Godgrantit，anddirecthimaccordingasheseeshischildrenstandinneedofit。Iamresolvedwithyourworship\'sleave，ladyofmysoul，tomakethemostofthisfairday，andgotoCourttostretchmyselfateaseinacoach，andmakeallthoseIhaveenvyingmealreadybursttheireyesout；soIbegyourexcellencetoordermyhusbandtosendmeasmalltrifleofmoney，andtoletitbesomethingtospeakof，becauseone\'sexpensesareheavyattheCourt；foraloafcostsareal，andmeatthirtymaravedisapound，whichisbeyondeverything；andifhedoesnotwantmetogolethimtellmeintime，formyfeetareonthefidgetstoheoff；andmyfriendsandneighbourstellmethatifmydaughterandImakeafigureandabraveshowatCourt，myhusbandwillcometobeknownfarmorebymethanIbyhim，forofcourseplentyofpeoplewillask，“Whoarethoseladiesinthatcoach？”andsomeservantofminewillanswer，“ThewifeanddaughterofSanchoPanza，governoroftheislandofBarataria；“
andinthiswaySanchowillbecomeknown，andI\'llbethoughtwellof，and“toRomeforeverything。“Iamasvexedasvexedcanbethattheyhavegatherednoacornsthisyearinourvillage；forallthatIsendyourhighnessabouthalfapeckthatIwenttothewoodtogatherandpickoutonebyonemyself，andIcouldfindnobiggerones；Iwishtheywereasbigasostricheggs。
Letnotyourhighmightinessforgettowritetome；andIwilltakecaretoanswer，andletyouknowhowIam，andwhatevernewstheremaybeinthisplace，whereIremain，prayingourLordtohaveyourhighnessinhiskeepingandnottoforgetme。
Sanchamydaughter，andmyson，kissyourworship\'shands。
Shewhowouldratherseeyourladyshipthanwritetoyou，Yourservant，TERESAPANZA。
AllweregreatlyamusedbyTeresaPanza\'sletter，butparticularlythedukeandduchess；andtheduchessaskedDonQuixote\'sopinionwhethertheymightopentheletterthathadcomeforthegovernor，whichshesuspectedmustbeverygood。DonQuixotesaidthattogratifythemhewouldopenit，anddidso，andfoundthatitranasfollows。
TERESAPANZA\'SLETTERTOHERHUSBANDSANCHOPANZA。
Igotthyletter，Sanchoofmysoul，andIpromisetheeandswearasaCatholicChristianthatIwaswithintwofingers\'breadthofgoingmadIwassohappy。Icantellthee，brother，whenIcametohearthatthouwertagovernorIthoughtIshouldhavedroppeddeadwithpurejoy；andthouknowesttheysaysuddenjoykillsaswellasgreatsorrow；andasforSanchicathydaughter，sheleakedfromsheerhappiness。Ihadbeforemethesuitthoudidstsendme，andthecoralbeadsmyladytheduchesssentmeroundmyneck，andthelettersinmyhands，andtherewasthebearerofthemstandingby，andinspiteofallthisIverilybelievedandthoughtthatwhatIsawandhandledwasalladream；forwhocouldhavethoughtthatagoatherdwouldcometobeagovernorofislands？Thouknowest，myfriend，whatmymotherusedtosay，thatonemustlivelongtoseemuch；IsayitbecauseIexpecttoseemoreifIlivelonger；forIdon\'texpecttostopuntilIseetheeafarmeroftaxesoracollectorofrevenue，whichareofficeswhere，thoughthedevilcarriesoffthosewhomakeabaduseofthem，stilltheymakeandhandlemoney。MyladytheduchesswilltelltheethedesireIhavetogototheCourt；considerthematterandletmeknowthypleasure；Iwilltrytodohonourtotheebygoinginacoach。
Neitherthecurate，northebarber，northebachelor，noreventhesacristan，canbelievethatthouartagovernor，andtheysaythewholethingisadelusionoranenchantmentaffair，likeeverythingbelongingtothymasterDonQuixote；andSamsonsayshemustgoinsearchoftheeanddrivethegovernmentoutofthyheadandthemadnessoutofDonQuixote\'sskull；Ionlylaugh，andlookatmystringofbeads，andplanoutthedressIamgoingtomakeforourdaughteroutofthysuit。Isentsomeacornstomyladytheduchess；I
wishtheyhadbeengold。Sendmesomestringsofpearlsiftheyareinfashioninthatisland。Hereisthenewsofthevillage；LaBerruecahasmarriedherdaughtertoagood-for-nothingpainter，whocameheretopaintanythingthatmightturnup。ThecouncilgavehimanordertopainthisMajesty\'sarmsoverthedoorofthetown-hall；heaskedtwoducats，whichtheypaidhiminadvance；heworkedforeightdays，andattheendofthemhadnothingpainted，andthensaidhehadnoturnforpaintingsuchtriflingthings；hereturnedthemoney，andforallthathasmarriedonthepretenceofbeingagoodworkman；tobesurehehasnowlaidasidehispaint-brushandtakenaspadeinhand，andgoestothefieldlikeagentleman。PedroLobo\'ssonhasreceivedthefirstordersandtonsure，withtheintentionofbecomingapriest。Minguilla，MingoSilvato\'sgranddaughter，founditout，andhasgonetolawwithhimonthescoreofhavinggivenherpromiseofmarriage。Eviltonguessaysheiswithchildbyhim，buthedeniesitstoutly。Therearenoolivesthisyear，andthereisnotadropofvinegartobehadinthewholevillage。Acompanyofsoldierspassedthroughhere；whentheylefttheytookawaywiththemthreeofthegirlsofthevillage；Iwillnottelltheewhotheyare；perhapstheywillcomeback，andtheywillbesuretofindthosewhowilltakethemforwiveswithalltheirblemishes，goodorbad。Sanchicaismakingbonelace；sheearnseightmaravedisadayclear，whichsheputsintoamoneyboxasahelptowardshousefurnishing；butnowthatsheisagovernor\'sdaughterthouwiltgiveheraportionwithoutherworkingforit。Thefountainintheplazahasrundry。Aflashoflightningstruckthegibbet，andIwishtheyalllitthere。Ilookforananswertothis，andtoknowthymindaboutmygoingtotheCourt；andso，Godkeeptheelongerthanme，oraslong，forIwouldnotleavetheeinthisworldwithoutme。
Thywife，TERESAPANZA。
Theletterswereapplauded，laughedover，relished，andadmired；andthen，asiftoputthesealtothebusiness，thecourierarrived，bringingtheoneSanchosenttoDonQuixote，andthis，too，wasreadout，anditraisedsomedoubtsastothegovernor\'ssimplicity。TheduchesswithdrewtohearfromthepageabouthisadventuresinSancho\'svillage，whichhenarratedatfulllengthwithoutleavingasinglecircumstanceunmentioned。Hegavehertheacorns，andalsoacheesewhichTeresahadgivenhimasbeingparticularlygoodandsuperiortothoseofTronchon。Theduchessreceiveditwithgreatestdelight，inwhichwewillleaveher，todescribetheendofthegovernmentofthegreatSanchoPanza，flowerandmirrorofallgovernorsofislands。
CHAPTERLIII
OFTHETROUBLOUSENDANDTERMINATIONSANCHOPANZA\'SGOVERNMENT
CAMETO
TOFANCYthatinthislifeanythingbelongingtoitwillremainforeverinthesamestateisanidlefancy；onthecontrary，initeverythingseemstogoinacircle，Imeanroundandround。Thespringsucceedsthesummer，thesummerthefall，thefalltheautumn，theautumnthewinter，andthewinterthespring，andsotimerollswithnever-ceasingwheel。Man\'slifealone，swifterthantime，speedsonwardtoitsendwithoutanyhopeofrenewal，saveitbeinthatotherlifewhichisendlessandboundless。ThussaithCideHametetheMahometanphilosopher；fortherearemanythatbythelightofnaturealone，withoutthelightoffaith，haveacomprehensionofthefleetingnatureandinstabilityofthispresentlifeandtheendlessdurationofthateternallifewehopefor；butourauthorisherespeakingoftherapiditywithwhichSancho\'sgovernmentcametoanend，meltedaway，disappeared，vanishedasitwereinsmokeandshadow。Forashelayinbedonthenightoftheseventhdayofhisgovernment，sated，notwithbreadandwine，butwithdeliveringjudgmentsandgivingopinionsandmakinglawsandproclamations，justassleep，inspiteofhunger，wasbeginningtoclosehiseyelids，heheardsuchanoiseofbell-ringingandshoutingthatonewouldhavefanciedthewholeislandwasgoingtothebottom。Hesatupinbedandremainedlisteningintentlytotryifhecouldmakeoutwhatcouldbethecauseofsogreatanuproar；notonly，however，washeunabletodiscoverwhatitwas，butascountlessdrumsandtrumpetsnowhelpedtoswellthedinofthebellsandshouts，hewasmorepuzzledthanever，andfilledwithfearandterror；andgettingupheputonapairofslippersbecauseofthedampnessofthefloor，andwithoutthrowingadressinggownoranythingofthekindoverhimherushedoutofthedoorofhisroom，justintimetoseeapproachingalongacorridorabandofmorethantwentypersonswithlightedtorchesandnakedswordsintheirhands，allshoutingout，“Toarms，toarms，senorgovernor，toarms！Theenemyisintheislandincountlessnumbers，andwearelostunlessyourskillandvalourcometooursupport。“
