Beoff，youscoundrel！Lettheboltfall。WhyshouldIgolookingforthreefeetonacat，topleaseanotherman；andwhatismore，whenlookingforDulcineawillbelookingforMaricainRavena，orthebachelorinSalamanca？Thedevil，thedevilandnobodyelse，hasmixedmeupinthisbusiness！”
SuchwasthesoliloquySanchoheldwithhimself，andalltheconclusionhecouldcometowastosaytohimselfagain，“Well，there\'sremedyforeverythingexceptdeath，underwhoseyokewehavealltopass，whetherwelikeitornot，whenlife\'sfinished。Ihaveseenbyathousandsignsthatthismasterofmineisamadmanfittobetied，andforthatmatter，Itoo，amnotbehindhim；forI\'magreaterfoolthanheiswhenIfollowhimandservehim，ifthere\'sanytruthintheproverbthatsays，\'Tellmewhatcompanythoukeepest，andI\'lltelltheewhatthouart，\'orinthatother，\'Notwithwhomthouartbred，butwithwhomthouartfed。\'Wellthen，ifhebemad，asheis，andwithamadnessthatmostlytakesonethingforanother，andwhiteforblack，andblackforwhite，aswasseenwhenhesaidthewindmillsweregiants，andthemonks\'mulesdromedaries，flocksofsheeparmiesofenemies，andmuchmoretothesametune，itwillnotbeveryhardtomakehimbelievethatsomecountrygirl，thefirstIcomeacrosshere，istheladyDulcinea；andifhedoesnotbelieveit，I\'llswearit；andifheshouldswear，I\'llswearagain；
andifhepersistsI\'llpersiststillmore，soas，comewhatmay，tohavemyquoitalwaysoverthepeg。Maybe，byholdingoutinthisway，Imayputastoptohissendingmeonmessagesofthiskindanothertime；ormaybehewillthink，asIsuspecthewill，thatoneofthosewickedenchanters，whohesayshaveaspiteagainsthim，haschangedherformforthesakeofdoinghimanillturnandinjuringhim。“
WiththisreflectionSanchomadehismindeasy，countingthebusinessasgoodassettled，andstayedtheretilltheafternoonsoastomakeDonQuixotethinkhehadtimeenoughtogotoElTobosoandreturn；andthingsturnedoutsoluckilyforhimthatashegotuptomountDapple，hespied，comingfromElTobosotowardsthespotwherehestood，threepeasantgirlsonthreecolts，orfillies-fortheauthordoesnotmakethepointclear，thoughitismorelikelytheywereshe-asses，theusualmountwithvillagegirls；butasitisofnogreatconsequence，weneednotstoptoproveit。
Tobebrief，theinstantSanchosawthepeasantgirls，hereturnedfullspeedtoseekhismaster，andfoundhimsighingandutteringathousandpassionatelamentations。WhenDonQuixotesawhimheexclaimed，“Whatnews，Sancho，myfriend？AmItomarkthisdaywithawhitestoneorablack？”
“Yourworship，“repliedSancho，“hadbettermarkitwithruddle，liketheinscriptionsonthewallsofclassrooms，thatthosewhoseeitmayseeitplain。“
“Thenthoubringestgoodnews，“saidDonQuixote。
“Sogood，“repliedSancho，“thatyourworshipbasonlytospurRocinanteandgetoutintotheopenfieldtoseetheladyDulcineadelToboso，who，withtwoothers，damselsofhers，iscomingtoseeyourworship。“
“HolyGod！whatartthousaying，Sancho，myfriend？”exclaimedDonQuixote。“Takecarethouartnotdeceivingme，orseekingbyfalsejoytocheermyrealsadness。“
“WhatcouldIgetbydeceivingyourworship，“returnedSancho，“especiallywhenitwillsosoonbeshownwhetherItellthetruthornot？Come，senor，pushon，andyouwillseetheprincessourmistresscoming，robedandadorned-infact，likewhatsheis。Herdamselsandshearealloneglowofgold，allbunchesofpearls，alldiamonds，allrubies，allclothofbrocadeofmorethantenborders；
withtheirhairlooseontheirshoulderslikesomanysunbeamsplayingwiththewind；andmoreover，theycomemountedonthreepiebaldcackneys，thefinestsighteveryousaw。“
“Hackneys，youmean，Sancho，“saidDonQuixote。
“Thereisnotmuchdifferencebetweencackneysandhackneys，“saidSancho；“butnomatterwhattheycomeon，theretheyare，thefinestladiesonecouldwishfor，especiallymyladytheprincessDulcinea，whostaggersone\'ssenses。“
“Letusgo，Sancho，myson，“saidDonQuixote，“andinguerdonofthisnews，asunexpectedasitisgood，IbestowupontheethebestspoilIshallwininthefirstadventureImayhave；orifthatdoesnotsatisfythee，IpromisetheethefoalsIshallhavethisyearfrommythreemaresthatthouknowestareinfoalonourvillagecommon。“
“I\'lltakethefoals，“saidSancho；“foritisnotquitecertainthatthespoilsofthefirstadventurewillbegoodones。“
Bythistimetheyhadclearedthewood，andsawthethreevillagelassescloseathand。DonQuixotelookedallalongtheroadtoElToboso，andashecouldseenobodyexceptthethreepeasantgirls，hewascompletelypuzzled，andaskedSanchoifitwasoutsidethecityhehadleftthem。
“Howoutsidethecity？”returnedSancho。“Areyourworship\'seyesinthebackofyourhead，thatyoucan\'tseethattheyarethesewhoarecominghere，shiningliketheverysunatnoonday？”
“Iseenothing，Sancho，“saidDonQuixote，“butthreecountrygirlsonthreejackasses。“
“Now，mayGoddelivermefromthedevil！”saidSancho，“andcanitbethatyourworshiptakesthreehackneys-orwhateverthey\'recalled-
aswhiteasthedrivensnow，forjackasses？BytheLord，Icouldtearmybeardifthatwasthecase！”
“Well，Icanonlysay，Sancho，myfriend，“saidDonQuixote，“thatitisasplaintheyarejackasses-orjennyasses-asthatIamDonQuixote，andthouSanchoPanza：atanyrate，theyseemtometobeso。“
“Hush，senor，“saidSancho，“don\'ttalkthatway，butopenyoureyes，andcomeandpayyourrespectstotheladyofyourthoughts，whoiscloseuponusnow；“andwiththesewordsheadvancedtoreceivethethreevillagelasses，anddismountingfromDapple，caughtholdofoneoftheassesofthethreecountrygirlsbythehalter，anddroppingonbothkneesontheground，hesaid，“Queenandprincessandduchessofbeauty，mayitpleaseyourhaughtinessandgreatnesstoreceiveintoyourfavourandgood-willyourcaptiveknightwhostandsthereturnedintomarblestone，andquitestupefiedandbenumbedatfindinghimselfinyourmagnificentpresence。IamSanchoPanza，hissquire，andhethevagabondknightDonQuixoteofLaMancha，otherwisecalled\'TheKnightoftheRuefulCountenance。““
DonQuixotehadbythistimeplacedhimselfonhiskneesbesideSancho，and，witheyesstartingoutofhisheadandapuzzledgaze，wasregardingherwhomSanchocalledqueenandlady；andashecouldseenothinginherexceptavillagelass，andnotaverywell-favouredone，forshewasplatter-facedandsnub-nosed，hewasperplexedandbewildered，anddidnotventuretoopenhislips。Thecountrygirls，atthesametime，wereastonishedtoseethesetwomen，sodifferentinappearance，ontheirknees，preventingtheircompanionfromgoingon。She，however，whohadbeenstopped，breakingsilence，saidangrilyandtestily，“Getoutoftheway，badlucktoyou，andletuspass，forweareinahurry。“
TowhichSanchoreturned，“Oh，princessanduniversalladyofElToboso，isnotyourmagnanimousheartsoftenedbyseeingthepillarandpropofknight-errantryonhiskneesbeforeyoursublimatedpresence？”
Onhearingthis，oneoftheothersexclaimed，“Woathen！why，I\'mrubbingtheedown，she-assofmyfather-in-law！Seehowthelordlingscometomakegameofthevillagegirlsnow，asifweherecouldnotchaffaswellasthemselves。Goyourownway，andletusgoours，anditwillbebetterforyou。“
“Getup，Sancho，“saidDonQuixoteatthis；“Iseethatfortune，\'withevildonetomeunsatedstill，\'hastakenpossessionofalltheroadsbywhichanycomfortmayreach\'thiswretchedsoul\'thatI
carryinmyflesh。Andthou，highestperfectionofexcellencethatcanbedesired，utmostlimitofgraceinhumanshape，solereliefofthisafflictedheartthatadoresthee，thoughthemalignenchanterthatpersecutesmehasbroughtcloudsandcataractsonmyeyes，andtothem，andthemonly，transformedthyunparagonedbeautyandchangedthyfeaturesintothoseofapoorpeasantgirl，ifsobehehasnotatthesametimechangedmineintothoseofsomemonstertorenderthemloathsomeinthysight，refusenottolookuponmewithtendernessandlove；seeinginthissubmissionthatImakeonmykneestothytransformedbeautythehumilitywithwhichmysouladoresthee。“
