Etext by Dagny
Etext by Dagny
This Etext is for private use only. No republication for profit in print or other media may be made without the express consent of the Copyright Holder. The Copyright Holder is especially concerned about performance rights in any media on stage, cinema, or television, or audio or any other media, including readings for which an entrance fee or the like is charge. Permissions should be addressed to: Frank Morlock, 6006 Greenbelt Rd, #312, Greenbelt, MD 20770, USA or frankmorlock@msn.com. Other works by this author may be found at http://www.cadytech.com/dumas/personnage.asp?key=130
Characters:
Don Quixote
Sancho Panza
Cardenio
Don Fernando
Basile
Carrasco
Don Antonio
The Corregidor
Gil Ortiz
A Licentiate
Gines
Vincent
Guerrero
Nunez
A peddler
An alcade
Toreador
Students
Comedians
Galley slaves
A commissar
Maritorne
Chiquita
Dorothea Clenardo
Juanita
Lucinda
Sanchica
Dame Ortiz
Leona
Quitterie
Piquilla
Juana
Comedians
The house of Don Quixote. A large dresser occupies most of the center, it is all covered with glasses and faience. At left (stage left), a window on the street. Wall cut short on the same side; entrance door. Stage right, door to the library covered with hangings at the rise of the curtain. Wall cut away, door to the bedroom of Don Quixote. Chests, credenzas, tables, armchairs, etc.
(Basile is mounted on a stool and trying to cover with material the hangings on the door to the library which is walled up. Chiquita is holding a box of nails for him.)
Basile
There. Now, that's good. And in three minutes, Dame Chiquita, I
will challenge the most clever person to know this was a door.
Chiquita
Wow! I will no longer have to look at that damned library.
Basile
I'll be finished in three more hammer blows.
Chiquita
Go, go, Mr. Barber. What you are doing will earn you indulgence in
heaven.
Basile (hammering)
Which will make me deserve your good graces, Lady Governess, and,
also, the recognition of Miss Quitterie, niece of Senor Don Quixote and
I will be the most happy of barbers, as I am at this moment the most
adroit of picture hangers. (he hits his finger) Ah!
Chiquita
Take care. Here's my master.
Basile (looking over his shoulder)
No, it's a stranger.
(Basile continues to hammer. Enter Carrasco.)
Carrasco (in the doorway)
Pardon! Is Senor Don Quixote within?
Chiquita (still holding the box of nails for Basile)
Senor Don Quixote? Ah, God knows where he is at this moment. In the
moon, perhaps.
Carrasco (coming in)
In the moon?
Chiquita
At least! He left at the hour of siesta with one of his damned
books. Once he is reading—
Carrasco (taking off his cloak)
I will wait for him then, with your permission, Dame Chiquita.
Chiquita (turning, surprised)
You know my name?
Carrasco
Is it possible that eight years of absence have made me
unrecognizable?
Chiquita
Eh! My God, wait!
Basile
Is it he?
Chiquita
Samson!
Basile
Carrasco.
Carrasco
Well yes, Samson Carrasco, who is returning from the University of
Salamanca.
Chiquita (embracing him)
Oh, the dear child.
Basile (shaking his hand)
The excellent friend!
Chiquita
Has he grown!
Carrasco
Eight years of theology and three of canon law.
Basile
And, a bachelor, at least?
Carrasco
Waiting for my degree! But, let's not talk about me, and come to my
excellent relative and friend, Senor Don Quixote, to whom I bring the
gift of my work, and whom I hope I will find as spry as at my
departure.
Chiquita (sighing)
Ah, there—
Basile (scratching his ear)
There, yes!
Carrasco (quickly)
What is it? Their faces! Has something happened to him?
Chiquita
Ah, nothing! Nothing!
Carrasco
Then, his health?
Basile
Always fresh, and dry.
Carrasco
But, how little the spirit comports as well as the body?
Basile
Yes, that's where things are decaying.
Carrasco
What! The head! (quickly and uneasily) He could not have lost his
reason?
Basile
Lost? Not completely, but there is a loss.
Carrasco
What, this excellent man, generous, charitable, the soul of honor
and probity—
Basile (stopping him)
My God! These are always the same virtues—only with armor on the
head and plumes as high as that.
Carrasco
I don't understand.
Basile
I'll make you comprehend. The symptoms of this strange malady go
back about two years. The lord Don Quixote found himself weakened by
pleurisy, which I treated with abundant baths and ordered him to stay
in his room. To distract himself, he sent Dame Chiquita to bring him
some twenty-odd books, gnawed at by rats, that he had never opened in
his life. That's where his misfortune began. God bless him! Romances of
chivalry. After Don Quixote had read them, he had nothing more pressing
to do than to get more.
Carrasco (surprised)
How could he?
Basile
Look to the side, Sir Bachelor. This door that you see, or rather,
that you cannot see, is to the library that we are walling up, Dame
Chiquita and I. And, it contains no less than 4,762 volumes.
Carrasco
Mercy!
Basile
They are all works which he reads assiduously. From feeding on this
nourishment, the imagination of Senor Don Quixote is filled with all he
has read—enchantments, quarrels, challenges, gallantries, loves,
princesses, giants, and nonsense of all sorts. So, the chimerical
creations have become, for him, more than realities, and today, there
is nothing more certain for him in all the world.
Carrasco
Mercy on me, so much folly.
Basile
And that is what convinced us to put beyond his reach these cursed
books which bring only evil with them.
Carrasco
And what explanation do you plan to give for this sudden
disappearance?
Basile
Bah! The first to come to mind! The trouble with him is that, in
giving reasons, there is no need to give the most natural ones.
(Noise outside of a voice.)
Carrasco
Is that him?
Chiquita
No, it's that cursed Panza, again! He wants to force his way in,
despite me, and he is arguing with the girls in the lower court.
Carrasco
Sancho Panza, the peasant, your neighbor?
Chiquita
Yes! Yes! Another one, that fellow! For the last three days, my
lord Don Quixote and he have been consorting in secret, and there is
some trick in it. But, hold on, I am going there, I am. Every time you
try to enter, pagan—(she goes out rapidly)
Carrasco
What has she to fear from this good fellow? Please heaven that we
had nothing to expect from him! But, I wish to restore my excellent
relative to the wisest ideas. Can I count on you?
Basile
Long live God! Senor Bachelor! Razor, lancet, rapier and tongue!
All my weapons are at your service! If you have need of my assistance,
I am terribly in need of yours.
Carrasco
For?
Basile
The motive is perfectly honorable. You must help me obtain the hand
of the one I love, and who is no other than the pretty and adorable
Quitterie, niece of Senor Don Quixote, and your relative.
Carrasco
But, you are not noble!
Basile
Bah! As much as she is! The Basiles are old Christians, and I
wouldn't swear we aren't descended from that Basil who was Emperor of
Constantinople. It was long ago!
Carrasco
That astonishes me!
Basile
And me, too. But a much more serious matter—I have a rival.
Carrasco
Dangerous
Basile
Formidable. The Senor Gamache—the richest man in the county.
Carrasco
Ah!
Basile
Also, Quitterie's father is entirely for Gamache, and very gently
invited me never to set foot in his house again.
Carrasco
But, if Quitterie loves you, what do you fear?
Basile
Eh! I fear her! Quitterie, charming Quitterie, soft, tender, pretty
Quitterie, but coquettish Quitterie!
(Seen in the doorway is Gamache, dressed magnificently. A valet
carries a parasol behind him. Gamache holds a fan, and pays polite
compliments to Quitterie.)
Basile
There, what did I tell you? There's that Senor Gamache, who is
paying her a million compliments in the doorway.
Quitterie (taking leave of Gamache)
A thousand thanks, cousin.
(Gamache kisses her hand.)
Basile (preparing his razors)
That's that! Hugs and kisses now.
(Gamache disappears.)
(Quitterie enters and sees Carrasco.)
Quitterie
Eh! It's my cousin, Samson. (she jumps on his neck)
Carrasco
Are you also jealous of this one, friend Basile?
(Basile, without replying, sharpens his razors together with
frenzy.)
Quitterie (turning to look at Basile, laughing)
Jealous? Oh, indeed, if you ever heard him.
Basile
Doesn't one need cold blood to witness what I have seen?
Quitterie
And, what have you seen?
Basile (waving his razor)
Wait, Senorita! Someday you will be the cause—with my own hand.
Quitterie
Fie! Villain.
Basile (closing the razor and putting it in his pocket)
I will do it.
Carrasco
Come, come! You are two children who argue without reason. Dear
Child, friend Basile has told me of his hopes. He loves you.
Basile
Alas.
Carrasco
And, you love him.
Quitterie
That's a rumor he's been spreading.
Basile
There, you see!
Carrasco
Silence! (to Quitterie) Senor Gamache is constantly pursuing you
with all his gallantries?
Quitterie
More than ever! He's just asked my hand from my father.
Carrasco
Who replied—?
Quitterie
“Yes.”
Basile (low)
Ah!
Carrasco
And, you yourself, said?
Quitterie
“No!”
Basile
Ah, Quitterie! Quitterie, Quit-te-rie!
(Basile runs to her, falls to his knees and covers her hand with
kisses.)
(Chiquita enters.)
Chiquita
Alert! Here is Senor Don Quixote.
Quitterie
My uncle—well?
Basile (showing her the wall)
And the library?
Quitterie (struck)
Ah!
Basile (taking his soap and plate)
Quiet! Quiet! Let's have the air of doing nothing. This is the
great moment!
Chiquita
Ah, my heart's beating—
Basile
As for you, Sir Bachelor, don't present yourself right away, I beg
you.
Carrasco
Very willingly, since I want to observe him before appearing.
(Carrasco goes to a table at the left.)
Basile
That's it, in the corner. You, Senorita, to your flowers! Chiquita,
to your housekeeping. And me, to barbering, to barbering.
(Basile goes into Don Quixote's room. Quitterie begins to arrange
the flowers and Chiquita to dry the glasses. Don Quixote enters from
the left, holding his sword in one hand, and a book of chivalry in the
other. He is reading and his behavior indicates through his gestures
that the situation is moving. He cuts the last page with his sword,
then, brandishing his sword, he comes in. No one budges. He passes by
Carrasco and Basile without seeing them. Arrived at the entrance to his
library, he tries, still reading, to open the door. Not finding it, he
turns the last page. Finally he takes his nose out of his book in
frustration and is stupefied at not finding the door.)
Don Quixote
By the beard of El Cid—where is the door?
Chiquita and Basile (turning and playing innocent)
Huh?
Don Quixote
I said: where is the door to my library which used to be here? (he
looks around the room)
Quitterie, Chiquita and Basile (acting surprised)
Ah! It's true!
Don Quixote (knocking on the wall)
Isn't there any library any more? I see what it is! It's a trick
they've played on me.
Basile, Chiquita and Quitterie (turning their heads uneasily)
Ah!
(Carrasco indicated by his gestures to wait and see what will
happen.)
Don Quixote (continuing to examine the wall)
It's a trick that the enchanter Pantafilando has played me.
(Basile, Chiquita and Quitterie breathe, Carrasco is stupefied) My
personal enemy! (threateningly) But, I declare to him, that these jokes
are in bad taste, and that's all I have to say! To the good
eavesdropper— greetings!
Basile
Good. That's how to talk to people like that! I see there, Senor
Don Quixote, someone who is in great haste to pay you his respects.
Don Quixote
Someone?
Carrasco
Me! My very honored relative!
(Carrasco kneels and respectfully kisses Don Quixote's hand.)
Don Quixote (joyously)
Ah, it's Samson!
Carrasco
May God bring you happy days, Senor, to you, who have held the
place of a father to me.
Don Quixote
So, you are returned from the University, my boy?
Carrasco
Yes, sir.
Don Quixote (holding his hand affectionately)
Be welcome to my home. I am not rich, my son, the profession of
arms doesn't agree with an embarrassment of riches! But, the little I
have is for others, as much as myself, and my house is yours! Don't
forget it, child. (he raises Carrasco up)
Carrasco
Ah, Senor, you were always the best of men.
Don Quixote (taking the plate from Basile)
There. You are a bachelor, Samson?
Carrasco
Bachelor in Theology, Senor.
Don Quixote
Theology is nice, certainly—but, I'd prefer you to be Knight
Errant.
Carrasco (struck)
Your Grace said—?
Don Quixote
Ah! Samson, we need some Knights Errant! If we had, as we once did,
some good paladin to uphold right and to redress wrongs, would we see
so many girls seduced, so many bad women, so many deceived husbands, so
many felons, so many enchanters, magicians and giants?
Carrasco
Giants! Where does your Grace find these giants of which you are
speaking?
Don Quixote
Where do I find them? By God! Wherever I find them—-on the
highways.
Carrasco
Your Grace has seen giants on the highway?
Don Quixote (to Basile)
He asks me if I have seen giants!
Basile
Oh! Ah! But, we have seen more than that, sir Bachelor.
Don Quixote (seated and by Basile)
I have seen more than that!
Carrasco
On the festival grounds, on stage for a penny.
Don Quixote (pushing Basile away and sitting up)
Oh, oh! Does theology trouble this young head? (Basile leans away
and points to Carrasco, while slapping himself in the face) He can't
believe in enchanters and magicians any more.
Carrasco
Well, no more than giants, dear relative.
Don Quixote (rising)
There are no enchanters?
Carrasco
None
Don Quixote
Then, if you will, explain to me, Mr. Theologian, if there are no
enchanters, how is it that it happens all my books, which were right
there, have disappeared along with the room and the door?
Carrasco
For God's sake. They disappeared simply because—
(Basile makes a sign of hanging himself and Carrasco stops.)
Don Quixote
Simply because? Let's hear your “simply because.”
Basile
Yes, yes, tell him—if you can do it.
Carrasco
Eh! No, I cannot say it.
Don Quixote (triumphantly)
He cannot say it!
Basile (to Carrasco, who makes a scornful gesture)
Beaten!
Don Quixote (triumphant)
And, that's the way, to confound these tortured spirits. Let them
be touched by the hand of truth.
Basile
Yes, Lord Don Quixote, but if we spend the day talking this beard
will never be done.
(Basile makes Don Quixote sit and begins to shave him.)
Don Quixote (while being shaved by Basile)
And, understand, dear boy, the reason for this persecution is a
love rivalry between this enchanter and myself over the beautiful
Dulcinea du Toboso!
Basile
Dulcinea?
Don Quixote (getting excited)
Du Toboso! A beauty for whom I have performed, and will perform,
great acts of chivalry—never seen in the world before.
Basile (holding him for fear of cutting him)
Ah! Ah! And where is this Dulcinea du Toboso, Senor Don Quixote?
Don Quixote
No one knows.
Chiquita (grousing)
The fact is that I have never seen her.
Don Quixote
No more have I!
Chiquita
Then, if you've never seen her, how can you know if she is
beautiful?
Don Quixote
What does this woman say? And, who dares to doubt that Dulcinea du
Toboso is the most beautiful princess there is on earth?
Basile
Oh, God, no one!
Don Quixote (without listening to him)
And as for her chastity! Those who say she had four children with
the great khan of the Tartars, well they lie in their teeth!
Basile
Evidently, but watch your neck, Senor Don Quixote.
Don Quixote (more and more excited, stopping Basile often and
grasping his arm)
It may be by chance she acquiesced to the solicitations of Don
Rodrigo Navarez, Marquis de Mantua, her uncle.
Basile
Ah! You think so?
Don Quixote (without listening to him)
But it was from distraction.
Basile
That's clear.
Don Quixote
And, as for the child that resulted form this forgetfulness—I dare
to say he will be the first to admit his birth was a mistake.
Basile (crying)
Yes! But, you are going to make me cut you.
Don Quixote (rising)
I will never shave! I will never shave my beard again. I swear it
by the Holy Grail. Not until I have torn from this Rodrigo the
admission that he only succeeded in triumphing over Dulcinea du Toboso
by appearing in my image.
Basile
Good, but this image will be deplorable if you stay like this,
shaved on only one side.
Don Quixote (without listening)
I will remain shaved on only one side. This is the mark that Don
Rodrigo will recognize me by.
Basile (aside)
Ah, go walk! Let him go!
Don Quixote
I challenge him, by foot, on horse—lance and by sword! And I want
him to know that nothing will stop me—neither dragons with a hundred
heads, nor giants with a hundred arms, nor hordes of Mongolian Tartars.
And if he had for guardians Espantifilardo du Bocage and Brandabarbazan
de Beliche—I would wipe them all out! All! (twisting, strangling
himself with the shaving cream and coughing) Dragons, genies, all! All!
The throat! The flank! Let them come! All! All! A glass of water. I am
strangling.
(Don Quixote falls into his armchair. Everyone surrounds him.)
Chiquita
You shouldn't let him put himself in such a state.
Quitterie
Drink, uncle.
Basile (drying him)
Come! Come! Calm down, Senor Don Quixote.
Don Quixote (in a broken voice)
It's good to make him know with whom he's dealing.
(Sanchica enters and runs to Chiquita.)
Sanchica
Dona Chiquita!
Chiquita
Sancho's daughter! Little pest!
Sanchica
Oh! Don't get angry, Dona Chiquita. It's a traveler whose horse is
worn out on the way and who asks to stay here while his animal is
groomed.
Chiquita
Let him come in.
Sanchica (going to the door)
Come in, sir.
(Basile, Carrasco and Chiquita are still occupied with Don Quixote
whose spirits are reviving. Cardenio enters.)
Cardenio (greeting Quitterie)
Many thanks, Senor! I won't importune you for long, and soon my
horse will be ready to carry me again.
Quitterie
The voyager, Sir Cavalier, is always welcome in the home of my
uncle. (pointing to Don Quixote)
Cardenio
Ah! Pardon. I didn't see the gentleman. (bows to Don Quixote)
Don Quixote (with a voice from another world)
Is this the knight coming to me on the part of the Archbishop of
Turpin?
(Cardenio is surprised.)
Quitterie
Uncle—
Don Quixote (rising)
Tell him clearly, that as of this evening, I will take my lance and
go on campaign—and that after three days I will rejoin the great
Army— to lead it to victory!
Chiquita
But, sir!
(Don Quixote, leaning on Carrasco, goes to his room, and then
returns.)
Don Quixote (to Cardenio)
Don't let them join battle without me.
(Don Quixote, bent in two with coughing, goes into his room with
Carrasco.)
Basile (to Cardenio)
Don't be astonished by what you have just heard, Sir Chevalier. The
master has certain periods of exaltation!
Cardenio
Yes, indeed, it seems to me—
Basile
Yes! Yes! Oh, yes!
Chiquita
If the Senor would like to freshen up—?
Cardenio
Oh, don't bother with me, I beg you. A chair to sit on is all I
need.
(The two women bow to him and go into Don Quixote's apartment.
Cardenio follows, talking to Basile who arranges his razor.)
Cardenio
Am I far from Toledo?
Basile
Two hours by horse, but if the animal is injured!
Sanchica
Ah! It's nothing; I took him to Ambrosio.
Basile
This stupid donkey who meddles in my affairs—to make me
concerned—
Cardenio
Ah! You are?
Barber, surgeon, veterinary, to serve your Grace.
Cardenio
Then, I will be very obliged to you, if you would cast a glance
over the horse, to which I am much attached. The more so as I must be
at Toledo by Angelus.
Basile
You will be, my gentleman. A glance of an eagle eye and it's done.
(to Sanchica) Little beast, go. You who took the horse to someone else.
Sanchica
Shoot! Ambrosia gave me two pennies.
Cardenio
And here's mine, little girl!
Sanchica
Thanks, milord! (aside) I won't tell Papa Sancho, he would take it
from me. (she vanishes)
Cardenio
Irritating mischance which stops me so near to port! Still, I am
not expected till late night and there's still a couple of hours. Let's
be patient. (he looks outside)
(Don Fernando, dressed for an adventure, pushes the window from
outside, not seeing Cardenio.)
Don Fernando
My word—no one in the garden—no one here—I will chance it. (he
puts his leg over the window and jumps in)
Cardenio
Someone.
Don Fernando
Cardenio!
Cardenio (surprised)
Don Fernando! You here, milord?
Don Fernando
Yes, yes! But don't call me “milord” here. (he closes the door)
Cardenio
Some gallant adventurer.
Don Fernando (gaily)
You have said it.
Cardenio
Again?
Don Fernando
Always!
Cardenio
Just like at the University.
Don Fernando (grasping his hands)
Where my excellent father put you by me as companion and friend.
