DonQuixote，whenheheardthelamentandlearnedthecause，consoledSanchowiththebestargumentshecould，entreatinghimtobepatient，andpromisingtogivehimaletterofexchangeorderingthreeoutoffiveass-coltsthathehadathometobegiventohim。Sanchotookcomfortatthis，driedhistears，suppressedhissobs，andreturnedthanksforthekindnessshownhimbyDonQuixote。Heonhispartwasrejoicedtotheheartonenteringthemountains，astheyseemedtohimtobejusttheplacefortheadventureshewasinquestof。Theybroughtbacktohismemorythemarvellousadventuresthathadbefallenknights-errantinlikesolitudesandwilds，andhewentalongreflectingonthesethings，soabsorbedandcarriedawaybythemthathehadnothoughtforanythingelse。NorhadSanchoanyothercarenowthathefanciedhewastravellinginasafequarter
　　thantosatisfyhisappetitewithsuchremainsaswereleftoftheclericalspoils，andsohemarchedbehindhismasterladenwithwhatDappleusedtocarry，emptyingthesackandpackinghispaunch，andsolongashecouldgothatway，hewouldnothavegivenafarthingtomeetwithanotheradventure。
　　Whilesoengagedheraisedhiseyesandsawthathismasterhadhalted，andwastryingwiththepointofhispiketoliftsomebulkyobjectthatlayupontheground，onwhichhehastenedtojoinhimandhelphimifitwereneedful，andreachedhimjustaswiththepointofthepikehewasraisingasaddle-padwithavaliseattachedtoit，halforratherwhollyrottenandtorn；butsoheavyweretheythatSanchohadtohelptotakethemup，andhismasterdirectedhimtoseewhatthevalisecontained。Sanchodidsowithgreatalacrity，andthoughthevalisewassecuredbyachainandpadlock，fromitstornandrottenconditionhewasabletoseeitscontents，whichwerefourshirtsoffineholland，andotherarticlesoflinennolesscuriousthanclean；andinahandkerchiefhefoundagoodlotofgoldcrowns，andassoonashesawthemheexclaimed：
　　“BlessedbeallHeavenforsendingusanadventurethatisgoodforsomething！”
　　Searchingfurtherhefoundalittlememorandumbookrichlybound；
　　thisDonQuixoteaskedofhim，tellinghimtotakethemoneyandkeepitforhimself。Sanchokissedhishandsforthefavour，andclearedthevaliseofitslinen，whichhestowedawayintheprovisionsack。Consideringthewholematter，DonQuixoteobserved：
　　“Itseemstome，Sancho-anditisimpossibleitcanbeotherwise-
　　thatsomestrayedtravellermusthavecrossedthissierraandbeenattackedandslainbyfootpads，whobroughthimtothisremotespottoburyhim。“
　　“Thatcannotbe，“answeredSancho，“becauseiftheyhadbeenrobberstheywouldnothaveleftthismoney。“
　　“Thouartright，“saidDonQuixote，“andIcannotguessorexplainwhatthismaymean；butstay；letusseeifinthismemorandumbookthereisanythingwrittenbywhichwemaybeabletotraceoutordiscoverwhatwewanttoknow。“
　　Heopenedit，andthefirstthinghefoundinit，writtenroughlybutinaverygoodhand，wasasonnet，andreadingitaloudthatSanchomighthearit，hefoundthatitranasfollows：
　　SONNET
　　OrLoveislackinginintelligence，Ortotheheightofcrueltyattains，OrelseitismydoomtosufferpainsBeyondthemeasureduetomyoffence。
　　ButifLovebeaGod，itfollowsthenceThatheknowsall，andcertainitremainsNoGodlovescruelty；thenwhoordainsThispenancethatenthralswhileittorments？
　　Itwereafalsehood，Chloe，theetoname；
　　Suchevilwithsuchgoodnesscannotlive；
　　AndagainstHeavenIdarenotchargetheblame，Ionlyknowitismyfatetodie。
　　TohimwhoknowsnotwhencehismaladyAmiraclealoneacurecangive。
　　“Thereisnothingtobelearnedfromthatrhyme，“saidSancho，“unlessbythatcluethere'sinit，onemaydrawouttheballofthewholematter。“
　　“Whatclueisthere？”saidDonQuixote。
　　“Ithoughtyourworshipspokeofaclueinit，“saidSancho。
　　“IonlysaidChloe，“repliedDonQuixote；“andthatnodoubt，isthenameoftheladyofwhomtheauthorofthesonnetcomplains；and，faith，hemustbeatolerablepoet，orIknowlittleofthecraft。“
　　“Thenyourworshipunderstandsrhymingtoo？”
　　“Andbetterthanthouthinkest，“repliedDonQuixote，“asthoushaltseewhenthoucarriestaletterwritteninversefrombeginningtoendtomyladyDulcineadelToboso，forIwouldhavetheeknow，Sancho，thatallormostoftheknights-errantindaysofyoreweregreattroubadoursandgreatmusicians，forbothoftheseaccomplishments，ormoreproperlyspeakinggifts，arethepeculiarpropertyoflovers-errant：trueitisthattheversesoftheknightsofoldhavemorespiritthanneatnessinthem。“
　　“Readmore，yourworship，“saidSancho，“andyouwillfindsomethingthatwillenlightenus。“
　　DonQuixoteturnedthepageandsaid，“Thisisproseandseemstobealetter。“
　　“Acorrespondenceletter，senor？”
　　“Fromthebeginningitseemstobealoveletter，“repliedDonQuixote。
　　“Thenletyourworshipreaditaloud，“saidSancho，“forIamveryfondoflovematters。“
　　“Withallmyheart，“saidDonQuixote，andreadingitaloudasSanchohadrequestedhim，hefounditranthus：
　　Thyfalsepromiseandmysuremisforutnecarrymetoaplacewhencethenewsofmydeathwillreachthyearsbeforethewordsofmycomplaint。Ungratefulone，thouhastrejectedmeforonemorewealthy，butnotmoreworthy；butifvirtuewereesteemedwealthIshouldneitherenvythefortunesofothersnorweepformisfortunesofmyown。Whatthybeautyraisedupthydeedshavelaidlow；byitI
　　believedtheetobeanangel，bythemIknowthouartawoman。Peacebewiththeewhohastsentwartome，andHeavengrantthatthedeceitofthyhusbandbeeverhiddenfromthee，sothatthourepentnotofwhatthouhastdone，andIreapnotarevengeIwouldnothave。
　　Whenhehadfinishedtheletter，DonQuixotesaid，“Thereislesstobegatheredfromthisthanfromtheverses，exceptthathewhowroteitissomerejectedlover；“andturningovernearlyallthepagesofthebookhefoundmoreversesandletters，someofwhichhecouldread，whileothershecouldnot；buttheywereallmadeupofcomplaints，laments，misgivings，desiresandaversions，favoursandrejections，somerapturous，somedoleful。WhileDonQuixoteexaminedthebook，Sanchoexaminedthevalise，notleavingacornerinthewholeofitorinthepadthathedidnotsearch，peerinto，andexplore，orseamthathedidnotrip，ortuftofwoolthathedidnotpicktopieces，lestanythingshouldescapeforwantofcareandpains；sokeenwasthecovetousnessexcitedinhimbythediscoveryofthecrowns，whichamountedtonearahundred；andthoughhefoundnomorebooty，heheldtheblanketflights，balsamvomits，stakebenedictions，carriers'fisticuffs，missingalforjas，stolencoat，andallthehunger，thirst，andwearinesshehadenduredintheserviceofhisgoodmaster，cheapattheprice；asheconsideredhimselfmorethanfullyindemnifiedforallbythepaymenthereceivedinthegiftofthetreasure-trove。
　　TheKnightoftheRuefulCountenancewasstillveryanxioustofindoutwhotheownerofthevalisecouldbe，conjecturingfromthesonnetandletter，fromthemoneyingold，andfromthefinenessoftheshirts，thathemustbesomeloverofdistinctionwhomthescornandcrueltyofhisladyhaddriventosomedesperatecourse；butasinthatuninhabitedandruggedspottherewasnoonetobeseenofwhomhecouldinquire，hesawnothingelseforitbuttopushon，takingwhateverroadRocinantechose-whichwaswherehecouldmakehisway-firmlypersuadedthatamongthesewildshecouldnotfailtomeetsomerareadventure。Ashewentalong，then，occupiedwiththesethoughts，heperceivedonthesummitofaheightthatrosebeforetheireyesamanwhowentspringingfromrocktorockandfromtussocktotussockwithmarvellousagility。Aswellashecouldmakeouthewasunclad，withathickblackbeard，longtangledhair，andbarelegsandfeet，histhighswerecoveredbybreechesapparentlyoftawnyvelvetbutsoraggedthattheyshowedhisskininseveralplaces。Hewasbareheaded，andnotwithstandingtheswiftnesswithwhichhepassedashasbeendescribed，theKnightoftheRuefulCountenanceobservedandnotedallthesetrifles，andthoughhemadetheattempt，hewasunabletofollowhim，foritwasnotgrantedtothefeeblenessofRocinantetomakewayoversuchroughground，hebeing，moreover，slow-pacedandsluggishbynature。DonQuixoteatoncecametotheconclusionthatthiswastheownerofthesaddle-padandofthevalise，andmadeuphismindtogoinsearchofhim，eventhoughheshouldhavetowanderayearinthosemountainsbeforehefoundhim，andsohedirectedSanchototakeashortcutoveronesideofthemountain，whilehehimselfwentbytheother，andperhapsbythismeanstheymightlightuponthismanwhohadpassedsoquicklyoutoftheirsight。
