ButseeingthathewasnotlikelysoontoceaseImadehastetoputhimonshore，andthencehecontinuedhismaledictionsandlamentationsaloud；callingonMohammedtopraytoAllahtodestroyus，toconfoundus，tomakeanendofus；andwhen，inconsequenceofhavingmadesail，wecouldnolongerhearwhathesaidwecouldseewhathedid；howhepluckedouthisbeardandtorehishairandlaywrithingontheground。Butonceheraisedhisvoicetosuchapitchthatwewereabletohearwhathesaid。“Comeback，deardaughter，comebacktoshore；Iforgivetheeall；letthosemenhavethemoney，foritistheirsnow，andcomebacktocomfortthysorrowingfather，whowillyielduphislifeonthisbarrenstrandifthoudostleavehim。“
AllthisZoraidaheard，andheardwithsorrowandtears，andallshecouldsayinanswerwas，“AllahgrantthatLelaMarien，whohasmademebecomeaChristian，givetheecomfortinthysorrow，myfather。
AllahknowsthatIcouldnotdootherwisethanIhavedone，andthattheseChristiansowenothingtomywill；forevenhadIwishednottoaccompanythem，butremainathome，itwouldhavebeenimpossibleforme，soeagerlydidmysoulurgemeontotheaccomplishmentofthispurpose，whichIfeeltobeasrighteousastothee，dearfather，itseemswicked。“
Butneithercouldherfatherhearhernorweseehimwhenshesaidthis；andso，whileIconsoledZoraida，weturnedourattentiontoourvoyage，inwhichabreezefromtherightpointsofavouredusthatwemadesureoffindingourselvesoffthecoastofSpainonthemorrowbydaybreak。But，asgoodseldomornevercomespureandunmixed，withoutbeingattendedorfollowedbysomedisturbingevilthatgivesashocktoit，ourfortune，orperhapsthecurseswhichtheMoorhadhurledathisdaughterforwhateverkindoffathertheymaycomefromthesearealwaystobedreaded，broughtitaboutthatwhenwewerenowinmid-sea，andthenightaboutthreehoursspent，aswewererunningwithallsailsetandoarslashed，forthefavouringbreezesavedusthetroubleofusingthem，wesawbythelightofthemoon，whichshonebrilliantly，asquare-riggedvesselinfullsailclosetous，luffingupandstandingacrossourcourse，andsoclosethatwehadtostrikesailtoavoidrunningfoulofher，whiletheytooputthehelmharduptoletuspass。Theycametothesideoftheshiptoaskwhowewere，whitherwewerebound，andwhencewecame，butastheyaskedthisinFrenchourrenegadesaid，“Letnooneanswer，fornodoubttheseareFrenchcorsairswhoplunderallcomers。“Actingonthiswarningnooneansweredaword，butafterwehadgonealittleahead，andthevesselwasnowlyingtoleeward，suddenlytheyfiredtwoguns，andapparentlybothloadedwithchain-shot，forwithonetheycutourmastinhalfandbroughtdownbothitandthesailintothesea，andtheother，dischargedatthesamemoment，sentaballintoourvesselamidships，stavingherincompletely，butwithoutdoinganyfurtherdamage。We，however，findingourselvessinkingbegantoshoutforhelpandcalluponthoseintheshiptopickusupaswewerebeginningtofill。Theythenlayto，andloweringaskifforboat，asmanyasadozenFrenchmen，wellarmedwithmatch-locks，andtheirmatchesburning，gotintoitandcamealongside；andseeinghowfewwewere，andthatourvesselwasgoingdown，theytookusin，tellingusthatthishadcometousthroughourincivilityinnotgivingthemananswer。OurrenegadetookthetrunkcontainingZoraida\'swealthanddroppeditintotheseawithoutanyoneperceivingwhathedid。InshortwewentonboardwiththeFrenchmen，who，afterhavingascertainedalltheywantedtoknowaboutus，rifledusofeverythingwehad，asiftheyhadbeenourbitterestenemies，andfromZoraidatheytookeventheankletssheworeonherfeet；butthedistresstheycausedherdidnotdistressmesomuchasthefearIwasinthatfromrobbingherofherrichandpreciousjewelstheywouldproceedtorobherofthemostpreciousjewelthatshevaluedmorethanall。Thedesires，however，ofthosepeopledonotgobeyondmoney，butofthattheircovetousnessisinsatiable，andonthisoccasionitwascarriedtosuchapitchthattheywouldhavetakeneventheclothesweworeascaptivesiftheyhadbeenworthanythingtothem。Itwastheadviceofsomeofthemtothrowusallintotheseawrappedupinasail；fortheirpurposewastotradeatsomeoftheportsofSpain，givingthemselvesoutasBretons，andiftheybroughtusalivetheywouldbepunishedassoonastherobberywasdiscovered；butthecaptainwhowastheonewhohadplunderedmybelovedZoraidasaidhewassatisfiedwiththeprizehehadgot，andthathewouldnottouchatanySpanishport，butpasstheStraitsofGibraltarbynight，orasbesthecould，andmakeforLaRochelle，fromwhichhehadsailed。Sotheyagreedbycommonconsenttogiveustheskiffbelongingtotheirshipandallwerequiredfortheshortvoyagethatremainedtous，andthistheydidthenextdayoncominginsightoftheSpanishcoast，withwhich，andthejoywefelt，alloursufferingsandmiserieswereascompletelyforgottenasiftheyhadneverbeenenduredbyus，suchisthedelightofrecoveringlostliberty。
Itmayhavebeenaboutmid-daywhentheyplacedusintheboat，givingustwokegsofwaterandsomebiscuit；andthecaptain，movedbyIknownotwhatcompassion，asthelovelyZoraidawasabouttoembark，gavehersomefortygoldcrowns，andwouldnotpermithismentotakefromherthosesamegarmentswhichshehasonnow。Wegotintotheboat，returningthemthanksfortheirkindnesstous，andshowingourselvesgratefulratherthanindignant。Theystoodouttosea，steeringforthestraits；we，withoutlookingtoanycompasssavethelandwehadbeforeus，setourselvestorowwithsuchenergythatbysunsetweweresonearthatwemighteasily，wethought，landbeforethenightwasfaradvanced。Butasthemoondidnotshowthatnight，andtheskywasclouded，andasweknewnotwhereaboutswewere，itdidnotseemtousaprudentthingtomakefortheshore，asseveralofusadvised，sayingweoughttorunourselvesashoreevenifitwereonrocksandfarfromanyhabitation，forinthiswayweshouldberelievedfromtheapprehensionswenaturallyfeltoftheprowlingvesselsoftheTetuancorsairs，wholeaveBarbaryatnightfallandareontheSpanishcoastbydaybreak，wheretheycommonlytakesomeprize，andthengohometosleepintheirownhouses。Butoftheconflictingcounselstheonewhichwasadoptedwasthatweshouldapproachgradually，andlandwherewecouldiftheseawerecalmenoughtopermitus。Thiswasdone，andalittlebeforemidnightwedrewneartothefootofahugeandloftymountain，notsoclosetotheseabutthatitleftanarrowspaceonwhichtolandconveniently。Weranourboatuponthesand，andallsprangoutandkissedtheground，andwithtearsofjoyfulsatisfactionreturnedthankstoGodourLordforallhisincomparablegoodnesstousonourvoyage。Wetookoutoftheboattheprovisionsitcontained，anddrewitupontheshore，andthenclimbedalongwayupthemountain，foreventherewecouldnotfeeleasyinourhearts，orpersuadeourselvesthatitwasChristiansoilthatwasnowunderourfeet。
Thedawncame，moreslowly，Ithink，thanwecouldhavewished；wecompletedtheascentinordertoseeiffromthesummitanyhabitationoranyshepherds\'hutscouldbediscovered，butstrainoureyesaswemight，neitherdwelling，norhumanbeing，norpathnorroadcouldweperceive。However，wedeterminedtopushonfarther，asitcouldnotbutbethaterelongwemustseesomeonewhocouldtelluswherewewere。ButwhatdistressedmemostwastoseeZoraidagoingonfootoverthatroughground；forthoughIoncecarriedheronmyshoulders，shewasmoreweariedbymywearinessthanrestedbytherest；andsoshewouldneveragainallowmetoundergotheexertion，andwentonverypatientlyandcheerfully，whileIledherbythehand。Wehadgoneratherlessthanaquarterofaleaguewhenthesoundofalittlebellfellonourears，aclearproofthattherewereflockshardby，andlookingaboutcarefullytoseeifanywerewithinview，weobservedayoungshepherdtranquillyandunsuspiciouslytrimmingastickwithhisknifeatthefootofacorktree。Wecalledtohim，andhe，raisinghishead，sprangnimblytohisfeet，for，asweafterwardslearned，thefirstwhopresentedthemselvestohissightweretherenegadeandZoraida，andseeingtheminMoorishdressheimaginedthatalltheMoorsofBarbarywereuponhim；andplungingwithmarvellousswiftnessintothethicketinfrontofhim，hebegantoraiseaprodigiousoutcry，exclaiming，“TheMoors-theMoorshavelanded！Toarms，toarms！”Wewereallthrownintoperplexitybythesecries，notknowingwhattodo；butreflectingthattheshoutsoftheshepherdwouldraisethecountryandthatthemountedcoast-guardwouldcomeatoncetoseewhatwasthematter，weagreedthattherenegademuststripoffhisTurkishgarmentsandputonacaptive\'sjacketorcoatwhichoneofourpartygavehimatonce，thoughhehimselfwasreducedtohisshirt；