Oh, the happy times, Cardenio, and the friendly madness which began.
But, lets leave the past. Since my departure from the University and
the death of my venerable father whose soul God has—
Cardenio
I owe to your father's foresight my real place as private secretary
to the Marquis de Rio Villegas, Minister of Favors and Pardons.
Don Fernando
Oh! I recognize in that his friendship for you, and I wish to
continue it, Cardenio. Money, sword, credit. All that is mine is yours,
and you know you can depend on me as long as it is not a question of
love.
Cardenio
Why this reserve?
Don Fernando
Ah, because love is love, Cardenio, and when one makes love, I know
nothing else but love.
Cardenio
To the point of forgetting honor, loyalty—
Don Fernando
Yes, I'm afraid so.
Cardenio
Oh, milord!
Don Fernando
Don't get angry, friend. It's the profession which demands it.
Isn't the most honest bourgeois in the living room often the greatest
rogue in business? Isn't the sweetest guy in town, often is the most
ferocious soldier in battle? So with us young fools who profess
gallantry. Today he risks his life to protect you from a thief,
tomorrow he would be the first to steal your mistress or your wife from
you. There are two men in every person, Cardenio. The man who knows his
duty and the man who knows his profession.
Cardenio
These are evil principles, milord, and if we were still at the
University—
Don Fernando
You would preach me a sermon. Hush!
Cardenio
Eh?
Don Fernando
No! Nothing! I thought I heard—
Cardenio
Your Grace will have the dogs at his heels!
Don Fernando
Ah! Ah! A fine intrigue! Bah! I've got to tell you this—but first,
you know that three quarters of this province are mine? Almost to
Toledo!
Cardenio
Yes, milord!
Don Fernando
You understand, then, that taking possession of my domains at my
father's death, I wanted to inventory my wealth and to see all the
pretty girls in the county. To do this, it seemed pleasing to me to do
so incognito, and it's in this borrowed costume that I am touring
village to village. I give myself out as a soldier returning from
Africa. The village girls are seduced by me and the villagers are
enraged. At the first sign of the storm, I disappear to put a fire in
another furnace.
Cardenio
Strange pleasure.
Don Fernando
Adorable, dear friend. Unfortunately, I ran into some peasants who
remembered me this morning and I had to beat a hasty retreat. So, here
I am, you see.
Cardenio
And is this what your Grace calls charming adventures?
Don Fernando
Don't you find it delicious?
Cardenio
And do you think, sir, since you absolutely must be in love, that a
serious love would be better than all these follies?
Don Fernando
Alas! I thought so once, and even tried your true love—once.
Cardenio
Well?
Don Fernando
Well, it didn't work. In fact, it was in this village. It was a
royal conquest. Dorothea had been raised with the noble ladies of
Valladolid. Only, I found in her a resistance to which I was not
accustomed—and I couldn't penetrate it. I thought by revealing my
nobility—but that made it worse. She threatened to inform her father.
I saw where it was leading—marriage.
Cardenio
Did the marriage take place?
Don Fernando
Yes—but no one can prove it. There weren't any witnesses—only a
priest. But it overcame her resistance.
Cardenio
And Dorothea?
Don Fernando
She made me happy for three months. Then love gave place to logic.
Dorothea was pestering me to make our marriage public. So I pretended
business required my presence in Toledo and I left—never to return
Cardenio
And you haven't seen her again?
Don Fernando (seated)
Never, and now I am the slave of another love.
Cardenio
Love! This isn't love. If it were, love would be cursed like the
most horrible plague on mankind.
Don Fernando
And in your opinion it is—?
Cardenio
From gallantry and scorn!
Don Fernando
It's all the same.
Cardenio
More than honor and disloyalty!
Don Fernando (jesting)
God be praised, Master Cardenio, you speak as if you know what it
is.
Cardenio
And why shouldn't I know it, milord?
Don Fernando (jesting)
Amorous, you! Cardenio! Oh, for heaven's sake.
Cardenio (gravely and simply)
Yes, yes, Milord, amorous, me! Cardenio! Yes, I am in love, with a
love which in no way resembles yours, since your Grace takes all and
gives nothing, not even his heart in exchange. And I give myself
entirely, and I ask nothing in return!
Don Fernando
It's little?
Cardenio
No! Milord, it's not so little. I respect her innocence and virtue,
because it is my wealth and I would be infamous and stupid to throw it
away for a caprice. I put her honor above my desires.
Don Fernando
Good! Good! Some platonic relationship! It's another way of looking
at things. You have found a woman with whom you will be happy, dear
friend?
Cardenio
I believe so, milord.
Don Fernando
And the name of this beauty?
Cardenio
There's another difference between us, Monsieur Le Duc. My love
prefers secrecy and shadow, while yours openness and scandal.
Don Fernando
Wow! Scandal is a little hard, comrade, and—(rises)
Cardenio
Let's stop there, milord. We will never understand each other. Your
Grace won't give up the custom of making fun of what I venerate, and I
will be forced to remind him that I respect my lady as well as my King
and my God.
Don Fernando (hesitating, then offering his hand)
You are right, Cardenio, and I am wrong. Love to your taste, my
friend, and good luck. Of the two methods, the best is the one we like
the best.
(Basile enters.)
Basile
By God, Senor Cavalier, I just got there in time. That ass Ambrosio
was going to cripple your horse.
Cardenio (quickly)
Well, is he ready?
Basile
Almost, and your Grace can be on his way. But I would advice
treating him gently.
Cardenio
Thanks. Here's for your trouble. God guard you and enlighten you,
Don Fernando.
Don Fernando
And may He give you a thousand joys.
Cardenio
Thanks.
(Cardenio leaves. Basile goes to the door and watches him leave.)
Don Fernando (aside)
Ah, Cardenio, amorous! Him, too, by God. I would be curious to know
her. But first, think of ourselves. (to Basile) Tell me, if you please,
do you know someone who could go right away to Cuidad Real for a
handsome reward?
Basile
For a handsome reward, they'll go on their head.
Don Fernando
It's a question of a letter to be carried by horse. Only, I see I
have lost my notebook.
Basile
Ah! Your Grace makes me think that I have something that belongs to
your friend, for Sanchica found a notebook on the road, where his horse
fell down. (opening the window and calling) Sir! Oh, he's already far
away. But you are his friend. I admit I opened it to see who it
belonged to.
Don Fernando
Let me have it.
(Basile gives him the notebook.)
Don Fernando
This is very interesting. Do you know of a horse to be sold around
here?
Basile
A horse?
Don Fernando
A fast one, if you can.
Basile
I will loan you mine.
Don Fernando
The price?
Basile
The honor of obliging you.
Don Fernando
Pardon, I expect to kill it.
Basile
Then, I suppose, a hundred pistoles.
Don Fernando
Here's double that.
Basile
I am sorry I haven't two to offer you.
Don Fernando
Quickly.
Basile (going out)
In a moment.
Don Fernando (looking at the notebook)
Well, it appears we both love Dona Lucinda, friend Cardenio. She
scorns me, and admits you. But you have given me the signal. I told you
you couldn't trust me.
(Don Fernando goes out after Basile. There is a pause, then a
commotion.)
Sancho (at the window)
I tell you, I intend to come in.
All
No!
Sancho (comes in through the window)
You see, when I intend to do something, I do it.
(Women come in the door and the window.)
Women
Get out, Sancho!
Sancho (protecting himself)
Ah, sluts. Here is Sancho Panza. (he falls under their blows)
Don Quixote (entering and pulling Sancho free)
By El Cid! What's going on?
Sancho
These pests don't want me to see your Grace.
A woman
Lord, Miss Chiquita commanded us to take our broom sticks—
Sancho
Well, now that you have them, go stick yourselves, then.
Women
Insolent!
Sancho (jumping up)
Washerwomen.
Don Quixote
Peace, or I am going to pound the first one who moves to a paste.
Sancho
What a misfortune. I had one in my basket.
Women (menacingly)
Huh!
Don Quixote (holding the brooms like a lance)
Silence. Leave.
Women
But—
Don Quixote (ferocious)
Leave!
(The women leave, still menacing with their brooms which they have
retrieved.)
Sancho (sighing)
That's the way to talk. But they mix reasoning—
Don Quixote
Let's drop that, friend Sancho, and make sure no one can hear us.
Sancho (shutting the door)
As for that, I defy the devil himself to open it, even if he had a
broom and petticoats.
Don Quixote
That's enough! (sitting and looking gravely at him) Have you
carefully considered, Sancho, the proposition I made to you three days
ago?
Sancho (standing before him)
So well considered, milord, that I have shrunken, as you see.
Don Quixote
And the result of these guilty reflections?
Sancho
It's that I don't say “no.”
Don Quixote
Ah!
Sancho
Only, I don't say “yes” either.
Don Quixote
Say something, captious man! And let's leave it!
Sancho
Eh! Softly them, Senor Don Quixote. The fire hasn't reached the
church, and the husband isn't with child! If I don't say either “yes"
or “no” as yet, it's because I see more clearly than you in this
business. As the proverb says: Take the wheat but leave me the hay. If
the meal is with the miller, the oats are for the donkey. You never see
better out of your right eye than when you've been smacked in the left;
and besides, this isn't a sack of chick-peas.
Don Quixote
Good God! Let's leave the left eye and the donkey, and the
chick-peas and all the rest—and let's return to chivalry.
Sancho
I only spoke with Theresa, my maid.
Don Quixote
Why this confidence?
Sancho
Good! Doesn't she have to raise her snout because of seeing me bake
all night, under the influence of these ideas. Theresa ended by asking
me last night: “But what's wrong with you? But what's wrong, my
husband, that you toss like that?” I said to her: “Wait wife. This is
what it's about. The Lord Don Quixote, our neighbor, has decided to
become a wandering knight.”
Don Quixote (gravely)
To renew the golden age.
Sancho
To renew—, yes. that's what I told her. “And since the Knight
Errant cannot go without a Squire, the Lord Don Quixote has suggested I
act as his. That's the problem.”
Don Quixote
To which Theresa replied?
Sancho
Misery! She began wailing. It was pitiful. So, finally, I ended by
telling her: “Wife, don't cry. What the devil! The Lord Don Quixote is
reasonable after all. He wouldn't ask me to leave my house, my wife, my
land before the harvest, and my daughter Sanchica, who's getting
bigger, and my son Sanchicen, and my chickens, my cows, and my pigs who
are used to seeing me—all that to run around the world without profit.
Don Quixote
Certainly!
Sancho
“Certainly.” The lord Don Quixote knows quite well that the hen
doesn't lay where there's only one egg, and as the proverb says—
Don Quixote (irritated)
Yes, yes, but for God sake, let's leave these proverbs!
Sancho
Yes, lord. My wife asked me what your Grace would give me as
salary. To which I replied: “Things you can't imagine, nor can I,
because the Senor hasn't breathed a word of it yet.”
Don Quixote
Very fine, Master Sancho! That means that you do not confide to my
care the fixing of your salary.
Sancho
Oh, God. I confide in your Grace like my grandfather. But still, I
wouldn't mind having some idea. Let's see, Senor Don Quixote, doesn't a
Knight Errant usually give wages to his squire, ordinarily?
Don Quixote (thinking)
Ordinarily.
Sancho
Yes.
Don Quixote
I have always seen knights reward the zeal of their squires by the
gift of some provinces which they had become masters of. And I am very
decided not to deviate from those customs
Sancho
Some provinces—
Don Quixote
It is even certain, that in the course of the adventures, I will
conquer some Great Empire bordered by dependent kingdoms and tributary
islands, among which, Master Sancho, you will have your picks.
Sancho
An island! A kingdom! Death of my life, but, as I understand it, if
I have a kingdom, I will then be King.
Don Quixote
Necessarily.
Sancho
And Theresa, my wife, will be queen? And my children, princes and
princesses?
Don Quixote
Who can doubt it?
Sancho
Me! I can doubt it. It's too wonderful.
Don Quixote
Fine! Fine! It's only because you have never performed chivalry.
But you will see much more.
Sancho
I don't say! I don't say! But, why won't your Grace give me, as an
advance, some money every month, which I will return when I have my
kingdom?
Don Quixote
Look here, Sir Squire! I have told you my conditions. Governor or
King of an island at your choosing? See if there is enough for you, for
I won't add a penny to you, your wife, your children and your pigs.
Sancho
I don't say no. I don't say no. But, as to that kingdom, where will
it be? For if it's in a hot country, as I hear tell of Africa, where
everyone burns up—
Don Quixote (interrupting him)
We will make it for you, Master Sancho, equidistant between heaven
and earth, between the two poles, with a sun fabricated according to
your taste. (rising) By the name of my mother, impudent that you are, I
offer you a kingdom and you argue over the latitude.
Sancho
Oh. There, lord, don't get irritated. What I say is so as not to
have to listen to a wife who is going to have some “yeses” and some
“buts.” But after all, long live the chicken! Let her go thirsty. And
so long as the island is not too round or pointed, then it's a deal,
Senor Don Quixote. I am your squire at this price, and ready to follow
you where and when you like.
Don Quixote
Then, we will start this very night.
Sancho
Tonight?
Don Quixote (enthusiastically)
Make sure my things are ready.
(Don Quixote opens the armoire and one can see an old suit of armor
hanging there. It is all patched up.)
Sancho (surprised)
Are we taking a kitchen set?
Don Quixote
A kitchen set, ignorant one? Don't you see it's a suit of armor?
Sancho
That?
Don Quixote
Doesn't it have braces and thigh guards, a round buckler, (taking
the top off) and a salad strainer, so carefully enchanted by the
science of the magician, Tripotin, my sponsor, that it is stronger than
iron? Come, we will make an experiment.
(Don Quixote puts the salad strainer on the table and draws his
sword.)
Sancho (looking at it)
Take care, Senor Don Quixote, this salad strainer, as you call it,
may be put together with string and if you strike too hard—
Don Quixote
Stand back, friend Sancho, and observe the blow.
Don Quixote smashes the salad strainer into pieces.)
Sancho
Now it's a real salad.
Don Quixote (stupefied at first, then striking his head)
I see what it is! I see what it is! The sword is also enchanted, so
that nothing can resist it. On one side, the salad strainer cannot be
broken, on the other, the sword cannot be stopped. One of the two must
break the other. And the salad strainer was the other.
Sancho (picking up the pieces)
Well, I doubted its looks.
Don Quixote (seeing the barber's bowl with a gesture of
admiration)
Happily, the enchanter, Tripotin, seeing my situation, has just
sent me, by some spirit, the famous armor of Mambrin which renders the
wearer invulnerable.
Sancho (stupefied)
Where's this armor of Mambrin?
Don Quixote
On the table.
Sancho (looking)
On the table?
Don Quixote
Where it sparkles! For it is of the most pure gold! Do you see it?
Sancho
I see a barber's bowl. (brings it)
Don Quixote (smiling)
Ah! Ah! You have, Sancho, a naievete which I find charming. (taking
it) I admit that at first sight this armor does a little resemble what
you call it, and this notch made by the sword of some giant completes
the illusion.
Sancho
What illusion? Isn't it a barber's bowl?
(Sancho puts it under his chair.)
Don Quixote (smiling at Sancho's ingenuousness)
No, Sancho, my son, it's not a barber's bowl! You will see in your
life as a wanderer a thousand objects with the strangest resemblances
to ordinary things—all through the magic of enchanters. But all one
has to do is put the armor on your head to end all confusion. (gets the
barber's bowl and puts it on his head) Have a look!
Sancho
Well, your Grace will speak as you please. It would look better
under your chair than on your head. And, helmet though it may be, I
will still say that it's been under, rather than on top, more often.
Don Quixote (taking it off)
As to that, it may be! The Holy Grail itself—famous in chivalry—
hasn't been used many times, so profanely, that I dare not speak of it?
Sancho
And the hour of departure?
Don Quixote
Midnight.
Sanchica (at the window)
Papa—the soup.
Sancho
Quick! Just now they are calling me to supper! So much to pack up
in a hurry. (opening the window) Night's here already. I will take the
luggage. I will cross the hedge which separates us. I will saddle the
horses. And, on my way to my kingdom—
(Don Quixote has opened the armoire and taken out the “armor.”)
Don Quixote (at the window, dropping some of the armor out)
Take care! It's making a lot of noise. (enthusiastically) They are
going to make a great noise in the world.
Sancho
Eh! You're losing a copper pot.
Don Quixote
The buckler.
Sanchica (calling impatiently)
But, papa!
Sancho (calling)
Yes! (to Don Quixote) Quick!
Don Quixote
Here's the sword, the lance. That's all!
Sancho
And the armor of Mambrin?
Don Quixote (giving it to him)
Here!
Sancho (disappearing)
Watch out! It's shrew of a governess. Soon!
Don Quixote
Soon! And then, to the country!
(Enter Chiquita, lamp in hand.)
Chiquita
What! Did the traveler leave already?
Quitterie
But it's late. It's night. Samson is going to walk me home.
Goodnight, uncle.
(Don Quixote doesn't hear him. His eye is fixed on the beyond. He
doesn't speak.)
Carrasco
There he is, in his reveries. Wait! (takes Quitterie's hand)
Quitterie
Always.
Carrasco
Come! It's time to find a remedy!
Chiquita (laying the table)
Won't you wait for supper, Sir Bachelor?
Carrasco
No. Don't wait for me. (in a low voice) I have to consult with
Basile. Tonight we will take our posts.
Quitterie
Goodnight, uncle! Goodnight, Chiquita.
Chiquita
Goodnight.
(Don Quixote sits in his chair and gestures the deeds he will
perform. He is lost in his dreams.)
Chiquita (putting the plate on the table)
Well, there's a plate! Senor Don Quixote, like the King, doesn't
eat off just anything.
(Don Quixote, in his reverie, makes a gesture which Chiquita
interprets as agreement that the plate is admirable.)
Chiquita
Doesn't it look nice? And cheese from Burgos! Your Grace will give
me news of it!
(Don Quixote, without replying, grabs his serving plate like a
shield, and his fork like a lance.)
Chiquita
Yes, yes. Tilt against the food, go ahead. Those kind of
tournaments don't hurt anyone. I am going to prepare your bed.
(Chiquita goes into Don Quixote's room, leaving him alone. The room
is lit with a weak light from an oil lamp. Don Quixote, fork in hand
and plate as shield, speaks very loud, as if someone were in front of
him.)
Don Quixote
And now, we are alone. Know, felonious Saracen, that the time has
come to free the sweet Melisandre, and to return this unfortunate
princess to her spouse, Gaiferos. (after a silence) You don't reply,
miscreant that you are, and you think to shelter yourself from my rages
behind the gates of this castle.
(On the word Melisandre, the scene shows in reality what Don Quixote
sees in his imagination. The dresser in the background changes into a
fortress with its platform, its towers and its windows. Melisandre
appears behind a barred window and gestures with her veil. A Saracen
guard threatens her and forces her to disappear. A servant woman tries
to comfort her; the guard pushes her off, seizes her by the hair and
finally throws her off the platform.)
Don Quixote
Oh, cursed dog! Pagan! Thus you treat the faithful servants of your
victim. And you have just paralyzed my valor by gluing me to this chair
through the strength of your enchantments! But here come avengers you
didn't expect.
(Sound of horns in the distance. The Saracens run to group around
their master. At the same moment appear knights in full armor. They
scale the ramparts, threaten the castle with their arms and begin to
demolish it. They are greeted by a discharge of musketry—choked as it
is in a vision.)
Don Quixote
Ah, animals. It is worthy of you to employ your arms to fire on
these valiant paladins who only fight with lance and sword! Courage,
brave knights. Heaven is with you! Come, courageous Gaiferos. Come to
the help of your faithful Melisandre! Here are reinforcements.
(Thunder. Gaiferos appears, riding a green dragon. The chateau
bristles with monsters which menace the knights.)
Don Quixote (with greater and greater enthusiasm)
To the rescue, knights, to the rescue!
(Battle between the sorcerers and the knights. Gaiferos appears and
fights with a Saracen who is overthrown.)
Don Quixote
Victory! All these remain in the pit! Fire the cellar!
(Gaiferos leaves the chateau carrying off Melisandre. The Saracens
are defeated. The castle burns and collapses. The knights hold the
Saracens in chains. They all disappear. Then it is over. Sancho knocks
at the window.)
Don Quixote (enthusiastically)
And, after this, who will dare contest the utility of Knights
Errant!
(Don Quixote gets a lamp and is crawling around on the floor.)
