ButseeingthathewasnotlikelysoontoceaseImadehastetoputhimonshore，andthencehecontinuedhismaledictionsandlamentationsaloud；callingonMohammedtopraytoAllahtodestroyus，toconfoundus，tomakeanendofus；andwhen，inconsequenceofhavingmadesail，wecouldnolongerhearwhathesaidwecouldseewhathedid；howhepluckedouthisbeardandtorehishairandlaywrithingontheground。Butonceheraisedhisvoicetosuchapitchthatwewereabletohearwhathesaid。“Comeback，deardaughter，comebacktoshore；Iforgivetheeall；letthosemenhavethemoney，foritistheirsnow，andcomebacktocomfortthysorrowingfather，whowillyielduphislifeonthisbarrenstrandifthoudostleavehim。“
　　AllthisZoraidaheard，andheardwithsorrowandtears，andallshecouldsayinanswerwas，“AllahgrantthatLelaMarien，whohasmademebecomeaChristian，givetheecomfortinthysorrow，myfather。
　　AllahknowsthatIcouldnotdootherwisethanIhavedone，andthattheseChristiansowenothingtomywill；forevenhadIwishednottoaccompanythem，butremainathome，itwouldhavebeenimpossibleforme，soeagerlydidmysoulurgemeontotheaccomplishmentofthispurpose，whichIfeeltobeasrighteousastothee，dearfather，itseemswicked。“
　　Butneithercouldherfatherhearhernorweseehimwhenshesaidthis；andso，whileIconsoledZoraida，weturnedourattentiontoourvoyage，inwhichabreezefromtherightpointsofavouredusthatwemadesureoffindingourselvesoffthecoastofSpainonthemorrowbydaybreak。But，asgoodseldomornevercomespureandunmixed，withoutbeingattendedorfollowedbysomedisturbingevilthatgivesashocktoit，ourfortune，orperhapsthecurseswhichtheMoorhadhurledathisdaughterforwhateverkindoffathertheymaycomefromthesearealwaystobedreaded，broughtitaboutthatwhenwewerenowinmid-sea，andthenightaboutthreehoursspent，aswewererunningwithallsailsetandoarslashed，forthefavouringbreezesavedusthetroubleofusingthem，wesawbythelightofthemoon，whichshonebrilliantly，asquare-riggedvesselinfullsailclosetous，luffingupandstandingacrossourcourse，andsoclosethatwehadtostrikesailtoavoidrunningfoulofher，whiletheytooputthehelmharduptoletuspass。Theycametothesideoftheshiptoaskwhowewere，whitherwewerebound，andwhencewecame，butastheyaskedthisinFrenchourrenegadesaid，“Letnooneanswer，fornodoubttheseareFrenchcorsairswhoplunderallcomers。“Actingonthiswarningnooneansweredaword，butafterwehadgonealittleahead，andthevesselwasnowlyingtoleeward，suddenlytheyfiredtwoguns，andapparentlybothloadedwithchain-shot，forwithonetheycutourmastinhalfandbroughtdownbothitandthesailintothesea，andtheother，dischargedatthesamemoment，sentaballintoourvesselamidships，stavingherincompletely，butwithoutdoinganyfurtherdamage。We，however，findingourselvessinkingbegantoshoutforhelpandcalluponthoseintheshiptopickusupaswewerebeginningtofill。Theythenlayto，andloweringaskifforboat，asmanyasadozenFrenchmen，wellarmedwithmatch-locks，andtheirmatchesburning，gotintoitandcamealongside；andseeinghowfewwewere，andthatourvesselwasgoingdown，theytookusin，tellingusthatthishadcometousthroughourincivilityinnotgivingthemananswer。OurrenegadetookthetrunkcontainingZoraida'swealthanddroppeditintotheseawithoutanyoneperceivingwhathedid。InshortwewentonboardwiththeFrenchmen，who，afterhavingascertainedalltheywantedtoknowaboutus，rifledusofeverythingwehad，asiftheyhadbeenourbitterestenemies，andfromZoraidatheytookeventheankletssheworeonherfeet；butthedistresstheycausedherdidnotdistressmesomuchasthefearIwasinthatfromrobbingherofherrichandpreciousjewelstheywouldproceedtorobherofthemostpreciousjewelthatshevaluedmorethanall。Thedesires，however，ofthosepeopledonotgobeyondmoney，butofthattheircovetousnessisinsatiable，andonthisoccasionitwascarriedtosuchapitchthattheywouldhavetakeneventheclothesweworeascaptivesiftheyhadbeenworthanythingtothem。Itwastheadviceofsomeofthemtothrowusallintotheseawrappedupinasail；fortheirpurposewastotradeatsomeoftheportsofSpain，givingthemselvesoutasBretons，andiftheybroughtusalivetheywouldbepunishedassoonastherobberywasdiscovered；butthecaptainwhowastheonewhohadplunderedmybelovedZoraidasaidhewassatisfiedwiththeprizehehadgot，andthathewouldnottouchatanySpanishport，butpasstheStraitsofGibraltarbynight，orasbesthecould，andmakeforLaRochelle，fromwhichhehadsailed。Sotheyagreedbycommonconsenttogiveustheskiffbelongingtotheirshipandallwerequiredfortheshortvoyagethatremainedtous，andthistheydidthenextdayoncominginsightoftheSpanishcoast，withwhich，andthejoywefelt，alloursufferingsandmiserieswereascompletelyforgottenasiftheyhadneverbeenenduredbyus，suchisthedelightofrecoveringlostliberty。
　　Itmayhavebeenaboutmid-daywhentheyplacedusintheboat，givingustwokegsofwaterandsomebiscuit；andthecaptain，movedbyIknownotwhatcompassion，asthelovelyZoraidawasabouttoembark，gavehersomefortygoldcrowns，andwouldnotpermithismentotakefromherthosesamegarmentswhichshehasonnow。Wegotintotheboat，returningthemthanksfortheirkindnesstous，andshowingourselvesgratefulratherthanindignant。Theystoodouttosea，steeringforthestraits；we，withoutlookingtoanycompasssavethelandwehadbeforeus，setourselvestorowwithsuchenergythatbysunsetweweresonearthatwemighteasily，wethought，landbeforethenightwasfaradvanced。Butasthemoondidnotshowthatnight，andtheskywasclouded，andasweknewnotwhereaboutswewere，itdidnotseemtousaprudentthingtomakefortheshore，asseveralofusadvised，sayingweoughttorunourselvesashoreevenifitwereonrocksandfarfromanyhabitation，forinthiswayweshouldberelievedfromtheapprehensionswenaturallyfeltoftheprowlingvesselsoftheTetuancorsairs，wholeaveBarbaryatnightfallandareontheSpanishcoastbydaybreak，wheretheycommonlytakesomeprize，andthengohometosleepintheirownhouses。Butoftheconflictingcounselstheonewhichwasadoptedwasthatweshouldapproachgradually，andlandwherewecouldiftheseawerecalmenoughtopermitus。Thiswasdone，andalittlebeforemidnightwedrewneartothefootofahugeandloftymountain，notsoclosetotheseabutthatitleftanarrowspaceonwhichtolandconveniently。Weranourboatuponthesand，andallsprangoutandkissedtheground，andwithtearsofjoyfulsatisfactionreturnedthankstoGodourLordforallhisincomparablegoodnesstousonourvoyage。Wetookoutoftheboattheprovisionsitcontained，anddrewitupontheshore，andthenclimbedalongwayupthemountain，foreventherewecouldnotfeeleasyinourhearts，orpersuadeourselvesthatitwasChristiansoilthatwasnowunderourfeet。
　　Thedawncame，moreslowly，Ithink，thanwecouldhavewished；wecompletedtheascentinordertoseeiffromthesummitanyhabitationoranyshepherds'hutscouldbediscovered，butstrainoureyesaswemight，neitherdwelling，norhumanbeing，norpathnorroadcouldweperceive。However，wedeterminedtopushonfarther，asitcouldnotbutbethaterelongwemustseesomeonewhocouldtelluswherewewere。ButwhatdistressedmemostwastoseeZoraidagoingonfootoverthatroughground；forthoughIoncecarriedheronmyshoulders，shewasmoreweariedbymywearinessthanrestedbytherest；andsoshewouldneveragainallowmetoundergotheexertion，andwentonverypatientlyandcheerfully，whileIledherbythehand。Wehadgoneratherlessthanaquarterofaleaguewhenthesoundofalittlebellfellonourears，aclearproofthattherewereflockshardby，andlookingaboutcarefullytoseeifanywerewithinview，weobservedayoungshepherdtranquillyandunsuspiciouslytrimmingastickwithhisknifeatthefootofacorktree。Wecalledtohim，andhe，raisinghishead，sprangnimblytohisfeet，for，asweafterwardslearned，thefirstwhopresentedthemselvestohissightweretherenegadeandZoraida，andseeingtheminMoorishdressheimaginedthatalltheMoorsofBarbarywereuponhim；andplungingwithmarvellousswiftnessintothethicketinfrontofhim，hebegantoraiseaprodigiousoutcry，exclaiming，“TheMoors-theMoorshavelanded！Toarms，toarms！”Wewereallthrownintoperplexitybythesecries，notknowingwhattodo；butreflectingthattheshoutsoftheshepherdwouldraisethecountryandthatthemountedcoast-guardwouldcomeatoncetoseewhatwasthematter，weagreedthattherenegademuststripoffhisTurkishgarmentsandputonacaptive'sjacketorcoatwhichoneofourpartygavehimatonce，thoughhehimselfwasreducedtohisshirt；
