HKB
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Often appears with: fate, destiny, and necessity · religious persecution and toleration · the passions and the emotions · myth and the gods of the nations · conquest, plunder, and captives · the nature and attributes of God · the fear of death · prayer and worship · language, naming, and meaning · crime and punishment · perception and the senses · miracles and divine intervention
Usually: narrative (150) · skepticism (116) · argument (83) · curiosity (82) · the test or trial (73) · wonder (71) · detachment (60) · crisis of belief (50) · confronting death (40) · censure (40)
“Like most of the Africans, Severus was passionately addicted to the vain studies of magic and divination, deeply versed in the interpretation of dreams and omens, and perfectly acquainted with the science of judicial astrology;” Edward Gibbon, History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire · observation
“Is it possible that all this time thou hast been going about with me thou hast never found out that all things belonging to knights-errant seem to be illusions and nonsense and ravings, and to go always by contraries? And not because it really is so, but because there is always a swarm of enchanters in attendance upon us that change and alter everything with us, and turn things as they please,” Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote · observation
“And if it were not for this, knights-errant would not be able to give aid to one another in peril, as they do at every turn.” Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote · insight
“but I have already told thee there are many sorts of enchantments, and it may be that in the course of time they have been changed one for another, and that now it may be the way with enchanted people to do all that I do, though they did not do so before; so it is vain to argue or draw inferences against the usage of the time.” Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote · insight
“Sancho laboured in vain, for his master was so bent on coming to quarters with these sheeted figures and releasing the lady in black that he did not hear a word; and even had he heard, he would not have turned back if the king had ordered him.” Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote · vivid
“Make haste here, Sancho, and behold what thou art to see but not to believe; quick, my son, and learn what magic can do, and wizards and enchanters are capable of.” Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote · observation
“If I could pluck out my heart, and lay it on a plate on this table here before your highness’s eyes, it would spare my tongue the pain of telling what can hardly be thought of.” Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote · wit
“For to deprive a knight-errant of his lady is to deprive him of the eyes he sees with, of the sun that gives him light, of the food whereby he lives.” Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote · insight
“And so, as I am not and, so far as one can judge, cannot be enchanted, she it is that is enchanted, that is smitten, that is altered, changed, and transformed; in her have my enemies revenged themselves upon me, and for her shall I live in ceaseless tears.” Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote · vivid
“Be thou, lady mine, transformed into a clumsy country wench, or into a nymph of golden Tagus weaving a web of silk and gold, let Merlin or Montesinos hold thee captive where they will; where’er thou art, thou art mine, and where’er I am, must be thine.” Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote · vivid
“This head, Señor Don Quixote, has been made and fabricated by one of the greatest magicians and wizards the world ever saw, a Pole, I believe, by birth, and a pupil of the famous Escotillo of whom such marvellous stories are told.” Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote · observation
“it was impossible, thus, to detect the trick. A nephew of Don Antonio’s, a smart sharp-witted student, was the answerer, and as he had been told beforehand by his uncle who the persons were that would come with him that day into the chamber where the head was, it was an easy matter for him to answer the first question at once and correctly; the others he answered by guess-work, and, being clever, cleverly.” Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote · insight
The passage continues criticizing Israelite disbelief and hypocrisy, recounts angelic conflict and the descent of revelation (Gabriel), rejects sorcery tales associated with Harut and Marut, and warns that such unbelief forfeits reward.
And they say, "Uncircumcised are our hearts." Nay! God hath cursed them in their infidelity: few are they who believe! And when a Book had come to them from God, confirming that which they had received already-although they had before prayed for victory over those who believed not-yet when that Koran come to them, of which they had knowledge, they did not recognise it. The curse of God on the infidels! For a vile p…
Pepys goes to the Royal Theatre again, worries about Lady Castlemaine’s decline, records Parliament’s debate over supplying the King, and recounts discussions on spirits and the famous Wiltshire “invisible drummer.”
late is become a great fashion among the ladies, which hides their whole face. So to the Exchange, to buy things with my wife; among others, a vizard for herself. 13th. To the Royal Theatre; and in our way saw my Lady Castlemaine, who, I fear, is not so handsome as I have taken her for, and now she begins to decay something. This is my wife's opinion also. Yesterday, upon conference with the King in the Banquetin…
Idothea instructs Menelaus to ambush Proteus at sea-cave sleep, the crew hides in pits under seal skins while ambrosia masks the stench, and Proteus transforms through many forms until he is forced to speak.
you in ambush. Pick out, therefore, the three best men you have in your fleet, and I will tell you all the tricks that the old man will play you. “‘First he will look over all his seals, and count them; then, when he has seen them and tallied them on his five fingers, he will go to sleep among them, as a shepherd among his sheep. The moment you see that he is asleep seize him; put forth all your strength and hold hi…
Ulysses is battered by a storm at sea sent by Neptune, losing raft and mast, nearly drowning, then is rescued when Ino/Leucothea gives him an enchanted veil to reach the Phaeacian coast safely.
