"'Look, Sancho,' said Don Quixote, 'here comes a strange adventure.'"... "For there came along the road some twelve men on horseback, disguised as devils."... "'Wait for me, my sons,' cried Don Quixote, 'for I come to set you free.'"

Don Quixote encounters the "Knight of the Mirrors" (Samson Carrasco in disguise) who challenges him to a duel over the beauty of their ladies.

Chapter 13: Wherein is continued the adventure of the mirror knight.

Don Quixote is defeated in the duel by the Knight of the Mirrors, forcing him to return home for a year.

Chapter 15: Wherein is continued and concluded the adventure of the knight of the forest.

Dejected by his defeat, Don Quixote reflects on his misfortune, while Sancho tries to cheer him up.

Chapter 16: Of what Don Quixote said to his squire Sancho, and of other incidents.

Don Quixote and Don Diego discuss knighthood and poetry. Don Diego's son, Lorenzo, is a poet.

Chapter 19: Wherein is related the adventure of the shepherdess Leandra, with other incidents.

On their supposed final approach to Toboso, Sancho continues his deception about Dulcinea.

Chapter 28: Of the notable things which Benengeli relates that Don Quixote saw on his way to the great Toboso.

The Dolorous Duenna continues her absurd tale, including hairy-faced waiting-women and a lover turned crocodile.

Chapter 39: Wherein the afflicted duenna gives an account of her misfortunes.

Sancho continues to impress the islanders with his fair and shrewd judgments in various disputes.

Chapter 47: Wherein is continued how Sancho Panza governed his island.

Don Quixote and Sancho prepare to leave the duke's estate, Don Quixote unaware of the extent of the mockery he has endured.

Chapter 54: Which treats of matters relating to this history, and no others.

Don Quixote and Sancho encounter the enchanted bark again and are further deceived by mischievous young men.

Chapter 56: Of the strange and miraculous adventure of the enchanted bark.

Don Quixote is taken to see a bronze head that supposedly answers any question, another trick played by his hosts.

Chapter 58: Wherein is related the adventure of the enchanted head.

Now lucid and recognizing the folly of his past life, Alonso Quijano (Don Quixote) dictates his will, bequeathing his estate and denouncing the books of chivalry.

Chapter 72: Wherein Don Quixote made his will.

Sancho, hoping for a return to their adventurous life, tries to persuade the now-rational Don Quixote to resume his knight-errantry, but Don Quixote remains firm in his newfound sanity.

Chapter 73: Which treats of the arguments that Don Quixote had with his squire Sancho Panza, and other incidents.

On their way to Toboso, Don Quixote and Sancho encounter a cart of actors dressed as devils.

Chapter 8: Of what befell Don Quixote as he was going to see his lady Dulcinea del Toboso.

Altisidora pretends to have died and been resurrected by Don Quixote's supposed indifference, staging a comical scene.

Chapter 48: Of what befell Altisidora with Don Quixote.

The curate and barber revisit Don Quixote's library to see if he has relapsed into reading chivalric romances.

Chapter 6: Of the grand scrutiny which the curate and the barber made in Don Quixote's library.

"'The time has come, Sancho,' said Don Quixote, 'for us to set out again.'"... "'For my part,' said Sancho, 'I am ready whenever your worship pleases.'"... "'But your worship must remember the promise you made me about the governorship.'"

"There came along the road a countryman mounted on a good-looking mare, and carrying a halberd."... "'Stand, discourteous knight!' cried Don Quixote."... "The countryman, without saying a word, brought down his halberd with such force that he broke Don Quixote's lance in two."

Overwhelmed and disillusioned, Sancho resigns his governorship after only a short time.

Chapter 51: Of the end of Sancho Panza's government.

"'Señores,' said Sancho, 'to be a governor is no jest.'"... "'I find that it is a burden too heavy for my shoulders.'"... "'I had rather go Sancho to heaven than a governor to hell.'"

Don Quixote, still under the obligation of his defeat, proposes a pastoral life as shepherds to Sancho, escaping the constraints of knighthood.

