Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra was born at Alcala de Henares in 1547.

Summarised chronology.

It is curious what a heap of odds and ends may be heaped together and woven into how intricate a patchwork of thought, by a mind concentrating itself upon one idea, and, as if in spite of itself, making excursions after each chance butterfly and puff of wind, each half promise of real or phantom value it perceives.

Introductory essay.

Amongst those many spoyles which the Conquerours of the famous Northern Island (governed then by a most noble Queene) carried away from the Citie of Cadiz; Clotaldo, Captaine of a squadron of Ships, brought along with him to Mundolin, metropolis of that Isle, a Girl of the age of seven yeares, little more or lesse, and this contrary to the will and knowledge of the Generall; who with great diligence caused search to bee made for the Childe, that she might be returned backe to her Parents, who had complained unto him, of the wanting of their Daughter; humbly beseeching him, that since his Excellencie was pleased to content himselfe with their goods, and out of his noblenesse had left their persons free; that they onely might not be so miserable and unhappie, that seeing they were now left poore, they might not be robb'd of their Daughter, who was they joy of their hearts, the light of their eyes, and the fayrest and beautifullest creature that was in all the Citie.

The Spanish ladie.

In a hot summers night, there returned from recreating themselves at the river Toledo, an ancient gentleman accompanied with his Wife, a little young sonne, a daughter of the age of 17 yeares, and a maid-servant.

The force of blood.

'Oh the lamentable Ruines of unhappie Nicosia!

The liberall lover.