Phaeacians, where it is decreed that he shall escape from the calamities that have befallen him. Still, he shall have plenty of hardship yet before he has done with it.” Thereon he gathered his clouds together, grasped his trident, stirred it round in the sea, and roused the rage of every wind that blows till earth, sea, and sky were hidden in cloud, and night sprang forth out of the heavens. Winds from East, South,…
Odysseus prepares to rescue his men, meets the god Mercury (Hermes) who gives the herb moly and instructions to resist Circe, then confronts Circe after she drugs him.
there might be some treachery. From that moment I saw them no more, for not one of them ever came out, though I sat a long time watching for them.’ “Then I took my sword of bronze and slung it over my shoulders; I also took my bow, and told Eurylochus to come back with me and shew me the way. But he laid hold of me with both his hands and spoke piteously, saying, ‘Sir, do not force me to go with you, but let me stay…
Circe has Odysseus washed and dressed and offers him food, but he refuses until she frees his men; she opens the pigsties, reverses the transformation, and orders him to return to the ship.
“So she swore at once as I had told her, and when she had completed her oath then I went to bed with her. “Meanwhile her four servants, who are her housemaids, set about their work. They are the children of the groves and fountains, and of the holy waters that run down into the sea. One of them spread a fair purple cloth over a seat, and laid a carpet underneath it. Another brought tables of silver up to the seats, …
Odysseus sharpens a blazing stake, gets his men to blind Polyphemus, and escapes the cave while Polyphemus calls to other Cyclopes for help against “Noman” who is “slaying me by guile.”
fat flocks towards the hills; but I was left devising evil in the deep of my heart, if in any wise I might avenge me, and Athene grant me renown. “And this was the counsel that showed best in my sight. There lay by a sheep-fold a great club of the Cyclops, a club of olive wood, yet green, which he had cut to carry with him when it should be seasoned. Now when we saw it we likened it in size to the mast of a black sh…
Odysseus proposes a meal before they starve, leads scouting bands to Circe’s palace, and has Eurylochus drawn by lot with twenty-two men; Circe drugs and enchants the men, turning them into swine.
day of destiny; go to then, while as yet there is meat and drink in the swift ship, let us take thought thereof, that we be not famished for hunger.’ “Even so I spake, and they speedily hearkened to my words. They unmuffled their heads, and there on the shore of the unharvested sea gazed at the stag, for he was a mighty quarry. But after they had delighted their eyes with the sight of him, they washed their hands an…
Eurylochus returns from Circe’s palace reporting that his men vanished after entering; Odysseus forces a rescue attempt, while Hermes instructs him to use moly and attack Circe to undo the enchantment.
mighty web singing a sweet song, so that all the floor of the hall makes echo, a goddess she is or a woman; come quickly and cry aloud to her.’ “He spake the word and they cried aloud and called to her. And straightway she came forth and opened the shining doors and bade them in, and all went with her in their heedlessness. But Eurylochus tarried behind, for he guessed that there was some treason. So she led them in…
Odysseus drinks Circe’s potion without being bewitched, attacks her with his sword, and Circe retaliates by submitting and speaking as he pursues her to free his men.
the likeness of a young man with the first down on his lip, the time when youth is most gracious. So he clasped my hand and spake and hailed me: “‘Ah, hapless man, whither away again, all alone through the wolds, thou that knowest not this country? And thy company yonder in the hall of Circe are penned in the guise of swine, in their deep lairs abiding. Is it in hope to free them that thou art come hither? Nay, meth…
Circe recognizes Odysseus despite his charm-resistance, swears she will not harm him, and prepares hospitality—bathing, oiling, and feasting—while Odysseus refuses to eat, suspecting further trickery.
and sprang upon Circe, as one eager to slay her. But with a great cry she slipped under, and clasped my knees, and bewailing herself spake to me winged words: “‘Who art thou of the sons of men, and whence? Where is thy city? Where are they that begat thee? I marvel to see how thou hast drunk of this charm, and wast nowise subdued. Nay, for there lives no man else that is proof against this charm, whoso hath drunk th…
Odysseus demands the release of his companions, and Circe transforms them from swine back into human men with charms, then orders him to return to his ship and eventually seek Teiresias in the underworld.
