P. 259, c. 2.—“Cervantes,” cer-vânˈtēs, sä-a-veˈdrä. (1547-1616.) A
Spanish author. The work referred to is “Don Quixote.” Of it a writer
in the _American Cyclopædia_ says: “In this work Cervantes hit the
vulnerable point of his age. The common sense of the world had long
rebelled against the mummeries of knight errantry, and the foolish books
that still spoke of chivalry of which not a vestige remained. People
who had smiled when the idea presented itself to their minds, burst out
in laughter when Cervantes gave it the finishing stroke.” Beside “Don
Quixote,” Cervantes wrote several satires, dramas and stories.
“Knight-errantry,” nītˈ ĕr-rant-re. The character, manners and adventures
of wandering knights.
“Butler,” Samuel. (1612-1680.) An English poet. He led an uneventful
life, being employed at different times as amanuensis or secretary to
men of high standing. When fifty-one years of age he wrote _Hudibras_,
his “fine satire.” The hero, Sir Hudibras, is said to have been drawn
from Sir Samuel Luke, a Puritan officer. The poem ridicules by satire and
exaggeration the actions, severity, morals and dress of the Puritans. It
was never entirely finished. Butler was very popular with Charles II.,
and his court for a time, but finally died in poverty.