because it certainly was then that his great work was
+conceived, and in part executed. Soon after the accession of Philip
+the Third, he removed from Seville to Valladolid, probably for the
+sake of being near the court of that monarch, who, though remarkable
+for his indolence, yet professed himself the patron of letters. It was
+whilst living here that the first part of Don Quixote was published,
+but not at Valladolid; it appeared at Madrid, either at the end of
+1604, or, at the latest, in 1605.
+
+The records of the magistracy of Valladolid afford us some curious
+particulars of our author's mode of life about the time of the
+publication of Don Quixote. He was brought before the court of
+justice, on suspicion of having been concerned in a nightly brawl and
+murder, though he really had no share in it. A Spanish gentleman,
+named Don Gaspar Garibay, was stabbed about midnight near the house of
+Cervantes. When the alarm was raised, he was amongst the first to run
+out and proffer every assistance in his power to the wounded man. The
+neighbourhood was not very respectable, and this gave rise to our
+author's subsequent trouble in the matter; for it was suspected that
+the ladies of his household were, from the place where they lived,
+persons of bad reputation, and that he himself had, in some shameful
+affray, dealt the murderous blow with his own hand. He and all his
+family were, in consequence, directly arrested, and only got at
+liberty after undergoing a very minute and rigid examination. The
+records of the court tell us that Cervantes asserted that he was
+residing at Valladolid for purposes of business; that, by reason of
+his literary pursuits and reputation, he was frequently honoured by
+visits from gentlemen of the royal household and learned men of the
+university; and, moreover, that he was living in great poverty; for we
+are told that he, his wife, and his two sisters, one of whom was a
+nun, and his niece, were living in a scanty and mean lodging on the
+fourth floor of a poor-looking house, and amongst them all had only
+one maid-servant. He stated his age to be upwards of fifty, though we
+know that, if born in 1547, he must in fact have nearly, or quite
+completed his fifty-seventh year at this time. In such obscurity,
+then, was the immortal author of Don Quixote living at the time of its
+publication.
+
+The First Part of this famous romance was dedicated to Don Alonzo
+Lopez de Zuniga, Duke of Bexar or Bejar, who at this time affected the
+character of a Mecænas; whose conduct, however, towards Cervantes was
+not marked by a generosity suited to his rank, nor according to his
+profession, nor at all corresponding to the merits and wants of the
+author. But the book needed no patron; it must make its own way, and
+it did so. It was read immediately in court and city, by old and
+young, learned and unlearned, and by all with equal delight; "it went
+forth with the universal applause of all nations." Four editions (and
+in the seventeenth century, when so few persons comparatively could
+read, that was equivalent to more than double the number at the
+present time)--four editions were published and sold in one year.
+
+The profits from the sale of Don Quixote must have been very
+considerable; and they, together with the remains of his paternal
+estates, and the pensions from the count and the cardinal, enabled
+Cervantes to live in ease and comfort. Ten years elapsed before he
+sent any new work to the press; which time was passed in study, and in
+attending to his pecuniary affairs. Though Madrid was now his fixed
+abode, we often find him at Esquivias, where he probably went to enjoy
+the quiet and repose of the village, and to look after the property
+which he there possessed as his wife's dowry.
+
+In 1613 he published his twelve _Novelas Exemplares_, or 'Exemplary
+Novels,' with a dedication to his patron the Count de Lemos. He called
+them "exemplary," because, as he tells us, his other novels had been
+censured as more satirical than exemplary; which fault he determined
+to amend in these; and therefore each of them contains interwoven in
+it some error to be avoided, or some virtue to be practised. He
+asserts that they were entirely his own invention, not borrowed or
+copied from any other works of the same sort, nor translated from any
+other language, as was the case with most of the novels which his
+countrymen had published hitherto. But, notwithstanding this, we
+cannot fail to remark a strong resemblance in them to the tales of
+Boccaccio; still they are most excellent in their way, and have always
+been favourites with the Spanish youth for their interest and pure
+morality, and their ease and manliness of style. The titles of these
+novels are, _The Little Gipsey_, _The Generous Lover_, _Rinconete and
+Cortadillo_, _The Spanish-English Lady_, _The Glass Doctor_, _The
+Force of Blood_, _The Jealous Estremaduran_, _The Illustrious
+Servant-Maid_, _The Two Damsels_, _The Lady Cornelia Bentivoglio_,
+_The Deceitful Marriage_, and _The Dialogue of the Dogs_. They have
+all been translated into English, and are probably not unknown to some
+of our readers.
+
+The next year Cervantes published another small work, entitled the
+_Viage de Parnasso_, or 'A Journey to Parnassus,' which is a playful
+satire upon the Spanish poets, after the manner of Cæsar Caporali's
+upon the Italian poets under a similar title. It is a good picture of
+the Spanish literature of his day, and one of the most powerful of his
+poetical works. It is full of satire, though not ill-natured, and
+there was no man of genius of the time who would complain of being too
+harshly treated in it. Cervantes introduces himself as the oldest and
+poorest of all the poetical fraternity, "the naked Adam of Spanish
+poets." The plot of the poem is as follows:--Apollo wishes to rid
+Parnassus of the bad poets, and to that end he calls together all the
+others by a message through Mercury. When all assembled, he leads them
+into a rich garden of Parnassus, and assigns to each the place which
+corresponds to his merits. Poor Cervantes alone does not obtain this
+distinction, and remains without being noticed in the presence of the
+rest, before whom all the works he has ever published are displayed.
+In vain does he urge his love for literature, and the troubles which
+he had endured for its sake; no seat can he get. At last Apollo, in
+compassion upon him, advises him to fold up his cloak, and to make
+that his seat; but, alas, so poor is he that he does not possess such
+a thing, and so he is obliged to remain standing in spite of his age,
+his talents, and the opinion of many who know and confess the honour
+and position which is his due. The vessel in which this 'Journey to
+Parnassus' is performed is described in a way quite worthy of
+Cervantes: "From topmast to keel it was all of verse; not one foot of
+prose was there in it. The airy railings which fenced the deck were
+all of double-rhymes. Ballads, an impudent but necessary race,
+occupied the rowing-benches; and rightly, for there is nothing to
+which they may not be turned. The poop was grand and gay, but somewhat
+strange in its style, being stuck all over with sonnets of the richest
+workmanship. The stroke-oars on either side were pulled by two
+vigorous triplets, which regulated the motion of the vessel in a way
+both easy and powerful. The gangway was one long and most melancholy
+elegy, from which tears were continually dropping."
+
+The publication of a shameful imitation, pretending to be a Second
+Part of the Adventures of Don Quixote accelerated the production of
+Cervantes' own Second Part; which accordingly made its appearance at
+the beginning of 1615. Contrary to common experience, this Second Part
+was received, and deservedly, with as great applause as was the First
+Part ten years before.
+
+Cervantes had now but a few more months to live; and it must, in his
+declining years, have been a great consolation to find that the
+efforts of his genius were still appreciated by his countrymen; not to
+mention the relief from pecuniary embarrassments which the profits of
+the sale must have afforded him. Cervantes was now at the height to
+which his ambition had all along aimed; he had no rival; for Lope de
+Vega was dead, and the literary kingdom of Spain was all his own. He
+was courted by the great; no strangers came to Madrid without making
+the writer of Don Quixote the first object of their inquiry; he
+reposed in honour, free from all calumny, in the bosom of his family.
+
+This same year he published eight comedies, and the same number of
+interludes; two only in verse, the rest in prose. It does not seem
+likely that these were written at this time; they must have been the
+works of his earlier years; but, like his novels, corrected and given
+to the public when his judgment was more mature. Several of them had,
+no doubt, been performed on the stage many years before, and remained
+with Cervantes in manuscript. The dissertation which he prefixed to
+them is full of interest, and is very curious and valuable, since it
+contains the only account we have of the early history of the Spanish
+drama.
+
+In 1616, he completed and prepared for the press a romance entitled
+_Persiles and Sigismunda_, of a grave character, written in imitation
+of the _Ethiopics_ of Heliodorus; it was the work of many years, and
+is accounted by the Spaniards one of the purest specimens of Castilian
+writing. He finished it just before his death, but never lived to see
+it published. The dedication and prologue of Persiles and Sigismunda
+are very affecting; they are the voice of a dying man speaking to us
+of his approaching dissolution.
+
+From the nature of his complaint, Cervantes retained his mental
+faculties to the very last, and so was able to be the historian of his
+latter days. At the end of the preface to _Persiles_, he tells us that
+he had gone for a few days to Esquivias, in hopes that country air
+might be beneficial to him. On his return to Madrid, he was
+accompanied by his friends, when a young student on horseback overtook
+them, riding very hard to do so, and complaining in consequence of the
+rapid pace at which they were going. One of the three made answer that
+it was no fault of theirs, but that the horse of Miguel de Cervantes
+was to be blamed, whose trot was none of the slowest. Scarcely had the
+name been pronounced, when the young man dismounted; and touching the
+border of Cervantes' left sleeve, exclaimed, "Yes, yes, it is indeed
+the maimed perfection, the all-famous, the delightful writer, the joy
+and darling of the Muses." This salutation was returned with
+Cervantes' natural modesty; and the worthy student performed the rest
+of the journey with him and his friends. "We drew up a little," says
+Cervantes, "and rode on at a measured pace; and whilst we rode, we
+happened to talk of my illness. The good student soon knocked away
+all my hopes, and let me know my doom, by telling me that it was a
+dropsy that I had got: the thirst attending which, not all the waters
+of the ocean, though it were not salt, could suffice to quench.
+'Therefore, Senor Cervantes,' said he, 'you must drink nothing at all,
+but forget not to eat, and to eat plentifully; that alone will recover
+you without any physic.' 'Others have told me the same,' answered I;
+'but I can no more forbear drinking, than if I had been born to
+nothing else. My life is fast drawing to a close; and from the state
+of my pulse, I think I can scarcely outlive Sunday next at the utmost;
+so that I hardly think I shall profit by the acquaintance so
+fortunately made. But adieu, my merry friends all; for I am going to
+die; and I hope to see you again ere long in the next world as happy
+as hearts can desire.' With that, we found ourselves at the bridge of
+Toledo, by which we entered the city; and the student took leave of
+us, having to go round by the bridge of Segovia."
+
+This is all that we know of the last sickness of Cervantes: it was
+dropsy, and this dropsy, according to his own prediction to the
+student, increased so rapidly, that a few days after, on the 18th of
+April, 1616, he was considered to be past recovery, and it was thought
+advisable for him to receive the last sacrament of extreme unction,
+which he accordingly did with all the devotion of a pious Catholic.
+
+He died on the 23d day of April, 1616, in the sixty-ninth year of his
+age; and was buried in the habit of the Franciscans, whose order he
+had entered some time previous to his decease. It is a coincidence
+worth remembering, that _Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra_ terminated his
+mortal course in Spain on the very same day that _William Shakspere_
+died in England.
+
+
+As regards style of composition, Cervantes is without a rival in the
+Spanish language. For the purity of his writing, he is even to this
+day acknowledged, not only to be first, but to have no one who can
+come near enough to be called second to him. But this is not his
+greatest praise. He must ever be remembered as the originator of a
+kind of writing, which the greatest of men since his time have thought
+it an honour, of whatever country they may have been, to imitate. All
+modern romance-writers, and novel-writers (and what a mighty host are
+they!) must be content to be accounted the followers of Miguel de
+Cervantes.
+
+With regard to _Don Quixote_, it need hardly be said that its object is
+satire upon the books of knight-errantry, which were so much used in the
+time of Cervantes, and especially by the Spanish. He conceived that these
+books were likely to give his countrymen false ideas of the world; to
+fill them all, but especially the young, with fanciful notions of life,
+and so make them unfit to meet its real difficulties and hardships. In
+order to exhibit the absurdity of such works (it must be remembered too,
+that the more famous books of knighthood had given rise to a host of
+spurious imitations, with all their faults and none of their beauties),
+the author of Don Quixote represents a worthy gentleman with his head
+turned by such reading, and then sallying forth and endeavouring to act
+in this plain matter-of-fact world (where there are windmills, and not
+giants--inns, and not castles--good honest hosts and hostesses, and not
+lords and ladies--chambermaids, and not peerless beauties--estates to be
+got by hard labour, and not islands to be given away to one's dependants
+as if by enchantment), endeavouring to act, we say, as if all that was
+said in _Amadis de Gaul_, and _Palmerin of England_, and _Olivante de
+Laura_, were really true. The absurdities into which the poor gentleman's
+madness constantly hurries him, the stern and bitter satire which is
+conveyed in these against the books which caused them all, did more
+towards putting down the extravagances of knight-errantry than many
+volumes of the bitterest invective. We of this present day cannot be
+really alive to all the great genius displayed in Don Quixote. The books
+which it satirises are now almost unknown; many who have heard of Amadis
+de Gaul have never read it, and still less have they read all the lineage
+of the Amadis. Besides, in some of the first of the chivalrous romances,
+such as Palmerin of England, the _Morte d'Arthur_, and others, there was
+undoubtedly very much talent and beauty of sentiment: and it was as such
+that Southey thought it right to translate them and present them to the
+English public some years ago; and deeply indebted are we all to him for
+his labours, which revived among us somewhat of the taste for the old and
+stately prose of the ancient romances--a taste which in our day has given
+rise to those beautiful editions in English of the tales of De la Motte
+Fouqué. But we must ever remember that it was not for the purpose of
+ridiculing those and similar books that Cervantes wrote his
+"history"--one so keenly alive to the beauty of the poetry of the
+mediæval writing as he was, never could have intended such a thing: it
+was to exterminate the race of miserable imitators, who, at his time,
+deluged Europe with sickening caricatures of the old romance. It has even
+been thought that he had intended another course in order to cure the
+disease, namely, that of himself composing a model romance in the style
+of Amadis, which, from its excellence, would make manifest the follies of
+men who had endeavoured to imitate that almost inimitable work. But the
+disease was past cure; the limb was obliged to be amputated; books of
+knight-errantry could not be reformed, he thought; and so rather than let
+them continue their mischief in their present shape, they must be quite
+destroyed; and this the satire of Don Quixote was by its author
+considered the most proper means of effecting.
+
+This was indeed a daring remedy; and, as may be supposed, by some it
+has been thought that Cervantes, in lopping off an excrescence, did
+also destroy a healthy limb,--that, in destroying knight-errantry, he
+destroyed also the holy spirit of self-devotion and heroism. The Count
+Ségur, we are told by an ingenious writer of the present time,[2] who
+joins the Count in his opinion, laments that the fine spirit of
+chivalry should have lost its empire, and that the romance of Don
+Quixote, by its success and its philosophy, concealed under an
+attractive fiction, should have completed the ruin by fixing ridicule
+even upon its memory--a sentence indeed full of error; for real
+philosophy needs not to be concealed to be attractive. And Sir William
+Temple quotes the saying of a worthy Spaniard, who told him "that the
+History of Don Quixote had ruined the Spanish monarchy; for since that
+time men had grown ashamed of honour and love, and only thought of
+pursuing their fortune and satisfying their lust."
+
+[2] Kenelm Digby, Esq., in his beautiful book entitled _Godefridus_,
+one of the volumes of the _Broad Stone of Honour_.
+
+But surely such censure is misdirected--surely the downfall of Spain
+may be traced to other causes. It is not the spirit of heroism, or of
+Christian self-devotion, which Cervantes would put down. His manly
+writing can never be accused of that: misfortune had taught him too
+well in his own earlier days how to appreciate such a virtue. In
+nothing is his consummate skill perceived more than in the way in
+which he prevents us from confounding the follies of the
+knights-errant, and of the debased books of romance, with the generous
+heart and actions of the true Christian gentleman. In spite of all his
+hallucination, who can help respecting Don Quixote himself? We laugh,
+indeed, at the ludicrous situations into which his madness is for ever
+getting him; but we must reverence the good Christian cavalier who,
+amidst all, never thinks less of any thing than of himself and of his
+own interest. What is his character? It is that of one possessing
+virtue, imagination, genius, kind feeling,--all that can distinguish
+an elevated soul, and an affectionate heart. He is brave, faithful,
+loyal, always keeping his word; he contends only for virtue and glory.
+Does he wish for kingdoms? it is only that he may give them to his
+good squire Sancho Panza. He is a constant lover, a humane warrior, an
+affectionate master, an accomplished gentleman. It is not, then, by
+describing such a man that Cervantes desired to ridicule real heroism;
+surely not: he would only shew that, even with all these good
+qualities, if they were misdirected or spoiled by vain imaginations,
+the most noble could only become ridiculous. He would teach us, that
+this is a world of _action_, and not of _fancy_; that it will not do
+for us to go out of ourselves and out of the world, and lead an ideal
+life: our duties are around us and within us; and we need not leave
+our own homes in order to seek adventures wherein those duties may be
+acceptably performed. He perceived that by knight-errantry and
+romances some of the holiest aspirations of the human heart were,
+according to the adage, which affirms that "there is but one step from
+the sublime to the ridiculous," by over-description and fulsome
+language, in danger of being exposed to ridicule, and so of being
+crushed; and he resolved, by excess of satire, to put a stop at once
+to such a danger,--to crush those books which were daily destroying
+that which he held most dear--the true spirit of chivalry, the true
+devotion of the Christian gentleman. "When the light of chivalry was
+expiring, Cervantes put his extinguisher upon it, and drove away the
+moths that alone still fluttered around it. He loved chivalry too well
+to be patient when he saw it parodied and burlesqued; and he perceived
+that the best way of preserving it from shame was, to throw over it
+the sanctity of death."[3]
+
+[3] Vide _Guesses at Truth_.
+
+
+With respect to the present edition, little need be said beyond what
+the title-page itself implies. With what degree of judgment the
+"cumbrous matter" has been removed, must be left to the public to
+determine. The Editor may, however, say, that the task which he at
+first undertook with some trepidation, gradually assumed an easier and
+more pleasant aspect; and he may add, that the result has been such as
+to satisfy himself of the success of the experiment. He trusts that he
+has placed in the hands of the mass of our reading population, and
+especially of the youth of England, an edition of Cervantes' immortal
+work, in a convenient, but yet not too condensed form--retaining all
+the point, humour, and pathos of the original, without any of the
+prolixity, or the improprieties of expression, which have heretofore
+disfigured it. The judgment passed upon one of the books in our hero's
+library by his inquisitorial friends may well be applied to his own
+work: "Had there been less of it, it would have been more esteemed.
+'Tis fit the book should be pruned and cleared of some inferior things
+that encumber and deform it: keep it, however," &c.--(_Page 23._)
+
+It only remains to add, that the excellent translation of Motteux has
+been principally adhered to in the present edition.
+
+ _London, December 1st, 1846._
+
+
+NOTES.
+
+_The holy brotherhood._--Most readers would suppose at first sight
+that the Inquisition is meant by this term, which occurs so often in
+the work; it is not so, however. The "holy brotherhood" alluded to was
+simply an association for the prevention of robberies and murders in
+the less frequented parts of Spain.
+
+_Mambrino's helmet._--Orlando Furioso must be referred to for the
+history of this enchanted and invulnerable headpiece, which is several
+times alluded to in Don Quixote.
+
+
+
+
+The Life and Achievements
+
+OF
+
+DON QUIXOTE DE LA MANCHA.
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+_The quality and way of living of Don Quixote._
+
+
+In a certain village in La Mancha, in the kingdom of Arragon, of which
+I cannot remember the name, there lived not long ago one of those
+old-fashioned gentlemen, who are never without a lance upon a rack, an
+old target, a lean horse, and a greyhound. His diet consisted more of
+beef than mutton; and, with minced meat on most nights, lentiles on
+Fridays, and a pigeon extraordinary on Sundays, he consumed three
+quarters of his revenue; the rest was laid out in a plush coat, velvet
+breeches, with slippers of the same, for holydays; and a suit of the
+very best homespun cloth, which he bestowed on himself for
+working-days. His whole family was a housekeeper something turned of
+forty, a niece not twenty, and a man that served him in the house and
+in the field, and could saddle a horse, and handle the pruning-hook.
+The master himself was nigh fifty years of age, of a hale and strong
+complexion, lean-bodied and thin-faced, an early riser, and a lover of
+hunting. Some say his sirname was Quixada, or Quesada (for authors
+differ in this particular); however, we may reasonably conjecture, he
+was called Quixada (_i.e._ lantern-jaws), though this concerns us but
+little, provided we keep strictly to the truth in every point of this
+history.
+
+Be it known, then, that when our gentleman had nothing to do (which
+was almost all the year round), he passed his time in reading books of
+knight-errantry, which he did with that application and delight, that
+at last he in a manner wholly left off his country sports, and even
+the care of his estate; nay, he grew so strangely enamoured of these
+amusements, that he sold many acres of land to purchase books of that
+kind, by which means he collected as many of them as he could; but
+none pleased him like the works of the famous Feliciano de Sylva; for
+the brilliancy of his prose, and those intricate expressions with
+which it is interlaced seemed to him so many pearls of eloquence,
+especially when he came to read the love-addresses and challenges;
+many of them in this extraordinary style. "The reason of your
+unreasonable usage of my reason, does so enfeeble my reason, that I
+have reason to expostulate with your beauty." And this, "The sublime
+heavens, which with your divinity divinely fortify you with the stars,
+and fix you the deserver of the desert that is deserved by your
+grandeur." These, and such-like rhapsodies, strangely puzzled the poor
+gentleman's understanding, while he was racking his brain to unravel
+their meaning, which Aristotle himself could never have found, though
+he should have been raised from the dead for that very purpose.
+
+He did not so well like those dreadful wounds which Don Belianis gave
+and received; for he considered that all the art of surgery could
+never secure his face and body from being strangely disfigured with
+scars. However, he highly commended the author for concluding his book
+with a promise to finish that unfinishable adventure; and many times
+he had a desire to put pen to paper, and faithfully and literally
+finish it himself; which he had certainly done, and doubtless with
+good success, had not his thoughts been wholly engrossed in much more
+important designs.
+
+He would often dispute with the curate of the parish, a man of
+learning, that had taken his degrees at Giguenza, as to which was the
+better knight, Palmerin of England, or Amadis de Gaul; but Master
+Nicholas, the barber of the same town, would say, that none of them
+could compare with the Knight of the Sun; and that if any one came
+near him, it was certainly Don Galaor, the brother of Amadis de Gaul;
+for he was a man of a most commodious temper, neither was he so
+finical, nor such a whining lover, as his brother; and as for courage,
+he was not a jot behind him.
+
+In fine, he gave himself up so wholly to the reading of romances, that
+at night he would pore on until it was day, and would read on all day
+until it was night; and thus a world of extraordinary notions, picked
+out of his books, crowded into his imagination; now his head was full
+of nothing but enchantments, quarrels, battles, challenges, wounds,
+complaints, love-passages, torments, and abundance of absurd
+impossibilities; insomuch that all the fables and fantastical tales
+which he read seemed to him now as true as the most authentic
+histories. He would say, that the Cid Ruydiaz was a very brave knight,
+but not worthy to stand in competition with the Knight of the Burning
+Sword, who, with a single back-stroke had cut in sunder two fierce
+and mighty giants. He liked yet better Bernardo del Carpio, who, at
+Roncesvalles, deprived of life the enchanted Orlando, having lifted
+him from the ground, and choked him in the air, as Hercules did
+Antæus, the son of the Earth.
+
+As for the giant Morgante, he always spoke very civil things of him;
+for among that monstrous brood, who were ever intolerably proud and
+insolent, he alone behaved himself like a civil and well-bred person.
+
+But of all men in the world he admired Rinaldo of Montalban, and
+particularly his carrying away the idol of Mahomet, which was all
+massy gold, as the history says; while he so hated that traitor
+Galalon, that for the pleasure of kicking him handsomely, he would
+have given up his housekeeper, nay and his niece into the bargain.
+
+Having thus confused his understanding, he unluckily stumbled upon the
+oddest fancy that ever entered into a madman's brain; for now he
+thought it convenient and necessary, as well for the increase of his
+own honour, as the service of the public, to turn knight-errant, and
+roam through the whole world, armed cap-a-pie, and mounted on his
+steed, in quest of adventures; that thus imitating those
+knight-errants of whom he had read, and following their course of
+life, redressing all manner of grievances, and exposing himself to
+danger on all occasions, at last, after a happy conclusion of his
+enterprises, he might purchase everlasting honour and renown.
+
+The first thing he did was to scour a suit of armour that had belonged
+to his great grandfather, and had lain time out of mind carelessly
+rusting in a corner; but when he had cleaned and repaired it as well
+as he could, he perceived there was a material piece wanting; for,
+instead of a complete helmet, there was only a single head-piece.
+However, his industry supplied that defect; for with some pasteboard
+he made a kind of half-beaver, or vizor, which, being fitted to the
+head-piece, made it look like an entire helmet. Then, to know whether
+it were cutlass-proof, he drew his sword, and tried its edge upon the
+pasteboard vizor; but with the very first stroke he unluckily undid in
+a moment what he had been a whole week in doing. He did not like its
+being broke with so much ease, and therefore, to secure it from the
+like accident, he made it a-new, and fenced it with thin plates of
+iron, which he fixed on the inside of it so artificially, that at last
+he had reason to be satisfied with the solidity of the work; and so,
+without any farther experiment, he resolved it should pass to all
+intents and purposes for a full and sufficient helmet.
+
+The next moment he went to view his horse, whose bones stuck out like
+the corners of a Spanish real, being a worse jade than Gonela's, _qui
+tantum pellis etossa fuit_; however, his master thought that neither
+Alexander's Bucephalus nor the Cid's Babieca could be compared with
+him. He was four days considering what name to give him; for, as he
+argued with himself, there was no reason that a horse bestrid by so
+famous a knight, and withal so excellent in himself, should not be
+distinguished by a particular name; so, after many names which he
+devised, rejected, changed, liked, disliked, and pitched upon again,
+he concluded to call him Rozinante.
+
+Having thus given his horse a name, he thought of choosing one for
+himself; and having seriously pondered on the matter eight whole days
+more, at last he determined to call himself Don Quixote. Whence the
+author of this history draws this inference, that his right name was
+Quixada, and not Quesada, as others obstinately pretend. And
+observing, that the valiant Amadis, not satisfied with the bare
+appellation of Amadis, added to it the name of his country, that it
+might grow more famous by his exploits, and so styled himself Amadis
+de Gaul; so he, like a true lover of his native soil, resolved to call
+himself Don Quixote de la Mancha; which addition, to his thinking,
+denoted very plainly his parentage and country, and consequently would
+fix a lasting honour on that part of the world.
+
+And now, his armour being scoured, his head-piece improved to a
+helmet, his horse and himself new-named, he perceived he wanted
+nothing but a lady, on whom he might bestow the empire of his heart;
+for he was sensible that a knight-errant without a mistress was a tree
+without either fruit or leaves, and a body without a soul. "Should I,"
+said he to himself, "by good or ill fortune, chance to encounter some
+giant, as it is common in knight-errantry, and happen to lay him
+prostrate on the ground, transfixed with my lance, or cleft in two,
+or, in short, overcome him, and have him at my mercy, would it not be
+proper to have some lady to whom I may send him as a trophy of my
+valour? Then when he comes into her presence, throwing himself at her
+feet, he may thus make his humble submission: 'Lady, I am the giant
+Caraculiambro, lord of the island of Malindrania, vanquished in single
+combat by that never-deservedly-enough-extolled knight-errant Don
+Quixote de la Mancha, who has commanded me to cast myself most humbly
+at your feet, that it may please your honour to dispose of me
+according to your will.'" Near the place where he lived dwelt a
+good-looking country girl, for whom he had formerly had a sort of an
+inclination, though, it is believed, she never heard of it, nor
+regarded it in the least. Her name was Aldonza Lorenzo, and this was
+she whom he thought he might entitle to the sovereignty of his heart;
+upon which he studied to find her out a new name, that might have some
+affinity with her old one, and yet at the same time sound somewhat
+like that of a princess, or lady of quality; so at last he resolved to
+call her Dulcinea, with the addition of del Toboso, from the place
+where she was born; a name, in his opinion, sweet, harmonious, and
+dignified, like the others which he had devised.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+_Which treats of Don Quixote's first sally._
+
+
+These preparations being made, he found his designs ripe for action,
+and thought it now a crime to deny himself any longer to the injured
+world that wanted such a deliverer; the more when he considered what
+grievances he was to redress, what wrongs and injuries to remove, what
+abuses to correct, and what duties to discharge. So one morning before
+day, in the greatest heat of July, without acquainting any one with
+his design, with all the secrecy imaginable, he armed himself
+cap-a-pie, laced on his ill-contrived helmet, braced on his target,
+grasped his lance, mounted Rozinante, and at the private door of his
+back-yard sallied out into the fields, wonderfully pleased to see with
+how much ease he had succeeded in the beginning of his enterprise. But
+he had not gone far ere a terrible thought alarmed him; a thought that
+had like to have made him renounce his great undertaking; for now it
+came into his mind, that the honour of knighthood had not yet been
+conferred upon him, and therefore, according to the laws of chivalry,
+he neither could nor ought to appear in arms against any professed
+knight; nay, he also considered, that though he were already knighted,
+it would become him to wear white armour, and not to adorn his shield
+with any device, until he had deserved one by some extraordinary
+demonstration of his valour.
+
+These thoughts staggered his resolution; but his frenzy prevailing
+more than reason, he resolved to be dubbed a knight by the first he
+should meet, after the example of several others, who, as the romances
+informed him, had formerly done the like. As for the other difficulty
+about wearing white armour, he proposed to overcome it, by scouring
+his own at leisure until it should look whiter than ermine. And having
+thus dismissed these scruples, he rode calmly on, leaving it to his
+horse to go which way he pleased; firmly believing, that in this
+consisted the very essence of adventures. And as he thus went on, "no
+doubt," said he to himself, "that when the history of my famous
+achievements shall be given to the world, the learned author will
+begin it in this very manner, when he comes to give an account of this
+my setting out: 'Scarce had the ruddy Phoebus begun to spread the
+golden tresses of his lovely hair over the vast surface of the earthly
+globe, and scarce had those feathered poets of the grove, the pretty
+painted birds, tuned their little pipes, to sing their early welcomes
+in soft melodious strains to the beautiful Aurora, displaying her rosy
+graces to mortal eyes from the gates and balconies of the Manchegan
+horizon,--when the renowned knight Don Quixote de la Mancha,
+disdaining soft repose, forsook the voluptuous down, and mounting his
+famous steed Rozinante, entered the ancient and celebrated plains of
+Montiel.'" This was indeed the very road he took; and then proceeding,
+"O happy age! O fortunate times!" cried he, "decreed to usher into the
+world my famous achievements; achievements worthy to be engraven on
+brass, carved on marble, and delineated in some masterpiece of
+painting, as monuments of my glory, and examples for posterity! And
+thou, venerable sage, wise enchanter, whatever be thy name; thou whom
+fate has ordained to be the compiler of this rare history, forget not,
+I beseech thee, my trusty Rozinante, the eternal companion of all my
+adventures." After this, as if he had been really in love; "O Princess
+Dulcinea," cried he, "lady of this captive heart, much sorrow and woe
+you have doomed me to in banishing me thus, and imposing on me your
+rigorous commands, never to appear before your beauteous face!
+Remember, lady, that loyal heart your slave, who for your love submits
+to so many miseries." To these extravagant conceits, he added a world
+of others, all in imitation, and in the very style of those which the
+reading of romances had furnished him with; and all this while he rode
+so softly, and the sun's heat increased so fast, and was so violent,
+that it would have been sufficient to have melted his brains, had he
+had any left.
+
+He travelled almost all that day without meeting any adventure worth
+the trouble of relating, which put him into a kind of despair; for he
+desired nothing more than to encounter immediately some person on whom
+he might try the vigour of his arm.
+
+Towards the evening, he and his horse being heartily tired and almost
+famished, Don Quixote looked about him, in hopes to discover some
+castle, or at least some shepherd's cottage, there to repose and
+refresh himself; and at last near the road which he kept, he espied an
+inn, a most welcome sight to his longing eyes. Hastening towards it
+with all the speed he could, he got thither just at the close of the
+evening. There stood by chance at the inn-door two young female
+adventurers, who were going to Seville with some carriers that
+happened to take up their lodging there that very evening; and as
+whatever our knight-errant saw, thought, or imagined, was all of a
+romantic cast, and appeared to him altogether after the manner of his
+favourite books, he no sooner saw the inn but he fancied it to be a
+castle fenced with four towers, and lofty pinnacles glittering with
+silver, together with a deep moat, drawbridge, and all those other
+appurtenances peculiar to such kind of places.
+
+When he came near it, he stopped a while at a distance from the gate,
+expecting that some dwarf would appear on the battlements, and sound
+his trumpet to give notice of the arrival of a knight; but finding
+that nobody came, and that Rozinante was for making the best of his
+way to the stable, he advanced to the door, at which the innkeeper
+immediately appeared. He was a man whose burden of fat inclined him to
+peace and quietness, yet when he observed such a strange disguise of
+human shape in his old armour and equipage, he could hardly forbear
+laughter; but having the fear of such a warlike appearance before his
+eyes, he resolved to give him good words, and therefore accosted him
+civilly: "Sir Knight," said he, "if your worship be disposed to
+alight, you will fail of nothing here but of a bed; as for all other
+accommodations, you may be supplied to your mind." Don Quixote
+observing the humility of the governor of the castle (for such the
+innkeeper and inn seemed to him), "Senior Castellano," said he, "the
+least thing in the world suffices me; for arms are the only things I
+value, and combat is my bed of repose." "At this rate, Sir Knight, you
+may safely alight, and I dare assure you, you can hardly miss being
+kept awake all the year long in this house, much less one single
+night." With that he went and held Don Quixote's stirrup, who having
+ate nothing all that day, dismounted with no small trouble and
+difficulty. He immediately desired the governor (that is, the
+innkeeper) to have special care of his steed, assuring him that there
+was not a better in the universe; upon which the innkeeper viewed him
+narrowly, but could not think him to be half so good as Don Quixote
+said. However, having set him up in the stable, he came back to the
+knight to see what he wanted, and whether he would eat anything. "That
+I will, with all my heart," cried Don Quixote, "whatever it be; for I
+am of opinion nothing can come to me more seasonably." Now, it
+happened to be Friday, and there was nothing to be had at the inn but
+some pieces of fish, which they call _truchuela_; so they asked him
+whether he could eat any of that truchuela, because they had no other
+fish to give him. Don Quixote imagining they meant small trout, told
+them, that provided there were more than one, it was the same thing to
+him, they would serve him as well as a great one; "for," continued he,
+"it is all one to me whether I am paid a piece of eight in one single
+piece, or in eight small reals, which are worth as much. Besides, it
+is probable these small trouts may be like veal, which is finer meat
+than beef; or like the kid, which is better than the goat. In short,
+let it be what it will, so it comes quickly; for the weight of armour
+and the fatigue of travel are not to be supported without recruiting
+food." Thereupon they laid the cloth at the inn-door for the benefit
+of the fresh air, and the landlord brought him a piece of the salt
+fish, but ill-watered and as ill-dressed; and as for the bread, it was
+as mouldy and brown as the knight's armour.
+
+While he was at supper, a pig-driver happened to sound his
+cane-trumpet, or whistle of reeds, four or five times as he came near
+the inn, which made Don Quixote the more positive that he was in a
+famous castle, where he was entertained with music at supper, that
+the country girls were great ladies, and the innkeeper the governor of
+the castle, which made him applaud himself for his resolution, and his
+setting out on such an account. The only thing that vexed him was,
+that he was not yet dubbed a knight; for he fancied he could not
+lawfully undertake any adventure till he had received the order of
+knighthood.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+_An account of the pleasant method taken by Don Quixote to be dubbed a
+knight._
+
+
+Don Quixote's mind being disturbed with that thought, he abridged even
+his short supper; and as soon as he had done, he called his host, then
+shut him and himself up in the stable, and falling at his feet, "I
+will never rise from this place," cried he, "most valorous knight,
+till you have graciously vouchsafed to grant me a boon, which I will
+now beg of you, and which will redound to your honour and the good of
+mankind." The innkeeper, strangely at a loss to find his guest at his
+feet, and talking at this rate, endeavoured to make him rise; but all
+in vain, till he had promised to grant him what he asked. "I expected
+no less from your great magnificence, noble sir," replied Don Quixote;
+"and therefore I make bold to tell you, that the boon which I beg, and
+you generously condescend to grant me, is, that to-morrow you will be
+pleased to bestow the honour of knighthood upon me. This night I will
+watch my armour in the chapel of your castle, and then in the morning
+you shall gratify me, that I may be duly qualified to seek out
+adventures in every corner of the universe, to relieve the distressed,
+according to the laws of chivalry and the inclinations of
+knights-errant like myself." The innkeeper, who, as I said, was a
+sharp fellow, and had already a shrewd suspicion of his guest's
+disorder, was fully convinced of it when he heard him talk in this
+manner; and, to make sport he resolved to humour him, telling him he
+was much to be commended for his choice of such an employment, which
+was altogether worthy a knight of the first order, such as his gallant
+deportment discovered him to be: that he himself had in his youth
+followed that profession, ranging through many parts of the world in
+search of adventures, till at length he retired to this castle, where
+he lived on his own estate and those of others, entertaining all
+knights-errant of what quality or condition soever, purely for the
+great affection he bore them, and to partake of what they might share
+with him in return. He added, that his castle at present had no chapel
+where the knight might keep the vigil of his arms, it being pulled
+down in order to be new built; but that he knew they might lawfully
+be watched in any other place in a case of necessity, and therefore he
+might do it that night in the court-yard of the castle; and in the
+morning all the necessary ceremonies should be performed, so that he
+might assure himself he should be dubbed a knight, nay as much a
+knight as any one in the world could be. He then asked Don Quixote
+whether he had any money? "Not a cross," replied the knight, "for I
+never read in any history of chivalry that any knight-errant ever
+carried money about him." "You are mistaken," cried the innkeeper;
+"for admit the histories are silent in this matter, the authors
+thinking it needless to mention things so evidently necessary as money
+and clean shirts, yet there is no reason to believe the knights went
+without either; and you may rest assured, that all the knights-errant,
+of whom so many histories are full, had their purses well lined to
+supply themselves with necessaries, and carried also with them some
+shirts, and a small box of salves to heal their wounds; for they had
+not the conveniency of surgeons to cure them every time they fought in
+fields and deserts, unless they were so happy as to have some sage or
+magician for their friend to give them present assistance, sending
+them some damsel or dwarf through the air in a cloud, with a small
+bottle of water of so great a virtue, that they no sooner tasted a
+drop of it, but their wounds were as perfectly cured as if they had
+never received any. But when they wanted such a friend in former ages,
+the knights thought themselves obliged to take care that their squires
+should be provided with money and other necessaries; and if those
+knights ever happened to have no squires, which was but very seldom,
+then they carried those things behind them in a little bag. I must
+therefore advise you," continued he, "never from this time forwards to
+ride without money, nor without the other necessaries of which I spoke
+to you, which you will find very beneficial when you least expect it."
+Don Quixote promised to perform all his injunctions; and so they
+disposed every thing in order to his watching his arms in the great
+yard. To which purpose the knight, having got them all together, laid
+them in a horse-trough close by a well; then bracing his target, and
+grasping his lance, just as it grew dark, he began to walk about by
+the horse-trough with a graceful deportment. In the mean while, the
+innkeeper acquainted all those that were in the house with the
+extravagancies of his guest, his watching his arms, and his hopes of
+being made a knight. They all marvelled very much at so strange a kind
+of folly, and went on to observe him at a distance; where, they saw
+him sometimes walk about with a great deal of gravity, and sometimes
+lean on his lance, with his eyes all the while fixed upon his arms. It
+was now undoubted night, but yet the moon did shine with such a
+brightness, as might almost have vied with that of the luminary which
+lent it her; so that the knight was wholly exposed to the spectators'
+view. While he was thus employed, one of the carriers who lodged in
+the inn came out to water his mules, which he could not do without
+removing the arms out of the trough. With that, Don Quixote, who saw
+him make towards them, cried out to him aloud, "O thou, whoever thou
+art, rash knight, that prepares to lay thy hands on the arms of the
+most valorous knight-errant that ever wore a sword, take heed; do not
+audaciously attempt to profane them with a touch, lest instant death
+be the too sure reward of thy temerity." But the carrier regarded not
+these threats; and laying hold of the armour without any more ado,
+threw it a good way from him; though it had been better for him to
+have let it alone; for Don Quixote no sooner saw this, but lifting up
+his eyes to heaven, and thus addressing his thoughts, as it seemed, to
+his lady Dulcinea; "Assist me, lady," cried he, "in the first
+opportunity that offers itself to your faithful slave; nor let your
+favour and protection be denied me in this first trial of my valour!"
+Repeating such-like ejaculations, he let slip his target, and lifting
+up his lance with both his hands, he gave the carrier such a terrible
+knock on his inconsiderate head with his lance, that he laid him at
+his feet in a woful condition; and had he backed that blow with
+another, the fellow would certainly have had no need of a surgeon.
+This done, Don Quixote took up his armour, laid it again in the
+horse-trough, and then walked on backwards and forwards with as great
+unconcern as he did at first.
+
+Soon after another carrier, not knowing what had happened, came also
+to water his mules, while the first yet lay on the ground in a trance;
+but as he offered to clear the trough of the armour, Don Quixote,
+without speaking a word, or imploring any one's assistance, once more
+dropped his target, lifted up his lance, and then let it fall so
+heavily on the fellow's pate, that without damaging his lance, he
+broke the carrier's head in three or four places. His outcry soon
+alarmed and brought thither all the people in the inn, and the
+landlord among the rest; which Don Quixote perceiving, "Thou Queen of
+Beauty," cried he, bracing on his shield, and drawing his sword, "thou
+courage and vigour of my weakened heart, now is the time when thou
+must enliven thy adventurous slave with the beams of thy greatness,
+while this moment he is engaging in so terrible an adventure!" With
+this, in his opinion, he found himself supplied with such an addition
+of courage, that had all the carriers in the world at once attacked
+him, he would undoubtedly have faced them all. On the other side, the
+carriers, enraged to see their comrades thus used, though they were
+afraid to come near, gave the knight such a volley of stones, that he
+was forced to shelter himself as well as he could under the covert of
+his target, without daring to go far from the horse-trough, lest he
+should seem to abandon his arms. The innkeeper called to the carriers
+as loud as he could to let him alone; that he had told them already he
+was mad, and consequently the law would acquit him, though he should
+kill them. Don Quixote also made yet more noise, calling them false
+and treacherous villains, and the lord of the castle base and
+unhospitable, and a discourteous knight, for suffering a knight-errant
+to be so abused. "I would make thee know," cried he, "what a
+perfidious wretch thou art, had I but received the order of
+knighthood; but for you, base, ignominious rabble, fling on, do your
+worst; come on, draw nearer if you dare, and receive the reward of
+your indiscretion and insolence." This he spoke with so much spirit
+and undauntedness, that he struck a terror into all his assailants; so
+that, partly through fear, and partly through the innkeeper's
+persuasions, they gave over flinging stones at him; and he, on his
+side, permitted the enemy to carry off their wounded, and then
+returned to the guard of his arms as calm and composed as before.
+
+The innkeeper, who began somewhat to disrelish these mad tricks of his
+guest, resolved to despatch him forthwith, and bestow on him that
+unlucky knighthood, to prevent farther mischief: so coming to him, he
+excused himself for the insolence of those base scoundrels, as being
+done without his privity or consent; but their audaciousness, he said,
+was sufficiently punished. He added, that he had already told him
+there was no chapel in his castle; and that indeed there was no need
+of one to finish the rest of the ceremony of knighthood, which
+consisted only in the application of the sword to the neck and
+shoulders, as he had read in the register of the ceremonies of the
+order; and that this might be performed as well in a field as anywhere
+else: that he had already fulfilled the obligation of watching his
+arms, which required no more than two hours watch, whereas he had been
+four hours upon the guard. Don Quixote, who easily believed him, told
+him he was ready to obey him, and desired him to make an end of the
+business as soon as possible; for if he were but knighted, and should
+see himself once attacked, he believed he should not leave a man alive
+in the castle, except those whom he should desire him to spare for his
+sake.
+
+Upon this, the innkeeper, lest the knight should proceed to such
+extremities, fetched the book in which he used to set down the
+carriers' accounts for straw and barley; and having brought with him
+the two kind females already mentioned, and a boy that held a piece of
+lighted candle in his hand, he ordered Don Quixote to kneel: then
+reading in his manual, as if he had been repeating some pious oration,
+in the midst of his devotion he lifted up his hand, and gave him a
+good blow on the neck, and then a gentle slap on the back with the
+flat of his sword, still mumbling some words between his teeth in the
+tone of a prayer. After this he ordered one of the ladies to gird the
+sword about the knight's waist: which she did with much solemnity,
+and, I may add, discretion, considering how hard a thing it was to
+forbear laughing at every circumstance of the ceremony: it is true,
+the thoughts of the knight's late prowess did not a little contribute
+to the suppression of her mirth. As she girded on his sword, "Heaven,"
+cried the kind lady, "make your worship a lucky knight, and prosper
+you wherever you go." Don Quixote desired to know her name, that he
+might understand to whom he was indebted for the favour she had
+bestowed upon him, and also make her partaker of the honour he was to
+acquire by the strength of his arm. To which the lady answered with
+all humility, that her name was Tolosa, a cobbler's daughter, that
+kept a stall among the little shops of Sanchobinaya at Toledo; and
+that whenever he pleased to command her, she would be his humble
+servant. Don Quixote begged of her to do him the favour to add
+hereafter the title of lady to her name, and for his sake to be called
+from that time the Lady Toloso; which she promised to do. Her
+companion having buckled on his spurs, occasioned a like conference
+between them; and when he had asked her name, she told him she went by
+the name of Molivera, being the daughter of an honest miller of
+Antequera. Our new knight entreated her also to style herself the Lady
+Molivera, making her new offers of service. These extraordinary
+ceremonies (the like never seen before) being thus hurried over in a
+kind of post-haste, Don Quixote could not rest till he had taken the
+field in quest of adventures; therefore having immediately saddled his
+Rozinante, and being mounted, he embraced the innkeeper, and returned
+him so many thanks at so extravagant a rate, for the obligation he had
+laid upon him in dubbing him a knight, that it is impossible to give a
+true relation of them all; to which the innkeeper, in haste to get rid
+of him, returned as rhetorical though shorter answers; and without
+stopping his horse for the reckoning, was glad with all his heart to
+see him go.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+_What befel the Knight after he had left the inn._
+
+
+Aurora began to usher in the morn, when Don Quixote sallied out of the
+inn, so overjoyed to find himself knighted, that he infused the same
+satisfaction into his horse, who seemed ready to burst his girths for
+joy. But calling to mind the admonitions which the innkeeper had given
+him, concerning the provision of necessary accommodation in his
+travels, particularly money and clean shirts, he resolved to return
+home to furnish himself with them, and likewise get him a squire,
+designing to entertain as such a labouring man, his neighbour, who was
+poor and had a number of children, but yet very fit for the office.
+With this resolution he took the road which led to his own village.
+The knight had not travelled far, when he fancied he heard an
+effeminate voice complaining in a thicket on his right hand. "I thank
+Heaven," said he, when he heard the cries, "for favouring me so soon
+with an opportunity to perform the duty of my profession, and reap the
+fruits of my desire; for these complaints are certainly the moans of
+some distressed creature who wants my present help." Then turning to
+that side with all the speed which Rozinante could make, he no sooner
+came into the wood but he found a mare tied to an oak, and to another
+a young lad about fifteen years of age, naked from the waist upwards.
+This was he who made such a lamentable outcry; and not without cause,
+for a lusty country-fellow was strapping him soundly with a girdle, at
+every stripe putting him in mind of a proverb, _Keep your mouth shut,
+and your eyes open_. "Good master," cried the boy, "I'll do so no
+more: indeed, master, hereafter I'll take more care of your goods."
+Don Quixote seeing this, cried in an angry tone, "Discourteous knight,
+'tis an unworthy act to strike a person who is not able to defend
+himself: come, bestride thy steed, and take thy lance, then I'll make
+thee know thou hast acted the part of a coward." The country-fellow,
+who gave himself for lost at the sight of an apparition in armour
+brandishing his lance at his face, answered him in mild and submissive
+words: "Sir knight," cried he, "this boy, whom I am chastising, is my
+servant; and because I correct him for his carelessness or his
+knavery, he says I do it out of covetousness, to defraud him of his
+wages; but, upon my life and soul, he belies me." "Sayest thou this in
+my presence, vile rustic," cried Don Quixote; "for thy insolent
+speech, I have a good mind to run thee through the body with my lance.
+Pay the boy this instant, without any more words, or I will
+immediately despatch and annihilate thee: unbind him, I say, this
+moment." The countryman hung down his head, and without any further
+reply unbound the boy; who being asked by Don Quixote what his master
+owed him, told him it was nine months' wages, at seven reals a month.
+The knight having cast it up, found it came to sixty-three reals in
+all; which he ordered the farmer to pay the fellow immediately, unless
+he intended to lose his life that very moment. "The worst is, sir
+knight," cried the farmer, "that I have no money about me; but let
+Andres go home with me, and I'll pay him every piece out of hand."
+"What, I go home with him!" cried the youngster; "I know better
+things: for he'd no sooner have me by himself, but he'd flay me alive,
+like another St. Bartholomew." "He will not dare," replied Don
+Quixote; "I command him, and that's sufficient: therefore, provided he
+will swear by the order of knighthood which has been conferred upon
+him, that he will duly observe this regulation, I will freely let him
+go, and then thou art secure of thy money." "Good sir, take heed what
+you say," cried the boy; "for my master is no knight, nor ever was of
+any order in his life: he's John Haldudo, the rich farmer of
+Quintinar." "This signifies little," answered Don Quixote, "for there
+may be knights among the Haldudos; besides, the brave man carves out
+his fortune, and every man is the son of his own works." "That's true,
+sir," quoth Andres; "but of what works can this master of mine be the
+son, who denies me my wages, which I have earned with the sweat of my
+brows?" "I do not deny to pay thee thy wages, honest Andres," cried
+the master; "do but go along with me, and by all the orders of
+knighthood in the world, I promise to pay thee every piece, as I
+said." "Be sure," said Don Quixote, "you perform your promise; for if
+you fail, I will assuredly return and find you out, and punish you
+moreover, though you should hide yourself as close as a lizard. And if
+you will be informed who it is that lays these injunctions on you,
+that you may understand how highly it concerns you to observe them,
+know, I am Don Quixote de la Mancha, the righter of wrongs, the
+revenger and redresser of grievances; and so farewell: but remember
+what you have promised and sworn, as you will answer for it at your
+peril." This said, he clapped spurs to Rozinante, and quickly left
+them behind.
+
+The countryman, who followed him with both his eyes, no sooner
+perceived that he was passed the woods, and quite out of sight, than
+he went back to his boy Andres. "Come, child," said he, "I will pay
+thee what I owe thee, as that righter of wrongs and redresser of
+grievances has ordered me." "Ay," quoth Andres, "on my word, you will
+do well to fulfil the commands of that good knight, whom Heaven grant
+long to live; for he is so brave a man, and so just a judge, that if
+you don't pay me, he will come back and make his words good." "I dare
+swear as much," answered the master; "and to shew thee how much I love
+thee, I am willing to increase the debt, that I may enlarge the
+payment." With that he caught the youngster by the arm, and tied him
+again to the tree; where he handled him so unmercifully, that scarce
+any signs of life were left in him. "Now call your righter of wrongs,
+Mr. Andres," cried the farmer, "and you shall see he will never be
+able to undo what I have done; though I think it is but a part of what
+I ought to do, for I have a good mind to flay you alive, as you said I
+would, you rascal." However, he untied him at last, and gave him leave
+to go and seek out his judge, in order to have his decree put in
+execution. Andres went his ways, not very well pleased, you may be
+sure, yet fully resolved to find out the valorous Don Quixote, and
+give him an exact account of the whole transaction, that he might pay
+the abuse with sevenfold usury: in short, he crept off sobbing and
+weeping, while his master stayed behind laughing. And in this manner
+was this wrong redressed by the valorous Don Quixote de la Mancha.
+
+In the mean time the knight, being highly pleased with himself and
+what had happened, imagining he had given a most fortunate and noble
+beginning to his feats of arms, went on towards his village, and soon
+found himself at a place where four roads met; and this made him
+presently bethink of those cross-ways which often used to put
+knights-errant to a stand, to consult with themselves which way they
+should take. That he might follow their example, he stopped a while,
+and after he had seriously reflected on the matter, gave Rozinante the
+reins, subjecting his own will to that of his horse, who, pursuing his
+first intent, took the way that led to his own stable.
+
+Don Quixote had not gone above two miles, when he discovered a company
+of people riding towards him, who proved to be merchants of Toledo,
+going to buy silks in Murcia. They were six in all, every one screened
+with an umbrella, besides four servants on horseback, and three
+muleteers on foot. The knight no sooner perceived them but he imagined
+this to be some new adventure; so, fixing himself in his stirrups,
+couching his lance, and covering his breast with his target, he posted
+himself in the middle of the road, expecting the coming up of the
+supposed knights-errant. As soon as they came within hearing, with a
+loud voice and haughty tone, "Hold," cried he; "let no man hope to
+pass further, unless he acknowledge and confess that there is not in
+the universe a more beautiful damsel than the empress of La Mancha,
+the peerless Dulcinea del Toboso." At those words the merchants made a
+halt, to view the unaccountable figure of their opponent; and
+conjecturing, both by his expression and disguise, that the poor
+gentleman had lost his senses, they were willing to understand the
+meaning of that strange confession which he would force from them; and
+therefore one of the company, who loved raillery, and had discretion
+to manage it, undertook to talk to him. "Sigñor cavalier," cried he,
+"we do not know this worthy lady you talk of; but be pleased to let us
+see her, and then if we find her possessed of those matchless charms,
+of which you assert her to be the mistress, we will freely, and
+without the least compulsion, own the truth which you would extort
+from us." "Had I once shewn you that beauty," replied Don Quixote,
+"what wonder would it be to acknowledge so notorious a truth? the
+importance of the thing lies in obliging you to believe it, confess
+it, affirm it, swear it, and maintain it, without seeing her; and
+therefore make this acknowledgment this very moment, or know that with
+me you must join in battle, ye proud and unreasonable mortals! Come
+one by one, as the laws of chivalry require, or all at once, according
+to the dishonourable practice of men of your stamp; here I expect you
+all my single self, and will stand the encounter, confiding in the
+justice of my cause." "Sir knight," replied the merchant, "I beseech
+you, that for the discharge of our consciences, which will not permit
+us to affirm a thing we never heard or saw, and which, besides, tends
+so much to the dishonour of the empresses and queens of Alcaria and
+Estremadura, your worship will vouchsafe to let us see some
+portraiture of that lady, though it were no bigger than a grain of
+wheat; for by a small sample we may judge of the whole piece, and by
+that means rest secure and satisfied, and you contented and appeased.
+Nay, I verily believe, that we all find ourselves already so
+inclinable to comply with you, that though her picture should
+represent her to be blind of one eye, and distilling vermilion and
+brimstone at the other, yet to oblige you, we shall be ready to say in
+her favour whatever your worship desires." "Distil, ye infamous
+scoundrels," replied Don Quixote in a burning rage, "distil, say you?
+know, that nothing distils from her but amber and civet; neither is
+she defective in her make or shape, but more straight than a
+Guadaramian spindle. But you shall all severely pay for the blasphemy
+which thou hast uttered against the transcendent beauty of my
+incomparable lady." Saying this, with his lance couched, he ran so
+furiously at the merchant who thus provoked him, that had not good
+fortune so ordered it that Rozinante should stumble and fall in the
+midst of his career, the audacious trifler had paid dear for his
+raillery: but as Rozinante fell, he threw down his master, who rolled
+and tumbled a good way on the ground without being able to get upon
+his legs, though he used all his skill and strength to effect it, so
+encumbered he was with his lance, target, spurs, helmet, and the
+weight of his rusty armour. However, in this helpless condition he
+played the hero with his tongue; "Stay," cried he; "cowards, rascals,
+do not fly! it is not through my fault that I lie here, but through
+that of my horse, ye poltroons!"
+
+One of the muleteers, who was none of the best-natured creatures,
+hearing the overthrown knight thus insolently treat his master, could
+not bear it without returning him an answer on his ribs; and therefore
+coming up to him as he lay wallowing, he snatched his lance, and
+having broke it to pieces, so belaboured Don Quixote's sides with one
+of them, that, in spite of his arms, he thrashed him like a
+wheatsheaf. His master indeed called to him not to lay on him so
+vigorously, and to let him alone; but the fellow, whose hand was in,
+would not give over till he had tired out his passion and himself; and
+therefore running to the other pieces of the broken lance, he fell to
+it again without ceasing, till he had splintered them all on the
+knight's iron enclosure. At last the mule-driver was tired, and the
+merchants pursued their journey, sufficiently furnished with matter of
+discourse at the poor knight's expense. When he found himself alone,
+he tried once more to get on his feet; but if he could not do it when
+he had the use of his limbs, how should he do it now, bruised and
+battered as he was? But yet for all this, he esteemed himself a happy
+man, being still persuaded that his misfortune was one of those
+accidents common in knight-errantry, and such a one as he could wholly
+attribute to the falling of his horse.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+_A further account of our Knight's misfortunes._
+
+
+Don Quixote perceiving that he was not able to stir, resolved to have
+recourse to his usual remedy, which was to bethink himself what
+passage in his books might afford him some comfort: and presently his
+frenzy brought to his remembrance the story of Baldwin and the Marquis
+of Mantua, when Charlot left the former wounded on the mountain; a
+story learned and known by little children, not unknown to young men
+and women, celebrated, and even believed, by the old, and yet not a
+jot more authentic than the miracles of Mahomet. This seemed to him as
+if made on purpose for his present circumstances, and therefore he
+fell a rolling and tumbling up and down, expressing the greatest pain
+and resentment, and breathing out, with a languishing voice, the same
+complaints which the wounded Knight of the Wood is said to have made!
+
+ "Alas! where are you, lady dear,
+ That for my woe you do not moan?
+ You little know what ails me here,
+ Or are to me disloyal grown."
+
+Thus he went on with the lamentations in that romance, till he came to
+these verses:--
+
+ "O thou, my uncle and my prince,
+ Marquis of Mantua, noble lord!"--
+
+When kind fortune so ordered it that a ploughman, who lived in the
+same village, and near his house, happened to pass by, as he came from
+the mill with a sack of wheat. The fellow seeing a man lie at his full
+length on the ground, asked him who he was, and why he made such a sad
+complaint. Don Quixote, whose distempered brain presently represented
+to him the countryman as the Marquis of Mantua, his imaginary uncle,
+made him no answer, but went on with the romance. The fellow stared,
+much amazed to hear a man talk such unaccountable stuff; and taking
+off the vizor of his helmet, broken all to pieces with blows bestowed
+upon it by the mule-driver, he wiped off the dust that covered his
+face, and presently knew the gentleman. "Master Quixada!" cried he
+(for so he was properly called when he had the right use of his
+senses, and had not yet from a sober gentleman transformed himself
+into a wandering knight); "how came you in this condition?" But the
+other continued his romance, and made no answers to all the questions
+the countryman put to him, but what followed in course in the book:
+which the good man perceiving, he took off the battered adventurer's
+armour as well as he could, and fell a searching for his wounds; but
+finding no sign of blood, or any other hurt, he endeavoured to set him
+upon his legs; and at last with a great deal of trouble, he heaved him
+upon his own ass, as being the more easy and gentle carriage: he also
+got all the knight's arms together, not leaving behind so much as the
+splinters of his lance; and having tied them up, and laid them on
+Rozinante, which he took by the bridle, and his ass by the halter, he
+led them all towards the village, and trudged on foot himself, while
+he reflected on the extravagances which he heard Don Quixote utter.
+Nor was the Don himself less melancholy; for he felt himself so
+bruised and battered that he could hardly sit on the ass; and now and
+then he breathed such grievous sighs, as seemed to pierce the very
+skies, which moved his compassionate neighbour once more to entreat
+him to declare to him the cause of his grief: so he bethought himself
+of the Moor Abindaraez, whom Rodrigo de Narvaez, Alcade of Antequera,
+took and carried prisoner to his castle; so that when the husbandman
+asked him how he did and what ailed him, he answered word for word as
+the prisoner Abindaraez replied to Rodrigo de Narvaez, in the Diana of
+George di Montemayor, where that adventure is related; applying it so
+properly to his purpose, that the countryman wished himself any where
+than within the hearing of such strange nonsense; and being now fully
+convinced that his neighbour's brains were turned, he made all the
+haste he could to the village, to be rid of him. Don Quixote in the
+mean time thus went on: "You must know, Don Rodrigo de Narvaez, that
+this beautiful Xerifa, of whom I gave you an account, is at present
+the most lovely Dulcinea del Toboso, for whose sake I have done, still
+do, and will achieve the most famous deeds of chivalry that ever were,
+are, or ever shall be seen in the universe." "Good sir," replied the
+husbandman, "I am not Don Rodrigo de Narvaez, nor the Marquis of
+Mantua, but Pedro Alonzo by name, your worship's neighbour; nor are
+you Baldwin, nor Abindaraez, but only that worthy gentleman Senior
+Quixada." "I know very well who I am," answered Don Quixote; "and
+what's more, I know, that I may not only be the persons I have named,
+but also the twelve peers of France, nay and the nine worthies all in
+one; since my achievements will out-rival not only the famous exploits
+which made any of them singly illustrious, but all their mighty deeds
+accumulated together."
+
+Thus discoursing, they at last got near their village about sunset;
+but the countryman stayed at some distance till it was dark, that the
+distressed gentleman might not be seen so scurvily mounted, and then
+he led him home to his own house, which he found in great confusion.
+The curate and the barber of the village, both of them Don Quixote's
+intimate acquaintances, happened to be there at that juncture, as also
+the housekeeper, who was arguing with them: "What do you think, pray,
+good Doctor Perez," said she, (for this was the curate's name) "what
+do you think of my master's mischance? neither he, nor his horse, nor
+his target, lance, nor armour, have been seen these six days. What
+shall I do, wretch that I am? I dare lay my life, and it is as sure as
+I am a living creature, that those cursed books of errantry, which he
+used to be always poring upon, have set him beside his senses; for now
+I remember I have heard him often mutter to himself that he had a mind
+to turn knight-errant, and ramble up and down the world to find out
+adventures." His niece added, addressing herself to the barber; "You
+must know, Mr. Nicholas, that many times my uncle would read you those
+unconscionable books of disventures for eight-and-forty hours
+together; then away he would throw his book, and drawing his sword, he
+would fall a fencing against the walls; and when he had tired himself
+with cutting and slashing, he would cry he had killed four giants as
+big as any steeples; and the sweat which he put himself into, he would
+say was the blood of the wounds he had received in the fight: then
+would he swallow a huge jug of cold water, and presently he would be
+as quiet and as well as ever he was in his life; and he said that this
+same water was a sort of precious drink brought him by the sage
+Esquife, a great magician and his special friend. Now, it is I who am
+the cause of all this mischief, for not giving you timely notice of my
+uncle's raving, that you might have put a stop to it, ere it was too
+late, and have burnt all these excommunicated books; for there are I
+do not know how many of them that deserve as much to be burnt as those
+of the rankest heretics." "I am of your mind," said the curate; "and
+verily to-morrow shall not pass over before I have fairly brought them
+to a trial, and condemned them to the flames, that they may not
+minister occasion to such as would read them, to be perverted after
+the example of my good friend."
+
+The countryman, who, with Don Quixote, stood without, listening to all
+this discourse, now perfectly understood the cause of his neighbour's
+disorder; and, without any more ado, he called out, "Open the gates
+there, for the Lord Baldwin, and the Lord Marquis of Mantua, who is
+coming sadly wounded; and for the Moorish Lord Abindaraez, whom the
+valorous Don Rodrigo de Narvaez, Alcade of Antequera, brings
+prisoner." At which words they all got out of doors; and the one
+finding it to be her uncle, and the other to be her master, and the
+rest their friend, who had not yet alighted from the ass, because
+indeed he was not able, they all ran to embrace him; to whom Don
+Quixote: "Forbear," said he, "for I am sorely hurt, by reason that my
+horse failed me; carry me to bed, and, if it be possible, let the
+enchantress Urganda be sent for to cure my wounds." "Now," quoth the
+housekeeper, "see whether I did not guess right, on which foot my
+master halted!--Come, get to bed, I beseech you; and, my life for
+yours, we will take care to cure you without sending for that same
+Urganda. A hearty curse, I say, light upon those books of chivalry
+that have put you in this pickle!" Whereupon they carried him to his
+bed, and searched for his wounds, but could find none; and then he
+told them he was only bruised, having had a dreadful fall from his
+horse Rozinante while he was fighting ten giants, the most outrageous
+and audacious upon the face of the earth. "Ho, ho!" cried the curate,
+"are there giants too in the dance? nay, then, we will have them all
+burnt by to-morrow night." Then they asked the Don a thousand
+questions, but to every one he made no other answer, but that they
+should give him something to eat, and then leave him to his repose.
+They complied with his desires; and then the curate informed himself
+at large in what condition the countryman had found him; and having
+had a full account of every particular, as also of the knight's
+extravagant talk, both when the fellow found him, and as he brought
+him home, this increased the curate's desire of effecting what he had
+resolved to do next morning: at which time he called upon his friend,
+Mr. Nicholas the barber, and went with him to Don Quixote's house.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+_Of the pleasant and curious scrutiny which the Curate and the Barber
+made of the library of our ingenious gentleman._
+
+
+The knight was yet asleep, when the curate came, attended by the
+barber, and desired his niece to let him have the key of the room
+where her uncle kept his books, the author of his woes: she readily
+consented; and so in they went, and the housekeeper with them. There
+they found above an hundred large volumes neatly bound, and a good
+number of small ones. As soon as the housekeeper had spied them out,
+she ran out of the study, and returned immediately with a holy-water
+pot and a sprinkler: "Here, doctor," cried she, "pray sprinkle every
+cranny and corner in the room, lest there should lurk in it some one
+of the many sorcerers these books swarm with, who might chance to
+bewitch us, for the ill-will we bear them, in going about to send them
+out of the world." The curate could not forbear smiling at the good
+woman's simplicity; and desired the barber to reach him the books one
+by one, that he might peruse the title-pages, for perhaps he might
+find some among them that might not deserve this fate. "Oh, by no
+means," cried the niece; "spare none of them; they all help, somehow
+or other, to crack my uncle's brain. I fancy we had best throw them
+all out at the window in the yard, and lay them together in a heap,
+and then set them on fire, or else carry them into the back-yard, and
+there make a pile of them, and burn them, and so the smoke will offend
+nobody." The housekeeper joined with her, so eagerly bent were both
+upon the destruction of those poor innocents; but the curate would not
+condescend to those irregular proceedings, and resolved first to read
+at least the title-page of every book.
+
+The first that Mr. Nicholas put into his hands was Amadis de Gaul, in
+four volumes. "There seems to be some mystery in this book's being the
+first taken down," cried the curate, as soon as he had looked upon it;
+"for I have heard it is the first book of knight-errantry that ever
+was printed in Spain, and the model of all the rest; and therefore I
+am of opinion, that, as the first teacher and author of so pernicious
+a sect, it ought to be condemned to the fire without mercy." "I beg a
+reprieve for him," cried the barber; "for I have been told 'tis the
+best book that has been written in that kind; and therefore, as the
+only good thing of that sort, it may deserve a pardon." "Well then,"
+replied the curate, "for this time let him have it. Let's see that
+other, which lies next to him." "These," said the barber, "are the
+exploits of Esplandian, the son of Amadis de Gaul." "Verily," said the
+curate, "the father's goodness shall not excuse the want of it in the
+son. Here, good mistress housekeeper, open that window, and throw it
+into the yard, and let it serve as a foundation to that pile we are to
+set a blazing presently." She was not slack in her obedience; and thus
+poor Don Esplandian was sent headlong into the yard, there patiently
+to wait the time of punishment.
+
+"To the next," cried the curate. "This," said the barber, "is Amadis
+of Greece; and I'm of opinion that all those that stand on this side
+are of the same family." "Then let them all be sent packing into the
+yard," replied the curate. They were delivered to the housekeeper
+accordingly, and many they were; and to save herself the labour of
+carrying them down stairs, she fairly sent them flying out at the
+window.
+
+"What overgrown piece of lumber have we here?" cried the curate.
+"Olivante de Laura," returned the barber. "The same author wrote the
+Garden of Flowers; and, to deal ingeniously with you, I cannot tell
+which of the two books has most truth in it, or, to speak more
+properly, less lies: but this I know for certain, that he shall march
+into the back-yard, like a nonsensical arrogant blockhead as he is."
+
+"The next," cried the barber, "is Florismart of Hyrcania." "How! my
+Lord Florismart, is he here?" replied the curate: "nay, then truly, he
+shall e'en follow the rest to the yard, in spite of his wonderful
+birth and incredible adventures; for his rough, dull, and insipid
+style deserves no better usage. Come, toss him into the yard, and this
+other too, good mistress."
+
+"Here's the noble Don Platir," cried the barber. "'Tis an old book,"
+replied the curate, "and I can think of nothing in him that deserves a
+grain of pity: away with him, without any more words;" and down he
+went accordingly.
+
+Another book was opened, and it proved to be the Knight of the Cross.
+"The holy title," cried the curate, "might in some measure atone for
+the badness of the book; but then, as the saying is, _The devil lurks
+behind the cross_! To the flames with him."
+
+Then opening another volume, he found it to be Palmerin de Oliva, and
+the next to that Palmerin of England. "Ha, have I found you!" cried
+the curate. "Here, take that Oliva, let him be torn to pieces, then
+burnt, and his ashes scattered in the air; but let Palmerin of England
+be preserved as a singular relic of antiquity; and let such a costly
+box be made for him as Alexander found among the spoils of Darius,
+which he devoted to enclose Homer's works: for I must tell you,
+neighbour, that book deserves particular respect for two things;
+first, for its own excellencies; and, secondly, for the sake of its
+author, who is said to have been a learned king of Portugal: then all
+the adventures of the Castle of Miraguarda are well and artfully
+managed, the dialogue very courtly and clear, and the decorum strictly
+observed in equal character, with equal propriety and judgment.
+Therefore, Master Nicholas," continued he, "with submission to your
+better advice, this and Amadis de Gaul shall be exempted from the
+fire; and let all the rest be condemned, without any further inquiry
+or examination." "By no means, I beseech you," returned the barber,
+"for this which I have in my hands is the famous Don Bellianis."
+"Truly," cried the curate, "he, with his second, third, and fourth
+parts, had need of a dose of rhubarb to purge his excessive choler:
+besides, his Castle of Fame should be demolished, and a heap of other
+rubbish removed; in order to which I give my vote to grant them the
+benefit of a reprieve; and as they shew signs of amendment, so shall
+mercy or justice be used towards them: in the mean time, neighbour,
+take them into custody, and keep them safe at home; but let none be
+permitted to converse with them." "Content," cried the barber; and to
+save himself the labour of looking on any more books of that kind, he
+bid the housekeeper take all the great volumes, and throw them into
+the yard. This was not spoken to one stupid or deaf, but to one who
+had a greater mind to be burning them, than weaving the finest and
+largest web: so that laying hold of no less than eight volumes at
+once, she presently made them leap towards the place of execution.
+"But what shall we do with all these smaller books that are left?"
+said the barber. "Certainly," replied the curate, "these cannot be
+books of knight-errantry, they are too small; you will find they are
+only poets." And so opening one, it happened to be the Diana of
+Montemayor; which made him say, (believing all the rest to be of that
+stamp) "These do not deserve to be punished like the others, for they
+neither have done, nor can do, that mischief which those stories of
+chivalry have done, being generally ingenious books, that can do
+nobody any prejudice." "Oh! good sir," cried the niece, "burn them
+with the rest, I beseech you; for should my uncle get cured of his
+knight-errant frenzy, and betake himself to the reading of these
+books, we should have him turn shepherd, and so wander through the
+woods and fields; nay, and what would be worse yet, turn poet, which
+they say is a catching and incurable disease." "The gentlewoman is in
+the right," said the curate; "and it will not be amiss to remove that
+stumbling-block out of our friend's way; and since we began with the
+Diana of Montemayor, I am of opinion we ought not to burn it, but only
+take out that part of it which treats of the magician Felicia and the
+enchanted water, as also all the longer poems; and let the work escape
+with its prose, and the honour of being the first of that kind."
+"Here," quoth the barber, "I've a book called the Ten Books of the
+Fortunes of Love, by Anthony de Lofraco, a Sardinian poet." "Now we
+have got a prize," cried the curate, "I do not think since Apollo was
+Apollo, the muses muses, and the poets poets, there ever was a more
+humorous, more whimsical book! Of all the works of the kind commend me
+to this, for in its way 'tis certainly the best and most singular that
+ever was published; and he that never read it may safely think he
+never in his life read any thing that was pleasant." With that he laid
+it aside with extraordinary satisfaction; and the barber went on: "The
+next," said he, "is the Shepherd of Filida." "He's no shepherd,"
+returned the curate, "but a very discreet courtier; keep him as a
+precious jewel." "Here's a bigger," cried the barber, "called the
+Treasure of divers Poems." "Had there been less of it," said the
+curate, "it would have been more esteemed. 'Tis fit the book should be
+pruned and cleared of some inferior things that encumber and deform
+it: keep it, however, because the author is my friend, and for the
+sake of his other more heroic and lofty productions. What's the next
+book?" "The Galatea of Miguel de Cervantes," replied the barber. "That
+Cervantes has been my intimate acquaintance these many years," cried
+the curate; "and I know he has been more conversant with misfortunes
+than with poetry. His book, indeed, has I don't know what, that looks
+like a good design; he aims at something, but concludes nothing:
+therefore we must stay for the second part, which he has promised us;
+perhaps he may make us amends, and obtain a full pardon, which is
+denied him for the present; till that time keep him close prisoner at
+your house." "I will," quoth the barber: "but see, I have here three
+more for you, the Araucana of Don Alonso de Ercilla; the Austirada of
+Juan Ruffo, a magistrate of Cordova; and the Monserrato of Christopher
+de Virves, a Valentian poet." "These," cried the curate, "are the best
+heroic poems we have in Spanish, and may vie with the most celebrated
+of Italy: reserve them as the most valuable performances which Spain
+has to boast of in poetry."
+
+At last the curate grew so tired with prying into so many volumes,
+that he ordered all the rest to be burnt at a venture. But the barber
+shewed him one which he had opened by chance ere the dreadful sentence
+was past. "Truly," said the curate, who saw by the title it was the
+Tears of Angelica, "I should have wept myself, had I caused such a
+book to share the condemnation of the rest; for the author was not
+only one of the best poets in Spain, but in the whole world, and
+translated some of Ovid's fables with extraordinary success."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+_Don Quixote's second sally in quest of adventures._
+
+
+Full fifteen days did our knight remain quietly at home, without
+betraying the least sign of his desire to renew his rambling; during
+which time there passed a great deal of pleasant discourse between him
+and his two friends, the curate and the barber; while he maintained,
+that there was nothing the world stood so much in need of as
+knights-errant; wherefore he was resolved to revive the order: in
+which disputes Mr. Curate sometimes contradicted him, and sometimes
+submitted; for had he not now and then given way to his fancies, there
+would have been no conversing with him.
+
+In the mean time Don Quixote solicited one of his neighbours, a
+country labourer and honest fellow, though poor in purse as well as in
+brains, to become his squire; in short, the knight talked long to him,
+plied him with so many arguments, and made him so many fair promises,
+that at last the poor silly clown consented to go along with him, and
+be his squire. Among other inducements to entice him to do it
+willingly, Don Quixote forgot not to tell him, that it was likely such
+an adventure would present itself, as might secure him the conquest of
+some island in the time that he might be picking up a straw or two,
+and then the squire might promise himself to be made governor of the
+place. Allured with these large promises, and many others, Sancho
+Panza (for that was the name of the fellow) forsook his wife and
+children to be his neighbour's squire.
+
+This done, Don Quixote made it his business to furnish himself with
+money; to which purpose, selling one house, mortgaging another, and
+losing by all, he at last got a pretty good sum together. He also
+borrowed a target of a friend; and having patched up his head-piece
+and beaver as well as he could, he gave his squire notice of the day
+and hour when he intended to set out, that he also might furnish
+himself with what he thought necessary; but, above all, he charged him
+to provide himself with a wallet; which Sancho promised to do, telling
+him he would also take his ass along with him, which being a very good
+one, might be a great ease to him, for he was not used to travel much
+a-foot. The mentioning of the ass made the noble knight pause a while;
+he mused and pondered whether he had ever read of any knight-errant,
+whose squire used to ride upon an ass; but he could not remember any
+precedent for it: however, he gave him leave at last to bring his ass,
+hoping to mount him more honourably with the first opportunity, by
+unhorsing the next discourteous knight he should meet. He also
+furnished himself with linen, and as many other necessaries as he
+could conveniently carry, according to the innkeeper's advice. Which
+being done, Sancho Panza, without bidding either his wife or children
+good-bye; and Don Quixote, without taking any more notice of his
+housekeeper or of his niece, stole out of the village one night, not
+so much as suspected by anybody, and made such haste, that by break of
+day they thought themselves out of reach, should they happen to be
+pursued. As for Sancho Panza, he rode like a patriarch, with his
+canvass knapsack, or wallet, and his leathern bottle; having a huge
+desire to see himself governor of the island, which his master had
+promised him.
+
+As they jogged on, "I beseech your worship, sir knight-errant," quoth
+Sancho to his master, "be sure you don't forget what you promised me
+about the island; for I dare say I shall make shift to govern it, let
+it be never so big." "You must know, friend Sancho," replied Don
+Quixote, "that it has been the constant practice of knights-errant in
+former ages to make their squires governors of the islands or kingdoms
+they conquered: now I am resolved to outdo my predecessors; for
+whereas sometimes other knights delayed rewarding their squires till
+they were grown old, and worn out with services, and then put them off
+with some title, either of count, or at least marquis of some valley
+or province, of great or small extent; now, if thou and I do but live,
+it may happen, that before we have passed six days together, I may
+conquer some kingdom, having many other kingdoms annexed to its
+imperial crown; and this would fall out most luckily for thee; for
+then would I presently crown thee king of one of them. Nor do thou
+imagine this to be a mighty matter; for so strange accidents and
+revolutions, so sudden and so unforeseen, attend the profession of
+chivalry, that I might easily give thee a great deal more than I have
+promised." "Why, should this come to pass," quoth Sancho Panza, "and I
+be made a king by some such miracle as your worship says, then Mary
+Gutierez would be at least a queen, and my children infantas and
+princes, an't like your worship." "Who doubts of that?" cried Don
+Quixote. "I doubt of it," replied Sancho Panza; "for I cannot help
+believing, that though it should rain kingdoms down upon the face of
+the earth, not one of them would sit well upon Mary Gutierez's head;
+for I must needs tell you, she's not worth two brass jacks to make a
+queen of: no, countess would be better for her; and that, too, will be
+as much as she can handsomely manage." "Recommend the matter to
+providence," returned Don Quixote; "'twill be sure to give what is
+most expedient for thee."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+_Of the good success which the valorous Don Quixote had in the most
+terrifying and incredible adventure of the Windmills, with other
+transactions worthy to be transmitted to posterity._
+
+
+As they were thus discoursing, they discovered some thirty or forty
+windmills, in the plain; and as soon as the knight had spied them,
+"Fortune," cried he, "directs our affairs better than we could have
+wished: look yonder, Sancho, there are at least thirty outrageous
+giants, whom I intend to encounter; and having deprived them of life,
+we will begin to enrich ourselves with their spoils: for they are
+lawful prize; and the extirpation of that cursed brood will be an
+acceptable service to heaven." "What giants?" quoth Sancho Panza.
+"Those whom thou see'st yonder," answered Don Quixote, "with their
+long extended arms; some of that detested race have arms of so immense
+a size that sometimes they reach two leagues in length." "Pray look
+better, sir," quoth Sancho: "those things yonder are no giants, but
+windmills, and the arms are their sails, which being whirled about by
+the wind, make the mill go." "'Tis a sign," cried Don Quixote, "thou
+art but little acquainted with adventures! I tell thee, they are
+giants; and therefore if thou art afraid, go aside and say thy
+prayers, for I am resolved to engage in combat with them all." This
+said, he clapped spurs to his horse, without giving ear to his squire,
+who bawled out to him, and assured him that they were windmills, and
+no giants. But he was so fully possessed with a strong conceit of the
+contrary, that he did not so much as hear his squire, nor was he
+sensible of what they were, although he was already very near them.
+"Stand, cowards!" cried he as loud as he could; "stand your ground,
+ignoble creatures, and fly not basely from a single knight, who dares
+encounter you all." At the same time the wind rising, the mill-sails
+began to move, which, when Don Quixote spied, "Base miscreants," cried
+he, "though you move more arms than the giant Briareus, you shall pay
+for your arrogance." He most devoutly recommended himself to his Lady
+Dulcinea, imploring her assistance in this perilous adventure; and so
+covering himself with his shield, and couching his lance, he rushed
+with Rozinante's utmost speed upon the first windmill he could come
+at, and running his lance into the sail, the wind whirled it about
+with such swiftness, that the rapidity of the motion presently broke
+the lance into shivers, and hurled away both knight and horse along
+with it, till down he fell, rolling a good way off in the field.
+Sancho Panza ran as fast as his ass could drive to help his master,
+whom he found lying, and not able to stir. "Did not I give your
+worship fair warning?" cried he; "did not I tell you they were
+windmills, and that nobody could think otherwise, unless he had also
+windmills in his head?" "Peace, friend Sancho," replied Don Quixote;
+"there is nothing so subject to the inconstancy of fortune as war. I
+am verily persuaded, that cursed necromancer Freston, who carried away
+my study and my books, has transformed these giants into windmills, to
+deprive me of the honour of the victory; such is his inveterate malice
+against me: but in the end, all his pernicious wiles and stratagems
+shall prove ineffectual against the prevailing edge of my sword." "So
+let it be," replied Sancho. And heaving him up again upon his legs,
+once more the knight mounted poor Rozinante, who was half disjointed
+with his fall.
+
+[Illustration: DON QUIXOTE. P. 27.]
+
+This adventure was the subject of their discourse, as they made the
+best of their way towards the pass of Lapice; for Don Quixote took
+that road, believing he could not miss of adventures in one so
+mightily frequented.
+
+Sancho desired him now to consider that it was high time to go to
+dinner; but his master answered him, that he might eat whenever he
+pleased; as for himself, he was not yet disposed to do so. Sancho
+having obtained leave, fixed himself as orderly as he could upon his
+ass; and taking some victuals out of his wallet, fell to munching
+lustily; and ever and anon he lifted his bottle to his nose, and
+fetched such hearty pulls, that it would have made the best-pampered
+vintner in Malaga dry to have seen him.
+
+In fine, they passed that night under some trees; from one of which
+Don Quixote tore a withered branch, which in some sort was able to
+serve him for a lance, and to this he fixed the head or spear of his
+broken lance. But he did not sleep all that night, keeping his
+thoughts intent on his dear Dulcinea, in imitation of what he had read
+in books of chivalry, where the knights pass their time, without
+sleep, in forests and deserts, wholly taken up with entertaining
+thoughts of their absent ladies. The next day they went on directly
+towards the pass of Lapice, which they discovered about three o'clock.
+When they came near it, "Here it is, brother Sancho," said Don
+Quixote, "that we may, as it were, thrust our arms up to the very
+elbows in that which we call adventures. But let me give thee one
+necessary caution; know, that though thou shouldst see me in the
+greatest extremity of danger, thou must not offer to draw thy sword in
+my defence, unless thou findest me assaulted by base plebeians and
+vile scoundrels; for in such a case thou mayest assist thy master;
+but if those with whom I am fighting are knights, thou must not do it;
+for the laws of chivalry do not allow thee to encounter a knight till
+thou art one thyself." "Never fear," quoth Sancho; "I'll be sure to
+obey your worship in that, I'll warrant you; for I have ever loved
+peace and quietness, and never cared to thrust myself into frays and
+quarrels."
+
+As they were talking, they spied coming towards them two monks of the
+order of St. Benedict mounted on two dromedaries, for the mules on
+which they rode were so high and stately, that they seemed little
+less. After them came a coach, with four or five men on horseback, and
+two muleteers on foot. There proved to be in the coach a Biscayan
+lady, who was going to Seville to meet her husband, that was there in
+order to embark for the Indies, to take possession of a considerable
+post. Scarce had the Don perceived the monks, who were not of the same
+company, though they went the same way, but he cried to his squire,
+"Either I am deceived, or this will prove the most famous adventure
+that ever was known; for without all question those two black things
+that move towards us must be necromancers, that are carrying away by
+force some princess in that coach; and 'tis my duty to prevent so
+great an injury." "I fear me this will prove a worse job than the
+windmills," quoth Sancho; "take warning, sir, and do not be led away a
+second time." "I have already told thee, Sancho," replied Don Quixote,
+"thou art miserably ignorant in matters of adventures: what I say is
+true, and thou shalt find it so presently." This said, he spurred on
+his horse, and posted himself just in the midst of the road where the
+monks were to pass. And when they came within hearing, he immediately
+cried out in a loud and haughty tone, "Release those high-born
+princesses whom you are violently conveying away in the coach, or else
+prepare to meet with instant death, as the just punishment of your
+deeds." The monks stopped, no less astonished at the figure than at
+the expressions of the speaker. "Sir knight," cried they, "we are no
+such persons as you are pleased to term us, but religious men of the
+order of St. Benedict, that travel about our affairs, and are wholly
+ignorant whether or no there are any princesses carried away by force
+in that coach." "I am not to be deceived," replied Don Quixote; "I
+know you well enough, perfidious caitiffs:" and immediately, without
+waiting their reply, he set spurs to Rozinante, and ran so furiously,
+with his lance couched, against the first monk, that if he had not
+prudently flung himself to the ground, the knight would certainly have
+laid him either dead, or grievously wounded. The other observing this,
+clapped his heels to his mule's flanks, and scoured over the plain as
+if he had been running a race with the wind. Sancho no sooner saw the
+monk fall, but he leapt off his ass, and running to him, began to
+strip him immediately; but the two muleteers, who waited on the
+monks, came up to him, and asked why he offered to strip him? Sancho
+told them that this belonged to him as lawful plunder, being the
+spoils won in battle by his lord and master Don Quixote. The fellows,
+with whom there was no jesting, not knowing what he meant by his
+spoils and battle, and seeing Don Quixote at a good distance in deep
+discourse by the side of the coach, fell both upon poor Sancho, threw
+him down, tore his beard from his chin, trampled on him, and there
+left him lying without breath or motion. In the mean while the monk,
+scared out of his wits and as pale as a ghost, got upon his mule again
+as fast as he could, and spurred after his friend, who stayed for him
+at a distance, expecting the issue of this strange adventure; but
+being unwilling to stay to see the end of it, they made the best of
+their way, making more signs of the cross than if the devil had been
+posting after them.
+
+Don Quixote was all this while engaged with the lady in the coach.
+"Lady," cried he, "your discretion is now at liberty to dispose of
+your beautiful self as you please; for the presumptuous arrogance of
+those who attempted to enslave your person lies prostrate in the dust,
+overthrown by this arm: and that you may not be at a loss for the name
+of your deliverer, know I am called Don Quixote de la Mancha, by
+profession a knight-errant and adventurer, captive to that peerless
+beauty Donna Dulcinea del Toboso: nor do I desire any other recompense
+for the service I have done you, but that you return to Toboso to
+present yourself to that lady, and let her know what I have done to
+purchase your deliverance." So saying he bade her courteously
+farewell, and pursued his way.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+_What passed between Don Quixote and the Goatherds._
+
+
+After travelling the remainder of the day without further adventure,
+they came to a place where some goatherds had set up some small huts;
+and there they concluded to take up their lodging that night. This was
+as great a mortification to Sancho, who was altogether for a good
+town, as it was a pleasure to his master, who was for sleeping in the
+open fields; and who believed that, as often as he did it, he
+confirmed his title to knighthood by a new act of possession.
+
+The knight was very courteously received by the goatherds; and as for
+Sancho, after he had set up Rozinante and his ass as well as he could,
+he presently repaired to the attractive smell of some pieces of kid's
+flesh which stood boiling in a kettle over the fire. The hungry
+squire would immediately have tried whether they were fit to be
+removed out of the kettle into the stomach, but was not put to that
+trouble; for the goatherds took them off the fire, and spread some
+sheep-skins on the ground, and soon got their rural feast ready; and
+cheerfully invited his master and him to partake of what they had.
+Next, with some coarse compliment, after the country way, they desired
+Don Quixote to sit down on a trough with the bottom upwards; and then
+six of them, who were all that belonged to that fold, squatted them
+down round the skins, while Sancho stood to wait upon his master, and
+gave him drink in a horn cup, which the goatherds used. But he seeing
+his man stand behind, said to him, "Sancho, it is my pleasure that
+thou sit thee down by me, in the company of these good people, that
+there be no difference now observed between thee and me, thy natural
+lord and master; for it may be said of knight-errantry as of love,
+that it makes all things equal." "I thank your worship," cried Sancho;
+"but yet I must needs own, had I but a good deal of meat before me,
+I'd eat it as well, or rather better, standing, and by myself, than if
+I sat by an emperor; and, to deal plainly and truly with you, I had
+rather munch a crust of brown bread and an onion in a corner, without
+any more ado or ceremony, than feed upon turkey at another man's
+table, where one is fain to sit mincing and chewing his meat an hour
+together, drink little, be always wiping his fingers and his mouth,
+and never dare to cough or sneeze, though he has never so much a mind
+to it, nor do a many things which a body may do freely by one's self:
+therefore, good sir, change those tokens of your kindness, which I
+have a right to by being your worship's squire, into something that
+may do me more good. As for these same honours, I heartily thank you
+as much as if I had accepted them; but yet I give up my right to them
+from this time to the world's end." "Talk no more," replied Don
+Quixote, "but sit thee down, for the humble shall be exalted;" and so
+pulling him by the arms, he forced him to sit by him.
+
+All this while the goatherds said nothing, but stared upon their
+guests; who swallowed whole luncheons as big as their fists with a
+mighty appetite.
+
+A young fellow, who used to bring them provisions from the next
+village, happened to come while they were eating, and addressing
+himself to the goatherds, "Hark ye, friends," said he, "d'ye hear the
+news?" "What news?" cried one of the company. "That fine shepherd and
+scholar Chrysostome died this morning," answered the other; "and they
+say it was for love of Marcella, daughter of William the rich, that
+goes up and down the country in the habit of a shepherdess." "For
+Marcella!" cried one of the goatherds. "I say for her," replied the
+fellow; "and what is more, it is reported he has ordered by his will
+they should bury him in the fields like any heathen Moor, hard by the
+cork-tree fountain, where they say he first saw her. Nay, he has
+likewise ordered many other strange things to be done, which the
+clergy cannot allow of; while Ambrose, the other scholar, who likewise
+apparelled himself like a shepherd, is resolved to have his friend
+Chrysostome's will fulfilled in every thing, just as he has ordered
+it. It is thought that Ambrose and his friends will carry the day; and
+to-morrow morning he is to be buried in great state where I told you:
+I fancy it will be worth seeing; and I intend to go and see it, even
+though I should not get back again to-morrow." "We will all go," cried
+the goatherds, "and cast lots who shall tarry to look after the
+goats." "Well said, Pedro," cried one of the goatherds; "but as for
+casting of lots, I will save you that labour, for I will stay myself,
+not so much out of kindness to you neither, or want of curiosity, as
+because of the thorn in my toe, that will not let me go." Don Quixote,
+who heard all this, entreated Pedro to tell him who the deceased was,
+and also to give him a short account of the shepherdess.
+
+Peter answered, that all he knew of the matter was, that the deceased
+was a wealthy gentleman, who had been several years at the university
+of Salamanca, and came home mightily improved in his learning. Within
+some few months after he had left the university, on a certain morning
+we saw him come dressed for all the world like a shepherd, and driving
+his flock, having laid down the long gown, which he used to wear as a
+scholar. At the same time one Ambrose, who had been his
+fellow-scholar, also took upon him to go like a shepherd, and keep him
+company, which we all did not a little marvel at. Somewhat before that
+time Chrysostome's father died, and left him a large estate; and in
+truth he deserved it all, for he was bountiful to the poor, a friend
+to all honest people, and had a face like any blessing. At last it
+came to be known, that the reason of his altering his garb in that
+fashion was only that he might go up and down after that shepherdess
+Marcella, whom our comrade told you of before, for he was fallen
+mightily in love with her. And now I will tell you who this lady is.
+You must know that there lived near us one William, a yeoman, who was
+richer yet than Chrysostome's father; now he had no child but a
+daughter; whose mother was as good a woman as ever went upon two legs:
+methinks I see her yet standing afore me, with that blessed face of
+hers. She was an excellent housewife, and did a deal of good among the
+poor; for which, I believe, she is at this very time in paradise.
+Alas, her death broke old William's heart; he soon followed her, poor
+man, and left all to his little daughter, that Marcella by name,
+giving charge of her to her uncle, the parson of our parish. When she
+came to be fourteen or fifteen years of age, no man set his eyes on
+her that did not bless heaven for having made her so handsome; so that
+most men fell in love with her, and were ready to run mad for her. All
+this while her uncle kept her very close: yet the report of her great
+beauty and wealth spread far and near, insomuch that almost all the
+young men in our town asked her of her uncle; nay, there flocked whole
+droves of suitors, and the very best in the country too, who all
+begged, and sued, and teazed her uncle to let them have her. But
+though he'd have been glad to have got fairly rid of her, yet would
+not he advise or marry her against her will; for he's a good man, I'll
+say that for him, and a true Christian every inch of him, and scorns
+to keep her from marrying to make a benefit of her estate; and, to his
+praise be it spoken, he has been mainly commended for it more than
+once, when the people of our parish meet together. "For I would have
+you know, Sir Errant, that here in the country, and in our little
+towns, there is not the least thing can be said or done but people
+will talk and find fault: indeed, the parson must be essentially good
+who could bring his whole parish to give him a good word." "Thou art
+in the right," cried Don Quixote, "and therefore go on; for the story
+is pleasant, and thou tellest it with a grace." "May I never want
+God's grace," quoth Pedro, "for that is most to the purpose. But for
+our parson, as I told you before, though he took care to let her know
+of all those proposals, yet would she never answer otherwise, but that
+she had no mind to wed as yet, as finding herself too young for the
+burden of wedlock. But behold, when we least dreamed of it, the coy
+lass must needs turn shepherdess; and neither her uncle, nor all those
+of the village who advised her against it, could persuade her, but
+away she went to the fields to keep her own sheep with the other young
+lasses of the town. But then it was ten times worse; for no sooner was
+she seen abroad, when I cannot tell how many spruce gallants, both
+gentlemen and rich farmers, changed their garb for love of her, and
+followed her up and down in shepherd's guise. One of them, as I have
+told you, was this same Chrysostome, who now lies dead, of whom it is
+said he not only loved, but worshipped her. In this way Marcella does
+more harm in this country than the plague would do; for her
+courteousness and fair looks draw on every body to love her; but then
+her reserve and disdain break their hearts; and all they can do, poor
+wretches, is to make a heavy complaint, and call her cruel, unkind,
+ungrateful, and a world of such names, whereby they plainly shew what
+a sad condition they are in: were you but to stay here some time, you
+would hear these hills and valleys ring again with the doleful moans
+of those she has denied, who yet have not courage to give over
+following her. Here sighs one shepherd, there another moans; here is
+one singing doleful ditties, there another is wringing his hands and
+making woful complaints. And all this while the hard-hearted Marcella
+never minds any one of them, and does not seem to be the least
+concerned for them. We are all at a loss to know what will be the end
+of all this pride and coyness, and who shall be the happy man that
+shall at last succeed in taming her. Now, because there is nothing
+more certain than all this, I am the more apt to give credit to what
+our comrade has told us, as to the occasion of Chrysostome's death;
+and therefore I would needs have you go and see him laid in his grave
+to-morrow; which I believe will be worth your while, for he had many
+friends, and it is not half a league to the place where it was his
+will to be buried." "I intend to be there," answered Don Quixote; "and
+in the mean time I return thee many thanks for the extraordinary
+satisfaction this story has afforded me."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+_A continuation of the story of Marcella._
+
+
+Scarce had day begun to appear from the balconies of the east, when
+five of the goatherds got up, and having waked Don Quixote, asked him
+if he held to his resolution of going to the funeral, whither they
+were ready to bear him company. Thereupon the knight presently arose,
+and ordered Sancho to get ready immediately; which he did with all
+expedition, and then they set forwards. They had not gone a quarter of
+a league before they saw advancing out of a cross path six shepherds
+clad in black skins, their heads crowned with garlands of cypress and
+bitter rose-bay-tree, with long holly-staves in their hands. Two
+gentlemen on horseback, attended by three young lads on foot, followed
+them: as they drew near, they saluted one another civilly, and after
+the usual question,--"Which way do you travel?" they found they were
+all going the same way, to see the funeral; and so they all joined
+company. "I fancy, Senior Vivaldo," said one of the gentlemen,
+addressing himself to the other, "we shall not think our time misspent
+in going to see this famous funeral, for it must of necessity be very
+extraordinary, according to the account which these men have given us
+of the dead shepherd and his murdering shepherdess." "I am so far of
+your opinion," answered Vivaldo, "that I would not stay one day, but a
+whole week, rather than miss the sight." After this Vivaldo asked the
+knight why he travelled so completely armed in so peaceable a country?
+"My profession," answered the champion, "does not permit me to ride
+otherwise. Luxurious feasts, sumptuous dresses, and downy ease, were
+invented for effeminate courtiers; but labour, vigilance, and arms are
+the portion of those whom the world calls knights-errant, of which
+number I have the honour to be one, though the most unworthy." He
+needed to say no more to satisfy them that his brains were out of
+order; however, that they might the better understand the nature of
+his folly, Vivaldo asked him what he meant by a knight-errant? "Have
+you not read, then," cried Don Quixote, "the Annals and History of
+Britain, where are recorded the famous deeds of King Arthur, who,
+according to an ancient tradition in that kingdom, never died, but was
+turned into a raven by enchantment, and shall one day resume his
+former shape, and recover his kingdom again? For which reason, since
+that time, the people of Great Britain dare not offer to kill a
+raven."
+
+After a great deal of conversation of this kind, the travellers were
+sufficiently convinced of Don Quixote's frenzy. Nor were they less
+surprised than were all those who had hitherto discovered so
+unaccountable a distraction in one who seemed a rational creature.
+However, Vivaldo, who was of a gay disposition, had no sooner made the
+discovery than he resolved to make the best advantage of it that the
+shortness of the way would allow him.
+
+"Methinks, Sir Knight-errant," said he, "you have taken up one of the
+strictest and most mortifying professions in the world. I do not think
+but that even a Carthusian friar has a better time of it than you
+have." "The profession of the Carthusian," answered Don Quixote, "may
+be as austere, but ours is perhaps hardly less beneficial to the
+world. We knights, like soldiers, execute what they pray for, and
+procure those benefits to mankind, by the strength of our arms, and at
+the hazard of our lives, for which they only intercede. Nor do we do
+this sheltered from the injuries of the air, but under no other roof
+than that of the wide heavens, exposed to summer's scorching heat, and
+winter's pinching cold. However, gentlemen, do not imagine I would
+insinuate as if the profession of a knight-errant was a state of
+perfection equal to that of a holy recluse: I would only infer from
+what I have said, and what I myself endure, that ours without question
+is more laborious, more subject to the discipline of heavy blows, to
+maceration, to the penance of hunger and thirst, and, in a word, to
+rags, to want, and misery. For if you find that some knights-errant
+have at last by their valour been raised to thrones and empires, you
+may be sure it has been still at the expense of much sweat and blood.
+And had even those happier knights been deprived of those assisting
+sages and enchanters, who helped them in all emergencies, they would
+have been strangely disappointed of their mighty expectations." "I am
+of the same opinion," replied Vivaldo. "But one thing I would ask,
+sir, since I understand it is so much the being of knight-errantry to
+be in love, I presume you, who are of that profession, cannot be
+without a mistress. And therefore, if you do not set up for secrecy,
+give me leave to beg of you, in the name of all the company, that you
+will be pleased so far to oblige us as to let us know the name and
+quality of your lady, the place of her birth, and the charms of her
+person. For, without doubt, she cannot but esteem herself fortunate in
+being known to all the world to be the object of the wishes of a
+knight so accomplished as yourself." With that Don Quixote, breathing
+out a deep sigh, "I cannot tell," said he, "whether this lovely enemy
+of my repose is the least affected with the world's being informed of
+her power over my heart; all I dare say, in compliance with your
+request is, that her name is Dulcinea, her country La Mancha, and
+Toboso the happy place which she honours with her residence. As for
+her quality, it cannot be less than princess, seeing she is my lady
+and my queen. Her beauty transcends all the united charms of her whole
+sex; even those chimerical perfections, which the hyperbolical
+imaginations of poets in love have assigned to their mistresses, cease
+to be incredible descriptions when applied to her, in whom all those
+miraculous endowments are most divinely centred. The curling locks of
+her bright flowing hair are purest gold; her smooth forehead the
+Elysian plain; her brows are two celestial bows; her eyes two glorious
+suns; her cheeks two beds of roses; her lips are coral; her teeth are
+pearl; her neck is alabaster; her breasts marble; her hands ivory; and
+snow would lose its whiteness near her bosom."
+
+As they went on in this and like discourse, they saw, upon the hollow
+road between the neighbouring mountains, about twenty shepherds more,
+all accoutred in black skins, with garlands on their heads, which, as
+they afterwards perceived, were all of yew or cyprus; six of them
+carried a bier covered with several sorts of boughs and flowers: which
+one of the goatherds espying, "Those are they," cried he, "that are
+carrying poor Chrysostome to his grave; and it was in yonder hollow
+that he gave charge they should bury his corpse." This made them all
+double their pace, that they might get thither in time; and so they
+arrived just as the bearers had set down the bier upon the ground, and
+four of them had begun to open the ground with their spades at the
+foot of a rock. They all saluted each other courteously, and condoled
+their mutual loss; and then Don Quixote, with those who came with him,
+went to view the bier; where they saw the dead body of a young man in
+shepherd's weeds all strewed over with flowers. The deceased seemed to
+be about thirty years old; and, dead as he was, it was easily
+perceived that both his face and shape were extraordinarily handsome.
+This doleful object so strangely filled all the company with sadness,
+that not only the beholders, but also the grave-makers and the
+mourning shepherds, remained a long time silent; till at last one of
+the bearers, addressing himself to one of the rest, "Look, Ambrose,"
+cried he, "whether this be the place which Chrysostome meant, since
+you must needs have his will so punctually performed?" "This is the
+very place," answered the other; "there it was that my unhappy friend
+many times told me the sad story of his cruel fortune; and there it
+was that he first saw that mortal enemy of mankind; there it was that
+he made the first discovery of his passion, no less innocent than
+violent; there it was that the relentless Marcella last denied,
+shunned him, and drove him to that extremity of sorrow and despair
+that hastened the sad catastrophe of his miserable life; and there it
+was that, in token of so many misfortunes, he desired to be committed
+to the bosom of the earth."
+
+Then addressing himself to Don Quixote and the rest of the travellers,
+"This body, gentlemen," said he, "which here you now behold, was once
+enlivened by a soul which heaven had enriched with the greatest part
+of its most valuable graces. This is the body of that Chrysostome who
+was unrivalled in wit, matchless in courteousness, incomparable in
+gracefulness, a phoenix in friendship, generous and magnificent
+without ostentation, prudent and grave without pride, modest without
+affectation, pleasant and complaisant without meanness; in a word, the
+first in every thing good, though second to none in misfortune: he
+loved well, and was hated; he adored, and was disdained; he begged
+pity of cruelty itself; he strove to move obdurate marble; pursued the
+wind; made his moans to solitary deserts; was constant to ingratitude;
+and, for the recompense of his fidelity, became a prey to death in the
+flower of his age, through the barbarity of a shepherdess, whom he
+strove to immortalise by his verse; as these papers which are here
+deposited might testify, had he not commanded me to sacrifice them to
+the flames, at the same time that his body was committed to the
+earth."
+
+"Should you do so," cried Vivaldo, "you would appear more cruel to
+them than their unhappy author. Consider, sir, 'tis not consistent
+with discretion, nor even with justice, so nicely to perform the
+request of the dead, when it is repugnant to reason. Augustus Cæsar
+himself would have forfeited his title to wisdom, had he permitted
+that to have been effected which the divine Virgil had ordered by his
+will. Therefore, sir, now that you resign your friend's body to the
+grave, do not hurry thus the noble and only remains of that dear
+unhappy man to a worse fate, the death of oblivion. What though he has
+doomed them to perish in the height of his resentment, you ought not
+indiscreetly to be their executioner; but rather reprieve and redeem
+them from eternal silence, that they may live, and, flying through the
+world, transmit to all ages the dismal story of your friend's virtue
+and Marcella's ingratitude, as a warning to others, that they may
+avoid such tempting snares and enchanting destructions; for not only
+to me, but to all here present, is well known the history of your
+enamoured and desperate friend: we are no strangers to the friendship
+that was between you, as also to Marcella's cruelty which occasioned
+his death. Last night being informed that he was to be buried here
+to-day, moved not so much by curiosity as pity, we are come to behold
+with our eyes that which gave us so much trouble to hear. Therefore,
+in the name of all the company,--deeply affected like me, with a sense
+of Chrysostome's extraordinary merit, and his unhappy fate, and
+desirous to prevent such deplorable disasters for the future,--I beg
+that you will permit me to save some of these papers, whatever you
+resolve to do with the rest." And so, without waiting for an answer,
+he stretched out his arm, and took out those papers which lay next to
+his hand. "Well, sir," said Ambrose, "you have found a way to make me
+submit, and you may keep those papers; but for the rest, nothing shall
+make me alter my resolution of burning them." Vivaldo said no more;
+but being impatient to see what those papers were which he had rescued
+from the flames, he opened one of them immediately, and read the title
+of it, which was, 'The despairing Lover.' "That," said Ambrose, "was
+the last piece my dear friend ever wrote; and therefore, that you may
+all hear to what a sad condition his unhappy passion had reduced him,
+read it aloud, I beseech you, sir, while the grave is making." "With
+all my heart," replied Vivaldo; and so the company, having the same
+desire, presently gathered round about him while he read the lines.
+
+The verses were well approved by all the company; and Vivaldo was
+about to read another paper, when they were unexpectedly prevented by
+a kind of apparition that offered itself to their view. It was
+Marcella herself, who appeared at the top of the rock, at the foot of
+which they were digging the grave; but so beautiful, that fame seemed
+rather to have lessened than to have magnified her charms: those who
+had never seen her before gazed on her with silent wonder and delight;
+nay, those who used to see her every day seemed no less lost in
+admiration than the rest. But scarce had Ambrose spied her, when, with
+anger and indignation in his heart, he cried out, "What dost thou
+there, thou cruel basilisk of these mountains? comest thou to see
+whether the wounds of thy unhappy victim will bleed afresh at thy
+presence? or comest thou to glory in the fatal effects of thy
+inhumanity, like another Nero at the sight of flaming Rome?" "I come
+not here to any of those ungrateful ends, Ambrose," replied Marcella;
+"but only to clear my innocence, and shew the injustice of all those
+who lay their misfortunes and Chrysostome's death to my charge:
+therefore, I entreat you all who are here at this time to hear me a
+little, for I shall not need to use many words to convince people of
+sense of an evident truth. Heaven, you are pleased to say, has made me
+beautiful, and that to such a degree that you are forced, nay, as it
+were, compelled to love me, in spite of your endeavours to the
+contrary; and for the sake of that love, you say I ought to love you
+again. Now, though I am sensible that whatever is beautiful is lovely,
+I cannot conceive that what is loved for being handsome should be
+bound to love that by which it is loved merely because it is loved. He
+that loves a beautiful object may happen to be ugly; and as what is
+ugly deserves not to be loved, it would be ridiculous to say, I love
+you because you are handsome, and therefore you must love me again
+though I am ugly. But suppose two persons of different sexes are
+equally handsome, it does not follow that their desires should be
+alike and reciprocal; for all beauties do not kindle love; some only
+recreate the sight, and never reach nor captivate the heart. Alas,
+should whatever is beautiful produce love, and enslave the mind,
+mankind's desires would ever run confused and wandering, without being
+able to fix their determinate choice; for as there is an infinite
+number of beautiful objects, the desires would consequently be also
+infinite; whereas, on the contrary, I have heard that true love is
+still confined to one, and is voluntary and unforced. This being
+granted, why would you have me force my inclinations for no other
+reason but that you say you love me? Tell me, I beseech you, had
+Heaven formed me as ugly as it has made me beautiful, could I justly
+complain of you for not loving me? Pray consider also, that I do not
+possess those charms by choice; such as they are, they were freely
+bestowed on me by Heaven: and as the viper is not to be blamed for the
+poison with which she kills, seeing it was assigned her by nature, so
+I ought not to be censured for that beauty which I derive from the
+same cause; for beauty in a virtuous woman is but like a distant
+flame, or a sharp-edged sword, and only burns and wounds those who
+approach too near it. Honour and virtue are the ornaments of the soul,
+and that body that is destitute of them cannot be esteemed beautiful,
+though it be naturally so. If, then, honour be one of those endowments
+which most adorn the body, why should she that is beloved for her
+beauty expose herself to the loss of it, merely to gratify the
+inclinations of one who, for his own selfish ends, uses all the means
+imaginable to make her lose it? I was born free, and, that I might
+continue so, I retired to these solitary hills and plains, where trees
+are my companions, and clear fountains my looking-glasses. With the
+trees and with the waters I communicate my thoughts and my beauty. I
+am a distant flame, and a sword far off: those whom I have attracted
+with my sight I have undeceived with my words; and if hope be the food
+of desire, as I never gave any encouragement to Chrysostome, nor to
+any other, it may well be said, it was rather his own obstinacy than
+my cruelty that shortened his life. If you tell me that his intentions
+were honest, and therefore ought to have been complied with, I answer,
+that when, at the very place where his grave is making, he discovered
+his passion, I told him I was resolved to live and die single, and
+that the earth alone should reap the fruit of my reservedness and
+enjoy the spoils of my beauty; and if, after all the admonitions I
+gave him, he would persist in his obstinate pursuit, and sail against
+the wind, what wonder is it he should perish in the waves of his
+indiscretion? Had I ever encouraged him, or amused him with ambiguous
+words, then I had been false; and had I gratified his wishes, I had
+acted contrary to my better resolves: he persisted, though I had given
+him a due caution, and he despaired without being hated. Now I leave
+you to judge whether I ought to be blamed for his sufferings. If I
+have deceived any one, let him complain; if I have broke my promise to
+any one, let him despair; if I encourage any one, let him presume; if
+I entertain any one, let him boast: but let no man call me cruel nor
+murderer until I either deceive, break my promise, encourage, or
+entertain him. Let him that calls me a tigress and a basilisk avoid me
+as a dangerous thing; and let him that calls me ungrateful give over
+serving me: I assure them I will never seek nor pursue them. Therefore
+let none hereafter make it their business to disturb my ease, nor
+strive to make me hazard among men the peace I now enjoy, which I am
+persuaded is not to be found with them. I have wealth enough; I
+neither love nor hate any one; the innocent conversation of the
+neighbouring shepherdesses, with the care of my flocks, help me to
+pass away my time, without either coquetting with this man, or
+practising arts to ensnare that other. My thoughts are limited by
+these mountains; and if they wander further, it is only to admire the
+beauty of heaven, and thus by steps to raise my soul towards her
+original dwelling."
+
+As soon as she had said this, without waiting for any answer, she left
+the place, and ran into the thickest of the adjoining wood, leaving
+all that heard her charmed with her discretion, as well as her beauty.
+
+However, so prevalent were the charms of the latter that some of the
+company, who were desperately struck, could not forbear offering to
+follow her, without being in the least deterred by the solemn
+protestations which they had heard her make that very moment. But Don
+Quixote perceiving their design, and believing he had now a fit
+opportunity to exert his knight-errantry; "Let no man," cried he, "of
+what quality or condition soever, presume to follow the fair Marcella,
+under the penalty of incurring my displeasure. She has made it appear,
+by undeniable reasons, that she was not guilty of Chrysostome's death;
+and has positively declared her firm resolution never to condescend to
+the desires of any of her admirers: for which reason, instead of being
+importuned and persecuted, she ought to be esteemed and honoured by
+all good men, as being one of the few women in the world who have
+lived with such a virtuous reservedness."
+
+Now, whether it were that Don Quixote's threats terrified them, or
+that Ambrose's persuasion prevailed with them to stay and see their
+friend interred, none of the shepherds left the place, till the grave
+being made, and the papers burnt, the body was deposited in the bosom
+of the earth, not without many tears from all the assistants. They
+covered the grave with a great stone, and strewed upon it many flowers
+and boughs; and every one having condoled a while with his friend
+Ambrose, they took their leave of him, and departed. Vivaldo and his
+companion did the like; as did also Don Quixote, who was not a person
+to forget himself on such occasions; he likewise bid adieu to the kind
+goatherds that had entertained him, and to the two travellers, who
+desired him to go with them to Seville, assuring him there was no
+place in the world more fertile in adventures, every street and every
+corner there producing some. Don Quixote returned them thanks for
+their kind information, but told them, "he neither would nor ought to
+go to Seville till he had cleared all those mountains of the thieves
+and robbers which he heard very much infested all those parts."
+Thereupon the travellers, being unwilling to divert him from so good a
+design, took their leaves of him once more, and pursued their journey,
+sufficiently supplied with matter to discourse on from the story of
+Marcella and Chrysostome, and the follies of Don Quixote.
+
+The knight and his squire continued their journey, and on quitting an
+inn, which, notwithstanding the remonstrances of Sancho, the Don, as
+usual, insisted was a castle, all the people in the yard, above twenty
+in number, stood gazing at him; and, among the rest, the host's
+daughter, while he on his part removed not his eyes from her, and ever
+and anon sent forth a sigh, which seemed to proceed from the bottom of
+his heart.
+
+Being now both mounted, and at the door of the inn, he called to the
+host, and, in a grave and solemn tone of voice, said to him: "Many and
+great are the favours, sigñor governor, which in this your castle I
+have received, and I am bound to be grateful to you all the days of my
+life. If I can make you some compensation by taking vengeance on any
+proud miscreant who hath insulted you, know that the duty of my
+profession is no other than to strengthen the weak, to revenge the
+injured, and to chastise the perfidious. Consider, and if your memory
+recall anything of this nature to recommend to me, you need only
+declare it; for I promise you, by the order of knighthood I have
+received, to procure you satisfaction and amends to your heart's
+desire!" The host answered with the same gravity: "Sir knight, I have
+no need of your worship's avenging any wrong for me; I know how to
+take the proper revenge when any injury is done me: all I desire of
+your worship is, to pay me for what you have had in the inn, as well
+for the straw and barley for your two beasts as for your supper and
+lodging." "What! is this an inn?" exclaimed Don Quixote. "Ay, and a
+very creditable one," answered the host. "Hitherto, then, I have been
+in an error," answered Don Quixote; "for in truth I took it for a
+castle; but since it is indeed no castle, but an inn, all that you
+have now to do is to excuse the payment; for I cannot act contrary to
+the law of knights-errant, of whom I certainly know (having hitherto
+read nothing to the contrary) that they never paid for lodging or
+anything else in the inns where they reposed; because every
+accommodation is legally and justly due to them, in return for the
+insufferable hardships they endure while in quest of adventures, by
+night and by day, in winter and in summer, on foot and on horseback,
+with thirst and with hunger, with heat and with cold; subject to all
+the inclemencies of heaven, and to all the inconveniences of earth."
+"I see little to my purpose in all this," answered the host; "pay me
+what is my due, and let us have none of your stories and
+knight-errantries; all I want is to get my own." "Thou art a
+blockhead, and a pitiful innkeeper," answered Don Quixote: so clapping
+spurs to Rozinante, and brandishing his lance, he sallied out of the
+inn without opposition, and, never turning to see whether his squire
+followed him, was soon a good way off.
+
+The host, seeing him go without paying, ran to seize on Sancho Panza,
+who said that, since his master would not pay, neither would he pay;
+for being squire to a knight-errant, the same rule and reason held as
+good for him as for his master. The innkeeper, irritated on hearing
+this, threatened, that if he did not pay him, he should repent his
+obstinacy.
+
+Poor Sancho's ill-luck would have it that, among the people in the
+inn, there were four clothworkers of Segovia, three needle-makers from
+the fountain of Cordova, and two neighbours from the market-place of
+Seville,--frolicksome fellows, who, instigated and moved by the
+self-same spirit, came up to Sancho, and, having dismounted him, one
+of them produced a blanket from the landlord's bed, into which he was
+immediately thrown; but, perceiving that the ceiling was too low, they
+determined to execute their purpose in the yard, which was bounded
+above only by the sky. Thither Sancho was carried; and, being placed
+in the middle of the blanket, they began to toss him aloft, and divert
+themselves with him as with a dog at Shrovetide. The cries which the
+poor blanketed squire sent forth were so many and so loud that they
+reached his master's ears; who, stopping to listen attentively,
+believed that some new adventure was at hand, until he plainly
+recognised the voice of his squire; then turning the reins, he
+perceived the wicked sport they were making with his squire. He saw
+him ascend and descend through the air with so much grace and agility,
+that, if his indignation would have suffered him, he certainly would
+have laughed outright. But they suspended neither their laughter nor
+their labour; nor did the flying Sancho cease to pour forth
+lamentations, mingled now with threats, now with entreaties; yet all
+were of no avail, and they desisted at last only from pure fatigue.
+They then brought him his ass, and, wrapping him in his cloak, mounted
+him thereon. The compassionate maid of the inn, seeing him so
+exhausted, bethought of helping him to a jug of water, and that it
+might be the cooler, she fetched it from the well. Sancho took it, and
+instantly began to drink; but at the first sip, finding it was water,
+he would proceed no further, and besought Maritornes to bring him some
+wine, which she did willingly, and paid for it with her own money; for
+it is indeed said of her that, although in that station, she had some
+faint traces of a Christian. When Sancho had ceased drinking, he
+clapped heels to his ass; and, the inn-gate being thrown wide open,
+out he went, satisfied that he had paid nothing, and had carried his
+point, though at the expense of his usual pledge, namely, his back.
+The landlord, it is true, retained his wallets in payment of what was
+due to him; but Sancho never missed them in the hurry of his
+departure. The innkeeper would have fastened the door well after him,
+as soon as he saw him out; but the blanketeers would not let him,
+being persons of that sort that, though Don Quixote had really been
+one of the knights of the round table, they would not have cared two
+farthings for him.
+
+Sancho came up to his master so faint and dispirited that he was not
+able to urge his ass forward. Don Quixote, perceiving him in that
+condition, said: "Honest Sancho, that castle, or inn, I am now
+convinced, is enchanted; for they who so cruelly sported with thee,
+what could they be but phantoms and inhabitants of another world? And
+I am confirmed in this from having found that, when I stood at the
+pales of the yard, beholding the acts of your sad tragedy, I could not
+possibly get over them, nor even alight from Rozinante; so that they
+must certainly have held me enchanted. If I could have got over, or
+alighted, I would have avenged thee in such a manner as would have
+made those poltroons and assassins remember the jest as long as they
+lived, even though I should have thereby transgressed the laws of
+chivalry; for, as I have often told thee, they do not allow a knight
+to lay hand on his sword against any one who is not so, unless it be
+in defence of his own life and person, and in cases of urgent and
+extreme necessity." "And I too," quoth Sancho, "would have revenged
+myself if I had been able, knight or no knight, but I could not;
+though, in my opinion, they who diverted themselves at my expense were
+no hobgoblins, but men of flesh and bones, as we are; and each of
+them, as I heard while they were tossing me, had his proper name; so
+that, sir, as to your not being able to leap over the pales, nor to
+alight from your horse, the fault lay not in enchantment, but in
+something else. And what I gather clearly from all this is, that these
+adventures we are in quest of will in the long-run bring us into so
+many misadventures that we shall not know which is our right foot. So
+that, in my poor opinion, the better and surer way would be to return
+to our village, now that it is reaping-time, and look after our
+business, nor go rambling thus out of the frying-pan into the fire."
+
+"How little dost thou know, Sancho," answered Don Quixote, "of what
+appertains to chivalry! Peace, and have patience; for the day will
+come when thine eyes shall witness how honourable a thing it is to
+follow this profession. For tell me what greater satisfaction can the
+world afford, or what pleasure can be compared with that of winning a
+battle, and triumphing over an adversary? Undoubtedly none." "It may
+be so," answered Sancho, "though I do not know it. I only know that
+since we have been knights-errant, or since you have been one, sir
+(for I have no right to reckon myself of that honourable number), we
+have never won any battle; we have had nothing but drubbings upon
+drubbings, cuffs upon cuffs, with my blanket-tossing into the bargain,
+and that by persons enchanted, on whom I cannot revenge myself, and
+thereby know what that pleasure of overcoming an enemy is which your
+worship talks of." "That is what troubles me, and ought to trouble
+thee also, Sancho," answered Don Quixote; "but henceforward I will
+endeavour to have ready at hand a sword made with such art that no
+kind of enchantment can touch him that wears it; and perhaps fortune
+may put me in possession of that of Amadis, when he called himself
+'Knight of the Burning Sword,' which was one of the best weapons that
+ever was worn by knight; for, beside the virtue aforesaid, it cut like
+a razor; and no armour, however strong or enchanted, could withstand
+it." "Such is my luck," quoth Sancho, "that though this were so, and
+your worship should find such a sword, it would be of service only to
+those who are dubbed knights; as for the poor squires, they may sing
+sorrow." "Fear not, Sancho," said Don Quixote; "Heaven will deal more
+kindly by thee."
+
+The knight and his squire went on conferring thus together, when Don
+Quixote perceived, in the road on which they were travelling, a great
+and thick cloud of dust coming towards them; upon which he turned to
+Sancho, and said, "This is the day, O Sancho, that shall manifest the
+good that fortune hath in store for me. This is the day, I say, on
+which shall be proved, as at all times, the valour of my arm; and on
+which I shall perform exploits that will be recorded and written in
+the book of fame, there to remain to all succeeding ages. Seest thou
+that cloud of dust, Sancho? It is raised by a prodigious army of
+divers nations, who are on the march this way." "If so, there must be
+two armies," said Sancho; "for here, on this side, arises just another
+cloud of dust." Don Quixote turned, and seeing that it really was so,
+he rejoiced exceedingly, taking it for granted they were two armies
+coming to engage in the midst of that spacious plain; for at all hours
+and moments his imagination was full of the battles, enchantments,
+adventures, extravagances, combats, and challenges detailed in his
+favourite books; and in every thought, word, and action he reverted to
+them. Now the cloud of dust he saw was raised by two great flocks of
+sheep going the same road from different parts, and as the dust
+concealed them until they came near, and Don Quixote affirmed so
+positively that they were armies, Sancho began to believe it, and
+said, "Sir, what then must we do?" "What," replied Don Quixote, "but
+favour and assist the weaker side? Thou must know, Sancho, that the
+army which marches towards us in front is led and commanded by the
+great Emperor Alifanfaron, lord of the great island of Taprobana: this
+other, which marches behind us, is that of his enemy, the king of the
+Garamantes, Pentapolin of the Naked Arm--for he always enters into
+battle with his right arm bare." "But why do these two princes bear
+one another so much ill-will?" demanded Sancho. "They hate one
+another," answered Don Quixote, "because this Alifanfaron is a furious
+pagan, in love with the daughter of Pentapolin, who is most beautiful,
+and also a Christian; but her father will not give her in marriage to
+the pagan king unless he will first renounce the religion of his false
+prophet Mahomet, and turn Christian." "By my beard," said Sancho,
+"Pentapolin is in the right; and I am resolved to assist him to the
+utmost of my power." "Therein wilt thou do thy duty, Sancho," said Don
+Quixote; "but listen with attention whilst I give thee an account of
+the principal knights in the two approaching armies; and, that thou
+mayest observe them the better, let us retire to that rising ground,
+whence both armies may be distinctly seen." Seeing, however, in his
+imagination, what did not exist, he began, with a loud voice, to say:
+"The knight thou seest yonder with the gilded armour, who bears on his
+shield a lion crowned, couchant at a damsel's feet, is the valorous
+Laurcalco, Lord of the Silver Bridge. The other, with the armour
+flowered with gold, who bears three crowns argent, in a field azure,
+is the formidable Micocolembo, Grand Duke of Quiracia. The third, with
+gigantic limbs, who marches on his right, is the undaunted
+Brandabarbaran of Boliche, Lord of the three Arabias. He is armed with
+a serpent's skin, and bears, instead of a shield, a gate, which fame
+says is one of those belonging to the temple which Samson pulled down
+when with his death he avenged himself upon his enemies."
+
+In this manner he went on naming sundry knights of each squadron, as
+his fancy dictated, and giving to each their arms, colours, devices,
+and mottos, extempore; and, without pausing, he continued thus: "That
+squadron in the front is formed and composed of people of different
+nations. Here stand those who drink the sweet waters of the famous
+Xanthus; the mountaineers who tread the Massilian fields; those who
+sift the pure and fine gold-dust of Arabia Felix; those who dwell
+along the famous and refreshing banks of the clear Thermodon; those
+who drain, by divers and sundry ways, the golden veins of Pactolus;
+the Numidians, unfaithful in their promises; the Persians, famous for
+bows and arrows; the Parthians and Medes, who fight flying; the
+Arabians, perpetually changing their habitations; the Scythians, as
+cruel as fair; the broad-lipped Ethiopians; and an infinity of other
+nations, whose countenances I see and know, although I cannot
+recollect their names."
+
+How many provinces did he name! how many nations did he enumerate,
+giving to each, with wonderful readiness, its peculiar attributes!
+Sancho Panza stood confounded at his discourse, without speaking a
+word; and now and then he turned his head about, to see whether he
+could discover the knights and giants his master named. But seeing
+none, he said, "Sir, not a man, or giant, or knight, of all you have
+named, can I see any where." "How sayest thou, Sancho?" answered Don
+Quixote; "hearest thou not the neighing of the steeds, the sound of
+the trumpets, and the rattling of the drums?" "I hear nothing,"
+answered Sancho, "but the bleating of sheep and lambs:" and so it was;
+for now the two flocks were come very near them. "Thy fears, Sancho,"
+said Don Quixote, "prevent thee from hearing or seeing aright; for one
+effect of fear is to disturb the senses and make things not to appear
+what they really are: and if thou art so much afraid, retire and leave
+me alone; for with my single arm I shall ensure victory to that side
+which I favour with my assistance:" then, clapping spurs to Rozinante,
+and setting his lance in his rest, he darted down the hillock like
+lightning. Sancho cried out to him: "Hold, Sigñor Don Quixote, come
+back! they are only lambs and sheep you are going to encounter; pray
+come back; what madness is this! there is neither giant, nor knight,
+nor horses, nor arms, nor shields quartered or entire, nor true
+azures, nor devices: what are you doing, sir?" Notwithstanding all
+this, Don Quixote turned not again, but still went on, crying aloud,
+"Ho, knights, you that follow and fight under the banner of the
+valiant Emperor Pentapolin of the Naked Arm, follow me all, and you
+shall see with how much ease I revenge him on his enemy Alifanfaron of
+Taprobana." With these words he rushed into the midst of the squadron
+of sheep, as courageously and intrepidly as if in good earnest he was
+engaging his mortal enemies. The shepherds and herdsmen who came with
+the flocks called out to him to desist; but seeing it was to no
+purpose, they unbuckled their slings, and began to salute his ears
+with a shower of stones. Don Quixote cared not for the stones, but,
+galloping about on all sides, cried out: "Where art thou, proud
+Alifanfaron? Present thyself before me; I am a single knight, desirous
+to prove thy valour hand to hand, and to punish thee with the loss of
+life for the wrong thou dost to the valiant Pentapolin Garamanta." At
+that instant a large stone struck him with such violence that he
+believed himself either slain or sorely wounded; and remembering some
+balsam which he had, he pulled out the cruse, and applying it to his
+mouth, began to swallow some of the liquor; but before he could take
+what he thought sufficient, another hit him full on the hand, and
+dashed the cruse to pieces: carrying off three or four of his teeth by
+the way, and grievously bruising two of his fingers. Such was the
+first blow, and such the second, that the poor knight fell from his
+horse to the ground. The shepherds ran to him, and verily believed
+they had killed him; whereupon in all haste they collected their
+flock, took up their dead, which were about seven, and marched off
+without farther inquiry.
+
+All this while Sancho stood upon the hillock, beholding his master's
+actions--tearing his beard, and cursing the unfortunate hour and
+moment that ever he knew him. But seeing him fallen to the ground and
+the shepherds gone off, he descended from the hillock, and, running to
+him, found him in a very ill plight, though not quite bereaved of
+sense; and said to him, "Did I not beg you, Sigñor Don Quixote, to
+come back; for those you went to attack were a flock of sheep, and not
+an army of men?" "How easily," replied Don Quixote, "can that thief of
+an enchanter, my enemy, transform things or make them invisible!
+However, do one thing, Sancho, for my sake, to undeceive thyself, and
+see the truth of what I tell thee; mount thy ass, and follow them fair
+and softly, and thou wilt find that, when they are got a little
+farther off, they will return to their first form, and, ceasing to be
+sheep, will become men, proper and tall, as I described them at first.
+But do not go now; for I want thy assistance; come hither to me, and
+see how many of my teeth are deficient; for it seems to me that I have
+not one left in my head."
+
+He now raised himself up, and placing his left hand on his mouth, to
+prevent the remainder of his teeth from falling out, with the other he
+laid hold on Rozinante's bridle, who had not stirred from his master's
+side, such was his fidelity, and went towards his squire, who stood
+leaning with his breast upon the ass, and his cheek reclining upon his
+hand, in the posture of a man overwhelmed with thought. Don Quixote,
+seeing him thus, and to all appearance so melancholy, said to him,
+"Know, Sancho, that one man is no more than another, only inasmuch as
+he does more than another. So do not afflict thyself for the
+mischances that befall me, since thou hast no share in them." "How? no
+share in them!" answered Sancho; "peradventure he they tossed in a
+blanket yesterday was not my father's son, and the wallets I have lost
+to-day, with all my movables, belong to somebody else?" "What! are the
+wallets lost?" quoth Don Quixote. "Yes, they are," answered Sancho.
+"Then we have nothing to eat to-day?" replied Don Quixote. "It would
+be so," answered Sancho, "if these fields did not produce those herbs
+which your worship says you know, and with which unlucky
+knights-errant like your worship are used to supply such wants."
+"Nevertheless," said Don Quixote, "at this time I would rather have a
+slice of bread and a couple of heads of salt pilchards than all the
+herbs described by Dioscorides, though commented upon by Doctor Laguna
+himself. But, good Sancho, get upon thy ass, and follow me; for God,
+who provides for all, will not desert us, since he neglects neither
+the birds of the air, the beasts of the earth, nor the fish of the
+waters; more especially being engaged, as we are, in his service."
