the capuchins in Spain will not be able to alter his belief."-" Consider, brother (resumed the curate), that there never was upon earth such a person as Felixmarte of Hyrcania, nor Don Cirongilio of Thrace, nor any other of such knights as are celebrated in books of chivalry. The whole is a fiction composed by idle persons of genius, for the very purpose you mentioned, namely, pastime, which was the aim of your readers; for, I swear to you, no such knights ever existed, nor were any such exploits and extravagancies ever performed in this world.""You must throw that bone to some other dog (replied the landlord), as if I did not know that two and three make five; or where my own shoe pinches. Your worship must not think to feed me with pap, for egad I am no such suckling; a good joke, faith! You would make me believe that all the contents of these books are madness and lies, although they are printed by license from the king's council; as if they were persons who would wink at the printing of such lies, battles, and enchantments, as turn people's brains."- "Friend (replied the curate), I have already told you, that they are designed for the amusement of our idle hours; and as in every well-governed commonwealth, the games of chess, billiards, and tennis, are licensed for the entertainment of those who neither can nor ought to work; in like manner those books are allowed to be printed, on the supposition, that nobody is so ignorant as to believe a syllable of what they contain; and if I was now permitted, or the company required it, I could give some hints towards the improvement of books of chivalry, which perhaps might be both serviceable and entertaining; but I hope the time will come, when I may have an opportunity of imparting my sugges tions to those who can convert them to general use; meanwhile, Mr Publican, you may depend upon the truth of what I have said; take your books away, and settle the affair of their truth or falsehood just as your own omprehension will permit; much good may they do you, and God grant that you may never halt on the same foot on which your lodger Don Quixote is lame."-" I hope (answered the innkeeper), I shall never be mad enough to turn knight-errant, as I can easily perceive that the customs now-a-days are quite different from those in times past, when, as it is reported, those famous heroes travelled about the world."

Sancho, who had come into the room about the middle of this conversation, was very much confounded and perplexed, when he heard them observe, that there was no such thing as knight-errantry in the present age, and that

all the books of chivalry were filled with extravagance and fiction; he therefore determined within himself, to wait the issue of his master's last undertaking; and if it should not succeed as happily as he expected, to leave him, and return, with his wife and children, to his former labour.

When the innkeeper took up the portmanteau with the books, in order to carry them away, "Stay (said the curate), until I examine these papers which are written in such fair character." The landlord accordingly pulled out a manuscript, consisting of eight sheets of paper, entitled, in large letters, The Novel of the Impertinent Curiosity. The priest having read three or four lines to himself, said, “Really the title of this novel pleases me so much, that I have a strong inclination to peruse the whole." To this observation the innkeeper replied, "Then your reverence may read it aloud; for, you must know, the reading of it hath given great satisfaction to several lodgers at this inn, who have earnestly begged the copy; but that request I would not comply with, because I think of restoring it to the right owner, as I expect that the person who left the portmanteau with the books and papers, in a mistake, will return, on purpose to fetch them; or, you know, he may chance to travel this way, on other business; and though I should miss them heavily, in faith they shall be restored; for, though an innkeeper, I am still a Christian.”"Friend (said the curate), you are very much in the right; but for all that, if I like the novel, you shall give me leave to transcribe it." -"With all my heart," replied the landlord. While this discourse passed between them, Cardenio having taken up the manuscript, and begun to read, was of the curate's opinion, and entreated him to read it aloud, that the whole company might hear it. "I will (answered the priest), if you think we had not better spend the time in sleeping than in reading."—" For my own part (said Dorothea), it will be a sufficient refreshment for me to listen to some entertaining story; for my mind is not composed enough to let me sleep, even if I stood in need of repose."-" If that be the case (resumed the curate), I will read it out of curiosity at a venture, and perhaps it will yield us some entertainment into the bargain." Master Nicholas earnestly joined in the request, and Sancho himself expressed a desire of hearing it; upon which the licentiate finding he should please the whole company as well as himself, "Well then, listen with attention, for the novel begins in this manner :

CHAP. VI.

The novel of the Impertinent Curiosity.

