Just as Don Quixote wishes to inform the duke and duchess of his plans to take up his active life as a knight-errant, he is interrupted by the appearance of Donna Rodriguez and her daughter, both dressed in black. The duke and duchess are also surprised for they realize that the duenna is seriously asking the knight for assistance. In answer, Don Quixote vows to challenge the daughter's false lover, either slaying the offender or forcing him to marry the betrayed maiden. Promptly the duke accepts the challenge in the name of his vassal and announces the time and place of combat. The page now returns from his visit to Teresa Panza, and with great amusement, the duchess reads Teresa's letter out loud. Don Quixote now reads to them Teresa's letter to Sancho, and the company enjoys the homely style, the gossip from town, and the expressed joy of the wife at her husband's exalted position. Lastly, Don Quixote reads Sancho's letter, and the hearers are startled to discover such wisdom in the governor whom all took for a fool.
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