+"Your worship," said Sancho, "would make a better preacher than a
+knight-errant." "Sancho," said Don Quixote, "the knowledge of
+knights-errant must be universal; there have been knights-errant, in
+times past, who would make sermons or harangues on the king's highway
+as successfully as if they had taken their degrees in the university
+of Paris; whence it may be inferred that the lance never blunted the
+pen, nor the pen the lance." "Well, be it as your worship says,"
+answered Sancho; "but let us begone hence, and endeavour to get a
+lodging to-night; and pray God it be where there are neither blankets
+or blanket-heavers, hobgoblins or enchanted Moors."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+_The sage discourse continued, with the adventures of a dead body._
+
+
+Thus discoursing, night overtook them, and they were still in the high
+road; and the worst of it was, they were famished with hunger: for
+with their wallets they had lost their whole larder of provisions,
+and, to complete their misfortunes, an adventure now befell them which
+appeared indeed to be truly an adventure. The night came on rather
+dark; notwithstanding which they saw advancing towards them a great
+number of lights, resembling so many moving stars. Sancho stood aghast
+at the sight of them, nor was Don Quixote unmoved. The one checked his
+ass, and the other his horse, and both stood looking before them with
+eager attention. They perceived that the lights were advancing towards
+them, and that as they approached nearer they appeared larger. "I
+beseech thee, Sancho, to be of good courage; for experience shall give
+thee sufficient proof of mine." "I will, if it please God," answered
+Sancho; and, retiring a little on one side of the road, and again
+endeavouring to discover what those walking lights might be, they soon
+after perceived a great many persons clothed in white; this dreadful
+spectacle completely annihilated the courage of Sancho, whose teeth
+began to chatter, as if seized with a quartan ague. But it was
+otherwise with his master, whose lively imagination instantly
+suggested to him that this must be truly a chivalrous adventure. He
+conceived that the litter was a bier, whereon was carried some knight
+sorely wounded or slain, whose revenge was reserved for him alone. He
+therefore, without delay, couched his spear, seated himself firm in
+his saddle, and, with grace and spirit, advanced into the middle of
+the road by which the procession must pass; and when they were near he
+raised his voice, and said: "Ho! knights, whoever ye are, halt, and
+give me an account to whom ye belong, whence ye come, whither ye are
+going, and what it is ye carry upon that bier; for, in all appearance,
+either ye have done some injury to others, or others to you; and it is
+expedient and necessary that I be informed of it, either to chastise
+ye for the evil ye have done, or to revenge ye of wrongs sustained."
+"We are in haste," answered one in the procession; "the inn is a great
+way off; and we cannot stay to give so long an account as you
+require:" then, spurring his mule, he passed forward. Don Quixote,
+highly resenting this answer, laid hold of his bridle, and said,
+"Stand, and with more civility give me the account I demand; otherwise
+I challenge ye all to battle." The mule was timid, and started so much
+upon his touching the bridle, that, rising on her hind-legs, she threw
+her rider over the crupper to the ground. A lacquey that came on foot,
+seeing the man in white fall, began to revile Don Quixote; whose
+choler being now raised, he couched his spear, and immediately
+attacking one of the mourners, laid him on the ground grievously
+wounded; then turning about to the rest, it was worth seeing with what
+agility he attacked and defeated them; it seemed as if wings at that
+instant had sprung on Rozinante--so lightly and swiftly he moved! All
+the white-robed people, being timorous and unarmed, soon quitted the
+skirmish, and ran over the plain with their lighted torches, looking
+like so many masqueraders on a carnival or a festival night. The
+mourners were so wrapped up and muffled in their long robes that they
+could make no exertion; so that the Don, with entire safety to
+himself, assailed them all, and, sorely against their will, obliged
+them to quit the field; for they thought him no man, but the devil
+broke loose upon them to seize the dead body they were conveying in
+the litter.
+
+All this Sancho beheld, with admiration at his master's intrepidity,
+and said to himself, "This master of mine is certainly as valiant and
+magnanimous as he pretends to be." A burning torch lay on the ground,
+near the first whom the mule had overthrown; by the light of which Don
+Quixote espied him, and going up to him placed the point of his spear
+to his throat, commanding him to surrender, on pain of death. To which
+the fallen man answered, "I am surrendered enough already, since I
+cannot stir, for one of my legs is broken. I beseech you, sir, if you
+are a Christian gentleman, do not kill me; you would commit a great
+sacrilege; for I am a licentiate, and have taken the lesser orders."
+"What, then, I pray you," said Don Quixote, "brought you hither, being
+an ecclesiastic?" "What, sir?" replied the fallen man, "but my evil
+fortune." "A worse fate now threatens you," said Don Quixote, "unless
+you reply satisfactorily to all my first questions." "Your worship
+shall soon be satisfied," answered the licentiate; "and therefore you
+must know, sir, that, though I told you before that I was a
+licentiate, I am, in fact, only a bachelor of arts, and my name is
+Alonzo Lopez. I am a native of Alcovendas, and came from the city of
+Baeza, with eleven more ecclesiastics, the same who fled with the
+torches; we were attending the corpse in that litter to the city of
+Segovia: it is that of a gentleman who died in Baeza, where he was
+deposited till now that, as I said before, we are carrying his bones
+to their place of burial in Segovia, where he was born." "And who
+killed him?" demanded Don Quixote. "God," replied the bachelor, "by
+means of a pestilential fever." "Then," said Don Quixote, "Heaven hath
+saved me the labour of revenging his death, in case he had been slain
+by any other hand; but since he fell by the decree of God, there is
+nothing expected from us but patience and resignation; for just the
+same must I have done, had it been his pleasure to pronounce the fatal
+sentence upon me. It is proper that your reverence should know that I
+am a knight of La Mancha, Don Quixote by name; and that it is my
+office and profession to go all over the world, righting wrongs and
+redressing grievances." "I do not understand your way of righting
+wrongs," said the bachelor; "for from right you have set me wrong,
+having broken my leg, which will never be right again whilst I live.
+But since my fate ordained it so, I beseech you, sigñor knight-errant,
+who have done me such arrant mischief, to help me to get from under
+this mule: for my leg is held fast between the stirrup and the
+saddle." "I might have continued talking until to-morrow," said Don
+Quixote; "why did you delay acquainting me with your embarrassment?"
+He then called out to Sancho Panza to assist; but he did not choose to
+obey, being employed in ransacking a sumpter-mule, which those pious
+men had brought with them, well stored with eatables. Sancho made a
+bag of his cloak, and having crammed into it as much as it would hold,
+he loaded his beast; after which he attended to his master's call, and
+helped to disengage the bachelor from the oppression of his mule; and,
+having mounted him and given him the torch, Don Quixote bade him
+follow the track of his companions, and beg their pardon, in his name,
+for the injury which he could not avoid doing them. Sancho likewise
+said, "If perchance those gentlemen would know who is the champion
+that routed them, tell them it is the famous Don Quixote de la Mancha,
+otherwise called the Knight of the Sorrowful Figure."
+
+The bachelor being gone, Don Quixote asked Sancho what induced him to
+call him the Knight of the Sorrowful Figure, at that time more than
+any other? "I will tell you," answered Sancho; "it is because I have
+been viewing you by the light of the torch, which that unfortunate man
+carried; and, in truth, your worship at present makes the most woful
+figure I have ever seen; which must be owing, I suppose, either to the
+fatigue of this combat or the want of your teeth." "It is owing to
+neither," replied Don Quixote; "but the sage who has the charge of
+writing the history of my achievements has deemed it proper for me to
+assume an appellation, like the knights of old; one of whom called
+himself the Knight of the Burning Sword; another of the Unicorn; this,
+of the Damsels; that, of the Phoenix; another, the Knight of the
+Griffin; and another, the Knight of Death; and by those names and
+ensigns they were known over the whole surface of the earth. And
+therefore I say that the sage I just now mentioned has put it into thy
+thoughts and into thy mouth to call me the Knight of the Sorrowful
+Figure, as I purpose to call myself from this day forward; and that
+this name may fit me the better, I determine, when an opportunity
+offers, to have a most sorrowful figure painted on my shield." "You
+need not spend time and money in getting this figure made," said
+Sancho; "your worship need only shew your own, and, without any other
+image or shield, they will immediately call you him of the Sorrowful
+Figure; and be assured I tell you the truth; for I promise you, sir
+(mind, I speak in jest), that hunger and the loss of your teeth makes
+you look so ruefully that, as I said before, the sorrowful picture may
+very well be spared."
+
+Don Quixote smiled at Sancho's pleasantry; nevertheless, he resolved
+to call himself by that name, and to have his shield or buckler
+painted accordingly; and he said, "I conceive, Sancho, that I am
+liable to excommunication for having laid violent hands on holy
+things, 'Juxta illud, Siquis suadente diabolo,' &c.: although I know I
+did not lay my hands, but my spear, upon them; besides, I did not know
+that I was engaging with priests, or things belonging to the Church,
+which I reverence and adore, like a good catholic and faithful
+Christian as I am, but with phantoms and spectres of the other world.
+And even were it otherwise, I perfectly remember what befell the Cyd
+Ruy Diaz, when he broke the chair of that king's ambassador in the
+presence of his holiness the Pope, for which he was excommunicated;
+yet honest Roderigo de Vivar passed that day for an honourable and
+courageous knight."
+
+They had not gone far between two hills, when they found themselves in
+a retired and spacious valley, where they alighted. Sancho disburdened
+his beast; and, extended on the green grass, with hunger for sauce,
+they despatched their breakfast, dinner, afternoon's luncheon, and
+supper all at once; regaling their palates with more than one cold
+mess, which the ecclesiastics who attended the deceased had brought
+with them on the sumpter-mule. But there was another misfortune, which
+Sancho accounted the worst of all; namely, they had no wine; nor even
+water, to drink; and were, moreover, parched with thirst.
+
+But they had not gone two hundred paces when a great noise of water
+reached their ears, like that of some mighty cascade pouring down from
+a vast and steep rock. The sound rejoiced them exceedingly, and
+stopping to listen whence it came, they heard on a sudden another
+dreadful noise, which abated the pleasure occasioned by that of the
+water; especially in Sancho, who was naturally faint-hearted. I say
+they heard a dreadful din of irons and rattling chains, accompanied
+with mighty strokes, repeated in regular time and measure; which,
+together with the furious noise of the water, would have struck terror
+into any other heart but that of Don Quixote. The night, as we have
+before said, was dark; and they chanced to enter a grove of tall
+trees, whose leaves, agitated by the breeze, caused a kind of rustling
+noise, not loud, though fearful; so that the solitude, the situation,
+the darkness, and the sound of rushing water, with the agitated
+leaves, all concurred to produce surprise and horror, especially when
+they found that neither the blows ceased, nor the wind slept, nor the
+morning approached; and in addition to all this was their total
+ignorance of the place where they were in. But Don Quixote, supported
+by his intrepid heart, leaped upon Rozinante, and, bracing on his
+buckler, brandished his spear, and said, "Friend Sancho, know that, by
+the will of Heaven, I was born in this age of iron, to revive in it
+that of gold, or, as it is usually termed, 'the golden age.' I am he
+for whom dangers, great exploits, and valorous achievements, are
+reserved; I am he, I say again, who am destined to revive the order of
+the round table; that of the twelve peers of France, and the nine
+worthies, and to obliterate the memory of the Platirs, the Tablantes,
+Olivantes, and Tirantes, Knights of the Sun, and the Belianises, with
+the whole tribe of the famous knights-errant of times past. Stay for
+me here three days, and no more: if I return not in that time, thou
+mayest go back to our village; and thence, to oblige me, repair to
+Toboso, and inform my incomparable lady Dulcinea that her enthralled
+knight died in attempting things that might have made him worthy to be
+styled hers."
+
+When Sancho heard these words of his master, he dissolved into tears,
+and said, "Sir, I cannot think why your worship should encounter this
+fearful adventure. It is now night, and nobody sees us. We may easily
+turn aside, and get out of danger, though we should not drink these
+three days; and, being unseen, we cannot be taxed with cowardice.
+Besides, I have heard the curate of our village, whom your worship
+knows very well, say in the pulpit that 'he who seeketh danger
+perisheth therein;' so that it is not good to tempt God by undertaking
+so extravagant an exploit, whence there is no escaping but by a
+miracle. I left my country and forsook my wife and children to follow
+and serve your worship; but as covetousness bursts the bag, so hath it
+rent my hopes; for when they were most alive, and I was just expecting
+to obtain that unlucky island which you have so often promised me, I
+find myself, in lieu thereof, ready to be abandoned by your worship in
+a place remote from every thing human." "Be silent," said Don Quixote;
+"for God, who has inspired me with courage to attempt this
+unparalleled and fearful adventure, will not fail to watch over my
+safety, and comfort thee in thy sadness. All thou hast to do is to
+girth Rozinante well, and remain here; for I will quickly return,
+alive or dead."
+
+Sancho now had recourse to stratagem; therefore, while he was
+tightening the horse's girths, softly, and unperceived, with his
+halter he tied Rozinante's hinder feet together, so that when Don
+Quixote would fain have departed, the horse could move only by jumps.
+Sancho, perceiving the success of his contrivance, said: "Ah, sir,
+behold how Heaven, moved by my tears and prayers, has ordained that
+Rozinante should be unable to stir; and if you will obstinately
+persist to spur him, you will but provoke fortune." This made the Don
+quite desperate, and the more he spurred his horse the less he could
+move him; he therefore thought it best to be quiet, and wait either
+until day appeared or until Rozinante could proceed; never suspecting
+the artifice of Sancho, whom he thus addressed: "Since so it is,
+Sancho, that Rozinante cannot move, I consent to remain until the dawn
+smiles, although I weep in the interval." "You need not weep,"
+answered Sancho; "for I will entertain you until day by telling you
+stories, if you had not rather alight and compose yourself to sleep a
+little upon the green grass, as knights-errant are wont to do, so that
+you may be less weary when the day and hour comes for engaging in that
+terrible adventure you wait for." "To whom dost thou talk of alighting
+or sleeping?" said Don Quixote. "Am I one of those knights who take
+repose in time of danger? Sleep thou, who wert born to sleep, or do
+what thou wilt: I shall act as becomes my profession." "Pray, good
+sir, be not angry," answered Sancho; "I did not mean to offend you:"
+and, coming close to him, he laid hold of the saddle before and
+behind, and thus stood embracing his master's left thigh, without
+daring to stir from him a finger's breadth, so much was he afraid of
+the blows which still continued to sound in regular succession. Don
+Quixote bade him tell some story for his entertainment, as he had
+promised; Sancho replied that he would, if his dread of the noise
+would permit him: "I will endeavour," said he, "in spite of it, to
+tell a story, which, if I can hit upon it, and it slips not through my
+fingers, is the best of all stories; and I beg your worship to be
+attentive, for now I begin:
+
+"What hath been, hath been; the good that shall befall be for us all,
+and evil to him that evil seeks. Which fits the present purpose like a
+ring to your finger, signifying that your worship should be quiet, and
+not go about searching after evil." "Proceed with thy tale, Sancho,"
+said Don Quixote, "and leave to my care the road we are to follow." "I
+say then," continued Sancho, "that in a village of Estremadura, there
+was a shepherd, I mean a goatherd; which shepherd, or goatherd, as my
+story says, was called Lope Ruiz; and this Lope Ruiz was in love with
+a shepherdess called Torralva; which shepherdess called Torralva was
+daughter to a rich herdsman, and this rich herdsman"----"If this be
+thy manner of telling a story, Sancho," said Don Quixote, "thou wilt
+not have done these two days; tell it concisely, and like a man of
+sense, or else say no more." "I tell it in the same manner that they
+tell all stories in my country," answered Sancho; "and I cannot tell
+it otherwise, nor ought your worship to require me to make new
+customs." "Tell it as thou wilt, then," said Don Quixote; "since it is
+the will of fate that I must hear thee, go on."
+
+"And so, sir," continued Sancho, "as I said before, this shepherd was
+in love with the shepherdess Torralva, who was a merry strapping
+wench, somewhat scornful, and somewhat masculine; but, in process of
+time, it came about that the love which the shepherd bore to the
+shepherdess turned into hatred; and the cause was a certain quantity
+of little jealousies she gave him, so as to exceed all bounds: and so
+much did he hate her thenceforward, that, to shun the sight of her, he
+chose to absent himself from that country, and go where his eyes
+should never more behold her. Torralva, who found herself disdained by
+Lope, then began to love him better than ever she had loved him
+before." "It is a disposition natural in women," said Don Quixote, "to
+slight those who love them, and love those who hate them: go on,
+Sancho."
+
+"It fell out," proceeded Sancho, "that the shepherd put his design
+into execution; and, collecting together his goats, went over the
+plains of Estremadura, in order to pass over into the kingdom of
+Portugal. Upon which, Torralva followed him at a distance, on foot and
+bare-legged, with a pilgrim's staff in her hand, and a wallet about
+her neck. Presently, the shepherd came with his flock to pass the
+river Guadiana, which at that time was swollen, and had almost
+overflowed its banks; and on the side he came to there was neither
+boat nor any body to ferry him or his flock over to the other side;
+which grieved him mightily: for he saw that Torralva was at his heels,
+and would give him much disturbance by her entreaties and tears. He
+therefore looked about him until he espied a fisherman with a boat
+near him, but so small that it could hold only one person and one
+goat: however, he spoke to him, and agreed with him to carry over
+himself and his three hundred goats. The fisherman got into the boat,
+and carried over a goat; he returned and carried over another; he came
+back again, and carried over another. Pray, sir, keep an account of
+the goats that the fisherman is carrying over; for if you lose count
+of a single goat, the story ends, and it will be impossible to tell a
+word more of it. I go on then, and say that the landing-place on the
+opposite side was covered with mud, and slippery, and the fisherman
+was a great while in coming and going. However, he returned for
+another goat, and another, and another." "Suppose them all carried
+over," said Don Quixote, "and do not be going and coming in this
+manner; or thou wilt not have finished carrying them over in a
+twelvemonth." "Tell me, how many have passed already?" said Sancho.
+"How should I know?" answered Don Quixote. "See there, now! did I not
+tell thee to keep an exact account? There is now an end of the story;
+I can go no farther." "How can this be?" answered Don Quixote. "Is it
+so essential to the story to know the exact number of goats that
+passed over, that if one error be made, the story can proceed no
+farther?" "Even so," answered Sancho; "for when I desired your worship
+to tell me how many goats had passed, and you answered you did not
+know, at that very instant all that I had to say fled out of my
+memory; though, in truth, it was very edifying and satisfactory." "So,
+then," said Don Quixote, "the story is at an end?" "To be sure it is,"
+quoth Sancho. "Verily," answered Don Quixote, "thou hast told one of
+the rarest tales, fables, or histories, imaginable; and thy mode of
+relating and concluding it is such as never was, nor ever will be,
+equalled; although I expected no less from thy good sense: however, I
+do not wonder at it, for this incessant din may have disturbed thy
+understanding." "All that may be," answered Sancho; "but as to my
+story, I know there's no more to be told; for it ends just where the
+error begins in the account of carrying over the goats." "Let it end
+where it will," said Don Quixote, "and let us see whether Rozinante
+can stir himself." Again he clapt spurs to him, and again the animal
+jumped, and then stood stock still, so effectually was he fettered.
+
+Thus passed the night; and when Sancho perceived the dawn of morning,
+with much caution he unbound Rozinante, who being at liberty, though
+naturally not over-mettlesome, seemed to feel himself alive, and began
+to paw the ground; but as for curvetting (begging his pardon) he knew
+nothing about it. Don Quixote, perceiving that Rozinante began to be
+active, took it for a good omen, and a signal that he should forthwith
+attempt the tremendous adventure. The dawn now making the surrounding
+objects visible, Don Quixote perceived he was beneath some tall
+chestnut-trees, which afforded a gloomy shade: but the cause of that
+striking, which yet continued, he was unable to discover; therefore,
+without farther delay, he made Rozinante feel the spur, and again
+taking leave of Sancho, commanded him to wait there three days at the
+farthest, as he had said before, and that if he returned not by that
+time, he might conclude that it was the will of Heaven that he should
+end his days in that perilous adventure. And now, dissembling as well
+as he could, he advanced towards the place whence the noise of the
+water and of the strokes seemed to proceed. Sancho followed him on
+foot, leading his ass--that constant companion of his fortunes, good
+or bad. And having proceeded some distance among those shady
+chestnut-trees, they came to a little green meadow, bounded by some
+steep rocks, down which a mighty torrent precipitated itself. At the
+foot of these rocks were several wretched huts, that seemed more like
+ruins than habitable dwellings; and it was from them, they now
+discovered, that the fearful din proceeded. Rozinante was startled at
+the noise; but Don Quixote, after quieting him, went slowly on towards
+the huts, recommending himself devoutly to his lady, and beseeching
+her to favour him in so terrific an enterprise. Sancho kept close to
+his side, stretching out his neck to see if he could discover the
+cause of his terrors. In this manner they advanced about a hundred
+yards farther, when, on doubling a point, the true and undoubted cause
+of that horrible noise, which had held them all night in such
+suspense, appeared plain and exposed to view. It was (kind reader,
+take it not in dudgeon) six fulling-hammers, whose alternate strokes
+produced that hideous sound. Don Quixote, on beholding them, was
+struck dumb, and in the utmost confusion. Sancho looked at him, and
+saw he hung down his head upon his breast, with manifest indications
+of being abashed. Don Quixote looked also at Sancho, and seeing his
+cheeks swollen, and his mouth full of laughter, betraying evident
+signs of being ready to explode, notwithstanding his vexation he could
+not forbear laughing himself at the sight of his squire, who, thus
+encouraged by his master, broke forth in so violent a manner that he
+was forced to apply both hands to his sides, to secure himself from
+bursting. Don Quixote, perceiving that Sancho made a jest of him, was
+so enraged that he lifted up his lance, and discharged two such blows
+on him that, had he received them on his head, instead of his
+shoulders, the knight would have acquitted himself of the payment of
+his wages, unless it were to his heirs. Sancho, finding he paid so
+dearly for his jokes, and fearing lest his master should proceed
+farther, with much humility said, "Pray, sir, be pacified; as truly as
+I live, I did but jest." "Though thou mayest jest, I do not," answered
+Don Quixote. "Come hither, merry sir; what thinkest thou? Suppose
+these mill-hammers had really been some perilous adventure, have I not
+given proof of the courage requisite to undertake and achieve it? Am I
+obliged, being a knight as I am, to distinguish sounds, and know which
+are, or are not, those of a fulling-mill, more especially if (which is
+indeed the truth) I had never seen any fulling-mills in my life, as
+thou hast--a pitiful rustic as thou art, who wert born and bred
+amongst them? but let these six fulling-hammers be transformed into
+six giants, and let them beard me one by one, or altogether, and if I
+do not set them all on their heads, then make what jest thou wilt of
+me." "It is enough, good sir," replied Sancho; "I confess I have been
+a little too jocose; but pray tell me, now that it is peace between
+us, was it not a thing to be laughed at, and worth telling, what a
+fearful taking we were in last night--I mean, that I was in?--for I
+know that your worship is a stranger to fear." "I do not deny,"
+answered Don Quixote, "that what has befallen us may be risible, but
+it is not proper to be repeated; for all persons have not the sense to
+see things in their right point of view." "But," answered Sancho,
+"your worship knew how to point your lance aright when you pointed it
+at my head, and hit me on the shoulders; let that pass, for I have
+heard say, 'he loves thee well who makes thee weep;' and, besides,
+your people of condition, when they have given a servant a hard word,
+presently give him some old hose, though what is usually given after a
+beating I cannot tell, unless it be that your knights-errant, after
+bastinadoes, bestow islands, or kingdoms on terra firma." "The die may
+so run," quoth Don Quixote, "that all thou hast said may come to pass;
+excuse what is done, since thou art considerate; for know that first
+impulses are not under a man's control: and that thou mayest abstain
+from talking too much with me henceforth, I apprise thee of one thing,
+that in all the books of chivalry I ever read, numerous as they are, I
+recollect no example of a squire who conversed so much with his master
+as thou dost with thine. And really I account it a great fault both in
+thee and in myself; in thee, because thou payest me so little respect;
+in me, that I do not make myself respected more. There was Gandalin,
+squire to Amadis de Gaul, earl of the firm island, of whom we read
+that he always spoke to his master cap in hand, his head inclined, and
+body bent after the Turkish fashion. What shall we say of Gasabel,
+squire to Don Galaor, who was so silent that, to illustrate the
+excellence of his marvellous taciturnity, his name is mentioned but
+once in all that great and faithful history? From what I have said,
+thou mayest infer, Sancho, that there ought to be a difference between
+master and man, between lord and lacquey, and between knight and
+squire; so that, from this day forward, we must be treated with more
+respect: for howsoever thou mayest excite my anger, 'it will go ill
+with the pitcher.' The favours and benefits I promised thee will come
+in due time; and if they do not come, the wages, at least, thou wilt
+not lose." "Your worship says very well," quoth Sancho; "but I would
+fain know (if perchance the time of the favours should not come, and
+it should be necessary to have recourse to the article of the wages)
+how much might the squire of a knight-errant get in those times? and
+whether they agreed by the month, or by the day, like labourers?" "I
+do not believe," answered Don Quixote, "that those squires were
+retained at stated wages, but they relied on courtesy; and if I have
+appointed thee any in the will I left sealed at home, it was in case
+of accidents; for I know not yet how chivalry may succeed in these
+calamitous times, and I would not have my soul suffer in the other
+world for trifles; for I would have thee know, Sancho, that there is
+no state more perilous than that of adventurers." "It is so, in
+truth," said Sancho, "since the noise of the hammers of a fulling-mill
+were sufficient to disturb and discompose the heart of so valorous a
+knight as your worship."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+_Which treats of the grand adventure of Mambrino's helmet, with other
+things which befel our invincible Knight._
+
+
+About this time it began to rain, and Sancho proposed entering the
+fulling-mill; but Don Quixote had conceived such an abhorrence for the
+late jest that he would by no means go in. Soon after he discovered a
+man on horseback, who had on his head something which glittered, as if
+it had been of gold; and turning to Sancho, he said, "I am of opinion,
+Sancho, there is no proverb but what is true, because they are all
+sentences drawn from experience; especially that which says, 'Where
+one door is shut, another is opened.' I say this because, if fortune
+last night shut the door against us with the fulling-mills, it now
+opens another, for a better and more certain adventure, in which, if I
+am deceived, the fault will be mine, without imputing it to my
+ignorance of fulling-mills, or to the darkness of night. This I say
+because, if I mistake not, there comes one towards us who carries on
+his head Mambrino's helmet." "Take care, sir, what you say, and more
+what you do," said Sancho; "for I would not wish for other
+fulling-mills to finish the milling and mashing our senses." "What has
+a helmet to do with fulling-mills?" replied Don Quixote. "I know not,"
+answered Sancho; "but if I might talk as much as I used to do, perhaps
+I could give such reasons that your worship would see you are mistaken
+in what you say." "How can I be mistaken?" said Don Quixote. "Seest
+thou not yon knight coming towards us on a dapple-grey steed, with a
+helmet of gold on his head?" "What I see and perceive," answered
+Sancho, "is only a man on a grey ass like mine, with something on his
+head that glitters." "Why, that is Mambrino's helmet," said Don
+Quixote; "retire, and leave me alone to deal with him, and thou shalt
+see how, in order to save time, I shall conclude this adventure
+without speaking a word, and the helmet I have so much desired remain
+my own." "I shall take care to get out of the way," replied Sancho;
+"but grant, I say again, it may not prove another fulling-mill
+adventure." "I have already told thee, Sancho, not to mention those
+fulling-mills, nor even think of them," said Don Quixote.
+
+Now, the truth of the matter, concerning the helmet, the steed, and
+the knight which Don Quixote saw, was this. There were two villages in
+that neighbourhood, one of them so small that it had neither shop nor
+barber, but the other adjoining to it had both; therefore the barber
+of the larger served also the less, wherein one customer now wanted to
+be let blood, and another to be shaved; to perform which the barber
+was now on his way, carrying with him his brass basin; and it so
+happened that, while upon the road, it began to rain, and to save his
+hat, which was a new one, he clapped the basin on his head, which
+being lately scoured, was seen glittering at the distance of half a
+league; and he rode on a grey ass, as Sancho had affirmed. Thus Don
+Quixote took the barber for a knight, his ass for a dapple-grey steed,
+and his basin for a golden helmet; and when the knight drew near, he
+advanced at Rozinante's best speed, and couched his lance, intending
+to run him through and through; but when close upon him, without
+checking the fury of his career, he cried out, "Defend thyself,
+caitiff, or instantly surrender what is justly my due!" The barber had
+no other way to avoid the thrust of the lance than to slip down from
+the ass: and leaping up nimbler than a roebuck, he scampered over the
+plain with such speed that the wind could not overtake him. The basin
+he left on the ground, with which Don Quixote was satisfied. He
+ordered Sancho to take up the helmet, who, holding it in his hand,
+said, "The basin is a special one, and is well worth a piece of eight,
+if it is worth a farthing." He then gave it to his master, who
+immediately placed it upon his head, turning it round in search of the
+vizor; and, not finding it, he said, "Doubtless the pagan for whom
+this famous helmet was originally forged must have had a prodigious
+head--the worst of it is, that one half is wanting." When Sancho heard
+the basin called a helmet, he could not forbear laughing; which,
+however, he instantly checked on recollecting his master's late
+choler. "What dost thou laugh at, Sancho?" said Don Quixote. "I am
+laughing," answered he, "to think what a huge head the pagan had who
+owned that helmet, which is for all the world just like a barber's
+basin." "Knowest thou, Sancho, what I conceive to be the case? This
+famous piece, this enchanted helmet, by some strange accident must
+have fallen into the possession of one who, ignorant of its true value
+as a helmet, and seeing it to be of the purest gold, hath
+inconsiderately melted down the one half for lucre's sake, and of the
+other half made this, which, as thou sayest, doth indeed look like a
+barber's basin; but to me, who know what it really is, its
+transformation is of no importance, for I will have it so repaired, in
+the first town where there is a smith, that it shall not be surpassed,
+nor even equalled. In the mean time I will wear it as I can; for
+something is better than nothing; and it will be sufficient to defend
+me from stones." "It will so," said Sancho, "if they do not throw them
+with slings, as they did in the battle of the two armies, when they
+crossed your worship's chops. As to being tossed again in a blanket, I
+say nothing; for it is difficult to prevent such mishaps, and if they
+do come, there is nothing to be done but to wink, hold one's breath,
+and submit to go whither fortune and the blanket shall please." "Thou
+art no good Christian, Sancho," said Don Quixote, "since thou dost not
+forget an injury once done thee; but know it is inherent in generous
+and noble minds to disregard trifles. What leg of thine is lamed, or
+what rib or head broken, that thou canst not forget that jest? for,
+properly considered, it was a mere jest and pastime; otherwise I
+should long ago have returned thither, and done more mischief in
+revenging thy quarrel than the Greeks did for the rape of Helen; who,
+had she lived in these times, or my Dulcinea in those, would never
+have been so famous for beauty as she is!" and here he heaved a sigh
+towards heaven. "Let it pass, then, for a jest," said Sancho, "since
+it is not likely to be revenged in earnest: but I know of what kind
+the jests and the earnests were; and I know also they will no more
+slip out of my memory than off my shoulders. But, setting this aside,
+tell me, sir, what shall we do with this dapple-grey steed which looks
+so like a grey ass, and which that caitiff whom your worship overthrew
+has left behind here, to shift for itself; for, by his scouring off so
+hastily, he does not think of ever returning for him; and, by my
+beard, the beast is a special one." "It is not my custom," said Don
+Quixote, "to plunder those whom I overcome, nor is it the usage of
+chivalry to take from the vanquished their horses, and leave them on
+foot, unless the victor hath lost his own in the conflict; in such a
+case it is lawful to take that of the enemy, as fairly won in battle.
+Therefore, Sancho, leave this horse, or ass, or whatever thou wilt
+have it to be; for, when we are gone, his owner will return for him."
+
+They now breakfasted on the remains of the plunder from the
+sumpter-mule, and drank of the water belonging to the fulling-mills,
+but without turning their faces towards them--such was the abhorrence
+in which they were held. Being thus refreshed and comforted, both in
+body and mind, they mounted, and, without determining upon what road
+to follow, according to the custom of knights-errant, they went on as
+Rozinante's will directed, which was a guide to his master and also to
+Dapple, who always followed, in love and good fellowship, wherever he
+led the way. They soon, however, turned into the great road, which
+they followed at a venture, without forming any plan.
+
+As they were thus sauntering on, Sancho said to his master: "Sir, will
+your worship be pleased to indulge me the liberty of a word or two;
+for, since you imposed on me that harsh command of silence, sundry
+things have been rotting in my breast, and I have one just now at my
+tongue's end that I would not for any thing should miscarry." "Speak,
+then," said Don Quixote, "and be brief in thy discourse; for what is
+prolix cannot be pleasing." "I say, then, sir," answered Sancho, "that
+for some days past I have been considering how little is gained by
+wandering about in quest of those adventures your worship is seeking
+through these deserts and cross ways, where, though you should
+overcome and achieve the most perilous, there is nobody to see or know
+anything of them; so that they must remain in perpetual oblivion, to
+the prejudice of your worship's intention and their deserts. And
+therefore I think it would be more advisable for us, with submission
+to your better judgment, to serve some emperor or other great prince
+engaged in war, in whose service your worship may display your valour,
+great strength, and superior understanding: which being perceived by
+the lord we serve, he must of course reward each of us according to
+his merit. This is what I would be at," quoth Sancho; "this I stick
+to: for every tittle of this must happen." "Doubt not that this will
+happen, Sancho," replied Don Quixote; "for by those very means and
+those very steps which we are pursuing, knights-errant do rise, and
+have risen, to be kings and emperors. All that remains to be done is
+to look out and find what king of the Christians or of the Pagans is
+at war, and has a beautiful daughter--but there is time enough to
+think of this; for you know we must procure renown elsewhere before we
+repair to court. Besides, there is yet another difficulty; for, if a
+king were found who is at war and has a handsome daughter, and I had
+acquired incredible fame throughout the whole universe, I do not see
+how it can be made appear that I am of the lineage of kings, or even
+second cousin to an emperor; for the king will not give me his
+daughter to wife until he is first very well assured that I am such,
+however my renowned actions might deserve it. For thou must know,
+Sancho, that there are two kinds of lineages in the world. Some there
+are who derive their pedigree from princes and monarchs, whom time has
+gradually reduced until they have ended in a point, like a pyramid;
+others have had a low origin, and have risen by degrees, until they
+have become great lords. So that the difference is, that some have
+been what now they are not, and others are now what they were not
+before; and who knows but I may be one of the former, and that, upon
+examination, my origin may be found to have been great and glorious,
+with which the king, my future father-in-law, ought to be satisfied?
+and if he should not be satisfied, the infanta is to be so in love
+with me that, in spite of her father, she is to receive me for her
+lord and husband, even though she knew me to be the son of a
+water-carrier; and in case she should not, then is the time to take
+her away by force, and convey her whither I please; there to remain
+until time or death put a period to the displeasure of her parents."
+
+"Here," said Sancho, "comes in properly what some naughty people say,
+'Never stand begging for that which you have the power to take;'
+though this other is nearer to the purpose: 'A leap from a hedge is
+better than a hundred petitions.' I say this, because if my lord the
+king, your worship's father-in-law, should not vouchsafe to yield unto
+you my lady the infanta, there is no more to be done, as your worship
+says, but to steal and carry her off. But the mischief is, that while
+peace is making, and before you can enjoy the kingdom quietly, the
+poor squire may go whistle for his reward." "Say what they will,"
+rejoined Don Quixote, "in good faith, they must style thee 'your
+lordship,' however unwillingly." "Do you think," quoth Sancho, "I
+should not know how to give authority to the indignity?" "Dignity, you
+should say, and not indignity," said his master. "So let be," answered
+Sancho Panza. "I say, I should do well enough with it; for I assure
+you I was once beadle of a company, and the beadle's gown became me so
+well that every body said I had a presence fit to be warden of the
+same company: what then will it be when I am arrayed in a duke's robe,
+all shining with gold and pearls, like a foreign count? I am of
+opinion folks will come a hundred leagues to see me." "Thou wilt make
+a goodly appearance indeed," said Don Quixote; "but it will be
+necessary to trim thy beard a little oftener, for it is so rough and
+matted that, if thou shavest not every day at least, what thou art
+will be seen at the distance of a bow-shot." "Why," said Sancho, "it
+is but taking a barber into the house, and giving him a salary; and,
+if there be occasion, I will make him follow me like a gentleman of
+the horse to a grandee." "How camest thou to know," demanded Don
+Quixote, "that grandees have their gentlemen of the horse to follow
+them?" "I will tell you," said Sancho; "some years ago I was near the
+court for a month, and I often saw a very little gentleman riding
+about, who, they said, was a very great lord; and behind him I noticed
+a man on horseback, turning about as he turned, so that one would have
+thought he had been his tail. I asked why that man did not ride by the
+side of the other, but kept always behind him? They answered me that
+it was his gentleman of the horse, and that it was the custom for
+noblemen to be followed by them; and from that day to this I have
+never forgotten it." "Thou art in the right," said Don Quixote, "and
+in the same manner thou mayest carry about thy barber; for all customs
+do not arise together, nor were they invented at once; and thou mayest
+be the first earl who carried about his barber after him: and, indeed,
+it is a higher trust to dress the beard than to saddle a horse."
+"Leave the business of the barber to me," said Sancho; "and let it be
+your worship's care to become a king and to make me an earl."
+
+Presently our knight raised his eyes, and saw approaching, in the same
+road, about a dozen men on foot, strung like beads, by the necks, in a
+great iron chain, and all handcuffed. There came also with them two
+men on horseback, and two on foot; those on horseback were armed with
+firelocks, and those on foot with pikes and swords. As soon as Sancho
+Panza saw them, he said: "This is a chain of galley-slaves, persons
+forced by the king to serve in the galleys." "How! forced do you say?"
+quoth Don Quixote, "is it possible the king should force any body?" "I
+mean not so," answered Sancho, "but that they are persons who, for
+their crimes, are condemned by law to the galleys, where they are
+forced to serve the king." "In truth, then," replied Don Quixote,
+"these people are conveyed by force, and not voluntarily?" "So it is,"
+said Sancho. "Then," said his master, "here the execution of my office
+takes place, which is to defeat violence, and to succour and relieve
+the wretched." "Consider, sir," quoth Sancho, "that justice--which is
+the king himself--does no violence to such persons, he only punishes
+them for their crimes." But his master gave no heed to him.
+
+By this time the chain of galley-slaves had reached them, and Don
+Quixote desired the guard to inform him of the cause or causes for
+which they conducted those persons in that manner. One of the guards
+answered that they were slaves, and on their way to the galleys; which
+was all he had to say, nor was there anything more to know.
+"Nevertheless," replied Don Quixote, "I should be glad to be informed,
+by each individually, of the cause of his misfortune." To these he
+added such other courteous expressions, entreating the information he
+desired, that the other horseman said, "Though we have here the
+certificate of the sentence of each of these wretches, this is no time
+to produce them; make your inquiry of themselves; they may inform you,
+if they please, and no doubt they will: for they are such as take a
+pleasure in acting and relating rogueries." With this Don Quixote went
+up to them, and demanded of the first for what offence he marched in
+such evil plight? He answered, that it was for being in love. "For
+that alone?" replied the Don; "if people are sent to the galleys for
+being in love, I might long since have been rowing in them myself."
+"It was not such love as your worship imagines," said the
+galley-slave; "mine was a strong affection for a basket of fine linen.
+The process was short; they gave me a hundred lashes, and sent me to
+the galleys."
+
+Don Quixote put the same question to the second, who returned no
+answer, he was so melancholy and dejected; but the first answered for
+him, and said, "This gentleman goes for being a canary-bird,--I mean,
+for being a musician and a singer." "How so?" replied Don Quixote;
+"are men sent to the galleys for being musicians and singers?" "Yes,
+sir," replied the slave; "for there is nothing worse than to sing in
+an agony." "Nay," said Don Quixote, "I have heard say, 'Who sings in
+grief, procures relief.'" "This is the very reverse," said the slave;
+"for here he who sings once weeps all his life after." "I do not
+understand that," said Don Quixote. One of the guards said to him,
+"Sigñor Cavalier, to sing in an agony means, in the cant of these
+rogues, to confess upon the rack. This offender was put to the
+torture, and confessed his crime, which was that of a stealer of
+cattle; and, because he confessed, he is sentenced for six years,
+besides two hundred lashes on the shoulders. He is pensive and sad,
+because all the other rogues abuse, vilify, flout, and despise him for
+confessing, and not having the courage to say No: for, say they, No
+does not contain more letters than Ay; and think it lucky, when it so
+happens that a man's life or death depends upon his own tongue, and
+not upon proofs and witnesses; and, for my part, I think they are in
+the right." "And so I think," answered Don Quixote; who, passing on to
+the third, interrogated him as he had done the others. He answered
+very readily, and with much indifference, "I am also going for five
+years, merely for want of ten ducats." "I will give twenty, with all
+my heart," said Don Quixote, "to redeem you from this misery." "That,"
+said the convict, "is like having money at sea, where, though dying
+for hunger, nothing can be bought with it. I say this because, if I
+had been possessed in time of those twenty ducats you now offer me, I
+would have so greased the clerk's pen and sharpened my advocate's wit
+that I should have been this day upon the market-place of Toledo, and
+not upon this road, coupled and dragged like a hound: but God is
+great; patience and--that is enough."
+
+Behind all these came a man about thirty years of age, of a goodly
+aspect, only that his eyes looked at each other. Don Quixote asked why
+this man was fettered so much more than the rest. The guard answered,
+because he alone had committed more crimes than all the rest together;
+and that he was so bold and desperate a villain that, although
+shackled in that manner, they were not secure of him, but were still
+afraid he would make his escape. "What kind of villanies has he
+committed?" said Don Quixote. "He goes for ten years," said the guard,
+"which is a kind of civil death. You need only be told that this
+honest gentleman is the famous Gines de Passamonte, alias Ginesillo de
+Parapilla." "Fair and softly, sigñor commissary," interrupted the
+slave. "Let us not now be spinning out names and surnames. Gines is my
+name, and not Ginesillo; and Passamonte is the name of my family, and
+not Parapilla, as you say?" "Are you not so called, lying rascal?"
+said the guard. "Yes," answered Gines; "but I will make them cease
+calling me so, or I will flay them where I care not at present to say.
+Sigñor Cavalier," continued he, "if you have anything to give us, let
+us have it now, and God be with you; for you tire us with inquiring so
+much after other men's lives. If you would know mine, I am Gines de
+Passamonte, whose life is written by these very fingers." "He says
+true," said the commissary; "for he himself has written his own
+history as well as heart could wish, and has left the book in prison
+pawned for two hundred reals." "Ay, and I intend to redeem it," said
+Gines, "if it lay for two hundred ducats." "What, is it so good?" said
+Don Quixote. "So good," answered Gines, "that woe be to Lazarillo de
+Tormes, and to all that have written or shall write in that way. What
+I can affirm is, that it relates truths, and truths so ingenious and
+entertaining that no fiction can equal them." "What is the title of
+your book?" demanded Don Quixote. "The Life of Gines de Passamonte,"
+replied Gines himself. "And is it finished?" quoth Don Quixote. "How
+can it be finished?" answered he, "since my life is not yet finished?"
+"You seem to be an ingenious fellow," said Don Quixote. "And an
+unfortunate one," answered Gines; "but misfortunes always persecute
+genius."
+
+The commissary lifted up his staff to strike Passamonte, in return for
+his threats; but Don Quixote interposed, and desired he would not
+illtreat him, since it was but fair that he who had his hands so tied
+up should have his tongue a little at liberty. After questioning
+several more in a similar fashion, the Don thus addressed the company:
+"From all you have told me, dearest brethren, I clearly gather that,
+although it be only the punishment of your crimes, you do not much
+relish what you are to suffer, and that you go to it with ill-will,
+and much against your inclination. Now this being the case, my mind
+prompts me to manifest in you the purpose for which heaven cast me
+into the world, and ordained me to profess the order of chivalry,
+which I do profess, and the vow I thereby made to succour the needy
+and those oppressed by the powerful; for it seems to me a hard case to
+make slaves of those whom God and nature made free." "This is pleasant
+fooling," answered the commissary. "An admirable conceit he has hit
+upon at last! Go on your way, sigñor, and give us no more of your
+meddling impertinence." "Insulting scoundrel!" answered Don Quixote;
+and thereupon, with a word and a blow, he attacked him so suddenly
+that, before he could stand upon his defence, he threw him to the
+ground, much wounded with a thrust of the lance. The rest of the
+guards were astonished and confounded at the unexpected encounter; and
+the galley-slaves seized the opportunity now offered to them of
+recovering their liberty, by breaking the chain with which they were
+linked together. The confusion was such that the guards could do
+nothing to any purpose. Sancho, for his part, assisted in releasing
+Gines de Passamonte; who, attacking the commissary, took away his
+sword and his gun, by levelling which first at one, then at another,
+he cleared the field of all the guard.
+
+"It is well," said Don Quixote; "but I know what is first expedient to
+be done." Then, having called all the slaves before him, they gathered
+round to know his pleasure; when he thus addressed them: "To be
+grateful for benefits received is natural to persons well born. This I
+say, gentlemen, because you already know, by manifest experience, the
+benefit you have received at my hands; in return for which it is my
+desire that you immediately go to the city of Toboso, and there
+present yourselves before the Lady Dulcinea del Toboso, and tell her
+that her Knight of the Sorrowful Figure sends you to present his
+service to her; and recount to her every circumstance of this
+memorable adventure, to the point of restoring you to your wished-for
+liberty: this done, you may go wherever good fortune may lead you."
+
+Gines de Passamonte answered for them all, and said, "What your
+worship commands us, noble sir and our deliverer, is of all
+impossibilities the most impossible to be complied with; for we dare
+not be seen together on the road, but must go separate, each man by
+himself, and endeavour to hide ourselves in the very bowels of the
+earth from the holy brotherhood, who doubtless will be out in quest of
+us. To think that we will now return to our chains, and put ourselves
+on our way to Toboso, is to imagine it already night, whereas it is
+not yet ten o'clock in the morning; and to expect this from us is to
+expect pears from an elm-tree." "I vow, then," quoth Don Quixote in a
+rage, "that you Don Ginesillo de Parapilla, or whatever you call
+yourself, shall go there alone and the whole chain upon your back."
+Passamonte, who was not over passive, seeing himself thus treated,
+gave a signal to his comrades, upon which they all began to rain such
+a shower of stones upon the knight that he could not contrive to cover
+himself with his buckler; and poor Rozinante cared no more for the
+spur than if he had been made of brass. Sancho got behind his ass, and
+thereby sheltered himself from the hailstorm that poured upon them
+both. Don Quixote could not screen himself sufficiently to avoid the
+stones, which came against him with such force that they brought him
+to the ground. They stripped him of a jacket he wore over his armour,
+and would have taken his trousers too, if the greaves had not hindered
+them. They took Sancho's cloak, leaving him stripped; and after
+dividing the spoils of the battle, they made the best of their way
+off, each taking a different course; more solicitous to escape the
+holy brotherhood than to drag their chain to Toboso and present
+themselves before the Lady Dulcinea.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+_Of what befel Don Quixote in the Sierra Morena, being one of the most
+extraordinary adventures related in this faithful history._
+
+
+Don Quixote, finding himself thus ill-requited, said to his squire:
+"Sancho, I have always heard it said that to do good to the vulgar is
+to throw water into the sea. Had I believed what you said to me, I
+might have prevented this trouble; but it is done, I must have
+patience, and henceforth take warning." "Your worship will as much
+take warning," answered Sancho, "as I am a Turk; but since you say
+that if you had believed me this mischief would have been prevented,
+believe me now, and you will avoid what is still worse; for, let me
+tell you, there is no putting off the holy brotherhood with
+chivalries; they do not care two farthings for all the knights-errant
+in the world, and I fancy already that I hear their arrows whizzing
+about my ears." "Thou art naturally a coward, Sancho," said Don
+Quixote; "but that thou mayest not say I am obstinate, and that I
+never do what thou advisest, I will for once take thy counsel, and
+retire from that fury of which thou art in so much fear; but upon this
+one condition--that, neither living nor dying, thou shalt ever say
+that I retired and withdrew myself from this peril out of fear, but
+that I did it out of mere compliance with thy entreaties." "Sir,"
+answered Sancho, "retreating is not running away, nor is staying
+wisdom when the danger overbalances the hope; and it is the part of
+wise men to secure themselves to-day for to-morrow, and not to venture
+all upon one throw. And know that, although I am but a clown and a
+peasant, I yet have some smattering of what is called good conduct;
+therefore repent not of having taken my advice, but get upon Rozinante
+if you can, if not I will assist you, and follow me: for my head tells
+me that, for the present, we have more need of heels than hands." Don
+Quixote mounted without replying a word more; and, Sancho leading the
+way upon his ass, they entered on one side of the Sierra Morena, which
+was near, and it was Sancho's intention to pass through it, and get
+out at Viso or Almodovar del Campo, and there hide themselves for some
+days among those craggy rocks, in case the holy brotherhood should
+come in search of them. He was encouraged to this, by finding that the
+provisions carried by his ass had escaped safe from the skirmish with
+the galley-slaves, which he looked upon as a miracle, considering what
+the slaves took away, and how narrowly they searched.
+
+That night they got into the heart of the Sierra Morena, where Sancho
+thought it would be well to pass the remainder of the night, if not
+some days, or at least as long as their provisions lasted. But
+destiny so ordered it that Gines de Passamonte, (whom the valour and
+frenzy of Don Quixote had delivered from the chain), being justly
+afraid of the holy brotherhood, took it into his head to hide himself
+among those very mountains where Don Quixote and Sancho Panza had
+taken refuge. Now, as the wicked are always ungrateful, Gines, who had
+neither gratitude nor good-nature, resolved to steal Sancho Panza's
+ass; not caring for Rozinante, as a thing neither pawnable nor
+saleable. Sancho Panza slept; the varlet stole his ass; and, before
+dawn of day, was too far off to be recovered.
+
+Aurora issued forth, giving joy to the earth, but grief to Sancho
+Panza, who, when he missed his Dapple, began to utter the most doleful
+lamentations, insomuch that Don Quixote awaked at his cries, and heard
+him say, "O darling of my heart, born in my house, the joy of my
+children, the entertainment of my wife, the envy of my neighbours, the
+relief of my burdens, and lastly, the half of my maintenance! For,
+with the six and twenty maravedis which I have earned every day by thy
+means have I half supported my family!" Don Quixote, on learning the
+cause of these lamentations, comforted Sancho in the best manner he
+could, and desired him to have patience, promising to give him a bill
+of exchange for three asses out of five which he had left at home.
+Sancho, comforted by this promise, wiped away his tears, moderated his
+sighs, and thanked his master for the kindness he shewed him. Don
+Quixote's heart gladdened upon entering among the mountains, being the
+kind of situation he thought likely to furnish those adventures he was
+in quest of. They recalled to his memory the marvellous events which
+had befallen knights-errant in such solitudes and deserts. He went on
+meditating on these things, and his mind was so absorbed in them that
+he thought of nothing else. Nor had Sancho any other concern than to
+appease his hunger with what remained of the clerical spoils; and thus
+he jogged after his master, emptying the bag and stuffing his paunch;
+and while so employed he would not have given two maravedis for the
+rarest adventure that could have happened.
+
+While thus engaged, he raised his eyes, and observed that his master,
+who had stopped, was endeavouring, with the point of his lance, to
+raise something that lay on the ground; upon which he hastened to
+assist him, if necessary, and came up to him just as he had turned
+over with his lance a saddle-cushion and a portmanteau fastened to it,
+half, or rather quite, rotten and torn, but so heavy that Sancho was
+forced to stoop down in order to take it up. His master ordered him to
+examine it. Sancho very readily obeyed, and although the portmanteau
+was secured with its chain and padlock, he could see through the
+chasms what it contained; which was four fine holland shirts, and
+other linen, no less curious than clean; and in a handkerchief he
+found a quantity of gold crowns, which he no sooner espied than he
+exclaimed: "Blessed be heaven, which has presented us with one
+profitable adventure!" And, searching further, he found a little
+pocket-book, richly bound; which Don Quixote desired to have, bidding
+him take the money and keep it for himself. Sancho kissed his hands
+for the favour; and, taking the linen out of the portmanteau, he put
+it in the provender-bag. All this was perceived by Don Quixote, who
+said, "I am of opinion, Sancho (nor can it possibly be otherwise),
+that some traveller must have lost his way in these mountains, and
+fallen into the hands of robbers, who have killed him, and brought him
+to this remote part to bury him." "It cannot be so," answered Sancho;
+"for had they been robbers they would not have left this money here."
+"Thou art in the right," said Don Quixote, "and I cannot conjecture
+what it should be; but stay, let us see whether this pocket-book has
+any thing written in it that may lead to a discovery." He opened it,
+and the first thing he found was a rough copy of verses, and, being
+legible, he read aloud, that Sancho might hear it, the following
+sonnet:
+
+ I.
+
+ Love either cruel is or blind,
+ Or still unequal to the cause
+ Is this distemper of the mind,
+ That with infernal torture knaws.
+
+ II.
+
+ Of all my sufferings and my woe
+ Is Chloe, then, the fatal source?
+ Sure ill from good can never flow,
+ Or so much beauty gild a curse![4]
+
+[4] From Smollett's translation.
+
+"From those verses," quoth Sancho, "nothing can be collected, unless,
+from the clue there given, you can come at the whole bottom." "What
+clue is here?" said Don Quixote. "I thought," said Sancho, "your
+worship named a clue." "No, I said Chloe," answered Don Quixote; "and
+doubtless that is the name of the lady of whom the author of this
+sonnet complains; and, in faith, either he is a tolerable poet or I
+know but little of the art." "So, then," said Sancho, "your worship
+understands making verses too!" "Yes, and better than thou thinkest,"
+answered Don Quixote; "and so thou shalt see, when thou bearest a
+letter to my lady Dulcinea del Toboso in verse; for know, Sancho, that
+all or most of the knights-errant of times past were great poets and
+great musicians; these two accomplishments, or rather graces, being
+annexed to lovers-errant. True it is that the couplets of former
+knights have more of passion than elegance in them." "Pray, sir, read
+on farther," said Sancho, "perhaps you may find something to satisfy
+us." Don Quixote turned over the leaf, and said, "This is in prose,
+and seems to be a letter." "A letter of business, sir?" demanded
+Sancho. "By the beginning, it seems rather to be one of love,"
+answered Don Quixote. "Then pray, sir, read it aloud," said Sancho;
+"for I mightily relish these love-matters." "With all my heart," said
+Don Quixote; and reading aloud, as Sancho desired, he found it to this
+effect:
+
+"Thy broken faith and my certain misery drive me to a place whence
+thou wilt sooner hear the news of my death than the cause of my
+complaint. Thou hast renounced me, O ungrateful maid, for one of
+larger possessions, but not of more worth than myself. What thy beauty
+excited, thy conduct has erased: by the former I thought thee an
+angel, by the latter I know thou art a woman. Peace be to thee, fair
+cause of my disquiet!"
+
+The letter being read, Don Quixote said, "We can gather little more
+from this than from the verses. It is evident, however, that the
+writer of them is some slighted lover." Then, turning over other parts
+of the book, he found other verses and letters, but the purport was
+the same in all--their sole contents being reproaches, lamentations,
+suspicions, desires, dislikings, favours, and slights, interspersed
+with rapturous praises and mournful complaints. While Don Quixote was
+examining the book, Sancho examined the portmanteau, without leaving a
+corner which he did not scrutinise, nor seam which he did not rip, nor
+lock of wool which he did not carefully pick--that nothing might be
+lost through carelessness--such was the cupidity excited in him by the
+discovery of this golden treasure, consisting of more than a hundred
+crowns! And although he could find no more, he thought himself
+abundantly rewarded for the tossings in the blanket, the loss of the
+wallet, and the theft of his cloak; together with all the hunger,
+thirst, and fatigue he had suffered in his good master's service.
+
+The Knight of the Sorrowful Figure was extremely desirous to know who
+was the owner of the portmanteau; but as no information could be
+expected in that rugged place, he had only to proceed, taking whatever
+road Rozinante pleased, and still thinking that among the rocks he
+should certainly meet with some strange adventure.
+
+As he went onward, impressed with this idea, he espied, on the top of
+a rising ground not far from him, a man springing from rock to rock
+with extraordinary agility. Don Quixote immediately conceived that
+this must be the owner of the portmanteau, and resolved therefore to
+go in search of him, even though it should prove a twelvemonth's
+labour, in that wild region. He immediately commanded Sancho to cut
+short over one side of the mountain, while he skirted the other, as
+they might possibly by this expedition find the man who had so
+suddenly vanished from their sight. To which Sancho replied, "It would
+be much more prudent not to look after him; for if we should find him,
+and he, perchance, proves to be the owner of the money, it is plain I
+must restore it; and therefore it would be better to preserve it
+faithfully until its owner shall find us out; by which time, perhaps,
+I may have spent it, and then I am free by law." "Therein thou art
+mistaken, Sancho," answered Don Quixote; "for since we have a vehement
+suspicion of who is the right owner, it is our duty to seek him, and
+to return it; otherwise that suspicion makes us no less guilty than if
+he really were so." Then he pricked Rozinante on, when, having gone
+round part of the mountain, they found a dead mule, saddled and
+bridled, which confirmed them in the opinion that he who fled from
+them was owner both of the mule and the portmanteau.
+
+While they stood looking at the mule, a goatherd descended, and,
+coming to the place where Don Quixote stood, he said, "I suppose,
+gentlemen, you are looking at the dead mule? in truth, it has now lain
+there these six months. Pray tell me, have you met with his master
+hereabouts?" "We have met with nothing," answered Don Quixote, "but a
+saddle-cushion and a small portmanteau, which we found not far hence."
+"I found it too," answered the goatherd, "but would by no means take
+it up, nor come near it, for fear of some mischief, and of being
+charged with theft; for the devil is subtle, and lays stumbling-blocks
+in our way, over which we fall without knowing how." "Tell me, honest
+man," said Don Quixote, "do you know who is the owner of these goods?"
+"What I know," said the goatherd, "is, that six months ago there came
+to a shepherd's hut, three leagues from this place, a genteel and
+comely youth, mounted on the very mule which lies dead there. He
+inquired which of these mountains was the most unfrequented. We told
+him it was where we now are; and so it is truly, for if you were to go
+on about half a league farther, perhaps you would never find the way
+out; and I wonder how you could get even hither, since there is no
+road nor path to lead you to it. The youth, hearing our answer, turned
+about, and made towards the part we pointed out, leaving us all
+pleased with his goodly appearance, and wondering at his question and
+at the haste he made to reach the mountain. From that time we saw him
+not again until, some days after, he issued out upon one of our
+shepherds, and, without saying a word, struck him, and immediately
+fell upon our sumpter-ass, which he plundered of our bread and cheese,
+and then fled again to the rocks with wonderful swiftness. Some of us
+sought for him nearly two days, and at last found him lying in the
+hollow of a large cork-tree. He came out to us with much gentleness,
+his garment torn, and his face so disfigured and scorched by the sun
+that we should scarcely have known him, but that his clothes, ragged
+as they were, convinced us he was the person we were in search after.
+He saluted us, and in few but civil words bid us not be surprised to
+see him in that condition, which was necessary in order to perform a
+certain penance enjoined him for his sins. We entreated him to tell us
+who he was, but could get no more from him. We also desired him to
+inform us where he might be found; because when he stood in need of
+food, we would willingly bring some to him. He thanked us, and begged
+pardon for his past violence, and promised to ask it for God's sake,
+without molesting any body. As to the place of his abode, he said he
+had only that which chance presented him wherever the night overtook
+him; and he ended his discourse with so many tears, that we must have
+been very stones not to have wept with him, considering what he was
+when we first saw him; for, as I before said, he was a very comely and
+graceful youth, and by his courteous behaviour shewed himself to be
+well-born. We judged that his mad fit was coming on, and our
+suspicions were quickly confirmed; for he suddenly darted forward, and
+fell with great fury upon one that stood next him, whom he bit and
+struck with so much violence that, if we had not released him, he
+would have taken away his life. In the midst of his rage he frequently
+called out, 'Ah, traitor Fernando! now shalt thou pay for the wrong
+thou hast done me; these hands shall tear out that heart, the dark
+dwelling of deceit and villany!' We disengaged him from our companion
+at last, with no small difficulty; upon which he suddenly left us, and
+plunged into a thicket so entangled with bushes and briers that it was
+impossible to follow him. By this we guessed that his madness returned
+by fits, and that some person, whose name is Fernando, must have done
+him some injury of so grievous a nature as to reduce him to the
+wretched condition in which he appeared. And in that we have since
+been confirmed, as he has frequently come out into the road, sometimes
+begging food of the shepherds, and at other times taking it from them
+by force; for when the mad fit is upon him, though the shepherds offer
+it freely, he will not take it without coming to blows; but when he is
+in his senses, he asks it with courtesy, and receives it with thanks,
+and even with tears. In truth, gentlemen, I must tell you," pursued
+the goatherd, "that yesterday I and four young men, two of them my
+servants and two my friends, resolved to go in search of him, and,
+having found him, either by persuasion or force carry him to the town
+of Almodovar, which is eight leagues off, there to get him cured, if
+his distemper be curable, or at least to learn who he is, and whether
+he has any relations to whom we may give notice of his misfortune.
+This, gentlemen, is all I can tell you, in answer to your inquiry; by
+which you may understand that the owner of the goods you found is the
+same wretched person who passed you so quickly:"--for Don Quixote had
+told him that he had seen a man leaping about the rocks.
+
+Don Quixote was surprised at what he heard; and being now still more
+desirous of knowing who the unfortunate madman was, he renewed his
+determination to search every part of the mountain until he should
+find him. But fortune managed better for him than he expected; for at
+that very instant the youth appeared, descending, and muttering to
+himself something which was not intelligible. The rags he wore were
+such as have been described; but as he drew near, Don Quixote
+perceived that his buff doublet, though torn to pieces, still retained
+the perfume of amber; whence he concluded that he could not possibly
+be of low condition. When he came up, he saluted them in a harsh and
+untuned voice, but with a civil air. Don Quixote politely returned the
+salute with graceful demeanour, and advanced to embrace him, and held
+him a considerable time clasped within his arms, as if they had been
+long acquainted. The other, whom we may truly call the Tattered Knight
+of the Woful, as Don Quixote was of the Sorrowful Figure, having
+suffered himself to be embraced, drew back a little, and laying his
+hands on Don Quixote's shoulders, stood contemplating him, as if to
+ascertain whether he knew him; and perhaps no less surprised at the
+aspect, demeanour, and habiliments of the knight than was Don Quixote
+at the sight of him. In short, the first who broke silence after this
+prelude was the Tattered Knight; and what he said shall be told in the
+next chapter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+_A continuation of the adventure in the Sierra Morena._
+
+
+Don Quixote listened to the Tattered Knight of the mountain, who thus
+addressed himself to him: "Assuredly, sigñor, whoever you are, I am
+obliged to you for the courtesy you have manifested towards me; and I
+wish it were in my power to serve you with more than my good-will,
+which is all that my fate allows me to offer in return for your
+civility." "So great is my desire to do you service," answered Don
+Quixote, "that I had determined to learn from yourself whether your
+affliction, which is evident by the strange life you lead, may admit
+of any remedy, and, if so, make every possible exertion to procure it;
+I conjure you also by whatever in this life you love most, to tell me
+who you are, and what has brought you hither, to live and die like a
+brute beast amidst these solitudes: an abode, if I may judge from your
+person and attire, so unsuitable to you. And I swear," added Don
+Quixote, "by the order of knighthood I have received, though unworthy
+and a sinner, to remedy your misfortune, or assist you to bewail it,
+as I have already promised." The Knight of the Mountain, hearing him
+talk thus, could only gaze upon him, viewing him from head to foot;
+and, after surveying him again and again, he said to him, "If you have
+anything to give me to eat, for God's sake let me have it; and when I
+have eaten, I will do all you desire, in return for the good wishes
+you have expressed towards me."
+
+Sancho immediately took from his wallet some provisions, wherewith the
+wretched wanderer satisfied his hunger, eating what they gave him like
+a distracted person, so ravenously that he made no interval between
+one mouthful and another. When he had finished, he made signs to them
+to follow him; and having conducted them to a little green plot, he
+there laid himself down, and the rest did the same. When the Tattered
+Knight had composed himself, he said, "If you desire that I should
+tell you the immensity of my misfortunes, you must promise not to
+interrupt the thread of my doleful history; for in the instant you do
+so, my narrative will break off." These words brought to Don Quixote's
+memory the tale related by his squire, which, because he had not
+reckoned the number of goats that had passed the river, remained
+unfinished. Don Quixote, in the name of all the rest, promised not to
+interrupt him, and upon this assurance he began in the following
+manner:
+
+"My name is Cardenio; the place of my birth one of the best cities of
+Andalusia; my family noble; my parents wealthy; my wretchedness so
+great that it must have been deplored by my parents, although not to
+be alleviated by all their wealth--for riches are of little avail in
+many of the calamities to which mankind are liable. In that city there
+existed a heaven, wherein love had placed all the joy I could desire:
+such is the beauty of Lucinda, a damsel as well-born and as rich as
+myself, though more fortunate and less constant than my honourable
+intentions deserved. This Lucinda I loved and adored from my
+childhood; and she, on her part, loved me with that innocent affection
+proper to her age. Our parents were not unacquainted with our
+attachment, nor was it displeasing to them. Our love increased with
+our years, insomuch that Lucinda's father thought it prudent to
+restrain my wonted freedom of access to his house; thus imitating the
+parents of the unfortunate Thisbe, so celebrated by the poets. This
+restraint served only to increase the ardour of our affection; for
+though it was in their power to impose silence on our tongues, they
+could not do the same on our pens, which reveal the secrets of the
+soul more effectually than even the speech; for the presence of a
+beloved object often so bewilders and confounds its faculties that the
+tongue cannot perform its office. O heavens, how many billet-doux did
+I write to her! What charming, what modest answers did I receive! How
+many sonnets did I pen! At length, my patience being exhausted, I
+resolved at once to demand her for my lawful wife; which I immediately
+did. In reply, her father thanked me for the desire I expressed to
+honour him by an alliance with his family, but that, as my father was
+living, it belonged more properly to him to make this demand; for
+without his entire concurrence the act would appear secret and
+unworthy of his Lucinda. I went therefore directly to him, and found
+him with a letter open in his hand, which he gave me, saying, 'By this
+letter you will see, Cardenio, the inclination Duke Ricardo has to do
+you service.' I read the letter, which was so extremely kind that I
+thought it would be wrong in my father not to comply with its request,
+which was, that I should be sent immediately to the duke, who was
+desirous of placing me as a companion to his eldest son.
+
+"The time fixed for my departure came. I conversed the night before
+with Lucinda, and told her all that had passed; and also entreated her
+father to wait a few days, and not to dispose of her until I knew what
+Duke Ricardo's pleasure was with me. He promised me all I desired, and
+she confirmed it with a thousand vows and a thousand faintings. I
+arrived at the residence of the duke, who treated me with so much
+kindness that envy soon became active, by possessing his servants with
+an opinion that every favour the duke conferred upon me was
+prejudicial to their interest. But the person most pleased at my
+arrival was a second son of the duke, called Fernando, a sprightly
+young gentleman, of a gallant, liberal, and loving disposition, who
+contracted so intimate a friendship with me that it became the subject
+of general conversation; and though I was treated with much favour by
+his elder brother, it was not equal to the kindness and affection of
+Don Fernando.
+
+"Now as unbounded confidence is always the effect of such intimacy, he
+revealed to me all his thoughts, and particularly a love matter, which
+gave him some disquiet. He loved a country girl, the daughter of one
+of his father's vassals. Her parents were rich, and she herself was so
+beautiful, discreet, and modest, that no one could determine in which
+of these qualities she most excelled. Don Fernando's passion for this
+lovely maiden was so excessive that he resolved to promise her
+marriage. Prompted by friendship, I employed the best arguments I
+could suggest to divert him from such a purpose; but finding it was
+all in vain, I resolved to acquaint his father, the duke, with the
+affair. Don Fernando, being artful and shrewd, suspected and feared no
+less, knowing that I could not, as a faithful servant, conceal from my
+lord and master so important a matter: and therefore, to amuse and
+deceive me, he said that he knew no better remedy for effacing the
+remembrance of the beauty that had so captivated him than to absent
+himself for some months; which he said might be effected by our going
+together to my father's house, under pretence, as he would tell the
+duke, of purchasing horses in our town, which is remarkable for
+producing the best in the world. No sooner had he made this proposal
+than, prompted by my own love, I expressed my approbation of it, as
+the best that possibly could be devised, and should have done so, even
+had it been less plausible, since it afforded me so good an
+opportunity of returning to see my dear Lucinda. At the very time he
+made this proposal to me he had already, as appeared afterwards, been
+married to the maiden, and only waited for a convenient season to
+divulge it with safety to himself, being afraid of what the duke his
+father might do when he should hear of his folly. Now love in young
+men too often expires with the attainment of its object; and what
+seems to be love vanishes, because it has nothing of the durable
+nature of true affection. In short, Don Fernando, having obtained
+possession of the country girl, his love grew faint, and his fondness
+abated; so that, in reality, that absence which he proposed as a
+remedy for his passion, he only chose in order to avoid what was now
+no longer agreeable to him. The duke consented to his proposal, and
+ordered me to bear him company.
+
+"We reached our city, and my father received him according to his
+quality. I immediately visited Lucinda; my passion revived (though, in
+truth, it had been neither dead nor asleep), and unfortunately for me,
+I revealed it to Don Fernando; thinking that, by the laws of
+friendship, nothing should be concealed from him. I expatiated so much
+on the beauty, grace, and discretion of Lucinda, that my praises
+excited in him a desire of seeing a damsel endowed with such
+accomplishments. Unhappily I consented to gratify him, and shewed her
+to him one night by the light of a taper at a window, where we were
+accustomed to converse together. He beheld her, and every beauty he
+had hitherto seen was cast into oblivion. From that time I began to
+fear and suspect him; for he was every moment talking of Lucinda, and
+would begin the subject himself, however abruptly, which awakened in
+me I know not what jealousy; and though I feared no change in the
+goodness and fidelity of Lucinda, yet I could not but dread the very
+thing against which they seemed to secure me. He also constantly
+importuned me to shew him the letters I wrote to Lucinda, as well as
+her answers, which I did, and he pretended to be extremely delighted
+with both.
+
+"Now it happened that Lucinda, having desired me to lend her a book of
+chivalry, of which she was very fond, entitled Amadis de Gaul----"
+
+Scarcely had Don Quixote heard him mention a book of chivalry, when he
+said, "Had you told me, sir, at the beginning of your story, that the
+Lady Lucinda was fond of reading books of chivalry, no more would have
+been necessary to convince me of the sublimity of her understanding.
+I pronounce her to be the most beautiful and the most ingenious woman
+in the world. Pardon me, sir, for having broken my promise by this
+interruption; but when I hear of matters appertaining to
+knights-errant and chivalry I can as well forbear talking of them as
+the beams of the sun can cease to give heat, or those of the moon to
+moisten. Pray, therefore, excuse me and proceed; for that is of most
+importance to us at present."
+
+While Don Quixote was saying all this, Cardenio hung down his head
+upon his breast, apparently in profound thought; and although Don
+Quixote twice desired him to continue his story, he neither lifted up
+his head nor answered a word. But after some time he raised it, and
+uttering some disloyalty against Queen Madasima, one of the heroines
+of the Don's books of chivalry, "It is false, I swear," answered Don
+Quixote in great wrath; "it is extreme malice, or rather villany, to
+say so; and whoever asserts it lies like a very rascal, and I will
+make him know it, on foot or on horseback, armed or unarmed, by night
+or by day, or how he pleases."
+
+Cardenio, being now mad, and hearing himself called liar and villain,
+with other such opprobrious names, did not like the jest; and catching
+up a stone that lay close by him, he threw it with such violence at
+Don Quixote's breast that it threw him on his back. Sancho Panza,
+seeing his master treated in this manner, attacked the madman with his
+clenched fist; and the Tattered Knight received him in such sort that,
+with one blow, he laid him at his feet, and then trampled upon him to
+his heart's content. The goatherd, who endeavoured to defend him,
+fared little better; and when the madman had sufficiently vented his
+fury upon them all, he left them, and quietly retired to his rocky
+haunts among the mountains. Sancho got up in a rage to find himself so
+roughly handled, and was proceeding to take revenge on the goatherd,
+telling him the fault was his, for not having given them warning that
+this man was subject to these mad fits; for had they known it, they
+might have been upon their guard. The goatherd answered that he had
+given them notice of it, and that the fault was not his. Sancho Panza
+replied, the goatherd rejoined; and the replies and rejoinders ended
+in taking each other by the beard, and coming to such blows that, if
+Don Quixote had not interposed, they would have demolished each other.
+But Sancho still kept fast hold of the goatherd, and said, "Let me
+alone, sir knight, for this fellow being a bumpkin like myself, and
+not a knight, I may very safely revenge myself by fighting with him
+hand to hand, like a man of honour." "True," said Don Quixote; "but I
+know that he is not to blame for what has happened." Hereupon Sancho
+was pacified; and Don Quixote again inquired of the goatherd whether
+it were possible to find out Cardenio; for he had a vehement desire to
+learn the end of his story. The goatherd told him, as before, that he
+did not exactly know his haunts, but that, if he waited some time
+about that part, he would not fail to meet him, either in or out of
+his senses.
+
+Don Quixote took his leave of the goatherd, and, mounting Rozinante,
+commanded Sancho to follow him; which he did very unwillingly. They
+proceeded slowly on, making their way into the most difficult recesses
+of the mountain; in the mean time Sancho was dying to converse with
+his master, but would fain have had him begin the discourse, that he
+might not disobey his orders. Being, however, unable to hold out any
+longer, he said to him, "Sigñor Don Quixote, be pleased to give me
+your worship's blessing, and my dismission; for I will get home to my
+wife and children, with whom I shall at least have the privilege of
+talking and speaking my mind; for it is very hard, and not to be borne
+with patience, for a man to ramble about all his life in quest of
+adventures, and to meet with nothing but kicks and cuffs, tossings in
+a blanket, and bangs with stones, and, with all this, to have his
+mouth sewed up, not daring to utter what he has in his heart, as if he
+were dumb." "I understand thee, Sancho," answered Don Quixote; "thou
+art impatient until I take off the embargo I have laid on thy tongue.
+Suppose it, then, removed, and thou art permitted to say what thou
+wilt, upon condition that this revocation is to last no longer than
+whilst we are wandering among these rocks." "Be it so," said Sancho;
+"let me talk now, for we know not what will be hereafter. And now,
+taking the benefit of this license, I ask what had your worship to do
+with standing up so warmly for that same Queen Magimasa, or what's her
+name? for had you let that pass, I verily believe the madman would
+have gone on with his story, and you would have escaped the thump with
+the stone, the kicks, and above half a dozen buffets."
+
+"In faith, Sancho," answered Don Quixote, "if thou didst but know, as
+I do, how honourable and how excellent a lady Queen Madasima was, I am
+certain thou wouldst acknowledge that I had a great deal of patience
+in forbearing to dash to pieces that mouth out of which such
+blasphemies issued; and to prove that Cardenio knew not what he spoke,
+thou mayest remember that when he said it he was not in his senses."
+"That is what I say," quoth Sancho; "and therefore no account should
+have been made of his words; for if good fortune had not befriended
+your worship, and directed the flint-stone at your breast instead of
+your head, we had been in a fine condition for standing up in defence
+of that dear lady; and Cardenio would have come off unpunished, being
+insane." "Against the sane and insane," answered Don Quixote, "it is
+the duty of a knight-errant to defend the honour of women,
+particularly that of a queen of such exalted worth as Queen Madasima,
+for whom I have a particular affection, on account of her excellent
+qualities; for, besides being extremely beautiful, she was very
+prudent, and very patient in her afflictions, which were numerous. But
+prythee, Sancho, peace; and henceforward attend to our matters, and
+forbear any interference with what doth not concern thee. Be
+convinced, that whatever I have done, do, or shall do, is highly
+reasonable, and exactly conformable to the rules of chivalry, which I
+am better acquainted with than all the knights who ever professed it
+in the world." "Sir," replied Sancho, "is it a good rule of chivalry
+for us to go wandering through these mountains, without either path or
+road, in quest of a madman who, perhaps, when he is found, will be
+inclined to finish what he began,--not his story, but the breaking of
+your worship's head and my ribs?"
+
+"Peace, Sancho, I repeat," said Don Quixote; "for know that it is not
+only the desire of finding the madman that brings me to these parts,
+but an intention to perform in them an exploit whereby I shall acquire
+perpetual fame and renown over the face of the whole earth; and it
+shall be such an one as shall set the seal to make an accomplished
+knight-errant." "And is this exploit a very dangerous one?" quoth
+Sancho. "No," answered the knight; "although the die may chance to run
+unfortunately for us, yet the whole will depend upon thy diligence."
+"Upon my diligence!" exclaimed Sancho. "Yes," said Don Quixote; "for
+if thy return be speedy from the place whither I intend to send thee,
+my pain will soon be over, and my glory forthwith commence; and that
+thou mayest no longer be in suspense with regard to the tendency of my
+words, I inform thee, Sancho, that the famous Amadis de Gaul was one
+of the most perfect of knights-errant--I should not say one, for he
+was the sole, the principal, the unique--in short, the prince of all
+his contemporaries. A fig for Don Belianis, and all those who say that
+he equalled Amadis in any thing; for I swear they are mistaken. I say,
+moreover, that if a painter would be famous in his art he must
+endeavour to copy after the originals of the most excellent masters.
+The same rule is also applicable to all the other arts and sciences
+which adorn the commonwealth; thus, whoever aspires to a reputation
+for prudence and patience must imitate Ulysses, in whose person and
+toils Homer draws a lively picture of those qualities; so also Virgil,
+in the character of Æneas, delineates filial piety, courage, and
+martial skill, being representations not of what they really were, but
+of what they ought to be, in order to serve as models of virtue to
+succeeding generations. Thus was Amadis the polar, the morning-star,
+and the sun of all valiant and enamoured knights, and whom all we, who
+militate under the banners of love and chivalry, ought to follow. This
+being the case, friend Sancho, that knight-errant who best imitates
+him will be most certain of arriving at pre-eminence in chivalry. And
+an occasion upon which this knight particularly displayed his
+prudence, worth, courage, patience, constancy, and love, was his
+retiring, when disdained by the Lady Oriana, to do penance on the
+poor rock, changing his name to that of Beltenebros; a name most
+certainly significant and proper for the life he had voluntarily
+chosen. Now it is easier for me to imitate him in this than in
+cleaving giants, beheading serpents, slaying dragons, routing armies,
+shattering fleets, and dissolving enchantments; and since this place
+is so well adapted for the purpose, I ought not to neglect the
+opportunity which is now so commodiously offered to me."
+
+"What is it your worship really intends to do in so remote a place as
+this?" demanded Sancho. "Have I not told thee," answered Don Quixote,
+"that I design to imitate Amadis, acting here the desperate, raving,
+and furious lover; at the same time following the example of the
+valiant Don Orlando with respect to Angelica the fair: he ran mad,
+tore up trees by the roots, disturbed the waters of the crystal
+springs, slew shepherds, destroyed flocks, fired cottages, and an
+hundred thousand other extravagances worthy of eternal record. And
+although it is not my design to imitate Orlando in all his frantic
+actions, words, and thoughts, yet I will give as good a sketch as I
+can of those which I deem most essential; or I may, perhaps, be
+content to imitate only Amadis, who, without committing any
+mischievous excesses, by tears and lamentations alone attained as much
+fame as all of them." "It seems to me," quoth Sancho, "that the
+knights who acted in such manner were provoked to it, and had a reason
+for these follies and penances; but pray what cause has your worship
+to run mad? What lady has disdained you? or what have you discovered
+to convince you that the Lady Dulcinea del Toboso has done you any
+wrong?" "There lies the point," answered Don Quixote, "and in this
+consists the refinement of my plan. A knight-errant who runs mad with
+just cause deserves no thanks; but to do so without this is the point;
+giving my lady to understand how much more I should perform were there
+a good reason on her part. But I have cause enough given me by so long
+an absence from my ever-honoured Lady Dulcinea del Toboso. Therefore,
+friend Sancho, counsel me not to refrain from so rare, so happy, and
+so unparalleled an imitation. Mad I am, and mad I must be, until thy
+return with an answer to a letter I intend to send by thee to my Lady
+Dulcinea; for if good, I shall enjoy it in my right senses; if
+otherwise, I shall be mad, and consequently insensible of my
+misfortune."
+
+While they were thus discoursing, they arrived at the foot of a high
+mountain, which stood separated from several others that surrounded
+it, as if it had been hewn out from them. Near its base ran a gentle
+stream, that watered a verdant and luxurious vale, adorned with many
+wide-spreading trees, plants, and wild flowers of various hues. This
+was the spot in which the Knight of the Sorrowful Figure chose to
+perform his penance; and while contemplating the scene, he thus broke
+forth in a loud voice: "This is the place, O ye heavens! which I
+select and appoint for bewailing the misfortune in which I am so
+cruelly involved. This is the spot where my flowing tears shall
+increase the waters of this crystal stream, and my sighs, continual
+and deep, shall incessantly move the foliage of these lofty trees, in
+testimony and token of the pain my persecuted heart endures. O ye
+rural deities, whoever ye be that inhabit these remote deserts, give
+ear to the complaints of an unhappy lover, whom long absence and some
+pangs of jealousy have driven to bewail himself among these rugged
+heights, and to complain of the cruelty of that ungrateful fair, the
+utmost extent and ultimate perfection of human beauty! And, O thou my
+squire, agreeable companion in my prosperous and adverse fortune,
+carefully imprint on thy memory what thou shalt see me here perform,
+that thou mayest recount and recite it to her who is the sole cause of
+all!" Thus saying, he alighted from Rozinante, and in an instant took
+off his bridle and saddle, and clapping him on the back, said to him,
+"O steed, as excellent for my performances as unfortunate in thy fate,
+he gives thee liberty who is himself deprived of it. Go whither thou
+wilt; for thou hast it written on thy forehead that neither Astolpho's
+Hippogriff, nor the famous Frontino, which cost Bradamante so dear,
+could match thee in speed."
+
+Sancho, observing all this, said, "Blessings be with him who saved us
+the trouble of unharnessing Dapple; for truly he should have wanted
+neither slaps nor speeches in his praise. Yet if he were here, I would
+not consent to his being unpannelled, there being no occasion for it;
+for he had nothing to do with love or despair any more than I, who was
+once his master, when it so pleased God. And truly, Sir Knight of the
+Sorrowful Figure, if it be so that my departure and your madness take
+place in earnest, it will be well to saddle Rozinante again, that he
+may supply the loss of my Dapple, and save me time in going and
+coming; for if I walk, I know not how I shall be able either to go or
+return, being, in truth, but a sorry traveller on foot." "Be that as
+thou wilt," answered Don Quixote; "for I do not disapprove thy
+proposal; and I say thou shalt depart within three days, during which
+time I intend thee to bear witness of what I do and say for her, that
+thou mayest report it accordingly." "What have I more to see," quoth
+Sancho, "than what I have already seen?" "So far thou art well
+prepared," answered Don Quixote; "but I have now to rend my garments,
+scatter my arms about, and dash my head against these rocks; with
+other things of the like sort, which will strike thee with
+admiration." "Good master," said Sancho, "content yourself, I pray
+you, with running your head against some soft thing, such as cotton;
+and leave it to me to tell my lady that you dashed your head against
+the point of a rock harder than a diamond." "I thank thee for thy good
+intentions, friend Sancho," answered Don Quixote; "but I would have
+thee to know, that all these actions of mine are no mockery, but done
+very much in earnest." "As for the three days allowed me for seeing
+your mad pranks," interrupted Sancho, "I beseech you to reckon them as
+already passed; for I take all for granted, and will tell wonders to
+my lady: do you write the letter, and despatch me quickly, for I long
+to come back and release your worship from this purgatory, in which I
+leave you."
+
+"But how," said Don Quixote, "shall we contrive to write the letter?"
+"And the ass-colt bill?" added Sancho. "Nothing shall be omitted,"
+said Don Quixote; "and since we have no paper, we shall do well to
+write it as the ancients did, on the leaves of trees, or on tablets of
+wax; though it will be as difficult at present to meet with these as
+with paper. But, now I recollect, it may be as well, or indeed better,
+to write it in Cardenio's pocket-book, and you will take care to get
+it fairly transcribed upon paper in the first town you reach where
+there is a schoolmaster." "But what must we do about the signing it
+with your own hand?" said Sancho. "The letters of Amadis were never
+subscribed," answered Don Quixote. "Very well," replied Sancho; "but
+the order for the colts must needs be signed by yourself; for if that
+be copied, they will say it is a false signature, and I shall be
+forced to go without the colts." "The order shall be signed in the
+same pocket-book; and, at sight of it, my niece will make no
+difficulty in complying with it. As to the love-letter, let it be
+subscribed thus: 'Yours until death, the Knight of the Sorrowful
+Figure.' And it is of little importance whether it be written in
+another hand; for I remember, Dulcinea has never seen a letter or
+writing of mine in her whole life; for our loves have always been of
+the platonic kind, extending no farther than to modest glances at each
+other; such is the reserve and seclusion in which she is brought up by
+her father Lorenzo Corchuelo, and her mother Aldonza Nogales!"
+
+"Ah!" quoth Sancho, "the daughter of Lorenzo Corchuelo! Is she the
+Lady Dulcinea del Toboso, otherwise called Aldonza Lorenzo?" "It is
+even she," said Don Quixote, "and she deserves to be mistress of the
+universe." "I know her well," quoth Sancho; "and I can assure you she
+will pitch the bar with the lustiest swain in the parish; straight and
+vigorous, and I warrant can make her part good with any knight-errant
+that shall have her for his lady. Oh, what a pair of lungs and a voice
+she has! I remember she got out one day upon the bell-tower of the
+church, to call some young ploughmen, who were in a field of her
+father's; and though they were half a league off, they heard her as
+plainly as if they had stood at the foot of the tower; and the best of
+her is, that she is not at all coy, but as bold as a court lady, and
+makes a jest and a may-game of every body. I say, then, Sir Knight of
+the Sorrowful Figure, that you not only may and ought to run mad for
+her, but also you may justly despair and hang yourself; and nobody
+that hears it but will say you did extremely well. However, I am
+anxious to see her; for I have not met with her this many a day, and
+by this time she must needs be altered; for it mightily spoils women's
+faces to be abroad in the field, exposed to the sun and weather. But,
+all things considered, what good can it do to the Lady Aldonza
+Lorenzo--I mean the Lady Dulcinea del Toboso--to have the vanquished
+whom your worship sends or may send falling upon their knees before
+her? For perhaps at the time they arrive she may be carding flax, or
+threshing in the barn, and they may be confounded at the sight of her,
+and she may laugh and care little for the present." "I have often told
+thee, Sancho," said Don Quixote, "that thou art an eternal babbler,
+and though void of wit, thy bluntness often stings; but, to convince
+thee at once of thy folly and my discretion, I will tell thee a short
+tale.
+
+"Know, then, that a certain widow, handsome, young, gay, and rich, and
+withal no prude, fell in love with a young man, handsome, well-made,
+and active. A relative heard of it, and one day took occasion to speak
+to the good widow in the way of brotherly reprehension. 'I wonder,
+madam,' said he, 'that a woman of your quality, so beautiful and so
+rich, should fall in love with such a despicable, mean, silly fellow;
+when there are, in this house, so many graduates, scholars, and
+dignitaries, among whom you might pick and choose, and say, this I
+like and this I leave, as you would among pears.' But she answered him
+with great frankness and gaiety, 'You are much mistaken, worthy sir,
+and your sentiments are very antiquated, if you imagine that I have
+made an ill choice in that fellow, silly as he may appear, since, for
+aught that I desire of him, he knows as much of philosophy as
+Aristotle himself, if not more.' In like manner, Sancho, Dulcinea del
+Toboso deserves as highly as the greatest princess on earth. For of
+those poets who have celebrated the praises of ladies under fictitious
+names many had no such mistresses. Thinkest thou that the Amaryllises,
+the Phyllises, the Silvias, the Dianas, the Galateas, the Alidas, and
+the like, famous in books, ballads, barbers' shops, and stage-plays,
+were really ladies of flesh and blood, and beloved by those who have
+celebrated them? Certainly not: they are mostly feigned, to supply
+subjects for verse, and to make the authors pass for men of gallantry.
+It is therefore sufficient that I think and believe that the good
+Aldonza Lorenzo is beautiful and modest; and as to her lineage, it
+matters not, for no inquiry concerning it is requisite; and to me it
+is unnecessary, as I regard her as the greatest princess in the world.
+For thou must know, Sancho, that two things, above all others, incite
+to love; namely, beauty and a good name. Now both these are to be
+found in perfection in Dulcinea; for in beauty none can be compared to
+her, and for purity of reputation few can equal her. In fine, I
+conceive she is exactly what I have described, and every thing that I
+can desire, both as to beauty and quality, unequalled by Helen, or by
+Lucretia, or any other of the famous women of antiquity, whether
+Grecian, Roman, or Goth; and I care not what be said, since, if upon
+this account I am blamed by the ignorant, I shall be acquitted by the
+wise." "Your worship," replied Sancho, "is always in the right, and I
+am an ass--why do I mention an ass?--one should not talk of halters in
+the house of the hanged. But I am off--give me the letter, sir, and
+peace be with you."
+
+Don Quixote took out the pocket-book to write the letter; and having
+finished, he called Sancho, and said he would read it to him, that he
+might have it by heart, lest he might perchance lose it by the way;
+for every thing was to be feared from his evil destiny. To which
+Sancho answered: "Write it, sir, two or three times in the book, and
+give it me, and I will take good care of it; but to suppose that I can
+carry it in my memory is a folly; for mine is so bad that I often
+forget my own name. Your worship, however, may read it to me; I shall
+be glad to hear it, for it must needs be very much to the purpose."
+"Listen, then," said Don Quixote, "this is what I have written:
+
+
+_Don Quixote's Letter to Dulcinea del Toboso._
+
+"High and sovereign lady,--He who is stabbed by the point of absence,
+and pierced by the arrows of love, O sweetest Dulcinea del Toboso,
+greets thee with wishes for that health which he enjoys not himself.
+If thy beauty despise me, if thy worth favour me not, and if thy
+disdain still pursue me, although inured to suffering, I shall ill
+support an affliction which is not only severe but lasting. My good
+squire Sancho will tell thee, O ungrateful fair and most beloved foe,
+to what a state I am reduced on thy account. If it be thy pleasure to
+relieve me, I am thine; if not, do what seemeth good to thee: for by
+my death I shall at once appease thy cruelty and my own passion.
+
+ Until death thine,
+
+ THE KNIGHT OF THE SORROWFUL FIGURE."
+
+
+"By the life of my father," quoth Sancho, after hearing the letter,
+"it is the finest thing I ever heard. How choicely your worship
+expresses whatever you please! and how well you close all with 'the
+Knight of the Sorrowful Figure!' Verily, there is nothing but what you
+know." "The profession which I have embraced," answered Don Quixote,
+"requires a knowledge of everything." "Well, then," said Sancho, "pray
+put on the other side the order for the three ass-colts, and sign it
+very plain, that people may know your hand at first sight." "With all
+my heart," said the knight; and having written it, he read as
+follows:--
+
+"Dear niece,--at sight of this, my first bill of ass-colts, give order
+that three out of the five I left at home in your custody be delivered
+to Sancho Panza, my squire; which three colts I order to be delivered
+and paid for the like number received of him here in tale; and this,
+with his acquittance, shall be your discharge. Done in the heart of
+the Sierra Morena, the twenty-second of August, this present year----"
+
+"It is mighty well," said Sancho; "now you have only to sign it." "It
+wants no signing," said Don Quixote; "I need only put my cipher to it,
+which is the same thing, and is sufficient, not only for three, but
+for three hundred asses." "I rely upon your worship," answered Sancho;
+"let me go and saddle Rozinante, and prepare to give me your blessing;
+for I intend to depart immediately, without staying to see the frolics
+you are about to commit; and I will tell quite enough to satisfy her.
+But in the mean time, setting that aside, what has your worship to eat
+until my return? Are you to go upon the highway, to rob the shepherds,
+like Cardenio?" "Trouble not yourself about that," answered Don
+Quixote; "for were I otherwise provided, I should eat nothing but the
+herbs and fruits which here grow wild: for abstinence and other
+austerities are essential in this affair." "Now I think of it, sir,"
+said Sancho, "how shall I be able to find my way back again to this
+bye-place?" "Observe and mark well the spot, and I will endeavour to
+remain near it," said Don Quixote; "and will, moreover, ascend some of
+the highest ridges to discover thee upon thy return. But the surest
+way not to miss me, or lose thyself, will be to cut down some of the
+broom that abounds here, and scatter it here and there, on thy way to
+the plain, to serve as marks and tokens to guide thee on thy return,
+in imitation of Theseus's clue to the labyrinth."
+
+Sancho Panza followed this counsel; and having provided himself with
+branches, he begged his master's blessing, and, not without many tears
+on both sides, took his leave of him; and mounting upon Rozinante,
+with an especial charge from Don Quixote to regard him as he would his
+own proper person, he rode towards the plain, strewing the boughs at
+intervals, as his master had directed him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+_Of what happened to Don Quixote's Squire, with the famous device of
+the Curate and the Barber._
+
+
+The history recounting what the Knight of the Sorrowful Figure did
+when he found himself alone, informs us that, having performed many
+strange antics after Sancho's departure, he mounted the top of a high
+rock, and began to deliberate on a subject that he had often
+considered before, without coming to any resolution; that was, which
+was the best and most proper model for his imitation, Orlando in his
+furious fits, or Amadis in his melancholy moods; and thus he argued
+with himself: "If Orlando was as valiant a knight as he is allowed to
+have been, where is the wonder? since, in fact, he was enchanted, and
+could only be slain by having a needle thrust into the sole of his
+foot; therefore he always wore shoes of iron. But setting aside his
+valour, let us consider his madness; and if he was convinced of his
+lady's cruelty, it was no wonder he ran mad. But how can I imitate him
+in his frenzy without a similar cause? I should do my Dulcinea
+manifest wrong if I should be seized with the same species of frenzy
+as that of Orlando Furioso. On the other side, I see that Amadis de
+Gaul, finding himself disdained by his Lady Oriana, only retired to
+the poor rock, accompanied by a hermit, and there wept abundantly
+until Heaven succoured him in his great tribulation. All honour, then,
+to the memory of Amadis! and let him be the model of Don Quixote de la
+Mancha, of whom shall be said, that if he did not achieve great
+things, he at least died in attempting them; and though neither
+rejected nor disdained by my Dulcinea, it is sufficient that I am
+absent from her. Now to the work; come to my memory, ye deeds of
+Amadis, and instruct me in the task of imitation!" He thus passed the
+time, and in writing and graving on the barks of trees many verses of
+a plaintive kind, or in praise of his Dulcinea. Among those afterwards
+discovered, only the following were entire and legible:
+
+ I.
+
+ Ye lofty trees, with spreading arms,
+ The pride and shelter of the plain;
+ Ye humbler shrubs and flowery charms,
+ Which here in springing glory reign!
+ If my complaints may pity move,
+ Hear the sad story of my love!
+ While with me here you pass your hours,
+ Should you grow faded with my cares,
+ I'll bribe you with refreshing showers;
+ You shall be watered with my tears.
+ Distant, though present in idea,
+ I mourn my absent Dulcinea
+ Del Toboso.
+
+ II.
+
+ While I through honour's thorny ways
+ In search of distant glory rove,
+ Malignant fate my toil repays
+ With endless woes and hopeless love.
+ Thus I on barren rocks despair,
+ And curse my stars, yet bless my fair.
+ Love, armed with snakes, has left his dart,
+ And now does like a fury rave,
+ And scourge and sting on every part,
+ And into madness lash his slave.
+ Distant, though present in idea,
+ I mourn my absent Dulcinea
+ Del Toboso.
+
+The whimsical addition at the end of each stanza occasioned no small
+amusement to those who found the verses; for they concluded that Don
+Quixote had thought that, unless to the name of "Dulcinea" he added
+"Del Toboso," the object of his praise would not be known--and they
+were right, as he afterwards confessed. Here, however, it will be
+proper to leave him, wrapped up in poetry and grief, to relate what
+happened to the squire during his embassy.
+
+As soon as Sancho had gained the high road, he directed his course to
+Toboso, and the next day he came within sight of the inn where the
+misfortune of the blanket had befallen him; and fancying himself again
+flying in the air, he felt no disposition to enter it, although it was
+then the hour of dinner, and he longed for something warm. And as he
+stood doubtful whether or not to enter, two persons came out who
+recognised him. "Pray, sigñor," said one to the other, "is not that
+Sancho Panza yonder on horseback, who, as our friend's housekeeper
+told us, accompanied her master as his squire?" "Truly it is," said
+the licentiate; "and that is our Don Quixote's horse." No wonder they
+knew him so well, for they were the priest and the barber of his
+village, and the very persons who had passed sentence on the
+mischievous books. Being now certain it was Sancho Panza and
+Rozinante, and hoping to hear some tidings of Don Quixote, the priest
+went up to him, and calling him by his name, "Friend," said he, "where
+have you left your master?" Sancho immediately knew them, and resolved
+to conceal the place of Don Quixote's retreat; he therefore told them
+that his master was very busy about a certain affair of the greatest
+importance to himself, which he durst not discover for the eyes in his
+head. "No, no," quoth the barber, "that story will not pass. If you do
+not tell us where he is, we shall conclude that you have murdered and
+robbed him, since you come thus upon his horse. See, then, that you
+produce the owner of that horse, or woe be to you!" He then freely
+related to them in what state he had left him, and how he was then
+carrying a letter to the Lady Dulcinea del Toboso, with whom his
+master was up to the ears in love.
+
+They were astonished at Sancho's report; and though they knew the
+nature of their friend's derangement, yet every fresh instance was a
+new source of wonder. They begged Sancho to shew them the letter he
+was carrying to the lady. He said it was written in a pocket-book, and
+that his master had ordered him to get it copied in the first town he
+should arrive at. The priest said, if he would shew it to him, he
+would transcribe it in a fair character. Sancho put his hand into his
+bosom to take out the book, but found it not; for it remained with its
+owner, who had forgotten to give it him. When Sancho found he had no
+book, he turned as pale as death; he laid hold of his beard with both
+hands, and tore away half of it, bestowing at the same time sundry
+blows upon his nose and mouth. The priest and barber asked him
+wherefore he treated himself so roughly. "Wherefore?" answered Sancho,
+"but that I have let slip through my fingers three ass-colts, each of
+them a castle!" "How so?" replied the barber. "I have lost the
+pocket-book," answered Sancho, "that contained the letter to Dulcinea,
+and a bill signed by my master, in which he ordered his niece to
+deliver to me three colts out of four or five he had at home." This
+led him to mention his loss of Dapple; but the priest bid him be of
+good cheer, telling him that when he saw his master he would engage
+him to renew the order in a regular way; for one written in a
+pocket-book would not be accepted. Sancho was comforted by this, and
+said that he did not care for the loss of the letter, as he could
+almost say it by heart; so they might write it down, where and when
+they pleased. "Repeat it, then, Sancho," quoth the barber, "and we
+will write it afterwards." Sancho then began to scratch his head, in
+order to fetch the letter to his remembrance; now he stood upon one
+foot, and then upon the other; sometimes he looked down upon the
+ground, sometimes up to the sky; then, biting off half a nail, and
+keeping his hearers long in expectation, he said, "At the beginning I
+believe it said, 'High and subterrane lady.'" "No," said the barber,
+"not subterrane, but superhumane lady." "Ay, so it was," said Sancho.
+"Then, if I do not mistake, it went on, 'the stabbed, the waking, and
+the pierced, kisses your honour's hands, ungrateful and most
+regardless fair;' and then it said I know not what of 'health and
+sickness that he sent;' and so he went on, until at last he ended with
+'thine till death, the Knight of the Sorrowful Figure.'"
+
+They were both greatly diverted at Sancho's excellent memory, desiring
+him to repeat the letter twice more, that they also might get it by
+heart, in order to write it down in due time. Thrice Sancho repeated
+it, and added to it fifty other extravagances; relating to them also
+many other things concerning his master, but not a word of the
+blanket. He informed them likewise, how his lord, upon his return with
+a kind despatch from his Lady Dulcinea, was to set about endeavouring
+to become an emperor, or at least a king (for so it was concerted
+between them)--a thing that would be very easily done, considering the
+valour and strength of his arm; and when this was accomplished, his
+master was to marry him (as by that time he should, probably, be a
+widower), and give him to wife one of the empress's maids of honour,
+heiress to a large and rich territory on the mainland; for as to
+islands, he was quite out of conceit with them. "You talk like a wise
+man," said the priest, "and a good Christian; but we must now contrive
+to relieve your master from this unprofitable penance."
+
+So having deliberated together on the best means of accomplishing
+their purpose, a device occurred to the priest, exactly fitted to Don
+Quixote's humour, and likely to effect what they desired; which was,
+that he should perform himself the part of a damsel-errant, and the
+barber equip himself as her squire; in which disguise they should
+repair to Don Quixote; and the curate, presenting himself as an
+afflicted and distressed lady, should beg a boon of him, which he, as
+a valorous knight-errant, could not do otherwise than grant; and this
+should be a request that he would accompany her whither she should
+lead him, to redress an injury done her by a discourteous knight;
+entreating him, at the same time, not to desire her to remove her
+mask, nor make any farther inquiries concerning her, until he had done
+her justice on that wicked knight. He made no doubt but that Don
+Quixote would consent to any such terms; and they might thus get him
+away from that place, and carry him home, where they would endeavour
+to find some remedy for his extraordinary malady.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+_How the Priest and the Barber proceeded in their project; with other
+things worthy of being related._
+
+
+The barber liked well the priest's contrivance, and they immediately
+began to carry it into execution. They borrowed a petticoat and
+head-dress of the landlady; and the barber made himself a huge beard
+of the tail of a pied ox, in which the innkeeper used to hang his
+comb. The hostess having asked them for what purpose they wanted those
+things, the priest gave her a brief account of Don Quixote's insanity,
+and the necessity of that disguise to draw him from his present
+retreat. The host and hostess immediately conjectured that this was
+the same person who had once been their guest, and the master of the
+blanketed squire; and they related to the priest what had passed
+between them, without omitting what Sancho had been so careful to
+conceal. In the mean time the landlady equipped the priest to
+admiration: she put him on a cloth petticoat all pinked and slashed,
+and a corset of green velvet with a border of white satin. The priest
+would not consent to wear a woman's head-dress, but put on a little
+white quilted cap, which he used as a night-cap, and bound one of his
+garters of black taffeta about his forehead, and with the other made a
+kind of veil, which covered his face and beard very well. He then
+pulled his hat over his face, which was so large that it served him
+for an umbrella; and wrapping his cloak around him, he got upon his
+mule sideways like a woman. The barber mounted also, with a beard that
+reached to his girdle, of a colour between sorrel and white, being, as
+before said, made of the tail of a pied ox.
+
+But scarcely had they got out of the inn when the curate began to
+think that it was indecent for a priest to be so accoutred, although
+for so good a purpose; and, acquainting the barber with his scruples,
+he begged him to exchange apparel, as it would better become him to
+personate the distressed damsel, and he would himself act the squire,
+as being a less profanation of his dignity.
+
+They now set forward on their journey; but first they told Sancho that
+their disguise was of the utmost importance towards disengaging his
+master from the miserable life he had chosen; and that he must by no
+means tell him who they were; and if he should inquire, as no doubt he
+would, whether he had delivered the letter to Dulcinea, he should say
+he had; and that she, not being able to read or write, had answered by
+word of mouth, and commanded the knight, on pain of her displeasure,
+to repair to her immediately upon an affair of much importance: for,
+with this, and what they intended to say themselves, they should
+certainly reconcile him to a better mode of life, and put him in the
+way of soon becoming an emperor or a king; as to an archbishop, he had
+nothing to fear on that subject. Sancho listened to all this, and
+imprinted it well in his memory; and gave them many thanks for
+promising to advise his lord to be an emperor, and not an archbishop;
+for he was persuaded that, in rewarding their squires, emperors could
+do more than archbishops-errant. He told them also it would be proper
+he should go before, to find him, and deliver him his lady's answer;
+for, perhaps, that alone would be sufficient to bring him out of that
+place, without farther trouble. They agreed with Sancho, and
+determined to wait for his return with intelligence of his master.
+Sancho entered the mountain pass, and left them in a pleasant spot,
+refreshed by a streamlet of clear water, and shaded by rocks and
+overhanging foliage.
+
+While they were reposing in the shade, a voice reached their ears,
+which, although unaccompanied by any instrument, sounded sweet and
+melodious. They were much surprised, since that was not a place where
+they might expect to hear fine singing; for although it is common to
+tell of shepherds with melodious voices warbling over hills and dales,
+yet this is rather poetical fancy than plain truth. Besides, the
+verses they heard were not those of a rustic muse, but of refined and
+courtly invention, as will appear by the following stanzas:
+
+ I.
+
+ What makes me languish and complain?
+ O 'tis disdain!
+ What yet more fiercely tortures me?
+ 'Tis jealousy.
+ How have I my patience lost?
+ By absence crossed.
+ Then, hope, farewell, there's no relief;
+ I sink beneath oppressing grief;
+ Nor can a wretch, without despair,
+ Scorn, jealousy, and absence bear.
+
+ II.
+
+ Where shall I find a speedy cure?
+ Death is sure.
+ No milder means to set me free?
+ Inconstancy.
+ Can nothing else my pains assuage?
+ Distracting rage.
+ What, die or change? Lucinda lose?
+ O rather let me madness choose!
+ But judge what we endure,
+ When death or madness are a cure!
+
+The hour, the season, the solitude, the voice, and the skill of the
+singer, all conspired to impress the auditors with wonder and delight,
+and they remained for some time motionless, in expectation of hearing
+more; but finding the silence continue, they resolved to see who it
+was who had sung so agreeably; and were again detained by the same
+voice regaling their ears with this other song:
+
+ A Sonnet.
+
+ O sacred Friendship, Heaven's delight,
+ Which, tired with man's unequal mind,
+ Took to thy native skies thy flight,
+ While scarce thy shadow's left behind!
+
+ Bless'd genius, now resume thy seat!
+ Destroy imposture and deceit;
+ Harmonious peace and truth renew,
+ Shew the false friendship from the true.
+
+The song ended with a deep sigh; and they went in search of the
+unhappy person whose voice was no less excellent than his complaints
+were mournful. They had not gone far when, turning the point of a
+rock, they perceived a man of the same appearance that Sancho had
+described Cardenio to them. The man expressed no surprise, but stood
+still in a pensive posture, without again raising his eyes from the
+ground. The priest, who was a well-spoken man, went up to him, and, in
+few but very impressive words, entreated him to forsake that miserable
+kind of life, and not hazard so great a misfortune as to lose it in
+that inhospitable place. Cardenio was at this time perfectly tranquil,
+and he appeared surprised to hear them speak of his concerns, and
+replied, "It is very evident to me, gentlemen, whoever you are, that
+Heaven, which succours the good, and often even the wicked, unworthy
+as I am, sends to me in this solitude persons who, being sensible how
+irrational is my mode of life, would divert me from it; but by flying
+from this misery I shall be plunged into worse; for so overwhelming is
+the sense of my misery, I sometimes become like a stone, void of all
+knowledge and sensation. But, gentlemen, if you come with the same
+intention that others have done, I beseech you to hear my sad story,
+and spare yourselves the trouble of endeavouring to find consolation
+for an evil which has no remedy."
+
+The two friends, being desirous of hearing his own account of himself,
+entreated him to indulge them, assuring him they would do nothing but
+what was agreeable to him, either in the way of remedy or advice. The
+unhappy young man began his melancholy story thus, almost in the same
+words in which he had related it to Don Quixote and the goatherd some
+few days before, when, on account of Queen Madasima, and Don Quixote's
+zeal in defending the honour of knight-errantry, the tale was abruptly
+suspended; but Cardenio's sane interval now enabled him to conclude it
+quietly. On coming to the circumstance of the love-letters, he
+repeated one which Don Fernando found between the leaves of Amadis de
+Gaul, which had been first lent to Lucinda, and afterwards to him. It
+was as follows:
+
+
+"'Each day I discover in you qualities which raise you in my esteem;
+and therefore, if you would put it in my power to discharge my
+obligations to you, without prejudice to my honour, you may easily do
+it. I have a father who knows you, and has an affection for me; who
+will never force my inclinations, and will comply with whatever you
+can justly desire, if you really have that value for me which you
+profess, and which I trust you have.'
+
+
+"This letter had made me resolve to demand Lucinda in marriage; but it
+was this letter, also, which made him determine upon my ruin before my
+design could be effected. I told Don Fernando that Lucinda's father
+expected that the proposal should come from mine, but that I durst not
+mention it to him, lest he should refuse his consent; not that he was
+ignorant of Lucinda's exalted merits, which might ennoble any family
+of Spain; but because I had understood from him that he was desirous I
+should not marry until it should be seen what Duke Ricardo would do
+for me. In short, I told him that I had not courage to speak to my
+father about it, being full of vague apprehensions and sad
+forebodings. In reply to all this, Don Fernando engaged to induce my
+father to propose me to the father of Lucinda----O ambitious Marius!
+cruel Catiline! wicked Sylla! crafty Galalon! perfidious Vellido!
+vindictive Julian! O covetous Judas! cruel, wicked, and crafty
+traitor! what injury had been done thee by a poor wretch who so
+frankly disclosed to thee the secrets of his heart? Wherein had I
+offended thee? Have I not ever sought the advancement of thy interest
+and honour? But why do I complain--miserable wretch that I am! For
+when the stars are adverse, what is human power? Who could have
+thought that Don Fernando, obliged by my services, and secure of
+success wherever his inclinations led him, should take such cruel
+pains to deprive me of my jewel?--But no more of these unavailing
+reflections; I will now resume the broken thread of my sad story.
+
+"Don Fernando, thinking my presence an obstacle to the execution of
+his treacherous design, resolved to send me to pay for six horses
+which he had bought, merely as a pretext to get me out of the way,
+that he might the more conveniently execute his diabolical purpose.
+Could I foresee such treachery? Could I even suspect it? Surely not:
+and I cheerfully consented to depart immediately. That night I had an
+interview with Lucinda, and told her what had been agreed upon between
+Don Fernando and myself, assuring her of my hopes of a successful
+result. She, equally unsuspicious of Don Fernando, desired me to
+return speedily, since she believed the completion of our wishes was
+only deferred until proposals should be made to her father by mine. I
+know not whence it was, but as she spoke her eyes filled with tears,
+and some sudden obstruction in her throat prevented her articulating
+another word.
+
+"I executed my commission to Don Fernando's brother, by whom I was
+well received, but not soon dismissed. All this was a contrivance of
+the false Fernando; and I felt disposed to resist the injunction, as
+it seemed to me impossible to support life so many days absent from
+Lucinda, especially having left her in such a state of dejection.
+Judge of my horror on receiving from her the following letter, which
+she contrived to send to me a distance of eighteen leagues by a
+special messenger:
+
+"'The promise Don Fernando gave you to intercede with your father he
+has fulfilled, more for his own gratification than your interest.
+Know, sir, that he has demanded me to wife; and my father, allured by
+the advantage he thinks Don Fernando possesses over you, has accepted
+this proposal so eagerly that the marriage is to be solemnised two
+days hence! Conceive my situation! Heaven grant this may come to your
+hand before mine be compelled to join his who breaks his promised
+faith!'
+
+
+"I set out immediately; my rage against Don Fernando, and the fear of
+losing the rich reward of my long service and affection, gave wings to
+my speed; and the next day I reached our town, at the moment
+favourable for an interview with Lucinda. I went privately, having
+left my mule with the honest man who brought me the letter, and
+fortune was just then so propitious that I found Lucinda at the grate.
+We saw each other--but how? Who is there in the world that can boast
+of having fathomed and thoroughly penetrated the intricate and
+ever-changing nature of woman? Certainly none. As soon as Lucinda saw
+me she said, 'Cardenio, I am in my bridal habit; they are now waiting
+for me in the hall--the treacherous Don Fernando and my covetous
+father, with some others, who shall sooner be witnesses of my death
+than of my nuptials. Be not afflicted, my friend; but endeavour to be
+present at this sacrifice, which, if my arguments cannot avert, I
+carry a dagger about me, which can oppose a more effectual resistance,
+by putting an end to my life, and will give you a convincing proof of
+the affection I have ever borne you.' I answered, with confusion and
+precipitation, 'Let your actions, madam, prove the truth of your
+words. If you carry a dagger to secure your honour, I carry a sword to
+defend you, or kill myself if fortune proves adverse.' I do not
+believe she heard all I said, being hastily called away; for the
+bridegroom waited for her. Here the night of my sorrow closed in upon
+me; here set the sun of my happiness! My eyes were clouded in
+darkness, and my brain was disordered! I was irresolute whether to
+enter her house, and seemed bereaved of the power to move; but
+recollecting how important my presence might be on that occasion, I
+exerted myself, and hastened thither. Being perfectly acquainted with
+all the avenues, I escaped observation, and concealed myself in the
+hall behind the hangings, whence I could see all that passed. Who can
+describe the flutterings of my heart, and my various sensations, as I
+stood there? The bridegroom entered the hall, in his usual dress,
+accompanied by a cousin of Lucinda; and no other person was present,
+except the servants of the house. Soon after, from a dressing-room,
+came forth Lucinda, accompanied by her mother and two of her own
+maids, adorned in the extreme of courtly splendour. The agony and
+distraction I endured allowed me not to observe the particulars of her
+dress; I remarked only the colours, which were carnation and white,
+and the precious stones that glittered on every part of her attire;
+surpassed, however, by the singular beauty of her fair and golden
+tresses, in the splendour of which the brilliance of her jewels and
+the blaze of the surrounding lights seemed to be lost. O memory, thou
+mortal enemy of my repose! Were it not better, thou cruel faculty, to
+represent to my imagination her conduct at that period, that, moved by
+so flagrant an injury, I may strive, if not to avenge it, at least to
+end this life of pain?
+
+"I say, then," continued Cardenio, "that, being all assembled in the
+hall, the priest entered, and having taken them both by the hand, in
+order to perform what is necessary on such occasions, when he came to
+these words, 'Will you, Sigñora Lucinda, take Sigñor Don Fernando, who
+is here present, for your lawful husband, as our holy mother the
+Church commands?' I thrust out my head and neck through the tapestry,
+and with attentive ears and distracted soul awaited Lucinda's reply,
+as the sentence of my death, or the confirmation of my life. Oh, that
+I had then dared to venture forth, and to have cried aloud--'Ah,
+Lucinda, Lucinda! Remember that you are mine, and cannot belong to
+another.' Ah, fool that I am! Now I am absent, I can say what I ought
+to have said, but did not! Now that I have suffered myself to be
+robbed of my soul's treasure I am cursing the thief, on whom I might
+have revenged myself, if I had been then as prompt to act as I am now
+to complain! I was then a coward and a fool; no wonder therefore if I
+now die ashamed, repentant, and mad.
+
+"The priest stood expecting Lucinda's answer, who paused for a long
+time; and when I thought she would draw forth the dagger in defence of
+her honour, or make some declaration which might redound to my
+advantage, I heard her say in a low and faint voice, 'I will.' Don
+Fernando said the same, and the ring being put on, they remained tied
+in an indissoluble band. The bridegroom approached to embrace his
+bride; and she, laying her hand on her heart, fainted in the arms of
+her mother. Imagine my condition after that fatal Yes, by which my
+hopes were frustrated, Lucinda's vows and promises broken, and I for
+ever deprived of all chance of happiness. On Lucinda's fainting, all
+were in confusion; and her mother, unlacing her bosom to give her air,
+discovered in it a folded paper, which Don Fernando instantly seized,
+and read it by the light of one of the flambeaux; after which, he sat
+himself down in a chair, apparently full of thought, and without
+attending to the exertions made to recover his bride.
+
+"During this general consternation I departed, indifferent whether I
+was seen or not. I quitted the house, and returning to the place where
+I had left the mule, I mounted and rode out of the town, not daring to
+stop, or even to look behind me; and when I found myself alone on the
+plain, concealed by the darkness of the night, the silence inviting my
+lamentations, I gave vent to a thousand execrations on Lucinda and Don
+Fernando, as if that, alas, could afford me satisfaction for the
+wrongs I had sustained. I called her cruel, false, and ungrateful; and
+above all, mercenary, since the wealth of my enemy had seduced her
+affections from me. But amidst all these reproaches I sought to find
+excuses for her submission to parents whom she had ever been
+accustomed implicitly to obey; especially as they offered her a
+husband with such powerful attractions. Then again I considered that
+she need not have been ashamed of avowing her engagement to me, since,
+had it not been for Don Fernando's proposals, her parents could not
+have desired a more suitable connexion; and I thought how easily she
+could have declared herself mine, when on the point of giving her hand
+to my rival. In fine, I concluded that her love had been less than her
+ambition, and she had thus forgotten those promises by which she had
+beguiled my hopes and cherished my passion.
+
+"In the utmost perturbation of mind, I journeyed on the rest of the
+night, and at daybreak reached these mountains, over which I wandered
+three days more, without road or path, until I came to a valley not
+far hence; and inquiring of some shepherds for the most rude and
+solitary part, they directed me to this place; where I instantly came,
+determined to pass here the remainder of my life. Among these crags,
+my mule fell down dead through weariness and hunger; and thus was I
+left, extended on the ground, famished and exhausted, neither hoping
+nor caring for relief. How long I continued in this state I know not;
+but at length I got up, without the sensation of hunger, and found
+near me some goatherds, who had undoubtedly relieved my wants: they
+told me of the condition in which they found me, and of many wild and
+extravagant things that I had uttered, clearly proving the derangement
+of my intellects; and I am conscious that since then I have committed
+a thousand extravagances, tearing my garments, cursing my fortune, and
+repeating in vain the beloved name of my enemy. When my senses return,
+I find myself so weary and bruised that I can scarcely move. My usual
+abode is in the hollow of a cork-tree, large enough to enclose this
+wretched body. Thus I pass my miserable life, waiting until it shall
+please Heaven to bring it to a period, or erase from my memory the
+beauty and treachery of Lucinda and the perfidy of Don Fernando;
+otherwise, Heaven have mercy on me, for I feel no power to change my
+mode of life."
+
+Here Cardenio concluded his long tale of love and sorrow; and just as
+the priest was preparing to say something consolatory, he was
+prevented by the sound of a human voice, which, in a mournful tone,
+was heard to say what will be related in the following chapter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+_Of the new and agreeable adventure that befell the Priest and the
+Barber, and of the beautiful Dorothea._
+
+
+"Alas, is it possible that I have at last found out a place which will
+afford a private grave to this miserable body, whose load I so repine
+to bear? Yes, if the silence and solitude of these deserts do not
+deceive me, here I may die concealed from human eyes. Ah me! ah
+wretched creature! to what extremity has affliction driven me, reduced
+to think these hideous woods and rocks a kind retreat! It is true,
+indeed, I may here freely complain to Heaven, and beg for that relief
+which I might ask in vain of false mankind; for it is vain, I find, to
+seek below either counsel, ease, or remedy."
+
+[Illustration: DON QUIXOTE. P. 96.]
+
+The curate and his company, hearing all this distinctly, and
+conceiving they must be near the person who thus expressed his grief,
+rose to find him out. They had not gone above twenty paces before they
+spied a youth in a country habit, sitting at the foot of a rock behind
+an ash-tree; but they could not well see his face, being bowed almost
+upon his knees, as he sat washing his feet in a rivulet that glided
+by. They approached him so softly that he did not perceive them; and
+as he was gently paddling in the clear water, they had time to discern
+that his legs were as white as alabaster, and so taper, so curiously
+proportioned, and so fine, that nothing of the kind could appear more
+beautiful. Our observers were amazed at this discovery, rightly
+imagining that such tender feet were not used to trudge in rugged
+ways, or measure the steps of oxen at the plough, the common
+employments of people in such apparel; and therefore the curate, who
+went before the rest, whose curiosity was heightened by this sight,
+beckoned to them to step aside, and hide themselves behind some of the
+little rocks that were by; which they did, and from thence making a
+stricter observation, they found he had on a grey double-skirted
+jerkin, girt tight about his body with a linen towel. He wore also a
+pair of breeches, and gamashes of grey cloth, and a grey huntsman's
+cap on his head. His gamashes were now pulled up to the middle of his
+leg, which really seemed to be of snowy alabaster. Having made an end
+of washing his beauteous feet, he immediately wiped them with a
+handkerchief, which he pulled out from under his cap; and with that
+looking up, he discovered so charming a face, so accomplished a
+beauty, that Cardenio could not forbear saying to the curate, that
+since this was not Lucinda, it was certainly no human form, but an
+angel. And then the youth taking off his cap, and shaking his head, an
+incredible quantity of lovely hair flowed down upon his shoulders, and
+not only covered them, but almost all his body; by which they were
+now convinced that what they at first took to be a country lad was a
+young woman, and one of the most beautiful creatures in the world.
+Cardenio was not less surprised than the other two, and once more
+declared that no face could vie with hers but Lucinda's. To part her
+dishevelled tresses she only used her slender fingers, and at the same
+time discovered so fine a pair of arms, and hands so white and lovely,
+that our three admiring gazers grew more impatient to know who she
+was, and moved forward to accost her. At the noise they made, the
+pretty creature started; and peeping through her hair, which she
+hastily removed from before her eyes with both her hands, she no
+sooner saw three men coming towards her, but in a mighty fright she
+snatched up a little bundle that lay by her, and fled as fast as she
+could, without so much as staying to put on her shoes, or do up her
+hair. But, alas, scarce had she gone six steps, when, her tender feet
+not being able to endure the rough encounter of the stones, the poor
+affrighted fair fell on the hard ground; so that those from whom she
+fled hastened to help her. "Stay, madam," cried the curate, "whoever
+you be, you have no reason to fly; we have no other design but to do
+you service." With that, approaching her, he took her by the hand; and
+perceiving she was so disordered with fear and confusion that she
+could not answer a word, he strove to compose her mind with kind
+expressions. "Be not afraid, madam," continued he; "though your hair
+has betrayed what your disguise concealed from us, we are but the more
+disposed to assist you, and do you all manner of service. Then pray
+tell us how we may best do it. I imagine it was no slight occasion
+that made you obscure your singular beauty under so unworthy a
+disguise, and venture into this desert, where it was the greatest
+chance in the world that ever you met with us. However, we hope it is
+not impossible to find a remedy for your misfortunes, since there are
+none which reason and time will not at last surmount; and therefore,
+madam, if you have not absolutely renounced all human comfort, I
+beseech you to tell us the cause of your affliction, and assure
+yourself we do not ask this out of mere curiosity, but from a real
+desire to serve you, and assuage your grief."
+
+While the curate endeavoured thus to remove the trembling fair one's
+apprehension, she stood amazed, without speaking a word, looking
+sometimes at one, sometimes at another, like one scarce well awake, or
+like an ignorant clown who happens to see some strange sight. But at
+last, the curate having given her time to recollect herself, and
+persisting in his earnest and civil entreaties, she sighed deeply, and
+then unclosing her lips, broke silence in the following manner: "Since
+this desert has not been able to conceal me, it would be needless now
+for me to dissemble with you; and since you desire to hear the story
+of my misfortunes, I cannot in civility deny you, after all the
+obliging offers you have been pleased to make me; but yet, gentlemen,
+I am much afraid what I have to say will but make you sad, and afford
+you little satisfaction; for you will find my disasters are not to be
+remedied. There is one thing that troubles me yet more; it shocks my
+nature to think I must be forced to reveal to you some secrets which I
+had a design to have buried in my grave; but yet, considering the garb
+and the place you have found me in, I fancy it will be better for me
+to tell you all than to give occasion to doubt of my past conduct and
+my present designs by an affected reservedness." The disguised lady
+having made this answer with a modest blush and extraordinary
+discretion, the curate and his company, who now admired her the more
+for her sense, renewed their kind offers and pressing solicitations;
+and then they courteously let her retire a moment to some distance to
+put herself in decent order. Which done she returned, and, being all
+seated on the grass, after she had used no small effort to restrain
+her tears, she thus began her story.
+
+"I was born in a certain town of Andalusia, from which a duke takes
+his title that makes him a grandee of Spain. This duke had two sons,
+the eldest heir to his estate, and, as it may be presumed, of his
+virtues; the youngest heir to nothing I know of but treachery and
+deceitfulness. My father, who is one of his vassals, is but of low
+degree; but so very rich, that had fortune equalled his birth to his
+estate, he could have wanted nothing more, and I, perhaps, had never
+been so miserable; for I verily believe my not being of noble blood is
+the chief occasion of my distress. True it is, my parents are not so
+meanly born as to have any cause to be ashamed, nor so high as to
+alter the opinion I have that my misfortune proceeds from their
+lowness. It is true, they have been farmers from father to son, yet
+without any scandal or stain. They are honest old-fashioned Christian
+Spaniards, and the antiquity of their family, together with their
+large possessions, raises them much above their profession, and has by
+little and little almost universally gained them the name of
+gentlemen, setting them, in a manner, equal to many such in the
+world's esteem. As I am their only child, they loved me with the
+utmost tenderness; and their great affection made them esteem
+themselves happier in their daughter than in the peaceable enjoyment
+of their large estate. Now, as it was my good fortune to be possessed
+of their love, they were pleased to trust me with their substance. The
+whole house and estate was left to my management, and I took such care
+not to abuse the trust reposed in me that I never forfeited their good
+opinion of my discretion. The time I had to spare from the care of the
+family I employed in the usual exercises of young women, sometimes
+making bone-lace, or at my needle, and now and then reading some good
+book, or playing on the harp,--having experienced that music was very
+proper to recreate the wearied mind. While I thus lived the life of a
+recluse, unseen, as I thought, by anybody but our own family, and
+never leaving the house but to go to church, which was commonly
+betimes in the morning, and always with my mother, and so close hid in
+a veil that I could scarce find my way; notwithstanding all the care
+that was taken to keep me from being seen, it was unhappily rumoured
+abroad that I was handsome, and to my eternal disquiet, love intruded
+into my peaceful retirement. Don Fernando, second son to the duke I
+have mentioned, had a sight of me"----Scarce had Cardenio heard Don
+Fernando named but he changed colour, and betrayed such a disorder of
+body and mind that the curate and the barber were afraid he would have
+fallen into one of those frantic fits that often used to take him;
+but, by good fortune, it did not come to that, and he only set himself
+to look stedfastly on the country maid, presently guessing who she
+was; while she continued her story, without taking any notice of the
+alteration of his countenance.
+
+"No sooner had he seen me," said she, "but, as he since told me, he
+felt in his breast that violent passion of which he afterwards gave me
+so many proofs. He purchased the good will of all our servants with
+private gifts; made my father a thousand kind offers of service; every
+day seemed a day of rejoicing in our neighbourhood, every evening
+ushered in some serenade, and the continual music was even a
+disturbance in the night. He got an infinite number of love-letters
+transmitted to me, I do not know by what means, every one full of
+tender expressions, promises, and vows. But all this assiduous
+courtship was so far from inclining my heart to a kind return, that it
+rather moved my indignation, insomuch that I looked upon Don Fernando
+as my greatest enemy; not but that I was well enough pleased with his
+gallantry, and took a secret delight in seeing myself courted by a
+person of his quality. Such demonstrations of love are never
+altogether displeasing to women, and the most disdainful, in spite of
+all their coyness, reserve a little complaisance in their hearts for
+their admirers. But the inequality between us was too great to suffer
+me to entertain any reasonable hopes, and his gallantry too singular
+not to offend me. My father, who soon put the right construction upon
+Don Fernando's pretensions, like a kind parent, perceiving I was
+somewhat uneasy, and imagining the flattering prospect of so
+advantageous a match might still amuse me, told me that if I would
+marry, to rid me at once of his unjust pursuit, I should have liberty
+to make my own choice of a suitable match, either in our own town or
+the neighbourhood; and that he would do for me whatever could be
+expected from a loving father. I humbly thanked him for his kindness,
+and told him that as I had never yet had any thoughts of marriage, I
+would try to rid myself of Don Fernando some other way. Accordingly, I
+resolved to shun him with so much precaution that he should never have
+the opportunity to speak to me; but all my reserve, far from tiring
+out his passion, strengthened it the more. In short, Don Fernando,
+either hearing or suspecting I was to be married, thought of a
+contrivance to cross a design that was likely to cut off all his
+hopes. One night, therefore, when I was in my chamber, nobody with me
+but my maid, and the door double locked and bolted, that I might be
+secured against the attempts of Don Fernando, whom I took to be a man
+who would scruple at nothing to accomplish his ends, unexpectedly I
+saw him just before me; which amazing sight so surprised me, that I
+was struck dumb, and fainted away with fear. I had not power to call
+for help, nor do I believe he would have given me time to have done
+it, had I attempted it; for he presently ran to me, and taking me in
+his arms, while I was sinking with the fright, he spoke to me in such
+endearing terms, and with so much address and pretended tenderness and
+sincerity, that I did not dare to cry out when I came to myself. His
+sighs, and yet more his tears, seemed to me undeniable proofs of his
+vowed integrity; and I being but young, bred up in perpetual
+retirement from all society but my virtuous parents, and inexperienced
+in those affairs, in which even the most knowing are apt to be
+mistaken, my reluctancy abated by degrees, and I began to have some
+sense of compassion. However, when I was pretty well recovered from my
+first fright, my former resolution returned; and then, with more
+courage than I thought I should have had, 'My lord,' said I, 'if at
+the same time that you offer me your love, and give me such strange
+demonstrations of it, you would also offer me poison and leave me to
+take my choice, I would soon resolve which to accept, and convince you
+by my death that my honour is dearer to me than my life. To be plain,
+I can have no good opinion of a presumption that endangers my
+reputation; and unless you leave me this moment, I will so effectually
+make you know how much you are mistaken in me, that if you have but
+the least sense of honour left, you will regret driving me to that
+extremity as long as you live. I was born your vassal, but not your
+slave; nor does the greatness of your birth privilege you to injure
+your inferiors, or exact from me more than the duties which all
+vassals pay; that excepted, I do not esteem myself less in my low
+degree than you have reason to value yourself in your high rank. Do
+not, then, think to awe or dazzle me with your grandeur, or fright or
+force me into a base compliance; I am not to be tempted with titles,
+pomp, and equipage; nor weak enough to be moved with vain sighs and
+false tears. In short, my will is wholly at my father's disposal, and
+I will not entertain any man as a lover but by his appointment.' 'What
+do you mean, charming Dorothea?' cried the perfidious lord. 'Cannot I
+be yours by the sacred title of husband? Who can hinder me, if you
+will but consent to bless me on those terms? I am yours this moment,
+beautiful Dorothea; I give you here my hand to be yours, and yours
+alone, for ever; and let all-seeing Heaven, and this holy image here
+on your oratory, witness the solemn truth.'
+
+"In short, urged by his solicitations, I became his wife; but not long
+afterwards he left me, I knew not whither. Months passed away, and in
+vain I watched for his coming; yet he was in the town, and every day
+amusing himself with hunting. What melancholy days and hours were
+those to me! I long strove to hide my tears and so to guard my looks
+that my parents might not see and inquire into the cause of my
+wretchedness; but suddenly my forbearance was at an end, with all
+regard to delicacy and fame, upon the intelligence reaching me that
+Don Fernando was married in a neighbouring town to a beautiful young
+lady, of some rank and fortune, named Lucinda."----Cardenio heard the
+name of Lucinda at first only with signs of indignation, but soon
+after a flood of tears burst from his eyes. Dorothea, however, pursued
+her story, saying, "When this sad news reached my ears, my heart
+became so inflamed with rage that I could scarcely forbear rushing
+into the streets and proclaiming the baseness and treachery I had
+experienced; but I became more tranquil, after forming a project which
+I executed the same night. I borrowed this apparel of a shepherd swain
+in my father's service, whom I entrusted with my secret, and begged
+him to attend me in my pursuit of Don Fernando. He assured me it was a
+rash undertaking; but finding me resolute, he said he would go with me
+to the end of the world. Immediately I packed up some of my own
+clothes, with money and jewels, and at night secretly left the house,
+attended only by my servant and a thousand anxious thoughts, and
+travelled on foot to the town, where I expected to find my husband;
+impatient to arrive, if not in time to prevent his perfidy, to
+reproach him for it.
