CHAPTERLVIII
WHICHTELLSHOWADVENTURESCAMECROWDINGONDONQUIXOTEINSUCH
NUMBERSTHATTHEYGAVEONEANOTHERNOBREATHING-TIME
WHENDonQuixotesawhimselfinopencountry，free，andrelievedfromtheattentionsofAltisidora，hefeltathisease，andinfreshspiritstotakeupthepursuitofchivalryoncemore；andturningtoSanchohesaid，“Freedom，Sancho，isoneofthemostpreciousgiftsthatheavenhasbestoweduponmen；notreasuresthattheearthholdsburiedortheseaconcealscancomparewithit；forfreedom，asforhonour，lifemayandshouldbeventured；andontheotherhand，captivityisthegreatestevilthatcanfalltothelotofman。I
saythis，Sancho，becausethouhastseenthegoodcheer，theabundancewehaveenjoyedinthiscastleweareleaving；wellthen，amidthosedaintybanquetsandsnow-cooledbeveragesIfeltasthoughIwereundergoingthestraitsofhunger，becauseIdidnotenjoythemwiththesamefreedomasiftheyhadbeenmineown；forthesenseofbeingunderanobligationtoreturnbenefitsandfavoursreceivedisarestraintthatcheckstheindependenceofthespirit。Happyhe，towhomheavenhasgivenapieceofbreadforwhichheisnotboundtogivethankstoanybutheavenitself！”
“Forallyourworshipsays，“saidSancho，“itisnotbecomingthatthereshouldhenothanksonourpartfortwohundredgoldcrownsthattheduke\'smajordomohasgivenmeinalittlepursewhichIcarrynextmyheart，likeawarmingplasterorcomforter，tomeetanychancecalls；forweshan\'talwaysfindcastleswherethey\'llentertainus；
nowandthenwemaylightuponroadsideinnswherethey\'llcudgelus。“
Inconversationofthissorttheknightandsquireerrantwerepursuingtheirjourney，when，aftertheyhadgonealittlemorethanhalfaleague，theyperceivedsomedozenmendressedlikelabourersstretchedupontheircloaksonthegrassofagreenmeadoweatingtheirdinner。Theyhadbesidethemwhatseemedtobewhitesheetsconcealingsomeobjectsunderthem，standinguprightorlyingflat，andarrangedatintervals。DonQuixoteapproachedthediners，and，salutingthemcourteouslyfirst，heaskedthemwhatitwasthoseclothscovered。“Senor，“answeredoneoftheparty，“undertheseclothsaresomeimagescarvedinreliefintendedforaretabloweareputtingupinourvillage；wecarrythemcoveredupthattheymaynotbesoiled，andonourshouldersthattheymaynotbebroken。“
“Withyourgoodleave，“saidDonQuixote，“Ishouldliketoseethem；forimagesthatarecarriedsocarefullynodoubtmustbefineones。“
“Ishouldthinktheywere！”saidtheother；“letthemoneytheycostspeakforthat；forasamatteroffactthereisnotoneofthemthatdoesnotstandusinmorethanfiftyducats；andthatyourworshipmayjudge；waitamoment，andyoushallseewithyourowneyes；“andgettingupfromhisdinnerhewentanduncoveredthefirstimage，whichprovedtobeoneofSaintGeorgeonhorsebackwithaserpentwrithingathisfeetandthelancethrustdownitsthroatwithallthatfiercenessthatisusuallydepicted。Thewholegroupwasoneblazeofgold，asthesayingis。OnseeingitDonQuixotesaid，“Thatknightwasoneofthebestknights-errantthearmyofheaveneverowned；hewascalledDonSaintGeorge，andhewasmoreoveradefenderofmaidens。Letusseethisnextone。“
Themanuncoveredit，anditwasseentobethatofSaintMartinonhishorse，dividinghiscloakwiththebeggar。TheinstantDonQuixotesawithesaid，“ThisknighttoowasoneoftheChristianadventurers，butIbelievehewasgenerousratherthanvaliant，asthoumayestperceive，Sancho，byhisdividinghiscloakwiththebeggarandgivinghimhalfofit；nodoubtitwaswinteratthetime，forotherwisehewouldhavegivenhimthewholeofit，socharitablewashe。“
“Itwasnotthat，mostlikely，“saidSancho，“butthatheheldwiththeproverbthatsays，\'Forgivingandkeepingthere\'sneedofbrains。\'“
DonQuixotelaughed，andaskedthemtotakeoffthenextcloth，underneathwhichwasseentheimageofthepatronsaintoftheSpainsseatedonhorseback，hisswordstainedwithblood，tramplingonMoorsandtreadingheadsunderfoot；andonseeingitDonQuixoteexclaimed，“Ay，thisisaknight，andofthesquadronsofChrist！ThisoneiscalledDonSaintJamestheMoorslayer，oneofthebravestsaintsandknightstheworldeverhadorheavenhasnow。“
TheythenraisedanotherclothwhichitappearedcoveredSaintPaulfallingfromhishorse，withallthedetailsthatareusuallygiveninrepresentationsofhisconversion。WhenDonQuixotesawit，renderedinsuchlifelikestylethatonewouldhavesaidChristwasspeakingandPaulanswering，“This，“hesaid，“wasinhistimethegreatestenemythattheChurchofGodourLordhad，andthegreatestchampionitwilleverhave；aknight-errantinlife，asteadfastsaintindeath，anuntiringlabourerintheLord\'svineyard，ateacheroftheGentiles，whoseschoolwasheaven，andwhoseinstructorandmasterwasJesusChristhimself。“
Therewerenomoreimages，soDonQuixotebadethemcoverthemupagain，andsaidtothosewhohadbroughtthem，“Itakeitasahappyomen，brothers，tohaveseenwhatIhave；forthesesaintsandknightswereofthesameprofessionasmyself，whichisthecallingofarms；
onlythereisthisdifferencebetweenthemandme，thattheyweresaints，andfoughtwithdivineweapons，andIamasinnerandfightwithhumanones。Theywonheavenbyforceofarms，forheavensufferethviolence；andI，sofar，knownotwhatIhavewonbydintofmysufferings；butifmyDulcineadelTobosoweretobereleasedfromhers，perhapswithmendedfortunesandamindrestoredtoitselfImightdirectmystepsinabetterpaththanIamfollowingatpresent。“
“MayGodhearandsinbedeaf，“saidSanchotothis。
Themenwerefilledwithwonder，aswellatthefigureasatthewordsofDonQuixote，thoughtheydidnotunderstandonehalfofwhathemeantbythem。Theyfinishedtheirdinner，tooktheirimagesontheirbacks，andbiddingfarewelltoDonQuixoteresumedtheirjourney。
Sanchowasamazedafreshattheextentofhismaster\'sknowledge，asmuchasifhehadneverknownhim，foritseemedtohimthattherewasnostoryoreventintheworldthathehadnotathisfingers\'endsandfixedinhismemory，andhesaidtohim，“Intruth，mastermine，ifthisthathashappenedtousto-dayistobecalledanadventure，ithasbeenoneofthesweetestandpleasantestthathavebefallenusinthewholecourseofourtravels；wehavecomeoutofitunbelabouredandundismayed，neitherhavewedrawnswordnorhavewesmittentheearthwithourbodies，norhavewebeenleftfamishing；
blessedbeGodthathehasletmeseesuchathingwithmyowneyes！”
“Thousayestwell，Sancho，“saidDonQuixote，“butrememberalltimesarenotalikenordotheyalwaysrunthesameway；andthesethingsthevulgarcommonlycallomens，whicharenotbaseduponanynaturalreason，willbyhimwhoiswisebeesteemedandreckonedhappyaccidentsmerely。Oneofthesebelieversinomenswillgetupofamorning，leavehishouse，andmeetafriaroftheorderoftheblessedSaintFrancis，and，asifhehadmetagriffin，hewillturnaboutandgohome。WithanotherMendozathesaltisspiltonhistable，andgloomisspiltoverhisheart，asifnaturewasobligedtogivewarningofcomingmisfortunesbymeansofsuchtrivialthingsasthese。ThewisemanandtheChristianshouldnottriflewithwhatitmaypleaseheaventodo。ScipiooncomingtoAfricastumbledasheleapedonshore；hissoldierstookitasabadomen；buthe，claspingthesoilwithhisarms，exclaimed，\'Thoucanstnotescapeme，Africa，forIholdtheetightbetweenmyarms。\'Thus，Sancho，meetingthoseimageshasbeentomeamosthappyoccurrence。“
“Icanwellbelieveit，“saidSancho；“butIwishyourworshipwouldtellmewhatisthereasonthattheSpaniards，whentheyareabouttogivebattle，incallingonthatSaintJamestheMoorslayer，say\'SantiagoandcloseSpain！\'IsSpain，then，open，sothatitisneedfultocloseit；orwhatisthemeaningofthisform？”
“Thouartverysimple，Sancho，“saidDonQuixote；“God，lookyou，gavethatgreatknightoftheRedCrosstoSpainasherpatronsaintandprotector，especiallyinthosehardstrugglestheSpaniardshadwiththeMoors；andthereforetheyinvokeandcalluponhimastheirdefenderinalltheirbattles；andinthesehehasbeenmanyatimeseenbeatingdown，tramplingunderfoot，destroyingandslaughteringtheHagarenesquadronsinthesightofall；ofwhichfactIcouldgivetheemanyexamplesrecordedintruthfulSpanishhistories。“
