| Jane: | Ah, Newfields has a thing for out-of-date chauvinstic heros. Why else would he salute a paragon of feudalistic values such as Cervantes? |
| Jean: | Well, I am not sure this is a salute. Perhaps it is actually a rebuke. |
| Jack: | And isn't there something arrogant about addressing such literary giants? It seems rather like a frog conversing with the moon. |
| Jean: | Well, the only way to understand something is to address it. I regard this as an attempt towards understanding rather than an actual address. |
| Jack: | I basically agree: in order to understand an author, each reader must learn to "speak" to him/her silently. |
Letter to Cervantes
May 5, 1587 
Since you profess to be Christian, let me appeal to your conscience.
Now that you have taken Catalina as bride, shouldn't your demeanor be más circunspecto?
Recently I have heard rumors about a peasant maid you're consorting with and fear she'll cause you nothing but grief.
No doubt there's a fool in all men, but try not to be a wayward beast.
I dare say you have a bright future if you can cauteloso en tus asuntos.
We cannot live as heathens or consort with anyone we please. As servants of our
loving Jesus Christ (and gracious King) we must be clean in conscience.
The lords at court might laugh at you and those in power consider you nothing but a buffoon,
but I know at least a part of you is heroic, so be resolute and become the true gentleman you often lampoon.
Do not fawn upon courtiers of sensibility: your misión is ultimately not of this world.
Remember your brothers in the Order when resolution is lacking, and may conscience guide thee well.
This world for the most part is nothing but grief y dolor, but soon enough the splendors of His True Kingdom will be evident.
- Timotei |