Keepingupthisnoise，tumult，anduproar，theycametowhereSanchostooddazedandbewilderedbywhathesawandheard，andastheyapproachedoneofthemcalledouttohim，“Armatonce，yourlordship，ifyouwouldnothaveyourselfdestroyedandthewholeislandlost。“
“WhathaveItodowitharming？”saidSancho。“WhatdoIknowaboutarmsorsupports？BetterleaveallthattomymasterDonQuixote，whowillsettleitandmakeallsafeinatrice；forI，sinnerthatIam，Godhelpme，don\'tunderstandthesescuffles。“
“Ah，senorgovernor，“saidanother，“whatslacknessofmettlethisis！Armyourself；herearearmsforyou，offensiveanddefensive；comeouttotheplazaandbeourleaderandcaptain；itfallsuponyoubyright，foryouareourgovernor。“
“Armmethen，inGod\'sname，“saidSancho，andtheyatonceproducedtwolargeshieldstheyhadcomeprovidedwith，andplacedthemuponhimoverhisshirt，withoutlettinghimputonanythingelse，oneshieldinfrontandtheotherbehind，andpassinghisarmsthroughopeningstheyhadmade，theyboundhimtightwithropes，sothattherehewaswalledandboardedupasstraightasaspindleandunabletobendhiskneesorstirasinglestep。Inhishandtheyplacedalance，onwhichheleanttokeephimselffromfalling，andassoonastheyhadhimthusfixedtheybadehimmarchforwardandleadthemonandgivethemallcourage；forwithhimfortheirguideandlampandmorningstar，theyweresuretobringtheirbusinesstoasuccessfulissue。
“HowamItomarch，unluckybeingthatIam？”saidSancho，“whenI
can\'tstirmyknee-caps，fortheseboardsIhaveboundsotighttomybodywon\'tletme。Whatyoumustdoiscarrymeinyourarms，andlaymeacrossorsetmeuprightinsomepostern，andI\'llholditeitherwiththislanceorwithmybody。“
“On，senorgovernor！”criedanother，“itisfearmorethantheboardsthatkeepsyoufrommoving；makehaste，stiryourself，forthereisnotimetolose；theenemyisincreasinginnumbers，theshoutsgrowlouder，andthedangerispressing。“
Urgedbytheseexhortationsandreproachesthepoorgovernormadeanattempttoadvance，butfelltothegroundwithsuchacrashthathefanciedhehadbrokenhimselfalltopieces。Therehelaylikeatortoiseenclosedinitsshell，orasideofbaconbetweentwokneading-troughs，oraboatbottomuponthebeach；nordidthegangofjokersfeelanycompassionforhimwhentheysawhimdown；sofarfromthat，extinguishingtheirtorchestheybegantoshoutafreshandtorenewthecallstoarmswithsuchenergy，tramplingonpoorSancho，andslashingathimovertheshieldwiththeirswordsinsuchawaythat，ifhehadnotgatheredhimselftogetherandmadehimselfsmallanddrawninhisheadbetweentheshields，itwouldhavefaredbadlywiththepoorgovernor，as，squeezedintothatnarrowcompass，helay，sweatingandsweatingagain，andcommendinghimselfwithallhishearttoGodtodeliverhimfromhispresentperil。
Somestumbledoverhim，othersfelluponhim，andonetherewaswhotookupapositionontopofhimforsometime，andfromthenceasiffromawatchtowerissuedorderstothetroops，shoutingout，“Here，ourside！Heretheenemyisthickest！Holdthebreachthere！Shutthatgate！Barricadethoseladders！Herewithyourstink-potsofpitchandresin，andkettlesofboilingoil！Blockthestreetswithfeatherbeds！”Inshort，inhisardourhementionedeverylittlething，andeveryimplementandengineofwarbymeansofwhichanassaultuponacityiswardedoff，whilethebruisedandbatteredSancho，whoheardandsufferedall，wassayingtohimself，“OifitwouldonlypleasetheLordtolettheislandbelostatonce，andI
couldseemyselfeitherdeadoroutofthistorture！”Heavenheardhisprayer，andwhenheleastexpecteditheheardvoicesexclaiming，“Victory，victory！Theenemyretreatsbeaten！Come，senorgovernor，getup，andcomeandenjoythevictory，anddividethespoilsthathavebeenwonfromthefoebythemightofthatinvinciblearm。“
“Liftmeup，“saidthewretchedSanchoinawoebegonevoice。Theyhelpedhimtorise，andassoonashewasonhisfeetsaid，“TheenemyIhavebeatenyoumaynailtomyforehead；Idon\'twanttodividethespoilsofthefoe，Ionlybegandentreatsomefriend，ifIhaveone，togivemeasupofwine，forI\'mparchedwiththirst，andwipemedry，forI\'mturningtowater。“
Theyrubbedhimdown，fetchedhimwineandunboundtheshields，andheseatedhimselfuponhisbed，andwithfear，agitation，andfatiguehefaintedaway。Thosewhohadbeenconcernedinthejokewerenowsorrytheyhadpusheditsofar；however，theanxietyhisfaintingawayhadcausedthemwasrelievedbyhisreturningtohimself。Heaskedwhato\'clockitwas；theytoldhimitwasjustdaybreak。Hesaidnomore，andinsilencebegantodresshimself，whileallwatchedhim，waitingtoseewhatthehastewithwhichhewasputtingonhisclothesmeant。
Hegothimselfdressedatlast，andthen，slowly，forhewassorelybruisedandcouldnotgofast，heproceededtothestable，followedbyallwhowerepresent，andgoinguptoDappleembracedhimandgavehimalovingkissontheforehead，andsaidtohim，notwithouttearsinhiseyes，“Comealong，comradeandfriendandpartnerofmytoilsandsorrows；whenIwaswithyouandhadnocarestotroublemeexceptmendingyourharnessandfeedingyourlittlecarcass，happyweremyhours，mydays，andmyyears；butsinceI
leftyou，andmountedthetowersofambitionandpride，athousandmiseries，athousandtroubles，andfourthousandanxietieshaveenteredintomysoul；“andallthewhilehewasspeakinginthisstrainhewasfixingthepack-saddleontheass，withoutawordfromanyone。ThenhavingDapplesaddled，he，withgreatpainanddifficulty，gotuponhim，andaddressinghimselftothemajordomo，thesecretary，thehead-carver，andPedroReciothedoctorandseveralotherswhostoodby，hesaid，“Makeway，gentlemen，andletmegobacktomyoldfreedom；letmegolookformypastlife，andraisemyselfupfromthispresentdeath。Iwasnotborntobeagovernororprotectislandsorcitiesfromtheenemiesthatchoosetoattackthem。
Ploughinganddigging，vinedressingandpruning，aremoreinmywaythandefendingprovincesorkingdoms。\'SaintPeterisverywellatRome；Imeaneachofusisbestfollowingthetradehewasbornto。
Areaping-hookfitsmyhandbetterthanagovernor\'ssceptre；I\'dratherhavemyfillofgazpacho\'thanbesubjecttothemiseryofameddlingdoctorwhomewithhunger，andI\'dratherlieinsummerundertheshadeofanoak，andinwinterwrapmyselfinadoublesheepskinjacketinfreedom，thangotobedbetweenhollandsheetsanddressinsablesundertherestraintofagovernment。Godbewithyourworships，andtellmylordthedukethat\'nakedIwasborn，nakedI
findmyself，Ineitherlosenorgain；\'ImeanthatwithoutafarthingIcameintothisgovernment，andwithoutafarthingIgooutofit，verydifferentfromthewaygovernorscommonlyleaveotherislands。Standasideandletmego；Ihavetoplastermyself，forIbelieveeveryoneofmyribsiscrushed，thankstotheenemiesthathavebeentramplingovermeto-night。“
“Thatisunnecessary，senorgovernor，“saidDoctorRecio，“forI
willgiveyourworshipadraughtagainstfallsandbruisesthatwillsoonmakeyouassoundandstrongasever；andasforyourdietI
promiseyourworshiptobehavebetter，andletyoueatplentifullyofwhateveryoulike。“
“Youspokelate，“saidSancho。“I\'dassoonturnTurkasstayanylonger。Thosejokeswon\'tpassasecondtime。ByGodI\'dassoonremaininthisgovernment，ortakeanother，evenifitwasofferedmebetweentwoplates，asflytoheavenwithoutwings。IamofthebreedofthePanzas，andtheyareeveryoneofthemobstinate，andiftheyoncesay\'odds，\'oddsitmustbe，nomatterifitisevens，inspiteofalltheworld。HereinthisstableIleavetheant\'swingsthatliftedmeupintotheairfortheswiftsandotherbirdstoeatme，andlet\'staketolevelgroundandourfeetoncemore；andifthey\'renotshodinpinkedshoesofcordovan，theywon\'twantforroughsandalsofhemp；\'everyewetoherlike，\'\'andletnoonestretchhislegbeyondthelengthofthesheet；\'andnowletmepass，forit\'sgrowinglatewithme。“