sat thus, and that I put not forth my hands to the meat, and that I was mightily afflicted, she drew near to me and spake to me winged words: “‘Wherefore thus, Odysseus, dost thou sit there like a speechless man, consuming thine own soul, and dost not touch meat nor drink? Dost thou indeed deem there is some further guile? Nay, thou hast no cause to fear, for already I have sworn thee a strong oath not to harm thee.…
Eurylochus resists going to Circe, fearing further transformation like the Cyclops episode, but Odysseus and the others proceed; Circe continues to bathe and clothe them and they feast together for a year.
“So spake I, and at once they hearkened to my words, but Eurylochus alone would have holden all my companions, and uttering his voice he spake to them winged words: “‘Wretched men that we are! whither are we going? Why are your hearts so set on sorrow that ye should go down to the hall of Circe, who will surely change us all to swine, or wolves, or lions, to guard her great house perforce, according to the deeds tha…
After a year of feasting, Odysseus urges departure to return home; Circe instructs him to sail to the dwelling of Hades, perform specific libations and sacrifices, and wait for the blind seer Teiresias.
is my spirit eager to be gone, and the spirit of my company, that wear away my heart as they mourn around me, when haply thou art gone from us.’ “So spake I, and the fair goddess answered me anon: ‘Son of Laertes, of the seed of Zeus, Odysseus of many devices, tarry ye now no longer in my house against your will; but first must ye perform another journey, and reach the dwelling of Hades and of dread Persephone to se…
The crew sails to Oceanus, reaches the land of the Cimmerians in perpetual night, performs Odysseus’s trench and blood rite, and sees many ghosts, including Elpenor and then the prophet Teiresias.
Odysseus, his descent into hell, and discourses with the ghosts of the deceased heroes. “Now when we had gone down to the ship and to the sea, first of all we drew the ship unto the fair salt water and placed the mast and sails in the black ship, and took those sheep and put them therein, and ourselves too climbed on board, sorrowing, and shedding big tears. And in the wake of our dark-prowed ship she sent a favouri…
Heracles’ ghost explains he was sent to fetch Cerberus from Hades and praises Hermes and Athena, then Odysseus panics at the fear of Persephone sending the Gorgon’s head and promptly departs with his crew.
fruit, and sweet figs and olives in their bloom, whereat when that old man reached out his hands to clutch them, the wind would toss them to the shadowy clouds. “Yea and I beheld Sisyphus in strong torment, grasping a monstrous stone with both his hands. He was pressing thereat with hands and feet, and trying to roll the stone upward toward the brow of the hill. But oft as he was about to hurl it over the top, the w…
Back on the voyage, Odysseus has the crew bury Elpenor in Aeaea, meets Circe who instructs them on the Sirens and the choice between Scylla/Charybdis paths, using waxed ears and binding for safety.
Odysseus, his passage by the Sirens, and by Scylla and Charybdis. The sacrilege committed by his men in the isle Thrinacia. The destruction of his ships and men. How he swam on a plank nine days together, and came to Ogygia, where he stayed seven years with Calypso. “Now after the ship had left the stream of the river Oceanus, and was come to the wave of the wide sea, and the isle Aeaean, where is the dwelling place…
Circe explains how the Sirens bewitch unwary sailors, and describes the Rocks Wandering that destroy all ships except one (Argo), sent on by divine favor for Jason’s sake.
and laid herself at my feet, and asked all my tale. And I told her all in order duly. Then at the last the Lady Circe spake unto me, saying: “‘Even so, now all these things have an end; do thou then hearken even as I tell thee, and the god himself shall bring it back to thy mind. To the Sirens first shalt thou come, who bewitch all men, whosoever shall come to them. Whoso draws nigh them unwittingly and hears the so…
Circe warns Odysseus to steer between Scylla’s twelve-foot rock and Charybdis, explaining Scylla will seize six men, while Odysseus asks about resisting Charybdis and is told to flee and call for Scylla’s mother.
men’s minds, on her voyage from Aeetes. And even her the wave would lightly have cast there upon the mighty rocks, but Here sent her by for love of Jason. “‘On the other part are two rocks, whereof the one reaches with sharp peak to the wide heaven, and a dark cloud encompasses it; this never streams away, and there is no clear air about the peak neither in summer nor in harvest tide. No mortal man may scale it or s…
Circe predicts Thrinacia’s Helios cattle will doom Odysseus’ crew if harmed, then Odysseus binds himself against the Sirens’ song using waxed ears and has the crew row past when they try to lure him.