Sanchochangedthesubject，andsaidtohismaster，“Imarvel，senor，attheboldnessofAltisidora，theduchess\'shandmaid；hewhomtheycallLovemusthavecruellypiercedandwoundedher；theysayheisalittleblindurchinwho，thoughblear-eyed，ormoreproperlyspeakingsightless，ifheaimsataheart，beiteversosmall，hitsitandpiercesitthroughandthroughwithhisarrows。I
havehearditsaidtoothatthearrowsofLovearebluntedandrobbedoftheirpointsbymaidenlymodestyandreserve；butwiththisAltisidoraitseemstheyaresharpenedratherthanblunted。“
“Bearinmind，Sancho，“saidDonQuixote，“thatloveisinfluencedbynoconsideration，recognisesnorestraintsofreason，andisofthesamenatureasdeath，thatassailsaliketheloftypalacesofkingsandthehumblecabinsofshepherds；andwhenittakesentirepossessionofaheart，thefirstthingitdoesistobanishfearandshamefromit；andsowithoutshameAltisidoradeclaredherpassion，whichexcitedinmymindembarrassmentratherthancommiseration。“
“Notablecruelty！”exclaimedSancho；“unheard-ofingratitude！I
canonlysayformyselfthattheverysmallestlovingwordofherswouldhavesubduedmeandmadeaslaveofme。Thedevil！Whataheartofmarble，whatbowelsofbrass，whatasoulofmortar！ButI
can\'timaginewhatitisthatthisdamselsawinyourworshipthatcouldhaveconqueredandcaptivatedherso。Whatgallantfigurewasit，whatboldbearing，whatsprightlygrace，whatcomelinessoffeature，whichofthesethingsbyitself，orwhatalltogether，couldhavemadeherfallinlovewithyou？ForindeedandintruthmanyatimeIstoptolookatyourworshipfromthesoleofyourfoottothetopmosthairofyourhead，andIseemoretofrightenonethantomakeonefallinlove；moreoverIhaveheardsaythatbeautyisthefirstandmainthingthatexciteslove，andasyourworshiphasnoneatall，Idon\'tknowwhatthepoorcreaturefellinlovewith。“
“Recollect，Sancho，“repliedDonQuixote，“therearetwosortsofbeauty，oneofthemind，theotherofthebody；thatoftheminddisplaysandexhibitsitselfinintelligence，inmodesty，inhonourableconduct，ingenerosity，ingoodbreeding；andallthesequalitiesarepossibleandmayexistinanuglyman；andwhenitisthissortofbeautyandnotthatofthebodythatistheattraction，loveisapttospringupsuddenlyandviolently。I，Sancho，perceiveclearlyenoughthatIamnotbeautiful，butatthesametimeIknowIamnothideous；anditisenoughforanhonestmannottobeamonstertoheanobjectoflove，ifonlyhepossessestheendowmentsofmindIhavementioned。“
Whileengagedinthisdiscoursetheyweremakingtheirwaythroughawoodthatlaybeyondtheroad，whensuddenly，withoutexpectinganythingofthekind，DonQuixotefoundhimselfcaughtinsomenetsofgreencordstretchedfromonetreetoanother；andunabletoconceivewhatitcouldbe，hesaidtoSancho，“Sancho，itstrikesmethisaffairofthesenetswillproveoneofthestrangestadventuresimaginable。MayIdieiftheenchantersthatpersecutemearenottryingtoentanglemeinthemanddelaymyjourney，bywayofrevengeformyobduracytowardsAltisidora。Wellthenletmetellthemthatifthesenets，insteadofbeinggreencord，weremadeofthehardestdiamonds，orstrongerthanthatwherewiththejealousgodofblacksmithsenmeshedVenusandMars，Iwouldbreakthemaseasilyasiftheyweremadeofrushesorcottonthreads。“Butjustashewasabouttopressforwardandbreakthroughall，suddenlyfromamongsometreestwoshepherdessesofsurpassingbeautypresentedthemselvestohissight-oratleastdamselsdressedlikeshepherdesses，savethattheirjerkinsandsayaswereoffinebrocade；thatistosay，thesayaswererichfarthingalesofgoldembroideredtabby。Theirhair，thatinitsgoldenbrightnessviedwiththebeamsofthesunitself，felllooseupontheirshouldersandwascrownedwithgarlandstwinedwithgreenlaurelandredeverlasting；andtheiryearstoallappearancewerenotunderfifteennoraboveeighteen。SuchwasthespectaclethatfilledSanchowithamazement，fascinatedDonQuixote，madethesunhaltinhiscoursetobeholdthem，andheldallfourinastrangesilence。Oneoftheshepherdesses，atlength，wasthefirsttospeakandsaidtoDonQuixote，“Hold，sirknight，anddonotbreakthesenets；fortheyarenotspreadheretodoyouanyharm，butonlyforouramusement；andasIknowyouwillaskwhytheyhavebeenputup，andwhoweare，Iwilltellyouinafewwords。Inavillagesometwoleaguesfromthis，wheretherearemanypeopleofqualityandrichgentlefolk，itwasagreeduponbyanumberoffriendsandrelationstocomewiththeirwives，sonsanddaughters，neighbours，friendsandkinsmen，andmakeholidayinthisspot，whichisoneofthepleasantestinthewholeneighbourhood，settingupanewpastoralArcadiaamongourselves，wemaidensdressingourselvesasshepherdessesandtheyouthsasshepherds。Wehavepreparedtwoeclogues，onebythefamouspoetGarcilasso，theotherbythemostexcellentCamoens，initsownPortuguesetongue，butwehavenotasyetactedthem。Yesterdaywasthefirstdayofourcominghere；wehaveafewofwhattheysayarecalledfield-tentspitchedamongthetreesonthebankofanamplebrookthatfertilisesallthesemeadows；lastnightwespreadthesenetsinthetreesheretosnarethesillylittlebirdsthatstartledbythenoisewemakemayflyintothem。Ifyoupleasetoheourguest，senor，youwillbewelcomedheartilyandcourteously，forherejustnowneithercarenorsorrowshallenter。“
Sheheldherpeaceandsaidnomore，andDonQuixotemadeanswer，“Ofatruth，fairestlady，ActaeonwhenheunexpectedlybeheldDianabathinginthestreamcouldnothavebeenmorefascinatedandwonderstruckthanIatthesightofyourbeauty。Icommendyourmodeofentertainment，andthankyouforthekindnessofyourinvitation；
andifIcanserveyou，youmaycommandmewithfullconfidenceofbeingobeyed，formyprofessionisnoneotherthantoshowmyselfgrateful，andreadytoservepersonsofallconditions，butespeciallypersonsofqualitysuchasyourappearanceindicates；andif，insteadoftakingup，astheyprobablydo，butasmallspace，thesenetstookupthewholesurfaceoftheglobe，Iwouldseekoutnewworldsthroughwhichtopass，soasnottobreakthem；andthatyemaygivesomedegreeofcredencetothisexaggeratedlanguageofmine，knowthatitisnolessthanDonQuixoteofLaManchathatmakesthisdeclarationtoyou，ifindeeditbethatsuchanamehasreachedyourears。“
“Ah！friendofmysoul，“instantlyexclaimedtheothershepherdess，“whatgreatgoodfortunehasbefallenus！Seestthouthisgentlemanwehavebeforeus？Wellthenletmetelltheeheisthemostvaliantandthemostdevotedandthemostcourteousgentlemaninalltheworld，unlessahistoryofhisachievementsthathasbeenprintedandIhavereadistellingliesanddeceivingus。IwilllayawagerthatthisgoodfellowwhoiswithhimisoneSanchoPanzahissquire，whosedrolleriesnonecanequal。“
“That\'strue，“saidSancho；“Iamthatsamedrollandsquireyouspeakof，andthisgentlemanismymasterDonQuixoteofLaMancha，thesamethat\'sinthehistoryandthattheytalkabout。“
“Oh，myfriend，“saidtheother，“letusentreathimtostay；foritwillgiveourfathersandbrothersinfinitepleasure；Itoohaveheardjustwhatthouhasttoldmeofthevalouroftheoneandthedrolleriesoftheother；andwhatismore，ofhimtheysaythatheisthemostconstantandloyalloverthatwaseverheardof，andthathisladyisoneDulcineadelToboso，towhomalloverSpainthepalmofbeautyisawarded。“
“Andjustlyawarded，“saidDonQuixote，“unless，indeed，yourunequalledbeautymakesitamatterofdoubt。Butspareyourselvesthetrouble，ladies，ofpressingmetostay，fortheurgentcallsofmyprofessiondonotallowmetotakerestunderanycircumstances。“
