LA CUEVA DE SALAMANCA (THE CAVE OF SALAMANCA) BY MIGUEL DE CERVANTES

"La cueva de Salamanca" is an entremés written by Miguel de Cervantes. It was originally published in 1615 in a collection called Ocho comedias y ocho entremeses nuevos, nunca representados. The head of the household, Pancracio, is about to leave for a four-day trip and his wife Leonarda appears to be deeply saddened by his departure. In reality, Leonarda is not the least bit saddened by her husband’s absence. In fact, she eagerly awaits the times he is away so that she may entertain guests. However, this time, soon after her husband leaves, a stranger appears at the door asking for a place to stay. Leonarda and her servant decide to put up the weary traveler, who identifies himself as a student from Salamanca who has fallen on hard times. When her two guests Reponces and Nicolás arrive, they make fun of the student's clothing and apparent lack of money. But, the women defend the presence of the student and they all proceed to have a good time. Then, when Pancracio unexpectedly returns home that evening due to transportation issues, the student's wit and stories save Leonarda, permitting her deception to remain unnoticed (at least for another night).