“Hey-day！Mygrandfather！”criedthegirl，“muchIcareforyourlove-making！Getoutofthewayandletuspass，andwe\'llthankyou。“
Sanchostoodasideandlethergo，verywellpleasedtohavegotsowelloutofthehobblehewasin。TheinstantthevillagelasswhohaddonedutyforDulcineafoundherselffree，proddingher“cackney“withaspikeshehadattheendofastick，shesetoffatfullspeedacrossthefield。Theshe-ass，however，feelingthepointmoreacutelythanusual，begancuttingsuchcapers，thatitflungtheladyDulcineatotheground；seeingwhich，DonQuixoterantoraiseherup，andSanchotofixandgirththepack-saddle，whichalsohadslippedundertheass\'sbelly。Thepack-saddlebeingsecured，asDonQuixotewasabouttoliftuphisenchantedmistressinhisarmsandputheruponherbeast，thelady，gettingupfromtheground，savedhimthetrouble，for，goingbackalittle，shetookashortrun，andputtingbothhandsonthecroupoftheassshedroppedintothesaddlemorelightlythanafalcon，andsatastridelikeaman，whereatSanchosaid，“Rogue！”butourladyislighterthanalanner，andmightteachthecleverestCordovanorMexicanhowtomount；sheclearedthebackofthesaddleinonejump，andwithoutspurssheismakingthehackneygolikeazebra；andherdamselsarenowaybehindher，fortheyallflylikethewind；“whichwasthetruth，forassoonastheysawDulcineamounted，theypushedonafterher，andspedawaywithoutlookingback，formorethanhalfaleague。
DonQuixotefollowedthemwithhiseyes，andwhentheywerenolongerinsight，heturnedtoSanchoandsaid，“Hownow，Sancho？
thouseesthowIamhatedbyenchanters！Andseetowhatalengththemaliceandspitetheybearmego，whentheyseektodeprivemeofthehappinessitwouldgivemetoseemyladyinherownproperform。ThefactisIwasborntobeanexampleofmisfortune，andthetargetandmarkatwhichthearrowsofadversityareaimedanddirected。Observetoo，Sancho，thatthesetraitorswerenotcontentwithchangingandtransformingmyDulcinea，buttheytransformedandchangedherintoashapeasmeanandill-favouredasthatofthevillagegirlyonder；andatthesametimetheyrobbedherofthatwhichissuchapeculiarpropertyofladiesofdistinction，thatistosay，thesweetfragrancethatcomesofbeingalwaysamongperfumesandflowers。ForImusttellthee，Sancho，thatwhenIapproachedtoputDulcineauponherhackneyasthousayestitwas，thoughtomeitappearedashe-ass，shegavemeawhiffofrawgarlicthatmademyheadreel，andpoisonedmyveryheart。“
“Oscumoftheearth！”criedSanchoatthis，“Omiserable，spitefulenchanters！OthatIcouldseeyouallstrungbythegills，likesardinesonatwig！Yeknowagreatdeal，yecandoagreatdeal，andyedoagreatdealmore。Itoughttohavebeenenoughforyou，yescoundrels，tohavechangedthepearlsofmylady\'seyesintooakgalls，andherhairofpurestgoldintothebristlesofaredox\'stail，andinshort，allherfeaturesfromfairtofoul，withoutmeddlingwithhersmell；forbythatwemightsomehowhavefoundoutwhatwashiddenunderneaththatuglyrind；though，totellthetruth，Ineverperceivedherugliness，butonlyherbeauty，whichwasraisedtothehighestpitchofperfectionbyamoleshehadonherrightlip，likeamoustache，withsevenoreightredhairslikethreadsofgold，andmorethanapalmlong。“
“Fromthecorrespondencewhichexistsbetweenthoseofthefaceandthoseofthebody，“saidDonQuixote，“Dulcineamusthaveanothermoleresemblingthatonthethickofthethighonthatsideonwhichshehastheoneonherace；buthairsofthelengththouhastmentionedareverylongformoles。“
“Well，allIcansayistheretheywereasplainascouldbe，“
repliedSancho。
“Ibelieveit，myfriend，“returnedDonQuixote；“fornaturebestowednothingonDulcineathatwasnotperfectandwell-finished；
andso，ifshehadahundredmolesliketheonethouhastdescribed，inhertheywouldnotbemoles，butmoonsandshiningstars。Buttellme，Sancho，thatwhichseemedtometobeapack-saddleasthouwertfixingit，wasitaflat-saddleoraside-saddle？”
“Itwasneither，“repliedSancho，“butajinetasaddle，withafieldcoveringworthhalfakingdom，sorichisit。“
“AndthatIcouldnotseeallthis，Sancho！”saidDonQuixote；“oncemoreIsay，andwillsayathousandtimes，Iamthemostunfortunateofmen。“
Sancho，therogue，hadenoughtodotohidehislaughter，athearingthesimplicityofthemasterhehadsonicelybefooled。Atlength，afteragooddealmoreconversationhadpassedbetweenthem，theyremountedtheirbeasts，andfollowedtheroadtoSaragossa，whichtheyexpectedtoreachintimetotakepartinacertaingrandfestivalwhichisheldeveryyearinthatillustriouscity；butbeforetheygottherethingshappenedtothem，somany，soimportant，andsostrange，thattheydeservetoberecordedandread，aswillbeseenfartheron。
CHAPTERXI
OFTHESTRANGEADVENTUREWHICHTHEVALIANTDONQUIXOTEHADWITH
THECARORCARTOF“THECORTESOFDEATH“
DEJECTEDbeyondmeasuredidDonQuixotepursuehisjourney，turningoverinhismindthecrueltricktheenchantershadplayedhiminchanginghisladyDulcineaintothevileshapeofthevillagelass，norcouldhethinkofanywayofrestoringhertoheroriginalform；
andthesereflectionssoabsorbedhim，thatwithoutbeingawareofitheletgoRocinante\'sbridle，andhe，perceivingthelibertythatwasgrantedhim，stoppedateverysteptocropthefreshgrasswithwhichtheplainabounded。
Sanchorecalledhimfromhisreverie。“Melancholy，senor，“saidhe，“wasmade，notforbeasts，butformen；butifmengivewaytoitovermuchtheyturntobeasts；controlyourself，yourworship；beyourselfagain；gatherupRocinante\'sreins；cheerup，rouseyourselfandshowthatgallantspiritthatknights-errantoughttohave。Whatthedevilisthis？Whatweaknessisthis？ArewehereorinFrance？ThedevilflyawaywithalltheDulcineasintheworld；forthewell-beingofasingleknight-errantisofmoreconsequencethanalltheenchantmentsandtransformationsonearth。“
“Hush，Sancho，“saidDonQuixoteinaweakandfaintvoice，“hushandutternoblasphemiesagainstthatenchantedlady；forIaloneamtoblameforhermisfortuneandhardfate；hercalamityhascomeofthehatredthewickedbearme。“
“SosayI，“returnedSancho；“hisheartrendintwain，Itrow，whosawheronce，toseehernow。“
“Thoumayestwellsaythat，Sancho，“repliedDonQuixote，“asthousawestherinthefullperfectionofherbeauty；fortheenchantmentdoesnotgosofarastopervertthyvisionorhideherlovelinessfromthee；againstmealoneandagainstmyeyesisthestrengthofitsvenomdirected。Nevertheless，thereisonethingwhichhasoccurredtome，andthatisthatthoudidstilldescribeherbeautytome，for，aswellasIrecollect，thousaidstthathereyeswerepearls；buteyesthatarelikepearlsarerathertheeyesofasea-breamthanofalady，andIampersuadedthatDulcinea\'smustbegreenemeralds，fullandsoft，withtworainbowsforeyebrows；takeawaythosepearlsfromhereyesandtransferthemtoherteeth；forbeyondadoubt，Sancho，thouhasttakentheonefortheother，theeyesfortheteeth。“
“Verylikely，“saidSancho；“forherbeautybewilderedmeasmuchasheruglinessdidyourworship；butletusleaveitalltoGod，whoaloneknowswhatistohappeninthisvaleoftears，inthisevilworldofours，wherethereishardlyathingtobefoundwithoutsomemixtureofwickedness，roguery，andrascality。Butonething，senor，troublesmemorethanalltherest，andthatisthinkingwhatistobedonewhenyourworshipconquerssomegiant，orsomeotherknight，andordershimtogoandpresenthimselfbeforethebeautyoftheladyDulcinea。Whereisthispoorgiant，orthispoorwretchofavanquishedknight，tofindher？IthinkIcanseethemwanderingalloverElToboso，lookinglikenoddies，andaskingformyladyDulcinea；
andeveniftheymeetherinthemiddleofthestreettheywon\'tknowheranymorethantheywouldmyfather。“
“Perhaps，Sancho，“returnedDonQuixote，“theenchantmentdoesnotgosofarastodepriveconqueredandpresentedgiantsandknightsofthepowerofrecognisingDulcinea；wewilltrybyexperimentwithoneortwoofthefirstIvanquishandsendtoher，whethertheyseeherornot，bycommandingthemtoreturnandgivemeanaccountofwhathappenedtotheminthisrespect。“