past with all thy force, and call on Cratais, mother of Scylla, which bore her for a bane to mortals. And she will then let her from darting forth thereafter. “‘Then thou shalt come unto the isle Thrinacia; there are the many kine of Helios and his brave flocks feeding, seven herds of kine and as many goodly flocks of sheep, and fifty in each flock. They have no part in birth or in corruption, and there are goddesse…
The LORD appoints Moses as Pharaoh’s “God” and Aaron as prophet, hardens Pharaoh’s heart, and begins signs: Aaron’s rod becomes a serpent, Egyptian sorcerers imitate, and the river turns to blood for a week.
And the LORD said unto Moses: behold, I have made thee Pharao's God, and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet. Thou shalt speak all that I command thee and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharao: that he send the children of Israel out of his land. But I will harden Pharao's heart, that I may multiply my miracles and my wonders in the land of Egypt. And yet Pharao shall not hearken unto you, that I may set mine …
With Sandy Jenkins’s advice, Douglass takes a “root” said to make whipping impossible; Covey greets him calmly on Sunday but, on Monday, tries to tie and capture him to whip him.
and as the corn was very high, it afforded me the means of hiding. He seemed very angry, and searched for me a long time. My behavior was altogether unaccountable. He finally gave up the chase, thinking, I suppose, that I must come home for something to eat; he would give himself no further trouble in looking for me. I spent that day mostly in the woods, having the alternative before me,—to go home and be whipped to …
Dido receives portents (sacrificial blood and milk turning) and hears ominous signs, considers suicide, and decides to enlist a Massylian priestess’s magic to bind revengeful forces via a funeral pyre.
are still employ’d in vain; Again she comes, and is refus’d again. His harden’d heart nor pray’rs nor threat’nings move; Fate, and the god, had stopp’d his ears to love. As, when the winds their airy quarrel try, Justling from ev’ry quarter of the sky, This way and that the mountain oak they bend, His boughs they shatter, and his branches rend; With leaves and falling mast they spread the gro…
Dido stages a secret pyre with Trojan spoils and a bridal bed, while the priestess performs rites to Hecate and infernal powers, sprinkling tainted substances and sacrificing a foal to summon death and destroy Aeneas’ chances.
the bridal bed be plac’d, Where I my ruin in his arms embrac’d: All relics of the wretch are doom’d to fire; For so the priestess and her charms require.” Thus far she said, and farther speech forbears; A mortal paleness in her face appears: Yet the mistrustless Anna could not find The secret fun’ral in these rites design’d; Nor thought so dire a rage possess’d her mind. Unknowing of a …
The text continues the same blended editorial framing and then shifts into Qur’anic teachings: Hell’s punishment for unbelievers, testimony of body parts, Satan’s misleading role, divine knowledge and angels recording deeds, and a call to hold fast to revelation.
Did I not enjoin on you, O sons of Adam, 'Worship not Satan, for that he is your declared foe,' But 'Worship Me: this is a right path'? But now hath he led a vast host of you astray. Did ye not then comprehend? This is Hell with which ye were threatened: Endure its heat this day, for that ye believed not." On that day will we set a seal upon their mouths; yet shall their hands speak unto us, and their feet14 sha…
The passage argues that even stones or iron cannot prevent resurrection, urges believers to speak kindly, teaches human limits and divine knowledge, warns of city destruction before the Day of Resurrection, and narrates Satan’s refusal to prostrate to Adam.
See what likenesses they strike out for thee! But they are in error, neither can they find the path. They also say, "After we shall have become bones and dust, shall we in sooth be raised a new creation?" SAY: "Yes, though ye were stones, or iron, or any other creature, to your seeming, yet harder to be raised." But they will say, "Who shall bring us back?" SAY: "He who created you at first." And they will wag thei…
Sura II culminates in claims that enemies of Gabriel received the Qur’an by God’s leave, and it recounts the Babel sorcery story of Harut and Marut and its social harm.