+
+"I inquired where the parents of Lucinda lived; and the first person
+to whom I addressed myself told me more than I desired to hear. He
+told me also that on the night that Don Fernando was married to
+Lucinda, after she had pronounced the fatal Yes, she fell into a
+swoon; and the bridegroom, in unclasping her bosom to give her air,
+found a paper written by herself, in which she affirmed that she could
+not be wife to Don Fernando, because she was already betrothed to
+Cardenio (who, as the man told me, was a gentleman of the same town),
+and that she had pronounced her assent to Don Fernando merely in
+obedience to her parents. The paper also revealed her intention to
+kill herself as soon as the ceremony was over, which was confirmed by
+a poniard they found concealed upon her. Don Fernando was so enraged
+to find himself thus mocked and slighted, that he seized hold of the
+same poniard, and would certainly have stabbed her, had he not been
+prevented by those present; whereupon he immediately quitted the
+place. When Lucinda revived, she confessed to her parents the
+engagement she had formed with Cardenio, who, it was suspected, had
+witnessed the ceremony, and had hastened from the city in despair; for
+he left a paper expressing his sense of the wrong he had suffered, and
+declaring his resolution to fly from mankind for ever.
+
+"All this was publicly known, and the general subject of conversation;
+especially when it appeared that Lucinda also was missing from her
+father's house--a circumstance that overwhelmed her family with grief,
+but revived my hopes; for I flattered myself that Heaven had thus
+interposed to prevent the completion of Don Fernando's second
+marriage, in order to touch his conscience and restore him to a sense
+of duty and honour.
+
+"In this situation, undecided what course to take, I instantly left
+the city, and at night took refuge among these mountains. I engaged
+myself in the service of a shepherd, and have lived for some months
+among these wilds, always endeavouring to be abroad, lest I should
+betray myself. Yet all my care was to no purpose, for my master at
+length discovered my secret. Lest I might not always find means at
+hand to free myself from insult, I sought for security in flight, and
+have endeavoured to hide myself among these rocks. Here, with
+incessant sighs and tears, I implore Heaven to have pity on me, and
+either alleviate my misery or put an end to my life in this desert,
+that no traces may remain of so wretched a creature."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+_Which treats of the beautiful Dorothea's discretion; with other
+particulars._
+
+
+"This, gentlemen," added Dorothea, "is my tragical story; think
+whether the sighs and tears which you have witnessed have not been
+more than justified. My misfortunes, as you will confess, are
+incapable of a remedy; and all I desire of you is to advise me how to
+live without the continual dread of being discovered; for although I
+am certain of a kind reception from my parents, so overwhelmed am I
+with shame, that I choose rather to banish myself for ever from their
+sight than appear before them the object of such hateful suspicions."
+
+Here she was silent, while her blushes and confusion sufficiently
+manifested the shame and agony of her soul. Her auditors were much
+affected by her tale, and the curate was just going to address her,
+when Cardenio interrupted him, saying, "You, madam, then, are the
+beautiful Dorothea, only daughter of the rich Clenardo." Dorothea
+stared at hearing her father named by such a miserable-looking object,
+and she asked him who he was, since he knew her father. "I am that
+hapless Cardenio," he replied, "who suffer from the base author of
+your misfortunes, reduced, as you now behold, to nakedness and
+misery--deprived even of reason! Yes, Dorothea, I heard that fatal Yes
+uttered by Lucinda, and, unable to bear my anguish, fled precipitately
+from her house. Amidst these mountains I thought to have terminated my
+wretched existence; but the account you have just given has inspired
+me with hope that Heaven may still have happiness in store for us.
+Lucinda has avowed herself to be mine, and therefore cannot wed
+another; Don Fernando, being yours, cannot have Lucinda. Let us then,
+my dear lady, indulge the hope that we may both yet recover our own,
+since it is not absolutely lost. Indeed, I swear that, although I
+leave it to Heaven to avenge my own injuries, your claims I will
+assert; nor will I leave you until I have obliged Don Fernando, either
+by argument or by my sword, to do you justice."
+
+Dorothea would have thrown herself at the feet of Cardenio to express
+her gratitude to him, had he not prevented her. The licentiate, too,
+commended his generous determination, and entreated them both to
+accompany him to his village, where they might consult on the most
+proper measures to be adopted in the present state of their affairs; a
+proposal to which they thankfully acceded. The barber, who had
+hitherto been silent, now joined in expressing his good wishes to
+them; he also briefly related the circumstances which had brought them
+to that place; and when he mentioned the extraordinary insanity of Don
+Quixote, Cardenio had an indistinct recollection of having had some
+altercation with the knight, though he could not remember whence it
+arose.
+
+They were now interrupted by the voice of Sancho Panza, who, not
+finding them where he left them, began to call out loudly; they went
+instantly to meet him, and were eager in their inquiries after Don
+Quixote. He told them that he had found him half dead with hunger,
+sighing for his Lady Dulcinea; and that he positively would not appear
+before her beauty, until he had performed exploits that might render
+him worthy of her favour; so they must consider what was to be done to
+get him away. The licentiate begged him not to give himself any
+uneasiness on that account, for they should certainly contrive to get
+him out of his present retreat.
+
+The priest then informed Cardenio and Dorothea of their plan for Don
+Quixote's cure, or at least for decoying him to his own house. Upon
+which Dorothea said she would undertake to act the distressed damsel
+better than the barber, especially as she had apparel with which she
+could perform it to the life; and they might have reliance upon her,
+as she had read many books of chivalry, and was well acquainted with
+the style in which distressed damsels were wont to beg their boons of
+knights-errant. "Let us, then, hasten to put our design into
+execution," exclaimed the curate; "since fortune seems to favour all
+our views." Dorothea immediately took from her bundle a petticoat of
+very rich stuff, and a mantle of fine green silk; and, out of a
+casket, a necklace and other jewels, with which she quickly adorned
+herself in such a manner that she had all the appearance of a rich and
+noble lady. They were charmed with her beauty, grace, and elegance;
+and agreed that Don Fernando must be a man of little taste, since he
+could slight so much excellence. But her greatest admirer was Sancho
+Panza, who thought that in all his life he had never seen so beautiful
+a creature; and he earnestly desired the priest to tell him who that
+handsome lady was, and what she was looking for in those parts? "This
+beautiful lady, friend Sancho," answered the priest, "is, to say the
+least of her, heiress in the direct male line of the great kingdom of
+Micomicon; and she comes in quest of your master, to beg a boon of
+him, which is to redress a wrong or injury done her by a wicked giant;
+for it is the fame of your master's prowess, which is spread over all
+Guinea, that has brought this princess to seek him." "Now, a happy
+seeking and a happy finding," quoth Sancho Panza; "especially if my
+master is so fortunate as to redress that injury, and right that
+wrong, by killing the giant you mention; and kill him he certainly
+will if he encounters him, unless he be a goblin, for my master has no
+power at all over goblins."
+
+Dorothea now having mounted the priest's mule, and the barber fitted
+on the ox-tail beard, they desired Sancho to conduct them to Don
+Quixote, cautioning him not to say that he knew the licentiate or the
+barber, since on that depended all his fortune. The priest would have
+instructed Dorothea in her part; but she would not trouble him,
+assuring him that she would perform it precisely according to the
+rules and precepts of chivalry.
+
+Having proceeded about three quarters of a league, they discovered Don
+Quixote in a wild, rocky recess, at that time not armed. Dorothea now
+whipped on her palfrey, attended by the well-bearded squire; and
+having approached the knight, her squire leaped from his mule to
+assist his lady, who, lightly dismounting, went and threw herself at
+Don Quixote's feet, where, in spite of his efforts to raise her, she
+remained kneeling, as she thus addressed him:
+
+"I will never arise from this place, O valorous and redoubted knight,
+until your goodness and courtesy vouchsafe me a boon, which will
+redound to the honour and glory of your person, and to the lasting
+benefit of the most disconsolate and aggrieved damsel the sun has ever
+beheld. And if the valour of your puissant arm correspond with the
+report of your immortal fame, you are bound to protect an unhappy
+wight, who, attracted by the odour of your renown, is come from
+distant regions to seek at your hands a remedy for her misfortunes."
+
+"It is impossible for me to answer you, fair lady," said Don Quixote,
+"while you remain in that posture." "I will not arise, sigñor,"
+answered the afflicted damsel, "until your courtesy shall vouchsafe
+the boon I ask." "I do vouchsafe and grant it you," answered Don
+Quixote, "provided my compliance be of no detriment to my king, my
+country, or to her who keeps the key of my heart and liberty." "It
+will not be to the prejudice of any of these, dear sir," replied the
+afflicted damsel. Sancho, now approaching his master, whispered softly
+in his ear, "Your worship may very safely grant the boon she asks; for
+it is a mere trifle, only to kill a great lubberly giant." "Whosoever
+the lady may be," answered Don Quixote, "I shall act as my duty and my
+conscience dictate, in conformity to the rules of my profession:" then
+addressing himself to the damsel, he said, "Fairest lady, arise; for I
+vouchsafe you whatever boon you ask." "My request, then, is," said the
+damsel, "that your magnanimity will go whither I shall conduct you;
+and that you will promise not to engage in any other adventure until
+you have avenged me on a traitor who, against all right, human and
+divine, has usurped my kingdom." "I grant your request," answered Don
+Quixote; "and therefore, lady, dispel that melancholy which oppresses
+you, and let your fainting hopes recover fresh life and strength; for
+you shall soon be restored to your kingdom, and seated on the throne
+of your ancient and high estate, in despite of all the miscreants who
+would oppose it; and therefore we will instantly proceed to action,
+for there is always danger in delay." The distressed damsel would fain
+have kissed his hands; but Don Quixote, making her arise, embraced her
+with much politeness and respect, and ordered Sancho to look after
+Rozinante's girths, and to assist him to arm. Sancho took down the
+armour from a tree, where it hung, and having got Rozinante ready,
+quickly armed his master, who then cried, "In God's name, let us
+hasten to succour this fair lady." The barber was still upon his
+knees, and under much difficulty to forbear laughing, and keep his
+beard from falling; but seeing that the boon was already granted, and
+Don Quixote prepared to fulfil his engagement, he got up and took his
+lady by the other hand; when they both assisted to place her upon the
+mule, and then mounted themselves.
+
+Cardenio and the priest, concealed among the bushes, had observed all
+that passed, and being now desirous to join them, the priest, who had
+a ready invention, soon hit upon an expedient; for with a pair of
+scissors which he carried in a case, he quickly cut off Cardenio's
+beard; then put him on a grey capouch, and gave him his own black
+cloak, which so changed his appearance that had he looked in a mirror
+he would not have known himself. They waited in the plain until Don
+Quixote and his party came up; whereupon the curate, after gazing for
+some time earnestly at him, at last ran towards him with open arms,
+exclaiming aloud, "Happy is this meeting, O thou mirror of chivalry,
+my noble countryman, Don Quixote de la Mancha! the flower and cream of
+gentility, the protector of suffering mankind, the quintessence of
+knight-errantry!" Having thus spoken, he embraced Don Quixote by the
+knee of his left leg.
+
+The knight was surprised at this address, but after attentively
+surveying the features of the speaker, he recognised him, and would
+immediately have alighted; but the priest would not suffer it. "You
+must permit me to alight, sigñor licentiate," said Don Quixote; "for
+it would be very improper that I should remain on horseback, while so
+a reverend a person as you are travelling on foot." "I will by no
+means consent to your dismounting," replied the priest, "since on
+horseback you have achieved the greatest exploits this age hath
+witnessed. As for myself, an unworthy priest, I shall be satisfied if
+one of these gentlemen of your company will allow me to mount behind
+him; and I shall then fancy myself mounted on Pegasus, or on a Zebra,
+or the sprightly courser bestrode by the famous Moor Muzarque, who
+lies to this day enchanted in the great mountain Zulema, not far
+distant from the grand Compluto." "I did not think of that, dear
+sigñor licentiate," said Don Quixote; "and I know her highness the
+princess will, for my sake, order her squire to accommodate you with
+the saddle of his mule; and he may ride behind, if the beast will
+carry double." "I believe she will," answered the princess; "and I
+know it is unnecessary for me to lay my commands upon my squire; for
+he is too courteous and well-bred to suffer an ecclesiastic to go on
+foot when he may ride." "Most certainly," answered the barber; and
+alighting in an instant, he complimented the priest with the saddle,
+which he accepted without much entreaty. But it unluckily happened
+that as the barber was getting upon the mule, which was a vicious
+jade, she threw up her hind-legs twice or thrice into the air; and had
+they met with Master Nicholas's breast or head he would have wished
+his rambling after Don Quixote far enough. He was, however, thrown to
+the ground, and so suddenly that he forgot to take due care of his
+beard, which fell off; and all he could do was to cover his face with
+both hands, and cry out that his jaw-bone was broken. Don Quixote,
+seeing such a mass of beard without jaws and without blood lying at a
+distance from the fallen squire, exclaimed, "Heavens! what a miracle!
+His beard has fallen as clean from his face as if he had been shaven!"
+The priest, seeing the danger of discovery, instantly seized the
+beard, and ran to Master Nicholas, who was still on the ground
+moaning; and going up close to him, with one twitch replaced it;
+muttering over him some words, which he said were a specific charm for
+fixing on beards, as they should soon see; and when it was adjusted,
+the squire remained as well bearded and as whole as before. Don
+Quixote was amazed at what he saw, and begged the priest to teach him
+that charm; for he was of opinion that its virtue could not be
+confined to the refixing of beards, and since it wrought a perfect
+cure, it must be valuable upon other occasions. The priest said that
+his surmise was just, and promised to take the first opportunity of
+teaching him the art.
+
+Don Quixote, the princess, and the priest, being thus mounted,
+attended by Cardenio, the barber, and Sancho Panza on foot, Don
+Quixote said to the damsel, "Your highness will now be pleased to lead
+on, in whatever direction you please." Before she could reply, the
+licentiate interposing said, "Whither would your ladyship go? To the
+kingdom of Micomicon, I presume, or I am much mistaken." She, being
+aware that she was to answer in the affirmative, said, "Yes, sigñor,
+that kingdom is indeed the place of my destination." "If so," said the
+priest, "we must pass through my native village; and thence you must
+go straight to Carthagena, where you may embark; and if you have a
+fair wind, a smooth sea, and no storms, in somewhat less than nine
+years you will get within view of the great lake Meona, I mean Meotis,
+which is not more than a hundred days' journey from your highness's
+territories." "You are mistaken, good sir," said she; "for it is not
+two years since I left it; and although I had very bad weather during
+the whole passage, here I am, and I have beheld what so ardently I
+desired to see--Sigñor Don Quixote de la Mancha; the fame of whose
+valour reached my ears the moment I set foot in Spain, and determined
+me upon seeking him, that I might appeal to his courtesy, and commit
+the justice of my cause to the valour of his invincible arm." "Cease,
+I pray, these encomiums," said Don Quixote, "for I am an enemy to
+every species of flattery; and even if this be not such, still are my
+chaste ears offended at this kind of discourse. All I can say, dear
+madam, is, that my powers, such as they are, shall be employed in your
+service, even at the forfeit of my life; but waving these matters for
+the present, I beg the sigñor licentiate to tell me what has brought
+him into these parts alone, unattended, and so lightly apparelled." "I
+can soon satisfy your worship," answered the priest: "our friend,
+Master Nicholas and I were going to Seville, to receive a legacy left
+me by a relation in India, and no inconsiderable sum, being sixty
+thousand crowns; and on our road, yesterday, we were attacked by four
+highway robbers, who stripped us of all we had, to our very beards,
+and in such a manner that the barber thought it expedient to put on a
+false one; as for this youth here (pointing to Cardenio), you see how
+they have treated him. It is publicly reported here that those who
+robbed us were galley-slaves, set at liberty near this very place, by
+a man so valiant that in spite of the commissary and his guards he
+released them all; but he must certainly have been out of his senses,
+or as great a rogue as any of them, since he could let loose wolves
+among sheep, foxes among poultry, and wasps among the honey; for he
+has defrauded justice of her due, and has set himself up against his
+king and natural lord by acting against his lawful authority. He has,
+I say, disabled the galleys of their hands, and disturbed the many
+years' repose of the holy brotherhood; in a word, he has done a deed
+by which his body may suffer, and his soul be for ever lost."
+
+Sancho had communicated the adventure of the galley-slaves, so
+gloriously achieved by his master; and the priest laid it on thus
+heavily to see what effect it would have upon Don Quixote; whose
+colour changed at every word, and he dared not confess that he had
+been the deliverer of those worthy gentlemen.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+_Of the ingenious method pursued to withdraw our enamoured Knight from
+the rigorous penance which he had imposed on himself._
+
+
+As soon as the priest had done speaking, Sancho said, "By my troth,
+sigñor, it was my master who did that feat; not but that I gave him
+fair warning, and advised him to mind what he was about, telling him
+that it was a sin to set them at liberty; for they were all going to
+the galleys for being most notorious villains." "Blockhead!" said Don
+Quixote, "knights-errant are not bound to inquire whether the fettered
+and oppressed are brought to that situation by their faults or their
+misfortunes. It is their part to assist them under oppression, and to
+regard their sufferings, not their crimes. I encountered a bead-roll
+and string of miserable wretches, and acted towards them as my
+profession required of me. As for the rest, I care not; and whoever
+takes it amiss, saving the holy dignity of sigñor the licentiate, and
+his reverend person, I say, he knows but little of the principles of
+chivalry; and this I will maintain with the edge of my sword!"
+
+Dorothea was possessed of too much humour and sprightly wit not to
+join with the rest in their diversion at Don Quixote's expense; and
+perceiving his wrath, she said, "Sir knight, be pleased to remember
+the boon you have promised me, and that you are thereby bound not to
+engage in any other adventure, however urgent; therefore assuage your
+wrath; for had sigñor the licentiate known that the galley-slaves were
+freed by that invincible arm, he would sooner have sewed up his mouth
+with three stitches, and thrice have bitten his tongue, than he would
+have said a word that might redound to the disparagement of your
+worship." "Ay, verily I would," exclaimed the priest; "or even have
+plucked off one of my mustachios." "I will say no more, madam," said
+Don Quixote; "and I will repress that just indignation raised within
+my breast, and quietly proceed, until I have accomplished the promised
+boon. But, in requital, I beseech you to inform me of the particulars
+of your grievance, as well as the number and quality of the persons on
+whom I must take due, satisfactory, and complete revenge." "That I
+will do most willingly," answered Dorothea; "but yet I fear a story
+like mine, consisting wholly of afflictions and disasters, will prove
+but a tedious entertainment." "Never fear that, madam," cried Don
+Quixote. "Since, then, it must be so," said Dorothea, "be pleased to
+lend me your attention." With that Cardenio and the barber gathered up
+to her, to hear what kind of story she had provided so soon; Sancho
+did the same, being no less deceived in her than his master; and the
+lady having seated herself well on her mule, after coughing once or
+twice, and other preparations, very gracefully began her story.
+
+"First, gentlemen," said she, "you must know my name is"--here she
+stopped short, and could not call to mind the name the curate had
+given her; whereupon finding her at a nonplus, he made haste to help
+her out. "It is not at all strange," said he, "madam, that you should
+be so discomposed by your disasters as to stumble at the very
+beginning of the account you are going to give of them; extreme
+affliction often distracts the mind to that degree, and so deprives us
+of memory, that sometimes we for a while can scarce think on our very
+names: no wonder, then, that the Princess Micomicona, lawful heiress
+to the vast kingdom of Micomicon, disordered with so many misfortunes,
+and perplexed with so many various thoughts for the recovery of her
+crown, should have her imagination and memory so encumbered; but I
+hope you will now recollect yourself, and be able to proceed." "I hope
+so too," said the lady, "and I will endeavour to relate my story
+without further hesitation. Know, then, gentlemen, that the king my
+father, who was called Tinacrio the Sage, having great skill in the
+magic art, understood by his profound knowledge in that science, that
+Queen Xaramilla, my mother, should die before him, that he himself
+should not survive her long, and I should be left an orphan. But he
+often said that this did not so much trouble him as the foresight he
+had, by his speculations, of my being threatened with great
+misfortunes, which would be occasioned by a certain giant, lord of a
+great island near the confines of my kingdom; his name Pandafilando,
+surnamed of the Gloomy Sight; because, though his eyeballs are seated
+in their due place, yet he affects to squint and look askew on purpose
+to fright those on whom he stares. My father, I say, knew that this
+giant, hearing of his death, would one day invade my kingdom with a
+powerful army, and drive me out of my territories, without leaving me
+so much as a village for a retreat; though he knew withal that I might
+avoid that extremity if I would but consent to marry him; but as he
+found out by his art, he had reason to think I never would incline to
+such a match. And indeed I never had any thoughts of marrying this
+giant, nor any other giant in the world, how unmeasurably great and
+mighty soever. My father therefore charged me patiently to bear my
+misfortunes, and abandon my kingdom to Pandafilando for a time,
+without offering to keep him out by force of arms, since this would be
+the best means to prevent my own death and the ruin of my subjects,
+considering the impossibility of withstanding the terrible force of
+the giant. But withal he ordered me to direct my course towards Spain,
+where I should be sure to meet with a powerful champion in the person
+of a knight-errant, whose fame should at that time be spread over all
+the kingdom; and his name, my father said, should be, if I forget not,
+Don Azote, or Don Gigote"--"And it please you, forsooth," quoth
+Sancho, "you would say Don Quixote, otherwise called the Knight of the
+Sorrowful Figure." "You are right," answered Dorothea; "and doubtless
+I do right in recommending myself to Don Quixote, who so well agrees
+with my father's description, and whose renown is so far spread, not
+only in Spain, but over all La Mancha, that I had no sooner landed at
+Ossuna but the fame of his prowess reached my ears; so that I was
+satisfied he was the very person in quest of whom I came."
+
+"But pray, madam," cried Don Quixote, "how did you do to land at
+Ossuna, since it is no seaport town?" "Doubtless, sir," said the
+curate, before Dorothea could answer for herself, "the princess would
+say, that after she landed at Malaga, the first place where she heard
+of your feats of arms was Ossuna." "That is what I would have said,"
+replied Dorothea; "and now I have nothing more to add, but that
+fortune has so far favoured me as to make me find the noble knight by
+whose valour I look upon myself as already restored to the throne of
+my ancestors, since he has so courteously and magnanimously vouchsafed
+to grant me the boon I begged. For all I have to do is to shew him
+this Pandafilando of the Gloomy Sight, that he may slay him, and
+restore that to me of which he has so unjustly deprived me. For all
+this will certainly be done with the greatest ease in the world, since
+it was foretold by Tinacrio the Sage, my good and royal father, who
+has also left a prediction written either in Chaldean or Greek
+characters (for I cannot read them) which denotes that after the
+knight of the prophecy has cut off the giant's head and restored me to
+the possession of my kingdom, if he should ask me to marry him, I
+should by no means refuse him, but instantly put him in possession of
+my person and kingdom." "Well, friend Sancho," said Don Quixote,
+hearing this, and turning to the squire, "what thinkest thou now? Dost
+thou not hear how matters go? Did not I tell thee as much before? See
+now whether we have not a kingdom which we may command, and a queen
+whom we may espouse!" "Ah, marry have you," replied Sancho; and with
+that, to shew his joy, he cut a couple of capers in the air; and
+turning to Dorothea, laid hold on her mule by the bridle, and flinging
+himself down on his knees, begged she would be graciously pleased to
+let him kiss her hand, in token of his owning her for his sovereign
+lady.
+
+There was none of the beholders but was ready to burst for laughter,
+having a sight of the master's madness, and the servant's simplicity.
+In short, Dorothea was obliged to comply with his entreaties, and
+promised to make him a grandee, when fortune should favour her with
+the recovery of her lost kingdom. Whereupon Sancho gave her his thanks
+in such a manner as obliged the company to a fresh laughter. Then
+going on with her relation, "Gentlemen," said she, "this is my
+history; and among all my misfortunes, this only has escaped a
+recital, that not one of the numerous attendants I brought from my
+kingdom has survived the ruins of my fortune but this good squire with
+the long beard: the rest ended their days in a great storm, which
+dashed our ship to pieces in the very sight of the harbour; and he and
+I had been sharers in their destiny had we not laid hold of two
+planks, by which assistance we were driven to land, in a manner
+altogether miraculous, and agreeable to the whole series of my life,
+which seems, indeed, but one continued miracle. And if in any part of
+my relation I have been tedious, and not so exact as I should have
+been, you must impute it to what Master Curate observed to you in the
+beginning of my story, that continual troubles oppress the senses, and
+weaken the memory."
+
+"Those pains and afflictions, be they ever so intense and difficult,"
+said Don Quixote, "shall never deter me, most virtuous and high-born
+lady, from adventuring for your service, and enduring whatever I shall
+suffer in it: and therefore I again ratify the assurances I have given
+you, and swear that I will bear you company, though to the end of the
+world, in search of this implacable enemy of yours, till I shall find
+him; whose insulting head, by the help of Heaven and my own invincible
+arm, I am resolved to cut off with the edge of this (I will not say
+good) sword;--(a plague on Gines de Passamonte, who took away my
+own!)" This he spoke murmuring to himself; and then prosecuted his
+discourse in this manner: "And after I have divided it from the body,
+and left you quietly possessed of your throne, it shall be left at
+your own choice to dispose of your person as you shall think
+convenient; for as long as I shall have my memory full of her image,
+my will captivated, and my understanding wholly subjected to her whom
+I now forbear to name, it is impossible I should in the least deviate
+from the affection I bear to her, or be induced to think of marrying,
+though it were a Phoenix."
+
+The close of Don Quixote's speech, which related to his not marrying,
+touched Sancho so to the quick, that he could not forbear bawling out
+his resentments: "Sir Don Quixote," cried he, "you are certainly out
+of your wits; or how is it possible you should stick at striking a
+bargain with so great a lady as this? Do you think fortune will put
+such dainty bits in your way at every corner? Is my Lady Dulcinea
+handsomer, do you think? No, marry, she is not half so handsome: I
+could almost say she is not worthy to tie this lady's shoe-latchets. I
+am likely, indeed, to get the earldom I have fed myself with the hopes
+of, if you spend your time in fishing for mushrooms at the bottom of
+the sea! Marry out of hand, I say, and lay hold of the kingdom which
+is ready to leap into your hands; and as soon as you are a king, make
+me a marquis, or a peer of the land, and afterwards, let things go at
+sixes and sevens, it will be all one to Sancho." Don Quixote, quite
+divested of all patience at the blasphemies which were spoken against
+his Lady Dulcinea, could bear with him no longer; and therefore,
+without so much as a word to give him notice of his displeasure, gave
+him two such blows with his lance, that poor Sancho measured his
+length on the ground, and had certainly there breathed his last, had
+not the knight desisted through the persuasions of Dorothea. "Thinkest
+thou," said he, after a considerable pause, "most infamous peasant,
+that I shall always have leisure and disposition to put up with thy
+affronts, and that thy whole business shall be to study new offences,
+and mine to give thee new pardons? Dost thou not know, excommunicated
+traitor, (for certainly excommunication is the least punishment can
+fall upon thee after such profanations of the peerless Dulcinea's
+name,) and art thou not assured, vile slave and ignominious vagabond,
+that I should not have strength sufficient to kill a flea, did not she
+give strength to my nerves and infuse vigour into my sinews? Speak,
+thou villain with the viper's tongue; who dost thou imagine has
+restored the queen to her kingdom, cut off the head of a giant, and
+made thee a marquis, (for I count all this as done already,) but the
+power of Dulcinea, who makes use of my arm as the instrument of her
+act in me? She fights and overcomes in me, and I live and breathe in
+her, holding life and being from her. Thou base-born wretch! art thou
+not possessed of the utmost ingratitude, thou who seest thyself
+exalted from the very dregs of the earth to nobility and honour, and
+yet dost repay so great a benefit with obloquies against the person of
+thy benefactress? But I pardon thee for this time," added the Don,
+"and thou must excuse me for what I have done to thee; for the first
+movements are not in our power." "I perceive that well enough," said
+Sancho, "and that is the reason my first thoughts are always on my
+tongue; and I cannot for my life help speaking what comes uppermost."
+"However, friend Sancho," said Don Quixote, "thou hadst best think
+before thou speakest; for the pitcher never goes so oft to the well."
+"No more of this, Sancho," said Dorothea; "but run and kiss your
+lord's hands, and beg his pardon; and, for the time to come, be more
+advised and cautious how you run into the praise or dispraise of any
+person; but especially take care you do not speak ill of that lady of
+Toboso, whom I do not know, though I am ready to do her any service;
+and trust me you shall have a lordship which shall enable you to live
+like a prince." Sancho shrugged up his shoulders, and in a humble
+posture went and asked his master for his hand, which he held out to
+him with a grave countenance; and after the squire had kissed the back
+of it, the knight gave him his blessing, and told him he had a word or
+two with him, bidding him come nearer, that he might have the better
+convenience of speaking to him. Sancho did as his master commanded,
+and going a little from the company with him, they conversed a while
+together. At the conclusion, Sancho said: "Good master, you shall not
+want satisfaction; but, your worship, for the time to come, I beseech
+you do not be too hasty." "What occasion hast thou, Sancho, to make
+this request?" replied Don Quixote. "Reason good enough, truly," said
+Sancho; "for the blows you gave me even now were rather given me on
+account of that quarrel which was stirred up between your worship and
+me the other night, than for your dislike of anything which was spoken
+against my Lady Dulcinea." "Pr'ythee, Sancho," cried Don Quixote, "be
+careful of falling again into such irreverent expressions; for they
+provoke me to anger, and are highly offensive. I pardoned thee then
+for being a delinquent; but thou art sensible that a new offence must
+be attended with a new punishment."
+
+As they were going on in such discourse as this, they saw at a
+distance a person riding up to them on an ass, who, as he came near
+enough to be distinguished, seemed to be a gipsy by his habit. But
+Sancho Panza, who, whenever he got sight of any asses, followed them
+with his eyes and his heart, as one whose thoughts were ever fixed on
+his own, had scarce given him half an eye but he knew him to be Gines
+de Passamonte, and by the looks of the gipsy found out the visage of
+his ass; for indeed it was the very same which Gines had got under
+him, who, to conceal himself from the knowledge of the public, and
+have the better opportunity of making a good market of his beast, had
+clothed himself like a gipsy; the cant of that sort of people, as well
+as the languages of other countries, being as natural and familiar to
+them as their own. Sancho saw him and knew him; and scarce had he seen
+and taken notice of him, when he cried out as loud as his tongue would
+permit him, "Ah, thou thief Genesillo! leave my goods and chattels
+behind thee; get off from the back of my own dear life; thou hast
+nothing to do with my poor beast, without whom I cannot enjoy a
+moment's ease; away from my Dapple, away from my comfort! take to thy
+heels thou villain! hence, thou hedge-bird, leave what is none of
+thine!" He had no occasion to use so many words, for Gines dismounted
+as soon as he heard him speak, and taking to his heels, got from them,
+and was out of sight in an instant. Sancho ran immediately to his ass,
+and embraced him: "How hast thou done," cried he, "since I saw thee,
+my darling and treasure, my dear Dapple, the delight of my eyes, and
+my dearest companion?" And then he stroked and slabbered him with
+kisses, as if the beast had been a rational creature. The ass, for his
+part, was as silent as could be, and gave Sancho the liberty of as
+many kisses as he pleased, without the return of so much as one word
+to the many questions he had put to him. At sight of this the rest of
+the company came up with him, and paid their compliments of
+congratulation to Sancho for the recovery of his ass, especially Don
+Quixote, who told him that though he had found his ass again, yet
+would not he revoke the warrant he had given him for three asses, for
+which favour Sancho returned him a multitude of thanks.
+
+While they were travelling together, and discoursing after this
+manner, the curate addressed himself to Dorothea, and gave her to
+understand that she had excellently discharged herself of what she had
+undertaken, as well in the management of the history itself, as in her
+brevity, and adapting her style to the particular terms made use of in
+books of knight-errantry. She returned for answer that she had
+frequently conversed with such romances, but that she was ignorant of
+the situation of the provinces and the sea-ports, which occasioned the
+blunder she had made by saying that she landed at Ossuna. "I perceived
+it," replied the curate, "and therefore I put in what you heard, which
+brought matters to rights again. But is it not an amazing thing to see
+how ready this unfortunate gentleman is to give credit to these
+fictitious reports, only because they have the air of the extravagant
+stories in books of knight-errantry?" Cardenio said that he thought
+this so strange a madness that he did not believe the wit of man, with
+all the liberty of invention and fiction, capable of hitting so
+extraordinary a character. "The gentleman," replied the curate, "has
+some qualities in him, even as surprising in a madman as his
+unparalleled frenzy; for take him but off his romantic humour,
+discourse with him of any other subject, you will find him to handle
+it with a great deal of reason, and shew himself, by his conversation,
+to have very clear and entertaining conceptions; insomuch that if
+knight-errantry bears no relation to his discourse, there is no man
+but will esteem him for his vivacity of wit and strength of judgment."
+While they were thus discoursing, Don Quixote, prosecuting his
+converse with his squire, "Sancho," said he, "let us lay aside all
+manner of animosity; let us forget and forgive injuries; and answer me
+as speedily as thou canst, without any remains of thy last
+displeasure, how, when, and where didst thou find my Lady Dulcinea?
+What was she doing when thou first paidst thy respects to her? How
+didst thou express thyself to her? What answer was she pleased to make
+thee? What countenance did she put on at the perusal of my letter? Who
+transcribed it fairly for thee? And every thing else which has any
+relation to this affair, without addition, lies, or flattery. On the
+other side, take care thou losest not a tittle of the whole matter, by
+abbreviating it, lest thou rob me of part of that delight which I
+propose to myself from it." "Sir," answered Sancho, "if I must speak
+the truth, and nothing but the truth, nobody copied out that letter
+for me; for I carried none at all." "That's right," cried Don Quixote;
+"for I found the pocket-book in which it was written two days after
+thy departure, which occasioned exceeding grief in me, because I knew
+not what thou couldst do when thou foundst thyself without the letter;
+and I could not but be induced to believe that thou wouldst have
+returned, in order to take it with thee." "I had certainly done so,"
+replied Sancho, "were it not for this head of mine, which kept it in
+remembrance ever since your worship read it to me, and helped me to
+say it over to a parish-clerk, who wrote it out to me word for word so
+purely, that he vowed, though he had written out many a letter of
+excommunication in his time, he never in all the days of his life had
+read or seen any thing so well spoken as it was." "And dost thou still
+retain the memory of it, my dear Sancho?" cried Don Quixote. "Not I,"
+quoth Sancho; "for as soon as I had given it her, and your turn was
+served, I was very willing to forget it. But if I remember any thing,
+it is what was on the top; and it was thus, 'High and subterrene'--I
+would say sovereign, lady; and at the bottom, 'yours until death, the
+Knight of the Sorrowful Figure;' and I put between these two things
+three hundred souls and lives."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+_The pleasant dialogue between Don Quixote and his Squire continued;
+with other adventures._
+
+
+"All this is mighty well," said Don Quixote; "proceed therefore: you
+arrived, and how was that queen of beauty then employed? On my
+conscience thou foundst her stringing of orient pearls, or
+embroidering some curious device in gold for me her captive knight;
+was it not so, my Sancho?" "No," answered the squire; "I found her
+winnowing a parcel of wheat very seriously in the back-yard." "Then,"
+said the Don, "you may rest assured that every corn of that wheat was
+a grain of pearl, since she did it the honour of touching it with her
+divine hand. Didst thou observe the quality of the wheat, was it not
+of the finest sort?" "Very indifferent, I thought," said the squire.
+"Well, this at least you must allow; it must make the finest whitest
+bread, if sifted by her white hands. But go on; when you delivered my
+letter, did she kiss it? Did she treasure it in her bosom? or what
+ceremony did she use worthy such a letter? How did she behave
+herself?" "Why truly, sir," answered Sancho, "when I offered her the
+letter she was very busy handling her sieve; 'and, pr'ythee, honest
+friend,' said she, 'do so much as lay that letter down upon that sack
+there; I cannot read it till I have winnowed out what is in my
+hands.'" "O unparalleled discretion!" cried Don Quixote; "she knew
+that a perusal required leisure, and therefore deferred it for her
+more pleasing and private hours. But oh, my squire, while she was thus
+employed what conference passed? What did she ask about her knight,
+and what did you reply? Say all, say all, my dearest Sancho, let not
+the smallest circumstance escape the tongue; speak all that thought
+can frame or pen describe." "Her questions were easily answered, sir,"
+said Sancho; "for she asked me none at all. I told her, indeed, in
+what a sad pickle I had left you, and how disconsolate you were; that
+you eat and slept like the brute beasts; that you would let a razor as
+soon touch your throat as your beard; that you were still blubbering
+and crying, or lamenting and cursing your fortune." "There you
+mistook," replied Don Quixote; "I rather bless my fortune, and always
+shall, while life affords me breath, since I am thought to merit the
+esteem of so high a lady as Dulcinea del Toboso. But now," continued
+the knight, "supposing the corn winnowed and despatched to the mill,
+what did she after she had read my letter?" "Your letter, sir,"
+answered Sancho, "your letter was not read at all, sir; as, for her
+part, she said she could neither read nor write, and she would trust
+nobody else, lest they should tell tales, and so she cunningly tore
+your letter. She said that what I told her by word of mouth of your
+love and sufferings was enough: to make short now, she gave her
+service to you, and said she had rather see you than hear from you;
+and she prayed you, if ever you loved her, upon sight of me forthwith
+to leave your madness among the bushes here, and come straight to
+Toboso (if you be at leisure), for she has something to say to you,
+and has a huge mind to see you; she had like to burst with laughing,
+when I called you the Knight of the Sorrowful Figure."
+
+"Thus far all goes well," said Don Quixote; "but tell me, pray, what
+jewel did she present you at your departure, as a reward for the news
+you brought? for it is a custom of ancient standing among knights and
+ladies errant, to bestow on squires, dwarfs, or damsels, who bring
+them good news of their ladies or servants some precious jewel as a
+grateful reward of their welcome tidings." "Ah, sir," said Sancho,
+"that was the fashion in the days of yore, and a very good fashion, I
+take it; but all the jewels Sancho got was a luncheon of bread and a
+piece of cheese, which she handed to me over the wall, when I was
+taking my leave: by the same token (I hope there is no ill luck in
+it), the cheese was made of sheep's milk." "It is strange," said Don
+Quixote, "for she is liberal even to profuseness; and if she presented
+thee not a jewel, she had certainly none about her at that time; but
+what is deferred is not lost. I shall see her, and matters shall be
+accommodated. But, Sancho, one thing raises my astonishment, which is
+thy sudden return; for proportioning thy short absence to the length
+of thy journey, Toboso being at least thirty leagues distant, thou
+must have ridden on the wind. Certainly the sagacious enchanter, who
+is my guardian and friend,--for doubtless such a one there is and
+ought to be, or I should not be a true knight-errant,--certainly, I
+say, that wise magician has furthered thee on thy journey unawares;
+for there are sages of such incredible power as to take up a
+knight-errant sleeping in his bed, and waken him next morning a
+thousand leagues from the place where he fell asleep. By this power
+knights-errant succour one another in their most dangerous exigents
+when and where they please. For instance, suppose me fighting in the
+mountains of Armenia with some horrid monster, some dreadful sprite,
+or fierce gigantic knight, where perhaps I am like to be worsted (such
+a thing may happen), when just in the very crisis of my fate, when I
+least expect it, I behold on the top of a flying cloud, or riding in a
+flaming chariot, another knight, my friend, who but a minute before
+was in England perhaps--he sustains me, delivers me from death, and
+returns that night to his own lodging, where he sups with a very good
+appetite after his journey, having rid you two or three thousand
+leagues that day; and all this performed by the industry and wisdom of
+these knowing magicians, whose only business and charge is glorious
+knight-errantry. Some such expeditious power, I believe, Sancho,
+though hidden from you, has promoted so great a despatch in your late
+journey." "I believe, indeed," answered Sancho, "that there was
+witchcraft in the case; for Rozinante went without spur all the way,
+and was as mettlesome as though he had been a gipsy's ass with
+quicksilver in his ears." "And what is thy advice as to my lady's
+commands to visit her? I know her power should regulate my will. But
+then my honour, Sancho; my solemn promise has engaged me to the
+princess's service that comes with us; and the law of arms confines me
+to my word. Love draws me one, and glory the other way; on this side
+Dulcinea's strict commands, on the other my promised faith; but--it is
+resolved. I will travel night and day, cut off this giant's head, and,
+having settled the princess in her dominions, will presently return to
+see that sun which enlightens my senses. She will easily condescend to
+excuse my absence when I convince her it was for her fame and glory;
+since the past, present, and future success of my victorious arms
+depends wholly on the gracious influences of her favour, and the
+honour of being her knight." "Oh sad! oh sad!" said Sancho; "I doubt
+your worship's head is much the worse for wearing. Are you mad, sir,
+to take so long a voyage for nothing? why don't you catch at this
+preferment that now offers, where a fine kingdom is the portion,
+twenty thousand leagues round, they say; nay, bigger than Portugal and
+Castile both together. Good your worship, hold your tongue, I wonder
+you are not ashamed. Take a fool's counsel for once, marry her by the
+first priest you meet; here is our own curate can do the job most
+curiously. Come, master, I have hair enough in my beard to make a
+counsellor, and my advice is as fit for you as your shoe for your
+foot--a bird in hand is worth two in the bush, and
+
+ He that will not when he may,
+ When he would he shall have nay."
+
+"Thou advisest me thus," answered Don Quixote, "that I may be able to
+promote thee according to my promise; but that I can do without
+marrying this lady; for I shall make this the condition of entering
+into battle, that after my victory, without marrying the princess, she
+shall leave part of her kingdom at my disposal, to gratify whom I
+please; and who can claim any such gratuity but thyself?" "That's
+plain," answered Sancho; "but pray, sir, take care that you reserve
+some part near the sea-side for me; that if the air does not agree
+with me, I may transport my black slaves, make my profit of them, and
+go live somewhere else; so that I would have you resolve upon it
+presently: leave the Lady Dulcinea for the present, and go kill this
+same giant, and make an end of that business first; for I assure you
+it will yield you a good market." "I am fixed in thy opinion," said
+Don Quixote; "but I admonish thee not to whisper to any person the
+least hint of our conference; for since Dulcinea is so cautious and
+secret, it is proper that I and mine should follow her example." "Why
+then," said Sancho, "should you send every body you overcome packing
+to Madam Dulcinea, to fall down before her and tell her they came from
+you to pay their obedience, when this tells all the world that she is
+your mistress, as much as if they had it under your own hand?" "How
+dull of apprehension and stupid thou art!" said the knight; "hast thou
+not sense to find that all this redounds to her greater glory? Know,
+that in proceedings of chivalry, a lady's honour is calculated from
+the number of her servants, whose services must not tend to any reward
+but the favour of her acceptance, and the pure honour of performing
+them for her sake, and being called her servants."
+
+Master Nicholas, seeing them so deep in discourse, called to them to
+stop and drink at a little fountain by the road. Don Quixote halted;
+and Sancho was very glad of the interruption, his stock of fiction
+being almost spent, and he stood in danger besides of being trapped in
+his words; for he had never seen Dulcinea, though he knew she lived at
+Toboso. Cardenio by this time had changed his clothes for those
+Dorothea wore when they found her in the mountains; and though they
+made but an ordinary figure, they looked much better than those he had
+put off.[5] They all stopped at the fountain, and fell upon the
+curate's provision, which was but a snap among so many, for they were
+all very hungry. While they sat refreshing themselves, a young lad,
+travelling that way, observed them, and looking earnestly on the whole
+company, ran suddenly and fell down before Don Quixote, addressing him
+in a very doleful manner. "Alas, good sir," said he, "don't you know
+me? don't you remember poor Andres, whom you caused to be untied from
+the tree?" With that the knight knew him; and raising him up, turned
+to the company; "That you may all know," said he, "of how great
+importance to the redressing of injuries, punishing vice, and the
+universal benefit of mankind, the business of knight-errantry may be,
+you must understand, that riding through a desert some days ago, I
+heard certain lamentable shrieks and outcries. Prompted by the misery
+of the afflicted, and borne away by the zeal of my profession, I
+followed the voice, and found this boy, whom you all see, bound to a
+great oak; I am glad he is present, because he can attest the truth of
+my relation. I found him, as I told you, bound to an oak; naked from
+the waist upwards, and a bloody-minded peasant scourging his back
+unmercifully with the reins of a bridle. I presently demanded the
+cause of his severe chastisement. The rude fellow answered, that he
+had liberty to punish his own servant, whom he thus used for some
+faults that argued him more knave than fool. 'Good sir,' said the boy,
+'he can lay nothing to my charge but demanding my wages.' His master
+made some reply, which I would not allow as a just excuse, and ordered
+him immediately to unbind the youth, and took his oath that he would
+take him home and pay him all his wages upon the nail, in good and
+lawful coin. Is not this literally true, Andres? Did you not mark,
+besides, with what face of authority I commanded, and with how much
+humility he promised to obey all I imposed, commanded, and desired?
+Answer me, boy; and tell boldly all that passed to this worthy
+company, that it may appear how necessary the vocation of
+knights-errant is up and down the high roads."
+
+[5] These must be the ragged apparel Cardenio wore before he was
+dressed in the priest's short cassock and cloak.
+
+"All you have said is true enough," answered Andres; "but the business
+did not end after that manner you and I hoped it would." "How!" said
+the knight; "has not the peasant paid you?" "Ay, he has paid me with a
+vengeance," said the boy; "for no sooner was your back turned but he
+tied me again to the same tree, and lashed me so horridly that I
+looked like St. Bartholomew flayed alive; and at every blow he had
+some joke or another to laugh at you; and had he not laid on me as he
+did, I fancy I could not have helped laughing myself. At last he left
+me, in so pitiful a case that I was forced to crawl to a hospital,
+where I have lain ever since to get cured, so wofully the tyrant had
+lashed me. And now I may thank you for this; for had you rode on your
+journey, and neither meddled nor made, seeing nobody sent for you, and
+it was none of your business, my master, perhaps, had been satisfied
+with giving me ten or twenty lashes, and after that would have paid me
+what he owed me; but you was so huffy, and called him so many names,
+that it made him mad, and so he vented all his spite against you upon
+my poor back, as soon as yours was turned, inasmuch that I fear I
+shall never be mine own man again." "The miscarriage," answered the
+knight, "is only chargeable on my departure before I saw my orders
+executed; for I might by experience have remembered that the word of a
+peasant is regulated, not by honour, but by profit. But you remember,
+Andres, how I said, that if he disobeyed, I would return and seek him
+through the universe, and find him though hid in a whale's belly."
+"Ah, sir," answered Andres, "but that is no cure for my sore
+shoulders." "You shall be redressed," answered the knight, starting
+fiercely up, and commanding Sancho immediately to bridle Rozinante,
+who was baiting as fast as the rest of the company. Dorothea asked
+what he intended to do: he answered, that he intended to find out the
+villain, and punish him severely for his crimes, then force him to pay
+Andres his wages to the last maravedi,[6] in spite of all the peasants
+in the universe. She then desired him to remember his engagements to
+her, which withheld him from any new achievement till that was
+finished; that he must therefore suspend his resentments till his
+return from her kingdom. "It is but just and reasonable," said the
+knight; "and therefore Andres must wait with patience my return; but
+when I do return, I do hereby ratify my former oath and promise, never
+to rest till he be fully satisfied and paid." "I dare not trust to
+that," answered Andres; "but if you will bestow on me as much money as
+will bear my charges to Seville, I shall thank your worship more than
+for all the revenge you tell me of. Give me a snap to eat, and a bit
+in my pocket; and so Heaven be with you and all other knights-errant,
+and may they prove as arrant fools in their own business as they have
+been in mine."
+
+[6] Near the value of a farthing.
+
+Sancho took a crust of bread and a slice of cheese, and reaching it to
+Andres, "There, friend," said he, "there is something for thee; on my
+word, we have all of us a share of thy mischance." "What share?" said
+Andres. "Why, the cursed mischance of parting with this bread and
+cheese to thee; for my head to a halfpenny, I may live to want it; for
+thou must know, friend of mine, that we, the squires of
+knights-errant, often pick our teeth without a dinner, and are subject
+to many other things which are better felt than told." Andres snatched
+at the provender, and seeing no likelihood of any more, he made his
+leg and marched off. But looking over his shoulder at Don Quixote,
+"Hark ye, you Sir Knight-errant," cried he, "if ever you meet me again
+in your travels, which I hope you never shall, though I were torn in
+pieces, do not trouble me with your foolish help, but mind your own
+business; and so fare you well, with a plague upon you and all the
+knights-errant that ever were born!" The knight thought to chastise
+him, but the lad was too nimble for any there, and his heels carried
+him off, leaving Don Quixote highly incensed at his story, which moved
+the company to hold their laughter, lest they should raise his anger
+to a dangerous height.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+_What befell Don Quixote and his company at the inn._
+
+
+When they had eaten plentifully they left that place, and travelled
+all that day and the next without meeting anything worth notice, till
+they came to the inn, which was so frightful a sight to poor Sancho,
+that he would willingly not have gone in, but could by no means avoid
+it. The innkeeper, the hostess, her daughter, and Maritornes, met Don
+Quixote and his squire with a very hearty welcome. The knight received
+them with a face of gravity and approbation, bidding them prepare him
+a better bed than their last entertainment afforded him. "Sir," said
+the hostess, "pay us better than you did then, and you shall have a
+bed for a prince." And upon the knight's promise that he would, she
+promised him a tolerable bed in the large room where he lay before. He
+presently undressed, and being heartily crazed in body as well as in
+mind, he went to bed. He was scarcely got to his chamber, when the
+hostess flew suddenly at the barber, and catching him by the beard,
+"On my life," said she, "you shall use my tail no longer for a beard;
+pray, sir, give me my tail; my husband wants it to stick his comb
+into; and my tail I will have, sir." The barber surrendered the
+hostess her tail, with the other trinkets which he had borrowed to
+decoy Don Quixote out of the desert. Dorothea's beauty and Cardenio's
+handsome shape surprised every body. The curate bespoke supper; and
+the host, being pretty secure of his reckoning, soon got them a
+tolerable entertainment. They would not disturb the knight, who slept
+very soundly, for his distemper wanted rest more than meat; but they
+diverted themselves with the hostess's account of his encounter with
+the carriers, and of Sancho's being tossed in a blanket. Don Quixote's
+unaccountable madness was the principal subject of their discourse;
+upon which the curate insisting and arguing that it proceeded from his
+reading romances, the innkeeper took him up.
+
+"Sir," said he, "you cannot make me of your opinion; for, in my mind,
+it is the pleasantest reading that ever was. I have now in the house
+two or three books of that kind, and some other pieces that really
+have kept me and many others alive. In harvest-time, a great many of
+the reapers come to drink here in the heat of the day, and he that can
+read best among us takes up one of these books, and all the rest of
+us, sometimes thirty or more, sit round about him and listen with such
+pleasure that we think neither of sorrow nor care. As for my own part,
+when I hear the mighty blows and dreadful battles of those
+knights-errant, I have half a mind to be one myself, and am raised to
+such a life and briskness that I could frighten away old age. I could
+sit and hear them from morning till night." "I wish you would,
+husband," said the hostess; "for then we should have some rest; for at
+all other times you are so out of humour and so snappish that we lead
+a sad life with you." "And what think you of this matter, young miss?"
+said the curate to the innkeeper's daughter. "Alack-a-day, sir," said
+she, "I do not understand those things, and yet I love to hear them;
+but I do not like that frightful ugly fighting that so pleases my
+father. Indeed, the sad lamentations of the poor knights for the loss
+of their mistresses sometimes makes me cry like any thing." "I
+suppose, then, young gentlewoman," said Dorothea, "you will be
+tender-hearted, and will never let a lover die for you." "I do not
+know what may happen as to that," said the girl; "but this I know,
+that I will never give any body reason to call me tigress and lioness,
+and I do not know how many other ugly names, as those ladies are often
+called; and I think they deserve yet worse, so they do; for they can
+never have soul nor conscience to let such fine gentlemen die or run
+mad for a sight of them. What signifies all their fiddling and
+coyness? If they are civil women, why do not they marry them; for that
+is all their knights would be at?" "Hold your prating, mistress," said
+the hostess, "how came you to know all this? It is not for such as you
+to talk of these matters." "The gentleman only asked me a question,"
+said she, "and it would be uncivil not to answer him." "Well," said
+the curate, "do me the favour, good landlord, to bring out these books
+that I may have a sight of them."
+
+"With all my heart," said the innkeeper; and with that, stepping to
+his chamber, he opened a little portmanteau that shut with a chain,
+and took out three large volumes, with a parcel of manuscripts in a
+fair legible letter. The title of the first was Don Cirongilio of
+Thrace; the second Felixmarte of Hircania; and the third was the
+History of the great Captain Gonçalo Hernandes de Corduba, and the
+Life of Diego Garcia de Paredes, bound together.[7] The curate,
+reading the title, turned to the barber, and told him they wanted now
+Don Quixote's housekeeper and his niece. "I shall do as well with the
+books," said the barber; "for I can find the way to the back-yard, or
+to the chimney; there is a good fire that will do their business."
+"Business!" said the innkeeper, "I hope you would not burn my books?"
+"Only two of them," said the curate; "this same Don Cirongilio and his
+friend Felixmarte." "I hope, sir," said the host, "they are neither
+heretics nor flegmatics." "Schismatics, you mean," said the barber. "I
+mean so," said the innkeeper; "and if you must burn any, let it be
+this of Gonçalo Hernandes and Diego Garcia; for you should sooner burn
+one of my children than the others." "These books, honest friend,"
+said the curate, "that you appear so concerned for are senseless
+rhapsodies of falsehood and folly; and this which you so despise is a
+true history, and contains a true account of two celebrated men. The
+first by his bravery and courage purchased immortal fame, and the name
+of the Great General, by the universal consent of mankind; and the
+other, Diego Garcia de Paredes, was of noble extraction, and born in
+Truxillo, a town of Estremadura, and was a man of singular courage,
+and of such mighty strength, that with one of his hands he could stop
+a mill-wheel in its most rapid motion, and with his single force
+defended the passage of a bridge against an immense army. Several
+other great actions are related in the memoirs of his life, but all
+with so much modesty and unbiassed truth, that they easily pronounce
+him his own historiographer; and had they been written by any one
+else, with freedom and impartiality, they might have eclipsed your
+Hectors, Achilles's, and Orlandos, with all their heroic exploits."
+"That's a fine jest, truly," said the innkeeper; "my father could have
+told you another tale, sir. Holding a mill-wheel! why, is that such a
+mighty matter? Only do but turn over a leaf of Felixmarte there; you
+will find how with one single back-stroke he cut five swinging giants
+off by the middle, as if they had been so many bean-cods, of which the
+children make little puppet-friars; and read how at another time he
+charged a most mighty and powerful army of above a million and six
+hundred thousand fighting men, all armed cap-a-pie, and routed them
+all like so many sheep. And what can you say of the worthy Cirongilio
+of Thrace? who, as you may read there, going by water one day, was
+assaulted by a fiery serpent in the middle of the river; he presently
+leaped nimbly upon her back, and, hanging by her scaly neck, grasped
+her throat fast with both his arms, so that the serpent, finding
+herself almost strangled, was forced to dive into the water to save
+herself, and carried the knight, who would not quit his hold, to the
+very bottom, where he found a stately palace and such pleasant gardens
+that it was a wonder; and straight the serpent turned into a very old
+man, and told him such things as were never heard nor spoken. Now, a
+fig for your Great Captain and your Diego Garcia." Dorothea, hearing
+this, said softly to Cardenio, that the host was capable of making a
+second part to Don Quixote. "I think so too," cried Cardenio, "for it
+is plain he believes every tittle contained in those books; nor can
+all the Carthusian friars in the world persuade him otherwise." "I
+tell thee, friend," said the curate, "there were never any such
+persons as your books of chivalry mention upon the face of the earth;
+your Felixmarte of Hircania and your Cirongilio of Thrace are all but
+chimeras and fictions of idle and luxuriant wits, who wrote them for
+the same reason that you read them, because they had nothing else to
+do." "Sir," said the innkeeper, "you must angle with another bait, or
+you will catch no fish; I know what's what as well as another; I can
+tell where my own shoe pinches me; and you must not think, sir, to
+catch old birds with chaff. A pleasant jest indeed, that you should
+pretend to persuade me now that these notable books are lies and
+stories! why, sir, are they not in print? Are they not published
+according to order? licensed by authority from the privy council? And
+do you think that they would permit so many untruths to be printed,
+and such a number of battles and enchantments, to set us all
+a-madding?" "I have told you already, friend," replied the curate,
+"that this is licensed for our amusement in our idle hours: for the
+same reason that tennis, billiards, chess, and other recreations are
+tolerated, that men may find a pastime for those hours they cannot
+find employment for. Neither could the government foresee this
+inconvenience from such books that you urge, because they could not
+reasonably suppose any rational person would believe their
+absurdities. And were this a proper time, I could say a great deal in
+favour of such writings; and how, with some regulations, they might be
+made both instructive and diverting. But I design upon the first
+opportunity to communicate my thoughts on this head to some that may
+redress it. In the mean time, honest landlord, you may put up your
+books, and believe them true if you please, and much good may they do
+you. And I wish you may never halt on the same foot as your guest, Don
+Quixote." "There's no fear of that," said the innkeeper; "for I never
+design to turn knight-errant, because I find the customs that
+supported the noble order are quite out of doors."
+
+[7] These were not fabulous heroes, though romantic authors have added
+much of fable to their true history.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+_Of the dreadful battle betwixt Don Quixote and certain Wine-skins._
+
+
+The conversation was hardly concluded when Sancho Panza came running
+out of Don Quixote's chamber in a terrible fright, crying out, "Help,
+help, good people! help my master! He is just now at it tooth and nail
+with that same giant, the Princess Micomicona's foe; I never saw a
+more dreadful battle in my born days. He has lent him such a blow,
+that whip off went the giant's head, as round as a turnip." "You are
+mad, Sancho," said the curate, starting up astonished; "is thy master
+such a wonderful hero as to fight a giant at two thousand leagues
+distance?" Upon this they presently heard a noise and bustle in the
+chamber, and Don Quixote bawling out, "Stay, villain! robber, stay!
+since I have thee here, thy scimitar shall but little avail thee!" and
+with this they heard him strike with his sword with all his force
+against the walls. "Good folks," said Sancho, "my master does not want
+your hearkening; why do not you run in and help him? though I believe
+it is after-meat mustard; for sure the giant is dead by this time, and
+giving an account of his ill life; for I saw his blood run all about
+the house, and his head sailing in the middle on it; but such a head!
+it is bigger than any wine-skin in Spain."[8] "Mercy on me!" cried the
+innkeeper, "I will be cut like a cucumber, if this Don Quixote, or Don
+Devil, has not been hacking my wine-skins that stood filled at his
+bed's head, and this coxcomb has taken the spilt liquor for blood."
+Then running with the whole company into the room, they found the poor
+knight in the most comical posture imaginable.
+
+[8] In Spain they keep their wines in the skin of a goat, sheep, or
+other beast, pitched within, and sewed close without.
+
+He wore on his head a little red greasy nightcap of the innkeeper's;
+he had wrapped one of the best blankets about his left arm for a
+shield; and wielded his drawn-sword in the right, laying about him
+pell-mell; with now and then a start of some military expression, as
+if he had been really engaged with some giant. But the best jest of
+all, he was all this time fast asleep; for the thoughts of the
+adventure he had undertaken had so wrought on his imagination that his
+depraved fancy had in his sleep represented to him the kingdom of
+Micomicon and the giant; and dreaming that he was then fighting him,
+he assaulted the wine-skins so desperately that he set the whole
+chamber afloat with good wine. The innkeeper, enraged to see the
+havoc, flew at Don Quixote with his fists; and had not Cardenio and
+the curate taken him off, he had proved a giant indeed against the
+knight. All this could not wake the poor Don, till the barber,
+throwing a bucket of cold water on him, wakened him from his sleep,
+though not from his dream.
+
+Sancho ran up and down the room searching for the giant's head, till,
+finding his labour fruitless, "Well, well," said he, "now I see
+plainly that this house is haunted; for when I was here before, in
+this very room was I beaten like any stock-fish, but knew no more than
+the man in the moon who struck me; and now the giant's head that I saw
+cut off with these eyes is vanished; and I am sure I saw the body
+spout blood like a pump." "What prating and nonsense!" said the
+innkeeper; "I tell you, rascal, it is my wine-skins that are slashed,
+and my wine that runs about the floor here." "Well, well," said
+Sancho, "do not trouble me; I only tell you that I cannot find the
+giant's head, and my earldom is gone after it; and so I am undone,
+like salt in water." And truly Sancho's waking dream was as pleasant
+as his master's when asleep. The innkeeper was almost mad to see the
+foolish squire harp so on the same string with his frantic master, and
+swore they should not come off now as before; that their chivalry
+should be no satisfaction for his wine, but that they should pay him
+sauce for the damage, and for the very leathern patches which the
+wounded wine-skins would want.
+
+Don Quixote in the mean while, believing he had finished his
+adventure, and mistaking the curate, that held him by the arms, for
+the Princess Micomicona, fell on his knees before him, and with a
+respect due to a royal presence, "Now may your highness," said he,
+"great and illustrious princess, live secure, free from any further
+apprehensions from your conquered enemy; and now I am acquitted of my
+engagement, since, by the assistance of Heaven, and the influence of
+her favour by whom I live and conquer, your adventure is so happily
+achieved." "Did not I tell you so, gentlefolks?" said Sancho; "who is
+drunk or mad now? See if my master has not already put the giant in
+pickle? I am an earl as sure as possible." The whole company (except
+the unfortunate innkeeper) were highly diverted at the extravagances
+of both. At last, the barber, Cardenio, and the curate, having with
+much ado got Don Quixote to bed, he presently fell asleep, being
+heartily tired; and then they left him to comfort Sancho Panza for the
+loss of the giant's head; but it was no easy matter to appease the
+innkeeper, who was at his wit's end for the unexpected and sudden fate
+of his wine-skins.
+
+The hostess in the mean time ran up and down the house crying and
+roaring: "In an ill hour," said she, "did this unlucky knight-errant
+come into my house; I wish, for my part, I had never seen him, for he
+has been a dear guest to me. He and his man, his horse and his ass
+went away last time without paying me a cross for their supper, their
+bed, their litter and provender; and all, forsooth, because he was
+seeking adventures. What, in the wide world, have we to do with his
+statutes of chivalry? If they oblige him not to pay, they should
+oblige him not to eat neither. It was upon this score that the other
+fellow took away my good tail; it is clean spoiled, the hair is all
+torn off, and my husband can never use it again. And now to come upon
+me again with destroying my wine-skins, and spilling my liquor. But I
+will be paid, so I will, to the last maravedis, or I will disown my
+name, and forswear my mother." Her honest maid Maritornes seconded her
+fury; but Master Curate stopped their mouths by promising that he
+would see them satisfied for their wine and their skins, but
+especially for the tail which they made such a clatter about. Dorothea
+comforted Sancho, assuring him that whenever it appeared that his
+master had killed the giant, and restored her to her dominions, he
+should be sure of the best earldom in her disposal. With this he
+buckled up again, and vowed "that he himself had seen the giant's
+head, by the same token that it had a beard that reached down to his
+middle; and if it could not be found, it must be hid by witchcraft,
+for every thing went by enchantment in that house, as he had found to
+his cost when he was there before." Dorothea answered that she
+believed him; and desired him to pluck up his spirits, for all things
+would be well.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+_Containing an account of many surprising accidents in the inn._
+
+
+At the same time the innkeeper, who stood at the door, seeing company
+coming, "More guests," cried he; "a brave jolly troop, on my word. If
+they stop here, we may rejoice." "What are they?" said Cardenio. "Four
+men," said the host, "on horseback, with black masks on their faces,
+and armed with lances and targets; a lady too all in white, that rides
+single and masked; and two running footmen." "Are they near?" said the
+curate. "Just at the door," replied the innkeeper. Hearing this,
+Dorothea veiled herself, and Cardenio had just time enough to step
+into the next room, where Don Quixote lay, when the strangers came
+into the yard. The four horsemen, who made a very genteel appearance,
+dismounted and went to help down the lady, whom one of them taking in
+his arms, carried into the house, where he seated her in a chair by
+the chamber-door, into which Cardenio had withdrawn. All this was done
+without discovering their faces, or speaking a word; only the lady, as
+she sat down in the chair, breathed out a deep sigh, and let her arms
+sink down in a weak and fainting posture. The curate, marking their
+odd behaviour, which raised in him a curiosity to know who they were,
+went to their servants in the stable, and asked what their masters
+were? "Indeed, sir," said one of them, "that is more than we can tell
+you; they seem of no mean quality, especially that gentleman who
+carried the lady into the house; for the rest pay him great respect,
+and his word is a law to them." "Who is the lady?" said the curate.
+"We know no more of her than the rest," answered the fellow; "for we
+could never see her face all the time, and it is impossible we should
+know her or them otherwise. They picked us up on the road, and
+prevailed with us to wait on them to Andalusia, promising to pay us
+well for our trouble; so that, except the two days' travelling in
+their company, they are utter strangers to us." "Could you not hear
+them name one another all this time?" asked the curate. "No, truly,
+sir," answered the footman; "for we heard them not speak a syllable
+all the way; the poor lady indeed used to sigh and grieve so
+piteously, that we are persuaded she has no stomach to this journey."
+"Very likely," said the curate; and with that leaving them, he
+returned to the place where he left Dorothea, who, hearing the masked
+lady sigh so frequently, moved by the natural pity of the soft sex,
+could not forbear inquiring the cause of her sorrow. "Pardon me,
+madam," said she, "if I beg to know your grief; and assure yourself
+that my request does not proceed from mere curiosity, but an earnest
+inclination to assist you, if your misfortune be such as our sex is
+naturally subject to, and in the power of a woman to cure." The lady
+made no return to her compliment, and Dorothea pressed her in vain
+with new reasons; when the gentleman, whom the footboy signified to be
+the chief of the company, interposed: "Madam," said he, "do not
+trouble yourself to throw away any generous offer on that ungrateful
+woman, whose nature cannot return an obligation; neither expect any
+answer to your demands, for her tongue is a stranger to truth." "Sir,"
+said the disconsolate lady, "my truth and honour have made me thus
+miserable, and my sufferings are sufficient to prove you the falsest
+and most base of men." Cardenio, being only parted from the company by
+Don Quixote's chamber-door, overheard these last words very
+distinctly, and immediately cried out, "Good heaven, what do I hear?
+what voice struck my ear just now?" The lady, startled at his
+exclamation, sprung from the chair, and would have rushed into the
+chamber whence the voice came; but the gentleman perceiving it, laid
+hold of her to prevent her, which so disordered the lady that her mask
+fell off, and discovered an incomparable face, beautiful as an
+angel's, though very pale, and strangely discomposed. Dorothea and the
+rest beheld her with grief and wonder. She struggled so hard, and the
+gentleman was so disordered by beholding her, that his mask dropped
+off too, and discovered to Dorothea, who was assisting to hold the
+lady, the face of her husband Don Fernando. Scarce had she known him
+when, with a long and dismal "oh!" she fell in a swoon, and would have
+fallen to the ground, had not the barber, by good fortune, stood
+behind and supported her. The curate ran presently to help her, and
+pulling off her veil to throw water in her face, Don Fernando
+presently knew her, and was struck almost as dead as she at the sight;
+nevertheless he did not quit Lucinda, who was the lady that struggled
+so hard to get out of his hands. Cardenio hearing Dorothea's
+exclamation, and imagining it to be Lucinda's voice, flew into the
+chamber in great disorder, and the first object he met was Don
+Fernando holding Lucinda, who presently knew him. They were all struck
+dumb with amazement: Dorothea gazed on Don Fernando; Don Fernando on
+Cardenio; and Cardenio and Lucinda on one another.
+
+At last Lucinda broke silence, and addressing Don Fernando, "Let me
+go," said she; "unloose your hold, my lord: by the generosity you
+should have, or by your inhumanity, since it must be so, I conjure you
+leave me, that I may cling like ivy to my old support; and from whom
+neither your threats, nor prayers, nor gifts, nor promises, could ever
+alienate my love. Contend not against Heaven, whose power alone could
+bring me to my dear husband's sight by such strange and unexpected
+means; you have a thousand instances to convince you that nothing but
+death can make me ever forget him; let this, at least, turn your love
+into rage, which may prompt you to end my miseries with my life here
+before my dear husband, where I shall be proud to lose it, since my
+death may convince him of my unshaken love and honour till the last
+minute of my life." Dorothea by this time had recovered, and finding
+by Lucinda's discourse who she was, and that Don Fernando would not
+unhand her, she made a virtue of necessity, and falling at his feet,
+"My lord," cried she, all bathed in tears, "if that beauty which you
+hold in your arms has not altogether dazzled your eyes, you may behold
+at your feet the once happy, but now miserable Dorothea. I am the poor
+and humble villager, whom your generous bounty, I dare not say your
+love, did condescend to raise to the honour of calling you her own: I
+am she who, once confined to peaceful innocence, led a contented life,
+till your importunity, your shew of honour and deluding words, charmed
+me from my retreat, and made me resign my freedom to your power. How I
+am recompensed may be guessed by my grief, and my being found here in
+this strange place, whither I was led, not through any dishonourable
+ends, but purely by despair and grief to be forsaken of you. It was at
+your desire I was bound to you by the strictest tie; and whatever you
+do, you can never cease to be mine. Consider, my dear lord, that my
+matchless love may balance the beauty and nobility of the person for
+whom you would forsake me; she cannot share your love, for it is only
+mine; and Cardenio's interest in her will not admit a partner. It is
+easier far, my lord, to recall your wandering desires, and fix them
+upon her that adores you, than to draw her to love who hates you. Have
+some regard to your honour! remember you are a Christian! Why should
+you then make her life end so miserably, whose beginning your favour
+made so happy? If I must not expect the usage and respect of a wife,
+let me but serve you as a slave; so I belong to you, though in the
+meanest rank, I shall never complain; let me not be exposed to the
+slandering reflections of the censorious world by so cruel a
+separation from my lord; afflict not the declining years of my poor
+parents, whose faithful services to you and yours have merited a more
+suitable return."
+
+These, with many such arguments, did the mournful Dorothea urge,
+appearing so lovely in her sorrow, that Don Fernando's friends, as
+well as all the rest, sympathised with her; Lucinda particularly, as
+much admiring her wit and beauty as moved by the tears, the piercing
+sighs and moans, that followed her entreaties; and she would have gone
+nearer to have comforted her, had not Fernando's arms, that still held
+her, prevented it. He stood full of confusion, with his eyes fixed
+attentively on Dorothea a great while; at last, opening his arms, he
+quitted Lucinda: "Thou hast conquered," cried he; "charming Dorothea,
+thou hast conquered; it is impossible to resist so many united truths
+and charms." Lucinda was still so disordered and weak that she would
+have fallen when Fernando quitted her, had not Cardenio, without
+regard to his safety, leaped forward and caught her in his arms, and
+embracing her with eagerness and joy, "Thanks, gracious Heaven!" cried
+he aloud, "my dear, my faithful wife, thy sorrows are now ended; for
+where canst thou rest more safe than in my arms, which now support
+thee as once they did when my blessed fortune first made thee mine?"
+Lucinda then opening her eyes and finding herself in the arms of her
+Cardenio, without regard to ceremony threw her arms about his neck,
+"Yes," said she, "thou art he, thou art my lord indeed! Now, fortune,
+act thy worst; nor fears nor threats shall ever part me from the sole
+support and comfort of my life." This sight was very surprising to Don
+Fernando and the other spectators. Dorothea perceiving, by Don
+Fernando's change of countenance, and laying his hand to his sword,
+that he prepared to assault Cardenio, fell suddenly on her knees, and
+with an endearing embrace held him so fast that he could not stir.
+"What means," cried she, all in tears, "the only refuge of my hope?
+See here thy own and dearest wife at thy feet, and her you would have
+in her true husband's arms. Think then, my lord, how unjust is your
+attempt to dissolve that knot which Heaven has tied so fast. Can you
+ever think or hope success in your design when you see her contemning
+all dangers, and confirmed in strictest constancy and honour, leaning
+in tears of joy on her true lover's bosom? For Heaven's sake I entreat
+you, by your own words I conjure you, to mitigate your anger, and
+permit that faithful pair to spend their remaining days in peace. Thus
+may you make it appear that you are generous and truly noble, giving
+the world so strong a proof that you have your reason at command, and
+your passion in subjection."
+
+All this while Cardenio, though he still held Lucinda in his arms, had
+a watchful eye on Don Fernando; resolving, if he had made the least
+offer to his prejudice, to make him repent it and all his party, if
+possible, though at the expense of his life. But Don Fernando's
+friends, the curate, the barber, and all the company (not forgetting
+honest Sancho Panza), got together about Don Fernando, and entreated
+him to pity the beautiful Dorothea's tears; that, considering what she
+had said, the truth of which was apparent, it would be the highest
+injustice to frustrate her lawful hopes; that their strange and
+wonderful meeting could not be attributed to chance, but the peculiar
+and directing providence of Heaven; that nothing but death (as the
+curate very well urged) could part Cardenio from Lucinda; and that
+though the edge of his sword might separate them, he would make them
+happier by death than he could hope to be by surviving; that, in
+irrecoverable accidents, a submission to Providence, and a resignation
+of our wills, shewed not only the greatest prudence, but also the
+highest courage and generosity; that he should not envy those happy
+lovers what the bounty of Heaven had conferred on them, but that he
+should turn his eyes on Dorothea's grief, view her incomparable
+beauty, which, with her true and unfeigned love, made large amends for
+the meanness of her parentage; but principally it lay upon him, if he
+gloried in the titles of nobility and Christianity, to keep his
+promise unviolated; that the more reasonable part of mankind could not
+otherwise be satisfied, or have any esteem for him. Also, that it was
+the special prerogative of beauty, if heightened by virtue and adorned
+with modesty, to lay claim to any dignity without disparagement or
+scandal to the person that raises it. In short, to these reasons they
+added so many enforcing arguments, that Don Fernando, who was truly a
+gentleman, could no longer resist reason, but stooped down, and
+embracing Dorothea, "Rise, madam," said he; "it is not proper that she
+should lie prostrate at my feet who triumphs over my soul. If I have
+not hitherto paid you all the respect I ought, it was perhaps so
+ordered by Heaven, that having by this a stronger conviction of your
+constancy and goodness, I may henceforth set the greater value on your
+merit. Let the future respects and services I shall pay you plead a
+pardon for my past transgressions; and let the violent passions of my
+love that first made me yours plead my excuse for that which caused me
+to forsake you. View the now happy Lucinda's eyes, and there read a
+thousand farther excuses; but I promise henceforth never to disturb
+her quiet; and may she live long and contented with her dear
+Cardenio, as I hope to do with my dearest Dorothea."
+
+Cardenio, Lucinda, and the greatest part of the company, could not
+command their passions, but all wept for joy: even Sancho Panza
+himself shed tears, though, as he afterwards confessed, it was not for
+downright grief, but because he found not Dorothea to be the Queen of
+Micomicona, as he supposed, and of whom he expected so many favours
+and preferments. Cardenio and Lucinda fell at Don Fernando's feet,
+giving him thanks with the strongest expressions which gratitude could
+suggest; he raised them up, and received their acknowledgments with
+much modesty, then begged to be informed by Dorothea how she came to
+that place. She related to him all she had told Cardenio, but with
+such a grace that what were misfortunes to her proved an inexpressible
+pleasure to those that heard her relation. When she had done, Don
+Fernando told all that had befallen him in the city after he had found
+the paper in Lucinda's bosom which declared Cardenio to be her
+husband; how he would have killed her, had not her parents prevented
+him; how afterwards, mad with shame and anger, he left the city to
+wait a more convenient opportunity of revenge; how, in a short time,
+he learned that Lucinda was fled to a nunnery, resolving to end her
+days there, if she could not spend them with Cardenio; that, having
+desired those three gentlemen to go with him, they went to the
+nunnery, and, waiting till they found the gate open, he left two of
+the gentlemen to secure the door, while he with the other entered the
+house, where they found Lucinda talking with a nun in the cloister.
+They carried her thence to a village, where they disguised themselves
+for their more convenient flight, which they more easily brought
+about, the nunnery being situate in the fields, distant a good way
+from any town. He likewise added how Lucinda, finding herself in his
+power, fell into a swoon; and that after she came to herself, she
+continually wept and sighed, but would not speak a syllable; and that,
+accompanied with silence only and tears, they had travelled till they
+came to that inn, which proved to him as his arrival at heaven, having
+put a happy conclusion to all his earthly misfortunes.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+_The history of the famous Princess Micomicona continued; with other
+pleasant adventures._
+
+
+The joy of the whole company was unspeakable by the happy conclusion
+of this perplexed business. Dorothea, Cardenio, and Lucinda thought
+the sudden change of their affairs too surprising to be real; and
+could hardly be induced to believe their happiness. Fernando thanked
+Heaven a thousand times for having led him out of a labyrinth, in
+which his honour and virtue were like to have been lost. The curate,
+as he was very instrumental in the general reconciliation, had
+likewise no small share in the general joy; and that no discontent
+might sour their universal satisfaction, Cardenio and the curate
+engaged to see the hostess satisfied for all the damages committed by
+Don Quixote; only poor Sancho drooped sadly. He found his lordship and
+his hopes vanished into smoke; the Princess Micomicona was changed to
+Dorothea, and the giant to Don Fernando. Thus, very musty and
+melancholy, he slipt into his master's chamber, who had slept on, and
+was just wakened, little thinking of what had happened.
+
+[Illustration: DON QUIXOTE. P. 133.]
+
+"I hope your early rising will do you no hurt," said he, "Sir Knight
+of the Sorrowful Figure; but you may now sleep on till doom's-day if
+you will; nor need you trouble your head any longer about killing any
+giant, or restoring the princess; for all that is done to your hand."
+"That is more than probable," answered the knight; "for I have had the
+most extraordinary, the most prodigious and bloody battle with the
+giant that I ever had, or shall have, during the whole course of my
+life. Yet with one cross stroke I laid his head on the ground, whence
+the great effusion of blood seemed like a violent stream of water."
+"Of wine, you mean," said Sancho; "for you must know (if you know it
+not already), that your worship's dead giant is a broached wine-skin;
+and the blood some thirty gallons of tent which it held in its body."
+"What sayest thou, madman?" said the Don; "thou art frantic, sure."
+"Rise, rise, sir," said Sancho, "and see what fine work you have cut
+out for yourself; here is your great queen changed into a private
+gentlewoman, called Dorothea, with some other such odd matters, that
+you will wonder with a vengeance." "I can wonder at nothing here,"
+said Don Quixote, "where you may remember I told you all things were
+ruled by enchantment." "I believe it," quoth Sancho, "had my adventure
+with the blanket been of that kind; but sure it was likest the real
+tossing in a blanket of anything I ever knew in my life. And this same
+innkeeper, I remember very well, was one of those that tossed me into
+the air, and as cleverly and heartily he did it as a man could wish, I
+will say that for him; so that, after all, I begin to smell a rat, and
+do greatly suspect that all our enchantment will end in nothing but
+bruises and broken bones." "Heaven will retrieve all," said the
+knight; "I will therefore dress, and march to the discovery of these
+wonderful transformations."
+
+Meanwhile the curate gave Don Fernando and the rest an account of Don
+Quixote's madness, and of the device he used to draw him from the
+desert, to which the supposed disdain of his mistress had banished him
+in imagination. Sancho's adventures made also a part in the story,
+which proved very diverting to the strangers. He added, that since
+Dorothea's change of fortune had baulked their design that way, some
+other scheme should be devised to decoy him home. Cardenio offered his
+service in the affair, and that Lucinda should personate Dorothea.
+"No, no," answered Don Fernando; "Dorothea shall humour the jest
+still, if this honest gentleman's habitation be not very far off."
+"Only two days' journey," said the curate. "I would ride twice as
+far," said Don Fernando, "for the pleasure of so good and charitable
+an action." By this time Don Quixote had sallied out armed cap-a-pie,
+Mambrino's helmet (with a great hole in it), on his head; his shield
+on his left arm, and with his right he leaned on his lance. His
+meagre, yellow, weather-beaten face of half a league in length; the
+unaccountable medley of his armour, together with his grave and solemn
+port, struck Don Fernando and his companions dumb with astonishment;
+while the champion, casting his eyes on Dorothea, with great gravity
+broke silence with these words:
+
+"I am informed by this my squire, beautiful lady, that your greatness
+is annihilated, and your majesty reduced to nothing; for of a queen
+and mighty princess, as you used to be, you are become a private
+damsel. If any express order from the necromantic king your father,
+doubting the ability and success of my arm in the reinstating you, has
+occasioned this change, I must tell him that he is no conjuror in
+these matters, and does not know one half of his trade; nor is he
+skilled in the revolutions of chivalry; for had he been conversant in
+the study of knight-errantry as I have been, he might have found that
+in every age champions of less fame than Don Quixote de la Mancha have
+finished more desperate adventures; since the killing of a pitiful
+giant, how arrogant soever he may be, is no such great achievement;
+for not many hours past I encountered one myself; the success I will
+not mention, lest the incredulity of some people might distrust the
+reality; but time, the discoverer of all things, will disclose it when
+least expected. To conclude, most high and disinherited lady, if your
+father, for the reasons already mentioned, has caused this
+metamorphosis in your person, believe him not; for there is no peril
+on earth through which my sword shall not open a way; and assure
+yourself that in a few days, by the overthrow of your enemy's head, it
+shall fix on yours that crown which is your lawful inheritance." Here
+Don Quixote stopped, waiting the princess's answer; she, assured of
+Don Fernando's consent to carry on the jest till Don Quixote was got
+home, and assuming a face of gravity, answered, "Whosoever has
+informed you, valorous Knight of the Sorrowful Figure, that I have
+altered or changed my condition, has imposed upon you; for I am just
+the same to-day as yesterday. It is true some unexpected but fortunate
+accidents have varied some circumstances of my fortune, much to my
+advantage, and far beyond my hopes; but I am neither changed in my
+person, nor altered in my resolution of employing the force of your
+redoubtable and invincible arm in my favour. I therefore apply myself
+to your usual generosity, to have these words spoken to my father's
+dishonour recalled, and believe these easy and infallible means to
+redress my wrongs the pure effects of his wisdom and policy, as the
+good fortune I now enjoy has been the consequence of your surprising
+deeds, as this noble presence can testify. What should hinder us,
+then, from setting forward to-morrow morning, depending for a happy
+and successful conclusion on the will of Heaven, and the power of your
+unparalleled courage?"
+
+The ingenious Dorothea having concluded, Don Quixote turning to Sancho
+with all the signs of fury imaginable, "Tell me, rogue, scoundrel, did
+not you just now inform me that this princess was changed into a
+little private damsel, called Dorothea, with a thousand other
+absurdities? I vow I have a mind so to use thee, as to make thee
+appear a miserable example to all succeeding squires that shall dare
+to tell a knight-errant a lie." "Good your worship," cried Sancho,
+"have patience, I beseech you; mayhap I am mistaken or so, about my
+lady Princess Micomicona's concern there; but that the giant's head
+came off the wine-skin's shoulders, and that the blood was as good
+tent as ever was tipt over tongue, I will take my oath on it; for are
+not the skins all hacked and slashed within there at your bed's-head,
+and the wine all in a puddle in your chamber? But you will guess at
+the meat presently by the sauce; the proof of the pudding is in the
+eating, master; and if my landlord here do not let you know it to your
+cost, he is a very honest and civil fellow, that is all." "Sancho,"
+said the Don, "I pronounce thee _non compos_; I therefore pardon thee,
+and have done." "It is enough," said Don Fernando; "we, therefore, in
+pursuance of the princess's orders, will this night refresh ourselves,
+and to-morrow we will all of us set out to attend the lord Don Quixote
+in prosecution of this important enterprise he has undertaken, being
+all impatient to be eye-witnesses of his celebrated and matchless
+courage." "I shall be proud of the honour of serving and waiting upon
+you, my good lord," replied Don Quixote, "and reckon myself infinitely
+obliged by the favour and good opinion of so honourable a company;
+which I shall endeavour to improve and confirm, though at the expense
+of the last drop of my blood."
+
+The night coming on, and the innkeeper, by order of Don Fernando's
+friends, having made haste to provide them the best supper he could,
+the cloth was laid on a long table, there being neither round nor
+square in the house. Don Quixote, after much ceremony, was prevailed
+upon to sit at the head; he desired the Lady Micomicona to sit next
+him; and the rest of the company having placed themselves according to
+their rank and convenience, they eat their supper very heartily. Don
+Quixote, to raise the diversion, never minded his meat, but inspired
+with the same spirit that moved him to preach so much to the
+goatherds, began to hold forth in this manner: "Certainly, gentlemen,
+if we rightly consider it, those who make knight-errantry their
+profession often meet with surprising and most stupendous adventures.
+For what mortal in the world, at this time entering within this
+castle, and seeing us sit together as we do, will imagine and believe
+us to be the same persons which in reality we are? Who is there that
+can judge that this lady by my side is the great queen we all know her
+to be, and that I am that Knight of the Sorrowful Figure so
+universally made known by fame? It is, then, no longer to be doubted
+but that this exercise and profession surpasses all others that have
+been invented by man, and is so much the more honourable as it is more
+exposed to dangers. Let none presume to tell me that the pen is
+preferable to the sword. This may be ascertained by regarding the end
+and object each of them aims at; for that intention is to be most
+valued which makes the noblest end its object. The scope and end of
+learning, I mean human learning (in this place I speak not of
+divinity, whose aim is to guide souls to Heaven, for no other can
+equal a design so infinite as that), is to give a perfection to
+distributive justice, bestowing upon every one his due, and to procure
+and cause good laws to be observed; an end really generous, great, and
+worthy of high commendation, but yet not equal to that which
+knight-errantry tends to, whose object and end is peace, which is the
+greatest blessing man can wish for in this life. And, therefore, the
+first good news that the world received was that which the angels
+brought in the night--the beginning of our day--when they sang in the
+air, 'Glory to God on high, peace on earth, and to men good-will.' And
+the only manner of salutation taught by our great Master to his
+friends and favourites was, that entering any house they should say,
+'Peace be to this house.' And at other times he said to them, 'My
+peace I give to you,' 'My peace I leave to you,' 'Peace be among you.'
+A jewel and legacy worthy of such a donor, a jewel so precious that
+without it there can be no happiness either in earth or heaven. This
+peace is the true end of war; for arms and war are one and the same
+thing. Allowing, then, this truth, that the end of war is peace, and
+that in this it excels the end of learning, let us now weigh the
+bodily labours the scholar undergoes against those the warrior
+suffers, and then see which are greatest."
+
+The method and language Don Quixote used in delivering himself were
+such, that none of his hearers at that time looked upon him as a
+madman; but on the contrary, most of them being gentlemen to whom the
+use of arms properly appertains, they gave him a willing attention;
+and he proceeded in this manner: "These, then, I say, are the
+sufferings and hardships a scholar endures. First, poverty (not that
+they are all poor, but to urge the worst that may be in this case);
+and having said he endures poverty, methinks nothing more need be
+urged to express his misery; for he that is poor enjoys no happiness,
+but labours under this poverty in all its parts, at one time in
+hunger, at another in cold, another in nakedness, and sometimes in all
+of them together; yet his poverty is not so great, but still he eats,
+though it be later than the usual hour, and of the scraps of the rich;
+neither can the scholar miss of somebody's stove or fireside to sit
+by; where, though he be not thoroughly heated, yet he may gather
+warmth, and at last sleep away the night under a roof. I will not
+touch upon other less material circumstances, as the want of linen,
+and scarcity of shoes, thinness and baldness of their clothes, and
+their surfeiting when good fortune throws a feast in their way; this
+is the difficult and uncouth path they tread, often stumbling and
+falling, yet rising again and pushing on, till they attain the
+preferment they aim at; whither being arrived, we have seen many of
+them, who having been carried by a fortunate gale through all these
+quick-sands, from a chair govern the world; their hunger being changed
+into satiety, their cold into comfortable warmth; their nakedness into
+magnificence of apparel, and the mats they used to lie upon, into
+stately beds of costly silks and softest linen, a reward due to their
+virtue. But yet their sufferings being compared to those the soldier
+endures, appear much inferior, as I shall in the next place make out."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+_A continuation of Don Quixote's curious and excellent discourse upon
+arms and learning._
+
+
+"Since, speaking of the scholar, we began with his poverty, and its
+several parts," continued Don Quixote, "let us now observe whether the
+soldier be any richer than he; and we shall find that poverty itself
+is not poorer; for he depends on his miserable pay, which he receives
+but seldom, or perhaps never; or else on that he makes by marauding,
+with the hazard of his life, and trouble of his conscience. Such is
+sometimes his want of apparel, that a slashed buff-coat is all his
+holiday raiment and shirt; and in the depth of winter being in the
+open field, he has nothing to cherish him against the sharpness of the
+season but the breath of his mouth, which issuing from an empty place,
+I am persuaded is itself cold, though contrary to the rules of nature.
+But now see how he expects night to make amends for all these
+hardships in the bed prepared for him, which, unless it be his own
+fault, never proves too narrow; for he may freely lay out as much of
+the ground as he pleases, and tumble to his content without danger of
+losing the sheets. But above all, when the day shall come, wherein he
+is to put in practice the exercise of his profession, and strive to
+gain some new degree, when the day of battle shall come; then, as a
+mark of honour, shall his head be dignified with a cap made of lint,
+to stop a hole made by a bullet, or be perhaps carried off maimed, at
+the expense of a leg or arm. And if this do not happen, but that
+merciful Heaven preserve his life and limbs, it may fall out that he
+shall remain as poor as before, and must run through many encounters
+and battles, nay always come off victorious, to obtain some little
+preferment; and these miracles, too, are rare; but, I pray tell me,
+gentlemen, if ever you made it your observation, how few are those who
+obtain due rewards in war, in comparison of those numbers that perish?
+Doubtless you will answer that there is no parity between them, that
+the dead cannot be reckoned up; whereas those who live and are
+rewarded may be numbered with three figures.[9] It is quite otherwise
+with scholars, not only those who follow the law, but others also, who
+all either by hook or by crook get a livelihood; so that though the
+soldier's sufferings be much greater, yet his reward is much less. To
+this it may be answered, that it is easier to reward two thousand
+scholars, than thirty thousand soldiers, because the former are
+recompensed at the expense of the public, by giving them employments,
+but the latter cannot be gratified but at the cost of the master that
+employs them; yet this very difficulty makes good my argument. Now for
+a man to attain to an eminent degree of learning costs him time,
+watching, hunger, nakedness, dizziness in the head, weakness in the
+stomach, and other inconveniences, which are the consequences of
+these, of which I have already in part made mention. But the rising
+gradually to be a good soldier is purchased at the whole expense of
+all that is required for learning, and that in so surpassing a degree
+that there is no comparison betwixt them, because he is every moment
+in danger of his life. To what danger or distress can a scholar be
+reduced equal to that of a soldier, who, being besieged in some strong
+place, and at his post in some ravelin or bastion, perceives the enemy
+carrying on a mine under him, and yet must upon no account remove from
+thence, or shun the danger which threatens him? All he can do is, to
+give notice to his commander, that he may countermine, but must
+himself stand still, fearing and expecting, when on a sudden he shall
+soar to the clouds without wings, and be again cast down headlong
+against his will. If this danger seem inconsiderable, let us see
+whether that be not greater when two galleys shock one another with
+their prows in the midst of the spacious sea. When they have thus
+grappled, and are clinging together, the soldier is confined to the
+narrow beak, being a board not above two feet wide; and yet though he
+sees before him so many ministers of death threatening, as there are
+pieces of cannon on the other side pointing against him, and not half
+a pike's length from his body; and being sensible that the first slip
+of his feet sends him to the bottom of Neptune's dominions,--still,
+for all this, inspired by honour, with an undaunted heart, he stands a
+mark to so much fire, and endeavours to make his way by that narrow
+passage into the enemy's vessel. But what is most to be admired is,
+that no sooner one falls, where he shall never rise till the end of
+the world, than another steps into the same place; and if he also
+drops into the sea, which lies in wait for him like an enemy, another,
+and after him another, still fills up the place, without suffering any
+interval of time to separate their deaths; a resolution and boldness
+scarce to be paralleled in any other trials of war. Blessed be those
+happy ages that were strangers to the dreadful fury of these devilish
+instruments of artillery which is the cause that very often a cowardly
+base hand takes away the life of the bravest gentleman, and that in
+the midst of that vigour and resolution which animates and inflames
+the bold, a chance bullet (shot perhaps by one that fled, and was
+frighted at the very flash the mischievous piece gave when it went
+off) coming nobody knows how or from whence, in a moment puts a period
+to the brave designs, and the life, of one that deserved to have
+survived many years. This considered, I could almost say I am sorry at
+my heart for having taken upon me this profession of a knight-errant
+in so detestable an age; for though no danger daunts me, yet it
+affects me to think that powder and lead may deprive me of the
+opportunity of becoming famous, and making myself known throughout the
+world by the strength of my arm and dint of my sword. But let Heaven
+order matters as it pleases; for if I compass my designs, I shall be
+so much the more honoured by how much the dangers I have exposed
+myself to are greater than those the knights-errant of former ages
+underwent."
+
+[9] _i.e._ do not exceed hundreds.
+
+All this long preamble Don Quixote made whilst the company supped,
+never minding to eat a mouthful, though Sancho Panza had several times
+advised him to mind his meat, telling him there would be time enough
+afterwards to talk as he thought fit. Those who heard him were afresh
+moved with compassion, to see a man who seemed, in all other respects,
+to have a sound judgment, so distracted when any mention was made of
+knight-errantry.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+_Of occurrences at the inn; and of many other things worthy to be
+known._
+
+
+Night was now advanced, and a coach arrived at the inn with some
+horsemen. The travellers wanted lodging for the night, but the
+hostess told them that there was not an inch of room disengaged in the
+whole inn. "Notwithstanding that," said one of the men on horseback,
+"there must be room made for my lord judge here in the coach." On
+hearing this the hostess was disturbed and said, "Sir, the truth is, I
+have no bed; but if his worship, my lord judge, brings one with him,
+let him enter in God's name; for I and my husband will quit our own
+chamber to accommodate his honour."
+
+"Be it so," quoth the squire; and by this time a person had alighted
+from the coach whose garb immediately shewed the nature and dignity of
+his station; for his long gown and tucked-up sleeves denoted him to be
+a judge, as his servant had said. He led by the hand a young lady
+apparently about sixteen years of age, in a riding-dress, so lovely
+and elegant in her person that all were struck with so much admiration
+that, had they not seen Dorothea and Lucinda, they would never have
+believed that there was such another beautiful damsel in existence.
+Don Quixote was present at their entrance, and he thus addressed them:
+"Your worship may securely enter and range this castle; for, however
+confined and inconvenient it may be, place will always be found for
+arms and letters; especially when, like your worship, they appear
+under the patronage of beauty; for to this fair maiden not only
+castles should throw open wide their gates, but rocks divide and
+separate, and mountains bow their lofty heads in salutation. Enter,
+sir, into this paradise; for here you will find suns and stars worthy
+of that lovely heaven you bring with you. Here you will find arms in
+their zenith, and beauty in perfection!" The judge marvelled greatly
+at this speech, and he earnestly surveyed the knight, no less
+astonished by his appearance than his discourse; and was considering
+what to say in reply, when the other ladies made their appearance,
+attracted by the account the hostess had given of the beauty of the
+young lady. Don Fernando, Cardenio, and the priest, paid their
+compliments in a more intelligible manner than Don Quixote, and all
+the ladies of the castle welcomed the fair stranger. In short, the
+judge easily perceived that he was in the company of persons of
+distinction; but the mien, visage, and behaviour of Don Quixote
+confounded him. After mutual courtesies and inquiries as to what
+accommodation the inn afforded, the arrangements previously made were
+adopted; namely, that all the women should lodge in the large chamber,
+and the men remain without, as their guard. The judge was content that
+the young lady, who was his daughter, should accompany the other
+ladies; and she herself readily consented: thus, with the innkeeper's
+narrow bed, together with that which the judge had brought with him,
+they passed the night better than they had expected.
+
+The night being now far advanced, they proposed retiring to repose
+during the remainder, Don Quixote offering his service to guard the
+castle, lest some giant or other miscreant errant, tempted by the
+treasure of beauty there enclosed, should presume to make an attack
+upon it. His friends thanked him, and took occasion to amuse the judge
+with an account of his strange frenzy. Sancho Panza alone was out of
+all patience at sitting up so late. However, he was better
+accommodated than any of them, upon the accoutrements of his ass, for
+which he dearly paid, as shall be hereafter related. The ladies having
+retired to their chamber, and the rest accommodated as well as they
+could be, Don Quixote, according to his promise, sallied out of the
+inn to take his post at the castle-gate.
+
+A short time before daybreak, a voice reached the ears of the ladies,
+so sweet and melodious that it forcibly arrested their attention,
+especially that of Dorothea, by whose side slept Donna Clara de
+Viedma, the daughter of the judge. The voice was unaccompanied by any
+instrument, and they were surprised at the skill of the singer.
+Sometimes they fancied that the sound proceeded from the yard, and at
+other times from the stable. While they were in this uncertainty,
+Cardenio came to the chamber-door and said, "If you are not asleep,
+pray listen, and you will hear one of the muleteers singing
+enchantingly." Dorothea told him that they had heard him, upon which
+Cardenio retired. Then listening with much attention, Dorothea plainly
+distinguished the following words.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+_The agreeable history of the young muleteer; with other strange
+accidents._
+
+
+ I.
+
+ Toss'd in doubts and fears I rove
+ On the stormy seas of love;
+ Far from comfort, far from port,
+ Beauty's prize, and fortune's sport;
+ Yet my heart disdains despair
+ While I trace my leading-star.
+
+ II.
+
+ But reservedness, like a cloud,
+ Does too oft her glories shroud.
+ Pierce to the gloom, reviving light!
+ Be auspicious as you're bright.
+ As you hide or dart your beams,
+ Your adorer sinks or swims!
+
+Dorothea thought it was a great loss to Donna Clara not to hear such
+excellent singing; she therefore gave her a gentle shake and awoke
+her. "Excuse me, my dear, for disturbing you," she said, "since it is
+only that you may have the pleasure of hearing the sweetest voice
+which perhaps you ever heard in your life." Clara, half awake, was
+obliged to ask Dorothea to repeat what she had said to her; after
+which she endeavoured to command her attention, but had no sooner
+heard a few words of the song than she was seized with a fit of
+trembling as violent as the attack of a quartan ague; and, clinging
+round Dorothea, she cried, "Ah, my dear lady! why did you wake me? The
+greatest service that could be done me would be for ever to close both
+my eyes and ears, that I might neither see nor hear that unhappy
+musician." "What do you say, my dear?" answered Dorothea; "is it not a
+muleteer who is singing?" "Oh no," replied Clara; "he is a young
+gentleman of large possessions, and so much master of my heart that,
+if he reject it not, it shall be his eternally." Dorothea was
+surprised at the passionate expressions of the girl, which she would
+not have expected from one of her tender years. She therefore said to
+her, "Your words surprise me, Sigñora Clara; explain yourself farther;
+what is this you say of heart and possessions--and who is this
+musician whose voice affects you so much? But stay, do not speak just
+yet; he seems to be preparing to sing again, and I must not lose the
+pleasure of hearing him." Clara, however, stopped her own ears with
+both hands, to Dorothea's great surprise, who listened very
+attentively to the music.
+
+When the singing had ceased, Donna Clara again began to sigh; and all
+this so excited Dorothea's curiosity, that she pressed her to explain
+what she had just before said. Clara embraced her, and putting her
+face close to her ear, she whispered, lest she should be overheard by
+Lucinda, "that singer, my dear madam," said she, "is the son of an
+Arragonian gentleman who is lord of two towns, and, when at court,
+lives opposite to my father. Although my father kept his windows
+covered with canvass in the winter, and lattices in summer, it
+happened, by some chance, that this young gentleman saw me--whether at
+church or where it was I know not, but in truth he fell in love with
+me, and expressed his passion from the window of his house, by so many
+signs and so many tears that I was forced to believe him, and even to
+love him too. Among other signs he often joined one hand with the
+other, signifying his desire to marry me; and though I should have
+been very glad if it might have been so, yet being alone, and having
+no mother, I knew not who to speak to on the subject, and therefore
+let it rest, without granting him any other favour than, when his
+father and mine were both abroad, to lift up the lattice-window, just
+to shew myself, at which he seemed so delighted that you would have
+thought him mad. When the time of my father's departure drew near, he
+heard of it, though not from me, for I never had an opportunity to
+speak to him; and soon after he fell sick, as I was told, for grief;
+so that, on the day we came away, I could not see him to say
+farewell, though it were only with my eyes. But, after we had
+travelled two days, on entering a village about a day's journey hence,
+I saw him at the door of an inn, in the habit of a muleteer, so
+disguised that, had not his image been deeply imprinted in my heart, I
+could not have known him. I was surprised and overjoyed at the sight
+of him, and he stole looks at me unobserved by my father, whom he
+carefully avoids when he passes, either on the road or at the inns.
+When I think who he is, and how he travels on foot, bearing so much
+fatigue, for love of me, I am ready to die with pity, and cannot help
+following him with my eyes. I cannot imagine what his intentions are,
+nor how he could leave his father, who loves him passionately, having
+no other heir, and also because he is so very deserving, as you will
+perceive, when you see him. I can assure you, besides, that all he
+sings is of his own composing; for I have heard that he is a great
+scholar and a poet. Every time I see him, or hear him sing, I tremble
+all over with fright, lest my father should recollect him, and
+discover our inclinations. Although I never spoke a word to him in my
+life, yet I love him so well that I never can live without him. This,
+dear madam, is all I can tell you about him whose voice has pleased
+you so much; by that alone you may easily perceive he is no muleteer,
+but master of hearts and towns, as I have already told you."
+
+"Enough, my dear Clara," said Dorothea, kissing her a thousand times;
+"you need not say more; compose yourself till morning, for I hope to
+be able to manage your affair so that the conclusion may be as happy
+as the beginning is innocent." "Ah, sigñora!" said Donna Clara, "what
+conclusion can be expected, since his father is of such high rank and
+fortune that I am not worthy to be even his servant, much less his
+wife? As to marrying without my father's knowledge, I would not do it
+for all the world. I only wish this young man would go back and leave
+me; absence, perhaps, may lessen the pain I now feel; though I fear it
+will not have much effect. What a strange sorcery this love is! I know
+not how it came to possess me, so young as I am--in truth, I believe
+we are both of the same age, and I am not yet sixteen, nor shall I be,
+as my father says, until next Michaelmas." Dorothea could not forbear
+smiling at Donna Clara's childish simplicity; however, she entreated
+her again to sleep the remainder of the night, and to hope for every
+thing in the morning.
+
+Profound silence now reigned over the whole house; all being asleep
+except the innkeeper's daughter and her maid Maritornes, who, knowing
+Don Quixote's weak points, determined to amuse themselves by observing
+him while he was keeping guard without doors. There was no window on
+that side of the house which overlooked the field, except a small
+opening to the straw-loft, where the straw was thrown out. At this
+hole the pair of damsels planted themselves, whence they commanded a
+view of the knight on horseback, leaning on his lance, and could hear
+him, ever and anon, heaving such deep and mournful sighs that they
+seemed torn from the very bottom of his soul. They could also
+distinguish words, uttered in a soft, soothing, amorous tone; such as,
+"O my lady Dulcinea del Toboso! perfection of all beauty, quintessence
+of discretion, treasury of wit, and pledge of modesty! what may now be
+thy sweet employment? Art thou, peradventure, thinking of thy captive
+knight, who voluntarily exposes himself to so many perils and toils
+for thy sake? O thou luminary, bring me swift tidings of her! Perhaps
+thou art now gazing at her, envious of her beauty, as she walks
+through some gallery of her sumptuous palace, or leans over some
+balcony, considering how she may, without offence to her virtue and
+dignity, assuage the torment which this poor afflicted heart of mine
+endures for her! or meditating on what glory she shall bestow on my
+sufferings, what solace to my cares, or recompense to my long
+services!" While the knight thus employed himself, four men on
+horseback came up to the inn, well appointed and accoutred, with
+carbines hanging on their saddle-bows. Not finding the inn-door open,
+they called aloud, and knocked very hard; upon which Don Quixote cried
+out from the place where he stood sentinel, in a loud and imperious
+tone, "Knights, or squires, or whoever ye are, desist from knocking at
+the gate of this castle; for at this early hour its inmates are
+doubtless sleeping; at least they are not accustomed to open the gates
+of their fortress until the sun has spread his beams over the whole
+horizon; retire therefore until daylight shall inform us whether it be
+proper to admit you or not." "What kind of a fortress or castle is
+this," quoth one of them, "that we are obliged to observe all this
+ceremony? If you are the innkeeper, make somebody open the door, for
+we are travellers, and only want to bait our horses, and go on, as we
+are in haste." "What say ye, sirs--do I look like an innkeeper?" said
+Don Quixote. "I know not what you look like," answered the other; "but
+I am sure you talk preposterously to call this inn a castle." "A
+castle it is," replied Don Quixote, "and one of the best in the whole
+province; and at this moment contains within its walls persons who
+have had crowns on their heads and sceptres in their hands." "You had
+better have said the reverse," quoth the traveller; "the sceptre on
+the head, and the crown in the hand; but perhaps some company of
+strolling players are here, who frequently wear such things; this is
+not a place for any other sort of crowned heads." "Your ignorance must
+be great," replied Don Quixote, "if you know not that such events are
+very common in chivalry." The other horseman, impatient at the
+dialogue, repeated his knocks with so much violence that he roused not
+only the host, but all the company in the house.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+_A continuation of the extraordinary adventures that happened in the
+inn._
+
+
+The door being opened, they inquired of the host whether there was not
+in the house a youth about fifteen years old, habited like a
+muleteer--in short, describing Donna Clara's lover. The host said that
+there were so many people in the inn, that he had not observed such a
+person as they described. But one of them just then seeing the judge's
+coach, said, "He must certainly be here, for there is the coach which
+he is said to follow. Let one of us remain here, and the rest go in to
+search for him; and it would not be amiss for one of us to ride round
+the house, in case he should attempt to escape over the pales of the
+yard." All this they immediately did, much to the innkeeper's
+surprise, who could not guess the meaning of so much activity.
+
+It was now full daylight, and most of the company in the house were
+rising; among the first were Donna Clara and Dorothea, who had slept
+but indifferently; the one from concern at being so near her lover,
+and the other from a desire of seeing him. In the mean time the men
+pursued their search after the youth, and at last found him peaceably
+sleeping by the side of a muleteer. One of them, pulling him by the
+arm, said, "Upon my word, Sigñor Don Louis, your dress is very
+becoming a gentleman like you, and the bed you lie on is very suitable
+to the tenderness with which your mother brought you up!" The youth
+was roused from his sleep, and, looking earnestly at the man who held
+him, he soon recollected him to be one of his father's servants, and
+was so confounded that he could not say a word. "Sigñor Don Louis,"
+continued the servant, "you must instantly return home, unless you
+would cause the death of my lord, your father, he is in such grief at
+your absence." "Why, how did my father know," said Don Louis, "that I
+came this road and in this dress?" "He was informed by a student, to
+whom you mentioned your project, and who was induced to disclose it
+from compassion at your father's distress. There are four of us here
+at your service, and we shall be rejoiced to restore you to your
+family." "That will be as I shall please, or as Heaven may ordain,"
+answered Don Louis. "What, sigñor, should you please to do but return
+home?" rejoined the servant; "indeed you cannot do otherwise."
+
+The muleteer who had been Don Louis's companion, hearing this contest,
+went to acquaint Don Fernando and the rest of the company with what
+was passing, telling them that the man had called the young lad Don,
+and wanted him to return to his father's house, but that he refused to
+go. They all recollected his fine voice, and being eager to know who
+he was, and to assist him if any violence were offered him, they
+repaired to the place where he was contending with his servant.
+Dorothea now came out of her chamber with Donna Clara; and, calling
+Cardenio aside, she related to him in a few words the history of the
+musician and Donna Clara. He then told her of the search that had been
+made after the young man by the servants; and although he whispered,
+he was overheard by Donna Clara, who was thrown into such an agony by
+the intelligence, that she would have fallen to the ground if Dorothea
+had not supported her. Cardenio advised her to retire with Donna
+Clara, while he endeavoured to make some arrangements in their behalf.
+Don Louis was now surrounded by all the four servants, entreating that
+he would immediately return to comfort his father. He answered that he
+could not possibly do so until he had accomplished that on which his
+life, his honour, and his soul depended. The servants still urged him,
+saying they would certainly not go back without him, and that they
+must compel him to return if he refused. "That you shall not do,"
+replied Don Louis; "at least you shall not take me living." This
+contest had now drawn together most of the people in the house; Don
+Fernando, Cardenio, the judge, the priest, the barber, and even Don
+Quixote had quitted his post of castleguard. Cardenio, already knowing
+the young man's story, asked the men why they would take away the
+youth against his will. "To save his father's life," replied one of
+them; "which is in danger from distress of mind." "There is no
+occasion to give an account of my affairs here," said Don Louis; "I am
+free, and will go back if I please; otherwise none of you shall force
+me." "But reason will prevail with you," answered the servant; "and if
+not, we must do our duty." "Hold," said the judge; "let us know the
+whole of this affair." The man (who recollected him) answered, "Does
+not your worship know this gentleman? He is your neighbour's son, and
+has absented himself from his father's house, in a garb very
+unbecoming his quality, as your worship may see." The judge, after
+looking at him with attention, recognised him, and accosted him in a
+friendly manner: "What childish frolic is this, Sigñor Don Louis,"
+said he; "or what powerful motive has induced you to disguise yourself
+in a manner so unbecoming your rank?" The eyes of the youth were
+filled with tears, and he could not say a word. The judge desired the
+servants to be quiet, promising that all should be well; and taking
+Don Louis by the hand, he led him aside and questioned him.
+
+The youth, clasping his hands, as if some great affliction wrung his
+heart, and shedding tears in abundance, said, in answer, "I can only
+say, dear sir, that, from the moment Heaven was pleased, by means of
+our vicinity, to give me a sight of Donna Clara, your daughter, she
+became sovereign mistress of my affections; and if you, my true lord
+and father, do not oppose it, this very day she shall be my wife. For
+her I left my father's house, and for her I assumed this garb, to
+follow her wheresoever she might go. She knows herself no more of my
+passion than what she may have perceived, by occasionally seeing at a
+distance my eyes full of tenderness and tears. You know, my lord, the
+wealth and rank of my family, of whom I am the sole heir; if these
+circumstances can plead in my favour, receive me immediately for your
+son: for though my father, influenced by other views of his own,
+should not approve my choice, time may reconcile him to it." Here the
+enamoured youth was silent; and the judge remained in suspense, no
+less surprised by the ingenuous confession of Don Louis than perplexed
+how to act in the affair; in reply, therefore, he only desired him to
+be calm for the present, and not let his servants return that day,
+that there might be time to consider what was most expedient to be
+done. Don Louis kissed his hands with vehemence, bathing them with
+tears that might have softened a heart of marble, much more that of
+the judge, who, being a man of sense, was aware how advantageous this
+match would be for his daughter. Nevertheless, he would rather, if
+possible, that it should take place with the consent of Don Louis's
+father, who he knew had pretensions to a title for his son.
+
+Now it so happened that, at this time, the very barber entered the inn
+who had been deprived of Mambrino's helmet by Don Quixote, and of the
+trappings of his ass by Sancho Panza; and as he was leading his beast
+to the stable, he espied Sancho Panza, who at that moment was
+repairing something about the self-same pannel. He instantly fell upon
+him with fury: "Ah, thief!" said he, "have I got you at last!--give me
+my basin and my pannel, with all the furniture you stole from me!"
+Sancho, finding himself thus suddenly attacked and abused, secured the
+pannel with one hand, and with the other made the barber such a
+return, that his mouth was bathed in blood. Nevertheless, the barber
+would not let go his hold; but raised his voice so high that he drew
+every body round him, while he called out, "Justice, in the king's
+name! This rogue and highway robber here would murder me for
+endeavouring to recover my own goods." "You lie," answered Sancho; "I
+am no highway robber; my master, Don Quixote, won these spoils in fair
+war." Don Quixote was now present, and not a little pleased to see how
+well his squire acted both on the offensive and defensive; and,
+regarding him thenceforward as a man of mettle, he resolved in his
+mind to dub him a knight the first opportunity that offered, thinking
+the order of chivalry would be well bestowed upon him.
+
+During this contest the barber made many protestations. "Gentlemen,"
+said he, "this pannel is certainly mine; and moreover, the very day
+they took this from me, they robbed me likewise of a new brass basin,
+never hanselled, that cost me a crown." Here Don Quixote could not
+forbear interposing. "The error of this honest squire," said he, "is
+manifest, in calling that a basin which is Mambrino's helmet:--that
+helmet which I won in fair war, and am therefore its right and lawful
+possessor. In confirmation of what I say, go, Sancho, and bring hither
+the helmet which this honest man terms a basin." "In faith, sir,"
+quoth Sancho, "if we have no better proof than that of what your
+worship says, Mambrino's helmet will prove as arrant a basin as the
+honest man's trappings are a pack-saddle." "Do what I command,"
+replied Don Quixote; "for surely all things in this castle cannot be
+governed by enchantment." Sancho went for the basin, and, returning
+with it, he gave it to Don Quixote. "Only behold, gentlemen," said he;
+"how can this squire have the face to declare that this is a basin,
+and not the helmet which I have described to you! By the order of
+knighthood which I profess, I swear that this very helmet is the same
+which I took from him, without addition or diminution." "There is no
+doubt of that," quoth Sancho, "for from the time my master won it
+until now, he has fought but one battle in it, which was when he freed
+those unlucky galley-slaves; and had it not been for that same
+basin-helmet, he would not have got off so well from the showers of
+stones which rained upon him in that skirmish."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+_In which the dispute concerning Mambrino's helmet is decided; with
+other adventures that really and truly happened._
+
+
+"Good sirs," quoth the barber, "hear what these gentlefolks say! They
+will have it that this is no basin, but a helmet!" "Ay," said Don
+Quixote; "and whoever shall affirm the contrary, I will convince him,
+if he be a knight, that he lies, and if a squire, that he lies and
+lies again, a thousand times." Our barber, master Nicholas, who was
+present, wishing to carry on the jest for the amusement of the
+company, addressed himself to the other barber, and said, "Sigñor
+barber, know that I am of your profession, and am well acquainted with
+all the instruments of barber-surgery, without exception. I have
+likewise been a soldier in my youth, and therefore know what a helmet
+is, and I say, with submission, that the piece before us not only is
+not a barber's basin, but is as far from being so, as white is from
+black and truth from falsehood." "Whether it be or not," said the
+priest, "must be left to the decision of Sigñor Don Quixote: for in
+matters of chivalry all these gentlemen and myself submit to his
+judgment." "Gentlemen," said Don Quixote, "such extraordinary things
+have befallen me in this castle, that I dare not vouch for the
+certainty of any thing that it may contain; for I verily believe that
+all is conducted by the powers of enchantment."
+
+To those acquainted with Don Quixote, all this was choice
+entertainment; while to others it seemed the height of folly, among
+which were Don Louis, his servants, and three other guests, troopers
+of the holy brotherhood, who just then arrived at the inn. One of the
+officers of the holy brotherhood, who had overheard the dispute, cried
+out, full of indignation, "It is as surely a basin as my father is my
+father; and whosoever says, or shall say, to the contrary, must be mad
+or drunk." "You lie like a pitiful scoundrel," answered Don Quixote;
+and, lifting up his lance, which was still in his hand, he aimed such
+a blow at the head of the trooper, that, had he not slipped aside, he
+would have been levelled to the ground. The lance came down with such
+fury that it was shivered to pieces. "Help, help the holy
+brotherhood!" cried out the other officers. The innkeeper, being
+himself one of that body, ran instantly for his wand and his sword, to
+support his comrades. Don Louis's servants surrounded their master,
+lest he should escape during the confusion. The barber, perceiving the
+house turned topsy-turvy, laid hold again of his basin, and Sancho did
+the same. Don Quixote drew his sword, and fell upon the troopers; and
+Don Louis called out to his servants to leave him, that they might
+assist Don Quixote, Cardenio, and Don Fernando, who all took part with
+the knight. The priest cried out, the hostess shrieked, her daughter
+wept, Maritornes roared, Dorothea was alarmed, Lucinda stood amazed,
+and Donna Clara fainted away. The barber cuffed Sancho, and Sancho
+pommelled the barber. Don Fernando got one of the troopers down, and
+laid on his blows most unmercifully; while the innkeeper bawled aloud
+for help to the holy brotherhood. Thus was the whole inn filled with
+cries, wailings, and shrieks, dismay, confusion, and terror, kicks,
+cudgellings, and effusion of blood. In the midst of this chaos and
+hurly-burly, Don Quixote suddenly conceived that he was involved over
+head and ears in the discord of King Agramante's camp; and he called
+out in a voice which made the whole inn shake, "Hold, all of you! Put
+up your swords; be pacified, and listen all to me, if ye would live."
+His vehemence made them desist, and he went on, saying: "Did I not
+tell you, sirs, that this castle was enchanted, and that some legion
+of devils must inhabit it? Behold the confirmation of what I said!
+Mark, with your own eyes, how the discord of Agramante's camp is
+transferred hither amongst us! there they fight for the sword, here
+for the horse, yonder for the eagle, here again for the helmet: we all
+fight, and no one understands another. Let, then, my lord judge and
+his reverence the priest come forward, the one as King Agramante, the
+other as King Sobrino, and restore us to peace; for, truly, it were
+most disgraceful and iniquitous that so many gentlemen of our rank
+should slay each other for such trivial matters."
+
+Amity and peace having been restored by the interposition of the judge
+and the priest, the servants of Don Louis renewed their solicitations
+for his return. The judge having, in the mean time, informed Don
+Fernando, Cardenio, and the priest, of what had passed between himself
+and the young man, he consulted with them on the affair; and it was
+finally agreed that Don Fernando should make himself known to Don
+Louis's servants, and inform them that it was his desire that the
+young gentleman should accompany him to Andalusia, where he would be
+treated by the marquis his brother in a manner suitable to his
+quality; for his determination was, at all events, not to return, just
+at that time, into his father's presence. The servants being apprised
+of Don Fernando's rank, and finding Don Louis resolute, agreed among
+themselves, that three of them should return to give his father
+account of what had passed, and that the others should stay to attend
+Don Louis, and not leave him until he knew his lord's pleasure. Thus
+was this complicated tumult appeased by the authority of Agramante,
+and the prudence of Sobrino.
+
+But the enemy of peace and concord, finding himself foiled and
+disappointed in the scanty produce of so promising a field, resolved
+to try his fortune once more, by contriving new frays and
+disturbances. The officers of the holy brotherhood, on hearing the
+quality of their opponents, retreated from the fray, thinking that
+whatever might be the issue, they were likely to be losers. But one of
+this body, who had been severely handled by Don Fernando, happening to
+recollect that, among other warrants in his possession, he had one
+against Don Quixote, whom his superiors had ordered to be taken into
+custody for releasing galley-slaves, determined to examine whether the
+person of Don Quixote answered the description; thus confirming
+Sancho's just apprehensions. He drew forth a parchment scroll from his
+doublet, and began to read it slowly (for he was not much of a
+scholar), ever and anon, as he proceeded, fixing his eyes on Don
+Quixote, comparing the marks in his warrant with the lines of his
+physiognomy. Finding them exactly to correspond, and being convinced
+that he was the very person therein described, he held out the warrant
+in his left hand, while with his right, he seized Don Quixote by the
+collar with so powerful a grasp as almost to strangle him, at the same
+time crying aloud,--"Help the holy brotherhood! and, that you may see
+I require it in earnest, read this warrant, wherein it is expressly
+ordered that this highway robber should be apprehended." The priest
+took the warrant, and found what the trooper said was true; the
+description exactly corresponding with the person of Don Quixote. The
+knight, finding himself so rudely handled by this scoundrel, was
+exasperated to the highest pitch, and, trembling with rage, caught the
+trooper by the throat with both hands; and, had he not been
+immediately rescued by his comrades, he would certainly have been
+strangled. "What my master says is true," exclaimed Sancho, "about the
+enchantments of this castle; for it is impossible to live an hour
+quietly in it." Don Fernando at length parted the officer and Don
+Quixote, and, to the satisfaction of both, unlocked their hands from
+the doublet collar of the one, and from the windpipe of the other.
+Nevertheless the troopers persisted in claiming their prisoner;
+declaring that the king's service, and that of the holy brotherhood,
+required it; in whose name they again demanded help and assistance in
+apprehending that common robber and highway thief. Don Quixote smiled
+at these expressions, and, with great calmness, said, "Come hither,
+base and ill-born crew: call ye it robbing on the highway to loosen
+the chains of the captive, to set the prisoner free, to succour the
+oppressed, to raise the fallen, to relieve the needy and wretched?
+Tell me, ye rogues in a troop!--not troopers, but highway marauders,
+under license of the holy brotherhood--who was the blockhead that
+signed the warrant for apprehending such a knight as I am? What
+knight-errant ever paid custom, poll-tax, subsidy, quit-rent,
+porterage, or ferry-boat? What tailor ever brought in a bill for
+making his clothes? What governor that lodged him in his castle ever
+made him pay for his entertainment? What king did not seat him at his
+table? Finally, what knight-errant ever did, or shall exist, who has
+not courage, with his single arm, to bestow a hundred bastinadoes on
+any four hundred troopers of the holy brotherhood who shall dare to
+oppose him?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+_The notable adventure of the Holy Brotherhood; with an account of the
+ferocity of our good Knight, Don Quixote._
+
+
+While Don Quixote was thus haranguing the officers, the priest was
+endeavouring to persuade them that, since Don Quixote, as they might
+easily perceive, was deranged in his mind, it was useless for them to
+proceed farther in the affair; for, if they were to apprehend him, he
+would soon be released as insane. But the trooper only said, in
+answer, that it was not his business to judge of the state of Don
+Quixote's intellects, but to obey the order of his superior; and that,
+when he had once secured him, they might set him free as often as they
+pleased. "Indeed," said the priest, "you must forbear this once; nor
+do I think that he will suffer himself to be taken." In fact the
+priest said so much, and Don Quixote acted so extravagantly, that the
+officers would have been more crazy than himself had they not
+desisted after such evidence of his infirmity. They judged it best,
+therefore, to be quiet, and endeavour to make peace between the barber
+and Sancho Panza, who still continued their scuffle with great
+rancour. As officers of justice, therefore, they compounded the
+matter, and pronounced such a decision that, if both parties were not
+perfectly contented, at least they were in some degree pacified. As
+for Mambrino's helmet, the priest, unknown to Don Quixote, paid the
+barber eight reals, for which he received a discharge in full,
+acquitting him of all fraud thenceforth and for evermore.
+
+Thus were these important contests decided; and fortune seemed to
+smile on all the heroes and heroines of the inn--even the face of
+Donna Clara betrayed the joy of her heart, as the servants of Don
+Louis had acquiesced in his wishes. The innkeeper, observing the
+recompense which the priest had made the barber, claimed also the
+payment of his demands upon Don Quixote, with ample satisfaction for
+the damage done to his skins, and the loss of his wine. The priest,
+however, endeavoured to soothe him, and, what was more, Don Fernando
+settled the knight's account, although the judge would fain have taken
+the debt upon himself. Peace was therefore entirely restored, and the
+inn no longer displayed the confusion of Agramante's camp, as Don
+Quixote had called it, but rather the tranquillity of the days of
+Octavius Cæsar:--thanks to the mediation and eloquence of the priest,
+and the liberality of Don Fernando.
+
+Don Quixote, now finding himself disengaged, thought it was time to
+pursue his journey, and accomplish the grand enterprise to which he
+had been elected. Accordingly, he approached the princess, and threw
+himself upon his knees before her; but she would not listen to him in
+that posture; and therefore, in obedience to her, he arose, and thus
+addressed her: "It is a common adage, fair lady, that 'diligence is
+the mother of success;' and experience constantly verifies its truth:
+the active solicitor brings the doubtful suit to a happy issue. But
+this truth is never more obvious than in military operations, where
+expedition and despatch anticipate the designs of the enemy, and
+victory is secured before he is prepared for defence. I am induced to
+make these remarks, most exalted lady, because our abode in this
+castle seems no longer necessary, and may indeed be prejudicial; for
+who knows but your enemy the giant may, by secret spies, get
+intelligence of my approach, and thus gain time to fortify himself in
+some impregnable fortress, against which my vigilance, and the force
+of my indefatigable arm, may be ineffectual. Therefore, sovereign
+lady, that his designs may be prevented by our diligence, let us
+depart quickly in the name of that good fortune which will be yours
+the moment I come face to face with your enemy." Here Don Quixote was
+silent, and with dignified composure awaited the answer of the
+beautiful infanta, who, with an air of majesty, and in a style
+corresponding with that of her knight, thus replied: "I am obliged to
+you, sir knight, for the zeal you testify in my cause, so worthy of a
+true knight, whose office and employment it is to succour the orphan
+and distressed; and Heaven grant that our desires may be soon
+accomplished; that you may see that all women are not ungrateful. As
+to my departure, let it be instantly; for I have no other will but
+yours; dispose of me entirely at your pleasure: for she who has
+committed the defence of her person, and the restoration of her
+dominions, into your hands, must not oppose what your wisdom shall
+direct." "I will not," exclaimed Don Quixote, "lose the opportunity of
+exalting a lady who thus humbleth herself. I will replace her on the
+throne of her ancestors. Let us depart immediately: for the ardour of
+my zeal makes me impatient; nor is there aught of danger that can
+daunt or affright me. Sancho, let Rozinante be saddled, get ready
+thine own beast, and also her majesty's palfrey; let us take our leave
+of the governor of the castle, and of these nobles, that we may set
+forth instantly."
+
+Sancho, who had been present all the time, shook his head, saying,
+"Ah, master of mine! there are more tricks in the town than are dreamt
+of; with all respect be it spoken." "What tricks can there be to my
+prejudice in any town or city in the world, thou bumpkin?" said Don
+Quixote. "If your worship puts yourself into a passion," answered
+Sancho, "I will hold my tongue, and not say what I am bound to say, as
+a faithful squire and a dutiful servant." "Say what thou wilt,"
+replied Don Quixote, "but think not to intimidate me; for it is thy
+nature to be faint-hearted--mine, to be proof against all fear." "I
+mean nothing of all this," answered Sancho; "I mean only that I am
+sure, and positively certain, that this lady who calls herself queen
+of the great kingdom of Micomicon is no more a queen than my mother;
+for if she were so, she would not be nuzzling, at every turn and in
+every corner, with a certain person in the company." Dorothea's colour
+rose at Sancho's remark; for it was indeed true that her spouse, Don
+Fernando, now and then, by stealth, had snatched with his lips an
+earnest of that reward his affections deserved; and Sancho, having
+observed it, thought this freedom unbecoming the queen of so vast a
+kingdom. How great was the indignation of Don Quixote, on hearing his
+squire speak in terms so disrespectful! It was so great that, with a
+faltering voice and stammering tongue, while living fire darted from
+his eyes, he cried, "Scoundrel! unmannerly, ignorant, ill-spoken,
+foul-mouthed, impudent, murmuring, and backbiting villain! How darest
+thou utter such words in my presence, and in the presence of these
+illustrious ladies! Avoid my presence, monster of nature, treasury of
+lies, magazine of deceits, storehouse of rogueries, inventor of
+mischiefs, publisher of absurdities, and foe to all the honour due to
+royalty! Begone! appear not before me, on pain of my severest
+indignation!" Poor Sancho was so terrified by this storm of passion,
+that he would have been glad if the earth had opened that instant and
+swallowed him up; he knew not what to say or do, so he turned his
+back, and hastened as fast as he could out of the presence of his
+enraged master.
+
+But the discreet Dorothea, perfectly understanding Don Quixote, in
+order to pacify his wrath, said, "Be not offended, Sir Knight of the
+Sorrowful Figure, at the impertinence of your good squire; for,
+perhaps, he has not spoken without some foundation: nor can it be
+suspected, considering his good sense and Christian conscience, that
+he would bear false witness against any body; it is possible that
+since, as you affirm yourself, sir knight, the powers of enchantment
+prevail in this castle, Sancho may, by the same diabolical illusion,
+have seen what he has affirmed, so much to the prejudice of my
+honour." "Ah!" quoth Don Quixote, "your highness has hit the
+mark!--some evil apparition must have appeared to this sinner, and
+represented to him what it was impossible for him to see any other
+way; for I am perfectly assured of the simplicity and innocence of the
+unhappy wretch, and that he is incapable of slandering any person
+living." "So it is, and so it shall be," said Don Fernando;
+"therefore, Sigñor Don Quixote, you ought to pardon him, and restore
+him to your favour, as at first, before these illusions turned his
+brain." Don Quixote having promised his forgiveness, the priest went
+for Sancho, who came in with much humility, and, on his knees, begged
+his master's hand, which was given to him; and after he had allowed
+him to kiss it, he gave him his blessing, adding, "Thou wilt now, son
+Sancho, be thoroughly convinced of what I have often told thee, that
+all things in this castle are conducted by enchantment." "I believe so
+too," quoth Sancho, "except the business of the blanket, which I am
+persuaded really fell out in the ordinary way."
+
+This illustrious company had now passed two days in the inn; and
+thinking it time to depart, they considered how the priest and barber
+might convey the knight to his home, without troubling Dorothea and
+Don Fernando to accompany them; and for that purpose, having first
+engaged a waggoner who happened to pass by with his team of oxen, they
+proceeded in the following manner: They formed a kind of cage, with
+poles grate-wise, large enough to contain Don Quixote at his ease;
+then, by the direction of the priest, Don Fernando and his companions,
+with Don Louis's servants, the officers of the holy brotherhood, and
+the innkeeper, covered their faces and disguised themselves so as not
+to be recognised by Don Quixote. This done, they silently entered the
+room where the knight lay fast asleep, reposing after his late
+exertions, and secured him with cords; so that when he awoke, he
+stared about in amazement at the strange visages that surrounded him,
+but found himself totally unable to move. His disordered imagination
+operating as usual, immediately suggested to him that these were
+goblins of the enchanted castle, and that he was entangled in its
+charms, since he felt himself unable to stir in his own defence; a
+surmise which the curate, who projected the stratagem, had
+anticipated. Sancho alone was in his own proper figure; and though he
+wanted but little of being infected with his master's infirmity, yet
+he was not ignorant who all these counterfeit goblins were. Having
+brought the cage into the chamber, they placed him within it, and
+secured it so that it was impossible he should make his escape; in
+this situation he was conveyed out of the house; and on leaving the
+chamber, a voice was heard as dreadful as the barber could form,
+saying, "O Knight of the Sorrowful Figure! let not thy present
+confinement afflict thee, since it is essential to the speedy
+accomplishment of the adventure in which thy great valour hath engaged
+thee; which shall be finished when the furious Manchegan lion shall be
+coupled with the white Tobosian dove, after having submitted their
+stately necks to the soft matrimonial yoke; from which wonderful union
+shall spring into the light of the world brave whelps, who shall
+emulate the ravaging claws of their valorous sire.--And thou, O the
+most noble and obedient squire that ever had sword in belt! be not
+dismayed to see the flower of knight-errantry carried thus away before
+thine eyes; for, ere long, thou shalt see thyself so exalted and
+sublimated as not to know thyself; and thus will the promises of thy
+valorous lord be fulfilled. Be assured, moreover, that thy wages shall
+be punctually paid thee: follow, therefore, the valorous and enchanted
+knight; for it is expedient for thee to go where ye both may find
+repose. More I am not permitted to say. Heaven protect thee! I now
+go--I well know whither!"