andsocommendingourselvestoGod，wefollowedthesameroadwhichwesawtheshepherdtake，expectingeverymomentthatthecoast-guardwouldbedownuponus。Nordidourexpectationdeceiveus，fortwohourshadnotpassedwhen，comingoutofthebrushwoodintotheopenground，weperceivedsomefiftymountedmenswiftlyapproachingusatahand-gallop。Assoonaswesawthemwestoodstill，waitingforthem；butastheycamecloseand，insteadoftheMoorstheywereinquestof，sawasetofpoorChristians，theyweretakenaback，andoneofthemaskedifitcouldbewewhowerethecauseoftheshepherdhavingraisedthecalltoarms。Isaid“Yes，“andasIwasabouttoexplaintohimwhathadoccurred，andwhencewecameandwhowewere，oneoftheChristiansofourpartyrecognisedthehorsemanwhohadputthequestiontous，andbeforeIcouldsayanythingmoreheexclaimed：
“ThanksbetoGod，sirs，forbringingustosuchgoodquarters；for，ifIdonotdeceivemyself，thegroundwestandonisthatofVelezMalagaunless，indeed，allmyyearsofcaptivityhavemademeunabletorecollectthatyou，senor，whoaskwhoweare，arePedrodeBustamante，myuncle。“
TheChristiancaptivehadhardlyutteredthesewords，whenthehorsemanthrewhimselfoffhishorse，andrantoembracetheyoungman，crying：
“Nephewofmysoulandlife！Irecognisetheenow；andlonghaveI
mournedtheeasdead，I，andmysister，thymother，andallthykinthatarestillalive，andwhomGodhasbeenpleasedtopreservethattheymayenjoythehappinessofseeingthee。WeknewlongsincethatthouwertinAlgiers，andfromtheappearanceofthygarmentsandthoseofallthiscompany，Iconcludethatyehavehadamiraculousrestorationtoliberty。“
“Itistrue，“repliedtheyoungman，“andby-and-bywewilltellyouall。“
AssoonasthehorsemenunderstoodthatwewereChristiancaptives，theydismountedfromtheirhorses，andeachofferedhistocarryustothecityofVelezMalaga，whichwasaleagueandahalfdistant。Someofthemwenttobringtheboattothecity，wehavingtoldthemwherewehadleftit；otherstookusupbehindthem，andZoraidawasplacedonthehorseoftheyoungman\'suncle。Thewholetowncameouttomeetus，fortheyhadbythistimeheardofourarrivalfromonewhohadgoneoninadvance。TheywerenotastonishedtoseeliberatedcaptivesorcaptiveMoors，forpeopleonthatcoastarewellusedtoseebothoneandtheother；buttheywereastonishedatthebeautyofZoraida，whichwasjustthenheightened，aswellbytheexertionoftravellingasbyjoyatfindingherselfonChristiansoil，andrelievedofallfearofbeinglost；forthishadbroughtsuchaglowuponherface，thatunlessmyaffectionforherweredeceivingme，Iwouldventuretosaythattherewasnotamorebeautifulcreatureintheworld-atleast，thatIhadeverseen。
WewentstraighttothechurchtoreturnthankstoGodforthemercieswehadreceived，andwhenZoraidaentereditshesaidtherewerefacestherelikeLelaMarien\'s。Wetoldhertheywereherimages；
andaswellashecouldtherenegadeexplainedtoherwhattheymeant，thatshemightadorethemasifeachofthemweretheverysameLelaMarienthathadspokentoher；andshe，havinggreatintelligenceandaquickandclearinstinct，understoodatonceallhesaidtoheraboutthem。Thencetheytookusawayanddistributedusallindifferenthousesinthetown；butasfortherenegade，Zoraida，andmyself，theChristianwhocamewithusbroughtustothehouseofhisparents，whohadafairshareofthegiftsoffortune，andtreateduswithasmuchkindnessastheydidtheirownson。
WeremainedsixdaysinVelez，attheendofwhichtherenegade，havinginformedhimselfofallthatwasrequisiteforhimtodo，setoutforthecityofGranadatorestorehimselftothesacredbosomoftheChurchthroughthemediumoftheHolyInquisition。Theotherreleasedcaptivestooktheirdepartures，eachthewaythatseemedbesttohim，andZoraidaandIwereleftalone，withnothingmorethanthecrownswhichthecourtesyoftheFrenchmanhadbestoweduponZoraida，outofwhichIboughtthebeastonwhichsherides；and，I
forthepresentattendingherasherfatherandsquireandnotasherhusband，wearenowgoingtoascertainifmyfatherisliving，orifanyofmybrothershashadbetterfortunethanminehasbeen；
though，asHeavenhasmademethecompanionofZoraida，Ithinknootherlotcouldbeassignedtome，howeverhappy，thatIwouldratherhave。Thepatiencewithwhichsheenduresthehardshipsthatpovertybringswithit，andtheeagernesssheshowstobecomeaChristian，aresuchthattheyfillmewithadmiration，andbindmetoserveherallmylife；thoughthehappinessIfeelinseeingmyselfhers，andhermine，isdisturbedandmarredbynotknowingwhetherI
shallfindanycornertoshelterherinmyowncountry，orwhethertimeanddeathmaynothavemadesuchchangesinthefortunesandlivesofmyfatherandbrothers，thatIshallhardlyfindanyonewhoknowsme，iftheyarenotalive。
Ihavenomoreofmystorytotellyou，gentlemen；whetheritbeaninterestingoracuriousoneletyourbetterjudgmentsdecide；
allIcansayisIwouldgladlyhavetoldittoyoumorebriefly；
althoughmyfearofwearyingyouhasmademeleaveoutmorethanonecircumstance。
CHAPTERXLII
WHICHTREATSOFWHATFURTHERTOOKPLACEINTHEINN，ANDOFSEVERAL
OTHERTHINGSWORTHKNOWING
WITHthesewordsthecaptiveheldhispeace，andDonFernandosaidtohim，“Intruth，captain，themannerinwhichyouhaverelatedthisremarkableadventurehasbeensuchasbefittedthenoveltyandstrangenessofthematter。Thewholestoryiscuriousanduncommon，andaboundswithincidentsthatfillthehearerswithwonderandastonishment；andsogreatisthepleasurewehavefoundinlisteningtoitthatweshouldbegladifitweretobeginagain，eventhoughto-morrowweretofindusstilloccupiedwiththesametale。“
AndwhilehesaidthisCardenioandtherestofthemofferedtobeofservicetohiminanywaythatlayintheirpower，andinwordsandlanguagesokindlyandsincerethatthecaptainwasmuchgratifiedbytheirgood-will。InparticularDonFernandooffered，ifhewouldgobackwithhim，togethisbrotherthemarquistobecomegodfatheratthebaptismofZoraida，andonhisownparttoprovidehimwiththemeansofmakinghisappearanceinhisowncountrywiththecreditandcomforthewasentitledto。Forallthisthecaptivereturnedthanksverycourteously，althoughhewouldnotacceptanyoftheirgenerousoffers。
Bythistimenightclosedin，andasitdid，therecameuptotheinnacoachattendedbysomemenonhorseback，whodemandedaccommodation；towhichthelandladyrepliedthattherewasnotahand\'sbreadthofthewholeinnunoccupied。
“Still，forallthat，“saidoneofthosewhohadenteredonhorseback，“roommustbefoundforhislordshiptheJudgehere。“
Atthisnamethelandladywastakenaback，andsaid，“Senor，thefactisIhavenobeds；butifhislordshiptheJudgecarriesonewithhim，asnodoubthedoes，lethimcomeinandwelcome；formyhusbandandIwillgiveupourroomtoaccommodatehisworship。“
“Verygood，sobeit，“saidthesquire；butinthemeantimeamanhadgotoutofthecoachwhosedressindicatedataglancetheofficeandpostheheld，forthelongrobewithruffledsleevesthatheworeshowedthathewas，ashisservantsaid，aJudgeofappeal。Heledbythehandayounggirlinatravellingdress，apparentlyaboutsixteenyearsofage，andofsuchahigh-bredair，sobeautifulandsograceful，thatallwerefilledwithadmirationwhenshemadeherappearance，andbutforhavingseenDorothea，Luscinda，andZoraida，whowerethereintheinn，theywouldhavefanciedthatabeautylikethatofthismaiden\'swouldhavebeenhardtofind。DonQuixotewaspresentattheentranceoftheJudgewiththeyounglady，andassoonashesawhimhesaid，“Yourworshipmaywithconfidenceenterandtakeyoureaseinthiscastle；forthoughtheaccommodationbescantyandpoor，therearenoquarterssocrampedorinconvenientthattheycannotmakeroomforarmsandletters；aboveallifarmsandlettershavebeautyforaguideandleader，aslettersrepresentedbyyourworshiphaveinthisfairmaiden，towhomnotonlyoughtcastlestothrowthemselvesopenandyieldthemselvesup，butrocksshouldrendthemselvesasunderandmountainsdivideandbowthemselvesdowntogiveherareception。Enter，yourworship，Isay，intothisparadise，forhereyouwillfindstarsandsunstoaccompanytheheavenyourworshipbringswithyou，hereyouwillfindarmsintheirsupremeexcellence，andbeautyinitshighestperfection。“
