Preferred Citation: de Zayas, Maria. The Enchantments of Love: Amorous and Exemplary Novels.

Berkeley: University of California Press, c1990 1990. http://ark.cdli .or!/ark:/1"0"0/ft#"$n "%d/

The Enchantments of Love

Amorous and Exemplary Novels Maria de Zayas
UNIVERSITY OF C LIFORNI !RESS

Berkeley Los Angeles Oxford

" #$$% The Re&ents of the University of Ca'ifornia

Preferred Citation: de Zayas, Maria. The Enchantments of Love: Amorous and Exemplary Novels. Berkeley: University of California Press, c1990 1990. http://ark.cdli .or!/ark:/1"0"0/ft#"$n "%d/

C(NO)LE*+MENTS
& sho'ld like to ackno(led!e s'pport fro) the Colle!e of *rts, +')anities, and ,ocial ,ciences at Colorado ,tate University for s'pport of vario's sta!es of )y (ork on this translation in the for) of a sa atical leave in 19$- as (ell as a .oseph ,tern research !rant, (hich ena led )e to have the do!/ eared typescript transferred to disk. .oyce Cris(ell typed fro) )y lon!hand and 0ay ,hort typed to disk. 1itho't .ay Bodine2s patient and !enero's advice, the co)p'ter )i!ht have s(allo(ed it all 'p. 3') erless st'dents, collea!'es, and friends have contri 'ted to the i)prove)ent of )y (ork, in partic'lar Mary Cro(, Bar ara 4akin, .on 5hie), Marion 6ree)an, and Maria Pilar Pere7 ,tansfield. * (ord of special appreciation !oes to 8'th 9l ,affar (ho, as director of a 3ational 9ndo()ent for the +')anities s'))er se)inar that & attended in 19:9, enco'ra!ed )e to 'ndertake this task and (ho has provided inval'a le s'pport ever since. 5he participants in that se)inar and in the first 39+ 5ranslation &nstit'te at ,anta Cr'7 ;19$:< helped in solvin! n')ero's ticklish pro le)s. 6inally, & (ish to e=press partic'lar thanks to 0athleen Mc3erney for her )any insi!hts, 8'ssell Co erly for ein! a faithf'l reader, and ,cott Mahler at the University of California Press for his !'idance. > =i >

INTRO*UCTION
5he life of Maria de Zayas y ,oto)ayor re)ains lar!ely a )ystery. 5he only facts kno(n a o't her are that she lived in Madrid d'rin! the first half of the seventeenth cent'ry and (as a reco!ni7ed literary

fi!'re. ,he (rote )'ch occasional poetry, at least one play, The Betrayal of Friendship , and t(o est/ sellin! collections of fra)ed novellas, The Enchantments of Love: Amorous and Exemplary Novels (Novelas amorosas y ejemplares , 1#":< and its se?'el, The isenchantments of Love ( esen!a"os amorosos , 1#@:<. &t is elieved that she (as no le, pro a ly the da'!hter of don 6ernando de Zayas y ,oto)ayor, a captain in the ar)y and )e) er of the elite Arder of ,antia!o, and of doBa *na de Barasa. *s a !irl, she )ay have spent ti)e in 3aples (hen don 6ernando served 'nder the ,panish viceroy, the co'nt of 4e)os ;1#10C1#1#<. 5he only conte)porary references to Zayas pertain to her literary activityD her (orks (ere hi!hly acclai)ed y s'ch nota le conte)poraries as 4ope de Ee!a, (ho praised Fher rare and 'ni?'e !eni's.F 5he first s'ch )ention occ'rs in 1#-1D there is no f'rther reference to her after the p' lication of the isenchantments in 1#@:. 5he dates and places of her irth and death have not co)e do(n to 's. 1ith so little kno(n a o't Zayas2s life, it is no (onder that scholars have set forth an a)a7in! a)o'nt of con%ect're a o't this intri!'in! (o)an. &nterpretin! state)ents )ade y characters in the novellas, critics have de ated (hether Zayas (as ea'tif'l or '!ly, (hether she )arried, re)ained a spinster, or s'ffered a devastatin! love affair and > =ii > took ref'!e in a convent like so )any of her characters. 1hat stands o't is that Maria de Zayas (as a re)arka le (o)an for her ti)e and is ackno(led!ed y +ispanists as one of the fore)ost (riters of ,pain2s Golden *!e. ,he is a)on! the first sec'lar (o)en (riters in ,pain and certainly the first to achieve s'ch !reat fa)e. Zayas2s novellas eca)e instant est sellers in ,pain and re)ained so for t(o h'ndred years, rivaled only y Cervantes2s novellas in pop'larity. H'rin! the 1#I0s, ,carron and Boisro ert translated and adapted the) into 6rench (itho't attri 'tin! the) to Zayas. Conse?'ently, the (idespread diff'sion of Zayas2s novellas in 6rance and 9n!land has redo'nded to the fa)e of her 6rench adapters. Aften her (orks (ere attri 'ted to Cervantes, 't never, o'tside of ,pain, have they achieved reco!nition as hers. 5he only direct translations of her (ork into 9n!lish are 8oscoe2s F5he Miser ChastisedF ;1$"-< and ,t'rrock2s A #hameful $even!e ;19#"<, in fact a lively adaptation of t(o enchant)ents and si= disenchant)ents. 1ith the rise of s' %ective criticis) in the nineteenth cent'ry, the pop'larity of Zayas2s (orks (aned precipito'sly. 8eno(ned historian of ,panish literat're Geor!e 5icknor (rote of the Enchantments in 1$@9: F*ltho'!h (ritten y a lady of the co'rt, the (ork is the filthiest and )ost i))odest that & have ever read.F &n 19-9, the fa)o's Ger)an +ispanist 4'd(i! Pfandl (rote: FCan there e anythin! )ore !ross and o scene, )ore nonaesthetic and rep'lsive, than a (o)an (ho (rites lascivio's, dirty, sadistic, and )orally corr'pt storiesJF 5his kind of )asc'linist criticis) res'lted in a total eclipse: her (orks at last disappeared. 5he t(entieth cent'ry has prod'ced a fe( editions, (hich soon (ent o't of print. *!'stin G. de *)e7'a p' lished a'thoritative editions of the Novelas amorosas y ejemplares in 19@$ ;'sed for this translation< and the esen!a"os amorosos in 19I0D Maria Martine7 del Portal reedited these t(o scholarly versions in a pop'lar edition in 19:"D at present the Novelas amorosas y ejemplares is not availa le in ,panishD the esen!a"os amorosos has recently appeared in *licia Kllera2s s'per scholarly version ;19$"<. ,o, despite the lon! pop'larity of Zayas2s (ork in ,pain and its intrinsic )erit as a ,panish and a (orld classic, this is the first co)plete translation of the Enchantments into 9n!lish. 5he fate of her (ork reflects historical attit'des to(ard (o)en thro'!h ti)e and c'lt're. 8e)arka le, then, is the fact that, in an a!e (hen (o)en received little if any for)al ed'cation, Zayas

)ana!ed to eco)e hi!hly literate and set pen to paper. ,he p' lished her (orks in a society (here, as > =iii > a r'le, (o)en had no place in p' lic life and had no voice. Zayas felt it necessary to defend herself as a (o)an (riter in her fore(ord to the Enchantments , F5o the 8eader.F 5he need for for)al ed'cation of !irls and the i)portance of (o)en havin! a voice, of ein! a le to co))'nicate, infor) oth collections of novellas. Beca'se of her co))it)ent to these tenets, Zayas has een reco!ni7ed as a (o)en2s advocate and a fe)inist in the )odern sense of the ter). Zayas read (idely and kne( thoro'!hly the literat're of her day, (hich she 'sed as a ase for her fictions. 5o appreciate her art, it is helpf'l to have so)e infor)ation on the !enres she c'ltivated. Cervantes, in the prolo!'e to his Exemplary Novels ;1#1"<, affir)ed that he (as the first in ,pain to (rite the e=e)plary novella )odeled on the &talian 8enaissance novella. 5his ele!ant !enre differs s' stantially fro) the ancient and naive folktale (hich has persisted do(n thro'!h the a!es in that the stories are lon!er, )ore co)ple= and sophisticated. Cervantes2s novellas ste) fro) the tradition of Boccaccio2s ecameron ;1"I0<, a (ork that radically infl'enced the develop)ent of the narrative in 9'rope. &n 9n!land, 6rance, &taly, and ,pain, )any !reat (riters )ade artf'l 'se of &talian tales, incl'din! Cha'cer, ,hakespeare, Mar!'erite de 3avarre, ,carron, Moliere, Mas'ccio, Bandello, Cervantes, 4ope de Ee!a, and 5irso de Molina. Maria de Zayas (rote in the sa)e fashiona le &talianate tradition. Characteristic of Zayas2s art, as of all 8enaissance literat're, is the in!enio's re(orkin! of accepted plots and literary conventions to create a ne( (ork. 1e reco!ni7e in her stories )otifs re)iniscent of Cha'cer2s %anter&ury Tales , ,hakespeare2s &talianate plays, Moliere, and Cervantes, eca'se they derive fro) the sa)e 8enaissance tradition. 5he )odern reader, for)ed (ithin this co))on literary herita!e, is fa)iliar (ith the reiterated plot ele)ents, styli7ed lan!'a!e, and artificial conventions, (hile the scholar finds it diffic'lt, if not i)possi le, to point (ith certainty to the ori!inal so'rce of these ele)ents. Zayas dre( fro) all the narrative and poetic literat're in vo!'e in her day: chivalric, senti)ental, pastoral, picares?'e, Moorish, and By7antine as (ell as the &talianate love story. ,he also )ade e=tensive 'se of )otifs fro) ,pain2s )ost pop'lar !enre d'rin! the Golden *!e, the comedia . 1e still deli!ht in the tantali7in! sta!e device of the (o)an dis!'ised as a )an, and anyone fa)iliar (ith Calderon2s loodc'rdlin! honor tra!edies (ill reco!ni7e very si)ilar scenes in Zayas2s (orks, especially in the isenchantments . 9ven the rich and > =iv > pop'lar allad tradition finds echo in her poe)s. Many scholars, )ost nota ly 9d(in Place, have st'died her 'se of so'rces to concl'de that her stories have a hi!hly ori!inal and 'ni?'e sta)p. Before disc'ssin! her stories, a rief e=planation of ter)inolo!y and the titles is in order. 5he ter) Fnovella,F as in the ori!inal title Novelas amorosas y ejemplares , desi!nates a fairly e=tensive, co)ple=, prose narrative ased on the fashiona le &talian )odel. Undo' tedly the pri)ary inspiration for Zayas2s (ork (as Cervantes2s Exemplary Novels ;1#1"<. 5he !enre eca)e i))ediately pop'lar in ,pain as it already (as else(here in 9'rope. &n the a'thor2s FBe!innin!F to The Enchantments of Love: Amorous and Exemplary Novels , (e learn that, y 1#":, the ter) (as so over'sed that it had lost its appeal. 5he or!ani7er of the soirees, (hich )ake 'p the fra)e for the stories, instr'cted the storytellers to tell Fenchant)entsF instead: F&n 'sin! this ter), she (anted to avoid the co))on ter) 2novella,2 so

trite that it (as no( entirely o't of fashion.F ,o, in spite of the (ork2s title, the stories the)selves are called Fenchant)ents.F 5he ,panish (ord & have translated as Fenchant)ent,F maravilla , accords (ith the oft/stated ai) of Golden *!e literat're to Ffill (ith (onder, to a)a7eF ;)aravillar<. &n place of the literal F)arvel,F & have chosen to 'se the (ord Fenchant)entsF for the stories and have also added it to the ori!inal title in order to 'nderscore the relationship et(een the first and the second parts of Zayas2s (ork ;The Enchantments of Love: Amorous and Exemplary Novels , 1#":, and The isenchantments of Love , 1#@:< and to e)phasi7e the (ord Fdisenchant)ent.F 5his ter) constit'tes a pri)ary the)e in all t(enty novellas, desi!nates the stories of the second part, and is the ,panish title of the second part, esen!a"os amorosos . 5he ,panish (ord desen!a"o has no !ood e?'ivalent in 9n!lishD it does not ?'ite )ean Fdisenchant)ent,F %'st as maravilla is not the sa)e as Fenchant)ent.F esen!a"o is the ne!ation of the (ord en!a"o , (hich )eans Fdeceit/deceptionF so, literally, desen!a"o )eans the state or process of ein! F'n/deceived,F Fdisa 'sed of error,F Fseein! the li!ht.F 5his concept, then, adds )eanin! to the ter) Fe=e)plaryFD fro) readin! the novellas, the reader sho'ld learn and take e=a)ple, sho'ld Fsee the li!ht.F +ispanists 'se the ter) desen!a"o to descri e the overall the)e of seventeenth/cent'ry ,panish literat're, partic'larly (hen st'dyin! its aro?'e aspects. 5he )ost )ovin! ill'stration of desen!a"o occ'rs in *lonso L'i%ano2s death ed disavo(al of ooks > =v > of chivalry, of kni!ht/errantry, and of his identity as don L'i=ote. +e recovers his sanity and Fsees the li!ht.F En!a"o , ho( )en deceive or enchant (o)en, and desen!a"o ho( (o)en sho'ld see thro'!h the deception, are f'nda)ental the)es in oth parts. 5o stress the i)portance of these t(o concepts and to reiterate the reciprocal relationship et(een the t(o parts, & refer to the) as the Enchantments and the isenchantments and 'se the ter) !enerically to differentiate the novellas fro) each of the t(o parts. &ne=trica ly intert(ined (ith the pervasive the)e of desen!a"o is the the)e of love et(een a handso)e !allant and a lovely lady. &t appears in )yriad for)s fro) ra( l'st, rape, and eroticis) to rit'ali7ed co'rtship, tr'e love, and )arital relationship. 4ove is not treated philosophically 't rather is taken as an inevita le fact of life, a po(erf'l and irrational force eyond the individ'al2s control. Pro le)s arise eca'se )en and (o)en have vastly different notions of (hat love is. *ccordin! to literary convention, the instant a )an sees a ea'tif'l (o)an, he desires si)ply to en%oy her favors (itho't havin! to co))it hi)self to )arria!e, and he calls this love. * (o)an, (hen she sees herself co'rted y a handso)e !allant, (ants to select for herself a )an (ho pro)ises to e a lovin! h's and ;there y conf'sin! s'itor and h's and<, and she calls this love. Generally, Zayas2s )en are characteri7ed as fickle and her (o)en as constant. Men deceive in order to !et their (ay and (o)en, ine=perienced and cred'lo's, let the)selves e deceived. 5he clash et(een their intentions prod'ces disenchant)ent. 5his a!onistic approach to love is f'rther co)plicated y the iss'e of honor. &n Zayas2s novellas, honor confor)s to the ri!id literary code of honor, (hich reflects social attit'des that still persist in o'r societyMna)ely, that )en ;father, rother, h's and, ch'rch, and state< have the ri!ht and the responsi ility to control (o)en2s se='ality. 5he tension derives fro) the fact that a (o)an2s p'rity, her chastity, )'st re)ain intact (hile )en, (hether sin!le or )arried, devote their ener!y and their c'nnin! to the con?'est of that fortress. 5raditionally, a pro)ise of )arria!e )ade in the presence of a (itness (as considered indin!. ;&t (as not 'ntil 1I@I that )arria!e eca)e a sacra)ent.< &n Zayas2s

(ork, a )an2s )ost vile deception (as the a 'se of this sacred pro)ise that allo(ed hi) to have his pleas're (hile it left the tr'stin! (o)an dishonored and, like *)inta, faced (ith death. &nterestin!ly, ho(ever, in F*)inta Heceived and +onor2s > =vi > 8even!e,F *)inta aven!es her dishonor and finds a happy )arria!e, as does doBa +ipolita in F.'st Hesserts,F s'!!estin! that the loss of vir!inity does not necessarily r'in a (o)an forever. &n 1#09, 4ope de Ee!a (rote that honor (as the est dra)atic s' %ect, and every one of Zayas2s novellas treats so)e aspect of this 'nhappy the)e. ;&t is i)portant to distin!'ish et(een conventional literary treat)ent of co'rtship, honor, and )arria!e and act'al social practices.< Zayas2s characters, 'nlike Calderon2s, do not typically rail o't a!ainst the loody honor code, altho'!h several do acc'se )en of e=a!!eratin! its i)portance in order to oppress (o)en, as (e see in the epi!raph to this ook. &n the novellas, honor represents (o)en2s v'lnera ility, that (hich !ives )en po(er over the). 6or this reason, there is insistence that (o)en ass')e responsi ility for their o(n honor, to s'ch a de!ree that they sho'ld e trained in s(ords)anship so they can properly defend the)selves and (o)en2s !ood na)e. 5his )essa!e 'nderlies the enchant)ents, as in F*)inta Heceived and +onor2s 8even!e,F and eco)es e=plicit in the disenchant)ents. 5he honor code )ay strike the )odern reader either as too artificial and literary, or as characteristic of a ar aric, F)acho,F society. 3evertheless, !iven that )en2s violence a!ainst (o)en is still a reality in even the )ost advanced societies, honor, insofar as it represents )en2s po(er over (o)en, contin'es to e a deeply e)otional iss'e. 6or that reason, the the)e of honor is rich in dra)atic and tra!ic potential, partic'larly (hen presented fro) the (o)an2s point of vie(. &n the Enchantments , (e find fe)ale characters deceived and so)eti)es dishonored, 't the e)phasis is on ho( these (o)en cope (ith deception. 5hey e=plore their options and atte)pt to control their destinies in a variety of (ays, not the least of (hich is (ithdra(al into the convent. 5he isenchantments , ho(ever, foc's al)ost e=cl'sively on 'n%'stified (ife a 'se, tort're, and killin!, often in the na)e of honor. &n this (ork, the central the)e is (o)en2s po(erlessness and ina ility to cope, e=pressed in e=tre)e and i7arre cases of fe)ale victi)i7ation and )ale cr'elty. Zayas2s artf'lly foc'sed e=a)ination of se= roles as depicted in literat're )akes her (ork coherent and 'ni?'e. 1hereas earlier (riters, like Boccaccio and Mar!'erite de 3avarre, playf'lly e=ploited the attle of the se=es and a less ri!id version of the honor code, Zayas refined the iss'es and their i)plications. ,he did, ho(ever, 'se her reno(ned predecessors as )odels in str'ct'rin! her t(o collections aro'nd one > =vii > central fra)e, (hich !rad'ally develops into an e=e)plary tale in itself. 1hile oth collections clearly co)e fro) the sa)e pen, their stories are as different fro) each other as day and ni!ht. 5he Enchantments contains ten co'rtly novellas narrated y five (o)en and five )en at a series of five lavish Christ)as soirees held for the p'rpose of entertainin! the lovely 4ysis, ill (ith the ?'artan fever. 5his co'rtly fra)e develops the character of the ten narrators, provides opport'nity for co))entary on the stories, and, eca'se it contin'es thro'!ho't the second part, serves to 'nify Zayas2s t(o collections of novellas. 5he isenchantments repeats the str'ct're of the first part in that there are ten e=e)plary tales narrated y characters fro) the ori!inal fra)e story. &n the Enchantments , the fra)e see)s )ostly decorative as it descri es cost')e and ela orate

entertain)ents consistin! of )'sic, skits, )asked alls, and s')pt'o's an?'ets. 5he plot presents the a)oro's intri!'e of don .'an2s chan!e of affectionMfro) the hostess, 4ysis, to her co'sin 4isardaM and is co)plicated y the fact that don .'an2s friend, don Hie!o, e!ins to co'rt 4ysis. *t the end of the Enchantments , the 3arrator concl'des: F& end )y (ell/intentioned and entertainin! soiree, pro)isin! a second part if this one is received (ith the pleas're & hope. &n the second part, (e shall see don .'an2s in!ratit'de, 4isarda2s chan!e of heart, and 4ysis2s (eddin!. & hope )y (ork is appreciated, val'ed, and praised, not )y ro'!h style, 't the (ill (ith (hich it has een (ritten.F 5he second set of soirees (as planned for 3e( Kear2s Hay to cele rate 4ysis2s )arria!e to don Hie!o. 5he occasion !ets postponed for over a year in the fra)e, altho'!h ten years separate the p' lication of the t(o parts. An this occasion, the hostess 4ysis esta lishes r'les: only (o)en (ill narrateD the tales )'st e tr'e Fcase historiesF to enli!hten, or disenchant, (o)en a o't )en2s deceptionsD and they )'st e in defense of (o)en2s !ood na)e. *fter hearin! the ten disenchant)ents, told accordin! to her stip'lations, 4ysis sees the li!ht and decides not to )arry her adorin! s'itor. ,he prefers to retire fro) the (orld to live a sec'lar life in the convent. 6o'r other ladies %oin her. *fter the soirees end, the 3arrator concl'des the ook y statin!: Fthis end is not tra!ic 't rather the happiest that one co'ld have asked for, eca'se she, (anted and desired y )any, did not s' %ect herself to anyone.F 5his st'nnin! concl'sion, so si)ilar to the end of M)e de 4a 6ayette2s 'rincesse de %leves , (as p' lished so)e thirty years prior to the 6rench )asterpiece. > =viii > * principal difference et(een the t(o parts, then, is the (ay the isenchantments 'nfolds fro) the Enchantments D the fra)e story ela orates a coherent fe)inist )essa!e, (hich prod'ces a !reater 'nity and ho)o!eneity in the ten stories. 5he Enchantments , on the other hand, is characteri7ed y the variety of the ten stories and a hi!hly s' tle fe)inis). 5he distinctions et(een the five tales narrated y (o)en and the five y )en, and the variation in plots, tones, and te=t'res de)and reader interpretation. *s in Cervantes2s Exemplary Novels , the ten enchant)ents represent a )i= of very different kinds of novellas: there are a pastoral and a By7antine tale, t(o satires, t(o )iracle stories, and honor pieces (ith cloak and da!!er ele)ents. 1hen read fro) a fe)inist perspective, these stories and their ironies raise a host of ?'estions (hich are left to the reader to ans(er. 1hat, for e=a)ple, do (e kno( a o't the fra)e narratorJ +o( are )ale and fe)ale characters depictedJ 1ho is the central characterJ 1hat does the end )eanJ Besides raisin! provocative ?'estions, each of the ten enchant)ents relies on so)e sort of catchy device intended to enchant and a)a7e ;)aravillar<. 5here are, for e=a)ple, several po(erf'l and prophetic drea)s ;F9verythin! Eent'redF<, and t(o )iracles, interestin!ly (orked y Christ and not y the Eir!in ;F5ri')ph over the &)possi leF and F5he Po(er of 4oveF<. God sends an a(eso)e (arnin! to .'ana thro'!h the !host of a for)er lover in FHisill'sion)ent in 4ove and Eirt'e 8e(arded.F 5he devil plays a key part in F5he Ma!ic GardenF and in the first edition endin! of F5he Miser2s 8e(ard.F Ma!ic and the s'pernat'ral are pervasive in )edieval and 8enaissance literat're and in Zayas2s novellas. 5reated sarcastically at ti)es, )a!ic see)s to represent a fashiona le and flashy literary device, 't (e sho'ld ear in )ind that this (as the a!e of (itchh'nts in northern 9'rope. ;&n ,pain, there (ere fe( (itch trials, as the 7eal of the ,panish &n?'isition (as directed a!ainst heretics rather than (itches and )a!icians. Ma!ic and (itchcraft are si!nificant fe)inist iss'es in that the persec'tion of (itches (as, in fact, a persec'tion of (o)en, and the pheno)enon points o't (o)en2s lack of po(er in posth')anist societies.< Hon Marcos is fooled y a farcical )a!ician ;F5he Miser2s 8e(ardF<. 4a'ra ;F5he Po(er of 4ove< and .'ana ;FHisill'sion)ent in 4ove and Eirt'e 8e(ardedF< seek the aid of a )a!ician in their f'tile efforts to hold the affections of their lovers. 4'crecia, in the latter story,

e=ercises po(erf'l spells to keep her don 6ernando en/ > =i= > chanted. *n appealin! dra)atic device is the (o)an dis!'ised as a )an (ho sets o't to redress so)e (ron! ;F9verythin! Eent'red,F F*)inta Heceived and +onor2s 8even!e,F and F.'d!e 5hyselfF<. 5he t(o (itty satires ;F5he Miser2s 8e(ardF and F6ore(arned 't not 6orear)edF< derive )'ch of their h')or fro) delicio'sly e=a!!erated sit'ations, as (e see in the description of don Marcos2s r'de a(akenin! the )ornin! after his (eddin! ni!ht, or (hen don 6adri?'e teaches his si)ple ride her )arital d'ty. 5he isenchantments , on the other hand, relies on violence and irrationality for effect. Beca'se of the !ro'nd r'les that define the disenchant)ents, the differentiation et(een )en2s and (o)en2s stories is eli)inated and there is less irony and less left to the i)a!ination. 5he disenchant)ents see) to raise ?'estions a o't h')an ehavior rather than a o't ho( the tales are told. 5hey are i7arre and shockin!, even to the )odern )ovie/!oer, in their depiction of fe)ale victi)i7ation and )ale r'tality. 5hro'!h a )etic'lo's process of 'ndeception, or disenchant)ent, these novellas deconstr'ct the fa)iliar and see)in!ly conventional literary 'niverse esta lished in the Enchantments . ,i= of the ten enchant)ents, for e=a)ple, end in an ostensi ly happy )arria!e, t(o (o)en enter the convent, and the t(o satires end (ith the death of the foolish )ale prota!onist. &n contrast, si= of the ten disenchant)ents end in vicio's (ife )'rder, and the other fo'r depict tra')atic tort're and persec'tion of the fe)ale prota!onist efore she takes ref'!e in the convent. 5he enchant)ents !enerally treat co'rtship in a (ay re)iniscent of 4ope de Ee!a2s cloak and da!!er plays, (hile the disenchant)ents treat )arria!e in the style of Calderon2s honor tra!edies, 't in oth cases stressin! !ender perspective. 5he !ro'ndin! of the novellas in (ell/kno(n literat're is f'nda)ental to Zayas2s creative techni?'e and her ori!inality in that one of her ai)s is to de)onstrate ho( literat're (ritten y )en pro%ects a ne!ative and da)a!in! i)a!e of (o)en, an ai) that rin!s to )ind the )odern concern a o't the infl'ence of the )edia on thinkin! and val'es. 5his is s'))ed 'p in the FBe!innin!F to the isenchantments as Zeli)a e!ins the first tale: FMy lady, yo' have co))anded )e toni!ht to tell a disenchant)ent to ca'tion ladies a o't )en2s deceptions and their c'nnin!, and also to defend (o)en2s !ood na)e in an a!e (hen it has fallen so lo( that no one ever hears or speaks a !ood (ord a o't the). (ithout a sin!le exception) there is no play > == > sta!ed or any &oo* printed that is not a total offense a!ainst +omen Nitalics )ineO.F 5here (as, of co'rse, at least one e=ception: Zayas2s o(n Enchantments , p' lished ten years efore. 3e( in Zayas2s (ork is the conscio's fe)ini7ation of a tre)endo's array of )otifs taken fro) a hi!hly refined, )ale/prod'ced literat're. &n the Enchantments , this fe)ini7ation is seen in the difference et(een the five stories narrated y (o)en and the five narrated y )en, in the perspective of the prota!onists, in the (ay the character/narrators portray )ale and fe)ale characters, and in the pervasive irony. *ll five of the (o)en2s stories have stron! fe)ale prota!onists (ho are no le in character, constant in love, and perfor) so)e heroic deed. 5he )en2s prota!onists reveal serio's )oral fla(s. Anly t(o of the five )en2s tales have fe)ale prota!onists: doBa +ipolita, in F.'st Hesserts,F is of d' io's )oral fi er, and 9stela, in F.'d!e 5hyself,F attri 'tes her heroic valor to her love for don Carlos, as opposed to the (o)en2s self/)otivated prota!onists like *)inta. &ronically, after 9stela eco)es viceroy of Ealencia and reveals that she is, in fact, a (o)an, the honors she has (on thro'!h

her herois) are transferred to her less valiant h's and. &n the other three )en2s tales, the (o)en in so)e (ay deceive or etray the )ale prota!onist. &n F5ri')ph Aver the &)possi le,F don 8odri!o stands o't as one of the )ore a) i!'o's of the )en2s prota!onists. &n order to )erit the hand of his tr'e love, doBa 4eonor, he !oes off to (ar in 6landers, (here he ind'l!es in a hi!hly 'nconventional dalliance. +e ne!lects to (rite to doBa 4eonor and ret'rns ho)e )ore than a year later than he had pro)ised. 5hen he la)es doBa 4eonor for her etrayal in )arryin! another )an, even tho'!h he kno(s that her parents, in order to force her into the 'ndesired )arria!e, treachero'sly told her that he had )arried in 6landers. 5his tale, narrated y a )an fro) the perspective of its fla(ed )ale prota!onist, rin!s into contrast the advent'reso)e, novelistic, lives of )en and the cloistered, restricted, and 'ninterestin!, lives of (o)en. 5he )en2s tales differ si!nificantly fro) the (o)en2s in )any other (ays. 5hey have a )ore artificial, literary ?'ality, (ith a polish and an intellect'al control in their )anip'lation of traditional so'rces (hich tend to distance the reader fro) the action and the characters. 5hey see) )ore a) i!'o's, perhaps eca'se they are narrated y those F)asters of deception,F perhaps eca'se of the ironic 'nder)inin! of )asc'linist disco'rse. Af the t(enty novellas, the only three that contain h')or are )en2s tales. F5he Miser2s 8e(ardF is a (itty > ==i > satire of a )an2s avarice. F6ore(arned 't not 6orear)edF satiri7es a )an (ho, fearin! that a clever (o)an (ill dishonor hi), deli erately )arries a )indless (o)an and, too late, learns his lesson. 1ith delicio's h')or, oth foc's on the )ale prota!onist (ho deceives and is hi)self deceived. Both (ere translated into 6rench y ,carron and so, indirectly, ca)e to serve as inspiration for Moliere2s L,avare and L,ecole des femmes . &t is interestin! to note, fro) a c'rsory revie( of Zayas2s stories adapted into 6rench and 9n!lish, that the five )en2s tales have far o'tstripped in pop'larity the fifteen (o)en2s tales. *nother fre?'ently adapted )en2s tale (ith several hi!hly co)ic )o)ents is F.'st Hesserts.F 5he prota!onist, doBa +ipolita, deceives her !ood h's and, 'lti)ately ca'sin! his death. ,he is raped y her rother/in/la(, (ho) she )'rders. &n the end, she )arries the co)passionate !entle)an (ho resc'ed her fro) certain death, and, (e are ass'red, they lived happily ever after. 1hen (e ponder (hat he kno(s a o't her character, ho(ever, (e )'st (onder (hat kind of )arria!e they (ill have. 5he conventional happy endin! (ith )arria!e as the sol'tion to a (o)an2s pro le)s, as (ell as the title itself, appear to e hi!hly ironic. *s the )en2s tales vary in type, so do the (o)en2s. ,everal stress (hat happens after )arria!e ;F5he Po(er of 4oveF and FHisill'sion)ent in 4ove and Eirt'e 8e(ardedF<. +'s ands are all too often 'nfaithf'l, ne!lectf'l, and physically a 'sive. 1ife atterin! is, in fact, the the)e of F5he Po(er of 4oveF and later eco)es the central foc's of the isenchantments . 5his story is one of the )ost )ovin! of the enchant)ents in its description of don Hie!o2s transfor)ation fro) lovin! s'itor into a 'sive h's and, and of 4a'ra2s solit'de and helplessness. &n the end, her h's and reali7es the Fpo(er of her love,F 't she has learned her lessonD 'na le to tr'st hi), she chooses life in the convent. &n tone, the five (o)en2s stories see) )ore serio's, inti)ate, and h')an, allo(in! the reader to identify )ore closely (ith the characters, (hich are etter developed than in the )en2s stories. &n (o)en2s tales as (ell as )en2s, fe)ale characters tend to e depicted as helpless and driven to resort to )a!ic or needin! a co)passionate )an to resc'e the). Contrary to the &talianate tradition, the only (o)en (ho deceive )en occ'r either in the )en2s tales or as secondary, and evil, characters. Ance ena)ored, the (o)en2s prota!onists are invaria ly constant in their love. ,o)e 'ndertake heroic action

and so, in effect, resc'e the)selves, al eit (ith the assistance of > ==ii > a )an. Beca'se the novellas tend to e ipartite rather than 'nitary, (ith t(o separate parts to the plot and at least t(o distinct )essa!es ;e.!., FHisill'sion)ent in 4ove and Eirt'e 8e(ardedF<, it is diffic'lt to characteri7e the) in si)ple ter)s, 't, si!nificantly, the (o)en2s tales present a (ide ran!e of fe)ale e=perience and fe)inine fantasy. 5he contrast et(een the t(o kinds of enchant)ents is enhanced y the fact that )en2s and (o)en2s tales occ'r on alternate ni!hts. An the last ni!ht, the concl'din! stories are don .'an2s F.'d!e 5hyself,F a re(orkin! of a novella y 4ope de Ee!a, and 4a'ra2s F5he Ma!ic Garden,F a re(orkin! of a Boccaccio tale. 5o the )odern reader, these t(o )ay see) the )ost contrived, 't, as the final enchant)ents, they represent a c'l)inatin! irony in the (ay they treat their so'rces and in the post're of their narrators. F.'d!e 5hyself,F told y the arro!ant don .'an, is a prototypical fe)inist tale. &t is ased, not only on 4ope2s novella, 't also on the historical/le!endary precedents of .oan of *rc, L'een Christina of ,(eden, and ,pain2s lady lie'tenant, Catalina 9ra'so, three vira!os )ade pop'lar y the comedia . 5he By7antine advent'res of the prota!onist, 9stela, incl'de a d'ction, enslave)ent, se='al assa'lt, and ti)ely resc'e y the Prince of 6e7. By dint of her e=traordinary valor, she eco)es a captain in the 9)peror Charles E2s cavalry and rises so hi!h in his favor that he appoints her viceroy of Ealencia. 5he first case ro'!ht efore the ne( viceroy is her o(n disappearance. 1hen she reveals her tr'e identity, her titles and honors are transferred to her 'nheroic h's and. 1hy is it that the arro!ant don .'an narrates the tale of an i)pro a ly heroic fe)ale prota!onist, a (o)an dis!'ised as a )an (ho achieves !reat )ilitary and political po(erJ *nd (hy does this tale follo( on the heels of don 4ope2s characteri7ation of doBa 4eonor, in F5ri')ph Aver the &)possi le,F as a (o)an (ho has no )eans (hatsoever for controllin! her lifeJ 5he final tale, F5he Ma!ic Garden,F f'rther e=e)plifies the s' tle fe)inis) of the enchant)ents (hich )'st e e=trapolated fro) the action, characters, narrative points of vie(, ironies, and fro) (hat is not said. *t the end of this final story, the fra)e characters de ate (ho is no lest: the h's and, the lover, or the devil. 9ach has ehaved i!no ly. 3one of the fra)e characters, ho(ever, defends the !en'ine no ility of the faithf'l (ife, Constan7a, (ho preferred death to dishonor. &ndeed, they la)e her for settin! an i)possi le price on her honor (hen the tr'e ca'se of the crisis is the lover (ho co'rted an honora le )arried (o)an and resorted to a pact (ith the devil to > ==iii > !et his (ay (ith her. 5his tale, narrated y the hostess2s )other, is in fact a prototypical )asc'line story reco'nted in si)ilar for) y Boccaccio ;P, I< and y Cha'cer ;F5he 6ranklin2s 5aleF<. ,ince it is told y the )ost i)portant fe)ale narrator and is the concl'din! story in the first part, (e cannot fail to perceive that the tr'e prota!onist is Constan7aD the other characters, incl'din! Constan7a2s sister, 5heodosia, reveal serio's )oral fla(s. 3or can (e overlook the irony of the fra)e characters2 )isinterpretation of the story (hich c'l)inates in the arro!ant don .'an2s (innin! the pri7e for playin! the devil2s advocate so Fdivinely.F ;+is na)e )ay e ironic as (ell, since 5irso de Molina2s fa)o's don .'an play (as prod'ced in 1#"0, only seven years efore the p' lication of the Enchantments .< 5he s' tlety of this s' version of a )asc'linist story and a )asc'linist interpretation of it keeps Zayas2s readers on their toes. 5hese n'ances (o'ld have een easily 'nderstood y a seventeenth/cent'ry a'dience, acc'sto)ed to decipherin! the riddle of )eanin! y lookin! eyond deceptive appearances.

*s previo'sly )entioned, the enchant)ents ca'se the reader to ask ?'estions. 5ales like F.'d!e 5hyself,F F5he Ma!ic Garden,F and F5ri')ph Aver the &)possi leF co'ld and, perhaps, sho'ld e narrated fro) a different point of vie(. 5hat is, the fact that a fe)ale narrator tells a )asc'linist story, and a )ale narrator tells a fe)inist story, accent'ates the i)portance of the identity and relia ility of the narrator and, conse?'ently, of the a'thor. Ane of the )ore intri!'in! ?'estions (e can ask is: (hy this detailJ 9ach story contains p'77lin! and see)in!ly !rat'ito's details that )ay e fra'!ht (ith si!nificance. &n the )en2s stories, !enerally )ore ti!htly knit, the ?'estions refer to fla(s in character ;e.!., doBa +ipolita, don 8odri!o< (hereas, in the (o)en2s stories, the ?'estions 's'ally relate to plot ele)ents. 1hy, for e=a)ple, doesn2t .acinta )arry her resc'er 6a io at the end of F9verythin! Eent'redFJ Ar, (hy did 4a'ra spend three ho'rs in the charnel ho'seJ 5his kind of ?'estion, so e=ploited y television series, rin!s alive the character of the narrators, involves the reader, and re)oves the stories fro) neat predicta ility. &n her fe)inis), Zayas (rote (ithin the tradition of the )edieval F(o)an ?'estionF de ates that flo'rished in ,pain and else(here in 9'rope and inspired a n') er of a)'sin! comedias ;see Mat'lka2s article<. 1hat is ne( is that Zayas (edded the philosophical ar!')ents in defense of (o)en (ith e=e)plary fiction, a !enre of risin! pop'larity. *ltho'!h the Enchantments and the isenchantments differ > ==iv > in the (ay they present their fe)inist )essa!e, oth collections (ere (ritten pri)arily to entertain and to entertain oth )en and (o)enD they did, in fact, eco)e est sellers and re)ained so for over t(o h'ndred years. &n F5o the 8eader,F (e see that Zayas (as concerned fro) the very e!innin! to e=plore the !ender i)plications of the )essa!e inherent in literat're: (hat does literat're co))'nicate to )en and (o)en, a o't )en and (o)en, and ho(J An the asis of the a)a7in! s'ccess of the Enchantments , it (o'ld see) that she felt enco'ra!ed to stren!then the defense of (o)en in the isenchantments . &n the disenchant)ents, it is easier to identify s' te=ts, or ele)ents dra(n fro) other (orks, s'ch as Cervantes2s F5he Man 1ho 1as 5oo C'rio's for +is A(n Good,F or Calderon2s F,'r!eon of +is +onor,F as (ell as re(orked ele)ents fro) the Enchantments . *ll the novellas, ho(ever, stress the interplay et(een a )asc'linist perspective and a fe)inist perspective in te=t and s' te=t. 5his conscio's pastiche techni?'e of re(orkin! reco!ni7a le )otifs is f'nda)ental to Zayas2s fe)ini7ation of Golden *!e literat're and to her reso'ndin!ly )odern fe)inist )essa!e. &n oth parts, the co)pellin! criticis) is directed a!ainst a society (hose social instit'tions ;co'rtship, the ri!id honor code, )arria!e, the fa)ily< and c'lt'ral instit'tions ;ed'cation and the arts, (hich (e sho'ld e?'ate (ith the )edia< conspire to oppress (o)en and to deny the) access to po(er. Zayas created her )asterpiece pri)arily to entertain, 't to entertain at the e=pense of a literat're and a theater (hose pop'larity (as rooted in the ne!ative depiction of (o)en, so evident in 5irso2s don .'an 5enorio, (ho has co)e to e one of 1estern literat're2s )ost (idely interpreted heroes. &n seventeenth/cent'ry ,panish society, as opposed to literat're, the (ell/to/do !irl had only one decision to )ake in her lifeti)e: (hether to )arry or to enter the convent. 3or)ally, even this decision (as )ade for her y her parents, (ho typically deter)ined a da'!hter2s f't're, e it )arria!e or convent, efore p' erty. *s (e see in the epi!raph, a (o)an2s stat's, indeed her very identity, (as controlled y her parents, y her h's and, or y the ch'rch, and there (as no place in ,panish society for the respecta le sin!le (o)an e=cept the convent. 5his e=plains (hy the choice of a h's and and )arria!e represented the cr'cial events in the life of a ,panish (o)an. &t also e=plains (hy (o)en2s

po(erlessness is s'ch an i)portant the)e in Zayas2s novellas. *)inta2s reven!e, 9stela2s heroic e=ploits, even > ==v > Clara2s constancy, represent fantasies rather than options availa le to the avera!e ,panish (o)an. &n contrast, a )an2s life, his identity, (as not circ')scri ed or even li)ited y )arria!e. Given the a!e/ old do' le standard, )en (ere al(ays free to (o)ani7e, to en!a!e in the chase in an effort to con?'er a (o)an2s chastity. 5o a )asc'line p' lic, the Fhappily ever afterF )arria!e in literat're sy) oli7ed the )ale con?'est of the fe)ale ;other(ise called Fsocial order restoredF<. Marria!e, as a literary device, (as a cele ration of )asc'line tri')ph (hile, for a fe)inine p' lic, )arria!e (as only the e!innin! of (hat )i!ht t'rn into an e=cr'ciatin! honor tra!edy, as is po(erf'lly depicted in the disenchant)ents ;see the entry on F)arria!eF in Bar ara G. 1alker2s The (oman,s Encyclopedia of -yths and #ecrets <. * (o)an2s only s're e=ercise of self/deter)ination and self/protection lay in the decision to enter the convent. &t (as not 'nco))on for an 'pper/class ,panish (o)an to retire to a convent. 5his did not necessarily )ean that she eca)e a n'n or took vo(s, 't rather that she chose to live her life in an environ)ent protected fro) a society that had no place for the sin!le (o)an. 5he convent represented a safeho'se for those (ho (ished to a andon the arena of a)oro's str'!!le, (hich is ho( Zayas depicted life in society. &n fe)inine literat're, to enter the convent sy) oli7es a ret'rn to sisterhood, to the fe)inine. * fe( of her characters do take their vo(s, 't )any, like 4ysis, si)ply (ithdra( fro) the (orld (hile contin'in! to live a sec'lar life filled (ith all the co)forts their rich estates afford: ela orate dress, servants, )'sic, soirees, even s'itors. 1ith re!ard to the reli!io's di)ension of the novellas, it is diffic'lt for 's in the t(entieth cent'ry to 'nderstand the nat're of Catholicis) in Golden *!e ,pain. Ho)inant and o)nipresent, ased 'pon a co)ple= theolo!y, seventeenth/cent'ry ,panish Catholicis) differs vastly fro) t(entieth/cent'ry Protestant ethic. 6ollo(in! 'pon the Co'ncil of 5rent and the Catholic Co'nter/8efor)ation, ,panish Catholicis) per)itted )oral freedo)s 'nthinka le to the Eictorians at the sa)e ti)e that there (as do!)atic control and harsh repression of heresy 'nder the &n?'isition. Zayas2s novellas are in no (ay 'northodo= and (ere la'ded as e=e)plary y the censors, yet they treat )oral iss'es and present )aterial ;e.!., rape, atterin!, )'rder< (ith a frankness that see)s shockin! to 's. 5he spirit of the novellas is sec'lar and the lan!'a!e conventional. 9ven in the )iracle stories, like F5ri')ph Aver the &)possi le,F there is little reli!io's senti)ent. 6e( of the > ==vi > characters (ho enter the convent e=press a vocation altho'!h all see) to find happiness in that (ay of life. Many scholars have descri ed Zayas2s stories as FrealisticF depictions of life in seventeenth cent'ry ,panish society (hich, to )y )ind, is like sayin! that television acc'rately reflects the life of the avera!e *)erican. 5here are, ho(ever, )any ele)ents in Zayas2s stories (hich )ake the) appear Frealistic.F 5he stories are set in specific places at precise )o)ents in conte)porary ,panish history and incl'de references to (ell/kno(n historical persona!es. ,o)eti)es (e feel as if (e are !li)psin! a )o)ent in a real life, especially in the characters2 )onolo!'es. Graphic descriptive detail contri 'tes a painterly ?'ality that rin!s to )ind Z'r aran2s paintin!s, as (hen don 6adri?'e (atches doBa Beatrice descend the staircase. 5he lavish descriptions of fe)inine attire, like the spectac'lar portraits

of the ti)e, depict the e=ternal constraint that characteri7ed (o)en2s lives. B't, (hen (e consider the derivative plots, the co'rtly characteri7ations, and Zayas2s ai) to entertain and instr'ct y e=posin! the !ender )essa!es in literat're and dra)a, (e )'st ackno(led!e the pri)acy of the literary and the aesthetic over any desire to depict life as it really (as. Certainly art reflects life, as (as s'!!ested in )y co))ents on the )eanin! of love, co'rtship, and )arria!e for )en and (o)en, 't art also filters and p'rifies the (ay s'ch concepts are presented, in accord (ith the c'lt'ral cli)ate of the ti)e. &n practically every story the character narratin! it insists that it is a true tale and often provides ela orate proof, 't this conventional insistence 'pon the literal tr'th of the tales has a Bor!es/like rin! (hen it is follo(ed y the ironic disclai)er: only the na)es and the places have een chan!ed. 9ven if (e resist the te)ptation to elieve that Zayas is speakin! personally (hen, in fact, her characters are speakin!, (e can still dra( parallels et(een the novellas and her e=perience. Clearly the oft/repeated pleas for the for)al ed'cation of !irls reflect a deep personal conviction. 8eiterated is the state)ent that (o)en sho'ld have access to c'lt're thro'!h literacy and access to po(er thro'!h learnin! and s(ords)anship. 5here is insistence that (o)en )'st e responsi le for their o(n honor and e a le to defend it (ith the s(ord. Zayas (ielded her pen as a s(ord. 5he re)arka le e=istence of the Enchantments and the isenchantments attests to the i)portance of (o)en havin! a p' lic voice (ith (hich to defend their !ood na)e and their honor. 5hese t(o (orks added a ne(, fe)inist di)ension to the reco!nition of the (ays literat're affects perception, thinkin!, and val'es, > ==vii > a the)e central to the ,panish )asterpiece, on .uixote , as (ell. Zayas2s !eni's lies in her )asterf'l 'se of )asc'line disco'rse to s' vert )asc'line literat're. 5he novellas are co'rtly and pertain to the life of the no ility, as opposed to the variety of social classes (e find depicted in Boccaccio, Cha'cer, Mar!'erite de 3avarre, and Cervantes. 5his is 'ndo' tedly the only (orld Zayas e=perienced directly. +er class and !ender denied her freedo) of )ove)entD she co'ld not !et o't and )ake contact (ith other (ays of life as co'ld any )an. Given the traditional cloisterin! of (o)en in ,pain, the sheltered leis're and astonishin! isolation of Zayas2s fe)ale characters )ost likely reflect her o(n life. 5his )i!ht e=plain (hy there is not a shred of io!raphical infor)ation a o't this re)arka le (o)an. Zayas2s 'nflatterin! treat)ent of the lo(er classes indicates an elitist attit'de. ,ervants and other FordinaryF people, e they co'rtesans, )atch)akers, or no les co)e do(n in the (orld, tend to act i!no ly, 't then so do a s'rprisin! n') er of the no les. ,hockin! to 's is the racis) (e find in F6ore(arned 't not 6orear)ed,F a story that also presents (o)en in a d' io's, if co)ic, li!ht, in the spirit of the ecameron and the /eptameron . Zayas2s narrators apolo!i7e for their ine=perience in tellin! stories, for their 'se of everyday lan!'a!e, and their artlessness, as she herself does in F5o the 8eaderF and in the concl'din! (ords of the Enchantments . 8epeatedly, they 'r!e their a'dience to appreciate the s' stance of (hat they say and their F(ill,F (hich (e (o'ld call )essa!e, )eanin!, or intention, and not critici7e ho( they say it, eca'se they are 'nschooled (o)en. 5hese state)ents are, & elieve, oth acc'rate and ironic appraisals of the style of oth parts. 1hile (e (o'ld not consider her ele!ant prose FeverydayF lan!'a!e, it is prose, and it does see) FeverydayF in co)parison (ith the refined and her)etic poetic lan!'a!e of her conte)poraries like L'evedo and Gon!ora. 5he novellas are li erally laced (ith a (ide variety of poetry, so)e of (hich is so co)ple= that it defies ade?'ate translation. 5he poetry of the Enchantments varies !reatly and is of hi!h ?'ality, partic'larly the lon! love allads. &t serves several p'rposes. 6irst, in the 8enaissance and in seventeenth/cent'ry ,pain, prose (as re!arded as an inferior !enre, de)onstratin! little art in

co)parison (ith poetry. &n this connection, (e (ill recall that the comedia (as ?'intessentially poetic and the p' lic (ent to the theater to FhearF a play rather than to FseeF it. 6or this reason, (riters dressed 'p prose (ith poetic adorn)ent to prove their art and also to co)ple)ent the content, to add > ==viii > variety and e)otional n'ance. *lso, as the novellas often stress, co)petence in sin!in! and co)posin! )'sic and verse (ere hall)arks of the (ell ro'!ht 'p no le)an and, so)eti)es, no le(o)an. 5hey (ere an i)portant di)ension of co'rtship and of everyday diversion. Zayas achieved reno(n as a poet e!innin! in 1#-1, and, y incl'din! so )'ch poetry, she offsets criticis) of her Fro'!h style,F she depicts the i)portance of poetry and )'sic in the life of the no ility, and she revels in her o(n talent. ,o)e technical aspects of ,panish poetry (ill e f'rther descri ed in the F5ranslator2s 3ote.F 5he style of the t(o parts is po(erf'lD the lan!'a!e is sparse, dyna)ic, and vi!oro's. 5he dialo!'e is lively, the description vivid, the narration fast/paced. 5he stories have a dra)atic, oral ?'ality that al)ost de)ands that they e read alo'd, acted o't, that the son!s e s'n!. Given the (idespread illiteracy in that day and especially a)on! (o)en, this is 'ndo' tedly ho( the ook (as read. 1e can envision a !ro'p of (o)en doin! their needle(ork (hile one read alo'd fro) Zayas2s novellas. 1ith this scene in )ind, (e can i)a!ine the listeners2 disc'ssion of the stories, (hich (o'ld contrast sharply (ith the fra)e characters2 co))entary. *nother, )ore s' tle, aspect of Zayas2s (ritin! is that each of the character/narrators has a distinctive )anner of narratin! consistent (ith his or her characteri7ation. 5his contri 'tes to the rich te=t're and variety of the t(o (orks. 5he characteri7ation of the fra)e narrators develops )ore f'lly in the isenchantments , 't, even so, there are )arked stylistic differences et(een the novellas. 5his can e seen, for e=a)ple, in the (ay narrators do or do not 'se s'ch ele)ents as poetry, poetic lan!'a!e, classical all'sion, vis'al i)a!ery, e=cla)ations, h')or, irony, parenthesis, and s' %ective editorial co))entary. ,o)e of this variation derives fro) the nat're of the stories 't )'ch reflects conscio's differentiation. *s a res'lt of the )'ltiple layers of disco'rse in the novellas, it is so)eti)es diffic'lt to identify the speaker. 5he o)niscient 3arrator controls the fra)e and see)s to speak for Zayas at the concl'sion of oth ooksD this voice )ay also intr'de on the stories the)selves. 5he nat're of the fra)e characters deter)ines the kind of story they tell, and their personality is revealed in their attit'des to(ard characters and events, e=pressed (hen they introd'ce or concl'de the story and editoriali7e or co))ent on it. 6ro) (ithin the stories, the perspective of the prota!onist contrasts (ith that of the other characters in the story. *ny of these perspectives )ay e s' verted y irony. Beyond > ==i= > the te=t are reco!ni7a le s' te=ts, or ele)ents re(orked fro) other so'rces, (hich serve as co'nterpoint. 1e )ay also incl'de the i)a!ined di)ension of co))entary y a seventeenth/cent'ry a'dience, s'ch as a se(in! circle or a )en2s cl' . &n addition to these interpenetratin! levels, there is a stron! sense of a'thorial presence in )any of the tales (hich has led scholars to affir) that FZayas says this or that.F 5he sporadic e=cla)ations, FPoor !irl, if only yo' kne( (hat yo' (ere !ettin! intoQF, co))ents s'ch as F& don2t kno( if it (as ca'sed y . . .F or F(hen & think of (here she (ent, it fills )e (ith horror,F serve to re)ind 's of the fiction (ithin the fiction. 5he co)ple= str'ct'rin! and artic'lation of Zayas2s t(o collections of novellas attest to her )astery of the for), despite her apolo!y for her ro'!h style.

* ove and eyond the co)ple= styli7ed literary (orld depicted in these novellas there are characters and )o)ents of i))ediate and to'chin! h')anity, for e=a)ple, 4a'ra and her pli!ht in F5he Po(er of 4ove.F Zayas2s characters are not si)ple typesD there is a (ide ran!e of sensi le and !ood characters, oth )ale and fe)ale, %'st as there are evil )en and evil (o)en. * si!nificant n') er have 'nsettlin! fla(s, partic'larly in the )en2s tales. 5here is harsh criticis) of evil (o)en, like 6lora and Cla'dia (ho etray their se= ;F*)inta Heceived and +onor2s 8even!e,F F.'d!e 5hyselfF<D of the deceits and a 'ses of 'nscr'p'lo's )en, like Celio and don .acinto ;F9verythin! Eent'red,F F*)inta HeceivedF<D of parents, especially fathers, (ho ne!lect and deceive their da'!hters ;lack of parental s'pport typifies al)ost all of the stories<D of la in! servants and !reedy )atch)akers. Most strikin! in Zayas2s stories is the develop)ent of character thro'!h )onolo!'e. 5his techni?'e (as 'n's'al in Golden *!e literat're, (hich stressed e=ternal action over character develop)ent. Most of the novellas contain at least one )ovin! )onolo!'e that h')ani7es the character and )akes the sit'ation poi!nant, as (e see in don Hie!o2s lovesick sleeplessness, and later in 4a'ra2s desperate hopelessness in F5he Po(er of 4ove,F part of (hich appears as the epi!raph. Besides these to'chin! )o)ents, the 'se of see)in!ly )inor or incon!r'ent detail also serves to partic'lari7e the characters in s'ch a po(erf'l (ay that the reader !ets ca'!ht 'p in the fiction. .'st as the characters vary, so too the plots and styles )aintain a vivid freshness, avoidin! the predicta ility or )onotony one )i!ht e=pect of an F'nschooled (o)an.F 9vil often !oes 'np'nished and !ood )ay or > === > )ay not e properly re(arded. &ndeed, contrary to all the r'les of poetic %'stice, the )ost repeated )otif in the t(enty novellas is the victi)i7ation of an innocent (o)an sacrificed on the altar of love, or honor, a )otif re)iniscent of stories of the early Christian )artyrs. 1hat strikes 's as Ftr'estF in the novellas is the presentation of love fro) the (o)an2s point of vie(. 5he treat)ent of this co)ple= e)otion is )'ch )ore than a cliche or a prete=t for a )essa!e. Zayas )a!ically s'cceeds in rin!in! this a!e/old the)e to life and in capt'rin! its po(erf'l effects on )en and (o)en. 5he )odern reader s'rely (ill respond (ith (onder)ent and so)eti)es shock at the passion and s'fferin! depicted in these stories. 5he Enchantments are enchantin!, and it is )y hope as it (as Zayas2s, that the reader (ill e oth edified and entertained.

S,&&estions for F,rther Readin&

Bo'rland, Caroline. The #hort #tory in #pain in the #eventeenth %entury. ;1st ed. 19-:<. 3e( Kork: B'rt 6ranklin, 19:". 6oa, ,andra. F+')or and ,'icide in Zayas and Cervantes,F in Anales %ervantinos PE& ;19::<: :1/$". MMM. FMaria de Zayas: ,i yl of Madrid,F in Female #cholars: A Tradition of Female #cholars Before 0122 , ed. .. 8. Brink. Montreal: 9den Press, 19$0, I@/#:. Gris(old, ,'san C. F5opoi and 8hetorical Histance: 5he 6e)inis) of Maria de Zayas,F in $evista de Estudios /ispanicos P&E, no. - ;19$0<: 9:/11#. Mc0ay, Carol. FMaria de Zayas: 6e)inist *(areness in ,eventeenth Cent'ry ,pain,F in #tudies in Lan!ua!e and Literature . 8ich)ond, 0y: 9astern 0ent'cky University Press, 19:#, "::/"$1. Mc0endrick, Melveena. (oman and #ociety in the #panish rama of the 3olden A!e. 4ondon: Ca) rid!e University Press, 19:@. Mat'lka, Bar ara. F5he 6e)inist 5he)e in the Hra)a of the ,i!lo de Aro,F in The $omanic $evie+

PPE&, no. " ;19"I<: 191/-"1. Miller, Beth, ed. (omen in /ispanic Literature. Berkeley, 4os *n!eles, 4ondon: University of California Press: 19$". Mor y, 9d(in ,. F5he ifunta pleiteada 5he)e in Maria de Zayas,F in /ispanic $evie+ PE& ;19@$<: -"$/-@-. > ===i > ArdoBe7, 9li7a eth .. F1o)an and +er 5e=t in the 1orks of Maria de Zayas and *na Caro,F in $evista de Estudios /ispanicos ;19$I<: "/1I. Place, 9d(in B. FMaria de Zayas: *n A'tstandin! 1o)an ,hort ,tory 1riter of ,eventeenth Cent'ry ,pain,F Bo'lder: 4niversity of %olorado #eries , no. 1", 19-". ,carron, Pa'l. The 5nnocent Adultery and 6ther #hort Novels ;5rans. 5o) Bro(n et al. 1:00< 3e( Kork, 4ondon: Ben%a)in Blo), 19#$. ,tackho'se, 0enneth *. FEerisi)ilit'de, Ma!ic and the ,'pernat'ral in the 3ovellas of Maria de Zayas,F in /ispanofila #- ;.an. 19$-<: #I/:#. ,t'rrock, .ohn, trans. A #hameful $even!e and 6ther #tories. 4ondon: 5he 6olio ,ociety, 19#". ,ylvania, 4ena 9velyn. ona -aria de 7ayas: A %ontri&ution to the #tudy of /er (or*s. ;1st ed. 19--<. 3e( Kork: *M,, 19##. 1elles, Marcia 4. FMaria de Zayas y ,oto)ayor and +er novela cortesana : * 8e/eval'ation,F in Bulletin of /ispanic #tudies II ;19:$<: "01/"10. > ===ii >

-ISTORIC L . C(+ROUN*
1ith the discovery of the 3e( 1orld in 1@9-, ,pain e!an a cent'ry of i)perial e=pansion. 5he si=teenth cent'ry opened 'nder the r'le of 6erdinand and &sa ella, the FCatholic Monarchs.F 5hey ro'!ht political 'nity to the disparate ,panish kin!do)s. 1ith the Con?'est of Granada, they also so'!ht to esta lish reli!io's 'nity y e=pellin! the .e(s and Moors (ho did not convert to Catholicis), and they esta lished the &n?'isition in Castille to ens're orthodo=y. *t the sa)e ti)e, the ne( tho'!ht and the ne( aesthetic of the &talian 8enaissance e!an to flo'rish in ,pain as a res'lt of ,panish do)ination of ,icily, 3aples, and Milan. &n 1I1#, their !randson Charles & of ,pain, later Charles E, +oly 8o)an 9)peror, s'cceeded to the throne. +is rei!n (as t'r 'lent, characteri7ed y al)ost constant (ars in 9'rope and in northern *frica. 9stela, prota!onist of F.'d!e 5hyself,F participated in )any of Charles2s ca)pai!ns and rose hi!h in his favor. ,ince the colonies in *)erica are scarcely )entioned in Zayas2s novellas, (e shall only re)ind the )odern reader that, in that a!e of discovery, e=ploration, and advent're, life s'rely see)ed )ore fantastic than any fiction, even to the stay/at/ho)es (ho only heard or read a o't s'ch )arvelo's e=ploits. &n 1II#, Charles E a dicated the ,panish throne in favor of his son Philip &&. 5his kin! contin'es to e a le!endary and controversial fi!'re pro a ly eca'se his (as an a!e of e=tre)es, a colorf'l and e=citin! period that served as inspiration to )any nineteenth/cent'ry

> ===iii > 8o)antic (riters. Philip &&2s r'le also (as characteri7ed y constant (arfare, especially in 6landers, the 3etherlands, and &talyD )any yo'n! !allants in Zayas2s novellas !o off to (in fa)e and fort'ne in these (ars, or, 'nhappy in love, to find !lorio's death. 5he )'ltifario's effects of ,pain2s )ilitaris) on society in !eneral hold a pro)inent place in Zayas2s (orks. .acinta is (ido(ed eca'se of )ilitary actionD *)inta2s etrothed is a sent, doin! )ilitary service in &talyD don 8odri!o en!a!es in an 'nconventional dalliance (hile on d'ty in 6landers. 5he constant (ars kept the !overn)ent ankr'pt in spite of treas're arrivin! fro) the *)ericasD (ealth and poverty are !reatly stressed in the novellas. 3ota le events in ,panish history (ere the naval victory over the 5'rks at 4epanto in 1I:1, the anne=ation of Port'!al and its e)pire in 1I$1, and the disastro's defeat of the &nvinci le *r)ada in 1I$$. 5his )o)ent traditionally )arks the e!innin! of ,pain2s 'nrelentin! decline. Pirates r'led the seasMHrake in the *tlantic and the Bar ary pirates in the Mediterranean. 1e sho'ld recall that Cervantes (ent as a soldier to fi!ht in the &talian (ars. +e lost his hand in the naval attle of 4epanto, (as capt'red y pirates, and spent five years as a slave in *l!iers. 5he Moorish and By7antine ele)ents that see) like ro)antic e=oticis) to 's (ere at that ti)e a reality. Philip && (as not a (arrior kin! like his father. +e esta lished the first per)anent ,panish co'rt in Madrid. 5he co'rtly novellas )ake fre?'ent ne!ative reference to the 'rea'cracy, corr'ption, and de a'chery that eca)e associated (ith the co'rt. 4e!end paints Philip && as a repressive kin! closely associated (ith the &n?'isition, (hich had !ained ne( po(ers fro) the 5ridentine 8efor)s ;1I@I<D less than a cent'ry after the introd'ction of printin!, the &n?'isition for)ali7ed the &nde= of Prohi ited Books and this censorship )ay have led (riters to prod'ce a )ore Fe=e)plaryF literat're. &t is c'rio's to note that the censors la'ded Zayas2s (ork, 'nda'nted y a se='ality and a violence shockin! to 's. 1hile (itches (ere ein! 'rned in northern 9'rope, ,pain persec'ted heretics. 5he sin!le )ention of the &n?'isition in the Enchantments critici7es the fact that in &taly there (as only a li!ht fine for sorcery ;F5he Po(er of 4oveF<. &t (as an a!e of saints and )ystics. People tended to elieve in the s'pernat'ral, in )iracles, in )a!ic, and in dia olical po(ers, 's'ally attri 'ted to st'dents, as in FHisill'sion)ent in 4ove and Eirt'e 8e(arded.F &n 1I9$ Philip && (as s'cceeded y Philip &&&, a (eak kin!. &t is s'pposed that Maria de Zayas !re( 'p d'rin! his rei!n. 5he story > ===iv > that contains the !reatest a)o'nt of historical detail, perhaps to offset the pastoral artificiality, F9verythin! Eent'red,F specifically refers to the tra!ic e=p'lsion of the Moors in 1#09, to the attack a!ainst Ma)ora in 1#1@, and na)es )any i)portant no le fa)ilies. F.'st HessertsF takes place in Ealladolid at the ti)e (hen Philip &&& )oved the co'rt there fro) Madrid ;1#00C1#0#<. Philip &E ;1#-1C1##I< (as a pleas're/lovin! and capricio's kin! (ho handed over the affairs of !overn)ent to his Ffavorite,F the co'nt/d'ke of Alivares, so he co'ld en%oy lavish co'rt entertain)ents. Philip &E2s rei!n is kno(n for the !reat art that (as prod'ced, s'ch as Eela7?'e72 )on')ental royal portraits and Calderon2s ela orate theater. 5his is the period of Zayas2s )at'rity ;1#-1C1#@:<. &n the year 1#@0, the Catalan 8evolt takes place and ,pain loses Port'!al, )arkin! the end of the !reat ,panish 9)pire. Zayas, sensi le to c'rrent events, refers to these disasters in the isenchantments) 't there is no clear all'sion to the rei!n of Philip &E in the Enchantments . 1hen the fort'nes of the ,panish e)pire e!an to decline ;1I$$<, her artistic e=pression reached its

7enith in the so/called Golden *!e ;1I$0C1#$0<. 5his (as a period (hen the arts loo)ed in incredi le prof'sion. 6or the sake of esta lishin! a roader conte=t for Maria de Zayas and for a readin! of her (orks, & shall )ention a fe( of ,pain2s !reat Golden *!e artists (ho) she )i!ht have kno(n personally, (hose (orks she s'rely kne(. & shall start (ith Cervantes, the a'thor of on .uixote ;1#0I, 1#1I<, (ho, in 1I$0, ret'rned fro) his captivity in *l!iers. Besides his )asterpiece, Cervantes (rote plays and dra)atic interl'des, a pastoral novel, a By7antine novel, and the Exemplary Novels . Cervantes2s (orks represent a )a%or so'rce of inspiration for Zayas. *lso aro'nd 1I$0, the )ystics ,aint 5heresa of *vila and ,aint .ohn of the Cross (ere at their peak, as (as the classicist 6ray 4'is de 4eon. &n 5oledo, 9l Greco (as e!innin! to paint. 4ope de Ee!a (as creatin! the comedia (hich, eca'se of its enor)o's pop'larity, variety, and poetic depth is considered the ?'intessential e=pression of the ,panish spirit. Un elieva ly fec'nd, he also (rote novellas, and Zayas 'sed his F6ort'nes of HianaF as a ase for F.'d!e 5hyself.F Ather dra)atists (ere 5irso de Molina, creator of the ori!inal don .'an, (ho also c'ltivated the &talianate novella, and Calderon de la Barca, fa)o's for Life 5s a ream , for his honor tra!edies, and )any other finely crafted plays. 5hese (riters (ere all prolific, and the )a%ority (ere active in the co'rt city of Madrid d'rin! the first half of > ===v > the seventeenth cent'ry. 5he )ost fa)o's poets, esides the dra)atists like 4ope and Calderon, (ere Gon!ora and L'evedo, (hose refined and ornate e=pression )ade Zayas2s prose appear Feveryday.F Painters (ho flo'rished in the seventeenth cent'ry, esides Eela7?'e7, (ere Z'r aran ;(hose vivid 't so) er colors and dra)atic co)positions, partic'larly his portraits of (o)en saints like ,aint Casilda, & associate (ith Zayas2s style<, 8i era, the painter of darkness and shado(, and M'rillo, fa)o's for his Madonnas. Maria de Zayas !re( 'p and (rote in this tee)in! c'lt'ral environ)ent, (hich (as f'rther enriched y the infl'= of art and ideas fro) all of 9'rope and the vast ,panish e)pire.

S,&&estions for F,rther Readin&/01

Bra'del, 6ernand. The -editerranean and the -editerranean (orld in the A!e of 'hilip 55. 5rans. ,ian 8eynolds, 3e( Kork: +arper R 8o(, 19##. Cro(, .ohn *. #pain: The $oot and the Flo+er. ;1st ed. 19#"<. Berkeley, 4os *n!eles, 4ondon: University of California Press, 19$I. Hefo'rnea'=, Marcelin. aily Life in #pain in the 3olden A!e. 5rans. 3e(ton Branch. ;Ari!. ed. 19##<. 3e( Kork: Prae!er P' lishers, 19:0. Ho)in!'e7 Arti7, *ntonio. The 3olden A!e of #pain: 0809:098;. 5rans. .a)es Casey. 3e( Kork: Basic Books, 19:1. 9lliot, .. +. 5mperial #pain: 0<9;:0=09. 3e( Kork: Mentor Books, 19##. Grierson, 9d(ard. The Fatal 5nheritance. 4ondon: 5he +istory Book Cl' , 19#9. 5here is a vast a)o'nt of infor)ation in 9n!lish a o't ,pain2s Golden *!e. 5hese (orks are listed eca'se they are reada le, infor)ative, readily availa le, and contain 'sef'l i lio!raphies. > ===vi >

TR NSL TOR2S NOTE

Maria de Zayas (rote The Enchantments of Love in a Fplain styleF and pri)arily to entertain. & have )ade )y translation in the sa)e spirit. & have tried to 'se a lan!'a!e appealin! to the !eneral reader and 'sef'l to the scholar. 5ranslatin! involves diffic'lt decisions, as evidenced in the choice of the title. 5he 9n!lish is faithf'l 't, for the sake of reada ility, the lon!, co)ple=, ,panish sentences have een roken do(n and reor!ani7ed. 5o sho( the effects of this restr'ct'rin! on the 9n!lish style, let 's co)pare a literal translation of one avera!e lon! sentence (ith the ten sentences of the finished version: By this ti)e the )oon had co)pleted her circ'it, and hidden herself in her ori!inal ho)e, so everythin! (as in conf'sed shado(s and (e N+ipolita and her h's and don PedroO s'rrendered to sleepD and so it happened that N)y lover, don GasparO, (anderin! thro'!h the !arden NchancedO to co)e 'pon the ed in (hich )y h's and and & (ereD and eca'se in his !lance he sa( that there (ere t(o people in it, and not elievin! it co'ld e don Pedro, he lo(ered hi)self to his knees, sayin! to hi)self that his s'spicion (as not in vain, and carried a(ay y ra!e he dre( a da!!er, and as he (as a o't to strike )y innocent )aster (ith it, a dreadf'l decision advised only y his ra!e, heaven (ho looks on thin!s (ith )ore pity, per)itted that at this )o)ent, don Pedro, t'rnin! over in ed, si!hed, (ith (hich don Gaspar reco!ni7ed his error, and !'essed (hat it co'ld e, and !ivin! thanks to heaven for its (arnin!, )oved to )y side, and don Pedro2s sleep and his a'dacity per)ittin! it, he (oke )e. ;F.'st HessertsF< By this ti)e, the )oon had set and hidden herself in her ori!inal ho)e so everythin! (as in conf'sed shado(. My h's and and & (ere fast asleep. > ===vii > &t happened that, after sneakin! all aro'nd the !arden, he ca)e 'pon the ed (here )y h's and and & (ere sleepin!. &n the di) li!ht, he co'ld see that there (ere t(o persons, 't it never occ'rred to hi) that & (as (ith don Pedro. +e knelt do(n eside 's, sayin! to hi)self that his s'spicions had not een false. Averco)e y ra!e, he 'nsheathed his da!!er. .'st as he (as a o't to pl'n!e it into )y innocent h's andMa dreadf'l decision prod'ced y his (rathMkind heaven (hich looks on thin!s (ith co)passion, ca'sed don Pedro to t'rn over and si!h. Hon Gaspar reali7ed his )istake and !'essed (hat )'st have happened. +e thanked heaven for the ti)ely (arnin!. 5hen, oldly takin! advanta!e of don Pedro2s deep sleep, he crept over to )y side and (oke )e. Beca'se seventeenth/cent'ry (riters paid little attention to p'nct'ation, the te=t as it stands pro a ly reflects the printer2s or the )odern editor2s %'d!)ent rather than the a'thor2s ori!inal. 9ven so, & have e=ercised license for the sake of reada ility and in an effort to capt're the oral rhyth)s that characteri7e the ori!inal te=t, so that the stories can e easily read alo'd in 9n!lish. 5he oral ?'ality is reinforced y a variety of devices, s'ch as the lar!e a)o'nt of dialo!'e and indirect disco'rse, the infor)al s' %ective co))entary, so)eti)es parenthetical, and s'ch infor)al e=pressions as F4et2s let hi) sleep and !o ack to . . .F or F)ore than yo' )i!ht i)a!ine.F 4on!er and )ore c') erso)e sentences have, on occasion, een kept in 9n!lish to slo( do(n the pace, vary the rhyth), and re)ind the reader of the ori!inal co)ple=ity. An three or fo'r occasions, & corrected latant errors in the te=t, for e=a)ple (ron! na)es, or added clarification and it (as often necessary to insert na)es in 9n!lish to avoid conf'sion in prono'n reference.

Ane of the )ore delicate decisions that faces the translator is ho( to )aintain a alance et(een the flavor of the ori!inal, in this case seventeenth/cent'ry aro?'e ,panish, and )odern 9n!lish. 1ithin the te=t itself there are constant re)inders of its ti)e and place of ori!in, incl'din! the for)'laic story openin!s that praise a place, the 'se of don and doBa (ith the e=otic na)es, the poetry, and the cliches like Fpearly tears.F & have nor)ally retained the repetitive epithets F ea'tif'l,F Fno le,F F!allant,F F(ealthy.F 5hese (ords no lon!er have the sa)e )eanin! for 's as they had for the seventeenth/ cent'ry p' lic, and several, like FdiscreetF and F)odestF seldo) have !ood e?'ivalents in )odern 9n!lish. * partic'larly diffic'lt (ord is F(ill,F (hose )eanin! ran!es fro) F(illF to Fpassion,F Flove,F Fl'st,F F!ood(ill,F Fintention,F F)eanin!,F and so on. & preferred to let stand )any of > ===viii > these (ords (hose )eanin! (as roader and )ore s'!!estive then than it is no(, rather than li)it or red'ce the) to a narro(er sense. 5he forty son!s and poe)s (hich adorn the fra)e and the stories contri 'te an e)otional and an aesthetic shadin! hi!hly pri7ed in 8enaissance literat're. Zayas displays a (ide ran!e of poetic artistry: there is a patriotic sonnet in honor of the kin!, a 'rles?'e )adri!al to Fsister flea,F several co)ple= aro?'e poe)s that re?'ired e=planatory notes, and several )ordantly sophisticated personal attacks in the fra)e. My favorite poe)s are the lon! love allads, (hich are hi!hly lyrical and effective in co))'nicatin! the feelin!s and pan!s of love. Zayas2s poetry co)es fro) the 8enaissance &talian tradition and e=ploits its love the)es, pastoral settin!s, Petrarchan i)a!ery, and for)s. *ll the poetry in the Enchantments is learned, or )annered, rather than pop'lar, even tho'!h so)e pop'lar for)s are 'sed. ,panish poetry differs fro) 9n!lish poetry in several i)portant (ays. 8hyth) is )arked y sylla les rather than feet, and the asic ei!ht/ sylla le line that characteri7es )'ch of the poetry here is characteristic of the ancient and rich allad tradition in ,pain, a tradition that contin'es to infor) ,panish poetry, as (e can see in 4orca2s rilliant F!ypsy allads.F *nother standard feat're of the allad for) is assonant rhy)e, that is, the repetition of only the endin! stressed vo(el and the final vo(el in even lines, (ith odd lines ein! free. 6or e=a)ple in the first poe) of the Enchantments , there is the follo(in! rhy)e ;SCo< in all even lines of the allad: v'elvo, contento, fresnos, Celio, celos, arroy'elos, cielo, presto, and so forth. *ssonant rhy)e, therefore, is s' tler and )ore )'sical than consonant rhy)e. &n translatin! the poetry, & have so'!ht )eanin! first, eca'se the poe)s 's'ally relate to the characters and the action, and poetic effect second. 6or this reason, so)e of the translations )ay see) prosaic, partic'larly in the case of the )ore )annered and diffic'lt poe)s like the sonnets. 5he ,panish sonnet is Petrarchan in for), (ith t(o ?'artets, *BB*, t(o tercets, CH9, consonant rhy)e, and each line co)prised of eleven sylla les, so)eti)es follo(ed y an e=tra stan7a. 5he si)pler love allads tended to co)e across into 9n!lish )ore lyrically. & tried to )aintain an appropriate rhyth) (itho't co'ntin! sylla les. 1hen possi le, & 'sed irre!'lar internal rhy)es ;for e=a)ple seaCicyD a!ainCfei!nCdisdain< to s'!!est the s' tle ,panish assonance. Beca'se of an 'ps'r!e of interest in Zayas2s (ork, her poetry is no( receivin! increased critical attention. > ===i= > 5his translation is ased 'pon *!'stin G. de *)e7Ta2s a'thoritative edition of the Novelas amorosas y ejemplares ;Madrid: *ld's, 19@$<. *)e7Ta ased his edition on the second edition, Frevised and corrected y the a'thor,F p' lished in the sa)e year and y the sa)e p' lisher as the first edition

;Zara!o7a, 1#":<. 5here see)s to e )ini)al variation et(een the t(o editions e=cept for the endin! of F5he Miser2s 8e(ard,F (hich & chose to incorporate into the translation fro) the first edition. > =l >

FR ME C- R CTERS
4K,&,, the hostess (ho is ill, provides the )'sic and son!s 4*U8*, 4ysis2s (ido(ed )other, tells tenth tale HA3 .U*3, (earin! ro(n, tells ninth tale and loves 4&,*8H*, 4ysis2s co'sin, (earin! ro(n, tells first tale M*5&4H*, (earin! (aln't and silver, tells second tale HA3 *4E*8A, (earin! Matilda2s colors, tells third tale HA3 *4A3,A, (earin! lack, tells fo'rth taleD he loves 3&,9, don .'an2s co'sin, (earin! lackD she tells fifth tale HA3 M&GU94, (earin! lack, tells seventh taleD he secretly loves P+K44&,, (earin! !reen, tells si=th tale HA3 4AP9, (earin! Phyllis2s !reen, tells ei!hth tale HA3 H&9GA vies (ith don .'an over 4ysis and doesn2t tell a tale Beca'se 4ysis is ill (ith ?'artan fever d'rin! Christ)as, her est friends decide to entertain her on five s'ccessive ni!hts. 5hey ask don .'an to rin! his friends and they plan lavish entertain)ents to cheer 4ysis: sin!in!, dancin!, skits, feastin!, and storytellin!. 5he ten yo'n! people are each to tell an enchant)entD 4a'ra s' stit'tes for her da'!hter and p'ts her in char!e of the )'sic. *s the action 'nfolds, (e see the conflict et(een 4ysis and her s'itor, don .'an, (ho sp'rns her to pay co'rt to her co'sin 4isarda. Hon Hie!o e!ins to co'rt 4ysis, ca'sin! resent)ent in don .'an. >1>

TO T-E RE *ER
Ah )y reader, no do' t it (ill a)a7e yo' that a (o)an has the nerve, not only to (rite a ook 't act'ally to p' lish it, for p' lication is the cr'ci le in (hich the p'rity of !eni's is testedD 'ntil (ritin! is set in letters of lead, it has no real val'e. A'r senses are so easily deceived that fra!ile si!ht often sees as p're !old (hat, y the li!ht of the fire, is si)ply a piece of polished rass. 1ho can do' t, & repeat, that there (ill e )any (ho (ill attri 'te to folly )y a'dacity in p' lishin! )y scri les eca'se &2) a (o)an, and (o)en, in the opinion of so)e fools, are 'nfit ein!s. &f only o't of co))on co'rtesy, ho(ever, people sho'ldn2t take )y ook as an oddity or conde)n it as foolish. 6'rther)ore, (hether this )atter that (e )en and (o)en are )ade of is a ondin! of clay and fire, or a do'!h of earth and spirit, (hatever, it has no )ore no ility in )en than in (o)en, for o'r lood is the sa)eD o'r senses, o'r po(ers, and the or!ans that perfor) their f'nctions are all the sa)eD o'r so'ls

the sa)e, for so'ls are neither )ale nor fe)ale. +o(, then, can )en pres')e to e (ise and pres')e that (o)en are notJ &n )y opinion, the only ans(er to this ?'estion is )en2s cr'elty and tyranny in keepin! 's cloistered and not !ivin! 's teachers. 5he real reason (hy (o)en are not learned is not a defect in intelli!ence 't a lack of opport'nity. 1hen o'r parents rin! 's 'p if, instead of p'ttin! ca) ric on o'r se(in! c'shions and patterns in o'r e) roidery fra)es, they !ave 's ooks and teachers, (e (o'ld e as fit as )en for any %o or 'niversity professorship. 1e >-> )i!ht even e sharper eca'se (e2re of a colder h')or, and intelli!ence partakes of the da)p h')or. 5his yo' can see in o'r spontaneo's responses and in o'r clever thinkin!, for everythin! (e do (ith skill, (hether or not (ith er'dition, sho(s talent. &f this e=planation doesn2t restore o'r credi ility, let history de)onstrate it. 4et2s e=a)ine (hat2s een done y (o)en (ho, y so)e chance, eca)e (riters. 1hile their (ork doesn2t e=c'se )y i!norance, let it serve as a )odel for )y darin!. 5he poet 4'can relates of his (ife, *r!entaria, that she helped hi) in the revision of the three ooks of the 'harsalia and (rote )any poe)s that passed as his o(n. Pytha!or's2 sister, 5he)istoclea, (rote a very learned ook of aphoris)s. ,ocrates venerated Hioti)a for her e)inence. *spano !ave theoretical lessons in the acade)ies. 9'do=a left a ook of political theoryD Zeno ia, a co)pendi') of oriental historyD Cornelia, *frican's2 (ife, fa)ily epistles of e=ceptional ele!ance. 5here are infinite n') ers of (o)en fro) anti?'ity and fro) o'r o(n ti)es (ho) & pass over in silence so as not to !o on forever, and eca'se yo'2ll kno( a o't the) even if yo'2re an 'ned'cated lay)an. *fter that, there (ere the 'olyantheas in 4atin and #ummas morales in the vernac'lar so that (o)en and lay people co'ld eco)e literate. ,ince these thin!s are tr'e, ho( can it e said that (o)en aren2t apt for ook learnin!, partic'larly (hen (o)en have )y inclinationJ 5he )o)ent & see a ook, ne( or old, & drop )y se(in! and can2t rest 'ntil &2ve read it. 6ro) this inclination ca)e infor)ation, and fro) the infor)ation !ood taste, and fro) this the (ritin! of poetry, and then the (ritin! of these novellas, perhaps eca'se they see)ed easier or )ore interestin! to (rite. Books that aren2t er'dite can e !ood if they have a !ood s' %ect, (hile )any (orks filled (ith s' tlety are offered for sale 't never o'!ht eca'se the s' %ect is 'ni)portant or not pleasin!. & don2t need to ca'tion yo' a o't the piety yo' sho'ld have eca'se, if )y ook is !ood, yo' do nothin! in praisin! it, and, if it2s ad, yo' )'st respect it o't of the co'rtesy yo' o(e to any (o)an. 1ho can co)pete (ith (o)enJ 5he person (ho doesn2t respect the) is foolish eca'se he needs the)D the person (ho ins'lts the) is thankless, for he fails to appreciate his first ho)e. ,'rely yo' don2t (ish to e r'de, foolish, i!no le, or 'nappreciative. & offer this ook to yo', tr'stin! yo'r !enerosity and kno(in! that if it displeases yo', yo' (ill e=c'se )e eca'se & (as orn a (o)an, (ith no o li!ation to (rite !ood novellas 't a !reat desire to serve yo' (ell. 6are(ell. >">

!ROLO+UE .Y N O.3ECTIVE RE *ER

Ko', cr'el or enevolent reader, in the tri 'nal of yo'r sittin! roo), (ill %'d!e )odestly or oldly the least details of (hat yo' read. * rilliant talent in o'r co'ntry, a portent of o'r a!e, a (onder of all ti)e, and a )arvel a)on! the livin! offers this ook to yo'. & e=a!!erate little if yo' take into acco'nt the fact that heaven has placed s'ch cons'))ate a ilities in the (eak se= of a (o)anD a ilities that s'rpass everythin! talent praises and appla'se cele rates. Ane nor)ally e=pects only clear intelli!ence,

no le respect, and pr'dent co)port)ent in a lady ;acco)panied y the chaste )odesty that accent'ates these ?'alities to the enhance)ent of her no le 'p rin!in!<, and (e find in addition to these virt'es that she has an e=ceedin!ly s' tle (it, an ad)ira le disposition, and sin!'lar char) in everythin! she thinks, says, and (rites. Beca'se of these ?'alities, (e ad)ire her as a phoeni= of (isdo) and accord her o'r hi!hest re!ard for her )any talents. 5he lady doBa Maria de Zayas, !lory of the 8iver Man7anares and honor of o'r ,pain ;(ho) the learned Madrid acade)ies so appla'd and cele rate<, as proof of her pen, p' lishes these ten offsprin! of her rich )ind called novellas. 5he )oral they contain, the art they display, and the !race of their style are characteristic of her keen )ind, as revealed in the a) itio'sness of the 'ndertakin!. Beca'se she is a lady, learned, and talented, yo' )'st, oh readerQ e=a)ine (ith respect >@> her ac'te tho'!ht, stripped of the invidio's affectation for (hich yo' cens're those (riters (ho don2t ear the safe cond'ct of ein! a lady. 3ot only )'st yo' do this, yo' )'st also pro)ote the a'thor2s fa)e. Ko'r li rary sho'ld not e (itho't her ook, and not orro(ed 't p'rchased (ith yo'r o(n )oneyD no )atter (hat it costs, it (ill e )oney (ell spent. 1hile &2) on the s' %ect, & (ant to descri e those readers (ho read at no e=pense to the)selves 't at !reat cost to ooksellers. Parasitic readers are like !l'ttons at the ta le. 5hey !o to ookshops and, so as not to spend the pittance a ook costs, they lean 'p a!ainst the co'nter and hastily !o le 'p a ook (ith their eyes. 5he )aterial !oes thro'!h their )inds as ?'ickly as a cat (alkin! on hot coals, (hich is (hat their co))entary is like after(ards. 5hey aren2t othered y the fact that people co)in! into the shop to 'y ooks st') le over the) (hile they2re !l'ed to the spot, or y the an!ry e=pression on the ookseller2s face on seein! the) so at ease, or y the snortin! of his assistants. 5hey2ll p't 'p (ith anythin! to read in this fra'd'lent (ay and st'dy y spon!in! (itho't ever havin! to spend a cent. Athers take advanta!e of the !ood nat're and !enerosity of the ookseller y askin! to orro( a rand ne( ook and, after they2ve (orn it o't, instead of praisin! the (ork, they conde)n it and speak ill of it. ,till others hope that those (ho do 'y ooks (ill read the) ?'ickly so they can orro( the) to read. 5he res'lt of this is that, if they2re i!norant or haven2t 'nderstood the s' %ect or haven2t liked it, they dispara!e the ook and )ake it hard for the ookseller to sell it. * ook !alloped thro'!h or hastily sa)pled efore p'rchase is like secondhand love, (hich loses )erit for the lover, or like cast/off clothin!, (hich no lon!er serves its p'rpose. Ah, dearest readers, let this ook e e=e)pt fro) this kind of treat)ent eca'se of its !reat )erit. Hon2t let the s(indler !et a(ay (ith readin! it for free. Make the parasite (ho (ants to feast on it pay for it, and )ake the )iser rela= his )ean and (retched avarice and spend his )oney. 5his ook is not only !ood for the refor) of c'sto)s, it2s a tasty dish in and of itself. 5he provident (it of its discreet a'thor is every(here evident. +er praises deserve an elo?'ent pen, 't the !reatest praise )y pen can offer is to refrain fro) appla'din! her, leavin! her acclai) to silence (hich, fro) one (ho falls short, is the hi!hest praise of the one (e (ish to cele rate. 6are(ell. >:>

.E+INNIN+
&t (as one of those short Hece) er afternoons (hen itter cold and terri le sno(stor)s )ake people stay indoors to en%oy a fire stoked 'p to prod'ce eno'!h heat to co)pete (ith the )onth of .'ly and (hich even )akes yo' thirsty. Ko' (ant to please the ladies so they (on2t )iss their (alks in the Prado park or alon! the river or any of the other pasti)es ladies en%oy in the co'rt city of Madrid. 4ovely 4isarda, discreet Matilda, (itty 3ise, and (ise Phyllis, all ea'tif'l, no le, rich, and !ood friends, !athered to!ether to entertain 4ysis, a (onder of nat're and a )arvelo's prodi!y of this co'rt city ;her )yriad char)s had een attacked y a no=io's a!'e<. 5he ladies spent the afternoon in deli!htf'l innocent chatter to )ake 4ysis for!et her irkso)e illness in pleasant conversation (ith her !ood friends. ;&t (as easy for the) to !et to!ether at any ti)e as they all lived in the sa)e 'ildin!, altho'!h in different apart)ents, as (as the c'sto) in Madrid.< Beca'se it (as so close to Christ)as, a happy ti)e perfect for the cele ration of parties, !a)es, and friendly %okin!, they decided a)on! the)selves to hold a soiree, a special entertain)ent for Christ)as 9ve and for the other days of the holiday season. &n li!ht of this a!ree)ent, they decided to invite don .'an. +e (as a handso)e, rich, and clever yo'n! )an, 3ise2s co'sin, and the dearly eloved o %ect of 4ysis2s affection. ,he (as hopin! to s'rrender to hi) in le!al )atri)ony all the deli!htf'l char)s (ith (hich heaven had endo(ed her. >$> Hon .'an, ho(ever, (as attracted to 4isarda, 4ysis2s co'sin, and, since he (anted her to e the )istress of his affection, he did not ret'rn 4ysis2s love. 5he lovely lady resented havin! the very ca'se of her %ealo'sy efore her eyes and hated havin! to pretend to e cheerf'l and s)ile (hen in her heart she har ored )ortal s'spicions that had, in fact, occasioned her illness. +er depression (as a!!ravated y the fact that 4isarda acted over%oyed to e the chosen one and pro'd that don .'an loved her. &n a)oro's co)petition et(een the t(o co'sins, 4isarda al(ays (on o't eca'se she (as 'nprincipled in !ettin! her (ay. 5hey did invite don .'an to the party and he, at the ladies2 re?'est and in appreciation of the invitation, ro'!ht don *lvaro, don Mi!'el, don *lonso, and don 4ope, all his peers in no ility, ele!ance, (ealth, and e?'ally fond of passin! their ti)e in pleasant and (itty conversation. 5hey all !athered to!ether and decided to )ake 4ysis the president of the deli!htf'l entertain)ents. 5hey asked her to or!ani7e everythin! and to tell each one (hat his or her part (as to e. ,he tried to e=c'se herself fro) this d'ty eca'se of her illness and, (hen they insisted, she no)inated her )other to do it for her and th's she el'ded the d'ties her friends had i)posed on her. 4a'ra, (hich (as the na)e of 4ysis2s )other, (as a (ise and no le lady (ho) death, life2s itter foe, had deprived of her eloved h's and. 5he lovely (ido( or!ani7ed the party like this: she e=e)pted her da'!hter 4ysis fro) act'ally participatin! eca'se of her illness, 't she p't her in char!e of or!ani7in! the )'sic. 4a'ra e=pressly co))anded her da'!hter to !ive the )'sicians all the son!s and allads they (ere to perfor) on each of the five ni!hts to )ake the entertain)ent )ore lively. ,he co))anded her niece 4isarda and the lovely Matilda to invent a !ay )as?'e in (hich all the ladies and !entle)en co'ld sho( off their ele!ance, !entility, !race, and talent. An the first ni!ht, after the )as?'e, 4isarda and Matilda (o'ld each tell an Fenchant)ent.F &n 'sin! this ter) she (anted to avoid the co))on ter) Fnovella,F so trite that it (as no( entirely o't of fashion. 5o keep the !entle)en fro) co)plainin! a o't the ladies2 pree)inence, she (o'ld alternate their parts. An the second ni!ht, don *lvaro and don *lonsoD on the third, 3ise and PhyllisD on the fo'rth, don Mi!'el and don 4opeD and on the fifth, don .'an and 4a'ra herself (o'ld tell an enchant)ent. 5hey (o'ld end their Christ)as cele ration (ith a

s')pt'o's an?'et, (hich 4ysis, as hostess, (anted to offer all of her !'ests. 5hey (o'ld invite the ladies2 )others and >9> the !entle)en2s fathers, for it %'st so happened that none of the ladies had a father and none of the !entle)en had a )other, as death does not acco))odate the desires of )ortals. &t (as inc') ent 'pon 4ysis to ina'!'rate the festivities. ,he sent for the t(o a lest )'sicians she co'ld find to acco)pany her an!elic voice, for that is ho( she planned to contri 'te to the entertain)ent. ,he notified everyone that, as day took ref'!e and shro'ded itself in ni!ht2s dark )antle of )o'rnin! for the a sence of the r' ic'nd lord of Helphi, (ho had departed to take happy dayli!ht to the &ndies, there y rin!in! dark shado(s to o'r he)isphere, at that ti)e they sho'ld asse) le in lovely 4ysis2s sittin! roo) to cele rate Christ)as 9ve (ith all the a!reed 'pon entertain)ents. +er parlor (as h'n! (ith heavy 6le)ish tapestries (hose (oods, !roves, and flo(ers depicted e=otic landscapes like *rcadia and the han!in! !ardens of Ba ylon. 5he roo) (as cro(ned y a rich dais piled hi!h (ith )o'ntains of !reen velvet c'shions orna)ented (ith splendid silver e) roidery and tassels. 5o one side of the dais (as a l'='rio's co'ch that (as to serve as seat, sanct'ary, and throne for the lovely 4ysis (ho, eca'se of her illness, co'ld en%oy this distinction. &t (as !reen rocade (ith !old tri))in! and frin!e, the !reen sy) oli7in! a hope she did not really feel. *ll aro'nd the hall (ere ro(s of !reen velvet chairs and n')ero's ta orets for the !entle)en to sit on (hile en%oyin! the (ar)th of a silver ra7ier (here incense (as 'rned to perf')e the dais. *t three that afternoon, the discreet 4a'ra and the lovely 4ysis (elco)ed the ladies (ith !reat pleas're. 3ot only did the special !'ests co)e, 't )any others as (ell (ho had heard a o't the entertain)ent and decided to attend and occ'py the n')ero's e=tra chairs. 4ysis, dressed in l'e, the color of %ealo'sy, (as reclinin! on her co'ch. 6or the sake of )odesty and appearance, she had insisted 'pon dressin! 'p in spite of her ?'artan fever. 5he hall looked like a landscape ill')inated y the fair s'n !od *pollo, so )any (ere the candles that sparkled. &t deli!hted all eyes that eheld the scene and echoed (ith la'!hter. 5he )'sicians took their seats ne=t to 4ysis2s co'ch and e!an (ith a !allardia) invitin! the ladies and !entle)en to )ove o't onto the floor, each one earin! a fla)in! torch to !ive effect to the stately )ove)ents of the dance. 5he )'sicians had also prepared the allad for 4ysis to sin! 'pon the concl'sion of the dance. Hon .'an, as )aster of cere)onies and leader, started the lively dance alone. +e (as so handso)e that the !'ests co'ld not take their > 10 > eyes fro) his ele!ant fi!'re dressed in rich ro(n, (ith his !olden chains and dia)ond 'ttons sparklin! like stars. 4isarda and don *lvaro follo(ed. ,he (as (earin! ro(n to )atch don .'an2s colors. Hon *lvaro (ore Matilda2s colors, as he (as in her thrall. Matilda (as dressed in (aln't ro(n and silver and acco)panied don *lonso, s)artly dressed in lack eca'se that2s the color 3ise (ore. 3ise2s dress (as of soft velvet decorated (ith !old 'ttons. Hon Mi!'el led her y the hand. +e too (ore lack eca'se, altho'!h he (anted to pay co'rt to Phyllis, he did not dare don her colors for fear of don 4ope, (ho (as (earin! Phyllis2s !reen in hope of ein! accepted y her. 1hen 4ysis sa( in his colors ho( don .'an preferred 4isarda, she 'nderstood the )essa!e stated in his dress and felt disill'sioned in her love for hi). ,he concealed her sorro( y s(allo(in! her si!hs and stiflin! her tears and (atched the !race and de=terity (ith (hich her friends danced the spritely )as?'e

(ith its piro'ettes so intricate, its crosses, ri ons, and la yrinths so stately that everyone (ished it (o'ld last a h'ndred years. 5hen, (ith tears still in her eyes, 4ysis prepared to display her talent y acco)panyin! the )'sicians (ith her lovely voice. 9veryone took a seat to listen (hile she san! this allad: 6orests, hear )y la)ent: listen (hile & sin! )y plaints, for happiness never lasts for the 'nfort'nate. 4on! a!o & testified to yo'r el) and ash trees, to yo'r crystal sprin!s, a o't Celio2s faithlessness. 5enderly yo' heard )y plaints and distracted )e fro) )y %ealo'sy (ith the lovin! )'sic of yo'r !ently flo(in! rooks. 5o'ched, he sa( his folly, for heaven had (ro'!ht )y constancyD riefly he so'!ht to repay )y affection 't ho( soon he tiredQ +appy to see )y love re(arded, & hoped to en%oy )y !ood fort'ne, for even if he didn2t really love )e at least he see)ed responsive. My so'l %'d!ed its ?'arters > 11 > too s)all to contain )y !reat %oy, for it )istook as favors his disco'rtesy and disdain. & adored his deceptionD it served to increase )y desire to (orship his char)s, (hat )adness and follyQ Un!ratef'l lover, (ho (o'ld think that these thin!s & relate (o'ld hasten and increase yo'r desire to for!et )e. Ko' are ri!ht to e cr'el, & co)plain 'n%'stly, eca'se those (ho love least are the )ost fort'nate. 5he villa!e, seein! yo'r tho'!hts t'rned to a ne( )istress of yo'r affection, yo'r eyes set on another love, talks a o't yo'r inconstancy, (hile &, eca'se & love yo',

la)ent yo'r ne!lect and r'e yo'r disdain. ,'ch an ill'strio's a'dience (o'ld not sho( proper !ratit'de if it did not praise the lovely 4ysis for her ea'tif'l voice. Hon .'an2s father, don 6rancisco, in refined and co'rtly lan!'a!e, spoke for everyone in sayin! ho( )'ch they appreciated the !reat favor she had sho(n the). 5his ca'sed the lovely lady to l'sh and, despite her illness, the s'ff'sion of color that r'shed to her cheeks hei!htened her ea'ty. Hon .'an al)ost repented of his chan!e of alle!iance, 't the )o)ent he a!ain looked at 4isarda, he eca)e en)eshed in the onds of her ea'ty as he (atched her )ove to the special seat to tell her enchant)ent and th's e!in this first ni!ht2s entertain)ent. ,he (aited to e!in 'ntil she sa( everyone h'shed and in s'spense, han!in! on each one of the (ell/ chosen (ords her s(eet )o'th (o'ld 'tter. ,earchin! her )ind for %'st the ri!ht ones, very char)in!ly, she e!an: > 1- >

Everythin& Vent,red
Bea'tif'l ladies and no le !entle)en, the na)e of )y enchant)ent is Feverythin! vent'redF eca'se in it yo' (ill see ho(, (hen a (o)an is 'nl'cky, (hen her star leads her to )isfort'ne, no e=a)ple or (arnin! can prevent it. +eedin! the lesson in )y enchant)ent sho'ld serve to keep a person fro) tr'stin! in the frail ark of his (eakness and fro) thro(in! hi)self into the ocean of 'nrestrained appetites lest he dro(n in it. 5his applies to the frailty of (o)en as (ell as to the clear and heroic (isdo) of )en, (hose deceptions are ri!htf'lly to e feared as yo' (ill see in )y enchant)ent, (hich e!ins like this: 5he cra!!y peaks of Montserrat are the )anifestation of God2s po(er on earth and of the (ondro's )iracles of +is +oly Mother, )anifested in +er divine )ysteries, the effects of +er )ercy. +ere at Montserrat ,he holds 'p in the air the peak of a %a!!ed )o'ntain that has een a andoned y all other )o'ntains so that it has no s'pport (hatsoever e=cept that (hich heaven !ives. 3o less a)a7in! is the )irac'lo's and holy ch'rch there, endo(ed (ith inn')era le )iracles and 'n o'nded (ealth. 5he !reatest of these )iracles is e) odied in the tr'e i)a!e of A'r 4ady L'een of *n!els. A'r hero 6a io paid +er ho)a!e and offered +er his so'l overflo(in! (ith devo't love. +e caref'lly e=a)ined the ch'rch (alls covered (ith e=/votos, shro'ds, cr'tches, and )yriad other si!ns of +er po(er. 6a io is an ill'strio's son of the no le city of Madrid, a splendid e=a)ple of her !reatness and a credit to her fa)e. 1ith his keen > 1" > intelli!ence, his reno(ned no ility, his !ood nat're, and refined )anners, he adorns and enriches Madrid2s fa)e as )'ch as any of her rave fo'nders of (ho), as their )other, she is %'stly pro'd. 5ransported to this settin! of Montserrat, 6a io set o't to cli) a)on! the )o'ntain2s peaks. 1hat led this virt'o's yo'th thro'!h s'ch r'!!ed terrain (as the pio's desire to visit the holy cells of the penitent )onks (ho have died for the (orld in order to live for heaven. +e visited several and received no'rish)ent for ody and so'l. +e )editated on the saintliness of these )en (ho can even entice the f'!itive irds to perch on their hands to eat the cr') s they feed the). +e contin'ed hikin! into the )ost re)ote part of the (ilderness to see the fa)o's Cave of ,aint *nthony, so/called eca'se of its prodi!io's harshness and eca'se of all the thin!s that have occ'rred there, the re)arka le

penances of the saintly )en (ho have d(elt there and resisted the devil2s terri le te)ptations. Ane co'ld say that to (ithstand these te)ptations re?'ires as )'ch spirit'ality as ,aint *nthony hi)self sho(ed. Beca'se the r'!!ed terrain per)itted passa!e only on foot, 6a io had left his )'le and his servant ack at the )onastery. 1eary fro) cla) erin! 'p the narro( trail, he sat do(n eside a s)all crystalline rook that spilled forth its pearly drops across the tiny !rasses as, (ith a !entle )'r)'rin! so'nd, it slipped do(n fro) a lovely sprin! that en%oys its splendid settin! at the very top of the )o'ntain. 5he crystal )'sic and )elodio's la'!hter of that place see)ed created y the hands of the an!els for the recreation of the holy her)its (ho d(ell there. 9ven 'nseen y the eye, it co'ld not fail to deli!ht the ear. 5he lon! (alk on foot, the harshness of the trail, and the (ar)th of the s'n had (orn hi) o't, so he decided to rest and recover his ener!y. ,carcely had he ca'!ht his (eary reath (hen there ca)e to his ears a soft delicate voice (hose lo( tones see)ed not too distant, s'!!estin! that their so'rce (as not far a(ay. 5hinkin! itself alone, that voice, as )o'rnf'l as it (as lo(, san! this allad acco)panied only y the h') le strea): 1ho (o'ld think that )y love, seared y so )any sorro(s, (eary of s'ch )isfort'ne, (o'ld die a co(ard2s deathJ 1hoever sa( it escape, fleein! fro) s'ch harsh faithlessness, (o'ld elieve it (o'ld co)e ack > 1@ > for ne( and !reater sorro(J C'rsed e the naked tr'th of all )y )is!'ided love, and c'rsed e the one (ho called all (o)en fickleQ 1hen & sho'ld, Celio, co)plain of yo'r )istreat)ent, love (ill not let )e for!et yo', love (ills for )e to love yo' )ore. 6ro) the ti)e the da(n e!ins 'ntil the s'n departs to athe the &ndian shores, & cry, every constant, ever lovin!. 5he s'n reappears and finds )e rene(in! all )y !rief, e(ailin! yo'r folly, la)entin! yo'r license. & kno( (ell that & tire )yself in vain s'fferin! s'ch sorro(, for tears shed in solit'de cost a lot and do very little !ood. & ca)e to this (ilderness fleein! fro) yo'r 'n!ratef'l treat)ent