Atthisinstanttherecameuptothespotwherethefourstoodabrotherofoneofthetwoshepherdesses，liketheminshepherdcostume，andasrichlyandgailydressedastheywere。TheytoldhimthattheircompanionwasthevaliantDonQuixoteofLaMancha，andtheotherSanchohissquire，ofwhomheknewalreadyfromhavingreadtheirhistory。Thegayshepherdofferedhimhisservicesandbeggedthathewouldaccompanyhimtotheirtents，andDonQuixotehadtogivewayandcomply。Andnowthegavewasstarted，andthenetswerefilledwithavarietyofbirdsthatdeceivedbythecolourfellintothedangertheywereflyingfrom。Upwardsofthirtypersons，allgailyattiredasshepherdsandshepherdesses，assembledonthespot，andwereatonceinformedwhoDonQuixoteandhissquirewere，whereattheywerenotalittledelighted，astheyknewofhimalreadythroughhishistory。Theyrepairedtothetents，wheretheyfoundtableslaidout，andchoicely，plentifully，andneatlyfurnished。TheytreatedDonQuixoteasapersonofdistinction，givinghimtheplaceofhonour，andallobservedhim，andwerefullofastonishmentatthespectacle。Atlasttheclothbeingremoved，DonQuixotewithgreatcomposurelifteduphisvoiceandsaid：
“Oneofthegreatestsinsthatmenareguiltyofis-somewillsaypride-butIsayingratitude，goingbythecommonsayingthathellisfullofingrates。Thissin，sofarasithaslaininmypower，I
haveendeavouredtoavoideversinceIhaveenjoyedthefacultyofreason；andifIamunabletorequitegooddeedsthathavebeendonemebyotherdeeds，Isubstitutethedesiretodoso；andifthatbenotenoughImakethemknownpublicly；forhewhodeclaresandmakesknownthegooddeedsdonetohimwouldrepaythembyothersifitwereinhispower，andforthemostpartthosewhoreceivearetheinferiorsofthosewhogive。Thus，Godissuperiortoallbecauseheisthesupremegiver，andtheofferingsofmanfallshortbyaninfinitedistanceofbeingafullreturnforthegiftsofGod；butgratitudeinsomedegreemakesupforthisdeficiencyandshortcoming。
Itherefore，gratefulforthefavourthathasbeenextendedtomehere，andunabletomakeareturninthesamemeasure，restrictedasI
ambythenarrowlimitsofmypower，offerwhatIcanandwhatI
havetoofferinmyownway；andsoIdeclarethatfortwofulldaysI
willmaintaininthemiddleofthishighwayleadingtoSaragossa，thattheseladiesdisguisedasshepherdesses，whoareherepresent，arethefairestandmostcourteousmaidensintheworld，exceptingonlythepeerlessDulcineadelToboso，solemistressofmythoughts，beitsaidwithoutoffencetothosewhohearme，ladiesandgentlemen。“
OnhearingthisSancho，whohadbeenlisteningwithgreatattention，criedoutinaloudvoice，“Isitpossiblethereisanyoneintheworldwhowilldaretosayandswearthatthismasterofmineisamadman？Say，gentlemenshepherds，isthereavillagepriest，beheeversowiseorlearned，whocouldsaywhatmymasterhassaid；oristhereknight-errant，whateverrenownhemayhaveasamanofvalour，thatcouldofferwhatmymasterhasofferednow？”
DonQuixoteturneduponSancho，andwithacountenanceglowingwithangersaidtohim，“Isitpossible，Sancho，thereisanyoneinthewholeworldwhowillsaythouartnotafool，withaliningtomatch，andIknownotwhattrimmingsofimpertinenceandroguery？
Whoaskedtheetomeddleinmyaffairs，ortoinquirewhetherIamawisemanorablockhead？Holdthypeace；answermenotaword；
saddleRocinanteifhebeunsaddled；andletusgotoputmyofferintoexecution；forwiththerightthatIhaveonmysidethoumayestreckonasvanquishedallwhoshallventuretoquestionit；“andinagreatrage，andshowinghisangerplainly，herosefromhisseat，leavingthecompanylostinwonder，andmakingthemfeeldoubtfulwhethertheyoughttoregardhimasamadmanorarationalbeing。Intheend，thoughtheysoughttodissuadehimfrominvolvinghimselfinsuchachallenge，assuringhimtheyadmittedhisgratitudeasfullyestablished，andneedednofreshproofstobeconvincedofhisvaliantspirit，asthoserelatedinthehistoryofhisexploitsweresufficient，stillDonQuixotepersistedinhisresolve；andmountedonRocinante，bracinghisbuckleronhisarmandgraspinghislance，hepostedhimselfinthemiddleofahighroadthatwasnotfarfromthegreenmeadow。SanchofollowedonDapple，togetherwithallthemembersofthepastoralgathering，eagertoseewhatwouldbetheupshotofhisvaingloriousandextraordinaryproposal。
DonQuixote，then，having，ashasbeensaid，plantedhimselfinthemiddleoftheroad，madethewelkinringwithwordstothiseffect：“Hoyetravellersandwayfarers，knights，squires，folkonfootoronhorseback，whopassthiswayorshallpassinthecourseofthenexttwodays！KnowthatDonQuixoteofLaMancha，knight-errant，ispostedheretomaintainbyarmsthatthebeautyandcourtesyenshrinedinthenymphsthatdwellinthesemeadowsandgrovessurpassalluponearth，puttingasidetheladyofmyheart，DulcineadelToboso。Wherefore，lethimwhoisoftheoppositeopinioncomeon，forhereIawaithim。“
Twiceherepeatedthesamewords，andtwicetheyfellunheardbyanyadventurer；butfate，thatwasguidingaffairsforhimfrombettertobetter，soordereditthatshortlyafterwardsthereappearedontheroadacrowdofmenonhorseback，manyofthemwithlancesintheirhands，allridinginacompactbodyandingreathaste。NosoonerhadthosewhowerewithDonQuixoteseenthemthantheyturnedaboutandwithdrewtosomedistancefromtheroad，fortheyknewthatiftheystayedsomeharmmightcometothem；butDonQuixotewithintrepidheartstoodhisground，andSanchoPanzashieldedhimselfwithRocinante\'shind-quarters。Thetroopoflancerscameup，andoneofthemwhowasinadvancebeganshoutingtoDonQuixote，“Getoutoftheway，yousonofthedevil，orthesebullswillknockyoutopieces！”
“Rabble！”returnedDonQuixote，“Icarenothingforbulls，betheythefiercestJaramabreedsonitsbanks。Confessatonce，scoundrels，thatwhatIhavedeclaredistrue；elseyehavetodealwithmeincombat。“
Theherdsmanhadnotimetoreply，norDonQuixotetogetoutofthewayevenifhewished；andsothedroveoffiercebullsandtamebullocks，togetherwiththecrowdofherdsmenandotherswhoweretakingthemtobepennedupinavillagewheretheyweretoberunthenextday，passedoverDonQuixoteandoverSancho，RocinanteandDapple，hurlingthemalltotheearthandrollingthemoverontheground。Sanchowasleftcrushed，DonQuixotescared，DapplebelabouredandRocinanteinnoverysoundcondition。Theyallgotup，however，atlength，andDonQuixoteingreathaste，stumblinghereandfallingthere，startedoffrunningafterthedrove，shoutingout，“Hold！stay！
yerascallyrabble，asingleknightawaitsyou，andheisnotofthetemperoropinionofthosewhosay，\'Foraflyingenemymakeabridgeofsilver。\'“Theretreatingpartyintheirhaste，however，didnotstopforthat，orheedhismenacesanymorethanlastyear\'sclouds。WearinessbroughtDonQuixotetoahalt，andmoreenragedthanavengedhesatdownontheroadtowaituntilSancho，RocinanteandDapplecameup。Whentheyreachedhimmasterandmanmountedoncemore，andwithoutgoingbacktobidfarewelltothemockorimitationArcadia，andmoreinhumiliationthancontentment，theycontinuedtheirjourney。
CHAPTERLIX
WHEREINISRELATEDTHESTRANGETHING，WHICHMAYBEREGARDEDASAN
ADVENTURE，THATHAPPENEDDONQUIXOTE
ACLEARlimpidspringwhichtheydiscoveredinacoolgroverelievedDonQuixoteandSanchoofthedustandfatigueduetotheunpolitebehaviourofthebulls，andbythesideofthis，havingturnedDappleandRocinanteloosewithoutheadstallorbridle，theforlornpair，masterandman，seatedthemselves。Sanchohadrecoursetothelarderofhisalforjasandtookoutofthemwhathecalledtheprog；
DonQuixoterinsedhismouthandbathedhisface，bywhichcoolingprocesshisflaggingenergieswererevived。Outofpurevexationheremainedwithouteating，andoutofpurepolitenessSanchodidnotventuretotouchamorselofwhatwasbeforehim，butwaitedforhismastertoactastaster。Seeing，however，that，absorbedinthought，hewasforgettingtocarrythebreadtohismouth，hesaidneveraword，andtramplingeverysortofgoodbreedingunderfoot，begantostowawayinhispaunchthebreadandcheesethatcametohishand。
