"It seems to me rather, Sancho," said Don Quixote, "that thou wouldst

mount a scaffold in order to see the bulls without danger."

"To tell the truth," returned Sancho, "the monstrous nose of that squire

has filled me with fear and terror, and I dare not stay near him."

"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 was

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not more agile or better-looking than Rocinante, and at his top speed,

which was an easy trot, he proceeded to charge his enemy; seeing him,

however, engaged in putting Sancho up, he drew rein, and halted in mid

career, for which his horse was very grateful, as he was already unable

to go. Don Quixote, fancying that his foe was coming down upon him

flying, drove his spurs vigorously into Rocinante's lean flanks and made

him scud along in such style that the history tells us that on this

occasion only was he known to make something like running, for on all

others it was a simple trot with him; and with this unparalleled fury he

bore down where he of the Mirrors stood digging his spurs into his horse

up to buttons, without being able to make him stir a finger's length from

the spot where he had come to a standstill in his course. At this lucky

moment and crisis, Don Quixote came upon his adversary, in trouble with

his horse, and embarrassed with his lance, which he either could not

manage, or had no time to lay in rest. Don Quixote, however, paid no

attention to these difficulties, and in perfect safety to himself and

without any risk encountered him of the Mirrors with such force that he

brought him to the ground in spite of himself over the haunches of his

horse, and with so heavy a fall that he lay to all appearance dead, not

stirring hand or foot. The instant Sancho saw him fall he slid down from

the cork tree, and made all haste to where his master was, who,

dismounting from Rocinante, went and stood over him of the Mirrors, and

unlacing his helmet to see if he was dead, and to give him air if he

should happen to be alive, he saw--who can say what he saw, without

filling all who hear it with astonishment, wonder, and awe? He saw, the

history says, the very countenance, the very face, the very look, the

very physiognomy, the very effigy, the very image of the bachelor Samson

Carrasco! As soon as he saw it he called out in a loud voice, "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."




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