DonQuixote，whenheheardthelamentandlearnedthecause，consoledSanchowiththebestargumentshecould，entreatinghimtobepatient，andpromisingtogivehimaletterofexchangeorderingthreeoutoffiveass-coltsthathehadathometobegiventohim。Sanchotookcomfortatthis，driedhistears，suppressedhissobs，andreturnedthanksforthekindnessshownhimbyDonQuixote。Heonhispartwasrejoicedtotheheartonenteringthemountains，astheyseemedtohimtobejusttheplacefortheadventureshewasinquestof。Theybroughtbacktohismemorythemarvellousadventuresthathadbefallenknights-errantinlikesolitudesandwilds，andhewentalongreflectingonthesethings，soabsorbedandcarriedawaybythemthathehadnothoughtforanythingelse。NorhadSanchoanyothercarenowthathefanciedhewastravellinginasafequarter
thantosatisfyhisappetitewithsuchremainsaswereleftoftheclericalspoils，andsohemarchedbehindhismasterladenwithwhatDappleusedtocarry，emptyingthesackandpackinghispaunch，andsolongashecouldgothatway，hewouldnothavegivenafarthingtomeetwithanotheradventure。
Whilesoengagedheraisedhiseyesandsawthathismasterhadhalted，andwastryingwiththepointofhispiketoliftsomebulkyobjectthatlayupontheground，onwhichhehastenedtojoinhimandhelphimifitwereneedful，andreachedhimjustaswiththepointofthepikehewasraisingasaddle-padwithavaliseattachedtoit，halforratherwhollyrottenandtorn；butsoheavyweretheythatSanchohadtohelptotakethemup，andhismasterdirectedhimtoseewhatthevalisecontained。Sanchodidsowithgreatalacrity，andthoughthevalisewassecuredbyachainandpadlock，fromitstornandrottenconditionhewasabletoseeitscontents，whichwerefourshirtsoffineholland，andotherarticlesoflinennolesscuriousthanclean；andinahandkerchiefhefoundagoodlotofgoldcrowns，andassoonashesawthemheexclaimed：
“BlessedbeallHeavenforsendingusanadventurethatisgoodforsomething！”
Searchingfurtherhefoundalittlememorandumbookrichlybound；
thisDonQuixoteaskedofhim，tellinghimtotakethemoneyandkeepitforhimself。Sanchokissedhishandsforthefavour，andclearedthevaliseofitslinen，whichhestowedawayintheprovisionsack。Consideringthewholematter，DonQuixoteobserved：
“Itseemstome，Sancho-anditisimpossibleitcanbeotherwise-
thatsomestrayedtravellermusthavecrossedthissierraandbeenattackedandslainbyfootpads，whobroughthimtothisremotespottoburyhim。“
“Thatcannotbe，“answeredSancho，“becauseiftheyhadbeenrobberstheywouldnothaveleftthismoney。“
“Thouartright，“saidDonQuixote，“andIcannotguessorexplainwhatthismaymean；butstay；letusseeifinthismemorandumbookthereisanythingwrittenbywhichwemaybeabletotraceoutordiscoverwhatwewanttoknow。“
Heopenedit，andthefirstthinghefoundinit，writtenroughlybutinaverygoodhand，wasasonnet，andreadingitaloudthatSanchomighthearit，hefoundthatitranasfollows：
SONNET
OrLoveislackinginintelligence，Ortotheheightofcrueltyattains，OrelseitismydoomtosufferpainsBeyondthemeasureduetomyoffence。
ButifLovebeaGod，itfollowsthenceThatheknowsall，andcertainitremainsNoGodlovescruelty；thenwhoordainsThispenancethatenthralswhileittorments？
Itwereafalsehood，Chloe，theetoname；
Suchevilwithsuchgoodnesscannotlive；
AndagainstHeavenIdarenotchargetheblame，Ionlyknowitismyfatetodie。
TohimwhoknowsnotwhencehismaladyAmiraclealoneacurecangive。
“Thereisnothingtobelearnedfromthatrhyme，“saidSancho，“unlessbythatcluethere\'sinit，onemaydrawouttheballofthewholematter。“
“Whatclueisthere？”saidDonQuixote。
“Ithoughtyourworshipspokeofaclueinit，“saidSancho。
“IonlysaidChloe，“repliedDonQuixote；“andthatnodoubt，isthenameoftheladyofwhomtheauthorofthesonnetcomplains；and，faith，hemustbeatolerablepoet，orIknowlittleofthecraft。“
“Thenyourworshipunderstandsrhymingtoo？”
“Andbetterthanthouthinkest，“repliedDonQuixote，“asthoushaltseewhenthoucarriestaletterwritteninversefrombeginningtoendtomyladyDulcineadelToboso，forIwouldhavetheeknow，Sancho，thatallormostoftheknights-errantindaysofyoreweregreattroubadoursandgreatmusicians，forbothoftheseaccomplishments，ormoreproperlyspeakinggifts，arethepeculiarpropertyoflovers-errant：trueitisthattheversesoftheknightsofoldhavemorespiritthanneatnessinthem。“
“Readmore，yourworship，“saidSancho，“andyouwillfindsomethingthatwillenlightenus。“
DonQuixoteturnedthepageandsaid，“Thisisproseandseemstobealetter。“
“Acorrespondenceletter，senor？”
“Fromthebeginningitseemstobealoveletter，“repliedDonQuixote。
“Thenletyourworshipreaditaloud，“saidSancho，“forIamveryfondoflovematters。“
“Withallmyheart，“saidDonQuixote，andreadingitaloudasSanchohadrequestedhim，hefounditranthus：
Thyfalsepromiseandmysuremisforutnecarrymetoaplacewhencethenewsofmydeathwillreachthyearsbeforethewordsofmycomplaint。Ungratefulone，thouhastrejectedmeforonemorewealthy，butnotmoreworthy；butifvirtuewereesteemedwealthIshouldneitherenvythefortunesofothersnorweepformisfortunesofmyown。Whatthybeautyraisedupthydeedshavelaidlow；byitI
believedtheetobeanangel，bythemIknowthouartawoman。Peacebewiththeewhohastsentwartome，andHeavengrantthatthedeceitofthyhusbandbeeverhiddenfromthee，sothatthourepentnotofwhatthouhastdone，andIreapnotarevengeIwouldnothave。
Whenhehadfinishedtheletter，DonQuixotesaid，“Thereislesstobegatheredfromthisthanfromtheverses，exceptthathewhowroteitissomerejectedlover；“andturningovernearlyallthepagesofthebookhefoundmoreversesandletters，someofwhichhecouldread，whileothershecouldnot；buttheywereallmadeupofcomplaints，laments，misgivings，desiresandaversions，favoursandrejections，somerapturous，somedoleful。WhileDonQuixoteexaminedthebook，Sanchoexaminedthevalise，notleavingacornerinthewholeofitorinthepadthathedidnotsearch，peerinto，andexplore，orseamthathedidnotrip，ortuftofwoolthathedidnotpicktopieces，lestanythingshouldescapeforwantofcareandpains；sokeenwasthecovetousnessexcitedinhimbythediscoveryofthecrowns，whichamountedtonearahundred；andthoughhefoundnomorebooty，heheldtheblanketflights，balsamvomits，stakebenedictions，carriers\'fisticuffs，missingalforjas，stolencoat，andallthehunger，thirst，andwearinesshehadenduredintheserviceofhisgoodmaster，cheapattheprice；asheconsideredhimselfmorethanfullyindemnifiedforallbythepaymenthereceivedinthegiftofthetreasure-trove。
TheKnightoftheRuefulCountenancewasstillveryanxioustofindoutwhotheownerofthevalisecouldbe，conjecturingfromthesonnetandletter，fromthemoneyingold，andfromthefinenessoftheshirts，thathemustbesomeloverofdistinctionwhomthescornandcrueltyofhisladyhaddriventosomedesperatecourse；butasinthatuninhabitedandruggedspottherewasnoonetobeseenofwhomhecouldinquire，hesawnothingelseforitbuttopushon，takingwhateverroadRocinantechose-whichwaswherehecouldmakehisway-firmlypersuadedthatamongthesewildshecouldnotfailtomeetsomerareadventure。Ashewentalong，then，occupiedwiththesethoughts，heperceivedonthesummitofaheightthatrosebeforetheireyesamanwhowentspringingfromrocktorockandfromtussocktotussockwithmarvellousagility。Aswellashecouldmakeouthewasunclad，withathickblackbeard，longtangledhair，andbarelegsandfeet，histhighswerecoveredbybreechesapparentlyoftawnyvelvetbutsoraggedthattheyshowedhisskininseveralplaces。Hewasbareheaded，andnotwithstandingtheswiftnesswithwhichhepassedashasbeendescribed，theKnightoftheRuefulCountenanceobservedandnotedallthesetrifles，andthoughhemadetheattempt，hewasunabletofollowhim，foritwasnotgrantedtothefeeblenessofRocinantetomakewayoversuchroughground，hebeing，moreover，slow-pacedandsluggishbynature。DonQuixoteatoncecametotheconclusionthatthiswastheownerofthesaddle-padandofthevalise，andmadeuphismindtogoinsearchofhim，eventhoughheshouldhavetowanderayearinthosemountainsbeforehefoundhim，andsohedirectedSanchototakeashortcutoveronesideofthemountain，whilehehimselfwentbytheother，andperhapsbythismeanstheymightlightuponthismanwhohadpassedsoquicklyoutoftheirsight。
