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.

The Adventure of Mambrino's Helmet

(Part I, Book III, Chapter 7)

Don Quixote was a hero,
A stranger ever he to fear,
And he won Mambrino's helmet,
In arms delighting,
Evil fighting,
In the spring-tide of the year.

A barber came a-riding,
With his bowl upon his head,
Sometimes 'twas used for haircuts,
Curls a-waving,
Beards a-shaving,
Other times, when veins he bled.

Don Quixote cried in wonder,
"Fortune bringeth my reward,
For I spy Mambrino's helmet,
Golden shine,
Pow'r divine,
I shall win it with my sword!"

A swift challenge then he issued,
The barber quailed and paled with fear,
To see Quixote riding toward him,
Eyes a-blazing,
Dust a-raising,
Gleaming shield and couchd spear.

Terrified the barber scarpered,
Fleeing from our hero bold,
And among tales of his glory,
Deeds of valor,
Ill-doers' pallor,
This one ever shall be told.

Don Quixote raised the helmet,
And he placed it on his head,
Treasure won through unmatched courage,
For honor vying,
Fame undying,
Justly proud, the victor's tread.