The History of Don Quixote de la Mancha Part 28

"TERESA PANZA."

These letters were admired, and caused a great deal of laughter and diversion; and, to complete the mirth, at the same time the express returned that brought Sancho's answer to Don Quixote, which was likewise publicly read, and startled and delighted all the hearers.

Afterwards, the d.u.c.h.ess withdrew to know of the page what he had to relate of Sancho's village; of which he gave her a full account, without omitting the least particular.

CHAPTER Lx.x.xIII.

_The toilsome end and conclusion of Sancho Panza's government._

To think the affairs of this life are always to remain in the same state, is an erroneous fancy. The face of things rather seems continually to change and roll with circular motion; summer succeeds the spring, autumn the summer, winter the autumn, and then spring again. So time proceeds in this perpetual round; only the life of man is ever hastening to its end, swifter than time itself, without hopes to be renewed, unless in the next, that is unlimited and infinite. For even by the light of nature, and without that of faith, many have discovered the swiftness and instability of this present being, and the duration of the eternal life which is expected. But this moral reflection of our author is here chiefly intended to shew the uncertainty of Sancho's fortune, how soon it vanished like a dream, and how from his high preferment he returned to his former low station.

It was now but the seventh night, after so many days of his government, when the careful governor had betaken himself to his repose, sated not with bread and wine, but cloyed with hearing causes, p.r.o.nouncing sentences, making statutes, and putting out orders and proclamations. Scarce was sleep beginning to close his eyes, when of a sudden he heard a great noise of bells, and most dreadful outcries, as if the whole island had been sinking. Presently he started, and sat up in bed, and listened with great attention, to try if he could learn how far this uproar might concern him. But, while he was thus hearkening in the dark, a great number of drums and trumpets were heard, and that sound being added to the noise of the bells and the cries, gave so dreadful an alarm, that his fear and terror increased, and he was in a sad consternation. Quitting his bed, he ran and opened his chamber-door, and saw about twenty men come running along the galleries with lighted torches in one hand, and drawn swords in the other, all crying out, "Arm! my lord governor, arm! a world of enemies are got into the island, and we are undone, unless your valour and conduct relieve us!" Thus bawling and running with great fury and disorder, they got to the door where Sancho stood, quite scared out of his senses. "What would you have me arm for?" cried Sancho; "do I know any thing of arms or fighting, think you? Why do you not rather send for Don Quixote, my master? he will despatch your enemies in a trice.

Alas, I understand nothing of this hasty service." "For shame, my lord governor," said another; "what a faint-heartedness is this? See, we bring you here arms offensive and defensive; arm yourself and march to the market-place; be our leader and captain as you ought, and shew yourself a governor." "Why, then, arm me; and good luck attend me!"