“Ideclare，Ithinkwhatyourworshiphasproposedisexcellent，“
saidSancho；“andthatbythisplanweshallfindoutwhatwewanttoknow；andifitbethatitisonlyfromyourworshipsheishidden，themisfortunewillbemoreyoursthanhers；butsolongastheladyDulcineaiswellandhappy，weonourpartwillmakethebestofit，andgetonaswellaswecan，seekingouradventures，andleavingTimetotakehisowncourse；forheisthebestphysicianfortheseandgreaterailments。“
DonQuixotewasabouttoreplytoSanchoPanza，buthewaspreventedbyacartcrossingtheroadfullofthemostdiverseandstrangepersonagesandfiguresthatcouldbeimagined。Hewholedthemulesandactedascarterwasahideousdemon；thecartwasopentothesky，withoutatiltorcaneroof，andthefirstfigurethatpresenteditselftoDonQuixote\'seyeswasthatofDeathitselfwithahumanface；nexttoitwasanangelwithlargepaintedwings，andatonesideanemperor，withacrown，toallappearanceofgold，onhishead。
AtthefeetofDeathwasthegodcalledCupid，withouthisbandage，butwithhisbow，quiver，andarrows；therewasalsoaknightinfullarmour，exceptthathehadnomorionorhelmet，butonlyahatdeckedwithplumesofdiverscolours；andalongwiththesetherewereotherswithavarietyofcostumesandfaces。Allthis，unexpectedlyencountered，tookDonQuixotesomewhataback，andstruckterrorintotheheartofSancho；butthenextinstantDonQuixotewasgladofit，believingthatsomenewperilousadventurewaspresentingitselftohim，andunderthisimpression，andwithaspiritpreparedtofaceanydanger，heplantedhimselfinfrontofthecart，andinaloudandmenacingtone，exclaimed，“Carter，orcoachman，ordevil，orwhateverthouart，tellmeatoncewhothouart，whitherthouartgoing，andwhothesefolkarethoucarriestinthywagon，whichlooksmorelikeCharon\'sboatthananordinarycart。“
Towhichthedevil，stoppingthecart，answeredquietly，“Senor，weareplayersofAnguloelMalo\'scompany；wehavebeenactingtheplayof\'TheCortesofDeath\'thismorning，whichistheoctaveofCorpusChristi，inavillagebehindthathill，andwehavetoactitthisafternooninthatvillagewhichyoucanseefromthis；andasitissonear，andtosavethetroubleofundressinganddressingagain，wegointhecostumesinwhichweperform。ThatladthereappearsasDeath，thatotherasanangel，thatwoman，themanager\'swife，playsthequeen，thisonethesoldier，thattheemperor，andI
thedevil；andIamoneoftheprincipalcharactersoftheplay，forinthiscompanyItaketheleadingparts。Ifyouwanttoknowanythingmoreaboutus，askmeandIwillanswerwiththeutmostexactitude，forasIamadevilIamuptoeverything。“
“Bythefaithofaknight-errant，“repliedDonQuixote，“whenI
sawthiscartIfanciedsomegreatadventurewaspresentingitselftome；butIdeclareonemusttouchwiththehandwhatappearstotheeye，ifillusionsaretobeavoided。Godspeedyou，goodpeople；
keepyourfestival，andremember，ifyoudemandofmeoughtwhereinIcanrenderyouaservice，Iwilldoitgladlyandwillingly，forfromachildIwasfondoftheplay，andinmyyouthakeenloveroftheactor\'sart。“
Whiletheyweretalking，fatesowilleditthatoneofthecompanyinamummers\'dresswithagreatnumberofbells，andarmedwiththreeblownox-bladdersattheendofastick，joinedthem，andthismerry-andrewapproachingDonQuixote，beganflourishinghisstickandbangingthegroundwiththebladdersandcuttingcaperswithgreatjinglingofthebells，whichuntowardapparitionsostartledRocinantethat，inspiteofDonQuixote\'seffortstoholdhimin，takingthebitbetweenhisteethhesetoffacrosstheplainwithgreaterspeedthanthebonesofhisanatomyevergaveanypromiseof。Sancho，whothoughthismasterwasindangerofbeingthrown，jumpedoffDapple，andraninallhastetohelphim；butbythetimehereachedhimhewasalreadyontheground，andbesidehimwasRocinante，whohadcomedownwithhismaster，theusualendandupshotofRocinante\'svivacityandhighspirits。ButthemomentSanchoquittedhisbeasttogoandhelpDonQuixote，thedancingdevilwiththebladdersjumpeduponDapple，andbeatinghimwiththem，morebythefrightandthenoisethanbythepainoftheblows，madehimflyacrossthefieldstowardsthevillagewheretheyweregoingtoholdtheirfestival。
SanchowitnessedDapple\'scareerandhismaster\'sfall，anddidnotknowwhichofthetwocasesofneedheshouldattendtofirst；butintheend，likeagoodsquireandgoodservant，helethisloveforhismasterprevailoverhisaffectionforhisass；thougheverytimehesawthebladdersriseintheairandcomedownonthehindquartersofhisDapplehefeltthepainsandterrorsofdeath，andhewouldhaveratherhadtheblowsfallontheapplesofhisowneyesthanontheleasthairofhisass\'stail。InthistroubleandperplexityhecametowhereDonQuixotelayinafarsorrierplightthanheliked，andhavinghelpedhimtomountRocinante，hesaidtohim，“Senor，thedevilhascarriedoffmyDapple。“
“Whatdevil？”askedDonQuixote。
“Theonewiththebladders，“saidSancho。
“ThenIwillrecoverhim，“saidDonQuixote，“evenifhebeshutupwithhiminthedeepestanddarkestdungeonsofhell。Followme，Sancho，forthecartgoesslowly，andwiththemulesofitIwillmakegoodthelossofDapple。“
“Youneednottakethetrouble，senor，“saidSancho；“keepcool，forasInowsee，thedevilhasletDapplegoandheiscomingbacktohisoldquarters；“andsoitturnedout，for，havingcomedownwithDapple，inimitationofDonQuixoteandRocinante，thedevilmadeoffonfoottothetown，andtheasscamebacktohismaster。
“Forallthat，“saidDonQuixote，“itwillbewelltovisitthediscourtesyofthatdeviluponsomeofthoseinthecart，evenifitweretheemperorhimself。“
“Don\'tthinkofit，yourworship，“returnedSancho；“takemyadviceandnevermeddlewithactors，fortheyareafavouredclass；
Imyselfhaveknownanactortakenupfortwomurders，andyetcomeoffscot-free；rememberthat，astheyaremerryfolkwhogivepleasure，everyonefavoursandprotectsthem，andhelpsandmakesmuchofthem，aboveallwhentheyarethoseoftheroyalcompaniesandunderpatent，allormostofwhomindressandappearancelooklikeprinces。“
“Still，forallthat，“saidDonQuixote，“theplayerdevilmustnotgooffboasting，evenifthewholehumanracefavourshim。“
Sosaying，hemadeforthecart，whichwasnowverynearthetown，shoutingoutashewent，“Stay！halt！yemerry，jovialcrew！Iwanttoteachyouhowtotreatassesandanimalsthatservethesquiresofknights-errantforsteeds。“
SoloudweretheshoutsofDonQuixote，thatthoseinthecartheardandunderstoodthem，and，guessingbythewordswhatthespeaker\'sintentionwas，Deathinaninstantjumpedoutofthecart，andtheemperor，thedevilcarterandtheangelafterhim，nordidthequeenorthegodCupidstaybehind；andallarmedthemselveswithstonesandformedinline，preparedtoreceiveDonQuixoteonthepointsoftheirpebbles。DonQuixote，whenhesawthemdrawnupinsuchagallantarraywithupliftedarmsreadyforamightydischargeofstones，checkedRocinanteandbegantoconsiderinwhatwayhecouldattackthemwiththeleastdangertohimself。AshehaltedSanchocameup，andseeinghimdisposedtoattackthiswell-orderedsquadron，saidtohim，“Itwouldbetheheightofmadnesstoattemptsuchanenterprise；remember，senor，thatagainstsopsfromthebrook，andplentyofthem，thereisnodefensivearmourintheworld，excepttostowoneselfawayunderabrassbell；andbesides，oneshouldrememberthatitisrashness，andnotvalour，forasinglemantoattackanarmythathasDeathinit，andwhereemperorsfightinperson，withangels，goodandbad，tohelpthem；andifthisreflectionwillnotmakeyoukeepquiet，perhapsitwilltoknowforcertainthatamongallthese，thoughtheylooklikekings，princes，andemperors，thereisnotasingleknight-errant。“
“Nowindeedthouhasthitthepoint，Sancho，“saidDonQuixote，“whichmayandshouldturnmefromtheresolutionIhadalreadyformed。Icannotandmustnotdrawsword，asIhavemanyatimebeforetoldthee，againstanyonewhoisnotadubbedknight；itisforthee，Sancho，ifthouwilt，totakevengeanceforthewrongdonetothyDapple；andIwillhelptheefromherebyshoutsandsalutarycounsels。“