Tothisthemajordomosaid，“Senorgovernor，wewouldletyourworshipgowithallourhearts，thoughitsorelygrievesustoloseyou，foryourwitandChristianconductnaturallymakeusregretyou；butitiswellknownthateverygovernor，beforeheleavestheplacewherehehasbeengoverning，isboundfirstofalltorenderanaccount。Letyourworshipdosoforthetendaysyouhaveheldthegovernment，andthenyoumaygoandthepeaceofGodgowithyou。“
“Noonecandemanditofme，“saidSancho，“buthewhommylordthedukeshallappoint；Iamgoingtomeethim，andtohimIwillrenderanexactone；besides，whenIgoforthnakedasIdo，thereisnootherproofneededtoshowthatIhavegovernedlikeanangel。“
“ByGodthegreatSanchoisright，“saidDoctorRecio，“andweshouldlethimgo，forthedukewillbebeyondmeasuregladtoseehim。“
Theyallagreedtothis，andallowedhimtogo，firstofferingtobearhimcompanyandfurnishhimwithallhewantedforhisowncomfortorforthejourney。SanchosaidhedidnotwantanythingmorethanalittlebarleyforDapple，andhalfacheeseandhalfaloafforhimself；forthedistancebeingsoshorttherewasnooccasionforanybetterorbulkierprovant。Theyallembracedhim，andhewithtearsembracedallofthem，andleftthemfilledwithadmirationnotonlyathisremarksbutathisfirmandsensibleresolution。
CHAPTERLIV
WHICHDEALSWITHMATTERSRELATINGTOTHISHISTORYANDNOOTHER
THEdukeandduchessresolvedthatthechallengeDonQuixotehad，forthereasonalreadymentioned，giventheirvassal，shouldbeproceededwith；andastheyoungmanwasinFlanders，whitherhehadfledtoescapehavingDonaRodriguezforamother-in-law，theyarrangedtosubstituteforhimaGasconlacquey，namedTosilos，firstofallcarefullyinstructinghiminallhehadtodo。TwodayslatertheduketoldDonQuixotethatinfourdaysfromthattimehisopponentwouldpresenthimselfonthefieldofbattlearmedasaknight，andwouldmaintainthatthedamselliedbyhalfabeard，nayawholebeard，ifsheaffirmedthathehadgivenherapromiseofmarriage。DonQuixotewasgreatlypleasedatthenews，andpromisedhimselftodowondersinthelists，andreckoneditraregoodfortunethatanopportunityshouldhaveofferedforlettinghisnoblehostsseewhatthemightofhisstrongarmwascapableof；andsoinhighspiritsandsatisfactionheawaitedtheexpirationofthefourdays，whichmeasuredbyhisimpatienceseemedspinningthemselvesoutintofourhundredages。Letusleavethemtopassaswedootherthings，andgoandbearSanchocompany，asmountedonDapple，halfglad，halfsad，hepacedalongonhisroadtojoinhismaster，inwhosesocietyhewashappierthaninbeinggovernorofalltheislandsintheworld。Wellthen，itsohappenedthatbeforehehadgoneagreatwayfromtheislandofhisgovernmentandwhetheritwasisland，city，town，orvillagethathegovernedhenevertroubledhimselftoinquirehesawcomingalongtheroadhewastravellingsixpilgrimswithstaves，foreignersofthatsortthatbegforalmssinging；whoastheydrewneararrangedthemselvesinalineandliftinguptheirvoicesalltogetherbegantosingintheirownlanguagesomethingthatSanchocouldnotwiththeexceptionofonewordwhichsoundedplainly“alms，“fromwhichhegatheredthatitwasalmstheyaskedforintheirsong；andbeing，asCideHametesays，remarkablycharitable，hetookoutofhisalforiasthehalfloafandhalfcheesehehadbeenprovidedwith，andgavethemtothem，explainingtothembysignsthathehadnothingelsetogivethem。
Theyreceivedthemverygladly，butexclaimed，“Geld！Geld！”
“Idon\'tunderstandwhatyouwantofme，goodpeople，“saidSancho。
OnthisoneofthemtookapurseoutofhisbosomandshowedittoSancho，bywhichhecomprehendedtheywereaskingformoney，andputtinghisthumbtohisthroatandspreadinghishandupwardshegavethemtounderstandthathehadnotthesignofacoinabouthim，andurgingDappleforwardhebrokethroughthem。Butashewaspassing，oneofthemwhohadbeenexamininghimverycloselyrushedtowardshim，andflinginghisarmsroundhimexclaimedinaloudvoiceandgoodSpanish，“Godblessme！What\'sthisIsee？IsitpossiblethatIholdinmyarmsmydearfriend，mygoodneighbourSanchoPanza？
Butthere\'snodoubtaboutit，forI\'mnotasleep，noramIdrunkjustnow。“
Sanchowassurprisedtohearhimselfcalledbyhisnameandfindhimselfembracedbyaforeignpilgrim，andafterregardinghimsteadilywithoutspeakinghewasstillunabletorecognisehim；butthepilgrimperceivinghisperplexitycried，“What！andisitpossible，SanchoPanza，thatthoudostnotknowthyneighbourRicote，theMoriscoshopkeeperofthyvillage？”
Sanchouponthislookingathimmorecarefullybegantorecallhisfeatures，andatlastrecognisedhimperfectly，andwithoutgettingofftheassthrewhisarmsroundhisnecksaying，“Whothedevilcouldhaveknownthee，Ricote，inthismummer\'sdressthouartin？Tellme，whobasfrenchifiedthee，andhowdostthoudaretoreturntoSpain，whereiftheycatchtheeandrecognisetheeitwillgohardenoughwiththee？”
“Ifthoudostnotbetrayme，Sancho，“saidthepilgrim，“Iamsafe；forinthisdressnoonewillrecogniseme；butletusturnasideoutoftheroadintothatgrovetherewheremycomradesaregoingtoeatandrest，andthoushalteatwiththemthere，fortheyareverygoodfellows；I\'llhavetimeenoughtotelltheethenallthathashappenedmesinceIleftourvillageinobediencetohisMajesty\'sedictthatthreatenedsuchseveritiesagainsttheunfortunatepeopleofmynation，asthouhastheard。“
Sanchocomplied，andRicotehavingspokentotheotherpilgrimstheywithdrewtothegrovetheysaw，turningaconsiderabledistanceoutoftheroad。Theythrewdowntheirstaves，tookofftheirpilgrim\'scloaksandremainedintheirunder-clothing；theywereallgood-lookingyoungfellows，exceptRicote，whowasamansomewhatadvancedinyears。Theycarriedalforjasallofthem，andallapparentlywellfilled，atleastwiththingsprovocativeofthirst，suchaswouldsummonitfromtwoleaguesoff。Theystretchedthemselvesontheground，andmakingatableclothofthegrasstheyspreaduponitbread，salt，knives，walnut，scrapsofcheese，andwell-pickedham-boneswhichiftheywerepastgnawingwerenotpastsucking。Theyalsoputdownablackdaintycalled，theysay，caviar，andmadeoftheeggsoffish，agreatthirst-wakener。Norwasthereanylackofolives，dry，itistrue，andwithoutanyseasoning，butforallthattoothsomeandpleasant。Butwhatmadethebestshowinthefieldofthebanquetwashalfadozenbotasofwine，foreachofthemproducedhisownfromhisalforjas；eventhegoodRicote，whofromaMoriscohadtransformedhimselfintoaGermanorDutchman，tookouthis，whichinsizemighthaveviedwiththefiveothers。Theythenbegantoeatwithverygreatrelishandveryleisurely，makingthemostofeachmorsel-verysmallonesofeverything-theytookuponthepointoftheknife；andthenallatthesamemomentraisedtheirarmsandbotasaloft，themouthsplacedintheirmouths，andalleyesfixedonheavenjustasiftheyweretakingaimatit；andinthisattitudetheyremainedeversolong，waggingtheirheadsfromsidetosideasifinacknowledgmentofthepleasuretheywereenjoyingwhiletheydecantedthebowelsofthebottlesintotheirownstomachs。
Sanchobeheldall，“andnothinggavehimpain；“sofarfromthat，actingontheproverbheknewsowell，“whenthouartatRomedoasthouseest，“heaskedRicoteforhisbotaandtookaimliketherestofthem，andwithnotlessenjoyment。Fourtimesdidthebotasbearbeinguplifted，butthefifthitwasallinvain，fortheyweredrierandmoresaplessthanarushbythattime，whichmadethejollitythathadbeenkeptupsofarbegintoflag。
EverynowandthensomeoneofthemwouldgraspSancho\'srighthandinhisownsaying，“EspanoliyTudesquitutouno：boncompano；“