't, )ore constant than ever, & adore yo', for lovin! yo' is )y no'rish)ent. & freed )yself fro) the si!ht of yo', 't & co'ldn2t free )yself fro) )y ene)y i)a!ination, fro) )y ever constant love. Ane (ho2s seen a castle esie!ed, one (ho2s seen a ship e) attled, one (ho2s seen a captive in *l!iers, kno(s (hat & a) likeM'nchan!in!. ,ince & chose yo' for )y )aster, kill )e, sorro(s, kill )e, for then at least it can e said she died (itho't ever chan!in!. *las, heartfelt (oes, yo' are po(erf'l eno'!h to kill )e 't not po(erf'l eno'!h to end )y loveQ 6a io listened to the sorro(f'l voice and the heartrendin! co)plaints (ith !reat pleas're for, altho'!h the sin!er (asn2t the )ost !ifted he had ever heard, still he (as sorry (hen the son! ended so soon. 5he ti)e, the place, the (ilderness, and the s(eetness of the son! )ade hi) (ant it to contin'e. +is only consolation for the fact > 1I > that it did not last lon!er (as the tho'!ht that he )i!ht soon deli!ht his eyes and his so'l (ith the si!ht of the sorro(f'l )'sician %'st as the voice had deli!hted his ears. 3o )atter ho( h') le the sin!er )i!ht e, hearin! s'ch a son! in the (ilderness (hen he had e=pected to hear only the roar of so)e (ild east (as a !reat relief. ,o 6a io, feelin! )ore ener!etic than efore, (ent on his (ay hopin! to catch si!ht of the sin!er. +e tho'!ht that no one (o'ld e=press those e)otions and sorro(f'l co)plaints in s'ch a re)ote (ilderness (itho't so)e po(erf'l reason. 1hat re)arka le co)passion and !enerosity to sy)pathi7e (ith so)eone else2s sorro(Q Ko' can2t i)a!ine ho( ea!er 6a io (as to speak (ith the 'nhappy )'sicianQ *s he didn2t (ant the 'ns'spectin! sin!er to hide, he )oved as ?'ietly as possi le. +e follo(ed alon! the ed!e of the rook seekin! its ea'tif'l so'rce, for he s'spected that that place (o'ld hold the %e(el that in his )ind he (as envisionin!, and that (as e=actly (hat he fo'nd. +e (as not )istaken. +e cli) ed 'p to the little )eado( that (as at the very top of the )o'ntain, a place inha ited only y (ild creat'res or y the chaste !oddess Hiana. &t (as li)ited at one end y a lar!e (hite o'lder fro) (hich e)er!ed a lovely !lassy lake, savory s'stenance for the perf')ed flo(ers, the !reen rose)ary, and the delicate thy)e carpetin! the )eado(. 4yin! in their )idst he sa( a shepherd lad (ho appeared to e in the sprin!ti)e of his years, dressed in ro(n reeches and a (hite (ooly la) skin %acket, his pack and his staff at his side. 5he )o)ent 6a io sa( the lad he reco!ni7ed hi) as the )'sician (ho had s'n! the verses, for he see)ed sad and )orose and still (ept fro) the e)otion he had %'st po'red o't in son!. &f the voice 6a io had heard did not indicate other(ise, he )i!ht have tho'!ht the lad to e a rare stat'e )ade to adorn the sprin!, so )otionless (as he in his !rief. +is (hite hands (ere clasped to!ether in a knot and they (ere so (hite that they co'ld have )ade the sno( envio's, if the sno(, sha)efaced, had not already a andoned the )o'ntain. &f the shepherd had e=posed his face to the s'n, it did not sho( fro) the little effect of its rays, nor had

his face allo(ed the (eather to (ork any har) a!ainst its !reat ea'ty. ,cattered a)on!st the aro)atic !rasses (as a flock of sno(y sheep servin! as a prete=t for his dress. Given the a)o'nt of attention he (as payin! the), they see)ed like a sta!e settin! arran!ed for hi) in %'st this scene. 5he s'spension of the lovely lad (as s'ch that 6a io (as a le to !et so close that he co'ld see that the (hite flo(er of the lad2s face > 1# > elied his dress, for if he had een a )an, !olden do(n (o'ld have e!'n to shado( his lip. B't, eca'se the place (as so dan!ero's for a (o)an, 6a io really do' ted (hat he (as seein!. +e told hi)self that that do' t only acc'sed hi) of not ein! very rave hi)self. +e dre( nearer and called o't a co'rteo's !reetin! to the shepherd lad. 5he lad started to his senses and 'ttered s'ch a sorro(f'l si!h that it al)ost see)ed to e the last of his )ortal days. 5he (ilderness had not yet ro'!hened his )anners, ho(ever, so (hen he sa( 6a io, he stood 'p and co'rteo'sly ret'rned the !reetin!, askin! ho( he had co)e to s'ch a place. 6a io thanked hi) for his co'rtesy and responded in this (ay: F& a) a native of Madrid. & ca)e to Barcelona on i)portant 'siness and, (hen & finished it and (as ret'rnin! ho)e, & didn2t (ant to pass y (itho't visitin! the )irac'lo's )onastery of Montserrat. 5o sho( )y devotion, & visited the )onastery and then & decided to see the her)ita!es here on the )o'ntain. 1hile & (as restin! in the fra!rant thy)e, & heard yo'r sad son!. &t affected )e deeply and )ade )e (ant to see the )'sician (ho san! s'ch a sorro(f'l la)ent. By yo'r son! & can tell that yo' s'ffer fro) tr'e love and that yo' (eep eca'se of a faithless lover. & fo'nd yo' and & notice that in yo'r face and in yo'r earin! yo' are not (hat yo'r dress indicates: yo'r face does not )atch yo'r clothes, nor do yo'r (ords !o (ith the dis!'ise yo' (ear. Ko'r face !ives everythin! a(ay. Ko'2re too old to e a oy, and yet the lack of a eard reveals that yo'2re not a )an. ,o, (ith all d'e respect, &2d like to ask yo' to settle )y do' ts. 4et )e first ass're yo' that if & can help to re)edy yo'r sorro(s, don2t dis)iss that as i)possi le or send )e a(ay disconsolate. &t tro' les )e to find a (o)an in this (ilderness and (earin! s'ch a dis!'ise 't, (itho't kno(in! the ca'se of yo'r e=ile, & can do nothin! to help.F 5he shepherd lad listened attentively to 6a io and, fro) ti)e to ti)e, a la!!ard tear (o'ld slip slo(ly do(n his cheek and drop to the !ro'nd. 1hen he sa( that 6a io had finished and (as (aitin! for an ans(er, he said: F,ir, heaven )'st not (ant )y sorro(s to re)ain hidden, either eca'se there2s so)eone (ho can help )e to ear the), or eca'se &2) dra(in! near to the end of )y (eary life and it (ants )y pain to serve as an e=a)ple and a lesson for others. 1hen & tho'!ht that only God and these o'lders (ere listenin! to )e, heaven ro'!ht yo'r Christian co)passion to this place to hear )y la)ents and )y sorro(s (hich are so !reat and so varied, havin! co)e to )e fro) > 1: > every direction, that & think it (o'ld e a !reater favor to yo' not to tell yo' than to tell yo' and !ive yo' ca'se to sorro(. 6'rther)ore, )y story is so lon! that if yo' stay to hear it, yo'2ll lose a lot of ti)e.F FAn the contrary,F 6a io replied, Fyo' have aro'sed )y interest and )y sy)pathy. 9ven if & tho'!ht &2d t'rn into a sava!e fro) stayin! a lon! ti)e hi!h a)on! these peaks, as lon! as yo' are here, & shall not leave 'ntil yo' tell )e yo'r story so that, if it2s possi le, & can e=tricate yo' fro) this (ay of life. & insist on it. 6ro) (hat & can tell, yo' are sensi le eno'!h not to )ake it hard for )e to pers'ade yo' to

choose a )ore appropriate and less perilo's life. Ko'2re not safe here eca'se of the (ild ani)als and the andits (ho inha it these (ilds. &f they discover yo'r ea'ty, as & have, yo' can e s're they (on2t sho( the sa)e respect for yo'r person as do &. Please don2t deprive )e of this favor. & intend to (ait all the years of Ulysses2 a sence to hear yo'r story, (hich & shall listen to (ith relish.F F1ell, if that2s ho( it is,F the lad responded, Fplease, kind sir, sit do(n and listen to (hat, 'ntil this very )o)ent, no one has ever heard )e tell. Understand ho( )'ch & tr'st in yo'r !ood (ill and yo'r discretion y tellin! yo', (hen & have %'st )et yo', s'ch prodi!io's and 'nheard of thin!s as happen only to those orn to e=tre)e )isfort'ne. 1hen yo' learn (ho & a), the honor and !ood na)e of )y )any no le relatives r'n !reat risk, as does )y very life, for they (ill have to kill )e to aven!e the)selves and cleanse their honor.F 6a io thanked hi) as est he co'ld for confidin! his secrets in hi), and he did it very nicely. +e told the shepherd his na)e and reass'red hi) a o't any dan!er. 5hey sat do(n to!ether eside the sprin!, and the ea'tif'l shepherd e!an his story like this: FHiscreet 6a io, )y na)e is .acinta. Ko'r eyes (ere not deceived in reco!ni7in! )e as a (o)an. & (as orn in Bae7a, a no le city in *ndal'cia, and )y parents (ere like(ise no le, (ith s'fficient property to )aintain their no ility and their honor. * rother and & (ere orn in )y father2s ho'se, he is to its eternal sorro( and & to its dishonor. 1e (o)en are ro'!ht 'p so deficiently that very little stren!th is e=pected of 's si)ply eca'se (e have ea'tif'l eyes. 1ere (e orn lind, the (orld (o'ld have less dra)a, for (e (o'ld live safe fro) deception. My )other died at the (orst ti)e for )e. +er loss (as !reat eca'se her co)pany, 'p rin!in!, and vi!ilance (o'ld have een etter for )y )odesty than )y father2s ne!li!ence in lookin! o't for )e and arran!in! )y )arria!e. ;&t2s a terri le )istake for parents to (ait for their da'!hters to take s'ch a step on their o(n.< > 1$ > My father loved )y rother dearlyMhe (as )y father2s one and only passion. +e never !ave a tho'!ht to )e and & have no idea (hat his intentions for )e (ere. +e had plenty of )oney to do anythin! he )i!ht have (anted or desired to do. F& (as si=teen (hen, one ni!ht (hile & (as sleepin!, & had a drea). ;1oe is )eQ *nd even (hen & (as a(ake & relieved that drea).< & (as !oin! thro'!h a lovely forest and in the very depths of the forest, & )et the )ost handso)e )an & had ever in )y life seen. +is face (as shado(ed y the ed!e of a fa(n cape (ith silver hooks and catches. *ttracted y his appearance, & stopped to !a7e at hi). 9a!er to see if his face looked as & i)a!ined, & approached and oldly p'lled aside his cape. 5he )o)ent & did, he dre( a da!!er and pl'n!ed it into )y heart so violently that the pain )ade )e cry o't, and all )y )aids ca)e r'nnin! in. *s soon as & a(oke fro) this dark drea), & lost si!ht of the fact that he had done )e s'ch in%'ry, and & felt )ore deeply affected than yo' can i)a!ine. +is i)a!e re)ained etched in )y )e)ory. &t did not fade a(ay or disappear for ever so lon!. 3o le 6a io, & yearned to find a )an (ith e=actly his appearance and earin! to e )y h's and. 5hese tho'!hts so o sessed )e that & kept i)a!inin! and rei)a!inin! that scene, and & (o'ld have conversations (ith hi). Before yo' kne( it, & (as )adly in love (ith a )ystery )an (ho) & didn2t kno(, 't yo' )'st elieve that if the !od 3arciss's (as dark, then s'rely he (as 3arciss's. FBeca'se of this o session & co'ld neither eat nor sleep. My face lost its color and & e=perienced the )ost profo'nd )elancholy of )y life. 9veryone noticed the chan!es in )e. 1ho, 6a io, ever heard of anyone lovin! a )ere shado(J 5hey )ay tell tales a o't people (ho2ve loved )onsters and other incredi le thin!s, 't at least (hat they loved had for)Q & sy)pathi7ed (ith Py!)alion (ho loved the stat'e that 'lti)ately .'piter ro'!ht to life for hi), and (ith the yo'th fro) *thens, and (ith the

lovers (ho loved a tree or a dolphin. B't (hat & loved (as a )ere fantasy, a shado(. 1hat (o'ld people think of thatJ 3o ody (o'ld elieve )e and, if they did, they2d think &2d lost )y )ind. B't & !ive yo' )y (ord of honor as a no le(o)an, that not in this or in anythin! else &2ll tell yo', do & add a sin!le (ord that isn2t the tr'th. Ko' can i)a!ine that & talked to )yself. & reproved )yself, and, to free )yself fro) )y o sessive passion, & looked very caref'lly at all the ele!ant yo'n! )en (ho lived in )y city and tried to !ro( fond of one of the). 9verythin! & did si)ply )ade )e love > 19 > )y phanto) )ore, and no(here co'ld & find his e?'al. My love !re( and !re( so !reat that & even co)posed poetry to )y eloved !host. F&f it (on2t ore yo', &2ll recite a poe) for yo', for even tho'!h it2s (ritten y a (o)an, it2s all the etterMit isn2t ri!ht to e=c'se the errors )en )ake in their poetry eca'se they are ta'!ht in all their st'dies ho( to refine and adorn their verses (ith artD 't a (o)an, (ho has only her o(n instinct, deserves praise for everythin! that2s !ood and pardon for any defects.F F6air .acinta, recite yo'r poe) for )e,F 6a io said, Fit (o'ld !ive )e !reat pleas're. & kno( ho( to co)pose fairly (ell 't &2ve never taken it too serio'sly for, & s(ear to yo', & al(ays think other people2s poetry is etter than )y o(n.F F1ell,F .acinta replied, Fif that2s ho( yo' really feel, then for the rest of )y story & (on2t interr'pt to ask per)ission to recite the poe)s that are fittin!. 5his is the one & co)posed for )y phanto): & adore (hat & cannot see, & cannot see (hat & adore, & do not kno( the ca'se of )y love, 't & (ant to find that ca'se. My conf'sionM (ho can e!in to 'nderstand itJ & have co)e to love (itho't seein!, y i)a!ination alone, t'rnin! )y affection to a shade (ho has no ein!. &t (o'ld not e a (ondro's )iracle for a paintin! to inspire love and, altho'!h & don2t approve of s'ch a love, even so, in fact it is ased on ea'ty. B't to love a face that2s an invention of the so'lM no one can i)a!ine s'ch )adnessQ 5o think that & (ill ever find the ca'se, still 'ncreated, ho( can & pray for s'ch a )iracleJ 5he (o'nd in )y heart !'shes lood 't & do not die. +appily & a(ait death to p't an end to )y passion. &f & don2t die, it (o'ld e !ood

> -0 > at least to sleepD 't ho( can & ask for life or death fro) one (ho has no ein! fro) one (ho only (o'ndsJ +eaven, if yo' created the shade & love, !rant )e the o %ect of )y love (ho is loved efore he is orn. B't ho( can an 'nfort'nate lover, one (ho (as orn 'nl'cky, )ake s'ch prayerJ 1ho can co)prehend this stran!e )iracle of love: that & sho'ld overflo( (ith desire for a lover !li)psed only in a drea)J F1ho (o'ld think, 6a io, that heaven co'ld e so !enero's as to !rant (hat & co'ld not even pray forJ ,ince & desired the i)possi le, & didn2t dare e=press s'ch an o'tlandish (ish e=cept in these verses (hich are )ore poetry than prayer. 1hen one is fated to e 'nfort'nate, heaven see)s to co'ntenance )isfort'ne. F&n )y city, there also lived a !entle)an (ho ca)e fro) ,eville. +e (as of the (orthy and reno(ned Ponce de 4eon fa)ily. 5his !entle)an had en!a!ed in so)e oyhood )ischief in his irthplace, so he left ,eville and ca)e to Bae7a to )arry a lady in every (ay his e?'al. 5hey had three children. 5he oldest and the yo'n!est (ere !irls, the )iddle child a oy. 5he older da'!hter )arried in Granada, so only the yo'n!er da'!hter (as left at ho)e to )ake 'p for the a sence of don 6eli=, their handso)e son. 5o live 'p to the valor and ravery of his ill'strio's ancestors, don 6eli= had !one to serve in the (ars, seekin! y his rave e=ploits to )ake his )any no le relatives of the ho'se of the d'kes of *rcos and the co'nts of Bailen pro'd of their relation (ith hi). Before this no le yo'th had reached the a!e of t(enty/fo'r, he had earned the co))and of a co)pany. *fter servin! three years in 6landers, he ret'rned to ,pain to re?'est pro)otion. 1hile his relatives at co'rt (ere handlin! his petition, he ca)e ho)e to Bae7a to visit his parents, for it had een a lon! ti)e since he2d seen the), and they all looked for(ard to the day of his ret'rn. FHon 6eli= arrived in Bae7a one afternoon (hile & (as sittin! on )y alcony daydrea)in!. ,ince his ho'se (as on the sa)e street, he had to pass ri!ht y )y ho'se. 5he !rand entrance he )ade (ith his > -1 > )any servants distracted )e fro) )y daydrea)in! ;other(ise & )i!ht never have noticed<. 5he )o)ent & set )y eyes on his ele!ant fi!'re, & stared )ore than (as proper, for his appearance st'nned )e. 5o try to descri e to yo' that )o)ent (o'ld prolon! )y story and )y heart reak. 1hat & sa(, in fact, (as the handso)e lord of )y drea), the lord of )y so'l. &f it (as not he, then & a) not the .acinta (ho loved hi) )ore than life itself. & did not kno( don 6eli= nor did he kno( )e eca'se, (hen he (ent off to the (ars, & (as s'ch a little !irl that & co'ldn2t have re)e) ered hi) despite the fact that his sister and & (ere !ood friends. FHon 6eli= !lanced 'p at the alcony and noticed ho( )y eyes cele rated his arrival. C'pid fo'nd the ri!ht ti)e and the ri!ht place to pierce his heart (ith love2s !olden dart. *s far as & (as concerned, it

!oes (itho't sayin! that C'pid2s (ork had already een done. *s don 6eli= passed, he said to )e: 2&f this %e(el e not )ine, & shall s'rely die.2 My so'l yearned to reply 2& already a),2 't )y )odesty (as as !reat as )y love, so & only hoped and prayed that C'pid (o'ld !rant )e !ood fort'ne no( that he had at last !ranted )e the o %ect of )y love. FHon 6eli= did not )iss a sin!le chance that 6ort'ne placed in his hands. 5he first thin! that happened (as that doBa &sa el told )e a o't her rother2s arrival. Af co'rse & had to !o visit her to con!rat'late her. An that visit, don 6eli= let )e kno( (ith his eyes and (ith his (ords that he loved )e so clearly that &, lovin! hi) tr'ly, (anted to cele rate )y !ood fort'ne y not hidin! )y feelin!s fro) hi). &n so doin!, & !ave hi) per)ission to co'rt )e, to pro)enade y )y ho'se y day, and y ni!ht to serenade )e (ith his !'itar and (ith his s(eet voice sin!in! the love son!s he co)posed so (ell. & recall, 6a io, that the very first ti)e & spoke (ith hi) alone thro'!h the !ratin! at )y (indo( (as in response to this sonnet: 5o love the day, to hate the day, to call forth ni!ht and then dis)iss her, to fear fire (hile dra(in! close to the fla)e, to feel sorro( and %oy at the sa)e ti)e, for valor and co(ardice to d(ell side y side, cr'el scorn and !entle pleadin!, for kno(led!e to tie reason in onds and free a'dacity, > -- > to seek a (ay to relieve sorro( (hile ref'sin! to a andon sorro(, to desire (itho't kno(in! (hat, to feel pleas're and displeas're %'st alike, and all the pain contained in hope, if this isn2t love, & don2t kno( (hat it is. F4ove had already plotted )y do(nfallD no( it e!an to affi= the onds that (o'ld enchain )e and di! the pit that (o'ld entrap )e, and & so'!ht a (ay to satisfy )y desire. 1hen & heard that sonnet, & (ent do(n to the roo) of one of )y father2s servants na)ed ,ara ia, (ho (as !reedier than he (as loyal. Beca'se his (indo( opened onto the street, it (as easy for )e to talk (ith don 6eli=, and (e co'ld even hold hands. 1hen & sa( don 6eli= 'p close, & said: F2&f tr'ly yo' love as yo' say, then fort'nate is the lady (ho )erits yo'r affection.2 F2Ko' kno( very (ell, )y lady,2 don 6eli= replied, 2fro) )y eyes, fro) )y !reat desire, that )y love for yo' reveals )y s(eet perdition. & kno( etter ho( to love than ho( to e=press )y love. & don2t sin! to e a fa)o's poet or )'sician 't to tell yo' that yo' are to e )y )istress for so lon! as & shall live. 5hat is )y only desire.2 F2*nd do yo' think,2 & asked, 2that & sho'ld elieve (hat yo' say to )eJ2 F2Most certainly,2 )y lover responded, 2 eca'se a (o)an has the privile!e of allo(in! herself to love and e loved y the )an (ho is to e her h's and.2 F2*nd (hat ass'res )e that yo' (ill e )y h's andJ2 & asked.

F2My love,2 said don 6eli=, 2and this hand (hich, if yo' (ill accept it as the pled!e of )y (ord, (ill never fail yo', even if it costs its o(ner his life.2 F+o( (onderf'l to find )yself desired %'st as &2d i)a!ined and (anted, friend 6a ioQ 1hat (o)an ever ref'sed the opport'nity to )arry the very )an she loved, (ho didn2t accept his offer ri!ht a(ayJ 1ell, there2s no etter ait for a (o)an than this, (hich (ill s'rely lead her to her do(nfall. & didn2t (ant to %eopardi7e )y !ood fort'ne, (hich is (hat & considered it then and shall al(ays consider it (hen & recall that day. & p't )y hand thro'!h the !ratin! and took the one )y lord (as offerin! to )e, and said to hi): F25his isn2t the ti)e, don 6eli=, for )e disdainf'lly to play !a)es or to hide )y love (ith fei!ned resistance, si!hs, and tears. & love > -" > yo'. &2ve loved yo' not %'st since that day (hen & first sa( yo', 't even efore. ,o that )y (ords (on2t conf'se yo'. . . .2 and then & told hi) everythin! &2ve told yo' a o't )y drea). F*ll the (hile & (as tellin! don 6eli= of )y ha'ntin! drea), he kept kissin! )y hand, (hich he (as holdin! in oth of his, as consolation for all )y sorro(s. 5hat day and this one (o'ld have ca'!ht 's in that !lory had o'r love not pro!ressed to )ore. 1e took leave of each other (ith a tho'sand tender (ords, s(earin! o'r love and pro)isin! to see each other every ni!ht in that sa)e place. &t (as easy to 'y the servant (ith !old coins and, thro'!h )y oldness, & )ana!ed to overco)e the diffic'lty of !ettin! there even tho'!h & had to (alk ri!ht y the ed (here )y father and )y rother (ere sleepin! in order to leave )y roo). FHoBa &sa el visited )e often eca'se of her friendship for )e and also to please her rother, and she served as the tr'sted inter)ediary to o'r love. 6or so)e ti)e o'r co'rtship re)ained in this deli!htf'l state and d'rin! that ti)e don 6eli= )ade no effort to ret'rn to d'ty in &taly. F1hile virt'ally all the ladies in the city had een con?'ered y his )a!nificent presence, one in partic'lar (as his co'sin, doBa *driana, one of the )ost ea'tif'l (o)en in the entire re!ion. ,he (as the da'!hter of don 6eli=2s father2s sister, (ho as & said efore, (as fro) ,eville. HoBa *driana had fo'r sisters and, (hen their father died, they had all co)e to Bae7a. 5he t(o yo'n!est entered the convent. 5he second da'!hter )arried here, and that left the eldest (ho had chosen neither to )arry or to eco)e a n'n. ,he lived (ith her )arried sister (ho y no( had eco)e a (ido( and had inherited fifty tho'sand d'cats. 5he (ido( loved her sister dearly as yo' can i)a!ine since she (as alone in the (orld and also eca'se her sister, doBa *driana, (as so very ea'tif'l. 1ell, doBa *driana en%oyed fre?'ent conversation (ith don 6eli= eca'se they (ere co'sins, and she fell )adly and passionately in love (ith hi) and yo'2ll soon find o't (hat happened. FHon 6eli= (as a(are of his co'sin2s love for hi) 't, eca'se he had his heart set on )e, he passed it off and tried to avoid !ivin! her enco'ra!e)ent or any prete=t for lovin! hi) )ore. 5o every indication doBa *driana !ave of her love he, (ith careless inattention, played disinterested. 6inally, overco)e y her fr'strated love and deeply affected y his disdain, she fell ill and the doctors feared for her life. Besides not eatin! or sleepin!, she ref'sed to allo( the) to > -@ > !ive her any re)edies. 5his 'pset her )other terri ly. +er )other, ho(ever, (as a shre(d (o)an, and she e!an to s'spect that her da'!hter2s illness (as ca'sed y 'nre?'ited love. 1ith this idea, she

pressed doBa *driana2s )aid, in (ho) the !irl confided everythin!, to tell her the tr'th. 1hen she learned (hat the sit'ation (as, she planned ho( to re)edy it. F,he called her nephe( and, (ith tears in her eyes, told hi) of the !reat sorro( she felt eca'se of her darlin! da'!hter2s illness and e=plained the ca'se of her illness. 5hen she e!!ed hi) )ost fervently to )arry her da'!hter. ,he co'ld ans(er for her rother2s consent, and don 6eli= co'ldn2t find a etter )atch in all Bae7a. FHon 6eli= didn2t (ant to e the ca'se of his co'sin2s death, nor did he (ish to 'pset his a'nt (ith a harsh reply. 5herefore, tr'stin! in the ti)e it (o'ld take to )ake all the arran!e)ents and to o tain a dispensation fro) 8o)e, he told her to take the )atter 'p (ith his father and he a!reed to accept their decision. 5hen he (ent in to visit his co'sin and filled her heart (ith hope. *s his a'nt had re?'ested, he (ent to doBa *driana2s ho'se re!'larly and sho(ed satisfaction in her i)prove)ent. HoBa *driana recovered her health entirely. F&n order to visit his co'sin, don 6eli= started )issin! his visits to )e. & e!an to ?'estion his fidelity and despaired and (ept )y eyes dry. Ane ni!ht, in an effort to ass'a!e )y %ealo'sy and also to avoid the nei!h ors2 !ossip, he arran!ed (ith ,ara ia to co)e inside. 1hen he sa( )y tears and heard in )y co)plaints the ra(ness of )y feelin!s, like a tr'e lover a ove all s'spicion, he told )e (hat had happened (ith re!ard to his co'sin. &n tellin! )e this he (as lovin! 't 'n(ise eca'se (hat, 'ntil then, had een )erely fear eca)e open %ealo'sy, and the an!er of a %ealo's (o)an is no s)all thin!. & told hi) never to look at )e a!ain in all his life, let alone speak to )e, 'nless he told his co'sin that he co'ldn2t e hers eca'se he2d pro)ised to )arry )e. F& (as so an!ry & tried to ret'rn to )y roo), 't )y lover (o'ldn2t let )e !o. Eery h') ly and lovin!ly, he vo(ed he (o'ld not let a day pass (itho't o eyin! )e, that he (o'ld2ve done so already if he hadn2t (anted to protect )y decor') y speakin! (ith )e first. 1ith the !o/ et(een servant as (itness, he a!ain !ave )e his (ord to )arry )e, and & !ave hi) possession of )y ody and )y so'l, elievin! that in that (ay & co'ld hold hi) )ore sec'rely to his pro)ise. 5hat ni!ht passed )ore ?'ickly than ever, for it (as follo(ed y the day of )y !reat )isfort'ne. > -I > F5he doctor had decided that that )ornin! doBa *driana sho'ld drink a stron! syr'p and then take so)e e=ercise in the co'ntryside. Una le to see the illness of her so'l, he tho'!ht her loss of color (as ca'sed y ane)ia. An that very day, to satisfy )y %ealo'sy, )y etrothed freed her fro) the ill'sions of her love. * )an has only one ody and one so'l despite the fact that he )ay have )any desiresD no )atter ho( )any desires he has, he cannot e in t(o places at the sa)e ti)e and the ni!ht efore )y don 6eli= had een (ith )e, (hich )eant he (asn2t (ith his co'sin. 5he tr'th of the )atter is that 6ort'ne !'ided thin!s in her o(n (ay, to the !reat detri)ent of )y (elfare, and arran!ed for doBa *driana to !et 'p early that )ornin!. ,he took her syr'p and (ent for her (alk (ith her a'nt and her )aids. 5heir first stop (as her co'sin don 6eli=2s ho'se. 1hen doBa *driana entered, everyone (as happy to see her so (ell. 5hey all !reeted her as if she (ere the s'n and con!rat'lated her on her i)proved health. ,he (ent off (ith doBa &sa el to don 6eli=2s roo). +e (as still restin!, )akin! 'p for the sleep he2d lost in his a)oro's ni!ht (ith )e. &n the presence of his sister, doBa *driana e!an to take hi) to task for not havin! visited her the ni!ht efore, %'st as if she (ere his (ife. Hon 6eli= )ade no response. 6inally, in a fe( rief (ords, he )ana!ed to let her kno( that she (as (astin! her ti)eD he (as in love (ith )eD (e had e=chan!ed vo(sD he (as en!a!ed to )arry )e, and, 'nless he lost his life, he (o'ld not fail to keep his (ord to )e. F5hese (ords ca'sed doBa *driana to fall into a s(oon. 5hey had to carry her in to doBa &sa el2s ed.

1hen she recovered her senses, stiflin! her tears as est she co'ld, she took leave of doBa &sa el, respondin! a r'ptly and drily to the co)fort doBa &sa el tried to !ive. ,he ret'rned ho)e, and, to aven!e don 6eli=2s re%ection of her, she plotted the )ost cr'el act a!ainst herself, a!ainst her co'sin don 6eli=, and a!ainst )e, that yo' can i)a!ine. Ah %ealo'syQ 1hen yo' possess a (o)an2s heart, (hat terri le thin!s yo' doQ &n her fit of %ealo'sy, the first thin! doBa *driana did (as (rite a letter to )y father in (hich she infor)ed hi) of (hat (as !oin! on and ca'tioned hi) to keep (atch over his ho'se, for his honor (as in %eopardy. ,he (aited 'ntil the ne=t )ornin! to !ive the letter to a servant for delivery to )y father, (ith instr'ctions to tell hi) that it ca)e fro) Madrid. 5hen she p't on her cloak and, ready to take her prescri ed e=ercise, she (ent in to see her )other. More lovin!ly than yo' )i!ht e=pect, !iven her cr'el plan, doBa *driana said to her: F2Mother dear, &2) !oin! o't for )y (alk no(. God alone kno(s > -# > if &2ll co)e ack. Please e) race )e, )y lady, in case & sho'ld never see yo' a!ain.2 F2+'sh, *driana,2 her )other said, alar)ed, 2don2t say s'ch terri le thin!s, 'nless yo' (ant to end )y days. 1hy sho'ldn2t yo' see )e a!ainJ 1hy, yo'2ve recovered yo'r health, & haven2t seen yo' lookin! so (ell in a lon! ti)e. Go, )y child, don2t (ait till the s'n !ets so hi!h that it )i!ht har) yo'.2 F21on2t )y lady please e) race )eJ2 doBa *driana asked. F,he t'rned and left, her eyes filled (ith tears. ,he (ent to the front door, took t(o steps o'tside, 'ttered a heartrendin! cry, and collapsed to the !ro'nd. +er )other, her a'nt, and all the servants r'shed to help her. 5hinkin! she2d fainted, they carried her to her ed and sent for the doctor to attend her, 't her s(oon (as eternalD he declared her dead. 1hen they (ent to 'ndress her and place her in her shro'd, the (hole ho'se s'ddenly e=ploded (ith screa)s. 5hey 'n 'ttoned her odice of l'e and !ray ta y and et(een her ea'tif'l reasts they fo'nd a letter she herself had (ritten to her )other, e=plainin! that she had taken her o(n life y p'ttin! corrosive s' li)ate in her syr'p eca'se she preferred to die rather than see her co'sin don 6eli= in the ar)s of another (o)an. FHoBa *driana2s )other2s !rief (o'ld have roken anyone2s heartQ ,he (as so !rief/stricken that she (as eyond tears. ,he (as inconsola le, not only eca'se of her da'!hter2s s'icide and the terri le desperation of her act, 't especially eca'se her ody, (hen it !ot cold, loated terri ly and t'rned lack. Ko' can (ell i)a!ine, 6a io, the reaction of the entire ho'sehold and indeed of the (hole city. Una(are of all that had een ordained a!ainst )e and to keep doBa &sa el co)pany, & (ent to see this spectacle. & (as feelin! very conf'sed a o't ein! the ca'se of that dreadf'l catastrophe as &2d learned (hat she2d done in a note fro) )y etrothed. FHon 6eli= didn2t !o to the f'neral. +e didn2t (ant to aro'se heaven to aven!e his cr'elty. & attri 'ted his a sence to his sorro( 't either (ay his ehavior (as proper. 5he ill/fated (o)an (as 'ried. +er fa)ily, eca'se of its no ility and (ealth, )ana!ed to overco)e any o stacle that )i!ht have arisen fro) the fact that she died at her o(n hand. F*fter the f'neral & (ent ho)e and (aited for ni!ht to co)e, hopin! to see don 6eli=. &t (as scarcely nine o2clock (hen ,ara ia infor)ed )e that don 6eli= (as do(nstairs in his roo). 1o'ld to God his !rief had prevailed and he had not co)eQ 5hat ni!ht see)ed even > -: > )ore propitio's than 's'al for a rende7vo's eca'se )y crafty father, advised y doBa *driana2s letter,

had !one to ed earlier than nor)al. +e had also )ade )y rother and everyone else retire early. & pretended to !o to ed. & (aited a (hile, leavin! ti)e for )y father to fall fast asleep and, despite his (orry, restlessness, and ra!e, he did sleep so'ndly 'ntil fo'r. *s soon as & sa( that he (as so'nd asleep, & !ot 'p and, arefooted, (earin! only )y petticoat, & r'shed to the ar)s of )y eloved. 1e disc'ssed (ith astonish)ent (hat doBa *driana had done and, thro'!h caresses and ca%olery, & tried to ass'a!e the !rief he felt. F,ara ia (aited o'tside on the stairs, a vi!ilant spy in the ca'se of )y )isdeeds. ,'ddenly )y father a(oke (ith a start. +e !ot 'p and (ent in to check )y ed. 1hen he didn2t find )e there, he (oke )y rother and told hi) riefly and s'ccinctly (hat the sit'ation (as. +e !ot his pistol and his s(ord. 5hey (ere not so ?'iet, ho(ever, that the little do! (e kept in the ho'se didn2t !ive (arnin! to )y servant (ith her arkin!. +e listened closely, and, (hen he heard footsteps, he ca)e do(n and told 's that if (e (anted to save o'r lives (e sho'ld follo( hi) ?'ickly, as (e had een fo'nd o't. F5erri ly 'pset, (e did as he said and efore )y father had !otten do(n the stairs the three of 's had reached the street. 1e locked the door fro) the o'tsideMo'r desperate pli!ht inspired that clever trick. F.'st i)a!ine, 6a io, )e arefooted and (earin! only )y !reen da)ask petticoat tri))ed (ith silver, %'st as & had co)e do(nstairs to )eet )y lover. Hon 6eli= took )e strai!ht to the convent (here his t(o a'nts lived. By the ti)e (e arrived day had da(ned. +e knocked at the portal, and (e entered thro'!h the t'rnstile. 1e told his a'nts (hat had happened and in less than an ho'r & fo'nd )yself ehind ars, conf'sed, and in tears. Hon 6eli= enco'ra!ed )e as )'ch as he co'ldD his a'nts consoled )e and ass'red )e that everythin! (o'ld (ork o't. 5hey (ere positive that, as soon as )y father2s ra!e e=ha'sted itself, he (o'ld a!ree to o'r )arria!e. .'st in case he sho'ld try to char!e don 6eli= (ith assa'lt on his ho'se, don 6eli= and ,ara ia stayed in the sa)e convent in a special roo) that his a'nts prepared for the). 6ro) there he let his father and his sister kno( (hat had transpired. F+is father already kne( fro) all the si!ns that don 6eli= (as in love (ith )e, and the idea did not )ake hi) 'nhappy, as he kne( that in all Bae7a his son co'ldn2t find a etter or a richer )atch. ,o he, too, elieved that everythin! (o'ld (ork o't and that & (o'ld > -$ > eco)e his son2s (ife. *cco)panied y doBa &sa el, he ca)e to visit. +e ca)e especially to co)fort and enco'ra!e )e. ,he ro'!ht )e dresses and %e(els to )ake 'p for the lack of )y o(n and to tide )e over (hile & (as havin! clothes )ade. F1hile these events (ere happenin! to )e, )y father felt increasin!ly a!!rieved y the scandal of )y leavin! his ho'se. Af co'rse it (o'ld have een (orse if &2d stayed and orn the r'nt of his f'ryD it (o'ld have cost )e )y life at the very least. &nstead of askin! the la( to investi!ate and there y ca'sin! even !reater scandal, he )ade 'p his )ind to take 'pon hi)self reven!e for the loss of his pri7e %e(el and the star of his honor, no( )issin! fro) his ho'se. 1ith this honora le intention, he set spies onto don 6eli=, so of co'rse his plan (as really no secret. Before too )any days had passed, he fo'nd the chance he2d een (aitin! for, (hich ro'!ht as )'ch )isfort'ne as everythin! else e=cept, in this instance, 6ort'ne (as on don 6eli=2s side. F&t happened that one ni!ht, tired of ein! secl'ded and s're that & (as safe in )y cell (ith his a'nts, (ho loved )e as )'ch as if & (ere their o(n da'!hter, don 6eli= easily overca)e the o %ections of the servant (ho kept the keys to the convent and pers'aded hi) to let hi) o't. Hon 6eli= only (anted to !o visit his fatherD it (asn2t far and he2d e ri!ht ack. 5he disloyal !'ardian (arned hi) a o't the dan!er, 't then let hi) o't. 1ell/ar)ed and thrilled to e free, don 6eli= stepped o'tside. 5he )o)ent he p't his foot in the street, )y father and )y rother, (ith s(ords dra(n, set 'pon hi). *s vi!ilant

spies over their honor, they had een practically sleepin! in the door(ay to the convent. Hon 6eli= (as as ca'tio's as )y rother (as reckless and conse?'ently, (ith the first e=chan!e of lo(s, don 6eli= pierced )y rother2s heart. +e dropped dead (itho't even ein! a le to call on God. &t all happened so fast that the doorkeeper hadn2t even had ti)e to close the door. +e )ana!ed to !et don 6eli= ack inside efore )y father or the la( co'ld call hi) to acco'nt. FHay ca)e and the (hole event eca)e p' lic. My ill/fated rother (as 'ried and the !ossip started. &, totally 'na(are of (hat had happened, (ent o't to the visitors2 roo) to see doBa &sa el. ,he (as terri ly 'pset and in tears. ,he had hoped, eca'se & (as etrothed to her rother, that she in t'rn (o'ld eco)e )y rother2s (ife and she loved hi) dearly. ,he descri ed to )e (hat had taken place and told )e that don 6eli= planned to leave Bae7a and ,pain. &t (as said that the )ayor (as ne!otiatin! to re)ove hi) fro) the sanct'ary of > -9 > the convent and that a chancery %'d!e had een called in and (as already on his (ay. F&)a!ine, 6a io, )y e)otions and )y tears at this sad ne(s. &t al)ost killed )e. 5hat very ni!ht )y eloved lord (as to depart for 6landers, haven for the 'nfort'nate and ref'!e for cri)inals. +e did %'st that, leavin! orders for )e to e (ell cared for. +e char!ed his father (ith reconcilin! all !rievances and arran!in! for his event'al ret'rn. F5hey finally p't an end to o'r tender fare(ells y transferrin! )e, half/dead, fro) his ar)s into the ar)s of his a'nt. By special per)ission of the vicar and the a ess, he departed thro'!h a ack door to the n'ns2 livin! ?'arters (hich (as seldo) 'sed. +e took the road strai!ht to Barcelona (here the ships called ho)e y Philip &&& for the e=p'lsion of the Moriscos (ere har ored. 5hese ships (ere no( a(aitin! +is 9=cellency Pedro 6ernande7 de Castro, the co'nt of 4e)os, to take hi) to the kin!do) of 3aples to eco)e viceroy and captain !eneral. FMy father soon learned of don 6eli=2s a sence. ,ince he co'ld no lon!er take reven!e directly on hi), ein! (ily, he plotted to take ven!eance on )e. 5he first thin! he did (as to take control of all the roads so that no letters co'ld !et thro'!h to don 6eli=2s father or to )e. &t (asn2t s'ch a ad idea, eca'se that (ay he kne( don 6eli=2s every )ove. +e intercepted every letter, for )oney can do everythin!, and )en of )y father2s standin! have friends every(here (ho (ill assist the) in their ven!eance. FHon 6eli= had een !one so)e fifteen or t(enty days, (hich see)ed like t(enty tho'sand years to )e, and & had no ne(s fro) )y a sent lover. Ane day, (hile )y (o'ld/ e father/in/la( and sister/in/ la( (ere visitin! )e, a post)an entered and delivered to )y father/in/la( a letter he said ca)e fro) Barcelona. & later learned it had een )ailed ri!ht there in the sa)e city. &t read: & deeply re!ret ein! the first to infor) yo'r !race of the ad ne(s. & (ish & didn2t have to, 't )y sense of o li!ation and )y friendship leave )e no other reco'rse. 4ast ni!ht, as 4ie'tenant 6eli= Ponce de 4eon, yo'r !race2s son, (as leavin! a !a)in! ho'se, he (as sta ed t(ice. 5here is no infor)ation a o't (ho did it or (hy. &t happened so s'ddenly that he never even sa( his attacker. 1e 'ried hi) this )ornin! and & a) sendin! yo' this letter at once so that yo' (ill kno( the tr'th. May the 4ord console yo' and !rant yo' lon! life, as yo'r h') le servant desires for yo'. & shall take ,ara ia (ith )e to 3aples 'nless yo'r !race co))ands other(ise. Barcelona, .'ne -0. Captain Hie!o de Mesa

> "0 > F*las, 6a io, (hat tra!ic ne(sQ & don2t (ant to recall the !rief & felt. ,'ffice it to say that & elieved the letter eca'se the captain (as a very close friend of don 6eli=2s. 5hey had al(ays kept in to'ch and they2d intended to )ake that trip to!ether. ,o & elieved it. Ko' can i)a!ine )y tears, )y sorro(. Hon2t ask (hy 't, (itho't askin! ?'estions or o tainin! any other infor)ation, the ne=t day & donned the n'n2s ha it. ,o did doBa &sa el, (ho loved )e dearly and (anted to console )e and keep )e co)pany. FHon2t for!et, (ise 6a io, that it (as )y o(n father (ho deceived )e in this (ay. +e appropriated all of don 6eli=2s letters that ca)e to the city and he (rote that fatef'l letter. 1hen don 6eli= arrived in Barcelona, he fo'nd that the viceroy had already oarded ship, and so, (ith ti)e for only a fe( short lines, he (rote to infor) 's that he and ,ara ia (ere departin! that sa)e day. 5hey traveled to!ether eca'se don 6eli= hadn2t (anted to leave hi) in Bae7a (here his life (o'ld e in dan!er, +e asked 's to (rite hi) first in 3aples (here he (as headed en ro'te to 6landers. Beca'se his father and & never received this letter, 't instead the letter infor)in! 's of his death, (hich (e elieved to e tr'e, (e never (rote hi) or )ade any kind of investi!ation. *fter the year of o'r novitiate (as over, doBa &sa el and & took o'r vo(s. & (as very pleased (ith the decision for, elievin! don 6eli= dead, & kne( there co'ld never e another )an to (in )y love. FMy father died a )onth after & took )y vo(s, leavin! )e heir to fo'r tho'sand d'cats in inco)e. *s he had no other children, he did not deprive )e of )y inheritance and, despite his ra!e, he (as a Christian and f'lfilled his o li!ations. 5his )oney & spent li erally on thin!s for the convent and in that (ay & eca)e )istress of it and nothin! (as done there that did not s'it )y pleas're. FHon 6eli= arrived in 3aples. 6indin! no letters there as he e=pected, he felt h'rt and an!ry at )y for!etf'lness and ne!lect. ,o he stopped (ritin! hi)self. .'st at that ti)e five co)panies (ere departin! for 6landers. +e (as !iven a co))and and (ithin a fe( days he set o't a!ain. 1hen he !ot to Br'ssels, to !et over his love for )e, he devoted hi)self to !a) lin! and (o)ani7in!. +e spent si= years like that, (ith never a tho'!ht for ,pain or for the sorro(f'l .acinta he had left ack ho)e. 1o'ld to God he had stayed there forever and left )e to )y peace and ?'iet and never s' %ected )e to even !reater )isfort'neQ F,i= years passed and finally don 6eli= re)e) ered his o li!ations > "1 > and ret'rned to ,pain and to his irthplace to 'nleash the rest of )y !reat )isfort'ne. +e arrived after ni!htfall and, instead of !oin! to his father2s ho'se, he ca)e strai!ht to the convent. +e arrived at the portal %'st as it (as ein! closed for the ni!ht. +e asked for .acinta, sayin! that he ore letters fro) 6landers. 5he doorkeeper at this ti)e (as one of his a'nts, and she (as c'rio's to kno( (hat the stran!er (anted of )e, findin! it odd that anyone sho'ld ask for )e e=cept don 6eli=2s father, (ho (as )y only visitor. ,he stepped ack for a )o)ent and then dre( close and asked: F21ho is lookin! for .acinta, for & a) she.2 F2Ko' cannot deceive )e,2 don 6eli= said, 2for the soldier (ho !ave )e these letters descri ed her voice to )e.2 FCatchin! the deception, the doorkeeper i))ediately sent for )e in order to discover the )eanin! of this )ystery. 5he )o)ent & arrived and asked (ho (anted to see )e, don 6eli= reco!ni7ed )y voice. +e ca)e closer and said: F21asn2t it ti)e, )y dear .acinta, for )e to co)e visit yo'J2

FAh 6a ioQ 1hat that voice did to )eQ 9ven no( & think & can hear it and & feel e=actly as & felt at that )o)ent. 5he instant & reco!ni7ed don feli=2s voice, & i))ediately tho'!ht of the false ne(s of his death, of )y ein! a n'n, and of the i)possi ility of ever )arryin! hi). *ll the love that had een dor)ant in )e rea(akened. & 'ttered a heartrendin! cry and fell to the floor in s'ch a cr'el s(oon that it lasted for three days. 6or three days & see)ed deadD nonetheless, the doctors said & (as alive even tho'!h none of the re)edies they tried co'ld rin! )e to )y senses. FHon 6eli= took lod!in! in a roo) in the convent, 'ndo' tedly the sa)e one he2d stayed in efore. 5here he co'ld visit (ith his sister, eca'se this roo) had a !rate thro'!h (hich (e 'sed to talk. 6ro) her he learned (hat had happened in his a sence. 1hen he fo'nd o't that &2d taken )y vo(s, it2s a )iracle he didn2t die. +e char!ed her to care for )y health and to keep his arrival secret. +e didn2t (ant his father to find o'tD his )other had died in the )eanti)e. F& did finally recover fro) )y s(oon and )y health i)proved. +eaven (as savin! )y life for yet !reater )isfort'ne. *t last & ca)e to see )y don 6eli=. 1e cried and cried. 6inally (e decided that ,ara ia sho'ld !o to 8o)e to seek per)ission for 's to )arry, !iven that )y first vo(s (ere )ore indin! than )y second ones. F5(o (eeks or a )onth passed (hile & collected )oney to send hi) on the lon! %o'rney. H'rin! this ti)e )y love revived a!ain and > "- > desire e!an to (a=. Hon 6eli= pers'aded )e to ret'rn to o'r for)er liss and, in )y (eakness, & s'rrendered. Believin! that the pope2s dispensation (as ass'red and tr'stin! in the vo(s (e had )ade to each other efore & took )y reli!io's vo(s, & )ana!ed to !et the key to the ack door thro'!h (hich don 6eli= had escaped for 6landers. ;Hon2t ask )e ho( & did it, 't yo' kno( ho( po(erf'l )oney is.< 1hen & !ave the key to )y lover, it )ade hi) happier than if &2d !iven hi) a kin!do). Ah, ho( terri le this is to descri eQ 9very ni!ht, or al)ost every ni!ht, he ca)e in to sleep (ith )e. &t (as easy, for )y cell (as in that part of the convent. 1hen & think a o't (hat (e did, 6a io, &2) not s'rprised that )isfort'ne has p'rs'ed )e. & can only praise and la'd God2s !reat love and )ercy that +e didn2t strike 's oth dead (ith a olt of li!htnin!. F*t a o't this ti)e ,ara ia left for 8o)e and don 6eli= re)ained in hidin!, deter)ined that no one sho'ld kno( he (as there 'ntil the dispensation arrived. ,ara ia !ot to 8o)e and presented to his +oliness the papers and the petition he (as carryin! (hich contained all the details of o'r sit'ation and ho( & had entered the convent. 5his (as a diffic'lt case for the pope to decide, so he ordered don 6eli=, 'nder threat of e=co))'nication, to appear in person efore his tri 'nal so the pope co'ld hear the case in all its co)ple= detail. 5hen he (o'ld consider !rantin! the dispensation at the cost of fo'r tho'sand d'cats. F1hen (e (ere e=pectin! happy ne(s, ,ara ia arrived (ith this. 1ith !reat sorro(, & e!an to la)ent don 6eli=2s a sence, fearin! he )i!ht for!et )e. +e felt the sa)e sorro( and asked )e to leave the convent and !o (ith hi) to 8o)e (here, to!ether, (e )i!ht )ore easily o tain per)ission to )arry. +e asked that of a (o)an (ho (as )adly in love, so the decision (asn2t diffic'lt. 5he ne=t ni!ht & took all the )oney and %e(els & had and left a letter for doBa &sa el. & entr'sted to her the care and ad)inistration of )y affairs. 5hen & placed )yself in don 6eli=2s hands. By the ti)e day arrived, (e (ere (ell a(ay fro) Bae7a on three )'les that ,ara ia had readied. 1ithin t(elve days (e fo'nd o'rselves in Ealencia. 1e took a oat and, (ith a tho'sand diffic'lties and !reat risk to o'r lives, (e !ot to Civita Eecchia. 6ro) there, (e took a coach into 8o)e. FHon 6eli= co'nted a)on! his friends the a) assador fro) ,pain and several cardinals (ho had een

in the fa)ed city of Bae7a, a center of the holy faith. 1ith their s'pport, (e dared to cast o'rselves at the feet of his +oliness and he looked kindly 'pon o'r petition. +e > "" > a solved 's and ordered 's to !ive t(o tho'sand d'cats to the 8oyal +ospital of ,pain, (hich is located in 8o)e. 5hen the pope hi)self (ed 's, (ith the condition that (e not )ake love for a year 'nder pain of )ortal sin. &f (e did, he reserved the penalty and the p'nish)ent 'nto hi)self. F&n 8o)e (e visited the holy sites and )ade !eneral confession. *fter several days passed, don 6eli= learned that the co'ntess of Gelves, 4eonor of Port'!al, (as e) arkin! for Zara!o7a, (here her h's and Hie!o Pi)entel had recently een appointed viceroy. 5his see)ed like the perfect (ay to !et ack to ,pain, ack ho)e, and rest fro) all the trials (e had e=perienced, so he took )e to 3aples and, thro'!h the s'pport of the )ar?'is of ,anta Cr'7, & %oined the ladies attendin! the co'ntess and don 6eli= like(ise %oined their ento'ra!e. F6ort'ne had it that eca'se of a cr'el !ale, (e (ere forced to travel y land, 't (e )ade it, 6a io. My h's and and & finally !ot to Madrid. 5here he took )e to the ho'se of one of his relatives, a (ido( (ho had a ea'tif'l da'!hter as ladylike as she (as fair, as discreet as she (as ele!ant. +e planned to leave )e in safekeepin! (ith the), !iven the fact that (e had to re)ain apart for the rest of the year. +e (ent efore the 1ar Co'ncil to present his doc')ents and to re?'est reassi!n)ent to a co)pany. +e tho'!ht that (ith )y inco)e and his captain2s pay, he co'ld live like a kin! in Bae7a. FHon 6eli= received orders fro) his )a%esty that all soldiers seekin! pro)otion sho'ld !o serve in Ma)ora and, 'pon their ret'rn, the kin! pro)ised to !rant their pro)otion. B't, since don 6eli= had done previo's service, he (as honored (ith the desired rank of captain. &n this instance his patriotic sense of d'ty took precedence over his love for )e. Ane afternoon, (hile he (as visitin! )e in the co)pany of his relatives, he said: F2My dearest .acinta, yo' 'nderstand )y d'ty to serve the kin!, (hich o li!es all !entle)en and even the h') lest )an orn (ith a sense of honor. 5his ca)pai!n cannot last lon! and if it sho'ld last lon!er than (e anticipate, as lon! as a )an carries tr'e love in his heart and does not lack an honora le roof, e it in *l!iers or in Constantinople, love (ill t'rn any co'ntryside into a city, any h't into a palace. & tell yo' this eca'se & )'st o ey )y orders. &f & tried to evade )y o li!ation, it (o'ld reflect adly on )y na)e. 5he (orthiness of this ca'se e=plains (hy & )'st no( ne!lect yo', if that2s ho( yo' (o'ld descri e )y leavin! yo'. 5he tr'st & have in yo' e=c'ses )e fro) takin! yo' (ith )e. &f & didn2t have s'ch !reat con/ > "@ > fidence in yo', & (o'ld take yo' in )y co)pany and yo' (o'ld s'ffer ane( seein! )e cons')ed y )y (ork or )ay e the %o'rney itself (o'ld rin! 's oth death. F2May God2s (ill e done and as soon as these revol'tions are p't do(n & shall e free to en%oy yo' f'lly as )y (ife or, at the very least, to send for yo' so that & can occ'py )yself in servin! yo'. & kno( (ell ho( )'ch & o(e yo'r love and affection for )e. Ko' are )y (ife 't (e still have seven )onths 'ntil & can f'lly en%oy yo' as )y o(n. *ll the honor and fa)e & shall earn (ill e yo'rs. ,o, dear (ife, please look kindly on this e=pedition and try to ease the sorro( (e oth feel. Ko' shall stay here in )y a'nt2s ho'se and preserve o'r !ood na)e. & have taken care of everythin! necessary for yo'r co)fort. &2) leavin! a letter for )y father and sister in (hich & tell the) o'r story. *ll )y letters and )oney (ill co)e to yo'. 1ritin! to yo' and receivin! yo'r letters (ill keep 'p )y spirits and & shall live for the

day (hen & see yo' a!ain. & depart this afternoon. & haven2t (anted to say anythin! to yo' 'ntil no( to keep yo' fro) !rievin! too )'ch. 6or yo'r sake and for )ine, please sho( the ravery yo'2ve sho(n in all o'r adversities and contain yo'r feelin!s. 1ith a sea of tears in )y eyes, & e! of yo', please don2t deny )e per)ission.2 FHiscreet 6a io, & listened to )y don 6eli= thinkin! that at that )o)ent he (as the )ost (onderf'l, handso)e, and lovin! & had ever seen hi), and )y o(n love s(elled !reater. & (as to lose hi)Mho( )y )isfort'ne ever (orked thin!s p'rposely to tor)ent )eQ & tried to ans(er hi), 't )y e)otion (o'ldn2t let )eD & tho'!ht he (as ri!ht in everythin! he2d said. 1ith a(k(ard (ords, & told hi) so, lettin! )y eyes speak )y feelin!s. &t (as clear that & consented to his decision and his desire, 't )y eyes e=pressed )y sorro(. 1e e=chan!ed very lovin! (ords, the )ore to increase o'r sorro( than to appease it. 5he )o)ent ca)e (hen & lost hi) forever. Hon 6eli= departed. F1hen he left, & (as like a person deran!ed. & co'ldn2t cry, & co'ldn2t speak, & co'ldn2t even hear the solace that doBa G'io)ar and her )other tried to !ive. 5hey kept sayin! thin!s to co)fort )e, tryin! in vain to reak the trance that o'nd )e. My eloved don 6eli=2s depart're cost )e three )onths2 illness, d'rin! (hich & ca)e close to death. 1o'ld to heaven & had diedQ B't (hen do the 'nfort'nate receive s'ch concessions, even fro) heaven (hich has in its po(er so )any )iraclesJ FH'rin! those three )onths, & received no letters fro) don 6eli=, > "I > altho'!h letters fro) his father and sister did console )eD they (ere happy to kno( the o'tco)e of all o'r trials and they sent a tho'sand kind (ords, !ifts, )oney, and fervent !ood (ishes. 5hey 'r!ed the t(o of 's to co)e and stay in their co)pany as soon as don 6eli= ret'rned. 3one of this kindness, ho(ever, co'ld fill the vac'') of )y love, (hich )ade )e fear a !reat )isfort'ne. & elieve that there is no etter astrolo!er than a lover. F6or over fo'r )onths & lived in tor)ent. Ane ni!ht, sleep took !reater po(er over )e than 's'al ;%'st as 6ort'ne had !iven )e don 6eli= in a drea), she took hi) a(ay fro) )e in the sa)e (ay<. & drea)t that & received a letter fro) don 6eli= and a o= that appeared to contain %e(els. 1hen & opened it, & sa( that it contained )y h's and2s headQ &)a!ine, 6a io, )y cries and )y (ailin!Q & (oke 'p (eepin!, so over(hel)ed y fear, sorro(, and tears that & tho'!ht & (o'ld die. & fell into a faint. 1hen doBa G'io)ar called o't to )e and thre( (ater in )y face, & ret'rned to )y senses. & (as the )ost pitif'l si!ht in the (orld. 1hen & told the) )y drea), she, her )other, and the )aids eca)e so afraid that they didn2t dare leave )e alone. 9very(here & t'rned )y eyes, & tho'!ht & sa( don 6eli=2s head. F1e spent the ni!ht attlin! )y terror. &n the )ornin!, they decided to take )e to )y confessor so & co'ld )ake confession. +e (as a very (ise priest and (ell instr'cted in ho( to !ive co)fort. *s (e (ere leavin! the ho'se, & heard a voice (hich the others didn2t hear: F2&t2s tr'eD he2s dead. Hon 6eli= is dead.2 FBeca'se of these ad o)ens, yo' can elieve that )y confessor (as 'na le to co)fort )e, nor (as there solace any(here on earth. & spent several days s' )er!ed in this terror. 6inally ca)e the ne(s of (hat had happened in Ma)ora and, (ith the ne(s, the story of the )any (ho had dro(ned. *)on! the first of the) (as don 6eli=. F* fe( days later ,ara ia arrived, and he (as the )ost relia le so'rce of infor)ation. +e descri ed ho( the ships raced each other to enter port. 5(o of the) collided and shattered. 5hey split as'nder and sank. &t had een i)possi le to save even a sin!le one of the )en a oard. My don 6eli= had sailed on one of these ships. +e (as (earin! ar)or so heavy that, (hen he fell into the sea, he never

reappeared. *ltho'!h they searched for hi), no one ever sa( hi) a!ain. 5hat2s ho( his life ended in s'ch a horri le (ay, the )ost !allant )an of *ndal'ciaQ & say this (itho't ias, for at thirty/fo'r he (as the handso)est )an 3at're co'ld for). > "# > FGiven the close attention (ith (hich yo' listen to )y story, it (o'ld e inconsiderate to tire yo' (ith )y !rief, )y sorro(s, )y tears, and )y )o'rnin!. & shall say only that for three years & didn2t kno( (hat health or happiness (ere. F1hen don 6eli=2s father and sister learned the tra!ic ne(s, they tried to rin! )e ho)e and place )e ack in )y convent. 1hile & deeply la)ented the death of )y h's and, & co'ldn2t consent for, !iven the scandal &2d ca'sed, & co'ldn2t face )y relatives, let alone the n'ns, (itho't his co)pany. Besides, )y poor health (o'ldn2t have allo(ed )e to travel or to s'ffer the ri!ors of ein! a novice and the (ei!ht of reli!io's life. & sent ,ara ia, (ho) & considered )y co)panion in )isfort'ne, ack to )ana!e )y estates and & stayed (ith doBa G'io)ar and her )other, (ho treated )e as her o(n da'!hter. 5his (as not alto!ether s'rprisin! for, (hile & lived (ith the), & spent )y inco)e !enero'sly. F,o)e friends advised )e to re)arry, 't & kne( & co'ld never find another don 6eli= or any other )an (ho co'ld please )y eyes or fill the e)ptiness in )y heart. My )e)ory (as not e)pty, and it (o'ld not let )e for!et hi). B't, to )y )isfort'ne, & did find love, pro a ly eca'se & (asn2t e=pectin! it. F* handso)e, no le, rich, and very !allant yo'th na)ed Celio, as clever as he (as false, 'sed to visit doBa G'io)ar. +e kne( ho( to love (hen he chose and ho( to for!et (hen he pleased. &n hi) virt'e and deception !re( to!ether like the flo(ers in Madrid, all )in!led to!ether, perf')ed carnations, lovely )'sk roses, )i=ed (ith (ild flo(ers that have no ea'ty or perf')e (hatsoever. +e spoke (ell and (rote etter and (as as skilled in lovin! as in scornin!. H'rin! the lon! period of ti)e he ca)e to o'r ho'se to visit, (e never sa( in this yo'n! )an & descri e any desi!ns at all. +e conversed openly and a)ia ly and (as perhaps one of the )ost assid'o's in tryin! to relieve )y sadness. ,o)eti)es he and doBa G'io)ar (o'ld play )'sic and so)eti)es he (o'ld recite poetry, at (hich he (as very !ifted. 5i)e (ent y and he sho(ed hi)self to e )ore acco)plished in everythin! he did than & liked to ad)it. +e praised doBa G'io)ar and )e e?'ally. +e co'rted 's oth (itho't offendin! either of 's, first la'din! the )aiden, then praisin! the (ido(. ,ince & too co)posed poetry, he (o'ld challen!e )e and (e (o'ld en%oy the co)petition. &t didn2t a)a7e hi) that & co)posed poetry. 5hat2s no )iracle in a (o)an (hose so'l is %'st the sa)e as a )an2s, and )ay e it pleases 3at're to perfor) this (onder, or )ay e )en sho'ldn2t > ": > feel so vain, elievin! they2re the only ones (ho en%oy !reat talent. 1hat did a)a7e Celio (as that & co)posed so (ell. F&t never occ'rred to )e to love hi) or to scorn hi). 5he fact (as si)ply that he char)ed )e. & did, ho(ever, fear his indifference, (hich he hi)self had descri ed to 's on )any occasions. Ane day, in partic'lar, he descri ed to 's ho( a certain lady declared her love to hi) and no( he despised her (ith the sa)e intensity as he2d previo'sly loved her. +e oasted of the feckless (ays in (hich he repaid her tho'sand kindnesses. F1ho (o'ld ever think, 6a io, that this (o'ld aro'se )y passionJ & didn2t e=actly fall in love 't & e!an to look at hi) )ore attentively than & sho'ld haveQ 6ro) noticin! his fine fi!'re, a tiny it of desire (as orn in )e. 1ith that desire, )y tears e!an to dry, and slo(ly & recovered )y health. My

)e)ories faded, and so & ca)e to love Celio and to (ish he (ere )y h's and. &n order not to see) for(ard, & (aited to reveal )y love 'ntil he hi)self ro'!ht 'p the s' %ect. Ane day he asked )e to co)pose a sonnet on the s' %ect of a lady lookin! at herself in a )irror, str'ck y a ray of s'nli!ht (hich da77les her. Usin! this the)e, & co)posed this sonnet: &n the clear lookin! !lass of disenchant)ent, .acinta looks at herself, 'nconcerned, happy to e neither loved or in love, happy to see happiness (here others see sorro(. ,he sees ho( all lovers are deceived (hen constant love is sp'rned, (hen the estran!ed lover, distant fro) his for)er passion, flees. Celio, the s'n of this o'r a!e, envies the freedo) in (hich .acinta lives, e=e)pt fro) offerin! spoils to love. Gallant, discreet, !enero's, lovin!, rilliantly darin!, he appears in her )irror and da77les her eyes. ,he feels a s(eet annoyance and, settin! aside the !lass, she says: 2Before & sa( Celio, & (as free, B't no(, altho'!h he dra(s near to infla)e )e, & do not (ish to retreat fro) his rays.2 > "$ > FCelio received this sonnet (ith s'ch pleas're that & felt confident that )y !ood fort'ne (as ass'red, (hen really it reflected only the fact that no ody feels averse to ein! loved. +e raved a o't his !ood fort'ne and e=pressed appreciation of )y love. +e !ave clear indication of his re!ard and told )e that he had loved )e fro) the first day he ever sa( )e, that he2d invented this trick to discover ho( & felt. +e sec'red the snare into (hich & had %'st fallen y cele ratin! )y ea'ty and his !ood fort'ne in a allad of his o(n. Poor )eQ 1hen & think a o't the tricks and strate!ies )en 'se to con?'er (o)en and overco)e their (eakness, & consider the) all traitors. 4ove represents a attlefield and a co) at 7one (here, (ith fire and s(ord, it str'!!les to van?'ish honor, !'ardian of the so'l2s fortress. & tell yo', 6a io, that even tho'!h & see)ed lind and captive to his (ill, & al(ays kne( (hat & lost in that attle. B't & stopped ein! (ise and fell in love (ith a )an (ho despised (o)en. 5his kno(led!e sho'ld have een eno'!h to )ake )e t'rn ack, if only )y sense of p'rpose had lasted. FCelio (as the )ost clever )an in deception &2ve ever kno(n. +e e!an to !ive s'ch color of tr'th to his love that even the shre(dest and (iliest (o)an, even one (ho pri7ed her independence and kne( the tr'th a o't hi), (o'ld2ve elieved hi). +e visited )e constantlyD )ornin!, noon, and ni!ht he (as at )y ho'se. +is friends, (hen they noticed he (as avoidin! their co)pany, reali7ed that he (as co'rtin! a (o)an of (orth. +e had one friend in partic'lar (ho had yo'r na)e, 6a io, (ith (ho) he )aintained a closer friendship than (ith the rest. *s Celio hi)self told )e, he descri ed all his tactics to that 6a io, (ho (orried a o't )y (elfare and kept e!!in! hi) not to lead )e on if he intended to repay )e the (ay he2d repaid all the other (o)en he2d co'rted.

FCelio (rote )e so )any letters that they al)ost drove )e cra7yD he !ave )e so )any ti)ely !ifts that it see)ed as if he held heaven in his hands to !ive )e the ri!ht thin! at the ri!ht )o)ent. +e did everythin! possi le to )ake )e fall. 3aively, & i!nored his treachero's nat're and heaped love on top of love. Af co'rse & al(ays ehaved in accord (ith )y elief that he (o'ld eco)e )y h's and. Ather(ise & (o'ld rather have died than let hi) kno( of )y love. &n all this &, ein! (ho & a), tho'!ht & (as !rantin! hi) !reat favor. Celio )'st not have tho'!ht a o't )y position, or so it (o'ld see), altho'!h he (as not 'na(are of (hat he (o'ld !ain y s'ch a )arria!e. 5otally taken in, & felt so happy to e his that & no lon!er tho'!ht > "9 > a o't 6eli=. *ll of )y senses (ere a sor ed y Celio. & did fear his love eca'se, fro) the )o)ent & started lovin! hi), & dreaded losin! hi). 5o cal) these fears, one day (hen & sa( hi) )ore attentive and )ore lovin! than 's'al, & told hi) all )y tho'!hts. & said that, %'st as & had fo'r tho'sand d'cats a year in inco)e, if & had all the )oney in the (orld and po(er over the (hole (orld as (ell, & (o'ld )ake hi) )aster of all that. FCelio acted tr'e to for), and in that he (as )ore fort'nate than & (as. +e devastated all )y hopes y tellin! )e that he had spent his life st'dyin! the script'res for the p'rpose of ein! ordained as a priest. 5hat2s (hat his parents (anted for hi) and it (as also his o(n (ill. Conse?'ently, & co'ld co))and hi) to do anythin! & (anted and he (o'ld !ladly o ey, even at the cost of his o(n life. *nythin!, e=cept )arry. By (ay of consolin! )e for )y loss, he !ave )e his (ord and s(ore y his faith that he (o'ld love )e so lon! as he lived. F+o( disappointed & (as to see all )y fears confir)ed, all )y hopes shatteredQ &t (as 'nthinka le for )e, ein! (ho & a), to love anyone (ho co'ld not eco)e )y le!iti)ate h's andD therefore o'r friendship had to end. ,eein! Celio so cr'el, & 'rst into tears. *ltho'!h he co'ldn2t i!nore the fact that they (ere orn of )y love for hi), instead of dryin! the), he !ot 'p and departed, leavin! )e athed in )ore tears. & spent all that ni!ht and the ne=t day (eepin!. +e sent )e none of the )any )essa!es he 's'ally sent, not for lack of a )essen!er 't for lack of (ill. 5he follo(in! afternoon, Celio ca)e to )ake his e=c'ses so coolly that, instead of dissipatin! )y tears, he increased the). F5his (as the e!innin! of his thanklessness to(ard )eD after this start, )'ch (orse (as to follo(. +e e!an to ne!lect )y love. +e ca)e to see )e only every no( and then, and he ceased ans(erin! )y letters, (hich for)erly had )erited his praise. *s an e=c'se for this coldness, he la)ed 'siness and his friends. +e ca'sed )e s'ch sadness and diste)per that soon )y friends, (ho had previo'sly en%oyed )y co)pany and )y char), fled fro) )e, seein! )e no( so )oody and peevish. F5hen Celio co)po'nded his lack of affection y )akin! )e %ealo's. +e e!an to visit other (o)en and, (hat (as even (orse, to talk a o't the). 5his so aro'sed )y ra!e and ca'sed )e s'ch (rath that, to his )ind, & t'rned into a carpin! shre(. ,ince his love had een fei!ned all alon!, efore si= )onths passed he fo'nd hi)self > @0 > alto!ether free of any re!ard for )e, as if he2d never felt anythin! at all. +eedless of his o li!ations to )e, he e!an to visit a (o)an of easy virt'e, one of the kind (ho sell pleas're for )oney. +e really en%oyed this affair eca'se it didn2t )ake any clai) on hi) or o li!e hi) in any (ay. +e didn2t care that & kne( a o't it nor did he heed the co)plaints & (rote to hi) or e=pressed to hi) on the rare occasions (hen he ca)e to visit )e.

F& learned a o't his affair and a o't all of his activities fro) one of )y )aids (ho follo(ed hi). & (rote that (o)an a letter e!!in! her not to let hi) into her ho'se. 5he res'lt of this (as that he never a!ain ca)e to )y ho'se and devoted hi)self )ore co)pletely to her. Hepressed and despairin!, & spent )y days and )y ni!hts (eepin!. B't (hy tire yo' (ith these detailsJ &t2s eno'!h to say he closed his eyes to )e. F*t this ti)e, it eca)e necessary for hi) to !o to ,ala)anca. +e planned to stay there a (hole year, )ostly to avoid seein! )e. 5he res'lt of this t'rn of events yo' can see in the clothes &2) (earin! here in this (ilderness (here yo' have fo'nd )e. *nd this is ho( it ca)e a o't: shortly after he arrived in ,ala)anca, once a!ain !allant and co'rtly, & heard that he2d eco)e involved (ith another (o)an. 5his ne(s so devastated )e that & tho'!ht &2d lose )y )ind. & (rote hi) several letters and received no ans(er. 6inally & decided to !o to that fa)o's city and try to re!ain his favor thro'!h ein! lovin!. &f & co'ldn2t reak 'p his love affair, then & planned to take )y life. 4ook, 6a io, ho( lo( & had fallenQ B't (hat (on2t a %ealo's (o)an stoop toJ F& told )y plan to doBa G'io)ar in (ho) & confided all )y )isfort'nes. 1hen she sa( that & (as deter)ined to !o, she didn2t (ant )e to !o alone. 5here (as a !entle)an (ho had visited o'r ho'se (hose frankness and friendship see)ed like a rother2s, so doBa G'io)ar and her )other asked hi) to acco)pany )e. +e instantly a!reed. +e rented t(o )'les and (e set o't, departin! fro) Madrid a)ply provided (ith )oney and %e(els. & kno( very little a o't roads and travelin! ;the fe( ti)es & had traveled (ith don 6eli=, &2d al(ays een lavishly taken care of<. 5his traitor (ho !'ided )e took the road to Barcelona instead of the road to ,ala)anca. * o't half a lea!'e efore (e ca)e to Barcelona, in the heart of the (ilderness, he stole everythin! & had, incl'din! the t(o )'les, and (ent ack the (ay (e had co)e. F& (as a andoned there in the open co'ntry all y )yself, in despair > @1 > and te)pted to co))it so)e foolish act. *t last, ho(ever, alone and on foot, & (alked 'ntil & ca)e o't of the (ilderness to the 8oyal +i!h(ay. 5here & )et so)e people and asked the) ho( far it (as to ,ala)anca. 5hey la'!hed at this ?'estion and told )e & (as )'ch closer to Barcelona. 5hen, of co'rse, & 'nderstood the traitor2s vile deceit in deli erately rin!in! )e so far in order to ro )e. & !athered heart and (alked into Barcelona (here & sold a rin! for ten d'cats. 5he (retch had overlooked it on )y fin!er. F& o'!ht these clothes and c't )y hair and, in this dis!'ise, & ca)e to Montserrat. & spent three days prayin! to the holy i)a!e of the Eir!in to help )e in )y trials and e!!in! food fro) the priests. 5hey asked )e if &2d like to (ork as a shepherd and keep the flock yo' see here on this )o'ntain. 5hat looked like a !ood opport'nity to )e, for not even Celio (o'ld kno( )y (herea o'ts. +ere & can e(ail )y )isfort'ne and he can en%oy his affairs 'ndist'r ed. & accepted the %o and have een here for fo'r )onths, fir)ly resolved never to !o ack to (here his faithless eyes )i!ht see )e. F5his, discreet 6a io, is the ca'se of the sorro(f'l plaints that led yo' to discover )eD love has ro'!ht )e here and here & intend to end )y life.F 6a io had een attentive to every (ord .acinta said. 1hen he sa( she had ended her tale, he responded: F& didn2t (ish to interr'pt the thread of yo'r sorry tale, discreet .acinta, so (ell told and so heartfelt it (as. & have (aited 'ntil yo' finished to tell yo' that &2) Celio2s friend 6a io, the very sa)e one yo' said (as an=io's to )eet yo' and 'pset a o't the (ay he treated yo'. Ko' have painted Celio2s portrait

in s'ch colors that, even if & hadn2t kno(n yo'r )isfort'nes fro) hi), and even efore yo' na)ed hi), & (o'ld2ve kno(n that yo' (ere the o %ect of that )istreat)ent (hich &2ve la)ented al)ost as )'ch as yo'. & reco!ni7ed yo'r 'n!ratef'l lover i))ediately. & really can2t la)e Celio eca'se it2s his nat're, it2s so )'ch a part of hi) that he never applies his intelli!ence to his love affairs, nor does he )ake any effort to chan!e his (ays. & have o served his ehavior in )any affairs, and in every case he2s !iven the sa)e treat)ent and !otten the sa)e reaction fro) (o)en. Besides tellin! yo' that & elieve his star inclines hi) to love (here he2s scorned and to scorn (here he2s loved, & can ass're yo' that & al(ays heard !reat praise of yo' fro) hi). +e venerated yo'r person and al(ays spoke of yo' (ith the respect yo' are d'e, a si!n of his re!ard for yo'. &f only yo'2d loved hi) less, or if yo' hadn2t revealed yo'r > @- > love, or if yo'2d een less co)plainin!, he )i!ht not have een so faithless. FB't it2s too late no(. &f, ein! sensi le and honora le as & kno( yo' to e, yo' love Celio (ith the intention of )akin! hi) yo'r h's and, yo'r desire is no( i)possi le. +e2s closed the door to any s'ch pretension y takin! +oly Arders, (hich, as yo' kno(, prevents hi) fro) ever )arryin!. Given his nat're, this (as the only thin! for hi) to do. & can i)a!ine (hat (o'ld happen if Celio ever had a (ife. +e (o'ld kill her thro'!h sheer indifference and conte)pt, !iven the fact that he can2t stand to stay in the sa)e place or stick (ith the sa)e thin! for very lon!. Certainly yo'r no ility, yo'r honor, and yo'r faith (o'ld never per)it yo' to have any other kind of relationship (ith hi)Q 3or (o'ld it e ri!ht for those (ho love yo', don 6eli=2s father, his sister, yo'r relatives, the n'ns in the convent (here yo' spent so )'ch ti)e as a tr'e reli!io's, to learn of s'ch (eakness in yo', eca'se an affair like that (o'ld e i)possi le for yo' to hide. FB't it2s not safe or decent for yo' to re)ain here. Ko'2re in dan!er of ein! discovered y the andits (ho inha it this (ilderness or y the people (ho pass thro'!h to visit the holy her)its. &f & heard yo' sin! and )ana!ed to find yo', others co'ld too. Ko'r estate is in a sha) les, yo'r relatives and yo'r late h's and2s are (orried and pro a ly fear !reater )isfort'ne for yo' than yo' )i!ht think. Ko'r a)oro's despair and the passion of yo'r %ealo'sy have so linded yo' that yo' (on2t let reason co'nsel yo' to choose a )ore appropriate (ay of life. F&, (ho look at the sit'ation dispassionately, e! yo' to reconsider, to rethink yo'r plans. & do not intend to leave here (itho't takin! yo' (ith )e. &f & didn2t, & think heaven (o'ld call )e to acco'nt for yo'r life. 8ather than doin! anythin! so cr'el as a andonin! yo' here all alone, & (ill stay here (ith yo' )yself, (ith no other )otive than the o li!ation & feel to(ard yo' eca'se yo' have confided in )e and told )e yo'r story. Beca'se & a) (ho & a), & feel this o li!ation stron!ly. & also feel it2s a de t & o(e )y friend Celio. &2) s're he2ll thank )e !reatly if & s'cceed in chan!in! yo'r )ind a o't stayin! alone in a place so dan!ero's to yo'r !ood na)e and to yo'r honor. & can2t elieve that he despises yo' so )'ch that he doesn2t care a o't yo'r (elfare, yo'r life, and yo'r honor as )'ch as his o(n. May this o li!e yo', ea'tif'l .acinta, to revise yo'r thinkin!. F1e shall !o ack to the Madrid (here, in one of the est convents, > @" > yo' can live )ore in accord (ith yo'r proper station. &f yo' sho'ld ever find occasion to )arry, yo' have a)ple estates to e a le to do that and live in co)fort, (isely cherishin! the tr'e caresses of yo'r le!iti)ate h's and and for!ettin! the phony ones of a false lover. &f yo' can learn a o't the faithlessness of )en fro) the )isfort'nes yo'2ve e=perienced and for!et Celio, yo' )ay decide to

eco)e a n'n, kno(in! (hat that life is and reali7in! that it is the )ost perfect. 5his decision (o'ld !ive !reat pleas're to those of 's (ho kno( yo'. F*nd no(, ea'tif'l .acinta, ni!ht is 'pon 's. 4et2s !o to the )onastery. Ko' can ret'rn the sheep to the )onks, happy to have een past'red y s'ch a ea'tif'l shepherd. 5o)orro( yo' (ill p't on proper clothes, eca'se these are not decent or efittin! yo'r person. 1e (ill take a )aid to acco)pany yo' and rent a coach to ret'rn to Madrid. 6ro) this )o)ent on, (ith yo'r per)ission, & intend to e responsi le for yo'r !ood na)e, and & hope to feel pride in helpin! yo' solve yo'r pro le)s. &f yo' can2t live (itho't Celio, & (ill )ake hi) visit yo', replacin! sinf'l love (ith rotherly love. 1hile yo' deal (ith yo'r a)oro's passion in this (ay, )ay heaven !rant that yo' chan!e yo'r resolve and accept the sol'tion & desire for yo' and to(ard (hich & shall !'ide yo' as if yo' (ere )y sister. *nd as )y sister yo' (ill travel in )y co)pany.F FAh (ise and no le 6a ioQF .acinta e=clai)ed, as her eyes filled (ith tears and she thre( her ar)s aro'nd the neck of the kindhearted yo'th. F1ith this e) race & (ant to thank yo' and repay yo' for the favor yo' do )e. ,ince heaven ro'!ht yo' to this 'ninha ita le (ilderness at this ti)e, &2d like to think that it hasn2t a andoned )e. &2ll !o (ith yo' )ore !ladly than yo' e=pected. &2ll o ey yo' in yo'r every co))and, (hich (on2t e repay)ent eno'!h, since it2s all to )y advanta!e. *nd & a!ree to enter a convent. 5he one pro)ise & can2t )ake in o edience to yo' is to co))it )yself to eco)in! either a n'n or a (ife. Unless & s'ffer a chan!e of heart, )y love for Celio (ill prevent )e fro) takin! a h's and, and )y elon!in! to hi) prevents )e fro) elon!in! to Christ. 5o !ive )y love to the Hivine ,po'se & )'st e free and 'nattached. 5he re(ards are different and & kno( that & risk losin! heaven and !ainin! hell instead, 't that2s ho( stron! )y passion is. My love (o'ldn2t e tr'e love if it didn2t cost so dear. & have )oney and & can easily re)ain in )y present stateD there2s no need for )e to chan!e it. F& a) a Phoeni= of loveQ & loved don 6eli= 'ntil death snatched hi) fro) )e. & love and shall contin'e to love Celio 'ntil death > @@ > tri')phs over )y life. & )ade a co))it)ent to love, and that2s ho( & shall die. &f yo' co'ld !et Celio to visit )e, & (o'ld e happy. *ll & (ant is to see hi), even kno(in! that he (on2t appreciate )y passion or )y love. &2) (illin! to vent're everythin! in spite of all & stand to lose. & don2t elieve he2ll ever chan!e, eca'se & kno( he2s as thankless as & a) constant. *nd & shall contin'e to e as 'nfort'nate as & have al(ays een, 't even so, )y so'l (o'ld en%oy the pleas're of seein! hi), in spite of his disloyalty and his displeas're.F 1ith these (ords, they !ot 'p and ret'rned to the holy )onastery (here they rested that ni!ht. 5he ne=t day, they set o't for Barcelona and .acinta chan!ed to appropriate dress. 5hey hired a )aid and took a coach and ret'rned to Madrid. 5oday .acinta lives in a convent. ,he is so happy that yo'2d think she desired to live no other (ay, that she co'ld ask for no !reater pleas're. ,he has doBa G'io)ar to keep her co)pany eca'se, (hen doBa G'io)ar2s )other died, she e!!ed .acinta to take care of her da'!hter 'ntil she )arried. .acinta herself told )e this story so that & co'ld p't it in this ook as an enchant)ent, (hich indeed it is. 5he story is so tr'e that, if the na)es (eren2t chan!ed, they (o'ld e reco!ni7ed y )any, for the people are all still alive e=cept don 6eli=, (ho paid the price to death in the pri)e of his life. 5he lovely 4isarda told this enchant)ent (ith s'ch char) and !race that her listeners h'n! on each s(eet (ord of the enchantin! tale. 5hey (anted it to !o on all ni!ht. Af one accord, they praised her story and thanked her for s'ch a nota le favor. Hon .'an, ein! her s'itor, o'tdid hi)self in his lavish

praise, al)ost killin! 4ysis (ith each (ord. 5o p't a stop to his praise, she took 'p the !'itar that (as eside her on the co'ch and )ade a si!nal to the )'sicians. 5hey silenced don .'an2s praise and there y ended her an!'ish y playin! the acco)pani)ent to her sonnet. B't 4ysis2s so'l (ept as her ody san!: My love doesn2t !ro( faint fro) yo'r ne!lect eca'se it2s a !iant ar)ed (ith constancyD don2t tire yo'rself in re%ectin! )e, for yo' (ill never see it overco)e. 5he )ore thankless yo' are, the )ore & love yo', for lovin!, eca'se it is lovin!, !ives !reat po(er. > @I > & serve (itho't re(ard, and & re!ard as (ealth (hat others consider val'eless. 1hen )y eyes, athed in tears eca'se they see others etter loved, deny the)selves any respite, & say to the): FMy friends, yo' are 'nfort'nate eca'se yo' aren2t picked or chosenD 't love, eca'se it2s love, is its o(n re(ard.F 6e( in the roo) )issed the fact that these verses s'n! y the ea'tif'l 4ysis (ere ai)ed at the disdain (ith (hich don .'an repaid her love, !iven his o vio's attraction to 4isarda. 3at'rally it !rieved the) to see the lady2s love so poorly re(arded and to see don .'an so lind that he failed to pri7e s'ch a (orthy )arria!e. *ltho'!h 4isarda (as 4ysis2s co'sin and they (ere e?'als in ea'ty and no ility, 4ysis (as the (ealthier. B't, if love is tr'e, it takes no note of s'ch details. 5he one )ost str'ck y 4ysis2s pli!ht (as don .'an2s friend don Hie!o, a no le and (ealthy !entle)an. +e kne( of 4ysis2s love and don .'an2s disaffection eca'se the lady herself had confessed her feelin!s to hi). +e kne( her love to e so honora le that it didn2t e=ceed the o'nds of )odesty. +is so'l filled (ith 4ysis2s ea'ty and he decided to ask don .'an2s per)ission to co'rt her and propose )arria!e. Mean(hile, and to e!in (ith, he praised her verses and also her voice. 4ysis, feelin! !racio's and )a!nani)o's and perhaps also a it spitef'l, sho(ed her appreciation of the favor he did her. 5his inspired don Hie!o to ask her per)ission for his servants to contri 'te so)e short plays and dances and for hi) to host the an?'et for all the !'ests on the last ni!ht of the festivities. 1hen she !ranted his re?'est, he thanked her prof'sely and felt over%oyed 't don .'an took ') ra!e at his te)erity. 5he !'ests had opened (ay for Matilda to tell her enchant)ent. *fter she chan!ed places (ith 4isarda, she e!an (ith these (ords: F&n her enchant)ent, the lovely 4isarda has !iven tri 'te to (o)en2s constancy in love as evidenced in .acinta2s terri le )isfort'nes. &t )akes sense for )e, in the sa)e vein, to tell in )y enchant)ent ho( (e (o)en are o li!ed not to let o'rselves e deceived y )en2s trickery. 6oolishly and (itho't thinkin!, (e fall into their snares, (hen (e sho'ld e learnin! ho( to aven!e o'rselves, since > @# >

honor stained can e cleansed only (ith the lood of the offender. 5he story & shall tell took place here in Madrid, and this is ho( it e!insF: > @: >

minta *eceived and -onor2s Reven&e

Captain don Pedro ;(hose last na)e and linea!e & do not )ention o't of respect to the fa)ily< (as a native of the city of Eictoria, one of the )ost i)portant cities of Ei7caya eca'se of its a)enity, ea'ty, and no ility. 6ro) his earliest years, he had a leanin! to(ard the )ilitary, an e=ercise proper to the no ility. +e spent, if yo' can call it Fspendin!,F the flo(er of his yo'th servin! his kin! in the (ars (ith s'ch valor and s'ccess that he attained hi!h responsi ilities fro) the pr'dent and )ost Catholic Philip &&. +is valiant service earned its proper re(ard (hen the Christian 0in! Philip honored hi) y a(ardin! hi) the ha it of the Arder of ,antia!o and a stipend of si= tho'sand d'cats (hich ca)e (ith honor of the ha it. ,e!ovia is a city as splendid in its architect're as in the !reatness of its no ility, and rich in )erchants (ho, thro'!h their 'siness, spread its !ood na)e even to the )ost re)ote provinces of &taly. &n this ill'strio's Castilian city, don Pedro )arried a lady his e?'al in irth and in (ealth. 6ro) this )arria!e, he had only one son (ho inherited his father2s rave and no le ideals. 1hen the lad reached the a!e of discretion, in order to i)itate his father and e?'al his deeds, he decided to e)ploy his yo'th in provin! his valor and acco)plishin! feats even in e=cess of his father2s. *nd so, earin! the fla! his father2s co'ra!e had earned and (ith his father2s lessin!, he (ent to &taly to serve his kin! (ith the d'ke of ,avoy in the fa)o's &talian ca)pai!n. > @$ > Captain don Pedro had a rother (ho, eca'se he (as the elder, had inherited the fa)ily estate, (hich (as not a)on! the s)allest in his land of Ei7caya. +e had a ea'tif'l da'!hter, the )ost ea'tif'l in the (hole province, (ho (o'ld inherit and eco)e )istress of all his possessions. *)inta (as et(een t(elve and fo'rteen (hen death, cr'el collector of lives, ca)e knockin! at her father2s door. 5he Christian !entle)an re!retted leavin! his ea'tif'l da'!hter (ith no other help 't that fro) heaven a ove even )ore than havin! to depart this (orld. *ltho'!h his da'!hter had s'fficient (ealth to live co)forta ly and to )arry no ly, it sorely tro' led the !entle)an2s heart to leave her (itho't a )other to !'ide and teach her in spite of his faith in his da'!hter2s virt'e. 8eco!ni7in! that the end of his life (as near, he )ade his (ill and left his da'!hter )istress of all he possessed. +e na)ed his rother e=ec'tor of his (ill. &n a letter (ritten %'st efore his death, he e!!ed his rother, don Pedro, to take char!e of the ea'tif'l *)inta and 'r!ed hi) insistently to )arry her to so)eone (orthy of her ea'ty and discretionM(hich he considered of !reater val'e than her (ealth, and ri!htly so, eca'se *)inta (as the epito)e of all the !ifts a lavish 3at're co'ld esto(. *fter the !entle)an had )ade these arran!e)ents, he (ent to his final sleep, s'rrenderin! his so'l to his Creator and his ody to the earth. 5he captain received his elder rother2s letter and responded to its tender ne(s (ith tears. +e decided it (o'ld e est for his niece to %oin his fa)ily so she co'ld enefit fro) his (ife2s !'idance and 'p rin!in!. 5he t(o a!reed that she sho'ld )arry their son, as it see)ed to the), nat'rally, that they co'ld find no etter )atch. 5he captain set o't to !et her and soon arrived in Ei7caya. +e spent several days p'ttin! the estate in order and arran!in! her affairs, na)in! a loyal ad)inistrator to take care of

everythin!. 5o!ether they ret'rned to ,e!ovia. *ltho'!h too shro'ded in )o'rnin! to e the s'n, the ea'tif'l *)inta entered ,e!ovia to the )arvel and (onder)ent of the (hole city. ,he inspired s'ch envy in the ladies and desire in the !allant yo'ths that (ithin a fe( days the city (as reso'ndin! (ith her fa)e. 5he )an (ho had not seen her considered hi)self 'nl'cky. 9ach praised in her a virt'e that he )ost pri7ed: so)e her ea'ty, others her discretion, this one her (ealth, that one her )odesty. &n s'), every ody called her the )iracle of the a!e and the ei!hth (onder of )odern ti)es. > @9 > Af co'rse there (ere considera le old eyes and coveto's desires, attracted y her char)s and honest chastity, (ho hoped thro'!h )arria!e to eco)e )asters of s'ch a %e(el. 9ven after her 'ncle sh't the door on all her potential s'itors y anno'ncin! that *)inta (as en!a!ed to eco)e his son2s (ife, a fe(, or )ay e even a lot, hoped to (in the lady2s chaste heart thro'!h love. *)inta, happy (ith her 'ncle2s plan to )arry her so (ell, averted her eyes fro) all s'itors and (ith pleas're a(aited the arrival of her co'sin and etrothed (ho (as on his (ay ho)e. Beca'se she (as a yo'n! !irl, she kne( nothin! of loveD indeed *)inta had no desire 't to follo( the (ill and pleas're of her a'nt and 'ncle and tho'!ht there co'ld e no pleas're e=cept in the si!ht of her etrothed. 1hile (aitin! for hi) to ret'rn ho)e, *)inta led a deli!htf'l life, carefree and happy. *t her a'nt2s side, she so en%oyed the pleas'res of the city and the fetes that, (ithin a fe( )onths, she for!ot her sorro( over her father2s death. +er poor lovelorn ad)irers, denied any hope of ever possessin! her, (ere over(hel)ed y a)oro's desire and re!ret. 5hey sa( in her eyes the !lance of the )ythical asilisk that str'ck the eholder dead, leavin! hi) no hope of s'rvivin!. 9ven kno(in! there (as no hope at all, they didn2t lessen or desist fro) their a)oro's co'rtship. &n her street the )'sic (as contin'o's, the pro)enadin! constant, and the !allants (itho't n') er. *t ni!htfall her street rese) led the )o'ntains of *rcadia or the .'n!le of 4ove. Aver here yo' co'ld hear si!hin! and over there )'sic. *)inta, ho(ever, never listened and, if she heard, she la'!hed and )ade f'n of it all. B't no one sho'ld tr'st in ill'sory po(er or freedo), for 4ove deli!hts )ore in h'ntin! a free (ill than in pleasin! a captive one. 5he free )an is al(ays captive, the healthy )an sick, the valiant van?'ished, eca'se 4ove 's'ally e!ins in %est and ends in earnest. 4et *)inta2s eyes sleep rela=ed and free. Before lon! she (ill learn, at the e=pense of )any tears, ho( tr'e )y philosophy is. &t so happened, then, that one day a !entle)an, (ho) & shall call don .acinto, ca)e to ,e!ovia on i)portant 'siness. +e (as yo'n!, dashin!, and )ore inclined to pleas're than to penitence. &ndeed fro) +oly 5h'rsday to +oly 5h'rsday, he never tho'!ht of penance, like a )an (ho d(ells in the ho'se of pleas're. &n order to satisfy his o(n desires, he kept al(ays y his side a (o)an freer and looser than any (o)an sho'ld eD if a (o)an does seek only her o(n pleas're, she sho'ld, at least, see) chaste. 5his (o)an al(ays acco)panied don .acinto, and he ro'!ht her (ith hi) to ,e!ovia as his sister. Beca'se > I0 > of this relationship, he had stopped livin! (ith his le!iti)ate (ife, (ho (as as 'nfort'nate as she (as ea'tif'l and as no le and intelli!ent as she (as ea'tif'l. 5ired of havin! to p't 'p (ith don .acinto2s license, she had !one ack ho)e to her parents (ho lived in Madrid. Hon .acinto happened to !o hear )ass at the convent near *)inta2s ho'se (here she c'sto)arily (ent (ith her a'nt. +er ea'ty, her dress, and her attendants attracted so )'ch attention that (hen don

.acinto set eyes on that ea'tif'l si!ht, an intense e)otion to'ched his very so'l. Ah (hat po(er ea'ty has over vicio's )indsQ Hon .acinto e!an to feel sick fro) the (o'nd *)inta2s ea'ty had str'ck in his heart. +e infor)ed hi)self all a o't her and, 'pon learnin! of her no ility, her (ealth, and her p'rity, he considered his desires i)possi le. ,he (as (ho she (as and his ein! )arried co)plicated everythin!. +is secret love (as drivin! hi) )adD he felt like a )ere !host, like a )an ereft of so'l. +is passion so affected hi) that he ate little and slept less. +e lost his health and fell sick fro) deep )elancholy. +e ref'sed to e friendly or even talk (ith his )istress 6lora. 5he )ere si!ht of her eca)e so loathso)e to his eyes that he (ished he (ere lind so he (o'ldn2t have to look at her. 6lora felt tro' led y the s'dden chan!e in don .acinto altho'!h, fro) (hat she did, yo'2d never !'ess it. ,he kept askin! hi) over and over (hat (as ca'sin! his depression 't he ref'sed to say. 6inally, o't of c'riosity ;& ref'se to consider it love<, she decided to keep close (atch and eavesdrop 'ntil she fo'nd o't. 5hat (asn2t hard for her to do. ,ince 4ove is lind and (orks only thro'!h the lind, oth 4ove and the lind do thin!s in s'ch a (ay that they can scarcely e covered 'p. 5hat2s (hy lovers, the)selves 'nseein!, think that others don2t see either. Ane day don .acinto (as a sor ed in his tho'!hts of *)inta, and he tho'!ht 6lora (as o't, for that (as (hat she2d told hi). +e didn2t love her any )ore so he didn2t pay attention to her the (ay he 'sed to. &n fact, he had told her to !o take a (alk, to !o see the city, eca'se he (anted to e alone so he co'ld !ive hi)self over co)pletely to his tho'!hts of *)inta. Believin! he (as alone, he took 'p the l'te, (hich he played (ell, and san!: Hido (eeps for the f'!itive *eneas, for the cr'el conte)pt in his depart're, and, lind (ith ra!e, infla)ed (ith (rath, she tears her face to aven!e his scorn. > I1 > ,he calls o't to her 'ndeservin! elovedD her hand !rasps the s(ord2s hilt, (ith it she c'ts the flo(er of her sad life, (innin! the la'rels earned y her loyalty. Bea'tif'l 9lisa Hido, altho'!h yo'r sad fate forced yo' to !ive yo'rself a harsh death, & (o'ld e=chan!e )y life for yo'r deathD eca'se, if *eneas had not loved yo' once, he never co'ld have sp'rned yo'D since he loved yo' once, (hat a happy fateQ * fa)o's deed it (as, a deed y (hich yo' )ade fa)e envio'sD eca'se yo' (ere loved once, do not la)ent yo'r ein! scorned. 1ith yo'r s(eet )e)ory co)es no sorro( not leadin! on to !lory. B't, alas, )y !reat loyalty is repaid only (ith disdain and conte)ptD )ine is tr'e sorro(,

(hile yo'rs is f'll of !lory. 5hankless *)inta, take pity on one (ho2s dyin!, on one (hose pli!ht is desperate, (itho't hope of !lory or end to all his pain. 6lora, (ho2d een hidin!, e)er!ed, and said: F3o lon!er, )y dear don .acinto, can yo' hide fro) )e the ca'se of yo'r )elancholyD yo'2ve %'st declared it in yo'r son!. 5o tell the tr'th, &2ve s'spected it for days eca'se yo'2ve had s'ch e=trava!ant praise for the captain2s niece *)inta constantly on yo'r lips. Hon2t think &2) tro' led that yo'2ve set yo'r si!hts on her. & can2t consider it an affront for yo' to love a (o)an (ho e=cels )e in every (ay. 1hy, instead of an!er, & feel pity that yo'r desire is i)possi le 'nless, of co'rse, yo' 'se deception. &f & loved yo' li!htly, this love ne(ly orn in yo' )i!ht )ake )e %ealo's. B't even if it (ere possi le for yo' to possess *)inta, & (o'ld not fear that yo' (ill for!et )eD (hen yo' see ho( & seek and proc're yo'r pleas're for yo', that (ill )ake yo' love )e all the )ore. &2ve al(ays considered %ealo'sy st'pid. 5he day & enlisted 'nder 4ove2s anner, & took a vo( to rise a ove %ealo'sy so as never to kno( the horror that people say it is. F5he )ain o stacle & find to yo'r desire is that *)inta (ill never s'rrender e=cept in )arria!e. +er ha'!htiness, ho(ever, is a)'sin!. > I- > &f she (ere to read yo'r letters and listen to yo'r a)oro's speeches, (ho can do' t that she (o'ld love yo'J 6or (o)en, there2s no ond like )arria!e. 4et her see yo'r ele!ance. &)press yo'rself on her and yo'2ll see ho( she falls. Hespite the fact that everyone in the city says she2s hopin! to )arry her co'sin, a lover of yo'r char)s and attractions (ho2s %ohnny/on/the/spot can acco)plish )ore than a lover (ho2s hoped for 't a sent. Hress splendidly and send her %e(els. F&, for )y part, (ill lay o't )y snares and set )y traps. ,ince & pass as yo'r sister, & can eco)e her friend and try to talk (ith her every ti)e & see her in ch'rch. &f she listens to )e, &2ll paint yo'r a)oro's passion to her in s'ch color that, even tho'!h it threatens her honor, she can2t fail to fall. Ance she loves yo', it2ll e easy for yo', y pro)isin! )arria!e, to en%oy her. &f yo'r desire sho'ld persist, then take her fro) her 'ncle2s ho'se to a place (here she2s not kno(n. &f yo'r desire sho'ld end as soon as yo'2ve en%oyed her, (e can !o ho)e and she2ll never kno( (ho the a'thor of her do(nfall (as. ,he2d never dare )ention it to anyone for fear of ein! defa)ed and )ay e even killed y her 'ncle. My only re(ard for doin! all this for yo' is si)ply the pleas're that yo' (ill receive.F 1hile don .acinto listened to the son! of that siren, he h'n! in s'spense. 1hether he tho'!ht she (as doin! it fro) love so as not to see hi) s'ffer, or to attain her o(n selfish desires, his response (as to thro( his ar)s aro'nd her. +e called her his co)fort, his solace, the savior of his life. +e a!reed to do everythin! %'st as 6lora co'nseled. Hon .acinto (as to e!in his deception that very day. 9a!er, dashin!, and very rich, he set o't to press his co'rtship. H'rin! the day, he (as y *)inta2s doorD at ni!ht he ha'nted her street. ,o)eti)es he (ent alone, so)eti)es he (ent acco)panied y 6lora, (ho dressed as a )an (hen they (ent to serenade *)inta. &n one of the do(nstairs apart)ents in *)inta2s ho'se, there lived a (o)an (ho (asn2t e=actly a lady nor (as she really a servant. ,he2d een )arried to a )erchant. ,he (as an e=ceedin!ly c'rio's (o)an, ea!er to kno( everythin! that (as !oin! on. ,he (asn2t the kind to tell tales, ho(ever, not eca'se she (as a saint 't eca'se she hid her tr'e nat're eneath a veneer of virt'e so s'ccessf'lly that the captain never ?'estioned her visitin! his ho'se. ,he ?'ickly noticed the ne( ird (ho ca)e to ni le at the ait of *)inta2s ea'ty. Ane evenin! (hen don .acinto (as y her door, she approached

hi) and asked (hat he (as seekin!. 9very ody in the (hole city kne( that > I" > *)inta elon!ed to her co'sin, (ho2d een in Milan and (as e=pected to ret'rn ho)e at any )o)ent to )arry her. Hon .acinto had een (aitin! for %'st s'ch an occasion. +e sei7ed the (o)an2s ar) and po'red o't his love to her, all in accord (ith the crafty plan he and 6lora had devised. +e led the (o)an to elieve that he had an inco)e of fo'r tho'sand d'cats. +e told her he only (anted her to deliver a letter for hi). +e pro)ised her i)possi le thin!s. 5o ack 'p his (ords, he placed a p'rse containin! fifty esc'dos in her hands. 5hanks to their )irac'lo's po(er, doBa 9lena ;that (as the !ood (o)an2s na)e< softened )ore than yo' )i!ht e=pect. ,he told hi) to !o (rite the letter and rin! it ack. ,he (o'ld deliver it to *)inta and !et a reply. Hon .acinto ret'rned ho)e and told 6lora of his !ood fort'ne. +e (rote the letter and took it ack to (here doBa 9lena (as (aitin! for hi). +e !ave it to her to!ether (ith a )a!nificent dia)ond rin!. F5his,F he said, Fyo' (ill !ive to ea'tif'l *)inta as a !ift and token of )y love.F HoBa 9lena pro)ised to do so and said she2d have the reply the ne=t day. Hon .acinto left and i))ediately she (ent 'p to *)inta2s roo). 3or)ally at ni!ht *)inta (o'ld e (ritin! to her co'sin and fiance. HoBa 9lena (ent in and, placin! the letter and the rin! in *)inta2s hand, she said: FBea'tif'l *)inta, lon! )ay yo' en%oy yo'r !reat ea'tyQ Please read )e this letter. &t2s fro) a lover (ho2s co'rtin! )e as if & (ere yo'n! and ea'tif'l. +e sent it to )e (ith this %e(el.F *)inta correctly ass')ed that the letter and the rin! (ere pro a ly fro) one of the )any s'itors (ho (ere co'rtin! her 't, carried a(ay y her c'riosity and so as not to appear s'spicio's, or )ay e fate (as e!innin! to p'rs'e her, she ackno(led!ed doBa 9lena2s (ords (ith a s)ile and read the follo(in!: 5o *)inta fro) don .acinto: 1hen (ill tri')phs, fear is van?'ished. Hriven y )y love and therefore not fearin! yo'r an!er, s(eet )istress )ine, & dare to tell yo' of )y love. & do not lie (hen & say that )y love (as orn, not (hen & sa( yo'r ea'ty, 't (hen & )yself (as orn, for )y heart tells )e that heaven )ade yo' to e its )istress. 1ell do & kno( the i)possi ility of )y s'it eca'se yo' a(ait yo'r fort'nate co'sin to )ake hi) yo'r h's and. 3evertheless, & don2t (ant to die (itho't yo'r kno(in!, at least, that yo' are the ca'se of )y death. &f yo' are not as cr'el as people say, (hile yo' (ait for the fort'nate )an (ho > I@ > is to )erit yo', please !ive )e life, if only y %'st allo(in! )e to !a7e 'pon yo'. *ccept this rin!, not as a token fro) )e, 't as a portrait of yo'rself. F1ho, )y friend, is this )ortally ill )an seekin! a c're in s'ch hasteJF *)inta asked. F* )an (ho deserves yo',F replied doBa 9lena, F)ore than the )an (ho is to e yo'r h's and, eca'se he2s no le, !allant, rich, and intelli!ent. Ko'r co'sin )ay e of yo'r lood, 't don .acinto is of the very est lood in ,pain.F ;Ah, !reed and a p'rse f'll of coins, ho( ?'ickly yo' inspire the )ind of this (o)an to say thin!s she

doesn2t even kno(Q< F& don2t 'nderstand, )ost ea'tif'l *)inta,F the deceived and deceitf'l )essen!er contin'ed, Fho( yo' can fail to appreciate a real offer that2s so favora le to yo' in preference to the 'nkno(n. Consider the )atter caref'lly and see that yo' )ake no )istake. 3o( then, (hat shall & reply to don .acintoJF F&f it2s not eno'!h to tell hi) that yo' !ave )e the letter,F *)inta responded so)e(hat tenderly, Ftell hi) & read it, and that, )y friend, see)s no s)all favor to )e.F *s she said this, she slipped the rin! on her fin!er. HoBa 9lena (o'ld have liked to find don .acinto i))ediately in order to !ive hi) the !ood ne(s and receive her re(ard. B't, since he hadn2t anticipated s'ch dispatch, not e=pectin! a reply 'ntil the ne=t day, he2d already retired to his lod!in!. Can yo' i)a!ine *)inta2s conf'sed tho'!htsJ +o( )any ti)es she reread the letterJ 5he speeches she )ade to herselfJ +er tossin! and t'rnin!J +o( deeply love str'ck in her hitherto free and carefree heartJ 1hile she kne( she (as to eco)e her co'sin2s (ife, 'p 'ntil that )o)ent, love had never to'ched her heart. ,he spent an e=ceedin!ly restless ni!ht (aitin! for day to da(n. *s soon as the sky e!an to li!hten, she dressed, and perhaps she adorned herself (ith )ore than c'sto)ary care and ele!ance in the hope of seein! the ca'se of her 'nrest. 3o( that she (anted to see hi), she (asn2t far fro) lovin!, not far at allQ ,he (as ca'!ht in the trap 4ove had set in doBa 9lena2s (ords. *)inta listened and 4ove2s cr'elty ro'!ht her to the rink and into the snare she fell. ;Poor !irl, if only yo' kne( (hat yo' (ere !ettin! intoQ< &t (as ,'nday. 1hen it ca)e ti)e for *)inta to leave the ho'se (ith her a'nt and the )aids to !o to )ass, she fo'nd doBa 9lena > II > talkin! (ith don .acinto in the front entry. *t the si!ht of the t(o of the) and fro) their actions, she reco!ni7ed hi), as if her heart hadn2t instantly told her (ho he (as. &f any part of her had re)ained free fro) the letter2s )essa!e, she no( !ave herself entirely to his presence (ith clear si!ns of her s'rrender. *ltho'!h don .acinto (as thirty, he (as so handso)e, ele!ant, and dashin! that, if yo' didn2t kno( he (as )arried, his !race (o'ld char) anyone (ho looked at hi). Bein! sharp, he reco!ni7ed in the lady2s face certain indications of love and e!an to pro)ise hi)self s'ccess. *s *)inta )oved fro) the place (here she first sa( hi) 'ntil she !ot to the coach, her face t'rned a tho'sand colors and her eyes darted in a tho'sand directions to escape the oldness of his !lance, especially (hen she heard doBa 9lena say: FGo (ith God, don .acinto, for )y )ission has pro!ressed so (ell that it (on2t e lon! efore it2s acco)plished.F *t this )o)ent, the ea'tif'l *)inta tripped and fell al)ost at her s'itor2s feet as he (as takin! leave of the clever )atch)aker. +e planned to )ake his love kno(n to its so'rce any (ay he co'ld. &n this s'rprisin! sit'ation, it ehooved hi) to sho( proper co'rtesy, so he e=tended his hand to the ea'tif'l *)inta and (hispered: F& (ant to e yo'r h's and, if 4ove and 6ort'ne are on )y side.F 5he lady responded )ore favora ly than (ith (ords y e=tendin! her 'n!loved hand earin! the rich dia)ond. 5his s'fficed for the !allant to feel )ore than opti)istic. *)inta2s a'nt thanked don .acinto for helpin! her niece to her feet. 5o appear )ost co'rteo's, he took

do(n the step fro) the coach and helped his ri!ht s'n settle in a)on! the other clo'ds of silk. +e felt happier than he2d ever felt in his life. &nstantly he (ent to tell 6lora his !ood fort'ne and to infor) her that *)inta had !one to ch'rch. 6lora took her sha(l and acco)panied her F rotherF to the sa)e ch'rch. ,he )ade a !rand entrance and (ent to sit ne=t to the ea'tif'l 't already deceived *)inta. 6lora t'rned to don .acinto, (ho (as ri!ht eside her, and said: F1ait, rother, let2s sit here. Ko' kno( )y tastes are )ore those of a !allant than of a lady, and (herever & see a lady, partic'larly one as ea'tif'l as this lady, & can2t take )y eyes fro) her ea'ty and )y heart !ro(s tender.F &t (o'ldn2t have een s'rprisin! for *)inta to thank 6lora as a re(ard for learnin! that she (as don .acinto2s sister. 1hen she sa( > I# > hi) enter the ch'rch (ith another (o)an, she had felt half deadD %ealo'sy tore (ide the (o'nd and opened 'p love2s door. &nstead, *)inta said to 6lora: F1ith yo'r !reat ea'ty, (hich certainly sho'ld ca'se envy rather than s'ffer it, & don2t kno( (hy yo' seek any other. &f yo' take a )irror in yo'r hands and look at yo'rself, yo' (ill satisfy all yo'r desire. Ko'r ea'ty deserves )ore to e loved than to love. B't & shall no( have hi!her re!ard for )yselfD &2) flattered y the favor yo'2ve sho(n )e eca'se p're love !ives p're fr'it. & e! yo', please tell )e (hat it is in )e that )ost pleases and deli!hts yo' so that & )ay estee) it )ore and pri7e it in )yself.F F*ll of yo',F 6lora replied. FKo' are so splendid that & elieve &2) not deceived in thinkin! that yo' )'st e the ea'tif'l and discreet *)inta, (hose ele!ance and ea'ty are the asilisk of the (hole city.F F*)inta & a),F the lady replied. F*s for the rest, )y lady, yo' can %'d!e (ith (hat little reason they attri 'te this fa)e to )e.F 1ith !reat skill, the crafty 6lora !rad'ally placed onds on the innocent *)inta to rin! a o't her total do(nfall. ,tep y step, 6lora led her to elieve everythin! she (anted her to elieve. ,he told *)inta ho( her rother don .acinto had ca)e fro) Ealladolid, (here he had a ho'se and lar!e estates, to verify the tr'th of her ea'ty, (hich fa)e had spread every(here. &f he fo'nd her as she2d een descri ed, he hoped to )ake her his )istress. Hon .acinto had learned of her 'ncle2s plans for her )arria!e, ho(ever, and hadn2t dared approach her. 6lora e=tolled his love, his !ood lood, his (ealth. Upon his )arria!e, he (as s're to e a(arded an order of no ility. 6lora had asked hi) to rin! her alon! so she co'ld help hi) )ake *)inta2s ac?'aintance and in case there (ere o stacles to the co'rtship. &n s'), 6lora painted *)inta2s lover as so rich, so no le, and so in love that, to cap the cli)a=, she tho'!ht if her rother didn2t s'cceed in )akin! *)inta his (ife, he (o'ld s'rely die. 6lora dis!'ised her lies (ith s'ch color of tr'th that it (as no (onder *)inta elieved every (ord, partic'larly (hen 4ove had already disposed her to s'rrender. 6lora finished her speech e!!in! *)inta to take pity on her rother. 3o( (as the ti)e for *)inta to act, efore her co'sin ret'rnedD other(ise, everythin! )i!ht have a disastro's end. FAh, )y friendQF *)inta e=clai)ed. F+o( can it not end disastro'slyJ 6or even if & (anted to satisfy yo'r rother and )ake )yself happy y )arryin! hi), )y 'ncle (o'ld never consent, as he intends