“Icouldnotdothat，“saidSancho，“forwhenIseparatefromyourworshipfearatoncelaysholdofme，andassailsmewithallsortsofpanicsandfancies；andletwhatInowsaybeanoticethatfromthistimeforthIamnotgoingtostirafinger\'swidthfromyourpresence。“
“Itshallbeso，“saidheoftheRuefulCountenance，“andIamverygladthatthouartwillingtorelyonmycourage，whichwillneverfailthee，eventhoughthesoulinthybodyfailthee；socomeonnowbehindmeslowlyaswellasthoucanst，andmakelanternsofthineeyes；letusmakethecircuitofthisridge；perhapsweshalllightuponthismanthatwesaw，whonodoubtisnootherthantheownerofwhatwefound。“
TowhichSanchomadeanswer，“Farbetterwoulditbenottolookforhim，for，ifwefindhim，andhehappenstobetheownerofthemoney，itisplainImustrestoreit；itwouldbebetter，therefore，thatwithouttakingthisneedlesstrouble，Ishouldkeeppossessionofituntilinsomeotherlessmeddlesomeandofficiouswaytherealownermaybediscovered；andperhapsthatwillbewhenIshallhavespentit，andthenthekingwillholdmeharmless。“
“Thouartwrongthere，Sancho，“saidDonQuixote，“fornowthatwehaveasuspicionwhotheowneris，andhavehimalmostbeforeus，weareboundtoseekhimandmakerestitution；andifwedonotseehim，thestrongsuspicionwehaveastohisbeingtheownermakesusasguiltyasifhewereso；andso，friendSancho，letnotoursearchforhimgivetheeanyuneasiness，forifwefindhimitwillrelievemine。“
AndsosayinghegaveRocinantethespur，andSanchofollowedhimonfootandloaded，andafterhavingpartlymadethecircuitofthemountaintheyfoundlyinginaravine，deadandhalfdevouredbydogsandpeckedbyjackdaws，amulesaddledandbridled，allwhichstillfurtherstrengthenedtheirsuspicionthathewhohadfledwastheownerofthemuleandthesaddle-pad。
Astheystoodlookingatittheyheardawhistlelikethatofashepherdwatchinghisflock，andsuddenlyontheirleftthereappearedagreatnumberofgoatsandbehindthemonthesummitofthemountainthegoatherdinchargeofthem，amanadvancedinyears。
DonQuixotecalledaloudtohimandbeggedhimtocomedowntowheretheystood。Heshoutedinreturn，askingwhathadbroughtthemtothatspot，seldomornevertroddenexceptbythefeetofgoats，orofthewolvesandotherwildbeaststhatroamedaround。Sanchoinreturnbadehimcomedown，andtheywouldexplainalltohim。
Thegoatherddescended，andreachingtheplacewhereDonQuixotestood，hesaid，“Iwillwageryouarelookingatthathackmulethatliesdeadinthehollowthere，and，faith，ithasbeenlyingtherenowthesesixmonths；tellme，haveyoucomeuponitsmasterabouthere？”
“Wehavecomeuponnobody，“answeredDonQuixote，“noronanythingexceptasaddle-padandalittlevalisethatwefoundnotfarfromthis。“
“Ifoundittoo，“saidthegoatherd，“butIwouldnotliftitnorgonearitforfearofsomeill-luckorbeingchargedwiththeft，forthedeviliscrafty，andthingsriseupunderone\'sfeettomakeonefallwithoutknowingwhyorwherefore。“
“That\'sexactlywhatIsay，“saidSancho；“Ifoundittoo，andI
wouldnotgowithinastone\'sthrowofit；thereIleftit，andthereitliesjustasitwas，forIdon\'twantadogwithabell。“
“Tellme，goodman，“saidDonQuixote，“doyouknowwhoistheownerofthisproperty？”
“AllIcantellyou，“saidthegoatherd，“isthataboutsixmonthsago，moreorless，therearrivedatashepherd\'shutthreeleagues，perhaps，awayfromthis，ayouthofwell-bredappearanceandmanners，mountedonthatsamemulewhichliesdeadhere，andwiththesamesaddle-padandvalisewhichyousayyoufoundanddidnottouch。Heaskeduswhatpartofthissierrawasthemostruggedandretired；wetoldhimthatitwaswherewenoware；andsointruthitis，forifyoupushonhalfaleaguefarther，perhapsyouwillnotbeabletofindyourwayout；andIamwonderinghowyouhavemanagedtocomehere，forthereisnoroadorpaththatleadstothisspot。Isay，then，thatonhearingouranswertheyouthturnedaboutandmadefortheplacewepointedouttohim，leavingusallcharmedwithhisgoodlooks，andwonderingathisquestionandthehastewithwhichwesawhimdepartinthedirectionofthesierra；andafterthatwesawhimnomore，untilsomedaysafterwardshecrossedthepathofoneofourshepherds，andwithoutsayingawordtohim，cameuptohimandgavehimseveralcuffsandkicks，andthenturnedtotheasswithourprovisionsandtookallthebreadandcheeseitcarried，andhavingdonethismadeoffbackagainintothesierrawithextraordinaryswiftness。Whensomeofusgoatherdslearnedthiswewentinsearchofhimforabouttwodaysthroughthemostremoteportionofthissierra，attheendofwhichwefoundhimlodgedinthehollowofalargethickcorktree。Hecameouttomeetuswithgreatgentleness，withhisdressnowtornandhisfacesodisfiguredandburnedbythesun，thatwehardlyrecognisedhimbutthathisclothes，thoughtorn，convincedus，fromtherecollectionwehadofthem，thathewasthepersonwewerelookingfor。Hesaluteduscourteously，andinafewwell-spokenwordshetoldusnottowonderatseeinghimgoingaboutinthisguise，asitwasbindinguponhiminorderthathemightworkoutapenancewhichforhismanysinshadbeenimposeduponhim。Weaskedhimtotelluswhohewas，butwewereneverabletofindoutfromhim：webeggedofhimtoo，whenhewasinwantoffood，whichhecouldnotdowithout，totelluswhereweshouldfindhim，aswewouldbringittohimwithallgood-willandreadiness；orifthiswerenottohistaste，atleasttocomeandaskitofusandnottakeitbyforcefromtheshepherds。Hethankedusfortheoffer，beggedpardonforthelateassault，andpromisedforthefuturetoaskitinGod\'snamewithoutofferingviolencetoanybody。Asforfixedabode，hesaidhehadnootherthanthatwhichchanceofferedwherevernightmightovertakehim；andhiswordsendedinanoutburstofweepingsobitterthatwewholistenedtohimmusthavebeenverystoneshadwenotjoinedhiminit，comparingwhatwesawofhimthefirsttimewithwhatwesawnow；for，asIsaid，hewasagracefulandgraciousyouth，andinhiscourteousandpolishedlanguageshowedhimselftobeofgoodbirthandcourtlybreeding，andrusticsaswewerethatlistenedtohim，eventoourrusticityhisgentlebearingsufficedtomakeitplain。
“Butinthemidstofhisconversationhestoppedandbecamesilent，keepinghiseyesfixeduponthegroundforsometime，duringwhichwestoodstillwaitinganxiouslytoseewhatwouldcomeofthisabstraction；andwithnolittlepity，forfromhisbehaviour，nowstaringatthegroundwithfixedgazeandeyeswideopenwithoutmovinganeyelid，againclosingthem，compressinghislipsandraisinghiseyebrows，wecouldperceiveplainlythatafitofmadnessofsomekindhadcomeuponhim；andbeforelongheshowedthatwhatweimaginedwasthetruth，forhearoseinafuryfromthegroundwherehehadthrownhimself，andattackedthefirsthefoundnearhimwithsuchrageandfiercenessthatifwehadnotdraggedhimoffhim，hewouldhavebeatenorbittenhimtodeath，allthewhileexclaiming，\'OhfaithlessFernando，here，hereshaltthoupaythepenaltyofthewrongthouhastdoneme；thesehandsshalltearoutthatheartofthine，abodeanddwellingofalliniquity，butofdeceitandfraudaboveall；andtotheseheaddedotherwordsallineffectupbraidingthisFernandoandcharginghimwithtreacheryandfaithlessness。
“Weforcedhimtoreleasehisholdwithnolittledifficulty，andwithoutanotherwordheleftus，andrushingoffplungedinamongthesebrakesandbrambles，soastomakeitimpossibleforustofollowhim；fromthiswesupposethatmadnesscomesuponhimfromtimetotime，andthatsomeonecalledFernandomusthavedonehimawrongofagrievousnaturesuchastheconditiontowhichithadbroughthimseemedtoshow。Allthishasbeensincethenconfirmedonthoseoccasions，andtheyhavebeenmany，onwhichhehascrossedourpath，atonetimetobegtheshepherdstogivehimsomeofthefoodtheycarry，atanothertotakeitfromthembyforce；forwhenthereisafitofmadnessuponhim，eventhoughtheshepherdsofferitfreely，hewillnotacceptitbutsnatchesitfromthembydintofblows；butwhenheisinhissenseshebegsitfortheloveofGod，courteouslyandcivilly，andreceivesitwithmanythanksandnotafewtears。Andtotellyouthetruth，sirs，“continuedthegoatherd，“itwasyesterdaythatweresolved，Iandfourofthelads，twoofthemourservants，andtheothertwofriendsofmine，togoinsearchofhimuntilwefindhim，andwhenwedototakehim，whetherbyforceorofhisownconsent，tothetownofAlmodovar，whichiseightleaguesfromthis，andtherestrivetocurehimifindeedhismaladyadmitsofacure，orlearnwhenheisinhissenseswhoheis，andifhehasrelativestowhomwemaygivenoticeofhismisfortune。This，sirs，isallIcansayinanswertowhatyouhaveaskedme；andbesurethattheownerofthearticlesyoufoundishewhomyousawpassbywithsuchnimblenessandsonaked。“