+
+Don Quixote was much comforted by this prophecy, quickly comprehending
+the whole signification thereof; for he saw that it promised him the
+felicity of being joined in holy wedlock with his beloved Dulcinea del
+Toboso. Upon the strength of this conviction, he exclaimed, with a
+deep sigh, "O thou, whoever thou art, who hast prognosticated me so
+much good, I beseech thee to intercede in my behalf with the sage
+enchanter who hath the charge of my affairs, that he suffer me not to
+perish in the prison wherein I am now enclosed, before these promises
+of joyful and heavenly import are fulfilled." The goblins then took
+the cage on their shoulders, and placed it on the waggon.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+_Of the strange and wonderful manner in which Don Quixote de la Mancha
+was enchanted; with other remarkable occurrences._
+
+
+"Many very grave historians of knights-errant have I read," said Don
+Quixote, on finding himself thus cooped up and carted, "but I never
+read, saw, or heard of enchanted knights being transported in this
+manner, and so slowly as these lazy, heavy animals seem to proceed;
+for they were usually conveyed through the air with wonderful speed,
+enveloped in some thick and dark cloud, or on some chariot of fire, or
+mounted upon a hippogriff, or some such animal. But to be carried upon
+a team drawn by oxen, it overwhelms me with confusion!"
+
+Don Fernando and Cardenio, fearing lest Sancho should see into the
+whole of their plot, resolved to hasten their departure; and calling
+the innkeeper aside, they ordered him to saddle Rozinante and pannel
+the ass, which he did with great expedition. In the mean while the
+priest engaged to pay the troopers to accompany Don Quixote home to
+his village. Cardenio made signs to Sancho to mount his ass and lead
+Rozinante by the bridle. But before the car moved forward, the
+hostess, her daughter, and Maritornes, came out to take their leave of
+Don Quixote, pretending to shed tears for grief at his misfortune.
+"Weep not, my good ladies," said the knight, "for disasters of this
+kind are incident to those of my profession. Pardon me, fair ladies,
+if I have through inadvertence given you any offence; for
+intentionally I never offended any person; and I beseech you to pray
+Heaven for my deliverance from my present thraldom; and if ever I find
+myself at liberty, I shall not forget the favours you have done me in
+this castle, but shall acknowledge and requite them as they deserve."
+
+While this passed, the priest and the barber took their leave of Don
+Fernando and his companions, the captain, and of all the ladies, now
+supremely happy. Don Fernando requested the priest to give him
+intelligence of Don Quixote, assuring him that nothing would afford
+him more satisfaction than to hear of his future proceedings; and he
+promised, on his part, to inform him of whatever might amuse or please
+him respecting his own marriage, and the return of Lucinda to her
+parents, and also the issue of Don Louis's affair. The priest engaged
+to perform all that was desired of him with the utmost punctuality;
+after which they separated with many expressions of mutual cordiality
+and good-will. Don Quixote sat in the cage with his hands tied and his
+legs stretched out, leaning against the bars as silently and patiently
+as if he had been, not a man of flesh and blood, but a statue of
+stone. In this manner they travelled about two leagues, when they
+came to a valley which the waggoner thought a convenient place for
+resting and baiting his cattle; but, on his proposing it, the barber
+recommended that they should travel a little farther, as beyond the
+next rising ground there was a vale that afforded much better pasture;
+and this advice was followed.
+
+The priest, happening about this time to look back, perceived behind
+them six or seven horsemen, well mounted and accoutred, who soon came
+up with them. One of the travellers, who was a canon of Toledo, and
+master to those who accompanied him, observing the orderly procession
+of the waggon, the troopers, Sancho, Rozinante, the priest, and the
+barber, and especially Don Quixote, caged up and imprisoned, could not
+forbear making some inquiries; though, on observing the badges of the
+holy brotherhood, he concluded that they were conveying some notorious
+robber or other criminal, whose punishment belonged to that
+fraternity. "Why the gentleman is carried in this manner," replied one
+of the troopers who was questioned, "he must tell you himself, for we
+know nothing about the matter." Upon which Don Quixote (having
+overheard what passed) said, "If perchance, gentlemen, you are
+conversant in the affairs of chivalry, I will acquaint you with my
+misfortunes; but if not, I will spare myself that trouble." The priest
+and the barber, perceiving that the travellers were speaking with Don
+Quixote, rode up to them, lest any thing should pass that might
+frustrate their plot. The canon, in answer to Don Quixote, said, "In
+truth, brother, I am more conversant in books of chivalry than in
+Villalpando's Summaries; you may, therefore, freely communicate to me
+whatever you please." "With Heaven's permission, then," replied Don
+Quixote, "be it known to you, sigñor cavalier, that I am enchanted in
+this cage through the envy and fraud of wicked necromancers; for
+virtue is more persecuted by the wicked than beloved by the good. A
+knight-errant I am; not one of those whose names fame has forgotten,
+but one who, in despite of envy itself, and of all the magicians of
+Persia, the Brahmins of India, and the gymnosophists of Ethiopia,
+shall enrol his name in the temple of immortality, to serve as a model
+and mirror to future ages, whereby knights-errant may see the track
+they are to follow, if they are ambitious of reaching the honourable
+summit and pinnacle of true glory." "Sigñor Don Quixote de la Mancha
+says the truth," said the priest; "for he is conveyed in that
+enchanted state, not through his own fault or demerit, but the malice
+of those to whom virtue is odious and courage obnoxious. This, sir, is
+the Knight of the Sorrowful Figure, whose valorous exploits and heroic
+deeds shall be recorded on solid brass and everlasting marble, in
+despite of all the efforts of envy and malice to conceal and obscure
+them." The canon, upon hearing not only the imprisoned but the free
+man talk in such a style, crossed himself in amazement, nor were his
+followers less surprised; and Sancho now coming up, to mend the
+matter said, "Look ye, gentlemen, let it be well or ill taken, I will
+out with it: the truth of the case is, my master, Don Quixote, is just
+as much enchanted as my mother; he is in his perfect senses, he eats
+and drinks like other men, and as he did yesterday before they cooped
+him up. This being so, will you persuade me he is enchanted? The
+enchanted, I have heard say, neither eat, nor sleep, nor speak; but my
+master here, if nobody stops him, will talk ye more than thirty
+barristers." Then turning to the priest, he went on saying, "Ah,
+master priest, master priest, do I not know you? And think you I
+cannot guess what these new enchantments drive at? Let me tell you I
+know you, though you do hide your face, and understand you too, sly as
+you be. But the good cannot abide where envy rules, nor is generosity
+found in a beggarly breast. Evil befal the devil! Had it not been for
+your reverence, before this time his worship had been married to the
+Princess Micomicona, and I had been an earl at least; for I could
+expect no less from my master's bounty and the greatness of my
+services. But I find the proverb true, that 'the wheel of fortune
+turns swifter than a mill-wheel,' and they who were yesterday at the
+top are to-day at the bottom. I am grieved for my poor wife and
+children; for, when they might reasonably expect to see their father
+come home a governor or viceroy of some island or kingdom, they will
+now see him return a pitiful groom. All this I say, master priest,
+only to make your paternity feel some conscience in regard to what you
+are doing with my master; take heed that God does not call you to an
+account in the next life for this imprisonment of my lord, and require
+at your hands all the good he might have done during this time of his
+confinement." "Snuff me these candles," quoth the barber, interrupting
+the squire; "what! art thou, Sancho, of thy master's fraternity? I
+begin, indeed, to think thou art likely to keep him company in the
+cage for thy share of his humour and his chivalry. In an evil hour
+wert thou lured by his promises, and thy head filled with islands." "I
+am not lured by any body," answered Sancho; "and though I am a poor
+man, I am an old Christian, and owe no body any thing; and if I covet
+islands, there are others who covet worse things; and every one is the
+son of his own works; and being a man, I may come to be pope, and much
+more easily governor of an island, especially since my master may win
+so many that he may be at a loss where to bestow them."
+
+The canon and his servants then rode on before with the priest, who
+entertained him with a circumstantial account of Don Quixote, from the
+first symptoms of his derangement to his present situation in the
+cage. The canon was surprised at what he heard. "Truly," said he to
+the curate, "those tales of chivalry are very prejudicial to the
+common weal; and, though led away by an idle and false taste, I have
+read in part almost all that are printed, I could never get through
+the whole of any one of them, they are all so much alike. In my
+opinion, this kind of writing and composition falls under the head of
+what are called Milesian fables, which are extravagant stories,
+calculated merely to amuse, and very unlike those moral tales which
+are no less instructive than entertaining; and though the principal
+object of such books is to please, I know not how they can attain that
+end by such monstrous absurdities; for the mind receives pleasure from
+the beauty and consistency of what is presented to the imagination,
+not from that which is incongruous and unnatural. Where is the sense
+or consistency of a tale in which a youth of sixteen hews down a giant
+as tall as a steeple, and splits him in two as if he were made of
+paste? Or how are we to be interested in the detail of a battle, when
+we are told that a hero contends alone against a million of
+adversaries, and obtains the victory by his single arm? I have never
+yet found a regular well-connected fable in any of our books of
+chivalry; they are all inconsistent and monstrous; the style is
+generally bad; and they abound with incredible exploits, absurd
+sentiments, and miraculous adventures; in short, they should be
+banished every Christian country."
+
+The priest listened attentively to these observations of the canon,
+which he thought were perfectly just; and he told him that he also had
+such an enmity to those tales of chivalry, that he had destroyed all
+that Don Quixote had possessed, which were not a few in number; and he
+amused the canon very much by his account of the formal trial and
+condemnation through which they had passed.
+
+The canon contemplated the Don with great surprise; for he displayed
+in conversation a very good understanding, and seemed, as it hath been
+before observed, only to lose his stirrups on the theme of chivalry;
+and he was induced, out of compassion to his infirmity, to address him
+on the subject:
+
+"Is it possible, worthy sir," said the canon, "that the idle study of
+books of chivalry should so powerfully have affected your brain as to
+make you believe you are now enchanted, with other fancies of the same
+kind as far from truth as falsehood itself? For my own part, I
+confess, when I read them without reflecting on their falsehood and
+folly, they give me some amusement; but when I consider what they are,
+I dash them against the wall, and even commit them to the flames when
+I am near a fire, as well deserving such a fate, for their want of
+common sense, and their injurious tendency in misleading the
+uninformed. Nay, they may even disturb the intellects of sensible and
+well-born gentlemen, as is manifest by the effect they have had on
+your worship, who is reduced by them to such a state that you are
+forced to be shut up in a cage, and carried on a team from place to
+place, like some lion or tiger exhibited for money. Ah, Sigñor Don
+Quixote! have pity on yourself, shake off this folly, and employ the
+talents with which Heaven has blessed you in the cultivation of
+literature more subservient to your honour, as well as profitable to
+your mind. If a strong natural impulse still leads you to books
+containing the exploits of heroes, read in the Holy Scriptures the
+book of Judges, where you will meet with wonderful truths and
+achievements no less heroic than true."
+
+Don Quixote listened with great attention to the canon till he had
+ceased speaking, and then, looking stedfastly in his face, he replied,
+"I conceive, sir, that you mean to insinuate that there never were
+knights-errant in the world; that all books of chivalry are false,
+mischievous, and unprofitable to the commonwealth; and that I have
+done ill in reading, worse in believing, and still worse in imitating
+them; and also that you deny that there ever existed the Amadises
+either of Gaul or of Greece, or any of those celebrated knights?" "I
+mean precisely what you say," replied the canon. "You also were
+pleased to add, I believe," continued Don Quixote, "that those books
+had done me much prejudice, having injured my brain, and occasioned my
+imprisonment in a cage; and that it would be better for me to change
+my course of study, and read other books, more true, more pleasant,
+and more instructive." "Just so," quoth the canon. "Why then," said
+Don Quixote, "in my opinion, sir, it is yourself who are deranged and
+enchanted, since you have deigned to blaspheme an order so universally
+acknowledged in the world, and its existence so authenticated, that he
+who denies it merits that punishment you are pleased to say you
+inflict on certain books. To assert that there never was an Amadis in
+the world, nor any other of the knights-adventurers of whom so many
+records remain, is to say that the sun does not enlighten, the frost
+produce cold, nor the earth yield sustenance. What human ingenuity can
+make us doubt the truth of that affair between the Infanta Floripes
+and Guy of Burgundy? Then who can deny the truth of the history of
+Peter of Provence and the fair Magalona? since even to this day you
+may see in the king's armory the very peg wherewith the valiant Peter
+steered the wooden horse that bore him through the air; which peg is
+somewhat larger than the pole of a coach; and near it lies the saddle
+of Babieca. In Roncesvalles, too, there may be seen Orlando's horn,
+the size of a great beam; not to mention many other matters, all so
+authentic and true, that I say again, whoever denies them must be
+wholly destitute of sense and reason."
+
+The canon was astonished at Don Quixote's medley of truth and fiction,
+as well as at the extent of his knowledge on affairs of chivalry; and
+he replied, "I cannot deny, Sigñor Don Quixote, but that there is some
+truth in what you say. That there was a Cid no one will deny, and
+likewise a Bernardo del Carpio; but that they performed all the
+exploits ascribed to them I believe there is great reason to doubt. As
+to Peter of Provence's peg, and its standing near Babieca's saddle in
+the king's armory, I confess my sin in being so ignorant or
+short-sighted that, though I have seen the saddle, I never could
+discover the peg,--large as it is, according to your description."
+"Yet unquestionably there it is," replied Don Quixote, "and they say,
+moreover, that it is kept in a leathern case to prevent rust." "It may
+be so," answered the canon; "but, in truth, I do not remember to have
+seen it. Yet even granting it, I am not therefore bound to believe all
+the stories of so many Amadises, and the whole tribe of
+knights-errant; and it is extraordinary that a gentleman possessed of
+your understanding and talents should give credit to such extravagance
+and absurdity."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+_Of the ingenious contest between Don Quixote and the Canon; with
+other incidents._
+
+
+"A good jest, truly," said Don Quixote, "that books printed with the
+license of kings and the approbation of the examiners, read with
+general pleasure, and applauded by great and small, poor and rich,
+learned and ignorant, nobles and plebeians,--in short, by people of
+every state and condition, should be all lies, and, at the same time,
+appear so much like truth! Study well these books, sigñor; for,
+believe me, you will find that they will exhilarate and improve your
+mind. Of myself I can only say, that since I have been a knight-errant
+I am become valiant, polite, liberal, well-bred, generous, courteous,
+daring, affable, patient, a sufferer of toils, imprisonments, and
+enchantments; and although so lately enclosed within a cage like a
+maniac, yet do I hope, by the valour of my arm, and the favour of
+Heaven, to see myself in a short time king of some kingdom, when I may
+display the gratitude and liberality enclosed in this breast of mine;
+for, upon my faith, sir, the poor man is unable to exercise the virtue
+of liberality; and the gratitude which consists only in inclination is
+a dead thing. I shall, therefore, rejoice when fortune presents me
+with an opportunity of exalting myself, that I may shew my heart in
+conferring benefits on my friends, especially on poor Sancho Panza
+here, my squire, who is one of the best men in the world; and I would
+fain bestow on him an earldom, as I have long since promised: although
+I am somewhat in doubt of his ability in the government of his
+estate."
+
+Sancho overhearing his master's last words, said, "Take you the
+trouble, Sigñor Don Quixote, to procure me that same earldom which
+your worship has so often promised, and I have been so long waiting
+for, and you shall see that I shall not want for ability to govern
+it. But even if I should, there are people, I have heard say, who farm
+these lordships, and, paying the owners so much a-year, take upon
+themselves the government of the whole; whilst his lordship lolls at
+his ease, enjoying his estate, without concerning himself any further
+about it. Just so will I do, and give myself no more trouble than
+needs must, but enjoy myself like any duke, and let the world rub."
+"This, brother Sancho," said the canon, "may be done, as far as
+regards the management of your revenue; but the administration of
+justice must be attended to by the lord himself; and requires
+capacity, judgment, and above all, an upright intention, without which
+nothing prospers: for Heaven assists the good intent of the simple,
+and disappoints the evil designs of the cunning." "I do not understand
+these philosophies," answered Sancho; "all I know is, that I wish I
+may as surely have an earldom as I should know how to govern it; for I
+have as large a soul as another, and as large a body as the best of
+them; and I should be as much king of my own dominion as any other
+king; and, being so, I would do what I pleased; and, doing what I
+pleased, I should have my will; and, having my will, I should be
+contented; and, being content, there is no more to be desired; and,
+when there is no more to desire, there's an end of it, and let the
+estate come; so peace be with ye, and let us see it, as one blind man
+said to another." "These are no bad philosophies, as you say, Sancho,"
+quoth the canon; "nevertheless, there is a great deal more to be said
+upon the subject of earldoms." "That may be," observed Don Quixote;
+"but I am guided by the numerous examples offered on this subject by
+knights of my own profession, who, in compensation for the loyal and
+signal services they had received from their squires, conferred upon
+them extraordinary favours, making them absolute lords of cities and
+islands; indeed, there was one whose services were so great that he
+had the presumption to accept of a kingdom." With all this methodical
+raving the canon was no less amused than astonished.
+
+As they were thus employed, they suddenly heard a noise, and the sound
+of a little bell from a thicket near to them; at the same instant, a
+beautiful she-goat, speckled with black, white, and grey, ran out of
+the thicket, followed by a goatherd, calling to her aloud, in the
+usual language, to stop and come back to the fold. The fugitive
+animal, trembling and affrighted, ran to the company, claiming, as it
+were, their protection; but the goatherd pursued her, and, seizing her
+by the horns, addressed her as a rational creature, "Ah, wanton
+spotted thing, how hast thou strayed of late! What wolves have
+frighted thee, child? Wilt thou tell me, pretty one, what this means?
+But what else can it mean, but that thou art a female, and therefore
+canst not be quiet! A plague on thy humours, and on all theirs whom
+thou resemblest! Turn back, my dear, turn back; for though not
+content, at least thou wilt be more safe in thine own fold, and among
+thy companions; for if thou, who shouldst protect and guide them, go
+astray, what must become of them?"
+
+The party were very much amused by the goatherd's remonstrances; and
+the canon said, "I entreat you, brother, not to be in such haste to
+force back this goat to her fold; for, since she is a female, she will
+follow her natural inclination in spite of all your opposition. Come,
+do not be angry, but eat and drink with us, and let the wayward
+creature rest herself." At the same time he offered him the hinder
+quarter of a cold rabbit on the point of a fork. The goatherd thanked
+him, and accepted his offer; and being then in a better temper, he
+said, "Do not think me a fool, gentlemen, for talking so seriously to
+this animal: for, in truth, my words were not without a meaning; and
+though I am a rustic, I know the difference between conversing with
+men and beasts." "I doubt it not," said the priest; "indeed, it is
+well known that the mountains breed learned men, and the huts of
+shepherds contain philosophers." "At least, sir," replied the
+goatherd, "they contain men who have some knowledge gained from
+experience; and if I shall not be intruding, gentlemen, I will tell
+you a circumstance which confirms it."
+
+"Since this affair," said Don Quixote, "bears somewhat the semblance
+of an adventure, for my own part, friend, I shall listen to you most
+willingly: I can answer also for these gentlemen, who are persons of
+sense, and will relish the curious, the entertaining, and the
+marvellous, which I doubt not but your story contains; I entreat you,
+friend, to begin it immediately." "I shall take myself away to the
+side of yonder brook," said Sancho, "with this pasty, of which I mean
+to lay in enough to last three days at least: for I have heard my
+master Don Quixote say that the squire of a knight-errant should eat
+when he can, and as long as he can, because he may lose his way for
+six days together in a wood; and then, if a man has not his stomach
+well filled, or his wallet well provided, there he may stay, till he
+is turned into a mummy." "Thou art in the right, Sancho," said Don
+Quixote; "go where thou wilt, and eat what thou canst; my appetite is
+already satisfied, and my mind only needs refreshment, which the tale
+of this good man will doubtless afford." The goatherd being now
+requested by the others of the company to begin his tale, he patted
+his goat, which he still held by the horns, saying, "Lie thee down by
+me, speckled fool; for we shall have time enough to return to our
+fold." The goat seemed to understand him; for as soon as her master
+was seated, she laid herself quietly down by him, and, looking up into
+his face, seemed to listen to his story, which he began as follows.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+_The Goatherd's narrative._
+
+
+"Three leagues from this valley there is a town, which, though small,
+is one of the richest in these parts; and among its inhabitants was a
+farmer of such an excellent character, that, though riches generally
+gain esteem, he was more respected for his good qualities than for his
+wealth; and his happiness was completed in possessing a daughter of
+extraordinary beauty, discretion, and virtue. When a child she was
+lovely, but at the age of sixteen she was perfectly beautiful, and her
+fame extended over all the neighbouring villages,--nay, even spread
+itself to the remotest cities, and into the palaces of kings! People
+came from every part to see her, as some relic, or wonder-working
+image. Her father guarded her, and she guarded herself; for no
+padlocks, bolts, or bars, secure a maiden so well as her own reserve.
+The wealth of the father, and the beauty of the daughter, induced many
+to seek her hand, insomuch that he whose right it was to dispose of so
+precious a jewel was perplexed, and knew not whom to select among her
+importunate suitors. I was one of the number, and had indulged fond
+hopes of success, being known to her father, born in the same village,
+irreproachable in descent, in the bloom of youth, rich, and of no mean
+understanding. Another of our village, of equal pretensions with
+myself, solicited her also; and her father, being equally satisfied
+with both of us, was perplexed which to prefer, and therefore
+determined to leave the choice to Leandra herself--for so the maiden
+is called: an example worthy the imitation of all parents. I do not
+say they should give them their choice of what is improper; but they
+should propose to them what is good, and leave them to select thence,
+according to their taste. I know not which of us Leandra preferred;
+this only I know, that her father put us both off by pleading the
+tender age of his daughter, and with such general expressions as
+neither bound himself nor disobliged us. My rival's name is Anselmo,
+mine Eugenio; for you ought to know the names of the persons concerned
+in this tragedy, the catastrophe of which, though still suspended,
+will surely be disastrous.
+
+"About that time there came to our village one Vincent de la Rosa, son
+of a poor farmer in the same place. This Vincent had returned from
+Italy and other countries, where he had served in the wars, having
+been carried away from our town at twelve years of age by a captain
+who happened to march that way with his company; and now, at the end
+of twelve years more, he came back in a soldier's garb, bedizened with
+a variety of colours, and covered with a thousand trinkets and
+glittering chains. To-day he put on one piece of finery, to-morrow
+another: but all slight and counterfeit, of little or no value. The
+country-folks (who are naturally envious, and, if they chance to have
+leisure, malicious too) observed, and reckoned up, all his trappings
+and gew-gaws, and found that he had three suits of apparel, of
+different colours, with hose and garters to them; but those he
+disguised in so many different ways, and with so much contrivance,
+that had they not been counted, one would have sworn that he had above
+ten suits, and twenty plumes of feathers. Do not look upon this
+description of his dress as impertinent or superfluous, for it is an
+important part of the story. He used to seat himself on a stone-bench,
+under a great poplar-tree in our market-place, and there he would hold
+us all gaping and listening to the history of his exploits. There was
+no country on the whole globe that he had not seen, nor battle in
+which he had not been engaged. He had slain more Moors than are in
+Morocco and Tunis; and fought more single combats, according to his
+own account, than Gante, Luna, Diego Garcia de Paredes, and a thousand
+others, from which he always came off victorious, and without losing a
+drop of blood; at the same time he would shew us marks of wounds,
+which, though they were not to be discerned, he assured us were so
+many musket-shots, received in different actions. With the utmost
+arrogance, he would 'thee' and 'thou' his equals and acquaintance, and
+boast that his arm was his father, his deeds his pedigree, and that
+under the title of soldier he owed the king himself nothing. In
+addition to this boasting, he pretended to be somewhat of a musician,
+and scratched a little upon the guitar, which some people admired. But
+his accomplishments did not end here; for he was likewise something of
+a poet, and would compose a ballad a league and a half in length on
+every trifling incident that happened in the village.
+
+"Now this soldier whom I have described, this Vincent de la Rosa, this
+hero, this gallant, this musician, this poet, was often seen and
+admired by Leandra from a window of her house, which faced the
+market-place. She was struck with the tinsel of his gaudy apparel; his
+ballads enchanted her; the exploits he related of himself reached her
+ears--in short, as ill-luck would have it, she fell downright in love
+with him before he had entertained the presumption of courting her;
+and, as in affairs of love none are so easily accomplished as those
+which are favoured by the inclination of the lady, Leandra and Vincent
+soon came to a mutual understanding; and before any of her numerous
+suitors had the least suspicion of her design, she had already
+accomplished it, and left the house of her affectionate father, and
+quitted the town with the soldier, who came off in this enterprise
+more triumphantly than in any of those of which he had so arrogantly
+boasted. This event excited general astonishment. Anselmo and I were
+utterly confounded, her father grieved, her kindred ashamed, justice
+alarmed, and the troopers of the holy brotherhood in full activity.
+They beset the highways, and searched the woods, leaving no place
+unexplored; and at the end of three days they found the poor giddy
+Leandra in the cave of a mountain, stripped of all her clothes and the
+money and jewels which she had carried away from home. They brought
+her back to her disconsolate father; and being questioned, she freely
+confessed that Vincent de la Rosa had deceived her, and upon promise
+of marriage had persuaded her to leave her father's house, telling her
+he would carry her to Naples, the richest and most delicious city in
+the whole world. The imprudent and credulous girl said that, having
+believed him, she had robbed her father, and given the whole to him on
+the night of her elopement; and that he had carried her among the
+mountains, and left her shut up in that cave.
+
+"The same day that Leandra returned, she disappeared again from our
+eyes, as her father placed her in the monastery of a neighbouring
+town, in hopes that time might efface the remembrance of this untoward
+event. Her tender years were some excuse for her fault, especially
+with those who were indifferent as to whether she was good or bad; but
+those who know how much sense and understanding she possessed, could
+only ascribe her fault to levity, and the foibles natural to
+womankind. When Leandra was gone, Anselmo and myself were blind to
+every thing--at least no object could give us pleasure. We cursed the
+soldier's finery, and reprobated her father's want of vigilance; nor
+had time any effect in diminishing our regret. At length we agreed to
+quit the town and retire to this valley, where we pass our lives
+tending our flocks, and indulging our passion by praises,
+lamentations, or reproaches, and sometimes in solitary sighs and
+groans. Our example has been followed by many other admirers of
+Leandra, who have joined us in the same employment; indeed we are so
+numerous, that this place seems converted into the pastoral Arcadia;
+nor is there a part of it where the name of our beautiful mistress is
+not heard. One utters execrations against her, calling her fond,
+fickle, and immodest; another condemns her forwardness and levity;
+some excuse and pardon her; others arraign and condemn her; one
+praises her beauty, another rails at her disposition: in truth, all
+blame and all adore her--nay, such is the general frenzy, that some
+complain of her disdain who never had spoken to her, and some there
+are who bemoan themselves and affect to feel the raging disease of
+jealousy, though, as I have said before, her fault was known before
+her inclinations were suspected. There is no hollow of a rock, nor
+margin of a rivulet, nor shade of a tree, that is not occupied by some
+shepherd, lamenting to the winds. He who shews the least, though he
+has the most, sense among us madmen, is my rival Anselmo, for he
+complains only of absence; and to the sound of a rebec, which he
+touches to admiration, pours forth his complaint in verses of
+wonderful ingenuity. I follow another course; which is, to inveigh
+against the levity of women, their inconstancy, and double-dealing,
+their vain promises and broken faith, their absurd and misplaced
+affections.
+
+"This, gentlemen, gave rise to the expressions I used to the goat;
+for, being a female, I despise her, though she is the best of all my
+flock. I have now finished my story, which I fear you have thought
+tedious; but I shall be glad to make you amends by regaling you at my
+cottage, which is near, and where you will find new milk, good cheese,
+and abundance of fruit."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV.
+
+_Of the quarrel between Don Quixote and the Goatherd, with the rare
+adventure of the Disciplinants._
+
+
+The goatherd's tale amused all his auditors, especially the canon, who
+was struck by his manner of telling it, which was more like that of a
+scholar and a gentleman than an unpolished goatherd; and he was
+convinced that the priest was perfectly right when he affirmed that
+men of letters were often produced among mountains. They all offered
+their service to Eugenio; but the most liberal in his offers was Don
+Quixote, who said to him, "In truth, brother goatherd, were I in a
+situation to undertake any new adventure, I would immediately engage
+myself in your service, and release your lady from the nunnery in
+spite of the abbess and all opposers, then deliver her into your
+hands, to be disposed of at your pleasure, so far as is consistent
+with the laws of chivalry, which enjoin that no kind of outrage be
+offered to damsels. I trust, however, that the power of one malicious
+enchanter shall not be so prevalent over another but that a better
+disposed one may triumph; and then I promise you my aid and protection
+according to the duty of my profession, which is no other than to
+favour the weak and necessitous." The goatherd stared at Don Quixote,
+and observing his odd appearance, he whispered to the barber who sat
+next to him, "Pray, sir, who is that man that looks and talks so
+strangely?" "Who should it be," answered the barber, "but the famous
+Don Quixote de la Mancha, the redresser of injuries, the righter of
+wrongs, the protector of maidens, the dread of giants, and the
+conqueror of armies?" "Why this is like what we hear in the stories of
+knights-errant," said the goatherd; "but I take it either your worship
+is in jest, or the apartments in this gentleman's skull are
+unfurnished." "You are a very great blockhead," exclaimed the knight;
+"it is yourself who are empty-skulled and shallow-brained;" and as he
+spoke, he snatched up a loaf that was near him, and threw it at the
+goatherd's face with so much fury that he laid his nose flat. The
+goatherd did not much relish the jest, so, without any respect to the
+tablecloth or to the company present, he leaped upon Don Quixote, and
+seizing him by the throat with both hands, would doubtless have
+strangled him, had not Sancho Panza, who came up at that moment, taken
+him by the shoulders and thrown him back on the tablecloth,
+demolishing dishes and platters, and spilling and overturning all that
+was upon it. Don Quixote, finding himself free, turned again upon the
+goatherd, who, being kicked and trampled upon by Sancho, was feeling
+about upon all fours for some knife or weapon to take revenge withal;
+but the canon and the priest prevented him. The barber, however,
+maliciously contrived that the goatherd should get Don Quixote under
+him, whom he buffeted so unmercifully that he had ample retaliation
+for his own sufferings. This ludicrous encounter overcame the gravity
+of both the churchmen; while the troopers of the holy brotherhood,
+enjoying the conflict, stood urging on the combatants as if it had
+been a dog-fight. Sancho struggled in vain to release himself from one
+of the canon's servants, who prevented him from going to assist his
+master. In the midst of this sport a trumpet was suddenly heard
+sounding so dismally that every face was instantly turned in the
+direction whence the sound proceeded. Don Quixote's attention was
+particularly excited, though he still lay under the goatherd in a
+bruised and battered condition. "Thou demon," he said to him, "for
+such thou must be to have this power over me, I beg that thou wilt
+grant a truce for one hour, as the solemn sound of that trumpet seems
+to call me to some new adventure." The goatherd, whose revenge was by
+this time sated, immediately let him go; and Don Quixote, having got
+upon his legs again, presently saw several people descending from a
+rising ground, arrayed in white, after the manner of Disciplinants.
+
+That year the heavens having failed to refresh the earth with
+seasonable showers, throughout all the villages of that district,
+processions, disciplines, and public prayers were ordered, beseeching
+God to shew his mercy by sending them rain. For this purpose the
+people of a neighbouring village were coming in procession to a holy
+hermitage built upon the side of a hill not far from that spot. The
+strange attire of the disciplinants struck Don Quixote, who, not
+recollecting what he must often have seen before, imagined it to be
+some adventure which, as a knight-errant, was reserved for him alone;
+and he was confirmed in his opinion on seeing an image clothed in
+black that they carried with them, and which he doubted not was some
+illustrious lady, forcibly borne away by ruffians and miscreants. With
+all the expedition in his power, he therefore went up to Rozinante,
+and, taking the bridle and buckler from the pommel of the saddle, he
+bridled him in a trice; and calling to Sancho for his sword, he
+mounted, braced his target, and, in a loud voice, said to all that
+were present, "Now, my worthy companions, ye shall see how important
+to the world is the profession of chivalry; now shall ye see, in the
+restoration of that captive lady to liberty, whether knights-errant
+are to be valued or not!" So saying, he clapped heels to Rozinante
+(for spurs he had none); and, on a hand-gallop (for we nowhere read,
+in all this faithful history, that Rozinante ever went full speed), he
+advanced to encounter the disciplinants. The priest, the canon, and
+the barber, in vain endeavoured to stop him; and in vain did Sancho
+cry out, "Whither go you, Sigñor Don Quixote? what possesses you to
+assault the catholic faith? Evil befal me! do but look--it is a
+procession of disciplinants, and the lady carried upon the bier is the
+blessed image of our Holy Virgin; take heed, for this once I am sure
+you know not what you are about." Sancho wearied himself to no
+purpose; for his master was so bent upon an encounter, that he heard
+not a word; nor would he have turned back though the king himself had
+commanded him.
+
+Having reached the procession, he checked Rozinante, who already
+wanted to rest a little, and in a hoarse and agitated voice cried out,
+"Stop there, ye who cover your faces,--for an evil purpose I doubt
+not,--stop and listen to me!" The bearers of the image stood still;
+and one of the four ecclesiastics, who sung the litanies, observing
+the strange figure of Don Quixote, the leanness of Rozinante, and
+other ludicrous circumstances attending the knight, replied, "Friend,
+if you have any thing to say to us, say it quickly; for these our
+brethren are scourging their flesh, and we cannot stay to hear any
+thing that may not be said in two words." "I will say it in one,"
+replied Don Quixote; "you must immediately release that fair lady,
+whose tears and sorrowful countenance clearly prove that she is
+carried away against her will, and that you have done her some
+atrocious injury. I, who was born to redress such wrongs, command you,
+therefore, not to proceed one step further until you have given her
+the liberty she desires and deserves." By these expressions they
+concluded that Don Quixote must be some whimsical madman, and only
+laughed at him; which enraged him to such a degree, that, without
+saying another word, he drew his sword and attacked the bearers; one
+of whom, leaving the burden to his comrades, stept forward brandishing
+the pole on which the bier had been supported; but it was quickly
+broken in two by a powerful stroke aimed by the knight, who, however,
+received instantly such a blow on the shoulder of his sword-arm, that,
+his buckler being of no avail against rustic strength, he was felled
+to the ground. Sancho, who had followed him, now called out to the man
+not to strike again, for he was a poor enchanted knight, who had never
+done any body harm in all his life. The peasant forbore, it is true,
+though not on account of Sancho's appeal, but because he saw his
+opponent without motion; and thinking he had killed him, he hastily
+tucked up his vest under his girdle, and fled like a deer over the
+field.
+
+By this time all Don Quixote's party had come up; and those in the
+procession, seeing among them troopers of the holy brotherhood armed
+with their cross-bows, began to be alarmed, and drew up in a circle
+round the image; then lifting up their hoods, and grasping their
+whips, and the ecclesiastics their tapers, they waited the assault,
+determined to defend themselves, or, if possible, offend their
+aggressors; while Sancho threw himself on the body of his master, and
+believing him to be really dead, poured forth the most dolorous
+lamentation. Sancho's cries roused Don Quixote, who faintly said, "He
+who lives absent from thee, sweetest Dulcinea, endures far greater
+miseries than this!--Help, friend Sancho, to place me upon the
+enchanted car; I am no longer in a condition to press the saddle of
+Rozinante, for this shoulder is broken to pieces." "That I will do
+with all my heart, dear sir," answered Sancho; "and let us return to
+our homes with these gentlemen, who wish you well; and there we can
+prepare for another sally that may turn out more profitable." "Thou
+sayest well, Sancho," answered Don Quixote; "and it will be highly
+prudent in us to wait until the evil influence of the star which now
+reigns is passed over." The canon, the priest, and the barber, told
+him they approved his resolution; and the knight being now placed in
+the waggon as before, they prepared to depart. The goatherd took his
+leave; and the troopers, not being disposed to attend them farther,
+were discharged. The canon also separated from them, having first
+obtained a promise from the priest that he would acquaint him with the
+future fate of Don Quixote. Thus the party now consisted only of the
+priest, the barber, Don Quixote, and Sancho, with good Rozinante, who
+bore all accidents as patiently as his master. The waggoner yoked his
+oxen, and having accommodated Don Quixote with a truss of hay, they
+jogged on in the way the priest directed, and at the end of six days
+reached Don Quixote's village. It was about noon when they made their
+entrance, and it being a holyday, all the people were standing about
+the market-place through which the waggon passed. Everybody ran to see
+who was in it, and were not a little surprised when they recognised
+their townsman; and a boy ran off at full speed with tidings to the
+housekeeper that he was coming home, lean and pale, stretched out at
+length in a waggon drawn by oxen. On hearing this, the two good women
+made the most pathetic lamentations, and renewed their curses against
+books of chivalry; especially when they saw the poor knight entering
+at the gate.
+
+Upon the news of Don Quixote's arrival, Sancho Panza's wife repaired
+thither; and on meeting him, her first inquiry was whether the ass had
+come home well. Sancho told her that he was in a better condition than
+his master. "Heaven be praised," replied she, "for so great a mercy
+to me! But tell me, husband, what good have you got by your
+squireship? Have you brought a petticoat home for me, and shoes for
+your children?" "I have brought you nothing of that sort, dear wife,"
+quoth Sancho; "but I have got other things of greater consequence." "I
+am very glad of that," answered the wife; "pray shew me your things of
+greater consequence, friend; for I would fain see them, to gladden my
+heart, which has been so sad all the long time you have been away."
+"You shall see them at home, wife," quoth Sancho, "so be satisfied at
+present; for if it please God that we make another sally in quest of
+adventures, you will soon see me an earl or governor of an island, and
+no common one neither, but one of the best that is to be had." "Grant
+Heaven it may be so, husband," quoth the wife; "for we have need
+enough of it. But pray tell me what you mean by islands; for I do not
+understand you." "Honey is not for the mouth of an ass," answered
+Sancho; "in good time, wife, you shall see, yea and admire to hear
+yourself styled ladyship by all your vassals." "What do you mean,
+Sancho, by ladyship, islands, and vassals?" answered Teresa Panza; for
+that was the name of Sancho's wife, though they were not of kin, but
+because it was the custom of La Mancha for the wife to take the
+husband's name. "Do not be in so much haste, Teresa," said Sancho; "it
+is enough that I tell you what is true, so lock up your mouth;--only
+take this by the way, that there is nothing in the world so pleasant
+as to be an honourable esquire to a knight-errant and seeker of
+adventures. To be sure, most of them are not so much to a man's mind
+as he could wish; for, as I know by experience, ninety-nine out of a
+hundred fall out cross and unlucky; especially when one happens to be
+tossed in a blanket, or well cudgelled; yet, for all that, it is a
+fine thing to go about in expectation of accidents, traversing
+mountains, searching woods, marching over rocks, visiting castles,
+lodging in inns, all at pleasure, and never a farthing to pay."
+
+While this discourse was passing between Sancho Panza and his wife
+Teresa, the housekeeper and the niece received Don Quixote, and they
+laid him in his old bed, whence he looked at them with eyes askance,
+not knowing perfectly where he was. Often did the women raise their
+voices in abuse of all books of chivalry, overwhelming their authors
+with the bitterest maledictions. His niece was charged by the priest
+to take great care of him, and to keep a watchful eye that he did not
+again make his escape, after taking so much pains to get him home. Yet
+they were full of apprehensions lest they should lose him again as
+soon as he found himself a little better; and, indeed, the event
+proved that their fears were not groundless.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV.
+
+_What passed between the Curate, the Barber, and Don Quixote,
+concerning his indisposition._
+
+
+The curate and the barber were almost a whole month without paying Don
+Quixote a visit, lest, calling to mind his former extravagances, he
+might take occasion to renew them. However, they failed not every day
+to see his niece and his housekeeper, whom they charged to treat and
+cherish him with great care, and to give him such diet as might be
+most proper to cheer his heart and comfort his brain, whence, in all
+likelihood, his disorder wholly proceeded. They answered, that they
+did so, and would continue it to their utmost power; the rather
+because they observed that sometimes he seemed to be in his right
+senses. This news was very welcome to the curate and the barber, who
+looked on this amendment as an effect of their contrivance in bringing
+him home in the enchanted waggon, as already recorded. Thereupon they
+resolved to pay him a visit, and make trial themselves of the progress
+of a cure, which they thought almost impossible. They also agreed not
+to speak a word of knight-errantry, lest they should endanger a wound
+so lately closed and so tender. Don Quixote received them very
+civilly, and when they inquired of his health, gave them an account of
+his condition, expressing himself very handsomely, and with a great
+deal of judgment. After they had discoursed a while of several
+matters, they fell at last on state affairs and forms of government,
+correcting this grievance, and condemning that, reforming one custom,
+rejecting another, and establishing new laws, as if they had been the
+Lycurguses or Solons of the age, till they had refined and new
+modelled the commonwealth at such a rate, that they seemed to have
+clapped it into a forge, and drawn it out wholly different from what
+it was before. Don Quixote reasoned with so much discretion on every
+subject, that his two visitors now undoubtedly believed him in his
+right senses.
+
+His niece and housekeeper were present at these discourses, and,
+hearing him give so many marks of sound understanding, thought they
+could never return Heaven sufficient thanks for so extraordinary a
+blessing. But the curate, who wondered at this strange amendment,
+being resolved to try whether Don Quixote was perfectly recovered,
+thought fit to alter the resolution he had taken to avoid entering
+into any discourse of knight-errantry; and therefore began to talk to
+him of news, and, among the rest, that it was credibly reported at
+court, that the Grand Seignior was advancing with a vast army, and
+nobody knew where the tempest would fall; that all Christendom was
+alarmed, as it used to be almost every year; and that the king was
+providing for the security of the coasts of Sicily and Naples, and the
+island of Malta. "His majesty," said Don Quixote, "acts the part of a
+most prudent warrior, in putting his dominions betimes in a posture of
+defence; but yet, if my counsel were to be taken in this matter, I
+would advise another sort of preparation, which, I fancy, his majesty
+little thinks of at present." Thereupon they both desired Don Quixote
+to communicate to them this mighty project of his; "for," said they,
+"who knows but, after all, it may be one of those that ought only to
+find a place in the list of impertinent admonitions usually given to
+princes?" "No, good Mr. Trimmer," answered Don Quixote, "my projects
+are not impertinent, but highly advisable." "I meant no harm in what I
+said, sir," replied the barber; "only we generally find most of those
+projects that are offered to the king are either impracticable or
+whimsical, or tend to the detriment of the king or kingdom." "But
+mine," said Don Quixote, "is neither impossible nor ridiculous; far
+from that, it is the most easy, the most thoroughly weighed, and the
+most concise, that ever can be devised by man." "Methinks you are too
+long before you let us know it, sir," said the curate. "To deal freely
+with you," replied Don Quixote, "I should be loath to tell it you here
+now, and have it reach the ear of some privy-counsellor to-morrow, and
+so afterwards see the fruit of my invention reaped by somebody else."
+"As for me," said the barber, "I give you my word here, and in the
+face of heaven, never to tell it, either to king, queen, or any
+earthly man." "Well, then," cried Don Quixote, "what has the king to
+do more, but to cause public proclamation to be made, enjoining all
+the knights-errant that are dispersed in this kingdom to make their
+personal appearance at court, upon a certain day? For though but half
+a dozen should meet, there may be some one among them who, even alone,
+might be able to destroy the whole united force of Turkey. For pray
+observe well what I say, gentlemen. Do you look upon it as a new thing
+for one knight-errant alone to rout an army of two hundred thousand
+men, with as much ease as if all of them joined together had but one
+throat, or were made of sugar-paste? You know how many histories are
+full of these wonders." "Alas!" said the niece, hearing this, "I will
+lay my life my uncle has still a hankering after knight-errantry." "I
+will die a knight-errant," cried Don Quixote; "and so let the Turks
+land where they please, how they please, and when they please, and
+with all the forces they can muster." "Gentlemen," said the barber, "I
+beg leave to tell you a short story of somewhat that happened at
+Seville; indeed it falls out as pat as if it had been made for our
+present purpose, and so I have a great mind to tell it." Don Quixote
+gave consent, the curate and the rest of the company were willing to
+hear; and thus the barber begun:--
+
+"A certain person being distracted, was put into the mad-house at
+Seville. He had studied the civil law, and taken his degrees at
+Ossuna; though, had he taken them at Salamanca, many are of opinion
+that he would have been mad too. After some years spent in this
+confinement, he was pleased to fancy himself in his right senses; and,
+upon this, wrote to the archbishop, beseeching him, with all the
+colour of reason imaginable, to release him by his authority, since,
+by the mercy of Heaven, he was wholly freed from his disorder; only
+his relations, he said, kept him in, in order to enjoy his estate,
+designing, in spite of truth, to have him mad to his dying day. The
+archbishop, persuaded by many letters which he wrote to him, all
+penned with sense and judgment, ordered one of his chaplains to
+inquire into the truth of the matter, and also to discourse with the
+party, that he might set him at large, in case he found him of sound
+mind. Thereupon the chaplain went, and having asked the governor what
+condition the graduate was in, was answered that he was still mad;
+that sometimes, indeed, he would talk like a man of excellent sense,
+but presently after he would relapse into his former extravagances,
+which, at least, balanced all his rational talk, as he himself might
+find if he pleased to discourse with him. The chaplain, resolved to
+make the experiment, went to the madman, and conversed with him above
+an hour, and in all that time could not perceive the least disorder in
+his brain; far from that, he delivered himself with so much
+sedateness, and gave such pertinent answers to every question, that
+the chaplain was obliged to believe him sound in his understanding;
+nay, he went so far as to make a complaint against his keeper,
+alleging, that, for the lucre of those presents which his relations
+sent him, he represented him as one who was still distracted, and had
+only now and then lucid intervals. In short, he pleaded in such a
+manner, that the keeper was suspected, his relations censured as
+covetous and unnatural, and he himself thought master of so much
+sense, that the chaplain resolved to take him along with him, that the
+archbishop might be able to satisfy himself in person. The credulous
+chaplain therefore desired the governor to give the graduate the habit
+which he had brought with him at his first coming. The governor used
+every argument to dissuade the chaplain from his design, assuring him
+that the man was still disordered in his brain. But he could not
+prevail with him to leave the madman any longer, and therefore was
+forced to comply with the archbishop's order, and returned the man his
+habit, which was neat and decent.
+
+"Having put off his madman's clothes, and finding himself in the garb
+of rational creatures, he begged of the chaplain, for charity's sake,
+to permit him to take leave of his late companions in affliction. The
+chaplain told him he would bear him company, having a mind to see the
+mad folks in the house. So they went up stairs, and with them some
+other people that stood by. Presently the graduate came to a kind of a
+cage, where lay a man that was outrageously mad, though at that
+instant still and quiet; and addressing himself to him, 'Brother,'
+said he, 'have you any service to command me? I am just going to my
+own house, thanks be to Heaven, which, of its infinite goodness and
+mercy, has restored me to my senses. Be of good comfort, and put your
+trust in God, who will, I hope, be equally merciful to you. I will be
+sure to send you some choice victuals, which I would have you eat by
+all means; for I must needs tell you, that I have reason to imagine
+from my own experience, that all our madness proceeds from keeping our
+stomachs empty of food, and our brains full of wind.' Just over
+against that room lay another madman, who, having listened with an
+envious attention to all this discourse, starts up from an old mat on
+which he lay: 'Who is that,' cried he aloud, 'that is going away so
+well recovered and so wise?' 'It is I, brother, that am going,'
+replied the graduate; 'I have now no need to stay here any longer; for
+which blessing I can never cease to return my humble and hearty thanks
+to the infinite goodness of Heaven.' 'Doctor,' quoth the madman, 'have
+a care what you say, and let not the devil delude you. Stir not a
+foot, but keep snug in your old lodging, and save yourself the
+vexation of being brought back to your kennel.' 'Nay,' answered the
+other, 'I will warrant you there will be no occasion for my coming
+hither again, I know I am perfectly well.' 'You well!' cried the
+madman; 'we shall soon see that. Farewell; but by the sovereign
+Jupiter, whose majesty I represent on earth, for this very crime alone
+that Seville has committed in setting thee at large, affirming that
+thou art sound in thy intellects, I will take such a severe revenge on
+the whole city, that it shall be remembered with terror from age to
+age. Dost thou not know, my poor brainless thing in a gown, that this
+is in my power? I, that am the thundering Jove, that grasp in my hands
+the red-hot bolts of heaven, with which I keep the threatened world in
+awe, and might reduce it all to ashes? But stay, I will commute the
+fiery punishment which this ignorant town deserves into another: I
+will only shut up the flood-gates of the skies, so that there shall
+not fall a drop of rain upon this city, nor on all the neighbouring
+country round about it, for three years together, to begin from the
+very moment that gives date to this my inviolable execration. Thou
+free! thou well, and in thy senses! and I here mad, distempered, and
+confined!' As every one there was attentive to these loud and frantic
+threats, the graduate turned to the chaplain, and taking him by the
+hand: 'Sir,' said he, 'let not that madman's threats trouble you.
+Never mind him; for if he be Jupiter, and will not let it rain, I am
+Neptune, the parent and god of the waters, and it shall rain as often
+as I please, wherever necessity shall require it.' 'However,' answered
+the chaplain, 'good Mr. Neptune, it is not convenient to provoke Mr.
+Jupiter; therefore be pleased to stay here a little longer; and some
+other time, at convenient leisure, I may chance to find a better
+opportunity to wait on you, and bring you away.' The keeper and the
+rest of the company could not forbear laughing, which put the chaplain
+almost out of countenance. In short, Mr. Neptune was disrobed again,
+and stayed where he was; and there is an end of my story."
+
+"Well, Master Barber," said Don Quixote, "and this is your tale which
+you said came so pat to the present purpose, that you could not
+forbear telling it? Ah, Mr. Cutbeard, how blind must he be that cannot
+see through a sieve! Is it possible your pragmatical worship should
+not know that the comparisons made between wit and wit, courage and
+courage, beauty and beauty, birth and birth, are always odious and ill
+taken? I am not Neptune, the god of the waters, good Master Barber;
+neither do I pretend to set up for a wise man when I am not so. All I
+aim at is only to make the world sensible how much they are to blame
+in not labouring to revive those most happy times, in which the order
+of knight-errantry was in its full glory. But, indeed, this degenerate
+age of ours is unworthy the enjoyment of so great a happiness, which
+former ages could boast, when knights-errant took upon themselves the
+defence of kingdoms, the protection of damsels, the relief of orphans,
+the punishment of pride and oppression, and the reward of humility.
+Most of your knights, now-a-days, keep a greater rustling with their
+sumptuous garments of damask, gold brocade, and other costly stuffs,
+than with the coats of mail, which they should glory to wear. No
+knight now will lie on the hard ground in the open field exposed to
+the injurious air, from head to foot enclosed in ponderous armour.
+Where are those now, who, without taking their feet out of the
+stirrups, and only leaning on their lances like the knights-errant of
+old, strive to disappoint invading sleep, rather than indulge it?
+Where is that knight who, having first traversed a spacious forest,
+climbed up a steep mountain, and journeyed over a dismal barren shore,
+washed by a turbulent tempestuous sea, and finding on the brink a
+little skiff, destitute of sails, oars, mast, or any kind of tackling,
+is yet so bold as to throw himself into the boat with an undaunted
+resolution, and resign himself to the implacable billows of the main
+that now mount him to the skies, and then hurry him down to the most
+profound recesses of the waters; till, with his insuperable courage
+surmounting at last the hurricane, even in its greatest fury, he finds
+himself above three thousand leagues from the place where he first
+embarked, and leaping ashore in a remote and unknown region, meets
+with adventures that deserve to be recorded, not only on parchment,
+but on Corinthian brass? But now, alas, sloth and effeminacy triumph
+over vigilance and labour; idleness over industry; vice over virtue;
+arrogance over valour; and the theory of arms over the practice, that
+true practice which only lived and flourished in those golden days,
+and among those professors of chivalry. For, where shall we hear of a
+knight more valiant and more honourable than the renowned Amadis de
+Gaul? Who more discreet than Palmerin of England? Who more affable and
+complaisant than Tirante the White? Who more gallant than Lisuarte of
+Greece? Who more cut and hacked, or a greater cutter and hacker, than
+Don Belianis? Who more intrepid than Perion of Gaul? Who more daring
+than Felixmarte of Hyrcania? Who more sincere than Esplandian? Who
+more courteous than Ciriongilio of Thrace? Who more brave than
+Rodomont? Who more prudent than King Sobrino? Who more desperate than
+Rinaldo? Who more invincible than Orlando? And who more agreeable or
+more affable than Rogero, from whom (according to Turpin in his
+cosmography) the Dukes of Ferrara are descended? All these champions,
+Master Curate, and a great many more that I could mention, were
+knights-errant, and the very light and glory of chivalry. Now, such as
+these are the men I would advise the king to employ; by which means
+his majesty would be effectually served, and freed from a vast
+expense, and the Turk would tear his very beard for madness. For my
+part, I do not design to stay where I am because the chaplain will not
+fetch me out; though if Jupiter, as Master Barber said, will send no
+rain, here stands one that will, and can rain when he pleases. This I
+say, that Goodman Basin here may know I understand his meaning."
+"Truly, good sir," said the barber, "I meant no ill; Heaven is my
+witness, my intent was good; and therefore I hope your worship will
+take nothing amiss." "Whether I ought to take it amiss or no," replied
+Don Quixote, "is best known to myself." "Well," said the curate, "I
+have hardly spoken a word yet; and before I go, I would gladly be
+eased of a scruple, which Don Quixote's words have started within me,
+and which grates and gnaws my conscience." "Master Curate may be free
+with me in greater matters," said Don Quixote, "and so may well tell
+his scruple; for it is no pleasure to have a burden upon one's
+conscience." "With your leave then, sir," said the curate, "I must
+tell you, that I can by no means prevail with myself to believe, that
+all this multitude of knights-errant, which your worship has
+mentioned, were ever real men of this world, and true substantial
+flesh and blood; but rather, that most of what is said of them is
+fable and fiction, lies and dreams, related by men rather half asleep
+than awake." "This is indeed another mistake," said Don Quixote, "into
+which many have been led, who do not believe there ever were any of
+those knights in the world. And in several companies I have many times
+had occasion to vindicate that manifest truth from the almost
+universal error that is entertained to its prejudice. Sometimes my
+success has not been answerable to the goodness of my cause, though
+at others it has; being supported on the shoulders of truth, which is
+so apparent, that I dare almost say I have seen Amadis de Gaul with
+these very eyes. He was a tall comely personage, of a good and lively
+complexion, his beard well ordered, though black, his aspect at once
+awful and affable; a man of few words, slowly provoked, and quickly
+pacified. And as I have given you the picture of Amadis, I fancy I
+could readily delineate all the knights-errant that are to be met with
+in history."
+
+"Pray, good sir," quoth the barber, "how tall then might the giant
+Morgante be?" "Whether there ever were giants or no," answered Don
+Quixote, "is a point much controverted among the learned. However,
+Holy Writ, that cannot deviate an atom from truth, informs us there
+were some, of which we have an instance in the account it gives us of
+that huge Philistine, Goliath, who was seven cubits and a half high;
+which is a prodigious stature. Besides, in Sicily thigh-bones and
+shoulder-bones have been found of so immense a size, that from thence
+of necessity we must conclude, by the certain rules of geometry, that
+the men to whom they belonged were giants as big as huge steeples.
+But, for all this, I cannot positively tell you how big Morgante was,
+though I am apt to believe he was not very tall; and that which makes
+me inclinable to believe so is, that in the history which gives us a
+particular account of his exploits we read that he often used to lie
+under a roof. Now if there were any house that could hold him, it is
+evident he could not be of so immense a stature."
+
+But here they were interrupted by a noise below in the yard, where the
+niece and the housekeeper, who had left them some time before, were
+very obstreperous; which made them all hasten to know what was the
+matter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI.
+
+_Of the memorable quarrel between Sancho Panza and Don Quixote's Niece
+and Housekeeper; with other pleasant passages._
+
+
+The occasion of the noise which the niece and housekeeper made, was
+Sancho Panza's endeavouring to force his way into the house, while
+they at the same time held the door against him to keep him out. "What
+have you to do in this house?" cried one of them. "Go, keep to your
+own home, friend. It is all of you, and nobody else, that my poor
+master is distracted, and carried a rambling all the country over."
+"Distracted!" replied Sancho; "it is I that am distracted, and carried
+a rambling, and not your master. It was he led me the jaunt; so you
+are wide of the matter. It was he that inveigled me from my house and
+home with his colloguing, and saying he would give me an island,
+which is not come yet, and I still wait for." "May'st thou be choked
+with thy plaguy islands," cried the niece; "what are your islands? any
+thing to eat, good-man greedy-gut, ha?" "Hold you there," answered
+Sancho; "they are not to eat, but to govern; and better governments
+than any four cities, or as many heads of the king's best
+corporations." "For all that," quoth the housekeeper, "thou comest not
+within these doors, thou bundle of wickedness and sackful of roguery!
+Go, govern your own house; work, you lazy rogue. To the plough, and
+never trouble your jolter-head about islands or oylets."
+
+The curate and barber were highly diverted in hearing this dialogue.
+But Don Quixote, fearing lest Sancho should not keep within bounds,
+but blunder out some discoveries prejudicial to his reputation, while
+he ripped up a pack of little foolish slander, called him in, and
+enjoined the women to be silent. Sancho entered; and the curate and
+the barber took leave of Don Quixote, despairing of his cure. "Well,"
+said the curate to the barber, "now I expect nothing better of our
+gentleman than to hear shortly that he is gone upon another ramble."
+"Nor I," answered the barber; "but I do not wonder so much at the
+knight's madness as at the silliness of the squire, who thinks himself
+so sure of the island, that I fancy all the art of man can never beat
+it out of his skull." "However," said the curate, "let us observe
+them; we shall find what will be the event of the extravagance of the
+knight and the foolishness of the squire. One would think they had
+been cast in one mould; and indeed the master's madness without the
+man's impertinence were not worth a rush." "Right," said the barber;
+"and now they are together, methinks I long to know what passes
+between them. I do not doubt but the two women will be able to give an
+account of that, for they are not of a temper to withstand the
+temptation of listening."
+
+Meanwhile Don Quixote having locked himself up with his squire, they
+had the following colloquy: "I take it very ill," said he, "Sancho,
+that you should report as you do, that I enticed you out of your
+paltry hut, when you know that I myself left my own mansion-house. We
+set out together, continued together, and travelled together. We ran
+the same fortune and the same hazards together. If thou hast been
+tossed in a blanket once, I have been battered and bruised a hundred
+times; and that is all the advantage I have had above thee." "And
+reason good," answered Sancho; "for you yourself use to say, that
+ill-luck and cross-bitings are oftener to light on the knights than on
+the squires." "Thou art mistaken, Sancho," replied Don Quixote; "for
+the proverb will tell thee, that _Quando caput dolet_, &c." "Nay,"
+quoth Sancho, "I understand no language but my own." "I mean," said
+Don Quixote, "that when the head aches, all the members partake of the
+pain. So, then, as I am thy master, I am also thy head; and as thou
+art my servant, thou art one of my members; it follows, therefore,
+that I cannot be sensible of pain, but thou too oughtest to be
+affected with it; and likewise, that nothing of ill can befal thee,
+but I must bear a share." "Right," quoth Sancho; "but when I, as a
+limb of you, was tossed in a blanket, my head was pleased to stay at
+the other side of the wall, and saw me frisking in the air, without
+going shares in my bodily trouble." "Thou art greatly mistaken,
+Sancho," answered Don Quixote, "if thou thinkest I was not sensible of
+thy sufferings. For I was then more tortured in mind than thou wast
+tormented in body. But let us adjourn this discourse till some other
+time, which doubtless will afford us an opportunity to redress past
+grievances. I pray thee tell me now what does the town say of me? What
+do the neighbours, what do the people think of me? How do the knights
+discourse of my high feats of arms, and my courteous behaviour? What
+thoughts do they entertain of my design to raise from the grave of
+oblivion the order of knight-errantry? In short, tell me freely and
+sincerely what thou hast heard; neither enlarged with flattering
+commendations, nor lessened by any omission of my dispraise; for it is
+the duty of faithful servants to lay truth before their masters in its
+honest nakedness. And I would have thee know, Sancho, that if it were
+to appear before princes in its native simplicity, and disrobed of the
+odious disguise of flattery, we should see happier days; this age
+would be changed into an age of gold, and former times compared to
+this would be called the iron age. Remember this, and be advised, that
+I may hear thee impart a faithful account of these matters."
+
+"Why then," quoth Sancho, "first you are to know that the common
+people take you for a madman, and me for one that is no less a fool.
+The gentry say, that not being content to keep within the bounds of
+gentility, you have taken upon you to be a Don, and set up for a
+knight, and a right worshipful, with a small vineyard and two acres of
+land. The knights, forsooth, say they do not like to have your small
+gentry think themselves as good as they, especially your old-fashioned
+country squires that mend and lamp-black their own shoes, and mend
+their old black stockings themselves with a needleful of green silk."
+"All this does not affect me," said Don Quixote, "for I always wear
+good clothes, and never have them patched. It is true they may be a
+little torn sometimes, but that is more with my armour than my long
+wearing." "As for what relates to your prowess," said Sancho, "there
+are several opinions about it. Some say he is mad, but a pleasant sort
+of a madman; others say he is valiant, but his luck is nought; others
+say he is courteous, but very impertinent. And thus they pass so many
+verdicts upon you, and take us both so to pieces, that they leave
+neither you nor me a sound bone in our skins." "Consider, Sancho,"
+said Don Quixote, "that the more eminently virtue shines, the more it
+is exposed to persecution. Few or none of the famous heroes of
+antiquity could escape the venomous arrows of calumny. And therefore,
+Sancho, well may I be content to bear my share of that calamity, if it
+be no more than thou hast told me now." "Ah!" quoth Sancho, "there is
+the business; you say well, if this were all; but they don't stop
+here." "Why," said Don Quixote, "what can they say more?" "More!"
+cried Sancho. "Why you have had nothing yet but apple-pies and
+sugar-plums. Sir Bartholomew Carrasco's son came home last night from
+his studies at Salamanca, you must know; and as I went to bid him
+welcome home, he told me that your worship's history is already in
+books, by the name of the most renowned Don Quixote de la Mancha. He
+says I am in too, by my own name of Sancho Panza, and also my Lady
+Dulcinea del Toboso; nay, and many things that passed betwixt nobody
+but us two, which I was amazed to hear, and could not for my soul
+imagine how he that set them down could come by the knowledge of
+them." "I dare assure thee, Sancho," said Don Quixote, "that the
+author of our history must be some sage enchanter, and one of those
+from whose universal knowledge none of the things which they have a
+mind to record can be concealed." "How should he be a sage and an
+enchanter?" quoth Sancho. "The bachelor Samson Carrasco tells me, he
+that wrote the history is called Cid Hamet Berengenas." "That is a
+Moorish name," said Don Quixote. "Like enough," quoth Sancho; "your
+Moors are great lovers of Berengenas."[10] "Certainly, Sancho," said
+Don Quixote, "thou art mistaken in the sirname of that Cid, that lord,
+I mean; for Cid in Arabic signifies lord." "That may very well be,"
+answered Sancho: "but if you will have me fetch you the young
+scholard, I will fly to bring him hither." "Truly, friend," said Don
+Quixote, "thou wilt do me a particular kindness; for what thou hast
+already told me has so filled me with doubts and expectations, that I
+shall not eat a bit that will do me good till I am informed of the
+whole matter." "I will go and fetch him," said Sancho. With that,
+leaving his master, he went to look for the bachelor; and having
+brought him along with him a while after, they all had a very pleasant
+dialogue.
+
+[10] A sort of fruit in Spain, brought over by the Moors. Sancho meant
+Benengeli.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII.
+
+_The pleasant discourse between Don Quixote, Sancho Panza, and the
+bachelor Samson Carrasco._
+
+
+Don Quixote could not be persuaded that there was a history of
+himself extant, while yet the blood of those enemies he had cut off
+had scarce done reeking on the blade of his sword; so that they could
+not have already finished and printed the history of his mighty feats
+of arms. However, at last he concluded that some learned sage had, by
+the way of enchantment, been able to commit them to the press, either
+as a friend, to extol his heroic achievements above the noblest
+performances of the most famous knights-errant; or as an enemy, to
+sully the lustre of his exploits, and debase them below the most
+inferior actions of any of the meanest squires. Though, thought he to
+himself, the actions of squires were never yet recorded; and after
+all, if there were such a book printed, since it was the history of a
+knight-errant, it could not choose but be pompous, lofty, magnificent,
+and authentic. This thought yielded him a while some small
+consolation; but then he relapsed into melancholic doubts and
+anxieties, when he considered that the author had given himself the
+title of Cid, and consequently must be a Moor; a nation from whom no
+truth could be expected, they all being given to impose on others with
+lies and fabulous stories, to falsify and counterfeit, and very fond
+of their own chimeras. Sancho and Carrasco found him thus agitated and
+perplexed with a thousand melancholic fancies, which yet did not
+hinder him from receiving the stranger with a great deal of civility.
+
+This bachelor, though his name was Samson, was none of the biggest in
+body, but a very great man at all manner of drollery; he had a pale
+complexion, but good sense. He was about four-and-twenty years of age,
+round-visaged, flat-nosed, and wide-mouthed, all signs of a
+disposition that would delight in nothing more than in making sport
+for himself, by ridiculing others; as he plainly discovered when he
+saw Don Quixote. For, falling on his knees before him, "Admit me to
+kiss your honour's hand," cried he, "most noble Don Quixote; for by
+the habit of St. Peter, which I wear, though indeed I have as yet
+taken but the four first of the holy orders, you are certainly one of
+the most renowned knights-errant that ever was, or ever will be,
+through the whole extent of the habitable globe. Blest may the sage
+Cid Hamet Benengeli be, for enriching the world with the history of
+your mighty deeds; and more than blest, that curious virtuoso, who
+took care to have it translated out of the Arabic into our vulgar
+tongue, for the universal entertainment of mankind!"
+
+"Sir," said Don Quixote, making him rise, "is it then possible that my
+history is extant, and that it was a Moor, and one of the sages, that
+penned it?" "It is so notorious a truth," said the bachelor, "that I
+do not in the least doubt but at this day there have already been
+published above twelve thousand copies of it. Portugal, Barcelona, and
+Valencia, where they have been printed, can witness that, if there
+were occasion. It is said that it is also now in the press at Antwerp.
+And I verily believe there is scarce a language into which it is not
+to be translated." "Truly, sir," said Don Quixote, "one of the things
+that ought to yield the greatest satisfaction to a person of eminent
+virtue, is to live to see himself in good reputation in the world, and
+his actions published in print. I say, in good reputation; for
+otherwise there is no death but would be preferable to such a life."
+"As for a good name and reputation," replied Carrasco, "your worship
+has gained the palm from all the knights-errant that ever lived; for,
+both the Arabian in his history, and the Christian in his version,
+have been very industrious to do justice to your character; your
+peculiar gallantry; your intrepidity and greatness of spirit in
+confronting danger; your constancy in adversities; your patience in
+suffering wounds and afflictions; and your modesty in that love so
+very platonic between your worship and my Lady Dulcinea del Toboso."
+"But pray," added Don Quixote, "good Mr. Bachelor, on which of all my
+adventures does the history seem to lay the greatest stress?" "As to
+that," answered Carrasco, "the opinions of men are divided: some cry
+up the adventure of the windmill giants; some are for that of the
+fulling-mills; others stand up for the description of the two armies
+that afterwards proved two flocks of sheep. Some prize most the
+adventure of the dead corpse that was carrying to Segovia; while
+others say that none of them can compare with that of the
+galley-slaves. However, some who have read your history wish that the
+author had spared himself the pains of registering some of that
+infinite number of drubs which the noble Don Quixote received." "There
+lies the truth of the history," quoth Sancho. "Those things, in human
+equity," said Don Quixote, "might very well have been omitted; for
+actions that neither impair nor alter the history, ought rather to be
+buried in silence than related, if they redound to the discredit of
+the hero of the history. Certainly Æneas was never so pious as Virgil
+represents him, nor Ulysses so prudent as he is made by Homer." "I am
+of your opinion," said Carrasco; "but it is one thing to write like a
+poet, and another thing to write like an historian. It is sufficient
+for the first to deliver matters as they ought to have been; whereas
+the last must relate them as they were really transacted, without
+adding or omitting any thing, upon any pretence whatever." "Well,"
+quoth Sancho, "if this same Moorish lord be once got into the road of
+truth, a hundred to one but among my master's rib-roastings he has not
+forgot mine; for they never took measure of his worship's shoulders
+but they were pleased to do as much for my whole body: but it was no
+wonder; for it is his own rule, that if once the head aches, every
+limb must suffer too."
+
+"Hold your tongue," said Don Quixote, "and let the learned bachelor
+proceed, that I may know what the history says of me." "And of me
+too," quoth Sancho; "for they tell me I am one of the top parsons in
+it." "Persons, you should say, Sancho," said Carrasco, "and not
+parsons." "Heyday!" quoth Sancho, "have we got another corrector of
+hard words? If this be the trade, we shall never have done." "Most
+certainly," said Carrasco, "you are the second person in the history,
+honest Sancho; nay, and some there are who had rather hear you talk
+than the best there; though some there are again that will say you
+were horribly credulous to flatter yourself with having the government
+of that island which your master promised you." "While there is life
+there is hope," said Don Quixote; "when Sancho is grown mature with
+time and experience, he may be better qualified for a government than
+he is yet." "If I be not fit to govern an island at these years,"
+quoth Sancho, "I shall never be a governor, though I live to the years
+of Methusalem; but there the mischief lies, we have brains enough, but
+we want the island." "Come, Sancho," said Don Quixote, "hope for the
+best; trust in providence; all will be well, and perhaps better than
+you imagine; but know, there is not a leaf on any tree that can be
+moved without the permission of Heaven." "That is very true," said
+Carrasco; "and I dare say Sancho shall not want a thousand islands to
+govern, much less one; that is, if it be Heaven's will." "Why not?"
+quoth Sancho; "I have seen governors in my time who, to my thinking,
+could not come up to me passing the sole of my shoes; and yet,
+forsooth, they were called 'your honour,' and they eat their victuals
+all in silver." "Ay," said Carrasco, "but these were none of your
+governors of islands, but of other easy governments: why, man, these
+ought at least to know their grammar." "Gramercy, for that," quoth
+Sancho; "give me but a grey mare[11] once, and I shall know her well
+enough, I'll warrant ye. But leaving the government in the hands of
+him that will best provide for me, I must tell you, Master Bachelor
+Samson Carrasco, I am huge glad that, as your author has not forgot
+me, so he has not given an ill character of me; for by the faith of a
+trusty squire, had he said any thing that did not become a Christian
+as I am, I had rung him such a peal that the deaf should have heard
+me." "That were a miracle," said Carrasco. "Miracle me no miracles,"
+cried Sancho; "let every man take care how he talks, or how he writes
+of other men, and not set down at random, higgle-de-piggledy, whatever
+comes into his noddle."
+
+[11] This jingle of the words _grammar_, _gramercy_, and _grey mare_,
+is in imitation of the original, which would not admit of a literal
+translation.
+
+"The author," continued Carrasco, "has made every thing so plain, that
+there is nothing in that book but what any one may understand.
+Children handle it, youngsters read it, grown men understand it, and
+old people applaud it. In short, it is universally so thumbed, so
+gleaned, so studied, and so known, that if the people do but see a
+lean horse, they presently cry, 'There goes Rozinante.' But none
+apply themselves to the reading of it more than your pages; there is
+never a nobleman's antechamber where you shall not find a Don Quixote.
+No sooner has one laid it down, but another takes it up. One asks for
+it here, and there it is snatched up by another. In a word, it is
+esteemed the most pleasant and least dangerous diversion that ever was
+seen."[12]
+
+[12] The extraordinary popularity of this work in Spain is exemplified
+in a story told in the life of Philip III. The king, standing one day
+on the balcony of his palace of Madrid, observed a student at a
+distance with a book in his hand, which he was reading--every now and
+then he struck his forehead, accompanied with convulsions of laughter.
+"That student," said the king, "is either out of his wits, or is
+_reading_ the _History of Don Quixote_."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVIII.
+
+_The discourse continued; also the wise and pleasant dialogue between
+Sancho Panza and Teresa Panza his wife; together with other passages
+worthy of happy memory._
+
+
+During this discourse Rozinante's neighing reached the ears of the
+party. Don Quixote took this for a lucky omen, and resolved to set out
+upon another sally within three or four days. He discovered his
+resolutions to the bachelor, and consulted him to know which way to
+steer his course. The bachelor advised him to take the road of
+Saragossa, in the kingdom of Arragon, a solemn tournament being
+shortly to be performed at that city on St. George's festival; where,
+by worsting all the Arragonian champions, he might win immortal
+honour, since to out-tilt them would be to out-rival all the knights
+in the universe. He applauded his matchless courage, but withal
+admonished him not to be so desperate in exposing himself to dangers,
+since his life was not his own, but theirs who in distress stood in
+want of his assistance and protection. "That is it now," quoth Sancho,
+"that makes me some times ready to run mad, Mr. Bachelor, for my
+master makes no more to set upon an hundred armed men than a young
+hungry tailor to guttle down half a dozen of cucumbers. Surely, Mr.
+Bachelor, there is a time to retreat as well as a time to advance; for
+I have heard some body say, and, if I am not mistaken, it was my
+master himself, that valour lies just between rashness and
+cowheartedness; and if it be so, I would not have him run away without
+there is a reason for it, nor would I have him fall on when there is
+no good to be got by it. But, above all things, I would have him to
+know, if he has a mind I should go with him, that the bargain is, he
+shall fight for us both, and that I am tied to nothing but to look
+after him and his victuals and clothes. So far as this comes to, I
+will fetch and carry like any water-spaniel; but to think I will lug
+out my sword, though it be but against poor rogues, and sorry shirks,
+and hedge-birds, in troth I must beg his diversion. For my part, Mr.
+Bachelor, it is not the fame of being thought valiant that I aim at,
+but that of being deemed the very best and trustiest squire that ever
+followed the heels of a knight-errant. And if, after all my services,
+my master Don Quixote will be so kind as to give me one of those many
+islands which his worship says he shall light on, I shall be much
+beholden to him; but if he does not, why then I am born, do you see,
+and one man must not live to rely on another. Mayhaps the bread I
+shall eat without government will go down more savourily than if I
+were a governor; and what do I know but that the devil is providing me
+one of these governments for a stumbling-block, that I may stumble and
+fall? I was born Sancho, and Sancho I mean to die; and yet for all
+that, if fairly and squarely, with little trouble and less danger,
+Heaven would bestow on me an island, or some such like matter, I am no
+such fool neither, do ye see, as to refuse a good thing when it is
+offered me. No, I remember the old saying: 'when the ass is given
+thee, run and take him by the halter;' and 'when good luck knocks at
+the door, let him in, and keep him there.'"
+
+"My friend Sancho," said Carrasco, "you have spoken like any
+university professor. However, trust in Heaven's bounty, and the noble
+Don Quixote, and he may not only give thee an island, but even a
+kingdom." "One as likely as the other," quoth Sancho; "and yet let me
+tell you, Mr. Bachelor, the kingdom which my master is to give me you
+shall not find it thrown into an old sack; for I have felt my own
+pulse, and find myself sound enough to rule kingdoms and govern
+islands; I have told my master as much before now." And so saying
+Sancho went to get everything ready for his journey.
+
+Sancho came home so cheerful and so merry, that his wife was impatient
+to know the cause. "My dear," cried she, "what makes you so merry?" "I
+should be more merry, my chuck," quoth Sancho, "would but Heaven so
+order it that I were not so well pleased as I seem to be." "You speak
+riddles, husband," quoth she; "I don't know what you mean by saying
+you should be more merry if you were not so well pleased; for, though
+I am silly enough, I cannot think a man can take pleasure in not being
+pleased." "Look ye, Teresa," quoth Sancho, "I am merry because I am
+once more going to serve my master Don Quixote, who is resolved to
+have another frolic, and go a hunting after adventures, and I must go
+with him. What should I lie starving at home for? The hopes of finding
+another parcel of gold like that we spent rejoices my heart; but then
+it grieves me to leave thee and those sweet babes of ours; and would
+Heaven but be pleased to let me live at home dry-shod, in peace and
+quietness, without gadding over hill and dale, through brambles and
+briers, why then it is clear that my mirth would be more firm and
+sound, since my present gladness is mingled with a sorrow to part with
+thee. And so I have made out what I said, that I should be merrier if
+I did not seem so well pleased."
+
+"Look you, Sancho," quoth the wife; "ever since you have been a member
+of a knight-errant you talk so round about the bush that nobody can
+understand you." "Never mind," quoth Sancho; "only be sure you look
+carefully after Dapple for these three days, that he may be in good
+case and fit to bear arms; double his pittance, look out his pannel
+and all his harness, and let every thing be set to rights; for we are
+not going to a wedding, but to roam about the world, and to make our
+party good with giants, and dragons, and hobgoblins, and to hear
+nothing but hissing, and yelling, and roaring, and howling, and
+bellowing; all which would be but sugar-plums, if we were not to meet
+with Yanguesian carriers, and enchanted Moors." "Nay, as for that,
+husband," quoth Teresa, "I am apt enough to think you squires-errant
+don't eat their masters' bread for nothing; and therefore it shall be
+my daily prayer that you may quickly be freed from that plaguy
+trouble." "Troth, wife," quoth Sancho, "were not I in hopes to see
+myself ere long governor of an island, on my conscience I should not
+stir one inch from my own home." "Look ye, my dear," continued Teresa;
+"if it should be thy good luck to get a government, prithee do not
+forget thy wife and children. Take notice that little Sancho is
+already full fifteen, and it is high time he went to school, if his
+uncle the abbot mean to leave him something in the church. Then there
+is Mary Sancho, your daughter; I dare say the burden of wedlock will
+never be the death of her, for I shrewdly guess she wishes as much for
+a husband as you for a government." "If it be Heaven's will," quoth
+Sancho, "that I get any thing by government, I will see and match Mary
+Sancho so well that she shall at least be called 'my lady.'" "By no
+means, husband," cried the wife; "let her match with her match; if
+from clouted shoes you set her upon high heels, and from her coarse
+russet coat you put her into a fardingale, and from plain Moll and
+'thee' and 'thou,' go to call her 'madam,' and 'your ladyship,' the
+poor girl won't know how to behave herself, but will make a thousand
+blunders, and shew her homespun country breeding." "Tush!" answered
+Sancho, "it will be but two or three years' prenticeship; and then you
+will see how strangely she will alter; 'your ladyship' and keeping of
+state will become her as if they had been made for her;--and suppose
+they should not, what is it to any body? Let her be but a lady, and
+let what will happen."
+
+"Good Sancho," quoth the wife, "don't look above yourself; I say,
+keep to the proverb that says, 'birds of a feather flock together.' It
+would be a fine thing, I trow, for us to go and throw away our child
+on one of your lordlings, or right worshipfuls, who, when the toy
+should take him in the head, would find new names for her, and call
+her 'country Joan,' 'plough-jobber's brat,' and 'spinner's web.' No,
+no, husband, I have not bred the girl up as I have done to throw her
+away at that rate, I will assure ye. Do thee but bring home money, and
+leave me to get her a husband. Why, there is Lope Tocho, old Joan
+Tocho's son, a hale jolly young fellow, and one whom we all know; I
+have observed he casts a sheep's eye at the wench; he is one of our
+inches, and will be a good match for her; then we shall always have
+her under our wings, and be all as one, father and mother, children
+and grandchildren, and Heaven's peace and blessing will always be with
+us. But never talk to me of marrying her at your courts and great
+men's houses, where she will understand nobody, and nobody will
+understand her." "Why, foolish woman," cried Sancho, "have you not
+heard that 'he who will not when he may, when he will he shall have
+nay?' when good luck is knocking at our door, is it fit to shut him
+out? No, no, let us make hay while the sun shines, and spread our
+sails before this prosperous gale. Canst thou not perceive, thou
+senseless animal," said Sancho, going on, "that I ought to venture
+over head and ears to light on some good gainful government, that may
+free our ankles from the clogs of necessity, and marry Mary Sancho to
+whom we please? Then thou wilt see how folks will call thee 'my Lady
+Teresa Panza;' and thou wilt sit in the church with thy carpets and
+cushions, and lean and loll in state, though the best gentlewoman in
+the town burst with spite and envy. Go to, let us have no more of
+this; Mary Sancho shall be a countess in spite of thy teeth, I say."
+
+"Well, then, to let this alone, all I have to say is this, if you hold
+still in the mind of being a governor, pray even take your son Sancho
+along with you, and henceforth train him up to your trade of
+governing; for it is but fitting that the son should be brought up to
+the father's calling." "When once I am governor," quoth Sancho, "I
+will send for him by the post, and I will send the money withal; for I
+dare say I shall want none; there never wants those that will lend
+governors money when they have none. But then be sure you clothe the
+boy so, that he may look not like what he is, but like what he is to
+be." "Send you but money," quoth Teresa, "and I will make him as fine
+as a May-day garland." "So then, wife," quoth Sancho, "I suppose we
+are agreed that our Moll shall be a countess." "The day I see her a
+countess," quoth Teresa, "I reckon I lay her in her grave. However, I
+tell you again, even follow your own inventions; you men will be
+masters, and we poor women are born to bear the clog of obedience,
+though our husbands have no more sense than a cuckoo." Here she fell
+a weeping as heartily as if she had seen her daughter already dead and
+buried. Sancho comforted her, and promised her, that though he was to
+make her a countess, yet he would see and put it off as long as he
+could. Thus ended their dialogue, and he went back to Don Quixote to
+dispose every thing for a march.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIX.
+
+_What passed between Don Quixote, his Niece, and the Housekeeper;
+being one of the most important chapters in the whole history._
+
+
+While Sancho Panza and his wife Teresa Cascajo had the foregoing
+dialogue, Don Quixote's niece and housekeeper were not idle, guessing
+by a thousand signs that the knight intended a third sally. Therefore
+they endeavoured by all possible means to divert him from his design;
+but all in vain; for it was but preaching to a rock, and hammering
+stubborn steel. "In short, sir," quoth the housekeeper, "if you will
+not be ruled, but will needs run wandering over hill and dale, seeking
+for mischief--for so I may well call the hopeful adventures which you
+go about--I will never leave complaining to Heaven and the king, till
+there is a stop put to it some way or other."
+
+"What answer Heaven will vouchsafe to give thee, I know not," answered
+Don Quixote; "neither can I tell what return his majesty will make to
+thy petition. This I know, that were I king, I would excuse myself
+from answering the infinite number of impertinent memorials that
+disturb the repose of princes. I tell thee, woman, among the many
+other fatigues which royalty sustains, it is one of the greatest to be
+obliged to hear every one, and to give answer to all people.
+Therefore, pray trouble not his majesty with anything concerning me."
+"But pray, sir, tell me," replied she, "are there not amany knights in
+the king's court?" "I must confess," said Don Quixote, "that, for the
+ornament, the grandeur, and the pomp of royalty, many knights are and
+ought to be maintained there." "Why, then," said the woman, "would it
+not be better for your worship to be one of those brave knights who
+serve the king their master on foot in his court?" "Hear me,
+sweetheart," answered Don Quixote; "all knights cannot be courtiers,
+nor can all courtiers be knights-errant. There must be of all sorts in
+the world; and though we were all to agree in the common appellation
+of knights, yet there would be a great difference between the one and
+the other. For your courtiers, without so much as stirring out of the
+shade and shelter of the court, can journey over all the universe in a
+map, without the expense and fatigue of travelling, without suffering
+the inconveniencies of heat, cold, hunger, and thirst; while we who
+are the true knights-errant, exposed to all the inclemencies of
+heaven, by night and day, on foot as well as on horseback, measure the
+whole surface of the earth with our own feet. And further, the true
+knight-errant, though he met ten giants, whose tall aspiring heads not
+only touch but overtop the clouds, each of them stalking with
+prodigious legs like huge towers, their sweeping arms like masts of
+mighty ships, each eye as large as a mill-wheel, and more fiery than a
+glass furnace; yet he is so far from being afraid to meet them, that
+he must encounter them with a gentle countenance and an undaunted
+courage,--assail them, close with them, and if possible vanquish and
+destroy them all in an instant." "Ah, dear uncle," said the niece,
+"have a care what you say; all the stories of knights-errant are
+nothing but a pack of lies and fables, and deserve to be burnt, that
+the world may know them to be wicked, and perverters of good manners."
+"Wert thou not my own sister's daughter," cried the Don, "I would take
+such revenge for the blasphemy thou hast uttered, as would resound
+through the whole universe. Who ever heard of the like impudence? That
+a young baggage, who scarce knows her bobbins from a bodkin, should
+presume to put in her oar, and censure the histories of the
+knights-errant! What would Sir Amadis have said, had he heard this? He
+undoubtedly would have forgiven thee, for he was the most courteous
+and complaisant knight of his time, especially to the fair sex, being
+a great protector of damsels; but thy words might have reached the
+ears of some that would have sacrificed thee to their indignation; for
+all knights are not equally possessed of civility or good-nature;
+neither are all those that assume the name of a disposition suitable
+to the function. Some indeed are of the right stamp, but others are
+either counterfeit, or of such an allay as cannot bear the touchstone,
+though they deceive the sight. Inferior mortals there are who aim at
+knighthood, and strain to reach the height of honour; and high-born
+knights there are, who seem fond of grovelling in the dust, and being
+lost in the crowd of inferior mortals: the first raise themselves by
+ambition or by virtue; the last debase themselves by negligence or by
+vice: so that there is need of a distinguishing understanding to judge
+between these two sorts of knights, so nearly allied in name, and so
+different in actions."--"Bless me, dear uncle," cried the niece, "that
+you should know so much as to be able, if there was occasion, to get
+up into a pulpit, or preach in the streets, and yet be so strangely
+mistaken as to fancy a man of your years can be strong and
+valiant,--that you can set every thing right, and force stubborn
+malice to bend, when you yourself stoop beneath the burden of age; and
+what is yet more odd, that you are a knight, when it is well known you
+are none! For though some gentlemen may be knights, a poor gentleman
+can hardly be so, because he cannot buy it."
+
+"You say well, niece," answered Don Quixote; "and as to this last
+observation, I could tell you things that you would admire at,
+concerning families; but because I would not mix sacred things with
+profane, I wave the discourse. However, listen both of you; and for
+your farther instruction know, that all the lineages and descents of
+mankind are reducible to these four heads: first, of those who, from a
+very small and obscure beginning, have raised themselves to a
+spreading and prodigious magnitude; secondly, of those who, deriving
+their greatness from a noble spring, still preserve the dignity and
+character of their original splendour; a third are those who, though
+they had large foundations, have ended in a point, like a pyramid,
+which by little and little dwindles as it were into nothing, or next
+to nothing, in comparison of its basis. Others there are (and those
+are the bulk of mankind) who have neither a good beginning, nor
+rational continuance, and whose ending shall therefore be obscure:
+such are the common people--the plebeian race. The Ottoman family is
+an instance of the first sort, having derived their present greatness
+from the poor beginning of a base-born shepherd. Of the second
+sort----"
+
+But here somebody knocked at the door; and being asked who it was,
+Sancho answered it was he. Whereupon the housekeeper slipped out of
+the way, not willing to see him, and the niece let him in. Don Quixote
+received him with open arms; and locking themselves both in the
+closet, they had another dialogue as pleasant as the former, the
+result of which was, that they resolved at once to proceed in their
+enterprise.
+
+With the approbation of Sigñor Carrasco, who was now the knight's
+oracle, it was decreed that they should set out at the expiration of
+three days; in which time all necessaries should be provided,
+especially a whole helmet, which Don Quixote said he was resolved by
+all means to purchase. Samson offered him one which he knew he could
+easily get of a friend, and which looked more dull with the mould and
+rust, than bright with the lustre of the steel. The niece and the
+housekeeper made a woful outcry, tore their hair, scratched their
+faces, and howled like common mourners at funerals, lamenting the
+knight's departure as it had been his real death, and abusing Carrasco
+most unmercifully. In short, Don Quixote and his squire having got all
+things in readiness--the one having pacified his wife, and the other
+his niece and housekeeper--towards the evening, without being seen by
+anybody but the bachelor, who would needs accompany them about half a
+league from the village, they set forward for Toboso. The knight
+mounted his Rozinante, and Sancho his trusty Dapple, his wallet well
+stuffed with provisions, and his purse with money, which Don Quixote
+gave him to defray expenses. At last Samson took his leave, desiring
+the champion to give him, from time to time, an account of his
+success, that, according to the laws of friendship, he might
+sympathise in his good or evil fortune. Don Quixote made him a
+promise, and then they parted; Samson went home, and the knight and
+squire continued their journey for the great city of Toboso.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XL.
+
+_Don Quixote's success in his journey to visit the Lady Dulcinea del
+Toboso._
+
+
+Don Quixote and his squire were no sooner parted from the bachelor,
+but Rozinante began to neigh, and Dapple to bray; which both the
+knight and the squire interpreted as good omens, and most fortunate
+presages of their success; though the truth of the story is, that as
+Dapple's braying exceeded Rozinante's neighing, Sancho concluded that
+his fortune should out-rival and eclipse his master's; which inference
+I will not say he drew from some principles in judicial astrology, in
+which he was undoubtedly well grounded, though the history is silent
+in that particular; however, it is recorded of him that oftentimes
+upon the falling or stumbling of his ass, he wished he had not gone
+abroad that day, and from such accidents prognosticated nothing but
+dislocation of joints and breaking of ribs; and notwithstanding his
+foolish character, this was no bad observation. "Friend Sancho," said
+Don Quixote to him, "I find the approaching night will overtake us ere
+we can reach Toboso, where, before I enter upon any expedition, I am
+resolved to pay my vows, receive my benediction, and take my leave of
+the peerless Dulcinea; being assured after that of a happy issue in
+the most dangerous adventures; for nothing in this world inspires a
+knight-errant with so much valour as the smiles and favourable aspect
+of his mistress." "I am of your mind," quoth Sancho; "but I am afraid,
+sir, you will hardly come at her to speak with her, at least not to
+meet her in a place where she may give you her blessing, unless she
+throw it over the mud-wall of the yard, where I first saw her when I
+carried her the news of your pranks in the midst of Sierra Morena."
+"Mud-wall, dost thou say?" cried Don Quixote: "mistaken fool, that
+wall could have no existence but in thy muddy understanding; it is a
+mere creature of thy dirty fancy; for that never-duly-celebrated
+paragon of beauty and gentility was then undoubtedly in some court, in
+some stately gallery or walk; or, as it is properly called, in some
+sumptuous and royal palace." "It may be so," said Sancho, "though, so
+far as I can remember, it seemed to me neither better nor worse than
+a mud-wall." "It is no matter," replied the knight, "let us go
+thither; I will visit my dear Dulcinea; let me but see her, though it
+be over a mud-wall, through a chink of a cottage, or the pales of a
+garden, at a lattice, or anywhere; which way soever the least beam
+from her bright eyes reaches mine, it will so enlighten my mind, so
+fortify my heart, and invigorate every faculty of my being, that no
+mortal will be able to rival me in prudence and valour." "Troth! sir,"
+quoth Sancho, "when I beheld that same sun of a lady, methought it did
+not shine so bright as to cast forth any beams at all; but mayhaps the
+reason was, that the dust of the grain she was winnowing raised a
+cloud about her face, and made her look somewhat dull." "I tell thee
+again, fool," said Don Quixote, "thy imagination is dusty and foul;
+will it never be beaten out of thy stupid brain, that my lady Dulcinea
+was winnowing? Are such exercises used by persons of her quality,
+whose recreations are always noble, and such as display an air of
+greatness suitable to their birth and dignity? Can'st thou not
+remember the verses of our poet, when he recounts the employments of
+the four nymphs at their crystal mansions, when they advanced their
+heads above the streams of the lovely Tagus, and sat upon the grass
+working those rich embroideries, where silk and gold, and pearl
+embossed, were so curiously interwoven, and which that ingenious bard
+so artfully describes? So was my princess employed when she blessed
+thee with her sight; but the envious malice of some base necromancer
+fascinated thy sight, as it represents whatever is most grateful to me
+in different and displeasing shapes. And this makes me fear that if
+the history of my achievements, which they tell me is in print, has
+been written by some magician who is no well-wisher to my glory, he
+has undoubtedly delivered many things with partiality, misrepresented
+my life, inserting a hundred falsehoods for one truth, and diverting
+himself with the relation of idle stories, foreign to the purpose, and
+unsuitable to the character of a true history. O envy! envy! thou
+gnawing worm of virtue, and spring of infinite mischiefs! there is no
+other vice, my Sancho, but pleads some pleasure in its excuse; but
+envy is always attended by disgust, rancour, and distracting rage." "I
+am much of your mind," said Sancho; "and I think, in the same book
+which neighbour Carrasco told us he had read of our lives, the story
+makes bold with my credit, and has handled it at a strange rate, and
+has dragged it about the kennels, as a body may say. Well now, as I am
+an honest man, I never spoke an ill word of a magician in my born
+days; and I think they need not envy my condition so much. The truth
+is, I am somewhat malicious; I have my roguish tricks now and then;
+but I was ever counted more fool than knave for all that, and so
+indeed I was bred and born; and if there were nothing else in me but
+my religion--for I firmly believe whatever our holy Church believes,
+and I hate the infidels mortally--these same historians should take
+pity on me, and spare me a little in their books. But let them say on
+to the end of the chapter; naked I came into the world, and naked must
+go out. It is all a case to Sancho, I can neither win nor lose by the
+bargain: and so my name be in print, and handed about, I care not a
+fig for the worst they can say of me." "What thou sayest, Sancho,"
+answered Don Quixote, "puts me in mind of a story. A celebrated poet
+of our time wrote a very scurrilous and abusive lampoon upon all the
+intriguing ladies of the court, forbearing to name one, as not being
+sure whether she deserved to be put into the catalogue or not; but the
+lady not finding herself there, was not a little affronted at the
+omission, and made a great complaint to the poet, asking him what he
+had seen in her, that he should leave her out of his list; desiring
+him at the same time to enlarge his satire and put her in, or expect
+to hear farther from her. The author obeyed her commands, and gave her
+a character with a vengeance; and to her great satisfaction made her
+as famous for infamy as any woman about the town. Such another story
+is that of Diana's temple, one of the seven wonders of the world,
+burnt by an obscure fellow merely to eternise his name; which, in
+spite of an edict that enjoined all people never to mention it, either
+by word of mouth or in writing, yet is still known to have been
+Erostratus. The story of the great Emperor Charles the Fifth and a
+Roman knight, upon a certain occasion, is much the same. The emperor
+had a great desire to see the famous temple once called the Pantheon,
+but now more happily the church of All Saints. It is the only entire
+edifice remaining of heathen Rome, and that which best gives an idea
+of the glory and magnificence of its great founders. It is built in
+the shape of a half orange, of a vast extent, and very lightsome;
+though it admits no light but at one window, or, to speak more
+properly, at a round aperture on the top of the roof. The emperor
+being got up thither, and looking down from the brink upon the fabric,
+with a Roman knight by him, who shewed all the beauties of that vast
+edifice: after they were gone from the place, says the knight,
+addressing the emperor, 'It came into my head a thousand times, sacred
+sir, to embrace your majesty, and cast myself with you from the top of
+the church to the bottom, that I might thus purchase an immortal
+name.' 'I thank you,' said the emperor, 'for not doing it; and for the
+future I will give you no opportunity to put your loyalty to such a
+test. Therefore I banish you my presence for ever.' Which done, he
+bestowed some considerable favour on him. I tell thee, Sancho, this
+desire of honour is a strange bewitching thing. What dost thou think
+made Horatius, armed at all points, plunge headlong from the bridge
+into the rapid Tiber? What prompted Curtius to leap into the profound
+flaming gulf? What made Mutius burn his hand? What forced Cæsar over
+the Rubicon, spite of all the omens that dissuaded his passage? And to
+instance a more modern example, what made the undaunted Spaniards sink
+their ships when under the most courteous Cortez, but that scorning
+the stale honour of this so often conquered world, they sought a
+maiden glory in a new scene of victory? These, and a multiplicity of
+other great actions, are owing to the immediate thirst and desire of
+fame, which mortals expect as the proper price and immortal recompense
+of their great actions. But we that are Christian catholic
+knights-errant must fix our hopes upon a higher reward, placed in the
+eternal and celestial regions, where we may expect a permanent honour
+and complete happiness; not like the vanity of fame, which at best is
+but the shadow of great actions, and must necessarily vanish, when
+destructive time has eat away the substance which it followed. So, my
+Sancho, since we expect a Christian reward, we must suit our actions
+to the rules of Christianity. In giants we must kill pride and
+arrogance; but our greatest foes, and whom we must chiefly combat, are
+within. Envy we must overcome by generosity and nobleness of soul;
+anger, by a reposed and easy mind; riot and drowsiness, by vigilance
+and temperance; and sloth, by our indefatigable peregrinations through
+the universe, to seek occasions of military as well as Christian
+honours. This, Sancho, is the road to lasting fame, and a good and
+honourable renown."
+
+In such discourses as these the knight and squire passed the night and
+the whole succeeding day, without encountering any occasion to
+signalise themselves; at which Don Quixote was very much concerned. At
+last, towards evening the next day, they discovered the goodly city of
+Toboso, which revived the knight's spirits wonderfully, but had a
+quite contrary effect on his squire, because he did not know the house
+where Dulcinea lived any more than his master. So that the one was mad
+till he saw her, and the other very melancholic and disturbed in mind
+because he had never seen her; nor did he know what to do, should his
+master send him to Toboso. However, as Don Quixote would not make his
+entry in the daytime, they spent the evening among some oaks not far
+distant from the place, till the prefixed moment came; then they
+entered the city, where they met with adventures indeed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLI.
+
+_That gives an account of things which you will know when you have
+read it._
+
+
+The sable night had spun out half her course, when Don Quixote and
+Sancho entered Toboso. A profound silence reigned over all the town,
+and the inhabitants were fast asleep, and stretched out at their ease.
+Nothing disturbed the general tranquillity but now and then the
+barking of dogs, that wounded Don Quixote's ears, but more poor
+Sancho's heart. Sometimes an ass brayed, hogs grunted, cats mewed;
+which jarring mixture of sounds was not a little augmented by the
+stillness and serenity of the night, and filled the enamoured
+champion's head with a thousand inauspicious chimeras. Nevertheless he
+said, "Sancho, lead on to Dulcinea's palace; it is possible we may
+find her awake." "To what palace?" answered Sancho; "that in which I
+saw her highness was but a little mean house." "It was, I suppose,
+some small apartment of her castle which she had retired to," said the
+knight, "to amuse herself with her damsels, as is usual with great
+ladies and princesses." "Since your worship," quoth Sancho, "will
+needs have my Lady Dulcinea's house to be a castle, is this an hour to
+find the gates open?" "First, however, let us find this castle,"
+replied Don Quixote, "and then I will tell thee how to act;--but look,
+my eyes deceive me, or that huge dark pile yonder must be Dulcinea's
+palace." "Then lead on, sir," said Sancho; "it may be so; though, if I
+were to see it with my eyes, I will believe it just as much as that it
+is now day."
+
+The Don led the way, and having gone about two hundred paces, he came
+up to the edifice which cast the dark shade; and perceiving a large
+tower, he soon found that the building was no palace, but the
+principal church of the place; whereupon he said, "We are come to the
+church, Sancho." "I see we are," answered Sancho; "and pray God we be
+not come to our graves; for it is no good sign to be rambling about
+churchyards at such hours, and especially since I have already told
+your worship that this same lady's house stands in a blind alley."
+"Blockhead!" said the knight; "where hast thou ever found castles and
+royal palaces built in blind alleys?" "Sir," said Sancho, "each
+country has its customs; so perhaps it is the fashion here to build
+your palaces in alleys; and so I beseech your worship to let me look
+among these lanes and alleys just before me; and perhaps I may pop
+upon this same palace, which I wish I may see devoured by dogs for
+bewildering us at this rate." "Speak with more respect, Sancho, of
+what regards my lady," said Don Quixote; "let us keep our holidays in
+peace, and not throw the rope after the bucket." "I will curb
+myself," answered Sancho; "but I cannot think that, though I have seen
+the house but once, your worship will needs have me find it at
+midnight, when you cannot find it yourself, though you must have seen
+it thousands of times." "Thou wilt make me desperate, Sancho," quoth
+Don Quixote; "come hither, heretic; have I not told thee a thousand
+times that I never saw the peerless Dulcinea in my life, nor ever
+stepped over the threshold of her palace, and that I am enamoured by
+report alone, and the great fame of her wit and beauty?" "I hear it
+now," said Sancho; "and to tell the truth, I have seen her just as
+much as your worship." "How can that be?" cried Don Quixote; "didst
+thou not tell me that thou sawest her winnowing wheat?" "Take no heed
+of that, sir," replied the squire; "for the fact is, her message, and
+the sight of her too, were both by hearsay, and I can no more tell who
+the Lady Dulcinea is than I can buffet the moon." "Sancho, Sancho,"
+answered Don Quixote, "there is a time to jest, and a time when jests
+are unseasonable. What! because I say that I never saw nor spoke to
+the mistress of my soul, must thou say so likewise, when thou knowest
+it to be untrue?"
+
+They were here interrupted by the approach of a man with two mules;
+and by the sound of a ploughshare, our travellers rightly guessed that
+he was a husbandman. The country-fellow having now come up to them,
+Don Quixote said to him, "Good-morrow, honest friend; canst thou
+direct me to the palace of the peerless princess, Donna Dulcinea del
+Toboso?" "Sir," answered the fellow, "I am a stranger here; for I have
+been but a few days in the service of a farmer of this town. But the
+parish priest, or the sexton across the road, can give your worship an
+account of that same lady princess; for they keep a register of all
+the inhabitants of Toboso; not that I think there is any princess
+living here, though there are several great ladies that may every one
+be a princess in her own house." "Among those, friend," said the Don,
+"may be her for whom I am inquiring." "Not unlikely," said the
+ploughman, "and so God speed you; for it will soon be daybreak." Then
+pricking on his mules, he waited for no more questions.
+
+Sancho seeing his master perplexed, said to him, "Sir, the day comes
+on apace, and we shall soon have the sun upon us; so I think we had
+better get out of this place, and, while your worship takes shelter in
+some wood, I will leave not a corner unsearched for this house,
+castle, or palace of my lady; and it shall go hard with me but I find
+it; and as soon as I have done so, I will speak to her ladyship, and
+tell her where your worship is waiting her orders and directions how
+you may see her without damage to her honour and reputation."
+"Sancho," quoth Don Quixote, "thou hast uttered a thousand sentences
+in a few words. Thy counsel I relish much, and shall most willingly
+follow it. Come on, and let us seek for some shelter: then shalt thou
+return and seek out my lady, from whose discretion and courtesy I
+expect more than miraculous favours." Sancho was impatient till he got
+his master out of the town, lest his tricks should be detected; he
+therefore hastened on, and when they had gone about two miles, the
+knight retired to a shady grove, while the squire returned in quest of
+the Lady Dulcinea; on which embassy things occurred well worthy of
+credit and renewed attention.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLII.
+
+_Wherein is related the stratagem practised by Sancho, of enchanting
+the Lady Dulcinea; with other events no less ludicrous than true._
+
+
+The knight's frenzy appears now to be carried to an excess beyond all
+conception. Having retired into a grove near the city of Toboso, he
+despatched Sancho with orders not to return into his presence till he
+had spoken to his lady, beseeching her that she would be pleased to
+grant her captive knight permission to wait upon her, and that she
+would deign to bestow on him her benediction, whereby he might secure
+complete success in all his encounters and arduous enterprises. Sancho
+promised to return with an answer no less favourable than that which
+he had formerly brought him. "Go then, son," replied Don Quixote, "and
+be not in confusion when thou standest in the blaze of that sun of
+beauty. Happy thou above all the squires in the world! Deeply impress
+on thy memory the particulars of thy reception--whether she changes
+colour while thou art delivering thy embassy, and betrays agitation on
+hearing my name; whether her cushion cannot hold her, if perchance
+thou shouldst find her seated on the rich Estrado; or, if standing,
+mark whether she is not obliged to sustain herself sometimes upon one
+foot and sometimes upon the other; whether she repeats her answer to
+thee three or four times: in short, observe all her actions and
+motions; for by an accurate detail of them I shall be enabled to
+penetrate into the secret recesses of her heart touching the affair of
+my love; for let me tell thee, Sancho, that with lovers the external
+actions and gestures are couriers, which bear authentic tidings of
+what is passing in the interior of the soul. Go, friend, and be thou
+more successful than my anxious heart will bode during the painful
+period of thy absence." "I will go, and return quickly," quoth Sancho.
+"In the mean time, good sir, cheer up, and remember the saying, that
+'A good heart breaks bad luck;' and 'If there is no hook, there is no
+bacon;' and 'Where we least expect it, the hare starts:' this I say,
+because, though we could not find the castle or palace of my Lady
+Dulcinea in the dark, now that it is daylight I reckon I shall soon
+find it, and then--let me alone to deal with her." "Verily, Sancho,"
+quoth Don Quixote, "thou dost apply thy proverbs most happily; yet
+Heaven grant me better luck in the attainment of my hopes!"
+
+Sancho now switched his Dapple and set off, leaving Don Quixote on
+horseback, resting on his stirrups and leaning on his lance, full of
+melancholy and confused fancies, where we will leave him and attend
+Sancho Panza, who departed no less perplexed and thoughtful; insomuch
+that, after he had got out of the grove, and looked behind him to
+ascertain that his master was out of sight, he alighted, and, sitting
+down at the foot of a tree, he began to hold a parley with himself.
+"Tell me now, brother Sancho," quoth he, "whither is your worship
+going? Are you going to seek some ass that is lost?" "No verily."
+"Then what are you going to seek?" "Why I go to look for a thing of
+nothing--a princess, the sun of beauty, and all heaven together!"
+"Well, Sancho, and where think you to find all this?" "Where? In the
+great city of Toboso." "Very well; and pray who sent you on this
+errand?" "Why the renowned knight Don Quixote de la Mancha, who
+redresses wrongs, and gives drink to the hungry and meat to the
+thirsty." "All this is mighty well; and do you know her house,
+Sancho?" "My master says it must be some royal palace or stately
+castle." "And have you ever seen her?" "Neither I nor my master have
+ever seen her!--Well," continued he, "there is a remedy for every
+thing but death, who, in spite of our teeth, will have us in his
+clutches. This master of mine, I can plainly see, is mad enough for a
+strait waistcoat; and, in truth, I am not much better; nay, I am
+worse, in following and serving him, if there is any truth in the
+proverb, 'Shew me who thou art with, and I will tell thee what thou
+art;' or in the other, 'Not with whom thou wert bred, but with whom
+thou art fed.' He then being in truth a madman, and so mad as
+frequently to mistake one thing for another, and not know black from
+white; as plainly appeared when he called the windmills giants, mules
+dromedaries, and the flock of sheep armies of fighting men, with many
+more things to the same tune; this being the case, I say, it will not
+be very difficult to make him believe that a country girl (the first I
+light upon) is the Lady Dulcinea; and, should he not believe it, I
+will swear to it; and if he swears, I will outswear him; and if he
+persists, I will persist the more; so that mine shall still be
+uppermost, come what will of it. By this plan I may perhaps tire him
+of sending me on such errands; or he may take it into his head that
+some wicked enchanter has changed his lady's form, out of pure spite."
+
+This project set Sancho's spirit at rest, and he reckoned his business
+as good as half done; so he stayed where he was till towards evening,
+that Don Quixote might suppose him travelling on his mission.
+Fortunately for him, just as he was going to mount his Dapple, he
+espied three country girls coming from Toboso, each mounted on a young
+ass. Sancho no sooner got sight of them than he rode back at a good
+pace to seek his master Don Quixote, whom he found breathing a
+thousand sighs and amorous lamentations. When Don Quixote saw him, he
+said, "Well, friend Sancho, am I to mark this day with a white or a
+black stone?" "Your worship," answered Sancho, "had better mark it
+with red ochre!" "Thou bringest me good news, then?" cried Don
+Quixote. "So good," answered Sancho, "that your worship has only to
+clap spurs to Rozinante, and get out upon the plain to see the lady
+Dulcinea del Toboso, who, with a couple of her damsels, is coming to
+pay your worship a visit." "Gracious Heaven!" exclaimed Don Quixote,
+"what dost thou say? Take care that thou beguilest not my real sorrow
+by a counterfeit joy." "What should I get," answered Sancho, "by
+deceiving your worship, only to be found out the next moment? Come,
+sir, put on, and you will see the princess, our mistress, all arrayed
+and adorned--in short, like herself. She and her damsels are one blaze
+of flaming gold; all strings of pearls, all diamonds, all rubies, all
+cloth of tissue above ten hands deep; their hair loose about their
+shoulders, like so many sunbeams blowing about in the wind; and, what
+is more, they come mounted upon three pyed belfreys, the finest you
+ever laid eyes on." "Palfreys, thou wouldst say, Sancho," quoth Don
+Quixote. "Well, well," answered Sancho, "belfreys and palfreys are
+much the same thing; but let them be mounted how they will, they are
+sure the finest creatures one would wish to see, especially my
+mistress the princess Dulcinea, who dazzles one's senses." "Let us go,
+son Sancho," answered Don Quixote; "and, as a reward for this welcome
+news, I bequeath to thee the choicest spoils I shall gain in my next
+adventure."
+
+They were now got out of the wood, and saw the three girls very near.
+Don Quixote looked eagerly along the road towards Toboso, and, seeing
+nobody but the three girls, he asked Sancho, in much agitation,
+whether they were out of the city when he left them. "Out of the
+city!" answered Sancho; "are your worship's eyes in the nape of your
+neck, that you do not see them now before you, shining like the sun at
+noon-day?" "I see only three country girls," answered Don Quixote, "on
+three asses." "Now, keep me from mischief!" answered Sancho; "is it
+possible that three belfreys, or how do you call them, white as the
+driven snow, should look to you like asses? As I am alive, you shall
+pluck off this beard of mine if it be so." "I tell thee, friend
+Sancho," answered Don Quixote, "that it is as certain they are asses
+as that I am Don Quixote and thou Sancho Panza; at least so they seem
+to me." "Sir," quoth Sancho, "say not such a thing; but snuff those
+eyes of yours, and come and pay reverence to the mistress of your
+soul." So saying he advanced forward to meet the peasant girls; and,
+alighting from Dapple, he laid hold of one of their asses by the
+halter, and, bending both knees to the ground, said to the girl,
+"Queen, princess, and duchess of beauty, let your haughtiness and
+greatness be pleased to receive into your grace and good-liking your
+captive knight, who stands there turned into stone, all disorder and
+without any pulse, to find himself before your magnificent presence. I
+am Sancho Panza, his squire, and he is that wayworn knight Don Quixote
+de la Mancha, otherwise called the Knight of the Sorrowful Figure."
+
+Don Quixote had now placed himself on his knees by Sancho, and with
+wild and staring eyes surveyed her whom Sancho called his queen; and
+seeing nothing but a peasant girl, with a broad face, flat nose,
+coarse and homely, he was so confounded that he could not open his
+lips. The girls were also surprised to find themselves stopped by two
+men so different in aspect, and both on their knees; but the lady who
+was stopped, breaking silence, said in an angry tone, "Get out of the
+road, plague on ye! and let us pass by, for we are in haste." "O
+princess and universal lady of Toboso!" cried Sancho, "is not your
+magnificent heart melting to see, on his knees before your sublimated
+presence, the pillar and prop of knight-errantry?" "Hey day! what's
+here to do?" cried another of the girls; "look how your small gentry
+come to jeer us poor country girls, as if we could not give them as
+good as they bring; go, get off about your business, and let us mind
+ours, and so speed you well." "Rise, Sancho," said Don Quixote, on
+hearing this; "for I now perceive that fortune, not yet satisfied with
+persecuting me, has barred every avenue whereby relief might come to
+this wretched soul I bear about me. And thou, O extreme of all that is
+valuable, summit of human perfection, thou sole balm to this
+disconsolate heart that adores thee, though now some wicked enchanter
+spreads clouds and cataracts over my eyes, changing, and to them only,
+thy peerless beauty into that of a poor rustic; if he has not
+converted mine also into that of some goblin, to render it horrible to
+thy view, bestow on me one kind look, and let this submissive posture,
+these bended knees, before thy disguised beauty, declare the humility
+with which my soul adores thee!" "Marry come up," quoth the girl,
+"with your idle gibberish! get on with you, and let us go, and we
+shall take it kindly." Sancho now let go the halter, delighted that he
+had come off so well with his contrivance. The imaginary Dulcinea was
+no sooner at liberty than, pricking her beast with a sharp-pointed
+stick which she held in her hand, she scoured along the field; but the
+ass, smarting more than usual under the goad, began to kick and wince
+in such a manner that down came the Lady Dulcinea to the ground. Don
+Quixote was proceeding to raise his enchanted mistress, but the lady
+saved him that trouble; for immediately upon getting up from the
+ground she retired three or four steps back, took a little run, then
+clapping both hands upon the ass's crupper, jumped into the saddle
+lighter than a falcon, and seated herself astride like a man. "By
+Saint Roque!" cried Sancho, "our lady mistress is lighter than a bird,
+and could teach the nimblest Cordovan or Mexican how to mount: she
+springs into the saddle at a jump, and without the help of spurs,
+makes her palfrey run like a wild ass; and her damsels are not a whit
+short of her, for they all fly like the wind!" And this was the truth;
+for Dulcinea being remounted, the other two made after her at full
+speed, without looking behind them, for above half a league.
+
+Don Quixote followed them with his eyes as far as he was able; and
+when they were out of sight, turning to Sancho, he said, "What dost
+thou think now, Sancho? See how I am persecuted by enchanters! Mark
+how far their malice extends, even to depriving me of the pleasure of
+seeing my mistress in her own proper form! Surely I was born to be an
+example of wretchedness, and the butt and mark at which all the arrows
+of ill-fortune are aimed! And thou must have observed too, Sancho,
+that these traitors were not contented with changing and transforming
+the countenance of my Dulcinea, but they must give her the base and
+uncouth figure of a country wench. But tell me, Sancho, that which to
+me appeared to be a pannel, was it a side-saddle or a pillion?" "It
+was a side-saddle," answered Sancho, "with a field covering, worth
+half a kingdom for the richness of it." "And that I should not see all
+this!" exclaimed Don Quixote. "Again I say, and a thousand times will
+I repeat it, I am the most unfortunate of men!" The sly rogue Sancho
+had much difficulty to forbear laughing to think how finely his master
+was gulled. After more dialogue of the same kind, they mounted their
+beasts again, and followed the road to Saragossa, still intending to
+be present at a solemn festival annually held in that city. But before
+they reached it, events befell them which, for their importance,
+variety, and novelty, well deserve to be recorded and read.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLIII.
+
+_Of the strange adventure which befell the valorous Don Quixote with
+the cart, or Death's caravan._
+
+
+Don Quixote proceeded on his way at a slow pace, exceedingly pensive,
+musing on the base trick the enchanters had played him, in
+transforming his Lady Dulcinea into the homely figure of a peasant
+wench; nor could he devise any means of restoring her to her former
+state. In these meditations his mind was so absorbed, that, without
+perceiving it, the bridle dropped on Rozinante's neck, who, taking
+advantage of the liberty thus given him, at every step turned aside to
+take a mouthful of the fresh grass with which those parts abounded.
+Sancho endeavoured to rouse him. "Sorrow," said he, "was made for man,
+not for beasts, sir; but if men give too much way to it, they become
+beasts. Take heart, sir; recollect yourself, and gather up Rozinante's
+reins; cheer up, awake, and shew that you have courage befitting a
+knight-errant! Why are you so cast down? Are we here or in France? The
+welfare of a single knight-errant is of more consequence than all the
+enchantments and transformations on earth." "Peace, Sancho," cried Don
+Quixote, in no very faint voice; "peace, I say, and utter no
+blasphemies against that enchanted lady, of whose disgrace and
+misfortune I am the sole cause, since they proceed entirely from the
+envy that the wicked bear to me." "So say I," quoth Sancho; "for who
+saw her then and sees her now, his heart must melt with grief, I vow."
+
+Don Quixote would have answered Sancho, but was prevented by the
+passing of a cart across the road, full of the strangest-looking
+people imaginable; it was without any awning above, or covering to the
+sides, and the carter who drove the mules had the appearance of a
+frightful demon. The first figure that caught Don Quixote's attention
+was that of Death with a human visage; close to him sat an angel with
+large painted wings; on the other side stood an emperor with a crown,
+seemingly of gold, on his head. At Death's feet sat the god Cupid, not
+blindfold, but with his bow, quiver, and arrows; a knight also
+appeared among them in complete armour; only instead of a morion, or
+casque, he wore a hat with a large plume of feathers of divers
+colours; and there were several other persons of equal diversity in
+appearance. Such a sight, coming thus abruptly upon them, somewhat
+startled Don Quixote, and the heart of Sancho was struck with dismay.
+But with the knight surprise soon gave place to joy; for he
+anticipated some new and perilous adventure; and under this
+impression, with a resolution prepared for any danger, he planted
+himself just before the cart, and cried out in a loud menacing voice,
+"Carter, coachman, or devil, or whatever be thy denomination, tell me
+instantly what thou art, whither going, and who are the persons thou
+conveyest in that vehicle, which by its freight looks like Charon's
+ferry-boat?" To which the man calmly replied, "Sir, we are travelling
+players, belonging to Angulo el Malo's company. To-day being the
+Octave of Corpus Christi, we have been performing a piece representing
+the 'Cortes of Death;' this evening we are to play it again in the
+village just before us; and, not having far to go, we travel in the
+dresses of our parts to save trouble. This young man represents Death;
+he an angel; that woman, who is our author's wife, plays a queen; the
+other a soldier; this one an emperor; and I am the devil, one of the
+principal personages of the drama; for in this company I have all the
+chief parts. If your worship desires any further information, I am
+ready to answer you." "On the faith of a knight," answered Don
+Quixote, "when I first espied this cart I imagined some great
+adventure offered itself; but appearances are not always to be
+trusted. God be with you, good people; go and perform your play; and
+if there be any thing in which I may be of service to you, command me,
+for I will do it most readily, having been from my youth a great
+admirer of masques and theatrical representations."
+
+While they were speaking, one of the motley crew came up capering
+towards them, in an antic dress, frisking about with his morris-bells,
+and three full-blown ox-bladders tied to the end of a stick.
+Approaching the knight, he flourished his bladders in the air, and
+bounced them against the ground close under the nose of Rozinante, who
+was so startled by the noise, that Don Quixote lost all command over
+him, and having got the curb between his teeth, away he scampered over
+the plain, with more speed than might have been expected from such an
+assemblage of dry bones. Sancho, seeing his master's danger, leaped
+from Dapple and ran to his assistance; but before his squire could
+reach him, he was upon the ground, and close by him Rozinante, who
+fell with his master,--the usual termination of Rozinante's frolics.
+Sancho had no sooner dismounted to assist Don Quixote than the
+bladder-dancing fellow jumped upon Dapple, and thumping him with the
+bladders, fear at the noise, more than the smart, set him also flying
+over the field towards the village where they were going to act. Thus
+Sancho, beholding at one and the same moment Dapple's flight and his
+master's fall, was at a loss to which of the two duties he should
+first attend; but, like a good squire and faithful servant, the love
+he bore to his master prevailed over his affection for his ass; though
+as often as he saw the bladders hoisted in the air and fall on the
+body of his Dapple, he felt the pangs and tortures of death, and he
+would rather those blows had fallen on the apple of his own eyes, than
+on the least hair of his ass's tail.
+
+In this distress he came up to Don Quixote, who was in a much worse
+plight than he could have wished; and as he helped him to get upon
+Rozinante, he said, "Sir, the devil has run away with Dapple." "What
+devil?" demanded Don Quixote. "He with the bladders," answered Sancho.
+"I will recover him," replied Don Quixote, "though he should hide
+himself in the deepest and darkest dungeon of his dominions. Follow
+me, Sancho; for the cart moves but slowly, and the mules shall make
+compensation for the loss of Dapple." "Stay, sir," cried Sancho, "you
+may cool your anger, for I see the scoundrel has left Dapple, and gone
+his way." And so it was; for Dapple and the devil having tumbled, as
+well as Rozinante and his master, the merry imp left him and made off
+on foot to the village, while Dapple turned back to his rightful
+owner. "Nevertheless," said Don Quixote, "it will not be amiss to
+chastise the insolence of this devil on some of his company, even upon
+the emperor himself." "Good your worship," quoth Sancho, "do not think
+of such a thing, but take my advice and never meddle with players; for
+they are a people mightily beloved. I have seen a player taken up for
+two murders, and get off scot-free. As they are merry folks and give
+pleasure, every body favours them, and is ready to stand their friend;
+particularly if they are of the king's or some nobleman's company, who
+look and dress like any princes." "That capering buffoon shall not
+escape with impunity, though he were favoured by the whole human
+race," cried Don Quixote, as he rode off in pursuit of the cart, which
+was now very near the town, and he called aloud, "Halt a little, merry
+sirs; stay and let me teach you how to treat cattle belonging to the
+squires of knights-errant." Don Quixote's words were loud enough to be
+heard by the players, who, perceiving his adverse designs upon them,
+instantly jumped out of the cart, Death first, and after him the
+emperor, the carter-devil, and the angel; nor did the queen or the god
+Cupid stay behind; and, all armed with stones, waited in battle-array,
+ready to receive Don Quixote at the points of their pebbles. Don
+Quixote, seeing the gallant squadron, with arms uplifted, ready to
+discharge such a fearful volley, checked Rozinante with the bridle,
+and began to consider how he might most prudently attack them. While
+he paused, Sancho came up, and seeing him on the point of attacking
+that well-formed brigade, remonstrated with him. "It is mere madness,
+sir," said he, "to attempt such an enterprise. Pray consider there is
+no armour proof against stones and brick, unless you could thrust
+yourself into a bell of brass. Besides, it is not courage, but
+rashness, for one man singly to encounter an army, where Death is
+present, and where emperors fight in person, assisted by good and bad
+angels. But if that is not reason enough, remember that, though these
+people all look like princes and emperors, there is not a real knight
+among them." "Now, indeed," said Don Quixote, "thou hast hit the
+point, Sancho, which can alone shake my resolution; I neither can nor
+ought to draw my sword, as I have often told thee, against those who
+are not dubbed knights. To thee it belongs, Sancho, to revenge the
+affront offered to thy Dapple; and from this spot I will encourage and
+assist thee by my voice and salutary instructions." "Good Christians
+should never revenge injuries," answered Sancho; "and I dare say that
+Dapple is as forgiving as myself, and ready to submit his case to my
+will and pleasure, which is to live peaceably with all the world, as
+long as Heaven is pleased to grant me life." "Since this is thy
+resolution, good Sancho, discreet Sancho, Christian Sancho, and honest
+Sancho," replied Don Quixote, "let us leave these phantoms, and seek
+better and more substantial adventures; for this country, I see, is
+likely to afford us many and very extraordinary ones." He then wheeled
+Rozinante about; Sancho took his Dapple; and Death, with his flying
+squadron, having returned to their cart, each pursued their way. Thus
+happily terminated the awful adventure of Death's caravan--thanks to
+the wholesome advice that Sancho Panza gave his master, who the next
+day encountering an enamoured knight-errant, met with an adventure not
+a whit less important than the one just related.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLIV.
+
+_Of the strange adventure which befell the valorous Don Quixote with
+the brave Knight of the Mirrors._
+
+
+Don Quixote and his squire passed the night following their encounter
+with Death under some tall, umbrageous trees; and as they were
+refreshing themselves, by Sancho's advice, from the store of
+provisions carried by Dapple, he said to his master, "What a fool,
+sir, should I have been had I chosen for my reward the spoils of your
+worship's first adventure, instead of the three ass-colts! It is a
+true saying, 'A sparrow in the hand is better than a vulture upon the
+wing.'" "However, Sancho," answered Don Quixote, "hadst thou suffered
+me to make the attack which I had premeditated, thy share of the booty
+would have been at least the emperor's crown of gold and Cupid's
+painted wings; for I would have plucked them off per force, and
+delivered them into thy hands." "The crowns and sceptres of your
+theatrical emperors," answered Sancho, "are never pure gold, but
+tinsel or copper." "That is true," replied Don Quixote; "nor would it
+be proper that the decorations of a play should be otherwise than
+counterfeit, like the drama itself, which I would have thee hold in
+due estimation, as well as the actors and authors; for they are all
+instruments of much benefit to the commonwealth, continually
+presenting a mirror before our eyes, in which we see lively
+representations of the actions of human life; nothing, indeed, more
+truly portrays to us what we are, and what we should be, than the
+drama. Tell me, hast thou never seen a play in which kings, emperors,
+popes, lords, and ladies are introduced, with divers other personages;
+one acting the ruffian, another the knave; one the merchant, another
+the soldier; one a designing fool, another a foolish lover; and
+observed that, when the play is done, and the actors undressed, they
+are all again upon a level?" "Yes, marry have I," quoth Sancho. "The
+very same thing, then," said Don Quixote, "happens on the stage of
+this world, on which some play the part of emperors, others of
+popes--in short, every part that can be introduced in a comedy; but
+at the conclusion of this drama of life, death strips us of the robes
+which made the difference between man and man, and leaves us all on
+one level in the grave." "A brave comparison!" quoth Sancho; "though
+not so new but that I have heard it many times, as well as that of the
+game of chess; which is that, while the game is going, every piece has
+its office, and when it is ended, they are all huddled together, and
+put into a bag: just as we are put together into the ground when we
+are dead." "Sancho," said Don Quixote, "thou art daily improving in
+sense." "And so I ought," answered Sancho; "for some of your worship's
+wisdom must needs stick to me; as dry and barren soil, by well dunging
+and digging, comes at last to bear good fruit. My meaning is, that
+your worship's conversation has been the dung laid upon the barren
+soil of my poor wit, and the tillage has been the time I have been in
+your service and company; by which I hope to produce fruit like any
+blessing, and such as will not disparage my teacher, nor let me stray
+from the paths of good-breeding which your worship has made in my
+shallow understanding." Don Quixote smiled at Sancho's affected style;
+but he really did think him improved, and was frequently surprised by
+his observations, when he did not display his ignorance by soaring too
+high. His chief strength lay in proverbs, of which he had always
+abundance ready, though perhaps not always fitting the occasion, as
+may often have been remarked in the course of this history.
+
+In this kind of conversation they spent great part of the night, till
+Sancho felt disposed to let down the portcullises of his eyes, as he
+used to say when he was inclined to sleep. So, having unrigged his
+Dapple, he turned him loose into pasture; but he did not take off the
+saddle from Rozinante's back, it being the express command of his
+master that he should continue saddled whilst they kept the field and
+were not sleeping under a roof, in conformity to an ancient
+established custom religiously observed among knights-errant, which
+was to take off the bridle and hang it on the pommel of the saddle,
+but by no means to remove the saddle.
+
+At length Sancho fell asleep at the foot of a cork-tree, while Don
+Quixote slumbered beneath a branching oak. But it was not long before
+he was disturbed by a noise near him; he started up, and looking in
+the direction whence the sounds proceeded, could discern two men on
+horseback, one of whom dismounting, said to the other, "Alight,
+friend, and unbridle the horses; for this place will afford them
+pasture, and offers to me that silence and solitude which my pensive
+thoughts require." As he spoke, he threw himself on the ground, and in
+this motion a rattling of armour was heard, which convinced Don
+Quixote that this was a knight-errant; and going to Sancho, who was
+fast asleep, he pulled him by the arm, and having with some difficulty
+roused him, he said in a low voice, "Friend Sancho, we have got an
+adventure here." "God send it be a good one!" answered Sancho; "and
+pray, sir, where may this same adventure be?" "Where, sayest thou,
+Sancho?" replied Don Quixote, "turn thine eyes that way, and thou wilt
+see a knight-errant lying extended, who seems to me not over happy in
+his mind; for I just now saw him dismount and throw himself upon the
+ground, as if much oppressed with grief, and his armour rattled as he
+fell." "But how do you know," quoth Sancho, "that this is an
+adventure?" "Though I cannot yet positively call it an adventure, it
+has the usual signs of one: but listen, he is tuning an instrument,
+and seems to be preparing to sing." "By my troth, so he is," cried
+Sancho, "and he must be some knight or other in love." "As all
+knights-errant must be," quoth Don Quixote; "but hearken, and we shall
+discover his thoughts by his song." Sancho would have replied; but the
+Knight of the Wood, whose voice was only moderately good, began to
+sing, and they both attentively listened to the following:
+
+ Sonnet.
+
+ Bright queen, how shall your loving slave
+ Be sure not to displease?
+ Some rule of duty let him crave;
+ He begs no other ease.
+
+ Say, must I die, or hopeless live?
+ I'll act as you ordain;
+ Despair a silent death shall give,
+ Or Love himself complain.
+
+ My heart, though soft as wax, will prove
+ Like diamonds firm and true:
+ For what th' impression can remove,
+ That's stamp'd by love and you?
+
+With a deep sigh, that seemed to be drawn from the very bottom of his
+heart, the Knight of the Wood ended his song; and after some pause, in
+a plaintive and dolorous voice, he exclaimed, "O thou most beautiful
+and most ungrateful of woman-kind! O divine Casildea de Vandalia! wilt
+thou, then, suffer this thy captive knight to consume and pine away in
+continual peregrinations and in severest toils? Is it not enough that
+I have caused thee to be acknowledged the most consummate beauty in
+the world by all the knights of Navarre, of Leon, of Tartesia, of
+Castile, and, in fine, by all the knights of La Mancha?" "Not so,"
+said Don Quixote, "for I am of La Mancha, and never have made such an
+acknowledgment, nor ever will admit an assertion so prejudicial to the
+beauty of my mistress. Thou seest, Sancho, how this knight raves; but
+let us listen; perhaps he will make some farther declaration." "Ay,
+marry will he," replied Sancho, "for he seems to be in a humour to
+complain for a month to come." But they were mistaken; for the knight,
+hearing voices near them, proceeded no farther in his lamentation, but
+rising up, said aloud in a courteous voice, "Who goes there? What are
+ye? Of the number of the happy, or of the afflicted?" "Of the
+afflicted," answered Don Quixote. "Come to me, then," answered the
+Knight of the Wood, "and you will find sorrow and misery itself!"
+These expressions were uttered in so moving a tone, that Don Quixote,
+followed by Sancho, went up to the mournful knight, who, taking his
+hand, said to him, "Sit down here, sir knight; for to be assured that
+you profess the order of chivalry, it is sufficient that I find you
+here, encompassed by solitude and the cold dews of night, the proper
+station for knights-errant." "A knight I am," replied Don Quixote,
+"and of the order you name; and although my heart is the mansion of
+misery and woe, yet can I sympathise in the sorrows of others; from
+the strain I just now heard from you, I conclude that you are of the
+amorous kind--arising, I mean, from a passion for some ungrateful
+fair."
