“Be that as it may, I see myself at once deprived of my sister and my honour.  Up to this moment I have kept the matter secret, purposing not to make known the outrage to any one, until I see whether there may not be some remedy, or means of satisfaction to be obtained.  It is better that a disgrace of this kind be supposed and suspected, than certainly and distinctly known—­seeing that between the yes and the no of a doubt, each inclines to the opinion that most attracts him, and both sides of the question find defenders.  Considering all these things, I have determined to repair to Ferrara, and there demand satisfaction from the duke himself.  If he refuse it, I will then offer him defiance.  Yet my defiance cannot be made with armed bands, for I could neither get them together nor maintain them but as from man to man.  For this it is, then, that I desire your aid.  I hope you will accompany me in the journey; nay, I am confident that you will do so, being a Spaniard and a gentleman, as I am told you are.

“I cannot entrust my purpose to any relation or friend of my family, knowing well that from them I should have nothing more than objections and remonstrances, while from you I may hope for sensible and honourable counsels, even though there should be peril in pursuing them.  You must do me the favour to go with me, Signor.  Having a Spaniard, and such as you appear to be, at my side, I shall account myself to have the armies of Xerxes.  I am asking much at your hands; but the duty of answering worthily to what fame publishes of your nation, would oblige you to do still more than I ask.”

“No more, Signor Lorenzo,” exclaimed Don Juan, who had not before interrupted the brother of Cornelia; “no more.  From this moment I accept the office you propose to me, and will be your defender and counsellor.  I take upon myself the satisfaction of your honour, or due vengeance for the affront you have received, not only because I am a Spaniard, but because I am a gentleman, and you another, so noble, as you have said, as I know you to be, and as, indeed, all the world reputes you.  When shall we set out?  It would be better that we did so immediately, for a man does ever well to strike while the iron is hot.  The warmth of anger increases courage, and a recent affront more effectually awakens vengeance.”

Hearing this, Don Lorenzo rose and embraced Don Juan, saying to him, “A person so generous as yourself, Signor Don Juan, needs no other incentive than that of the honour to be gained in such a cause:  this honour you have assured to yourself to-day, if we come out happily from our adventure; but I offer you in addition all I can do, or am worth.  Our departure I would have to be to-morrow, since I can provide all things needful to-day.”

“This appears to me well decided,” replied Don Juan, “but I must beg you, Signor Don Lorenzo, to permit me to make all known to a gentleman who is my friend, and of whose honour and silence I can assure you even more certainly than of my own, if that were possible.”