ForDonQuixotehadalreadydescribedhowhehadseenthemangoboundingalongthemountainside，andhewasnowfilledwithamazementatwhatheheardfromthegoatherd，andmoreeagerthanevertodiscoverwhotheunhappymadmanwas；andinhisheartheresolved，ashehaddonebefore，tosearchforhimalloverthemountain，notleavingacornerorcaveunexamineduntilhehadfoundhim。Butchancearrangedmattersbetterthanheexpectedorhoped，foratthatverymoment，inagorgeonthemountainthatopenedwheretheystood，theyouthhewishedtofindmadehisappearance，comingalongtalkingtohimselfinawaythatwouldhavebeenunintelligiblenearathand，muchmoreatadistance。Hisgarbwaswhathasbeendescribed，savethatashedrewnear，DonQuixoteperceivedthatatattereddoubletwhichheworewasamber-tanned，fromwhichheconcludedthatonewhoworesuchgarmentscouldnotbeofverylowrank。
Approachingthem，theyouthgreetedtheminaharshandhoarsevoicebutwithgreatcourtesy。DonQuixotereturnedhissalutationwithequalpoliteness，anddismountingfromRocinanteadvancedwithwell-bredbearingandgracetoembracehim，andheldhimforsometimecloseinhisarmsasifhehadknownhimforalongtime。Theother，whomwemaycalltheRaggedOneoftheSorryCountenance，asDonQuixotewasoftheRueful，aftersubmittingtotheembracepushedhimbackalittleand，placinghishandsonDonQuixote\'sshoulders，stoodgazingathimasifseekingtoseewhetherheknewhim，notlessamazed，perhaps，atthesightoftheface，figure，andarmourofDonQuixotethanDonQuixotewasatthesightofhim。Tobebrief，thefirsttospeakafterembracingwastheRaggedOne，andhesaidwhatwillbetoldfartheron。
CHAPTERXXIV
INWHICHISCONTINUEDTHEADVENTUREOFTHESIERRAMORENA
THEhistoryrelatesthatitwaswiththegreatestattentionDonQuixotelistenedtotheraggedknightoftheSierra，whobeganbysaying：
“Ofasurety，senor，whoeveryouare，forIknowyounot，Ithankyoufortheproofsofkindnessandcourtesyyouhaveshownme，andwouldIwereinaconditiontorequitewithsomethingmorethangood-willthatwhichyouhavedisplayedtowardsmeinthecordialreceptionyouhavegivenme；butmyfatedoesnotaffordmeanyothermeansofreturningkindnessesdonemesavetheheartydesiretorepaythem。“
“Mine，“repliedDonQuixote，“istobeofservicetoyou，somuchsothatIhadresolvednottoquitthesemountainsuntilIhadfoundyou，andlearnedofyouwhetherthereisanykindofrelieftobefoundforthatsorrowunderwhichfromthestrangenessofyourlifeyouseemtolabour；andtosearchforyouwithallpossiblediligence，ifsearchhadbeennecessary。Andifyourmisfortuneshouldprovetobeoneofthosethatrefuseadmissiontoanysortofconsolation，itwasmypurposetojoinyouinlamentingandmourningoverit，sofarasIcould；foritisstillsomecomfortinmisfortunetofindonewhocanfeelforit。Andifmygoodintentionsdeservetobeacknowledgedwithanykindofcourtesy，Ientreatyou，senor，bythatwhichIperceiveyoupossessinsohighadegree，andlikewiseconjureyoubywhateveryouloveorhavelovedbestinlife，totellmewhoyouareandthecausethathasbroughtyoutoliveordieinthesesolitudeslikeabrutebeast，dwellingamongtheminamannersoforeigntoyourconditionasyourgarbandappearanceshow。AndI
swear，“addedDonQuixote，“bytheorderofknighthoodwhichIhavereceived，andbymyvocationofknight-errant，ifyougratifymeinthis，toserveyouwithallthezealmycallingdemandsofme，eitherinrelievingyourmisfortuneifitadmitsofrelief，orinjoiningyouinlamentingitasIpromisedtodo。“
TheKnightoftheThicket，hearinghimoftheRuefulCountenancetalkinthisstrain，didnothingbutstareathim，andstareathimagain，andagainsurveyhimfromheadtofoot；andwhenhehadthoroughlyexaminedhim，hesaidtohim：
“Ifyouhaveanythingtogivemetoeat，forGod\'ssakegiveitme，andafterIhaveeatenIwilldoallyouaskinacknowledgmentofthegoodwillyouhavedisplayedtowardsme。“
Sanchofromhissack，andthegoatherdfromhispouch，furnishedtheRaggedOnewiththemeansofappeasinghishunger，andwhattheygavehimheatelikeahalf-wittedbeing，sohastilythathetooknotimebetweenmouthfuls，gorgingratherthanswallowing；andwhileheateneitherhenortheywhoobservedhimutteredaword。Assoonashehaddonehemadesignstothemtofollowhim，whichtheydid，andheledthemtoagreenplotwhichlayalittlefartheroffroundthecornerofarock。Onreachingithestretchedhimselfuponthegrass，andtheothersdidthesame，allkeepingsilence，untiltheRaggedOne，settlinghimselfinhisplace，said：
“Ifitisyourwish，sirs，thatIshoulddiscloseinafewwordsthesurpassingextentofmymisfortunes，youmustpromisenottobreakthethreadofmysadstorywithanyquestionorotherinterruption，fortheinstantyoudosothetaleItellwillcometoanend。“
ThesewordsoftheRaggedOneremindedDonQuixoteofthetalehissquirehadtoldhim，whenhefailedtokeepcountofthegoatsthathadcrossedtheriverandthestoryremainedunfinished；buttoreturntotheRaggedOne，hewentontosay：
“IgiveyouthiswarningbecauseIwishtopassbrieflyoverthestoryofmymisfortunes，forrecallingthemtomemoryonlyservestoaddfreshones，andthelessyouquestionmethesoonershallImakeanendoftherecital，thoughIshallnotomittorelateanythingofimportanceinorderfullytosatisfyyourcuriosity。“
DonQuixotegavethepromiseforhimselfandtheothers，andwiththisassurancehebeganasfollows：
“MynameisCardenio，mybirthplaceoneofthebestcitiesofthisAndalusia，myfamilynoble，myparentsrich，mymisfortunesogreatthatmyparentsmusthaveweptandmyfamilygrievedoveritwithoutbeingablebytheirwealthtolightenit；forthegiftsoffortunecandolittletorelievereversessentbyHeaven。InthatsamecountrytherewasaheaveninwhichlovehadplacedallthegloryIcoulddesire；suchwasthebeautyofLuscinda，adamselasnobleandasrichasI，butofhappierfortunes，andoflessfirmnessthanwasduetosoworthyapassionasmine。ThisLuscindaIloved，worshipped，andadoredfrommyearliestandtenderestyears，andshelovedmeinalltheinnocenceandsincerityofchildhood。Ourparentswereawareofourfeelings，andwerenotsorrytoperceivethem，fortheysawclearlythatastheyripenedtheymustleadatlasttoamarriagebetweenus，athingthatseemedalmostprearrangedbytheequalityofourfamiliesandwealth。Wegrewup，andwithourgrowthgrewthelovebetweenus，sothatthefatherofLuscindafeltboundforpropriety\'ssaketorefusemeadmissiontohishouse，inthisperhapsimitatingtheparentsofthatThisbesocelebratedbythepoets，andthisrefusalbutaddedlovetoloveandflametoflame；forthoughtheyenforcedsilenceuponourtonguestheycouldnotimposeituponourpens，whichcanmakeknowntheheart\'ssecretstoalovedonemorefreelythantongues；formanyatimethepresenceoftheobjectofloveshakesthefirmestwillandstrikesdumbtheboldesttongue。
Ahheavens！howmanylettersdidIwriteher，andhowmanydaintymodestrepliesdidIreceive！howmanydittiesandlove-songsdidI
composeinwhichmyheartdeclaredandmadeknownitsfeelings，describeditsardentlongings，revelledinitsrecollectionsanddalliedwithitsdesires！Atlengthgrowingimpatientandfeelingmyheartlanguishingwithlongingtoseeher，Iresolvedtoputintoexecutionandcarryoutwhatseemedtomethebestmodeofwinningmydesiredandmeritedreward，toaskherofherfatherformylawfulwife，whichIdid。TothishisanswerwasthathethankedmeforthedispositionIshowedtodohonourtohimandtoregardmyselfashonouredbythebestowalofhistreasure；butthatasmyfatherwasaliveitwashisbyrighttomakethisdemand，forifitwerenotinaccordancewithhisfullwillandpleasure，Luscindawasnottobetakenorgivenbystealth。Ithankedhimforhiskindness，reflectingthattherewasreasoninwhathesaid，andthatmyfatherwouldassenttoitassoonasIshouldtellhim，andwiththatviewIwenttheverysameinstanttolethimknowwhatmydesireswere。