quoth Sancho. With that they brought him two large s.h.i.+elds, which they had provided; and tied the one behind upon his back, and the other before upon his breast, having got his arms through some holes made on purpose. Now the s.h.i.+elds being fastened to his body, as hard as cords could bind them, the poor governor was cased up and immured as straight as an arrow, without being able so much as to bend his knees, or stir a step. Then, having put a lance in his hand for him to lean upon and keep himself up, they desired him to march and lead them on, and put life into them all; telling him that they did not doubt of victory, since they had him for their commander. "March!" quoth Sancho, "how do you think I am able to do it, squeezed as I am? These boards stick so plaguy close to me, I cannot so much as bend the joints of my knees; you must even carry me in your arms, and lay me across or set me upright before some pa.s.sage, and I will make good that spot of ground, either with this lance or my body." "Fie, my lord governor," said another; "it is more your fear than your armour that stiffens your legs, and hinders you from moving. March on; it is high time; the enemy grows stronger, and the danger presses." The poor governor, thus urged, endeavoured to go forward; but the first motion he made threw him to the ground at full length, so heavily that he gave over all his bones for broken: and there he lay like a huge tortoise in his sh.e.l.l, or a flitch of bacon between two boards, or like a boat overturned upon a flat with the keel upwards. Nor had those droll companions the least compa.s.sion upon him as he lay; but putting out the lights, they made a terrible noise, and clattered with their swords, and laid on so furiously upon his s.h.i.+elds, that if he had not shrunk his head into them for shelter, he had been in a woful condition. Squeezed up in his narrow sh.e.l.l, he was in a grievous fright, praying from the bottom of his heart for deliverance from the unhappy trade of governing islands. At last, when he least expected it, he heard a cry--"Victory, victory! the enemy is routed! Now, my lord governor, rise; come and enjoy the fruits of conquest, and divide the spoils taken from the enemy by the valour of your invincible arms." "Help me up," cried poor Sancho, in a doleful tone; and when they had set him on his legs, "Let all the enemy I have routed," quoth he, "be nailed to my forehead; I will divide no spoils of enemies; but if I have one friend here, I only beg he would give me a draught of wine to comfort me." Thereupon they gave him wine, and took off his s.h.i.+elds. After that, what with his fright and what with the toil he had endured, he fell into a swoon, insomuch that those who acted this scene began to repent they had carried it so far. But Sancho, recovering from his fit in a little time, they also recovered from their uneasiness. Being come to himself, he asked what it was o'clock.

They answered, it was now break of day. He said nothing, but creeping along softly (for he was too much bruised to go along very fast), he got to the stable, followed by all the company; and coming to Dapple, he embraced the quiet animal, gave him a loving kiss on the forehead, and with tears in his eyes, "Come hither," said he, "my friend, thou faithful companion and fellow-sharer in my travels and miseries; when thee and I consorted together, and all my cares were but to mend thy furniture and feed thy carcase, then happy were my days, my months, and years. But since I forsook thee, and clambered up the towers of ambition and pride, a thousand woes, a thousand torments, have haunted and worried my soul."

While Sancho was talking thus, he fitted on his pack-saddle, n.o.body offering to say anything to him. This done, with a great deal of difficulty he mounted his a.s.s; and then, addressing himself to the steward, the secretary, the gentleman-waiter, and Doctor Pedro Rezio, and many others that stood by: "Make way, gentlemen," said he, "and let me return to my former liberty. Let me go, that I may seek my old course of life, and rise again from that death which buries me here alive. I know better what belongs to ploughing, delving, pruning, and planting of vineyards, than how to make laws, and defend countries and kingdoms. St. Peter is very well at Rome; which is as much as to say, let every one stick to the calling he was born to. A spade does better in my hand than a governor's truncheon; and I had rather have a mess of plain porridge than lie at the mercy of an officious physic-monger, who starves me to death. I had rather solace myself under the shade of an oak in summer, and wrap myself up in a double sheep-skin in the winter, at my liberty, than lay me down, with the slavery of a government, in fine Holland sheets, and case my body in furs and sables. Heaven be with you, gentlefolks; and pray tell my lord duke from me, that poor I was born, and poor I am at present. I have neither won nor lost; which is as much as to say, without a penny I came to this government, and without a penny I leave it--quite contrary to what other governors of islands use to do when they leave them. Clear the way, then, I beseech you, and let me pa.s.s." "This must not be, my lord governor," said Dr. Rezio; "for I will give your honour a balsamic drink, that is a specific against falls, dislocations, contusions, and all manner of bruises, and that will presently restore you to your former health and strength. And then for your diet, I promise to take a new course with you, and to let you eat abundantly of whatsoever you please." "It is too late, Mr. Doctor,"

answered Sancho; "you should as soon make me turn Turk, as hinder me from going. No, no; these tricks shall not pa.s.s upon me again. Every sheep with its like. Let not the cobbler go beyond his last; and so let me go, for it is late." "My lord governor," said the steward, "though it grieves us to part with your honour, your sense and Christian behaviour engaging us to covet your company, yet we would not presume to stop you against your inclination; but you know that every governor, before he leaves the place he has governed, is bound to give an account of his administration. Be pleased, therefore, to do so for the time you have been among us, and then peace be with you."