　　“Icouldnotdothat，“saidSancho，“forwhenIseparatefromyourworshipfearatoncelaysholdofme，andassailsmewithallsortsofpanicsandfancies；andletwhatInowsaybeanoticethatfromthistimeforthIamnotgoingtostirafinger'swidthfromyourpresence。“
　　“Itshallbeso，“saidheoftheRuefulCountenance，“andIamverygladthatthouartwillingtorelyonmycourage，whichwillneverfailthee，eventhoughthesoulinthybodyfailthee；socomeonnowbehindmeslowlyaswellasthoucanst，andmakelanternsofthineeyes；letusmakethecircuitofthisridge；perhapsweshalllightuponthismanthatwesaw，whonodoubtisnootherthantheownerofwhatwefound。“
　　TowhichSanchomadeanswer，“Farbetterwoulditbenottolookforhim，for，ifwefindhim，andhehappenstobetheownerofthemoney，itisplainImustrestoreit；itwouldbebetter，therefore，thatwithouttakingthisneedlesstrouble，Ishouldkeeppossessionofituntilinsomeotherlessmeddlesomeandofficiouswaytherealownermaybediscovered；andperhapsthatwillbewhenIshallhavespentit，andthenthekingwillholdmeharmless。“
　　“Thouartwrongthere，Sancho，“saidDonQuixote，“fornowthatwehaveasuspicionwhotheowneris，andhavehimalmostbeforeus，weareboundtoseekhimandmakerestitution；andifwedonotseehim，thestrongsuspicionwehaveastohisbeingtheownermakesusasguiltyasifhewereso；andso，friendSancho，letnotoursearchforhimgivetheeanyuneasiness，forifwefindhimitwillrelievemine。“
　　AndsosayinghegaveRocinantethespur，andSanchofollowedhimonfootandloaded，andafterhavingpartlymadethecircuitofthemountaintheyfoundlyinginaravine，deadandhalfdevouredbydogsandpeckedbyjackdaws，amulesaddledandbridled，allwhichstillfurtherstrengthenedtheirsuspicionthathewhohadfledwastheownerofthemuleandthesaddle-pad。
　　Astheystoodlookingatittheyheardawhistlelikethatofashepherdwatchinghisflock，andsuddenlyontheirleftthereappearedagreatnumberofgoatsandbehindthemonthesummitofthemountainthegoatherdinchargeofthem，amanadvancedinyears。
　　DonQuixotecalledaloudtohimandbeggedhimtocomedowntowheretheystood。Heshoutedinreturn，askingwhathadbroughtthemtothatspot，seldomornevertroddenexceptbythefeetofgoats，orofthewolvesandotherwildbeaststhatroamedaround。Sanchoinreturnbadehimcomedown，andtheywouldexplainalltohim。
　　Thegoatherddescended，andreachingtheplacewhereDonQuixotestood，hesaid，“Iwillwageryouarelookingatthathackmulethatliesdeadinthehollowthere，and，faith，ithasbeenlyingtherenowthesesixmonths；tellme，haveyoucomeuponitsmasterabouthere？”
　　“Wehavecomeuponnobody，“answeredDonQuixote，“noronanythingexceptasaddle-padandalittlevalisethatwefoundnotfarfromthis。“
　　“Ifoundittoo，“saidthegoatherd，“butIwouldnotliftitnorgonearitforfearofsomeill-luckorbeingchargedwiththeft，forthedeviliscrafty，andthingsriseupunderone'sfeettomakeonefallwithoutknowingwhyorwherefore。“
　　“That'sexactlywhatIsay，“saidSancho；“Ifoundittoo，andI
　　wouldnotgowithinastone'sthrowofit；thereIleftit，andthereitliesjustasitwas，forIdon'twantadogwithabell。“
　　“Tellme，goodman，“saidDonQuixote，“doyouknowwhoistheownerofthisproperty？”
　　“AllIcantellyou，“saidthegoatherd，“isthataboutsixmonthsago，moreorless，therearrivedatashepherd'shutthreeleagues，perhaps，awayfromthis，ayouthofwell-bredappearanceandmanners，mountedonthatsamemulewhichliesdeadhere，andwiththesamesaddle-padandvalisewhichyousayyoufoundanddidnottouch。Heaskeduswhatpartofthissierrawasthemostruggedandretired；wetoldhimthatitwaswherewenoware；andsointruthitis，forifyoupushonhalfaleaguefarther，perhapsyouwillnotbeabletofindyourwayout；andIamwonderinghowyouhavemanagedtocomehere，forthereisnoroadorpaththatleadstothisspot。Isay，then，thatonhearingouranswertheyouthturnedaboutandmadefortheplacewepointedouttohim，leavingusallcharmedwithhisgoodlooks，andwonderingathisquestionandthehastewithwhichwesawhimdepartinthedirectionofthesierra；andafterthatwesawhimnomore，untilsomedaysafterwardshecrossedthepathofoneofourshepherds，andwithoutsayingawordtohim，cameuptohimandgavehimseveralcuffsandkicks，andthenturnedtotheasswithourprovisionsandtookallthebreadandcheeseitcarried，andhavingdonethismadeoffbackagainintothesierrawithextraordinaryswiftness。Whensomeofusgoatherdslearnedthiswewentinsearchofhimforabouttwodaysthroughthemostremoteportionofthissierra，attheendofwhichwefoundhimlodgedinthehollowofalargethickcorktree。Hecameouttomeetuswithgreatgentleness，withhisdressnowtornandhisfacesodisfiguredandburnedbythesun，thatwehardlyrecognisedhimbutthathisclothes，thoughtorn，convincedus，fromtherecollectionwehadofthem，thathewasthepersonwewerelookingfor。Hesaluteduscourteously，andinafewwell-spokenwordshetoldusnottowonderatseeinghimgoingaboutinthisguise，asitwasbindinguponhiminorderthathemightworkoutapenancewhichforhismanysinshadbeenimposeduponhim。Weaskedhimtotelluswhohewas，butwewereneverabletofindoutfromhim：webeggedofhimtoo，whenhewasinwantoffood，whichhecouldnotdowithout，totelluswhereweshouldfindhim，aswewouldbringittohimwithallgood-willandreadiness；orifthiswerenottohistaste，atleasttocomeandaskitofusandnottakeitbyforcefromtheshepherds。Hethankedusfortheoffer，beggedpardonforthelateassault，andpromisedforthefuturetoaskitinGod'snamewithoutofferingviolencetoanybody。Asforfixedabode，hesaidhehadnootherthanthatwhichchanceofferedwherevernightmightovertakehim；andhiswordsendedinanoutburstofweepingsobitterthatwewholistenedtohimmusthavebeenverystoneshadwenotjoinedhiminit，comparingwhatwesawofhimthefirsttimewithwhatwesawnow；for，asIsaid，hewasagracefulandgraciousyouth，andinhiscourteousandpolishedlanguageshowedhimselftobeofgoodbirthandcourtlybreeding，andrusticsaswewerethatlistenedtohim，eventoourrusticityhisgentlebearingsufficedtomakeitplain。
　　“Butinthemidstofhisconversationhestoppedandbecamesilent，keepinghiseyesfixeduponthegroundforsometime，duringwhichwestoodstillwaitinganxiouslytoseewhatwouldcomeofthisabstraction；andwithnolittlepity，forfromhisbehaviour，nowstaringatthegroundwithfixedgazeandeyeswideopenwithoutmovinganeyelid，againclosingthem，compressinghislipsandraisinghiseyebrows，wecouldperceiveplainlythatafitofmadnessofsomekindhadcomeuponhim；andbeforelongheshowedthatwhatweimaginedwasthetruth，forhearoseinafuryfromthegroundwherehehadthrownhimself，andattackedthefirsthefoundnearhimwithsuchrageandfiercenessthatifwehadnotdraggedhimoffhim，hewouldhavebeatenorbittenhimtodeath，allthewhileexclaiming，'OhfaithlessFernando，here，hereshaltthoupaythepenaltyofthewrongthouhastdoneme；thesehandsshalltearoutthatheartofthine，abodeanddwellingofalliniquity，butofdeceitandfraudaboveall；andtotheseheaddedotherwordsallineffectupbraidingthisFernandoandcharginghimwithtreacheryandfaithlessness。
　　“Weforcedhimtoreleasehisholdwithnolittledifficulty，andwithoutanotherwordheleftus，andrushingoffplungedinamongthesebrakesandbrambles，soastomakeitimpossibleforustofollowhim；fromthiswesupposethatmadnesscomesuponhimfromtimetotime，andthatsomeonecalledFernandomusthavedonehimawrongofagrievousnaturesuchastheconditiontowhichithadbroughthimseemedtoshow。Allthishasbeensincethenconfirmedonthoseoccasions，andtheyhavebeenmany，onwhichhehascrossedourpath，atonetimetobegtheshepherdstogivehimsomeofthefoodtheycarry，atanothertotakeitfromthembyforce；forwhenthereisafitofmadnessuponhim，eventhoughtheshepherdsofferitfreely，hewillnotacceptitbutsnatchesitfromthembydintofblows；butwhenheisinhissenseshebegsitfortheloveofGod，courteouslyandcivilly，andreceivesitwithmanythanksandnotafewtears。Andtotellyouthetruth，sirs，“continuedthegoatherd，“itwasyesterdaythatweresolved，Iandfourofthelads，twoofthemourservants，andtheothertwofriendsofmine，togoinsearchofhimuntilwefindhim，andwhenwedototakehim，whetherbyforceorofhisownconsent，tothetownofAlmodovar，whichiseightleaguesfromthis，andtherestrivetocurehimifindeedhismaladyadmitsofacure，orlearnwhenheisinhissenseswhoheis，andifhehasrelativestowhomwemaygivenoticeofhismisfortune。This，sirs，isallIcansayinanswertowhatyouhaveaskedme；andbesurethattheownerofthearticlesyoufoundishewhomyousawpassbywithsuchnimblenessandsonaked。“