> I: > )e for his son. B't & cannot deny that, ever since last ni!ht (hen & read yo'r rother2s letter and received this dia)ond, &2ve not een a le to rin! )y tho'!hts ack do(n to earth, that (o'ld e denyin! po(er to 4ove and etrayin! the loyalty &2ve s(orn. &f ever & had any desire to see )y co'sin, it has t'rned into a (ish for his death or, at least, for his a sence 'ntil )y salvation co)es or 'ntil the end of )y days. 3o( & re!ret )y disdain for all those (ho have loved )e. Anly for )yself & feel no pity. &2) eyond carin! a o't )y rep'tation and )y honor. 5hat2s the effect the si!ht of yo'r rother has had on )e. 3o( that &2ve declared )y love, tell )e (hat & sho'ld do. &t2s i)possi le for )e to resist lovin! hi). *ny re)edy is also i)possi le. My concern is to (ei!h ho( )'ch & can afford to lose thro'!h )y darin! (hile rationally &2) afraid of (hat )ay happen.F 5hat2s all 6lora (anted to hear, and she replied: FAnce yo'2re )y rother2s (ife, yo'2ll no lon!er elon! to yo'r co'sin. 5here2s nothin! for yo' to lose. &nstead, yo'2ll !ain a h's and (ho2s his e?'al in station and (ealth. &f at first yo'r 'ncle is an!ry, later, (hen he sees ho( )'ch yo' !ain, he (ill )ake peace (ith yo'. *nd, (hile & don2t e?'al yo' in ea'ty, to pacify yo'r co'sin, the t(enty tho'sand d'cats &2ll rin! in do(ry sho'ld )ake 'p for this deficiency, and yo'2ll e his sister/in la(. &f thin!s t'rn o't so adly that none of this (orks, leave all yo'r inheritance to the). My rother is content (ith only yo'r person. FKo' say that yo' can arran!e nothin! in yo'r 'ncle2s ho'se, 't there is one (ay: doBa 9lena, the (o)an (ho !ave yo' the letter. ,he2s a !ood friend and yo'r fa)ily tr'sts her. Ko' can talk (ith )y rother in her ho'se. 5hat (ay yo' can )ake arran!e)ents for yo'r )arria!e. *fter yo'2ve !one efore the vicar, yo' can co)e to o'r lod!in!s. By the ti)e yo'r 'ncle finds o't (hat2s een done, yo'2ll already e in yo'r h's and2s po(er. 1hen yo'r 'ncle 'nderstands the sit'ation, he2ll have no choice 't to consider hi)self fort'nate and yo' l'cky.F *)inta (as so lind that she acceded to everythin!, fearf'l of her co'sin2s i))inent arrival. ,he told 6lora that that afternoon she and her rother sho'ld co)e to doBa 9lena2s roo). 1hile her a'nt (as receivin! !'ests, they co'ld talk at )ore leis're. *)inta took her leave (ith si!ns of eternal friendship and ret'rned ho)e (ith her acco)pani)ent. +er a'nt had noticed *)inta and 6lora (hisperin! to!ether, 't she ass')ed they (ere speakin! of !irlish thin!s. 5r'stin! in *)inta2s )odesty, she s'spected nothin!. > I$ > 6lora descri ed the arran!e)ent to don .acinto and, altho'!h her ela orate deception ca'sed hi) so)e do' t, she received for her efforts a tho'sand tender and lovin! favors. *fter dinner, 6lora and don .acinto (ent to doBa 9lena2s ho'se to!ether. ,he already kne( of the plan fro) *)inta. By this ti)e, *)inta loved don .acinto so tr'ly that she co'ld think of nothin! 't eco)in! his (ife, even tho'!h there )i!ht e so)e (orriso)e o stacles et(een the FyesF and the Fno.F ,he kept the secret to herself, not )entionin! it to her servants. ,he tho'!ht ;and ri!htly< that no one reveals secrets like servants, and the )ore yo' ca'tion the) to keep so)ethin! ?'iet, the )ore apt they are to )ake it p' lic. 1hen the ill/advised lady (as s're that her 'ncle had !one o't and her a'nt (as entertained (ith her friends, she e=c'sed herself and (ent into the ne=t roo). 5here, she told the )aids that, if she (ere called, she2d e do(n at doBa 9lena2s. 5hen she (ent to )eet the a'thors of her do(nfall. 6lora and *)inta !reeted each other (ith an e) race, ca'sin! proper envy in don .acinto. +e declared his love (ith all the ri!ht (ords and offered hi)self to *)inta (ith e=trava!ant pro)ises )ade elieva le y his tears. +e increased *)inta2s love y re!alin! her (ith lovin! attentions and

tenderness, and he !ave her his hand in )arria!e. By virt'e of this pled!e, he en%oyed so)e free and deli!htf'l favors, !atherin! flo(ers and carnations in that !arden 'nto'ched y h')an hand (hich had een reserved for her a sent co'sin. 6lora and doBa 9lena (itnessed these cele rations (ith a tho'sand %okes, (atchin! don .acinto act as old as *)inta reacted (ith e) arrass)ent. &t (as a!reed that the ne=t day, (hile her a'nt and 'ncle (ere sleepin! their siesta, don .acinto (o'ld rin! a litter to take *)inta to the vicar2s ho'se. ,he (o'ld dis!'ise her na)e so that people co'ldn2t talk a o't her elope)ent. 6ro) the vicar2s, she (o'ld !o to 6lora and don .acinto2s lod!in!s, al(ays in dis!'ise 'ntil they !ot to his city. 6ro) there, they (o'ld infor) her 'ncle of (hat had een done. HoBa 9lena (as char!ed (ith keepin! the secret. 5his she !ladly pro)ised eca'se she feared the captain2s an!er. &t (o'ld e easier for hi) to pardon *)inta once his ra!e had passed. 1hen the plans (ere finali7ed, they said !ood/ ye (ith a tho'sand e) races. Hon .acinto and 6lora ret'rned to their lod!in!s, (ell satisfied and pleased (ith their s'ccess in the ne!otiations. Ah, *)inta deceivedQ Pl'n!ed into s'ch !reat evil, yo' no lon!er > I9 > heed restraint, castin! it aside and placin! yo'rself in !reat dan!erQ +o( deceitf'l yo' are, don .acinto, 'nre!enerate ca'se of the r'ination of this poor !irlQ Ko'r o'tra!e (ill cost yo' dearQ Ah, false 6loraQ &n yo', heaven created the epito)e of deceitQ May p'nish)ent fall 'pon yo', yo' (ho act as yo'r lover2s )atch)aker. Can anyone i)a!ine ho( evil yo' areJ 5erri ly evil eca'se, as a (o)an (ho2s evil, yo' have the advanta!e over )en. 4ove e=c'ses don .acinto, deception e=c'ses the 'nfort'nate *)inta, 't for 6lora there is no e=c'se. Hon2t e a)a7ed at )en2s deceptions any lon!er, for 6lora s'rpasses the) all in the e=pression of her love, if indeed it2s really love. 1hether she loves or not, she has done (hat yo' have seen. 5he ne=t day, (hich )'st have een 5'esday, if that has any si!nificance, finally da(ned. *)inta rose (ith the s'n eca'se the )o)ento'sness of her plans did not let her rest. ,he had drea)t a o't a tho'sand diffic'lties and )isfort'nes in acco)plishin! those plans. ,t') lin! here, fallin! there, hearin! voices, all of (hich predicted disaster, she finally )ana!ed to !et dressed. &t see)ed like forever 'ntil dinnerti)e. 5otally a sor ed in her tho'!hts and captive to her love, lind and deaf, she !athered 'p her %e(els, (rapped the) in a cloth, and placed the) in the sleeve of her !o(n. ,he t'cked her sha(l into the other. 3ervo'sly she dined (ith her a'nt and 'ncle. 5he )o)ent she kne( they2d !one to ed, she (ent do(n to the entry. *!ain she char!ed doBa 9lena to keep her secret. 5hen she p't on her sha(l and entered the (aitin! litter. &t carried her strai!ht to the vicar2s ho'se eca'se the earers, don .acinto2s servants, had een (ell instr'cted in (hat they (ere to do. *t the vicar2s, *)inta )et her lover. +e co'ld co)e and !o (herever he (anted (itho't ein! noticed eca'se he (asn2t kno(n in the cityD esides, it (as flooded (ith )erchants and travelers every (eekday. 5he handso)e co'ple appeared to!ether efore the vicar. *)inta kept her face covered to avoid ein! reco!ni7ed. 5he )o)ent the lovers clasped hands, a rich e)erald rin! she (as (earin! on her fin!er split in half and a piece fle( o't and str'ck don .acinto ri!ht in the face. *ltho'!h Hon .acinto noticed ho( )'ch the ill o)en 'pset *)inta, he i!nored it. *fter the )arria!e, don .acinto took *)inta ack to his lod!in!s. 6lora received her Fsister/in/la(F ;as (e shall call her< (ith )any e) races. ,he had a caref'lly planned and delicio's s'pper served. 5hen, to ens're that *)inta (as o'nd to her )isfort'ne and that don .acinto, once s'rfeited, (o'ld ?'ickly tire of her, 6lora took the) to

> #0 > her o(n ed. ,he left the) there and retired to another roo) at the sa)e inn. *s a re(ard for her reso'rcef'lness, she e=pected to end 'p (ith her lover, a andonin! *)inta to her )isfort'ne and dishonor. Mean(hile, let 6lora look on and s'ffer, for (e can kno( or say no )ore a o't (hat transpiredQ 4et2s leave the three of the), the t(o traitors and the innocent !irl, to pass this ni!ht. 9ach one (ill have to pay the conse?'ences, for heaven keeps acco'nt of everythin! that happens. 4et2s !o ack to *)inta2s ho'se (here, y this ti)e, everythin! (as conf'sion, tears, threats, 't in vain. +er 'ncle acted like a )an deran!ed. 1hen at last he reali7ed that she (as not !oin! to appear and that no one had seen her leave, he e!an to )ake s'rreptitio's in?'iries to avoid )akin! his dishonor p' lic. 9very effort (as fr'itless. Anly doBa 9lena kne(, and she said not a (ord, so he fo'nd o't nothin!. &n the end, his (ife2s (eepin! and the )aids2 (ailin! ca'sed the event to eco)e p' lic kno(led!e thro'!ho't the city. *s a res'lt, the police opened an e?'ally fr'itless investi!ation. 5he vicar reported that at t(o that afternoon he had )arried a lady and a !entle)an. +e didn2t kno( (ho they (ere 't he did s'spect that the lady )i!ht have een *)inta. 5his ne(s )erely proved to every ody ho( )'ch they didn2t kno(. 5he ne=t day this infor)ation reached don .acinto. 3o( that the fla)e of his passion had een ass'a!ed, he e!an to consider the dan!er he (as in and the p'nish)ent he faced. +e feared that doBa 9lena, if she (ere pressed, (o'ld tell the (hole story and reveal (here he (as lod!in!, (hich (o'ld !reatly i)peril his life and his rep'tation. 5hat ni!ht he (ent to the (indo( !ratin! of doBa 9lena2s apart)ent (hich opened onto the street. +e knocked. 1hile he talked (ith her and told her a o't the (eddin!, he pointed a pistol at her heart and fired. ,he !ave 'p the !host instantly, (itho't ti)e to confess her sins or call on God. ,he received a (ell/deserved re(ard for the evil she had done. &t2s said that error follo(s 'pon error and one evil 'pon another. Hon .acinto2s evil (as so )onstro's that his fear of the conse?'ences increased. +e reali7ed that if the police searched the inns it (o'ld )ean certain disaster for the sad *)inta to e fo'nd in his roo). +e felt s're that doBa 9lena2s death (o'ld rin! a o't s'ch a search. 5akin! co'nsel fro) *)inta2s fear, (hich (as (orryin! her al)ost to death, fro) 6lora2s reso'rcef'lness, and )ostly fro) his o(n hindsi!ht, the three decided that, (hile don .acinto )ade arran!e)ents > #1 > for their depart're, *)inta sho'ld stay at the ho'se of an ac?'aintance of don .acinto2s, a no le(o)an (ho lived on the o'tskirts of the city. +e )ana!ed to convince the sorro(in! *)inta that she (o'ld e etter off there in case she (ere fo'nd and if so, they (o'ld anno'nce their )arria!e p' licly. &f there (ere no search for her, he co'ld easily arran!e their %o'rney to Ealladolid and, once there, everythin! (o'ld (ork o't the (ay they (anted. *)inta a!reed to the (hole idea. 5o finish off his deception, don .acinto (ent to the ho'se of the (o)an (ho (as a distant relative of his. ,he (as a (ido( (ho had only one son to inherit her !reat (ealth. +is na)e (as don Martin and he (as one of the )ost !allant yo'n! )en of his ti)e. Hon .acinto told this lady that he had i)portant 'siness in Ealladolid 't (o'ld soon ret'rn. &n the )eanti)e, (o'ld she please allo( a lady (orthy of all consideration to stay in her co)pany. HoBa 4'isa, for this (as the lady2s na)e, kne( all a o't don .acinto2s peccadillos fro) the ti)e she had lived in his province. ,he ass')ed that this (as one of his )any lady friends 't, desirin! to please hi), she a!reed to do (hat he asked. +e ro'!ht *)inta to doBa 4'isa2s ho'se that sa)e ni!ht. *)inta (as so 'pset and conf'sed that don .acinto (as !lad to e free of that 'rden. ,he ro'!ht alon! her o(n %e(els as (ell as the ones her perfidio's h's and had !iven her. +e i))ediately ret'rned to his inn and, (itho't (astin! a )in'te,

packed and left for his province in the co)pany of his treachero's )istress 6lora and their servants. 5heir overridin! concern (as to !et ho)e as soon as possi le. *)inta stayed in doBa 4'isa2s ho'se 'sin! the na)e doBa Eictoria eca'se her o(n na)e (as so (ell kno(n in ,e!ovia. ,he (as a le to hide there very easily eca'se doBa 4'isa hadn2t lived in ,e!ovia lon!, and she2d never heard a (ord a o't *)inta even tho'!h her story (as no( p' lic kno(led!e in the city. HoBa 4'isa2s son had !one h'ntin! fo'r days efore and hadn2t een into the city, so he didn2t kno( anythin! either. B't the )o)ent don Martin ret'rned fro) h'ntin!, he dressed for the street and (ent do(nto(n. 5here he learned (hat his )other and the others in his ho'se didn2t kno(. *fter he !ot ack fro) to(n, they sat do(n at the ta le for s'pper and his )other sent for her !'est. 5he instant don Martin set eyes 'pon *)inta, he fell )adly in love (ith her, thinkin! that he eheld an an!el. *ll the (hile they dined, don Martin (as transported, even as *)inta (as o livio's oth to this ne( passion and to her o(n )isfort'ne. *t the ta le he told his )other all > #- > the ne(s he2d heard in the city: a o't ho(, the day efore, the )ost ea'tif'l (o)an in Castile, don Pedro2s niece (ho (as en!a!ed to eco)e the (ife of his son (ho (as in Milan, had disappeared fro) her ho)e. 3o one had een a le to ascertain any ca'se or )otive for her disappearance. *s far as her etrothal (as concerned, she had accepted it (ith pleas're. 8e!ardin! her !ood sense and decor'), she (as as discreet as she (as ea'tif'l. * p' lic notice had een posted decreein! that no one sho'ld !ive her shelter 'nder penalty of death. F1hat2s )ost shockin!,F he added, Fis that this )ornin! they fo'nd a nei!h or, doBa 9lena, dead of a 'llet thro'!h her heart. ,he lived in a do(nstairs apart)ent in the sa)e ho'se. Hon Pedro and all his servants have een arrested. Ane of the servants reported that last evenin!, (hile lookin! o't of a (indo(, he had seen doBa 9lena talkin! (ith a stran!er. ,everal others repeated that a )aid said that her )istress, *)inta ;that2s the na)e of the )issin! lady<, 'sed to !o often to doBa 9lena2s ho'se, ein! very caref'l that no one sho'ld kno(. 5his raised the s'spicion that doBa 9lena (as )'rdered eca'se of *)inta. 5hat2s (hy the captain and his (hole ho'sehold have een arrested.F 1hen *)inta heard this ne(s, she e!an to tre) le. 5hen don Martin ;chan!in! the s' %ect<, asked (here their ea'tif'l !'est had co)e fro). +e (ondered if she had descended fro) heaven. HoBa 4'isa replied: FHon .acinto ro'!ht her to stay (ith 's (hile he does so)e 'siness in Ealladolid. 1hen he finishes his 'siness, he2ll co)e ack for her and take her ho)e to his province.F F&s this lady his (ifeJF asked don Martin. FGod for idQF doBa 4'isa e=clai)ed. F6ro) (hat & kno( of her, it (o'ld !rieve )e to see her so ill/ served.F F,peakin! of (ives,F *)inta said (ith tro' led voice, Fis don .acinto )arried, )y lady, or etrothedJF FHon .acintoQF doBa 4'isa repeated. F5hat isn2t really the na)e of the )an (ho ro'!ht yo' here, )y child. +is real na)e is don 6rancisco, and he2s )arried and lives in Madrid.F F*re yo' s're of that, )y ladyJF *)inta asked. F&2) positive,F doBa 4'isa replied. F6ive or si= years a!o (hen & 'sed to live in his province, (here &2d lived ever since & )arried, & (itnessed his )arria!e to a lady fro) Madrid. +e2d fallen in love (ith her (hen he sa( her at a co'sin2s (eddin! he2d attended (ith his

> #" > parents. 1ithin a year, of co'rse, he no lon!er lived (ith his (ife. & kno( his parents and his relatives, and & kno( that he2s as depraved as he is rich.F FHoesn2t he have a sister na)ed 6loraJF the conf'sed lady asked. F*h, )y friendQF doBa 4'isa e=clai)ed. F+o( )istaken yo' areQ 5hat (o)an has een his )istress for a lon! ti)e no(. ,he2s the one (ho incites hi) to a tho'sand evil deeds. &f he didn2t en%oy the protection of his po(erf'l relatives at co'rt, he (o'ld2ve een e=ec'ted lon! a!o for the evil e=a)ple he sets (ith his openly lascivio's ehavior, for vice in the no ility is )ore visi le than in other people. Bea'tif'l doBa Eictoria, please, for yo'r o(n sake, e=plain this )ystery to )e. 5he tears yo' fi!ht ack are not (itho't ca'se. 6'rther/)ore, if don .acinto told yo' he2s not )arried, he lied. +is (ife is na)ed doBa Maria. ,he (ent ack ho)e to her parents eca'se she co'ldn2t tolerate his evil (ays.F FMy tro' les,F replied *)inta, Fare not s'ch that they can e told (itho't ca'sin! scandal. Please per)it )e to retire no(. &n ti)e yo' (ill learn of !reater treachery and deception than history reco'nts a o't Adysse's2 co'sin ,inon.F HoBa 4'isa co'ld al)ost !'ess (hat )'st have happened 't she had no idea (ho her !'est (as. Bein! pr'dent, ho(ever, she didn2t (ish to e i)port'nate. ,he !ot 'p, took *)inta y the hand, and led her to her cha) er. &t (as a ea'tif'l roo) (ith (indo(s (hose alconies opened onto a lovely !arden. &t (as ne=t door to her son2s edroo) (ith a door connectin! the t(o, (hich she no( locked to protect their privacy. 4ike his )other, don Martin felt conf'sed. +e (as so ena)ored of their !'est that already he tho'!ht he co'ldn2t live (itho't her. Beca'se she2d left the roo) in tears, and fro) her partin! (ords, he s'spected so)e a)a7in! story. 0no(in! that doBa Eictoria2s roo) ad%oined his, he (ent to his o(n roo). +e noted that the connectin! door (as locked and 'nderstood his )other2s preca'tion. +e (ent o't and, fro) a)on! all the keys that lay on the desk, he selected the one to that door. 5hen he ret'rned to his roo) and pretended to !et ready for ed. B't that2s not (hat he did. &nstead, he placed hi)self in front of the keyhole and tried to overhear (hat the )istress of his freedo) )i!ht say. &n her i!norance, doBa 4'isa (as !ivin! her !'est )isdirected co)fort. ,oon she left *)inta and (ent off to ed. *lone in her roo) and 'na(are that anyone (as listenin!, the desolate *)inta (ept. &n a voice neither lo'd nor soft, she e!an to po'r > #@ > forth her sorro(s. .'st as a fo'ntain cannot spill its crystal drops (hen a hand covers its %et and restrains it, 't sp'rts the) forth violently once the hand is re)oved, this is (hat happened (ith all the (ords *)inta had een holdin! ack. 5he )o)ent she (as alone, she po'red forth her passion. F*las, *)intaQF she la)ented, as she tore at the threads of her fine hair and !ashed her (hite hands (ith the pearls of her teeth, dra(in! tiny red riv'lets across her flesh. F+o( dire is yo'r )isfort'neQ & co'ld eco)e a le!end all over the (orld, an e=a)ple for all (o)en and )ay e even a lesson for the), if they are (ise and not foolish as & have eenQ *lasQ 1oe is )eQ 1hat dis!race and scandal & have ca'sed thro'!h )y follyQ .'st look at )eMthree days a!o & en%oyed honor, (ealth, a life of ease. & (as adored y )y a'nt and 'ncle and respected y the (hole city and today, hear all the !ossip, see ho( the (hole city is shockedQ *las, dear 'ncleQ +o( can & )ake reparation for the !rief and the dishonor yo' s'ffer, all eca'se of )eJ +o( (ill yo' ear it (hen yo' learn the e=tent of )y dis!raceJ Ah, doBa 9lena, ca'se of all )y trialsQ & hope heaven p'nishes yo'r so'l as it has yo'r ody for r'inin! )eQ Ah, cr'el 6lora, )ore treachero's and ini?'ito's than yo'r na)esakeQ 3o (onder (o)en (ith

yo'r (hore2s na)e are despised in 8o)eQ Ah, don .acinto, ho( co'ld yo' have the heart to deceive a (o)an of )y position, heedless of the fact that yo' (o'ld ca'se not only )y death 't yo'r o(n as (ell. 1hen )y 'ncle finds o't (hat yo'2ve done, he (ill s'rely track yo' do(n, if death doesn2t strike hi) first. &f he fails, )y co'sin and etrothed (ill, as )y lood relative, aven!e yo'r offense a!ainst )e. B't ho( can & (ait for that to co)e to pass and e patient (hen & have the co'ra!e and hands (ith (hich to end )y life ri!ht no(J &t2s prefera le for the ne(s of )y cri)e to e roadcast to!ether (ith the notice of )y death. 5here2s no other (ay: let the one (ho has lost her honor, lose her life.F *s she 'ttered these (ords, she dre( a knife fro) its sheath, )eanin! to slash the arteries in her (rists. ,he tho'!ht there (as eno'!h ti)e left efore )ornin! for her to leed to death and th's end all her (oes. Hon Martin, ho(ever, 'nderstood her deter)ination and (as a)a7ed at her resolve, altho'!h, of co'rse, he didn2t really 'nderstand. 6earin! a disastro's )ishap, hastily he p't the key in the lock, opened the door, and r'shed in. 5he noise, co) ined (ith the intensity of her resolve, so 'pset the ea'tif'l *)inta that she fell into a s(oon. Hon Martin picked her 'p in his ar)s, en%oyin! a li erty > #I > (hich, had she een conscio's, (o'ld have een i)possi le, eca'se her !en'ine )odesty co'ld never have een van?'ished e=cept y s'ch deception as has een descri ed. 1ith his s'n eclipsed in his ar)s, don Martin felt e=ceedin!ly tender. +e conte)plated her yo'th, her ea'ty, and the violent e)otions she (as e=periencin!. 5his fed his love at a ti)e (hen he had the opport'nity to take so)e lovin! li erties. Caref'lly he arran!ed her t') led hair and lovin!ly he dried her tears. &n ans(er to her tro' led si!hs, he tasted deli!htf'l favors, !atherin! carnations in the !arden of her ea'ty. *fter a short (hile, *)inta ca)e to her senses. 6indin! herself in don Martin2s ar)s she (ithdre( fro) her ne( lover2s possession (ith ri!hteo's an!er. *s she ca)e to co)prehend (hat her sit'ation (as, the stren!th and force of her !rievance t'rned her love for don .acinto into a desire for harsh ven!eance. ,he had een deceivedD no(, s'ddenly, she (as ein! co'rted. 5hey say that there is no etter ait to catch a (o)an sp'rned y an a sent lover than tender love in the present, so no( perhaps she (as not ?'ite as free as efore. 8ecoverin! herself, she reacted an!rily and said: FHon Martin, (hat are yo' doin! hereJ Ho yo' think an 'nhappy (o)an re?'ires any (itness to her death esides her )isfort'neJ 4eave )e alone. Go ack to yo'r roo). 1ith the death of this lone (o)an, the honor of )any )en (ill e restored.F FGod for id, eloved )istress )ine,F replied don Martin, F'nless & acco)pany yo' in the act. 6ro) the )o)ent & sa( yo', & have adored yo'. & have one life, (hich is yo'rs, and this da!!er (hich (ill do yo'r (ill. &f yo' don2t (ant )e to pay the 'lti)ate price, then let )e e yo'r salve. 5hat (o'ld )ake )e happier than if & (ere )aster of all of *le=ander2s e)pire.F F4ittle do yo' kno( )e,F *)inta said, Fsince yo' state yo'r desire so freely. Ho not think, %'st eca'se &2) in this co)pro)isin! sit'ation, & cease to e (ho & a). *ltho'!h it )ay see) to yo' that & have lost )y honor eca'se of a traitor2s deception, (hat happened to )e co'ld happen to the )ost reasona le and )odest (o)an. Ko' are not )y h's and and & (ill not !ive in to yo'r desires. & e! yo', please ret'rn to yo'r roo). Hon2t force )e to call o't to yo'r )other and alar) the (hole ho'sehold. Hon2t )ake )e p' lici7e )y 'nhappiness and deliver )yself over to the s(ord of )y fa)ily, (ho (ill find satisfaction for their dis!race only in )y death.F Hon Martin 'nderstood her deter)ination and feared she (o'ld

> ## > )ake an o'tcry. *s she r'shed to(ard the door, he stopped her and e!!ed her to listen to hi). &t (asn2t ri!ht for her to think he (as tryin! to possess her (itho't eco)in! her h's and and, if she (o'ld accept hi) as s'ch, he (o'ld consider hi)self very fort'nate. 5he lady looked at hi) and noted the deep e)otion (ith (hich he said these (ords. Besides offerin! to help, he asked her to e=plain e=actly ho( she had een in%'red and y (ho). 6or, if she had lost her honor as she said, so)e )an (as the ca'se. ,he sho'ld tell hi) everythin! and see ho( (ell he (o'ld serve her. +e didn2t e=pect her to )arry hi) 'ntil her honor (as f'lly satisfied, 't he )ost fervently hoped she (o'ld )arry hi). *)inta, (hile !ratef'l for her ne( lover2s pro)ises, still despaired of any re)edy. ,he replied: F&, don Martin, a) *)inta, the very person (ho earlier this evenin! yo' said (as the scandal of the city and dis!race to the captain don Pedro, )y poor, in%'red 'ncle. &2ll e=plain the reason (hy & a) in yo'r po(erD then, if yo' still (ant to do as yo' say, &2) (illin! to !rant yo'r (ish.F Briefly she told hi) (hat is (ritten here. +er story left hi) )ore ena)ored than efore and deeply to'ched at seein! *)inta2s innocence deceived. +e (anted, even at the cost of his very life, to aven!e her, providin! that he not lose the ea'tif'l prey he no( had in his po(er. *!ain don Martin s(ore to aven!e her honor and !ave her his hand as h's and. ,he (illin!ly accepted, as she had no other choice. FB't that2s not ho( )y ven!eance (ill e done,F *)inta said. F& a) the one offended, not yo', and & alone )'st aven!e )y honor. & shall not e satisfied 'ntil )y o(n hands restore to )e (hat )y folly has lost. 1hile & !ive yo' )y (ord to eco)e yo'r (ife, yo' (ill not o tain yo'r desire 'ntil &2ve killed that traitor. 5he only thin! & ask is for yo' to take )e (here he lives, acco)panyin! )e to ens're the safety of )y person. &f yo'2ll !o (ith )e, &2ll chan!e )y dressMit2s safer for )e to !o dressed as a )an. 5hen & shall deceive hi) the very sa)e (ay he deceived )e. Ance this is done, (e can !o to Madrid and there (e can live in safety.F Hon Martin a!reed to her conditions. 5hat (asn2t s'rprisin! eca'se he (as in love and (o'ld have done anythin! to en%oy s'ch a ea'tif'l (o)anD he co'ld al)ost 'nderstand don .acinto2s deception. 5hey (ere a!reed: *)inta e=pected to aven!e herself and don Martin e=pected to e her h's and. 5hey planned their depart're for the very ne=t day and, (ith an e) race, he took his leave. > #: > H'rin! the day don Martin arran!ed everythin! necessary for the %o'rney. *t last ni!ht ca)e, altho'!h it see)ed to the ne( lovers that it ca)e )ore slo(ly than 's'al. *fter everyone retired and doBa 4'isa had !one to ed, don Martin entered *)inta2s roo) rin!in! her clothin! s'ited to her p'rpose. ,he donned the clothes and c't her hair to %'st the ri!ht len!th. ,he looked so ea'tif'l that, if any part of don Martin2s so'l had re)ained 'nto'ched y love, he (as totally overco)e y the si!ht of her like this. +e left his )other a letter in (hich he asked her to keep their depart're a secret 'ntil their )ission had een acco)plished: it (as i)portant to his life and to the lady2s honor. 5hey left the ho'se and )o'nted t(o (orthy )'lesD don Martin, in his dress, appeared to e a )'le driver. 5hey left ,e!ovia and the ne=t day at ni!htfall they fo'nd the)selves in Madrid, the fa)o's co'rt city of the Catholic 0in! Philip &&&. ,o !reat (as *)inta2s desire for reven!e that she (o'ldn2t take ti)e to enter the !reat city and they pressed on(ard in their %o'rney, (hich lasted several )ore days. & (ill si)ply say that one ,at'rday ni!ht they arrived in a city (itho't a na)e, and it2s i)portant that it re)ain na)eless. 5akin! safe lod!in!, they rested 'ntil )ornin!. Bet(een the)selves, they a!reed that don Martin sho'ld re)ain in hidin! at the inn since he (as a native of that re!ion and had friends there. +e didn2t (ant to risk ein! reco!ni7ed y any ody. *)inta

prepared to set o't alone to e!in her )ission. Hon Martin a!ain e!!ed her to let hi) satisfy her in%'ryD she co'ld co'nt on !reat deeds fro) his love (itho't havin! to take the sli!htest risk herself. B't he co'ldn2t convince *)inta. ,he said that if she (as to e his, he )'st let her e his (ith honor. F& a) the one,F *)inta said, F(ho, thro'!h )y folly, lost )y honor, and therefore & a) the one (ho )'st recover it y sheddin! lood. Ko' kno( that (o)en, once they take a decision, seldo) chan!e their )inds. ,ince this is the (ay it is, and it is, allo( )e to do this )y o(n (ay. &f yo' aven!ed )y offense (ith yo'r hands, yo' (o'ld think less of )e.F ,he e=pressed herself so (ell and he listened so sy)pathetically that he had to !ive in, 't not (itho't feelin! %ealo's. +e said half/%okin!ly, half/serio'sly, that she (as only 'sin! hi) to see don .acinto a!ain. F5he o'tco)e (ill tell,F *)inta said. ,he parted fro) hi) (ith !reater e)otion than don Martin (o'ld have liked. +e felt afraid and > #$ > the )ore fear he felt, the )ore he s'ffered. *)inta (ent off to find her ene)y, follo(ed and (atched y her lover, (ho loved her )ore deeply than he (illed. *)inta (ent to the )ain ch'rch (hich (as near y. 5he very )o)ent she entered, efore she even had a chance to look aro'nd or to say her c'sto)ary prayer, she sa( her fei!ned don .acinto and tr'e don 6rancisco talkin! (ith several other !entle)en. ,he reco!ni7ed hi) instantly. Ko' )'st elieve it took all the co'ra!e her )asc'line attire !ave her to keep fro) sho(in! her inner t'r)oil and (eakness. Makin! an enor)o's effort, she scre(ed 'p her co'ra!e and approached the), hopin! they (o'ld notice her. Hon .acinto asked her if he co'ld do anythin! for her. 1hen he looked at *)inta, he al)ost s'spected (ho she (as and a r'ptly his color altered. 1ith as !reat an effort as her (eakness co'ld )'ster, she asked if there (as anyone a)on! their !races (ho needed a servant. F1here are yo' fro)JF asked don .acinto, scr'tini7in! her closely. F6ro) Ealladolid,F *)inta said. F& !a) led a(ay so)e of )y father2s )oney, and (hile he2s !ettin! over his an!er, &2ve r'n a(ay. 1hen he )isses )e, he2ll search )e o't and pardon )e.F FKo' kno( a lot for s'ch a yo'n! oy.F F& kno( very little, since & a) (here yo' see )e.F F&t see)s to )e that &2ve seen yo' efore,F don .acinto replied, For else yo' look like a (o)an & loved for t(enty/fo'r ho'rs.F F* lot of love that person o(es yo',F *)inta said. F&t (o'ldn2t s'rprise )e if she2d (ant to !et even (ith yo'.F F5hat2s a foolish notion. 5here2s no (ay she co'ld even if she kne( (ho & (as. B't, since yo' rese) le her so closely, & (ant yo' to serve )e. 5hat (ay & can see )yself served y the livin! i)a!e of one (ho) & served. &t2s a !lorio's feelin! to see so)eone h') led (ho once (as po(erf'l, even if it2s only play/actin!.F ,o sha)eless (as he that he felt pleased y (hat he had doneQ 5he en%oy)ent of sin is the first step to eternal da)nation. F1hat2s yo'r na)eJF he asked. F&f yo'2re to e )y servant, & need to kno( yo'r na)e.F F.acinto,F replied *)inta. F*nd if yo' take )e into yo'r service eca'se & a) a livin! portrait of that

(o)an, & )'st thank nat're (ho )ade )e in her i)a!e eca'se, for )y part, & )'st say that, the )o)ent & sa( yo', & liked yo' (ell.F FHid yo' co)e thro'!h ,e!oviaJF don .acinto asked. FKes, sir,F the lady responded. F& didn2t (ant to stop there, tho'!h, > #9 > eca'se there (as a terri le scandal. ,o)e lady, (hose na)e they said (as *)inta, had disappeared. 5hey tho'!ht the earth s(allo(ed her eca'se they co'ldn2t find her dead or alive. 5o )ake )atters (orse, a doBa 9lena, (ho they tho'!ht kne( so)ethin! a o't the )issin! lady, (as fo'nd )'rdered one )ornin!. * lot of !entle)en are in prison eca'se of those )ysteries.F FHon2t they kno(,F don .acinto asked, F(hether anyone carried her offJF F5hey didn2t s'spect that,F *)inta said. F1hat they think is that she herself ran a(ay to keep fro) )arryin! her co'sin (ith (ho) the )arria!e contracts (ere already dra(n 'p.F F1ell, .acinto, let2s !o ho)e.F F5hat2s a !ood idea,F *)inta replied. F4et2s !o (herever yo' say, and (hen & kno( (here the ho'se is, &2ll !o to )y lod!in! for )y s'itcase (ith )y clean clothin!.F 1ho can do' t that y this ti)e *)inta (as ready to collapseJ ,he (asn2t st'pid, ho(ever, so she kept 'p the pretense and acco)panied her old ene)y and ne( )aster to his ho'se. 5here he presented the false 6lora as her )istress and lady. +e told 6lora to e kind to their ne( servant and instr'cted the fei!ned .acinto to serve 6lora (ith !reat care. 6lora looked at Fhi).F ,he looked at Fhi)F a!ain, feelin! increasin!ly dist'r ed and so faint she tho'!ht she )i!ht die. ,he didn2t dare say (hat she (as thinkin!, altho'!h she really elieved she (as lookin! at the deceived *)inta in person. ,he didn2t )ention this to her lover eca'se she didn2t (ant to re)ind hi) of *)inta no( that he2d for!otten her so co)pletely. *)inta settled into her ne( ho'se and then (ent ack to tell her lover don Martin of her ?'ick !ood fort'ne. +e felt terri le pan!s of %ealo'sy over her position in the ho'se of her first lover. ,he reass'red hi) (ith a tho'sand caresses, pro)ised to hasten his relief, and (ent ack to her ne( )asters. ,he served the) so deli!htf'lly that they (ere (ell pleased (ith Fhi).F F+eF revealed FhisF )any talents, (hich (ere: readin!, (ritin!, co'ntin!, a variety of other thin!s and, est of all, playin! )'sic and sin!in!. 3either don .acinto or 6lora co'ld e (itho't Fhi)F for a )in'te. Ane day (hile they (ere dinin!, FheF took 'p the !'itar at 6lora2s co))and and san! this allad: &f yo' adore yo'r ea'tif'l Celia, and (orship her i)a!e, sacrificin! yo'r pleas're > :0 > to her eloved ea'tyD if her )ost ea'tif'l eyes, yo' re!ard as s'ns, yo' look at as stars, yo' cele rate as heavenlyD

if yo' think her )o'th is a %e(el o= f'll of lovely pearls and her hair p're !old, ea'tif'lly sp'n in *ra iaD if yo' kno( that her hands are sno(y (hite )o'ntains, and that her !race, fi!'re, and presence elon! to a second heavenly Een'sD if to her perfect ea'ty and cele rated co'ntenance the ea'tif'l apple (ere offered (hich cost 5roy so dearD and, finally, if all yo'r sense, po(er, so'l, )e)ory and (ill are captive in her !olden threadsD (hy, 'n!ratef'l .acinto, ca'se of )y eternal sorro(, (ith love false and fei!ned did yo' deceive )y innocenceJ 5he deceived don .acinto h'n! in s'spense. +e (as not so a)a7ed at the voice, (hich (as very !ood, 't at feelin! the sense of the son! as if he (ere act'ally seein! *)inta herself la)entin!. *t last he said to Fhi)F: F5his lady2s plaints are very )ovin!, friend .acinto.F F5hat2s ho( & treated her,F *)inta replied, F 't (hen she tho'!ht she2d ca'!ht a h's and, & %ilted her.F F5hen yo'2ve een in loveJF don .acinto asked. FHo & look that foolishJF the lady replied. FBe ass'red that &2ve kno(n ho( to love and ho( to scorn. &2) also !ood at fei!nin! passion and disenchantin! eca'se &2) )ore of a )an than )y eard )i!ht indicate. 9ven tho'!h )istress 6lora says & look like a (o)an or a capon, so)e day &2ll e a cock in spite of that knave (ho (on )y fort'ne and p't )e (here & a) today. B't, since yo' like to hear the plaints of this (o)an, listen to these )adri!als that treat the sa)e s' %ect: &t (as (hen Phoe 's (anted to offer his rays to Hiana > :1 > and she, ea'tif'l and pro'd, (as ret'rnin! fro) visitin! &ndia. ,o that the eloved shepherd sho'ld e consoled in their separation, Matilda, ea!erly (ent o't to seek her a sent .acinto. 1ith hastenin! step, she treads the losso)s of the flo(ery )eado(, her face tro' led eca'se already her heart (arns her of her fate.

,he co)es to a ea'tif'l valley, (atered y a !entle crystalline rook (here, takin! his pleas're, she sees .acinto entertained (ith &sa ella. ,he slo(s her pace and hears .acinto sayin!: FMaiden, & a) 'rnin! 'p, let yo'r favor ease )y sorro(.F +er hands he took in his and, si!hin! tenderly, he kissed the). &sa ella said to hi): F1hat (o'ld Matilda say if she sa( yo' no(JF F+'sh, divine &sa ella, don2t say s'ch nonsense, and heed )y passionD yo' alone are (orthy of con?'erin! pro'd heartsD (hy, if *pollo sho'ld see yo', he (o'ld cease p'rs'in! f'!itive Haphne, and for yo'r ea'ty yo' (o'ld (in the apple fro) Een's, the divine !oddess. Ko' (o'ld e for .'piter the 9'ropa he con?'ered as a 'llD if yo' had een orn in his ti)e, transfor)ed into a s(an he (o'ld en%oy yo', and as the !olden rain he (o'ld descend fro) his eternal chor's to visit yo'D like Cali=t's yo' (o'ld earn a celestial seat a)on! the spheres. +e (o'ld not en%oy 9!ina as a shepherd in the lovely )eado( and )'ch less Persephone, eca'se, ena)ored of yo'r ea'ty, he (o'ld devote hi)self entirely to yo' and scorn all others in the (orld. 9ven .'no (o'ld not take offense to see her h's and en%oy yo'r s(eet ea'ty.F 5his he said, and that2s all it took, > :- > for &sa ella, no( entirely van?'ished, has (rapped her ar)s aro'nd his neck and )eas'red her )o'th close to his. Matilda (ent )ad (ith %ealo'sy and, overco)e y ra!e, she 'rst forth like a doe (o'nded y the spear. F6aithless, old,

'n!ratef'l, and )ost false of )en, here shall & end yo'r lifeQF she said as, (ith fir) step, she fell 'pon the lovers. 5hen Morphe's fled her lovely eyes (eepin! rivers of tearsD she elieved that (hat she drea)t (as tr'e. &f this story had happened (hile she (as a(ake as it did (hile she slept, she (o'ld have killed the) (ith her tender hands. *ltho'!h he2s only a child, C'pid, (hen he2s %ealo's, (ill do anythin!. 5hey praised the fei!ned .acinto2s son! (ith o'ndless enth'sias) and sho(ed their appreciation of FhisF talents. Hon .acinto re(arded Fhi)F (ith a s'it and 6lora (ith a rin!, (hich *)inta !ladly accepted. 1ith re!ard to her ven!eance, *)inta (as !ettin! past the %estin! sta!e. ,he did not fail to visit don Martin re!'larly and report to hi) on her pro!ress. +e kept e!!in! her to h'rry 'p or else let hi) do it. +e co'ld no lon!er stand stayin! sh't indoors, nor co'ld he ear the tho'!ht of her livin! in the ho'se of the )an (ho had een her first lover. &t )ade *)inta an!ry that he (as so s'spicio's. ,he told hi) that if he (as losin! faith in her he co'ld !o ho)e. +e o(ed her nothin! and she o(ed hi) nothin!. &t had een only a !entle)anly act to acco)pany her. ,he left (itho't )akin! 'p. +e fell into a )ost i)passioned state, )ore eca'se of her an!er than eca'se of his %ealo'sy, (hich (as cons')in!. *)inta !ot ho)e a little late and fo'nd her )aster and )istress already dinin!. 5hey scolded her for her tardiness. 4ater on, don Martin ca)e to the door and )ade the si!nal he2d 'sed on other ni!hts. *)inta (ent o't and, after )'ch ar!'in! and pleadin!, they )ade 'p. +e ret'rned to his inn and she (ent ack inside to retire. *)inta stayed in her )aster2s ho'se one )onth. &n the )eanti)e, don Martin had (ritten to a close and loyal friend of his in ,e!ovia to find o't (hat had transpired. 5he friend (rote hi) all the ne(s > :" > fro) ho)e and, after )entionin! don Martin2s )other2s sorro(, the letter (ent on to tell ho( captain don Pedro had !otten o't of %ail on ond. *s soon as he !ot ho)e, he thre( hi)self on his ed, sayin! FMy honor is r'ined,F and died. +is son don 4'is had co)e ho)e fro) &taly. +e ailed the servants o't of prison and (as )akin! an e=tensive search to learn the (herea o'ts of his co'sin and fiancSe, of (ho) there had een no ne(s (hatsoever. 5he notice of her 'ncle2s death and the ven!eance her co'sin don 4'is2s (rath pro)ised redo' led *)inta2s f'ry and (rath. &t f'rther enra!ed her to see don .acinto en%oyin! 6lora so freely, oth of the) the ca'se of all her )isfort'ne. ,he didn2t feel %ealo's 't profo'ndly a!!rieved. &f yo' (ant to kno( (hether yo' really loved, even tho'!h no( yo' scorn, look at yo'r lover in another2s ar)s. 8eali7in! that the ti)e had co)e for deeds and not (ords, *)inta notified her lover don Martin that it (o'ld e that ni!ht. +e a(aited the o'tco)e, kno(in! (hat he (as s'pposed to do. *)inta (aited for %'st the ri!ht )o)ent. 1hen the city fell silent and everyone (as so'nd asleep, she crept into her ene)ies2 edroo). 5his (asn2t the first ti)eD she had to !o in every ni!ht to !et her )aster2s clothes for cleanin!. *)inta dre( her da!!er. 5(o or three ti)es she pl'n!ed it into the treachero's don .acinto2s heart, so sharply that his cry and his !ivin! 'p the !host (ere si)'ltaneo's.

*t the so'nd, 6lora a(oke and (as a o't to screa) 't *)inta didn2t !ive her ti)e. ,he sta ed her in the throat, 'tterin! these (ords: F5raitorQ *)inta p'nishes yo' and aven!es her dishonorQF ,he sta ed 6lora in the reast three of fo'r )ore ti)es, sendin! her so'l to keep her lover2s co)pany. *)inta closed the door to the roo), took her cape and her s'itcase and, 'sin! a ne( key she2d had )ade y pretendin! to lose the other one, she locked the front door and left. ,he (ent to don Martin2s lod!in!s. 1hen he heard ho( she had done the) in, he said they sho'ld !et on the road i))ediately. 5akin! their clothin! and the )'les, they departed and traveled (ith haste to the first inn, (here they stopped to rest. 5here *)inta dressed as a lady in an ele!ant !o(n she2d ro'!ht. Hon Martin donned !entle)en2s dress and hid the old clothes (here they2d never e fo'nd. 5(o days they rested there. 5hey confir)ed the vo(s they2d )ade to each other and, (ith the vo(s, they confir)ed their love. *)inta co'ld no lon!er ref'se don Martin, her tr'e h's and, any favor he )i!ht ask. 5hen don Martin hired a )aid and t(o servants, rented a proper carria!e, and they set o't for Madrid. > :@ > By the )ornin! after that terri le ni!ht, the sinf'l (retches (ere roastin! in hell. 5heir evil lives had )erited that death and their violent deaths (ere a fittin! end to their lives. 5hat )ornin!, (hen the other servants noticed that the servant .acinto didn2t appear, and their )aster and 6lora didn2t !et 'p, they (ent into the edroo). *s they eheld that a(f'l scene, they screa)ed. 5he )aids shrieked and soon everyone in the city %oined in the cla)or. 5he police took everyone2s confession. ,ince the only cl'e (as .acinto2s a sence, and the fact that FheF had taken FhisF s'itcase, they took the other servants prisoner. 5he police searched every inn in the city and fo'nd the one (here the a'thors of the cri)e had stayed, 't they co'ldn2t discover their na)es or (here they (ere fro). 5he only thin! they fo'nd o't (as that the t(o had departed in the )iddle of the ni!ht. Beca'se they2d said they (ere rothers, they often locked the)selves in their roo) to talk. 1ith these slender cl'es, the )ayor and several la( officers set o't after the). 5hey didn2t s'spect a thin! (hen they )et 'p (ith don Martin and his lady, (ho (ere on their (ay to Madrid. 5hey only sa( t(o people travelin! (ith co)pos're and a'thority. Besides, they reco!ni7ed don Martin as a no le fro) that city and kne( that he no( lived in ,e!ovia. Hon Martin infor)ed the) that he (as travelin! fro) a near y to(n (ith the lady (ho (as to eco)e his (ife, and they told hi) (ho they (ere lookin! for and (hy. 5he t(o acted astonished at the story. &t2s not s'rprisin! that the la( officers didn2t reco!ni7e the a'thors of the cri)e eca'se, if yo' (ere lookin! for a )'leteer and a yo'n! pa!e, and yo' )et an i)portant !entle)an and a ea'tif'l lady, (o'ld yo' e s'spicio'sJ 5he !ro'p had )et on the road, and as they oth carried provisions, don Martin and the )ayor dined to!ether. 3ot findin! a trace of the f'!itives he (as seekin!, the )ayor decided to t'rn ack to to(n (hile *)inta and don Martin (ent on their (ay. 5he )ayor reali7ed that the servants (eren2t !'ilty of the )'rders so they (ere set free. 5he estate of don 6rancisco ;alias don .acinto< (as confiscated and part (as !iven to the kin!, the rest (ent to his (ido(. Hon Martin and his ride arrived in Madrid. 5hey arran!ed for a ho'se and f'rnishin!s, took o't a )arria!e license, and (ere (ed. 5hey had the anns p' lished after(ards. *s soon as they (ere settled, don Martin sent for his )other. ,he ro'!ht her entire ho'sehold and all her (ealth to Madrid. ,he felt happy to have s'ch a da'!hter/ > :I >

in/la( and, kno(in! (ho *)inta really (as, she considered herself very fort'nate. 5he three still live in Madrid today. *)inta has kept the na)e doBa Eictoria. ,he is very happy (ith her adorin! h's and, don Martin. 5he only thin! lackin! for her to e co)pletely happy is children. +er co'sin don 4'is is still alive, 't o't of respect for hi), doBa Eictoria has not clai)ed the vast fort'ne left her y her father. Hon Martin has not (anted to deal (ith this )atter either. 5he secret of the story re)ains (ith these three, and if *)inta herself had not told it to )e so it co'ld e (ritten (ith false na)es, no one (o'ld ever kno(. 3o( yo' all can see the deceived *)inta2s !reat co'ra!e and ho( she aven!ed her o(n honor in this second enchant)ent. 5he )o)ent the lovely and discreet Matilda ended her enchant)ent, narrated (ith s'ch (it and char) that she2d held her listeners totally a sor ed and in s'spense thro'!ho't, don Hie!o, 4ysis2s ne( s'itor, si!naled to the )'sicians. +e instr'cted his t(o servants, (ho (ere oth e=cellent dancers, to interr'pt the appla'se for the lovely Matilda. Hon Hie!o s'!!ested that they !et on (ith the entertain)ent eca'se he felt that appla'se co'ld not do her story %'stice, so it (as etter to o)it it. 5he other ladies and !entle)en (ere of the sa)e )ind, so they all t'rned to (atch the !racef'l t'rns and lively piro'ettes ein! e=ec'ted y don Hie!o2s servants. *fter the dance (as over, the !'ests e!an a s')pt'o's )eal that 4ysis had arran!ed for her !'ests. *s (as c'sto)ary at s'ch evenin! affairs, a variety of s(eet salads !arnished (ith deli!htf'l fr'its and conserves (ere served at the ta le. 9ach dish attested to their hostess2s e=?'isite taste. 1ith prickly char), 4ysis darted a tho'sand scornf'l !lances to(ard don .'an all the (hile she kept s)ilin! favora ly 'pon don Hie!o. 5his really 'rned don .'an 'p. 9ven tho'!h he (as ena)ored of 4isarda, still he (anted to e loved y 4ysis as (ell. 5o spite 4ysis, he o'tdid hi)self in attention to 4isarda, %'st as 4ysis (as flirtin! (ith don Hie!o in order to (o'nd don .'an. 1hen )atins ran! o't at the Ch'rch of the Car)en, all the ladies and !entle)en decided to !o hear )idni!ht )ass so they co'ld sleep carefree and rise refreshed for the second ni!ht2s entertain)ent. 5hey said !ood/ni!ht to 4ysis and her )other, (ho didn2t (ant to !o alon!. > :# > 5hey set o't on their pio's )ission, the !entle)en acco)panyin! the ladies. *s he left, don Hie!o thanked 4ysis for her !reat favor to hi) and offered to e her slave. 5his is ho( the first ni!ht2s party ca)e to an end. > :: >

SECON* NI+-T
Phoe 's *pollo (as %'st takin! shelter ehind l'e c'rtains and invitin! ni!ht to cover the (orld (ith her lack )antle as all the ladies and !entle)en (ho2d asse) led for the first ni!ht2s party a!ain !athered at the no le 4a'ra2s ho'se. 5his discreet lady and her ea'tif'l da'!hter !reeted the) (ith !reat co'rtesy and deli!ht. 5hey took their seats in the order esta lished on the previo's ni!ht and don Hie!o anno'nced that his servants (o'ld start the party (ith so)e lively dances and an i)provised play they (anted to present.

1hen the ladies sa( that they (o'ldn2t e called 'pon to dance that ni!ht, they settled ack in their places. 4ysis (as (earin! a soft (oolen !o(n of silvered p'rple and a o't her neck a dia)ond collar earin! don Hie!o2s initial. +e2d sent his ne( )istress the !ift that very afternoon 'pon receivin! the p'rple and she2d sent for hi) to (ear (ith his !reen cross. 5hese si!nals ca'sed don .'an so)e 'neasiness, altho'!h 4isarda so'!ht to distract hi) (ith her n')ero's attentions. 5he ea'tif'l 4ysis (as readyin! her instr')ent and preparin! to sin! the allad she2d co)posed and set to )'sic that afternoon (hen the )'sicians e!!ed her to save her son! for the third ni!ht. 5hey (anted to sin! the son! don .'an had co)posed especially for the) to perfor) this evenin!. 9veryone appla'ded this s'!!estion eca'se they kne( don .'an (as as cons'))ate in co)position as in everythin! he did. 5he )'sicians took their places and san! this allad: > :$ > Ane ,'nday *nton !oes to Men!a2s ho'se, 't Gila is so'r/facedD it )'st e %ealo'sy. 5he lad co)plains of her and proper is his co)plaint, for s'spicion (itho't fact is an a erration of faith. ,he la)es hi), innocent, of co'rse that2s an offenseD she so freely acc'ses hi) that it h'rts hi) deep inside. 5o speak (ith friendly Men!a is not (ron!, (ell can yo' see, for (hile there is no love (itho't pleas're, there can e pleas're (itho't love. Gila (o'ld like *nton to avoid Men!a, harsh de)and, for hi) to e disco'rteo's si)ply to sho( her favor. 5he r'les are not the sa)e for )en as for (o)enD (hat is disdain in (o)en is r'deness in a )an. 3o one can reason (ith %ealo'sy, and, y heaven, people (ho heed not reason )'st e very foolish. 9)pty fears, Gila, )ean nothin!, e=cept perhaps that to fear (itho't reason )ay prepare one for a fall. 5o for id hi) to look at Men!a, & don2t kno( if that2s (ise, for, si)ply y ein! for idden,

they say, it )ay create desire. 5here is polite s' %'!ation, and, as & see it, it2s eno'!h for *nton to e s' %ect to his darlin! (itho't ein! o'nd to her error. 5h's is love for )enD their candor is d'plicity, their innocence a cri)e. * c'rse on love, a)enQ > :9 > *nyone (ho (atched the ea'tif'l 4ysis (hile the allad (as s'n! co'ld easily detect in her restlessness the irritation she felt in listenin!. ,he ca'!ht the openness (ith (hich don .'an reproved her for her %ealo'sy of 4isarda. ,he (as on the ver!e of sayin! so)ethin!, (hen she noticed ho( )elancholy don Hie!o looked to see her so 'pset, and she recovered her co)pos're. +er ro( rela=ed and her face ri!htened (hen, as president of the soiree, she co))anded don *lvaro to tell his enchant)ent. +e o eyed instantly, e!innin!: F*varice is the )ost pernicio's vice a )an can have. 1hen a )an is !reedy then he2s foolish, orin!, irritatin!, and hatef'l to everyone. 3o one (ants to cross his path, and ri!htf'lly so, as yo' (ill see in )y enchant)ent, (hich !oes like thisF: > $0 >

The Miser2s Re4ard

* !entle)an fro) 3avarre ca)e to serve a !randee at co'rt, a )an of lofty aspirations 't h') le earthly possessions, for step)other 6ort'ne had endo(ed hi) (ith the sin!le possession of a )ea!er ed to sleep on at ni!ht and to sit on d'rin! the day. 5his yo'n! )an, (ho) (e shall call don Marcos, had lived (ith his ancient father, so old that his )any years had een their )a%or so'rce of inco)e, for he 'sed his a!e to soften even the hardest of hearts. Hon Marcos (as only t(elve years old (hen he ca)e to Madrid. 5hat sa)e n') er of years had passed since he had lost his father, (ho died of a terri le pain in his side. Hon Marcos fo'nd a position as pa!e in a princely ho'se and there he had all the 's'al schoolin! in )an!iness, s?'alor, knavery, and )oney/!r' in!. *ltho'!h don Marcos !rad'ated in each of these schools, it (as in the last (here he really shone. +e (illf'lly conde)ned hi)self to a pen'ry )ore e=tre)e than any her)it (o'ld end're. +e spent the ei!hteen coppers he earned so sparin!ly that he (as a le to keep the total fro) di)inishin! hardly at all. 5his he )ana!ed to do at the e=pense of his o(n sto)ach and his co)panions2 )eals. &f he did spend any )oney, it (as so little yo'2d scarcely note its a sence. Hon Marcos (as of )edi') hei!ht 't, !iven the delicacy of his eatin! ha its, he t'rned fro) a yo'th into a stalk of aspara!'s. 5he only ti)e his sto)ach escaped fro) (ant (as (hen it (as his t'rn to serve at his )aster2s ta le. 5hen he (o'ld relieve the dish(ashers > $1 >

of their task, so thoro'!hly did he clean off the dishes that they (ere cleaner than (hen they (ent to the ta le. +e (o'ld st'ff his p'rse (ith a sol'tely every leftover he co'ld safely 'se the ne=t day. &n this (retched (ay he spent his yo'th. +e also acco)panied his )aster on his )any travels (hen his )aster had i)portant 'siness in ,pain or a road. Hon Marcos (as finally pro)oted fro) pa!e to servant. &n )akin! s'ch a chan!e, his )aster acco)plished so)ethin! that heaven co'ld not. 5he ei!hteen coppers eca)e five silver coins pl's a fe( coppersD 't don Marcos didn2t chan!e his (ay of life nor did he increase the rations he allo(ed his sto)ach. &ndeed, no( that he had )ore o li!ations he only knotted his p'rse )ore ti!htly. +e virt'ally never sa( a li!ht in his ho'se. &f, on rare occasion he did spl'r!e, it (as only eca'se his craftiness discovered a candle st' so)e careless 'tler had overlooked, (hich he (o'ld 'se parsi)onio'sly. +e (o'ld e!in 'ndressin! the very )o)ent he entered the front hall fro) the street so that, y the ti)e he !ot to his roo), he co'ld drop his clothes and sn'ff o't the candle in an instant. 1hen he !ot 'p in the )ornin!, he2d take an old roken pot and !o o't to the street door and (ait for the (ater/ oys to pass. +e2d ask the first one he sa( to s'pply his need, and this (o'ld last hi) t(o or three days, so sparin!ly did he 'se it. ,o)eti)es he (o'ld !o o't to (here the little oys played and he2d !ive a copper to one to co)e )ake his ed and s(eep the floor. 1hen he did hire a servant, he2d )ake an a!ree)ent that the )ost he (o'ld !ive hi) (as t(o coppers and a )at to sleep on. 1hen he didn2t have one, he2d find a %ack/of/all/trades to do his chores and e)pty the 'n's'al cha) er pot he 'sed for all his necessities. +avin! once served as a honey 'cket, it (as )ore attered than a (orn/o't (ell 'cket. 9ven in the )atter of doin! his d'ty he (as stin!y. +e (o'ld eat a penny loaf of read, )eat scraps, or half a po'nd of strin!y eef (hich he2d !ive to the cook (ith )etic'lo's instr'ctions on ho( to prepare it. 5his (asn2t every day, only holidays. *ll he 's'ally ate (as a penny loaf and so)e cheese. +e (o'ld enter the roo) (here his fello( servants (ere eatin! and !o 'p to the nearest one, sayin!: F6ro) the lovely aro)a, that ste( )'st e delicio's. & think &2ll have a little taste.F 3o sooner said than done. +e2d !ra a h'!e ch'nk. +e2d !o all aro'nd the ta le doin! this, sa)plin! each and every dish. &t !ot so that (hen they sa( hi) co)in!, everyone (ho co'ld finished off his > $- > food in one !'lp, and the ones (ho co'ldn2t covered their plates (ith their hands. +e had one friend (ho (as a servant in the sa)e ho'sehold. Hon Marcos 'sed to (ait for this friend to !o inside to eat and then, (ith his read and cheese in his hand, he2d follo( after, sayin!: F&2ll co)e ore yo' (ith )y conversation (hile (e eat.F 5hen he2d sit do(n at the ta le and scro'n!e as )'ch as he co'ld. +e never o'!ht (ine in his life, tho'!h he did drink it every no( and then, and this is ho( he o tained it: he2d stand in the door(ay to the street and, (hen he sa( a little oy or !irl pass y carryin! (ine, he2d very politely ask the) to let hi) taste it in s'ch a (ay that they co'ld hardly ref'se. &f the yo'n!ster (as co'rteo's, don Marcos (o'ld ask for another sip. Ance (hen he (as travelin! on )'le to Madrid a lad %oined co)pany (ith hi) and, to earn e=penses, (orked as his servant. 5o avoid payin! hi), one day don Marcos sent the oy off for (ine. 1hile the oy (as !one, don Marcos )o'nted his )'le and departed, leavin! the oy to e! his (ay to the capital. *t any inn he never lacked so)e relative fro) (ho) he co'ld spon!e and so avoid payin! for his )eal. Ance he even fed his )'le the stra( st'ffin! fro) the )attress to keep fro) spendin! any )oney.

Many tales (ere told a o't don Marcos (hich entertained his )aster and his friends and so cheered their hearts that don Marcos eca)e kno(n thro'!ho't the city as the (orld2s )ost te)perate )an. +e (as also chaste for, as he (as (ont to say, no (o)an is ea'tif'l if she costs )oney and no (o)an is '!ly if she2s free, especially if she se(s handkerchiefs and collars and other dainties typical of the fastidio's (o)an. Beca'se don Marcos lived like this till he (as thirty, everyone elieved that he (as rich and (ith !ood reason, for at the e=pense of his health and his !ood na)e, he2d )ana!ed to scri)p and save so)e si= tho'sand d'cats. +e al(ays carried the) on his person as he !reatly feared the (iles of ankers (ho, if they catch the sli!htest carelessness, clip a client ?'ick as a fo=. Beca'se don Marcos (as kno(n not to e a !a) ler or a (o)ani7er, al)ost every day he received an offer of )arria!e. +e invaria ly shied a(ay, fearf'l of so)e dreadf'l o'tco)e. 5he (o)en (ho so'!ht hi) for a h's and tho'!ht he co'ld e a little )ore spendthrift, not ?'ite so penny/(iseMthis is the (ord they 'sed for his stin!iness. *)on! the )any (ho aspired to eco)e his (ife (as a lady (ho, altho'!h she2d never )arried, (as considered a (ido(. * (o)an of > $" > !ood taste (ho, (hile a little older, dis!'ised her a!e (ith artf'l )ake'p and dress. ,he (as a )erry (ido( (ho al(ays (ore a )o'rnin! dress of heavy silk and a chi!non (ith a re!al headdress. People said that doBa &sidora, (hich (as her na)e, (as very rich and she certainly lived as if she (ere. B't people al(ays ass')e )ore than )eets the eye. 5his )atch (as proposed to don Marcos and the ride (as descri ed in !lo(in! colors (ith the ass'rance that her (ealth e=ceeded fo'rteen or fifteen tho'sand d'cats. +e (as told that her late consort had een one of the finest !entle)en in the fa)o's city of ,eville in *ndal'cia, and that2s ho( the lady al(ays descri ed hi). 1hen don Marcos heard all this, he considered hi)self as !ood as )arried. 5he inter)ediary (ho ne!otiated the )arria!e (as a c'nnin! )atch)aker (ho (orked all kinds of deals and not %'st )arria!esD he trafficked in pretty faces and fat p'rses. +e kne( all the !ood and all the evil in the (hole city, (hich is (hy doBa &sidora pro)ised hi) a fat re(ard if he co'ld acco)plish her desire. *fter the )atch)aker )ade his proposition to don Marcos, he s'!!ested that they visit doBa &sidora that very afternoon to avoid any pro le) delay )i!ht ca'se. 1hen don Marcos entered doBa &sidora2s apart)ent, he (as th'nderstr'ck at all the roo)s and all the ea'tif'l and (ell/arran!ed f'rnishin!s. +e e=a)ined everythin! very caref'lly eca'se he2d een told that the (o)an (ho (as a o't to eco)e the )istress of his heart (as )istress of all this. ,he2d s'rro'nded herself (ith so )'ch rich da)ask, so )any f'rnishin!s like escritories and pict'res, that he tho'!ht it looked )ore like the ho'se of a titled no le than an everyday ho'se. 5he lavish parlor, the tidiness of the ho'se, everythin! s)ellin! so clean and fresh, see)ed )ore like heaven than earth. 4ike(ise, doBa &sidora (as so (ell dressed and neat that, as a poet friend of )ine says, & think it (as fro) her that (ell/attired ladies ca)e to e kno(n as Fisidoras.F ,he had t(o )aids (ho lived (ith her, one to do the se(in!, the other char!ed (ith the !eneral chores. &f o'r !entle)an hadn2t een the kind of )an he (as, and if his )ea!er diet hadn2t di)inished his ener!y, he )i!ht have )arried their )istress %'st to !et the )aids, so pretty (ere their faces. 9specially the kitchen )aid, she co'ld2ve een a ?'een if kin!do)s (ere !ranted on the asis of ea'ty. Hon Marcos (as partic'larly i)pressed (ith doBa &sidora2s char) and her !ood sense. Beca'se of her !entility and co'rteo's )anner, he tho'!ht she (as !race personified. ,he spoke to hi) at !reat len!th

> $@ > and very pleasantly, and everythin! she said not only deli!hted don Marcos, it ena)ored hi)D so a sol'tely si)ple and (itho't d'plicity (as he that is heart (ar)ed in appreciation. HoBa &sidora thanked the )atch)aker for the favor he2d done her in findin! s'ch a s'ita le )atch. ,he had arran!ed an ela orate and e=pensive l'ncheon to sho( off her )any rich and aro)atic dishes, set off y a (hite ta lecloth and all the other ta le(are necessary to a s')pt'o's ho'sehold s'ch as &sidora2s. 5his hooked don Marcos. * handso)e yo'n! )an also ca)e to l'nch. +e (as de onair and so (itty that he ver!ed on ein! ro!'ish. HoBa &sidora introd'ced hi) as her nephe(, (hose na)e (as *'!'stin. ,he o vio'sly doted on hi). &ne7 served the ta le (hile, at her )istress2s co))and, the other )aid, y na)e Marcela, took 'p the !'itar, (hich she kne( ho( to play very (ell. &ndeed the est )'sician in the city played no etter and, (hile she played, she san! in a voice )ore like an an!el2s than a (o)an2s, as est don Marcos co'ld %'d!e. 1itho't (aitin! to e ca%oled, pro a ly eca'se she kne( she san! (ell or else it (as %'st her (ay, she san! this son! (ith !race and char): Clear fo'ntains, since yo' (hisper, (hisper to 3arciss's that he kno(s not ho( to love. 1hisper that he lives free and 'naffected and that )y affection is (ritten in (aterD he sho'ld feel sorro( if he kno(s )y sorro( (hich is the s(eet prison of all )y freedo). 1hisper to 3arciss's that he kno(s not ho( to love. 1hisper that his heart is )ade of ice, and for his o(n solace he )akes )e sorro(D if & ask for his favor he ans(ers, F4et her s'ffer,F and if & ask for )ercy, he fei!ns sleep. > $I > 1hisper to 3arciss's that he kno(s not ho( to love. 1hisper that he calls other eyes his heaven only to annoy )e, not eca'se he loves the),

and he repays (ith disdain )y 'rnin! passion, favorin! her to disfavor )e. 1hisper to 3arciss's that he kno(s not ho( to love. 1hen, o't of co'rtesy, he responds to )y love his favor never lasts )ore than a day. +e la'!hs !aily at )y sorro(s and sho(s )e no )ercy even (hen he sees )e dyin!. 1hisper to 3arciss's that he kno(s not ho( to love. 1hisper that for days he has see)ed lovin! and has even )ade an effort to respond to )y attention: )y )elancholy )akes hi) happy and, (hen & chan!e heart, then he sho(s affection. 1hisper to 3arciss's that he kno(s not ho( to love. 1hisper that &2ve een an 'nfort'nate 9cho and, altho'!h scorned, &2ve al(ays follo(ed hi). 1hen & e! hi) to hear )y plaint, disdainf'lly he lets )y eyes !o on (eepin!. 1hisper to 3arciss's that he kno(s not ho( to love. > $# > 1hisper that, ha'!hty, disdainf'l, he lives free (hile & live (itho't peace eca'se of )y love for hi)D he does not accept )y eternal love, instead, harshly, he seeks )y death.

1hisper to 3arciss's that he kno(s not ho( to love. 1hisper that his eyes, serio's and severe, al(ays ?'ick to ca'se )e pain, con?'er )any spoils y their )ere !lanceD his ha'!hty pride kno(s no e?'al. 1hisper to 3arciss's that he kno(s not ho( to love. 1hisper that (ith his happy s)ile he has !iven to Belisa !lory that he took fro) )e, not as a lover 't as a traitor, for altho'!h he fei!ns love he deceives too )'ch. 1hisper to 3arciss's that he kno(s not ho( to love. 1hisper )y %ealo'sy, )y (renchin! sorro(, oh, yo' lovely fo'ntains, heaven to )y eyesQ (hisper of )y sadness, )y sorro(, and )y pain, )y pleas're !one: (hisper, fo'ntains, and please tell 3arciss's that he kno(s not ho( to love. & (o'ldn2t vent're to say (hich pleased don Marcos )ore, the spicy e)panadas, the tasty )eat pies, the savory ha) (ith flavorf'l fresh fr'it, or Marcela2s s(eet voice. 5he )eal (as acco)panied y the poor > $: > )an2s lessed re)edy, (ine, (hich, altho'!h (ell iced, (as fiery. May e that2s (hy one of its devotees called soda (ater a kind of fire e=tin!'isher. *ll the (hile Marcela san!, don Marcos !or!ed hi)self, served y oth doBa &sidora and *'!'stin. +e felt like a kin! eca'se her voice (as a treat to his ears %'st as the l'ncheon (as a treat to his poor sto)ach, as ereft of treats as of no'rish)ent. HoBa &sidora also served *'!'stin, 't don Marcos paid attention solely to the revivification of his sto)ach after its perennial fast. 1itho't ein! a le to s(ear to it, & think that l'ncheon saved hi) fro) si= days of fastin! and )ay e even )ore, (ith all the tasty )orsels doBa &sidora and her nephe( st'ffed and cra))ed into the !ood !entle)an2s otto)less p'rse, eno'!h provisions to last hi) a lon!, lon! ti)e.

5he )eal ended %'st as day (as endin!, and fo'r candles in lovely candela ras ill')inated (ith their soft li!ht the s(eet )'sic *'!'stin played on Marcela2s !'itar, (hile she and &ne7 danced several lively ,panish dances so ni) ly and !racef'lly that the eyes and the hearts of their (orthy a'dience danced alon! (ith their ni) le feet. 3o( that don Marcos (as f'll, he craved entertain)ent so, at his re?'est, Marcela a!ain took 'p the !'itar and ended the party (ith this allad: Blas has left his cotta!e, God kno(s if he2ll ever ret'rn, since Men!a is )ost devoted, and Blas is )ost 'n!ratef'l. +e doesn2t kno( ho( to e constantD (henever he sees hi)self loved, he t'rns faintD a person (ho doesn2t kno( ho( to love doesn2t even kno( ho( to appreciate. Men!a hasn2t )ade hi) %ealo's, she didn2t kno( ho(, 't if she had, perhaps she2d have een appreciated. Blas is a free spirit, he doesn2t (ant to e tied do(n, so, seein! hi)self loved, he ?'ickly t'rns ne!lectf'l. 3ot only does he seek o't pleas'res, he also )akes the) p' lic, and, y )akin! others s'ffer, he tries to i)prove 'pon his fa)e. &t2s certain that he (on2t co)e ack, for love is a fine thin! 't (hen it t'rns so'r it can never e the sa)e a!ain. > $$ > +e2s dyin! of love for another 't he (on2t really die, for he kno(s ho( to fei!n love, 'ntil he !ets (hat he (ants. Pity the )o'ntain lass (ho sets her heart on hi) for altho'!h she )ay so( love all she2ll reap is sorro(. Men!a is s're she2s lost little, for no )atter ho( )'ch she risks, she cannot s'ffer )ore. +e is !enero's (ith disdain, li eral (ith ne!lect, e=tre)e in e=cess, scanty in affection. Men!a says she2s !ladD

& don2t kno( if that is tr'e, it2s a d' io's illness to e scorned and s'ffer so. People 's'ally oast of health (hen they2re close to deathD 't & don2t deny that it2s s)art to kno( ho( to dissi)'late. +idin! to avoid ein! seen or hearin! hi) spoken of (itho't speakin! in his praise, these sho( si!ns of health. B't to live 'nhappy, cry in secret and !et 'pset (hen he looks at another are s're si!ns of love. 1hat & have !leaned fro) all )y theolo!y is that the person )ost ins'ltin! is closest to !rantin! pardon. Men!a oasts of ein! no le and & do' t if she2ll for!et hi), for, once a choice is )ade, it2s i!no le to reverse it. B't she has told )e that no( that she kno(s %ealo'sy, offense, ins'lt, to see hi) a!ain (o'ld e an affront. 1hen the allad ended, the trafficker in )isfort'ne rose to his feet and told don Marcos it (as ti)e for doBa &sidora to retire. 5hey said !ood/ ye to her, *'!'stin, and the t(o da)sels and (ent to don > $9 > Marcos2s ho'se. *s they (alked do(n the street the ena)ored don Marcos descri ed ho( )'ch doBa &sidora had i)pressed hi). +e e=pressed his desire to eco)e her h's and as soon as possi le. &n his conversation he revealed )ore interest in her )oney than in her person. +e said he2d !ive a fin!er fro) his ri!ht hand to see the )arria!e a fait accompli . 5here co'ld e no do' t that she s'ited hi) to a 5, tho'!h he didn2t think they (o'ld live so !randly, so ostentatio'sly, after they (ere )arried. 5hat (as fine for a prince 't not for an ordinary )an like hi)self. .'st the necessary food and a fe( other thin!s (o'ld e e=pense eno'!h. +is si= tho'sand d'cats and a like a)o'nt they co'ld save y sellin! all the 'nnecessary ite)s in doBa &sidora2s ho'se (o'ld e plenty to s'pport a !entle)an2s servant and his (ife. *ll they really needed for their ho'se (o'ld e fo'r spoons, a %ar, a platter, a !ood ed, and a fe( other essential ite)s yo' can2t live (itho't. 9verythin! else really (as 'nnecessary and it (o'ld e etter to sell it and invest the )oney, (hich (o'ld provide a)ple inco)e for hi) to live like a prince and even have eno'!h for his children to live honora ly, if God so lessed hi). &f he had no children, doBa &sidora had that nephe( and it (o'ld all e for hi), providin!, of co'rse, he (as respectf'l and o edient and treated don Marcos like a father. Hon Marcos (ent alon! ela oratin! 'pon these tho'!hts and the )atch)aker fi!'red it (as as !ood as

settled. +e told don Marcos he2d speak (ith doBa &sidora the ne=t )ornin! and finali7e the arran!e)ents eca'se, in these kinds of )arria!es, delay can ca'se )ore da)a!e than death. 5hey said !ood ni!ht. *n=io's to !et his re(ard, the )atch)aker h'rried ack to doBa &sidora2s to tell her every (ord don Marcos had 'ttered. Hon Marcos (ent to his )aster2s ho'se and, since it (as so late, everythin! (as ?'iet. +e took a candle st' fro) his p'rse, st'ck it on the end of his s(ord, and lit it fro) the la)p ill')inatin! a cr'cifi= in the street. +e said a short prayer that this ne( life he (as a o't to e!in (o'ld t'rn o't (ell for hi). +e entered his roo) and (ent strai!ht to ed, ea!er for the ne( day, yet fearf'l that his !ood fort'ne )i!ht evaporate. 4et2s let hi) sleep and !o ack to the )atch)aker, ack to doBa &sidora2s ho'se. *s the )atch)aker reco'nted the (hole conversation, he co))ented on ho( (ell it (as (orkin! o't. HoBa &sidora kne( that etter than he did, as yo' (ill soon find o't. ,he !ave the inter)ediary her official consent and fo'r esc'dos as do(n pay)ent. > 90 > ,he 'r!ed hi) to visit don Marcos first thin! in the )ornin! to tell hi) that she felt honored to eco)e his (ife. FHon2t let hi) slip thro'!h o'r fin!ersQF she e=clai)ed, 'r!in! hi) to rin! don Marcos to dine (ith her and her nephe( so they co'ld co)plete the arran!e)ents and si!n the papers that very afternoon. 1hat do' le !ood ne(s for don Marcos: to e accepted as ride!roo) and to e invited to dinnerQ Beca'se he ore s'ch !ood tidin!s, the )atch)aker !ot 'p at the crack of da(n and (ent to !reet o'r !entle)an, (ho) he fo'nd already dressin!. ;Hon Marcos2s e=cite)ent a o't his lady love (o'ldn2t let hi) rest an instant.< 1ith ar)s open (ide, he e) raced his !ood friend, as he called that proc'rer of sorro(s. +is heart overflo(ed (ith %oy (hen he heard of his !ood fort'ne. L'ickly he finished dressin!, donnin! the )ost ele!ant finery his pen'ry per)itted. *cco)panyin! his !'ide to )isfort'ne, he (ent to the ho'se of his lady love and )istress, (here that siren received hi) (ith the e=?'isite )'sic of her lovin! (ords and *'!'stin, (ho (as still dressin!, !reeted hi) (ith a tho'sand pleasantries. 5hey passed the ti)e 'ntil l'nch in deli!htf'l conversation and the crafty yo'th, actin! s' )issive, e=pressed eff'sive appreciation of his !reat !ood fort'ne, !ratef'l that don Marcos treated hi) like a son. 6ro) the parlor they (ent into the dinin! roo) (here the side oard and the ta le (ere laid as yo'2d e=pect to find in the ho'se of a !reat lord. HoBa &sidora didn2t have to (aste any (ords invitin! don Marcos to take a seat at the ta le, for he eat her to it, hi)self 'r!in! everyone else to sit do(n, th's freein! the) fro) any )inor e) arrass)ent. 6ro) the a 'ndant and (ell/seasoned food ela orately laid o't on the side oard, the special !'est satisfied his every desire. &n his )ind he kept !oin! over and over the speeches he2d rehearsed the ni!ht efore and so)e ne( ones as (ell, eca'se he considered doBa &sidora too lavish and e=trava!ant. +e tho'!ht her !randness and ostentation (ere entirely 'nnecessary and certainly a !reat (aste of )oney if he had to pay for it hi)self. 5he )eal ended and, since they didn2t have a !'est ed for don Marcos, they asked hi) if, instead of takin! a siesta, he (o'ld like to play a !a)e of cards called ju!ar al hom&re ;F ein! a )anF<. +e replied that he served in the ho'sehold of a )an so Christian and so virt'o's that, if his )aster ever fo'nd o't that one of his servants !a) led or even played a sin!le hand of lack%ack, he (o'ldn2t keep hi) in his service another instant. 0no(in! this, don Marcos had )ade it a r'le

> 91 > al(ays to please his )aster. Besides the fact that his inclinations (ere !ood and virt'o's, he didn2t kno( ho( to play that !a)e ju!ar al hom&re . 1hy, he (o'ldn2t reco!ni7e a sin!le card in the deck and, to tell the tr'th, he tho'!ht it %'st as (ell for it saved hi) )any d'cats each year. F1ell,F doBa &sidora said, Fo'r friend don Marcos is so virt'o's that he doesn2t kno( ho( to play cards. & keep tellin! *'!'stin that2s etter for one2s so'l and for one2s pocket ook. 3o(, son, r'n alon! and tell Marcela to h'rry and finish eatin! so she can play the !'itar and &ne7 her castanets and (e2ll entertain o'rselves 'ntil Mr. Ga)arra ;that2s the )atch)aker2s na)e< !ets ack (ith the notary to dra( 'p all the papers.F *'!'stin (ent off on his a'nt2s errand and, (hile he (as !one, don Marcos contin'ed the conversation she had e!'n. Hon Marcos said: F1ell, if *'!'stin tr'ly (ants to please )e, he )'st !ive 'p !a) lin! and !oin! o't at ni!ht. 5hat (ay (e2ll e friends. &f not, (e2ll have a tho'sand disa!ree)ents eca'se & elieve in !oin! to ed early on those ni!hts (hen there2s nothin! to do. 1hen & !et ho)e, & not only lock the door, & nail it sh't. 3ot that &2) %ealo's, for a )an (ho has an honora le (ife (o'ld e a fool to e %ealo's, 't rich ho'ses are never safe fro) ro ers and & don2t (ant so)e thief to clean )e o't y si)ply (alkin! in and takin! (hat has cost )e s'ch effort and hard (ork to earn. *nyho(, either he !ives 'p his vices or there2ll e the devil to pay.F HoBa &sidora sa( don Marcos eco)in! so an!ry she co'ld hardly cal) hi) do(n. ,he told hi) not to !et 'pset, the oy (o'ld do anythin! to please hi) eca'se he (as the )ost docile lad she2d ever kno(n, as ti)e (o'ld tell. FGood,F don Marcos replied. *'!'stin and the da)sels entered, interr'ptin! this conversation. 9ach one carried a )'sical instr')ent. 5he rassy Marcela started the entertain)ent (ith these verses: 4a'ro, (hen & loved yo', yo'r harshness offended )eD sad y ni!ht and sad y day & la)ented yo'r in!ratit'deD no(here did & find re)edy for )y !rief, (hen only one sin!le favor > 9- > (o'ld rin! relief to )y (eary eyes, 't al(ays in yo'r thankless eyes & fo'nd cr'elty instead of love. 1hen & prayed to heaven to die so as not to see yo', all of )y efforts (ere spent a asin! )yself and la)in! yo'D then & learned (hat %ealo'sly is and, altho'!h (orthy of ein! loved, & so'!ht to end )y life.

5ell )e, ho( can there e !reater )isfort'ne than ein! cr'elly scornedJ & elieve that that2s (orse than livin! in o livion for, if & lived in o livion, )y love (o'ld not annoy yo'. & consider the si!ht of yo' a favor, 't yo'r ne!lect offers )e a relief that one (ho scorns 's'ally denies to his adorerD so o livion (ill e less har)f'l than it )i!ht see). Ko'r attit'de invites )e to ask the favor of yo'r disfavor, if, in the end, yo' (ill for!et )e and e no lon!er offended y )y love, )ay yo'r harshness so)e day choose to love and not i!noreD 't if scorn )e yo' )'st, 4a'ro, then & prefer ein! scorned to havin! have een scorned. & cannot say (hether Marcela2s s(eet voice or the (ords she san! pleased her listeners )ore. 1hen she finished, everyone praised the son!. 9ven tho'!h the verses (ere not the )ost polished or refined, Marcela2s verve lent the) a spirit that )ade 'p for any deficiencies. HoBa &sidora then co))anded &ne7 to dance (ith *'!'stin. ,he told don Marcos that, as soon as they concl'ded their dance, she (o'ld have Marcela sin! a!ain, she did it so )arvelo'sly. 5his is the allad Marcela 7estf'lly san!, to don Marcos2s !reat deli!ht: > 9" > 3o( & see the c'l)ination of )y )isfort'ne, and & see )y %ealo'sy in favors yo' !rant to others. 3o lon!er can & e=pect love fro) yo', 'n!ratef'l *rdenio. *ll )y s'fferin! e?'als yo'r disaffection, so no( )ay yo' e chilled y )y fire, )ay & not e infla)ed y yo'r ice, )ay all )y hopes die, )ay & no lon!er live this tor)entD since there is no relief or re)edy for )y sorro(f'l conf'sion

no lon!er do & even seek it, & s'ffer in despair. 3o( & see the c'l)ination of )y )isfort'ne, and & see )y %ealo'sy in favors yo' !rant to others. 1hat can & hope for no(, ho( can & try to o li!e one (ho oldly seeks only to ca'se )y deathJ & i)itate those rothers (ho s'ffer in hell and (ork in vain to serve o't all their ti)e. 9nd )y life, dra( yo'r s(ord, and thr'st it thro'!h )y constant heartD then & shall cease sorro(in!, 'nless this tort're e eternal. 3o( & see the c'l)ination of )y )isfort'ne, and & see )y %ealo'sy in favors yo' !rant to others. & love yo' (ell. 6ierce p'nish)ent for )y cri)eQ B't tho'!h & try to o li!ate yo' yo' free yo'rselfD (ho (o'ld elieve that all )y ?'alities, considered divine y so)e, see) hellish to yo'r eyes > 9@ > since yo' flee fro) the). Ko' )en al(ays say yo' seek a (o)an (ho, in this a!e, is a )odel of constancy, 't (hen y chance yo' find one, yo' treat her in s'ch a (ay that to protect her honor she has to risk it a h'ndred ti)es. 4ook at yo'r love and at )ine: yo' can2t ask for a clearer )irror: in it yo' (ill see that there are (o)en (ho love and (ho s'ffer. 3o( & see the c'l)ination of )y )isfort'ne,

and & see )y %ealo'sy in favors yo' !rant to others. Until no( & intended to re)ain silent end'rin! all yo'r )adness 't since (illf'lly yo' p' lish yo'r love ho( can &, so %ealo's, stay silentJ 4et the (orld kno( & loved yo', let the (orld kno( yo' killed )e, and let that tyrant (ho is )y lord and )y love kno( that as (ell. *s for Portia, fla)es are s)all, as for Hido, steel is sli!ht, (orse it is to die fro) %ealo'sy, the fire that 'rns deep (ithin )y so'l. 3o( & see the c'l)ination of )y )isfort'ne, and & see )y %ealo'sy in favors yo' !rant to others. Un!ratef'l *rdenio, )y po(er is sli!ht and today & think it2s even less for )y s'fferin! does not o li!ate yo'D never y s'fferin! did & o li!ate yo'. & (ant yo' to have yo'r pleas'res 't to en%oy the) (ith respect, for yo' once called )e yo'r o(n, either tr'ly or in pretense. 1hen & look for )yself in yo'r eyes & see in the) another )istress. Can yo' tell )e anythin! that is tr'er than thisJ 3o( & see the c'l)ination > 9I > of )y )isfort'ne, and & see )y %ealo'sy in favors yo' !rant to others. &n!rate, if all yo'r tri')phs no lon!er fit (ithin yo'r reast, yo' can have the), for all & care, they2re really poisons, not tri')phs. B't yo' )'st en%oy seein! )e live )y days dyin! for yo'r love, since yo'r scorn is so e=tre)e. &f yo' en%oy killin! )e, then kill )e ?'ickly and end it all. ,ince & live in %ealo'sy,

(hy do & seek any other deathJ 3o( & see the c'l)ination of )y )isfort'ne, and & see )y %ealo'sy in favors yo' !rant to others. ,ince don Marcos (as a typical Castilian r'stic and as p're as silk fro) China, the allad didn2t see) lon! to hi). &ndeed, he (ished it had lasted lon!er eca'se his si)ple (it (asn2t like the (oolly (its at co'rt (ho !et ored after si= stan7as. +e thanked Marcela prof'sely and (o'ld have asked her to keep on sin!in! if, %'st then, Ga)arra hadn2t arrived (ith a )an he said (as a notary, 't (ho looked )ore like a lackey than anythin! else. 5hey dre( 'p all the a!ree)ents and papers. HoBa &sidora p't 'p her ho'se and t(elve tho'sand d'cats as do(ry. Beca'se of his si)plicity, don Marcos postponed the e=ercise of his a'thority and asked for no verification. +e felt i))ensely pleased (ith the do(ry, and his darlin! (ifeMthat2s (hat he called her no(M)ade hi) feel so lovin! that he danced (ith her. 5hat evenin! they s'pped (ith the sa)e lavish ostentation as at l'nch, in spite of don Marcos2s o session (ith )oderation in all e=pendit'res. *s )aster no( of the ho'se and the estate, he tho'!ht that if they kept on livin! like that the do(ry (o'ldn2t last fo'r days, 't he held his ton!'e for a )ore s'ita le occasion. 6inally it ca)e ti)e to retire and, to save hi)self the tro' le of !oin! ack to his lod!in!s, he (anted to stay the ni!ht (ith his (ife. ,he, very )odestly, said that 'ntil she2d received the lessin! of the ch'rch, no )an (o'ld set foot in her chaste ed, (hich had elon!ed e=cl'sively to her late lord and )aster. ,o don Marcos had to !o ho)e to sleep. ;&t (o'ld e )ore ac/ > 9# > c'rate to say to stay a(ake, for the task of havin! the anns p' lished had hi) 'p and dressed at five.< 5hat (as ?'ickly done on three holidays, (hich 6ort'ne l'ckily provided all in a ro(, so it )'st have een *'!'st, (hich rin!s holy days t(o y t(o. 5he anns (ere p' lished and the (eddin! set for Monday, (hich is no (orse a day for )arria!e than 5'esday. 5hey held the civil (eddin! at the sa)e ti)e as they took their reli!io's vo(s the (ay !randees do, all dressed 'p for the ela orate cele ration and party. Hon Marcos h') led his nat're and con?'ered his stin!iness to 'y a rich dress and an overskirt for his rideMon credit, so as not to di)inish his si= tho'sand d'cats. +e %'stified the e=pense y reasonin! that it co'ld also serve as her shro'd, not eca'se he (anted doBa &sidora to die 't eca'se he tho'!ht that if she (ore it only fro) Christ)as to Christ)as, it (o'ld last 'ntil .'d!)ent Hay. +e invited a (itness fro) his )aster2s ho'se, and everyone la'ded his choice of a ride and his !ood fort'ne, thinkin! he2d really done (ell to find s'ch an attractive (o)en (ho (as also rich. *ltho'!h doBa &sidora (as older than her ride!roo), she dis!'ised it so (ell that it (as a deli!ht to see the art (ith (hich she fi=ed herself 'p, despite the dict')s of *ristotle and other ancient philosophers. 4ate in the afternoon follo(in! the (eddin! dinner, they cele rated. 1hile &ne7 and *'!'stin kept thin!s lively (ith their dances, doBa &sidora asked Marcela to add her lovely voice. ,he didn2t have to e asked t(ice. 1ith !race and char), she san!: &f the da(n la'!hs, she la'!hs at )e, the one & adore is cold,

and & die constant. 1hen & see the da(n (ith happy la'!hter (arn )e of )y sorro(s, & si!h over )y tro' les 't & a) not s'rprised to see her la'!h or to i)a!ine that she la'!hs at )e. 5he one & adore is cold, and & die constant. ,he la'!hs to see )e (ith a h'ndred tho'sand !riefs > 9: > )y eyes like oceans on seein! )yself scorned. 1hile )y eloved )aster, thankless, sleeps, )y sad !rief dis)isses all )y sleep. 5he one & adore is cold, and & die constant. ,he la'!hs eca'se & say &2) not in love and so & keep the secret of his harshness to see if & can t'rn the terri le disdain he e)ploys to kill )e into kinder treat)ent. 5he one & adore is cold, and & die constant. ,he la'!hs eca'se & dra( apart fro) the )an & p'rs'e and & co)plain, callin! hi) )y ene)y, and & seek advice lovin! hi) in a sence, cr'elly & say fare(ell to the others (ho p'rs'e )e. 5he one & adore is cold, and & die constant. ,he la'!hs to see )y eyes anno'nce )y disaffection,

(hile )y constancy ca'ses the) a tho'sand (oes, pro)isin! re(ards (hile hidin! )y !reat passion, !lancin! s'rreptitio'sly at eyes that are free. 5he one & adore is cold, and & die constant. ,he la'!hs that & try to hide )y %ealo'sy and & cannot sleep, despite )y vo(s and oaths, and tryin! not to care, > 9$ > this )akes )e sad eca'se love ordains )y sad death, lovin! a cold )an, dyin! constant. 1hile they (ere en%oyin! these entertain)ents ni!ht ca)e, the first ni!ht of don Marcos2s possession, the first ni!ht of his )any )isfort'nes. 9ven efore he co'ld take possession, 6ort'ne e!an to (ork her (ay. 5he first thin! that happened (as that *'!'stin had an attack. & don2t kno( if it (as ca'sed y seein! his a'nt )arried, all & kno( is that it 'pset the (hole ho'sehold. HoBa &sidora, disconsolate, (ent in to 'ndress hi) and p't hi) to ed, )ore lovin!ly than (as proper. ,he (as so solicito's and a)oro's that she al)ost )ade her ride!roo) %ealo's. *fter don Marcos sa( the sick )an eco)e so)e(hat cal) and, (hile his (ife (as preparin! for ed, he scr'p'lo'sly locked the doors and dre( the olts on the (indo(s. 5his e=tre)e ca'tion 'pset his dear (ife2s )aids. &t inspired )ore concern and (orry than yo' can i)a!ine eca'se they tho'!ht it (as a ?'estion of e=cessive %ealo'sy (hen it (as really si)ple avarice. 5he !ood )an had ro'!ht (ith hi) all his clothes and the si= tho'sand d'cats that had never seen the li!ht of day, and he (anted to !o to ed ass'red that his treas're (as safe. 1hen at last he (ent to ed (ith his (ife, the t(o )aids, instead of !oin! to ed, e!an to (hisper and cry, e=a!!eratin! the ca'tio's nat're of their ne( )aster. Marcela said: F&ne7, (hat has 6ort'ne ro'!ht 'sJ 1e al(ays 'sed to !o to ed at three or fo'r after a lot of dancin! and flirtin! y the door or at the (indo(, (ith )oney rollin! into the ho'se the (ay d'st rolls into other ho'ses, and no( (e see the doors locked at eleven and the (indo(s practically nailed sh't and (e don2t dare open the)QF F3o, (e can2t open the),F &ne7 said, Fas the 4ord is )y God. A'r ne( )aster pro)ises to lock everythin! 'p as ti!ht as the le!endary cave of 5oledo. ,o, sister dear, the party2s over, as the sayin! !oes. 1e )i!ht as (ell take the veil. B't this is (hat o'r )istress (anted, despite the fact that she had little need to )arry. 1e had everythin! (e needed, she sho'ldn2t have done this to 's. *nd & really don2t 'nderstand (hy it didn2t 'pset her to see poor don *'!'stin2s o't 'rst toni!ht. 1hy, it2s clear to )e that his fit ca)e fro) seein! her )arried. &t doesn2t s'rprise )e eca'se he2s 'sed to a life of ind'l!ence, to ein! pa)pered, and no( s'ddenly he2s ca!ed in like a little

