"I will not answer a word, beauteous lady," replied Don Quixote, "nor

will I listen to anything further concerning you, until you rise from the

earth."

"I will not rise, senor," answered the afflicted damsel, "unless of your

courtesy the boon I ask is first granted me."

"I grant and accord it," said Don Quixote, "provided without detriment or

prejudice to my king, my country, or her who holds the key of my heart

and freedom, it may be complied with."

"It will not be to the detriment or prejudice of any of them, my worthy

lord," said the afflicted damsel; and here Sancho Panza drew close to his

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master's ear and said to him very softly, "Your worship may very safely

grant the boon she asks; it's nothing at all; only to kill a big giant;

and she who asks it is the exalted Princess Micomicona, queen of the

great kingdom of Micomicon of Ethiopia."

"Let her be who she may," replied Don Quixote, "I will do what is my

bounden duty, and what my conscience bids me, in conformity with what I

have professed;" and turning to the damsel he said, "Let your great

beauty rise, for I grant the boon which you would ask of me."

"Then what I ask," said the damsel, "is that your magnanimous person

accompany me at once whither I will conduct you, and that you promise not

to engage in any other adventure or quest until you have avenged me of a

traitor who against all human and divine law, has usurped my kingdom."

"I repeat that I grant it," replied Don Quixote; "and so, lady, you may

from this day forth lay aside the melancholy that distresses you, and let

your failing hopes gather new life and strength, for with the help of God

and of my arm you will soon see yourself restored to your kingdom, and

seated upon the throne of your ancient and mighty realm, notwithstanding

and despite of the felons who would gainsay it; and now hands to the

work, for in delay there is apt to be danger."

The distressed damsel strove with much pertinacity to kiss his hands; but

Don Quixote, who was in all things a polished and courteous knight, would

by no means allow it, but made her rise and embraced her with great

courtesy and politeness, and ordered Sancho to look to Rocinante's

girths, and to arm him without a moment's delay. Sancho took down the

armour, which was hung up on a tree like a trophy, and having seen to the

girths armed his master in a trice, who as soon as he found himself in

his armour exclaimed:




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