"He would be wanting in wits, senora countess," said the duke,"who did not perceive your worth by your person, for at a glance itmay be seen it deserves all the cream of courtesy and flower of politeusage;" and raising her up by the hand he led her to a seat beside theduchess, who likewise received her with great urbanity. Don Quixoteremained silent, while Sancho was dying to see the features ofTrifaldi and one or two of her many duennas; but there was nopossibility of it until they themselves displayed them of their ownaccord and free will.
All kept still, waiting to see who would break silence, which theDistressed Duenna did in these words: "I am confident, most mightylord, most fair lady, and most discreet company, that my mostmiserable misery will be accorded a reception no less dispassionatethan generous and condolent in your most valiant bosoms, for it is onethat is enough to melt marble, soften diamonds, and mollify thesteel of the most hardened hearts in the world; but ere it isproclaimed to your hearing, not to say your ears, I would fain beenlightened whether there be present in this society, circle, orcompany, that knight immaculatissimus, Don Quixote de laManchissima, and his squirissimus Panza."
"The Panza is here," said Sancho, before anyone could reply, "andDon Quixotissimus too; and so, most distressedest Duenissima, youmay say what you willissimus, for we are all readissimus to do you anyservissimus."
On this Don Quixote rose, and addressing the Distressed Duenna,said, "If your sorrows, afflicted lady, can indulge in any hope ofrelief from the valour or might of any knight-errant, here are mine,which, feeble and limited though they be, shall be entirely devoted toyour service. I am Don Quixote of La Man插, whose calling it is togive aid to the needy of all sorts; and that being so, it is notnecessary for you, senora, to make any appeal to benevolence, ordeal in preambles, only to tell your woes plainly andstraightforwardly: for you have hearers th