or
him on the field; if his adversary does not come, on him lies the
disgrace, and he who waits for him carries off the crown of victory."

"That is true," said Don Quixote; "close the door, my friend, and let me
have, in the best form thou canst, what thou hast seen me do, by way of
certificate; to wit, that thou didst open for the lion, that I waited
for him, that he did not come out, that I still waited for him, and that
still he did not come out, and lay down again. I am not bound to do
more; enchantments avaunt, and God uphold the right, the truth, and true
chivalry! Close the door as I bade thee, while I make signals to the
fugitives that have left us, that they may learn this exploit from my
lips."

The keeper obeyed, and Don Quixote, fixing on the point of his lance the
cloth he had wiped his face with after the deluge of curds, proceeded to
recall the others, who still continued to fly, looking back at every
step, all in a body, the gentleman bringing up the rear. Sancho,
however, happening to observe the signal of the white cloth, exclaimed,
"May I die, if my master has not overcome the wild beasts, for he is
calling to us."

They all stopped, and perceived that it was Don Quixote who was making
signals, and shaking off their fears to some extent, they approached
slowly until they were near enough to hear distinctly Don Quixote's
voice calling to them. They returned at length to the cart, and as they
came up, Don Quixote said to the carter, "Put your mules to once more,
brother, and continue your journey; and do thou, Sancho, give him two
gold crowns for himself and the keeper, to compensate for the delay they
have incurred through me."

"That will I give with all my heart," said Sancho; "but what has become
of the lions? Are they dead or alive?"

The keeper, then described the end of the contest, exalting to the best
of his power and ability the valor of Don Quixote, at the sight of whom
the lion quailed, and would not and dared not come out of the cage,
although he had held the door open ever so long; and showing how, in
consequence of his having represented to the knight that it was tempting
God to provoke the lion in order to force him out, which he wished to
have done, he very reluctantly, and altogether against his will, had
allowed the door to be closed.

"What dost thou think of this, Sancho?" said Don Quixote. "Are there any
enchantments that can prevail against true valor? The enchanters may b