"No man has power to call me to an account," replied Sancho, "but my lord duke. To him it is that I am going, and to him I will give a fair and square account. And indeed, going away so bare as I do, there needs no greater proof that I have governed like an angel." "In truth," said Dr. Rezio, "the great Sancho is in the right; and I am of opinion we ought to let him go; for certainly the duke will be very glad to see him." Thereupon they all agreed to let him pa.s.s; offering first to attend him, and supply him with whatever he might want in his journey, either for entertainment or convenience. Sancho told them that all he desired was, a little corn for his a.s.s, and half a cheese and half a loaf for himself, having occasion for no other provisions in so short a journey. With that, they all embraced him, and he embraced them all, not without tears in his eyes; leaving them in admiration of the good sense which he discovered, both in his discourse and unalterable resolution.

CHAPTER Lx.x.xIV.

_What happened to Sancho by the way; with other matters which you will have no more to do than to see._

Sancho pursued his way until the night overtook him within half a league of the duke's castle. However, as it was summer-time, he was not much uneasy, and chose to go out of the road, with a design to stay there till the morning. But, while he sought some place where he might rest himself, he and Dapple tumbled of a sudden into a very deep hole, among the ruins of an old building. As he was falling, he fancied himself sinking down into some bottomless abyss; but he was in no such danger, for by the time he had descended somewhat lower than eighteen feet, Dapple made a full stop at the bottom, and his rider found himself still on his back, without the least hurt in the world.

Presently Sancho began to consider the condition of his bones, held his breath, and felt all about him; and finding himself sound and in a whole skin, he thought he could never give Heaven sufficient thanks for his wondrous preservation; for at first he gave himself over for lost and broken into a thousand pieces. He groped with both hands about the walls of the pit to try if it were possible to get out without help; but he found them all so steep, that there was not the least hold or footing to get up. This grieved him to the soul; and to increase his sorrow, Dapple began to raise his voice in a very piteous and doleful manner, which pierced his master's very heart: nor did the poor beast make such moan without reason, for to say the truth, he was but in a woful condition. "Woe's me," cried Sancho, "what sudden and unthought of mischances every foot befall us poor wretches in this miserable world! Who would have thought that he who but yesterday saw himself seated on the throne of an island-governor, and had servants and va.s.sals at his beck, should to-day find himself buried in a pit, without the least soul to help him or come to his relief? Here we are likely to perish with hunger, I and my a.s.s, if we do not die before, he of his bruises, and I of grief and anguish. At least, I shall not be so lucky as was my master Don Quixote, when he went down into the cave of the enchanter Montesinos. He found better fare there than he could have at his own house; the cloth was laid, and his bed made, and he saw nothing but pleasant visions; but I am like to see nothing here but toads and snakes. Unhappy creature that I am! What have my foolish designs and whimsies brought me to?"

At length, after a whole night's lamenting and complaining at a miserable rate, the day came on; and its light having confirmed Sancho in his doubts of the possibility of getting out of that place without help, he again made a vigorous outcry, to try whether any body might not hear him. But alas, all his calling was in vain; for all around there was n.o.body within hearing; and at first he gave himself over for dead and buried. He cast his eyes on Dapple, and seeing him extended on the ground, and sadly dejected, he went to him, and tried to get him on his legs, which, with much ado, by means of his a.s.sistance, the poor beast did at last, being hardly able to stand. Then he took a luncheon of bread out of his wallet, that had run the same fortune with them, and giving it to the a.s.s, who took it not at all amiss, and made no bones of it, "Here," said Sancho, as if the beast had understood him, "a fat sorrow is better than a lean." At length, he perceived on one side of the pit a great hole, wide enough for a man to creep through stooping. He drew to it, and having crawled through on all fours, found that it led into a vault, that enlarged itself the further it extended, which he could easily perceive, the sun s.h.i.+ning in towards the top of the concavity. Having made this discovery, he went back to his a.s.s, and like one that knew what belonged to digging, with a stone he began to remove the earth that was about the hole, and laboured so effectually, that he soon made a pa.s.sage for his companion. Then taking him by the halter, he led him along through the cave, to try if he could not find a way to get out on the other side.