　　ForDonQuixotehadalreadydescribedhowhehadseenthemangoboundingalongthemountainside，andhewasnowfilledwithamazementatwhatheheardfromthegoatherd，andmoreeagerthanevertodiscoverwhotheunhappymadmanwas；andinhisheartheresolved，ashehaddonebefore，tosearchforhimalloverthemountain，notleavingacornerorcaveunexamineduntilhehadfoundhim。Butchancearrangedmattersbetterthanheexpectedorhoped，foratthatverymoment，inagorgeonthemountainthatopenedwheretheystood，theyouthhewishedtofindmadehisappearance，comingalongtalkingtohimselfinawaythatwouldhavebeenunintelligiblenearathand，muchmoreatadistance。Hisgarbwaswhathasbeendescribed，savethatashedrewnear，DonQuixoteperceivedthatatattereddoubletwhichheworewasamber-tanned，fromwhichheconcludedthatonewhoworesuchgarmentscouldnotbeofverylowrank。
　　Approachingthem，theyouthgreetedtheminaharshandhoarsevoicebutwithgreatcourtesy。DonQuixotereturnedhissalutationwithequalpoliteness，anddismountingfromRocinanteadvancedwithwell-bredbearingandgracetoembracehim，andheldhimforsometimecloseinhisarmsasifhehadknownhimforalongtime。Theother，whomwemaycalltheRaggedOneoftheSorryCountenance，asDonQuixotewasoftheRueful，aftersubmittingtotheembracepushedhimbackalittleand，placinghishandsonDonQuixote'sshoulders，stoodgazingathimasifseekingtoseewhetherheknewhim，notlessamazed，perhaps，atthesightoftheface，figure，andarmourofDonQuixotethanDonQuixotewasatthesightofhim。Tobebrief，thefirsttospeakafterembracingwastheRaggedOne，andhesaidwhatwillbetoldfartheron。
　　CHAPTERXXIV
　　INWHICHISCONTINUEDTHEADVENTUREOFTHESIERRAMORENA
　　THEhistoryrelatesthatitwaswiththegreatestattentionDonQuixotelistenedtotheraggedknightoftheSierra，whobeganbysaying：
　　“Ofasurety，senor，whoeveryouare，forIknowyounot，Ithankyoufortheproofsofkindnessandcourtesyyouhaveshownme，andwouldIwereinaconditiontorequitewithsomethingmorethangood-willthatwhichyouhavedisplayedtowardsmeinthecordialreceptionyouhavegivenme；butmyfatedoesnotaffordmeanyothermeansofreturningkindnessesdonemesavetheheartydesiretorepaythem。“
　　“Mine，“repliedDonQuixote，“istobeofservicetoyou，somuchsothatIhadresolvednottoquitthesemountainsuntilIhadfoundyou，andlearnedofyouwhetherthereisanykindofrelieftobefoundforthatsorrowunderwhichfromthestrangenessofyourlifeyouseemtolabour；andtosearchforyouwithallpossiblediligence，ifsearchhadbeennecessary。Andifyourmisfortuneshouldprovetobeoneofthosethatrefuseadmissiontoanysortofconsolation，itwasmypurposetojoinyouinlamentingandmourningoverit，sofarasIcould；foritisstillsomecomfortinmisfortunetofindonewhocanfeelforit。Andifmygoodintentionsdeservetobeacknowledgedwithanykindofcourtesy，Ientreatyou，senor，bythatwhichIperceiveyoupossessinsohighadegree，andlikewiseconjureyoubywhateveryouloveorhavelovedbestinlife，totellmewhoyouareandthecausethathasbroughtyoutoliveordieinthesesolitudeslikeabrutebeast，dwellingamongtheminamannersoforeigntoyourconditionasyourgarbandappearanceshow。AndI
　　swear，“addedDonQuixote，“bytheorderofknighthoodwhichIhavereceived，andbymyvocationofknight-errant，ifyougratifymeinthis，toserveyouwithallthezealmycallingdemandsofme，eitherinrelievingyourmisfortuneifitadmitsofrelief，orinjoiningyouinlamentingitasIpromisedtodo。“
　　TheKnightoftheThicket，hearinghimoftheRuefulCountenancetalkinthisstrain，didnothingbutstareathim，andstareathimagain，andagainsurveyhimfromheadtofoot；andwhenhehadthoroughlyexaminedhim，hesaidtohim：
　　“Ifyouhaveanythingtogivemetoeat，forGod'ssakegiveitme，andafterIhaveeatenIwilldoallyouaskinacknowledgmentofthegoodwillyouhavedisplayedtowardsme。“
　　Sanchofromhissack，andthegoatherdfromhispouch，furnishedtheRaggedOnewiththemeansofappeasinghishunger，andwhattheygavehimheatelikeahalf-wittedbeing，sohastilythathetooknotimebetweenmouthfuls，gorgingratherthanswallowing；andwhileheateneitherhenortheywhoobservedhimutteredaword。Assoonashehaddonehemadesignstothemtofollowhim，whichtheydid，andheledthemtoagreenplotwhichlayalittlefartheroffroundthecornerofarock。Onreachingithestretchedhimselfuponthegrass，andtheothersdidthesame，allkeepingsilence，untiltheRaggedOne，settlinghimselfinhisplace，said：
　　“Ifitisyourwish，sirs，thatIshoulddiscloseinafewwordsthesurpassingextentofmymisfortunes，youmustpromisenottobreakthethreadofmysadstorywithanyquestionorotherinterruption，fortheinstantyoudosothetaleItellwillcometoanend。“
　　ThesewordsoftheRaggedOneremindedDonQuixoteofthetalehissquirehadtoldhim，whenhefailedtokeepcountofthegoatsthathadcrossedtheriverandthestoryremainedunfinished；buttoreturntotheRaggedOne，hewentontosay：
　　“IgiveyouthiswarningbecauseIwishtopassbrieflyoverthestoryofmymisfortunes，forrecallingthemtomemoryonlyservestoaddfreshones，andthelessyouquestionmethesoonershallImakeanendoftherecital，thoughIshallnotomittorelateanythingofimportanceinorderfullytosatisfyyourcuriosity。“
　　DonQuixotegavethepromiseforhimselfandtheothers，andwiththisassurancehebeganasfollows：
　　“MynameisCardenio，mybirthplaceoneofthebestcitiesofthisAndalusia，myfamilynoble，myparentsrich，mymisfortunesogreatthatmyparentsmusthaveweptandmyfamilygrievedoveritwithoutbeingablebytheirwealthtolightenit；forthegiftsoffortunecandolittletorelievereversessentbyHeaven。InthatsamecountrytherewasaheaveninwhichlovehadplacedallthegloryIcoulddesire；suchwasthebeautyofLuscinda，adamselasnobleandasrichasI，butofhappierfortunes，andoflessfirmnessthanwasduetosoworthyapassionasmine。ThisLuscindaIloved，worshipped，andadoredfrommyearliestandtenderestyears，andshelovedmeinalltheinnocenceandsincerityofchildhood。Ourparentswereawareofourfeelings，andwerenotsorrytoperceivethem，fortheysawclearlythatastheyripenedtheymustleadatlasttoamarriagebetweenus，athingthatseemedalmostprearrangedbytheequalityofourfamiliesandwealth。Wegrewup，andwithourgrowthgrewthelovebetweenus，sothatthefatherofLuscindafeltboundforpropriety'ssaketorefusemeadmissiontohishouse，inthisperhapsimitatingtheparentsofthatThisbesocelebratedbythepoets，andthisrefusalbutaddedlovetoloveandflametoflame；forthoughtheyenforcedsilenceuponourtonguestheycouldnotimposeituponourpens，whichcanmakeknowntheheart'ssecretstoalovedonemorefreelythantongues；formanyatimethepresenceoftheobjectofloveshakesthefirmestwillandstrikesdumbtheboldesttongue。
　　Ahheavens！howmanylettersdidIwriteher，andhowmanydaintymodestrepliesdidIreceive！howmanydittiesandlove-songsdidI
　　composeinwhichmyheartdeclaredandmadeknownitsfeelings，describeditsardentlongings，revelledinitsrecollectionsanddalliedwithitsdesires！Atlengthgrowingimpatientandfeelingmyheartlanguishingwithlongingtoseeher，Iresolvedtoputintoexecutionandcarryoutwhatseemedtomethebestmodeofwinningmydesiredandmeritedreward，toaskherofherfatherformylawfulwife，whichIdid。TothishisanswerwasthathethankedmeforthedispositionIshowedtodohonourtohimandtoregardmyselfashonouredbythebestowalofhistreasure；butthatasmyfatherwasaliveitwashisbyrighttomakethisdemand，forifitwerenotinaccordancewithhisfullwillandpleasure，Luscindawasnottobetakenorgivenbystealth。Ithankedhimforhiskindness，reflectingthattherewasreasoninwhathesaid，andthatmyfatherwouldassenttoitassoonasIshouldtellhim，andwiththatviewIwenttheverysameinstanttolethimknowwhatmydesireswere。
