Don Quixote and Sancho consider the neighing and braying of their mounts to be a good omen. Sancho believes his luck will be better than his master’s because his donkey’s braying is louder.
Quixote wishes to see Dulcinea to get her blessing, for it will make his quest successful. Sancho insists that Dulcinea was winnowing wheat and that the walls of her house were made of mud when he saw her. Quixote doesn’t believe him, since neither are fitting for a lady. He believes that some evil enchanter is clouding Sancho’s vision out of envy. Sancho fears that this book about them will contain many lies because of this, but he isn't going to worry about what people say about him.
Quixote tells of a poet who wrote a satire against courtesans. He omitted one woman from it because he didn't know for certain if she was a courtesan. She insisted that he included her. Though it destroyed her reputation, she enjoyed the fame. There are many people who are spurred to do things, even if it causes them harm in some way, in order to achieve fame. It is even the motivation for knights.
Sancho asks where the tombs of all these great knights are. Quixote names several locations. Sancho then asks whether it is a greater deed to bring back the dead or to slay a giant. Quixote says it is a greater accomplishment to bring back the dead.
Sancho suggests they should become saints instead of knights, for it is certan to bring them fame. Quxiote says they are not of the religious order. Sancho points out there are more saints in heaven than knights. Quixote replies that the religious order is more numerous in number. Though there have been many knights, few deserved the title.
Quixote is unhappy when the first night passes with no adventure. However, the next morning they can see El Toboso. Quixote's spirits raise at the thought of seeing his lady love. Sancho is anxious because he has never seen Dulcinea and worries Quixote will send him to her. Don Quixote decides to enter the city at nightfall.