“Thereisnooccasiontotakevengeanceonanyone，senor，“repliedSancho；“foritisnotthepartofgoodChristianstorevengewrongs；andbesides，Iwillarrangeitwithmyasstoleavehisgrievancetomygood-willandpleasure，andthatistoliveinpeaceaslongasheavengrantsmelife。“
“Well，“saidDonQuixote，“ifthatbethydetermination，goodSancho，sensibleSancho，ChristianSancho，honestSancho，letusleavethesephantomsaloneandturntothepursuitofbetterandworthieradventures；for，fromwhatIseeofthiscountry，wecannotfailtofindplentyofmarvellousonesinit。“
Heatoncewheeledabout，SanchorantotakepossessionofhisDapple，Deathandhisflyingsquadronreturnedtotheircartandpursuedtheirjourney，andthusthedreadadventureofthecartofDeathendedhappily，thankstotheadviceSanchogavehismaster；
whohad，thefollowingday，afreshadventure，ofnolessthrillinginterestthanthelast，withanenamouredknight-errant。
CHAPTERXII
OFTHESTRANGEADVENTUREWHICHBEFELLTHEVALIANTDONQUIXOTEWITH
THEBOLDKNIGHTOFTHEMIRRORS
THEnightsucceedingthedayoftheencounterwithDeath，DonQuixoteandhissquirepassedundersometallshadytrees，andDonQuixoteatSancho\'spersuasionatealittlefromthestorecarriedbyDapple，andovertheirsupperSanchosaidtohismaster，“Senor，whatafoolIshouldhavelookedifIhadchosenformyrewardthespoilsofthefirstadventureyourworshipachieved，insteadofthefoalsofthethreemares。Afterall，\'asparrowinthehandisbetterthanavultureonthewing。\'“
“Atthesametime，Sancho，“repliedDonQuixote，“ifthouhadstletmeattackthemasIwanted，attheveryleasttheemperor\'sgoldcrownandCupid\'spaintedwingswouldhavefallentotheeasspoils，forIshouldhavetakenthembyforceandgiventhemintothyhands。“
“Thesceptresandcrownsofthoseplay-actoremperors，“saidSancho，“wereneveryetpuregold，butonlybrassfoilortin。“
“Thatistrue，“saidDonQuixote，“foritwouldnotberightthattheaccessoriesofthedramashouldbereal，insteadofbeingmerefictionsandsemblances，likethedramaitself；towardswhich，Sancho-
and，asanecessaryconsequence，towardsthosewhorepresentandproduceit-Iwouldthatthouwertfavourablydisposed，fortheyareallinstrumentsofgreatgoodtotheState，placingbeforeusateverystepamirrorinwhichwemayseevividlydisplayedwhatgoesoninhumanlife；noristhereanysimilitudethatshowsusmorefaithfullywhatweareandoughttobethantheplayandtheplayers。Come，tellme，hastthounotseenaplayactedinwhichkings，emperors，pontiffs，knights，ladies，anddiversotherpersonageswereintroduced？Oneplaysthevillain，anothertheknave，thisonethemerchant，thatthesoldier，onethesharp-wittedfool，anotherthefoolishlover；andwhentheplayisover，andtheyhaveputoffthedressestheyworeinit，alltheactorsbecomeequal。“
“Yes，Ihaveseenthat，“saidSancho。
“Wellthen，“saidDonQuixote，“thesamethinghappensinthecomedyandlifeofthisworld，wheresomeplayemperors，otherspopes，and，inshort，allthecharactersthatcanbebroughtintoaplay；butwhenitisover，thatistosaywhenlifeends，deathstripsthemallofthegarmentsthatdistinguishonefromtheother，andallareequalinthegrave。“
“Afinecomparison！”saidSancho；“thoughnotsonewbutthatIhavehearditmanyandmanyatime，aswellasthatotheroneofthegameofchess；how，solongasthegamelasts，eachpiecehasitsownparticularoffice，andwhenthegameisfinishedtheyareallmixed，jumbledupandshakentogether，andstowedawayinthebag，whichismuchlikeendinglifeinthegrave。“
“Thouartgrowinglessdoltishandmoreshrewdeveryday，Sancho，“
saidDonQuixote。
“Ay，“saidSancho；“itmustbethatsomeofyourworship\'sshrewdnessstickstome；landthat，ofitself，isbarrenanddry，willcometoyieldgoodfruitifyoudungitandtillit；whatImeanisthatyourworship\'sconversationhasbeenthedungthathasfallenonthebarrensoilofmydrywit，andthetimeIhavebeeninyourserviceandsocietyhasbeenthetillage；andwiththehelpofthisIhopetoyieldfruitinabundancethatwillnotfallawayorslidefromthosepathsofgoodbreedingthatyourworshiphasmadeinmyparchedunderstanding。“
DonQuixotelaughedatSancho\'saffectedphraseology，andperceivedthatwhathesaidabouthisimprovementwastrue，fornowandthenhespokeinawaythatsurprisedhim；thoughalways，ormostly，whenSanchotriedtotalkfineandattemptedpolitelanguage，hewoundupbytopplingoverfromthesummitofhissimplicityintotheabyssofhisignorance；andwhereheshowedhiscultureandhismemorytothegreatestadvantagewasindragginginproverbs，nomatterwhethertheyhadanybearingornotuponthesubjectinhand，asmayhavebeenseenalreadyandwillbenoticedinthecourseofthishistory。
Inconversationofthiskindtheypassedagoodpartofthenight，butSanchofeltadesiretoletdownthecurtainsofhiseyes，asheusedtosaywhenhewantedtogotosleep；andstrippingDapplehelefthimatlibertytograzehisfill。HedidnotremoveRocinante\'ssaddle，ashismaster\'sexpressorderswere，thatsolongastheywereinthefieldornotsleepingunderaroofRocinantewasnottobestripped-theancientusageestablishedandobservedbyknights-errantbeingtotakeoffthebridleandhangitonthesaddle-bow，buttoremovethesaddlefromthehorse-never！Sanchoactedaccordingly，andgavehimthesamelibertyhehadgivenDapple，betweenwhomandRocinantetherewasafriendshipsounequalledandsostrong，thatitishandeddownbytraditionfromfathertoson，thattheauthorofthisveracioushistorydevotedsomespecialchapterstoit，which，inordertopreservetheproprietyanddecorumduetoahistorysoheroic，hedidnotinserttherein；althoughattimesheforgetsthisresolutionofhisanddescribeshoweagerlythetwobeastswouldscratchoneanotherwhentheyweretogetherandhow，whentheyweretiredorfull，RocinantewouldlayhisneckacrossDapple\'s，stretchinghalfayardormoreontheotherside，andthepairwouldstandthus，gazingthoughtfullyontheground，forthreedays，oratleastsolongastheywereleftalone，orhungerdidnotdrivethemtogoandlookforfood。ImayaddthattheysaytheauthorleftitonrecordthathelikenedtheirfriendshiptothatofNisusandEuryalus，andPyladesandOrestes；andifthatbeso，itmaybeperceived，totheadmirationofmankind，howfirmthefriendshipmusthavebeenbetweenthesetwopeacefulanimals，shamingmen，whopreservefriendshipswithoneanothersobadly。Thiswaswhyitwassaid-
Forfriendnolongeristherefriend；
Thereedsturnlancesnow。
Andsomeoneelsehassung-
Friendtofriendthebug，&c。
Andletnoonefancythattheauthorwasatallastraywhenhecomparedthefriendshipoftheseanimalstothatofmen；formenhavereceivedmanylessonsfrombeasts，andlearnedmanyimportantthings，as，forexample，theclysterfromthestork，vomitandgratitudefromthedog，watchfulnessfromthecrane，foresightfromtheant，modestyfromtheelephant，andloyaltyfromthehorse。
Sanchoatlastfellasleepatthefootofacorktree，whileDonQuixotedozedatthatofasturdyoak；butashorttimeonlyhadelapsedwhenanoiseheheardbehindhimawokehim，andrisingupstartled，helistenedandlookedinthedirectionthenoisecamefrom，andperceivedtwomenonhorseback，oneofwhom，lettinghimselfdropfromthesaddle，saidtotheother，“Dismount，myfriend，andtakethebridlesoffthehorses，for，sofarasIcansee，thisplacewillfurnishgrassforthem，andthesolitudeandsilencemylove-sickthoughtsneedof。“Ashesaidthishestretchedhimselfupontheground，andasheflunghimselfdown，thearmourinwhichhewascladrattled，wherebyDonQuixoteperceivedthathemustbeaknight-errant；andgoingovertoSancho，whowasasleep，heshookhimbythearmandwithnosmalldifficultybroughthimbacktohissenses，andsaidinalowvoicetohim，“BrotherSancho，wehavegotanadventure。“
“Godsendusagoodone，“saidSancho；“andwheremayherladyshiptheadventurebe？”
“Where，Sancho？”repliedDonQuixote；“turnthineeyesandlook，andthouwiltseestretchedthereaknight-errant，who，itstrikesme，isnotoverandabovehappy，forIsawhimflinghimselfoffhishorseandthrowhimselfonthegroundwithacertainairofdejection，andhisarmourrattledashefell。“
