Don Quixote

Sancho begins his governorship of Barataria Island with a lavish dinner that turns into a nightmare of bureaucratic control. A physician named Dr. Pedro Recio stands beside him with a wand, removing every dish before Sancho can eat it, claiming each food will harm his health. The doctor quotes medical authorities and uses fancy Latin phrases to justify starving the governor 'for his own good.' Sancho grows increasingly frustrated as plate after plate disappears—fruit is too moist, partridges too dangerous, stew too complex. When the doctor suggests he eat only wafer cakes and quince preserves, Sancho explodes. He threatens to beat the physician with his chair and banish all ignorant doctors from the island, declaring that a job that doesn't feed its master isn't worth anything. A letter arrives warning of assassination attempts and spies, which only reinforces Sancho's suspicion of the doctor. Later, a farmer arrives asking for marriage advice and money, spinning an elaborate tale about his son and a one-eyed, toothless girl. When the man finally asks for six hundred ducats, Sancho erupts again, recognizing the request as outrageous manipulation. This chapter shows Sancho learning to trust his instincts over supposed expertise, standing up to people who use authority to exploit others, and recognizing when someone is trying to take advantage of his position.