THE MANNER OF DON QUIXOTE'S RETURN HOME
CHAPTER XXX
In which is finished the notable Adventures of our good Knight
The Curate and Don Fernando now took the Innkeeper aside and settled all his claims against Don Quixote, for he had sworn that neither Rozinante nor Sancho's Ass should stir from the Inn until he was paid to the last farthing. As for Don Quixote, as soon as he found himself free from all the quarrels by which he had been surrounded, he held it high time to begin his voyage and bring to an end the great adventure unto which he was called and chosen.
Therefore, having made up his mind to depart, he went and cast himself upon his knees before Dorothea and said: 'I cannot but think, high and worthy Lady, that our abode in this Castle is nothing profitable, and may turn out to our disadvantage. For who knows but that your enemy the Giant hath learned by spies or other secret means how I intend to come and destroy him, and he may by now have fortified himself in some impregnable Castle or Fortress, against the strength of which even the force of mine invincible arm will be of little use. Therefore, dear Lady, let us by our diligence hinder his plans, and let us depart to the place where fortune calls us.'
Don Quixote said no more but awaited the answer of the beautiful Princess, who, with a lordly air and in a style not unworthy of Don Quixote himself, replied as follows: 'I thank you, Sir Knight, for the desire you show to assist me in this my great need, and I trust your desires and mine may succeed, that I may show you that there are some thankful women on earth. As for my departure, let it be as you wish, for I have no other will than that which is yours. Therefore dispose of me at your own pleasure, for she that hath once given the defence of her person unto you, and hath put into your hand the recovery of her estate, ought not to seek to do any other thing but that which your wisdom shall suggest.'
'Let our departure, then,' said Don Quixote, 'be immediate. Saddle me Rozinante, Sancho, and get ready your Ass and the Queen's palfrey, and let us take leave of the Constable and these other lords and depart instantly.'
Sancho, who was present at all this, stood wagging his head from side to side, and said: 'O my Lord, my Lord, how much more knavery is there in the little village than is talked of!'