"IN Florence, a rich and celebrated city of Italy, situated in the province called Tuscany, lived Anselmo and Lothario, two wealthy and noble cavaliers, so strictly united in the bands of amity, that every body who knew them called them, by way of excellence and epithet, The Two Friends: and indeed, being both bachelors, and their age and education so much alike, it was not to be wondered at if a reciprocal affer tion sprung up between them: true it is, Anselmo was rather more addicted to amorous pastime than Lothario, whose chief delight was in hunting; yet, upon occasion, Anselmo could quit his own amusements to pursue those of his friend; and Lothario could postpone his favourite diversion, in order to practise that of Anselmo; in this manner their inclination proceeded so mutually, that no clock ever went with more regularity. Anselmo happened to fall desperately in love with a young lady of rank and beauty in the same city, descended from such a noble family, and so amiable in herself, that he determined, with the approbation of his friend, without which he did nothing, to demand her of her parents in marriage; and, accordingly, put his resolution in practice. Lothario was inti usted with the message, and concluded the affair so much to the satisfaction of his friend, that in a very little time, Anselmo saw himself in possession of his heart's desire; and Camilla thought herself so happy in having obtained such a husband, that she was incessant in her acknowledgments to Heaven and Lothario, by whose mediation her happiness was effected.

"During the first two days after marriage, which are commonly spent in feasting and mirth, Lothario, as usual, frequented the house of his friend, with a view of honouring his nuptials, and endeavouring, as much as in him lay, to promote the joy and festivity attending all such occasions: but, the wedding being over, and the frequency of visits and congratulations abated, he began carefully and gradually to absent himself from Anselmo's house, thinking, as every prudent person would naturally conclude, that a man ought not to visit and frequent the house of a friend after he is married, in the same manner as he had practised while he was single; for though suspicion should never find harbour with true and virtuous friendship, yet the honour of a married man is so delicate as to be thought subject to injury, not only from a friend, but even from a brother. Anselmo perceived Lothario's remissness, and complained of it loudly, saying, that if he had thought his marriage would have impaired their former correspondence, he never would have al

tered his condition; and begged, that, as by the mutual friendship which inspired them while he was single, they had acquired such an agree able title as that of The Two Friends, he would not now suffer that endearing and celebrated name to be lost, by a scrupulous adherence to mere form and punctilio. He therefore entreat. ed him, if he might be allowed to use the ex◄ pression, to be master of his house, and to come in and go out as formerly, assuring him that the inclinations of Camilla, in that respect, were exactly conformable to his own; and that, knowing the perfect friendship which subsisted between them, she was extremely mortified at his late shyness.

"To these and many other arguments used by Anselmo, to persuade his friend to frequent his house as usual, Lothario answered with such prudence, force, and discerament, that the other was convinced of his discreet conduct; and it was agreed betwixt them, that Lotherio should dine with him twice a week, besides holidays; but, notwithstanding this agreement, he resolved to comply with it no further than he should see convenient for the honour of Anselmo, which was dearer to him than his own. He said, and his observation was just, that a man, on whom Heaven hath bestowed a beautiful wife, should be as cautious of the men he brings home to his house, as careful in observing the female friends with whom his spouse converses abroad: for that which cannot be performed, nor concerted, in the street or the church, or at public shows and diversions, with which a husband must sometimes indulge his wife, may be easily transacted in the house of a female friend or relation, in whom his chief confidence is reposed. Wherefore, Lothario observed, that every married man had occasion for some friend to apprise him of any omission in her conduct; for it often happens, that he is too much in love with his wife to observe, or too much afraid of offending her, to prescribe limits to her behaviour in those things, the following or eschewing of which may tend to his honour or reproach: whereas, that inconvenience might be easily amended by the advice of a friend. But where shall we find such a zealous, discreet, trusty friend as is here required? I really know not, except in Lothario himself, who, consulting the honour of Anselmo with the utmost care and circumspection, was at great pains to contract, abridge, and diminish the number of the days on which he had agreed to frequent his house; that the idle, vulgar, and prying eyes of malice might not indulge their love of slander, when they perceived a genteel young man of such birth, fortune, and accomplishments as he knew himself possessed of, go into the house of such a celebrated beauty as Camilla; for although his virtue and honour might be a sufficient check to the most malevolent tongue, he would not expose his own character or that of his friend to the smallest

censure; and therefore employed the greatest part of those days on which he had agreed to visit Anselmo, in such things as he pretended were indispensable; so that, when they were present, a great deal of time was consumed by the complaints of the one and excuses of the other. One day, however, as they were walking through a meadow, near the suburbs of the city, Anselmo addressed himself to Lothario in these terms:

"You believe, my friend Lothario, that I can never be thankful enough to Heaven for the blessings I enjoy, not only in the most indulgent parents, and in the abundance of those things which are called the goods of nature and fortune, but also in a friend like you, and a wife like Camilla; two pledges which I esteem, if not as highly as I ought, at least as much as I can. Yet, though I possess all those benefits which usually constitute the happiness of mankind, I find myself one of the most disgusted and discontented men alive. I have been for these many days so harassed and fatigued with such an odd unaccountable desire, that I cannot help being amazed at my infatuation, for which I often blame and rebuke myself, endeavouring to suppress and conceal it from my own reflection; but I find it is as impossible to keep the secret as if I had industriously published it to the whole world; and since it must actually be disclosed to some body, I would have it deposited in the most secret archives of your heart, in full confidence, that by the diligence which you, as a trusty friend, will exert in my behalf, when you know it, I shall soon see myself delivered from that anxiety to which it hath reduced me; and, by your assiduity, be raised to a pitch of joy equal to the degree of vexation which my own folly hath entailed upon me.'

"Lothario was astonished at this discourse of Anselmo, as he could not comprehend the mean ing of such a long preface and preamble; and endeavoured, by revolving every thing in his imagination, to find out what this desire could be, that preyed so much upon the spirits of his friend; but, finding himself always wide of the mark, he was willing to ease himself immediately of the excessive pain his suspense occasioned; and with this view, told Anselmo, that he did a manifest injury to the warmth of his friendship, in going about the bush, seeking indirect methods to impart his most secret thoughts, since he was well assured, that he might entirely depend upon him, either for advice to suppress, or assistance to support them. 'I am well convinced of the truth of what you say (answered Anselmo), and in that confidence will tell you, my friend, that the desire with which I am possessed, is to be certain, whether or not my wife, Camilla, is as virtuous and perfect as I believe her to be: and this truth I shall never be fully persuaded of, until the perfection of her nature appear upon trial, as pure

gold is proved by fire: for it is my opinion, that there is no woman virtuous but in proportion to the solicitation she hath withstood; and that she only is chaste, who hath not yielded to the promises, presents, tears, and continual importunities of persevering lovers. And pray, where is the merit in a woman's being chaste, when nobody ever courted her to be otherwise? what wonder, that she should be reserved and cautious, who has no opportunity of indulging loose inclinations, and who knows her husband would immediately put her to death, should he once catch her tripping? Wherefore, I can never entertain the same degree of esteem for a woman who is chaste out of fear, or want of opportunity, as I would for her who hath triumphed over perseverance of solicitation: so that, for these and many other reasons I could urge to sanction and enforce my opinion, I desire that my wife, Camilla, may undergo the test, and be refined in the fire of importunate addresses, by one possessed of sufficient accomplishments to inspire a woman with love; and, if she comes off, as I believe she will, victorious in the trial, I shall think my own happiness unparralleled. I shall then be able to say, that my wishes are fulfilled; and that she hath fallen to my lot, of whom the wise man saith, "Who hath found her?" And even, if the contrary of what I expect should happen, the satisfaction of seeing my opinion confirmed will help me to bear with patience that which would otherwise prove such a costly experiment. Supposing then, that nothing you can say, in opposition to this desire of mine, can avail in diverting me from my purpose, I expect and entreat that you, my friend Lothario, will condescend to be the instrument with which I execute this work of my inclination. I will give you proper opportunities, and supply you with every thing I see necessary for soliciting a woman of virtue, honour, and disinterested reserve; and what, among other things, induces me to intrust you with this enterprise, is the consideration, that, should Camilla's scruples be overcome, you will not pursue your conquest to the last circumstance of rigour, but only sup pose that done, which, for good reason, ought to remain undone; so that I shall be injured by her inclination alone, and my wrongs lie buried in the virtue of your silence, which, I know, in whatever concerns my welfare, will be eternal as that of death. Wherefore, if you would have me enjoy what deserves to be called life, you will forthwith undertake this amorous contest, not with lukewarmness and languor, but with that eagerness and diligence which corresponds with my wish, and the confidence in which I am secured by your friendship.