“Eat，Sanchomyfriend，“saidDonQuixote；“supportlife，whichisofmoreconsequencetotheethantome，andleavemetodieunderthepainofmythoughtsandpressureofmymisfortunes。Iwasborn，Sancho，tolivedying，andthoutodieeating；andtoprovethetruthofwhatIsay，lookatme，printedinhistories，famedinarms，courteousinbehaviour，honouredbyprinces，courtedbymaidens；
andafterall，whenIlookedforwardtopalms，triumphs，andcrowns，wonandearnedbymyvaliantdeeds，Ihavethismorningseenmyselftrampledon，kicked，andcrushedbythefeetofuncleanandfilthyanimals。Thisthoughtbluntsmyteeth，paralysesmyjaws，crampsmyhands，androbsmeofallappetiteforfood；somuchsothatIhaveamindtoletmyselfdieofhunger，thecruelestdeathofalldeaths。“
“Sothen，“saidSancho，munchinghardallthetime，“yourworshipdoesnotagreewiththeproverbthatsays，\'LetMarthadie，butletherdiewithafullbelly。\'I，atanyrate，havenomindtokillmyself；sofarfromthat，Imeantodoasthecobblerdoes，whostretchestheleatherwithhisteethuntilhemakesitreachasfarashewants。I\'llstretchoutmylifebyeatinguntilitreachestheendheavenhasfixedforit；andletmetellyou，senor，there\'snogreaterfollythantothinkofdyingofdespairasyourworshipdoes；takemyadvice，andaftereatingliedownandsleepabitonthisgreengrass-mattress，andyouwillseethatwhenyouawakeyou\'llfeelsomethingbetter。“
DonQuixotedidasherecommended，foritstruckhimthatSancho\'sreasoningwasmorelikeaphilosopher\'sthanablockhead\'s，andsaidhe，“Sancho，ifthouwiltdoformewhatIamgoingtotelltheemyeaseofmindwouldbemoreassuredandmyheavinessofheartnotsogreat；anditisthis；togoasidealittlewhileIamsleepinginaccordancewiththyadvice，and，makingbarethycarcasetotheair，togivethyselfthreeorfourhundredlasheswithRocinante\'sreins，onaccountofthethreethousandandoddthouarttogivethyselfforthedisenchantmentofDulcinea；foritisagreatpitythatthepoorladyshouldbeleftenchantedthroughthycarelessnessandnegligence。“
“Thereisagooddealtobesaidonthatpoint，“saidSancho；“letusbothgotosleepnow，andafterthat，Godhasdecreedwhatwillhappen。Letmetellyourworshipthatforamantowhiphimselfincoldbloodisahardthing，especiallyifthestripesfalluponanill-nourishedandworse-fedbody。LetmyladyDulcineahavepatience，andwhensheisleastexpectingit，shewillseememadeariddleofwithwhipping，and\'untildeathit\'salllife；\'ImeanthatIhavestilllifeinme，andthedesiretomakegoodwhatI
havepromised。“
DonQuixotethankedhim，andatealittle，andSanchoagooddeal，andthentheybothlaydowntosleep，leavingthosetwoinseparablefriendsandcomrades，RocinanteandDapple，totheirowndevicesandtofeedunrestrainedupontheabundantgrasswithwhichthemeadowwasfurnished。Theywokeupratherlate，mountedoncemoreandresumedtheirjourney，pushingontoreachaninnwhichwasinsight，apparentlyaleagueoff。Isayaninn，becauseDonQuixotecalleditso，contrarytohisusualpracticeofcallingallinnscastles。Theyreachedit，andaskedthelandlordiftheycouldputupthere。Hesaidyes，withasmuchcomfortandasgoodfareastheycouldfindinSaragossa。Theydismounted，andSanchostowedawayhislarderinaroomofwhichthelandlordgavehimthekey。Hetookthebeaststothestable，fedthem，andcamebacktoseewhatordersDonQuixote，whowasseatedonabenchatthedoor，hadforhim，givingspecialthankstoheaventhatthisinnhadnotbeentakenforacastlebyhismaster。Supper-timecame，andtheyrepairedtotheirroom，andSanchoaskedthelandlordwhathehadtogivethemforsupper。Tothisthelandlordrepliedthathismouthshouldbethemeasure；hehadonlytoaskwhathewould；forthatinnwasprovidedwiththebirdsoftheairandthefowlsoftheearthandthefishofthesea。
“There\'snoneedofallthat，“saidSancho；“ifthey\'llroastusacoupleofchickenswe\'llbesatisfied，formymasterisdelicateandeatslittle，andI\'mnotoverandabovegluttonous。“
Thelandlordrepliedhehadnochickens，forthekiteshadstolenthem。
“Wellthen，“saidSancho，“letsenorlandlordtellthemtoroastapullet，sothatitisatenderone。“
“Pullet！Myfather！”saidthelandlord；“indeedandintruthit\'sonlyyesterdayIsentoverfiftytothecitytosell；butsavingpulletsaskwhatyouwill。“
“Inthatcase，“saidSancho，“youwillnotbewithoutvealorkid。“
“Justnow，“saidthelandlord，“there\'snoneinthehouse，forit\'sallfinished；butnextweektherewillheenoughandtospare。“
“Muchgoodthatdoesus，“saidSancho；“I\'lllayabetthatalltheseshort-comingsaregoingtowindupinplentyofbaconandeggs。“
“ByGod，“saidthelandlord，“myguest\'switsmusthepreciousdull；
ItellhimIhaveneitherpulletsnorhens，andhewantsmetohaveeggs！Talkofotherdainties，ifyouplease，anddon\'taskforhensagain。“
“Bodyo\'me！”saidSancho，“let\'ssettlethematter；sayatoncewhatyouhavegot，andletushavenomorewordsaboutit。“
“Intruthandearnest，senorguest，“saidthelandlord，“allI
haveisacoupleofcow-heelslikecalves\'feet，oracoupleofcalves\'feetlikecowheels；theyareboiledwithchick-peas，onions，andbacon，andatthismomenttheyarecrying\'Comeeatme，comeeatme。“
“Imarkthemformineonthespot，“saidSancho；“letnobodytouchthem；I\'llpaybetterforthemthananyoneelse，forIcouldnotwishforanythingmoretomytaste；andIdon\'tcareapinwhethertheyarefeetorheels。“
“Nobodyshalltouchthem，“saidthelandlord；“fortheotherguestsIhave，beingpersonsofhighquality，bringtheirowncookandcatererandlarderwiththem。“
“Ifyoucometopeopleofquality，“saidSancho，“there\'snobodymoresothanmymaster；butthecallinghefollowsdoesnotallowoflardersorstore-rooms；welayourselvesdowninthemiddleofameadow，andfillourselveswithacornsormedlars。“
HereendedSancho\'sconversationwiththelandlord，Sanchonotcaringtocarryitanyfartherbyansweringhim；forhehadalreadyaskedhimwhatcallingorwhatprofessionitwashismasterwasof。
Supper-timehavingcome，then，DonQuixotebetookhimselftohisroom，thelandlordbroughtinthestew-panjustasitwas，andhesathimselfdowntosupveryresolutely。Itseemsthatinanotherroom，whichwasnexttoDonQuixote\'s，withnothingbutathinpartitiontoseparateit，heoverheardthesewords，“Asyoulive，SenorDonJeronimo，whiletheyarebringingsupper，letusreadanotherchapteroftheSecondPartof\'DonQuixoteofLaMancha。\'“
TheinstantDonQuixoteheardhisownnamebestartedtohisfeetandlistenedwithopenearstocatchwhattheysaidabouthim，andheardtheDonJeronimowhohadbeenaddressedsayinreply，“Whywouldyouhaveusreadthatabsurdstuff，DonJuan，whenitisimpossibleforanyonewhohasreadtheFirstPartofthehistoryof\'DonQuixoteofLaMancha\'totakeanypleasureinreadingthisSecondPart？”
“Forallthat，“saidhewhowasaddressedasDonJuan，“weshalldowelltoreadit，forthereisnobooksobadbutithassomethinggoodinit。WhatdispleasesmemostinitisthatitrepresentsDonQuixoteasnowcuredofhisloveforDulcineadelToboso。“
OnhearingthisDonQuixote，fullofwrathandindignation，lifteduphisvoiceandsaid，“WhoeverhemaybewhosaysthatDonQuixoteofLaManchahasforgottenorcanforgetDulcineadelToboso，Iwillteachhimwithequalarmsthatwhathesaysisveryfarfromthetruth；forneithercanthepeerlessDulcineadelTobosobeforgotten，norcanforgetfulnesshaveaplaceinDonQuixote；hismottoisconstancy，andhisprofessiontomaintainthesamewithhislifeandneverwrongit。“
“Whoisthisthatanswersus？”saidtheyinthenextroom。
“Whoshoulditbe，“saidSancho，“butDonQuixoteofLaManchahimself，whowillmakegoodallhehassaidandallhewillsay；forpledgesdon\'ttroubleagoodpayer。“