> 99 > finch. Af co'rse, &2) s're he re!rets it as )'ch as & doQ &f these aren2t ad ti)es, yo' co'ld strin! )e 'p (ith a silken cord.F F*t least yo', &ne7,F Marcella replied, F!et to !o o't and do the shoppin!D yo' don2t have any reason to cry. &t2s )'ch (orse for )e. Playin! the (retched cha) er)aid, alon! (ith all the rest of this hoa=, )eans & have to p't 'p (ith the frettin! of a %ealo's )an (ho thinks ants look like !iants. 1ell, &2) !oin! to do so)ethin! a o't itD &2) s're & can fi!'re o't so)e (ay to keep fro) starvin! to death. * po= on yo', sir don Marcos, if yo' think &2ll play yo'r !a)eQF F1ell, Marcela, &2ll have to ear (ith it,F &ne7 said, F eca'se, to tell yo' the tr'th, (hat & (ant )ore than anythin! is don *'!'stin. Until no( the )istress hasn2t !iven )e a chance to say a (ord to hi), tho'!h & do think he doesn2t look on )e (ith disfavor. 6ro) no( on tho'!h, thin!s (ill e different eca'se she2ll have to pay attention to her ne( h's and.F 5h's (ent the conversation of the t(o )aids. 5he fact (as that don *'!'stin (as doBa &sidora2s !i!olo, and he ate, dressed, and !a) led at her e=pense 'nder the !'ise of ein! her nephe(. +e en%oyed other thin!s as (ell, s'ch as the pleasant social interco'rse et(een ladies and !entle)en that took place in her ho'se, the dances, the !a)es, and all the other little thin!s of the sort. *nd s'ddenly he had to ad%'st to this ne( !a)e of her havin! a h's and, and his na'!hty ha it of al(ays sleepin! in doBa &sidora2s co)pany left hi) tossin! alone and sleepless that ni!ht. 5he )o)ent &ne7 had confessed her love for hi) to Marcela, she decided to !o see if he needed anythin!, and she left Marcela preparin! to !o to ed. &t (as her !ood fort'ne that, since *'!'stin (as so yo'n!, he felt afraid of the dark and he said to her: FPlease, &ne7, co)e to ed (ith )e, for &2) e=periencin! the !reatest terror in the (orld and if & have to sleep alone & (on2t e a le to sh't )y eyes fro) this dreadf'l fear.F &ne7 (as e=ceedin!ly co)passionate and felt s'ch pity for hi) that instantly she o li!ed hi) and even re(arded hi) for arran!in! thin!s to her likin!. 5he ne=t )ornin!, 5'esday, after all, &ne7 feared her )istress )i!ht !et 'p first and catch her red/ handed (ith her pl'nder, so she !ot 'p )'ch earlier than 's'al and (ent to tell her friend Marcela all a o't it. 3ot findin! Marcela in her roo), she searched the ho'se lookin! for her. 1hen she !ot to the little ack !ate hidden (ay o't ehind the corral, she fo'nd it standin! (ide open. &t appeared that Marcela > 100 > had had a date and, in order to keep it, she2d taken the key and r'n off (ith her )an, th's escapin! fro) the )ess they (ere in. An p'rpose, %'st to annoy don Marcos, she2d left the !ate (ide open. 1hen &ne7 sa( this, she ran screa)in! to her )istress, (hich (oke 'p the poor ride!roo). +alf dead of fri!ht, he leapt fro) the ed and called o't to doBa &sidora to h'rry and !et 'p to see if anythin! (as )issin!. +e fl'n! open the (indo( e=pectin! to see his (ife there in the ed, 't (hat he sa( (as a phanto), a deathly !host. 5he !ood (o)an2s face sho(ed each and every (rinkle she had so caref'lly covered (ith )ake'p, s'ccessf'lly dis!'isin! her years, (hich s'rely (ere closer to fifty/five than the thirty/si= she2d declared on her do(ry a!ree)ent. +er hair (as thin and !ray fro) the )any sno(y (inters she had lived thro'!h. 5his deficiency (asn2t serio's, thanks to artf'l arran!e)ent and the chi!nons, (hich she sorely )issed on this occasion. M'ch to her annoyance, they

had fallen onto the pillo( in her sleep. +er teeth like(ise (ere scattered all over the edMas the prince of poets once said Fher teeth (ere like pearls scattered efore s(ine.F Hon Marcos even had several ca'!ht in his )'stache, (hich looked like a rooftop sprinkled (ith hoarfrost. 5hey had !otten ca'!ht there eca'se of his )'stache2s friendship (ith his (ife2s )o'th. +o( all of this affected the poor !entle)an (e shall leave to the i)a!ination of o'r kind reader so as not to e=tend o'r tale e=cessively (ith thin!s that are etter left to the i)a!ination. *ll & shall say is that doBa &sidora, not acc'sto)ed to ein! seen so early in the )ornin! and 'pset that her char)s had een so r's?'ely e=posed, !ra ed her (i! and %a))ed it on her head. ,he looked (orse (ith it on than (itho't it eca'se in her haste she !ot it on aske(, settin! it do(n over her eye ro(s. Ah, c'rsed Marcela, ca'se of 'ntold )isfort'nesQ May God never ever pardon yo', a)enQ 6inally, recoverin! her aplo) if not her reason, doBa &sidora reached for her pettiskirt to p't on so she co'ld !o look for the f'!itive )aid, 't it (asn2t there. 3either (as the rich dress she had (orn for her (eddin!, or the e) roidered slippers, or any of the %e(els she2d left in a tray, or the chain (orth t(o h'ndred esc'dos she2d taken fro) her hoard to (ear the day efore to sole)ni7e her )arria!e. &t (as all !one. 5he clever Marcela had not (anted to depart e)pty/handed. +o( do yo' s'ppose don Marcos reacted to thisJ 1hat (ords can descri e it, (hat pen can set it do(nJ Anly one (ho has earned his )oney at !reat cost to his health co'ld 'nderstand ho( deeply he felt > 101 > this, partic'larly (hen he co'ldn2t even find consolation in his ride2s ea'ty. &t (as eno'!h to depress the devil hi)self. +e looked at his (ife and sa( a terri le fri!ht, he looked aro'nd and sa( the loss of doBa &sidora2s rich clothes and the chain. &n his ni!htshirt, he paced ack and forth in the parlor in a state of shock, si!hin! and (rin!in! his hands. 1hile he (as pacin! like this, doBa &sidora repaired to all her )a!ic )ake'p o=es in the )irac'lo's .ordan of her dressin! roo). Mean(hile, *'!'stin !ot 'p. &ne7 had already !one to tell hi) the ne(s and the t(o la'!hed at doBa &sidora2s appearance and don Marcos2s st'pidity and ra!e. +alf/dressed, he ca)e o't to console his F'ncle,F 'tterin! all the trite and )alicio's thin!s he co'ld invent and strin! to!ether. +e 'r!ed don Marcos to catch the c'lpritD he told hi) to fore ear, they (ere only )aterial thin!s, and so on. Hon Marcos finally ca)e to his senses and !ot dressed. 1hen doBa &sidora reappeared, she looked so different that don Marcos (ondered (hether this (as the sa)e person and if he2d een )istaken. Hon Marcos and *'!'stin (ent o't to!ether to search all of Marcela2s hideo'ts as &ne7 descri ed the). 5hey (o'ld have een s)arter not to have !one, or at least don Marcos (o'ld have een, as & think *'!'stin (as only playin! hi) for a fool. *s yo' )ay (ell i)a!ine, Marcela (as no(here to e fo'nd. *t last, they reali7ed it (as hopeless and ret'rned ho)e, resi!ned to God2s (ill fro) on hi!h and to Marcela2s fro) here elo(, for there (as no )ore they co'ld do. A'r (retched !entle)an !r'd!in!ly perfor)ed his d'ties that day even tho'!h he felt terri ly depressedD the loss of the chain really st'ck in his cra(. 6ort'ne (as not yet satisfied and planned to contin'e her persec'tion of his stin!iness. 1hat happened (as this: the )o)ent they sat do(n to eat, t(o of the lord ad)iral2s servants appeared, !reeted the) all, and said that their )aster kissed doBa &sidora2s hands and (o'ld she kindly ret'rn all the silver she2d had on loan for over a )onth. &f she ref'sed, they2d have to collect so)e other (ay. 1hen that )essa!e (as delivered to the lady, the only reply she co'ld !ive (as to s'rrender to the) every piece she possessedMplates, platters, servin! dishes, every thin! in the ho'se that shone, all the thin!s that

had so i)pressed don Marcos. +e tried playin! old, sayin! that it all elon!ed to hi), they had no ri!ht to carry it off, and so on. 6inally one of the servants (ent to !et the lord ad)iral2s ste(ard to help (hile the other one stayed to keep (atch over the silver. > 10- > Ulti)ately they carried every it of silver a(ay. Hon Marcos, lind (ith ra!e and f'ry, tore his hair in vain. +e e!an sayin! and doin! the cra7iest thin!s. +e co)plained a o't her deception and vo(ed to s'e for divorce. HoBa &sidora, very h') ly, tried to cal) hi) do(n, tellin! hi) he sho'ld thank her, not erate her. ,he e=plained that, to catch a h's and like hi), anythin!, even deception, (as (ise and proper and f'rther)ore, it (as 'nthinka le to dissolve the )arria!e, so he2d etter learn patience. Hon Marcos had no other choice, 't fro) that day on, they never kne( a )o)ent2s peace nor did they eat another ite (ith pleas're. Hon *'!'stin (as present thro'!h all this. +e kept very ?'iet and tried to )ake peace (hile contin'in! to eat at their e=pense and spendin! deli!htf'l ni!hts (ith &ne7. 5he t(o of the) la'!hed at doBa &sidora2s (iles and don Marcos2s )isfort'nes. &f 6ort'ne had left the) in peace (ith the )isfort'nes she had already (ro'!ht, don Marcos )i!ht have een content (ith (hat (as left and !otten alon! honora ly. B't as soon as doBa &sidora2s )arria!e eca)e kno(n in Madrid, a )an (ho rented f'rnishin!s ca)e to collect three )onths2 rent on the (all han!in!s and the livin! roo) f'rnit're. +e carried it all a(ay, sayin! that a (o)an (ho2d )arried as (ell as doBa &sidora no lon!er needed to rent and sho'ld 'y f'rnit're of her o(n. 5his shock al)ost did don Marcos in. &t ro'!ht hi) to lo(s (ith his (ife. +er (i! and her teeth fle( every (hich (ay and she s'ffered no little pain. 1orst of all, the ins'lt of ein! a 'sed so soon after her (eddin! )ade her cry and la)e don Marcos for treatin! a lady like her so r'tally only eca'se of a fe( )aterial possessions. 6ort'ne !ives and 6ort'ne takes a(ay, she said, and even if this had een a )atter of honor, he p'nished her too severely. Hon Marcos retorted that to hi) )oney (as honor. 5he ar!'in! solved nothin!D the o(ner of the f'rnit're and the han!in!s carried everythin! off alon! (ith the )oney she o(ed for the rental, (hich don Marcos had to pay eca'se his (ife had !iven 'p all her c'sto)ers and clients and no lon!er kne( (hat color )oney (asD indeed the only )oney she2d set her eyes on recently (as don Marcos2s hoard, (hich he spent sparin!ly, tryin! vainly to keep it intact. 1ith all the screa)in! and sho'tin! !oin! on, the o(ner of the ho'se, (hich don Marcos elieved elon!ed to hi), ca)e do(n. HoBa &sidora had told hi) that the landlord had rented the 'pstairs > 10" > apart)ent for a year. 5he landlord said that if they (ere !oin! to )ake s'ch a racket all day lon! every day, they2d have to look for another ho'se and !o (ith God, for he (anted the place ?'iet. F1hat do yo' )ean, !oJF don Marcos asked. FKo'2re the one (ho has to !o, since this is )y ho'se.F F1hat do yo' )ean, yo'r ho'se, yo' idiotJF the landlord e=clai)ed. FKo' l'natic, !et o't of here. & s(ear to God, if yo' (eren2t cra7y, &2d thro( yo' o't the (indo( this very instantQF Hon Marcos eca)e f'rio's and his ra!e e) oldened hi). HoBa &sidora had to intervene and don *'!'stin enli!htened hi) (ith the tr'th. 5hey )ana!ed to cal) the landlord do(n y pro)isin! to vacate the ne=t day. 1hat co'ld don Marcos doJ +e either had to sh't 'p or !o han! hi)selfD he didn2t have the (ill to do anythin! else. +e (as d') str'ck, !rief/stricken, eside hi)self. +e took his cape

and left the ho'se. *'!'stin, at his a'nt2s insistence, follo(ed after tryin! to pacify hi). 5he t(o )en finally fo'nd an apart)ent near the palace they co'ld )ove into (hich (asn2t far fro) the ho'se of don Marcos2s )aster. 5hey )ade a deposit and arran!ed to )ove the ne=t day. Hon Marcos told *'!'stin to !o ho)e to eat, 't he co'ldn2t !o ack and face that treachero's, deceitf'l a'nt of his. 5he yo'th (ent ho)e and told her everythin! that had happened and to!ether the t(o of the) planned the )ove. A'r )isera le hero finally ca)e ho)e to !o to ed, do(n at the )o'th and starvin! to death. 3i!ht passed. 5he ne=t )ornin!, doBa &sidora sent hi) to the ne( ho'se to receive their clothin! (hile &ne7 (ent to !et a cart in (hich to transport everythin!. 5he )o)ent the si)ple fool had !one, the treachero's doBa &sidora, her nephe(, and the )aid !athered 'p every ite) in the ho'se, loaded it onto the cart, and all three fled Madrid takin! the road to Barcelona. 5he only thin!s they left in the ho'se (ere those thin!s they co'ldn2t carry, thin!s of no val'e, like pots and pans and s'ch. Hon Marcos (aited till close to noon. 1orried y their delay, he (ent ack to the old ho'se. 3ot findin! the) there, he asked a nei!h or (hen they2d left. ,he replied ?'ite a (hile a!o. Believin! they2d already arrived at their ne( ?'arters, he r'shed ack so as not to keep the) (aitin!. 5ired and s(eaty, he fo'nd that they (eren2t there and al)ost died, fearin! e=actly (hat had happened. 4ike a flash, he (ent ack a!ain to their old ho'se and kicked open the door that they2d left locked. 5he )o)ent it fle( open and he entered, he sa( there > 10@ > (as nothin! there that (asn2t (orthless. +e then reali7ed the f'll e=tent of his )isfort'ne. +e cried, he sho'ted, he raced thro'!h all the roo)s and an!ed his head a!ainst the (alls, sayin!: F1oe is )eQ *ll )y fears have co)e tr'eQ 1hat a c'rsed idea to arran!e this lasted )arria!e that has cost )e so dearQ 1here are yo', yo' deceitf'l siren, yo' thief of all )y possessions, of everythin! & saved 'p at s'ch cost to )yself so & co'ld live a life of so)e easeJF +e shrieked these and si)ilar la)ents so lo'dly that people ca)e in fro) the street. ,o)e servant (ho kne( (hat had happened told hi) to accept the fact that they had !one far a(ay, for the van that had carried off his clothes, his (ife, her nephe(, and the )aid, (as not a local )ovin! cart 't a hi!h(ay van. +e2d asked the) (here they (ere !oin!, and they2d said they (ere leavin! Madrid. 5hat (as the last stra(Q B't, as hope sprin!s eternal even in the )idst of disaster, don Marcos decided to try to find o't (hich (ay the cart carryin! his heart and his si= tho'sand d'cats had taken. +e in?'ired 't (as a le to learn nothin! eca'se the o(ner of the van (asn2t very ri!ht. +e (as %'st an ordinary (orkin! )an fro) Madrid and the clever tricksters (ho had rented his van far o't(itted hi). 3ot kno(in! (hich road they2d taken )ade any atte)pt to follo( the) a dead end. 6'rther)ore, don Marcos didn2t have a red cent left. +is only reco'rse (as to take a loan, 't !iven his inde tedness for the (eddin! dress and the chain for his ride, he didn2t kno( ho( he (as !oin! to pay even that. ,hriveled y a tho'sand (orries, he set o't for his )aster2s ho'se. *s he (as (alkin! do(n the Calle Mayor, he ran s)ack into the crafty Marcela. ,he tried to escape 't co'ldn2t. 5he instant don Marcos reco!ni7ed her, he !ra ed her. +e lost all self/control. F3o(Q Ko' s(indlin! thiefQF o'r don Marcos shrieked, Fyo' (ill !ive ack to )e every sin!le thin! yo' stole fro) )e that ni!ht yo' ran a(ay fro) )y ho'seQF F*las, sir,F Marcela replied, in tears, F(ell did & kno( that )isfort'ne (o'ld efall )e (hen )y )istress )ade )e leave like thatQ 4isten to )e, for the love of GodQ Please don2t destroy )y honorQ &

have a !ood na)e and &2) en!a!ed to e )arried and everythin! (o'ld e r'ined if s'ch tales (ere told a o't )e (hen &2) really innocent. +ere, let2s !o inside this door(ay so yo' can hear )y story, and yo'2ll find o't (ho has yo'r clothes and yo'r chain. & kne( yo'r !race (o'ld s'spect )eQ & told )y )istress so that ni!ht, 't she2s a )istress > 10I > and &2) %'st a servant. Pity those (ho serve, ho( hard it is for the) to earn their readQF Hon Marcos (asn2t very ri!ht ;as & said efore<, so he elieved her tears and follo(ed her into the door(ay of a near y ho'se. ,he told hi) (ho doBa &sidora really (as, a o't her (heelin! and dealin!, a o't her 'siness and c'sto)ers, and e=plained (hy she2d )arried hi). *ll alon! she2d planned to deceive don Marcos e=actly the (ay she had and at s'ch !reat cost to hi). Marcela told hi) as (ell that don *'!'stin (asn2t really her nephe( 't her !i!olo, a connivin! va!a ond (ho2d taken 'p (ith a (o)an of her a!e and profession si)ply to !et free )eals and en%oy a life of leis're. &n fact, doBa &sidora (as the one (ho2d hidden the clothes and the chain to !ive to don *'!'stin %'st as she !ave everythin! to hi). ,he had ordered Marcela to leave and hide (here she co'ldn2t e fo'nd in order to cover 'p her o(n co)plicity, so he (o'ld think Marcela had stolen everythin!. Marcela tho'!ht don Marcos (as har)less, that2s (hy she dared to tell hi) all that (itho't fearin! (hat he )i!ht do to her. Ar )ay e she tho'!ht that y talkin! she )i!ht e a le to slip o't of his fir) !rasp and escape. Ar )ay e she didn2t think a o't it at all eca'se she (as F%'st a servant,F (hich is )ost likely. *t any rate, the little traitor ended her speech (arnin! hi) to e caref'l eca'se, (hen he least e=pected it, they planned to steal hi) lind. 5hen she repeated several ti)es: F&2ve told yo'r !race everythin! & kno(, everythin! )y conscience dictates, so no(, if it please yo'r !race, & a) at yo'r co))and. &2ll do (hatever yo' say.F F3o(, friend Marcela, is a fine ti)e for yo' to (arn )eQF don Marcos e=clai)ed. F3o( that it2s too lateQ 5hat treachero's (o)an and that son/of/a/ itch opport'nist have already r'n off (ith everythin! & possess.F +e then reco'nted all that had happened since the day (hen she2d disappeared. F+o( can that eJF Marcela asked. FCan there e !reater evilJ Ah, yo'r !race, not in vain did & pity yo', 't & never dared say anythin!. 5he ni!ht )y )istress sent )e fro) the ho'se, & (anted to (arn yo'r !race, kno(in! (hat (as !oin! on, 't & (as afraid eca'se, (hen & ref'sed to hide the chain, she eat )e 'p ver ally and physically, as God can attest.F F1ell, Marcela,F don Marcos (ent on, F& 'nderstand (hat yo'2re > 10# > sayin!, 't the a(f'l thin! is that there2s nothin! & can do a o't it no(. & can2t even find o't (here they are.F FAh, sir, don2t let that tro' le yo',F the sly Marcela retorted, F& kno( a )an and, & even dare to hope, God (illin!, that he2ll soon e )y h's and, (ho can tell yo'r !race (here to find the) %'st as if he co'ld see the) (ith his o(n t(o eyes, for he kno(s ho( to con%'re 'p devils and all kinds of )arvelo's thin!s.F FAh, MarcelaQF e=clai)ed don Marcos, F+o( !ratef'l & (o'ld eQ +o( inde ted &2d e if he2d tell )e (here they areQ Please have pity on )y )isfort'ne and see if yo' can arran!e it.F

&t2s in the nat're of an evil person (ho sees a )an do(n to help hi) sink even lo(er, %'st as it2s in the nat're of !ood people to e cred'lo's. *nd so don Marcos elieved Marcela. ,he2d decided to deceive and ilk hi) as )'ch as she co'ld, so (ith this in )ind, she replied that they sho'ld !o ri!ht then. 5he ho'se (asn2t far. 1hile the t(o (ere (alkin! do(n the street to!ether, don Marcos ran into a fello( servant fro) his )aster2s ho'seD he orro(ed fo'r reales fro) the servant to !ive to the astrolo!er, intendin! that s') not %'st as a do(n pay)ent 't as f'll pay)ent for his services. 5hey reached Marcela2s ho'se (here she lived (ith the )an she called a )a!ician (ho happened to e her c'rrent lover. Hon Marcos spoke (ith hi) and they a!reed on a price of one h'ndred and fifty reales. 5he )a!ician told don Marcos to co)e ack in a (eek and he (o'ld con%'re 'p a devil to reveal (here those villains (ere (ith s'ch e=actit'de that don Marcos (o'ld easily find the). +e (arned don Marcos not to p'rs'e the )atter if he didn2t have a sto't heart. &f he didn2t have the co'ra!e to see the devil in his tr'e for), don Marcos needed to decide in (hat for) he did (ant to see the devil appear. ,o po(erf'l (as don Marcos2s desire to find o't a o't his )oney that lookin! at the devil see)ed as easy as pie. ,o he said the devil sho'ld appear in the very for) he appeared in hell for, tho'!h the )a!ician )i!ht see hi) cry like a (o)an over the loss of his )oney, in all other thin!s he (as very )anly. 1ith these (ords, don Marcos !ave hi) the fo'r reales he2d %'st orro(ed and said !ood/ ye to hi) and Marcela. 5hen he so'!ht ref'!e at a friend2s ho'se, if the (retched ever have friends. +ere he e(ailed his sad fate. 4et2s leave don Marcos at this point and !o ack to the enchanter ;as (e shall call hi)<. &n order to acco)plish (hat he had pro)ised and (ork an o'tlandish trick on the )iser, a o't (ho) he kne( everythin! fro) Marcela, the enchanter did (hat &2) a o't to descri e > 10: > to yo'. +e !ot a cat and sh't it 'p in a little roo) like a pantry. &t had only one s)all (indo( a o't the si7e of a sheet of paper and as hi!h fro) the !ro'nd as the hei!ht of a )an. 5he enchanter placed a stron! cord net over the (indo(. 5hen, (ith the Fcat/holeF darkened, he (ent inside the pantry (ith the cat and eat it (ith a (hip. 1hen he !ot the cat frantically (ild, he re)oved the shade fro) the cat/ hole. 5he cat took off r'nnin! and leapt 'p to the little (indo(. Ca'!ht y the net, it (as h'rled ack do(n. +e did this over and over, 'ntil finally, (itho't even ein! eaten, the cat learned to head strai!ht for the (indo(. 1hen all this trainin! (as done, the enchanter advised the )iser that everythin! (as prepared for that ni!ht and, (hen the clock str'ck eleven, he (o'ld reveal to don Marcos everythin! he desired to kno(. M'ch a!ainst his nat're, o'r )is!'ided friend had )ana!ed to orro( the one h'ndred fifty reales (hich he ro'!ht to the enchanter2s ho'se and placed in his hands, 'r!in! hi) to )ake the con%'ration po(erf'l. 5he latter, kno(in! the )eas're of don Marcos2s co'ra!e and spirit, caref'lly seated hi) in a chair ri!ht eneath the pantry (indo( fro) (hich he had no( re)oved the nettin!. &t (as, as (e )entioned, eleven, and the only li!ht in the roo) ca)e fro) a s)all la)p in a corner. &nside the pantry, the )a!ician had placed the cat all covered (ith firecrackers and a oy (ho, at a certain si!nal, (as to li!ht the) and set the cat loose. Marcela left the roo) as she didn2t have the co'ra!e to see the apparition. 5hen the crafty )a!ician donned a heavy lack cape and a )atchin! hat. 5o )ake his trick )ore credi le, he held in one hand a ook in Gothic script on parch)ent (hich looked very old. 3e=t he dre( a circle on the floor and stepped inside it. +oldin! a (and in his other hand, he e!an to read, al)ost (hisperin!, in a !rave and o)ino's tone. 9very no( and then he (o'ld prono'nce rare and o'tlandish (ords don Marcos had never heard efore. Hon Marcos2s eyes (ere i! as sa'cers ;as the sayin! !oes<. *t the sli!htest so'nd he (o'ld look all aro'nd to see if the devil had

appeared to tell hi) everythin! he desired to kno(. 3e=t the enchanter tossed s'lph'r, salt, and pepper into the fire in the ra7ier at his side, str'ck the floor (ith his (and, and said in a lo'd voice: FCo)e, de)on Cal?'i)orro, co)e, yo' (ho (atch over all travelers, yo' (ho kno( all destinations and hideo'tsQ +ere in the presence of don Marcos yo' (ill tell 's (here o'r ?'arries are !oin! and ho( they can e fo'nd. *ppear this instant or protect yo'rself fro) > 10$ > )y p'nish)entQ *re yo' ein! re ellio's that yo' ref'se to o ey )eJ & shall press yo' 'ntil yo' do )y iddin!.F *fter this con%'ration, he read a!ain fro) the ook. 5hen he rene(ed the incense, str'ck the floor (ith his (and, and ref'r ished his con%'ration. By this ti)e, don Marcos (as a o't to choke to death. 1hen the enchanter (as ready for the devil to appear, he intoned: FAh, yo' (ho hold the keys to the !ates of hell, co))and Cer er's to send Cal?'i)orro, de)on of the hi!h(ays, to tell 's (here o'r travelers are. &f yo' fail to do so this instant, & shall p'nish yo' cr'ellyQF *t this c'e, the oy (ho (as holdin! the cat in the pantry lit the firecrackers and 'ncovered the hole. Beca'se the cat had een trained to head for the little (indo(, nat'rally it so'!ht to escape the sa)e (ay (itho't any re!ard for don Marcos (ho, of co'rse, (as sittin! in the chair directly 'nderneath the pantry (indo(. *ll afla)e, roarin! and ho(lin!, racin! and tearin! a o't, on its (ay to freedo), the cat o'nded thro'!h the openin! and landed ri!ht on don Marcos2s head, scorchin! his (hiskers, his hair, and even his face. Hon Marcos tho'!ht he2d seen not one devil 't all the devils in hell. +e shrieked and fell to the floor in a dead faint, (itho't ever hearin! the voice that said: FKo' (ill find the) in Granada.F 5he cat2s ho(lin!, don Marcos2s shriek, and the si!ht of a fla)in! cat streakin! do(n the street ro'!ht people r'nnin!, incl'din! the police. 5his cro(d ca)e to the door, 'rst in, and fo'nd Marcela and her lover desperately thro(in! (ater on don Marcos, in an effort to revive hi), 't he didn2t )ove till the ne=t )ornin!. 5he consta le )ade in?'iries into the case. 9ven tho'!h Marcela and her lover e=plained the (hole trick, he (as not satisfied. Beca'se don Marcos had no place to stay, the consta le )ade the enchanter p't the 'nconscio's )an in his o(n ed and t(o !'ards (ere stationed in the ho'se (ith Marcela and the half/dead don Marcos. 5he )a!ician and his helper, (ho (as fo'nd in the pantry, (ere handc'ffed and carried off to %ail. 5he )a!ician (as char!ed (ith )'rderin! a )an in his o(n ho'se. 5he ne=t )ornin! a report on the case (as !iven to the %'stice of the peace. +e ordered the t(o prisoners ro'!ht efore hi) and sent for Marcela to find o't (hether the )an had recovered or died. By this ti)e, don Marcos had, in fact, ret'rned to his senses. Marcela descri ed the (hole trick to hi) and he reali7ed he (as the (orld2s i!!est fool. 5he consta le ro'!ht the) oth to co'rt. 1hen > 109 > don Marcos (as interro!ated y the officials a o't the details of the case, he told the tr'th as est he kne( it. +e reco'nted the (hole story of his )arria!e and ho( the !irl Marcela had taken hi) to her ho'se pro)isin! that the enchanter (o'ld tell hi) the (herea o'ts of the sco'ndrels (ho had r'n off (ith all his possessions. 5hat2s all he kne( eca'se, after the ela orate con%'rations of the )a!ician readin! fro) the !reat ook, s'ch a terri le '!ly de)on had e)er!ed fro) a lack hole and co)e at hi) roarin! horrifically, and his so'l hadn2t een stron! eno'!h to hear (hatever it had said. &t had r'shed strai!ht at hi) and scorched hi), as they co'ld see. +e co'ld re)e) er nothin! )ore after that

eca'se his heart had failed and he hadn2t recovered his senses till that )ornin!. 5his acco'nt asto'nded the la( officers. 5he enchanter disenchanted the) y e=plainin! ho( the (hole trick (orked, as (e have already descri ed. Marcela and the oy corro orated his e=planation and the police ro'!ht in the dead cat fro) the street, (here it had fallen, 'rned to a crisp. 5hey also ro'!ht in t(o or three ooks fro) the enchanter2s ho'se and asked don Marcos if he reco!ni7ed the ook of con%'rations. +e picked one o't and handed it to the). 5hey opened it and sa( that it (as the pop'lar novel Amadis of 3aul . Beca'se the ook (as old and printed in Gothic script, it had passed for a ook of spells. *fter they heard the (hole case, they la'!hed so hard that the hall didn2t eco)e ?'iet for a lon! ti)e. Hon Marcos felt so asha)ed that he (ished a tho'sand ti)es he co'ld kill the enchanter and then hi)self. 5he %'d!es (arned hi) not to e so cred'lo's, not to let hi)self e so easily fooled. 5hen the case (as dis)issed. Hon Marcos felt so )isera le that he didn2t even look like the sa)e )an. +e si!hed, so deeply did he si!h that he see)ed al)ost cra7y. +is !rief (as so profo'nd that everyone (ho sa( hi) felt sorry for hi). +e ret'rned to his )aster2s ho'se (here he enco'ntered a )ail)an lookin! for hi) to deliver a letter, for (hich he had to pay a real. +e opened it and it read: 5o Mister Miser Marcos: +ailQ *ny )an (ho doesn2t eat and ro s his ody of its no'rish)ent to save )oney, (ho )arries for )oney (itho't even ascertainin! that his ride really has )oney, (ell deserves the p'nish)ent yo'r !race has received, a p'nish)ent that has een storin! 'p for yo' a lon!, lon!, ti)e. Ko'r !race, never eat e=cept at others2 e=pense, never pay yo'r servants, scri)p on half a po'nd of eef, read, t(o coppers for the lad (ho helps yo', cleans for yo', > 110 > and e)pties the attered cha) er pot in (hich yo' do yo'r d'ty. ,ave 'p another si= tho'sand d'cats and contact )e i))ediately. 5hen, lovin!ly, &2ll co)e ack to yo' and e yo'r (ife, as s'ch a parsi)onio's h's and certainly deserves. HoBa &sidora the Een!ef'l 5his letter p't Marcos into s'ch a fit that it ro'!ht on a hi!h fever.NUO N9veryone (ho sa( hi) elieved that his end had co)e. +e (as like that 'ntil ei!ht that evenin!. 5hen he took his cape and left his friend2s ho'se, headin! to(ard the fa)o's Cole!io de ,anta Maria de *ra!on. Beca'se it (as s'))er, the s'n (as still p'rs'in! its co'rse to(ard the &ndian eaches. *s the s'n !rad'ally (ithdre( its li!ht fro) the earth, the )oon, (hich (as (a=in!, (ent fillin! the corners deprived of s'nli!ht (ith her silvery rays. 5he despairin! don Marcos (as (alkin! do(n the hi!h(ay to(ard the ne( rid!e (hen he ran into a )an he reco!ni7ed as Ga)arra, the very one (ho had dra(n 'p the contracts for that lack )arria!e. Ga)arra spoke first: F1hat are yo' doin!, don Marcos, in these parts at this ho'rJF F1hat do yo' think a )an as 'nfort'nate as & a) (o'ld do here,F he ans(ered, Fe=cept han! hi)self fro) one of these trees. 5hat2s ho( &2ll end )y )isfort'nes. Ah, Mr. Ga)arra, (hat a disastro's )arria!e )ine (asQ +o( & (ish all the ill &2ve s'ffered (o'ld efall yo' and )ake yo' as )isera le as & a)Q & !ive yo' )y (ord, this place is perfect, and if & (ere (earin! )y s(ord, &2d take ven!eance for the terri le deception yo'r !race perpetrated on )e in )arryin! )e to that treachero's (o)anQF F& heard a o't that,F Ga)arra replied, Fa o't (hat happened to yo' and, & s(ear, yo'r )isfort'ne to'ched )y so'lQ &f this (eren2t s'ch a ad ti)e for )e, &2d aven!e yo'r affront (ith )y o(n hands and

save yo' the tro' le. B't &2) s'fferin! the !reatest !rief a )an can s'ffer. & left ho)e intendin! to han! )yself. & decided to die at )y o(n hand rather than on the p' lic !allo(s.F F5hat sa)e (orthy intention, friend Ga)arra,F don Marcos said, Fhas ro'!ht )e here. & feel so asha)ed to face people that & no lon!er care a o't )y life or )y so'l. & can2t elieve there2s another )ore 'nfort'nate than &, so yo' )'st tell )e (hat2s happened. 5hen to!ether, as !ood friends, (e can dispose o'r lives and o'r deaths.F F1hat )ore do yo' (ant to kno(JF Ga)arra replied. F&f & don2t 5he racketed )aterial that follo(s co)es fro) the first ,panish edition ;Zara!o7a, 1#":<D it (as o)itted in all s' se?'ent editions. > 111 > kill )yself here and no(, to)orro( &2ll e han!ed in Madrid2s )ain s?'are. 5his is ho( it ca)e a o't: & (ork as a servant to the d'ke of As'na and he has !reat confidence in )e. +e had so )'ch confidence that he entr'sted )e (ith so)e %e(els he intended to present to a lady. 1hile & happened to e carryin! the), & (ent to a !a) lin! ho'se and e!an to !a) le. 5hin!s al(ays !o fro) ad to (orse (hen yo' play (ith another person2s )oney so, in short, & lost everythin!. 1hen & reali7ed &2d lost )ore than a tho'sand d'cats, & al)ost (ent cra7y and e!an to despair. F* friend of )ine, (ho2s (ardro er for the d'ke, asked )e (hat (as (ron! and & told hi) )y )isfort'ne. Moved y )y pli!ht, he handed )e the keys to the (ardro e and told )e to !o in and take (hatever & (anted. +e2d keep (atch. & thanked hi) for the !reat favor and did %'st that. & took so)e silk tapestries, so)e !old, and a fe( other thin!s to )ake 'p the price of )y loss. *s & (as leavin!, the chief ste(ard ca)e 'pon )e and, seein! )e so laden, he !ra ed )e. 8eali7in! it (as vital for )e to !et a(ay, & fled and left hi) holdin! the !oods, the keys, and )y life in his hands. 1hen & left ho)e, they2d taken the (ardro er prisoner. &f they press hi), he2ll tell the tr'th, and &2ll face the death penalty. 6earin! that, & !ot this rope and ca)e o't here (here a tree, and no( yo', (ill (itness )y 'nhappy end instead of all the eyes in Madrid. &f yo'2ve co)e (ith the sa)e intention, there are plenty of trees and a)ple rope for the t(o of 's.F *s he said these (ords, he dre( the rope fro) his p'rse. Hon Marcos thanked hi) for his !enerosity and asked hi) to )ake their nooses. +e did this s(iftly and (ith ease, placin! the) in t(o trees ri!ht ne=t to each other. 5he entire conversation had een overheard y a )an (ho (as rela=in! 'nder a tree, restin! fro) havin! !one do(n to the river and ack. 1hile he co'ld see don Marcos talkin! and hear the ans(ers, he co'ldn2t see the other )an. 5his so 'pset hi) that he scarcely dared reathe. 5hen he sa( that poor desperate )an place the noose aro'nd his neck and leap fro) the ranch (here he2d cli) ed. *t that very )o)ent he heard a !reat roarin! so'nd, (hich )ade hi) take off 'p the hill r'nnin! faster than the ea!le flies. +e never stopped till he !ot to the )ayor2s ho'se. Ance in the )ayor2s presence, he descri ed everythin! he2d (itnessed: ho( a )an had han!ed hi)self and )ay e another one, too, fro) (hat he2d heard the) say, altho'!h he2d seen only one of the )en. +e (ent on to reco'nt the conversation. 5he other )an (as na)ed > 11- > Ga)arra, (ho said he (as the d'ke of As'na2s servant, and the (itness descri ed ho( the (ardro er had een taken prisoner. 5he )ayor and all the )en he co'ld )'ster acco)panied the (itness ack to

the place. Beca'se the )oon (as settin!, they ro'!ht alon! li!hts. 5hey fo'nd the (retched don Marcos han!in! fro) a tree and discovered a noose han!in! fro) the ne=t one, 't it (as e)pty. 6eelin! !reat pity for his so'l, they took don Marcos do(n and carried hi) ack to the %ail. 5here they left hi) and held the )an (ho2d reported the case 'ntil )ornin!. 5hey investi!ated to learn the identity of the dead )an, (hich (as easy eca'se they fo'nd papers in his p'rse incl'din! doBa &sidora2s letter, and so)eone reco!ni7ed hi) as a servant fro) his )aster2s ho'se. 5hey (ent to the d'ke of As'na2s ho'se to find o't a o't the )an na)ed Ga)arra, 't they2d never heard of hi). 5hey fo'nd not a trace of any s'ch )an. 3one of his tale proved tr'e: his ein! the d'ke2s servant, losin! the %e(els, the %ailin! of the (ardro er. Based on the testi)ony of the )an (ho2d heard the conversation and sa( no one, they decided that the other )an )'st have een the devil (ho2d co)e (ith those lies to drive don Marcos to despair and, it appeared, he had s'cceeded. 5hey !ave f'll acco'nt to don Marcos2s )aster, and he arran!ed the f'neral. +e !ot per)ission for hi) to e 'ried in holy !ro'nd, !ivin! as e=c'se that his despair had driven hi) cra7y. ,'ch is the vanity of the (orld that it honors the ody of a )an even tho'!h the poor (retch2s so'l (as pro a ly 'rnin! in hell. +is )aster also co))anded that this story e (ritten do(n, to!ether (ith (hat happened to doBa &sidora, and so it has co)e into )y hands.ONUO 1ithin several days he died a totally )isera le )an. &n Barcelona, (hile doBa &sidora (as (aitin! for the oat to take the threeso)e to 3aples, one ni!ht don *'!'stin and his darlin! &ne7 left her asleep and a sconded (ith the si= tho'sand d'cats and everythin! else she possessedD they oarded the oat for 3aples (itho't her. Upon their arrival, he enlisted as a soldier and the ea'tif'l &ne7, no( on her o(n, eca)e a co'rtesan. 5hat2s ho( she s'pported her don *'!'stin (ith rich !ifts and all kinds of finery. HoBa &sidora ret'rned to Madrid. ,he !ave 'p her (i!s and her ele!ant cost')es and no( she e!s al)s. ,he herself told )e this enchant)ent and & decided to (rite it do(n so that )isers can see 5he first edition variation ends here. > 11" > (hat a ad end this one had. May e they can learn a lesson fro) another2s e=perience and not )ake the sa)e )istakes. 9veryone had listened to don *lvaro2s enchant)ent and heard a o't don Marcos2s ad end (ith relish. *s don *lonso (as chan!in! places (ith don *lvaro and preparin! to tell his enchant)ent, don .'an si!naled to the )'sicians, (ho san! the follo(in! allad: *nton visits Men!a even in her ho'seD y )y faith, if this offends Gila there is !ood reason (hy. +e anticipates her co)plaints, a very s'spicio's si!n, for the one (ho )akes co)plaints is tryin! to forestall the). &n feelin! offended, she has )ore than ca'se, for s'ch an affront killsD

and one (ill never see, lads, a (o)an sp'rned (ho is pleasant, 't elieve )e conversation and pleas're are )arks of tr'e love. Hisre!ardin! all the si!nals )eans so)ethin!, and no( yo' see that talkin! to!ether today is fr'it of yesterday2s effort. &nsincere in their co'rtesy, )en kno( all the (ays of elyin! their falsity y 'sin! e=tre)e co'rtesy. 5here is no fear, only l'nders, 't Men!a seeks hi) o't, %'st the t(o alone, and she ea'tif'lD (ho kno(s if this is a l'nder. &f for iddin! hi) to see her is to risk losin! *nton, let )e say that s'ch a finicky love is close to collapse. People call %ealo'sy foolish, s'rely they2ve never e=perienced itD the %ealo's )an errs only in his scr'ples and s'spicions. *nton (ill en%oy these deli!hts > 11@ > only (ith GilaD a shaky rep'tation strays the scales fro) alance. Ah, ho( (ell )en kno( ho( to offend (ith their e=c'ses, 't, since love reveals all, lon! live love, a)enQ & (onder if don .'an, at the risk of 4isarda2s annoyance 't fearf'l of 4ysis2s indi!nation, so'!ht in this second allad to )ake 'p for his affront to 4ysis in the previo's oneJ *s 4isarda had !loried in the first allad she felt offended y this one. ,he sho(ed her displeas're in a char)in! fro(n at don .'an (hich deli!hted the inconstant lover. &f he hadn2t een a flirt, he (o'ld have treated 4isarda2s affection )ore !ently and discreetly and not so insensitively. Hon .'an took pride in ein! 4isarda2s s'itor and in re%ectin! 4ysis. 4ysis, ho(ever, had !ro(n tired of str'!!lin! (ith his deceptions and disappoint)ents. ,he decided that as soon as all the parties (ere over, for she didn2t (ant to spoil her friends2 en%oy)ent of the cele rations, she2d tell don .'an not to co)e to her ho'se any )ore, as his visits only added ins'lt to in%'ry. Besides, he spent )ost of his ti)e at 4isarda2s apart)ent, )ornin! and evenin!, day and ni!ht. 6'rther)ore, if don Hie!o (anted to eco)e her h's and, she (o'ld close her eyes to all other

advent'res. Hon Hie!o felt e=actly the sa)e (ay. +e co'ld hardly (ait for the parties to end so he co'ld e!in to co'rt 4ysis. Hon .'an ;for very different reasons< (as thinkin! the sa)e tho'!hts. +e felt a!!rieved that his friend don Hie!o had set his si!hts on 4ysis kno(in! that she had een the o %ect of his attention, al eit no( of his inattention. 1ith all these different tho'!hts, the fo'r preocc'pied lovers t'rned their f'll attention to don *lonso, (ho e!an his enchant)ent like this: F&ll'strio's a'dience, it 's'ally happens that the )ost an=io's, the )ost co)p'lsive person falls e=actly into the trap he fears )ost, as yo' shall see in )y enchant)ent. * )an sho'ldn2t rely solely on his o(n %'d!)ent, let alone dare to test a (o)an. +e sho'ld (atch o't for hi)self and take each (o)an for herself and accept her as she is. &n the final analysis, an intelli!ent (o)an is no dish for a foolish )an, nor is a foolish (o)an ri!ht for an intelli!ent )an, and as proof of this, & shall tell )y taleF: > 11I >

Fore4arned 5,t Not Forearmed

Hon 6adri?'e (as a son of the ill'strio's city of Granada, a )arvelo's (onder a)on! all the splendors of *ndal'cia. &t (o'ld not e proper to )ention his na)e and linea!e eca'se of his )any no le relatives (ho still live there today. 1e shall content o'rselves (ith sayin! that his handso)e appearance (as )atched y his no ility and (ealth. Beca'se of these s'perlative ?'alities, he en%oyed reno(n as the Frich and !allant don 6adri?'eF not only in his irthplace 't every(here he (ent. +e (as very yo'n! (hen his parents diedD despite this loss, he cond'cted hi)self (ith s'ch !reat )oderation that people )arveled at this de!ree of discretion in so tender a yo'th. *s if to prove the old sayin! that lads (itho't love are like dancers (itho't )'sic or !a) lers (itho't )oney, one day he t'rned his attention to(ard an ele!ant, ea'tif'l (o)an fro) the sa)e city. +er na)e (as ,erafina and, altho'!h she (as not as (ealthy as don 6adri?'e, her ea'ty (as indeed an!elic. +e fell passionately in love (ith her, 't she disdainf'lly re%ected hi) eca'se she (as already infat'ated (ith another !entle)an fro) their city. ;&t2s tr'ly a sha)e that a )an of don 6adri?'e2s ?'alities sho'ld fall in love (ith a (o)an (ho has already !iven herself to another.< Hon 6adri?'e (as not 'na(are of ,erafina2s other love 't he elieved he co'ld overco)e all o stacles (ith his (ealth, especially as her s'itor (as not fro) one > 11# > of Granada2s richest or no lest fa)ilies. Hon 6adri?'e felt s're that the )o)ent he asked ,erafina2s parents for her hand in )arria!e, she (o'ld e his. B't that2s not ho( ,erafina felt. ,he tho'!ht that !ettin! )arried re?'ired e=chan!in! letters and flirtin! the (ay characters do in those ro)antic tales that thrill the heart and enchant the so'l. *nd don 6adri?'e (anted to (in ,erafina2s affection efore askin! her parents2 consent. ,ince desire is the asis of love, he elieved he co'ld (in her for hi)self eca'se his o(n desire (as so !reat in spite of the fact that he sa( his rival favored. ,he see)ed so )odest and virt'o's, it never occ'rred to hi) that her desire )i!ht have led her to e=ceed the o'nds of propriety. 1ith hi!h hopes, he e!an to pay co'rt to ,erafina and to her )aids as (ellD she sho(ed hi) )ore favor than previo'sly eca'se, altho'!h she loved don EicenteMthat (as his rival2s na)eMshe didn2t

(ant don 6adri?'e to sp'rn her. Beca'se her )aids enco'ra!ed his hopes, o'r lover tho'!ht he2d een ri!ht in thinkin! he co'ld (in o't over her other s'itor, and he (as happy (ith this hope. Ane ni!ht (hen the )aids had pro)ised hi) to rin! their lady o't to her alcony, he san! this sonnet to the tones of his l'te: Ah tyrantQ 4et )e die for yo'r eyes and )ay yo'r eyes en%oy their sla'!hterD )ay yo' then console )e (ith yo'r eyes, )ay yo'r eyes ca'se )e a tho'sand (oes. 4et )e s'rrender )y eyes to yo'rs as a pri7e, (hile they, instead of lovin! )e or cheerin! )e in )y sorro(s, t'rn all )y flo(ers into thorns. May yo'r eyes kill )e (ith scorn, cold harshness, re%ection, (hile )y eyes die for yo'rs. *las, thankless oneQ &n yo'r eyes & see as )'ch in!ratit'de as ea'ty ai)ed at the eyes that love yo'r eyes. 9veryone (ho heard the son! thanked don 6adri?'e and praised his )'sic and the !race and a ility (ith (hich he san!. B't (e cannot s(ear that ,erafina (as at her (indo(. 6ro) that ni!ht on she denied don 6adri?'e even a !li)pse of herself. Hespite his insistent efforts, > 11: > he didn2t set eyes on her for days, nor co'ld he elicit any ans(er to the letters he sent. 5o his in?'iries and pleadin!, her servants said only that ,erafina had eco)e terri ly )elancholy, that she didn2t en%oy even an ho'r of peace. Hon 6adri?'e s'spected that the ca'se of her illness (as that she had een disappointed in her hope of )arryin! don Eicente. Hon 6adri?'e no lon!er sa( hi) fre?'ent her street the (ay he2d done in the past, so he concl'ded that don Eicente had desisted eca'se of his o(n co'rtship. Confident that (ith his !ood looks and his (ealth he co'ld )ake 'p for her sorro(s and her lost happiness, don 6adri?'e felt personally o li!ed to restore the pleas're he had ca'sed his lady to lose: he asked her parents for her hand in )arria!e. +er parents sa( the heavens open, as the sayin! !oes, and not only did they say yes, they e=pressed their infinite appreciation and even offered to e his slaves. 5hey then infor)ed their da'!hter of this arran!e)ent and she, ein! discreet, led the) to think that she (as very pleased and (illin! to accede to their (ishes (hen her health (o'ld per)it. ,he asked the) to p't don 6adri?'e off for a (hile 'ntil she felt etter, and then she (o'ld do as they co))anded. 5he lady2s parents considered this ans(er s'fficient and it satisfied don 6adri?'e. +e did e! his f't're parents/in/la( ;(hich is ho( he no( considered the)< to pa)per his f't're (ife and take special care of her so she2d recover her health as soon as possi le. 5o sho( the !reat love he felt for her, he (o'ld do his part y sendin! her presents and y spendin! ti)e in her street even )ore assid'o'sly than efore. Hespite the fact that his rival2s recent ne!lect had so)e(hat cal)ed his fears, he did still feel %ealo's of don Eicente. Accasionally ,erafina (o'ld co)e to her (indo( to enco'ra!e her lover2s hopes (ith a !li)pse of her ea'ty. +er lack of color and her )o'rnf'l e=pression clearly revealed the illness that )ade her keep to

her ed. 9ven tho'!h she (as confined to ed, he (o'ld occasionally visit her eca'se he already considered hi)self her h's and. Af co'rse her )other and her )aids (ere al(ays present to restrain any li erties he )i!ht have taken. ,everal )onths passed like this and finally don 6adri?'e e!an to despair eca'se of ,erafina2s illness. +e decided to )arry her (hether she (as ill or (ell. Ane ni!ht he (as standin! on the corner keepin! (atch over the (alls that ho'sed his ea'tif'l )istress and ponderin! his s'spicions as he had on so )any other ni!hts. ,o)e ti)e after t(o o2clock he sa( the front door of her ho'se open and o't ca)e a (o)an (ho, > 11$ > in her fi!'re and earin!, see)ed to e ,erafina. +e (as asto'nded. +alf dead of %ealo'sy, he )oved closer 'ntil he reco!ni7ed her clearly. ,'spectin! that she (as !oin! to a rende7vo's (ith his rival, he follo(ed her. +e (atched her enter a vacant lot (here the ho'se had fallen do(n and no( (ood (as stacked. Beca'se the o'tside (alls had all fallen in and there (eren2t any !ates or doors, it (as 'sed y those (ho (anted to hide so)e a)oro's )ischief. ,erafina d'cked into the dark space. Certain that don Eicente )'st e inside, don 6adri?'e eca)e enra!ed to the point of violence: s'ch ehavior re?'ired a %'st and honora le ven!eance. +e circled aro'nd to the ack and entered the lot. +e sa( that his lady had !one do(n into a little t') ledo(n roo). 5here she str'!!led to stifle her )oans and she cried o't to God and all +is saints to help her. 5hese cries 'ndeceived her lover (ith re!ard to any and all do' ts he )ay have had: ,erafina !ave irth to a a y. *s soon as she sa( herself free of her 'rden, she !athered 'p her skirts and ret'rned ho)e, a andonin! the little creat're to its fate. B't heaven, )'ch to the detri)ent of ,erafina2s !ood na)e and don 6adri?'e2s love for her, had arran!ed it so that at least the child (o'ldn2t die 'n apti7ed. Hon 6adri?'e (ent over to (here the a y lay cryin! on the !ro'nd. +e picked it 'p and (rapped it in his cape, all the (hile crossin! hi)self. +e no( reali7ed that this (as the ca'se of ,erafina2s illness and that the father (as don Eicente, (ho2d disappeared eca'se of her pre!nancy. +e thanked God over and over for )irac'lo'sly savin! hi) fro) the )isfort'ne of )arryin! ,erafina. +e carried the little creat're to a )id(ife2s ho'se and asked her to take care of the a y and find a (et n'rse for it as soon as possi le, for it (as very i)portant that the a y live. 1hen don 6adri?'e and the )id(ife e=a)ined the a y caref'lly they sa( that it (as a ea'tif'l little !irlD she see)ed )ore like an an!el fro) heaven than a h')an a y. 5he )id(ife follo(ed all his instr'ctions. ,he fo'nd a n'rse and the ne=t day don 6adri?'e spoke (ith a relative of his and asked her to rin! 'p GraciaMthis (as the na)e they !ave the a y (hen she (as apti7edMin her o(n ho)e. 6or no( (e shall let her !ro( 'p and deal (ith her (hen the ri!ht ti)e co)es, as she2s the )ost i)portant person in this story. 4et2s ret'rn to ,erafina (ho, (ithin t(o (eeks recovered entirely fro) her illness and, (ith all her for)er ea'ty restored, told her parents that (henever they liked they co'ld cele rate her )arria!e to don 6adri?'e. &n the )eanti)e, he, havin! learned a fri!htenin! lesson fro) > 119 > this e=perience, (ent to the ho'se of the relative (ho (as carin! for Gracia. +e told her that, since he (as yo'n!, he felt a !reat desire to visit other parts of ,pain, travel that (o'ld take several years. 5herefore he (anted to leave her the a'thority to ad)inister his estate as she tho'!ht est. +is only re?'est (as that she take !ood care of Gracia, treatin! her as if she (ere his o(n child, eca'se she held a !reat secret. &f God preserved her life 'ntil she (as three, then he entreated her to place the child

in a convent (here she (o'ld !ro( 'p innocent of the (ays of the (orld, for he had certain plans that he (o'ld reveal in d'e ti)e. *fter )akin! these arran!e)ents, don 6adri?'e packed all his elon!in!s and had the) taken to his a'nt2s ho'se. +e !athered 'p a lar!e a)o'nt of )oney and )any %e(els and, acco)panied y his servant, he set o't on horse ack for the rich, no le city of ,eville. Before departin!, he (rote a sonnet and sent it to ,erafina. ,erafina received his letter, (hich read: &f, (hen yo' co'ld have )ade )e yo'r e?'al, oh thankless one, yo' treated )e coldly, and tried, thro'!h harshness, to sho( (hat little love yo' had for )eD if, deceitf'lly yo' (ithheld fro) )e the si!ht of yo'r !lorio's ea'ty and on every occasion yo' sho(ed )e the )o'ntain of sno( in yo'r cold heartD no(, (hen yo' have lost yo'r po(er, (hy do yo' seek a fla)e a)on! the e) ersJ 4et thin!s e and have pity on )y yo'th. Ko' offer )e the i)possi le: yo' are false. Ko' err in tryin! to revive the fla)e eca'se, to yo'r )isfort'ne, & have seen the li!ht. 5his )ysterio's )essa!e fri!htened ,erafina terri ly eca'se she2d tried in vain to find o't (hat had eco)e of the a y she2d a andoned in the e)pty lot. Hon 6adri?'e2s s'dden chan!e of heart confir)ed her )yriad fears. +is hasty depart're also (orried her parents, (ho feared it (as ased on so)ethin! 'nto(ard. Given that ,erafina felt an inclination to eco)e a n'n, they s'pported her in that desire and she entered a convent, still feelin! very tro' led and (orried a o't (hat had taken place. ,he (as ha'nted y the ni!ht)are of the a an/ > 1-0 > doned a y, for, if it had died or the do!s had eaten it, her conscience (o'ld have to ear that cri)e. 5hese fears )otivated her to try, thro'!h penitence and a devo't life, not only to achieve for!iveness for her sin, 't even to live the life of a saint, and that2s ho( she ca)e to e considered in Granada. Hon 6adri?'e (ent to ,eville feelin! so e) ittered y the lesson of ,erafina that, eca'se of her, he railed a!ainst all (o)en (itho't e=ception. +is !enerali7ations !o entirely contrary to the real nat're of (o)en eca'se there are a h'ndred !ood (o)en for each ad oneD not all (o)en are ad, and it isn2t ri!ht to conf'se the !ood (ith the ad and la)e the) all. 3evertheless, he asserted that yo' can2t tr'st (o)enD a ove all yo' can2t tr'st a clever (o)an eca'se, if she2s clever and intelli!ent, she2ll eco)e )ischievo's and (icked and 'se all her (iles to deceive )en. * (o)an sho'ld tend to her se(in! and her prayers, keep her ho'se and care for her childrenD everythin! else is idle artifice that only rin!s a o't a (o)an2s r'ination )ore ?'ickly. 6ir) in these convictions, he ca)e to ,eville, as & said, and (ent to stay (ith a relative of his, a very pro)inent, (ealthy, and i)portant persona!e. +e planned to stay several )onths to en%oy the )any (onders for (hich this city is fa)o's. Ane day (hen he (as o't (alkin! do(n one of the )ain streets

(ith his relative, he sa( a lady in (ido(2s (eeds descend fro) a coach in front of a )a!nificent ho'se. +e tho'!ht she (as the )ost ea'tif'l (o)an he2d ever seen. 3ot only ea'tif'l, she (as also yo'n! and had an ele!ant fi!'re. +is relative infor)ed hi) that she (as (ealthy and very no leD she (as fro) one of the est and )ost ill'strio's fa)ilies of ,eville. *ltho'!h don 6adri?'e had een adly 'rned y his e=perience (ith ,erafina, it (asn2t eno'!h to keep hi) fro) ein! captivated y the ea'ty of doBa Beatrice, as the ea'tif'l (ido( (as called. 1hen don 6adri?'e passed her on the street, there he left his heart. *s he didn2t (ant to lose it forever, he asked his co)panion to (alk y the ho'se one )ore ti)e. *t this, don Mateo ;for this (as his na)e< said: F& think, don 6adri?'e, )y friend, that yo' )ay not leave ,eville so soonD yo' see) love/stricken. By )y faith, the si!ht of that lady has affected yo'QF FKo'2re ri!ht,F don 6adri?'e replied. F&2d spend )y (hole life here if & tho'!ht & co'ld e hers.F F&f that2s yo'r intention . . ,F Mateo responded, F 't let )e (arn > 1-1 > yo', this lady2s position, no ility, and virt'e ad)it nothin! 't )arria!e, even if her s'itor (ere the kin! hi)self. 6or fo'r years she (as )arried to a !entle)an in every (ay her e?'al, and she2s een (ido(ed for t(o years. ,he2s t(enty/fo'r. 1hen she (as a )aiden, not a so'l pi?'ed her interestD after she )arried, no ody even ca'!ht a !li)pse of herD as a (ido(, no one has capt'red her attention. ,he2s had )ore s'itors than hairs on her head, all (antin! to (in her love and )arry her. B't, if yo'r love is as yo' say and yo' (ant )e to reco))end yo'r )any fine ?'alities to her, & (ill, and it )ay so happen that yo'2ll e chosen, for yo'2re not lackin! in the ?'alities she )i!ht (ant in a h's and. ,he2s related to )y (ife, so & have occasion to visit her. 3o( &2) s're &2ll e s'ccessf'l for, look, she2s co)e o't on her alcony. &t2s no s)all favor that she responds to yo'r interest instead of sh'ttin! her door in o'r faces.F FAh )y friendQF e=clai)ed don 6adri?'e. F+o( can &, a stran!er, dare to co'rt a (o)an (ho has re%ected so )any !entle)en fro) ,evilleJ B't if &2) to die of love, it2s etter that & die fro) her scorn and re%ection than (itho't her even kno(in! of )y love. ,peak (ith her, friend, and tell her of )y no ility, )y (ealthD tell her &2) dyin! of love for her.F 5he t(o contin'ed do(n the street a!ain and, as they passed her, they )ade a respectf'l o(. ;Upon descendin! fro) the coach, the ea'tif'l doBa Beatrice had noticed the attention (ith (hich don 6adri?'e looked at her.< ,he kne( the )an acco)panied y don Mateo (as a stran!er and he see)ed very ena)ored. L'ickly she re)oved her cloak and (ent to the (indo(. ,he o served that (hile the t(o )en talked they kept lookin! at her so, (hen they !reeted her (ith s'ch co'rtesy, she )ade a o( no less cere)onio's. 5hey (alked on y her ho'se, deli!hted to have seen her so a)ena le. 5hey a!reed that don Mateo sho'ld speak (ith her the very ne=t day to try to arran!e their )arria!e. Hon 6adri?'e (as so in love that he (ished he2d do it that very instant. 5he ni!ht didn2t pass ?'ickly eno'!h for the ena)ored !entle)an, and the ne=t )ornin! he pressed his friend to h'rry and find o't the life/or/death ne(s that a(aited hi), (hich don Mateo did. +e spoke (ith doBa Beatrice and praised her s'itor2s )any fine ?'alities. 5he lady replied that she !reatly appreciated the attention he accorded her as (ell as his friend2s desire to honor her (ith the offer of his person in )arria!e, 't, she said, the day she 'ried her h's and she2d )ade a vo( not to )arry for at least three years to

> 1-- > sho( the respect that her love o(ed his )e)ory. 5hat2s (hy she harshly dis)issed everyone (ho approached her on this s' %ect, she didn2t (ant any co))it)ents. B't, if this !entle)an (ished to (ait o't the year that re)ained, she (o'ld !ive hi) her (ord that no one else (o'ld eco)e her h's and eca'se, if she (ere to tell the tr'th, his 'naffected appearance and all the ?'alities don Mateo descri ed had pleased her !reatly. ,he (anted so)eone %'st like hi) to eco)e her )aster, a )an (itho't pretense, )odest, and in no (ay po)po's. Hon Mateo (ent ack to his friend very happy (ith this ans(er, thinkin! he hadn2t ne!otiated adly. 1ith every passin! ho'r, don 6adri?'e (as fallin! )ore and )ore in love. *ltho'!h the idea of havin! to (ait s'ch a lon! ti)e disappointed his i)a!ination, he decided to spend the (hole year in ,eville. +e considered the lovely (ido( a (orthy re(ard if he co'ld indeed )ana!e to (in her. ,ince he had a lot of )oney, he fi=ed 'p an apart)ent in his relative2s ho'se and hired servants and e!an to live in !racio's style in order to ?'icken his lady2s interest. Accasionally, in don Mateo2s co)pany, he (o'ld visit her. ,he (o'ldn2t !rant hi) s'ch favor other(ise. +e tried to send !ifts, 't they (eren2t acceptedD she (o'ldn2t accept even a pin. 5he only favor she !ranted hi) (as to appear on her alcony (hen infor)ed he (as in the street. ,he did this at her )aids2 re?'est ;the !entle)an fro) Granada had (on their loyalty eca'se, (hat their )istress ref'sed to accept, they accepted ea!erly, and so aided hi) in his co'rtship<. +er presence (o'ld li!ht 'p the (hole (orld (ith the splendor of her eyes. ,o)eti)es in the evenin!s she (o'ld %oin her servants (hile they listened to don 6adri?'e sin!, (hich, as & said, he did very (ell. Ane ni!ht he serenaded her as 's'al 't that evenin! doBa Beatrice didn2t co)e o't onto her alcony. ,he (as an!ry eca'se she2d seen hi) speak to another lady in ch'rch. +e san! the follo(in! allad, (hich he hi)self had co)posed: 4ike the tall to(er of Ba el, 3i)rod2s constr'ction (hich (as )eant to reach heaven 't instead t') led into the a yss, that2s ho( )y hopes appear: &2d hoped their yearnin!s (o'ld reach the heaven of )y love. B't, since their fo'ndation (as rascally C'pid, > 1-" > (ho doesn2t deserve to e (orshipped as a !od, like a little child, in the end, he chan!ed his fickle nat're and eca)e lind to the ?'ality of )y 'ndyin! love. Ah, ill/fated love, pl'))etin! do(n like Phaeton, ho( did yo' hope to drive

the chariot of the s'nJ +opes shattered and dashed, (ithered like a flo(er, happy ti)es no( transfor)ed into sorro(f'l ti)es. Bold i)a!ination, (here did yo' think yo'2d !o if yo'r (in!s (ere )ade of (a= and 'nder the si!n of 4eo the lionJ *ffection, yo' tho'!ht yo'2d e !iven a helpin! handD 't tr'stin! in that, yo'r tr'st (as in vain. 5oday )y s'n has not appeared on her eastern alconyD she has shro'ded ehind clo'ds the li!ht of her perfection. 4ove sells his pleas'res dear and, (hen he !rants pleas'res, they ear a hi!h price, for they2re only leased and then (ithdra(n, (hich is a !reat )isfort'ne. Child !od, lind as a lyn=, )ay yo' 'rn 'p in )y fire: 't no, let love pardon )y offense as h') ly & kiss yo'r feet. 5he favor don 6adri?'e received that ni!ht (as hearin! doBa Beatrice tell her servants it (as ti)e to retire, there y lettin! hi) kno( that she2d heard his son!. 5his )ade hi) happier than if he r'led the 'niverse. A'r lover spent over si= )onths like this, (itho't ever receivin! per)ission fro) doBa Beatrice to visit her alone. +er e=tre)e )odesty so infla)ed hi) that he co'ld scarcely rest. Ane ni!ht, (hen, as on every other ni!ht, he (as in his lady2s street, he noticed the door standin! open. +opin! to look 'pon her ea'ty fro) closer 'p, he very ca'tio'sly vent'red to enter her ho'se. &t (orked o't so (ell > 1-@ > that he !ot all the (ay to her apart)ent (itho't ein! detected. 6ro) the door(ay in the hall he co'ld see her sittin! on her ench s'rro'nded y )aids keepin! her co)pany. 1hen she !ave si!ns of (antin! to prepare for ed, the servants asked her to sin! a little, al)ost as if they (ere in a lea!'e (ith don 6adri?'e and kne( he (as (atchin!. HoBa Beatrice de)'rred sayin! she (asn2t in the )ood, she (as feelin! )elancholy. Ane of the )aids, (ho had )ore spirit than the others, !ot 'p and (ent into the ne=t roo) to fetch a harp. ,he said: F+eavens, )y lady, if yo'2re )elancholy, this is the est relief. ,in! %'st a little and yo'2ll see ho( )'ch etter yo' feelD it (ill cheer yo' 'p.F *s she said this she placed the harp efore her )istress. 5o please her )aids, doBa Beatrice san! this son!:

1hen the da(n sho(s her happy s)ile, (hen, cheerf'lly, she re)oves the dark c'rtain fro) her eastern alcony so the day )ay enter, (hen she looses her ea'tif'l rich tresses and scatters pearls across f'll loo)ed carnations, (hen the co'ntryside po'rs forth happiness, %ealo's Marfisa la)ents the a sence of *l ano. 1hen happily da(n readies the lavish chariot for Phoe 's, (ho co)es fro) the &ndian shore, (hen a)on! clear crystalline sprin!s that )'r)'r of deception and distill pearly drops, (hen to the !'r!lin! of the sprin!, the ny)phs sin!, then %ealo's Marfisa la)ents the a sence of *l ano. 1hen a)on! carnations da(n paints her eyes (ith their clear de(drops > 1-I > of silvery decoration, (hen (ith resonant lyres the irds sin! their (elco)e to Phoe 's at the splendid si!ht of hi), (hen across the )o'ntains a tho'sand deli!hts are seen, %ealo's Marfisa la)ents the a sence of *l ano. 5hat lass 'sed to e the )arvel of the villa!e, death to all eyes, and a livin! death, fierce asilisk, ca'se of )isfort'ne

eca'se her scorn (as like poison. 5hey said her char) (as like saltD no( %ealo's Marfisa la)ents the a sence of *l ano. +er pride s'rrendered to the attractions of an 'n!ratef'l peasant lad (ho, far a(ay, thinks not of her. 1hen he happily t'rns to a ne( )istress, and defends her ea'ty. and praises her splendor, and con?'ers her ea'ty, and aspires to !lory, %ealo's Marfisa la)ents the a sence of *l ano. 1hen she ended, doBa Beatrice set aside the harp and asked her )aids to help her 'ndress for ed. ;+er voice, the s(eetness and char) of the )'sic had e(itched don 6adri?'e.< 5he poe) apparently )eant nothin! personal eca'se often a poet (rites (hat he (ants to please the )'sician. ,till a sor ed, he stayed there in the darkness. 1hen he reali7ed that Beatrice had retired, he (ent do(nstairs to leave the ho'se, 't he co'ldn2t. 5he coach)an, (ho had a little roo) ne=t to the front door, had locked 'p and retired (hen he sa( that no one else (o'ld e enterin! or leavin! that ni!ht. > 1-# > Hon 6adri?'e (as ?'ite 'pset 't there (as nothin! he co'ld do so he sat do(n on a ench to (ait for )ornin!. Af co'rse he co'ld have called to have the) open for hi), 't he didn2t (ant to !ive ca'se for the servants to !ossip or risk any dan!er to doBa Beatrice2s honor. ,o he concealed hi)self there in the entrance to (ait 'ntil the coach)an opened in the )ornin!. +e )'st have een there a o't t(o ho'rs (hen he heard the door to his lady2s roo) open. 6ro) (here he (as sittin!, he co'ld see the stairs and the hall, so he tried to foc's on (here the so'nd had co)e fro). +e sa( doBa Beatrice e)er!e fro) her roo), very s'rprisin! since he ass')ed she (as so'nd asleep. Aver her ni!ht!o(n she (as (earin! a petticoat of red silk e) roidered (ith silver tri))in! that sparkled like stars. 5he only other !ar)ent she had on (as a )antilla of the sa)e silk lined in l'e pl'sh, thro(n on (ith s'ch ne!li!ence that yo' co'ld see the (hiteness of her ni!ht!o(n and its silvery hand(orkMan art for (hich ,eville (as fa)o's. +er !olden hair (as ca'!ht in a l'e and silver silk net, altho'!h a fe( loose strands c'rled do(n to fra)e the ea'ty of her face. *ro'nd her throat, she (ore t(o heavy strin!s of pearls, )atched y the pearls she (ore on oth slender (rists. 5heir (hiteness (as visi le eca'se the sleeves of her !o(n (ere open like the sleeves of a )onk2s ro e. 5he !entle)en fro) Granada didn2t )iss a sin!le detail eca'se, in one of her (hite, (hite hands, doBa Beatrice (as carryin! a (a= candle set in a silver candlestick. By the li!ht of the candle, he co'ld conte)plate her an!elic face. +e (o'ld have considered hi)self )ost fort'nate if he (ere the person she (as co)in! o't to )eet. &n her other hand, she carried a silver salver (ith several dishes of

conserves, so)e isc'its, and a s)all carafe of (ine, covered y a (hite napkin (hose rich e) roidery and lace )ade a lovely si!ht. F+eavens a oveQF don 6adri?'e e=clai)ed to hi)self, (atchin! her e)er!e fro) her roo) and descend the stairs. F& (onder (ho the fort'nate so'l is (ho2ll e served y s'ch a ea'tif'l 'tler. &2d !ive everythin! & possess to e that personQF +e tho'!ht this %'st as she reached the otto) of the stairs. +e reali7ed that she (as headin! strai!ht for hi), so he slipped ack to(ard the sta les and (ent inside, hopin! to hide )ore safely. 1hen he sa( doBa Beatrice headin! for the sa)e place, he hid ehind one of the coach horses. 5he lady entered that filthy place so 'ns'ita le to her ea'ty. 1itho't even !lancin! to(ard don 6adri?'e, cro'ched ehind the horse, she approached a little roo) at the ack of the > 1-: > sta le. Hon 6adri?'e tho'!ht so)e sick servant )'st have inspired her piety and charity in perfor)in! this act, altho'!h it (as really )ore appropriate for one of her )aids than for their )istress. *ttri 'tin! it to her devo't h')ility and reli!iosity, he (anted to see (here it (o'ld end, so he ca)e o't fro) ehind the horse and fo'nd a place fro) (hich he co'ld o serve (hat (ent on in the little roo) that (as scarcely lar!e eno'!h for a ed. Great (as don 6adri?'e2s for earance on this occasion. *s soon as he dre( close and eheld (hat (as takin! place in that roo), he fo'nd his lady in s'ch a terri le sit'ation that & don2t kno( ho( he end'red itQ &nside the little roo) &2ve descri ed, lyin! in the ed, (as a ne!ro so lack that his face see)ed )ade of lack silk. *ltho'!h he looked to e a o't t(enty/ei!ht or thirty, his aspect (as hideo's, a o)ina le. Hon 6adri?'e tho'!ht the devil hi)self co'ldn2t have looked )ore a(f'l, tho'!h it2s hard to tell (hether this (as tr'e or si)ply the res'lt of don 6adri?'e2s sense of o'tra!e. 5he ne!ro2s arched chest !ave hi) a !rotes?'e appearance, and his e)aciated face indicated that he (o'ld die efore lon!. *s doBa Beatrice entered, she placed the candle and the other thin!s on a little ta le eside the ed. ,he sat do(n on the ed!e of the ed and e!an to s)ooth the covers. +er !reat ea'ty )ade her look like an an!el )inisterin! to a fierce devil. ,he placed one of her e=?'isite hands on his forehead and e!an to speak in a tender, )o'rnf'l tone: F+o( are yo' feelin!, *ntonioJ My love, (on2t yo' speak to )eJ 4isten, open yo'r eyes, look, yo'r Beatrice is here. Co)e, dear, have a taste of these conserves. 5ake heart if yo' love )e, and do as & say, or do yo' (ant )e to %oin yo' in death as & have loved yo' in lifeJ Hon2t yo' hear, )y darlin!J 1on2t yo' ans(er or even look at )eJF 1hile she said these (ords, she shed pearly tears. ,he leaned her lovely face close to the devilish lack face. Hon 6adri?'e, (ho (as (atchin! all this, felt closer to death than the ne!ro. +e didn2t kno( (hat to say or do. ,everal ti)es he al)ost revealed his presence, 't then, (hen he tho'!ht a o't it, he reali7ed the est thin! (as %'st to !et o't of it all. 1hile he (as vacillatin!, the ne!ro opened his eyes and looked 'p at his )istress. 1ith oth hands he p'shed a(ay that face so close to his o(n and said in a (eak voice: F1hat do yo' (ant of )e, )ada)J 4eave )e alone, for the love of GodQ +o( can yo' p'rs'e )e even as & lie dyin!J &sn2t it eno'!h that yo'r lascivio'sness has ro'!ht )e to this endJ 9ven no( yo' (ant )e to satisfy yo'r vicio's appetites (hen & a) reathin! )y

> 1-$ > lastJ Get yo'rself a h's and, )ada), )arry, and leave )e in peace. & never (ant to see yo' a!ainQ & (on2t to'ch the food yo' rin! )eD & (ant only to die, that2s all &2) !ood for no(.F 1hen he finished speakin!, he t'rned his ack to her, ref'sin! to respond no )atter ho( lovin!ly and tenderly she addressed hi). May e he2d already died or )ay e he %'st ref'sed to heed her tears and her pleadin!. HoBa Beatrice finally tired of tryin! and ret'rned to her roo), the saddest, )ost tearf'l (o)an in the (orld. Hon 6adri?'e (aited 'ntil the front door (as opened and, the )o)ent he sa( it clear, he fled fro) that ho'se. +e felt conf'sion and dis!'st to the sa)e de!ree as previo'sly he had felt deli!ht and !lory. 5he )o)ent he !ot ho)e, he (ent strai!ht to ed (itho't sayin! a (ord to his friend. 4ater that afternoon he (ent o't to s'rvey the virt'o's (ido(2s street to see if anythin! (as happenin!. +e !ot there %'st in ti)e to see the) rin! the ne!ro o't for 'rial. +e (ent ack ho)e, al(ays keepin! this terri le secret to hi)self. 6or three or fo'r days he (alked her street, no lon!er inspired y his love, 't si)ply tryin! to learn )ore a o't (hat he still co'ldn2t elieve despite the fact that he2d seen it (ith his o(n eyes. +e never did catch si!ht of doBa BeatriceD she re)ained (ithdra(n and !rief/stricken over the death of her lack lover. 5hen one day after dinner (hile he (as chattin! (ith his friend, one of doBa Beatrice2s )aids entered. Eery happy to see hi), she co'rteo'sly placed a letter in his hands. &t read: 1here there is love, there is little need for inter)ediaries. & a) !ratef'l for yo'r attentions and satisfied (ith yo'r love, so &2ve decided not to (ait o't the rest of the year to !rant yo' the (ell/earned possession of )y person and )y property. 1e can cele rate o'r )arria!e (henever it pleases yo', 'nder any conditions yo' deter)ine. Ko'r (orthiness and )y love for yo' have ro'!ht )e to this decision. May God keep yo'. HoBa Beatrice Hon 6adri?'e read the letter over three or fo'r ti)es and still he co'ldn2t elieve it. &n his )ind, he kept !oin! over and over that dreadf'l scene. Heep do(n he felt a)a7ed y (hat had happened to hi). 5(ice he2d een on the ver!e of fallin! into !rievo's error, and t(ice heaven had revealed )o)ento's secrets to hi) %'st in the nick of ti)e. +e 'nderstood clearly that doBa Beatrice2s ne( deter)ination had een ca'sed y the loss of her lack lover. +e )ade 'p his )ind to do the honora le thin!. 5ellin! the )aid to (ait, he (ent into the ne=t roo), called in his friend, and said s'ccinctly: > 1-9 > FMy friend, it2s i)portant to )y life and to )y honor that & leave ,eville (ithin the ho'r. 3o one shall acco)pany )e e=cept the servant & ro'!ht (ith )e fro) Granada. *fter )y depart're, yo' are to sell the clothin! & leave here and (ith the )oney yo' !et fro) the sale, yo' can pay the other servants. 5he (hy and (herefore & cannot tell yo' eca'se others2 rep'tations and honor are at stake. 1hen & settle do(n, &2ll (rite to yo'. 5his is very serio's, so don2t ask anythin! or even co))ent. 1hile & (rite a letter, please have t(o )'les prepared for )e and, eyond that, don2t try to learn )ore for the present.F +e then (rote a letter to doBa Beatrice and !ave it to the )aid to take to her )istress. 5he )'les (ere ro'!ht aro'nd and he left ,eville, headed for Madrid, repeatin! his for)er diatri es a!ainst clever (o)en (ho, tr'stin! in their in!en'ity, seek to deceive )en. 4et2s leave hi) for a (hile and ret'rn to doBa Beatrice. ,he received the letter, opened it, and read as follo(s:

5he love that & felt for yo'r !race (as not si)ply desire to possess yo'r ea'ty. & also val'ed yo'r !ood na)e and yo'r honor, as de)onstrated y )y attentions and co'rtesies to yo'. &, )y lady, a) so)e(hat scr'p'lo's, and take it as a )atter of conscience that only yesterday yo' (ere (ido(ed and today yo' (ish to re)arry. Ko'r !race sho'ld )o'rn at least one year for yo'r ill/fated ne!ro. &n ti)e yo'r !race2s proposal (ill e ans(ered. May heaven protect and console yo'. 5his letter al)ost )ade doBa Beatrice !o cra7y 't, seein! that don 6adri?'e had already left to(n, she soon said yes to another !entle)an (ho had proposed to her, in that (ay )akin! 'p for the loss of her late lover. .o'rneyin! (ith forced )arches ;as the sayin! !oes<, don 6adri?'e soon arrived in Madrid and (ent to stay in the ho'se of one of his 'ncles (ho o(ned property in the Car)en district. 5his 'ncle (as a (ealthy !entle)an (hose only son, don .'an, (as his heir. Hon .'an (as a handso)e, ele!ant yo'th, intelli!ent, hi!h/spirited, and very char)in!. +is father had etrothed hi) to a (ealthy co'sin 't the )arria!e (as to e delayed 'ntil she ca)e of a!e, since at the ti)e she (as only ten. 1ithin a fe( days, don 6adri?'e and this yo'th ca)e to treat each other like rothers. 5he t(o eca)e s'ch !ood friends that their closeness (ent (ay eyond )ere fa)ily affection. Hon 6adri?'e noticed that don .'an see)ed e=ceedin!ly )elancholy. &n an effort to find o't (hy, he stated that tr'e friends don2t keep secrets fro) each other > 1"0 > and, to enco'ra!e don .'an f'rther, don 6adri?'e told hi) a o't his o(n life and his stran!e e=periences, 't (itho't )entionin! any na)es. 5hen he e!!ed don .'an to tell hi) (hat (as ca'sin! his sadness, so 'n's'al !iven his asically happy nat're. 5his (as e=actly (hat don .'an had (anted don 6adri?'e to ask. +e kne( he2d feel his sorro( less if he co'ld share it (ith his friend, and he replied: F6riend don 6adri?'e, & dearly love a (o)an here in this city. 1hen her parents died, they left her a lot of )oney and the o li!ation to )arry her co'sin (ho is a(ay in the &ndies. A'r chaste love hasn2t !one eyond si)ple conversation 't (e hope to en%oy love2s re(ard (hen her etrothed ret'rns. 8i!ht no( neither her sit'ation nor )y o(n per)its 's to en%oy !reater a)oro's ind'l!ence. 1e are oth etrothed and cannot risk o'r honor. *ltho'!h & don2t en%oy possession of )y o(n etrothed, she serves as a chain that keeps )e fro) ein! free. F5o descri e this lady2s ea'ty to yo' (o'ld e like red'cin! ea'ty itself to a cipher. +er intelli!ence is so keen that no one etters her in h')anistic learnin!. HoBa *na, for this is her na)e, is the (onder of this a!e. ,he and her co'sin, doBa Eiolante, are the si yls of ,pain: oth are ea'tif'l, (itty, oth are )'sicians and poets. &n concl'sion, these t(o (o)en possess the s') of all the ea'ty and intelli!ence scattered a)on! all other (o)en in the (orld. F1ell, so)eone told doBa *na that & (as co'rtin! a (o)an na)ed 3ise, all eca'se last ,'nday & (as seen talkin! (ith her in the Ch'rch of ,an Gines, (hich is 3ise2s ch'rch. Kesterday, very %ealo's, doBa *na told )e to !o a(ay and never darken her door a!ain. Besides that, eca'se she kno(s & 'rn 'p (ith %ealo'sy every ti)e she )entions her etrothedMdespite )y hope that he (ill serve as inter)ediary to )y s'ccessMshe told )e that she adores hi) alone and that she lovin!ly lon!s for his arrival. & can2t ear the tho'!ht of anyone 't )yself en%oyin! possession of her ea'ty. & (rote her a letter on the s' %ect of %ealo'sy and she2s sent )e an ans(er that &2ll sho( yo'. Given her talent for poetry, as for everythin! else, it2s in allad for).F +e took o't doBa *na2s letter and handed it to don 6adri?'e, (ho read:

Ko'r )ad ehavior, 4isardo, is s'ch that )y !rief forces )e to la)e yo' (hile & s'ffer all the pain. & don2t (ant to co'nt or )ake > 1"1 > a list of yo'r thankless deeds, eca'se in!rates leave only 7eros, never pl'ses. 4'st alone prevails, 4isardo, and )y fears are %'st, for yo' co'nt on )y loyalty (hile denyin! yo'r o(n. & don2t (ant to re)ind yo' of all )y )any sorro(s, since yo' never !ave )e a receipt for )y priceless !ift to yo'. ,i!hs yearn to %oin the air, for air is (hat they are, and don2t tro' le to co'nt ho( )any tho'sand si!hs there are. 5ears yearn to %oin the sea, sorro( yearns to %oin )y co)plaints, as )y affection years for yo'r icy disdain hopin! that yo'r scorn (ill lose its force. 5o say, 4isardo, that & ind'l!e )y passion to (hile a(ay yo'r a sence, is a chi)era of yo'r i)a!ination. &f & (anted to e entertained, the villa!e has shepherds and, (hile & do not sho( the) favor, they cele rate and sin! )y h') le char)s. & co'ld choose fro) the) one (ho (o'ld deli!ht )e (ith his entertainin! love and )ake )e e=tre)ely happy. Ket yo', 4isardo, altho'!h yo' en%oy favors that others desire, yo' do not val'e those favors, indeed yo' even scorn the). 4isardo, & elieve that a (o)an of )y char)s !rants yo' favors and re(ards, (ith )erely a !entle !lance. B't since yo' have al(ays een

'n!ratef'l for )y affection, yo' do not pri7e )y love or re(ard )e (ith yo'r o(n. Ko' don2t even kno( (hat love is, this & kno( for certain, efore yo' even start to love already yo' seek to end it. > 1"- > &n har)ony (ith )y nat're & favor yo'D do not ask )ore of )e, it is eno'!h that yo'r char) )arks the li)it of )y pleas're. Ho yo' fear that the shepherd (ho is to e )y )aster (ill ret'rnJ &f yo' sp'rn )y favors, 4isardo, (hy do yo' co)plainJ Ko' ask for health and (hen & !ive yo' )edicine, yo' despairD love is like ein! led (itho't havin! yo'r veins c't open. 5he tr'th is, 4isardo, another ea'ty has con?'ered yo' so no( yo' find )y love a otherD & 'nderstand, & a) not st'pid. 4isardo, )ay heaven c'rse one (ho )akes his eloved %ealo's y 'sin! the char)s of anotherD )ay the sa)e fate efall hi)Q 5he )'sician sin!s in the street, the poet )akes his verses, the lady falls in love and i!nores the one (ho co'rts her. & kno( yo'r tricks & kno( yo'r deceptions, since & praised 3ise to yo' ho( )'ch yo' love her no(Q Un!ratef'l 4isardo, )ay yo' en%oy her ea'ty a tho'sand yearsD )ay as )any favors deli!ht yo' as the sorro(s that are killin! )e. Hrink in her s(eet deception, leave )e )y itter evera!e. & intend to han! )y chains in the te)ple of )y faithD fro) there & (ill e (atchin! yo' the (ay a person (atches a !a) ler

play the card on (hich he ets tr'th a!ainst falsehood. & do not co)plain a o't yo'r offense, 4isardo, eca'se )y co)plaints (o'ld not )ake yo' love )e a!ain, yo' (o'ld only )ake )e pay for the). & 'nderstand yo'r attraction, for her coal lack hair is e ony on (hich is etched > 1"" > her ea'ty and yo'r affection, her lack eyes, stars in (hose )ischievo's p'pils yo'r (ar (ill find peace, yo'r stor), cal) (eather. Ko' (ear her color, lack, and yo' appear )ore ele!ant than (hen yo'2re (earin! )ine, (hich it pleases yo' to sp'rn. 5o find solace for yo'r sorro(s yo' co'ld eco)e a re!'lar (orshipper in the !lorio's ch'rch of ,an Gines (here yo'r 3ise al(ays !oes. 1ith this son!, & ask 4ove to la)ent yo'r faithlessness. May God keep yo'. 6ro) )y ho'se. 6ro) one (ho desires yo'r happiness. FKo' don2t have a lot to fear fro) this ene)y,F don 6adri?'e said as he finished readin!. F6ro) (hat this poe) says, she2s )ore i)passioned than an!ry. 5he (o)an (rites (ell and if she2s as ea'tif'l as yo' say, yo'2re foolish not to persevere 'ntil yo' reap the fr'it of yo'r love.F F5he poe),F don .'an replied, Fis %'st a speck, a scratch, a nothin!, co)pared to her !reat ea'ty and intelli!enceD she has often een called the ,panish si yl.F FBy God, co'sin,F don 6adri?'e said, F& fear (o)en (ho kno( so )'ch, )ore than & fear death itself. &2d like to find a (o)an (ho2s as i!norant of the (ays of the (orld as this one is (ise in the). &f & ever do find s'ch a (o)an, as God lives, & shall devote )yself to servin! and lovin! her. B't no(adays (o)en are all so sharp yo' can hardly keep 'p (ith the). 5hey all kno( ho( to love and ho( to deceive, 't clever (o)en have ta'!ht )e s'ch a lesson that & (ant to (in only an i!norant one.F FKo' can2t really )ean thatQF don .'an e=clai)ed. F& can2t i)a!ine any )an (antin! a foolish (o)an to talk (ith for fifteen )in'tes let alone to loveQ 1hy, the )ost fa)o's philosophers in the (orld say that kno(led!e is food for the so'lD then, so lon! as eyes feed on (hite skin, !racef'l hands, lovely eyes, a strikin! fi!'re, in short, on ea'ty that2s (orthy of ein! loved in a (o)an, it2s not ri!ht that the so'l2s desire sho'ld e denied or sho'ld have to feed itself only on nonsensical orin! d'llnessQ ,ince the so'l is p're, (e sho'ld not no'rish it (ith 'nrefined food.F

> 1"@ > F4et2s not disc'ss this any)ore,F don 6adri?'e replied. F5here2s a lot to e said on the s' %ect, 't & kno( (hat2s est for )e in this re!ard. 4et2s ans(er doBa *na2s letter, tho'!h the est ans(er (o'ld e to visit her, for nothin! is as effective and )ovin! as the lover in person. Besides, &2) c'rio's to see if her co'sin interests )eD )ay e & can have so)e f'n (ith her (hile &2) here in Madrid.F F4et2s !o,F don .'an said. F5o tell yo' the tr'th, that2s e=actly (hat & (as (antin! to do. B't let )e (arn yo': doBa Eiolante is not d') Q &f clever (o)en displease yo', yo' don2t have to co)e (ith )e.F F&2ll )ana!e,F don 6adri?'e replied. 1ith this 'nderstandin!, they (ent to visit the t(o ea'tif'l co'sins and (ere received (ith real pleas're. *ltho'!h doBa *na still acted %ealo's and ha'!hty, don .'an didn2t have to do )'ch to te)per her resent)ent. 1hen don 6adri?'e sa( doBa Eiolante, he tho'!ht she (as one of the )ost ea'tif'l (o)en he2d ever seen, even in co)parison (ith ,erafina and doBa Beatrice. ,he (as havin! her portrait painted ;?'ite a fad here in Madrid<, and for that reason, she (as ele!antly attired. &t see)ed, ho(ever, as if she2d dressed (ith s'ch e=trava!ance and ele!ance especially to con?'er don 6adri?'e. ,he (as (earin! a f'll lack skirt covered (ith se?'ins and !old 'ttons, a elt and a necklace !litterin! (ith dia)onds and circlin! her ro( a and of r' ies. *fter )'ch co'rtly praise, don 6adri?'e, inspired y the )'ses, took 'p a !'itar and san! this allad, (hich he i)provised to s'it the occasion:NUO ,hepherdess (hose ea'ty deli!hts, ena)ors, slays, yo' are a (onder fro) heaven, the !lory of o'r villa!e. 1hat paint r'sh e=ists, even if it2s !'ided and !overned y the !reat *pelles hi)self, that can capt're yo'r ea'tyJ 1hat rays, even those the s'n sends forth fro) his cro(n, can e?'al the splendor of yo'r lovely chestn't tressesJ 1hat can )atch the radiance & see in yo'r ri!ht stars, &n this allad, Eiolante is co)pared (ith Ca)paspe, *le=ander the Great2s )istress, (hose fa)o's portrait (as painted y the artist *pelles. > 1"I > a li!ht )ore rilliant than the dia)ond2s !litterJ 1hat lilies co)pare (ith yo'r (hite ro(J 1hat C'pid2s o(s (ith yo'r fine eye ro(sJ 1hat darts (ith yo'r lashesJ 1hat arro(s (ith yo'r eyesJ 1hat ale=andrine roses

)atch yo'r cheeksJ *ll these are inferior to yo'r ea'ty, van?'ished y yo'r car)ine. ,hepherdess, (hat r' ies )atch the color of yo'r )o'thJ 1itho't any do' t, the r' ies in yo'r hair see) false (hen co)pared (ith yo'r lovely lips. Ko'r (ords are carnations, yo'r (hite teeth pearls (ith (hich the da(n, (eepin!, edecks her )eado(s. Ko'r lovely neck a col')n of crystal (hich holds 'p the heavenly ho)e of 4ove, (here C'pid d(ells. 1hat sno( )atches yo'r hands on (hose sno(y peaks the old (ho seek advent're lose their (ayJ Af everythin! yo'r dress reveals, ea'tif'l shepherdess, &2d like to sin! f'llest praise, 't )y ton!'e dares not. .'st like a second Ca)paspe, yo' e=hi it s'ch heavenly !races, poor *pelles si)ply !a7es at yo' (itho't hope of capt'rin! the)Q ,hepherdess, tell *pelles, (hose r'shes seek to rin! yo'r ea'ty fro) heaven do(n to earth that oth he and & fall shortD oth r'sh and pen re)ain 'na le to capt're an i)a!e that can )atch the )odel. ,ince the (orld no lon!er possesses the )old in (hich (ise 3at're for)ed yo', there (ill never e > 1"# > another e?'al to yo'. Hia)onds, !old, crystal, ri!ht s'n, roses, lilies, heavens, stars, r' ies, carnations, %as)ine, pearls,

everythin!, in yo'r presence, loses its ea'ty and its val'e. 1hat r'sh, (hat pen, can do %'stice to s'ch ea'tyJ Both doBa *na and her co'sin praised don 6adri?'e2s verses and his voice. HoBa Eiolante in partic'lar e!an to look favora ly on this !entle)an fro) Granada eca'se of his lavish praise of her. 6ro) that afternoon on, C'pid2s !a)e (as on the ta le. &n this instance don 6adri?'e didn2t hold tr'e to his deter)ination to sp'rn clever (o)en and fear sharp ones. +e fell head over heels in love. 5he ne=t day, efore he and don .'an set o't to visit the ea'tif'l co'sins, don 6adri?'e sent this sonnet to doBa *na: NUO Ko' are a strin! on love2s instr')ent, ea'tif'l, heavenly first strin!, and love so estee)s yo'r s(eet tone that no( it raises yo' fro) first to third and chan!es key. Hiscreet (as all tho'!ht of love, and thro'!h yo'r val'e love2s tone !ains co'ra!e, for ein! first, love (ants to i)press its soverei!n tone on yo'r ein!. 5he third strin! often shifts to first 't, ein! first, for it to eco)e third is heavenly, (onderf'l, stran!e, )irac'lo's. *nd so & say that if Arphe's had 'sed yo' to )ake his divine )'sic he (o'ld have filled (ith love all he l'lled to sleep. B't (hy, )y pen, do yo' sin! of love for this ea'tif'l first strin! (hen love already possesses herJ 5his sonnet is ased on a conceit i)possi le to translate into 9n!lish. 5he central )etaphor derives fro) )'sical i)a!ery p'nnin! on the (ord prima , first strin! of an instr')ent and also co'sin, and on tercera , the third strin! and also )atch)aker or !o/ et(een. 5here is also p'nnin! on cuerda , )eanin! cord, strin!, (ise. > 1": > 1hat & e! of yo', ein! the third strin!, please tell yo'r lovely first strin! to love )e. HoBa *na2s ans(er to don 6adri?'e (as that in this re!ard she (o'ldn2t have to do )'ch for doBa Eiolante (as very i)pressed (ith hi). 5his ne(s )ade hi) feel so pro'd and happy that he for!ot all a o't his e=periences (ith ,erafina and Beatrice and the lessons he2d learned. Hon 6adri?'e and doBa Eiolante spent )any days co'rtin! in the sa)e for)al )anner, their love never vent'rin! to other kinds of a)oro's e=peri)entation. 5hey en%oyed only that interco'rse that held no risk to their honor, and this restraint so i)passioned don 6adri?'e that he soon ca)e to the point of (antin! to )arry doBa

Eiolante. ,he, ho(ever, never )entioned s'ch a thin!, for she tr'ly a horred the tho'!ht of )arria!e, afraid of losin! the freedo) she en%oyed. Ane day (hile the t(o co'sins (ere dressin! to !o visit FtheirF lovely co'sins, they received a )essa!e fro) the ladies sayin! that doBa *na2s etrothed had arrived so secretly that they2d had no (ord of his arrival. 5his s'ddenness fri!htened the) othD doBa *na feared her fiance had co)e secretly either eca'se he felt s'spicio's or else eca'se he had so)e fearso)e desi!n. *nyho(, for the) all to e safe, they2d have to e very caref'l. ,he e!!ed don .'an to ar) hi)self (ith patience, as the t(o (o)en the)selves (ere doin!. 3ot only sho'ld he and don 6adri?'e not visit the), they sho'ldn2t even (alk do(n their street 'ntil they received f'rther instr'ction. 5his (as a terri le lo( to don .'an and don 6adri?'e 't, despite their !reat distress, they had to ear it. 5hey felt even (orse fo'r days later (hen they fo'nd o't that doBa *na had !otten )arried. 6'rther)ore, her ne( lord and )aster, ein! over forty and e=perienced in the (ays of the (orld, (as a %ealo's )an. +e had i)posed harsh r'les to protect the honor of the ho'se. &t (o'ld e i)possi le for the !allant lovers to see the lovely co'sins even at their (indo(, nor co'ld don .'an and don 6adri?'e send any (ord, not even to in?'ire a o't the ladies2 healthMin the case of doBa *na eca'se of her ne( h's and2s protectiveness and in doBa Eiolante2s for reasons (e shall soon find o't. Hon .'an and don 6adri?'e spent a (hole )onth in despair, (aitin! for so)e ne(s, i)patient, an=io's, 'nhappy. &t appeared that the t(o lovely co'sins felt no concern a o't their sorro(. *t last they > 1"$ > decided, re!ardless of the risk, to (alk do(n the street (here their ladies lived, on the off chance that they )i!ht see one of the ladies or at least one of the )aids fro) the ho'se. Ane day the t(o )en strolled do(n the street and a!ain the ne=t day and oth ti)es they sa( doBa *na2s h's and enter the ho'se acco)panied y his rother, a handso)e yo'n! st'dent. &t (as i)possi le for the) to !li)pse the ladies or anythin! else that rese) led a (o)an: so)e )ale servants, yes, 't they didn2t kno( the) so they didn2t dare speak to the). *n=iety kept the t(o )en 'p late each ni!ht and (oke the) early in the )ornin!. 4'ck had it that very early one ,'nday )ornin! they sa( one of doBa Eiolante2s )aids leave on her (ay to )ass. Hon .'an approached to speak to her. 6earf'lly she looked all aro'nd. 5hen she told the t(o lovers ho( %ealo's her ne( )aster (as and descri ed ho( circ')spectly they lived. ,he took the letter don .'an had (ritten previo'sly in case he sho'ld find %'st s'ch a chance to deliver it and she told the) to ret'rn the ne=t day. ,he2d try to rin! a reply. 5hen she r'shed off to take the letter to her )istress. &t read: & don2t feel %ealo's eca'se %ealo'sy solves nothin!. & co'ld even ear %ealo'sy if yo' felt any affection for )e. 1hat )ost saddens )e is that yo'2ve for!otten )e. &f yo' still feel the least spark of o'r for)er fla)e, please have pity on )y love, e kind to )e in this cr'el sit'ation. *fter the ladies read the letter, doBa *na !ave a reply to the sa)e )aid (ho, (hen she sa( the !entle)en in the street elo(, thre( it to the) fro) the (indo(. HoBa *na2s letter read: 5he )aster is a %ealo's )an and ne(ly (ed so he hasn2t had ti)e for second tho'!hts or to !ro( inattentive. 1ithin the ne=t (eek, ho(ever, he has to !o to Ealladolid to see so)e relatives, and then & shall )ake )y e=c'ses properly and pay )y de ts to yo'. Hon .'an and don 6adri?'e kissed this letter over and over, considerin! it a kind of happy prophecy that inspired a tho'sand fantasies and con%ect'res. 5his e'phoria lasted for several days. B't (hen they didn2t receive f'rther instr'ctions as the letter had pro)ised, and there (as no chan!e in the ha its of

the ladies2 ho'seMit re)ained i)possi le to !li)pse the) either in the street or at a (indo(Mthe t(o )en fell into the sa)e despair they had felt efore they received the letter. 5hey ha'nted the street at all ho'rs of the day and spent )any a ni!ht fro) s'nset to s'n'p in front of the ho'se. Ane day (hen don .'an chanced to !o hear )ass at the Ch'rch > 1"9 > of the Car)en he sa( his eloved doBa *na enter ;a si!ht he considered nothin! less than )irac'lo's<. +e (atched her enter a side chapel to hear )ass. &n spite of the fact that she (as acco)panied y a foot)an, he follo(ed her and knelt do(n at her side. 5here (ere len!thy co)plaints and rief e=c'ses. HoBa *na e=plained that her h's and, altho'!h he2d said he (as !oin! to Ealladolid, hadn2t !one. Given the nat're of their )eetin! place, she sa( no (ay to talk )ore (ith hi) 'nless he co'ld co)e to her ho'se that very ni!ht. ,he herself (o'ld open the door for hi). B't he had to rin! his co'sin (ith hi) so don 6adri?'e co'ld take doBa *na2s place in ed (ith her h's and. 1hat )ade the (hole thin! possi le (as the fact that she (as f'rio's (ith her h's and, so f'rio's she hadn2t spoken to hi) for days. +er an!er (as that !reat and, esides, he slept so so'ndly that she (as certain he2d never notice the s' stit'tion. 1hile her co'sin doBa Eiolante )i!ht have taken doBa *na2s place, she co'ldn2t eca'se she (as ill. &f don .'an didn2t o ey these instr'ctions, then there (as no (ay to satisfy his desires. 5his plan confo'nded don .'an. An one hand, he kne( don 6adri?'e (o'ld never !o alon! (ith his part, and on the other, he sa( the chance he2d e losin!. M'llin! over these tho'!hts, he (ent ho)e and, after )'ch 'r!in! and pleadin! y don 6adri?'e, don .'an finally told hi) everythin! doBa *na had said. Hon 6adri?'e asked don .'an if he (as cra7y. +e co'ldn2t elieve don .'an (o'ld repeat s'ch nonsense if he (ere in his ri!ht )ind. 5hen don 6adri?'e cracked a tho'sand %okes and e!an to rave a o't the !reat favor doBa *na did hi) in fi=in! hi) 'p (ith s'ch a lovely ed partner. 5he t(o spent several ho'rs ar!'in! ack and forth, one e!!in!, the other ref'sin!. 6inally don .'an reached his li)it and dre( his s(ord, intendin! to kill hi)self. Eery 'n(illin!ly, don 6adri?'e !ave in and a!reed to take doBa *na2s place in ed (ith her h's and. Hon .'an and don 6adri?'e (ent to doBa *na2s ho'se. 5he lady had een (orried 't, (hen they arrived to!ether, she 'nderstood that, in co)in! alon!, don 6adri?'e had a!reed to the plan. HoBa *na let the) in and led the) to a roo) ri!ht ne=t to her edroo). ,he co))anded don 6adri?'e to 'ndress. *ll in the dark, he o eyed. +e (as in a terri le te)per. 5hen she led hi), arefoot and (earin! only his shirt, into the ad%oinin! roo). ,he stood hi) ne=t to the ed and (hispered to hi) to !et in. 5here she left hi) and happily (ent off (ith her lover to another roo). 4et2s leave don .'an and doBa *na and ret'rn to don 6adri?'e. > 1@0 > *s soon as he fo'nd hi)self in ed ne=t to the )an (hose honor he (as offendin! y s' stit'tin! for his (ife so she co'ld dally (ith a lover, he e!an to think a o't (hat )i!ht happen to hi), (hat s'ch a'dacity )i!ht cost. +e re)ained so (ide a(ake and fearf'l that he (o'ld have !iven everythin! he o(ned not to e in s'ch a dreadf'l sit'ation. 5he offended h's and si!hed in his sleep. 5hen he t'rned to(ard his s'pposed (ife and thre( an ar) aro'nd don 6adri?'e2s neck, actin! as if he (anted to )ake love. 9ven tho'!h the h's and did all this in his sleep and didn2t persist, don 6adri?'e felt very threatened. *s !ently as he co'ld, he took the sleepin! )an2s ar) and re)oved it fro) aro'nd his neck and h'ddled over in a corner of the ed. +e 'p raided hi)self for havin! !otten into this )ess si)ply

to satisfy the (hi) of the t(o cra7y lovers. Hon 6adri?'e had %'st s'rvived the first test (hen the deceived h's and stretched o't his feet and r' ed the) a!ainst those of his terrified ed)ate. Hon 6adri?'e tho'!ht each one of these contacts (as al)ost like dyin!. 5o e rief, the t(o spent all ni!ht lon! like this, (ith one tryin! to sn'!!le 'p and the other tryin! to slither a(ay. 1hen li!ht e!an to sho( 'nder the crack in the door, don 6adri?'e eca)e )ore fearf'l than efore, reali7in! that all he2d s'ffered (o'ld e in vain if it !re( li!ht and the deceived h's and a(oke and sa( his ed partner efore doBa *na resc'ed hi). Hon 6adri?'e felt s're he (o'ldn2t !et o't of this ind alive. +e !ot 'p as ?'ietly as he co'ld and !roped his (ay to the door. .'st as he (as a o't to open it, doBa *na appeared. 1hen she sa( hi), she said in a lo'd voice: F1here are yo' !oin! in s'ch a h'rry, don 6adri?'eJF FAh, )y ladyQF he e=clai)ed in a (hisper. F0no(in! the dan!er &2) in, ho( can yo' e so recklessJ 6or God2s sake, let )e !et o't of hereQ &f yo'r )aster (akes 'p, (e2ll lose everythin!QF F1hat do yo' )ean, !et o't of hereJF 5he clever lady asked in a lo'd voice so she2d e heard. FBy heavenQ & (ant )y h's and to see (ho he slept (ith last ni!ht so he2ll kno( (hat his %ealo'sy and his passion have ca'sed.F 5hen, (itho't don 6adri?'e2s ein! a le to stop her, eca'se the roo) (as s)all and he (as d')fo'nded, she reached over and %erked open the (indo(. 1ith the c'rtains p'lled ack and standin! y the ed, she said: F4ook, )y lord h's and, look (ho yo' slept (ith last ni!htQF > 1@1 > Hon 6adri?'e looked do(n at the fi!'re in the ed and instead of *na2s earded h's and, (ho had, in fact, departed si= days efore, he sa( the e=?'isite doBa Eiolante. 5he lovely (o)an looked like da(n (hen she dra(s ack the c'rtains of the ni!ht and sallies forth to scatter her pearls across the flo(erin! )eado(s. 5his trick of the t(o lovely co'sins so )ortified don 6adri?'e that he co'ldn2t 'tter a (ord. +e co'ldn2t think of a thin! to say, and doBa *na and doBa Eiolante cele rated their s'ccess (ith !ales of la'!hter. HoBa Eiolante descri ed in detail ho( she had tor)ented hi) all ni!ht lon!. 5he !entle)an fro) Granada soon recovered fro) his e) arrass)ent and doBa *na arran!ed it so he co'ld savor the fr'it of all the flo(ers (hose seeds he had so(n. +e en%oyed )any deli!htf'l pleas'res (ith his lady, not only (hile doBa *na2s h's and (as a sent, and he (as delayed y la(s'its, 't even after his ret'rn. Hon 6adri?'e ri ed one of her )aids to let hi) in so he co'ld spend )ost ni!hts in doBa Eiolante2s co)pany, to don .'an2s !reat envy, since he co'ldn2t e (ith his doBa *na and e!r'd!ed his co'sin2s !ood fort'ne. Hon 6adri?'e en%oyed his affair (ith his lady for several )onths, !ivin! )ore and )ore indications of his !ro(in! love, )ore than yo' )i!ht e=pect. Co)pelled y this love, a tho'sand ti)es he decided to )ake her his (ife if ever she sho(ed any desire to )arry. B't each ti)e he ro'!ht 'p the s' %ect of her chan!in! her stat's, she c't hi) off (ith a tho'sand pers'asive prete=ts. 5hen, %'st (hen don 6adri?'e (as feelin! )ost confident and least apprehensive a o't her love, doBa Eiolante2s interest e!an to (ane. ,he e!an avoidin! hi) as )'ch as she co'ld. A't of %ealo'sy, he la)ed so)e ne( infat'ation and his co)plaints eca)e increasin!ly orin! and otherso)e. Hespairin! eca'se of his fall fro) favor %'st (hen he tho'!ht he2d reached the peak, he ri ed the servant (ith !ifts and pro)ises of !reat re(ards and fo'nd o't (hat he didn2t really (ant to kno(. 5he

treachero's )aid told don 6adri?'e to fei!n illness that ni!ht and to tell doBa Eiolante he (as sick in ed so she (o'ldn2t prepare for his visit as she 's'ally did. +e sho'ld co)e to the ho'se and she2d leave the door open so he co'ld let hi)self in and see (hat he )i!ht see. 5his (as si)ple eca'se, ever since her co'sin2s )arria!e, doBa Eiolante had lived in an apart)ent separated fro) the rest of the ho'se (here she co'ld stay o't of doBa *na and her ne( h's and2s > 1@- > affairs. HoBa Eiolante co'ldn2t stand doBa *na2s h's and and, esides, she (as 'sed to havin! her freedo) and didn2t (ant anyone keepin! (atch over her. 5here (as a door connectin! their t(o apart)ents and often doBa Eiolante (o'ld eat (ith doBa *na and her h's and eca'se he (as char)ed y doBa Eiolante2s conversation. HoBa Eiolante elieved in don 6adri?'e2s fei!ned illness and it s'ited her (ell that she (o'ldn2t have to other to entertain hi) as 's'al. ,he decided to retire early. 3o( the thin! is that doBa *na2s h's and2s rother 's'ally spent )ost of his ti)e (ith the three of the) and he had taken a !reat likin! to doBa Eiolante. ,he, already o li!ated y don 6adri?'e2s attentions, hadn2t acceded to his desires. 3o(, either tired of don 6adri?'e or pleased y her ne( lover2s !ifts and %e(els, she p't ehind her any sense of o li!ation to her for)er lover. +er ne( dalliance inspired her to deprive don 6adri?'e of his possession alto!ether y no lon!er s' )ittin! to his love and desires. ,o, on this ni!ht (hen she tho'!ht she (as safe eca'se of don 6adri?'e2s indisposition, she sent a )essa!e to her ne( lover. +e notified his rother that he planned to stay ho)e that evenin! and (o'ldn2t e spendin! it (ith hi) and doBa *na. &))ediately he ca)e to visit doBa Eiolante to take advanta!e of this !reat opport'nity. Hon 6adri?'e arrived and fo'nd the front door 'nlocked. +is heart (o'ldn2t let hi) (ait. +earin! voices, he r'shed to the door of doBa Eiolante2s apart)ent. +e 'rst into her roo) and fo'nd his lady already in ed and the yo'n! st'dent 'ndressin!, preparin! to %oin her. *t this )o)ent, don 6adri?'e2s (rath co'ld not have een rationalD he r'shed in deter)ined to tear his rival to shreds (ith his are hands rather than dirty his s(ord on s'ch a yo'n! oy. 1hen the callo( lover sa( a )an 'rst in f'rio'sly and he (as naked and (itho't a s(ord, he leaned over and picked 'p a shoe that (as on the floor and held it in his hand as if it (ere a pistol. +e told don 6adri?'e that, if he didn2t stand ack, he2d shoot. 5he yo'th then darted o't the door and do(n into the street, leavin! don 6adri?'e shaken y the s'ddenness of his char!e. HoBa Eiolante (as fir)ly resolved to divest herself of don 6adri?'e2s attentions. ,he looked at hi) standin! there, fro7en, starin! at the door thro'!h (hich his rival had %'st disappeared. ,he e!an > 1@" > to roar (ith la'!hter, findin! the trick (ith the shoe partic'larly hilario's. 5he !entle)an fro) Granada felt )ore h')iliated y her la'!hter than y anythin! else. +is ra!e e=plodedD he r'shed over to doBa Eiolante and str'ck her in the face, athin! it in lood. 6'rio's, she told hi) to !et o't, she2d call her rother/in/la(, she2d )ake don 6adri?'e pay dearly. +eedless of her threats, his ra!e increased. +e !ra ed her y the hair and eat her 'ntil she (as forced to screa). +er screa)s ro'!ht doBa *na and her h's and to the connectin! door. Hon 6adri?'e (as afraid of ein! ca'!ht, especially if the police sho'ld co)e, eca'se they co'ld

char!e hi) (ith anythin!. +e fled fro) the pre)ises and (ent ack to don .'an2s ho'se. +e told don .'an (hat had taken place and i))ediately set a o't arran!in! his depart're. +e kne( that the d'ke of As'na (as a o't to eco)e the ne( viceroy of ,icily and hoped to %oin hi) for the passa!e over. 1ithin fo'r days, don 6adri?'e set o't, leavin! don .'an very de%ected a o't (hat had happened and !rieved to lose s'ch a !ood friend. *ltho'!h don 6adri?'e left ,pain intendin! to !o to ,icily, he ended 'p in 3aples, and the ea'ty of the city held hi) ?'ite so)e ti)e. +e had a variety of advent'res, all of (hich confir)ed his elief that (o)en e=ercise their intelli!ence (ith !reat cleverness to destroy )en2s !ood na)e and honor. ;0eep on elievin! that, don 6adri?'e, so)e day yo'2ll learn %'st the opposite.< &n 3aples he had a )istress (ho, every ti)e her h's and ca)e ho)e, )ade hi) pretend he (as a h'tch acked 'p a!ainst the (all. 6ro) 3aples, he (ent to 8o)e (here he had an affair (ith a (o)an (ho one ni!ht, for his sake, )'rdered her o(n h's and, st'ffed hi) in a sack, carried hi) on her ack do(n to the river, and d')ped hi) in. +e spent )any years involved in these and n')ero's other affairs. *fter si=teen years a(ay fro) ho)e, (eary of travelin! and short of )oneyMindeed he hardly had eno'!h left to !et ho)eMhe decided to ret'rn. +e landed in Barcelona and rested for several days. Caref'lly he checked his p'rse and then o'!ht a )'le to take hi) to Granada. 5he ne=t )ornin! he set o't alone, for he didn2t have eno'!h )oney left to hire a servant. Hon 6adri?'e traveled sli!htly over fo'r lea!'es, intendin! to eat > 1@@ > and rest f'rther do(n the road. &t (as aro'nd nine in the )ornin! (hen he passed thro'!h a ea'tif'l place that elon!ed to a d'ke of Catalonia and his ea'tif'l (ife fro) Ealencia, (ho had retired to live on their lands to save )oney. 5he ea'tif'l d'chess happened to e o't on her alcony %'st as don 6adri?'e (as passin!. ,he noticed the traveler hastenin! y and (as str'ck y his %a'ntiness, so she sent a servant after hi) to tell hi) she desired to speak (ith hi). *s soon as this )essa!e (as !iven to don 6adri?'e, he t'rned ack to see (hat the ea'tif'l d'chess (anted of hi). +e2d al(ays prided hi)self on ein! considerate and partic'larly (ith ladies. &)pressed y the d'chess2 ea'ty and ele!ance, he !reeted her (ith !reat co'rtesy. ,he invited hi) to take a seat and, very char)in!ly, in?'ired (here he (as fro) and (hy he (as travelin! (ith s'ch haste. ,he e)phasi7ed the pleas're it (o'ld !ive her to kno( his ans(er eca'se, the )o)ent she2d set eyes on hi), she2d felt inclined to love hi). 5hat2s (hy she decided to invite hi) to e her !'est (hile the d'ke (as a(ay h'ntin!. Hon 6adri?'e, (ho (asn2t at all shy, thanked her for the favor she sho(ed hi) and told her (ho he (as and a o't the e=periences he2d had in Granada, ,eville, 3aples, 8o)e, and every(here else he2d een. +e ended his tale sayin! he2d r'n o't of )oney and (as tired of travelin! so he (as ret'rnin! ho)e (ith the intention of !ettin! )arried, if he co'ld find a (ife to s'it his taste. F1hat kind of (o)an (o'ld she e,F the d'chess asked, Fthe (o)an (ho (o'ld s'it yo'r tasteJF FMy lady, as &2ve told yo', &2) no le,F don 6adri?'e replied. F& have )ore )oney than & need to last )e the rest of )y life, so it doesn2t )atter to )e if the (o)an (ho is to e )ine isn2t (ealthy so lon! as she2s ea'tif'l and (ell orn. 1hat )ost pleases )e in a (o)an is virt'e. 5hat2s all & re?'ire, for earthly !oods God !ives and God takes a(ay.F F5hen,F the d'chess said, Fif yo' fo'nd a (o)an no le, ea'tif'l, virt'o's, and discreet, (o'ld yo'

i))ediately place yo'r neck in the deli!htf'l yoke of )atri)onyJF F& pro)ise yo', )y lady,F don 6adri?'e responded, F& have een so chastened y the cleverness of discreet (o)en that & (o'ld far prefer to e con?'ered y a )indless (o)an, even if she2s '!ly, as lon! as she has the other ?'alities yo' descri e. &f a (o)an )'st e kno(led!ea le, all she needs to kno( is ho( to love her h's and, > 1@I > ho( to rear his children, and ho( to care for his honor, (itho't any other pretensions.F F*nd ho(,F the d'chess asked, F(ill she kno( ho( to e honora le if she doesn2t even kno( (hat honor )eansJ Hon2t yo' kno( that a si)pleton co))its sins (itho't even kno(in! itJ *n intelli!ent (o)an kno(s ho( to take care of herself. Ko'r decision sho(s ad %'d!)ent, for a (ise (o)an is so)ethin! never to e for!otten. ,o)e day yo' (ill re)e) er )y (ords. FB't, to chan!e the s' %ect, & a) so attracted y yo'r looks and yo'r (it that & shall do so)ethin! for yo' & never tho'!ht &2d do.F 5hen she invited don 6adri?'e to e her !'est at dinner and she took hi) into her edcha) er to dine )ore inti)ately. 5his s'rprised hi)D indeed none of his other e=periences astonished hi) as !reatly. 5hey dined and entertained each other and had a deli!htf'l ti)e to!ether en%oyin! the (ar) afternoon and the solit'de. Hon 6adri?'e (as enchanted y the d'chess2 ea'ty and char) and (ished he co'ld stay forever, if he co'ld2ve done so (itho't scandal. 3i!ht (as e!innin! to spread her )antle across the co'ntryside (hen a )aid entered sayin! that the d'ke had arrived, and so ?'ietly that no one had seen hi) 'ntil he (as inside the ho'se. By no( he2d e cli) in! the stairs. 5he d'chess had no choice 't to open a !ilded c'p oard (here (ater (as stored ri!ht in her o(n roo). L'ickly she p't don 6adri?'e inside and locked the c'p oard (ith the key. 5hen she reclined on her ed. 5he d'ke, a )an so)e(hat past fifty, ca)e in. 1hen he sa( her stretched o't on the ed lookin! as ea'tif'l as a rose 'd on a rose 'sh, he !reeted her lovin!ly and asked her (hy she (as in ed. 5he ea'tif'l lady replied that the only reason (as that she2d (anted to spend the hot siesta ti)e restin! ?'ietly, and then she2d felt too la7y to dress so she hadn2t othered to !et 'p. 5he d'ke told the d'chess that he2d co)e ack (ith a tre)endo's appetite, so they ordered their s'pper ro'!ht 'p to her roo) and they dined (ith leis'rely pleas're. *fter(ards, the ast'te d'chess decided to play a %oke on her lover locked 'p in the ca inet, so she asked the d'ke to play a !a)e na)in! all the thin!s he co'ld think of that (ere )ade of iron. +e accepted the (a!er. *fter )'ch ha!!lin!, they each et a h'ndred esc'dos on (hether he co'ld !'ess the (ord she had in )ind. +e took 'p a pen and e!an to (rite a list of everythin! that2s )ade of iron. 5he d'chess2s l'ck in p'llin! off her trick (as so > 1@# > !ood that the d'ke never tho'!ht of keys. 5he d'chess noted his oversi!ht and even tho'!h she 'r!ed hi) to keep tryin! to think of other thin!s, he said he co'ldn2t. &n this she sa( her (ish f'lfilled. ,he placed her hand over the paper and said: F3o(, )y lord, (hile yo' try to think of other thin!s )ade of iron, &2ll tell yo' a story, the cleverest one yo'2ve ever heard. 5oday, (hen & (as standin! on )y alcony, a stran!er passed y and he (as the handso)est )an &2d ever laid )y eyes on. +e (as in a !reat h'rry, and that )ade )e (ant to speak

(ith hi) and find o't (hy he (as in s'ch a h'rry. & sent for hi) and (hen he ca)e ack, & asked hi) (ho he (as. +e told )e he (as fro) Granada and that he2d left his irthplace for the follo(in! reason . . .F ,he proceeded to reco'nt to her h's and (ord for (ord (hat don 6adri?'e had told her a o't his e=periences. F5he stran!er ended his tale sayin! that he (as on his (ay ho)e to !et )arried, if only he co'ld find a )indless (o)an, since he2d een so chastened y clever (o)en. & tried to pers'ade hi) he (as (ron!, 't he ar!'ed in favor of his convictions. +eavens, )y lord, he dined (ith )e and spent the siesta (ith )e and then, (hen the )aid told )e yo'2d arrived, & p't hi) in that c'p oard there (here the distilled (ater is kept.F 5he d'ke !ot very 'pset and i))ediately e!an to de)and the keys. 5he d'chess 'rst into la'!hter and said: FCal) do(n, )y lord, cal) do(n. 0eys are (hat2s )ade of iron that yo' overlookedQ Ko' can2t really elieve that a )an e=ists to (ho) s'ch thin!s have happened, or that a (o)an (o'ld e so foolish as to tell her h's and s'ch a thin! if it (ere tr'eQ 1hy, if it (ere tr'e, she2d never )ention it. 5he story (as to help yo' re)e) er keys. *nd no(, )y lord, since yo'2ve lost yo'r (a!er, hand over the )oney yo' o(e )e. & plan to spend it on a fancy dress so that (hat has cost yo' s'ch fri!ht (ill e a s'ita le re(ard for )y cleverness.F FBy heavenQF the d'ke e=clai)ed. FKo'2re the very devilQ 1hat a (ay to re)ind )e of )y oversi!htQ & !ive inQF 5'rnin! to his treas'rer, (ho (as present (ith the other servants, he ordered hi) to !ive the d'chess the h'ndred esc'dos i))ediately. 5hen the d'ke (ent o't to receive several of his vassals (ho2d co)e to visit and ask ho( he2d fared on the h'nt. 5he d'chess let don 6adri?'e o't of his hidin! place, still tre) lin! fro) her cra7y a'dacity. ,he !ave hi) the h'ndred esc'dos she2d (on and another h'ndred of her o(n. ,he also presented hi) (ith a chain > 1@: > and her )iniat're, (hich (ere (orth )ore than three h'ndred esc'dos. ,he e) raced hi) and asked hi) to (rite her, and then had hi) taken o't thro'!h the ack door. *s soon as don 6adri?'e fo'nd hi)self on the road, he crossed hi)self repeatedly eca'se of his narro( escape. +e didn2t (ant to stay the ni!ht in that area so he traveled the t(o lea!'es to the place (here he (o'ld2ve eaten l'nch if (hat (e2ve narrated hadn2t occ'rred. 1hile he rode do(n the road, he kept )arvelin! at the d'chess2s ast'teness and te)erity and at the d'ke2s kindliness and !ood nat're. +e tho'!ht to hi)self: F& certainly (as ri!ht that cleverness in (o)en leads to their r'ination. &f the d'chess didn2t tr'st in her (it, she never (o'ld2ve dared offend a!ainst her h's and, let alone tell hi) a o't it. & intend to avoid that kind of thin! if & can, either y not )arryin! or y findin! a (o)an so si)ple and innocent that she2ll kno( nothin! of love and scorn, a (o)an (ho doesn2t kno( the )eanin! of cleverness or deception.F 5hese tho'!hts entertained hi) all the (ay to Madrid, (here he visited his co'sin don .'an. +is father had died and don .'an had co)e into his inheritance and )arried his co'sin. Hon 6adri?'e learned fro) hi) that doBa Eiolante had !otten )arried and that doBa *na had !one to the &ndies (ith her h's and. 6ro) Madrid don 6adri?'e set o't for Granada, (here he (as received like a favorite son of the city.

