Print
Word
PDF
|
Don Quixote Volume 2, Chapter 36
It is the Duke's steward who played Merlin and created the entire production from the night before. This being his cup of tea, he soon creates another and sets it in motion. The Duchess asks Sancho if he has begun his self-flagellation yet and what is he using to hit himself with? He tells her that he spanked himself five times. The Duchess tells him that these do not meet the terms of the agreement, and she will get him an appropriate whip -- but nothing too severe. He shows her a letter he dictated for his wife informing her of recent events, his governorship. Later, after their meal in the garden (Duke, Duchess, Don Quijote and Sancho) they hear mournful music and are visited by an official mourning party of four men, one huge and sporting a white beard. He is Trifaldin the White-Bearded squire to her lady Countess Trifaldi alias Lady Dolorida. She is waiting outside for permission to enter and wants to know if the great Don Quijote de la Mancha is here; for she has fasted and walked all the way from her kingdom to seek his help. Don Quijote comments that he wishes their priest could see this!