Chapter 67: How Don Quixote resolved to turn shepherd.

"They saw a small boat without oars or sails, moored to the bank."... "'This is clearly,' said Don Quixote, 'an enchanted bark.'"... "And without further ado, he sprang into the boat, followed by Sancho."

"The history relates that Sancho Panza entered upon the government of his island with great diligence."... "There were brought before him divers difficult and intricate cases."... "And he gave sentence in them all with so much discretion and good sense as filled everyone with admiration."

"'Ah, master,' said Sancho, weeping, 'do not die, but take my counsel and let us go afield again!'"... "'The madness is gone from your worship, but the kindness remains.'"... "'No, my friend Sancho,' replied Don Quixote, 'the time for that is past.'"

The "devils" turn out to be actors, disillusioning Don Quixote slightly, but he continues his quest for Dulcinea.

Chapter 9: Wherein is related what befell Don Quixote on his way to Toboso.

"And without further parley they spurred their horses and charged at each other at full speed."  "But the Knight of the Mirrors, whose horse was fleeter, met Don Quixote halfway and overthrew him without touching him."  "'I am vanquished, and by my lady's beauty, I am bound to obey your will for a year.'"

Don Quixote questions the enchanted head (a clever contraption) and receives ambiguous answers.

Chapter 21: Wherein is continued the adventure of the enchanted head.

Don Quixote and Sancho leave the Green Knight's castle and encounter the same lion, which again ignores Don Quixote.

Chapter 22: How Don Quixote and Sancho became lions, and of other matters.

"The history relates that Don Quixote slept that night soundly, and Sancho not so well."... "The next day they took their leave of the gentlemen, and continued their journey."... "Don Quixote asked Sancho what he thought of the two gentlemen."

Don Quixote and Sancho are tricked into believing a small boat is enchanted and embark on a mock sea voyage.

Chapter 29: Wherein is related the famous adventure of the enchanted bark.

Don Quixote and Sancho, blindfolded, "ride" Clavileno, which is then exploded with fireworks as part of the prank.

Chapter 41: Wherein Clavileno comes to an end, with other matters truly delectable.

Sancho arrives at his island and begins to govern with unexpected wisdom and fairness.

Chapter 45: How the great Sancho Panza took possession of his island, and of the manner in which he began to govern.

"Suddenly there arose a great noise of bells ringing and of cries and shouts."... "Sancho Panza, hearing this uproar, sallied forth with his truncheon in his hand."... "But the crowd was so great and the blows so thick that poor Sancho was soon brought to the ground."

On their journey to Barcelona, Don Quixote intervenes in a procession and is defeated.

Chapter 55: Of what befell Don Quixote on the way to Barcelona.

Don Quixote and Sancho encounter armed men escorting a galley, and Don Quixote prepares to intervene.

Chapter 60: Of what befell Don Quixote on his way to the galleys.

Dejected by his defeat and the imposed condition, Don Quixote shows a melancholic and irritable demeanor on their journey home.

Chapter 66: Which treats of the peevish humour that Don Quixote showed on the road, and other incidents.

Don Quixote, still disheartened, finally reaches his village. Sancho tries to lift his spirits with news of Teresa Panza's cleverness.

Chapter 70: Which follows sixty-nine, and treats of matters indispensable to the due understanding of this history.

Don Quixote falls gravely ill. The curate, the bachelor Carrasco, and the barber visit him, discussing his condition and past delusions.

Chapter 71: Of what befell Don Quixote in his last illness.

"As Don Quixote lay in his bed, he fell into a deep sleep."... "When he awoke, he cried out in a loud voice, 'God be thanked, for he has shown me great mercy!'"... "The curate, the bachelor, and the barber were astonished at his words."

Near their village, Don Quixote and Sancho encounter a herd of pigs, and Don Quixote interprets their grunting as a disrespectful affront, leading to another foolish attack.

Chapter 68: Of the bristly adventure that befell Don Quixote with the swine.

Sancho defends the accuracy of the book, recounting details that seem to confirm its authenticity to Don Quixote.