And they say, "Uncircumcised are our hearts." Nay! God hath cursed them in their infidelity: few are they who believe! And when a Book had come to them from God, confirming that which they had received already–although they had before prayed for victory over those who believed not–yet when that Koran come to them, of which they had knowledge, they did not recognise it. The curse of God on the infidels! For a vile p…
He explains rising public terror through popular omens—comets, dreams, prophecies, and street preachers—arguing these fears helped spread the expectation of catastrophe.
of these things; but sure they were so many, and so many wizards and cunning people propagating them, that I have often wondered there was any (women especially) left behind. In the first place, a blazing star or comet appeared for several months before the plague, as there did the year after another, a little before the fire. The old women and the phlegmatic hypochondriac part of the other sex, wh…
He says plague fears drove people toward fortune-tellers and magic-charlatans, with signs for astrologers and magic-head emblems, while ministers thundered against them but the poor still spent money.
that spirit of charity abated; and every church being again supplied with their own ministers, or others presented where the minister was dead, things returned to their old channel again. One mischief always introduces another. These terrors and apprehensions of the people led them into a thousand weak, foolish, and wicked things, which they wanted not a sort of people really wicked to encourage th…
After plague fears rise, Defoe describes further “madness” among the poor: reliance on charms, amulets, and magical abracadabra-like words to ward off God-sent plague.
Dr Hodges, Dr Berwick, or any, though the most famous men of the time. And I was told that some of them got five pounds a day by their physic. But there was still another madness beyond all this, which may serve to give an idea of the distracted humour of the poor people at that time: and this was their following a worse sort of deceivers than any of these; for these petty thieves only deluded …
Sandy advises Douglass to use an herb root as protective “magic” against Covey, claiming it will prevent whippings, while Douglass initially rejects superstition but eventually accepts the root.
There was the Chesapeake bay to the right, and “Pot-pie” river to the left, and St. Michael’s and its neighborhood occupying the only space through which there was any retreat. I found Sandy an old advisor. He was not only a religious man, but he professed to believe in a system for which I have no name. He was a genuine African, and had inherited some of the so-called magical powers, said to be possessed by African…
During the siege of Veii, the Alban Lake unexpectedly rises and drains violently to the sea, causing alarm; a captive-prophetic Roman is tricked, captured, and reveals that the lake must be diverted to prevent Veii’s fall.
carried ravages into their country, and, through all the Tuscan war, given them much annoyance, but were now reduced by Camillus, and with great loss shut up within their walls. And now, in the very heat of the war, a strange phenomenon in the Alban lake, which, in the absence of any known cause and explanation by natural reasons, seemed as great a prodigy as the most incredible that are reported, occasioned great a…
Cú Chulainn kills a squirrel and a bird from Medb and Ailill’s shoulders with sling-stones, then various deaths follow (including Maenen the fool and wizards), and Lethan is decapitated at his ford in Conaille.
*The Death of the Squirrel* Cuchulainn threatened in Methe, that wherever he should see Ailill or Medb afterwards he would throw a stone from his sling at them. He did this then: he threw a stone from his sling, so that he killed the squirrel that was on Medb's shoulder south of the ford: hence is Methe Togmaill. And he killed the bird that was on Ailill's shoulder north of the ford: hence is Methe n-Eoin. (Or it is…
The Morrigan confronts Cú Chulainn with magical threats in animal forms at the ford, which he answers with counter-threats and slingshot punishments; then Medb’s forces escalate by promising Loch Mac Emonis land and equipment, leading to his death.
against you when you are in combat against the men. I will come in the form of an eel about your feet in the ford, so that you shall fall.' 'I think that likelier than the daughter of a king. I will take you,' said he, 'between my toes, till your ribs are broken, and you will be in this condition till a doom of blessing comes (?) on you.' 'I will drive the cattle on the ford to you, in the form of a grey she-wolf.'…
Sancho reveals he has Mambrino’s helmet mistaken from a barber’s basin, and Don Quixote reframes this as evidence of enchanters making things change by perception; they continue toward the mountain’s chosen site.
taking it home to have it mended, to trim my beard in it, if, by God’s grace, I am allowed to see my wife and children some day or other.” “Look here, Sancho,” said Don Quixote, “by him thou didst swear by just now I swear thou hast the most limited understanding that any squire in the world has or ever had. Is it possible that all this time thou hast been going about with me thou hast never found out that all thing…
Don Quixote debates with Sancho how quickly he reached El Toboso, proposing magical transport by enchanters, then decides to hurry toward a giant to secure his princess’s realm before returning to Dulcinea.
cheese; because that was what my lady Dulcinea gave me over the top of the yard-wall when I took leave of her; and more by token it was sheep’s-milk cheese.” “She is generous in the extreme,” said Don Quixote, “and if she did not give thee a jewel of gold, no doubt it must have been because she had not one to hand there to give thee; but sleeves are good after Easter; I shall see her and all shall be made right. But…
Don Quixote answers Sancho that even if the two men look like the curate and barber, enchanters could have taken their forms to mislead him and keep him uncertain.
believe you will answer, you will be able to lay your finger on the trick, and you will see that you are not enchanted but gone wrong in your wits.” “Ask what thou wilt, Sancho my son,” returned Don Quixote, “for I will satisfy thee and answer all thou requirest. As to what thou sayest, that these who accompany us yonder are the curate and the barber, our neighbours and acquaintances, it is very possible that they m…
Sancho presses Don Quixote on whether he has any desire to relieve himself, and Don Quixote agrees that he feels such needs, implying his imprisonment is not enchanted.