Sanchohadhardlyutteredthesewordswhentwogentlemen，forsuchtheyseemedtobe，enteredtheroom，andoneofthem，throwinghisarmsroundDonQuixote\'sneck，saidtohim，“Yourappearancecannotleaveanyquestionastoyourname，norcanyournamefailtoidentifyyourappearance；unquestionably，senor，youaretherealDonQuixoteofLaMancha，cynosureandmorningstarofknight-errantry，despiteandindefianceofhimwhohassoughttousurpyournameandbringtonaughtyourachievements，astheauthorofthisbookwhichIherepresenttoyouhasdone；“andwiththisheputabookwhichhiscompanioncarriedintothehandsofDonQuixote，whotookit，andwithoutreplyingbegantorunhiseyeoverit；buthepresentlyreturneditsaying，“InthelittleIhaveseenIhavediscoveredthreethingsinthisauthorthatdeservetobecensured。ThefirstissomewordsthatIhavereadinthepreface；thenextthatthelanguageisAragonese，forsometimeshewriteswithoutarticles；andthethird，whichaboveallstampshimasignorant，isthathegoeswronganddepartsfromthetruthinthemostimportantpartofthehistory，forherehesaysthatmysquireSanchoPanza\'swifeiscalledMariGutierrez，whensheiscallednothingofthesort，butTeresaPanza；
andwhenamanerrsonsuchanimportantpointasthisthereisgoodreasontofearthatheisinerroroneveryotherpointinthehistory。“
“Anicesortofhistorian，indeed！”exclaimedSanchoatthis；“hemustknowadealaboutouraffairswhenhecallsmywifeTeresaPanza，MariGutierrez；takethebookagain，senor，andseeifIaminitandifhehaschangedmyname。“
“Fromyourtalk，friend，“saidDonJeronimo，“nodoubtyouareSanchoPanza，SenorDonQuixote\'ssquire。“
“Yes，Iam，“saidSancho；“andI\'mproudofit。“
“Faith，then，“saidthegentleman，“thisnewauthordoesnothandleyouwiththedecencythatdisplaysitselfinyourperson；hemakesyououtaheavyfeederandafool，andnotintheleastdroll，andaverydifferentbeingfromtheSanchodescribedintheFirstPartofyourmaster\'shistory。“
“Godforgivehim，“saidSancho；“hemighthaveleftmeinmycornerwithouttroublinghisheadaboutme；\'lethimwhoknowshowringthebells；\'SaintPeterisverywellinRome。\'“
ThetwogentlemenpressedDonQuixotetocomeintotheirroomandhavesupperwiththem，astheyknewverywelltherewasnothinginthatinnfitforoneofhissort。DonQuixote，whowasalwayspolite，yieldedtotheirrequestandsuppedwiththem。Sanchostayedbehindwiththestew。andinvestedwithplenarydelegatedauthorityseatedhimselfattheheadofthetable，andthelandlordsatdownwithhim，forhewasnolessfondofcow-heelandcalves\'feetthanSanchowas。
WhileatsupperDonJuanaskedDonQuixotewhatnewshehadoftheladyDulcineadelToboso，wasshemarried，hadshebeenbroughttobed，orwasshewithchild，ordidsheinmaidenhood，stillpreservinghermodestyanddelicacy，cherishtheremembranceofthetenderpassionofSenorDonQuixote？
Tothishereplied，“Dulcineaisamaidenstill，andmypassionmorefirmlyrootedthanever，ourintercourseunsatisfactoryasbefore，andherbeautytransformedintothatofafoulcountrywench；“andthenheproceededtogivethemafullandparticularaccountoftheenchantmentofDulcinea，andofwhathadhappenedhiminthecaveofMontesinos，togetherwithwhatthesageMerlinhadprescribedforherdisenchantment，namelythescourgingofSancho。
ExceedinglygreatwastheamusementthetwogentlemenderivedfromhearingDonQuixoterecountthestrangeincidentsofhishistory；
andiftheywereamazedbyhisabsurditiestheywereequallyamazedbytheelegantstyleinwhichhedeliveredthem。Ontheonehandtheyregardedhimasamanofwitandsense，andontheotherheseemedtothemamaunderingblockhead，andtheycouldnotmakeuptheirmindswhereaboutsbetweenwisdomandfollytheyoughttoplacehim。
Sanchohavingfinishedhissupper，andleftthelandlordintheX
condition，repairedtotheroomwherehismasterwas，andashecameinsaid，“MayIdie，sirs，iftheauthorofthisbookyourworshipshavegothasanymindthatweshouldagree；ashecallsmegluttonaccordingtowhatyourworshipssayIwishhemaynotcallmedrunkardtoo。“
“Buthedoes，“saidDonJeronimo；“Icannotremember，however，inwhatway，thoughIknowhiswordsareoffensive，andwhatismore，lying，asIcanseeplainlybythephysiognomyoftheworthySanchobeforeme。“
“Believeme，“saidSancho，“theSanchoandtheDonQuixoteofthishistorymustbedifferentpersonsfromthosethatappearintheoneCideHameteBenengeliwrote，whoareourselves；mymastervaliant，wise，andtrueinlove，andIsimple，droll，andneithergluttonnordrunkard。“
“Ibelieveit，“saidDonJuan；“andwereitpossible，anordershouldbeissuedthatnooneshouldhavethepresumptiontodealwithanythingrelatingtoDonQuixote，savehisoriginalauthorCideHamete；justasAlexandercommandedthatnooneshouldpresumetopainthisportraitsaveApelles。“
“Lethimwhowillpaintme，“saidDonQuixote；“butlethimnotabuseme；forpatiencewilloftenbreakdownwhentheyheapinsultsuponit。“
“NonecanbeofferedtoSenorDonQuixote，“saidDonJuan，“thathehimselfwillnotbeabletoavenge，ifhedoesnotwarditoffwiththeshieldofhispatience，which，Itakeit，isgreatandstrong。“
Aconsiderableportionofthenightpassedinconversationofthissort，andthoughDonJuanwishedDonQuixotetoreadmoreofthebooktoseewhatitwasallabout，hewasnottobeprevailedupon，sayingthathetreateditasreadandpronounceditutterlysilly；
and，ifbyanychanceitshouldcometoitsauthor\'searsthathehaditinhishand，hedidnotwanthimtoflatterhimselfwiththeideathathehadreadit；forourthoughts，andstillmoreoureyes，shouldkeepthemselvesalooffromwhatisobsceneandfilthy。
Theyaskedhimwhitherhemeanttodirecthissteps。Hereplied，toSaragossa，totakepartintheharnessjoustswhichwereheldinthatcityeveryyear。DonJuantoldhimthatthenewhistorydescribedhowDonQuixote，lethimbewhohemight，tookpartthereinatiltingatthering，utterlydevoidofinvention，poorinmottoes，verypoorincostume，thoughrichinsillinesses。
“Forthatveryreason，“saidDonQuixote，“IwillnotsetfootinSaragossa；andbythatmeansIshallexposetotheworldthelieofthisnewhistorywriter，andpeoplewillseethatIamnottheDonQuixotehespeaksof。“
“Youwilldoquiteright，“saidDonJeronimo；“andthereareotherjoustsatBarcelonainwhichSenorDonQuixotemaydisplayhisprowess。“
“ThatiswhatImeantodo，“saidDonQuixote；“andasitisnowtime，Iprayyourworshipstogivemeleavetoretiretobed，andtoplaceandretainmeamongthenumberofyourgreatestfriendsandservants。“
“Andmetoo，“saidSancho；“maybeI\'llbegoodforsomething。“
Withthistheyexchangedfarewells，andDonQuixoteandSanchoretiredtotheirroom，leavingDonJuanandDonJeronimoamazedtoseethemedleyhemadeofhisgoodsenseandhiscraziness；andtheyfeltthoroughlyconvincedthatthese，andnotthosetheirAragoneseauthordescribed，werethegenuineDonQuixoteandSancho。DonQuixoterosebetimes，andbadeadieutohishostsbyknockingatthepartitionoftheotherroom。Sanchopaidthelandlordmagnificently，andrecommendedhimeithertosaylessabouttheprovidingofhisinnortokeepitbetterprovided。
CHAPTERLX
OFWHATHAPPENEDDONQUIXOTEONHISWAYTOBARCELONA
ITWASafreshmorninggivingpromiseofacooldayasDonQuixotequittedtheinn，firstofalltakingcaretoascertainthemostdirectroadtoBarcelonawithouttouchinguponSaragossa；soanxiouswashetomakeoutthisnewhistorian，whotheysaidabusedhimso，tobealiar。Well，asitfellout，nothingworthyofbeingrecordedhappenedhimforsixdays，attheendofwhich，havingturnedasideoutoftheroad，hewasovertakenbynightinathicketofoakorcorktrees；foronthispointCideHameteisnotaspreciseasheusuallyisonothermatters。
Masterandmandismountedfromtheirbeasts，andassoonastheyhadsettledthemselvesatthefootofthetrees，Sancho，whohadhadagoodnoontidemealthatday，lethimself，withoutmoreado，passthegatesofsleep。ButDonQuixote，whomhisthoughts，farmorethanhunger，keptawake，couldnotcloseaneye，androamedinfancytoandfrothroughallsortsofplaces。AtonemomentitseemedtohimthathewasinthecaveofMontesinosandsawDulcinea，transformedintoacountrywench，skippingandmountinguponhershe-ass；againthatthewordsofthesageMerlinweresoundinginhisears，settingforththeconditionstobeobservedandtheexertionstobemadeforthedisenchantmentofDulcinea。HelostallpatiencewhenheconsideredthelazinessandwantofcharityofhissquireSancho；
