'Pardon me, Sir,' said Sancho, 'for since I can neither read nor write, as I have already told you, I have not fallen in rightly with the laws of Knighthood. But from henceforth my wallet shall be furnished with all sorts of dried fruits for your Worship, because you are a Knight, and for myself, seeing I am none, I will provide fowls and other things, which are better eating.'
So saying he pulled out what he had, and the two fell to dinner in good peace and company.
But being desirous to look out for a lodging for that night, they cut short their meagre and sorry meal, mounted at once a-horseback, and made haste to find out some dwellings before night did fall.
But the sun and their hopes did fail them at the same time, they being then near the cabins of some Goatherds. Therefore they determined to pass the night there. And though Sancho's grief was great to lie out of a village, yet Don Quixote was more joyful than ever, for he thought that as often as he slept under the open heaven, so often did he perform an act worthy of a true Knight Errant.
They were welcomed by the Goatherds very cordially, and Sancho, having put up Rozinante and his Ass the best way he could, made his way towards the smell given out by certain pieces of goat's flesh which were boiling in a pot on the fire. And though he longed that very instant to see if they were ready, he did not do so, for he saw the Goatherds were themselves taking them off the fire and spreading some sheep-skins on the ground, and were laying their rustic table as quickly as might be. Then with many expressions of good will they invited the two to share in what they had. Those who belonged to the fold, being six in number, sat round on the skins, having first with rough compliments asked Don Quixote to seat himself upon a trough which they placed for him turned upside down.
Don Quixote sat down, but Sancho remained on foot to serve him with the cup which was made of horn. Seeing him standing, his Master said: 'That thou mayest see, Sancho, the good which is in Knight Errantry, and how fair a chance they have who exercise it to arrive at honour and position in the world, I desire that here by my side, and in company of these good people, thou dost seat thyself, and be one and the same with me that am thy Master and natural Lord. That thou dost eat in my dish and drink in the same cup wherein I drink. For the same may be said of Knight Errantry as is said of Love, that it makes all things equal.'
'Thanks for your favour,' replied Sancho, 'but I may tell your Worship that provided I have plenty to eat, I can eat it as well, and better, standing and by myself, than if I were seated on a level with an Emperor. And, indeed, if I speak the truth, what I eat in my corner without ceremony, though it be but a bread and onion, smacks much better than turkeycocks at other tables, where I must chaw my meat leisurely, drink but little, wipe my hands often, nor do other things that solitude and liberty allow.'
'For all that,' said Don Quixote, 'here shalt thou sit, for the humble shall be exalted,' and taking him by the arm, he forced his Squire to sit down near himself.
The Goatherds did not understand the gibberish of Squires and Knights Errant, and did nothing but eat, hold their peace, and stare at their guests, who with great relish were gorging themselves with pieces as big as their fists. The course of flesh being over, the Goatherds spread on the skins a great number of parched acorns and half a cheese, harder than if it had been made of mortar. The horn in the meantime was not idle, but came full from the wine-skins and returned empty, as though it had been a bucket sent to the well.