　　andsocommendingourselvestoGod，wefollowedthesameroadwhichwesawtheshepherdtake，expectingeverymomentthatthecoast-guardwouldbedownuponus。Nordidourexpectationdeceiveus，fortwohourshadnotpassedwhen，comingoutofthebrushwoodintotheopenground，weperceivedsomefiftymountedmenswiftlyapproachingusatahand-gallop。Assoonaswesawthemwestoodstill，waitingforthem；butastheycamecloseand，insteadoftheMoorstheywereinquestof，sawasetofpoorChristians，theyweretakenaback，andoneofthemaskedifitcouldbewewhowerethecauseoftheshepherdhavingraisedthecalltoarms。Isaid“Yes，“andasIwasabouttoexplaintohimwhathadoccurred，andwhencewecameandwhowewere，oneoftheChristiansofourpartyrecognisedthehorsemanwhohadputthequestiontous，andbeforeIcouldsayanythingmoreheexclaimed：
　　“ThanksbetoGod，sirs，forbringingustosuchgoodquarters；for，ifIdonotdeceivemyself，thegroundwestandonisthatofVelezMalagaunless，indeed，allmyyearsofcaptivityhavemademeunabletorecollectthatyou，senor，whoaskwhoweare，arePedrodeBustamante，myuncle。“
　　TheChristiancaptivehadhardlyutteredthesewords，whenthehorsemanthrewhimselfoffhishorse，andrantoembracetheyoungman，crying：
　　“Nephewofmysoulandlife！Irecognisetheenow；andlonghaveI
　　mournedtheeasdead，I，andmysister，thymother，andallthykinthatarestillalive，andwhomGodhasbeenpleasedtopreservethattheymayenjoythehappinessofseeingthee。WeknewlongsincethatthouwertinAlgiers，andfromtheappearanceofthygarmentsandthoseofallthiscompany，Iconcludethatyehavehadamiraculousrestorationtoliberty。“
　　“Itistrue，“repliedtheyoungman，“andby-and-bywewilltellyouall。“
　　AssoonasthehorsemenunderstoodthatwewereChristiancaptives，theydismountedfromtheirhorses，andeachofferedhistocarryustothecityofVelezMalaga，whichwasaleagueandahalfdistant。Someofthemwenttobringtheboattothecity，wehavingtoldthemwherewehadleftit；otherstookusupbehindthem，andZoraidawasplacedonthehorseoftheyoungman'suncle。Thewholetowncameouttomeetus，fortheyhadbythistimeheardofourarrivalfromonewhohadgoneoninadvance。TheywerenotastonishedtoseeliberatedcaptivesorcaptiveMoors，forpeopleonthatcoastarewellusedtoseebothoneandtheother；buttheywereastonishedatthebeautyofZoraida，whichwasjustthenheightened，aswellbytheexertionoftravellingasbyjoyatfindingherselfonChristiansoil，andrelievedofallfearofbeinglost；forthishadbroughtsuchaglowuponherface，thatunlessmyaffectionforherweredeceivingme，Iwouldventuretosaythattherewasnotamorebeautifulcreatureintheworld-atleast，thatIhadeverseen。
　　WewentstraighttothechurchtoreturnthankstoGodforthemercieswehadreceived，andwhenZoraidaentereditshesaidtherewerefacestherelikeLelaMarien's。Wetoldhertheywereherimages；
　　andaswellashecouldtherenegadeexplainedtoherwhattheymeant，thatshemightadorethemasifeachofthemweretheverysameLelaMarienthathadspokentoher；andshe，havinggreatintelligenceandaquickandclearinstinct，understoodatonceallhesaidtoheraboutthem。Thencetheytookusawayanddistributedusallindifferenthousesinthetown；butasfortherenegade，Zoraida，andmyself，theChristianwhocamewithusbroughtustothehouseofhisparents，whohadafairshareofthegiftsoffortune，andtreateduswithasmuchkindnessastheydidtheirownson。
　　WeremainedsixdaysinVelez，attheendofwhichtherenegade，havinginformedhimselfofallthatwasrequisiteforhimtodo，setoutforthecityofGranadatorestorehimselftothesacredbosomoftheChurchthroughthemediumoftheHolyInquisition。Theotherreleasedcaptivestooktheirdepartures，eachthewaythatseemedbesttohim，andZoraidaandIwereleftalone，withnothingmorethanthecrownswhichthecourtesyoftheFrenchmanhadbestoweduponZoraida，outofwhichIboughtthebeastonwhichsherides；and，I
　　forthepresentattendingherasherfatherandsquireandnotasherhusband，wearenowgoingtoascertainifmyfatherisliving，orifanyofmybrothershashadbetterfortunethanminehasbeen；
　　though，asHeavenhasmademethecompanionofZoraida，Ithinknootherlotcouldbeassignedtome，howeverhappy，thatIwouldratherhave。Thepatiencewithwhichsheenduresthehardshipsthatpovertybringswithit，andtheeagernesssheshowstobecomeaChristian，aresuchthattheyfillmewithadmiration，andbindmetoserveherallmylife；thoughthehappinessIfeelinseeingmyselfhers，andhermine，isdisturbedandmarredbynotknowingwhetherI
　　shallfindanycornertoshelterherinmyowncountry，orwhethertimeanddeathmaynothavemadesuchchangesinthefortunesandlivesofmyfatherandbrothers，thatIshallhardlyfindanyonewhoknowsme，iftheyarenotalive。
　　Ihavenomoreofmystorytotellyou，gentlemen；whetheritbeaninterestingoracuriousoneletyourbetterjudgmentsdecide；
　　allIcansayisIwouldgladlyhavetoldittoyoumorebriefly；
　　althoughmyfearofwearyingyouhasmademeleaveoutmorethanonecircumstance。
　　CHAPTERXLII
　　WHICHTREATSOFWHATFURTHERTOOKPLACEINTHEINN，ANDOFSEVERAL
　　OTHERTHINGSWORTHKNOWING
　　WITHthesewordsthecaptiveheldhispeace，andDonFernandosaidtohim，“Intruth，captain，themannerinwhichyouhaverelatedthisremarkableadventurehasbeensuchasbefittedthenoveltyandstrangenessofthematter。Thewholestoryiscuriousanduncommon，andaboundswithincidentsthatfillthehearerswithwonderandastonishment；andsogreatisthepleasurewehavefoundinlisteningtoitthatweshouldbegladifitweretobeginagain，eventhoughto-morrowweretofindusstilloccupiedwiththesametale。“
　　AndwhilehesaidthisCardenioandtherestofthemofferedtobeofservicetohiminanywaythatlayintheirpower，andinwordsandlanguagesokindlyandsincerethatthecaptainwasmuchgratifiedbytheirgood-will。InparticularDonFernandooffered，ifhewouldgobackwithhim，togethisbrotherthemarquistobecomegodfatheratthebaptismofZoraida，andonhisownparttoprovidehimwiththemeansofmakinghisappearanceinhisowncountrywiththecreditandcomforthewasentitledto。Forallthisthecaptivereturnedthanksverycourteously，althoughhewouldnotacceptanyoftheirgenerousoffers。
　　Bythistimenightclosedin，andasitdid，therecameuptotheinnacoachattendedbysomemenonhorseback，whodemandedaccommodation；towhichthelandladyrepliedthattherewasnotahand'sbreadthofthewholeinnunoccupied。
　　“Still，forallthat，“saidoneofthosewhohadenteredonhorseback，“roommustbefoundforhislordshiptheJudgehere。“
　　Atthisnamethelandladywastakenaback，andsaid，“Senor，thefactisIhavenobeds；butifhislordshiptheJudgecarriesonewithhim，asnodoubthedoes，lethimcomeinandwelcome；formyhusbandandIwillgiveupourroomtoaccommodatehisworship。“
　　“Verygood，sobeit，“saidthesquire；butinthemeantimeamanhadgotoutofthecoachwhosedressindicatedataglancetheofficeandpostheheld，forthelongrobewithruffledsleevesthatheworeshowedthathewas，ashisservantsaid，aJudgeofappeal。Heledbythehandayounggirlinatravellingdress，apparentlyaboutsixteenyearsofage，andofsuchahigh-bredair，sobeautifulandsograceful，thatallwerefilledwithadmirationwhenshemadeherappearance，andbutforhavingseenDorothea，Luscinda，andZoraida，whowerethereintheinn，theywouldhavefanciedthatabeautylikethatofthismaiden'swouldhavebeenhardtofind。DonQuixotewaspresentattheentranceoftheJudgewiththeyounglady，andassoonashesawhimhesaid，“Yourworshipmaywithconfidenceenterandtakeyoureaseinthiscastle；forthoughtheaccommodationbescantyandpoor，therearenoquarterssocrampedorinconvenientthattheycannotmakeroomforarmsandletters；aboveallifarmsandlettershavebeautyforaguideandleader，aslettersrepresentedbyyourworshiphaveinthisfairmaiden，towhomnotonlyoughtcastlestothrowthemselvesopenandyieldthemselvesup，butrocksshouldrendthemselvesasunderandmountainsdivideandbowthemselvesdowntogiveherareception。Enter，yourworship，Isay，intothisparadise，forhereyouwillfindstarsandsunstoaccompanytheheavenyourworshipbringswithyou，hereyouwillfindarmsintheirsupremeexcellence，andbeautyinitshighestperfection。“