andSanchowouldanswer，“Boncompano，juraDi！”andthengooffintoafitoflaughterthatlastedanhour，withoutathoughtforthemomentofanythingthathadbefallenhiminhisgovernment；forcareshaveverylittleswayoveruswhileweareeatinganddrinking。Atlength，thewinehavingcometoanendwiththem，drowsinessbegantocomeoverthem，andtheydroppedasleepontheirverytableandtablecloth。RicoteandSanchoaloneremainedawake，fortheyhadeatenmoreanddrunkless，andRicotedrawingSanchoaside，theyseatedthemselvesatthefootofabeech，leavingthepilgrimsburiedinsweetsleep；andwithoutoncefallingintohisownMoriscotongueRicotespokeasfollowsinpureCastilian：
“Thouknowestwell，neighbourandfriendSanchoPanza，howtheproclamationoredicthisMajestycommandedtobeissuedagainstthoseofmynationfilledusallwithterroranddismay；meatleastitdid，insomuchthatIthinkbeforethetimegrantedusforquittingSpainwasout，thefullforceofthepenaltyhadalreadyfallenuponmeanduponmychildren。Idecided，then，andIthinkwiselyjustlikeonewhoknowsthatatacertaindatethehousehelivesinwillbetakenfromhim，andlooksoutbeforehandforanothertochangeinto，Idecided，Isay，toleavethetownmyself，aloneandwithoutmyfamily，andgotoseekoutsomeplacetoremovethemtocomfortablyandnotinthehurriedwayinwhichtheotherstooktheirdeparture；
forIsawveryplainly，andsodidalltheoldermenamongus，thattheproclamationswerenotmerethreats，assomesaid，butpositiveenactmentswhichwouldbeenforcedattheappointedtime；andwhatmademebelievethiswaswhatIknewofthebaseandextravagantdesignswhichourpeopleharboured，designsofsuchanaturethatI
thinkitwasadivineinspirationthatmovedhisMajestytocarryoutaresolutionsospirited；notthatwewereallguilty，forsomethereweretrueandsteadfastChristians；buttheyweresofewthattheycouldmakenoheadagainstthosewhowerenot；anditwasnotprudenttocherishaviperinthebosombyhavingenemiesinthehouse。Inshortitwaswithjustcausethatwewerevisitedwiththepenaltyofbanishment，amildandlenientoneintheeyesofsome，buttousthemostterriblethatcouldbeinflicteduponus。WhereverweareweweepforSpain；forafterallwewerebornthereanditisournaturalfatherland。Nowheredowefindthereceptionourunhappyconditionneeds；andinBarbaryandallthepartsofAfricawherewecounteduponbeingreceived，succoured，andwelcomed，itistheretheyinsultandill-treatusmost。Weknewnotourgoodfortuneuntilwelostit；andsuchisthelongingwealmostallofushavetoreturntoSpain，thatmostofthosewholikemyselfknowthelanguage，andtherearemanywhodo，comebacktoitandleavetheirwivesandchildrenforsakenyonder，sogreatistheirloveforit；andnowIknowbyexperiencethemeaningofthesaying，sweetistheloveofone\'scountry。
“Ileftourvillage，asIsaid，andwenttoFrance，butthoughtheygaveusakindreceptionthereIwasanxioustoseeallI
could。IcrossedintoItaly，andreachedGermany，andthereitseemedtomewemightlivewithmorefreedom，astheinhabitantsdonotpayanyattentiontotriflingpoints；everyonelivesashelikes，forinmostpartstheyenjoylibertyofconscience。ItookahouseinatownnearAugsburg，andthenjoinedthesepilgrims，whoareinthehabitofcomingtoSpainingreatnumberseveryyeartovisittheshrinesthere，whichtheylookuponastheirIndiesandasureandcertainsourceofgain。Theytravelnearlyalloverit，andthereisnotownoutofwhichtheydonotgofullupofmeatanddrink，asthesayingis，andwithareal，atleast，inmoney，andtheycomeoffattheendoftheirtravelswithmorethanahundredcrownssaved，which，changedintogold，theysmuggleoutofthekingdomeitherinthehollowoftheirstavesorinthepatchesoftheirpilgrim\'scloaksorbysomedeviceoftheirown，andcarrytotheirowncountryinspiteoftheguardsatthepostsandpasseswheretheyaresearched。
Nowmypurposeis，Sancho，tocarryawaythetreasurethatIleftburied，which，asitisoutsidethetown，Ishallbeabletodowithoutrisk，andtowrite，orcrossoverfromValencia，tomydaughterandwife，whoIknowareatAlgiers，andfindsomemeansofbringingthemtosomeFrenchportandthencetoGermany，theretoawaitwhatitmaybeGod\'swilltodowithus；for，afterall，Sancho，IknowwellthatRicotamydaughterandFranciscaRicotamywifeareCatholicChristians，andthoughIamnotsomuchso，stillIammoreofaChristianthanaMoor，anditisalwaysmyprayertoGodthathewillopentheeyesofmyunderstandingandshowmehowIamtoservehim；butwhatamazesmeandIcannotunderstandiswhymywifeanddaughtershouldhavegonetoBarbaryratherthantoFrance，wheretheycouldliveasChristians。“
TothisSanchoreplied，“Remember，Ricote，thatmaynothavebeenopentothem，forJuanTiopieyothywife\'sbrothertookthem，andbeingatrueMoorhewentwherehecouldgomosteasily；andanotherthingIcantellthee，itismybeliefthouartgoinginvaintolookforwhatthouhastleftburied，forweheardtheytookfromthybrother-in-lawandthywifeagreatquantityofpearlsandmoneyingoldwhichtheybroughttobepassed。“
“Thatmaybe，“saidRicote；“butIknowtheydidnottouchmyhoard，forIdidnottellthemwhereitwas，forfearofaccidents；andso，ifthouwiltcomewithme，Sancho，andhelpmetotakeitawayandconcealit，Iwillgivetheetwohundredcrownswherewiththoumayestrelievethynecessities，and，asthouknowest，Iknowtheyaremany。“
“Iwoulddoit，“saidSancho；“butIamnotatallcovetous，forI
gaveupanofficethismorninginwhich，ifIwas，Imighthavemadethewallsofmyhouseofgoldanddinedoffsilverplatesbeforesixmonthswereover；andsoforthisreason，andbecauseIfeelIwouldbeguiltyoftreasontomykingifIhelpedhisenemies，Iwouldnotgowiththeeifinsteadofpromisingmetwohundredcrownsthouwerttogivemefourhundredhereinhand。“
“Andwhatofficeisthisthouhastgivenup，Sancho？”askedRicote。
“Ihavegivenupbeinggovernorofanisland，“saidSancho，“andsuchaone，faith，asyouwon\'tfindthelikeofeasily。“
“Andwhereisthisisland？”saidRicote。
“Where？”saidSancho；“twoleaguesfromhere，anditiscalledtheislandofBarataria。“
“Nonsense！Sancho，“saidRicote；“islandsareawayoutinthesea；
therearenoislandsonthemainland。“
“What？Noislands！”saidSancho；“Itellthee，friendRicote，Ileftitthismorning，andyesterdayIwasgoverningthereasIpleasedlikeasagittarius；butforallthatIgaveitup，foritseemedtomeadangerousoffice，agovernor\'s。“
“Andwhathastthougainedbythegovernment？”askedRicote。
“Ihavegained，“saidSancho，“theknowledgethatIamnogoodforgoverning，unlessitisadroveofcattle，andthattherichesthataretobegotbythesegovernmentsaregotatthecostofone\'srestandsleep，ayandevenone\'sfood；forinislandsthegovernorsmusteatlittle，especiallyiftheyhavedoctorstolookaftertheirhealth。“
“Idon\'tunderstandthee，Sancho，“saidRicote；“butitseemstomeallnonsensethouarttalking。Whowouldgivetheeislandstogovern？Isthereanyscarcityintheworldofcleverermenthanthouartforgovernors？Holdthypeace，Sancho，andcomebacktothysenses，andconsiderwhetherthouwiltcomewithmeasIsaidtohelpmetotakeawaytreasureIleftburiedforindeeditmaybecalledatreasure，itissolarge，andIwillgivetheewherewithaltokeepthee，asItoldthee。“
“AndIhavetoldtheealready，Ricote，thatIwillnot，“saidSancho；“letitcontenttheethatbymethoushaltnotbebetrayed，andgothywayinGod\'snameandletmegomine；forIknowthatwell-gottengainmaybelost，butill-gottengainislost，itselfanditsownerlikewise。“
“Iwillnotpressthee，Sancho，“saidRicote；“buttellme，wertthouinourvillagewhenmywifeanddaughterandbrother-in-lawleftit？”
“Iwasso，“saidSancho；“andIcantelltheethydaughterleftitlookingsolovelythatallthevillageturnedouttoseeher，andeverybodysaidshewasthefairestcreatureintheworld。Sheweptasshewent，andembracedallherfriendsandacquaintancesandthosewhocameouttoseeher，andshebeggedthemalltocommendhertoGodandOurLadyhismother，andthisinsuchatouchingwaythatitmademeweepmyself，thoughI\'mnotmuchgiventotearscommonly；and，faith，manyaonewouldhavelikedtohideher，orgooutandcarryheroffontheroad；butthefearofgoingagainsttheking\'scommandkeptthemback。TheonewhoshowedhimselfmostmovedwasDonPedroGregorio，therichyoungheirthouknowestof，andtheysayhewasdeepinlovewithher；andsinceshelefthehasnotbeenseeninourvillageagain，andweallsuspecthehasgoneafterhertostealheraway，butsofarnothinghasbeenheardofit。“