+
+Whilst thus discoursing, they were seated together on the ground
+peaceably and sociably, not as if at daybreak they were to fall upon
+each other with mortal fury. "Perchance you too are in love, sir
+knight," said he of the Wood to Don Quixote. "Such is my cruel
+destiny," answered Don Quixote; "though the sorrows that may arise
+from well-placed affections ought rather to be accounted blessings
+than calamities." "That is true," replied the Knight of the Wood,
+"provided our reason and understanding be not affected by disdain,
+which, when carried to excess, is more like vengeance." "I never was
+disdained by my mistress," answered Don Quixote. "No, verily," quoth
+Sancho, who stood close by; "for my lady is as gentle as a lamb and as
+soft as butter." "Is this your squire?" demanded the Knight of the
+Wood. "He is," replied Don Quixote. "I never in my life saw a squire,"
+said the Knight of the Wood, "who durst presume to speak where his
+lord was conversing; at least, there stands mine, as tall as his
+father, and it cannot be proved that he ever opened his lips where I
+was speaking." "Truly," quoth Sancho, "I have talked, and can talk
+before one as good as ---- and perhaps, ---- but let that rest: perhaps
+the less said the better." The Knight of the Wood's squire now took
+Sancho by the arm, and said, "Let us two go where we may chat
+squire-like together, and leave these masters of ours to talk over
+their loves to each other; for I warrant they will not have done
+before to-morrow morning." "With all my heart," quoth Sancho, "and I
+will tell you who I am, that you may judge whether I am not fit to
+make one among the talking squires." The squires then withdrew, and a
+dialogue passed between them as lively as that of their masters was
+grave.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLV.
+
+_Wherein is continued the adventure of the Knight of the Wood, with
+the wise and witty dialogue between the two Squires._
+
+
+Having retired a little apart, the Squire of the Wood said to Sancho,
+"This is a toilsome life we squires to knights-errant lead; in good
+truth, we eat our bread by the sweat of our brows, which is one of the
+curses God laid upon our first parents." "You may say too, that we eat
+it by the frost of our bodies," added Sancho; "for who has to bear
+more cold, as well as heat, than your miserable squires to
+knight-errantry? It would not be quite so bad if we could always get
+something to eat, for good fare lessens care; but how often we must
+pass whole days without breaking our fast--unless it be upon air!"
+"All this may be endured," quoth he of the Wood, "with the hopes of
+reward; for that knight-errant must be unlucky indeed who does not
+speedily recompense his squire with at least a handsome government, or
+some pretty earldom." "I," replied Sancho, "have already told my
+master that I should be satisfied with the government of an island;
+and he is so noble, and so generous, that he has promised it me a
+thousand times." "And I," said he of the Wood, "should think myself
+amply rewarded for all my services with a canonry; and I have my
+master's word for it too." "Why then," quoth Sancho, "belike your
+master is some knight of the church, and so can bestow rewards of that
+kind on his squires; mine is only a layman. Some of his wise friends
+advised him once to be an archbishop, but he would be nothing but an
+emperor, and I trembled all the while lest he should take a liking to
+the church; because, you must know, I am not gifted that way; to say
+the truth, sir, though I look like a man, I am a very beast in such
+matters." "Let me tell you, friend," quoth he of the Wood, "you are
+quite in the wrong; for these island-governments are often more plague
+than profit. Some are crabbed, some beggarly, some--in short, the best
+of them are sure to bring more care than they are worth, and are
+mostly too heavy for the shoulders that have to bear them. I suspect
+it would be wiser in us to quit this thankless drudgery and stay at
+home, where we may find easier work and better pastime; for he must be
+a sorry squire who has not his nag, his brace of greyhounds, and an
+angling-rod to enjoy himself with at home." "I am not without these
+things," answered Sancho; "it is true I have no horse, but then I have
+an ass which is worth twice as much as my master's steed. I would not
+swap with him, though he should offer me four bushels of barley to
+boot; no, that would not I, though you may take for a joke the price I
+set upon my Dapple,--for dapple, sir, is the colour of my ass.
+Greyhounds I cannot be in want of, as our town is overstocked with
+them; besides, the rarest sporting is that we find at other people's
+cost." "Really and truly, brother squire," answered he of the Wood, "I
+have resolved with myself to quit the frolics of these knights-errant,
+and get home again and look after my children; for I have three like
+Indian pearls." "And I have two," quoth Sancho, "fit to be presented
+to the Pope himself in person; especially my girl that I am breeding
+up for a countess, if it please God, in spite of her mother. But I
+beseech God to deliver me from this dangerous profession of
+squireship, into which I have run a second time, drawn and tempted by
+a purse of a hundred ducats, which I found one day among the
+mountains. In truth, my fancy is continually setting before my eyes,
+here, there, and everywhere, a bag full of gold pistoles, so that
+methinks at every step I am laying my hand upon it, hugging it, and
+carrying it home, buying lands, settling rents, and living like a
+prince; and while this runs in my head, I can bear all the toil which
+must be suffered with this foolish master of mine, who, to my
+knowledge, is more of the madman than the knight."
+
+"Indeed, friend," said the Squire of the Wood, "you verify the
+proverb, which says, 'that covetousness bursts the bag.' Truly,
+friend, now you talk of madmen, there is not a greater one in the
+world than my master. The old saying may be applied to him, 'Other
+folks' burdens break the ass's back;' for he gives up his own wits to
+recover those of another; and is searching after that which, when
+found, may chance to hit him in the teeth." "By the way, he is in
+love, it seems?" said Sancho. "Yes," quoth he of the Wood, "with one
+Casildea de Vandalia, one of the most whimsical dames in the world;
+but that is not the foot he halts on at present; he has some other
+crotchets in his pate, which we shall hear more of anon." "There is no
+road so even but it has its stumbling places," replied Sancho; "in
+other folks' houses they boil beans, but in mine whole kettles full.
+Madness will have more followers than discretion; but if the common
+saying is true, that there is some comfort in having partners in
+grief, I may comfort myself with you, who serve as crack-brained a
+master as my own." "Crack-brained, but valiant," answered he of the
+Wood, "and more knavish than either." "Mine," answered Sancho, "has
+nothing of the knave in him; so far from it, he has a soul as pure as
+a pitcher, and would not harm a fly; he bears no malice, and a child
+may persuade him it is night at noon-day; for which I love him as my
+life, and cannot find in my heart to leave him, in spite of all his
+pranks." "For all that, brother," quoth he of the Wood, "if the blind
+lead the blind, both may fall into the ditch. We had better turn us
+fairly about, and go back to our homes; for they who seek adventures
+find them sometimes to their cost."
+
+"But methinks," said he, "we have talked till our throats are dry;
+but I have got, hanging at my saddle-bow, that which will refresh
+them;" when, rising up, he quickly produced a large bottle of wine,
+and a pasty half-a-yard long, without any exaggeration; for it was
+made of so large a rabbit that Sancho thought verily it must contain a
+whole goat, or at least a kid; and, after due examination, "How," said
+he, "do you carry such things about with you?" "Why, what do you
+think?" answered the other; "did you take me for some starveling
+squire?--No, no, I have a better cupboard behind me on my horse than a
+general carries with him upon a march." Sancho fell to, without
+waiting for entreaties, and swallowed down huge mouthfuls in the dark.
+"Your worship," said he, "is indeed a squire, trusty and loyal, round
+and sound, magnificent and great withal, as this banquet proves (if it
+did not come by enchantment); and not a poor wretch like myself, with
+nothing in my wallet but a piece of cheese, and that so hard that you
+may knock out a giant's brains with it; and four dozen of carobes to
+bear it company, with as many filberts--thanks to my master's
+stinginess, and to the fancy he has taken that knights-errant ought to
+feed, like cattle, upon roots and wild herbs." "Troth, brother,"
+replied he of the Wood, "I have no stomach for your wild pears, nor
+sweet thistles, nor your mountain roots; let our masters have them,
+with their fancies and their laws of chivalry, and let them eat what
+they commend. I carry cold meats and this bottle at the pommel of my
+saddle, happen what will; and such is my love and reverence for it,
+that I kiss and hug it every moment." And as he spoke, he put it into
+Sancho's hand, who grasped it, and, applying it straightway to his
+mouth, continued gazing at the stars for a quarter of an hour; then,
+having finished his draught, he let his head fall on one side, and,
+fetching a deep sigh, said, "O the rogue! How excellent it is! But
+tell me, by all you love best, is not this wine of Ciudad Real?" "Thou
+art a rare taster," answered he of the Wood; "it is indeed of no other
+growth, and has, besides, some years over its head." "Trust me for
+that," quoth Sancho; "depend upon it, I always hit right, and can
+guess to a hair. And this is all natural in me; let me but smell them,
+and I will tell you the country, the kind, the flavour, the age,
+strength, and all about it; for you must know I have had in my family,
+by the father's side, two of the rarest tasters that were ever known
+in La Mancha; and I will give you a proof of their skill. A certain
+hogshead was given to each of them to taste, and their opinion asked
+as to the condition, quality, goodness, or badness, of the wine. One
+tried it with the tip of his tongue; the other only put it to his
+nose. The first said the wine savoured of iron; the second said it had
+rather a twang of goat's leather. The owner protested that the vessel
+was clean, and the wine neat, so that it could not taste either of
+iron or leather. Notwithstanding this, the two famous tasters stood
+positively to what they had said. Time went on; the wine was sold
+off, and, on cleaning the cask, a small key, hanging to a leathern
+thong, was found at the bottom. Judge, then, sir, whether one of that
+race may not be well entitled to give his opinion in these matters."
+"That being the case," quoth he of the Wood, "we should leave off
+seeking adventures; and, since we have a good loaf, let us not look
+for cheesecakes, but make haste and get home to our own cots." "I will
+serve my master till he reaches Saragosa," quoth Sancho, "then,
+mayhap, we shall turn over a new leaf."
+
+Thus the good squires went on talking and eating and drinking, until
+it was full time that sleep should give their tongues a respite and
+allay their thirst, for to quench it seemed to be impossible; and both
+of them, still keeping hold of the almost empty bottle, fell fast
+asleep; in which situation we will leave them at present, to relate
+what passed between the two knights.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLVI.
+
+_Continuation again of the adventure of the Knight of the Wood._
+
+
+Much conversation passed between the two knights. Among other things,
+he of the Wood said to Don Quixote, "In fact, sir knight, I must
+confess that, by destiny, or rather by choice, I became enamoured of
+the peerless Casildea de Vandalia:--peerless I call her, because she
+is without her peer, either in rank, beauty, or form. Casildea repaid
+my honourable and virtuous passion by employing me as Hercules was
+employed by his stepmother, in many and various perils; promising me,
+at the end of each of them, that the next should crown my hopes; but,
+alas! she still goes on, adding link after link to the chain of my
+labours, insomuch that they are now countless; nor can I tell when
+they are to cease, and my tender wishes be gratified. One time she
+commanded me to go and challenge Giralda, the famous giantess of
+Seville, who is as stout and strong as if she were made of brass, and,
+though never stirring from one spot, is the most changeable and
+unsteady woman in the world. I came, I saw, I conquered; I made her
+stand still, and fixed her to a point; for, during a whole week, no
+wind blew but from the north. Another time she commanded me to weigh
+those ancient statues, the fierce bulls of Guisando, an enterprise
+better suited to a porter than a knight. Another time she commanded me
+to plunge headlong into Cabra's cave (direful mandate!), and bring her
+a particular detail of all that lies enclosed within its dark abyss. I
+stopped the motion of the Giralda, I weighed the bulls of Guisando, I
+plunged headlong into the cavern of Cabra and brought to light its
+hidden secrets; yet still my hopes are dead! In short, she has now
+commanded me to travel over all the provinces of Spain, and compel
+every knight whom I meet to confess that in beauty she excels all
+others now in existence; and that I am the most valiant and the most
+enamoured knight in the universe. In obedience to this command I have
+already traversed the greatest part of Spain, and have vanquished
+divers knights who have had the presumption to contradict me. But what
+I value myself most upon is having vanquished, in single combat, that
+renowned knight Don Quixote de la Mancha, and made him confess that my
+Casildea is more beautiful than his Dulcinea; and I reckon that, in
+this conquest alone, I have vanquished all the knights in the world;
+for this Don Quixote has conquered them all, and I, having overcome
+him, his glory, his fame, and his honour, are, consequently
+transferred to me. All the innumerable exploits of the said Don
+Quixote I therefore consider as already mine, and placed to my
+account."
+
+Don Quixote was amazed at the assertions of the Knight of the Wood,
+and had been every moment at the point of giving him the lie; but he
+restrained himself, that he might convict him of falsehood from his
+own mouth; and therefore he said, very calmly, "That you may have
+vanquished, sir knight, most of the knights-errant of Spain, or even
+of the whole world, I will not dispute; but that you have conquered
+Don Quixote de la Mancha I have much reason to doubt. Some one
+resembling him, I allow, it might have been; though, in truth, I
+believe there are not many like him." "How say you?" cried he of the
+Wood; "as sure as I am here alone, I fought with Don Quixote,
+vanquished him, and made him surrender to me! He is a man of an erect
+figure, withered face, long and meagre limbs, grizzle-haired,
+hawk-nosed, with large black mustachios, and styles himself the Knight
+of the Sorrowful Figure. The name of his squire is Sancho Panza; he
+oppresses the back and governs the reins of a famous steed called
+Rozinante--in a word, the mistress of his thoughts is one Dulcinea del
+Toboso, formerly called Aldonza Lorenzo, as my Casildea, being of
+Andalusia, is now distinguished by the name of Casildea de Vandalia.
+And now, if I have not sufficiently proved what I have said, here is
+my sword, which shall make incredulity itself believe." "Softly, sir
+knight," said Don Quixote, "and hear what I have to say. You must know
+that this Don Quixote you speak of is the dearest friend I have in the
+world, insomuch that he is, as it were, another self; and,
+notwithstanding the very accurate description you have given of him, I
+am convinced, by the evidence of my senses, that you have never
+subdued him. It is, indeed, possible that, as he is continually
+persecuted by enchanters, some one of these may have assumed his
+shape, and suffered himself to be vanquished, in order to defraud him
+of the fame which his exalted feats of chivalry have acquired him over
+the whole face of the earth. A proof of their malice occurred but a
+few days since, when they transformed the figure and face of the
+beautiful Dulcinea del Toboso into the form of a mean rustic wench.
+And now if, after all, you doubt the truth of what I say, behold the
+true Don Quixote himself before you, ready to convince you of your
+error by force of arms, on foot or on horseback, or in whatever manner
+you please." He then rose up, and grasping his sword, awaited the
+determination of the Knight of the Wood, who very calmly said in
+reply, "A good paymaster wants no pledge: he who could vanquish Sigñor
+Don Quixote under transformation may well hope to make him yield in
+his proper person. But as knights-errant should by no means perform
+their feats in the dark, like robbers and ruffians, let us wait for
+daylight, that the sun may witness our exploits; and let the condition
+of our combat be, that the conquered shall remain entirely at the
+mercy and disposal of the conqueror; provided that he require nothing
+of him but what a knight may with honour submit to." Don Quixote
+having expressed himself entirely satisfied with these conditions,
+they went to seek their squires, whom they found snoring in the very
+same posture as that in which sleep had first surprised them. They
+were soon awakened by their masters, and ordered to prepare the
+steeds, so that they might be ready at sunrise for a single combat. At
+this intelligence Sancho was thunderstruck, and ready to swoon away
+with fear for his master, from what he had been told by the Squire of
+the Wood of his knight's prowess. Both the squires, however, without
+saying a word, went to seek their cattle; and the three horses and
+Dapple were found all very sociably together.
+
+"You must understand, brother," said the Squire of the Wood to Sancho,
+"that it is not the custom in Andalusia for the seconds to stand idle
+with their arms folded while their principals are engaged in combat.
+So this is to give you notice that, while our masters are at it, we
+must fight too, and make splinters of one another." "This custom,
+Sigñor Squire," answered Sancho, "may pass among ruffians; but among
+the squires of knights-errant no such practice is thought of,--at
+least I have not heard my master talk of any such custom; and he knows
+by heart all the laws of knight-errantry. But supposing there is any
+such law, I shall not obey it. I would rather pay the penalty laid
+upon such peaceable squires, which, I dare say, cannot be above a
+couple of pounds of wax; and that will cost me less money than
+plasters to cure a broken head. Besides, how can I fight when I have
+got no sword, and never had one in my life?" "I know a remedy for
+that," said he of the Wood: "here are a couple of linen bags of the
+same size; you shall take one, and I the other, and so, with equal
+weapons, we will have a bout at bag-blows." "With all my heart,"
+answered Sancho; "for such a battle will only dust our jackets." "It
+must not be quite so, either," replied the other; "for, lest the wind
+should blow them aside, we must put in them half-a-dozen clean and
+smooth pebbles of equal weight; and thus we may brush one another
+without much harm or damage." "But I tell you what, master," said
+Sancho, "though they should be filled with balls of raw silk, I shall
+not fight. Let our masters fight, but let us drink and live; for time
+takes care to rid us of our lives without our seeking ways to go
+before our appointed term and season." "Nay," replied he of the Wood,
+"do let us fight, if it be but for half-an-hour." "No, no," answered
+Sancho, "I shall not be so rude nor ungrateful as to have any quarrel
+with a gentleman after eating and drinking with him. Besides, who can
+set about dry fighting without being provoked to it?" "If that be
+all," quoth he of the Wood, "I can easily manage it; for, before we
+begin our fight, I will come up and just give you three or four
+handsome cuffs, which will lay you flat at my feet and awaken your
+choler, though it slept sounder than a dormouse." "Against that
+trick," answered Sancho, "I have another not a whit behind it; which
+is to take a good cudgel, and, before you come near enough to awaken
+my choler, I will bastinado yours into so sound a sleep that it shall
+never awake but in another world. Let me tell you, I am not a man to
+suffer my face to be handled; so let every one look to the arrow;
+though the safest way would be to let that same choler sleep on--for
+one man knows not what another can do, and some people go out for
+wool, and come home shorn. In all times God blessed the peace-makers,
+and cursed the peace-breakers. If a baited cat turns into a lion,
+there is no knowing what I, that am a man, may turn into; and
+therefore I warn you, master squire, that all the damage and mischief
+that may follow from our quarrel must be placed to your account."
+"Agreed," replied he of the Wood; "when daylight arrives, we shall see
+what is to be done."
+
+And now a thousand sorts of birds, glittering in their gay attire,
+began to chirp and warble in the trees, and in a variety of joyous
+notes seemed to hail the blushing Aurora, who now displayed her rising
+beauties from the bright arcades and balconies of the east, and gently
+shook from her locks a shower of liquid pearls, sprinkling that
+reviving treasure over all vegetation. The willows distilled their
+delicious manna, the fountains smiled, the brooks murmured, the woods
+and meads rejoiced at her approach. But scarcely had hill and dale
+received the welcome light of day, and objects become visible, when
+the first thing that presented itself to the eyes of Sancho Panza was
+the squire of the Wood's nose, which was so large that it almost
+overshadowed his whole body. Its magnitude was indeed extraordinary;
+it was moreover a hawk-nose, full of warts and carbuncles, of the
+colour of a mulberry, and hanging two fingers' breadth below his
+mouth. The size, the colour, the carbuncles, and the crookedness,
+produced such a countenance of horror, that Sancho, at sight thereof,
+began to tremble from head to foot, and he resolved within himself to
+take two hundred cuffs before he would be provoked to attack such a
+hobgoblin.
+
+Don Quixote also surveyed his antagonist, but, the beaver of his
+helmet being down, his face was concealed; it was evident, however,
+that he was a strong-made man, not very tall, and that over his armour
+he wore a kind of surtout or loose coat, apparently of the finest gold
+cloth, besprinkled with little moons of polished glass, which made a
+very gay and shining appearance; a large plume of feathers, green,
+yellow, and white, waved above his helmet. His lance, which was
+leaning against a tree, was very large and thick, and headed with
+pointed steel above a span long. All these circumstances Don Quixote
+attentively marked, and inferred from appearances that he was a very
+potent knight; but he was not therefore daunted, like Sancho Panza; on
+the contrary, with a gallant spirit, he said to the Knight of the
+Mirrors, "Sir knight, if your eagerness for combat has not exhausted
+your courtesy, I entreat you to lift up your beaver a little, that I
+may see whether your countenance corresponds with your gallant
+demeanour." "Whether vanquished or victorious in this enterprise, sir
+knight," answered he of the Mirrors, "you will have time and leisure
+enough for seeing me; and if I comply not now with your request, it is
+because I think it would be an indignity to the beauteous Casildea de
+Vandalia to lose any time in forcing you to make the confession
+required." "However, while we are mounting our horses," said Don
+Quixote, "you can tell me whether I resemble that Don Quixote whom you
+said you had vanquished." "As like as one egg is to another," replied
+he of the Mirrors, "though, as you say you are persecuted by
+enchanters, I dare not affirm that you are actually the same person."
+"I am satisfied that you acknowledge you may be deceived," said Don
+Quixote; "however, to remove all doubt, let us to horse, and in less
+time than you would have spent in raising your beaver, if God, my
+mistress, and my arm avail me, I will see your face, and you shall be
+convinced I am not the vanquished Don Quixote."
+
+They now mounted without more words; and Don Quixote wheeled Rozinante
+about, to take sufficient ground for the encounter, while the other
+knight did the same; but before Don Quixote had gone twenty paces, he
+heard himself called by his opponent, who, meeting him half way, said,
+"Remember, sir knight, our agreement; which is, that the conquered
+shall remain at the discretion of the conqueror." "I know it,"
+answered Don Quixote, "provided that which is imposed shall not
+transgress the laws of chivalry." "Certainly," answered he of the
+Mirrors. At this juncture the squire's strange nose presented itself
+to Don Quixote's sight, who was no less struck than Sancho, insomuch
+that he looked upon him as a monster, or some creature of a new
+species. Sancho, seeing his master set forth to take his career, would
+not stay alone with Long-nose, lest perchance he should get a filip
+from that dreadful snout, which would level him to the ground, either
+by force or fright. So he ran after his master, holding by the
+stirrup-leather, and when he thought it was nearly time for him to
+face about, "I beseech your worship," he cried, "before you turn, to
+help me into yon cork-tree, where I can see better and more to my
+liking the brave battle you are going to have with that knight." "I
+rather believe, Sancho," quoth Don Quixote, "that thou art for
+mounting a scaffold to see the bull-sports without danger." "To tell
+you the truth, sir," answered Sancho, "that squire's monstrous nose
+fills me with dread, and I dare not stand near him." "It is indeed a
+fearful sight," said Don Quixote, "to any other but myself; come,
+therefore, and I will help thee up."
+
+[Illustration: DON QUIXOTE. P. 218.]
+
+While Don Quixote was engaged in helping Sancho up into the cork-tree,
+the Knight of the Mirrors took as large a compass as he thought
+necessary, and believing that Don Quixote had done the same, without
+waiting for sound of trumpet, or any other signal, he turned about his
+horse, who was not a whit more active nor more sightly than Rozinante,
+and at his best speed, though not exceeding a middling trot, he
+advanced to encounter the enemy; but seeing him employed with Sancho,
+he reined-in his steed and stopped in the midst of his career; for
+which his horse was most thankful, being unable to stir any farther.
+Don Quixote, thinking his enemy was coming full speed against him,
+clapped spurs to Rozinante's flanks, and made him so bestir himself,
+that this was the only time in his life that he approached to
+something like a gallop; and with this unprecedented fury he soon came
+up to where his adversary stood, striking his spurs rowel-deep into
+the sides of his charger, without being able to make him stir a
+finger's length from the place where he had been checked in his
+career. At this fortunate juncture Don Quixote met his adversary
+embarrassed not only with his horse but his lance, which he either
+knew not how, or had not time, to fix in its rest; and therefore our
+knight, who saw not these perplexities, assailed him with perfect
+security, and with such force that he soon brought him to the ground,
+over his horse's crupper, leaving him motionless and without any signs
+of life. Sancho, on seeing this, immediately slid down from the
+cork-tree, and in all haste ran to his master, who alighted from
+Rozinante, and went up to the vanquished knight, when, unlacing his
+helmet to see whether he was dead, or if yet alive, to give him air,
+he beheld----but who can relate what he beheld, without causing
+amazement, wonder, and terror, in all that shall hear it? He saw, says
+the history, the very face, the very figure, the very aspect, the very
+physiognomy, the very effigies and semblance of the bachelor Samson
+Carrasco! "Come hither, Sancho," cried he aloud, "and see, but believe
+not; make haste, son, and mark what wizards and enchanters can do!"
+Sancho approached, and seeing the face of the bachelor Samson
+Carrasco, he began to cross and bless himself a thousand times over.
+All this time the overthrown cavalier shewed no signs of life. "My
+advice is," said Sancho, "that, at all events, your worship should
+thrust your sword down the throat of this man who is so like the
+bachelor Samson Carrasco; for in dispatching him you may destroy one
+of those enchanters your enemies." "Thou sayest not amiss," quoth Don
+Quixote, "for the fewer enemies the better." He then drew his sword to
+put Sancho's advice into execution, when the squire of the Mirrors
+came running up, but without the frightful nose, and cried aloud,
+"Have a care, Sigñor Don Quixote, what you do; for it is the bachelor
+Samson Carrasco your friend, and I am his squire." Sancho seeing his
+face now shorn of its deformity, exclaimed, "The nose! where is the
+nose?" "Here it is," said the other, taking from his right-hand pocket
+a pasteboard nose, formed and painted in the manner already described;
+and Sancho, now looking earnestly at him, made another exclamation.
+"Blessed Virgin, defend me!" cried he, "is not this Tom Cecial my
+neighbour?" "Indeed am I," answered the unnosed squire; "Tom Cecial I
+am, friend Sancho Panza, and I will tell you presently what tricks
+brought me hither; but now, good Sancho, entreat, in the mean time,
+your master not to hurt the Knight of the Mirrors at his feet: for he
+is truly no other than the rash and ill-advised bachelor Samson
+Carrasco, our townsman."
+
+By this time the Knight of the Mirrors began to recover his senses,
+which Don Quixote perceiving, he clapped the point of his naked sword
+to his throat, and said, "You are a dead man, sir knight, if you
+confess not that the peerless Dulcinea del Toboso excels in beauty
+your Casildea de Vandalia; you must promise also, on my sparing your
+life, to go to the city of Toboso, and present yourself before her
+from me, that she may dispose of you as she shall think fit; and, if
+she leaves you at liberty, then shall you return to me without
+delay--the fame of my exploits being your guide--to relate to me the
+circumstances of your interview: these conditions being strictly
+conformable to the terms agreed on before our encounter, and also to
+the rules of knight-errantry." "I confess," said the fallen knight,
+"that the lady Dulcinea del Toboso's torn and dirty shoe is preferable
+to the ill-combed, though clean, locks of Casildea; and I promise to
+go and return from her presence to yours, and give you the exact and
+particular account which you require of me."
+
+"You must likewise confess and believe," added Don Quixote, "that the
+knight you vanquished was not Don Quixote de la Mancha, but some one
+resembling him; as I do confess and believe that, though resembling
+the bachelor Samson Carrasco, you are not he, but some other whom my
+enemies have purposely transformed into his likeness, to restrain the
+impetuosity of my rage, and make me use with moderation the glory of
+my conquest." "I confess, judge, and believe every thing, precisely as
+you do yourself," answered the disjointed knight; "and now suffer me
+to rise, I beseech you, if my bruises do not prevent me." Don Quixote
+raised him with the assistance of his squire, on whom Sancho still
+kept his eyes fixed; and though from some conversation that passed
+between them, he had much reason to believe it was really his old
+friend Tom Cecial, he was so prepossessed by all that his master had
+said about enchanters, that he would not trust his own eyes. In short,
+both master and man persisted in their error; and the Knight of the
+Mirrors, with his squire, much out of humour and in ill plight, went
+in search of some convenient place where he might searcloth himself
+and splinter his ribs. Don Quixote and Sancho continued their journey
+to Saragosa, where the history leaves them; to give some account of
+the Knight of the Mirrors and his well-snouted squire.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLVII.
+
+_Giving an account of the Knight of the Mirrors and his Squire._
+
+
+Exceedingly happy, elated, and self-satisfied was Don Quixote at his
+triumph over so valiant a knight as he imagined him of the Mirrors to
+be, and from whose promise he hoped to learn whether his adored
+mistress still remained in a state of enchantment. But Don Quixote
+expected one thing, and he of the Mirrors intended another: his only
+care at present being to get, as soon as possible, plasters for his
+bruises. The history then proceeds to tell us, that when the bachelor
+Samson Carrasco advised Don Quixote to resume his functions of
+knight-errantry, he had previously consulted with the priest and the
+barber upon the best means of inducing Don Quixote to stay peaceably
+and quietly at home; and it was agreed by general vote, as well as by
+the particular advice of Carrasco, that they should let Don Quixote
+make another sally (since it seemed impossible to detain him), and
+that the bachelor should then also sally forth like a knight-errant,
+and take an opportunity of engaging him to fight, and after
+vanquishing him, which they held to be an easy matter, he should
+remain, according to a previous agreement, at the disposal of the
+conqueror, who should command him to return home and not quit it for
+the space of two years, or till he had received further orders from
+him. They doubted not but that he would readily comply, rather than
+infringe the laws of chivalry; and they hoped that, during this
+interval, he might forget his follies, or that some means might be
+discovered of curing his malady. Carrasco engaged in the enterprise;
+and Tom Cecial, Sancho Panza's neighbour, a merry shallow-brained
+fellow, proffered his service as squire. Samson armed himself in the
+manner already described, and Tom Cecial fitted the counterfeit nose
+to his face for the purpose of disguising himself; and, following the
+same road that Don Quixote had taken, they were not far off when the
+adventure of Death's car took place; but it was in the wood they
+overtook him, which was the scene of the late action, and where, had
+it not been for Don Quixote's extraordinary conceit that the bachelor
+was not the bachelor, that gentleman, not meeting even so much as
+nests where he thought to find birds, would have been incapacitated
+for ever from taking the degree of licentiate.
+
+Tom Cecial, after the unlucky issue of their expedition, said to the
+bachelor, "Most certainly, Sigñor Carrasco, we have been rightly
+served. It is easy to plan a thing, but very often difficult to get
+through with it. Don Quixote is mad, and we are in our senses; he gets
+off sound and laughing, and your worship remains sore and sorrowful:
+now, pray, which is the greater madman, he who is so because he cannot
+help it, or he who is so on purpose?" "The difference between these
+two sorts of madmen is," replied Samson, "that he who cannot help it
+will remain so, and he who deliberately plays the fool may leave off
+when he thinks fit." "That being the case," said Tom Cecial, "I was
+mad when I desired to be your worship's squire; and now I desire to be
+so no longer, but shall hasten home again." "That you may do,"
+answered Samson; "but, for myself, I cannot think of returning to mine
+till I have soundly banged this same Don Quixote. It is not now with
+the hope of curing him of his madness that I shall seek him, but a
+desire to punish him;--the pain of my ribs will not allow me to
+entertain a more charitable purpose." In this humour they went talking
+on till they came to a village, where they luckily met with a
+bone-setter, who undertook to cure the unfortunate Samson. Tom Cecial
+now returned home, leaving his master meditating schemes of revenge;
+and though the history will have occasion to mention him again
+hereafter, it must now attend the motions of our triumphant knight.
+
+Don Quixote pursued his journey with the pleasure, satisfaction, and
+self-complacency already described; imagining, because of his late
+victory, that he was the most valiant knight the world could then
+boast of. He cared neither for enchantments nor enchanters, and looked
+upon all the adventures which should henceforth befall him as already
+achieved and brought to a happy conclusion. He no longer remembered
+his innumerable sufferings during the progress of his chivalries: the
+stoning that demolished half his teeth, the ingratitude of the
+galley-slaves, nor the audacity of the Yanguesian carriers and their
+shower of pack staves,--in short, he inwardly exclaimed that, could he
+but devise any means of disenchanting his Lady Dulcinea, he should
+not envy the highest fortune that ever was or could be attained by the
+most prosperous knight-errant of past ages!
+
+He was wholly absorbed in these reflections, when Sancho said to him,
+"Is it not strange, sir, that I still have before my eyes the
+monstrous nose of my neighbour Tom Cecial?" "And dost thou really
+believe, Sancho," said Don Quixote, "that the Knight of the Mirrors
+was the bachelor Samson Carrasco, and his squire thy friend Tom
+Cecial?" "I know not what to say about it," answered Sancho; "I only
+know that the marks he gave me of my house, wife, and children, could
+be given by nobody else; and his face, when the nose was off, was Tom
+Cecial's,--for he lives in the next house to my own; the tone of his
+voice, too, was the very same." "Come, come, Sancho," replied Don
+Quixote, "let us reason upon this matter. How can it be imagined that
+the bachelor Samson Carrasco should come as a knight-errant, armed at
+all points, to fight with me? Was I ever his enemy? Have I ever given
+him occasion to bear me ill-will? Am I his rival? Or has he embraced
+the profession of arms, envying the fame I have acquired by them?"
+"But, then, what are we to say, sir," answered Sancho, "to the
+likeness of that knight, whoever he may be, to the bachelor Samson
+Carrasco, and his squire to my neighbour Tom Cecial? If it be
+enchantment, as your worship says, why were they to be made like those
+two above all other in the world?" "Trust me, Sancho, the whole is an
+artifice," answered Don Quixote, "and a trick of the wicked magicians
+who persecute me. Knowing that I might be victorious, they cunningly
+contrived that my vanquished enemy should assume the appearance of the
+worthy bachelor, in order that the friendship which I bear him might
+interpose between the edge of my sword and the rigour of my arm, and,
+by checking my just indignation, the wretch might escape with life,
+who, by fraud and violence, sought mine. Indeed, already thou knowest
+by experience, Sancho, how easy a thing it is for enchanters to change
+one face into another, making the fair foul, and the foul fair; since,
+not two days ago, thou sawest with thine own eyes the grace and beauty
+of the peerless Dulcinea in their highest perfection, while to me she
+appeared under the mean and disgusting exterior of a rude country
+wench. If, then, the wicked enchanter durst make so foul a
+transformation, no wonder at this deception of his, in order to snatch
+the glory of victory out of my hands! However, I am gratified in
+knowing that, whatever was the form he pleased to assume, my triumph
+over him was complete." Sancho, well knowing the transformation of
+Dulcinea to have been a device of his own, would make no reply, lest
+he should betray himself.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLVIII.
+
+_Of what befell Don Quixote with a worthy gentleman of La Mancha._
+
+
+While thus discoursing, they were overtaken by a gentleman, mounted on
+a fine mare, and dressed in a green cloth riding-coat faced with
+murry-coloured velvet, and a hunter's cap of the same; the mare's
+furniture corresponded in colour with his dress, and was adapted to
+field-sports; a Moorish scymitar hung at his shoulder-belt, which was
+green and gold; his buskins were wrought like the belt; and his spurs
+were green,--not gilt, but green,--and polished so neatly that, as
+they suited his clothes, they looked better than if they had been of
+pure gold. He saluted them courteously, and, spurring his mare, was
+passed on, when Don Quixote said to him, "If you are travelling our
+road, sigñor, and are not in haste, will you favour us with your
+company?" "Indeed, sigñor," replied he, "I should not have passed on,
+but I was afraid your horse might prove unruly in the company of
+mine." "Sir," answered Sancho, "if that be all, you may set your mind
+at rest on that score, for ours is the soberest and best-behaved horse
+in the world, and was never guilty of a roguish trick in his life, but
+once, and then my master and I paid for it sevenfold." The traveller
+upon this checked his mare, his curiosity being excited by the
+appearance of Don Quixote, who rode without his helmet, which Sancho
+carried at the pommel of his ass's pannel; but if he stared at Don
+Quixote, he was himself surveyed with no less attention by the knight,
+who conceived him to be some person of consequence. His age seemed to
+be about fifty, though he had but few grey hairs; his face was of the
+aquiline form, of a countenance neither too gay nor too grave, and by
+his whole exterior it was evident that he was no ordinary person. It
+was not less manifest that the traveller, as he contemplated Don
+Quixote, thought he had never seen any thing like him before. With
+wonder he gazed upon his tall person, his meagre sallow visage, his
+lank horse, his armour and stately deportment--altogether presenting a
+figure like which nothing, for many centuries past, had been seen in
+that country.
+
+Don Quixote perceived that he had attracted the attention of the
+traveller, and being the pink of courtesy, and always desirous of
+pleasing, he anticipated his questions by saying, "You are probably
+surprised, sigñor, at my appearance, which is certainly uncommon in
+the present age; but this will be explained when I tell you that I am
+a knight in search of adventures. I left my country, mortgaged my
+estate, quitted ease and pleasures, and threw myself into the arms of
+fortune. I wished to revive chivalry, so long deceased; and, for some
+time past, exposed to many vicissitudes, stumbling in one place, and
+rising again in another, I have prosecuted my design; succouring
+widows, protecting damsels, aiding wives and orphans--all the natural
+and proper duties of knights-errant. And thus, by many valorous and
+Christian exploits, I have acquired the deserved honour of being in
+print, throughout all, or most of, the nations in the world. Thirty
+thousand copies are already published of my history, and, Heaven
+permitting, thirty thousand thousands more are likely to be printed.
+Finally, to sum up all in a single word, know that I am Don Quixote de
+la Mancha, otherwise called the Knight of the Sorrowful Figure. Though
+self-praise depreciates, I am compelled sometimes to pronounce my own
+commendations; but it is only when no friend is present to perform
+that office for me. And now, my worthy sir, that you know my
+profession, and who I am, you will cease to wonder at my appearance."
+
+After an interval of silence, the traveller in green said, in reply,
+"You are indeed right, sigñor, in conceiving me to be struck by your
+appearance; but you have rather increased than lessened my wonder by
+the accounts you give of yourself. How! Is it possible that there are
+knights-errant now in the world, and that there are histories printed
+of real chivalries? I had no idea that there was any body now upon
+earth who relieved widows, succoured damsels, aided wives, or
+protected orphans; nor should yet have believed it, had I not been
+convinced with my own eyes. Thank Heaven, the history you mention must
+surely cast into oblivion all the fables of imaginary knights-errant,
+which abound, much to the detriment of good morals, and the prejudice
+and neglect of genuine history." "There is much to be said," answered
+Don Quixote, "upon the question of the truth or fiction of the
+histories of knights-errant." "Why, is there any one," answered he in
+green, "who doubts the falsehood of those histories?" "I doubt it,"
+replied Don Quixote: "but no more of that at present; for if we travel
+together much farther, I hope to convince you, sir, that you have been
+wrong in suffering yourself to be carried in the stream with those who
+cavil at their truth." The traveller now first began to suspect the
+state of his companion's intellects, and watched for a further
+confirmation of his suspicion; but before they entered into any other
+discourse, Don Quixote said that, since he had so freely described
+himself, he hoped he might be permitted to ask who he was. To which
+the traveller answered, "I, sir knight, am a gentleman, and native of
+a village, where, if it please God, we shall dine to-day. My fortune
+is affluent, and my name is Don Diego de Miranda. I spend my time with
+my wife, my children, and my friends: my diversions are hunting and
+fishing; but I keep neither hawks nor greyhounds, only some decoy
+partridges and a stout ferret. I have about six dozen of books,
+Spanish and Latin, some of history, and some of devotion; those of
+chivalry have not come over my threshold. Sometimes I eat with my
+neighbours and friends, and frequently I invite them; my table is neat
+and clean, and not parsimoniously furnished. I slander no one, nor do
+I listen to slander from others. I pry not into other men's lives, nor
+scrutinise their actions. I hear mass every day; I share my substance
+with the poor, making no parade of my good works, lest hypocrisy and
+vain-glory, those insidious enemies of the human breast, should find
+access to mine. It is always my endeavour to make peace between those
+who are at variance. I am devoted to our blessed Lady, and ever trust
+in the infinite mercy of God our Lord."
+
+Sancho was very attentive to the account of the gentleman's life,
+which appeared to him to be good and holy; and thinking that one of
+such a character must needs work miracles, he flung himself off his
+Dapple, and running up to him, he laid hold of his right stirrup;
+then, devoutly and almost with tears, he kissed his feet more than
+once. "What mean you by this, brother?" said the gentleman; "why these
+embraces?" "Your worship," said Sancho, "is the first saint on
+horseback I ever saw in all my life." "I am no saint," answered the
+gentleman, "but a great sinner; you, my friend, must indeed be good,
+as your simplicity proves." Sancho retired, and mounted his ass again;
+having forced a smile from the profound gravity of his master, and
+caused fresh astonishment in Don Diego.
+
+Don Quixote then asked him how many children he had; at the same time
+observing that the ancient philosophers, being without the knowledge
+of the true God, held supreme happiness to subsist in the gifts of
+nature and fortune, in having many friends and many good children. "I
+have one son," answered the gentleman; "and if I had him not, perhaps
+I should think myself happier; not that he is bad, but because he is
+not all that I would have him. He is eighteen years old; six of which
+he has spent at Salamanca, learning the Latin and Greek languages; and
+when I wished him to proceed to other studies, I found him infatuated
+with poetry, and could not prevail upon him to look into the law,
+which it was my desire he should study; nor into theology, the queen
+of all sciences. I was desirous that he should be an honour to his
+family, since we live in an age in which useful and virtuous
+literature is rewarded by the sovereign,--I say virtuous, for letters
+without virtue are pearls on a dunghill. He passes whole days in
+examining whether Homer expressed himself well in such a verse of the
+Iliad; whether such a line in Virgil should be understood this or that
+way;--in a word, all his conversation is with those and other ancient
+poets: for the modern Spanish authors he holds in no esteem. At the
+same time, in spite of the contempt he seems to have for Spanish
+poetry, his thoughts are at this very time entirely engrossed by a
+paraphrase on four verses sent him from Salamanca, and which, I
+believe, is intended for a scholastic prize."
+
+"Children, my good sir," replied Don Quixote, "are the flesh and blood
+of their parents; and whether good or bad, must be loved and cherished
+as part of themselves. It is the duty of parents to train them up,
+from their infancy, in the paths of virtue and good manners, and in
+Christian discipline; so that they may become the staff of their age,
+and an honour to their posterity. As to forcing them to this or that
+pursuit, I do not hold it to be right, though I think there is a
+propriety in advising them; and when the student is so fortunate as to
+have an inheritance, and therefore not compelled to study for his
+subsistence, I should be for indulging him in the pursuit of that
+science to which his genius is most inclined; and although that of
+poetry be less useful than delightful, it does not usually reflect
+disgrace on its votaries. With regard to your son's contempt for
+Spanish poetry, I think he is therein to blame. The great Homer, being
+a Greek, did not write in Latin; nor did Virgil, who was a Roman,
+write in Greek. In fact, all the ancient poets wrote in the language
+of their native country, and did not hunt after foreign tongues to
+express their own sublime conceptions. If your son write personal
+satires, chide him, and tear his performances; but if he writes like
+Horace, reprehending vice in general, commend him; for it is laudable
+in a poet to employ his pen in a virtuous cause. Let him direct the
+shafts of satire against vice, in all its various forms, but not level
+them at individuals; like some who, rather than not indulge their
+mischievous wit, will hazard a disgraceful banishment to the isles of
+Pontus. If the poet be correct in his morals, his verse will partake
+of the same purity: the pen is the tongue of the mind, and what his
+conceptions are, such will be his productions."
+
+The gentleman hearing Don Quixote express himself in this manner, was
+struck with so much admiration, that he began to lose the bad opinion
+he had conceived of his understanding. As for Sancho, who did not much
+relish this fine talk, he took an opportunity to slink aside in the
+middle of it, and went to get a little milk of some shepherds that
+were hard by keeping their sheep. Now when the gentleman was going to
+renew his discourse, mightily pleased with these judicious
+observations, Don Quixote, lifting up his eyes, perceived a waggon on
+the road, set round with little flags that appeared to be the king's
+colours; and believing it to be some new adventure, he called out to
+Sancho to bring him his helmet. Sancho, hearing him call aloud, left
+the shepherds, and clapping his heels vigorously to Dapple's sides,
+soon came trotting up to his master.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLIX.
+
+_Where you will find set forth the highest proof that Don Quixote ever
+gave, or could give, of his courage; with the successful issue of the
+adventure of the Lions._
+
+
+They were now overtaken by the waggon, which was attended only by the
+driver, mounted on one of the mules, and another man that sat on the
+fore part of it. Don Quixote making up to them, "Whither go ye,
+friends?" said he. "What waggon is this? What do you convey in it? And
+what is the meaning of these colours?" "The waggon is mine," answered
+the waggoner: "I have there two brave lions, which the general of Oran
+is sending to the king, and these colours are to let the people
+understand that what goes here belongs to him." "Are the lions large?"
+"Very large," answered the man in the fore part of the waggon; "bigger
+never came from Africa. I am their keeper, and have had charge of
+several others, but I never saw the like of these before. In the
+foremost cage is a lion, and in the other a lioness. By this time they
+are cruelly hungry, for they have not eaten to-day; therefore, pray,
+good sir, ride out of the way, for we must make haste to get to the
+place where we are to feed them." "What!" said Don Quixote, with a
+scornful smile; "lion-whelps against me! And at this time of day?
+Well, I will make those gentlemen that sent their lions this way, know
+whether I am a man to be scared with lions. Get off, honest fellow;
+and since you are the keeper, open their cages and let them both out;
+for, in despite of those enchanters that have sent them to try me, I
+will make the creatures know, in the midst of this very field, who Don
+Quixote de la Mancha is."
+
+While he was making this speech, Sancho came up to Don Diego, and
+begged him to dissuade his master from his rash attempt. "Oh, good
+dear sir!" cried he, "for pity's sake, hinder my master from falling
+upon these lions by all means, or we shall be torn in pieces." "Why,"
+said the gentleman, "is your master so arrant a madman, then, that you
+should fear he would set upon such furious beasts?" "Ah, sir!" said
+Sancho, "he is not mad, but terribly venturesome." "Well," replied the
+gentleman, "I will take care there shall be no harm done;" and with
+that, coming up to the Don, who was urging the lion-keeper to open the
+cage, "Sir," said he, "knights-errant ought to engage in adventures
+from which there may be some hope of coming off with safety, but not
+in such as are altogether desperate; for courage which borders on
+temerity is more like madness than true fortitude. Besides, these
+lions are not come against you, but sent as a present to the king; and
+therefore it is not your duty to detain them, or stop the waggon."
+"Pray, sweet sir," replied Don Quixote, "go and amuse yourself with
+your tame partridges and your ferrets, and leave every one to his own
+business. This is mine, and I know best whether these worthy lions are
+sent against me or no." Then turning about to the keeper, "Sirrah!"
+said he, "open your cages immediately, or I will certainly pin thee to
+the waggon with this lance." "Good sir," cried the waggoner, seeing
+this strange apparition in armour so resolute, "for mercy's sake, do
+but let me take out our mules first, and get out of harm's way with
+them as fast as I can, before the lions get out; for if they should
+once set upon the poor beasts, I should be undone for ever; for, alas,
+that cart and they are all I have in the world to get a living with."
+"Thou man of small faith," said Don Quixote, "take them out quickly
+then, and go with them where thou wilt; though thou shalt presently
+see that thy precaution was needless, and thou mightest have spared
+thy pains."
+
+The waggoner on this made all the haste he could to take out his
+mules, while the keeper cried out, "Bear witness, all ye that are here
+present, that it is against my will that I open the cages and let
+loose the lions; and that I protest to this gentleman here, that he
+shall be answerable for all the mischief they may do; together with
+the loss of my salary and fees. And now, sirs, shift for yourselves as
+fast as you can, before I open the cages; for, as for myself, I know
+the lions will do me no harm." Once more the gentleman tried to
+dissuade Don Quixote from doing so mad a thing; telling him, that he
+tempted Heaven in exposing himself without reason to so great a
+danger. To this Don Quixote made no other answer but that he knew what
+he had to do. "Consider, however, what you do," replied the gentleman;
+"for it is most certain that you are mistaken." "Well, sir," said Don
+Quixote, "if you care not to be spectator of an action which you think
+is likely to be a tragedy, put spurs to your mare and provide for your
+safety." Sancho, hearing this, came up to his master with tears in his
+eyes, and begged him not to go about this fearful undertaking, to
+which the adventure of the windmills and the fulling-mills, and all
+the brunts he had ever borne in his life, were but children's play.
+"Good your worship," cried he, "do but mind; here is no enchantment in
+the case, nor anything like it. Alack-a-day, sir, I peeped even now
+through the grates of the cage, and I am sure I saw the claw of a true
+lion, and such a claw as makes me think the lion that owns it must be
+as big as a mountain." "Alas, poor fellow!" said Don Quixote, "thy
+fear will make him as big as half the world. Retire, Sancho, and leave
+me, and if I chance to fall here, thou knowest our old agreement;
+repair to Dulcinea--I say no more." To this he added some expressions
+which cut off all hopes of his giving over his mad design.
+
+The gentleman in green would have opposed him; but considering the
+other much better armed, and that it was not prudence to encounter a
+madman, he even took the opportunity, while Don Quixote was storming
+at the keeper, to march off with his mare, as Sancho did with Dapple,
+and the carter with his mules, every one making the best of his way to
+get as far as he could from the waggon, before the lions were let
+loose. Poor Sancho at the same time made sad lamentations for his
+master's death; for he gave him up for lost, not doubting but that the
+lions had already got him into their clutches. He cursed his ill
+fortune, and the hour he came again to his service; but for all his
+wailing and lamenting, he urged on poor Dapple, to get as far as he
+could from the lions. The keeper, perceiving the persons who fled to
+be at a good distance, fell to arguing and entreating Don Quixote as
+he had done before. But the knight told him again that all his reasons
+and entreaties were but in vain, and bid him say no more, but
+immediately despatch.
+
+Now while the keeper took time to open the foremost cage, Don Quixote
+stood debating with himself whether he had best make his attack on
+foot or on horseback; and upon mature deliberation he resolved to do
+it on foot, lest Rozinante, not used to lions, should be put into
+disorder. Accordingly, he quitted his horse, threw aside his lance,
+grasped his shield, and drew his sword; then advancing with a
+deliberate motion, and an undaunted heart, he posted himself just
+before the door of the cage, commending himself to Heaven, and
+afterwards to his lady.
+
+The keeper observing that it was not possible for him to prevent
+letting out the lions without incurring the resentment of the
+desperate knight, set the door of the foremost cage wide open, where,
+as I have said, the lion lay, who appeared of a monstrous size and of
+a frightful aspect. The first thing he did was to turn himself round
+in his cage; in the next place he stretched out one of his paws, put
+forth his claws, and roused himself. After that he gaped and yawned
+for a good while, and shewed his dreadful fangs, and then thrust out
+half a yard of tongue, and with it licked the dust from his face.
+Having done this, he thrust his head quite out of the cage, and stared
+about with his eyes that looked like two live coals of fire: a sight
+and motion enough to have struck terror into temerity itself. But Don
+Quixote only regarded it with attention, wishing his grim adversary
+would leap out of his hold, and come within his reach, that he might
+exercise his valour, and cut the monster piecemeal. To this height of
+extravagance had his folly transported him; but the generous lion,
+more gentle than arrogant, taking no notice of his vapouring and
+bravados, after he had looked about him a while, turned his back upon
+the knight, and very contentedly lay down again in his apartment.
+
+Don Quixote, seeing this, commanded the keeper to rouse him with his
+pole, and force him out whether he would or no. "Not I, indeed, sir,"
+answered the keeper; "I dare not do it for my life; for if I provoke
+him, I am sure to be the first he will tear to pieces. Let me advise
+you, sir, to be satisfied with your day's work. 'Tis as much as the
+bravest that wears a head can pretend to do. Then pray go no farther,
+I beseech you; the door stands open, the lion is at his choice whether
+he will come out or no. You have waited for him; you see he does not
+care to look you in the face; and since he did not come out at the
+first, I dare engage he will not stir out this day. You have shewn
+enough the greatness of your courage; the scandal is his, the honour
+the challenger's."
+
+"'Tis true," replied Don Quixote. "Come, shut the cage-door, honest
+friend, and give me a certificate under thy hand, in the amplest form
+thou canst devise, of what thou hast seen me perform; while I make
+signs to those that ran away from us, and get them to come back, that
+they may have an account of this exploit from thy own mouth." The
+keeper obeyed; and Don Quixote, clapping a handkerchief on the point
+of his lance, waved it in the air, and called as loud as he was able
+to the fugitives, who fled nevertheless, looking behind them all the
+way, and trooped on in a body with the gentleman in green at the head
+of them.
+
+At last Sancho observed the signal, and called out, "Hold!" my master
+calls; "I will be hanged, if he has not got the better of the lions!"
+At this they all faced about, and perceived Don Quixote flourishing
+his ensign; whereupon recovering a little from their fright, they
+leisurely rode back till they could plainly distinguish his voice. As
+soon as they were got near the waggon, "Come on, friend," said he to
+the carter; "put-to thy mules again, and pursue thy journey; and,
+Sancho, do thou give him two ducats for the lion-keeper and himself,
+to make them amends for the time I have detained them." "Ay, that I
+will with all my heart," quoth Sancho; "but what is become of the
+lions? Are they dead or alive?" Then the keeper very formally related
+the whole action, not failing to exaggerate, to the best of his skill,
+Don Quixote's courage; how, at his sight alone, the lion was so
+terrified, that he neither would nor durst quit his stronghold, though
+for that end his cage-door was kept open for a considerable time; and
+how at length, upon his remonstrating to the knight, who would have
+had the lion forced out, that it was presuming too much upon Heaven,
+he had permitted, though with great reluctancy, that the lion should
+be shut up again. "Well, Sancho," said Don Quixote to his squire,
+"what dost thou think of this? Can enchantment prevail over true
+fortitude? No; these magicians may rob me of success, but never of my
+invincible greatness of mind."
+
+Sancho gave the waggoner and the keeper the two pieces. The first
+harnessed his mules, and the last thanked Don Quixote for his bounty,
+and promised to acquaint the king himself with his heroic action when
+he went to court. "Well," said Don Quixote, "if his majesty should
+chance to inquire who the person was that did this thing, tell him it
+was the Knight of the Lions; a name I intend henceforth to take up, in
+place of that which I have hitherto borne; in which proceeding I do
+but conform to the ancient custom of knights-errant, who changed their
+names as often as they pleased, or as it suited with their advantage."
+
+Don Quixote now addressed Don Diego. "Without doubt, sir," said he,
+"you take me for a downright madman, and, indeed, my actions may seem
+to speak me no less. But for all that, give me leave to tell you, I am
+not so mad, nor is my understanding so defective, as you may fancy.
+Let me remind you that every knight has his particular employment. Let
+the courtier wait on the ladies; let him with splendid equipage adorn
+his prince's court, and with a magnificent table support poor
+gentlemen. Let him give birth to feasts and tournaments, and shew his
+grandeur, and liberality, and munificence, and especially his piety:
+in all these things he fulfils the duties of his station. But as for
+the knight-errant, let him search into all the corners of the world,
+enter into the most intricate labyrinths, and every hour be ready to
+attempt impossibility itself; let him in desolate wilds baffle the
+rigour of the weather, the scorching heat of the sun's fiercest beams,
+and the inclemency of winds and snow; let lions never fright him,
+dragons daunt him, nor evil spirits deter him:--to go in quest of
+these,--to meet, to dare, to conflict, and to overcome them all,--is
+his principal and proper office. Well I know, that valour is a virtue
+situate between the two vicious extremes of cowardice and temerity.
+But certainly it is not so ill for a valiant man to rise to a degree
+of rashness as it is to fall short, and border upon cowardice. For as
+it is easier for a prodigal to become liberal than a miser, so it is
+easier for the hardy and rash person to be reduced to true bravery,
+than the coward ever to rise to that virtue. And therefore, in thus
+attempting adventures, believe me, Sigñor Don Diego, it is better to
+exceed the bounds a little, and overdo, rather than underdo the thing;
+because it sounds better in people's ears to hear it said, how that
+such a knight is rash and hardy, than such a knight is dastardly and
+timorous."
+
+"All you have said and done," answered Don Diego, "is agreeable to the
+exactest rules of reason; and I believe if the laws and ordinances of
+knight-errantry were lost, they might be all recovered from you, your
+breast seeming to be the safe repository and archive where they are
+lodged. But it grows late; let us make a little more haste to get to
+our village and to my habitation, where you may rest yourself after
+the fatigues which doubtless you have sustained, if not in body, at
+least in mind, whose pains often afflict the body too." "Sir,"
+answered Don Quixote, "I esteem your offer as a singular favour." And
+so, proceeding a little faster than they had done before, about two in
+the afternoon they reached the village, and got to the house of Don
+Diego, whom now Don Quixote called the Knight of the Green Coat.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER L.
+
+_How Don Quixote was entertained at the castle or house of the Knight
+of the Green Coat, with other extraordinary matters._
+
+
+Don Quixote found that Don Diego de Miranda's house was spacious,
+after the country manner; the arms of the family were over the gate in
+rough stone,--the buttery in the foreyard, the cellar under the porch,
+and all around several great jars of the sort commonly made at Toboso;
+the sight of which bringing to his remembrance his enchanted and
+transformed Dulcinea, he heaved a deep sigh; and neither minding what
+he said nor who was by, broke out into the following exclamation:
+
+"O ye Tobosian urns, that awaken in my mind the thoughts of the sweet
+pledge of my most bitter sorrows!" Don Diego's son, who, as it has
+been said, was a student, and poetically inclined, heard these words
+as he came with his mother to welcome him home, and, as well as she,
+was not a little surprised to see what a strange being his father had
+brought with him. Don Quixote alighted from Rozinante, and very
+courteously desiring to kiss her ladyship's hands, "Madam," said Don
+Diego, "this gentleman is the noble Don Quixote de la Mancha, the
+wisest and most valiant knight-errant in the world; pray let him find
+a welcome suitable to his merit and your usual civility." Thereupon
+Donna Christina (for that was the lady's name) received him very
+kindly, and with great marks of respect; to which Don Quixote made a
+proper and handsome return; and then almost the same compliments
+passed between him and the young gentleman, whom Don Quixote judged by
+his words to be a man of wit and sense.
+
+While the knight was unarming, Don Lorenzo had leisure to talk with
+his father about him. "Pray, sir," said he, "who is this gentleman you
+have brought with you? Considering his name, his aspect, and the title
+of knight-errant which you give him, neither my mother nor I know what
+to think of him." "Truly," answered Don Diego, "I do not know what to
+say to you; all that I can inform you of is, that I have seen him play
+the maddest pranks in the world, and yet say a thousand sensible
+things that contradict his actions. But discourse with him yourself,
+and feel the pulse of his understanding; make use of your sense to
+judge of his; though, to tell you the truth, I believe his folly
+exceeds his discretion."
+
+Don Lorenzo then went to entertain Don Quixote; and after some
+discourse had passed between them, "Sir," said the knight, "I am not
+wholly a stranger to your merit; Don Diego de Miranda, your father,
+has given me to understand you are a person of excellent parts, and
+especially a great poet." "Sir," answered the young gentleman, "I may,
+perhaps, pretend to poetry, but never to be a great poet. It is true,
+I am somewhat given to rhyming, and love to read good authors; but I
+am very far from deserving to be thought one of their number." "I do
+not mislike your modesty," replied Don Quixote; "it is a virtue not
+often found among poets; for almost every one of them thinks himself
+the greatest in the world." "There is no rule without an exception,"
+said Don Lorenzo; "and it is not impossible but there may be one who
+may deserve the name, though he does not think so himself." "That is
+very unlikely," replied Don Quixote. "But pray, sir, tell me what
+verses are those that your father says you are so puzzled about? If it
+should be what we call a gloss or a paraphrase, I understand something
+of that way of writing, and should be glad to see it. If the
+composition be designed for a poetical prize, I would advise you only
+to put in for the second; for the first always goes by favour, and is
+rather granted to the great quality of the author than to his merit;
+but as to the next, it is adjudged to the most deserving; so that the
+third may in a manner be esteemed the second, and the first no more
+than the third, according to the methods used in our universities of
+giving degrees. And yet, after all, it is no small matter to gain the
+honour of being called the first."
+
+Hitherto all is well, thought Don Lorenzo to himself,--I cannot think
+thee mad yet; let us go on. With that, addressing himself to Don Quixote,
+"Sir," said he, "you seem to me to have frequented the schools; pray what
+science has been your particular study?" "That of knight-errantry,"
+answered Don Quixote; "which is as good as that of poetry, and somewhat
+better too." "I do not know what sort of a science that is," said Don
+Lorenzo; "nor indeed did I ever hear of it before." "It is a science,"
+answered Don Quixote, "that includes in itself all the other sciences in
+the world, or at least the greatest part of them. Whoever professes it
+ought to be learned in the laws, and understand distributive and
+commutative justice, in order to right all mankind. He ought to be a
+divine, to give a reason of his faith, and vindicate his religion by dint
+of argument. He ought to be skilled in physic, especially in the botanic
+part of it, that he may know the nature of simples, and have recourse to
+those herbs that can cure wounds; for a knight-errant must not expect to
+find surgeons in the woods and deserts. He must be an astronomer, to
+understand the motions of the celestial orbs, and find out by the stars
+the hour of the night, and the longitude and latitude of the climate on
+which fortune throws him; and he ought to be well instructed in all the
+other parts of the mathematics--that science being of constant use to a
+professor of arms, on many accounts too numerous to be related. I need
+not tell you that all the divine and moral virtues must centre in his
+mind. To descend to less material qualifications, he must be able to swim
+like a fish, know how to shoe a horse, mend a saddle or bridle; and,
+returning to higher matters, he ought to be inviolably devoted to Heaven
+and his lady, chaste in his thoughts, modest in words, and liberal and
+valiant in deeds; patient in afflictions, charitable to the poor; and
+finally, a maintainer of truth, though it cost him his life to defend it.
+These are the endowments to constitute a good knight-errant; and now,
+sir, be you a judge, whether the professors of chivalry have an easy task
+to perform, and whether such a science may not stand in competition with
+the most celebrated and best of those that are taught in colleges?" "If
+it be so," answered Don Lorenzo, "I say it deserves the pre-eminence over
+all other sciences." "What do you mean, sir, by that, If it be so?" cried
+Don Quixote. "I mean, sir," cried Don Lorenzo, "that I doubt whether
+there are now, or ever were, any knights-errant, especially with so many
+rare accomplishments." "This makes good what I have often said," answered
+Don Quixote; "most people will not be persuaded there ever were any
+knights-errant in the world. Now, sir, because I verily believe that
+unless Heaven will work some miracle to convince them that there have
+been and still are knights-errant, those incredulous persons are too much
+wedded to their opinion to admit such a belief, I will not now lose time
+to endeavour to let you see how much you and they are mistaken; all I
+design to do is, only to beseech Heaven to convince you of your being in
+an error, that you may see how useful knights-errant were in former ages,
+and the vast advantages that would result in ours from the assistance of
+men of that profession. But now effeminacy, sloth, luxury, and ignoble
+pleasure triumph, for the punishment of our sins." Now, said Lorenzo to
+himself, our gentleman has already betrayed his blind side; but yet he
+gives a colour of reason to his extravagance, and I were a fool to think
+otherwise.
+
+Here they were called to dinner, which ended the discourse; and at
+that time Don Diego, taking his son aside, asked him what he thought
+of the stranger. "I think, sir," said Don Lorenzo, "that it is not in
+the power of all the physicians in the world to cure his distemper. He
+is mad past recovery; but yet he has lucid intervals." In short, they
+dined; and their entertainment proved such as the old gentleman had
+told the knight he used to give his guests--neat, plentiful, and well
+ordered. But that which Don Quixote most admired was, the
+extraordinary silence he observed through the whole house, as if it
+had been a monastery of Carthusians.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LI.
+
+_The adventure of the Shepherd-Lover, and other truly comical
+passages._
+
+
+Don Quixote stayed four days at Don Diego's house, and during all that
+time met with a very generous entertainment. However, he then desired
+his leave to go, and returned him a thousand thanks for his kind
+reception; letting him know that the duty of his profession did not
+admit of his staying any longer out of action; and therefore he
+designed to go in quest of adventures, which he knew were plentifully
+to be found in that part of Spain; and that he would employ his time
+in that till the tilts and tournaments began at Saragosa, to which
+place it was now his chief intent to go. However, he would first go to
+Montesinos' cave, about which so many wonderful stories were told in
+those parts; and there he would endeavour to explore and discover the
+source and original springs of the seven lakes, commonly called the
+lakes of Ruydera. Don Diego and his son highly commended his noble
+resolution, and desired him to command whatever their house afforded,
+assuring him he was sincerely welcome to do it; the respect they had
+for his honourable profession, and his particular merit, obliging them
+to do him all manner of service.
+
+In short, the day of his departure came, a day of joy and gladness to
+Don Quixote, but of grief and sadness to poor Sancho, who had no mind
+to change his quarters, and liked the good cheer and plenty at Don
+Diego's house, much better than his short hungry commons in forests
+and deserts, or the sorry pittance of his ill-stored wallets, which he
+however crammed and stuffed with what he thought could best make the
+change of his condition tolerable. And now Don Quixote taking his
+leave of Don Lorenzo, "Sir," said he, "I don't know whether I have
+already said it to you, but if I have, give me leave to repeat it once
+more, that if you are ambitious of climbing up to the difficult, and
+in a manner inaccessible, summit of the temple of Fame, your surest
+way is to leave on one hand the narrow path of poetry, and follow the
+narrower track of knight-errantry, which in a trice may raise you to
+an imperial throne." With these words, Don Quixote seemed to have
+summed up the whole evidence of his madness. However, he could not
+conclude without adding something more. "Heaven knows," said he, "how
+willingly I would take Don Lorenzo with me, to instruct him in those
+virtues that are annexed to the employment I profess, to spare the
+humble, and crush the proud and haughty. But since his tender years do
+not qualify him for the hardships of that life, and his laudable
+exercises detain him, I must rest contented with letting you know,
+that one way to acquire fame in poetry, is to be governed by other
+men's judgment more than your own: for it is natural to fathers and
+mothers not to think their own children ugly; and this error is
+nowhere so common as in the offspring of the mind."
+
+Don Diego and his son were again surprised to hear this medley of good
+sense and extravagance, and to find the poor gentleman so strongly
+bent on the quest of these unlucky adventures, the only aim and object
+of his desires.
+
+After this, and many compliments and mutual reiterations of offers of
+service, Don Quixote having taken leave of the lady of the castle, he
+on Rozinante, and Sancho on Dapple, set out and pursued their journey.
+They had not travelled far when they were overtaken by two men that
+looked like students or ecclesiastics, with two farmers, all mounted
+upon asses. One of the scholars had behind him a small bundle of
+linen, and two pairs of stockings, trussed up in green buckram like a
+portmanteau; the other had no other luggage but a couple of foils and
+a pair of fencing pumps. And the husbandmen had a parcel of other
+things, which shewed, that having made their market at some adjacent
+town, they were now returning home with their ware. They all wondered
+(as indeed all others did that ever beheld him) what kind of fellow
+Don Quixote was, seeing him make a figure so different from anything
+they had ever seen. The knight saluted them, and perceiving their road
+lay the same way, offered them his company, entreating them, however,
+to move at an easier pace, because their asses went faster than his
+horse; and to engage them the more, he gave them a hint of his
+circumstances and profession; that he was a knight-errant travelling
+round the world in quest of adventures; that his proper name was Don
+Quixote de la Mancha, but his titular denomination, the Knight of the
+Lions.
+
+All this was Greek, or pedlar's French, to the countrymen; but the
+students presently found out his blind side. However, respectfully
+addressing him, "Sir Knight," said one of them, "if you are not fixed
+to any set stage, as persons of your function seldom are, let us beg
+the honour of your company; and you shall be entertained with one of
+the finest and most sumptuous weddings that ever was seen, either in
+La Mancha, or many leagues round it." "The nuptials of some young
+prince, I presume?" said Don Quixote. "No, sir," answered the other,
+"but of a yeoman's son, and a neighbour's daughter; he the richest in
+all this country, and she the handsomest you ever saw. The
+entertainment at the wedding will be new and extraordinary; it is to
+be kept in a meadow near the village where the bride lives. They call
+her Quiteria the Handsome, by reason of her beauty; and the bridegroom
+Camacho the Rich, on account of his wealth. They are well matched as
+to age, for she draws towards eighteen, and he is about
+two-and-twenty, though some nice folks, that have all the pedigrees in
+the world in their heads, will tell ye that the bride comes of a
+better family than he; but that is not minded now-a-days, for money,
+you know, will hide many faults. And, indeed, this same Camacho is as
+free as a prince, and designs to spare no cost upon his wedding. He
+has taken a fancy to get the meadow shaded with boughs, that are to
+cover it like an arbour, so that the sun will have much ado to peep
+through, and visit the green grass underneath. There are also provided
+for the diversion of the company, several sorts of antics and
+morrice-dancers, some with swords, and some with bells; for there are
+young fellows in his village that can manage them cleverly. I say
+nothing of those that play tricks with the soles of their shoes when
+they dance, leaving that to the judgments of their guests. But nothing
+that I have told or might tell you of this wedding, is like to make it
+so remarkable as the things which I imagine poor Basil's despair will
+do. This Basil is a young fellow that lives next door to Quiteria's
+father. Hence arose an attachment, like that of old between Pyramus
+and Thisbe; for Basil's love grew up with him from a child, and she
+encouraged his passion with all the kind return that modesty could
+grant; insomuch that the mutual affection of the two little ones was
+the common talk of the village. But Quiteria coming to years of
+maturity, her father began to deny Basil the usual access to his
+house; and to cut off his farther pretence, declared his resolution of
+marrying her to Camacho, who is indeed his superior in estate, though
+far short of him in all other qualifications; for Basil is the
+cleverest fellow we have: he will pitch ye a bar, wrestle, or play at
+tennis with the best in the country; he runs like a stag, leaps like a
+buck, plays at nine-pins so well, you would think he tips them down by
+witchcraft; sings like a lark; touches a guitar so rarely, he even
+makes it speak; and to complete his perfections, he handles a sword
+like a fencer."
+
+"For that very single qualification," said Don Quixote, "he deserves
+not only Quiteria the Handsome, but a princess; nay, Queen Guinever
+herself, were she now living, in spite of Sir Lancelot and all that
+would oppose it." "Well," quoth Sancho, who had been silent, and
+listening all the while, "my wife used to tell me, she would have
+every one marry with their match. All I say is, let honest Basil e'en
+marry her! for methinks I have a huge liking to the young man; and so
+Heaven bless them together, say I, and a murrain seize those that will
+spoil a good match between those that love one another!" "Nay," said
+Don Quixote, "if marriage should be always the consequence of mutual
+love, what would become of the prerogative of parents, and their
+authority over their children? If young girls might always choose
+their own husbands, we should have the best families intermarry with
+coachmen and grooms; and young heiresses would throw themselves away
+upon the first wild young fellows whose promising outsides and
+assurance make them set up for fortunes, though all their stock
+consists in impudence. For the understanding, which alone should
+distinguish and choose in these cases as in all others, is apt to be
+blinded or biassed by love and affection; and matrimony is so nice and
+critical a point, that it requires not only our own cautious
+management, but even the direction of a superior power to choose
+right. Whoever undertakes a long journey, if he be wise, makes it his
+business to find out an agreeable companion. How cautious then should
+he be, who is to take a journey for life, whose fellow-traveller must
+not part with him but at the grave; his companion at bed and board,
+and sharer of all the pleasures and fatigues of his journey; as the
+wife must be to the husband! She is no such sort of ware, that a man
+can be rid of when he pleases. When once that is purchased, no
+exchange, no sale, no alienation can be made: she is an inseparable
+accident to man: marriage is a noose, which, fastened about the neck,
+runs the closer, and fits more uneasy by our struggling to get loose:
+it is a Gordian knot which none can untie, and being twisted with our
+thread of life, nothing but the scythe of death can cut it. I could
+dwell longer on this subject, but that I long to know whether you can
+tell us anything more of Basil."
+
+"All I can tell you," said the student, "is, that he is in the case of
+all desperate lovers; since the moment he heard of this intended
+marriage, he has never been seen to smile; he is in a deep melancholy,
+talks to himself, and seems out of his senses; he hardly eats or
+sleeps, and lives like a savage in the open fields, his only
+sustenance a little fruit, and his only bed the hard ground; sometimes
+he lifts up his eyes to Heaven, then fixes them on the ground, and in
+either posture stands like a statue. In short, he is reduced to that
+condition that we who are his acquaintance verily believe, that
+Quiteria's fatal 'Yes' of this wedding to-morrow will be attended by
+his death."
+
+"Heaven forbid!" cried Sancho. "Who can tell what may happen? he that
+gives a broken head can give a plaster. This is one day, but to-morrow
+is another; and strange things may fall out in the roasting of an egg.
+After a storm comes a calm. Many a man that went to bed well, has
+found himself dead in the morning when he awaked. Who can put a spoke
+in fortune's wheel? nobody here, I am sure. Between a woman's yea and
+nay, I would not engage to put a pin's-point, so close they be one to
+another. If Mrs. Quiteria love Mr. Basil, she will give Camacho the
+bag to hold: for this same love, they say, looks through spectacles
+that makes copper like gold, a cart like a coach, and a shrimp like a
+lobster." "Whither, in the name of ill-luck, art thou running with thy
+proverbs now, Sancho?" said Don Quixote. "What dost thou know, poor
+animal, of fortune, or her wheel, or any thing else?" "Why truly,
+sir," quoth Sancho, "if you don't understand me, no wonder if my
+sentences be thought nonsense. But let that pass, I understand myself;
+and I am sure I have not talked so much like a ninny. But you,
+forsooth, are so sharp a cricket." "A critic, blockhead," said Don
+Quixote, "you mean." "What makes you so angry, sir?" quoth Sancho; "I
+was never brought up at school nor varsity, to know when I murder a
+hard word. I was never at court to learn to spell, sir. Some are born
+in one town, some in another; one at St. Jago, another at Toledo; and
+even there all are not so nicely spoke."
+
+"You are in the right, friend," said the student; "those natives of
+that city who live among the tanners, or about the market of
+Zocodover, and are confined to mean conversation, cannot speak so well
+as those that frequent the polite part of the town, and yet they are
+all of Toledo. But propriety, purity, and elegance of style may be
+found among men of breeding and judgment, let them be born where they
+will; for their judgment is in the grammar of good language, though
+practice and example will go a great way."
+
+It was now pretty dark; but before they got to the village, there
+appeared an entire blazing constellation. Their ears were entertained
+with the pleasing but confused sounds of several sorts of music,
+drums, fiddles, pipes, tabors, and bells; and as they approached
+nearer still, they found a large arbour at the entrance of the town
+stuck full of lights, which burnt undisturbed by the least breeze of
+wind. The musicians, which are the life and soul of diversion at a
+wedding, went up and down in bands about the meadow. Others were
+employed in raising scaffolds for the better view of the shows and
+entertainments prepared for the happy Camacho's wedding, and likewise
+to solemnise poor Basil's funeral. All the persuasions and endeavours
+of the students and countrymen could not move Don Quixote to enter the
+town; urging for his reason the custom of knights-errant, who chose to
+lodge in fields and forests under the canopy of Heaven, rather than in
+soft beds under a gilded roof; and therefore he left them, and went a
+little out of the road, full sore against Sancho's will, who had not
+yet forgot the good lodging and entertainment he had at Don Diego's
+house or castle.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LII.
+
+_An account of rich Camacho's wedding, and what befell poor Basil._
+
+
+Scarce had the fair Aurora given place to the refulgent ruler of the
+day, and given him time, with the heat of his prevailing rays, to dry
+the liquid pearls on his golden locks, when Don Quixote, shaking off
+sluggish sleep from his drowsy limbs, arose and called his squire:
+but finding him still snoring, "O thou most happy mortal upon earth,"
+said he, "how sweet is thy repose; envied by none, and envying no
+man's greatness, secure thou sleepest, thy soul composed and calm; no
+power of magic persecutes thee, nor are thy thoughts affrighted by
+enchantments! Sleep on, sleep on, a hundred times sleep on. Those
+jealous cares that break a lover's heart, do not extend to thee;
+neither the dread of craving creditors, nor the dismal foresight of
+inevitable want, or care of finding bread for a helpless family, keep
+thee waking. Ambition does not make thee uneasy, the pomp and vanity
+of this world do not perplex thy mind; for all thy care's extent
+reaches but to thy ass. Thy person and thy welfare thou hast committed
+to my charge, a burden imposed on masters by nature and custom, to
+weigh and counterpoise the offices of servants. Which is the greatest
+slave? The servant's business is performed by a few manual duties,
+which only reconcile him more to rest, and make him sleep more sound;
+while the anxious master has not leisure to close his eyes, but must
+labour day and night to make provision for the subsistence of his
+servant; not only in time of abundance, but even when the Heavens deny
+those kindly showers that must supply this want."
+
+To all this fine expostulation Sancho answered not a word; but slept
+on, and was not to be waked by his master's calling or otherwise, till
+he pricked him with the sharp end of his lance. At length opening his
+eyelids half way, and rubbing them, after he had gaped and yawned and
+stretched his drowsy limbs, he looked about him; and snuffing up his
+nose, "I am much mistaken," quoth he, "if from this same arbour there
+comes not a pure steam of a good rasher, that comforts my nostrils
+more than all the herbs and rushes hereabouts. And truly, a wedding
+that begins so savourily must be a dainty one." "Away, cormorant,"
+said Don Quixote; "rouse and let us go see it, and learn how it fares
+with the disdained Basil." "Fare!" quoth Sancho; "why, if he be poor,
+he must e'en be so still, and not think to marry Quiteria. It is a
+pretty fancy for a fellow who has not a cross, to run madding after
+what is meat for his betters. I will lay my neck that Camacho covers
+this same Basil from head to foot with white sixpences, and will spend
+more at a breakfast than the other is worth, and be never the worse.
+And do you think that Madame Quiteria will quit her fine rich gowns
+and petticoats, her necklaces of pearl, her jewels, her finery and
+bravery, and all that Camacho has given her, and may afford to give
+her, to marry a fellow with whom she must knit or spin for her living?
+What signifies his bar-pitching and fencing?" "Let me beseech you,
+good Sancho," interrupted Don Quixote, "to bring thy harangue to a
+conclusion. For my part, I believe, wert thou let alone when thy clack
+is once set a going, thou wouldst scarce allow thyself time to eat or
+sleep, but wouldst prate on to the end of the chapter." "Troth,
+master," replied Sancho, "your memory must be very short not to
+remember the articles of our agreement before I came this last journey
+with you. I was to speak what I would, and when I would, provided I
+said nothing against my neighbour, or your worship's authority; and I
+don't see that I have broken my indentures yet." "I remember no such
+article," said Don Quixote; "and though it were so, it is my pleasure
+you should now be silent; for the instruments we heard last night
+begin to cheer the valleys, and doubtless the marriage will be
+solemnised this morning ere the heat of the day prevent the
+diversion."
+
+Thereupon Sancho said no more, but saddled Rozinante, and clapped his
+pack-saddle on Dapple's back; then both mounting, away they rode fair
+and softly into the arbour. The first thing that blessed Sancho's
+sight there, was a whole steer spitted on a large elm before a mighty
+fire made of a pile of wood, that seemed a flaming mountain. Round
+this bonfire were placed six capacious pots, cast in no common mould,
+or rather six ample coppers, every one containing a whole shamble of
+meat, and entire sheep were sunk and lost in them, and soaked as
+conveniently as pigeons. The branches of the trees round were all
+garnished with an infinite number of cased hares, and plucked fowls of
+several sorts; and then for drink, Sancho told above threescore skins
+of wine, each of which contained above twenty-four quarts; and, as it
+afterwards proved, sprightly liquor. A goodly pile of white loaves
+made a large rampart on the one side, and a stately wall of cheeses
+set up like bricks made a comely bulwark on the other. Two pans of
+oil, each bigger than a dyer's vat, served to fry their pancakes,
+which they lifted out with two strong peels when they were fried
+enough; and then they dipped them in as large a bottle of honey
+prepared for that purpose. To dress the provisions there were above
+fifty cooks, men and women, all cleanly, diligent, and cheerful. In
+the ample belly of the steer, they had stewed up twelve little sucking
+pigs, to give it the more savoury taste. Spices of all sorts lay about
+in such plenty, that they appeared to be bought by wholesale. In
+short, the whole provision was indeed country like, but plentiful
+enough to feast an army.
+
+Sancho beheld all this with wonder and delight. The first temptation
+that captivated his senses was the goodly pots; by and by he falls
+desperately in love with the skins of wine; and lastly, his affections
+were fixed on the frying-pans, if such honourable kettles may accept
+of the name. The scent of the fried meat put him into such a commotion
+of spirit, that he could hold out no longer, but accosting one of the
+busy cooks with all the smooth and hungry reasons he was master of, he
+begged his leave to sop a luncheon of bread in one of the pans.
+"Friend," quoth the cook, "no hunger must be felt near us to-day
+(thanks to the founder). Alight man, and if thou canst find ever a
+ladle there, skim out a pullet or two, and much good may they do
+you." "Alack-a-day," quoth Sancho, "I see no ladle, sir." "What a
+silly helpless fellow thou art!" cried the cook. "Let me see." With
+that he took a kettle, and sousing it into one of the pots, he fished
+out three hens and a couple of geese at one heave. "Here, friend,"
+said he to Sancho, "take this, and make shift to stay your stomach
+with that scum till dinner be ready." "Heaven reward you," cried
+Sancho; "but where shall I put it?" "Here," answered the cook, "take
+ladle and all, and thank the founder once more I say; nobody will
+grudge it thee."
+
+[Illustration: DON QUIXOTE. P. 242.]
+
+While Sancho was thus employed, Don Quixote saw twelve young farmers'
+sons, all dressed very gay, enter upon stately mares, as richly and
+gaudily equipped as the country could afford, with little bells
+fastened to their furniture. These in a close body made several
+careers up and down the meadow, merrily shouting and crying out "Long
+live Camacho and Quiteria! he is rich and she is fair, and she the
+fairest in the world!" Poor ignorants (thought Don Quixote,
+overhearing them), you speak as you know; but had you ever seen my
+Dulcinea del Toboso, you would not be so lavish of your praises.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LIII.
+
+_The progress of Camacho's wedding; with other delightful accidents._
+
+
+Don Quixote and Sancho were now interrupted by a great noise of joy
+and acclamation raised by the horsemen, who, shouting and galloping,
+went to meet the young couple; who, surrounded by a thousand
+instruments and devices, were coming to the arbour, accompanied by the
+curate, their relations, and all the better sort of the neighbourhood,
+set out in their holiday-clothes. "Hey-day," quoth Sancho, as soon as
+he saw the bride, "what have we here? Truly this is no country lass,
+but a fine court-lady, all in her silks and satins! Look, look ye,
+master, see if, instead of glass necklaces, she have not on fillets of
+rich coral; and instead of green serge of Cuencha, a thirty-piled
+velvet. Bless us, see what rings she has on her fingers; no jet, no
+pewter baubles, but pure beaten gold, and set with pearls too; if
+every pearl be not as white as a syllabub, and each of them as
+precious as an eye! How she is bedizened, and glistens from top to
+toe! And now yonder again, what fine long locks the young slut has
+got; if they be not false, I never saw longer in my born days! Ah,
+what a fine stately person she is! What a number of trinkets and
+glaring gewgaws are dangling in her hair and about her neck! Well, I
+say no more, but happy is the man that has thee!"
+
+Don Quixote could not help smiling to hear Sancho set forth the
+bride after his rustic way, though at the same time he beheld her with
+admiration. The procession was just arrived when they heard a piercing
+outcry, and a voice calling out, "Stay, rash and hasty people, stay!"
+Upon which, all turning about, they saw a person coming after them in
+a black coat, bordered with crimson powdered with flames of fire. On
+his head he wore a garland of mournful cypress, and a large truncheon
+in his hand, headed with an iron spike. As soon as he drew near, they
+knew him to be the gallant Basil; and seeing him come thus unlooked
+for, and with such an outcry and behaviour, began to fear some
+mischief would ensue. He came up tired and panting before the bride
+and bridegroom; then leaning on his truncheon, he fixed his eyes on
+Quiteria; and with a fearful hollow voice, "Too well you know," cried
+he, "unkind Quiteria, that by the ties of truth, and the laws of that
+Heaven which we all revere, while I have life you cannot be married to
+another. You are now about to snap all the ties between us, and give
+my right to another; whose large possessions, though they can procure
+him all other blessings, I had never envied, could they not have
+purchased you. But no more. It is ordained; and I will therefore
+remove this unhappy obstacle out of your way. Live, rich Camacho; live
+happy with the ungrateful Quiteria many years; and let the poor, the
+miserable Basil die, whose poverty has clipped the wings of his
+felicity, and laid him in the grave!"
+
+Saying these words, he drew out of his supposed truncheon a short tuck
+that was concealed in it, and setting the hilt of it against the
+ground, he fell upon the point in such a manner that it came out all
+bloody at his back, the poor wretch weltering on the ground in blood.
+His friends, strangely confounded by this sad accident, ran to help
+him; and Don Quixote, forsaking Rozinante, made haste to his
+assistance, and taking him up in his arms, found there was still life
+in him. They would have drawn the sword out of his body, but the
+curate urged it was not convenient till he had made confession, and
+prepared himself for death, which would immediately attend the
+effusion of blood upon pulling the tuck out of the body.
+
+While they were debating this point, Basil seemed to come a little to
+himself; and calling on the bride, "Oh, Quiteria!" said he, with a
+faint and doleful voice, "now, now, in this last and departing minute
+of my life, even in this dreadful agony of death, would you but
+vouchsafe to give me your hand, and own yourself my wife, I should
+think myself rewarded for the torments I endure; and--pleased to think
+this desperate deed made me yours, though but for a moment--I would
+die contented."
+
+The curate, hearing this, very earnestly recommended to him the care
+of his soul's health, which at the present juncture was more proper
+than any other worldly concern; that his time was but short, and he
+ought to be very earnest with Heaven, in imploring mercy and
+forgiveness for all his sins, but especially for this last desperate
+action. To which Basil answered, that "he could think of no happiness
+till Quiteria yielded to be his; but if she would do it, that
+satisfaction would calm his spirits, and dispose him to confess
+himself heartily."
+
+Don Quixote, hearing this, cried out aloud, "that Basil's demand was
+just and reasonable, and Sigñor Camacho might as honourably receive
+her as the worthy Basil's widow, as if he had received her at her
+father's hands." Camacho stood all this while strangely confounded,
+till at last he was prevailed on, by the repeated importunities of
+Basil's friends, to consent that Quiteria should humour the dying man,
+knowing her own happiness would thereby be deferred but a few minutes
+longer. Then they all bent their entreaties to Quiteria, some with
+tears in their eyes, others with all the engaging arguments their pity
+could suggest. She stood a long time inexorable, and did not return
+any answer, till at last the curate came to her, and bid her resolve
+what she would do, for Basil could not now live many minutes. Then the
+poor virgin, trembling and dismayed, without speaking a word, came to
+Basil, who lay gasping for breath, with his eyes fixed in his head as
+if he were just expiring; she kneeled down before him, and with the
+most manifest signs of grief beckoned to him for his hand. Then Basil
+opening his eyes, and fixing them in a languishing posture on hers,
+"Oh, Quiteria," said he, "your heart at last relents when your pity
+comes too late. Thy arms are now extended to relieve me, when those of
+death draw me to their embraces; and they, alas, are much too strong
+for thine! All I desire of thee, O fatal beauty, is this, let not that
+fair hand deceive me now, as it has done before; but confess that what
+you do is free and voluntary, without constraint, or in compliance to
+any one's commands; declare me openly thy true and lawful husband:
+thou wilt not sure dissemble with one in death, and deal falsely with
+his departing soul, that all his life has been true to thee?"
+
+In the midst of all this discourse he fainted away, and all the
+by-standers thought him gone. The poor Quiteria, with blushing
+modesty, took him by the hand, and with great emotion, "No force,"
+said she, "could ever work upon my will; therefore believe it purely
+my own free will, that I here declare you my only lawful husband: here
+is my hand in pledge; and I expect yours as freely in return, if your
+pains and this sudden accident have not yet bereft you of all sense."
+"I give it to you," said Basil, with all the presence of mind
+imaginable, "and here I own myself thy husband." "And I thy wife,"
+said she, "whether thy life be long, or whether from my arms they bear
+thee this instant to the grave." "Methinks," quoth Sancho, "this young
+man talks too much for one in his condition; pray advise him to leave
+off his wooing, and mind his soul's health. I suspect his death is
+more in his tongue than between his teeth." Now when Basil and
+Quiteria had thus plighted their faith to each other, while yet their
+hands were joined together, the tender-hearted curate, with tears in
+his eyes, poured on them both the nuptial blessing, beseeching Heaven,
+at the same time, to have mercy on the new-married man's soul, and in
+a manner mixing the burial service with the matrimonial.
+
+As soon as the benediction was pronounced, up starts Basil briskly
+from the ground, and with an unexpected activity whips the sword out
+of his body, and caught his dear Quiteria in his arms. All the
+spectators stood amazed, and some of the simpler sort stuck not to cry
+out "A miracle, a miracle!" "No miracle," cried Basil, "no miracle,
+but a stratagem." The curate, more astonished than all the rest, came
+to feel the wound, and discovered that the sword had no where passed
+through the cunning Basil's body, but only through a tin pipe full of
+blood artfully fitted close to him; and, as it was afterwards known,
+so prepared that the blood could not congeal. In short the curate,
+Camacho, and the company, found they had all been egregiously imposed
+upon. As for the bride, she was so far from being displeased, that,
+hearing it urged that the marriage could not stand good in law because
+it was fraudulent and deceitful, she publicly declared that she again
+confirmed it to be just, and by the free consent of both parties.
+
+Camacho and his friends, judging by this that the trick was
+premeditated, and that she was privy to the plot, had recourse to a
+stronger argument; and, drawing their swords, set furiously on Basil,
+in whose defence almost as many were immediately unsheathed. Don
+Quixote immediately mounting with his lance couched, and covered with
+his shield, led the van of Basil's party, and falling in with the
+enemy, charged them briskly. Sancho, who never liked any dangerous
+work, resolved to stand neuter, and so retired under the walls of the
+mighty pot whence he had got the precious skimmings, thinking that
+would be respected whichever side gained the battle.
+
+Don Quixote, addressing himself to Camacho's party, "Hold, gentlemen,"
+cried he, "it is not just thus with arms to redress the injuries of
+love. Love and war are the same thing, and stratagems and policy are
+as allowable in the one as in the other. Quiteria was designed for
+Basil, and he for her, by the unalterable decrees of Heaven. Camacho's
+riches may purchase him a bride, and more content elsewhere; and those
+whom Heaven has joined let no man put asunder; for I here solemnly
+declare, that he who first attempts it must pass through me, and this
+lance through him." At which he shook his lance in the air with so
+much vigour and dexterity, that he cast a sudden terror into those
+that beheld him, who did not know the threatening champion.
+
+In short, Don Quixote's words, the curate's mediation, together with
+Quiteria's inconstancy, brought Camacho to a truce; and he then
+discreetly considered, that since Quiteria loved Basil before
+marriage, it was probable she would love him afterwards; and that,
+therefore, he had more reason to thank Heaven for so good a riddance
+than to repine at losing her. This thought, improved by some other
+considerations, brought both parties to a fair accommodation; and
+Camacho, to shew he did not resent the disappointment, blaming rather
+Quiteria's levity than Basil's policy, invited the whole company to
+stay and take share of what he had provided. But Basil, whose virtues,
+in spite of his poverty, had secured him many friends, drew away part
+of the company to attend him and his bride to her own town; and among
+the rest Don Quixote, whom they all honoured as a person of
+extraordinary worth and bravery. Poor Sancho followed his master with
+a heavy heart; he could not be reconciled to the thoughts of turning
+his back so soon upon the good cheer and jollity at Camacho's feast,
+and had a strange hankering after those pleasures which, though he
+left behind in reality, he yet carried along with him in mind.
+
+The new-married couple entertained Don Quixote very nobly; they
+esteemed his wisdom equal to his valour, and thought him both a Cid in
+arms and a Cicero in arts. Basil then informed them that Quiteria knew
+nothing of his stratagem; but being a pure device of his own, he had
+made some of his nearest friends acquainted with it, that they should
+stand by him if occasion were, and bring him off upon the discovery of
+the trick. "It deserves a handsomer name," said Don Quixote, "since
+conducive to so good and honourable an end as the marriage of a loving
+couple. By the way, sir, you must know that the greatest obstacle to
+love is want, and a narrow fortune; for the continual bands and
+cements of mutual affection are joy, content, and comfort. These,
+managed by skilful hands, can make variety in the pleasures of
+wedlock, preparing the same thing always with some additional
+circumstance, to render it new and delightful. But when pressing
+necessity and indigence deprive us of those pleasures that prevent
+satiety, the yoke of matrimony is often found very galling, and the
+burden intolerable."
+
+These words were chiefly directed by Don Quixote to Basil, to advise
+him by the way to give over those airy sports and exercises, which
+indeed might feed his youth with praise, but not his old age with
+bread; and to bethink himself of some grave and substantial employment
+that might afford him a competency, and something of a stock for his
+declining years. Then pursuing his discourse: "The honourable poor
+man," said he, "when he has a beautiful wife, is blessed with a jewel;
+he that deprives him of her robs him of his honour, and may be said to
+deprive him of his life. The woman that is beautiful, and keeps her
+honesty when her husband is poor, deserves to be crowned with laurel
+as the conquerors were of old. Beauty is a tempting bait, that
+attracts the eyes of all beholders; and the princely eagles, and the
+most high-flown birds, stoop to its pleasing lure. But when they find
+it in necessity, then kites and crows, and other ravenous birds, will
+all be grappling with the alluring prey. She that can withstand these
+dangerous attacks, well deserves to be the crown of her husband.
+However, sir, take this along with you, as the opinion of a wise man
+whose name I have forgot; he said, 'there was but one good woman in
+the world,' and his advice was, that every married man should think
+his own wife was she, as being the only way to live contented. For my
+own part, I need not make the application to myself, for I am not
+married, nor have I any thoughts that way; but if I had, it would not
+be a woman's fortune, but her character, should recommend her; for
+public reputation is the life of a lady's virtue, and the outward
+appearance of modesty is in one sense as good as the reality; since a
+private sin is not so prejudicial in this world as a public
+indecency."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LIV.
+
+_An account of the great adventure of Montesinos' cave._
+
+
+Don Quixote having tarried three days with the young couple, and been
+entertained like a prince, he entreated the student who fenced so well
+to help him to a guide that might conduct him to Montesinos' cave,
+resolving to go down into it, and prove by his own eyesight the
+wonders that were reported of it round the country. The student
+recommended a cousin-german of his for his conductor, who, he said,
+was an ingenious lad, a pretty scholar, and a great admirer of books
+of knight-errantry, and could shew him the famous lake of Ruydera too:
+adding, that he would be very good company for the knight, as being
+one that wrote books for the booksellers, in order to dedicate them to
+great men. Accordingly the learned cousin came, mounted on an ass, his
+pack-saddle covered with an old carpet or coarse packing-cloth.
+Thereupon Sancho having got ready Rozinante and Dapple, well stuffed
+his wallet, and the student's knapsack to boot, they all took their
+leave, steering the nearest course to Montesinos' cave.
+
+To pass the time on the road, Don Quixote asked the guide to what
+course of study he chiefly applied himself? "Sir," answered the
+scholar, "my business is in writing, and copy-money my chief study. I
+have published some things with the general approbation of the world,
+and much to my own advantage. Perhaps, sir, you may have heard of one
+of my books, called 'The Treatise of Liveries and Devices;' in which
+I have obliged the public with no less than seven hundred and three
+sorts of liveries and devices, with their colours, mottos, and
+ciphers; so that any courtier may furnish himself there upon any
+extraordinary appearance, with what may suit his fancy or
+circumstances, without racking his own invention to find what is
+agreeable to his inclination. I can furnish the jealous, the forsaken,
+the disdained, the absent, with what will fit them to a hair. Another
+piece, which I now have on the anvil, I design to call the
+'Metamorphoses, or the Spanish Ovid;' an invention very new and
+extraordinary. Another work, which I soon design for the press, I call
+a 'Supplement to Polydore Vergil, concerning the Invention of Things;'
+a piece, I will assure you, sir, that shews the great pains and
+learning of the compiler, and perhaps in a better style than the old
+author. For example, he has forgot to tell us who was the first that
+was troubled with a catarrh in the world. Now, sir, this I immediately
+resolve, and confirm my assertion by the testimony of at least
+four-and-twenty authentic writers; by which quotations alone, you may
+guess at what pains I have been to instruct and benefit the public."
+
+With more discourse of a like kind they passed their journey, till
+they came to the cave the next day, having slept the night before in a
+village on the road. There they bought a hundred fathoms of cord, to
+let Don Quixote down to the lowest part of the cave. No sooner was he
+come to the place, than he prepared for his expedition into that
+under-world, telling the scholar, that he was resolved to reach the
+bottom, though deep as the most profound abyss; and all having
+alighted, the squire and his guide accordingly girt him fast with a
+rope. While this was doing, "Good sweet sir," quoth Sancho, "consider
+what you do. Do not venture into such a horrid black hole! Look before
+you leap, sir, and be not so wilful as to bury yourself alive. Do not
+hang yourself like a bottle or a bucket, that is let down to be soused
+in a well." "Peace, coward," said the knight, "and bind me fast; for
+surely for me such an enterprise as this is reserved." "Pray, sir,"
+said the student, "when you are in, be very vigilant in exploring and
+observing all the rarities in the place. Let nothing escape your eyes;
+perhaps you may discover there some things worthy to be inserted in my
+Metamorphoses." "Let him alone," quoth Sancho, "he will go through
+with it: he will make a hog or a dog of it, I will warrant you."
+
+Don Quixote being well bound, bethought himself of one thing they had
+forgot. "We did ill," said he, "not to provide ourselves with a little
+bell, that I might ring for more or less rope as I require it, and
+inform you of my being alive. But since there is no remedy, Heaven
+prosper me." Then kneeling down, he in a low voice recommended himself
+to the Divine Providence for assistance and success in an adventure so
+strange, and in all appearance so dangerous. Then raising his voice,
+"O thou lady of my life," cried he, "most illustrious Dulcinea del
+Toboso, if the prayers of an adventurous absent lover may reach the
+ears of the far distant object of his wishes, by the power of thy
+unspeakable beauty, I conjure thee to grant me thy favour and
+protection, in this plunge and precipice of my fortune! I am now going
+to engulf, and cast myself into this dismal profundity, that the world
+may know nothing can be impossible to him who, influenced by thy
+smiles, attempts, under the banner of thy beauty, the most difficult
+task."
+
+This said, he got up again, and approaching the entrance of the cave,
+he found it stopped up with brakes and bushes, so that he would be
+obliged to make his way by force. Whereupon, drawing his sword, he
+began to cut and slash the brambles that stopped up the mouth of the
+cave; when, presently, an infinite number of crows and daws came
+rushing and fluttering out of the cave about his ears, so thick, and
+with such impetuosity, as almost struck him to the ground. He was not
+superstitious enough to draw any ill omen from the flight of the
+birds; besides it was no small encouragement to him, that he spied no
+bats nor owls nor other ill-boding birds of night among them: he
+therefore rose again with an undaunted heart, and committed himself to
+the black and dreadful abyss. But Sancho and the student first gave
+him their benediction, and prayed for the knight's safe and speedy
+return.
+
+Don Quixote began to descend, calling for more rope, which they gave
+him by degrees, till his voice was drowned in the winding of the cave,
+and their cordage was run out. That done, they began to consider
+whether they should hoist him up again immediately or no; however,
+they resolved to stay half an hour, and then they began to draw up the
+rope, but were strangely surprised to find no weight upon it, which
+made them conclude the poor gentleman was certainly lost. Sancho,
+bursting out into tears, made a heavy lamentation, and fell a hauling
+up the rope as fast as he could, to be thoroughly satisfied. But after
+they had drawn up about fourscore fathoms, they felt a weight again,
+which made them take heart; and at length they plainly saw Don
+Quixote. "Welcome," cried Sancho to him, as soon he came in sight;
+"welcome, dear master. I am glad you are come back again; we were
+afraid you had been pawned for the reckoning." But Sancho had no
+answer to his compliment; and when they had pulled the knight quite
+up, they found that his eyes were closed as if he had been fast
+asleep. They laid him on the ground and unbound him. Yet he made no
+sign of waking, and all their turning and shaking was little enough to
+make him come to himself.
+
+At last he began to stretch his limbs, as if he had waked out of the
+most profound sleep; and staring wildly about him, "Heaven forgive
+you, friends!" cried he, "for you have raised me from one of the
+sweetest lives that ever mortal led, and most delightful sights that
+ever eyes beheld. Now I perceive how fleeting are all the joys of this
+transitory life; they are but an imperfect dream, they fade like a
+flower, and vanish like a shadow. O ill-fated Montesinos! O
+Durandarte, unfortunately wounded! O unhappy Belerma! O deplorable
+Guadiana! and you the distressed daughters of Ruydera, whose flowing
+waters shew what streams of tears once trickled from your lovely
+eyes!" These expressions, uttered with great passion and concern,
+surprised the scholar and Sancho, and they desired to know his
+meaning, and what he had seen in that horrid dungeon. "Call it not
+so," answered Don Quixote, "for it deserves a better name, as I shall
+soon let you know. But first give me something to eat, for I am
+prodigiously hungry." They then spread the scholar's coarse
+saddle-cloth for a carpet; and examining their old cupboard, the
+knapsack, they all three sat down on the grass, and eat heartily
+together, like men that were a meal or two behindhand. When they had
+done, "Let no man stir," said Don Quixote; "sit still, and hear me
+with attention."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LV.
+
+_Of the wonderful things which the unparalleled Don Quixote declared
+he had seen in the deep cave of Montesinos, the greatness and
+impossibility of which make this adventure pass for apocryphal._
+
+
+It was now past four in the afternoon, and the sun was opportunely hid
+behind the clouds, which, interposing between his rays, invited Don
+Quixote, without heat or trouble, to relate the wonders he had seen in
+Montesinos' cave.
+
+"About twelve or fourteen men's depth," said he, "in the profundity of
+this cavern, on the right hand, there is a concavity wide enough to
+contain a large waggon, mules and all. This place is not wholly dark,
+for through some chinks and narrow holes, that reach to the distant
+surface of the earth, there comes a glimmering light. I discovered
+this recess, being already weary of hanging by the loins, discouraged
+by the profound darkness of the region below me, destitute of a guide,
+and not knowing whither I went: resolving therefore to rest myself
+there a while, I called to you to give me no more rope, but it seems
+you did not hear me. I therefore entered, and coiling up the cord, sat
+upon it very melancholy, and thinking how I should most conveniently
+get down to the bottom, having nobody to guide or support me. While I
+thus sat pensive, and lost in thought, insensibly, without any
+previous drowsiness, I found myself surprised by sleep; and after
+that, not knowing how, nor which way I wakened, I unexpectedly found
+myself in the finest and most delightful meadow, that ever nature
+adorned with her beauties, or the most inventive fancy could ever
+imagine. Now, that I might be sure this was neither a dream nor an
+allusion, I rubbed my eyes, felt several parts of my body, and
+convinced myself that I was really awake, with the use of all my
+senses, and all the faculties of my understanding sound and active as
+at this moment.
+
+"Presently I discovered a sumptuous palace, of which the walls seemed
+all of transparent crystal. The spacious gates opening, there came out
+towards me a venerable old man, clad in a sad-coloured robe, so long
+that it swept the ground; on his breast and shoulders he had a green
+satin tippet, after the manner of those worn in colleges. On his head
+he wore a black Milan cap, and his broad hoary beard reached down
+below his middle. He had no kind of weapon in his hands, but a rosary
+of beads about the bigness of walnuts, and his credo beads appeared as
+large as ordinary ostrich-eggs. The awful and grave aspect, the pace,
+the port and goodly presence of this old man, each of them apart, and
+much more altogether, struck me with veneration and astonishment. He
+came up to me, and, without any previous ceremony, embracing me close,
+'It is a long time,' said he, 'most renowned knight, Don Quixote de la
+Mancha, that we who dwell in this enchanted solitude have hoped to see
+you here; that you may inform the upper world of the surprising
+prodigies concealed from human knowledge in this subterranean hollow,
+called the cave of Montesinos,--an enterprise reserved alone for your
+insuperable heart, and stupendous resolution. Go with me then, thou
+most illustrious knight, and behold the wonders enclosed within the
+transparent castle, of which I am the perpetual governor and chief
+warden, being the same individual Montesinos from whom this cavern
+took its name.'
+
+"No sooner had the reverend old man let me know who he was, but I
+entreated him to tell me, whether it was true or no, that, at his
+friend Durandarte's dying request, he had taken out his heart with a
+small dagger, the very moment he expired, and carried it to his
+mistress Belerma, as the story was current in the world? 'It is
+literally true,' answered the old gentleman, 'except that single
+circumstance of the dagger; for I used neither a small nor a large
+dagger on this occasion, but a well-polished poniard, as sharp as an
+awl.'
+
+"The venerable Montesinos having conducted me into the crystal palace,
+led me into a spacious ground-room, exceeding cool, and all of
+alabaster. In the middle of it stood a marble tomb, that seemed a
+masterpiece of art; upon it lay a knight extended all at length, not
+of stone or brass, as on other monuments, but pure flesh and bones: he
+covered the region of his heart with his right hand, which seemed to
+me very full of sinews, a sign of the great strength of the body to
+which it belonged. Montesinos, observing that I viewed this spectacle
+with surprise, 'Behold,' said he, 'the flower and mirror of all the
+living and valiant knights of his age, my friend Durandarte, who,
+together with me and many others, of both sexes, are kept here
+enchanted by Merlin the British magician. Here, I say, we are
+enchanted; but how and for what cause no man can tell, though time, I
+hope, will shortly reveal it. But the most wonderful part of my
+fortune is this; I am as certain, as that the sun now shines, that
+Durandarte died in my arms; and that with these hands I took out his
+heart, which weighed above two pounds, a sure mark of his courage;
+for, by the rules of natural philosophy, the most valiant men have
+still the biggest hearts. Nevertheless, though this knight really
+died, he still complains and sighs sometimes as if he were alive.'
+
+"Scarce had Montesinos spoke these words, but the miserable Durandarte
+cried out aloud, 'Oh! cousin Montesinos, the last and dying request of
+your departing friend, was to take my heart out of my breast with a
+poniard or a dagger, and carry it to Belerma.' The venerable Montesinos,
+hearing this, fell on his knees before the afflicted knight, and with
+tears in his eyes, 'Long, long ago,' said he, 'Durandarte, thou dearest
+of my kinsmen, have I performed what you enjoined me on that bitter fatal
+day when you expired. I took out your heart with all imaginable care, and
+hasted away with it to France, as soon as I had committed your dear
+remains to the bosom of the earth. To confirm this truth yet farther, at
+the first place where I stopped from Roncesvalles, I laid a little salt
+upon your heart, to preserve it, till I presented it into the hands of
+Belerma, who, with you and me, and Guadiana[13] your squire, as also
+Ruydera (the lady's woman) with her seven daughters, her two nieces, and
+many others of your friends and acquaintance, is here confined by the
+necromantic charms of the magician Merlin; and though it be now above
+five hundred years since we were first conveyed into this enchanted
+castle, we are still alive, except Ruydera, her daughters and nieces, who
+by the favour of Merlin, that pitied their tears, were turned into so
+many lakes, still extant in the world of the living, and in the province
+of La Mancha, distinguished by the name of the lakes of Ruydera. But now
+I have other news to tell you, which, though perhaps it may not assuage
+your sorrows, yet I am sure it will not increase them. Open your eyes,
+and behold in your presence that mighty knight, of whom Merlin the sage
+has foretold so many wonders: that Don Quixote de la Mancha, I mean, who
+has not only restored to the world the function of knight-errantry, that
+has lain so long in oblivion, but advanced it to greater fame than it
+could boast in any former age. It is by his power that we may expect to
+see the charm dissolved, which keeps us here confined; for great
+performances are properly reserved for great personages.' 'And should it
+not be so?' answered the grieving Durandarte, with a faint and
+languishing voice,--'should it not be so, I say? Oh! cousin, patience,
+and shuffle the cards.' Then turning on one side, without speaking a word
+more, he relapsed into his usual silence.
+
+[13] Guadiana, a river in Spain, that sinks into the earth, and rises
+again a great distance off.
+
+"After this I was alarmed with piteous howling and crying, which,
+mixed with lamentable sighs and groans, obliged me to turn about to
+see whence it proceeded. Then through the crystal wall I saw a
+mournful procession of most beautiful damsels, all in black, marching
+in two ranks, with turbans on their heads after the Turkish fashion;
+and last of all came a majestic lady, dressed also in mourning, with a
+long white veil that reached from her head down to the ground. Her
+turban was twice as big as the biggest of the rest. She was somewhat
+beetle-browed, her nose was flattish, her mouth wide, but her lips
+red; her teeth, which she sometimes discovered, seemed to be thin, but
+as white as blanched almonds. She held a fine handkerchief, and within
+it I could perceive a heart of flesh, so dry and withered, that it
+looked like mummy. Montesinos informed me that the procession
+consisted of Durandarte's and Belerma's servants, who were enchanted
+there with their master and mistress; but that the last was Belerma
+herself, who with her attendants used four days in the week constantly
+thus to sing their dirges over the heart and body of his cousin; and
+that though Belerma appeared a little haggard at that juncture,
+occasioned by the grief she bore in her own heart, for that which she
+carried in her hand; yet had I seen her before her misfortunes had
+sunk her eyes and tarnished her complexion, I must have owned, that
+even the celebrated Dulcinea del Toboso, so famous in La Mancha, and
+over the whole universe, could scarce have vied with her in
+gracefulness and beauty.
+
+"Hold there, good Sigñor Don Montesinos, said I. You know that
+comparisons are odious, therefore no more comparing, I beseech you;
+but go on with your story. The peerless Dulcinea del Toboso is what
+she is, and the Lady Belerma is what she is, and has been: so no more
+upon that subject. 'I beg your pardon,' answered Montesinos; 'Sigñor
+Don Quixote, I might have guessed that you were the Lady Dulcinea's
+knight, and therefore I ought to have bit my tongue off, sooner than
+to have compared her to any thing lower than heaven itself.' This
+satisfaction, which I thought sufficient from the great Montesinos,
+stifled the resentment I else had shewn, for hearing my mistress
+compared to Belerma." "Nay, marry," quoth Sancho, "I wonder you did
+not give the old fellow a hearty kicking! How could you leave one hair
+on his chin?" "No, no, Sancho," answered Don Quixote, "there is always
+a respect due to our seniors, though they be no knights; but most
+when they are such, and under the oppression of enchantment. However,
+I am satisfied that in what discourse passed between us, I took care
+not to have anything that looked like an affront fixed upon me." "But,
+sir," asked the scholar, "how could you see and hear so many strange
+things in so little time? I cannot conceive how you could do it." "How
+long," said Don Quixote, "do you reckon that I have been in the cave?"
+"A little above an hour," answered Sancho. "That is impossible," said
+Don Quixote, "for I saw morning and evening, and evening and morning,
+three times since; so that I could not be absent less than three days
+from this upper world." "Ay, ay," quoth Sancho, "my master is in the
+right; for these enchantments, that have the greatest share in all his
+concerns, may make that seem three days and three nights to him, which
+is but an hour to other people." "It must be so," said Don Quixote. "I
+hope, sir," said the scholar, "you have eaten something in all that
+time." "Not one morsel," replied Don Quixote; "neither have had the
+least desire to eat, or so much as thought of it all the while." "Do
+not they that are enchanted sometimes eat?" asked the scholar. "They
+never do," answered Don Quixote. "Do they never sleep neither?" said
+Sancho. "Never," said Don Quixote; "at least they never closed their
+eyes while I was among them, nor I neither." "This makes good the
+saying," quoth Sancho, "'tell me thy company, and I will tell thee
+what thou art.' Troth! you have all been enchanted together. No wonder
+if you neither eat nor slept, since you were in the land of those that
+always watch and fast. But, sir, would you have me speak as I think;
+and pray do not take it in ill part, for if I believe one word of all
+you have said----" "What do you mean, friend?" said the student. "Do
+you think the noble Don Quixote would be guilty of a lie? and if he
+had a mind to stretch a little, could he, think you, have had leisure
+to frame such a number of stories in so short a time?" "I do not think
+that my master would lie neither," said Sancho. "What do ye think
+then, sir?" said Don Quixote. "Well truly, sir," quoth Sancho, "I do
+believe that this same cunning man, this Merlin, that bewitched or
+enchanted, as you call it, all that rabble of people you talk of, may
+have crammed and enchanted some way or other, all that you have told
+us, and have yet to tell us, into your noddle." "It is not impossible
+but such a thing may happen," said Don Quixote, "though I am convinced
+it was otherwise with me; for I am positive that I saw with these
+eyes, and felt with these hands, all I have mentioned. But what will
+you think when I tell you, among many wonderful things, that I saw
+three country-girls leaping and skipping about those pleasant fields
+like so many wild-goats; and at first sight knew one of them to be the
+peerless Dulcinea, and the other two the very same we spoke to not far
+from Toboso. I asked Montesinos if he knew them? He answered in the
+negative; but imagined them some enchanted ladies, who were newly
+come, and that the appearance of strange faces was no rarity among
+them, for many of the past ages and the present were enchanted there,
+under several disguises; and that, among the rest, he knew Queen
+Guinever and her woman Quintaniona, that officiated as Sir Lancelot's
+cup-bearer, as he came from Britain."
+
+Sancho hearing his master talk at this rate, had like to have forgot
+himself, and burst out a-laughing; for he well knew that Dulcinea's
+enchantment was all a fiction, and that he himself was the chief
+magician, and raiser of the story; and thence, concluding his master
+stark mad, "In an ill hour," quoth he, "dear master of mine, and in a
+woful day, went your worship down to the other world; and in a worse
+hour met you with that plaguy Montesinos, that has sent you back in
+this rueful pickle. You went hence in your right senses; could talk
+prettily enough now and then; had your handsome proverbs and wise
+sayings every foot, and would give wholesome counsel to all that would
+take it; but now, bless me! you talk as if you had left your brains in
+the devil's cellar." "I know thee, Sancho," said Don Quixote, "and
+therefore I regard thy words as little as possible." "And I yours,"
+replied Sancho: "nay, you may cripple, lame, or kill me, if you
+please, either for what I have said, or mean to say; I, must speak my
+mind, though I die for it." "While Montesinos and I were thus talking
+together," continued the knight, "a very odd accident, the thoughts of
+which trouble me still, broke off our conversation. For as we were in
+the height of our discourse, who should come to me but one of the
+unfortunate Dulcinea's companions; and before I was aware, with a
+faint and doleful voice, 'Sir,' said she, 'my Lady Dulcinea del Toboso
+gives her service to you, and desires to know how you do; and being a
+little short of money at present, she desires you, of all love and
+kindness, to lend her six reals, or more or less as you can spare it,
+sir, and she will take care to redeem it very honestly in a little
+time.'
+
+"The message surprised me strangely; and therefore, turning to
+Montesinos, 'Is it possible, sir,' said I, 'that persons of quality,
+when enchanted, are in want?' 'O! very possible, sir,' said he;
+'poverty rages everywhere, and spares neither quality enchanted nor
+unenchanted; and therefore, since the Lady Dulcinea desires you to
+lend her these six reals, let her have the money; for sure it is very
+low with her at this time.' 'But my misfortune,' said I, 'is, that I
+cannot answer the full request; for I have but four reals about me;'
+and that was the money thou gavest me the other day, Sancho, to
+distribute among the poor. However, I gave her all I had, and desired
+her to tell her mistress, I was very sorry for her wants; and that if
+I had all the treasures which Croesus possessed, they should be at
+her service; and withal, that I died every hour for want of her
+reviving company; and made it my humble and earnest request, that she
+would vouchsafe to see and converse with her captive servant and
+weather-beaten knight. 'Tell her,' continued I, 'when she least
+expects it, she will come to hear how I made a vow, as the Marquis of
+Mantua did, when he found his nephew Baldwin ready to expire on the
+mountain, never to eat upon a tablecloth, and several other
+particulars, till he had avenged his death; so, in the like solemn
+manner will I swear, never to desist from traversing the habitable
+globe, and ranging through all the seven parts of the world, more
+indefatigably than ever was done by Prince Pedro of Portugal, till I
+have freed her from her enchantment.' 'All this and more you owe my
+mistress,' said the damsel; and then, having got the four reals,
+instead of dropping me a curtsy, she cut me a caper in the air two
+yards high."
+
+"Who," exclaimed Sancho, "could ever have believed that these
+enchanters and enchantments should have so much power as to bewitch my
+master at this rate, and craze his sound understanding in this manner?
+Alas! sir, for the love of Heaven take care of yourself. What will the
+world say of you? Rouse up your dozing senses, and do not dote upon
+those whimsies that have so wretchedly cracked that rare head-piece of
+yours." "Well," said Don Quixote, "I cannot be angry at thy ignorant
+tittle-tattle, because it proceeds from thy love towards me. Thou
+thinkest, poor fellow, that whatever is beyond the sphere of thy
+narrow comprehension must be impossible; but, as I have already said,
+there will come a time when I shall give thee an account of some
+things I have seen below, that will convince thee of the reality of
+those I told thee now, the truth of which admits of no dispute."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LVI.
+
+_Which gives an account of a thousand trifles and stories, as
+impertinent as necessary to the right understanding of this grand
+history._
+
+
+The scholar thought Sancho the most saucy servant, and his master the
+calmest madman, that ever he saw; though he attributed the patience of
+the latter to a certain good humour and easiness of temper, infused
+into him by the sight of his mistress Dulcinea, even under
+enchantment; otherwise he would have thought his not checking Sancho a
+greater sign of madness than his discourse. "Noble Don Quixote," said
+he, "for four principal reasons, I am extremely pleased with having
+taken this journey with you. First, it has procured me the honour of
+your acquaintance, which I shall always esteem a singular happiness.
+In the second place, sir, the secrets of Montesinos' cave, and the
+transformations of Guadiana, and Ruydera's lakes, have been revealed
+to me, which may look very great in my Spanish Ovid. My third
+advantage is, to have discovered the antiquity of card-playing, which
+I find to have been a pastime in use even in the Emperor Charles the
+Great's time, as may be collected from the words of Durandarte, who,
+after a long speech of Montesinos', said, as he waked, 'Patience, and
+shuffle the cards;' which vulgar expression he could never have
+learned in his enchantment. It follows, therefore, that he must have
+heard it when he lived in France, which was in the reign of that
+emperor; which observation is nicked, I think, very opportunely for my
+supplement to Polydore Vergil, who, as I remember, has not touched
+upon card-playing. I will insert it in my work, I'll assure you, sir,
+as a matter of great importance, having the testimony of so authentic
+and ancient an author as Sir Durandarte."
+
+"There is a great deal of reason in what you say," answered Don
+Quixote; "but more of this some other time--it is late now, and
+therefore convenient to think of a lodging."
+
+"Hard by us here, sir," said the author, "is a hermitage, the
+retirement of a devout person, who, as they say, was once a soldier,
+and is looked upon as a good Christian; and so charitable, that he has
+built there a house at his own expense, purely for the entertainment
+of strangers." "But does he keep hens there, trow?" asked Sancho. "Few
+hermits in this age are without them," said Don Quixote; "for their
+way of living now falls short of the strictness and austerity of those
+in the deserts of Egypt, who went clad only with palm-leaves, and fed
+on the roots of the earth. Now, because I speak well of these of old,
+I would not have you think I reflect on the others: no, I only mean
+that their penances are not so severe as in former days; yet this does
+not hinder but that the hermits of the present age may be good men. I
+look upon them to be such; at least, their appearance secures them
+from scandal: even the hypocrite that puts on the form of holiness,
+does less harm than the barefaced sinner."
+
+As they went on in their discourse, they saw a man following them at a
+great pace on foot, and switching up a mule laden with lances and
+halberts. He presently overtook them, saluted them, and passed by.
+"Stay," cried Don Quixote, seeing him go so fast; "make no more haste
+than is consistent with good speed." "I cannot stay, sir," said the
+man; "for these weapons that you see must be used to-morrow morning;
+so, sir, as I am in haste, good bye; I shall lodge to-night at the inn
+beyond the hermitage; if you chance to go that way, there you may find
+me; and I will tell you strange news: so fare ye well." Then, whipping
+his mule, on he moved, so fast that Don Quixote had not leisure to ask
+him any more questions.
+
+The knight, in order to satisfy his curiosity, proposed their holding
+straight on to the inn, without stopping at the hermitage, where the
+scholar designed to have stayed all night. They all consented, and
+made the best of their way. However, when they came near the
+hermitage, the scholar desired Don Quixote to call with him for a
+moment, and drink a glass of wine at the door. Sancho no sooner heard
+this proposed than he turned Dapple that way, and rode thither before;
+but, to his grief, the hospitable hermit was abroad, and nobody at
+home but the hermit's companion, who, being asked whether he had any
+_strong_ liquor within, made answer, that he could not come at any;
+but as for water, he might have his fill. "Good!" quoth Sancho; "were
+mine a water-thirst, or had I any liking to your cold comfort, there
+are wells enough upon the road. Oh, the good cheer of Don Diego's, and
+at Camacho's wedding! when shall I find the like?" They now spurred on
+towards the inn, and soon overtook on the road a young fellow walking
+leisurely on before them. He carried his sword over his shoulder, with
+a bundle of clothes hanging upon it. He had on a tattered velvet
+jerkin, with a ragged satin lining; his stockings were of silk, and
+his shoes square at the toes, after the court fashion. He seemed about
+eighteen years of age--a pleasant-looking lad, and of a lively and
+active disposition. To pass the fatigue of his journey, he sung all
+the way; and, as they came near him, was just ending the last words of
+a ballad, which were these:
+
+ "For want of the pence to the wars I must go:
+ Oh! had I but money it would not be so."
+
+"So, young gentleman," said Don Quixote to him, "methinks you go very
+light and airy. Whither are you bound, I pray you?" "I am going to the
+wars, sir," answered the youth; "and for my travelling thus, heat and
+poverty will excuse it." "I admit the heat," replied Don Quixote; "but
+why poverty, I beseech you?" "Because I have no clothes to put on,"
+replied the lad, "but what I carry in this bundle; and if I should
+wear them out upon the road, I should have nothing to make a handsome
+figure with in any town; for I have no money to buy new ones till I
+overtake a regiment of foot that lies about some twelve leagues off,
+where I design to enlist myself; and then I shall not want a
+conveniency to ride with the baggage till we come to Carthagena, where
+I hear they are to embark; for I had rather serve the king abroad,
+than any beggarly courtier at home." "But pray," said the scholar,
+"have not you laid up something while you were there?" "Had I served
+any of your grandees or great persons," said the young man, "I might
+have had a commission by this time; for their footboys are presently
+advanced to captains and lieutenants, or some other good post; but
+unhappily it was always my ill-fortune to serve pitiful upstarts and
+younger brothers; and my allowance was so ill paid, and so small, that
+the better half was scarce enough to wash my linen: how then should a
+poor page, who would make his fortune, come to any good in such a
+miserable service?" "But," said Don Quixote, "how comes it, that in
+all this time you could not get yourself a whole livery?"
+"Alack-a-day, sir," answered the lad, "I had a couple; but my master
+dealt with me as they do with novices in monasteries--if they go off
+before they profess, the fresh habit is taken from them, and they
+return them their own clothes. For you must know, that such as I
+served only buy liveries for a little ostentation; so, when they have
+made their appearance at court, they sneak down into the country; and
+then the poor servants are stripped, and must even betake themselves
+to their rags again."
+
+"A sordid trick," said Don Quixote. "But you need not repine at
+leaving the court, since you do it with so good a design; for there is
+nothing in the world more commendable than to serve God in the first
+place, and the king in the next, especially in the profession of arms,
+which, if it does not procure a man so much riches as learning, may at
+least entitle him to more honour. It is true that more families have
+been advanced by the gown; but yet your gentlemen of the sword,
+whatever the reason of it is, have always I know not what advantage
+above the men of learning; and something of glory and splendour
+attends them, that makes them outshine the rest of mankind. But take
+my advice along with you, child: if you intend to raise yourself by
+military employment, I would not have you be uneasy with the thoughts
+of what misfortunes may befall you; the worst can be but to die, and
+if it be a good honourable death, your fortune is made, and you are
+certainly happy. Julius Cæsar, that valiant Roman emperor, being asked
+what kind of death was best, 'That which is sudden and unexpected,'
+said he; and though he answered like a heathen, who knew not the true
+God, yet, with respect to human infirmities, it was very judicious;
+for, suppose you should be cut off at the very first engagement by a
+cannon-ball, or the spring of a mine, what matters it? it is but
+dying, and there is an end of the business. As Terence says, a soldier
+makes a better figure dead in the field of battle, than alive and safe
+in flight. The more likely he is to rise in fame and preferment, the
+better discipline he keeps; the better he obeys, the better he will
+know how to command; and pray observe, my friend, that it is more
+honourable for a soldier to smell of gunpowder than of musk and amber.
+Or, if old age overtakes you in this noble employment, though all over
+scars, though maimed and lame, you will still have honour to support
+you, and secure you from the contempt of poverty, nay, from poverty
+itself; for there is care taken that veterans and disabled soldiers
+may not want; neither are they to be used as some men do their negro
+slaves, who, when they are old and past service, are turned naked out
+of doors, under pretence of freedom, to be made greater slaves to cold
+and hunger--a slavery from which nothing but death can set the
+wretches free. But I will say no more to you on this subject at this
+time. Get up behind me, and I will carry you to the inn, where you
+shall sup with me, and to-morrow morning make the best of your way;
+and may Heaven prosper your good designs."
+
+The page excused himself from riding behind the knight, but accepted
+of his invitation to supper very willingly. Sancho, who had all the
+while given ear to his master's discourse, is said to have been more
+than usually surprised, hearing him talk so wisely. Now blessings on
+thee, master, thought he to himself; how comes it about, that a man
+who says so many good things should relate such ridiculous stories and
+whimsies as he would have us believe of Montesinos' cave? By this time
+it began to grow dark, and they arrived at the inn, where Don Quixote
+alighting, asked presently for the man with the lances and halberts.
+The innkeeper answered, that he was rubbing down his mule in the
+stable. Sancho was very well pleased to be at his journey's end; and
+the more that his master took the house for a real inn, and not for a
+castle, as he used to do.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LVII.
+
+_Where you find the grounds of the braying adventures, that of the
+Puppet-player, and the memorable divining of the fortune-telling Ape._
+
+
+Don Quixote was on thorns to know the strange story that the fellow
+upon the road engaged to tell him; so that, going into the stable, he
+minded him of his promise, and pressed him to relate the whole matter.
+"My story will take up some time," quoth the man, "and is not to be
+told standing: have a little patience; let me make an end of serving
+my mule, and then I will tell your worship such things as will make
+you stare." "Do not let that hinder you," replied Don Quixote; "for I
+will help you myself." And so saying, he lent him a helping hand,
+cleansing the manger, and sifting the barley; which humble compliance
+obliged the fellow to tell his tale the more willingly; so that,
+seating himself upon a bench, with Don Quixote, the scholar, the page,
+Sancho, and the innkeeper about him, he began in this manner:
+
+"It happened on a time, that in a borough about four leagues from this
+place, one of the aldermen lost his ass. They say it was by the
+roguery of his maid-servant; but that is neither here nor there--the
+ass was lost and gone, that is certain; and what is more, it could not
+be found neither high nor low. This same ass had been missing about a
+fortnight, when another alderman of the same town, meeting the other
+in the market-place, 'Brother,' quoth he, 'pay me well, and I will
+tell you news of your ass.' 'Troth!' replied the other 'that I will;
+but then let me know where the poor beast is.' 'Why,' answered the
+other, 'this morning, what should I meet upon the mountains yonder but
+he, without either pack-saddle or furniture, and so lean that it
+grieved my heart to see him; but yet so wild and skittish, that when I
+would have driven him home before me, he ran away as if possessed, and
+got into the thickest of the wood. Now, if you please, we will both go
+and look for him: I will but step home first and put up this ass, then
+I will come back to you, and we will set about it.' 'Truly, brother,'
+said the other, 'I am mightily beholden to you, and will do as much
+for you another time.' In short, the two aldermen, hand in hand,
+trudged up the hills, and hunted up and down; but after many a weary
+step, no ass was to be found. Upon which, quoth the alderman that had
+seen him to the other: 'Hark ye, brother; I have a device to find out
+this same ass of yours, though he were underground, as you shall hear.
+You must know, I can bray to admiration; and if you can but bray never
+so little, the job is done.' 'Never so little!' cried the other; 'I
+will undertake to bray with any ass or alderman in the land.' 'Well,
+then,' quoth the other, 'my contrivance is, that you go on one side of
+the hill, and I on the other; sometimes you shall bray, and sometimes
+I; so that, if your ass be but thereabouts, my life for yours, he will
+be sure to answer, and bray again.' 'Gramercy, brother,' quoth the
+other, 'a rare device! let you alone for plotting.' They parted
+according to agreement; and when they were far enough off, they both
+fell a-braying so perfectly well that they cheated one another; and
+meeting, each in hopes to find the ass, 'Is it possible, brother,'
+said the owner of the ass, 'that it was not my ass that brayed?' 'No,
+marry, that it was not; it was I,' answered the other alderman. 'Well,
+brother,' cried the owner, 'then there is no manner of difference
+between you and an ass, as to the matter of braying; I never heard any
+thing so natural in my life.' 'Oh, sir,' quoth the other, 'I am
+nothing to you; you shall lay two to one against the best brayer in
+the kingdom, and I will go your halves. Your voice is lofty, and of a
+great compass; you keep excellent time, and hold out a note rarely,
+and your cadence is full and ravishing. In short, sir, I knock under
+the table, and yield you the bays.' 'Well, then, brother,' answered
+the owner, 'I shall always have the better opinion of myself for this
+one good quality; for though I knew I brayed pretty well, I never
+thought myself so great a master before.' After these compliments,
+they parted again, and went braying, this on one side of the hill, and
+that on the other. But all to no purpose; for they still deceived one
+another with their braying, and, running to the noise, met one another
+as before.
+
+"At last they agreed to bray twice one after another, that by that
+token they might be sure it was not the ass, but they that brayed. But
+all in vain--they almost brayed their hearts out, but no answer from
+the ass. And indeed, how could it, poor creature, when they found him
+at last in the wood half-eaten by the wolves? 'Alack-a-day! poor
+Grizzle,' cried the owner; 'I do not wonder now he took so little
+notice of his loving master. Had he been alive, as sure as he was an
+ass, he would have brayed again. But let him go; this comfort I have
+at least, brother; though I have lost him, I have found out that rare
+talent of yours that has hugely solaced me under this affliction.'
+'The glass is in a good hand, Mr. Alderman,' quoth the other, 'and if
+the abbot sings well, the young monk is not much behind him.'
+
+"With this, these same aldermen, very much disappointed as well as
+very hoarse, went home and told all their neighbours the whole story
+word for word; one praising the other's skill in braying, and the
+other returning the compliment. In short, one got it by the end, and
+the other got it by the end; the boys got it, and all the idle fellows
+got it, and there was such a brawling and such a braying in our town,
+that nothing else was to be heard. But the thing did not stop here;
+our neighbouring towns had it too; and when they saw any of our
+townsfolk, they fell a-braying, hitting us in the teeth with the
+braying of our aldermen. This made ill blood between us; for we took
+it in mighty dudgeon, as well we might, and came to words upon it, and
+from words to blows; for the people of our town are well known by
+this, as the beggar knows his dish, and are apt to be jeered
+wheresoever they go. And they have carried the jest so far, that I
+believe to-morrow or next day, the men of our town, to wit, the
+brayers, will be in the field against those of another town about two
+leagues off, that are always plaguing us. Now, that we should be well
+provided, I have brought these lances and halberts that ye saw me
+carry. So this is my story, gentlefolks; and if it be not a strange
+one, I am mistaken."