　　TheJudgewasstruckwithamazementatthelanguageofDonQuixote，whomhescrutinizedverycarefully，nolessastonishedbyhisfigurethanbyhistalk；andbeforehecouldfindwordstoanswerhimhehadafreshsurprise，whenhesawoppositetohimLuscinda，Dorothea，andZoraida，who，havingheardofthenewguestsandofthebeautyoftheyounglady，hadcometoseeherandwelcomeher；DonFernando，Cardenio，andthecurate，however，greetedhiminamoreintelligibleandpolishedstyle。Inshort，theJudgemadehisentranceinastateofbewilderment，aswellwithwhathesawaswhatheheard，andthefairladiesoftheinngavethefairdamselacordialwelcome。
　　Onthewholehecouldperceivethatallwhoweretherewerepeopleofquality；butwiththefigure，countenance，andbearingofDonQuixotehewasathiswits'end；andallcivilitieshavingbeenexchanged，andtheaccommodationoftheinninquiredinto，itwassettled，asithadbeenbeforesettled，thatallthewomenshouldretiretothegarretthathasbeenalreadymentioned，andthatthemenshouldremainoutsideasiftoguardthem；theJudge，therefore，wasverywellpleasedtoallowhisdaughter，forsuchthedamselwas，togowiththeladies，whichshedidverywillingly；andwithpartofthehost'snarrowbedandhalfofwhattheJudgehadbroughtwithhim，theymadeamorecomfortablearrangementforthenightthantheyhadexpected。
　　Thecaptive，whosehearthadleapedwithinhimtheinstanthesawtheJudge，tellinghimsomehowthatthiswashisbrother，askedoneoftheservantswhoaccompaniedhimwhathisnamewas，andwhetherheknewfromwhatpartofthecountryhecame。TheservantrepliedthathewascalledtheLicentiateJuanPerezdeViedma，andthathehadhearditsaidhecamefromavillageinthemountainsofLeon。Fromthisstatement，andwhathehimselfhadseen，hefeltconvincedthatthiswashisbrotherwhohadadoptedlettersbyhisfather'sadvice；
　　andexcitedandrejoiced，hecalledDonFernandoandCardenioandthecurateaside，andtoldthemhowthematterstood，assuringthemthatthejudgewashisbrother。TheservanthadfurtherinformedhimthathewasnowgoingtotheIndieswiththeappointmentofJudgeoftheSupremeCourtofMexico；andhehadlearned，likewise，thattheyoungladywashisdaughter，whosemotherhaddiedingivingbirthtoher，andthathewasveryrichinconsequenceofthedowrylefttohimwiththedaughter。Heaskedtheiradviceastowhatmeansheshouldadopttomakehimselfknown，ortoascertainbeforehandwhether，whenhehadmadehimselfknown，hisbrother，seeinghimsopoor，wouldbeashamedofhim，orwouldreceivehimwithawarmheart。
　　“Leaveittometofindoutthat，“saidthecurate；“thoughthereisnoreasonforsupposing，senorcaptain，thatyouwillnotbekindlyreceived，becausetheworthandwisdomthatyourbrother'sbearingshowshimtopossessdonotmakeitlikelythathewillprovehaughtyorinsensible，orthathewillnotknowhowtoestimatetheaccidentsoffortuneattheirpropervalue。“
　　“Still，“saidthecaptain，“Iwouldnotmakemyselfknownabruptly，butinsomeindirectway。“
　　“Ihavetoldyoualready，“saidthecurate，“thatIwillmanageitinawaytosatisfyusall。“
　　Bythistimesupperwasready，andtheyalltooktheirseatsatthetable，exceptthecaptive，andtheladies，whosuppedbythemselvesintheirownroom。Inthemiddleofsupperthecuratesaid：
　　“Ihadacomradeofyourworship'sname，SenorJudge，inConstantinople，whereIwasacaptiveforseveralyears，andthatsamecomradewasoneofthestoutestsoldiersandcaptainsinthewholeSpanishinfantry；buthehadaslargeashareofmisfortuneashehadofgallantryandcourage。“
　　“Andhowwasthecaptaincalled，senor？”askedtheJudge。
　　“HewascalledRuyPerezdeViedma，“repliedthecurate，“andhewasborninavillageinthemountainsofLeon；andhementionedacircumstanceconnectedwithhisfatherandhisbrotherswhich，haditnotbeentoldmebysotruthfulamanashewas，Ishouldhavesetdownasoneofthosefablestheoldwomentelloverthefireinwinter；forhesaidhisfatherhaddividedhispropertyamonghisthreesonsandhadaddressedwordsofadvicetothemsounderthananyofCato's。ButIcansaythismuch，thatthechoicehemadeofgoingtothewarswasattendedwithsuchsuccess，thatbyhisgallantconductandcourage，andwithoutanyhelpsavehisownmerit，heroseinafewyearstobecaptainofinfantry，andtoseehimselfonthehigh-roadandinpositiontobegiventhecommandofacorpsbeforelong；butFortunewasagainsthim，forwherehemighthaveexpectedherfavourhelostit，andwithithisliberty，onthatgloriousdaywhensomanyrecoveredtheirs，atthebattleofLepanto。IlostmineattheGoletta，andafteravarietyofadventureswefoundourselvescomradesatConstantinople。ThencehewenttoAlgiers，wherehemetwithoneofthemostextraordinaryadventuresthateverbefellanyoneintheworld。“
　　Herethecuratewentontorelatebrieflyhisbrother'sadventurewithZoraida；toallwhichtheJudgegavesuchanattentivehearingthatheneverbeforehadbeensomuchofahearer。Thecurate，however，onlywentsofarastodescribehowtheFrenchmenplunderedthosewhowereintheboat，andthepovertyanddistressinwhichhiscomradeandthefairMoorwereleft，ofwhomhesaidhehadnotbeenabletolearnwhatbecameofthem，orwhethertheyhadreachedSpain，orbeencarriedtoFrancebytheFrenchmen。
　　Thecaptain，standingalittletooneside，waslisteningtoallthecuratesaid，andwatchingeverymovementofhisbrother，who，assoonasheperceivedthecuratehadmadeanendofhisstory，gaveadeepsighandsaidwithhiseyesfulloftears，“Oh，senor，ifyouonlyknewwhatnewsyouhavegivenmeandhowitcomeshometome，makingmeshowhowIfeelitwiththesetearsthatspringfrommyeyesinspiteofallmyworldlywisdomandself-restraint！Thatbravecaptainthatyouspeakofismyeldestbrother，who，beingofabolderandloftiermindthanmyotherbrotherormyself，chosethehonourableandworthycallingofarms，whichwasoneofthethreecareersourfatherproposedtous，asyourcomradementionedinthatfableyouthoughthewastellingyou。Ifollowedthatofletters，inwhichGodandmyownexertionshaveraisedmetothepositioninwhichyouseeme。MysecondbrotherisinPeru，sowealthythatwithwhathehassenttomyfatherandtomehehasfullyrepaidtheportionhetookwithhim，andhasevenfurnishedmyfather'shandswiththemeansofgratifyinghisnaturalgenerosity，whileItoohavebeenenabledtopursuemystudiesinamorebecomingandcreditablefashion，andsotoattainmypresentstanding。Myfatherisstillalive，thoughdyingwithanxietytohearofhiseldestson，andhepraysGodunceasinglythatdeathmaynotclosehiseyesuntilhehaslookeduponthoseofhisson；butwithregardtohimwhatsurprisesmeis，thathavingsomuchcommonsenseashehad，heshouldhaveneglectedtogiveanyintelligenceabouthimself，eitherinhistroublesandsufferings，orinhisprosperity，forifhisfatheroranyofushadknownofhisconditionheneednothavewaitedforthatmiracleofthereedtoobtainhisransom；butwhatnowdisquietsmeistheuncertaintywhetherthoseFrenchmenmayhaverestoredhimtoliberty，ormurderedhimtohidetherobbery。Allthiswillmakemecontinuemyjourney，notwiththesatisfactioninwhichIbeganit，butinthedeepestmelancholyandsadness。Ohdearbrother！thatIonlyknewwherethouartnow，andIwouldhastentoseektheeoutanddelivertheefromthysufferings，thoughitweretocostmesufferingmyself！OhthatIcouldbringnewstoouroldfatherthatthouartalive，evenwertthouthedeepestdungeonofBarbary；forhiswealthandmybrother'sandminewouldrescuetheethence！OhbeautifulandgenerousZoraida，thatIcouldrepaythygoodgoodnesstoabrother！