WhenIenteredtheroomwherehewasIfoundhimwithanopenletterinhishand，which，beforeIcouldutteraword，hegaveme，saying，\'Bythisletterthouwiltsee，Cardenio，thedispositiontheDukeRicardohastoservethee。\'ThisDukeRicardo，asyou，sirs，probablyknowalready，isagrandeeofSpainwhohashisseatinthebestpartofthisAndalusia。Itookandreadtheletter，whichwascouchedintermssoflatteringthatevenImyselffeltitwouldbewronginmyfathernottocomplywiththerequestthedukemadeinit，whichwasthathewouldsendmeimmediatelytohim，ashewishedmetobecomethecompanion，notservant，ofhiseldestson，andwouldtakeuponhimselfthechargeofplacingmeinapositioncorrespondingtotheesteeminwhichheheldme。Onreadingthelettermyvoicefailedme，andstillmorewhenIheardmyfathersay，\'Twodayshencethouwiltdepart，Cardenio，inaccordancewiththeduke\'swish，andgivethankstoGodwhoisopeningaroadtotheebywhichthoumayestattainwhatIknowthoudostdeserve；andtothesewordsheaddedothersoffatherlycounsel。Thetimeformydeparturearrived；IspokeonenighttoLuscinda，Itoldherallthathadoccurred，asIdidalsotoherfather，entreatinghimtoallowsomedelay，andtodeferthedisposalofherhanduntilIshouldseewhattheDukeRicardosoughtofme：hegavemethepromise，andsheconfirmeditwithvowsandswooningsunnumbered。Finally，I
presentedmyselftotheduke，andwasreceivedandtreatedbyhimsokindlythatverysoonenvybegantodoitswork，theoldservantsgrowingenviousofme，andregardingtheduke\'sinclinationtoshowmefavourasaninjurytothemselves。Buttheonetowhommyarrivalgavethegreatestpleasurewastheduke\'ssecondson，Fernandobyname，agallantyouth，ofnoble，generous，andamorousdisposition，whoverysoonmadesointimateafriendofmethatitwasremarkedbyeverybody；forthoughtheelderwasattachedtome，andshowedmekindness，hedidnotcarryhisaffectionatetreatmenttothesamelengthasDonFernando。Itsohappened，then，thatasbetweenfriendsnosecretremainsunshared，andasthefavourIenjoyedwithDonFernandohadgrownintofriendship，hemadeallhisthoughtsknowntome，andinparticularaloveaffairwhichtroubledhismindalittle。Hewasdeeplyinlovewithapeasantgirl，avassalofhisfather\'s，thedaughterofwealthyparents，andherselfsobeautiful，modest，discreet，andvirtuous，thatnoonewhoknewherwasabletodecideinwhichoftheserespectsshewasmosthighlygiftedormostexcelled。TheattractionsofthefairpeasantraisedthepassionofDonFernandotosuchapointthat，inordertogainhisobjectandovercomehervirtuousresolutions，hedeterminedtopledgehiswordtohertobecomeherhusband，fortoattemptitinanyotherwaywastoattemptanimpossibility。BoundtohimasIwasbyfriendship，I
strovebythebestargumentsandthemostforcibleexamplesIcouldthinkoftorestrainanddissuadehimfromsuchacourse；butperceivingIproducednoeffectIresolvedtomaketheDukeRicardo，hisfather，acquaintedwiththematter；butDonFernando，beingsharp-wittedandshrewd，foresawandapprehendedthis，perceivingthatbymydutyasagoodservantIwasboundnottokeepconcealedathingsomuchopposedtothehonourofmylordtheduke；andso，tomisleadanddeceiveme，hetoldmehecouldfindnobetterwayofeffacingfromhismindthebeautythatsoenslavedhimthanbyabsentinghimselfforsomemonths，andthathewishedtheabsencetobeeffectedbyourgoing，bothofus，tomyfather\'shouseunderthepretence，whichhewouldmaketotheduke，ofgoingtoseeandbuysomefinehorsesthattherewereinmycity，whichproducesthebestintheworld。WhenIheardhimsayso，evenifhisresolutionhadnotbeensogoodaoneIshouldhavehaileditasoneofthehappiestthatcouldbeimagined，promptedbymyaffection，seeingwhatafavourablechanceandopportunityitofferedmeofreturningtoseemyLuscinda。WiththisthoughtandwishIcommendedhisideaandencouragedhisdesign，advisinghimtoputitintoexecutionasquicklyaspossible，as，intruth，absenceproduceditseffectinspiteofthemostdeeplyrootedfeelings。But，asafterwardsappeared，whenhesaidthistomehehadalreadyenjoyedthepeasantgirlunderthetitleofhusband，andwaswaitingforanopportunityofmakingitknownwithsafetytohimself，beingindreadofwhathisfatherthedukewoulddowhenhecametoknowofhisfolly。Ithappened，then，thataswithyoungmenloveisforthemostpartnothingmorethanappetite，which，asitsfinalobjectisenjoyment，comestoanendonobtainingit，andthatwhichseemedtobelovetakestoflight，asitcannotpassthelimitfixedbynature，whichfixesnolimittotruelove-whatImeanisthatafterDonFernandohadenjoyedthispeasantgirlhispassionsubsidedandhiseagernesscooled，andifatfirsthefeignedawishtoabsenthimselfinordertocurehislove，hewasnowinrealityanxioustogotoavoidkeepinghispromise。
“Thedukegavehimpermission，andorderedmetoaccompanyhim；wearrivedatmycity，andmyfathergavehimthereceptionduetohisrank；IsawLuscindawithoutdelay，and，thoughithadnotbeendeadordeadened，mylovegatheredfreshlife。TomysorrowItoldthestoryofittoDonFernando，forIthoughtthatinvirtueofthegreatfriendshipheboremeIwasboundtoconcealnothingfromhim。I
extolledherbeauty，hergaiety，herwit，sowarmly，thatmypraisesexcitedinhimadesiretoseeadamseladornedbysuchattractions。
TomymisfortuneIyieldedtoit，showinghertohimonenightbythelightofataperatawindowwhereweusedtotalktooneanother。
Assheappearedtohiminherdressing-gown，shedroveallthebeautieshehadseenuntilthenoutofhisrecollection；speechfailedhim，hisheadturned，hewasspell-bound，andintheendlove-smitten，asyouwillseeinthecourseofthestoryofmymisfortune；andtoinflamestillfurtherhispassion，whichhehidfrommeandrevealedtoHeavenalone，itsohappenedthatonedayhefoundanoteofhersentreatingmetodemandherofherfatherinmarriage，sodelicate，somodest，andsotender，thatonreadingithetoldmethatinLuscindaalonewerecombinedallthecharmsofbeautyandunderstandingthatweredistributedamongalltheotherwomenintheworld。Itistrue，andIownitnow，thatthoughIknewwhatgoodcauseDonFernandohadtopraiseLuscinda，itgavemeuneasinesstohearthesepraisesfromhismouth，andIbegantofear，andwithreasontofeeldistrustofhim，fortherewasnomomentwhenhewasnotreadytotalkofLuscinda，andhewouldstartthesubjecthimselfeventhoughhedraggeditinunseasonably，acircumstancethatarousedinmeacertainamountofjealousy；notthatIfearedanychangeintheconstancyorfaithofLuscinda；butstillmyfateledmetoforebodewhatsheassuredmeagainst。DonFernandocontrivedalwaystoreadthelettersIsenttoLuscindaandheranswerstome，underthepretencethatheenjoyedthewitandsenseofboth。Itsohappened，then，thatLuscindahavingbeggedofmeabookofchivalrytoread，onethatshewasveryfondof，AmadisofGaul-“
DonQuixotenosoonerheardabookofchivalrymentioned，thanhesaid：
“HadyourworshiptoldmeatthebeginningofyourstorythattheLadyLuscindawasfondofbooksofchivalry，nootherlaudationwouldhavebeenrequisitetoimpressuponmethesuperiorityofherunderstanding，foritcouldnothavebeenoftheexcellenceyoudescribehadatasteforsuchdelightfulreadingbeenwanting；so，asfarasIamconcerned，youneedwastenomorewordsindescribingherbeauty，worth，andintelligence；for，onmerelyhearingwhathertastewas，Ideclarehertobethemostbeautifulandthemostintelligentwomanintheworld；andIwishyourworshiphad，alongwithAmadisofGaul，senthertheworthyDonRugelofGreece，forI
knowtheLadyLuscindawouldgreatlyrelishDaraidaandGaraya，andtheshrewdsayingsoftheshepherdDarinel，andtheadmirableversesofhisbucolics，sunganddeliveredbyhimwithsuchsprightliness，wit，andease；butatimemaycomewhenthisomissioncanberemedied，andtorectifyitnothingmoreisneededthanforyourworshiptobesogoodastocomewithmetomyvillage，forthereIcangiveyoumorethanthreehundredbookswhicharethedelightofmysoulandtheentertainmentofmylife；-thoughitoccurstomethatIhavenotgotoneofthemnow，thankstothespiteofwickedandenviousenchanters；-butpardonmeforhavingbrokenthepromisewemadenottointerruptyourdiscourse；forwhenIhearchivalryorknights-errantmentioned，Icannomorehelptalkingaboutthemthantheraysofthesuncanhelpgivingheat，orthoseofthemoonmoisture；pardonme，therefore，andproceed，forthatismoretothepurposenow。“