“Well，“saidSancho，“howdoesyourworshipmakeoutthattobeanadventure？”
“Idonotmeantosay，“returnedDonQuixote，“thatitisacompleteadventure，butthatitisthebeginningofone，foritisinthiswayadventuresbegin。Butlisten，foritseemsheistuningaluteorguitar，andfromthewayheisspittingandclearinghischesthemustbegettingreadytosingsomething。“
“Faith，youareright，“saidSancho，“andnodoubtheissomeenamouredknight。“
“Thereisnoknight-errantthatisnot，“saidDonQuixote；“butletuslistentohim，for，ifhesings，bythatthreadweshallextracttheballofhisthoughts；becauseoutoftheabundanceoftheheartthemouthspeaketh。“
Sanchowasabouttoreplytohismaster，buttheKnightoftheGrove\'svoice，whichwasneitherverybadnorverygood，stoppedhim，andlisteningattentivelythepairheardhimsingthisSONNET
Yourpleasure，prithee，ladymine，unfold；
DeclarethetermsthatIamtoobey；
MywilltoyourssubmissivelyImould，Andfromyourlawmyfeetshallneverstray。
WouldyouIdie，tosilentgriefaprey？
Thencountmeevennowasdeadandcold；
WouldyouItellmywoesinsomenewway？
ThenshallmytalebyLoveitselfbetold。
Theunisonofoppositestoprove，OfthesoftwaxanddiamondhardamI；
Butstill，obedienttothelawsoflove，Here，hardorsoft，Iofferyoumybreast，Whate\'eryougraveorstampthereonshallrestIndelibleforalleternity。
Withan“Ahme！”thatseemedtobedrawnfromtheinmostrecessesofhisheart，theKnightoftheGrovebroughthislaytoanend，andshortlyafterwardsexclaimedinamelancholyandpiteousvoice，“O
fairestandmostungratefulwomanonearth！What！canitbe，mostsereneCasildeadeVandalia，thatthouwiltsufferthisthycaptiveknighttowasteawayandperishinceaselesswanderingsandrudeandarduoustoils？ItisnotenoughthatIhavecompelledalltheknightsofNavarre，alltheLeonese，alltheTartesians，alltheCastilians，andfinallyalltheknightsofLaMancha，toconfesstheethemostbeautifulintheworld？”
“Notso，“saidDonQuixoteatthis，“forIamofLaMancha，andI
haveneverconfessedanythingofthesort，norcouldInorshouldI
confessathingsomuchtotheprejudiceofmylady\'sbeauty；thouseesthowthisknightisraving，Sancho。Butletuslisten，perhapshewilltellusmoreabouthimself。“
“Thathewill，“returnedSancho，“forheseemsinamoodtobewailhimselfforamonthatastretch。“
Butthiswasnotthecase，fortheKnightoftheGrove，hearingvoicesnearhim，insteadofcontinuinghislamentation，stoodupandexclaimedinadistinctbutcourteoustone，“Whogoesthere？Whatareyou？Doyoubelongtothenumberofthehappyorofthemiserable？”
“Ofthemiserable，“answeredDonQuixote。
“Thencometome，“saidheoftheGrove，“andrestassuredthatitistowoeitselfandafflictionitselfyoucome。“
DonQuixote，findinghimselfansweredinsuchasoftandcourteousmanner，wentovertohim，andsodidSancho。
ThedolefulknighttookDonQuixotebythearm，saying，“Sitdownhere，sirknight；for，thatyouareone，andofthosethatprofessknight-errantry，itistomeasufficientprooftohavefoundyouinthisplace，wheresolitudeandnight，thenaturalcouchandproperretreatofknights-errant，keepyoucompany。“TowhichDonmadeanswer，“AknightIamoftheprofessionyoumention，andthoughsorrows，misfortunes，andcalamitieshavemademyhearttheirabode，thecompassionIfeelforthemisfortunesofothershasnotbeentherebybanishedfromit。FromwhatyouhavejustnowsungIgatherthatyoursspringfromlove，Imeanfromtheloveyoubearthatfairingrateyounamedinyourlament。“
Inthemeantime，theyhadseatedthemselvestogetheronthehardgroundpeaceablyandsociably，justasif，assoonasdaybroke，theywerenotgoingtobreakoneanother\'sheads。
“Areyou，sirknight，inloveperchance？”askedheoftheGroveofDonQuixote。
“BymischanceIam，“repliedDonQuixote；“thoughtheillsarisingfromwell-bestowedaffectionsshouldbeesteemedfavoursratherthanmisfortunes。“
“Thatistrue，“returnedheoftheGrove，“ifscorndidnotunsettleourreasonandunderstanding，forifitbeexcessiveitlookslikerevenge。“
“Iwasneverscornedbymylady，“saidDonQuixote。
“Certainlynot，“saidSancho，whostoodcloseby，“formyladyisasalamb，andsofterthanarollofbutter。“
“Isthisyoursquire？”askedheoftheGrove。
“Heis，“saidDonQuixote。
“Ineveryetsawasquire，“saidheoftheGrove，“whoventuredtospeakwhenhismasterwasspeaking；atleast，thereismine，whoisasbigashisfather，anditcannotbeprovedthathehaseveropenedhislipswhenIamspeaking。“
“Bymyfaiththen，“saidSancho，“Ihavespoken，andamfittospeak，inthepresenceofoneasmuch，oreven-butnevermind-itonlymakesitworsetostirit。“
ThesquireoftheGrovetookSanchobythearm，sayingtohim，“Letustwogowherewecantalkinsquirestyleasmuchasweplease，andleavethesegentlemenourmasterstofightitoutoverthestoryoftheirloves；and，dependuponit，daybreakwillfindthematitwithouthavingmadeanendofit。“
“Sobeitbyallmeans，“saidSancho；“andIwilltellyourworshipwhoIam，thatyoumayseewhetherIamtobereckonedamongthenumberofthemosttalkativesquires。“
Withthisthetwosquireswithdrewtooneside，andbetweenthemtherepassedaconversationasdrollasthatwhichpassedbetweentheirmasterswasserious。
CHAPTERXIII
INWHICHISCONTINUEDTHEADVENTUREOFTHEKNIGHTOFTHEGROVE，TOGETHERWITHTHESENSIBLE，ORIGINAL，ANDTRANQUILCOLLOQUYTHAT
PASSEDBETWEENTHETWOSQUIRES
THEknightsandthesquiresmadetwoparties，thesetellingthestoryoftheirlives，theothersthestoryoftheirloves；butthehistoryrelatesfirstofalltheconversationoftheservants，andafterwardstakesupthatofthemasters；anditsaysthat，withdrawingalittlefromtheothers，heoftheGrovesaidtoSancho，“Ahardlifeitisweleadandlive，senor，wethataresquirestoknights-errant；verily，weeatourbreadinthesweatofourfaces，whichisoneofthecursesGodlaidonourfirstparents。“
“Itmaybesaid，too，“addedSancho，“thatweeatitinthechillofourbodies；forwhogetsmoreheatandcoldthanthemiserablesquiresofknight-errantry？Evensoitwouldnotbesobadifwehadsomethingtoeat，forwoesarelighterifthere\'sbread；butsometimeswegoadayortwowithoutbreakingourfast，exceptwiththewindthatblows。“
“Allthat，“saidheoftheGrove，“maybeenduredandputupwithwhenwehavehopesofreward；for，unlesstheknight-errantheservesisexcessivelyunlucky，afterafewturnsthesquirewillatleastfindhimselfrewardedwithafinegovernmentofsomeislandorsomefaircounty。“
“I，“saidSancho，“havealreadytoldmymasterthatIshallbecontentwiththegovernmentofsomeisland，andheissonobleandgenerousthathehaspromisedittomeeversomanytimes。“
“I，“saidheoftheGrove，“shallbesatisfiedwithacanonryformyservices，andmymasterhasalreadyassignedmeone。“
“Yourmaster，“saidSancho，“nodoubtisaknightintheChurchline，andcanbestowrewardsofthatsortonhisgoodsquire；butmineisonlyalayman；thoughIremembersomeclever，but，tomymind，designingpeople，strovetopersuadehimtotryandbecomeanarchbishop。He，however，wouldnotbeanythingbutanemperor；butI
wastremblingallthetimelestheshouldtakeafancytogointotheChurch，notfindingmyselffittoholdofficeinit；forImaytellyou，thoughIseemaman，IamnobetterthanabeastfortheChurch。“
“Well，then，youarewrongthere，“saidheoftheGrove；“forthoseislandgovernmentsarenotallsatisfactory；someareawkward，somearepoor，somearedull，and，inshort，thehighestandchoicestbringswithitaheavyburdenofcaresandtroubleswhichtheunhappywighttowhoselotithasfallenbearsuponhisshoulders。Farbetterwoulditbeforuswhohaveadoptedthisaccursedservicetogobacktoourownhouses，andthereemployourselvesinpleasanteroccupations-inhuntingorfishing，forinstance；forwhatsquireintheworldistheresopoorasnottohaveahackandacoupleofgreyhoundsandafishingrodtoamusehimselfwithinhisownvillage？”