　　ThatIcouldbepresentatthenewbirthofthysoul，andatthybridalthatwouldgiveusallsuchhappiness！”
　　AllthisandmoretheJudgeutteredwithsuchdeepemotionatthenewshehadreceivedofhisbrotherthatallwhoheardhimsharedinit，showingtheirsympathywithhissorrow。Thecurate，seeing，then，howwellhehadsucceededincarryingouthispurposeandthecaptain'swishes，hadnodesiretokeepthemunhappyanylonger，soherosefromthetableandgoingintotheroomwhereZoraidawashetookherbythehand，Luscinda，Dorothea，andtheJudge'sdaughterfollowingher。Thecaptainwaswaitingtoseewhatthecuratewoulddo，whenthelatter，takinghimwiththeotherhand，advancedwithbothofthemtowheretheJudgeandtheothergentlemenwereandsaid，“Letyourtearsceasetoflow，SenorJudge，andthewishofyourheartbegratifiedasfullyasyoucoulddesire，foryouhavebeforeyouyourworthybrotherandyourgoodsister-in-law。HewhomyouseehereistheCaptainViedma，andthisisthefairMoorwhohasbeensogoodtohim。TheFrenchmenItoldyouofhavereducedthemtothestateofpovertyyouseethatyoumayshowthegenerosityofyourkindheart。“
　　Thecaptainrantoembracehisbrother，whoplacedbothhandsonhisbreastsoastohaveagoodlookathim，holdinghimalittlewayoffbutassoonashehadfullyrecognisedhimheclaspedhiminhisarmssoclosely，sheddingsuchtearsofheartfeltjoy，thatmostofthosepresentcouldnotbutjoininthem。Thewordsthebrothersexchanged，theemotiontheyshowedcanscarcelybeimagined，I
　　fancy，muchlessputdowninwriting。Theytoldeachotherinafewwordstheeventsoftheirlives；theyshowedthetrueaffectionofbrothersinallitsstrength；thenthejudgeembracedZoraida，puttingallhepossessedatherdisposal；thenhemadehisdaughterembraceher，andthefairChristianandthelovelyMoordrewfreshtearsfromeveryeye。AndtherewasDonQuixoteobservingallthesestrangeproceedingsattentivelywithoututteringaword，andattributingthewholetochimerasofknight-errantry。ThentheyagreedthatthecaptainandZoraidashouldreturnwithhisbrothertoSeville，andsendnewstohisfatherofhishavingbeendeliveredandfound，soastoenablehimtocomeandbepresentatthemarriageandbaptismofZoraida，foritwasimpossiblefortheJudgetoputoffhisjourney，ashewasinformedthatinamonthfromthattimethefleetwastosailfromSevilleforNewSpain，andtomissthepassagewouldhavebeenagreatinconveniencetohim。Inshort，everybodywaswellpleasedandgladatthecaptive'sgoodfortune；andasnowalmosttwo-thirdsofthenightwerepast，theyresolvedtoretiretorestfortheremainderofit。DonQuixoteofferedtomountguardoverthecastlelesttheyshouldbeattackedbysomegiantorothermalevolentscoundrel，covetousofthegreattreasureofbeautythecastlecontained。Thosewhounderstoodhimreturnedhimthanksforthisservice，andtheygavetheJudgeanaccountofhisextraordinaryhumour，withwhichhewasnotalittleamused。SanchoPanzaalonewasfumingatthelatenessofthehourforretiringtorest；andheofallwastheonethatmadehimselfmostcomfortable，ashestretchedhimselfonthetrappingsofhisass，which，aswillbetoldfartheron，costhimsodear。
　　Theladies，then，havingretiredtotheirchamber，andtheothershavingdisposedthemselveswithaslittlediscomfortastheycould，DonQuixotesalliedoutoftheinntoactassentinelofthecastleashehadpromised。Ithappened，however，thatalittlebeforetheapproachofdawnavoicesomusicalandsweetreachedtheearsoftheladiesthatitforcedthemalltolistenattentively，butespeciallyDorothea，whohadbeenawake，andbywhosesideDonaClaradeViedma，forsotheJudge'sdaughterwascalled，laysleeping。
　　Noonecouldimaginewhoitwasthatsangsosweetly，andthevoicewasunaccompaniedbyanyinstrument。Atonemomentitseemedtothemasifthesingerwereinthecourtyard，atanotherinthestable；
　　andastheywereallattention，wondering，Cardeniocametothedoorandsaid，“Listen，whoeverisnotasleep，andyouwillhearamuleteer'svoicethatenchantsasitchants。“
　　“Wearelisteningtoitalready，senor，“saidDorothea；onwhichCardeniowentaway；andDorothea，givingallherattentiontoit，madeoutthewordsofthesongtobethese：
　　CHAPTERXLIII
　　WHEREINISRELATEDTHEPLEASANTSTORYOFTHEMULETEER，TOGETHERWITH
　　OTHERSTRANGETHINGSTHATCAMETOPASSINTHEINN
　　AHME，Love'smarineramI
　　OnLove'sdeepoceansailing；
　　Iknownotwherethehavenlies，Idarenothopetogainit。
　　OnesolitarydistantstarIsallIhavetoguideme，AbrighterorbthanthoseofoldThatPalinuruslighted。
　　AndvaguelydriftingamIborne，Iknownotwhereitleadsme；
　　Ifixmygazeonitalone，Ofallbesideitheedless。
　　Butover-cautiousprudery，Andcoynesscoldandcruel，WhenmostIneedit，these，likeclouds，Itslonged-forlightrefuseme。
　　Brightstar，goalofmyyearningeyesAsthouabovemebeamest，WhenthoushalthidetheefrommysightI'llknowthatdeathisnearme。
　　ThesingerhadgotsofarwhenitstruckDorotheathatitwasnotfairtoletClaramisshearingsuchasweetvoice，so，shakingherfromsidetoside，shewokeher，saying：
　　“Forgiveme，child，forwakingthee，butIdosothatthoumayesthavethepleasureofhearingthebestvoicethouhasteverheard，perhaps，inallthylife。“
　　Claraawokequitedrowsy，andnotunderstandingatthemomentwhatDorotheasaid，askedherwhatitwas；sherepeatedwhatshehadsaid，andClarabecameattentiveatonce；butshehadhardlyheardtwolines，asthesingercontinued，whenastrangetremblingseizedher，asifsheweresufferingfromasevereattackofquartanague，andthrowingherarmsroundDorotheashesaid：
　　“Ah，dearladyofmysoulandlife！whydidyouwakeme？Thegreatestkindnessfortunecoulddomenowwouldbetoclosemyeyesandearssoasneithertoseeorhearthatunhappymusician。“
　　“Whatartthoutalkingabout，child？”saidDorothea。“Why，theysaythissingerisamuleteer！”
　　“Nay，heisthelordofmanyplaces，“repliedClara，“andthatoneinmyheartwhichheholdssofirmlyshallneverbetakenfromhim，unlesshebewillingtosurrenderit。“
　　Dorotheawasamazedattheardentlanguageofthegirl，foritseemedtobefarbeyondsuchexperienceoflifeashertenderyearsgaveanypromiseof，soshesaidtoher：
　　“YouspeakinsuchawaythatIcannotunderstandyou，SenoraClara；
　　explainyourselfmoreclearly，andtellmewhatisthisyouaresayingaboutheartsandplacesandthismusicianwhosevoicehassomovedyou？Butdonottellmeanythingnow；IdonotwanttolosethepleasureIgetfromlisteningtothesingerbygivingmyattentiontoyourtransports，forIperceiveheisbeginningtosinganewstrainandanewair。“
　　“Lethim，inHeaven'sname，“returnedClara；andnottohearhimshestoppedbothearswithherhands，atwhichDorotheawasagainsurprised；butturningherattentiontothesongshefoundthatitraninthisfashion：
　　SweetHope，mystay，ThatonwardtothegoalofthyintentDostmakethyway，Heedlessofhindranceorimpediment，HavethounofearIfateachstepthoufindestdeathisnear。
　　Novictory，Nojoyoftriumphdoththefaintheartknow；
　　UnblestisheThataboldfronttoFortunedaresnotshow，ButsoulandsenseInbondageyieldethuptoindolence。
　　IfLovehiswaresDodearlysell，hisrightmustbecontest；
　　WhatgoldcomparesWiththatwhereonhisstamphehathimprest？
　　AndallmenknowWhatcostethlittlethatweratebutlow。
　　LoveresoluteKnowsnottheword“impossibility；“
　　AndthoughmysuitBesetbyendlessobstaclesIsee，YetnodespairShallholdmeboundtoearthwhileheavenisthere。
　　HerethevoiceceasedandClara'ssobsbeganafresh，allwhichexcitedDorothea'scuriositytoknowwhatcouldbethecauseofsingingsosweetandweepingsobitter，sosheagainaskedherwhatitwasshewasgoingtosaybefore。OnthisClara，afraidthatLuscindamightoverhearher，windingherarmstightlyroundDorotheaputhermouthsoclosetoherearthatshecouldspeakwithoutfearofbeingheardbyanyoneelse，andsaid：
