The Novella of Rinconete and Cortadillo: A Picaresque Tale of Seville’s Underworld
The Novella of Rinconete y Cortadillo
In the bustling Venta del Molino, situated in the renowned Alcudia valley on the road from Castile to Andalusia, two young boys, neither older than seventeen, found themselves one sweltering summer day. Both were ragged and unkempt, their linen breeches torn and patched. One wore worn sandals, the other, shoes so dilapidated they barely served their purpose. One sported a green hunting cap, the other a wide-brimmed hat. One’s shirt, chamois-colored, was tucked into a single sleeve; the other’s, short and sleeveless, barely concealed a greasy bundle resembling a Walloon ruff, tattered and torn. They clutched worn playing cards, their sunburned faces and grimy hands betraying their recent card game. One carried a half-sword, the other a yellow-handled knife, marking them as pícaros, or rogues.
A Chance Encounter
Seeking respite from the sun, they settled in the venta’s doorway. The older boy addressed the younger:
“From whence do you hail, my good sir, and where do you journey?”
“I know not my destination, nor my origin,” the younger replied.
“Indeed,” the older boy retorted, “this is no place to linger. We must press onward.”
“My home is no refuge,” the younger explained. “My father is more a son to me, and my stepmother treats me as a stepson. My path is uncertain, and I seek fortune elsewhere.”
“Do you possess a trade?” the older boy inquired.
“I can run like a hare, leap like a deer, and tumble with grace,” the younger boasted.
“Such skills are valuable,” the older boy acknowledged, “but perhaps you possess a secret talent you wish to share.”
“Indeed, I do,” the younger admitted, “but not for public knowledge.”
“I, too, harbor a secret,” the older boy confessed. “I am Pedro del Rincón, from Fuenfrida. My father is a Pardoner. I learned to forge papal bulls, but my youthful indiscretions led to my exile from Madrid. I now earn my living with these cards, playing veintiuna (blackjack). Despite my appearance, I am a skilled cardsharp. If you are versed in this game, you know the advantage of a hidden ace.”
Confessions and Camaraderie
The younger boy, Diego Cortado, then revealed his own story. Born near Salamanca, his tailor father taught him his trade, but Diego’s talent lay in cutting purses. He fled Toledo after his skills attracted unwanted attention from the authorities.
Recognizing their shared circumstances, Rinconete and Cortadillo embraced, forming a pact of friendship. They began playing cards, quickly winning a considerable sum from a passing carter. When the carter attempted to reclaim his money, the boys brandished their weapons, forcing him to retreat.
Journey to Seville
A group of muleteers, witnessing the altercation, offered the boys passage to Seville. Eager to reach the city, they accepted. Along the way, Cortado couldn’t resist slicing open a Frenchman’s saddlebag, acquiring two shirts, a sundial, and a notebook.
Upon arriving in Seville, they marveled at the city’s grandeur, particularly the cathedral and the bustling river. Learning of the lucrative trade of basket boys, they purchased the necessary equipment and quickly mastered the art of pilfering from their unsuspecting customers.
The Underworld of Monipodio
A fellow basket boy directed them to Monipodio, the leader of a thieves’ guild. They found Monipodio in a dimly lit house, surrounded by a motley crew of thieves, prostitutes, and other underworld figures. Monipodio, a hulking, disheveled man, questioned the boys about their skills and background, assigning them the names Rinconete and Cortadillo.
Rinconete described his proficiency in various forms of petty theft, while Cortadillo admitted his sole skill was picking pockets. Monipodio welcomed them into the guild, outlining its rules and practices, which included mandatory alms-giving and a strict code of conduct.
A Tumultuous Gathering
A series of dramatic events unfolded during the meeting. Juliana la Cariharta, a prostitute, arrived battered and bruised, accusing her lover, Repolido, of beating her. Monipodio promised justice, but Juliana’s anger quickly turned to forgiveness when Repolido appeared, repentant. A celebratory song and dance ensued, interrupted by the sudden arrival of the justice mayor. The guild members scattered in panic, leaving Rinconete and Cortadillo bewildered.
The Business of Thievery
After the commotion subsided, a young gentleman arrived, complaining about Chiquiznaque’s botched attempt to stab a merchant. Monipodio mediated the dispute, extracting payment from the gentleman for a future attack. He then reviewed the guild’s ledger of pending crimes, assigning tasks and dividing the spoils.
Induction and Farewell
Monipodio officially inducted Rinconete and Cortadillo into the guild, assigning them a territory for their operations. He gave them a list of members to be added, and dismissed them with a warning to avoid permanent lodgings. As they left, the boys marveled at the strange world they had entered, amused by the guild’s peculiar customs and language, and shocked by their casual disregard for morality and the law.
Rinconete, despite his youth, possessed a keen intellect and good nature. He found humor in the guild’s twisted logic and religious hypocrisy. He resolved to advise Cortadillo against remaining in this dangerous lifestyle, but their adventures in Seville’s underworld were far from over. Their further exploits with Monipodio and the infamous academy of thieves are a story for another time.