Sancho (appearing in the window)
Senor Don Quixote! The horses are saddled and bridled. (entering)
What is your Grace looking for?
Don Quixote
I am seeing if some Saracen is not hidden under the table.
Sancho
Are we leaving this fine looking chicken behind us?
Don Quixote (getting up and putting back the lamp)
What would we do with a chicken in the country?
Sancho
Eat it, Senor, eat it! (he takes the chicken, licking his fingers)
And the bread! And the wine! And the cheese! (he puts the whole dinner
in a sack)
Don Quixote (at the window, ready to leave)
I am afraid, friend Sancho, that you are not very taken with our
venture.
Sancho
My word, Senor, it's in the belly you find the daring. Not to take
nourishment is stupid.
Don Quixote (jumping out the window)
No proverbs! En route!
CURTAIN
A public place in Toledo at sunset. In the background, a street leading to stairs. Large canvas awnings from one roof to another. To the left, the Parador, the hostel of Gil Ortiz. Open doorway surmounting a large balcony encircled by hanging flowers. Bench near the door. At the right, forming an angle to the square is the house of Dona Lucinda. The little entry doorway is approached by a stone porch with three bays which form a terrace. Flowers on the terrace, a small pillar at the corner, a saint with a lantern. Against the pillar is the little table of Juanita, covered with fans and parasols of paper. Against the wall of Gil Ortiz, the table of Piquilla, covered with oranges and fruits and crowned by grand palms. At the rear, children play at knucklebones. Passersby and beggars cross the street with their wallets.
(Juanita and Piquilla are at their shops. Piquilla is surrounded by
two women buying fruits and talking to her. All the while she is
showing her merchandise.)
Piquilla
Leave me alone about your Nunez—a wooden sword.
Juanita (also surrounded by customers)
And your famous Guerrero, a hand of cotton. The first bull that
knows his business and he'll land on the moon.
Piquilla
Yes, yes, at that time, I am sure all the women will bring him
home— in triumph! Long live Guerrero.
Juanita
Viva Nunez!
Piquilla (irritated)
Do you hear this daughter of a Moor?
Juanita
And do you see this daughter of Satan?
Piquilla (advancing threatening)
Repeat that!
Juanita (armed with a parasol)
Yes, I will repeat it.
Ortiz (coming out and separating them)
Hey, hey! Nice ladies, put off the party. Don't you know?
Juanita and Piquilla What?
Ortiz
He is dead.
Juanita and Piquilla Nunez? Guerrero!
Ortiz
Oh, what a blow! And to think, I didn't see it. I left after the
fifteenth bull. At the eighteenth, a beautiful black bull, and just at
the point Guerrero put his foot on the bull's head, my bull started up
—Guerrero fell—and a blow from the horn sent him rolling underneath
the barrier. Ah, what a blow! What a bull! Bravo, bull!
Piquilla
Ah! (she faints)
Juanita
Well, well, Piquilla! Piquilla!
Ortiz
She's sick.
Juanita
A citron—quick.
Dame Ortiz (coming in)
What's wrong?
Ortiz (setting Piquilla on a chair)
A fainting spell.
Dame Ortiz
Ah, poor little one. How pale she is.
Juanita
Here's something to revive her. it's the recent news.
Dame Ortiz
What news?
Ortiz
My God, nothing. We were discussing bulls and all said was—
Dame Ortiz (striking Piquilla's hands)
Except Nunez was just killed.
Juanita (frightened)
Nunez?
(Piquilla breathes better.)
Ortiz (to is wife)
No! Guerrero.
Dame Ortiz
Not at all. Nunez!
Juanita
Holy Mother.
(Juanita faints into Piquilla's arms. Piquilla is better.)
Ortiz
No, the other one.
Piquilla (tapping Juanita's hands)
Juanita! Juanita! My dear! I told you that Nunez was invincible!
Juanita! Juanita!
Ortiz
Decidedly, I am off.
Dame Ortiz
Where?
Ortiz
To the stadium. I want to know which. This interests me. Nunez, who
ordered a supper for the whole cuadrilla. Misery! I won't get my
expenses.
(The noise of trumpets, shouts of triumph.)
Dame Ortiz
Don't move. They are coming this way.
Ortiz
Yes! Yes! Here they are! And I am not mistaken. It is Nunez,
living.
(Juanita recovers.)
Piquilla (frightened, ready to faint again)
God! And Guerrero?
Ortiz (jumping enthusiastically)
Living as well! Well, Juanita and Piquilla! Viva la cuadrilla.
Piquilla
Long live Guerrero.
Juanita
Viva Nunez!
(Piquilla and Juanita hug each other.)
Ortiz (to servants)
Add fuel to the fire! Here are the toreadors.
All
Long live Nunez! Long live Guerrero.
(Children enter, then men and women playing castanets. Nunez and
Guerrero enter with all the cuadrilla, Picadors, Clulos, Banderillos.
Merchants try to give water to the toreadors and fight for the
privilege. The windows explode with flowers. The toreadors sing a
song.)
Juanita (to Nunez)
Oh, querido mio—how handsome you are! And how the women must send
you kisses.
Nunez
And I have kept them all for you. (hugs her) Well now, I don't know
if you are like me, comrades, but the dust of the arena made me very
thirsty and I am waiting for supper.
All
Yes, let's have a drink!
A Valencian (coming between the others)
Serve a cup of orchata, iced in snow.
Guerrero
Orange water! For us? Come then! It's just the refreshment we need.
Quick, Ortiz! Some glasses!
All
Some glasses! Some glasses!
Nunez
And here are some legs which ask only to dance. Come children,
night is coming; the street is ours! Forward.
(The assistants accompany the dance by clapping their hands.)
Juanita and Piquilla (singing and dancing)
Beautiful, where are you headed?
To love, it's calling me.
And if you said “I love you,”
I would answer “I love you, too.”
Yes, there, on my soul, is a girl
Who can pass for sweet and spicy.
(Dancing. The clock of a church sounds the Angelus. All stop and
fall to their knees. A moment of rest and prayer, then the ticking of
the clock. All rise and the dance begins over again with songs and
shouts.)
All
Ah, the muchacha!
Ortiz (in the door of the hostel)
Supper is on the table.
All (agitating their hats and instruments)
Bravo!
(The party rush into The Parador. The passers-by go off. The day
wanes.)
Don Antonio (coming out of his house, followed by a valet)
And you say you recognized this Don Fernando?
Valet Yes, lord, at the hunt. He was disguised and kept trying to meet Dona Lucinda, your sister.
Don Antonio
Watch this door, and if you see him prowling around the house—
Valet Yes, milord.
(They go off talking. Night comes on little by little. The hostel
lights up and, from time to time, songs and shouts are heard from
inside. The clock strikes and some women with long veils leave their
houses, Bibles in hand, to go to the evening office.)
(Enter Licentiate, followed by a little boy who holds a lit lamp and
carries a ladder.)
Licentiate
Will you come on, little boy? It's easy to see you ran with the
others after the bulls. Come on, hold that lamp. (the child puts the
ladder against the post and stretches to hold the lamp under the statue
of a saint) Eh, fine! Do you wish to take off your cap? Irreverent!
There, go down now! (the child goes down and takes off his cap) Come
here! No, closer. (he knocks the child's cap to the ground) That will
teach you to whom you owe respect! Go, now!
(The child leaves, carrying the ladder. Dorothea, who has appeared
in the distance wearing mourning vestments, looks around her as if to
demand information from some one. She approaches the hostel and is
shocked by the noise of songs and laughter which escape from the
interior.)
Dorothea (perceiving the Licentiate and coming forward)
May God be with you, father! (she hands him her offering)
Licentiate
And with you, daughter. Do you need prayers?
Dorothea
Alas! These mourning vestments say that. Pray for a deceased
person.
Licentiate
Your husband?
Dorothea
My father.
Licentiate
May he be at peace! And what's your name, child? It seems to me you
are not of this parish?
Dorothea
I am not from Toledo, father, but from Cuidad Real, and my name is
Dorothea Clenardo.
Licentiate
We will pray for the repose of your father, my child. Goodbye.
Dorothea (stopping him, after a little hesitation)
Could you tell me if you know this city. I am looking for the
residence of a certain Duke Ricardo.
Licentiate
Don Fernando?
Dorothea
Don Fernando, yes! That's his name!
Licentiate
God help you, my child. Do you know that damned fellow?
Dorothea (shaking)
Damned fellow?
Licentiate
Ah. Don't ask me where this man lives, a faithless libertine who
stops at nothing to satisfy his damnable caprices and his adulterous
loves.
Dorothea
What this Don Fernando?
Licentiate
Happily, he no longer lives in this city, where his behavior has
caused too much scandal. I know he left several months ago. He's
travelling over the land, a voyage of curiosity and pleasure.
Dorothea
Ah, you are certain?
Licentiate
Come, come, my child. Return to your home and never again mention
this name, either aloud or in whispers. It will burn your heart as much
as your lips.
Dorothea (sadly)
And that's what they all say! One more word, I beg you—but it's
not a question of me, this time.
Licentiate (stopping)
Speak my child!
Dorothea (anxiously)
A marriage—is it valid before heaven and before men when it was
contracted in secret, in a church by a simple exchange of oaths and
rings at the foot of the altar?
Licentiate
Secretly! My child, this marriage is worthless if God was not
represented at this altar by one of his ministers.
Dorothea
But, if Providence, father, had willed that a priest kneeling in
the shadows was witness to this solemn act, that he witnessed the
exchanged oaths and blessed them from a distance?
Licentiate
Then, the case is quite different, and it will suffice to make the
marriage indissoluble—with a simple writing from the priest, attesting
the fact under oath.
Dorothea (joyfully)
Ah, I have this writing, father. I have it!
Licentiate
I have a question for you. Daughter, you said—
Dorothea
I lied, pardon me!
Licentiate
Come, I do not ask you your secrets, my child, but if the burden
becomes too heavy, you will find a Christian soul to take its part.
Goodbye. (goes off)
Dorothea (drawing a paper from her breast)
This paper! This writing. There it is. Oh! I am not your mistress,
Don Fernando! I am your wife. The love that I hid, despite your
abandonment, I can proclaim it now and make my glory. It is my right.
It is my duty! Bless you, divine Providence, who in the ruin of all my
hopes saved my honor.
(Some veiled women come with their children to kneel around the
pillar. The clock strikes the second call to the office of the evening.
The day wanes more. Noise in the hostel.)
Dame Ortiz (leaving her home)
Nine o'clock. The evening office begins. And the padre will scold
me for arriving late.
(Dame Ortiz passes in front of the Madonna and curtsies.)
One of the praying women (without turning, pulling her dress)
You could indeed walk on the earth, instead of right here. Some
people who do good by hand, do wrong by foot.
Dame Ortiz
I ask your pardon, Senora. Some who pray between their teeth and
scorn their mouth.
Praying woman (rising)
Eh! That's you, Dame Ortiz, who doesn't say it? I thought I was
speaking to another. You are truly a good soul, I know it. Let's go
together, if you wish!
Dame Ortiz
Willingly. We see each other so rarely. Were you at the bull fights
this afternoon?
Praying woman No!
Dame Ortiz
Oh! It was charming.
(They go off talking. The other praying women rise little by little,
till only Dorothea remains. Lucinda appeared on her balcony during the
last dialogue. She bends over the balcony and watches the street.)
Lucinda
No one yet! The sun's already down, and the time has come. Ah,
Cardenio, dear Cardenio, are you there? (she bends over farther)
Leona (coming into the balcony behind her, the room is lit
up)
Not yet!
Lucinda
Ah! You frightened me, nurse.
Leona
It's only me, bringing a lamp, dear child.
Lucinda
Quiet! (she looks and sees Dorothea) No! It's only a woman praying.
Leona
Besides, he never comes at this hour. You know it very well, dear
child.
Lucinda
Do you think so?
(A servant appears in the distance with a light on the end of his
pike.)
Leona
I am sure of it.
Lucinda
What time is it?
Leona
Here's a serenader who will answer for you.
First serenader (singing)
It's nine o'clock. It's beautiful.
Second serenader (in the distance)
It's nine o'clock. It's beautiful.
Lucinda
Alas, when can we see each other without being forced to hide our
pure love like a sin? And because I am noble and rich and he—
Leona
Patience, Senorita. The minister is his friend, and if the Senor
obtains what he hopes, we must believe your brother will consent.
Lucinda
Hush! I hear a step!
Leona
No. It's the toreadors enjoying themselves.
Lucinda
It's the step of a man, I tell you.
Leona
Some passer-by.
(Lucinda and Leona take shelter behind the flowers. Don Fernando enters quickly, enveloped in his cloak.
Don Fernando
Now! I am here. Long live audacity! Thanks to the twilight, I have
passed Cardenio without his recognizing me. A half hour ahead of him—
more than enough time needed to lead to a fine adventure.
Lucinda
He speaks aloud. Can you hear?
Leona
Yes. I think I heard something that sounded like Cardenio.
Lucinda
Listen.
Don Fernando
Here's the Saint! The Door! Now, the servant must come to open it
for me. (stopping and jumping back after almost walking over Dorothea
who is hugging the foot of the statue) By the devil, what is that?
(watches Dorothea, who rises without seeing him, the lamp of the saint
showing her face) Dorothea!
(Don Fernando hides quickly behind the pillar. Dorothea, still watching the saint, crosses the square and leaves.
Leona (to Lucinda)
The woman is going. The cavalier is staying.
Lucinda
Peace! Let's listen.
Don Fernando
Here, in mourning! Her father is dead then? Poor girl. What pallor!
She is very beautiful. (he starts to follow her, then stops) It's the
black. Black becomes all women. Charming face! Soul, sweet and tender
—and that loves me. Ah, you are a great wretch, friend Fernando. How
can you see such a touching creature pass without—Bah! When I listen
to my good angel, then what happens will be God's wish.
(Don Fernando leaves to follow Dorothea. Leona hums a tune to alter
his intentions.)
Don Fernando (stopping)
Eh!
Lucinda (in a half voice)
Shut up. Suppose it isn't him?
Don Fernando
They're calling me. It's the other one.
Leona
We will see, indeed. But, I bet it's him. (hums)
Don Fernando (hesitating a moment)
Lucinda! Dorothea, oh, the temptation. Bah! The devil is too
strong. Goodnight, angel.
(Don Fernando comes forward on tiptoe.)
Don Fernando (with meaning)
It's me!
Leona (to Lucinda)
You see!
Lucinda
Hush! I don't recognize him.
Don Fernando
It's me—Cardenio!
Lucinda (bending over the balcony)
Still—Wait! Leona, go down and—(noise of guitars and voices)
They're coming. Conceal yourself.
Don Fernando
But, I have time—
Lucinda
No, no! They are students who come to sing under my window every
night. Let them pass. Later! Quick, hide yourself!
(Lucinda goes in with Leona and draws the curtain.)
Don Fernando
Cursed irritants! How to get rid of them?
(The students enter, armed with swords and guitars.)
First student
Hurray! Gentlemen, the street is empty. To your guitars.
Second student
And a serenade to the pearl of Toledo.
First student
To Dona Lucinda.
All
Long live Dona Lucinda
Serenade (with guitars accompanying)
Birds and flowers sleep as
The day flees over the horizon,
But love leads me to your house.
Oh, beauty, chaste angel,
Does your heart slumber?
Let my voice wake it
And let it listen to its friend.
Nunez (at the window)
Hola, students. Can't you go study farther off?
(Laughter of scorn by the students.)
First student
No, Senor Toreador. It's here that we have some business. (taking
up the refrain)
Don Fernando (aside under the arcade)
Ah, the noise irritates you, up there?
Nunez
Gentlemen students—(the students are singing the refrain)
Students. (softly) Would you like to dine with us?
First student
Keep your supper. We have nothing to do with that. We want to sing
and we are succeeding.
Don Fernando (appearing)
Yes, but, much louder. The Senorita cannot hear you. Let me. (takes
a guitar from a student and raising his voice begins to sing)
Get up, my goddess.
Then open, very softly,
Your heart to love,
And your door to your lover.
It's the hour of quiet,
Let it open to love.
You can see clearer in the shadow
Than others in full daylight.
Students (meaningfully)
In full daylight!
Nunez (reappearing on the balcony with Guerrero)
Your uproar of guitars begins to burn our ears.
Don Fernando
Stuff them. Then you will see how big they are.
(Laughter by the students.)
Nunez (calling within)
Oh, it's that way. Hola! Guerrero! Ferro! Mateo! All the toreadors!
Fuentes! Caldez! Miquel! And all the picadors. To these wise guys who
laugh at us.
(Guerrero jumps from the balcony to the ground, seizes Piquilla's
oranges and bombards the students.)
All the toreadors Bullfighters, come on!
Students
To the assault! Forward!
Toreador
Death to the students!
Students
Death to the toreadors.
(The students hit the toreadors with their guitars. The toreadors reply with whatever comes to hand. People come to their windows with lights that illuminate the scene.
Toreadors
Down with the jokers.
Students
Down with rogues.
Toreadors
Get out of here, brats.
Students
Get out of here, toreadors. All Bring out the knives. Battle.
(They pull their knives out and pull their mantles around
themselves.)
Women
Help! Help!
Ortiz (trying to separate them)
Gentlemen, please. You'll make my shop shut down. Help! (he gets
hit on the head with a guitar) Help, my friends!
(Ortiz escapes. The music continues.)
First student (to Nunez)
God with you.
Nunez
God with you!
(The battle continues with knives, two by two. Nunez is wounded. The
toreadors carry Nunez into the hostel.)
Toreadors
Wounded! Wounded!
Students (cheering the winner)
Viva!
Piquilla (rushing on the student)
Misery! My Nunez! I will blind you, bandit!
Second student
Archers! Archers!
(In a wink, they are gone. The students pretend to play a serenade
and the toreadors, on the steps of the hostel, form groups, eating
fruits. An alcade enters.)
Chorus
Night, my boys, is sweet
To dream by the light of the moon.
To see, arm in arm,
Each one with his girl,
How fresh the air is and how sweet.
Admire the shining of the moon.
(The music continues.)
Alcade (to Ortiz, after having looked at them)
Tell me then, Senor Ortiz, who was fighting? It seems to me all is
in order.
Ortiz (annoyed by the calm)
But, just now—I swear that—
Alcade
Fine! Fine! To teach you to play practical jokes with justice,
spend the night in prison.
Ortiz
Mercy! And my wife?
Alcade
She can do as she likes, your wife. Come on! En route!
Ortiz
And to say that it's always this way.
(Laughter from all. They lead Ortiz off. The archers push the
students and the toreadors before them.)
Chorus
Night, my boys, is sweet
To dream by the light of the moon.
To see, arm in arm,
Each one with his girl,
How fresh the air is and how sweet.
Admire the shining of the moon.
(The square is empty.)
Don Fernando (reappearing)
I was sure that with a little uproar, the police would clear the
square for me.
(Don Fernando knocks softly at the door of Lucinda's house. Don
Antonio appears in the distance with his valet.)
Leona (opening the door to Don Fernando)
Quick, enter Senor Cardenio!
Don Fernando
Now! (goes in)
Don Antonio (to valet)
Go search what I told you.
Watchman It's ten o'clock, and all is well.
(Quick scene change.)
CURTAIN
Lucinda's room. In the back, a large window giving on the country. At the left, a small entry door. At the right, the large door of the apartment.
(Lucinda is at the small door.)
Lucinda
He's coming, now. It's him?
(Leona leads Don Fernando in. He has his cape and hat over his eyes
and speaks low to disguise his voice.)
Don Fernando (low)
Blow out the light.
Lucinda
Why?
Don Fernando (pointing to the window)
They can see our shadows through this window.
Lucinda (holding his two hands)
Now, you are here!
(Don Fernando takes Lucinda's hands with passion and forgets
himself.)
Don Fernando
Dear Lucinda.
Lucinda (pulling her hands away)
What's wrong with you? That voice!
Don Fernando (quickly)
Oh, it's nothing. Emotion, fatigue. (aside) Is this duenna going to
stay here?
Lucinda
Ah, Cardenio, you have no idea how uneasy you make me. If you're an
hour late, you make me dream of a thousand disasters. I see you all
wounded, dead—
Don Fernando (stopping the word on her lips)
Oh! I am very happy. (aside) Will this duenna ever leave?
Lucinda
And apropos of joy, won't you tell me this wonderful news which you
mentioned in your letter? The news that can hasten our marriage.