　　WhenIenteredtheroomwherehewasIfoundhimwithanopenletterinhishand，which，beforeIcouldutteraword，hegaveme，saying，'Bythisletterthouwiltsee，Cardenio，thedispositiontheDukeRicardohastoservethee。'ThisDukeRicardo，asyou，sirs，probablyknowalready，isagrandeeofSpainwhohashisseatinthebestpartofthisAndalusia。Itookandreadtheletter，whichwascouchedintermssoflatteringthatevenImyselffeltitwouldbewronginmyfathernottocomplywiththerequestthedukemadeinit，whichwasthathewouldsendmeimmediatelytohim，ashewishedmetobecomethecompanion，notservant，ofhiseldestson，andwouldtakeuponhimselfthechargeofplacingmeinapositioncorrespondingtotheesteeminwhichheheldme。Onreadingthelettermyvoicefailedme，andstillmorewhenIheardmyfathersay，'Twodayshencethouwiltdepart，Cardenio，inaccordancewiththeduke'swish，andgivethankstoGodwhoisopeningaroadtotheebywhichthoumayestattainwhatIknowthoudostdeserve；andtothesewordsheaddedothersoffatherlycounsel。Thetimeformydeparturearrived；IspokeonenighttoLuscinda，Itoldherallthathadoccurred，asIdidalsotoherfather，entreatinghimtoallowsomedelay，andtodeferthedisposalofherhanduntilIshouldseewhattheDukeRicardosoughtofme：hegavemethepromise，andsheconfirmeditwithvowsandswooningsunnumbered。Finally，I
　　presentedmyselftotheduke，andwasreceivedandtreatedbyhimsokindlythatverysoonenvybegantodoitswork，theoldservantsgrowingenviousofme，andregardingtheduke'sinclinationtoshowmefavourasaninjurytothemselves。Buttheonetowhommyarrivalgavethegreatestpleasurewastheduke'ssecondson，Fernandobyname，agallantyouth，ofnoble，generous，andamorousdisposition，whoverysoonmadesointimateafriendofmethatitwasremarkedbyeverybody；forthoughtheelderwasattachedtome，andshowedmekindness，hedidnotcarryhisaffectionatetreatmenttothesamelengthasDonFernando。Itsohappened，then，thatasbetweenfriendsnosecretremainsunshared，andasthefavourIenjoyedwithDonFernandohadgrownintofriendship，hemadeallhisthoughtsknowntome，andinparticularaloveaffairwhichtroubledhismindalittle。Hewasdeeplyinlovewithapeasantgirl，avassalofhisfather's，thedaughterofwealthyparents，andherselfsobeautiful，modest，discreet，andvirtuous，thatnoonewhoknewherwasabletodecideinwhichoftheserespectsshewasmosthighlygiftedormostexcelled。TheattractionsofthefairpeasantraisedthepassionofDonFernandotosuchapointthat，inordertogainhisobjectandovercomehervirtuousresolutions，hedeterminedtopledgehiswordtohertobecomeherhusband，fortoattemptitinanyotherwaywastoattemptanimpossibility。BoundtohimasIwasbyfriendship，I
　　strovebythebestargumentsandthemostforcibleexamplesIcouldthinkoftorestrainanddissuadehimfromsuchacourse；butperceivingIproducednoeffectIresolvedtomaketheDukeRicardo，hisfather，acquaintedwiththematter；butDonFernando，beingsharp-wittedandshrewd，foresawandapprehendedthis，perceivingthatbymydutyasagoodservantIwasboundnottokeepconcealedathingsomuchopposedtothehonourofmylordtheduke；andso，tomisleadanddeceiveme，hetoldmehecouldfindnobetterwayofeffacingfromhismindthebeautythatsoenslavedhimthanbyabsentinghimselfforsomemonths，andthathewishedtheabsencetobeeffectedbyourgoing，bothofus，tomyfather'shouseunderthepretence，whichhewouldmaketotheduke，ofgoingtoseeandbuysomefinehorsesthattherewereinmycity，whichproducesthebestintheworld。WhenIheardhimsayso，evenifhisresolutionhadnotbeensogoodaoneIshouldhavehaileditasoneofthehappiestthatcouldbeimagined，promptedbymyaffection，seeingwhatafavourablechanceandopportunityitofferedmeofreturningtoseemyLuscinda。WiththisthoughtandwishIcommendedhisideaandencouragedhisdesign，advisinghimtoputitintoexecutionasquicklyaspossible，as，intruth，absenceproduceditseffectinspiteofthemostdeeplyrootedfeelings。But，asafterwardsappeared，whenhesaidthistomehehadalreadyenjoyedthepeasantgirlunderthetitleofhusband，andwaswaitingforanopportunityofmakingitknownwithsafetytohimself，beingindreadofwhathisfatherthedukewoulddowhenhecametoknowofhisfolly。Ithappened，then，thataswithyoungmenloveisforthemostpartnothingmorethanappetite，which，asitsfinalobjectisenjoyment，comestoanendonobtainingit，andthatwhichseemedtobelovetakestoflight，asitcannotpassthelimitfixedbynature，whichfixesnolimittotruelove-whatImeanisthatafterDonFernandohadenjoyedthispeasantgirlhispassionsubsidedandhiseagernesscooled，andifatfirsthefeignedawishtoabsenthimselfinordertocurehislove，hewasnowinrealityanxioustogotoavoidkeepinghispromise。
　　“Thedukegavehimpermission，andorderedmetoaccompanyhim；wearrivedatmycity，andmyfathergavehimthereceptionduetohisrank；IsawLuscindawithoutdelay，and，thoughithadnotbeendeadordeadened，mylovegatheredfreshlife。TomysorrowItoldthestoryofittoDonFernando，forIthoughtthatinvirtueofthegreatfriendshipheboremeIwasboundtoconcealnothingfromhim。I
　　extolledherbeauty，hergaiety，herwit，sowarmly，thatmypraisesexcitedinhimadesiretoseeadamseladornedbysuchattractions。
　　TomymisfortuneIyieldedtoit，showinghertohimonenightbythelightofataperatawindowwhereweusedtotalktooneanother。
　　Assheappearedtohiminherdressing-gown，shedroveallthebeautieshehadseenuntilthenoutofhisrecollection；speechfailedhim，hisheadturned，hewasspell-bound，andintheendlove-smitten，asyouwillseeinthecourseofthestoryofmymisfortune；andtoinflamestillfurtherhispassion，whichhehidfrommeandrevealedtoHeavenalone，itsohappenedthatonedayhefoundanoteofhersentreatingmetodemandherofherfatherinmarriage，sodelicate，somodest，andsotender，thatonreadingithetoldmethatinLuscindaalonewerecombinedallthecharmsofbeautyandunderstandingthatweredistributedamongalltheotherwomenintheworld。Itistrue，andIownitnow，thatthoughIknewwhatgoodcauseDonFernandohadtopraiseLuscinda，itgavemeuneasinesstohearthesepraisesfromhismouth，andIbegantofear，andwithreasontofeeldistrustofhim，fortherewasnomomentwhenhewasnotreadytotalkofLuscinda，andhewouldstartthesubjecthimselfeventhoughhedraggeditinunseasonably，acircumstancethatarousedinmeacertainamountofjealousy；notthatIfearedanychangeintheconstancyorfaithofLuscinda；butstillmyfateledmetoforebodewhatsheassuredmeagainst。DonFernandocontrivedalwaystoreadthelettersIsenttoLuscindaandheranswerstome，underthepretencethatheenjoyedthewitandsenseofboth。Itsohappened，then，thatLuscindahavingbeggedofmeabookofchivalrytoread，onethatshewasveryfondof，AmadisofGaul-“
　　DonQuixotenosoonerheardabookofchivalrymentioned，thanhesaid：
　　“HadyourworshiptoldmeatthebeginningofyourstorythattheLadyLuscindawasfondofbooksofchivalry，nootherlaudationwouldhavebeenrequisitetoimpressuponmethesuperiorityofherunderstanding，foritcouldnothavebeenoftheexcellenceyoudescribehadatasteforsuchdelightfulreadingbeenwanting；so，asfarasIamconcerned，youneedwastenomorewordsindescribingherbeauty，worth，andintelligence；for，onmerelyhearingwhathertastewas，Ideclarehertobethemostbeautifulandthemostintelligentwomanintheworld；andIwishyourworshiphad，alongwithAmadisofGaul，senthertheworthyDonRugelofGreece，forI
　　knowtheLadyLuscindawouldgreatlyrelishDaraidaandGaraya，andtheshrewdsayingsoftheshepherdDarinel，andtheadmirableversesofhisbucolics，sunganddeliveredbyhimwithsuchsprightliness，wit，andease；butatimemaycomewhenthisomissioncanberemedied，andtorectifyitnothingmoreisneededthanforyourworshiptobesogoodastocomewithmetomyvillage，forthereIcangiveyoumorethanthreehundredbookswhicharethedelightofmysoulandtheentertainmentofmylife；-thoughitoccurstomethatIhavenotgotoneofthemnow，thankstothespiteofwickedandenviousenchanters；-butpardonmeforhavingbrokenthepromisewemadenottointerruptyourdiscourse；forwhenIhearchivalryorknights-errantmentioned，Icannomorehelptalkingaboutthemthantheraysofthesuncanhelpgivingheat，orthoseofthemoonmoisture；pardonme，therefore，andproceed，forthatismoretothepurposenow。“