+e (ent to his a'nt2s ho'se and she (elco)ed hi) (ith a tho'sand kind (ords. +e learned everythin! that had happened d'rin! his a sence: ,erafina had eco)e a n'n, (as leadin! a penitent life, and everyone considered her a saintD don Eicente, feelin! !'ilty for havin! a andoned her after she2d entr'sted her honor to hi), had died of re)orse at seein! her a n'n. Hon Eicente had tried to take her o't of the convent to )arry her, 't ,erafina (as deter)ined never to )arry. 6ive days after his fr'itless atte)pt to )arry ,erafina had failed and helped alon! y a s'dden fever, he paid for his in!ratit'de (ith his life. Hon 6adri?'e learned that doBa Gracia, the little a y he2d had left in his a'nt2s c'stody and (ho (as no( si=teen, had lived in the convent since she (as fo'r. 5he very ne=t day he acco)panied his a'nt to visit doBa Gracia. &n her ea'ty, in her innocence and si)plicity, he sa( the i)a!e of an an!el. ,he looked like a lovely stat'e, 't a stat'e (itho't a so'l, (hich (as s'rprisin!, !iven that she2d een ro'!ht 'p y n'ns and they2re not st'pid. *s don 6adri?'e talked (ith her, he fo'nd in her > 1@$ > conversation and i!norance precisely the (o)an he (as lookin! for. +e felt very attracted to the ea'tif'l Gracia and his love (as increased y the fact that she looked %'st like her )other, ,erafina. Hon 6adri?'e told his a'nt the (hole story. 1hen she learned that Gracia (asn2t his da'!hter as she2d tho'!ht all alon!, she approved of his choice for a (ife. Gracia accepted this !ood fort'ne placidly, like one (ho kno(s neither pleas're or displeas're, !ood or evil. ,he (as nat'rally st'pid, the only fla( in her ea'ty, altho'!h it (as precisely the fla( her h's and re?'ired. Hon 6adri?'e arran!ed the (eddin!, o'!ht finery and %e(els for his ride, and set 'p the ho'se he2d inherited fro) his parents to e their ho)e. +e (anted his (ife to live in her o(n ho'se and not (ith his a'nt, for he didn2t (ant her pri)itive intelli!ence to develop. Given his o sessive elief that intelli!ence leads (o)en to fall into a tho'sand errors, he hired all her )aids (ith !reat care, selectin! the least c'nnin! and the )ost i!norant. & )ay have stated other(ise at the e!innin! of this story, 't no( & reali7e that he (asn2t a (ise )an. & can2t 'nderstand ho( a discreet )an can desire his opposite. B't perhaps his fears a o't his honor e=plain his errorD perhaps, in order to protect his honor, he felt co)pelled to deny his pleas're. 5he day of the (eddin! arrived and Gracia left the convent. +er ea'ty a)a7ed all eyes, her innocence all sense. 5he (eddin! (as cele rated (ith a an?'et and party attended y all the principal citi7ens of Granada, as efitted the !roo)2s no ility. 5he day passed y )ore ?'ickly than the ride (o'ld2ve liked eca'se she didn2t ever (ant to take off all her finery and %e(els. *t last don 6adri?'e ade fare(ell to the !'ests, and the )e) ers of his fa)ily left hi) alone (ith Gracia. Heter)ined to test his (ife2s i!norance, he took her into the edroo) and sat do(n on the ed. ,he had on her s)all clothes, as the sayin! !oes, (earin! only her odice and pettiskirt and divested of her %e(els. 6adri?'e asked Gracia to listen caref'lly to (hat he had to say, (hich (as this or so)ethin! e?'ally foolish: FMy lady, yo' are no( )y (ife, for (hich & !ive thanks to heavenQ ,o lon! as (e live, yo' )'st do (hat &2) a o't to tell yo', and yo' )'st al(ays perfor) this d'ty faithf'lly to keep fro) displeasin! )e and offendin! a!ainst God.F Gracia h') ly replied that she (o'ld !ladly do as he said. FHo yo' kno(,F don 6adri?'e asked, F(hat )arried life isJF > 1@9 >

F3o, )y lord, & have no idea,F Gracia said. FB't yo' e=plain it to )e and &2ll learn it like the +ail Mary.F Hon 6adri?'e (as deli!hted (ith her si)plicity. +e sho(ed her so)e !olden ar)or and then p't it on over her odice: the reastplate and the ackpiece, the !or!et and the ar)plates, (itho't o)ittin! the !a'ntlets. +e !ave her a lance and told her that )arried life )eant that, (hile he slept, she (as to keep (atch over hi), pacin! ack and forth aro'nd the roo). Hressed in her !olden ar)or, Gracia (as a si!ht to see, so fetchin! and lovely (as sheQ 1hatever she didn2t possess in the (ay of intelli!ence she )ade 'p for in her strikin! appearanceD (ith the hel)et pressed do(n over her c'rly locks and the s(ord in its sheath, she (as the very i)a!e of Pallas *thena. *fter the lovely lady (as f'lly ar)ed as &2ve descri ed, don 6adri?'e co))anded her to keep (atch (hile he slept. +appily he (ent to ed and slept peacef'lly 'ntil five o2clock. +e !ot 'p and, after he dressed, he took Gracia !ently in his ar)s and very tenderly 'ndressed her and p't her to ed, tellin! her to rest and sleep. +e ordered the servants not to (ake her 'ntil eleven. +e (ent off to hear )ass and tend his 'siness affairs, (hich (ere )any, since he2d o'!ht hi)self a position on the city co'ncil. More than a (eek (ent y (ith this ro'tine, and don 6adri?'e never led Gracia to think )arried life )i!ht e any different. ,he (as so innocent that she elieved this (as (hat all )arried (o)en did. 5hen it happened that so)e pro le)s arose (ith city affairs and the co'ncil ordered don 6adri?'e to depart y the ne=t sta!e to !o speak (ith the kin!. Beca'se of the 'r!ency of the case and eca'se they kne( he had )any friends at co'rt, havin! spent so )'ch ti)e in Madrid, they didn2t o serve the 's'al co'rtesy to(ard ne(ly(eds in this instance. 5he s'ddenness of this develop)ent left hi) ti)e only to r'sh ho)e, pack for the %o'rney, and tell his ne( (ife to e s're to keep 'p her )arried d'ties (hile he (as !one %'st as she2d done efore, for it (as a !reat sin to reach the) in any (ay. Gracia pro)ised to do her d'ty re!'larly and devo'tly, so don 6adri?'e departed ?'ite happily. B't, of co'rse, one intends to !o to co'rt for a short ti)e and ends 'p stayin! for a lon! ti)e. 5hat2s (hat happened (ith don 6adri?'e. +is stay lasted not days 't )onthsD his case dra!!ed on for over si= )onths. Gracia faithf'lly perfor)ed her )arital d'ty. > 1I0 > Ane day a !entle)an fro) Cordo a ca)e to Granada to file a la(s'it efore the chancellery. +e (as in no (ay st'pid or 'nattractive. 1hen he (as idle, he (o'ld stroll thro'!h the streets of the city. Ane day, he sa( doBa Gracia o't on her alcony (here she spent her afternoons e) roiderin!. 5he si!ht of her captivated hi). +e (as stricken y the vision of her ea'ty and, s'ffice it to say, he e!an to fre?'ent her street. 5he lady, ein! i!norant of all these thin!s and kno(in! nothin! a o't the la(s of love and co'rtship, neither accepted nor re%ected his attentions. +er lack of response saddened the !entle)an fro) Cordo a. Ane of doBa Gracia2s nei!h ors (as o servin! this co'rse of events, and she reali7ed that the !entle)an had fallen in love (ith the yo'n! ride. Ane day she called o't to hi) and, discoverin! the tr'th of her s'pposition, pro)ised to intercede (ith doBa Gracia for hi). 5here2s al(ays so)e a yss for virt'e to fall into. 5he nei!h or (ent to see doBa Gracia. 9=trava!antly she praised the yo'n! ride2s ea'ty, (hich )arked the first step leadin! to doBa Gracia2s do(nfall. 5hen the nei!h or told her ho( the !entle)an (ho spent so )'ch ti)e in her street loved her !reatly and desired to serve her. F& tr'ly appreciate that,F the lady replied. FB't & already have a lot of servants and, 'ntil one of the) leaves, & shan2t e a le to satisfy his (ish altho'!h, if he likes, & can (rite )y h's and to see if he )i!ht hire hi) %'st to please )e.F

FAh, no, )y lady,F the crafty )atch)aker e=clai)ed, e!innin! to reali7e ho( i!norant the yo'n! ride (as. F5his !entle)an is very rich and no leD he has !reat estates. +e doesn2t (ant yo' to hire hi) as a servant, he (ants to serve yo' (ith all his (ealth, to send yo' so)e !ift or %e(el, if yo'2d like.F FAh, )y friend,F doBa Gracia replied. F& already have so )'ch %e(elry & don2t even kno( (here to p't it all.F F1ell, if that2s the (ay it is,F the )atch)aker said, Fand yo' don2t (ant hi) to send yo' anythin!, then at least !ive hi) per)ission to visit yo', (hich he !reatly desires.F FAf co'rseQ 4et hi) co)eQF the foolish lady said. F1hat prevents hi) fro) co)in! to visit )eJF FMy lady,F the nei!h or ans(ered, Fdon2t yo' 'nderstand that the servants, if they see hi) co)e openly d'rin! the dayti)e, )i!ht think ill of itJF F1ell, then, here,F doBa Gracia said, Fthis key opens the ack door enterin! fro) the !arden and, indeed, & think it opens every door in > 1I1 > the ho'se eca'se it2s a )aster key. Give it to hi) and tell hi) to co)e toni!ht and cli) the circ'lar staircase that co)es ri!ht 'p to the roo) (here & sleep.F 5he (o)an co'ld hardly elieve s'ch i!norance, 't she didn2t (ant to pro e f'rther. ,he took the key and (ent to !et the re(ard for her (ork, (hich (as a heavy !old chain. 5hat ni!ht don *lvaroMthis (as his na)eMca)e thro'!h the !arden as he2d een instr'cted, cli) ed the stairs, and (as a o't to enter the roo), (hen he sa( doBa Gracia in her ela orate ar)or holdin! aloft her lance. ,he looked like an *)a7on. 5he li!ht (as di) and, since don *lvaro co'ldn2t e!in to i)a!ine, let alone elieve, the tr'th of (hat he (as seein!, he tho'!ht he2d een etrayed. *s ?'ickly as he co'ld, he t'rned tail and fled and the ne=t )in'te he (as in the street. 5he follo(in! )ornin! he descri ed this scene to the )atch)aker and i))ediately she (ent to see doBa Gracia. 5he )o)ent she entered, doBa Gracia in?'ired a o't the !entle)an. +e )'st have een terri ly ill since he hadn2t co)e as he2d een instr'cted. FAh, )y lady,F she said, Fof co'rse he ca)e. B't he said he fo'nd a )an in ar)or, carryin! a lance and )archin! aro'nd the roo).F FGood heavensQF doBa Gracia ans(ered, la'!hin! )errily, Fdoesn2t he kno( & (as %'st doin! )y )arried d'tyJ 5hat !entle)an )'st not e )arried if he tho'!ht & (as a )anQ 5ell hi) it2s )e and not to e afraid.F 5he )atch)aker took this e=planation to don *lvaro. 5hat ni!ht he (ent a!ain to visit his lady and, (hen he fo'nd her in her ar)or, he asked her to e=plain. 4a'!hin!, she said: F1ell, ho( else sho'ld & lead a )arried life if not like thisJF F1hat do yo' )ean, )arried life, )y ladyJF don *lvaro asked. FKo'2ve een deceivedD this isn2t (hat )arried life is.F F1ell, )y lord,F said doBa Gracia, Fthis is ho( )y h's and ta'!ht )e, and he says it2s a terri le sin to violate it. B't if yo' kno( an easier (ay, in tr'th &2d love to kno( (hat it is and learn ho( to do it, for this life & lead is very tireso)e.F 1hen the cavalier yo'th heard this naive re?'est, he hi)self 'ndressed her and took her to ed and en%oyed everythin! that her foolish h's and had postponed in his desire to test his (ife2s i!norance. *ll

the ti)e don 6adri?'e (as at co'rt, don *lvaro and doBa Gracia lived a tr'e )arried life. *t last don 6adri?'e finished his 'siness and (rote that he (as co)in! ho)e. Hon *lvaro finished 'p his 'siness and ret'rned to Cordo a. > 1I- > Hon 6adri?'e arrived ho)e and (as !reeted y his (ife (ith )'ch pleas're for, %'st as she had no intelli!ence, she had no sense either. 5hey dined to!ether and, eca'se don 6adri?'e (as tired fro) his %o'rney, he (ent ri!ht to ed. +e ass')ed that doBa Gracia (o'ld p't on her ar)or as he2d co))anded. 1hen he sa( her co)e o't naked and !et into ed (ith hi), he (as asto'nded at this novelty, and asked: F1ell, )y lady, ho( is it that yo' don2t perfor) yo'r )arried d'ty as & ta'!ht yo'JF FMy, )y, sir,F she said, F(hat do yo' )ean )arried d'ty and all that nonsenseQ & learned a )'ch etter (ay (ith )y other h's and (ho took )e to ed (ith hi) and caressed )e )ore than yo' do.F FKo' )ean,F don 6adri?'e asked, Fyo'2ve had another h's andJF FKes, )y lord,F doBa Gracia ans(ered. F*fter yo' life, another handso)e, char)in! h's and ca)e alon! and told )e he2d sho( )e a different )arried life, etter than yo'rs.F ,he told hi) everythin! that had happened (ith the !entle)an fro) Cordo a. B't she co'ldn2t 'nderstand (hat had eco)e of hi). *fter she2d received don 6adri?'e2s letter (ith ne(s of his ret'rn, she hadn2t seen hi) a!ain. &n despair, the foolish don 6adri?'e asked her (hat the )an2s na)e (as and (here he (as fro). B't doBa Gracia ans(ered that she didn2t kno(, she never called hi) anythin! 't h's and. Hon 6adri?'e 'nderstood that in tryin! to prevent his dishonor, he had p'rposely )arried a fool (ho had not only offended a!ainst his honor 't (ho even told hi) all a o't it. +e reali7ed the error in his thinkin! and recalled the d'chess2 (ords: discreet (o)en kno( ho( to keep the la(s of honor and, if ever they reak the), they kno( ho( to keep their error secret. 6or the rest of his life, don 6adri?'e praised discreet (o)en (ho are virt'o's, sayin! that they are priceless eyond all tho'!ht and, if they2re not virt'o's, at least they kno( ho( to ehave pr'dently and )odestly. 8eali7in! that nothin! co'ld e done a o't (hat had happened eca'se it (as his fa'lt, don 6adri?'e covered 'p his )isfort'ne. &f discreet (o)en so)eti)es fail in the test, (hat co'ld e e=pect of a foolish (o)anJ 5ryin! not to let his (ife o't of his si!ht so she (o'ldn2t offend a!ainst hi) a!ain, he lived for several )ore years. 1hen he died, since they had no children, he left all his (ealth to doBa Gracia, (ith the provision that she eco)e a n'n in the sa)e > 1I" > convent as ,erafina. +e (rote a letter to ,erafina e=plainin! that this (as her lon!/lost da'!hter. he also (rote his co'sin don .'an in Madrid tellin! this story %'st as it is set do(n here. &n the end, no )atter ho( don 6adri?'e tried to prevent the catastrophe he2d een fore(arned a o't, in spite of all the lands he2d visited and all the advent'res he2d had, he fell into the very sit'ation he feared, and it (as a foolish (o)an (ho r'ined his honor. HoBa Gracia eca)e a n'n in the sa)e convent (ith her )other, and the t(o (ere happy to kno( each

other. Beca'se doBa Gracia (as foolish, she readily fo'nd happiness and spent the h'!e fort'ne at her disposal in 'ildin! a !rand convent (here she spent her days pleasantly. & no( take pleas're in endin! this enchant)ent y (arnin! all the i!norant people (ho conde)n discretion in (o)en: there can e no virt'e (here intelli!ence is lackin!. 6'rther)ore, if a (o)an is !oin! to e ad, it doesn2t )atter (hether she2s foolish or not, 't a !ood (o)an, if she2s discreet, (ill kno( ho( to take care of herself. Be (arned, yo' (ho (o'ld p't a (o)an to the test, of the risk yo' take. *s don *lonso (as reachin! the final (ords of his deli!htf'l and entertainin! enchant)ent his a'dience (as ca'!ht 'p and a sor ed y his (ords. 5hey (ere ro'sed fro) their rapt're y the so'nd of )any (ell/t'ned instr')ents that e!an to play dance )'sic in the ad%oinin! roo). 9veryone t'rned to see (ho (as )akin! s'ch s(eet )'sic. 5(elve handso)e lads dressed as shepherds and (earin! p'rple satin caps tri))ed (ith silver, each one earin! a li!hted torch, tripped into the hall. *fter they did the stately dance all aro'nd the roo), they separated into t(o col')ns. 5he )ost ele!ant and spritely lad e!an to dance alone (ith his torch held hi!h. +e danced all aro'nd the roo) and then approached the ea'tif'l 4isarda. Makin! a deep o(, he invited her to dance. 5he lady stepped o't and to!ether they danced. +e ret'rned her to her place and ne=t, as is the c'sto) in the torch dance, the char)in! lad invited the discreet Matilda, and after her, 3ise. +e selected don .'an to e her partner. 4eavin! the torch in 4isarda2s hands, the t(o co'ples to!ether perfor)ed a slo( and stately dance. 1hen the t(o ladies ret'rned to their seats, 4isarda danced, invitin! first don Mi!'el, then don 4ope, and finally don Hie!o. 1hile don Hie!o danced (ith 4isarda, he 'r!ed her to in/ > 1I@ > cl'de her co'sin in the dance. 4isarda, thinkin! this (as a !ood idea, approached the co'ch (here 4ysis (as reclinin!. 1ith a lovely c'rtsey and very for)al (ords, 4isarda e!!ed 4ysis to honor the party y dancin! for the), no( that her ?'artan fever had te)pered itself. &n fact it hadn2t tro' led her !reatly since the first day of the cele ration. 4ysis accepted, thinkin! )ore to please don Hie!o than her co'sin. ,he danced so divinely that she deli!hted everyone and a ove all don Hie!o. 1hile the t(o danced, he e=pressed his love and, as he ret'rned her to her place, she thanked hi) and !ranted hi) per)ission to )ake arran!e)ents for their )arria!e (ith her )other and the rest of her fa)ily. 1hile don Hie!o2s servants (ere preparin! for their co)ic skit, all the ladies and !entle)en danced. Before the skit e!an they had to )ove so)e of the chairs to )ake roo), and it happened that don .'an and don Hie!o sat ne=t to each other. Hon .'an, actin! a!!rieved, said to don Hie!o: F& see that 4ysis looks on yo' (ith favor. &t tro' les )e eca'se &2ve een her s'itor, yet at the sa)e ti)e it s'its )e %'st as (ell eca'se it (ill stop her fro) pesterin! )e (ith her co)plaints. Ko', ho(ever, sho'ld have infor)ed )e of yo'r intention, for it2s etter to have )e for a friend than an ene)y.F F5hat2s tr'e,F don Hie!o replied, so)e(hat irritated. F&t2s terri le to have a poet as an ene)y, for no s(ord can (o'nd as deeply as the pen. & (ish to serve 4ysis, that2s o vio's. &t2s no cri)e for )e not to ask yo'r per)ission eca'se 4ysis is her o(n )istress and not yo'rs, and &2) content (ith )y )istress2s per)ission for )e to co'rt her. 4isarda is yo'r )istressD yo' content yo'rself (ith her and don2t try to entertain t(o )istresses at the sa)e ti)e, one to praise and the other to p't do(n. 4ysis has !iven )e per)ission to disc'ss o'r )arria!e (ith her )other and, if yo' consider that an affront, & stand ready to !ive yo' satisfaction at the ti)e and place yo' deter)ine.F

F6ine,F don .'an retorted. F& a) satisfied, not a o't 4ysis2s decision to )arry yo', even tho'!h & don2t (ant her for )yself, 't that yo'2re (illin! to settle o'r difference. & (ant yo' to kno(, &2) a poet acco)plished (ith the pen and a !entle)an practiced (ith the s(ord.F F,o e it,F don Hie!o replied, F 't (e sho'ldn2t spoil the ladies2 pleas're in these cele rations, (hich are to last three )ore days. 4et2s (ait 'ntil the parties endD then (e can take care of this any (ay yo' please.F > 1II > F&2) satisfied,F don .'an responded, and the t(o )en t'rned to (atch the end of the skit. 4ysis had heard their conversation and, (hile she felt like interr'ptin!, she let it pass, since don Hie!o and don .'an had set their d'el for after the parties, leavin! her ti)e to chan!e their )inds. 1hen the skit concl'ded, it (as ti)e for s'pper. 5he !'ests (ent to the ta les (here they satisfied their h'n!er (ith the tasty dishes, their eyes (ith the ladies2 ea'ty, and their )inds (ith the (itty conversation, co))entin! on don *lvaro2s enchant)ent, Ffore(arned 't not forear)ed.F 6inally all the !'ests (ent ho)e and so ended the second ni!ht. > 1I: >

T-IR* NI+-T
5he ladies and !entle)en had had their appetites (hetted y the savory entertain)ents of the first t(o ni!hts so, scarcely had the afternoon of the third soiree e!'n (hen !'ests started !atherin! in ea'tif'l 4ysis2s ho'se. ,he !reeted the) (ith her acc'sto)ed co'rtesy. An this occasion, she2d dressed in lack, sprinkled (ith co'ntless dia)ond 'ttonsD a)on! so )any t(inklin! stars, she looked like the s'n, so radiant (as her ea'ty. 1hile the !'ests e=chan!ed !reetin!s and chatted pleasantly, the afternoon passed ?'ickly. *s ni!ht e!an to fall, it ca)e ti)e to start the entertain)ent, so 4ysis si!naled the )'sicians (ho, acco)panyin! her divine voice, san! this sonnet in honor of o'r 0in! Philip &E: ,'n (ho dra(s fro) the heavenly s'n co'ra!e, !reatness, li!ht, and radianceD pearl (ho dre( his ein! fro) the love et(een the s'n Philip and )other/of/pearl Mar!aretD phoeni= (ho revives in o'r ,pain !reater !lories to )ake ,pain !reater, !arden filled (ith re!al p'rple loo)s to set off yo'r royal fle'r/de/lisD .'piter (ho rei!ns over the holy choir, (ho athes in s(eet har)ony as if in li!ht, ein! the s(eet )'sician to his ny)phsD > 1I$ >

and, if si!ht does not deceive tr'th, a yo'thf'l C'pid (ith his !olden darts is Philip, o'r s'n, and 0in! of ,pain. Hisappointed in love y don .'an and !ratef'l to don Hie!o, the lovely 4ysis had deli erately chan!ed the style of her son! to avoid the the)e of love and %ealo'sy and so disco'ra!e the rivalry et(een the t(o )en. 4ysis had )ade don .'an pro)ise that they2d e friends eca'se she loved don Hie!o, and they oth (ere fei!nin! co'rtesy to(ard each other. &t (as 3ise2s t'rn to tell the fifth enchant)ent on this third ni!ht, so she occ'pied the special seat and e!an like this: F3o one can i!nore the po(er of love, especially (hen it over(hel)s no le hearts. 4ove is like the s'nD it has a po(erf'l effect (herever it !oes. Ko' (ill see this clearly in )y enchant)ent, (hich starts like thisF: > 1I9 >

The !o4er of Love

3aples, a fa)o's city in &taly, is reno(ned for its (ealth, no le citi7ens, splendid 'ildin!s, pleasant location, and !reat ea'ty. &t is cro(ned (ith )any !ardens and adorned (ith crystalline fo'ntains, lovely ladies and ele!ant !entle)en. 4a'ra (as orn there, a rare )iracle of nat're, and so e=?'isite that, a)on! the )ost ea'tif'l and ele!ant ladies of the city, she (as considered a heavenly (onder. 9=perts in the city had )ade a list of the eleven )ost ea'tif'l (o)en and selected fro) the eleven three, and 4a'ra (as one of the eleven and also one of the three. ,he (as her parents2 third child, follo(in! t(o rothers (ho (ere as virt'o's and no le as she (as ea'tif'l. +er )other died !ivin! irth to her, leavin! her father as t'tor and co)fort to the three lovely children (ho, altho'!h )otherless, had their father2s (ise concern to )ake 'p for this lack. 5heir father, don *ntonio (as his na)e, (as of the Garrafa fa)ily, closely related to the d'ke and d'chess of 3ochera. +e (as lord of Piedra lanca, an estate located fo'r )iles fro) 3aples, altho'!h he )aintained his ho'se and center of activity in to(n. Hon *le%andro, don Carlos, and 4a'ra (ere ro'!ht 'p (ith all the care and attention that their no le position re?'ired. 5heir father )ade every effort to see that they (ere (orthy of their no ility and (ealth, trainin! the children in the )anners and e=ercises appropriate to a lovely lady and fine !entle)en. 5he ea'tif'l 4a'ra lived (ith the )odesty and decor') efittin! s'ch a rich and i)portant yo'n! > 1#0 > lady. ,he (as the apple of her father2s eye, her rothers2 deli!ht, and the splendor of the city. 5he one (ho )ost doted on 4a'ra (as don Carlos, the yo'n!er of the t(o rothers. +e loved her so dearly that he o'tdid hi)self to please her. 5his (as not s'rprisin! !iven 4a'ra2s !race, ea'ty, char), discretion, and a ove all her )odesty, (hich char)ed not only her relatives 't even those people (ho had only cas'al contact (ith her. +er )odesty needed no )other, for not only did her father and rothers keep vi!ilant (atch over her ea'ty, her o(n chaste and p're thinkin! caref'lly !overned her ehavior. 1hen she reached the a!e of

discretion, she co'ld no lon!er deny her co)pany to the pro)inent ladies (ho (ere her relatives. 6or this, her !reat ea'ty (o'ld have to pay its price to )isfort'ne. &t (as the c'sto) in 3aples for )aidens to attend parties and soirees !iven in the viceroy2s palace and in other private ho)es of the no ility. 5his practice isn2t considered proper in other parts of &talyD indeed, in )any places )aidens aren2t even per)itted to !o to )ass, a c'sto) i)posed y lon! tradition despite the efforts of ecclesiastical and lay a'thorities to chan!e it. *t last, endo(ed (ith her ea'ty and her )odesty, 4a'ra (ent forth to see and to e seen, altho'!h, if she2d re)e) ered the !oddess Hiana, she (o'ldn2t have tr'sted in her )odesty. +er splendid eyes (ere )ortal asilisks to )en2s so'ls, her !race, a )onster to endan!er their lives, her (ealth and no le condition, ait to the desires of a tho'sand !allant yo'ths of the city, all of (ho) hoped to en%oy her !reat ea'ty in )arria!e. *)on! the )any s'itors (ho served 4a'ra, the )ost nota le (as don Hie!o Pinatelo. +e (as a discreet !entle)an of the no le ho'se of the d'kes of Monteleon, rich and so envia le in all his ?'alities that it (asn2t s'rprisin! that, self/confidently, he felt s're he co'ld (in the ea'tif'l 4a'ra. +e (as certain that her fa)ily (o'ld (ant to have s'ch a no le h's and for their da'!hter eca'se, a)on! all the s'itors for her lovely hand, don Hie!o (as clearly s'perior. 5he )o)ent he sa( 4a'ra, her ea'ty ca'sed hi) to s'rrender his heart to her so passionately that he )i!ht have died, if it had een ti)e for hi) to !ive 'p his life. ;,o po(erf'l, so)eti)es, is the effect of eholdin! ea'ty.< +e first sa( her at a party !iven y one of the city2s princes. Hon Hie!o set eyes 'pon her and fell head over heels in love. +is love (as so intense at that )o)ent that he felt as if he2d loved her forever, and he (anted to let her kno( this. > 1#1 > *nother c'sto) in 3aples (as that at parties there (as a )aster of cere)onies (ho (o'ld lead the ladies o't to dance and !ive the) to a !entle)an chosen y hi). Hon Hie!o took advanta!e of this c'sto)D 'ndo' tedly )oney (as e=chan!ed, and scarcely had he (ar)ed the )aster2s hands (hen he fo'nd in his o(n hands those of the ea'tif'l 4a'ra, %'st in ti)e to dance a !alliard. 5his arran!e)ent did hi) little !ood, ho(ever, eca'se his passion, infla)ed y her icy aloofness, led hi) to l'rt: FMy lady, & adore yo'.F &nstantly, the ea'tif'l lady e=c'sed herself, fei!nin! so)e indisposition. ,he left hi) and ret'rned to her seat. 5his )ade don Hie!o very sad, and everyone (ho (as (atchin! the dance (ondered (hat had happened. 5hro'!ho't the rest of the party, don Hie!o s'ffered deep re)orse and despaired. +e did not )erit a sin!le !lance fro) 4a'ra, not eca'se the ea'tif'l lady (asn2t attracted y don Hie!o2s appearance, 't eca'se she felt constrained to 'phold her )odesty as she al(ays had. 3i!ht ca)e and the party ended, (hich (as sad for don Hie!o eca'se 4a'ra (ent ho)e and he like(ise had to !o ho)e. +e (ent to ed ;a co))on reco'rse for the sorro(f'l, (ho cons'lt their pillo(s as if pillo(s co'ld offer co)fort<. +e tossed and t'rned and co)plained itterly a o't his )isfort'neMif indeed it (as a )isfort'ne to have seen the ea'ty (ho (as drivin! hi) cra7y. &f 4a'ra had heard his co)plaints on this occasion, she )i!ht have felt )ore kindly disposed to(ard hi) than she had sho(n herself that afternoon. F*lasQF the (o'nded yo'th la)ented. FMy heavenly 4a'ra, ho( cr'elly yo' reacted to those ill/fated (ords & 'tteredQ &f only yo' co'ld kno( that )y so'l is )ore yo'rs than the one yo' ear (ithin yo'. 5here can e no offense a!ainst yo'r honor or yo'r fa)ily for, clearly, if & intend to e)ploy )y so'l in yo'r service, &2ll )ake yo' )y (ife and in no (ay (ill yo'r !ood na)e s'ffer. &s it possi le, eloved )istress )ine, that one so ea'tif'l can have a heart so cr'el it (on2t let yo' 'nderstand that no( &2ve seen yo', &2) not the sa)e person & (as eforeJ &2ve lost )y heart and & feel e)pty. 9verythin! & a)

&2ve s'rrendered to yo'r ea'ty. &f & offend yo' in doin! this, la)e yo'r ea'ty, for once h')an eyes ehold it, they )'st desire it. 5here can e no other choice 't to love yo'. 3othin! see)s )ore rational than for )e to call )yself yo'r slave. FPoor )eQ B't & co)plain (itho't ca'se. ,ince 4a'ra2s caref'l a o't her )odesty and decor'), she (as o li!ed to treat )e harshly. &t (o'ld have een i)proper for her to accept )y love the very )o/ > 1#- > )ent it co))enced. ,carcely had )y desire een orn (hen & declared it to her. &2) richD in no ility, )y parents are in no (ay inferior to hers, so (hy sho'ld & despairJ &f & for)ally ask for her hand in )arria!e, (hy sho'ld her father ref'se to !ive her to )eJ 5ake co'ra!e, co(ardly heart, %'st eca'se yo' love, yo' sho'ldn2t fear. My )isfort'ne can2t e so !reat that & (on2t o tain (hat & desire so )'ch.F Hon Hie!o spent the ni!ht thinkin! these tho'!hts, so)eti)es heartened y his hopes, so)eti)es disco'ra!ed y his fears, as is nat'ral in lovers. Mean(hile, the ea'tif'l 4a'ra had een profo'ndly affected y the si!ht of the handso)e don Hie!o. &n her )e)ory, she kept hearin! hi) say, F& adore yo'.F 5ho'!htf'lly, as if lovin! (ere a cri)e, she pondered her freedo) and the risks to her rep'tationD she decided to love hi). 5hen !'iltily, she chastised herself, thinkin! that if she accepted his love she (as endan!erin! her rep'tation. B't if she re%ected hi), she (as threatened y the sa)e dan!er. 4a'ra (as the )ost conf'sed (o)an on the face of the earth, so)eti)es enco'ra!in! her desires and so)eti)es str'!!lin! to repress the). 5hese tho'!hts and (orries ca'sed her to avoid pleas'ra le activities. ,he (o'ldn2t even talk (ith the people in her ho'sehold. 5hen she e!an to seek occasion to see the ca'se of her passion. 5he days slipped y and don Hie!o co'ld do nothin! 't co)plain a o't his eloved )istress2s disdain, for, even tho'!h she (as in love, she !ranted hi) no favors. ,he only per)itted hi) an occasional !li)pse of her, and this she did so cas'ally and nonchalantly that he never had a chance to tell her of his s'fferin!. *ltho'!h her o(n feelin!s )i!ht have led her to allo( his co'rtship, the care (ith (hich she dis!'ised her e)otions (as s'ch that she hid the secret of her love even fro) her closest and )ost affectionate )aids. Af co'rse her sadness )ade her father and rothers s'spicio's and ?'ite apprehensive. Hon Carlos, in partic'lar, noted her )elancholy. ,ince he loved her )ost tenderly and tr'sted in their close relationship, he kept askin! her (hat (as ca'sin! her 'nhappiness. 3otin! that don Hie!o kept passin! y their ho'se, he ca)e close to s'spectin! the so'rce of her sorro(. B't 4a'ra la)ed her poor health and )ana!ed to satisfy any do' ts he )i!ht have had thro'!h her )odesty and discretion. 9ven so, her fa)ily did not ne!lect keepin! caref'l (atch over her honor. An one of the )any ni!hts don Hie!o spent o'tside 4a'ra2s ho'se (aitin! for da(n to arrive, he ro'!ht a servant (ith hi) to play )'sic and serve as his spokes)an, since he had no other (ay to e=press his love to her. 5his servant had one of the s(eetest voices in that > 1#" > city so fa)o's for its fine voices. +e (as to sin! a allad that don Hie!o had co)posed for this occasion a o't the love and fears he felt. +e (as %ealo's of a rich, no le !entle)an, a !ood friend of 4a'ra2s rothers, (ho ca)e to their ho'se (ith fre?'ency. Hon Hie!o feared that her inattention to hi) )i!ht e ca'sed y her love for this rivalMa !ood e=a)ple of ho( %ealo'sy colors even innocent sit'ations. An that ni!ht, the )'sician san! this allad: Ah, aspirin! love, if the )istress yo' have chosen,

already o li!ed, reco!ni7es another )ore fort'nate )aster, (hy do yo' (ander lost, follo(in! in her footsteps, notin! all her actions, seekin! to !a7e 'pon herJ 1hat !ood does it do for yo' to ask favor fro) heaven, the i)possi le fro) love, chan!e fro) ti)eJ 1hy do yo' call on %ealo'sy (hen yo' kno( that in the i)possi le love %ealo'sy favors the elovedJ &f yo' desire to see yo'r eloved far a(ay, yo' are foolish, for it )akes no sense to p'nish yo'rself si)ply eca'se yo' (ish to p'nish her. &f yo' ask discord to (o'nd her reast, clearly yo' (ill see pleas're t'rn into !rief. &f yo' tell yo'r eyes to state their feelin!, yo' see that they acco)plish little no )atter ho( tenderly they look. &f the one (ho co'ld rin! yo' re)edy for yo'r ills, one (ho is a faithf'l friend, al(ays !racio's, is also a prisoner to that pro'd an!el, ho( can he help yo' in yo'r a)oro's enterpriseJ &f only in yo'r love yo' (ere to receive a re(ard, > 1#@ > if yo'r )istress (ere to say & feel sorry for yo'. Ko' look at yo'r )istress and see her 'nlovin!, 't even this disappoint)ent cannot chan!e yo'r desire. Ko' are like 5antal's (ho sees the fleetin! crystal that he can never taste

reachin! al)ost to his lips. &f only yo' co'ld )erit for yo'r !reat feelin! so)e fei!ned deception, for & fear yo'2ll dieD yo'r sorro(s )'st e like the s'fferin! of p'r!atoryD 't & see yo'r pain so hopeless that it e?'als the tor)ents of hell. B't yo'2ve )ade yo'r choice and death is the only re)edy for it (o'ld e a co(ardly act for yo' to t'rn yo'r ack and flee. ,ittin! ehind the (indo( lind, 4a'ra had een listenin! to the son! fro) the very e!innin!. ,he decided she had to defend her rep'tation, eca'se the false s'spicions e=pressed in don Hie!o2s verses i)p'!ned her honor. *nd so, (hat love co'ldn2t acco)plish, her fear of losin! her !ood na)e did. +er sha)e attled (ith her love and finally she )ade 'p her )ind to defend herself. ,eein! don Hie!o near y, she opened the (indo( and softly, so no one co'ld hear, she (hispered to hi): FMy lord, don Hie!o, it (o'ld e a )iracle if, ein! in love, yo' didn2t feel %ealo'sy. 5here has never een a love (itho't %ealo'sy, or %ealo'sy (itho't love, 't the %ealo'sy yo' feel is so 'nfo'nded that & feel o li!ed to speak (ith yo', so)ethin! & never intended to do. &2) deeply tro' led to hear )y rep'tation s'llied y the (ords of yo'r son! and the )'sic of the l'te, and, (orst of all, in the )o'th of a )'sician (ho, eca'se he2s a servant, )'st e an ene)y. & haven2t scorned yo' for any other s'itorD indeed, if anyone in the (orld )erits )y affection, it2s yo' and yo'2ll e the one to (in )e, if yo'2re (illin! to take the risk. May yo'r love pardon )y darin! and oldness in actin! like this and in tellin! yo' that, fro) this day for(ard, yo' )ay consider yo'rself )ine, %'st as &2ll consider )yself fort'nate to think that &2) yo'rs. Please elieve that &2d never have spoken th's if > 1#I > the ni!ht, (ith her dark )antle, didn2t cloak )y sha)e and the color that r'shes to )y face (hile & voice this tr'th. &t (as orn the first day & sa( yo' and has re)ained locked 'p inside )e ever since. Ko'2re the only one (ho kno(s this. &t (o'ld !rieve )e sorely if anyone (ere (itness to )y confession, e=cept yo' (ho o li!es )e to confess.F Averco)e y his e)otion, the ena)ored don Hie!o, the happiest )an on earth, (as str'!!lin! to respond and thank the ea'tif'l 4a'ra, (hen she heard the doors of her ho'se open and sa( t(o s(ords)en assa'lt hi) so s'ddenly that, had he not een prepared and his servant not een standin! y (ith dra(n s(ord, he )i!ht never have !otten to p'rs'e his a)oro's desires any f'rther. 4a'ra sa( the attack and reco!ni7ed her t(o rothers. 6earin! they )i!ht catch her, she closed the (indo( as ?'ietly as she co'ld, ran to her roo), and ?'ickly (ent to ed, not to seek repose 't rather to disse) le for, (ith her eloved in s'ch dan!er, she (o'ld certainly find no rest. 1hen don *le%andro and don Carlos heard the )'sic, they had leapt fro) their eds and, as &2ve descri ed, r'n o't (ith their s(ords dra(n. *ltho'!h their s(ords)anship (as not necessarily etter than that of don Hie!o and his servant, it (as l'ckier. H'rin! the str'!!le, don Hie!o (as (o'nded and had to (ithdra(. +e co)plained of his )isfort'ne, 't it )i!ht e )ore appropriate to call it !ood fort'ne eca'se, (hen his parents learned the ca'se of the fi!ht, they sa( ho( their son (o'ld profit

fro) s'ch a no le )arria!e. 0no(in! that this (as his desire, they so'!ht inter)ediaries to present their petition to 4a'ra2s father. 1hen 4a'ra feared that the (hole episode of the d'el )i!ht ca'se eternal discord, she s'ddenly fo'nd herself (ed to don Hie!o, )'ch to everyone2s deli!ht. 5heir )arria!e ro'!ht s'ch %oy to the t(o lovers that it (o'ld e foolish to try to descri e it in this rief acco'nt. 1ho, recallin! don Hie!o2s love, his tears, his co)plaints, the 'rnin! desire in his heart, can hear a o't this )arvelo'sly happy o'tco)e and not consider 4a'ra terri ly fort'nateJ 1ho can do' t that everyone (ho has a)oro's hopes (ill say: ho( & (ish & (ere so fort'nate and )y tro' les co'ld have s'ch a happy concl'sion as those of this no le ladyJ Partic'larly those ladies (ho think only of their o(n desires. ,i)ilarly, (ho can look at don Hie!o en%oyin! in 4a'ra the epito)e of ea'ty, lavish (ealth, the c'l)ination of discretion, and a prodi!y of love and not e=clai) that heaven has never created a )ore fort'nate )anJ Given their correspondence in all these fine > 1## > ?'alities, one (o'ld think at the very least that this love (o'ld e eternal. *nd it )i!ht have een, if 4a'ra hadn2t een 'nfort'nate eca'se of her ea'tyD if don Hie!o had not een )'ta le like all )enM if his love hadn2t een a prel'de to ne!lect, if his no ility hadn2t previo'sly restrained his appetites. 4a'ra2s (ealth didn2t protect her fro) 'nhappiness, nor did her ea'ty fro) scorn, her discretion fro) ne!lect, her love fro) thanklessness. &n this day and a!e, all these virt'es are !reatly pri7ed 't little val'ed. 1hat (as lackin! for 4a'ra to e happyJ 3othin!. ,he tr'sted in love and elieved that its po(er co'ld overco)e the !reatest i)possi ilityD 't even tho'!h she (as )ore ea'tif'l than Een's, don Hie!o e!an to scorn her. &s it too )'ch to ask that a )an e faithf'l, partic'larly (hen he en%oys possessionJ &t happened that efore don Hie!o fell in love (ith 4a'ra, he had fi=ed his attentions on 3ise, an attractive (o)an fro) 3aples (ho, (hile not the FcrV)e de la crV)e,F (as certainly not fro) the dre!s of society. +er appearance, her ?'alities, and her estate (ere not so deficient that she didn2t entertain hi!h aspirations. ,he (anted to e don Hie!o2s (ife, as her no le condition )i!ht (arrant, and so she had already !ranted hi) all the favors he2d so'!ht and all she had to offer. H'rin! the early days and )onths of his )arria!e he had ne!lected 3ise. ,he set o't to discover the ca'se of his ne!lect and it didn2t take her lon!, for there2s al(ays so)eone (ho2ll tell. ,ince don Hie!o had never intended to e her h's and, and the (eddin! had een p' lic, he hadn2t !iven a tho'!ht to 3ise. ,he (as terri ly distressed y don Hie!o2s )arria!e 't, after all, she (as a (o)an in love and al(ays for!ivin! of offenses, even at the e=pense of her o(n rep'tation. 3ise re)ained co))itted to don Hie!oD she tho'!ht she co'ldn2t live (itho't hi). &f she co'ldn2t e his (ife, at least she co'ld contin'e to en%oy hi) as his )istress. 5o acco)plish her !oal, she arra!ed hi) (ith letters, she pressed hi) (ith tears and, finally, thro'!h her insistent pleadin!, she )ana!ed to !et don Hie!o to co)e ack to her ho'se. 5his (as 4a'ra2s 'ndoin!. 1ith all her art, 3ise kne( ho( to ena)or don Hie!o all over a!ain and no(, eca'se 4a'ra (as his, she see)ed orin!. 4a'ra e!an to feel re%ected eca'se of don Hie!o2s ne!lect, and she !re( irkso)e (ith her %ealo's o't 'rsts. Hon Hie!o the solicito's, don Hie!o the persistent, don Hie!o the lover, don Hie!o (ho, at the e!innin! of their )arria!e, had said he (as the happiest )an in the (orld, not only denied that he2d ever een like > 1#: > that, he even denied to hi)self any ackno(led!)ent of his o li!ations. Men (ho sp'rn their (ives so

fla!rantly !ive (in!s to offenseD (hen a )an2s i))orality eco)es fla) oyant, he co)es perilo'sly close to losin! his honor. Hon Hie!o started y ein! inattentive, y )issin! ed and oard. +e ref'sed to ackno(led!e the sorro( he (as ca'sin! his (ife, for it2s far easier to deny one2s actions than to face 'p to the). +e disdained her favors and, in his speech, he sho(ed conte)pt for her. 1hen a )an ehaves so adly, (hat can he e=pectJ & don2t kno( if & o'!ht to say that he sho'ld anticipate so)e offense to his honor. 4a'ra noted the chan!es in her h's and2s ehavior, and she e!an to e=press !rief, first (ith tears and then (ith (ords, in an effort to deal (ith his scorn. 1hen a (o)an sho(s ho( )'ch she2s affected y her h's and2s errors, she2s lost. 1hen 4a'ra felt it necessary to e=press her 'nhappiness, she !ave f'rther ca'se to don Hie!o, not %'st to a 'se her ver ally 't even to lay hands 'pon her, heedless of the infa)y of s'ch an act. &ndeed, so !reatly had he co)e to hate and loath her that he ca)e ho)e only occasionally to keep 'p appearances. +avin! to face 4a'ra (as (orse than death to don Hie!o. 4a'ra tried to find o't the ca'se of these chan!es in ehavior, and she soon learned the (hole story. ,ervants don2t have to e tort'red to tell all a o't the failin!s of their )asters, and they don2t restrict the)selves to tellin! only tr'e thin!s, they also kno( ho( to )ake 'p the )ost ela orate lies. ,ervants have een called Fprose poetsF eca'se of their talent for invention, a (eakness co))on in those (ho cannot help the)selves. 5he only !ood it did 4a'ra to learn the ca'se of her )isfort'nes (as to )ake her feel her sorro(s )ore deeply. +er sit'ation looked hopeless to her. 1hen the (ill falters there can e no hope, that2s (hy the prover says, F1ill once t(isted can never e strai!htened.F &f the re)edy doesn2t co)e fro) the so'rce of the in%'ry, no )atter (hat the illness, there can e no c're. 5hat2s (hy, !enerally, those (ho are lovesick seldo) (ant to !et (ell. 1hat 4a'ra !ained fro) findin! o't the tr'th a o't don Hie!o2s licentio's ehavior (as to ca'se hi) to eco)e even )ore sha)eless, p'rs'in! his desire (ith !reater a andon. 1hen his vice eco)es p' lic, the vicio's )an kno(s no restraint. Ane day 4a'ra sa( 3ise in ch'rch. 1ith tears in her eyes, she e!!ed 3ise to !ive 'p her clai)s on don Hie!o. 4a'ra told her that the only thin! she (as acco)plishin! (as destroyin! her o(n honor and )akin! 4a'ra2s life a livin! hell. 3ise had reached the point of > 1#$ > no lon!er carin! a o't her rep'tation, so she didn2t fear fallin! any lo(er than she already had. ,he replied to 4a'ra so sharply and r'dely that (hat 4a'ra had tho'!ht (o'ld e the sol'tion to her sorro( left her feelin! even )ore hopeless, and it left 3ise even )ore deter)ined to p'rs'e her love at all costs. ,he lost all respect for God and for the r'les of society. &f previo'sly she2d p'rs'ed don Hie!o ?'ietly and )odestly y sendin! hi) letters, !ifts, and other little thin!s, no(, sha)elessly, she and her servants openly ca)e lookin! for hi). 5his license increased 4a'ra2s tor)ent and passion, for she sa( even less possi ility of sol'tion than at first. ,he lived the )ost desolate life yo' can i)a!ine, a sol'tely (itho't hope. 3o (onderQ ,he s'ffered fro) a %ealo'sy (orse than any rava!in! illness. 4a'ra2s father and rothers noticed her 'nhappiness, her strained appearance, and the loss of her ea'ty. ;3at'rally she hid her sorro( fro) the) as est she co'ld, fearin! so)e tra!ic o'tco)e.< 6inally, ho(ever, they eca)e a(are of (hat (as !oin! on and of the evil life don Hie!o (as leadin!, and they had )any ar!')ents and '!ly disa!ree)ents (ith hi) a o't it, (hich 'lti)ately t'rned into open en)ity. 5he sad and ea'tif'l 4a'ra spent so)e ti)e in this tor)ent. 1ith each day that passed, her h's and2s li erties increased and her patience di)inished. B't yo' can2t cry over yo'r )isfort'nes all the ti)e. Ane ni!ht she (as 'p late, 'na le to sleep eca'se of don Hie!o2s tardiness and her constant (orriesD

she (as s're he (as in 3ise2s ar)s. ,he decided to ease her sorro(s y sin!in!. ;,o)e say this eases the), 't & think it )akes the) (orse.< ,he took 'p her harp, (hich &talian (o)en play very (ell and, so)eti)es sin!in!, so)eti)es 'rstin! into tears, she san! this allad, dis!'isin! don Hie!o2s na)e as *l ano: 1hy, tyrant *l ano, if yo' (orship 3ise and offer all the attentions of yo'r love to her ea'tyD (hy, if yo'r heart is prisoner to her eyes, and to yo'r eyes her face is s'ch a ea'tif'l i)a!eD (hy if yo' entan!le yo'r love in the prison of her hair and she, so responsive to yo', re(ards yo' (ith her loveD > 1#9 > (hy, if fro) her )o'th, %e(el o= f'll of lovely pearls, yo' hear love2s s(eet sayin!s, (hich !reatly increase yo'r %oy, (hy do yo' repay )y constancy (ith disloyalty and deception (hen, eca'se & love yo', & s'ffer s'ch !reat tor)entJ *nd if tr'ly yo' !ive yo'r heart to yo'r 3ise, (hy don2t yo' !ive )e cr'el death, since yo' scorn )e soJ Ance yo' fei!ned for )e a lovin! tendernessD (hy didn2t yo' at least let )e live in i!noranceJ B't yo' have 'sed yo'r desire, yo'r (ill, and yo'r po(er, thankless lover, all to adore her, and never even told )e. Can2t yo' see it isn2t ri!ht, or %'st, or proper to a(aken one (ho sleeps, especially one (ho loves, %'st to )ake her sorro(J 1oe is )e, so 'nfort'nateQ 1hat )eans do & have to )ake this so'l of )ine co)e ho)e to its odyJ

5yrant, !ive )e ack )y so'lD 't no, don2t ret'rn it to )e, it2s etter for the ody to die for the sake of the so'l. *lasQ if in yo'r heart 3ise2s so'l d(ells, even tho'!h the so'l is i))ortal, the ody still )'st s'rely die. +eaven, pity )e, for & a) dyin!D %ealo'sy tor)ents )e like ice that 'rns )y so'l, like fire that chills )y heart. * tho'sand c'rses, tyrannical *l ano, on the one (ho lets her so'l !et ca'!ht in the prison of love. Ah )y eyes, let 's (eep as )any tender tears > 1:0 > as all the (aters that the ocean deep casts 'pon the sands. *nd to the t'ne of %ealo'sy, instr')ent of )y co)plaint, (hile (e (eep, let 's sin! sad )o'rnf'l son!s of love. 4isten caref'lly, lofty, sno(y, peaks, and let yo'r clear echoes serve as )y response. 4isten lovely little irds, and (ith )elodio's ton!'e yo' shall sin! )y %ealo'sy (ith yo'r s(eet voices. My *l ano adores 3ise and leaves )e to )y sorro(sD & s'ffer tr'e passion. & s'ffer real pain. +e lovin!ly cele rates her heavenly ea'ty and praises to the skies letters (ritten y her hand. *riadne, (hat say yo' (ho (eep and la)ent the inconstancy of yo'r lover, his a 'se, and his a senceJ *nd yo', afflicted Pro)ethe's,

altho'!h yo' feel yo'r flesh rava!ed y the ea!le and chained to the Ca'cas's, yo' s'ffer, yes, 't yo' do not feel as )'ch pain as & e=perience, or any fears as !reat. Unhappy &=ion, yo' don2t feel the (rackin! pain of the (heelD (hat yo' feel are all )y tor)ents. 5antal's reachin! for the (ater, al(ays 'na le to to'ch it, never )ana!in! to taste it, (atchin! it retreat as yo' approach, yo'r !rief is sli!ht, no )atter ho( it2s descri ed, for there is no !reater pain than that prod'ced y %ealo'sy. Un!ratef'l (retch, )ay it please heaven for yo' like(ise to s'ffer %ealo'sy, > 1:1 > and ra!e as & a) ra!in!, and s'ffer as & a) s'fferin!. *nd )ay that ene)y of )ine ca'se yo' s'ch %ealo'sy that, like Midas and all his !old, yo' (ill e rich in sorro(sQ 1ho (o'ldn2t e deeply to'ched y 4a'ra2s co)plaints, s'n! s(eetly and (ith s'ch !reat feelin!J *nyone 't don Hie!o, (ho (as pro'd of his infidelity. 5he )o)ent 4a'ra reached this part of her son!, her faithless h's and entered and heard her (ords. +e (ell 'nderstood their )eanin! and reacted an!rily to (hat sho'ld have affected hi) differently. 1hat he sho'ld have pri7ed and val'ed filled hi) (ith ra!e. +e e!an to ins'lt 4a'ra and said s'ch terri le, a(f'l thin!s that she 'rst into tears. Crystal torrents po'red do(n her heavenly cheeks ;scatterin! pearls the da(n )i!ht have 'sed to decorate her May flo(ers and lovely sprin! )eado(s<. *t last, 4a'ra said to hi): F1hat are yo' doin!, yo' thankless (retchJ +o( can yo' so a 'se the freedo) yo' en%oy (ith all yo'r evil (ays, (ith no respect for heaven and no fear of hell. 1hat yo' o'!ht to praise an!ers yo'. Ko' sho'ld e asha)ed that the (hole (orld kno(s and the entire city is talkin! a o't yo'r vicio's e=cesses. &t see)s as if yo' (ere deli erately stirrin! )y passion and drivin! )e to offend a!ainst yo'r honor. &f it tro' les yo' that & co)plain a o't yo'r ehavior, then re)ove the ca'se of )y co)plaints or else end )y (eary life. &2) fed 'p (ith yo'r sinf'l (ron!doin!. &s this the (ay yo' treat )y loveJ &s this the (ay yo' appreciate )y affectionJ &s this the (ay yo' re(ard )y s'fferin!J 1ell, it2s a (onder & haven2t taken the ca'se of all )y )isfort'ne and torn her to shreds (ith )y are handsQ FPoor )e, to e so 'nfort'nateQ 3o, &2) (ron! to say 2poor )e.2 &t (o'ld e )ore fittin! to say 2poor yo'2 eca'se, (ith yo'r vices, yo'2re aro'sin! heaven2s (rath, (hich (ill s'rely descend 'pon yo' and open (ide yo'r (ay to hell. God (ill tire of p'ttin! 'p (ith yo', the (orld is tired of havin! yo'

aro'ndD and the one yo' idoli7e (ill s'rely !ive yo' yo'r d'e re(ard. May all (o)en (ho let the)selves e deceived y )en2s pro)ises learn a lesson fro) )e. May (o)en kno( that if all )en are like yo', then (o)en are o'nd to e=pectJ instead of live. 1hat can any h's and (ho ehaves like yo' e=pectJ Anly that his (ife, eyond carin! a o't honor, )ay destroy his honor for hi). 3ot that &2ll do that, no )atter (hat ca'se yo' !ive )e in > 1:- > yo'r ehavior, eca'se & a) (ho & a), and also eca'se, to )y )isfort'ne, the !reat love & have for yo' (o'ld never let )e dishonor yo'. B't & fear that yo'r evil (ays (ill inspire other )en, vicio's like yo'rself, to try to take 'p (here yo' leave off. & fear that the !ossips and scandal)on!ers (ill i)a!ine )y dishonor and spread r')ors. 1hat )an can look at a (o)an like )e )arried to a h's and like yo', (ho (o'ldn2t e as deter)ined to (in )e as yo' are ne!lectf'l of )eJF 5hese (ere s'ch stron! (ords that don Hie!o opened 'p the eyes of his heart as (ell as the eyes of his face, and he sa( that 4a'ra (as ri!ht. B't his heart (as so filled (ith 3ise that it re)ained e)pty of any sense of o li!ation. Averco)e y an infernal ra!e, he r'shed over to her and str'ck her so violently that the (hite pearls of her teeth, athed in the lood shed y his an!ry hand, looked instead like red coral. 3ot satisfied (ith this, he dre( his da!!er, ready to free her fro) the yoke as 'rdenso)e to hi) as it (as to her. 5he )aids, (ho2d een tryin! to separate hi) fro) his (ife, screa)ed even )ore lo'dly at the si!ht of the da!!er and cried o't to 4a'ra2s father and rothers. 6'rio'sly they dashed into the roo). 1hen don Carlos sa( don Hie!o2s fren7y and 4a'ra athed in the lood that (as still !'shin! fro) her )o'th, he tho'!ht her h's and had sta ed her. 1ith a sense of dreadf'l !rief, don Carlos attacked don Hie!o. +e (renched the da!!er a(ay fro) hi) and (as a o't to thr'st it thro'!h his heart, (hen the ra7en don Hie!o, seein! hi)self in s'ch i))inent dan!er, e) raced don Carlos. 4a'ra thre( her ar)s aro'nd don Carlos and e!!ed hi) to co)e to his senses, sayin!: FAh, dear rother, (ith his life !oes the life of yo'r 'nfort'nate sisterQF Hon Carlos checked hi)self, and his father intervened et(een the t(o )en and cal)ed thin!s do(n. 5hey all ret'rned to their separate roo)s. Hon *ntonio (as afraid that it (o'ld e his do(nfall if there (ere scenes like that every day. +e decided he co'ldn2t ear to see (ith his o(n eyes the )istreat)ent of his eloved da'!hter 4a'ra. 5he ne=t day, he !athered 'p his entire ho'sehold and oth his sons and they (ent to Piedra lanca, a andonin! the poor 4a'ra to her 'nhappy fate. ,he (as so sad and disconsolate to see the) !o that she (ished she co'ld die. 4a'ra had heard that there (ere (o)en in the re!ion (ho, thro'!h sorcery, co'ld )ake the 'nlovin! love. 6indin! her love )ore despised > 1:" > (ith each passin! day, she decided to re)edy her pro le) y this )eans, a )istake often )ade y passionate people. ,he arran!ed to have a sorceress ro'!ht to her. &n 3aples sorceresses en%oy s'ch freedo) to e=ercise their s'perstitions and sche)es that they (ork their spells p' licly. 5hey do stran!e and a)a7in! thin!s that appear so tr'e yo' al)ost have to elieve in their po(ers. 5he viceroy and the cler!y are concerned a o't this pro le), as there2s no restriction y the &n?'isition or other p'nish)ent s'fficient to fri!hten the), for in &taly the 's'al penalty is a s)all fine. 5he inter)ediary (ho) 4a'ra had char!ed (ith rin!in! the sorceress to her didn2t tarry. 5he t(o (ere

pro a ly friends, for they all kno( one another. 5he (o)an ca)e, and 4a'ra so'!ht to c'rry her favor (ith !ifts ;(hich is (hat these (o)en really (ant<. 9nco'ra!ed y the sorceress2s pro)ises, 4a'ra told her a o't her )isfort'nes and aro'sed her sy)pathy y her )any tears. ,he 'sed these (ords to )ake her re?'est: FMy friend, if yo' can )ake )y h's and despise his )istress 3ise and love )e a!ain as he did at the e!innin! of o'r )arria!e (hen he (as )ore faithf'l and & happier, yo' (ill find in )y satisfaction and !ratit'de ho( )'ch & val'e yo'r services. &2ll !ive yo' half of all & possess. &f this isn2t eno'!h, set yo'r fee in ter)s of )y need, state yo'r o(n price and, if (hat & possess isn2t eno'!h, &2ll sell )y ody to )eet it.F 5he (o)an ass'red 4a'ra of her ?'alifications and told her of the )iracles she2d perfor)ed in si)ilar cases. ,he )ade 4a'ra feel that her re?'est (as so feasi le that 4a'ra elieved s'ccess (as a s're thin!. 5he (o)an said she needed certain o %ects that 4a'ra sho'ld o tain and rin! to her in a little po'ch: hairs fro) the head and eard and the teeth of a han!ed )an. 1ith these tokens and a fe( other thin!s, she (o'ld )ake don Hie!o chan!e character so dra)atically it (o'ld asto'nd 4a'ra. *s for pay, she (anted only (hat the res'lts (ere (orth. F6'rther)ore, )y lady,F the false sorceress (ent on, Fall the ea'ty and all the (ealth in the (orld aren2t eno'!h to )ake one happy (itho't the help of spells s'ch as )ine. 1hy, if yo' only kne( ho( )any (o)en en%oy peace (ith their h's ands eca'se of )e, yo'r fears (o'ld e allayed and yo'2d feel ass'red of yo'r !ood fort'ne.F 4a'ra felt very conf'sed (hen she reali7ed that the (o)an (as askin! her to o tain s'ch diffic'lt thin!s. ,he had no idea ho( she co'ld !et hold of the hair and teeth of a han!ed )an. ,he !ave the > 1:@ > (o)an a h'ndred !old esc'dos and, since )oney acco)plishes )iracles, she told her to find so)eone to o tain the) for her. 5he crafty sorceress ;(ho (anted to prolon! the c're in order to leed the lady2s p'rse and cover 'p her )achinations< replied that she didn2t kno( anyone she co'ld tr'st and, esides, the po(er lay in the fact that 4a'ra herself o tained those o %ects and !ave the) into her hands. +avin! said this, the sorceress departed, leavin! 4a'ra as sad and tro' led as yo' can i)a!ine. 4a'ra kept (onderin! ho( she co'ld !et the thin!s the (o)an asked for, 't every tho'!ht that occ'rred to her presented a tho'sand diffic'lties. +er only re)edy (as to shed torrents of tears fro) her ea'tif'l eyes, eca'se she co'ldn2t think of a so'l she co'ld tr'st. 4a'ra tho'!ht it (as eneath the di!nity of a (o)an like herself to stoop to s'ch ase activities. ,he (as afraid of her servants2 lack of discretion, and a ove all she feared that don Hie!o )i!ht find o't. 5hese tho'!hts only )ade her (eep )ore and, (rin!in! her hands, she said to herself: FUnl'cky 4a'raQ +o( co'ld yo' ever have e=pected to e l'ckyJ 9ven (hen yo' (ere orn, yo' cost yo'r )other her life. 1hy not sacrifice yo'r life to deathQ Ah 4ove, )ortal ene)y of )ankind, ho( )'ch evil yo'2ve ro'!ht to the (orld, especially to (o)en (ho are (eak in every (ay and so s'scepti le to deception. &t see)s as if yo' direct yo'r f'll po(er and all yo'r hostility a!ainst 's (o)en. & don2t kno( (hy heaven )ade )e ea'tif'l, no le, and rich, if these ?'alities can2t prevent )isfort'ne. 5he )any !ifts nat're and (ealth have esto(ed 'pon )e have een po(erless a!ainst the 'nl'cky star 'nder (hich & (as orn. &f & a) tr'ly 'nl'cky, (hat can life have in store for )eJ F5his (retched life is )ore sorro( than %oy. 5o (ho) can & tell )y sorro(sJ 1ho (ill help )eJ 1ho (ill listen to )y co)plaints and e )ovedJ 1ho (ill see )y tears and dry the) for )eJ 3o one. My

father and )y rothers a andoned )e and left )e helpless to avoid kno(in! a o't )y pli!ht. 9ven heaven, (hich co)forts the afflicted, is deaf to )y pleas. *las, don Hie!o, (ho (o'ld ever have tho'!ht . . . J B't & sho'ld2ve tho'!ht, & sho'ld2ve kno(n, for after all, yo'2re a )an, and )en2s deceptions e=ceed even the e=ploits of the devil hi)self. Men do !reater evil than all the )inions of hell. 1here can a tr'e )an e fo'ndJ &n (hat )an, especially (hen he kno(s he2s loved, does love last )ore than a dayJ &t2s as if the )ore > 1:I > a )an kno(s he2s loved, the )ore he scorns and a 'ses. C'rsed e the (o)an (ho elieves in )enQ &n the end, she2ll find her love re(arded %'st as & have. ,eein! so )any painf'l e=a)ples of the (ay )en ehave, (hat (o)an can e so foolish as to (ant to !et )arried. *nd the very (o)an (ho thinks she2s )ost likely to find happiness (ill e the one to fail )ost dis)ally. F+o( can & have so little valor, s'ch effe)inate co'ra!eJ +o( can & e s'ch a co(ard that & don2t strike dead the ene)y of all )y peace and the in!rate (ho treats )e so harshlyJ B't alasQ & love hi). &2) afraid to )ake hi) an!ryD &2) afraid & )i!ht lose hi)Q 1hy, vain le!islators of the (orld, do yo' tie o'r hands so that (e cannot take ven!eance. Beca'se of yo'r )istaken ideas a o't 's, yo' render 's po(erless and deny 's access to pen and s(ord. &sn2t o'r so'l the sa)e as a )an2s so'lJ &f the so'l is (hat !ives co'ra!e to the ody, (hy are (e so co(ardlyJ &f yo' )en kne( that (e (ere rave and stron!, &2) s're yo' (o'ldn2t deceive 's the (ay yo' do. By keepin! 's s' %ect fro) the )o)ent (e2re orn, yo' (eaken o'r stren!th (ith fears a o't honor and o'r )inds (ith e=a!!erated e)phasis on )odesty and sha)e. 6or a s(ord, yo' !ive 's the distaff, instead of ooks, a se(in! c'shion. 1oe is )eQ 1hat !ood do all these tho'!hts doJ 5hey don2t solve )y hopeless pro le). 1hat & )'st think a o't is ho( to !et that sorceress the thin!s she2s asked for.F *s 4a'ra said this, she set her )ind to thinkin! a o't (hat she )i!ht do. *!ain she e!an to la)ent. *nyone (ho heard 4a'ra2s la)ents (o'ld say that the po(er of love had reached its li)it, 't there (ere !reater trials ahead. 3i!ht ca)e, and it (as the darkest and the )ost shado(y ni!ht of the (inter ;to sho( ho( ni!ht felt a o't her plan<. ,he didn2t take into acco'nt any risk or possi le conse?'ences of her acts sho'ld don Hie!o co)e ho)e and find her a sent fro) their ho'se. ,he instr'cted her servants, if her h's and did y chance ret'rn, to tell hi) she2d !one to visit one of her )any (o)en friends in 3aples. 4a'ra p't on one of her )aid2s cloaks, took a little lantern and, acco)panied only y her vast fears, she set o't do(n the street (ith !reater co'ra!e than her fe( years (arranted. ,he (ent to !et (hat she hoped (o'ld solve all her pro le)s. .'st thinkin! a o't (here she (ent fills )e (ith horror. Ah, don Hie!o, ca'se of so )'ch evil, (hy doesn2t God take yo' to acco'nt for all yo'r (ickednessJ Ko' have driven yo'r (ife eyond fear of the dreadf'l place (here she > 1:# > (ill !o, disre!ardin! the s'spicions she )i!ht aro'se in her )aids and riskin! the loss of her honor and her life if she2s discoveredQ &f only yo' tho'!ht a o't it, yo'2d see ho( )'ch yo' o(e herQ * o't a )ile fro) the city of 3aples, there2s a holy i)a!e of A'r 4ady of *rca )'ch venerated in the (hole kin!do). 5he i)a!e is in a chapel %'st a stone2s thro( fro) the )ain hi!h(ay that !oes to Piedra lanca. 5he chapel is a o't fifty feet lon! and the sa)e acrossD its door faces the road. &n the front of the chapel, there2s an altar (ith the holy i)a!e painted on the (all ehind it. 5he ceilin! is a o't nine feet hi!h, and the floor is a pit s'nk a o't t(enty feet deep. ,'rro'ndin! this !reat pit there2s

%'st a led!e a o't ei!hteen inches (ide alon! (hich yo' can (alk aro'nd the chapel. *t a o't the hei!ht of a )an, and so)eti)es even lo(er, there are iron hooks in the (all. *fter cri)inals sentenced to death have een p' licly han!ed, their corpses are ro'!ht here and h'n! fro) these hooks. *s the odies deco)pose, their ones fall into the pit, (hich, ein! holy !ro'nd, serves as their to) . * fe( days efore, si= hi!h(ay andits had een han!ed. 5his is the dreadf'l place (here 4a'ra (ent. 1ith the incredi le co'ra!e her love inspired in her, she entered. &!norin! the !reat dan!er, she (as )indf'l only of her terri le need. ,he felt less afraid of the people she (as !oin! to do 'siness (ith than of fallin! into the a yss. &f that happened, no one (o'ld ever kno( (hat had eco)e of her. 1hat incredi le heart in s'ch a frail, (eak (o)anQ ,he !ot to the chapel a o't ten and stayed 'ntil one. 1ho kno(s if it (as God2s (ill or her o(n li)itation, 't she (asn2t a le to acco)plish her )ission in spite of the fact that she co'ld easily reach the faces of the dead )en. & shall no( tell yo' ho( that ca)e a o't. &2ve already descri ed ho( 4a'ra2s father and her rothers, to keep fro) seein! her )istreated and to avoid the risk of open (arfare (ith their rother/in/la(, had retreated to Piedra lanca. 5here they lived, if not for!etf'l of her, at least re)oved fro) the si!ht of her sorry pli!ht. 5he ni!ht (hen 4a'ra (ent to the chapel, don Carlos (as fast asleep in his ed. ,'ddenly he a(oke (ith a start and cried o't so lo'dly that it al)ost see)ed as if he )i!ht die. +is cry 'pset the (hole ho'sehold. Conf'sed and (orried, his father and all the servants r'shed to his roo). ,ho(in! their !rief in tears, they asked hi) (hat had ca'sed his o'tcry, 't it (as a )ystery even to the one (ho2d s'ffered it. *fter don Carlos recovered his co)pos're, he said in a lo'd voice, FMy sister is in dan!erQF +e %')ped 'p, thre( on his > 1:: > clothes, and ordered his horse to e saddled. +e leapt on the horse and, (itho't (aitin! for a servant to acco)pany hi), he took the road to 3aples at f'll !allop. +e rode so fast that y one o2clock he2d !otten to the chapel. *t that point the horse stopped sharply and stood stock still, as if it (ere a stat'e )ade of ron7e or stone. Hon Carlos tried to proceed 't, no )atter ho( he tried, he co'ldn2t )ake the horse 'd!et. +e co'ldn2t !et hi) to )ove either for(ard or ack(ard. 9ach ti)e he sp'rred hi) on, the horse (o'ld 'tter a fri!htf'l snort. 1hen don Carlos co'ldn2t solve this )ystery, he re)e) ered that the chapel (as near y. +e t'rned to look at it and sa( the li!ht fro) the lantern his sister (as carryin!. +e tho'!ht so)e sorceress )'st have detained hi) there. 5o )ake s're, he decided to see if the horse (o'ld )ove to(ard the chapelD the )o)ent he t'rned the rein, (itho't any other 'r!in!, the horse did his )aster2s (ill. 1ith s(ord in hand, he rode 'p to the door. ;5he )o)ent (hoever (as inside heard hi), the )ysterio's person sn'ffed o't the li!ht and h'ddled close to the (all.< Hon Carlos called o't: F1hoever yo' are there, co)e o't i))ediatelyQ &f yo' don2t, & s(ear y the kin!2s life, that & (on2t leave this spot 'ntil & see (ho yo' are y the li!ht of the s'n and find o't (hat yo'2re doin! in this place.F 4a'ra reco!ni7ed her rother2s voice. +opin! he2d !o a(ay, she dis!'ised her voice as est she co'ld and replied: F&2) a poor 'nfort'nate (o)an co)e to this place for a certain p'rpose. &t2s none of yo'r 'siness (ho & a). Please, for the love of God, !o a(ayQ *nd rest ass'red, kind sir, that if yo' insist on (aitin! 'ntil dayli!ht, & shall thro( )yself do(n into the pit, even tho'!h that (o'ld cost )e )y life and )y so'l.F 4a'ra co'ldn2t dis!'ise her voice (ell eno'!h, and her rother hadn2t for!otten her as co)pletely as she tho'!ht. +e !asped and cried o't lo'dly, sayin!:

FAh, sister, ho( dreadf'l for yo' to e hereQ 3ot in vain did )y heart (arn )e of yo'r peril. Co)e o't of thereQF 8eali7in! that her rother had reco!ni7ed her, 4a'ra 'sed the 't)ost care she co'ld )'ster to keep fro) fallin! into the pit. +'!!in! the (all and pro a ly also clin!in! to the odies of the dead )en, slo(ly she )ana!ed to )ake her (ay o't. 1hen she reached her !rief/stricken rother she thre( herself in his ar)s. ;1ho can do' t that don Carlos, lovin! her as )'ch as he did, felt heartsick as he e) raced herJ< 5o!ether they )oved a(ay fro) that dread spot, and then he > 1:$ > listened to 4a'ra riefly relate (hat had ro'!ht her there. ,he learned ho( her rother had chanced to co)e there at that very )o)ent. +e considered the resc'e )irac'lo's, as did 4a'ra, despite the fact that she (as feelin! very asha)ed of (hat she2d done. Hon Carlos decided to take her ack to Piedra lanca on his horse. 3ear da(n they reached Piedra lanca. *fter 4a'ra2s father heard the (hole story, he, the t(o rothers, and 4a'ra !ot into a coach and drove to 3aples. 5hey (ent strai!ht to the palace of the viceroy, (ho at that ti)e happened to e don Pedro 6ernande7 de Castro, co'nt of 4e)os. +e (as a very no le, (ise, and devo't prince (hose rare virt'es and o'tstandin! ?'alities sho'ld e (ritten on ron7e pla?'es and on the ton!'e of fa)e rather than %'st on paper. Hon *ntonio ;as & (as sayin!< placed hi)self at the feet of this e)inent person. +e knelt do(n and told the viceroy that, in order to relate a )ost portento's event that had occ'rred, it (as necessary for his son/in/la(, don Hie!o Pinatelo, to e present, eca'se the )atter concerned his a'thority and his do)estic relations. +is e=cellency, (ell a(are of don *ntonio2s valor and no ility, i))ediately sent the captain of the !'ard to fetch don Hie!o. +e (as fo'nd in a state of despair and the entire ho'sehold in t'r)oil. 5he )enservants had fled, terrified of his ra!e, and the )aids had een locked 'p. 1hat ca'sed the 'proar (as that he had co)e ho)e late the ni!ht efore and fo'nd 4a'ra !one. 5hinkin! that his no le (ife had deserted hi) or r'n a(ay intendin! to destroy his honor, he2d tried to set the ho'se on fire. +e ra!ed like a lion. 1hen don Hie!o (as infor)ed that the viceroy re?'ired his presence, he acco)panied the escort, f'rio's and !lo(erin!. +e entered the hall and (as st'nned to see his father/in/la(, his rothers/in/la(, and his (ife. +e (as even )ore astonished to hear his (ife, in his presence, tell the viceroy e=actly (hat (e have (ritten here. 4a'ra ended her story and added that she (as disill'sioned (ith the (orld and (ith )en and didn2t (ant to have to str'!!le any lon!er. 1hen she tho'!ht a o't (hat she2d done and the a(f'l place (here she2d !one, she (as horrified. 6or this reason, she (anted to enter a convent, the only real sanct'ary for the relief of the )isery to (hich (o)en are s' %ected. 1hen don Hie!o heard 4a'ra say this, it to'ched his heart to reali7e he2d ca'sed so )'ch pain. Bein! a (ell/intentioned )an, he pri7ed 4a'ra at this )o)ent )ore than ever and feared she )i!ht really do as she (ished. +e 'nderstood ho( a!!rieved she (as and reali7ed he co'ld (in no concessions fro) her, so he tried to 'se the > 1:9 > viceroy as inter)ediary. +e e!!ed the no le !entle)an to intercede and ask 4a'ra to co)e ack to hi). +e pro)ised to )end his (ay no( that he kne( the po(er of her love. 5o ass're 4a'ra of his o(n love, he (o'ld place 3ise, the ca'se of so )'ch )isfort'ne, in his e=cellency2s hands so he co'ld p't her in a convent. ,eparated fro) 3ise forever and eternally !ratef'l to 4a'ra for the po(er of her love,

he (o'ld adore his tr'e (ife and serve her al(ays. 5he viceroy approved of don Hie!o2s plan, as did don *ntonio and his sons. B't it (as i)possi le for 4a'ra to accept his offer. ,he (as too afraid eca'se of the past. 9ver )ore resol'te in her deter)ination, she told don Hie!o he (as (astin! his ti)e. ,he (anted to !ive to God, (ho (as infinitely )ore appreciative, all the love she2d previo'sly devoted to her thankless h's and. 5hat very day 4a'ra entered the rich, no le, and holy convent of the &))ac'late Conception. 3ot even the viceroy hi)self co'ld )ake 4a'ra reveal the identity of the (o)an (ho2d asked for those o'tra!eo's o %ects in order to have her p'nished. &n despair, don Hie!o (ent ho)e. +e !athered 'p all the %e(els and )oney he co'ld find and, (itho't sayin! !ood/ ye to anyone, departed the city. * fe( )onths later it (as learned that (hile servin! in the ar)y of his )a%esty Philip &&&, kin! of ,pain, in the (ar (ith the d'ke of ,avoy, he (as lo(n 'p y a )ine. 4a'ra, no( entirely free, took the ha it and soon thereafter )ade her vo(s. ,he lives a devo't life in the convent. ,he still re!rets her darin! deed and, every ti)e she recalls that a(f'l place (here she (ent, she tre) les. & heard this tale fro) her o(n lips, and & tell it as a tr'e story so that everyone (ill kno( the !reat po(er of love and the )arvelo's enchant)ent of its po(er. 9veryone had listened (ith a)a7e)ent to the discreet enchant)ent narrated y the ea'tif'l 3ise. ,o)e praised the po(er of 4a'ra2s love, others her intelli!ence, and everyone praised her co'ra!e. 5hey all a!reed that not one a)on! the) (o'ld dare to visit s'ch a dread place as she had. 5his !ave 3ise the opport'nity to reaffir) that every (ord she2d spoken (as tr'e. 4ysis noted that the lovely Phyllis (as preparin! to tell her tale so, acco)panied y the )'sicians, she san! this 'rles?'e )adri!al: 4et 's 'nderstand one another, sister flea: (ho has !iven yo' s'ch a tyrannical nat're, > 1$0 > s'ch co'ra!e and valor, that yo' attack everyoneJ 1hy are yo' the one (ho for!ives no oneJ *nd s'ch a tiny little thin! to ite )ore than one poet, (hat a co'pQ Ko' ite people of all classes, as a ea'tif'l (o)an )i!ht confess, that (hat she denied to others the flea has thoro'!hly en%oyed. 1hen & consider yo'r pro!eny and ponder yo'r h') le linea!e, &2) a)a7ed at yo'r po(er and so &2d call yo' a scandal/)on!er, orn, perhaps, in a sta le, still yo' ite and )artyri7e the (hole (orld. 5ailor of h')an flesh (ho )akes everyone nervo's,

(orryin! )ornin!, noon, and ni!ht a o't (here yo' )ay e (anderin!D yo' and 4ove are the appellate %'d!es of all )ortal ein!s. Ah, ha'!hty co))issionerQ Ah, harsh %'sticeQ Ah, ven!ef'l )ayorQ Ah, heartless and desi!nin! ailiffQ Ah, tricky notary, life and death are in yo'r handsQ Please e !ratef'l for )y friendship, for so)eti)es & let yo' ite )eD so let2s e friends, and yo' !o ite the %'d!es (ith all yo'r )i!ht, and )ay they !ive the pri7e to )e for &2ve already tasted it. 5he prettily s'n! lyrics !ave )'ch pleas're to the a'dience, (ho reco!ni7ed that they2d een co)posed for so)e contest. 5hey all thanked the heavenly 4ysis, )ost of all don Hie!o. 1ith each (ord the lovely lady san!, he eca)e )ore passionately ena)ored, (hich )ade don .'an terri ly %ealo's, altho'!h he !ave a different reason for his disp'te (ith don Hie!o, s'!!estin! that it (as eca'se don Hie!o feared his pen )ore than his s(ord. 5he tr'th (as that he > 1$1 > loved 4isarda, still, he didn2t dislike 4ysis, and he didn2t (ant to lose the affection of either (o)an. ,'ch fickle )en elon! in solitary confine)ent. 1hile the ill'strio's a'dience (as con!rat'latin! 4ysis and sin!in! her praise, 3ise and Phyllis chan!ed places. 5hey all t'rned their attention to Phyllis, and she e!an: F,ince the lovely 3ise has told all a o't the po(er of love in her enchant)ent, to contin'e in her style, &2d like to tell a o't the po(er of virt'e in )ine, a o't ho( a (o)an is disenchanted y the e=periences of another (o)an and 'lti)ately is re(arded. & tell this story so )en (ill reali7e that there are virt'o's (o)en and that it2s (ron! for the na)e of !ood (o)en to e tarnished y the deeds of ad (o)en: all (o)en sho'ld not e tarred (ith the sa)e r'sh. 1itho't departin! one (hit fro) the tr'th, )y story !oes like thisF: > 1$- >

*isi'',sionment in Love and Virt,e Re4arded

5he i)perial city of 5oledo, ancient seat of )onarchs and cro(n city of their kin!do), !lories in its deli!htf'l settin!, its ea'tif'l constr'ction, its no le !entle)en and splendid ladies. 5heir heavenly faces co)pete (ith their ele!ant (it as they %oin in a)oro's attle, the effects of (hich can e seen in the hearts of all (ho cele rate and deli!ht in love. &f each lovely lady is herself a si yl, all of the) to!ether for) a verita le s?'adron of an!els. &n these splendors and in )any other (onders, this ill'strio's city is one of ,pain2s !lories and nat're2s !reatest )iracles. More than any other place, it

deserves the na)e of ein! the ei!hth (onder of the (orld. +ere, not )any years a!o, lived a !entle)an (e shall call don 6ernando. +e (as orn of no le, fairly (ell/to/do parents, and he see)ed so !allant, hi!h/spirited, and rave that, if he hadn2t tarnished his nat'ral !races y ein! )ore inclined to(ard )ischief and vice than to(ard virt'e, he )i!ht have een the pride and !lory of his irthplace. ;Ah, (oe etide those )en (ho don2t do !ood as they (ere ro'!ht 'p to doQ< 6ro) don 6ernando2s tenderest yo'th, his parents tried to rear hi) and teach hi) the )anners re?'ired y his no le irth so that he (o'ld carry on the fa)ily tradition inherited fro) his ancestors. B't s'ch virt'o's c'sto)s (ere too (ei!hty for don 6ernando. +e invaria ly o eyed his )ischievo's inclinationsD indeed he never even tried to resist the). *s a res'lt, he took little > 1$" > advanta!e of his !ood 'p rin!in!. ,'ddenly, at the very (orst ti)e, his father died and his )other (as 'na le to !ive don 6ernando the kind of attention he needed, either eca'se she co'ldn2t control hi) or eca'se she had no other son and (as afraid to lose his affection. 5hereafter don 6ernando devoted hi)self even )ore (holeheartedly to his vices and )ischief: he d'eled, he !a) led, and he (o)ani7ed so (antonly that he never )issed any incident that took place in the city. +e (as involved in every scrape and ca'sed so )'ch )ischief that he prided hi)self on ein! the cock of the (alk. Hon 6ernando had scarcely reached )anhood (hen he eca)e the a o)ination of )en. +e see)ed to have een ro'!ht 'p p'rposef'lly to r'in and destroy the !ood na)e as (ell as the inheritance of his ancestors. 5here (as no tro' le fro) (hich he (as a sent, no dist'r ance of (hich he (as not a part, and !ettin! o't of all these scrapes cost hi) a lot. +is e=cesses (ere so notorio's that he (as (atched, especially y the police, (ith (ho) he (as constantly havin! r'shes. 5hese skir)ishes cons')ed a fair part of his inheritance, (hich concerned hi) )ore than a little eca'se it hadn2t een very a 'ndant to e!in (ith. &n the )idst of all these diversions and e=cesses, love str'ck o'r !entle)an in the for) of the ea'ty, !race, and discretion of a lady (ho lived in 5oledo, fairly (ealthy herself and inco)para ly ea'tif'l, (ho) (e shall call doBa .'ana. +er parents had oth passed a(ay, leavin! her all alone. 5hey had een stran!ers in the city and so she had no relatives there. HoBa .'ana (as t(enty, a dan!ero's a!e for a (o)an2s virt'e eca'se at this ti)e ea'ty, vanity, and folly are !overned y the (ill, and a (o)an tends not to heed reason or %'d!)ent and, instead, lets herself e carried a(ay y lascivio's desires. HoBa .'ana let herself e co'rted and served y several yo'n! !entle)en, thinkin! that in this (ay she co'ld arran!e her o(n )arria!e. Hon 6ernando took a fancy to o'r lady ;?'ite 'nprecedented, !iven his nat're<. +e co'rted her favor (ith letters, )'sic, !ifts, all the (eapons )en 'se to con?'er the frail resistance of (o)en. HoBa .'ana looked favora ly on don 6ernando and felt pleased to see herself co'rted y s'ch a !allant and no le !entle)an. ,he elieved that, if she co'ld o li!e hi) to eco)e her h's and, she (o'ld e e=ceedin!ly fort'nate. *ltho'!h not 'na(are of his reckless e=cesses, she said, as do others ; 't they2re (ron!<, that they (ere %'st oyish pranks, so(in! (ild oats. &n the lon! r'n, ho(ever, yo' can e=pect little of the )an (ho lacks principles in the e!innin!. > 1$@ > Hon 6ernando, ein! ast'te, kne( that doBa .'ana (o'ld never s'rrender herself to hi) e=cept in )arria!e, so he pretended to (ant %'st that. 5hat is (hat he told everyone (ho )i!ht repeat it to her, especially her )aids, (henever he spoke (ith the). 5he lady (as e?'ally clever and, kno(in! that there2s no etter ait for a )an2s affections than aloofness, in order to sharpen his desire, she played

hard to !et, ena)orin! hi) )ore and )ore (ith her coy disdain. +er distance really did affect don 6ernando, perhaps eca'se in the e!innin! he (as only foolin! aro'nd and no( he really loved her, or )ay e eca'se he (as deter)ined to con?'er her. Given his conviction that his !ood looks co'ld con?'er any ea'ty, he (as afraid he )i!ht lose stat's 'nless he s'cceeded in van?'ishin! her disdain. ,o he set o't to overco)e her distance (ith his )any char)s. 5he cr'eler she (as, the )ore lovin! he see)ed, the )ore disdainf'l she (as, the h') ler he acted, the colder she (as, the )ore lovesick he appeared to e. Ane s'))er ni!ht, as on )any other ni!hts, love ro'!ht hi) to her street (ith so)e friends. *s the sayin! !oes, (here the so'l d(ells, there yo'2ll find the ody. +e ca)e prepared (ith )'sical instr')ents for entertain)ent. +e asked his friends to acco)pany hi), and they all %oined in and san!: Af the t(o pains that love can rin! to an 'nhappy )an, (orse than ein! for!otten is ein! scornedD for one can for!et his o livion and love a!ain another day, 't the one (ho2s een scorned, (henever he re)e) ers it (ill e to feel scorn a!ain, rather than to love (ell. A livion is the lack of insistent )e)ory, it2s ad fort'ne 't not ad intentionD a!ainst all nat'ral la(, one linded y passion (ho scorns in this sit'ation not only doesn2t love 't act'ally desires evilD (orse than o livion is disdain. > 1$I > *nd so, to )ake )y point, if scorn is an offense, one 'nderstands that the thankless lover (ho scorns a!!rievesD and if so)eone (ants to love (ho has een scorned, let hi) enter the !a)e, 't if &2) to e )istreated, rather than ein! scorned, & prefer to sink into o livion. & confess that the one (ho scorns holds a certain kind of )e)ory, 't if that see)s like !lory,

it2s )ore like hell to )e, eca'se (hen yo' consider it (ell, s'ch a person only desires to see hi)self happy and aven!edD and if this is the (ay it is, then %'st eca'se of the dan!er it2s etter to e for!otten. Hon 6ernando )ade no )istake in sin!in! these verses, al eit 'nintentionally, eca'se 'ntil this ti)e he2d een 'na le to ascertain the lady2s (ill, to tell (hether she (as inclined to love hi) or to scorn hi). +e didn2t kno( (hether his char)s had fo'nd roo) in her heart for, altho'!h he (as reckless, he co'ld oast of )any char)s. B't doBa .'ana had already decided to favor hi). ,he had, 'ntil that )o)ent, re)ained hidden to listen to his )'sic. 3o( she allo(ed herself to e seen and even re?'ested that he play )ore )'sic eca'se it pleased her !reatly. +appier for this favor than he2d ever felt efore, don 6ernando took heart and san! this allad 'nacco)panied: Melancholy s'spicion, tor)ent of )y )e)ory, deli!ht of )y so'l, and eternal fla)e of )y pleas're, death of )y hopes, fear of )y desirin!, to) of )y !lory, prison of )y tho'!hts, tears in )y sad eyes, and si!hs in )y reast, if yo' are not love, yo' )'st e %ealo'sy. > 1$# > 6ears of )y )isfort'ne orn efore their ti)e, kno(, to )y sorro(, )y )istress2s disdain. 6ro) her, (ith tender tears, si!ns of )y tr'e affection, s're indications of )y love, & h') ly e! her re)edy. 5o see if )y re?'est finds )ercy in her heart, the heaven of all )y !lory, & seek !lory in her heaven. 1ho are yo'J B't & s'spect if yo' are not love, yo' )'st e %ealo'sy. +ear )y tender si!hs, oh, i)a!e & idoli7e, as, (eepin!, & e(ail yo'r ne!lect and )y sorro(. Mistress )ine, & a)

5antal's to yo'r favorsD (hen & try to taste yo'r delicio's crystal chalice, it slips a(ay fro) )y thirstin! lipsD ,isyph's a) &, carryin! on )y sho'lders the (ei!ht of )y !lory and, (hen & reach the s'))it, to!ether (e fall into the depths. 1ho are yo'J B't & s'spect if yo' are not love, yo' )'st e %ealo'sy. *lasQ +o( )any ti)es &2ve tried to s'ppress the illness & s'fferD ho( )any ti)es )y oldness overco)es )y fears. *nd ho( )any ti)es & have seen )y hopes flee fro) disappoint)ent 't then, 'nheeded, they !o ack (here they ca)e fro). *nd ho( )any ti)es, (hen & sa( C'pid fannin! the fla)e did & (ith reason interr'pt his chaotic plan. 1ho are yo'J B't & s'spect if yo' are not love, yo' )'st e %ealo'sy. ,o, indeed, & lost )yself to those e(itchin! eyes > 1$: > that have sn'ffed o't )ore lives than the heavens have stars. & feel like 9tna er'ptin!, Mon!i elo afire, and the fla)es that 'rn )e are the)selves infla)ed y ice. ,(eet li erty lost, it is ri!ht that (e sho'ld cryD yo' for )y hopeless love and & for yo'r eternal captivity. 1ho are yo'J B't & s'spect if yo' are not love, yo' )'st e %ealo'sy. Beca'se of the favors doBa .'ana !ranted hi) that ni!ht, don 6ernando departed happier than yo' can i)a!ine. Considerin! the scorn she had previo'sly sho(n to(ard hi) and, since these (ere the first favors he2d received, he tho'!ht he2d done ?'ite (ell. Contin'in! his co'rtship and his love, increasin! his !ifts, and e=a!!eratin! his co'rtesies, he !rad'ally (on the affections of the lady. 3o( she (as hopelessly in love, and don 6ernando eca)e the one (ho let hi)self e loved and served ;this is the nat're of )en (ho are loved and the fate of (o)en (ho s'rrender<. 9ven tho'!h don 6ernando did

love doBa .'ana, he (as no lon!er eside hi)self (ith passion. +is love certainly (asn2t eno'!h to )ake hi) !ive 'p any of his other pasti)es for doBa .'ana ;as is typical of the false lover<. &t2s (ell kno(n that those (ho en%oy possession are the very ones (ho kno( est ho( to deceive and least ho( to love tr'ly, for the 'nhappy lover is never fickle (hile the s'ccessf'l lover seldo) stays tr'e. Ulti)ately don 6ernando (on his desire and doBa .'ana s'rrendered herself to hi). 3o (onder, (hen he placed her 'nder o li!ation y pro)isin! to )arry her, (hich is the pri7e )en offer in order to s'!arcoat the itter pill of their deception. Hon 6ernando2s )other (as still alive, and this (as the e=c'se he offered for not )arryin! doBa .'ana i))ediately. +e said he (as afraid his )arria!e (o'ld 'pset her so )'ch that it )i!ht ca'se her death, so they2d have to keep their love secret 'ntil the ri!ht ti)e. HoBa .'ana elieved hi) and s(allo(ed happily all the e=c'ses he )ade. ,he elieved that the )ost i)portant thin!, (innin! his affection, had een acco)plished. ,he p't aside all her fears eca'se fort'ne see)ed to favor her and, esides, she co'ld no lon!er live (itho't her lover, (hich (as pro a ly the real reason. 5heir secret affair (ent on for si= )onths, and don 6ernando !ave > 1$$ > her everythin! she needed. +e s'pported her ho'sehold as if she (ere his (ife eca'se that (as the a!ree)ent they had. H'rin! this ti)e, doBa .'ana ca)e to love hi) )ore and )ore passionately (hile don 6ernando loved her as her possessor. B't then the possession e!an to ore hi). HoBa .'ana had a friend (ho, altho'!h she2d passed her forty/ei!hth irthday, (as still attractive and ele!ant. ,he hadn2t lost a it of the vi rant ea'ty she en%oyed in her yo'th. +er appeal (as enhanced y the !reat (ealth she possessed and had increased in 8o)e and in the other co'ntries (here she2d traveled. 9very(here she (ent, she had eco)e kno(n as a po(erf'l (itch, 't not every ody kne( it eca'se she never e=ercised her po(ers on ehalf of others, only for herself. Certainly doBa .'ana didn2t kno( this, altho'!h she did have her do' ts a o't 4'creciaMthis (as the !ood (o)an2s na)e. 4'crecia (as a native of 8o)e 't as clever and ,panish as if she2d een orn and ro'!ht 'p in Ald Castile. Beca'se of her friendship (ith doBa .'ana, she ca)e often to her ho'se. Ko' )ay (ell i)a!ine that she fell in love (ith don 6ernando, kno(in! ho( affection develops fro) fre?'ent contact. 4ove is an ene)y as 'navoida le as it is po(erf'l, for & a!ree (ith those (ho say that affection and disaffection are not (ithin o'r po(er to control. 3o( this (as not 4'crecia2s first e=perience of this kind, and she (anted her eloved to kno( of her love, so she e!an to visit doBa .'ana )ore fre?'ently and to look very lovin!ly at don 6ernando. *t first don 6ernando didn2t catch on eca'se he tho'!ht 4'crecia (as eyond the a!e of flirtation and love affairs. ,he, no( passionately in love, took note of doBa .'ana2s !reat love and don 6ernando2s little love. *ltho'!h doBa .'ana didn2t s'spect her friend2s treachery, she did represent an i)pedi)ent to the achieve)ent of 4'crecia2s desire eca'se she (as so in love she co'ldn2t ear to e separated fro) her lover. 4'crecia decided to (rite hi) a letter, (hich she carried (ith her to have ready. ,he (aited for the ri!ht ti)e, place, and sit'ation and, at the first opport'nity, she !ave it to hi). &t read as follo(s: Hon 6ernando, kno(in! that doBa .'ana is to eco)e yo'r (ife, it (o'ld e foolish on )y part to try to separate yo' fro) her love. B't & see in yo'r ehavior and in the other entertain)ents (hich en!a!e yo' that yo'r affection for her does not !o eyond si)ple en%oy)ent of her ea'ty. 6or this reason, &2ve decided to reveal )y feelin!s to yo'. &2ve loved yo' fro) the )o)ent &

> 1$9 > first sa( yo'. * love as deter)ined as )ine cannot e e=pressed less candidlyD & possess !reat (ealth (ith (hich to re!ale yo'D )y (ealth and )y person are yo'rs to co))and. Ko' are all & (ant, all & care a o't. May God keep yo'. 4'crecia Hon 6ernando (as y nat're fickleM)en like hi) re?'ire constant chan!e for sti)'lationD (hen they tire of en%oyin! one ea'ty, they desire another, and so)eti)es even an '!ly (o)an (ill appeal to the). *t any rate, either eca'se of his nat're, his desire to have )oney to spend and to !a) le (ith, or )ost pro a ly eca'se 4'crecia2s )a!ical spells and arts (ere e!innin! to control his (ill, he read her letter and accepted her offer. 5hat very day he (ent to her ho'se. Af co'rse he didn2t fail to sho( 'p at doBa .'ana2s as (ell. +e did his visits to 4'crecia, (ho (as no( tryin! to reak 'p his relationship (ith doBa .'ana and p't an end to his visits to her. HoBa .'ana noticed her lover2s a sences. ,he also detected chan!es in 4'crecia2s ehavior, notin! in partic'lar the fact that her friend didn2t visit as re!'larly. HoBa .'ana e!an to s'spect (hat (as act'ally !oin! on. 5o find o't the ca'se for these chan!es for s're, she e!an to follo( don 6ernando. ,he soon discovered the (hole sit'ation and learned that 4'crecia had !iven hi) po(er over her estate. +e co'ld spend her )oney as he liked and even e=ha'st her fort'ne. HoBa .'ana e!an to ar!'e (ith her 'n!ratef'l lover over his ne( affair, 't that only )ade her less attractive and less lovea le. Hon 6ernando had no intention of !ivin! 'p his pleas're, and o'r poor lady had no reco'rse 't to s'ffer her an!'ish. 8eali7in! that her an!er only drove hi) farther a(ay, she decided to disse) le, hopin! to (in hi) ack thro'!h her love, since she co'ldn2t live (itho't don 6ernando and his ne!lect (as drivin! her cra7y. 4'crecia e!an to 'se her po(ers to their f'llest. 1hen o'r poor !entle)an (as at doBa .'ana2s ho'se, 4'crecia (o'ld dra( hi) instantly to her o(n ho'se in (hatever state her )a!ic happened to catch hi), (hether he (as dressed or not. HoBa .'ana (atched all this happenin! and noticed that don 6ernando ca)e irre!'larly and infre?'ently to her ho'se. Us'ally he (o'ld visit her 'pon leavin! his )other2s ;she, nat'rally, (as tro' led to see her son so preocc'pied<. *ll of a s'dden so)e stron!er attraction (o'ld dra( hi) a(ay fro) doBa .'ana. 5here (ere still a fe( 'rnin! e) ers a)on! the ashes of his love for her, 't they co'ld not (ithstand 4'crecia2s spells and char)s. +e (o'ld stand > 190 > hesitatin! in the street 'na le to decide (here to !o, torn et(een love and e(itch)ent. &n the end 4'creciaMor )ore precisely, the devil, (ho (as very )'ch on her sideM(o'ld (in o't. 6inally, reali7in! that her ea'ty alone (as not eno'!h and that she (as losin! !ro'nd, doBa .'ana decided to fi!ht fire (ith fire. ,he )ade in?'iries a o't (ho co'ld help her in this kind of sit'ation. * friend told her a o't a st'dent (ho lived in the fa)o's and no le city of *lcala. 5he friend said that the st'dent (as so !ifted in these )atters that, %'st y listenin! to her tale, he co'ld !'arantee res'lts. Beca'se 'sin! an inter)ediary (o'ld delay the resol'tion of her pro le), doBa .'ana decided to e her o(n )essen!er. Pretendin! to have )ade a vo(, she asked don 6ernando2s per)ission, (hich (asn2t very hard to o tain, to )ake a pil!ri)a!e to the to) of the !lorio's ,aint .a)es. ,he hired a coach and set o't in search of (hat she hoped (o'ld e her salvation, carryin! a letter of introd'ction fro) the friend (ho2d told her a o't the st'dent.