Don Fernando
When we are alone.
Lucinda (surprised)
But, we are alone.
Don Fernando
No, this woman—
Lucinda
Leona? Isn't she always present at our interviews?
Don Fernando
Always?
Lucinda (surprised)
Without doubt. And, as to her discretion, you know it well, my
friend.
Don Fernando
Yes? Yes, I know very well, but today, now, I would prefer she were
farther away. Very far!
Lucinda
You are my lord and master! (calling) Leona, go as far as the
gallery.
Leona
Yes, Senorita.
(Leona leaves by the big door of the apartment. Lucinda sees Don
Fernando has softly shut the window.)
Lucinda
What are you doing there?
Don Fernando
Nothing, just assuring myself that no one—
Lucinda (smiling)
This window gives on the garden and on the country! There is
nothing to fear.
Don Fernando
It's true.
Lucinda (seated)
We are as you wish. Now, my friend, what have you to tell me?
Don Fernando
Oh. Nothing is so good, sweet, and tender as when I am at your
feet. (Lucinda trembles and withdraws her hand) What's wrong?
Lucinda
Nothing. But this voice to which I am so unused—and this hand!
Don Fernando
If it is more rude than usual, Lucinda, it's that, for you, it has
been exposed to the sun for three days, en route.
Lucinda (giving him her hand)
It's true. What were you going to say?
Don Fernando
That I love you.
Lucinda
I know that.
Don Fernando
No, you don't know it sufficiently, Lucinda, for it seems to me
that, to this day, I've never said it to you as completely as I feel
it.
Lucinda
Oh, how so?
Don Fernando
Ah! Never. I am sure of it. I have never pressed your hand with
such intoxication.
Lucinda (surprised)
Really, yes.
Don Fernando (with passion)
Never have these lips been covered with such burning kisses.
Lucinda (uneasy and troubled)
But, no! Never!
Don Fernando
Ah! It's that I've never loved you yet as much as I love you now,
Lucinda. It's that I've never seen how beautiful you are. On this road,
which seems eternal to me, I ate up the space and my heart jumped in my
breast. Drunk with hope, I said to myself: “Yes, she's waiting for me.”
And, the divine joy that I promise myself, she dreams of it like me!
Lucinda (breaking away from his hands)
My God! Such talk, Cardenio.
Don Fernando
Ah, Lucinda, you are beautiful. I adore you. Don't ask me for more
reasons! I don't have any. I will never lose you. I adore you. And I
want my happiness without reservation, or I will die of it.
Lucinda (pulling away and running to the left)
Oh! You are not Cardenio!
Don Fernando
Lucinda!
Lucinda (separated from him by the lengthof the scene)
Leave me! Go away! Who are you?
Don Fernando
Well, no, I am not Cardenio. But I am someone who loves you a
hundred times more than he does. (Lucinda makes a gesture) Ah, for your
honor, Lucinda, don't cry. Listen to me. You cannot see such love
without being moved.
Lucinda
Don't come near, or I'll call.
Don Fernando
Oh, your fright makes you even more beautiful. He doesn't love you,
this Cardenio, who in his love lacks the courage to brave your wrath.
He doesn't love you as I do. (grabbing her hands)
Lucinda
Ah, wretch. Help!
(The big door opens and reveals Don Antonio, surrounded by friends
and relatives, with swords and valets with torches.)
Don Fernando
Curses! Who is that?
Lucinda
My brother! (she faints)
Don Antonio (sword in hand)
Guard all the doors! And if this man takes a step, kill him.
(They guard the door at the left.)
Don Fernando
You won't take Don Fernando so cheaply. (drawing his sword) Who
dares?
Don Antonio (lighting Don Fernando's face)
Don Fernando! What did I tell you gentlemen? It's really him.
Don Fernando
Why deny what is evident? Yes, I am Ferdinand, Duke de Ricardo, and
moreover, the man who is able to write his signature in your blood.
(The gentlemen make gestures.)
Don Antonio
Stop, gentlemen! Let's first find out what this man will tell us to
justify his presence.
Don Fernando
I will say, briefly, that I entered this house because I love your
sister Lucinda, who loves me in return.
(More gestures from the gentlemen.)
Don Antonio
You realize, after that, that you'll never leave here alive?
Don Fernando
God knows that better than your or I?
Don Antonio
Don Fernando! Honor is paid only in blood or in honor. How will you
pay your debt?
Don Fernando
I will tell you when you have ordered these gentlemen to sheathe
their swords and let me leave freely.
Don Antonio
Someone open the door for him.
All
But—
Don Antonio (forcefully)
And your swords in their sheaths. They can be found if necessary.
(They sheathe their swords and exit, leaving the door at the left
open. Don Fernando puts his sword in its sheath, then walks to the
door.)
Don Fernando
And now, that I am not suspected of acting under threats, Don
Antonio, openly and freely, I ask of your Grace the honor and the joy
of calling your sister, Dona Lucinda, my wife. (takes off his hat with
a royal flourish)
Don Antonio (removing his hat)
That is my desire, Don Fernando, as it is yours, and within the
hour. (to a lackey) See that a chapel is made ready.
Don Fernando (aside)
This problem was foreseen. Come! I didn't come for this, but a
great fortune, a fine name, my madness resembles foresight. (looking at
Lucinda) And then, what an adorable duchess.
Don Antonio
Dona Lucinda.
Lucinda (coming to herself)
Where am I?
Don Antonio
Between your brother and your husband.
Lucinda (rising)
My husband?
Don Antonio
Do you prefer him to remain your lover?
Lucinda
Him! But he isn't. It's false. But—this man—I don't know him. I
don't want him.
Don Antonio
Come. Don't abase yourself by lying. He's admitted everything.
Lucinda (in desperation)
But, admitted what? But, it is—Oh, my God! On the sacred name of
our mother.
Don Antonio
Oh, enough!
Lucinda
Let me tell you.
Don Antonio
I don't want to know, except that a man was found tonight in your
room, and that this man, for our honor, can only be your husband.
Lucinda
Ah, I am lost then.
Don Antonio
Don Fernando, give your hand to your wife.
Don Fernando
Senora!
(Don Fernando takes Lucinda's hand. She follows him out of the room,
protesting. They all follow them. The room is empty. After a moment,
Cardenio climbs over the balcony through the window, and enters with
caution, calling in a low voice.)
Cardenio
Lucinda! Lucinda! (surprised) No one here waiting for me, and to
let me in? I came through the garden. And the room—empty? (looking)
Empty, yes? What's happened here? The sight of lights going from one
room to another overcame my caution and I risked being seen. But the
place is deserted. I must see Lucinda. I must talk to her so she can
explain to me.
(Leona comes in through the big door and is frightened at seeing
Cardenio.)
Leona
The Lord Cardenio.
Cardenio (without noting her fright)
Leona! Now, yes, I know I am late, you stopped waiting for me,
right? But, my horse died under me. I had to come part of the way
running on foot. And you see, I came, out of breath, exhausted, but a
single look from her will revive me. Where is she, Leona, where is she?
Leona
Oh, Lord Cardenio, retire.
Cardenio
Such language. What's wrong?
Leona
Misfortune has entered this house. From pity, go away.
Cardenio
Misfortune! (the noise of organs is heard) Church music. Lucinda is
dead?
Leona
For you, yes.
Cardenio
Speak, will you? Explain, for mercy, speak out and tell me
everything.
Leona
Well, it's not her funeral that you hear. It's her marriage.
Cardenio
Marriage?
Leona
With a man who got in here using your name, and who was surprised
here in this room.
Cardenio
And she consents! But, it won't be! I will tell. I will admit. Ah,
the stupid folly! Open this door.
Leona
Miserable man! They are all there, under arms. They will kill you.
Cardenio
What do I care about their arms? Open, I tell you!
Leona
No.
(Cardenio pulls away and opens the door. He rushes in to the
gallery. The song of the organ booms stronger. He recoils.)
Cardenio
Too late! Too late! Yes! (he falls down) Too late. Ah, I am dying.
Leona
Lord, dear Lord. Oh, my God.
(Leona falls to her knees and tries to revive Cardenio. One hears
the song of a passerby playing his guitar.)
Passerby (singing)
Goodbye, my charmer,
My sweet love.
My sweet love,
The dawn is born
And the bird is singing.
But be certain
That I will come, my queen,
Tomorrow night.
(In the distance, on the plain, one sees the sun rising. Don Quixote
and Sancho on their horses appear in the distance riding through the
country.)
CURTAIN
SCENE IV
A great highway. In the rear, a mill. Brilliant sunshine. Cottages covered with vines burned by the sun. A copse of wood and bushes to the left.
(Basile and Carrasco enter in traveling costumes.)
Carrasco (seated on a stone, downstage)
Don't you see anything, Basile?
Basile (looking toward the country)
Nothing except a white and dusty road and merciless sun which burns
my eyes.
Carrasco
They couldn't have gone far since yesterday evening. But, what road
would they have taken?
Basile
I know my Don Quixote well enough to be assured that, a true
paladin, he left the care of choosing the road to his horse. The poor
beast is used to going twice a week with Chiquita to Toledo to the
market. They are in this neighborhood, I am confident.
Carrasco
Let them be. Let's get our breath for a while. This heat oppresses
me.
Basile
And, let's drink, for thirst is strangling me.
Carrasco
Tell me, don't you hear something?
Basile
No!
Carrasco
Yes. From that side. (points to the right) It's the noise of a
stream.
Basile (rising)
God be praised! We will find some refreshment for lunch and for a
siesta.
Carrasco
But, if our men pass by during that time?
Basile
Bah! We will find them again, trust me. Now, Mr. Bachelor, come
along, but watch the thorns.
(Basile parts the bushes and enters the thicket to the left.)
Carrasco
I am with you.
(Basile and Carrasco disappear. At the same moment, Don Quixote and
Sancho Panza appear in the distance, the first on a horse, the second
on a donkey. Don Quixote is armed head to foot. The barber's bowl is on
his head and the lance in his hand. Sancho has his hat over his eyes.
They are both overwhelmed by the heat, heads hung low. Don Quixote's
lance slips from his hand and strikes the earth with a noise which
wakes him up and makes him jump.)
Don Quixote
Alert! Here is the enemy.
(Don Quixote draws his sword and starts to deliver a great blow to
Sancho who jumps away.)
Sancho (hiding behind his donkey)
Hey, Senor! I am not the enemy. I am Sancho Panza.
Don Quixote
Oh! Oh! It's you! You did well to speak, Sancho. This brilliant sun
has knocked me out and nearly blinded me. I thought I was on the point
of a fight with the perfidious Ganelon.
Sancho
Me, I was dreaming we were breaking bread in the shade and were
drinking sweet water.
Don Quixote
Nothing prevents us from stopping if you are hungry.
Sancho (red and sweating)
By my beard, what sun! I am tired and the donkey is too. (to his
donkey) Poor beast, go. (he wipes his face) It's these flies that
bother him, but he won't say anything. Go! (embraces the donkey) He's
so good.
Don Quixote (after looking around)
This place makes me smile, friend Sancho. For you know that the
most glorious adventures of chivalry are always found in a crossroads.
Sancho
It's like the adventures of thieves! Isn't your Grace going to
extricate yourself from all this scrap metal?
Don Quixote
A true knight, Sancho, never quits his armor, so as to be always
ready for battle.
Sancho
That seems an inconvenient way to walk around.
Don Quixote
It is. But with a little practice—
Sancho
Like my jaw! (removing the two sacks) It has need to work. (taking
the bridle from Grison) And Grison, too! Poor chicken! He's hungry.
Wait, he's crying. Come on, my dear, here are some thistles, beautiful
thistles for the good beast of Sancho! Come, my son, go eat the good
thistles.
(Sancho pulls the donkey to the thicket at the right. Rosanante
follows. Don Quixote tries to undo the joints of his armor. He gets his
right leg to bend a little, but the left leg resists, and the knee
grates like a rusty hinge. Sancho returns and watches, astonished.)
Don Quixote
Sancho! Haven't you got some of that oil?
Sancho
I have some lard.
Don Quixote
Rub a little on this knee which doesn't want to function.
Sancho (taking lard from his sack and rubbing)
Yes, but if we rub all this on the armor, with what will we cook
supper?
Don Quixote
Patience! This is creaking.
Sancho
Courage.
(Don Quixote bends the knee, which little by little comes out
squeaking.)
Don Quixote
That's done! But now, it's the cuirass which doesn't move.
(Don Quixote makes an effort to get it off, but cannot.)
Sancho
Senor, let's try some lard.
Don Quixote
You are right! Besides, a knight must bow only to his lady, and
since Dulcinea isn't here—
Sancho (emptying his satchel)
There's the whole table setting, if your Grace will be seated.
(Don Quixote tries to sit down, but cannot. Sancho sits.)
Don Quixote
Ah! Ah! Here's something new. I think, Sancho, that the malice of
the enchanter Pantafilando is opposed to my sitting on the grass.
Sancho (stupefied, his slice of bread in his teeth)
Because?
Don Quixote
The left leg threatens to break if I try.
Sancho (with his mouth full)
Devil!
Don Quixote (sitting on one leg)
This my friend, is a great sign. It's a voice of heaven that calls
me to be a Knight Errant and won't let me sleep a wink or sit, except
on one foot.
Sancho
Happily, his squire can sit with his entire being. And eat with all
his teeth. Taste this for me, Senor Don Quixote. You will tell me news
of it.
(Sancho passes a knife and a loaf of bread to Don Quixote who eats
with great difficulty.)
Sancho
Well, Senor, how are you doing there?
Don Quixote
I eat, Sancho, but painfully, see. (he loses his balance and rolls
on the ground)
Sancho
I told you to take off your cuirass.
Don Quixote (getting up)
It's nothing. I will content myself with some nuts. Pass me the
wineskin please.
(Sancho passes him the wineskin and Don Quixote drinks and passes it
back.)
Sancho (after drinking)
There's a meal I'm always certain of. As the proverb says—
Don Quixote (finally able to sit)
Oh, no proverbs!
Sancho
Only, I would like to know—where are we going?
Don Quixote
Nowhere.
Sancho
That's a long way.
Don Quixote
And everywhere! Am I not a Knight Errant? And isn't my duty to
protect the weak and wipe out the bad?
(Don Quixote cracks a nut with his elbow.)
Sancho (after drinking again)
Yes, but my realm will never arrive at this rate. And, your Grace
ought not to forget that you promised me a realm.
Don Quixote
Rest assured, friend, you are going to have it. And, so as not to
change the outcome, get up.
Sancho
Right away.
Don Quixote
Go sound your horn at the entrance to this way. (points to the back
left)
Sancho (taking his horn, which is hanging from his neck)
What am I to do?
Don Quixote
Let the world know that the valorous Don Quixote de la Mancha has
left his castle. Are we ready?
Sancho
Yes, lord. (blows his horn)
Don Quixote
Cry very strongly “Toboso.” That's the way I have chosen.
Sancho (shouting)
Toboso!
Don Quixote
To the other road now. Sound and shout.
Sancho (going to the other side, blows his horn and shouts)
Toboso!
Don Quixote (shouting)
Tremble, miscreants.
Sancho
Toboso!
(Pigs can be heard “oinking” from Sancho's direction.)
Don Quixote
Don't you hear the guilty squealing in horror already?
Sancho
I hear pigs squealing in the valley.
Don Quixote
That's enough. There's nothing to do now except wait and adventures
will rain on us like hail. But whatever happens, Sancho, since you are
not a knight, don't let your ardor carry you so far as to participate
in the fighting, no matter how great the peril you see me in.
Sancho
Good! Good! I will let you be cut to pieces—don't worry.
Don Quixote
Silence.
Sancho
What?
Don Quixote (breathing deeply, scenting the air)
I scent an adventure from this side.
Sancho
God permit that it be the beginning of my realm.
Don Quixote
Where are you going?
Sancho
To hide, to obey your Grace.
(Sancho hides behind a tree. Enter a Jewish Peddler with his pack on
his back.)
Don Quixote (in a thunderous voice)
Halt!
Peddler (shocked)
God of Israel. The phantom!
Don Quixote (his lance held high)
Here's someone we've been looking for for a long time.
Peddler
Your lordship makes a mistake. I am only a poor peddler going to
market in Valencia.
Sancho (from his hiding place)
Lend ear to this, milord, it's a Jew. I can tell by his accent.
Don Quixote
Does he think to fool me by this disguise? You are the enchanter,
Pantafilando. And what you carry are the spoils of your victims. Throw
down these treasures, vile magician.
Peddler
Lord—all my samples—of spectacles and glasses.
Don Quixote (prodding him with his lance)
Throw down your pack, I tell you.
Peddler (dropping his bag and escaping by the road in the
distance)
Help! Help!
Don Quixote (proudly, with a foot on the bag)
There! That's over with.
Sancho (reappearing)
He escaped?
Don Quixote
Like the wind.
Sancho
Your Grace is quite sure we are knights, and not thieves?
Don Quixote
What do you mean, stupid donkey that you are?
Sancho
That the thieves of the road don't do otherwise than your lordship.
Don Quixote (laughing)
Ah! Ah! I have to take it as a joke, friend Sancho, when I see you
confound such dissimilar things. Know that what just happened, far from
disturbing the peace of the world, on the contrary, reestablished it.
(Don Fernando and Don Antonio, wearing traveling costumes, enter
from the right.)
Don Fernando (speaking to an unseen valet)
Leave our horses in the shade.
Don Antonio
Here's someone who's going to greet us?
Sancho (to Don Quixote)
Eh, Senor. Look!
Don Quixote
Silence!
(Don Quixote brandishes his lance and glares terribly at the two
men.)
Don Fernando
By heaven, he's a strange sight.
Sancho (to Don Quixote)
Take care, Senor. These have big hats and won't take them off as
quickly as the peddler.
Don Quixote
No advice.
Don Fernando
Pardon—chevalier! Can you give us some information about a certain
lady this gentleman and I are pursuing?
Don Quixote
I cannot give you any information about this princess until first I
know by what right you are pursuing her.
Don Antonio
That's very just. Know this, it is a question of my sister, Dona
Lucinda, and that I am Don Antonio de Solis, well known in Toledo. As
for this gentleman, he is her husband, having married her last night.
Only, after leaving the chapel, Dona Lucinda profited by a moment when
she was left alone and fled. And—
Don Fernando
And that's enough, my brother—if it's not too much. Let's go to
this mill where we can ask about her without giving so many details and
where we won't waste our time.
Don Antonio (pointing to Sancho)
This fellow looks like he wants to say something.
Sancho
If the lady you are looking for is a beautiful blonde dressed in a
gray coat—
Don Quixote
One more word, babbling squire, and I will cut off your ears.
Don Fernando (brandishing a gold coin before Sancho's eyes)
Go on, friend, and tell us.
Don Quixote (furious)
If you take that coin, felon that you are, I will nail you to this
tree with these two highwaymen en brochette.
Don Fernando (hand on his sword)
Hola!
Don Quixote
I am Don Quixote de la Mancha, defender of tearful princesses. Now
I hope, discourteous knight, to end this hour of debate.
(Don Quixote arranges himself for combat. Don Fernando stops,
astonished, and looks at Don Antonio, who smiles.)
Don Antonio (low)
Don't you see he's mad?
(Sancho points the direction to follow and takes the gold coin on
the sly and pockets it without being seen by his master.)
Don Fernando (to Don Antonio)
Let's go. It's the direction of the convent, as you said.
Don Antonio
I was sure of it. (exits)
Don Quixote
I am waiting for you.
Don Fernando
Yes, yes! Wait for us. (to Sancho) My friend, you ought not to let
your master stay out in the sun. (taps his head which Sancho repeats
without understanding) And, you ought to shave his head.
Don Antonio (outside)
Brother!
Don Fernando
Coming! Coming!
(Don Fernando exits.)
Don Quixote
What did that fellow say?
Sancho
He said that you should shave your head.
Don Quixote
I am going to shave his—right down to his shoulders.
Sancho
Not today, for he's far away.
Don Quixote
What do you mean he's far away?
Sancho
Oh! They ran down to the valley, hell for leather.
Don Quixote (indignant, yelling after them)
Cowardly poltroons! Cowardly knights! (appeased) But, this will
give you some idea of my reputation. At the thought of coming to grips
with me—they decamped.
Sancho
And took my realm with them.
Don Quixote
Come along! This afternoon has not been without glory for my arms.
Fold up the baggage and let's go tempt fate again.
