Summary

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The troops led by Don Lope de Figueroa are nearing the village of Zalamea, and Rebolledo, a seasoned veteran, expresses his weariness from the march. He speculates that the village mayor will likely bribe the military officers to move the regiment past Zalamea. His fellow soldiers criticize his negative outlook, but Rebolledo insists he's primarily concerned about his mistress, Chispa, who travels with them. Chispa, unfazed by the rigors of the journey, asserts her resilience and cheers the men with a marching song.

Arrival in Zalamea

The troops arrive in Zalamea just as Chispa finishes her song. They learn that they will be stationed there until their commander, Don Lope, arrives. The captain is particularly pleased to be staying at the home of a prosperous farmer, rumored to have a beautiful daughter.

A New Suitor in Town

Simultaneously, Don Mendo, an impoverished squire resembling Don Quixote, arrives with his servant, Nuno. Don Mendo is eager to win the affection of Isabel, the farmer Pedro Crespo's daughter. However, Isabel rebuffs him by slamming her shutters, much to the chagrin of Crespo and his son Juan, who find Don Mendo bothersome.

Billeting the Troops

The sergeant informs Crespo that Captain Don Alvaro de Ataide will be staying at his house. Although Crespo receives this news with grace, his son Juan is unhappy and suggests buying a title of nobility to avoid such impositions. Crespo dismisses the idea, valuing his current status over artificial gentility despite his wealth.

Hiding Away

Isabel and her cousin Inés decide to hide in the attic during the soldiers' stay. When the captain arrives, the sergeant searches for Isabel but cannot find her. He learns from a servant that she's hiding in the attic and will remain there until the troops leave, prompting the captain to resolve to win her over.

A Devious Plan

Rebolledo requests permission from the captain to organize gambling among the soldiers, which the captain grants in exchange for help in locating Isabel. They stage a mock fight, with Rebolledo pretending to flee in fear, luring the captain to the attic. There, Isabel's pleas for mercy charm the captain, leaving him infatuated.

The Scheme Unravels

The commotion draws Crespo and Juan, who rush to the attic with drawn swords. Though Juan suspects deceit, Crespo is taken in by the captain's courteous demeanor. The captain, offended by Juan's insinuations, is ready to confront him when Don Lope enters. Upon learning of the disturbance, Don Lope relocates the captain and remains at Crespo's home.

Protecting Honor

Crespo, protective of his family's honor, vows to relinquish all possessions for the king's will but threatens anyone who tarnishes his reputation. Meanwhile, the captain persists in courting Isabel, though she remains aloof. Don Mendo, hearing of the events, plans to challenge the captain, while Rebolledo suggests serenading Isabel with song.

An Unwanted Serenade

At supper, Crespo invites Don Lope, hoping to gain his favor. Playing on his war wounds, Don Lope requests Isabel's presence at the meal, to which Crespo agrees. However, the serenade from the street disrupts the gathering, leading to its abrupt end.

Under the Moonlight

Outside, Don Mendo struggles with the urge to confront the captain. As Chispa sings provocatively, Crespo and Don Lope disperse the serenaders, inadvertently involving Don Mendo. The captain later returns with soldiers, maintaining the peace, and Don Lope dismisses the incident as trivial, ordering the regiment to leave Zalamea at dawn.

Desperate Measures

The next morning, with the troops gone, the captain resolves to make a final attempt to win Isabel. Encouraged by Juan's decision to join the army, he enlists...

(This entire section contains 850 words.)

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Rebolledo for assistance. Chispa decides to accompany them, disguised as a man.

Confrontation and Capture

As evening falls, Don Lope says his goodbyes, gifting Isabel a brooch. Crespo offers Juan advice before watching him leave with Don Lope. At that moment, the captain ambushes them, capturing Isabel and Crespo.

A Father's Vow

Later, Isabel finds her father tied to a tree in the forest. She recounts Juan's attempt to defend her and her subsequent escape. Crespo vows revenge, and they meet the notary, who announces Crespo's election as mayor, adding that the captain is in town.

Taking Justice into His Hands

In Zalamea, Crespo confronts the captain privately, suggesting marriage to Isabel as reparation for her dishonor. The captain scoffs, mocking Crespo's provincial authority. Determined, Crespo orders the captain and his followers jailed to await the king's judgment.

The King's Decision

Don Lope returns, unaware of Crespo's new position, threatening to punish the mayor for arresting a king's officer. Crespo reveals his mayoral status and insists on the captain's execution. When King Philip II arrives, Don Lope explains the situation, and Crespo presents evidence of the captain's crime. Despite the king's reservations, Crespo reveals the captain's execution, leading the king to acknowledge the village's justice and appoint Crespo as the perpetual mayor.

Resolution

Crespo announces Isabel's entry into a convent, releases Rebolledo, Chispa, and Juan from custody, and returns Juan to Don Lope's care. In the end, justice is served, and the village returns to peace under Crespo's leadership.

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