WhileDonQuixotewassayingthis，Cardenioallowedhisheadtofalluponhisbreast，andseemedplungedindeepthought；andthoughtwiceDonQuixotebadehimgoonwithhisstory，heneitherlookedupnorutteredawordinreply；butaftersometimeheraisedhisheadandsaid，“Icannotgetridoftheidea，norwillanyoneintheworldremoveit，ormakemethinkotherwise-andhewouldbeablockheadwhowouldholdorbelieveanythingelsethanthatthatarrantknaveMasterElisabadmadefreewithQueenMadasima。“
“Thatisnottrue，byallthat\'sgood，“saidDonQuixoteinhighwrath，turninguponhimangrily，ashiswaywas；“anditisaverygreatslander，orrathervillainy。QueenMadasimawasaveryillustriouslady，anditisnottobesupposedthatsoexaltedaprincesswouldhavemadefreewithaquack；andwhoevermaintainsthecontrarylieslikeagreatscoundrel，andIwillgivehimtoknowit，onfootoronhorseback，armedorunarmed，bynightorbyday，orashelikesbest。“
Cardeniowaslookingathimsteadily，andhismadfithavingnowcomeuponhim，hehadnodispositiontogoonwithhisstory，norwouldDonQuixotehavelistenedtoit，somuchhadwhathehadheardaboutMadasimadisgustedhim。Strangetosay，hestoodupforherasifshewereinearnesthisveritablebornlady；tosuchapasshadhisunholybooksbroughthim。Cardenio，then，being，asIsaid，nowmad，whenheheardhimselfgiventhelie，andcalledascoundrelandotherinsultingnames，notrelishingthejest，snatchedupastonethathefoundnearhim，andwithitdeliveredsuchablowonDonQuixote\'sbreastthathelaidhimonhisback。SanchoPanza，seeinghismastertreatedinthisfashion，attackedthemadmanwithhisclosedfist；buttheRaggedOnereceivedhiminsuchawaythatwithablowofhisfisthestretchedhimathisfeet，andthenmountinguponhimcrushedhisribstohisownsatisfaction；thegoatherd，whocametotherescue，sharedthesamefate；andhavingbeatenandpummelledthemallheleftthemandquietlywithdrewtohishiding-placeonthemountain。Sanchorose，andwiththeragehefeltatfindinghimselfsobelabouredwithoutdeservingit，rantotakevengeanceonthegoatherd，accusinghimofnotgivingthemwarningthatthismanwasattimestakenwithamadfit，foriftheyhadknownittheywouldhavebeenontheirguardtoprotectthemselves。Thegoatherdrepliedthathehadsaidso，andthatifhehadnotheardhim，thatwasnofaultofhis。Sanchoretorted，andthegoatherdrejoined，andthealtercationendedintheirseizingeachotherbythebeard，andexchangingsuchfisticuffsthatifDonQuixotehadnotmadepeacebetweenthem，theywouldhaveknockedoneanothertopieces。
“Leavemealone，SirKnightoftheRuefulCountenance，“saidSancho，grapplingwiththegoatherd，“forofthisfellow，whoisaclownlikemyself，andnodubbedknight，Icansafelytakesatisfactionfortheaffronthehasofferedme，fightingwithhimhandtohandlikeanhonestman。“
“Thatistrue，“saidDonQuixote，“butIknowthatheisnottoblameforwhathashappened。“
Withthishepacifiedthem，andagainaskedthegoatherdifitwouldbepossibletofindCardenio，ashefeltthegreatestanxietytoknowtheendofhisstory。Thegoatherdtoldhim，ashehadtoldhimbefore，thattherewasnoknowingofacertaintywherehislairwas；
butthatifhewanderedaboutmuchinthatneighbourhoodhecouldnotfailtofallinwithhimeitherinoroutofhissenses。
CHAPTERXXV
WHICHTREATSOFTHESTRANGETHINGSTHATHAPPENEDTOTHESTOUTKNIGHT
OFLAMANCHAINTHESIERRAMORENA，ANDOFHISIMITATIONOFTHEPENANCE
OFBELTENEBROS
DONQUIXOTEtookleaveofthegoatherd，andoncemoremountingRocinantebadeSanchofollowhim，whichhehavingnoass，didverydiscontentedly。Theyproceededslowly，makingtheirwayintothemostruggedpartofthemountain，Sanchoallthewhiledyingtohaveatalkwithhismaster，andlongingforhimtobegin，sothatthereshouldbenobreachoftheinjunctionlaiduponhim；butunabletokeepsilencesolonghesaidtohim：
“SenorDonQuixote，givemeyourworship\'sblessinganddismissal，forI\'dliketogohomeatoncetomywifeandchildrenwithwhomI
canatanyratetalkandconverseasmuchasIlike；fortowantmetogothroughthesesolitudesdayandnightandnotspeaktoyouwhenI
haveamindisburyingmealive。IfluckwouldhaveitthatanimalsspokeastheydidinthedaysofGuisopete，itwouldnotbesobad，becauseIcouldtalktoRocinanteaboutwhatevercameintomyhead，andsoputupwithmyill-fortune；butitisahardcase，andnottobebornewithpatience，togoseekingadventuresallone\'slifeandgetnothingbutkicksandblanketings，brickbatsandpunches，andwithallthistohavetosewupone\'smouthwithoutdaringtosaywhatisinone\'sheart，justasifoneweredumb。“
“Iunderstandthee，Sancho，“repliedDonQuixote；“thouartdyingtohavetheinterdictIplaceduponthytongueremoved；consideritremoved，andsaywhatthouwiltwhilewearewanderinginthesemountains。“
“Sobeit，“saidSancho；“letmespeaknow，forGodknowswhatwillhappenby-and-by；andtotakeadvantageofthepermitatonce，Iask，whatmadeyourworshipstandupsoforthatQueenMajimasa，orwhateverhernameis，orwhatdiditmatterwhetherthatabbotwasafriendofhersornot？forifyourworshiphadletthatpass-andyouwerenotajudgeinthematter-itismybeliefthemadmanwouldhavegoneonwithhisstory，andtheblowofthestone，andthekicks，andmorethanhalfadozencuffswouldhavebeenescaped。“
“Infaith，Sancho，“answeredDonQuixote，“ifthouknewestasIdowhatanhonourableandillustriousladyQueenMadasimawas，IknowthouwouldstsayIhadgreatpatiencethatIdidnotbreakinpiecesthemouththatutteredsuchblasphemies，foraverygreatblasphemyitistosayorimaginethataqueenhasmadefreewithasurgeon。ThetruthofthestoryisthatthatMasterElisabadwhomthemadmanmentionedwasamanofgreatprudenceandsoundjudgment，andservedasgovernorandphysiciantothequeen，buttosupposethatshewashismistressisnonsensedeservingveryseverepunishment；andasaproofthatCardeniodidnotknowwhathewassaying，rememberwhenhesaidithewasoutofhiswits。“
“ThatiswhatIsay，“saidSancho；“therewasnooccasionformindingthewordsofamadman；forifgoodluckhadnothelpedyourworship，andhehadsentthatstoneatyourheadinsteadofatyourbreast，afinewayweshouldhavebeeninforstandingupformyladyyonder，Godconfoundher！Andthen，wouldnotCardeniohavegonefreeasamadman？”
“Againstmenintheirsensesoragainstmadmen，“saidDonQuixote，“everyknight-errantisboundtostandupforthehonourofwomen，whoevertheymaybe，muchmoreforqueensofsuchhighdegreeanddignityasQueenMadasima，forwhomIhaveaparticularregardonaccountofheramiablequalities；for，besidesbeingextremelybeautiful，shewasverywise，andverypatientunderhermisfortunes，ofwhichshehadmany；andthecounselandsocietyoftheMasterElisabadwereagreathelpandsupporttoherinenduringherafflictionswithwisdomandresignation；hencetheignorantandill-disposedvulgartookoccasiontosayandthinkthatshewashismistress；andtheylie，Isayitoncemore，andwilllietwohundredtimesmore，allwhothinkandsayso。“
“Ineithersaynorthinkso，“saidSancho；“letthemlooktoit；
withtheirbreadletthemeatit；theyhaverenderedaccounttoGodwhethertheymisbehavedornot；Icomefrommyvineyard，Iknownothing；Iamnotfondofpryingintoothermen\'slives；hewhobuysandliesfeelsitinhispurse；moreover，nakedwasIborn，nakedI
findmyself，Ineitherlosenorgain；butiftheydid，whatisthattome？manythinkthereareflitcheswheretherearenohooks；butwhocanputgatestotheopenplain？moreovertheysaidofGod-“
“Godblessme，“saidDonQuixote，“whatasetofabsurditiesthouartstringingtogether！Whathaswhatwearetalkingaboutgottodowiththeproverbsthouartthreadingoneaftertheother？forGod\'ssakeholdthytongue，Sancho，andhenceforwardkeeptoproddingthyassanddon\'tmeddleinwhatdoesnotconcernthee；andunderstandwithallthyfivesensesthateverythingIhavedone，amdoing，orshalldo，iswellfoundedonreasonandinconformitywiththerulesofchivalry，forIunderstandthembetterthanalltheworldthatprofessthem。“