Chapter 4: Wherein Sancho Panza answers his master, and continues the notable discourse with other incidents.

Don Quixote and Sancho are invited to the peaceful and orderly castle of Don Diego de Miranda, the Knight of the Green Coat.

Chapter 18: Of what befell Don Quixote in the castle of the green knight.

Don Quixote is invited to the grand estate of the duke and duchess, where he is treated with elaborate courtesy and secretly mocked.

Chapter 31: Which treats of many and great matters.

The Dolorous Duenna presents the wooden horse Clavileno, their supposed mode of transport to Malambruno.

40: Wherein are related matters relating to this adventure, and other things that have a certain strangeness in this history.

"'It seems to me, señor Don Quixote,' said Don Diego, 'that your profession is one that requires great courage and strength.'"  "'It does indeed,' replied Don Quixote, 'and it also requires great courtesy and politeness.'"  "Don Diego had a son, a student, who was fond of poetry."

"The duke and duchess received Don Quixote with great pleasure."  "They treated him with all the ceremony that was due to a knight-errant."  "Sancho was not forgotten, and he was lodged in a chamber next to his master's."

Don Quixote and Sancho arrive in Barcelona and are greeted with admiration and curiosity.

Chpter 57: Of what befell Don Quixote at the entry into Barcelona, with other matters that have more truth than cunning in them.

Don Quixote's attempts at courtly behavior with a hunting lady lead to another embarrassing situation.

Chapter 59: Wherein is related the strange adventure that befell Don Quixote with a fair huntress.

Sancho experiences a comical mishap involving the galley slaves they freed, who steal his donkey.

Chapter 63: Of the misfortune that befell Sancho Panza on board the galleys, and other strange matters.

"They overtook a cart full of royal ensigns."... "Don Quixote, believing some wrong was being done, placed himself in the middle of the road."... "But the men in charge of the ensigns paid no heed to his words, and rode over him and Rocinante."

"The gentleman took Don Quixote to a room where there was a bronze head placed upon a pedestal."... "The head answered the questions that Don Quixote put to it, by means of a hidden speaker."... "Don Quixote was greatly impressed by the wisdom of the enchantd head."

Don Quixote falls and is trampled by the pigs, a particularly ignominious defeat that Sancho finds both pitiable and amusing.

Chapter 69: Of the strangest and most comical thing that ever befell Don Quixote in the whole course of this great history.

Don Quixote, back home, discusses his supposed enchantment and the nature of his transportation with Sancho and the barber.

Chapter 1: Wherein is related the opinion that Don Quixote held of his having been enchanted, with other marvellous incidents.

...passed between the two squires. (Chapter 14) While Don Quixote and the Mirror Knight prepare to duel, Sancho engages in witty banter with the Mirror Knight's squire.

Wherein is continued the adventure of the knight of the forest, with the wise, original, and gentle discourse that...

Don Quixote and Sancho encounter a group of well-dressed hunters, including a beautiful lady who engages Don Quixote in courtly conversation.

Chapter 30: Of what befell Don Quixote with the fair huntress.

"They saw a company of people dressed in green hunting liveries."... "Among them was a lady mounted on a white palfrey, dressed in green, and so richly adorned that beauty itself seemed to be personified in her."... "'For the sake of her beauty,' said Don Quixote, 'I will do whatever your highness commands.'"

Sancho departs for his governorship, while Don Quixote is subjected to another prank by the duchess and her ladies.

Chpter 44: How Sancho Panza was conducted to the government, and of the strange adventure that befell Don Quixote in the castle.

Sancho makes a tour of his island to assess its needs and is warned about potential treachery.

Chapter 49: Wherein Sancho Panza made the circuit of his island.

"'My misfortunes, señor knight,' said the duenna, 'are such that they would move the very stones to pity.'"... "'I was once a princess, and many were my vassals.'"... "'But now, alas, I am but a duenna, and my life is full of sorrow and tribulation.'"