1hen she !ot to the st'dent2s ho'se in *lcala, he (elco)ed her co'rteo'sly. ,he placed in his hands the s') of t(enty esc'dos and the letter of introd'ction. 5he tro' led lady descri ed her )isfort'ne and e!!ed hi) to help her. 5he st'dent replied that, efore he co'ld accept the )oney, it (as necessary to find o't (hether don 6ernando (o'ld, in fact, )arry her. 1hen she learned his intention, then she co'ld re(ard the st'dent for (hat he2d act'ally done. 5o acco)plish this, he !ave her t(o rin!s (ith !reen stones. +e instr'cted her to ret'rn to 5oledo and to keep the rin!s in safekeepin! and not even to try the) on 'ntil don 6ernando ca)e to see her. 1hen she sa( hi) act'ally enter, she (as to place the rin!s on the fin!ers of her ri!ht hand (ith the stones t'rned in to(ard her pal)s. +oldin! don 6ernando2s t(o hands in hers, she (as to rin! 'p the s' %ect of their )arria!e and pay close attention to the ans(ers he !ave. 1ithin the (eek, the st'dent (o'ld co)e to her ho'se and advise her as to ho( to proceed, %'st as if he2d taken the )atter 'p (ith God +i)self, (ho2s the only one (ho really kno(s the f't're. 5he st'dent (arned her to take the rin!s off i))ediately and to !'ard the) (ith her life eca'se they (ere priceless to hi). *fter receivin! this advice, doBa .'ana !ave hi) directions to her ho'se and repeated her na)e so that he2d have no tro' le findin! her in 5oledo. ,he ret'rned ho)e the happiest person in the (orld. 5he )o)ent she !ot ack, she let don 6ernando kno( of her arrival. +e received this ne(s (ith )ore re!ret than enth'sias), al/ > 191 > tho'!h his o li!ation to her )ade hi) act pleased. 5o avoid !ivin! her ca'se for co)plaint, he (ent i))ediately to see her. HoBa .'ana sa( her chance. 5he instant don 6ernando entered, she p't on the rin!s the (ay the st'dent had instr'cted and took don 6ernando2s hands in hers. 1ith )yriad caresses, she e!an to ask (hen the day (o'ld co)e (hen they (o'ld e 'nited efore the eyes of God. Given the open (ay they (ere livin! in sin to!ether, they really sho'ld take God2s displeas're into acco'nt. 1hey, (hen she tho'!ht a o't their not ein! )arried, she feared losin! God2s !race, and this fear r'ined her happiness and )ade her )ortally sad. Hon 6ernando responded to her pleas )ore tenderly than 's'al. 5he e=planation for this (as that 4'crecia tho'!ht doBa .'ana (as a(ay. Una(are that she2d co)e ho)e, she (as not pressin! don 6ernando (ith her )a!ical spells. Hon 6ernando replied that if he didn2t think it (o'ld 'pset his )other, he (o'ld )ake her his (ife that very ni!htD 't ti)e (o'ld acco)plish (hat no( see)ed i)possi le to her. +is ans(er and the fact that he spent the (hole ni!ht (ith her, )ade doBa .'ana think that fort'ne (as on her side and that don 6ernando (as as !ood as (ed to her. HoBa .'ana re)oved the rin!s and !ave the) to the )aid to p't a(ay. 5he )aid tho'!ht they (ere so shiny and pretty that she p't the) on her o(n hands. 5hen she (ore the) (hen she (ent to dra( (ater fro) the (ell and (hen she (ashed the dishes. 5he ne=t day she (ore the pretty rin!s do(n to the river (here the )aids (ere (ashin! clothes to sho( the) off. ,he (ore the) not only on this one day 't every day 'ntil the st'dent ca)e to 5oledo. ,he took the) off only to !o into the presence of her )istress eca'se, of co'rse, she didn2t (ant doBa .'ana to see her (earin! the). *s they had a!reed, the st'dent ca)e to 5oledo and doBa .'ana !reeted hi) as if he (ere an oracle. ,he !ave hi) !ifts and re(arded hi). 5hen doBa .'ana ret'rned his rin!s to hi) and descri ed ho( don 6ernando had responded. 5he st'dent, !ratef'l for her )any kindnesses, told her that he (o'ld st'dy the (hole )atter (ith caref'l attention and let her kno( (hat the sit'ation pro)ised and (hat )eas'res she sho'ld take to rin! a o't a happy concl'sion. +e then departed. B't the (retch had !otten scarcely a lea!'e o'tside of 5oledo (hen the devils (ho d(elt in the rin!s appeared efore hi). 5hey knocked hi) fro) his )'le and eat hi) 'p. 5hey attered hi) 'ntil they

al)ost killed hi). *s they fled, they shrieked: > 19- > F6oolQ 5raitorQ Ko' !ave 's to a (o)an (ho entr'sted 's to a )aid (ho (ore 's do(n to the river, to the pla7a, every(here she (ent. ,he (ore 's on her hands (hile she scr' ed floors and l'!!ed (ater. Ko'2re to la)e and yo'2re the one (ho )'st payQ *nd (hat ans(er do yo' intend to !ive that (o)anJ Ho yo' think her lover (ill )arry herJ 3o indeed, eca'se livin! in sin to!ether the (ay they are, they2re already 'rnin! in hell2s fire, and that2s %'st (here they2ll !o (hen they dieQ 3either yo' nor she can )ake her (ish co)e tr'e.F +avin! shrieked these (ords, the devils left the poor st'dent for dead. +e (as in s'ch ad shape that he (as a pitif'l si!ht to see. +e had r'ises all over his (hole ody. 5he ne=t )ornin!, so)e read/sellers on their (ay to 5oledo fo'nd hi) on the ver!e of death. Moved y co)passion, they placed hi) on a )'le and ro'!ht hi) into the city. 5hey placed hi) in the pla7a to see if anyone reco!ni7ed hi), eca'se the poor fello( (as 'na le to say (ho he (as or (here to take hi). &t so happened that doBa .'ana2s )aid (ent o't to 'y food %'st then, and she (as a)on! the )any (ho flocked to see the attered st'dent. ,he reco!ni7ed hi) i))ediately. 1ith this ne(s, she ran to her )istress. 5he )o)ent doBa .'ana heard it, she !ra ed her cloak and r'shed to the pla7a (here she fo'nd the poor st'dent. ,he had hi) ro'!ht to her ho'se to e taken care of. ,he p't hi) in her o(n ed and called in her doctors to c're hi). ,o, thanks to doBa .'ana, God2s (ill (as doneD the st'dent re!ained conscio'sness and, 'nder her !ood care, he !rad'ally recovered his health. H'rin! his recovery, he told doBa .'ana the ca'se of his )isfort'ne, repeatin! the state)ents the de)ons had )ade a o't her affair. +is report that she (as Falready 'rnin! in hell2s fireF ri!ht here in this (orld ca'sed s'ch terror in the lady that it (as eno'!h to disill'sion her (ith her love. Hisenchanted, she reali7ed the dan!er she (as in and decided to re)edy it y takin! an alto!ether different tack. 9vent'ally the st'dent recovered co)pletely fro) his illness. Before he departed for ho)e, doBa .'ana asked hi), since his kno(led!e (as !reat, to help her in her ne( plan. 5he !ratef'l yo'n! )an pro)ised to do everythin! that (as (ithin his po(er. 3o( the tr'th is that (hen don 6ernando had fallen in love (ith doBa .'ana and she, over(hel)ed y this !ood fort'ne, had !iven hi) possession of her person, she (as also loved and co'rted y a !entle)an fro) Genoa, the son of a very (ealthy )an attendin! the > 19" > ,panish co'rt. 5hro'!h his 'siness dealin!s in &taly, the father had earned a !reat fort'ne and a title of no ility for his sons. 5his son (as the second sonD he had one older rother and t(o sisters, one )arried and the other a n'n, oth of (ho) lived in 5oledo. 5his yo'n! )an, (hose na)e (as Actavio, spent all the ti)e he co'ld in 5oledo (ith his sisters %'st to !li)pse doBa .'ana. +is father approved of his spendin! so )'ch ti)e there eca'se of the pleas're his visits afforded his sisters. 9arly on, efore don 6ernando had e!'n to pay doBa .'ana co'rt, she had favored Actavio. 5hen she capt'red don 6ernando2s attention. Actavio fo'nd o't that don 6ernando (as the reason (hy his lady no lon!er looked on hi) (ith favor, so he decided to !et rid of don 6ernando. Ane ni!ht (hen don 6ernando and his friends (ere in doBa .'ana2s street, Actavio and his friends attacked the) and the fi!ht res'lted in

cr'el (o'ndsD several yo'n! )en (ere in%'red on oth sides, and neither side (on. Actavio then challen!ed don 6ernando to a d'el, 't y this ti)e don 6ernando (as already en%oyin! doBa .'ana2s favors, havin! pro)ised to )arry her, as &2ve said efore. 1hen the lady heard a o't the d'el she eca)e afraid of losin! don 6ernando, so she (rote Actavio a letter tellin! hi), a)on! other discreet and )ovin! thin!s, that the !reatest thin! he co'ld do to sho( his love for her (as to protect the life of her etrothed even )ore than her o(n, that he sho'ld reali7e her life (as s'stained y her love for her etrothed. 5he love/stricken Actavio (ent into s'ch a passion that he (as ill for )any days. 5o co)ply (ith doBa .'ana2s pleas're and her co))and, he (rote her a letter filled (ith tenderness and la)ents. +e even s(ore to protect don 6ernando2s life, as she (o'ld see in his deeds. 5hat very afternoon, dressed for the road, the )ost !allant !entle)an in the (orld ;and, had not doBa .'ana2s fancy een so taken y don 6ernando, she (o'ld have felt attracted to Actavio<, seein! her on her alcony, said to her (ith tears in his eyes: FMy 'n!ratef'l ea'ty, asilisk of )y life, fare(ell forever.F 1ith these (ords, Actavio forever left his sister2s ho'se in 5oledo, his parents2 ho)e, and ,pain. +e (ent to Genoa (here he rested several days efore enterin! the ar)y to serve the kin! in 3aples. HoBa .'ana elieved the (ords the st'dent had repeated to her. ,he tho'!ht that if only Actavio (o'ld ret'rn to ,pain, he (o'ld )ake her a etter h's and than don 6ernando. ,he e=plained this ack!ro'nd to the st'dent. ,he tried to p't hi) in her de t (ith !ifts > 19@ > and to enco'ra!e hi) y pro)ises of other !ifts, s'ch as a h'ndred esc'dos for a ne( s'it. 5hen she asked hi) to 'se all of his po(ers and arts to )ake Actavio co)e ack. 5he st'dent, (ho2d learned his lesson fro) recent e=perience, replied that in this )atter he co'ld only tell her (hat she needed to do in order to o tain her heart2s desire. 1ithin the )onth he planned to co)e ack to 5oledo and, dependin! on her s'ccess, she co'ld pay hi) then. +e !ave her a note and told her to lock herself in her roo) every ni!ht and do precisely as the note instr'cted. Beca'se the note2s (ords (ere scandalo's and it2s not necessary for 's to kno( the), they (on2t e repeated here. Certainly doBa .'ana never 'ttered the) to a so'l e=cept her confessor. 5he st'dent, (ell re(arded and ?'ite pleased (ith his in!en'ity, ret'rned to *lcala, leavin! the lady f'lly advised as to (hat she sho'ld do. 3ot (antin! to (aste a )in'te, doBa .'ana e!an that very ni!ht to e=ercise the spell. *fter three ni!hts, the (ords the a'dacio's st'dent had (ritten on the paper took effect or, )ore likely, God took advanta!e of this sit'ation to re!ain doBa .'ana for +i)self, 'sin! the devil and his (iles as a )eans to her conversion. An the third ni!ht, doBa .'ana (as perfor)in! her con%'ration (ith all the concentration her desire co'ld )'ster, (hen she heard a so'nd at the door. ,'ddenly she felt an icy draft on her face and (as afraid to e alone. ,he looked over to (here the so'nd had co)e fro) and sa( Actavio passin! thro'!h the locked door, dra!!in! heavy chains and s'rro'nded y fiery fla)es. Utterin! terrifyin! )oans, he )oved to(ard her. &n a fri!htf'l voice he said: F1hat do yo' (ant of )e, doBa .'ana, (hat do yo' (antJ 1asn2t it eno'!h for yo' to tor)ent )e d'rin! )y lifeti)eJ M'st yo' also tor)ent )e in )y deathJ Give 'p this evil life yo' lead. 6ear God and fear the acco'nt yo' )'st !ive of all yo'r sinf'l pleas'res. 8est ass'red that even tho'!h the devil is the father of all lies and deceits, God )ay allo( hi) to 'tter tr'ths for the enefit and 'sef'lness of )en, to (arn the) of their perdition, as +e has done (ith yo'. 5hro'!h the voice of the st'dent, +e

has (arned yo' of yo'r dan!er. Be fearf'l, for +e has told yo' that yo' are 'rnin! in hell2s fire, and !ive +i) thanks eca'se, sorro(f'l for yo'r perdition, +e has !iven yo' (arnin!. Ko' kno( that yo'r sins ca'se +i) to leed and die on the cross, s'fferin! !reat pain and in%'ry. F5ake care of yo'r so'l, that2s (hat yo' )'st do. Ance it2s lost, there is no !reater loss, nor is there any (ay to )ake 'p for its loss. > 19I > 3o( leave )e alone, for & s'ffer the !reatest pain a )isera le so'l can i)a!ine (hile & (ait for God to have )ercy on )y tor)ent. & (ant yo' to kno( that a year after & left this city, & )et )y death as & (as leavin! a !a)in! ho'se, and God (illed that )y tor)ent sho'ld not e eternal. Hon2t think &2ve co)e to tell yo' this eca'se of the po(er of yo'r con%'rations, 't eca'se of God2s !reat providence and )ercy. +e co))anded )e to !ive yo' this (arnin! and to tell yo' that, if yo' don2t take care of yo'r so'l, (oe e 'nto yo'QF *s soon as Actavio 'ttered these (ords, he e!an to si!h and )oan a!ain. Hra!!in! his chains ehind hi), he left the roo). &n his presence, doBa .'ana had listened to hi) ravely 't, after he left, she (as filled (ith fear and sorro(, not so )'ch fro) havin! seen Actavio ;a (o)an in love (ill rave anythin!< 't fro) havin! heard his terrifyin! (ords. ,he 'nderstood the) to e (arnin!s fro) heaven, and she (ondered if she )i!ht e close to death since s'ch stran!e thin!s (ere happenin! to her. ,o deeply did she feel this fear that she called o't to her servants and fell to the floor, overco)e y a cr'el s(oon. +er cry ro'!ht not only the servants 't also the nei!h ors r'shin! into the roo). &))ediately they e!an to apply vario's re)edies. HoBa .'ana (o'ld ret'rn to her senses only to faint a!ain, over and over. 5his is ho( she spent the ni!ht, so)eti)es conscio's, so)eti)es 'nconscio's. 5he people (ho (ere attendin! her didn2t dare leave her for fear she )i!ht die. 5hey (ere also an=io's to kno( (hat had ro'!ht on s'ch a s'dden illness. ,orro(in! to see her so close to death, they kept askin! her to tell the) the ca'se, 't all she (o'ld say (as for the) not to leave her alone eca'se death (as near. ,he kept e!!in! the) to call a confessor to !ive her the last sacra)ents. &n this conf'sion day ca)e, and doBa .'ana sho(ed no si!ns of i)prove)ent. By sheer force, they )ana!ed to 'ndress her and p't her to ed. 1hen the lady sa( it (as day, she sent for don 6ernando. +e ca)e and (as a)a7ed and saddened y her illness. +e sat on her ed and asked her ho( she (as feelin! and (hat had happened. 5he ea'tif'l doBa .'ana ;sheddin! oceans of tears fro) her eyes< told hi) the story of the st'dent and all a o't Actavio2s apparition. ,he didn2t o)it a sin!le detail and ended her story (ith these (ords: F&, don 6ernando, have only one so'l. &f it is lost, & have nothin! else to lose. & have no( received )ore than one (arnin! fro) heaven, and it (o'ld e st'pid for )e to i!nore these (arnin!s 'ntil it2s too late. & a) a(are of ho( faint yo'r love for )e is, and & kno( that yo'2ll never )arry )eD yo' pro)ised to )arry )e only to have yo'r > 19# > (ay (ith )e. 6or t(o years no( yo'2ve een deceivin! )e (ith yo'r pro)ises, and to)orro( (ill e no different fro) today. &2ve decided to end )y days as a n'n and, !iven the )iracles that have happened to )e, & don2t e=pect to live )'ch lon!er. Ho not think & have chosen this path eca'se &2ve een cheated of ein! yo'r (ifeD & pro)ise yo' that, even if yo' no( (ere to try to )arry )e (ith all yo'r heart and yo'r )other2s lessin!, & (o'ldn2t accept. 5he )o)ent Actavio told )e to (atch o't for )y so'l, & )ade 'p )y )ind to eco)e Christ2s ride and not yo'rs, and this & have vo(ed.

F& need yo' to help )e, to honor yo'r o li!ation to )e eca'se of )y love for yo', (hich has not een s)all, considerin! the thin!s &2ve done. Ko' kno( that )y estate is so li)ited that & don2t have eno'!h )oney for the do(ry or for the other thin!s & need to enter the convent of the &))ac'late Conception, (hich is the convent (here & choose to (ithdra( fro) all the trials and tri 'lations of this (orld. & need yo' to )ake 'p the difference and to ne!otiate )y ad)ission. *s a (o)an disenchanted (ith the (orld, & e! yo' to (atch o't for yo'rself. 8e)e) er that one (ho s'ffers no trial or p'nish)ent in the p'rs'ance of his vices has no s're salvation. 1hat is s're is that God leaves 's all free to !o to hell.F HoBa .'ana fell silent, leavin! her listeners asto'nded. Hon 6ernando felt as happy as if she2d !iven hi) a ne( lease on life, s'ch (as the po(er that 4'crecia had over hi). +e e) raced doBa .'ana and praised her decision. Pro)isin! to help her in every (ay, he (ent to arran!e her ad)ission into the convent. 5hey settled on a do(ry of a tho'sand d'cats, (hich don 6ernando !enero'sly !ave. +e paid all the other e=penses to o'tfit her properly and !ive the appropriate tips. 5he tho'sand d'cats that doBa .'ana had inherited (ere to provide inco)e for her e=penses and to pay off the )aids, to (ho) she !ave her dresses, other clothes, and ho'sehold !oods. 1ithin the (eek, she fo'nd herself (earin! a n'n2s ha it and happier than she2d ever een in all her life. ,he felt she2d fo'nd a ref'!e (here she co'ld seek salvation. By so narro(ly escapin! fro) the %a(s of hell, she felt like she (as in heaven. Hon 6ernando tho'!ht it (as incredi le l'ck that he (as free of the 'rden of his o li!ation to her eca'se, if doBa .'ana hadn2t )irac'lo'sly (ithdra(n fro) the (orld, he (o'ld2ve had to )arry her, a notion that had depressed hi) !reatly, !iven his little love for her. +e had, after all, een the one (ho had aro'sed her passion and > 19: > (on her thro'!h his deception. 5his is (hat often happens (hen love r'les: )en pro)ise thin!s they later deny (hen their desire has een satisfied and their passion has (aned. 3o( that don 6ernando (as free of doBa .'ana, he (ent )ore assid'o'sly to 4'crecia2s ho'se. ,eein! no o stacle to his devotion for her, she ceased 'sin! the f'll po(er of her spells, in the elief that she2d done eno'!h already to keep hi) totally o'nd to her. 5his freedo) !ave don 6ernando ti)e to !o to !a)in! ho'ses (here he !a) led and s?'andered his o(n inheritance and 4'crecia2s fort'ne as (ell. 3either so'rce (as s'fficient to ?'ench his insatia le thirst. +e e!an to take loans, arran!in! the repay)ent for (hen he sho'ld inherit his f'll estate. &n a very short ti)e, he fo'nd that he had )any d'cats of de t. B't he felt s're that, (ith his )other2s death, he co'ld fi= everythin! and, !iven her a!e, he didn2t think she2d last )'ch lon!er. +is )other had kno(n a o't his affair (ith doBa .'ana and, (hen she learned he (as free of her, she tho'!ht he2d settle do(n. 3o( that don 6ernando (as not so o'nd y 4'crecia2s spells, since she tho'!ht she had no rival to fear, don 6ernando and his )other developed a plan. +is )other (anted don 6ernando to )arry one of the )ost ea'tif'l (o)en then livin! in 5oledo, (hose virt'e e?'aled her ea'ty. 5his lady, (hose na)e (as doBa Clara, (as the da'!hter of a )erchant (ho2d )ade a !reat fort'ne thro'!h 'siness not %'st in ,pain 't in &taly and in the &ndies. HoBa Clara (as the )erchant2s only child, so all of his )oney (as to !o to her. 5here (as, ho(ever, )ore falsehood than tr'th in the r')ors of his (ealth eca'se the )erchant had, in fact, !one ankr'pt and (as cleverly hidin! his losses 'ntil he co'ld )arry off his da'!hter as her position )erited. Hon 6ernando2s )other, as & said, set her si!hts on this lady. 5he eldest son and heir of a titled no le had also set his si!hts on her. +e had no intention of )arryin! her even tho'!h he had fallen head over heels for her ea'ty. ,he !ranted hi) s'ch s)all favors that even in 5oledo she never !ained a

rep'tation for ein! either flirtatio's or cr'el. ,he per)itted hi) to fre?'ent her street, to serenade her, praisin! and cele ratin! her ea'ty, 't never did she allo( hi) any other li erty. 5he )ar?'is ;(e shall call hi) y this title< tried in vain to overco)e her distance, 't doBa Clara pri7ed her virt'e )ore than all his )oney co'ld 'y. Hon 6ernando2s )other selected no le and clever inter)ediaries to arran!e the )arria!e and, s'ch (as her !ood > 19$ > fort'ne, she had no tro' le o tainin! the lady2s father2s per)ission. HoBa Clara 'nderstood the tr'e intentions of the )ar?'is and didn2t tr'st hi), so she pro)ptly a!reed to the proposed )arria!e. *ll the necessary arran!e)ents (ere )ade, and she (as (ed to don 6ernando. +er father !ave her si= tho'sand d'cats as a present, e=plainin! that the rest (as tied 'p 't, since she (as his only child, she (o'ld 'lti)ately inherit everythin!. 5his is ho( the la) fell into the (olf2s po(er, (e )i!ht say. Hon 6ernando (as pleased to pay off his )ost pressin! de ts (ith this s'). 5(o )onths after doBa Clara2s )arria!e, her father reali7ed that it (as i)possi le for hi) to keep his pro)ise and !ive as )'ch )oney for the do(ry as he2d pro)ised. +e !athered 'p all the )oney he had left after the si= tho'sand d'cats he2d !iven her and ?'ietly left 5oledo. +e (ent to ,eville (here he took a oat to the &ndies. 5his left his da'!hter (ith a tho'sand tro' les eca'se don 6ernando had only )arried her for her )oney, and the si= tho'sand d'cats had already een spent on lavish clothes, thin!s for the ho'se, and payin! off his de ts. 1ithin t(o days of learnin! she (as penniless, he de)onstrated his lack of love for her y t'rnin! the s)all attentions he had previo'sly o served into open distaste and even hatred. 5he poor lady paid dearly for her father2s deception, even tho'!h don 6ernando2s )other tried to shield and defend her eca'se of her innocence and virt'e. 4'crecia learned of don 6ernando2s )arria!e (hen it (as too lateD it had already taken place. 5o aven!e herself, she invoked her dia olical arts and drove hi) to his sick ed. ,he tor)ented hi) so he co'ld scarcely )oveD all he co'ld do (as )oan. 6or the si= )onths the illness lasted, no one co'ld discover (hat (as ca'sin! it. 5he constant )edications the doctors !ave hi) only served to deplete his already )ea!er estate. *t last the sorceress reali7ed that keepin! 6ernando ill contri 'ted )ore to losin! hi) than to aven!in! herself, so she ceased tor)entin! hi) and he e!an to !et etter. 4'crecia chan!ed her treachero's intent, ho(ever, ca'sin! hi) to hate his (ife. *s a res'lt, once he recovered he (ent ack to his old (ays and spent )ost of his ti)e in 4'crecia2s co)pany. 5he )ar?'is, devastated y doBa Clara2s )arria!e, also paid for his sorro( (ith his health. +e recovered fro) his illness 't not fro) his love. +e e!an to serve and co'rt doBa Clara ane(, 't she ref'sed hi) any favor. ,he (o'ldn2t even let hi) set eyes on her. +er distance only increased his passion. > 199 > 5hen don 6ernando2s )other died, and doBa Clara lost her shield and her defense. Hon 6ernando like(ise lost the restraint that had kept hi) fro) treatin! his (ife as harshly as he (o'ld fro) no( on. +e spent (hole days and ni!hts (itho't ever !oin! ho)e or seein! her. 5his treat)ent 'pset doBa Clara so deeply that she kne( no co)fort, partic'larly (hen she learned the ca'se of her h's and2s cra7y ehavior. 5he )ar?'is (as not 'na(are of doBa Clara2s s'fferin!. +er face, her (hole )ien, revealed her deep sorro(, 't her virt'e and discretion (ere s'ch that he co'ld )ake no contact (ith her. +e co'ldn2t !et

her to accept a letter or even a %e(el, despite the !reatness of her need. Beca'se of don 6ernando2s constant !a) lin! and his incredi le de ts, their )oney had r'n o't. 5here (as nothin! left and doBa Clara (as forced no( to sell her dresses and her %e(els in order to s'pport the t(o little !irls that the fo'r years of her )arria!e to don 6ernando had ro'!ht. ,he had to pay a )aid to do the heavy (ork eca'se don 6ernando never ca)e ho)e any )ore. Hespite these hardships, she (o'ld not !ive in to the )ar?'is2s pleadin!, nor co'ld her friends or the )aid !et her to accept the !ifts he tried to send thro'!h the). 1henever they roached this s' %ect, she (o'ld say that the (o)an (ho takes soon )'st !ive. *t this point, the relationship et(een don 6ernando and 4'crecia eca)e p' lic kno(led!e. 5he police e!an to follo( don 6ernando and set o't to !et 4'crecia. ,o)eone (arned 4'crecia in ti)e, (hich !ave her no choice 't to flee fro) 5oledo. +astily she !athered 'p her ho'sehold, (hich no( incl'ded don 6ernando, and they )oved to ,eville (here they lived to!ether as )an and (ife. +e had lon! since for!otten all a o't his tr'e (ife and their da'!hters. 5his ne( trial !rieved doBa Clara !reatly. &t (as a )iracle it didn2t kill her. &t see)ed as if God (ere keepin! her for even !reater tests of her virt'e. 6or over a year and a half she received not a (ord fro) or a o't don 6ernando. ,he s'ffered s'ch hardship that she co'ld no lon!er afford the )aid. ,he took to (earin! h') le clothin! and (orked day and ni!ht to s'pport herself and her little !irls. ,he kept her o(n ho'se, and she herself collected and delivered e) roidery for a shop, a %o that is )ore availa le in the city of 5oledo than any(here else. Ane ni!ht (hen she (as 'p late tryin! to finish so)e e) roidery that she had to deliver the ne=t )ornin!, she san! to herself. ,he san! this allad to e=press her love, sorro(, !rief, and loneliness, and to keep herself a(ake: > -00 > 6'!itive little ird flyin! thro'!h the air, inconstant to )y attentions, 'n!ratef'l for )y love, if yo' (ere infat'ated (ith a (o)an of yo'r nat're s'ch a s(eet prison (o'ld never tire yo'. & never pretended not to kno(: fro) kno(in! ho( to love & ca)e to kno( yo'r love to e half/hearted at the )ost. Ane (ho loves is never deceived even tho'!h he lets hi)self e deceivedD for 4ove, in his o(n co'rt, )akes p' lic disclos'res. 1hat can the lovin! person do (hen he kno(s he2s een !iven s'rreptitio's poison 't drink it do(n in silenceJ & let )y fears e l'lled altho'!h & kne( )y (eakness, all the (hile yo' disse) led

'ntil yo' tired of the deception. & see yo' so distant, cold, and faithlessD even (hen & call yo' ack yo' ref'se to pay )e heed. 4isten, )y free little ird, listen to )y lovin! (ords callin! to yo' in sad tones, hear )y (ords. 6ickle little ird, co)e ackQ 1here are yo' !oin!J Co)e ack to the ca!e in )y heart, have pity on )y sorro(s. 1hen yo' see )e captive yo' seek yo'r freedo)D repay prison (ith prison, then (ill yo' e co)plete. *s a (ise )an once said, let love repay loveD and if yo'r heart fails in that, it is as hard as stone. Beca'se of yo', )y eyes are an ocean of tearsD here yo' (ill find s(eet drink > -01 > never failin!. My heart for yo'r no'rish)ent, )y freedo) for yo'r prison, these ar)s yo'r onds, (hile all this a(aits yo', yo' flee (itho't heedin! )y plaints. God (ill that (herever yo' !o yo' are treated as yo' treat )e, never findin! loveQ &, la)entin! )y deception, (o'ld end )y life, sensin! in yo'r )adness )y death and yo'r freedo).F 5his (as said to a little ird as he fle( fro) his prison y a heart sore (o'nded 't loyally devoted. *t the end of these sad plaints, )y heart, an instr')ent 'nt'ned, san! to the free little ird fleein! f'!itive:

F6ree little ird, yo' are the loser, for the pri7e yo' leave ehind yo' (ill never find a!ain.F 5he roo) (here doBa Clara (as (orkin! (as on the !ro'nd floor, and it had a !rated (indo( openin! onto the street. A'tside, don ,ancho had een listenin!. 5his is the na)e of the )ar?'is, her s'itor, or lover if yo' can call a )an a lover (ho has so little hope of ever ein! accepted. &n a lovesick heart, love increases (hen it hears the la)ents of the eloved, so, (hen don ,ancho heard doBa Clara2s sad plaints, her (oes to'ched hi) to the depths of his so'l. +e knocked at the (indo(. 5he noise fri!htened doBa Clara, and she asked (ho it (as. F&t is &, ea'tif'l Clara, (ho else co'ld it eJF don ,ancho replied. FPlease listen a )o)ent. 1ho co'ld it e e=cept the )an (ho (orships yo'r ea'ty and considers even yo'r disdain a personal favor that !ives hope to his lifeJF F& don2t kno( ho( yo' can hope, don ,ancho,F doBa Clara said, openin! the (indo(, For (hat )i!ht )ake yo' feel any hope. 9ver since )y )arria!e, & have never enco'ra!ed yo'r friendship or ackno(led!ed it in any (ay that )i!ht let yo' feel enco'ra!ed, in spite of the inter)ediaries yo' send (ith !ifts and letters. &f yo'2re co'ntin! on the co'rtesy (ith (hich & allo(ed yo' to serve )e efore & )ar/ > -0- > ried, e a(are that that (as )erely a )aiden2s (ayD & didn2t love 't let )yself e loved, caref'l never to co)pro)ise )y honor. 3o( & have a h's and. 8i!htly or (ron!ly, heaven !ave hi) to )e, and so lon! as heaven doesn2t take hi) a(ay, & shall keep )y faith (ith hi) as & have vo(ed. FBeca'se this is ho( thin!s are, if yo' tr'ly love )e, the !reatest proof yo' can !ive of yo'r love (o'ld e to cease !ivin! )otive to (hat the nei!h ors )i!ht think of a po(erf'l and !allant )an like yo' esie!in! the doors of a yo'n! (o)an (hose h's and is a sent. 5his is especially i)portant eca'se the (hole city of 5oledo kno(s )y !reat need, and they )i!ht easily think that thro'!h it yo' have o'!ht )y honor.F FKo'r need is (hat & (ant to re)edy, ea'tif'l Clara,F don ,ancho said. FMy only interest is to relieve yo'r tro' les. Please e so kind as to accept a tho'sand esc'dos. Ko' need to )e no other favor, for & !ive yo' )y (ord, ein! the !entle)an & a), that & shall never approach yo' a!ain.F F5here are no de ts, don ,ancho,F doBa Clara replied, F)ore easily repaid than those of affection, an e=a)ple of (hich is yo'r !enerosity. B't & cannot tr'st )yself, nor can & o li!ate )yself for (hat & cannot repay. & have a h's and. +e (ill look o't for )e and for his da'!hters. &f he doesn2t, still & )'st elieve that he (ill, and he cannot e=pect other(ise of )e 'ntil the day he dies.F 1ith these (ords, she sh't the (indo(. +er response left don ,ancho so deeply in love that he co'ld no )ore desist fro) his love than she co'ld de)ean her virt'e. Hon 6ernando had left 5oledo a year and a half efore. 3o one kne( his (herea o'ts 'ntil one day so)e !entle)en (ho2d een in ,eville on 'siness ret'rned to 5oledo. 5hey told doBa Clara they2d seen don 6ernando in that city. 5his (as s'ch )o)ento's ne(s for doBa Clara that there2s no (ay to descri e her reaction. 6ro) that )o)ent on, she (as deter)ined to find hi) and try to )ake hi) co)e ack ho)e. 6irst she needed to find so)e(here to leave her da'!hters (hile she (as a(ay on this trip. HoBa .'ana, no( a n'n leadin! a saintly life in her convent, (ith a co)forta le inco)e and the happiest person in the (orld, (as not 'na(are of this t'rn of events. ,he thanked God that she hadn2t

een don 6ernando2s 'nfort'nate victi). ,o)eho( she learned of doBa Clara2s decision and her need to find a place to leave the !irls (ho, y this ti)e, (ere fo'r and five years old. HoBa .'ana sent for doBa > -0" > Clara and e=plained to her (ho she (as, in case she didn2t already kno(. HoBa .'ana descri ed all the favors heaven had esto(ed 'pon her y rin!in! her to her present sit'ation. ,he (ent on to say ho( sorry she felt for all of doBa Clara2s tri 'lations, ho( )'ch she ad)ired her virt'e and patience in earin! the). HoBa .'ana also infor)ed doBa Clara that she2d learned that doBa Clara (anted to !o to ,eville and (as lookin! for so)eone to care for her da'!hters. ,he asked doBa Clara to rin! the !irls to her and she (o'ld keep the), not %'st (hile doBa Clara (as a(ay, 't al(ays, as if they (ere her o(n and, (hen they !re( 'p, she2d !ive the) a do(ry so they co'ld %oin her in the reli!io's life. HoBa Clara sho'ld elieve that she did this o't of co)passion and not eca'se of the love she2d once felt for their father. HoBa Clara thanked doBa .'ana for her !enero's offer, (hich she accepted i))ediately. 3ot (ishin! to delay her depart're a )in'te lon!er, she !athered 'p the fe( possessions she had left, incl'din! her ed, and took the) and her da'!hters to doBa .'ana, (ho had o tained the arch ishop2s per)ission to take the) 'nder her care. 5he !atekeeper let the) in. HoBa .'ana e) raced doBa Clara ti!htly and, her eyes ri))in! (ith tears, she placed in doBa Clara2s hands a p'rse containin! fo'r h'ndred silver reales. 5hat very afternoon, 'pon sayin! !ood/ ye, doBa Clara set o't for ,eville in a cart, leavin! doBa .'ana deli!hted (ith her ne( da'!hters. HoBa Clara !ot to ,eville 't, as she (as on (hat yo' )i!ht call a (ild !oose chase, she had no idea (here to find don 6ernando. 5he city (as h'!e and had so )any inha itants that she spent three )onths there (itho't findin! a shred of infor)ation a o't hi). ,he had paid so)e ills in 5oledo, (hich left her only a h'ndred reales, and no( her )oney ran o't. An the ver!e of starvin! to death, she despaired of findin! any sol'tion to her pro le)s. Goin! ack to 5oledo (o'ldn2t chan!e anythin!, so she decided to stay in ,eville 'ntil she s'cceeded in findin! don 6ernando. 5o keep ody and so'l to!ether, she looked for a ho'se (here she co'ld !et a %o as a )aid. ,he approached vario's people, especially in ch'rch, and one lady said she kne( a place (here she )i!ht do very (ell servin! as a co)panion to a lady no( ?'ite elderly. 5his lady )i!ht not (ant to hire her, ho(ever, eca'se of the fact that doBa Clara (as very ea'tif'l and the lady had a yo'n! h's and. HoBa Clara ;)odestly and feelin! asha)ed< asked her for the address so she co'ld try her l'ck. 5he lady !ave it to her (ith a )essa!e > -0@ > for the )istress of the ho'se (ho (as her friend. HoBa Clara (ent to the ho'se, (hich (as ri!ht y the )ain ch'rch. ,he entered and noted that it (as ea'tif'lly f'rnished ;a clear si!n that the o(ners (ere rich<. 5he door (as standin! open so she (alked into the )ain parlor (itho't knockin!. ,eated on a very rich co'ch she sa( 4'crecia, her h's and2s )istress. HoBa Clara reco!ni7ed her instantly fro) havin! seen her once in 5oledo. 3e=t to her sat don 6ernando, infor)ally dressed eca'se of the s'))er heat. +e (as str'))in! a !'itar and sin!in! a allad. &n order not to interr'pt, doBa Clara (aited to !ive her )essa!e, astonished at the si!ht she (as seein! and partic'larly a)a7ed that they didn2t notice her. 3o( over the eastern alcony da(n e!ins to 'nf'rl

and spill her copio's li!ht across the flo(erin! fields. 3o( she capt'res the lovely flo(ers ed!ed (ith de(D envio'sly the sprin!s spill forth their crystal drops. 3o( she calls her eloved rother fro) li!htin! the &ndies in his !olden coach, every(here so(in! lilies and carnations. 3o( the peaks of )o'ntain ran!es stand silho'etted y the heavenly )'sic of all the little irds. 3o( the skies see the)selves reflected in the r'nnin! rivers as their clear crystal t'rns to deep t'r?'oise l'e. 3o( (inter has eco)e s'))er and a't')n sprin!D the valleys lovely havens and the )eado(s paradise, eca'se the heavenly feet of *narda tread their freshnessD *narda, s(eet prison of )any hearts, asilisk of the villa!e. * !allant shepherd follo(s in her footstepsD since he rese) les 3arciss's in ea'ty, let hi) e called 3arciss's. > -0I > +e is the one (ho )ade Een's, for!etf'l of her eloved *donis, descend fro) her heavenly co'ch so she co'ld !a7e on hi). 5he one for (ho) ea'tif'l ,al)acis in the lovin! co)pany of ny)phs decided to eco)e an eternal her)aphrodite. 6oilin! the fears of her s'spicio's h's and, *narda left her villa!e to )eet (ith her 3arciss's. ,he co)es to a clear sprin! s'rro'nded y )yrtles and (illo(sD

pleasantly they )eet, happily in love. 5enderly they sit y that divine tree, tri')ph of the lord of Helos, cr'el p'nish)ent to his Haphne. &n this deli!htf'l place, thirstin! for each other2s favors, they drink in the nectar of their reaths thro'!h the fine coral shells of their lips. 5he child, son of Een's, closed the !ates to the )eado(, for only C'pid can enclose a )eado( (ithin his !ates. 9verythin! else that happened only the tall trees sa(, t'rnin! their leaves into eyes and their 'ds into ears. 5he )o)ent don 6ernando ended his son!, 4'crecia asked doBa Clara (hat she (as seekin!. HoBa Clara replied that her friend, the lady doBa 4oren7a, had sent her to see if she (as s'ita le to e the )aid 4'crecia (as needin!. 4'crecia co))anded her to sit facin! don 6ernando. +e looked strai!ht at her 't did not reco!ni7e her. &t (as as if he2d never efore in his life laid eyes on her. 5his asto'nded doBa Clara. 5o herself she !ave thanks to God for havin! fo'nd for her (hat she had een 'na le to find on her o(n. ,he felt tr'ly sorry to see hi) so estran!ed, so different 't, ein! sensitive, she reco!ni7ed that (hat prod'ced this effect (as the e(itch)ent of that Circe (ho sat efore her. > -0# > 4'crecia, pleased (ith doBa Clara2s appearance and )odesty, asked her (here she (as fro). F&2) fro) 5oledo,F doBa Clara responded. F1hatever ro'!ht yo' to this cityJF 4'crecia asked. FMada),F doBa Clara said, Faltho'!h &2) fro) 5oledo, & didn2t live there, 't in Madrid. & ca)e (ith a co'ple (ho (ere on their (ay to the &ndies. .'st at the ti)e of depart're, & fell ill and had to stay here, )'ch to their disappoint)ent. 5hey left and )y illness lasted for three )onths. & spent every cent & had. ,eein! no other alternative, today & asked the lady doBa 4oren7a, (ho) & chanced to see at ch'rch, if she needed a co)panion, as is the c'sto) in this city, and she sent )e here. ,o if yo'r !race has not yet fo'nd so)eone to serve her, rest ass'red that & kno( ho( to please eca'se &2) an honora le and no le (o)an (ho once had her o(n ho'se and lived in ease.F &)pressed (ith s'ch intelli!ence and virt'e, 4'crecia (as so pleased and deli!hted (ith Clara ;she 'sed her very o(n na)e< that neither one had any diffic'lty in co)in! to an a!ree)entD they didn2t even ha!!le. Clara stayed at the ho'se, on one hand happy that she2d fo'nd (hat she (as lookin! for and on the other tro' led to see don 6ernando so chan!ed that he didn2t reco!ni7e her. 6'rther)ore, ri!ht efore her eyes, he caressed and fondled a (o)an (ho in her a!e and in her appearance (as not (orthy of hi). *r)in! herself (ith patience 'ntil the ri!ht )o)ent sho'ld co)e, Clara )ade 'p her )ind to ear everythin! she )i!ht have to (itness. 4'crecia !ave her ne( )aid the keys to everythin! and char!ed her (ith attendin! to the )aster and

s'pervisin! the t(o slaves. ,he (as only arred fro) enterin! one roo) 'p in an attic, eca'se 4'crecia reserved this roo) for her o(n 'se. ,he kept the key and no other person ever (ent (ith her (hen she so ca'tio'sly entered that roo). *ltho'!h Clara tried to see (hat (as inside, she co'ldn2t. ,he s'spected that this (as 4'crecia2s office for the sorcery y (hich she kept don 6ernando so lind that he kne( nothin!, that he cared for nothin! 't lovin! and caressin! his 4'crecia. +e )ade s'ch a !ood h's and to 4'crecia that Clara (o'ld have een happy (ith half of those attentions. More than a year passed (ith the three livin! to!ether in this fashion, and Clara2s )asters eca)e ?'ite fond of her. &n each re!'lar )ail Clara sent a letter to doBa .'ana descri in! the events in her life, and doBa .'ana (o'ld ans(er (ith enco'ra!in! advice so she > -0: > (o'ldn2t (eaken in her resol'tion or !ive 'p 'ntil she had solved her pro le). 5hen one day 4'crecia took to her ed (ith a serio's illness. Hon 6ernando eca)e so 'pset that he al)ost (ent cra7y. 4'crecia co'ldn2t !et o't of ed, her fever (as so hi!h. *fter ein! edridden for three or fo'r days, she called Clara and spoke these (ords (ith !en'ine tenderness: F6riend Clara, yo'2ve een (ith )e for a year, and &2ve treated yo' )ore as a da'!hter than as a )aid. &f & s'rvive this illness, & shall treat yo' even etter in the f't're and, if & die, &2ll leave yo' eno'!h to !et alon! on co)forta ly. & kno( yo'2re !ratef'l, 't & re)ind yo' of these o li!ations so that yo'2ll keep the secret that &2) a o't to tell yo'. +ere, )y child, take this key and !o 'p to the attic to the roo) yo' already kno( a o't. Go inside and yo'2ll find a lar!e old chest. &nside it is a rooster. 6eed hi). 8i!ht there in the sa)e roo) yo'2ll find the !rain. *nd, da'!hter, 'nder no circ')stances sho'ld yo' re)ove the linders he2s (earin!. 5his )atter is as dear to )e as )y life. &f & sho'ld die of this illness, & e! of yo', efore yo'r )aster or anyone else sho'ld find the rooster, di! a hole o't in the corral and 'ry hi) %'st the (ay he is, (earin! his linders and the chain that ties hi) to the chest, and 'ry the sack of !rain (ith hi). 5his is the favor yo' )'st do for )e.F Clara listened attentively to her )istress2s (ords and instantly in her i)a!ination a tho'sand tho'!hts e!an to (hirl aro'nd, all leadin! to the sa)e concl'sion. 5o keep 4'crecia fro) s'spectin! any )alice in her silence, she replied ?'ickly, thankin! her for the favor she sho(ed y entr'stin! s'ch an i)portant and (ei!hty secret to her. Clara pro)ised to do to the letter e=actly (hat she2d een instr'cted. ,he took the key and (ent to see the rooster (ith the linders. ,he cli) ed 'p to the attic. ,he entered the roo) and approached the chest, thinkin! serio'sly a o't (hat she (as doin! and a o't the rep'tation 4'crecia had had in 5oledo. Covered (ith a cold s(eat, she felt s'ch !reat fear that she (as a o't to t'rn ack. B't takin! as )'ch heart as she co'ld )'ster and recoverin! the co'ra!e she had )o)entarily lost, at last she opened the chest. 5he )o)ent she lifted the lid, she sa( a rooster (ith a neck/rin! chainin! hi) to the chest. +e (as (earin! little )anacles on his feet and linders over his eyes %'st like the ones that are p't on horses to keep the) fro) seein!. ,o astonished and a sor ed y this si!ht (as Clara that she (as > -0$ > 'na(are of (hat she (as doin!. ,he (as oth la'!hin! hilario'sly and crossin! herself at the sa)e ti)e. ,he s'spected that )ost pro a ly the rooster (as the char) that e(itched her h's and, renderin! hi) so lind that he didn2t even reco!ni7e her, his tr'e (ife. ,ince (o)en desire (hat2s

for idden, she felt a !reat te)ptation to re)ove the linders. 3o sooner tho'!ht than doneQ *fter she took off the linders, she fed the rooster and then sh't everythin! 'p as it had een efore and ret'rned to her )istress, (ho (as (aitin! for her. 5he instant 4'crecia sa( her she said: FMy friend, did yo' feed the roosterJ Ko' didn2t take off his linders, did yo'JF F3o )ada),F Clara replied. F1hy sho'ld & do anythin! contrary to yo'r ordersJF ,he added that 4'crecia sho'ld reali7e that Clara served her (ith !reat pleas're and cheerf'lly did as ordered. 1hen dinnerti)e ca)e, don 6ernando ret'rned ho)e. +e asked 4'crecia ho( she (as feelin! and sat do(n at the ta le ne=t to the ed (here the slaves served hi) dinner. Clara (as in the kitchen s'pervisin! everythin! and sendin! the plates to the ta le. 1hen dinner (as over, she (ent 'p to her )asters2 roo). 5he instant don 6ernando set his eyes on her, he reco!ni7ed her. 1ith !reat astonish)ent, like a )an seein! a fantastic vision, he e=clai)ed: FHoBa Clara, (hat are yo' doin! hereJ +o( did yo' !et hereJ 1ho told yo' (here & (asJ 1hat kind of dress is that yo'2re (earin!J 1here are )y da'!htersJ & )'st e drea)in!Q Ko'2re the (ife & left in 5oledo, helpless and pennilessQ 1hat an 'nchristian and dastardly deedQ *ns(er )eQ Hon2t keep )e in s'spenseQ &2) over(hel)ed to see a si!ht & never e=pected to see a!ainQF HoBa Clara replied: F1ell, h's and, this is a fine ti)e for yo' to sho( concern. &2ve een in this ho'se for a year, servin! yo' like a (retched slave, all eca'se of the tricks of this Circe here, and no( yo' ask )e (hat &2) doin! hereQF FKo' traitorQF 4'crecia shrieked at this )o)ent. FKo' took the linders off the roosterQ B't don2t think yo'2ll ever !et don 6ernando ackQ Ko'r clever trick (on2t do yo' any !oodQF ,he leapt s'ddenly fro) the ed (ith )ore ener!y than see)ed possi le, seein! her lyin! there so ill and (eak. ,he ran to her desk and took o't the (a= fi!'re of a )an. 5hen she took a h'!e pin fro) the desk and %a ed it thro'!h the head so violently that it penetrated do(n into the ody. ,he r'shed to the fireplace and h'rled it into > -09 > the fla)es. ,he dashed ack to the desk, !ra ed a knife and, (ith the !reatest cr'elty yo' can i)a!ine, she pl'n!ed it into her heart and fell dead eside the desk. 4'crecia did all this so ?'ickly that neither don 6ernando, doBa Clara, or the slaves co'ld do anythin! to stop her. 5hey (ere all in a state of shock. 5hey screa)ed and cried o't, (hich attracted )any people. ,everal police officers entered (ith the other people, and they held don 6ernando and the other )e) ers of the ho'sehold for ?'estionin!. 6irst they took the confessions of the slaves, (ho reco'nted (hat they had (itnessed. 3e=t they heard the tr'th fro) don 6ernando. +e e=plained ho( 4'crecia had een his )istress and told the police everythin! that had happened et(een the t(o lovers fro) the first day they )et 'ntil the present. 1hen doBa Clara2s t'rn ca)e to )ake a state)ent, she said she (o'ldn2t )ake a declaration e=cept in the presence of the )ayor. ,he also said that, rather than her !oin! to his presence, in this case it (as i)portant to her honor for hi) to co)e to that ho'se. 5he police (ent to report the case to the )ayor and infor)ed hi) of her re?'est. *s soon as he heard the police report, he ca)e i))ediately, acco)panied y all the no lest !entle)en of ,eville, (ho had heard a o't the stran!e case. &n the presence of all those people, doBa Clara told the) (ho she (as and

(hat had happened, (itho't o)ittin! a sin!le detail. 5hen she had the chest containin! the rooster ro'!ht do(n fro) the attic. ,he herself opened it (ith the key hidden 'nder the pillo( on 4'crecia2s ed. 9veryone stared at the rooster (ith his )anacles, his chain, and the linders that doBa Clara had re)oved and dropped eside hi). *stonished, the )ayor picked 'p the linders and p't the) on the rooster. &nstantly don 6ernando reverted to the (ay he2d een efore. +e didn2t reco!ni7e doBa Clara at all, it (as as if he2d never seen her efore in his life. 1hen he eheld 4'crecia lyin! on the floor (ith the knife thro'!h her heart and athed in her o(n lood, he r'shed over and took her in his ar)s. +e caressed her and 'ttered a tho'sand la)ents and de)anded p'nish)ent for the one (ho had co))itted s'ch a fo'l cri)e. 5hen the )ayor re)oved the linders fro) the rooster. Hon 6ernando instantly recovered his ri!ht )ind. 5hree or fo'r ti)es he perfor)ed this test, and every ti)e (as %'st the sa)e. 5he )ayor (as finally convinced and ackno(led!ed that everythin! they2d said )'st > -10 > e tr'e. +e ordered everyone to leave the ho'se and locked the doors. +e had every desk and closet and even the )ost re)ote nooks and corners searched. &n 4'crecia2s desk, the police fo'nd a tho'sand char)s and articles she 'sed to )ake herself appear ea'tif'l and attractive to don 6ernando. 5hese stran!e o %ects filled the) (ith fear and (onder)ent. ,atisfied at last (ith the tr'th, the police set don 6ernando and doBa Clara free. 5hey kept the slaves in %ail 'ntil they (ere s're that they2d had no part in the sorcery. 5he co'rt confiscated the ho'se for the Cro(n. 9very ite) they fo'nd, incl'din! the rooster and the ody of the (retched 4'crecia, (as 'rned in the p' lic pla7a. +er so'l (as already 'rnin! in hell in pay)ent for her sins, her (icked life, and her fo'l death. 5he )o)ent the char)s (ere 'rned, don 6ernando took sick. Grad'ally his health deteriorated and his life (as cons')ed. HoBa Clara sold the dress and other little ite)s she2d ac?'ired in 4'crecia2s ho'se. 1ith this )oney and the salary the co'rt had ordered her paid for her service in that ho'se, she and don 6ernando, no( e=tre)ely ill, (ere a le to oard a coach for 5oledo. 5hey tho'!ht, and the doctors conc'rred, that don 6ernando )i!ht recover his health there, eca'se it (as his irthplace and the air (as )ore sal' rio's. B't it (as hopeless. *s soon as they arrived in 5oledo, he took to his ed and slo(ly e!an to die, s'fferin! !reatly. &f it hadn2t een for doBa .'ana, (ho sent the) food fro) her convent, they (o'ldn2t have had a ite to eat. Hon 6ernando lasted for t(o )onths. H'rin! this ti)e, he ca)e to reali7e ho( )'ch he o(ed to doBa Clara. +e loved her so deeply that he co'ldn2t ear to e parted fro) her for a )in'te. 6inally the ho'r of his death arrived. +e received the sacra)ents (ith !reat sorro( and contrition for his )any sins and !ave 'p his so'l to his creator. 5he doctors fo'nd that he2d s'ffered fro) no physical illness 't had een cons')ed and killed y 4'crecia2s spells. HoBa Clara felt his loss so !reatly that there (as no solace for her, and she al)ost follo(ed hi) in death. 9ven tho'!h she2d only en%oyed his love (hile he (as ill and they (ere so needy, she had hoped don 6ernando (o'ld live )any years, especially (hen she sa( ho( deeply he loved her d'rin! the last fe( days of his life. *t this point doBa Clara fo'nd herself (itho't a cent to 'ry don 6ernando. +er only s'ccor (as God. ,he didn2t dare )ake this re?'est to doBa .'ana. HoBa .'ana had already done )ore than eno'!h y keepin! and s'pportin! her da'!hters for so lon!. ,he decided to sell > -11 >

her poor ed, (hich left her no place to sleep. B't God had not for!otten doBa Clara2s virt'e or overlooked her !reat s'fferin!. &t so happened that %'st at this ti)e don ,ancho ca)e ack to the city. 9ver since doBa Clara had left 5oledo, he2d lived in retire)ent ;on the estate that he inherited 'pon his father2s death. +e2d chosen not to )arry altho'!h he had a)ple opport'nity to do so, ein! (ho he (as<. &n letters fro) a servant (ho2d )arried in 5oledo, don ,ancho had kept 'p (ith (hat (as !oin! on in the city. Kearnin! to see the eloved )istress of his heart, his tr'e love and not %'st a passin! fancy, he entered the city on the sa)e day that doBa Clara fo'nd herself in s'ch a ind. 1hen don ,ancho learned (hat her sit'ation (as, the ena)ored yo'th co'ldn2t ear it. +e (ent to the lady2s ho'se to !ive his condolences. +e hi)self arran!ed don 6ernando2s f'neral to e as !rand as possi le. Hon ,ancho acco)panied the ody to the ce)etery, %'st as if it (ere his father2s f'neral, acco)panied y all the !entle)en in 5oledo, (ho had paid no attention to don 6ernando d'rin! his last days eca'se of his poverty. *fter the 'rial, he and the (hole ill'strio's co)pany ret'rned to doBa Clara2s h') le ho'se. 5here, in the presence of so )any no le)en, he said these (ords: FBea'tif'l Clara, in 'ryin! the ody of yo'r late h's and, & have done only (hat charity re?'ires. Ko' and the entire city (ell 'nderstand the (ill (ith (hich & have done this. My love co)es fro) )y heart alone, as yo'2ve never sho(n )e )ore favor than yo'r chaste respect. & have felt like this since efore yo' had a h's and. *fter yo' )arried, & (as not even favored (ith a !li)pse of yo', in spite of )y )any efforts. *ll (ere fr'itless thanks to yo'r !reat virt'e, and & love yo' all the )ore for it. & no( have no father to o str'ct )y desire, nor do yo' have any reason not to e )ine. &t2s proper for yo' to repay )y love and the de t yo' o(e )y constancy y sayin! the si)ple yes that & e! of yo' and (hich & )yself say first to yo'. F&2) not alone in )y hi!h re!ard for yo'. *ll )en in the (orld are inde ted to (o)en like yo', (ho, y their !reat virt'e, earn the love of those (ho had si)ply desired the). Please do not postpone )y !lory or deprive yo'rself of the re(ard yo' deserve. Ko'r da'!hters (ill find a !ood father in )e, and yo' (ill have a slave (ho forever adores yo'r ea'ty.F 5he only ans(er doBa Clara co'ld !ive don ,ancho (as to thro( herself at his feet, tellin! hi) that she (as his slave and he sho'ld accept her as s'ch. > -1- > 9veryone (ho2d co)e to !ive their condolences, instead, !ave their con!rat'lations. 5he nor)al ch'rch proced'res (ere follo(ed, (ith the anns and everythin! else. &n the )eanti)e, doBa Clara stayed (ith the )ayor, (ho (as a relative of don ,ancho2s. Hon ,ancho o tained the kin!2s lessin! for their )arria!e and, after the proper ti)e, they (ere (ed. &t see)ed as if at last heaven (ere on their side and tryin! to re(ard doBa Clara2s virt'e. *fter the (eddin!, don ,ancho do(ered doBa Clara2s da'!hters, (ho had decided to stay in the convent (ith doBa .'ana and eco)e n'ns. HoBa .'ana2s (ise decision inspired this enchant)ent and !ave it the first part of its title, Fdisill'sion)ent in love,F for it isn2t easy for one (ho loves to accept the tr'th. HoBa Clara lived )any years (ith her don ,ancho. 5hey had ea'tif'l children (ho inherited their father2s estates. Beca'se of her virt'e, doBa Clara (as loved and appreciated eyond all i)a!inin!, for this is ho( heaven Fre(ards virt'e.F Phyllis ended her enchant)ent late. 5he ladies and !entle)en praised it at len!th. 5hey co))ented on

doBa .'ana2s (ise a(akenin!, on the astonishin! part a o't the dia olical rin!s and Actavio2s apparition, on doBa Clara2s virt'e and constancy, on don 6ernando2s lindness and 4'crecia2s (illf'lness, and especially on the f'nny part a o't the rooster (ith his little linders. 1hen s'pper (as served, ho(ever, they didn2t lin!er in leavin! their places and !ettin! to the ta le. 5hey dined (ith !reat deli!ht. 9veryone felt !ood eca'se 4isarda and 4ysis pr'dently had asked don .'an and don Hie!o to pro)ise to e friends. *nd this is ho( the third ni!ht ended. > -1" >

FOURT- NI+-T
*ll the ill'strio's ladies and !entle)en asse) led in ea'tif'l 4ysis2s ho'se )'ch earlier than on the previo's days eca'se, to cele rate their reconciliation, don .'an and don Hie!o each (anted to host a dinner for all the !'ests on the t(o re)ainin! days of the festivities. 5oni!ht it (as don .'an2s t'rn. +e (anted to e free on the last ni!ht, as he (as to tell his enchant)ent then. 1ith this 'nderstandin!, he arran!ed a s')pt'o's )eal, and every detail sho(ed his e=?'isite taste and li eral !enerosity. 5he re)ainder of the afternoon (as spent in dancin!. 1ith )'ch !race and skill, the participants co)peted (ith one another in dress, earin!, ele!ance, and co'rtliness for, at this soiree, everyone kne( (ho (as co'rtin! (ho). Hon Hie!o and 4ysis in partic'lar (ere )ore open in e=pressin! their feelin!s, no( that don Hie!o had een for)ally accepted as 4ysis2s etrothed y 4ysis and her )other. *s ni!ht fell and the ti)e ca)e to e!in their deli!htf'l entertain)ent, 4ysis, acco)panied y the )'sicians, san! this son!: 3o(, 4ove, & a) so afraid fro) hopin! and lovin!, that & only kno( ho( to reco!ni7e )y disenchant)ent, al eit too late. 8eason )ay co))and )e to protect )y life fro) yo'r deceitD already & a) re!retf'l, for a (o)an of (orth, > -1@ > sho'ld she risk her love, )ay find it2s not ret'rned. & kno(, 4ove, (hat yo'2re 'p to, even at the e=pense of )y love, for to follo( after yo'r caprices has certainly not een easy. 5o love a faithless )an, can there e !reater )isfort'neJ C'rses 'pon the (o)an (ho tries to attract the constant )an so as not to (aste her ea'ty and her (orthQ

1hen yo' hear a )an tell a (o)an she is fickle, (hen he is like a (eathervane, can yo' fail to la'!hJ 5hey pretend loyalty (itho't seein! that they2ll loseD one sho'ld look caref'lly (hen he pretends to e loyal, that (o'ld e like a )a!ic spell that pro)ises (hat it cannot !ive. 4ysis c't don .'an deeply (ith these three stan7as, and even don Hie!o (as saddened y the). 4ysis reass'red hi) (ith a tho'sand discreet (ords, sayin! that they (eren2t her o(n verses 't so)eone else2s she2d orro(ed so she (o'ldn2t have to co)pose her o(n. 5his e=planation satisfied her lover. Hon Mi!'el sa( that everyone (as (aitin! for hi), so he took his seat and e!an like this: FPeople !et %'st (hat they deserve, that2s co))on kno(led!e. 9vil al(ays has its p'nish)ent %'st as !ood has its re(ard, if not in this (orld, then certainly in the ne=t. My enchant)ent sho(s this clearly, and it !oes like thisF: > -1I >

3,st *esserts
1hen the co'rt of the Catholic 0in! Philip &&& (as in the rich and ea'tif'l city of Ealladolid, a certain !entle)an left a cl' (here he had !one to (hile a(ay the tedio's ho'rs of the lon! Hece) er ni!ht in conversation. &t (as so)eti)e after )idni!ht. +e (as a no le son of the city of Madrid. 5he for)er capital, no( ereft of her eloved kin! eca'se of his disdain and ne!lect of her, decided to send her dearest and no lest re)ainin! sons to serve the kin! and o li!e hi) to love her as she loved hi). 5he !entle)an crossed one of the )ain streets in Ealladolid on his (ay to his lod!in! and t'rned a corner at an intersection. ,'ddenly he sa( the door of a rather )odest ho'se fly open. * (hite for) (as h'rled violently o'tside. Beca'se he (as on the other side of the street, (hich (as spacio's and (ide, he co'ldn2t )ake o't (hat that shape (as, 't he tho'!ht it (as a person. &t fell fro) the doorstep onto the !ro'nd and )ade a lo'd, heavy th'd, as the !ro'nd (as very hard fro) the heavy (inter frost. 5he door sla))ed sh't. 5he for) re)ained )otionless. 5hen he heard a lo( so in! and a voice sayin!: FAh, heaven, have yo' a andoned )eJ *re yo' deaf to )y sorro(sJ Unto'ched y )y tearsJ Uncarin! a o't )y s'fferin!JF 5he for) atte)pted to !et 'p, 't apparently the pain fro) the fall )ade it i)possi le. Hon Garcia ;this (as the !entle)an2s na)e< felt deeply )oved y these la)ents, so he approached and asked (hat (as (ron!, offerin! to help. FAh, sir,F the shape cried o't, F y the s'fferin! of Christ, if yo' > -1# > feel !reater co)passion than the people (ho have p't )e in this sit'ation, please help )e !et 'p and take )e so)e(here (here )y life (ill e safe. +ere it2s not safe eca'se, & ass're yo', & have )ore ene)ies than friends.F

1hen don Garcia heard these (ords, he (as asto'nded eca'se the speaker appeared to e a (o)an. +e dre( closer and, y the di) li!ht of the clo'd/covered )oon, he sa( that his s'spicion (as correct. +e (as even )ore s'rprised to note that the (o)an (as dressed only in her petticoat. C'rio's to learn )ore a o't this intri!'in! sit'ation, he took her y the hand and helped her 'p. ,he (as in s'ch ad shape that she co'ld hardly stand. Hon Garcia re)oved his cloak and (rapped it aro'nd her. 9nco'ra!in! her as )'ch as he co'ld, he s'pported the poor (o)an in his co)passionate ar)s, al)ost carryin! her attered ody a(ay fro) that street. 1hen the lady reali7ed he2d stopped to decide (hat to do (ith her, si!hin! and (eepin!, she said to hi): F,ir, no( is not the ti)e for yo' to desist fro) the !reat favor yo' have done )e. &f & a) fo'nd, )y life is in peril, and y no( there )'st e )any people lookin! for )e. &f yo' kno( of any safe hidin! place to p't )e 'p for the ni!ht, & e! yo' o't of kindness please take )e there. 5o)orro( & shall !o to a convent. Ho not stop helpin! )e no(D (hen yo' learn (ho & a) and hear )y terri le story fro) the e!innin!, yo' (ill see ho( fort'nate yo' are to have fo'nd )e.F FMy lady,F don Garcia replied, F& have only recently co)e to this co'rtD &2ve een here %'st t(o (eeks, so & don2t kno( anyone 't )yself to (ho) & can entr'st yo'r care. &f yo'2re (illin! to co)e to )y lod!in! and aren2t afraid to place yo'rself in the keepin! of a yo'n! stran!er, then & (ill !ladly serve yo'. &f this is not to yo'r pleas're, tell )e (here yo'2d like )e to take yo', for in no (ay (ill & diso ey yo'r co))and.F F,ir, let 's !o to yo'r lod!in!,F the lady replied. F*ny place & kno( to !o (o'ld e discovered. 4et2s !o ?'ickly, efore &2) fo'nd and have to pay for a cri)e of (hich & a) innocent. Mine (as a cri)e & only tho'!ht a o't co))ittin!, altho'!h people (ill la)e )e for havin! restored )y honor. & shall try to repay yo' for helpin! )e.F *s soon as she said this, they started off for don Garcia2s inn. 5hey advanced (ith !reat diffic'lty eca'se, in spite of all his enco'ra!e)ent, the lady co'ld hardly stand on her feet. 1ith )'ch assistance fro) don Garcia, they finally arrived at his roo). 5he rest of the ho'se, occ'pied y the landlady and other !'ests, (as dark, 't the > -1: > landlady had left a li!ht in his roo). 1hen they entered, don Garcia (as a le to see (hat he had fo'nd. 5he )o)ent he eheld his ne( co)panion, he tho'!ht she (as an an!el, not a (o)an, so !reat (as the ea'ty, the p'rity, and co)pos're of her face. ,he looked a o't t(enty/fo'r, and her ea'ty (as so st'nnin! that, (itho't his ein! a le to help it, the splendor of her eyes stole his heart. &f don Garcia hadn2t re)inded hi)self of the faith she2d placed in hi), he )i!ht have dared to play 5ar?'in to s'ch a divine 4'crecia. ,ho(in! his no ility instead of his 'rnin! love, his sensi ility )ore than his desire, his reason rather than his l'st, (ith )any !entle caresses he tried to )ake the lovely lady co)forta le. &t (as late and ti)e to !o to ed. 5he lady (as i)properly dressed and at the )o)ent he had no clothes to !ive her. ,he (as in s'ch ad shape that he 'r!ed her to sleep in his ed. 5he lady co'dn2t do other(ise. 3ot (antin! to ask her anythin! a o't herself or a o't ho( he2d co)e to find her in s'ch a sit'ation at that ti)e of ni!ht, don Garcia sat (ith her 'ntil she fell asleep. +e left the roo) and locked the door fro) o'tside. +e slipped into the roo) of another !'est (ith (ho) he2d )ade friends, tellin! hi) that he2d lost the key to his o(n roo) and co'ldn2t !et in 'ntil )ornin!. 5he rest of the ni!ht see)ed a!es lon! to don Garcia, so attracted (as he to the lovely lady and so ea!er to learn the ca'se of her !reat )isfort'ne. 5he )o)ent day arrived he !ot dressed, told his friend he2d fo'nd the key, and (ent to his roo) to

!reet his ea'tif'l !'est. *pparently she2d slept little. &ndeed her eyes looked as if she2d spent the (hole ni!ht cryin!. the (eepin! hadn2t di)inished her divine ea'ty 't it (as clear that 'nder happier circ')stances she (o'ld have no e?'al. Hon Garcia sat do(n on the ed and asked her ho( she (as. ,he thanked hi) for the help he2d !iven and asked if he2d !one o't, if he2d heard (hat the ne(s (as in Ealladolid. F3o, )y lady,F don Garcia responded, F eca'se, if &2) to tell yo' the tr'th, )y only desire (as to see yo' and hear a o't yo'r sorro(s. & e! yo' not to keep )e in s'spense any lon!er, &2) very an=io's to kno(.F F5hat doesn2t s'rprise )e, don Garcia,F replied the lady, (ho y no( had learned his na)e. FMy story (o'ld a)a7e anyone (ho heard it. 1hen yo' hear it fro) the e!innin!, it (ill really asto'nd yo'. &t2s so stran!e yo'2ll think it2s one of those fa 'lo's tales people tell in the (inter y the fireside instead of a real story. &t2s a o't a (o)an > -1$ > (ho yesterday (as the )ost hi!hly re!arded (o)an in Ealladolid and today is the scandal and shock of the city. 5o keep yo' fro) ein! conf'sed, &2ll start at the e!innin! (ith )y childhood, and so)eday yo' can tell )y tale in yo'r native city (hen it pleases God to take yo' ack there. &n ret'rn, & ask only that yo' keep the door lockedD no one )'st kno( &2) here. & (on2t feel safe once )y )isfort'ne is kno(n. FMy na)e, sir, is +ipolita. By this evenin!, yo' (ill hear a o't )y no ility and )y position. 9ven if yo' don2t elieve (hat & say a o't )yself, one2s stat's is never falsified (hen people !ossip and reco'nt shockin! events. 9veryone (ill tell yo' (hat yo' )ay not (ish to elieve fro) )e, and yo'2ll find o't e=actly (ho & a) and (ho & have een. & (as orn here in this city to parents oth no le and (ealthy, and the )isfort'ne that al(ays attends ea'ty (as orn (ith )eD & dare to !ive )yself this praise eca'se the (hole city considers it tr'e. *s soon as & reached the a!e (hen ea'ty, ele!ance, discretion, and (it e!in to flo(er in a (o)an, )y parents had an infinite n') er of s'itors (ho (anted to eco)e )e) ers of the fa)ily. 5hey so'!ht to )arry )e )ore for )y ea'ty than for )y parents2 rich estates, (hich (ere vast. F*)on! )y )any s'itors, the )ost o'tstandin! (ere t(o !entle)en (ho (ere nei!h orsD there (as only a (all separatin! their apart)ent fro) o'rs. 5hey (ere rothers, and oth (ore the ha it of the no le Arder of *lcantara, to sho( ho( no le they (ere. 1hen they e!an to co'rt )e, & kne( nothin! of love or of its po(er and s(ayD )y only desire (as to !ive )y parents pleas're. My parents, (ell satisfied (ith oth of the rothers, selected don Pedro, the elder, and re%ected don 4'is, the yo'n!er, (ho )'st have loved )e )ore, since he (as the )ore 'nfort'nate. Hon Pedro pri7ed his )arria!e to )e as a )an (ho had (on everythin! he2d ever (anted. & co'ld tell ho( hi!hly he re!arded )e fro) his )any attentions and !ifts. 1o'ld to God & had een sensi le and !ratef'l for his love, and so averted the )isfort'nes that have efallen )e and the ones & have yet to s'fferQ F6or ei!ht years & en%oyed )y h's and2s caresses and he en%oyed )y tr'e love. & learned to love don Pedro despite )y rother/in/la(2s co'rtship, (hich didn2t stop even after he sa( )e )arried to his rother. Hon 4'is told )e he loved )e every ti)e he had the chance. & don2t think he e=pected )e to ret'rn his love, he only (anted )e to appreciate his attentions. *t least that2s ho( & 'nderstood it. +e see)ed sensi le and Christian, tho'!h love often over(hel)s the pre/ > -19 >

cepts of oth. 5hat2s (hat & no( think )'st have happened to hi). & offered to )arry hi) to )y co'sin, (ho2s (ealthier and )ore ea'tif'l than &, so he had the opport'nity to )arry another (o)an and separate hi)self fro) )y love, 't he (o'ldn2t. & ore this diffic'lt sit'ation as sensi ly as & co'ld. ,o)eti)es & pretended not to 'nderstand his intentionsD so)eti)es & reproached and ca'tioned hi), and often & !ave hi) the est and (isest advice )y intelli!ence co'ld provide. & (o'ld scold hi) and reprove hi) for his i)propriety, s(earin! to tell his rother if he didn2t ?'it his )ad and 'nholy (ays. Hespite all this, don 4'is, so)eti)es happy, so)eti)es sad, al(ays lovin! and praisin! )y ea'ty, no'rished his love y lookin! at )e, visitin! )e, and conversin! (ith )e. *s o'r ho'ses (ere ne=t door to each other, his visits (ere ?'ite fre?'ent. 1ith each visit, his love increased. F5hen, as yo' kno(, the co'rt )oved to this city. 1o'ld that God had heeded all the cries, tears, and co)plaints of those (ho r'ed this chan!e 't cla)ored o't in vain. &f the co'rt hadn2t co)e here, & (o'ld have een spared these )isfort'nes, for that (as the ca'se of all )y (oes. *)on! the )any parasites (ho follo( the co'rt, there (as one (hose na)e (as don Gaspar. Port'!'ese in nationality, a soldier y profession, he hoped to receive his re(ard for the )any services he2d done the ,panish kin! in 6landers and else(here. 6or that reason, he follo(ed all the people (ho follo(ed all the chancellors or, )ore acc'rately, all the chaotic conf'sion that the co'rt and all its sycophants really are. ,ince their 'siness is never acco)plished as ?'ickly as they (o'ld like, they have to (ait )onth in, )onth o't, year in, year o't and don Gaspar2s 'siness (as very lon! and dra(n o't. &dly, he e!an to fre?'ent !a) lin! esta lish)ents (here he stood to lose his !ood na)e and his estate. 5hen, idly, he looked for so)eone to entertain hi), (ho, to )y )isfort'ne, t'rned o't to e )e. FAne day he sa( )e in A'r 4ady of ,an 4lorente ch'rch. +e said & capt'red his heart. ,oon (hat he2d so'!ht for entertain)ent, he e!an to p'rs'e fro) passionate love. 5r'ly he ro ed )e of )y love, )y peace of )ind, and )y !ood na)e, all in the (ink of an eye. ,'ch (as his !allantry, (it, and char) that even (itho't the other !races that society calls !ifts of nat're, like )'sic and poetry, his (ere eno'!h to con?'er and (in the heart of any (o)an (ho sa( hi), let alone the heart of one co'rted and praised y hi). Poor )eQ +o( his char)s still affect )y heartQ & no lon!er cherish the) 't la)e > --0 > the) for rin!in! )e to )y present sit'ation. & can never a!ain e the person & really a), nor can & ever !o ack to the happy life & en%oyed efore & )et don Gaspar. F& learned of his love fro) one of )y )aids ;fierce spy and crafty persec'tor of )y honor<. 6ro) her, he like(ise learned of )y !ratit'de and affection. 5hro'!h her, (e (rote letters (hen (e co'ldn2t see each other in consideration of )y honor and )y h's and2s honora le nat're. *ltho'!h don Pedro (asn2t a %ealo's )an, he (as scr'p'lo's. 5hat2s ho( o'r love pro!ressed. FHon Gaspar really re!retted that & (as )arried, and & re!retted it even )ore. 5here can e no !reater )isfort'ne for one in love than to e )arried already, especially if she no lon!er loves her h's and. & ca)e to feel resentf'l of )y h's and eca'se & (as in love (ith don Gaspar. 9ven if & hadn2t resented don Pedro, his co)pany co'ldn2t !ive )e pleas're eca'se it kept )e fro) )y love. Hon Gaspar first roached the s' %ect of love (ith )e in ch'rch, e=pressin! a tho'sand endear)ents and sorro(s. 5he )ore )y love !re(, the )ore )y honor (eakened and e!an to fall y the (ayside. +e e=pressed hi)self even )ore elo?'ently in his letters eca'se in the) he co'ld state his love (itho't restraint and say the )ost passionate thin!s and (rite the saddest la)ents. F& recall one ni!ht (hen & (as fort'nate to hear his divine voice sin!in! sad verses. &f yo'2d like to hear the), & can recite the), and yo'2ll 'nderstand )y (eakness, for it2s no )iracle for a (o)an to s'rrender to a (ell/presented co)plaint.F

FPlease do,F don Garcia responded, his heart co)pletely (on y the ea'ty and !race (ith (hich the ea'tif'l +ipolita (as tellin! her tra!ic tale. +e didn2t (ant her to o)it a sin!le thin!D indeed he listened (ith s'ch pleas're that he (ished her story (o'ld last a h'ndred years. F1ell, since it pleases yo',F the lady said, Fthe verses (ent like this: FMy love is i)possi leD for her, & a) in tor)ent, for her, & 'tter a tho'sand si!hs, for her, )y tears po'r forth, for her, & lose all pleas're, for her, & seek sorro(, desirin! illness and despisin! all !ood. Ah, (retched plaintsQ Ah, tr'e loveQ > --1 > Ah, 'nfo'nded si!hs, love (itho't effectQ Beca'se 6ort'ne r'led that )y )istress is not free, her (ill is held captiveD (ith (hat hope can )y (ild desire liveJ Ah GodQ 1hy don2t these sad tho'!hts vanishJ +appy shepherd, s') of all !ood fort'ne, eca'se of yo' & cry, %ealo's, eca'se of yo' & fear, scorned. 5he day (hen )y 'n!ratef'l love set her eyes on yo' either she sho'ld have een linded or & sho'ld have een orn lind. &f heaven created yo'r !race to rin! )e pain it (o'ld have een kinder had & never een orn. Ar, since in the villa!e there are other pretty faces, yo' co'ld have e=e)pted )y thankless love fro) tri')ph. ,ince & (as orn 'nl'cky, 'nfort'nate, (hat can & e=pectJ & s'ffer 'nreasona ly, & co)plain (itho't ca'se.

9n%oy herM 't (hat a) & sayin!J Hon2t en%oy her, for it kills )e %'st to think that every ody calls her yo'rs. Be 5antal's to her desires, let her neck e the (ater yo' never taste despite yo'r pleas and plaints. 4et the an!ry hand slice the Gordian knot (ith (hich yo' hold her captive, that %e(el & pri7e the )ost. 4et )y si!hs !o directly to )y 'n!ratef'l )istress and set her reast of )ar le afla)e. B't if & love her tr'ly, > --- > ho( can & (ish her illJ &t2s etter that & sho'ld die since &2) the one (ho s'ffers.F 5h's he san!, e(ailin! his i)possi le desire, his e=tre)e sorro(, his (ild %ealo'sy, the lovin! peasant lad follo(in! after his sheep and lost in his tho'!hts of ho( to attain his desire. 5hen he heard a so'nd, and ceased his tears, silenced his plaints, and stayed his step. &t (as his 'n!ratef'l eloved (ho fei!ned appreciation and a)oro's deli!ht in his discreet co)panyD (hen she sa( hi) depart (ith his !entle la) s, she had follo(ed hi) to cal) his sorro(s. +er heart to'ched, she had listened to hi)D for love rin!s solace to the constant lover. ,he ca'!ht hi) 'na(ares

(ith his ar)s spread (ide, his heart filled (ith tenderness, and lovin! (ords 'pon his lips. ,he said to hi): FMy dear, no( is not the ti)e for cryin!, for altho'!h & a) not free, & hate )y prison. & love yo'r eyes and seein! )yself in the) & feel o li!ed and confess that & a) (on. 1ill love ever !rant that so)eday (e can overco)e these sorro(s, for, altho'!h yo' s'ffer the), & feel the) in )y heart.F 5he shepherd (ho adores her sets aside his fears and like the ivy t(ines aro'nd her lovely for). > --" > &n shells of coral he drinks in her s(eet reath cal)in! her fierce fearsD seated on the cool anks of a la'!hin! rook they tell each other all a o't their past. 5hen Een's2s little son closed his !ates on the scene: C'pid alone is a le to close off the co'ntryside. 5o everythin! else that happened only the (eepin! (illo(s (ere envio's (itnesses and lovin! )atch)akers. B't, oh GodQ all these !lories & en%oyed only in )y drea)D filled (ith love and %ealo'sy, in sadness & a(oke. F5he tender feelin! (ithin )y reast and the force of )y affection co'ld not ear to see don Gaspar s'ffer so terri ly. & (anted to re(ard his love if only (ith one day of favor and %oy so that he )i!ht )ore pleas'ra ly ear all the sorro(s that (ei!hed 'pon hi). My h's and, altho'!h he tr'sted )e, allo(ed )e little li erty, either eca'se of the nat're of his love or eca'se of his sensi le and ca'tio's %ealo'sy, (hich so)eti)es see)ed ?'ite foolish. Be that as it )ay, 4ove, (ho so)eti)es takes pity on the s'fferin! of his s' %ects and rin!s the) so)e rief pleas're, arran!ed for a friend to invite )y h's and on a h'ntin! trip that (as to last t(o or three days. Hon Pedro accepted and, altho'!h & (as

i))ensely happy, & fei!ned s'rprise and displeas're at the 'n's'al occ'rrence. F1hen he departed on his h'ntin! trip )y )aid, secretary to )y (eakness, i))ediately (ent to infor) don Gaspar of this (onderf'l opport'nity. &n a letter & sent, he (as invited to co)e that very ni!ht to the ack !ate of the !arden ehind )y ho'se (here he (o'ld find the !ate open and )e. & didn2t dare let hi) in the front door eca'se )y parents, (ith (ho) )y h's and and & lived, )i!ht have heard hi). F&t (as s'))erti)e. 1hile & (aited for )y lover, & had t(o satin )attresses ro'!ht into the !arden and placed eneath the ar or, 'sin! the heat as an e=c'se, (hen & really %'st (anted to !et a(ay fro) the )aids. 5hey (o'ldn2t retire as lon! as they sa( )e dressed. & > --@ > didn2t (ant the) aro'nd (hile & (as e=pectin! )y lover. & preferred solit'de to co)pany. & prepared to !o to ed. *fter &2d 'ndressed and they tho'!ht & (as asleep, the )aids finally left )e and retired. Anly the one (ho kne( all )y secrets stayed 'ntil & co))anded her to (ithdra( and leave )e alone in that place (here )y love and )y honor (ere to do attle. +onor had already een van?'ished, for love had con?'ered and tri')phed. 5he !ate (as open. 5he !arden (as not very lar!e, and no one co'ld enter (itho't ein! seen. F,'ddenly )y )aids ca)e to tell )e that )y h's and and )aster had ret'rned ho)e. +is friend had s'ffered a !reat fall and in%'red hi)self so they co'ldn2t contin'e the h'nt and had had to co)e ack. F1hen & sa( don Pedro ho)e, & tho'!ht ho( !reat )y fort'ne (as that don Gaspar had not yet arrived. *(are of the dan!er to his life and )ine if he sho'ld co)e no(, & ordered )y )aid to lock the !ate he (as s'pposed to enter. & tho'!ht that, (hen he ca)e and fo'nd it locked, he2d !o a(ay. 5hen, the ne=t )ornin!, & co'ld tell hi) (hat had happened, and he (o'ld necessarily e satisfied, as no e=c'ses are necessary (here one2s le!iti)ate h's and is concerned. FHon Pedro ca)e to )e (ith open ar)s, and & had to receive hi) the sa)e (ay, 't (ith a very different spirit. +e, deli!hted (ith the ed and the escape fro) the heat, told )e that & really kne( ho( to )ake the est of an occasion and en%oy life )'ch )ore than he did. +e e=plained his early ret'rn. 5hen he 'ndressed and ca)e to ed, occ'pyin! the place intended for )y lover. ,hortly after all this happened, )y lover ca)e to the !ate and, findin! it lockedM(hich (as clearly not o'r a!ree)entMhe eca)e (ildly %ealo's. +e didn2t i)a!ine that (hat had really happened co'ld e the reason for the !ate ein! locked. &nstead, he ass')ed & (as (ith another lover. ;Ance a (o)an is easy, even the very )an (ho ca'sed her to err eco)es s'spicio's of her.< 1ith the help of his servant he leapt over the (all, (hich (asn2t very hi!h, and, treadin! ?'ietly so as not to e heard, he oldly so'!ht the ca'se of his etrayal. FBy this ti)e, the )oon had set and hidden herself in her ori!inal ho)e so everythin! (as in conf'sed shado(. My h's and and & (ere fast asleep. &t happened that, after sneakin! all aro'nd the !arden, he ca)e 'pon the ed (here )y h's and and & (ere sleepin!. &n the di) li!ht, he co'ld see that there (ere t(o persons, 't it never occ'rred to hi) that & (as (ith don Pedro. +e knelt do(n eside 's, sayin! to hi)self that his s'spicions had not een false. Averco)e y ra!e, he 'nsheathed his da!!er. .'st as he (as a o't to pl'n!e it > --I > into )y innocent h's andMa dreadf'l decision prod'ced y his (rathMkind heaven, (hich looks on

thin!s (ith co)passion, ca'sed don Pedro to t'rn over and si!h. Hon Gaspar reali7ed his )istake and !'essed (hat )'st have happened. F+e thanked heaven for the ti)ely (arnin!. 5hen, oldly takin! advanta!e of don Pedro2s deep sleep, he crept over to )y side and (oke )e. ,hocked y his te)erity, & si!naled hi) to !o a(ay. ,eein! )y !reat fear he left, 't he carried (ith hi) as a so'venir the !ift of an e) race and the flo(ers of )y lips, a different fr'it fro) the one he2d intended to pl'ck that ni!ht. +e %')ped over the fence, (hich is lo(er fro) the inside, and ret'rned to his inn. +e fervently prayed to attain his fr'strated desire (hile & r'ed and c'rsed )y ad l'ck. F5he ne=t day & received a letter fro) don Gaspar in (hich he revealed all his char)s y descri in! ho( he2d felt in that sit'ation. 5he letter affected )e so deeply that, had & not already s'cc') ed, it (o'ld have (on )e co)pletely, so splendid did his (ords see) to )e: 1ho can feel (rath, and ra!e a!ainst heaven, if, (henever he e=presses his feelin!s, he has the) all fly ack in his faceJ 1ho, 'nar)ed, can enter the fray a!ainst one (ho is ar)ed and s're of victoryJ 1ho, ein! of h') ler caste, even if a!!rieved, can take ven!eance a!ainst the po(erf'lJ 1hat poor )an a!ainst a (ealthy )an can, in like )anner, live a lon! life in an?'etin! and ele!anceJ 1ho, (hen love persec'tes hi), co'rtin! one (ho doesn2t love, even tho'!h she speaks of love, can have any hopeJ 1ho, a!ainst the fort'nate one (ho en%oys possession, si)ply eca'se he is 'nfort'nate can o tain the o %ect of his desiresJ Ah, heavenQ 1hen & so'!ht > --# > to en%oy her ea'tif'l face that elon!s to another )aster )y )isfort'ne discovers hi)Q My fort'nes faded, )y hopes do' tf'l, are )ore proper to the )aster (ho possesses yo'r !race. 1ho efore has ever e=perienced

s'ch !reat )isfort'ne as the )an (ho co)es to possess yo' and finds yo' already possessedJ Co)e Heath, (hy do yo' delayD livin! (ith )isfort'ne is tr'e tra!edy. FMy atte)pt to en%oy )y love (as so disastro's the first ti)e that & feared to try a!ain, 't )y lover2s pleas (ere so insistent and so )ovin! that & had to )ake 'p )y )ind. & cons'lted (ith )y )aid, the secretary to )y affair, and she (as a)a7ed at a (o)an (ho said she (as in love 't had so little spirit, (as (illin! to risk so little. ,he s'!!ested that don Gaspar sho'ld co)e in the evenin! and enter efore the doors (ere locked. ,he2d keep hi) hidden in her roo) ;'ntil after don Pedro had !one to ed<, and & co'ld pretend so)e )alady and leave )y ed. F& a!reed to his enterin! early and )eetin! hi) in her roo), for there2s no tr'e lover (ho (on2t atte)pt anythin! to o tain his heart2s desire. & infor)ed don Gaspar of the plan and (hat he (as to do. F3i!ht ca)e, and then )y pro le)s e!an. 6irst, don Gaspar and )y h's and arrived al)ost at the sa)e )o)ent. My )aid hid don Gaspar in her roo). & pretended to e feelin! 'n(ell and sleepy and )ade everyone retire early, incl'din! )y h's and (ho (as disconsolate to see )e indisposed. &f )y passion had taken his !en'ine love into acco'nt, & (o'ld never have offended a!ainst hi). 1hile & (aited for don Pedro to fall asleep so & co'ld !et 'p, & heard sho'tin! in the street and then knockin! at the door and voices cryin!: F6ireQ 6ireQ Ko'r ho'se is on fireQ Hon Pedro, look, it2s 'rnin! do(nQ ,ave yo'rselvesQ 5he fla)es are shootin! 'p thro'!h the roofQF 6rantically & leapt fro) )y ed, (ent o't into the hall, and sa( )y ho'se 'rnin! do(n. ,o h'!e (as the fire that & co'ldn2t see the sky for the s)oke and the fla)es. 8eco!ni7in! ho( !reat the dan!er (as, & e!an to screa) and called o't to don Pedro and he to the servants to co)e help. My alar) (as ti)ely for at that )o)ent the fire (as at its hei!ht. 1hat had happened (as that the servant in char!e of the kitchen had > --: > st'ck a candle on a oard in her roo) ri!ht ne=t to the ed. ,he had fallen asleep and the candle fell on her, i!nitin! the edclothes and the oard. ,he paid for her carelessness (ith her life. 5he fla)es didn2t !o o't 't ca'!ht the (hole roo) on fire and the roo) ne=t door (here coal and fire(ood (ere stored. 1hen this (ent 'p in fla)es so did the (hole ho'se. &t passed thro'!h the door to )y )other2s )aids2 ?'arters, and it (asn2t possi le to save the fo'r of the). F5his ne( disaster and the !reat peril &2d e=perienced ca'sed )e to faint. 1hen & re!ained conscio'sness, it (as close to )ornin! and & (as in )y rother/in/la( don 4'is2s ho'se, (here &2d een taken to save )y life. 5he fire had een p't o't altho'!h & lost )ost of )y thin!s. & in?'ired (hether )y )aid had escaped (ith her life, hopin! to learn if the fire had har)ed don Gaspar. 1hile & (as !oin! thro'!h )y r'ined clothin!, )y )aid ca)e to )e, and & learned that eca'se of all the people (ho2d co)e to the fire, don Gaspar had een a le to escape (itho't ein! noticed. F*fter the e=cite)ent of the fire, the e=cite)ent in )y heart 'rned !reater, and & sent for ne(s of don Gaspar. 4a)entin! his 'nl'ckiness and !rieved y )y indisposition, he (rote )e a letter filled (ith a tho'sand tender co)plaints. & ans(ered (ith a tho'sand cra7y thin!s, pro)isin! hi) that, the ne=t ti)e, he2d have the chance to )ake 'p for all o'r catastrophes. F&t took so)e ti)e to repair the da)a!e ca'sed y the fire and to restore the ho'se. H'rin! this ti)e, & stayed in )y rother/in/la(2s ho'se, as & said, and )y lover and & had to e content to (rite letters. 1hen & finally ret'rned to )y o(n ho)e, very )oved y don Gaspar2s pleas, & !ave in a third ti)e to his 'r!in!, 'n)indf'l of the past fail'res that heaven had set in )y (ay ;not to )ention the sit'ation

heaven has placed )e in no(<. & decided to repeat the last plan, so & (rote don Gaspar to co)e early the (ay he had the previo's ti)e. F1ell, it so happened that on that ni!ht don Pedro ret'rned ho)e )'ch earlier than 's'al eca'se, as it t'rned o't, the police (ere tryin! to arrest a friend of his for a )'rder. Beca'se o'r ho'se (as so no le that it (as respected as if it (ere an e) assy, )y h's and had ro'!ht his friend ho)e. 5o keep hi) safe, don Pedro had the doors locked early and ordered that they not e opened for any reason. 1hen don Gaspar arrived, the door (as locked and everyone had retired. Hiscoverin! his ad l'ck, he )ade a si!nal, at (hich )y )aid (ent o't on the alcony and told hi) (hat had happened and la)ed hi) for arrivin! so late. ,he told hi) it (as i)possi le for her to > --$ > open the door, 't )ay e he co'ld !et in thro'!h a little (indo( on the !ro'nd level. FHon Gaspar thanked her a tho'sand ti)es and, pro)isin! to re(ard her, he asked her to 'nlock the (indo( for hi). &t didn2t have a !rate eca'se it opened on a lind alley and (as very, very s)all. My inter)ediary (ent to the little (indo(, and she (arned hi) that he (o'ldn2t fit. +is love, ho(ever, )ade hi) think everythin! (as possi le, and he felt s're he co'ld !et in. +e poked his head and his sho'lders thro'!h the openin! and then !ot st'ck in the fra)e, half(ay in and half(ay o't, so he co'ld )ove neither for(ard nor ack(ard. FMy )aid sa( the ind he (as in and reali7d that the only (ay o't (as to re)ove the fra)e. ,he (ent to call a friend and told her that the )an (as her lover. Bet(een the t(o )aids and don Gaspar2s servant, 'sin! da!!ers and other tools, they re)oved the fra)e fro) the (all. 5hey co'ldn2t help )akin! noise, ho(ever, (hich the other servants heard. 5hinkin! it (as thieves reakin! in, they called o't. 5his 'pset the (hole ho'se, and don Gaspar had to r'n ?'ickly a(ay, still st'ck fir)ly inside the (indo(fra)e. Hon Pedro !ave orders to close off the (indo( the ne=t )ornin! and the servants retired. Hon Gaspar (ent to a carpenter (ho had to sa( off the fra)e, th's freein! hi) fro) that i)pedi)ent. F& (as totally 'na(are that )y lover had een the thief (ho had 'pset a (hole ho'sehold. 1hen & heard that a )an had een tryin! to reak in thro'!h the (indo(, & didn2t think to ask any ?'estions. 5he ne=t )ornin! after )y n's and left the ho'se, )y )aid ca)e to dress )e and she descri ed the (hole scene to )e ;& s(ear, don Garcia, & la'!hed so hard & co'ld hardly let her finish<. My )aid (as roarin! (ith la'!hter too. FMisfort'ne doesn2t co)e (itho't reason. & elieved that don Pedro (o'ldn2t ret'rn ho)e any ti)e soon and y then, deter)ined to re(ard don Gaspar for so )any trials and la ors, & sent )y )aid for hi). +e ca)e ri!ht a(ay, as he didn2t live fara(ay. 5he )o)ent he entered )y roo) & e) raced hi). 5his (as the second favor &2d !ranted hi) d'rin! the year o'r affair lastedD the first one (as the kiss he stole the ni!ht he al)ost killed )y h's and. F5he t(o of 's la'!hed heartily a o't his !ettin! st'ck in the (indo(. *ll of a s'dden )y )aid, (ho2d een actin! as looko't and spy, r'shed in cryin!F: F2*las, )y lady, (e2re lostQ Ko'r h's and has co)e ho)e and in s'ch a h'rry that y no( he2s inside the ho'seQ2 > --9 > F5his ne(s )i!ht have thro(n )e into conf'sion, 't & co'ldn2t let it eca'se it (o'ld cost 's o'r lives

if )y h's and (ere to catch )y fla!rant infidelity and the !reat offense a!ainst his honor. & ran into )y dressin! roo) ne=t door, yanked open a h'!e tr'nk, p'lled everythin! o't, and thre( it all on a pile of pillo(s. & 'r!ed Gaspar to !et inside. +e )ana!ed to fit y c'rlin! 'p. F.'st at that )o)ent, don Pedro r'shed in askin! 'r!ently for a cha) erpot, for it (as this disco)fort that had ro'!ht hi) ho)e at s'ch an 'n's'al ho'r. &t took hi) over an ho'r and a half to do this and eat his reakfast, (hich he hadn2t done that )ornin!. +e da(dled so that & didn2t think he2d ever have left if he hadn2t heard the ells rin!in! for )ass. *s he left the ho'se, & felt the keenest pleas're kno(in! that at last, fort'ne co'ld not deny )e the pleas're of en%oyin! )y love. & opened the tr'nk 't, to )y horror, don Gaspar (as deadQ F& co'ldn2t )ake hi) )ove his hands or his feet. & placed )y hand over his )o'th and he (asn2t reathin!. +e felt so cold & (as s're he2d s'ffocated. +o( can & descri e to yo', don Garcia, (hat )y feelin!s (ere at that )o)entJ +o( can & e=press in (ords )y tears, )y si!hs, )y sorro(J & can only say that & decided to take )y o(n life 'sin! )y lover2s da!!er, like 5his e. & (as a o't to pl'n!e the (eapon into )y heart (hen )y )aid ca)e in. *s 'pset as & (as, she 'rst into tears. 6inally she sh't the tr'nk and led )e o't of the roo). 1eepin! and (ailin!, (e kept askin! each other (hat (e co'ld do, ho( (ere (e !oin! to !et his ody o't of the ho'se. 9very idea (e ca)e 'p (ith presented !reat o stacles and a )o'ntain of diffic'lties. F5he t(o of 's (ere still la)entin! the death of the 'nfort'nate don Gaspar, (hen )y rother/in/la(, don 4'is, ca)e in. 6indin! )e so 'pset and tearf'l, he e!an to in?'ire as to the ca'se. & decided to tr'st in the !reat love he had al(ays felt for )e, !oin! ack to efore &2d eco)e his rother2s (ifeD & told hi) the tr'th. 6eelin! desperate and at the end of )y stren!th, & e!an: F2Hon 4'is, the !reatest )isfort'ne on the face of the earth that can happen to a (o)an has happened to )e. Beca'se &2) po(erless to do anythin! a o't it, & dare to tell yo'.2 F,o & descri ed to hi) (hat &2ve %'st told yo' and ended (ith these (ords: F2Ko'2re a !entle)an and, if yo' tr'ly (ish to help )e, let )y )isfort'ne o li!e yo'. *s God is )y (itness, & s(ear to yo' that & haven2t offended a!ainst )y h's and and yo'r rother2s honor in > -"0 > deed, even tho'!h & )ay have in intention. &f yo'2re so cr'el and harsh that yo' choose not to elieve )e and yo' decide to tell don Pedro, do as yo' please. &2) (illin! to pay (ith )y life.2 FHon 4'is (as asto'nded y )y (ords. +e told )e to cal) do(n, that he2d take care of the )atter. +e called a servant and had the tr'nk re)oved. L'ickly they carried it to the ho'se of a friend to (ho) he told the (hole story. 5he t(o )en opened the tr'nk, took don Gaspar o't and laid hi) on the ed. 5hey 'ndressed hi) and felt his p'lse and heart and discovered that he (asn2t really dead. 5hey p't hi) into ed and placed (ine co)presses on his (rists, on his heart, and over his noseD they p't hot (ater ottles all aro'nd hi) and noticed si!ns of life. 5hen they locked hi) in, leavin! hi) alone and 'nacco)panied, as & learned after(ard. FHon Gaspar ca)e to his senses as ni!ht (as fallin!. +e fo'nd hi)self naked in a stran!e ed in a ho'se that he reali7ed (as not )ine. +e co'ld recollect only that &2d p't hi) inside the tr'nk. +e pondered his sit'ation and tried to find so)e e=planation for this )ystery 't, no )atter ho( he tried, he co'ldn2t fi!'re it o't. F1hile he (as deep in these tho'!hts, he heard the door open and looked to see (ho it (as. +e reco!ni7ed don 4'is. 5he si!ht of )y rother/in/la( fri!htened hi) so terri ly that he al)ost died on

the spot. Hon Gaspar (as even )ore asto'nded (hen don 4'is ca)e over and sat do(n on the ed!e of his ed and said: F2Ko' do reco!ni7e )e, don GasparJ Ko' do kno( that & a) don Pedro2s rother and doBa +ipolita2s rother/in/la(J2 F2Kes, & do,2 don Gaspar replied. F2Ko' are also a(are,2 don 4'is contin'ed, 2of the no ility of o'r ho'seJ Ho yo' re)e) er (hat happened todayJ 1ell, & s(ear to yo' y this Cross2 ;and he placed his hand on the Cross he (ore on his reast<, 2that the day & find o't yo'2ve even tho'!ht a o't rene(in! yo'r co'rtship of doBa +ipolita, or even (alked do(n this street, &2ll take the ven!eance that & don2t take today. &2ll release yo' no( si)ply eca'se a cra7y, distra'!ht (o)an has tr'sted )e and eca'se & kno( that the offense a!ainst )y rother has not een e=ec'ted in fact, altho'!h the intentions are (orthy of p'nish)ent. 8e)e) er, &2ll kno( yo'r every )ove, even in the deepest o(els of hell.2 FHon Gaspar reass'red don 4'is (ith a tho'sand oathsD he vo(ed he (o'ld o ey and thanked hi) (ith a tho'sand civilities for havin! !ranted hi) his life, (hich had een and (as still in don 4'is2s hands to take a(ay. Hon Gaspar dressed ?'ickly and left that ho'se. +e (as > -"1 > deter)ined never a!ain to set his eyes 'pon )e and to his ears )y na)e eca)e the )ost hatef'l thin! on earth, as yo' (ill see later in )y story. F& (as terri ly (orried a o't (hat had happened 't didn2t dare ask don 4'is (hat disposition he2d )ade of that 'nfort'nate corpse. +e never said a (ord to )e a o't it. & char!ed )y )aid and tr'sted secretary to in?'ire at don Gaspar2s lod!in!s as discreetly as possi le to find o't (hat had happened to hi). ,he !ot to his inn %'st at the )o)ent (hen he (as sendin! his effects to another inn far a(ay fro) that district, in order to keep his pro)ise to don 4'is. 1hen don Gaspar sa( 4eonor ;that (as the )aid2s na)e, secretary to )y )adness<, he told her to !o (ith God, that he2d had eno'!h of )y tricks and deceptions. Briefly he reco'nted to her the events of that fatef'l day and told her a o't his pro)ise to don 4'is. Hon Gaspar ended (ith a )essa!e for )e: he had never i)a!ined in all his life that a (o)an co'ld e so treachero's and perfidio'sQ 3o( he co'ld see that all alon! &2d planned to rin! hi) to the end he )i!ht have had if heaven hadn2t taken pity on his pli!ht. F5he )o)ent don Gaspar said these (ords to 4eonor, he left. 4eonor (as conf'sed y it all 't, even so, she follo(ed hi) to find o't the inn (here he (as )ovin!. 1ith this infor)ation she ret'rned ho)e. 5he happy tho'!hts &2d had of don Gaspar t'rned itterD & (as innocent of his char!es. 3o( & (as despised y the )an & loved so )'ch, the )an for (ho) &2d risked )y life and stared death in the face, holdin! a s(ord at )y throat. F5hese tho'!hts )ade )e very )elancholy. My h's and (as 'pset to see )e sad and so far re)oved fro) any pleas're. 5hen don 4'is e!an to p'rs'e )e. 4earnin! of )y (eakness had !iven (in!s to his appetite, and he dared to e=press his desire to )e nakedly. 1itho't respect for God or his rother, he de)anded that & re(ard his love. +e threatened to e=pose everythin! he kne(. +e said that, since &2d opened the doors of )y affection to one )an, offendin! a!ainst )y honor and )y h's and, & co'ld do it for hi). *nd, in fact, if & didn2t, he2d tell his rother everythin! he kne( a o't )e. F5his sit'ation (as drivin! )e cra7y. &t so depleted )y stren!th that & ended 'p in ed (ith a serio's illness. &f only God had let )y illness kill )e, & (o'ld2ve een )ore fort'nateQ F& spent a )onth in ed, for!etf'l of everythin!. & (as so ill that the doctors held o't little hope of

savin! )y life. B't heaven didn2t per)it )e to dieD it (as savin! )e for f'rther tor)ent. H'rin! )y > -"- > illnes, )y rother/in/la( don 4'is visited )e fre?'ently. +e 'sed threats, !ifts, caresses, servility to try to rin! )e to his (ill. &f & sho(ed )y aversion or lect'red hi) in an effort to deviate hi) fro) his path, if & conde)ned his desire as (ron! and sinf'l, then he (o'ld thro( don Gaspar in )y face. 5his (as s'ch tort're for )e that & felt like takin! )y o(n life to escape his persec'tion. FAne day & (as (ith several of )y friends (ho2d co)e to visit )e, and don 4'is entertained 's (ith vario's !a)es and distractions that, added to the )ere si!ht of hi), (ere like poison to )e. +e took 'p a !'itar, (hich he played very (ell, and & recall that he san! this allad that he2d co)posed on the s' %ect of his desire and )y in!ratit'de: *skin! the s'n for darkness (hen in the east he sho(s the ea'ty of his face across the flo(ery )eado(D askin! 6lora herself (hile she co) s her hair not to ed!e the !reen )eado(s (ith pearls instead of de(D askin! all the ele)ents to end their ancient (ar and t'rn their fierce conflict into total har)onyD askin! heaven for )ercy and salvation for all the so'ls in hell is like askin! yo'r eyes to look on )e )ore kindly. *skin! the sea to contain its (aves and to eco)e !entle, cal), h') le, (hen its (ay is cr'el and pro'dD askin! that its fishes (alk freely over the sands and that all the shells po'r forth pearls across the landD and that the sirens cease their son! and their listeners not fall asleep, and for the 5ritons and the sea ny)phs to d(ell in the )eado(sD askin! heaven for )ercy and salvation for all the so'ls in hell is like askin! yo'r eyes to look on )e )ore kindly. > -"" >

*skin! the ni!htin!ales not to sin! their %ealo's plaints and for the (ido(ed t'rtledove to seek a second h's andD askin! the sin!le phoeni= as it 'rns 'p in its fla)es not to e re orn in its ashes, not to re)ain its sin!le selfD askin! the royal ea!le (hose !lance pierces the s'n to cease lookin! into the li!ht and instead to look into darknessD askin! heaven for )ercy and salvation for all the so'ls in hell is like askin! yo'r eyes to look on )e )ore kindly. *skin! the fierce fates, ha'!hty and pro'd, not to c't (ith their scissors the threads of lifeD askin! one (ho ra!es to taste (hat can never reach his )o'th to eat the fr'it and sip the crystal (atersD askin! the sad &=ion for the (heel to cease its tort're, for ,isyph's to hold the rock 'p on the peak he seeksD askin! heaven for )ercy and salvation for all the so'ls in hell is like askin! yo'r eyes to look on )e )ore kindly. F&)a!ine, don Garcia, )y conf'sion to find )yself in this ind that is the !reatest tor)ent a (o)an can s'ffer. An the one hand, & (as no( despised and a andoned y don Gaspar, (hich )ade )e love hi) even )ore (ildly than efore. & kne( that )y love (as a sol'tely hopeless for, even if he (ere to ret'rn )y love, & no lon!er had the co'ra!e to take )ore risks. An the other hand, & (as co'rted and p'rs'ed y )y rother/in/la(, and so threatened y hi) that, every ti)e & opened )y )o'th to restrain or repri)and hi), he re)inded )e that if &2d loved don Gaspar & co'ld love hi). Constantly inti)idated and fearf'l, & conte)plated !ivin! in to hi) and closin! )y eyes to God. B't (hen & tho'!ht a o't the offense a!ainst heaven > -"@ > and a!ainst )y h's and, & reali7ed that there co'ld e no re)edy 't death. F5he only (ay & co'ld protect )yself (as to order )y )aids, and partic'larly 4eonor, never to leave )y side, never to leave )e alone (ith don 4'is for a )o)ent, eca'se he )i!ht resort to force. +e sa( his hopes fr'strated and finally 'nderstood that & (o'ld never (illin!ly accede to his pleas're. +e

decided 'pon the vilest, )ost treachero's plan yo' can i)a!ine, (hich & shall descri e to yo'. F&2ve already told yo' that his ho'se and )ine (ere ad%oinin!, divided only y a (all. 1ell, he decided to c't open a little door %'st i! eno'!h for one person to s?'ee7e thro'!h 'p in an attic roo) so far re)oved that no one ever (ent 'p there. Ane ni!ht after (e2d all !one to ed, don 4'is ca)e thro'!h the little door and entered )y ho'se. +e kne( the ho'se (ell and, free of interference, he !ot the keys and, crafty as a 'r!lar, he 'nlocked the )ain door to the street. F*fter openin! the door, he (ent to the sta le and let all the horses looseD there (ere t(o ridin! horses and fo'r coach horses. 5he fri!htened horses )ade s'ch a racket that it (oke 'p the sta le oy. +e yelled and called o't for help. 5he horses had escaped and (ere r'nnin! (ildly do(n the street. My h's and (oke, !ot 'p, dressed, and called the other servants. C'rsin! the sta le oy for his carelessness, don Pedro ran o't after the horses. FHon 4'is, (earin! only his ni!htshirt, (atched hi) leave. +e (aited a little (hile and then ca)e to )y ed. Pretendin! to e )y h's and, he slipped et(een the sheets and e!an to caress )e ever so tenderly and lovin!ly. F1ell, this happened ni!ht efore last, and yo' kno( ho( cold it (as. 5he traitor had co)e in his ni!htshirt and (as so cold that & said to hi): F2+eavens, )y dear, ho( co)e yo'2re so coldJ2 F2&t2s very cold o't,2 the crafty don 4'is replied, dis!'isin! his voice as est he co'ld. F2Hid yo' catch the horsesJ2 & asked. F25hey2re rin!in! the) ack no(,2 )y treachero's rother/in/la( replied, takin! )e in his ar)s. 5hen he proceeded to en%oy everythin! that he )i!ht ever have desired. +e dishonored his rother, he in%'red )e, he offended a!ainst heaven. F1hen don 4'is finished, kno(in! it (as ti)e for his rother to ret'rn, he led )e to elieve he (as !oin! to )ake s're the servants > -"I > had !otten the horses in. +e !ot 'p and (ent ack to his o(n ho'se the sa)e (ay he2d co)e, (itho't )y ever s'spectin! a thin!. F,oon thereafter don Pedro ca)e in, havin! seen that the horses (ere taken care of and the servants had retired. +e cra(led into ed and, as he (as chilled to the one, he sn'!!led 'p to )e. & said reprovin!ly: F2Good heavens, )y dear, ho( )ischievo's yo' are this evenin!Q 1hy yo' %'st finished and here yo' are a!ainQ2 F2Ko' )'st have een drea)in!, +ipolita,2 don Pedro replied. 2& haven2t een ack here since & left to catch the horses.2 F5his reply left )e terri ly conf'sed, as & kne( & hadn2t een drea)in!. 5he )ore & tho'!ht a o't it, the )ore & al)ost s'spected the treachery. & co'ldn2t !o ack to sleep for thinkin! a o't the )ystery, 't & didn2t dare say a (ord to don Pedro. F5he ne=t )ornin! & slept )'ch later than )y (orries 's'ally let )e sleep. & dressed and (ent to )ass. 5his (as yesterday )ornin!, eca'se )y tra!edy occ'rred ni!ht efore last. & entered the ch'rch and sa( don 4'is standin! y the holy (ater font. *s & approached, arro!antly he offered )e holy (ater.