TheJudgewasstruckwithamazementatthelanguageofDonQuixote，whomhescrutinizedverycarefully，nolessastonishedbyhisfigurethanbyhistalk；andbeforehecouldfindwordstoanswerhimhehadafreshsurprise，whenhesawoppositetohimLuscinda，Dorothea，andZoraida，who，havingheardofthenewguestsandofthebeautyoftheyounglady，hadcometoseeherandwelcomeher；DonFernando，Cardenio，andthecurate，however，greetedhiminamoreintelligibleandpolishedstyle。Inshort，theJudgemadehisentranceinastateofbewilderment，aswellwithwhathesawaswhatheheard，andthefairladiesoftheinngavethefairdamselacordialwelcome。
Onthewholehecouldperceivethatallwhoweretherewerepeopleofquality；butwiththefigure，countenance，andbearingofDonQuixotehewasathiswits\'end；andallcivilitieshavingbeenexchanged，andtheaccommodationoftheinninquiredinto，itwassettled，asithadbeenbeforesettled，thatallthewomenshouldretiretothegarretthathasbeenalreadymentioned，andthatthemenshouldremainoutsideasiftoguardthem；theJudge，therefore，wasverywellpleasedtoallowhisdaughter，forsuchthedamselwas，togowiththeladies，whichshedidverywillingly；andwithpartofthehost\'snarrowbedandhalfofwhattheJudgehadbroughtwithhim，theymadeamorecomfortablearrangementforthenightthantheyhadexpected。
Thecaptive，whosehearthadleapedwithinhimtheinstanthesawtheJudge，tellinghimsomehowthatthiswashisbrother，askedoneoftheservantswhoaccompaniedhimwhathisnamewas，andwhetherheknewfromwhatpartofthecountryhecame。TheservantrepliedthathewascalledtheLicentiateJuanPerezdeViedma，andthathehadhearditsaidhecamefromavillageinthemountainsofLeon。Fromthisstatement，andwhathehimselfhadseen，hefeltconvincedthatthiswashisbrotherwhohadadoptedlettersbyhisfather\'sadvice；
andexcitedandrejoiced，hecalledDonFernandoandCardenioandthecurateaside，andtoldthemhowthematterstood，assuringthemthatthejudgewashisbrother。TheservanthadfurtherinformedhimthathewasnowgoingtotheIndieswiththeappointmentofJudgeoftheSupremeCourtofMexico；andhehadlearned，likewise，thattheyoungladywashisdaughter，whosemotherhaddiedingivingbirthtoher，andthathewasveryrichinconsequenceofthedowrylefttohimwiththedaughter。Heaskedtheiradviceastowhatmeansheshouldadopttomakehimselfknown，ortoascertainbeforehandwhether，whenhehadmadehimselfknown，hisbrother，seeinghimsopoor，wouldbeashamedofhim，orwouldreceivehimwithawarmheart。
“Leaveittometofindoutthat，“saidthecurate；“thoughthereisnoreasonforsupposing，senorcaptain，thatyouwillnotbekindlyreceived，becausetheworthandwisdomthatyourbrother\'sbearingshowshimtopossessdonotmakeitlikelythathewillprovehaughtyorinsensible，orthathewillnotknowhowtoestimatetheaccidentsoffortuneattheirpropervalue。“
“Still，“saidthecaptain，“Iwouldnotmakemyselfknownabruptly，butinsomeindirectway。“
“Ihavetoldyoualready，“saidthecurate，“thatIwillmanageitinawaytosatisfyusall。“
Bythistimesupperwasready，andtheyalltooktheirseatsatthetable，exceptthecaptive，andtheladies，whosuppedbythemselvesintheirownroom。Inthemiddleofsupperthecuratesaid：
“Ihadacomradeofyourworship\'sname，SenorJudge，inConstantinople，whereIwasacaptiveforseveralyears，andthatsamecomradewasoneofthestoutestsoldiersandcaptainsinthewholeSpanishinfantry；buthehadaslargeashareofmisfortuneashehadofgallantryandcourage。“
“Andhowwasthecaptaincalled，senor？”askedtheJudge。
“HewascalledRuyPerezdeViedma，“repliedthecurate，“andhewasborninavillageinthemountainsofLeon；andhementionedacircumstanceconnectedwithhisfatherandhisbrotherswhich，haditnotbeentoldmebysotruthfulamanashewas，Ishouldhavesetdownasoneofthosefablestheoldwomentelloverthefireinwinter；forhesaidhisfatherhaddividedhispropertyamonghisthreesonsandhadaddressedwordsofadvicetothemsounderthananyofCato\'s。ButIcansaythismuch，thatthechoicehemadeofgoingtothewarswasattendedwithsuchsuccess，thatbyhisgallantconductandcourage，andwithoutanyhelpsavehisownmerit，heroseinafewyearstobecaptainofinfantry，andtoseehimselfonthehigh-roadandinpositiontobegiventhecommandofacorpsbeforelong；butFortunewasagainsthim，forwherehemighthaveexpectedherfavourhelostit，andwithithisliberty，onthatgloriousdaywhensomanyrecoveredtheirs，atthebattleofLepanto。IlostmineattheGoletta，andafteravarietyofadventureswefoundourselvescomradesatConstantinople。ThencehewenttoAlgiers，wherehemetwithoneofthemostextraordinaryadventuresthateverbefellanyoneintheworld。“
Herethecuratewentontorelatebrieflyhisbrother\'sadventurewithZoraida；toallwhichtheJudgegavesuchanattentivehearingthatheneverbeforehadbeensomuchofahearer。Thecurate，however，onlywentsofarastodescribehowtheFrenchmenplunderedthosewhowereintheboat，andthepovertyanddistressinwhichhiscomradeandthefairMoorwereleft，ofwhomhesaidhehadnotbeenabletolearnwhatbecameofthem，orwhethertheyhadreachedSpain，orbeencarriedtoFrancebytheFrenchmen。
Thecaptain，standingalittletooneside，waslisteningtoallthecuratesaid，andwatchingeverymovementofhisbrother，who，assoonasheperceivedthecuratehadmadeanendofhisstory，gaveadeepsighandsaidwithhiseyesfulloftears，“Oh，senor，ifyouonlyknewwhatnewsyouhavegivenmeandhowitcomeshometome，makingmeshowhowIfeelitwiththesetearsthatspringfrommyeyesinspiteofallmyworldlywisdomandself-restraint！Thatbravecaptainthatyouspeakofismyeldestbrother，who，beingofabolderandloftiermindthanmyotherbrotherormyself，chosethehonourableandworthycallingofarms，whichwasoneofthethreecareersourfatherproposedtous，asyourcomradementionedinthatfableyouthoughthewastellingyou。Ifollowedthatofletters，inwhichGodandmyownexertionshaveraisedmetothepositioninwhichyouseeme。MysecondbrotherisinPeru，sowealthythatwithwhathehassenttomyfatherandtomehehasfullyrepaidtheportionhetookwithhim，andhasevenfurnishedmyfather\'shandswiththemeansofgratifyinghisnaturalgenerosity，whileItoohavebeenenabledtopursuemystudiesinamorebecomingandcreditablefashion，andsotoattainmypresentstanding。Myfatherisstillalive，thoughdyingwithanxietytohearofhiseldestson，andhepraysGodunceasinglythatdeathmaynotclosehiseyesuntilhehaslookeduponthoseofhisson；butwithregardtohimwhatsurprisesmeis，thathavingsomuchcommonsenseashehad，heshouldhaveneglectedtogiveanyintelligenceabouthimself，eitherinhistroublesandsufferings，orinhisprosperity，forifhisfatheroranyofushadknownofhisconditionheneednothavewaitedforthatmiracleofthereedtoobtainhisransom；butwhatnowdisquietsmeistheuncertaintywhetherthoseFrenchmenmayhaverestoredhimtoliberty，ormurderedhimtohidetherobbery。Allthiswillmakemecontinuemyjourney，notwiththesatisfactioninwhichIbeganit，butinthedeepestmelancholyandsadness。Ohdearbrother！thatIonlyknewwherethouartnow，andIwouldhastentoseektheeoutanddelivertheefromthysufferings，thoughitweretocostmesufferingmyself！OhthatIcouldbringnewstoouroldfatherthatthouartalive，evenwertthouthedeepestdungeonofBarbary；forhiswealthandmybrother\'sandminewouldrescuetheethence！OhbeautifulandgenerousZoraida，thatIcouldrepaythygoodgoodnesstoabrother！