+
+Here the honest man ended; when presently enters a fellow dressed in
+trousers and doublet all of shamoy leather, and calling out, as if he
+were somebody: "Landlord," cried he, "have you any lodgings? for here
+comes the fortune-telling ape, and the puppet-show of Melisandra's
+deliverance." "Ha!" cried the innkeeper, "who have we here? Master
+Peter? We shall have a merry night then. Honest Master Peter, you are
+welcome with all my heart; but where is the ape and the show?" "They
+will be here presently," said Peter; "I only came before to see if you
+had any lodgings." "Lodging, man," said the innkeeper; "I would turn
+out the Duke of Alva himself rather than Master Peter should want
+room. Come, bring in your things, for here are guests that will be
+good customers to you, I warrant." "That is worth hearing," said
+Peter; "and to encourage them I will lower my prices; and if I can but
+get my charges to-night, I will look for no more; so I will hasten
+forward the cart." This said, he ran out of the door again.
+
+Don Quixote inquired who this Master Peter was, and what his ape and
+his show. "Why, sir," answered the innkeeper, "he has strolled about
+the country this great while with a curious puppet-show, which
+represents the play of Melisandra and Don Gayferos, one of the best
+shows that has been acted time out of mind in this kingdom. Then he
+has an ape: such an ape, sir; but I will say no more--you shall see,
+sir. It will tell you every thing you ever did in your life. The like
+was never seen before. Ask him a question, it will listen to you; and
+then, whip, up it leaps on its master's shoulder, and whispers first
+in his ear what it knows, and then Master Peter tells you. He tells
+you what is to come, as well as what is past: it is true, he does not
+always hit so pat as to what is to come; but after all, he is seldom
+in the wrong. Two reals is the price for every question he answers, or
+his master for him, which is all one, you know; and that will mount to
+money at the year's end, so that it is thought the rogue is well to
+pass; and, indeed, much good may it do him, for he is a notable fellow
+and a good companion; talks for six men, and drinks for a dozen; and
+all this he gets by his tongue, his ape, and his show."
+
+By this time Peter had come back with his puppet-show and his ape in a
+cart. Don Quixote immediately accosted him: "Mr. Fortune-teller," said
+he, "will you be pleased to tell us what fish we shall catch, and what
+will become of us, and here is your fee?" Saying this, he ordered
+Sancho to deliver Master Peter two reals. "Sir," answered Peter, "this
+animal gives no account of things to come; he knows something, indeed,
+of matters past, and a little of the present." "I would not give a
+brass jack," cried Sancho, "to know what is past; for who knows that
+better than myself? I am not so foolish as to pay for what I know
+already: but since you say he has such a knack at guessing the
+present, let him tell me what my wife Teresa is doing at this moment,
+and here are my two reals." "I will have nothing of you beforehand,"
+said Master Peter: so, clapping himself on his left shoulder, up
+skipped the ape thither at one frisk, and, laying his mouth to his
+ear, grated his teeth; and having made some grimaces and a chattering
+noise for a minute or two, with another skip down he leaped upon the
+ground. Immediately upon this, Master Peter ran to Don Quixote, and
+fell on his knees, and embracing his legs, "O glorious restorer of
+knight-errantry," cried he, "I embrace these legs as I would the
+pillars of Hercules! Who can sufficiently extol the great Don Quixote
+de la Mancha, the reviver of drooping hearts, the prop and stay of the
+falling, the raiser of the fallen, and the staff of comfort to the
+weak and afflicted!"
+
+At these words Don Quixote stood amazed, Sancho quaked, the page
+wondered, the brayer blessed himself, the innkeeper stared, and the
+scholar was in a brown study, all astonished at Master Peter's speech,
+who then, turning to Sancho, "And thou, honest Sancho Panza," said he,
+"the best squire to the best knight in the world, bless thy good
+stars, for thy good spouse Teresa is a good housewife, and is at this
+instant dressing a pound of flax; she has standing by her, on her left
+hand, a large broken-mouthed jug, which holds a pretty scantling of
+wine, to cheer up her spirits." "Truly," quoth Sancho, "that is likely
+enough, for she is a merry soul; were it not for a spice of jealousy
+that she has now and then, I would not change her for the giantess
+Andondona herself, who, in my master's opinion, was a brave lady, and
+a famous housewife." "Well," said Don Quixote, "great is the knowledge
+procured by reading, travel, and experience. What on earth but the
+testimony of my own eyes could have persuaded me that apes had the
+gift of divination! I am indeed the same Don Quixote de la Mancha
+mentioned by this ingenious animal, though I must confess somewhat
+undeserving of so great a character as it has pleased him to bestow on
+me; but nevertheless I am not sorry to have charity and compassion
+bear so great a part in my commendation, since my nature has always
+disposed me to do good to all men, and hurt to none."
+
+"Now, had I but money," said the page, "I would know of Mr. Ape what
+luck I should have in the wars." "I have told you already," said
+Master Peter, who was got up from before Don Quixote, "that this ape
+does not meddle with what is to come; but if he could, it should cost
+you nothing, for Don Quixote's sake, whom to oblige, I would sacrifice
+all the interest I have in the world; and, as a mark of it, gentlemen,
+I freely set up my show, and give all the company in the house some
+diversion _gratis_." The innkeeper hearing this, was overjoyed; and
+ordered Master Peter a convenient room to set up his show, which he
+immediately went about.
+
+In the meantime Don Quixote, who could not believe that an ape could
+do all this, taking Sancho into a corner, "Look ye, Sancho," said he,
+"I have been weighing and considering the wonderful gifts of this ape,
+and I suspect Master Peter must have made a secret compact with the
+devil. The ape's knowledge is exactly of the same proportion with the
+devil's, which only extends to the discovery of things past and
+present, having no insight into futurity but by such probable
+conjectures and conclusions as may be deduced from the former working
+of antecedent causes, true prescience and prediction being the sacred
+prerogative of God, to whose all-seeing eyes, all ages, past, present,
+and to come, without the distinction of succession and termination,
+are always present. From this, I say, it is apparent this ape is but
+the organ through which the devil delivers his answers to those that
+ask it questions; and this same rogue should be put into the
+Inquisition, and have the truth pressed out of his bones." "For all
+that," said Sancho, "I would have you ask Master Peter's ape, whether
+the passages you told us concerning Montesinos' cave be true or no;
+for, saving the respect I owe your worship, I take them to be no
+better than idle stories, or dreams at the least." "You may think what
+you will," answered Don Quixote; "however, I will do as you would have
+me, although I feel some scruples on the subject."
+
+Master Peter now came in and told Don Quixote that the show was ready
+to begin, and desired him to come and see it, for he was sure his
+worship would like it. The knight told him he had a question to put to
+his ape first, and desired he might tell him whether certain things
+that happened to him in Montesinos' cave were dreams or realities, for
+he doubted they had something of both in them. Master Peter fetched
+his ape immediately, and placing him just before the knight and his
+squire. "Look you," said he, "Mr. Ape, this worthy knight would have
+you tell him whether some things which happened to him in Montesinos'
+cave are true or no?" Then, upon the usual signal, the ape jumping
+upon Master Peter's left shoulder, chattered his answer into his ear,
+which the interpreter delivered thus to the inquirer: "The ape, sir,
+says that part of those things are false, and part of them true, which
+is all he can resolve ye as to this question; and now his virtue has
+left him, and won't return till Friday next. If you would know any
+more, you must stay till then, and he will answer as many questions as
+you please." "Ah, you there now!" quoth Sancho, "did not I tell you
+that all you told us of Montesinos' cave would not hold water?" "That
+the event will determine," replied the knight, "which we must leave to
+process of time to produce; for it brings every thing to light, though
+buried in the bowels of the earth. No more of this at present: let us
+now see the puppet-show; I fancy we shall find something in it worth
+seeing." "Something!" said Master Peter; "sir, you shall see a
+thousand things worth seeing. I tell you, sir, I defy the world to
+shew such another. I say no more: _Operibus credite, et non verbis_.
+But now let us begin, for it grows late, and we have much to do, say,
+and shew."
+
+Don Quixote and Sancho complied, and went into the room where the show
+stood, with a good number of small wax-lights glimmering round about,
+that made it shine gloriously. Master Peter got to his station within;
+and his boy stood before, to tell what the puppets said, and with a
+white wand in his hand to explain the several figures as they came in.
+Then all the audience having taken their places, Don Quixote, Sancho,
+the scholar, and the page, being preferred to the rest, the boy began
+a story that shall be heard or seen by those who will take the pains
+to read or hear the next chapter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LVIII.
+
+_A pleasant account of the Puppet-play; with other very good things._
+
+
+"Gentlemen," said the boy, raising his voice, "we present you here
+with a true history, taken out of the chronicles of France, and the
+Spanish ballads, sung even by the boys about the streets, and in every
+body's mouth; it tells you how Don Gayferos delivered his wife
+Melisandra, that was a prisoner among the Moors in Spain, in the city
+of Sansuena, now called Saragosa. Now, gallants, the first figure we
+present you with is Don Gayferos, playing at tables, according to the
+ballad:
+
+ 'Gayferos now at tables plays,
+ Forgetful of his lady dear.'
+
+"Next you will mark that personage that peeps out there with a crown
+on his head and a sceptre in his hand. It is the Emperor Charlemagne,
+the fair Melisandra's reputed father, who, vexed at the idleness and
+negligence of his son-in-law, comes to chide him; and pray, observe
+with what passion and earnestness he rates him, as if he had a mind to
+lend him half a dozen sound raps over the pate with his sceptre; nay,
+some authors do not stick to tell you he gave him as many, and well
+laid on too. Now see how he starts up, and in a rage knocks the tables
+one way, and whirls the men another; and, calling for his arms with
+all haste, borrows his cousin-german Orlando's sword, Durindana, who
+withal offers to go along with him in this difficult adventure; but
+the valorous enraged knight will not let him, and says he is able to
+deliver his wife himself, without his help, though they kept her down
+in the very centre of the earth. And now he is going to put on his
+armour, in order to begin his journey.
+
+"Now, gentlemen, cast your eyes upon yon tower; you are to suppose it
+one of the towers of the castle of Saragosa. That lady, whom you see
+in the balcony in a Moorish habit, is the peerless Melisandra, casting
+many a heavy look towards France, thinking of Paris and her husband,
+the only comfort in her imprisonment. But now,--silence, gentlemen,
+pray, silence! here is an accident wholly new, the like perhaps never
+heard of before. Don't you see that Moor who comes on tiptoe, creeping
+and stealing along with his finger in his mouth, behind Melisandra?
+Hear what a smack he gives on her sweet lips, and see how she spits,
+and wipes her mouth with her white smock-sleeve; see how she takes on,
+and tears her lovely hair for very madness, as if it were to blame for
+this affront. Next, pray observe that grave Moor that stands in the
+open gallery; that is Marsilius, the king of Sansuena, who, having
+been an eye-witness of the sauciness of the Moor, ordered him
+immediately to be apprehended, though his kinsman and great favourite,
+and to have two hundred lashes given him. And look how all this is put
+in execution sooner almost than the fact is committed; for your Moors,
+you must know, don't use any form of indictment as we do, nor yet have
+they any legal trials."
+
+"Child, child," said Don Quixote, "go on directly with your story, and
+don't keep us here with your excursions and ramblings out of the road.
+I tell you there must be a formal process and legal trial to prove
+matters of fact." "Boy," said the master from behind the show, "do as
+the gentleman bids you. Don't run so much upon flourishes, but follow
+your plain song, without venturing on counterpoint, for fear of
+spoiling all." "I will, sir," quoth the boy, and so proceeding: "Now,
+sirs, he that you see there on horseback is Don Gayferos himself, whom
+his wife, now revenged on the Moor for his impudence, seeing from the
+battlements of the tower, takes him for a stranger, and talks with him
+as such, according to the ballad,
+
+ 'Quoth Melisandra, if perchance,
+ Sir Traveller, you go for France,
+ For pity's sake, ask when you're there,
+ For Gayferos, my husband dear.'
+
+"I omit the rest, not to tire you with a long story. It is sufficient
+that he makes himself known to her; and accordingly, see how she lets
+herself down from the balcony, to come at her loving husband and get
+behind him; but alas! the skirt of her gown is caught upon one of the
+spikes of the balcony, and there she hangs and hovers miserably in the
+air, without being able to get down. But see how Heaven is merciful,
+and sends relief in the greatest distress! Don Gayferos rides up to
+her, and, not fearing to tear her rich gown, lays hold on it, and at
+one pull brings her down; and then at one lift sets her astride upon
+his horse's crupper, bidding her to sit fast, and clasp her arms about
+him; for the Lady Melisandra was not used to that kind of riding.
+
+"Observe now how the horse neighs, and shews how proud he is of the
+burden of his brave master and fair mistress. Look now how they turn
+their backs and leave the city, and gallop it merrily away towards
+Paris. Peace be with you, for a peerless couple of true lovers! may ye
+get safe and sound into your own country, without any let or ill
+chance in your journey, and live in peace and quietness among your
+friends and relations!" "Plainness, boy!" cried Master Peter, "none of
+your flights, I beseech you." The boy answered nothing, but going on:
+"Now, sirs," quoth he, "some of those idle people that love to pry
+into every thing happened to spy Melisandra as she was making her
+escape, and ran presently and gave Marsilius notice of it: whereupon
+he straight commanded to sound an alarm; and now mind what a din and
+hurly-burly there is, and how the city shakes with the ring of the
+bells backwards in all the mosques!" "There you are out, boy," said
+Don Quixote: "the Moors have no bells, they only use kettle-drums, and
+a kind of shaulms like our waits or hautboys; so that your ringing of
+bells in Sansuena is a mere absurdity, good Master Peter." "Nay, sir,"
+said Master Peter, giving over ringing, "if you stand upon these
+trifles with us, we shall never please you. Don't be so severe a
+critic: are there not a thousand plays that pass with great success
+and applause, though they have many greater absurdities, and nonsense
+in abundance? On, boy, on; no matter, so I get the money." "Well
+said," answered Don Quixote. "And now, sirs," quoth the boy, "observe
+what a vast company of glittering horse comes pouring out of the city
+in pursuit of the Christian lovers; what a dreadful sound of trumpets
+and clarions, and drums and kettle-drums, there is in the air. I fear
+they will overtake them, and then will the poor wretches be dragged
+along most barbarously at the tails of their horses, which would be
+sad indeed."
+
+Don Quixote, seeing such a number of Moors, and hearing such an alarm,
+thought it high time to assist the flying lovers; and starting up, "It
+shall never be said while I live," cried he aloud, "that I suffered
+such a wrong to be done to so famous a knight and so daring a lover as
+Don Gayferos. Forbear then your unjust pursuit, ye base-born rascals!
+Stop, or prepare to meet my furious resentment!" Then drawing out his
+sword to make good his threats, at one spring he gets to the show, and
+with a violent fury lays at the Moorish puppets, cutting and slashing
+in a most terrible manner; some he overthrows, and beheads others;
+maims this, and cleaves that in pieces. Among the rest of his
+merciless strokes, he thundered one down with such a mighty force,
+that had not Master Peter luckily squatted down, it had certainly
+chopped off his head as easily as one might cut an apple. "Hold, hold,
+sir," cried the puppet-player, after this narrow escape, "hold for
+pity's sake! What do you mean, sir? These are no real Moors that you
+cut and hack so, but poor harmless puppets made of pasteboard. Think
+of what you do; you ruin me for ever. Oh that ever I was born! you
+have broke me quite." But Don Quixote, without minding his words,
+doubled and redoubled his blows so thick, and laid about him so
+outrageously, that in less than two credos he had cut all the strings
+and wires, mangled the puppets, and spoiled and demolished the whole
+machine. King Marsilius was in a grievous condition. The Emperor
+Charlemagne's head and crown were cleft in two. The whole audience was
+in a sad consternation. The ape scampered off to the top of the house.
+The scholar was frightened out of his wits; the page was very uneasy;
+and Sancho himself was in a terrible fright; for, as he said after the
+hurricane was over, he had never seen his master in such a rage
+before.
+
+The general rout of the puppets being over, Don Quixote's fury began
+to abate; and with a more pacified countenance turning to the company,
+"Now," said he, "I could wish all those incredulous persons here who
+slight knight-errantry might receive conviction of their error, and
+behold undeniable proofs of the benefit of that function; for how
+miserable had been the condition of poor Don Gayferos and the fair
+Melisandra by this time, had I not been here and stood up in their
+defence! I make no question but those infidels would have apprehended
+them, and used them barbarously. Well, when all is done, long live
+knight-errantry; long let it live, I say, above all things whatsoever
+in this world!" "Ay, ay," said Master Peter in a doleful tone, "let it
+live long for me, so I may die; for why should I live so unhappy as to
+say with King Rodrigo, 'Yesterday I was lord of Spain, to-day have not
+a foot of land I can call mine?' It is not half an hour, nay scarce a
+moment, since I had kings and emperors at command. I had horses in
+abundance, and chests and bags full of fine things; but now you see me
+a poor sorry undone man, quite and clean broke and cast down, and in
+short a mere beggar. What is worst of all, I have lost my ape too; and
+all through the rash fury of this knight here, who they say protects
+the fatherless, redresses wrongs, and does other charitable deeds, but
+has failed in all these good offices to miserable me. Well may I call
+him the Knight of the Sorrowful Figure, for he has put me and all that
+belongs to me in a sorrowful case."
+
+The puppet-player's lamentations moving Sancho's pity, "Come," quoth
+he, "don't cry, Master Peter, thou breakest my heart to hear thee take
+on so; don't be cast down, man, for my master's a better Christian, I
+am sure, than to let any poor man come to loss by him; when he comes
+to know he has done you wrong, he will pay you for every farthing of
+damage, I will engage." "Truly," said Master Peter, "if his worship
+would but pay me for the puppets he has spoiled, I will ask no more,
+and he will discharge his conscience; for he that wrongs his
+neighbour, and does not make restitution, can never hope to be saved,
+that is certain." "I grant it," said Don Quixote; "but I am not
+sensible how I have in the least injured you, good Master Peter!"
+"How, sir! not injured me?" cried Master Peter. "Why, these poor
+relics that lie here on the cold ground cry out for vengeance against
+you. Was it not the invincible force of that powerful arm of yours
+that has scattered and dismembered them so? And whose were those
+bodies, sir, but mine? and by whom was I maintained but by them?"
+
+"Well," said Don Quixote, "now I am thoroughly convinced of a truth
+which I have had reason to believe before, that those cursed
+magicians that daily persecute me, do nothing but delude me, first
+drawing me into dangerous adventures by the appearances of them as
+really they are, and then presently after changing the face of things
+as they please. Really and truly, gentlemen, I vow and protest before
+you all that hear me, that all that was acted here seemed to be really
+transacted _ipso facto_ as it appeared. To me Melisandra appeared to
+be Melisandra, Don Gayferos was Don Gayferos, Marsilius Marsilius, and
+Charlemagne was the real Charlemagne. Which being so, I could not
+contain my fury, and acted according to the duties of my function,
+which obliges me to take the injured side. Now, though what I have
+done proves to be quite contrary to my good design, the fault ought
+not to be imputed to me, but to my persecuting foes; yet I own myself
+sorry for the mischance, and will myself pay the costs. Let Master
+Peter see what he must have for the figures, and I will pay it him now
+in good and lawful money." "Heaven bless your worship," cried Master
+Peter with a profound cringe, "I could expect no less from the
+wonderful Christianity of the valorous Don Quixote de la Mancha, the
+sure relief and bulwark of all miserable wanderers. Now let my
+landlord and the great Sancho be mediators and appraisers between your
+worship and myself, and I will stand to their award."
+
+They agreed: and presently Master Peter taking up Marsilius, king of
+Saragosa, that lay by on the ground with his head off: "You see,
+gentlemen," said he, "it is impossible to restore this king to his
+former dignity; and therefore, with submission to your better
+judgments, I think that for his destruction, and to get him a
+successor, seven and twenty pence is little enough on conscience."
+"Proceed," said Don Quixote. "Then for this that is cleft in two,"
+said Master Peter, taking up the Emperor Charlemagne, "I think he is
+richly worth one and thirty pence halfpenny." "Not so richly neither,"
+quoth Sancho. "Truly," said the innkeeper, "I think it is pretty
+reasonable, but we will make it even money; let the poor fellow have
+half a crown." "Come," said Don Quixote, "let him have his full price;
+we will not stand haggling for so small a matter in a case like this:
+so make haste, Master Peter, for it is near supper-time, and I have
+some strong presumptions that I shall eat heartily." "Now," said
+Master Peter, "for this figure here that is without a nose and blind
+with one eye, being the fair Melisandra, I will be reasonable with
+you; give me fourteen pence; I would not take less from my brother."
+
+In this manner he went on, setting his price upon the dead and
+wounded, which the arbitrators moderated to the content of both
+parties; and the whole sum amounted to forty reals and three quarters,
+which Sancho paid him down; and then Master Peter demanded two reals
+more for the trouble of catching his ape. "Give it him," said Don
+Quixote, "and set the monkey to catch the ape; and now would I give
+two hundred more to be assured that Don Gayferos and the Lady
+Melisandra were safely arrived in France among their friends." "Nobody
+can better tell than my ape," said Master Peter; "though who will
+catch him I know not, if hunger, or his kindness for me do not bring
+us together again to-night. However, to-morrow will be a new day; and
+when it is light we will see what is to be done."
+
+The whole disturbance being appeased, to supper they went lovingly
+together; and Don Quixote treated the whole company, for he was
+liberality itself. Before day, the man with the lances and halberts
+left the inn, and some time after the scholar and the page came to
+take leave of the knight; the first to return home, and the second to
+continue his journey, towards whose charges Don Quixote gave him
+twelve reals. As for Master Peter, he knew too much of the knight's
+humour to desire to have any thing to do with him; and therefore,
+having picked up the ruins of the puppet-show, and got his ape again,
+by break of day he packed off to seek his fortune. The innkeeper, who
+did not know Don Quixote, was as much surprised at his liberality as
+at his madness. In fine, Sancho paid him very honestly by his master's
+order, and mounting a little before eight o'clock they left the inn,
+and proceeded on their journey; during which some other matters
+occurred, a knowledge of which is very requisite for the better
+understanding of this famous history.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LIX.
+
+_Wherein is shewn Don Quixote's ill success in the braying adventure,
+which did not end so happily as he desired and expected._
+
+
+After Don Quixote had left the inn, he resolved to take a sight of the
+river Ebro, and the country about it, before he went to Saragosa,
+since he was not straitened for time; but might do that, and yet
+arrive soon enough to make one at the jousts and tournaments in that
+city. Two days he travelled without meeting with any thing worth his
+notice or the reader's; when on the third, as he was riding up a hill,
+he heard a great noise of drums, trumpets, and guns. At first he
+thought that some regiment of soldiers was on its march that way,
+which made him spur up Rozinante to the brow of the hill, that he
+might see them pass by; and then he saw in a bottom above two hundred
+men, as near as he could guess, armed with various weapons, as lances,
+cross-bows, partisans, halberts, pikes, some few firelocks, and a
+great many targets. Thereupon he descended into the vale, and made his
+approaches towards the battalion so near as to be able to distinguish
+their banners and observe their devices; more especially one that was
+to be seen on a standard of white satin, on which was represented to
+the life a little jackass, much like a Sardinian ass-colt, holding up
+his head, stretching out his neck, and thrusting out his tongue, in
+the very posture of an ass that is braying, with this distich written
+in fair characters about it:
+
+ "'Twas something more than nothing which one day
+ Made one and t'other worthy bailiff bray."
+
+Don Quixote drew this inference from the motto, that those were the
+inhabitants of the braying town; and he acquainted Sancho with what he
+had observed, giving him also to understand, that the man who told
+them the story of the two braying aldermen was apparently in the
+wrong; since, according to the verses on the standard, they were two
+bailiffs, and not two aldermen. "It matters not one rush what you call
+them," quoth Sancho; "for those very aldermen that brayed might in
+time come to be made bailiffs of the town; and so both those titles
+might have been given them well enough. But what is it to you or me,
+or the story, whether the two brayers were aldermen or bailiffs, so
+they but brayed as we are told? As if a bailiff were not as likely to
+bray as an alderman!"
+
+In short, both master and man plainly understood that the men who were
+thus up in arms were those that were jeered for braying, got together
+to fight the people of another town, who had indeed abused them more
+than was the part of good neighbours; thereupon Don Quixote advanced
+towards them, to Sancho's great grief, who had no manner of liking to
+such kind of adventures. The multitude soon got about the knight,
+taking him for some champion, who was come to their assistance. But
+Don Quixote, lifting up his vizor, with a graceful deportment rode up
+to the standard, and there all the chief leaders of the army got
+together about him, in order to take a survey of his person, no less
+amazed at this strange appearance than the rest. Don Quixote seeing
+them look so earnestly on him, and no man offer so much as a word or
+question, took occasion from their silence to break his own; and
+raising his voice, "Good gentlemen," cried he, "I beseech you with all
+the endearments imaginable, to give no interruption to the discourse I
+am now delivering to you, unless you find it distasteful or tedious;
+which, if I am unhappy enough to occasion, at the least hint you shall
+give me, I will put a seal on my lips and a padlock on my tongue."
+They all cried that he might speak what he pleased, and they would
+hear him with all their hearts. Having this license, Don Quixote
+proceeded:
+
+"Gentlemen," said he, "I am a knight-errant; and my profession is to
+shew favour to those that are in necessity, and to give assistance to
+those that are in distress. I am no stranger to the cause of your
+uneasiness, which excites you to take arms against your insulting
+neighbours; and having often reflected upon the motives which have
+brought you together, I have drawn this inference; that according to
+the laws of arms, you really injure yourselves in thinking yourselves
+affronted; for no particular person can give an affront to a whole
+town and society of men, except it be by accusing them all of high
+treason in general, for want of knowing on which of them to fix some
+treasonable action, of which he supposes some of them to be guilty.
+Taking it for granted, then, that no particular person can affront a
+whole kingdom, province, city, commonwealth, or body politic, it is
+but just to conclude, that it is needless to revenge such a pretended
+affront; since such an abuse is no sufficient provocation, and,
+indeed, positively no affront. It would be a pretty piece of wisdom,
+truly, should those out of the town of Reloxa sally out every day on
+those who spend their ill-natured breaths, miscalling them every
+where. It would be a fine business, indeed, if the inhabitants of
+those several famous towns that are nick-named by our rabble, and
+called the one cheesemongers, the other costermongers, these
+fishmongers, and those soapboilers, should know no better than to
+think themselves dishonoured, and in revenge be always drawing out
+their swords at the least word, for every idle insignificant quarrel.
+No, no, Heaven forbid! men of sagacity and wisdom, and well-governed
+commonwealths, are never induced to take up arms, nor endanger their
+persons and estates, but on the four following occasions. In the first
+place, to defend the holy Catholic faith. Secondly, for the security
+of their lives, which they are commanded to preserve by the laws of
+God and nature. Thirdly, the preservation of their good name, the
+reputation of their family, and the conservation of their estates.
+Fourthly, the service due to their prince in a just war; and, if we
+please, we may add a fifth, which, indeed, may be referred to the
+second: the defence of our country. To these five capital causes may
+be subjoined several others, which may induce men to vindicate
+themselves, and have recourse even to the way of arms; but to take
+them up for mere trifles, and such occasions as rather challenge our
+mirth and contemptuous laughter than revenge, shews the person who is
+guilty of such proceedings to labour under a scarcity of sense.
+Besides, to seek after an unjust revenge (and indeed no human revenge
+can be just) is directly against the holy law we profess, which
+commands us to forgive our enemies, and to do good to those that hate
+us: an injunction, which though it seems difficult in the implicit
+obedience we should pay to it, yet is only so to those who have less
+of heaven than of the world, and more of the flesh than of the spirit.
+For the Redeemer of mankind, whose words never could deceive, said
+'that his yoke was easy, and his burden light;' and according to that,
+he could prescribe nothing to our practice which was impossible to be
+done. Therefore, gentlemen, since reason and religion recommend love
+and peace to you, I hope you will not render yourselves obnoxious to
+all laws, both human and divine, by a breach of the public
+tranquillity."
+
+"Verily," quoth Sancho to himself, "this master of mine must have been
+bred a parson; if not, he is as like one as one egg is like another."
+Don Quixote paused a while, to take breath; and, perceiving his
+auditory still willing to give him attention, had proceeded in his
+harangue, had not Sancho's good opinion of his parts made him lay hold
+on this opportunity to talk in his turn. "Gentlemen," quoth he, "my
+master, Don Quixote de la Mancha, once called the Knight of the
+Sorrowful Figure, and now the Knight of the Lions, is a very judicious
+gentleman, and talks Latin and his own mother-tongue as well as any of
+your 'varsity-doctors. Whatever discourse he takes in hand, he speaks
+to the purpose; he has all the laws and rules of punctilio and honour
+at his fingers' end; so that you have no more to do but to do as he
+says, and if in taking his counsel you ever tread awry, let the blame
+be laid on my shoulders. And, indeed, as you have already been told,
+it is a very silly fancy to be ashamed to hear one bray; for I
+remember when I was a boy, I could bray as often as I listed, and
+nobody went about to hinder me; and I could do it so rarely, and to
+the life, without vanity be it spoken, that all the asses in our town
+would fall a braying when they heard me bray; yet for all this, I was
+an honest body's child, and came of good parentage, do ye see; it is
+true, indeed, four of the best young men in our parish envied me for
+this great ability of mine; but I cared not a rush for their spite.
+Now, that you may not think I tell you a story, do but hear me, and
+then judge; for this rare art is like swimming, which, when once
+learned, is never to be forgotten!"
+
+This said, he clapped both the palms of his hands to his nose, and
+fell a braying so obstreperously, that it made the neighbouring
+valleys ring again. But while he was thus braying, one of those that
+stood next to him, believing he did it to mock them, gave him such a
+hearty blow with a quarter-staff on his back, that he brought him to
+the ground.
+
+Don Quixote, seeing what a rough entertainment had been given to his
+squire, moved with his lance in a threatening posture towards the man
+that had used poor Sancho thus; but the crowd thrust themselves in
+such a manner between them, that the knight found it impracticable to
+pursue the revenge he designed. At the same time, finding that a
+shower of stones began to rain about his ears, and a great number of
+cross-bows and muskets were getting ready for his reception, he turned
+Rozinante's reins, and galloped from them as fast as four legs would
+carry him, at the same time expecting at every step that he should be
+shot through the back, and have the bullet come out at his breast.
+But the country battalion were satisfied with seeing him fly, and did
+not offer to shoot at him.
+
+As for Sancho, he was set upon his ass before he had well recovered
+his senses, and then they suffered him to move off; not that the poor
+fellow had strength enough to guide him, but Dapple naturally followed
+Rozinante of his own accord. The Don being at a good distance from the
+armed multitude, faced about, and seeing Sancho pacing after him
+without any troublesome attendants, stayed for his coming up. As for
+the rabble, they kept their posts till it grew dark, and their enemies
+not having taken the field to give them battle, they marched home, so
+overjoyed to have shewn their courage, without danger, that, had they
+been so well bred as to have known the ancient custom of the Greeks,
+they would have erected a trophy in that place.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LX.
+
+_Of some things which he that reads shall know, if he reads them with
+attention._
+
+
+When the valiant man flies, he must have discovered some foul play,
+and it is the part of prudent persons to reserve themselves for more
+favourable opportunities. This truth is verified in Don Quixote; who,
+rather than expose himself to the fury of an incensed and
+ill-designing multitude, prudently took himself out of their reach.
+Sancho came after him, as already narrated, laid across his ass, and
+having recovered his senses, overtook him at last, and let himself
+drop from his pack-saddle at Rozinante's feet, all battered and
+bruised, and in a sorrowful condition. Don Quixote presently
+dismounted to search his wounds, and finding no bones broken, but his
+skin whole from head to feet, "You must bray," cried he angrily; "you
+must bray, must you! It is a piece of excellent discretion to talk of
+halters in the house of a man whose father was hanged. What
+counter-part could you expect to your music, blockhead, but a
+thorough-bass of bastinadoes? Thank Providence, sirrah, that as they
+gave you a dry benediction with a quarter-staff, they did not cross
+you with a cutlass." "I havn't breath to answer you at present," quoth
+Sancho, "but my back and shoulders speak enough for me. Pray let us
+make the best of our way from this cursed place, and whene'er I bray
+again, may I be as well punished for it. Yet I cannot help saying,
+that your knights-errant can betake themselves to their heels, and yet
+leave their trusty squires to be beaten like stock-fish in the midst
+of their enemies." "A retreat is not to be accounted a flight,"
+replied Don Quixote; "for know, Sancho, that courage which has not
+wisdom for its guide falls under the name of temerity; and the rash
+man's successful actions are rather owing to his good fortune than to
+his bravery. I own I did retire, but I deny that I fled; and in such a
+retreat I did but imitate many valiant men, who, not to hazard their
+persons indiscreetly, reserved themselves for a more fortunate hour.
+Histories are full of examples of this nature, which I do not care to
+relate at present, because they would be more tedious to me than
+profitable to thee."
+
+By this time Don Quixote had helped Sancho to bestride his ass; and
+being himself mounted on Rozinante, they paced softly along, and got
+into a grove of poplar-trees, about a quarter of a league from the
+place where they mounted. Yet as softly as they rode, Sancho could not
+help now and then heaving up deep sighs and lamentable groans. Don
+Quixote asked him why he made such a heavy moan? Sancho told him, that
+from his neck to his back-bone he felt such grievous pains that he was
+ready to sink. "Without doubt," said Don Quixote, "that is by reason
+that the staff by which thou wert struck was broad and long; and so,
+having fallen on those parts of thy back, caused a contusion there,
+and affects them all with pain; and had it been of a greater
+magnitude, thy grievances had been so much the greater."
+
+"Truly," quoth Sancho, "you have cleared that in very pithy words, of
+which nobody made any doubt. Was the cause of my ailing so hard to be
+guessed, that you must tell me that so much of me was sore as was hit
+by the weapon? But I find you are like all the world, that lay to
+heart nobody's harms but their own. I find whereabouts we are, and
+what I am like to get by you; for even as you left me now in the
+lurch, to be belaboured, and the other day to dance the caper-galliard
+in the blanket you wot of, so I must expect a hundred and a hundred
+more of these good things in your service; and as the mischief has now
+lighted on my shoulders, next time it may fly at my eyes. Would it not
+be better for me to trudge home to my wife and children, and look
+after my house, with that little wit that Heaven has given me, without
+galloping after your tail, high and low, through crossroads and
+by-ways, eating ill, and drinking worse? Then, after a man has tired
+himself off his legs, when he would be glad of a good bed, to have a
+master cry, 'Here, are you sleepy? lie down, Mr. Squire, your bed is
+made: take six feet of good hard ground, and measure your body there;
+and if that won't serve you, take as much more, and welcome.'"
+
+"I durst lay a wager," said Don Quixote, interrupting him, "that now
+thou art suffered to prate without interruption, thou feelest no
+manner of pain in thy whole body. Prithee talk on, my child; say
+anything that comes uppermost to thy mouth, or is burdensome to thy
+brain; so it but alleviates thy pain, thy impertinences will rather
+please than offend me; and if thou hast such a longing desire to be
+at home with thy wife and children, Heaven forbid I should be against
+it. Thou hast money of mine in thy hands: see how long it is since we
+sallied out last from home, and cast up thy wages by the month, and
+pay thyself."
+
+"An' it like your worship," quoth Sancho, "when I served my master
+Carrasco, father to the bachelor, your worship's acquaintance, I had
+two ducats a-month, besides my victuals: I don't know what you'll give
+me; though I am sure there is more trouble in being squire to a
+knight-errant than in being servant to a farmer; for truly, we that go
+to plough and cart in a farmer's service, though we moil and sweat so
+a-days as not to have a dry thread to our backs, let the worst come to
+the worst, are sure of a supper from the pot, and to sleep soundly in
+a bed. But I don't know when I have had a good meal's meat, or a good
+night's rest, in all your service, unless it were that short time when
+we were at Don Diego's house, and when I made a feast on the savoury
+skimming of Camacho's cauldron, and eat, drank, and slept at Mr.
+Basil's."
+
+"I grant all this, Sancho," said Don Quixote; "then how much more dost
+thou expect from me than thou hadst from thy master Carrasco?" "Why,
+truly," quoth Sancho, "if your worship will pay me twelvepence a-month
+more than Thomas Carrasco gave me, I shall think it very fair, and
+tolerable wages; but then, instead of the island which, you know, you
+promised me, I think you cannot in conscience give me less than
+six-and-thirty pence a-month more, which will make in all thirty
+reals, neither more nor less." "Very well," said Don Quixote, "let us
+see then; it is now twenty-five days since we set out from
+home--reckon what this comes to, according to the wages thou hast
+allowed thyself, and be thy own paymaster." "Ah, but," quoth Sancho,
+"we are quite out in our account; for as to the governor of an
+island's place, which you promised to help me to, we ought to reckon
+from the time you made the promise to this very day." "Well, and pray
+how long is it?" asked Don Quixote. "If I remember rightly," quoth
+Sancho, "it is about some twenty years ago, two or three days more or
+less."
+
+With that Don Quixote fell a-laughing heartily. "Why," cried he, "all
+my sallies, including the time I spent in the Sierra Morena, have
+hardly taken up two months; and hast thou the impudence to affirm it
+is twenty years since I promised the grant of the island? I am now
+convinced thou hast a mind to make all the money which thou hast of
+mine in thy keeping go for the payment of thy wages. If this be thy
+meaning, well and good; e'en take it, and much good may it do thee;
+for rather than be troubled any longer with such a varlet, I would
+contentedly see myself without a penny. Away, then, pack off with thy
+ass this moment, and get thee home; for thou shalt never stay in my
+service any longer. Oh, how much bread, how many promises, have I now
+ill bestowed on thee! Vile grovelling wretch, thou hast more of the
+beast than of the man! when I was just going to prefer thee to such a
+post, that in spite of thy wife thou hadst been called my lord, thou
+sneakest away from me. Well mightest thou say, indeed, that honey is
+not for the mouth of an ass. Thou art indeed a very ass; an ass thou
+wilt live, and an ass thou wilt die; for I dare say, thou wilt never
+have sense enough while thou livest to know thou art a brute."
+
+While Don Quixote thus upbraided and railed at Sancho, the poor
+fellow, all dismayed, and touched to the quick, beheld him with a
+wistful look; and the tears standing in his eyes for grief, "Good
+sir," cried he, with a doleful voice, "I confess I want nothing but a
+tail to be a perfect ass; if your worship will be pleased but to put
+on one, I shall deem it well set on, and be your most faithful ass all
+the days of my life: but forgive me, I beseech you, and take pity on
+my youth. Consider I have but a dull head-piece of my own; and if
+tongue runs at random sometimes, it is because I am more fool than
+knave, sir:
+
+ 'He who errs and mends,
+ To heaven himself commends.'
+
+"I should wonder much," said Don Quixote, "if thou shouldst not
+interlard thy discourse with some pretty proverb. Well, I will pardon
+thee this once, provided thou correct those imperfections, and shewest
+thyself of a less craving temper. Take heart, then, and let the hopes
+which thou mayest entertain of the performance of my promise raise in
+thee a nobler spirit."
+
+Matters being thus amicably adjusted, they put into the grove, where
+the Don laid himself at the foot of an elm, and his squire at the foot
+of a beech; for every one of those trees, and such others, has always
+a foot, though never a hand. Sancho had but an ill night's rest of it,
+for his bruises made his bones more than ordinarily sensible of the
+cold. As for Don Quixote, he entertained himself with his usual
+imaginations. However, they both slept, and by break of day were ready
+to continue their journey.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXI.
+
+_What happened to Don Quixote with the fair Huntress._
+
+
+It happened that the next day about sunset, as they were coming out of
+the wood, Don Quixote cast his eyes on a verdant meadow, and at the
+farther end of it descried a company, whom, upon a nearer view, he
+judged to be persons of quality taking the diversion of hawking.
+Approaching nearer yet, he observed among them a fine lady, upon a
+white steed in green trappings, and a saddle of cloth-of-silver. She
+rode with a gosshawk on her left hand, by which Don Quixote judged her
+to be of quality, and mistress of the train that attended; as, indeed,
+she was. Calling to his squire, "Sancho," cried he, "run and tell that
+lady on the palfrey that I, the Knight of the Lions, humbly salute her
+highness; and that if she pleases to give me leave, I should be proud
+to have the honour of waiting on her, and kissing her fair hands. But
+take special care, Sancho, how thou deliverest thy message; and be
+sure not to lard my compliments with any of thy proverbs."
+
+Sancho moved on, forcing Dapple from his old pace to a gallop; and
+approaching the fair huntress, he alighted, and, falling on his knees,
+"Fair lady," quoth he, "that knight yonder, called the Knight of the
+Lions, is my master; I am his squire, Sancho Panza by name. This same
+Knight of the Lions, who but the other day was called the Knight of
+the Sorrowful Figure, has sent me to tell you, that so please your
+worship's grace to give him leave, with your good liking, to do as he
+has a mind, which, as he says, and as I believe, is only to serve your
+high-flown beauty, and be your eternal vassal, you may chance to do a
+thing that would be for your own good, and he would take it for a huge
+kindness at your hands."
+
+"Indeed, honest squire," said the lady, "you have acquitted yourself
+of your charge with all the grace which such an embassy requires.
+Rise, I pray; for it is by no means fit that the squire to so great a
+knight (to whose name and merit we are no strangers) should remain on
+his knees. Rise, and desire your master by all means to honour us with
+his company, that my lord duke and I may pay him our respects at a
+mansion we have hard by."
+
+Sancho, overjoyed with this gracious answer, returned to his master,
+to whom he repeated all that the great lady had said to him; praising
+to the skies, in his clownish phrase, her great beauty and courteous
+nature.
+
+Don Quixote, pleased with this good beginning, seated himself
+handsomely in the saddle, fixed his toes in his stirrups, set the
+beaver of his helmet as he thought best became his face, roused up
+Rozinante's mettle, and with a graceful assurance moved forwards to
+kiss the duchess's hand. As soon as Sancho went from her, she sent for
+the duke, her husband, and gave him an account of Don Quixote's
+embassy. Thereupon they both attended his coming with a pleasant
+impatience; for, having read the first part of his history, they were
+no less desirous to be acquainted with his person; and resolved, as
+long as he stayed with them, to give him his own way, and humour him
+in all things, treating him with all the forms essential to the
+entertainment of a knight-errant; which they were the better able to
+do, having been much conversant with books of that kind.
+
+And now Don Quixote drew nigh with his vizor up; and Sancho, seeing
+him offer to alight, made all the haste he could to be ready to hold
+his stirrup. But as ill-luck would have it, as he was throwing his leg
+over his pack-saddle to get off, he entangled his foot so strangely in
+the rope that served him instead of a stirrup, that, not being able to
+get it out, he hung by the heel with his nose to the ground. On the
+other side, Don Quixote, who was used to have his stirrup held when he
+dismounted, thinking Sancho had hold of it already, lifted up his
+right leg over the saddle to alight; but as it happened to be ill
+girt, down it came with him to the ground; while he, confounded with
+shame, bestowed many a severe reproach on his poor squire, who was all
+the while held fast with his foot in the stocks. The duke seeing them
+in that condition, ordered some of his people to help them; and they
+raised Don Quixote, who was in no very good case with his fall.
+However, limping as well as he could, he went to pay his duty to the
+lady, and would have fallen on his knees at her horse's feet; but the
+duke alighting, would by no means permit it; and embracing Don
+Quixote, "I am sorry," said he, "sir knight, that such a mischance
+should happen to you at your first appearance in my territories; but
+the negligence of squires is often the cause of worse accidents."
+"Most generous prince," said Don Quixote, "I can think nothing bad
+that could befall me here, since I have had the happiness of seeing
+your grace; for though I had fallen ever so low, the glory of this
+interview would raise me up again. My squire, indeed, is much more apt
+to set loose his saucy tongue than to gird a saddle well; but
+prostrate or erect, on horseback or on foot, in any posture, I shall
+always be at your grace's command, and no less at her grace's, your
+worthy consort. Worthy did I say? yes, she is worthy to be called the
+Queen of Beauty, and Sovereign Lady of all Courtesy." "Pardon me
+there," said the duke, "noble Don Quixote de la Mancha; where the
+peerless Dulcinea is remembered, the praise of all other beauties
+ought to be forgotten."
+
+Sancho was now got clear of the noose, and standing near the duchess.
+"An't please your worship's highness," quoth he, before his master
+could answer, "it cannot be denied, nay, I dare vouch it in any ground
+in Spain, that my Lady Dulcinea del Toboso is woundy handsome and
+fair. But 'where we least think, there starts the hare;' and 'he that
+makes one handsome pipkin may make two or three hundred;' and so, do
+ye see, you may understand by this, that my Lady Duchess here does not
+a jot come short of my Lady Dulcinea del Toboso." Don Quixote, upon
+this, addressing himself to the duchess, "Your grace must know," said
+he, "that no knight-errant ever had such an eternal babbler, such a
+bundle of conceit for a squire, as I have; and if I have the honour to
+continue for some time in your service, your grace will find it
+true." "I am glad," answered the duchess, "that honest Sancho has his
+conceits, which is a sign he is wise; for merry conceits, you know,
+sir, are not the offspring of a dull brain; and therefore, if Sancho
+be merry and jocose, I will warrant him also a man of sense. But, not
+to lose our time here, come on, Sir Knight of the Sorrowful
+Figure----" "Knight of the Lions, your highness should say," quoth
+Sancho; "the Sorrowful Figure is out of date; and so pray let the
+Lions come in play." "Well, then," said the duke, "I entreat the
+Knight of the Lions to vouchsafe us his presence at a castle I have
+hard by, where he shall find such entertainment as is justly due to so
+eminent a personage, such honours as the duchess and myself are wont
+to pay to knights-errant that travel this way."
+
+Sancho having by this time got Rozinante ready, and girded the saddle
+tight, Don Quixote mounted his steed, and the duke a stately horse of
+his own, and the duchess riding between them both, they moved towards
+the castle. She desired that Sancho might always attend near her; for
+she was extremely taken with his notable sayings. Sancho was not hard
+to be entreated, but crowded in between them, and made a fourth in
+their conversation, to the great satisfaction both of the duke and
+duchess, who esteemed themselves very fortunate in having an
+opportunity to entertain at their castle such a knight-errant and such
+an erring squire.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXII.
+
+_Which treats of many and great matters._
+
+
+Sancho was overjoyed to find himself so much in the duchess's favour,
+flattering himself that he should fare no worse at her castle than he
+had done at Don Diego's and Basil's houses; for he was ever a cordial
+friend to a plentiful way of living, and therefore never failed to
+take such opportunities by the forelock wherever he met them. Now
+before they got to the castle, the duke rode away from them, to
+instruct his servants how to behave themselves toward Don Quixote; so
+that no sooner did the knight come near the gates, than he was met by
+two of the duke's lackeys, in long vests of fine crimson satin, who,
+suddenly taking him in their arms, lifted him from his horse without
+any further ceremony.
+
+And now, being entered into a large court-yard, there came two
+damsels, who threw a long mantle of fine scarlet over Don Quixote's
+shoulders. In an instant, all the galleries about the court-yard were
+crowded with men and women, the domestics of the duke, who cried out,
+"Welcome, the flower and cream of knight-errantry!" Then they
+sprinkled bottles of scented water upon Don Quixote, the duke, and the
+duchess; all which agreeably surprised the Don, and persuaded him his
+knight-errantry was indeed more than mere fancy; for he found himself
+treated just as he had read that the brothers of the order were
+entertained in former ages.
+
+They were now led up a stately staircase, and then into a noble hall,
+sumptuously hung with rich gold brocade. Here his armour was taken off
+by six young damsels, that served him instead of pages, all of them
+fully instructed by the duke and duchess how to behave themselves
+towards Don Quixote so, that he might look on his entertainment as
+conformable to those which the famous knights-errant received of old.
+
+Don Quixote then retired and dressed himself, put on his belt and
+sword, threw his scarlet cloak over his shoulders, and clapped on a
+cap of green velvet, which had been left him by the damsels. Thus
+accoutred, he was led with great pomp, some of the attendants walking
+before and some behind, into the supper-apartment, where a table was
+magnificently set out for four people.
+
+As soon as he approached, the duke and the duchess came as far as the
+door to receive him, and with them a grave ecclesiastic, one of those
+that live in and govern great men's houses.
+
+After a thousand courtly compliments on all sides, Don Quixote at last
+approached the table, between the duke and the duchess; and here arose
+a contest; for the knight, being offered the upper end of the table,
+thought himself obliged to decline it. However, he could not withstand
+the duke's pressing importunities, but was forced at last to comply.
+The parson sat right against him, and the duke and the duchess on each
+side.
+
+Sancho stood by all the while, gaping with wonder to see the honour
+done his master; and observing how many ceremonies passed, and what
+entreaties the duke used to prevail with him to sit at the upper end
+of the table, "With your worship's good leave," quoth he, "I will tell
+you what happened once in our town, in reference to this stir and ado
+that you have had now about places." The words were scarce out of his
+mouth, when Don Quixote began to tremble, as having reason to believe
+he was about to say some impertinent thing or other. Sancho had his
+eyes upon him, and, presently understanding his motions, "Sir," quoth
+he, "don't fear; I won't be unmannerly, I warrant you. I will speak
+nothing but what shall be to the purpose; I havn't so soon forgot the
+lesson you gave me about talking sense or nonsense, little or much."
+"I don't know what thou meanest," said Don Quixote; "say what thou
+wilt, so thou do it quickly." "Well," quoth Sancho, turning to the
+duke, "what I am going to tell you is every tittle true. Should I trip
+never so little in my story, my master is here to take me up, and give
+me the lie." "Prithee," said Don Quixote, "trip as much as thou wilt
+for me; I won't be thy hindrance; but take heed, however, what thou
+sayest." "Nay, nay," quoth Sancho, "let me alone for that; I have
+heeded it and reheeded it over and over, and that you shall see, I
+warrant you." "Truly, my lord," said Don Quixote, "it were convenient
+that your grace should order this fellow to be turned out of the room,
+for he will plague you with a thousand impertinences." "Oh! as for
+that, you must excuse us," said the duchess; "Sancho must not stir a
+step; I'll engage for him, he shall say nothing but what is proper."
+"Many and many proper years," quoth Sancho, "may your grace live,
+madam duchess, for your good opinion of me, though it is more your
+goodness than my desert. Now then for my tale.
+
+"Once on a time a gentleman, of a good estate and family, for he was
+of the blood of the Alamos of Medina del Campo, and married one Donna
+Mencia de Quinones, who was the daughter of Don Alonzo de Maranon, a
+knight of the order of St. Jago, the very same that was drowned in the
+Herradura, about whom that quarrel happened formerly in our town, in
+which I heard say, that my master, Don Quixote was embroiled, and
+little Tom, the mad-cap, who was the son of old Balvastro the farrier,
+happened to be sorely hurt----Is not all this true now, master? Speak
+the truth, that their worships' graces may know that I am neither a
+prater nor a liar." "Thus far," said the clergyman, "I think thou art
+the first rather than the latter; I can't tell what I shall make of
+thee by and by." "Thou producest so many witnesses, Sancho," said Don
+Quixote, "and mentionest so many circumstances, that I must needs own
+I believe what thou sayest to be true. But go on, and shorten thy
+story; for as thou beginnest, I'm afraid thou'lt not have done these
+two days." "Pray, don't let him shorten it," said the duchess; "let
+him go on his own way, though he were not to make an end of it these
+six days; I shall hear him with pleasure, and think the time
+pleasantly employed." "This same gentleman, then," continued Sancho,
+"I know him as well as I know my right hand from my left, for it is
+not a bow-shot from my house to his; this gentleman, I say, invited a
+husbandman to dine with him, who was a poor man, but main honest"----
+
+"On, friend," said the chaplain; "at the rate you proceed, your tale
+won't reach its end before you reach the other world." "A little more
+of your Christian patience, good doctor," quoth Sancho. "Now this same
+husbandman, as I said before, coming to this same gentleman's house,
+who had given him the invitation,--Heaven rest his soul, poor heart!
+for he is now dead and gone; and more than that, they say he died the
+death of an angel. For my part, I was not by him when he died, for I
+was gone to harvest-work at that very time, to a place called
+Temblique." "Prithee, honest friend," said the clergyman, "leave your
+harvest-work, and come back quickly from Temblique, without staying
+to bury the gentleman, unless you have a mind to occasion more
+funerals; therefore, pray make an end of your story." "You must know
+then," quoth Sancho, "that as they two were ready to sit down at
+table,--I mean the husbandman and the gentleman----Methinks I see them
+now before my eyes plainer than ever I did in my born days,--The
+husbandman would not sit till the gentleman had taken his place; but
+the gentleman made him a sign to put himself at the upper end. 'By no
+means, sir,' quoth the husbandman. 'Sit down,' said the other. 'Good
+your worship,' quoth the husbandman. 'Sit where I bid thee,' said the
+gentleman. Still the other excused himself and would not; and the
+gentleman told him he should, as meaning to be master in his own
+house. But the over-mannerly looby, fancying he should be hugely well
+bred and civil in it, scraped, and cringed, and refused, till at last
+the gentleman, in a great passion, even took him by the shoulders, and
+forced him into the chair. 'Sit there, clodpate,' cried he; 'for let
+me sit wherever I will, that still will be the upper end, and the
+place of worship to thee.' And now you have my tale, and I think I
+have spoke nothing but what is to the purpose."
+
+Don Quixote's face was flushed with anger and shame, so that the duke
+and duchess were obliged to check their mirth when they perceived
+Sancho's roguery, that Don Quixote might not be put too much out of
+countenance. And therefore to turn the discourse, that Sancho might
+not run into other fooleries, the duchess asked Don Quixote what news
+he had of the Lady Dulcinea, and how long it was since he had sent her
+any giants or robbers for a present, not doubting but that he had
+lately subdued many such. "Alas! madam," answered he, "my misfortunes
+have had a beginning, but I fear will never have an end. I have
+vanquished giants, elves, and cut-throats, and sent them to the
+mistress of my soul, but where shall they find her? She is enchanted,
+madam, and transformed to the ugliest piece of rusticity that can be
+imagined." "I don't know, sir," quoth Sancho; "when I saw her last,
+she seemed to be the finest creature in the varsal world; thus far, at
+least, I can safely vouch for her upon my own knowledge, that for
+activity of body and leaping, the best tumbler of them all does not go
+beyond her. Upon my honest word, madam duchess, she will vault from
+the ground upon her ass like a cat." "Have you seen her enchanted?"
+said the duke. "Seen her!" quoth Sancho; "and who was the first that
+hit upon this trick of her enchantment, think you, but I? She is as
+much enchanted as my father."
+
+The churchman hearing them talk of giants, elves, and enchantments,
+began to suspect this was Don Quixote de la Mancha, whose history the
+duke so often used to read, though he had several times reprehended
+him for it, telling him it was a folly to read such follies. Being
+confirmed in his suspicion, he addressed himself very angrily to the
+duke. "My lord," said he, "your grace will have a large account to
+give one day for encouraging this poor man's follies. I suppose this
+same Don Quixote, or Don Quite Sot, or whatever you are pleased to
+call him, cannot be quite so besotted as you endeavour to make him, by
+giving him such opportunities to run on in his fantastical humours?"
+Then directing his discourse to Don Quixote, "Hark ye," said he,
+"Sigñor Addlepate. Who has put it into your head that you are a
+knight-errant, and that you vanquish giants and robbers? Go, go, get
+you home again, look after your children, if you have any, and what
+honest business you have to do, and leave wandering about the world,
+building castles in the air, and making yourself a laughing-stock to
+all that know you, or know you not. Where have you found that there
+ever has been, or are now, any such things as knights-errant? Where
+will you meet with giants in Spain, or monsters in La Mancha? Where
+shall one find your enchanted Dulcineas, and all those legions of
+whimsies and chimeras that are talked of in your account, but in your
+own empty skull?"
+
+Don Quixote gave this reverend person a hearing with great patience.
+But at last, seeing him silent, without minding his respect to the
+duke and duchess, up he started with indignation and fury in his
+looks, and said----But his answer deserves a chapter by itself.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXIII.
+
+_Don Quixote's answer to his reprover; with other grave and merry
+accidents._
+
+
+Don Quixote having thus suddenly got up, with his whole frame agitated
+with indignation, cast an angry look on his indiscreet censor, and
+thus spake: "This place, the presence of these noble persons, and the
+respect I have always had for your function, check my just resentment,
+and tie up my hands from taking the satisfaction of a gentleman. For
+these reasons, and since every one knows that you gown-men, as well as
+women, use no other weapons but your tongues, I will fairly engage you
+upon equal terms, and combat you at your own weapon. I should rather
+have expected sober admonitions from a man of your cloth, than
+infamous reproaches. Charitable and wholesome correction ought to be
+managed at another rate, and with more moderation. The least that can
+be said of this reproof, which you have given me here so bitterly and
+in public, is, that it has exceeded the bounds of Christian
+correction, and a gentle one had been much more becoming. Is it fit
+that without any insight into the offence which you reprove, you
+should, without any more ado, call the offender fool, sot, and
+addlepate? Pray, sir, what foolish action have you seen me do, that
+should provoke you to give me such ill language, and bid me so
+magisterially go home to look after my wife and children, before you
+know whether I have any? Don't you think those deserve as severe a
+censure who screw themselves into other men's houses, and pretend to
+rule the master? A fine world it is truly, when a poor pedant, who has
+seen no more of it than lies within twenty or thirty leagues about
+him, shall take upon him to prescribe laws to knight-errantry, and
+judge of those who profess it! You, forsooth, esteem it an idle
+undertaking, and time lost, to wander through the world, though
+scorning its pleasures and sharing the hardships and toils of it, by
+which the virtuous aspire to the high seat of immortality. If persons
+of honour, knights, lords, gentlemen, or men of any birth, should take
+me for a fool or a coxcomb, I should think it an irreparable affront.
+But for mere scholars, that never trode the path of chivalry, to think
+me mad, I despise and laugh at it. I am a knight, and a knight will I
+die, if so it please Omnipotence. Some choose the high road of haughty
+ambition; others the low ways of base servile flattery; a third sort
+take the crooked path of deceitful hypocrisy; and a few, very few,
+that of true religion. I, for my own part, follow the narrow track of
+knight-errantry; and for the exercise of it I despise riches, but not
+honour. I have redressed grievances, and righted the injured,
+chastised the insolent, vanquished giants, and trod elves and
+hobgoblins under my feet. I am in love, but no more than the
+profession of knight-errantry obliges me to be. My intentions are all
+directed to virtuous ends, and to do no man wrong, but good to all the
+world. And now let your graces judge, most excellent duke and duchess,
+whether a person who makes it his only study to practise all this
+deserves to be upbraided for a fool."
+
+"Well said, truly," quoth Sancho; "say no more for yourself, my good
+lord and master; stop when you are well; for there is not the least
+matter to be added more on your side. Besides, since Mr. Parson has
+had the face to say, point-blank, as one may say, that there neither
+are, nor ever were, any knights-errant in the world, no marvel he does
+not know what he says." "What!" said the clergyman, "I warrant you are
+that Sancho Panza to whom they say your master has promised an
+island?" "Ay, marry am I," answered Sancho; "and I am he that deserves
+it as well as another body; and I am one of those of whom they say,
+'Keep with good men and thou shalt be one of them;' and of those of
+whom it is said again, 'Not with whom thou wert bred, but with whom
+thou hast fed;' as also, 'Lean against a good tree, and it will
+shelter thee.' I have leaned and stuck close to my good master, and
+kept him company this many a month; and now he and I are all one; and
+I must be as he is; and so he live, and I live, he will not want
+kingdoms to rule, nor shall I want islands to govern."
+
+"That thou shalt not, honest Sancho," said the duke; "for I, on the
+great Don Quixote's account, will now give thee the government of an
+odd one of my own of no small consequence." "Down, down on thy knees,
+Sancho," cried Don Quixote, "and kiss his grace's feet for this
+favour." Sancho did accordingly; but when the clergyman saw it, he got
+up in a great heat. "By the habit which I wear," cried he, "I can
+scarce forbear telling your grace, that you are as mad as these sinful
+wretches. Well may they be mad, when such wise men as you humour and
+authorise their frenzy. You may keep them here, and stay with them
+yourself, if your grace pleases; but for my part, I will leave you and
+go home, to save myself the labour of reprehending what I can't mend."
+With that, leaving the rest of his dinner behind him, away he flung,
+the duke and the duchess not being able to pacify him; though, indeed,
+the duke could not say much to him for laughing at his impertinent
+passion.
+
+When he had done laughing, "Sir Knight of the Lions," said he, "you
+have answered so well, that you need no farther satisfaction of the
+angry clergyman; especially if you consider that whatever he might
+say, it was not in his power to fix an affront on a person of your
+character, since women and churchmen cannot give an affront." "Very
+true, my lord," said Don Quixote; "and I ought not to have any
+resentment for what that good man said, neither, indeed, have I any. I
+only wish he would have stayed a little longer, that I might have
+convinced him of his error in believing there were never any
+knights-errant in the world. Had Amadis, or any one of his innumerable
+race, but heard him say any thing like this, I can assure his
+reverence it would have gone hard with him."
+
+"I will answer for it, it would," quoth Sancho; "they would have
+undone him as you would undo an oyster, and have cleft him from head
+to foot as one would slice a pomegranate, or a ripe muskmelon. They
+were a parcel of tough blades, and would not have swallowed such a
+pill. I verily believe, had Rinaldo of Montalban but heard the poor
+man talk at this rate, he would have given him such a gag as would
+have secured him from prating these three years. Ay, ay, if he had
+fallen into their clutches, see how he would have got out again." The
+duchess was ready to die with laughing at Sancho, whom she thought a
+more pleasant fool and a greater madman than his master; and she was
+not the only person at that time of this opinion.
+
+The duchess now took an opportunity to desire the knight to give a
+particular description of the Lady Dulcinea del Toboso's beauty and
+accomplishments, not doubting but that his good memory would enable
+him to do it well; adding withal, that according to the voice of
+fame, she must needs be the finest creature in the whole world, and
+consequently in La Mancha.
+
+With that, Don Quixote, fetching a deep sigh, "Madam," said he, "could
+I pluck out my heart, and expose it to your grace's view, I might save
+my tongue the labour of attempting that which it cannot express, and
+you can scarce believe; for there your grace would see her beauty
+depainted to the life. But why should I undertake to delineate and
+copy one by one each several perfection of the peerless Dulcinea? That
+task were worthy of the pencils of Parrhasius, Timantes, and Apelles,
+or the graving-tools of Lysippus. The hands of the best painters and
+statuaries should indeed be employed to give in speaking paint, in
+marble and Corinthian brass, an exact copy of her beauties; while
+Ciceronian and Demosthenian eloquence laboured to reach the praise of
+her endowments." "Pray, sir," asked the duchess, "what do you mean by
+that word Demosthenian?" "Demosthenian eloquence, madam," said Don
+Quixote, "is as much as to say, the eloquence of Demosthenes; and the
+Ciceronian, that of Cicero; the two greatest orators that ever were in
+the world." "It is true," said the duke; "and you but shewed your
+ignorance, my dear, in asking such a question. Yet the noble Don
+Quixote would highly oblige us, if he would but be pleased to attempt
+her picture now; for even in a rude draught of her lineaments, I
+question not but she will appear so charming, as to deserve the envy
+of the brightest of her sex." "Ah, my lord," said Don Quixote, "it
+would be so indeed, if the misfortune which not long since befell her
+had not in a manner razed her idea out of the seat of my memory; and
+as it is, I ought rather to bewail her change than describe her
+person: for your grace must know that as I lately went to kiss her
+hands, and obtain her benediction and leave for my intended absence in
+quest of new adventures, I found her quite another creature than I
+expected. I found her enchanted--transformed from a princess to a
+country-wench, from beauty to ugliness, from courtliness to rusticity,
+from a reserved lady to a jumping Joan; in short, from Dulcinea del
+Toboso to a peasantess of Sayago." "Bless us!" cried the duke with a
+loud voice, "what villain has done the world such an injury? Who has
+robbed it not only of the beauty that was its ornament, but of those
+charming graces that were its delight, and that virtue which was its
+living honour?" "Who should it be," replied Don Quixote, "but one of
+those cursed magicians who have persecuted me, and will continue to do
+so, till they have sunk me and my lofty deeds of chivalry into the
+profound abyss of oblivion. Yes, they wound me in that part which they
+well know is most sensible; aware, that to deprive a knight-errant of
+his lady, is to rob him of the eyes with which he sees, of the sun
+that enlightens him, and of the food that sustains him. For, as I have
+often said, a knight-errant without a lady is like a tree without
+leaves, a building without mortar, or a shadow without a body that
+causes it."
+
+"I grant all this," said the duchess; "yet if we may believe the
+history of your life, which was lately published with universal
+applause, it seems to imply, to the best of my remembrance, that you
+never saw the Lady Dulcinea, and that there is no such lady in the
+world; but rather that she is a mere notional creature, proceeding
+from your own fancy, and there endowed with all the charms and good
+qualifications which you are pleased to ascribe to her."
+
+"Much may be said upon this point," said Don Quixote; "Heaven knows
+whether there be a Dulcinea in the world or not, and whether she be a
+notional creature or not. These are mysteries not to be so narrowly
+inquired into. I do indeed make her the object of my contemplations,
+and, as I ought, look on her as a lady endowed with all those
+qualifications that may raise the character of a person to universal
+fame. She is to me beautiful without blemish, reserved without pride,
+amorous with modesty, agreeable for her courteous temper, and
+courteous as an effect of her generous education, and, in short, of an
+illustrious parentage. For beauty displays its lustre to a higher
+degree of perfection when joined with noble blood than it can in those
+that are meanly descended."
+
+"The observation is just," said the duke; "but give me leave, sir, to
+propose to you a doubt, which the reading of that history hath started
+in my mind. It is, that, allowing there be a Dulcinea at Toboso, or
+elsewhere, and as beautiful as you describe her, yet I do not find she
+can any way equal in greatness of birth the Orianas, the
+Alastrajareas, the Madasimas, and a thousand others, of whom we read
+in those histories with which you have been so conversant." "To this,"
+said Don Quixote, "I answer, that Dulcinea is the daughter of her own
+actions, and that virtue ennobles the blood. A virtuous man of mean
+condition is more to be esteemed than a vicious person of quality.
+Besides, Dulcinea is possessed of those other endowments that may
+entitle her to crowns and sceptres, since beauty alone has raised many
+of her sex to a throne." "I must own, sir," said the duchess, "that in
+all your discourse, you, as we say, proceed with the plummet of
+reason, and fathom all the depths of controversy. Therefore I submit;
+and from this time I am resolved to believe, and will make all my
+domestics, nay my husband too, if there be occasion, believe and
+maintain, that there is a Dulcinea del Toboso extant, and living at
+this day; that she is beautiful and of good extraction; and to sum up
+all in a word, altogether deserving the services of so great a knight
+as the noble Don Quixote; which I think is the highest commendation I
+can bestow on her. But yet I must confess there is still one scruple
+that makes me uneasy, and causes me to have an ill opinion of Sancho.
+It is that the history tells us, that when Sancho Panza carried your
+letter to the Lady Dulcinea, he found her winnowing a sack of corn; by
+the same token, that it was the worst sort of wheat, which makes me
+much doubt her quality."
+
+"Your grace must know," answered Don Quixote, "that almost every thing
+that relates to me is managed quite contrary to what the affairs of
+other knights-errant used to be. Whether the unfathomable will of
+destiny, or the implacable malice of envious enchanters, orders it so
+or no, I cannot tell. But I have good reason to believe that these
+magicians, finding they cannot work their wicked ends directly on me,
+revenge themselves on what I most esteem, and endeavour to take away
+my life by persecuting that of Dulcinea, in whom and for whom I live.
+And therefore the unfortunate lady must be thus enchanted, misused,
+disfigured, chopped, and changed. My enemies, wreaking their malice on
+her, have revenged themselves on me, which makes me abandon myself to
+sorrow, till she be restored to her former perfections.
+
+"I have been the more large in this particular, that nobody might
+insist on what Sancho said of her sifting of corn; for if she appeared
+changed to me, what wonder is it if she seemed so to him? In short,
+Dulcinea is both illustrious and well-born, being descended of the
+most ancient and best families in Toboso, of whose blood I am positive
+she has no small share in her veins; and now that town will be no less
+famous in after ages for being the place of her nativity than Troy for
+Helen, though on a more honourable account.
+
+"As for Sancho Panza's part, I assure your grace he is one of the most
+pleasant squires that ever waited on a knight-errant. Sometimes he
+comes out with such sharp simplicities, that one is pleasantly puzzled
+to judge whether he be more knave or fool. The varlet, indeed, is full
+of roguery enough to be thought a knave; but then he has yet more
+ignorance, and may better be thought a fool. He doubts of every thing,
+yet believes every thing; and when one would think he had entangled
+himself in a piece of downright folly beyond recovery, he brings
+himself off of a sudden so cleverly that he is applauded to the skies.
+In short, I would not change him for the best squire that wears a
+head, though I might have a city to boot; and therefore I do not know
+whether I had best let him go to the government which your grace has
+been pleased to promise him. Though I must confess his talents seem to
+lie pretty much that way; for, give never so little a whet to his
+understanding, he will manage his government as well as the king does
+his customs. Then experience convinces us that neither learning, nor
+any other abilities, are very material to a governor. Have we not a
+hundred of them that can scarce read a letter, and yet they govern as
+sharp as so many hawks? Their main business is only to mean well, and
+to be resolved to do their best; for they cannot want able
+counsellors to instruct them. Thus those governors who are men of the
+sword, and no scholars, have their assessors on the bench to direct
+them. My counsel to Sancho shall be, that he neither take bribes nor
+lose his privileges; with some other little instructions, which I have
+in my head for him, and which at a proper time I will communicate,
+both for his private advantage and the public good of the island he is
+to govern."
+
+Here the conversation ceased, and Don Quixote went to take his
+afternoon's sleep; but the duchess desired Sancho, if he were not very
+sleepy, to pass the afternoon with her and her women in a cool room.
+Sancho told her grace, that indeed he did use to take a good sound
+nap, some four or five hours long, in a summer's afternoon; but to do
+her good honour a kindness, he would break an old custom for once, and
+do his best to hold up that day, and wait on her worship.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXIV.
+
+_Containing ways and means for disenchanting the peerless Dulcinea del
+Toboso, being one of the most famous adventures in the whole book._
+
+
+The duke and duchess were extremely diverted with the humours of their
+guests. Resolving, therefore, to improve their sport by carrying on
+some pleasant design that might bear the appearance of an adventure,
+they took the hint from Don Quixote's account of Montesinos' cave, as
+a subject from which they might raise an extraordinary entertainment;
+the rather, since, to the duchess's amazement, Sancho was so foolish
+as to believe that Dulcinea del Toboso was really enchanted, though he
+himself had been the first contriver of the story, and her only
+enchanter.
+
+Accordingly, having given directions to their servants that nothing
+might be wanting, and proposed a day for hunting the wild boar, in
+five or six days they were ready to set out with a train of huntsmen
+and other attendants not unbecoming the greatest prince. They
+presented Don Quixote with a hunting-suit, but he refused it, alleging
+it superfluous, since he was in a short time to return to the hard
+exercise of arms, and could carry no sumpters nor wardrobes along with
+him; but Sancho readily accepted one of fine green cloth, designing to
+sell it the first opportunity.
+
+The day appointed being come, Don Quixote armed, and Sancho equipped
+himself in his new suit, and mounting his ass, which he would not quit
+for a good horse that was offered him, he crowded among the train of
+sportsmen. The duchess also made one of the company. The knight, who
+was courtesy itself, very gallantly would hold the reins of her
+palfrey, though the duke seemed very unwilling to let him. In short,
+they came to the scene of their sport, which was in a wood between two
+high mountains, where alighting, and taking their several stands, the
+duchess, with a pointed javelin in her hand, attended by the duke and
+Don Quixote, took her stand in a place where they knew the boars were
+used to pass through.
+
+And now the chase began with full cry, the dogs opened, the horns
+sounded, and the huntsmen hollowed in so loud a concert, that there
+was no hearing one another. Soon after, a hideous boar, of a monstrous
+size, came on; and being baited hard by the dogs, and followed close
+by the huntsmen, made furiously towards the pass which Don Quixote had
+taken; whereupon the knight, grasping his shield and drawing his
+sword, moved forward to receive the raging beast. The duke joined him
+with a boar-spear, and the duchess would have been foremost, had not
+the duke prevented her. Sancho alone, seeing the furious animal,
+resolved to shift for himself; and away he ran, as fast as his legs
+would carry him, towards a high oak, to the top of which he
+endeavoured to clamber; but, as he was getting up, one of the boughs
+unluckily broke, and he was tumbling down, when a stump of another
+bough caught hold of his new coat, and stopped his fall, slinging him
+in the air by the middle, so that he could neither get up nor down.
+His fine green coat was torn; and he fancied every moment the wild
+boar was running that way, with foaming mouth and dreadful tusks, to
+tear him to pieces; which so disturbed him, that he roared and
+bellowed for help, as if some wild beast had been devouring him in
+good earnest.
+
+At last the tusky boar was laid at his length, with a number of
+pointed spears fixed in him; and Don Quixote, being alarmed by
+Sancho's noise, which he could distinguish easily, looked about, and
+discovered him swinging from the tree with his head downwards, and
+close by him poor Dapple, who, like a true friend, never forsook him
+in his adversity. Don Quixote went and took down his squire, who, as
+soon as he was at liberty, began to examine the damage his fine
+hunting-suit had received, which grieved him to the soul; for he
+prized it as much as if it had made him heir to an estate.
+
+Meanwhile, the boar, being laid across a large mule, and covered with
+branches of rosemary and myrtle, was carried in triumph by the
+victorious huntsmen to a large field-tent, pitched in the middle of
+the wood, where an excellent entertainment was provided, suitable to
+the magnificence of the founder.
+
+Sancho drew near the duchess, and shewing her his torn coat, "Had we
+been hunting the hare now, or catching sparrows," quoth he, "my coat
+might have slept in a whole skin. For my part, I wonder what pleasure
+there can be in beating the bushes for a beast which, if it does but
+come at you, may be the death of you. I have not forgotten an old song
+to this purpose:
+
+ 'May Fabila's sad fate be thine,
+ And make thee food for bears or swine.'"
+
+"That Fabila," said Don Quixote, "was a king of the Goths; who, going
+a-hunting once, was devoured by a bear." "That is it I say," quoth
+Sancho; "and therefore why should kings and other great folks run
+themselves into harm's way, when they may have sport enough without
+it? what pleasure can you find, any of you all, in killing a poor
+beast that never meant any harm?" "You are mistaken, Sancho," said the
+duke; "hunting wild beasts is the most proper exercise for knights and
+princes; for in the chase of a stout noble beast may be represented
+the whole art of war, stratagems, policy, and ambuscades, with all
+other devices usually practised to overcome an enemy with safety. Here
+we are exposed to the extremities of heat and cold; ease and laziness
+can have no room in this diversion; by this we are inured to toil and
+hardship, our limbs are strengthened, our joints made pliable, and our
+whole body hale and active. In short, it is an exercise that may be
+beneficial to many, and can be prejudicial to none; and the most
+enticing property is its rarity, being placed above the reach of the
+vulgar, who may indeed enjoy the diversion of other sorts of game, but
+not this nobler kind, nor that of hawking, a sport also reserved for
+kings and persons of quality. Therefore, Sancho, let me advise you to
+alter your opinion when you become a governor; for then you will find
+the great advantage of these sports and diversions." "You are out far
+wide, sir," quoth Sancho; "it were better that a governor had his legs
+broken, and be laid up at home, than to be gadding abroad at this
+rate. It would be a pretty business, forsooth, when poor people come,
+weary and tired, to wait on the governor about business, that he
+should be rambling about the woods for his pleasure! There would be a
+sweet government truly! Truly, sir, I think these sports and pastimes
+are fitter for those that have nothing to do than for governors." "I
+wish with all my heart," said the duke, "that you prove as good as you
+promise; but saying and doing are different things." "Well, well,"
+quoth Sancho, "be it how it will, I say that an honest man's word is
+as good as his bond. Heaven's help is better than early rising. My
+meaning is, that with Heaven's help, and my honest endeavours, I shall
+govern better than any gosshawk. Do but put your finger in my mouth,
+and try if I cannot bite." "A plague on thee, and thy impertinent
+proverbs," said Don Quixote: "shall I never get thee to talk sense
+without a string of that disagreeable stuff?" "Oh, sir," said the
+duchess, "Sancho's proverbs will always please for their sententious
+brevity, though they were as numerous as a printed collection; and I
+assure you I relish them more than I should do others that might be
+better, and more to the purpose."
+
+After this, and suchlike diverting talk, they left the tent, and
+walked into the wood, to see whether any game had fallen into their
+nets. Now, while they were thus intent upon their sport, the night
+drew on apace, and more cloudy and overcast than was usual at that
+time of the year, which was about midsummer; but it happened very
+critically for the better carrying on the intended contrivance. A
+little while after the close of the evening, when it grew quite dark,
+in a moment the wood seemed all on fire, and blazed in every quarter.
+This was attended with an alarming sound of trumpets, and other
+warlike instruments, answering one another from all sides, as if
+several parties of horse had been hastily marching through the wood.
+Then presently was heard a confused noise of Moorish cries, such as
+are used in joining battle; which, together with the rattling of the
+drums, the loud sound of the trumpets and other instruments of war,
+made such a hideous and dreadful concert in the air, that the duke was
+amazed, the duchess astonished, Don Quixote was surprised, and Sancho
+shook like a leaf; and even those that knew the occasion of all this
+were affrighted.
+
+This consternation caused a general silence; and by and by, one riding
+post, equipped like a fiend, passed by the company, winding a huge
+hollow horn. "Hark you, post," said the duke; "whither so fast? what
+are you? and what parties of soldiers are those that march across the
+wood?" "I go," cried the post, in a hideous unearthly tone, "in quest
+of Don Quixote de la Mancha; and those that are coming this way are
+six bands of necromancers, that conduct the peerless Dulcinea del
+Toboso enchanted in a triumphant chariot. She is attended by that
+gallant French knight, Montesinos, who comes to give information how
+she may be freed from enchantment." "Wert thou as much a demon," said
+the duke, "as thy horrid shape speaks thee to be, thou wouldst have
+known this knight here before thee to be that Don Quixote de la Mancha
+whom thou seekest." "On my conscience," replied he, "I never thought
+of it; for I have so many things in my head, that it almost distracts
+me; I had quite forgotten my errand." Then directing himself to Don
+Quixote, without dismounting: "To thee, O Knight of the Lions!" cried
+he, "(and I wish thee fast in their claws), to thee am I sent by the
+valiant but unfortunate Montesinos, to bid thee attend his coming in
+this very place, whither he brings one whom they call Dulcinea del
+Toboso, in order to give thee instructions touching her
+disenchantment. Now I have delivered my message I must fly." This
+said, he winded his monstrous horn, and without staying for an answer,
+disappeared.
+
+While Don Quixote stood pondering these things, "Well, sir," said the
+duke to him, "what do you intend to do? will you stay?" "Stay!" cried
+Don Quixote, "shall I not? I will stay here, intrepid and courageous,
+though all the infernal powers enclose me round." "So you may, if you
+will," quoth Sancho; "but if any more devils or horns come hither,
+they shall as soon find me in Flanders as here."
+
+And now the night grew darker and darker, and several shooting lights
+were seen glancing up and down the wood, like meteors or exhalations
+from the earth. Then was heard a horrid noise, like the creaking of
+the ungreased wheels of heavy waggons, from which piercing and
+ungrateful sound bears and wolves are said to fly. This odious jarring
+was presently seconded by a greater, which seemed to be the dreadful
+din and shocks of four several engagements, in each quarter of the
+wood, with all the sounds and hurry of so many joined battles. On one
+side were heard several peals of cannon; on the other, the discharging
+of numerous volleys of small-shot; here the shouts of the engaging
+parties that seemed to be near at hand; there, cries of the Moors,
+that seemed at a great distance. In short, the strange, confused
+intermixture of drums, trumpets, cornets, horns, the thundering of the
+cannon, the rattling of the small-shot, the creaking of the wheels,
+and the cries of the combatants, made the most dismal noise
+imaginable, and tried Don Quixote's courage to the uttermost. But poor
+Sancho was annihilated, and fell into a swoon at the duchess' feet;
+who, ordering some water to be sprinkled on his face, at last
+recovered him, just as the foremost of the creaking carriages came up,
+drawn by four heavy oxen, covered with mourning, and carrying a large
+lighted torch upon each horn. On the top of the cart or waggon was an
+exalted seat, on which sat a venerable old man, with a beard as white
+as snow, and so long that it reached down to his girdle. He was clad
+in a long gown of black buckram, as were also two fiends that drove
+the waggons; both so very monstrous and ugly, that Sancho, having seen
+them once, was forced to shut his eyes, and would not venture upon a
+second look. The cart, which was stuck full of lights within, having
+come up, the reverend old man stood up, and cried with a loud voice,
+"I am the sage Lirgander;" and the cart passed on without one word
+more being spoken. Then followed another cart, with another grave old
+man; who, making the cart stop at a convenient distance, rose up from
+his high seat, and in as deep a tone as the first cried, "I am the
+sage Alquife, great friend to Urganda the Unknown;" and so went
+forward. He was succeeded by a third cart, that moved in the same
+solemn pace, and bore a person not so ancient as the rest, but a
+robust and sturdy, sour-looking, ill-favoured fellow, who rose up from
+his throne, like the rest, and with a more hollow and diabolical voice
+cried out, "I am Archelaus the Enchanter, the mortal enemy of Amadis
+de Gaul, and all his race;" which said, he passed by, like the other
+carts, which, taking a short turn, made a halt; and the grating noise
+of the wheels of the waggons ceasing, an excellent concert of sweet
+music was heard, which mightily comforted poor Sancho; and, passing
+with him for a good omen, "My lady," quoth he to the duchess, from
+whom he would not budge an inch, "there can be no mischief sure where
+there is music." "Very true," said the duchess, "especially where
+there is brightness and light." "Ay, but there is no light without
+fire," replied Sancho, "and brightness comes most from flames. Who
+knows but those about us may burn us! But music I take to be always a
+sign of feasting and merriment." "We shall know presently what this
+will come to," said Don Quixote; and he said right, for you will find
+it in the next chapter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXV.
+
+_Wherein is contained the information given to Don Quixote how to
+disenchant Dulcinea; with other wonderful passages._
+
+
+When the pleasant music drew near, there appeared a stately triumphal
+chariot, drawn by six dun mules, covered with white, upon each of
+which sat a penitent, clad also in white, and holding a great lighted
+torch in his hand. The carriage was twice or thrice longer than any of
+the former, twelve other penitents being placed at the top and sides,
+all in white, and bearing likewise each a lighted torch, which made a
+dazzling and surprising appearance. There was a high throne erected at
+the farther end, on which sat a nymph arrayed in cloth of silver, with
+many golden spangles glittering all about her, which made her dress,
+though not rich, appear very glorious. Her face was covered with
+transparent gauze, through the flowing folds of which might be
+descried a most beautiful face; and, by the great light which the
+torches gave, it was easy to discern that, as she was not less than
+seventeen years of age, neither could she be thought above twenty.
+Close by her was a figure, clad in a long gown, like that of a
+magistrate, reaching down to its feet, and its head covered with a
+black veil. When they came directly opposite to the company, the
+hautboys that played before ceased, and the Spanish harps and lutes
+that were in the chariot did the like; then the figure in the gown
+stood up; and, opening its garments and throwing away its mourning
+veil, discovered a bare and frightful skeleton, that represented the
+deformed figure of Death; which startled Don Quixote, made Sancho's
+bones rattle in his skin for fear, and caused the duke and the duchess
+to seem more than commonly disturbed. This living Death being thus got
+up, in a dull, heavy, sleepy tone, as if its tongue had not been well
+awake, began in this manner:
+
+ "O glory thou of all that e'er could grace
+ A coat of steel, and fence of adamant!
+ Light, lantern, path, and polar star and guide
+ To all who dare dismiss ignoble sleep
+ And downy ease for exercise of arms,
+ For toils continual, perils, wounds, and blood!
+ Knight of unfathomed worth, abyss of praise,
+ Who blend'st in one the prudent and the brave:
+ To thee, great Quixote, I this truth declare;
+ That, to restore to her true state and form
+ Toboso's pride, the peerless Dulcinea,
+ 'Tis Fate's decree, that Sancho do bestow
+ Three thousand lashes, and eke three hundred more,
+ Each to afflict and sting and gall him sore;
+ So shall relent the authors of her woes,
+ Whose awful will I for her ease disclose."
+
+"What!" quoth Sancho, "three thousand lashes! I will not give myself
+three; I will as soon give myself three stabs. Mr. Merlin, if you have
+no better way for disenchanting the Lady Dulcinea, she may even lie
+bewitched to her dying day for me."
+
+"How now, opprobrious rascal!" cried Don Quixote; "sirrah, I will take
+you and tie your dogship to a tree, and there I will not only give you
+three thousand three hundred lashes, but six thousand six hundred, you
+varlet!" "Hold!" cried Merlin, hearing this; "this must not be; the
+stripes inflicted on honest Sancho must be voluntary, without
+compulsion, and only laid on when he thinks most convenient. No set
+time is for the task fixed; and if he has a mind to have abated one
+half of this atonement, it is allowed, provided the remaining stripes
+be struck by a strange hand, and heavily laid on."
+
+"Neither a strange hand nor my own," quoth Sancho, "neither heavy nor
+light, shall touch my flesh. Is the Lady Dulcinea mine, that my body
+must pay for the transgressions of her eyes? My master, indeed, who is
+part of her, he it is who ought to lash himself for her, and do all
+that is needful for her delivery; but for me to whip myself--no!"
+
+No sooner had Sancho thus declared himself than the nymph who sat by
+the shade of Merlin arose, and throwing aside her veil, discovered a
+face of extraordinary beauty; and with a masculine air addressed
+herself to Sancho: "O wretched squire, with thy soul of flint! Hadst
+thou been required to throw thyself headlong from some high tower;
+hadst thou been desired to kill thy wife and children with some bloody
+and sharp scimitar, no wonder if thou hadst betrayed some
+squeamishness; but to hesitate about three thousand three hundred
+lashes, which there is not a wretched schoolboy but receives every
+month, it amazes, stupifies, and affrights all who hear it, and even
+all who shall hereafter be told it. Relent, malicious and evil-minded
+man! be moved by my blooming youth, which is pining and withering
+beneath the vile bark of a peasant-wench; and if at this moment I
+appear otherwise, it is by the special favour of Sigñor Merlin here
+present, hoping that these charms may soften that iron heart; for the
+tears of afflicted beauty turn rocks into cotton, and tigers into
+lambs."
+
+"What say you to that, Sancho?" quoth the duchess. "I say, madam,"
+answered Sancho, "that, as to the lashes, I pronounce them."
+"Renounce, you should say, Sancho," quoth the duke, "and not
+'pronounce.'" "Please your grandeur to let me alone," replied Sancho,
+"for I cannot stand now to a letter more or less; the thought of these
+lashes so torments me that I know not what I say or do. But I would
+fain know one thing from the Lady Dulcinea del Toboso, and that is,
+where she learnt her manner of asking a favour? She comes to desire me
+to tear my flesh with stripes, and at the same time lays upon me such
+a bead-roll of ill names that the devil may bear them for me. What!
+does she think my flesh is made of brass? Or that I care a rush
+whether she is enchanted or not? Where are the presents she has
+brought to soften me? All times are not alike, nor are men always in a
+humour for all things. At this moment my heart is ready to burst with
+grief to see this rent in my jacket, and people come to desire that I
+would also tear my flesh, and that too of my own good-will; I having
+just as much mind to the thing as to turn Turk." "In truth, friend
+Sancho," said the duke, "if you do not relent and become softer than a
+ripe fig, you finger no government of mine. It would be a fine thing,
+indeed, were I to send my good islanders a cruel, flinty-hearted
+tyrant, whom neither the tears of afflicted damsels nor the
+admonitions of wise, reverend, and ancient enchanters can move to
+compassion! Really, Sancho, I am compelled to say--no stripes no
+government." "May I not be allowed two days, my lord," replied Sancho,
+"to consider what is best for me to do?" "In no wise can that be,"
+cried Merlin; "on this spot and at this instant you must determine;
+for Dulcinea must either return to Montesinos' cave and to her rustic
+shape, or in her present form be carried to the Elysian fields, there
+to wait until the penance be completed." "Come, friend Sancho," said
+the duchess, "be of good cheer, and shew yourself grateful to your
+master, whose bread you have eaten, and to whose generous nature and
+noble feats of chivalry we are all so much beholden. Come, my son,
+give your consent, leave fear to the cowardly; a good heart breaks bad
+fortune, as you well know."
+
+"Well," said Sancho, "since every body tells me so, though the thing
+is out of all reason, I promise to give myself the three thousand
+three hundred lashes, upon condition that I may lay them on whenever
+I please, without being tied to days or times; and I will endeavour to
+get out of debt as soon as I possibly can, that the beauty of my Lady
+Dulcinea del Toboso may shine forth to all the world; as it seems she
+is really beautiful, which I much doubted."
+
+No sooner had Sancho pronounced his consent than the innumerable
+instruments poured forth their music, and volleys of musketry were
+discharged, while Don Quixote clung about Sancho's neck, giving him a
+thousand kisses; the duke and duchess, and all who were present,
+likewise testified their satisfaction. The car now moved on; and in
+departing, the fair Dulcinea bowed her head to the duke and duchess,
+and made a low curtsy to Sancho.
+
+By this time the cheerful and joyous dawn began to appear, the
+flowrets of the field expanded their fragrant beauties to the light,
+and brooks and streams, in gentle murmurs, ran to pay expecting rivers
+their crystal tribute. The earth rejoiced, the sky was clear, and the
+air serene and calm; all combined and separately giving manifest
+tokens that the day, which followed fast upon Aurora's heels, would be
+bright and fair. The duke and duchess, having happily executed their
+ingenious project, returned highly gratified to their castle, and
+determined on the continuation of fictions, which afforded more
+pleasures than realities.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXVI.
+
+_Wherein is recorded the wonderful and inconceivable adventure of the
+afflicted Duenna, or the Countess of Trifaldi; and likewise Sancho
+Panza's letter to his wife Teresa Panza._
+
+
+The whole contrivance of the last adventure was the work of the duke's
+steward; a man of a humorous and facetious turn of mind. He it was who
+composed the verses, instructed a page to perform the part of
+Dulcinea, and personated himself the shade of Merlin. Assisted by the
+duke and duchess, he now prepared another scene still more
+entertaining than the former.
+
+The next day the duchess inquired of Sancho if he had begun his
+penance for the relief of his unhappy lady. "Ay, truly, I have," said
+he; "for the last night I gave myself five lashes." The duchess
+desired to know how he had given them. "With the palm of my hand,"
+said he. "That," replied the duchess, "is rather clapping than
+whipping, and I am of opinion Sigñor Merlin will not be so easily
+satisfied. My good Sancho must get a rod of briers or of whipcord, for
+letters written in blood cannot be disputed, and the deliverance of a
+great lady like Dulcinea is not to be purchased with a song." "Give me
+then, madam, some rod or bough," quoth Sancho, "and I will use it, if
+it does not smart too much." "Fear not," answered the duchess, "it
+shall be my care to provide you with a whip that shall suit you
+exactly, and agree with the tenderness of your flesh as if it were its
+own brother." "But now, my dear lady," quoth Sancho, "you must know
+that I have written a letter to my wife Teresa Panza, giving her an
+account of all that has befallen me since I parted from her;--here it
+is in my bosom, and it wants nothing but the name on the outside. I
+wish your discretion would read it, for methinks it is written like a
+governor--I mean in the manner that governors ought to write." "And
+who indited it?" demanded the duchess. "Who should indite it but I
+myself, sinner as I am?" replied Sancho. "And did you write it too?"
+said the duchess. "No, indeed," answered Sancho; "for I can neither
+read nor write, though I can set my mark." "Let us see it," said the
+duchess; "for I dare say it shews the quality and extent of your
+genius." Sancho took the letter out of his bosom, unsealed, and the
+duchess read as follows:--
+
+
+_Sancho Panza's Letter to his wife Teresa Panza._
+
+"If I have been finely lashed, I have been finely mounted up; if I
+have got a good government, it has cost me many good lashes. This, my
+dear Teresa, thou canst not understand at present; another time thou
+wilt. Thou must know, Teresa, that I am determined that thou shalt
+ride in thy coach, which is somewhat to the purpose; for all other
+ways of going are no better than creeping upon all fours, like a cat.
+Thou shalt be a governor's wife: see then whether any body will dare
+to tread on thy heels. I here send thee a green hunting-suit, which my
+lady duchess gave me; fit it up so that it may serve our daughter for
+a jacket and petticoat. They say in this country that my master Don
+Quixote is a sensible madman and a pleasant fool, and that I am not a
+whit behind him. We have been at Montesinos' cave; and the sage
+Merlin, the wizard, has pitched upon me to disenchant the Lady
+Dulcinea del Toboso, who among you is called Aldonza Lorenzo. When I
+have given myself three thousand and three hundred lashes, lacking
+five, she will be free from enchantment. Say nothing of this to any
+body; for, bring your affairs into council, and one will cry it is
+white, another it is black. A few days hence I shall go to the
+government, whither I go with a huge desire to get money; and I am
+told it is the same with all new governors. I will first see how
+matters stand, and send thee word whether or not thou shalt come to
+me. Dapple is well, and sends thee his hearty service; part with him I
+will not, though I were to be made the great Turk. The duchess, my
+mistress, kisses thy hands a thousand times over; return her two
+thousand; for, as my master says, nothing is cheaper than civil words.
+God has not been pleased to throw in my way another portmanteau, and
+another hundred crowns, as once before; but, one way or another, thou
+art sure to be rich and happy.
+
+ "Thy husband the governor,
+
+ "SANCHO PANZA.
+
+ "From this castle, the 20th of July, 1614."
+
+
+The duchess, having read the letter, said to Sancho: "In two things
+the good governor is a little out of the way; the one in saying, or
+insinuating, that this government is conferred on him on account of
+the lashes he is to give himself; whereas he cannot deny that, when my
+lord duke promised it to him, nobody dreamt of lashes: the other is,
+that he appears to be covetous, and I hope no harm may come of it; for
+avarice bursts the bag, and the covetous governor doeth ungoverned
+justice." "Truly, madam, that is not my meaning," replied Sancho; "and
+if your highness does not like this letter, it is but tearing it, and
+writing a new one, which mayhap may prove worse, if left to thy
+mending." "No, no," replied the duchess; "this is a very good one, and
+the duke shall see it."
+
+They then repaired to a garden where they were to dine that day; and
+there Sancho's letter was shewn to the duke, who read it with great
+pleasure. After dinner, as Sancho was entertaining the company with
+some of his relishing conversation, they suddenly heard the dismal
+sound of an unbraced drum, accompanied by a fife. All were surprised
+at this martial and doleful harmony, especially Don Quixote, who was
+so agitated that he could scarcely keep his seat. As for Sancho, it is
+enough to say that fear carried him to his usual refuge, which was the
+duchess's side, or the skirts of her petticoat; for the sounds which
+they heard were truly dismal and melancholy. While they were thus held
+in suspense, two young men clad in mourning robes trailing upon the
+ground, entered the garden, each of them beating a great drum, covered
+also with black; and with these a third playing on the fife, in
+mourning like the rest. These were followed by a personage of gigantic
+stature, enveloped in a robe of the blackest dye, the train whereof
+was of immoderate length, and over it he wore a broad black belt, in
+which was slung a mighty scimitar, enclosed within a sable scabbard.
+His face was covered by a thin black veil, through which might be
+discovered a long beard, white as snow. He marched forward, regulating
+his steps to the sound of the drums, with much gravity and
+stateliness. In short, his dark robe, his enormous bulk, his solemn
+deportment, and the funereal gloom of his figure, together with his
+attendants, might well produce the surprise that appeared on every
+countenance. With all imaginable respect and formality he approached
+and knelt down before the duke, who received him standing, and would
+in no wise suffer him to speak till he rose up. The monstrous
+apparition, then rising, lifted up his veil, and exposed to view his
+fearful length of beard--the longest, whitest, and most luxuriant that
+ever human eyes beheld; when, fixing his eyes on the duke, in a voice
+grave and sonorous, he said, "Most high and potent lord, my name is
+Trifaldin of the White Beard, and I am squire to the Countess
+Trifaldi, otherwise called the Afflicted Duenna, from whom I bear a
+message to your highness, requesting that you will be pleased to give
+her ladyship permission to approach, and relate to your magnificence
+the unhappy and wonderful circumstances of her misfortune. But first,
+she desires to know whether the valorous and invincible knight, Don
+Quixote de la Mancha, resides at this time in your castle; for in
+quest of him she has travelled on foot, and fasting, from the kingdom
+of Candaya to this your territory; an exertion miraculous and
+incredible, were it not wrought by enchantment. She is now at the
+outward gate of this castle, and only waits your highness's invitation
+to enter." Having said this, he hemmed, stroked his beard from top to
+bottom, and with much gravity and composure stood expecting the duke's
+answer, which was to this effect: "Worthy Trifaldin of the White
+Beard, long since have we been apprised of the afflictions of my lady
+the Countess Trifaldi, who, through the malice of enchanters, is too
+truly called the Afflicted Duenna; tell her, therefore, that she may
+enter, and that the valiant knight Don Quixote de la Mancha is here
+present, from whose generous assistance she may safely promise herself
+all the redress she requires." Trifaldin, on receiving the duke's
+answer, bent one knee to the ground; then giving a signal to his
+musical attendants, he retired, leaving all in astonishment at the
+majesty of his figure and deportment.
+
+The duke, then turning to Don Quixote, said, "It is evident, sir
+knight, that neither the clouds of malice nor of ignorance can obscure
+the light of your valour and virtue: behold, the afflicted and
+oppressed flock hither in quest of you from far distant countries;
+such is their confidence in the strength of that arm, the fame whereof
+spreads over the whole face of the earth!" "I wish, my lord duke,"
+answered Don Quixote, "that holy person who, but a few days since,
+expressed himself with so much acrimony against knights-errant were
+now here, that he might have ascertained, with his own eyes, whether
+or not such knights were necessary in the world. Let the afflicted
+lady come forward and make known her request, and, be it whatever it
+may, she may rely on the strength of this arm, and the resolute
+courage of my soul."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXVII.
+
+_In which is continued the famous adventure of the afflicted Duenna._
+
+
+The duke and duchess were extremely delighted to find Don Quixote
+wrought up into a mood so favourable to their design; but Sancho was
+not so well satisfied. "I should be sorry," said he, "that this madam
+duenna should lay any stumbling-block in the way of my promised
+government; for I have heard an apothecary of Toledo, who talked like
+any goldfinch, say that no good ever comes of meddling with duennas.
+Odds my life, what an enemy to them was that apothecary! If, then,
+duennas of every quality and condition are troublesome and
+impertinent, what must those be who come in the doldrums? which seems
+to be the case with this same Countess Three-skirts, or Three-tails,
+for skirts and tails in my country are all one." "Hold thy peace,
+Sancho," said Don Quixote; "for, as this lady duenna comes in quest of
+me from so remote a country, she cannot be one of those who fall under
+that apothecary's displeasure. Besides, thou must have noticed that
+this lady is a countess; and when countesses serve as duennas, it must
+be as attendants upon queens and empresses." "Yes, in sooth, so it
+is," said Donna Rodriguez; "but these squires are our sworn enemies;
+they can find no other pastime than reviling us. Foul slanderers! by
+my faith, if I were allowed, I would prove to all here present that
+there is no virtue that is not contained in a duenna." "I am of
+opinion," quoth the duchess, "that my good donna is very much in the
+right; but she must wait for a more proper opportunity to finish the
+debate, and confute and confound the calumnies of that wicked
+apothecary, and also to root out the ill opinion which the great
+Sancho fosters in his breast." "I care not to dispute with her," quoth
+Sancho, "for ever since the government has got into my head, I have
+given up all my squireship notions, and care not a fig for all the
+duennas in the world."
+
+This dialogue about duennas would have continued, had not the sound of
+the drum and fife announced the approach of the afflicted lady. The
+duchess asked the duke whether it would not be proper for him to go
+and meet her, since she was a countess, and a person of quality. "Look
+you," quoth Sancho, before the duke could answer; "in regard to her
+being a countess, it is fitting your highness should go to receive
+her; but inasmuch as she is a duenna, I am of opinion you should not
+stir a step." "Who desires thee to intermeddle in this matter,
+Sancho?" said Don Quixote. "Who, sir," answered Sancho, "but I myself?
+Have I not a right to intermeddle, being a squire, who has learned the
+rules of good manners in the school of your worship? Have I not had
+the flower of courtesy for my master, who has often told me that one
+may as well lose the game by a card too much as a card too little; and
+a word is enough to the wise." "Sancho is right," quoth the duke; "but
+let us see what kind of a countess this is, and then we shall judge
+what courtesy is due to her."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXVIII.
+
+_Of the account given by the afflicted Duenna of her misfortunes._
+
+
+The doleful musicians were followed by twelve duennas, in two ranks,
+clad in large mourning robes, with white veils of thin muslin that
+almost reached to their feet. Then came the Countess Trifaldi herself,
+led by her squire Trifaldin of the White Beard. She was clad in a
+robe, which, had it been napped, each grain would have been of the
+size of a good ronceval-pea. The train, or tail, was divided into
+three separate portions, and supported by three pages, and spread out,
+making a regular mathematical figure with three angles; whence it was
+conjectured she obtained the name of Trifaldi, or Three-skirts. The
+twelve duennas, with the lady, advanced slowly, having their faces
+covered with black veils--not transparent, like that of the squire
+Trifaldin, but so thick that nothing could be seen through them. Don
+Quixote, and all the other spectators, rose from their seats; and now
+the attendant duennas halted, and separating, opened a passage through
+which their afflicted lady, still led by the squire Trifaldin,
+advanced towards the noble party, who stepped some dozen paces forward
+to receive her. She then cast herself on her knees, and with a voice
+rather harsh and coarse than clear and delicate, said, "I entreat your
+graces will not condescend to so much courtesy to this your handmaid;
+for my mind, already bewildered with affliction, will only be still
+more confounded." "He must be wholly destitute of understanding, lady
+countess," quoth the duke, "who could not discern your merit by your
+person, which alone claims all the cream of courtesy, and all the
+flower of well-bred ceremony." Then raising her by the hand, he led
+her to a chair close by the duchess, who also received her with much
+politeness.
+
+During the ceremony, Don Quixote was silent, and Sancho, dying with
+impatience to see the face of the Trifaldi, or of some one of her many
+duennas; but it was impossible, till they chose to unveil themselves.
+All was expectation, and not a whisper was heard, till at length the
+afflicted lady began in these words: "Confident I am, most potent
+lord, most beautiful lady, and most discreet spectators, that my most
+unfortunate miserableness will find in your generous and compassionate
+bowels a most merciful sanctuary; for so doleful and dolorous is my
+wretched state, that it is sufficient to mollify marble, to soften
+adamant, and melt down the steel of the hardest hearts. But before the
+rehearsal of my misfortunes is commenced, I earnestly desire to be
+informed whether this noble circle be adorned by the presence of that
+most renowned knight, Don Quixote de la Mancha, and his squire Panza."
+"That same Panza," said Sancho, before any one could answer, "stands
+here before you, and also Don Quixote; and therefore, most dolorous
+duenna, say what you will; for we are all ready to be your most humble
+servants." Upon this Don Quixote stood up, and addressing himself to
+the doleful countess, he said, "If your misfortunes, afflicted lady,
+can admit of remedy from the valour or fortitude of a knight-errant,
+the little all that I possess shall be employed in your service. I am
+Don Quixote de la Mancha, whose function it is to relieve every
+species of distress; you need not, therefore, madam, implore
+benevolence, nor have recourse to preambles, but plainly and without
+circumlocution declare your grievances, for you have auditors who will
+bestow commiseration, if not redress." On hearing this, the afflicted
+duenna attempted to throw herself at Don Quixote's feet, and
+struggling to kiss them, said, "I prostrate myself, O invincible
+knight, before these feet and legs, which are the bases and pillars of
+knight-errantry, and will kiss these feet, whose steps lead to the end
+and termination of my misfortunes! O valorous errant, whose true
+exploits surpass and obscure the fabulous feats of the Amadises,
+Esplandians, and Belianises of old!" Then, leaving Don Quixote, she
+turned to Sancho Panza, and taking him by the hand, said, "O thou, the
+most trusty squire that ever served knight-errant in present or past
+ages, whose goodness is of greater extent than that beard of my usher
+Trifaldin; well mayest thou boast that, in serving Don Quixote, thou
+dost serve, in epitome, all the knights-errant that ever shone in the
+annals of chivalry! I conjure thee, by thy natural benevolence and
+inviolable fidelity, to intercede with my lord in my behalf, that the
+light of his favour may forthwith shine upon the humblest and
+unhappiest of countesses."
+
+The duke and duchess could scarcely preserve their gravity, and were
+highly pleased with the ingenuity of the Countess Trifaldi, who,
+having seated herself, thus began her tale of sorrow: "The famous
+kingdom of Candaya had for its queen the lady Donna Maguncia, widow of
+King Archipiela, who died, leaving the Infanta Antonomasia, their only
+child, heiress to the crown. This princess was brought up and educated
+under my care and instruction; I being the eldest and chief of the
+duennas in the household of her royal mother. Now, in process of time
+the young Antonomasia arrived at the age of fourteen, with such a
+perfection of beauty that nature could not raise it to a pitch higher;
+for she was as discreet as fair, and she was the fairest creature
+living; and so she still remains, if the envious fates and
+hard-hearted destinies have not cut short her thread of life. Her
+wondrous beauty attracted innumerable adorers; and princes of her own
+and every other nation became her slaves. Among the rest, a private
+cavalier of the court had the audacity to aspire to that earthly
+heaven; confiding in his youth, his gallantry, his sprightly and happy
+wit, with numerous other graces and qualifications. Indeed, I must
+confess to your highnesses, though with reverence be it spoken, he
+could touch the guitar to a miracle. He was, besides, a poet, and a
+fine dancer, and had so rare a talent for making bird-cages that he
+might have gained his living by it, in case of need. So many parts and
+elegant endowments were sufficient to have moved a mountain, much more
+the tender heart of a virgin. But all his graces and accomplishments
+would have proved ineffectual, had not the robber and ruffian first
+artfully contrived to make a conquest of me. The assassin and
+barbarous vagabond began with endeavouring to obtain my good will, and
+suborn my inclination, that I might betray my trust, and deliver up to
+him the keys of the fortress I guarded. In short, he so plied me with
+toys and trinkets, and so insinuated himself into my soul, that I was
+bewitched. But that which chiefly brought me down, and levelled me
+with the ground, was a copy of verses which I heard him sing one night
+under my window; and, if I remember right, the words were these:
+
+ 'The tyrant fair whose beauty sent
+ The throbbing mischief to my heart,
+ The more my anguish to augment,
+ Forbids me to reveal the smart.'
+
+The words of his song were to me so many pearls, and his voice was
+sweeter than honey; and many a time since have I thought, reflecting
+on the evils I incurred, that poets--at least your amorous poets,
+should be banished from all good and well-regulated commonwealths;
+for, instead of composing pathetic verses like those of the Marquis of
+Mantua, which make women and children weep, they exercise their skill
+in soft strokes and tender touches, which pierce the soul, and,
+entering the body like lightning, consume all within, while the
+garment is left unsinged. Another time he sung:
+
+ 'Come death, with gently stealing pace,
+ And take me unperceived away,
+ Nor let me see thy wished-for face,
+ Lest joy my fleeting life should stay.'
+
+Thus was I assailed with these and such like couplets, that astonish,
+and, when chanted, are bewitching. But when our poets deign to compose
+a kind of verses much in fashion with us, called roundelays--then,
+alas! they are no sooner heard than the whole frame is in a state of
+emotion: the soul is seized with a pleasing delirium of all the
+senses. I therefore say again, most noble auditors, that such
+versifiers deserve to be banished to the Isle of Lizards: though, in
+truth, the blame lies chiefly with the idiots who suffer themselves to
+be deluded by such things; and had I been a wise and discreet duenna,
+the nightly chanting of his verses would not have moved me, nor should
+I have lent an ear to such expressions as 'Dying I live; in ice I
+burn; I shiver in flames; in despair I hope; I fly, yet stay;' with
+other flimflams of the like stamp, of which such kind of writings are
+full. Then again, when they promise to bestow on us the Phoenix of
+Arabia, the crown of Ariadne, the ringlets of Apollo, the pearls of
+the South Sea, the gold of Tiber, and the balsam of Pencaya, how
+bountiful are their pens! how liberal in promises which they cannot
+perform! But, woe is me, unhappy wretch! Whither do I stray? What
+madness impels me to dwell on the faults of others, who have so many
+of mine own to answer for? Woe is me again, miserable creature! No, it
+was not his verses that vanquished me; but my own weakness; music did
+not subdue me; no, it was my own levity, my ignorance and lack of
+caution that melted me down, that opened the way and smoothed the
+passage for Don Clavijo--for that is the name of the treacherous
+cavalier. Thus being made the go-between, the wicked man was often in
+the chamber of the--not by him, but by me, betrayed Antonomasia, as
+her lawful spouse: for, sinner as I am, never would I have consented
+unless he had been her true husband, that he should have come within
+the shadow of her shoe-string! No, no, marriage must be the forerunner
+of any business of this kind undertaken by me; the only mischief in
+the affair was that they were ill-sorted: Don Clavijo being but a
+private gentleman, and the Infanta Antonomasia, as I have already
+said, heiress of the kingdom.
+
+"For some time this intercourse, enveloped in the sagacity of my
+circumspection, was concealed from every eye. At length we laid our
+three heads together, and determined that Don Clavijo should demand
+Antonomasia in marriage before the vicar, in virtue of a contract
+signed and given him by the infanta herself, to be his wife, and so
+worded by my wit that the force of Samson could not have broken
+through it. Our plan was immediately carried into execution; the vicar
+examined the contract, took the lady's confession, and she was placed
+in the custody of an honest alguazil." "Bless me," said Sancho,
+"alguazils too, and poets, and songs, and roundelays, in Candaya! I
+swear the world is the same every where! But pray get on, good Madam
+Trifaldi, for it grows late, and I am on thorns till I know the end of
+this long story." "I shall be brief," answered the countess.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXIX.
+
+_Wherein the Countess Trifaldi continues her stupendous and memorable
+history._
+
+
+Every word uttered by Sancho was the cause of much delight to the
+duchess, and disgust to Don Quixote, who having commanded him to hold
+his peace, the Afflicted went on. "After many questions and answers,"
+said she, "the infanta stood firm to her engagement, without varying a
+tittle from her first declaration; the vicar therefore confirmed their
+union as lawful man and wife, which so affected the Queen Donna
+Maguncia, mother to the Infanta Antonomasia, that three days after we
+buried her." "She died then, I suppose," quoth Sancho. "Assuredly,"
+replied the squire Trifaldin; "in Candaya we do not bury the living,
+but the dead." "Nevertheless," said Sancho, "it has happened before
+now, that people only in a swoon have been buried for dead; and
+methinks Queen Maguncia ought rather to have swooned than died in good
+earnest; for while there is life there is hope; and the young lady's
+offence was not so much out of the way that her mother should have
+taken it so to heart. Had she married one of her pages, or some
+serving-man of the family, as I have been told many have done, it
+would have been a bad business and past cure; but as she made choice
+of a well-bred young cavalier of such good parts,--faith and troth,
+though mayhap it was foolish, it was no such mighty matter; for, as my
+master says, bishops are made out of learned men, and why may not
+kings and emperors be made out of cavaliers, especially if they be
+errant?" "Thou art in the right, Sancho," said Don Quixote; "for a
+knight-errant, with but two grains of good luck, is next in the order
+of promotion to the greatest lord in the world. But let the afflicted
+lady proceed; for I fancy the bitter part of this hitherto sweet story
+is still behind." "Bitter!" answered the countess, "ay, and so bitter
+that, in comparison, wormwood is sweet and rue savoury!
+
+"The queen being really dead, and not in a swoon, we buried her; and
+scarcely had we covered her with earth and pronounced the last
+farewell, when--'_Quis talia fando temperet a lacrymis?_'--lo, upon
+the queen's sepulchre, who should appear, mounted on a wooden horse,
+but her cousin-german the giant Malambruno! Yes, that cruel
+necromancer came expressly to revenge the death of his cousin, and to
+chastise the presumptuous Don Clavijo and the foolish Antonomasia,
+both of whom, by his cursed art, he instantly transformed,--her into a
+monkey of brass, and him into a frightful crocodile of some strange
+metal; fixing upon them at the same time a plate of metal engraven
+with Syriac characters; which being first rendered into the Candayan,
+and now into the Castilian language, have this meaning: 'These two
+presumptuous lovers shall not regain their pristine form till the
+valorous Manchegan engages with me in single combat; since for his
+mighty arm alone have the destinies reserved the achievement of that
+stupendous adventure.' No sooner was the wicked deed performed, than
+out he drew from its scabbard a dreadful scimitar; and, taking me by
+the hair of the head, he seemed preparing to cut my throat, or whip
+off my head at a blow. Though struck with horror, and almost
+speechless, trembling and weeping, I begged for mercy in such a moving
+tone and melting words, that I at last prevailed on him to stop the
+cruel execution which he meditated. In short, he ordered into his
+presence all the duennas of the palace,--being those you see here
+present,--and, after having expatiated on our fault, inveighed against
+duennas, their wicked plots, and worse intrigues, and reviled all for
+the crime of which I alone was guilty; he said, though he would
+vouchsafe to spare our lives, he would inflict on us a punishment that
+should be a lasting shame. At the same instant, we all felt the pores
+of our faces open, and a sharp pain all over them, like the pricking
+of needle-points; upon which we put our hands to our faces, and found
+them in the condition you shall now behold." Hereupon the afflicted
+lady and the rest of the duennas lifted up the veils which had
+hitherto concealed them, and discovered their faces planted with
+beards of all colours--black, brown, white, and pyebald. The duke and
+duchess viewed the spectacle with surprise; and Don Quixote, Sancho,
+and the rest, were all lost in amazement. "Thus," continued the
+Trifaldi, "hath the wicked and evil-minded felon Malambruno punished
+us--covering our soft and delicate faces with these rugged
+bristles:--would to Heaven he had struck off our heads with his huge
+scimitar, rather than have obscured the light of our countenances with
+such an odious cloud!" Here, being overcome with the strong sense of
+her calamity, she fell into a swoon.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXX.
+
+_Which treats of matters relating and appertaining to this adventure,
+and to this memorable history._
+
+
+The history then proceeds to relate, that when Sancho saw the
+afflicted lady faint away, he said, "Upon the word of an honest man, I
+swear I never heard or saw, nor has my master ever told me, nor did
+such an adventure as this ever enter into his thoughts! A thousand
+devils overtake thee--not to say curse thee--Malambruno, for an
+enchanter and giant! Couldst thou hit upon no other punishment for
+these poor creatures, than clapping beards upon them? Had it not been
+better to have whipt off half their noses, though they had snuffled
+for it, than to have covered their faces with scrubbing-brushes? And,
+what is worse, I'll wager a trifle they have not wherewithal to pay
+for shaving." "That is true, indeed, sir," answered one of the twelve;
+"we have not wherewithal to satisfy the barber; and therefore, some of
+us lay on plasters of pitch, which being pulled off with a jerk, take
+up roots and all, and thereby free us of this stubble for a while. As
+for the women who, in Candaya, go about from house to house, to take
+off the superfluous hairs of the body, and trim the eyebrows for
+ladies, we, the duennas of her ladyship, would never have any thing to
+do with them; for they are most of them no better than they should be;
+and therefore, if we are not relieved by Sigñor Don Quixote, with
+beards we shall live, and with beards be carried to our graves." "I
+would pluck off my own in the land of Moors," said Don Quixote, "if I
+failed to deliver you from yours."
+
+"Ah, valorous knight!" cried the Trifaldi, having now recovered from
+her fainting-fit, addressing the knight: "Once again, then,
+illustrious errant and invincible hero, let me beseech and pray that
+your gracious promises may be converted into deeds!" "The business
+shall not sleep with me," answered Don Quixote; "therefore say, madam,
+what I am to do, and you shall soon be convinced of my readiness to
+serve you." "Be it known, then, to you, sir," replied the afflicted
+dame, "that from this place to the kingdom of Candaya, by land, is
+computed to be about five thousand leagues, one or two more or less;
+but through the air in a direct line it is three thousand two hundred
+and twenty-seven. You are likewise to understand, that Malambruno told
+me that, whenever fortune should direct me to the knight who was to be
+our deliverer, he would send him a steed--not like the vicious jades
+let out for hire; but one of a very remarkable description, for it
+should be that very wooden horse upon which Peter of Provence carried
+off the fair Magalona, and which is governed by a peg in his forehead,
+serving instead of a bridle. This famous steed tradition reports to
+have been formed by the cunning hand of Merlin the enchanter, who
+sometimes allowed him to be used by his particular friends, or those
+who paid him handsomely; and he it was who lent him to his friend the
+valiant Peter, when, as I said before, he stole the fair Magalona;
+whisking her through the air behind him on the crupper, and leaving
+all that beheld him from the earth gaping with astonishment. Since the
+time of Peter to the present moment, we know of none that mounted him;
+but this we know, that Malambruno, by his art, has now got possession
+of him, and by his means posts about to every part of the world.
+To-day he is here, to-morrow in France, and the next day in Potosi;
+and the best of it is, that this same horse neither eats nor sleeps,
+nor wants shoeing; and, without wings, he ambles so smoothly that, in
+his most rapid flight, the rider may carry in his hand a cupful of
+water without spilling a drop. No wonder, then, that the fair Magalona
+took such delight in riding him."
+
+"As for easy going," quoth Sancho, "commend me to my Dapple, though he
+is no high-flyer; but by land I will match him against all the amblers
+in the world." The gravity of the company was disturbed for a moment
+by Sancho's observation; but the unhappy lady proceeded: "Now this
+horse," said she, "if it be Malambruno's intention that our misfortune
+should have an end, will be here this very evening; for he told me
+that the sign by which I should be assured of my having arrived in the
+presence of my deliverer would be, his sending me the horse thither
+with all convenient despatch." "And pray," quoth Sancho, "how many
+will that same horse carry?" "Two persons," answered the lady; "one in
+the saddle, and the other on the crupper; and generally these two
+persons are the knight and his squire, when there is no stolen damsel
+in the case." "I would fain know," quoth Sancho, "by what name he is
+called." "His name," answered the Trifaldi, "is not the same as the
+horse of Bellerophon, which was called Pegasus; nor is he called
+Bucephalus, like that of Alexander the Great; nor Brilladore, like
+that of Orlando Furioso; nor is it Bayarte, which belonged to
+Reynaldos of Montalvan; nor Frontino, which was the steed of Rogero;
+nor is it Boötes, nor Pyrois--names given, it is said, to horses of
+the sun; neither is he called Orelia, like the horse which the
+unfortunate Roderigo, the last king of the Goths in Spain, mounted in
+that battle wherein he lost his kingdom and his life." "I will venture
+a wager," quoth Sancho, "since they have given him none of these
+famous and well-known names, neither have they given him that of my
+master's horse, Rozinante, which in fitness goes beyond all the names
+you have mentioned." "It is very true," answered the bearded lady;
+"yet the name he bears is correct and significant; for he is called
+Clavileno el Aligero; whereby his miraculous peg, his wooden frame,
+and extraordinary speed are all curiously expressed; so that, in
+respect of his name, he may vie with the renowned Rozinante." "I
+dislike not his name," replied Sancho; "but with what bridle or with
+what halter is he guided?" "I have already told you," answered the
+Trifaldi, "that he is guided by a peg, which the rider turning this
+way and that, makes him go, either aloft in the air, or else sweeping,
+and, as it were, brushing the earth, or in the middle region--a course
+which the discreet and wise generally endeavour to keep." "I have a
+mighty desire to see him," quoth Sancho; "but to think I will get upon
+him, either in the saddle or behind upon the crupper, is to look for
+pears upon an elm-tree. It were a good jest, indeed, for me, who can
+hardly sit my own Dapple, though upon a pannel softer than silk, to
+think of bestriding a wooden crupper, without either pillow or
+cushion! In faith, I do not intend to flay myself, to unbeard the best
+lady in the land. Let every one shave or shear, as he likes best; I
+have no mind for so long a journey; my master may travel by himself.
+Besides, I have nothing to do with it; I am not wanted for the taking
+off these beards, as well as the business of my lady Dulcinea."
+"Indeed, my friend, you are," said the Trifaldi; "and so much need is
+there of your kind help, that without it nothing can be done." "In the
+name of all the saints," quoth Sancho, "what have squires to do with
+their masters' adventures? Are we always to share all the trouble, and
+they to reap all the glory? Body o' me, it might be something if the
+writers who recount their adventures would but set down in their
+books, 'such a knight achieved such an adventure, with the help of
+such an one his squire, without whom he could not have done it.' I
+say, it would be something if we had our due; but instead of this they
+coolly tell us that 'Don Paralipomenon of the three stars finished the
+notable adventure of the six goblins,' and the like, without once
+mentioning his squire, any more than if he had been a thousand miles
+off; though mayhap he, poor man, was in the thick of it all the while.
+In truth, my good lord and lady, I say again, my master may manage
+this adventure by himself; and much good may it do him! I will stay
+with my lady duchess here; and perhaps when he comes back he may find
+Madam Dulcinea's business pretty forward; for I intend at my leisure
+times to lay it on to some purpose."
+
+"Nevertheless, honest Sancho," quoth the duchess, "if your company be
+really necessary, you will not refuse to go: indeed, all good people
+will make it their business to entreat you; for piteous, truly, would
+it be, that through your groundless fears, these poor ladies should
+remain in this unseemly plight." "Ods my life!" exclaimed Sancho,
+"were this piece of charity undertaken for modest maidens, or poor
+charity-girls, a man might engage to undergo something; but to take
+all this trouble to rid duennas of their beards--plague take them! I
+had rather see the whole finical and squeamish tribe bearded, from the
+highest to the lowest of them!" "You seem to be upon bad terms with
+duennas, friend Sancho," said the duchess, "and are of the same mind
+as the Toledan apothecary; but, in truth, you are in the wrong; for I
+have duennas in my family who might serve as models to all duennas;
+and here is my Donna Rodriguez, who will not allow me to say
+otherwise."
+
+"Enough, your excellency," quoth Don Quixote; "as for you, Lady
+Trifaldi and your persecuted friends, I trust that Heaven will
+speedily look with a pitying eye upon your sorrows, and that Sancho
+will do his duty in obedience to my wishes. Would that Clavileno were
+here, and on his back Malambruno himself; for I am confident no razor
+would more easily shave your ladyships' beards, than my sword shall
+shave off Malambruno's head from his shoulders! If Heaven in its
+wisdom permits the wicked to prosper, it is but for a time." "Ah,
+valorous knight!" exclaimed the afflicted lady, "may all the stars of
+the celestial regions regard your excellency with eyes of benignity,
+and impart strength to your arm, and courage to your heart, to be the
+shield and refuge of the reviled and oppressed duennian order,
+abominated by apothecaries, calumniated by squires, and scoffed at by
+pages!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXXI.
+
+_Of the arrival of Clavileno; with the conclusion of this prolix
+adventure._
+
+
+Evening now came on, which was the time when the famous horse
+Clavileno was expected to arrive. When lo, on a sudden, four savages
+entered the garden, all clad in green ivy, and bearing on their
+shoulders a large wooden horse! They set him upon his legs on the
+ground, and one of the savages said, "Let the knight mount who has the
+courage to bestride this wondrous machine." "Not I," quoth Sancho;
+"for neither have I courage, nor am I knight." "And let the squire, if
+he has one," continued the savage, "mount the crupper, and trust to
+valorous Malambruno; for no other shall do him harm. Turn but the pin
+on his forehead, and he will rush through the air to the spot where
+Malambruno waits; and to shun the danger of a lofty flight, let the
+eyes of the riders be covered till the neighing of the horse shall
+give the signal of his completed journey." Having thus spoken, he left
+Clavileno, and with courteous demeanour departed with his companions.
+
+The afflicted lady no sooner perceived the horse than, almost with
+tears, addressing herself to Don Quixote, "Valorous knight," said she,
+"Malambruno has kept his word; here is the horse. Mount, therefore,
+with your squire behind you, and give a happy beginning to your
+journey." "Madam," said Don Quixote, "I will do it with all my heart,
+without waiting for either cushion or spurs: so great is my desire to
+see your ladyship and these your unfortunate friends rescued." "That
+will not I," quoth Sancho, "either with a bad or a good will; and if
+this shaving cannot be done without my mounting, let my master seek
+some other squire, or these madams some other barber; for being no
+wizard, I have no stomach for these journeys. What will my islanders
+say when they hear that their governor goes riding upon the wind?
+Besides, it is three thousand leagues from here to Candaya,--what if
+the horse should tire upon the road, or the giant be fickle and change
+his mind? Seven years, at least, it would take us to travel home, and
+by that time I should have neither island nor islanders that would own
+me! No, no, I know better things; I know, too, that delay breeds
+danger; and when they bring you a heifer, be ready with a rope."
+"Friend Sancho," said the duke, "your island neither floats nor stirs,
+and therefore it will keep till your return; and as you know that all
+offices of any value are obtained by some consideration, what I expect
+in return for this government I have conferred upon you, is only that
+you attend your master on this memorable occasion; and whether you
+return upon Clavileno with the expedition his speed promises, or be it
+your fortune to return on foot, like a pilgrim, from house to house,
+and from inn to inn,--however it may be, you will find your island
+where you left it, and your islanders with the same desire to receive
+you for their governor. My good-will is equally unchangeable; and to
+doubt that, Sigñor Sancho, would be a notorious injury to the
+inclination I have to serve you." "Good your worship, say no more,"
+quoth Sancho; "I am a poor squire, and my shoulders cannot bear the
+weight of so much kindness. Let my master mount; let my eyes be
+covered, and good luck go with us. But tell me, when we are aloft, may
+I not say my prayers, and entreat the saints and angels to help me?"
+"Yes, surely," answered the Trifaldi, "you may invoke whomsoever you
+please; for Malambruno is a Christian, and performs his enchantments
+with great discretion and much precaution." "Well, let us away," quoth
+Sancho, "and Heaven prosper us!" "Since the memorable business of the
+fulling-mills," said Don Quixote, "I have never seen thee, Sancho, in
+such trepidation; and were I as superstitious as some people, this
+extraordinary fear of thine would a little discourage me. But come
+hither, friend; for, with the leave of these nobles, I would speak a
+word or two with thee in private."
+
+Don Quixote then drew aside Sancho among some trees out of hearing;
+and taking hold of both his hands said to him: "Thou seest, my good
+Sancho, the long journey we are about to undertake; the period of our
+return is uncertain, and Heaven alone knows what leisure or
+convenience our affairs may admit during our absence; I earnestly beg,
+therefore, now that opportunity serves, thou wilt retire to thy
+chamber, as if to fetch something necessary for the journey, and
+there, in a trice, give thyself, if it be but five hundred lashes, in
+part of the three thousand and three hundred for which thou art
+pledged; for work well begun is half ended." "By my soul," quoth
+Sancho, "your worship is stark mad! Verily, verily, your worship is
+out of all reason. Let us go and shave these duennas; and on my
+return, I promise to make such despatch in getting out of debt that
+your worship shall be contented,--can I say more?" "With that
+promise," said Don Quixote, "I feel somewhat comforted, and believe
+thou wilt perform it; for though thou art not over wise, thou art
+stanch in thy integrity."
+
+The knight and squire now returned to the company; and as they were
+preparing to mount Clavileno, Don Quixote said: "Hoodwink thyself,
+Sancho, and get up: he that sends for us from countries so remote
+cannot, surely, intend to betray us, for he would gain little glory by
+deceiving those who confide in him. And supposing the success of the
+adventure should not be equal to our hopes, yet of the glory of so
+brave an attempt, no malice can deprive us." "Let us begone, sir,"
+quoth Sancho, "for the beards and tears of these ladies have pierced
+my heart, and I shall not eat to do me good till I see them smooth
+again. Mount, sir, and hoodwink first; for if I am to have the
+crupper, your worship, who sits in the saddle, must get up first."
+"That is true," replied Don Quixote; and pulling a handkerchief out of
+his pocket, he requested the afflicted lady to place the bandage over
+his eyes; but it was no sooner done than he uncovered them again,
+saying, "I remember to have read, in the Æneid of Virgil, that the
+fatal wooden horse, dedicated by the Greeks to their tutelary goddess
+Minerva, was filled with armed knights, who, by that stratagem got
+admittance into Troy, and wrought its downfall. Will it not therefore
+be prudent, before I trust myself upon Clavileno, to examine what may
+be in his belly?" "There is no need of that," said the Trifaldi; "for
+I am confident Malambruno has nothing in him of the traitor: your
+worship may mount him without fear; and should any harm ensue, let the
+blame fall on me alone." Don Quixote, now considering that to betray
+any further doubts would be a reflection on his courage, vaulted at
+once into his saddle. He then tried the pin, which he found would turn
+very easily; stirrups he had none; so that, with his legs dangling, he
+looked like a figure in some Roman triumph, woven in Flemish tapestry.
+
+Very slowly, and much against his will, Sancho then got up behind,
+fixing himself as well as he could upon the crupper; and finding it
+very deficient in softness, he humbly begged the duke to accommodate
+him, if possible, with some pillow or cushion, though it were from the
+duchess's state sofa, or from one of the page's beds, as the horse's
+crupper seemed rather to be of marble than of wood; but the Trifaldi
+interfering, assured him that Clavileno would not endure any more
+furniture upon him, but that, by sitting sideways, as women ride, he
+would find himself greatly relieved. Sancho followed her advice; and,
+after taking leave of the company, he suffered his eyes to be covered.
+But, soon after, he raised the bandage, and looking sorrowfully at his
+friends, begged them, with a countenance of woe, to assist him at that
+perilous crisis with a few Paternosters and Ave-marias, as they hoped
+for the same charity from others when in the like extremity.