fortothebestofhisbeliefhehadonlygivenhimselffivelashes，anumberpaltryanddisproportionedtothevastnumberrequired。Atthisthoughthefeltsuchvexationandangerthathereasonedthematterthus：“IfAlexandertheGreatcuttheGordianknot，saying，\'Tocutcomestothesamethingastountie，\'andyetdidnotfailtobecomelordparamountofallAsia，neithermorenorlesscouldhappennowinDulcinea\'sdisenchantmentifIscourgeSanchoagainsthiswill；
for，ifitistheconditionoftheremedythatSanchoshallreceivethreethousandandoddlashes，whatdoesitmattertomewhetherheinflictsthemhimself，orsomeoneelseinflictsthem，whentheessentialpointisthathereceivesthem，letthemcomefromwhateverquartertheymay？”
WiththisideahewentovertoSancho，havingfirsttakenRocinante\'sreinsandarrangedthemsoastobeabletofloghimwiththem，andbegantountiethepointsthecommonbeliefishehadbutoneinfrontbywhichhisbreecheswereheldup；buttheinstantheapproachedhimSanchowokeupinhisfullsensesandcriedout，“Whatisthis？Whoistouchingmeanduntrussingme？”
“ItisI，“saidDonQuixote，“andIcometomakegoodthyshortcomingsandrelievemyowndistresses；Icometowhipthee，Sancho，andwipeoffsomeportionofthedebtthouhastundertaken。
Dulcineaisperishing，thouartlivingonregardless，Iamdyingofhopedeferred；thereforeuntrussthyselfwithagoodwill，formineitis，here，inthisretiredspot，togivetheeatleasttwothousandlashes。“
“Notabitofit，“saidSancho；“letyourworshipkeepquiet，orelsebythelivingGodthedeafshallhearus；thelashesIpledgedmyselftomustbevoluntaryandnotforceduponme，andjustnowI
havenofancytowhipmyself；itisenoughifIgiveyoumywordtoflogandflapmyselfwhenIhaveamind。“
“Itwillnotdotoleaveittothycourtesy，Sancho，“saidDonQuixote，“forthouarthardofheartand，thoughaclown，tenderofflesh；“andatthesametimehestroveandstruggledtountiehim。
SeeingthisSanchogotup，andgrapplingwithhismasterhegrippedhimwithallhismightinhisarms，givinghimatripwiththeheelstretchedhimonthegroundonhisback，andpressinghisrightkneeonhischestheldhishandsinhisownsothathecouldneithermovenorbreathe。
“Hownow，traitor！”exclaimedDonQuixote。“Dostthourevoltagainstthymasterandnaturallord？Dostthouriseagainsthimwhogivestheehisbread？”
“Ineitherputdownking，norsetupking，“saidSancho；“Ionlystandupformyselfwhoammyownlord；ifyourworshippromisesmetobequiet，andnottooffertowhipmenow，I\'llletyougofreeandunhindered；ifnot-
TraitorandDonaSancha\'sfoe，Thoudiestonthespot。“
DonQuixotegavehispromise，andsworebythelifeofhisthoughtsnottotouchsomuchasahairofhisgarments，andtoleavehimentirelyfreeandtohisowndiscretiontowhiphimselfwheneverhepleased。
Sanchoroseandremovedsomedistancefromthespot，butashewasabouttoplacehimselfleaningagainstanothertreehefeltsomethingtouchhishead，andputtinguphishandsencounteredsomebody\'stwofeetwithshoesandstockingsonthem。Hetrembledwithfearandmadeforanothertree，wheretheverysamethinghappenedtohim，andhefella-shouting，callinguponDonQuixotetocomeandprotecthim。DonQuixotedidso，andaskedhimwhathadhappenedtohim，andwhathewasafraidof。Sanchorepliedthatallthetreeswerefullofmen\'sfeetandlegs。DonQuixotefeltthem，andguessedatoncewhatitwas，andsaidtoSancho，“Thouhastnothingtobeafraidof，forthesefeetandlegsthatthoufeelestbutcanstnotseebelongnodoubttosomeoutlawsandfreebootersthathavebeenhangedonthesetrees；fortheauthoritiesinthesepartsarewonttohangthemupbytwentiesandthirtieswhentheycatchthem；wherebyIconjecturethatImustbenearBarcelona；“anditwas，infact，ashesupposed；withthefirstlighttheylookedupandsawthatthefruithangingonthosetreeswerefreebooters\'bodies。
Andnowdaydawned；andifthedeadfreebootershadscaredthem，theirheartswerenolesstroubledbyupwardsoffortylivingones，whoallofasuddensurroundedthem，andintheCatalantonguebadethemstandandwaituntiltheircaptaincameup。DonQuixotewasonfootwithhishorseunbridledandhislanceleaningagainstatree，andinshortcompletelydefenceless；hethoughtitbestthereforetofoldhisarmsandbowhisheadandreservehimselfforamorefavourableoccasionandopportunity。TherobbersmadehastetosearchDapple，anddidnotleavehimasinglethingofallhecarriedinthealforjasandinthevalise；andluckyitwasforSanchothattheduke\'scrownsandthosehebroughtfromhomewereinagirdlethatheworeroundhim；butforallthatthesegoodfolkwouldhavestrippedhim，andevenlookedtoseewhathehadhiddenbetweentheskinandflesh，butforthearrivalatthatmomentoftheircaptain，whowasaboutthirty-fouryearsofageapparently，stronglybuilt，abovethemiddleheight，ofsternaspectandswarthycomplexion。Hewasmounteduponapowerfulhorse，andhadonacoatofmail，withfourofthepistolstheycallpetronelsinthatcountryathiswaist。HesawthathissquiresforsotheycallthosewhofollowthattradewereabouttorifleSanchoPanza，butheorderedthemtodesistandwasatonceobeyed，sothegirdleescaped。Hewonderedtoseethelanceleaningagainstthetree，theshieldontheground，andDonQuixoteinarmouranddejected，withthesaddestandmostmelancholyfacethatsadnessitselfcouldproduce；andgoinguptohimhesaid，“Benotsocastdown，goodman，foryouhavenotfallenintothehandsofanyinhumanBusiris，butintoRoqueGuinart\'s，whicharemoremercifulthancruel。“
“Thecauseofmydejection，“returnedDonQuixote，“isnotthatI
havefallenintothyhands，OvaliantRoque，whosefameisboundedbynolimitsonearth，butthatmycarelessnessshouldhavebeensogreatthatthysoldiersshouldhavecaughtmeunbridled，whenitismyduty，accordingtotheruleofknight-errantrywhichIprofess，tobealwaysonthealertandatalltimesmyownsentinel；forletmetellthee，greatRoque，hadtheyfoundmeonmyhorse，withmylanceandshield，itwouldnothavebeenveryeasyforthemtoreducemetosubmission，forIamDonQuixoteofLaMancha，hewhohathfilledthewholeworldwithhisachievements。“
RoqueGuinartatonceperceivedthatDonQuixote\'sweaknesswasmoreakintomadnessthantoswagger；andthoughhehadsometimesheardhimspokenof，heneverregardedthethingsattributedtohimastrue，norcouldhepersuadehimselfthatsuchahumourcouldbecomedominantintheheartofman；hewasextremelyglad，therefore，tomeethimandtestatclosequarterswhathehadheardofhimatadistance；sohesaidtohim，“Despairnot，valiantknight，norregardasanuntowardfatethepositioninwhichthoufindestthyself；itmaybethatbytheseslipsthycrookedfortunewillmakeitselfstraight；forheavenbystrangecircuitousways，mysteriousandincomprehensibletoman，raisesupthefallenandmakesrichthepoor。“
DonQuixotewasabouttothankhim，whentheyheardbehindthemanoiseasofatroopofhorses；therewas，however，butone，ridingonwhichatafuriouspacecameayouth，apparentlyabouttwentyyearsofage，cladingreendamaskedgedwithgoldandbreechesandaloosefrock，withahatloopedupintheWalloonfashion，tight-fittingpolishedboots，giltspurs，daggerandsword，andinhishandamusketoon，andapairofpistolsathiswaist。
Roqueturnedroundatthenoiseandperceivedthiscomelyfigure，whichdrawingnearthusaddressedhim，“Icameinquestofthee，valiantRoque，tofindintheeifnotaremedyatleastreliefinmymisfortune；andnottokeeptheeinsuspense，forIseethoudostnotrecogniseme，IwilltelltheewhoIam；IamClaudiaJeronima，thedaughterofSimonForte，thygoodfriend，andspecialenemyofClauquelTorrellas，whoisthinealsoasbeingofthefactionopposedtothee。ThouknowestthatthisTorrellashasasonwhoiscalled，oratleastwasnottwohourssince，DonVicenteTorrellas。
