The innkeeper, who is standing at the door, greets some newly arrived strangers. The man and woman, heavily veiled for traveling, are accompanied by two retainers. The lady does not say a word; she seems overcome by a profound grief. Dorothea strives to comfort her, and she is struck by the beauty of the maiden although her face is pale and sad. The gentleman also removes his veil, and with a cry, Dorothea recognizes her husband, Don Ferdinand. The lady, of course, is Lucinda, and she and Cardenio are tenderly reunited. Don Ferdinand, so moved by lovely Dorothea's love for him, claims her as his true wife and swears to be faithful. Everyone who witnesses these tender scenes weeps with joy.
Sancho Panza is horrified to discover that Princess Micomicona is now merely called Dorothea. He fears that he will never gain his earldom. Running straight to his master, Sancho informs him of the trick, but Don Quixote merely cautions his squire against being taken in by all the enchantments that occur in this castle. Ferdinand, meanwhile, encourages Dorothea to continue with her deception until the curate and barber have safely conducted the madman to his home. More newcomers arrive at the inn now. The man, having returned from imprisonment in Barbary, is still in Moorish dress. Accompanying him is his betrothed, a beautiful "Morisca" named Zoraida who wishes to become a Christian. As they all sit down to dine, a mood of expansive oratory overcomes Don Quixote, just as happened among the goatherds. His speech this time compares the professions of arms and learning, and he discusses the privations and rewards of soldiers and scholars.