+e appeared tri')phant, he (as all p'ffed 'p, and so, aptly, it (as his o(n h' ris that )oved )e to take ven!eance. Pri)ly and co'rteo'sly, & accepted the (ater he offered fro) his hand. +e pressed )y hand in his. 4a'!hin!ly he said in a lo( voice: F2+eavens, )y dear, ho( co)e yo'2re so coldJ2 F5he instant & heard those (ords, & 'nderstood everythin!. & heard )ass and (ent ack ho)e )ore tro' led than yo' can i)a!ine. Hon Pedro (ent o't after dinner. & left no place in the (hole ho'se 'ne=a)ined, no )atter ho( hidden it see)ed. & searched every (indo(, tested every door, and fo'nd everythin! locked and 'n)arred. & e!an to s'spect that don 4'is had )ana!ed his darin! feat (ith the help of one of )y )aids. & (ent 'p to the attic to finish )y search, not e=pectin! to find (hat & did find, (hich (as the little door he hadn2t othered to close 'p, pro a ly eca'se he intended to 'se it a!ain. 6eelin! satisfied (ith )y discovery and (itho't sayin! a (ord to anyone, & ret'rned to )y roo) and e!an to plan )y ven!eance. & stayed there till don Pedro ca)e ho)e for s'pper. *fter s'pper, he (ent to ed and & (ith hi). & (aited cal)ly for the ho'sehold to eco)e ?'iet. FAnce )y h's and (as so'nd asleep, & !ot 'p and dressed. & took his da!!er and a li!ht, cli) ed 'p into the attic, passed thro'!h the > -"# > little door, and (ent to don 4'is2s edroo). +e (as fast asleep, feelin! no !'ilt for his treachery and sleepin! as so'ndly as )y ven!eance re?'ired. +avin! satisfied his desire, his sated l'st let hi) sleep carefree. & ai)ed at his heart and, (ith )y first thr'st, he !ave 'p the !host, instantly, (itho't ti)e to ask God to have )ercy on his so'l. & sta ed hi) five or si= )ore ti)es (ith s'ch ra!e and violence that & (ished that each ne( lo( (o'ld end his vile life all over a!ain. F& ret'rned to )y roo) and, (itho't considerin! that it )i!ht ca'se har) to )y innocent h's and, & p't the da!!er ack into its sheath (itho't even cleanin! off the lood or thinkin! a o't the conse?'ences of (hat & (as doin!, so dist'r ed and enra!ed (as &. &f the la( sho'ld catch )e, tr'th (as on )y side and cri)e on don 4'is2s. F& opened )y desk and p't all )y %e(els, (orth )ore than t(o tho'sand d'cats, into a scarf. ,o'ndlessly, & opened the front door and, (itho't anyone2s ein! a(are of )y folly, & left the ho'se and (ent to don Gaspar2s inn. My )aid had told )e (here it (as. & knocked at the door, and a servant (ho kne( a o't o'r disastro's affair opened it. 1hen he set eyes 'pon )e, he (as terrified and told )e his )aster hadn2t yet ret'rned fro) !a)in!. F25hat doesn2t )atter,2 & said. 2&2ll (ait for hi).2 F*nd & did, (ith God kno(s ho( )any fears, not eca'se of (hat &2d done, for & co'ldn2t even think a o't that, 't eca'se & (as afraid don Gaspar no lon!er loved )e. & hoped )y visit (o'ld fi= that and he2d ret'rn to his for)er love of )e. & also feared (hat )i!ht happen to )y h's and and servants, not in re!ard to don 4'is2s death, 't eca'se &2d left the ho'se and th's r'ined o'r !ood na)e. & tr'sted that don Gaspar2s love (o'ld save )e. Hespite the fact that he2d let it e kno(n that he despised )e, & co'ldn2t really elieve that, altho'!h it did !ive )e ca'se to fear. 9ven if he didn2t love )e, ein! no le, he had to e co'rteo's to )e eca'se, even (here there2s no love, one )'st al(ays sho( co'rtesy to a lady. FHon Gaspar finally ca)e ho)e. +e entered, sa( )e, and crossed hi)self a tho'sand ti)es. &n a terri le ra!e, he said: F21hat li erty is this, )y lady +ipolitaJ 1hat are yo' doin! in )y roo)J *ren2t yo' satisfied (ith the

trials yo'2ve p't )e thro'!h, the dan!ers yo'2ve placed )e inJ 5he cr'elest and )ost vicio's thin! yo' did (as yo'r last trick (hen, (ith cr'el and treachero's intent, yo' sent for )e only to p't )e at the )ercy of yo'r rother/in/la( and lover.2 > -": > F& had previo'sly told the (retch ho( don 4'is loved )e, that2s (hy he2d attri 'ted these )otives to )e. 5o interr'pt his fiendish attack a!ainst )e, & said in a sea of tears: F2*lasQ don Gaspar, )y lordQ +o( different thin!s are fro) (hat yo' i)a!ineQ & reali7e no( it (as a )istake for )e to ask )y rother/in/la( for help no )atter ho( 'pset & (as. B't (hat else (o'ld yo' e=pect a poor (eak (o)an to do (ith (hat she elieved to e a corpse ri!ht (hen she e=pected her h's and to co)e ho)eJ B't yo' don2t kno( (hat2s happened in the )eanti)e. &2ve %'st killed don 4'is (ith )y o(n hands. 1ith his lood, & cleansed the offense a!ainst )y honor (hich his desperate love atte)pted and finally acco)plished. Ko'2ll find o't to)orro( that )y life is in peril and )y ho'se is threatened y (hat people (ill say. Ko' )'st !et )e o't of Ealladolid i))ediately, yo' )'st take )e to 4is onQ &2ll sell these %e(els and pay for everythin!.2 F2*h, yo' treachero's (horeQ2 don Gaspar said. 23o( & kno( & (as ri!htQ 1hen yo' tired of )y devoted love and eca)e irritated y )y co'rtship, yo' t'rned )e over to yo'r ne( lover for hi) to kill )e. 3o( yo' tire of hi), %'st like lascivio's 4a)ia, ad'ltero's 6lora, and cr'el, faithless Pandora, so yo' kill hi) and (ant to do )e in too. 1ell, &2ll sho( yo'Q 1here once & felt love, no( & feel hatred, and &2ll )ake yo' pay for yo'r )istreat)ent of )e.2 F1ith these (ords, he tore off )y clothes do(n to )y petticoat. Usin! his elt, he eat )e as yo' can see.F *s )odestly and chastely as she co'ld, the ea'tif'l lady sho(ed don Garcia horri le r'ises all over her ody. 5hey looked like they (ere ready to 'rst open and !'sh lood. F9ven don Gaspar2s servant co'ldn2t stop his cr'el eatin!. & s(allo(ed )y cries to keep fro) ein! heard, and finally & fell to the floor, overco)e y his violent p'nish)ent. 1hen the traitor sa( )e collapse, he fl'n! open the door and thre( )e into the street. +e yelled after )e that the only reason he didn2t kill )e (as that he didn2t (ant to dirty his s(ord (ith )y vile, perfidio's lood. &f it hadn2t een for yo'r co)passion, & )i!ht still e lyin! in the street, or )ay e &2d e dead, or in the hands of the people (ho2re lookin! for )e. F5his, co)passionate don Garcia, is )y 'nhappy story. 3o( yo' )'st advise )e. 1hat can a (o)an (ho has ca'sed s'ch terri le har) do (ith herselfJF F&ndeed, ea'tif'l +ipolita,F don Garcia said, ena)ored of her ea'ty and deeply tro' led y her tears, F&2) terri ly sorry a o't yo'r > -"$ > )isfort'nes and f'rio's (ith the 'n!ratef'l don Gaspar. 1o'ld to God it (ere in )y hand to re)edy oth, even if it cost )e )y lifeQ Given his vile a 'se of yo', & can2t elieve that don Gaspar has no le loodQ 9ven if he didn2t re)e) er his for)er love for yo', or take into acco'nt that yo' (ere at his )ercy, he sho'ld2ve sho(n yo' consideration and co'rtesy si)ply eca'se yo'2re a (o)an. & pro)ise yo' he2ll not !o 'np'nishedD heaven (ill aven!e yo' of don Gaspar as it did of don 4'is. 3o( rest. &f yo'2ll tell )e the address of yo'r ho'se and !rant )e per)ission, &2ll !o try to find o't (hat2s happened (ith re!ard to yo'r a sence and don 4'is2s death. 5hen (e can decide (hat2s the est thin! to do.F 5he lady thanked hi) as (ar)ly as she co'ld. Hon Garcia, feelin! so)e(hat repaid for his love and

o li!ated y her response, (ent to doBa +ipolita2s ho'se to find o't (hat (as happenin!. .'st as he arrived, he sa( the police lead don Pedro o't, 'nder arrest for his rother2s )'rder. +is !'ilt had een proved y the little door in the attic and the loody da!!er in its sheath. 6'rther)ore, the )aids testified that don 4'is had een co'rtin! their )istress. 5he police (ere very !ood at s'ch investi!ations. 5hey searched the ho'se and took detailed state)ents fro) all the servants. 3ot only (as the poor !entle)an innocent of the cri)e of killin! his o(n rother, 't he (as confo'nded y his (ife2s a sence. +er )issin! %e(els and cloak and the 'nlocked door )ade hi) fear the (orst. +e (as carried off to %ail (itho't )akin! any state)ent. Both ho'ses, the victi)2s and the prisoner2s, (ere p't 'nder !'ard, and doBa +ipolita2s parents and all the servants (ere taken into c'stody. ,eein! that si!ht filled don Garcia (ith pity and (ith ra!e. +e lon!ed to p'nish don Gaspar2s vile ehavior. &)pelled y the love he felt for doBa +ipolita, don Garcia felt that don Gaspar sho'ld pay (ith his life for havin! eaten doBa +ipolita and stolen her %e(els. +e (ent to don Gaspar2s inn and in?'ired. 5he innkeeper told don Garcia that that very )ornin! don Gaspar had left on the sta!e for 4is on. +e2d told his servant he had to leave eca'se his father had fallen ill. Hon Garcia reco!ni7ed the fr'itlessness of p'rs'it and also that it (as 'r!ent to place doBa +ipolita in safekeepin! for her o(n protection and to avoid the dan!er to the) oth of her ein! fo'nd in his keepin!. By this ti)e, to(n criers (ere pro)isin! a h'ndred esc'dos to (hoever )i!ht find her and threatenin! death to anyone > -"9 > (ho har ored her. Besides, he needed to protect her fro) his o(n love, for he loved her so )adly he didn2t tr'st hi)selfD he al)ost 'nderstood don 4'is2s cri)inal passion. +e (ent to a clothin! store and o'!ht a rich ele!ant dress and all the other thin!s doBa +ipolita needed to e a le to appear in p' lic. 3ot tr'stin! the parcels to a )essen!er, he hi)self carried the) ack to the inn. +e told the ea'tif'l +ipolita all the ne(s, incl'din! the fact that her h's and (as to e tort'red 'ntil he confessed his cri)e. 5his ne(s so distressed doBa +ipolita that she (anted to !ive herself 'p to the police to keep the innocent don Pedro and her servants fro) s'fferin! for her sake. Hon Garcia reproved her for this decision and tried to talk sense to her. +e )ade her !et dressed and eat reakfast. 5hen he (ent o't to !et a litter to take her to a convent. 4i erally he paid all her e=penses. Hon Garcia advised doBa +ipolita that she sho'ld ne!otiate her h's and2s release, since he (as tr'ly innocent, after she (as safe in the convent. 5hat2s (hat she did. ,he (rote a letter to the president of the city co'ncil and told hi) that, if he (anted to kno( (ho don 4'is2s )'rderer (as, he sho'ld co)e see her and she (o'ld tell hi). 5he president (as partic'larly an=io's to learn the tr'th eca'se all the parties (ere pro)inent and also eca'se doBa +ipolita (as a relative of his. +e ca)e to the convent acco)panied y other !entle)en of the co'ncil. HoBa +ipolita told the) everythin! (e2ve said here and confessed that she2d killed her treachero's rother/in/la(. ,he told the) that her h's and and all the servants, incl'din! don 4'is2s, (ere innocent. 5hey co'ld 'nderstand (hat had happened eca'se she (as so ea'tif'l. 5he president told this story to the kin!. 1hen the kin! sa( ho( ri!htly doBa +ipolita had aven!ed herself, he pardoned her and set her h's and and all the other prisoners free. 1ithin fo'r days, they (ere o't of %ail. HoBa +ipolita, ho(ever, ref'sed to !o ack to her h's and even tho'!h he e!!ed and pleaded (ith her. ,he told don Pedro that s'spicio's love co'ldn2t lead to perfect love or to con%'!al har)ony. +e )'st s'spect her not eca'se of don 4'is2s treacheryMshe2d aven!ed herself of that

dishonor and (as satisfiedM 't eca'se of her love for don Gaspar of (ho) her h's and (o'ld al(ays e %ealo's. 5he only thin! she asked of don Pedro (as to provide for her s'pport in the convent, (hich he li erally !ranted. 5his terri le tra!edy ca'sed the poor !entle)an s'ch sorro( that > -@0 > he fell !ravely ill and died (ithin the year. ,ince he never felt offended y his (ife, he left her heir to his (hole estate. &ndeed, for all the ti)e he lived, he visited her as often as he co'ld. HoBa +ipolita (as free, yo'n!, and (ealthy. ,he felt o li!ated to don Garcia for havin! helped her so )'ch. +e2d visited her re!'larly and kept 'p her spirits all the ti)e she (as in the convent. Moved y the love she kne( don Garcia felt for her, (hich he2d clearly sho(n (hile she (as in the convent, pleased y his appearance, satisfied (ith his intelli!ence, certain of his no ility, and s're that he val'ed her person, she )arried hi) and )ade hi) )aster of her ea'ty and of her rich estate. 5he only thin! he2d lacked to e a perfect )atch (as (ealthD of co'rse, he had a )odest inco)e, 't it (asn2t really eno'!h to )eet all that his no ility re?'ired. +e, al(ays thankf'l to heaven for his !ood fort'ne, is still alive today and very )'ch loved y his ea'tif'l +ipolita. 5heir children, schooled in don Garcia2s !enero's no ility, are proof of their love. ,o)e ti)e later, a hi!h(ay)an (as ro'!ht to Ealladolid. *t the foot of the !allo(s, he confessed that he )erited the death penalty, not for the cri)e he (as acc'sed of 't for havin! killed his )aster, don Gaspar, and stolen fro) hi) a hoard of %e(els that don Gaspar had taken fro) a lady (ho2d co)e to hi) for help. &n a fe( sentences, he told doBa +ipolita2s story. 5hat2s ho( it ca)e to e kno(n that heaven had ro'!ht don Gaspar his (ell/deserved p'nish)ent at the hands of his o(n servant, the )an a o't to e han!ed. 5hese events happened in o'r o(n ti)es and & heard a o't the) fro) the very people to (ho) they happened. & decided to (rite the story do(n so that everyone can learn fro) their e=perience that, in the end, everyone !ets his F%'st desserts.F 5he enchant)ent narrated y don Mi!'el !ave s'ch pleas're that his a'dience appla'ded lo'dly and thanked hi) heartily (ith a tho'sand (ords of praise. Hon 4ope, confident that his story (o'ld not !ive less pleas're than his co)panion2s, e!an (ith these (ords: F3o le a'dience, & don2t (ant to praise the enchant)ent &2) a o't to tell yo', not its plot, its poetry, or its )oral, eca'se all the stories told so far on these deli!htf'l evenin!s have een narrated in a plain style and everyday lan!'a!e, avoidin! e=a!!eration, leavin! s'ch adorn)ent to those (ho (ish to e considered 2artistic.2 &n the tale &2) a o't to tell, (hat & hope yo'2ll appreciate is that it2s a sol'tely > -@1 > tr'e. & don2t incl'de a sin!le detail that didn2t really happen. & ass're yo' that today the son of o'r heroes lives in ,ala)anca, and close relatives of theirs sit on the 8oyal Co'ncil. 3ot to keep yo' in s'spense, let )e e!inF: > -@- >

Tri,m6h over the Im6ossi5'e

,ala)anca is kno(n as the no lest, )ost pleasant and ea'tif'l city in Castile. +er no ility co)petes (ith her ea'ty, her letters (ith her ar)s, and she a o'nds in these attri 'tes )ore than any other city of ,pain. ,ala)anca (as )other and pro!enitress to don 8odri!o and doBa 4eonor. Both (ere no le and (ealthyD don 8odri!o (as a prodi!y of nat're and doBa 4eonor (as the epito)e of ea'ty. 5hese t(o eca)e e=e)plars of love and of fort'ne, as this tale (ill tell. Hon 8odri!o (as the second son in his fa)ily, (hich (as a !reat )isfort'ne eca'se, for this reason alone, the )erit he deserved for his ele!ance and discretion (as discredited. 5his defect co'ld e overco)e only y doin! !reat deeds, not the least of (hich (o'ld e to (in doBa 4eonor, her parents2 only child and heiress to their vast estates. 5he t(o fa)ilies (ere nei!h ors and s'ch close friends that the relationship et(een the t(o children (as al)ost as close as if they elon!ed to the sa)e fa)ily. 5he children loved each other fro) their tenderest years. 1hen they reached the a!e of discretion, love, tired of )ake/ elieve, eca)e real ;it took f'll possession of the)<. 5he t(o lovers had een orn 'nder the si!n of the tra!ic lovers Pira)'s and 5his e. 1hen doBa 4eonor2s parents finally noticed (hat (as developin!, they e!an to fear not the end of this love, 't its e!innin!. +er parents tho'!ht that, if they nipped it in the 'd, it > -@" > (o'ld !o no f'rtherD so, as est they co'ld, they tried to c't off all co))'nication et(een doBa 4eonor and don 8odri!o. 5hese restrictions did at least keep their relationship fro) ein! as free as it had een d'rin! their childhood. &nstead of ?'ellin! the fiery love that 'rned in the), ho(ever, the restraint f'eled their passion so that its fla)e 'rned stron!er in their hearts. 1hen love t'rns serio's, it eco)es ca'tio's and self/ protectiveD conse?'ently the t(o lovers e!an to fear even their o(n tho'!hts, and they so'!ht o't the )ost hidden places for their conversations. Ko'thf'l love took possession of their so'ls in the face of their parents2 opposition and so infla)ed their passions that soon the only thin! they talked a o't (as their love and the f'lfill)ent of their desires. 5he t(o to!ether and each alone (ere deter)ined to die efore !ivin! 'p this love. 5heir !ifts ins'red the loyalty of the servants, and love arran!ed fre?'ent enco'nters. 5heir )eetin!s (ere s'pple)ented y a)oro's letters in (hich the yo'n! lovers e=pressed the)selves freely, (itho't any of the inhi ition or sense of sha)e that so)eti)es lead lovers astray. 5hey told each other their )ost secret tho'!hts. HoBa 4eonor2s ea'ty increased (ith each passin! day, as did the n') er of don 8odri!o2s co)petitors for her hand, yo'n! )en (ho openly declared the)selves her s'itors. Hon 8odri!o eca)e ha'nted y the fear that one of the) )i!ht (in his eloved )istress. 5r'stin! in his )erits, (hich (ere )any in spite of the fact that he (as the yo'n!er son, don 8odri!o decided to ask his parents to re?'est doBa 4eonor2s hand in )arria!e. +e 'r!ed the) as his inter)ediaries to present a stron! case, attestin! to his no ility and his inheritance, for, disco'ntin! the entail)ent to his older rother, his parents had provided a)ply for his co)fort. 5hey felt opti)istic a o't the o'tco)e of their petition, 't it t'rned o't %'st the opposite of (hat they2d envisioned. By the ti)e the ne!otiations had concl'ded, don 8odri!o and doBa 4eonor (ere left totally (itho't hope. HoBa 4eonor2s parents had responded that their da'!hter (as their only heir and that, altho'!h don 8odri!o (as certainly (orthy, he (as not a s'ita le )atch eca'se he (as the yo'n!er son. 5hey said that this alone had decided the) a!ainst hi)D if the fa)ily co'ld !'arantee that his elder rother (o'ld never )arry, they2d !ladly accept don 8odri!o as their son/in/la(. 5o co)plicate the )atter, ho(ever, doBa 4eonor had already een etrothed to a !entle)an fro) Ealladolid na)ed don *lonso. *t that

> -@@ > )o)ent, don *lonso (as at co'rt seekin! investit're in one of the no le orders, (hich (as the only thin! delayin! doBa 4eonor2s )arria!e to hi). Hon 8odri!o2s parents deeply re!retted this t'rn of events and considered it an affront that their close friends preferred another )an to their son. * terri le fe'd arose et(een the t(o fa)ilies. 3o lon!er did they visit or talk to each other as they had in the past. 5he ne(s devastated don 8odri!oD he al)ost (ent cra7y and tho'!ht of doin! (ild thin!s to (in his eloved doBa 4eonor. 5hen he fo'nd o't, to his despair, that his parents, in an effort to stifle his love thro'!h a sence, had arran!ed for hi) to !o to 6landers, e=chan!in! his st'dent ro es for a soldier2s 'nifor). Hon 8odri!o looked so very handso)e in his )ilitary re!aliaQ &f only he2d een as (ell endo(ed in his fort'ne, his love (o'ld never have een th(arted. HoBa 4eonor re)ained 'na(are of these events. Hon 8odri!o had feared that her father (o'ld ans(er %'st as he did eca'se he cared )ore a o't earthly !oods than his da'!hter2s (ishes, so don 8odri!o hadn2t told her of his decision to ask for her hand. +e hadn2t (anted to 'pset her. 5he day don 8odri!o received her father2s ill/fated reply to his 'ns'ccessf'l petition and learned of his i))inent depart're, he (rote a letter to doBa 4eonor that (as delivered to her y the hand of the slave (ho served as the )essen!er of their love. 5he letter read: Bea'tif'l )istress )ine, yo'r father has denied )y father2s re?'est that yo' e )ine, alle!in! that & a) the second son in )y fa)ily, a fa'lt (illed y heaven so that & sho'ld lose yo'r ea'ty. 0no(in! that )y love for yo', kindled y yo'r lovely presence, (ill never end, o'r parents have decided to prevent )e fro) seein! yo' in order to th(art )y hopes and p't an end to )y only desire. 5he hopelessness of o'r love is a!!ravated y the fact that they say yo'2re already pro)ised to a !entle)an fro) Ealladolid no( at co'rt seekin! a title, and &2ve received orders to depart for 6landers (ithin si= days. 5ryin! to e=press )y sorro( is like tryin! to co'nt the !rains of sand or the stars in the skyD yo' kno( & love yo' )ore than life itself. Ko' kno( )y pain. 5he only possi le re)edy (o'ld e for yo' to say that yo'2ve already pro)ised to e )y (ife and, if that2s yo'r pleas're, & pled!e to yo' )y (ord, not %'st once 't a tho'sand ti)es. People (ho kno( the pain (hen t(o lovers separate (ill 'nderstand that this ne(s ro'!ht doBa 4eonor terri le sorro( and !rief. ,he took to her ed (ith a s'dden dan!ero's illness that (orried everyone. Ane )ornin! ;(hile her )other (as o't<, doBa 4eonor )ade a !reat effort and ans(ered her lover2s letter as follo(s: > -@I > My illness proves to yo' the !reat sorro( yo'r ne(s has ro'!ht )e. & can find no re)edy, eca'se the nearness of yo'r depart're allo(s no ti)e to plan anythin! and & don2t have the co'ra!e to ca'se )y father s'ch !reat displeas're. Hon2t lose heart, for & do not. A ey yo'r parents and & pro)ise yo' that & shall not )arry for three years, even if it costs )y life. 5his (ill !ive yo' ti)e to achieve thro'!h rave deeds the )eritMnot to (in )e for &2ve already een (onMand the necessary !oods and )oney to satisfy )y father2s avarice. May heaven protect yo'r life so & )ay see yo' a!ain, as loyal and lovin! as al(ays. & shall (ait for yo' no )atter ho( lon! yo' are !one. 1hen don 8odri!o read this letter, he si!hed and (ept as copio'sly as had doBa 4eonor (hen she

co)posed it. &t2s not a si!n of (eakness 't of stren!th for )en to cry (hen their tro' les have no re)edy. Hon 8odri!o (rote doBa 4eonor a!ain, e!!in! to see her one last ti)e, even fro) a distance, to relieve his sorro( a little and help hi) ear his pain d'rin! his lon! e=ile. HoBa 4eonor (anted to please her lover. Hespite her illness and a!ainst the advice of her parents and the doctors ;)ay e love (orked this )iracle<, doBa 4eonor !ot 'p the very day that don 8odri!o (as to depart and e!!ed her )other to take her to )ass. ,he (anted to pray to a stat'te that (as fa)o's in ,ala)anca for its )iracles. *t ti)es )isfort'ne lets so)e thin!s t'rn o't (ell so that after(ard the pain and !rief that invaria ly follo( happiness (ill penetrate )ore deeply. Hon 8odri!o (as (aitin! y the ch'rch for the arrival of the coach carryin! his )istress, her )other, and their )aids. +andso)ely dressed in lack and !old to sy) oli7e his 'ncertain fort'ne, he looked as ele!ant and attractive as he felt sad and 'nfort'nate. Hon 8odri!o (as loved y the (hole city eca'se of his splendid appearance. 5he coach dre( 'p to that place of death ;as (e )'st descri e it<, eca'se it is death to separate the so'l fro) the ody. 5heir fare(ell consisted of one final !lance. HoBa 4eonor, over(hel)ed y love and e)otion, directed her !lance to(ard her lover, already (earin! oots and sp'rs for his depart're. 5he instant she looked at hi), she reali7ed she (as losin! hi). 5his reali7ation str'ck her so deeply that, in response to don 8odri!o2s co'rtly and lovin! o(, her lover sa( her collapse into her )other2s ar)s in a s(oon. +er no le )other kne( nothin! of (hat had transpired eca'se her h's and had never )entioned don 8odri!o2s proposal or his o(n ref'sal. ,he, therefore, attri 'ted doBa 4eonor2s collapse to her havin! !otten 'p fro) her sick ed too soon. L'ickly they t'rned the coach ho)e(ard and, (hen doBa 4eonor recovered fro) her s(oon, she > -@# > fo'nd herself in her o(n ed s'rro'nded y doctors and )aids, all tryin! desperately to restore a life they tho'!ht (as lost. *ltho'!h don 8odri!o (as a o't to depart, his love (o'ldn2t let hi) !o (hile his )istress hovered et(een life and death. +e (aited for the slave, inter)ediary to their love, to infor) hi) that doBa 4eonor, so)e(hat i)proved in health 't not recovered fro) her !rief, (as restin!, if one (ho s'ffers hopelessly can ever rest. Hon 8odri!o departed the )o)ent he heard this ne(s. +e left his lady to co) at her father2s po(er alone. Bein! (ise, her father (as not 'na(are of the ca'se of his da'!hter2s illnessD he kne( that don 8odri!o2s depart're had ca'sed the !reat 'nhappiness he sa( in her. 5his kno(led!e, ho(ever, didn2t keep hi) fro) arran!in! everythin! so that, (hen don *lonso sho'ld arrive, he (o'ld find no i)pedi)ent to the )arria!e. 5he lady kept !ivin! e=c'ses, repeatin! that she (as too yo'n! to )arry, that they sho'ld (ait 'ntil she (as in etter health and older so she co'ld enter into )arria!e (ith !reater ass'rance. +er parents (ent alon! (ith these e=c'sesD they had no other choice, seein! ho( lon! it (as takin! their proposed son/in/la( to acco)plish his )ission at co'rt. 1hen don 8odri!o arrived in 6landers, he (as (elco)ed y the d'ke of *l a, !overnor of the 4o( Co'ntries at this ti)e. 5he d'ke (as pleased to receive s'ch a no le !entle)an as don 8odri!o and i))ediately e!an to char!e hi) (ith d'ties appropriate to his station and his )any ?'alities. 1ith each assi!n)ent, don 8odri!o de)onstrated his valor and his capa ility and the d'ke, (ell pleased (ith don 8odri!o2s acco)plish)ents, re(arded hi) lavishly (ith favors and honors. Given don 8odri!o2s !ood looks, ele!ance, discretion, and no ility, he eca)e a favorite in the city, and there (asn2t a lady (ho set her eyes 'pon hi) (ho didn2t (ant hi) for her s'itor or for her h's and. *ltho'!h don 8odri!o responded co'rteo'sly to the) all, deep do(n in his heart he pri7ed, loved, and

(orshiped his a sent doBa 4eonor. +e adored her so tr'ly, fir)ly, and tenderly that his love )i!ht have ro'!ht ack the Golden *!e. &t so happened that one day )any i)portant !entle)en and rave soldiers, incl'din! don 8odri!o, (ere (ith the d'ke of *l a. * very no le 6le)ish lady, na)ed doBa Blanca, appeared and knelt do(n at the d'ke2s feet. ,he asked hi) to hear a )ost sin!'lar and a)a7in! thin! that she had co)e to tell hi). 5he d'ke kne( doBa Blanca, her ?'ality and no ility, eca'se she2d een )arried to a rave ,panish !entle)an (ho2d served his )a%esty > -@: > (ith !reat a ility as Master of the 6ield. ,he also )erited respect and estee) eca'se of her inco)para le ea'ty, adorned y i)pecca le p'rity. ,he arose fro) her c'rtsey and the d'ke (elco)ed her (ith his (onted co'rtesy. +e offered her a seat and 'r!ed her to tell the story she2d )entioned. &n the presence of all the co'rtiers, doBa Blanca descri ed ho(, ever since the death of her h's and the year efore, she2d een hearin! a dreadf'l noise. H'rin! the past fo'r )onths, a h'!e and fearso)e !host had appeared in her ho'se. 9very ni!ht at eleven ;that (as the ho'r (hen it (o'ld appear<, she and her )aids locked the)selves in a s)all dressin! roo) and (aited 'ntil it str'ck t(elve, (hen the !host (o'ld disappear. 5he !host never entered the roo) (here they (ere hidin!. HoBa Blanca ended this acco'nt and re?'ested that the d'ke cond'ct an investi!ation into the )atter to free her fro) that terri le fri!ht. 5he d'ke, ein! (ise, kne( that if it (ere really a !host as doBa Blanca said, there (o'ld e no place safe fro) it, no lock that co'ld prevent it fro) enterin! into her hidin! place. +e tho'!ht a o't this for a )o)ent and then ordered everyone present to keep the )atter secret. Beca'se the d'ke (as i)pressed (ith don 8odri!o2s pr'dence, co'ra!e, and spirit, he ordered hi) to attend to doBa Blanca2s pro le) and investi!ate the !host that (as harassin! her, for there had to e an e=planation. Hon 8odri!o kissed the d'ke2s hand for the favor he sho(ed hi) in selectin! hi) for that assi!n)ent (hen there (ere (orthier and raver people in the roo). 5his h') le response only )ade his no le spirit shine ri!hter. HoBa Blanca ret'rned ho)e, instr'cted to tell no one that don 8odri!o (o'ld investi!ate the !host that appeared every ni!ht, eca'se the d'ke elieved that thro'!h secrecy they co'ld find o't (ho the )ysterio's ein! (as. 3i!ht ca)e, 't )ore slo(ly than the valiant don 8odri!o (ished, so an=io's (as he to solve this !reat )ystery. +e (ent to doBa Blanca2s ho'se (ell ar)ed and prepared for any event'ality. 5hey chatted 'ntil ten (itho't any reference to the )atter at hand. 1hen it ca)e ti)e to !et ready, he spoke privately (ith her, askin! ho( the !host appeared. +e asked her to call her ste(ard to keep hi) co)pany as he didn2t find his o(n servants s'ita le, 't don 8odri!o didn2t (ant the ste(ard to kno( (hy he (as there. HoBa Blanca assented, feelin! so attracted y don 8odri!o2s ele!ance that she (o'ld (illin!ly have )ade hi) )aster of her person > -@$ > and all her possessions. ,he spoke to hi) in s'ch a (ay as to let hi) kno( her feelin!s. 5he servant, 'na(are of the plan, entered, and doBa Blanca ordered hi) to prepare a torch, (hich he ass')ed (as to li!ht the !entle)an ho)e. +e !ave the li!hted torch to don 8odri!o, the t(o (ent do(n and locked

the front door, and don 8odri!o pocketed the keys. Back 'pstairs, don 8odri!o didn2t leave the ste(ard for an instant, nor did he per)it the servant to leave the roo). +e co))anded doBa Blanca to retire (ith her )aids and she o eyed, sh'ttin! herself in the sa)e little dressin! roo) as 's'al. &t ad%oined the roo) (here don 8odri!o and his co)panion (aited for the !host. 5he lady, (ho (as no( in love, no lon!er felt the fear that had previo'sly ha'nted her. ,he didn2t even (ant to lock the dressin! roo) eca'se she (anted to (atch don 8odri!o. 5he ste(ard co'ldn2t fi!'re o't (hat (as !oin! on, and he (as )ystified (hen don 8odri!o concealed hi)self ehind the door and ordered the servant to sit do(n and keep hi) co)pany. 5he ste(ard tried to !et o't of o eyin! 't he co'ldn2t, (hich only confir)ed don 8odri!o2s s'spicions. 5he servant e=c'sed his a!itation y e=plainin! that he (as afraid. Una le to escape, he settled ack to a(ait his fort'ne !ood or ad. +e held the li!hted torch in his hand as don 8odri!o had co))anded. 5he clock str'ck eleven, and they heard a fearso)e )oanin! and a lo'd knockin! approachin! the). 5he servant tre) led fro) fear. Hon 8odri!o (as no fool and felt )ore s'spicio's than efore. +e held 'p his shield, dre( his s(ord, and said: FKo', sir, take care that that li!ht doesn2t !o o't, for & )'st fi!ht the !host. Mind (hat yo' do, as &2) not a )an for %okes.F 5hat )o)ent they sa( the !hostly fi!'re enter. 5he servant, pretendin! to faint, fell to the floor. *s (as later learned, he hoped in this (ay to e=tin!'ish the li!ht, 't his plan didn2t (ork. 5he torch fell to the floor 't didn2t !o o't. Hon 8odri!o ?'ickly snatched it 'p (ith his shield hand and l'n!ed at the !host, (hich y then had reached the center of the roo). 5his fi!'re (as so tall and defor)ed that it reached all the (ay to the ceilin!. &t carried a lon! cane fro) (hich dan!led )any chains that an!ed a!ainst the floor, )akin! a dreadf'l noise intended to fri!hten the (eak and cred'lo's (o)en. +oldin! the torch in one hand and his s(ord in the other, don 8odri!o attacked, noticin! that the !host (ore !loves. +e slashed at its le!s, instantly van?'ishin! it. &t had (alked on tall stilts like the ones 'sed in so)e dances to elevate the dancers hi!h a ove the > -@9 > !ro'nd. Beca'se the fo'ndation (as false, the (hole edifice ca)e t') lin! do(n (ith a terri le crash. 5his racket ro'!ht doBa Blanca and her )aids r'shin! into the roo) (ith a candle. 5he torch don 8odri!o (as carryin! had !one o't (ith the force of his attack. Hon 8odri!o stood over the fallen for), (hich (as da7ed and se)iconscio's. 5o identify the !host, they re)oved the )ask it (as (earin! over its face. &t t'rned o't to e a )an oth doBa Blanca and don 8odri!o kne(, a 6le)ish !entle)an (ho (as doBa Blanca2s nei!h or. &n love (ith her, he had co'rted and p'rs'ed her ever since her h's and2s death. 5he ea'tif'l doBa Blanca had harshly re%ected hi) eca'se he (as )arried and her no ility and honor (o'ld never per)it s'ch an illicit relationship. 5he )aids ro'!ht (ater and p't it on his face to rin! hi) o't of his faint. 1hen he ca)e to his senses, he (as very e) arrassed to see his trick discovered. Hon 8odri!o said to hi): F,ir *rnesto, (hat kind of dis!'ise is this, so 'ns'ita le to yo'r !ood na)e and yo'r di!nityJF FAh, don 8odri!oQF *rnesto replied, Fif yo' kno( (hat love is yo' (on2t e s'rprised y (hat & do 't rather y (hat & don2t do. ,ince & )'st e=plain this dis!'ise, as yo' call it, the deception (as inspired y doBa Blanca, (ho) )y )isfort'ne has )ade )e love. Beca'se she is (ho she is and &2) )arried, (innin! her (as i)possi le. 5ired of co'rtin! her and hearin! harsh (ords fro) her lips, & cons'lted (ith this servant, collapsed here on the floor. 5o!ether (e (orked o't this charade. 5he plan (as for hi) to let )e in thro'!h his roo). 1ith the fri!ht ca'sed y )y )oanin! and the clankin! of chains,

the )aids (o'ld r'n and hide, and & co'ld have )y (ay (ith the (o)an (ho2s ca'sed all )y )adness. *ltho'!h &2ve een fri!htenin! the) for a lon! ti)e no(, and fr'itlessly, still &2ve persevered, hopin! that %'st once fort'ne (o'ld favor )e, so here & a). F5oni!ht & ca)e, as on every other ni!ht, not thinkin! that anyone )i!ht find )e o't. 5he servant al(ays kept )e infor)ed of everythin!. *ltho'!h he did tell )e yo' (ere here this evenin!, & sa( the torch (ave, (hich (as o'r si!nal, and everythin! see)ed ?'iet, so & tho'!ht yo'2d !one and & co'ld safely enter. Hespite the fact that he didn2t co)e ack to his roo), & tho'!ht he (as doin! his ni!htly d'ties as he2d done efore, and & decided to r'n the risk. & entered, and no( )y trick has een discoveredD thin!s don2t look !ood for )e, ein! ca'!ht in a lady2s ho'se (here &2ve never een invited. &2ll s'rely e p'nished for this cri)e.F > -I0 > Hon 8odri!o listened to the 6le)ish !entle)an, feelin! )ore pity than s'rprise and al)ost e=c'sin! his a)oro's error eca'se of doBa Blanca2s !reat ea'ty. &f the lover hadn2t een )arried, don 8odri!o (o'ld2ve )ade a !reat effort to )ake her ret'rn the !entle)an2s love so he )i!ht (in her. B't the fact that he (as )arried and the serio'sness of his cri)e, especially for a no le, te)pered don 8odri!o2s feelin!s. Hon 8odri!o told *rnesto that he (as very sorry he s'ffered so hopelessly, 't doBa Blanca (as a (o)an of hi!h rank. 5his (as not the ti)e for disc'ssion, as he had to take the 6le)ish !entle)an to the d'ke to !ive acco'nt of the (hole case, since the d'ke had co))anded hi) to investi!ate. *rnesto feared the d'ke )ore than death itself. +e (arned don 8odri!o of the dan!er to his life. Hon 8odri!o replied that he had no choice 't to take hi) efore the d'ke. +e !ave *rnesto his (ord that he (o'ld help hi) in every (ay he co'ld. Hon 8odri!o picked 'p a li!hted torch, opened the (indo(, and si!naled to fo'r rave and co'ra!eo's friends (aitin! o'tside to assist hi). 1hen they sa( the si!nal, they ca)e to the door that don 8odri!o opened for the). 5hey sei7ed doBa Blanca2s servant and took *rnesto et(een the)D then they all (ent to the d'ke2s palace. +e hadn2t yet retired and, 'pon learnin! of don 8odri!o2s arrival, he ca)e o't to receive hi) and all his co)pany. 5he d'ke instantly reco!ni7ed the 6le)ish no le, (ho) he kne( to e doBa Blanca2s nei!h or, and at once co)prehended the sit'ation. 5he d'ke heard the (hole acco'nt fro) don 8odri!o2s lips. +e decided that the cri)e of a )arried )an inventin! s'ch an ela orate deception in order to force the (ill of a (o)an as no le and i)portant as doBa Blanca didn2t )erit pardon. Payin! no heed to don 8odri!o2s plea for cle)ency, he ordered *rnesto placed in the to(er and his co)panion sent to the p' lic %ail, (here they (ere to re)ain 'ntil their trial ro'!ht a verdict. 5he cri)e (as verified y state)ents fro) doBa Blanca2s servants and y *rnesto2s o(n confession. HoBa Blanca re)ained fir) in her re?'est for %'stice. 1ithin a (eek, the t(o )en (ere p'nished, one eheaded, the other han!ed, a proper re(ard for those (ho dare to dishonor (o)en of s'ch (orth and reno(n as the ea'tif'l doBa Blanca. H'rin! this ti)e, doBa Blanca had fallen so in love (ith don 8odri!o that, altho'!h she did everythin! possi le to !et hi) o't of her )ind, she fo'nd herself head over heels in love. +e (as the only thin! she co'ld talk a o't, on every occasion, so all her friends eca)e a(are > -I1 > of her love. +er love (as increased y the several calls o'r don 8odri!o paid her o't of co'rtesy. HoBa Blanca, esides ein! s'rpassin!ly ea'tif'l, (as also yo'n!, (ealthy, and of !ood fa)ily,

?'alities that )i!ht (ell have )ade don 8odri!o (ant to )arry her had he not left his heart in ,ala)anca. +is constant )e)ories of doBa 4eonor kept hi) so heartsick that he didn2t kno( ho( he co'ld !o on livin! (itho't her. &ndeed it (as al)ost a )iracle that he (as still alive. 1hen he eca)e a(are of doBa Blanca2s love for hi), in order not to see) disco'rteo's or so )ean as to appear ti)id, cool, or distant, he acted appreciative 't not lovin!. ,o)eti)es the ea'tif'l lady felt favored and happy, so)eti)es she felt p't off and sad. 5he attentions of a )an (ho is )ore co'rteo's than lovin! are the tor)ents of hell to the poor (o)an (ho has to s'ffer the) (itho't hope. 5hey are felt deeply, and there is no end to the). Hon 8odri!o visited doBa Blanca, o li!ated y her invitations and !ifts. +e co)plained a o't acceptin! so )'ch 't often he (o'ld !ive in so as not to see) 'n!ratef'l. +e sent her !ifts of !reater val'e to keep fro) feelin! in her de t. ,o)eti)es he visited her si)ply to avoid her recri)inations and desperate co)plaints, (hich, in a (o)an scorned, can e heartrendin!. Poor doBa BlancaQ 1hat )ar le stat'e do yo' try to van?'ishJ 1ith (hat invinci le ene)y do yo' str'!!leJ Ko' (ant a )an (ho2s in love (ith another (o)anQ Ane day (hen don 8odri!o (ent to repay her !reat kindness to hi), he fo'nd her sin!in! to the acco)pani)ent of her harp. ,he san! this allad, in (hich she e=pressed the circ')stances of her love and her s'spicion that don 8odri!o loved another (o)an: 4isten, (oods, to )y )isfort'ne if, perhaps, yo' kno( of loveD hear a o't the )adness of that tyrannical !od. & adore a harsh )aster and, fro) fear and sha)e, & keep (ithin )y heart the secret of this fla)e. 5he )an & love (as so in love (ith another that & feared to p't )y love into s'ch co)petition. Anly in lovin! hi) co'ld & repay > -I- > )y heart for all it had lost: its pleas're, repose, sleep, lovin! (itho't re(ard. 1o'ld to heaven that )y heart had re)ained )'te till no(, for e=periencin! his scorn has ca'sed )e !reater painQ 1oods of )ine, & told hi) )y love, )y passion (as deceived for all &2ve (on is e)pty co'rtesy, his disfavor clearly sho(n. Gracio'sly he responds 't, (oe is )e, he fei!ns, for did he love )e tr'ly

& (o'ldn2t feel as & do no(. &n his appearance & see *donis, in his (it, Merc'ry, in his !reatness, *le=ander, in his valor, the rave MarsD 't, if he2s s'rrendered all these char)s to another fair da)sel, it (o'ld have een a kindness of heaven for )e never to have seen the). &f, )y tyrannical lord, yo' adore the divine 4eonor, seekin! yo'r favor is like seekin! darkness fro) the s'n itself. 6riendly (oods, let 's cry for this i)possi le love and this hopeless %ealo'syD let 's sin! in sad tones ho( 'nfort'nate love is (hen passion is orn of %ealo'sy. 5he ea'tif'l doBa Blanca (as the da'!hter of a ,panish father and a 6le)ish )other. ,he inherited her )other2s ea'ty and her father2s (it and ele!ance. ,he spoke the ,panish ton!'e as if she2d een orn in Castile. HoBa Blanca san! this allad (ith s'ch !race and char) that her ea'tif'lly stated and (ell/s'n! plaints al)ost (on don 8odri!o2s heart as he listened to s'ch a ea'tif'l (o)an sin! his praises. ,'ch flattery never so'nds ad to )en, especially (hen the flattery co)es fro) a !reat ea'ty. & think, if doBa Blanca had een alone instead of acco)panied y all her )aids, don 8odri!o )i!ht not have kept s'ch faith (ith his a sent )istress. &ndeed, he !ave her > -I" > to 'nderstand that this (as so and, (hen he left, he see)ed so affectionate that she al)ost (ent cra7y fro) %oy. B't love (as on the ea'tif'l doBa 4eonor2s side )ore than on doBa Blanca2s, perhaps infl'enced y the !reat sacrifices the distant lady (as )akin! for the sake of her love. 5he love et(een doBa Blanca and don 8odri!o (as sn'ffed o't in the follo(in! (ay. &n the sa)e city there lived a ,panish !entle)an na)ed don Beltran. +e e?'aled the lovely doBa Blanca in his !ood looks and in his no ilityD altho'!h he co'ldn2t )atch her in (ealth, he2d een (ell ro'!ht 'p and left a s)all estate y his parents, oth of (ho) had died in this land. Hon Beltran (as (ell respected and hi!hly re!arded and, (hen idle so'ls set o't to )arry off the ladies of the city, they all a!reed that the ea'tif'l doBa Blanca and the !allant don Beltran elon!ed to!ether. +e loved her )adly. HoBa Blanca had not looked 'pon don Beltran (ith disfavor 'ntil she )et don 8odri!o. 5he )o)ent love capt'red her (ill, she for!ot all a o't don Beltran, and the )ere )ention of his na)e filled her (ith scorn. +er disdain al)ost killed the poor !entle)an. +e so'!ht to discover the ca'se of doBa Blanca2s chan!e of heart. Gifts to servants often 'y their loyalty, since they2re not very !ood at keepin! secrets. Hon Beltran learned fro) one of doBa Blanca2s )aids that his lady had fallen in love (ith don 8odri!o. +e also fo'nd o't that don 8odri!o responded to her love )ore fro) co'rtesy than

!en'ine desire. Believin! this report, don Beltran decided to try to (in doBa Blanca y 'sin! reason instead of ravado and darin!. 5hat sa)e ni!ht as don 8odri!o left doBa Blanca2s ho'se feelin! )ore )oved y her love than ever efore, don Beltran approached hi) and asked to have a fe( (ords (ith hi). Hon 8odri!o reco!ni7ed don Beltran eca'se soldiers, altho'!h they )ay not all e friends, all kno( one another, so he politely replied that his inn (as near y if don Beltran (o'ld like to !o there, or (as it a )atter that re?'ired a different place )ore s'ita le for a d'elJ FKo'r inn (ill serve very (ell, don 8odri!o,F don Beltran responded. F*)on! friends, it2s not necessary to !o to the kind of place yo' s'!!est.F 5o!ether they (ent to don 8odri!o2s lod!in!, entered, and sat do(n. Hon Beltran e!an (ith these (ords, or others al)ost like the): F&2) s're, don 8odri!o, that yo' kno( a o't love and aren2t 'na(are of the pain s'ffered y a heart that cannot attain (hat it desires > -I@ > even tho'!h it loves (ell. * heart that serves faithf'lly and re)ains silent achieves s'fficient )erit to deserve so)e re(ard. &f yo' (ill listen to )e sy)pathetically, )y )isfort'ne (ill to'ch yo' tenderly, for yo' are the ca'se of )y s'fferin!. F&2) hopin!, if not for a re)edy, at least for yo'r help. & shall not ore yo', don 8odri!o, (ith proofs of )y no ility. ,i)ply y tellin! yo' that &2) the son of one of the (orthiest !entle)en fro) the city of G'adala%ara, & need say no )ore. & (ill tell yo' that, fro) )y tenderest years, & have loved the ea'tif'l doBa BlancaD even efore she )arried & adored her. ,he responded to )y love in every (ay that s'ch a no le (o)an co'ld sho( favor (itho't co)pro)isin! her !ood na)e. +er love, ho(ever, )'st not have een as stron! as & tho'!ht it (as for, (hen & (ent to ,pain on 'siness, doBa Blanca !ave her hand in )arria!e to her late h's and, (ith (ho) she lived for scarcely a year. +e died, 't )y love did notD it s'rvived its disill'sion)ent. F1hen & sa( )y )istress (ido(ed, )y hopes rene(ed their fla)e and a!ain & (as favored y the lady as efore. .'st (hen & tho'!ht &2d find )yself o'nd to her in the yoke of )atri)ony, her affections chan!ed s'ddenly. Hra)atically, as yo' kno(, for she2s loved only yo' since the ni!ht yo' con?'ered that !host, fa ricated for )y )isfort'ne. &2d have con?'ered hi) )yself, relievin! yo' and the d'ke of *l a of any concern, if only doBa Blanca had told )e of that nefario's trick. B't fort'ne decides one2s l'ck, and one person2s )isfort'ne )ay rin! !ood fort'ne to another. Ko'r victory has placed )e in a )ore )isera le position than anythin! & co'ld i)a!ine. My an!er has advised )e to kill yo', 't & resisted the te)ptation. 3ot eca'se & think &2) raver or in any (ay s'perior to yo', 't eca'se & had the advanta!e in that & controlled a sit'ation of (hich yo' kne( nothin!. &2ve )et yo'r )istress doBa 4eonor, and & kno( that she is and (ill al(ays e yo'r tr'e love. ,o & decided to e! yo', for her sake and eca'se yo' pri7e her hi!hly, to please take pity on )y (oes. &f doBa Blanca is not to e yo'rs, let her e )ine. &n !ivin! 'p her ea'ty, yo'2ll ac?'ire a devoted slave, (hich & shall e so lon! as & live.F 1ith these (ords, don Beltran ended his speech, sheddin! a fe( tender tears. Heeply )oved, don 8odri!o felt !reat co)passion and o li!ation. Given his o(n e=perience (ith love, he needed to hear no )ore to 'nderstand ho( don Beltran felt and to sy)pathi7e. Hon 8odri!o said he (ished he loved doBa Blanca )ore so he had )ore to !ive 'p in cedin! his place to don Beltran. 5o tell the tr'th, don

> -II > 8odri!o had never ret'rned her love, he2d si)ply sho(n her a restrained affection and a pr'dent co'rtesy. Hon 8odri!o offered to do everythin! in his po(er on don Beltran2s ehalf. +e did think, ho(ever, that doBa Blanca (as so in love, so i)passioned, that the only (ay for don Beltran to (in her (o'ld have to e thro'!h so)e deception. 5hey decided that don 8odri!o, al(ays !racio's, sho'ld contin'e the affair 'ntil don Beltran co'ld !ain possession of the heartless lady. 5his don 8odri!o did. +e visited her the very ne=t day. HoBa Blanca (as thrilled (ith the favors she2d received the evenin! efore and (ith the tho'!ht that no( she had hi) (ithin reach. Hon 8odri!o, if ever he had felt any desire for doBa Blanca, (as no( o li!ated to don Beltran eca'se the latter had asked hi) for his help, so he for!ot any feelin!s he )ay have had. ,he (as so intent 'pon favorin! hi) that he e!!ed her to !rant hi) an a'dience that ni!ht (itho't (itnesses, for love needs no (itnesses. Hon 8odri!o dared to ask her this favor efore they )arried eca'se it (o'ld displease the d'ke if they )arried (hile the (ar lasted. B't, of co'rse, (hen it (as over, the re(ard he2d ask for his services (o'ld e to )arry her. &n order not to lose her chance, doBa Blanca accepted the proposition. ,he told hi) to co)e at eleven, the ho'r (hen all her )aids retired. 5o si!nal her, since he (as )'sical, he sho'ld sin! her a son! so she co'ld en%oy all his char)s. ,he herself (o'ld open the door for hi) and he, havin! pro)ised to )arry her, (o'ld kno( ho( )'ch she loved hi) in possessin! her. Hon 8odri!o kissed her hands n')ero's ti)es ;a favor she !reatly estee)ed and a darin! li erty on his part, as he later told don Beltran<. +e asked her per)ission to let a friend (ho) he tr'sted a sol'tely acco)pany hi) to e (itness to their !ood fort'ne. HoBa Blanca acceded eca'se she elieved that she (as (innin! a treas're and co'ld e profli!ate (ith her favors. Hon 8odri!o took leave of his deceived lady and (ent to look for don Beltran to tell hi) a o't the arran!e)ents. Hon Beltran acted as pleased as he co'ld (ith s'ch !ood ne(s. *t the appointed ho'r, the t(o !allants (ent to!ether to the lady2s ho'se. +er ho'sehold had already retired. ,he (as (aitin! for the) on her alcony, ea'tif'lly dressed, for she had set aside her (ido(2s (eeds for the rai)ent of a ride. & s'spect, if don 8odri!o co'ld have seen her, he )i!ht have re!retted !ivin! her 'p. 6'rther)ore, & think love (as kind to doBa 4eonor, for the dark ni!ht s'ited don Beltran2s p'rposes. 4ove see)ed > -I# > to (ant to )ake hi) happy and th's ens're the !ood fort'ne of the poor (o)an in ,ala)anca (ho i)a!ined and feared %'st s'ch sit'ations. &n the street in front of doBa Blanca2s ho'se, don Beltran, (ho oasted of a )a!nificent voice, si!naled (ith his l'te and then san! this allad: 1oods (ho, once 'pon a ti)e, (ere (itness to )y !ood fort'ne (hen & (as happier and )y )istress )ore constant, if ever, perchance, )y desires o li!ed yo', )y praises flattered yo', )y verses san! yo'r !lory, t'rn yo'r leaves into eyes

to see ho( & co)e ack to rin! yo' (ith )y tears ne( and !reater s'fferin!. 1oods of )ine, a second ti)e & offer yo' )y tears for yo' to 'se to s(ell yo'r !entle strea)s. & loved 4a'raD fear not that & don2t say & love her still eca'se & (ant to trick her y sayin! that & scorn her. & learned ho( to love y lovin! her, for all )y !allantries (ere tr'e and !reat (as )y passion. Ko' kno( ho( she treated )e, & cannot repeat itD )y 'nl'cky star (as to la)e or )y !allantry ins'fficient. ,orro( p'rs'es tr'e love and %ealo'sy kills it. HoBa Blanca had co)pletely for!otten a o't don Beltran so, altho'!h she kne( his voice, she didn2t reco!ni7e it and, elievin! hi) to e don 8odri!o, she (hispered to hi): F5his fortress doesn2t s'rrender so easily. Ko' can only (in (hat yo' desire y sin!in! another son!.F Hon Beltran (as ?'ick to respond and san! this sonnet: > -I: > & love and & fearD if & fear it2s eca'se & love, for it (o'ldn2t tr'ly e love if there (ere no fearD &2d like to feel rave, if & co'ld, 't if & do, then & heed not )y tr'e love. &f & call 'pon 4ove hi)self to s'ccor )e, he ha'nts )e (ith !reat fears. & (ant to love, & don2t (ant to e afraid, eca'se )y love is de)eaned y )y fear. My fear has een fear of losin! yo' eca'se love has al(ays een 'nfort'nate, 't never do' t that & fear eca'se & love. 1ell & kno( that love is (on y darin!, it2s also tr'e that one (ho2s loved for!etsD one (ho fears, loves, and loves tr'ly. 5h's, & love and & don2t loveD & fear and & don2t fearD the )ore & 'rn, the !reater )y chill,

for if the one & love & (in ein! co(ardly and & lose y ravery, do not ref'se )e eca'se )y love is clever. 5r'ly & adore yo' and (o'ld e very happy if & kne( ho( to con?'er as & kno( ho( to love. HoBa Blanca sa( that it (as ti)e to re(ard her lover y lettin! hi) in, so she ca)e do(n and opened the door for don Beltran to enter. 5he lady asked hi) if he ca)e intendin! to e her h's and. 5he lovin! !allant, desirin! nothin! )ore, said yes and e) raced her. +e called o't to his friend (ho (as (aitin! f'rther do(n the street. Hon Beltran pro)ised to e her h's and in his friend2s presence, (hich, accordin! to 6le)ish c'sto), constit'ted as proper a )arria!e as if they2d een (ed for)ally. 1ith this ass'rance and elievin! that her ne( h's and (as don 8odri!o, doBa Blanca s'rrendered herself to don Beltran, lettin! hi) en%oy all he2d desired and (on thro'!h his persistence, (hich took )ost of the ni!ht. 6or honor2s sake, there (as no li!ht in the roo), )akin! it easy for doBa Blanca to e deceived and elieve that she (as (ith don 8odri!o and not don Beltran. *t last don Beltran noticed that it (as al)ost da(n. *lle!in! the disco'rtesy of leavin! his friend so lon! in the street, he took leave of his ne( (ife. 5he t(o (ent do(nstairs, and the noise of the key > -I$ > in the door ro'sed don 8odri!o, (ho sa( it (as ti)e to reveal his deception. +e identified hi)self to the lady and presented the )an she had taken for hi). *rdently, he e!!ed her to for!ive his deception, 't don Beltran2s !reat love for her and her harsh treat)ent of hi) had forced the) to 'se s'ch )eans. 6'rther)ore, he co'ld never )arry anyone e=cept the ea'tif'l doBa 4eonor, to (ho) he2d !iven his pro)ise of )arria!e. 5he ea'tif'l doBa Blanca (ept sorro(f'lly as she listened to don 8odri!o2s state)ent. 6inally, reali7in! that she co'ldn2t do anythin! a o't it, she asked don 8odri!o, the )atch)aker to her deception, to )ake arran!e)ents (ith her fa)ily and the d'ke so that everyone co'ld cele rate her )arria!e to don Beltran. ,he ade the t(o )en !ood/ni!ht. Hon 8odri!o ne!otiated his ne( friend don Beltran2s !ood fort'ne (ith s'ch dispatch that (ithin three days doBa Blanca and don Beltran (ere (ed to everyone2s !reat deli!ht. Mean(hile, in ,ala)anca, doBa 4eonor (as leadin! a sad, al)ost inconsola le life. 5he three years she2d a!reed to (ait for don 8odri!o had passedD no( al)ost fo'r had !one y and all she2d had to entertain her love (as an occasional letter. ;Hon 8odri!o (as a(are of the dan!er she (as in, 't he didn2t dare ask the d'ke for leave as the (ar (asn2t yet over and no leaves (ere !ranted d'rin! (arti)e.< HoBa 4eonor had een p'ttin! her parents off (ith the e=c'se of her tender a!e and her poor health ;(hich had deteriorated eca'se of her constant 'nhappiness<. +er parents, not (antin! to 'pset their da'!hter, 'sed the sa)e e=c'ses (ith her fiance, (ho had no( een in ,ala)anca for over a )onth. ,he (as their only child and they loved her dearly. 5hey (ere concerned a o't her health, 't they still s'spected that don 8odri!o2s a sence (as the real ca'se of her )elancholy. Ane day the ea'tif'l lady, feelin! e) attled y her parents, torn y her love, and desperate eca'se of his prolon!ed a sence, (ent into her dressin! roo) (here, she tho'!ht, no one co'ld hear her, and she 'ttered these la)ents: FAh, 4ove, (hat cr'el p'nish)ents yo' 'se to cons')e )e and (ear do(n )y patienceQ 1hy do yo' )istreat those (ho serve yo' and tor)ent those (ho o ey yo'J Hoes )y constancy offend yo'J Hoes )y loyalty displease yo' so )'ch that yo' )'st 'nseat )e fro) the happy state & en%oyed in )y

childhood, destroyin! )y happiness in )y a!e of discretionJ 1hy did yo' take fro) )e the %oy that & no( reco!ni7e and appreciateJ +ope, (hat !ives yo' enco'ra!e)entJ > -I9 > Hesire, (hat feeds yo'r !ro(thJ 4ovin! passion, ho( can yo' persist (hen yo'r a sent )aster not only doesn2t keep the pro)ise he )ade to co)e ack 't even denies yo' the fe( letters he 'sed to send to enco'ra!e yo'r (eaknessJ *lasQ Hon 8odri!o, ho( different yo'r actions fro) yo'r (ordsQ Ko', the tr'e loverJ Ko', constantJ 6aithf'lJ Ko', (ho said that the )e)ory of o'r love (o'ld live on even after deathJ Ko'2ve had three years to confir) yo'r (ords y yo'r deeds. Believin! in yo'r (ords, &2ve end'red a flood of press'res, a cent'ry of 'nhappiness, and )ore threats and sorro(s than the sands of the seas and the stars in the skies. &2ve end'red, not %'st the three years (e a!reed 'pon, 't even a fo'rth year no( dra(in! to its end and )y o(n. & can2t p't off )y parents any lon!er nor can & for!et yo'. 1hat other e=c'ses can & !iveJ 1hat other )eans can & 'seJ &f & o ey the), & lose yo'. 9ven if & displease the), & do not !ain yo'D yo' re)ain a sent and for!etf'l of )e (hile & live in this chaos and conf'sion (here love str'!!les (ith o edience, constancy (ith a sence, and this conflict threatens and cons')es )y life. FAh, deceitf'l )enQ +o( (retched are the (o)en (ho elieve in yo'Q &f (e disco'ra!e yo', yo' call o'r )odesty cr'elty, o'r discretion disdain, o'r p'rity in!ratit'de, and o'r chaste tho'!hts perverse. &f (e accept yo', yo'r attentions are deceitf'l, yo' hide ehind pretense, yo' con?'er 's (ith lies. 1hen, at o'r o(n e=pense, (e s'rrender and !rant yo' possession, then yo'r pleas're di)inishes and yo' no lon!er pri7e 's, yo' !et ored and treat 's coldly. 1hen yo'2re %ealo's, yo' ins'lt 'sD (hen yo'2re (eary, yo' offend 'sD (hen yo' scorn, yo' ca'se !rief. &n s'), (hen yo' see yo'rselves loved, yo' re)ain disaffected. 1hen yo' (ish to shake off the yoke, closin! yo'r eyes to all o li!ation, yo' find rationali7ations to repay 's for all (e2ve done for yo'. *nd (e2re so foolish that (e don2t learn fro) each other. 1e repeat the very sa)e )istakes (e2ve seen a friend or a relative )ake. 5o cover 'p yo'r o(n fa'lts, yo' co)plain of o'r inconstancy, yo' offend a!ainst o'r loyalty and call o'r love persec'tion, o'r re!ard na!!in!, o'r scr'ples offenses. F1ho (o'ld ever have tho'!ht, 'n!ratef'l don 8odri!o, !iven )y yo'th, no ility, and )odesty, that yo'2d e the one to ca'se )y tor)ent and teach )e ho( false )en areQ 4ovin!, yo' for!etD pled!ed, yo' scornD loved, yo' offend. &n the end, yo' (o'nd the tenderest (o)an in her honor, in her very life. +o( did Haphne offend *pollo that he sho'ld call her 'n!ratef'l and i!no le instead of chaste and )odestJ +o( did Hido offend *eneas that he sho'ld char!e her (ith > -#0 > ein! d'll and irritatin! and so e=c'se his a andonin! her and ca'sin! her s'icide (hen she loved hi) tr'lyJ +o( did Aly)pa, (ho !ave 'p her fa)ily, co'ntry, and honor to love Eiren's, offend hi)J *nd look ho( he repaid her in the endQ F+o( have )y no ility, )y constancy, )y loyalty, and )y fir)ness displeased yo' that yo' treat )y love (ith s'ch in!ratit'deJ 1hat can & tell )y parents that they2ll elieveJ 1hat e=c'se can & !ive that they2ll acceptJ ,hall & allo( their pleadin! to overco)e )y (illJ Kes. 5hey are )y parents and they desire nothin! 't )y (elfareD even if their (ishes (ere har)f'l, & o(e the) )y very ein! and )ore love than & can i)a!ine. +o( else can & repay the), e=cept y o eyin! the) and !ivin! the) pleas'reJ B't if & o ey the), ho( can & e tr'e to )y love and keep )y pro)ise to don 8odri!oJ &t is possi le that so)e terri le e=i!ency has kept hi) fro) co)in! at the appointed ti)e. Can & live (itho't hi)J

3o. 1ell, if & )'st die (itho't don 8odri!o, & prefer to die havin! had no other )aster to take his place in )y heart or in the life that, in )y )ind, &2ve pro)ised to hi). & )'st ref'se )y parentsD &2ll s'ffer their harshness and not evade their p'nish)ent. 1hen & die, & shall die constant. &t2s i)possi le that )y eloved, altho'!h he )ay for!et )e no(, (ill not e )oved y )y constant love (hen & die for hi). 1hat are fo'r years or fo'r tho'sandJ *) & to e less rave than Penelope, failin! to (ithstand those (ho try to )arry )e off a!ainst )y (ill, (ho (on2t let )e (ait for )y eloved to ret'rnJ Certainly not. &f there2s no other re)edy, death (ill e )y final sol'tion.F &n sayin! these (ords to herself, the ea'tif'l 4eonor !athered s'ch stren!th that all the po(er in the (orld see)ed s)all to her. ,he felt s're that she co'ld t'rn thin!s to her (ill. ,he dried her tears and, feelin! )'ch etter for havin! vented her passion, (ent to %oin her )aids. 9verythin! see)ed etter since she2d (ithdra(n to her dressin! roo) and e=pressed her co)plaints. B't, as (e )entioned, her )other, an=io's to find o't the ca'se of doBa 4eonor2s )elancholy, had listened to the (hole la)ent and heard all the reasons (hy she ref'sed to )arry. 5o )ake s're, that sa)e ni!ht after her da'!hter (as fast asleep, doBa 4eonor2s )other took the keys to her da'!hter2s desk and inside she fo'nd )ore than eno'!h proof in don 8odri!o2s letters. 1hen she2d read the) all, she p't the) ack as she2d fo'nd the), locked the desk, and replaced the key. ,he reco'nted (hat she2d learned to doBa 4eonor2s father. 5he t(o > -#1 > of the) reali7ed they co'ld never talk her o't of her love, so they decided to have a letter (ritten in the na)e of don 8odri!o2s servant, (ho) they all kne(, (hich reported that his )aster had )arried a very ea'tif'l, very rich 6le)ish (o)an (hose do(ry had s'ited his needs. 5his letter (as delivered to don 8odri!o2s parents. 5hey didn2t really elieve the ne(s, as their son hadn2t (ritten hi)selfD even so, they told their friends, and the (ord spread thro'!ho't the city. Bad ne(s travels fast, so it soon ca)e to doBa 4eonor2s ears. ,he )eas'red the inconstancy of )en (ith her o(n 'nhappiness. ,he calc'lated that the ti)e that had passed since she received his last letter (as )ore or less the sa)e as the ti)e she2d a!reed to (ait for hi) to ret'rn. ,he elieved the ne(s of his )arria!e. Hesperately seekin! so)e re)edy for her 'nhappiness and desirin! ven!eance, it see)ed to her that her only option (as to s'rrender to her tyrannical fiance, as she considered the h's and her parents had chosen for her. ,ad and tearf'l, tastin! her )isfort'ne, at last she !ave her hand to don *lonso. 5hey (ere (ed in ,ala)anca (ith the )ost splendid feasts and parties the city had ever seen. 1hoever looks at doBa 4eonor, no( )arried to a different )aster than the one her love had pro)ised, )ay (ant to la)e (o)en2s fickleness. Athers (ill say yo' sho'ldn2t e so easily fooled y 'ns' stantiated ne(s. HoBa 4eonor is innocent of the char!e of inconstancyD she had even (aited an e=tra year eyond the ti)e the lovers had a!reed 'pon. 6'rther)ore, don 8odri!o (as certainly la= in not (ritin! to her. +er parents2 insistence (as po(erf'l, and their deception (as convincin!. 1hat really e=onerates doBa 4eonor and proves her love is (hat happened after her )arria!e. 5o her displeas're, she had to p't 'p (ith her h's and2s )addenin! attentions. ,he2d hated hi) efore her )arria!e, and no sooner had she !iven hi) her hand than she (as sorry, and after(ard even sorrier. 6ro) this 'nhappiness she fell prey to a profo'nd )elancholy that inf'riated not only her h's and 't also her parents. 1e2ll leave doBa 4eonor, victi) of a terri le deception, and !o to 6landers (here don 8odri!o, fearin! %'st s'ch an event'ality, sa( don Beltran in possession of his eloved doBa Blanca. Hon Beltran (as )ore in love than ever, and doBa Blanca ?'ite content (ith her ne( h's and. Hon 8odri!o valiantly perfor)ed his )ilitary d'ties. 5he d'ke had e=cellent troops 'nder his co))and, and he o served that

don 8odri!o consistently distin!'ished hi)self in the e=ec'tion of his > -#- > d'ties. 5he d'ke honored don 8odri!o y !ivin! hi) co))and of a cavalry troopD in the field, don 8odri!o perfor)ed even !reater deeds and earned eternal fa)e and praise fro) everyone. *t this ti)e, the (ell/kno(n sack of *nt(erp took place, (hich (as fa)o's and cele rated every(here. Hon 8odri!o reali7ed that so)e ,paniard (o'ld e appointed to ret'rn to ,pain carryin! the ne(s to the (ise and Catholic 0in! Philip &&. +e tho'!ht this (as the perfect opport'nity for hi). 5r'stin! in his o'tstandin! record, he re?'ested the d'ke to !rant hi) the favor of perfor)in! this )ission. Hon 8odri!o also told the d'ke of his personal reasons for leavin! his service pre)at'rely. 5he d'ke !ranted don 8odri!o2s re?'est and !ranted hi) other favors to ackno(led!e his )erit. Hon 8odri!o, happier than he2d felt in his (hole life, set o't i))ediately for ,pain. +e )ade the %o'rney faster than anyone else co'ld have, as he (as carried on the (in!s of his love. Hon 8odri!o arrived at co'rt and s' )itted his report. 5o re(ard hi) for the !ood ne(s, his )a%esty honored hi) in )any (ays and a(arded hi) the ha it of the Arder of ,antia!o (ith its fo'r tho'sand d'cats of ann'al inco)e. 5he )o)ent don 8odri!o co)pleted his )ission at co'rt, (ith all these re(ards, he ret'rned on leave to his native city, intendin! to ask for the hand of his eloved )istress 4eonor in )arria!e. ,ho'ld her parents ref'se, he planned to reveal her (ritten vo( to the vicar. Hon 8odri!o reached ,ala)anca and enli!htened his parents as to the false ne(s they2d received of his )arria!e. &))ediately he asked the) to try to arran!e his )arria!e to the ea'tif'l doBa 4eonor. 5he ans(er he received (as cr'el: na)ely, that she (as already )arried. Hon 8odri!o felt sad, desperate, and terri ly conf'sed. 6inally, tired of feelin! sorry for hi)self and la)entin! his )isfort'ne and tor)entin! hi)self (ith all kinds of i)a!inin!s, he left his ho'se intendin! to speak to doBa 4eonor. +e (anted to tell her of his sorro( and la)e her inconstancy. 5hen he planned to ret'rn to 6landers to die in the service of his kin!, (here he2d en%oyed etter fort'ne than (ith his faithless lady. 1hen don 8odri!o !ot to doBa 4eonor2s ho'se, the sad lady (as on her alcony. ,he (as feelin! 'n's'ally do)inated y )elancholy tho'!hts a o't the 'nhappy )arria!e she2d entered to vent her an!er a!ainst her faithless lover. Marria!es )ade 'nder s'ch circ')stances al(ays end 'p itter. > -#" > +er h's and don *lonso (as a %ealo's )an and also, not ein! any etter than )ost of his kind, he en%oyed satisfyin! his appetites and other vices y (o)ani7in! and !a) lin!, (hich )ade doBa 4eonor despise hi) even )ore. Beca'se of her coldness and overt scorn, he didn2t treat her very lovin!lyD this )ade her life so 'npleasant that not a so'l in the ho'se had seen her la'!h since the day the )arried. 1hen don 8odri!o sa( her lookin! so )elancholy, he stopped, feelin! very distressed. 5he lady ca)e o't of her a straction and noticed the attentive, !allant soldier (ho (as !a7in! 'p at her. 5he instant she reco!ni7ed don 8odri!o, she 'ttered a lo'd, sharp, screa) and fell in a paro=ys) to the floor. HoBa 4eonor2s reaction so 'pset don 8odri!o that he re!retted his decision to !a7e 'pon her, (hich had ca'sed her s'ch a shock. 5he noise of her fall ro'!ht her )other and the )aids r'shin! to the alcony. Beca'se she (as 'nconscio's, they tho'!ht she2d fainted. 5hey carried her to her ed, 'ndressed her, and placed her 'nder the covers. L'ickly servants (ere sent to fetch her h's and and a doctor. ,everal doctors ca)e

and e=a)ined her caref'lly. 5hey tried a tho'sand re)edies, (ith no res'lt. 5hey )assa!ed her and slapped herD and finally, havin! e=ha'sted all re)edies, they declared doBa 4eonor dead. 5his ne(s shocked her fa)ily and the (hole city. *s soon as the ne(s of her s'dden death eca)e p' lic, people (ept over the loss of s'ch a ea'tif'l lady, al)ost as if she2d elon!ed to the). 1hen stran!ers felt her death so deeply, yo' can i)a!ine ho( it affected the )an (ho held her in his heart, don 8odri!o. *fter she2d s(ooned, he co'ldn2t tear hi)self a(ay fro) her street, (aitin! for so)e ne(s a o't her condition. 5he s'dden cryin! and (ailin! fro) (ithin his )istress2s ho'se co))'nicated the dreadf'l ne(s to hi). &n an effort to find o't )ore certain infor)ation, he ?'estioned one of the servants leavin! the ho'se. 1hen don 8odri!o heard that doBa 4eonor had dropped dead, he al)ost did like(ise. Hon 8odri!o took ref'!e in his ho'se and said s'ch pitif'l thin!s as yo' can i)a!ine. 5he doctors, to )ake no )istake, ordered her fa)ily to (ait thirty/si= ho'rs efore 'ryin! her. 5he appointed ti)e passed, and her fa)ily sa( it (as 'seless to delay lon!er. HoBa 4eonor2s ody (as taken to the ch'rch, the f'neral )ass (as said, and she (as 'ried. +er lovely ody lay in a coffin lined (ith lack velvet. *s (ith all her fa)ily, her coffin (as placed in a va'lt in a ea'tif'l 'nder!ro'nd chapel lined (ith niches to contain the coffins. *t the front of the chapel there (as a richly adorned > -#@ > altar (ith a life/si7e cr'cifi= and )any la)ps that the sacristan li!hted each evenin!. Many )asses (ere said in that place (here they left doBa 4eonor forever. Hon 8odri!o learned that his eloved doBa 4eonor had een placed in the va'lt and, driven y the sorro(in! love that (ei!hed heavy on his heart, he (ent to the ch'rch the )o)ent ni!ht fell. +e enco'ntered the sacristan %'st lockin! the doors to the va'lt, havin! li!hted the la)ps on the altar. Hon 8odri!o e!!ed the sacristan to let hi) have one last look at the ea'tif'l doBa 4eonor. +e !ave the sacristan a chain (orth a h'ndred esc'dos. Beca'se of the re(ard, (hich )akes the diffic'lt easy, the sacristan (illin!ly a!reed. +e closed the ch'rch, and the t(o (ent do(n to!ether to the f'neral chapel. 5hey opened doBa 4eonor2s coffin, and the lovin! !entle)an e) raced her lifeless ody tenderly, as if it (ere alive. Bathin! it (ith his tears, he said: FMy dearest 4eonor, (ho ever (o'ld have tho'!ht that (hen at last & held yo' in )y ar)s, yo' (o'ld e dead and have no ears to hear )eJ 1oe is )eQ +o( cr'elly yo'2ve had to pay for yo'r error in )arryin! (hile & (as still aliveQ &t (as cr'el for yo' to have taken s'ch enor)o's ven!eanceQ Bea'tif'l )istress )ine, yo' sho'ld2ve stayed alive, even if yo' elon!ed to another )aster, for all & needed to live happy (as %'st the si!ht of yo'. & didn2t (ant yo' !oneQ & don2t take )y o(n life only eca'se &2) Christian, 't & shall !o (here the ene)y can kill )e on the attlefield. Ko'2ll soon e acco)panied in death y the )an (ho adored yo' in life.F Hon 8odri!o said these and )any other heartfelt (ords so sad that the sacristan e!an to (eep. Hon 8odri!o looked 'p at the cr'cifi= on the altar. +e had never faltered in his devotion (hether he (as in love or despondent. Hon 8odri!o knelt do(n efore the cr'cifi= and prayed for pardon for havin! spoken like that to the lovely doBa 4eonor in +is divine presence. 1ith a fervent prayer, don 8odri!o prayed for her to co)e ack to life, %'st as Christ had sacrificed +is life on the Cross in order to !rant everlastin! life. +e )ade a sole)n pro)ise. Ah, the po(er of prayerQ &t can do so )'chQ Ah, )ercif'l God, (ho heeds the prayers of those (ho call o't to +i)Q 5he very instant don 8odri!o ended his devo't and fervent prayer, it (as )ercif'lly heeded. +e heard a so'nd fro) the coffin (here doBa 4eonor (as lyin!. +e t'rned his head and sa( that the lady (as )ovin! her hands to her face. ,he 'ttered a faint si!h. Hon 8odri!o and the sacristan hovered over the

coffin and o served that she hadn2t > -#I > opened her eyes, 't she (as e!innin! to reathe. 5hey a!reed that they sho'ld re)ove her fro) the f'neral va'lt so that, if she did recover her senses, she (o'ldn2t find herself in s'ch a fri!htenin! place. Hon 8odri!o !ave heartfelt thanks to God and pro)ised the +oly Christ silver la)ps and rich rai)ent. Gently he picked 'p the eloved for). +e ordered the sacristan to close the coffin and p't it ack as it had een efore. +e carried doBa 4eonor 'p into the ch'rch and laid her on a soft carpet. +e handed a do' loon to the sacristan and sent hi) to !et so)e (ine and isc'its to no'rish her (hen she recovered. 5he )o)ent the sacristan left the ch'rch, don 8odri!o took his lady in his ar)s and carried her to his ho'se. +e carried her to his roo) (itho't anyone kno(in!, took off the ha it she (as (earin!, and p't her in his ed. 5he sacristan ca)e ack and didn2t find the !entle)an or the lady. +e had no idea (ho the lovin! thief (as. +e locked the ch'rch, (ent ack to his roo), (here he packed so)e shirts and clothes, the chain, and the chan!e fro) the do' loon and, leavin! the keys han!in! on a nail, he (ent to a friend2s ho'se (here he co'ld stay in hidin! 'ntil he sa( (here that (o'ld end. Hon 8odri!o, thrilled that doBa 4eonor (as !rad'ally recoverin! the (ar)th of life, e!an to call o't her na)e and sprinkle (ine over her face. +e applied co)presses to her nose, and she ca)e to her senses. ,he opened her eyes and sa( don 8odri!o alone, (ith no other people aro'nd. ,he (as over(hel)ed to find herself (ith don 8odri!o, kno(in! (here she2d een, as yo'2ll find o't. *)a7ed, she asked (here she (as, she didn2t re)e) er e=actly (hat had happened. Hon 8odri!o responded tellin! her everythin! he kne(. HoBa 4eonor confir)ed the )iracle that she had co)e ack to life, and other thin!s that yo'2ll soon find o't. 5he lovers decided to !o the ne=t day to Ci'dad 8odri!o (here don 8odri!o had relatives. 6ro) there, they (o'ld p' lish their (eddin! anns and )arry after the proper ti)e. 5o )ake s're that everythin! (as properly done, don 8odri!o cons'lted (ith a theolo!ian (ho advised hi) to !o ahead (ith his plans and have the anns read in ,ala)anca as (ell. +e elieved that God had ret'rned doBa 4eonor to life so that the lovers co'ld keep their first vo(s. 1hat an e=a)ple for those people (ho never keep any vo(sQ Hon 8odri!o infor)ed his parents that he (as !oin! to Ci'dad 8odri!o to visit relatives and, (ith their per)ission, he departed (ith his lady that very ni!ht, (hich (as the second one after she2d co)e > -## > ack to life. HoBa 4eonor re!ained stren!th 't not her colorD that never ca)e ack to her face. *s soon as o'r !entle)an and his lady arrived in Ci'dad 8odri!o, he sent a )essen!er to his parents askin! the) to co)e to Ci'dad 8odri!o for a (eek to treat )atters of !reat i)portance. 1hen they arrived, they2d learn the details %'stifyin! s'ch an odd re?'est. +is parents had often %o'rneyed to visit those relatives and rela= (ith the), so they took a coach and (ent to see their son. 5hey entered the ho'se (here he (as stayin!, (hich elon!ed to his )other2s sister, a rich (ido(, and they eheld doBa 4eonor. 5hey co'ldn2t elieve their eyes and asked (ho she (as. Hon 8odri!o ans(ered. +e told the) the (hole story. +appy, they all !ave thanks to God (ho had lessed the) in so )any (ays. +is parents dre( 'p the anns and sent the) to ,ala)anca to the priest of their ch'rch, (hich (as the parish of all the parties concerned. 5he priest had, of co'rse, )issed the sacristan 't, findin! the silver

and all the ch'rch orna)ents in their proper place, he decided that so)ethin! 'r!ent had co)e 'p that re?'ired the sacristan2s s'dden a sence. 3o one )issed the lady. &t so happened that the three ti)es the anns (ere read doBa 4eonor2s parents and her h's and (ere in ch'rch. 5hey heard their da'!hter2s na)e and their o(n na)es 't, elievin! her dead and 'ried, they didn2t react. 5hey pro a ly tho'!ht that in a city as i! as ,ala)anca there )'st e others (ith the sa)e na)es. 5he anns (ere read p' licly, the ter) e=pired, and there (as no o %ection to the )arria!e. 5he lovers did in fact )arry, and don 8odri!o at last en%oyed his eloved. 5hey decided that they2d cele rate the n'ptial )ass in ,ala)anca a )onth later. 5hat (as the ti)e for the city2s i! festival (ith 'llfi!hts and %o'stin!. Hon 8odri!o2s parents ret'rned ho)e to prepare everythin! for the cele rationD they also invited all the no les and ea'ties fro) Ci'dad 8odri!o. Hon 8odri!o and his ride, acco)panied y )any other ladies and !entle)en, arrived secretly in ,ala)anca and stayed at his parents2 ho'se. 6o'r days later (as the appointed day. Hressed in their richest and )ost ele!ant est, don 8odri!o and doBa 4eonor and their party entered the ch'rch for the n'ptial )ass at the very )o)ent (hen the ride2s parents and h's and arrived to hear )ass. Hon *lonso had taken a fancy to a lady (ho attended that ch'rch and he (as p'nctilio's in servin! her. 1hen doBa 4eonor2s fa)ily sa( s'ch an ela orate and !rand (ed/ > -#: > din!, they looked at the lovely, splendidly attired ride and nat'rally they reco!ni7ed her, ein! her very o(n parents and h's and. B't they co'ldn2t elieve their eyesQ 5hey asked everyone (ho the ride (as eca'se they reco!ni7ed the !roo). 1hen they (ere told doBa 4eonor2s na)e they (ere asto'nded, incred'lo's, they co'ldn2t elieve it (as doBa 4eonor herself, (ho) they2d seen dead and 'ried. H'rin! this ti)e, the t(o (ere (ed. Hon *lonso left the ch'rch and asked so)e friends to call the police. +e reali7ed that he2d %'st (itnessed his (ife ein! )arried to another )an. +e called the police not eca'se of any love for doBa 4eonor, 't eca'se of his desire to retain the vast do(ry she ro'!ht. *s the ne(ly(eds and their party (ere leavin! the ch'rch, doBa 4eonor2s )other, not as 'nhappy as the rest of the fa)ily, stood 'p and, starin! at her da'!hter, approached. 5he )other reco!ni7ed her da'!hter f'll (ell. ,he e) raced her sayin!: FHear 4eonor, da'!hter )ine, ho( can yo'r heart not let yo' speak to )eJF 1hen doBa 4eonor sa( her )other so close, she h'!!ed her and 'rst into tears. 5hen doBa 4eonor2s father and don 8odri!o2s father ca)e over and, seein! the t')'lt, they tried to strai!hten o't the )atter. 5hey led the t(o (o)en o'tside and p't everyone into the (aitin! carria!es. &n the ti)e it took to !et to the ho'se (here the cele ration and an?'et (ere to e held, doBa 4eonor2s fa)ily learned the (hole story %'st as &2ve told it here. +er parents (ere pr'dent and reali7ed that don 8odri!o and his parents (o'ldn2t do s'ch an 'nheard of thin! (itho't !ood advice and opinions fro) theolo!ians and %'rists. 5hey also co))ented on the )any (ays God has to achieve +is (ill. +er parents thanked don 8odri!o2s parents for all they2d done and a!reed to defend their ca'se if don *lonso, as they tho'!ht he (o'ld, sho'ld try to s'e the). 5o!ether they arrived at the party. 5he ta les (ere (aitin!, and everyone ate (ith )'ch pleas're. *fter(ard they (ent o't on the alconies to (atch the festivities. 5he lavishly dressed and festive ride and !roo) sat to!ether on the lo(est alcony.

Hon *lonso had hoped that (o'ld e the sit'ation. *cco)panied y his friends on horse ack, he rode aro'nd the s?'are, starin! strai!ht at the ride and !roo). 5hey ended their pro)enade at the foot of the alcony (here the ne(ly(eds (ere sittin!, feelin! apprehensive a o't don *lonso2s intentions. > -#$ > *fter a lon! pa'se, don *lonso, s'rro'nded y the !ro'p that incl'ded the )ayor and other )inisters of %'stice, decided that that (o)an (as indeed his (ife, the (o)an they2d all seen dead and 'ried t(o )onths efore. Hon *lonso )ade a for)al co)plaint a!ainst doBa 4eonor and don 8odri!o and asked the )ayor to %'d!e the case. ,o)e people e!an to !et stirred 'p and ca'se tro' le. 5he )ayor )oved for(ard to arrest don 8odri!o. Hon 8odri!o had een e=pectin! %'st that, and he leaned over the alcony and said: FMy lords, & do not deny that this lady is )y (ife doBa 4eonor, da'!hter of don 6rancisco and doBa Maria (ho are here present, and the previo's (ife of don *lonso. & here y state that & a) le!iti)ately )arried to her y order of the ecclesiastical vicar. +o( & ca)e to )arry her & shall tell yo' another ti)e. May yo'r !races accept )y (ord and allo( the festivities to contin'e. 5his case )'st e proved y doc')ents that are so )'ch in )y favor that & have no fear of an adverse decision.F Hon *lonso kept sho'tin! for the police to take doBa 4eonor into c'stody. 5he )ayor did %'st that, co))andin! his (ife (ho (as present in the pla7a to take doBa 4eonor ho)e (ith her. +e re)oved don *lonso2s and don 8odri!o2s s(ords and ordered the), on their oath, to stay (ithin their ho'ses, (hich (o'ld e 'nder !'ard 'ntil the festivities (ere over. 5hen the %o'stin! and the 'llfi!hts contin'ed. 5he ne=t day, don 8odri!o2s parents, considerin! this )atter )ore appropriate to ecclesiastical a'thority than to civil co'rts, sent a petition to the ishop askin! hi) to take %'risdiction over the prisoners, (hich he did. Hon *lonso )ade his case to the ishop. +e stated that doBa 4eonor, the sa)e (o)an (ho) don 8odri!o no( called his (ife, (as really don *lonso2s (ife (ho had s(ooned. Beca'se of the doctor2s error, she had in fact een 'ried. B't o vio'sly she (as no lon!er in the to) (here she2d een placed and (as, in fact, alive, so he de)anded that she and her do(ry e ret'rned to hi). +e2d een dispossessed of the do(ry eca'se of the false ne(s of her death. +e presented proof. Hon 8odri!o responded that doBa 4eonor (as his le!al (ife. 5he t(o had loved each other fro) their earliest childhood and had pled!ed their troth to each other in (ritin!. HoBa 4eonor had een 'na le to keep her vo( eca'se her parents had forced her into )arria!e. 5hey had deceived her y tellin! her falsely that he2d !otten )arried in 6landers. HoBa 4eonor had had to o ey the). 6'rther/ > -#9 > )ore, even if there had een no deception, her first h's and had no ri!hts, as death dissolves the onds of )atri)ony. 5herefore, doBa 4eonor (as properly his and not don *lonso2s. ,he had in fact een dead and not si)ply in a s(oon, as the testi)ony of the three doctors proved. +er fa)ily had (aited thirty/si= ho'rs after her death to 'ry her, t(elve )ore than re?'ired y la(. 1hen don 8odri!o sa( that doBa 4eonor had een 'ried, he2d ri ed the sacristan to let hi) hold in his ar)s the dead ody he had never held (hile alive. +avin! e=ha'sted his tears, he2d t'rned to the stat'e of Christ there in the chapel and had prayed fervently and devo'tly, askin! +i) to ret'rn her to life. *nd +is Hivine Ma%esty, the )ost .'st of .'d!es, had ans(ered his prayer, as they co'ld see, !rantin! doBa 4eonor a ne( life to en%oy (ith her tr'e h's and. Hon 8odri!o had !one to !reat len!ths to esta lish his proper title and prove that he (as her tr'e h's andD he2d cons'lted (ith theolo!ians and

%'rists, he2d follo(ed all the proper proced'res as ordered y the Co'ncil of 5rent, as her parents and her first h's and co'ld attest. 5he anns had een read in their presence, and they2d )ade no o %ection and had even attended the n'ptial )ass, so they co'ldn2t plead i!norance or )ake recla)ations. God in +is !reat (isdo) had taken fro) don *lonso the (ife (ho (asn2t properly his and had restored her to her tr'e and le!iti)ate h's and so that doBa 4eonor and don 8odri!o co'ld en%oy life to!ether. *fter takin! state)ents fro) the t(o )en, the ishop had doBa 4eonor appear and asked for her state)ent. ,he declared that she (as don 8odri!o2s tr'e (ife for )any reasons. 6irst, she2d !iven hi) her pro)ise, (hich she2d een 'na le to keep eca'se her parents forced her into )arryin! don *lonso y )eans of threats and the false infor)ation that don 8odri!o had )arried. Under these circ')stances, she had perforce !iven her consent. Hon *lonso hi)self co'ld s'pport this as he2d never s'cceeded in !ettin! her to cons'))ate the )arria!e. 5his had ca'sed )'ch an!er and ar!')ent, (hich his !reed for her do(ry had o li!ed hi) to dissi)'late. ,he had indeed died a real death, as she proved y tellin! thin!s that aren2t i)portant here and so aren2t descri ed. 4astly, she (as no( in don 8odri!o2s possession, and she reco!ni7ed hi) and no other as her tr'e h's and. 5he ishop heard their case and then cons'lted (ith a fa)o's la( professor fro) ,ala)anca2s !reat 'niversity. 5he case had serio's i)plications, so the professor didn2t (ish to e alone in renderin! a > -:0 > decision. +e laid it efore his st'dents and asked each of the) (hat (as %'st. 4o'dly and 'nani)o'sly, the st'dents acclai)ed: F8'le in favor of don 8odri!oQ Grant her to don 8odri!o, for she2s tr'ly hisQF 5he ishop ordered doBa 4eonor to e delivered to don 8odri!o, and so it (as done. Hon *lonso (as dispossessed of his (ife and her do(ry. Hon 8odri!o en%oyed the ea'tif'l doBa 4eonor for )any years altho'!h they see)ed fe( in li!ht of their !reat love. 5he lovely lady never recovered her color in re)inder of her death. HoBa 4eonor died shortly efore don 8odri!o, (ho follo(ed her (ithin a fe( )onths. 5hey left one son (ho lives today, )arried and )'ch loved in ,ala)anca. & heard this story fro) one of the %'d!es of the case (ho (ere, as & said, the st'dents in the 'niversity of the reno(ned city of ,ala)anca. +e2s still alive and he calls the people y their o(n na)es. & don2t 'se their real na)es eca'se they have relatives (ho sit on +is Ma%esty2s 8oyal Co'ncil. 5hro'!h don 8odri!o2s intercession, the sacristan ret'rned to his ch'rch. &n this ei!hth and a sol'tely tr'e enchant)ent, yo' have seen a Ftri')ph over the i)possi le.F > -:1 >

FIFT- NI+-T
5o set off the fifth and final ni!ht of the savory entertain)ent 4ysis2s friends had arran!ed for their ea'tif'l friend, day da(ned happier and )ore splendid than the h')an )ind can i)a!ine. &t see)ed like sprin! instead of (inter, May and not Hece) er. 5o cele rate the lovely day, the pleased and happy ladies dressed in their )ost ele!ant finery, and, seein! s'ch art co) ined (ith s'ch ea'ty, it (o'ld e no e=a!!eration to say that they shone like stars. Ar perhaps (e sho'ld say that each lovely lady looked like heaven, for her eyes, like the s'n, !ave life to all (ho eheld her. 5he ladies (ent to 4ysis2s ho'se. ,he (as feelin! thankf'l to e at last rid of her irkso)e ?'artan fever, thanks to vo(s

she2d )ade to the Eir!in of Car)en, and had donned a lavish ne( dress. 5he odice, )antle, and pettiskirt (ere of fine, soft, !olden (oolD across the fa ric silver e) roidery in fi!'res and loops )ade a lovely pattern on the rich ta(ny color. 5he overskirt (as of (hite (ool e) roidered (ith the sa)e fi!'res 't in thread of !old, as (as the tri). ,he (ore a dia)ond elt and aro'nd her neck a lar!e ca)eo encircled (ith dia)onds set off the ta(ny dress. 4ysis (as so st'nnin!ly ea'tif'l that the s'n, kin! of the earth, (o'ld have (anted her for his ?'een, a desire reflected in don Hie!o2s happiness and don .'an2s despondence. *fter the ladies heard )ass they !reeted the other !'ests (ho (ere arrivin!, and soon it (as ti)e to dine. ,eated at the ta les, the )any !'ests (ere served savory appeti7ers follo(ed y a 'ndant delicio's concoctions, and the )eal ended (ith a variety of artf'lly prepared > -:- > fr'its. &t t'rned o't to e one of the )ost splendid and s')pt'o's an?'ets that co'ld e i)a!ined y taste or y the )ind2s eye. *fter the ta les (ere cleared, the !'ests spent the afternoon playin! parlor !a)es and dancin! 'ntil ni!ht fell. 1hen it ca)e ti)e to e!in the enchant)ents, 4ysis took 'p her instr')ent. 5he )'sicians did like(ise, as they prepared to sin!. M'ch to don Hie!o2s relief, it (as )ade clear that these (ere occasional verses intended to erase the )e)ory of the ill/intentioned verses that had een s'n! efore. 9veryone fell silent as they san! this allad: 3o( across the eastern alcony appear the !olden tresses of da(n, liftin! the c'rtain of ni!ht fro) the s'n2s face. +ere co)es the ea'tif'l reflection rich (ith perf')ed flo(ers adornin! the fields (ith pearls and de(drops. 3o( the s'n spreads his rays and !ilds the ha'!hty peaks, e) roiders the pro'd )o'ntains, and !lances at the orderin! eaches. 3o( the earth loo)s (ith carnations, acanth's, and calend'las, honeys'ckle, (allflo(ers, pinks, lilies. 5he irds are cheerf'l sin!in! their lovin! son!s, the !entle rooks leap in %oy, the ' lin! sprin!s (hisper. 1hile nat're overflo(s (ith !ladness, only Marfisa (eeps. ,he (orships a thankless )aster (hose fickle nat're capt'res the )ost carefree heart, van?'ishes the freest life.