Well，tocutshortthetaleofmymisfortune，Iwilltelltheeinafewwordswhatthisyouthhasbroughtuponme。Hesawme，hepaidcourttome，Ilistenedtohim，and，unknowntomyfather，Ilovedhim；forthereisnowoman，howeversecludedshemayliveorcloseshemaybekept，whowillnothaveopportunitiesandtospareforfollowingherheadlongimpulses。Inaword，hepledgedhimselftobemine，andIpromisedtobehis，withoutcarryingmattersanyfurther。YesterdayIlearnedthat，forgetfulofhispledgetome，hewasabouttomarryanother，andthathewastogothismorningtoplighthistroth，intelligencewhichoverwhelmedandexasperatedme；
myfathernotbeingathomeIwasabletoadoptthiscostumeyousee，andurgingmyhorsetospeedIovertookDonVicenteaboutaleaguefromthis，andwithoutwaitingtoutterreproachesorhearexcusesIfiredthismusketathim，andthesetwopistolsbesides，andtothebestofmybeliefImusthavelodgedmorethantwobulletsinhisbody，openingdoorstoletmyhonourgofree，envelopedinhisblood。Ilefthimthereinthehandsofhisservants，whodidnotdareandwerenotabletointerfereinhisdefence，andIcometoseekfromtheeasafe-conductintoFrance，whereIhaverelativeswithwhomI
canlive；andalsotoimploretheetoprotectmyfather，sothatDonVicente\'snumerouskinsmenmaynotventuretowreaktheirlawlessvengeanceuponhim。“
Roque，filledwithadmirationatthegallantbearing，highspirit，comelyfigure，andadventureofthefairClaudia，saidtoher，“Come，senora，letusgoandseeifthyenemyisdead；andthenwewillconsiderwhatwillbebestforthee。“DonQuixote，whohadbeenlisteningtowhatClaudiasaidandRoqueGuinartsaidinreplytoher，exclaimed，“Nobodyneedtroublehimselfwiththedefenceofthislady，forItakeituponmyself。Givememyhorseandarms，andwaitformehere；Iwillgoinquestofthisknight，anddeadoraliveIwillmakehimkeephiswordplightedtosogreatbeauty。“
“Nobodyneedhaveanydoubtaboutthat，“saidSancho，“formymasterhasaveryhappyknackofmatchmaking；it\'snotmanydayssinceheforcedanothermantomarry，whointhesamewaybackedoutofhispromisetoanothermaiden；andifithadnotbeenforhispersecutorstheenchanterschangingtheman\'spropershapeintoalacquey\'sthesaidmaidenwouldnotbeonethisminute。“
Roque，whowaspayingmoreattentiontothefairClaudia\'sadventurethantothewordsofmasterorman，didnothearthem；andorderinghissquirestorestoretoSanchoeverythingtheyhadstrippedDappleof，hedirectedthemtoreturntotheplacewheretheyhadbeenquarteredduringthenight，andthensetoffwithClaudiaatfullspeedinsearchofthewoundedorslainDonVicente。TheyreachedthespotwhereClaudiamethim，butfoundnothingtheresavefreshlyspiltblood；lookingallround，however，theydescriedsomepeopleontheslopeofahillabovethem，andconcluded，asindeeditprovedtobe，thatitwasDonVicente，whomeitherdeadoralivehisservantswereremovingtoattendtohiswoundsortoburyhim。Theymadehastetoovertakethem，which，asthepartymovedslowly，theywereabletodowithease。TheyfoundDonVicenteinthearmsofhisservants，whomhewasentreatinginabrokenfeeblevoicetoleavehimtheretodie，asthepainofhiswoundswouldnotsufferhimtogoanyfarther。ClaudiaandRoquethrewthemselvesofftheirhorsesandadvancedtowardshim；theservantswereoverawedbytheappearanceofRoque，andClaudiawasmovedbythesightofDonVicente，andgoinguptohimhalftenderlyhalfsternly，sheseizedhishandandsaidtohim，“Hadstthougivenmethisaccordingtoourcompactthouhadstnevercometothispass。“
Thewoundedgentlemanopenedhisallbutclosedeyes，andrecognisingClaudiasaid，“Iseeclearly，fairandmistakenlady，thatitisthouthathastslainme，apunishmentnotmeritedordeservedbymyfeelingstowardsthee，forneverdidImeanto，norcouldI，wrongtheeinthoughtordeed。“
“Itisnottrue，then，“saidClaudia，“thatthouwertgoingthismorningtomarryLeonorathedaughteroftherichBalvastro？”
“Assuredlynot，“repliedDonVicente；“mycruelfortunemusthavecarriedthosetidingstotheetodrivetheeinthyjealousytotakemylife；andtoassurethyselfofthis，pressmyhandsandtakemeforthyhusbandifthouwilt；Ihavenobettersatisfactiontooffertheeforthewrongthoufanciestthouhastreceivedfromme。“
Claudiawrunghishands，andherownheartwassowrungthatshelayfaintingonthebleedingbreastofDonVicente，whomadeathspasmseizedthesameinstant。Roquewasinperplexityandknewnotwhattodo；theservantsrantofetchwatertosprinkletheirfaces，andbroughtsomeandbathedthemwithit。Claudiarecoveredfromherfaintingfit，butnotsoDonVicentefromtheparoxysmthathadovertakenhim，forhislifehadcometoanend。Onperceivingthis，Claudia，whenshehadconvincedherselfthatherbelovedhusbandwasnomore，renttheairwithhersighsandmadetheheavensringwithherlamentations；shetoreherhairandscatteredittothewinds，shebeatherfacewithherhandsandshowedallthesignsofgriefandsorrowthatcouldbeconceivedtocomefromanafflictedheart。
“Cruel，recklesswoman！”shecried，“howeasilywertthoumovedtocarryoutathoughtsowicked！Ofuriousforceofjealousy，towhatdesperatelengthsdostthouleadthosethatgivetheelodgingintheirbosoms！Ohusband，whoseunhappyfateinbeingminehathbornetheefromthemarriagebedtothegrave！”
SovehementandsopiteouswerethelamentationsofClaudiathattheydrewtearsfromRoque\'seyes，unusedastheyweretoshedthemonanyoccasion。Theservantswept，Claudiaswoonedawayagainandagain，andthewholeplaceseemedafieldofsorrowandanabodeofmisfortune。IntheendRoqueGuinartdirectedDonVicente\'sservantstocarryhisbodytohisfather\'svillage，whichwascloseby，forburial。Claudiatoldhimshemeanttogotoamonasteryofwhichanauntofherswasabbess，wheresheintendedtopassherlifewithabetterandeverlastingspouse。Heapplaudedherpiousresolution，andofferedtoaccompanyherwhithersoevershewished，andtoprotectherfatheragainstthekinsmenofDonVicenteandalltheworld，shouldtheyseektoinjurehim。Claudiawouldnotonanyaccountallowhimtoaccompanyher；andthankinghimforhisoffersaswellasshecould，tookleaveofhimintears。TheservantsofDonVicentecarriedawayhisbody，andRoquereturnedtohiscomrades，andsoendedtheloveofClaudiaJeronima；butwhatwonder，whenitwastheinsuperableandcruelmightofjealousythatwovethewebofhersadstory？
RoqueGuinartfoundhissquiresattheplacetowhichhehadorderedthem，andDonQuixoteonRocinanteinthemidstofthemdeliveringaharanguetotheminwhichheurgedthemtogiveupamodeoflifesofullofperil，aswelltothesoulastothebody；butasmostofthemwereGascons，roughlawlessfellows，hisspeechdidnotmakemuchimpressiononthem。RoqueoncomingupaskedSanchoifhismenhadreturnedandrestoredtohimthetreasuresandjewelstheyhadstrippedoffDapple。Sanchosaidtheyhad，butthatthreekerchiefsthatwereworththreecitiesweremissing。
“Whatareyoutalkingabout，man？”saidoneofthebystanders；“I
havegotthem，andtheyarenotworththreereals。“
“Thatistrue，“saidDonQuixote；“butmysquirevaluesthemattheratehesays，ashavingbeengivenmebythepersonwhogavethem。“
RoqueGuinartorderedthemtoberestoredatonce；andmakinghismenfallininlinehedirectedalltheclothing，jewellery，andmoneythattheyhadtakensincethelastdistributiontobeproduced；andmakingahastyvaluation，andreducingwhatcouldnotbedividedintomoney，hemadesharesforthewholebandsoequitablyandcarefully，thatinnocasedidheexceedorfallshortofstrictdistributivejustice。
Whenthishadbeendone，andallleftsatisfied，RoqueobservedtoDonQuixote，“Ifthisscrupulousexactnesswerenotobservedwiththesefellowstherewouldbenolivingwiththem。“
UponthisSanchoremarked，“FromwhatIhaveseenhere，justiceissuchagoodthingthatthereisnodoingwithoutit，evenamongthethievesthemselves。“
Oneofthesquiresheardthis，andraisingthebutt-endofhisharquebusswouldnodoubthavebrokenSancho\'sheadwithithadnotRoqueGuinartcalledouttohimtoholdhishand。Sanchowasfrightenedoutofhiswits，andvowednottoopenhislipssolongashewasinthecompanyofthesepeople。