　　“Thissinger，dearsenora，isthesonofagentlemanofAragon，lordoftwovillages，wholivesoppositemyfather'shouseatMadrid；andthoughmyfatherhadcurtainstothewindowsofhishouseinwinter，andlattice-workinsummer，insomeway-Iknownothow-thisgentleman，whowaspursuinghisstudies，sawme，whetherinchurchorelsewhere，Icannottell，and，infact，fellinlovewithme，andgavemetoknowitfromthewindowsofhishouse，withsomanysignsandtearsthatIwasforcedtobelievehim，andeventolovehim，withoutknowingwhatitwashewantedofme。Oneofthesignsheusedtomakemewastolinkonehandintheother，toshowmehewishedtomarryme；andthoughIshouldhavebeengladifthatcouldbe，beingaloneandmotherlessIknewnotwhomtoopenmymindto，andsoIleftitasitwas，showinghimnofavour，exceptwhenmyfather，andhistoo，werefromhome，toraisethecurtainorthelatticealittleandlethimseemeplainly，atwhichhewouldshowsuchdelightthatheseemedasifheweregoingmad。Meanwhilethetimeformyfather'sdeparturearrived，whichhebecameawareof，butnotfromme，forIhadneverbeenabletotellhimofit。Hefellsick，ofgriefIbelieve，andsothedayweweregoingawayI
　　couldnotseehimtotakefarewellofhim，wereitonlywiththeeyes。
　　Butafterwehadbeentwodaysontheroad，onenteringtheposadaofavillageaday'sjourneyfromthis，Isawhimattheinndoorinthedressofamuleteer，andsowelldisguised，thatifIdidnotcarryhisimagegravenonmyheartitwouldhavebeenimpossibleformetorecognisehim。ButIknewhim，andIwassurprised，andglad；hewatchedme，unsuspectedbymyfather，fromwhomhealwayshideshimselfwhenhecrossesmypathontheroad，orintheposadaswherewehalt；and，asIknowwhatheis，andreflectthatforloveofmehemakesthisjourneyonfootinallthishardship，Iamreadytodieofsorrow；andwherehesetsfootthereIsetmyeyes。Iknownotwithwhatobjecthehascome；orhowhecouldhavegotawayfromhisfather，wholoveshimbeyondmeasure，havingnootherheir，andbecausehedeservesit，asyouwillperceivewhenyouseehim。Andmoreover，Icantellyou，allthathesingsisoutofhisownhead；
　　forIhaveheardthemsayheisagreatscholarandpoet；andwhatismore，everytimeIseehimorhearhimsingItrembleallover，andamterrifiedlestmyfathershouldrecognisehimandcometoknowofourloves。Ihaveneverspokenawordtohiminmylife；andforallthatIlovehimsothatIcouldnotlivewithouthim。This，dearsenora，isallIhavetotellyouaboutthemusicianwhosevoicehasdelightedyousomuch；andfromitaloneyoumighteasilyperceiveheisnomuleteer，butalordofheartsandtowns，asItoldyoualready。“
　　“Saynomore，DonaClara，“saidDorotheaatthis，atthesametimekissingherathousandtimesover，“saynomore，Itellyou，butwaittilldaycomes；whenItrustinGodtoarrangethisaffairofyourssothatitmayhavethehappyendingsuchaninnocentbeginningdeserves。“
　　“Ah，senora，“saidDonaClara，“whatendcanbehopedforwhenhisfatherisofsuchloftyposition，andsowealthy，thathewouldthinkIwasnotfittobeevenaservanttohisson，muchlesswife？
　　Andastomarryingwithouttheknowledgeofmyfather，Iwouldnotdoitforalltheworld。Iwouldnotaskanythingmorethanthatthisyouthshouldgobackandleaveme；perhapswithnotseeinghim，andthelongdistanceweshallhavetotravel，thepainIsuffernowmaybecomeeasier；thoughIdaresaytheremedyIproposewilldomeverylittlegood。Idon'tknowhowthedevilthishascomeabout，orhowthisloveIhaveforhimgotin；Isuchayounggirl，andhesuchamereboy；forIverilybelievewearebothofanage，andI
　　amnotsixteenyet；forIwillbesixteenMichaelmasDay，next，myfathersays。“
　　DorotheacouldnothelplaughingtohearhowlikeachildDonaClaraspoke。“Letusgotosleepnow，senora，“saidshe，“forthelittleofthenightthatIfancyislefttous：Godwillsoonsendusdaylight，andwewillsetalltorights，oritwillgohardwithme。“
　　Withthistheyfellasleep，anddeepsilencereignedallthroughtheinn。Theonlypersonsnotasleepwerethelandlady'sdaughterandherservantMaritornes，who，knowingtheweakpointofDonQuixote'shumour，andthathewasoutsidetheinnmountingguardinarmourandonhorseback，resolved，thepairofthem，toplaysometrickuponhim，oratanyratetoamusethemselvesforawhilebylisteningtohisnonsense。Asitsohappenedtherewasnotawindowinthewholeinnthatlookedoutwardsexceptaholeinthewallofastraw-loftthroughwhichtheyusedtothrowoutthestraw。Atthisholethetwodemi-damselspostedthemselves，andobservedDonQuixoteonhishorse，leaningonhispikeandfromtimetotimesendingforthsuchdeepanddolefulsighs，thatheseemedtopluckuphissoulbytherootswitheachofthem；andtheycouldhearhim，too，sayinginasoft，tender，lovingtone，“OhmyladyDulcineadelToboso，perfectionofallbeauty，summitandcrownofdiscretion，treasurehouseofgrace，depositaryofvirtue，andfinally，idealofallthatisgood，honourable，anddelectableinthisworld！Whatisthygracedoingnow？
　　Artthou，perchance，mindfulofthyenslavedknightwhoofhisownfreewillhathexposedhimselftosogreatperils，andalltoservethee？Givemetidingsofher，ohluminaryofthethreefaces！
　　Perhapsatthismoment，enviousofhers，thouartregardingher，eitherasshepacestoandfrosomegalleryofhersumptuouspalaces，orleansoversomebalcony，meditatinghow，whilstpreservingherpurityandgreatness，shemaymitigatethetorturesthiswretchedheartofmineenduresforhersake，whatgloryshouldrecompensemysufferings，whatreposemytoil，andlastlywhatdeathmylife，andwhatrewardmyservices？Andthou，ohsun，thatartnowdoubtlessharnessingthysteedsinhastetorisebetimesandcomeforthtoseemylady；whenthouseestherIentreatoftheetosaluteheronmybehalf：buthaveacare，whenthoushaltseeherandsaluteher，thatthoukissnotherface；forIshallbemorejealousoftheethanthouwertofthatlight-footedingratethatmadetheesweatandrunsoontheplainsofThessaly，oronthebanksofthePeneusforIdonotexactlyrecollectwhereitwasthoudidstrunonthatoccasioninthyjealousyandlove。“
　　DonQuixotehadgotsofarinhispatheticspeechwhenthelandlady'sdaughterbegantosignaltohim，saying，“Senor，comeoverhere，please。“
　　AtthesesignalsandvoiceDonQuixoteturnedhisheadandsawbythelightofthemoon，whichthenwasinitsfullsplendour，thatsomeonewascallingtohimfromtheholeinthewall，whichseemedtohimtobeawindow，andwhatismore，withagiltgrating，asrichcastles，suchashebelievedtheinntobe，oughttohave；anditimmediatelysuggesteditselftohisimaginationthat，asontheformeroccasion，thefairdamsel，thedaughteroftheladyofthecastle，overcomebyloveforhim，wasoncemoreendeavouringtowinhisaffections；andwiththisidea，nottoshowhimselfdiscourteous，orungrateful，heturnedRocinante'sheadandapproachedthehole，andasheperceivedthetwowencheshesaid：
　　“Ipityyou，beauteouslady，thatyoushouldhavedirectedyourthoughtsoflovetoaquarterfromwhenceitisimpossiblethatsuchareturncanbemadetoyouasisduetoyourgreatmeritandgentlebirth，forwhichyoumustnotblamethisunhappyknight-errantwhomloverendersincapableofsubmissiontoanyotherthanherwhom，thefirstmomenthiseyesbeheldher，hemadeabsolutemistressofhissoul。Forgiveme，noblelady，andretiretoyourapartment，anddonot，byanyfurtherdeclarationofyourpassion，compelmetoshowmyselfmoreungrateful；andif，oftheloveyoubearme，youshouldfindthatthereisanythingelseinmypowerwhereinIcangratifyyou，provideditbenotloveitself，demanditofme；forIsweartoyoubythatsweetabsentenemyofminetograntitthisinstant，thoughitbethatyourequireofmealockofMedusa'shair，whichwasallsnakes，oreventheverybeamsofthesunshutupinavial。“
　　“Mymistresswantsnothingofthatsort，sirknight，“saidMaritornesatthis。
　　“Whatthen，discreetdame，isitthatyourmistresswants？”
　　repliedDonQuixote。
　　“Onlyoneofyourfairhands，“saidMaritornes，“toenablehertoventoveritthegreatpassionpassionwhichhasbroughthertothisloophole，somuchtotheriskofherhonour；forifthelordherfatherhadheardher，theleastslicehewouldcutoffherwouldbeherear。“
　　“Ishouldliketoseethattried，“saidDonQuixote；“buthehadbetterbewareofthat，ifhedoesnotwanttomeetthemostdisastrousendthateverfatherintheworldmetforhavinglaidhandsonthetenderlimbsofalove-strickendaughter。“
　　MaritornesfeltsurethatDonQuixotewouldpresentthehandshehadasked，andmakinguphermindwhattodo，shegotdownfromtheholeandwentintothestable，whereshetookthehalterofSanchoPanza'sass，andinallhastereturnedtothehole，justasDonQuixotehadplantedhimselfstandingonRocinante'ssaddleinordertoreachthegratedwindowwherehesupposedthelovelorndamseltobe；