"That night Don Quixote was reposing in his bed when suddenly he was startled by a great ringing of bells."... "Presently two great cats sprang upon him, and began to claw his face and hands."... "Altisidora pretended to faint away in Don Quixote's arms."

"'It is necessary, señor governor,' said the steward, 'that you should go round the island.'"..."Sancho mounted his ass, and began his circuit."... "A page whispered in his ear, 'Beware, señor governor, for there are enemies in the island.'"

"Don Quixote took leave of the duke and duchess."... "He thanked them for the great kindness and hospitality he had received."... "The duke and duchess were amused at his simplicity."

Sancho informs Don Quixote that their adventures have been written in a book, which intrigues the knight.

Chapter 2: Which treats of the notable conversation that Sancho Panza had with Don Quixote, his master, and other adventures.

Don Quixote and Sancho encounter damsels seeking his aid, guided by an "enchanted head" that answers questions.

Chapter 20: Wherein is related the adventure of the enamoured damsels, and the enchanted head.

Don Quixote defends the life of a knight-errant to the duke, while Sancho enjoys the comforts of the ducal household.

Chapter 32: Of the answer which Don Quixote gave to his censurer, with other incidents, droll and grave.

"'O ye duennas, my dear companions, in an unlucky hour were we born, and in an evil minute did our fathers beget us!'"..."'For behold, sirs, six of my waiting-women, and those yonder, and those others, have their faces overgrown with hair!'"... "'And what is worse, the giant Malambruno has sworn that this misfortune shall never be removed until the valiant Don Quixote of La Mancha shall engage him in single combat!'"

"'It is clear to me, Sancho,' said Don Quixote, 'that this historian, whoever he may be, is no Moor, but a Christian, and a very wise one.'"... "'For he describes our thoughts and deeds as if they had passed before his very eyes.'"... "'Therefore, Sancho, we must make haste to become famous in deeds, so that this historian may have something fresh to write about.'"

"There came into the courtyard two duennas in mourning attire, and one of them, who seemed to be the chief, advanced towards Don Quixote."... "'Valiant knight,' said she, 'I am the most afflicted duenna in the world.'"... "'And I have come to your worship to beg a boon.'"

"Sancho at length took his leave of his lord and of the duke and duchess."... "'May God guide thee, good Sancho,' said Don Quixote, 'and make thee fortunate in thy government.'"... "That night the duchess and her women laid a notable jest upon Don Quixote."

Don Quixote learns that the men are galley slaves and, against Sancho's advice, attempts to free them, leading to trouble.

Chapter 61: Of what befell Don Quixote with the beautiful galley-slave.

"The duke and duchess had arranged that a page should personate Merlin."... "Merlin announced that Dulcinea could only be disenchanted if Sancho Panza gave himself three thousand three hundred lashes on his bare backside."... "Sancho again protested vehemently against this condition."

Don Quixote challenges a countryman carrying a halberd, mistaking him for a discourteous knight, and is soundly defeated.

Chapter 12: Wherein Don Quixote had an adventure with a brave countryman.

"'It is impossible,' said the duke, 'that so great a lady should remain enchanted through the obstinacy of a simple squire.'"... "'Your worship must consider,' said Don Quixote to Sancho, 'the importance of this matter.'"... "'But I say that I will not give myself a single lash,'" replied Sancho.

"Suddenly they saw coming along the same road two men on horseback, one of whom wore a mirror on his breast."... "'The knight whose face you see reflected there is the most valiant and best-favoured in the world.'"... "'I maintain,' replied the Knight of the Mirrors, 'that my lady is without any comparison more beautiful than yours.'"

Don Quixote and Sancho encounter the cart of actors again, performing "The Parliament of Death," leading to Don Quixote's intervention.

Chapter 11: Of the strange adventure which befell the valiant Don Quixote with the cart of the actors.

This chapter recounts another encounter with the "enchanted head," where Don Quixote asks more questions.

Chapter 62: Wherein is related the adventure of the enchanted head.

The bachelor Samson Carrasco confirms the existence of the book and criticizes its inaccuracies, hoping to dissuade Don Quixote from further adventures.