　　WhileDonQuixotewassayingthis，Cardenioallowedhisheadtofalluponhisbreast，andseemedplungedindeepthought；andthoughtwiceDonQuixotebadehimgoonwithhisstory，heneitherlookedupnorutteredawordinreply；butaftersometimeheraisedhisheadandsaid，“Icannotgetridoftheidea，norwillanyoneintheworldremoveit，ormakemethinkotherwise-andhewouldbeablockheadwhowouldholdorbelieveanythingelsethanthatthatarrantknaveMasterElisabadmadefreewithQueenMadasima。“
　　“Thatisnottrue，byallthat'sgood，“saidDonQuixoteinhighwrath，turninguponhimangrily，ashiswaywas；“anditisaverygreatslander，orrathervillainy。QueenMadasimawasaveryillustriouslady，anditisnottobesupposedthatsoexaltedaprincesswouldhavemadefreewithaquack；andwhoevermaintainsthecontrarylieslikeagreatscoundrel，andIwillgivehimtoknowit，onfootoronhorseback，armedorunarmed，bynightorbyday，orashelikesbest。“
　　Cardeniowaslookingathimsteadily，andhismadfithavingnowcomeuponhim，hehadnodispositiontogoonwithhisstory，norwouldDonQuixotehavelistenedtoit，somuchhadwhathehadheardaboutMadasimadisgustedhim。Strangetosay，hestoodupforherasifshewereinearnesthisveritablebornlady；tosuchapasshadhisunholybooksbroughthim。Cardenio，then，being，asIsaid，nowmad，whenheheardhimselfgiventhelie，andcalledascoundrelandotherinsultingnames，notrelishingthejest，snatchedupastonethathefoundnearhim，andwithitdeliveredsuchablowonDonQuixote'sbreastthathelaidhimonhisback。SanchoPanza，seeinghismastertreatedinthisfashion，attackedthemadmanwithhisclosedfist；buttheRaggedOnereceivedhiminsuchawaythatwithablowofhisfisthestretchedhimathisfeet，andthenmountinguponhimcrushedhisribstohisownsatisfaction；thegoatherd，whocametotherescue，sharedthesamefate；andhavingbeatenandpummelledthemallheleftthemandquietlywithdrewtohishiding-placeonthemountain。Sanchorose，andwiththeragehefeltatfindinghimselfsobelabouredwithoutdeservingit，rantotakevengeanceonthegoatherd，accusinghimofnotgivingthemwarningthatthismanwasattimestakenwithamadfit，foriftheyhadknownittheywouldhavebeenontheirguardtoprotectthemselves。Thegoatherdrepliedthathehadsaidso，andthatifhehadnotheardhim，thatwasnofaultofhis。Sanchoretorted，andthegoatherdrejoined，andthealtercationendedintheirseizingeachotherbythebeard，andexchangingsuchfisticuffsthatifDonQuixotehadnotmadepeacebetweenthem，theywouldhaveknockedoneanothertopieces。
　　“Leavemealone，SirKnightoftheRuefulCountenance，“saidSancho，grapplingwiththegoatherd，“forofthisfellow，whoisaclownlikemyself，andnodubbedknight，Icansafelytakesatisfactionfortheaffronthehasofferedme，fightingwithhimhandtohandlikeanhonestman。“
　　“Thatistrue，“saidDonQuixote，“butIknowthatheisnottoblameforwhathashappened。“
　　Withthishepacifiedthem，andagainaskedthegoatherdifitwouldbepossibletofindCardenio，ashefeltthegreatestanxietytoknowtheendofhisstory。Thegoatherdtoldhim，ashehadtoldhimbefore，thattherewasnoknowingofacertaintywherehislairwas；
　　butthatifhewanderedaboutmuchinthatneighbourhoodhecouldnotfailtofallinwithhimeitherinoroutofhissenses。
　　CHAPTERXXV
　　WHICHTREATSOFTHESTRANGETHINGSTHATHAPPENEDTOTHESTOUTKNIGHT
　　OFLAMANCHAINTHESIERRAMORENA，ANDOFHISIMITATIONOFTHEPENANCE
　　OFBELTENEBROS
　　DONQUIXOTEtookleaveofthegoatherd，andoncemoremountingRocinantebadeSanchofollowhim，whichhehavingnoass，didverydiscontentedly。Theyproceededslowly，makingtheirwayintothemostruggedpartofthemountain，Sanchoallthewhiledyingtohaveatalkwithhismaster，andlongingforhimtobegin，sothatthereshouldbenobreachoftheinjunctionlaiduponhim；butunabletokeepsilencesolonghesaidtohim：
　　“SenorDonQuixote，givemeyourworship'sblessinganddismissal，forI'dliketogohomeatoncetomywifeandchildrenwithwhomI
　　canatanyratetalkandconverseasmuchasIlike；fortowantmetogothroughthesesolitudesdayandnightandnotspeaktoyouwhenI
　　haveamindisburyingmealive。IfluckwouldhaveitthatanimalsspokeastheydidinthedaysofGuisopete，itwouldnotbesobad，becauseIcouldtalktoRocinanteaboutwhatevercameintomyhead，andsoputupwithmyill-fortune；butitisahardcase，andnottobebornewithpatience，togoseekingadventuresallone'slifeandgetnothingbutkicksandblanketings，brickbatsandpunches，andwithallthistohavetosewupone'smouthwithoutdaringtosaywhatisinone'sheart，justasifoneweredumb。“
　　“Iunderstandthee，Sancho，“repliedDonQuixote；“thouartdyingtohavetheinterdictIplaceduponthytongueremoved；consideritremoved，andsaywhatthouwiltwhilewearewanderinginthesemountains。“
　　“Sobeit，“saidSancho；“letmespeaknow，forGodknowswhatwillhappenby-and-by；andtotakeadvantageofthepermitatonce，Iask，whatmadeyourworshipstandupsoforthatQueenMajimasa，orwhateverhernameis，orwhatdiditmatterwhetherthatabbotwasafriendofhersornot？forifyourworshiphadletthatpass-andyouwerenotajudgeinthematter-itismybeliefthemadmanwouldhavegoneonwithhisstory，andtheblowofthestone，andthekicks，andmorethanhalfadozencuffswouldhavebeenescaped。“
　　“Infaith，Sancho，“answeredDonQuixote，“ifthouknewestasIdowhatanhonourableandillustriousladyQueenMadasimawas，IknowthouwouldstsayIhadgreatpatiencethatIdidnotbreakinpiecesthemouththatutteredsuchblasphemies，foraverygreatblasphemyitistosayorimaginethataqueenhasmadefreewithasurgeon。ThetruthofthestoryisthatthatMasterElisabadwhomthemadmanmentionedwasamanofgreatprudenceandsoundjudgment，andservedasgovernorandphysiciantothequeen，buttosupposethatshewashismistressisnonsensedeservingveryseverepunishment；andasaproofthatCardeniodidnotknowwhathewassaying，rememberwhenhesaidithewasoutofhiswits。“
　　“ThatiswhatIsay，“saidSancho；“therewasnooccasionformindingthewordsofamadman；forifgoodluckhadnothelpedyourworship，andhehadsentthatstoneatyourheadinsteadofatyourbreast，afinewayweshouldhavebeeninforstandingupformyladyyonder，Godconfoundher！Andthen，wouldnotCardeniohavegonefreeasamadman？”
　　“Againstmenintheirsensesoragainstmadmen，“saidDonQuixote，“everyknight-errantisboundtostandupforthehonourofwomen，whoevertheymaybe，muchmoreforqueensofsuchhighdegreeanddignityasQueenMadasima，forwhomIhaveaparticularregardonaccountofheramiablequalities；for，besidesbeingextremelybeautiful，shewasverywise，andverypatientunderhermisfortunes，ofwhichshehadmany；andthecounselandsocietyoftheMasterElisabadwereagreathelpandsupporttoherinenduringherafflictionswithwisdomandresignation；hencetheignorantandill-disposedvulgartookoccasiontosayandthinkthatshewashismistress；andtheylie，Isayitoncemore，andwilllietwohundredtimesmore，allwhothinkandsayso。“
　　“Ineithersaynorthinkso，“saidSancho；“letthemlooktoit；
　　withtheirbreadletthemeatit；theyhaverenderedaccounttoGodwhethertheymisbehavedornot；Icomefrommyvineyard，Iknownothing；Iamnotfondofpryingintoothermen'slives；hewhobuysandliesfeelsitinhispurse；moreover，nakedwasIborn，nakedI
　　findmyself，Ineitherlosenorgain；butiftheydid，whatisthattome？manythinkthereareflitcheswheretherearenohooks；butwhocanputgatestotheopenplain？moreovertheysaidofGod-“
　　“Godblessme，“saidDonQuixote，“whatasetofabsurditiesthouartstringingtogether！Whathaswhatwearetalkingaboutgottodowiththeproverbsthouartthreadingoneaftertheother？forGod'ssakeholdthytongue，Sancho，andhenceforwardkeeptoproddingthyassanddon'tmeddleinwhatdoesnotconcernthee；andunderstandwithallthyfivesensesthateverythingIhavedone，amdoing，orshalldo，iswellfoundedonreasonandinconformitywiththerulesofchivalry，forIunderstandthembetterthanalltheworldthatprofessthem。“