+
+They were now blindfolded, and Don Quixote feeling himself firmly
+seated, put his hand to the peg, upon which all the duennas, and the
+whole company raised their voices at once, calling out, "Speed you
+well, valorous knight! Heaven guide thee, undaunted squire! Now you
+fly aloft!--See how they cut the air more swiftly than an arrow! Now
+they mount and soar, and astonish the world below! Steady, steady,
+valorous Sancho! you seem to reel and totter in your seat--beware of
+falling; for, should you drop from that tremendous height, your fall
+will be more terrible than that of Phaeton!" Sancho hearing all this,
+pressed closer to his master; and grasping him fast, he said, "How can
+they say that we are got so high, when we hear them as plain as if
+they were close by us?" "Take no heed of that, Sancho," said Don
+Quixote; "for, in these extraordinary flights, to see or hear a
+thousand leagues is nothing--but squeeze me not quite so hard, good
+Sancho, or thou wilt unhorse me. In truth I see not why thou shouldst
+be so alarmed, for I can safely swear an easier-paced steed I never
+rode in all my life;--indeed, it goes as glibly as if it did not move
+at all! Banish fear, my friend, the business goes on swimmingly, with
+a gale fresh and fair behind us." "I think so too," quoth Sancho; "for
+I feel the wind here as if a thousand pairs of bellows were puffing at
+my tail." And, indeed, this was the fact, as sundry large bellows were
+just then pouring upon them an artificial storm: in truth, so well was
+this adventure managed and contrived that nothing was wanting to make
+it complete. Don Quixote now feeling the wind, "Without doubt," said
+he, "we have now reached the second region of the air, where the hail
+and snow are formed: thunder and lightning are engendered in the third
+region; and if we go on mounting at this rate, we shall soon be in the
+region of fire; and how to manage this peg I know not, so as to avoid
+mounting where we shall be burnt alive." Just at that time some flax,
+set on fire at the end of a long cane, was held near their faces; the
+warmth of which being felt, "May I be hanged," said Sancho, "if we are
+not already there, or very near it, for half my beard is singed off--I
+have a huge mind, sir, to peep out and see whereabouts we are."
+"Heaven forbid such rashness!" said Don Quixote; "remember the true
+story of the licentiate Torralvo, who was carried by magicians,
+hoodwinked, riding on a cane, with his eyes shut, and in twelve hours
+reached Rome; where, lighting on the tower of Nona, he saw the tumult,
+witnessed the assault and death of the constable of Bourbon, and the
+next morning returned to Madrid, where he gave an account of all that
+he had seen. During his passage through the air, he said that he was
+tempted to open his eyes, which he did, and found himself, as he
+thought, so near the body of the moon that he could have laid hold of
+it with his hand; but that he durst not look downwards to the earth
+lest his brain should turn. Therefore, Sancho, let us not run the risk
+of uncovering in such a place, but rather trust to him who has taken
+charge of us, as he will be responsible: perhaps we are just now
+soaring aloft to a certain height, in order to come souse down upon
+the kingdom of Candaya, like a hawk upon a heron; and, though it seems
+not more than half-an-hour since we left the garden, doubtless we have
+travelled through an amazing space." "As to that I can say nothing,"
+quoth Sancho Panza; "I can only say that, if Madam Magalona was
+content to ride upon this crupper without a cushion, her flesh could
+not have been the tenderest in the world."
+
+[Illustration: DON QUIXOTE. P. 317.]
+
+This conversation between the two heroes was overheard by the duke and
+duchess, and all who were in their garden, to their great diversion;
+and, being now disposed to finish the adventure, they applied some
+lighted flax to Clavileno's tail; upon which, his body being full of
+combustibles, he instantly blew up with a prodigious report, and threw
+his riders to the ground. The Trifaldi, with the whole bearded
+squadron of duennas, vanished, and all that remained in the garden
+were laid stretched on the ground as if in a trance. Don Quixote and
+Sancho got upon their legs in but an indifferent plight, and looking
+round, were amazed to find themselves in the same garden with such a
+number of people strewed about them on all sides; but their wonder was
+increased when, on a huge lance sticking in the earth they beheld a
+sheet of white parchment attached to it by silken strings, whereon was
+written, in letters of gold, the following words:
+
+
+"The renowned knight Don Quixote de la Mancha has achieved the
+stupendous adventure of Trifaldi the Afflicted, and her companions in
+grief, only by attempting it. Malambruno is satisfied, his wrath is
+appeased, the beards of the unhappy are vanished, and Don Clavijo and
+Antonomasia have recovered their pristine state. When the squirely
+penance shall be completed, then shall the white dove, delivered from
+the cruel talons of the pursuing hawks, be enfolded in the arms of her
+beloved turtle:--such is the will of Merlin, prince of enchanters."
+
+
+Don Quixote having read the prophetic decree, and perceiving at once
+that it referred to the disenchantment of Dulcinea, he expressed his
+gratitude to Heaven for having, with so much ease, performed so great
+an exploit, whereby many venerable females had been happily rescued
+from disgrace. He then went to the spot where the duke and duchess lay
+on the ground, and taking the duke by the arm, he said, "Courage,
+courage, my good lord; the adventure is over without damage to the
+bars, as you will find by that record." The duke gradually, as if
+awaking from a sound sleep, seemed to recover his senses, as did the
+duchess and the rest of the party; expressing, at the same time, so
+much wonder and affright that what they feigned so well seemed almost
+reality to themselves. Though scarcely awake, the duke eagerly looked
+for the scroll; and having read it, with open arms embraced Don
+Quixote, declaring him to be the bravest of knights. Sancho looked all
+about for the afflicted dame, to see what kind of face she had when
+beardless, and whether she was now as goodly to the sight as her
+stately presence seemed to promise; but he was told that, when
+Clavileno came tumbling down in the flames through the air, the
+Trifaldi, with her whole train, vanished with not a beard to be seen
+among them--every hair was gone, root and branch!
+
+The duchess inquired of Sancho how he had fared during that long
+voyage? "Why, truly, madam," answered he, "I have seen wonders; for,
+as we were passing through the region of fire, as my master called it,
+I had, you must know, a mighty mind to take a peep; and, though my
+master would not consent to it, I, who have an itch to know
+everything, and a hankering after whatever is forbidden, could not
+help, softly and unperceived, shoving the cloth a little aside, when
+through a crevice I looked down, and there I saw (Heaven bless us!)
+the earth so far off that it looked to me no bigger than a grain of
+mustard-seed, and the men that walked upon it little bigger than
+hazel-nuts!--only think, then, what a height we must have been!" "Take
+care what you say, friend," said the duchess; "had it been so, you
+could not have seen the earth for the people upon it; a hazel-nut,
+good man, would have covered the whole earth." "Like enough," said
+Sancho; "but, for all that, I had a side-view of it, and saw it all."
+"Take heed, Sancho," said the duchess; "for one cannot see the whole
+of anything by a side-view." "I know nothing about views," replied
+Sancho; "I only know that your ladyship should remember that, since we
+flew by enchantment, by enchantment I might see the whole earth, and
+all the men upon it, in whatever way I looked; and, if your ladyship
+will not credit that, neither will you believe me when I tell you
+that, thrusting up the kerchief close to my eyebrows, I found myself
+so near the sky that it was not above a span from me, and it so fell
+out that we passed close by the place where the seven she-goats are
+kept; and, truly, having been a goatherd in my youth, I no sooner saw
+them but I longed to play with them awhile; and, had I not done it, I
+verily think I should have died; so what does I but, without saying a
+word, softly slide down from Clavileno, and play with the sweet little
+creatures, which are like so many violets, for almost three quarters
+of an hour; and all the while Clavileno seemed not to move from the
+place, nor stir a foot." "And while honest Sancho was diverting
+himself with the goats," quoth the duke, "how did Sigñor Don Quixote
+amuse himself?" To which the knight answered: "As these and suchlike
+concerns are out of the order of nature, I do not wonder at Sancho's
+assertions; for my own part, I can truly say I neither looked up nor
+down, and saw neither heaven nor earth, nor sea nor sands. It is,
+nevertheless, certain that I was sensible of our passing through the
+region of the air, and even touched upon that of fire; but, that we
+passed beyond it, I cannot believe; for, the fiery region lying
+between the sphere of the moon and the uppermost region of the air, we
+could not reach that place where the seven goats are which Sancho
+speaks of without being burnt; and, since we were not burnt, either
+Sancho lies or Sancho dreams." "I neither lie nor dream," answered
+Sancho: "only ask me the marks of these same goats, and by them you
+may guess whether I speak the truth or not." "Tell us what they were,
+Sancho," quoth the duchess. "Two of them," replied Sancho, "are green,
+two carnation, two blue, and one motley-coloured." "A new kind of
+goats are those," said the duke; "in our region of the earth we have
+none of such colours." "The reason is plain," quoth Sancho; "your
+highness will allow that there must be some difference between the
+celestial goats and those of this lower world." They did not choose to
+question Sancho any more concerning his journey, perceiving him to be
+in the humour to ramble all over the heavens, and tell them all that
+was passing there, without having stirred a foot from the place where
+he mounted.
+
+Thus concluded the adventure of the afflicted duenna, which furnished
+the duke and duchess with a subject of mirth, not only at the time,
+but for the rest of their lives, and Sancho something to relate had he
+lived for ages. "Sancho," said Don Quixote (whispering him in the
+ear), "if thou wouldst have us credit all thou hast told us just now,
+I expect thee to believe what I saw in Montesinos' cave--I say no
+more."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXXII.
+
+_The instructions which Don Quixote gave to Sancho Panza, before he
+went to his government; with other well-digested matter._
+
+
+The duke and duchess being so well pleased with the adventure of the
+afflicted duenna were encouraged to proceed with other projects,
+seeing that there was nothing too extravagant for the credulity of the
+knight and the squire. The necessary orders were accordingly issued to
+their servants and vassals with regard to their behaviour towards
+Sancho in his government of the promised island. The day after the
+flight of Clavileno, the duke bid Sancho prepare and get himself in
+readiness to assume his office, for his islanders were already wishing
+for him, as for rain in May. "To-morrow," said he, "you surely depart
+for your island, and this evening you shall be fitted with suitable
+apparel and with all things necessary for your appointment." "Clothe
+me as you will," said Sancho, "I shall still be Sancho Panza." "That
+is true," said the duke; "but the garb should always be suitable to
+the office and rank of the wearer: for a lawyer to be habited like a
+soldier, or a soldier like a priest, would be preposterous; and you,
+Sancho, must be clad partly like a scholar, and partly a soldier; as,
+in the office you will hold, arms and learning are united." "As for
+learning," replied Sancho, "I have not much of that, for I hardly know
+my A, B, C: but to be a good governor, it will be enough that I am
+able to make my Christ-cross; and as to arms, I shall handle such as
+are given me till I fall, and so God help me." "With so good an
+intention," quoth the duke, "Sancho cannot do wrong." At this time Don
+Quixote came up to them; and hearing how soon Sancho was to depart to
+his government, he took him by the hand, and, with the duke's leave,
+led him to his chamber, in order to give him some advice respecting
+his conduct in office; and, having entered, he shut the door, and,
+almost by force, made Sancho sit down by him, and, with much
+solemnity, addressed him in these words:
+
+"I am thankful to Heaven, friend Sancho, that, even before fortune has
+crowned my hopes, prosperity has gone forth to meet thee. I, who had
+trusted in my own success for the reward of thy services, am still but
+on the road to advancement, whilst thou, prematurely and before all
+reasonable expectation, art come into full possession of thy wishes.
+Some must bribe, importune, solicit, attend early, pray, persist, and
+yet do not obtain what they desire; whilst another comes, and, without
+knowing how, jumps at once into the preferment for which so many had
+sued in vain. It is truly said that 'merit does much, but fortune
+more.'
+
+ 'The happy have their days, and those they choose;
+ Th' unhappy have but hours, and those they lose!'
+
+Thou, who, in respect to me, art but a very simpleton, without either
+early rising or late watching, without labour of body or mind, by the
+air alone of knight-errantry breathing on thee, findest thyself the
+governor of an island, as if it were a trifle, a thing of no account!"
+
+"All this I say, friend Sancho, that thou mayest not ascribe the
+favour done thee to thine own merit, but give thanks, first to Heaven,
+which disposeth things so kindly; and in the next place, acknowledge
+with gratitude the inherent grandeur of the profession of
+knight-errantry.
+
+"Listen now to the few counsels which I shall give thee for thy
+conduct:
+
+"First, my son, fear God: for, to fear him is wisdom; and being wise,
+thou canst not err.
+
+"Conceal not the meanness of thy family, nor think it disgraceful to
+be descended from peasants; for, when it is seen that thou art not
+thyself ashamed, none will endeavour to make thee so; and deem it more
+meritorious to be a virtuous humble man than a lofty sinner. Infinite
+is the number of those who, born of low extraction, have risen to the
+highest dignities both in church and state; and of this truth I could
+tire thee with examples.
+
+"If thou takest thy wife with thee (and it is not well for those who
+are appointed to governments to be long separated from their
+families), teach, instruct, and polish her from her natural rudeness;
+for it often happens that all the consideration a wise governor can
+acquire is lost by an ill-bred and foolish woman.
+
+"If thou shouldst become a widower (an event which is possible), and
+thy station entitles thee to a better match, seek not one to serve
+thee for a hook and angling-rod; for, believe me, whatever the judge's
+wife receives, the husband must account for at the general judgment,
+and shall be made to pay fourfold for all that of which he has
+rendered no account during his life.
+
+"Be not under the dominion of thine own will: it is the vice of the
+ignorant, who vainly presume on their own understanding.
+
+"Let the tears of the poor find more compassion, but not more justice,
+from thee than the applications of the wealthy.
+
+"Be equally solicitous to sift out the truth amidst the presents and
+promises of the rich, and the sighs and entreaties of the poor.
+
+"Whenever equity may justly temper the rigour of the law, let not the
+whole force of it bear upon the delinquent: for it is better that a
+judge should lean on the side of compassion than severity.
+
+"If perchance the scales of justice be not correctly balanced, let the
+error be imputable to pity, not to gold.
+
+"If perchance the cause of thine enemy come before thee, forget thy
+injuries, and think only on the merits of the case.
+
+"Let not private affection blind thee in another man's cause; for the
+errors thou shalt thereby commit are often without remedy, and at the
+expense both of thy reputation and fortune.
+
+"When a beautiful woman comes before thee to demand justice, consider
+maturely the nature of her claim, without regarding either her tears
+or her sighs, unless thou wouldst expose thy judgment to the danger of
+being lost in the one, and thy integrity in the other.
+
+"Revile not with words him whom thou hast to correct with deeds: the
+punishment which the unhappy wretch is doomed to suffer is sufficient,
+without the addition of abusive language.
+
+"When the criminal stands before thee, recollect the frail and
+depraved nature of man, and, as much as thou canst, without injustice
+to the suffering party, shew pity and clemency; for, though the
+attributes of God are all equally adorable, yet his mercy is more
+shining and attractive in our eyes than his justice.
+
+"If, Sancho, thou observest these precepts, thy days will be long and
+thy fame eternal; thy recompense full, and thy felicity unspeakable.
+Thou shalt marry thy children to thy heart's content, and they and thy
+grandchildren shall want neither honours nor titles. Beloved by all
+men, thy days shall pass in peace and tranquillity; and when the
+inevitable period comes, death shall steal on thee in a good and
+venerable old age, and thy grandchildren's children, with their tender
+and pious hands, shall close thine eyes.
+
+"The advice I have just given thee, Sancho, regards the good and
+ornament of thy mind; now listen to the directions I have to give
+concerning thy person and deportment."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXXIII.
+
+_Of the second instruction Don Quixote gave Sancho Panza._
+
+
+During the whole of this private conference, Sancho listened to his
+master with great attention, and endeavoured so to register his
+counsel in his mind that he might thereby be enabled to bear the
+burden of government, and acquit himself honourably. Don Quixote now
+proceeded:
+
+"As to the regulation of thy own person and domestic concerns," said
+he, "in the first place, Sancho, I enjoin thee to be cleanly in all
+things. Keep the nails of thy fingers neatly pared, nor suffer them to
+grow as some do, who ignorantly imagine that long nails beautify the
+hand, whereas it is a foul and unsightly object.
+
+"Examine prudently the income of thy office, and, if it will afford
+thee to give liveries to thy servants, give them such as are decent
+and lasting, rather than gaudy and modish; and what thou shalt thus
+save in thy servants bestow on the poor: so shalt thou have attendants
+both in heaven and earth,--a provision which our vain-glorious great
+never think of.
+
+"Eat neither garlic nor onions, lest the smell betray thy rusticity.
+Walk with gravity, and speak deliberately; but not so as to seem to be
+listening to thyself; for affectation is odious.
+
+"Eat little at dinner, and less at supper; for the health of the whole
+body is tempered in the laboratory of the stomach.
+
+"Drink with moderation; for inebriety neither keeps a secret, nor
+performs a promise.
+
+"In the next place, Sancho, do not intermix in thy discourse such a
+multitude of proverbs as thou wert wont to do; for, though proverbs
+are concise and pithy sentences, thou dost often so drag them in by
+the head and shoulders that they seem rather the maxims of folly than
+of wisdom.
+
+"Let thy sleep be moderate; for he who rises not with the sun enjoys
+not the day; and remember, Sancho, that diligence is the mother of
+good fortune, and that sloth, her adversary, never arrived at the
+attainment of a good wish.
+
+"At this time I have but one more admonition to give thee, which,
+though it concerns not thy person, is well worthy of thy careful
+remembrance. It is this,--never undertake to decide contests
+concerning lineage, or the pre-eminence of families; since, in the
+comparison, one must of necessity have the advantage, and he whom thou
+hast humbled will hate thee, and he who is preferred will not reward
+thee.
+
+"As for thy dress, wear breeches and hose, a long coat, and a cloak
+somewhat longer; but for trousers or trunk-hose, think not of them:
+they are not becoming either gentlemen or governors.
+
+"This is all the advice, friend Sancho, that occurs to me at present;
+hereafter, as occasions offer, my instructions will be ready, provided
+thou art mindful to inform me of the state of thy affairs."
+
+"Sir," answered Sancho, "I see very well that all your worship has
+told me is wholesome and profitable; but what shall I be the better
+for it if I cannot keep it in my head? It is true, I shall not easily
+forget what you said about paring my nails, and marrying again if the
+opportunity offered; but for your other quirks and quillets, I protest
+they have already gone out of my head as clean as last year's clouds;
+and therefore let me have them in writing; for, though I cannot read
+them myself, I will give them to my confessor, that he may repeat and
+drive them into me in time of need."
+
+"Heaven defend me!" said Don Quixote, "how scurvy doth it look in a
+governor to be unable to read or write! Indeed, Sancho, I must needs
+tell thee that when a man has not been taught to read, or is
+left-handed, it argues that his parentage was very low, or that, in
+early life, he was so indocile and perverse that his teachers could
+beat nothing good into him. Truly this is a great defect in thee, and
+therefore I would have thee learn to write, if it were only thy name."
+"That I can do already," quoth Sancho; "for, when I was steward of
+the brotherhood in our village, I learned to make certain marks like
+those upon wool-packs, which, they told me, stood for my name. But, at
+the worst, I can feign a lameness in my right hand, and get another to
+sign for me: there is a remedy for everything but death; and, having
+the staff in my hand, I can do what I please. Besides, as your worship
+knows, he whose father is mayor----and I being governor, am, I trow,
+something more than mayor. Ay, ay, let them come that list, and play
+at bo-peep,--ay, fleer and backbite me; but they may come for wool,
+and go back shorn: 'his home is savoury whom God loves;'--besides,
+'the rich man's blunders pass current for wise maxims;' so that I,
+being a governor, and therefore wealthy, and bountiful to boot--as I
+intend to be--nobody will see any blemish in me. No, no, let the clown
+daub himself with honey, and he will never want flies. As much you
+have, just so much you are worth, said my grannam; revenge yourself
+upon the rich who can." "Away with your proverbs," exclaimed Don
+Quixote; "this hour, or more, thou hast been stringing thy musty
+wares, poisoning and torturing me without mercy. Take my word for it,
+these proverbs will one day bring thee to the gallows. However, I am
+comforted in having given thee the best counsel in my power; and
+therein, having done my duty, I am acquitted both of my obligation and
+my promise: so God speed thee, Sancho, and govern thee in thy
+government, and disappoint my fears for thy turning all things upside
+down in that poor island; which I might indeed prevent, by giving the
+duke a more perfect insight into thee, and discovering to him thou art
+nothing better than a bundle of proverbs, and sackful of knavery."
+
+"Look you, sir," quoth Sancho, "if you think me not fit for this
+government, I will think no more on it. Alas! the least snip of my
+soul's nails (as a body may say) is dearer to me than my whole body;
+and I hope I can live plain Sancho still, upon a luncheon of bread and
+a clove of garlic, as contented as Governor Sancho upon capons and
+partridges. Death and sleep make us all alike, rich and poor, high and
+low. Do but call to mind what first put this whim of government into
+my noddle, you will find it was your own self; for, as for me, I know
+no more what belongs to islands and governors than a blind buzzard. So
+if you fancy the devil will have me for being a governor, let me be
+plain Sancho still, and go to heaven, rather than my lord governor,
+and go to hell."
+
+"These last words of thine, Sancho," said Don Quixote, "in my opinion,
+prove thee worthy to govern a thousand islands. Thou hast naturally a
+good disposition, without which all knowledge is insufficient.
+Recommend thyself to Divine Providence, and be sure never to depart
+from uprightness of intention; I mean, have still a firm purpose and
+design to be thoroughly informed in all the business that shall come
+before thee; and act upon just grounds, for Heaven always favours good
+desires. And so let us go to dinner; for I believe now the duke and
+duchess expect us."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXXIV.
+
+_How Sancho Panza was carried to his government; and of the strange
+adventure that befell Don Quixote in the castle._
+
+
+After dinner, Don Quixote gave Sancho, in writing, the copy of his
+verbal instructions, ordering him to get somebody to read them to him.
+But the squire had no sooner got them, than he dropt the paper, which
+fell into the duke's hands, who communicating the same to the duchess,
+they found a fresh occasion of admiring the mixture of Don Quixote's
+good sense and extravagance; and so, carrying on the humour, they sent
+Sancho that afternoon, with a suitable equipage, to the place he was
+to govern, which, wherever it lay, was to be an island to him.
+
+It happened that the management of this affair was committed to a
+steward of the duke's, a man of a facetious humour, and who had not
+only wit to start a pleasant design, but discretion to carry it on. He
+had already personated the Countess Trifaldi very successfully; and,
+with his master's instructions in relation to his behaviour towards
+Sancho, could not but discharge his trust to a wonder. Now it fell
+out, that Sancho no sooner cast his eyes on the steward than he
+fancied he saw the very face of Trifaldi; and turning to his master,
+"Look, sir," quoth he, "and see if this same steward of the duke's
+here has not the very face of my Lady Trifaldi." Don Quixote looked
+very earnestly on the steward, and having perused him from top to toe,
+"Sancho," said he, "thou art in the right; I see their faces are the
+very same. Yet, for all that, the steward and the disconsolate lady
+cannot be the same person, for that would imply a very great
+contradiction, and might involve us in more abstruse and difficult
+doubts than we have conveniency now to discuss or examine. Believe me,
+friend, our devotion cannot be too earnest, that we may be delivered
+from the power of these cursed enchantments." "You may think, sir,"
+quoth Sancho, "that I am in jest, but I heard him speak just now, and
+I thought the very voice of Madam Trifaldi sounded in my ears. But mum
+is the word; I say nothing, though I shall watch him well, to find out
+whether I am right or wrong in my suspicion." "Well, do so," said Don
+Quixote; "and fail not to acquaint me with all the discoveries thou
+canst make in this affair, and other occurrences in thy government."
+
+At last, Sancho set out with a numerous train. He was dressed like a
+man of the long-robe, and wore over his other clothes a white
+sad-coloured coat or gown, of watered camblet, and a cap of the same
+stuff. He was mounted on a mule; and behind him, by the duke's order,
+was led his Dapple, bridled and saddled like a horse of state, in
+gaudy trappings of silk; which so delighted Sancho, that every now and
+then he turned his head about to look upon him, and thought himself so
+happy, that now he would not have changed fortunes with the Emperor of
+Germany.
+
+Immediately upon Sancho's departure, Don Quixote found the want of his
+presence; and, had it been in his power, he would have revoked his
+authority, and deprived him of his commission. The duchess, perceiving
+his disquiet, and desiring to know the cause of his melancholy, told
+him, that if it was Sancho's absence made him uneasy, she had squires
+enough, and damsels in her house, that should supply his place in any
+service he would be pleased to command. "It is true, madam," answered
+Don Quixote, "I am somewhat concerned for the absence of Sancho; but
+there is a more material cause of my present uneasiness, and I must
+beg to be excused, if, among the many obligations your grace is
+pleased to confer on me, I decline all but the good intention that has
+offered them. All I have further to crave is, your grace's permission
+to be alone in my apartment, and to be my own servant." "Sir," said
+the duchess, waving further discourse, "it is supper-time, and my lord
+expects us. Come, then, let us to supper, that you may go to bed
+betimes; for you must needs be weary still with the long journey you
+took to Candaya yesterday." "Indeed, madam," answered Don Quixote, "I
+feel no manner of weariness; for I can safely swear to your grace,
+that I never rode an easier horse, nor a better goer, than Clavileno.
+For my part, I cannot imagine what could induce Malambruno to part
+with so swift and gentle a horse, and to burn him too in such a
+manner."
+
+Don Quixote repeated his thanks to the duchess, and after supper
+retired to his chamber, where, conformably to his determination, he
+remained alone. He shut the door of his chamber after him, and
+undressed himself by the light of two wax-candles. As he was putting
+off his hose, there fell--oh, misfortune, unworthy of such a
+personage--about four-and-twenty stitches of one of his stockings,
+which made it look like a lattice-window. The good knight was
+extremely afflicted, and would have given an ounce of silver for a
+drachm of green silk; green silk, I say, because his stockings were
+green. However, for his consolation, he bethought himself that Sancho
+had left him a pair of light boots, which he designed to put on the
+next day.
+
+He laid himself down with a pensive, heavy mind; the thought of
+Sancho's absence, and the irreparable damage that his stocking had
+received, made him uneasy; he would have darned it, though it had been
+with silk of another colour--one of the greatest tokens of want a
+poor gentleman can shew. At last he put out the lights, but it was so
+hot that he could not compose himself to rest. Getting up, therefore,
+he opened a little shutter of a barred window that looked into a fine
+garden, and was presently sensible that some people were walking and
+talking there. He listened, and as they raised their voices, he easily
+overheard their discourse.
+
+"No more, dear Emerenia," said one to the other. "Do not press me to
+sing; you know that from the first moment this stranger came to the
+castle, and my unhappy eyes gazed on him, I have been too conversant
+with tears and sorrow to sing or relish songs! Alas, all music jars
+when the soul is out of tune. Besides, you know the least thing wakens
+my lady, and I would not for the world she should find us here. But,
+grant she might not wake; what will my singing signify, if this new
+Æneas, who is come to our habitation to make me wretched, should be
+asleep, and not hear the sound of my complaint?" "Pray, my dear
+Altisidora," said the other, "do not make yourself uneasy with those
+thoughts; for, without doubt, the duchess is fast asleep, and every
+body in the house but we and the master of your heart. He is certainly
+awake; I heard him open his window just now: then sing, my poor
+grieving creature, sing, and join the melting music of the lute to the
+soft accents of thy voice." "Alas! my dear," replied Altisidora, "it
+is not that which frightens me most: I would not have my song betray
+my thoughts, for those that do not know the mighty force of love will
+be apt to take me for a light and indiscreet creature; but yet, since
+it must be so, I will venture: better shame on the face, than sorrow
+in the heart." This said, she began to touch her lute so sweetly, that
+Don Quixote was ravished. At the same time, the infinite number of
+adventures of this nature, such as he had read of in his books of
+knight-errantry; windows, grates, gardens, serenades, courtships,
+meetings, parleys, &c., crowded into his imagination, and he presently
+fancied that one of the duchess's damsels was in love with him, and
+struggling to conceal her passion. He began to be apprehensive of the
+danger to which his fidelity was exposed, but yet firmly determined to
+withstand the powerful allurement; and so recommending himself, with a
+great deal of fervency, to his Lady Dulcinea del Toboso, he resolved
+to hear the music; and, to let the serenading ladies know he was
+awake, he feigned a kind of sneeze, which did not a little please
+them, for it was the only thing they wanted to be assured their jest
+was not lost. With that, Altisidora, having tuned her lute afresh,
+after a flourish began her serenade; which, when Don Quixote had heard
+to an end, he thus began his expostulation: "Why," said he, with a
+sigh heaved from the bottom of his heart, "why must I be so unhappy a
+knight, that no damsel can gaze on me without falling in love! Why
+must the peerless Dulcinea be so unfortunate? Queens, why do you envy
+her? Empresses, why do you persecute her? Damsels of fifteen, why do
+you attempt to deprive her of her right? Leave, oh, leave the
+unfortunate fair! Let her triumph, glory, and rejoice, in the quiet
+possession of the heart which love has allotted her, and the absolute
+sway which she bears over my yielding soul. Away, unwelcome crowd of
+loving impertinents; Dulcinea alone can soften my temper, and mould me
+as she pleases. For her I am all sweetness; for you I am bitterness
+itself. There is to me no beauty, no prudence, no modesty, no gaiety,
+no nobility among your sex, but in Dulcinea alone. Let Altisidora weep
+or sing, still I am Dulcinea's, and hers alone, dead or alive,
+dutiful, and unchanged, in spite of all the necromantic powers in the
+world." This said, he hastily shut the window, and flung himself into
+his bed with as high an indignation as if he had received some great
+affront. There let us leave him a while, seeing that the great Sancho
+Panza calls upon us to attend him on the commencement of his famous
+government.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXXV.
+
+_How the great Sancho Panza took possession of his island, and in what
+manner he began to govern._
+
+
+After having travelled a certain distance, Governor Sancho, with his
+attendants, came to a town that had about a thousand inhabitants, and
+was one of the best in the duke's territories. They gave him to
+understand that the name of the place was the island of Barataria. As
+soon as he came to the gates, the magistrates came out to receive him,
+the bells rung, and all the people gave general demonstrations of joy.
+They then delivered him the keys of the gates, and received him as
+perpetual governor of the island of Barataria.
+
+Next they carried him to the court of justice; where, when they had
+placed him in his seat, "My lord governor," said the duke's steward to
+him, "it is an ancient custom here, that he who takes possession of
+this famous island must answer some difficult and intricate question
+that is propounded to him; and, by the return he makes, the people
+feel the pulse of his understanding, and, by an estimate of his
+abilities, judge whether they ought to rejoice or to be sorry for his
+coming."
+
+All the while the steward was speaking, Sancho was staring on an
+inscription in large characters on the wall over against his seat;
+and, as he could not read, he asked what was the meaning of that which
+he saw painted there upon the wall. "Sir," said they, "it is an
+account of the day when your lordship took possession of this island;
+and the inscription runs thus: 'This day the Lord Don Sancho Panza
+took possession of this island, which may he long enjoy.'" "And who is
+he," asked Sancho, "whom they call Don Sancho Panza?" "Your lordship,"
+answered the steward; "for we know of no other Panza in this island
+but yourself, who now sits in this chair." "Well, friend," said
+Sancho, "pray take notice that Don does not belong to me, nor was it
+borne by any of my family before me. Plain Sancho Panza is my name; my
+father was called Sancho, my grandfather Sancho, and all of us have
+been Panzas, without any Don or Donna added to our name. Now do I
+already guess your Dons are as thick as stones in this island. But it
+is enough that Heaven knows my meaning: if my government happens to
+last but four days to an end, it shall go hard but I will clear the
+island of those swarms of Dons, that must needs be as troublesome as
+so many gnats. Come, now for your question, good Mr. Steward; and I
+will answer it as well as I can, whether the town be sorry or
+pleased."
+
+At this instant, two men came into the court, the one dressed like a
+country fellow, the other looked like a tailor, with a pair of shears
+in his hand. "If it please you, my lord," cried the tailor, "this
+honest man came to my shop yesterday; for, saving your presence, I am
+a tailor, and free of my company too; so, my lord, he shewed me a
+piece of cloth: 'Sir,' quoth he, 'is there enough of this to make a
+cap?' Whereupon I measured the stuff, and answered, Yes. Now, as I
+imagined, do you see, he could not but imagine (and perhaps he
+imagined right enough), that I had a mind to cabbage some of his
+cloth--judging hard of us honest tailors. 'Prithee,' quoth he, 'look
+there be not enough for two caps?' Now I smelt him out, and told him
+there was. Whereupon the old knave, going on to the same tune, bid me
+look again, and see whether it would not make three; and at last if it
+would not make five? I was resolved to humour my customer, and said it
+might; so we struck a bargain. Just now the man is come for his caps,
+which I gave him; but he refuses to pay me for my work; and now he
+will have me give him his cloth again, or pay him for it." "Is this
+true, honest man?" said Sancho to the farmer. "Yes, if it please you,"
+answered the fellow; "but pray let him shew the five caps he has made
+me." "With all my heart," cried the tailor; and with that, pulling his
+hand from under his cloak, he held up five little tiny caps, hanging
+upon his four fingers and thumb, as upon so many pins. "There," quoth
+he, "you see the five caps this good gaffer asks for; and, on my
+conscience, I have not wronged him of the least shred of his cloth;
+and let any workman be judge." The sight of the caps, and the oddness
+of the cause, set the whole court a-laughing. Only Sancho sat gravely
+considering a while; and then, "Methinks," said he, "this suit may be
+decided without any more ado, with a great deal of equity; and
+therefore, the judgment of the court is, that the tailor shall lose
+his making, and the countryman his cloth, and that the caps be given
+to the poor prisoners; and so let there be an end of the business."
+
+If this sentence provoked the laughter of the whole court, the next no
+less raised their admiration. For after the governor's order was
+executed, two old men appeared before him; one of them with a large
+cane in his hand, which he used as a staff. "My lord," said the other,
+who had none, "some time ago, I lent this man ten gold crowns, to do
+him a kindness, which money he was to repay me on demand. I did not
+ask him for it again for a good while, lest it should prove
+inconvenient. However, perceiving that he took no care to pay me, I
+have asked him for my due; nay, I have been forced to dun him hard for
+it. But still, he did not only refuse to pay me again, but denied he
+owed me any thing, and said that 'if I lent him so much money, he
+certainly returned it.' Now, because I have no witnesses of the loan,
+nor he of the pretended payment, I beseech your lordship to put him to
+his oath; and if he will swear he has paid me, I will freely forgive
+him before God and the world." "What say you to this, old gentleman
+with the staff?" asked Sancho. "Sir," answered the old man, "I own he
+lent me the gold; and since he requires my oath, I beg you will be
+pleased to hold down your rod of justice, that I may swear upon it how
+I have honestly and truly returned him his money." Thereupon the
+governor held down his rod; and in the mean time the defendant gave
+his cane to the plaintiff to hold, as if it hindered him while he was
+to make a cross and swear over the judge's rod. This done, he declared
+it was true the other had lent him ten crowns, but that he had really
+returned him the same sum into his own hands. The great governor,
+hearing this, asked the creditor what he had to reply. He made answer
+that, since his adversary had sworn it, he was satisfied; for he
+believed him to be a better Christian than offer to forswear himself,
+and that perhaps he had forgotten he had been repaid. Then the
+defendant took his cane again, and having made a low obeisance to the
+judge, was immediately leaving the court; which when Sancho perceived,
+reflecting on the passage of the cane, and admiring the creditor's
+patience, after he had thought a while he suddenly ordered the old man
+with the staff to be called back. "Honest man," said Sancho, "let me
+look at that cane a little; I have a use for it." "With all my heart,
+sir," answered the other; "here it is;" and with that he gave it him.
+Sancho took it, and giving it to the other old man, "There," said he,
+"go your ways, and Heaven be with you, for now you are paid." "How so,
+my lord?" cried the old man; "do you judge this cane to be worth ten
+gold crowns?" "Certainly," said the governor, "or else I am the
+greatest dunce in the world. And now you shall see whether I have not
+a head-piece fit to govern a whole kingdom, upon a shift." This said,
+he ordered the cane to be broken in open court; which was no sooner
+done, than out dropped the ten crowns. All the spectators were amazed,
+and began to look on their governor as a second Solomon. They asked
+him how he could conjecture that the ten crowns were in the cane. He
+told them that he had observed how the defendant gave it to the
+plaintiff to hold while he took his oath, and then swore he had truly
+returned him the money into his own hands, after which he took his
+cane again from the plaintiff: this considered, it came into his head
+that the money was lodged within the reed. From whence may be learned,
+that though sometimes those that govern are destitute of sense, yet it
+often pleases God to direct them in their judgment. The two old men
+went away, the one to his satisfaction, the other with shame and
+disgrace; and the beholders were astonished; insomuch that the person
+who was commissioned to register Sancho's words and actions, and
+observe his behaviour, was not able to determine whether he should not
+give him the character of a wise man, instead of that of a fool, which
+he had been thought to deserve.
+
+And now, let us leave honest Sancho here for a while for his master,
+who requires our attendance, Altisidora's serenade having strangely
+discomposed his mind.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXXVI.
+
+_Of a dreadful alarm which Don Quixote experienced._
+
+
+We left the great Don Quixote profoundly buried in the thoughts into
+which Altisidora's serenade had plunged him. At the return of light,
+our knight, more early than the sun, forsook his downy bed, put on his
+chamois apparel, and, drawing on his walking-boots, concealed in one
+of them the disaster of his hose. He threw his scarlet cloak over his
+shoulder, and clapped on his valiant head his cap of green velvet
+edged with silver lace. Over his right shoulder he hung his belt, the
+sustainer of his trusty executing sword. About his wrist he wore the
+rosary, which he always carried about him; and thus accoutred, with a
+great deal of state and majesty, he moved towards the antechamber,
+where the duke and duchess were ready dressed, and expecting his
+coming. As he went through a gallery, he met Altisidora and her
+companion, who waited for him in the passage; and no sooner did
+Altisidora espy him, than she dissembled a swooning fit, and
+immediately dropped into the arms of her friend. Which Don Quixote
+perceiving, he approached, and, turning to the damsel, "I know the
+meaning of all this," said he, "and whence these accidents proceed."
+"You know more than I do," answered the assisting damsel; "but this I
+am sure of, that hitherto there is not a damsel in this house that
+has enjoyed her health better than Altisidora: I never knew her make
+the least complaint before. Pray, my Lord Don Quixote, retire; for
+this poor young creature will not come to herself while you are by."
+"Madam," answered the knight, "I beg that a lute may be left in my
+chamber this evening, that I may assuage this lady's grief as well as
+I can; for in the beginning of an affair of this kind, a speedy
+discovery of aversion or pre-engagement is the most effectual cure."
+This said, he left them, that he might not be found alone with them by
+those that might happen to go by. He was scarce gone when Altisidora's
+fit was over; and, turning, to her companion, "By all means," said
+she, "let him have a lute; for without doubt the knight has a mind to
+give us some music, and we shall have sport enough." Then they went
+and acquainted the duchess with their proceeding, and Don Quixote's
+desiring a lute; whereupon she plotted with the duke and her woman a
+new contrivance, to have a little harmless sport with the knight.
+
+At eleven o'clock Don Quixote retired to his apartment, and finding a
+lute there, he tuned it, opened the window, and, perceiving there was
+somebody walking in the garden, he ran over the strings of the
+instrument; and having tuned it again as nicely as he could, he
+coughed and cleared his throat; and then, with a voice somewhat
+hoarse, yet not unmusical, he sang the following song, which he had
+composed himself that very day:
+
+ The Advice.
+
+ Love, a strong designing foe,
+ Careless hearts with ease deceives;
+ Can thy breast resist his blow,
+ Which your sloth unguarded leaves?
+
+ If you're idle, you're destroyed,
+ All his art on you he tries;
+ But be watchful and employed,
+ Straight the baffled tempter flies.
+
+ Maids for modest grace admired,
+ If they would their fortunes raise,
+ Must in silence live retired:
+ 'Tis their virtue speaks their praise.
+
+ The divine Tobosan fair,
+ Dulcinea, claims me whole;
+ Nothing can her image tear;
+ 'Tis one substance with my soul.
+
+ Then let fortune smile or frown,
+ Nothing shall my faith remove;
+ Constant truth, the lover's crown,
+ Can work miracles in love.
+
+No sooner had Don Quixote made an end of his song, to which the duke,
+duchess, Altisidora, and almost all the people in the castle listened
+all the while, than on a sudden, from an open gallery over the
+knight's window, they let down a rope, with at least a hundred little
+tinkling bells hanging about it. After that came down a great number
+of cats, poured out of a huge sack, all of them with smaller bells
+tied to their tails. The jangling of the bells, and the squalling of
+the cats, made such a dismal noise, that the very contrivers of the
+jest themselves were scared for the present, and Don Quixote was
+strangely surprised and quite dismayed. At the same time, as ill-luck
+would have it, two or three frighted cats leaped in through the bars
+of his chamber-window, and running up and down the room like so many
+evil spirits, one would have thought a whole legion of demons had been
+flying about the chamber. They put out the candles that stood lighted
+there, and endeavoured to get out. Meanwhile, the rope with the bigger
+bells about it was pulled up and down, and those who knew nothing of
+the contrivance were greatly surprised. At last, Don Quixote,
+recovering from his astonishment, drew his sword, and fenced and laid
+about him at the window, crying aloud, "Avaunt, ye wicked enchanters!
+hence, infernal scoundrels! I am Don Quixote de la Mancha, and all
+your cursed devices cannot work their ends against me." And then,
+running after the cats, he began to thrust and cut at them furiously,
+while they strove to get out. At last they made their escape at the
+window--all but one of them; who, finding himself hard put to it, flew
+in his face, and, laying hold on his nose with his claws and teeth,
+put him to such pain that the knight began to cry out as loud as he
+could. Thereupon, the duke and the duchess, imagining the cause of his
+outcry, ran to his assistance immediately; and having opened the door
+of his chamber with a master-key, found the poor knight struggling
+hard with the cat, that would not quit its hold. By the light of the
+candles which they had with them, they saw the unequal combat. The
+duke offered to interpose and take off the animal, but Don Quixote
+would not permit him. "Let nobody touch him," cried he; "let me alone
+hand to hand with this sorcerer, this necromancer; I'll make him know
+what it is to deal with Don Quixote de la Mancha!" But the cat, not
+minding his threats, growled on, and still held fast; till at length
+the duke got its claws unhooked, and flung him out at the window. Don
+Quixote's face was hideously scratched, and his nose in no very good
+condition. Yet nothing vexed him so much as that they had rescued out
+of his hands the villainous necromancer. Immediately some ointment was
+sent for, and Altisidora herself applied some plasters to his sores,
+whispering in his ear at the same time, "Cruel, hard-hearted knight,"
+said she, "all these disasters are befallen thee as a just punishment
+for thy obdurate stubbornness and disdain. May thy squire Sancho
+forget to whip himself, that thy darling Dulcinea may never be
+delivered from her enchantment, at least so long as I, thy neglected
+adorer, live!" Don Quixote made no answer at all to this; only he
+heaved up a profound sigh, and then went to take his repose, after he
+had returned the duke and duchess thanks, not so much for their
+assistance against that rascally crew of jangling enchanters--for he
+defied them all--but for their kindness and good intent. Then the duke
+and duchess left him, not a little troubled at the miscarriage of
+their jest, which they did not think would have proved so fatal to the
+knight as to oblige him, as it did, to keep his chamber some days;
+during which time there happened to him another adventure, more
+pleasant than the last; which, however, cannot be now related; for the
+historian must return to Sancho Panza, who was very busy, and no less
+pleasant, in his government.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXXVII.
+
+_Which gives a further account of Sancho Panza's behaviour in his
+government_.
+
+
+The history informs us that Sancho was conducted from the court of
+justice to a sumptuous palace, where, in a spacious room, he found the
+cloth laid, and a magnificent entertainment prepared. As soon as he
+entered, the wind-music played, and four pages waited on him with
+water for washing his hands, which he did with a great deal of
+gravity. The instruments ceasing, Sancho sat down at the upper end of
+the table; for there was no seat but there, and the cloth was only
+laid for one. A certain personage, who afterwards appeared to be a
+physician, came and stood at his elbow, with a whalebone wand in his
+hand. Then they took off a curious white cloth that lay over the
+dishes on the table, and discovered a great variety of fruit and other
+eatables. One that looked like a student said grace; a page put a
+laced cloth under Sancho's chin; and another set a dish of fruit
+before him. But he had hardly put one bit into his mouth before the
+physician touched the dish with his wand, and then it was taken away
+by a page in an instant. Immediately another, with meat, was put in
+the place; but Sancho no sooner offered to taste it than the doctor,
+with the wand, conjured it away as fast as the fruit. Sancho was
+amazed at this sudden removal, and, looking about him on the company,
+asked them, "Whether the dinner was only to shew off their sleight of
+hand." "My Lord Governor," answered the physician, "you are to eat
+here no otherwise than according to the use and custom of other
+islands where there are governors. I am a doctor of physic, my lord,
+and have a salary allowed me in this island for taking charge of the
+governor's health, and I am more careful of it than of my own,
+studying night and day his constitution, that I may know what to
+prescribe when he falls sick. Now the chief thing I do is, to attend
+him always at his meals, to let him eat what I think convenient for
+him, and to prevent his eating what I imagine to be prejudicial to his
+health. Therefore I ordered the fruit to be taken away, because it is
+too cold and moist; and the other dish, because it is as much too hot,
+and overseasoned with spices, which are apt to increase thirst; and he
+that drinks much destroys and consumes the radical moisture, which is
+the fuel of life." "So, then," quoth Sancho, "this dish of roasted
+partridges here can do me no manner of harm." "Hold," said the
+physician, "the Lord Governor shall not eat of them while I live to
+prevent it." "Why so?" cried Sancho. "Because," answered the doctor,
+"our great master, Hippocrates, the north-star and luminary of physic,
+says, in one of his aphorisms, _Omnis saturatio mala, perdicis autem
+pessima_; that is, 'All repletion is bad, but that of partridges is
+worst of all.'" "If it be so," said Sancho, "let Mr. Doctor see which
+of all these dishes on the table will do me the most good and least
+harm, and let me eat of that, without having it whisked away with his
+wand. For, by my hopes, and the pleasures of government, as I live I
+am ready to die with hunger; and, not to allow me to eat my victuals
+(let Mr. Doctor say what he will) is the way to shorten my life, and
+not to lengthen it." "Very true, my lord," replied the physician;
+"however, I am of opinion you ought not to eat of these rabbits; nor
+would I have you taste that veal. Indeed, if it were neither roasted
+nor pickled, something might be said; but as it is, it must not be."
+"Well, then," said Sancho, "what think you of that huge dish yonder
+that smokes so? I take it to be an olla podrida; and that being a
+hodge-podge of so many sorts of victuals, sure I cannot but light upon
+something there that will be both wholesome and pleasant." "_Absit_,"
+cried the doctor, "far be such an ill thought from us; no diet in the
+world yields worse nutriment than those mishmashes do. Simple
+medicines are generally allowed to be better than compounds; for, in a
+composition, there may happen a mistake by the unequal proportion of
+the ingredients; but simples are not subject to that accident.
+Therefore, what I would advise at present, as a fit diet for the
+governor for the preservation and support of his health, is a hundred
+of small wafers, and a few thin slices of marmalade, to strengthen his
+stomach and help digestion." Sancho hearing this, leaned back upon his
+chair, and, looking earnestly in the doctor's face, very seriously
+asked him what his name was, and where he had studied? "My lord,"
+answered he, "I am called Doctor Pedro Rezio de Aguero. The name of
+the place where I was born is Tirteafuera, and lies between Caraquel
+and Almodabar del Campo, on the right hand; and I took my degree of
+doctor in the University of Ossuna." "Hark you," said Sancho, in a
+mighty chafe, "Mr. Doctor Pedro Rezio de Aguero, take yourself away!
+Avoid the room this moment, or assuredly I'll get me a good cudgel,
+and, beginning with your carcass, will so belabour and rib-roast all
+the physic-mongers in the island, that I will not leave therein one of
+the tribe,--of those, I mean, that are ignorant quacks;--for as for
+learned and wise physicians, I will make much of them, and honour them
+like so many angels. Once more, Pedro Rezio, I say, get out of my
+presence! Avaunt! or I will take the chair I sit upon, and comb your
+head with it to some purpose, and let me be called to an account about
+it when I give up my office; I do not care, I will clear myself by
+saying I did the world good service, in ridding it of a bad physician,
+the plague of a commonwealth. Let me eat, I say, or let them take
+their government again; for an office that will not afford a man his
+victuals is not worth two horse-beans." The physician was terrified,
+seeing the governor in such a heat, and would at once have slunk out
+of the room, had not the sound of a post-horn in the street been heard
+that moment; whereupon the steward, immediately looking out of the
+window, turned back and said there was an express come from the duke,
+doubtless with some despatch of importance.
+
+Presently the messenger entered, with haste and concern in his looks,
+and pulling a packet out of his bosom, delivered it to the governor.
+Sancho gave it to the steward, and ordered him to read the direction,
+which was this: "To Don Sancho Panza, governor of the island of
+Barataria, to be delivered into his own hands, or those of his
+secretary." "Who is my secretary?" cried Sancho. "It is I, my lord,"
+answered one that was standing by; "for I can write and read, and am a
+Biscayner." "That last qualification is enough to make thee set up for
+secretary to the emperor himself," said Sancho. "Open the letter,
+then, and see what it says." The new secretary did so, and having
+perused the despatch by himself, told the governor that it was a
+business that was to be told only in private. Sancho ordered every one
+to leave the room, except the steward and the carver, and then the
+secretary read what follows.
+
+
+"I have received information, my Lord Don Sancho Panza, that some of
+our enemies intend to attack your island with great fury one of these
+nights: you ought, therefore, to be watchful, and stand upon your
+guard, that you may not be found unprovided. I have also had
+intelligence from faithful spies, that there are four men got into the
+town in disguise, to murder you; your abilities being regarded as a
+great obstacle to the enemy's designs. Look about you, take heed how
+you admit strangers to speak with you, and eat nothing sent you as a
+present. I will take care to send you assistance, if you stand in
+need of it. And in every thing I rely on your prudence. From our
+castle, the 16th of August, at four in the morning.
+
+ "Your friend,
+
+ "THE DUKE."
+
+
+Sancho was astonished at the news, and those that were with him were
+no less concerned. But at last, turning to the steward, "I will tell
+you," said he, "what is first to be done in this case, and that with
+all speed. Clap that same Doctor Rezio in a dungeon; for if any body
+has a mind to kill me, it must be he, and that with a lingering death,
+the worst of deaths, hunger-starving." "However," said the carver, "I
+am of opinion your honour ought not to eat any of the things that
+stand here before you; for they were sent in by some of the convents,
+and it is a common saying, 'The devil lurks behind the cross.'" "Which
+nobody can deny," quoth Sancho; "and therefore let me have, for the
+present, but a luncheon of bread, and some four pounds of raisins;
+there can be no poison in that; for, in short, I cannot live without
+eating; and, if we must be in readiness against these battles, we had
+need be well victualled. Meanwhile, secretary, do you send my lord
+duke an answer, and tell him his order shall be fulfilled in every
+part. Remember me kindly to my lady, and beg of her not to forget to
+send one on purpose with my letter and bundle to Teresa Panza, my
+wife; which I shall take as a special favour, and I will be mindful to
+serve her to the best of my power. And, when your hand is in, you may
+crowd in my service to my master Don Quixote de la Mancha, that he may
+see I am neither forgetful nor ungrateful. The rest I leave to you;
+put in what you will, and do your part like a good secretary and a
+staunch Biscayner. Now, take away here, and bring me something to eat;
+and then you shall see I am able to deal with all the spies, wizards,
+and cut-throat dogs, that dare to meddle with me and my island."
+
+At that time a page entering the room, "My lord," said he, "there is a
+countryman without desires to speak with your lordship about business
+of great consequence." "It is a strange thing," cried Sancho, "that
+one must be still plagued with these men of business! Is it possible
+they should be such sots as not to understand this is not a time for
+business? Do they fancy that we governors and distributors of justice
+are made of iron and marble, and have no need of rest and refreshment
+like other creatures of flesh and blood? If my government does but
+last, as I shrewdly guess it will not, I will get some of these men of
+business laid by the heels. Well, for once, let the fellow come in;
+but first take heed he be not one of the spies or ruffian rogues that
+would murder me." "As for that," said the page, "I dare say he had no
+hand in the plot; poor soul, he looks as if he could not help it;
+there is no more harm in him, seemingly, than in a piece of good
+bread." "There is no need to fear," said the steward, "since we are
+all here by you." "But, hark you," quoth Sancho, "now Doctor Rezio is
+gone, might not I eat something that has some substance in it, though
+it were but a crust and an onion?" "At night," answered the carver,
+"your honour shall have no cause to complain; supper shall make amends
+for the want of your dinner."
+
+Now the countryman came in, and, by his looks, seemed to be a good,
+harmless soul. "Which is my lord governor?" quoth he. "Who but he that
+sits in the chair?" answered the secretary. "I humble myself to his
+worship's presence," quoth the fellow; and with that, falling on his
+knees, begged to kiss his hand, which Sancho refused, but bid him
+rise, and tell him what he had to say. The countryman then got up: "My
+lord," said he, "I am a husbandman of Miguel Turra, a town some two
+leagues from Ciudad-Real." "Here is another Tirteafuera," quoth
+Sancho; "well, go on, friend, I know the place full well; it is not
+far from our town." "If it please you," said the countryman, "my
+business is this: I was married, by Heaven's mercy, in the face of our
+holy mother the church, and I have two boys that take their learning
+at the college; the youngest studies to become a bachelor, and the
+eldest to be a master of arts. I am a widower, because my wife is
+dead; she died, if it please you, or, to speak more truly, she was
+killed, as one may say, by a doctor. Now, sir, I must tell you,"
+continued the farmer, "that that son of mine, the bachelor of arts
+that is to be, fell in love with a maiden of our town, Clara Perlerino
+by name, the daughter of Andrew Perlerino, a mighty rich farmer; and
+Perlerino is not the right name neither; but, because the whole
+generation of them is troubled with the palsy, they used to be called,
+from the name of that complaint, Perlaticos, but now they go by that
+of Perlerino; and truly it fits the young woman rarely, for she is a
+precious pearl for beauty, especially if you stand on her right side
+and view her: she looks like a flower in the fields. On the left,
+indeed, she does not look altogether so well; for there she wants an
+eye, which she lost by the small-pox, that has digged many pits
+somewhat deep all over her face; but those that wish her well, say
+that is nothing, and that those pits are so many graves to bury
+lovers' hearts in. I hope my lord governor will pardon me for dwelling
+thus on the picture, seeing it is merely out of my hearty love and
+affection for the girl." "Prithee, go on as long as thou wilt," said
+Sancho; "I am mightily taken with thy discourse; and, if I had but
+dined, I would not desire a better dessert." "Alas, sir, all I have
+said is nothing; could I set before your eyes her pretty carriage, and
+her shape, you would admire. But that is not to be done."
+
+"So far so good," said Sancho; "but let us suppose you have drawn her
+from head to foot; what is it you would be at now? Come to the point,
+friend, without so many windings and turnings, and going round about
+the bush." "Sir," said the farmer, "I would desire your honour to do
+me the kindness to give me a letter of accommodation to the father of
+my daughter-in-law, beseeching him to be pleased to let the marriage
+be fulfilled, seeing we are not unlike neither in estate nor bodily
+concerns; for to tell you the truth, my lord governor, my son is
+bewitched; and having once had the ill-luck to fall into the fire, the
+skin of his face is shrivelled up like a piece of parchment, and his
+eyes are somewhat sore and full of rheum. But, when all is said, he
+has the temper of an angel; and were he not apt to thump and belabour
+himself now and then in his fits, you would take him to be a saint."
+
+"Have you any thing else to ask, honest man?" said Sancho. "Only one
+thing more," quoth the farmer; "but I am somewhat afraid to speak it;
+yet I cannot find in my heart to let it rot within me; and, therefore,
+I must out with it. I would desire your worship to bestow on me some
+three hundred or six hundred ducats towards my bachelor's portion,
+only to help him to begin the world and furnish him a house; for, in
+short, they would live by themselves, without being subject to the
+impertinencies of a father-in-law." "Well," said Sancho, "see if you
+would have any thing else; if you would, do not let fear or
+bashfulness be your hindrance. Out with it, man." "No, truly," quoth
+the farmer; and he had scarcely spoken the words when the governor,
+starting up, and laying hold of the chair he sat on, "You brazen-faced
+impudent country booby!" cried he, "get out of my presence this
+moment, or I will crack your jolter-head with this chair! You
+vagabond, dost thou come at this time of day to ask me for six hundred
+ducats? Where should I have them, clod-pate? And if I had them, why
+should I give them thee? What care I for Miguel Turra, or all the
+generation of the Perlerinos? Avoid the room, I say, or I'll be as
+good as my word. It is not a day and a half that I have been governor,
+and thou wouldst have me possess six hundred ducats already!"
+
+The steward made signs to the farmer to withdraw, and he went out
+accordingly hanging down his head, and to all appearance very much
+afraid lest the governor should make good his angry threats; for the
+cunning knave knew very well how to act his part. But let us leave
+Sancho in his angry mood; and let there be peace and quietness, while
+we return to Don Quixote, whom we left with his face covered over with
+plasters, the scratches which he had got having obliged him to no less
+than eight days' retirement; during which time there happened that
+which we promise to relate with the same punctuality and veracity with
+which all the particulars of this history are detailed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXXVIII.
+
+_What happened to Don Quixote with Donna Rodriguez; as also other
+passages worthy to be recorded._
+
+
+Don Quixote, thus unhappily hurt, was extremely discontented and
+melancholy. He was some days without appearing in public; and one
+night, when he was thus confined to his apartment, as he lay awake
+reflecting on his misfortunes and Altisidora's importunities, he
+perceived somebody was opening his chamber-door with a key, and
+presently imagined that the damsel herself was coming. "No," said he,
+loud enough to be heard, "the greatest beauty in the universe shall
+never remove the dear idea of the charming fair that is engraved and
+stamped in the very centre of my heart, and the most secret recesses
+of my breast. No, thou only mistress of my soul, whether transformed
+into a country girl, or into one of the nymphs of the golden Tagus,
+that weave silk and gold in the loom; whether Merlin or Montesinos
+detained thee where they pleased, be where thou wilt, thou still art
+mine; and wherever I shall be, I must and will be thine." Just as he
+ended his speech, the door opened. He fixed his eyes on it, and when
+he expected to have seen the doleful Altisidora, he beheld a most
+reverend matron approaching in a white veil, so long that it covered
+her from head to foot. Betwixt her left-hand fingers she carried half
+a candle lighted, and held her right before her face to keep the blaze
+of the taper from her eyes, which were hidden by a huge pair of
+spectacles. All the way she trod very softly, and moved at a very slow
+pace. Don Quixote watched her motions, and observing her garb and
+silence, took her for some enchantress that came in that dress to
+practise her wicked sorceries upon him, and began to make the sign of
+the cross as fast as he could. The vision advanced all the while; and
+being got to the middle of the chamber, lifted up its eyes and saw Don
+Quixote thus making a thousand crosses on his breast. But if he was
+astonished at the sight of such a figure, she was no less affrighted
+at his; so that, as soon as she spied him, so lank, bepatched and
+muffled up, "Bless me," cried she, "what is this!" With the sudden
+fright she dropped the candle, and now, being in the dark, as she was
+running out, the length of her dress made her stumble, and down she
+fell in the middle of the chamber. Don Quixote at the same time was in
+great anxiety. "Phantom," cried he, "or whatsoever thou art, I conjure
+thee to tell me who thou art, and what thou requirest of me?" The old
+woman, hearing herself thus conjured, judged Don Quixote's fears by
+her own, and therefore, with a low and doleful voice, "My Lord Don
+Quixote," said she, "if you are he, I am neither a phantom nor a
+ghost, but Donna Rodriguez, my lady duchess's matron of honour, who
+come to you about a certain grievance of the nature of those which you
+use to redress." "Tell me, Donna Rodriguez," said Don Quixote, "are
+not you come to manage some love intrigue? If you are, take it from
+me, you will lose your labour: it is all in vain, thanks to the
+peerless beauty of my Lady Dulcinea del Toboso. In a word, madam,
+provided you come not on some such embassy, you may go light your
+candle and return, and we will talk of any thing you please." "I have
+come with no such purpose," said the duenna. "But stay a little, I
+will go light my candle, and then I will tell you my misfortunes; for
+it is you that sets to right every thing in the world." This said,
+away she went, without stopping for an answer.
+
+Donna Rodriguez, having returned, sat down in a chair at some
+distance, without taking off her spectacles, or setting down the
+candle. After they had both remained some minutes in silence, the
+first that broke it was the knight. "Now, madam," said he, "you may
+freely unburden your heart, sure of attention to your complaints and
+assistance in your distress." "I believe as much," said the matron,
+"and promised myself no less charitable an answer from a person of so
+graceful and pleasing a presence. The case, then, is, noble sir, that
+though you see me sitting in this chair, in the middle of Arragon, in
+the habit of an insignificant unhappy duenna, I am of Asturias de
+Oviedo, and one of the best families in that province. But my hard
+fortune, and the neglect of my parents, brought me to Madrid, where,
+because they could do no better, they placed me with a court lady to
+be her chambermaid. And, though I say it, for all manner of plain work
+I was never outdone by any one in all my life. My father and mother
+left me at service, and returned home; and some few years after they
+both died, and went to heaven, I hope; for they were very good and
+religious Catholics. Then was I left an orphan, and wholly reduced to
+the sorrowful condition of such court-servants, wretched wages, and a
+slender allowance. About the same time the gentleman-usher fell in
+love with me before I dreamt of any such thing. He was somewhat
+stricken in years, had a fine beard, was a personable man, and, what
+is more, as good a gentleman as the king; for he was of the mountains.
+We did not carry matters so close but it came to my lady's ear; and
+so, without more ado, she caused us to be married in the face of our
+holy mother the Catholic church, from which marriage sprung a
+daughter, who made an end of my good fortune, if I had any. When she
+came to be sixteen years of age, who should happen to fall in love
+with her but a rich farmer's son, that lives in one of my lord duke's
+villages not far off; he courted her, gained her consent, and was
+under promise of marriage to her; but he now refuses to make his word
+good. The duke is no stranger to the business, for I have made
+complaint to him about it many and many times, and begged of him to
+enjoin the young man to wed my daughter; but he turns his deaf ear to
+me, and cannot endure I should speak to him of it, because the young
+knave's father is rich, and lends the duke money, and is bound for him
+upon all occasions, so that he would by no means disoblige him.
+
+"Therefore, sir, I apply myself to your worship, and beseech you to
+see my daughter righted, either by entreaties or by force, seeing
+every body says you were sent into the world to redress grievances and
+assist those in adversity. Be pleased to cast an eye of pity on my
+daughter's orphan state, her beauty, her youth, and all her other good
+parts; for, on my conscience, of all the damsels my lady has, there is
+not one can come up to her by a mile; no, not she that is cried up as
+the finest of them all, whom they call Altisidora: I am sure she is
+not to be named the same day; for, let me tell you, sir, all is not
+gold that glisters. This same Altisidora, after all, is a hoity-toity,
+that has more vanity than beauty, and less modesty than confidence."
+
+Scarce had this passed, when the chamber-door flew open, which so
+startled Donna Rodriguez, that she let fall her candle, and the room
+remained as dark as a wolf's mouth, as the saying is; and presently
+the poor duenna felt somebody hold her by the throat, and squeeze it
+so hard, that it was not in her power to cry out; and another beat her
+so unmercifully that it would have moved any one but those that did it
+to pity. Don Quixote was not without compassion, yet he lay silent,
+not knowing what the meaning of this bustle might be, and fearing lest
+the tempest that poured on the poor matron might also light upon
+himself; and not without reason; for indeed, after the mute
+executioners had well beat the old gentlewoman (who durst not cry
+out), they came to Don Quixote, and pinched him so hard and so long,
+that in his own defence he could not forbear laying about him with his
+fists as well as he could, till at last, after the scuffle had lasted
+about half an hour, the invisible phantoms vanished. Donna Rodriguez,
+lamenting her hard fortune, left the room without speaking a word to
+the knight. As for him, he remained where he was, sadly pinched and
+tired, and very moody and thoughtful, not knowing who this wicked
+enchanter could be that had used him in that manner. But now let us
+leave him, and return to Sancho Panza, who calls upon us, as the order
+of our history requires.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXXIX.
+
+_What happened to Sancho Panza as he went the rounds in his island._
+
+
+We left our mighty governor much out of humour with that saucy knave
+of a countryman, who, according to the instructions he had received
+from the steward, and the steward from the duke, had bantered his
+worship with his impertinence. Yet, as much a dunce and fool as he
+was, he made his party good against them all. At last, addressing
+himself to those about him, among whom was Dr. Pedro Rezio, who had
+ventured into the room again: "Now," said he, "do I find in good
+earnest that judges and governors must be made of brass, that they may
+be proof against the importunities of those that pretend business;
+who, at all hours and at all seasons, would be heard and despatched,
+without any regard to any body but themselves. Now if a poor judge
+does not hear and despatch them presently, either because he is
+otherwise busy and cannot, or because they do not come at a proper
+season, then do they grumble, and give him their blessing backwards,
+rake up the ashes of his forefathers, and would gnaw his very bones.
+But with your leave, good Mr. Busybody, with all your business, you
+are too hasty; pray have a little patience, and wait a fit time to
+make your application. Do not come at dinner-time, or when a man is
+going to sleep; for we judges are flesh and blood, and must allow
+nature what she naturally requires; unless it be poor I, who am not to
+allow mine any food; thanks to my friend Mr. Dr. Pedro Rezio
+Tirteafuera, here present, who is for starving me to death, and then
+vows it is for the preservation of my life."
+
+All that knew Sancho wondered to hear him talk so sensibly, and began
+to think that offices and places of trust inspired some men with
+understanding, as they stupified and confounded others. However, Dr.
+Pedro promised him he should sup that night, though he trespassed
+against all the rules of Hippocrates. This pacified the governor, and
+made him wait with a mighty impatience for the evening. To his
+thinking, the hour was so long coming that he fancied time stood
+still; but yet at last the wished-for moment came, and they served him
+up some minced beef with onions, and some calves-feet, somewhat stale.
+The hungry governor presently fell to with more eagerness and appetite
+than if they had given him Roman pheasants or Lavajos geese. And after
+he had pretty well taken off the sharp edge of his stomach, turning to
+the physician, "Look you," quoth he, "Mr. Doctor, hereafter never
+trouble yourself to get me dainties or tit-bits to humour my stomach;
+that would but take it quite off the hinges, by reason it has been
+used to nothing but good beef, bacon, pork, goats-flesh, turnips, and
+onions; and if you ply me with your kick-shaws, your nice courtiers'
+fare, it will but make my stomach squeamish and untoward, and I should
+perfectly loathe them one time or another. However, I shall not take
+it amiss, if Master Sewer will now and then get me one of those olla
+podridas (and the stronger they are the better), where all sorts of
+good things are stewed, and, as it were, lost in one another; and I
+shall remember him, and make him amends one of these days. But let
+nobody put tricks upon travellers, and make a fool of me; for either
+we are or we are not. Let us be merry and wise; when God sends his
+light, he sends it to all. I will govern this island fair and square,
+without underhand dealings or taking of bribes; but take notice, I
+will not bate an inch of my right; and therefore let every one carry
+an even hand, and mind their hits, or else I would have them to know
+there are rods in pickle for them. They that urge me too far shall rue
+for it: make yourself honey, and the flies will eat you." "Indeed, my
+lord governor," said the steward, "your lordship is much in the right
+in all you have said; and I dare engage for the inhabitants of this
+island, that they will obey and observe your commands with diligence,
+love, and punctuality; for your gentle way of governing, in the
+beginning of your administration, does not give them the least
+opportunity to act or to design any thing to your lordship's
+disadvantage." "I believe as much," answered Sancho, "and they would
+be silly wretches, should they offer to do or think otherwise. Let me
+tell you too, it is my pleasure you take care of me and my Dapple,
+that we may both have our food as we ought, which is the most material
+business. Next let us think of going the rounds, when it is time for
+me to do so; for I intend to clear this island of all filth and
+rubbish, of all rogues and vagrants, idle fellows, and sturdy beggars.
+For I would have you to know, my good friends, that your slothful,
+lazy, lewd people in a commonwealth, are like drones in a bee-hive,
+that waste and devour the honey which the labouring bees gather. I
+design to encourage the husbandmen, preserve the privileges of the
+gentry, reward virtuous persons; and, above all things, reverence
+religion, and have regard to the honour of religious men. What think
+you of this, my good friends? Do I talk to the purpose, or do I talk
+idly?" "You speak so well, my lord governor," answered the steward,
+"that I stand in admiration to hear you utter so many notable things,
+and in every word a sentence; far from what they who have sent you
+hither, and they who are here present, ever expected from your
+understanding. But every day produces some new wonder; jests are
+turned into earnest, and those who designed to laugh at others happen
+to be laughed at themselves."
+
+It being now night, and the governor having supped, he prepared to
+walk the rounds; and set forward, attended by the steward, the
+secretary, the gentleman-waiter, the historiographer (who was to
+register his acts), several sergeants, and other limbs of the law; so
+many in number that they made a little battalion, in the middle of
+which the great Sancho marched with his rod of justice in his hand, in
+a notable manner. They had not walked far before they heard the
+clashing of swords, which made them hasten to the place whence the
+noise came. Being come thither, they found only two men fighting, who
+gave over on perceiving the officers. "What," cried one of them at
+the same time, "do they suffer folks to be robbed in the town, in
+defiance of Heaven and the king; do they let men be stripped in the
+middle of the street?" "Hold, honest man," said Sancho; "have a little
+patience, and let me know the occasion of this fray, for I am the
+governor." "My lord," said the other party, "I will tell you in a few
+words. Your lordship must know that this gentleman, just now, at a
+gaming-ordinary over the way, won above a thousand reals; I stood by
+all the while, and gave judgment for him in more than one doubtful
+cast, though I could not well tell how to do it in conscience. He
+carried off his winnings; and when I expected he would have given me a
+crown gratuity, up he got, and went away without giving me any thing.
+I ran after him, not very well pleased with his proceeding, yet very
+civilly desired him to consider I was his friend; that he knew me to
+be a gentleman, though fallen to decay, that had nothing to live upon,
+my friends having brought me up to no employment; and therefore I
+entreated him to be so kind as to give me eight reals; but the stingy
+soul would give me but four sneaking reals. And now, my lord, you may
+see how little shame and conscience there is in him. But had not your
+lordship come just in the nick, I would have made him disgorge his
+winnings, and taught him the difference between a rook and a jackdaw."
+"What say you to this?" cried Sancho to the other. The other made
+answer, "That he could not deny what his antagonist had said, that he
+would give him but four reals, because he had given him money several
+times before; and they who expect benevolence should be mannerly, and
+be thankful for what is given them, without haggling with those that
+have won, unless they know them to be common cheats, and the money not
+won fairly; and that to shew he was a fair gamester, and no sharper,
+as the other said, there needed no better proof than his refusal to
+give him any thing, since the sharpers are always in fee with these
+bully-rocks, who know them, and wink at their cheats." "That is true,"
+said the steward. "Now what would your lordship have us to do with
+these men?" "I will tell you," said Sancho: "first, you that are the
+winner, whether by fair play or by foul, give your bully-back here a
+hundred reals immediately, and thirty more for the poor prisoners; and
+you that have nothing to live on, and were brought up to no
+employment, and go sharping up and down from place to place, pray take
+your hundred reals, and be sure by to-morrow to go out of this island,
+and not to set foot in it again these ten years and a day, unless you
+have a mind to make an end of your banishment in another world; for if
+I find you here, I will make you swing on a gibbet, with the help of
+the hangman. Away, and let no body offer to reply, or I will lay him
+by the heels." Thereupon the one disbursed, and the other received;
+the first went home, and the last went out of the island; and then
+the governor, going on, "Either I shall want of my will," said he, "or
+I will put down these disorderly gaming-houses; for I have a fancy
+they are highly prejudicial." One of the officers now came holding a
+youth, and having brought him before the governor, "If it please your
+worship," said he, "this young man was coming towards us, but as soon
+as he perceived it was the rounds, he sheered off, and set a-running
+as fast as his legs would carry him--a sign he is no better than he
+should be." "What made you run away, friend?" said Sancho. "Sir,"
+answered the young man, "it was only to avoid the questions one is
+commonly teased with by the watch." "What business do you follow?"
+asked Sancho. "I am a weaver by trade," answered the other. "A weaver
+of what?" asked the governor. "Of steel-heads for lances, with your
+worship's good leave," said the other. "Oh, oh," cried Sancho, "you
+are a wag I find, and pretend to pass your jests upon us. Very well.
+And pray whither are you going at this time of night?" "To take the
+air, if it like your worship," answered the other. "Good," said
+Sancho; "and where do they take the air in this island?" "Where it
+blows," said the youth. "A very proper answer," cried Sancho. "You are
+a very pretty impudent fellow, that is the truth of it. But pray make
+account that I am the air, or the wind, which you please, and that I
+will blow you to the round-house. Here, take him and carry him away
+thither directly; I will take care the youngster shall sleep out of
+the air to-night; he might catch cold else by lying abroad." "You
+shall as soon make me a king," said the young man, "as make me sleep
+out of the air to-night." "Why, you young slip-string," said Sancho,
+"is it not in my power to commit thee to prison, and fetch thee out
+again as often as it is my will and pleasure?" "For all your power,"
+answered the fellow, "you shall not make me sleep in prison." "Say you
+so!" cried Sancho; "here, away with him to prison, and let him see to
+his cost who is mistaken, he or I; and, lest the jailor should be
+greased in the fist to let him out, I will fine him in two thousand
+ducats if he let thee stir a foot out of prison." "All that is a
+jest," said the other; "for I defy all mankind to make me sleep this
+night in a prison." "Hast thou some angel," said Sancho, "to take off
+the irons which I will have thee clapped in, and get thee out?" "Well
+now, my good lord governor," said the young man very pleasantly, "let
+us talk reason, and come to the point. Suppose your lordship should
+send me to jail, and get me laid by the heels in the dungeon, shackled
+and manacled, and lay a heavy penalty on the jailor in case he let me
+out; and suppose your orders be strictly obeyed; yet for all that, if
+I have no mind to sleep, but will keep awake all night, without so
+much as shutting my eyes, pray can you, with all the power you have,
+make me sleep whether I will or no?" "No certainly," said the
+secretary; "and the young man has made out his meaning." "Well," said
+Sancho, "but I hope you mean to keep yourself awake, and only forbear
+sleeping to please your own fancy, and not to thwart my will?" "I mean
+nothing else indeed, my lord," said the lad. "Why then, go home and
+sleep," quoth Sancho, "and Heaven send thee good rest; I will not be
+thy hindrance. But have a care another time of sporting with justice;
+for you may meet with some in office that may chance to break your
+head, while you are breaking your jest." The youth went his way, and
+the governor continued his rounds.
+
+A while after came two of the officers, bringing a person along with
+them. "My lord governor," said one of them, "we have brought here one
+that is dressed like a man, yet is no man, but a woman, and no ugly
+one neither." Thereupon they lifted up to her eyes two or three
+lanterns, and by their light discovered the face of a woman about
+sixteen years of age, beautiful to admiration, with her hair put up in
+a network caul of gold and green silk. Sancho was surprised at her
+beauty, and asked her who she was, whither she was going, and upon
+what account she had put on such a dress. "Sir," said she, casting her
+eyes on the ground with a decent bashfulness, "I cannot tell you
+before so many people what I have so much reason to wish may be kept a
+secret. Only this one thing I do assure you, I am no thief, nor
+evil-minded person, but an unhappy maid, whom the force of jealousy
+has constrained to transgress the laws of decorum." The steward
+hearing this, "My lord governor," said he, "be pleased to order your
+attendants to retire, that the gentlewoman may more freely tell her
+mind." The governor did accordingly; and all the company removed to a
+distance, except the steward, the gentleman-waiter, and the secretary;
+and then the young lady thus proceeded:
+
+"I am the daughter of Pedro Perez Mazorca, farmer of the wool in this
+town, who comes very often to my father's house." "This will hardly
+pass, madam," said the steward; "for I know Pedro Perez very well, and
+he has neither son nor daughter; besides, you tell us he is your
+father, and yet that he comes very often to your father's house." "I
+observed as much," said Sancho. "Indeed, gentlemen," said she, "I am
+now so troubled in mind, that I know not what I say; but the truth is,
+I am the daughter of Diego de la Llana, whom I suppose you all know."
+"Now this may pass," said the steward; "for I know Diego de la Llana,
+who is a very considerable gentleman, has a good estate, and a son and
+a daughter. But since his wife died, nobody in this town can say he
+ever saw that daughter; for he keeps her so close, that he hardly
+suffers the sun to look on her; though indeed the common report is,
+that she is an extraordinary beauty." "You say very true, sir,"
+replied the young lady; "and I am that very daughter. As for my
+beauty, if fame has given you a wrong character of it, you will now
+be undeceived, since you have seen my face;" and with this she burst
+out into tears. The secretary, perceiving this, whispered the
+gentleman-waiter in the ear: "Sure," said he, "some extraordinary
+matter must have happened to this poor young lady, since it could
+oblige one of her quality to come out of doors in this disguise."
+"That is without question," answered the other; "for her tears, too,
+confirm the suspicion." Sancho comforted her with the best reasons he
+could think on, and bid her not be afraid, but tell them what had
+befallen her.
+
+"You must know, gentlemen," said she, "that it is now ten years that
+my father has kept me close--ever since my mother died. We have a
+small chapel in the house, where we hear mass; and in all that time I
+have seen nothing but the sun by day, and the moon and stars by night;
+neither do I know what streets, squares, market-places, and churches
+are; no, nor men, except my father, my brother, and that Pedro Perez
+the wool-farmer, whom I at first would have passed upon you for my
+father. This confinement (not being allowed to stir abroad, though but
+to go to church) has made me uneasy this great while, and made me long
+to see the world, or at least the town where I was born, which I
+thought was no unlawful or unseemly desire. When I heard them talk of
+feasts, prizes, acting of plays, and other public sports, I asked my
+brother, who is a year younger than I, what they meant by those
+things, and a world of others, which I have not seen; and he informed
+me as well as he could; but that made me but the more eager to be
+satisfied by my own eyes. In short, I begged of my brother--I wish I
+never had done it----" And here she relapsed into tears. The steward
+perceiving it, "Come, madam," said he, "pray proceed, and make an end
+of telling us what has happened to you; for your words and your tears
+keep us all in suspense." "I have but few more words to add," answered
+she, "but many more tears to shed; for they are commonly the fruit of
+such imprudent desires."
+
+Thereupon, with broken sobs and half-fetched sighs, "Sir," said she,
+"all my misfortune is, that I desired my brother to lend me some of
+his clothes, and that he would take me out some night or other to see
+all the town, while our father was asleep. Importuned by my
+entreaties, he consented; and, having lent me his clothes, he put on
+mine, which fit him as if they had been made for him. So this very
+night, about an hour ago, we got out; and being guided by my father's
+footboy, and our own unruly desires, we took a ramble over the whole
+town; and as we were going home, we perceived a great number of people
+coming our way; whereupon said my brother, 'Sister, this is certainly
+the watch; follow me, and let us not only run, but fly as fast as we
+can; for if we should be known, it will be the worse for us.' With
+that, he fell a-running as fast as if he had wings to his feet. I
+fell a-running too; but was so frightened, that I fell down before I
+had gone half-a-dozen steps; and then a man overtook me, and brought
+me before you and this crowd of people, by whom, to my shame, I am
+taken for an ill creature--a bold, indiscreet night-walker." All this
+was afterwards confirmed by her brother, who was now brought by some
+of the watch, one of whom had at last overtaken him, after he had left
+his sister. He had nothing on but a very rich petticoat, and a blue
+damask manteau, with a gold galloon; his head without any ornament but
+his own hair, that hung down in natural curls like so many rings of
+gold. The governor, the steward, and the gentleman-waiter took him
+aside; and after they had examined him apart, why he had put on that
+dress, he gave the same answer his sister had done, and with no less
+bashfulness and concern; much to the satisfaction of the
+gentleman-waiter, who was much smitten with the young lady's charms.
+
+As for the governor, after he had heard the whole matter, "Truly,
+gentlefolks," said he, "here is a little piece of childish folly; and
+to give an account of this wild frolic and slip of youth, there needed
+not all these sighs and tears, nor those hems, and ha's, and long
+excuses. Could not you, without any more ado, have said our names are
+so and so, and we stole out of our father's house for an hour or two,
+only to ramble about the town, and satisfy a little curiosity; and
+there had been an end of the story, without all this weeping and
+wailing?" "You say very well," said the young damsel; "but you may
+imagine that, in the trouble and fright I was in, I could not behave
+myself as I should have done." "Well," said Sancho, "there is no harm
+done; go along with us, and we will see you home to your father's;
+perhaps you may not yet be missed. But have a care how you gad abroad
+to see fashions another time. Do not be too venturesome; an honest
+maid should be still at home, as if she had one leg broken. A hen and
+a woman are lost by rambling; and she that longs to see, longs also to
+be seen. I need say no more."
+
+The young gentleman thanked the governor for his civility, and then
+went home under his conduct. Being come to the house, the young spark
+threw a little stone against one of the iron-barred windows; and
+presently a maid-servant, who sat up for them, came down, opened the
+door, and let him and his sister in.
+
+The governor, with his company, then continued his rounds, talking all
+the way as they went of the genteel carriage and beauty of the brother
+and sister, and the great desire these poor children had to see the
+world by night.
+
+As for the gentleman-waiter, he was so passionately in love, that he
+resolved to go the next day and demand her of her father in marriage, not
+doubting but the old gentleman would comply with him, as he was one of
+the duke's principal servants. On the other side, Sancho had a great mind
+to strike a match between the young man and his daughter Sanchica; and
+he resolved to bring it about as soon as possible--believing no man's son
+could think himself too good for a governor's daughter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXXX.
+
+_Which narrates the success of the page that carried Sancho's letter
+to his wife._
+
+
+The duchess, having a great desire to continue the merriment which Don
+Quixote's extravagances afforded them, the page that acted the part of
+Dulcinea in the wood was despatched away to Teresa Panza with a letter
+from her husband (for Sancho, having his head full of his government,
+had quite forgotten to do it); and at the same time the duchess sent
+another from herself, with a large costly string of coral as a
+present.
+
+Now the page was a sharp and ingenious lad; and being very desirous to
+please his lord and lady, made the best of his way to Sancho's
+village. When he came near the place, he saw a company of females
+washing at a brook, and asked them whether they could inform him if
+there lived not in that town a woman whose name was Teresa Panza, wife
+to one Sancho Panza, squire to a knight called Don Quixote de la
+Mancha? He had no sooner asked the question, than a young girl that
+was washing among the rest stood up: "Teresa Panza is my mother,"
+quoth she; "that gaffer Sancho is my own father, and that same knight
+our master." "Well, then, damsel," said the page, "pray go along with
+me, and bring me to your mother; for I have a letter and a token here
+for her from your father." "That I will, with all my heart, sir," said
+the girl, who seemed to be about fourteen years of age; and with that,
+leaving the clothes she was washing to one of her companions, without
+staying to dress her head or put on her shoes, away she sprung before
+the page's horse, barelegged, and with her hair about her ears. "Come
+along, if it please you," quoth she; "our house is hard by; it is but
+just as you come into the town; and my mother is at home, but brimful
+of sorrow, poor soul; for she has not heard from my father, I do not
+know how long." "Well," said the page, "I bring her tidings that will
+cheer her heart, I warrant her." At last, what with leaping, running,
+and jumping, the girl being come to the house, "Mother, mother," cried
+she, as loud as she could, before she went in, "come out, mother--come
+out; here is a gentleman has brought letters from my father!" At that
+summons, out came the mother, spinning a lock of coarse flax, with a
+russet petticoat about her, a waistcoat of the same, and her smock
+hanging loose about it. Take her otherwise, she was none of the
+oldest, but looked somewhat turned of forty--strong-built, sinewy,
+hale, vigorous, and in good case. "What is the matter, girl?" quoth
+she, seeing her daughter with the page; "what gentleman is that?" "A
+servant of your ladyship's, my Lady Teresa Panza," answered the page;
+and at the same time alighting, and throwing himself at her feet, "My
+noble Lady Donna Teresa," said he, "permit me the honour to kiss your
+ladyship's hand, as you are the wife of my Lord Don Sancho Panza,
+governor of the island of Barataria." "Alack-a-day!" quoth Teresa,
+"what do you do? I am none of your court-dames; but a poor, silly,
+country body, a ploughman's daughter,--the wife, indeed, of a
+squire-errant, but no governor." "Your ladyship," replied the page,
+"is the most worthy wife of a thrice-worthy governor; and for proof of
+what I say, be pleased to receive this letter and this present." With
+that, he took out of his pocket a string of coral beads, set in gold,
+and putting it about her neck, "This letter," said he, "is from his
+honour the governor; and another that I have for you, together with
+these beads, are from her grace the lady duchess, who sends me now to
+your ladyship."
+
+Teresa stood amazed, and her daughter was transported. "Now," quoth
+the young baggage, "if our master, Don Quixote, be not at the bottom
+of this. He has given my father that same government or earldom he has
+promised him so many times." "You say right," answered the page; "it
+is for the Lord Don Quixote's sake that the Lord Sancho is now
+governor of the island of Barataria." "Good sir," quoth Teresa, "read
+it me, if it like your worship; for though I can spin, I cannot read a
+jot." "Nor I neither," cried Sanchica; "but do but stay a little, and
+I will go fetch one that shall, either the bachelor Sampson Carrasco,
+or our parson himself, who will come with all their hearts to hear the
+news of my father." "You may spare yourself the trouble," said the
+page; "for though I cannot spin, yet I can read; and I will read it to
+you." With that he read the letter, which is now omitted, because it
+has been inserted before. That done, he pulled out another from the
+duchess, which runs as follows:
+
+
+ "FRIEND TERESA,
+
+"Your husband Sancho's good parts, his wit and honesty, obliged me to
+desire the duke, my husband, to bestow on him the government of one of
+his islands. I am informed he is as sharp as a hawk in his office, for
+which I am very glad, as well as my lord duke, and return Heaven many
+thanks that I have not been deceived in making choice of him for that
+preferment; for you must know, Sigñora Teresa, it is a difficult thing
+to meet with a good governor in this world.
+
+"I have sent you, my dear friend, a string of coral beads, set in
+gold; I could wish they were oriental pearls for your sake; but a
+small token may not hinder a great one. The time will come when we
+shall be better acquainted; and when we have conversed together, who
+knows what may come to pass?
+
+"I understand you have fine large acorns in your town; pray send me a
+dozen or two of them; I shall set a greater value upon them as coming
+from your hands. And pray let me have a good long letter, to let me
+know how you do; and if you have occasion for any thing, it is but ask
+and have.
+
+ "Your loving friend,
+
+ "THE DUCHESS.
+
+ "From this castle."
+
+
+"Ah!" quoth Teresa, when she had heard the letter, "what a good lady
+is this! not a bit of pride in her! Let me be buried with such ladies,
+and not with such proud madams as we have in our town; who, because
+they are gentlefolks, forsooth, think the wind must not blow on them,
+but come flaunting to church as stately as if they were queens. It
+seems they think it scorn to look upon a poor countrywoman. But, la
+you! here is a good lady, who, though she be a duchess, calls me her
+friend, and uses me as if I were as high as herself. Well, may I see
+her as high as the highest steeple in the whole country! As for the
+acorns she writes for, I will send her good ladyship a whole peck, and
+such swinging acorns, that every body shall come to admire them far
+and near. And now, Sanchica, see that the gentleman be made welcome,
+and want for nothing. Take care of his horse. Run to the stable; get
+some eggs; cut some bacon: he shall fare like a prince. The rare news
+he has brought me, and his good looks, deserve no less. Meanwhile, I
+must run and tell my neighbours the news. Our good curate, too, shall
+know it, and Mr. Nicholas the barber; for they have all along been thy
+father's friends." "Ay, do, mother," said the daughter; "but, hark
+you, you must give me half the beads; for, I daresay, the great lady
+knows better things than to give them all to you." "It is all thy own,
+child," cried the mother; "but let me wear it a few days about my
+neck, for thou canst not think how it rejoices the very heart of me."
+"You will rejoice more presently," said the page, "when you see what I
+have got in my portmanteau; a fine suit of green cloth, which the
+governor wore but one day a-hunting, and has here sent to my Lady
+Sanchica."
+
+Presently, away ran Teresa, with the beads about her neck, and the
+letters in her hand, all the while playing with her fingers on the
+papers, as if they had been a timbrel; and meeting, by chance, the
+curate and the bachelor Carrasco, she fell a-dancing and frisking
+about. "Faith and troth," cried she, "we are all made now. We have got
+a little thing called a 'government.' And now, let the proudest of
+them all toss up her nose at me, and I will give her as good as she
+brings. I will make her know her distance." "How now, Teresa?" said
+the curate; "what mad fit is this? what papers are these in your
+hand?" "No mad fit at all," answered Teresa; "but these are letters
+from duchesses and governors, and these beads about my neck are right
+coral, the Ave-marias I mean, and the Paternosters are of beaten gold;
+and I am a governor's lady, I assure you." "Verily," said the curate,
+"there is no understanding you, Teresa; we do not know what you mean."
+"There is what will clear the riddle," quoth Teresa; and with that she
+gave them the letters. Thereupon, the curate having read them aloud,
+that Sampson Carrasco might also be informed, they both stood and
+looked on one another, and were more at a loss than before. The
+bachelor asked her who brought the letter? Teresa told them it was a
+sweet, handsome, young man, as fine as anything; and that he had
+brought her another present worth twice as much. The curate took the
+string of beads from her neck, and finding that it was a thing of
+value, he could not conceive the meaning of all this. "I cannot tell,"
+cried he, "what to think of this business. I am convinced these beads
+are right coral and gold; but again, here is a duchess sends to beg a
+dozen or two of acorns." "Crack that nut if you can," said Sampson
+Carrasco. "But come, let us go to see the messenger, and probably he
+will clear our doubts."
+
+Thereupon, going with Teresa, they found the page sifting a little
+corn for his horse, and Sanchica cutting a rasher of bacon, to be
+fried with eggs, for his dinner. They both liked the page's mien and
+his garb; and after the usual compliments, Sampson desired him to tell
+them some news of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza; for though they had
+read a letter from the latter to his wife, and another from the
+duchess, they were no better than riddles to them; nor could they
+imagine how Sancho should come by a government, especially of an
+island, well knowing that all the islands in the Mediterranean, or the
+greatest part of them, were the king's.
+
+"Gentlemen," answered the page, "it is a certain truth, that Sigñor
+Sancho Panza is a governor, but whether it be of an island or not, I
+do not pretend to determine; but this I can assure you, that he
+commands in a town that has above a thousand inhabitants. And as for
+my lady duchess's sending to a countrywoman for a few acorns, that is
+no such wonder, for she is so free from pride, that I have known her
+send to borrow a comb of one of her neighbours. You must know, our
+ladies of Arragon, though they are as noble as those of Castile, do
+not stand so much upon formalities and punctilios, neither do they
+take so much state upon them, but treat people with more familiarity."
+
+The curate and the bachelor plainly perceived that the page spoke
+jestingly; but yet the costly string of beads, and the hunting suit,
+which by this time Teresa had let them see, confounded them again.
+"Then, sir, you assure us still," said Carrasco, "that Sancho is
+really a governor, and that a duchess sends these presents and letters
+upon his account; for though we see the things, and read the letters,
+we can scarce prevail with ourselves to believe it, but are apt to run
+into our friend Don Quixote's opinion, and look on all this as the
+effect of some enchantment; so that I could find in my heart to feel
+and try whether you are merely a visionary messenger or a real
+creature of flesh and blood."
+
+"For my part, gentlemen," answered the page, "all I can tell you is,
+that I am really the messenger I appear to be; that the Lord Sancho
+Panza is actually a governor; and that the duke and the duchess, to
+whom I belong, are able to give, and have given him that government;
+where, I am credibly informed, he behaves himself most worthily. Now
+if there be any enchantment in the matter, I leave you to examine
+that; for I know no more of the business." "That may be," said the
+bachelor, "but yet _dubitat Augustinus_." "You may doubt if you
+please," replied the page, "but I have told you the truth, which will
+always prevail over falsehood, and rise uppermost, as oil does above
+water. But if you will _operibus credere, et non verbis_, let one of
+you go along with me, and you shall see with your eyes, what you will
+not believe by the help of your ears." "I will go with all my heart,"
+quoth Sanchica; "take me up behind ye, sir; I have a great mind to see
+my father." "The daughters of governors," said the page, "must not
+travel thus unattended, but in coaches or litters, and with a handsome
+train of servants." "Oh," quoth Sanchica, "I can go a journey as well
+on an ass as in one of your coaches. I am none of your tender
+squeamish things, not I." "Peace, chicken," quoth the mother, "thou
+dost not know what thou sayest; the gentleman is in the right: times
+are altered. When it was plain Sancho, it was plain Sanchica; but now
+he is a governor, thou art a lady: I cannot well tell whether I am
+right or no." "My Lady Teresa says more than she is aware of," said
+the page. "But now," continued he, "give me a mouthful to eat as soon
+as you can, for I must go back this afternoon." "Be pleased then,
+sir," said the curate, "to go with me, and partake of a slender meal
+at my house, for my neighbour Teresa is more willing than able to
+entertain so good a guest." The page excused himself a while, but at
+last complied, being persuaded it would be much for the better; and
+the curate, on his side, was glad of his company, to have an
+opportunity to inform himself at large about Don Quixote and his
+proceedings. The bachelor proffered Teresa to write her answers to her
+letters; but as she looked upon him to be somewhat waggish, she would
+not permit him to be of her counsel; so she gave a roll and a couple
+of eggs to a young acolyte of the church who could write, and he
+wrote two letters for her,--one to her husband, and the other to the
+duchess, all of her own inditing; and perhaps not the worst in this
+famous history, as hereafter may be seen.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXXXI.
+
+_A continuation of Sancho Panza's government; with other entertaining
+passages._
+
+
+The morning of that day arose which succeeded the governor's round,
+the remainder of which the gentleman-waiter spent not in sleep, but in
+the pleasing thoughts of the lovely face and charming grace of the
+disguised maiden; on the other side, the steward bestowed that time in
+writing to his lord and lady what Sancho did and said; wondering no
+less at his actions than at his expressions, both which displayed a
+strange intermixture of discretion and simplicity.
+
+At last the lord governor was pleased to rise; and by Dr. Pedro
+Rezio's order, they brought him for his breakfast a little conserve
+and a draught of fair water, which he would have exchanged with all
+his heart for a good luncheon of bread and a bunch of grapes; but
+seeing he could not help himself, he was forced to make the best of a
+bad market, and seem to be content, though sorely against his will and
+appetite; for the doctor made him believe that to eat but little, and
+that which was dainty, enlivened the spirits and sharpened the wit,
+and consequently such a sort of diet was most proper for persons in
+authority and weighty employments, wherein there is less need of the
+strength of the body than that of the mind. This sophistry served to
+famish Sancho, who, however, hungry as he was, by the strength of his
+slender breakfast, failed not to give audience that day; and the first
+that came before him was a stranger, who put the following case to
+him, the stewards and the rest of the attendants being present:
+
+"My lord," said he, "a large river divides in two parts one and the
+same lordship. I beg your honour to lend me your attention, for it is
+a case of great importance and some difficulty. Upon this river there
+is a bridge, at the one end of which there stands a gallows, and a
+kind of court of justice, where four judges used to sit for the
+execution of a certain law made by the lord of the land and river,
+which runs thus:
+
+"'Whoever intends to pass from one end of this bridge to the other,
+must first, upon his oath, declare whither he goes, and what his
+business is. If he swear truth, he may go on; but if he swear false,
+he shall be hanged, and die without remission upon the gibbet at the
+end of the bridge.'
+
+"After due promulgation of this law, many people, notwithstanding its
+severity, adventured to go over this bridge, and as it appeared they
+swore true, the judges permitted them to pass unmolested. It happened
+one day that a certain passenger being sworn, declared, that by the
+oath he had taken, he was come to die upon that gallows, and that was
+all his business.
+
+"This put the judges to a nonplus; 'for,' said they, 'if we let this
+man pass freely, he is forsworn, and according to the letter of the
+law, he ought to die; if we hang him, he has sworn truth, seeing he
+swore he was to die on that gibbet; and then by the same law we should
+let him pass.'
+
+"Now your lordship's judgment is desired what the judges ought to do
+with this man: for they are still at a stand, not knowing what to
+determine in this case; and having been informed of your sharp wit,
+and great capacity in resolving difficult questions, they sent me to
+beseech your lordship, in their names, to give your opinion in so
+intricate and knotty a case."
+
+"To deal plainly with you," answered Sancho, "those worshipful judges
+that sent you hither might as well have spared themselves the trouble;
+for I am more inclined to bluntness, I assure you, than sharpness:
+however, let me hear your question once more, that I may thoroughly
+understand it, and perhaps I may at last hit the nail upon the head."
+The man repeated the question again; and when he had done, "Hark,
+honest man," said Sancho, "either I am a very dunce, or there is as
+much reason to put this same person you talk of to death, as to let
+him live and pass the bridge; for if the truth saves him, the lie
+condemns him. Now I would have you tell those gentlemen that sent you,
+since there is as much reason to bring him off as to condemn him, that
+they even let him go free; for it is always more commendable to do
+good than hurt. Nor do I speak this of my own head; but I remember one
+precept, among many others, that my master Don Quixote gave me the
+night before I came to govern this island, which was, that when the
+scale of justice is even, or a case is doubtful, we should prefer
+mercy before rigour; and it has pleased God I should call it to mind
+so luckily at this juncture."
+
+"For my part," said the steward, "this judgment seems to me so
+equitable, that I do not believe Lycurgus himself, who gave the laws
+to the Lacedæmonians, could ever have decided the matter better than
+the great Sancho has done. And now, sir, sure there is enough done for
+this morning; be pleased to adjourn the court, and I will give order
+that your Excellency may dine to your heart's content." "Well said,"
+cried Sancho; "that is all I want, and then a clear stage and no
+favour. Feed me well, and then ply me with cases and questions thick
+and threefold; you shall see me untwist them, and lay them open as
+clear as the sun."
+
+Sancho having plentifully dined that day, in spite of all the
+aphorisms of Dr. Tirteafuera, when the cloth was removed, in came an
+express with a letter from Don Quixote to the governor. Sancho ordered
+the secretary to read it to himself, and if there was nothing in it
+for secret perusal, then to read it aloud. The secretary having first
+run it over accordingly, "My lord," said he, "the letter may not only
+be publicly read, but deserves to be engraved in characters of gold;
+and thus it is:"
+
+
+_Don Quixote de la Mancha to Sancho Panza, Governor of the Island of
+Barataria._
+
+"When I expected to have had an account of thy carelessness and
+blunders, friend Sancho, I was agreeably disappointed with news of thy
+wise behaviour; for which I return thanks to Heaven, that can raise
+the lowest from their poverty, and turn the fool into a man of sense.
+I hear thou governest with all discretion; and that, nevertheless,
+thou retainest the humility of the meanest creature. But I desire thee
+to observe, Sancho, that it is many times very necessary and
+convenient to thwart the humility of the heart, for the better support
+of authority. For the ornament of a person that is advanced to an
+eminent post must be answerable to its greatness, and not debased to
+the inclination of his former meanness. Let thy apparel be neat and
+handsome; even a stake, well dressed, does not look like a stake. I
+would not have thee wear foppish gaudy things, nor affect the garb of
+a soldier in the circumstances of a magistrate; but let thy dress be
+suitable to thy degree, and always clean and comely.
+
+"To gain the hearts of thy people, I chiefly recommend two things: one
+is, to be affable, courteous, and fair to all the world; the other, to
+take care that plenty of provisions be never wanting,--for nothing
+afflicts or irritates more the spirit of the poor than scarcity and
+hunger.
+
+"Do not put out many new orders; and if thou dost put out any, see
+that they be wholesome and good, and that they be strictly observed;
+for laws not well obeyed are no better than if they were not made, and
+only shew that the prince who had the wisdom and authority to make
+them had not the resolution to see them executed; and laws that only
+threaten, and are not kept, become like the log that was given to the
+frogs to be their king, which they feared at first, but at last
+scorned and trampled on.
+
+"Be a father to virtue, but a father-in-law to vice. Be not always
+severe, nor always merciful; choose a mean between these two extremes;
+for that middle point is the centre of discretion.
+
+"Visit the prisons, the shambles, and the public markets; for the
+governor's presence is highly necessary in such places.
+
+"Be a terror to the butchers, that they may be fair in their weights;
+and keep hucksters and fraudulent dealers in awe, for the same reason.
+
+"Write to thy lord and lady, and shew thyself grateful; for
+ingratitude is the offspring of pride, and one of the worst
+corruptions of the mind; whereas he that is thankful to his
+benefactors gives a testimony that he will be so to God, who has done,
+and continually does him, so much good.
+
+"My lady duchess despatched a messenger on purpose to thy wife Teresa,
+with thy hunting suit, and another present. We expect his return every
+moment.
+
+"I have been somewhat out of order by a certain encounter I had
+lately, not much to the advantage of my nose; but all that is nothing;
+for if there are necromancers that misuse me, there are others ready
+to defend me.
+
+"Send me word whether the steward that is with thee had any hand in
+the business of the Countess Trifaldi, as thou wert once of opinion;
+and let me also have an account of whatever befalls thee, since the
+distance between us is so small. I have thoughts of leaving this idle
+life ere long; for I was not born for luxury and ease.
+
+"A business has offered, that I believe will make me lose the duke and
+duchess's favour; but though I am heartily sorry for it, that does not
+alter my resolution; for, after all, I owe more to my profession than
+to complaisance; and, as the saying is, _Amicus Plato, sed magis amica
+veritas_. I send thee this scrap of Latin, flattering myself that
+since thou camest to be a governor, thou mayest have learned something
+of that language. Farewell, and Heaven keep thee above the pity of the
+world.
+
+ "Thy friend,
+
+ "DON QUIXOTE DE LA MANCHA."
+
+
+Sancho gave great attention to the letter; and it was highly
+applauded, both for sense and integrity, by every body that heard it.
+After that, he rose from table, and calling the secretary, went
+without any further delay, and locked himself up with him in his
+chamber, to write an answer to his master Don Quixote, which was as
+follows:
+
+
+_Sancho Panza to Don Quixote de la Mancha._
+
+"I am so taken up with business, that I have not yet had time to let
+you know whether it goes well or ill with me in this same government,
+where I am more hunger-starved than when you and I wandered through
+woods and wildernesses.
+
+"My lord duke wrote to me the other day, to inform me of some spies
+that were got into this island to kill me; but as yet I have
+discovered none, but a certain doctor, hired by the islanders to kill
+all the governors that come near it. They call him Dr. Pedro Rezio de
+Anguero, and he was born at Tirteafuera. His name is enough to make me
+fear he will be the death of me. This same doctor says of himself,
+that he does cure diseases when you have them; but when you have them
+not, he only pretends to keep them from coming. The physic he uses, is
+fasting upon fasting, till he turns a body to a mere skeleton; as if
+to be wasted to skin and bones were not as bad as a fever. In short,
+he starves me to death; so that, when I thought, as being a governor,
+to have plenty of good hot victuals and cool liquor, and to repose on
+a soft feather-bed, I am come to do penance like a hermit.
+
+"I have not yet so much as fingered the least penny of money, either
+for fees or any thing else; and how it comes to be no better with me I
+cannot imagine, for I have heard that the governors who come to this
+island are wont to have a very good gift, or at least a very round sum
+given them by the town before they enter. And they say too that this
+is the usual custom, not only here, but in other places.
+
+"Last night, in going my rounds, I met with a mighty handsome damsel
+in boy's clothes, and a brother of hers in woman's apparel. My
+gentleman-waiter fell in love with the girl, and intends to make her
+his wife, as he says. As for the youth, I have pitched on him to be my
+son-in-law. To-day we both design to talk to the father, one Diego de
+la Llana, who is a gentleman, and an old Christian every inch of him.
+
+"I visit the markets as you advised me, and yesterday found one of the
+hucksters selling hazel-nuts. She pretended they were all new; but I
+found she had mixed a whole bushel of old, empty, rotten nuts among
+the same quantity of new. With that, I adjudged them to be given to
+the hospital boys, who know how to pick the good from the bad, and
+gave sentence against her that she should not come into the market for
+fifteen days; and people said I did well.
+
+"I am mighty well pleased that my lady duchess has written to my wife
+Teresa Panza, and sent her the token you mention. It shall go hard but
+I will requite her kindness one time or other. Pray give my service to
+her; and tell her from me, she has not cast her gift in a broken sack,
+as something more than words shall shew.
+
+"If I might advise you, and had my wish, there should be no falling
+out between your worship and my lord and lady; for, if you quarrel
+with them, it is I must come by the worst for it. And, since you mind
+me of being grateful, it will not look well in you not to be so to
+those who have made so much of you at their castle.
+
+"If my wife Teresa Panza writes to me, pray pay the postage, and send
+me the letter; for I mightily long to hear how it is with her, and my
+house and children.
+
+ "Your worship's servant,
+
+ "SANCHO PANZA, the Governor."
+
+
+The secretary made up the letter, and immediately despatched it. Then
+those who carried on the plot against Sancho combined together, and
+consulted how to release him from the cares of government; and Sancho
+passed that afternoon in making several regulations for the better
+establishment of that which he imagined to be an island.
+
+In short, he made so many wholesome ordinances, that, to this day,
+they are observed in that place, and called "The Constitutions of the
+great Governor Sancho Panza."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXXXII.
+
+_A relation of the adventures of the second disconsolate or distressed
+matron, otherwise called Donna Rodriguez; with the letters of Teresa
+Panza to the Duchess and to her husband._
+
+
+Don Quixote's wounds being healed, he began to think the life he led
+in the castle not suitable to the order which he professed; he
+resolved, therefore, to set off for Saragosa, where, at the
+approaching tournament, he hoped to win the armour, the usual prize at
+the festivals of that kind. Accordingly, as he sat at table with the
+lord and lady of the castle, he began to acquaint them with his
+design; when behold two women entered the great hall, clad in deep
+mourning from head to foot. One of them approaching Don Quixote, threw
+herself at his feet, where, lying prostrate, and in a manner kissing
+them, she fetched such doleful sighs, and made such lamentations, that
+all present were not a little surprised. And, though the duke and
+duchess imagined it to be some new device of their servants, yet,
+perceiving with what earnestness the woman sighed and lamented, they
+were in doubt, and knew not what to think; till the compassionate
+champion, raising her from the ground, made her to lift up her veil,
+and discover, what they least expected, the face of Donna Rodriguez,
+the duenna of the family; and the other mourner proved to be her
+daughter, whom the rich farmer's son had deluded. All those that knew
+them were in great admiration, especially the duke and duchess; for,
+though they knew her simplicity, they did not believe her so far gone
+in folly. At last, the sorrowful matron, addressing herself to the
+duke and duchess, "May it please your graces," said she, "to permit me
+to direct my discourse to this knight; for it concerns me to get out
+of an unhappy business, into which the impudence of a treacherous
+villain has brought us." With that the duke gave her leave to speak;
+then, applying herself to Don Quixote, "It is not long," said she,
+"valorous knight, since I gave your worship an account how basely a
+young graceless farmer had used my dear child, and you then promised
+me to stand up for her, and see her righted; and now I understand you
+are about to leave this castle, in quest of the adventures Heaven
+shall send you. And therefore, before you are gone nobody knows
+whither, I have this boon to beg of your worship, that you would do so
+much as challenge this sturdy clown, and make him marry my daughter,
+according to his promise." "Worthy matron," answered Don Quixote, with
+a great deal of gravity and solemn form, "moderate your tears, or, to
+speak more properly, dry them up, and spare your sighs; for I take
+upon me to see your daughter's wrongs redressed. Therefore, with my
+lord duke's permission, I will instantly depart to find out this
+ungracious wretch; and, as soon as he is found, I will challenge him,
+and kill him, if he persists in his obstinacy; for the chief end of my
+profession is, to pardon the submissive, and to chastise the stubborn;
+to relieve the miserable, and destroy the cruel." "Sir knight," said
+the duke, "you need not give yourself the trouble of seeking the
+fellow of whom that good matron complains; for I already engage that
+he shall meet you in person to answer it here in this castle, where
+lists shall be set up for you both, observing all the laws of arms
+that ought to be kept in affairs of this kind, and doing each party
+justice, as all princes ought to do that admit of single combats
+within their territories." "Upon that assurance," said Don Quixote,
+"with your grace's leave, I, for this time, wave my punctilio of
+gentility; and, debasing myself to the meanness of the offender,
+qualify him to measure lances with me." With that, pulling off his
+glove, he flung it down into the middle of the hall, and the duke took
+it up, declaring, as he already had done, that he accepted the
+challenge in the name of his vassal; fixing the time for combat to be
+six days after, and the place to be the castle-court; the arms to be
+such as are usual among knights, as lance, shield, armour of proof,
+and all other pieces, without fraud, advantage, or enchantment, after
+search made by the judges of the field.
+
+"But," added the duke, "it is requisite that this matron and her
+daughter commit the justice of their cause into the hands of their
+champion; for otherwise there will be nothing done, and the challenge
+is void." "I do," answered the matron. "And so do I," added the
+daughter, all ashamed, and in a crying tone. The preliminaries being
+adjusted, and the duke having resolved with himself what to do in the
+matter, the petitioners went away, and the duchess ordered they should
+no longer be looked on as her domestics, but as ladies-errant, that
+came to demand justice in her castle; and, accordingly, there was a
+peculiar apartment appointed for them, where they were served as
+strangers, to the amazement of the other servants, who could not
+imagine what would be the end of Donna Rodriguez and her forsaken
+daughter's undertaking.
+
+Presently in came the page that had carried the letters and the
+presents to Teresa Panza. The duke and duchess were overjoyed to see
+him returned, having a great desire to know the success of his
+journey. They inquired of him accordingly; but he told them that the
+account he had to give them could not well be delivered in public, nor
+in few words; and therefore begged their graces would be pleased to
+take it in private, and, in the meantime, entertain themselves with
+those letters. With that, taking out two, he delivered them to her
+grace. The superscription of the one was, "These for my Lady Duchess,
+of I do not know what place;" and the direction on the other, thus,
+"To my husband Sancho Panza, Governor of the Island of Barataria."
+
+The duchess having opened her letter, read it aloud, that the whole
+company might hear what follows:
+
+
+"MY LADY,
+
+"The letter your honour sent me pleased me hugeously; for, troth, it
+is what I heartily longed for. The string of coral is a good thing,
+and my husband's hunting suit may come up to it. All our town takes it
+mighty kindly, and is very glad that your honour has made my spouse a
+governor, though nobody will believe it, especially our curate, Master
+Nicholas the barber, and Sampson Carrasco the bachelor. But what care
+I whether they do or no? So it be true, as it is, let every one have
+their saying. Though (it is a folly to lie) I had not believed it
+neither, but for the coral and the suit; for every body here takes my
+husband to be a dolt, and cannot for the life of them imagine what he
+can be fit to govern, unless it be a herd of goats. Well, Heaven be
+his guide, and speed him as he sees best for his children. As for me,
+my dear lady, I am resolved, with your good liking, to make hay while
+the sun shines, and go to court, to loll it along in a coach, and make
+my neighbours, that envy me already, stare their eyes out. And,
+therefore, good your honour, pray bid my husband send me store of
+money, for I believe it is dear living at court; one can have but
+little bread there for sixpence, and a pound of flesh is worth thirty
+maravedis, which would make one stand amazed. And if he is not for my
+coming, let him send me word in time; for my gossips tell me, that if
+I and my daughter go about the court as we should, spruce and fine, my
+husband will be better known by me, than I by him; for many cannot
+choose but ask, What ladies are these in the coach? With that one of
+my servants answers, 'The wife and daughter of Sancho Panza, governor
+of the island of Barataria;' and thus shall my husband be known, and I
+honoured, far and near.
+
+"You cannot think how I am troubled that we have gathered no acorns
+hereaway this year; however, I send your highness about half-a-peck,
+which I have culled one by one: I went to the mountains on purpose,
+and got the biggest I could find. I wish they had been as big as
+ostrich-eggs.
+
+"Pray let not your mightiness forget to write to me, and I will be
+sure to send you an answer, and let you know how I do, and send you
+all the news in our village. My daughter Sanchica, and my son, kiss
+your worship's hands.
+
+ "Your servant,
+
+ "TERESA PANZA."
+
+
+This letter was very entertaining to all the company, especially to
+the duke and duchess; insomuch that her grace asked Don Quixote
+whether it would be amiss to open the governor's letter, which she
+imagined was a very good one? The knight told her that, to satisfy her
+curiosity, he would open it; which being done, he found what follows:
+
+
+"I received thy letter, dear Sancho; and I vow and swear to thee, as I
+am a Catholic Christian, I was within two fingers' breadth of running
+mad for joy. When I heard thou wert made a governor, I was so
+transported, I had like to have fallen down dead with mere gladness;
+for thou knowest sudden joy is said to kill as soon as great sorrow. I
+had the suit thou sentest me before my eyes, and the lady duchess's
+corals about my neck,--held the letter in my hands, and had him that
+brought them standing by me; and for all that, I thought what I saw
+and felt was but a dream. For who could have thought a goatherd should
+ever come to be governor of islands? But what said my mother, 'Who a
+great deal must see, a great while must live.' My lady duchess will
+tell thee how I long to go to court. Pray think of it, and let me know
+thy mind; for I mean to credit thee there, by going in a coach.
+
+"Neither the curate, the barber, the bachelor, nor the sexton, will
+believe thou art a governor; but say it is all juggling or
+enchantment, as all thy master Don Quixote's concerns used to be; and
+Sampson threatens to find thee out, and put this maggot of a
+government out of thy pate, and Don Quixote's madness out of his
+coxcomb. For my part, I do but laugh at them, and look upon my string
+of coral, and contrive how to fit up the suit thou sentest me into a
+gown for thy daughter.
+
+"The news here is, that Berrueca has married her daughter to a sorry
+painter, that came hither pretending to paint any thing. The township
+set him to paint the king's arms over the townhall; he asked them two
+ducats for the job, which they paid him: so he fell to work, and was
+eight days a-daubing, but could make nothing of it at last, and said
+he could not hit upon such puddling kind of work, and so gave them
+their money again. Yet for all this he married with the name of a good
+workman. The truth is, he has left his pencil upon it, and taken the
+spade, and goes to the field like a gentleman. Sanchica makes
+bone-lace, and gets her three halfpence a-day clear, which she saves
+in a box with a slit, to go towards buying household stuff. But now
+she is a governor's daughter, she has no need to work, for thou wilt
+give her a portion. The fountain in the market is dried up. A
+thunderbolt lately fell upon the pillory: there may they all light! I
+expect thy answer to this, and thy resolution concerning my going to
+court.
+
+ "Thy wife,
+
+ "TERESA PANZA."
+
+
+These letters were admired, and caused a great deal of laughter and
+diversion; and, to complete the mirth, at the same time the express
+returned that brought Sancho's answer to Don Quixote, which was
+likewise publicly read, and startled and delighted all the hearers.
+Afterwards, the duchess withdrew to know of the page what he had to
+relate of Sancho's village; of which he gave her a full account,
+without omitting the least particular.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXXXIII.
+
+_The toilsome end and conclusion of Sancho Panza's government._
+
+
+To think the affairs of this life are always to remain in the same
+state, is an erroneous fancy. The face of things rather seems
+continually to change and roll with circular motion; summer succeeds
+the spring, autumn the summer, winter the autumn, and then spring
+again. So time proceeds in this perpetual round; only the life of man
+is ever hastening to its end, swifter than time itself, without hopes
+to be renewed, unless in the next, that is unlimited and infinite. For
+even by the light of nature, and without that of faith, many have
+discovered the swiftness and instability of this present being, and
+the duration of the eternal life which is expected. But this moral
+reflection of our author is here chiefly intended to shew the
+uncertainty of Sancho's fortune, how soon it vanished like a dream,
+and how from his high preferment he returned to his former low
+station.
+
+It was now but the seventh night, after so many days of his
+government, when the careful governor had betaken himself to his
+repose, sated not with bread and wine, but cloyed with hearing causes,
+pronouncing sentences, making statutes, and putting out orders and
+proclamations. Scarce was sleep beginning to close his eyes, when of a
+sudden he heard a great noise of bells, and most dreadful outcries, as
+if the whole island had been sinking. Presently he started, and sat up
+in bed, and listened with great attention, to try if he could learn
+how far this uproar might concern him. But, while he was thus
+hearkening in the dark, a great number of drums and trumpets were
+heard, and that sound being added to the noise of the bells and the
+cries, gave so dreadful an alarm, that his fear and terror increased,
+and he was in a sad consternation. Quitting his bed, he ran and opened
+his chamber-door, and saw about twenty men come running along the
+galleries with lighted torches in one hand, and drawn swords in the
+other, all crying out, "Arm! my lord governor, arm! a world of enemies
+are got into the island, and we are undone, unless your valour and
+conduct relieve us!" Thus bawling and running with great fury and
+disorder, they got to the door where Sancho stood, quite scared out of
+his senses. "What would you have me arm for?" cried Sancho; "do I know
+any thing of arms or fighting, think you? Why do you not rather send
+for Don Quixote, my master? he will despatch your enemies in a trice.
+Alas, I understand nothing of this hasty service." "For shame, my lord
+governor," said another; "what a faint-heartedness is this? See, we
+bring you here arms offensive and defensive; arm yourself and march to
+the market-place; be our leader and captain as you ought, and shew
+yourself a governor." "Why, then, arm me; and good luck attend me!"
+quoth Sancho. With that they brought him two large shields, which they
+had provided; and tied the one behind upon his back, and the other
+before upon his breast, having got his arms through some holes made on
+purpose. Now the shields being fastened to his body, as hard as cords
+could bind them, the poor governor was cased up and immured as
+straight as an arrow, without being able so much as to bend his knees,
+or stir a step. Then, having put a lance in his hand for him to lean
+upon and keep himself up, they desired him to march and lead them on,
+and put life into them all; telling him that they did not doubt of
+victory, since they had him for their commander. "March!" quoth
+Sancho, "how do you think I am able to do it, squeezed as I am? These
+boards stick so plaguy close to me, I cannot so much as bend the
+joints of my knees; you must even carry me in your arms, and lay me
+across or set me upright before some passage, and I will make good
+that spot of ground, either with this lance or my body." "Fie, my lord
+governor," said another; "it is more your fear than your armour that
+stiffens your legs, and hinders you from moving. March on; it is high
+time; the enemy grows stronger, and the danger presses." The poor
+governor, thus urged, endeavoured to go forward; but the first motion
+he made threw him to the ground at full length, so heavily that he
+gave over all his bones for broken: and there he lay like a huge
+tortoise in his shell, or a flitch of bacon between two boards, or
+like a boat overturned upon a flat with the keel upwards. Nor had
+those droll companions the least compassion upon him as he lay; but
+putting out the lights, they made a terrible noise, and clattered with
+their swords, and laid on so furiously upon his shields, that if he
+had not shrunk his head into them for shelter, he had been in a woful
+condition. Squeezed up in his narrow shell, he was in a grievous
+fright, praying from the bottom of his heart for deliverance from the
+unhappy trade of governing islands. At last, when he least expected
+it, he heard a cry--"Victory, victory! the enemy is routed! Now, my
+lord governor, rise; come and enjoy the fruits of conquest, and divide
+the spoils taken from the enemy by the valour of your invincible
+arms." "Help me up," cried poor Sancho, in a doleful tone; and when
+they had set him on his legs, "Let all the enemy I have routed," quoth
+he, "be nailed to my forehead; I will divide no spoils of enemies; but
+if I have one friend here, I only beg he would give me a draught of
+wine to comfort me." Thereupon they gave him wine, and took off his
+shields. After that, what with his fright and what with the toil he
+had endured, he fell into a swoon, insomuch that those who acted this
+scene began to repent they had carried it so far. But Sancho,
+recovering from his fit in a little time, they also recovered from
+their uneasiness. Being come to himself, he asked what it was o'clock.
+They answered, it was now break of day. He said nothing, but creeping
+along softly (for he was too much bruised to go along very fast), he
+got to the stable, followed by all the company; and coming to Dapple,
+he embraced the quiet animal, gave him a loving kiss on the forehead,
+and with tears in his eyes, "Come hither," said he, "my friend, thou
+faithful companion and fellow-sharer in my travels and miseries; when
+thee and I consorted together, and all my cares were but to mend thy
+furniture and feed thy carcase, then happy were my days, my months,
+and years. But since I forsook thee, and clambered up the towers of
+ambition and pride, a thousand woes, a thousand torments, have haunted
+and worried my soul."
+
+While Sancho was talking thus, he fitted on his pack-saddle, nobody
+offering to say anything to him. This done, with a great deal of
+difficulty he mounted his ass; and then, addressing himself to the
+steward, the secretary, the gentleman-waiter, and Doctor Pedro Rezio,
+and many others that stood by: "Make way, gentlemen," said he, "and
+let me return to my former liberty. Let me go, that I may seek my old
+course of life, and rise again from that death which buries me here
+alive. I know better what belongs to ploughing, delving, pruning, and
+planting of vineyards, than how to make laws, and defend countries
+and kingdoms. St. Peter is very well at Rome; which is as much as to
+say, let every one stick to the calling he was born to. A spade does
+better in my hand than a governor's truncheon; and I had rather have a
+mess of plain porridge than lie at the mercy of an officious
+physic-monger, who starves me to death. I had rather solace myself
+under the shade of an oak in summer, and wrap myself up in a double
+sheep-skin in the winter, at my liberty, than lay me down, with the
+slavery of a government, in fine Holland sheets, and case my body in
+furs and sables. Heaven be with you, gentlefolks; and pray tell my
+lord duke from me, that poor I was born, and poor I am at present. I
+have neither won nor lost; which is as much as to say, without a penny
+I came to this government, and without a penny I leave it--quite
+contrary to what other governors of islands use to do when they leave
+them. Clear the way, then, I beseech you, and let me pass." "This must
+not be, my lord governor," said Dr. Rezio; "for I will give your
+honour a balsamic drink, that is a specific against falls,
+dislocations, contusions, and all manner of bruises, and that will
+presently restore you to your former health and strength. And then for
+your diet, I promise to take a new course with you, and to let you eat
+abundantly of whatsoever you please." "It is too late, Mr. Doctor,"
+answered Sancho; "you should as soon make me turn Turk, as hinder me
+from going. No, no; these tricks shall not pass upon me again. Every
+sheep with its like. Let not the cobbler go beyond his last; and so
+let me go, for it is late." "My lord governor," said the steward,
+"though it grieves us to part with your honour, your sense and
+Christian behaviour engaging us to covet your company, yet we would
+not presume to stop you against your inclination; but you know that
+every governor, before he leaves the place he has governed, is bound
+to give an account of his administration. Be pleased, therefore, to do
+so for the time you have been among us, and then peace be with you."
+"No man has power to call me to an account," replied Sancho, "but my
+lord duke. To him it is that I am going, and to him I will give a fair
+and square account. And indeed, going away so bare as I do, there
+needs no greater proof that I have governed like an angel." "In
+truth," said Dr. Rezio, "the great Sancho is in the right; and I am of
+opinion we ought to let him go; for certainly the duke will be very
+glad to see him." Thereupon they all agreed to let him pass; offering
+first to attend him, and supply him with whatever he might want in his
+journey, either for entertainment or convenience. Sancho told them
+that all he desired was, a little corn for his ass, and half a cheese
+and half a loaf for himself, having occasion for no other provisions
+in so short a journey. With that, they all embraced him, and he
+embraced them all, not without tears in his eyes; leaving them in
+admiration of the good sense which he discovered, both in his
+discourse and unalterable resolution.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXXXIV.
+
+_What happened to Sancho by the way; with other matters which you will
+have no more to do than to see._
+
+
+Sancho pursued his way until the night overtook him within half a
+league of the duke's castle. However, as it was summer-time, he was
+not much uneasy, and chose to go out of the road, with a design to
+stay there till the morning. But, while he sought some place where he
+might rest himself, he and Dapple tumbled of a sudden into a very deep
+hole, among the ruins of an old building. As he was falling, he
+fancied himself sinking down into some bottomless abyss; but he was in
+no such danger, for by the time he had descended somewhat lower than
+eighteen feet, Dapple made a full stop at the bottom, and his rider
+found himself still on his back, without the least hurt in the world.
+Presently Sancho began to consider the condition of his bones, held
+his breath, and felt all about him; and finding himself sound and in a
+whole skin, he thought he could never give Heaven sufficient thanks
+for his wondrous preservation; for at first he gave himself over for
+lost and broken into a thousand pieces. He groped with both hands
+about the walls of the pit to try if it were possible to get out
+without help; but he found them all so steep, that there was not the
+least hold or footing to get up. This grieved him to the soul; and to
+increase his sorrow, Dapple began to raise his voice in a very piteous
+and doleful manner, which pierced his master's very heart: nor did the
+poor beast make such moan without reason, for to say the truth, he was
+but in a woful condition. "Woe's me," cried Sancho, "what sudden and
+unthought of mischances every foot befall us poor wretches in this
+miserable world! Who would have thought that he who but yesterday saw
+himself seated on the throne of an island-governor, and had servants
+and vassals at his beck, should to-day find himself buried in a pit,
+without the least soul to help him or come to his relief? Here we are
+likely to perish with hunger, I and my ass, if we do not die before,
+he of his bruises, and I of grief and anguish. At least, I shall not
+be so lucky as was my master Don Quixote, when he went down into the
+cave of the enchanter Montesinos. He found better fare there than he
+could have at his own house; the cloth was laid, and his bed made, and
+he saw nothing but pleasant visions; but I am like to see nothing here
+but toads and snakes. Unhappy creature that I am! What have my foolish
+designs and whimsies brought me to?"
+
+At length, after a whole night's lamenting and complaining at a
+miserable rate, the day came on; and its light having confirmed Sancho
+in his doubts of the possibility of getting out of that place without
+help, he again made a vigorous outcry, to try whether any body might
+not hear him. But alas, all his calling was in vain; for all around
+there was nobody within hearing; and at first he gave himself over for
+dead and buried. He cast his eyes on Dapple, and seeing him extended
+on the ground, and sadly dejected, he went to him, and tried to get
+him on his legs, which, with much ado, by means of his assistance, the
+poor beast did at last, being hardly able to stand. Then he took a
+luncheon of bread out of his wallet, that had run the same fortune
+with them, and giving it to the ass, who took it not at all amiss, and
+made no bones of it, "Here," said Sancho, as if the beast had
+understood him, "a fat sorrow is better than a lean." At length, he
+perceived on one side of the pit a great hole, wide enough for a man
+to creep through stooping. He drew to it, and having crawled through
+on all fours, found that it led into a vault, that enlarged itself the
+further it extended, which he could easily perceive, the sun shining
+in towards the top of the concavity. Having made this discovery, he
+went back to his ass, and like one that knew what belonged to digging,
+with a stone he began to remove the earth that was about the hole, and
+laboured so effectually, that he soon made a passage for his
+companion. Then taking him by the halter, he led him along through the
+cave, to try if he could not find a way to get out on the other side.
+"Alas!" said he to himself, "what a heart of a chicken have I! This,
+which to me is a sad disaster, to my master Don Quixote would be a
+rare adventure. He would look upon these caves and dungeons as lovely
+gardens and glorious palaces, and hope to be led out of these dark
+narrow cells into some fine meadow; while I, luckless, heartless
+wretch that I am, every step I take, expect to sink into some deeper
+pit than this, and go down I do not know whither." Thus he went on,
+lamenting and despairing, and thought he had gone somewhat more than
+half a league, when at last he perceived a kind of confused light,
+like that of day, break in at some open place, but which, to poor
+Sancho, seemed a prospect of a passage into another world.
+
+But here we leave him a while; and return to Don Quixote, who
+entertained and pleased himself with the hopes of a speedy combat
+between him and Donna Rodriguez's enemy, whose wrongs he designed to
+see redressed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXXXV.
+
+_Which treats of matters that relate to this history, and no other._
+
+
+The duke and duchess resolved that Don Quixote's challenge against
+their vassal should not be ineffectual; and the young man being fled
+into Flanders, to avoid having Donna Rodriguez to his mother-in-law,
+they made choice of a Gascoin lackey, named Tosilos, to supply his
+place, and gave him instructions how to act his part. Two days after,
+the duke acquainted Don Quixote, that within four days his antagonist
+would meet him in the lists, armed at all points like a knight, to
+maintain that the damsel lied through the throat in saying that he had
+ever promised her marriage. Don Quixote was mightily pleased with this
+news, promising himself to do wonders on this occasion; and esteeming
+it an extraordinary happiness to have such an opportunity to shew,
+before such noble spectators, how great were his valour and his
+strength. Cheered and elevated with these hopes, he waited for the end
+of these four days, which his eager impatience made him think so many
+ages.
+
+[Illustration: DON QUIXOTE. P. 370.]
+
+It happened one morning, as he was riding out to prepare and exercise
+against the time of battle, that Rozinante pitched his feet near the
+brink of a deep cave; insomuch that, if Don Quixote had not used the
+best of his skill, he must infallibly have tumbled into it. Having
+escaped that danger, he was tempted to look into the cave without
+alighting; and wheeling about, rode up to it. While he was satisfying
+his curiosity and seriously musing, he thought he heard a noise
+within; and thereupon listening, he could distinguish these words,
+which in a doleful tone arose out of the cavern: "Ho, above there! is
+there no good Christian that hears me; no charitable knight or
+gentleman, that will take pity of a sinner buried alive, a poor
+governor without a government?" Don Quixote fancied he heard Sancho's
+voice, which did not a little surprise him; and for his better
+satisfaction, raising his voice as much as he could, "Who is that
+below?" cried he; "who is that complains?" "Who should it be, to his
+sorrow," cried Sancho, "but the most wretched Sancho Panza, governor,
+for his sins and for his unlucky errantry, of the island of Barataria,
+formerly squire to the famous knight Don Quixote de la Mancha?" These
+words redoubled Don Quixote's surprise, and increased his amazement:
+"I conjure thee," said he, "as I am a Catholic Christian, to tell me
+who thou art? And, if thou art a soul in pain, let me know what thou
+wouldst have me to do for thee? For since my profession is to assist
+and succour all that are afflicted in this world, it shall also be so
+to relieve and help those who stand in need of it in the other, and
+who cannot help themselves." "Surely, sir," answered he from below,
+"you that speak to me should be my master Don Quixote. By the tone
+of your voice it can be no man else." "My name is Don Quixote,"
+replied the knight, "and I think it my duty to assist not only the
+living but the dead in their necessities. Tell me then who thou art,
+for thou fillest me with astonishment?" "Why then," replied the voice,
+"I make oath that I am Sancho Panza your squire, and that I never was
+dead yet in my life. But only having left my government, for reasons
+and causes which I have not leisure yet to tell you, last night
+unluckily I fell into this cave, where I am still, and Dapple with me,
+that will not let me tell a lie; for, as a farther proof of what I
+say, he is here." Now what is strange, immediately, as if the ass had
+understood what his master said, to back his evidence, he fell
+a-braying so obstreperously, that he made the whole cave ring again.
+"A worthy witness," cried Don Quixote; "I know his bray, and I know
+thy voice too, my Sancho. I find thou art my real squire; stay,
+therefore, till I go to the castle, which is hard by, and fetch more
+company to help thee out of the pit into which thy sins doubtless have
+thrown thee." "Make haste, I beseech you, sir," quoth Sancho, "and
+come again as fast as you can; for I can no longer endure to be here
+buried alive."
+
+Don Quixote went with all speed to the castle, and gave the duke and
+duchess an account of Sancho's accident, whilst they did not a little
+wonder at it; though they conceived he might easily enough fall in at
+the mouth of the cave, which had been there time out of mind. But they
+were mightily surprised to hear he had abdicated his government,
+before they had an account of his coming away.