“Senor，“repliedSancho，“isitagoodruleofchivalrythatweshouldgoastraythroughthesemountainswithoutpathorroad，lookingforamadmanwhowhenheisfoundwillperhapstakeafancytofinishwhathebegan，nothisstory，butyourworship\'sheadandmyribs，andendbybreakingthemaltogetherforus？”
“Peace，Isayagain，Sancho，“saidDonQuixote，“forletmetelltheeitisnotsomuchthedesireoffindingthatmadmanthatleadsmeintotheseregionsasthatwhichIhaveofperformingamongthemanachievementwherewithIshallwineternalnameandfamethroughouttheknownworld；anditshallbesuchthatIshalltherebysetthesealonallthatcanmakeaknight-errantperfectandfamous。“
“Andisitveryperilous，thisachievement？”
“No，“repliedheoftheRuefulCountenance；“thoughitmaybeinthedicethatwemaythrowdeuce-aceinsteadofsixes；butallwilldependonthydiligence。“
“Onmydiligence！”saidSancho。
“Yes，“saidDonQuixote，“forifthoudostreturnsoonfromtheplacewhereImeantosendthee，mypenancewillbesoonover，andmyglorywillsoonbegin。Butasitisnotrighttokeeptheeanylongerinsuspense，waitingtoseewhatcomesofmywords，Iwouldhavetheeknow，Sancho，thatthefamousAmadisofGaulwasoneofthemostperfectknights-errant-Iamwrongtosayhewasone；hestoodalone，thefirst，theonlyone，thelordofallthatwereintheworldinhistime。AfigforDonBelianis，andforallwhosayheequalledhiminanyrespect，for，myoathuponit，theyaredeceivingthemselves！Isay，too，thatwhenapainterdesirestobecomefamousinhisartheendeavourstocopytheoriginalsoftherarestpaintersthatheknows；andthesameruleholdsgoodforallthemostimportantcraftsandcallingsthatservetoadornastate；
thusmusthewhowouldbeesteemedprudentandpatientimitateUlysses，inwhosepersonandlaboursHomerpresentstousalivelypictureofprudenceandpatience；asVirgil，too，showsusinthepersonofAEneasthevirtueofapioussonandthesagacityofabraveandskilfulcaptain；notrepresentingordescribingthemastheywere，butastheyoughttobe，soastoleavetheexampleoftheirvirtuestoposterity。InthesamewayAmadiswasthepolestar，day-star，sunofvaliantanddevotedknights，whomallwewhofightunderthebannerofloveandchivalryareboundtoimitate。This，then，beingso，I
consider，friendSancho，thattheknight-errantwhoshallimitatehimmostcloselywillcomenearesttoreachingtheperfectionofchivalry。Nowoneoftheinstancesinwhichthisknightmostconspicuouslyshowedhisprudence，worth，valour，endurance，fortitude，andlove，waswhenhewithdrew，rejectedbytheLadyOriana，todopenanceuponthePenaPobre，changinghisnameintothatofBeltenebros，anameassuredlysignificantandappropriatetothelifewhichhehadvoluntarilyadopted。So，asitiseasierformetoimitatehiminthisthanincleavinggiantsasunder，cuttingoffserpents\'heads，slayingdragons，routingarmies，destroyingfleets，andbreakingenchantments，andasthisplaceissowellsuitedforasimilarpurpose，Imustnotallowtheopportunitytoescapewhichnowsoconvenientlyoffersmeitsforelock。“
“Whatisitinreality，“saidSancho，“thatyourworshipmeanstodoinsuchanout-of-the-wayplaceasthis？”
“HaveInottoldthee，“answeredDonQuixote，“thatImeantoimitateAmadishere，playingthevictimofdespair，themadman，themaniac，soasatthesametimetoimitatethevaliantDonRoland，whenatthefountainhehadevidenceofthefairAngelicahavingdisgracedherselfwithMedoroandthroughgriefthereatwentmad，andpluckeduptrees，troubledthewatersoftheclearsprings，slewdestroyedflocks，burneddownhuts，levelledhouses，draggedmaresafterhim，andperpetratedahundredthousandotheroutragesworthyofeverlastingrenownandrecord？AndthoughIhavenointentionofimitatingRoland，orOrlando，orRotolandoforhewentbyallthesenames，stepbystepinallthemadthingshedid，said，andthought，Iwillmakearoughcopytothebestofmypowerofallthatseemstomemostessential；butperhapsIshallcontentmyselfwiththesimpleimitationofAmadis，whowithoutgivingwaytoanymischievousmadnessbutmerelytotearsandsorrow，gainedasmuchfameasthemostfamous。“
“Itseemstome，“saidSancho，“thattheknightswhobehavedinthiswayhadprovocationandcauseforthosefolliesandpenances；butwhatcausehasyourworshipforgoingmad？Whatladyhasrejectedyou，orwhatevidencehaveyoufoundtoprovethattheladyDulcineadelTobosohasbeentriflingwithMoororChristian？”
“Thereisthepoint，“repliedDonQuixote，“andthatisthebeautyofthisbusinessofmine；nothankstoaknight-errantforgoingmadwhenhehascause；thethingistoturncrazywithoutanyprovocation，andletmyladyknow，ifIdothisinthedry，whatIwoulddointhemoist；moreoverIhaveabundantcauseinthelongseparationI
haveenduredfrommyladytilldeath，DulcineadelToboso；forasthoudidsthearthatshepherdAmbrosiosaytheotherday，inabsenceallillsarefeltandfeared；andso，friendSancho，wastenotimeinadvisingmeagainstsorare，sohappy，andsounheard-ofanimitation；
madIam，andmadImustbeuntilthoureturnestwiththeanswertoaletterthatImeantosendbytheetomyladyDulcinea；andifitbesuchasmyconstancydeserves，myinsanityandpenancewillcometoanend；andifitbetotheoppositeeffect，Ishallbecomemadinearnest，and，beingso，Ishallsuffernomore；thusinwhateverwayshemayanswerIshallescapefromthestruggleandafflictioninwhichthouwiltleaveme，enjoyinginmysensestheboonthoubearestme，orasamadmannotfeelingtheevilthoubringestme。
Buttellme，Sancho，hastthougotMambrino\'shelmetsafe？forIsawtheetakeitupfromthegroundwhenthatungratefulwretchtriedtobreakitinpiecesbutcouldnot，bywhichthefinenessofitstempermaybeseen。“
TowhichSanchomadeanswer，“BythelivingGod，SirKnightoftheRuefulCountenance，Icannotendureorbearwithpatiencesomeofthethingsthatyourworshipsays；andfromthemIbegintosuspectthatallyoutellmeaboutchivalry，andwinningkingdomsandempires，andgivingislands，andbestowingotherrewardsanddignitiesafterthecustomofknights-errant，mustbeallmadeupofwindandlies，andallpigmentsorfigments，orwhateverwemaycallthem；forwhatwouldanyonethinkthatheardyourworshipcallingabarber\'sbasinMambrino\'shelmetwithouteverseeingthemistakeallthistime，butthatonewhosaysandmaintainssuchthingsmusthavehisbrainsaddled？Ihavethebasininmysackalldinted，andIamtakingithometohaveitmended，totrimmybeardinit，if，byGod\'sgrace，Iamallowedtoseemywifeandchildrensomedayorother。“
“Lookhere，Sancho，“saidDonQuixote，“byhimthoudidstswearbyjustnowIswearthouhastthemostlimitedunderstandingthatanysquireintheworldhasoreverhad。Isitpossiblethatallthistimethouhastbeengoingaboutwithmethouhastneverfoundoutthatallthingsbelongingtoknights-errantseemtobeillusionsandnonsenseandravings，andtogoalwaysbycontraries？Andnotbecauseitreallyisso，butbecausethereisalwaysaswarmofenchantersinattendanceuponusthatchangeandaltereverythingwithus，andturnthingsastheyplease，andaccordingastheyaredisposedtoaidordestroyus；thuswhatseemstotheeabarber\'sbasinseemstomeMambrino\'shelmet，andtoanotheritwillseemsomethingelse；
andrareforesightitwasinthesagewhoisonmysidetomakewhatisreallyandtrulyMambrine\'shelmetseemabasintoeverybody，for，beingheldinsuchestimationasitis，alltheworldwouldpursuemetorobmeofit；butwhentheyseeitisonlyabarber\'sbasintheydonottakethetroubletoobtainit；aswasplainlyshownbyhimwhotriedtobreakit，andleftitonthegroundwithouttakingit，for，bymyfaith，hadheknownithewouldneverhaveleftitbehind。Keepitsafe，myfriend，forjustnowIhavenoneedofit；indeed，IshallhavetotakeoffallthisarmourandremainasnakedasIwasborn，ifIhaveamindtofollowRolandratherthanAmadisinmypenance。“
