Where You Will Find Set Forth the Highest and Utmost Proof That the Great Don Quixote Ever Gave, or Could Give, of His Incredible Courage, with the Successful Issue of the Adventure of the Lions.
Having spied a wagon, decorated with flags, Don Quixote investigates this new source of adventure. In answer to his questions, the wagoner replies that he is conveying two huge lions to the king, a present from the general of Oran. Don Quixote insists he must fight with the beasts, for they undoubtedly are sent here by enchanters. Threatening the carter with instant death, Don Quixote has him open the lion's cage, ordering everyone to clear the field. Bravely, the knight stands and stares at the beast. The lion, however, after getting to his feet to look out of the cage at his opponent, turns his back to the opening and lies down once more. Quickly the wagoner closes the cage door and hitches up his mules again, while Sancho and the gentleman in green return. Don Quixote, now the Knight of the Lions, accepts the gentleman's offer of hospitality, and they repair to his house.
Commentary
Heroes of epic adventures have always sought glory at the risk of their lives, and Don Quixote is no exception. His challenge to the lion is an example of pure courage, and the victory was an important one for it completely restored his self-confidence, so bruised at seeing his Dulcinea so vulgarly enchanted.
Furthermore, in challenging the lion, Don Quixote personifies a favorite Spanish knight, Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, known as the Cid. In Poema de Mio Cid (written in 1140), the hero confronts a loosed lion, and the beast turns away in shame before the proud bearing of his challenger. With this precedent in mind, we must consider that the lion turned from Don Quixote because he was ashamed before the imposing courage of the valorous knight.