"Alas!" said he to himself, "what a heart of a chicken have I! This, which to me is a sad disaster, to my master Don Quixote would be a rare adventure. He would look upon these caves and dungeons as lovely gardens and glorious palaces, and hope to be led out of these dark narrow cells into some fine meadow; while I, luckless, heartless wretch that I am, every step I take, expect to sink into some deeper pit than this, and go down I do not know whither." Thus he went on, lamenting and despairing, and thought he had gone somewhat more than half a league, when at last he perceived a kind of confused light, like that of day, break in at some open place, but which, to poor Sancho, seemed a prospect of a pa.s.sage into another world.

But here we leave him a while; and return to Don Quixote, who entertained and pleased himself with the hopes of a speedy combat between him and Donna Rodriguez's enemy, whose wrongs he designed to see redressed.

CHAPTER Lx.x.xV.

_Which treats of matters that relate to this history, and no other._

The duke and d.u.c.h.ess resolved that Don Quixote's challenge against their va.s.sal should not be ineffectual; and the young man being fled into Flanders, to avoid having Donna Rodriguez to his mother-in-law, they made choice of a Gascoin lackey, named Tosilos, to supply his place, and gave him instructions how to act his part. Two days after, the duke acquainted Don Quixote, that within four days his antagonist would meet him in the lists, armed at all points like a knight, to maintain that the damsel lied through the throat in saying that he had ever promised her marriage. Don Quixote was mightily pleased with this news, promising himself to do wonders on this occasion; and esteeming it an extraordinary happiness to have such an opportunity to shew, before such n.o.ble spectators, how great were his valour and his strength. Cheered and elevated with these hopes, he waited for the end of these four days, which his eager impatience made him think so many ages.

[Ill.u.s.tration: DON QUIXOTE. P. 370.]

It happened one morning, as he was riding out to prepare and exercise against the time of battle, that Rozinante pitched his feet near the brink of a deep cave; insomuch that, if Don Quixote had not used the best of his skill, he must infallibly have tumbled into it. Having escaped that danger, he was tempted to look into the cave without alighting; and wheeling about, rode up to it. While he was satisfying his curiosity and seriously musing, he thought he heard a noise within; and thereupon listening, he could distinguish these words, which in a doleful tone arose out of the cavern: "Ho, above there! is there no good Christian that hears me; no charitable knight or gentleman, that will take pity of a sinner buried alive, a poor governor without a government?" Don Quixote fancied he heard Sancho's voice, which did not a little surprise him; and for his better satisfaction, raising his voice as much as he could, "Who is that below?" cried he; "who is that complains?" "Who should it be, to his sorrow," cried Sancho, "but the most wretched Sancho Panza, governor, for his sins and for his unlucky errantry, of the island of Barataria, formerly squire to the famous knight Don Quixote de la Mancha?" These words redoubled Don Quixote's surprise, and increased his amazement: "I conjure thee," said he, "as I am a Catholic Christian, to tell me who thou art? And, if thou art a soul in pain, let me know what thou wouldst have me to do for thee? For since my profession is to a.s.sist and succour all that are afflicted in this world, it shall also be so to relieve and help those who stand in need of it in the other, and who cannot help themselves." "Surely, sir," answered he from below, "you that speak to me should be my master Don Quixote. By the tone of your voice it can be no man else." "My name is Don Quixote,"

replied the knight, "and I think it my duty to a.s.sist not only the living but the dead in their necessities. Tell me then who thou art, for thou fillest me with astonishment?" "Why then," replied the voice, "I make oath that I am Sancho Panza your squire, and that I never was dead yet in my life. But only having left my government, for reasons and causes which I have not leisure yet to tell you, last night unluckily I fell into this cave, where I am still, and Dapple with me, that will not let me tell a lie; for, as a farther proof of what I say, he is here." Now what is strange, immediately, as if the a.s.s had understood what his master said, to back his evidence, he fell a-braying so obstreperously, that he made the whole cave ring again.

