DON QUIXOTE
(enters the inn)
Sweet lady fair virgin
(Don Quixote averts his eyes worshipfully)
I dare not gaze full upon thy countenance
Lest I be blinded by beauty But I implore
Thee - speak once thy name
ALDONZA
Aldonza
DON QUIXOTE
My lady jests
ALDONZA
Aldonza!
DON QUIXOTE
The name of a kitchen-scullion or perhaps my
lady's serving-maid?
ALDONZA
I told you my name! Now get out of the way
(She clears past him to the table)
DON QUIXOTE
(Smiling, sill keeping his eyes averted)
Did my lady think to put me to a test?
Ah, sweet sovereign of my captive heart I shall
not fail thee, for I know
I have dreamed thee too long,
Never seen thee or touched thee
But known thee with all of my heart
Half a prayer, half a song,
Thou hast always been with me,
Though we have been always apart
Dulcinea Dulcinea
I see heaven when I see thee, Dulcinea,
And thy name is like a prayer
An angel whispers Dulcinea Dulcinea!
If I reach out to thee,
Do not tremble and shrink
From the touch of my hand on thy hair
Let my fingers but see
Thou art warm and alive,
And no phantom to fade in the air
Dulcinea Dulcinea
I have sought thee, sung thee,
Dreamed thee, Dulcinea!

Now I've found thee,
And the world shall know thy glory,
Dulcinea Dulcinea!
(The scene reverts to the prison where Cervantes
tells of Don Quixote's family and friends who are
worried about his mental state)