ThatIcouldbepresentatthenewbirthofthysoul，andatthybridalthatwouldgiveusallsuchhappiness！”
AllthisandmoretheJudgeutteredwithsuchdeepemotionatthenewshehadreceivedofhisbrotherthatallwhoheardhimsharedinit，showingtheirsympathywithhissorrow。Thecurate，seeing，then，howwellhehadsucceededincarryingouthispurposeandthecaptain\'swishes，hadnodesiretokeepthemunhappyanylonger，soherosefromthetableandgoingintotheroomwhereZoraidawashetookherbythehand，Luscinda，Dorothea，andtheJudge\'sdaughterfollowingher。Thecaptainwaswaitingtoseewhatthecuratewoulddo，whenthelatter，takinghimwiththeotherhand，advancedwithbothofthemtowheretheJudgeandtheothergentlemenwereandsaid，“Letyourtearsceasetoflow，SenorJudge，andthewishofyourheartbegratifiedasfullyasyoucoulddesire，foryouhavebeforeyouyourworthybrotherandyourgoodsister-in-law。HewhomyouseehereistheCaptainViedma，andthisisthefairMoorwhohasbeensogoodtohim。TheFrenchmenItoldyouofhavereducedthemtothestateofpovertyyouseethatyoumayshowthegenerosityofyourkindheart。“
Thecaptainrantoembracehisbrother，whoplacedbothhandsonhisbreastsoastohaveagoodlookathim，holdinghimalittlewayoffbutassoonashehadfullyrecognisedhimheclaspedhiminhisarmssoclosely，sheddingsuchtearsofheartfeltjoy，thatmostofthosepresentcouldnotbutjoininthem。Thewordsthebrothersexchanged，theemotiontheyshowedcanscarcelybeimagined，I
fancy，muchlessputdowninwriting。Theytoldeachotherinafewwordstheeventsoftheirlives；theyshowedthetrueaffectionofbrothersinallitsstrength；thenthejudgeembracedZoraida，puttingallhepossessedatherdisposal；thenhemadehisdaughterembraceher，andthefairChristianandthelovelyMoordrewfreshtearsfromeveryeye。AndtherewasDonQuixoteobservingallthesestrangeproceedingsattentivelywithoututteringaword，andattributingthewholetochimerasofknight-errantry。ThentheyagreedthatthecaptainandZoraidashouldreturnwithhisbrothertoSeville，andsendnewstohisfatherofhishavingbeendeliveredandfound，soastoenablehimtocomeandbepresentatthemarriageandbaptismofZoraida，foritwasimpossiblefortheJudgetoputoffhisjourney，ashewasinformedthatinamonthfromthattimethefleetwastosailfromSevilleforNewSpain，andtomissthepassagewouldhavebeenagreatinconveniencetohim。Inshort，everybodywaswellpleasedandgladatthecaptive\'sgoodfortune；andasnowalmosttwo-thirdsofthenightwerepast，theyresolvedtoretiretorestfortheremainderofit。DonQuixoteofferedtomountguardoverthecastlelesttheyshouldbeattackedbysomegiantorothermalevolentscoundrel，covetousofthegreattreasureofbeautythecastlecontained。Thosewhounderstoodhimreturnedhimthanksforthisservice，andtheygavetheJudgeanaccountofhisextraordinaryhumour，withwhichhewasnotalittleamused。SanchoPanzaalonewasfumingatthelatenessofthehourforretiringtorest；andheofallwastheonethatmadehimselfmostcomfortable，ashestretchedhimselfonthetrappingsofhisass，which，aswillbetoldfartheron，costhimsodear。
Theladies，then，havingretiredtotheirchamber，andtheothershavingdisposedthemselveswithaslittlediscomfortastheycould，DonQuixotesalliedoutoftheinntoactassentinelofthecastleashehadpromised。Ithappened，however，thatalittlebeforetheapproachofdawnavoicesomusicalandsweetreachedtheearsoftheladiesthatitforcedthemalltolistenattentively，butespeciallyDorothea，whohadbeenawake，andbywhosesideDonaClaradeViedma，forsotheJudge\'sdaughterwascalled，laysleeping。
Noonecouldimaginewhoitwasthatsangsosweetly，andthevoicewasunaccompaniedbyanyinstrument。Atonemomentitseemedtothemasifthesingerwereinthecourtyard，atanotherinthestable；
andastheywereallattention，wondering，Cardeniocametothedoorandsaid，“Listen，whoeverisnotasleep，andyouwillhearamuleteer\'svoicethatenchantsasitchants。“
“Wearelisteningtoitalready，senor，“saidDorothea；onwhichCardeniowentaway；andDorothea，givingallherattentiontoit，madeoutthewordsofthesongtobethese：
CHAPTERXLIII
WHEREINISRELATEDTHEPLEASANTSTORYOFTHEMULETEER，TOGETHERWITH
OTHERSTRANGETHINGSTHATCAMETOPASSINTHEINN
AHME，Love\'smarineramI
OnLove\'sdeepoceansailing；
Iknownotwherethehavenlies，Idarenothopetogainit。
OnesolitarydistantstarIsallIhavetoguideme，AbrighterorbthanthoseofoldThatPalinuruslighted。
AndvaguelydriftingamIborne，Iknownotwhereitleadsme；
Ifixmygazeonitalone，Ofallbesideitheedless。
Butover-cautiousprudery，Andcoynesscoldandcruel，WhenmostIneedit，these，likeclouds，Itslonged-forlightrefuseme。
Brightstar，goalofmyyearningeyesAsthouabovemebeamest，WhenthoushalthidetheefrommysightI\'llknowthatdeathisnearme。
ThesingerhadgotsofarwhenitstruckDorotheathatitwasnotfairtoletClaramisshearingsuchasweetvoice，so，shakingherfromsidetoside，shewokeher，saying：
“Forgiveme，child，forwakingthee，butIdosothatthoumayesthavethepleasureofhearingthebestvoicethouhasteverheard，perhaps，inallthylife。“
Claraawokequitedrowsy，andnotunderstandingatthemomentwhatDorotheasaid，askedherwhatitwas；sherepeatedwhatshehadsaid，andClarabecameattentiveatonce；butshehadhardlyheardtwolines，asthesingercontinued，whenastrangetremblingseizedher，asifsheweresufferingfromasevereattackofquartanague，andthrowingherarmsroundDorotheashesaid：
“Ah，dearladyofmysoulandlife！whydidyouwakeme？Thegreatestkindnessfortunecoulddomenowwouldbetoclosemyeyesandearssoasneithertoseeorhearthatunhappymusician。“
“Whatartthoutalkingabout，child？”saidDorothea。“Why，theysaythissingerisamuleteer！”
“Nay，heisthelordofmanyplaces，“repliedClara，“andthatoneinmyheartwhichheholdssofirmlyshallneverbetakenfromhim，unlesshebewillingtosurrenderit。“
Dorotheawasamazedattheardentlanguageofthegirl，foritseemedtobefarbeyondsuchexperienceoflifeashertenderyearsgaveanypromiseof，soshesaidtoher：
“YouspeakinsuchawaythatIcannotunderstandyou，SenoraClara；
explainyourselfmoreclearly，andtellmewhatisthisyouaresayingaboutheartsandplacesandthismusicianwhosevoicehassomovedyou？Butdonottellmeanythingnow；IdonotwanttolosethepleasureIgetfromlisteningtothesingerbygivingmyattentiontoyourtransports，forIperceiveheisbeginningtosinganewstrainandanewair。“
“Lethim，inHeaven\'sname，“returnedClara；andnottohearhimshestoppedbothearswithherhands，atwhichDorotheawasagainsurprised；butturningherattentiontothesongshefoundthatitraninthisfashion：
SweetHope，mystay，ThatonwardtothegoalofthyintentDostmakethyway，Heedlessofhindranceorimpediment，HavethounofearIfateachstepthoufindestdeathisnear。
Novictory，Nojoyoftriumphdoththefaintheartknow；
UnblestisheThataboldfronttoFortunedaresnotshow，ButsoulandsenseInbondageyieldethuptoindolence。
IfLovehiswaresDodearlysell，hisrightmustbecontest；
WhatgoldcomparesWiththatwhereonhisstamphehathimprest？
AndallmenknowWhatcostethlittlethatweratebutlow。
LoveresoluteKnowsnottheword“impossibility；“
AndthoughmysuitBesetbyendlessobstaclesIsee，YetnodespairShallholdmeboundtoearthwhileheavenisthere。
HerethevoiceceasedandClara\'ssobsbeganafresh，allwhichexcitedDorothea\'scuriositytoknowwhatcouldbethecauseofsingingsosweetandweepingsobitter，sosheagainaskedherwhatitwasshewasgoingtosaybefore。OnthisClara，afraidthatLuscindamightoverhearher，windingherarmstightlyroundDorotheaputhermouthsoclosetoherearthatshecouldspeakwithoutfearofbeingheardbyanyoneelse，andsaid：
