The History of Don Quixote de La Mancha Volume 2 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1919 Excerpt: ...by brushing winds for the reception of the shining light, and everything, not only jointly but in its separate gaiety, welcomed the fair Aurora, and, like her, foretold a fairer day. The Duke and Duchess, well pleased with the management and success of the hunting, and the counterfeit adventure, returned to the castle; resolving to make a second essay of the same nature, having received as much pleasure from the first, as any reality could have produced. CHAPTER XXXVI THE STRANGE AND NEVER-THOUGHT-OF ADVENTURE OF THE DISCONSOLATE MATRON, ALIAS, THE COUNTESS TRIFALDI, WITH SANCHO PANCA'S LETTER TO HIS WIFE TERESA PANCA The whole contrivance of the late adventure was plotted by the Duke's steward, a man of wit, and a facetious and quick fancy: he made the verses, acted Merlin himself, and instructed a page to personate Dulcinea. And now, by his master's appointment, he prepared another scene of mirth, as pleasant and as artful and surprising as can be imagined. The next day, the Duchess asked Sancho whether he had begun his penitential task to disenchant Dulcinea? "Ay, marry have I," quoth Sancho, "for I have already lent myself five lashes on the buttocks." "With what, friend?" asked the Duchess. "With the palm of my hand," answered Sancho. "Your hand " said the Duchess, "those are rather claps than lashes, Sancho; I doubt Father Merlin will not be satisfied at so easy a rate; for the liberty of so great a lady is not to be purchased at so mean a price. No, you should lash yourself with something that may make you smart: a good friar's scourge, a cat-of-nine-tails, or penitent's whip, would do well; for letters written in blood stand good; but works of charity, faintly and coldly done, lose their merit, ...