　　andgivingherhishand，hesaid，“Lady，takethishand，orratherthisscourgeoftheevil-doersoftheearth；take，Isay，thishandwhichnootherhandofwomanhasevertouched，notevenherswhohascompletepossessionofmyentirebody。Ipresentittoyou，notthatyoumaykissit，butthatyoumayobservethecontextureofthesinews，theclosenetworkofthemuscles，thebreadthandcapacityoftheveins，whenceyoumayinferwhatmustbethestrengthofthearmthathassuchahand。“
　　“Thatweshallseepresently，“saidMaritornes，andmakingarunningknotonthehalter，shepasseditoverhiswristandcomingdownfromtheholetiedtheotherendveryfirmlytotheboltofthedoorofthestraw-loft。
　　DonQuixote，feelingtheroughnessoftheropeonhiswrist，exclaimed，“Yourgraceseemstobegratingratherthancaressingmyhand；treatitnotsoharshly，foritisnottoblamefortheoffencemyresolutionhasgivenyou，norisitjusttowreakallyourvengeanceonsosmallapart；rememberthatonewholovessowellshouldnotrevengeherselfsocruelly。“
　　ButtherewasnobodynowtolistentothesewordsofDonQuixote's，forassoonasMaritorneshadtiedhimsheandtheothermadeoff，readytodiewithlaughing，leavinghimfastenedinsuchawaythatitwasimpossibleforhimtoreleasehimself。
　　Hewas，ashasbeensaid，standingonRocinante，withhisarmpassedthroughtheholeandhiswristtiedtotheboltofthedoor，andinmightyfearanddreadofbeinglefthangingbythearmifRocinanteweretostironesideortheother；sohedidnotdaretomaketheleastmovement，althoughfromthepatienceandimperturbabledispositionofRocinante，hehadgoodreasontoexpectthathewouldstandwithoutbudgingforawholecentury。Findinghimselffast，then，andthattheladieshadretired，hebegantofancythatallthiswasdonebyenchantment，asontheformeroccasionwheninthatsamecastlethatenchantedMoorofacarrierhadbelabouredhim；andhecursedinhishearthisownwantofsenseandjudgmentinventuringtoenterthecastleagain，afterhavingcomeoffsobadlythefirsttime；
　　itbeingasettledpointwithknights-errantthatwhentheyhavetriedanadventure，andhavenotsucceededinit，itisasignthatitisnotreservedforthembutforothers，andthatthereforetheyneednottryitagain。Neverthelesshepulledhisarmtoseeifhecouldreleasehimself，butithadbeenmadesofastthatallhiseffortswereinvain。ItistruehepulleditgentlylestRocinanteshouldmove，buttryashemighttoseathimselfinthesaddle，hehadnothingforitbuttostanduprightorpullhishandoff。ThenitwashewishedfortheswordofAmadis，againstwhichnoenchantmentwhateverhadanypower；thenhecursedhisillfortune；thenhemagnifiedthelosstheworldwouldsustainbyhisabsencewhileheremainedthereenchanted，forthathebelievedhewasbeyondalldoubt；thenheoncemoretooktothinkingofhisbelovedDulcineadelToboso；thenhecalledtohisworthysquireSanchoPanza，who，buriedinsleepandstretcheduponthepack-saddleofhisass，wasoblivious，atthatmoment，ofthemotherthatborehim；thenhecalleduponthesagesLirgandeoandAlquifetocometohisaid；thenheinvokedhisgoodfriendUrgandatosuccourhim；andthen，atlast，morningfoundhiminsuchastateofdesperationandperplexitythathewasbellowinglikeabull，forhehadnohopethatdaywouldbringanyrelieftohissuffering，whichhebelievedwouldlastforever，inasmuchashewasenchanted；andofthishewasconvincedbyseeingthatRocinanteneverstirred，muchorlittle，andhefeltpersuadedthatheandhishorseweretoremaininthisstate，withouteatingordrinkingorsleeping，untilthemaligninfluenceofthestarswasoverpast，oruntilsomeothermoresageenchantershoulddisenchanthim。
　　Buthewasverymuchdeceivedinthisconclusion，fordaylighthadhardlybeguntoappearwhentherecameuptotheinnfourmenonhorseback，wellequippedandaccoutred，withfirelocksacrosstheirsaddle-bows。Theycalledoutandknockedloudlyatthegateoftheinn，whichwasstillshut；onseeingwhich，DonQuixote，eventherewherehewas，didnotforgettoactassentinel，andsaidinaloudandimperioustone，“Knights，orsquires，orwhateveryebe，yehavenorighttoknockatthegatesofthiscastle；foritisplainenoughthattheywhoarewithinareeitherasleep，orelsearenotinthehabitofthrowingopenthefortressuntilthesun'sraysarespreadoverthewholesurfaceoftheearth。Withdrawtoadistance，andwaittillitisbroaddaylight，andthenweshallseewhetheritwillbeproperornottoopentoyou。“
　　“Whatthedevilfortressorcastleisthis，“saidone，“tomakeusstandonsuchceremony？Ifyouaretheinnkeeperbidthemopentous；wearetravellerswhoonlywanttofeedourhorsesandgoon，forweareinhaste。“
　　“Doyouthink，gentlemen，thatIlooklikeaninnkeeper？”saidDonQuixote。
　　“Idon'tknowwhatyoulooklike，“repliedtheother；“butIknowthatyouaretalkingnonsensewhenyoucallthisinnacastle。“
　　“Acastleitis，“returnedDonQuixote，“nay，more，oneofthebestinthiswholeprovince，andithaswithinitpeoplewhohavehadthesceptreinthehandandthecrownonthehead。“
　　“Itwouldbebetterifitweretheotherway，“saidthetraveller，“thesceptreontheheadandthecrowninthehand；butifso，maybethereiswithinsomecompanyofplayers，withwhomitisacommonthingtohavethosecrownsandsceptresyouspeakof；forinsuchasmallinnasthis，andwheresuchsilenceiskept，Idonotbelieveanypeopleentitledtocrownsandsceptrescanhavetakenuptheirquarters。“
　　“Youknowbutlittleoftheworld，“returnedDonQuixote，“sinceyouareignorantofwhatcommonlyoccursinknight-errantry。“
　　Butthecomradesofthespokesman，growingwearyofthedialoguewithDonQuixote，renewedtheirknockswithgreatvehemence，somuchsothatthehost，andnotonlyhebuteverybodyintheinn，awoke，andhegotuptoaskwhoknocked。IthappenedatthismomentthatoneofthehorsesofthefourwhowereseekingadmittancewenttosmellRocinante，whomelancholy，dejected，andwithdroopingearsstoodmotionless，supportinghissorelystretchedmaster；andashewas，afterall，flesh，thoughhelookedasifheweremadeofwood，hecouldnothelpgivingwayandinreturnsmellingtheonewhohadcometoofferhimattentions。ButhehadhardlymovedatallwhenDonQuixotelosthisfooting；andslippingoffthesaddle，hewouldhavecometotheground，butforbeingsuspendedbythearm，whichcausedhimsuchagonythathebelievedeitherhiswristwouldbecutthroughorhisarmtornoff；andhehungsonearthegroundthathecouldjusttouchitwithhisfeet，whichwasalltheworseforhim；for，findinghowlittlewaswantedtoenablehimtoplanthisfeetfirmly，hestruggledandstretchedhimselfasmuchashecouldtogainafooting；
　　justlikethoseundergoingthetortureofthestrappado，whentheyarefixedat“touchandnotouch，“whoaggravatetheirownsufferingsbytheirviolenteffortstostretchthemselves，deceivedbythehopewhichmakesthemfancythatwithaverylittlemoretheywillreachtheground。
　　CHAPTERXLIV
　　INWHICHARECONTINUEDTHEUNHEARD-OFADVENTURESOFTHEINN
　　SOLOUD，infact，weretheshoutsofDonQuixote，thatthelandlordopeningthegateoftheinninallhaste，cameoutindismay，andrantoseewhowasutteringsuchcries，andthosewhowereoutsidejoinedhim。Maritornes，whohadbeenbythistimerousedupbythesameoutcry，suspectingwhatitwas，rantotheloftand，withoutanyoneseeingher，untiedthehalterbywhichDonQuixotewassuspended，anddownhecametothegroundinthesightofthelandlordandthetravellers，whoapproachingaskedhimwhatwasthematterwithhimthatheshoutedso。Hewithoutreplyingawordtooktheropeoffhiswrist，andrisingtohisfeetleapeduponRocinante，bracedhisbuckleronhisarm，puthislanceinrest，andmakingaconsiderablecircuitoftheplaincamebackatahalf-gallopexclaiming：
　　“WhoevershallsaythatIhavebeenenchantedwithjustcause，providedmyladythePrincessMicomiconagrantsmepermissiontodoso，Igivehimthelie，challengehimanddefyhimtosinglecombat。“