Thustalkingtheyreachedthefootofahighmountainwhichstoodlikeanisolatedpeakamongtheothersthatsurroundedit。Pastitsbasethereflowedagentlebrook，allarounditspreadameadowsogreenandluxuriantthatitwasadelighttotheeyestolookuponit，andforesttreesinabundance，andshrubsandflowers，addedtothecharmsofthespot。UponthisplacetheKnightoftheRuefulCountenancefixedhischoicefortheperformanceofhispenance，andashebehelditexclaimedinaloudvoiceasthoughhewereoutofhissenses：
“Thisistheplace，oh，yeheavens，thatIselectandchooseforbewailingthemisfortuneinwhichyeyourselveshaveplungedme：
thisisthespotwheretheoverflowingsofmineeyesshallswellthewatersofyonlittlebrook，andmydeepandendlesssighsshallstirunceasinglytheleavesofthesemountaintrees，intestimonyandtokenofthepainmypersecutedheartissuffering。Oh，yeruraldeities，whoeveryebethathauntthislonespot，giveeartothecomplaintofawretchedloverwhomlongabsenceandbroodingjealousyhavedriventobewailhisfateamongthesewildsandcomplainofthehardheartofthatfairandungratefulone，theendandlimitofallhumanbeauty！Oh，yewoodnymphsanddryads，thatdwellinthethicketsoftheforest，somaythenimblewantonsatyrsbywhomyearevainlywooedneverdisturbyoursweetrepose，helpmetolamentmyhardfateoratleastwearynotatlisteningtoit！Oh，DulcineadelToboso，dayofmynight，gloryofmypain，guideofmypath，starofmyfortune，somayHeavengranttheeinfullallthouseekestofit，bethinktheeoftheplaceandconditiontowhichabsencefromtheehasbroughtme，andmakethatreturninkindnessthatisduetomyfidelity！Oh，lonelytrees，thatfromthisdayforwardshallbearmecompanyinmysolitude，givemesomesignbythegentlemovementofyourboughsthatmypresenceisnotdistastefultoyou！Oh，thou，mysquire，pleasantcompanioninmyprosperousandadversefortunes，fixwellinthymemorywhatthoushaltseemedohere，sothatthoumayestrelateandreportittothesolecauseofall，“andsosayinghedismountedfromRocinante，andinaninstantrelievedhimofsaddleandbridle，andgivinghimaslaponthecroup，said，“Hegivestheefreedomwhoisbereftofithimself，ohsteedasexcellentindeedasthouartunfortunateinthylot；begonewherethouwilt，forthoubearestwrittenonthyforeheadthatneitherAstolfo\'shippogriff，northefamedFrontinothatcostBradamantesodear，couldequaltheeinspeed。“
SeeingthisSanchosaid，“Goodlucktohimwhohassavedusthetroubleofstrippingthepack-saddleoffDapple！Bymyfaithhewouldnothavegonewithoutaslaponthecroupandsomethingsaidinhispraise；thoughifhewerehereIwouldnotletanyonestriphim，fortherewouldbenooccasion，ashehadnothingoftheloverorvictimofdespairabouthim，inasmuchashismaster，whichIwaswhileitwasGod\'spleasure，wasnothingofthesort；andindeed，SirKnightoftheRuefulCountenance，ifmydepartureandyourworship\'smadnessaretocomeoffinearnest，itwillbeaswelltosaddleRocinanteagaininorderthathemaysupplythewantofDapple，becauseitwillsavemetimeingoingandreturning：forifIgoonfootIdon\'tknowwhenIshallgetthereorwhenIshallgetback，asIam，intruth，abadwalker。“
“Ideclare，Sancho，“returnedDonQuixote，“itshallbeasthouwilt，forthyplandoesnotseemtomeabadone，andthreedayshencethouwiltdepart，forIwishtheetoobserveinthemeantimewhatIdoandsayforhersake，thatthoumayestbeabletotellit。“
“ButwhatmorehaveItoseebesideswhatIhaveseen？”saidSancho。
“Muchthouknowestaboutit！”saidDonQuixote。“Ihavenowgottotearupmygarments，toscatteraboutmyarmour，knockmyheadagainsttheserocks，andmoreofthesamesortofthing，whichthoumustwitness。“
“FortheloveofGod，“saidSancho，“becareful，yourworship，howyougiveyourselfthoseknocksonthehead，foryoumaycomeacrosssucharock，andinsuchaway，thattheveryfirstmayputanendtothewholecontrivanceofthispenance；andIshouldthink，ifindeedknocksontheheadseemnecessarytoyou，andthisbusinesscannotbedonewithoutthem，youmightbecontent-asthewholethingisfeigned，andcounterfeit，andinjoke-youmightbecontent，Isay，withgivingthemtoyourselfinthewater，oragainstsomethingsoft，likecotton；andleaveitalltome；forI\'lltellmyladythatyourworshipknockedyourheadagainstapointofrockharderthanadiamond。“
“Ithanktheeforthygoodintentions，friendSancho，“answeredDonQuixote，“butIwouldhavetheeknowthatallthesethingsIamdoingarenotinjoke，butverymuchinearnest，foranythingelsewouldbeatransgressionoftheordinancesofchivalry，whichforbidustotellanyliewhateverunderthepenaltiesduetoapostasy；andtodoonethinginsteadofanotherisjustthesameaslying；somyknocksontheheadmustbereal，solid，andvalid，withoutanythingsophisticatedorfancifulaboutthem，anditwillbeneedfultoleavemesomelinttodressmywounds，sincefortunehascompelledustodowithoutthebalsamwelost。“
“Itwasworselosingtheass，“repliedSancho，“forwithhimlintandallwerelost；butIbegofyourworshipnottoremindmeagainofthataccursedliquor，formysoul，nottosaymystomach，turnsathearingtheverynameofit；andIbegofyou，too，toreckonaspastthethreedaysyouallowedmeforseeingthemadthingsyoudo，forItakethemasseenalreadyandpronouncedupon，andIwilltellwonderfulstoriestomylady；sowritetheletterandsendmeoffatonce，forIlongtoreturnandtakeyourworshipoutofthispurgatorywhereIamleavingyou。“
“Purgatorydostthoucallit，Sancho？”saidDonQuixote，“rathercallithell，orevenworseiftherebeanythingworse。“
“Foronewhoisinhell，“saidSancho，“nullaestretentio，asI
haveheardsay。“
“Idonotunderstandwhatretentiomeans，“saidDonQuixote。
“Retentio，“answeredSancho，“meansthatwhoeverisinhellnevercomesnorcancomeoutofit，whichwillbetheoppositecasewithyourworshipormylegswillbeidle，thatisifIhavespurstoenlivenRocinante：letmeoncegettoElTobosoandintothepresenceofmyladyDulcinea，andIwilltellhersuchthingsofthefolliesandmadnessesforitisallonethatyourworshiphasdoneandisstilldoing，thatIwillmanagetomakehersofterthanaglovethoughIfindherharderthanacorktree；andwithhersweetandhoneyedanswerIwillcomebackthroughtheairlikeawitch，andtakeyourworshipoutofthispurgatorythatseemstobehellbutisnot，asthereishopeofgettingoutofit；which，asIhavesaid，thoseinhellhavenot，andIbelieveyourworshipwillnotsayanythingtothecontrary。“
“Thatistrue，“saidheoftheRuefulCountenance，“buthowshallwemanagetowritetheletter？”
“Andtheass-coltordertoo，“addedSancho。
“Allshallbeincluded，“saidDonQuixote；“andasthereisnopaper，itwouldbewelldonetowriteitontheleavesoftrees，astheancientsdid，orontabletsofwax；thoughthatwouldbeashardtofindjustnowaspaper。Butithasjustoccurredtomehowitmaybeconvenientlyandevenmorethanconvenientlywritten，andthatisinthenote-bookthatbelongedtoCardenio，andthouwilttakecaretohaveitcopiedonpaper，inagoodhand，atthefirstvillagethoucomesttowherethereisaschoolmaster，orifnot，anysacristanwillcopyit；butseethougiveitnottoanynotarytocopy，fortheywritealawhandthatSatancouldnotmakeout。“
“Butwhatistobedoneaboutthesignature？”saidSancho。
“ThelettersofAmadiswereneversigned，“saidDonQuixote。
“Thatisallverywell，“saidSancho，“buttheordermustneedsbesigned，andifitiscopiedtheywillsaythesignatureisfalse，andIshallbeleftwithoutass-colts。“
“Theordershallgosignedinthesamebook，“saidDonQuixote，“andonseeingitmyniecewillmakenodifficultyaboutobeyingit；astotheloveletterthoucanstputbywayofsignature，\'Yourstilldeath，theKnightoftheRuefulCountenance。\'Anditwillbenogreatmatterifitisinsomeotherperson\'shand，foraswellasI
recollectDulcineacanneitherreadnorwrite，norinthewholecourseofherlifehassheseenhandwritingorletterofmine，formyloveandhershavebeenalwaysplatonic，notgoingbeyondamodestlook，andeventhatsoseldomthatIcansafelyswearIhavenotseenherfourtimesinallthesetwelveyearsIhavebeenlovinghermorethanthelightoftheseeyesthattheearthwillonedaydevour；andperhapsevenofthosefourtimesshehasnotonceperceivedthatIwaslookingather：suchistheretirementandseclusioninwhichherfatherLorenzoCorchueloandhermotherAldonzaNogaleshavebroughtherup。“
“So，so！”saidSancho；“LorenzoCorchuelo\'sdaughteristheladyDulcineadelToboso，otherwisecalledAldonzaLorenzo？”