“Ialwayshadasuspicionthatgentlemanhadapassionformydaughter，“saidRicote；“butasIfeltsureofmyRicota\'svirtueitgavemenouneasinesstoknowthathelovedher；forthoumusthavehearditsaid，Sancho，thattheMoriscowomenseldomorneverengageinamourswiththeoldChristians；andmydaughter，whoIfancythoughtmoreofbeingaChristianthanoflovemaking，wouldnottroubleherselfabouttheattentionsofthisheir。“
“Godgrantit，“saidSancho，“foritwouldbeabadbusinessforbothofthem；butnowletmebeoff，friendRicote，forIwanttoreachwheremymasterDonQuixoteisto-night。“
“Godbewiththee，brotherSancho，“saidRicote；“mycomradesarebeginningtostir，anditistime，too，forustocontinueourjourney；“andthentheybothembraced，andSanchomountedDapple，andRicoteleantuponhisstaff，andsotheyparted。
CHAPTERLV
OFWHATBEFELLSANCHOONTHEROAD，ANDOTHERTHINGSTHATCANNOTBE
SURPASSED
THElengthoftimehedelayedwithRicotepreventedSanchofromreachingtheduke\'scastlethatday，thoughhewaswithinhalfaleagueofitwhennight，somewhatdarkandcloudy，overtookhim。This，however，asitwassummertime，didnotgivehimmuchuneasiness，andheturnedasideoutoftheroadintendingtowaitformorning；buthisillluckandhardfatesowilleditthatashewassearchingaboutforaplacetomakehimselfascomfortableaspossible，heandDapplefellintoadeepdarkholethatlayamongsomeveryoldbuildings。AshefellhecommendedhimselfwithallhishearttoGod，fancyinghewasnotgoingtostopuntilhereachedthedepthsofthebottomlesspit；butitdidnotturnoutso，foratlittlemorethanthriceaman\'sheightDappletouchedbottom，andhefoundhimselfsittingonhimwithouthavingreceivedanyhurtordamagewhatever。Hefelthimselfalloverandheldhisbreathtotrywhetherhewasquitesoundorhadaholemadeinhimanywhere，andfindinghimselfallrightandwholeandinperfecthealthhewasprofuseinhisthankstoGodourLordforthemercythathadbeenshownhim，forhemadesurehehadbeenbrokenintoathousandpieces。
Healsofeltalongthesidesofthepitwithhishandstoseeifitwerepossibletogetoutofitwithouthelp，buthefoundtheywerequitesmoothandaffordednoholdanywhere，atwhichhewasgreatlydistressed，especiallywhenheheardhowpatheticallyanddolefullyDapplewasbemoaninghimself，andnowonderhecomplained，norwasitfromill-temper，forintruthhewasnotinaverygoodcase。
“Alas，“saidSancho，“whatunexpectedaccidentshappenateverysteptothosewholiveinthismiserableworld！Whowouldhavesaidthatonewhosawhimselfyesterdaysittingonathrone，governorofanisland，givingorderstohisservantsandhisvassals，wouldseehimselfto-dayburiedinapitwithoutasoultohelphim，orservantorvassaltocometohisrelief？Heremustweperishwithhunger，myassandmyself，ifindeedwedon\'tdiefirst，heofhisbruisesandinjuries，andIofgriefandsorrow。AtanyrateI\'llnotbeasluckyasmymasterDonQuixoteofLaMancha，whenhewentdownintothecaveofthatenchantedMontesinos，wherehefoundpeopletomakemoreofhimthanifhehadbeeninhisownhouse；foritseemshecameinforatablelaidoutandabedreadymade。Therehesawfairandpleasantvisions，buthereI\'llsee，Iimagine，toadsandadders。UnluckywretchthatIam，whatanendmyfolliesandfancieshavecometo！They\'lltakeupmybonesoutofthis，whenitisheaven\'swillthatI\'mfound，pickedclean，whiteandpolished，andmygoodDapple\'swiththem，andbythat，perhaps，itwillbefoundoutwhoweare，atleastbysuchashaveheardthatSanchoPanzaneverseparatedfromhisass，norhisassfromSanchoPanza。Unluckywretches，Isayagain，thatourhardfateshouldnotletusdieinourowncountryandamongourownpeople，whereiftherewasnohelpforourmisfortune，atanyratetherewouldbesomeonetogrieveforitandtocloseoureyesaswepassedaway！Ocomradeandfriend，howillhaveIrepaidthyfaithfulservices！Forgiveme，andentreatFortune，aswellasthoucanst，todeliverusoutofthismiserablestraitwearebothin；andIpromisetoputacrownoflaurelonthyhead，andmaketheelooklikeapoetlaureate，andgivetheedoublefeeds。“
InthisstraindidSanchobewailhimself，andhisasslistenedtohim，butansweredhimneveraword，suchwasthedistressandanguishthepoorbeastfoundhimselfin。Atlength，afteranightspentinbittermoaningsandlamentations，daycame，andbyitslightSanchoperceivedthatitwaswhollyimpossibletoescapeoutofthatpitwithouthelp，andhefelltobemoaninghisfateandutteringloudshoutstofindoutiftherewasanyonewithinhearing；
butallhisshoutingwasonlycryinginthewilderness，fortherewasnotasoulanywhereintheneighbourhoodtohearhim，andthenatlasthegavehimselfupfordead。Dapplewaslyingonhisback，andSanchohelpedhimtohisfeet，whichhewasscarcelyabletokeep；andthentakingapieceofbreadoutofhisalforjaswhichhadsharedtheirfortunesinthefall，hegaveittotheass，towhomitwasnotunwelcome，sayingtohimasifheunderstoodhim，“Withbreadallsorrowsareless。“
Andnowheperceivedononesideofthepitaholelargeenoughtoadmitapersonifhestoopedandsqueezedhimselfintoasmallcompass。Sanchomadeforit，andentereditbycreeping，andfounditwideandspaciousontheinside，whichhewasabletoseeasarayofsunlightthatpenetratedwhatmightbecalledtheroofshoweditallplainly。Heobservedtoothatitopenedandwidenedoutintoanotherspaciouscavity；seeingwhichhemadehiswaybacktowheretheasswas，andwithastonebegantopickawaytheclayfromtheholeuntilinashorttimehehadmaderoomforthebeasttopasseasily，andthisaccomplished，takinghimbythehalter，heproceededtotraversethecaverntoseeiftherewasanyoutletattheotherend。Headvanced，sometimesinthedark，sometimeswithoutlight，butneverwithoutfear；“GodAlmightyhelpme！”saidhetohimself；“thisthatisamisadventuretomewouldmakeagoodadventureformymasterDonQuixote。HewouldhavebeensuretotakethesedepthsanddungeonsforflowerygardensorthepalacesofGaliana，andwouldhavecounteduponissuingoutofthisdarknessandimprisonmentintosomebloomingmeadow；butI，unluckythatI
am，hopelessandspiritless，expectateverystepanotherpitdeeperthanthefirsttoopenundermyfeetandswallowmeupforgood；
\'welcomeevil，ifthoucomestalone。\'“
Inthiswayandwiththesereflectionsheseemedtohimselftohavetravelledrathermorethanhalfaleague，whenatlastheperceivedadimlightthatlookedlikedaylightandfounditswayinononeside，showingthatthisroad，whichappearedtohimtheroadtotheotherworld，ledtosomeopening。
HereCideHameteleaveshim，andreturnstoDonQuixote，whoinhighspiritsandsatisfactionwaslookingforwardtothedayfixedforthebattlehewastofightwithhimwhohadrobbedDonaRodriguez\'sdaughterofherhonour，forwhomhehopedtoobtainsatisfactionforthewrongandinjuryshamefullydonetoher。Itcametopass，then，thathavingsalliedforthonemorningtopractiseandexercisehimselfinwhathewouldhavetodointheencounterheexpectedtofindhimselfengagedinthenextday，ashewasputtingRocinantethroughhispacesorpressinghimtothecharge，hebroughthisfeetsoclosetoapitthatbutforreininghimintightlyitwouldhavebeenimpossibleforhimtoavoidfallingintoit。Hepulledhimup，however，withoutafall，andcomingalittlecloserexaminedtheholewithoutdismounting；butashewaslookingatitheheardloudcriesproceedingfromit，andbylisteningattentivelywasabletomakeoutthathewhoutteredthemwassaying，“Ho，abovethere！isthereanyChristianthathearsme，oranycharitablegentlemanthatwilltakepityonasinnerburiedalive，onanunfortunatedisgovernedgovernor？”
ItstruckDonQuixotethatitwasthevoiceofSanchoPanzaheheard，whereathewastakenabackandamazed，andraisinghisownvoiceasmuchashecould，hecriedout，“Whoisbelowthere？Whoisthatcomplaining？”
