They were conversing on general subjects, which was rendered more agreeable to each by being with those whom they loved, and were proceeding to penetrate into the more private walks of the grove, when they perceived through the trees two real peasants coming towards them. They conceived them to be inhabitants of a neighbouring town which formed part of the Marquis’s manor, and they were right in their conjecture. As these countrymen passed by, the ladies turned their backs upon them, that they might not see their faces, and Vivez and Zuniga followed their example for the same reason; but the fellows instead of passing on, made a full stand; and one of them gave Don Alonso so furious a blow with a cudgel, upon his back and head, as almost stunned him. Ozmin having heard the blow, turned about instantly upon the other fellow who was preparing to serve him in the same manner; but the Moor, from his excessive quickness, warded off the blow that was intended for his head, so that it slid down his back; after which he struck his adversary so tremendous a blow, with a large stick that he carried, directly on his face, that he broke half his jaw and laid him senseless on the ground: then flew to the assistance of his friend, who stood much in need of it, for he was hard put to it by his antagonist. But this rascal knew better than to await the coming up of a man who had just made his comrade bite the dust; he ran off towards the town, where he put them all in alarm, by giving out that his companion was killed, who, in fact, was only wounded.