"A worthy witness," cried Don Quixote; "I know his bray, and I know thy voice too, my Sancho. I find thou art my real squire; stay, therefore, till I go to the castle, which is hard by, and fetch more company to help thee out of the pit into which thy sins doubtless have thrown thee." "Make haste, I beseech you, sir," quoth Sancho, "and come again as fast as you can; for I can no longer endure to be here buried alive."

Don Quixote went with all speed to the castle, and gave the duke and d.u.c.h.ess an account of Sancho's accident, whilst they did not a little wonder at it; though they conceived he might easily enough fall in at the mouth of the cave, which had been there time out of mind. But they were mightily surprised to hear he had abdicated his government, before they had an account of his coming away.

In short, they sent ropes and other conveniences by their servants to draw him out; and at last, with much trouble and labour, both he and his Dapple were restored to the light of the sun. They then proceeded to the castle, where the duke and d.u.c.h.ess waited for them in the gallery. As for Sancho, he would not go up to see the duke, till he had seen his a.s.s in the stable, and provided for him; for he said the poor beast had but sorry entertainment in his last night's lodging.

This done, away he went to wait on his lord and lady; and throwing himself on his knees, "My lord and lady," said he, "I went to govern your island of Barataria, such being your will and pleasure, though it was your goodness more than my desert. Naked I entered into it, and naked I came away. I neither won nor lost. Whether I governed well or ill, there are those not far off can tell; and let them tell, if they please, that can tell better than I. I have resolved doubtful cases, determined law-suits, and all the while ready to die for hunger; such was the pleasure of Doctor Pedro Rezio, of Tirteafuera, that physician in ordinary to island-governors. Enemies set upon us in the night; and after they had put us in great danger, the people of the island say they were delivered, and had the victory; and may Heaven prosper them as they speak truth! In short, in that time I experienced all the cares and burdens this trade of governing brings along with it, and I found them too heavy for my shoulders. I was never cut out for a ruler, and I am too clumsy to meddle with edge-tools; and so, before the government left me, I even resolved to leave the government; and accordingly, yesterday morning I quitted the island as I found it, with the same streets, the same houses, and the same roofs to them, as when I came to it. I have asked for nothing by way of loan, and have made no h.o.a.rd against a rainy day. I designed, indeed, to have issued out several wholesome orders, but did not, for fear they should not be kept; in which case, it signifies no more to make them than if one made them not. So, as I said before, I came away from the island without any company but my Dapple. I fell into a cave, and went a good way through it, till this morning, by the light of the sun, I spied my way out; yet not so easy but, had not Heaven sent my master, Don Quixote, to help me, there I might have stayed till doomsday. And now, my lord duke and my lady d.u.c.h.ess, here is your governor Sancho Panza again; who, by a ten days' government, has only picked up so much experience as to know he would not give a straw to be a governor, not only of an island, but of the whole world. This being allowed, kissing your honours' hands, and doing like the boys when they play at trusse or saille, who cry, 'Leap you, and then let me leap,' so I leap from the government to my old master's service again."

Thus Sancho concluded his speech; and Don Quixote, who all the while dreaded he would have said a thousand impertinencies, was glad in his heart, finding him end with so few. The duke embraced Sancho, and told him he was very sorry he had quitted his government so soon; but that he would give him some other employment that should be less troublesome, and more profitable. The d.u.c.h.ess was no less kind, giving order he should want for nothing; for he seemed sadly bruised and out of order.

CHAPTER Lx.x.xVI.