Chapter 3: Which treats of the laughable discourse that passed between Don Quixote, Sancho, and the bachelor Samson Carrasco.

"'That must be the wisdom of the author,' said Sancho, 'to put down everything just as it happened.'"... "'But one of the greatest faults they find with this history,' said the bachelor, 'is that the author has put in a great many foolish sayings of your squire Sancho.'"... "'Well, señor,' said Sancho, 'if I have said any foolish things, it has been without meaning to do so.'"

"'Your worship must know, señor Don Quixote,' said Sancho, 'that there is a book about you already written.'"... "'And who is the author of this book?' asked Don Quixote."... "'I heard it said that it was a certain Cid Hamete Benengeli,'" replied Sancho.

A staged attack on the island occurs, and Sancho, despite his bravery, is overwhelmed and faints.

Chapter 50: Wherein Sancho Panza is overthrown, and other matters truly delectable.

Don Quixote prepares for his second sally, with Sancho eagerly anticipating his promised governorship.

Chapter 7: Of the second sally of Don Quixote of La Mancha.

"'Sancho,' said Don Quixote, 'I am the most unfortunate knight in the world.'"... "'Courage, master,' said Sancho, 'bad luck today, good luck tomorrow.'"... "'You must know, Sancho, that it is not always valor that wins battles, but sometimes chance and fortune.'"

"They heard a great braying of asses, and Don Quixote said, 'That braying, Sancho, is a bad sign.'"... "They came upon a man leading a cart, in which were some monkeys."... "And there was also a puppet-player, who gave a very diverting show."

"'Now we shall see,' said Don Quixote, 'whether I am as brave as I seem.'"... "But the lion, being nowise valiant or ferocious, merely turned about, and after looking at Don Quixote, quietly lay down again."... "'A fine lion-tamer your worship is!' said Sancho."

"They came to the same inn where the adventure of the enchanted head had taken place."  "The two gentlemen who had been with the head were there."  "They recognized Don Quixote and Sancho, and received them with great courtesy."

...delectable. (Chapter 33) The duchess and her ladies-in-waiting amuse themselves by engaging Sancho in witty and often mocking conversations.

Of the savoury discourse which the duchess and her damsels held with Sancho Panza, with other matters truly...

"Don Quixote could not endure the injustice that seemed to be done to the puppet Melisendra."... "And with a bound he sprang upon the stage, and with his drawn sword began to cut and slash at the Moorish puppets."... "All the puppets were soon headless and armless."

...is one of the rarest adventures in this great history. (Chapter 34)The duke and duchess stage a hoax, telling Don Quixote that Dulcinea can only be disenchanted if Sancho willingly receives a certain number of lashes.

Wherein is related the information that was obtained how to disenchant the peerless Dulcinea del Toboso, which...

"'Though thou art but a clown, endeavour to gain respect; and this thou wilt effect by knowing thyself and avoiding every kind of affectation.'"... "'Never take upon thee to judge of beauty, which with many is a thing that maketh them weep.'"... "'When thou ridest, do not jog thy mule, for that maketh the riders at their ease seem to be of little consequence.'"

The Dolorous Duenna elaborates on her ridiculous misfortunes, further entertaining the duke and duchess.

Chapter 38: Wherein is related the account which the Dolorous Duenna gave of her misfortunes.

"'These are not devils, nor are they what they seem, but some strolling players who are performing a masquerade.'"... "'Truly,' said Sancho, 'your worship is always finding out the rights of things, however disguised they may be.'"... "'That is because I am a knight-errant,' replied Don Quixote, 'whose duty it is to see that there is no deceit or trickery in the world.'"

"'Know, valiant Don Quixote,' said the duke, 'that the peerless Dulcinea del Toboso is enchanted.'"... "'And the only way to disenchant her,' added the duchess, 'is that your squire Sancho should give himself three thousand three hundred lashes.'"... "'That I will never do!' cried Sancho."