(One hears the choir of galley slaves that is approaching.)
Sancho (looking, and running back, frightened)
Miserable me! We can die here. Those, we don't want to meet.
Don Quixote
What, then?
Sancho
The archers. The peddler has alerted the justice. Run away quickly,
Senor.
Don Quixote (stopping Sancho by his belt)
By death, I forbid you to budge. Trembler that you are, am I not
your safeguard?
Sancho (overwhelmed)
Ah, Senor, the archers. Oh, oh, oh! The archers. The archers.
(Sancho hides behind Don Quixote.)
Don Quixote
By El Cid! I foresee here an adventure, beside which others are as
nothing.
Commissar (entering with archers and galley slaves)
Halt! Let's rest here before going to the coast.
Don Quixote
Pardon, Senor Commissar. What are these men that you are leading in
chains?
Commissar (seated, surprised)
Men that we conduct to the King's galleys. I have nothing more to
say, and you, nothing more to know.
Sancho (behind Don Quixote)
Eh, Senor, he's right. This is not our affair, and between the tree
and its bark—
Don Quixote
Silence! I believe I'll find some arbitrary act here which will
require my intervention.
Commissar
You are saying?
Don Quixote
I desire, Lord Commissar, to question each of these men on the
cause of their disgrace.
Commissar
As much as you like. They will be happy to tell you of their
prowess.
Sancho
Senor, don't go there. You'll only earn blows.
Don Quixote
Silence, I tell you.
Sancho
Oh boy, oh boy.
Don Quixote (to a young galley slave)
Why are you going to the galleys, my friend?
First galley slave (sweet and melancholy)
An error of youth. A box of jewels I borrowed and forgot to return.
Don Quixote
It is permitted to be distracted. And this one?
Second galley slave Too much talent.
Don Quixote
Of what kind?
Second galley slave Pen draftsman. My fantasy played innocently tracing light and fine arabesques on parchment. They saw the signature of the crown treasurer there.
Don Quixote
And who pretended that?
Second galley slave My enemies.
Gines (seated)
Genius always has them.
Don Quixote
And the men who is speaking, why double manacles?
Commissar
Because he's a double rogue who has committed more crimes himself
than all of the others. He's the famous Gines de Possomonte.
Gines (striking an attitude)
Say Gines de Parapilla.
All the galley slaves Long live Gines!
Sancho
Ah! Ah! He has his admirers.
Don Quixote
And the cause of your shame, my brother?
Gines
An error.
Sancho
Of youth?
Gines
No, of justice. My only crime is having too much success in
gambling— a gift from birth. I can never play without winning. To
punish me for this luck, they condemned me to penitence, which is the
sea—under the pretext that I have cropped the little coins.
Don Quixote (raising an eyebrow)
That appears quite rigorous to me, Commissar.
Commissar
Oh, well, if you listen to these bandits.
(The galley slaves murmur.)
Gines
Look here—no insults, we are all gentlemen.
All
Yes, yes!
Commissar (rising)
Silence, clowns!
(They shut up.)
Don Quixote
But look here, of all I have just heard, children, it seems clear
to me that you are not going to the galleys of your own free will?
Galley slaves
Oh! No!
Don Quixote
It goes against your natural inclinations. They make you do it
through force?
Galley slaves
Yes!
Don Quixote
And that is what I cannot suffer, having given myself the mission
to oppose every bit of abuse! Therefore, our Commissar, who is just,
will accede to my prayer to put you at liberty instantly.
Commissar (stupefied)
What are you saying?
(Gines has slid behind the Commissar and stolen the key to the chain
which secures them. He shows it to the other galley slaves. They form a
circle and are released during the following sequence.)
Don Quixote (raising his voice in a threatening way)
I say you are going to release these men, Commissar, and
immediately, if you don't want me to constrain you to do it.
Sancho (frightened)
Mercy on me. Here's something worse than those glasses.
Commissar
Oh, it was to give birth to this novel idea that led you to dally
here for the last hour?
Don Quixote
Have you understood me?
Commissar
Come, be on your way man, and return your bowl to the barber
without seeking a fifth foot for our cat.
Don Quixote (furious)
It is you who are the cat, the rat, the slave, the traitor and the
cad!
(Don Quixote falls on the Commissar unexpectedly and overthrows
him.)
Commissar
Help me, archers.
Galley slaves (free of the chain)
Down with the archers!
(There is a battle. It can be a ballet with songs and dances.)
(The Commissar and the archers are beaten by Don Quixote and the
galley slaves and they flee.)
Galley slaves (shouting and jumping)
Victory!
Sancho
Saint Jacques, now we are captains of thieves!
Galley slaves (at the knees of Don Quixote)
Ah, our saviour, our father.
Don Quixote (breathing hard)
There, my children. Now that you are free by my deed, you are going
to put this chain back on your shoulders. (the galley slaves raise
their noses and look at each other) In this gear, you will go straight
to Toboso and present yourselves to Senorita Dulcinea and tell her what
I have done for you. After that you can each go where you please.
(The galley slaves laugh. Gines, behind Don Quixote, laughs louder
than the others.)
Don Quixote (raising his nose)
They are laughing?
Gines
Lord Knight, what your Grace asks would be the quickest way for us
to be recaptured, assuming we were crazy enough to do it.
Don Quixote
Oh! Oh! And I tell you, child of an evil house, Don Gines De
Passamonte or de Parapilla—the rogue—that you are going where I say,
alone, with all the chains on your back.
Gines (tranquilly)
That's what surprises me.
Don Quixote
And right away—or I will put you all in chains.
Galley slaves (laughing)
Oh! Oh!
(Gines puts on a pair of glasses that the galley slaves have taken
from the trunk and passed around.)
Gines
I ask again to see this.
Galley slaves (each with glasses)
And me, too!
Don Quixote
You will see everything right away, bandits, miscreants!
(Don Quixote falls on them.)
Sancho
Lord! (he is hit by a stone) I said it.
(Sancho falls. Don Quixote charges the galley slaves, who greet him
with stones and savage cries. Some imitate cats, others roosters. Gines
jumps on his shoulders when he's not looking, after which they bring
him to the ground all entangled in his armor and run off taking
everything with them.)
Galley slaves
Long live Dulcinea du Toboso!
(The galley slaves escape. A silence.)
Sancho (in a plaintive voice)
Lord Don Quixote—
Don Quixote (also plaintive)
What do you want, friend, Sancho?
Sancho
Are you dead?
Don Quixote
No, but I rather wish I were. Come here, Sancho; I've got a stone
in my jaw which bothers me, for I feel an unusual emptiness.
(Sancho goes over to Don Quixote. They are nose to nose.)
Sancho
Let your Grace open his mouth.
Don Quixote (opening his mouth)
In the rear—at the right.
Sancho (hand in Don Quixote's mouth)
How many teeth did you usually have on this side?
Don Quixote
Four, not counting the eye tooth, all clean and whole.
Sancho (frightened)
Did your Grace pay attention to what he was saying?
Don Quixote
I said four, if not five.
Sancho
Well, on the side below, there's only one and a half. And on the
upper, all flat and plain, like the palm of my hand.
Don Quixote
Misery, Sancho. That's bad—Peace, I see something behind the
branches.
Sancho (falling back down)
Again!
(Dorothea enters, disguised as a young shepherd. She enters with
precaution from the road at back and comes forward timidly.)
Dorothea
All those men running through the woods yelling made me scared. Now
it seems to me that the way is clear—and—
Don Quixote (still on his knees, in a terrible voice)
Stop!
Dorothea (shocked)
My God!
Don Quixote (flat on his stomach)
And confess, immediately, that there is not a woman in the world
more beautiful, more exquisite, than Dulcinea du Toboso. (falls back
down)
Dorothea (stupefied, not recognizing him)
But!
Sancho (on his knees, rubbing his kidneys)
For the love of God, young man, confess all that he wishes! We are
not in a state to undertake another adventure. (gets up)
Dorothea (recognizing him)
But, this face! I am not mistaken.
Sancho
Oh! By heaven—it is Dorothea Clenardo, our cousin.
Dorothea
Sancho—and the lord Don Quixote, together. Oh, my God, what are
you doing here?
Don Quixote (getting up with Sancho's help)
We are covered with glory! And you, dear girl, why are you alone on
the great highway, and in this costume?
Dorothea
Alas, it's too long a story to tell you! Suffice to know that,
leaving Toledo this morning with a single muleteer, I left him in this
forest when he tried to ensnare me in a guilty trap. Happily, I escaped
him by flight, and scared by my screams he, himself, ran off in haste,
leaving me with his mule and baggage. In this disguise, heaven made me
encounter a shepherd who was eager to trade his Sunday clothes for my
earrings, with which I expect to get to the nearest hostel more safely
than dressed as a woman.
Don Quixote
You are now under my protection, my child. I will escort you where
you please—better protected by this lone arm than by all the phalanxes
of Macedon.
Sancho (to Dorothea, who looks at him with astonishment)
That's how we are! (rubbing his back) Ouch!
Don Quixote
Go saddle Rosanante, Sancho, and let's leave.
Sancho
Oh! To leave! I am for that.
(Sancho goes into the woods at right.)
Dorothea
I thank you with all my heart, Senor Don Quixote, but won't you
tell me from what motive you run around the country with a helmet on
your head?
Sancho (from the woods)
Help! To me!
Dorothea
Those shouts!
Sancho (leaping in)
Senor Don Quixote! Senor—ah—
Don Quixote
What's causing this emotion?
Sancho
A dead man!
Don Quixote
A dead man?
Sancho
Yes, in the ditch, in the middle of the briars.
Dorothea
Oh, the unfortunate.
Don Quixote
Let's see. (goes into the ditch)
Dorothea
Perhaps, he's fainted. Hold him softly.
Sancho (shivering)
I saw his boots—oh!
Don Quixote (calling)
Will you come, poltroon?
Sancho (calmly)
True! That one cannot beat us.
(Sancho goes into the bushes. Dorothea looks on, bending over.
Music.)
Dorothea
Yes! A young man! Here, here, Senor Don Quixote. Ah!
(Cardenio is brought in by Sancho and Don Quixote who deposit him on
the ground.)
Dorothea (hand on Cardenio's heart)
God, how pale he is. But he isn't dead. His heart is beating.
(Don Quixote gestures.)
Sancho
Sir, let a woman do it. It's their job to care for us.
(Cardenio sighs.)
Dorothea
He groaned. Listen.
Cardenio (weakly)
I am thirsty—water.
Sancho
I only have wine.
Dorothea
Give it to me. I am sure he fell from fatigue and exhaustion. Two
drops will bring him back to life.
Don Quixote
I know that face.
Cardenio
Where am I?
Dorothea (making him drink)
With friends. Courage. Drink.
Cardenio
I cannot.
Dorothea
Yes, yes! A little strength! There!
Cardenio
Thanks, I'm better.
Dorothea
Don't tire yourself. Lean on me.
Cardenio (astonished)
Oh, it's a woman. I thought so, from your softness.
Don Quixote
Very well! This voice. I recognize him now. It's the envoy of the
Archbishop of Turpin who has come to fetch me for the battle. Have they
fought without me, young man, and is this the defeat?
Cardenio
Alas, my defeat was of another type! Betrayed by a woman that I
adored, and who has married another man, I took the first way that
offered itself to me to flee this cursed city which has stolen all my
happiness—and last night, lost in the woods, overcome with sadness,
fatigue and worry, I fell in this deep gully where I remained for long
hours, weighed down by my fall, and where I would have died without
regaining consciousness if you hadn't come to my aid.
Dorothea
You aren't injured?
Cardenio
No—unfortunately.
Dorothea
Unfortunately?
Cardenio (with despair)
Oh! Rather to God I had received a mortal wound—and that this hour
was my last.
Dorothea
Oh, don't talk like that!
Cardenio
Better to let me die without help than to return me to life and its
sorrows.
Don Quixote
By God, child, don't blaspheme against life, for that is to outrage
those who gave it to you.
Cardenio
Oh, let them take it back, this fatal present which is only
bitterness and despair.
(Cardenio falls and cries with his head in his hands.)
Dorothea (softly)
Each has their own pain, mine is perhaps greater than yours. And
yet I do not cry, woman that I am!
Don Quixote
She's right, long live God. This is not the way of a gentleman.
Come, my son, no more weakness. Leave the bed and think of a remedy.
Cardenio
There is only one, as I told you! And that is death! (he rises)
Give me my sword—and goodbye. (Don Quixote looks at him without giving
him his sword) Give me back my sword, I tell you.
Don Quixote
It's a question of knowing whether to give it to a sane man or a
fool.
Cardenio
Sir!
Don Quixote (without leaving him)
It's necessary, my son, that I hold as insane a man who speaks
brashly of disposing of a life which belongs to his country, his
relatives, his friends, his King, his God—to all these except to
himself.
Cardenio
God and the King are far away. I have no relatives. Of friends, I
don't have any anymore. Who can ask me for an accounting of my life?
Don Quixote
All those to whom you owe the example of strength and to whom you
are going to give the example of weakness.
Cardenio
And who, without weakness and without defiance, will accept the
horrible blow which strikes me?
Don Quixote
He who, instead of searching for his blessing in his feet seeks it
in his mind. (he points to heaven, Cardenio watches him surprised, and
Don Quixote continues with greater strength) He who doubts, in
voluntarily leaving this life, to be greeted in the doorway of the next
with the formidable oaths of an irritated judge: “I made you a
Christian Knight to sustain my cause, and you fled in the midst of
battle. Cursed be you for you are a deserter and a coward.” (he points
to his sword) And now, here is your sword, my son. Should I give it to
you?
Cardenio (surprised and moved)
Pardon me! I was deceived in seeing you! But I recognize it now.
The true wisdom is here. And you are a great sage, from the heart. Give
me this steel. I swear to you it will only do its duty, as I will do
mine.
Don Quixote (giving him the sword)
About time! But stop, my boy. It's not enough to put a man on his
feet. One must come to his assistance.
Cardenio
What can you do for me?
Don Quixote
Two words to some enchanter of my acquaintance can do wonders. Tell
me only the name of the one you love.
Cardenio
I can refuse nothing to you. Her name is Lucinda.
Don Quixote and Sancho Lucinda!
Cardenio
Do you know her?
Don Quixote
Isn't she the sister of a certain gentleman from Toledo?
Sancho
Don Antonio de Solis?
Cardenio (excitedly)
Himself!
Don Quixote
Well—less than an hour ago, this Don Antonio, with another knight,
was searching everywhere for Dona Lucinda, who fled last night to take
refuge in a convent.
Cardenio (excitedly)
That of Mercy at Cuenca where she was brought up. Oh! May heaven
hear you and what you say be true!
Dorothea
Indeed, you see that it is not necessary to despair.
Cardenio
Yes, yes, but this other knight was?
Don Quixote
The man who says he's Dona Lucinda's husband.
Cardenio
His name?
Don Quixote
They didn't say it in front of me.
Cardenio
He will tell me himself then. Which way did they go?
Sancho
That way! But they had horses, and if you are in a rush, I cannot
offer you ours.
Cardenio
I know where to find some. (to Don Quixote) Ah, dear lord, now I
thank you for having saved my life. Lucinda is faithful. Lucinda needs
protection. Arise my heart and out my sword. I am myself again.
Don Quixote
God help you, my son.
Cardenio (kissing the hand of Dorothea)
Thanks, angel—or woman, it's all the same—Thanks, father—and
all— with all my heart.
(Cardenio rushes out.)
Sancho (going to Don Quixote's knees)
Ah, lord, let me embrace your knees.
Don Quixote
What is it?
Sancho
Oh, how well you spoke. And that's the kind of adventure I like. No
blows! If there were only a little kingdom, hereabouts.
Don Quixote
Come on, babbler, to our mounts and on with the campaign.
(The flats of the mill begin to turn.)
Sancho
Yes, yes, since we are leaving this place. This way, Senora.
(seeing the mill) Ah, the wind is rising.
Dorothea (following him)
Let's hurry! For I am in great haste to get there.
(Dorothea follows Sancho off. As soon as they leave the mill
transforms itself into a giant with a scimitar.)
Don Quixote
Oh! Oh! Oh—oh! Our departure won't be so easy, friend Sancho.
Sancho (his face appearing between the branches of a tree)
The archers?
Don Quixote
No!
Sancho (disappearing)
Oh, fine—if it's not the archers—
Don Quixote (looking at the mill)
By Hercules, Here is the most formidable adventure that has
afforded itself since our departure. Come see, on the heights, this
terrible giant that is preparing to dispute our passage.
Dorothea (surprised, unseen)
A giant!
Sancho (leading in Rosanante)
A giant? Where abouts?
(Don Quixote is looking at Sancho and Rosanante. While he is not
looking at it, the giant becomes only a mill again.)
Don Quixote
The one you see there, who's waving his big arms which are two
leagues long.
Sancho (looking at the mill)
That—a giant! Take care, Senor Don Quixote. It's a windmill and
what you take for arms, those are sails which make it turn.
Don Quixote (mounting his horse)
It's a giant, I tell you, as gigantic as the most gigantic of
giants.
Sancho
And I tell you, it's a mill—as mill-like as the most mill-like of
mills.
(As Sancho goes back into the thicket for his donkey, the mill
returns to being a giant.)
Don Quixote
By God! It's the famous Brokokuno! And for a long time I've wanted
to teach him to live! Yes! Yes! It's vain for you to roll your eyes at
me and stick out your tongue. When you lose more arms than the giant
Briaree, you will learn who you are talking to. Come on, Rosanante—
down with this villain.
(Don Quixote goes out to the left at a little trot toward the giant
which returns to being a mill after his departure. Sancho enters,
holding the donkey by the bridle. Dorothea follows him.)
Sancho
Here's the lady who will tell you, as I do—Where is he?
Dorothea
Lord Don Quixote?
(Don Quixote appears in the distance, galloping down the road which
leads to the mill.)
Sancho
Curses! There he is, charging the mill!
Dorothea
Ah, my God!
(Sancho begins to run, frightened, desperate. He is losing his
head.)
Sancho
Senor, Senor Don Quixote!
Dorothea
Take care!
Sancho (yelling)
But, it's a mill! It's a mill. It's a mill.
(Don Quixote is seen in the distance, ready to charge the mill. Two
men enter from the side.)
Basile
Those shouts!
Carrasco
Sancho!
Basile (seeing Don Quixote in the distance)
Ah! My God.
Carrasco (running and shaking his hat)
Stop, Senor! Stop!
Dorothea
Stop in the name of heaven!
All (in a loud shout)
Stop!
(Don Quixote thrusts his lance into the mill wing which raises him
and his horse and throws them both into the distance.)
All (shouting)
Ah!
Dorothea
He is dead!
Basile and Carrasco Let's run!
Sancho (desperate)
I told him it was only a mill. (rushes out)
CURTAIN
Great hall of a hostel. The entry door is in the rear. At the right, an interior door. At the left, door to the garden. Interior door. In the midst of the scene, to the left, a large niche with a statue of the Virgin. Tables, benches.
(At rise, the muleteers are drinking and singing.)
First muleteer Hey—la Maritorne, come here!
Maritorne (outside)
Here I am!
Second muleteer Some wine, Maritorne!
Maritorne
Yes, here I am.
Vincent (nosily)
Oh, Maritorne of my heart.
(Maritorne enters, hands full of glasses and plates. She is fat, her
hair is ruffled. She is heavily rouged and ugly.)
Maritorne
Here! Here!
(Gines enters, disguised as a muleteer. He grabs Maritorne by the
waist.)
Gines (gaily)
Softly, pretty child. Have you nothing to give a poor starved
traveler?
Maritorne (simpering)
Yes, some goat cheese and eggs.
Gines
Get some for me, if they are fresh.
Maritorne
I have them here.
Gines
Give them to me.
Maritorne
Raw?
Gines
All the same.
Vincent (going to Maritorne)
Who's he? Always coquetting with strangers.
Maritorne
Peace, Vincent of my soul. I cannot prevent him from finding me
pretty.
(Maritorne goes back to serve the others. Vincent eyes Gines with
jealousy.)
Vincent (adjusting his rags)
The lord knight must have his eyes on la Maritorne?
Gines
Me? I care for her like this. (cracks an egg)
Vincent (magnificently)
Fine. (goes back)
Gines (rubbing his stomach)
As for the chicken—she's in here. I can hear her cackling in my
stomach. Perhaps she's calling the eggs.