_Of the extraordinary and unaccountable combat between Don Quixote de la Mancha and the lackey Tosilos, in vindication of the matron Donna Rodriguez's daughter._

The day appointed for the combat was now come; nor had the duke forgotten to give his lackey, Tosilos, all requisite instructions how to vanquish Don Quixote, and yet neither kill nor wound him; to which purpose he gave orders that the spears, or steel heads of their lances, should be taken off; making Don Quixote sensible that Christianity, for which he had so great a veneration, did not admit that such conflicts should so much endanger the lives of the combatants; and that it was enough he granted him free lists in his territories, though it was against the decree of the holy council, which forbids such challenges; for which reason he desired them not to push the thing to the utmost rigour. Don Quixote replied, that his grace had the sole disposal of all things, and it was only his duty to obey.

And now, the dreadful day being come, the duke caused a s.p.a.cious scaffold to be erected for the judges of the field of battle, and for the matron and her daughter, the plaintiffs.

An infinite number of people flocked from all the neighbouring towns and villages, to behold the wonderful combat, the like of which had never been seen, or so much as heard of, in these parts. The first that made his entrance at the barriers was the marshal of the field, who came to survey the ground, and rode all over it, that there might be no foul play, nor private holes, nor contrivance to make one stumble or fall. After that entered the matron and her daughter, who seated themselves in their places, all in deep mourning, with no small demonstration of sorrow. Presently, at one end of the field, appeared the peerless champion, Don Quixote de la Mancha; a while after, at the other, entered the grand lackey, Tosilos, attended with a great number of trumpets, and mounted on a mighty steed, that shook the very earth.

The valorous combatant came on, well tutored by the duke his master how to behave himself towards Don Quixote, being warned to spare his life by all means; and therefore, to avoid a shock in his first career, that might otherwise prove fatal, should he encounter him directly, Tosilos fetched a compa.s.s about the barrier, and at last made a stop right against the two women, casting a curious eye upon her that had demanded him in marriage. Then the marshal of the field called to Don Quixote, and, in presence of Tosilos, asked the mother and the daughter whether they consented that Don Quixote de la Mancha should vindicate their right, and whether they would stand or fall by the fortune of their champion. They said they did, and allowed of whatever he should do in their behalf as good and valid. The duke and d.u.c.h.ess were now seated in a gallery that was over the barriers, which were surrounded by a vast throng of spectators, all waiting to see the terrible and unprecedented conflict. The conditions of the combat were these: That if Don Quixote were the conqueror, his opponent should marry Donna Rodriguez's daughter; but if the knight were overcome, then the victor should be discharged from his promise. Then the marshal of the field placed each of them on the spot whence he should start, dividing equally between them the advantage of the ground, that neither of them might have the sun in his eyes. And now the drums beat, and the clangour of the trumpets resounded through the air; the earth shook under them, and the hearts of the numerous spectators were in suspense,--some fearing, others expecting, the good or bad issue of the battle. Don Quixote, recommending himself to Heaven and his Lady Dulcinea del Toboso, stood expecting when the precise signal for the onset should be given. But our lackey's mind was otherwise employed, and all his thoughts were upon what I am going to tell you.