“Sheitis，“saidDonQuixote，“andsheitisthatisworthytobeladyofthewholeuniverse。“
“Iknowherwell，“saidSancho，“andletmetellyoushecanflingacrowbaraswellasthelustiestladinallthetown。Giverofallgood！butsheisabravelass，andarightandstoutone，andfittobehelpmatetoanyknight-errantthatisoristobe，whomaymakeherhislady：thewhoresonwench，whatstingshehasandwhatavoice！I
cantellyouonedayshepostedherselfonthetopofthebelfryofthevillagetocallsomelabourersoftheirsthatwereinaploughedfieldofherfather\'s，andthoughtheywerebetterthanhalfaleagueofftheyheardheraswellasiftheywereatthefootofthetower；andthebestofheristhatsheisnotabitprudish，forshehasplentyofaffability，andjokeswitheverybody，andhasagrinandajestforeverything。So，SirKnightoftheRuefulCountenance，Isayyounotonlymayandoughttodomadfreaksforhersake，butyouhaveagoodrighttogivewaytodespairandhangyourself；andnoonewhoknowsofitbutwillsayyoudidwell，thoughthedevilshouldtakeyou；andIwishIwereonmyroadalready，simplytoseeher，foritismanyadaysinceIsawher，andshemustbealteredbythistime，forgoingaboutthefieldsalways，andthesunandtheairspoilwomen\'slooksgreatly。ButImustownthetruthtoyourworship，SenorDonQuixote；untilnowIhavebeenunderagreatmistake，forI
believedtrulyandhonestlythattheladyDulcineamustbesomeprincessyourworshipwasinlovewith，orsomepersongreatenoughtodeservetherichpresentsyouhavesenther，suchastheBiscayanandthegalleyslaves，andmanymorenodoubt，foryourworshipmusthavewonmanyvictoriesinthetimewhenIwasnotyetyoursquire。
Butallthingsconsidered，whatgoodcanitdotheladyAldonzaLorenzo，ImeantheladyDulcineadelToboso，tohavethevanquishedyourworshipsendsorwillsendcomingtoherandgoingdownontheirkneesbeforeher？Becausemaybewhentheycameshe\'dbehacklingflaxorthreshingonthethreshingfloor，andthey\'dbeashamedtoseeher，andshe\'dlaugh，orresentthepresent。“
“Ihavebeforenowtoldtheemanytimes，Sancho，“saidDonQuixote，“thatthouartamightygreatchatterer，andthatwithabluntwitthouartalwaysstrivingatsharpness；buttoshowtheewhatafoolthouartandhowrationalIam，Iwouldhavetheelistentoashortstory。Thoumustknowthatacertainwidow，fair，young，independent，andrich，andaboveallfreeandeasy，fellinlovewithasturdystrappingyounglay-brother；hissuperiorcametoknowofit，andonedaysaidtotheworthywidowbywayofbrotherlyremonstrance，\'Iamsurprised，senora，andnotwithoutgoodreason，thatawomanofsuchhighstanding，sofair，andsorichasyouare，shouldhavefalleninlovewithsuchamean，low，stupidfellowasSo-and-so，wheninthishousetherearesomanymasters，graduates，anddivinitystudentsfromamongwhomyoumightchooseasiftheywerealotofpears，sayingthisoneI\'lltake，thatIwon\'ttake；\'butsherepliedtohimwithgreatsprightlinessandcandour，\'Mydearsir，youareverymuchmistaken，andyourideasareveryold-fashioned，ifyouthinkthatIhavemadeabadchoiceinSo-and-so，foolasheseems；becauseforallIwantwithhimheknowsasmuchandmorephilosophythanAristotle。\'Inthesameway，Sancho，forallIwantwithDulcineadelTobososheisjustasgoodasthemostexaltedprincessonearth。Itisnottobesupposedthatallthosepoetswhosangthepraisesofladiesunderthefancynamestheygivethem，hadanysuchmistresses。ThinkestthouthattheAmarillises，thePhillises，theSylvias，theDianas，theGalateas，theFilidas，andalltherestofthem，thatthebooks，theballads，thebarber\'sshops，thetheatresarefullof，werereallyandtrulyladiesoffleshandblood，andmistressesofthosethatglorifyandhaveglorifiedthem？
Nothingofthekind；theyonlyinventthemforthemostparttofurnishasubjectfortheirverses，andthattheymaypassforlovers，orformenvaliantenoughtobeso；andsoitsufficesmetothinkandbelievethatthegoodAldonzaLorenzoisfairandvirtuous；andastoherpedigreeitisverylittlematter，fornoonewillexamineintoitforthepurposeofconferringanyorderuponher，andI，formypart，reckonherthemostexaltedprincessintheworld。Forthoushouldstknow，Sancho，ifthoudostnotknow，thattwothingsalonebeyondallothersareincentivestolove，andthesearegreatbeautyandagoodname，andthesetwothingsaretobefoundinDulcineainthehighestdegree，forinbeautynooneequalsherandingoodnamefewapproachher；andtoputthewholethinginanutshell，IpersuademyselfthatallIsayisasIsay，neithermorenorless，andI
pictureherinmyimaginationasIwouldhavehertobe，aswellinbeautyasincondition；HelenapproacheshernotnordoesLucretiacomeuptoher，noranyotherofthefamouswomenoftimespast，Greek，Barbarian，orLatin；andleteachsaywhathewill，forifinthisIamtakentotaskbytheignorant，Ishallnotbecensuredbythecritical。“
“Isaythatyourworshipisentirelyright，“saidSancho，“andthatIamanass。ButIknownothowthenameofasscameintomymouth，foraropeisnottobementionedinthehouseofhimwhohasbeenhanged；butnowfortheletter，andthen，Godbewithyou，Iamoff。“
DonQuixotetookoutthenote-book，and，retiringtooneside，verydeliberatelybegantowritetheletter，andwhenhehadfinishedithecalledtoSancho，sayinghewishedtoreadittohim，sothathemightcommitittomemory，incaseoflosingitontheroad；forwithevilfortunelikehisanythingmightbeapprehended。TowhichSanchoreplied，“Writeittwoorthreetimesthereinthebookandgiveittome，andIwillcarryitverycarefully，becausetoexpectmetokeepitinmymemoryisallnonsense，forIhavesuchabadonethatIoftenforgetmyownname；butforallthatrepeatittome，asIshallliketohearit，forsurelyitwillrunasifitwasinprint。“
“Listen，“saidDonQuixote，“thisiswhatitsays：
“DONQUIXOTE\'SLETTERTODULCINEADELTOBOSO
“SovereignandexaltedLady，-Thepiercedbythepointofabsence，thewoundedtotheheart\'score，sendsthee，sweetestDulcineadelToboso，thehealththathehimselfenjoysnot。Ifthybeautydespisesme，ifthyworthisnotforme，ifthyscornismyaffliction，thoughIbesufficientlylong-suffering，hardlyshallI
endurethisanxiety，which，besidesbeingoppressive，isprotracted。
MygoodsquireSanchowillrelatetotheeinfull，fairingrate，dearenemy，theconditiontowhichIamreducedonthyaccount：ifitbethypleasuretogivemerelief，Iamthine；ifnot，doasmaybepleasingtothee；forbyendingmylifeIshallsatisfythycrueltyandmydesire。
“Thinetilldeath，“TheKnightoftheRuefulCountenance。“
“Bythelifeofmyfather，“saidSancho，whenheheardtheletter，“itistheloftiestthingIeverheard。Bodyofme！howyourworshipsayseverythingasyoulikeinit！Andhowwellyoufitin\'TheKnightoftheRuefulCountenance\'intothesignature。Ideclareyourworshipisindeedtheverydevil，andthereisnothingyoudon\'tknow。“
“EverythingisneededforthecallingIfollow，“saidDonQuixote。
“Nowthen，“saidSancho，“letyourworshipputtheorderforthethreeass-coltsontheotherside，andsignitveryplainly，thattheymayrecogniseitatfirstsight。“
“Withallmyheart，“saidDonQuixote，andashehadwrittenithereadittothiseffect：
“MistressNiece，-Bythisfirstofass-coltspleasepaytoSanchoPanza，mysquire，threeofthefiveIleftathomeinyourcharge：
saidthreeass-coltstobepaidanddeliveredforthesamenumberreceivedhereinhand，whichuponthisanduponhisreceiptshallbedulypaid。DoneintheheartoftheSierraMorena，thetwenty-seventhofAugustofthispresentyear。“
“Thatwilldo，“saidSancho；“nowletyourworshipsignit。“
“Thereisnoneedtosignit，“saidDonQuixote，“butmerelytoputmyflourish，whichisthesameasasignature，andenoughforthreeasses，oreventhreehundred。“
“Icantrustyourworship，“returnedSancho；“letmegoandsaddleRocinante，andbereadytogivemeyourblessing，forImeantogoatoncewithoutseeingthefooleriesyourworshipisgoingtodo；I\'llsayIsawyoudosomanythatshewillnotwantanymore。“
“Atanyrate，Sancho，“saidDonQuixote，“Ishouldlike-andthereisreasonforit-Ishouldlikethee，Isay，toseemestrippedtotheskinandperformingadozenortwoofinsanities，whichIcangetdoneinlessthanhalfanhour；forhavingseenthemwiththineowneyes，thoucanstthensafelysweartotherestthatthouwouldstadd；andIpromisetheethouwiltnottellofasmanyasImeantoperform。“