“I do not understand ‘going anywhere,’” said Don Quixote; “explain thyself more clearly, Sancho, if thou wouldst have me give an answer to the point.” “Is it possible,” said Sancho, “that your worship does not understand ‘going anywhere’? Why, the schoolboys know that from the time they were babes. Well then, you must know I mean have you had any desire to do what cannot be avoided?” “Ah! now I understand thee, San…
Sancho argues that people labeled “enchanted” are those who do not eat, drink, sleep, or answer questions, and Don Quixote replies that enchantments may allow such normal functions anyway.
WHICH TREATS OF THE SHREWD CONVERSATION WHICH SANCHO PANZA HELD WITH HIS MASTER DON QUIXOTE c49a.jpg (181K) Full Size “Aha, I have caught you,” said Sancho; “this is what in my heart and soul I was longing to know. Come now, señor, can you deny what is commonly said around us, when a person is out of humour, ‘I don’t know what ails so-and-so, that he neither eats, nor drinks, nor sleeps, nor gives a proper answer …
Don Quixote continues the romance episode: the knight reaches a jewel-built palace, receives bathing and perfumed clothing by damsels, and is entertained with dainties, music, and an enchantment explanation from a lady.
Full Size “Suddenly there is presented to his sight a strong castle or gorgeous palace with walls of massy gold, turrets of diamond and gates of jacinth; in short, so marvellous is its structure that though the materials of which it is built are nothing less than diamonds, carbuncles, rubies, pearls, gold, and emeralds, the workmanship is still more rare. And after having seen all this, what can be more charming tha…
The listeners enjoy Eugenio’s tale, and Don Quixote offers to rescue Leandra from her convent through chivalry without violence; the goatherd doubts him, comparing him to empty knight-errant-book fantasy.
OF THE QUARREL THAT DON QUIXOTE HAD WITH THE GOATHERD, TOGETHER WITH THE RARE ADVENTURE OF THE PENITENTS, WHICH WITH AN EXPENDITURE OF SWEAT HE BROUGHT TO A HAPPY CONCLUSION c52a.jpg (40K) Full Size The goatherd’s tale gave great satisfaction to all the hearers, and the canon especially enjoyed it, for he had remarked with particular attention the manner in which it had been told, which was as unlike the manner of…
Because the clouds have withheld rain, villagers organize processions and penances to a nearby holy hermitage; Don Quixote mistakes the penitents’ garb and black image as a kidnapping adventure, mounts Rocinante, and charges to “deliver” the captive while Sancho warns it is the Virgin’s procession.
feet and turning his eyes to the quarter where the sound had been heard, suddenly saw coming down the slope of a hill several men clad in white like penitents. The fact was that the clouds had that year withheld their moisture from the earth, and in all the villages of the district they were organising processions, rogations, and penances, imploring God to open the hands of his mercy and send the rain; and to this e…
Don Quixote blames enchanters for transforming Dulcinea and claims she even smells of raw garlic, while Sancho responds by cursing the enchanters and details Dulcinea’s alleged features and the special saddle he “observed.”
“Hey-day! My grandfather!” cried the girl, “much I care for your love-making! Get out of the way and let us pass, and we’ll thank you.” Sancho stood aside and let her go, very well pleased to have got so well out of the hobble he was in. The instant the village lass who had done duty for Dulcinea found herself free, prodding her “cackney” with a spike she had at the end of a stick, she set off at full speed across t…
Don Quixote reacts in surprise and presses for the lie to be exposed, while the Grove squire insists he fought and recognized “Don Quixote of La Mancha,” including his squire Sancho, steed Rocinante, and Dulcinea.
Thus the innumerable achievements of the said Don Quixote are now set down to my account and have become mine.” Don Quixote was amazed when he heard the Knight of the Grove, and was a thousand times on the point of telling him he lied, and had the lie direct already on the tip of his tongue; but he restrained himself as well as he could, in order to force him to confess the lie with his own lips; so he said to him q…
Don Quixote insists the Mirror Knight is deceived and demands a clear look, then both mount to charge; Sancho urges Don Quixote to help him climb a cork tree to watch, fearing the monster-like nose.