+
+In short, they sent ropes and other conveniences by their servants to
+draw him out; and at last, with much trouble and labour, both he and
+his Dapple were restored to the light of the sun. They then proceeded
+to the castle, where the duke and duchess waited for them in the
+gallery. As for Sancho, he would not go up to see the duke, till he
+had seen his ass in the stable, and provided for him; for he said the
+poor beast had but sorry entertainment in his last night's lodging.
+This done, away he went to wait on his lord and lady; and throwing
+himself on his knees, "My lord and lady," said he, "I went to govern
+your island of Barataria, such being your will and pleasure, though it
+was your goodness more than my desert. Naked I entered into it, and
+naked I came away. I neither won nor lost. Whether I governed well or
+ill, there are those not far off can tell; and let them tell, if they
+please, that can tell better than I. I have resolved doubtful cases,
+determined law-suits, and all the while ready to die for hunger; such
+was the pleasure of Doctor Pedro Rezio, of Tirteafuera, that physician
+in ordinary to island-governors. Enemies set upon us in the night; and
+after they had put us in great danger, the people of the island say
+they were delivered, and had the victory; and may Heaven prosper them
+as they speak truth! In short, in that time I experienced all the
+cares and burdens this trade of governing brings along with it, and I
+found them too heavy for my shoulders. I was never cut out for a
+ruler, and I am too clumsy to meddle with edge-tools; and so, before
+the government left me, I even resolved to leave the government; and
+accordingly, yesterday morning I quitted the island as I found it,
+with the same streets, the same houses, and the same roofs to them, as
+when I came to it. I have asked for nothing by way of loan, and have
+made no hoard against a rainy day. I designed, indeed, to have issued
+out several wholesome orders, but did not, for fear they should not be
+kept; in which case, it signifies no more to make them than if one
+made them not. So, as I said before, I came away from the island
+without any company but my Dapple. I fell into a cave, and went a good
+way through it, till this morning, by the light of the sun, I spied my
+way out; yet not so easy but, had not Heaven sent my master, Don
+Quixote, to help me, there I might have stayed till doomsday. And now,
+my lord duke and my lady duchess, here is your governor Sancho Panza
+again; who, by a ten days' government, has only picked up so much
+experience as to know he would not give a straw to be a governor, not
+only of an island, but of the whole world. This being allowed, kissing
+your honours' hands, and doing like the boys when they play at trusse
+or saille, who cry, 'Leap you, and then let me leap,' so I leap from
+the government to my old master's service again."
+
+Thus Sancho concluded his speech; and Don Quixote, who all the while
+dreaded he would have said a thousand impertinencies, was glad in his
+heart, finding him end with so few. The duke embraced Sancho, and told
+him he was very sorry he had quitted his government so soon; but that
+he would give him some other employment that should be less
+troublesome, and more profitable. The duchess was no less kind, giving
+order he should want for nothing; for he seemed sadly bruised and out
+of order.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXXXVI.
+
+_Of the extraordinary and unaccountable combat between Don Quixote de
+la Mancha and the lackey Tosilos, in vindication of the matron Donna
+Rodriguez's daughter._
+
+
+The day appointed for the combat was now come; nor had the duke
+forgotten to give his lackey, Tosilos, all requisite instructions how
+to vanquish Don Quixote, and yet neither kill nor wound him; to which
+purpose he gave orders that the spears, or steel heads of their
+lances, should be taken off; making Don Quixote sensible that
+Christianity, for which he had so great a veneration, did not admit
+that such conflicts should so much endanger the lives of the
+combatants; and that it was enough he granted him free lists in his
+territories, though it was against the decree of the holy council,
+which forbids such challenges; for which reason he desired them not to
+push the thing to the utmost rigour. Don Quixote replied, that his
+grace had the sole disposal of all things, and it was only his duty to
+obey.
+
+And now, the dreadful day being come, the duke caused a spacious
+scaffold to be erected for the judges of the field of battle, and for
+the matron and her daughter, the plaintiffs.
+
+An infinite number of people flocked from all the neighbouring towns
+and villages, to behold the wonderful combat, the like of which had
+never been seen, or so much as heard of, in these parts. The first
+that made his entrance at the barriers was the marshal of the field,
+who came to survey the ground, and rode all over it, that there might
+be no foul play, nor private holes, nor contrivance to make one
+stumble or fall. After that entered the matron and her daughter, who
+seated themselves in their places, all in deep mourning, with no small
+demonstration of sorrow. Presently, at one end of the field, appeared
+the peerless champion, Don Quixote de la Mancha; a while after, at the
+other, entered the grand lackey, Tosilos, attended with a great number
+of trumpets, and mounted on a mighty steed, that shook the very earth.
+The valorous combatant came on, well tutored by the duke his master
+how to behave himself towards Don Quixote, being warned to spare his
+life by all means; and therefore, to avoid a shock in his first
+career, that might otherwise prove fatal, should he encounter him
+directly, Tosilos fetched a compass about the barrier, and at last
+made a stop right against the two women, casting a curious eye upon
+her that had demanded him in marriage. Then the marshal of the field
+called to Don Quixote, and, in presence of Tosilos, asked the mother
+and the daughter whether they consented that Don Quixote de la Mancha
+should vindicate their right, and whether they would stand or fall by
+the fortune of their champion. They said they did, and allowed of
+whatever he should do in their behalf as good and valid. The duke and
+duchess were now seated in a gallery that was over the barriers, which
+were surrounded by a vast throng of spectators, all waiting to see the
+terrible and unprecedented conflict. The conditions of the combat were
+these: That if Don Quixote were the conqueror, his opponent should
+marry Donna Rodriguez's daughter; but if the knight were overcome,
+then the victor should be discharged from his promise. Then the
+marshal of the field placed each of them on the spot whence he should
+start, dividing equally between them the advantage of the ground, that
+neither of them might have the sun in his eyes. And now the drums
+beat, and the clangour of the trumpets resounded through the air; the
+earth shook under them, and the hearts of the numerous spectators
+were in suspense,--some fearing, others expecting, the good or bad
+issue of the battle. Don Quixote, recommending himself to Heaven and
+his Lady Dulcinea del Toboso, stood expecting when the precise signal
+for the onset should be given. But our lackey's mind was otherwise
+employed, and all his thoughts were upon what I am going to tell you.
+
+It seems, as he stood looking on his female enemy, she appeared to him
+the most beautiful woman he had ever seen in his whole life; which
+being perceived by the little blind archer to whom the world gives the
+name of Love, he took his advantage; and, fond of improving his
+triumphs, though it were but over a lackey, he came up to him softly,
+and, without being perceived by any one, he shot an arrow two yards
+long into the poor footman's side, so smartly that his heart was
+pierced through and through--a thing which the mischievous boy could
+easily do; for love is invisible, and has free ingress or egress where
+he pleases, at a most unaccountable rate. You must know, then, that
+when the signal for the onset was given, our lackey was in an
+ecstasy--transported with the thoughts of the beauty of his lovely
+enemy, insomuch that he took no manner of notice of the trumpet's
+sound; quite contrary to Don Quixote, who no sooner heard it than,
+clapping spurs to his horse, he began to make towards the enemy with
+Rozinante's best speed. Tosilos saw Don Quixote come towards him; yet,
+instead of taking his career to encounter him--without leaving the
+place--he called as loud as he could to the marshal of the field:
+"Sir," said Tosilos, "is not this duel to be fought that I may marry
+yonder young lady or let it alone?" "Yes," answered the marshal. "Why,
+then," said the lackey, "I feel a burden upon my conscience, and am
+sensible I should have a great deal to answer for, should I proceed
+any farther in this combat; and therefore I yield myself vanquished,
+and desire I may marry the lady this moment." The marshal of the field
+was surprised; and as he was privy to the duke's contrivance of that
+business, the lackey's unexpected submission put him to such a
+nonplus, that he knew not what to answer. On the other side, Don
+Quixote stopped in the middle of his career, seeing his adversary did
+not put himself in a posture of defence. The duke could not imagine
+why the business of the field was at a stand; but the marshal having
+informed him, he was amazed, and in a great passion. In the meantime
+Tosilos, approaching Donna Rodriguez, "Madam," cried he, "I am willing
+to marry your daughter; there is no need of law-suits nor of combats
+in the matter; I had rather make an end of it peaceably, and without
+the hazard of body and soul." "Why, then," said the valorous Don
+Quixote, hearing this, "since it is so, I am discharged of my promise;
+let them even marry in God's name, and Heaven bless them, and give
+them joy!" At the same time the duke, coming down within the lists,
+and applying himself to Tosilos, "Tell me, knight," said he, "is it
+true that you yield without fighting; and that, at the instigation of
+your timorous conscience, you are resolved to marry this damsel?"
+"Yes, if it please your grace," answered Tosilos. "Marry, and I think
+it the wisest course," quoth Sancho; "for what says the proverb? What
+the mouse would get, give the cat, and keep thyself out of trouble."
+In the meanwhile Tosilos began to unlace his helmet, and called out
+that somebody might help him off with it quickly, as being so choked
+with his armour that he was scarce able to breathe. With that they
+took off his helmet with all speed, and then the lackey's face was
+plainly discovered. Donna Rodriguez and her daughter perceiving it
+presently, "A cheat--a cheat!" cried they; "they have got Tosilos, my
+lord duke's lackey, to counterfeit my lawful husband: justice of
+Heaven and the king--this is a piece of malice and treachery not to be
+endured!" "Ladies," said Don Quixote, "do not vex yourselves; there is
+neither malice nor treachery in the case; or, if there be, the duke is
+not in fault. No; these evil-minded necromancers that persecute me are
+the traitors; who, envying the glory I should have got by this combat,
+have transformed the face of my adversary into this, which you see is
+the duke's lackey. But take my advice, madam," added he to the
+daughter, "and, in spite of the baseness of my enemies, marry him; for
+I dare engage it is the very man you claim as your husband." The duke,
+hearing this, angry as he was, could hardly forbear losing his
+indignation in laughter. "Truly," said he, "so many extraordinary
+accidents every day befall the great Don Quixote, that I am inclined
+to believe this is not my lackey, though he appears to be so. But, for
+our better satisfaction, let us defer the marriage but a fortnight,
+and in the meanwhile keep in close custody this person that has put us
+into this confusion; perhaps by that time he may resume his former
+looks; for, doubtless, the malice of those mischievous magicians
+against the noble Don Quixote cannot last so long, especially when
+they find all these tricks and transformations of so little avail."
+"Alack-a-day, sir!" quoth Sancho, "those plaguy imps are not so soon
+tired as you think; for where my master is concerned, they use to form
+and deform, and chop and change this into that, and that into the
+other. It is but a little while ago that they transmogrified the
+Knight of the Mirrors, whom he had overcome, into a special
+acquaintance of ours, the bachelor Sampson Carrasco, of our village;
+and as for the lady Dulcinea del Toboso, our mistress, they have
+bewitched and bedevilled her into the shape of a mere country blouze;
+and so I verily think this saucy fellow here is likely to live a
+footman all the days of his life." "Well," cried the daughter, "let
+him be what he will, if he will have me, I will have him. I ought to
+thank him; for I had rather be a lackey's wife than his that deluded
+me, who has proved himself no gentleman." To be short, the sum of the
+matter was, that Tosilos should be confined, to see what his
+transformation would come to. Don Quixote was proclaimed victor, by
+general consent; and the people went away, most of them very much out
+of humour, because the combatants had not cut one another to pieces to
+make them sport, according to the custom of the young rabble, who are
+sorry when, after they have stayed in hopes to see a man hanged, he
+happens to be pardoned, either by the party he has wronged or the
+magistrate. The crowd being dispersed, the duke and duchess returned
+with Don Quixote into the castle; Tosilos was secured, and kept close.
+As for Donna Rodriguez and her daughter, they were very well pleased
+to see, one way or another, that the business would end in marriage;
+and Tosilos flattered himself with the like expectation.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXXXVII.
+
+_How adventures crowded so thick on Don Quixote that they trod upon
+one another's heels._
+
+
+Don Quixote thought it now time to leave the idle life he had led in
+the castle, believing it a mighty fault thus to shut himself up, and
+indulge his appetite among the tempting varieties of dainties and
+delights which the lord and lady of the place provided for his
+entertainment as a knight-errant. Accordingly, one day he acquainted
+the duke and duchess with his sentiments, and begged their leave to
+depart. They both seemed very unwilling to part with him; but yet at
+last yielded to his entreaties. The duchess gave Sancho his wife's
+letters, which he could not hear read without weeping. "Who would have
+thought," cried he, "that all the mighty hopes with which my wife
+swelled herself up at the news of my preferment, should come to this
+at last; and how I should be reduced again to trot after my master Don
+Quixote de la Mancha, in search of hunger and broken bones! However, I
+am glad to see my Teresa was like herself, in sending the duchess the
+acorns, which if she had not done, she had shewed herself ungrateful,
+and I should never have forgiven her. My comfort is, that no man can
+say the present was a bribe; for I had my government before she sent
+it; and it is fit those who have a kindness done them should shew
+themselves grateful, though it be with a small matter."
+
+Don Quixote, having taken his solemn leave of the duke and duchess
+overnight, left his apartment the next morning, and appeared in his
+armour in the court-yard--the galleries all round about being filled
+at the same time with the people of the house; the duke and duchess
+being also there to see him. Sancho was upon his Dapple, with his
+cloak-bag, his wallet, and his provision, very brisk and cheerful; for
+the steward that acted the part of Trifaldi had given him a purse,
+with two hundred crowns in gold, to defray expenses.
+
+Don Quixote no sooner breathed the air in the open field, than he
+fancied himself in his own element; he felt the spirit of
+knight-errantry reviving in his breast; and turning to Sancho,
+"Liberty," said he, "friend Sancho, is one of the most valuable
+blessings that Heaven has bestowed upon mankind. Not all the treasures
+concealed in the bowels of the earth, nor those in the bosom of the
+sea, can be compared with it. For liberty a man may, nay ought, to
+hazard even his life, as well as for honour, accounting captivity the
+greatest misery he can endure. I tell thee this, my Sancho, because
+thou wert a witness of the good cheer and plenty which we met with in
+the castle. Yet, in the midst of those delicious feasts, among those
+tempting dishes, and those liquors cooled with snow, methought I
+suffered the extremity of hunger, because I did not enjoy them with
+that freedom as if they had been my own; for the obligations that lie
+upon us to make suitable returns for kindnesses received, are ties
+that will not let a generous mind be free. Happy the man whom Heaven
+has blest with bread, for which he is obliged to thank kind Heaven
+alone!" "For all these fine words," quoth Sancho, "it is not proper
+for us to be unthankful for two good hundred crowns in gold, which the
+duke's steward gave me in a little purse, which I have here, and
+cherish in my bosom as a relic against necessity, and a comforting
+cordial, next my heart, against all accidents; for we are not like
+always to meet with castles where we shall be made much of."
+
+As the knight and squire went on discoursing of this and other
+matters, they had not ridden much more than a league ere they espied
+about a dozen men, who looked like country fellows, sitting at their
+victuals, with their cloaks under them, on the green grass in the
+middle of a meadow. Near them they saw several white cloths or sheets,
+spread out and laid close to one another, that seemed to cover
+something. Don Quixote rode up to the people, and after he had civilly
+saluted them, asked what they had got under that linen. "Sir,"
+answered one of the company, "they are some carved images, that are to
+be set up at an altar we are erecting in our town. We cover them lest
+they should be sullied, and carry them on our shoulders for fear they
+should be broken." "If you please," said Don Quixote, "I should be
+glad to see them; for, considering the care you take of them, they
+should be pieces of value." "Ay, marry are they," quoth another, "or
+else we are mistaken; for there is never an image among them that does
+not stand us more than fifty ducats; and that you may know I am no
+liar, do but stay, and you shall see with your own eyes." With that,
+he took off the cover from one of the figures, that happened to be St.
+George on horseback, and under his feet a serpent coiled up, his
+throat transfixed with a lance, with the fierceness that is commonly
+represented in the piece; and all, as they use to say, spick and span
+new, and shining like beaten gold. Don Quixote having seen the image,
+"This," said he, "was one of the best knights-errant the
+church-militant ever had; his name was Don St. George, and he was an
+extraordinary protector of damsels. What is the next?" The fellow
+having uncovered it, it proved to be St. Martin on horseback. "This
+knight too," said Don Quixote at the first sight, "was one of the
+Christian adventurers; and I am apt to think he was more liberal than
+valiant; and thou mayst perceive it, Sancho, by his dividing his cloak
+with a poor man: he gave him half, and doubtless it was winter-time,
+or else he would have given it him whole, he was so charitable." "Not
+so, neither, I fancy," quoth Sancho; "but I guess he stuck to the
+proverb, To give and keep what is fit, requires a share of wit." Don
+Quixote smiled, and desired the men to shew him the next image, which
+appeared to be that of the patron of Spain on horseback, with his
+sword bloody, trampling down Moors, and treading over heads. "Ay, this
+is a knight indeed," cried Don Quixote, when he saw it; "he is called
+Don St. Jago Mata Moros, or Don St. James the Moor-killer; and may be
+reckoned one of the most valorous saints and professors of chivalry
+that the earth then enjoyed, and Heaven now possesses." Then they
+uncovered another piece, which shewed St. Paul falling from his horse,
+with all the circumstances usually expressed in the story of his
+conversion; and represented so to the life, that he looked as if he
+had been answering the voice that spoke to him from heaven. "This,"
+said Don Quixote, "was the greatest enemy the church-militant had
+once, and proved afterwards the greatest defender it will ever
+have;--in his life a true knight-errant, and in death a stedfast
+saint; an indefatigable labourer in the vineyard of the Lord, a
+teacher of the Gentiles, who had Heaven for his school, and Christ
+himself for his master and instructor." Then Don Quixote, perceiving
+there were no more images, desired the men to cover those he had seen;
+"And now, my good friends," said he to them, "I cannot but esteem the
+sight that I have had of these images as a happy omen; for these
+saints and knights were of the same profession that I follow, which is
+that of arms: the difference only lies in this point, that they were
+saints, and fought according to the rules of holy discipline; and I am
+a sinner, and fight after the manner of men."
+
+All this while the men wondered at Don Quixote's figure, as well as
+his discourse, but could not understand one half of what he meant. So
+that, after they had made an end of their dinner, they got up their
+images, took their leave of Don Quixote, and continued their journey.
+
+Sancho remained full of admiration, as if he had never known his
+master: he wondered how he should come to know all these things, and
+fancied there was not that history or adventure in the world but he
+had it at his fingers' ends. "Truly, master of mine," quoth he, "if
+what has happened to us to-day may be called an adventure, it is one
+of the sweetest and most pleasant we ever met with in all our rambles;
+for we are come off without a basting, or the least bodily fear. We
+have not so much as laid our hands upon our weapons; but here we be
+safe and sound, neither dry nor hungry. Heaven be praised that I have
+seen all this with my own eyes!" "Thou sayest well, Sancho," said Don
+Quixote; "but I must tell thee that seasons and times are not always
+the same, but often take a different course; and what the vulgar call
+forebodings and omens, for which there are no rational grounds in
+nature, ought only to be esteemed happy encounters by the wise. One of
+these superstitious fools, going out of his house betimes in the
+morning, meets a friar of the blessed order of St. Francis, and starts
+as if he had met a griffin, turns back, and runs home again. Another
+wiseacre happens to throw down the salt on the tablecloth, and
+thereupon is sadly cast down himself; as if nature were obliged to
+give tokens of ensuing disasters by such slight and inconsiderable
+accidents as these. A wise and truly religious man ought never to pry
+into the secrets of Heaven. Scipio, landing in Africa, stumbled and
+fell down as he leaped ashore. Presently his soldiers took this for an
+ill omen; but he, embracing the earth, cried, 'I have thee fast,
+Africa; thou shalt not escape me.'"
+
+Thus discoursing, they got into a wood quite out of the road; and on a
+sudden Don Quixote, before he knew where he was, found himself
+entangled in some nets of green thread, that were spread across among
+the trees. Not being able to imagine what it was, "Certainly, Sancho,"
+cried he, "this adventure of the nets must be one of the most
+unaccountable that can be imagined. Let me die, now, if this be not a
+stratagem of the evil-minded necromancers that haunt me, to stop my
+way." With that the knight put briskly forwards, resolving to break
+through; but in the very moment there sprung from behind the trees two
+most beautiful shepherdesses, at least they appeared to be so by their
+habits, only with this difference, that they were richly dressed in
+gold brocade. Their flowing hair hung down about their shoulders in
+curls as charming as the sun's golden rays, and circled on their brows
+with garlands of green baize and red-flower-gentle interwoven. As for
+their age, it seemed not less than fifteen, nor more than eighteen
+years. This unexpected vision dazzled and amazed Sancho, and surprised
+Don Quixote; till at last one of the shepherdesses opening her coral
+lips, "Hold, sir," she cried; "pray do not tear those nets which we
+have spread here, not to offend you, but to divert ourselves; and
+because it is likely you will inquire why they are spread here, and
+who we are, I shall tell you in few words.
+
+"About two leagues from this place lies a village, where there are
+many people of quality and good estates; among these several have made
+up a company to come and take their diversion in this place, which is
+one of the most delightful in these parts. To this purpose we design
+to set up a new Arcadia. The young men have put on the habit of
+shepherds, and ladies the dress of shepherdesses. We have got two
+eclogues by heart; one out of the famous Garcilasso, and the other out
+of Camoens, the most excellent Portuguese poet; though we have not yet
+repeated them, for yesterday was but the first day of our coming
+hither. We have pitched some tents among the trees, near the banks of
+a large brook that waters all these meadows. And last night we spread
+these nets, to catch such simple birds as our calls should allure into
+the snare. Now, sir, if you please to afford us your company, you
+shall be made very welcome, and handsomely entertained; for we are all
+disposed to pass the time agreeably." "Truly, fair lady," answered Don
+Quixote, "I applaud the design of your entertainment, and return you
+thanks for your obliging offers; assuring you, that if it lies in my
+power to serve you, you may depend on my obedience to your commands;
+for my profession is the very reverse of ingratitude, and aims at
+doing good to all persons, especially those of your merit and
+condition; so that were these nets spread over the surface of the
+whole earth, I would seek out a passage throughout new worlds, rather
+than I would break the smallest thread that conduces to your pastime:
+and that you may give some credit to this seeming exaggeration, know,
+that he who makes this promise is no less than Don Quixote de la
+Mancha, if ever such a name has reached your ears." "Oh, my dear,"
+cried the other shepherdess, "what good fortune is this! You see this
+gentleman before us: I must tell you he is the most valiant, the most
+loving, and the most complaisant person in the world, if the history
+of his exploits, already in print, does not deceive us. I have read
+it, and I hold a wager, that honest fellow there by him is one Sancho
+Panza, his squire, the most comical creature that ever was." "You have
+hit it," quoth Sancho, "I am that very squire you wot of; and there is
+my lord and master, the aforesaid Don Quixote de la Mancha." "Oh pray,
+my dear," said the other, "let us entreat him to stay; our father and
+our brothers will be mighty glad of it. I have heard of his valour and
+his merit, as much as you now tell me; and what is more, they say he
+is the most constant and faithful lover in the world, and that his
+mistress, whom they call Dulcinea del Toboso, bears the prize from all
+the beauties in Spain." "It is not without justice," said Don Quixote,
+"if your peerless charms do not dispute with her that glory. But,
+ladies, I beseech you do not endeavour to detain me; for the
+indispensable duties of my profession will not suffer me to rest in
+one place."
+
+At the same time came the brother of one of the shepherdesses, clad
+like a shepherd, but in a dress as splendid and gay as those of the
+young ladies. They told him that the gentleman whom he saw with them
+was the valorous Don Quixote de la Mancha, and that other Sancho
+Panza, his squire, of whom he had read the history. The gallant
+shepherd having saluted him, begged of him so earnestly to grant them
+his company to their tents, that Don Quixote was forced to comply, and
+go with them.
+
+About the same time the nets were drawn and filled with divers little
+birds, who being deceived by the colour of the snare, fell into the
+danger they would have avoided. Above thirty persons, all gaily
+dressed like shepherds and shepherdesses, got together there; and
+being informed who Don Quixote and his squire were, they were not a
+little pleased, for they were already no strangers to his history. In
+short they carried them to their tents, where they found a sumptuous
+entertainment ready. They obliged the knight to take the place of
+honour; and while they sat at table, there was not one that did not
+gaze on him, and wonder at so strange a figure.
+
+At last, the cloth being removed, Don Quixote with a great deal of
+gravity, lifting up his voice, "Of all the sins that men commit," said
+he, "none, in my opinion is so great as ingratitude, though some think
+pride a greater; and I ground my assertion on this, that hell is said
+to be full of the ungrateful. Ever since I had the use of reason, I
+have employed my utmost endeavours to avoid this crime; and if I am
+not able to repay the benefits I receive in their kind, at least I am
+not wanting in real intentions of making suitable returns; and if that
+be not sufficient, I make my acknowledgments as public as I can: for
+he that proclaims the kindnesses he has received, shews his
+disposition to repay them if he could; and those that receive are
+generally inferior to those that give. The Supreme Being, that is
+infinitely above all things, bestows his blessings on us so much
+beyond the capacity of all other benefactors, that all the
+acknowledgments we can make can never hold proportion with his
+goodness. However, a thankful mind in some measure supplies its want
+of power, with hearty desires and unfeigned expressions of a sense of
+gratitude and respect. I am in this condition, as to the civilities I
+have been treated with here; for I am unable to make an acknowledgment
+equal to the kindnesses I have received. I shall, therefore, only
+offer you what is within the narrow limits of my own abilities, which
+is to maintain, for two whole days together, in the middle of the road
+that leads to Saragosa, that these ladies here, disguised in the
+habits of shepherdesses, are the fairest and most courteous damsels in
+the world, excepting only the peerless Dulcinea del Toboso, sole
+mistress of my thoughts; without offence to all that hear me, be it
+spoken."
+
+Here Sancho, who had all the while given ear to his master's
+compliment, thought fit to put in a word or two. "Now, in the name of
+wonder," quoth he, "can there be any body in the world so impudent as
+to say that this master of mine is a madman? Pray, tell me, ye
+gentlemen shepherds, did you ever know any of your country parsons,
+though never so wise, or so good scholars, that could deliver
+themselves so finely? Or is there any of your knights-errant, though
+never so famed for prowess, that can make such an offer as he has here
+done?"
+
+Don Quixote turned towards Sancho, and, beholding him with eyes full
+of fiery indignation, "Can there be any body in the world," cried he,
+"that can say thou art not an incorrigible blockhead, Sancho; a
+compound of folly and knavery, wherein malice also is no small
+ingredient? Who bids thee meddle with my concerns, or busy thyself
+with my folly or discretion? Make no reply; but go and saddle
+Rozinante, if he is unsaddled, that I may immediately perform what I
+have offered; for in so noble and so just a cause, thou mayest reckon
+all those who shall presume to oppose me subdued and overthrown." This
+said, up he started, with marks of anger in his looks, to the
+amazement of all the company, who were at a loss whether they should
+esteem him a madman or a man of sense. They endeavoured to prevail
+with him, however, to lay aside his challenge, telling him, they were
+sufficiently assured of his grateful nature, without exposing him to
+the danger of such demonstrations; and as for his valour, they were so
+well informed by the history of his numerous achievements, that there
+was no need of any new instance to convince them of it. But all these
+representations could not dissuade him from his purpose; and
+therefore, having mounted Rozinante, braced his shield and grasped his
+lance, he went and posted himself in the middle of the highway, not
+far from the verdant meadow, followed by Sancho on his Dapple, and all
+the pastoral society, who were desirous to see the event of that
+unaccountable defiance.
+
+And now the champion, having taken his ground, made the neighbouring
+air ring with the following challenge: "O ye, whoever you are,
+knights, squires, on foot or on horseback, that now pass, or shall
+pass this road within these two days, know, that Don Quixote de la
+Mancha, knight-errant, stays here, to assert and maintain, that the
+nymphs who inhabit these groves and meadows, surpass, in beauty and
+courteous disposition, all those in the universe, setting aside the
+sovereign of my soul, the lady Dulcinea del Toboso. And he that dares
+uphold the contrary let him appear."
+
+Twice he repeated these words, and twice they were repeated in vain.
+But fortune, that had a strange hand at managing his concerns, now
+shewed him a merry sight; for by and by he discovered on the road a
+great number of people on horseback, many of them with lances in their
+hands, all trooping together very fast. The company that watched Don
+Quixote's motions no sooner spied such a squadron, driving the dust
+before them, than they got out of harm's way, not judging it safe to
+be so near danger; and as for Sancho, he sheltered himself behind
+Rozinante's crupper; only Don Quixote stood fixed with an undaunted
+courage. When the horsemen came near, one of the foremost, bawling to
+the champion, "Ho, ho!" cried he, "get out of the way, or these bulls
+will tread thee to pieces." "Go to, you scoundrels!" answered Don
+Quixote, "none of your bulls are any thing to me, though the fiercest
+that ever were fed on the banks of Xarama. Acknowledge, all in a body,
+what I have proclaimed here to be truth, or else stand combat with
+me." But the herdsmen had not time to answer, neither had Don Quixote
+any to get out of the way, if he had been inclined to it; for the herd
+of wild bulls were presently upon him, and a huge company of drivers
+and people, that were going to a town where they were to be baited the
+next day. So, bearing all down before them, knight and squire, horse
+and man, they trampled them under foot at an unmerciful rate. There
+lay Sancho mauled, Don Quixote stunned, Dapple bruised, and Rozinante
+in very indifferent circumstances. But for all this, after the whole
+route of men and beasts were gone by, up started Don Quixote, ere he
+was thoroughly come to himself, and staggering and stumbling, falling
+and getting up again, as fast as he could, he began to run after them.
+"Stop, scoundrels, stop!" cried he aloud; "stay; it is a single knight
+defies you all, one who scorns the humour of making a golden bridge
+for a flying enemy." But the hasty travellers did not stop, nor
+slacken their speed, for all his loud defiance; and minded it no more
+than the last year's snow.
+
+At last, weariness stopped Don Quixote; so that, with all his anger,
+and no prospect of revenge, he was forced to sit down on the road till
+Sancho came up to him with Rozinante and Dapple. Then the master and
+man made a shift to remount; and, with more shame than satisfaction,
+hastened their journey, without taking leave of their friends of the
+new Arcadia.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXXXVIII.
+
+_Of an extraordinary accident that happened to Don Quixote, which may
+well pass for an adventure._
+
+
+A clear fountain, which Don Quixote and Sancho found among some
+verdant trees, served to refresh them, besmeared with dust, and tired
+as they were, after the rude encounter of the bulls. There, by the
+brink, leaving Rozinante and Dapple, unbridled and unhaltered, to
+their own liberty, the two forlorn adventurers sat down. The squire
+then went to the wallet, and having taken out of it what he used to
+call his stomach-sauce, laid it before the knight. But Don Quixote
+would eat nothing for pure vexation, and Sancho durst not begin for
+good manners, expecting that he would first shew him the way. However,
+finding him so wrapped in his imaginations as to have no thoughts of
+lifting his hand to his mouth, the squire, without letting one word
+come out of his, laid aside all kind of good breeding, and made a
+fierce attack upon the bread and cheese before him. "Eat, friend
+Sancho," cried Don Quixote, "repair the decays of nature, and sustain
+life, which thou hast more reason to cherish than I; leave me to die,
+abandoned to my sorrows, and the violence of my misfortunes. I was
+born, Sancho, to live dying, and thou to die eating."
+
+"For my part," quoth Sancho, "I am not so simple yet as to kill
+myself. No, I am like the cobbler that stretches his leather with his
+teeth: I am for lengthening my life by eating; truly, master, there is
+no greater folly in the world than for a man to despair, and throw the
+helve after the hatchet. Therefore take my advice, and eat as I do;
+and when you have done, lie down and take a nap; the fresh grass here
+will do as well as a feather-bed. I daresay by the time you awake you
+will find yourself better in body and mind."
+
+Don Quixote followed Sancho's counsel, for he was convinced the squire
+spoke good philosophy at that time. However, in the meanwhile, a
+thought coming into his mind, "Ah! Sancho," said he, "if thou wouldst
+but do something that I am now going to desire thee, my cares would
+sit more easy on me, and my comfort would be more certain. It is only
+this: while, according to thy advice, I try to compose my thoughts
+with sleep, do but step aside a little, and take the reins of
+Rozinante's bridle, and give thyself some three or four hundred smart
+lashes, in part of the three thousand and odd thou art to receive to
+disenchant Dulcinea; for, in truth, it is a shame and very great pity
+that poor lady should remain enchanted all this while, through thy
+carelessness and neglect." "There is a great deal to be said as to
+that," quoth Sancho, "but it may well keep; first let us go to sleep,
+and then come what will come. Let my Lady Dulcinea have a little
+patience. There is nothing lost that comes at last; while there is
+life there is hope; which is as good as to say, I live with an intent
+to make good my promise." Don Quixote gave him thanks, ate a little,
+and Sancho a great deal; and then both betook themselves to their
+rest; leaving those constant friends and companions, Rozinante and
+Dapple, to their own discretion, to repose or feed at random on the
+pasture that abounded in that meadow.
+
+The day was now far gone, when the knight and the squire awoke. They
+mounted, and held on their journey, making the best of their way to an
+inn, that seemed to be about a league distant. I call it an inn
+because Don Quixote himself called it so, contrary to his custom, it
+being a common thing with him to take inns for castles.
+
+Being got thither, they asked the innkeeper whether he had got any
+lodgings? "Yes," answered he; "and as good accommodation as you will
+find anywhere." They alighted, and, after Sancho had seen Rozinante
+and Dapple well provided for in the stable, he went to wait on his
+master, whom he found sitting on a seat made in the wall--the squire
+blessing himself more than once that the knight had not taken the inn
+for a castle. Supper-time approaching, Don Quixote retired to his
+apartment, and Sancho, staying with his host, asked him what he had to
+give them for supper? "What you will," answered he; "you may pick and
+choose--fish or flesh, butchers' meat or poultry, wild-fowl, and what
+not; whatever land, sea, and air afford for food, it is but ask and
+have: everything is to be had in this inn." "There is no need of all
+this," quoth Sancho, "a couple of roasted chickens will do our
+business; for my master has a nice stomach, and eats but little; and,
+as for me, I am none of your unreasonable trenchermen." "As for
+chickens," replied the innkeeper, "truly we have none; for the kites
+have devoured them." "Why, then," quoth Sancho, "roast us a good
+handsome pullet, with eggs, so it be young and tender." "A pullet,
+master!" answered the host, "I sent above fifty yesterday to the city
+to sell; but, setting aside pullets, you may have any thing else."
+"Why, then," quoth Sancho, "even give us a good joint of veal or kid."
+"Cry you mercy!" replied the innkeeper, "now I remember me, we have
+none left in the house; the last company that went cleared me quite;
+but by next week we shall have enough, and to spare." "We are in a
+fine case, indeed," quoth Sancho; "now will I hold a good wager that
+all these defects must be made up with a dish of eggs and bacon." "Hey
+day!" cried the host, "my guest has a rare knack at guessing; I told
+him I had no hens nor pullets in the house, and yet he would have me
+to have eggs! Think on something else, I beseech you, and let us talk
+no more of that." "Come, come," cried Sancho, "let us have something;
+tell me what thou hast, Mr. Landlord, and do not put me to trouble my
+brains any longer." "Why, then, do you see," quoth the host, "to deal
+plainly with you, I have a delicate pair of cow-heels, that look like
+calves' feet, or a pair of calves' feet that look like cow-heels,
+dressed with onions, peas, and bacon--a dish for a prince; they are
+just ready to be taken off, and by this time they cry 'Come eat me,
+come eat me.'" "Cow-heels!" cried Sancho, "I set my mark on them; let
+nobody touch them: I will give more for them than any other shall.
+There is nothing I love better." "Nobody else shall have them,"
+answered the host, "you need not fear, for all the guests I have in
+the house, besides yourselves, are persons of quality, that carry
+their steward, their cook, and their provisions along with them." "As
+for quality," quoth Sancho, "my master is a person of as good quality
+as the proudest of them all, if you go to that, but his profession
+allows of no larders nor butteries." This was the discourse that
+passed betwixt Sancho and the innkeeper; for, as to the host's
+interrogatories concerning his master's profession, Sancho was not
+then at leisure to make him any answer.
+
+In short, supper-time came, Don Quixote went to his room, the host
+brought the dish of cow-heels, such as it was, and set him down fairly
+to supper. But at the same time, in the next room, which was divided
+from that where they were by a slender partition, the knight overheard
+somebody talking. "Dear Don Jeronimo," said the unseen person, "I
+beseech you, till supper is brought in, let us read another chapter of
+the Second Part of Don Quixote." The champion no sooner heard himself
+named, than up he started, and listened, with attentive ears, to what
+was said of him; and then he heard that Don Jeronimo answer, "Why
+would you have us read nonsense, Sigñor Don John? Methinks any one
+that has read the First Part of Don Quixote should take but little
+delight in reading the second." "That may be," replied Don John;
+"however, it may not be amiss to read it; for there is no book so bad
+as not to have something that is good in it. What displeases me most
+in this part is, that it represents Don Quixote as no longer in love
+with Dulcinea del Toboso." Upon these words, Don Quixote, burning with
+anger and indignation, cried out, "Whoever says that Don Quixote de la
+Mancha has forgotten, or can forget, Dulcinea del Toboso, I will make
+him know, with equal arms, that he departs wholly from the truth; for
+the peerless Dulcinea del Toboso cannot be forgotten, nor can Don
+Quixote be guilty of forgetfulness. _Constancy_ is his motto; and, to
+preserve his fidelity voluntarily, and without the least restraint, is
+his profession." "Who is he that answers us?" cries one of those in
+the next room. "Who should it be?" quoth Sancho, "but Don Quixote de
+la Mancha his own self, the same that will make good all he has said,
+and all he has to say, take my word for it; for a good paymaster never
+grudges to give security."
+
+Sancho had no sooner made that answer than in came the two gentlemen (for
+they appeared to be no less), and one of them, throwing his arms about
+Don Quixote's neck, "Your presence, sir knight," said he, "does not belie
+your reputation, nor can your reputation fail to raise a respect for your
+presence. You are certainly the true Don Quixote de la Mancha, the
+polar-star and luminary of chivalry-errant, in despite of him that has
+attempted to usurp your name as the author of this book,[14] which I
+here deliver into your hands, has presumed to do." With that he took the
+book from his friend and gave it to Don Quixote. The knight took it, and,
+without saying a word, began to turn over the leaves; then, returning it
+a while after, "In the little I have seen," said he, "I have found three
+things in this author deserving reprehension. First, I find fault with
+some words in his preface; in the second place, his language is
+Arragonian, for sometimes he writes without articles; and the third thing
+I have observed, which betrays most his ignorance, is, he is out of the
+way in one of the principal parts of the history; for there he says that
+the wife of my squire, Sancho Panza, is called Mary Gutierrez, which is
+not true, for her name is Teresa Panza; and he that errs in so
+considerable a passage, may well be suspected to have committed many
+gross errors through the whole history." "A pretty impudent fellow is
+this same history-writer!" cried Sancho; "sure he knows much what belongs
+to our concerns, to call my wife Teresa Panza, Mary Gutierrez! Pray take
+the book again, if it like your worship, and see whether he says anything
+of me, and whether he has not changed my name too." "Sure, by what you
+have said, honest man," said Don Jeronimo, "you should be Sancho Panza,
+squire to Sigñor Don Quixote?" "So I am," quoth Sancho, "and I am proud
+of the office." "Well," said the gentleman, "to tell you the truth, the
+last author does not treat you so civilly as you seem to deserve. He
+represents you as a glutton and a fool, without the least grain of wit or
+humour, and very different from the Sancho we have in the first part of
+your master's history." "Heaven forgive him," quoth Sancho; "he might
+have left me where I was, without offering to meddle with me. Every man's
+nose will not make a shoeing horn. Let us leave the world as it is. St.
+Peter is very well at Rome." Presently the two gentlemen invited Don
+Quixote to sup with them in their chamber, for they knew there was
+nothing to be got in the inn fit for his entertainment. Don Quixote, who
+was always very complaisant, could not deny their request, and went with
+them. Sancho staid behind with the flesh-pot; he placed himself at the
+upper end of the table, with the innkeeper for his messmate; for he was
+no less a lover of cow-heels than the squire.
+
+[14] Some one had published a book which he called the _Second Part of
+Don Quixote_, before our author had printed this.
+
+While Don Quixote was at supper with the gentlemen, Don John asked him
+when he heard of the lady Dulcinea del Toboso, and whether she still
+retained a grateful sense of the love and constancy of Sigñor Don
+Quixote. "She does," answered Don Quixote, "and my thoughts are more
+fixed upon her than ever; our correspondence is after the old fashion,
+not frequent; and, alas, her beauty is transformed into the homely
+appearance of a female rustic." And with that he repeated the story of
+her enchantment, with what had befallen him in the cavern of
+Montesinos, and the means that the sage Merlin had prescribed to free
+her from enchantment. The gentlemen were extremely pleased to hear
+from Don Quixote's own mouth the strange passages of his history;
+equally wondering at the nature of his extravagances and his elegant
+manner of relating them. One minute they looked upon him to be in his
+senses, and the next they thought he had lost them all; so that they
+could not resolve what degree to assign him between madness and sound
+judgment.
+
+They then asked him which way he was travelling? He told them he was
+for Saragosa, to make one at the tournaments held in that city once a
+year for the prize of armour. Don John acquainted him, that the
+pretended second part of his history gave an account how Don Quixote,
+whoever he was, had been at Saragosa, at a public running at the ring,
+the description of which was wretched and defective in the
+contrivance, mean and low in the style and expression, and miserably
+poor in devices, all made up of foolish idle stuff. "For that reason,"
+said Don Quixote, "I will not set a foot in Saragosa; and so the world
+shall see what a notorious lie this new historian is guilty of, and
+all mankind shall perceive I am not the Don Quixote he speaks of."
+"You do very well," said Don Jeronimo; "besides, there is another
+tournament at Barcelona, where you may signalise your valour." "I
+design to do so," replied Don Quixote; "and so, gentlemen, give me
+leave to bid you good night, and permit me to go to bed, for it is
+time; and pray place me in the number of your best friends and most
+faithful servants."
+
+Having taken leave of one another, Don Quixote and Sancho retired to
+their chamber, leaving the two strangers in admiration to think what a
+medley the knight had made of good sense and extravagance; but fully
+satisfied, however, that these two persons were the true Don Quixote
+and Sancho, and not those obtruded upon the public by the Arragonian
+author.
+
+Early in the morning Don Quixote got up, and knocking at a thin wall
+that parted his chamber from that of the gentlemen, he took his leave
+of them. Sancho paid the host nobly, but advised him either to keep
+better provisions in his inn, or to commend it less.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXXXIX.
+
+_What happened to Don Quixote going to Barcelona._
+
+
+The morning was cool, and seemed to promise a temperate day, when Don
+Quixote left the inn, having first informed himself which was the
+readiest way to Barcelona; for he was resolved he would not so much as
+see Saragosa, that he might prove that new author a liar, who, as he
+was told, had so much misrepresented him in the pretended second part
+of his history. For the space of six days they travelled without
+meeting any adventure worthy of memory; but the seventh, having lost
+their way, and being overtaken by the night, they were obliged to stop
+in a thicket of oaks or cork-trees. There both dismounted; and laying
+themselves down at the foot of the trees, Sancho, who had eaten
+heartily that day, easily resigned himself into the arms of sleep. But
+Don Quixote, whom his chimeras kept awake much more than hunger, could
+not so much as close his eyes; his working thoughts being hurried to a
+thousand several places. This time he fancied himself in Montesinos'
+cave; fancied he saw his Dulcinea, perverted as she was into a country
+hoyden, jump at a single leap upon her ass colt. The next moment he
+thought he heard the sage Merlin's voice in awful words relate the
+means required to effect her disenchantment. Presently a fit of
+despair seized him; he was enraged to think of Sancho's remissness and
+want of charity,--the squire having not given himself above five
+lashes, a small and inconsiderable number in proportion to the number
+still behind. This reflection so aggravated his vexation, that he
+could not forbear thinking on some extraordinary methods. If Alexander
+the Great, thought he, when he could not untie the Gordian knot, said,
+it is the same thing to cut or to undo, and so slashed it asunder, and
+yet became the sovereign of the world, why may not I free Dulcinea
+from enchantment by lashing Sancho myself, whether he will or no? For,
+if the condition of this remedy consists in Sancho's receiving three
+thousand and odd lashes, what does it signify to me whether he gives
+himself those blows, or another gives them him, since the stress lies
+upon his receiving them, by what means soever they are given? Full of
+that conceit, he came up to Sancho, having first taken the reins of
+Rozinante's bridle, and fitted them to his purpose of lashing him with
+them. Sancho, however, soon started out of his sleep, and was
+thoroughly awake in an instant. "What is here?" cried he. "It is I,"
+answered Don Quixote, "I am come to repair thy negligence, and to seek
+the remedy of my torments. I am come to whip thee, Sancho, and to
+discharge, in part at least, that debt for which thou standest
+engaged. Dulcinea perishes, while thou livest careless of her fate;
+and therefore I am resolved, while we are here alone in this recess,
+to give thee at least two thousand stripes." "Hold you there," quoth
+Sancho; "pray be quiet, will you?--let me alone, or I protest deaf men
+shall hear us! The strokes I am to give myself are to be voluntary,
+not forced; and at this time I have no mind to be whipped at all: let
+it suffice that I promise you to do so when the humour takes me." "No,
+Sancho," said Don Quixote; "there is no trusting to thy courtesy, for
+thou art hard-hearted, and, though a peasant, of very tender flesh."
+He then struggled with Sancho; upon which he jumped up, threw his arms
+about the Don, tripped up his heels, and laid him flat on his back,
+whereupon he held his hands down so fast that he could not stir and
+scarcely could breathe. "How, traitor," exclaimed the knight, "dost
+thou rebel against thy natural lord?--dost thou raise thy hand against
+him who feeds thee?" "I neither raise up nor pull down," answered
+Sancho; "I only defend myself, who am my own lord. If your worship
+will promise me to let me alone, and not talk about whipping at
+present, I will set you at liberty: if not, 'here thou diest, traitor,
+enemy to Donna Sancha.'" Don Quixote gave him the promise he desired,
+and swore by the life of his best thoughts he would not touch a hair
+of his garment, but leave the whipping entirely to his own discretion.
+
+Sancho now removed to another place; and, as he was going to lay
+himself under another tree, he thought something touched his head;
+and, reaching up his hands, he felt a couple of dangling feet, with
+hose and shoes. Trembling with fear, he moved on a little further, but
+was incommoded by other legs; upon which he called to his master for
+help. Don Quixote went up to him, and asked him what was the matter;
+when Sancho told him that all the trees were full of men's feet and
+legs. Don Quixote felt them, and immediately guessed the cause; he
+said, "Be not afraid, Sancho; doubtless these are the legs of robbers
+and banditti, who have been punished for their crimes: for here the
+officers of justice hang them by scores at a time, when they can lay
+hold of them; and, from this circumstance, I conclude we are not far
+from Barcelona." In truth, Don Quixote was right in his conjecture;
+for when day began to dawn, they plainly saw that the legs they had
+felt in the dark belonged to the bodies of thieves.
+
+But if they were alarmed at these dead banditti, how much more were
+they disturbed at being suddenly surrounded by more than forty of
+their living comrades, who commanded them to stand, and not to move
+till their captain came up. Don Quixote was on foot, his horse
+unbridled, his lance leaning against a tree at some distance,--in
+short, being defenceless, he thought it best to cross his hands, hang
+down his head, and reserve himself for better occasions. The robbers,
+however, were not idle, but immediately fell to work upon Dapple, and,
+in a trice, emptied both wallet and cloak-bag. Fortunately for Sancho,
+he had secured the crowns given him by the duke, with his other money,
+in a belt which he wore about his waist; nevertheless they would not
+have escaped the searching eyes of these good people, who spare not
+even what is hid between the flesh and the skin, had they not been
+checked by the arrival of their captain. His age seemed to be about
+four-and-thirty, his body was robust, his stature tall, his visage
+austere, and his complexion swarthy; he was mounted upon a powerful
+steed, clad in a coat of steel, and his belt was stuck round with
+pistols. Observing that his squires (for so they call men of their
+vocation) were about to rifle Sancho, he commanded them to forbear,
+and was instantly obeyed; and thus the girdle escaped. He wondered to
+see a lance standing against a tree, a target on the ground, and Don
+Quixote in armour and pensive, with the most sad and melancholy
+countenance that sadness itself could frame. Going up to the knight,
+he said, "Be not so dejected, good sir, for you are not fallen into
+the hands of a cruel Osiris, but into those of Roque Guinart, who has
+more of compassion in his nature than cruelty." "My dejection,"
+answered Don Quixote, "is not on account of having fallen into your
+hands, O valorous Roque, whose fame extends over the whole earth, but
+for my negligence in having suffered myself to be surprised by your
+soldiers, contrary to the bounden duty of a knight-errant, which
+requires that I should be continually on the alert, and, at all hours,
+my own sentinel; for, let me tell you, illustrious Roque, had they met
+me on horseback, with my lance and my target, they would have found it
+no very easy task to make me yield. Know, sir, I am Don Quixote de la
+Mancha, he with whose exploits the whole globe resounds." Roque
+Guinart presently perceived Don Quixote's infirmity, and that it had
+in it more of madness than valour; and, though he had sometimes heard
+his name mentioned, he always thought that what had been said of him
+was a fiction; conceiving that such a character could not exist: he
+was therefore delighted with this meeting, as he might now know, from
+his own observation, what degree of credit was really due to the
+reports in circulation. "Be not concerned," said Roque, addressing
+himself to Don Quixote, "nor tax fortune with unkindness; by thus
+stumbling, you may chance to stand more firmly than ever: for Heaven,
+by strange and circuitous ways, incomprehensible to men, is wont to
+raise the fallen, and enrich the needy."
+
+Don Quixote was about to return his thanks for this courteous reception,
+when suddenly a noise was heard near them, like the trampling of many
+horses; but it was caused by one only, upon which came, at full speed, a
+youth, seemingly about twenty years of age, clad in green damask edged
+with gold lace, trousers, and a loose coat; his hat cocked in the Walloon
+fashion, with boots, spurs, dagger, and gold-hilted sword; a small
+carabine in his hand, and a brace of pistols by his side. Roque, hearing
+the noise of a horse, turned his head and observed this handsome youth
+advancing towards him: "Valiant Roque," said the cavalier, "you are the
+person I have been seeking; for with you I hope to find some comfort,
+though not a remedy, in my afflictions. Not to keep you in suspense,
+because I perceive that you do not know me, I will tell you who I am. I
+am Claudia Jeronima, daughter of Simon Forte, your intimate friend, and
+the particular enemy of Clauquel Torellas, who is also yours, being of
+the faction which is adverse to you. You know, too, that Torellas has a
+son, called Don Vincente de Torellas,--at least so he was called not two
+hours ago. That son of his--to shorten the story of my misfortune,--ah,
+what sorrow he has brought upon me! that son, I say, saw me, and courted
+me; I listened to him, and loved him, unknown to my father. In short, he
+promised to be my spouse, and I pledged myself to become his, without
+proceeding any farther. Yesterday I was informed that, forgetting his
+engagement to me, he was going to be married to another, and that this
+morning the ceremony was to be performed. The news confounded me, and I
+lost all patience. My father being out of town, I took the opportunity of
+equipping myself as you now see me, and by the speed of this horse, I
+overtook Don Vincente about a league hence, and, without stopping to
+reproach him, or hear his excuses, I fired at him not only with this
+piece, but with both my pistols, and lodged, I believe, not a few balls
+in his body: thus washing away with blood the stains of my honour. I left
+him to his servants, who either dared not, or could not prevent the
+execution of my purpose; and am come to seek your assistance to get to
+France, where I have relations, with whom I may live; and to entreat you
+likewise to protect my father from any cruel revenge on the part of Don
+Vincente's numerous kindred."
+
+Roque was struck with the gallantry, bravery, figure, and also the
+adventure of the beautiful Claudia, and said to her, "Come, madam, and
+let us first be assured of your enemy's death, and then we will
+consider what is proper to be done for you."
+
+So, after commanding his squires to restore to Sancho all they had
+taken from Dapple, and likewise to retire to the place where they had
+lodged the night before, he went off immediately with Claudia at full
+speed, in quest of the wounded or dead Don Vincente. They presently
+arrived at the place where Claudia had overtaken him, and found
+nothing there except the blood which had been newly spilt; but,
+looking round, at a considerable distance they saw some persons
+ascending a hill, and concluded (as indeed it proved) that it was Don
+Vincente, being conveyed by his servants, either to a doctor or his
+grave. They instantly pushed forward to overtake them, which they soon
+effected, and found Don Vincente in the arms of his servants,
+entreating them, in a low and feeble voice, to let him die in that
+place, for he could no longer endure the pain of his wounds. Claudia
+and Roque, throwing themselves from their horses, drew near; the
+servants were startled at the appearance of Roque, and Claudia was
+troubled at the sight of Don Vincente; when, divided between
+tenderness and resentment, she approached him, and, taking hold of his
+hand, said, "Had you but given me this hand, according to our
+contract, you would not have been reduced to this extremity." The
+wounded cavalier opened his almost closed eyes, and, recognising
+Claudia, he said, "I perceive, fair and mistaken lady, that it is to
+your hand I owe my death;--a punishment unmerited by me, for neither
+in thought nor deed could I offend you." "Is it not true, then," said
+Claudia, "that, this very morning, you were going to be married to
+Leonora, daughter of the rich Balvastro?" "No, certainly," answered
+Don Vincente; "my evil fortune must have borne you that news, to
+excite your jealousy to bereave me of life; but since I leave it in
+your arms, I esteem myself happy; and, to assure you of this truth,
+take my hand, and, if you are willing, receive me for your husband;
+for I can now give you no other satisfaction for the injury which you
+imagine you have received."
+
+Claudia pressed his hand, and such was the anguish of her heart that
+she swooned away upon the bloody bosom of Don Vincente, and at the
+same moment he was seized with a mortal paroxysm. Roque was
+confounded, and knew not what to do; the servants ran for water, with
+which they sprinkled their faces; Claudia recovered, but Don Vincente
+was left in the sleep of death. When Claudia was convinced that her
+beloved husband no longer breathed, she rent the air with her groans,
+and pierced the skies with her lamentations. She tore her hair,
+scattered it in the wind, and, with her own merciless hands, wounded
+and disfigured her face, with every other demonstration of grief,
+distraction, and despair. "O rash and cruel woman!" she exclaimed,
+"with what facility wert thou moved to this evil deed! O maddening
+sting of jealousy, how deadly thy effects! O my dear husband, whose
+love for me hath given thee a cold grave!" So piteous, indeed, were
+the lamentations of Claudia, that they forced tears even from the eyes
+of Roque, where they were seldom or never seen before. The servants
+wept and lamented; Claudia was recovered from one fainting fit, only
+to fall into another, and all around was a scene of sorrow. At length
+Roque Guinart ordered the attendants to take up the body of Don
+Vincente, and convey it to the town where his father dwelt, which was
+not far distant, that it might be there interred. Claudia told Roque
+that it was her determination to retire to a nunnery, of which her
+aunt was abbess; there to spend what remained of her wretched life,
+looking to heavenly nuptials and an eternal spouse. Roque applauded
+her good design, offering to conduct her wherever it was her desire to
+go, and to defend her father against the relatives of Don Vincente, or
+any one who should offer violence to him. Claudia expressed her thanks
+in the best manner she could, but declined his company; and,
+overwhelmed with affliction, took her leave of him. At the same time,
+Don Vincente's servants carried off his dead body; and Roque returned
+to his companions. Thus ended the amour of Claudia Jeronima; and no
+wonder that it was so calamitous, since it was brought about by the
+cruel and irresistible power of jealousy.
+
+Roque Guinart found his band of desperadoes in the place he had
+appointed to meet them, and Don Quixote in the midst of them,
+endeavouring, in a formal speech, to persuade them to quit that kind
+of life, so prejudicial both to soul and body. But his auditors were
+chiefly Gascons, a wild and ungovernable race, and therefore his
+harangue made but little impression upon them. Roque having asked
+Sancho Panza whether they had restored to him all the property which
+had been taken from Dapple, he said they had returned all but three
+night-caps, which were worth three cities. "What does the fellow say?"
+quoth one of the party; "I have got them, and they are not worth three
+reals." "That is true," quoth Don Quixote; "but my squire justly
+values the gift for the sake of the giver." Roque Guinart insisted
+upon their being immediately restored; then, after commanding his men
+to draw up in a line before him, he caused all the clothes, jewels,
+and money, and, in short, all they had plundered since the last
+division to be brought out and spread before them; which being done,
+he made a short appraisement, reducing what could not be divided into
+money, and shared the whole among his company with the utmost
+exactness and impartiality. After sharing the booty in this manner, by
+which all were satisfied, Roque said to Don Quixote, "If I were not
+thus exact in dealing with these fellows, there would be no living
+with them." "Well," quoth Sancho, "justice must needs be a good thing;
+for it is necessary, I see, even among thieves." On hearing this, one
+of the squires raised the butt-end of his piece, and would surely have
+split poor Sancho's head, if Roque had not called out to him to
+forbear. Terrified at his narrow escape, Sancho resolved to seal up
+his lips while he remained in such company.
+
+Just at this time, intelligence was brought by the scouts that, not
+far distant, on the Barcelona road, a large body of people were seen
+coming that way. "Can you discover," said Roque, "whether they are
+such as we look for, or such as look for us?" "Such as we look for,
+sir." "Away then," said Roque, "and bring them hither straight; and
+see that none escape." The command was instantly obeyed; the band
+sallied forth, while Don Quixote and Sancho remained with the chief,
+anxious to see what would follow. In the mean time Roque conversed
+with the knight on his own way of living. "This life of ours must
+appear strange to you, Sigñor Don Quixote,--new accidents, new
+adventures, in constant succession, and all full of danger and
+disquiet: it is a state, I confess, in which there is no repose either
+for body or mind. Injuries which I could not brook, and a thirst of
+revenge, first led me into it, contrary to my nature; for the savage
+asperity of my present behaviour is a disguise to my heart, which is
+gentle and humane. Yet, unnatural as it is, having plunged into it, I
+persevere; and, as one sin is followed by another, and mischief is
+added to mischief, my own resentments are now so linked with those of
+others, and I am so involved in wrongs, and factions, and engagements,
+that nothing but the hand of Providence can snatch me out of this
+entangled maze. Nevertheless, I despair not of coming, at last, into a
+safe and quiet harbour."
+
+Don Quixote was surprised at these sober reflections, so different
+from what he should have expected from a banditti chief, whose
+occupation was robbery and murder. "Sigñor Roque," said he, "the
+beginning of a cure consists in the knowledge of the distemper, and in
+the patient's willingness to take the medicines prescribed to him by
+his physician. You are sick; you know your malady; and God, our
+physician, is ready with medicines that, in time, will certainly
+effect a cure. Besides, sinners of good understanding are nearer to
+amendment than those who are devoid of it; and as your superior sense
+is manifest, be of good cheer, and hope for your entire recovery. If,
+in this desirable work, you would take the shortest way, and at once
+enter that of your salvation, come with me, and I will teach you to be
+knight-errant,--a profession, it is true, full of labours and
+disasters, but which, being placed to the account of penance, will not
+fail to lead you to honour and felicity." Roque smiled at Don
+Quixote's counsel; but, changing the discourse, he related to him the
+tragical adventure of Claudia Jeronima, which grieved Sancho to the
+heart; for he had been much captivated by the beauty, grace, and
+sprightliness of the young lady.
+
+The party which had been despatched by Roque now returned with their
+captives, who consisted of two gentlemen on horseback, two pilgrims on
+foot, and a coach full of women, attended by six servants, some on
+foot, and some on horseback, and also two muleteers belonging to the
+gentlemen. They were surrounded by the victors, who, as well as the
+vanquished, waited in profound silence till the great Roque should
+declare his will. He first asked the gentlemen who they were, whither
+they were going, and what money they had? "We are captains of
+infantry, sir," said one of them; "and are going to join our
+companies, which are at Naples, and, for that purpose, intend to
+embark at Barcelona, where, it is said, four galleys are about to sail
+for Sicily. Two or three hundred crowns is somewhere about the amount
+of our cash, and with that sum we accounted ourselves rich,
+considering that we are soldiers, whose purses are seldom overladen."
+The pilgrims, being questioned in the same manner, said, their
+intention was to embark for Rome, and that they had about them some
+threescore reals. The coach now came under examination; and Roque was
+informed by one of the attendants that the persons within were the
+Lady Donna Guiomar de Quinones, wife of the regent of the vicarship of
+Naples, her young daughter, a waiting-maid, and a duenna; that six
+servants accompanied them, and their money amounted to six hundred
+crowns. "It appears, then," said Roque Guinart, "that we have here
+nine hundred crowns, and sixty reals: my soldiers are sixty in number;
+see how much falls to the share of each; for I am myself but an
+indifferent accountant."
+
+His armed ruffians, on hearing this, cried out, "Long live Roque
+Guinart, in spite of the dogs that seek his ruin!" But the officers
+looked chop-fallen, the lady-regent much dejected, and the pilgrims
+nothing pleased at witnessing this confiscation of their effects.
+Roque held them awhile in suspense, and, turning to the captains, he
+said, "Pray, gentlemen, do me the favour to lend me sixty crowns; and
+you, lady-regent, fourscore, as a slight perquisite which these honest
+gentlemen of mine expect: for 'the abbot must eat that sings for his
+meat;' and you may then depart, and prosecute your journey without
+molestation; being secured by a pass which I will give you, in case of
+your meeting with any other of my people, who are dispersed about this
+part of the country; for it is not a practice with me to molest
+soldiers; and I should be loath, madam, to be found wanting in respect
+to the fair sex--especially to ladies of your quality."
+
+The captains were liberal in their acknowledgments to Roque for his
+courtesy and moderation in having generously left them a part of their
+money; and Donna Guiomar de Quinones would have thrown herself out of
+the coach to kiss the feet and hands of the great Roque, but he would
+not suffer it, and entreated her pardon for the injury he was forced
+to do them, in compliance with the duties of an office which his evil
+fortune had imposed on him. The lady then ordered the fourscore crowns
+to be immediately paid to him, as her share of the assessment; the
+captains had already disbursed their quota, and the pilgrims were
+proceeding to offer their little all, when Roque told them to wait;
+then, turning to his men, he said, "Of these crowns two fall to each
+man's share, and twenty remain: let ten be given to these pilgrims,
+and the other ten to this honest squire, that, in relating his
+travels, he may have cause to speak well of us." Then, producing his
+writing implements, with which he was always provided, he gave them a
+pass, directed to the chiefs of his several parties; and, taking his
+leave, he dismissed them, all admiring his generosity, his gallantry,
+and extraordinary conduct, and looking upon him rather as an Alexander
+the Great than a notorious robber.
+
+On the departure of the travellers, one of Roque's men seemed disposed
+to murmur, saying, in his Catalonian dialect, "This captain of ours is
+wondrous charitable, and would do better among friars than with those
+of our trade; but, if he must be giving, let it be with his own." The
+wretch spoke not so low but that Roque overheard him; and, drawing his
+sword, he almost cleft his head in two, saying, "Thus I chastise the
+mutinous." The rest were silent and overawed, such was their obedience
+to his authority. Roque then withdrew a little, and wrote a letter to
+a friend at Barcelona, to inform him that he had with him the famous
+Don Quixote de la Mancha, of whom so much had been reported, and that,
+being on his way to Barcelona, he might be sure to see him there on
+the approaching festival of St. John the Baptist, parading the strand,
+armed at all points, mounted on his steed Rozinante, and attended by
+his squire Sancho Panza, upon an ass; adding that he had found him
+wonderfully sagacious and entertaining. He also desired him to give
+notice of this to his friends the Niarra, that they might be diverted
+with the knight, and enjoy a pleasure which he thought too good for
+his enemies the Cadells; though he feared it was impossible to prevent
+their coming in for a share of what all the world must know and be
+delighted with. He despatched this epistle by one of his troop, who,
+changing the habit of his vocation for that of a peasant, entered the
+city, and delivered it as directed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XC.
+
+_Of what befell Don Quixote at his entrance into Barcelona; with other
+events more true than ingenious._
+
+
+Three days and three nights Don Quixote sojourned with the great
+Roque; and, had he remained with him three hundred years, in such a
+mode of life he might still have found new matter for observation and
+wonder. Here they sleep, there they eat; sometimes flying from they
+know not what, at others lying in wait for they know not whom; often
+forced to steal their nap standing, and every moment liable to be
+roused. Roque passed the nights apart from his followers, making no
+man privy to his lodgings: for the numerous proclamations which the
+viceroy of Barcelona had published against him, setting a price upon
+his head, kept him in continual apprehension of surprise, and even of
+the treachery of his own followers; making his life irksome and
+wretched beyond measure.
+
+Roque, Don Quixote, and Sancho, attended by six squires, set out for
+Barcelona; and taking the most secret and unfrequented ways, at night
+reached the strand on the eve of St. John. Roque now embraced the
+knight and the squire, giving to Sancho the promised ten crowns; and
+thus they parted, with many friendly expressions and a thousand offers
+of service on both sides.
+
+Roque returned back, and Don Quixote remained there on horseback,
+waiting for daybreak; and it was not long before the beautiful Aurora
+appeared in the golden balconies of the east, cheering the flowery
+fields, while, at the same time, the ears were regaled with the sound
+of numerous kettle-drums and jingling morrice-bells, mixed with the
+noise of horsemen coming out of the city. Aurora now retired, and the
+glorious sun gradually rising, at length appeared broad as an ample
+shield on the verge of the horizon. Don Quixote and Sancho now beheld
+the sea, which, to them, was a wondrous novelty, and seemed so
+boundless and so vast that the lakes of Ruydera, which they had seen
+in La Mancha, could not be compared to it. They saw the galleys too,
+lying at anchor near the shore, which, on removing their awnings,
+appeared covered with flags and pennants all flickering in the wind,
+and kissing the surface of the water. Within them was heard the sound
+of trumpets, hautboys, and other martial instruments, that filled the
+air with sweet and cheering harmony. Presently the vessels were put in
+motion, and on the calm sea began a counterfeit engagement; at the
+same time a numerous body of cavaliers in gorgeous liveries and nobly
+mounted, issued from the city and performed corresponding movements on
+shore. Cannon were discharged on board the galleys, which were
+answered by those on the ramparts; and thus the air was rent by mimic
+thunder. The cheerful sea, the serene sky, only now and then obscured
+by the smoke of the artillery, seemed to exhilarate and gladden every
+heart.
+
+Sancho wondered that the bulky monsters which he saw moving on the
+water should have so many legs; and while his master stood in silent
+astonishment at the marvellous scene before him, the body of gay
+cavaliers came galloping up towards him, shouting in the Moorish
+manner; and one of them, the person to whom Roque had written, came
+forward and said, "Welcome to our city, the mirror, the beacon, and
+polar star of knight-errantry! Welcome, I say, O valorous Don Quixote
+de la Mancha, not the spurious, the fictitious, the apocryphal one,
+lately sent amongst us in lying histories, but the true, the
+legitimate, the genuine Quixote of Cid Hamet Benengeli, the flower of
+historians!" Don Quixote answered not a word; nor did the cavaliers
+wait for any answer, but, wheeling round with all their followers,
+they began to curvet in a circle about Don Quixote, who, turning to
+Sancho, said, "These people seem to know us well, Sancho: I dare
+engage they have read our history, and even that of the Arragonese
+lately printed." The gentleman who spoke to Don Quixote again
+addressed him, saying, "Be pleased, Sigñor Don Quixote, to accompany
+us; for we are all the intimate and devoted friends of Roque Guinart."
+To which Don Quixote replied, "If courtesy beget courtesy, yours, good
+sir, springs from that of the great Roque; conduct me whither you
+please, for I am wholly at your disposal." The gentleman answered in
+expressions no less polite; and enclosing him in the midst of them,
+they all proceeded to the sound of martial music towards the city,
+until they reached their conductor's house, which was large and
+handsome, declaring the owner to be a man of wealth and
+consideration.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XCI.
+
+_Of the adventure of the enchanted head; with other trifling matters
+that must not be omitted._
+
+
+The name of Don Quixote's present host was Don Antonio Moreno; he was
+rich, sensible, and good-humoured; and being cheerfully disposed, with
+such an inmate he soon began to consider how he might extract
+amusement from his whimsical infirmity, but without offence to his
+guest: for the jest that gives pain is no jest, nor is that lawful
+pastime which inflicts an injury. Having prevailed upon the knight to
+take off his armour, he led him to a balcony at the front of his
+house, and there in his straight chamois doublet (which has already
+been mentioned) exposed him to the populace, who stood gazing at him
+as if he had been some strange baboon. The gay cavaliers again
+appeared and paraded before him, as in compliment to him alone, and
+not in honour of that day's festival. Sancho was highly delighted to
+find so unexpectedly what he fancied to be another Camacho's wedding,
+another house like that of Don Diego de Miranda, and another duke's
+castle.
+
+On that day several of Don Antonio's friends dined with him, all
+paying homage and respect to Don Quixote as a knight-errant; with
+which his vanity was so flattered that he could scarcely conceal the
+delight which it gave him. And such was the power of Sancho's wit that
+every servant of the house, and indeed all who heard him, hung as it
+were upon his lips. While sitting at table, Don Antonio said to him,
+"We are told here, honest Sancho, that you are so great a lover of
+capons and sausages, that when you have crammed your belly, you stuff
+your pockets with the fragments for another day." "'Tis not true, an't
+please your worship; I am not so filthy, nor am I a glutton, as my
+master Don Quixote here present can bear witness; for he knows we have
+often lived day after day, ay a whole week together, upon a handful of
+acorns or hazel nuts. It is true, I own, that if they give me a
+heifer, I make haste with a halter; my way is, to take things as I
+find them, and eat what comes to hand; and whoever has said that I am
+given to greediness, take my word for it, he is very much out; and I
+would tell my mind in another manner, but for the respect due to the
+honourable beards here at table." "In truth, gentlemen," said Don
+Quixote, "the frugality of my squire and his cleanliness in eating
+deserve to be recorded on plates of brass, to remain an eternal
+memorial for ages to come. I confess that, when in great want of food,
+he may appear somewhat ravenous, eating fast and chewing on both sides
+of his mouth; but as for cleanliness, he is therein most punctilious;
+and when he was a governor, such was his nicety in eating that he
+would take up grapes, and even the grains of a pomegranate, with the
+point of a fork." "How!" quoth Don Antonio, "has Sancho been a
+governor?" "Yes, I have," replied Sancho, "and of an island called
+Barataria. Ten days I governed it at my own will and pleasure; but I
+paid for it in sleepless nights, and learned to hate with all my heart
+the trade of governing; and made such haste to leave it, that I fell
+into a pit, which I thought would be my grave, but I escaped alive out
+of it by a miracle." Hereupon Don Quixote related minutely all the
+circumstances of Sancho's government; to the great entertainment of
+the hearers.
+
+The dinner being ended, Don Quixote was led by his host into a distant
+apartment, in which there was no other furniture than a small table,
+apparently of jasper, supported by a pillar of the same; and upon it
+was placed a bust, seemingly of bronze, the effigy of some high
+personage. After taking a turn or two in the room, Don Antonio said,
+"Sigñor Don Quixote, now that we are alone, I will make known to you
+one of the most extraordinary circumstances, or rather I should say,
+one of the greatest wonders imaginable, upon condition that what I
+shall communicate be deposited in the inmost recesses of secrecy." "It
+shall be there buried," answered Don Quixote; "and to be more secure,
+I will cover it with a tombstone; besides, I would have you know,
+Sigñor Don Antonio (for by this time he had learned his name), that
+you are addressing one who, though he has ears to hear, has no tongue
+to betray: so that if it please you to deposit it in my breast, be
+assured it is plunged into the abyss of silence." "I am satisfied,"
+said Don Antonio; "and confiding in your promise, I will at once raise
+your astonishment, and disburden my own breast of a secret which I
+have long borne with pain, from the want of some person worthy to be
+made a confidant in matters which are not to be revealed to every
+body." Thus having, by his long preamble, strongly excited Don
+Quixote's curiosity, Don Antonio made him examine carefully the brazen
+head, the table, and the jasper pedestal upon which it stood; he then
+said, "Know, Sigñor Don Quixote, that this extraordinary bust is the
+production of one of the greatest enchanters or wizards that ever
+existed. He was, I believe, a Polander, and a disciple of the famous
+Escotillo, of whom so many wonders are related. He was here in my
+house, and for the reward of a thousand crowns fabricated this head
+for me, which has the virtue and property of answering to every
+question that is put to it. After much study and labour, drawing
+figures, erecting schemes, and frequent observation of the stars, he
+completed his work. To-day being Friday, it is mute; but to-morrow,
+Sigñor, you shall surely witness its marvellous powers. In the mean
+time, you may prepare your questions, for you may rely on hearing the
+truth." Don Quixote was much astonished at what he heard, and could
+scarcely credit Don Antonio's relation; but, considering how soon he
+should be satisfied, he was content to suspend his opinion, and
+expressed his acknowledgments to Don Antonio for so great a proof of
+his favour. Then leaving the chamber, and carefully locking the door,
+they both returned to the saloon, where the rest of the company were
+diverting themselves with Sancho's account of his master's adventures.
+
+The same evening they carried Don Quixote abroad to take the air,
+mounted on a large, easy-paced mule, with handsome furniture, himself
+unarmed, and with a long wrapping coat of tawny-coloured cloth, so
+warm that it would have put even frost into a sweat. They had given
+private orders to the servants to find amusement for Sancho, so as to
+prevent his leaving the house, as they had secretly fixed on the back
+of Don Quixote's coat a parchment, on which was written in capital
+letters; "This is Don Quixote de la Mancha." They had no sooner set
+out than the parchment attracted the eyes of the passengers; and the
+inscription being read aloud, Don Quixote heard his name so frequently
+repeated, that turning to Don Antonio with much complacency, he said,
+"How great the prerogative of knight-errantry, since its professors
+are known and renowned over the whole earth! Observe, Sigñor Don
+Antonio; even the very boys of this city know me, although they never
+could have seen me before!" "It is very true, Sigñor Don Quixote,"
+answered Don Antonio; "for as fire is discovered by its own light, so
+is virtue by its own excellence; and no renown equals in splendour
+that which is acquired by the profession of arms."
+
+As Don Quixote thus rode along amidst the applause of the people, a
+Castilian, who had read the label on his back, exclaimed, "What! Don
+Quixote de la Mancha! How hast thou got here alive after the many
+drubbings and bastings thou hast received? Mad indeed thou art! Had
+thy folly been confined to thyself, the mischief had been less; but
+thou hast the property of converting into fools and madmen all that
+keep thee company--witness these gentlemen here, thy present
+associates. Get home, blockhead, to thy wife and children; look after
+thy house, and leave these fooleries that eat into thy brain and skim
+off the cream of thy understanding!" "Go, friend," said Don Antonio,
+"look after your own business, and give your advice where it is
+required; Sigñor Don Quixote is wise, and we his friends know what we
+are doing. Virtue demands our homage wherever it is found; begone,
+therefore, in an evil hour, nor meddle where you are not called."
+"Truly," answered the Castilian, "your worship is in the right; for to
+give that lunatic advice, is to kick against the pricks. Yet am I
+grieved that the good sense which he is said to have, should run to
+waste, and be lost in the mire of knight-errantry. And may the evil
+hour, as your worship said, overtake me and all my generation, if ever
+you catch me giving advice again to any body, asked or not asked,
+though I were to live to the age of Methuselah." So saying, the
+adviser went his way; but the rabble still pressing upon them to read
+the inscription, Don Antonio contrived to have it removed, that they
+might proceed without interruption.
+
+The next day, Don Antonio determined to make experiment of the
+enchanted head; and for that purpose, the knight and squire, the two
+mischievous ladies (who had been invited by Don Antonio's lady to
+sleep there that night), and two other friends, were conducted to the
+chamber in which the head was placed. After locking the door, Don
+Antonio proceeded to explain to them the properties of the miraculous
+bust, of which, he said, he should for the first time make trial, but
+laid them all under an injunction of secrecy. The artifice was known
+only to the two gentlemen, who, had they not been apprised of it,
+would have been no less astonished than the rest at so ingenious a
+contrivance. The first who approached the head was Don Antonio
+himself, who whispered in its ear, not so low but he was overheard by
+all: "Tell me," said he, "thou wondrous head, by the virtue inherent
+in thee, what are my present thoughts." The head, in a distinct and
+intelligible voice, though without moving the lips, answered, "I am no
+judge of thoughts." They were all astonished at the voice, being
+sensible nobody was in the room to answer. "How many of us are there
+in the room?" said Don Antonio again. The voice answered, in the same
+key, "Thou, and thy wife, two of thy friends, and two of hers; a
+famous knight, called Don Quixote de la Mancha, and his squire Sancho
+Panza." Now their astonishment was greater than before; and the hair
+of some of them stood on end with amazement. "It is enough," said Don
+Antonio, stepping aside, "I am convinced it was no impostor sold thee
+to me, sage, miraculous head! Now, let somebody else try their
+fortunes." As women are generally most curious and inquisitive, one of
+the dancing ladies, venturing up to it, "Tell me, head," said she,
+"what shall I do to be truly beautiful?" "Be honest," answered the
+head. "I have done," replied the lady. Her companion then came on, and
+with the same curiosity, "I would know," said she, "whether my husband
+loves me or no." The head answered, "Observe his usage, and that will
+tell thee." "Truly," said the married lady to herself, as she
+withdrew, "that question was needless; for, indeed, a man's actions
+are the surest tokens of the dispositions of his mind."
+
+Don Antonio's lady asked the next question. "I do not well know what
+to ask thee," said she; "only tell me whether I shall long enjoy the
+company of my dear husband." "Thou shalt," answered the head; "for his
+healthy constitution and temperance promise length of days, while
+those who live too fast are not like to live long." Next came Don
+Quixote. "Tell me, thou oracle," said he, "was what I reported of my
+adventures in Montesinos' cave a dream or reality? will Sancho my
+squire fulfil his promise, and scourge himself effectually? and shall
+Dulcinea be disenchanted?" "As for the adventures in the cave,"
+answered the head, "there is much to be said--they have something of
+both; Sancho's whipping shall go on but leisurely; however, Dulcinea
+shall at last be really freed from enchantment." "That is all I desire
+to know," said Don Quixote; "for the whole stress of my good fortune
+depends on Dulcinea's disenchantment." Then Sancho made the last
+application. "If it please you, Mr. Head," quoth he, "shall I chance
+to have another government? shall I ever get clear of this starving
+squire-erranting? and shall I ever see my own fireside again?" The
+head answered, "Thou shalt be a governor in thine own house; if thou
+goest home, thou mayest see thy own fireside again; and if thou
+leavest off thy service, thou shalt get clear of thy squireship."
+"That is a very good one," cried Sancho; "a horse-head, I vow, might
+have told all this; I could have prophesied thus much myself." "How
+now!" said Don Quixote; "what answers wouldst thou have but what are
+pertinent to thy questions?" "Nay," quoth Sancho, "since you will have
+it so, it shall be so; I only wish Mr. Head would have told me a
+little more concerning the matter."
+
+Thus the questions proposed, and the answers returned, were brought to
+a period; but the amazement continued among all the company, except
+Don Antonio's two friends, who understood the device.
+
+The manner of it was thus: the table, and the frame on which it stood,
+the feet of which resembled four eagles' claws, were of wood, painted
+and varnished like jasper. The head, which looked like the bust of a
+Roman emperor, and of a brass colour, was all hollow, and so were the
+feet of the table, which answered exactly to the neck and breast of
+the head; the whole so artificially fixed, that it seemed to be all of
+a piece; through this cavity ran a tin pipe, conveyed into it by a
+passage through the ceiling of the room under the table. He that was
+to answer, set his ear to the end of the pipe in the chamber
+underneath, and by the hollowness of the trunk, received their
+questions, and delivered his answers in clear and articulate words; so
+that the imposture could scarcely be discovered. The oracle was
+managed by a young, ingenious gentleman, Don Antonio's nephew; who
+having his instructions beforehand from his uncle, was able to answer,
+readily and directly, to the first questions; and by conjectures or
+evasions make a return handsomely to the rest, with the help of his
+ingenuity.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XCII.
+
+_Of an unlucky adventure which Don Quixote laid most to heart of any
+that had yet befallen him._
+
+
+It happened one morning that Don Quixote, going abroad to take the air
+upon the sea-shore, armed at all points, according to his custom--his
+arms, as he said, being his best attire--he spied a knight riding
+towards him, armed like himself from head to foot, with a bright moon
+blazoned on his shield, who, coming within hearing, called out to him,
+"Illustrious Don Quixote de la Mancha, I am the Knight of the White
+Moon, whose incredible achievements perhaps have reached thy ears. Lo!
+I am come to enter into combat with thee, and to compel thee, by dint
+of sword, to own and acknowledge my mistress, by whatever name and
+dignity she be distinguished, to be, without any degree of comparison,
+more beautiful than thy Dulcinea del Toboso. Now if thou wilt fairly
+confess this truth, thou freest thyself from certain death, and me
+from the trouble of taking or giving thee thy life. If not, the
+conditions of our combat are these: If victory be on my side, thou
+shalt be obliged immediately to forsake thy arms and the quest of
+adventures, and to return to thy own house, where thou shalt engage to
+live quietly and peaceably for the space of one whole year, without
+laying hand on thy sword, to the improvement of thy estate, and the
+salvation of thy soul. But, if thou comest off conqueror, my life is
+at thy mercy, my horse and arms shall be thy trophy, and the fame of
+all my former exploits, by the lineal descent of conquest, be vested
+in thee as victor. Consider what thou hast to do, and let thy answer
+be quick, for my despatch is limited to this very day."
+
+Don Quixote was amazed and surprised, as much at the arrogance of the
+Knight of the White Moon's challenge, as at the subject of it; so,
+with a composed and solemn address, he replied, "Knight of the White
+Moon, whose achievements have as yet been kept from my knowledge, it
+is more than probable that you have never seen the illustrious
+Dulcinea; for had you viewed her perfections, you had found arguments
+enough to convince you, that no beauty, past, present, or to come, can
+parallel hers; and therefore I tell thee, knight, thou art mistaken;
+and this position I will maintain, by accepting your challenge on your
+own conditions, except that article of your exploits descending to me;
+for, not knowing what character your actions bear, I shall rest
+satisfied with the fame of my own, by which, such as they are, I am
+willing to abide. And since your time is so limited, choose your
+ground, and begin your career as soon as you will, and expect a fair
+field and no favour."
+
+While the two knights were adjusting the preliminaries of combat, the
+viceroy, who had been informed of the Knight of the White Moon's
+appearance near the city walls, and his parleying with Don Quixote,
+hastened to the scene of battle, not suspecting it to be any thing but
+some new device of Don Antonio Moreno, or somebody else. Several
+gentlemen, and Don Antonio among the rest, accompanied him thither.
+They arrived just as Don Quixote was wheeling Rozinante to fetch his
+career, and seeing them both ready for the onset, he interposed,
+desiring to know the cause of the sudden combat. The Knight of the
+White Moon told him, there was a lady in the case; and briefly
+repeated to his excellency what passed between him and Don Quixote.
+The viceroy whispered Don Antonio, and asked him whether he knew that
+Knight of the White Moon, and whether their combat was not some
+jocular device to impose upon Don Quixote? Don Antonio answered
+positively, that he neither knew the knight, nor whether the combat
+were in jest or earnest. This put the viceroy to some doubt whether he
+should not prevent their engagement; but being at last persuaded that
+it must be a jest at the bottom, he withdrew. "Valorous knights," said
+he, "if there be no medium between confession and death, but Don
+Quixote be still resolved to deny, and you, the Knight of the White
+Moon, as obstinately to urge, I have no more to say; the field is
+free, and so proceed."
+
+The knights made their compliments to the viceroy; and Don Quixote,
+making some short ejaculations to Heaven and his lady, as he always
+used upon these occasions, began his career, without either sound of
+trumpet or any other signal. His adversary was no less forward; for
+setting spurs to his horse, which was much the swifter, he met Don
+Quixote so forcibly, before he had run half his career, that without
+making use of his lance, which it is thought he lifted up on purpose,
+he overthrew the Knight of La Mancha and Rozinante, both coming to the
+ground with a terrible fall.
+
+The Knight of the White Moon got immediately upon him; and clapping
+the point of his lance to his face, "Knight," cried he, "you are
+vanquished and a dead man, unless you immediately fulfil the
+conditions of your combat." Don Quixote, bruised and stunned with his
+fall, without lifting up his beaver, answered in a faint hollow voice,
+as if he had spoken out of a tomb, "Dulcinea del Toboso is the most
+beautiful woman in the world, and I the most unfortunate knight upon
+the earth. It were unjust that such perfection should suffer through
+my weakness. No, pierce my body with thy lance, knight, and let my
+life expire with my honour." "Not so rigorous neither," replied the
+conqueror; "let the fame of the lady Dulcinea remain entire and
+unblemished; provided the great Don Quixote return home for a year, as
+we agreed before the combat, I am satisfied." The viceroy and Don
+Antonio, with many other gentlemen, were witnesses to all these
+passages, and particularly to this proposal; to which Don Quixote
+answered, that upon condition he should be enjoined nothing to the
+prejudice of Dulcinea, he would, upon the faith of a true knight, be
+punctual in the performance of every thing else. This acknowledgment
+being made, the Knight of the White Moon turned about his horse, and
+saluting the viceroy, rode at a hand-gallop into the city, whither Don
+Antonio followed him, at the viceroy's request, to find out who he
+was, if possible.
+
+Don Quixote was lifted up, and, upon taking off his helmet, they found
+him pale, and in a cold sweat. As for Rozinante, he was in so sad a
+plight, that he could not stir for the present. Then, as for Sancho,
+he was in so heavy a taking, that he knew not what to do, nor what to
+say: he was sometimes persuaded he was in a dream, sometimes he
+fancied this rueful adventure was all witchcraft and enchantment. In
+short, he found his master discomfited in the face of the world, and
+bound to good behaviour and to lay aside his arms for a whole year.
+Now he thought his glory eclipsed, his hopes of greatness vanished
+into smoke, and his master's promises, like his bones, put out of
+joint by that terrible fall, which he was afraid had at once crippled
+Rozinante and his master. At last, the vanquished knight was put into
+a chair, which the viceroy had sent for that purpose, and they carried
+him into town, accompanied likewise by the viceroy, who had a great
+curiosity to know who this Knight of the White Moon was, that had left
+Don Quixote in so sad a condition.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XCIII.
+
+_Wherein is given an account of the Knight of the White Moon; with
+other matters._
+
+
+Don Antonio Moreno followed the Knight of the White Moon to his inn,
+whither he was attended by a rabble of boys. The knight being got to
+his chamber, where his squire waited to take off his armour, Don
+Antonio came in, declaring he would not be shaken off till he had
+discovered who he was. The knight finding that the gentleman would not
+leave him, "Sir," said he, "since I lie under no obligation of
+concealing myself, if you please, while my man disarms me, you shall
+hear the whole truth of the story.
+
+"You must know, sir, I am called the Bachelor Carrasco: I live in the
+same town with this Don Quixote, whose unaccountable phrenzy has moved
+all his neighbours, and me among the rest, to endeavour by some means
+to cure his madness; in order to which, believing that rest and ease
+would prove the surest remedy, I bethought myself of this present
+stratagem; and, about three months ago, in the equipage of a
+knight-errant, under the title of the Knight of the Mirrors, I met him
+on the road, fixed a quarrel upon him, and the conditions of our
+combat were as you have heard already. But fortune then declared for
+him, for he unhorsed and vanquished me; and so I was disappointed: he
+prosecuted his adventures, and I returned home very much hurt with my
+fall. But willing to retrieve my credit, I have made this second
+attempt, and now have succeeded; for I know him to be so nicely
+punctual in whatever his word and honour is engaged for, that he will
+undoubtedly perform his promise. This, sir, is the sum of the whole
+story; and I beg the favour of you to conceal me from Don Quixote,
+that my project may not be ruined a second time, and that the honest
+gentleman, who is naturally a man of good parts, may recover his
+understanding." "Oh, sir," replied Don Antonio, "what have you to
+answer for, in robbing the world of the most diverting folly that ever
+was exposed among mankind! Consider, sir, that his cure can never
+benefit the public half so much as his distemper. But I am apt to
+believe, Sir Bachelor, that his madness is too firmly fixed for your
+art to remove; and, indeed, I cannot forbear wishing it may be so; for
+by Don Quixote's cure, we not only lose his good company, but the
+drolleries and comical humours of Sancho Panza too, which are enough
+to cure melancholy itself of the spleen. However, I promise to say
+nothing of the matter; though I confidently believe, sir, your pains
+will be to no purpose." Carrasco told him, that having succeeded so
+far, he was obliged to cherish better hopes; and asking Don Antonio if
+he had any farther service to command him, he took his leave; and
+packing up his armour on a carriage-mule, presently mounted his
+charging horse, and leaving the city that very day, posted homewards,
+meeting no adventure on the road worthy a place in this faithful
+history.
+
+Don Antonio gave an account of the discourse he had had with Carrasco
+to the viceroy, who was vexed to think that so much pleasant diversion
+was like to be lost to all those that were acquainted with the Don's
+exploits.
+
+Six days did Don Quixote keep his bed, very dejected, and full of
+severe and dismal reflections on his fatal overthrow. Sancho was his
+comforter; and among his other crumbs of comfort, "My dear master,"
+quoth he, "cheer up; come, pluck up a good heart, and be thankful for
+coming off no worse. Why, a man has broken his neck with a less fall,
+and you have not so much as a broken rib. Consider, sir, that they
+that game must sometimes lose; we must not always look for bacon where
+we see the hooks. Come, sir, cry a fig for the doctor, since you will
+not need him this bout; let us jog home fair and softly, without
+thinking any more of sauntering up and down, nobody knows whither, in
+quest of adventures and bloody noses. Why, sir, I am the greatest
+loser, if you go to that, though it is you that are in the worst
+pickle. It is true, I was weary of being a governor, and gave over
+all thoughts that way; but yet I never parted with my inclination of
+being an earl; and now, if you miss being a king, by casting off your
+knight-errantry, poor I may go whistle for my earldom." "No more of
+that, Sancho," said Don Quixote; "I shall only retire for a year, and
+then reassume my honourable profession, which will undoubtedly secure
+me a kingdom, and thee an earldom." "Heaven grant it may," quoth
+Sancho, "and no mischief betide us; hope well and have well, says the
+proverb."
+
+Two days after, Don Quixote, being somewhat recovered, took his leave
+of Don Antonio, and having caused his armour to be laid on Dapple, he
+set forwards on his journey home, Sancho thus being forced to trudge
+after him on foot.
+
+Don Quixote, as he went out of Barcelona, cast his eyes on the spot of
+ground where he was overthrown. "Here once Troy stood," said he; "here
+my unhappy fate, and not my cowardice, deprived me of all the glories
+I had purchased. Here fortune, by an unexpected reverse, made me
+sensible of her inconstancy and fickleness. Here my exploits suffered
+a total eclipse; and in short, here fell my happiness, never to rise
+again." Sancho, hearing his master thus dolefully paraphrasing on his
+misfortunes, "Good sir," quoth he, "it is as much the part of great
+spirits to have patience when the world frowns upon them, as to be
+joyful when all goes well; and I judge of it by myself; for if when I
+was a governor I was merry, now I am but a poor squire a-foot I am not
+sad. And indeed I have heard say, that this same lady they call
+Fortune is a whimsical, freakish quean, and blind into the bargain; so
+that she neither sees what she does, nor knows whom she raises nor
+whom she casts down." "Thou art very much a philosopher, Sancho," said
+Don Quixote; "thou talkest very sensibly. I wonder how thou camest by
+all this; but I must tell thee there is no such thing as fortune in
+the world, nor does any thing that happens here below of good or ill
+come by chance, but by the appointment of Providence; and this makes
+good the proverb, that every man may thank himself for his own
+fortune. For my part, I have been the maker of mine; but for want of
+using the discretion I ought to have used, all my presumptuous edifice
+sunk, and tumbled down at once. I might well have considered that
+Rozinante was too weak and feeble to withstand the Knight of the White
+Moon's huge and strong-built horse. However, I would needs adventure:
+I did the best I could, and was overcome. Yet though it has cost me my
+honour, I have not lost, nor can I lose, my integrity to perform my
+promise. Trudge on then, friend Sancho, and let us get home, to pass
+the year of our probation. In that retirement we shall recover new
+vigour, to return again to the never-to-be-forgotten profession of
+arms."
+
+That night master and man took up their lodging in a field, under the
+roof of the open sky; and the next day, as they were on their journey,
+they saw coming towards them a man on foot, with a wallet about his
+neck, and a javelin or dart in his hand, just like a foot-post. The
+man mended his pace when he came near Don Quixote, and, almost
+running, came with a great deal of joy in his looks, and embraced Don
+Quixote's right thigh, for he could reach no higher. "My Lord Don
+Quixote de la Mancha," cried he, "oh, how heartily glad my lord duke
+will be when he understands you are coming again to his castle, for
+there he is still with my lady duchess." "I do not know you, friend,"
+answered Don Quixote; "nor can I imagine who you should be, unless you
+tell me yourself." "My name is Tosilos, if it please your honour; I am
+my lord duke's footman, the same who would not fight with you about
+Donna Rodriguez's daughter." "Bless me!" cried Don Quixote, "is it
+possible you should be the man whom those enemies of mine, the
+magicians, transformed into a lackey, to deprive me of the honour of
+that combat?" "Softly, good sir," replied the footman; "there was
+neither enchantment nor transformation in the case. I was as much a
+footman when I entered the lists as when I came out; and it was
+because I had a mind to marry the young gentlewoman that I refused to
+fight. But I was sadly disappointed; for, when you were gone, my lord
+duke had me soundly banged for not doing as he ordered me in that
+matter; and the upshot was this, Donna Rodriguez is packed away to
+seek her fortune, and the daughter is shut up in a nunnery. As for me,
+I am going to Barcelona with a parcel of letters from my lord to the
+viceroy. However, sir, if you please to take a sip, I have here a
+calabash full of the best, with some excellent cheese, that will make
+it go down, I warrant you." "I take you at your word," quoth Sancho;
+"I am no proud man; and so let us drink, honest Tosilos, in spite of
+all the enchanters in the Indies." "Well, Sancho," said Don Quixote,
+"thou art certainly the veriest glutton that ever was, and the
+silliest blockhead in the world, else thou wouldst consider that this
+man thou seest here is enchanted, and a sham lackey. Stay with him, if
+thou thinkest fit, and gratify thy voracious appetite; for my part, I
+will ride softly on before." Tosilos smiled, and, laying his bottle
+and his cheese upon the grass, he and Sancho sat down there, and, like
+sociable messmates, never stirred till they had quite cleared the
+wallet.
+
+While they were thus employed, "Friend Sancho," quoth Tosilos, "I know
+not what to make of this master of yours; doubtless he ought to be
+reckoned a madman." "Why ought?" replied Sancho; "he owes nothing to
+any body, for he pays for every thing, especially where madness is
+current; there he might be the richest man in the kingdom, he has such
+a stock of it. I see it full well, and full well I tell him of it; but
+what boots it, especially now that he is all in the dumps, for having
+been worsted by the Knight of the White Moon?" Tosilos begged of
+Sancho to tell him that story; but Sancho said it would not be
+handsome to let his master stay for him, but that next time they met
+he would tell him the whole matter. With that they got up; and, after
+the squire had brushed his clothes and put himself to rights, he drove
+Dapple along, and with a good-by-to-ye, left Tosilos, in order to
+overtake his master, who stayed for him under the cover of a tree.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XCIV.
+
+_How Don Quixote resolved to turn shepherd, and lead a rural life for
+the year's time he was obliged not to bear arms; with other passages
+truly good and diverting._
+
+
+They travelled on conversing together till they came near the place
+where the bulls had run over them; and Don Quixote knowing it again,
+"Sancho," said he, "yonder is that meadow where we met the fine
+shepherdesses, and the gallant shepherds, who had a mind to renew or
+imitate the pastoral Arcadia. It was certainly a new and ingenious
+conceit. If thou thinkest well of it, we will follow their example,
+and turn shepherds too, at least for the time I am to lay aside the
+profession of arms. I will buy a flock of sheep, and every thing that
+is fit for a pastoral life; and so calling myself the shepherd
+Quixotis, and thee the shepherd Pansino, we will range the woods, the
+hills, and meadows, singing and versifying. We will drink the liquid
+crystal, sometimes out of the fountains, and sometimes from the
+purling brooks and swift-gliding streams. The oaks, the cork-trees,
+and chestnut-trees, will afford us both lodging and diet, the willows
+will yield us their shade, the roses present us their inoffensive
+sweets, and the spacious meads will be our carpets, diversified with
+colours of all sorts; blessed with the purest air, and unconfined
+alike, we shall breathe that, and freedom. The moon and stars, our
+tapers of the night, shall light our evening walks. Light hearts will
+make us merry, and mirth will make us sing. Love will inspire us with
+a theme and with wit, and Apollo with harmonious lays. So shall we
+become famous, not only while we live, but we shall make our loves
+eternal as our songs."
+
+"Sure enough," quoth Sancho, "this sort of life suits me to a hair;
+and I fancy that, if the bachelor Sampson Carrasco and Master Nicholas
+have but once a glimpse of it, they will even turn shepherds too; nay,
+it is well if the curate does not put in for one among the rest, for
+he is a notable joker, and merrily inclined." "That was well thought
+on," said Don Quixote; "and then, if the bachelor will make one among
+us, as I doubt not but he will, he may call himself the shepherd
+Samsonino, or Carrascon; and Master Nicholas, Niculoso. For the
+curate, I do not well know what name we shall give him, unless we
+should call him the shepherd Curiambro. As for the shepherdesses with
+whom we must fall in love, we cannot be at a loss to find them names,
+there are enough for us to pick and choose; and, since my lady's name
+is not improper for a shepherdess, any more than for a princess, I
+will not trouble myself to get a better; thou mayest call thine as
+thou pleasest." "For my part," quoth Sancho, "I do not think of any
+other name for mine than Teresona; that will fit her full well, and is
+taken from her Christian name too. So, when I come to mention her in
+my verses, every body will know her to be my wife, and commend my
+honesty as being contented with my own." "Bless me," said Don Quixote,
+"what a life shall we lead! What a melody of oaten reeds and Zamora
+pipes shall we have resounding in the air! what intermixture of
+tabors, morrice-bells, and fiddles! And if to all the different
+instruments we add the albogues, we shall have all manner of pastoral
+music." "What are the albogues?" quoth Sancho; "for I do not remember
+to have seen or ever heard of them in my life."
+
+"They are," said Don Quixote, "a sort of instruments made of brass
+plates, rounded like candlesticks: the one shutting into the other,
+there rises, through the holes or stops, and the trunk or hollow, an
+odd sound, which, if not very grateful or harmonious, is, however, not
+altogether disagreeable, but does well enough with the rusticity of
+the bagpipe or tabor. You must know the word is Moorish, as indeed are
+all those in our Spanish that begin with _al_, as Almoasa, Almorsar,
+Alhombra, Alguasil, Alucema, Almacen, Alcanzia, and the like, which
+are not very many. And we have also but three Moorish words in our
+tongue that end in _i_; and they are, Borcequi, Zaquicami, and
+Maravedi; for, as to Alheli and Alfaqui, they are as well known to be
+Arabic by their beginning with _al_, as their ending in _i_. I could
+not forbear telling thee so much by the by, thy query about albogue
+having brought it into my head. There is one thing more that will go a
+great way towards making us complete in our new kind of life, and that
+is poetry. Thou knowest I am somewhat given that way, and the bachelor
+Carrasco is a most accomplished poet, to say nothing of the curate,
+though I will hold a wager he is a dabbler in it too; and so is Master
+Nicholas, I dare say; for all your barbers are notable scrapers and
+songsters. For my part, I will complain of absence; thou shalt
+celebrate thy own loyalty and constancy; the shepherd Carrascon shall
+expostulate on his shepherdess's disdain; and the pastor Curiambro
+choose what subject he likes best; and so all will be managed to our
+heart's content. But no more at this time--it grows late--let us leave
+the road a little, and take up our quarters yonder in the fields;
+to-morrow will be a new day." They did accordingly, and made a
+slender meal, as little to Sancho's liking as his hard lodging; which
+brought the hardships of knight-erranting fresh into his thoughts, and
+made him wish for the better entertainment he had sometimes found, as
+at Don Diego's, Camacho's, and Don Antonio's houses. But he
+considered, after all, that it could not be always fair weather, nor
+was it always foul; so he betook himself to his rest till morning, and
+his master to the usual exercise of his roving imaginations.
+
+Don Quixote, after his first sleep, thought nature sufficiently
+refreshed, and would not yield to the temptations of a second. Sancho,
+indeed, did not enjoy a second, but from a different reason. For he
+usually made but one nap of the whole night; which was owing to the
+soundness of his constitution, and his inexperience of cares, that lay
+so heavy upon Don Quixote.
+
+"Sancho," said the knight, after he had pulled the squire till he had
+waked him too, "I am amazed at the insensibility of thy temper. Thou
+art certainly made of marble or brass, thou liest so without either
+motion or feeling. Thou sleepest while I wake; thou singest while I
+mourn; and while I am ready to faint for want of sustenance, thou art
+lazy and unwieldy with mere gluttony. It is the part of a good servant
+to share in the afflictions of his master. Observe the stillness of
+the night, and the solitary place we are in. It is a pity such an
+opportunity should be lost in sloth and inactive rest; rouse for
+shame, step a little aside, and with a good grace and a cheerful
+heart, score me up some three or four hundred lashes upon thy back,
+towards the disenchanting of Dulcinea. This I make my earnest request,
+being resolved never to be rough with thee again upon this account;
+for I must confess thou canst lay a heavy hand on a man upon occasion.
+When that performance is over, we will pass the remainder of the night
+in chanting, I of absence, and thou of constancy, and so begin those
+pastoral exercises which are to be our employment at home."
+
+"Sir," answered Sancho, "do you take me for a monk or a friar, that I
+should start up in the middle of the night, and discipline myself at this
+rate? Or do you think it such an easy matter to scourge myself one
+moment, and fall a-singing the next? Look you, sir; say not a word more
+of this whipping; if the bare brushing of my coat would do you any good,
+you should not have it, much less the currying of my hide; and so let me
+go to sleep again." "O obdurate heart!" cried Don Quixote; "O nourishment
+and favours ill bestowed! Is this my reward for having got thee a
+government, and my good intentions to get thee an earldom, or an
+equivalent at least, which I dare engage to do when this year of our
+obscurity is elapsed? for, in short, _post tenebras spero lucem_." "That
+I do not understand," quoth Sancho; "but this I very well know, that I
+have worst luck of any physician under the cope of heaven; other doctors
+kill their patients, and are paid for it too, and yet they are at no
+further trouble than scrawling two or three cramp words for some physical
+slip-slop, which the apothecaries are at all the pains to make up. Now
+here am I, that save people from the grave, at the expense of my own
+hide, pinched, run through with pins, and whipped like a top, and yet
+never a cross I get by the bargain. But if ever they catch me a-curing
+any body in this fashion, unless I have my fee beforehand, may I be
+served as I have been, for nothing. No money, no cure, say I." "You are
+right, Sancho," said Don Quixote; "for my part, had you demanded your
+fees for disenchanting Dulcinea, you should have received them already;
+but I am afraid there can be no gratuity proportionable to the greatness
+of the cure; and therefore I would not have the remedy depend upon a
+reward; for who knows whether my proffering it, or thy acceptance of it,
+might hinder the effect of the penance? However, since we have gone so
+far, we will put it to a trial: come, Sancho, name your price, and begin.
+First scourge yourself, then pay yourself out of the money of mine that
+you have in your custody." Sancho, opening his eyes and ears above a foot
+wide at this fair offer, leaped presently at the proposal. "Ay, ay, sir,
+now, now you say something," quoth he; "I will do it with a jerk now,
+since you speak so feelingly: I have a wife and children to maintain,
+sir, and I must mind the main chance. Come, then, how much will you give
+me by the lash?" "Were your payment," said Don Quixote, "to be answerable
+to the greatness and merits of the cure, not all the wealth of Venice,
+nor the Indian mines, were sufficient to reward thee. But see what cash
+you have of mine in your hands, and set what price you will on every
+stripe." "The lashes," quoth Sancho, "are in all three thousand three
+hundred and odd, of which I have had five; the rest are to come. Let
+these five go for the odd ones, and let us come to the three thousand
+three hundred. At a quartillo, or three halfpence a-piece (and I will not
+bate a farthing, if it were to my brother), they will make three thousand
+three hundred three-halfpences. Three thousand three-halfpences make
+fifteen hundred threepences, which amounts to seven hundred and fifty
+reals or sixpences. Now the three hundred remaining three-halfpences make
+an hundred and fifty threepences, and threescore and fifteen sixpences;
+put that together, and it comes just to eight hundred and twenty-five
+reals, or sixpences, to a farthing. This money, sir, if you please, I
+will deduct from yours that I have in my hands; and then I will reckon
+myself well paid for my jerking, and go home well pleased, though well
+whipped. But that is nothing; for he must not think to catch fish who is
+afraid to wet his feet. I need say no more." "Now blessings on thy heart,
+dearest Sancho!" cried Don Quixote; "O my friend, how shall Dulcinea and
+I be bound to pray for thee, and serve thee while it shall please Heaven
+to continue us on earth! If she recover her former shape and beauty, as
+now she infallibly must, her misfortune will turn to her felicity, and I
+shall triumph in my defeat. Speak, dear Sancho; when wilt thou enter upon
+thy task? and a hundred reals more shall be at thy service, as a gratuity
+for thy being expeditious." "I will begin this very night," answered
+Sancho; "do you but order it so that we may lie in the fields, and you
+shall see how I will lay about me."
+
+Don Quixote longed for night so impatiently, that, like all eager
+expecting lovers, he fancied Phoebus had broken his chariot-wheels,
+which made the day of so unusual a length; but at last it grew dark,
+and they went out of the road into a shady wood, where they both
+alighted, and, being sat down upon the grass, they went to supper upon
+such provisions as Sancho's wallet afforded.
+
+And now having satisfied himself, he thought it time to satisfy his
+master, and earn his money. To which purpose he made himself a whip of
+Dapple's halter; and having stripped himself to the waist, retired
+farther up into the wood at a small distance from his master. Don
+Quixote, observing his readiness and resolution, could not forbear
+calling after him; "Dear Sancho," cried he, "be not too cruel to
+thyself neither; have a care, do not hack thyself to pieces: make no
+more haste than good speed; go gently to work, soft and fair goes
+farthest; I mean, I would not have thee kill thyself before thou
+gettest to the end of the tally; and that the reckoning may be fair on
+both sides, I will stand at a distance and keep an account of the
+strokes by the help of my beads; and so Heaven prosper thy pious
+undertaking!" "He is an honest man," quoth Sancho, "who pays to a
+farthing; I only mean to give myself a handsome whipping; for do not
+think I need kill myself to work miracles." With that he began to
+exercise the instrument of punishment, and Don Quixote to tell the
+strokes. But by the time Sancho had struck seven or eight lashes, he
+felt the jest bite so smartly, that he began to repent him of his
+bargain. Whereupon, after a short pause, he called to his master, and
+told him that he would be off with him; for such lashes as these were
+modestly worth threepence a-piece of any man's money; and truly he
+could not afford to go on at three-halfpence a lash. "Go on, friend
+Sancho," answered Don Quixote; "take courage and proceed; I will
+double thy pay, if that be all." "Say you so?" quoth Sancho; "then
+have at all. I will lay it on thick and threefold. Do but listen."
+With that, slap went the scourge; but the cunning knave left
+persecuting his own skin, and fell foul of the trees, fetching such
+dismal groans every now and then, that one would have thought he had
+been dying. Don Quixote, who was naturally tender-hearted, fearing he
+might make an end of himself before he could finish his penance, and
+so disappoint the happy effects of it: "Hold," cried he, "hold, my
+friend; as thou lovest thy life, hold, I conjure thee: no more at this
+time. This seems to be a very sharp sort of physic. Therefore, pray do
+not take it all at once, make two doses of it. Come, come, all in good
+time; Rome was not built in a day. If I have told right, thou hast
+given thyself above a thousand stripes; that is enough for one
+beating; for, to use a homely phrase, the ass will carry his load, but
+not a double load; ride not a free horse to death." "No, no," quoth
+Sancho, "it shall never be said of me, the eaten bread is forgotten;
+or that I thought it working for a dead horse, because I am paid
+beforehand. Therefore stand off, I beseech you; get out of the reach
+of my whip, and let me lay on the other thousand, and then the back of
+the work will be broken: such another flogging bout, and the job will
+be over." "Since thou art in the humour," replied Don Quixote, "I will
+withdraw, and Heaven strengthen and reward thee!" With that, Sancho
+fell to work afresh, and beginning upon a new score, he lashed the
+trees at so unconscionable a rate, that he fetched off their skins
+most unmercifully. At length, raising his voice, seemingly resolved to
+give himself a settling blow, he lets drive at a beech-tree with might
+and main: "There!" cried he, "down with thee Samson, and all that are
+about thee!" This dismal cry, with the sound of the dreadful strokes
+that attended it, made Don Quixote run presently to his squire, and
+laying fast hold on the halter, "Hold," cried he, "friend Sancho, stay
+the fury of thy arm. Dost thou think I will have thy death, and the
+ruin of thy wife and children to be laid at my door? Forbid it, Fate!
+Let Dulcinea stay a while, till a better opportunity offer itself. I
+myself will be contented to live in hopes, that when thou hast
+recovered new strength, the business may be accomplished to every
+body's satisfaction." "Well, sir," quoth Sancho, "if it be your
+worship's will and pleasure it should be so, so let it be, quoth I.
+But, for goodness' sake, do so much as throw your cloak over my
+shoulders, for I have no mind to catch cold: we novices are somewhat
+in danger of that when we first undergo the discipline of flogging."
+With that Don Quixote took off his cloak from his own shoulders, and
+putting it over those of Sancho, chose to remain in his doublet; and
+the crafty squire, being lapped up warm, fell fast asleep, and never
+stirred till the sun waked him.
+
+In the morning they went on their journey, and after three hours'
+riding alighted at an inn; for it was allowed by Don Quixote himself
+to be an inn, and not a castle, with moats, towers, portcullises, and
+drawbridges, as he commonly fancied; for now the knight was mightily
+off the romantic pin to what he used to be, as shall be shewn
+presently at large. He was lodged in a ground-room, which, instead of
+tapestry, was hung with a coarse painted stuff, such as is often seen
+in villages. One of the pieces had the story of Helen of Troy, when
+Paris stole her away from her husband Menelaus; but scrawled out after
+a bungling rate by some wretched dauber or other. Another had the
+story of Dido and Æneas--the lady on the top of a turret, waving a
+sheet to her fugitive guest, who was in a ship at sea, crowding all
+the sail he could to get from her. Don Quixote made this observation
+upon the two stories, that Helen was not at all displeased at the
+force put upon her, but rather smiled upon her lover; whereas, on the
+other side, the fair Dido shewed her grief by her tears, which,
+because they should be seen, the painter had made as big as walnuts.
+"How unfortunate," said Don Quixote, "were these two ladies, that they
+lived not in this age; or rather, how much more unhappy am I, for not
+having lived in theirs! I would have met and stopped those gentlemen,
+and saved both Troy and Carthage from destruction; nay, by the death
+of Paris alone, all these miseries had been prevented." "I will lay
+you a wager," quoth Sancho, "that before we be much older, there will
+not be an inn, a hedge-tavern, a blind victualling-house, nor a
+barber's shop in the country, but will have the story of our lives and
+deeds pasted and painted along the walls. But I could wish with all my
+heart, though, that they may be done by a better hand than the
+bungling fellow that drew these." "Thou art in the right, Sancho; for
+the fellow that drew these puts me in mind of Orbaneja, the painter of
+Uveda, who, as he sat at work, being asked what he was about, made
+answer, any thing that comes uppermost; and if he chanced to draw a
+cock, he underwrote, This is a cock, lest the people should take it
+for a fox. Just such a one was he that painted, or that wrote (for
+they are much the same) the history of this new Don Quixote that has
+lately peeped out, and ventured to go a-strolling; for his painting or
+writing is all at random, and any thing that comes uppermost. But to
+come to our own affairs. Hast thou an inclination to have the other
+brush to-night? what think you of a warm house? would it not do better
+for that service than the open air?"
+
+"Why, truly," quoth Sancho, "a whipping is but a whipping, either
+abroad or within doors; and I could like a close warm place well
+enough, so it were among trees; for I love trees hugely, do you see;
+methinks they bear me company, and have a sort of fellow-feeling of my
+sufferings." "Now I think on it," said Don Quixote, "it shall not be
+to-night, honest Sancho; you shall have more time to recover, and we
+will let the rest alone till we get home; it will not be above two
+days at most." "Even as your worship pleases," answered Sancho; "but
+if I might have my will, it were best making an end of the job, now my
+hand is in and my blood up. There is nothing like striking while the
+iron is hot; for delay breeds danger. It is best grinding at the mill
+before the water is past. Ever take while you may have it. A bird in
+hand is worth two in the bush." "Now good Sancho," cried Don Quixote,
+"let alone thy proverbs; if once thou beginnest, I must give thee
+over. Canst thou not speak as other folks do, and not after such a
+tedious, round-about manner? How often have I told thee of this? Mind
+what I tell you; I am sure you will be the better for it." "It is an
+unlucky trick I have got," replied Sancho; "I cannot bring you in
+three words to the purpose without a proverb, nor bring you any
+proverb but what I think to the purpose; but I will mend, if I can."
+And so they went on direct towards their own village.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XCV.
+
+_Of the ominous accidents that crossed Don Quixote as he entered his
+village; with other transactions that illustrate and adorn this
+memorable history._
+
+
+When they were entering the village, Don Quixote observed two little
+boys contesting together in an adjoining field; and one said to the
+other, "Never fret thy gizzard about it: for thou shalt never see her
+whilst thou hast breath in thy body." Don Quixote overhearing this,
+"Sancho," said he, "did you mind the boy's words, Thou shalt never see
+her while thou hast breath in thy body?" "Well," answered Sancho, "and
+what is the great business, though the boy did say so?" "How!" replied
+Don Quixote, "dost thou not perceive that, applying the words to my
+affairs, they plainly imply that I shall never see my Dulcinea?"
+Sancho was about to answer again, but was hindered by a full cry of
+hounds and horsemen pursuing a hare, which was put so hard to her
+shifts that she came and squatted down for shelter just at Dapple's
+feet. Immediately Sancho laid hold of her without difficulty, and
+presented her to Don Quixote; but he, with a dejected look, refusing
+the present, cried out aloud, "An ill omen--an ill omen; a hare runs
+away, hounds pursue her, and Dulcinea appears not!" "You are a strange
+man," quoth Sancho, "to regard such trumperies; nay, I have heard you
+yourself, my dear master, say that all such Christians as troubled
+their heads with these fortune-telling follies were neither better nor
+worse than downright numskulls; so let us even leave these things as
+we found them, and get home as fast as we can."
+
+By this time the sportsmen were come up, and demanding their game, Don
+Quixote delivered them their hare. They passed on, and just at their
+coming into the town they perceived the curate and the bachelor
+Carrasco, repeating their breviary in a small field adjoining. The
+curate and the bachelor, presently knowing their old friends, ran to
+meet them with open arms; and while Don Quixote alighted and returned
+their embraces, the boys, who are ever so quick-sighted that nothing
+can escape their eyes, presently spying the ass, came running and
+flocking about them: "Oh!" cried they to one another, "look you here,
+boys; here is Gaffer Sancho Panza's ass as fine as a lady; and Don
+Quixote's beast leaner than ever!" With that, they ran whooping and
+hollowing about them through the town; while the two adventurers,
+attended by the curate and the bachelor, moved towards Don Quixote's
+house, where they were received at the door by his housekeeper and his
+niece, who had already got notice of their arrival. The news having
+also reached Teresa Panza, Sancho's wife, she came running half naked,
+with her hair about her ears, to see him; leading by the hand all the
+way her daughter Sanchica, who hardly wanted to be tugged along. But
+when she found that her husband looked a little short of the state of
+a governor, "Mercy on me!" quoth she, "what is the meaning of this,
+husband? You look as though you had come all the way on foot, and
+tired off your legs too! Why, you come liker a shark than a governor."
+"Mum, Teresa," quoth Sancho; "it is not all gold that glisters; and
+every man was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth. First let us
+go home, and then I will tell thee wonders. I have taken care of the
+main chance. Money I have, and I came honestly by it, without wronging
+any body." "Hast got money, old boy? Nay, then, it is well enough, no
+matter which way; let it come by hook or by crook, it is but what your
+betters have done before you." At the same time Sanchica, hugging her
+father, asked him what he had brought her home; for she had gaped for
+him as the flowers do for the dew in May. Thus Sancho, leading Dapple
+by the halter on one side, his wife taking him by the arm on the
+other, away they went together to his cottage, leaving Don Quixote at
+his own house, under the care of his niece and housekeeper, with the
+curate and bachelor to keep him company.
+
+Don Quixote took the two last aside at once, and, without mincing the
+matter, gave them an account of his defeat, and the obligation he lay
+under of being confined to his village for a year, which, like a true
+knight-errant, he was resolved punctually to observe. He added, that
+he intended to pass that interval of time in the innocent functions of
+a pastoral life; and therefore he would immediately commence shepherd,
+and entertain himself solitarily in fields and woods; and begged, if
+business of greater importance were not an obstruction, that they
+would both please to be his companions, assuring them he would furnish
+them with such a number of sheep as might entitle them to such a
+profession. He also told them that he had already in a manner fitted
+them for the undertaking; for he had provided them all with names the
+most pastoral in the world.
+
+They were struck with amazement at this new strain of folly; but
+considering it might be a means of keeping him at home, and hoping at
+the same time that, within the year, he might be cured of his
+knight-errantry, they came into his pastoral scheme, and, greatly
+applauding it, freely offered their company in the design. "We shall
+live the most pleasant life imaginable," said Samson Carrasco; "for,
+as every body knows, I am a most celebrated poet, and I will write
+pastorals in abundance. Sometimes, too, I may raise my strain, as
+occasion offers, to divert us as we range the groves and plains. But
+one thing, gentlemen, we must not forget: it is absolutely necessary
+that each of us choose a name for the shepherdess he means to
+celebrate in his lays; nor must we forget the ceremony used by the
+shepherds, of writing, carving, notching, or engraving on every tree
+the names of such shepherdesses, though the bark be ever so hard."
+"You are very much in the right," replied Don Quixote; "though, for my
+part, I need not be at the trouble of devising a name for any
+imaginary shepherdess, being already captivated by the peerless
+Dulcinea del Toboso--the nymph of these streams, the ornament of these
+meads, the primrose of beauty, the cream of gentleness, and, in short,
+the proper subject of all the praises that hyperbolical eloquence can
+bestow." "We grant all this," said the curate; "but we, who cannot
+pretend to such perfections, must make it our business to find out
+some shepherdesses of a lower stamp, and be content." "We shall find
+enough, I will warrant you," replied Carrasco; "and though we meet
+with none, yet will we give those very names we find in books--such as
+Phyllis, Amaryllis, Chloe, Diana, Florinda, Chloris, Galatea, and a
+thousand more, which are to be disposed of publicly in the open
+market; and when we have purchased them, they are our own. Besides, if
+my shepherdess be called Anne, I will name her in my verses Anarda; if
+Frances, I will call her Francenia; and if Lucy be her name, then
+Lucinda shall be my shepherdess; and so forth. And, if Sancho Panza
+will make one of our fraternity, he may celebrate his wife Teresa by
+the name of Teresania." Don Quixote could not forbear smiling at the
+turn given to that name. The curate again applauded his laudable
+resolution, and repeated his offer of bearing him company all the time
+that his other employment would allow him; and then they took their
+leave, giving him all the good advice that they thought might conduce
+to his health and welfare.
+
+No sooner were the curate and the bachelor gone, than the housekeeper and
+niece, who, according to custom, had been listening to all their
+discourse, came both upon Don Quixote. "Bless me, uncle," cried the
+niece, "what is here to do! What new maggot is got into your head! When
+we thought you were come to stay at home, and live like a sober, honest
+gentleman in your own house, are you hankering after new inventions, and
+running a wool-gathering after sheep, forsooth? By my troth, sir, you
+are somewhat of the latest. The corn is too old to make oaten pipes of."
+"Ah! sir," quoth the housekeeper, "how will your worship be able to
+endure the summer's sun and the winter's frost in the open fields? And
+then the howlings of the wolves, Heaven bless us! Pray, good sir, do not
+think of it; it is a business fit for nobody but those that are bred and
+born to it, and as strong as horses. Let the worst come to the worst,
+better be a knight-errant still than a keeper of sheep. Be ruled by me;
+stay at home, look after your concerns, go often to confession, do good
+to the poor; and, if aught goes ill with you, let it lie at my door."
+"Good girls," said Don Quixote, "hold your prating: I know best what I
+have to do. Do not trouble your heads; whether I be a knight-errant or an
+errant-shepherd, you shall always find that I will provide for you."
+
+The niece and maid, who, without doubt, were good-natured creatures,
+made no answer, but brought him something to eat, and tended him with
+all imaginable care.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XCVI.
+
+_How Don Quixote fell sick, made his last will, and died._
+
+
+As all human things, especially the lives of men, are transitory,
+their very beginnings being but steps to their dissolution; so Don
+Quixote, who was no way exempted from the common fate, was snatched
+away by death when he least expected it. He was seized with a violent
+fever that confined him to his bed for six days, during all which time
+his good friends, the curate, bachelor, and barber, came often to see
+him, and his trusty squire Sancho Panza never stirred from his
+bed-side.
+
+They conjectured that his sickness proceeded only from the regret of
+his defeat, and his being disappointed of Dulcinea's disenchantment;
+and accordingly they left nothing unessayed to divert him. The
+bachelor begged him to pluck up a good heart, and rise, that they
+might begin their pastoral life; telling him, that he had already
+written an eclogue to that purpose, not inferior to those of Sanazaro;
+and that he had bought, with his own money, of a shepherd of
+Quintanar, two famous dogs to watch their flock, the one called
+Barcino, and the other Butron; but this had no effect on Don Quixote,
+for he still continued dejected. A physician was sent for, who, upon
+feeling his pulse, did not very well like it; and therefore desired
+him of all things to provide for his soul's health, for that of his
+body was in a dangerous condition. Don Quixote heard this with much
+more temper than those about him; for his niece, his housekeeper, and
+his squire, fell a weeping as bitterly as if he had been laid out
+already. The physician was of opinion that mere melancholy and
+vexation had brought him to his approaching end. Don Quixote desired
+them to leave him a little, because he found himself inclined to rest;
+they retired, and he had a hearty sleep of about six hours, which the
+maid and niece were afraid had been his last.
+
+At length he awaked, and, with a loud voice, "Praised be the
+Almighty," cried he, "for this great benefit he has vouchsafed to me!"
+The niece, hearkening very attentively to these words of her uncle,
+and finding more sense in them than there was in his usual talk, at
+least since he had fallen ill; "What do you say, sir?" said she; "has
+any thing extraordinary happened? What mercies are these you mention?"
+"Mercies," answered he, "that Heaven has this moment vouchsafed to
+shew me, in spite of all my iniquities. My judgment is returned, clear
+and undisturbed, and that cloud of ignorance is now removed which the
+continual reading of those books of knight-errantry had cast over my
+understanding. I am only sorry the discovery happens so late, when I
+want time to make amends by those studies that should enlighten my
+soul, and prepare me for futurity. I find, niece, my end approaches;
+but I would have it such, that though my life has got me the character
+of a madman, I may deserve a better at my death. Dear child,"
+continued he, "send for my honest friend the curate, the bachelor
+Carrasco, and Master Nicholas the barber; for I intend to make my
+confession and my will." His niece was saved the trouble of sending,
+for presently they all three came in; which Don Quixote perceiving,
+"My good friends," said he, "I have happy news to tell you; I am no
+longer Don Quixote de la Mancha, but Alonzo Quixano, the same whom the
+world, for his fair behaviour, has been formerly pleased to call _the
+Good_. I now declare myself an enemy to Amadis de Gaul, and his whole
+generation; all foolish stories of knight-errantry I detest. I have a
+true sense of the danger of reading them, and of all my past follies;
+and, through Heaven's mercy and my own experience, I abhor them." His
+three friends were not a little surprised to hear him talk at this
+rate, and concluded some new frenzy had possessed him. "What now?"
+said Samson to him: "what is all this to the purpose, Sigñor Don
+Quixote? We have just had the news that the Lady Dulcinea is
+disenchanted; and now we are upon the point of turning shepherds, to
+sing, and live like princes, you are dwindled down to a hermit!"
+
+"No more of that, I beseech you," replied Don Quixote; "all the use I
+shall make of these follies at present is to heighten my repentance;
+and though they have hitherto proved prejudicial, yet, by the
+assistance of Heaven, they may turn to my advantage at my death: I
+find it comes fast upon me; therefore, pray, gentlemen, let us be
+serious. I want a priest to receive my confession, and a scrivener to
+draw up my will. There is no trifling at a time like this; and
+therefore, pray let the scrivener be sent for, while Mr. Curate
+prepares me by confession."
+
+Don Quixote's words put them all into such wonder, that they stood
+gazing upon one another; they thought they had reason to doubt of the
+return of his understanding, and yet they could not help believing
+him. They were also apprehensive he was near the point of death,
+considering the sudden recovery of his intellects; and he delivered
+himself after that with so much sense, discretion, and piety, and
+shewed himself so resigned to the will of Heaven, that they made no
+scruple to believe him restored to his perfect judgment at last. The
+curate thereupon cleared the room of all the company but himself and
+Don Quixote, and then confessed him. In the meantime the bachelor ran
+for the scrivener, and presently brought him with him; and Sancho
+Panza, being informed by the bachelor how ill his master was, and
+finding his niece and housekeeper all in tears, began to make a sad
+face and fall a-crying. The curate, having heard the sick man's
+confession, came out and told them that the good Alonzo Quixano was
+very near his end, and certainly in his senses; and therefore they had
+best go in that he might make his will. These dismal tidings opened
+the sluices of the housekeeper's, the niece's, and the good squire's
+swollen eyes, so that a whole inundation of tears burst out of those
+flood-gates, and a thousand sighs from their hearts; for, indeed,
+either as Alonzo Quixano, or as Don Quixote de la Mancha, as it has
+been observed, the sick gentleman had always shewed himself such a
+good-natured man, and of so agreeable a behaviour, that he was not
+only beloved by his family, but by every one that knew him.
+
+The scrivener, with the rest of the company, then went into the
+chamber; and the preamble and former part of the will being drawn, and
+the testator having recommended his soul to Heaven and bequeathed his
+body to the earth, according to custom, he came to the legacies, as
+follows:
+
+"Item, I give and bequeath to Sancho Panza, whom in my madness I made
+my squire, whatever money he has or may have of mine in his hands: and
+whereas there are reckonings and accounts to be adjusted between us,
+for what he has received and disbursed, my will and pleasure is, that
+whatever may remain due to me, which can be but small, be enjoyed by
+him as my free gift, without any let or molestation; and much good may
+it do him. And as he was, through my means, made governor of an
+island, I would now, in my right senses, give him the government of a
+kingdom, were it in my power, in consideration of his integrity and
+faithfulness. And now, my friend," said he, turning to Sancho, "pardon
+me that I have brought upon thee, as well as myself, the scandal of
+madness, by drawing thee into my own errors, and persuading thee that
+there have been and still are knights-errant in the world." "Woe's me,
+my dear master's worship!" cried Sancho, all in tears, "do not die
+this time, but even take my counsel, and live on many years. For
+shame, sir, do not give way to sluggishness, but get out of your
+doleful dumps, and rise. Is this a time to lie groaning a-bed, when we
+should be in the fields, in our shepherds' clothing, as we had
+resolved? Ten to one but behind some bush, or under some hedge, we may
+find the Lady Madam Dulcinea, stript of her enchanted rags, and as
+fine as a queen. Mayhaps you take it to heart that you were unhorsed
+and a little crupper-scratched the other day; but if that be all, lay
+the blame upon me, and say it was my fault in not girting Rozinante
+tight enough. You know, too, there is nothing more common in your
+errantry-books than for the knights to be every foot jostled out of
+the saddle. There is nothing but ups and downs in this world, and he
+that is down to-day may be up to-morrow." "Even so," said Samson,
+"honest Sancho has a right notion of the matter." "Soft and fair,
+gentlemen," replied Don Quixote; "never look for birds of this year in
+the nests of the last: I was mad, but now I am in my right senses; I
+was once Don Quixote de la Mancha, but I am now (as I said before) the
+plain Alonzo Quixano; and I hope the sincerity of my words, and my
+repentance, may restore me to the same esteem you have had for me
+before; and so, Mr. Scrivener, pray go on."
+
+"Item, I constitute and appoint Antonia Quixano, my niece here
+present, sole heiress of all my estate, real and personal, after all
+my just debts and legacies, bequeathed by these presents, shall have
+been paid, satisfied, and deducted, out of the best of my goods and
+chattels; and the first of that kind to be discharged shall be the
+salary due to my housekeeper, together with twenty ducats over and
+above her wages; which said sum I leave and bequeath her to buy her
+mourning.
+
+"Item, I appoint Mr. Curate, and Mr. Samson Carrasco, the bachelor,
+here present, to be the executors of this my last will and testament.
+
+"Item, It is my will, that if my niece Antonia Quixano be inclinable
+to marry, it be with none but a person who, upon strict inquiry, shall
+be found never to have read a book of knight-errantry in his life; and
+in case it appears that he has been conversant in such books, and that
+she persists in her resolution to marry him, she is then to forfeit
+all right and title to my bequest, which, in such a case, my executors
+are hereby empowered to dispose of to pious uses, as they shall think
+most proper."
+
+Having finished the will, he fell into a swooning fit. All the company
+were troubled and alarmed, and ran to his assistance. However he came
+to himself at last; but relapsed into the like fits almost every hour,
+for the space of three days that he lived after he had made his will.
+
+In short, Don Quixote's last day came, after he had made those
+preparations for death which good Christians ought to do; and, by many
+fresh and weighty arguments, shewed his abhorrence of books of
+knight-errantry. The scrivener, who was by, protested he had never
+read in any books of that kind of any knight-errant who ever died in
+his bed so quietly, and like a good Christian, as Don Quixote did.
+When the curate perceived that he was dead, he desired the scrivener
+to give him a certificate how Alonzo Quixano, commonly called _the
+Good_, and sometimes known by the name of Don Quixote de la Mancha,
+was departed out of this life into another, and died a natural death.
+This he desired, lest any other author but Cid Hamet Benengeli should
+take occasion to raise him from the dead, and presume to write endless
+histories of his pretended adventures.
+
+Thus died that ingenious gentleman, Don Quixote de la Mancha, whose
+native place Cid Hamet has not thought fit directly to mention, with
+design that all the towns and villages in La Mancha should contend for
+the honour of giving him birth, as the seven cities of Greece did for
+Homer. We shall omit Sancho's lamentations, and those of the niece and
+the housekeeper, as also several epitaphs that were made for his tomb,
+and will only give you this, which the bachelor Carrasco caused to be
+put over it:
+
+ The body of a knight lies here,
+ So brave, that, to his latest breath,
+ Immortal glory was his care,
+ And made him triumph over death.
+
+ Nor has his death the world deceived
+ Less than his wondrous life surprised;
+ For if he like a madman lived,
+ At least he like a wise one died.
+
+
+[Illustration: Finis.]
+
+
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+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The History of Don Quixote de la Mancha, by
+Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
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