“Thissinger，dearsenora，isthesonofagentlemanofAragon，lordoftwovillages，wholivesoppositemyfather\'shouseatMadrid；andthoughmyfatherhadcurtainstothewindowsofhishouseinwinter，andlattice-workinsummer，insomeway-Iknownothow-thisgentleman，whowaspursuinghisstudies，sawme，whetherinchurchorelsewhere，Icannottell，and，infact，fellinlovewithme，andgavemetoknowitfromthewindowsofhishouse，withsomanysignsandtearsthatIwasforcedtobelievehim，andeventolovehim，withoutknowingwhatitwashewantedofme。Oneofthesignsheusedtomakemewastolinkonehandintheother，toshowmehewishedtomarryme；andthoughIshouldhavebeengladifthatcouldbe，beingaloneandmotherlessIknewnotwhomtoopenmymindto，andsoIleftitasitwas，showinghimnofavour，exceptwhenmyfather，andhistoo，werefromhome，toraisethecurtainorthelatticealittleandlethimseemeplainly，atwhichhewouldshowsuchdelightthatheseemedasifheweregoingmad。Meanwhilethetimeformyfather\'sdeparturearrived，whichhebecameawareof，butnotfromme，forIhadneverbeenabletotellhimofit。Hefellsick，ofgriefIbelieve，andsothedayweweregoingawayI
couldnotseehimtotakefarewellofhim，wereitonlywiththeeyes。
Butafterwehadbeentwodaysontheroad，onenteringtheposadaofavillageaday\'sjourneyfromthis，Isawhimattheinndoorinthedressofamuleteer，andsowelldisguised，thatifIdidnotcarryhisimagegravenonmyheartitwouldhavebeenimpossibleformetorecognisehim。ButIknewhim，andIwassurprised，andglad；hewatchedme，unsuspectedbymyfather，fromwhomhealwayshideshimselfwhenhecrossesmypathontheroad，orintheposadaswherewehalt；and，asIknowwhatheis，andreflectthatforloveofmehemakesthisjourneyonfootinallthishardship，Iamreadytodieofsorrow；andwherehesetsfootthereIsetmyeyes。Iknownotwithwhatobjecthehascome；orhowhecouldhavegotawayfromhisfather，wholoveshimbeyondmeasure，havingnootherheir，andbecausehedeservesit，asyouwillperceivewhenyouseehim。Andmoreover，Icantellyou，allthathesingsisoutofhisownhead；
forIhaveheardthemsayheisagreatscholarandpoet；andwhatismore，everytimeIseehimorhearhimsingItrembleallover，andamterrifiedlestmyfathershouldrecognisehimandcometoknowofourloves。Ihaveneverspokenawordtohiminmylife；andforallthatIlovehimsothatIcouldnotlivewithouthim。This，dearsenora，isallIhavetotellyouaboutthemusicianwhosevoicehasdelightedyousomuch；andfromitaloneyoumighteasilyperceiveheisnomuleteer，butalordofheartsandtowns，asItoldyoualready。“
“Saynomore，DonaClara，“saidDorotheaatthis，atthesametimekissingherathousandtimesover，“saynomore，Itellyou，butwaittilldaycomes；whenItrustinGodtoarrangethisaffairofyourssothatitmayhavethehappyendingsuchaninnocentbeginningdeserves。“
“Ah，senora，“saidDonaClara，“whatendcanbehopedforwhenhisfatherisofsuchloftyposition，andsowealthy，thathewouldthinkIwasnotfittobeevenaservanttohisson，muchlesswife？
Andastomarryingwithouttheknowledgeofmyfather，Iwouldnotdoitforalltheworld。Iwouldnotaskanythingmorethanthatthisyouthshouldgobackandleaveme；perhapswithnotseeinghim，andthelongdistanceweshallhavetotravel，thepainIsuffernowmaybecomeeasier；thoughIdaresaytheremedyIproposewilldomeverylittlegood。Idon\'tknowhowthedevilthishascomeabout，orhowthisloveIhaveforhimgotin；Isuchayounggirl，andhesuchamereboy；forIverilybelievewearebothofanage，andI
amnotsixteenyet；forIwillbesixteenMichaelmasDay，next，myfathersays。“
DorotheacouldnothelplaughingtohearhowlikeachildDonaClaraspoke。“Letusgotosleepnow，senora，“saidshe，“forthelittleofthenightthatIfancyislefttous：Godwillsoonsendusdaylight，andwewillsetalltorights，oritwillgohardwithme。“
Withthistheyfellasleep，anddeepsilencereignedallthroughtheinn。Theonlypersonsnotasleepwerethelandlady\'sdaughterandherservantMaritornes，who，knowingtheweakpointofDonQuixote\'shumour，andthathewasoutsidetheinnmountingguardinarmourandonhorseback，resolved，thepairofthem，toplaysometrickuponhim，oratanyratetoamusethemselvesforawhilebylisteningtohisnonsense。Asitsohappenedtherewasnotawindowinthewholeinnthatlookedoutwardsexceptaholeinthewallofastraw-loftthroughwhichtheyusedtothrowoutthestraw。Atthisholethetwodemi-damselspostedthemselves，andobservedDonQuixoteonhishorse，leaningonhispikeandfromtimetotimesendingforthsuchdeepanddolefulsighs，thatheseemedtopluckuphissoulbytherootswitheachofthem；andtheycouldhearhim，too，sayinginasoft，tender，lovingtone，“OhmyladyDulcineadelToboso，perfectionofallbeauty，summitandcrownofdiscretion，treasurehouseofgrace，depositaryofvirtue，andfinally，idealofallthatisgood，honourable，anddelectableinthisworld！Whatisthygracedoingnow？
Artthou，perchance，mindfulofthyenslavedknightwhoofhisownfreewillhathexposedhimselftosogreatperils，andalltoservethee？Givemetidingsofher，ohluminaryofthethreefaces！
Perhapsatthismoment，enviousofhers，thouartregardingher，eitherasshepacestoandfrosomegalleryofhersumptuouspalaces，orleansoversomebalcony，meditatinghow，whilstpreservingherpurityandgreatness，shemaymitigatethetorturesthiswretchedheartofmineenduresforhersake，whatgloryshouldrecompensemysufferings，whatreposemytoil，andlastlywhatdeathmylife，andwhatrewardmyservices？Andthou，ohsun，thatartnowdoubtlessharnessingthysteedsinhastetorisebetimesandcomeforthtoseemylady；whenthouseestherIentreatoftheetosaluteheronmybehalf：buthaveacare，whenthoushaltseeherandsaluteher，thatthoukissnotherface；forIshallbemorejealousoftheethanthouwertofthatlight-footedingratethatmadetheesweatandrunsoontheplainsofThessaly，oronthebanksofthePeneusforIdonotexactlyrecollectwhereitwasthoudidstrunonthatoccasioninthyjealousyandlove。“
DonQuixotehadgotsofarinhispatheticspeechwhenthelandlady\'sdaughterbegantosignaltohim，saying，“Senor，comeoverhere，please。“
AtthesesignalsandvoiceDonQuixoteturnedhisheadandsawbythelightofthemoon，whichthenwasinitsfullsplendour，thatsomeonewascallingtohimfromtheholeinthewall，whichseemedtohimtobeawindow，andwhatismore，withagiltgrating，asrichcastles，suchashebelievedtheinntobe，oughttohave；anditimmediatelysuggesteditselftohisimaginationthat，asontheformeroccasion，thefairdamsel，thedaughteroftheladyofthecastle，overcomebyloveforhim，wasoncemoreendeavouringtowinhisaffections；andwiththisidea，nottoshowhimselfdiscourteous，orungrateful，heturnedRocinante\'sheadandapproachedthehole，andasheperceivedthetwowencheshesaid：
“Ipityyou，beauteouslady，thatyoushouldhavedirectedyourthoughtsoflovetoaquarterfromwhenceitisimpossiblethatsuchareturncanbemadetoyouasisduetoyourgreatmeritandgentlebirth，forwhichyoumustnotblamethisunhappyknight-errantwhomloverendersincapableofsubmissiontoanyotherthanherwhom，thefirstmomenthiseyesbeheldher，hemadeabsolutemistressofhissoul。Forgiveme，noblelady，andretiretoyourapartment，anddonot，byanyfurtherdeclarationofyourpassion，compelmetoshowmyselfmoreungrateful；andif，oftheloveyoubearme，youshouldfindthatthereisanythingelseinmypowerwhereinIcangratifyyou，provideditbenotloveitself，demanditofme；forIsweartoyoubythatsweetabsentenemyofminetograntitthisinstant，thoughitbethatyourequireofmealockofMedusa\'shair，whichwasallsnakes，oreventheverybeamsofthesunshutupinavial。“
“Mymistresswantsnothingofthatsort，sirknight，“saidMaritornesatthis。
“Whatthen，discreetdame，isitthatyourmistresswants？”
repliedDonQuixote。
“Onlyoneofyourfairhands，“saidMaritornes，“toenablehertoventoveritthegreatpassionpassionwhichhasbroughthertothisloophole，somuchtotheriskofherhonour；forifthelordherfatherhadheardher，theleastslicehewouldcutoffherwouldbeherear。“
“Ishouldliketoseethattried，“saidDonQuixote；“buthehadbetterbewareofthat，ifhedoesnotwanttomeetthemostdisastrousendthateverfatherintheworldmetforhavinglaidhandsonthetenderlimbsofalove-strickendaughter。“