I vanquished as one egg is like another, but as you say enchanters persecute you, I will not venture to say positively whether you are the said person or not.” “That,” said Don Quixote, “is enough to convince me that you are under a deception; however, entirely to relieve you of it, let our horses be brought, and in less time than it would take you to raise your visor, if God, my lady, and my arm stand me in good st…
The Mirror Knight charges without trumpet, Don Quixote spurdrives Rocinante and knocks the adversary down; Sancho runs to help and Don Quixote recognizes the fallen enemy’s face as bachelor Samson Carrasco through enchantment.
“It is,” said Don Quixote, “such a one that were I not what I am it would terrify me too; so, come, I will help thee up where thou wilt.” While Don Quixote waited for Sancho to mount into the cork tree he of the Mirrors took as much ground as he considered requisite, and, supposing Don Quixote to have done the same, without waiting for any sound of trumpet or other signal to direct them, he wheeled his horse, which …
Sancho and Don Quixote hesitate to attack the oddly disguised “Knight of the Mirrors,” who reveals himself as Tom Cecial and instructs Don Quixote to spare him, while Don Quixote forces a confession and Dulcinea-related promises.
and thrust your sword into the mouth of this one here that looks like the bachelor Samson Carrasco; perhaps in him you will kill one of your enemies, the enchanters.” “Thy advice is not bad,” said Don Quixote, “for of enemies the fewer the better;” and he was drawing his sword to carry into effect Sancho’s counsel and suggestion, when the squire of the Mirrors came up, now without the nose which had made him so hide…
Two days after leaving the grove, Don Quixote and Sancho reach the river Ebro and discover an empty bark tied to a tree; Don Quixote declares it enchanted for a knight’s rescue, while Sancho suspects fishermen.
OF THE FAMOUS ADVENTURE OF THE ENCHANTED BARK p29a.jpg (127K) Full Size By stages as already described or left undescribed, two days after quitting the grove Don Quixote and Sancho reached the river Ebro, and the sight of it was a great delight to Don Quixote as he contemplated and gazed upon the charms of its banks, the clearness of its stream, the gentleness of its current and the abundance of its crystal waters…
The pair embark and Don Quixote dismisses Sancho’s fears, making cosmological claims about crossing the equinoctial line; Sancho instead checks by touch, and they soon see water mills in the river.
“I don’t understand that logiquous,” said Sancho, “nor have I ever heard the word all the days of my life.” “Longinquous,” replied Don Quixote, “means far off; but it is no wonder thou dost not understand it, for thou art not bound to know Latin, like some who pretend to know it and don’t.” “Now they are tied,” said Sancho; “what are we to do next?” “What?” said Don Quixote, “cross ourselves and weigh anchor; I me…
Sancho doubts the evidence of having crossed far in space and tests himself in the boat; Don Quixote insists the current could be deceiving, then identifies the mills as an enchanted castle imprisoning a captive.
thou mayest as well pass thy hand down thy thigh, and if thou comest upon anything alive we shall be no longer in doubt; if not, then we have crossed.” “I don’t believe a bit of it,” said Sancho; “still, I’ll do as your worship bids me; though I don’t know what need there is for trying these experiments, for I can see with my own eyes that we have not moved five yards away from the bank, or shifted two yards from wh…
Don Quixote concludes rival enchanters are thwarting him, pays fifty reals to the fishermen for the smashed boat, and prays as he and Sancho return to their beasts and end the adventure.
immured in that prison, forgive me that, to my misfortune and yours, I cannot deliver you from your misery; this adventure is doubtless reserved and destined for some other knight.” So saying he settled with the fishermen, and paid fifty reals for the boat, which Sancho handed to them very much against the grain, saying, “With a couple more bark businesses like this we shall have sunk our whole capital.” The fisher…
The duchess comforts Sancho Panza about being washed like a court custom, then urges Don Quixote to praise and describe Dulcinea del Toboso, though he says her beauty is impossible to depict after her alleged enchantment.