"Presently the duchess and many of her women came into the room, and among them was Altisidora, looking very pale and feeble."  "'Ah, cruel knight,' said she, 'you have been the death of me!'"  "Don Quixote was amazed at all this, and could not tell what to make of it."

Altisidora reappears, claiming to have returned from the dead and blaming Don Quixote's cruelty.

Chapter 52: Wherein the duchess's waiting-woman, Altisidora, relates her pretended death, and other droll matters.

"At length they reached Barcelona, and the city seemed to Don Quixote to be a very fine one."... "The people came out to see him, and they marvelled at his strange appearance."... "A gentleman invited him to stay at his house."

The Knight of the White Moon reveals himself to be the bachelor Samson Carrasco, who had hoped to cure Don Quixote of his madness by defeating him.

Chapter 65: Wherein is made known who the Knight of the White Moon was, with other incidents.

"'Know, valorous Don Quixote,' said the Knight of the White Moon, 'that I am the bachelor Samson Carrasco.'"... "'My sole object in vanquishing you was to make you give up your mad enterprises and return to your village.'"... "Don Quixote was amazed and confounded at what he heard."

"'Now that fortune has declared against me,' said Don Quixote, 'I have resolved to change my way of life.'"... "'I will turn shepherd, and we will wander through the green meadows and shady groves.'"... "'We will call ourselves Quixotiz and Panzino.'"

Don Quixote's courage is tested when they encounter a caged lion, but the lion shows no interest in fighting.

Chapter 17: Wherein Don Quixote and his squire Sancho saw certain lions.

Don Quixote, carried away by the puppet show, attacks the puppets, believing them to be real characters in distress.

Chapter 26: Wherein is continued the droll adventure of the puppet-player, with other truly delectable matters.

Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote (Part 2) deepens the satire and philosophical themes of the first part. As Don Quixote and Sancho Panza continue their adventures, they encounter characters who have read Part 1, adding layers of self-awareness and irony. The novel explores reality, deception, and the evolution of its protagonists. With sharper wit and social critique, Part 2 cements Don Quixote as a groundbreaking work that shaped modern literature and storytelling...

Don Quixote, errant knight and sane madman, with the company of his faithful squire and wise fool, Sancho Panza, together roam the world and haunt readers' imaginations as they have for nearly four hundred years.

philosophy

Philosophy

history

History

creativity

Creativity

books

Books

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Society, Arts & Culture

Edith Grossman's definitive English translation of the Spanish masterpiece. Widely regarded as the world's first modern novel, and one of the funniest and most tragic books ever written, Don Quixote chronicles the famous picaresque adventures of the noble knight-errant Don Quixote of La Mancha and his faithful squire, Sancho Panza, as they travel through sixteenth-century Spain. Unless you read Spanish, you've never read Don Quixote. "Though there have been many valuable English translations of Don Quixote, I would commend Edith Grossman's version for the extraordinarily high quality of her prose. The Knight and Sancho are so eloquently rendered by Grossman that the vitality of their characterization is more clearly conveyed than ever before. There is also an astonishing contextualization of Don Quixote and Sancho in Grossman's translation that I believe has not been achieved before. The spiritual atmosphere of a Spain already in steep decline can be felt throughout, thanks to her heightened quality of diction. Grossman might be called the Glenn Gould of translators, because she, too, articulates every note. Reading her amazing mode of finding equivalents in English for Cervantes's darkening vision is an entrance into a further understanding of why this great book contains within itself all the novels that have followed in its sublime wake." From the Introduction by Harold Bloom Miguel de Cervantes was born on September 29, 1547, in Alcala de Henares, Spain. At twenty-three he enlisted in the Spanish militia and in 1571 fought against the Turks in the battle of Lepanto, where a gunshot wound permanently crippled his left hand. He spent four more years at sea and then another five as a slave after being captured by Barbary pirates. Ransomed by his family, he returned to Madrid but his disability hampered him; it was in debtor's prison that he began to write Don Quixote. Cervantes wrote many other works, including poems and plays, but he remains best known as the author of Don Quixote. He died on April 23, 1616.