MaritornesfeltsurethatDonQuixotewouldpresentthehandshehadasked，andmakinguphermindwhattodo，shegotdownfromtheholeandwentintothestable，whereshetookthehalterofSanchoPanza\'sass，andinallhastereturnedtothehole，justasDonQuixotehadplantedhimselfstandingonRocinante\'ssaddleinordertoreachthegratedwindowwherehesupposedthelovelorndamseltobe；
andgivingherhishand，hesaid，“Lady，takethishand，orratherthisscourgeoftheevil-doersoftheearth；take，Isay，thishandwhichnootherhandofwomanhasevertouched，notevenherswhohascompletepossessionofmyentirebody。Ipresentittoyou，notthatyoumaykissit，butthatyoumayobservethecontextureofthesinews，theclosenetworkofthemuscles，thebreadthandcapacityoftheveins，whenceyoumayinferwhatmustbethestrengthofthearmthathassuchahand。“
“Thatweshallseepresently，“saidMaritornes，andmakingarunningknotonthehalter，shepasseditoverhiswristandcomingdownfromtheholetiedtheotherendveryfirmlytotheboltofthedoorofthestraw-loft。
DonQuixote，feelingtheroughnessoftheropeonhiswrist，exclaimed，“Yourgraceseemstobegratingratherthancaressingmyhand；treatitnotsoharshly，foritisnottoblamefortheoffencemyresolutionhasgivenyou，norisitjusttowreakallyourvengeanceonsosmallapart；rememberthatonewholovessowellshouldnotrevengeherselfsocruelly。“
ButtherewasnobodynowtolistentothesewordsofDonQuixote\'s，forassoonasMaritorneshadtiedhimsheandtheothermadeoff，readytodiewithlaughing，leavinghimfastenedinsuchawaythatitwasimpossibleforhimtoreleasehimself。
Hewas，ashasbeensaid，standingonRocinante，withhisarmpassedthroughtheholeandhiswristtiedtotheboltofthedoor，andinmightyfearanddreadofbeinglefthangingbythearmifRocinanteweretostironesideortheother；sohedidnotdaretomaketheleastmovement，althoughfromthepatienceandimperturbabledispositionofRocinante，hehadgoodreasontoexpectthathewouldstandwithoutbudgingforawholecentury。Findinghimselffast，then，andthattheladieshadretired，hebegantofancythatallthiswasdonebyenchantment，asontheformeroccasionwheninthatsamecastlethatenchantedMoorofacarrierhadbelabouredhim；andhecursedinhishearthisownwantofsenseandjudgmentinventuringtoenterthecastleagain，afterhavingcomeoffsobadlythefirsttime；
itbeingasettledpointwithknights-errantthatwhentheyhavetriedanadventure，andhavenotsucceededinit，itisasignthatitisnotreservedforthembutforothers，andthatthereforetheyneednottryitagain。Neverthelesshepulledhisarmtoseeifhecouldreleasehimself，butithadbeenmadesofastthatallhiseffortswereinvain。ItistruehepulleditgentlylestRocinanteshouldmove，buttryashemighttoseathimselfinthesaddle，hehadnothingforitbuttostanduprightorpullhishandoff。ThenitwashewishedfortheswordofAmadis，againstwhichnoenchantmentwhateverhadanypower；thenhecursedhisillfortune；thenhemagnifiedthelosstheworldwouldsustainbyhisabsencewhileheremainedthereenchanted，forthathebelievedhewasbeyondalldoubt；thenheoncemoretooktothinkingofhisbelovedDulcineadelToboso；thenhecalledtohisworthysquireSanchoPanza，who，buriedinsleepandstretcheduponthepack-saddleofhisass，wasoblivious，atthatmoment，ofthemotherthatborehim；thenhecalleduponthesagesLirgandeoandAlquifetocometohisaid；thenheinvokedhisgoodfriendUrgandatosuccourhim；andthen，atlast，morningfoundhiminsuchastateofdesperationandperplexitythathewasbellowinglikeabull，forhehadnohopethatdaywouldbringanyrelieftohissuffering，whichhebelievedwouldlastforever，inasmuchashewasenchanted；andofthishewasconvincedbyseeingthatRocinanteneverstirred，muchorlittle，andhefeltpersuadedthatheandhishorseweretoremaininthisstate，withouteatingordrinkingorsleeping，untilthemaligninfluenceofthestarswasoverpast，oruntilsomeothermoresageenchantershoulddisenchanthim。
Buthewasverymuchdeceivedinthisconclusion，fordaylighthadhardlybeguntoappearwhentherecameuptotheinnfourmenonhorseback，wellequippedandaccoutred，withfirelocksacrosstheirsaddle-bows。Theycalledoutandknockedloudlyatthegateoftheinn，whichwasstillshut；onseeingwhich，DonQuixote，eventherewherehewas，didnotforgettoactassentinel，andsaidinaloudandimperioustone，“Knights，orsquires，orwhateveryebe，yehavenorighttoknockatthegatesofthiscastle；foritisplainenoughthattheywhoarewithinareeitherasleep，orelsearenotinthehabitofthrowingopenthefortressuntilthesun\'sraysarespreadoverthewholesurfaceoftheearth。Withdrawtoadistance，andwaittillitisbroaddaylight，andthenweshallseewhetheritwillbeproperornottoopentoyou。“
“Whatthedevilfortressorcastleisthis，“saidone，“tomakeusstandonsuchceremony？Ifyouaretheinnkeeperbidthemopentous；wearetravellerswhoonlywanttofeedourhorsesandgoon，forweareinhaste。“
“Doyouthink，gentlemen，thatIlooklikeaninnkeeper？”saidDonQuixote。
“Idon\'tknowwhatyoulooklike，“repliedtheother；“butIknowthatyouaretalkingnonsensewhenyoucallthisinnacastle。“
“Acastleitis，“returnedDonQuixote，“nay，more，oneofthebestinthiswholeprovince，andithaswithinitpeoplewhohavehadthesceptreinthehandandthecrownonthehead。“
“Itwouldbebetterifitweretheotherway，“saidthetraveller，“thesceptreontheheadandthecrowninthehand；butifso，maybethereiswithinsomecompanyofplayers，withwhomitisacommonthingtohavethosecrownsandsceptresyouspeakof；forinsuchasmallinnasthis，andwheresuchsilenceiskept，Idonotbelieveanypeopleentitledtocrownsandsceptrescanhavetakenuptheirquarters。“
“Youknowbutlittleoftheworld，“returnedDonQuixote，“sinceyouareignorantofwhatcommonlyoccursinknight-errantry。“
Butthecomradesofthespokesman，growingwearyofthedialoguewithDonQuixote，renewedtheirknockswithgreatvehemence，somuchsothatthehost，andnotonlyhebuteverybodyintheinn，awoke，andhegotuptoaskwhoknocked。IthappenedatthismomentthatoneofthehorsesofthefourwhowereseekingadmittancewenttosmellRocinante，whomelancholy，dejected，andwithdroopingearsstoodmotionless，supportinghissorelystretchedmaster；andashewas，afterall，flesh，thoughhelookedasifheweremadeofwood，hecouldnothelpgivingwayandinreturnsmellingtheonewhohadcometoofferhimattentions。ButhehadhardlymovedatallwhenDonQuixotelosthisfooting；andslippingoffthesaddle，hewouldhavecometotheground，butforbeingsuspendedbythearm，whichcausedhimsuchagonythathebelievedeitherhiswristwouldbecutthroughorhisarmtornoff；andhehungsonearthegroundthathecouldjusttouchitwithhisfeet，whichwasalltheworseforhim；for，findinghowlittlewaswantedtoenablehimtoplanthisfeetfirmly，hestruggledandstretchedhimselfasmuchashecouldtogainafooting；
justlikethoseundergoingthetortureofthestrappado，whentheyarefixedat“touchandnotouch，“whoaggravatetheirownsufferingsbytheirviolenteffortstostretchthemselves，deceivedbythehopewhichmakesthemfancythatwithaverylittlemoretheywillreachtheground。
CHAPTERXLIV
INWHICHARECONTINUEDTHEUNHEARD-OFADVENTURESOFTHEINN
SOLOUD，infact，weretheshoutsofDonQuixote，thatthelandlordopeningthegateoftheinninallhaste，cameoutindismay，andrantoseewhowasutteringsuchcries，andthosewhowereoutsidejoinedhim。Maritornes，whohadbeenbythistimerousedupbythesameoutcry，suspectingwhatitwas，rantotheloftand，withoutanyoneseeingher，untiedthehalterbywhichDonQuixotewassuspended，anddownhecametothegroundinthesightofthelandlordandthetravellers，whoapproachingaskedhimwhatwasthematterwithhimthatheshoutedso。Hewithoutreplyingawordtooktheropeoffhiswrist，andrisingtohisfeetleapeduponRocinante，bracedhisbuckleronhisarm，puthislanceinrest，andmakingaconsiderablecircuitoftheplaincamebackatahalf-gallopexclaiming：
“WhoevershallsaythatIhavebeenenchantedwithjustcause，providedmyladythePrincessMicomiconagrantsmepermissiontodoso，Igivehimthelie，challengehimanddefyhimtosinglecombat。“