“What are you saying to yourself, Sancho?” asked the duchess. “I was saying, señora,” he replied, “that in the courts of other princes, when the cloth is taken away, I have always heard say they give water for the hands, but not lye for the beard; and that shows it is good to live long that you may see much; to be sure, they say too that he who lives a long life must undergo much evil, though to undergo a washing of…
Don Quixote blames Dulcinea’s transformation on malignant enchanters, while the duke and duchess debate whether Dulcinea is imaginary and whether her lineage is noble, leading Don Quixote to argue that virtue can rectify blood.
devil, from fragrant to pestiferous, from refined to clownish, from a dignified lady into a jumping tomboy, and, in a word, from Dulcinea del Toboso into a coarse Sayago wench.” “God bless me!” said the duke aloud at this, “who can have done the world such an injury? Who can have robbed it of the beauty that gladdened it, of the grace and gaiety that charmed it, of the modesty that shed a lustre upon it?” “Who?” re…
Don Quixote answers that enchanters deceive knights by transforming Dulcinea into a wheat-sifting peasant, claiming he saw her altered at El Toboso while insisting the “wheat” was actually grains of orient pearl, and then praises Sancho’s mixed foolishness and shrewdness.
lady Dulcinea, found her sifting a sack of wheat; and more by token it says it was red wheat; a thing which makes me doubt the loftiness of her lineage.” To this Don Quixote made answer, “Señora, your highness must know that everything or almost everything that happens me transcends the ordinary limits of what happens to other knights-errant; whether it be that it is directed by the inscrutable will of destiny, or b…
Further commotion fills the wood as Sancho faints, water is thrown on him, and three candle-lit carts led by demon figures pass, introducing sages and an enchanter before music begins.
“Well then, if I see another devil or hear another horn like the last, I’ll wait here as much as in Flanders,” said Sancho. Night now closed in more completely, and many lights began to flit through the wood, just as those fiery exhalations from the earth, that look like shooting-stars to our eyes, flit through the heavens; a frightful noise, too, was heard, like that made by the solid wheels the ox-carts usually ha…
A malevolent enchanter giant Malambruno appears at the queen’s grave, enchants Queen Maguncia into an ape of brass and Don Clavijo into a metal crocodile, and declares they can be restored only when the valiant Manchegan fights him.
mightiest lord on earth. But let señora the Distressed One proceed; for I suspect she has got yet to tell us the bitter part of this so far sweet story.” “The bitter is indeed to come,” said the countess; “and such bitter that colocynth is sweet and oleander toothsome in comparison. The queen, then, being dead, and not in a swoon, we buried her; and hardly had we covered her with earth, hardly had we said our last f…
Trifaldi/Distressed One tells Don Quixote the journey to Kandy is thousands of leagues, requires Clavileño the flying wooden horse created by Merlin, and gives details of its peg-bridle, capacity, and wondrous smooth travel.
“There shall be no delay on my part,” said Don Quixote. “Bethink you, señora, of what I must do, for my heart is most eager to serve you.” “The fact is,” replied the Distressed One, “it is five thousand leagues, a couple more or less, from this to the kingdom of Kandy, if you go by land; but if you go through the air and in a straight line, it is three thousand two hundred and twenty-seven. You must know, too, that …
Don Quixote promises to shave the bearded duennas with his sword and Malambruno with his head off, while the distressed countess begs deliverance as Sancho resolves to go so the beards can be removed.
you are wrong; there are duennas in my house that may serve as patterns of duennas; and here is my Doña Rodriguez, who will not allow me to say otherwise.” “Your excellence may say it if you like,” said the Rodriguez; “for God knows the truth of everything; and whether we duennas are good or bad, bearded or smooth, we are our mothers’ daughters like other women; and as God sent us into the world, he knows why he did…
Night arrives and the wooden horse Clavileño is carried in by wild men; Sancho refuses to mount, insisting he’s no knight and fearing prolonged travel, but Don Quixote rushes to begin the journey to shave the duennas.
OF THE ARRIVAL OF CLAVILEÑO AND THE END OF THIS PROTRACTED ADVENTURE p41a.jpg (138K) Full Size And now night came, and with it the appointed time for the arrival of the famous horse Clavileño, the non-appearance of which was already beginning to make Don Quixote uneasy, for it struck him that, as Malambruno was so long about sending it, either he himself was not the knight for whom the adventure was reserved, or e…
Don Quixote and Sancho mount the magical wooden horse Clavileño with Sancho blindfolded, debating whether it is dangerous, while Don Quixote compares it to Virgil’s Palladium story from Troy.
“I’m not voracious,” said Sancho, “only peckish; but even if I was a little, still I’d keep my word.” With this they went back to mount Clavileño, and as they were about to do so Don Quixote said, “Cover thine eyes, Sancho, and mount; for one who sends for us from lands so far distant cannot mean to deceive us for the sake of the paltry glory to be derived from deceiving persons who trust in him; though all should t…