　　“Senor，“repliedSancho，“isitagoodruleofchivalrythatweshouldgoastraythroughthesemountainswithoutpathorroad，lookingforamadmanwhowhenheisfoundwillperhapstakeafancytofinishwhathebegan，nothisstory，butyourworship'sheadandmyribs，andendbybreakingthemaltogetherforus？”
　　“Peace，Isayagain，Sancho，“saidDonQuixote，“forletmetelltheeitisnotsomuchthedesireoffindingthatmadmanthatleadsmeintotheseregionsasthatwhichIhaveofperformingamongthemanachievementwherewithIshallwineternalnameandfamethroughouttheknownworld；anditshallbesuchthatIshalltherebysetthesealonallthatcanmakeaknight-errantperfectandfamous。“
　　“Andisitveryperilous，thisachievement？”
　　“No，“repliedheoftheRuefulCountenance；“thoughitmaybeinthedicethatwemaythrowdeuce-aceinsteadofsixes；butallwilldependonthydiligence。“
　　“Onmydiligence！”saidSancho。
　　“Yes，“saidDonQuixote，“forifthoudostreturnsoonfromtheplacewhereImeantosendthee，mypenancewillbesoonover，andmyglorywillsoonbegin。Butasitisnotrighttokeeptheeanylongerinsuspense，waitingtoseewhatcomesofmywords，Iwouldhavetheeknow，Sancho，thatthefamousAmadisofGaulwasoneofthemostperfectknights-errant-Iamwrongtosayhewasone；hestoodalone，thefirst，theonlyone，thelordofallthatwereintheworldinhistime。AfigforDonBelianis，andforallwhosayheequalledhiminanyrespect，for，myoathuponit，theyaredeceivingthemselves！Isay，too，thatwhenapainterdesirestobecomefamousinhisartheendeavourstocopytheoriginalsoftherarestpaintersthatheknows；andthesameruleholdsgoodforallthemostimportantcraftsandcallingsthatservetoadornastate；
　　thusmusthewhowouldbeesteemedprudentandpatientimitateUlysses，inwhosepersonandlaboursHomerpresentstousalivelypictureofprudenceandpatience；asVirgil，too，showsusinthepersonofAEneasthevirtueofapioussonandthesagacityofabraveandskilfulcaptain；notrepresentingordescribingthemastheywere，butastheyoughttobe，soastoleavetheexampleoftheirvirtuestoposterity。InthesamewayAmadiswasthepolestar，day-star，sunofvaliantanddevotedknights，whomallwewhofightunderthebannerofloveandchivalryareboundtoimitate。This，then，beingso，I
　　consider，friendSancho，thattheknight-errantwhoshallimitatehimmostcloselywillcomenearesttoreachingtheperfectionofchivalry。Nowoneoftheinstancesinwhichthisknightmostconspicuouslyshowedhisprudence，worth，valour，endurance，fortitude，andlove，waswhenhewithdrew，rejectedbytheLadyOriana，todopenanceuponthePenaPobre，changinghisnameintothatofBeltenebros，anameassuredlysignificantandappropriatetothelifewhichhehadvoluntarilyadopted。So，asitiseasierformetoimitatehiminthisthanincleavinggiantsasunder，cuttingoffserpents'heads，slayingdragons，routingarmies，destroyingfleets，andbreakingenchantments，andasthisplaceissowellsuitedforasimilarpurpose，Imustnotallowtheopportunitytoescapewhichnowsoconvenientlyoffersmeitsforelock。“
　　“Whatisitinreality，“saidSancho，“thatyourworshipmeanstodoinsuchanout-of-the-wayplaceasthis？”
　　“HaveInottoldthee，“answeredDonQuixote，“thatImeantoimitateAmadishere，playingthevictimofdespair，themadman，themaniac，soasatthesametimetoimitatethevaliantDonRoland，whenatthefountainhehadevidenceofthefairAngelicahavingdisgracedherselfwithMedoroandthroughgriefthereatwentmad，andpluckeduptrees，troubledthewatersoftheclearsprings，slewdestroyedflocks，burneddownhuts，levelledhouses，draggedmaresafterhim，andperpetratedahundredthousandotheroutragesworthyofeverlastingrenownandrecord？AndthoughIhavenointentionofimitatingRoland，orOrlando，orRotolandoforhewentbyallthesenames，stepbystepinallthemadthingshedid，said，andthought，Iwillmakearoughcopytothebestofmypowerofallthatseemstomemostessential；butperhapsIshallcontentmyselfwiththesimpleimitationofAmadis，whowithoutgivingwaytoanymischievousmadnessbutmerelytotearsandsorrow，gainedasmuchfameasthemostfamous。“
　　“Itseemstome，“saidSancho，“thattheknightswhobehavedinthiswayhadprovocationandcauseforthosefolliesandpenances；butwhatcausehasyourworshipforgoingmad？Whatladyhasrejectedyou，orwhatevidencehaveyoufoundtoprovethattheladyDulcineadelTobosohasbeentriflingwithMoororChristian？”
　　“Thereisthepoint，“repliedDonQuixote，“andthatisthebeautyofthisbusinessofmine；nothankstoaknight-errantforgoingmadwhenhehascause；thethingistoturncrazywithoutanyprovocation，andletmyladyknow，ifIdothisinthedry，whatIwoulddointhemoist；moreoverIhaveabundantcauseinthelongseparationI
　　haveenduredfrommyladytilldeath，DulcineadelToboso；forasthoudidsthearthatshepherdAmbrosiosaytheotherday，inabsenceallillsarefeltandfeared；andso，friendSancho，wastenotimeinadvisingmeagainstsorare，sohappy，andsounheard-ofanimitation；
　　madIam，andmadImustbeuntilthoureturnestwiththeanswertoaletterthatImeantosendbytheetomyladyDulcinea；andifitbesuchasmyconstancydeserves，myinsanityandpenancewillcometoanend；andifitbetotheoppositeeffect，Ishallbecomemadinearnest，and，beingso，Ishallsuffernomore；thusinwhateverwayshemayanswerIshallescapefromthestruggleandafflictioninwhichthouwiltleaveme，enjoyinginmysensestheboonthoubearestme，orasamadmannotfeelingtheevilthoubringestme。
　　Buttellme，Sancho，hastthougotMambrino'shelmetsafe？forIsawtheetakeitupfromthegroundwhenthatungratefulwretchtriedtobreakitinpiecesbutcouldnot，bywhichthefinenessofitstempermaybeseen。“
　　TowhichSanchomadeanswer，“BythelivingGod，SirKnightoftheRuefulCountenance，Icannotendureorbearwithpatiencesomeofthethingsthatyourworshipsays；andfromthemIbegintosuspectthatallyoutellmeaboutchivalry，andwinningkingdomsandempires，andgivingislands，andbestowingotherrewardsanddignitiesafterthecustomofknights-errant，mustbeallmadeupofwindandlies，andallpigmentsorfigments，orwhateverwemaycallthem；forwhatwouldanyonethinkthatheardyourworshipcallingabarber'sbasinMambrino'shelmetwithouteverseeingthemistakeallthistime，butthatonewhosaysandmaintainssuchthingsmusthavehisbrainsaddled？Ihavethebasininmysackalldinted，andIamtakingithometohaveitmended，totrimmybeardinit，if，byGod'sgrace，Iamallowedtoseemywifeandchildrensomedayorother。“
　　“Lookhere，Sancho，“saidDonQuixote，“byhimthoudidstswearbyjustnowIswearthouhastthemostlimitedunderstandingthatanysquireintheworldhasoreverhad。Isitpossiblethatallthistimethouhastbeengoingaboutwithmethouhastneverfoundoutthatallthingsbelongingtoknights-errantseemtobeillusionsandnonsenseandravings，andtogoalwaysbycontraries？Andnotbecauseitreallyisso，butbecausethereisalwaysaswarmofenchantersinattendanceuponusthatchangeandaltereverythingwithus，andturnthingsastheyplease，andaccordingastheyaredisposedtoaidordestroyus；thuswhatseemstotheeabarber'sbasinseemstomeMambrino'shelmet，andtoanotheritwillseemsomethingelse；
　　andrareforesightitwasinthesagewhoisonmysidetomakewhatisreallyandtrulyMambrine'shelmetseemabasintoeverybody，for，beingheldinsuchestimationasitis，alltheworldwouldpursuemetorobmeofit；butwhentheyseeitisonlyabarber'sbasintheydonottakethetroubletoobtainit；aswasplainlyshownbyhimwhotriedtobreakit，andleftitonthegroundwithouttakingit，for，bymyfaith，hadheknownithewouldneverhaveleftitbehind。Keepitsafe，myfriend，forjustnowIhavenoneedofit；indeed，IshallhavetotakeoffallthisarmourandremainasnakedasIwasborn，ifIhaveamindtofollowRolandratherthanAmadisinmypenance。“
　　Thustalkingtheyreachedthefootofahighmountainwhichstoodlikeanisolatedpeakamongtheothersthatsurroundedit。Pastitsbasethereflowedagentlebrook，allarounditspreadameadowsogreenandluxuriantthatitwasadelighttotheeyestolookuponit，andforesttreesinabundance，andshrubsandflowers，addedtothecharmsofthespot。UponthisplacetheKnightoftheRuefulCountenancefixedhischoicefortheperformanceofhispenance，andashebehelditexclaimedinaloudvoiceasthoughhewereoutofhissenses：
