'So have I too,' groaned Sancho; 'but if ever I make it or try it again as long as I live may this be my last hour. But letting that pass, what shall we do with this dapple grey steed that looks so like a grey ass, that Martino, or whatever his name was, has left behind him? For from the haste he made to get away I do not think he intends to come back, and by my beard the beast is a good one.'
'I am not accustomed to ransack and spoil those whom I overcome, nor is it the practice of Knighthood to take the horses of others unless the victor chance in combat to lose his own. Therefore, Sancho, leave the horse or ass, or what else thou pleasest to call it, for when his owner sees us departed he will return again for it.'
'Truly,' said Sancho, 'the laws of Knighthood are strict, and if I may not change one ass for another, may I at least change the harness?'
'Of that I am not very sure,' said Don Quixote, 'and as it is a matter of doubt, you must not change them unless thy need is extreme.'
'So extreme,' said Sancho, 'that if they were for mine own person I could not need them more.'
So saying he decked out his Ass with a thousand fineries robbed from the other, and made him look vastly better. Then, having taken a drink at the stream, they turned their backs on the hateful fulling-mills, and rode along the highroad, Don Quixote all the way describing to Sancho the successes in store for them, until he was interrupted by an adventure that must be told in another chapter.
DON QUIXOTE FREES THE GALLEY SLAVES