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。