“Whoshouldbehere，orwhoshouldcomplain，“wastheanswer，“buttheforlornSanchoPanza，forhissinsandforhisill-luckgovernoroftheislandofBarataria，squirethatwastothefamousknightDonQuixoteofLaMancha？”
WhenDonQuixoteheardthishisamazementwasredoubledandhisperturbationgrewgreaterthanever，foritsuggesteditselftohismindthatSanchomustbedead，andthathissoulwasintormentdownthere；andcarriedawaybythisideaheexclaimed，“IconjuretheebyeverythingthatasaCatholicChristianIcanconjuretheeby，tellmewhothouart；andifthouartasoulintorment，tellmewhatthouwouldsthavemedoforthee；forasmyprofessionistogiveaidandsuccourtothosethatneeditinthisworld，itwillalsoextendtoaidingandsuccouringthedistressedoftheother，whocannothelpthemselves。“
“Inthatcase，“answeredthevoice，“yourworshipwhospeakstomemustbemymasterDonQuixoteofLaMancha；nay，fromthetoneofthevoiceitisplainitcanbenobodyelse。“
“DonQuixoteIam，“repliedDonQuixote，“hewhoseprofessionitistoaidandsuccourthelivingandthedeadintheirnecessities；
whereforetellmewhothouart，forthouartkeepingmeinsuspense；
because，ifthouartmysquireSanchoPanza，andartdead，sincethedevilshavenotcarriedtheeoff，andthouartbyGod\'smercyinpurgatory，ourholymothertheRomanCatholicChurchhasintercessorymeanssufficienttoreleasetheefromthepainsthouartin；andIformypartwillpleadwithhertothatend，sofarasmysubstancewillgo；withoutfurtherdelay，therefore，declarethyself，andtellmewhothouart。“
“Byallthat\'sgood，“wastheanswer，“andbythebirthofwhomsoeveryourworshipchooses，Iswear，SenorDonQuixoteofLaMancha，thatIamyoursquireSanchoPanza，andthatIhaveneverdiedallmylife；butthat，havinggivenupmygovernmentforreasonsthatwouldrequiremoretimetoexplain，IfelllastnightintothispitwhereIamnow，andDappleiswitnessandwon\'tletmelie，formorebytokenheisherewithme。“
Norwasthisall；onewouldhavefanciedtheassunderstoodwhatSanchosaid，becausethatmomenthebegantobraysoloudlythatthewholecaverangagain。
“Famoustestimony！”exclaimedDonQuixote；“IknowthatbrayaswellasifIwasitsmother，andthyvoicetoo，mySancho。WaitwhileI
gototheduke\'scastle，whichiscloseby，andIwillbringsomeonetotaketheeoutofthispitintowhichthysinsnodoubthavebroughtthee。“
“Go，yourworship，“saidSancho，“andcomebackquickforGod\'ssake；forIcannotbearbeingburiedaliveanylonger，andI\'mdyingoffear。“
DonQuixotelefthim，andhastenedtothecastletotellthedukeandduchesswhathadhappenedSancho，andtheywerenotalittleastonishedatit；theycouldeasilyunderstandhishavingfallen，fromtheconfirmatorycircumstanceofthecavewhichhadbeeninexistencetherefromtimeimmemorial；buttheycouldnotimaginehowhehadquittedthegovernmentwithouttheirreceivinganyintimationofhiscoming。Tobebrief，theyfetchedropesandtackle，asthesayingis，andbydintofmanyhandsandmuchlabourtheydrewupDappleandSanchoPanzaoutofthedarknessintothelightofday。A
studentwhosawhimremarked，“That\'sthewayallbadgovernorsshouldcomeoutoftheirgovernments，asthissinnercomesoutofthedepthsofthepit，deadwithhunger，pale，andIsupposewithoutafarthing。“
Sanchooverheardhimandsaid，“Itiseightortendays，brothergrowler，sinceIentereduponthegovernmentoftheislandtheygaveme，andallthattimeIneverhadabellyfulofvictuals，nonotforanhour；doctorspersecutedmeandenemiescrushedmybones；norhadI
anyopportunityoftakingbribesorlevyingtaxes；andifthatbethecase，asitis，Idon\'tdeserve，Ithink，tocomeoutinthisfashion；but\'manproposesandGoddisposes；\'andGodknowswhatisbest，andwhatsuitseachonebest；and\'astheoccasion，sothebehaviour；\'and\'letnobodysay“Iwon\'tdrinkofthiswater；“\'and\'whereonethinksthereareflitches，therearenopegs；\'Godknowsmymeaningandthat\'senough；Isaynomore，thoughIcould。“
“Benotangryorannoyedatwhatthouhearest，Sancho，“saidDonQuixote，“ortherewillneverbeanendofit；keepasafeconscienceandletthemsaywhattheylike；fortryingtostopslanderers\'tonguesisliketryingtoputgatestotheopenplain。
Ifagovernorcomesoutofhisgovernmentrich，theysayhehasbeenathief；andifhecomesoutpoor，thathehasbeenanoodleandablockhead。“
“They\'llbeprettysurethistime，“saidSancho，“tosetmedownforafoolratherthanathief。“
Thustalking，andsurroundedbyboysandacrowdofpeople，theyreachedthecastle，whereinoneofthecorridorsthedukeandduchessstoodwaitingforthem；butSanchowouldnotgouptoseethedukeuntilhehadfirstputupDappleinthestable，forhesaidhehadpassedaverybadnightinhislastquarters；thenhewentupstairstoseehislordandlady，andkneelingbeforethemhesaid，“Becauseitwasyourhighnesses\'pleasure，notbecauseofanydesertofmyown，IwenttogovernyourislandofBarataria，which\'Ienterednaked，andnakedIfindmyself；Ineitherlosenorgain。\'WhetherIhavegovernedwellorill，Ihavehadwitnesseswhowillsaywhattheythinkfit。
Ihaveansweredquestions，Ihavedecidedcauses，andalwaysdyingofhunger，forDoctorPedroRecioofTirteafuera，theislandandgovernordoctor，wouldhaveitso。Enemiesattackedusbynightandputusinagreatquandary，butthepeopleoftheislandsaytheycameoffsafeandvictoriousbythemightofmyarm；andmayGodgivethemasmuchhealthasthere\'struthinwhattheysay。Inshort，duringthattimeIhaveweighedthecaresandresponsibilitiesgoverningbringswithit，andbymyreckoningIfindmyshoulderscan\'tbearthem，noraretheyaloadformyloinsorarrowsformyquiver；andso，beforethegovernmentthrewmeoverIpreferredtothrowthegovernmentover；andyesterdaymorningIlefttheislandasIfoundit，withthesamestreets，houses，androofsithadwhenIenteredit。Iaskednoloanofanybody，nordidItrytofillmypocket；andthoughImeanttomakesomeusefullaws，Imadehardlyany，asIwasafraidtheywouldnotbekept；forinthatcaseitcomestothesamethingtomakethemornottomakethem。Iquittedtheisland，asIsaid，withoutanyescortexceptmyass；Ifellintoapit，Ipushedonthroughit，untilthismorningbythelightofthesunIsawanoutlet，butnotsoeasyaonebutthat，hadnotheavensentmemymasterDonQuixote，I\'dhavestayedtheretilltheendoftheworld。Sonowmylordandladydukeandduchess，hereisyourgovernorSanchoPanza，whointhebaretendayshehasheldthegovernmenthascomebytheknowledgethathewouldnotgiveanythingtobegovernor，nottosayofanisland，butofthewholeworld；andthatpointbeingsettled，kissingyourworships\'feet，andimitatingthegameoftheboyswhentheysay，\'leapthou，andgivemeone，\'I
takealeapoutofthegovernmentandpassintotheserviceofmymasterDonQuixote；forafterall，thoughinitIeatmybreadinfearandtrembling，atanyrateItakemyfill；andformypart，solongasI\'mfull，it\'sallaliketomewhetherit\'swithcarrotsorwithpartridges。“
HereSanchobroughthislongspeechtoanend，DonQuixotehavingbeenthewholetimeindreadofhisutteringahostofabsurdities；
andwhenhefoundhimleaveoffwithsofew，hethankedheaveninhisheart。ThedukeembracedSanchoandtoldhimhewasheartilysorryhehadgivenupthegovernmentsosoon，butthathewouldseethathewasprovidedwithsomeotherpostonhisestatelessonerousandmoreprofitable。Theduchessalsoembracedhim，andgaveordersthatheshouldbetakengoodcareof，asitwasplaintoseehehadbeenbadlytreatedandworsebruised。
CHAPTERLVI
OFTHEPRODIGIOUSANDUNPARALLELEDBATTLETHATTOOKPLACEBETWEEN
DONQUIXOTEOFLAMANCHAANDTHELACQUEYTOSILOSINDEFENCEOFTHE
DAUGHTEROFDONARODRIGUEZ
