In profound silence I listened to what my friend said, and his

observations made such an impression on me that, without attempting to

question them, I admitted their soundness, and out of them I determined

to make this Preface; wherein, gentle reader, thou wilt perceive my

friend's good sense, my good fortune in finding such an adviser in such a

time of need, and what thou hast gained in receiving, without addition or

alteration, the story of the famous Don Quixote of La Mancha, who is held

by all the inhabitants of the district of the Campo de Montiel to have

been the chastest lover and the bravest knight that has for many years

been seen in that neighbourhood. I have no desire to magnify the service

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I render thee in making thee acquainted with so renowned and honoured a

knight, but I do desire thy thanks for the acquaintance thou wilt make

with the famous Sancho Panza, his squire, in whom, to my thinking, I have

given thee condensed all the squirely drolleries that are scattered

through the swarm of the vain books of chivalry. And so--may God give

thee health, and not forget me. Vale.




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