The Adventures of the Noble Knight
Don Quixote de la Mancha
and his Faithful Squire
Sancho Panza

Based on the work of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

By Laurence D. Finston

Copyright (C) 2007, 2008 Laurence D. Finston

Copying is permitted provided this copyright notice is preserved.


(Part I, Book I, Chapter 8)

The Adventure of the Windmills

On a broad plain Don Quixote,
Spied a horde of giants fierce,
And he vowed, although outnumbered,
With his lance their hearts to pierce.

Sancho cried, "They are but windmills,
Not giants spoiling for a fight!"
"Windmills, indeed!" replied Quixote,
"'Tis but enchantment warps your sight."

Bold Sancho's protests notwithstanding,
Off he sped in wild career;
A rising wind the sails was turning,
As the knight did swiftly near.

"Evil giants, false and wicked,
Unrefined, with manners crude,
Tremble at the hero's coming,
Who'll destroy your foul brood!"

Angrily their arms a-waving,
Our hero's onslaught they abide,
And a sudden blow the issue,
Of the battle does decide.

Rosinante and his rider ---
Scornfully the giants crow ---
In despite of all their valor,
By a lucky stroke laid low.

Sancho --- cries of lamentation
Echoing about the plain ---
Rested not a moment 'til he,
Stood beside his lord again.

"Don Quixote, noble master,
What possessed you, this to dare?
They were windmills and no giants,
And they fight not on the square."

"Peace, I bid thee, foolish Sancho,
'Tis but an enchanter's ploy,
That magician, Freston, curse him,
Thus my glory would destroy."

To Rosinante's back he helped him,
Exultant giants jeering loud,
And toward a new day's promised vic'try,
Off they limped with heads unbowed.