It seems, as he stood looking on his female enemy, she appeared to him the most beautiful woman he had ever seen in his whole life; which being perceived by the little blind archer to whom the world gives the name of Love, he took his advantage; and, fond of improving his triumphs, though it were but over a lackey, he came up to him softly, and, without being perceived by any one, he shot an arrow two yards long into the poor footman's side, so smartly that his heart was pierced through and through--a thing which the mischievous boy could easily do; for love is invisible, and has free ingress or egress where he pleases, at a most unaccountable rate. You must know, then, that when the signal for the onset was given, our lackey was in an ecstasy--transported with the thoughts of the beauty of his lovely enemy, insomuch that he took no manner of notice of the trumpet's sound; quite contrary to Don Quixote, who no sooner heard it than, clapping spurs to his horse, he began to make towards the enemy with Rozinante's best speed. Tosilos saw Don Quixote come towards him; yet, instead of taking his career to encounter him--without leaving the place--he called as loud as he could to the marshal of the field: "Sir," said Tosilos, "is not this duel to be fought that I may marry yonder young lady or let it alone?" "Yes," answered the marshal. "Why, then," said the lackey, "I feel a burden upon my conscience, and am sensible I should have a great deal to answer for, should I proceed any farther in this combat; and therefore I yield myself vanquished, and desire I may marry the lady this moment." The marshal of the field was surprised; and as he was privy to the duke's contrivance of that business, the lackey's unexpected submission put him to such a nonplus, that he knew not what to answer. On the other side, Don Quixote stopped in the middle of his career, seeing his adversary did not put himself in a posture of defence. The duke could not imagine why the business of the field was at a stand; but the marshal having informed him, he was amazed, and in a great pa.s.sion. In the meantime Tosilos, approaching Donna Rodriguez, "Madam," cried he, "I am willing to marry your daughter; there is no need of law-suits nor of combats in the matter; I had rather make an end of it peaceably, and without the hazard of body and soul." "Why, then," said the valorous Don Quixote, hearing this, "since it is so, I am discharged of my promise; let them even marry in G.o.d's name, and Heaven bless them, and give them joy!" At the same time the duke, coming down within the lists, and applying himself to Tosilos, "Tell me, knight," said he, "is it true that you yield without fighting; and that, at the instigation of your timorous conscience, you are resolved to marry this damsel?"

"Yes, if it please your grace," answered Tosilos. "Marry, and I think it the wisest course," quoth Sancho; "for what says the proverb? What the mouse would get, give the cat, and keep thyself out of trouble."

In the meanwhile Tosilos began to unlace his helmet, and called out that somebody might help him off with it quickly, as being so choked with his armour that he was scarce able to breathe. With that they took off his helmet with all speed, and then the lackey's face was plainly discovered. Donna Rodriguez and her daughter perceiving it presently, "A cheat--a cheat!" cried they; "they have got Tosilos, my lord duke's lackey, to counterfeit my lawful husband: justice of Heaven and the king--this is a piece of malice and treachery not to be endured!" "Ladies," said Don Quixote, "do not vex yourselves; there is neither malice nor treachery in the case; or, if there be, the duke is not in fault. No; these evil-minded necromancers that persecute me are the traitors; who, envying the glory I should have got by this combat, have transformed the face of my adversary into this, which you see is the duke's lackey. But take my advice, madam," added he to the daughter, "and, in spite of the baseness of my enemies, marry him; for I dare engage it is the very man you claim as your husband." The duke, hearing this, angry as he was, could hardly forbear losing his indignation in laughter. "Truly," said he, "so many extraordinary accidents every day befall the great Don Quixote, that I am inclined to believe this is not my lackey, though he appears to be so. But, for our better satisfaction, let us defer the marriage but a fortnight, and in the meanwhile keep in close custody this person that has put us into this confusion; perhaps by that time he may resume his former looks; for, doubtless, the malice of those mischievous magicians against the n.o.ble Don Quixote cannot last so long, especially when they find all these tricks and transformations of so little avail."

"Alack-a-day, sir!" quoth Sancho, "those plaguy imps are not so soon tired as you think; for where my master is concerned, they use to form and deform, and chop and change this into that, and that into the other. It is but a little while ago that they transmogrified the Knight of the Mirrors, whom he had overcome, into a special acquaintance of ours, the bachelor Sampson Carrasco, of our village; and as for the lady Dulcinea del Toboso, our mistress, they have bewitched and bedevilled her into the shape of a mere country blouze; and so I verily think this saucy fellow here is likely to live a footman all the days of his life." "Well," cried the daughter, "let him be what he will, if he will have me, I will have him. I ought to thank him; for I had rather be a lackey's wife than his that deluded me, who has proved himself no gentleman." To be short, the sum of the matter was, that Tosilos should be confined, to see what his transformation would come to. Don Quixote was proclaimed victor, by general consent; and the people went away, most of them very much out of humour, because the combatants had not cut one another to pieces to make them sport, according to the custom of the young rabble, who are sorry when, after they have stayed in hopes to see a man hanged, he happens to be pardoned, either by the party he has wronged or the magistrate. The crowd being dispersed, the duke and d.u.c.h.ess returned with Don Quixote into the castle; Tosilos was secured, and kept close.