Maritorne (returning)
Well? Are they fresh enough for you?
Gines (after looking at her)
Like you!
Maritorne (making a curtsy)
Thanks.
Gines
Think nothing of it.
Maritorne (coquetting and giving him another egg)
Only don't look at me like that! Vincent is jealous like a Saracen!
Gines (stupefied by her manners)
I have to drink to accept that. (drinks) Bottoms up!
Ortiz (outside)
This way, friends, this way.
(Ortiz, Dame Ortiz, Nunez, Piquilla, Juanita, men, women. Then
Lucinda enters. Stifled by the heat, the toreadors have their capes on
their arms. The women have fans and are using them.)
Ortiz
And long live freshness. Here's some shade.
Maritorne
Ah! It's the owner.
Ortiz
Yes, my children, yes, it's me. Some drink.
All (in strangled voices)
Some drink.
Maritorne
I will run to the cellar.
(Maritorne goes through a trap door.)
Vincent
You are coming from Toledo?
Juanita
On foot!
Dame Ortiz
A pleasure party that my husband arranged, under the pretext that
he spent the night between two policemen and he needs to stretch.
Ortiz
And since it's the eve of God's feast, I said to myself, bah! Let's
close the shop in Toledo and go see my little posada on the route to
Barcelona. We can, at the same time, pick some flowers which we can
bring back tomorrow. I asked all my guests to accompany me.
Juanita and Piquilla And here we are!
Nunez
But—some drink.
All
Drink. Drink.
Maritorne (back with wine)
I'm back.
All (fighting to drink first)
Mine! Me first!
Gines
The villainous world! There's nothing to be made here.
Ortiz (seated)
And you won't wait for us?
(All group together and drink rapidly.)
Maritorne
Ah, but no! Savor it! And that's as nice as I am pretty.
Juanita (laughing)
Oh, she calls this beautiful.
Maritorne (pointing to her chignon)
Only, I haven't been able to put a hand on my pigtail.
Ortiz
It's all the same, you are beautiful all the same! And how goes the
inn, my daughter?
Maritorne
Not bad then, we've had a pretty bunch all week.
Piquilla
Who's this?
Maritorne
Well, the muleteers there, the handsome guys. And then, the animal
merchants from Pampalona, who passed here with all their animals. Oh, I
laughed with them. Ah, but I laughed. Ah, I would have laughed more, if
it hadn't been necessary to beat them for the bill.
Juanita
Beat them?
Maritorne
They say that when they have cajoled me a little, they don't have
to pay, I do.
(Laughter by the women.)
Ortiz
Oh, oh, I prefer another clientele and places like we are in, I
don't conceive that some distinguished tourist—
Maritorne
Well, right. We have here a little lady who is fled from her home,
and who is hiding, for she chooses the most out of the way room, and
tells me she's waiting for night to continue on her way.
Ortiz (raising an eyebrow)
And does she pay, this tourist?
Maritorne
Cheerily. Then she had a little lunch, hardly anything at all.
Ortiz
No expense—she's an adventuress. I don't want that in my house.
Piquilla
At least she's pretty?
Maritorne
I have no idea. She hasn't removed her traveler's mask.
Juanita
Young?
Maritorne
Our age.
Juanita and Dame Ortiz We must see her!
Ortiz
And tell her to go.
Maritorne
Here she is!
Lucinda (masked, leaves her room)
My God, so many people.
Ortiz (brusquely)
Senora, I am the owner of this hostel and I am going to ask you—
Lucinda (embarrassed)
I intend to tell you—
Ortiz
Is the Senora sleeping here this evening?
Lucinda
No, I count on leaving tonight and I was going to beg you to retain
a muleteer for me.
Ortiz (grunting)
Oh! Oh! She's not sleeping here. (aloud, without politeness) At
least the Senora will sup here?
Lucinda
No.
Ortiz (low to the others)
Neither sleep nor sup. It's nothing at all, this woman. Come, come,
her trunks. (aloud brusquely) Senora!
Lucinda
Here, for the muleteer, in advance. I want you to deal with him,
for I know nothing about it.
Ortiz (overwhelmed)
Two ducats. (pocketing them, aside) Oh, that's quite different.
(aloud) Will your Grace take the trouble to be seated?
Lucinda
No! I only desire solitude and peace. I will go back to my room.
Ortiz (loud, enthusiastic)
The Senora will go to her room! Place for the Senora!
Lucinda (going to her room)
A muleteer! Don't forget!
Ortiz (pointing to Vincent)
Here he is, Senora. Long live the Senora. (to Maritorne) And you
say this woman is suspect! Two ducats! Virtue even. (he goes in behind
her)
Gines (ready to leave)
With gold and jewels! Perhaps there is something to be made here.
(to Vincent, stopping him) Is it you who will serve as guide for that
lady?
Vincent
Yes. Does that anger you?
Gines
On the contrary. Come, refresh yourself with me under the arbor.
(Vincent and Gines go into the garden. At the same instant one hears
a great clamor.)
Juanita
And us—to the garden.
Dame Ortiz
Listen.
Piquilla
Those shouts!
Nunez (running to the rear)
It's someone at the door!
Dame Ortiz
An injured person.
(Much consternation.)
Sancho (entering)
No! No! It's nothing—only an armchair.
Ortiz (coming from the room)
What is it?
Sancho
My master, who (gesturing) by a wing of a windmill—
All
Oh!
Sancho
But nothing broken, happily! Courage, Senor Don Quixote, we are
coming.
(Don Quixote enters, supported by Maritorne and Vincent. His cuirass
is unlaced.)
Don Quixote
Sound your horn, Sancho, and cry Toboso! So that we not enter this
castle like some peasants.
Sancho
Good! Good! With regard to a horn, let's try to fix yours.
Ortiz (pointing to an armchair)
Here.
(Basile and Carrasco appear in the rear and listen.)
Don Quixote (seated)
Ouf!
Sancho
There it is!
Maritorne (wheezing)
Is he loaded down! with all this cookware.
Ortiz (coming to Don Quixote)
Funny outfit.
Don Quixote (raising his nose, hand to heaven)
I bless heaven, o noble Marquis de Mantua, (all are stupefied)
which made me encounter this disgrace at the door of your castle.
Ortiz
My castle?
Sancho
There! There! Let's leave the castle. Senor Don Quixote, are you
injured?
Don Quixote
Injured? No! But broken without a doubt for that bastard Roland has
just beat me unmercifully with the trunk of an oak tree. But he will
pay me for it or I am not Renaud de Montaubon.
Sancho
Take care, Senor, that this fall has not taken a notch off the
machine. You are not Renaud de Montaubon, but Senor Don Quixote, my
master. That is to say, the most illustrious knight and the most
famished in the world.
Don Quixote (raising his voice)
I am who I am! And I know that I am not just me, but also the
twelve peers of France.
Sancho
Mercy on me! There will be a dozen beatings for one man.
(Don Quixote faints.)
Sancho
Oh Senor! Senor!
Ortiz
He fights the country! Wouldn't it be apropos to bleed him?
Sancho
Good! It's only a faint! Let me alone to chafe him.
Maritorne
Yes! Scrub him a little.
(Maritorne pushes back Don Quixote's sleeves.)
Ortiz
Come on! To the flowers, my children, for my temporary altar—
All
To flowers.
(They leave arm in arm, jumping.)
Basile (to Carrasco in the rear, without revealing
themselves)
And us! To our disguise! Me as barbarian princess.
(Basile takes the cow's tail Maritorne had taken.)
Carrasco
And me as an idiot squire.
(Basile and Carrasco disappear. Maritorne chafes Don Quixote with a
curry-comb.)
Maritorne
Brother, how'd you say this chevalier was called?
Sancho
It's Senor Don Quixote de la Mancha, sister, with whom I roam over
the world to find adventures. And here we found rather more than we
were looking for. But, patience—little by little, the bird makes its—
Don Quixote (opening an eye)
By God, Sancho! No proverbs! You break my heart. (looking around
him) Senora Dorothea is not here?
Sancho
When she saw that your Grace wasn't badly injured she desired to
continue on her way, being in a hurry, as you know.
Don Quixote
She did well, Sancho, for I could not mount a horse for several
hours. What we need here is a little balm of Fier a bras.
Sancho and Maritorne Of Fier a bras?
Don Quixote
A balm whose virtue is such, brother Sancho, that if you ever see
me chopped in two in battle, you have only to put the two pieces of me
together, right side up, of course—you have only to give me one or two
sips and you will see me up and about, more fresh and healthy than a
crabapple.
Sancho
By God! May you give me the recipe for this balm.
Don Quixote
It's easy. Let a noble miss take a saucepan—
Maritorne (quickly)
I have it.
Don Quixote
Let her mix a little wine—
Maritorne
It's done.
Don Quixote
Some salt—
Maritorne
There's some in the spice box.
Don Quixote
Some rosemary, and cloves—
Maritorne
Here's some.
Don Quixote
And now, some oil—
Maritorne
Here's oil.
Don Quixote
And let her mix it.
Sancho
Wait! If we improve this with a little clove of garlic!
Maritorne
With a drop of vinegar.
Don Quixote
Vinegar is the emblem of life. Garlic was venerated by the
ancients. Go for the garlic and vinegar.
Sancho (emptying the bottles)
With a box of crushed onions and a bit of cheese. Go! Just put it
on the fire.
Maritorne
If this isn't enough to bring a corpse to life—
(Maritorne leaves with the copper bowl.)
Don Quixote (speaking low to Sancho)
Now that we are alone, Sancho, I am afraid that these successive
disgraces are the result of a great act of stupidity on my part.
Sancho
By God, if your Grace had listened to me when I said it was a
mill—
Don Quixote (raising his voice)
You are not listening to me! I mean that I forgot a capital point
when I took up my sword and lance to renew the golden age.
Sancho
Which was?
Don Quixote
To arm myself as a knight.
Sancho
Your Grace is not a knight?
Don Quixote
I am in fact, Sancho, but not by right. Since there was no ceremony
to put on my spurs and sword and I hadn't received the baptism of some
characteristic surname—such as the King of the Ardent Sword or the
White Bear or Capricorn.
Sancho
On my oath, call yourself the Knight of Woeful Countenance, you
won't find a better.
Don Quixote
That name pleases me, Sancho. It responds to the melancholy of my
soul.
Sancho
God help me! Who's coming now?
(Enter Basile as a veiled lady with the cow's tail as a beard and
Carrasco as her squire. Basile advances with gestures of admiration
which make Sancho quake, then falls at the feet of Don Quixote who
looks at him in astonishment.)
Basile
Here he is! It's him! My savior!
Sancho (hiding behind a pillar)
Sir, it's the werewolf or the Enchanted Moor!
Don Quixote
In the name of heaven, get up, Senorita, if I believe your dress—
Sir, if I believe your beard—
Basile (tearfully)
A woman, Senor, who will not get up until you have sworn to follow
her without argument wherever she may lead you and to avenge her on the
traitor who holds her honor and her kingdom hostage.
Sancho
A queen?
Don Quixote (solemnly)
I swear it!
Basile (rising and embracing him)
Ah, Senor, you see in me the unfortunate Princess Micomiconia,
legitimate heiress to the throne of Micomiconia in the Micomicon of
Ethiopia, situated between the sources of the Nile and the Mountains of
the Moon.
Don Quixote
I see it from here, Princess. Continue.
Basile
Widow at the age of sixteen, I had the misfortune to please, with
these sorrowful charms, the giant Pantafilando.
Don Quixote
My personal enemy!
Basile
Greeted as he deserved, this vile enchanter, after having conquered
my kingdom, sent me off with a great insult, and after this insult I
was left with a great beard as you see, which resists all razors!
(She cries in the arms of her squire, who raises his arms to
heaven.)
Basile
Oh, lord, come, kill the Enchanter Pantafilando, and with the same
blow, separate me from this phenomenal beard which will only fall on
the same day your Grace will accept my throne and (with modesty) my
heart.
(Throws herself in the arms of the squire and modestly hides her
face. The squire caresses the beard in a friendly way.)
Don Quixote (ravished)
Well, my son Sancho, how do you like it? Didn't I tell you so? See
now if we will have a kingdom to govern and a queen to marry.
Sancho (radiant, rubbing his hands)
By my beard, or rather, that of Senorita. I think this time my
kingdom is getting closer.
Don Quixote
Charming Princess! I am for you, I swear it—but with two
reservations. The first is that I will not leave this castle until I
have spent the night in the chapel, watching by my arms. And the
second, is that this heart, totally full of the inimitable Dulcinea du
Toboso cannot answer to your love.
Sancho
Death of my life, Senor! What do I hear? You won't marry this
queen? A princess who is perfect, once she shaves.
Don Quixote
Sancho!
Sancho
And all this for whom? For this Dulcinea, who is no matter
where—if she is only somewhere.
Don Quixote
Sancho!
Sancho (getting louder, still not hearing him)
He who holds the ring, holds the finger, says the proverb. Take the
occasion by the neck—for better a little bird in the hand than a flock
which is still flying.
Don Quixote
I forbid you to compare Dulcinea to a crane.
Sancho
And I, I say, that if the mills have left you a little of your
brain, you will marry the bearded lady—and that we will send La
Dulcinea to all the devils along with her Toboso!
Don Quixote
Now, rascal, is the time you are going to die.
(Don Quixote, armed with a stool, jumps on Sancho.)
Sancho (hiding behind the tables)
Oh, help! Help!
Don Quixote (jumping over some benches)
Let me dismember this rogue who dares lift his voice against the
incomparable Dulcinea.
(Sancho crawls under a table and barricades it with stools.)
Sancho
Eh, sir!
Basile (piteously)
Senor! Senor! You swore not to draw your sword without my
permission.
Don Quixote (one foot on a bench and the other one on a
table)
Give thanks to the oath that saves you, miserable villain, for
without it, I would squash you under this table like the cockroach you
are.
(Exhausted, Don Quixote falls, seated on the table.)
Sancho
Oh, sir, what I said was for your benefit.
Basile
He speaks the truth, Senor, and my weak attractions don't merit so
much discussion. I humiliate myself before the incomparable Dulcinea—
and the entirety of my kingdom still belongs to your Grace.
Don Quixote (after tapping on the table)
Sancho! Listen to what this admirable Princess says.
Sancho (crawling out from under the table)
Fine! Fine! But where is this kingdom situated?
Basile
In the center of Africa.
Sancho
Misery! Just what I was afraid of. It's going to be awfully hot
there and Theresa will complain—not mentioning the fact that all my
subjects will be colored.
Basile
All Negroes!
Sancho
All Negroes! (rising) Never mind, I will sell them!
(Enter Maritorne, carrying the balm of Fier a bras in a large
tureen.)
Maritorne
Here's the soup. It stinks like Holy Water.
Don Quixote
It comes on time—at the moment of beginning this terrible
campaign.
(Don Quixote starts to drink.)
Sancho
Let your Grace leave a taste for me. I am still feeling the
gallantry of those galley slaves. (rubs his shoulder)
Don Quixote (after drinking)
Excellent brew! Taste, my son!
Sancho (after a taste)
Damn! (pushes it away)
Don Quixote (with satisfaction)
Well?
Sancho (looking at it uneasily)
Hmm! I believe there's a little too much—unless it's the oil.
(uttering a great cry) Oh!
All
What?
Sancho
Ah! The door. The door! The door! (escapes)
Basile
Take care, Senor, that nothing happens to you.
Don Quixote (taking the brew again)
That isn't according to the custom of Knight Errantry! This liquor
is delicious! (starts to drink but stops and mops his face) Delicious—
that keeps you active—makes you shiver—this oil is hot. Where is the
door?
Basile
Over there.
Don Quixote (staggering towards the door)
That way, good.
Basile
No, this way.
Don Quixote (ghastly, not seeing, but always dignified)
Ah, this way. (going) Too much oil! Fier a bras ought not to have
so much oil.
(Don Quixote exits at rear. Basile breaks into laughter and removes
beard.)
Basile
The farce is playing and we have him.
Carrasco
All we have to do is get him to take the road to the village
tomorrow. Once home we shall see to things as we like.
Basile
Provided some whim doesn't make him leave tonight.
Carrasco
Which is what we must still be careful about.
Basile
Hush! Here's our Innkeeper and all his company. Let's not lose
sight of our knight.
(Basile and Carrasco exit. Ortiz and his group return with flowers.)
Juanita
There's my harvest!
Piquilla
And mine!
All
And ours.
Ortiz
That's what makes Toledo an altar that outshines the others. Night
is coming—we must be on our way. Close the courtyard doors, children.
(They spread the flowers on the table. People go in and out with
lanterns.)
Dame Ortiz
And, this lady who wants to leave at nightfall?
Ortiz
Ah, I forgot. (knocking on Lucinda's door) Senora, it's night time.
Lucinda
Your man is ready?
Ortiz
Always! Vincent, the house muleteer. Well, where is he?
Maritorne
Vincent!
All
Vincent.
Gines (in a corner)
Don't bother calling. He's in the stable, dead drunk.
Ortiz (shocked)
Ah!
Gines
But I can replace him.
Ortiz
You, friend! But we don't know you.
Gines
Here are my papers. Certificate from the commissioner, passes from
the mayor.
Ortiz (examining)
But, yes—precisely. Very much in order.
Gines (aside)
I really think all the commissioner's seals are useful.
Ortiz
Senora, here's a man to whom you can—(knocking on the hostel door)
Lucinda
That voice!
Ortiz
Travelers! Open.
Maritorne
Some cavaliers.
Lucinda (terrified)
Ah, my God! I am lost.
All
Lost!
Lucinda
Oh! From pity, save me! Hide me! Don't let them find me. Save me.
(Lucinda's mask falls off.)
Juanita
Dona Lucinda!
Lucinda
You know me?
Juanita
I think our shop is by your door, Senora. But rest easy, Senora.
They won't carry you off. (to Nunez) Come on, alert my boys.
Nunez and the toreadors (drawing their knives)
They are ready!
Lucinda (horrified)
Arms? Against my brother?
Juanita
Your brother?
Don Antonio (outside)
On this side, Fernando.
Lucinda (overwhelmed)
There he is. Oh, Madonna! Save me!
(Lucinda falls to her knees at the foot of a pillar.)
Juanita
No knives, you fellows! But a trick. That's a woman's business.
Nunez
But—
Juanita
Shut up! (to Lucinda) Don't budge. I will save you.
(Juanita throws all the flowers on Lucinda. Other join her in
covering Lucinda and Lucinda disappears under the flowers.)
Juanita
Watch out for tattle tales.
(Don Fernando comes in from the rear with men armed with torches.)
Don Fernando
Hola, Innkeeper. Haven't you some lady making a trip hereabouts?
Ortiz
Oh, several ladies who are helping me make an altar for the Feast
Day.
Don Antonio
And, in these rooms?
Ortiz
Nobody!
Don Fernando
We had been given good information about you.
Ortiz
If your Grace cares to see?
Don Fernando
Yes, I wish to see.
(Don Fernando goes into the room at right, followed by Don Antonio.
Juanita begins to sing while stringing the garlands.)
Juanita (singing)
Daughter, listen to me.
You're going to marry the King.
Daddy, I'm going to marry
The one I love.
Soldiers, soldiers,
Arrest her.
But the girl is gone.
The soldiers look everywhere
But cannot find her.
(Meanwhile Don Antonio and Don Fernando search, but find no one.)
Juanita
They looked here.
They looked there.
But they couldn't find her
Anywhere. (to Don Fernando)
Will your Grace throw some flowers to the Madonna?
Don Fernando
Here's for you. (gives her a gold coin) And, (throwing flowers)
here's for her.
Juanita (curtseying)
Thanks for her and for me.
Don Antonio
Nothing!
Don Fernando (loud)
Let's be on our way.
(Exit Don Fernando and Don Antonio.)
Juanita
Lights for the gentlemen, so they can see more clearly.
(Maritorne and the valet follow Don Fernando and Don Antonio.
Lucinda starts to come out of the flowers.)
Juanita
Not yet.
(Juanita listens. The sound of Don Antonio and Don Fernando leaving
can be heard.)
All
They're gone!
(Juanita pulls Lucinda from the midst of the flowers.)
Juanita
Saved!
All (singing)
They looked here.
They looked there.
They couldn't find her
Anywhere.
CURTAIN
SCENE VI
The courtyard of the hostel, dimly lit by the moon which cannot yet be seen. To the left, the house. A little window on the side. Entry door. To the right, a stable, hay, etc. In the rear, a large wall with a door. Beyond that, the country. A well to the right with jugs and jars.