　　ThenewlyarrivedtravellerswereamazedatthewordsofDonQuixote；butthelandlordremovedtheirsurprisebytellingthemwhohewas，andnottomindhimashewasoutofhissenses。Theythenaskedthelandlordifbyanychanceayouthofaboutfifteenyearsofagehadcometothatinn，onedressedlikeamuleteer，andofsuchandsuchanappearance，describingthatofDonaClara'slover。
　　Thelandlordrepliedthatthereweresomanypeopleintheinnhehadnotnoticedthepersontheywereinquiringfor；butoneofthemobservingthecoachinwhichtheJudgehadcome，said，“Heisherenodoubt，forthisisthecoachheisfollowing：letoneofusstayatthegate，andtherestgointolookforhim；orindeeditwouldbeaswellifoneofuswentroundtheinn，lestheshouldescapeoverthewalloftheyard。““Sobeit，“saidanother；andwhiletwoofthemwentin，oneremainedatthegateandtheothermadethecircuitoftheinn；observingallwhich，thelandlordwasunabletoconjectureforwhatreasontheyweretakingalltheseprecautions，thoughheunderstoodtheywerelookingfortheyouthwhosedescriptiontheyhadgivenhim。
　　Itwasbythistimebroaddaylight；andforthatreason，aswellasinconsequenceofthenoiseDonQuixotehadmade，everybodywasawakeandup，butparticularlyDonaClaraandDorothea；fortheyhadbeenabletosleepbutbadlythatnight，theonefromagitationathavingherloversonearher，theotherfromcuriositytoseehim。DonQuixote，whenhesawthatnotoneofthefourtravellerstookanynoticeofhimorrepliedtohischallenge，wasfuriousandreadytodiewithindignationandwrath；andifhecouldhavefoundintheordinancesofchivalrythatitwaslawfulforaknight-erranttoundertakeorengageinanotherenterprise，whenhehadplightedhiswordandfaithnottoinvolvehimselfinanyuntilhehadmadeanendoftheonetowhichhewaspledged，hewouldhaveattackedthewholeofthem，andwouldhavemadethemreturnananswerinspiteofthemselves。Butconsideringthatitwouldnotbecomehim，norberight，tobeginanynewempriseuntilhehadestablishedMicomiconainherkingdom，hewasconstrainedtoholdhispeaceandwaitquietlytoseewhatwouldbetheupshotoftheproceedingsofthosesametravellers；oneofwhomfoundtheyouththeywereseekinglyingasleepbythesideofamuleteer，withoutathoughtofanyonecominginsearchofhim，muchlessfindinghim。
　　Themanlaidholdofhimbythearm，saying，“Itbecomesyouwellindeed，SenorDonLuis，tobeinthedressyouwear，andwellthebedinwhichIfindyouagreeswiththeluxuryinwhichyourmotherrearedyou。“
　　Theyouthrubbedhissleepyeyesandstaredforawhileathimwhoheldhim，butpresentlyrecognisedhimasoneofhisfather'sservants，atwhichhewassotakenabackthatforsometimehecouldnotfindorutteraword；whiletheservantwentontosay，“Thereisnothingforitnow，SenorDonLuis，buttosubmitquietlyandreturnhome，unlessitisyourwishthatmylord，yourfather，shouldtakehisdeparturefortheotherworld，fornothingelsecanbetheconsequenceofthegriefheisinatyourabsence。“
　　“ButhowdidmyfatherknowthatIhadgonethisroadandinthisdress？”saidDonLuis。
　　“Itwasastudenttowhomyouconfidedyourintentions，“answeredtheservant，“thatdisclosedthem，touchedwithpityatthedistresshesawyourfathersufferonmissingyou；hethereforedespatchedfourofhisservantsinquestofyou，andhereweallareatyourservice，betterpleasedthanyoucanimaginethatweshallreturnsosoonandbeabletorestoreyoutothoseeyesthatsoyearnforyou。“
　　“ThatshallbeasIplease，orasheavenorders，“returnedDonLuis。
　　“Whatcanyoupleaseorheavenorder，“saidtheother，“excepttoagreetogoback？Anythingelseisimpossible。“
　　AllthisconversationbetweenthetwowasoverheardbythemuleteeratwhosesideDonLuislay，andrising，hewenttoreportwhathadtakenplacetoDonFernando，Cardenio，andtheothers，whohadbythistimedressedthemselves；andtoldthemhowthemanhadaddressedtheyouthas“Don，“andwhatwordshadpassed，andhowhewantedhimtoreturntohisfather，whichtheyouthwasunwillingtodo。Withthis，andwhattheyalreadyknewoftherarevoicethatheavenhadbestoweduponhim，theyallfeltveryanxioustoknowmoreparticularlywhohewas，andeventohelphimifitwasattemptedtoemployforceagainsthim；sotheyhastenedtowherehewasstilltalkingandarguingwithhisservant。Dorotheaatthisinstantcameoutofherroom，followedbyDonaClaraallinatremor；andcallingCardenioaside，shetoldhiminafewwordsthestoryofthemusicianandDonaClara，andheatthesametimetoldherwhathadhappened，howhisfather'sservantshadcomeinsearchofhim；butintellingherso，hedidnotspeaklowenoughbutthatDonaClaraheardwhathesaid，atwhichshewassomuchagitatedthathadnotDorotheahastenedtosupporthershewouldhavefallentotheground。CardeniothenbadeDorotheareturntoherroom，ashewouldendeavourtomakethewholematterright，andtheydidashedesired。AllthefourwhohadcomeinquestofDonLuishadnowcomeintotheinnandsurroundedhim，urginghimtoreturnandconsolehisfatheratonceandwithoutamoment'sdelay。Herepliedthathecouldnotdosoonanyaccountuntilhehadconcludedsomebusinessinwhichhislife，honour，andheartwereatstake。Theservantspressedhim，sayingthatmostcertainlytheywouldnotreturnwithouthim，andthattheywouldtakehimawaywhetherhelikeditornot。
　　“Youshallnotdothat，“repliedDonLuis，“unlessyoutakemedead；
　　thoughhoweveryoutakeme，itwillbewithoutlife。“
　　Bythistimemostofthoseintheinnhadbeenattractedbythedispute，butparticularlyCardenio，DonFernando，hiscompanions，theJudge，thecurate，thebarber，andDonQuixote；forhenowconsideredtherewasnonecessityformountingguardoverthecastleanylonger。Cardeniobeingalreadyacquaintedwiththeyoungman'sstory，askedthemenwhowantedtotakehimaway，whatobjecttheyhadinseekingtocarryoffthisyouthagainsthiswill。
　　“Ourobject，“saidoneofthefour，“istosavethelifeofhisfather，whoisindangeroflosingitthroughthisgentleman'sdisappearance。“
　　UponthisDonLuisexclaimed，“Thereisnoneedtomakemyaffairspublichere；Iamfree，andIwillreturnifIplease；andifnot，noneofyoushallcompelme。“
　　“Reasonwillcompelyourworship，“saidtheman，“andifithasnopoweroveryou，ithaspoweroverus，tomakeusdowhatwecamefor，andwhatitisourdutytodo。“
　　“Letushearwhatthewholeaffairisabout，“saidtheJudgeatthis；buttheman，whoknewhimasaneighbouroftheirs，replied，“Doyounotknowthisgentleman，SenorJudge？Heisthesonofyourneighbour，whohasrunawayfromhisfather'shouseinadresssounbecominghisrank，asyourworshipmayperceive。“
　　Thejudgeonthislookedathimmorecarefullyandrecognisedhim，andembracinghimsaid，“Whatfollyisthis，SenorDonLuis，orwhatcanhavebeenthecausethatcouldhaveinducedyoutocomehereinthisway，andinthisdress，whichsoillbecomesyourcondition？”
　　Tearscameintotheeyesoftheyoungman，andhewasunabletoutterawordinreplytotheJudge，whotoldthefourservantsnottobeuneasy，forallwouldbesatisfactorilysettled；andthentakingDonLuisbythehand，hedrewhimasideandaskedthereasonofhishavingcomethere。
　　Butwhilehewasquestioninghimtheyheardaloudoutcryatthegateoftheinn，thecauseofwhichwasthattwooftheguestswhohadpassedthenightthere，seeingeverybodybusyaboutfindingoutwhatitwasthefourmenwanted，hadconceivedtheideaofgoingoffwithoutpayingwhattheyowed；butthelandlord，whomindedhisownaffairsmorethanotherpeople's，caughtthemgoingoutofthegateanddemandedhisreckoning，abusingthemfortheirdishonestywithsuchlanguagethathedrovethemtoreplywiththeirfists，andsotheybegantolayonhiminsuchastylethatthepoormanwasforcedtocryout，andcallforhelp。ThelandladyandherdaughtercouldseenoonemorefreetogiveaidthanDonQuixote，andtohimthedaughtersaid，“Sirknight，bythevirtueGodhasgivenyou，helpmypoorfather，fortwowickedmenarebeatinghimtoamummy。“
　　TowhichDonQuixoteverydeliberatelyandphlegmaticallyreplied，“Fairdamsel，atthepresentmomentyourrequestisinopportune，forI
　　amdebarredfrominvolvingmyselfinanyadventureuntilIhavebroughttoahappyconclusiononetowhichmywordhaspledgedme；butthatwhichIcandoforyouiswhatIwillnowmention：runandtellyourfathertostandhisgroundaswellashecaninthisbattle，andonnoaccounttoallowhimselftobevanquished，whileIgoandrequestpermissionofthePrincessMicomiconatoenablemetosuccourhiminhisdistress；andifshegrantsit，restassuredIwillrelievehimfromit。“
