But the love I had for my wife and my land ("The land you are born in, . . ." as they say) held me back. So I stayed in this city, and although I was well known by the people who lived here, I missed the pleasure of my friends and the court. Still, I was happy, and even happier when my family line was extended by the birth of a beautiful little girl that my wife had then. And although I was a little suspicious, she swore to me that the child was mine. But then fortune thought it had forgotten me long enough, and it decided to show me its cruel, angry, harsh face once more and disturb these few years of good, peaceful living by bringing others of affliction and bitterness. Oh, almighty God! Who could write about such a terrible misfortune and such a disastrous fall without letting the inkwell rest and wiping his eyes with the quill? THE SECOND PART OF THE LIFE OF LAZARILLO OF TORMES Juan de Luna SECOND PART OF THE LIFE OF L A Z A R I L L O OF TORMES Drawn Out Of The Old Chronicles Of Toledo By J. DE LUNA, Castilian and Interpreter of the Spanish Language Dedicated to the Most Illustrious Princess HENRIETTE DE ROHAN In PARIS In the House of ROLET BOUTONNE, in the Palace, in the Gallery of the Prisoners; Near the Chancery M. DC. XX. By Grant of the King LETTER OF DEDICATION TO THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS PRINCESS HENRIETTE DE ROHAN MOST ILLUSTRIOUS AND EXCELLENT PRINCESS. It is common among all writers to dedicate their works to someone who may shelter those works with their authority and defend them with their power. Having decided to bring to light the Second Part of the life of the great Lazaro of Tormes, a mirror and standard of Spanish sobriety, I have dedicated and do dedicate it to Your Excellency, whose authority and power may shelter this poor work (poor, since it treats of Lazaro) and to prevent its being torn apart and abused by biting, gossiping tongues which with their infernal wrath attempt to wound and stain the most sincere and simple wills. I confess my boldness in dedicating such a small work to such a great princess; but its sparseness brings its own excuse--which is the necessity for greater and more effective shelter--and the kindness of Your Excellency, the pardon. So I humbly beseech Your Excellency to take this small service, putting your eyes on the desire of him who offers it, which is and will be to use my life and strength in your service. Of whom I am a very humble servant, J. DE LUNA TO THE READER