The bride and bridegroom arrive. Sancho marvels on how richly adorned Quiteria is, who looks like a fine lady instead of a country wench. Quixote still believes Dulcinea is superior in beauty but still admires Quiteria. The bride appears pale.
Basilio interrupts the wedding. He accuses Quiteria (the bride) of abandoning her vows to him for the riches of Camacho (the groom). He then impales himself on a staff. The priest wants the dying Basilio to confess. Basilio says he will only confess if Quiteria agrees to be his wife. Quixote says the demand is reasonable. Camacho can still wed the widow.
The two wed. After pronounced man and wife, Basilio springs up uninjured. Everyobody realizes that the couple played a trick on them. Camacho’s followers come after Basilio. Don Quixote defends Basilio. He finally ends the dispute, saying that strategy is used in love and war. Basilio has nothing but his bride, and Camacho has riches and opportunity to have any woman he pleases. Camacho sees the point and gives up his bride. He continues the feast, but Quixote follows Basilio’s party to their village. Sancho is depressed to leave the fine feast behind.