Sections 18-19, pages 212- 249 Summary

In these two sections of the novel, the narrative concerns itself with the building of the great convent at Mafra, where Baltasar finds his employment.

The first section concerns itself with the 'glory' of Portugal, with the thoughts of the King Dom Joao the Fifth as he strives to make his little kingdom one of the brightest stars in Europe, knowing that the great endeavour of his building works will further increase his own fame and his legacy for the rest of history. Portugal is presented as a country that can outshine any of its neighbours, and the narrative switches to that of Baltasar as he continues his work on the convent at Mafra.

Baltasar takes to drinking on hearing of the Padre Bartolomeu de Gusmao's death, but never to excess as Blimunda always serves as a...