At rise Don Quixote is leaning on the well, head in his hands. Sancho is stretched on the hay. Both are profoundly overwhelmed.
Don Quixote (in a miserable voice)
Sancho!
Sancho (sighing)
Ah!
Don Quixote
Don't tremble, brother. It's nothing.
Sancho (sighing)
Ah.
Don Quixote
What would you say if you had to cross the ocean to conquer the
Golden Fleece? Here it's only the balm of Fees a bras.
Sancho (furiously rising and punching the haystack)
Croak! Croak! Croak! The son of a carrion that invented it.
Don Quixote
A little water will help us, my son? But this is the point I told
you of. (plunging his head into a bucket) It's as if I weren't an armed
knight. Everything is going against us. The noble lord of the castle
could not refuse me such a favor.
Sancho (trying to sleep)
Death of my life. I have the hunger of a rabid person.
Don Quixote
You are hungry?
Sancho
The balm has cracked my stomach. It's empty.
Don Quixote
Sleep then. He who sleeps, sups.
Sancho
Yes, but he who sups sleeps even better. The smell of hay gives me
an appetite.
(Sancho stretched out. Don Quixote is pacing up and down. Silence.)
Don Quixote
Sancho, did you notice the tender and languorous look that the
lovely Princess who accompanies the Marquis cast on me?
Sancho
Who, the serving girl who watered me so well?
Don Quixote
Herself. If I correctly understood her last look, it was a formal
invitation to force the door of her chamber.
Sancho (in a bad temper)
Your Grace gives me a pain. It's the dishwasher of this cursed
barracks? And ugly as three little pigs!
Don Quixote
Always enchantments pursue you, Sancho, and make you mistake a
giant for a windmill.
Sancho
Wait, Senor, I am not in a good mood. Leave me to sleep, or
otherwise I will tell you some things—some things that—(falls asleep)
Don Quixote
Still, unfortunate Princess, all your advances are wasted. This
heart is filled by a single image. O Dulcinea, Dulcinea!
(Don Quixote marches up and down with his lance on his shoulder.)
Don Quixote
Let's begin the vigil.
(A moment of silence. Don Quixote leaves by the door at the rear. At
the same moment, Vincent enters from the right. He is drunk.)
Vincent
I believe that rogue of a Gines made me drunk more than I could
hold. Here! The cellar. (looking in the well) No, it's a dormer window.
I am going to find Maritorne. (goes to house and calls) Maritorne.
Mari-tone. (throws a stone at the window) Maritorne. (tenderly) It's
me, your little Vincent. (furious, throws a big stone) But devil's
sister, do you intend to open for me?
(Maritorne appears at the little window, candle in hand. She is in
undress.)
Maritorne
It's you, you drunk.
Vincent
It's me, pretty.
Maritorne
I ought to let you sleep in the stable with your look-alikes.
Vincent
My dear heart, I assure you I am sober.
Maritorne
Fine. I am going to see about that.
(Maritorne closes the window and disappears.)
Don Quixote (startled by the noise)
Hey!
Vincent (humming)
Maritorne's a bitch.
A big bitch.
A blind bitch.
Don Quixote (listening)
A serenade!
Maritorne (coming out and looking for Vincent)
Monstrous man! To say you love like this—go on, where are you? I
have put out the candle. If the boss suspects, he'll kick us both out.
Where are you, renegade?
(Groping around, Maritorne ends up near Don Quixote who takes her in
his arms.)
Don Quixote
I wish I might show myself more worthy, high and charming lady, of
the infinite favor your are doing me.
Maritorne (shocked)
Hey, who? What?
Don Quixote (drawing her tenderly to his heart)
But I have sworn fidelity to the incomparable Dulcinea.
Maritorne
It's the madman! Do you want me to beat you?
Don Quixote
No, no, don't insist. For in spite of the attraction that I feel—
Vincent (returning)
Ah, gypsy!
Don Quixote
Hey—
Vincent
Oh, you know how to grope for another.
(Vincent falls on Don Quixote with his fists. Don Quixote slips and
falls while struggling with him.)
Maritorne
Help! Help me!
(Maritorne pulls away and falls over Sancho who awakens with a
start.)
Sancho
Thieves!
(Sancho beats Maritorne who returns his blows.)
Don Quixote
Ah, traitor, cowardly magician.
Sancho
This little bitch again?
Maritorne
Murderer! Murderer!
(They end, all four, by rolling on the ground. Maritorne gets loose
and runs off, then Vincent, leaving only Don Quixote and Sancho. Sancho
continues to fight, now it is only Don Quixote that he is hitting.)
Sancho
I've got you, sorcerer.
Don Quixote
You will die, magician!
Sancho (recognizing him)
My master!
Don Quixote
Sancho!
Sancho
Well here's proof there's magic in our affair. I overthrew a
horrible ghoul and it's on your lordship that I—
Don Quixote
A ghoul?
Sancho
Still, I've got a fist full of his hair.
Don Quixote
I will tell you, Sancho that this reappearance of magic ought not
to astonish you. It's sure that the vigil over arms is concentrating
all the efforts of our infernal enemies against us, to disgust us with
divine chivalry.
Sancho
Ah, well! That's done it for me—bad meal and bad sleep. (finding
his hole in the hay) God, how hungry I am! (he disappears in the hay,
except for his head) The odor of hay still gives me an appetite.
(Sancho falls asleep. The clouds which cover the sky begin to
separate, lit by the moon.)
Don Quixote (rising)
It's a question of holding on, friend, for this hostel has the
effect on me of a nest of sorcerers—but I defy them. They and all
their demonic sequels. Appear marauders, felonious knights, perfidious
chatelains. The one who de Fier you is the intrepid Don Quixote—Knight
of the Woeful Countenance.
(The clouds dissipate and images of knights, princesses, giants and
towers appear, then bit by bit evaporate, leaving an empty sky.)
Don Quixote
Who has seen my victory over these infernal legions? Window of
heaven, mirrors of earth, eye of paradise. Doubtless the one I love
looks at you as I do at this moment, and you are witness to my sadness
as well as her regrets.
(The face of Dulcinea, looking sad, forms on the face of the moon.)
Don Quixote
There she is! I read her chagrin on her face. (Dulcinea's eyebrows
contract and she seems to weep) You weep, weep, O lady, you weep over
my departure. Dry your tears and instead smile at the thought that it
is for you that I cover myself with glory. (Dulcinea seems to smile)
And that, before long, I will dispose at your feet a thousand laurels
and as many crowns. (he kneels, the moon laughs)
Don Quixote
O joy, she laughs, she laughs uproariously.
(Slowly the moon disappears behind new clouds that are forming.)
Sancho (turning in the hay and dreaming)
Theresa, my wife! Theresa, oh Theresa! But answer me, will you? (he
kicks and wakes up) Ouf! It was a nightmare. It's hunger. I have a
hunger cramp. Is there nothing to put between my teeth? (gets up and
goes to the jugs leaning against the wall) Watch out! Some jugs. Some
crusts in reserve for the chickens. (plunges his hand into a jar)
Nothing! (then into another) Yes—some dry figs! A fistful, I am saved.
(unable to pull his hand out of the jar) This is—hey, hey. (still
cannot release his hand) Miserable me! My fist is stuck there. Sorcery.
Bitch of a jug! Just wait. (seeing Don Quixote on his knees) An idiot!
This is my affair.
(Sancho breaks the jug over Don Quixote's helmet. The jug falls in
pieces. Don Quixote jumps up.)
Don Quixote
To arms!
Sancho (stupefied)
My master—
Don Quixote (stabbing out right and left)
Avaunt Turpin! Here's Ganelon attacking our two wings at the same
time! Courage, knights! To the rescue! Toboso! Toboso!
(Don Quixote beats the jugs, the wall and the well. He strikes the
edge of the well and Sancho, losing his balance falls into the well
opening.)
Sancho
Eh! Help! Help! I am falling.
Don Quixote (pushing him into the well)
To the moat, miscreants, to the moat.
(Enter Ortiz and his group.)
Ortiz (furious, his halberd in his hand)
But, by the devil's horns, what is going on?
All
What a racket!
Ortiz
He's strangling someone.
All (stopping Don Quixote)
Stop! It's Sancho!
Don Quixote
It's Sancho?
Sancho
Yes, it's me! Me! Me!
(Sancho gets back to his feet.)
Ortiz
And it's for this pretty work that he puts the whole hostel up in
the air!
Basile
Patience, Innkeeper. Day is here.
Ortiz (exasperated, low to Basile without Don Quixote hearing
him)
I have had enough of your madman. He'll run everybody out of my
house. Let him decamp.
(Don Quixote falls on his knees behind Ortiz when he wasn't
watching.)
Don Quixote
Senor chatelain—
Ortiz
Huh?
Don Quixote
Now that I have gloriously completed the vigil of arms, I won't
rise until you have crowned me as a knight.
Ortiz
Oh, right away. (to Basile) Since he's leaving.
Don Quixote (ravished)
Ah, lord—
Ortiz
Yes, yes, we are going to satisfy you. (to Maritorne) Pass me my
cookbook. Piquilla, Juanita! The frying pan.
(Ortiz throws them his apron which they put over the head of Don
Quixote, each holding a lamp.)
Ortiz (to Nunez and the valet)
Here are the witnesses. And you, (to Sancho) the candle.
Basile
Here's the sword, Senor.
Carrasco
And the spurs!
Ortiz (opening the book and speaking rapidly)
Let's begin! (muttering) To make a dish of rabbit, cut it in
pieces, cover it with bouillon, cook until well done. Season it, then
put in some wine, and take a pinch of farina—with an onion, and add a
little vinegar, spices and cloves of garlic, etc. (striking Don
Quixote's shoulder with the flat of his sword) And serve, serve, serve
hot. (giving Don Quixote the sword) There, it's done. And now, open the
door so he can leave.
(Maritorne goes to open the door in the rear. Day starts to come
on.)
Don Quixote (on his knees)
O noble ladies, what are your names?
Piquilla
Piquilla!
Juanita
And Juanita!
Don Quixote
For love of me, young ladies, henceforth, call yourselves Dona
Piquilla and Dona Juanita.
Juanita and Piquilla (curtsying)
We won't fail to do so.
(They release the apron which falls over his nose and covers the
broken bowl.)
Ortiz
Let's go, on your way, on your way, chevalier.
Basile
And remember, lord, that you are escorting me.
Don Quixote
Yes, Princess, but before following you to the ends of the earth, I
should settle accounts with this vile magician who pestered me all
night and who is assuredly hidden in this house.
(Don Quixote goes to enter the hostel.)
Maritorne (seeing Basile)
Oh, my cow's tail.
(She tears the beard from Basile.)
Sancho
Basile!
Carrasco and Basile Ah!
Don Quixote (stupefied)
Oh, oh, what does this mean? And how can you explain to me how the
Barber Basile and the Princess Micomicona are really the same person.
Basile
It's the magic that—
Don Quixote (raising his eyebrows)
That is enough, Senor, wearer of beards. You intended to make a
fool of me, but if I find you here on my return, by God, I will treat
you as I am going to treat this Pantafilando!
(Don Quixote goes into the hostel, sword in hand.)
Basile (to Carrasco)
Come! It's all over. (to Maritorne) You really need to tear my
beard off!
Maritorne
My goodness. It was my cow's tail.
Sancho (to Basile, like he's mad)
You! Queen Micomicona! Get out!
Basile
Oh, go to hell.
Ortiz (stopping Sancho)
Pardon! Pardon. But the knight's bill. Who will pay me if they are
gone?
Sancho
The bill, what bill?
Ortiz
For staying the night.
Sancho
Pay you, you son of a black woman, for staying the night in hay
that should be eaten?
Ortiz
You don't wish to pay me for the night you spent here?
Sancho
It's really you, Algerian! There will never be enough money for me
to pay you for such a night.
Ortiz
And my broken jugs, and the figs and the supper?
Sancho
What supper, renegade? (furious) I took nothing from your hovel, on
the contrary—
(Sancho goes into the hostel.)
Ortiz
Ah, so that's the way it is!
Carrasco (stopping him)
Come on, be quiet. Here's their bill, with ours!
Ortiz
About time.
Basile (low to Carrasco)
I will take Rosanante and you take the donkey and we will still
have them.
Carrasco
That's right.
Basile
Quick, follow me!
(Basile and Carrasco go out by the right.)
Ortiz
Come on, children, since we are awake—
Juanita
Listen
Ortiz
What?
Juanita
That noise.
(The door at the back is opened violently. Two masked men appear;
then Lucinda is dragged in by Don Fernando and Don Antonio. She is
masked. All those who surround her are masked.)
Piquilla
Ah, look!
Ortiz (seeing Lucinda)
The lady from before.
Don Fernando
Silence! If one of you knows the name of this lady, let him not
pronounce it before the man who is following us.
(Profound silence. Cardenio appears in the doorway, sword in hand.)
Cardenio (blocking the door)
For honest men, gentlemen, you are prompt to flee. But happily, my
horse if faster than yours.
Don Antonio
There's nothing between us and you, young man. Be on your way.
Cardenio
You are mistaken. There is this woman. Her cries attracted me to a
party in the forest, where a rogue attempted to carry her off. I
pursued the wretch, who took flight on seeing me, and I punished him as
he deserved. But on my return, this woman had already vanished, dragged
off by you—and I intend to know if my sword has more to do in her
defense.
Don Antonio
This lady thanks you for your aid. Let that be sufficient for you.
Cardenio
The compliment would be more gracious coming from her own mouth.
Let her speak, for she looks much like a certain lady I am following,
and I won't let you pass this door until I see her face.
Don Fernando (hand on his sword)
By hell—
Don Antonio (containing him)
Stop, brother. Rage gains nothing. (to Cardenio) You will be
satisfied, young man, if the lady assures you herself that she is not
the one you are seeking?
Cardenio
I am listening!
Don Antonio (to Lucinda)
You understand, Senora, and you know what you must do.
(Lucinda makes an effort to speak, but she cannot.)
Cardenio
Ah, you see quite well—
Don Antonio (stopping him)
The Senora is upset by what has happened. But she will overcome
this weakness to reply as she must—(meaningfully) between her brother
and her husband.
Cardenio (to Lucinda)
This gentleman is your brother, Senora? And this your husband? And
you follow them of your own free will?
(Lucinda makes a sign of assent.)
Cardenio
So—so—you are not Dona Lucinda? (silence, Lucinda gestures
negatively) It's your voice I want to hear.
Lucinda (in a choked voice, after a threatening look from her
brother)
No!
Cardenio
No! Still—
Don Antonio (stopping him)
Oh, our complaisance is at an end, Senor Cavalier. Now that you are
convinced, make way for us so we can continue on our way.
(Cardenio stands aside without taking his eyes off Lucinda.)
Cardenio
It isn't her?
Don Antonio (pulling Lucinda)
Come on, sis.
Don Fernando
Open the door.
(Don Quixote enters from the hostel, sword in hand.)
Don Quixote
Don't open.
Don Fernando (furious)
Again!
Don Quixote
For by El Cid, I will not allow this cowardly magician to escape me
disguised as a woman.
(Don Quixote tears off Lucinda's mask.)
Cardenio
Lucinda! To me, my friends.
Don Fernando (to his friends)
To us!
Juanita
Get your knives, boys.
Toreadors
Knives out!
(All three groups make ready to fight.)
Don Quixote (in a thunderous voice)
Toboso! Toboso!
(Suddenly there are three thunderous knocks at the door. Everyone
stops.)
Ortiz
Justice!
Corregidor (outside)
Open in the name of the King.
Ortiz
The Corregidor!
(All swords are sheathed. Maritorne opens the door. The Corregidor
appears, followed by archers. Day has come. The Corregidor enters
gravely and looks everyone over silently.)
Corregidor
Here's a fine woman. What's happening here, Senor Innkeeper?
Ortiz
Oh, milord, don't ask. I think all the devils came here for a
rendez- vous.
Don Quixote
Not all the devils, but all the Enchanters of La Mancha.
Don Fernando (still masked)
Senor Corregidor, I demand that you do with your authority what our
swords were going to do by force. Here's my wife. Order this idiot to
give her to me.
Cardenio
Whoever you may be, cowardly thief of love who keeps your face
hidden from me—you'll only have her with my life.
Corregidor
Silence, young man! (to Lucinda) Is it true, Senora, that you are
the wife of this gentleman?
Lucinda
Alas, too true, to my misfortune.
Corregidor (to Cardenio)
By what right, then, do you keep the lady?
Cardenio
By right of my love for her and her love for me! What they didn't
tell you, Senor Corregidor, is that he has obtained the hand of this
lady by the blackest treason—and he's fully conscious of his infamy,
the coward—since he does not show his face.
Don Quixote
Well spoken, my son!
Corregidor
This young man is right. One doesn't reply to the Corregidor with a
masked face. In the name of the King, gentlemen, unmask.
(All unmask except Don Fernando, who hesitates.)
Cardenio
You didn't hear? Unmask!
(Cardenio makes a move to tear the mask off, but Don Fernando
prevents him and uncovers himself.)
Cardenio
Fernando!
Corregidor
You, Duke!
Don Fernando
Why not?
Cardenio
Ah, wretch—you! It's you! Ah, you will die by my hand.
(Cardenio lunges at Fernando, but Don Quixote stops him.
Don Quixote
Peace, my son. One does not assassinate, one fights.
Fernando (hand on his sword)
Do your duty, Corregidor, and let's be done with this.
Corregidor (gravely)
You are right, Lord Duke. I will do my duty. You say this woman is
your legitimate wife?
Don Fernando
I have said it, and I repeat it.
Corregidor
Then some here have the effrontery to mock justice.
Don Quixote
Oh, if it were merely justice—but chivalry!
Don Fernando
And what then, Senor Corregidor? Is someone here mocking justice?
Corregidor
You or someone else. Archers, bring in that woman disguised as a
man that you arrested on the way.
Don Fernando
But, explain!
Corregidor
Step outside, Lord Duke, and don't interfere.
Don Fernando
But—
Corregidor
I order you outside.
(The duke obeys. Dorothea comes in, between two archers.)
Don Fernando (aside)
Dorothea!
Corregidor
Come forward, Senora. What you told my archers before, when you
were arrested—are you prepared to repeat it aloud here?
Dorothea (not seeing Don Fernando)
Since your lordship obliges me, it must be done.
Corregidor
Speak openly, Senora. What did you tell them?
Dorothea
That I was going to rejoin the Duke Fernando, my husband.
All
Her husband!
Don Fernando (aside, stupefied)
Me?
Don Quixote
That villain!
Corregidor (stopping her)
Take care what you say, Senora. Don Fernando doesn't believe
himself to be your spouse, because he has already married another
woman.
Dorothea
Another wife than me! And who then? Who dares say that?
Don Fernando (coming from behind the Corregidor)
Me! I say it!
Dorothea
Fernando!
Don Fernando (pointing to Lucinda)
I attest that his is my legitimate spouse. And that she who claims
the name has no right to it!
Dorothea
She! His wife! Ah, Fernando, recognize me. Look at me. You haven't
recognized me. I am Dorothea, it's me. And you cannot have forgotten so
much love.
Don Fernando (pushing her away)
I recognize you, Senora, as someone who has never been my wife—but
since you force me to say it, you were something worse!
Dorothea
Oh—that word—you won't say it. Senor Corregidor, this man gave me
his oath at the foot of the altar. I swear it on the sacred name of God
who hears me. And I have proof—I have it. I have it on me.
Corregidor
Wait, Senora. Don't go too far, while there is still time. For if
you lie, you'll go to prison forever.
Dorothea (looking for her letter)
Oh, what does that matter to me?
Corregidor
And, if you are telling the truth, he goes to his death.
Dorothea (struck, stopping)
His death!
Don Quixote
That's too little for such a felony.
Corregidor (to archers)
Watch this man! And now, Senora, your proofs!
Dorothea (to herself)
Death! Death! Yes, two wives, it's true.
Corregidor
Come, the proof.
Dorothea (looking at Fernando)
Fernando! This proof, I have—I—I don't have it any more.
(resolutely) I haven't got it.
Corregidor
Then you lied!
Dorothea
I lied, yes. I am not his wife. I lied. I lied.
(She collapses in the arms of Piquilla and Juanita.)
Corregidor (giving Lucinda to Fernando)
Lord Duke, here is your wife. Go, you are free.