ThenewlyarrivedtravellerswereamazedatthewordsofDonQuixote；butthelandlordremovedtheirsurprisebytellingthemwhohewas，andnottomindhimashewasoutofhissenses。Theythenaskedthelandlordifbyanychanceayouthofaboutfifteenyearsofagehadcometothatinn，onedressedlikeamuleteer，andofsuchandsuchanappearance，describingthatofDonaClara\'slover。
Thelandlordrepliedthatthereweresomanypeopleintheinnhehadnotnoticedthepersontheywereinquiringfor；butoneofthemobservingthecoachinwhichtheJudgehadcome，said，“Heisherenodoubt，forthisisthecoachheisfollowing：letoneofusstayatthegate，andtherestgointolookforhim；orindeeditwouldbeaswellifoneofuswentroundtheinn，lestheshouldescapeoverthewalloftheyard。““Sobeit，“saidanother；andwhiletwoofthemwentin，oneremainedatthegateandtheothermadethecircuitoftheinn；observingallwhich，thelandlordwasunabletoconjectureforwhatreasontheyweretakingalltheseprecautions，thoughheunderstoodtheywerelookingfortheyouthwhosedescriptiontheyhadgivenhim。
Itwasbythistimebroaddaylight；andforthatreason，aswellasinconsequenceofthenoiseDonQuixotehadmade，everybodywasawakeandup，butparticularlyDonaClaraandDorothea；fortheyhadbeenabletosleepbutbadlythatnight，theonefromagitationathavingherloversonearher，theotherfromcuriositytoseehim。DonQuixote，whenhesawthatnotoneofthefourtravellerstookanynoticeofhimorrepliedtohischallenge，wasfuriousandreadytodiewithindignationandwrath；andifhecouldhavefoundintheordinancesofchivalrythatitwaslawfulforaknight-erranttoundertakeorengageinanotherenterprise，whenhehadplightedhiswordandfaithnottoinvolvehimselfinanyuntilhehadmadeanendoftheonetowhichhewaspledged，hewouldhaveattackedthewholeofthem，andwouldhavemadethemreturnananswerinspiteofthemselves。Butconsideringthatitwouldnotbecomehim，norberight，tobeginanynewempriseuntilhehadestablishedMicomiconainherkingdom，hewasconstrainedtoholdhispeaceandwaitquietlytoseewhatwouldbetheupshotoftheproceedingsofthosesametravellers；oneofwhomfoundtheyouththeywereseekinglyingasleepbythesideofamuleteer，withoutathoughtofanyonecominginsearchofhim，muchlessfindinghim。
Themanlaidholdofhimbythearm，saying，“Itbecomesyouwellindeed，SenorDonLuis，tobeinthedressyouwear，andwellthebedinwhichIfindyouagreeswiththeluxuryinwhichyourmotherrearedyou。“
Theyouthrubbedhissleepyeyesandstaredforawhileathimwhoheldhim，butpresentlyrecognisedhimasoneofhisfather\'sservants，atwhichhewassotakenabackthatforsometimehecouldnotfindorutteraword；whiletheservantwentontosay，“Thereisnothingforitnow，SenorDonLuis，buttosubmitquietlyandreturnhome，unlessitisyourwishthatmylord，yourfather，shouldtakehisdeparturefortheotherworld，fornothingelsecanbetheconsequenceofthegriefheisinatyourabsence。“
“ButhowdidmyfatherknowthatIhadgonethisroadandinthisdress？”saidDonLuis。
“Itwasastudenttowhomyouconfidedyourintentions，“answeredtheservant，“thatdisclosedthem，touchedwithpityatthedistresshesawyourfathersufferonmissingyou；hethereforedespatchedfourofhisservantsinquestofyou，andhereweallareatyourservice，betterpleasedthanyoucanimaginethatweshallreturnsosoonandbeabletorestoreyoutothoseeyesthatsoyearnforyou。“
“ThatshallbeasIplease，orasheavenorders，“returnedDonLuis。
“Whatcanyoupleaseorheavenorder，“saidtheother，“excepttoagreetogoback？Anythingelseisimpossible。“
AllthisconversationbetweenthetwowasoverheardbythemuleteeratwhosesideDonLuislay，andrising，hewenttoreportwhathadtakenplacetoDonFernando，Cardenio，andtheothers，whohadbythistimedressedthemselves；andtoldthemhowthemanhadaddressedtheyouthas“Don，“andwhatwordshadpassed，andhowhewantedhimtoreturntohisfather，whichtheyouthwasunwillingtodo。Withthis，andwhattheyalreadyknewoftherarevoicethatheavenhadbestoweduponhim，theyallfeltveryanxioustoknowmoreparticularlywhohewas，andeventohelphimifitwasattemptedtoemployforceagainsthim；sotheyhastenedtowherehewasstilltalkingandarguingwithhisservant。Dorotheaatthisinstantcameoutofherroom，followedbyDonaClaraallinatremor；andcallingCardenioaside，shetoldhiminafewwordsthestoryofthemusicianandDonaClara，andheatthesametimetoldherwhathadhappened，howhisfather\'sservantshadcomeinsearchofhim；butintellingherso，hedidnotspeaklowenoughbutthatDonaClaraheardwhathesaid，atwhichshewassomuchagitatedthathadnotDorotheahastenedtosupporthershewouldhavefallentotheground。CardeniothenbadeDorotheareturntoherroom，ashewouldendeavourtomakethewholematterright，andtheydidashedesired。AllthefourwhohadcomeinquestofDonLuishadnowcomeintotheinnandsurroundedhim，urginghimtoreturnandconsolehisfatheratonceandwithoutamoment\'sdelay。Herepliedthathecouldnotdosoonanyaccountuntilhehadconcludedsomebusinessinwhichhislife，honour，andheartwereatstake。Theservantspressedhim，sayingthatmostcertainlytheywouldnotreturnwithouthim，andthattheywouldtakehimawaywhetherhelikeditornot。
“Youshallnotdothat，“repliedDonLuis，“unlessyoutakemedead；
thoughhoweveryoutakeme，itwillbewithoutlife。“
Bythistimemostofthoseintheinnhadbeenattractedbythedispute，butparticularlyCardenio，DonFernando，hiscompanions，theJudge，thecurate，thebarber，andDonQuixote；forhenowconsideredtherewasnonecessityformountingguardoverthecastleanylonger。Cardeniobeingalreadyacquaintedwiththeyoungman\'sstory，askedthemenwhowantedtotakehimaway，whatobjecttheyhadinseekingtocarryoffthisyouthagainsthiswill。
“Ourobject，“saidoneofthefour，“istosavethelifeofhisfather，whoisindangeroflosingitthroughthisgentleman\'sdisappearance。“
UponthisDonLuisexclaimed，“Thereisnoneedtomakemyaffairspublichere；Iamfree，andIwillreturnifIplease；andifnot，noneofyoushallcompelme。“
“Reasonwillcompelyourworship，“saidtheman，“andifithasnopoweroveryou，ithaspoweroverus，tomakeusdowhatwecamefor，andwhatitisourdutytodo。“
“Letushearwhatthewholeaffairisabout，“saidtheJudgeatthis；buttheman，whoknewhimasaneighbouroftheirs，replied，“Doyounotknowthisgentleman，SenorJudge？Heisthesonofyourneighbour，whohasrunawayfromhisfather\'shouseinadresssounbecominghisrank，asyourworshipmayperceive。“
Thejudgeonthislookedathimmorecarefullyandrecognisedhim，andembracinghimsaid，“Whatfollyisthis，SenorDonLuis，orwhatcanhavebeenthecausethatcouldhaveinducedyoutocomehereinthisway，andinthisdress，whichsoillbecomesyourcondition？”
Tearscameintotheeyesoftheyoungman，andhewasunabletoutterawordinreplytotheJudge，whotoldthefourservantsnottobeuneasy，forallwouldbesatisfactorilysettled；andthentakingDonLuisbythehand，hedrewhimasideandaskedthereasonofhishavingcomethere。
Butwhilehewasquestioninghimtheyheardaloudoutcryatthegateoftheinn，thecauseofwhichwasthattwooftheguestswhohadpassedthenightthere，seeingeverybodybusyaboutfindingoutwhatitwasthefourmenwanted，hadconceivedtheideaofgoingoffwithoutpayingwhattheyowed；butthelandlord，whomindedhisownaffairsmorethanotherpeople\'s，caughtthemgoingoutofthegateanddemandedhisreckoning，abusingthemfortheirdishonestywithsuchlanguagethathedrovethemtoreplywiththeirfists，andsotheybegantolayonhiminsuchastylethatthepoormanwasforcedtocryout，andcallforhelp。ThelandladyandherdaughtercouldseenoonemorefreetogiveaidthanDonQuixote，andtohimthedaughtersaid，“Sirknight，bythevirtueGodhasgivenyou，helpmypoorfather，fortwowickedmenarebeatinghimtoamummy。“
TowhichDonQuixoteverydeliberatelyandphlegmaticallyreplied，“Fairdamsel，atthepresentmomentyourrequestisinopportune，forI
amdebarredfrominvolvingmyselfinanyadventureuntilIhavebroughttoahappyconclusiononetowhichmywordhaspledgedme；butthatwhichIcandoforyouiswhatIwillnowmention：runandtellyourfathertostandhisgroundaswellashecaninthisbattle，andonnoaccounttoallowhimselftobevanquished，whileIgoandrequestpermissionofthePrincessMicomiconatoenablemetosuccourhiminhisdistress；andifshegrantsit，restassuredIwillrelievehimfromit。“
