Finding himself now clear and quit of all quarrels, his squire's as well

as his own, Don Quixote considered that it would be advisable to continue

the journey he had begun, and bring to a close that great adventure for

which he had been called and chosen; and with this high resolve he went

and knelt before Dorothea, who, however, would not allow him to utter a

word until he had risen; so to obey her he rose, and said, "It is a

common proverb, fair lady, that 'diligence is the mother of good

fortune,' and experience has often shown in important affairs that the

earnestness of the negotiator brings the doubtful case to a successful

termination; but in nothing does this truth show itself more plainly than

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in war, where quickness and activity forestall the devices of the enemy,

and win the victory before the foe has time to defend himself. All this I

say, exalted and esteemed lady, because it seems to me that for us to

remain any longer in this castle now is useless, and may be injurious to

us in a way that we shall find out some day; for who knows but that your

enemy the giant may have learned by means of secret and diligent spies

that I am going to destroy him, and if the opportunity be given him he

may seize it to fortify himself in some impregnable castle or stronghold,

against which all my efforts and the might of my indefatigable arm may

avail but little? Therefore, lady, let us, as I say, forestall his

schemes by our activity, and let us depart at once in quest of fair

fortune; for your highness is only kept from enjoying it as fully as you

could desire by my delay in encountering your adversary."

Don Quixote held his peace and said no more, calmly awaiting the reply of

the beauteous princess, who, with commanding dignity and in a style

adapted to Don Quixote's own, replied to him in these words, "I give you

thanks, sir knight, for the eagerness you, like a good knight to whom it

is a natural obligation to succour the orphan and the needy, display to

afford me aid in my sore trouble; and heaven grant that your wishes and

mine may be realised, so that you may see that there are women in this

world capable of gratitude; as to my departure, let it be forthwith, for

I have no will but yours; dispose of me entirely in accordance with your

good pleasure; for she who has once entrusted to you the defence of her

person, and placed in your hands the recovery of her dominions, must not

think of offering opposition to that which your wisdom may ordain."




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