　　“Thisistheplace，oh，yeheavens，thatIselectandchooseforbewailingthemisfortuneinwhichyeyourselveshaveplungedme：
　　thisisthespotwheretheoverflowingsofmineeyesshallswellthewatersofyonlittlebrook，andmydeepandendlesssighsshallstirunceasinglytheleavesofthesemountaintrees，intestimonyandtokenofthepainmypersecutedheartissuffering。Oh，yeruraldeities，whoeveryebethathauntthislonespot，giveeartothecomplaintofawretchedloverwhomlongabsenceandbroodingjealousyhavedriventobewailhisfateamongthesewildsandcomplainofthehardheartofthatfairandungratefulone，theendandlimitofallhumanbeauty！Oh，yewoodnymphsanddryads，thatdwellinthethicketsoftheforest，somaythenimblewantonsatyrsbywhomyearevainlywooedneverdisturbyoursweetrepose，helpmetolamentmyhardfateoratleastwearynotatlisteningtoit！Oh，DulcineadelToboso，dayofmynight，gloryofmypain，guideofmypath，starofmyfortune，somayHeavengranttheeinfullallthouseekestofit，bethinktheeoftheplaceandconditiontowhichabsencefromtheehasbroughtme，andmakethatreturninkindnessthatisduetomyfidelity！Oh，lonelytrees，thatfromthisdayforwardshallbearmecompanyinmysolitude，givemesomesignbythegentlemovementofyourboughsthatmypresenceisnotdistastefultoyou！Oh，thou，mysquire，pleasantcompanioninmyprosperousandadversefortunes，fixwellinthymemorywhatthoushaltseemedohere，sothatthoumayestrelateandreportittothesolecauseofall，“andsosayinghedismountedfromRocinante，andinaninstantrelievedhimofsaddleandbridle，andgivinghimaslaponthecroup，said，“Hegivestheefreedomwhoisbereftofithimself，ohsteedasexcellentindeedasthouartunfortunateinthylot；begonewherethouwilt，forthoubearestwrittenonthyforeheadthatneitherAstolfo'shippogriff，northefamedFrontinothatcostBradamantesodear，couldequaltheeinspeed。“
　　SeeingthisSanchosaid，“Goodlucktohimwhohassavedusthetroubleofstrippingthepack-saddleoffDapple！Bymyfaithhewouldnothavegonewithoutaslaponthecroupandsomethingsaidinhispraise；thoughifhewerehereIwouldnotletanyonestriphim，fortherewouldbenooccasion，ashehadnothingoftheloverorvictimofdespairabouthim，inasmuchashismaster，whichIwaswhileitwasGod'spleasure，wasnothingofthesort；andindeed，SirKnightoftheRuefulCountenance，ifmydepartureandyourworship'smadnessaretocomeoffinearnest，itwillbeaswelltosaddleRocinanteagaininorderthathemaysupplythewantofDapple，becauseitwillsavemetimeingoingandreturning：forifIgoonfootIdon'tknowwhenIshallgetthereorwhenIshallgetback，asIam，intruth，abadwalker。“
　　“Ideclare，Sancho，“returnedDonQuixote，“itshallbeasthouwilt，forthyplandoesnotseemtomeabadone，andthreedayshencethouwiltdepart，forIwishtheetoobserveinthemeantimewhatIdoandsayforhersake，thatthoumayestbeabletotellit。“
　　“ButwhatmorehaveItoseebesideswhatIhaveseen？”saidSancho。
　　“Muchthouknowestaboutit！”saidDonQuixote。“Ihavenowgottotearupmygarments，toscatteraboutmyarmour，knockmyheadagainsttheserocks，andmoreofthesamesortofthing，whichthoumustwitness。“
　　“FortheloveofGod，“saidSancho，“becareful，yourworship，howyougiveyourselfthoseknocksonthehead，foryoumaycomeacrosssucharock，andinsuchaway，thattheveryfirstmayputanendtothewholecontrivanceofthispenance；andIshouldthink，ifindeedknocksontheheadseemnecessarytoyou，andthisbusinesscannotbedonewithoutthem，youmightbecontent-asthewholethingisfeigned，andcounterfeit，andinjoke-youmightbecontent，Isay，withgivingthemtoyourselfinthewater，oragainstsomethingsoft，likecotton；andleaveitalltome；forI'lltellmyladythatyourworshipknockedyourheadagainstapointofrockharderthanadiamond。“
　　“Ithanktheeforthygoodintentions，friendSancho，“answeredDonQuixote，“butIwouldhavetheeknowthatallthesethingsIamdoingarenotinjoke，butverymuchinearnest，foranythingelsewouldbeatransgressionoftheordinancesofchivalry，whichforbidustotellanyliewhateverunderthepenaltiesduetoapostasy；andtodoonethinginsteadofanotherisjustthesameaslying；somyknocksontheheadmustbereal，solid，andvalid，withoutanythingsophisticatedorfancifulaboutthem，anditwillbeneedfultoleavemesomelinttodressmywounds，sincefortunehascompelledustodowithoutthebalsamwelost。“
　　“Itwasworselosingtheass，“repliedSancho，“forwithhimlintandallwerelost；butIbegofyourworshipnottoremindmeagainofthataccursedliquor，formysoul，nottosaymystomach，turnsathearingtheverynameofit；andIbegofyou，too，toreckonaspastthethreedaysyouallowedmeforseeingthemadthingsyoudo，forItakethemasseenalreadyandpronouncedupon，andIwilltellwonderfulstoriestomylady；sowritetheletterandsendmeoffatonce，forIlongtoreturnandtakeyourworshipoutofthispurgatorywhereIamleavingyou。“
　　“Purgatorydostthoucallit，Sancho？”saidDonQuixote，“rathercallithell，orevenworseiftherebeanythingworse。“
　　“Foronewhoisinhell，“saidSancho，“nullaestretentio，asI
　　haveheardsay。“
　　“Idonotunderstandwhatretentiomeans，“saidDonQuixote。
　　“Retentio，“answeredSancho，“meansthatwhoeverisinhellnevercomesnorcancomeoutofit，whichwillbetheoppositecasewithyourworshipormylegswillbeidle，thatisifIhavespurstoenlivenRocinante：letmeoncegettoElTobosoandintothepresenceofmyladyDulcinea，andIwilltellhersuchthingsofthefolliesandmadnessesforitisallonethatyourworshiphasdoneandisstilldoing，thatIwillmanagetomakehersofterthanaglovethoughIfindherharderthanacorktree；andwithhersweetandhoneyedanswerIwillcomebackthroughtheairlikeawitch，andtakeyourworshipoutofthispurgatorythatseemstobehellbutisnot，asthereishopeofgettingoutofit；which，asIhavesaid，thoseinhellhavenot，andIbelieveyourworshipwillnotsayanythingtothecontrary。“
　　“Thatistrue，“saidheoftheRuefulCountenance，“buthowshallwemanagetowritetheletter？”
　　“Andtheass-coltordertoo，“addedSancho。
　　“Allshallbeincluded，“saidDonQuixote；“andasthereisnopaper，itwouldbewelldonetowriteitontheleavesoftrees，astheancientsdid，orontabletsofwax；thoughthatwouldbeashardtofindjustnowaspaper。Butithasjustoccurredtomehowitmaybeconvenientlyandevenmorethanconvenientlywritten，andthatisinthenote-bookthatbelongedtoCardenio，andthouwilttakecaretohaveitcopiedonpaper，inagoodhand，atthefirstvillagethoucomesttowherethereisaschoolmaster，orifnot，anysacristanwillcopyit；butseethougiveitnottoanynotarytocopy，fortheywritealawhandthatSatancouldnotmakeout。“
　　“Butwhatistobedoneaboutthesignature？”saidSancho。
　　“ThelettersofAmadiswereneversigned，“saidDonQuixote。
　　“Thatisallverywell，“saidSancho，“buttheordermustneedsbesigned，andifitiscopiedtheywillsaythesignatureisfalse，andIshallbeleftwithoutass-colts。“
　　“Theordershallgosignedinthesamebook，“saidDonQuixote，“andonseeingitmyniecewillmakenodifficultyaboutobeyingit；astotheloveletterthoucanstputbywayofsignature，'Yourstilldeath，theKnightoftheRuefulCountenance。'Anditwillbenogreatmatterifitisinsomeotherperson'shand，foraswellasI
　　recollectDulcineacanneitherreadnorwrite，norinthewholecourseofherlifehassheseenhandwritingorletterofmine，formyloveandhershavebeenalwaysplatonic，notgoingbeyondamodestlook，andeventhatsoseldomthatIcansafelyswearIhavenotseenherfourtimesinallthesetwelveyearsIhavebeenlovinghermorethanthelightoftheseeyesthattheearthwillonedaydevour；andperhapsevenofthosefourtimesshehasnotonceperceivedthatIwaslookingather：suchistheretirementandseclusioninwhichherfatherLorenzoCorchueloandhermotherAldonzaNogaleshavebroughtherup。“
　　“So，so！”saidSancho；“LorenzoCorchuelo'sdaughteristheladyDulcineadelToboso，otherwisecalledAldonzaLorenzo？”
