Sancho is depicted here as the fearful, cowardly, common man who saves face by imitating his master's Montesinos Cave adventure. Unlike Sancho, Don Quixote actually saw visions in the cave, for he had voluntarily descended into the strange sphere to investigate into another world. Sancho, bribed by the duke's promise of a governship to ride on Clavileno, merely made up lies but unlike his master is unable to believe in visions sufficiently to make them come true. Thus valor is the source of the Don's visions, and cowardice the cause of Sancho's lies. Always tolerant for other people's perceptions, Don Quixote whispers the golden rule of human relationships: If you would have me believe you, you must believe me. This statement serves as a gentle reprimand to all the Sancho Panzas of the world who judge others by their own crookedness, reminding these cowards that communication between human beings must be based on mutual trust.
Connect with CliffsNotes