Cardenio (held by those who surround him)
Never while I am living.
Corregidor (to archers as Antonio, Fernando and Lucinda
leave)
Detain this wildman who ignores justice.
Don Quixote
Good! Good! It's only justice but he ignores chivalry which forbids
stealing the wife of another.
Cardenio (falling in his arms in despair)
His wife! It's true then!
(They surround Cardenio.)
CURTAIN
A savage place in the Sierra Moreno. Large trees cover the entire stage. Mist. In the rear, a grotto, the entry to which is covered with brush. To the right, a large oak.
(A troupe of comedians are lying on the grass around a kettle
suspended on three sticks. They are finishing their meal. Against the
tree is a banner reading “Comedy: Troupe of Angelo the Bad.” The devil
serves the soup. The Queen gives cutlets to the King and Love passes
the cheese.”)
Chorus
Across hill and dale,
Strolling players we,
Etc.
Devil
Dining when we can,
Where we can.
Sanchica (passing a plate full of cheese)
Cutting the cheese—
Gracioso Put it with the fruits.
Princess
Tell me, kiddies, is Sanchica going to go to places where we can
find some wine?
Sanchica
By the sun over there—
King (frowning)
They are permitted to be reasonable.
Sanchica
I didn't join you for that. You promised me a crown and pretty
clothes. And now you make me do all your dirty work.
All
If you like.
Sanchica
Oh, if I had realized— (sings)
Mommy always told me
Not to play with strangers.
Had I only listened.
King
I will condemn Love to bread and water.
Sanchica
That's it. To bread and water. This is what you call being a Queen.
I call it being less than I was before. (sings)
When I was a dairy maid,
I was so happy and free.
The devil Here's a dollar, little nightingale, and do me the pleasure, without arguing, of getting us some wine.
Sanchica
But—!
King (threateningly)
And if you don't return, we will find you and kill you.
Sanchica (weeping)
Once I led the animals, and now the animals boss me.
(Exit Sanchica.)
King
While we're waiting, let's have a nap.
(They stretch out to nap.)
Basile (separating the branches in the center)
This way. Here's some people. (to comedians) God be with you,
comrades. (they look at him without saying a word) You are strolling
players I take it?
King
Senor, you see before you players in the illustrious company of
Angelo the Bad. (sneezes) Goodnight.
(The comedians return to their naps.)
Basile
Very good. And have you other costumes, coats of armor, etc.?
King
Our trunks are full of them. They're under Gracioso's protection.
(points to the clown)
Basile (to Carrasco)
This will do our business. (to Gracioso) Follow me, friend.
Carrasco
Quick! Quick, here they come.
Basile (to Gracioso)
Come, come.
(Basile, Gracioso and Carrasco vanish to the right behind trees.
Enter Don Quixote and Sancho on foot. Don Quixote carries his lance.
Sancho carries the saddle bag and the donkey's saddle. The comedians
pay no attention and continue their naps.)
Sancho (staggering under the weight)
Ouf!
Don Quixote
Courage, friend, Sancho! Here's the camp of Montesinos where the
wise enchanter Tripotin dwells, my sponsor. Here he will tell us how to
rejoin poor Cardenio and show us the divine Dulcinea du Toboso, whom
you have never seen—or me, for that matter.
Sancho
Let us see only my poor donkey that was stolen, and I will dispense
with the rest.
(Sancho notices the smell of food and sees the kettle.)
Don Quixote (looking at the comedians)
See the cachet of this wise magician. Illustrious Emperors and
lovely Princesses don't hesitate to take a siesta before his very door.
(Sancho gets down on his hands and knees and goes to savor the
perfume of the kettle and to take a peek inside.)
Devil (his head near the kettle)
Too late!
Sancho
Too late!
(Sancho replaces the cover on the kettle and falls down,
overwhelmed.)
Don Quixote (leaning over the King respectively)
Your Majesty wouldn't be able to tell me how I should inform the
wise Tripotin of my arrival?
King (half asleep)
Tripotin! We don't have one in our troupe.
Don Quixote (to the Princess)
Lovely Princess, can you tell me?
Princess
When you have stopped boring me.
Don Quixote (aside)
Her heart is spoiled. But perhaps this one here. (to devil) Hey,
friend. (nudges him) Friend!
Devil (jumping up, furious and revealing his horns)
By God, why won't you let us sleep peacefully? (goes back to sleep)
Don Quixote (after a moment of silence)
Everything is explained. This forest is enchanted and these people,
friend Sancho, are likewise enchanted. This bizarre droziness. Right,
Sancho? (Sancho replies with a frightful snore) Him, too. And myself,
this lassitude. (sits down) The desire to sleep (stretches out) is
growing on me. O Tripotin, I abandon myself to your sage will. (snores
all around) Teach me through a dream how I can penetrate this enchanted
palace and see Dulcinea du Toboso. (sleeping) du Tobo-boso- bo-so!
(Don Quixote has leaned his lance against the trunk of the oak, he
now turns his back to the public and sleeps soundly. Gracioso, while
still asleep, kicks the kettle which overturns and awakens Sancho.)
Sancho (jumping up, shrieking)
Toboso! Tremble felons!
(Sancho goes to Don Quixote's feet, sits down, and falls asleep
again.)
Entering from the left, bareheaded, and walking about as if
someone
were speaking to him. He indicates by gestures that a thousand
obstacles must be overcome to get to Dulcinea. He goes to the
grotto. When he gets there, he is opposed by an army of cactus
plants that tickle and scratch him. Battle against the plants,
which he wins after an exciting combat. He goes again to enter
the
grotto. The brush thickens and the flowers turn to the eyes of
of owls threatening him. Pine trees bristle with horns and
formidable teeth. He separates the brush which disappears this
time. There is a large web which covers the opening to the
cavern.
Seeing a beast, Don Quixote recoils, frightened. The beast climbs
to the top of its web and disappears. Don Quixote comes forward
to
tear off the web. The web is suspended only by a thread. Don
Quixote makes an effort to detach it. He battles the web which
ends
unseen offstage. Finally Don Quixote cuts the web with a blow of
his sword and the grotto opens and enlarges. It transforms itself
into a fantastic opening in which appears a marvelous palace
constructed of stones. Dulcinea is surrounded by her women, who
wave laurels at the sight of Don Quixote.
A voice
Yes, it is she
Who calls you,
Faithful heart.
You see her
Before you.
It's the lady
Of your soul
Who proclaims her
Love to you.
Receive the crown
Which her hand gives
As the reward of your faith.
Sing of Dulcinea.
During this song, Tripotin signals Don Quixote to come
forward. Dulcinea rises and places the crown on Don Quixote's
head. Tripotin unites their hands in a magical marriage
ceremony.
The grotto closes and everything disappears. Sound of a
Trumpet.
(Enter Basile as a squire. His nose is enormous. Disguised thus, he
holds a banner. Gracioso blows a trumpet. Basile knocks over the sticks
as he traverses the stage in great strides.)
Basile (in a thunderous voice)
Oyez! Oyez! Oyez! All, up and about. Senor Don Quixote, up and
about!
(All the comedians leap up, shocked. Sancho, frightened, sits up.
Basile goes behind a tree.)
Don Quixote (grabs his lance and jumps up)
Who calls me?
Basile (from behind the tree)
I, the Squire of the Knight of the Mirror, who summons you to
advise you that the Lady Cassildee de Vandalie (known as the lady with
beautiful red eyes) is infinitely superior in beauty to the very ugly,
very stupid, and very impertinent Dulcinea du Toboso, who has only
imitation roses, false teeth and wears a wig.
Don Quixote (leaping)
By death!
Basile (nobly)
We will prove it!
Don Quixote (furious)
Where is the bold one who dares say the hair of my Dulcinea is a
wig and her teeth false?
Basile
The bold one is here.
(Carrasco appears, armed head to foot and covered with little
mirrors.)
Don Quixote (containing his rage and dazzled by the mirrors)
Milord, Knight of the Crazy Head, on what conditions do you please
that we square off against each other?
(Carrasco comes closer and gestures that Basile speaks for him.)
Basile
The vanquished must engage from now on to rest his sword and
forever renounce chivalry.
Don Quixote
I accept.
(A noble gesture from Carrasco.)
Basile
Sound trumpets! Beat drums.
(Trumpets and drums.)
Don Quixote
My buckler, Sancho, and my helmet.
Sancho (stretched on the ground, still half asleep)
And tell me that I cannot do more than have a nap. There's the
barber's bowl.
(Sancho passes the cheese and Don Quixote places it on his head.)
Basile (to Carrasco, low)
Be careful in jousting.
Carrasco
Don't worry. He'll leave without a scratch.
Don Quixote (the cheese starts to fall over his face)
What's this, Sancho? Is my skull softening or my brain melting, or
sweat drowning me? But, by The Cid, it doesn't frighten me. Let's go,
Knight. Toboso! Toboso!
(The cheese now covers Don Quixote's face. Don Quixote and Carrasco
leave, bowing and scraping to each other. All the comedians follow
them. Basile stops Sancho who is ready to leave.)
Basile
Halt there, sir squire. You know the custom.
Sancho
What custom?
Basile
While the patrons fight with swords, the squires fight with knives.
(Basile pulls out an enormous knife and stands ready.)
Sancho
Sir squire, that custom lacks common sense. Use your knife to pick
your nose if your heart dictates it, but mine is too well made for me
to risk ruining it. (starts to leave again)
Basile
If you are repulsed by knife fighting, I have another kind of
scrimmage to propose to you.
Sancho
But, what an idea, to want us to break our bones for no reason!
I've done nothing to you, you've done nothing to me. I like you, you
like me. You are handsome. (kisses him, taps his nose) Goodbye. (starts
to leave once more)
Basile
Pardon—here are my weapons. (pulls a ham)
Sancho (enthusiastically)
This time I'm with you. (takes the ham) Oh, what a smell. (hugs it
to his heart)
Basile
And what meat! All we need is wine to make it go down.
Sancho (holding the ham)
Good, good! Sit down first. We'll try later to baste it. (sits down
to eat)
(Enter Sanchica, running and breathless.)
Sanchica
Here's the wine.
Sancho (stupefied)
Sanchica!
Sanchica (shocked)
Papa!
Sancho
Here! You! My daughter. (jumps up) But, by the devil, what are you
doing here, far from your mother?
Sanchica (all aplomb)
They said they would make me Queen, papa.
Sancho
Queen!
Sanchica
Yes! They promised me I'd be a Queen.
Sancho
And you believed that? (to himself) She believed it. Just like her
father. (to Sanchica) And you made off without telling your mother?
Little rogue.
Sanchica
Oh, I was afraid she would stop me.
Sancho
Like me. And your geese, wretch, and your geese, where are they?
Sanchica
In the country!
Sancho
Alone?
Sanchica
Oh, they don't need people to take care of them.
Sancho (desperate)
I am sure of it. Superb geese. Oh, I had the best with my pigs and
my chickens—
Sanchica
Ah, the pig. He escaped.
Sancho
Heavens!
Sanchica
And as for the chickens—mama killed them all.
(Sanchica makes a sign of wringing their necks.)
Sancho
Murdered!
Sanchica
Yes! Mama said: “What good are the chickens when the hen house is
burned?”
Sancho (jumping)
What—the hen house is burned?
Sanchica
Yes, cause my brother left the lamp lit when he ran off.
Sancho
He ran off?
Sanchica
To be a soldier!
Sancho
My son.
Sanchica
He even took all the money you had hidden in the pot.
Sancho (falling in Basile's arms)
Ruined! My chickens, my geese, my children, my money, my donkey!
Ruined! Ruined!
Basile (passing the jug of wine to Sancho)
Courage, brother. (Sancho drinks) You still have your wife.
Sancho
Oh, that's what finishes me. She's been left to deal with all this.
Sanchica
You weren't there.
Sancho
She's right. I wasn't there. Yes, you weren't there, stupid donkey.
You ran after your kingdom and you didn't think your kingdom was your
home, and your government was your household. And everything's gone to
the devil—through your fault, imbecile. Well done. And this will teach
you, rascal, idiot, stupid beast!
(Sancho beats his chest and tears his hair.)
Basile
Courage, comrade. A rolling stone gathers no moss.
Voices (from outside, shouting)
Victory to the Mirror Knight.
Basile
My master is conqueror.
Sancho
And mine, beaten—as usual.
Basile (removing his nose)
Don't be desolate, friend Sancho.
Sancho
Basile.
Basile
We'll all go back to the old sheepfold.
Sancho
And the donkey, too?
Basile
And the donkey, too.
Sancho (ravished, embracing his daughter)
And the donkey, too!
(Dorothea enters from the right, dressed as a woman, and leading
Cardenio.)
Dorothea
This way, Don Cardenio.
Sanchica
My goodness! Our cousin!
Sancho (ready to leave)
And you too, Senora, you will return home. Like us! Like Senor Don
Quixote. Wait for us, we will go together. Long live—
(Exit Sancho and his daughter.)
Cardenio
Where have you brought me, Senora?
Dorothea
To your health, perhaps, Cardenio, as well as mine! This way is the
one Don Fernando must take and we will wait for him here. I still
hope—
Cardenio (interrupting her)
Here he is!
(Enter Don Fernando, Don Antonio and Lucinda.)
Don Fernando (supporting Lucinda)
A moment of rest will restore you, Senora. (seeing Dorothea)
Dorothea? You here! (ironically) Still more threats?
Dorothea (softly)
Threats? Oh, no! I don't accuse you, Don Fernando. Here, I forget
my pride and who betrayed me. I am suffering, your victim. I fall at
your feet.
(Don Quixote appears in the distance and listens.)
Don Fernando
Senora!
Dorothea (on her knees)
Save me! Save these two creatures who love each other and that you
have condemned to unhappiness. You turn away, and your hand trembles.
You see him. There's nothing here to offend you. And I beg you for a
grace that I could claim as a right.
Don Fernando (violently pulling away)
Oh—I expected that word, this right, Senora. This right doesn't
exist. And I do not forgive you for invoking it.
Dorothea (rising, softly)
I pardon you. I forgot.
Don Fernando
You pardon me!
Dorothea (softly)
At the foot of an altar, you swore before God that you took me for
your legitimate spouse.
Don Fernando
A mere oath. Nothing sacred about it.
Dorothea
Heaven didn't judge it so, since it allowed a priest to hear your
words and bless our union.
Don Fernando
If that was true, Senora, you would have some proof of what you
say.
Dorothea
I have such proof.
Don Fernando (laughing)
And having this proof, you did nothing with it?
Dorothea
Perhaps, Don Fernando, because I trembled for you.
Don Fernando
Say rather, because you have nothing more substantial than your
lies.
Dorothea
Oh, oh, you are very cruel, too, Don Fernando. If I didn't reveal
what chains you to me for life—
Don Fernando
It's because you haven't got it.
Dorothea
I don't have it? Here it is!
Don Fernando (shocked)
This paper?
Dorothea
Decidedly, you have nothing in your soul. You are all witnesses to
what I have done to soften this man. I begged. I went down on my knees
to him. And you still won't recognize me, Don Fernando? I have too much
pride to want you despite yourself. Rather my shame! Of my spousal
rights, I have taken only those that will save you. This chain that
binds us—here it is! (she throws it at his feet) Burn it! Destroy it!
I set you free. And of the past which I efface, nothing remains except
the eternal regret I have for having loved for so long such a creature
as yourself.
(Exit Dorothea.)
Don Fernando (picking up the paper and looking at it)
This signature. It's true! It's true. This validates the marriage.
So long as this writing remains, Dorothea is my wife. Lucinda is not
mine. But it can be destroyed in an instant. She who just left is no
more. Well, let it be as Dorothea desires—and this proof destroyed.
(Don Fernando prepares to rip the paper to shreds.)
Lucinda (screaming)
Ah!
Cardenio
Wretch!
(Cardenio seizes Don Fernando's poignard.)
Don Quixote (coming forward)
I heard a supplicant's voice and I saw a woman at the knees of a
man, a thing contrary to all laws divine and human. This man would pay
dearly if I still had my sword. But today, an oath condemns this arm to
slumber. I ask myself if the word of an old man won't have some
influence on the soul of a youth too young to be totally corrupted.
Don Fernando (haughtily)
I don't know you—and I don't take advice form anyone.
Cardenio
Listen, then, to prudence, for I have not sworn to keep my sword in
its sheath.
Don Quixote
You are wrong, my son, violence calls for violence! But, recall,
rather to this man what Dona Dorothea has just done for him and this
memory may be worth more than your threats.
(Don Fernando is holding the paper in his hand. He looks at Don
Quixote.)
Don Quixote (continuing, heatedly)
Tell him that this betrayed woman, a woman abandoned and
humiliated, looked only to his danger. However strong her spousal
rights, she preferred to let herself be publicly taken to be his
mistress and to save him from his own dishonor.
Don Fernando
It's true. She did that.
Don Quixote (with greater force)
And you see, he hasn't exclaimed with me. O noble, O great and
saintly women! You alone are capable of love. Blessed be you, O women,
our mothers, our sisters, and our spouses. And cursed be those who
scorn you. Cursed be those who outrage you. Cursed be those who
blaspheme against you.
All (watching Don Fernando hesitate)
Lord—
Cardenio
Fernando!
Don Fernando (touched)
Cardenio. (to Don Quixote) Thank you. Where is she?
Cardenio
Ah, come.
(Cardenio pulls Don Fernando's arm and they go out together.)
Sancho (comes in, dancing)
Don Quixote's speech. (looks at his master with admiration) Ah,
Senor. (falls on his knees before him) What a knight you make when you
don't fight.
(Music.)
Don Quixote (looking for his sword)
The clarion!
Sancho (calming him)
No! No! Wedding music. And what a wedding! That of Senor—
Sanchica (running in)
Papa! The wedding! The wedding!
Don Quixote
Then let's take our part in the joys of the world now that all the
world is happy.
Sancho
Thanks to you! And let's go home—for as the proverb says—
Don Quixote (frightened)
Sancho!
Sancho
The fool takes longer to cross his house than a wise man to cross a
field.
Don Quixote
As for that one, I let it pass. For it is good.
(They all leave.)
CURTAIN
A vast green. To the left, the door of a gothic church. To the right, a cabaret. A village feast is going on.
(Don Ortiz, his group, Sancho, Muleteers, Comedians, archers and
peasants are all drinking and eating on benches.)
Chorus
Come, come, let's drink.
The door's open for us.
Drink to the married couple.
Drink and eat forever.
Sancho (ham in hand)
Friends, let's swear in wine
No more kingdoms.
For just to eat
Is enough for me.
Chorus
Drink and eat
FOREVER
Children (coming in ahead of the cortege)
Long live the married couple.
Long live the bride and groom!
(People get up to have a look.)
Juanita (on Guerrero's arm)
Oh, my Guerrero, when will you take me to church?
Guerrero
When Nunez takes Piquilla.
Piquilla (to Nunez)
And, when are we going?
Nunez
Same day they do.
All
Long live the newlyweds.
(Music, drums, fifes. The cortege with Gamache and Quitterie enter. Basile leans on Carrasco's arm, who consoles him.
All
Long live Gamache.
Long live Quitterie.
(At this moment the church door opens and Dorothea comes out.
Silence. Only the sound of the church clock is heard. Don Quixote,
Lucinda, Cardenio, and Don Antonio appear at the left. At the same
moment, Dorothea hesitates and steps back. The group separates to allow
her to return. Don Fernando appears.)
Don Fernando
Where are you going, Duchess? The church is waiting for you, and
here's your husband to escort you. (he bends to one knee)
Dorothea
Ah, Fernando.
(Don Fernando takes her hand.)
All (waving hats)
Long live the newlyweds.
Cardenio
Ah, Lucinda. (hugging her)
All
Long live Cardenio!
Long live Dona Lucinda!
Quitterie
Well, if everyone is marrying the one they love, then, I am going
to marry Basile.
Basile
Oh! I'm going to faint. (he does)
All
Love live Quitterie
Gamache (protesting)
What? What? She's marrying Basile? And I, I who paid for the meal?
Don Quixote (gravely)
You shall pay for the guitars.
Basile (radiant)
You shall pay for the guitars!
(Gamache is dragged off.)
BALLET
(At the end of the ballet, Don Quixote appears on Rosanante and
Sancho on his donkey. They are surrounded. The people raise their hats,
shouting: “Glory to Don Quixote!” while the dancers continue to twirl
around them.)
All
Glory to Quixote!
FINAL CURTAIN