　　“SinnerthatIam，“exclaimedMaritornes，whostoodby；“beforeyouhavegotyourpermissionmymasterwillbeintheotherworld。“
　　“Givemeleave，senora，toobtainthepermissionIspeakof，“
　　returnedDonQuixote；“andifIgetit，itwillmatterverylittleifheisintheotherworld；forIwillrescuehimthenceinspiteofallthesameworldcando；oratanyrateIwillgiveyousucharevengeoverthosewhoshallhavesenthimtherethatyouwillbemorethanmoderatelysatisfied；“andwithoutsayinganythingmorehewentandkneltbeforeDorothea，requestingherHighnessinknightlyanderrantphrasetobepleasedtogranthimpermissiontoaidandsuccourthecastellanofthatcastle，whonowstoodingrievousjeopardy。
　　Theprincessgranteditgraciously，andheatonce，bracinghisbuckleronhisarmanddrawinghissword，hastenedtotheinn-gate，wherethetwoguestswerestillhandlingthelandlordroughly；butassoonashereachedthespothestoppedshortandstoodstill，thoughMaritornesandthelandladyaskedhimwhyhehesitatedtohelptheirmasterandhusband。
　　“Ihesitate，“saidDonQuixote，“becauseitisnotlawfulformetodrawswordagainstpersonsofsquirelycondition；butcallmysquireSanchotome；forthisdefenceandvengeancearehisaffairandbusiness。“
　　Thusmattersstoodattheinn-gate，wheretherewasaverylivelyexchangeoffisticuffsandpunches，tothesoredamageofthelandlordandtothewrathofMaritornes，thelandlady，andherdaughter，whowerefuriouswhentheysawthepusillanimityofDonQuixote，andthehardtreatmenttheirmaster，husbandandfatherwasundergoing。Butletusleavehimthere；forhewillsurelyfindsomeonetohelphim，andifnot，lethimsufferandholdhistonguewhoattemptsmorethanhisstrengthallowshimtodo；andletusgobackfiftypacestoseewhatDonLuissaidinreplytotheJudgewhomweleftquestioninghimprivatelyastohisreasonsforcomingonfootandsomeanlydressed。
　　Towhichtheyouth，pressinghishandinawaythatshowedhisheartwastroubledbysomegreatsorrow，andsheddingafloodoftears，madeanswer：
　　“Senor，Ihavenomoretotellyouthanthatfromthemomentwhen，throughheaven'swillandourbeingnearneighbours，IfirstsawDonaClara，yourdaughterandmylady，fromthatinstantImadeherthemistressofmywill，andifyours，mytruelordandfather，offersnoimpediment，thisverydaysheshallbecomemywife。ForherI
　　leftmyfather'shouse，andforherIassumedthisdisguise，tofollowherwhithersoevershemaygo，asthearrowseeksitsmarkorthesailorthepole-star。Sheknowsnothingmoreofmypassionthanwhatshemayhavelearnedfromhavingsometimesseenfromadistancethatmyeyeswerefilledwithtears。Youknowalready，senor，thewealthandnoblebirthofmyparents，andthatIamtheirsoleheir；ifthisbeasufficientinducementforyoutoventuretomakemecompletelyhappy，acceptmeatonceasyourson；forifmyfather，influencedbyotherobjectsofhisown，shoulddisapproveofthishappinessIhavesoughtformyself，timehasmorepowertoalterandchangethings，thanhumanwill。“
　　Withthisthelove-smittenyouthwassilent，whiletheJudge，afterhearinghim，wasastonished，perplexed，andsurprised，aswellatthemannerandintelligencewithwhichDonLuishadconfessedthesecretofhisheart，asatthepositioninwhichhefoundhimself，notknowingwhatcoursetotakeinamattersosuddenandunexpected。
　　Alltheanswer，therefore，hegavehimwastobidhimtomakehismindeasyforthepresent，andarrangewithhisservantsnottotakehimbackthatday，sothattheremightbetimetoconsiderwhatwasbestforallparties。DonLuiskissedhishandsbyforce，nay，bathedthemwithhistears，inawaythatwouldhavetouchedaheartofmarble，nottosaythatoftheJudge，who，asashrewdman，hadalreadyperceivedhowadvantageousthemarriagewouldbetohisdaughter；though，wereitpossible，hewouldhavepreferredthatitshouldbebroughtaboutwiththeconsentofthefatherofDonLuis，whoheknewlookedforatitleforhisson。
　　Theguestshadbythistimemadepeacewiththelandlord，for，bypersuasionandDonQuixote'sfairwordsmorethanbythreats，theyhadpaidhimwhathedemanded，andtheservantsofDonLuiswerewaitingfortheendoftheconversationwiththeJudgeandtheirmaster'sdecision，whenthedevil，whoneversleeps，contrivedthatthebarber，fromwhomDonQuixotehadtakenMambrino'shelmet，andSanchoPanzathetrappingsofhisassinexchangeforthoseofhisown，shouldatthisinstantentertheinn；whichsaidbarber，asheledhisasstothestable，observedSanchoPanzaengagedinrepairingsomethingorotherbelongingtothepack-saddle；andthemomenthesawitheknewit，andmadeboldtoattackSancho，exclaiming，“Ho，sirthief，Ihavecaughtyou！handovermybasinandmypack-saddle，andallmytrappingsthatyourobbedmeof。“
　　Sancho，findinghimselfsounexpectedlyassailed，andhearingtheabusepoureduponhim，seizedthepack-saddlewithonehand，andwiththeothergavethebarberacuffthatbathedhisteethinblood。Thebarber，however，wasnotsoreadytorelinquishtheprizehehadmadeinthepack-saddle；onthecontrary，heraisedsuchanoutcrythateveryoneintheinncamerunningtoknowwhatthenoiseandquarrelmeant。“Here，inthenameofthekingandjustice！”hecried，“thisthiefandhighwaymanwantstokillmefortryingtorecovermyproperty。“
　　“Youlie，“saidSancho，“Iamnohighwayman；itwasinfairwarmymasterDonQuixotewonthesespoils。“
　　DonQuixotewasstandingbyatthetime，highlypleasedtoseehissquire'sstoutness，bothoffensiveanddefensive，andfromthattimeforthhereckonedhimamanofmettle，andinhisheartresolvedtodubhimaknightonthefirstopportunitythatpresenteditself，feelingsurethattheorderofchivalrywouldbefittinglybestoweduponhim。
　　Inthecourseofthealtercation，amongotherthingsthebarbersaid，“Gentlemen，thispack-saddleismineassurelyasIoweGodadeath，andIknowitaswellasifIhadgivenbirthtoit，andhereismyassinthestablewhowillnotletmelie；onlytryit，andifitdoesnotfithimlikeaglove，callmearascal；andwhatismore，thesamedayIwasrobbedofthis，theyrobbedmelikewiseofanewbrassbasin，neveryethandselled，thatwouldfetchacrownanyday。“
　　AtthisDonQuixotecouldnotkeephimselffromanswering；andinterposingbetweenthetwo，andseparatingthem，heplacedthepack-saddleontheground，toliethereinsightuntilthetruthwasestablished，andsaid，“Yourworshipsmayperceiveclearlyandplainlytheerrorunderwhichthisworthysquirelieswhenhecallsabasinwhichwas，is，andshallbethehelmetofMambrinowhichIwonfromhiminairwar，andmademyselfmasterofbylegitimateandlawfulpossession。Withthepack-saddleIdonotconcernmyself；butImaytellyouonthatheadthatmysquireSanchoaskedmypermissiontostripoffthecaparisonofthisvanquishedpoltroon'ssteed，andwithitadornhisown；Iallowedhim，andhetookit；andastoitshavingbeenchangedfromacaparisonintoapack-saddle，Icangivenoexplanationexcepttheusualone，thatsuchtransformationswilltakeplaceinadventuresofchivalry。Toconfirmallwhich，run，Sanchomyson，andfetchhitherthehelmetwhichthisgoodfellowcallsabasin。“
　　“Egad，master，“saidSancho，“ifwehavenootherproofofourcasethanwhatyourworshipputsforward，Mambrino'shelmetisjustasmuchabasinasthisgoodfellow'scaparisonisapack-saddle。“
　　“DoasIbidthee，“saidDonQuixote；“itcannotbethateverythinginthiscastlegoesbyenchantment。“
　　Sanchohastenedtowherethebasinwas，andbroughtitbackwithhim，andwhenDonQuixotesawit，hetookholdofitandsaid：
　　“YourworshipsmayseewithwhatafacethissquirecanassertthatthisisabasinandnotthehelmetItoldyouof；andIswearbytheorderofchivalryIprofess，thatthishelmetistheidenticaloneItookfromhim，withoutanythingaddedtoortakenfromit。“
　　“Thereisnodoubtofthat，“saidSancho，“forfromthetimemymasterwonituntilnowhehasonlyfoughtonebattleinit，whenheletloosethoseunluckymeninchains；andifhadnotbeenforthisbasin-helmethewouldnothavecomeoffoverwellthattime，fortherewasplentyofstone-throwinginthataffair。“