ould not be well to do
battle on foot, instead of on horseback, and finally resolved to fight
on foot, fearing that Rocinante might take fright at the sight of the
lions; he therefore sprang off his horse, flung his lance aside, braced
his buckler on his arm, and drawing his sword, advanced slowly with
marvelous intrepidity and resolute courage, to plant himself in front of
the cart, commending himself with all his heart, first to God, and then
to his lady Dulcinea.

[Illustration: THE LION PUT HIS HEAD OUT OF THE CAGE]

The keeper, seeing that Don Quixote had taken up his position, and that
it was impossible for him to avoid letting out the male without
incurring the enmity of the fiery and daring knight, flung open the
doors of the first cage, containing, as has been said, the lion, which
was now seen to be of enormous size, and grim and hideous mien. The
first thing he did was to turn round in the cage in which he lay, and
protrude his claws, and stretch himself thoroughly; he next opened his
mouth, and yawned very leisurely, and with near two palms'-length of
tongue that he had thrust forth, he licked the dust out of his eyes and
washed his face; having done this, he put his head out of the cage and
looked all round with eyes like glowing coals, a spectacle and demeanor
to strike terror into temerity itself. Don Quixote merely observed him
steadily, longing for him to leap from the cart and come to close
quarters with him, when he hoped to hew him in pieces.

So far did his unparalleled madness go; but the noble lion, more
courteous than arrogant, not troubling himself about silly bravado,
after having looked all round, as has been said, turned about and
presented his hind-quarters to Don Quixote, and very coolly and
tranquilly lay down again in the cage. Seeing this, Don Quixote ordered
the keeper to take a stick to him and provoke him to make him come out.

"That I won't," said the keeper, "for if I anger him, the first he'll
tear to pieces will be myself. Be satisfied, sir knight, with what you
have done, which leaves nothing more to be said on the score of courage,
and do not seek to tempt fortune a second time. The lion has the door
open; he is free to come out or not to come out; but as he has not come
out so far, he will not come out to-day. The greatness of your worship's
courage has been fully manifested already; no brave champion, so it
strikes me, is bound to do more than challenge his enemy and wait f