THEdukeandduchesshadnoreasontoregretthejokethathadbeenplayeduponSanchoPanzaingivinghimthegovernment；especiallyastheirmajordomoreturnedthesameday，andgavethemaminuteaccountofalmosteverywordanddeedthatSanchoutteredordidduringthetime；andtowindupwith，eloquentlydescribedtothemtheattackupontheislandandSancho\'sfrightanddeparture，withwhichtheywerenotalittleamused。Afterthisthehistorygoesontosaythatthedayfixedforthebattlearrived，andthattheduke，afterhavingrepeatedlyinstructedhislacqueyTosiloshowtodealwithDonQuixotesoastovanquishhimwithoutkillingorwoundinghim，gaveorderstohavetheheadsremovedfromthelances，tellingDonQuixotethatChristiancharity，onwhichheplumedhimself，couldnotsufferthebattletobefoughtwithsomuchriskanddangertolife；andthathemustbecontentwiththeofferofabattlefieldonhisterritorythoughthatwasagainstthedecreeoftheholyCouncil，whichprohibitsallchallengesofthesortandnotpushsuchanarduousventuretoitsextremelimits。DonQuixotebadehisexcellencearrangeallmattersconnectedwiththeaffairashepleased，asonhisparthewouldobeyhimineverything。Thedreadday，then，havingarrived，andthedukehavingorderedaspaciousstandtobeerectedfacingthecourtofthecastleforthejudgesofthefieldandtheappellantduennas，motheranddaughter，vastcrowdsflockedfromallthevillagesandhamletsoftheneighbourhoodtoseethenovelspectacleofthebattle；nobody，deadoralive，inthosepartshavingeverseenorheardofsuchaone。
Thefirstpersontoenterthe-fieldandthelistswasthemasteroftheceremonies，whosurveyedandpacedthewholegroundtoseethattherewasnothingunfairandnothingconcealedtomakethecombatantsstumbleorfall；thentheduennasenteredandseatedthemselves，envelopedinmantlescoveringtheireyes，nayeventheirbosoms，anddisplayingnoslightemotionasDonQuixoteappearedinthelists。Shortlyafterwards，accompaniedbyseveraltrumpetsandmountedonapowerfulsteedthatthreatenedtocrushthewholeplace，thegreatlacqueyTosilosmadehisappearanceononesideofthecourtyardwithhisvisordownandstifflycasedinasuitofstoutshiningarmour。ThehorsewasamanifestFrieslander，broad-backedandflea-bitten，andwithhalfahundredofwoolhangingtoeachofhisfetlocks。ThegallantcombatantcamewellprimedbyhismasterthedukeastohowhewastobearhimselfagainstthevaliantDonQuixoteofLaMancha；beingwarnedthathemustonnoaccountslayhim，butstrivetoshirkthefirstencountersoastoavoidtheriskofkillinghim，ashewassuretodoifhemethimfulltilt。Hecrossedthecourtyardatawalk，andcomingtowheretheduennaswereplacedstoppedtolookatherwhodemandedhimforahusband；themarshalofthefieldsummonedDonQuixote，whohadalreadypresentedhimselfinthecourtyard，andstandingbythesideofTosilosheaddressedtheduennas，andaskedthemiftheyconsentedthatDonQuixoteofLaManchashoulddobattlefortheirright。Theysaidtheydid，andthatwhateverheshoulddointhatbehalftheydeclaredrightlydone，finalandvalid。Bythistimethedukeandduchesshadtakentheirplacesinagallerycommandingtheenclosure，whichwasfilledtooverflowingwithamultitudeofpeopleeagertoseethisperilousandunparalleledencounter。TheconditionsofthecombatwerethatifDonQuixoteprovedthevictorhisantagonistwastomarrythedaughterofDonaRodriguez；butifheshouldbevanquishedhisopponentwasreleasedfromthepromisethatwasclaimedagainsthimandfromallobligationstogivesatisfaction。Themasteroftheceremoniesapportionedthesuntothem，andstationedthem，eachonthespotwherehewastostand。
Thedrumsbeat，thesoundofthetrumpetsfilledtheair，theearthtrembledunderfoot，theheartsofthegazingcrowdwerefullofanxiety，somehopingforahappyissue，someapprehensiveofanuntowardendingtotheaffair，andlastly，DonQuixote，commendinghimselfwithallhishearttoGodourLordandtotheladyDulcineadelToboso，stoodwaitingforthemtogivethenecessarysignalfortheonset。Ourlacquey，however，wasthinkingofsomethingverydifferent；heonlythoughtofwhatIamnowgoingtomention。
Itseemsthatashestoodcontemplatinghisenemyshestruckhimasthemostbeautifulwomanhehadeverseenallhislife；andthelittleblindboywhominourstreetstheycommonlycallLovehadnomindtoletslipthechanceoftriumphingoveralacqueyheart，andaddingittothelistofhistrophies；andso，stealinggentlyuponhimunseen，hedroveadarttwoyardslongintothepoorlacquey\'sleftsideandpiercedhisheartthroughandthrough；whichhewasabletodoquiteathisease，forLoveisinvisible，andcomesinandgoesoutashelikes，withoutanyonecallinghimtoaccountforwhathedoes。Wellthen，whentheygavethesignalfortheonsetourlacqueywasinanecstasy，musinguponthebeautyofherwhomhehadalreadymademistressofhisliberty，andsohepaidnoattentiontothesoundofthetrumpet，unlikeDonQuixote，whowasofftheinstantheheardit，and，atthehighestspeedRocinantewascapableof，setouttomeethisenemy，hisgoodsquireSanchoshoutinglustilyashesawhimstart，“Godguidethee，creamandflowerofknights-errant！Godgivetheethevictory，forthouhasttherightonthyside！”ButthoughTosilossawDonQuixotecomingathimheneverstirredastepfromthespotwherehewasposted；andinsteadofdoingsocalledloudlytothemarshalofthefield，towhomwhenhecameuptoseewhathewantedhesaid，“Senor，isnotthisbattletodecidewhetherImarryordonotmarrythatlady？”“Justso，“wastheanswer。“Wellthen，“saidthelacquey，“Ifeelqualmsofconscience，andIshouldlaya-heavyburdenuponitifIweretoproceedanyfurtherwiththecombat；IthereforedeclarethatI
yieldmyselfvanquished，andthatIamwillingtomarrytheladyatonce。“
ThemarshalofthefieldwaslostinastonishmentatthewordsofTosilos；andashewasoneofthosewhowereprivytothearrangementoftheaffairheknewnotwhattosayinreply。DonQuixotepulledupinmidcareerwhenhesawthathisenemywasnotcomingontotheattack。Thedukecouldnotmakeoutthereasonwhythebattledidnotgoon；butthemarshalofthefieldhastenedtohimtolethimknowwhatTosilossaid，andhewasamazedandextremelyangryatit。InthemeantimeTosilosadvancedtowhereDonaRodriguezsatandsaidinaloudvoice，“Senora，Iamwillingtomarryyourdaughter，andIhavenowishtoobtainbystrifeandfightingwhatIcanobtaininpeaceandwithoutanyrisktomylife。“
ThevaliantDonQuixoteheardhim，andsaid，“AsthatisthecaseIamreleasedandabsolvedfrommypromise；letthemmarrybyallmeans，andas\'GodourLordhasgivenher，maySaintPeteraddhisblessing。\'“
Thedukehadnowdescendedtothecourtyardofthecastle，andgoinguptoTosiloshesaidtohim，“Isittrue，sirknight，thatyouyieldyourselfvanquished，andthatmovedbyscruplesofconscienceyouwishtomarrythisdamsel？”
“Itis，senor，“repliedTosilos。
“Andhedoeswell，“saidSancho，“forwhatthouhasttogivetothemouse，givetothecat，anditwillsavetheealltrouble。“
Tosilosmeanwhilewastryingtounlacehishelmet，andhebeggedthemtocometohishelpatonce，ashispowerofbreathingwasfailinghim，andhecouldnotremainsolongshutupinthatconfinedspace。Theyremoveditinallhaste，andhislacqueyfeatureswererevealedtopublicgaze。AtthissightDonaRodriguezandherdaughterraisedamightyoutcry，exclaiming，“Thisisatrick！Thisisatrick！TheyhaveputTosilos，mylordtheduke\'slacquey，uponusinplaceoftherealhusband。ThejusticeofGodandthekingagainstsuchtrickery，nottosayroguery！”
“Donotdistressyourselves，ladies，“saidDonQuixote；“forthisisnotrickeryorroguery；orifitis，itisnotthedukewhoisatthebottomofit，butthosewickedenchanterswhopersecuteme，andwho，jealousofmyreapingthegloryofthisvictory，haveturnedyourhusband\'sfeaturesintothoseofthisperson，whoyousayisalacqueyoftheduke\'s；takemyadvice，andnotwithstandingthemaliceofmyenemiesmarryhim，forbeyondadoubtheistheoneyouwishforahusband。“
Whenthedukeheardthisallhisangerwasnearvanishinginafitoflaughter，andhesaid，“ThethingsthathappentoSenorDonQuixotearesoextraordinarythatIamreadytobelievethislacqueyofmineisnotone；butletusadoptthisplananddevice；letusputoffthemarriagefor，say，afortnight，andletuskeepthispersonaboutwhomweareuncertainincloseconfinement，andperhapsinthecourseofthattimehemayreturntohisoriginalshape；forthespitewhichtheenchantersentertainagainstSenorDonQuixotecannotlastsolong，especiallyasitisofsolittleadvantagetothemtopractisethesedeceptionsandtransformations。“