“Iamnotinwantofanyofthosethings，“saidSancho；“tobesureIhavenohack，butIhaveanassthatisworthmymaster\'shorsetwiceover；GodsendmeabadEaster，andthatthenextoneIamtosee，ifIwouldswap，evenifIgotfourbushelsofbarleytoboot。
YouwilllaughatthevalueIputonmyDapple-fordappleisthecolourofmybeast。Astogreyhounds，Ican\'twantforthem，forthereareenoughandtospareinmytown；and，moreover，thereismorepleasureinsportwhenitisatotherpeople\'sexpense。“
“Intruthandearnest，sirsquire，“saidheoftheGrove，“Ihavemadeupmymindanddeterminedtohavedonewiththesedrunkenvagariesoftheseknights，andgobacktomyvillage，andbringupmychildren；forIhavethree，likethreeOrientalpearls。“
“Ihavetwo，“saidSancho，“thatmightbepresentedbeforethePopehimself，especiallyagirlwhomIambreedingupforacountess，pleaseGod，thoughinspiteofhermother。“
“Andhowoldisthisladythatisbeingbredupforacountess？”
askedheoftheGrove。
“Fifteen，acoupleofyearsmoreorless，“answeredSancho；“butsheisastallasalance，andasfreshasanAprilmorning，andasstrongasaporter。“
“Thosearegiftstofithertobenotonlyacountessbutanymphofthegreenwood，“saidheoftheGrove；“whoresonstrumpet！whatpiththeroguemusthave！”
TowhichSanchomadeanswer，somewhatsulkily，“She\'snostrumpet，norwashermother，norwilleitherofthembe，pleaseGod，whileI
live；speakmorecivilly；foronebredupamongknights-errant，whoarecourtesyitself，yourwordsdon\'tseemtometobeverybecoming。“
“Ohowlittleyouknowaboutcompliments，sirsquire，“returnedheoftheGrove。“What！don\'tyouknowthatwhenahorsemandeliversagoodlancethrustatthebullintheplaza，orwhenanyonedoesanythingverywell，thepeoplearewonttosay，\'Ha，whoresonrip！howwellhehasdoneit！\'andthatwhatseemstobeabuseintheexpressionishighpraise？Disownsonsanddaughters，senor，whodon\'tdowhatdeservesthatcomplimentsofthissortshouldbepaidtotheirparents。“
“Idodisownthem，“repliedSancho，“andinthisway，andbythesamereasoning，youmightcallmeandmychildrenandmywifeallthestrumpetsintheworld，foralltheydoandsayisofakindthatinthehighestdegreedeservesthesamepraise；andtoseethemagainIprayGodtodelivermefrommortalsin，or，whatcomestothesamething，todelivermefromthisperilouscallingofsquireintowhichIhavefallenasecondtime，decayedandbeguiledbyapursewithahundredducatsthatIfoundonedayintheheartoftheSierraMorena；andthedevilisalwaysputtingabagfullofdoubloonsbeforemyeyes，here，there，everywhere，untilIfancyateverystopI
amputtingmyhandonit，andhuggingit，andcarryingithomewithme，andmakinginvestments，andgettinginterest，andlivinglikeaprince；andsolongasIthinkofthisImakelightofallthehardshipsIendurewiththissimpletonofamasterofmine，who，I
wellknow，ismoreofamadmanthanaknight。“
“There\'swhytheysaythat\'covetousnessburststhebag，\'“saidheoftheGrove；“butifyoucometotalkofthatsort，thereisnotagreateroneintheworldthanmymaster，forheisoneofthoseofwhomtheysay，\'thecaresofotherskilltheass；\'for，inorderthatanotherknightmayrecoverthesenseshehaslost，hemakesamadmanofhimselfandgoeslookingforwhat，whenfound，may，forallIknow，flyinhisownface。“
“Andisheinloveperchance？”askedSancho。
“Heis，“saidoftheGrove，“withoneCasildeadeVandalia，therawestandbestroastedladythewholeworldcouldproduce；butthatrawnessisnottheonlyfoothelimpson，forhehasgreaterschemesrumblinginhisbowels，aswillbeseenbeforemanyhoursareover。“
“There\'snoroadsosmoothbutithassomeholeorhindranceinit，“
saidSancho；“inotherhousestheycookbeans，butinmineit\'sbythepotful；madnesswillhavemorefollowersandhangers-onthansoundsense；butiftherebeanytruthinthecommonsaying，thattohavecompanionsintroublegivessomerelief，Imaytakeconsolationfromyou，inasmuchasyouserveamasterascrazyasmyown。“
“Crazybutvaliant，“repliedheoftheGrove，“andmoreroguishthancrazyorvaliant。“
“Mineisnotthat，“saidSancho；“Imeanhehasnothingoftherogueinhim；onthecontrary，hehasthesoulofapitcher；hehasnothoughtofdoingharmtoanyone，onlygoodtoall，norhasheanymalicewhateverinhim；achildmightpersuadehimthatitisnightatnoonday；andforthissimplicityIlovehimasthecoreofmyheart，andIcan\'tbringmyselftoleavehim，lethimdoeversuchfoolishthings。“
“Forallthat，brotherandsenor，“saidheoftheGrove，“iftheblindleadtheblind，bothareindangeroffallingintothepit。Itisbetterforustobeataquietretreatandgetbacktoourownquarters；forthosewhoseekadventuresdon\'talwaysfindgoodones。“
Sanchokeptspittingfromtimetotime，andhisspittleseemedsomewhatropyanddry，observingwhichthecompassionatesquireoftheGrovesaid，“Itseemstomethatwithallthistalkofoursourtonguesarestickingtotheroofsofourmouths；butIhaveaprettygoodloosenerhangingfromthesaddle-bowofmyhorse，“andgettinguphecamebackthenextminutewithalargebotaofwineandapastyhalfayardacross；andthisisnoexaggeration，foritwasmadeofahouserabbitsobigthatSancho，ashehandledit，tookittobemadeofagoat，nottosayakid，andlookingatithesaid，“Anddoyoucarrythiswithyou，senor？”
“Why，whatareyouthinkingabout？”saidtheother；“doyoutakemeforsomepaltrysquire？Icarryabetterlarderonmyhorse\'scroupthanageneraltakeswithhimwhenhegoesonamarch。“
Sanchoatewithoutrequiringtobepressed，andinthedarkboltedmouthfulsliketheknotsonatether，andsaidhe，“Youareapropertrustysquire，oneoftherightsort，sumptuousandgrand，asthisbanquetshows，which，ifithasnotcomeherebymagicart，atanyratehasthelookofit；notlikeme，unluckybeggar，thathavenothingmoreinmyalforjasthanascrapofcheese，sohardthatonemightbrainagiantwithit，and，tokeepitcompany，afewdozencarobsandasmanymorefilbertsandwalnuts；thankstotheausterityofmymaster，andtheideahehasandtherulehefollows，thatknights-errantmustnotliveorsustainthemselvesonanythingexceptdriedfruitsandtheherbsofthefield。“
“Bymyfaith，brother，“saidheoftheGrove，“mystomachisnotmadeforthistles，orwildpears，orrootsofthewoods；letourmastersdoastheylike，withtheirchivalrynotionsandlaws，andeatwhatthoseenjoin；Icarrymyprog-basketandthisbotahangingtothesaddle-bow，whatevertheymaysay；anditissuchanobjectofworshipwithme，andIloveitso，thatthereishardlyamomentbutIamkissingandembracingitoverandoveragain；“andsosayinghethrustitintoSancho\'shands，whoraisingitaloftpointedtohismouth，gazedatthestarsforaquarterofanhour；andwhenhehaddonedrinkinglethisheadfallononeside，andgivingadeepsigh，exclaimed，“Ah，whoresonrogue，howcatholicitis！”
“There，yousee，“saidheoftheGrove，hearingSancho\'sexclamation，“howyouhavecalledthiswinewhoresonbywayofpraise。“
“Well，“saidSancho，“Iownit，andIgrantitisnodishonourtocallanyonewhoresonwhenitistobeunderstoodaspraise。Buttellme，senor，bywhatyoulovebest，isthisCiudadRealwine？”
“Orarewine-taster！”saidheoftheGrove；“nowhereelseindeeddoesitcomefrom，andithassomeyears\'agetoo。“
“Leavemealoneforthat，“saidSancho；“neverfearbutI\'llhitupontheplaceitcamefromsomehow。Whatwouldyousay，sirsquire，tomyhavingsuchagreatnaturalinstinctinjudgingwinesthatyouhaveonlytoletmesmelloneandIcantellpositivelyitscountry，itskind，itsflavourandsoundness，thechangesitwillundergo，andeverythingthatappertainstoawine？Butitisnowonder，forI
havehadinmyfamily，onmyfather\'sside，thetwobestwine-tastersthathavebeenknowninLaManchaformanyalongyear，andtoproveitI\'lltellyounowathingthathappenedthem。Theygavethetwoofthemsomewineoutofacask，totry，askingtheiropinionastothecondition，quality，goodnessorbadnessofthewine。
Oneofthemtrieditwiththetipofhistongue，theotherdidnomorethanbringittohisnose。Thefirstsaidthewinehadaflavourofiron，thesecondsaidithadastrongerflavourofcordovan。Theownersaidthecaskwasclean，andthatnothinghadbeenaddedtothewinefromwhichitcouldhavegotaflavourofeitherironorleather。
