Written by Dale Wasserman
Quixote delivers this monologue while standing solitary vigil in the moonlight of the courtyard the night before he is to be dubbed knight and enter in to battle with the Great Enchanter. He begins by reflecting on how historians will remember it all -- but catching himself in vanity, refocuses on how life should be lived.
Quixote is now pacing back and forth, lance in hand, holding vigil over his armor--)
DON QUIXOTE: (--Pausing--) Now must I consider how sages of the future will describe this historic night. (--He strikes a pose--) "Long after the sun had retired to his couch, darkening the gates and balconies of La Mancha, Don Quixote with measured tread and lofty expression held vigil in the courtyard of a mighty castle!" (--He hears the pompous echo of his voice, bows his head, ashamed--) Oh, maker of empty boasts. On this, of all nights, to give way to vanity. Nay, Don Quixote -- take a deep breath of life and consider how it should be lived. (--He kneels--)
Call nothing thy own except thy soul.
Love not what thou art, but only what thou may become.
Do not pursue pleasure, for thou may have the misfortune to overtake it.
Look always forward; in last year's nest there are no birds this year.
(--ALDONZA has entered the couryard en route to her rendezvous with Pedro. She stops, watching DON QUIXOTE and listening--)
Be just to all men. Be courteous to all women.
Live in the vision of that one for whom great deeds are done ... She that is called Dulcinea.
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