As for Donna Rodriguez and her daughter, they were very well pleased to see, one way or another, that the business would end in marriage; and Tosilos flattered himself with the like expectation.

CHAPTER Lx.x.xVII.

_How adventures crowded so thick on Don Quixote that they trod upon one another's heels._

Don Quixote thought it now time to leave the idle life he had led in the castle, believing it a mighty fault thus to shut himself up, and indulge his appet.i.te among the tempting varieties of dainties and delights which the lord and lady of the place provided for his entertainment as a knight-errant. Accordingly, one day he acquainted the duke and d.u.c.h.ess with his sentiments, and begged their leave to depart. They both seemed very unwilling to part with him; but yet at last yielded to his entreaties. The d.u.c.h.ess gave Sancho his wife's letters, which he could not hear read without weeping. "Who would have thought," cried he, "that all the mighty hopes with which my wife swelled herself up at the news of my preferment, should come to this at last; and how I should be reduced again to trot after my master Don Quixote de la Mancha, in search of hunger and broken bones! However, I am glad to see my Teresa was like herself, in sending the d.u.c.h.ess the acorns, which if she had not done, she had shewed herself ungrateful, and I should never have forgiven her. My comfort is, that no man can say the present was a bribe; for I had my government before she sent it; and it is fit those who have a kindness done them should shew themselves grateful, though it be with a small matter."

Don Quixote, having taken his solemn leave of the duke and d.u.c.h.ess overnight, left his apartment the next morning, and appeared in his armour in the court-yard--the galleries all round about being filled at the same time with the people of the house; the duke and d.u.c.h.ess being also there to see him. Sancho was upon his Dapple, with his cloak-bag, his wallet, and his provision, very brisk and cheerful; for the steward that acted the part of Trifaldi had given him a purse, with two hundred crowns in gold, to defray expenses.

Don Quixote no sooner breathed the air in the open field, than he fancied himself in his own element; he felt the spirit of knight-errantry reviving in his breast; and turning to Sancho, "Liberty," said he, "friend Sancho, is one of the most valuable blessings that Heaven has bestowed upon mankind. Not all the treasures concealed in the bowels of the earth, nor those in the bosom of the sea, can be compared with it. For liberty a man may, nay ought, to hazard even his life, as well as for honour, accounting captivity the greatest misery he can endure. I tell thee this, my Sancho, because thou wert a witness of the good cheer and plenty which we met with in the castle. Yet, in the midst of those delicious feasts, among those tempting dishes, and those liquors cooled with snow, methought I suffered the extremity of hunger, because I did not enjoy them with that freedom as if they had been my own; for the obligations that lie upon us to make suitable returns for kindnesses received, are ties that will not let a generous mind be free. Happy the man whom Heaven has blest with bread, for which he is obliged to thank kind Heaven alone!" "For all these fine words," quoth Sancho, "it is not proper for us to be unthankful for two good hundred crowns in gold, which the duke's steward gave me in a little purse, which I have here, and cherish in my bosom as a relic against necessity, and a comforting cordial, next my heart, against all accidents; for we are not like always to meet with castles where we shall be made much of."

As the knight and squire went on discoursing of this and other matters, they had not ridden much more than a league ere they espied about a dozen men, who looked like country fellows, sitting at their victuals, with their cloaks under them, on the green gra.s.s in the middle of a meadow. Near them they saw several white cloths or sheets, spread out and laid close to one another, that seemed to cover something. Don Quixote rode up to the people, and after he had civilly saluted them, asked what they had got under that linen. "Sir,"