“Oh，senor，“saidSancho，“thosescoundrelsarewellusedtochangingwhateverconcernsmymasterfromonethingintoanother。A
knightthatheovercamesometimeback，calledtheKnightoftheMirrors，theyturnedintotheshapeofthebachelorSamsonCarrascoofourtownandagreatfriendofours；andmyladyDulcineadelTobosotheyhaveturnedintoacommoncountrywench；soIsuspectthislacqueywillhavetoliveanddiealacqueyallthedaysofhislife。“
HeretheRodriguez\'sdaughterexclaimed，“Lethimbewhohemay，thismanthatclaimsmeforawife；Iamthankfultohimforthesame，forIhadratherhethelawfulwifeofalacqueythanthecheatedmistressofagentleman；thoughhewhoplayedmefalseisnothingofthekind。“
Tobebrief，allthetalkandallthathadhappenedendedinTosilosbeingshutupuntilitwasseenhowhistransformationturnedout。AllhailedDonQuixoteasvictor，butthegreaternumberwerevexedanddisappointedatfindingthatthecombatantstheyhadbeensoanxiouslywaitingforhadnotbatteredoneanothertopieces，justastheboysaredisappointedwhenthemantheyarewaitingtoseehangeddoesnotcomeout，becausetheprosecutionorthecourthaspardonedhim。
Thepeopledispersed，thedukeandDonQuixotereturnedtothecastle，theylockedupTosilos，DonaRodriguezandherdaughterremainedperfectlycontentedwhentheysawthatanywaytheaffairmustendinmarriage，andTosiloswantednothingelse。
CHAPTERLVII
WHICHTREATSOFHOWDONQUIXOTETOOKLEAVEOFTHEDUKE，ANDOF
WHATFOLLOWEDWITHTHEWITTYANDIMPUDENTALTISIDORA，ONEOFTHE
DUCHESS\'SDAMSELS
DONQUIXOTEnowfeltitrighttoquitalifeofsuchidlenessashewasleadinginthecastle；forhefanciedthathewasmakinghimselfsorelymissedbysufferinghimselftoremainshutupandinactiveamidthecountlessluxuriesandenjoymentshishostslavisheduponhimasaknight。andhefelttoothathewouldhavetorenderastrictaccounttoheavenofthatindolenceandseclusion；andsoonedayheaskedthedukeandduchesstogranthimpermissiontotakehisdeparture。Theygaveit，showingatthesametimethattheywereverysorryhewasleavingthem。Theduchessgavehiswife\'sletterstoSanchoPanza，whoshedtearsoverthem，saying，“WhowouldhavethoughtthatsuchgrandhopesasthenewsofmygovernmentbredinmywifeTeresaPanza\'sbreastwouldendinmygoingbacknowtothevagabondadventuresofmymasterDonQuixoteofLaMancha？StillI\'mgladtoseemyTeresabehavedassheoughtinsendingtheacorns，forifshehadnotsentthemI\'dhavebeensorry，andshe\'dhaveshownherselfungrateful。Itisacomforttomethattheycan\'tcallthatpresentabribe；forIhadgotthegovernmentalreadywhenshesentthem，andit\'sbutreasonablethatthosewhohavehadagoodturndonethemshouldshowtheirgratitude，ifit\'sonlywithatrifle。AfterallIwentintothegovernmentnaked，andIcomeoutofitnaked；soI
cansaywithasafeconscience-andthat\'snosmallmatter-\'nakedI
wasborn，nakedIfindmyself，Ineitherlosenorgain。\'“
ThusdidSanchosoliloquiseonthedayoftheirdeparture，asDonQuixote，whohadthenightbeforetakenleaveofthedukeandduchess，comingoutmadehisappearanceatanearlyhourinfullarmourinthecourtyardofthecastle。Thewholehouseholdofthecastlewerewatchinghimfromthecorridors，andthedukeandduchess，too，cameouttoseehim。SanchowasmountedonhisDapple，withhisalforjas，valise，andproven。supremelyhappybecausetheduke\'smajordomo，thesamethathadactedthepartoftheTrifaldi，hadgivenhimalittlepursewithtwohundredgoldcrownstomeetthenecessaryexpensesoftheroad，butofthisDonQuixoteknewnothingasyet。
Whileallwere，ashasbeensaid，observinghim，suddenlyfromamongtheduennasandhandmaidenstheimpudentandwittyAltisidoralifteduphervoiceandsaidinpathetictones：
Giveear，cruelknight；
Drawrein；where\'stheneedOfspurringtheflanksOfthatill-brokensteed？
Fromwhatartthouflying？
NodragonIam，Notevenasheep，Butatenderyounglamb。
ThouhastjiltedamaidenAsfairtobeholdAsnymphofDianaOrVenusofold。
Bireno，AEneas，whatworseshallIcallthee？
Barabbasgowiththee！Allevilbefallthee！
Inthyclaws，ruthlessrobber，ThoubearestawayTheheartofameekLovingmaidforthyprey，Threekerchiefsthoustealest，Andgartersapair，FromlegsthanthewhitestOfmarblemorefair；
AndthesighsthatpursuetheeWouldburntothegroundTwothousandTroyTowns，Ifsomanywerefound。
Bireno，AEneas，whatworseshallIcallthee？
Barabbasgowiththee！Allevilbefallthee！
MaynobowelsofmercyToSanchobegranted，AndthyDulcineaBeleftstillenchanted，MaythyfalsehoodtomeFinditspunishmentinher，ForinmylandthejustOftenpaysforthesinner。
MaythygrandestadventuresDiscomfituresprove，Maythyjoysbealldreams，Andforgottenthylove。
Bireno，AEneas，whatworseshallIcallthee？
Barabbasgowiththee！Allevilbefallthee！
MaythynamebeabhorredForthyconducttoladies，FromLondontoEngland，FromSevilletoCadiz；
Maythycardsbeunlucky，Thyhandscontainne\'eraKing，seven，oraceWhenthouplayestprimera；
WhenthycornsarecutMayitbetothequick；
WhenthygrindersaredrawnMaytherootsofthemstick。
Bireno，AEneas，whatworseshallIcallthee？
Barabbasgowiththee！Allevilbefallthee！
AllthewhiletheunhappyAltisidorawasbewailingherselfintheabovestrainDonQuixotestoodstaringather；andwithoututteringawordinreplytoherheturnedroundtoSanchoandsaid，“Sanchomyfriend，Iconjuretheebythelifeofthyforefatherstellmethetruth；say，hastthoubyanychancetakenthethreekerchiefsandthegartersthislove-sickmaidspeaksof？”
TothisSanchomadeanswer，“ThethreekerchiefsIhave；butthegarters，asmuchas\'overthehillsofUbeda。\'“
TheduchesswasamazedatAltisidora\'sassurance；sheknewthatshewasbold，lively，andimpudent，butnotsomuchsoastoventuretomakefreeinthisfashion；andnotbeingpreparedforthejoke，herastonishmentwasallthegreater。Thedukehadamindtokeepupthesport，sohesaid，“Itdoesnotseemtomewelldoneinyou，sirknight，thatafterhavingreceivedthehospitalitythathasbeenofferedyouinthisverycastle，youshouldhaveventuredtocarryoffeventhreekerchiefs，nottosaymyhandmaid\'sgarters。Itshowsabadheartanddoesnottallywithyourreputation。Restorehergarters，orelseIdefyyoutomortalcombat，forIamnotafraidofrascallyenchanterschangingoralteringmyfeaturesastheychangedhiswhoencounteredyouintothoseofmylacquey，Tosilos。“
“Godforbid，“saidDonQuixote，“thatIshoulddrawmyswordagainstyourillustriouspersonfromwhichIhavereceivedsuchgreatfavours。
ThekerchiefsIwillrestore，asSanchosayshehasthem；astothegartersthatisimpossible，forIhavenotgotthem，neitherhashe；
andifyourhandmaidenherewilllookinherhiding-places，dependuponitshewillfindthem。Ihaveneverbeenathief，mylordduke，nordoImeantobesolongasIlive，ifGodceasenottohavemeinhiskeeping。Thisdamselbyherownconfessionspeaksasoneinlove，forwhichIamnottoblame，andthereforeneednotaskpardon，eitherofherorofyourexcellence，whomIentreattohaveabetteropinionofme，andoncemoretogivemeleavetopursuemyjourney。“
“AndmayGodsoprosperit，SenorDonQuixote，“saidtheduchess，“thatwemayalwaysheargoodnewsofyourexploits；Godspeedyou；
forthelongeryoustay，themoreyouinflametheheartsofthedamselswhobeholdyou；andasforthisoneofmine，Iwillsochastiseherthatshewillnottransgressagain，eitherwithhereyesorwithherwords。“
“Onewordandnomore，OvaliantDonQuixote，Iaskyoutohear，“
saidAltisidora，“andthatisthatIbegyourpardonaboutthetheftofthegarters；forbyGodanduponmysoulIhavegotthemon，andIhavefallenintothesameblunderashedidwhowentlookingforhisassbeingallthewhilemountedonit。“
“Didn\'tIsayso？”saidSancho。“I\'malikelyonetohidethefts！
WhyifIwantedtodealinthem，opportunitiescamereadyenoughtomeinmygovernment。“
DonQuixotebowedhishead，andsalutedthedukeandduchessandallthebystanders，andwheelingRocinanteround，SanchofollowinghimonDapple，herodeoutofthecastle，shapinghiscourseforSaragossa。