“SinnerthatIam，“exclaimedMaritornes，whostoodby；“beforeyouhavegotyourpermissionmymasterwillbeintheotherworld。“
“Givemeleave，senora，toobtainthepermissionIspeakof，“
returnedDonQuixote；“andifIgetit，itwillmatterverylittleifheisintheotherworld；forIwillrescuehimthenceinspiteofallthesameworldcando；oratanyrateIwillgiveyousucharevengeoverthosewhoshallhavesenthimtherethatyouwillbemorethanmoderatelysatisfied；“andwithoutsayinganythingmorehewentandkneltbeforeDorothea，requestingherHighnessinknightlyanderrantphrasetobepleasedtogranthimpermissiontoaidandsuccourthecastellanofthatcastle，whonowstoodingrievousjeopardy。
Theprincessgranteditgraciously，andheatonce，bracinghisbuckleronhisarmanddrawinghissword，hastenedtotheinn-gate，wherethetwoguestswerestillhandlingthelandlordroughly；butassoonashereachedthespothestoppedshortandstoodstill，thoughMaritornesandthelandladyaskedhimwhyhehesitatedtohelptheirmasterandhusband。
“Ihesitate，“saidDonQuixote，“becauseitisnotlawfulformetodrawswordagainstpersonsofsquirelycondition；butcallmysquireSanchotome；forthisdefenceandvengeancearehisaffairandbusiness。“
Thusmattersstoodattheinn-gate，wheretherewasaverylivelyexchangeoffisticuffsandpunches，tothesoredamageofthelandlordandtothewrathofMaritornes，thelandlady，andherdaughter，whowerefuriouswhentheysawthepusillanimityofDonQuixote，andthehardtreatmenttheirmaster，husbandandfatherwasundergoing。Butletusleavehimthere；forhewillsurelyfindsomeonetohelphim，andifnot，lethimsufferandholdhistonguewhoattemptsmorethanhisstrengthallowshimtodo；andletusgobackfiftypacestoseewhatDonLuissaidinreplytotheJudgewhomweleftquestioninghimprivatelyastohisreasonsforcomingonfootandsomeanlydressed。
Towhichtheyouth，pressinghishandinawaythatshowedhisheartwastroubledbysomegreatsorrow，andsheddingafloodoftears，madeanswer：
“Senor，Ihavenomoretotellyouthanthatfromthemomentwhen，throughheaven\'swillandourbeingnearneighbours，IfirstsawDonaClara，yourdaughterandmylady，fromthatinstantImadeherthemistressofmywill，andifyours，mytruelordandfather，offersnoimpediment，thisverydaysheshallbecomemywife。ForherI
leftmyfather\'shouse，andforherIassumedthisdisguise，tofollowherwhithersoevershemaygo，asthearrowseeksitsmarkorthesailorthepole-star。Sheknowsnothingmoreofmypassionthanwhatshemayhavelearnedfromhavingsometimesseenfromadistancethatmyeyeswerefilledwithtears。Youknowalready，senor，thewealthandnoblebirthofmyparents，andthatIamtheirsoleheir；ifthisbeasufficientinducementforyoutoventuretomakemecompletelyhappy，acceptmeatonceasyourson；forifmyfather，influencedbyotherobjectsofhisown，shoulddisapproveofthishappinessIhavesoughtformyself，timehasmorepowertoalterandchangethings，thanhumanwill。“
Withthisthelove-smittenyouthwassilent，whiletheJudge，afterhearinghim，wasastonished，perplexed，andsurprised，aswellatthemannerandintelligencewithwhichDonLuishadconfessedthesecretofhisheart，asatthepositioninwhichhefoundhimself，notknowingwhatcoursetotakeinamattersosuddenandunexpected。
Alltheanswer，therefore，hegavehimwastobidhimtomakehismindeasyforthepresent，andarrangewithhisservantsnottotakehimbackthatday，sothattheremightbetimetoconsiderwhatwasbestforallparties。DonLuiskissedhishandsbyforce，nay，bathedthemwithhistears，inawaythatwouldhavetouchedaheartofmarble，nottosaythatoftheJudge，who，asashrewdman，hadalreadyperceivedhowadvantageousthemarriagewouldbetohisdaughter；though，wereitpossible，hewouldhavepreferredthatitshouldbebroughtaboutwiththeconsentofthefatherofDonLuis，whoheknewlookedforatitleforhisson。
Theguestshadbythistimemadepeacewiththelandlord，for，bypersuasionandDonQuixote\'sfairwordsmorethanbythreats，theyhadpaidhimwhathedemanded，andtheservantsofDonLuiswerewaitingfortheendoftheconversationwiththeJudgeandtheirmaster\'sdecision，whenthedevil，whoneversleeps，contrivedthatthebarber，fromwhomDonQuixotehadtakenMambrino\'shelmet，andSanchoPanzathetrappingsofhisassinexchangeforthoseofhisown，shouldatthisinstantentertheinn；whichsaidbarber，asheledhisasstothestable，observedSanchoPanzaengagedinrepairingsomethingorotherbelongingtothepack-saddle；andthemomenthesawitheknewit，andmadeboldtoattackSancho，exclaiming，“Ho，sirthief，Ihavecaughtyou！handovermybasinandmypack-saddle，andallmytrappingsthatyourobbedmeof。“
Sancho，findinghimselfsounexpectedlyassailed，andhearingtheabusepoureduponhim，seizedthepack-saddlewithonehand，andwiththeothergavethebarberacuffthatbathedhisteethinblood。Thebarber，however，wasnotsoreadytorelinquishtheprizehehadmadeinthepack-saddle；onthecontrary，heraisedsuchanoutcrythateveryoneintheinncamerunningtoknowwhatthenoiseandquarrelmeant。“Here，inthenameofthekingandjustice！”hecried，“thisthiefandhighwaymanwantstokillmefortryingtorecovermyproperty。“
“Youlie，“saidSancho，“Iamnohighwayman；itwasinfairwarmymasterDonQuixotewonthesespoils。“
DonQuixotewasstandingbyatthetime，highlypleasedtoseehissquire\'sstoutness，bothoffensiveanddefensive，andfromthattimeforthhereckonedhimamanofmettle，andinhisheartresolvedtodubhimaknightonthefirstopportunitythatpresenteditself，feelingsurethattheorderofchivalrywouldbefittinglybestoweduponhim。
Inthecourseofthealtercation，amongotherthingsthebarbersaid，“Gentlemen，thispack-saddleismineassurelyasIoweGodadeath，andIknowitaswellasifIhadgivenbirthtoit，andhereismyassinthestablewhowillnotletmelie；onlytryit，andifitdoesnotfithimlikeaglove，callmearascal；andwhatismore，thesamedayIwasrobbedofthis，theyrobbedmelikewiseofanewbrassbasin，neveryethandselled，thatwouldfetchacrownanyday。“
AtthisDonQuixotecouldnotkeephimselffromanswering；andinterposingbetweenthetwo，andseparatingthem，heplacedthepack-saddleontheground，toliethereinsightuntilthetruthwasestablished，andsaid，“Yourworshipsmayperceiveclearlyandplainlytheerrorunderwhichthisworthysquirelieswhenhecallsabasinwhichwas，is，andshallbethehelmetofMambrinowhichIwonfromhiminairwar，andmademyselfmasterofbylegitimateandlawfulpossession。Withthepack-saddleIdonotconcernmyself；butImaytellyouonthatheadthatmysquireSanchoaskedmypermissiontostripoffthecaparisonofthisvanquishedpoltroon\'ssteed，andwithitadornhisown；Iallowedhim，andhetookit；andastoitshavingbeenchangedfromacaparisonintoapack-saddle，Icangivenoexplanationexcepttheusualone，thatsuchtransformationswilltakeplaceinadventuresofchivalry。Toconfirmallwhich，run，Sanchomyson，andfetchhitherthehelmetwhichthisgoodfellowcallsabasin。“
“Egad，master，“saidSancho，“ifwehavenootherproofofourcasethanwhatyourworshipputsforward，Mambrino\'shelmetisjustasmuchabasinasthisgoodfellow\'scaparisonisapack-saddle。“
“DoasIbidthee，“saidDonQuixote；“itcannotbethateverythinginthiscastlegoesbyenchantment。“
Sanchohastenedtowherethebasinwas，andbroughtitbackwithhim，andwhenDonQuixotesawit，hetookholdofitandsaid：
“YourworshipsmayseewithwhatafacethissquirecanassertthatthisisabasinandnotthehelmetItoldyouof；andIswearbytheorderofchivalryIprofess，thatthishelmetistheidenticaloneItookfromhim，withoutanythingaddedtoortakenfromit。“
“Thereisnodoubtofthat，“saidSancho，“forfromthetimemymasterwonituntilnowhehasonlyfoughtonebattleinit，whenheletloosethoseunluckymeninchains；andifhadnotbeenforthisbasin-helmethewouldnothavecomeoffoverwellthattime，fortherewasplentyofstone-throwinginthataffair。“