"Such was the discourse of Anselmo, to which Lothario listened so attentively, that, except what he is already said to have uttered, he did not open his lips, until his friend had finished

his proposal; but finding he had nothing more to allege, after having for some time gazed upon him as an object hitherto unseen, that inspired him with astonishment and surprise, I cannot be persuaded, Anselmo (said he), but what you have said was spoke in jest; for had I thought you in earnest, I should not have suffered you to proceed so far, but, by refusing to listen, have prevented such a long harangue. Without doubt, you must either mistake my disposition, or I be utterly unacquainted with yours; and yet I know you to be Anselmo, and you must be sensible that I am Lothario: the misfortune is, I no longer find you the same Anselmo you was wont to be, nor do I appear to you the same Lothario as before; your discourse savours not of that Anselmo who was my friend; nor is what you ask a thing to be demanded of that Lothario who shared your confidence. Good men, as a certain poet observes, may try and avail themselves of their friend, usque ad aras; I mean, not presume upon their friendship, in things contrary to the decrees of Heaven. Now, if a heathen entertained such ideas of friendship, how much more should they be cherished by a Christian, who knows, that no human affection ought to interfere with our love of God; and when a person stretches his connexions so far as to lay aside all respect for Heaven, in order to manifest his regard for a friend, he ought not to be swayed by trifles or matters of small consequence, but by those things only on which the life and honour of a friend depend. Tell me then, Anselmo, which of these is in danger, before I venture to gratify your wish, by complying with the detestable proposal you have made? Surely, neither; on the contrary, if I conceive you aright, you are desirous that I should indefatigably endeavour to deprive you and myself also of that very life and honour which it is my duty to preserve: for, if I rob you of honour, I rob you of life; since a man without honour is worse than dead; and I being the instrument, as you desire I should be, that entails such a curse upon you, shall not I be dishonoured, and, of consequence, dead to all enjoyment and fame? Listen with patience, my friend Anselmo, and make no answer, until I shall have done with imparting the suggestions of my mind, concerning the strange proposal you have made; for there will be time enough for you to reply, and me to listen in my turn.' - With all my heart (cried Anselmo); you may speak as long as you please.'

"Accordingly Lothario proceeded, saying, 'In my opinion, Anselmo, your disposition is at present like that of the Moors, who will not suffer themselves to be convicted of the errors of their sect, by quotations from the holy scripture, nor with arguments founded on speculation, or the articles of faith; but must be confuted or convinced by examples that are palpable, easy, familiar, and subject to the certainty of mathe

matical demonstration: for instance, if from equal parts we take equal parts, those that remain are equal. And if they do not understand this proposition verbally, as is frequently the case, it must be explained and set before their eyes by manual operation, which is also insufficient to persuade them of the truth of our holy religion. The self-same method must I prac tise with you, whose desire deviates so far from every thing that bears the least shadow of reason, that I should look upon it as time misspent, to endeavour to convince you of your folly, which is the only name your intention seems to deserve. Nay, I am even tempted to leave you in your extravagancy, as a punishment for your preposterous desire; but I am prevented from using such rigour by my friendship, which will not permit me to desert you in such manifest danger of perdition. But to make this affair still more plain, tell me, Anselmo, did not you desire me to solicit one that was reserved, seduce one that was chaste, make presents to one that was disinterested, and assiduously court one that was wise? Yes, such was your demand. If you are apprised, then, of the reserve, virtue, disinterestedness, and prudence of your wife, pray what is your aim? If you believe that she will triumph over all my assaults, as undoubtedly she will, what fairer titles can you bestow upon her, than those she possesses already? or how will she be more perfect after that trial, than she is at present ? You either do not believe she is so virtuous as you have represented her, or know not the nature of your demand. If you think she is not so chaste as you have described her, you should not hazard the trial, but rather, according to the dictates of your own prudence, treat her as a vicious woman: if you are satisfied of her virtue, it would be altogether impertinent to make trial of that truth, which, from the test, can acquire no additional esteem. From whence we may reasonably conclude, that for men to execute designs which are clearly productive of more hurt than benefit, is the province of madness and temerity, especially when they are not incited or compelled to these designs by any sort of consideration; but, on the contrary, may, at a greater distance, perceive the manifest madness of their intention. Difficulties are undertaken, either for the sake of God, of this world, or of both. The first are incurred by holy men, who live the life of angels here on earth; the second, by those who traverse the boundless ocean, visiting such a diversity of climates and nations, with a view of acquiring what are called the goods of fortune: and such undertakings as equally regard God and man fall to the share of those valiant soldiers, who no sooner behold, in the wall of an adverse city, a breach, though no bigger than that which is made by a single cannon-ball, than, laying aside all fear, and overlooking with unconcern the manifest danger that