Atthisinstantoneortwoofthosesquireswhowerepostedassentinelsontheroads，towatchwhocamealongthemandreportwhatpassedtotheirchief，cameupandsaid，“Senor，thereisagreattroopofpeoplenotfaroffcomingalongtheroadtoBarcelona。“
TowhichRoquereplied，“Hastthoumadeoutwhethertheyareofthesortthatareafterus，orofthesortweareafter？”
“Thesortweareafter，“saidthesquire。
“Wellthen，awaywithyouall，“saidRoque，“andbringthemheretomeatoncewithoutlettingoneofthemescape。“
Theyobeyed，andDonQuixote，Sancho，andRoque，leftbythemselves，waitedtoseewhatthesquiresbrought，andwhiletheywerewaitingRoquesaidtoDonQuixote，“ItmustseemastrangesortoflifetoSenorDonQuixote，thisofours，strangeadventures，strangeincidents，andallfullofdanger；andIdonotwonderthatitshouldseemso，forintruthImustownthereisnomodeoflifemorerestlessoranxiousthanours。Whatledmeintoitwasacertainthirstforvengeance，whichisstrongenoughtodisturbthequietesthearts。Iambynaturetender-heartedandkindly，but，asI
said，thedesiretorevengemyselfforawrongthatwasdonemesooverturnsallmybetterimpulsesthatIkeeponinthiswayoflifeinspiteofwhatconsciencetellsme；andasonedepthcallstoanother，andonesintoanothersin，revengeshavelinkedthemselvestogether，andIhavetakenuponmyselfnotonlymyownbutthoseofothers：itpleasesGod，however，that，thoughIseemyselfinthismazeofentanglements，Idonotloseallhopeofescapingfromitandreachingasafeport。“
DonQuixotewasamazedtohearRoqueuttersuchexcellentandjustsentiments，forhedidnotthinkthatamongthosewhofollowedsuchtradesasrobbing，murdering，andwaylaying，therecouldbeanyonecapableofavirtuousthought，andhesaidinreply，“SenorRoque，thebeginningofhealthliesinknowingthediseaseandinthesickman\'swillingnesstotakethemedicineswhichthephysicianprescribes；youaresick，youknowwhatailsyou，andheaven，ormoreproperlyspeakingGod，whoisourphysician，willadministermedicinesthatwillcureyou，andcuregradually，andnotofasuddenorbyamiracle；besides，sinnersofdiscernmentareneareramendmentthanthosewhoarefools；andasyourworshiphasshowngoodsenseinyourremarks，allyouhavetodoistokeepupagoodheartandtrustthattheweaknessofyourconsciencewillbestrengthened。
Andifyouhaveanydesiretoshortenthejourneyandputyourselfeasilyinthewayofsalvation，comewithme，andIwillshowyouhowtobecomeaknight-errant，acallingwhereinsomanyhardshipsandmishapsareencounteredthatiftheybetakenaspenancestheywilllodgeyouinheaveninatrice。“
RoquelaughedatDonQuixote\'sexhortation，andchangingtheconversationherelatedthetragicaffairofClaudiaJeronima，atwhichSanchowasextremelygrieved；forhehadnotfoundtheyoungwoman\'sbeauty，boldness，andspiritatallamiss。
Andnowthesquiresdespatchedtomaketheprizecameup，bringingwiththemtwogentlemenonhorseback，twopilgrimsonfoot，andacoachfullofwomenwithsomesixservantsonfootandonhorsebackinattendanceonthem，andacoupleofmuleteerswhomthegentlemenhadwiththem。Thesquiresmadearingroundthem，bothvictorsandvanquishedmaintainingprofoundsilence，waitingforthegreatRoqueGuinarttospeak。Heaskedthegentlemenwhotheywere，whithertheyweregoing，andwhatmoneytheycarriedwiththem；“Senor，“repliedoneofthem，“wearetwocaptainsofSpanishinfantry；ourcompaniesareatNaples，andweareonourwaytoembarkinfourgalleyswhichtheysayareatBarcelonaunderordersforSicily；andwehaveabouttwoorthreehundredcrowns，withwhichweare，accordingtoournotions，richandcontented，forasoldier\'spovertydoesnotallowamoreextensivehoard。“
Roqueaskedthepilgrimsthesamequestionshehadputtothecaptains，andwasansweredthattheyweregoingtotakeshipforRome，andthatbetweenthemtheymighthaveaboutsixtyreals。Heaskedalsowhowasinthecoach，whithertheywereboundandwhatmoneytheyhad，andoneofthemenonhorsebackreplied，“ThepersonsinthecoacharemyladyDonaGuiomardeQuinones，wifeoftheregentoftheVicariaatNaples，herlittledaughter，ahandmaidandaduenna；wesixservantsareinattendanceuponher，andthemoneyamountstosixhundredcrowns。“
“Sothen，“saidRoqueGuinart，“wehavegothereninehundredcrownsandsixtyreals；mysoldiersmustnumbersomesixty；seehowmuchtherefallstoeach，forIamabadarithmetician。“Assoonastherobbersheardthistheyraisedashoutof“LonglifetoRoqueGuinart，inspiteofthelladresthatseekhisruin！”
Thecaptainsshowedplainlytheconcerntheyfelt，theregent\'sladywasdowncast，andthepilgrimsdidnotatallenjoyseeingtheirpropertyconfiscated。Roquekepttheminsuspenseinthiswayforawhile；buthehadnodesiretoprolongtheirdistress，whichmightbeseenabowshotoff，andturningtothecaptainshesaid，“Sirs，willyourworshipsbepleasedofyourcourtesytolendmesixtycrowns，andherladyshiptheregent\'swifeeighty，tosatisfythisbandthatfollowsme，for\'itisbyhissingingtheabbotgetshisdinner；\'andthenyoumayatonceproceedonyourjourney，freeandunhindered，withasafe-conductwhichIshallgiveyou，sothatifyoucomeacrossanyotherbandsofminethatIhavescatteredintheseparts，theymaydoyounoharm；forIhavenointentionofdoinginjurytosoldiers，ortoanywoman，especiallyoneofquality。“
ProfuseandheartyweretheexpressionsofgratitudewithwhichthecaptainsthankedRoqueforhiscourtesyandgenerosity；forsuchtheyregardedhisleavingthemtheirownmoney。SenoraDonaGuiomardeQuinoneswantedtothrowherselfoutofthecoachtokissthefeetandhandsofthegreatRoque，buthewouldnotsufferitonanyaccount；
sofarfromthat，hebeggedherpardonforthewronghehaddoneherunderpressureoftheinexorablenecessitiesofhisunfortunatecalling。Theregent\'sladyorderedoneofherservantstogivetheeightycrownsthathadbeenassessedashershareatonce，forthecaptainshadalreadypaiddowntheirsixty。Thepilgrimswereabouttogiveupthewholeoftheirlittlehoard，butRoquebadethemkeepquiet，andturningtohismenhesaid，“Ofthesecrownstwofalltoeachmanandtwentyremainover；lettenbegiventothesepilgrims，andtheothertentothisworthysquirethathemaybeabletospeakfavourablyofthisadventure；“andthenhavingwritingmaterials，withwhichhealwayswentprovided，broughttohim，hegavetheminwritingasafe-conducttotheleadersofhisbands；andbiddingthemfarewellletthemgofreeandfilledwithadmirationathismagnanimity，hisgenerousdisposition，andhisunusualconduct，andinclinedtoregardhimasanAlexandertheGreatratherthananotoriousrobber。
OneofthesquiresobservedinhismixtureofGasconandCatalan，“Thiscaptainofourswouldmakeabetterfriarthanhighwayman；ifhewantstobesogenerousanothertime，letitbewithhisownpropertyandnotours。“
TheunluckywightdidnotspeaksolowbutthatRoqueoverheardhim，anddrawinghisswordalmostsplithisheadintwo，saying，“ThatisthewayIpunishimpudentsaucyfellows。“Theywerealltakenaback，andnotoneofthemdaredtoutteraword，suchdeferencedidtheypayhim。RoquethenwithdrewtoonesideandwrotealettertoafriendofhisatBarcelona，tellinghimthatthefamousDonQuixoteofLaMancha，theknight-errantofwhomtherewassomuchtalk，waswithhim，andwas，heassuredhim，thedrollestandwisestmanintheworld；andthatinfourdaysfromthatdate，thatistosay，onSaintJohntheBaptist\'sDay，hewasgoingtodeposithiminfullarmourmountedonhishorseRocinante，togetherwithhissquireSanchoonanass，inthemiddleofthestrandofthecity；andbiddinghimgivenoticeofthistohisfriendstheNiarros，thattheymightdivertthemselveswithhim。Hewished，hesaid，hisenemiestheCadellscouldbedeprivedofthispleasure；butthatwasimpossible，becausethecrazesandshrewdsayingsofDonQuixoteandthehumoursofhissquireSanchoPanzacouldnothelpgivinggeneralpleasuretoalltheworld。Hedespatchedtheletterbyoneofhissquires，who，exchangingthecostumeofahighwaymanforthatofapeasant，madehiswayintoBarcelonaandgaveittothepersontowhomitwasdirected。