　　“Sheitis，“saidDonQuixote，“andsheitisthatisworthytobeladyofthewholeuniverse。“
　　“Iknowherwell，“saidSancho，“andletmetellyoushecanflingacrowbaraswellasthelustiestladinallthetown。Giverofallgood！butsheisabravelass，andarightandstoutone，andfittobehelpmatetoanyknight-errantthatisoristobe，whomaymakeherhislady：thewhoresonwench，whatstingshehasandwhatavoice！I
　　cantellyouonedayshepostedherselfonthetopofthebelfryofthevillagetocallsomelabourersoftheirsthatwereinaploughedfieldofherfather's，andthoughtheywerebetterthanhalfaleagueofftheyheardheraswellasiftheywereatthefootofthetower；andthebestofheristhatsheisnotabitprudish，forshehasplentyofaffability，andjokeswitheverybody，andhasagrinandajestforeverything。So，SirKnightoftheRuefulCountenance，Isayyounotonlymayandoughttodomadfreaksforhersake，butyouhaveagoodrighttogivewaytodespairandhangyourself；andnoonewhoknowsofitbutwillsayyoudidwell，thoughthedevilshouldtakeyou；andIwishIwereonmyroadalready，simplytoseeher，foritismanyadaysinceIsawher，andshemustbealteredbythistime，forgoingaboutthefieldsalways，andthesunandtheairspoilwomen'slooksgreatly。ButImustownthetruthtoyourworship，SenorDonQuixote；untilnowIhavebeenunderagreatmistake，forI
　　believedtrulyandhonestlythattheladyDulcineamustbesomeprincessyourworshipwasinlovewith，orsomepersongreatenoughtodeservetherichpresentsyouhavesenther，suchastheBiscayanandthegalleyslaves，andmanymorenodoubt，foryourworshipmusthavewonmanyvictoriesinthetimewhenIwasnotyetyoursquire。
　　Butallthingsconsidered，whatgoodcanitdotheladyAldonzaLorenzo，ImeantheladyDulcineadelToboso，tohavethevanquishedyourworshipsendsorwillsendcomingtoherandgoingdownontheirkneesbeforeher？Becausemaybewhentheycameshe'dbehacklingflaxorthreshingonthethreshingfloor，andthey'dbeashamedtoseeher，andshe'dlaugh，orresentthepresent。“
　　“Ihavebeforenowtoldtheemanytimes，Sancho，“saidDonQuixote，“thatthouartamightygreatchatterer，andthatwithabluntwitthouartalwaysstrivingatsharpness；buttoshowtheewhatafoolthouartandhowrationalIam，Iwouldhavetheelistentoashortstory。Thoumustknowthatacertainwidow，fair，young，independent，andrich，andaboveallfreeandeasy，fellinlovewithasturdystrappingyounglay-brother；hissuperiorcametoknowofit，andonedaysaidtotheworthywidowbywayofbrotherlyremonstrance，'Iamsurprised，senora，andnotwithoutgoodreason，thatawomanofsuchhighstanding，sofair，andsorichasyouare，shouldhavefalleninlovewithsuchamean，low，stupidfellowasSo-and-so，wheninthishousetherearesomanymasters，graduates，anddivinitystudentsfromamongwhomyoumightchooseasiftheywerealotofpears，sayingthisoneI'lltake，thatIwon'ttake；'butsherepliedtohimwithgreatsprightlinessandcandour，'Mydearsir，youareverymuchmistaken，andyourideasareveryold-fashioned，ifyouthinkthatIhavemadeabadchoiceinSo-and-so，foolasheseems；becauseforallIwantwithhimheknowsasmuchandmorephilosophythanAristotle。'Inthesameway，Sancho，forallIwantwithDulcineadelTobososheisjustasgoodasthemostexaltedprincessonearth。Itisnottobesupposedthatallthosepoetswhosangthepraisesofladiesunderthefancynamestheygivethem，hadanysuchmistresses。ThinkestthouthattheAmarillises，thePhillises，theSylvias，theDianas，theGalateas，theFilidas，andalltherestofthem，thatthebooks，theballads，thebarber'sshops，thetheatresarefullof，werereallyandtrulyladiesoffleshandblood，andmistressesofthosethatglorifyandhaveglorifiedthem？
　　Nothingofthekind；theyonlyinventthemforthemostparttofurnishasubjectfortheirverses，andthattheymaypassforlovers，orformenvaliantenoughtobeso；andsoitsufficesmetothinkandbelievethatthegoodAldonzaLorenzoisfairandvirtuous；andastoherpedigreeitisverylittlematter，fornoonewillexamineintoitforthepurposeofconferringanyorderuponher，andI，formypart，reckonherthemostexaltedprincessintheworld。Forthoushouldstknow，Sancho，ifthoudostnotknow，thattwothingsalonebeyondallothersareincentivestolove，andthesearegreatbeautyandagoodname，andthesetwothingsaretobefoundinDulcineainthehighestdegree，forinbeautynooneequalsherandingoodnamefewapproachher；andtoputthewholethinginanutshell，IpersuademyselfthatallIsayisasIsay，neithermorenorless，andI
　　pictureherinmyimaginationasIwouldhavehertobe，aswellinbeautyasincondition；HelenapproacheshernotnordoesLucretiacomeuptoher，noranyotherofthefamouswomenoftimespast，Greek，Barbarian，orLatin；andleteachsaywhathewill，forifinthisIamtakentotaskbytheignorant，Ishallnotbecensuredbythecritical。“
　　“Isaythatyourworshipisentirelyright，“saidSancho，“andthatIamanass。ButIknownothowthenameofasscameintomymouth，foraropeisnottobementionedinthehouseofhimwhohasbeenhanged；butnowfortheletter，andthen，Godbewithyou，Iamoff。“
　　DonQuixotetookoutthenote-book，and，retiringtooneside，verydeliberatelybegantowritetheletter，andwhenhehadfinishedithecalledtoSancho，sayinghewishedtoreadittohim，sothathemightcommitittomemory，incaseoflosingitontheroad；forwithevilfortunelikehisanythingmightbeapprehended。TowhichSanchoreplied，“Writeittwoorthreetimesthereinthebookandgiveittome，andIwillcarryitverycarefully，becausetoexpectmetokeepitinmymemoryisallnonsense，forIhavesuchabadonethatIoftenforgetmyownname；butforallthatrepeatittome，asIshallliketohearit，forsurelyitwillrunasifitwasinprint。“
　　“Listen，“saidDonQuixote，“thisiswhatitsays：
　　“DONQUIXOTE'SLETTERTODULCINEADELTOBOSO
　　“SovereignandexaltedLady，-Thepiercedbythepointofabsence，thewoundedtotheheart'score，sendsthee，sweetestDulcineadelToboso，thehealththathehimselfenjoysnot。Ifthybeautydespisesme，ifthyworthisnotforme，ifthyscornismyaffliction，thoughIbesufficientlylong-suffering，hardlyshallI
　　endurethisanxiety，which，besidesbeingoppressive，isprotracted。
　　MygoodsquireSanchowillrelatetotheeinfull，fairingrate，dearenemy，theconditiontowhichIamreducedonthyaccount：ifitbethypleasuretogivemerelief，Iamthine；ifnot，doasmaybepleasingtothee；forbyendingmylifeIshallsatisfythycrueltyandmydesire。
　　“Thinetilldeath，“TheKnightoftheRuefulCountenance。“
　　“Bythelifeofmyfather，“saidSancho，whenheheardtheletter，“itistheloftiestthingIeverheard。Bodyofme！howyourworshipsayseverythingasyoulikeinit！Andhowwellyoufitin'TheKnightoftheRuefulCountenance'intothesignature。Ideclareyourworshipisindeedtheverydevil，andthereisnothingyoudon'tknow。“
　　“EverythingisneededforthecallingIfollow，“saidDonQuixote。
　　“Nowthen，“saidSancho，“letyourworshipputtheorderforthethreeass-coltsontheotherside，andsignitveryplainly，thattheymayrecogniseitatfirstsight。“
　　“Withallmyheart，“saidDonQuixote，andashehadwrittenithereadittothiseffect：
　　“MistressNiece，-Bythisfirstofass-coltspleasepaytoSanchoPanza，mysquire，threeofthefiveIleftathomeinyourcharge：
　　saidthreeass-coltstobepaidanddeliveredforthesamenumberreceivedhereinhand，whichuponthisanduponhisreceiptshallbedulypaid。DoneintheheartoftheSierraMorena，thetwenty-seventhofAugustofthispresentyear。“
　　“Thatwilldo，“saidSancho；“nowletyourworshipsignit。“
　　“Thereisnoneedtosignit，“saidDonQuixote，“butmerelytoputmyflourish，whichisthesameasasignature，andenoughforthreeasses，oreventhreehundred。“
　　“Icantrustyourworship，“returnedSancho；“letmegoandsaddleRocinante，andbereadytogivemeyourblessing，forImeantogoatoncewithoutseeingthefooleriesyourworshipisgoingtodo；I'llsayIsawyoudosomanythatshewillnotwantanymore。“
　　“Atanyrate，Sancho，“saidDonQuixote，“Ishouldlike-andthereisreasonforit-Ishouldlikethee，Isay，toseemestrippedtotheskinandperformingadozenortwoofinsanities，whichIcangetdoneinlessthanhalfanhour；forhavingseenthemwiththineowneyes，thoucanstthensafelysweartotherestthatthouwouldstadd；andIpromisetheethouwiltnottellofasmanyasImeantoperform。“