Nevertheless，thesetwogreatwine-tastersheldtowhattheyhadsaid。
Timewentby，thewinewassold，andwhentheycametocleanoutthecask，theyfoundinitasmallkeyhangingtoathongofcordovan；seenowifonewhocomesofthesamestockhasnotarighttogivehisopinioninsuchlikecases。“
“Therefore，Isay，“saidheoftheGrove，“letusgiveupgoinginquestofadventures，andaswehaveloavesletusnotgolookingforcakes，butreturntoourcribs，forGodwillfindusthereifitbehiswill。“
“UntilmymasterreachesSaragossa，“saidSancho，“I\'llremaininhisservice；afterthatwe\'llsee。“
Theendofitwasthatthetwosquirestalkedsomuchanddranksomuchthatsleephadtotietheirtonguesandmoderatetheirthirst，fortoquenchitwasimpossible；andsothepairofthemfellasleepclingingtothenownearlyemptybotaandwithhalf-chewedmorselsintheirmouths；andtherewewillleavethemforthepresent，torelatewhatpassedbetweentheKnightoftheGroveandhimoftheRuefulCountenance。
CHAPTERXIV
WHEREINISCONTINUEDTHEADVENTUREOFTHEKNIGHTOFTHEGROVE
AMONGthethingsthatpassedbetweenDonQuixoteandtheKnightoftheWood，thehistorytellsusheoftheGrovesaidtoDonQuixote，“Infine，sirknight，Iwouldhaveyouknowthatmydestiny，or，moreproperlyspeaking，mychoiceledmetofallinlovewiththepeerlessCasildeadeVandalia。Icallherpeerlessbecauseshehasnopeer，whetheritbeinbodilystatureorinthesupremacyofrankandbeauty。ThissameCasildea，then，thatIspeakof，requitedmyhonourablepassionandgentleaspirationsbycompellingme，ashisstepmotherdidHercules，toengageinmanyperilsofvarioussorts，attheendofeachpromisingmethat，withtheendofthenext，theobjectofmyhopesshouldbeattained；butmylabourshavegoneonincreasinglinkbylinkuntiltheyarepastcounting，nordoIknowwhatwillbethelastonethatistobethebeginningoftheaccomplishmentofmychastedesires。OnoneoccasionshebademegoandchallengethefamousgiantessofSeville，LaGiraldabyname，whoisasmightyandstrongasifmadeofbrass，andthoughneverstirringfromonespot，isthemostrestlessandchangeablewomanintheworld。Icame，Isaw，Iconquered，andImadeherstayquietandbehaveherself，fornothingbutnorthwindsblewformorethanaweek。
AnothertimeIwasorderedtoliftthoseancientstones，themightybullsofGuisando，anenterprisethatmightmorefitlybeentrustedtoportersthantoknights。Again，shebademeflingmyselfintothecavernofCabra-anunparalleledandawfulperil-andbringheraminuteaccountofallthatisconcealedinthosegloomydepths。I
stoppedthemotionoftheGiralda，IliftedthebullsofGuisando，I
flungmyselfintothecavernandbroughttolightthesecretsofitsabyss；andmyhopesareasdeadasdeadcanbe，andherscornandhercommandsaslivelyasever。Tobebrief，lastofallshehascommandedmetogothroughalltheprovincesofSpainandcompelalltheknights-errantwanderingthereintoconfessthatshesurpassesallwomenaliveto-dayinbeauty，andthatIamthemostvaliantandthemostdeeplyenamouredknightonearth；insupportofwhichclaimI
havealreadytravelledoverthegreaterpartofSpain，andhavetherevanquishedseveralknightswhohavedaredtocontradictme；
butwhatImostplumeandpridemyselfuponishavingvanquishedinsinglecombatthatsofamousknightDonQuixoteofLaMancha，andmadehimconfessthatmyCasildeaismorebeautifulthanhisDulcinea；
andinthisonevictoryIholdmyselftohaveconqueredalltheknightsintheworld；forthisDonQuixotethatIspeakofhasvanquishedthemall，andIhavingvanquishedhim，hisglory，hisfame，andhishonourhavepassedandaretransferredtomyperson；forThemorethevanquishedhathoffairrenown，Thegreaterglorygildsthevictor\'scrown。
ThustheinnumerableachievementsofthesaidDonQuixotearenowsetdowntomyaccountandhavebecomemine。“
DonQuixotewasamazedwhenheheardtheKnightoftheGrove，andwasathousandtimesonthepointoftellinghimhelied，andhadtheliedirectalreadyonthetipofhistongue；butherestrainedhimselfaswellashecould，inordertoforcehimtoconfesstheliewithhisownlips；sohesaidtohimquietly，“Astowhatyousay，sirknight，abouthavingvanquishedmostoftheknightsofSpain，orevenofthewholeworld，Isaynothing；butthatyouhavevanquishedDonQuixoteofLaManchaIconsiderdoubtful；itmayhavebeensomeotherthatresembledhim，althoughtherearefewlikehim。“
“How！notvanquished？”saidheoftheGrove；“bytheheaventhatisaboveusIfoughtDonQuixoteandovercamehimandmadehimyield；andheisamanoftallstature，gauntfeatures，long，lanklimbs，withhairturninggrey，anaquilinenoseratherhooked，andlargeblackdroopingmoustaches；hedoesbattleunderthenameof\'TheCountenance，\'andhehasforsquireapeasantcalledSanchoPanza；
hepressestheloinsandrulesthereinsofafamoussteedcalledRocinante；andlastly，hehasforthemistressofhiswillacertainDulcineadelToboso，onceuponatimecalledAldonzaLorenzo，justasIcallmineCasildeadeVandaliabecausehernameisCasildaandsheisofAndalusia。IfallthesetokensarenotenoughtovindicatethetruthofwhatIsay，hereismysword，thatwillcompelincredulityitselftogivecredencetoit。“
“Calmyourself，sirknight，“saidDonQuixote，“andgiveeartowhatIamabouttosaytoyou。you。IwouldhaveyouknowthatthisDonQuixoteyouspeakofisthegreatestfriendIhaveintheworld；somuchsothatImaysayIregardhiminthesamelightasmyownperson；andfromthepreciseandclearindicationsyouhavegivenI
cannotbutthinkthathemustbetheveryoneyouhavevanquished。
Ontheotherhand，Iseewithmyeyesandfeelwithmyhandsthatitisimpossibleitcanhavebeenthesame；unlessindeeditbethat，ashehasmanyenemieswhoareenchanters，andoneinparticularwhoisalwayspersecutinghim，someoneofthesemayhavetakenhisshapeinordertoallowhimselftobevanquished，soastodefraudhimofthefamethathisexaltedachievementsasaknighthaveearnedandacquiredforhimthroughouttheknownworld。Andinconfirmationofthis，Imusttellyou，too，thatitisbuttenhourssincethesesaidenchantershisenemiestransformedtheshapeandpersonofthefairDulcineadelTobosointoafoulandmeanvillagelass，andinthesamewaytheymusthavetransformedDonQuixote；andifallthisdoesnotsufficetoconvinceyouofthetruthofwhatIsay，hereisDonQuixotehimself，whowillmaintainitbyarms，onfootoronhorsebackorinanywayyouplease。“
Andsosayinghestoodupandlaidhishandonhissword，waitingtoseewhattheKnightoftheGrovewoulddo，whoinanequallycalmvoicesaidinreply，“Pledgesdon\'tdistressagoodpayer；hewhohassucceededinvanquishingyouoncewhentransformed，SirDonQuixote，mayfairlyhopetosubdueyouinyourownpropershape；butasitisnotbecomingforknightstoperformtheirfeatsofarmsinthedark，likehighwaymenandbullies，letuswaittilldaylight，thatthesunmaybeholdourdeeds；andtheconditionsofourcombatshallbethatthevanquishedshallbeatthevictor\'sdisposal，todoallthathemayenjoin，providedtheinjunctionbesuchasshallbebecomingaknight。“
“Iammorethansatisfiedwiththeseconditionsandterms，“
repliedDonQuixote；andsosaying，theybetookthemselvestowheretheirsquireslay，andfoundthemsnoring，andinthesameposturetheywereinwhensleepfelluponthem。Theyrousedthemup，andbadethemgetthehorsesready，asatsunrisetheyweretoengageinabloodyandarduoussinglecombat；atwhichintelligenceSanchowasaghastandthunderstruck，tremblingforthesafetyofhismasterbecauseofthemightydeedshehadheardthesquireoftheGroveascribetohis；butwithoutawordthetwosquireswentinquestoftheircattle；forbythistimethethreehorsesandtheasshadsmeltoneanotherout，andwerealltogether。
Ontheway，heoftheGrovesaidtoSancho，“Youmustknow，brother，thatitisthecustomwiththefightingmenofAndalusia，whentheyaregodfathersinanyquarrel，nottostandidlewithfoldedarmswhiletheirgodsonsfight；Isaysotoremindyouthatwhileourmastersarefighting，we，too，havetofight，andknockoneanothertoshivers。“