1hat is this, ea'tif'l nat're, she asked tearf'llyD it see)s as if yo'r !lory is orn fro) )y sorro(. &f yo' la'!h eca'se & (eep, cease, nat're, yo'r la'!hter, for yo' sho'ld pity and la)ent )y sad love. 1oods (ho listen > -:" > to the !rief that d(ells in )e and cover (ith cold ash all )y dead hopes, if these tears yo' see do not fill yo' (ith pity, (hen & call yo' thankless the fa'lt is yo'rs, not )ine. 1hile nat're overflo(s (ith !ladness, only Marfisa (eeps. 5he )'sic ended, 't the son! did not eca'se 4ysis and the )'sicians saved the second half of the allad for the last enchant)ent. Hon .'an took his place and all eyes (ere 'pon hi), especially 4isarda2s, eca'se she (as his )istress and responded to his char). 1hen don .'an sa( that everyone (as h'shed and (aitin!, he e!an like this: F& considered it a %oke, discreet listeners, to have to tell a story, so & didn2t have one prepared. B't last ni!ht the ea'tif'l president of this asse) la!e co))anded that & o ey, so & took pen in hand and (rote o't several drafts, prod'cts of )y fee le (it. 4ettin! yo'r (it fill in for )y fa'lts, & shall e!in like thisF: > -:@ >

3,d&e Thyse'f
5he no le city of Ealencia co'nted a)on! her )any (onders and )arvelo's splendors the inco)para le ea'ty of 9stela, an ill'strio's lady rich in !race, virt'e, and every !ood ?'ality. &ndeed, even if the city co'ld oast of nothin! 't havin! 9stela as a da'!hter she (o'ld still e praised a)on! all the cities of the (orld for this !reat oon. 9stela (as her parents2 only child and heiress to the !reat (ealth that heaven had esto(ed 'pon the), and they (ere thankf'l and praised heaven for these lessin!s. *)on! the )any !entle)en (ho so'!ht to honor the ea'tif'l 9stela (ith their no le attentions (as don Carlos, yo'n!, no le, (ealthy, and entirely s'ita le for 9stela to choose as her h's and. Af co'rse 9stela cared only to please her parents eca'se she kne( that (hat they (anted (as est for her. Af all her s'itors, don Carlos2s !entility and co'rtesies attracted her )ost, 't she sho(ed s'ch discretion and )odesty that neither her parents nor don Carlos (ere a(are of her inclination. ,he didn2t scorn his attentions nor did she li!htly accept his co'rtesiesD she received the) (ith an open !a7e and reserved

!ood(ill. 5his satisfied the !allant (ho happily contin'ed his co'rtship, adored his eloved, and praised her ea'ty. Hon Carlos tried thro'!h his appearance, his presence, and his contin'al pro)enades to let the lady kno( ho( )'ch he estee)ed her. +e elieved that once he (as ass'red of her acceptance, (hich he considered an i)portant part of s'ch ne!otiations, 9stela2s parents (o'ld !ive her to hi) in )atri)ony. > -:I > 5here also lived in Ealencia a (o)an of freer c'sto)s than appropriate for s'ch a no le and (ell/to/do lady. ,he (atched don Carlos pass y her ho'se (ith re!'larity, as it (as on his (ay to 9stela2s. ,he felt so attracted to hi) that, (itho't heedin! anythin! 't her o(n desires, she decided to let hi) kno( of her love in any (ay she co'ld, indirectly (ith her eyes, the so'l2s ton!'e, or directly (ith (ords. ,he decided to p't all her )oney, effort, and ti)e into this endeavor. ,he (o'ld appear in his presence as often as she co'ld, tryin! al(ays to aro'se his passion (ith her ea'ty. B't, since don Carlos2s passion (as directed else(here and held captive y 9stela2s ea'ty, he never noticed the solicit'de (ith (hich Cla'dia ;this (as the lady2s na)e< p'rs'ed hi). ,he took note of his lack of interest in her and, !iven her kno(led!e of love, she reali7ed that don Carlos )'st e in love (ith another (o)an. Cla'dia e!an to )ake in?'iries and soon discovered e=actly (hat she2d een tryin! to hide fro) her heart, to avoid tor)entin! it (ith the ra!in! illness of %ealo'sy. Hon Carlos (as so devoted in his attentions to 9stela that Cla'dia had to ackno(led!e the hopelessness of her love, 't still she hoped to reak 'p his affair any (ay she co'ld. ,he co'ld no lon!er live (itho't the )an she adored. 5he constant si!ht of hi) infla)ed her love, and his 'nresponsiveness to her (as rin!in! her close to death. ,o Cla'dia )ade 'p her )ind to (in his love or die in the atte)pt, a notion not 'nco))on a)on! lovers. &t2s )adness to despise life for the sake of a fantasy and to desire death eca'se of lascivio's desires. Cla'dia fo'nd o't that don Carlos2s pa!e had recently died. +e (as the servant (ho acco)panied don Carlos every(here and served as his loyal advisor in )atters of the heart. 5o acco)plish her o(n ends, Cla'dia cons'lted a servant previo'sly in don Carlos2s e)ploy (ho (as )ore interested in her )oney than her (elfare or her ea'ty. Cla'dia asked hi) to help her o tain the dead pa!e2s position, e=plainin! to hi) that she (anted it so she co'ld try to (in don Carlos2s love a(ay fro) 9stela. &f he co'ld !et her this position, she pro)ised hi) a lar!e re(ard, and she e!an y !ivin! hi) a handso)e !ift. 5he !reedy old )an sa( that this (as an easy (ay to !et Cla'dia2s (ealth for hi)self. &n less ti)e than it (o'ld have taken hi) to advise her a!ainst s'ch a co'rse of action, he ne!otiated everythin!: he o tained the position in don Carlos2s ho'sehold (ith all its ri!hts and o li!ations, and he ac?'ired appropriate )ale attire for her. 5he old servant2s reso'rcef'lness overca)e all o stacles, and (ithin a fe( days > -:# > Cla'dia fo'nd herself servin! as pa!e to her lover. By ein! pleasant and perfor)in! )any services, she soon (on his confidence and eca)e the repository of don Carlos2s )ost secret tho'!hts. Hon Carlos so favored his ne( pa!e that FheF eca)e the one char!ed (ith satisfyin! don Carlos2s every (ish. By this ti)e, 9stela (as e!innin! to accept don Carlos, and his love (as (innin! o't over the lady2s e=tre)e )odesty. Cla'dia (o'ld (eep (hen she sa( ho( happy the t(o lovers (ere. ,o)e ni!hts don

Carlos )ana!ed to speak to 9stela (hen she (as o't on her alcony. 9stela accepted his letters (ith deli!ht, and she (o'ld listen to the son!s (ith (hich he occasionally serenaded her. 5heir co'rtship 'nfolded at the e=pense of Cla'dio ;this (as the na)e the pa!e had chosen<, !iven that FheF (as the )essen!er and inter)ediary to these enco'nters as (ell as (itness to the) all. Ane ni!ht (hen don Carlos (anted to serenade his eloved 9stela, he asked his pa!e Cla'dio to play and sin!. &nstead of sin!in! of her )aster2s love, ho(ever, she decided, y )eans of this sonnet, to e=press her o(n love, eca'se she (as to the point of rin!in! thin!s to a head: 4et the one (ho2s had his love and his senses enchained en%oy li erty, and let the one conde)ned to lovin! sorro( en%oy all the favors he2s desired. &n s(eet e) races, eca'se he is tr'e, (ith his heart f'll of love2s pleas'res, let hi) (ho eheld his love fro) afar tri')ph over distance (itho't fear of re%ection. 4et the %ealo's one, 'nfavored, live in love, let the scorned one con?'er scorn, let the one (ho hopes f'lfill his hopes. 4et the fort'nate one e !lad (ith his %oy, and let the victorio's lover deli!ht in his pri7e, and the one (ho loves the i)possi le, like )e, let hi) die. 5he !allant don Carlos of co'rse noticed ho( inappropriate the sonnet (as to his p'rposeD he2d een accepted y his lady and it (as 'ns'ita le for hi) to co)plain a o't i)possi le love. B't he tho'!ht that Cla'dio, ein! a )an, (as in love, or )ay e FheF had s'n! those > -:: > verses eca'se FheF co'ldn2t think of any others, so don Carlos let it pass (itho't co))ent. 5heir co'rtship pro!ressed for a (hile in this fashion, and don Carlos (aited for 9stela2s per)ission to ask her parents for her hand in )arria!e. 5hen a yo'n!, ele!ant &talian co'nt arrived in Ealencia and took lod!in! at an inn near 9stela2s ho'se. ,ince her ea'ty affected everyone (ho set eyes on her, she capt'red the co'nt2s affections. Confident in his )any fine ?'alities, his !entility, eca'se he (as (ho he (as, the co'nt decided to ask 9stela2s parents for her hand in )atri)ony. Hon Carlos s' )itted his petition on the very sa)e day as the co'nt. Hon Carlos (as )otivated y the lady2s lovin! enco'ra!e)ent and also y his %ealo'sy of the co'nt, (ho) he sa( often in her streetD he hoped to p't a happy end to his %ealo'sy. 9stela2s parents listened to oth sets of inter)ediaries. 5hey reali7ed that don Carlos (as (orthy of eco)in! 9stela2s h's and 't, preferrin! to see their da'!hter eco)e a co'ntess, they re%ected don Carlos2s petition and etrothed her to the co'nt. &t (as arran!ed that the (eddin! sho'ld take place in a )onthD the papers and a!ree)ents (ere si!ned (itho't infor)in! 9stela 'ntil after everythin! (as finali7ed. +er parents (ere s're she2d !o alon! (ith their decision as she2d al(ays een acco))odatin! and o edient. 1hen 9stela learned of her )arria!e, it had all een settled. 5he lady nat'rally re!retted this )isfort'ne. ,he tried to !et o't of the )arria!e, 't her efforts (ere in vain. 1hen don Carlos told her his petition had een t'rned do(n, their love see)ed hopeless. &t

appears that 4ove isn2t doin! his d'ty if he doesn2t create i)possi le sit'ations. 1hen the t(o lovers sa( each other as 's'al that ni!ht, 4ove disposed their hearts to a!ree that a (eek later, after don Carlos )ade preparations, he (o'ld take her fro) her ho'se and to!ether they2d elope to Barcelona and !et )arried. By the ti)e her parents fo'nd o't (hat had happened, 9stela (o'ld already have a h's and every it as no le and rich as they co'ld have desired, if only s'ch a stron! co)petitor as the co'nt and their o(n a) ition had not !otten in the (ay. Cla'dia heard this conversation and their plans to'ched the depths of her heart. ,he took ref'!e in her roo) and, thinkin! she (as alone, she e!an to (eep and 'ttered the follo(in! la)ent: F3o(, 'nhappy Cla'dia, ho( can yo' have any hopeJ Carlos and 9stela (ill )arry. 4ove is on their side and has cr'elly decreed that & )'st lose hi). Can )y eyes ear to see )y 'n!ratef'l lover in the > -:$ > ar)s of his eloved, she so happy and & so sadJ 5o see her favored, and )yself scornedJ 5o see her fort'nate, and )yself 'nfort'nateJ 5o see her in possession and )e dispossessedJ 3o, certainly not. &2ll tell hi) (ho & a) and then take )y o(n life. 5hat2s the only sol'tion. 5hat2s (hat &2ll do. 5o)orro( &2ll tell don Carlos (ho & a) and then &2ll kill )yself. &t2s etter to die once and for all than to s'ffer these little deaths.F Cla'dia said these (ords and others in the sa)e vein, la)entin! her )isfort'ne. ,'ddenly she heard a knock at her door. ,he (ent to see (ho it (as and fo'nd that the person knockin! (as a handso)e, attractive Moor (ho had elon!ed to don Carlos2s father. +e2d %'st een ranso)ed and (as (aitin! for a oat to take hi) to 6e7, (hich (as his ho)e. 1hen Cla'dia sa( hi), she asked: F*)ete, (hy have yo' co)e to intr'de and interr'pt )y co)plaints, (hich yo' )'st have heard. 0no(in! )y affliction and )y )isfort'ne, leave )e to s'fferD yo' can do nothin! to console )e. 5here can e no consolation for )y deep sorro(.F 5he clever Moor, a no le)an in his o(n co'ntry (here his father (as a (ealthy pasha, had, in fact, heard Cla'dia2s la)ent. +e also kne( (ho she really (as. +e replied: FCla'dia, & did hear (hat yo' said. & kno( a lot, altho'!h yo' )ay not think so eca'se &2) a Moor. Perhaps & can s'!!est a etter sol'tion than the one yo'2ve decided 'pon. &f yo' kill yo'rself, (hat in%'ry do yo' do yo'r ene)iesJ 1hat yo'2re really doin! is re)ovin! one o stacle to their happiness. 1hat yo' sho'ld do is take Carlos a(ay fro) 9stela. &f that2s (hat yo'2d like to do, it2s easy. .'st listen to )y plan and, if yo' don2t think it2ll (ork, don2t do it. FKo'2re a (o)an deter)ined to !o to any e=tre)e, as & can tell fro) the fact that yo'2ve !iven 'p yo'r fe)inine dress and yo'r !ood na)e in order to achieve yo'r desire. 5o enco'ra!e yo', let )e tell yo' a secret that &2ve never efore p't into (ords. ,everal ti)es &2ve seen 9stela, and her ea'ty has capt'red )y heart. 4ook at (hat &2ve said in those fe( (ordsQ Ko' co)plain that yo'2ve lost yo'r repose eca'se of Carlos, yo' acc'se hi) of ein! 'n!ratef'l, 't yo'2re )akin! a )istake. &f yo'2d told hi) of yo'r love, then )ay e 9stela (o'ld never have (on hi), and & (o'ldn2t e dyin! of 'nre?'ited love. Ko' think there2s no sol'tion no( that they2ve decided to elope to Barcelona, 't yo'2re (ron!, for in this very fact, if yo' (ill it, is yo'r salvation and )ine. FMy ranso) has een paid and to)orro( &2) to depart fro) Eal/ > -:9 >

encia. & have a ship ready to take )e ho)eD it dropped anchor last ni!ht in the shallo(s near Grao, and &2) the only person (ho kno(s a o't it. &f yo' (ant to take don Carlos a(ay fro) his lady and there y )ake 's oth happy, yo' )'st do this: 9stela elieves everythin! yo' say eca'se yo'2re her lover2s )essen!er, so yo' (ill !o tell her that yo'r )aster has arran!ed passa!e to Barcelona as a!reed 't, to ens're the s'ccess of the vent're, he doesn2t (ant to (ait the (hole (eek as they2d planned and she sho'ld prepare to leave to)orro( ni!ht. Ko' set the ti)e and tell her don Carlos (ill e (aitin! for her at the dock. 5hen yo'2ll rin! her to the place &2ll indicate and &2ll carry her off to 6e7, and yo'2ll stay here (itho't any o stacle to yo'r love. Ko' can ca%ole don Carlos and rin! hi) aro'nd to lovin! yo', and &2ll e rich (ith )y !reat ea'ty.F 5he Moor2s plan astonished Cla'dia 't, eca'se she cared a o't nothin! 't !ettin! rid of 9stela and !ettin! her hands on don Carlos, she a!reed to it and h'!!ed and thanked the Moor all at the sa)e ti)e. ,he pro)ised to p't this treachery into effect the ne=t day. &t (asn2t hard eca'se 9stela elieved she (as !ivin! herself into the hands of the )an (ho (as to eco)e her h's and. By )idni!ht, carryin! all her %e(els and )oney, 9stela (as on oard the ship and (ith her (as Cla'dia, for *)ete repaid her for her etrayal y takin! her captive as (ell. *t first 9stela (as 'na(are of her )isfort'ne, altho'!h she noticed that she (as s'rro'nded y Moors, incl'din! don Carlos2s slave. 1hen they e!an h'rriedly raisin! the sails, and don Carlos did not appear, she (asn2t s're (hat (as happenin! 't she e!an to s'spect her )isfort'ne. +er terror at findin! herself in s'ch dan!er ca'sed her to fall into a deep s(oon that lasted 'ntil the ne=t day. +er terror increased (hen she re!ained conscio'sness and overheard a conversation et(een Cla'dia and *)ete. 5he Moor (as afraid 9stela had died. Cla'dia, holdin! her in her ar)s, (as sayin! to the perfidio's Moor: F*)ete, (hy did yo' )ake )e e=pose this poor (o)an to s'ch dan!er if yo' never intended to leave )e in the desira le co)pany of don CarlosJ & etrayed 9stela y placin! her in yo'r hands only so & co'ld en%oy don Carlos. +o( can yo' call yo'rself no le (hen yo'2ve een so cr'el (ith )eJF FCla'dia,F *)ete replied, Fthe traitor al(ays !ets (hat he !ives. 5hat2s the (isest advice in the (orld. 6'rther)ore, one sho'ld never tr'st a person (ho2s not loyal and tr'e to his o(n land and nation. Ko' love don Carlos and he loves 9stela. 5o !ain yo'r love, yo' have > -$0 > deprived yo'r eloved of his very life y re)ovin! her fro) his presence. 1ell, (hat does the kind of person (ho2ll do s'ch a dreadf'l deed as to etray her eloved for a (hi) deserveJ +o( can yo' e=pect )e to e s're yo' (o'ldn2t t'rn aro'nd and tell the (hole city (hat happened to 9stelaD then they2d e after )e and sentence )e to deathJ 5o avoid that pro a ility, &2ve ro'!ht yo' (ith )e. 5his (ay & protect )y o(n life and 9stela2s, the (o)an & adore. ,he2ll s'rvive, especially (hen she reali7es that yo' can2t en%oy (hat she2s lost.F *s 9stela ca)e to her senses, the t(o traitors (ere sayin! these and other s'ch thin!s and she heard )ost of (hat they (ere sayin!. ,he asked Cla'dia to e=plain the )ystery of her a d'ction, (hich she co'ldn2t 'nderstand. Cla'dia !ave her a len!thy acco'nt of (ho she (as and ho( they ca)e to e captives and told 9stela everythin! that had taken place. 9stela heard her )isfort'ne confir)ed and shed oceans of lovely tears. *)ete reveled in his !ood fort'ne. +e tried to console the lady as est he co'ld. +e pro)ised that she2d e )istress of everythin! he possessed and even )ore, if she2d !ive 'p her reli!ion. 5his co)fort the lady considered tort're rather than solace, and she cried even harder.

*)ete ordered Cla'dia to chan!e into (o)en2s dress and serve and coddle 9stela (hile they sailed across the hi!h seas to 6e7. 4et2s leave the) for a (hile and ret'rn to Ealencia and the )o)ent (hen 9stela2s parents discovered she (as )issin!. Cra7y (ith fear, they co'ldn2t i)a!ine (hat had happened to her. 1ith )o'rnf'l faces and tears strea)in! fro) their eyes, they searched even the )ost hidden corners of the ho'se. 5hey all acted as if there2d een a f'neral. An her dresser, they fo'nd the key to her desk. 5hey opened it, and inside they fo'nd a letter that read: My dear parents, love and a) ition do not !o (ell to!ether, ein! contrary to one another. 6or that reason, &2ve chosen to re%ect one and s'rrender )yself to the other. My lack of interest in the co'nt2s (ealth leads )e to place )yself in the hands of don Carlos, (ho) & reco!ni7e as )y le!iti)ate h's and. +is no ility is so reno(ned that, if s'ch a po(erf'l co)petitor as the co'nt hadn2t intervened, yo' co'ldn2t have (anted or asked for a etter person to )arry )e than don Carlos. &f )y error in doin! this, and in doin! it this (ay, deserves any for!iveness, (e shall co)e ack to yo' to!ether to ask for it. &n the )eanti)e, & shall pray to heaven to protect o'r lives. 9stela > -$1 > Ko' can i)a!ine the fri!ht and sorro( this letter ca'sed, considerin! ho( )'ch 9stela2s parents loved her and ho( precio's she (as to the). 5hey ordered the ho'sehold to re)ain silent, for they hoped she hadn2t yet left Ealencia and they re?'ired secrecy to )ake ca'tio's investi!ations into the lovers2 (herea o'ts. 5hey reported the case to the viceroy. 5he first thin! he did (as !o to don Carlos2s ho'se. Hon Carlos, totally 'na(are of all that had transpired, (as so'nd asleep in his ed, to his )isfort'ne. Beca'se all the parties concerned (ere (ealthy and pro)inent, the viceroy hi)self, acco)panied y the officers of the la(, (oke don Carlos fro) his sleep. +e (as taken to a castle and char!ed (ith a d'ctin! the ea'tif'l 9stela and offendin! a!ainst the honor and no ility of her parents. 5he char!e (as si!ned y her parents and her h's and, for th's the co'nt considered hi)self. 5he evidence 'sed (as 9stela2s letter and others fo'nd in the desks of the t(o lovers, as (ell as the testi)ony of nei!h ors and servants, (ho are like knives to one2s honor and a)plifiers of each li erty love takes. Hon Carlos (as tr'ly innocent of the char!es that placed hi) in prison, and he )ade !reat efforts to prove his innocence. +e (as told that 9stela had disappeared and that her parents had fo'nd a letter (ritten y their da'!hter e=plainin! that he, as .'piter to this ea'tif'l 9'ropa, (as the a'thor of her a d'ction. Beca'se of this, don Carlos (o'ld e held acco'nta le for her (hether she (as dead or alive. Hon Carlos (as so !rief/stricken that he al)ost took his o(n life. 5he p'nish)ent for his cri)e (as so serio's that already the knife (as at his throat. Hon Carlos2s father, ein! no le and rich, defended his son (ith all the po(er he co'ld co))and. 4et 's leave don Carlos at this point and ret'rn to 9stela and Cla'dia (ho, in the co)pany of the cr'el *)ete, (ere sailin! (ith favora le (inds to(ard 6e7. 1hen they arrived, the ladies (ere taken to the ho'se of *)ete2s father, (here the ea'tif'l 9stela contin'ed to !rieve over her captivity and separation fro) don Carlos. 1hen *)ete reali7ed that his kindness and ca%olin! (o'ldn2t (in 9stela, he e!an to 'se force. +e tho'!ht to o tain her favors y p'nishin! her, so she co'ld p't a stop to her s'fferin! only y ein! nice to hi). +e treated her like a (retched slaveD he dressed her in ra!sD he !ave her leftovers to eat and )ade her serve the entire ho'sehold, (hich consisted of *)ete2s father, his fo'r (ives, and t(o other yo'n!er sons.

> -$- > 5he elder of *)ete2s rothers felt very attracted to Cla'dia. 1hen she assessed her sit'ation and reali7ed she had no freedo), no (ay to !et herself ack ho)e to Carlos, she felt s're they2d treat her as cr'elly as they treated 9stela if she didn2t accept Zayde, as *)ete2s rother (as na)ed. ,o she closed her eyes to God and, a %'rin! her holy faith, )arried Zayde. Beca'se of this, 9stela !ained another cr'el tor)entor. 5he poor (o)an lived this sad and desperate life for over a year, all the (hile s'fferin! a tho'sand !riefs. 1hat (as )ost diffic'lt for her to ear (as *)ete2s persec'tion. +e never )issed a chance to p'rs'e and chase her. 6inally, desperate for so)e re)edy, *)ete pleaded (ith Cla'dia to arran!e thin!s so that at least he co'ld have her y force. Cla'dia pro)ised to do this for hi). 5o set her plan in )otion, she fei!ned )elancholy and 'nhappiness and e!an to pa)per 9stela and treat her lovin!ly. Ane day, (hen all the other (o)en had !one to the aths and the t(o (ere left alone, the perfidio's Cla'dia spoke these (ords, false as she (as herself: FBea'tif'l 9stela, & don2t kno( ho( to tell yo' the sadness and sorro( & feel in )y heart, findin! )yself in this stran!e land leadin! a sinf'l life (ith )y so'l in terri le %eopardy. &f death sho'ld catch )e y s'rprise in )y present state, )y so'l (o'ld e da)ned to hell. &t2s really depressin! )e to e so far fro) ho)e, dependent on these infidel do!s (ho live contrary to God2s la(s and (ho )ake )e live !odless like the). ,o &, )y friend 9stela, have decided to r'n a(ay. & haven2t eco)e s'ch a Moor that )y Christian faith doesn2t still dra( )eD the only reason & did (hat & did (as fro) fear, and not free (ill. F6ifty Christians have a oat ready in (hich (e can leave for Ealencia toni!ht. ,ince (e ca)e to!ether, (e can ret'rn to!ether if yo' like. *ll yo' have to do is say yes and (e can !o (ith God, for & have hope in +i) that +e (ill save 's. &f yo' prefer not to !o, yo' can !ive )e a )essa!e for Carlos, (ho) & e=pect to see a )onth fro) today. B't & sho'ld (arn yo', so yo' can see ho( fond of yo' & a), that if yo' don2t co)e (ith )e, it )ay so happen that Carlos (ill co)e to love )e. &f yo' do co)e, yo' (ill co)plicate thin!s for )e. & tell yo' this so yo'2ll kno( that &2) )oved )ore y pity for yo'r )isery than y )y o(n desires.F 9stela thre( herself at Cla'dia2s feet and kissed the) over and over. ,he had already )ade 'p her )ind, and she e!!ed Cla'dia not to leave her ehind. Cla'dia (o'ld see ho( loyally 9stela served her. > -$" > 5he t(o (o)en decided they2d leave to!ether that ni!ht after everyone had !one to ed, and they (ent to pack their fe( possessions in order not to !o 'nprepared. &f only so)eone had said to 9stela: F&nnocent lady, (hat are yo' doin!J 4ook at the person in (ho) yo'2ve placed yo'r tr'stQ &f Cla'dia etrayed yo' (hen she (as a Christian, (hat can yo' e=pect of Cla'dia the rene!adeJ &f she arran!ed for yo' to e a d'cted fro) Ealencia and placed yo' in *)ete2s hands once, (hy can2t yo' see that she2s takin! yo' o't into the co'ntry to place yo' in his hands a!ainJF B't (hat innocent heart isn2t fooled y crocodile tears and a fe( treachero's (ords spoken (ith kindness and affectionJ Cla'dia2s ploy did deceive 9stela2s no le heart eca'se she co'ld think only of her desire for freedo). Cla'dia infor)ed *)ete of the arran!e)ents and the place she intended to take 9stela. 5he ti)e passed, 't it see)ed to all three to !o y )ore slo(ly than they (o'ld2ve liked. *t )idni!ht, (ith a f'll )oon ri!hter than the )oon in May, 9stela and Cla'dia, carryin! their little 'ndles (ith their

dresses, clothin!, and other necessities for the %o'rney, left the ho'se and headed to(ard the har or (here Cla'dia said the oat, or ship, in (hich they (ere to escape, (as lyin! at anchor. *)ete follo(ed ehind the) fro) the )o)ent they left the ho'se. 5hey stopped at so)e lar!e o'lders, (here Cla'dia said they (ere to (ait for the rest of the !ro'p. 5he t(o (o)en settled do(n in the )ost co)forta le place the crafty Cla'dia co'ld find s'ita le to her desi!ns. 1hile they (aited, Cla'dia enco'ra!ed the terrified lady, (ho feared that every little so'nd (as *)ete or so)eone else fro) the ho'sehold (ho2d discovered their a sence and had co)e o't searchin! for the). 5hey spent over an ho'r talkin! and (aitin!. *ltho'!h *)ete (as close y, he stayed in hidin! so 9stela (o'ld !ain )ore confidence. *t last *)ete approached, a cr'el and hatef'l si!ht to the ea'tif'l 9stela. 1hen he sa( the t(o (o)en, he fei!ned an infernal (rath and sho'ted: FAh yo' disloyal do!sQ 1hat kind of escape are yo' atte)ptin!J 3o( yo' (on2t !et a(ay (ith the treachero's escape yo'2d planned.F F&t2s not treachery, *)ete,F 9stela replied, Ffor a person to seek freedo), %'st as yo'2d do if yo' fo'nd yo'rself in )y position, )istreated and eaten y yo' and everyone in yo'r ho'se. Besides, if Cla'dia hadn2t enco'ra!ed )e, &2d never have had the co'ra!e to atte)pt s'ch a thin!. B't )y ad l'ck see)s to (ant to place )e in yo'r handsD & fear this (ill happen every ti)e & tr'st in it.F > -$@ > F5hat2s certainly tr'e, yo' little itchQF the rene!ade Cla'dia interr'pted. F*nd & (ant yo' to kno( that )y real p'rpose in rin!in! yo' here toni!ht (as not to help yo' escape 't to deliver yo' into the hands of the !allant *)ete so he can en%oy yo' (illin!ly or y force. Ko' (ill satisfy his desireD toni!ht he (ill possess yo'r ody or leave yo' here torn to shreds. 5here2s no oat to freedo) e=cept *)ete2s ar)s. Ko'r only road to li erty is in s'rrenderin! to hi). &f yo' do, yo'2ll !o fro) slave to )istress, fro) ein! a )istreated servant to ein! served. .'st think a o't it and it (ill happen.F *fter Cla'dia said these (ords, she )oved a(ay, cedin! her place to the Moor. +e took 'p (here she left off and contin'ed in the sa)e tone, tryin! to pers'ade 9stela first (ith kind (ords and then threats, caresses and then lo(s. 9stela, athed in tears, )ade no response (hatsoever, and all *)ete2s efforts (ere in vain, for she (as deter)ined to lose her life efore she lost her honor. *)ete eca)e f'rio's, his tenderness t'rned into ra!e, and he e!an to eat her, strikin! her ea'tif'l face and threatenin! her (ith every kind of death i)a!ina le if she ref'sed to !ive in to his (ill. 1hen this failed, he decided to overpo(er her (ith force and e=ha'st her so he co'ld rape her. 9stela2s co'ra!e at this point (as !reater than yo' )i!ht have e=pected in s'ch a frail )aiden 't, as *)ete (as 'sin! his f'll stren!th to s' d'e her, her o(n stren!th finally !ave (ay and she fell to the !ro'nd, 'na le to defend herself any lon!er. 5hen she took reco'rse to the only real defense (o)en have: she e!an to screa). +er screa)s (ere heard y Paci)in, son of the kin! of 6e7, (ho (as ret'rnin! ho)e fro) the h'nt. Heeply affected y the screa)in!, he ran to the place (here he tho'!ht it (as co)in! fro), leavin! ehind the )any servants (ho acco)panied hi). +e arrived and sa( instantly ho( the fierce Moor (as r'tali7in! a ea'tif'l (o)an. 5he prince (as t(enty, a very !allant, no le, and soft/spoken )an. +e (as (ell loved y all his s' %ects eca'se of these fine ?'alities and eca'se of his co'ra!e and !enerosity. Paci)in also tended to favor Christians and, (hen he fo'nd o't that they (ere ein! )istreated, he (o'ld p'nish this cri)e severely. Ha(n (as y no( e!innin! to reak, so he co'ld see ?'ite clearly (hat (as takin! place et(een the Moor and the ea'tif'l slave. +e sa( her stretched o't on the !ro'nd (ith her hands tied (hile the cr'el *)ete tried to !a! her )o'th. By the li!ht of the ne( day, the

> -$I > prince sa( every detail of that vile and dishonora le act. +is voice filled (ith an!er, he sho'ted: FKo' c'r, (hat are yo' doin!J &n the co'rt of the kin! of 6e7 yo' dare to rape a (o)anJ 4eave her this instant or, y the kin!2s o(n life, &2ll kill yo'.F *s he said this, he dre( his s(ord. 1hen *)ete heard these (ords, he leapt to his feet and of co'rse reco!ni7ed the prince, 't he acted as if he didn2t. 1ith the prince2s s(ord at his throat, he s(iftly dre( his o(n and attacked. +e (o'ld have killed Paci)in if the prince hadn2t leapt ack, dod!in! his lo(. &n a f'ry, the prince t'rned and said: FKo' traitoro's c'rQ Ko' dare attack yo'r princeQF *)ete (as no( lind (ith ra!e and cared a o't nothin!. +e attacked the prince a second ti)e, and a!ain he (o'ld have killed hi) if the prince hadn2t t'rned the lo( aside, 't not ?'ickly eno'!h to prevent a sli!ht (o'nd to his head. 5he valiant Paci)in, reali7in! that the Moor (as not !oin! to accord hi) the respect he o(ed his prince, retreated and le( the h'ntin! horn he (ore aro'nd his neck. +is !entle)en and h'nts)en, (ho had tho'!ht hi) lost and (ere lookin! for hi), ?'ickly r'shed to his side %'st as *)ete tried to p't an end to his life (ith a third attack. Paci)in (as resc'ed y his )en, and they took the traitor *)ete prisoner. 9stela thre( herself at the feet of prince Paci)in, as did the false t'rncoat Cla'dia. 5he !allant Moor sa( 9stela2s ea'ty )ore clearly 't, instead of feelin! attracted y it, it )ade hi) feel sorry for her s'fferin!. +e asked her (ho she (as and ho( she ca)e to e in s'ch a place. 9stela told hi) she (as a Christian and (ent on to reco'nt as riefly as possi le her story and ho( she2d !otten into that sit'ation. 5he co)passionate Paci)in an!rily ordered that all three e taken to his palace i))ediately. 9ven efore he had his (o'nd anda!ed, he told the story to his father, the kin!, and asked hi) to p'nish *)ete2s cri)e. 5he prince had his (o'nd dressed and, even tho'!h it (asn2t a serio's in%'ry, *)ete and Cla'dia (ere sentenced to death for their disrespect to the prince and their treason. Both (ere i)paled that very sa)e day. *ll the )oney and ri es *)ete2s father offered co'ldn2t save hi), and Cla'dia died %'st as (ickedly as she had lived. *fter %'stice had een done, the prince had 9stela ro'!ht into his presence. +e (as kind and consoled her, and asked her (hat he sho'ld > -$# > do (ith her. 5he lady knelt do(n eside his ed and re?'ested that he send her (here there (ere Christians so that fro) there she co'ld ret'rn to her o(n land. 5he prince !ranted this petitionD he !ave her )oney, %e(els, and a Christian slave to acco)pany her. 5hen he ordered t(o of his servants to take her (herever she directed. 5his incident occ'rred (hen Charles E, kin! of ,pain and +oly 8o)an 9)peror, (as fi!htin! Bar arossa in 5'nis. 9stela kne( a o't the presence of ,panish troops in north *frica. ,he c't her hair and, a andonin! fe)inine !ar)ents, she donned )asc'line attire. *cco)panied only y the ,panish captive the prince had !iven her, (ho (as s(orn not to reveal her identity, the t(o Christians took their leave of the Moorish !entle)en (ho had !'ided the) o't of the city. 9stela and her servant (ent to 5'nis to find e)ploy)ent in the service of the e)peror. 9stela earned a rep'tation for ein! a valiant

and co'ra!eo's soldier and ca)e to serve al(ays at the e)peror2s side. ,he (on s'ch hi!h re!ard fro) the e)peror that he re(arded her y !ivin! her co))and of a cavalry troopD that2s ho( !reatly she (as favoredQ 9stela served the e)peror not %'st on this ca)pai!n (hen he restored the kin!do) of 5'nis to its prince 8oselo, (ho) Bar arossa had driven to the sea, 't on )any other ca)pai!ns as (ell. ,he took part in all the e)peror2s )ilitary operations in 6rance and &taly. Ance, (hen Charles had to fi!ht on foot eca'se his horse had een killed, o'r valiant hero ;she 'sed the na)e don 6ernando and (as considered a hero and not a heroine< !ave hi) her horse and fo'!ht at his side, defendin! hi) 'ntil he (as safe. 5he e)peror (as so !ratef'l for this service that he honored don 6ernando (ith lavish favors and re(ards, a)on! (hich (as investit're in the presti!io's Arder of ,antia!o and also the title of d'ke (ith its inco)e. 9ven then the e)peror didn2t feel that he2d repaid her s'fficiently and, if she2d asked for half his real)s, he (o'ld2ve !iven the) to her. H'rin! all this ti)e, 9stela had had no ne(s fro) her parents or fro) ho)e. Ane day she reco!ni7ed her eloved don Carlos a)on! the soldiers in the ar)y. 5he )o)ent she set eyes 'pon hi), the (o'nd of her for)er love, if it had ever really healed over, 'rst open and e!an to leed. ,he sent for hi) and, containin! the !reat e)otion the si!ht of hi) ca'sed in her, she asked hi) (hat his na)e (as and (here he (as fro). Hon Carlos (illin!ly responded to 9stela2s ?'estions, feelin! flattered y her attention and str'ck y her re/ > -$: > )arka le rese) lance to 9stela. +e presented his letters of introd'ction and told her all a o't hi)self and ho( he ca)e to e in the ar)y. Hon Carlos didn2t e=cl'de the acco'nt of his tra!ic love affair and his ter) in prison. +e told her that, altho'!h he2d intended to a d'ct his eloved fro) her ho'se so they co'ld elope, she2d vanished fro) si!ht as had his pa!e, in (ho) he confided his every secret, and this had )ade hi) s'spicio's. +e (ondered if she2d loved his pa!e )ore than hi) and so had r'n off (ith the servant. +e ?'estioned her ehavior, (hich ca'sed his love for her to di)inish. &t (as tr'e that in the letter (ritten y the lady to her father, she said she (as elopin! (ith don Carlos, that he (as her tr'e h's and. Hon Carlos co'ldn2t really elieve that she (o'ld, in fact, r'n a(ay (ith Cla'dio and say it (as don Carlos. 5hat did )ake hi) (onder, and the only lo!ical e=planation he co'ld find (as to think that she didn2t really love hi) eca'se she2d p't hi) in a sit'ation for (hich he (as al)ost han!ed. +e2d spent t(o years in prison, char!ed (ith assa'ltin! the honor of a no le ho'se, a d'ctin! 9stela, rapin! her, and killin! her. H'rin! those t(o years she never appeared, dead or alive, and it eca)e i)possi le for hi) to avoid the death penalty any lon!er. Hon Carlos had to depend on his (its, (hich told hi) that the only (ay to save his life (as to reak o't of %ail, tr'stin! )ore in escape than in any )erit his case )i!ht2ve had. +e spent the ne=t year searchin! every(here for 9stela, 't all in vain. &t see)ed as if the earth had s(allo(ed her. 9stela listened to don Carlos (ith !reat astonish)ent, as she kne( (hat had happened to her. ,he hastened to reply to the s'spicions he2d voiced re!ardin! her and the pa!e, sayin!: FCarlos, yo' sho'ldn2t think that 9stela (o'ld e fickle, that she2d deceive yo' and r'n a(ay (ith Cla'dio eca'se she loved hi). 1o)en as no le as she is don2t ehave that (ay. 1hat2s )ost pro a le is that she (as deceived herself. May e thin!s happened in s'ch a (ay that she co'ldn2t defend herself. Perhaps so)e day God (ill let her prove her innocence and then yo'2ll learn the tr'th. 3o( &2d like to ask yo' to (ork for )e as lon! as yo' re)ain a soldier. & (ant yo' to serve as )y secretary. *s s'ch yo'2ll e treated like a friend, (hich is (hat &2ll consider yo' fro) this day on. & kno( that (ith )y

helpMand everyone kno(s the )any (ays the 9)peror Charles has honored )eMyo'r ene)ies (ill cease p'rs'in! yo' and, (hen this ca)pai!n is over, (e2ll o tain a co'rt order e=oneratin! yo' of all char!es. 5he > -$$ > only thanks & ask in ret'rn is that yo' hold 9stela in hi!her estee) than yo' have, partic'larly considerin! the fact that yo' (ere the ca'se of her perdition. 1hat )oves )e to say this is )y conviction that !entle)en sho'ld think hi!hly of (o)en and al(ays speak (ell of the).F Carlos listened attentively to don 6ernando, thinkin! all the (hile that he2d never in his life seen a !reater likeness to his 9stela. B't it didn2t occ'r to hi) to think that don 6ernando )i!ht e 9stela herself. 1hen don 6ernando finished FhisF speech, Carlos e=pressed his appreciation for s'ch a !reat favor and asked for FhisF hand to kiss. +e said he (o'ld forever e don 6ernando2s servant. 9stela raised hi) 'p fro) his knees, and fro) this day on Carlos re)ained in her service and (as so favored that the other servants (ere envio's. ,everal )onths passed like this: don Carlos served his lady not only as secretary 't also at the ta le and in the edcha) er. *l(ays don Carlos (as specially favored, and al(ays the t(o (o'ld talk a o't 9stela. 5hey talked a o't her so )'ch that don Carlos e!an to think that the d'ke (as in love (ith her Fhi)self.F F+eF kept askin! don Carlos if he loved 9stela as )'ch as efore, if he2d e !lad to see her a!ain, and other s'ch thin!s that certainly )ade hi) (onder. ,o)eti)es don Carlos2s ans(ers satisfied 9stela, so)eti)es they )ade her 'nhappy. Ane day the e)peror received the ne(s that the viceroy of Ealencia had died very s'ddenly, and he needed to appoint a s'ccessor to serve in that position, for he co'ldn2t let that kin!do) re)ain lon! (itho't a !overnor. &))ediately he tho'!ht of don 6ernando, (ho had served hi) so (ell. 9stela had also heard a o't the death of the viceroy, and she didn2t (ant to let this opport'nity slip thro'!h her fin!ers. ,he (ent to the e)peror and, kneelin! do(n, re?'ested that she e honored (ith this appoint)ent. 5he e)peror felt it proper that don 6ernando had )ade this re?'est, 't he hadn2t yet )ade 'p his )ind eca'se it saddened hi) to lose FhisF co)pany. 5he e)peror reali7ed, ho(ever, that this (as a (ell/ earned and proper re(ard for don 6ernando2s services, so he !ranted FhisF re?'est and ordered Fhi)F to depart i))ediately, earin! the ne( title and other necessary papers. ,o no( o'r 9stela is viceroy of Ealencia. Hon Carlos is still her secretary and the happiest )an in the (orld eca'se he elieves he no lon!er has to fear his ene)ies, especially no( that his father is > -$9 > )ayor of the city. *ll this he confided to his enefactor. +e felt satisfied that the viceroy elieved in his innocence in the )atter of 9stela, and he (as feelin! as !ood as free, tr'stin! in don 6ernando2s pro)ises. 5hey set o't filled (ith anticipation, and their pleas're increased (hen they arrived in Ealencia, (here the ne( viceroy (as received (ith re%oicin!. ,he ass')ed her position, and the first )atter placed efore her to %'d!e (as her o(n case. Ance a!ain the sa)e char!es (ere ro'!ht a!ainst her secretary, don Carlos. 5he viceroy pro)ised to hear the case. ,he ordered an investi!ation, and all the (itnesses (ere e=a)ined a!ain. 5he co)plainants

(anted don Carlos i)prisoned to hold hi) sec're, 't the viceroy satisfied the) y sayin! that FheF tr'sted don Carlos and his only prison (as doin! the viceroy2s (ill. ,he took the case so )'ch to heart, as &2ve )entioned, that in less than si= days everythin! (as ready for the hearin! and sentencin!, (hich (as to take place the ne=t day. 5hat ni!ht don Carlos ca)e into the roo) (here the viceroy (as in ed and, kneelin! do(n, he said: F5o)orro( yo'r 9=cellency is to hear )y case, reach a verdict, and declare )y innocence. Besides all the (itnesses (ho have testified on )y ehalf and all (ho have s(orn in )y favor, the est, s'rest, and tr'est evidence is the oath &2ve !iven into yo'r hands, 'nder pain of per%'ry, that & not only didn2t a d'ct 9stela, & hadn2t even seen her since the day efore her disappearance. & don2t kno( (hat eca)e of her or (here she is. 9ven tho'!h & did intend to elope (ith her, & never had a chance to do so, as )y )isfort'ne took her fro) )e first, to )y o(n r'ination, and )ay e also to hers.F F9no'!h, Carlos,F 9stela said. FGo ho)e and sleep sec're. & a) yo'r )aster and yo'r friend, (hich sho'ld relieve all yo'r fears. & have )ore confidence in yo' than yo' kno(. 9ven if & didn2t, )y rin!in! yo' here (ith )e (here yo'r life is in dan!er and keepin! yo' in )y e)ploy sho'ld e reason for yo' not to despair. Ko'r case is in )y hands and (ell & kno( yo'r innocence. Ko' are )y friend, that2s all yo' need think ofD &2ll take care of the rest.F Hon Carlos kissed FhisF hands and leftD the viceroy kept thinkin! of (hat she had to do. 1ho can do' t that don Carlos looked for(ard to the day that (o'ld rin! hi) his freedo)J ,carcely had the 'niversal father of all that lives loosed his rays across the alconies of the da(n, (hen don > -90 > Carlos arose and dressed in his finest clothes, as if to prove that this (as his day of !lory, as if to de)onstrate his ele!ance and no ility )ore splendidly on this day than ever efore. *fter he dressed, he (ent to help the viceroy dress so that FheF co'ld reass're hi) of his innocence. 5he viceroy e)er!ed fro) FhisF edroo) half/dressed (ith an a)'sed sco(l on FhisF face. 1ith a hollo( la'!h, FheF looked at FhisF secretary and said: FKo'2ve !otten 'p early, friend Carlos. Ko'r an=iety )akes yo'r innocence look a little s'spicio'sD the free )an sleeps (ith a clear conscience (hile !'ilt is a harsh acc'sor.F 5his state)ent 'pset don Carlos 't, cal)in! hi)self as est he co'ld, he replied: FAh, yo'r 9=cellency, li erty is so dear that even if & didn2t have ene)ies as po(erf'l as & do, the %oy of seein! )yself free at last eca'se of yo'r kindness (as eno'!h to keep )e fro) sleepin!. .'st as !reat sorro( prevents sleep so too does !reat %oy. 6ear of evil and hope of !ood have the sa)e effect.F FKo' look very ele!ant,F the viceroy responded. FAn the very day yo' are to see yo'r tra!edy played in co'rt in the )o'ths of all the (itnesses a!ainst yo', yo' dress in yo'r finest clothesJ &ndeed, it see)s that 9stela2s parents and her h's and )ay not e far fro) ri!ht (hen they say that yo' )'st have raped her and killed her after(ard, tr'stin! that no one sa( yo' do it. 9ven if Cla'dio, that vile inter)ediary to yo'r affair, sho'ld appear, &2) not s're yo' can prove yo'r innocence and, to tell yo' the tr'th, every ti)e (e speak of 9stela, yo' reveal s'ch little feelin!, s'ch coldness, that & think yo'r lady o(es )ore to )e than to yo'. & care deeply a o't her loss, and yo' see) not to care.F 1hat a terri le lo( this (as to don Carlos2s heartQ &t sankQ ,'ddenly despairin! of any !ood o'tco)e, he (as a o't to plead ti)e as an e=c'se since ti)e rin!s for!etf'lness to a)oro's passion (hen, (ith severe )ien and an!ry e=pression, the viceroy said to hi):

F,ilence, Carlos, don2t say a (ord. &2ve considered this )atter thoro'!hly, and & find that yo' aren2t entirely open a o't it, as evidenced in yo'r !reat desire for freedo). 9stela is !one, lost, and yo'2re alive. 9stela )ay e dead, and yo'2re still saneD yet yo' say that (hen she vanished yo' loved her passionately. Ko' )'st have a ne( lover no(D it see)s o vio's that yo' (ant to e free in order to en%oy yo'r ne( love )ore freely. 1ell, & shall see that %'stice is done, 'n)oved y > -91 > either affection or personal interest. & (o'ldn2t (ant anyone to co)plain to the e)peror a o't )y %'d!)ent. .'d!es kno( the i)portance of i)partiality etter than anyone, so e caref'l not to try to infl'ence )y %'d!)ent. & can2t )ake pro)ises, & can only hold yo' sec're, (hich is i)portant, for one (ho roke o't of prison )i!ht easily reak his (ord to )e.F *s 9stela said these (ords, she si!naled to a pa!e, (ho left the roo) and ret'rned (ith a s?'ad of soldiers. 5hey took don Carlos2s (eapons fro) hi) and placed hi) in c'stody. &f yo' had seen don Carlos at this )o)ent yo' co'ldn2t have helped feelin! sorry for hi). +is eyes do(ncast, his color !one, his face de%ected, he co'ld only la)e hi)self and re!ret havin! tr'sted the 'npredicta ility of the po(erf'l. 5he viceroy finished dressin!. 0no(in! that all the parties to the trial and the other %'d!es (ere (aitin!, FheF entered the hall (here the case (as to e heard. ,'rro'nded y soldiers, Carlos entered ehind the viceroy. 5he viceroy took FhisF seat and the other %'d!es sat do(n alon!/side. 5hen the co'rt reporter e!an to read the s'it, statin! the char!es and descri in! the evidence to the effect that don Carlos had a d'cted 9stela. 5his (as corro orated y the letters fo'nd in their desks, y the servants (ho kne( a o't their affair, y the nei!h ors (ho2d seen the) converse thro'!h the !ratin!. 1hat (as )ost da)a!in! (as 9stela2s letter in (hich she clearly stated that she (as elopin! (ith don Carlos in order not to )arry the co'nt. 5o all this, the est (itnesses on don Carlos2s ehalf (ere the servants of his ho'sehold (ho declared that, the ni!ht (hen 9stela disappeared, they2d seen hi) !o to ed even earlier than on other ni!hts, and don Carlos2s o(n state)ent 'nder oath that he had not seen 9stela that day. B't none of this contradicted the alle!ation that he co'ld have !one to ed in the presence of his servants, dressed a!ain, and !one o't to a d'ct her. &t see)ed clear that don Carlos had killed oth 9stela and Cla'dio, as neither of the) had ever t'rned 'p a!ain. ,o don Carlos )'st have killed his inter)ediary, the pa!e, as (ell. *s far as the validity of his o(n oath (as concerned, nat'rally he (o'ldn2t !ive testi)ony a!ainst hi)self. 5he viceroy sa( that 'p to this point, it appeared (ell esta lished that Carlos (as !'ilty of assa'ltin! the honor of 9stela2s parents, a d'ctin! 9stela, and killin! oth her and Cla'dio. Anly the viceroy co'ld !et Carlos o't of this ind. *ltho'!h 9stela (as deter)ined to > -9- > do %'st that, first she (anted to ack hi) into a corner so that his passion (o'ld lead hi) to confess his love p' licly and )ake hi) hold her in hi!her estee). 9stela called Carlos for(ard. *s he stood efore all the people asse) led in the hall, she said to hi): F6riend Carlos, if & had kno(n ho( little %'stice yo' had on yo'r side, & !ive yo' )y (ord and & s(ear y the life of the e)peror, & (o'ld never have ro'!ht yo' ack here to Ealencia (ith )e. & can2t deny

that )y )istake !rieves )e, as yo' can tell fro) )y tears. Please elieve that & deeply re!ret seein! yo'r life in s'ch dan!er. &f &2) to %'d!e this case on the asis of the present evidence, then &2d have to find yo' !'ilty, seein! no other alternative. 5he co)plainants are no le, their char!es serio's, and their case so stron! (ith re!ard to the loss of 9stela that it (o'ld e a )iscarria!e of %'stice for the) to accept a lesser verdict. 5he only sol'tion (o'ld e for 9stela herself to appearD then they (o'ld e satisfied and & co'ld help yo'. B't 'nless she does, & can do nothin! 't conde)n yo' to death.F 5he heart roken don Carlos (as terrified to hear this sentence and, despairin!, he knelt do(n and said: FKo'r 9=cellency (ell kno(s, ever since (e )et in &taly, that every ti)e (e2ve disc'ssed this case &2ve told it in the sa)e (ords and in the sa)e (ay. & (o'ldn2t deny the tr'th to yo' as %'d!e, even as & repeatedly told the tr'th to yo' as )y )aster and friend. *nd &2ll say the sa)e thin! a!ain: & confess that & adored 9stela.F F,ay that yo' adore her,F the viceroy (hispered. F&t looks s'spicio's for yo' to speak in the past and not feel in the present.F F& )ean, & adore her,F don Carlos repeated, s'rprised at the viceroy2s insi!ht. F& 'sed to (rite her and talk (ith her. & pro)ised to e her h's and and a!reed to take her fro) her ho'se and this city to !o to Barcelona. B't & didn2t take her a(ay. & didn2t even see her that day, )ay li!htnin! strike )e dead (here & standQ & )ay die, 't if & die, & die innocentQ My only error )ay have een for )e to love a fickle, false, inconstant, (o)an, a deceitf'l siren (ho, in the )iddle of her s(eet son!, has ro'!ht )e to this sha)ef'l, itter death. & die eca'se & love her, not eca'se & kno( anythin! a o't her (herea o'ts.F F1ell, (hat co'ld have happened to this (o)an and yo'r pa!eJF the viceroy asked. FHid they fly 'p to heavenJ Hid the earth si)ply s(allo( the)JF F+o( a) & to kno(,F the distressed don Carlos replied. F5he pa!e (as handso)e and 9stela ea'tif'l. ,he a (o)an, and he a )an. Perhaps . . .F > -9" > F5raitorQF the viceroy cried o't. F&n this 2perhaps2 yo' reveal yo'r false and devio's tho'!hts. +o( ?'ickly yo' let yo'rself e carried a(ay y yo'r evil i)a!inationQ God help the (o)an (ho !ives yo' the sli!htest prete=t for deni!ratin! herQ Ko' leap ?'ickly to concl'sions eca'se yo' think that (hat a (o)an does for yo', o li!ed y yo'r co'rtship and yo'r attention, she2d do (ith %'st any )an (ho happens do(n the street. 9stela (asn2t a (o)an and Cla'dio (asn2t a )an. 9stela (as no le and virt'o's, and Cla'dio a villain (ho, as yo'r servant, (as heir to all yo'r falsity. 9stela loved yo' and re!arded yo' as her h's and. Cla'dio hated 9stela eca'se she loved yo'. *nd, & repeat, 9stela (as not a (o)an, eca'se the (o)an (ho2s )odest, discreet, and virt'o's, isn2t a (o)an 't an an!el. Cla'dio (as not a )an, 't rather a (o)an (ho, )adly in love (ith yo', so'!ht to reak 'p yo'r relationship (ith 9stela y re)ovin! her fro) yo'r si!ht. & a) 9stela. &2ve end'red a tho'sand trials for yo'r sake, and yo' re(ard )e y har orin! false s'spicions a o't )eQF 9stela (ent on to relate everythin! that had happened to her since the day of her disappearance fro) ho)e. 9veryone (as asto'nded, and a ove all don Carlos. +e felt )ost asha)ed that he hadn2t reco!ni7ed her and that he2d i)p'!ned her honor. ,till kneelin!, he !rasped her ea'tif'l hands and kissed the) over and over, athin! the) (ith his tears and e!!in! her to for!ive his error. 9stela2s father and Carlos2s e!!ed her to for!ive the), and every ody cro(ded aro'nd to e) race her and !reet her lovin!ly. 5he co'nt ca)e 'p to con!rat'late her and asked her please to keep the (ord her father had !iven hi) that she (o'ld eco)e his (ife. Hon Carlos a(aited her ans(er (ith his heart in his hand, and his

hand (as placed on the hilt of the da!!er at his (aist so that, if 9stela failed to ans(er in his favor, he co'ld kill the co'nt and anyone (ho ca)e to his defense. Ar he2d kill hi)self rather than see her in another )an2s possession. B't the lady loved and cherished don Carlos )ore than her o(n life. Eery co'rteo'sly, she e!!ed the co'nt to e=c'se her fro) this a!ree)ent eca'se she2d al(ays considered herself Carlos2s tr'e (ife. ,he (anted to !ive to hi) everythin! she possessed. &t only !rieved her that she (asn2t )aster of the (hole (ide (orld to !ive it all to hi). &ndeed, all her rave deeds had een orn fro) the co'ra!e that ein! his had !iven her. ,he asked her father for his approval. ,teppin! do(n fro) the %'d!e2s ench, 9stela e) raced everyone. ,he (ent over to Carlos and placed her rave and ea'tif'l ar)s aro'nd his neck and !ave herself into his possession. 5he t(o lovers > -9@ > !ot into a carria!e to!ether and (ent to her )other2s ho'se. ,he2d already heard the incredi le ne(s and contri 'ted to the cele ration (ith tears of thanks!ivin!. 5he )arvelo's ne(s spread ?'ickly thro'!ho't the city. 9very ody (as a)a7ed that the viceroy (as a (o)an and, )ost of all, that the (o)an (as their 9stela. People r'shed to the palace or to her ho'se to con!rat'late her. * letter (as i))ediately sent to the e)peror, (ho (as in Ealladolid at the ti)e, co))'nicatin! this !reat ne(s to hi). Charles (as )ore astonished than anyone, as he2d (itnessed 9stela2s )any valiant deeds on the field of attle. +e co'ld scarcely elieve it (as tr'e. +e ans(ered the letter sendin! his con!rat'lations and )any %e(els. 5he e)peror confir)ed on 9stela the estates he2d previo'sly !ranted her and added a ne( title: princesse of B'Bol. +e transferred to don Carlos 9stela2s ha it of the Arder of ,antia!o (ith its inco)e and the appoint)ent as viceroy of Ealencia. 5he ne( lovers, rich and honored, perfor)ed all the cere)onies and other rites of the ch'rch. 5he cele ration of their (eddin! !ave )'ch pleas're to the cityD it also !ave ea'tif'l heirs to their )arria!e, and to storytellers it !ave !ood )aterial for (ritin! an enchant)ent, (ith special praise for the ea'tif'l 9stela2s valor. +er (isdo) and pr'dence )ade her a severe %'d!e, especially considerin! that she had to %'d!e her o(n case. 5hat2s no less )arvelo's than anythin! that happened. 4on! live the person (ho can %'d!e hi)self, for etter or for (orseD 's'ally (e %'d!e the fa'lts of others (itho't seein! o'r o(n. *s don .'an ended his clever enchant)ent, (hich everyone praised lavishly, the e=?'isite 4ysis2s discreet )other occ'pied the special seat. ,he deferred to her heavenly da'!hter to finish the allad she2d e!'n earlier, acco)panied y the )'sicians: .ealo's & a) and, since %ealo'sy is the very seed of hell, it2s no !reat (onder that it so(s sorro( in the so'l. *las for the heart 'rned and edeviled y s'ch a fla)eQ *nd alas for the poor so'l (hose only relief lies in deathQ 6or the 'nfort'nate lover to die

> -9I > is not really death 't )ercyD 't cr'el death flees fro) those (ho are 'nfort'nate. 5he )isfort'nes & s'ffer are so !reat that & a) )isfort'ne personifiedD life for )e is livin! death. B't if 6a io is oth life and heaven, (hy do yo', Marfisa, fear that heaven (ill hear yo'r sorro(s, that life (ill !rant yo' deathJ 1hile nat're overflo(s (ith !ladness, only Marfisa (eeps. 1hen the discreet 4a'ra sa( that her lovely da'!hter and the )'sicians had ended the allad, she e!an her enchant)ent char)in!ly: FHiscreet listeners, & do not (ish to present to yo' as proven facts the events of this story, altho'!h (ell they )i!ht e, eca'se it2s nothin! ne( for a rother to kill a rother or for a sister to etray a sister if they2re driven y %ealo'sy, love, and envy. 6ro) the very e!innin! of the (orld there2ve een invidio's and treachero's rothers and sisters, as (e see in a tho'sand stories that have een (ritten do(n. 3either is it ne( for poverty to prod'ce in!enio's trickery, partic'larly (hen inspired y lind passion. 3or is it novel for a lover to risk his so'l to !et (hat he (ants, or for a (o)an tryin! to protect her honor to ask a lover to do the i)possi le. & don2t even find it startlin! for the devil, al(ays tryin! to (in captives for his horri le and fearso)e prison, to arran!e e=trava!ant displays, pretendin! to satisfy )en2s desires. 1hat is )ost a)a7in! is that the devil sho'ld ever e capa le of a !ood deed, as yo' (ill see in )y enchant)ent. 5o e=plain this there )'st have een other, secret ca'ses (e can2t 'nderstand. *t any rate, &2ll not ask yo' to elieve any )ore than yo' (ish to. &2) tellin! it only to )ake a point and to (arn people to e caref'l. ,o (ith yo'r per)ission, here2s ho( it !oesF: > -9# >

The Ma&ic +arden

3ot )any years a!o in the ea'tif'l, no le city of Zara!o7a, a )iracle of nat're and the !lorio's cro(n of the kin!do) of *ra!on, there lived a rich and no le !entle)an (ho, eca'se of his o'tstandin! ?'alities had (on in )arria!e an e?'ally fine (o)an to e his (ife. +er no ility and virt'e )atched his in every (ay, and this is the !reatest re(ard any )an can have. +eaven !ave the) as the fr'it of their )arria!e t(o celestial s'ns, (hich is ho( they considered their t(o da'!hters. 5he older (as na)ed Constan7a, the yo'n!er 5heodosia, and oth (ere re)arka le in their ea'ty, discretion, and !race, and oth (ere so o'tstandin! that neither sister e=celled the other. 5hese t(o ea'tif'l yo'n! ladies, reno(ned for their (ealth, their ea'ty, and eca'se they (ere so acco)plished and perfect, (ere considered the pride and %oy of the city. 5he !irls reached the a!e of discretion (hen a )aiden2s ea'ty and !race e!in to losso). Hon .or!e, a yo'n!, (ealthy no le)an, also a native of the city of Zara!o7a, fell in love (ith Constan7a. +e (as the only heir to his parents2 estate for, altho'!h he had a yo'n!er rother na)ed 6ederico, he (as the elder son.

6ederico loved 5heodosia, altho'!h he hid it so caref'lly fro) his rother that the latter never kne( a o't his love. 5he t(o rothers didn2t !et alon!, and 6ederico feared his older rother )i!ht r'in his co'rtship of 5heodosia. Constan7a did not look on don .or!e (ith disfavorD indeed, she felt !ratef'l for his affection and accepted it (ith )odesty. ,he reali7ed > -9: > that soon her parents (o'ld arran!e her )arria!e, and she didn2t think there (as anyone in the (orld as deservin! as don .or!e. 5r'stin! in this elief, she appreciated and even favored his co'rtship. ,he felt s're that the )o)ent he asked her father for her hand, their love (o'ld reach its happy c'l)ination. Af co'rse, she co)ported herself (ith s'ch di!nity and )odesty that, if her father didn2t accede to her desire to have don .or!e as her h's and, she co'ld, (itho't any offense a!ainst her honor, !ive 'p this pretension. 5hin!s didn2t !o so (ell et(een 6ederico and 5heodosiaD he co'ld never o tain even the sli!htest favor fro) herD rather, she sho(ed !reat scorn for hi). 5he reason for this (as that 5heodosia (as s'fferin! fro) her i)possi le love for don .or!e. .ealo's of seein! her sister so happily loved, 5heodosia e!an to ponder and plan (ays to separate the t(o lovers. ,he (as so ast'te and clever that neither don .or!e nor Constan7a ever s'spected that she (as in love (ith don .or!e, let alone s'spected her of plottin! a!ainst the). +er re%ection of hi) )ade 6ederico so sad and 'nhappy that everyone kne( he (as )isera le, even tho'!h they didn2t kno( the reason. Constan7a noticed 6ederico2s )elancholy for, altho'!h she loved don .or!e (ith all her heart, she (as also fond of his rother. Constan7a ca)e close to s'spectin! that 5heodosia (as the ca'se of his !reat sorro( eca'se she2d noted telltale si!ns in the (ay he !lanced at her sister. Constan7a (anted to find o't for s're. 5his (as easy eca'se oth !entle)en and their parents (ere !ood friends of the ho'se, and the close friendship et(een their fa)ilies )ade it diffic'lt to keep anythin! hidden. Ane day Constan7a took 6ederico aside to talk (ith hi) and learned fro) hi) ho( )'ch he loved her sister and ho( coldly 5heodosia treated hi). B't 6ederico (arned her that don .or!e sho'ldn2t kno( of his love eca'se, as (e2ve already said, the rothers didn2t !et alon!. Constan7a (as a)a7ed that 5heodosia sho'ld scorn 6ederico eca'se he (as in every (ay (orthy of love. B't, since 5heodosia kept her o(n love for don .or!e so (ell hidden, it never occ'rred to Constan7a that don .or!e )i!ht e the ca'se. 8ather she la)ed it on 5heodosia2s 'nlovin! nat're, (hich she told 6ederico every ti)e the t(o talked, and they talked to!ether fre?'ently. Ulti)ately don .or!e eca)e so)e(hat annoyed and e!an to feel %ealo's of his rother. Constan7a2s reserve )ade hi) )ore %ealo's eca'se, even (hen there (as an opport'nity, she (o'ld never let hi) take her hand. > -9$ > Hon .or!e2s %ealo'sy inspired 5heodosia (ith a plan to )ake hi) re%ect her sister. ,he tho'!ht don .or!e (o'ld )erely co)e to despise Constan7a. &t never occ'rred to her that he )i!ht take reven!e. &f don .or!e ca)e to hate Constan7a, then she co'ld fill the place her sister had for)erly occ'pied. 5his kind of (ron!/headed thinkin! is typical of people (ho do evil: they see only the har) they do to their ene)y and cannot i)a!ine the har) that )i!ht e done to the one they love. 1ith this plan in )ind and not i)a!inin! the loody concl'sion it )i!ht lead to, 5heodosia decided to

tell don .or!e that 6ederico and Constan7a (ere in love (ith each other. 3o sooner said than done, for lind 4ove r'les lindly and is like(ise served y the lind. Ane (ho isn2t lind can2t ri!htly consider hi)self 4ove2s captive. 6ort'ne soon !ave 5heodosia her chance. Ane day, Constan7a and don .or!e (ere aloneD he (as an!ry (ith her and, yo' )i!ht say, %ealo's, eca'se he2d fo'nd her in conversation (ith his detested rother. ,o don .or!e told her all his (orries and acc'sed her of a (anin! affection for hi). +e ref'sed to elieve that her rel'ctance to let hi) hold hands (as si)ply discreet )odesty on the part of the lady. ,he replied as follo(s: FHon .or!e, &2) sorry yo' don2t appreciate )y affection and the !reat favor & !rant yo' in allo(in! yo' to love )e. B't yo' stoop to s'ch a lo( opinion of )e that yo' s'spect )e falsely and entertain 'nfo'nded %ealo'sies that yo'2ve %'st )entioned. 6'rther)ore, yo' dare to ask )ore favors fro) )e than the ones & already per)it, kno(in! f'll (ell that & (on2t !rant the). & can2t reply to s'ch 'nfo'nded s'spicions as yo'rs for, if &2) not )ore !ivin! to yo' than & a), ho( co'ld yo' think &2d e !ivin! (ith yo'r rotherJ *s for yo'r co)plaints a o't )y reserve, &2ll tell yo' once and for all, to keep yo' fro) pesterin! )e, that so lon! as yo' aren2t )y h's and, yo' can e=pect no )ore fro) )e. & have parents and & shall do their (ill. Given yo'r )any fine ?'alities, )y parents2 (ishes sho'ld not differ fro) yo'r o(n (ishes. &n sayin! this, &2) tellin! yo' (hat yo' sho'ld do if yo' (ant to please )e and, if yo' don2t, then thin!s (ill t'rn o't other(ise.F *fter Constan7a said these (ords, she left hi) and (ent into the ne=t roo) (here there (ere people and servants present. ,he didn2t (ant to enco'ra!e hi) to take any a)oro's li erties. 5heodosia co'ldn2t have (ished for a etter occasion to (ork her > -99 > deception. ,he2d een (atchin! and listenin! to every (ord they said, and she sa( don .or!e so do(ncast and despondent at Constan7a2s fir)ness that she (ent 'p to hi) and said: FHon .or!e, & can no lon!er hide )y sorro( at seein! yo' so )adly in love (ith )y sister. & can2t ear kno(in! ho( she deceives yo'r love. &f yo'2ll !ive )e yo'r (ord never to repeat (hat & tell yo', if yo'2ll never tell a so'l that &2ve told yo' (hat & kno( and (hat yo' also sho'ld kno( for the sake of yo'r honor, then &2ll e=plain (hy Constan7a2s affection for yo' see)s so rel'ctant.F ,'spectin! e=actly (hat the treachero's 5heodosia (as inti)atin!, don .or!e reacted ea!erly, an=io's to find o't (hat (o'ld only ca'se hi) !rief to learn, (hich is typical of lovers. ,(earin! )any oaths, don .or!e vo(ed to her that he (o'ld keep her secret. F1ell,F 5heodosia said, Fyo'r rother 6ederico and Constan7a love each other so deeply and so fir)ly that, to prove it, & need say only that they2ve a!reed to )arry. 5hey2ve pro)ised each other, and & think they2ve even e=chan!ed other favors. & (itnessed this (itho't their kno(in!. & sa( and heard everythin! that &2) descri in! to yo' eca'se & (as afraid that )i!ht happen. 3o( that yo' kno( the tr'th and there2s nothin! yo' can do a o't it, & 'r!e yo' to ear this set ack and accept the fact that Constan7a (asn2t orn to e yo'rs. +eaven is savin! yo' for so)eone (ho really deserves yo', and love )ade in heaven, h')an ein!s cannot set as'nder. Ko'2ll find the (o)an yo' deserve, and yo'r rother (ill find hi)self p'nished for havin! dared to take a(ay yo'r lady.F 5heodosia ended her etrayal at this point, not (antin! to tell don .or!e a o't her love for hi) at the )o)ent so he (o'ldn2t s'spect her treachery. Hon .or!e (ent into a desperate, %ealo's ra!e, thinkin! a o't his rother2s offense a!ainst hi) and Constan7a2s disloyalty to hi). Hon .or!e allo(ed his %ealo'sy to act as %'d!e: his o'tra!ed love %oined forces (ith his hatred of 6ederico to act as prosec'tor

and, (itho't askin! any )ore ?'estions a o't the offense, he ca)e to a harsh, cr'el sentence. Hisse) lin!, so as not to 'pset 5heodosia, he thanked her co'rteo'sly for the kindness she2d done hi). +e pro)ised to repay her y takin! her advice and a andonin! his co'rtship of Constan7a, no( that he kne( her affections (ere directed to(ard his rother and not hi)self. Hon .or!e took leave of 5heodosia, and she felt e=tre)ely pleased (ith herself. ,he tho'!ht, (ith don .or!e disill'sioned in his hope > "00 > of (innin! her sister, it (o'ld no( e easy for her to !et hi) for her h's and. B't that2s not (hat happened, for the !reater the offense a!ainst a %ealo's )an, the )ore stron!ly he loves. 5he )o)ent don .or!e left 5heodosia2s presence, he set o't to find his detested rother. 6irst he spoke (ith the pa!e in (ho) he confided his closest secrets. +e !ave hi) %e(els and a lar!e s') of )oney and told hi) to prepare a horse and (ait for hi) at a certain place in the o'tskirts of the city. 5hen he approached 6ederico and told hi) he had certain )atters to take 'p (ith hi) that necessitated their )eetin! o'tside of to(n. 6ederico a!reed to )eet his rother, altho'!h he (asn2t so inca'tio's that he didn2t fear his rother, considerin! the ad lood et(een the). 6ort'ne, (ho arran!es thin!s as she pleases, (itho't re!ard for innocence or )erit, had already cast her l'ck in favor of don .or!e and a!ainst poor 6ederico. 1hen 6ederico ca)e to the desi!nated place, (hich (as very isolated, don .or!e dre( his s(ord and, (itho't !ivin! 6ederico ti)e to dra( his, he called hi) the ro er of all he held dear and ran his rother thro'!h the heart (ith s'ch force that the s(ord pierced his ody and ca)e o't his ack. 5he 'nfort'nate 6ederico instantly s'rrendered his so'l to God and dropped to the !ro'nd stone dead. *fter the 'nfort'nate yo'th had died at the hand of his cr'el rother, don .or!e (ent to (here his servant (as (aitin! (ith the horse. +e )o'nted, took the pa!e 'p ehind hi), and set o't for Barcelona. 6ro) there, he e) arked on the !alleys for 3aples, sayin! fare(ell forever to his native ,pain. 5hat sa)e ni!ht, the ill/starred 6ederico2s ody (as discovered and ro'!ht ho)e to his parents. 5hey and the (hole city la)ented the dreadf'l )'rder (hose a'thor re)ained 'nkno(n. &t (as tr'e that his rother (as )issin!, 't it never occ'rred to anyone that don .or!e )i!ht e responsi le for s'ch an a(f'l deed. +is a sence did, ho(ever, )ake people think that he )i!ht have had so)e connection (ith the )isfort'ne. Anly 5heodosia, the real ca'se of the tra!edy, co'ld have told the tr'th a o't (hat had happened, 't she re)ained silent eca'se it (as i)portant to her honor and her plans. Constan7a deeply la)ented don .or!e2s a sence, 't even she never s'spected anythin! 'nfavora le to his honor and so, (aitin! to have ne(s of hi), she p't off all tho'!ht of )arria!e. 5hen her father died. +e left !reat (ealth to the t(o !irls and their )other to take care of the). 6or over t(o years their )other kept > "01 > 'sy )ana!in! their affairs and never tho'!ht to arran!e her da'!hters2 )arria!es. 5hey didn2t initiate anythin! eca'se they (ere (aitin! for the ret'rn of their eloved don .or!e, despite the fact that they never heard a (ord fro) hi) d'rin! all that ti)e. 3either did the !irls (ant to lose the lovin! care their )other provided. 5i)e !rad'ally (orked its nat'ral effect of for!etf'lness on Constan7a2s love. 3ot so (ith 5heodosia, (ho re)ained steadfastly in love (ith don .or!e and (anted her sister to )arry so

she2d feel )ore sec're (hen don .or!e ret'rned. 5hen it happened that a !entle)an fro) ,antander, na)ed Carlos, ca)e to Zara!o7a on 'siness. +e (as et(een thirty and thirty/si= years old, etter endo(ed y nat're than y (ealth, ele!ant, discreet, and in every (ay (orthy of love. +e took lod!in! ri!ht across the street fro) Constan7a2s ho'se. 5he first ti)e he set eyes on the lady2s !reat ea'ty, he s'rrendered his freedo) to her. +is heart (as so stricken y love that death alone co'ld have shaken it. +is love (as only increased y her no le irth, her (ealth, her )odesty, and her attractive reserve. A'r Carlos (as a stran!er in this land, and he (as poor. *ltho'!h he had no le ancestors, (hat he lacked (as )oney, so there (as no (ay he co'ld ask for Constan7a2s hand in )arria!eD he kne( that her fa)ily (o'ldn2t !ive her to hi). B't, since there doesn2t e=ist a love (itho't its art, a s)art )an kno(s ho( to 'se it to his advanta!e. ,o Carlos tho'!ht 'p a strata!e) that he hoped (o'ld !et hi) (hat he (anted. 5o p't it into effect, he e!an y )akin! friends (ith 6a ia, (hich (as Constan7a2s )other2s na)e. +e re!aled her (ith !ifts that he o'!ht %'st for that p'rpose, and the no le lady ret'rned his kindness. +e visited the three (o)en fro) ti)e to ti)e, earnin! the !ood(ill of all three (ith his pleasant co)pany and !racio's conversation. 6inally, they co'ld scarcely !et alon! (itho't hi). 3o( that all this had (orked o't accordin! to Carlos2s desi!n, he revealed his plan to an old servant (ho (aited on hi), pro)isin! to pay her handso)ely for her help in this )atter. +e pretended to e ill, not %'st a )inor te)porary affliction 't one so serio's that he took to his ed. 5he old (o)an, his )aid, had already )ade arran!e)ents (ith a doctor to (ho) they2d !iven a nice present, and he ca)e to attend Carlos. +e dia!nosed the illness as a dreadf'l fever. 1hen the no le 6a ia learned of her nei!h or2s illness, feelin! very sorry for hi), she i))ediately (ent to visit. ,he took care of hi) as if he (ere her o(n > "0- > son, attendin! to all his needs. 5he fei!ned illness !ot (orse, accordin! to the co)plaints of the patient and the doctor2s reports, 'ntil finally he (as 'r!ed to )ake his (ill and take the last sacra)ents. 5his scene took place in 6a ia2s presence. 5he serio'sness of his illness 'pset her terri ly. 5he clever Carlos took her hand and, preparin! to )ake his (ill, he said to 6a ia: FMy lady, yo' can see that &2) closer to death than to life. & don2t re!ret it so )'ch for )y sake, even tho'!h it arrives at the )idpoint in )y life, as )'ch as & re!ret that it (ill prevent )e fro) servin! yo', (hich has een )y !reatest pleas're since )eetin! yo'. for )y so'l to depart this life (ith so)e co)fort, please let )e reveal a secret to yo'.F 5he !ood lady told hi) to tell her anythin! he (anted and to re)e) er that she loved hi) as if he (ere her o(n son and (o'ld listen caref'lly to (hat he had to say. FMy lady 6a ia,F Carlos contin'ed, Ffor si= )onths & have lived across the street fro) yo'r ho'se, and all this ti)e & have adored yo'r da'!hter Constan7a eca'se of her !reat ea'ty and virt'e, and &2ve (anted her for )y (ife. & haven2t )entioned this efore eca'se & (as (aitin! for the arrival of a relative of )ine (ho & hoped (o'ld serve as inter)ediary and )ake all the arran!e)ents. B't God, (ho kno(s (hat2s est, has, as yo' can see, seen fit to p't an end to )y desires (itho't per)ittin! )e to en%oy )y heartfelt (ish. 5he per)ission that &2) re?'estin! of yo' is that yo' allo( )e to leave )y entire estate to Constan7a, that she e allo(ed to accept it, and that yo', )y lady, serve as e=ec'tri=. *fter )y (ill has een e=ec'ted, (hat re)ains shall e her do(ry.F 1ith lovin! (ords 6a ia thanked hi) for the !reat favor he did her. ,he (ept and la)ented losin! hi).

Carlos )ade his (ill and )entioned )ore than a h'ndred tho'sand d'cats and na)ed fine estates in vario's parts of ,antander. +e left everythin! to his only heir Constan7a. +er )other (as so !rieved that she prayed to heaven to save his life. 6a ia (ent to tell her da'!hter the ne(s and, thro(in! her ar)s aro'nd Constan7a2s neck, she said: FMy darlin! da'!hter, ho( )'ch yo' o(e CarlosQ Ko' sho'ld consider yo'rself terri ly 'nfort'nate fro) this day on eca'se yo'2re losin! s'ch a fine h's and.F 5he ea'tif'l lady, i)pressed (ith Carlos2s )any fine ?'alities and also feelin! o li!ated y the (ealth he2d left to her, responded: F+eaven for id, )other, that Carlos sho'ld die, or that )y hap/ > "0" > piness sho'ld e so short/lived as to (itness his death. & pray that God (ill !rant hi) life so that (e can repay the !reat kindness he has sho(n 's.F 1ith these fervent (ishes, )other and da'!hters prayed to God to save his life. 1ithin a fe( days, Carlos, (ho had his health 'nder control, e!an to !et etter and, y the end of the )onth, he (as co)pletely (ell. 3ot only (as he healthy 't also )arried to the ea'tif'l Constan7a eca'se, (hen he recovered f'lly, 6a ia had taken hi) into her ho'se and )arried hi) to her da'!hter. Constan7a (as very happy eca'se her h's and kne( ho( to (in her love (ith !ifts and lovin! caresses. B't he2d earned all this thro'!h his deception. 1hen Carlos felt f'lly ass'red of Constan7a2s love, he dared to reveal his trick to her, offerin! as e=c'se her !reat ea'ty and the tr'e love he felt fro) the )o)ent he first sa( her. Constan7a (as discreet so, instead of resentin! his deception, she considered herself fort'nate to have s'ch a h's and and felt thankf'l for his trick. ,he elieved it had een heaven2s (ill, (hich cannot e th(arted no )atter ho( one tries. 6'rther)ore, the splendid estates she possessed )ore than )ade 'p for (hat he didn2t possess. 5he only thin! that had een lackin! to co)ple)ent her ea'ty, discretion, and (ealth had een a !ood h's and like the one she no( had, e?'ally discreet, !enteel, of no le lood and fine character. +er )other and sister, seein! Constan7a so happy that she tr'ly considered herself lessed, also loved hi) dearly and, instead of r'in! the deception, they considered it a stroke of fort'ne. 6o'r years )'st have passed after 6ederico2s death and still don .or!e re)ained a sent. H'rin! this ti)e Constan7a had )arried, and the e=?'isite lady received as !ifts fro) her h's and t(o lovely children. ,he (as even happier than at the e!innin! of her )arria!e, (hich )ade her consider as (asted all the ti)e efore she2d elon!ed to Carlos. 5hen don .or!e, (ho2d (andered all over &taly, Pied)ont, and 6landers, co'ld no lon!er ear his a sence fro) his eloved )istress. 5he people he2d )et in those parts ass'red hi) that his na)e hadn2t een connected (ith the death of the 'nfort'nate 6ederico, so he ret'rned ho)e and presented hi)self to his parents. *ltho'!h his a sence had )ade the) (onder, don .or!e )ana!ed to e=plain his disappearance and, pretendin! it (as all ne(s to hi), he la)ented the death of his rother (ith fei!ned tears and dissi)'lated sorro( and p't to rest any s'spicion they )i!ht have felt a o't his disappearance. > "0@ >

Hon .or!e2s lovin! parents received hi) (ith all the %oy one feels 'pon findin! a pri7ed possession lon! after havin! lost it (ith no hope of its recovery. 5he ea'tif'l 5heodosia shared in that %oy eca'se of her passionate love for don .or!e, 't she kept her deception secret, partic'larly fro) her eloved, so he (o'ld never s'spect her. 5he person (ho (as least happy a o't his ret'rn (as Constan7a, al)ost as if she divined (hat (as to happen. ,he tr'ly loved her h's and, so (hat )ade everyone else happy )ade her 'nhappy, for don .or!e, terri ly distressed to find her )arried, !athered 'p his nerve and e!an to serve and co'rt her despite the fact that she co'ldn2t eco)e his (ife. *ltho'!h )arria!e (as i)possi le, at least he co'ld en%oy her ea'ty and not elie the )any years he had loved her. +e ha'nted her street, sent her !ifts, serenaded her, and co'rted her so attentively that people in the city e!an to !ossip. 5he lady (as deaf to all don .or!e2s advances. ,he (o'ldn2t accept a sin!le !ift or letter, nor did she ackno(led!e his attentions. 1hen she ran into hi) in ch'rch or at a party, she (o'ldn2t respond to his )any co)plaints a o't the fact that she2d )arried another )an, or to any of the other tender, heartfelt (ords he2d 'tter every ti)e he fo'nd hi)self in her presence. An occasion, she tired of hearin! his endless co)plaints and spoke to hi) so harshly and (ith s'ch displeas're that her response only served to increase his 'nhappiness. 5he sorro( that 5heodosia felt (hen she sa( these a)oro's e=tre)es in her eloved don .or!e (as so !reat that, if she hadn2t een enco'ra!ed y her sister2s disdain for hi), she (o'ld have died a tho'sand deaths. ,he had !ood ca'se for, altho'!h she fre?'ently inti)ated her love to don .or!e, all she received fro) hi) in ret'rn (as r'de harshness, (hich saddened her and ro'!ht her to despair. Constan7a (as not 'na(are of (hat (as ca'sin! her sister2s 'nhappiness, and she (ished don .or!e (ere inclined to re)edy it, eca'se she hated to see 5heodosia s'ffer and she (anted to e free of his i)port'nate co'rtship. ,'ch a sol'tion see)ed )ore and )ore i)possi le, ho(ever, as don .or!e eca)e so e=tre)e and cra7y in p'rs'in! his desire that he no lon!er cared if his love for Constan7a eca)e co))on !ossip in Zara!o7a or if Constan7a2s h's and learned of it. 6or over a year, don .or!e ehaved in this )ad fashion, i!norin! the fact that Constan7a fled fro) the si!ht of hi). ,he never left her ho'se e=cept to !o to )ass and then only in the co)pany of her h's and so don .or!e (o'ldn2t dare address her. ,he did everythin! > "0I > to disco'ra!e the precipito's !allant and !et hi) to desist fro) o sessively p'rs'in! her. *t last 5heodosia2s )elancholy reached its li)it, and she took to her ed (ith a dan!ero's illness so serio's that her fa)ily e!an to lose hope that she (o'ld s'rvive. Constan7a, (ho loved her sister dearly, kne( that the only re)edy for her illness lay in don .or!e2s hands. ,he decided to speak (ith hi) and, for the sake of her sister2s life, to try to chan!e his cold, cr'el attit'de. Ane day, (hen Carlos had !one h'ntin!, she sent for don .or!e. Hon .or!e received the happy )essa!e fro) his eloved lady and (as (ild (ith %oy. 3ot (antin! to )iss his chance, he (ent i))ediately to see (hat the )istress of his heart (anted of hi). Constan7a !reeted don .or!e (ith a s)ile on her face and sat do(n (ith hi) in her parlor. 5ryin! to o li!e hi) and rin! hi) to her (ill, she said as )odestly and a)ia ly as she co'ld: FHon .or!e, (hen & look dispassionately at yo'r )erits and the affection & o(e yo', & cannot deny that & (as 'nfort'nate the day yo' left this city, for then & lost hope of havin! yo' for )y h's and. Given the honest affection (ith (hich & accepted yo'r co'rtship, favors, and attentions, & had never e=pected yo' to disappear. Af co'rse & a) (ell contented (ith )y h's and and thank heaven that & ca)e to )erit hi), as yo' can tell fro) the coldness (ith (hich &2ve treated yo'r attentions since yo'r ret'rn. &t

(o'ldn2t e ri!ht for )e to deny the o li!ation in (hich yo' place )e, 't the o li!ations of )y honor are s'ch that & cannot risk e=posin! )yself to yo'r pretension. & can2t deny that )y first love (as po(erf'l and, if there (ere any (ay & co'ld correspond and retain )y honor and )y h's and2s, e ass'red that & (o'ld have re(arded yo'r perseverance as it deserves. FB't that2s i)possi le, and yo' e=ert yo'rself in vain, even if yo' devoted a (hole cent'ry to lovin! )e and tryin! to o li!ate )e. Beca'se this is the case, &2ve decided to repay yo' y !ivin! yo' in )y place another )e, since & cannot !ive yo' )y person. &f yo' !rant )e this re?'est, yo' (ill !ain not only )y tr'e friendship 't also )y perpet'al de t. 3ot to keep yo' in s'spense, the ea'ty & (ant to !ive yo' in e=chan!e for )y ea'ty, (hich elon!s to Carlos, is )y sister 5heodosia. Hespairin! eca'se of yo'r scorn, she has co)e to the end of her daysD the only re)edy that (ill rin! her ack to life is yo'. 3o( is the ti)e for yo' to sho( )e ho( )'ch & really )ean to yo', if yo' (ill only honor 's all y !ivin! yo'r hand in )arria!e to 5heodosia. By doin! this yo'2ll p't an end to the !ossip, )y h's and2s s'spicions, yo'r o(n sorro(s, and yo'2ll rin! )y sister > "0# > ack fro) the rink of death. 1itho't yo'r ac?'iescence, there2s no do' t that death (ill tri')ph over her yo'th and ea'ty. &f yo' (ere )y rother/in/la(, & co'ld !ratef'lly repay yo' as no( & cannot o't of )odesty.F 5ro' led and despondent, don .or!e listened to Constan7a. 5hen, carried a(ay y his a)oro's passion, he e=clai)ed: FBea'tif'l Constan7a, is this the re(ard yo' have in store for all the tor)ent &2ve s'ffered for yo'r sake, for the end'rin! love & have for yo'J & tho'!ht yo'2d sent for )e eca'se yo' felt o li!ated y )y attentions, and it (as only eca'se yo' (anted to )ake )y love totally i)possi leQ & ass're yo' that & ref'se yo'r re?'est. 3o (o)an (ho is not Constan7a (ill ever possess )e. & shall die lovin! yo', and & shall live lovin! yo' 'ntil death overtakes )e. 1hen yo' kno( ho( )'ch & desire death for )yself, ho( can yo' ask )e to try to prevent yo'r sister2s deathJ My dear lady, if yo' don2t (ant )e to kill )yself ri!ht here efore yo'r eyes no( that & have the opport'nity, yo'2d etter take pity on )e and deliver )e fro) all the sorro(s & s'ffer for yo'r sake.F Constan7a listened. 5hen she stood 'p and said %okin!ly: FHon .or!e, let2s )ake an a!ree)ent: if, et(een no( and to)orro( )ornin!, yo' (ill )ake for )e in the s?'are in front of )y ho'se a !arden (ith flo(er eds f'll of perf')ed flo(ers, trees, and fo'ntains that, in all its ea'ty, freshness, and diversity of irds, s'rpasses the fa)o's !ardens that ,e)ira)is had 'ilt on the (alls of Ba ylon, then & shall place )yself in yo'r hands for yo' to do (ith as yo' please. &f yo' don2t, then yo' )'st cease yo'r )ad co'rtship of )e and in repay)ent yo' (ill !ive yo'r hand in )arria!e to )y sister. Unless the lack arts assist yo', Carlos and Constan7a (ill not lose the honor they2ve (orked so hard to earn and keep. 5his is the price of )y honorD !et to (orkD for a lover as devoted as yo', nothin! sho'ld e i)possi le.F 1hen she finished, she (ent into her sister2s roo), feelin! very 'nhappy a o't the (ay thin!s had !one. ,he left don .or!e in s'ch despair that it (as a )iracle he didn2t kill hi)self. +e fled fro) Constan7a2s ho'se like a )an de)ented. 1itho't seein! (here he (as !oin!, (ith falterin! step, he (ent o't into the co'ntry and thre( hi)self do(n at the foot of a tree. +e c'rsed his ad l'ck and the day he2d first seen and loved Constan7a. +e re)ained in that state 'ntil ni!ht e!an to fall, 'tterin! sad and painf'l si!hs, callin! her a cr'el, harsh (o)an, (eepin!, thinkin! of s'icide. ,o)eti)es he (o'ld cry o't like a )ad)an, so)eti)es he (o'ld fall silent.

> "0: > ,'ddenly a )an appeared o't of no(here and stood efore hi). +e said: F1hat2s the )atter, don .or!eJ 1hy do yo' cry o't and si!h in the (ind (hen there2s another (ay for yo' to solve yo'r pro le)J 1hat (o)anish tears are thoseJ Hoesn2t a )an of yo'r co'ra!e have )ore spirit than yo'2re sho(in!J Can2t yo' see, no( that yo'r lady has p't a price on her love, the sol'tion isn2t as diffic'lt as yo' tho'!htJF Hon .or!e stared at the stran!er as he said this, a)a7ed to hear hi) speak of thin!s he kne( no one else co'ld kno(. Hon .or!e replied: F1ho are yo' (ho kno( thin!s even & don2t kno(J Ko', (ho pro)ise )e a re)edy that2s i)possi leJ 1hat can yo' do (hen )y pli!ht is i)possi le even for the devilJF F*nd (hat (o'ld yo' say if & (ere the very one yo'2ve %'st na)edJF the devil hi)self asked. F+ave co'ra!eQ 5ake heartQ 5ell )e, (hat (o'ld yo' !ive )e if & )ake the (onderf'l !arden yo'r lady has asked forJF Ko' listeners, %'st i)a!ine (hat a desperate )an (o'ld pro)ise to !et (hat he (anted )ost, a )an (ho cared little for his life or for his so'lQ Hon .or!e replied: FKo' set the price for yo'r service and &2ll pay.F FPro)ise )e yo'r so'l,F the devil said, Fand (rite )e an a!ree)ent si!ned y yo'r hand that it (ill e )ine the )o)ent it leaves yo'r ody. 5hen yo' can !o ho)e kno(in! that efore the s'n rises yo' (ill have ans(ered yo'r lady2s i)possi le (ish.F 3o le, discreet listeners, the ill/advised yo'n! )an (as in love, so it (asn2t hard for hi) to do e=actly (hat the evil ene)y of o'r repose asked. 5he devil had ro'!ht the necessary i)ple)ents, and he placed paper and pen in don .or!e2s hand. Hon .or!e (rote o't the a!ree)ent as the devil had co))anded. +e si!ned it (itho't thinkin! a o't (hat he (as doin!: to satisfy his )onstro's appetite he (as !ivin! a(ay his )ost priceless possession, (hich had cost its Creator s'ch a dear price. Ah cra7y yo'thQ Ah ill/advised !entle)anQ 1hat are yo' doin!J 4ook at ho( )'ch yo' lose and ho( little yo' !ainD the pleas're yo' 'y (ill end in an instant, and the pain yo'2ll s'ffer (ill last for eternity. Ko'r desire to possess Constan7a lets yo' heed none of this, 't yo'2ll e sorry (hen it2s too late. *fter don .or!e si!ned the pact, he ret'rned to his lod!in!, and the devil set o't to 'ild the fa 'lo's artifact. 1hen )ornin! ca)e, don .or!e felt s're it (o'ld e the day of > "0$ > his !lory. +e !ot 'p at da(n and dressed as richly and as ele!antly as he co'ld. 5hen he (ent to the s?'are (here the !arden (as s'pposed to e. 1hen he reached the ea'tif'l Constan7a2s ho'se, he felt happier than he2d ever felt in his life as he eheld the )ost )a!nificent !arden he2d ever seen. +ad it not een false like its )aker, it )i!ht have een 'ilt y a !reat )onarch. Hon .or!e entered the !arden and (alked alon! the ea'tif'l flo(er eds and do(n the splendid paths and (aited for his lady to co)e o't to see ho( he had satisfied her (ish. 5he day Constan7a had spoken (ith don .or!e, Carlos had ret'rned tired fro) the h'nt. 5he ne=t )ornin!, in order to take care of so)e 'siness that had co)e 'p, he a(oke at da(n. ,ince it (as

scarcely dayli!ht, he opened the (indo( that !ave onto the s?'are to dress y its li!ht. 5he instant he opened the (indo(, he eheld the !arden 'ilt y the devil to van?'ish the fortress of his (ife2s honor. Carlos stood there asto'nded, thinkin! he (as drea)in!. B't even tho'!h his eyes )i!ht have een deceived y the lavish flo(er eds, the ea'tif'l trees, the intricate la yrinths, his ears co'ldn2t have een, and they (ere deli!hted y the s(eet son! of the )any different kinds of irds that, noticin! the !arden2s )a!nificence in their )ornin! fli!ht, had flocked there to en%oy its splendid ea'ty. *s if a(akin! fro) a drea), Carlos called o't to his (ife and everyone else in the ho'se, tellin! the) to !et 'p and co)e look at the )ost )arvelo's (onder that had ever een seen. *t his astonished cries, Constan7a, her )other, and everyone in the ho'sehold !ot 'p, s're that Carlos (as )akin! thin!s 'p. 5he lady didn2t re)e) er her offer to don .or!e, since it (as i)possi le and so, (itho't thinkin!, she (ent to see (hat her h's and (anted. 1hen she looked o't and sa( the !arden filled (ith flo(ers and trees, the price of her honor, she reali7ed that the !arden she2d een !iven, filled (ith lovely fo'ntains and o(ers, (as )'ch )ore than she2d asked for. 9veryone (ho looked at the !arden (as filled (ith (onder. ,trollin! a o't in it (as don .or!e, very ele!ant in all his finery. ,'ddenly Constan7a reali7ed (hat she2d pro)ised. ,he fell to the floor in a )ortal s(oon. 5he so'nd of her fall ro'!ht her h's and and the rest of her fa)ily to her side. 5hey all tho'!ht it (as a e(itch)ent, !iven the prodi!ies they (ere (itnessin!. 5enderly Carlos took his (ife in his ar)s and ordered that the doctor e called i))ediately. +e feared she )i!ht e dead, and he loved her dearly. Carlos and 5heodosia e!an to (eep and la)ent > "09 > Constan7a2s death. 5heir (eepin! attracted the people (ho2d !athered in the s?'are to look at the !arden. Hon .or!e, (ho already i)a!ined (hat )'st have happened, ca)e in (ith the), and they all %oined in the la)ent. 5he ea'tif'l lady2s s(oon lasted for over a half an ho'r, d'rin! (hich ti)e the doctors atte)pted every re)edy. 5hen, (ith sh'dder, she ca)e to her senses and fo'nd herself in her lovin! h's and2s ar)s and s'rro'nded y a cro(d of people, incl'din! don .or!e. Constan7a, po'rin! forth itter tears fro) her ea'tif'l eyes, looked at Carlos and then spoke: FMy lord, if yo' (ant to keep yo'r honor, yo'r children2s, and the honor of all )y no le relatives, then yo' )'st p't an end to )y life this instant. 3ot eca'se & have, in any (ay, offended a!ainst yo' or the), 't eca'se, (itho't thinkin! that honor is priceless, & set a price on )y honor. & e! yo' to end )y life in i)itation of 4'crecia and even to s'rpass her, for she killed herself after she2d een dishonored, and & (o'ld die (itho't losin! )y honor, 't for havin! tho'!ht to p't a price 'pon it. ,ince & )'st lose )y life and yo', (ho are )y life, even tho'!h &2) innocent, & a) Christian, and it (o'ld e (ron! for )e to lose )y so'l, (hich cost its Creator so dearly.F 5hese (ords shocked Carlos )ore than anythin! else that had taken place. +e asked Constan7a to e=plain the )eanin! of (hat she2d said and to tell hi) (hy she (as cryin! so 'ncontrolla ly. Constan7a cal)ed herself so)e(hat and told everyone asse) led aro'nd her ed (hat had transpired et(een her and don .or!e fro) the ti)e he2d e!'n to love her 'p to the present. &n endin!, she added that since she2d asked don .or!e for an i)possi ility, and he2d co)plied, altho'!h she didn2t kno( ho(, there (as no alternative 't for her to die. &f her h's and killed her eca'se his honor had een offended, the (hole pro le) (o'ld e solved, and don .or!e co'ld have no co)plaint. 1hen Carlos 'nderstood the i)plications of this stran!e sit'ation, he recalled that he en%oyed !reat (ealth thro'!h his (ife. &ne?'ality can often serve as a restraint to a )an2s passion, for a )an (ho )arries a (o)an richer than hi)self doesn2t 'y a (ife 't a!rees to serve a )istress. *s *ristotle says, if the (ife

rin!s no other (ealth than her virt'e, then she )'st strive thro'!h her virt'e and h')ility to earn her lord2s estee). ,o Carlos, )ore in love (ith his ea'tif'l Constan7a than ever, said: FMy lady, & cannot deny that yo' did (ron! to p't a price on that > "10 > (hich can have no price, for there2s no (ay in the (orld to pay for a (o)an2s chastity and her virt'e. *ltho'!h yo' tr'sted in an i)possi ility, yo' sho'ld have reali7ed that nothin! is i)possi le for a real lover, (ho2ll do the i)possi le to o tain the re(ard for his love. B't yo'2ve paid for this fa'lt (ith !reat s'fferin!D f'rther)ore, & can2t p't an end to yo'r life, nor can & ca'se yo' )ore !rief than yo' no( feel. &2) the one (ho )'st die. 6ort'ne, tired of favorin! )e, no( seeks )y do(nfall. Ko' pro)ised to !ive don .or!e the re(ard for his love if he )ade the !arden. +e has fo'nd a (ay to keep his (ord to yo'. 5he only sol'tion is for yo' to keep yo'r (ord to hi) and &, y doin! (hat yo'2re a o't to (itness, shall not stand in yo'r (ay. Ko' can f'lfill yo'r o li!ations, and he can en%oy the re(ard for his !reat love.F *s Carlos said these (ords, he dre( his s(ord. +e (as a o't to pl'n!e it thro'!h his heart (itho't even thinkin! that, in doin! s'ch a desperate deed, he too (o'ld lose his so'l. Hon .or!e, anticipatin! his intent, ?'ickly leapt to his side, !ra ed the hilt of the violent s(ord, and said: F,top, Carlos, stopQF Hon .or!e held it fir)ly and, standin! %'st as he (as, he descri ed (hat had happened et(een hi) and the devil. 5hen he said: F&t isn2t ri!ht for )e to offend a!ainst s'ch a no le person as yo'. 1hen & see that yo' (ill take yo'r o(n life to keep )e fro) dyin!, & feel s'ch o li!ation to yo' that not one life 't a tho'sand (o'ld & !ive to keep fro) offendin! a!ainst yo'. ;5here can e no cr'eller death for )e than to deprive )e of the (o)an & love so passionately, the (o)an (ho2s cost )e so dearly, for &2ve paid for )y love (ith )y so'l.< Ko'r (ife is here y free of her o li!ation to )e: & release her fro) her pro)ise. May Constan7a en%oy Carlos, and Carlos Constan7a, for heaven has )ade the) e?'al in virt'e and Carlos alone deserves her, %'st as she2s (orthy of ein! his. 4et don .or!e die. +e (as orn so 'nfort'nate that not only has he lost his desire to love, he has also lost his priceless so'l, (hich cost God +is sacrifice on the Cross.F 5he instant don .or!e 'ttered these (ords, the devil appeared to the) all, holdin! the pact in his hand. +e sho'ted lo'dly: F3o )atter ho( yo' try, yo' (on2t !et the est of )eQ 1here a h's and tra)ples his o(n desire and, y con?'erin! hi)self, seeks to p't an end to his o(n life, !ivin! his (ife per)ission to keep her pro)iseD (here a cra7y lover feels o li!ated y the h's and2s act and > "11 > so releases his eloved fro) her pro)ise, (hich has cost hi) no less than his so'l, as yo' can see here in this pact in (hich don .or!e pro)ises his so'l to )eD & can do no less than they. ,o that the (hole (orld (ill e a)a7ed that the devil can e virt'o's, here, don .or!e, take this, take ack yo'r pactQ & don2t (ant the so'l of a )an (ho2s learned to con?'er hi)self. & release yo' fro) yo'r o li!ation.F 1ith these (ords, the devil thre( do(n the pact. 5here (as an enor)o's e=plosion, and the devil vanished, as did the !arden. *ll that (as left in its place (as a thick, stinkin!, s)oke that lasted a lon!

ti)e. *t the !reat noise of the e=plosion, so lo'd it so'nded as if the (hole city had lo(n 'p, Constan7a, 5heodosia, their )other, and all the servants, (ho2d een entranced at the si!ht of the devil, ca)e to their senses. 5hey sa( don .or!e kneel do(n and, (eepin! copio'sly, he thanked God for the )ercy +e2d sho(n in freein! hi) fro) s'ch peril. 9veryone present like(ise knelt do(n and !ave thanks to God, elievin! that everythin! had happened for )ysterio's reasons kno(n only to +i). *fter don .or!e finished his devo't prayer, he t'rned to Constan7a and said: F3o(, ea'tif'l lady, & reco!ni7e ho( ri!ht yo'2ve een to )aintain yo'r decor'), so (ell deserved y the h's and yo' have. A vio'sly Carlos can entertain no do' ts a o't the virt'e (ith (hich yo' honor hi). ,o that he can live (ith confidence in )e, & (ant to ask yo'r for!iveness for the tro' le &2ve ca'sed yo' and for threatenin! yo'r !ood na)e (ith )y i)port'nate co'rtship. 3o( let )e re?'est (hat yo' offered )e yesterday o't of concern for )y (elfare, (hich &, like a )ad)an, re%ected. &2) askin! for the ea'tif'l 5heodosia2s hand in )arria!e. &n doin! this, the no le Carlos can live sec're, and the (hole city (ill kno( of yo'r valor and yo'r virt'e.F 1hen Constan7a heard this, she (ent 'p to don .or!e (ith open ar)s and placed the) aro'nd his neck. +er ea'tif'l lips !ra7ed the forehead of the (ell/intentioned yo'n! )an (ho, thro'!h his virt'e, had finally earned the re(ard he2d never een a le to (in thro'!h his i)passioned desire. Constan7a said: F5his favor & !rant to yo' as )y rother. &t2s the first favor yo'2ve en%oyed fro) )e in all the ti)e yo'2ve loved )e.F 9very ody %oined in the re%oicin!, so)e (ith e=cla)ations of a)a7e)ent, others (ith hearty con!rat'lations. 5o the deli!ht of everyone (ho heard their story, that sa)e day don .or!e and the ea'/ > "1- > tif'l 5heodosia (ere etrothed. Beca'se they didn2t (ant to (ait, the ne=t day the sole)n (eddin! (as held (ith Carlos and Constan7a servin! as sponsors. 5here (ere )any parties thro'!ho't the city to cele rate the happy end of s'ch a co)plicated story. *t every !atherin!, Carlos and don .or!e (ere hailed as e=e)plars of ele!ance, no ility, and !entility, and everyone considered the ladies (ho had )erited the) to e very fort'nate. 5hey all lived for )any years and had lovely children. 3o one ever fo'nd o't that don .or!e had )'rdered his rother 6ederico 'ntil after his death, (hen 5heodosia told the story she alone kne(. 1hen she died, this enchant)ent (as fo'nd (ritten in her o(n hand. *t the end she pro)ised a la'rel (reath as a re(ard to the one (ho co'ld prove (hich of the three had een the no lest: Carlos, don .or!e, or the devil. &f anyone (ishes to (in the la'rel, let each person %'d!e. +ere & shall end the FMa!ic Garden,F a title !iven to the enchant)ent eca'se of that (ondro's artifact. *s the no le and discreet 4a'ra ended the last enchant)ent, all the ladies and !entle)en e!an to disp'te (ho2d een the no lest, hopin! to (in the pro)ised la'rel for their cleverness as (ell as a %e(el the lovely 4ysis had contri 'ted as a pri7e. 9ach person defended an opinion: so)e favored the h's and, others the lover, and everyone a!reed that the devil had o'tdone hi)self, eca'se it2s 'nheard of for the devil to do a !ood deed. Hon .'an played the devil2s advocate divinely and (on the proffered %e(el, )'ch to don Hie!o2s disco)fit're. Hon .'an i))ediately presented the %e(el to a tri')phant 4isarda, (hich nat'rally a!!ravated 4ysis.

5heir disc'ssion lasted 'ntil so late that there (asn2t ti)e to p't on the play, so the !'ests all voted to postpone the play 'ntil 3e( Kear2s Hay, the 6east of the Circ')cision, (hen don Hie!o and the lovely 4ysis (ere to e for)ally etrothed. 5hen everyone flocked to the ta les and dined (ith !reat pleas're. 5his ended the fifth and final ni!ht, and & end )y (ell/intentioned and entertainin! soiree, pro)isin! a second part if this one is received (ith the pleas're & hope. &n the second part (e shall see don .'an2s in!ratit'de p'nished, 4isarda2s chan!e of heart, and 4ysis2s (eddin!. & hope )y (ork is appreciated, val'ed, and praised, not )y ro'!h style 't the (ill (ith (hich it has een (ritten. > "1" > Hesi!ner: U.C. Press ,taff Co)positor: *'to/Graphics, &nc. 5e=t: 10/1" Galliard Hisplay: Galliard Printer: 9d(ards Bros., &nc. Binder: 9d(ards Bros., &nc.
Preferred Citation: de Zayas, Maria. The Enchantments of Love: Amorous and Exemplary Novels. Berkeley: University of California Press, c1990 1990. http://ark.cdli .or!/ark:/1"0"0/ft#"$n "%d/