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God knows Quote by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

“I am not in the habit', said Don Quixote, 'of despoiling those whom I vanquish, nor is it a custom of chivalry to take their horses and leave them on foot, unless the victor has lost his own horse in the fray, in which case it is legitimate to take the defeated knight's horse, as a prize won in…” quote by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
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““I am not in the habit', said Don Quixote, 'of despoiling those whom I vanquish, nor is it a custom of chivalry to take their horses and leave them on foot, unless the victor has lost his own horse in the fray, in which case it is legitimate to take the defeated knight's horse, as a prize won in lawful war. And so, Sancho, leave that horse, or donkey, or whatever you want to call it, for as soon as its master sees that we have gone he will return for it.' God knows I'd love to take it', replied Sancho, 'or at least swap it for mine, because I don't think mine's such a good one. These laws of chivalry are really strict, if they won't even stretch to letting you swap one donkey for another - could you please tell me if I can at least swap the tackle?' I am not very clear about that', replied Don Quixote, 'and as it is a doubtful case, I should say that until I am better informed you can swap it, if your need is very great.' It's so great', said Sancho, 'that if I'd wanted the tackle to wear it myself I couldn't have needed it more.' And, now that he'd been granted official permission, he performed his mutatio capparum and refurbished his donkey.””

Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

About This Quote

Source Novel: Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes, 1605

The passage humorously debates chivalric rules about spoils of war, highlighting the absurdity of rigid codes when applied to mundane situations.

In simple terms: Characters argue over whether a donkey can be swapped like a prize.

Key Takeaway

Even strict codes can be bent for practicality.

Themes

chivalry law pragmatism humor justice

Mood

playful ironic thoughtful

Type

literary satirical dialogue

When to use this quote

  • medieval tournaments
  • modern negotiations
  • resource sharing
  • team dynamics

Key Concepts

ethical relativism social contracts literary satire

Questions to Reflect On

  • When do rules become counterproductive?
  • How to balance tradition with practicality?
A Different Perspective

The satire may overlook genuine moral dilemmas in real conflicts.

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