“Thatcustom，sirsquire，“repliedSancho，“mayholdgoodamongthosebulliesandfightingmenyoutalkof，butcertainlynotamongthesquiresofknights-errant；atleast，Ihaveneverheardmymasterspeakofanycustomofthesort，andheknowsallthelawsofknight-errantrybyheart；butgrantingittruethatthereisanexpresslawthatsquiresaretofightwhiletheirmastersarefighting，Idon\'tmeantoobeyit，buttopaythepenaltythatmaybelaidonpeacefullymindedsquireslikemyself；forIamsureitcannotbemorethantwopoundsofwax，andIwouldratherpaythat，forIknowitwillcostmelessthanthelintIshallbeattheexpenseoftomendmyhead，whichIlookuponasbrokenandsplitalready；there\'sanotherthingthatmakesitimpossibleformetofight，thatIhavenosword，forInevercarriedoneinmylife。“
“Iknowagoodremedyforthat，“saidheoftheGrove；“Ihaveheretwolinenbagsofthesamesize；youshalltakeone，andItheother，andwewillfightatbagblowswithequalarms。“
“Ifthat\'stheway，sobeitwithallmyheart，“saidSancho，“forthatsortofbattlewillservetoknockthedustoutofusinsteadofhurtingus。“
“Thatwillnotdo，“saidtheother，“forwemustputintothebags，tokeepthewindfromblowingthemaway，halfadozennicesmoothpebbles，allofthesameweight；andinthiswayweshallbeabletobasteoneanotherwithoutdoingourselvesanyharmormischief。“
“Bodyofmyfather！”saidSancho，“seewhatmartenandsable，andpadsofcardedcottonheisputtingintothebags，thatourheadsmaynotbebrokenandourbonesbeatentojelly！Buteveniftheyarefilledwithtosssilk，Icantellyou，senor，Iamnotgoingtofight；letourmastersfight，that\'stheirlookout，andletusdrinkandlive；fortimewilltakecaretoeaseusofourlives，withoutourgoingtolookforfillipssothattheymaybefinishedoffbeforetheirpropertimecomesandtheydropfromripeness。“
“Still，“returnedheoftheGrove，“wemustfight，ifitbeonlyforhalfanhour。“
“Bynomeans，“saidSancho；“Iamnotgoingtobesodiscourteousorsoungratefulastohaveanyquarrel，beiteversosmall，withoneIhaveeatenanddrunkwith；besides，whothedevilcouldbringhimselftofightincoldblood，withoutangerorprovocation？”
“Icanremedythatentirely，“saidheoftheGrove，“andinthisway：beforewebeginthebattle，Iwillcomeuptoyourworshipfairandsoftly，andgiveyouthreeorfourbuffets，withwhichIshallstretchyouatmyfeetandrouseyouranger，thoughitweresleepingsounderthanadormouse。“
“Tomatchthatplan，“saidSancho，“Ihaveanotherthatisnotawhitbehindit；Iwilltakeacudgel，andbeforeyourworshipcomesnearenoughtowakenmyangerIwillsendyourssosoundtosleepwithwhacks，thatitwon\'twakenunlessitbeintheotherworld，whereitisknownthatIamnotamantoletmyfacebehandledbyanyone；
leteachlookoutforthearrow-thoughthesurerwaywouldbetoleteveryone\'sangersleep，fornobodyknowstheheartofanyone，andamanmaycomeforwoolandgobackshorn；Godgavehisblessingtopeaceandhiscursetoquarrels；ifahuntedcat，surroundedandhardpressed，turnsintoalion，GodknowswhatI，whoamaman，mayturninto；andsofromthistimeforthIwarnyou，sirsquire，thatalltheharmandmischiefthatmaycomeofourquarrelwillbeputdowntoyouraccount。“
“Verygood，“saidheoftheGrove；“Godwillsendthedawnandweshallbeallright。“
Andnowgay-plumagedbirdsofallsortsbegantowarbleinthetrees，andwiththeirvariedandgladsomenotesseemedtowelcomeandsalutethefreshmornthatwasbeginningtoshowthebeautyofhercountenanceatthegatesandbalconiesoftheeast，shakingfromherlocksaprofusionofliquidpearls；inwhichdulcetmoisturebathed，theplants，too，seemedtoshedandshowerdownapearlyspray，thewillowsdistilledsweetmanna，thefountainslaughed，thebrooksbabbled，thewoodsrejoiced，andthemeadowsarrayedthemselvesinalltheirgloryathercoming。Buthardlyhadthelightofdaymadeitpossibletoseeanddistinguishthings，whenthefirstobjectthatpresenteditselftotheeyesofSanchoPanzawasthesquireoftheGrove\'snose，whichwassobigthatitalmostovershadowedhiswholebody。Itis，infact，stated，thatitwasofenormoussize，hookedinthemiddle，coveredwithwarts，andofamulberrycolourlikeanegg-plant；ithungdowntwofingers\'lengthbelowhismouth，andthesize，thecolour，thewarts，andthebendofit，madehisfacesohideous，thatSancho，ashelookedathim，begantotremblehandandfootlikeachildinconvulsions，andhevowedinhishearttolethimselfbegiventwohundredbuffets，soonerthanbeprovokedtofightthatmonster。DonQuixoteexaminedhisadversary，andfoundthathealreadyhadhishelmetonandvisorlowered，sothathecouldnotseehisface；heobserved，however，thathewasasturdilybuiltman，butnotverytallinstature。Overhisarmourheworeasurcoatorcassockofwhatseemedtobethefinestclothofgold，allbespangledwithglitteringmirrorslikelittlemoons，whichgavehimanextremelygallantandsplendidappearance；abovehishelmetflutteredagreatquantityofplumes，green，yellow，andwhite，andhislance，whichwasleaningagainstatree，wasverylongandstout，andhadasteelpointmorethanapalminlength。
DonQuixoteobservedall，andtooknoteofall，andfromwhathesawandobservedheconcludedthatthesaidknightmustbeamanofgreatstrength，buthedidnotforallthatgivewaytofear，likeSanchoPanza；onthecontrary，withacomposedanddauntlessair，hesaidtotheKnightoftheMirrors，“If，sirknight，yourgreateagernesstofighthasnotbanishedyourcourtesy，byitIwouldentreatyoutoraiseyourvisoralittle，inorderthatImayseeifthecomelinessofyourcountenancecorrespondswiththatofyourequipment。“
“Whetheryoucomevictoriousorvanquishedoutofthisemprise，sirknight，“repliedheoftheMirrors，“youwillhavemorethanenoughtimeandleisuretoseeme；andifnowIdonotcomplywithyourrequest，itisbecauseitseemstomeIshoulddoaseriouswrongtothefairCasildeadeVandaliainwastingtimewhileIstoppedtoraisemyvisorbeforecompellingyoutoconfesswhatyouarealreadyawareImaintain。“
“Wellthen，“saidDonQuixote，“whilewearemountingyoucanatleasttellmeifIamthatDonQuixotewhomyousaidyouvanquished。“
“Tothatweansweryou，“saidheoftheMirrors，“thatyouareasliketheveryknightIvanquishedasoneeggislikeanother，butasyousayenchanterspersecuteyou，Iwillnotventuretosaypositivelywhetheryouarethesaidpersonornot。“
“That，“saidDonQuixote，“isenoughtoconvincemethatyouareunderadeception；however，entirelytorelieveyouofit，letourhorsesbebrought，andinlesstimethanitwouldtakeyoutoraiseyourvisor，ifGod，mylady，andmyarmstandmeingoodstead，I
shallseeyourface，andyoushallseethatIamnotthevanquishedDonQuixoteyoutakemetobe。“
Withthis，cuttingshortthecolloquy，theymounted，andDonQuixotewheeledRocinanteroundinordertotakeaproperdistancetochargebackuponhisadversary，andheoftheMirrorsdidthesame；butDonQuixotehadnotmovedawaytwentypaceswhenheheardhimselfcalledbytheother，and，eachreturninghalf-way，heoftheMirrorssaidtohim，“Remember，sirknight，thatthetermsofourcombatare，thatthevanquished，asIsaidbefore，shallbeatthevictor\'sdisposal。“
“Iamawareofitalready，“saidDonQuixote；“providedwhatiscommandedandimposeduponthevanquishedbethingsthatdonottransgressthelimitsofchivalry。“
“Thatisunderstood，“repliedheoftheMirrors。
AtthismomenttheextraordinarynoseofthesquirepresenteditselftoDonQuixote\'sview，andhewasnolessamazedthanSanchoatthesight；insomuchthathesethimdownasamonsterofsomekind，orahumanbeingofsomenewspeciesorunearthlybreed。Sancho，seeinghismasterretiringtorunhiscourse，didnotliketobeleftalonewiththenosyman，fearingthatwithoneflapofthatnoseonhisownthebattlewouldbealloverforhimandhewouldbeleftstretchedontheground，eitherbythebloworwithfright；soheranafterhismaster，holdingontoRocinante\'sstirrup-leather，andwhenitseemedtohimtimetoturnabout，hesaid，“Iimploreofyourworship，senor，beforeyouturntocharge，tohelpmeupintothiscorktree，fromwhichIwillbeabletowitnessthegallantencounteryourworshipisgoingtohavewiththisknight，moretomytasteandbetterthanfromtheground。“